Tyla-Jay Vlajnic’s spectacular goal separated the sides as The Essendon Royals and The Preston Lions played out an attacking 2-1 game at Cross Keys Reserve.
Few sides have recruited like Essendon has this season. For their return to the NPLW Victoria, the Royals signed Ava Groba, Julia Sardo and Raquel Derales from Calder United, former Adelaide United and Heidelberg midfielder Reona Omiya and Emily Sutliffe from Boroondara Eagles. Their most recent addition was Vlajnic. The Serbian internation has joined Essendon following her season in the A-League Women with Western United and made her home debut against Preston United.
The Lions arrived needing to bounce back after the loss the Bulleen last round, that game and midweek results meant that Preston had relinquished top spot on the ladder, and they looked ready to respond in the early stages with Susan Phonsongkham proving menacing threat in attack.
The Royals momentarily thought they had earned a penalty with a foul at the edge of the box, but it was adjudged to be a free kick 18 yards from goal. Ava Groba’s effort flew over the bar.
Vlajnic had the chance to show what she can bring to this side with a set piece soon after. She whipped in a free kick from the left and Sardo almost scored with a spectacular effort. She leapt, contorted her body and somehow flicked the ball over the defence and on target, but Charlotte Hrehoresin was able to hold onto the ball on the line.
Essendon took the lead before half time. Emma Robers met Groba’s corner at the far post. She was unmarked but still had work to do. The Western United midfielder nodded the ball across goal and looped over the defenders to nestle into the back of the net.
The Royals doubled the lead on the hour mark. It was the result of another corner, but once again required excellent individual skill. Groba’s delivery was cleared to the edge of the box, but Vlajnic was poised to strike and hit a right footed volley through the crowded penalty area and into the net to make it 2-0.
Despite the scoreline, the game still felt in the balance, and Preston pulled one back in the 73rd minute. Ellie Lamonte recovered the ball on wide of goal and rocketed an unstoppable low drive into the net.
The difference I the two teams in the end was depth. Essendon brought on Derales and Sutcliffe as the game wore down, and the two experienced campaigners strength the home side, the pace of Groba in attack meant that safety-first clearances turned into chances on goal and with Preston pushing for an equaliser, the match felt like it had one more goal in it.
That never arrived, and the home side held on for a 2-1 win. Essendon now sits in third place, but only one point behind Preston and with a game in hand. Next up they travel to play Alamein FC, while The Lions will need to be at their best to beat an improving Heidelberg United in Round 11.
A brace from captain Danielle Micallef plus goals from Emily Roach and Aimee Medwin were enough to see off a spirted performance from FV Emerging
South Melbourne threatened early. Francesca Iermano worked her way into the box but her attempt from a tight angle was comfortably held by Emerging keeper Sophie Dehne. Dehne again was involved soon after, palming away Emily Roach’s ambitious long-range effort.
Despite the early pressure, it was the visitors who struck first. Emerging won the ball back on the halfway line and the counterattack was on. The ball eventually reached Eva Kokotis in the penalty are. Kokotis remained calm in the box, creating enough space to get her shot away and fire the visitors in the lead.
One goal soon became two for Emerging. A fortuitouslydeflected free kick from Jade Tam wrongfooted Christina Esposito in the South Melbourne goal, doubling their lead in the opening sixteen minutes
South Melbourne thought they had pulled a goal back soon after, Danielle Micallef bundling home from close range, but was given offside. South Melbourne needed a decision to go their way soon, otherwise it looked likely the game would run away from them.
Their prayers were answered. Mesiha Westland was played through on goal where she was met by Dehne. The subsequenttackle from Dehne was deemed by the referee to be enough for a red card. South Melbourne had their lifeline.
The tide had turn. Grace Rapp’s looped effort struck the bar, the home side really turning on the pressure in the closing stages of the first half. Yet Emerging manged to hold onto their two-goal lead going into half time.
However, their two-goal lead soon evaporated in the space of a minute. Firstly, Micaleff pulled it back to 2-1. The captain was not to be denied by the offside flag this time, blasting the ballhome from an acute angle, past unlikely goalkeeper Emilia Ingles, and into the roof of the net
Then it was the turn of Roach to get in on the goal scoring action. Tayla Christensen’s cross found Westland of the edge of the box. Westland then touched the ball forward to Roach. The recent addition to the South Melbourne squad swivelled on the penalty spot and slammed in the equaliser.
tI would have been fair to assume at this point the game had slipped through the fingers of Emerging. However, they had other ideas. A short corner was played out to Ehva Gutszmit. Gutszmit launched the ball forward in specular fashion, floating over the head of Esposito and into the goal. Emerging had retaken the lead in the most improbable of situations.
Their hope was swiftly dashed, and it was South Melbourne’s captain who delivered their crushing reality. Micallef was deftly played through on goal and in those positions, she is deadly, levelling the game at 3-3
Ingles made a superb save to deny Micallef her hattrick, but the resulting corner gave South Melbourne the lead for the first time in the game. The ball fell perfectly for Aimee Medwin inside the box for her to finish and get her first goal of season.
Both sides could have scored more. Kokostis almost had her second goal of the game, but her long-range attempt was tipped over by Esposito while Medwin had her shot cannon of the post for the eventual winners.
From this victory, South Melbourne remain in 5th position after Boroondara’s 4-1 victory over Moreland on Saturday.
FV Emerging have yet to claim an away victory will be disappointed that this game was not the one to change this, especially after leading 2-0. After this game, they find themselves in nineth place, two points above tenth place Calder United
Report by Emma Burke, EXCLUSIVE match photos by Kris Goman, from AAMI Park for Impetus (25/5/24).
Above: Arsenal’s Australian international Caitlin Foord (red shirt) rises above Alex Chidiac at AAMI Park yesterday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Arsenal may have taken the win against the A-League Women All Stars at AAMI Park in Melbourne, but it could all have been so different. The North London side’s head coach Jonas Eidevall spoke afterwards about just how strong their opponents were.
“They’re a very talented team, hardworking, tactically gifted as well, we could see that to the end it was a competitive game,” said Eidevall, before attributing Arsenal’s win not to the goal scored by Alessia Russo, but to the incredible save made by their 19-year-old goalkeeper Naomi Williams, who denied Melbourne City striker Hannah Wilkinson the potential equaliser in the final moments of extra time.
Above: Cortnee Vine looks to turn away from Katie McCabe at AAMI Park yesterday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Both Catley and Foord praised the All-Stars team, made up of players they had played with or against in their time in the A-League.
“The All Stars coming together, having never played together before, I thought they were great, they were really challenging to mark going forward, and they’ve got incredible individual players,” said Catley.
“They worked really well as a team, the midfield caused a lot of problems for us getting on the ball. Their midfield was confident to get on the ball, to switch it, and that was where they caused us the most problems,” said Foord.
While both teams left the game unscathed injury-wise, there were some close calls for two of Arsenal’s Aussies, Catley exiting the game at half-time and returning to the bench with a heavily strapped right thigh, and Kyra Cooney-Cross exiting the game late and almost needing a stretcher to do so.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross (red shirt, on ground) crashes to earth under a challenge as Caitlin Foord appeals. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“I’m fine, I just had a little bit of a tight groin towards the end of that first half, so just keeping it good for the next stuff coming up,” Catley said.
On Cooney-Cross’ situation, however, when asked Catley rolled her eyes before laughing and calling her younger teammate “dramatic,” for almost being stretchered off for what Foord said was “a bit of cramping.”
This experience also allowed for the coaching staff and the rest of the Arsenal team to gain some insight to how the Matildas trio survive when travelling to Australia to play for their national team and then being thrown straight back into club football.
“You think you know jet lag because you’ve been to America a few times but it’s a totally different ball game going to Australia,” said Eidevall.
Above: Kayla Morrison (black shirt) looks to break through. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“I very much believe you have to put yourself in their [the players’] shoes at times to get a good understanding of what they’re going through and if you have that you can help better as well. It’s not only me now [who understands the Australian experience] it’s the rest of the team as well.”
While most of their club teammates now head into their off-season, the grind doesn’t stop for the Australian Arsenal players, as all three have been selected to play with the Matildas against China in Adelaide on the 31st of May.
“These are kind of our last prep and our last games on home soil,” said Foord. “We really want to make the most of that and start to get into gear heading into the Olympics.”
More of Kris Goman’s exclusive photos from AAMI Park for Impetus
Above: AFC Sudbury celebrating their 11-1 win in the Suffolk Women’s Cup Final on Tuesday night. Image: Paul Voller
On Tuesday night Tier Four AFC Sudbury defeated 11-1 Tier Seven Stowupland Falcons in the Suffolk Women’s Cup Final. A night that looks simple based on the scoreline but in reality was anything but straightforward.
APremier League stage
AFC Sudbury and Stowupland Falcons had the privilege of facing off at Portman Road, the home of now Premier League Ipswich Town and it was obvious from the moment of arrival that this was a Premier venue, the press invited into the same lounge as the hospitality guests.
The Hall of Fame lounge simply stunning, an a la cart buffet and hot drinks served by staff with smiles on their faces. Ipswich Town had treated this grassroots occasion like it was one of their own first team matches and it was brilliant to see.
The seats padded in the centre of the upper tier of the Cobbled Stand with a perfect unrestricted view of the pitch. Suffolk FA went to huge length to give the players an experience they will never forget. Flag bearers and senior dignitaries from the Suffolk Football Association greeted the teams as they lined up on the pitch before kick off.
AFC Sudbury (Pink) and Stowupland Falcons lining up to meet the Suffolk FA dignitaries pre match. Image: Shaun Button
A Super Start then Severe Weather
Everyone attending on Tuesday night might not have admitted it but everyone knew this result was a forgone conclusion before we started out. That didn’t matter though as both teams played with smiles on their faces roared on by their huge numbers of supporters either side of the Hospitality box in the Cobbled Stand.
AFC Sudbury were 6-0 up in 39 minutes, Sophie Jeffery tapped in, Eva Frazzoni got two plus Aliyat Lambe, Kaylee Dodd and Alex Penny made up the six. The game won already with some quality football but what was happening around it was equally as fascinating.
The Portman Road pitch had been saturated during the time Sudbury were scoring six. Horrendous conditions which led to referee Isabel Chaplin being forced into a difficult but correct decision to suspend play and take the players off the pitch on 40 minutes with the score 6-0 at the time 8.10pm.
The match was suspended on 40 minutes due to adverse weather at Portman Road. Image: Ben Pooley
A perfectly managed delay
Following the suspension and the rain continuing to fall many within the ground thought the game may be entirely abandoned. Suffolk FA managed this situation brilliantly by informing the crowd inspections would take place at 8.45pm and then 9.05pm to see if we could resume. .
The rain had stopped but the pitch was unplayable on the 8.45pm inspection but thankfully did pass at 9.05pm. The players then needed time to warm up so Suffolk FA announced the game would resume at 9.35pm, with the five minutes of the first half being played. A five minute half-time then the full second half. Perfect: we knew exactly where we were now at and everyone in attendance delighted we were continuing.
The game resumed after an 85 minutes delay. The pitch still wet but Sudbury ran riot and scored another 5 goals to win 11-1. Image: Steve Screech
Sublime Sudbury and Superb Stowupland
AFC Sudbury got the game complete with five more superb goals. Yasmin Drake from the spot to make it seven, Jess Allen made it eight, Ava Jouvenel nine, Alex Penny got us to double figures before Penny got her Hat-trick by making it 11. It was a great performance from AFC Sudbury in a no win situation where they had all the pressure. They can be so proud of themselves.
The Supporters magnificent as a crowd of 920 watched the biggest occasion in Suffolk Women’s Football. Just two persons shy of the Norfolk equivalent final the week prior which staged big name Norwich City in their home venue and Wroxham. Suffolk FA will be delighted by that figure and rightly so.
Just as we thought that was our lot, Stowupland Falcons decided they wanted to produce the moment of the night when Enya Moore scored for them on 86 minutes to the loudest cheers of the night from their supporters. It was a privilege to witness.
The game ended shortly after 10.30pm to a standing ovation for both teams followed by the medal and trophy presentations. It was a lovely night that had everything and a truly great advert for Suffolk Women’s Football.
Stowupland Falcons got a goal back late in the game thanks to Enya Moore and then lapped up the appreciation fron their adoring and very loud fans. Image: Ben Pooley
A Long but perfect Suffolk FA day
After working 9-5 in Norwich I caught the 5.30pm train to Ipswich, arriving at the ground around 6.20pm and leaving after a fun evening at 10.50pm. With the next train back to Norwich not until 11.42pm I had time for McDonald’s by which point the heavens had opened again for my walk back to the station.
I eventually arrived home at 12.40am after a long but really enjoyable day and to be honest I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is the third consecutive year I have covered the Suffolk Women’s Cup Final and Suffolk FA look after you like no other, treated like Kings from arriving to leaving and despite the weather it was a great evening.
Thanks to both AFC Sudbury and Stowupland Falcons as well as the Suffolk FA and Ipswich Town staff who were tremendous hosts all evening.
See you next year!
Stowupland Falcons did themselves proud on the night against opposition from three leagues higher. Image: Shaun Button
Impetus’ Emma Burke and Kris Goman were at the Arsenal media conference and training session in Melbourne today ahead of their game against the A-League Women All Stars tomorrow to bring you all the details from the event(23/5/24).
Above: Kim Little, Jonas Eidevall, and Steph Catley at today’s Arsenal media conference in Melbourne. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall, captain Kim Little, and their Matildas’ captain Steph Catley faced media in Melbourne today ahead of the Gunners’ game against the A-League Women All Stars tomorrow.
“We focus on playing our football and doing that as best as possible to represent the badge and our way of playing and hopefully if you are not already in love with Arsenal you will be when you see the team play,” said Eidevall of the club.
Above: A relaxed Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall at today’s media conference in Melbourne. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Arsenal have travelled to Melbourne with a star-studded line up including their three Australian players in Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Caitlin Foord, and a slew of other international names such as Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe, Lionesses star Alessia Russo, and Norway’s Frida Maanum.
They’re set to face an All Star contingent that is made up of Matildas such as Cortnee Vine, Tameka Yallop, league Golden Boot winner Michelle Heyman, and former Arsenal goalkeeper Lydia Williams in one of her final appearances on Australian soil.
Above: Joe Montemurro, the former Arsenal head coach, who takes charge of the A-League Woman All-Stars side tomorrow. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“It’s a great opportunity to see the best from a league that has produced so many great talents over the years,” said Eidevall of the opportunity to play this fixture. “It’s homegrown talent and it’s going to be exciting to see what that is tomorrow night,” he continued.
This is the first time the A-League Women has had an All-Stars contingent – another example of the continued growth of the women’s game.
“It’s a first for women’s football and it’s really special to be involved. It’s something that Arsenal is doing on the daily, breaking barriers and being the first to do things,” said Steph Catley.
Above: Matildas captain Steph Catley at the Arsenal media conference today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“The change has been astronomical really since the World Cup for me, since the Euros in England for the [Women’s Super League],” she said.
Long gone are the days when Catley played alongside her Arsenal captain for Melbourne City in 2015/16 in front of a few hundred people.
“I loved living here, we lived just north of the City when I was here and I loved the City, so yeah it’s nice to be back even though we’re only here briefly,” said Kim Little.
Above: Kim Little in today’s media conference in Melbourne. Photo: Kris Goman for Impteus.
That season, eight years ago, saw Melbourne City’s introduction into the women’s league, coached by Joe Montemurro, who is coaching the All-Stars in tomorrow night’s game.
City won all of their games, becoming Premiers, and then Champions of the league, and Little was voted Player’s Player of the Season.
“I could never have even imagined back in the day, back then, that we would be where we are now. It’s pretty special,” Catley admitted. “To be here with my club team is a unique experience.”
Exclusive photo gallery by Kris Goman for Impetus from Arsenal training in Melbourne today:
In the latest part of our WA on Wednesday series of player interviews from the NPLW WA, Subiaco‘s Savannah Olsthoorne talks to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, life at Subiaco, and what more can be done to identify talented players from outside the Perth metro areas (22/5/24)
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne (white shirt) looks to break through against UWA Nedlands. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook)
Subiaco’s Savannah Olsthoorne is in only her second season as an NPLW WA player at the age of 29, and is catching the eye with her ability to provide regular assists and the potential to chip in with important goals for her side.
Olsthoorne describes herself as: “A team player with a high work rate. I don’t like to let people down so I will always give 110% and I think that is reflected in my game.” That desire to go above and beyond for her side has marked her out as a key member of the Subiaco side who are pushing for their first-ever place in the Top Four Cup at the end of the season. That ability combined with her speed, fitness, and composure in stressful situations has allowed a player that is new to the Perth metro football scene to flourish.
The Subi star has spent almost all of her footballing journey playing about her native Bunbury area, just under 170km south of Perth, and she outlined how her career developed in the state’s South-West.
“When I first started playing at the age of six or seven, there were no girls’ teams, so I always played with the boys. It wasn’t until I was 13-14 that I actually started playing in the women’s team and we had quite a lot of success and won many league titles.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne in possession for Subiaco at Balcatta Etna this season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
In my second season, I actually won the association Youth Player of the Year which was a surprise to me at the time! I think playing with the boys helped my development as a player. The lack of opportunity was always the biggest problem in the South-West of the state.
“When the South West Phoenix FC started and Stephen Suttie came on board as the women’s coach, this provided a great stepping stone. The Phoenix club provided an opportunity for rural players to play to compete at a high level without the need to relocate. Steve asked me for about two-three years to join the women’s team, however at the time I didn’t want the commitment of travelling to Perth every second weekend to play (a journey of just under two hours.)
“In 2020 I finally agreed, and in that time we won the State League Division One title for three years in a row. Steve was a big contributor to my development as a player. I then moved to Perth and decided I would challenge myself by trying out for an NPL team. This had its own challenges – coming in at 29.
“I really had to prove myself. I ended up joining Subiaco and I’m very grateful for the opportunity Greg (Farrell, head coach) has given me. It has been the biggest challenge I have had – starting with a new team in the NPLW. Having to rebuilding relationships, prove myself, and show what I can offer is a challenge in itself.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne looking for the pass. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
“I’ve always played in a team where the coaches already knew me, so almost starting fresh was rather unfamiliar for me. The coaches didn’t necessarily know my strengths, what I’m good at, or how to utilise my skills to get the best outcomes in a game situation. So it was a period of discovery from both the player and coaching perspective.”
Olsthoorne gradually grew into her new surroundings and the standard of the game, and towards the end of the 2023 season was flourishing, providing important link-up play and assists for the team – something she is continuing to build upon in 2024. The development of her confidence was the key element in her growing importance to Subiaco.
“I look back and I can see there were a lot of positive moments. I think last season, being my first season in the NPLW, was more a focus on building up my confidence in a new league, a new team, and adjusting to a new coaching style and strategy. Last season set some good foundations, and this season I’m really starting to find my stride.
With seven rounds of this season played, Subiaco are within touching distance of the top four, and with the league looking more competitive than ever this year, Olsthoorne is developing her role, playing in a different position for Greg Farrell’s side.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne (white shirt) breaks through against Murdoch University Melville. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
“This season I am playing a slightly different role as a wing-back. Historically, I’ve always played as a winger, so adjusting to the defensive side is something new to me. Reading the ball and defensive positioning is something I’ve been working on with Greg and I’m feeling much more comfortable in the role.
“Overall I think the wing-back position suits my playing style very well and I believe there is still a lot of growth to be made in my playing ability. From a team perspective, I think we’ve made a positive start to the season. There were a lot of new players that signed this season and I think we are still learning to play with each other. We are seeing improvements every week, which I think really showed in our 3-1 win against NTC.
“Finding myself in a new position this year has had its own challenges, which has been exciting but also pushed me to continue to further my skill and knowledge of the game – so excelling in this new position will be a goal. And of course, making the top four is both a personal and team goal.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne (white shirt) looks to hold off a Balcatta Etna tackle. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
With Subiaco becoming harder and harder to beat each season, the next step is to break into the top four. Olsthoorne believes that off the pitch, the foundations are there to give the players everything they need to make that breakthrough.
I think Greg and Annie Farrell have been big drivers towards the improvements. They both invest so much time and energy into developing players. They have put work into coaching apps, recovery programs and routines, player injury management, and most importantly team culture. They keep the players disciplined and accountable and think this is an important component. Both Adi Juric (technical director) and Branko Jelic (assistant technical director) take time away to do specialised training sessions with the team and individually, and this doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m sure there is a lot more that goes on internally, overall the club is going in a very positive direction.”
Whilst Olsthoorne is now a role model for players from the South-West of the state to continue to aim for the NPLW, it can only happen if player pathways from the area, and to the northern areas of Western Australia continue to evolve and develop.
“As access to better player identification pathways are now more readily available, and as awareness of women’s soccer becomes more prominent, the standards have increased a lot. I noticed this increase, particularly in the South West – player technical ability is a stand out compared to a number of years ago. I think we just need to keep doing what we are doing – creating awareness, development pathways and continue to target rural areas that don’t have prominent pathways because there is a lot of talent out there that we are still likely missing.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne – having another solid season at Subiaco. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
Above: Rhian Wilkinson at the squad announcement at the FAW, Hensol. Image: Rob Mellor for Impetus
Unbeaten in four games, having scored 12 goals and conceded none, it was no surprise to anyone that Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson announced a very familiar squad for the forthcoming games against Ukraine in WEURO 2025.
Eight of Wilkinson’s squad may be the wrong side of 30, but Wilkinson has one eye on the future in the selection of this squad.
“We kept a lot of the principles that we’ve had since I’ve come in, which is opportunities to get new young players into the environment, to give them exposure to the senior team, not just the players, but the training sessions and also games. So, always trying to find a really good mix of our experienced players with some youth and uncapped to make sure that we’re keeping the squad depth growing as we move through this campaign.” The Cymru boss said.
Wilkinson has the luxury of an (almost) fully-fit group to pick from; both Carrie Jones and Safia Middleton-Patel are now fit and available, having missed the first couple of Wilkinson’s games in charge through injury. Only Crystal Palace’s Elise Hughes is unavailable after suffering an ACL injury late in the season.
Wilkinson commented on Hughes’ injury: “This is football. Injuries happen. They’re obviously awful and upsetting. And in the women’s game, ACLs are quite a reality at the moment. Very, very sad for Elise, but also excited that we’ll hopefully have her back once we qualify for the Euros, but it gives, again, opportunity.
“We have to see it like that. She played very well for us. So did Kayleigh Green [Barton] coming in. We’ve got Mary McAteer, who’s been training here. We’ve got Olivia Francis coming in in that position. So, you’ve got to see these unfortunate setbacks as opportunities, and that’s how we’ll be looking at it.”
The Seattle Reign power-trio of Angharad James, Jess Fishlock and Lily Woodham all feature, as do Woodham’s ex-Reading connections Gemma Evans, Charlie Estcourt and the scarily on-form Rachel Rowe, recently voted SFA’s SWPL1 Player of the Year. Bristol City’s nucleus of Olivia Clark, Ella Powell, Carrie Jones and Ffion Morgan also get the nod.
Bristol City also supply one of the four new faces in 18 year-old forward Tianna Teisar, most recently seen playing on loan at Cardiff City Ladies. Also uncapped are goalkeeper Poppy Soper and forwards Ellen Jones and Olivia Francis (Sunderland and Manchester United respectively).
Wilkinson knows that not all WEURO 2025 qualifiers will be as straightforward as the victory over Kosovo, and that Ukraine are on paper the toughest opponents in the group.
“I thought Ukraine had a more dominant display [despite losing to Croatia],” she said, “but that’s football: results go different ways.
“Ukraine will be a great test, a new team for us to prepare for. And that’s what I’m looking forward to… I think we’ve set a standard, but there’s a lot we need to improve on. We know that these games are important for me to bed in my philosophies and ideas. And this is a new opportunity for us to raise the bar, to tighten up the areas I though we were loose on.
“I don’t mean that as a huge criticism: I gave them a lot of leeway to explore what I was asking them to do, and now there’s tightening up to be done to prepare for stronger opposition, and Ukraine is that next team in front of us.”
The squad in full: Olivia CLARK (Bristol City), Laura O’SULLIVAN (Cardiff City Ladies), Safia MIDDLETON-PATEL (Watford – On loan from Manchester United), Poppy SOPER (Ipswich Town – On loan from Charlton Athletic), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Real Betis), Charlie ESTCOURT (Reading), Josie GREEN (Leicester City), Hayley LADD (Manchester United), Gemma EVANS (Manchester United), Mayzee DAVIES (Manchester United), Lily WOODHAM (Seattle Reign), Ella POWELL (Bristol City), Sophie INGLE (Chelsea), Alice GRIFFITHS (Southampton), Angharad JAMES (Seattle Reign), Lois JOEL (London City Lionesses), Rachel ROWE (Rangers), Carrie JONES (Bristol City), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City), Jess FISHLOCK (Seattle Reign), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Ellen JONES (Sunderland), Kayleigh BARTON (Charlton Athletic), Mary MCATEER (Sunderland), Olivia FRANCIS (Manchester United), Tianna TEISAR (Cardiff City Ladies – On loan from Bristol City).
Above: Dussindale & Hellesdon secured the Eastern Region Division One Title on Sunday winning the Step Six title in their first season at that level. Credit – Dussindale & Hellesdon Women FC
Eastern Region League Cup Final
Wroxham were beaten for the second time in Cup finals in the same week after they lost the Eastern Region League Cup Final 4-2 against Real Bedford. Gemma Croucher, Amber Smith, Natasha Fensome and an Own goal saw Bedford lead 4-0 at Half Time however second half strikes from Lily Alexander and Rebecca Russell saw Wroxham restore some pride in the final.
Eastern Region Division One North
Dussindale and Hellesdon won the Tier Six title following a 2-2 draw at Mulbarton Wanderers. Georgina Belton and Victoria Leyer scored for Dussindale and Hellesdon with Laura Hedtke and Alanta Griffith scoring for Mulbarton. The result was more than enough to see Dussindale and Hellesdon claim the Tier Six title in only their first year in the division.
Action from the match between Mulbarton Wanderers (Blue) and Dussindale & Hellesdon. Credit – Ben Cunningham.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Bungay Town went top of Tier Seven with a hard fought 3-2 win over Kings Lynn Soccer Club at Maltings Meadow, Goals from Mia Rose, Ruby Roos and Lauren Purling saw Bungay Town claim an important win. Nikola Maslak and Taeya Mayes scores for Kings Lynn Soccer Club.
Thorpe St Andrew and North Walsham played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Sir George Morse Park. Rio Dobbie scored all four for North Walsham Town with a Rebecca Sutton hat trick and a goal from Natasha Frankland sealing a share of the points for Thorpe St Andrew.
Bure Valley secured the Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two title with a 9-0 win at Horsford Harriers on Sunday. Credit – Shay Porter
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Bure Valley secured the Tier Eight title with a 9-0 win at Horsford Harriers. Willow Nye scored a Hat-trick, Emma Macmillan and Ellie Reader scored a brace each with Maisie Redgrave and Megan Swain getting the other goals. It completes a fine season for Bure Valley as they win Tier Eight in their first year as an Adult team.
Mundford went second with a 6-0 home win over Martham. Bethany Seymour scored a Hat-trick, Sophia Price scored a brace and Livvi Hodges scored the other.
Beccles Town Development picked up an impressive 4-2 away win at Shrublands. Alesha Tuttle scored a brace with Libby Elder and Vicky Bloomfield getting their other goals. Rachel Adams and Greta Jasinskyte scored for Shrublands.
FC Viking Valkyries were 5-0 winners at Horsford Hurricanes thanks to a Hat-trick from Jessica Bennett and goals from Megan Bird and an Own goal.
Freethorpe and Red Rose played out a 1-1 draw. Laura Hume scoring for Freethorpe.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
FC Viking Valkyries were 3-0 winners at Hockering thanks to goals from Jane Diver, Kayleigh Ellwood and Lisa Ferdani.
It was celebrations all round for Bure Valley as they won the Tier Eight in their first season in Adult Football on Sunday. Credit – Shay Porter
Above: Lydia Williams (left) and Charli Grant at today’s Matildas media event in Adelaide. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson today revealed his 23-player squad for the two home games with China that will take place in Adelaide and Sydney on 31st May and 3rd June respectively.
The game next Friday night local time in South Australia will be The Matildas’ first game in Adelaide for five years, and their first at the iconic 53,000-capacity Adelaide Oval. Game two, at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, will see a sell-out crowd of approaching 80,000 celebrate the career of 103-cap legend Lydia Williams, who recently announced she will retire after the Olympic Games in August.
The squad features 21 of the 23 players who helped the team qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics with 17 players based internationally. Six home-based players, including two from the A-League Women Championship winning side, Sydney FC, complete the squad.
Head Coach Tony Gustavsson emphasised the squad selected for the China series is the culmination of numerous camps and international matches since the World Cup last year. He sees this as an important opportunity for the players to make their final claims for the Olympic squad.
“The squad we have named for this upcoming series against China PR is based on their performances for their respective clubs and also in our national team environment,” Gustavsson stated. “Some players are selected based on past performances, in tournaments and in previous camps, while others are chosen for their current strong form.”
“With the Olympics approaching, selection is about seeing the overall picture over four years of performance and assembling the best team possible. We have looked at providing cover in each of the different positions and ensuring the player profile for those positions enhance the squad. We are pleased and confident we have those options across the pitch,” he explained.
Defenders Clare Hunt and Courtney Nevin and goalkeeper Lydia Williams return after being unavailable for April’s FIFA International window in the United States when the Matildas took on Mexico.
Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson, who revealed his latest squad earlier today. Photo: Football Australia.
Katrina Gorry (ankle) and Aivi Luik (hamstring) are still unavailable as they continue to rehab after being ruled out in April, while attackers Amy Sayer and Sam Kerr remain on the sidelines with long-term ACL injuries. Kerr and Sayer will continue their rehabilitation programs in their home club environments and subsequently will not be available for selection for the Olympics.
“I think everyone can do the math here and understand that obviously the Olympic roster will be based mostly out of those that are in this upcoming May/June camp,” Gustavsson outlined.
“However, we also have some players in Katrina and Aivi unavailable for selection for this window but most likely will be physically available to be part of an Olympic roster. This window will be a tough one for me and my staff in terms of evaluating players, where they are, and then the final selection process for Paris.
“We want to use this camp to summarise the evolved playing style we have built upon in the last couple of months. To go back to what we did at last year’s World Cup and the core things we did well there and then add the layers we have worked on since.
“Then we will see if we can get more of a complete overview of where we are positioned, work on nuances and details and get some answers of where are we and what do we need to keep working on come the Olympics,” Gustavsson concluded.
Above: Charli Grant speaking today in Adelaide. Image: Football Australia.
Matildas defender Charli Grant spoke of her immense pride today in being in her home state to represent her country in front of a sell-out crowd next Friday.
“I’ve always been going on about how good Adelaide is, so I’m really excited to show the girls what Adelaide is all about,” the Tottenham Hotspur right-back said.
“It’s always an honour to be selected for the national team, and to be able to play here at Adelaide Oval is a little bit extra special to me, this is where I grew up, this is where my family and friends are, so to do this for them will be special to have them watching.”
Playing in the city’s biggest stadium is yet another symbolic sign of the massive surge in interest surrounding The Matildas since last year’s World Cup – and Grant was thrilled about how her home city has embraced the team.
“We (last) played here five years ago at Coopers Stadium (Adelaide United’s home stadium) and I think we were saying there were 10,000 there, now we’ll be in front of 50,000 at Adelaide Oval, so it’s huge for the women’s game, it shows how it’s grown and I’m really proud of Adelaide for stepping forward and giving us a place to play.
“I’ve always come to Adelaide Oval to watch AFL games and to be actually playing there is a really special moment.”
Above: Lydia Williams speaking to the media in Adelaide today. Image: Football Australia.
This international camp is a particularly bittersweet one for Lydia Williams. The Western Australian recently announced she will retire after the Olympic Games, and the two games against China in the coming weeks will be her last chance to represent her country on home soil.
“I’ve given a lot to the game. It’s important for me to leave it in a better position so players like Charli and the future is going to thrive. I’m going to look back and really enjoy this moment. The next few months I am going to get to play with a smile on my face as I know what the future is like for The Matildas, and that’s all I can ask for.”
That future may well be bright, but the present is pretty exciting too – both on and off the pitch for the Australian national side.
“It’s been five years since we’ve been here (in Adelaide). To have the reception and to be slowly ticking our way through Australia selling out stadiums is really an honour…The series is a farewell, leading not only into (the) Paris (Olympics), but a special send-off game in Sydney which I’m really excited for, and really special preparations for the team leading into the Olympics.
“It’s knuckling down into final preparations for the Olympics…whilst it’s going to be a nice moment and a nice camp, it definitely will be competitive in making sure we are in the best shape possible leading into Paris.”
Above: All smiles – Lydia Williams (left) and Charli Grant with Adelaide Oval, the venue for next Friday’s first game with China in the background. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
A Sarah O’Donoghue inspired Heidelberg United won their third game of the season in a relentless display against Brunswick Juventus. The final score was 4-0 at CB Smith Reserve, but it could easily have been more, with a new signing helping transform The Bergers fortunes in attack.
The visitors unveiled their new weapon to help climb the table. Bulleen Lions premiership winner Alana Jancevski made her first start since joining from Adelaide United in the A-League Women, but it was a full team assault in the opening stages with Heidelberg pressing high up the pitch and forcing Brunswick Juventus into quick touches or hurried clearances.
It felt like it was only a matter of time before the first goal and it arrived in the 14th minute. Sarah O’Donoghue’s ran down the right, turned inside and switched play for to provide Heidelberg with the time to cross. The ball bounced on the edge of the six-yard box and Stephanie Galea took advantage of some hesitant goalkeeping to nod home the opener.
Some quick interplay between several Heidelberg players resulted in a simple tap in for O’Donoghue at the far post. The slick passing move was thrilling to watch but was once against set up by an aggressive press that won the ball back in the attacking third.
Brunswick Juventus had struggled to get up the field, or to launch any meaningful counterattacks. Karina Tolios provided their best outlet on the left wing but bas mostly well marshalled by the visitors, and supply was largely cut off.
Jancevski gave her new side a glimpse of what she will bring with a clever roulette turn and in-swinging cross. The ball was cleared, but only for another corner and after a short exchange of passes with Kathryn Vlahopoulos, another inswinger caused chaos for Brunwick’s defence and Mami Ambo was on hand to make it 3-0 in the 42nd minute.
The half time stats reflected Heidelberg’s dominance. 15 shots on goal, with seven on target showed that the home side were under siege for much of the half. up the other end Mia Bailey was rarely tested, but her long and confident passing helped set up the multiple waves of attack.
Despite needing to chase the lead, Brunswick had sat deep for much of the half, It made sense considering the pace in the Heidelberg attack, but some hesitant or at times panicked defending had allowed them to be breached three times in a blistering first half.
Brunswick tried to switch things up a little in the second half, and pushed higher up the pitch. That left them open to the counterattack and a combination of Galea and Jancevski set up O’Donoghue for her second of the night.
Galea jinked down the right hand side and cut the ball inside the Jancevski at the edge of the box. The defence prepared to block the shot, but Jancevski instead flicked the ball to her left into the stride of the dominant O’Donoghue who danced around the goalkeeper, kept her balance and made it 4-0.
Thankfully for the home side, that is where the scoring ended. But that did not mean that Heidelberg had slowed down. Galea once again tested the defence with a cross from the right, and after the ball was spilled only the upright denied Vlahopoulos from adding a fifth.
Substitute Sienna Cappola brought the best out of the Bergers defence for the home side. She was found in space on the right by Nicole Cooper and only a lunging tackle from Cameron Barreiro and a fingertip effort from Bailey pushed it across goal to safety.
Galea looked certain to add to her tally when she raced behind the Brunswick defence in the 85th minute. Sienna Gidari was quick off her line and did well to cut off the easy shot, forcing the Heidelberg captain wide and once again the woodwork did the rest. The score remained at 4-0.
The win sees Heidelberg climb to seventh on the ladder but it was their most fluid and entertaining performance so far this season. The addition of Jancevski has helped gel the attack and she provides a certain x-factor to the side to match the craft and speed of Galea, Vlahopoulos and O’Donoghue.
Heidelberg have struggled to replace the goals of Danielle Wise since 2022 and while the former Adelaide United and Perth Glory striker is a very different sort of player, she is a proven goal threat, can score from any range and has an eye for a killer pass.
O’Donogue was superb in the first half, and her efforts with and without the ball helped set up the win in the early stages. Galea was as dangerous as ever and could easily have had a hatrick with some better luck.
Brunswick remain at the bottom of the table. The tests do not come much easier next week with a trip to face Boroondara Eagles who recently welcomed back 2023’s 31 goal hero Kurea Okino to the squad.
Heidelberg have another chance to improve their form against another newly promoted side in Round 10. However, Bentleigh Greens will want to provide a response to the thrashing they received from Bulleen and could be a sterner test than the table suggests.
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