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All you need to know about the top two divisions of women's football as the 2025/26 season kicks off Women's Super Leagues 2025/26 Season Guide Sunday, 7 September 2025 By Paul Donegan All you need to know about the top two divisions of women's football as the 2025/26 season kicks off Molly Darlington/The FA The Women’s Super League and Women’s Super League 2 seasons get underway this weekend! In the WSL, Chelsea will be looking to win their seventh title in a row but other sides have made significant signings as they look to stop the Blues. With two automatic promotion spots up for grabs in the WSL2, the fight for these could be exciting if the last couple of seasons in the second tier are anything to go by. New things! Leagues rebrand The top two levels have had a rebrand over the summer with the independent company overseeing them now known as Women’s Super League Football. The Championship has reverted to its original WSL2 name. Both leagues have new logos but the rebrand has received a mixed reaction! Relegation/promotion It was announced over the summer that the WSL will be expanding to 14 teams for the 2026/27 season. To facilitate this, the top two sides in the WSL2 will be promoted automatically whilst the third-place team will go into a promotion/relegation play-off match against the bottom side in the WSL. The winners of the FA Women’s National League Northern and Southern Premier Divisions will be promoted to the WSL2, if they meet the licensing requirements, with the runners-up in both leagues playing off for a third promotion spot. New TV deal In the UK, this will be the first season of a new television deal for the WSL with Sky Sports now showing 118 matches, 78 of them exclusively, whilst 21 will be shown on BBC TV and the iPlayer. Some games will also be on YouTube. The Sky coverage will include the multiview feature to simultaneously broadcast games. WSL2 matches will be available to watch on YouTube with selected ones also broadcast on Sky. Alcohol 14 clubs in the WSL and WSL2 are taking part in a trail which allows alcohol to be taken into certain parts of stadium bowls during selected matches. Those taking part are Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, London City Lionesses, Manchester City and Manchester United in the WSL and Birmingham City, Bristol City, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Sunderland and Southampton in the WSL2. Guide to sides (information and transfers correct as of 4pm (BST) Friday 5 th September 2025) WSL Arsenal Ground – Emirates Stadium Manager – Renee Slegers Last season – 2 nd Women’s Super League Players joined – Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Liverpool), Anneke Borbe (VfL Wolfsberg), Olivia Smith (Liverpool) Players left – Lina Hurtig (Fiorentina), Amanda Ilestedt (Eintracht Frankfurt), Teyah Goldie (London City Lionesses), Freya Godrey (London City Lionesses), Laura Wienroither (Manchester City), Lia Walti (Juventus), Rosa Kafaji (loan – Brighton & Hove Albion), Michelle Agyemang (loan – Brighton & Hove Albion), Laila Harbert (loan – Portland Thorns), Naomi Williams (loan – Bristol City), Jessie Gale (loan – Portsmouth), Vivienne Lia (loan – Nottingham Forest), Maddy Earl (loan – Ipswich Town), Cecily Wellesley-Smith (loan – Leicester City) Aston Villa Ground – Villa Park Manager – Natalia Arroyo Last season – 6 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Lynn Wilms (VfL Wolfsburg), Ellie Roebuck (Barcelona), Jill Bajings (Bayern Munich), Lucia Kendall (Southampton), Oceane Deslandes (Montpellier), Maya Hijikata (Tokyo Verdy) Players left – Rachel Corsie (retired), Jordan Nobbs (Newcastle United), Dan Turner (Melbourne City), Maz Pacheco (Everton), Ruby-Rae Tucker (Southampton), Sophia Poor (London City Lionesses), Katie Robinson (loan – Everton) Brighton & Hove Albion Ground – Broadfield Stadium & American Express Stadium Manager – Dario Vidosic Last season – 5 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Moeka Minami (Roma), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Manuela Vanegas Catano (Real Sociedad), Carla Camacho (Real Madrid), Maelys Mpome (Chelsea), Fuka Tsunoda (Urawa Reds), Rosa Kafaji (loan – Arsenal), Michelle Agyemang (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Poppy Pattinson (London City Lionesses), Maria Thorisdottir (Marseille), Guro Bergsvand (VfL Wolfsburg), Dejana Stefanovic, Pauline Bremer (FC Koln), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth), Chelsea Ferguson (Lewes), Li Mengwen, Vicky Losada (Bristol City), Nikita Parris (London City Lionesses), Melina Loeck (loan - Hammarby), Olivia Johnson (loan – Bristol City), Libby Bance (loan – Birmingham City) Chelsea Ground – Kingsmeadow & Stamford Bridge Manager – Sonia Bompastor Last season – 1 st Women’s Super League Players joined – Livia Peng (Werder Bremen), Mara Alber (TSG Hoffenheim), Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Becky Spencer (Tottenham Hotspur), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City) Players left – Zecira Musovic (Malmo FF), Sophie Ingle (Bristol City), Greta Humphries (Portsmouth), Lucy Watson, Ashley Lawrence (Lyon), Aniek Nouwen (PSV Eindhoven), Mia Fishel (Seattle Reign), Aimee Claypole (Nottingham Forest), Maelys Mpome (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alejandra Bernabe (Liverpool), Vera Jones (loan – Bristol City), Lola Brown (loan - Crystal Palace), Katie Cox (loan – Aberdeen), Ashanti Akpan (loan – Southampton), Julia Bartel (loan – Atletico Madrid), Louna Ribadeira (loan – FC Fleury 91), Femke Liefting (loan – Newcastle United), Jorja Fox (loan – Newcastle United) Everton Ground – Goodison Park & Hill Dickinson Stadium Manager – Brian Sorensen Last season – 8 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Rosa van Gool (Ajax), Ornella Vignola (Granada), Rion Ishikawa (Urawa Red Diamonds), Hikaru Kitagawa (BK Hacken), Yuka Moniki (Leicester City), Martina Fernandez (Barcelona), Maz Pacheco (Aston Villa), Ruby Mace (Leicester City, Katie Robinson (loan – Aston Villa) Players left – Karoline Olsen (Malmo FF), Rikke Madsen (HB Koge), Maren Mjelde (Arna-Bjornar Toppfotball), Lauren Thomas (Sheffield United), Justine Vanhaevermaet (Crystal Palace), Heather Payne (Leicester City), Sara Holmgaard (Real Madrid), Veatriki Sarri (Birmingham City), Mel Lawley (loan – Burnley), Issy Hobson (loan – Nottingham Forest) Leicester City Ground – King Power Stadium Manager – Rick Passmore (interim) Last season – 10 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Katie Keane (Shamrock Rovers), Celeste Bourellie (Montpellier), Heather Payne (Everton), Emily van Egmond (Birmingham City), Olivia McLoughlin (Rangers), Rosella Ayane (Tottenham Hotspur), Cecily Wellesley-Smith (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Lena Petermann (Werder Bremen), Saori Takarada (Cerezo Osaka), Sophie Howard (FC Como), Yuka Moniki (Everton), CJ Bott (Wellington Phoenix), Courtney Nevin (Malmo FF), Deanne Rose (Nottingham Forest), Ruby Mace (Everton) Liverpool Ground – St Helens Stadium & Anfield Manager – Gareth Taylor Last season – 7 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Kirsty MacLean (Rangers), Rafaela Borggrafe (SC Freiburg), Sam Kerr (Bayern Munich), Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign), Beata Olsson (Kristianstads DFF), Alejandra Bernabe (Chelsea), Emilia Szymczak (loan – Barcelona), Risa Shimizu (loan – Manchester City) Players left – Yana Daniels (Burnley), Jasmine Matthews (Burnley), Tegan Micah (Lyon), Niamh Fahey (retired), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Olivia Smith (Arsenal) London City Lionesses Ground – Copperjax Community Stadium Manager – Jocelyn Precheur Last season – 1 st Women’s Championship (promoted) Players joined – Danielle van de Donk (Lyon), Sanni Franssi (Real Sociedad), Isa Kardinaal (Ajax), Teyah Goldie (Arsenal), Poppy Pattinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Elene Lete (Real Sociedad), Sophia Poor (Aston Villa), Nikita Parris (Brighton & Hove Albion), Elena Linari (Roma), Paula Partido (Real Madrid), Jana Fernandez (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Angel City), Alanna Kennedy (Angel City), Lucia Corrales (Barcelona), Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain), Wassa Sangare (loan – Lyon) Players left – Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Nottingham Forest), Georgia Brougham (Nottingham Forest), Megan Campbell, Lucy Fitzgerald (Charlton Athletic), Emma Mukandi (retired), Connie Scofield (Sheffield United), Amelia Ajao, Danielle Carter, Hermione Cull (Plymouth Argyle), Miljana Ivanovic (Malmo), Charlene Meyong, Shen Mengyu (Shanghai Shengli), Grace Neville (Ipswich Town), Paula Partido (loan – Dux Logrono), Sophia Poor (loan – Nottingham Forest) Manchester City Ground – Joie Stadium & Etihad Stadium Manager – Andree Jeglertz Last season – 4 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Jade Rose (Harvard University), Iman Beney (BSC YB Frauen), Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich), Eartha Cumings (FC Rosengard), Laura Wienroither (Arsenal), Grace Clinton (Manchester United) Players left – Laia Aleixandri (Barcelona), Jill Roord (FC Twente), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Jess Park (Manchester United), Aemu Oyama (loan – Rosengard), Tara O’Hanlon (loan – Sunderland), Poppy Pritchard (loan – Durham), Eve Annets (loan – Crystal Palace), Risa Shimizu (loan – Liverpool) Manchester United Ground – Leigh Sports Village Stadium & Old Trafford Manager – Marc Skinner Last season – 3 rd Women’s Super League Players joined – Julia Zigiotti Olme (Bayern Munich), Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona), Jess Park (Manchester City) Players left – Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Alyssa Aherne (Sheffield United), Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Geyse (loan – Gotham FC), Jess Simpson (loan – Southampton), Lucy Newell (loan – Birmingham City), Emma Watson (loan – Crystal Palace), Keira Barry (loan – Sunderland), Evie Rabjohn (loan – Sunderland) Tottenham Hotspur Ground – BetWright Stadium Manager – Martin Ho Last season – 11 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Toko Koga (Feyenoord), Cathinka Tandberg (Hammarby) Players left – Rosella Ayane (Leicester City), Becky Spencer (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Eintracht Frankfurt), Anna Csiki (loan – West Ham United) West Ham United Ground – Chigwell Construction Stadium Manager – Rehanne Skinner Last season – 9 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Sarah Brasero (Estoril Praia), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Yu Endo (Urawa Reds), Leila Wandeler (Lyon), Anna Csiki (loan – Tottenham Hotspur) Players left – Marika Bergman Lundin (Valerenga), Shannon Cooke (Birmingham City), Emma Harries (Southampton), Kirsty Smith (Nottingham Forest). Katelin Talbert, Kristie Mewis, Ruby Doe (Ipswich Town), Dagny Brynjarsdottir, Princess Ademiluyi (Gotham FC), Jessie Stapleton (loan – Nottingham Forest), Rebekah Dowsett (dual registration – Watford), Ruby Warwick (dual registration – Barking), Soraya Walsh (loan – Watford), Camila Saez (loan – Bristol City), Jess Ziu (loan – Bristol City), Keira Flannery (loan – Charlton Athletic) WSL2 Birmingham City Ground – St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park Manager – Amy Merricks Last season – 2 nd Women’s Championship Players joined – Adriana French (Kansas City Current), Chelsea Cornet (Rangers), Shannon Cooke (West Ham United), Lily Crosthwaite (Durham), Veatriki Sarri (Everton), Batcheba Louis (FC Fleury 91), Oceane Hurtre (PSG), Lucy Newell (loan – Manchester United), Libby Bance (loan – Brighton & Hove Albion), Ji Soyun (loan – Seattle Reign) Players left – Louise Quinn (retired), Louanne Worsey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ellie Mason (Charlton Athletic), Gemma Lawley (Bristol City), Jade Pennock (Sporting JAX), Katie Dungate (Fulham), Libby Smith, Abbi Jenner (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Cho So-hyun (Suwon), Charlie Devlin (Sheffield United), Ivana Fuso (Corinthians), Choe Yu-ri (Incheon Hyundai Jemong), Charlotte Clarke (West Bromwich Albion), Siobhan Wilson (retired), Layla Banaras (Lewes), Jamie Finn (Sunderland), Emily van Egmond (Leicester City), Poppy Irvine (loan – Sporting Khalsa) Bristol City Ground – Ashton Gate Stadium & Robins High Performance Centre Manager – Charlotte Healy Last season – 6 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Emily Mutch (Motherwell), Gemma Lawley (Birmingham City), Maria Farrugia (Sheffield United), Rio Hardy (Rangers), Sophie Ingle (Chelsea), Vicky Losada (Brighton & Hove Albion), Esther Morgan (Sheffield United), Marine Dafeur (FC Flurey), Vera Jones (loan – Chelsea), Camila Saez (loan - West Ham United), Jess Ziu (loan – West Ham United), Olivia Johnson (loan – Brighton & Hove Albion), Naomi Williams (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Jackie Burns (Calgary Wild), Jess Woolley, Jasmine Bull (Portsmouth), Amalie Thestrup (Charlton Athletic), Ffion Morgan (West Ham United), Amy Rodgers (Nottingham Forest), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest), Jamie-Lee Napier (Crystal Palace) Charlton Athletic Ground – The Valley Manager – Karen Hills Last season – 3 rd Women’s Championship Players joined – Lucia Lobato (Marseille), Gillian Kenney (Providence College), Ellie Mason (Birmingham City), Mary McAteer (Sunderland), Anna Pedersen (Rugby Borough), Lucy Fitzgerald (London City Lionesses), Zoe Barratt (Oxford United), Amalie Thestrup (Bristol City), Keira Flannery (loan – West Ham United) Players left – Francesca Stables, Katie Godden, Kayleigh Barton (retired), Sophie O’Rourke (Sheffield United), Mel Filis (Sassuolo), Beth Roe (Ipswich Town), Mary Bashford (Southampton), Jess Gray (Portsmouth), Ellie Brazil (Southampton) Crystal Palace Ground – VBS Community Stadium Manager – Jo Potter Last season – 12 th Women’s Super League (relegated) Players joined – Jamie-Lee Napier (Bristol City), Justine Vanhaevermaet (Everton), Kirsty Howat (Rangers), Lola Brown (loan – Chelsea), Emma Watson (loan – Manchester United), Eve Annets (loan – Manchester City) Players left – Fliss Gibbons (retired), Mille Gejl (HB Koge), Katrine Veje (Roma), Izzy Atkinson (Sunderland), Ria Oling (Braga), Clarissa Larisey (Houston Dash), Katie Stengel (Gotham FC) Durham Ground – Maiden Castle Sports Park Manager – Lee Sanders Last season – 4 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Grace Ede (Sunderland), Amber-Keegan Stobbs (Newcastle United), Angela Addison (Ipswich Town), Cat Sheppard (Sporting Lisbon), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Abbey Jones (University of Connecticut), Mariana Speckmaier (Melbourne City), Poppy Pritchard (loan – Manchester City) Players left – Lily Crosthwaite (Birmingham City), Rylee Foster (Dallas Trinity), Dee Bradley (Burnley), Carly Johns (Hearts), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Peamount United) Ipswich Town Ground – JobServe Community Stadium Manager – Joe Sheehan Last season – 1 st FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division (promoted) Players joined – Paige Peake (Southampton), Rianna Dean (Southampton), Ruby Dow (West Ham United), Beth Roe (Charlton Athletic), Jenna Dear (Sunderland), Grace Neville (London City Lionesses), Sophie Baigent (Hashtag United), Maddy Earl (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Angela Addison (Durham), Maisy Barker (Oxford United), Issy Bryant (Real Bedford), Grace Garrad (Watford), Ella Rutherford (Portsmouth), Evie Williams (Norwich City) Newcastle United Ground – Gateshead International Stadium Manager – Rebecca Langley Last season – 5 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Jemma Purfield (Southampton), Molly Pike (Southampton), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Malgorzata Grec (Dijon), Oona Sevenius (Rosengard), Anna Tamminen (Hammarby IF), Morgan Gautrat (loan - Orlando Pride), Femke Liefting (loan – Chelsea), Jorja Fox (loan – Chelsea) Players left – Grace Donnelly, Katie Barker, Georgia Gibson (Chester le Street Town), Olivia Watt (Middlesbrough), Amber-Keegan Stobbs (Durham), Hannah Greenwood (Sunderland), Rachel Furness (retired), Amy Andrews (Sheffield United), Sophie Haywood (Hull City), Daisy Burt (St John’s Women’s Soccer), Rebecca Ferguson (Middlesbrough), Jodie Bartle Nottingham Forest Ground – City Ground Manager – Carly Davies Last season – 1 st FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division (promoted) Players joined – Amy Rodgers (Bristol City), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Kirsty Smith (West Ham United), Georgia Brougham (London City Lionesses), Aimee Claypole (Chelsea), Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (London City Lionesses), Rachel Rowe (Southampton), Deanne Rose (Leicester City), Ebba Hed (Djurgarden), Tove Almqvist (Djurgarden), Jessie Stapleton (loan – West Ham United), Sophia Poor (loan – London City Lionesses), Vivienne Lia (loan – Arsenal), Nahikari Garcia (loan – Denver Summit), Issy Hobson (loan – Everton) Players left – Kate Longhurst (retired), Naomi Bedeau (Oxford United), Jessica Hennessy (AFC Bournemouth), Sophie Domingo, Amy Sims (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Holly Manders (Oxford United), Bridget Galloway (Aberdeen), Holly Turner (Oxford United), Millie Chandarana (Burnley), Megan Bell (Linfield), Alice Keitley, Holly Mears (Norwich City), Lyndsey Harkin (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Portsmouth Ground – Westleigh Park & Fratton Park Manager – Jay Sadler Last season – 9 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Jasmine Bull (Bristol City), Jess Gray (Charlton Athletic), Lucy Johnson (Blackburn Rovers), Angelina Nixon (Rugby Borough), Tia Primmer (Blackburn Rovers), Comfort Erhabor (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jemima Dahou (Blackburn Rovers), Annie Wilding (Sheffield United), Ella Rutherford (Ipswich Town), Greta Humphries (Chelsea), Jessie Gale (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Nicole Barrett (Oxford United), Erin McLaughlin (Glasgow City), Daisy McLachlan (AFC Wimbledon), Annie Rolf (Lewes), Ella Humphrey, Scarlett Williams (Real Bedford), Hannah Haughton (Moneyfields), Riva Casley (Oxford United), Sophie Quirk (AFC Bournemouth) Sheffield United Ground – Bramall Lane Manager – Ash Thompson Last season – 11 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Amy Andrews (Newcastle United), Charlie Devlin (Birmingham City), Tammi George (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Emma Taylor (Blackburn Rovers), Connie Scofield (London City Lionesses), Jess Reavill (Stoke City), Lauren Thomas (Everton), Alyssa Aherne (Manchester United), Sophie O’Rourke (Charlton Athletic), Joy Ralph (Shamrock Rovers), Charlotte Parker-Smith (Hearts), Mollie Rouse (Spokane Zephyr) Players left – Satara Murray (retired), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City), Jacqui Hand (Kolbotn), Monique Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Esther Morgan (Bristol City), Annie Wilding (Portsmouth), Jade Bailey, Olivia Page, Fallon Connolly-Jackson (Rangers), Bethan Davies (Huddersfield Town), Olivia Edwards Southampton Ground – St Mary’s Stadium & Silverlake Stadium Manager – Simon Parker Last season – 8 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Amy Goddard (Sunderland), Emma Harries (West Ham United), Ruby Tucker (Aston Villa), Mary Bashford (Charlton Athletic), Ellie Brazil (Charlton Athletic), Maria Edwards (Blackburn Rovers), Kiera Sena (Cork City), Abbie Ferguson (Hibernian), Ellie Hack (Blackburn Rovers), Michaela McAlonie (Hibernian), Jess Simpson (loan – Manchester United), Ashanti Akpan (loan – Chelsea) Players left – Alice Griffiths (Rangers), Rianna Dean (Ipswich Town), Izzy Milne (Fulham), Emma Thompson (Oxford United), Emily Kraft, Jemma Purfield (Newcastle United), Molly Pike (Newcastle United), Benedicte Haaland, Paige Peake (Ipswich Town), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Rachel Rowe (Nottingham Forest) Sunderland Ground – Eppleton Colliery Football Ground & Stadium of Light Manager – Mel Reay Last season – 7 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns), Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Reanna Blades (Burnley), Grace Moloney, Hannah Greenwood (Newcastle United), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace), Keira Barry (loan – Manchester United), Evie Rabjohn (loan – Manchester United), Tara O’Hanlon (loan – Manchester City) Players left – Megan Beer (retired), Amy Goddard (Southampton), Grace Ede (Durham), Megan Brothwick (Middlesbrough), Jenna Dear (Ipswich Town), Mary McAteer (Charlton Athletic), Grace McCatty (retired)

Articles and information on surrouding women's football. Feature Pieces Feature articles on the areas and issues surrounding women's football. Women's Super Leagues 2025/26 Season Guide 7 September 2025 All you need to know about the top two divisions of women's football as the 2025/26 season kicks off Read More Barclays WSL: 2023/24 Season Review 25 May 2024 Full season review of every team in the Women's Super League Read More From Cheshunt to Wembley - My journey supporting and covering Spurs Women 10 May 2024 Our writer Finley Chung reflects on his time watching Spurs, from regional football to the FA Cup Final Read More Tash Allderidge: Pride Park's experienced icon 4 March 2024 Reaching 200 appearances for Pride Park, Tash Allderidge is as passionate today as the day she made her debut Read More She Will Play On: The incoming women's football film of the year 26 October 2023 The feel good film of the year? How She Will Play On will continue to smash down barriers. Read More To Women’s Football - Thank you 24 August 2023 Our writer Finley pens an open thank you to women's football in this frank and heartfelt piece. Read More Catching up with Flo Lloyd-Hughes, author of The Rise of the Lionesses 22 May 2023 We caught up with women's football broadcaster, podcaster and author Flo Lloyd-Hughes to chat about her exciting new book, and of course, all things Lionesses Read More Australia's Dark Horses: A Guide to the Matildas 7 April 2023 Ben Gilby gives us a run down on Australia's key players as they gear up to face the Lionesses Read More FAW x Her Game Too 29 January 2023 Her Game Too ambassadors tell us how important the deal equal pay for the national teams is in Wales and look to the year ahead. Read More On the red carpet with Fara Williams 27 October 2022 England's most capped player Fara Williams talks FIFA and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit Read More On the red carpet with Kenza Dali 21 October 2022 We chat all things WSL with Aston Villa's Kenza Dali at EA Sports' Women's Football Summit Read More ‘It’s just the beginning’: How the Lionesses Captivated a Nation 5 August 2022 Women's football supporter Finley Chung talks us through his experience of the Lionesses' historic Euro's campaign Read More To the Lionesses 25 November 2021 The Lionesses are inspiring the next generation, but what about the rest of us? Here is my letter of thanks for all they have done for me. Read More 2020: The Year of Mewis 30 December 2020 A look back at the outstanding year had by sisters Kristie and Sam Mewis. Read More A-Z of the WSL 28 October 2020 A full A-Z of the Women's Super League (2020/21) Read More The Distance Derby: Perth v Wellington Phoenix 22 February 2025 The mammoth journey between the two sides only increases the hunger for a win Read More Moneyfields FC announce equal pay for men's and women's team 18 May 2024 FA Women's National League fourth-tier club Moneyfields FC announces equal pay model Read More Barclays Women's Championship 2023/24 Review 30 April 2024 A look back at the 2023/24 Women's Championship season, the one that was wide open.... Read More Conti Cup - Final Group Round 27 January 2024 Catch up with the action from the final group round of the Conti Cup Read More Conti Cup Round-Up 15 October 2023 Recap the first action of the Conti Cup across Groups A-E Read More Never Say Die – The case for the Matildas 3 July 2023 Could this be the year of the Matildas? Read More A Guide to the FA Cup Final 2023 13 May 2023 All you need to know ahead of the record breaking Vitality Women's FA Cup 2023 Read More #HerGameToo changing attitudes in schools says ambassador Charlotte Eve 19 March 2023 West Ham United #HerGameToo ambassador Charlotte Eve reflects on raising awareness of women in sport since the Euro's Read More "You can't put in to words how you feel" says Troth after Brentford's historic win 17 November 2022 Brentford's Sophie Troth reacts to Brentford's win at the Gtech Community Stadium in front of record crowd Read More On the red carpet with Maz Pacheco 25 October 2022 Aston Villa's Maz Pacheco talks FIFA23 and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit. Read More A-Z of the Women's Super League 15 September 2022 Full A-Z of the Women's Super League including details of every club and players to keep and eye on. Read More Bloomsbury football turning historic moment into a legacy 4 August 2022 Grassroots football charity Bloomsbury football are offering free places for all girls on their summer camps. Read More Is Your Football Club Prepared for Sudden Cardiac Arrest? 10 August 2021 Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone at anytime. Read more about the importance of having automated external defibrillators (AED's) on hand at football clubs. Read More To Jen Beattie 12 December 2020 An open letter to Jen Beattie. Read More The Growing Game 28 October 2020 The game that is waiting for the world to catch up. Read More Women's Championship Returns 8 September 2024 All you need to know about each team in the second division Read More Women's FA Cup 2023/24 Final Guide 11 May 2024 Everything you need to know ahead of today's historic final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur Read More Conti Cup: Bumper Guide 29 March 2024 All you need to know ahead of this weekend's Conti Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea Read More Conti Cup: Round Two 10 November 2023 Paul Donegan catches up with all the action from the second round of Conti Cup matches Read More Women’s Championship 2023-24 Season 2 September 2023 Recap all the in's and out's of the twelve Women's Championship teams Read More Barclays WSL Season Round-Up 28 May 2023 A brief round-up on all twelve teams in the Women's Super League and their performances over the 2022/23 season Read More “To see the women's team at a big stadium will inspire others to believe they can do it too” 9 April 2023 Norwich City’s HerGameToo Advocates on their upcoming historic game at Carrow Road Read More FA Cup Fifth Round, Round-Up 1 March 2023 Catch up on all the action of the Women's FA Cup Fifth Round Read More Fives Soccer Centres launch next-generation football centre at TraffordCity 5 November 2022 New five-a-side football centre offers innovative, immersive experience to players with cutting edge technology and industry leading innovation Read More On the red carpet with Kelly Smith 24 October 2022 Kelly Smith speaks about the exponential growth of the women's game at EA Sports Women's Football Summit Read More Barclays Women's Championship Guide 2022-23 19 August 2022 All you need to know about the Women's Championship as it kicks off this weekend. Read More Interview with analyst and author Abdullah Abdullah 5 February 2022 We caught up with author and analyst Abdullah Abdullah to speak about his latest book 'The Evolution of Chelsea Under Emma Hayes' and his new series of tactical interviews with players and coaches on his website Pressing Matters. Read More In Loving Memory of Jordan Dawes 20 February 2021 A tribute to Kent United goalkeeper Jordan Dawes. Read More Get Back in the Kitchen 8 November 2020 Women’s football is not out to replace or replicate, it simply wishes to coexist. Read More

Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Championship enter new era with refreshed visual identity and name change Back FA unveil new Women's League Logos and Name Change Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Championship enter new era with refreshed visual identity and name change Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Championship 9 June 2022 Football Association The Football Association can today confirm the beginning of a new era for the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship with the launch of a new visual identity and name change ahead of the 2022/23 season. The rebrand will also see the naming convention altered for the two competitions, with ‘The FA’ dropped from the title of both the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship. This represents the long term strategy for the leagues to be under new ownership in the future, with this process ongoing. The 2021/22 campaign saw unprecedented interest in the women’s professional game, with Sky Sports and the BBC driving visibility in the first season of the new broadcast deal announced last year, while commercial interest continues to grow – highlighted by Barclays renewing their sponsorship of the Women’s Super League and becoming the new title partner of the Women’s Championship from next season. The sponsorship of the Women’s Championship for the first time and renewed commitment to the Women’s Super League last year sees the organisation’s cyan colour added to the refreshed brand to better align the two competitions. Kelly Simmons, the FA’s Director of the Women’s Professional Game, said: “We’ve seen tremendous strides made in the women’s professional game since it turned professional four years ago, which meant we needed a refreshed branding that reflected that progress.” News

Recap the first action of the Conti Cup across Groups A-E Conti Cup Round-Up Sunday, 15 October 2023 By Paul Donegan Recap the first action of the Conti Cup across Groups A-E Adam Mitten The 2023/24 Conti Cup (FA Women’s League Cup) got underway on Wednesday evening with 10 group stage matches. There was plenty of drama with 36 goals scored, comebacks, late winners/equalisers and three penalty shoot-outs. Here is a round-up of what happened. In Group A, Durham’s Saoirse Noonan scored the opening goal of the 2023/24 Conti Cup when she found the net in the 2nd minute of the Wildcats match against fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers. Helen Seed equalised for Rovers before Mille Chandarana put them ahead in the 29th minute. Noonan scored her second goal of the match, this time from the penalty spot, in the 72nd minute to equalise for Durham. The Wildcats were awarded another penalty which Eleanor Ryan-Doyle converted in the 91st minute to secure a late 3-2 win for them. The other Group A match was also an all Championship affair when Sheffield United took on Sunderland. Ellie May gave the Blades the lead in the 7th minute before Emily Scarr equalised for the Lasses on the half-hour mark from the penalty spot. Tara Bourne put United back ahead three minutes later, but it was level at half-time when Mollie Rouse scored Sunderland’s second equaliser in first half stoppage time. The Black Cats made it 3-2 in the 67th minute when Mary Corbyn found the net, and this turned out to be the winner as Mel Reay’s side continued their undefeated start to the season. All the sides in Group B play in the Women’s Super League. The early top two in the league and the only ones with a 100% record so far, Leicester City and Liverpool, took on each other at the Pirelli Stadium. Aimee Palmer gave Leicester the lead in the 35th minute before Natasha Flint equalised for the visitors three minutes into first half stoppage time. Hannah Cain put the Foxes back ahead in the 50th minute and this was the way it remained as Willie Kirk’s side won 2-1. Everton played Manchester City in the other Group B game. Jess Park opened the scoring for City in the 21st minute before Bunny Shaw got their second three minutes into the second half. Toni Duggan scored a consolation goal for the Toffees four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the match, but it was Man City who took the three points with a 2-1 win. Group C features four sides who all play in the Championship, guaranteeing at least one of them a place in the quarter-finals. At Princes Park, London City Lionesses were up against Watford. Annie Rossiter put the Hornets ahead in the 16th minute before Lois Joel equalised five minutes later for the home side. Grace Neville gave the Lionesses the lead four minutes into the second half but Coral-Jade Haines scored a late equaliser for Watford as it finished 2-2. The Golden Girls won the penalty shoot-out to determine who gets an extra point 7-6 with Paige Satchell’s miss for London City Lionesses being decisive. In the other Group C match, there was late drama at The Dripping Pan when Lewes took on Crystal Palace. The Eagles were awarded a penalty which Elise Hughes converted in the 64th minute. Kate Oakley (Lewes’ social media thinks) equalised for the Rooks five minutes into second half stoppage time to take the match to a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Lewes’ goalkeeper Emily Moore turned out to be the hero in the shoot-out making a hat-trick of saves as they won it 2-0 and picked up the extra point. The current bottom side in the WSL, Bristol City, played the one top of the Championship at the moment, Southampton, in Group D. Rachel Furness gave the Robins into the lead in the 34th minute before Lexi Lloyd-Smith equalised for the Saints in the 50th minute. There were no further goals as it finished 1-1. In the shoot-out, City’s Brook Aspin missed the decisive spot kick which meant Southampton won 4-3 and got the extra point. I was at Brisbane Road to watch Tottenham Hotspur play Reading in the other Group D match. WSL side Spurs overcame their Championship opponents with ease as they won 6-0. Zhang Linyan and Kit Graham scored goals in the first half for the home side and Asmita Ale, Ria Percival, Jessica Naz and Martha Thomas added further goals after the break. In Group E, Brighton & Hove Albion travelled to St Andrews to play Championship side Birmingham City. It was the WSL side who won this one 3-0 with the Seagulls goals coming from Charlie Rule, Katie Robinson and Elisabeth Terland. There was another WSL vs Championship clash in the other Group E match as West Ham United took on Charlton Athletic. The Addicks took the lead in the 20th minute when Carla Humphrey found the net. The Hammers came back in the second half though with Emma Harriers getting the equaliser just before the hour mark then Izzy Atkinson put them ahead in the 78th minute. No more goals followed as West Ham won 2-1.

Kelly Chambers looks forward to Reading's upcoming WSL season Back “I wanted to create a challenging environment” says Reading boss Kelly Chambers Kelly Chambers looks forward to Reading's upcoming WSL season Reading FC 29 August 2022 By Finley Chung Reading boss, Kelly Chambers spoke glowingly of her new signings and the ‘challenging environment’ that she wanted to create as the Royals are now only just over a week away from getting their 2022/23 WSL season underway. Looking to build on an eighth place finish last season it was vital the club strengthened in the market. Chambers has certainly made good here and brought in six new faces. American defender, Brooke Hendrix was first through the door back in July, along with fellow defender, Becky Jane. Goalkeeper, Jacqueline Burns, midfielders, Lauren Wade and Diane Caldwell and forward Charlie Wellings have all since joined. Chambers chuckled and mustered “I’m done” , with regard to any more potential signings for her side. “I haven’t had a big turnover of players this season," said the Royals manager referring to the clubs single outgoing, Chloe Peplow, going on loan to Women’s Championship side Crystal Palace. “They’ve really fit into the group like they’ve all been here for a while if I’m honest”, beamed Chambers who is now heading into her seventh year of management with the Berkshire outfit after being appointed back in 2015. Chambers is under no illusion the size of the challenge that Reading face this season with the signings and the budgets all across the WSL growing ever larger. “First and foremost, we want to stay in this league, we are the only Championship club in the league and we know it’s going to be a challenge year on year competing with the budgets other sides have got, but we also want to finish higher than we placed last year”. Reading kick off their season against newly promoted Liverpool on September 11th at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and the anticipated crowd is set to be a record for the team. “Off the back of the Euros, everyone is so excited to have the season to start. The work that’s been put in behind the scenes to make it a record attendance has been phenomenal and we are so excited to open the season at home and step out in-front of our fans.” The success of the Lionesses at the European Championships this year is certainly being felt across the game with Chambers adding, “we want it to grow, we want these pressure that comes with it, we’re going to see a jump now off the back of the Euro’s but for us, it’s the enjoyment of people coming to watch the team in person and it’s up to us to keep the crowds coming.” Fran Kirby celebrating a goal for Reading An integral member of the national side is former Reading star Fran Kirby, who, after signing for the club at the age of seven played 42 times across three years. Kirby is at the forefront of the Reading Player Pathway, which for both the Men’s and Women’s sides, has a history of producing talented footballers. Chambers revealed she text Kirby the words ‘dreams do come true’ after Kirby's selection for, and subsequent performance in, the Euro’s. A dream of both Kirby's and her late mother. The player pathway has brought several talented players into the first team set up, such as Tia Primmer, Emma Harries and Bethan Roberts in recent years, with fellow academy graduate and goalkeeper, Grace Moloney clocking up over 200 appearances for the club. The Royals will be making use of the player pathway again this season with Chambers confirming that Maddie Perry and Freya Tuson-Meadows will be part of the first team squad for the forthcoming season. It’s clear to see that both manager and club are aligned in their vision, with Chambers signing off “now I’ve got the squad to have challenges, first and foremost we want to build on last season and see how far we can go”. News

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Becky Spencer signs two year deal Back Becky Spencer pens new deal Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Becky Spencer signs two year deal Tottenham Hotspur 22 May 2022 Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Becky Spencer has signed a new deal that will see her remain with the North London club until 2024. The 31-year-old has been a regular starter between the sticks for Spurs having made over 50 appearances across the last three seasons. On her new contract, Spencer said, “the direction the Club is going in, the staff, players, and fans made the decision really easy for me. I feel comfortable here, it’s like a home. Where we are now is incredible and I can’t wait to see what is to come.” News

Demi Stokes Position Left Back D.O.B 12/12/1991 Club Manchester City via Sky Sports

Lionesses allow Canada to skip ahead with two errors. Friendly: England 0 - 2 Canada Back Lionesses allow Canada to skip ahead with two errors. Lionesses Tuesday, 13 April 2021 By Charlotte Stacey On the 10th Anniversary of the Women’s Super League the Lionesses lined up to play their final friendly before the selection for the upcoming Olympic games. After their 3-1 defeat to France, England had to prove themselves, not only for their places in Team GB, but to their supporters who have been patiently waiting for, and intently willing, their team to regain their confidence after a poor run of form. The Canadian side they were to face was one that would be challenging, not only due to the quality their players possess, but also as former England assistant coach Bev Priestman was at the helm. Captain for the night, Millie Bright, led the Lionesses out of the tunnel ahead of the game in which a convincing performance was sought. It was a mere 180 seconds after the opening whistle blew when England found themselves chasing the game. Canada’s Janine Beckie made a driving run through the middle before releasing a pass that was collected by England left back, Demi Stokes. Stokes took a heavy touch towards goalkeeper Carly Telford, as Canadian forward Eveylne Viens muscled through on the mis-controlled ball. Viens made no mistake in taking advantage of the error and put the visitors in front early on. England, needing an equaliser to rid the effect of beginning a game on the back foot, begin to press as Georgia Stanway took the first of her three long range strikes. A free kick on the right side of the area then gave Jordan Nobbs the opportunity to float in a decent cross, and she did just that. Yet no one is able to connect with the delivery and Canada cleared the ball away from Bethany England’s threat. By the twenty-five-minute mark England had begun to build some more promising packages of play. Passes in triangles through the middle between Fran Kirby, Lauren Hemp and Nobbs allowed a time of possession, and Georgia Stanway, playing in an unfamiliar holding midfield role, was able to begin to springboard play out to either side. Yet, as was to occur until the very end, Canada’s resolute defensive play did not give England an inch to manoeuvre anything much further than that. Another set piece for England and Nobbs stepped up to the plate once again. This time the Arsenal midfielder fired in a tasty shot that was ultimately tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper, Stephanie Labbe. Canada then roused with a dangerous spell of their own as the pacey Deanne Rose managed to beat out Rachel Daly and Bright down the right-hand side to feed a ball into Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming. In reaction, England substitute, Alex Greenwood, sent a curling ball down the line to meet a well-positioned Kirby. Although Kirby was unable to do much with the intended play, it was refreshing to see England move the ball with some imagination as little had been created so far. The half drew to a close with Canada still leading from their early goal. The Lionesses started the second half brighter than the first. Within five minutes, and after some quick passes around the ‘D’, Nobbs had sent a high ball into the box that was met by England, however the resulting header was collected comfortably by Labbe. The visitors then switched it up and brought a tirade of attacking play to the hosts. Notably, Leah Williamson put in a timely challenge to deny Canada breaking through, yet a number of aerial balls remained undealt with by the English defence. England, then with an attacking play of their own, called for a penalty after Nobbs toppled over in the area. Penalty denied and the Lionesses, as in their previous match, were caught out in transition. Nichelle Prince was able to drive the ball down the field, eventually she was closed down by Williamson and Karen Bardsely collected the loose ball. Nobbs, sensing a Canadian dominance, then took the opportunity to stretch their line. After picking up the ball in her own half, Nobbs carried it forward before lining up her pass into the area. Ella Toone was unable to pick the ball up as projected and the chance fell away. The next real chance of the game came with just ten minutes to go. Hemp pinched the ball from the midfield and ran it through the middle toward goal. Hemp was just about able to strike the ball before Vanessa Gilles blocked the shot. Just a couple of minutes later Hemp was on the receiving end of a nasty head collision. The winger remained down whilst being checked over by medical staff as the Lionesses took this time to take on some needed tactical advice from the touchlines. However, as play resumed another blunder at the back meant Canada doubled their lead. A pass back to Bardsley from Bright was not cleared quick enough by the keeper and Prince softly tapped the ball across the line from under Bardsley’s feet. Full time, England 0 – 2 Canada. Once again supporters were to end up disappointed with their team’s performance. Despite positive spells of possession and a working midfield with some quick and intricate passing, the Lionesses did not take the opportunities they grafted to create. Canada’s holding double pivot, made up of Desree Scott and Quinn, made it increasingly difficult for England to progress any higher than the middle third. Lauren Hemp did have some luck along the wing. Yet once experienced defender, Ashley Lawrence, caught wind of Hemp’s tendency to take play on the outside, crosses that would usually channel in from the left became few and far between. In fact, it seemed that Alex Greenwood’s long curling ball toward Fran Kirby was about the most creative play that England could muster. This is not to say that there were not other pleasing aspects of the game. Georgia Stanway put in an excellent shift as a defensive midfielder and remained positionally disciplined to allow partner, Jordan Nobbs, to push forward. Similarly, centre back’s, Millie Bright and Leah Williamson looked to be working as a more unified partnership in holding a firmer back line than they did in the previous fixture. However, defensive mistakes were once again made. Aerial threats were not dispelled and mindless mistakes cost a game, that for the most part, remained a fairly even match. It is these disconcerting errors that if permitted to continue, will creep in to and become the very bones of this capable team. England Team: Telford (45’), Daly (64’), Bright (C), Williamson, Stokes (31’), Nobbs, Stanway, Kirby (45’), Parris (79’), England (64’), Hemp England Substitutes: Bardsley (GK) (45’), Roebuck (GK), MacIver (GK), Bronze (64’), Turner, Charles, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Greenwood (31’), Walsh, Scott, Toone (45’), Kelly (64’), White (79’), Mead Canada Team: Labbe (GK), Chapman, Zadorsky, Gilles, Lawrence, Scott (C) (65’), Quinn (81’), Beckie, Fleming, Rose (58’), Viens (58’) Canada Substitutes: McLeod (GK), Foster (GK), Grosso, Riviere (65’), Huitema (58’), Schmidt (81’), Carle, Prince (58’), Listro, Rose, Agnew, Chang, Lacasse, Stratigakis, Hellstrom Goals: Viens – 3’ Prince – 86’ Yellow Cards: Zadorsky

Thoughts on: Daniëlle van de Donk Thoughts on: Daniëlle van de Donk van de Donk Back 21 June 2021 By Charlotte Stacey van de Dangerous Edward Payne After six successful seasons with the Arsenal, Daniëlle van de Donk has confirmed her move to French giants Olympique Lyonnais. The Dutch midfielder lifted one WSL trophy, an FA Cup and two Conti Cups during her time in England, establishing herself a key figure in the gunner’s intricate midfield. Van de Donk scored a fair 45 goals in 142 appearances, the largest number of appearances of any overseas player in Arsenal’s history. Crafty. This is the word that immediately springs to mind when one pores over van de Donk’s guileful game. She is crafty, in every sense. A wreaker of havoc with all the tricks and flicks to assure she is so without hesitation. Weaving in and out of oppositions with the intent to cause some damage, van de Donk reinforces her clever movement with a surprise or two up her sleeve. Brazen in her approach, van de Donk teases games of cat and mouse, riling the calmest of feathers on her wily warpath. There is a feistiness, an almost scrappy determination to stamp her impression and an antagonistic audacity to leave in the poison after she has stung. Yet this fiery nature can sometimes result in trouble and van de Donk has been known to argue the toss when she deems decisions unfair. Perhaps it is a red mist, perhaps not, but there is certainly a fire within that keeps all those around her on their toes. Yet, in a twist as unpredictable as those perilous feet, when another suffers a dangerous challenge, it is van de Donk that so firmly stands beside them. Teammate, opposition, even an official, it does not matter, van de Donk personally ensures the wellbeing of those around her. Perhaps that red mist is not so red after all. Despite her gutsy nature van de Donk is not a troublesome player. Although the blindingly obvious passion she radiates may get her hot under the collar every now and again, van de Donk offers far more than the ability to bring it both barrels each and every time. Her attacking skillset lends her nicely to build-up play with her movements often key to the creation of chances. Girls on the Ball Excelling when located high in the middle third, van de Donk is able to unlock defences with her astute positioning. Whether she is on the ball or not, van de Donk works to draw to in opponents which in turn opens up space for her teammates. Tirelessly putting in the ground work to swoop in on loose balls and dispossess high up the pitch, van de Donk uses her pace to quickly break lines and take oppositions off balance. Van de Donk is also notable for her visionary intelligence. With just a quick glance she is able to sweep the blueprint of the pitch and pick out the most valuable pass or progressive carry. She is slick with her dribbling and is able to cover significant distances with the ball at her feet before releasing it with accuracy. Her contribution to shot and goal creation cannot be downplayed. With an obvious attacking flair, it has perhaps been slightly disappointing that in her final season with the Arsenal van de Donk has not been able to fully practice this, having been stationed in a deeper role. It has also been quite apparent she has not received the game time she likely sought and plausibly deserved. When accumulating these factors alongside a contract termination and an offer from one of the world’s most prolific clubs, Lyon, it is not wholly unexpected that van de Donk took the decision to leave North London. What van de Donk leaves behind at the Arsenal is more than just a number on a team sheet. She leaves a never-ending appetite, a lust for success, as well as some hypothetically big shoes to fill. Lyon have landed themselves an excellent recruit and one can bet in their bid to retake France. With van de Donk on side, their midfield just became a little more dangerous.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Leah Williamson Arsenal centre-back and England captain Leah Williamson will most likely adopt her traditional centre-back role going forward. After trialling a period in midfield, it looks as though Williamson will be positioned in the backline for the time being. With that being said, her progressive nature and exceptional ball playing skill, could see her assume a variation of the number 6 role alongside Keira Walsh depending on Wiegman’s tactics for each game. By and large, what Williamson offers Wiegman is flexibility. Having a player that can be used equally well in the backline and in midfield means a greater number of formations become realistically usable. Williamson is decisive and rational; a player who is largely purposeful with every touch. The Arsenal thoroughbred harbours quality passing abilities, so much so that in fact, she could easily be regarded as one of the best in the world at filtering progressive passes from back to front. The benefits of having Williamson on the field are endless; from leadership and tact, to playmaking and quality possession. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Willie Kirk on the challenge of Manchester City, lengths of added time, sitting joint top and more Back Leicester City are "moving in the right direction" says Kirk Willie Kirk on the challenge of Manchester City, lengths of added time, sitting joint top and more Leicester City FC 20 October 2023 By Finley Chung Leicester City boss Willie Kirk spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of his sides game this Saturday evening against Manchester City, The Foxes have made a blinding start to life this term following their great escape from relegation in 2022/23. A 4-2 hammering of Bristol City, a narrow 1-0 win over Everton and a brilliant point in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, The Scot’s side have certainly got off to a good start this time around. Naturally, Leicester weren’t expected to be sat joint top even this early into the campaign with the draw against United a particularly eye opening result and one that Kirk wasn’t going to get carried away with. “The United game in isolation was a lot of good things but it also gave us a lot of working on points. We found a way to hang in there, the players changed the approach and the second half we were much, much better. “It’s a great reference point for us in that we need to start games like that and sustain it for ninety minutes if we want to get a result.” Last weekend more than most, added time was a topic of discussion, with twelve added minutes at The Emirates and seventeen added on overall at Leigh Sports Village. Kirk, however: appeared encouraged by the new rule. “I’m all for it, sometimes last season we were playing games where the ball was in play for 55 minutes, that’s not what I want. I guess the directive has changed in terms of getting exact timings which I am fine with, it;’s what the fans want too as they want value for money. We can’t be having a world where 55 minute matches are acceptable.” Alongside Leicester, their opponents on Saturday, Manchester City have had a blistering start to life in the Women’s Super League. Conceding just once, in the eventful draw with Chelsea, City have beaten Bristol City 5-0 and West Ham 2-0 either side of that with their only new recruit from the summer, Jill Roord relentlessly pulling the strings in the middle for the Cityzens. “We’ve prepared for lots of quality, physically good. I think they’ve slightly changed and they’ve become a bit more direct at times. It’s been difficult to fully analyse them because of the sending offs, the first 70 minutes against West Ham. The Chelsea game was really difficult to analyse, which we only could do up until the Alex Greenwood red card and the Bristol (city) game was just waves of attack, I don’t think Man City had a goal kick. “It’s hard to analyse the basis of those three games, but what we do know is that they’re a top team and Gareth’s a top manager and I’ve got a lot of respect for him. It’s about nullifying their patterns and threats and bringing our strengths to the table and seeing what we can do.” With the greatest respect, what Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have shown everyone in the last two seasons is that the so called ‘smaller sides’ can really mix it with the WSL big boys and even though the seasons race is only a few furrows in, Leicester could be the next in that line, but Kirk isn’t carried away. “I think the only message it’ll send is that we’re moving in the right direction, Yeah, we’ll be aiming to win the game first of all and if we don’t win it, how can we get a draw. That’s what we’re setting down as a bare minimum of trying to get points from every game. It’s difficult to do that all the time but it’s something we’re adding into our routine. In terms of sending messages out to the top four, we’re probably not in the position to do that yet.” News

Stevenage earn a 2-0 win over stout Wroxham Back Match Report Stevenage v Wroxham Stevenage earn a 2-0 win over stout Wroxham Edward Payne 5 December 2022 By Edward Payne Goals from Amy Makewell and Kelsey Millen ensured all three points for Stevenage in a comfortable league outing on Sunday. The result meant that Boro kept pace with AFC Sudbury and Needham Market in the chase for league leaders Luton. Despite the dominance of Stevenage, chances were at a premium. Going forward, everything came down the right hand side with captain Lucy Webster and Player of the Match Millen at the heart of it. Makewell, who was playing in her 80th match for Stevenage, had the best of the early chances, both of which missed the target. Millen also had a great one-on-one battle with Cyan Fullbrook in the Wroxham goal, which the ‘keeper won this time. When the first goal finally came, it was from a superb cross by Hannah Nebbitt out on the left. The ball fell kindly for Makewell who got enough contact with the ball to poke it across the line and give Boro the advantage they deserved. Stevenage switched things around at half time, introducing Susan Uwaifo and Shianne Swarres, the latter of whom was returning from a two-month layoff. Uwaifo thought she had scored the second goal of the game when she was fouled on the edge of the box, only to regain her footing and slide the ball home. The referee however, had other ideas and had already blown his whistle, leaving Becky Shephard to test Fullbrook from the resulting free kick. She did, but the goalkeeper kept it out. Photo: Edward Payne Just before the hour, Millen received the ball on the right and lofted a superb effort over Fullbrook’s head, but also the bar. It took fourteen minutes for Millen to perfect it. A marauding run by Emily Schofield put Boro in a strong attacking position. Her ball to Uwaifo was perfect, who in turn held the ball well before sending Millen free on the right. She entered the box and repeated her earlier trick, only this time, the net bulged. The remaining minutes saw Makewell return to the pitch and come close to extending the lead further. Swarres saw an audacious lob in the top corner agonisingly kept out as Fullbrook pushed it against the post and cleared. The crowd even saw the ball surf the crossbar, but there was no third goal. Uwaifo did find herself booked, as did Boro manager Fadi Mazloum, for reasons best known to the referee. It leaves Borough with two massive home league ties before Christmas. Next week, they face fellow title chasers Needham Market, before an even bigger test in Luton Town. Stevenage: O’Brien, Webster (c), Neal, Farmer, Nebbitt, Price, Southby, Shephard, Millen, Makewell, Bellinger Subs: Swarres, Greenwood, Bodily, Uwaifo, Schofield. Goals: Makewell, Millen Yellow Card: Uwaifo