Search Results

Bristol City draw level with Southampton in front of 3600 strong crowd at Ashton Gate Back Match Report WC: Bristol City v Southampton Bristol City draw level with Southampton in front of 3600 strong crowd at Ashton Gate via Bristol City 28 September 2022 By Paul Donegan The points were shared between Bristol City and Southampton as the match between them finished 1-1 on Sunday at Ashton Gate. City took the lead during a first half in which they were the better side when Ffion Morgan scored. Southampton equalised soon after half time with Beth Lumsden scoring the goal. Both sides had chances after that but there were no more goals. Bristol City came into the match having won their first three games in the Championship, sitting top of the table and get to concede a goal. They made one change from their last match, a 1-0 win over Sunderland, with Ffion Morgan coming in for Jesse Woolley. Southampton had four points from their first three games and had an impressive 2-1 away win against Crystal Palace in their last match. They made two changes from that victory with Alice Griffiths and Ciara Watling replacing Leeta Rutherford and Paige Peake. Abi Harrison had the first chance for the home side in the 3rd minute but put the effort well wide of target. Harrison had another effort at goal two minutes later which was deflected on its way through and saved by Kayla Rendell. Aimee Palmer had The Robins next opportunity but sent a shot from distance over in the 7h minute. Bristol City were having chances every couple of minutes in the early stages. A low cross from Emily Syme was put behind for a corner in the 9th minute, and then Shania Hayles was just unable to get a touch on Harrison’s cross in front of goal in the 11th minute. A minute later, Morgan sent a cross onto the roof of the net, and Syme saw an effort go wide another minute on. Following the first 13 minutes, the game went through a quieter spell chance wise until the 28th minute when Harrison’s shot from 25-yards was saved by Rendell. Bristol City did take the lead in the 29th minute when Harrison sent a nice through ball to Morgan who took a touch and then sent a right-footed shot into the corner of the net. They had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 33rd minute when Morgan sent in a cross to Harrison but Rendell made a great save to keep the ball out. Southampton had their first chance of the match in the 37th minute but Katie Wilkinson saw her long-range shot caught easily by Fran Bentley. There were no more chances in the first half as Bristol City went in at half time deservedly ahead. Two minutes into the second half, Southampton equalised. Ella Morris put in a lovely cross which was finished first time by Lumsden from about 10-yards out for her first goal for the club and the first conceded by Bristol City this season. In the 50th minute, the home side had the next chance when Morgan saw an effort blocked after being played through. Wilkinson shot well wide for The Saints in the 60th minute. Six minutes later, Hayles saw a volleyed effort blocked from close range by Southampton defender Laura Rafferty. The second half was proving to be a lot more even than the first with opportunities at both ends. Palmer spotted the Southampton goalkeeper off the line in the 69th minute and sent a long-range lob towards goal but Rendell got back to touch the effort onto the crossbar. Southampton’s next chance came in the 76th minute when Wilkinson turned in the box but the effort was blocked by Lia Cataldo. Bristol City had a couple of penalty appeals for handball turned down in quick succession after that. Both sides went looking for a winner in the last 10 minutes. Bentley made a good save in the 83rd minute to push behind Lumsden’s low shot from the edge of the area. Five minutes later, Morgan’s shot from 25 yards was easily saved by Rendell. Wilkinson saw a long-range effort blocked in the 90th minute. The home side had the last chances of the match in additional time. Morgan was played through and manged to get a shot away whilst it looked like she was being pulled back but Rendell rushed out to block it. Then a cross from The Robins went right across goal but no one could get on the end of it. The final whistle went just after that and both sides had to settle for a point. Another good away result for Southampton though. A great attendance of 3,637 had been at Ashton Gate to watch. The result does keep Bristol City unbeaten and top of the Championship by a point from Charlton and Crystal Palace. Their next league match is away to Sheffield United on the 16th October. Before that, they play Palace at home in the Conti Cup next Sunday. Southampton are in seventh place with five points. They play Coventry United away in the Conti Cup next weekend. Their next league game is on 17th October when they are at home to Birmingham City. Line ups Bristol City: Bentley, Bruce, Powell, Layzell, Cataldo, Syme (Teisar 90’+2’), Palmer (c) (C. Bull 72’), Mustaki, Morgan, Harrison, Hayles (Woolley 78’) Unused substitutes : Clark, Boddy, Hutton, J. Bull, Wilde Goal – Morgan 29’ Southampton: Rendell, Collett, Rafferty, Parnell (C), Ward (Mott 46’), Morris, Watling (Rutherford 78’), Griffiths, Lloyd-Smith (Wynne 78’), Lumsden (Pusey 90’+2’), Wilkinson (Williams 90’+2’) Unused substitutes: Harris, Freeland Goal – Lumsden 47’ Referee – Ella Broad Attendance – 3,637

Bronze Rules by Simon Mugford Bronze Rules Bronze Rules by Simon Mugford Is Lucy Bronze your ultimate football heroine? The current England lionesses vice-captain is a three-time Women's Champions League champion with superclub Lyon. She is a two-time French League winner and also earned third place for England at the Women's World Cup in 2015. Playing in her best position as a roving right-back, Bronze loves to get forward on the pitch and has scored some sensational volleys in huge matches for club and country! Her story is one of defying the odds: she overcame career-threatening knee injuries and was told she would never again play for England to become one of the finest and most-decorated English players in women's football. An inspiration to young girls and boys alike. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bronze-Rules-Simon-Mugford/dp/178312637X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F4PVQZ9EFG0A&keywords=bronze+rules&qid=1685728318&s=books&sprefix=bronze+rule%2Cstripbooks%2C126&sr=1-1

FA Women's National League fourth-tier club Moneyfields FC announces equal pay model Moneyfields FC announce equal pay for men's and women's team Saturday, 18 May 2024 Stuart Barker FA Women's National League fourth-tier club Moneyfields FC announces equal pay model Tom Phillips Following a successful season where our men’s team won the Velocity Wessex Premier Division, our women’s team was victorious in the PDFA Women’s Senior Cup and our season also included a record-breaking run into the Fourth Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. Everyone involved at Moneyfields Football Club is excited to share that for the 2024/25 season, we are taking huge steps towards equality with us now having finance to take the players semi-professional. The club has been building to this day by increasing the women’s budget each season, with the club’s board being inspired by the Lionesses’ European Championships victory in 2022. This is another step towards pay parity between the men’s and women's teams. First Team Manager, Karl Watson, said, “I’m extremely proud that Moneyfields Football Club is committed to moving towards a Parity & Equality model. “Our players can now look forward to becoming semi-professional paid players. The players have the same jobs and financial and domestic burdens, so it is only right that we strive to move towards Parity & Equality. “Don’t get me wrong it’s not a full-time salary by any stretch but it is a huge step in the right direction. Of all the things that we’ve achieved at this club I think this is the one I’m most proud of.” Charley Wilson-Wilton. Photo: Tom Phillips Captain, Charley Wilson-Wilton added, “I have been in the game for a long time now and I still remember having to pay considerable sums just to be able to play, much like many players are still doing today. “At that point in my career, I’ll be honest, I didn’t see a time when I would be paid to do what I love. We have seen the likes of Lewes set the tone for equality and I’m proud that my club recognises the value of its women’s team and is moving towards a parity and equality model. “With this increased investment there will also be added pressure but as the Billie Jean King quote goes, pressure is a privilege.” Moneyfields Women begin their 2024/25 season at the end of August and expect to have moved into their newly refurbished home, the John Jenkins stadium in time for the start of pre-season. Check out the progress here . By ensuring equal pay, Moneyfields can truly be a club for all within the community, regardless of gender, and continue to grow and thrive.

Chelsea reign supreme in 7-0 thrashing Back Match Report Crystal Palace suffer crushing defeat at Selhurst Park Chelsea reign supreme in 7-0 thrashing Ryan Asman 28 September 2024 Paul Donegan Chelsea thrashed Crystal Palace 7-0 on Friday evening to make it two wins out of two in the Women’s Super League this season. Guro Reiten scored twice whilst Aggie Beever-Jones, Lucy Bronze, Lauren James, Nathalie Bjorn and Catarina Macario also found the net for the Blues. 5,047 supporters were at Selhurst Park to watch the Eagles first home game in the WSL. James’ early Chelsea effort was deflected into goalkeepers hands, whilst at the other end, Katie Stengle got onto Fliss Gibbons great long ball forward and shot across goal and wide. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd played the ball back to Beever-Jones but it was scrambled behind for a corner. In the 7th minute, James cut in from the right and sent a shot over as the visitors had more opportunities. Chelsea had the ball in the net in 11th minute but referee Emily Heaslip blew her whistle as the ball was on its way in for a potential head injury to Katrine Veje. The Blues were having to get through 11 Palace players behind the ball when they attacked, and it took to the 19th minute for them to have a shot at goal when Shae Yanez saved Rytting Kaneryd’s shot. After a Chelsea defensive mistake, Indiah-Paige Riley had the hosts first effort on target two minutes later which Hannah Hampton kept out. James immediately had another chance for the away side but fired this one wide. Erin Cuthbert had their next effort at goal in the 28th minute but Yanez claimed the shot easily. On occasions when Palace attacked, the final pass or decision was letting them down. Bronze fired over from 25-yards as the Blues struggled to break down the hosts defence. Chelsa did take the lead in the 38th minute when after the home side lost the ball, they counter-attacked quickly and Rytting Kaneryd’s cross found Beever-Jones who finished from 12 yards. Palace had a chance to equalise in the 42nd minute but Annabel Blanchard’s sidefooted effort went just wide. This turned out to be the final opportunity of the first half. Photo: Ryan Asman Bronze made it 2-0 to Chelsea three minutes into the second half when a cross was headed out to her and first time she riffled into the top corner of the net from just inside the area to score her first goal for the Blues. In the 58th minute, James tapped in near enough on the goalline to score the visitors third finishing a low cross from second half substitute Mayra Ramirez. Blanchard had the Eagles first chance of the second half in 61st minute but her low effort trickled through into Hampton’s hands. Ashley Lawrence got forward on the left-hand side but shot over as the away side looked to extend their lead further. Stengel saw another chance go just the wrong side of the post for Palace in the 68th minute. Stengel couldn’t get on the end of Josie Green’s dangerous shortly after but the assistants flag was up for offside anyway. Chelsea scored a fourth in the 74th minute when Reiten’s low shot found the net after some nice build up involving Beever-Jones, Eve Perisset, Macario and Wieke Kaptein. Four minutes later and it was 5-0 when Bjorn found space at the far post and got on the end of Macario’s corner. Reiten added a sixth for Chelsea and scored her second of the night in the final minute of the 90 with the Norwegian international finishing with a low shot. There was still time for the Blues to score a seventh when Yanez kept out Ramirez’s initial effort but Macario put the rebound into the net to wrap up the dominant win. Chelsea have made a good start to the season under new manager Sonia Bompastor having won both their games, scoring eight goals and yet to concede. Crystal Palace haven’t scored yet in either of their defeats and let in 11 goals but they did have chances in this match against the defending champions and Laura Kaminski’s side will have to take those in other games, and tighten up in defence, if they are going to survive in the WSL. Line ups Crystal Palace (5-4-1): Y anez, Gibbons, Veje, Everett (c), Woodham, Green (Larkin 79’), Geji, Cato, Blanchard (Weerden 90’+1), Riley (Sharpe 53’), Stengel (Pritchard 90’+1) Unused substitutes: Maj-Majasaari, Arthur, Atkinson Booked – Blanchard Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Hampton, Lawrence (Baltimore 64’), Bjorn, Bright (c), Bronze (Perisset 64’), Nusken (Macario 71’), James, Reiten, Cuthbert (Kaptein 54’), Rytting Kaneryd (Ramirez 54’), Beever-Jones Unused substitutes: Musovic, Hamano, Mpome, Buchanan Goals – Beever-Jones 38’, Bronze 48’, James 58’, Reiten 74’, 90’, Bjorn 78’, Macario 90’+5 Booked – James Referee – Emily Heaslip Attendance – 5,047

Stevenage leave it until the dying minutes to net two goals in a 2-1 victory over a disappointed Wroxham side Back Match Report Wroxham v Stevenage Stevenage leave it until the dying minutes to net two goals in a 2-1 victory over a disappointed Wroxham side Simon Gooderham 4 May 2023 By Barry Rust An entertaining game at Trafford park saw Stevenage FCW once again leave it late to overcome the hosts Wroxham on Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division. The five times Hertfordshire County Cup winners saw a plethora of chances come and go but after dropping behind to an outstanding goal by Holly Walker, it took an inspired intervention from Jodie Bellinger and Tilly Fidler to help rescue the points, much to the despair of the home side. Megan Gowing would have been forgiven for thinking she was playing against more than eleven players with the number of opportunities created by Stevenage in the first half, but her positioning was such that she rarely seemed troubled. Efforts flew in from last week’s heroes Amy Gooderham and Vicky Neal, but Gowing was equal to the first and not needed for the second. Kelsey Millen was having a fruitful time down the Boro’ right, as she attempted to add to her assist tally for the season. Becky Shephard was first to try her luck with Gowing again in the right place to catch the ball with ease. Nicole Farmer saw a good free kick sail just over the bar before Lucy Webster sent a good ball in to Gooderham who was foiled by Gowing once again. Shephard, Millen and Rosy Wodhams all saw efforts come and go before the end of the half, all of which either missed the target, was stopped by Gowing or saw solid defending from the home side. It was a half that was dominated by the visitors, but yet the home side had never really looked like conceding. The second half saw four changes for Boro’. Within three minutes the first real clear cut opportunity arrived as Emily Schofield saw her cross from the right travel tantalisingly in front of Erin Price. A touch would have surely seen a goal, but the ball was narrowly missed and the home side survived the scare. Photo: Simon Gooderham The Wroxham left still seemed to be the source of Boro’s joy, with Ellie Overton effectively shutting down the opposite flank. Top scorer Amy Makewell saw her first chance come down this side as the ball from Mia O’Brien bounced once and Makewell took a snap shot that flew wide of the post. A scramble in the box was the next obstacle for Wroxham to survive, which they did well before setting up a counter attack that required some unbelievable tracking back from Neal to defend. Walker had the home side’s best opportunity, but the ball was not on target. It was a warning sign that Wroxham could catch Boro’ out with a break, one that would repeat itself twenty minutes later. Makewell saw her best effort, a first time volley in the area, saved by Gowing and a free kick that was awarded to Stevenage for holding the ball for too long was sent straight into the wall. Grace Brooks nearly scored from another free kick and Schofield saw her effort after cutting inside from the left, turned around the post by Gowing. With Boro’ searching for the opening goal, Wroxham started to push themselves. A short purple patch saw Walker turn her defender, shift the ball to her left and create an opening for an absolute rocket into the top corner that no goalkeeper in the world would have stopped. Wroxham were ahead, against the run of play. If the County Cup had taught the viewing public anything, it was that Stevenage’ do not give in. And so the story continued. With two minutes remaining Boro’ earned a free kick right of centre inside the Wroxham half. Webster delivered an inch perfect ball for Bellinger to rise highest and head the ball low into the bottom corner for the equaliser. Photo: Simon Gooderham Stevenage were not content and searched for more, with the bit between their teeth. Wroxham too sensed a chance to snatch victory and their ball to set the attacker free was adjudged offside, a decision that although seemingly controversial, was proven to be spot on upon viewing the replay. This free kick, just inside the Boro’ half, was taken by Webster. Her ball into the box bounced once before Bellinger pulled the trigger only to see the ball cannon off the crossbar. Despair turned to elation as the rebound fell at an awkward height for Fidler to send the ball into the net and break Wroxham hearts. It may have felt cruel to the players who had worked so hard, but the result itself was hard to argue against as manager Dave Perry said afterwards “We spent ninety minutes peppering the goal and we didn’t get the breakthrough. Wroxham played their part and hung in there but we have a very good squad and they kept plugging away. It’s a long coach journey if you lose!” It may still have been long with the win, but it was certainly a happier one. Wroxham XI: Gowing, Bradford, Densley, Kett, Hodgson, Overton, Russell (c), Robson, Bullard, Catchpole, O’Neill Subs: Olive, Fullbrook, Walker Goal: Walker Bookings: Kett, O’Neill Stevenage XI: O’Brien, Neal, Webster (c), Farmer, Nebbitt, Bodily, Price, Wodhams, Shephard, Millen, Gooderham Subs: Fidler, Makewell, Bellinger, Brooks, Schofield Goals: Bellinger, Fidler

All the latest news from the Women's Super League Back WSL Latest News All the latest news from the Women's Super League LCFC Women 16 July 2024 By Paul Donegan Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that Dario Vidosic will become their new head coach having signed a contract until 2027. Vidosic joins Albion from A-League side Melbourne City who he led to the league title last season. His playing career saw him turn out for clubs in Australia, Germany, New Zealand, China, India and Switzerland as well as winning 23 caps for Australia. Joining the Seagulls with him as assistant manager is Chris Roberts, formally of Everton. Vidosic will come to the UK once his work permit is processed. Leicester City have announced the appointment of Amandine Miquel as their new first team manager. Miquel has signed a three-year contract after seven years with French Premiere Ligue side Stade de Reims. The 40-year-old guided Reims to a fourth-place finish in the league last season. On joining the Foxes, Miquel said, “I am very excited for this new project. Right now, the WSL is one of the best leagues in the world and it’s the place to be. I am very pleased that I have the opportunity to be here”. Japanese defender Risa Shimizu has joined Manchester City where she has signed a three-year contract. The 28-year-old had spent the last two seasons with West Ham United where she made 44 appearances and scored one goal and has previously won trophies with Tokyo Verdy Beleza. She has won 78 caps for Japan and featured at the Olympics and World Cups. After joining the Cityzens, the full-back commented, “first of all, it will be a challenge, but one I’m ready for. City play football with a high possession style, which I like. I think I’m technically good and calm with the ball in possession, so I think I’ll play well in City’s style”. Manchester United have announced the permanent signing of France international Melvine Malard on a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season. The forward spent last season on loan at United from Lyon and she made 29 appearances and scored seven goals. Malard remarked, “I am very happy to make my stay here at Manchester United permanent, after this great club and this great city became my home last season. Here I felt loved. Thank you to the fans for welcoming me so well, I will do what it takes to give you even more than last season and I look forward to more winning seasons together.” Katie Robinson has signed for Aston Villa on a two-year deal following the expiry of her contract with Brighton & Hove Albion. The 21-year-old made 68 appearances and scored 10 goals for the Seagulls after making her senior debut in 2020. She spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship side Charlton Athletic. The forward has won five senior England caps and was part of the squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Villans Manager Robert de Pawu believes Robinson is “a player who can be a difference-maker in games”. Aston Villa have signed Spanish international Paula Tomas from Levante for an undisclosed fee. The left-back has joined on a two-year deal, with the option for a further year. The 22-year-old has won two senior caps. The Villans manager Robert de Pauw said, “Paula is a young and versatile player that can play as a full-back on both sides. She is able to defend well and also go up the flanks in attack. I think she will bring intelligence and determination to the team. I’m happy the club were able to bring her here.” Dutch defender Marit Auee has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion, joining them from FC Twente. The 22-year-old won an Eredivisie title, the Dutch FA Cup, two super Cups and two Eredivisie League Cups during her two seasons with Twente. Auee has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels. It has been confirmed that Scotland international Rachel McLauchlan has joined Brighton & Hove Albion. The defender had spent the last three seasons with SWPL side Rangers and has also played for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Aberdeen, Hibernian, Yeovil Town and Glasgow City. McLauchlan has won numerous honours during her career including two Scottish titles and five Scottish FA Cups. The 27-year-old has made 23 appearances for her country since making her international debut in 2016. West Ham United have announced the signing of Chile international Camila Saez on a two-year contract. The defender joins the Hammers after leaving Madrid CFF at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. She won titles in her native Chile before moving to play in Spain in 2017. 29-year-old Saez has been capped 71 times by her county and was in squads for the 2019 World Cup and Tokyo Olympics. On joining, Saez said, “I’m really excited to be here and I hope to repay the trust the club have shown to bring me to east London.” Bex Rayner has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion after leaving Championship side Sheffield United. The midfielder had two spells with the Blades and made over 100 appearances for them. The 24-year-old came through Leeds United’s academy before joining Doncaster Rovers Belles where she won the WSL 2 title in 2018. 19-year-old goalkeeper Hannah Poulter has joined Brighton & Hove Albion, signing her first professional contract. Poulter came through Reading’s academy, featuring on the bench for the Royals senior team aged just 16, and spent the last year in the United States playing for the University of Southern California. She has represented England at youth levels and is in the under-19 squad for the upcoming Euros in Lithuania. Crystal Palace have announced that Elise Hughes has signed a new two-year contract with an option of a further year. The Wales international joined the Eagles in 2022 and has made 52 appearances and scored 30 goals in all competitions for them. Hughes won the Championship Golden Boot last season when she found the net 16 times in the league as Palace won the title. The 23-year-old ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in their penultimate game of the season and has already undergone surgery and started her rehabilitation. Fliss Gibbons has signed a new one-year contract with Crystal Palace ahead of their first season in the WSL. The full back joined them in 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion and has made 40 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles. Gibbons recorded a league-leading eight assists as Palace won the Championship last season. Chelsea have announced that 18-year-old academy defender Greta Humphries has signed her first professional contract with the club until the summer of 2025, with the option to extend for a further year. After signing, Humphries said, “It’s a very proud and exciting moment for me and my family. It’s my dream come true to sign a professional contract at this club. It’s the club my family and I have supported our entire lives. I’m so grateful to be given an opportunity here and I can’t wait to get started.” West Ham United’s Princess Ademiluyi and Soraya Walsh have both signed their first professional contracts with the club. News

Crystal Palace vs London City Lionesses Photographer Ryan Asman Annabel Blanchard shot Crystal Palace to new heights with her fifteen minute hat-trick, her second hat-trick in two consecutive games. London City Lionesses managed to bag themselves a goal in the first half thanks to Dan Carter, but were not able to contain the Eagles second half onslaught and the match ended 6-1 to the hosts.

Bristol City v Aston Villa Photographer Ryan Asman Aston Villa are off the mark in the Women's Super League after two late goals over Bristol City. An own goal off of Megan Connolly followed by an Ebony Salmon special sealed the deal and earned the Villans three points for the road.

Pernille Harder Chelsea's saving grace as the Blue's beat Juve 2-1 in second group stage match. UWCL: Juventus v Chelsea Pernille Harder Chelsea's saving grace as the Blue's beat Juve 2-1 in second group stage match. via Chelsea Women Twitter Back Match Analysis 14 October 2021 By Footy Scribblers Before kick-off, Juventus had a stunning lightshow. Lights bounced off fans and seats in the Allianz stadium and it was a beautiful sight. A prequel to some 90+ minutes that would leave Chelsea and Emma Hayes with more questions than answers. Let's get this out of the way early. The decision to back 3 with wingbacks instead of the flat back 4 they switched too later on, isn't one of the things to question. Stay with me here. I'm not saying the formation worked to the best of it's potential in the game. I'm saying, it's not Emma's decision to set up in a 3-4-3 that is hindering Chelsea. It's her decision to stick to certain intricacies hidden within the formation. Against Joseph Montemurro's Juventus those intricacies were exposed. Chelsea named a pretty much standard and expected line up. 3-4-3 with what most would agree is their strongest possible XI. Before we dive into criticising the bad bits, let's try and understand why the Blues' boss sticks to this formation with all the shaky performances. ● Chelsea don't really have the fullbacks to play a back 4 effectively. With Maren Mjelde still not fit, and Jonna Andersson experiencing a slow start, it simply won't be as effective. Jess Carter and Niamh Charles are both potential RBs but neither are natural defenders (more on Jess in a minute) and as the UWCL final showed that just won't work. ● Playing with wingbacks allows Erin Cuthbert and Guro Reiten get into the team at once without sacrificing one of the attackers. Both of whom are very crucial (rightly or wrongly but more on that later) to how Chelsea have played so far. ● It allows the front trio of Harder, Kerr and Kirby to be more free and fluid while offering solidity behind them, or at least it's intended too. What really happened vs Juventus particularly in the first half? Why did last year's finalists look so uninspiring? Chelsea started the game very energetic. Constantly pressing and closing down Juventus players in their own defensive third. (Chelsea have 3 players trying to win the ball back with a quick counterpress) But as the game wore on, Chelsea's biggest issue became more glaringly apparent. The midfield. With the 3-4-3 formation Emma Hayes deployed Chelsea had 2 midfielders centrally against 3 in black and white. It was a numerical mismatch that really stifled the visitors. To make matters worse, Montemurro obviously asked his attackers to back of Chelsea's back 3 instead of pressing them. This led to a host of issues. ● First Juve's front 3 were now almost always blocking off all passing lanes into the midfield duo of Ji and Leupolz. That meant central progression was near impossible. (Juve's attackers are almost man marking Ji and Leupolz. In this sequences Carter brings the ball out, realises no option is available then passed back to Bright who loses it and Juventus spring a quick counter) (Again, the front 3 aren't really pressing so the midfield had literally 6 Juve players against 3 for Chelsea) ● Second, it forced Chelsea to almost always go wide in build-up and try to create from there. That meant crosses. 21 of them. Unsurprisingly only 3 connected. ● Thirdly, it caused Chelsea to have almost no chance to create from the centre. A problem Chelsea compounded by Ji and Leupolz being too flat and almost on the same horizontal line in the first half. (Ji has the ball, Leupolz doesn't make herself an option and stands on the same line without any movement and Ji passes it backwards) Chelsea's backline somehow contributed to this. Either by instruction or skillset, none of the centre backs, particularly the outside pair of Eriksson and Bright, carried the ball forward enough. It's a huge issue. The back 3 always stays as a 3. There's no threatening progression coming from them. Bright and Eriksson would pass to the wingbacks and hang back rather than offer an option or would ignore space to drive forward into and pick a safer pass. It meant the team was disjointed. Just what Montemurro wanted. Gama for Juventus actually looked like exactly what Chelsea needed at centre back. She was constantly getting forward and carrying the ball once she saw an opening. At one point, she was calling for the ball to be played through to her when she was trying to beat the offside trap. Because Juventus defended in a compact 4-3-3, it felt like they had a box of 6 around Chelsea's midfield at all times. They didn't seem particularly bothered by the possibility of Chelsea putting in crosses from wide areas. Rightly so. Gama dominated her box. Speaking of crosses, they were a nightmare for the London club. Deep early crosses in particular. It's how the Juve equalizer arrives eventually. The early crosses took advantage of Jess Carter's lack of height and natural defensive instinct. Once Chelsea were out of shape a quickly released ball would do the trick. Here's some different occasions where crosses were played early by the Old Lady to varying degrees of success. One led to the goal, one to a significant penalty shout, another to a header off target. It wasn't all bad from Hayes' women. Individually, Jess Carter and Pernille Harder were bright spots. Jess in particular was oddly pulse controlling. Twice she used her pace to stop Juve attackers from getting clear cut chances 1v1 with Berger. She displayed some very measured passing over long and short distances. Of all Chelsea's players she was probably the one who looked sharp in the most moments. Harder as well was solid even before her goal. She was the one who with her intelligence started to drop into the midfield to help Ji and Leupolz. She was popping up in very influential areas in the attacking third as well and performed her now weekly routine of sparing Chelsea's blushes. As a team, the second half was much better done. Tiny tweaks made the 3-4-3 work better. Ji was pushing up higher and Eriksson was bringing ball out more often. The switch to a 4-3-3 showed that as a viable option at least for certain games. There was also the professional last 15 minutes. The players saw out the game and closed it out very well. And so, on a night where Chelsea got 3 points in Turin, Emma Hayes would board her flight knowing she has decisions to make. Back 3, stick or twist? Risk the back 4 without the fitting fullbacks? Her team has had to struggle and earn their results of late. One of the world's best tactical minds has work to do. Knowing the Blues' boss, a solution is imminent.

Chelsea v BK Hacken Photographer Ryan Asman Chelsea were held to a nil-nil draw at Stamford Bridge in their midweek UWCL clash against BK Hacken. Despite efforts on both sides, deadlock could not be broken.

Reading boss Kelly Chambers reflects on the season as the WSL's final weekend looms Back “Someway, somehow we are still in the fight” says Chambers ahead of deciding finale Reading boss Kelly Chambers reflects on the season as the WSL's final weekend looms Getty 25 May 2023 By Finley Chung Saturday will see the end of another WSL season with this one set to have a thrilling climax and most notably at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The task for Reading is simple, the Royal’s need a victory to stay in the WSL and hope Leicester lose their game. There is. Just one issue however, Reading’s opponents, are Chelsea who are one win away from the title, two points above Manchester United. This sets up a thrilling final day clash at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and boss Kelly Chambers says her side are still in it. “I’ve said it to the girls a fair few times recently to be honest, we’re still in it, somehow and in some way we are still in it and we’ve got one game to go so we’re all in it together. "We have to believe it’s going to happen, if you don’t there’s no point stepping out there on Saturday. We have to leave everything out there. If on the day we are beaten by the better team I can accept that, but what I can’t accept is not giving our all on Saturday.” With relegation a real possibility for the Royals, having been in the WSL since 2014 and Chambers herself having spent 21 years at the club as a player, Director of Women’s and Girls Football and since 2015, the manager of the side. Chambers insists the sadness might not be easy to keep in. “Yeah, it’ll be a sad and upsetting day. I’ve been at the club for 21 years and I’m quite an emotional person as it is, so let’s hope that doesn’t come out too much on Saturday. I’ve built the Women’s side up to where it is and there’s no hiding away from the fact that it will be a sad day for me and for every body connected with the club.” If Reading do fall short, it is not lost on the manager either that the clubs current financial situation could well be the reason we see them drop of of the top division of Women’s Football in England, “Yeah, the bottom line is that and there is no hiding from it. You can look at other teams in and around us and what their player budget is and what else they were given in January. "We simply just don’t have that and people have said that year on year we perform miracles here to stay in the league for as long as we have." The Royals survival hopes took a massive hit last weekend as they were soundly beaten by a Beth England inspired Spurs 4-1, with Chambers however seeming a positive from the game, the return of Deanne Rose from injury, “She gives us a completely different dimension to the squad that we haven’t had all season. Everybody would agree that what we saw against Spurs is what we’ve missed this season so we are super grateful to have her back, however we do have to look after her as a player returning from a long term injury,” Whatever happens on Saturday, Reading will now that they have given everything to their survival bid on the final day. News

Bunny Shaw delights as Man City earn a 3-0 win over Spurs Back Match Report WSL: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City Bunny Shaw delights as Man City earn a 3-0 win over Spurs Manchester City Women 24 October 2022 By Paul Donegan Manchester City beat Tottenham 3-0 at Brisbane Road on Saturday lunchtime to get their second win in a row in the WSL. Khadija Shaw gave City the lead just before half time, and the Jamaican international added her and the visitors second shortly after the break. Lauren Hemp scored the third in the second half to round off what was a comfortable win for The Citizens. Lauren Hemp had the first chance of the game but her header was saved by Rebecca Spencer. At the other end, Ellie Brazil almost dispossessed Ellie Roebuck on edge of area. The Tottenham forward went down with a nasty looking injury and there was a long delay whilst she was treated and stretchered off. We wish Ellie a speedy recovery. Shaw had a shot blocked before Esme Morgan headed just wide from a Chloe Kelly free kick in the 18th minute as City went close to going ahead. Hemp put a dinked effort narrowly wide of the post in the 25th minute as the away side continued to put on the pressure. Spencer pushed away a long range effort from Deyna Castellanos, and Laura Coombs sent an effort well over after scramble from corner. The home sides first chance came when a deep free kick found Amy Turner but her shot was straight at the goalkeeper. The offside flag was up in any case. Yui Hasegawa saw her effort deflected wide before the visitors opened the scoring in the 41st minute. Alex Greenwood put in a corner which Shaw headed in past Spencer. Ash Neville, making her 50th WSL appearance for Spurs, put an effort over at far post from a cross just before the interval. Shaw made it 2-0 in the 47th minute when her low strike from 25 yards found the bottom corner of the net. The goals in this match means she is now top goalscorer in the WSL this season with 5 goals and has scored 14 goals in 13 starts for City since signing last summer. Kerstin Caspasij’s cross was cleared by Molly Bartrip before it reached Shaw in the 61th minute. Kelly’s shot from the edge of the area was deflected over four minutes later as The Citizens went looking for a third. Shaw put an effort wide from six-yards in the 69th minute as she went looking for hat-trick. Spurs did have three opportunities within three minutes with Neville unable to get onto a low cross in the 70th minute, Turner shot well over, and Spence’s shot from 20 yards drifted over as the home side looked to get back into the game. Kelly saw her low shot from 12 yards saved easily by Spencer in the 76th minute. Seconds later, Manchester City did score a third when Hemp twisted and turned past a Tottenham defender on the edge of the area then sent a low shot into the net. In the 80th minute, Shaw had a shot from 12 yards saved, and then Hemp sent an effort over. Both sides made a number of substitutes in the last 10 minutes which disrupted the flow of the game. City did have a couple of chances in stoppage tine to score a fourth but Kelly shot just wide after getting onto a lovely through ball, and the same player then shot at the goalkeeper. The win lifts Gareth Taylor side up to fifth position in the league (before Sunday’s matches) whilst Tottenham drop a position to eighth. Spurs next match is next Sunday when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion in the WSL. Manchester City next two games are at home, against Blackburn Rovers in the Conti Cup on Wednesday evening then Liverpool in the WSL next weekend. Line ups Tottenham Hotspur (4-5-1): Spencer, Turner, Bartrip, Zadorsky (c), Ale, James, Summanen, Spence, Neville (Ubogagu 87’), Bizet (Karczewska 86’), Brazil (Naz 8’) Unused substitutes : Korpela, Pearse, Cho Booked – Neville 45’+5 Manchester City (4-3-3): Roebuck, Casparij (Ouahabi 86’), Aleixandri, Greenwood (c), Morgan, Hasegawa, Castellanos (Angeldahl 81’), Coombs (Losada 81’), Kelly, Shaw (Fowler 81’), Hemp (Blakstad 87’) Unused substitutes: MacIver, Stokes, Houghton, Raso Goals – Shaw 41, 47, Hemp 76’ Booked – Kelly 56’ Referee – Emily Heaslip Attendance – 1,888