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Spurs end their season on a high with a 3-1 win over West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Back Match Report Late Spence stunner seals brilliant London derby win for Spurs Spurs end their season on a high with a 3-1 win over West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Spurs Women 18 May 2024 By Finley Chung Two late goal, including a stunner from Drew Spence ensured Tottenham Hotspur grasped all three points and secured a sixth placed finish under Robert Vilahamn in the WSL. Bethany England gor the scoring started early, before Spurs were pegged back through a moment of brilliance by Riko Ueki. Jess Naz nudged Spurs back ahead late on, before a mesmerising curling effort from Drew Spence put the icing on the cake in the basking N17 sunshine. Tottenham boss Robert Vilahamn opted for Becky Spencer back in goal after the Jamaican recovered from a foot injury that she picked up in the FA Cup final, with Ramona Petzelberger taking a starting berth in the middle of the park instead of Drew Spence. Charli Grant also replaced the injured Amanda Nilden at left back, with Martha Thomas back in the starting XI too. Former Spurs boss Rehanne Skinner made one change from her sides last encounter, swapping out Emma Snerle for her namesake, Harries. In the warm, balmy spring conditions, Spurs got this WSL finale underway and they pressed West Ham from the off, forcing the Irons back. Within four minutes, Spurs had their reward, Grace Clinton’s initial cross was blocked before the barrel was eventually recycled to the back post where captain Bethany England chested the ball down and lashed lt past Mackenzie Arnold to the light of the watching Spurs faithful. Spurs wre quick on the hunt for second, Clinton feeding Summanen on the edge with the Finn’s rasping effort well held by Arnold. Martha Thomas was next to have her effort snuffed out, with a brilliant block by Amber Tysiak preventing Spurs doubling their lead. Some lovely line breaking play by Ramona Petzelberger got Clinton on her way again, spraying the ball out wide to her partner in crime, Celin Bizet ran at Kirsty Smith before seeing her cross go out for a corner. From the resulting corner, Evelina Summanen floated a delicate ball onto the head of Charli Grant, who headed wide when she really should’ve done better to trouble Arnold in the West Ham goal. Mackenzie Arnold was once again the busier of the two keepers as we crept over the half hour mark, having to be at full stretch to deny West Ham again. West Ham, for all the chances Spurs had, found themselves on the counter and a delightfully in swinging ball from Jess Ziu, which Emma Harries nodded on to Viviane Asseyi, who’s effort was well kept out by Becky Spencer. Spurs felt they were then denied a penalty, when Celin Bizet flicked it over Kirsty Smith not once, but twice, with the second flick appearing to hit the arm of the Scott, but the referee remained unmoved. As we flicked into three minutes of added time, Grace Clinton drove at the Chelsea defence with runners either side, but her ball was overhit and ran through to Arnold in the final action of the half. Half Time - Spurs 1-0 West Ham Nobody inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could’ve foreseen what was about to unfold just four minutes into the second half. Riko Ueki was fed the ball out on the right, being picked out brilliantly by Honoka Hayashi, before lashing and unstoppable effort past the despairing Spencer to bring West Ham back on terms and shell-shock Spurs. Spurs went straight onto the front foot and tried to retake the lead, with Bethany England first firing over after being fed by Clinton and then heading over after Bizet’s cross from the right found the Spurs skipper. Kirsty Smith was then the first name in the referee’s notebook following a cynical foul on Celin Bizet as the Spurs winger drove at a stretched West Ham. The hosts came even closet to scoring when a deep free kick was sent in and found the head of Amy James-Turner, who’s looping header crashed back off the crossbar and bounced down to safety. Jess Naz, Drew Spence and Olga Ahitnen were then introduced in a triple roll of the dice for Spurs, replacing Petzelberger, Thomas and Summanen for some fresh legs. Viv Asseyi was next to test Spenver, but her free kick was a routine save for the Jamaican. It appeared not o be Spurs’ day when just after the hour, they hit the woodwork for the second time, with Bethany England this time being thwarted by the woodwork. Molly Bartrip was then introduced for the final 25 minutes of the season, replacing Luana Buhler. Spurs ramped up the urgency and Bizet sent in a stunning cross which England got over, and headed over the bar. West Ham sensed a chance, and very nearly found themselves in front following a teasing cross in from Jess Ziu who was looking for Asseyi, but Spencer showed coolness to come and collect the ball in her area. Two more second half changes for Spurs, with Molly Bartrip and Matilda Vinberg introduced for the remainder of the encounter. Grace Clinton was then found in the right channel by Matilda Vinberg, but her attempt to sign off her loan spell with a goal, was thwarted by Arnold. Off the bench, Jess Naz was the hero for Spurs again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, being fed through and outmuscling her marker, before finishing superbly past Arnold to nudge Spurs in front late on. The announcement of nine added minutes brought anxiety to Spurs supporters and hope to West Ham, who found themselves in space with Honoyashi on the edge, but the effort was skewed wide of the target. There was time for Spurs to put some gloss on the result, with Naz finding Drew Spence on the edge who took a touch and curled an unstoppable effort past Arnold, leaving the keeper dumbfounded and secured Spurs a brilliant London Derby win on the final day. Full Time - Spurs 3-1 West Ham Spurs - Bethany England 4’, Jess Naz 86’, Drew Spence 90+9’ West Ham - Riko Ueki 49’

Women’s football is not out to replace or replicate, it simply wishes to coexist. Get Back in the Kitchen Sunday, 8 November 2020 By Charlotte Stacey Women’s football is not out to replace or replicate, it simply wishes to coexist. Edward Payne As the second wave of lockdown begins in England, once again women’s football finds itself on the backend of overriding authority, fighting its cause for recognition to its own governing body. The Football Association have announced that Women’s Super League Academies and FA Regional Talent Clubs will cease to continue training for the duration of the lockdown period, alluding that their resources “do not meet the necessary ‘elite’ protocols.” A decision that perhaps would not have caused such a stir under current restrictive social measures, had the same applied across the board. Yet, the FA has ruled that boys’ academies will remain open and continue to operate as usual. The decision comes in contrast to the government’s definition of elitism as anyone “aged 16 or above and on an elite development pathway.” If the WSL and its respective clubs are classed as elite, then by default, so should their academies be. Unfortunately, this is not the only time that the FA have been called into question recently. On Saturday 7th November, Bristol City released a statement explaining that they had “requested postponement” of their match against Manchester City, due to the self-isolation of five first team players, after one tested positive for Covid-19. Bristol had played Crystal Palace just two days before and were rightly concerned for the welfare of their players, as well as others who would be attending the game. The appeal to postpone was indeed the correct action to take. In a time where precaution is of the utmost importance, rearranging the fixture to minimise health and safety risks, and in the name of sportsmanlike conduct, would have fared well. In response, the FA ruled that the clash with Manchester City should go ahead as planned, as Bristol had “accordingly drafted in players from the Academy”. Players that just a few days prior, were deemed as ‘non-elite’. The match was played and a depleted Bristol went on to lose 8-1. When searching the FA’s mission statement, the very first line that fills the screen reads, “the FA aims to make football a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved in the game.” But as constant contradictory decisions infer one half of the game as second best, perhaps a by-line should be added - “unless, of course, you’re female.” As the second wave of lockdown begins in England, once again women’s football finds itself on the backend of overriding authority, fighting its cause for recognition to its own governing body. The Football Association have announced that Women’s Super League Academies and FA Regional Talent Clubs will cease to continue training for the duration of the lockdown period, alluding that their resources “do not meet the necessary ‘elite’ protocols.” A decision that perhaps would not have caused such a stir under current restrictive social measures, had the same applied across the board. Yet, the FA has ruled that boys’ academies will remain open and continue to operate as usual. The decision comes in contrast to the government’s definition of elitism as anyone “aged 16 or above and on an elite development pathway.” If the WSL and its respective clubs are classed as elite, then by default, so should their academies be. Unfortunately, this is not the only time that the FA have been called into question recently. On Saturday 7th November, Bristol City released a statement explaining that they had “requested postponement” of their match against Manchester City, due to the self-isolation of five first team players, after one tested positive for Covid-19. Bristol had played Crystal Palace just two days before and were rightly concerned for the welfare of their players, as well as others who would be attending the game. The appeal to postpone was indeed the correct action to take. In a time where precaution is of the utmost importance, rearranging the fixture to minimise health and safety risks, and in the name of sportsmanlike conduct, would have fared well. In response, the FA ruled that the clash with Manchester City should go ahead as planned, as Bristol had “accordingly drafted in players from the Academy”. Players that just a few days prior, were deemed as ‘non-elite’. The match was played and a depleted Bristol went on to lose 8-1. When searching the FA’s mission statement, the very first line that fills the screen reads, “the FA aims to make football a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved in the game.” But as constant contradictory decisions infer one half of the game as second best, perhaps a by-line should be added - “unless, of course, you’re female.” This is not to say that the FA is not doing its bit for women’s football. They now provide a streaming service in which WSL, and some Championship fixtures, can be watched worldwide for free. They have committed to televising a number of fixtures and broadcasting Cup Finals on terrestrial channels. They have pledged “to create a sustainable future for women’s and girls’ football in England” over the next four years, and there are individuals within the association that work tirelessly to ensure that these goals are met. Yet, these long-term projections pale when short term decisions appear contradictory. Would a Premier League fixture have gone ahead that threatened health with potential knock on effects for the rest of the league? Probably not. Women’s football has enough of a fight on its hands without having to prove itself to one of its overarching bodies. As those within the sport know all too well, the game faces a constant battle in gaining acceptance within the wider community. Football is a sport, just as tennis, cycling and athletics are sports. Yet, Serena Williams is not compared to Roger Federer, Victoria Pendleton is not compared to Chris Hoy, Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce is not compared to Usain Bolt. These athletes are celebrated for their successes. Even in cases, such as a mixed doubles event in tennis, in which the two merge, men and women are appreciated for their different skillsets. It is a rarity to see discussions analysing the difference in quality of men’s and women’s sides in tennis, cycling or athletics; but in football, this is the norm. There is not a day that goes by in which advocates of the women’s game are not subjected to derogatory comments belittling their worth for simply enjoying the game. Whether this is a player, staff member, media representative or fan. “Women’s football is rubbish”. “No one cares”. “Get back in the kitchen”. Just a few of the remarks you will find under any platform reporting on the women’s leagues; the responses to those who dare to defend often far uglier. Yet these replies often have one thing in common. Typically, although one must stress, not exclusively, these injurious comments are made by men. Of course, one does not wish to mislead nor to tie the masses with the same brush. There are men that do wish women's football success. Plenty, in fact. Plenty whom actively defend the sport, weaselling out their stubborn brothers in their quest of promotion. So, what is it about women’s football that divides opinion? Why is it such a hard pill to swallow for some? Perhaps it was the enforced fifty-year ban on women playing football. A ban that consequently fed a narrative that football is a ‘men-only’ entity, in which the mere existence of a woman within its sacred realm threatens its very equilibrium. Perhaps it is envy. The bruising of a collective fragile ego that cannot comprehend the professionalism of women in a sport that ‘does not belong to them’. A jealous patriarchal nod to the outdated notion that a woman should not succeed where I could not. Perhaps it is a question of authenticity. Men’s football is so deeply rooted within society, such an ingrained factor of national culture, that it may simply boil down to the indoctrinated idea that a true game of football is played by men. One may fear that by viewing a women’s game, they are missing out on the ‘real deal’. There are, of course, differences between men’s and women’s football and nobody will deny such facts. The two exude a different feel, display different on field strengths, draw different audiences, but this does not mean that either is less worthy. Perhaps it is a lack of education. Disapproval of the women’s game frequently comes with the unoriginal reasoning of differentiating standards. It is presumed that as the WSL is the top division of women’s football, it must match the standard of the Premier League. Yet this is simply not true and such assumptions are often made with an ignorance to the obstacles women’s football faces. Is a game that is catching up on fifty years’ worth of resources, financial support, societal indoctrination and cultural relevance going to exude the same quality as its closest neighbour? Of course not. Yet, this is where those who so venomously oppose the women’s game seem to miss the point entirely. Women’s football does not profess to be men’s football. It does not proclaim to be at the same standard yet. It does not demand bells and whistles, the all singing and all dancing paraphernalia of its male counterpart. But what it does expect is a fair shot. It wishes to be judged without preconception. It wishes for its advocates to be treated with respect and tolerance. It wishes, from the grassroots up, to be met with acceptance. It expects to be taken seriously by the organisations that are supposed to endorse it. Women’s football is not out to replace or replicate, it simply wishes to coexist.

Chelsea go on to win midweek fixture after the Hammers take an early lead Back Match Report WSL: Chelsea v West Ham Chelsea go on to win midweek fixture after the Hammers take an early lead Chelsea WFC Twitter 2 October 2022 By Paul Donegan Chelsea came from behind to beat London rivals West Ham 3-1 on Wednesday evening. Dagny Brynjarsdottir gave West Ham the lead early in the game. Sam Kerr hit the post twice during the first half before Fran Kirby equalised five minutes before the break. Kerr and Millie Bright scored for the hosts during the second half. They had a chance to extend their lead further but Lauren James saw a penalty saved by Mackenzie Arnold. Chelsea made two changes from their win over Manchester City at the weekend. Katerina Svitkova came in for her debut and Eve Perisset made her first start in place of Maren Mjelde and Lauren James. Following their lose to Manchester United on Sunday, West Ham also made two changes with Grace Fisk and Abbey-Leigh Stringer coming into the starting eleven in place of Jess Ziu and Honoka Hayashi. There was a minute’s silence before match for groundsman David McKnight who had passed away over weekend. The away side took the lead in the 3rd minute when Kirsty Smith swung in a corner and unmarked Brynjarsdottir headed in. Kerr was just unable to get onto a through ball in the 5th minute, and then was caught offside two minutes later as Chelsea started to create opportunities. In the 10th minute, Bright saw a looping effort from a corner saved brilliantly by Arnold. Two minutes later, Kerr saw her cracking shot from 20 yards hit the post and bounce away. Chelsea appealed for a penalty in the 15th minute when Kadeisha Buchanan went down in the area but referee Tom Reeves played on. Kerr had another chance in the 20th minute but her shot from the edge of the area went wide. The hosts had another penalty appeal, this time for handball, turned down in the 33rd minute. A minute later, Guro Reiten saw her shot across goal go just past the post. The post was hit again by Kerr in the 35th minute. The referee had a word with Arnold after this for slowing the game down too much. Chelsea did equalise in the 40th minute. Reiten’s cross found Kirby who controlled then sliced the ball into the corner of the net. That makes it three goals in three games for Kirby this season. Both sides had chances before the break. Lucy Parker’s effort for the Hammers from 30 yards went well over whilst Erin Cuthbert’s deflected shot was caught by Arnold as the home side had the last effort of the half. Chelsea had chances early in the second half with Bright heading wide from a free kick and Kerr heading another opportunity over. Kerr did give Chelsea the lead in the 58th minute when following a bit of a scramble from a cross, she put the ball into the net from about 6-yards. Chelsea made it 3-1 in the 62nd minute when a Svitkova corner was headed in by Bright. Second half substitute Lauren James saw her powerful shot go over in the 69th minute. West Ham’s first chance of the half came in the 76th minute when Thea Kyvag’s shot from 25 yards was saved. Chelsea immediately went up the other end and James was brought down in the area and a penalty was given. James took the penalty herself but Arnold dived to her left and saved it low down. Niamh Charles saw her low shot saved in the 78th minute as Chelsea looked to extend their lead further. Bethany England also had a chance for the home side in the 81st minute but her header was off target. There were no more clear chances as Chelsea won 3-1 and moved up to fourth in the league, level on points with three other sides, but they have played a game more. Speaking to the press after the match, Emma Hayes said there had been a great reaction to going behind so early and they needed the half to break West Ham down. Hayes also said Chelsea moved the ball well, dominated in the second half and could have won by a bigger margin. They don’t play until after the international break now when they are away to Everton in the WSL on 16th October. West Ham manager Paul Konchesky told the press it was a fantastic performance from his side and they were disappointed and gutted with the result. Konchesky felt they could have dealt better with Chelsea’s two second half goals. West Ham play London City Lionesses on Sunday in the Conti Cup then their next league game is away to Aston Villa on 15th October. Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Berger, Perisset (Charles 63’), Bright, Buchanan, Eriksson (c), Cuthbert, Fleming, Svitkova (England 63’), Kirby (James 63’), Reiten (Rytting Kaneryd 72’), Kerr (Cankovic 72’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Nouwen, Ingle, Carter, Goals – Kirby 40’, Kerr 58’, Bright 62’ West Ham United (5-3-2): Arnold, Shimizu, Parker, Cissoko, Fisk, Smith (Ziu 69’), Stringer (Kyvag 69’), Longhurst, Brynjarsdottir (c), Asseyi (Walker 83’), Evans (Flannery 87’) Unused substitutes: Hillyerd, Atkinson, Filis, Houssein Goal – Brynjarsdottir 3’ Bookings – Cissoko 48’, Ziu 74’, Parker 76’ Referee – Tom Reeves Attendance – 2,842

Fran Kirby Position Forward D.O.B 29/06/1993 Club Chelsea via Getty Images

Everything you need to know ahead of today's historic final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur Women's FA Cup 2023/24 Final Guide Saturday, 11 May 2024 By Paul Donegan Everything you need to know ahead of today's historic final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur VisitWembley There will be a first-time winner of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday when Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the 2023/24 final (2:30pm (BST) kick off) at a sold-out Wembley Stadium. This will be United’s second final in a row after losing to Chelsea last year whilst for Spurs it is their first time in a major showpiece occasion. Here is our guide to the final including information about how Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur got to Wembley, the sides, the stadium and transport, and TV/radio coverage. How they got to the final Manchester United entered the cup at the fourth round stage. There they met at home eventual FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division champions Newcastle United. The Red Devils convincingly beat them 5-0 with the goals coming from Ella Toone, Nikita Parris (2), Rachel Williams and Melvin Malard. They travelled to Championship side Southampton in the fifth round and won 3-1. Toone gave United the lead before Lexi Lloyd-Smith equalised for the Saints. Williams scored twice in the final 15 minutes to seal the victory for the visitors. Manchester United were handed another away game on the south coast in the quarter-finals, this time to Brighton & Hove Albion. They were again comfortable winners, this time 4-0. Millie Turner, Parris, Lucia Garcia and Lisa Naalsund were their goalscorers this time. In the semi-finals they were drawn at home to Chelsea, the winners of the FA Cup in the last 3 seasons, in a repeat of last season’s final. Garci and Williams put the Red Devils 2-0 up before Lauren James got a goal back for the Blues in first half additional time. United held on to knock the holders out and progress to the final again. Tottenham Hotspur also entered the cup in the fourth round. They were drawn at home to Championship side Sheffield United and came from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Sophie Haywood and Jessica Sigsworth had but the Blades ahead before a brace from Bethany England and a very late Rosella Ayane winner saw Spurs go through. They faced Championship opponents at home again in the fifth round, this time Charlton Athletic. Kit Graham scored the only goal with 15 minutes left as Tottenham won 1-0. Manchester City travelled to the Gaughan Group Stadium in the quarter-finals to face the Lillywhites. Mary Fowler gave the Cityzens an early lead but England equalised for Spurs in the sixth minute of second half additional time. There were no goals during extra time so it went to a penalty shootout. Tottenham won that 4-3 with Amy James-Turner scoring the decisive spot kick. In the semi-finals, they were drawn at home again, this time taking on Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Jutta Rantala gave the Foxes the lead in the first half but Jessica Naz equalised for the Lillywhites with seven minutes remaining. An additional 30 minutes were required, and Martha Thomas scored the winner with two minutes remaining to send Spurs to Wembley. Past Meetings Tottenham have never beaten Manchester United in the WSL or Championship in their 12 meetings. United have won on 10 occasions whilst the other 2 were draws. This will be the first time they will have played each other in a cup competition. In their first WSL game against each other this season, the Red Devils won 4-0 away at Spurs in December. It was a comfortable win for them with Hannah Blundell, Ella Toone, Melvine Malard and Hayley Ladd finding the net on that Sunday evening. They met at Leigh just three weeks ago and this time it finished in a 2-2 draw. Malard gave United the lead before Bethany England and Jessica Naz put Tottenham ahead at half time. Maya Le Tissier scored a second half stoppage time equaliser for the Red Devils as the sides shared the points. Photo: Ryan Asman Manchester United Marc Skinner has led Manchester United to their second successive FA Cup final, though he is not that popular amongst sections of their fans. In the WSL, after finishing runners-up last season, this season has been disappointing with United currently sitting in 5th place in the league. Manchester United had a pretty comfortable passage through to the semi-finals where they knocked out holders and winners from the last 3 season’s Chelsea. Since the semi-final, they have picked up 4 points out of 9 in the league but lost their last game 1-0 away to rivals Liverpool. One of the Red Devils star players this season has been Nikita Parris. She is their leading goalscorer this season having scored 8 goals in the league and another 3 in the FA Cup, and reportedly turned down a move to the USA to stay with United so she could play in the final. Super sub Rachel Williams, who previously played for Tottenham, has scored four times in the cup this season for United, including what turned out to be the decisive goal in the semi-final against Chelsea. United could well line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and other players who could be involved include Mary Earps, Millie Turner, Maya Le Tissier, Lucia Garcia, captain Katie Zelem, Ella Toone, Jayde Riviere, Geyse and Melvine Malard. Skinner confirmed in his pre-final press conference on Friday that there are no fresh injury concerns for the Red Devils before Sunday. Photo: Ryan Asman Tottenham Hotspur Robert Vilahamn joined the club as head coach last summer and has a great first season in charge, leading Spurs to the cup final and 6th place in the WSL. Though he will be without one of their key players this season, Grace Clinton, as she is ineligible to play in the final against her parent club. On their way to the final, his side have scored a few very late goals including deep into second half stoppage time against Sheffield United and Manchester City, and two minutes from the end of extra-time in the semi-final. They have drawn all three league games they have played since the semi-final with their last outing finishing 2-2 at Everton. Two-time FA Cup winner with Chelsea, Bethany England, has hit a bit of form for the Lillywhites, scoring in their last 3 league games as well as 3 times in their run to Wembley. Former United player Martha Thomas is Tottenham’s leading scorer in the WSL with 7 goals and also scored the winner in the semi-final. Spurs have lined up using 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations in recent matches. The likes of Charlotte Grant, Ashleigh Neville, Molly Bartrip, Jessica Naz, Celin Beizet, Eveliina Summanen, Amy James-Turner, Olga Ahtinen and Amanda Nilden could also be involved at Wembley. In his pre-final press conference on Thursday, Vilahamn confirmed there was a full squad in training apart from long-term injury absentees. Wembley Stadium and transport information This will be the 10th FA Cup final to take place at Wembley Stadium since it started being played there in 2015. Tottenham’s supporters will be at the west end of the stadium whilst Manchester United’s will be at the east. The closest stations to the stadium are Wembley Stadium (National rail from London Marylebone station), Wembley Park (Jubilee and Metropolitan Underground lines) and Wembley Central (Overground from Euston station in London and Bakerloo Underground line). Check the National Rail and TfL websites for up-to-date information. A number of TfL buses stop close to the stadium including the numbers 83, 92, 182, 223, 440, 483. National Express coaches have direct event day services to Wembley. Official car parking has now sold out. General admission turnstiles open at 12:30pm (BST) with hospitality doors opening an hour earlier at 11:30am (BST). Wembley has a restricted bag policy with each person allowed to take in one small bag no bigger than A4 size. All bags will be searched before entering the stadium as well as security checks and searches on supporters. Wembley Stadium is a cashless venue with only card/contactless payments accepted throughout. Wembley Stadium has a no-street-drinking zone on Olympic Way and surrounding streets. Fans found drinking alcohol in this area will be asked to hand it over. There are bars and restaurants in the local area or alcohol will be available in the east fan zone. Fan Zones There will be two fan zones to the east and west of the stadium. You must have a match ticket to enter the east fan zone which has a limited capacity and the stadium’s bag policy will apply. The west fan zone (Arena Square) will have things such as a DJ, football freestyler, football skills games, competitions, face painters and a much more. The east fan zone will have a resident DJ as well as food, soft and alcoholic drinks (alcoholic ones will stop being served at 1:30pm (BST). Both fan zones will be open from 11:00am to 2pm (BST). Match Officials The referee will be Abi Byrne, her second FA Cup final in the middle after also being in charge of the 2019 Wembley showpiece, and she will be assisted by Sophie Dennington and Nicoleta Bria. The fourth official is Kirsty Dowle and Levi Gray is the reserve assistant referee. VAR will be in use for the final with David Coote and Natalie Aspinall in charge of that. TV/Radio coverage In the UK, the final will be shown live on BBC One/Sport Website/iPlayer with coverage starting at 1:50pm (BST). There is live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and also on talkSport2. Outside of the UK, check local listings or the FA Player.

St Albans v Stevenage Photographer Edward Payne It was a closely fought battle in Clarence Park between St Albans City and Stevenage. Our photographer Edward Payne was on hand to catch the best of the action.

Off the back of their Conti Cup win, Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 in freezing conditions Back Match Report WSL: Arsenal v Liverpool Off the back of their Conti Cup win, Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 in freezing conditions Ryan Asman 10 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Arsenal comfortably beat Liverpool 2-0 in the Women’s Super League on Wednesday evening as they returned to action for the first time since winning the Conti Cup at the weekend. Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord scored the goals for the Gunners during the first half. Jonas Eidevall made two changes for Arsenal from Sunday’s cup final starting eleven with Laura Wienroither and Victoria Pelova coming in for Noelle Maritz and Steph Catley. Eidevall confirmed after that match that Catley had sustained “a non contact foot injury that needs to be assessed further, and that she is definitely out on Sunday (against Reading) but after that we don’t know”. Katie McCabe switched position from Sunday and started on the left side of defence with Pelova taking her place as one of the wide attackers. Liverpool's Katie Stengel carries the ball against Kim Little and Laura Wienroither. Photo: Ryan Asman Liverpool’s last game was three and a half weeks when they lost 1-0 at home to Leicester City in the WSL. Matt Beard made five changes from the side that started that match with Emma Koivisto, Leighanne Robe, Carla Humphrey, Hannah Silcock and Miri Taylor coming in. On a bitterly cold and sleety night at Meadow Park, Arsenal had a chance within the first minute but Blackstenius’ low effort hit the bottom of the post and went wide. The Gunners played some nice football in the first half with one touch passes and trying to move the ball quickly. Lia Walti played a lovely through pass to Frida Leonhardsen Maanum but Rachael Laws rushed out of goal and got to the ball first. There were chants of “Conti Cup champions, we know what we are” around the ground before Blackstenius had another chance but headed wide from a corner. The Swedish international went closer to scoring when her curling effort from 20-yards went just wide of the post in the 11th minute. Missy Bo Kearns had what turned out to be Liverpool’s only effort on target when her shot was saved by Manuela Zinsberger. A corner from the visitors caused problems but their chances were few and far between. In the 24th minute, Leah Williamson had the ball in net for Arsenal after nice cross from Pelova but the offside flag was up to deny her a goal in front of the North Bank. Blackstenius opened the scoring for the home side a few minutes later when she controlled a pass from Maanum, turned and finished low into the net from just inside the area. Maanum almost extended Arsenal’s lead when her dipping effort from 25-yards went just over. Arsenal did double their lead in the 34th minute. Blackstenius saw her shot saved by Laws and Foord was first to the loose ball to head into an unguarded net. Blackstenius, who had been excellent during the first half and was later named as Player of the Match, had a couple more chances before the break but headed wide, and then saw an effort saved by Laws. Beard made a triple substitution for Liverpool at half time and changed formation to play three at the back. Eidevall said after the match that these changes by the visitors took “a little bit of time to settle into” as they had gone player v player all over the pitch with their pressing. He continued by saying “we found some really good solutions playing out of their pressure, and this shows his sides adaptability and they can handle different formations.” Arsenal's Caitlin Foord. Photo: Ryan Asman These changes were maybe why there weren’t many chances during the second half. Liverpool didn’t test Zinsberger and saw a few efforts sail over the crossbar. For Arsenal, Maanum saw her free kick scrambled clear, Lotte Wubben-Moy headed straight at Laws, and Gio sent an effort over as she looked for her first goal for the Gunners. With their substitutions during the second half, Arsenal moved Pelov to play in the number 6 role. Eidevall noted that Pelov is a “versatile player and we are very happy to have her here” and that he is “delighted with her”. The Gunners finished the game by playing a back three of Wubben-Moy, Rafaelle and Jen Beattie. Eidevall commented that this change “made us see out the game really well.” Arsenal’s first league win since December sees them remain in fourth place in the WSL but move three points behind Manchester City with a game in hand. Liverpool stay in eighth position after this defeat. On Sunday, Arsenal take on Reading at home whilst Liverpool welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Prenton Park. Line ups Arsenal (4-3-3): Zinsberger, Wienroither (Maritz 70’), Williamson (Wubben-Moy 61’), Rafaelle, McCabe, Walti (Kuhl 61’), Little (c), Maanum, Pelova, Blackstenius (Beattie 83’), Foord (Gio 70’) Unused substitute: Marckese Goals – Blackstenius 28’, Foord 34’ Booked - Gio Liverpool (4-4-2): Laws, Koivisto, Silcock (Bonner 45’), Robe, Hinds (c), Nagano, Taylor (Daniels 45’), Holland (Lundgaard 72’), Kearns, Humphrey (Campbell 45’), Stengel Unused substitute: Kirby Booked – Holland, Lundgaard Referee – Emily Heaslip

Conti Cup: West Ham vs Charlton Athletic Photographer Ryan Asman Thanks to Carla Humphrey's early effort, Championship side Charlton Athletic took the lead over WSL team West Ham, however the Addicks couldn't do enough to stop the Hammers from coming back and staking their revenge in the second half. With goals from Emma Harries and Isibeal Atkinson the Hammers earned all three points with a 2-1 win.

Recap all the WSL transfer news that has taken place over the last week Back Women's Super League News: Round-Up Recap all the WSL transfer news that has taken place over the last week BHA Women 6 July 2024 By Paul Donegan Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of Fran Kirby. The 31-year-old attacking midfielder left Chelsea at the end of last season when her contract expired. After starting at Reading, Kirby moved to the Blues in 2015 where she won seven WSL titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, one Community Shield and was part of the Blues squad that reached the Champions League final. She has been named PFA Women’s Player of the Year twice. Kirby has won 72 caps for England, scoring 19 goals and was part of the Euros winning squad in 2022. Spanish forward Mariona Caldentey has signed for Arsenal where she will wear the number 8 jersey. The 28-year-old had spent the last ten years with FC Barcelona where she won 25 titles including the league six times, three UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues and six Spanish Cups. She made 302 appearances and scored 114 goals for the Catalan club. Caldentey has been capped 72 times by Spain and was part of the squads that won the World Cup in 2023 and the 2023/24 UEFA Women’s Nations League. Dominique Janssen has signed for Manchester United on a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season with the option of a further year. Janssen has played in the WSL previously with Arsenal where she won the league, League Cup and FA Cup. In her most recent spell with VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, the Dutch defender won the Frauen Bundesliga twice and the DFB-Pokal three times. She has 112 caps for the Netherlands and was part of the squads that won the Euros in 2017 and reached the World Cup final in 2019. 20-year-old midfielder Julia Bartel has joined Chelsea after signing a contract until the summer of 2027 with the option of an additional year. Bartel joins after playing for FC Barcelona since 2019 where she came up through their academy and before that started in Espanyol’s youth team. She has mainly featured in Barca’s B team and has won the Spanish second division with them as well as getting some first team experience. With Spain’s youth sides, Bartel has won the Under-20 World Cup and the Under-19 European Championships. Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Canada international Olivia Smith from Sporting CP. The 19-year-old can play in midfield and attack and was named Best Young Player of the Campeonato Nacional Feminino after scoring 13 goals and assisting 9 during her 18 appearances in her only season in Portugal. Smith became Canada’s youngest ever player when she made her debut aged 15 years and 94 days in November 2019 and currently has won 10 senior caps as well as featuring in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Kiko Seike has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion from WE League side Urawa Reds, for undisclosed terms. The 27-year-old striker spent 15 years with her former club where she made over 150 appearances and finished last season as top scorer in the league with 20 goals. Seike has made 21 appearances for Japan since her debut in 2019 and was part of their squad at the 2023 World Cup as well as being named in their 2024 Olympics squad. West Ham United have announced the signing of Poland international goalkeeper Kinga Szemik on a three-year contract. Szemik joins from French side Stade de Reims where she topped the charts in the league for clean sheets in the 2023/24 season. The 27-year-old also has experience of playing football in Poland and the USA. She has 17 caps for her country and was part of the squad that won the 2013 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship. Dutch defender Marisa Olislagers has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion, joining the club after her contract at FC Twente expired. The 23-year-old won nine domestic trophies during her four years with Twente including three Eredivisie titles, three Eredivisie Cups and the Dutch Women’s Cup. Olislagers has represented the Netherlands at senior level 12 times and was included in their squad for Euro 2022. Shekiera Martinez has signed a three-year contract with West Ham United after joining them from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 22-year-old forward had spent eight years with Frankfurt where she made over 110 appearances and scored 24 goals as well as playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She has also played for Germany’s youth international sides. Martinez will spend the 2024/25 season back in Germany on loan with SC Freiburg where she will accumulate the necessary points to meet the criteria for international player visas. Aston Villa goalkeeper Anna Leat has signed a new contract with the club until June 2025 with the option to extend for a further year. New Zealand international Leat joined in the Villans in 2022 from West Ham United and has made 22 appearances for them. Chelsea have announced that Melanie Leupolz has left the club after four seasons and joined Real Madrid. The 30-year-old German midfielder won four WSL titles, three FA Cups and the League Cup and Community Shield once each during her time with the Blues as well as being part of the squad that reached the Champions League final in 2021. Leupolz played 87 times for Chelsea and scored 12 goals including one in her final game for them as they beat Manchester United 6-0 to win the league in May. Hanna Bennison has left Everton to join Juventus for an undisclosed fee. The Sweden international midfielder had been with the Toffees for three years, made 81 appearances in all competitions and scored 8 goals for them. Former Arsenal superstar and WSL legend Vivianne Miedema has joined Manchester City after a highly successful spell with the London outfit. Miedema has signed a three-year contract with City which will see her play alongside the likes of Bunny Shaw, Lauren Hemp, Yui Hasegawa and Jill Roord. Speaking about her move, Miedema noted, “I think having thought really hard about my future after leaving Arsenal, the main thing that popped up was that I wanted to be at a team who are playing good football. I think in women’s football right now City have a clear philosophy, they obviously did well last season. If I look at the way I want to play, it really suits it. In the end, it’s obviously a massive bonus as well that I stay in the WSL. I think it was the best fit for me.” News

Arsenal vs Manchester City Photographer Adam Mitten Arsenal clinched three points at home after a late winner from super Stina Blackstenius.

I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager. Ellen White Position Centre Forward D.O.B 09/05/1989 Club Manchester City via Getty Images

Stevenage and Colney Heath draw level in historical night at The Lamex. Back Match Report Stevenage v Colney Heath Stevenage and Colney Heath draw level in historical night at The Lamex. Ed Payne 15 September 2022 By Ed Payne History was made on Tuesday evening as Stevenage FCW played their first competitive game at The Lamex Stadium against their foes from last year’s County Cup Final, Colney Heath Ladies. With a plethora of chances created, ‘Boro were unable to recreate the 3-0 win from their last outing with the shares being spoiled after goals from Dionne Manning and Terri Harvey, on a landmark day for women’s football in Hertfordshire. A crowd of 465 hardy souls braced the torrential downpour to cheer on their respective sides. And it took just four minutes for Becky Shephard to attempt her heroics from Sunday with a long shot that flew just wide with Harvey signalling the dangers to come down the opposite end, forcing Celine Ray to stretch high to maintain parity. Chances came and went for Manning and Susan Uwaifo, the latter called up from the development squad after claiming a brace against Cambridge City in their 4-1 win. Uwaifo was centimetres away from turning in a cross from Holly Greenwood, last season’s top scorer for ‘Boro, but that moment of history was yet to come. Shianne Swarres, who dictated play in the centre of the park, and Emily Schofield both saw chances spurned before Manning became the first woman to score in a competitive match at The Lamex. It was more good work by Greenwood, this time down the right, battling through the gauntlet and sending the ball towards Shephard. The ball passed her by and fell for Manning to unleash a right footed strike of beauty from the edge of the area that sailed past Naomi Swift and into the net. Stevenage continued to create chances with Schofield and Uwaifo shooting at Swift before the break and the second half saw more of the same. Uwaifo, Swarres, Shephard and Kelsey Millen all had attempts saved, blocked or narrowly off target, whilst Ray kept it tight at the back. Heath however wanted to share in the glory of the occasion and so it was that following a free kick from the same area that Greenwood had delivered in the first half, Harvey – from the same area that Manning had stood sent a thunderous shot goalwards and into the net. Uwaifo and Nicole Farmer had late efforts, but on a day when the points were shared and the weather atrocious, women’s football shone bright and was indeed the true winner. Line-up Stevenage: Ray, White, Farmer, Neal (c), Manning, Swarres, Greenwood, Shephard, Gooderham, Uwaifo, Schofield Subs: Millen, Paci, Craig, Hussain, O’Brien Goal: Manning Attendance - 465