All you need to know ahead of the record breaking Vitality Women's FA Cup 2023 A Guide to the FA Cup Final 2023 Saturday, 13 May 2023 By Paul Donegan All you need to know ahead of the record breaking Vitality Women's FA Cup 2023 The 2023 Women’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 14th May (kick off 2:30pm BST). Chelsea have won the last two FA Cups and will be looking to win it for the fifth time in total. This will be Manchester United’s first appearance in the final. These sides are currently the top two in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The match has sold-out and will set a new attendance record for the final and cup. How they got to the final Both sides entered the cup in the fourth round. In that round, Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-2 at Kingsmeadow with Sam Kerr scoring a hat-trick. The Blues took on London rivals Arsenal in the fourth round. They won that match 2-0 with Sophie Ingles and Kerr scoring the goals. In the quarter-finals, Chelsea overcame Reading, beating them 3-1. The goals were scored by Jess Carter, Maren Mjelde and Guro Reiten. Kerr scored the only goal in the semi-final as they beat Aston Villa 1-0 to reach their third consecutive final. Manchester United started their FA Cup campaign with a 2-1 win away at Sunderland with Nikita Parris scoring both goals. In the fourth round, they beat Durham 5-0. Vilde Boe Risa, Leah Galton, Hannah Blundell, Alessia Russo and Parris scored the goals. They travelled to The Dripping Pan in the quarter-finals where they beat Lewes 3-1. The goals were scored by Russo, Boe Risa and Parris. Galton, Russo and Rachel Williams scored as they reached Wembley for the first time by beating Brighton 3-2 in the semi-finals. Past Meetings In the WSL meetings this season, Chelsea won the meeting at Leigh Sports Village in November 3-1. Kerr, Lauren James, and Erin Cuthbert scored for the Blues whilst Russo scored United’s consolation goal. In the return fixture at Kingsmeadow in March, Chelsea won 1-0. Kerr scored the only goal of the game during the first half. Manchester United have never beaten Chelsea in any competition. Photo: Edward Payne Chelsea Chelsea are currently second in the WSL. Emma Hayes normally lines them up in a 4-2-3-1 formation but has also recently also used a 3-4-1-2 formation, even swapping between them during matches. Starting in goal will either be Ann-Katrin Berger or Zecira Musovic. In defence, Eve Perisset, captain Magdalena Eriksson, Kadeisha Buchanan, Jess Carter, Maren Mjelde and Niamh Charles have been regular starters throughout the season. Alsu Abdullina is another defensive option whilst Millie Bright will miss the final with a knee injury. Erin Cuthbert, Sophie Ingle, Melanie Leupolz, Jessie Fleming and Jelena Cankovic could be used in the midfield. In the attacking midfield positions, Lauren James, Guro Reiten, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Katerina Svitkova have been used. In the number 10 role, Fran Kirby is out injured for the rest of the season so Pernille Harder, Fleming or Cankovic could start there. Sam Kerr will probably start up front with Harder, James and Reiten as a back-up in this position. Photo: Ryan Asman Manchester United Marc Skinner’s side currently sit top of the WSL. He normally sets United up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and has kept a fairly settled starting line-up throughout the season. Mary Earps will probably start in goal with Sophie Baggaley as back-up. In defence, Ona Batlle normally starts as right-back, Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner in the centre, and Hannah Blundell on the left side. Aoife Mannion has started some recent games as a centre-back. Other defensive options include Jayde Riviere, Aissatou Tounkara and Estelle Cascarino. Maria Thorisdottir is out injured for the rest of the season. Captain Katie Zelem and Hayley Ladd have been regular starters in midfield, with Nikita Parris, Ella Toone and Leah Galton playing in more attacking roles. Other players who can play in midfield include Vilde Boe Risa, Lisa Naalsund and Lucia Garcia. Alessia Russo is the normal starter in forward position with Rachel Williams and Martha Thomas as other options in attack. Stadium and transport information The final, as it has done since 2015, will take place at Wembley Stadium. Following national rail strikes on Friday and Saturday, there may still be some disruption on Sunday. NO TRAINS WILL BE STOPPING AT WEMBLEY STADIUM STATION. The closest stations to the stadium that will be open are Wembley Park (Jubilee and Metropolitan Underground lines) and Wembley Central (Overground from Euston station in London and Bakerloo Underground line). 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. Car Parking has to be pre-booked and is limited. Blue badge parking is available but again has to be pre-booked. General admission turnstiles open at 12:30pm (BST) with hospitality turnstiles 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. They will be unsegregated but you must have a match ticket to enter and they have limited capacities. The west fan zone will have things such as table football and football darts as well as food and soft drinks. 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 10:30am to 2pm (BST). Match Officials The referee for the final is Emily Heaslip and she will be assisted by Georgia Ball and Chloe-Ann Small. The fourth official will be Abigail Byrne and the reserve assistant referee is Sophie Dennington. For the first time in a Women’s FA Cup final, VAR will be used. Michael Salisbury and Sian Massey-Ellis will be the officials 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 Sports Extra (coverage starting at 2:15pm (BST)) and coverage on talkSport from 2pm (BST). Outside of the UK, in countries without broadcast deals for the final, it will be shown on the FA Player (check local listings).

Ebony Salmon Position Forward D.O.B 27/01/2001 Club Racing Louisville Jon Super

Our writer Finley Chung reflects on his time watching Spurs, from regional football to the FA Cup Final From Cheshunt to Wembley - My journey supporting and covering Spurs Women Friday, 10 May 2024 By Finley Chung Our writer Finley Chung reflects on his time watching Spurs, from regional football to the FA Cup Final Ryan Asman The 29th April 2018, a day that I had no idea would be the start of a fantastic journey watching Tottenham Hotspur Women, or Spurs Ladies back then as they were known. With the club then playing their home matches at Cheshunt Football Club, which is a convenient ten minute walk from my house, I thought to myself one day, why not go over! It was a thrilling game, Spurs went 3 up inside the first seven minutes thanks to goals from Wendy Martin and a Bianca Baptise double. Despite being pegged back to three each by Durham, Sarah Wiltshire, Ronnell Humes and Lucia Leon eventually sewed up a 6-3 win for Karen Hills’ side. That was my only experience of the girls in person, until the then record North London Derby in 2019 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, I left the ground that day, despite a 2-0 loss hell bent on going to more games, then Coronavirus happened and that was the end of that. Before I knew it, Euro 2021 was around the corner and excitement gripped the nation. I had always kept an eye out for the Lionesses scores, but never actively searched out places, or people to watch games with… until Georgia Stanway’s right foot changed all of that against Spain. For that goal, I screamed so loudly that I woke up my neighbours kids, which tells you enough about the emotion I felt. Of course, England went on to win the Euro’s on that magical day under the Wembley arch, but that catapulted my interest into wanting to watch and cover the women’s game in greater detail. 2021/2022 was Spurs’ best in the WSL, finishing fifth and taking league points off Arsenal and Manchester United for the first time in the clubs short professional history at that stage, the future looked really bright for Rehanne Skinner’s side, but as I grew further into covering the WSL in 2022/2023, that bright future certainly was not what it seemed earlier on. The run that ultimately decided Skinners fate was a nine game winless run between game weeks six and fifteen, when Vicky Jepson took interim charge of the side. Thanks in huge part to Bethany England, Spurs stayed up at the expense of Reading and beat the Royals 4-1, my most memorable press box experience at that time, thanks in no small part to an England double, secured the club’s WSL status. Photo: Ryan Asman I, much like many other Spurs fans at the end of last season, wondered where we might be without Bethany England and I do believe, the answer is in the Championship and not in an FA Cup final, however, over the summer, a period of change happened in N17, a period which has catapulted the club to heights it has never seen. Appointing the loveable Swede, Robert Vilahamn was the clubs seeming first step into putting right the wrongs of the previous campaign, and Spurs haven’t looked back since. In the summer, Vilahamn strengthened hugely, with Martha Thomas, Olga Ahitnen, Luana Buhler, Barbora Votikova and most notably, Grace Clinton joined the Lilywhite revolution. Following an opening day defeat to Chelsea in the WSL, the club went on a six game unbeaten run in the league which truly set the tone for the rest of the term. I covered Vilahamn’s first competitive game, the loss at Stamford Bridge and it gave me the first opportunity to see ‘Bobby Ball’ as its now heralded by the clubs fans in full force. I had zero idea what to expect, but from the first interviews Vilahamn did with Spurs’ in house media team, it was clear he matched the key ethos, play exciting football that wants the fans combing back for more, embodying in full force the club’s Latin Moto, “Audere est Facere’, meaning ‘To Dare is To Do’ in English. Spurs lost 2-1 on that brisk September evening, but had it not been Martha Thomas’ first game for the club, she could’ve so easily had one or two more to the consolation goal she got in SW6. Thus season has been full of highs and historic moments, with the Cup Semi-Final, and the historic North London Derby Win over Arsenal two games that give any Spurs fan goosebumps. Martha Thomas was the name at the centre of both of those moments. She sent the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into a frenzy when finishing off a lightning quick counter attack to seal a 1-0, first ever win over Arsenal in the last game before Christmas, with the Scott writing more headlines in the Cup Semi-Final a few weeks back when Spurs overhauled a one goal deficit, to clinch their place in their first ever FA Cup Final courtesy of Thomas’ 118th minute extra time winner against Leicester City. Being at both these games felt like a genuine full circle moment for me watching this side, who have grown from Regional Football, to compete and beat some of the very best in Women’s Football in this country. On the morning of Wednesday April 24th, I secured my tickets for the FA Cup final, with Spurs selling out the allocation of over 11,800 within three days. The journey for Spurs to get here has been sort of similar to my own personal journey, which I documented for On Her Side just under a year ago now. The feeling of pure elation when Martha Thomas’ header looped over Leicester keeper, Lize Kop and nestled into that net infront of the South Stand of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was simply put, magical. As the days tick closer and the weather gets warmer, whatever happens on Sunday, is going to be a special day for Tottenham Hotspur Women.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Sandy MacIver Sandy MacIver (Mac-EEver) has been in and around the England camp for a number of years having made her senior debut back in 2021. The goalkeeper played as Everton’s number one between 2020-22 and has since moved to Manchester City in a bid to share duties with Ellie Roebuck. MacIver could be described as a brave or bold goalkeeper. When it comes to one-on-one situations, she is unafraid to come off her line, “get big” and is more likely to employ defensive action outside of the area than most. Whilst it would be fair to say MacIver is perhaps not as light-footed as Ellie Roebuck or as vocal as Mary Earps, she is a solid organiser with a favourable save ratio and will do well to get a few more international minutes under her belt. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Aston Villa boss Carla Ward questions the impact the World Cup and Nations League will have on international players as the domestic league kicks off Back "We need to start looking after players physically, mentally and emotionally" says Ward after successive international breaks Aston Villa boss Carla Ward questions the impact the World Cup and Nations League will have on international players as the domestic league kicks off Getty Images 30 September 2023 Paul Donegan Carla Ward spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Aston Villa’s opening Women’s Super League game of the season against Manchester United on Sunday. Ward was first asked about the concerns about the kit (which has been getting very wet during matches). She responded by saying they have similar concerns as the men have but it is over to the club and Castore (kit manufacture) to deal with as her focus is on the weekend. She added the club have been superb with communication about how they can help the players, what will make them feel better and there is a genuine care from the club. Looking ahead to the match on Sunday, Ward feels her side are ready after a strange pre-season. “ The girls have been sensational since they have been back in” Ward added. As a group they are looking forward to playing in front of a record attendance (12,000) at Villa Park. She thinks it will be a tight, technical game of football and the two sides that will go for it. In terms of team news for the Manchester United match, Kenza Dali is unavailable after coming back from the World Cup with a knock and not trained since then (still a couple of weeks away), whilst Maz Pacheco is a major doubt after picking up a bug. Apart from those two, everyone is fit and available. Asked about what would be seen as success this season after finishing fifth in the WSL and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals last season, Ward said success was retaining key players and players that were on loan signing permanently as well as adding a few extra into the squad. Ward said apart from that, success would be “ continuing what we have been building, and trying to better what we did last season (not necessarily top four) and try to close the gap”. Speaking about new signing Ebony Salmon, Ward said along with other signings it gives them different attacking options which is something they didn’t have last season. “Ebony’s pace and power is phenomenal and to have that added is massive to us” the Villa manager continued. “I have never seen pace like it”, and “there is no-one in the WSL like her” Ward added. Ward thinks Sunday’s opponents Manchester United will be up their challenging again after an unbelievable 22/23 season when they finished runners-up in the WSL and FA Cup. She thinks they have had one of the best transfer windows in the WSL with a lot of money spent and quality coming in. With the World Cup not finishing until five weeks ago and another international break last week, Ward doesn’t think that those who played in each have had a long enough break. She added we need to start looking after players physically, mentally and emotionally. The Villa manager also said there are plans to give those who have been playing lots of international football some rest during the season (Conti Cup weeks). When speaking about Maddy Cusack who tragically passed away last week, Ward, who had managed Cusack at Sheffield United, got emotional saying she had an “ unbelievable relationship” with her and she was an “exceptional human being”. Another new Villa signing over the summer is Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, and Ward thinks “she has the potential to be the best in the world” . Ward continued by saying they have been tracking her since the Euro’s last year but she is young still and they will have to take care and look after her as she develops in the WSL. Ward said she would love to sale out home games at the Bescot Stadium this season as the place bounces when there are more than 3,000 in attendance. “The fans have been unbelievable” and Ward hopes they can put on a show at Villa Park on Sunday. Kirsty Hanson signed permanently from Manchester United over the summer after being on loan last season, and Ward commented that it was all about if United could replace her which they did. Ward thinks the transfer works for all parties and Hanson fits what Villa want to do. Ward thinks anothe r new signing Adriana Leon “needs to be told what she is actually good at and reminding what she is good at” . Ward said they will look after her and hopefully get the best out of her. Asked about fine margins in games, and Ward thinks Villa has more squad depth this season which should help, and they are more used to the elite level of game management. Ward noted it is important Villa keep developing youngsters. “Laura Brown is a sensational young player, someone I have high hopes for” Ward said and “we see her playing a huge part this season”. Rachel Corsie is the Villans captain this season and Ward was asked why. “She is one of the greatest leaders you will meet, she is a natural leader who understands the game, experienced, I can rely on, trust and will lead the team” the Villa manager concluded. Aston Villa v Manchester United is live on BBC Two (12:30 kick off BST) on Sunday in the UK (check local listings/FA Player around on the world ). News

A brief round-up on all twelve teams in the Women's Super League and their performances over the 2022/23 season Barclays WSL Season Round-Up Sunday, 28 May 2023 By Paul Donegan A brief round-up on all twelve teams in the Women's Super League and their performances over the 2022/23 season Chelsea FCW Chelsea Chelsea continue to lead the way as Emma Hayes' side won the title for the fourth season in a row and completed the league and FA Cup double for the third. On their way to becoming champions, the Blues won every home league match during the season. They also had an impressive run in the UWCL only losing in the semi-finals to Barcelona, as well as reaching the final of the Conti Cup. Sam Kerr maybe hasn’t been as clinical in front of goal as previous seasons but she has scored some vital goals including a late equaliser at the Emirates against Arsenal, the only goal in the home win against Manchester United and two in the final day win at Reading. Another star for Chelsea this season has been Guro Reiten who finished with top assists in the WSL. Manchester United This has been Manchester United’s best season since they were re-formed in 2018 as they finished second in the WSL, reached their first cup final and qualified for the UWCL for the first time. Marc Skinner saw his side score late winners against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City. However, a result that may have cost his side the title was a 0-0 draw at home to Everton. Skinner kept a settled starting eleven throughout the season but making the most of players like Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams as impact substitutes. Leah Galton and Ona Batlle have been their standout players during the season, whilst Mary Earps kept a league record 14 clean sheets and won the WSL Golden Glove. Arsenal With having four players suffering ACL injuries since November, and others missing parts of 2022/23 campaign with injuries, finishing third in the league, winning the Conti Cup and reaching the UWCL semi-finals has got to be seen as a good season for Jonas Eidevall’s side. At the Emirates, they suffered a stoppage time defeat to Manchester United whilst Chelsea snatched a late draw there. These along with a 0-0 draw at West Ham may be matches seen as ones costly points were dropped in. Frida Leonhardsen Maanum has impressed playing in a more advance role, scoring some spectacular goals along the way. The Gunners have led the way on attendances with a record crowd being set for the WSL of 47,367 when they played Spurs at home. Manchester City Finishing fourth was City’s lowest league position for nine years. After a large turnover of players last summer, they had a slow start to the season, going out of the UWCL and losing to Aston Villa and Chelsea in their first two WSL matches. Things improved as the squad settled and they were in with a chance of grabbing a UWCL place until the final day. Positive results include beating both Arsenal and Chelsea at home but loses away to Liverpool and Manchester United late in the season may have cost them the European place. Stars of the season for City include Bunny Shaw who scored 20 league goals and finished second highest scorer in the WSL, and Yui Hasegawa who played in a deeper midfield role than she previously has. Aston Villa Carla Ward’s side have had an outstanding season as they finished in their highest ever position in the WSL. The summer signings of Rachel Daly, Kenza Dali, Danielle Turner and Manchester United loanee Kirsty Hanson along with Jordan Nobbs and Lucy Saniforth in January have proved inspired. Daly was named as WSL Player of the Season after winning the Golden Boot with 22 goals which equalled Vivianne Miedema league record. She also became the first English player to score 20 goals in a season, and in the away match against Reading in May became the third player in the leagues history to be directly involved in five or more goals in a single game. Everton Everton have had a good season under Brian Sorensen. After finishing tenth last season and having three managers during it, Sorensen has led the Toffees to sixth position in his first season in charge. Gabby George’s performances in defence, a couple of good loan signings in Jess Park and Aggie Beever-Jones and Katja Snoeijs seven goals have helped them to a mid-table finish. Their most impressive result was a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at home. The club broke its attendance record when the Merseyside derby took place at Goodison Park in March when 22,161 fans watched. Liverpool Back in the WSL after winning the Championship last season, and they couldn’t have got off to a better start when they beat the champions Chelsea 2-1 at Prenton Park in their opening match. After that, Matt Beard’s side have never really struggled despite not winning away from home all season. Another impressive result came when they beat Manchester City at home. Katie Stengel finished as top scorer for the Reds, finding the back of the net nine times. Missy Bo Kearns also impressed. Liverpool got a club record attendance of 27,574 for their match against Everton at Anfield in September. West Ham United After a decent start, it turned into a bit of a struggle for the Hammers. They got 15 points from their first 10 games but then Paul Knochesky’s side went into a slump during the second half of the season picking up only two points from their next 10. They didn’t win a league match between December and May though one of the draws during that time was at home to Arsenal. Almost half of their 23 WSL goals have come from Viviane Asseyi and captain Dagny Brynjarsdottir who scored 12 between them. T ottenham Hotspur A disappointing season for Spurs who were in danger of being relegated until the second last game. After winning three of their first five games, including an 8-0 battering of Brighton, Tottenham then lost their next nine league games until they beat Leicester in mid-March. During the winless run, Rehanne Skinner was sacked with Vicky Jepson being appointed interim manager, but this didn’t improve things greatly. Bethany England joined in January from Chelsea for a domestic transfer record fee for a women’s footballer. Her 12 goals since joining have almost single-handedly kept Spurs up. Leicester City After losing their first six matches, Lydia Bedford was sacked as manager at the end of November with Willie Kirk coming in to replace her. Even then it took another four matches until the Foxes registered their first win and points of the season in January. Since then they got 16 points in total which was enough to guarantee safety. They created WSL history by becoming the first team to turn around a seven-point deficit at the bottom of the league and stay up. Kirk made some good loan signings in January including midfielder Ruby Mace from Manchester City and goalkeeper Janina Leitzig from Bayern Munich who has made some vital saves and kept five clean sheets. Brighton & Hove Albion It was a season of four managers at Brighton. After picking up only three points from their opening five matches, Hope Powell resign as manger at the end of October. Amy Merricks took over until the New Year and things improved slightly. They then brought in Jens Scheuer but his spell in charge of the Seagulls only lasted two and a half months before Merricks was back in charge again. Melissa Phillips was then appointed in early April and has led them to safety by picking up seven points since taking over. Elisabeth Terland finished as top scorer with seven goals. Reading Reading had their normal slow start to the season but this time didn’t really recover from it. They finished bottom of the WSL and are relegated to the Championship for next season. There were signs of hope with home wins against Leicester and Tottenham in the first half of the season, but a defeat to Everton at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in April after being two goals ahead might have the final straw as heavy defeats followed this. The Royals went the whole season without picking up any points away from home adding to their problems. Graphic - Charlotte Stacey

An own goal, a red card, a vocal crowd...it was all happening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Back Match Report WSL: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United An own goal, a red card, a vocal crowd...it was all happening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Getty 12 February 2023 By Finley Chung A Molly Bartip own goal just sixty seconds after Bethany England had pulled Spurs level proved to be the difference in a thrilling encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Leah Galton had given the visitors the lead on 67th minutes, before England had pulled Spurs level eight minutes later, but Batrip’s own goal sixty seconds after, saw the visitors come away with all three points and go top of the table, even after Ella Toone was sent off late in the second half. Rehanne Skinner named an unchanged side for the first time this season from Spurs’ 3-2 loss against Chelsea last weekend, with Marc Skinner making one change to the Manchester United XI, with Nikita Parris starting out on the right in place of Lucia Garcia who drops to the bench. Both sides also fieled a former player in this one, with former Man United defender Amy Turner lining up for Spurs and Rachel Williams, who scored 6 goals in 38 appearances in a two year stint for Spurs, taking place on the visitors bench. Marc Skinners side come into this one unbeaten in five in all competitions which finds themselves two points behind leaders Chelsea, but have played a game more than the blues at the time of writing. Rehanne Skinners Spurs are desperate to pick up three points here, something they haven’t done in the league since the 8-0 victory over Brighton in late October. Our visitors were the ones to get the game underway in N17 and they started well, with Ona Battle storming down the right channel and getting a cross in which evaded everyone in United red. Alessia Russo then sped off down the right channel and whipped in a low ball which was cut out, which quickly turned into Spurs’ first foray forward with Bethany England spinning away from her marker but her cross had the same outcome as Russo’s down the other end, being cut out by a defender. United then ventured forward again with some more great work by Russo to hook the ball in, but the header from Leah Galton at the back post looped nicely into the gloves of Tinja-Riikka Koirpela in the Spurs goal. The first clear cut chance of the game came for United, when Ella Toone picked up the ball halfway in the Spurs half and played a superb ball through to Leah Galton, who beat Shelina Zadorsky for pace but saw her effort go narrowly over the bar. The offside flag was next to deny Galton, who angels a superb header past Korpella in the Spurs goal, but the linesman’s flag halted any forthcoming celebrations. Spurs were then next to try their luck in this basketball style few minutes, with Bethany England being played through by Evelina Summanen but England’s effort sailed over the bar when she really ought to have tested fellow Lioness, Mary Earps in the United goal. United were getting a lot of joy against Kerys Harrop and Molly Bartrip down the Spurs left and Nikita Parris was next to burst down that particular channel as she whipped in a wicked, teasing ball which was just missed by Russo in the middle. Some good pressing by Harrop and Summanen from Spurs allowed the latter to get a shot off from the left corner of the penalty box but it was well blocked by Mille Turner. In added time at the end of the first half, Katie Zelem picked out Toone who once again had picked out a little pocket of space in-front off the Spurs defence and looked to thread through Nikita Parris, but Molly Bartrip got a cross to dent her with a fantastic tackle in the last action of the half. Half Time - Spurs 0-0 Man United The visitors started the second half like they did the first, winning a free kick out on the left side, which Zelem whipped in but it narrowly missed the head of Galton in the middle. Zelem herself was next to try her luck just minutes later after Toone won the ball on the edge of the Spurs box but the former dragged her effort well wide of Korpela’s right hand post. United kept the pressure on and won a free kick about 25 yards from goal, which Zelem stood over and her effort was just wide of the post, the Red Devils kept coming at Spurs with Russo next to try her luck, twisting and turning away from her marker on the edge but her left footed effort, like Zelem’s beforehand couldn’t find the target and flew wide. The travelling support, who had been in fine voice all game, must’ve thought what else they would’ve had to do to score, when Toone burst through after great work from Parris but her effort cannoned back off the post and luckily for Spurs, rebounded away to safety. Spurs then had their first foray forward in the second half and they themselves will be wondering how they didn’t take the lead. Ashleigh Neville played a delightful ball through to Mana Iwabuchi whose ball was begging for any sort of contact to divert it into the net but it evaded everyone in the middle and rolled right across the face of goal. Down the other end, Korpella was then called into action again when Russo again muscled her way into a shooting position and her effort took a wicked deflection off Bartrip which Korepla adjusted too very well too make a fine save down to her right. United had come out firing in this second half, with Toone again seeing a low effort blocked. However, it wasn’t long till they finally got their breakthrough on 67 minutes, when a ball in from the right from Battle fell to Galton who this time eventually made no mistake, smashing the ball past Korpela to break Spurs’ resistance and give United the lead. Marc Skinner made two changes after the goal, with Nikita Parris and Hayled Ladd being replaced by Leah Garcia and Vilde Boe Ris. Rehanne Skinner then called on her bench, to bring on Rosella Ayanne in place of Celin Bizet. Spurs dug in though and on 75 minutes they were rewarded for their persistence, Bethany England was sent away down the left, cut inside her marker and bent a curling shot goal wards which arrowed into the corner, past Mary Earps to bring Spurs level with her fourth goal in five games since joining the lillywhites. Spurs’ joy was to be extremely short lived however as from the resulting kick off, substitute Lucia Garcia broke down the right and her ball across was put into her own net by Molly Bartrip and United were back infront, less than sixty seconds after they’d been pegged back. Further drama then occurred as Ella Toone and Evelina` Summanen had a coming together right on the touchline, which led to Toone reacting and pushing Summanen to the ground with the referee Amy Fearn brandishing the red card for Toone’s actions meaning that she earned herself a three game suspension, while Man United would have to see out the final ten minutes with ten players. Rehanne Skinner reacted to this numerical advantage, by taking off Amy Turner and bringing on Angharad James to strengthen the midfield, with former Spurs player Rachel Williams then coming on in place of Russo for Man United. Spurs pressed forward, looking to make use of their numerical advantage in the last five minutes with England’s cross being well beaten away by Earps. Lucia Garida then looked to put the game ahead for the visitors with a mazy run but her effort lacked power and was well held by Korpela in the Spurs goal. A huge roar went up around the ground as five added minutes were signalled at the end of the seance half. United’s first goalscorer Leah Galton was then withdrawn for Martha Thomas Spurs worked one final opportunity from a corner, but Neville’s ball in was well held by Mary Earps in the United goal, but the hosts couldn’t find a way back into it and Manchester United secured the three points which took them top of the WSL table heading into the FA Cup break. Full Time - Spurs 1-2 Manchester United Spurs: England 75’ Man Untied: Galton 67’, Bartrip (og) 76’

After five years with the club, Tash Harding sets her sights on pastures new Back Natasha Harding departs Reading After five years with the club, Tash Harding sets her sights on pastures new Girls on the Ball 22 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Reading captain Tash Harding has announced she will be leaving the Royals at the end of the season. Harding has been a crucial figure at the club, playing in numerous roles across the pitch since joining in 2017. The Welsh international has made 83 league appearances for the club and has scored four goals. Reading boss Kelly Chambers said, “I’d like to thank Tash for everything she has done in her time with the club. She’s been an integral part of the team, and a huge part of our growth as a club.” News

Lucy Staniforth Position Midfielder D.O.B 02/10/1992 Club Manchester United via The Telegraph

Kelly Smith speaks about the exponential growth of the women's game at EA Sports Women's Football Summit On the red carpet with Kelly Smith Monday, 24 October 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Kelly Smith speaks about the exponential growth of the women's game at EA Sports Women's Football Summit Charlotte Stacey | Getty Images We were lucky enough to have a chat with footballing great Kelly Smith at EA Sports’ Women’s Football Summit to celebrate the launch of the Women’s Super League in FIFA23. Smith is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most gifted footballers. During her prolific career, Smith earned 117 caps for her country and remains the Lionesses second highest goal scorer behind Ellen White. On the red carpet, the former England and Arsenal striker spoke about the increasing interest of the women’s game and shared some thoughts on the growth of the Women’s Super League, here’s what she had to say… Imagining the growth of women’s football in the last couple of years… “No, never ever ever ever! We just felt so disrespected when we were young aspiring female footballers. We got the last of everything. Hand-me-down kit, had to pay to play, trained only on the training ground when the men had left. And this wasn’t just the first team, it was the Under 15’s and that as well, so we were right at the low-level base of it. "So, to see the game, and this event today with Sam Kerr on the cover, just shows how far the game’s come. Full time professionals, top European players and other countries want to come to England because they sense it. It’s the product, the competitiveness of the league and I think that’s vitally important to be in a competitive league.” Growing competitiveness of the league… “I mean nobody expected Man City or Chelsea to lose the opening games this season, but that’s what you want. You don’t want them to run away with it every year. You want these upsets, these wins that you’re not expecting and I think that’s what keeps fans coming back, because it’s exciting.” Kelly Smith at the EA Sports Women's Football Summit One team to look out for… “Everton impressed me actually, against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. I thought they played some really good football. Nice, attacking, free-flowing football that we didn’t really see last year. I think the more games they play, the more they’ll get into a rhythm and I can see them upsetting one of the top four sides.” This season’s top three… “I think United might have a say in it. They started really well, they haven’t conceded right now. I know they haven’t played one of the ‘top three’ clubs around them but I do feel like they could. They’ve signed Garcia, Parris, Leon, so they’ve strengthened their squad. They’ve got different kinds of attacking players to change it up. "I think the losses, the clear out that City had, it’s too many players. I think it’s going to take time to rebuild. They won against Leicester but they were expected to beat Leicester. So United, I do think they’ll be pushing closer than they did last season, I don’t think they would choke against the top sides.” Kelly will be part of the punditry teams covering the WSL across the season in games selected for television broadcast.

A History of the Women's FA Cup Final by Chris Slegg and Patricia Gregory A History of the Women's FA Cup Final A History of the Women's FA Cup Final by Chris Slegg and Patricia Gregory A History of the Women’s FA Cup Final is an exhaustive account of fifty finals, from the first (on a bumpy field inside an athletics stadium) to the fiftieth (at Wembley, televised to millions), complete with match reports and interviews with some of the greatest players ever to grace the pitch. Every women's FA Cup Final goal scorer can be confirmed in one place for the first time, and the achievements of previously unknown record holders can at last be fully recognised. But this is more than just a stats book; it is a tribute to the pioneers of the game, who fought to overturn a fifty-year ban on female players and who paved the way for the incredible game we have today. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0750996595/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=0750996595&pd_rd_w=9oOU5&content-id=amzn1.sym.84ea1bf1-65a8-4363-b8f5-f0df58cbb686&pf_rd_p=84ea1bf1-65a8-4363-b8f5-f0df58cbb686&pf_rd_r=0EQ8XJFX7Q181QYAKZDX&pd_rd_wg=WLH03&pd_rd_r=37bb2412-d0a7-4288-b7c1-550c047118db&s=books&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

Bethany England thanked fans and former boss Rehanne Skinner after Tottenham's 1-0 win over Leiecester Back "Start of a new chapter" says Spurs' Beth England after a turbulent few days Bethany England thanked fans and former boss Rehanne Skinner after Tottenham's 1-0 win over Leiecester Getty 16 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Bethany England scored a stunning goal as Tottenham Hotspur beat Leicester City 1-0 in the Women’s Super League on Wednesday evening. England, who is on her way back after injury, played for just over 70 minutes of the match. After it, and after spending some time with the supporters who had stayed after the match in the rain, she spoke to the media. England was asked if she has scored a better goal than this one. “I think I have” answered England. She mentioned the recent goal against Manchester United but then said “I am just happy with the points, I don’t care how it went in”. With manger Rehanne Skinner leaving the club on Monday, England was asked what the last 48 hours have been like for the players. “It has been difficult” was the response and that they have to appreciate what Rehanne has done for the club, she has brought the game forward and wished her well for the future. England continued by saying “this is the start of a new chapter for us”. “I want to do my best and help the team” was England’s reply when asked about Spurs being back to winning ways after nine league defeats in a row. She felt she is still a bit rusty after missing two games as injured, and being honest about her own performance against Leicester she said “I didn’t think my performance today was anywhere near good enough” but glad she could bring “a moment of magic that the team needed”. England noted that personally she has had a good start at Tottenham since joining from Chelsea in January as scoring goals and performing well, but football is a team sport and “wants to win as a collective”. She felt this win was big for Tottenham with some tough games coming up and they need to be solid defensively. Regarding the goal, she commented that she “has a habit of coming down the left hand side and cutting in, but the elation inside of me when it hit the back of the net”. She seemed happy to have scored past Janina Leitzig, who England noted has been putting in some unbelievable performances for Leicester recently, and knew it would take something special to beat her. “I can only thank the fans enough for the support they have given me, it has been tough for them, us and the club as a whole, but I want them to keep sticking with us and results will come and today is the start of that.” England said Vicky Jepson, who was appointed interim head coach on Monday, has been “put in a difficult position stepping in for Rehanne” but has done the job today and done it well, and as players and staff they need to get round her and give her support. As players, “we need to put in performances good enough for Vicky” England added. Asked about the players mood before kick-off, England responded that “yesterday (Tuesday) was tough” and individuals dealt with it how they needed to deal with it. “We have to go out there and enjoy football and not let the pressure get to us because I think that is what has happened in recent weeks, everyone has underperformed, and we needed to out there and enjoy playing our game” England continued. She concluded by saying “We had a good feeling coming into the game, we got the job done and that is what we care about, the points and climbing up that table” , and acknowledged they have to stay humble as still quite far off where they need to be. News