Recap all the in's and out's of the twelve Women's Championship teams Women’s Championship 2023-24 Season Saturday, 2 September 2023 By Paul Donegan Recap all the in's and out's of the twelve Women's Championship teams Crystal Palace Women The 2023/24 Women’s Championship season looks set to be close and unpredictable! On the first weekend alone, Blackburn Rovers beat one of the favourites Birmingham City, Southampton were the only side to score more than one goal as they won 4-1 at Lewes, whilst the other four matches ended in draws with Sheffield United and Crystal Palace scoring late equalisers. The fight to be champions with promotion spot to the WSL and to avoid the two relegation places looks like it could be thrilling. Reading and Watford join the league for this season replacing Bristol City and Coventry United (now Rugby Borough). Four of the clubs have new managers for this season, with perhaps the most interesting appointment being that of former Italian international and Italy, Canada, Lazio and AC Milan manager Carolina Morace at London City Lionesses. There have been a lot of player movements in the Championship and the full list for each side can be seen below in the club information. London City Lionesses have seen the biggest turnover with 16 players leaving and 13 joining. After relegation from the WSL, Reading announced they will be operating under a part-time model for this season. Sheffield United announced during the summer they will begin the transition towards operating a full-time playing model, whilst Sunderland have adop ted a hybrid playing model for the 2023/24 season. Here is information about all 12 sides in the league including where they play, links for tickets, social media accounts, and all the comings and goings during the summer (correct as of Saturday 2nd September 2023). Birmingham City Ground – St Andrew’s Stadium B9 4RL Tickets – Event Tickets List - Online ticket office ( eticketing.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @BCFCWomen Instagram - bcfcwomen Manager – Darren Carter Last season – 2nd Women’s Championship Players joined – Ellie Mason (Lewes), Charlie Devlin (Leicester City), Charlotte Clarke (Liverpool), Katie Dungate (Chelsea), Remi Allen (Aston Villa), Neve Herron (Sunderland), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Jade Moore (Manchester United) Players left – Charlie Estcourt (Reading), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Durham), Lily Simkin, Mollie Green (Nottingham Forest), Harriet Scott (retired), Lucy Jones (West Bromwich Albion – dual registration) Blackburn Rovers Ground – Lancashire FA County Ground PR25 2LF (Clubs main ground - Ewood Park BB2 4JF) Tickets – Event Tickets List - eTickets ( eticketing.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @RoversWFC Instagram - roverswfc Manager – Simon Parker Last season – 10th Women’s Championship Players joined – Chloe Williams (Manchester United), Niamh Murphy (Manchester United), Tyler Toland (Levante), Georgia Walters (Sheffield United), Lucy Shepherd (London City Lionesses), Hannah Silcock (Liverpool – loan) Players left – Camilla Kur (retired), Ellie Leek (Stoke City), Saffron Jordan (Stoke City), Natasha Fenton (Sunderland), Chloe Dixon (Nottingham Forest), Kayleigh McDonald (Stoke City) Charlton Athletic Ground – The Oakwood DA1 4EU (Clubs main ground – The Valley SE7 8BL) Tickets – Buy Tickets: Charlton Athletic Ticketing ( cafc.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @CAFCWomen Instagram - cafcwomen Manager – Karen Hills Last season – 4th Women’s Championship Players joined – Kate Longhurst (West Ham United), Sian Rogers (Aston Villa), Kayleigh Green (Brighton & Hove Albion), Elisha N’Dow (Aston Villa), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes), Carla Humphrey (Liverpool), Karin Muya (London City Lionesses), Freya Godfrey (Arsenal – loan) Players left – Lauren Bruton (retired), Alex Hennessy (Billericay Town), Corinne Henson (Watford), Emma Folis, Emily Simpkins (retired), Poppy Soper (Ipswich Town – loan), Heidi Logan (Stoke City – loan) Crystal Palace Ground – VBS Community Stadium SM1 2EY (Clubs main ground – Selhurst Park SE25 6PU) Tickets – Event Tickets List - eTickets ( eticketing.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @cpfc_w Instagram – cpfc_w Manager – Laura Kaminski Last season – 5th Women’s Championship Players joined – Lia Cataldo (Bristol City), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Shanade Hopcroft (London City Lionesses), Keira Berry (Manchester United – loan), Araya Dennis (Arsenal) Players left – Rianna Dean (Southampton), Hollie Olding (Lewes), Emily Wilson-White, Lizzie Waldie (Hearts), Coral-Jade Haines (Watford) Durham Ground – Maiden Castle DH1 3SE Tickets – Durham Women FC ( ticketco.events ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @DurhamWFC Instagram - durhamwfc Manager – Lee Sanders Last season – 7th Women’s Championship Players joined – Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Birmingham City), Amy Andrews (Western Illinois University), Abby Holmes (Sunderland) Players left – Maria Farrugia (Lewes), Rio Hardy (Rangers), Bridget Galloway (Newcastle United), Hannah Greenwood (Newcastle United) Lewes Ground – The Dripping Pan BN7 2XA Tickets – Buy tickets for Lewes Football Club ( tickettailor.com ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @LewesFCWomen Instagram - lewesfcwomen Manager – Scott Booth Last season – 9th Women’s Championship Players joined – Caragh Hamilton (Glentoran), Anna Grey (Ipswich Town), Maria Farrugia (Durham), Sarah Brasero-Carreira (Ipswich Town), Hollie Olding (Crystal Palace), Grace Riglar (Sheffield United), Grace Garrad (Stabaek), Kate Oakley (Liverpool), Shauna Vassell (London Bees), Reanna Blades (Chelsea – loan) Players left – Izzy Dalton (Perth Glory), Ellie Mason (Birmingham City), Paula Howells (Saltdean United), Rebecca McKenna (Charlton Athletic), Amber-Keegan Stobbs (Newcastle United), Emily Kraft (Southampton), Nat Johnson (Nottingham Forest) London City Lionesses Ground – Princes Park DA1 1RT Tickets – Single Match & Season Tickets | London City Lionesses Social Media – X (Twitter) - @LC_Lionesses Instagram - londoncitylionesses Manager – Carolina Morace Last season – 3rd Women’s Championship Players joined – Connie Scofield (Leicester City), Sophie Hillyerd (West Ham United), Tinaya Alexander (Reading), Georgia Brougham, Paige Satchell (Wellington Phoenix), Sonia O’Neill (Turbine Potsdam), Grace Moloney (Reading), Niamh Farrelly (Parma Calcio), Emma Mukandi (Reading), Danielle Carter (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Aston Villa), Maddi Wilde (Bristol City – loan) Players left – Shae Yanez (San Diego Wave), Amy Rodgers (Bristol City), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Harley Bennett (Watford), Charlotte Fleming (Watford), Carly Girasoli (Hearts), Katie Kitching (Sunderland), Anna Pedersen, Lucy Shepherd (Blackburn Rovers), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Shanade Hopcroft (Crystal Palace), Sarah Ewens (Rangers), Jamie-Lee Napier (Bristol City), Atlanta Primus (Southampton), Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Karin Muya (Charlton Athletic) Reading Ground – Select Car Leasing Stadium RG2 0FL Tickets – Buy Tickets: Reading FC Ticketing Social Media – X (Twitter) - @ReadingFCWomen Instagram - readingwomenfc Manager – Liam Gilbert Last season – 12th Women’s Super League Players joined – Charlie Estcourt (Birmingham City), Ava Kuyken (Hibernian), Rose Kite (Oxford United), Rachel Dugdale (Rugby Borough), Georgia Wilson (Aab Kvinder), Emily Orman (Chelsea – loan), Josie Longhurst (Lewes) Players left – Emma Mukandi (London City Lionesses), Faye Bryson, Chloe Peplow (Southampton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Becky Jane, Amalie Eikeland (SK Brann), Emma Harries (West Ham United), Gemma Evans (Manchester United), Justine Vanhaevermaet (Everton), Natasha Dowie, Deanne Rose, Tinaya Alexander (London City Lionesses), Hannah Poulter (Southern California University), Rachel Rowe (Rangers) Sheffield United Ground – Bramall Lane S2 4SU Tickets – Buy Tickets: Sheffield United Ticketing ( sufc.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @sufc_women Instagram – sufc_women Manager – Jonathan Morgan Last season – 8th Women’s Championship Players joined – Sophie Barker (Leicester City), Jess Sigsworth (Leicester City), Isobel Goodwin (Rugby Borough), Ashley Hodson (Liverpool), Jodie Hutton (Bristol City), Ella Kinzett (Manchester United), Fran Stenson (Arsenal), Tara Bourne (Manchester United), Olivia Page (Eastern Suburbs AFC), Alanta Brown (Burnley), Juliet Adebowale-Arimoro (London Bees), Ellie May (Burnley) Players left – Ellie Wilson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Nina Wilson (Hibernian), Georgia Walters (Blackburn Rovers), Grace Riglar (Lewes), Naomi Hartley, Mia Enderby (Liverpool), Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Alethea Paul (Burnley), Rhema Lord-Mears (Burnley) Southampton Ground – St Mary’s Stadium SO14 5FP Tickets – Men | Fixture Listing | Southampton FC Official Site Social Media – X (Twitter) - @SaintsFCWomen (matchday)/@SouthamptonFC Instagram - saintsfcwomen Manager – Marieanne Spacey-Cale Last season – 6th Women’s Championship Players joined – Chloe Peplow (Reading), Rianna Dean (Crystal Palace), Emily Kraft (Lewes), Molly Pike (Leicester City), Jemma Purfield (Leicester City), Isabel Milne (Chelsea), Atlanta Primus (London City Lionesses), Emma Thompson (Chelsea) Players left – Georgie Freeland (Portsmouth), Phoebe Williams (Oxford United), Ella Pusey, Beth Lumsden (Portsmouth), Ella Hunkin Sunderland Ground – Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground DH5 9NA (Clubs main ground – Stadium of Light SR5 1SU) Tickets – Event Tickets List - eTickets ( eticketing.co.uk ) Social Media – X (Twitter) - @SAFCWomen Instagram - safcwomen Manager – Mel Reay Last season – 11th Women’s Championship Players joined – Mary McAteer (Rugby Borough), Katie Kitching (London City Lionesses), Natasha Fenton (Blackburn Rovers), Jenna Dear (Valerenga), Amy Goddard (Oxford United), Ellen Jones (Leicester City) Players left – Abbey Joice (retired), Abby Towers (Middlesbrough), Danielle Brown, Allison Cowling, Brenna McPartlan (Burnley), Emma Kelly (Newcastle United), Neve Herron (Birmingham City), Nicki Gears, Tyler Dodds (Newcastle United), Abby Holmes (Durham) Watford Ground – Grosvenor Vale HA4 6JQ (Clubs main ground – Vicarage Road Stadium WD18 0ER) Tickets – Buy Tickets: Watford FC Ticketing Social Media – X (Twitter) - @WatfordFCWomen Instagram - watfordfcwomen Manager – Damon Lathrope Last season – 1st Women’s National League Players joined – Ellie Head (Arsenal), Harley Bennett (London City Lionesses), Coral-Jade Haines (Crystal Palace), Abbie Lafayette (Ipswich Town), Lucia Leon (Real Betis), Corinne Henson (Charlton Athletic), Carly Johns (Oxford United), Charlotte Fleming (London City Lionesses), Olivia Clark (Bristol City – loan), Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal – dual registration), Laila Harbert (Arsenal – dual registration), Katie Reid (Arsenal – dual registration) Players left – Helen Ward (retired), Adekite Fatuga-Dada, Emily Wallace, Faye Brough (Elfen), Georgie Ferguson (Stoke City), Nicola Gibson (AFC Wimbledon)

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur Photographer Adam Mitten Elisabeth Terland put hosts Brighton in front early before Martha Thomas earned Spurs' equaliser late in the first half. The visitors ended up adding another two to their tally thanks to efforts from Grace Clinton and Ria Percival, picking up all three points on the road. Yet despite the underwhelming result for the hosts, the Amex was rocking.

A look back at the outstanding year had by sisters Kristie and Sam Mewis. 2020: The Year of Mewis Wednesday, 30 December 2020 By Charlotte Stacey A look back at the outstanding year had by sisters Kristie and Sam Mewis. Brad Smith Describing the year 2020 could quite accurately serve as a dictionary definition of the word ‘impossible’. Sports events, entire seasons and prestigious international competitions were all cruelly whipped away from us by an aggressively obnoxious predator. But amongst the ever-present dread emerged positives to grab on to, rising to the top of the void with little shards of light. Indeed, women’s football returned, albeit slightly differently to what we are used to. Back in June, the National Women’s Soccer League dosed us with a much-needed tonic, hosting a month-long knock-out tournament that was streamed worldwide. That was it, all eyes on the Challenge Cup. The tournament brought an incentive to those long lockdown days, gave us an NWSL education and familiarised us with a catalogue of internationally acclaimed players. Amongst these, there were plenty that impressed, yet a particular sibling duo stood out as integral fixtures in their respective teams. Sam and Kristie Mewis distinguished themselves from the pack, each exerting their tailored command of the midfield to derive the strengths of those around them. Describing the year 2020 could quite accurately serve as a dictionary definition of the word ‘impossible’. Sports events, entire seasons and prestigious international competitions were all cruelly whipped away from us by an aggressively obnoxious predator. But amongst the ever-present dread emerged positives to grab on to, rising to the top of the void with little shards of light. Indeed, women’s football returned, albeit slightly differently to what we are used to. Back in June, the National Women’s Soccer League dosed us with a much-needed tonic, hosting a month-long knock-out tournament that was streamed worldwide. That was it, all eyes on the Challenge Cup. The tournament brought an incentive to those long lockdown days, gave us an NWSL education and familiarised us with a catalogue of internationally acclaimed players. Among these, there were plenty that impressed, yet a particular sibling duo stood out as integral fixtures in their respective teams. Sam and Kristie Mewis distinguished themselves from the pack, each exerting their tailored command of the midfield to derive the strengths of those around them. Younger sister, Sam Mewis, began the year in an Atlantic blue North Carolina Courage strip, and is ending it over 3500 miles away from her homeland, donning Manchester City’s iconic sky blue. Mewis started in all five of the NCC’s Challenge Cup games before the top seeds surprisingly crashed out in the first of the knock-out rounds. The 28-year-old was then one of five USWNT members to make the move across the Atlantic to join the Women’s Super League for the 2020/21 season. Bringing with them an enticing excitement, the impact of each of these players had the potential to swing one of two ways. Yet, each have managed to make a mark, with Mewis leading the line, arguably finding her feet the quickest of the quintet. Infiltrating Manchester City’s established midfield was never going to be an easy task, even for a World Cup winner, yet Mewis took to it like a duck to water; feet under the table with immediate effect. In fact, Mewis has slotted in with such an immaculate ease, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recall a time in which she was not nullifying defensive lines in the English league. Since joining Manchester City in the summer, Mewis has racked up six goals, including bagging her first European goal in her Champions League debut. She also became only the third American player to score in an FA Cup final, which City ultimately went on to win. But her goalscoring escapades are merely the tip of the iceberg. Mewis’ aerial abilities, startling agility and ingenuity to assist are what truly mark her as one of the finest signings of the league. To polish off her successful year, rather fittingly Mewis has also just been named ‘US Female Soccer Player of the Year’. Undoubtably a deserved feat given her consistent performances across all clubs, leagues and competitions. Across the pond, Kristie Mewis, continues to work wonders in the heart of Houston Dash. The Dash became the somewhat unlikely winners of the Challenge Cup. With every game they saw off the competition while exuding an alluring charm and a rousing of unity. This sense of togetherness drew out the very best in each player, yet the eye, almost unconsciously, was repeatedly drawn to Houston’s middle third, and in particular, Mewis. Mewis’mouth-watering passing ability, menacing runs and her cognition in envisioning pockets of play made her the ultimate creator, one simply to be held in the highest regard. The captain’s band may not have been wrapped around her upper arm, but Mewis was unmistakably a central cog that propelled the Dash to victory. The 29-year-old has since carried this exquisite form into the Fall Series. The Dash respectably finished in second place, with Mewis impressively scoring twice and notching up five assists in just four games. It is no wonder then, that Mewis was subsequently called up to the national team for their October and November training camps. Throughout her career, Mewis has endured her fair share of turbulence. Being traded five times, overcoming disappointment with the national team, suffering an excruciating ACL injury and being halted in her tracks by a global pandemic; it certainly has not been the easiest of rides. But through sheer resilient grit, Mewis made her return to the international scene, six years since her last appearance, in a friendly against The Netherlands this November. Of course, as fate would have it, this match topped Mewis’ year off in style as she claimed her second international goal, 2722 days after her last. And so, in what has been possibly the most intense period of upheaval many of us have experienced, the Mewises, Mewis’, Mewii, Mewes (insert alternative plural here) have presented a welcomed distraction from our collectively bleak affairs with a glint of excellence. But more than that, Kristie Mewis’ story is one that brings a smile, yet it is a story that is far from over. Her tale is one of utter perseverance; a reminder that even in the very worst of times, there are always better days ahead.

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

The feel good film of the year? How She Will Play On will continue to smash down barriers. She Will Play On: The incoming women's football film of the year Thursday, 26 October 2023 By Finley Chung The feel good film of the year? How She Will Play On will continue to smash down barriers. She Will Play On Everyone loves a feel good story, especially when one is at the heart of a community and aims to inspire. That’s exactly what She Will Play On hopes to do. Backed and supported by BFI Film Academy alumni, this community-orientated project exploring women in regional football already has the makings to captivate audiences, despite a short runtime. Brought to audiences by Pelé Rocket and associate produced by Lounge Trip Productions, the project’s creative hub is based in Nottingham and is already partnered with the local Nottinghamshire FA and award-winning national organisation Her Game Too, who campaign to prevent sexism in football. Still very much in its infancy, rehearsals start this September. There has been a remarkable turnaround, having started the process in July this year, and planning to submit to film festivals by January 2024. The film is written by Jess Hilditch, directed by Grace Morgan and produced by Leah Joy and Ben Fletcher with the synopsis of the film being based around two siblings, Sienna and Lucy. When Sienna’s home life takes a turn for the worse, she finds herself responsible for her younger sister Lucy, a footballing prodigy. Sienna protects Lucy the best she can, but how will the eight year old get her big break when money is dwindling. The film explores themes of sexism and classism in regional women’s football; director, Grace Morgan, explains that “the topic of this film is very important and relevant to many people. We hope this film can bring more awareness to the barriers young girls can face whilst trying to access the sport at all levels.” Surrounding the recent attention around the Women’s World Cup, producers Leah Joy and Ben Fletcher tell us how, “The Lionesses have changed history and the impact it has made on the next generation of footballers is so powerful.” They say “it is the perfect time to make this film and tell this story. We hope to make a difference in the lives of the young girls who aspire to become the next generation of women in football.” The film’s writer, Jess Hilditch, also has this to say: “ The love that women's football has been getting, especially over the last year, has been incredible and I definitely wanted to create something that showed the growing opportunities for young footballers that have come from this. However, the discrepancies in the social perception of the women's game compared to the men is still clear and quite baffling- it isn't something you see in the same way for other sports. "I wanted to write something that could show the people that speak against the women's game that their words and attitudes have a detrimental impact on young girls- and if we can't even allow young girls to innocently enjoy the game, then what are we doing? The game has come so far, but there is still a way to go and we hope our film can contribute to that."

Back Keira Walsh Club Manchester City Position Midfielder D.O.B 08/04/1997 Bio Walsh remains one of the most skilled defensive midfielders the home nations have to offer. The 24-year-old is a gifted visionary and uses this foresight to execute well placed balls into the attacking third. Walsh is well used as a ‘springboard’ in propelling play out from a deeper position whilst standing protective of her backline. Approaching games with a patience, Walsh bides her time in picking out the most advantageous pass, a crucial cog in goal and shot creation. Tom Flathers C2