Brian Sorensen predicts a tough 90 minutes as the Toffess take on Reading this weekend Back "We need to be at 100%" says Everton boss Brian Sorensen Brian Sorensen predicts a tough 90 minutes as the Toffess take on Reading this weekend The Athletic 13 January 2023 By Finley Chung Ahead of the WSL’s return, Everton’s Brian Sorensen has spoken of the need “to keep that consistency” as they prepare to face struggling Reading on Sunday. A month since their last WSL outing, a 3-0 win over Spurs, the Toffee’s boss is under no illusion that Reading will provide a tough test as he prepares to face them for the first time in charge of Everton. “They’re a good team who work really really hard and have had good displays against Chelsea and Tottenham. We will certainly need to be at 100% because it’s going to be a tough game.” Focusing on the availability for the clash with the Royals, Sorensen eluded that Danish defender, Katrine Veje is not likely to feature having picked up an injury in a friendly which Sorensen described as “frustrating”. Sorensen also added that “it’ll take some weeks” and that he isn’t sure on the defenders return date. With the month of January, the transfer window comes around and Everton have managed to tie down Australian Clare Wheeler to a two and a half year deal as she made her loan switch permanent during the week. “We have Clare for the next two and a half years and we’re very happy about that, although she has been unlucky with injuries I am aware of her potential having worked with her at Fortuna, I’m happy she’s an Everton player.” On the other side of the fence, Everton had also announced that Brazilian winger Gio had been recalled by parent club Arsenal having made eleven appearances, scoring once and notching one assist. On her departure, Sorensen added “we want to work with Arsenal on further loans in the future. They had decided they wanted her back and we sent her back!” Finally, Sorensen said he is ‘r eally happy with the squad we have, of course we let Gio go and while we are looking at targets, we are really happy with the players we have available”. News

Stevenage top the ERWFL Premier Division after a 4-2 victory over Royston Town Back Match Report Stevenage v Royston Town Stevenage top the ERWFL Premier Division after a 4-2 victory over Royston Town Edward Payne 23 January 2023 Barry Rust Stevenage FCW moved to the top of the Eastern Region Womens Football League Premier Division with a battling display against a tricky Royston side. The home side welcomed back Amy Josland, a player who has made 143 appearances for the club and scored 29 goals, making her the 3rd highest appearance maker of all time. Ailish Straver, a member of last year’s County Cup winning team and a goal scorer too, also returned to the County Ground for the first time since her 11th appearance. Fadi Mazloum said after the game that he had told his girls to start well and take advantage of the lack of games Royston had played this season, so a goal within the first ten minutes ticked that box immediately. An early trio of corners led to nothing, but a fabulous corner from Hannah Nebbitt was headed down by Erin Price and cleared off the line into the path of the unstoppable Amy Makewell who fired home. It was her tenth consecutive game with a goal involvement. Moments later, Makewell was through again after a delicious ball from Emily Schofield, but her shot hit the post after rounding Amy Martin. Regardless, the lead was extended after some superb work down the right hand side. Jodie Bellinger chased a through ball and sent in an outstanding cross for Schofield to turn past Martin with her thigh. Borough had played well and found the first half reasonably comfortable. However, Lewis Endacott had told his players it was too easy during the first half, and Royston came out with purpose in the second half. It took them four minutes to halve the deficit, Riana Badel did well to cut inside onto her right foot on the edge of the area and sent a powerful shot goalwards that Mia O’Brien got a hand to, but couldn’t keep out of the net. Mazloum and his team made a couple of tactical tweaks and that, coupled with more magic from the outstanding Shianne Swarres restored the two goal cushion. The front three of Boro’ played a series of passes as they made their way goalwards, before Royston intervened. The ball landed at the feet of Swarres twenty-five yards out, who stepped forward and sent a superb shot goalwards that Martin could not get to. As Mazloum readied the substitutes, Erin Price saw a header hit the post. With one last set piece before she was due to be removed, Nebbitt stepped up to send an inswinger straight onto her head for a bullet header that nearly broke the net as well as her league duck. Five changes were made over the next eight minutes and this allowed Royston to take the initiative again. Bellinger lost out on a challenge that was not given as a free kick and Becky Charter pushed forward before sending a looping shot beyond O’Brien. Stevenage settled back into the game with the players “catching up with the speed of the game” as Mazloum identified. Bellinger nearly embellished the score after a great tackle from Hannah Bodily and a superb through ball set her free in the box. Bellinger shot first time but couldn’t keep it down. The whistle blew soon after and Stevenage celebrated a result that took them to the top of the table, albeit with the teams below having games in hand. After the game Schofield told us, “Today, we looked like a whole different team, moving the ball fast, getting it up the pitch and creating opportunities and we were more clinical than the last time we played them.” It was a vital three points as Boro’ continue to put pressure on the teams around them. Line-Ups Stevenage XI: O’Brien, Farmer, Webster (c), Neal, Nebbitt, Swarres, Price, Greenwood, Schofield, Makewell, Bellinger Subs: Shephard, Bodily, Wodhams, Millen, Re Goals: Makewell, Schofield, Swarres, Price Royston XI: Martin, Bourne, A. Georgiou, Straver, Houghton, Page, Charter, Josland, Croucher, South (c), Richardson Subs: Grogan, Smith, Cooper, Badel Goals: Badel, Charter

Manchester City clinch the third Champions League spot on the final day of the season Back Match Report WSL: Reading v Manchester City Manchester City clinch the third Champions League spot on the final day of the season Girls on the Ball 21 May 2022 By Paul Donegan Manchester City secured third place in the WSL and the final Champions League spot for next season with a 4-0 win over Reading. Lauren Hemp and Bunny Shaw scored in the first half and Ellen White and Alex Greenwood added another two goals late in the game. Before the game started, both sides lined up and formed a guard of honour for Brooke Chaplen who recently announced her retirement from football. Brooke was presented with a framed Reading shirt in the centre circle by manager Kelly Chambers. Knowing if they won then they would claim third spot, Manchester City started well and Hemp saw a cross blocked by the Reading defence in the 3rd minute. Reading’s Deanne Rose saw her cross go into the side netting four minutes later as they attacked. Georgia Stanway had the best chance of the early stages of the match when she saw her shot from outside the area pushed away by Grace Moloney in the 9th minute. Five minutes later, Shaw controlled the ball and turned but her shot from around 12 yards went wide. In the 19th minute, Chloe Kelly sent her shot over from the edge of the area. City then saw a header from a free kick go wide as they looked for the opening goal. Reading did have the odd chance at the other end and in the 25th minute Lily Woodham shot from outside the area went well over. It was Manchester City who were having more of the chances though and two minutes later they were back on the attack but Kelly’s shot was held by Moloney. On the half hour mark, Hemp’s low shot went into the side netting. In the 32nd minute, Rachel Rowe played Rose through but she also sent her shot into the side netting as Reading looked dangerous on the break. A minute later and City did take the lead when Keira Walsh’s nice chipped pass found Hemp who shot into the net. Manchester City went looking for a second and in the 37th minute Shaw’s low shot was saved and a minute later, Caroline Weir shot wide from around 20-yards out. They did score a second in the 40th minute when Weir got to the byline and pulled the ball back to Shaw who finished. Reading had the last chance of the half when Rose got away down the right-hand side, cut back in but sent her shot over. City went into the break 2-0 ahead and had been the better of the sides but Reading had had a few chances with Rose looking their most threatening player. Manchester City had a chance in the first minute of the second half when Kelly sent a low cross from the right across the goal but neither Shaw or Hemp could get a final touch on it. Woodham sent in a really good cross in in the 50th minute that Natasha Dowie was just unable to get onto and Ellie Roebuck claimed the ball as Reading looked to get a goal back. A minute later at the other end, Shaw shot over from just inside the area. There were chances being created at both ends now and in the 53rd minute Reading had another opportunity when Rose sent a nice cross into the penalty area but this time Rowe was just unable to get her head onto it. Another Woodham cross two minutes later wasn’t met cleanly and the chance was gone. In the 56th minute, it was City’s turn to have an effort when Shaw saw her shot deflected wide. Following this fairly frantic start to the second half, there was actually a quiet spell chance wise for the next ten minutes or so. Manchester City almost scored a third in the 69th minute but Kelly saw her effort brilliantly kept out by the Moloney’s fingertips. Three minutes later, Shaw saw her shot from just inside the area saved, though this one was a lot easier for Moloney. A dangerous Hemp cross was just missed by Lucy Bronze in the 79th minute. Alex Greenwood sent in a free kick in the 83rd minute that bounced in the penalty area before being claimed by the Reading goalkeeper. City did score a third in the 85th minute when second half substitute Ellen White headed in a corner. Hayley Raso was bought down in the area in the 90th minute and City were given a penalty. Greenwood stepped up to take it and sent the ball into the net from 12-yards. The final whistle went not long after and it was Gareth Taylor’s side who finished in third place and qualified for the Champions League ahead of their city rivals. Meanwhile, Reading finished the season in eighth place. City have been on an amazing run since mid-November, losing only one game in all competitions and should go into next Sunday’s FA Cup final full of confidence. Line ups: Reading: Moloney (GK), Bryson, Harding, Evans, Cooper, Woodham, Eikeland (Primmer 81’), Vanhaevermaet (Troelsgaard 74’), Rowe (Peplow 81’), Dowie, Rose Unused substitutes: Stewart, Poulter, Roberts Booked – Woodham, Primmer Manchester City: Roebuck (GK), Bronze, Kennedy, Greenwood, Blakstad, Walsh (Coombs 79’), Stanway (Angeldahl 86’), Weir (Losada 74’), Kelly (Raso 74’), Shaw (White 79’), Hemp Unused substitutes: Keating, Mace, Benameur Goals – Hemp 33’, Shaw 40’, White 85’, Greenwood 90’+1 pen Referee – Elizabeth Simms

ROAR: A Guide to Dreaming Big and Playing the Sport You Love by Beth Mead and Matt Oldfield ROAR: A Guide to Dreaming Big and Playing the Sport You Love ROAR: A Guide to Dreaming Big and Playing the Sport You Love by Beth Mead and Matt Oldfield Football hero Beth Mead grew up playing football on the pitches of North Yorkshire. She went on to become a football champion, role model and Golden Boot winner at the 2022 European Championships. She's here to help you find your sporting passion, work hard and achieve your dreams. From finding something you love, having fun and setting superstar goals to raising your game, working as a team and flicking your superstar switch, sport has the magic to help you achieve success in all areas of your life. But it's also about fun, freedom, friendship, focus and flair, and it is for EVERYONE. So stretch your legs, lace up your boots and discover Beth's insider tips, tricks and activities and for dreaming big and playing the sport you love. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ROAR-Guide-Dreaming-Playing-Sport/dp/1526365863/ref=d_pd_sbs_sccl_1_4/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=Ina5G&content-id=amzn1.sym.b3680bff-f077-48e1-82e2-187909445cc9&pf_rd_p=b3680bff-f077-48e1-82e2-187909445cc9&pf_rd_r=S6794CZVC2XNT6GFJ93A&pd_rd_wg=4jQxX&pd_rd_r=3a4efb3f-72ce-4164-be02-0946b6e022df&pd_rd_i=1526365863&psc=1

Filipa Angeldahl books Manchester City's place in the quarter-finals as the Citizens overcome a resistant Leicester City Back Match Report Conti Cup: Leicester City v Manchester City Filipa Angeldahl books Manchester City's place in the quarter-finals as the Citizens overcome a resistant Leicester City Plumb Images 21 January 2023 By Rosa Maitland Manchester City left it late as Filippa Angeldahl broke the deadlock in the last few minutes to prevent the game from going to penalties. City will now face Bristol City in the quarter-finals as they look for consecutive Continental Cup titles. Willie Kirk made four changes to his side that beat Brighton at the weekend, which earnt them their first league points of the season. 17-year-old Ava Baker came into the side for her second start of the season. Gareth Taylor named a much-changed side to the one which beat West Ham on Sunday evening, with only Leila Ouahabi keeping her place. Captain Steph Houghton returned to defence, with Ruby Mace making her first start of the season. Knowing only a win would be enough to take them through to the quarter-finals Leicester started on the front foot. An early chance fell to Baker just two minutes in, who converted but it was chalked off for offside. Inevitably City grew into the game with time controlling most of the possession albeit slightly carelessly. Taylor’s side came closest on the half-hour mark when Kerstin Casparij drove down the right side and delivered a low teasing ball across goal. Australian international, Mary Fowler beat her marker at the near post, but the shot was just high off the crossbar. The Citizens continued to threaten, and Fowler had another chance but this time a deflection took it wide of the goal. Leicester finished the half the stronger of the two teams as they had a flurry of good chances. The Foxes went closest when Molly Pike met a deep cross from the left side but volleyed it into the hands of MacIver who did well to stand her ground. HT: 0-0 Taylor made an early substitution as Esme Morgan replaced Leila Ouahabi at halftime. The home side started the half strong, as Baker’s long-range effort went just wide of the post. A triple substitution was made by Taylor as Yui Hasegawa, Deyna Castellanos and Laura Coombs replaced Ruby Mace, Vicky Losada and Kerstin Casparij. City’s best chance fell to Julie Blakstad who was picked out by Mace on the edge of the box, but her shot sailed over the crossbar. Leicester, who only named three players on the bench, looked to Mackenzie Smith who replaced Hannah Cain. The away side showed their squad depth as Lauren Hemp came on to replace Blakstad after seventy minutes. Despite dominating passion City looked shaky at the back. Houghton miss timed her clearance which allowed Baker to run through at goal, but MacIver timed her tackle well to prevent an opening. Substitute, Hemp nearly made an instant impact as she made a great run and played the ball across the face of goal, but Hayley Raso arrived late and wasn’t able to make contact. City broke the deadlock in the last few minutes via Filippa Angeldahl who tapped home a cross from Hemp on the left. FT: 0-1 The Citizens maintain their unbeaten run and clean sheet record in the Continental Cup and will now face Bristol City in the quarter-finals. Both teams return to WSL action this weekend. Leicester will travel to Spurs on Sunday as they look to continue their momentum from last weekend and City will host Aston Villa in an early kick-off on Saturday. City will hope to sustain the pressure at the top of the table. Line-ups Leicester City: Levell, Tierney, Pike, Whelan (c), Simon, Howard, Cain, Plumptre, Purfield, Baker, Robinson Substitutes: Lambourne, Smith (71’), Reavill (89’) Manchester City: MacIver, Casparij, Aleixandri, Houghton (c), Fowler, Angeldahl, Raso, Ouahabi, Losada, Mace, Blakstad Substitutes: Roebuck, Greenwood, Coombs (64’), Kelly, Castellanos (64’), Hemp (73’) , Morgan (45’), Hasegawa, Kennedy Goal: Angeldahl (90’)

Chelsea midfielder Ji So-yun is set to return home after an illustrious eight year stint Back Ji So-yun calls time on Chelsea career Chelsea midfielder Ji So-yun is set to return home after an illustrious eight year stint Girls on the Ball 22 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Chelsea midfielder Ji So-yun will leave the club at the end of the season and return home to South Korea. Longstanding member of the Blues, Ji will remain widely regarded as one of the WSL’s most influential and creative players. The 31-year-old has made 208 appearances for the Blues and netted 37 goals; she has also been a part of the squad that has won all eleven of Chelsea’s major trophies. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes commented, “what an honour and a privilege it’s been to coach one of the most amazing players the WSL has ever seen. There’s no question she’s been the most successful player from outside our league.” News

Chelsea scoop 2-0 win over Real Madrid in Champions League tie Back Match Report UWCL: Chelsea v Real Madrid Chelsea scoop 2-0 win over Real Madrid in Champions League tie Chelsea Women FC 28 November 2022 By Paul Donegan Chelsea made it three wins out of three in this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Kingsmeadow. After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Sophie Ingle and Erin Cuthbert scored the goals during the second half. Afterwards, Emma Hayes described it as “a really mature performance from the team”. Hayes made three changes to Chelsea’s starting line up from their win over Tottenham on Sunday with Niamh Charles, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Fran Kirby coming in for Eve Perisset, Jessie Fleming and Lauren James. Real Madrid are third in Liga F and sat second in the Champions League group behind their opponents. They had also knocked Manchester City out in an earlier round. Chelsea started brightly with Fran Kirby having a shot pushed wide by Misa Rodriguez in 2nd minute. Charles then saw her cross land on the roof of net in the 8th minute. Real Madrid’s first chance came in the 16th minute but Caroline Weir’s effort bounced through to Ann-Katrin Berger. Four minutes later, Esther Gonzalez header well wide for the visitors. The home sides next opportunity came in the 23rd minute but Erin Cuthbert shot over from around 25 yards. At the other end, Millie Bright stopped a Real Madrid attack in the 35th minute. Chelsea had the final chance of the first half in the 41st minute when Bright got a slight touch onto a corner but it went just wide. Gonzalez had an effort deflected wide for the visitors in the 51st minute after ball had bounced around in area from cross. Three minutes later, Real Madrid had another chance but Naomie Fuller’s shot from 25 yards was easily saved by Berger. Chelsea’s first opportunity of the second half came in the 59th minute then a Reiten cross was headed by Sam Kerr into air but was caught by Rodriguez. In the 67th minute, Chelsea took the lead when a corner was flicked on by Bright and Ingle headed in near enough on goal line to score her first goal in the Champions League. Hayes was asked about Ingle’s form this season and said “She's been brilliant. She deserves a lot of credit for the work she's done. She pushed hard in pre-season”. She also added that Sophie is a top professional. Gonzalez had another effort for the visitors in the 72nd minute but this time the ball trickled into Berger’s hands. Chelsea scored a second in the 75th minute, and what a goal it was! Cuthbert collected the ball from a throw in on the right-hand side and sent in a cross/shot from near the corner flag that dipped over the goalkeeper and into the net. Did she mean it? When asked about the goal by the media, Emma Hayes said “of course, she meant every part of that top corner finish”. The Blues had a chance to extend their lead further in the 88th minute when a great ball found Charles who had got forward but sent her shot into side netting. Real Madrid had the final opportunity of the game but a cross was caught by Berger as match went into stoppage time. Chelsea remain top of their group after the win, now five points ahead of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. After the match, Emma Hayes was full of praise for the squad at the moment, saying “this team are on another level”, and describing them as “the best we’ve ever had”. She also added that they have learnt from previous years and losing in the final. Chelsea travel to Madrid for their next Champions League game on the 8th December. Before that, they take on Leicester City in the WSL on the 3rd December at the King Power Stadium. Line ups Chelsea (4-3-3): Berger, Charles, Buchanan, Bright, Eriksson (c), Cuthbert, Ingle, Kirby (Fleming 56’), Rytting Kaneryd (James 56’), Kerr, Reiten (Carter 79’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Nouwen, England, Svitkova, Perisset, Abdullina, Cankovic, Akpan Goals – Ingle 67’, Cuthbert 75’ Booked – James 69’ Real Madrid (4-3-3): Rodriguez, Kenti Robles, Sousa, Andres (c), Carmona (Nahikari Garcia 81’), Zornoza (Toletti 86’), Olofsson (Galvez 80’), Maite Oroz, Weir, Gonzalez (Moller 86’), Feller (Svava 63’) Unused substitutes: Gerard, Fuente, Abelleira, Claudia Florentino, del Castillo, Lucia Rodriguez, Camacho Booked – Gonzalez 57’ Referee – Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (Italy) Attendance – 3,336

Heroics from Celine Ray in sudden death penalty shootout see Stevenage crowned as County Cup Champions for the fifth time Back Match Report Hertfordshire FA County Cup: Stevenage v Royston Town Heroics from Celine Ray in sudden death penalty shootout see Stevenage crowned as County Cup Champions for the fifth time Edward Payne 24 April 2023 By Barry Rust A Celine Ray save from the penalty spot saw Stevenage FCW lift their fifth County Cup, as a crowd of 507 were treated to a match for the ages in their 8th successive final appearance, second only behind Watford Ladies. However, this game was all about Stevenage and Royston. Two teams who had met each other three times before this season and with 16 goals scored between them, the one thing that appeared to be guaranteed was a glut of goals. This was not immediately forthcoming. Both sides, understandably, were apprehensive and worked hard to keep the ball, while probing for a killer ball forward. It was Royston who were first to break the line successfully, but Laura Mills shot was dragged wide. Stevenage worked to create chances of their own, without ever really testing Amy Martin in goal. The shot stopper did turn around a Holly Greenwood shot from distance, but it was creeping wide, which is where the tireless Kelsey Millen’s shot went minutes later after latching onto a ball over the top that bamboozled Amy Houghton. Greenwood had the best chance of the half when Millen dragged a ball back across the penalty area for her to strike, but her touch let her down this time and she couldn’t get the shot off to give Boro’ the lead. Instead, it was Royston who took the lead with ten minutes of the half remaining as a Stevenage legend, Amy Josland, lifted the ball over Mia O’Brien and into the net. AJ had made 143 appearances for Boro’, the second most of all time, but this moment was a bittersweet one for many watching as she tucked away her second goal of the season. Royston finished the half strongly with efforts from Annie Georgiou and Poppy Smith sent narrowly over the bar. With three changes made at half-time, it took just ten minutes for Stevenage to draw level. It was a scene that repeat viewers of the club will have seen play out regularly. Becky Shephard, one of the trio of substitutes, took the corner, which was earned from excellent endeavour by Amy Makewell. The delivery was sent perfectly to the far post, where Vicky Neal powered home yet another header for the ninth goal of her Boro’ career. Buoyed by the goal, Stevenage took control of the tie. Rosy Wodhams saw her effort turned wide after Shephard’s free kick was punched clear and Neal headed wide. Royston, to their credit, rode out the onslaught and battled back into the game. Mills saw her effort expertly palmed over the bar by O’Brien, who moments later held onto a low driven shot that, if parried, would have left a tap in. Nicole Hendricks had the best opportunity of the half for Royston as the ball was worked in from the right and into space, but her effort flew narrowly over the bar. Photo: Edward Payne As full time drew nearer, Wodhams had a superb burst of pace down the right and with a sight of goal, unselfishly played in her attackers. Makewell, Amy Gooderham and Shephard all had a snatch at it, but none could test Martin. Penalties loomed large and the 89th minute saw Laura Mills go to ground as Lucy Webster sent a tantalising ball for Gooderham to chase. She did so and in the muddle of Gooderham and Martin the ball came loose and fell kindly for the Boro’ forward to calmly slot the ball home into an unguarded net. Cue scenes of delirium from the red half of the watching faithful. Royston simply refused to give in and pushed until the very end. After a booking for Hendricks, there was still time for one more attack in the fifth minute of three added on. Georgia Miller it was who took advantage of the long ball and slotted the ball home before running the entire length of the pitch to celebrate with family. Cue scenes of delirium from the black and white half of the watching faithful. With the game surely ending upon kickoff, Boro’ made a change straight out of the Louis Van Gaal playbook as Celine Ray replaced the excellent O’Brien in goal. The whistle blew and penalties were upon us. “I was ready from the start,” the young keeper said afterwards. “Anything can happen in a game and you need to come on. I was buzzing at 2-2” Jodie Bellinger and Houghton started the contest well with two fabulous penalties. Royston stole the advantage however, when Nicole Farmer, who has been deadly from set pieces recently, saw her effort saved. Gemma Croucher, Gooderham, Ailish Straver – a scorer from last year’s final, and Becky Shephard all completed the assignment successfully before Miller, a hero moments before, saw her powerful effort crash off the bar and back towards her. A cruel blow, but yet, the game was only in penalties at all thanks to her. Photo: Edward Payne Birthday girl Emily Schofield converted her penalty alongside Char South and the tie entered sudden death. Neal stepped up and sent her ball roughly where her header landed and piled all the pressure onto Royston who had to score. Becky Charter stepped up and sent the ball low to Ray’s left, which was where the ‘keeper smothered the ball before sprinting off to celebrate. It was a cruel way for such a hard-fought battle to end, and a way that has only happened once before in the previous twenty-two County Cup finals when Berkhamsted Ladies defeated Watford in the second ever final in 2001. Interim Manager Dave Perry was delighted afterwards, “Royston gave us a good game, they hung in there and we had to work hard. It’s not a nice way to win on penalties, I don’t like it myself, but it is how it ends and I couldn’t be happier with how we played today.” Stevenage XI: O’ Brien, Farmer, Neal (c), Price, Nebbitt, Bodily, Greenwood, Schofield, Millen, Makewell, Wodhams Subs: Ray, Shephard, Gooderham, Webster, Bellinger Goals: Neal, Gooderham Royston XI: Martin, Fox-Barker, A. Georgiou, Straver, Miller, Houghton, Smith, South, Croucher, Mills, Josland Subs: Bourne, Page, Holt, Charter, Hendricks Goals: Josland, Miller

London City Lionesses v Blackburn Rovers Photographer Adam Mitten Blackburn Rovers earn a huge three points to take them to the middle of the table thanks to Lucy Shepherd's first half effort. Both London City Lionesses and Blackburn missed a penalty each

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.