A quick guide to Liverpool who play in the Women's Super League. Liverpool Website https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/women Manager Matt Beard - ENG Captain Niamh Fahey Liverpool Badge Liverpool Photographer: Girls on the Ball Taylor Hinds Photographer: Girls on the Ball Liverpool Badge 1/5 Squad Number Player Position Nationality D.O.B 1 Rachel Laws GK ENG 05/11/1990 2 Emma Koivisto DF FIN 25/09/1994 3 Leighanne Robe DF ENG 26/12/1993 4 Rhiannon Roberts MF WAL 30/08/1990 5 Niamh Fahey DF IRL 13/10/1987 6 Jasmine Matthews DF ENG 24/03/1993 7 Missy Bo Kearns MF ENG 14/04/2001 9 Leanne Kiernan FW IRL 27/04/1999 10 Rachel Furness MF NIR 19/06/1988 11 Melissa Lawley FW ENG 28/04/1994 12 Taylor Hinds DF ENG 25/04/1999 13 Rylee Foster GK CAN 13/08/1998 17 Carla Humphrey MF ENG 15/12/1996 18 Ceri Holland MF WAL 12/06/1997 19 Shanice van de Sanden FW NED 02/10/1992 20 Yana Daniels FW BEL 08/05/1992 21 Eartha Cumings GK SCO 11/06/1999 24 Katie Stengel FW USA 09/02/1992 25 Gilly Flaherty DF ENG 24/08/1991 28 Megan Campbell DF IRL 28/06/1993 32 Lucy Parry DF ENG 07/05/2004 Ground Prenton Park, Prenton Rd W, Birkenhead CH42 9PY

Beth Mead Position Winger D.O.B 09/05/1995 Club Arsenal via Getty Images

Arsenal hurt Rangers in 6-0 thrashing Back Match Report Foord opens UWCL campaign with a bang Arsenal hurt Rangers in 6-0 thrashing Arsenal WFC 5 September 2024 By Paul Donegan Caitlin Foord scored four goals as Arsenal thrashed Rangers 6-0 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Round 1 Semi-Final on Wednesday evening. Alessia Russo and Kim Little also found the net as the Gunners set up a final against Norwegian side Rosenborg on Saturday evening with the winner progressing to Round 2 of qualifying. Arsenal made a good start in front of a sold-out crowd at Meadow Park and went close to opening scoring in 4th minute when Kathyrn Hill headed a cross wide of her own post. The hosts continued to be the more dominant of the sides without threatening the Rangers goal. The Gunners did take the lead in the 16th minute when Victoria Esson was unable to keep out Foord’s far post header following a cross from debutant Mariona Caldentey. Codina Panedes made a cracking tackle to stop a rare attack from the Scottish Women’s Premier League leaders. Foord almost scored her second in the 29th minute but her close-range effort was saved by Esson before the ball was scrambled clear. Both of the Gunners full-backs, Katie McCabe and Emily Fox, were getting forward and combining well with Caldentey and Foord in attacking wide positions. There were no more chances as Arsenal went in only one goal ahead at the break despite being on top during the first half. Five minutes into the second half, after some nice build up down the right side from the hosts, Frida Maanum couldn’t connect cleanly with a cross and put an effort wide. In the 54th minute, Little saw her shot from inside the area deflected wide off Olivia McLoughlin. Foord scored her and Arsenal’s second goal in the 59th minute when she finished past Esson from 6-yards into the corner of the net. A minute later, Russo made it 3-0 with a shot from inside the area that flew past the Rangers goalkeeper. Around the midpoint of the second half, Russo’s looping header was easily claimed by Esson. Foord completed her hat-trick in the 69th minute with a spectacular finish as she volleyed in McCabe’s cross at the far post. Just after coming onto the pitch, Stina Blackstenius was denied by the visitors goalkeeper from close-range. Esson then stopped McCabe’s shot from 25-yards in the 76th minute as the home side looked for more goals. Blackstenius couldn’t make proper contact with a cross and headed wide in the 78th minute. Caldentey could have capped her impressive debut with a goal in the 83rd minute but put an effort over into the North Bank. In the 85th minute, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after McCabe was fouled in the area. Little put the spot kick high into the net to score the Gunners fifth. As the match entered stoppage time, Rosa Kafaji saw her shot from the edge of the area saved but Foord was on hand to score her fourth from the rebound. The home side almost scored a seventh seconds before the referee blew the final whistle but summer signing Kafaji saw her 40-yard lob go over. After that comfortable win for the Gunners, the final against Rosenborg takes place on Saturday at 19:30 BST at Meadow Park. Line ups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, Fox (Wienroither 79’), Williamson, Codina Panedas, McCabe, Little (c), Cooney-Cross (Walti 79’), Foord, Maanum (Kafaji 70’), Caldentey (Kuhl 87’), Russo (Blackstenius 70’) Unused substitutes: Van Domselaar, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Lia, Godfrey, Agyemang, Reid Goal – Foord 16’, 59’, 69’, 90’, Russo 60’, Little (pen) 86’ Rangers (3-4-1-2): Esson, Rafferty (Middag 67’), Hill, Docherty (c), Hay (McAuley 46’), Eddie, McLoughlin, Arnot, Howat (Lafaix 67’), Hardy, Wilkinson (Berry 85’) Unused substitutes: Fife, Austin, Mcleary, Black Referee – Rasa Grigone (Lithuania) Attendance - 3,487

Arsenal return to winning ways in Brighton victory Back Match Report WSL: Arsenal v Brighton Arsenal return to winning ways in Brighton victory Girls on the Ball 28 January 2022 By Josh Bunting Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League with a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Meadow Park on Thursday evening. It was just the Gunners second victory in eight games but they showed great character and spirit to extend their lead at the top of the table against a Brighton side who came into the game following a 0-0 draw with Chelsea. Arsenal started really well playing with a high press and could have been ahead inside just six minutes, Victoria Williams playing a back-pass that Megan Walsh took her eyes off but it just went wide for a corner. From the corner it was inches away from being 1-0 for the home team when Vivianne Miedema had her header cleared off the line by Maya Le Tissier. However despite the early pressure from Jonas Eidevall’s team it was Brighton who took the lead ,when Kim Little gave away a free-kick on 15 minutes following a handball. As a result Inessa Kaagman sent in a brilliant free-kick for Emma Koivisto to flick the ball beyond Manuela Zinsberger and into the net against the run of play. Brighton were then forced into a substitution several minutes later ,when Williamson and Megan Connolly collided with the Republic of Ireland international coming off with an injury to be replaced by Aileen Whelan. Ellie Brazil was the first Albion player to find herself in the book when Arsenal broke forward and Mead was brought down. On 29 minutes Arsenal put a good move together when Jordan Nobbs got on the end of a ball on the edge of the box ,before picking out Laura Wienroither on her full debut ,but she was denied by a good challenge. After a quiet period in the game Eidevall’s troops attempted to get themselves going again as they won a free-kick on 39 minutes after Little was fouled however, Nobbs stepped up to take the free-kick but she only found the gloves of Walsh in the Seagulls goal. Arsenal had the final opening of the first half when Mead found space before clipping it into Little ,but the Brighton defence dealt with it easily enough. The Gunners started the second half like a brand new team , playing with a much better intensity as Mead slotted a ball into Miedema who failed to get any power behind her shot allowing Walsh to make the save. Walsh was called into action yet again,when Williamson played a brilliant pass into Nobbs who could have picked out Miedema but had a go herself and it was well handled by the keeper. On 54 minutes Arsenal were level with Miedema getting on the score-sheet to her relief after Le Tissier fouled Mead on the edge of the area. Mead took full responsibility in taking the set-piece before whipping it in for the Netherlands striker who poked the ball into the net at the back-post for her first goal of 2022. Several minutes later and the turnaround was complete when Williams brought down Mead just outside the area,allowing Mead to step up and curl a quite sensational free-kick into the net. Arsenal really found their stride with Walsh making a good save from Miedema a minute later when she got plenty of power on a strike however , the keeper got across goal well to beat it away. Eidevall then looked across his bench on 65 minutes when Williamson who is still being managed after her return from injury was replaced by Lotte Wubben-Moy. Arsenal could have sealed the game with just less then fifteen minutes to go when Miedema found Little as Walsh came off her line, but eventually hesitated ,before the ball fell for Tobin Heath who played the ball to Nobbs who lashed the strike wide of the target. Brighton where starting to panic at the back as Mead cut inside before having her low shot was blocked by Emma Kullberg. Heath was then substituted in the 77th minute as she was replaced by Nikita Parris after the USA international put in a really good shift. Brighton were still very much in the game when Emily Simpkins spotted Zinsberger off her line but she snatched at her effort and the ball sailed over the top. Arsenal then made another change bringing off Lia Walti replacing her with Frida Maanum with less than ten minutes to go. Arsenal didn’t really create all that much seeing out the win,but they did have a scare when Williams nearly got on the end of a free-kick but the ball skipped away off the surface and bounced behind. A big three points where sealed from the Gunners as they went four points clear of nearest rivals Chelsea who moved into second after their 2-0 win over West Ham on Wednesday night. Arsenal are next in action on Sunday afternoon in the FA Cup against London City Lionesses. -- Teams Arsenal: Zinsberger (GK), Wienroither, Williamson (Wubben Moy '65), Rafaelle, Maritz, Walti (Maanum '82), Nobbs , Little (C), Heath (Parris '77), Miedema, Mead Substitutes not used: Cull, Head , Boye Sørensen. Brighton & Hove Albion: Walsh (GK), Le Tissier, Kerkdijk, Williams (C), Kullberg, Zigiotti Olme (Simpkins '70), Connolly (Whelan '22), Koivisto, Kaagman, Brazil , Carter (Green '70) Substitutes not used: Gibbons , Bowman, Bance, Symonds, Startup

FA Women's Technical Director addresses the Lionesses talent pathway England Talent Pathway Discussion with Kay Cossington Back FA Women's Technical Director addresses the Lionesses talent pathway Adam Mitten Tuesday, 16 July 2024 By Aimee Logan The media were briefed by Kay Cossington on how the talent pathway is being shaped so that the future of the Lionesses is brighter for the future. She highlighted the key aims of the pathway directors, to protect player identities, compete for trophies and develop even more home-grown players that can progress to the highest level of women’s football in England. Cossington reflected that since the boom in the popularity of Women’s football, the number of young girls wanting to be a Lioness in the future has surged. Because of the work from the talent development team in England, the number of emerging talent centres has increased from 39 to 73 nationally making space for three times the number of players in the selection pools. Another problem that was highlighted was the excessive time and costs that families have previously had to commit so that girls had the best opportunities to pursue a football career. Significantly, because of the opening of the talent centres, the travel time has decreased by 50% on average and the costs decreased from £50-£8 making these centres accessible for a wider range of the country, whether that being people of different ethnic groups or different incomes. A key example of this was Aston Villa’s relocation of their academy centre from the suburbs of Birmingham to an inner city that is now accessible by public transport links. The professional game academies are targeted towards girls aged 14-21yrs and have been created in order to highlight exceptional talent in the country. Cossington restated that it was still important that the girls played in grassroots teams and in mixed football. As the girls continued to grow and develop into senior players, playing alongside the boys is making those that are special stand out to the regional talent directors. Occasionally, the media report that girls playing with boys was a hindrance to girls who want to progress into the top leagues, but after discussion it was agreed that it will increase the quality of the talent coming through the system. ‘Discover My Talent’ was introduced in 2021 and since then over 5000 girls have been referred into the system, out of these 75% still have the opportunity to play in their local grassroots team. This programme along with the Regional Talent Programme aims to find more diverse players with different backgrounds and from different ends of the country. A player that was focused on in the briefing was Brooke Aspin who has recently been called up to the U19 camp for their Euros tournament in Lithuania. Aspin is now contracted with current WSL champions, Chelsea, which came from her success when playing for Bristol City previously. At only 19 she had an early opportunity for WSL minutes, and this helped accelerate her career. Overall, the briefing presented the many ways that the FA are looking to help the development of future Lionesses.

Back Fran Kirby Club Chelsea Position Forward D.O.B 29/06/1993 Bio Kirby is likely to be many supporters first choice to be seated on the plane. The Chelsea forward has returned from her lengthy absence with a vengeance, providing a mammoth thirteen assists and twenty-two goals across all competitions. Kirby has played in a wider position this season but is just as deadly playing centrally in what one would suggest is her most favoured role as a number ten. She is quick, conscious, intelligent and significantly unselfish, drawing in defenders leaving others to dart into optimal positions whilst lines are stretched. Girls on the Ball D4

Johanna Rytting Kanyerd's effort was all that seperated the two sides Back Match Report Chelsea earn first points of the WSL season with slim win over Aston Villa Johanna Rytting Kanyerd's effort was all that seperated the two sides Chelsea FC Women 22 September 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea started the defence of their Women’s Super League title with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Friday evening. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored the only goal of the game in the first half but the Blues have Hannah Hampton to thank for the win after she made two good saves during second half stoppage time to deny Villa an equaliser. It was the start of a new era at Chelsea with Sonia Bompastor in charge of a competitive match for the first time after Emma Hayes left at the end of last season after 12 years at the club. Aston Villa were also under new management with Robert de Pauw replacing Carla Ward over the summer. Kingsmeadow was sold out for the first match of the WSL season, and Gruo Reiten had the first chance of it for the Blues within the first two minutes but put her shot wide. Sjoeke Nusken then met a free kick at the far post but her cross back across goal was just missed by Millie Bright’s head as the hosts made a good start Reiten had the home sides next chance when after turning on the edge of the area she again put her shot wide in the 9th minute. Villa had a good opportunity to go ahead in the 13th minute when Chasity Grant’s low cross was put over by Missy Bo Kearns in front of goal. Chelsea immediately went up the other end and debutant Lucy Bronze saw her cross from the right-side not finding any of her teammates in the area. The home side had more chances with Bronze seeing her header from a corner saved then Reiten missing the target. Jordan Nobbs tested Hampton on the half-hour mark but her long-range effort for the away side was easily claimed by the England goalkeeper. In the 35th minute, Sandy Baltimore’s cross was punched away by Sabrina D’Angelo before Villa cleared the ball. A minute later Chelsea took the lead when Rytting Kaneryd picked the ball up, run across the area, turned then sent a shot from 18-yards into the corner of the net with her left foot. Five minutes before the break, Nusken’s shot was saved by the Villa goalkeeper. As the match entered first half stoppage time, Bright glanced a header wide. The Villans had the first chance of the second half but Hampton claimed the ball after it had bounced around the 6-yard box. Rachel Daly’s looping header then hit the top of the crossbar as the visitors looked for an equaliser at the start of the second half. A shot into the side netting and a header onto the roof of the net were as close as the Blues had come to scoring in the second half until Erin Cuthbert sent an effort narrowly over in the 58th minute. At the other end, Kadeisha Buchanan made a great tackle to stop half time substitute Kirsty Hanson getting a cross in. D’Angelo kept out Cuthbert’s shot for the home side in the 67th minute. Villa’s defence did well to stop Aggie Beever-Jones getting a shot away before they blocked Cuthbert’s effort in the 75th minute then the visitors goalkeeper prevented an own goal from Lucy Parker. Ebony Salmon came on for Parker with five minutes left in a very attacking move from Villa at the same time Lauren James replaced goalscorer Rytting Kaneryd for the Blues as they looked for a bit of creativity to seal the match. Summer signing Katie Robinson’s cross fizzed across goal for the visitors in the final minute of the 90. Hampton made a good save to deny Daly late in stoppage time. D’Angelo, who had come up for the late set-pieces, then saw her header superbly tipped over by the Chelsea goalie even deeper into additional time. These proved to be the final chances as the Blues held on to claim the three points. Even though they lost, there was a lot for the Villa to be positive about based on this performance. Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Lawrence, Bright (c), Buchanan, Bronze, Nusken, Cuthbert, Reiten (Bjorn 90’+4), Baltimore (Hamano 66’), Rytting Kaneryd (James 85’), Ramirez (Beever-Jones 67’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Macario, Perisset, Kaptein, Mpome, Goal – Rytting Kaneryd 36’ Booked - Hamano Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): D’Angelo, Tomas, Parker (Salmon 85’), Patten, Maritz, Staniforth (Hanson 46’), Nobbs, Dali (Robinson 66’), Kearns, Grant (Leon 66’), Daly (c) Unused substitutes: Poor, Mayling, Corsie, Turner, Pacheco Booked - Staniforth Referee – Kirsty Dowle Attendance – 4,337

Coventry United travel home with all three points after taking advantage of 10 player Crystal Palace Back Match Report FAWC: Crystal Palace v Coventry United Coventry United travel home with all three points after taking advantage of 10 player Crystal Palace via Coventry United 6 March 2022 By Charlotte Stacey In a first half plagued with stoppages neither side managed to break the deadlock despite a healthy amount of pressure from the home side. A heavy collision halted play early on when Crystal Palace goalkeeper Chloe Morgan came out to clear the ball before the oncoming Anna Wilcox made contact. The pair came together awkwardly and both required treatment from physios before returning to their feet. Morgan and Wilcox were both substituted off later in the game as a result of this encounter. The Eagles were then hit with another stoppage when Charley Clifford went down off the ball. The midfielder was in visible pain and clearly unable to continue. Kirsty Barton was brought on to replace Clifford 12 minutes in. Four minutes later the hosts had their first chance of the match after Elisha N’Dow passed back a loose ball to goalkeeper Lucy Thomas to collect. Sophie McLean was able to pounce on the opportunity and fired a shot on the edge of the six-yard box forcing Thomas to drop to the ground to make the save. At the 20-minute mark Palace again had the chance to take the lead. Molly Sharpe met Gracie Pearse’s lob and sent in a low effort that was subsequently blocked by Thomas. McLean was there to collect the loose ball but sent her rebound shot over the bar keeping the score level. Coventry were able to regroup and force the hosts into a few hairy moments. Captain Katie Wilkinson in particular made herself a nuisance in the 25-yard box yet was not able to connect with anything cleanly enough to cause Morgan much trouble. The second half started eventfully as Crystal Palace centre back Grace Coombs earned a straight red card after challenging Charlie Estcourt on the edge of the box, denying a goalscoring opportunity in the official’s opinion. Mollie Green’s free-kick did not go further than Palace’s wall. The Eagles managed to maintain a spell of momentum in spite of being down to ten players with Alex Hennessy and Sharpe proving difficult for Coventry’s defence to keep hold of. However, one opportunity is all it takes to swing the odds in your favour and the visitors made good on an opening. A switch of play on the counter was picked up by Olivia Fergusson on the left-hand side. Fergusson whipped in a pinpoint early cross that Wilkinson was able to meet with a bullet header to put the visitors ahead at 67 minutes. The Eagles largely struggled to contain Coventry and the visitors saw the game out with the upper hand. Their final chance of the match came 82 minutes in after Katy Morris was played in on goal by Wilkinson. Morris was able to get in behind makeshift centre back pairing of Barton and Annabel Johnson, yet was unable to get a clear shot away from Wilkinson’s heavy pass. Coventry clinched the hugely important victory and hit the road with three points. --- Crystal Palace: Morgan (GK) (45’), Johnson (C), Coombs (RC), Pearse, Clifford (12’), Sibley, Cowan (78’), Everett, McLean (68’), Sharpe, Hennessy (68’) Substitutes: Orman (GK) (45’), Farrow (78’), Wilson (68’), Baptiste, Churchill (68’), Nicol, Haines, Waldie, Barton (12’) Coventry United: L Thomas (GK), N’Dow, Wilcox (19’), Green, Morris, Orthodoxou, Johnson, Estcourt, F Thomas, Mann, Wilkinson (C) Substitutes: Clark, Colville( , Fergusson (19’), Hartley, Riglar, McGrother Goals: Wilkinson 67’

New five-a-side football centre offers innovative, immersive experience to players with cutting edge technology and industry leading innovation Fives Soccer Centres launch next-generation football centre at TraffordCity Saturday, 5 November 2022 Fives Soccer New five-a-side football centre offers innovative, immersive experience to players with cutting edge technology and industry leading innovation Fives Soccer Fives Soccer Centres are proud to launch their revolutionary football centre in the heart of Manchester, offering an unrivalled small-sided football experience for the local community. The venue has been equipped with state-of-the-art, industry-leading technology and world class facilities with eight larger than standard small-sided football pitches, which are the first in the UK to be approved by the FA. Each pitch offers individual player tracking, allowing everyone to analyse and log their performance stats after a game, as well as video match replays and highlights so players can show off their cat-like reflexes or top corner goals to all their friends, all powered from the dedicated Fives mobile app. The new app also allows players to check pitch availability at the Trafford venue, confirm and split payments for bookings, access their pitch and after they’re done, watch and share their game footage. The pitches also feature digital scoreboards, with floodlight control and gate and pitch access available through the app with a unique QR code. Fives held a ‘Festival of Football’ on Tuesday 1st November to launch the venue with footballers, celebrities, and media all in attendance. Manchester United Women’s captain, Katie Zelem said: “It was a fantastic event to launch the new Fives Trafford venue. They are leading the way in offering a professional experience to all players, and I really feel like the future of football is safe hands.” Of the launch, Scott Penman, CEO of Fives Soccer Centres said: “We have a clear plan to revolutionise the small side football market using digital technology to modernise the customer experience, remove significant operational cost as well as the use of modern technology to dramatically improve and professionalise the at venue player experience. “We hope that, as a brand, Fives can change the shape of 5-a-side football over the coming years and encourage a more diverse and inclusive customer base into the sport we all love.” The venue has opened in TraffordCity and is easily accessible for all budding footballers in the local area. James Whittaker, Peel L&P’s Executive Director of Development said: “The launch of Fives Soccer Centre marks another exciting milestone for TraffordCity. We are committed at Peel L&P to creating new opportunities for our local community, and by working in partnership with Fives we can offer a new, innovative space to exercise, socialise and support the health and wellbeing of the local community.” The facility is open to the public and individual pitches and leagues can be booked via the Football Fives mobile app, available to download from the App Store and Google Play. For more information as well as event bookings visit www.football5s.com/ . Follow on Instagram: @football_fives

An open letter to Jen Beattie. To Jen Beattie Saturday, 12 December 2020 By Charlotte Stacey An open letter to Jen Beattie. via The Morning Star Today, Saturday 12th December 2020, Arsenal and Scotland defender Jennifer Beattie, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A sequence of letters that one naturally assumed would never leave their fingertips when writing about athletes at the top of their game, yet, here we are. This marks the first piece of work I have written in the first person. However, I must admit, I briefly considered taking an altogether different approach. I toyed with the idea of tackling the subject with my typical, almost academically natured dictation, yet such thoughts were very quickly dismissed. This is a piece that needs to come from a place much closer to home. I realised this as I sat at my laptop unravelling the words before me. A small window of time, in which, I am unashamed to say, the prickling sensation of welling tears threatened to derail my composure. I cannot tell you why the cold, nauseating feeling of upset hit me as hard as it did. Blindsided, maybe. Shock, probably. Guilt, even. You see, it struck me rather viciously, that in a year in which we have all been caught up with personal demons, it has become somewhat easier to forget that life goes on outside of our own four walls. That, sometimes, it can take horrifically sobering news to bring you crashing back down to Earth. Today, Saturday 12th December 2020, Arsenal and Scotland defender Jennifer Beattie, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A sequence of letters that one naturally assumed would never leave their fingertips when writing about athletes at the top of their game, yet, here we are. This marks the first piece of work I have written in the first person. However, I must admit, I briefly considered taking an altogether different approach. I toyed with the idea of tackling the subject with my typical, almost academically natured dictation, yet such thoughts were very quickly dismissed. This is a piece that needs to come from a place much closer to home. I realised this as I sat at my laptop unravelling the words before me. A small window of time, in which, I am unashamed to say, the prickling sensation of welling tears threatened to derail my composure. I cannot tell you why the cold, nauseating feeling of upset hit me as hard as it did. Blindsided, maybe. Shock, probably. Guilt, even. You see, it struck me rather viciously, that in a year in which we have all been caught up with personal demons, it has become somewhat easier to forget that life goes on outside of our own four walls. That, sometimes, it can take horrifically sobering news to bring you crashing back down to Earth. To clarify, I do not know Jen Beattie, I have never met her. But she is a part of something I hold dearly and so, the news of her diagnosis, perhaps a little unexpectedly, caught me off guard. Jen Beattie, is a steadfast, resolute player. Experienced and reliable in any given situation, she is every bit a resourceful defender, who at 29, is in the prime of her career. Beattie emits a stout winning mentality; she has won four FA titles, plus several other league titles with Arsenal, and with former club, Manchester City. A mentality that she, quite evidently, carries with her elsewhere. Here, even when dealing with such devastating personal news, Beattie’s robust mindset has prevailed. Not only is she sharing her ongoing experience, something she is by no means obliged to do, she is also personally urging us to look after ourselves. When no one could accuse self-care as egotistical, Beattie is, rather admirably, bringing visibility to a subject that is infrequently discussed. This unselfish deed becomes even more commendable when considering the restrictions that Covid-19 has placed upon Beattie, in what no doubt continues to be, the scariest months of her life. As Beattie has opted to continue to play football, she has been unable to fully feel the support of her family in Scotland. So begins a moment of reflection. As I re-watch the now, poignant, moment Beattie scored against Brighton in October, I recognise Lia Walti’s comforting kiss on the cheek, Leah Williamson’s literal interpretation of having one’s back. I understand the gravity of Arsenal’s eleven standing shoulder to shoulder surrounding their number 5, a protective huddle encasing the dignity of one of their own. Yet, I believe, this is a protective huddle that reaches beyond the borders of Arsenals touchlines. It is a huddle that assembles far and wide, cascading a with widespread watchful eye. Because when someone, anyone, who is a part of our community suffers such a blow, we find common ground. We push our rivalries, our differences, our opinions, aside, and we stand together. As I reach the end of this “open article”, I appreciate that some may some may feel it is too much. Some may feel, perhaps, it is not my place to write such pouring a piece. Yet, my intention is not to gush, my intention is to thank. I thank you, Jen Beattie, for sharing your experience. I thank you for bringing attention to a somewhat taboo topic. I thank you for reminding us that we are all guilty of neglecting ourselves from time to time. But most of all, I thank you for being honest. As tomorrow rolls round and Arsenal and Manchester City meet, the Academy stadium, though physically empty, will be overflowing in spirit with support, respect and admiration. We are with you Jen, all the way.

Hosts Charlton pull a 3-0 victory over recently relegated Birmingham City Back Match Report WC: Charlton Athletic v Birmingham City Hosts Charlton pull a 3-0 victory over recently relegated Birmingham City via CAFC 19 September 2022 By Paul Donegan Charlton Athletic beat Birmingham City 3-0 at The Valley on Sunday. The goals came from Ella Rutherford, Angela Addison and a Lucy Thomas own goal. Charlton made two changes from their last match three weeks ago when they lost to London City Lionesses with Elisha N’Dow and Rutherford coming in for Heidi Logan and Mia Ross. Birmingham also made two changes from the side that won their last match against Sunderland with Martha Harris and Tara Bourne dropping out and replacing them were Mollie Green and debutant Charlie Estcourt. Before the match started, there was a minute’s silence and the National Anthem was played in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Birmingham had the first opportunity when Harriet Scott’s low shot was saved by Sian Rogers. Charlton took the lead in the 4th minute when Emma Follis played the ball back to Rutherford who finished first time from the edge of the area into the corner of the net. Both sides had chances with Follis, Addison, and Melissa Johnson having efforts for Charlton, and Jade Pennock, Jamie Finn, Green, Jade Pennock and Charlie Devlin having opportunities for Birmingham. There was a long injury delay whilst Charlton’s Hannah Godfrey received treatment and was stretchered off. Hopefully Hannah will make a quick and full recovery. Charlton extended their lead in the 40th minute when Addison scored her first goal for the club when she finished from close range after a corner had found its way to her. Both sides had further chances before half time with Pennock and Louise Quinn having efforts for the away side and Rutherford for The Addicks. Charlton went close to scoring a third when Ross, who had come on as a substitute, saw her header hit the crossbar. Birmingham’s Green saw a free kick deflected wide four minutes into the second half. Charlton made it 3-0 in the 50th minute when Rutherford saw her shot from 25-yards out hit the post and go in off Birmingham’s goalkeeper Thomas. Birmingham were still having chances despite being three goals behind with Devlin and Siobhan Wilson both having efforts off target. At the other end, Johnson saw her shot saved. In the final 10 minutes, Johnson, Emily Simpkins, Tegan McGowan, Logan and Addison all had chances for the hosts, and Pennock, Quinn and Estcourt all saw efforts blocked for Birmingham. The win sees Charlton move into third place in the league with six points. Their next game is away to Sunderland on Sunday. Birmingham are in fifth position with four points, and they have a West Midlands derby on Sunday when they play Coventry United at home. Line ups Charlton Athletic (4-1-4-1): Rogers, Roe, Godfrey (Ross 36’), N’Dow, O’Rourke, Skeels, Follis (Logan 17’), Rutherford, Simpkins (c) (Ayisi 85’), Addison, Johnson (McGowan 85’) Unused substitutes: Soper, Bashford, Henson Goals – Rutherford 4’, Addison 40’, Thomas (og) 50’ Booked – Roe (90’) Birmingham City (3-4-1-2): Thomas, Green (Lawley 74’), Quinn, Scott, Finn, Murray, Estcourt, Wilson (Worsey 90’+4’), Devlin (Cole 74’), Pennock, Smith (Ryan-Doyle 65’) Unused substitutes: Jones, Simkin, Jenner, Cowie Referee – Aimee Keir Attendance - 446

Arsenal reign victorious at Selhurst Park as Chelsea’s numerous changes fall short Back Match Report Conti Cup Final: Arsenal v Chelsea Arsenal reign victorious at Selhurst Park as Chelsea’s numerous changes fall short Edward Payne 6 March 2023 By Charlotte Stacey The Gunners earned their first silverware in four years despite Sam Kerr’s 90 second goal and Chelsea’s early exposure of Arsenal’s right-hand side. It was the perfect start for Chelsea as Australian marvel Kerr inflicted early damage by nodding in Guro Reiten’s lofted delivery. Yet, even with the early lead, it felt as if Arsenal were in the driving seat from the off; comfortable on the ball, comfortable with each of their individual tasks and comfortable in their collective plan. Stina Blackstenius netted the equaliser fifteen minutes later, finishing off a lovely piece of weaving build-up play from Frida Maanum. Blackstenius, who has struggled in front of goal recently, kept utterly cool and slunk a low strike past Ann-Katrin Berger. The Gunners went ahead after Sophie Ingle left a leg out and brought down Katie McCabe in the eighteen-yard box. Up stepped captain and resolute penalty taker Kim Little who made little mistake in hitting the back of the net. Emma Hayes then made an early change, replacing Jelena Cankovic with the more athletically driven Kadiesha Buchanan in attempt to contain Arsenal’s forward troupe. This shifted Chelsea to a playing a back three of Buchanan, Millie Bright and Madga Eriksson, which probably would not have been a bad move in the long run had Hayes not then gone on to flit between several more formation changes throughout the match. Unfortunately for the Blues, this first tactical turnover was not enough to stop the Gunners getting a third before the break as Niamh Charles headed a corner into her own after Berger failed to take the control in the closing minutes of added time. Another substitution for Chelsea at half time meant more movement on the pitch with Melanie Leupolz on for Charles. Clearly, this was an attempt to gain some control over the midfield which had been dominated by Arsenal trio Frida Maanum, Kim Little and Lia Walti. The latter two, in particular, played a spotless game. The addition of Leupolz pushed Erin Cuthbert into a higher midfield role and pulled Lauren James in centrally to support Sam Kerr, almost as a second striker. You can see the though in it. Lauren James is typically a demon of a dribbler, weaving her way in and out of opponents with total ease. But the watchful eye of Walti and brilliance of Little neutralised James’ trickery before it left the gate. This move also meant that Chelsea’s most dangerous looking threat, Reiten, was now pulled exceptionally wide and saw little of the ball. Photo: Edward Payne Throwing the kitchen sink at it by this point, Chelsea once again made substitutions, this time to overload with attacking players to stretch Arsenal defensively and use any which way to get the ball through to Kerr. This “hammer and tongs” attacking style usually works for Chelsea, especially in English competitions, but on this day could not match immaculate defending of Rafaelle Souza and Leah Williamson. The pair constantly scanned and marked to minimise space which nullified Kerr for large portions of the game. Essentially, Hayes’ flurry of in-game tactical changes did little to settle Chelsea and instead culminated in a rather convoluted attacking load and a sparse defensive line. Opting for a whole host of formations that meant no player, minus Berger, ever really had a clear idea of what was expected of them. In contrast, Arsenal were clear in what they wanted to achieve and they were clear in how they were going to do it. Jonas Eidevall was well prepared and ensured his players were too, the plan was well executed without a single weak link. Arsenal held their nerve and got it right from start to finish, and were probably helped along nicely by the hoards of Gooners whose chants bellowed beyond the rafters. Dust off the cabinet, the Arsenal are back in business. Line-ups Arsenal: Zinsberger (GK), Souza, Williamson, Catley, Little (C), Maanum, Walti, McCabe (57’), Maritiz (70’), Foord, Blackstenius (87’) Substitutes: Marckese, Wubben-Moy, Beattie (87’), Hurtig, Pelova (57’), Kuhl, Wienroither (70’) Goals: Blackstenius 16’, Little (p) 24’, Charles (og) 45+5’ Yellows: McCabe, Foord Chelsea: Berger (GK), Bright, Ingle (63’), James, Reiten, Perisset, Eriksson (C) (77’), Kerr, Charles (45’), Cuthbert, Cankovic (38’) Substitutes: Musovic, Carter, Leupolz (45’), Fleming (77’), Mjelde, Rytting Kaneryd (63’), Buchanan (38’), Abdullina Goals: Kerr 2’ Yellows: Leupolz, James