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.

They Don't Teach This by Eni Aluko They Don't Teach This They Don't Teach This by Eni Aluko Eni Aluko: 102 appearances for England women's national football team. First female pundit on Match of the Day. UN Women UK ambassador. Guardian columnist. First class honors law degree. Now an inspirational author. They Don't Teach This steps beyond the realms of memoir to explore themes of dual nationality and identity, race and institutional prejudice, success, failure and faith. It is an inspiring manifesto to change the way readers and the future generation choose to view the challenges that come in their life applying life lessons with raw truths of Eni's own personal experience. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/They-Dont-Teach-Eniola-Aluko/dp/1529112850/ref=d_pd_sbs_sccl_2_4/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=YxKRu&content-id=amzn1.sym.b3680bff-f077-48e1-82e2-187909445cc9&pf_rd_p=b3680bff-f077-48e1-82e2-187909445cc9&pf_rd_r=MB06SSD6DNMKTJMZJGMW&pd_rd_wg=3q2mA&pd_rd_r=60e070ce-d748-43c8-92b0-b4383011aef4&pd_rd_i=1529112850&psc=1

Arsenal's number 3 signs personal new deal with childhood club Back Lotte Wubben-Moy – a true Gooner Arsenal's number 3 signs personal new deal with childhood club Arsenal FC 7 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy has signed a new contract with the club for an undisclosed term. The 23-year-old returned to North London in September 2020 after a spell playing in college football in the States and has since made 61 appearances and scored five goals for the Gunners. Adding her own personal touch, Wubben-Moy’s new contract also has a clause pertaining to the players commitment to working closely with Arsenal in the Community. Wubben-Moy commented, “it’s a commitment to the club and it’s a commitment to Arsenal, the community that it’s active in and to my life as a whole, because that’s what Arsenal is – it’s my life.” News

England vs The Netherlands Photographer Adam Mitten The Lionesses made a huge comeback at Wembley Stadium as they beat the Netherlands 3-2 in the UEFA Nations League.

Charlton Athletic suffer first loss of the season in 2-0 defeat Back Match Report Charlton suffer defeat at the hands of London City Charlton Athletic suffer first loss of the season in 2-0 defeat CAFC Women 16 October 2024 By Paul Donegan London City Lionesses inflicted Charlton Athletic’s first Women’s Championship defeat of the season with a 2-0 win on Sunday at Hayes Lane. Isobel Goodwin and Sofia Jakobsson scored the goals for the Pride against their London rivals as they moved up to second spot in the league, level on points with the Addicks and top of the table Birmingham City. Beth Roe hit the crossbar with a curling shot in the first 30 seconds for the Addicks then Melisa Filis’ low shot a couple of minutes later was easily claimed by Emily Orman. London City’s first opportunity came in the 7th minute when Goodwin headed over a corner. Filis forced Orman into making a save in the 10th minute before the hosts broke quickly but the attack finished with Sophie Whitehouse catching a cross. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah then headed over a corner for the Pride. Goodwin couldn’t control the ball in front of goal before Boye-Hlorkah fired over as the home side had the next chances in the 16th minute. Goodwin then saw her shot deflected into the keepers hands. Karin Muya’s low shot went across goal and wide as the visitors had the next opportunity in the 19th minute. Jakobsson saw an effort blocked for London City following a corner as the chances kept on coming. Filis shot from just outside the area went wide for the Addicks in the 26th minute. At the other end, Boye-Hlorkah was unable to get on the end of Kosovare Asllani’s cross. Two minutes later, Jodie Hutton got forward on the left-hand side and sent a dipping effort narrowly over for the away side. A succession of corners from the hosts in the 36th minute caused Charlton problems with the ball eventually going over off the crossbar for a goal kick. Whitehouse made a tremendous save in first half stoppage time to tip over Asllani’s 25-yard effort as the hosts went close to going ahead before the break. Asllani had the first chance of the second half in the first minute of it but fired over for the Pride before Hutton missed the target for the Addicks in the 50th minute. London City Lionesses took the lead in this London derby in the 54th minute when Jakobsson won the ball in Charlton’s penalty area and her cross was headed into the net by Goodwin from 6-yards. Three minutes later, Hutton shot over for the visitors from outside the area whilst Asllani did the same at the other end in the 59th minute. Emma Mukandi made a great tackle in the area to stop Muya getting a shot away as the Addicks looked for an equaliser. Orman then denied Atlanta Primus from close range. Whitehouse got down to save Boye-Hlorkah 25-yard shot in the 65th minute. Goodwin then volleyed over from the edge of the area at the midpoint of the second half for the home side. In the 73rd minute, London City doubled their lead when they attacked quickly and Asllani’s lovely through ball found Jakobsson who finished past Whitehouse. Two minutes later, Roe’s dipping effort from the right-hand side had to be pushed over by Orman. Princess Ademiluyi put the Addicks next opportunity well over then Filis saw her free kick saved in the 89th minute. Katie Bradley had a long-range shot saved for the visitors in the first minute of stoppage time before the hosts broke quickly again but this time the attack came to nothing. The win sees London City continue their unbeaten home start to the season whilst the defeat sees Charlton lose away from home for the first time in 539 days in the league. Line ups London City Lionesses (4-2-3-1): Orman, Wilde (Neville 77’), Goldie, Henson, Mukandi, Meyong, Brougham, Jakobsson (Fitzgerald 77’), Asllani (c) (Mengyu 90’+3), Boye-Hlorkah (Imuran 84’), Goodwin Unused substitutes: Moloney, Scofield, Marashi, Brown Goals – Goodwin 54’, Jakobsson 73’ Booked – Jakobsson, Asllani, Fitzgerald Charlton Athletic (3-4-3): Whitehouse, Skeels (c), N’Dow, Newsham, Roe (O’Rourke 81’), Bashford (Ademiluyi 68’), Primus (Bradley 81’), Hutton, Muya, Barton (Humphrey 84’), Filis Unused substitutes: Gray, Pearse, Siber Booked – Hutton, Muya Referee – Lauren Whiteman Attendance – 1,239

Another confident win for Chelsea as they cruise eight goals past the Foxes Back Match Report WSL: Leicester City v Chelsea Another confident win for Chelsea as they cruise eight goals past the Foxes Leicester City Women 5 December 2022 By Paul Donegan Chelsea convincingly beat bottom of the table Leicester City 8-0 at a cold and occasional rainy King Power Stadium to return to the top of the Women’s Super League after being displaced earlier in the day. Guro Reiten and Jessie Fleming scored two goals each, and the other scorers were Fran Kirby, Niamh Charles, Sam Kerr and Bethany England. Emma Hayes’ 300th game as manager of Chelsea got off to a good start as they took the lead in the 4th minute when Kirby set up Reiten to score. Kirby had a chance to extend the visitors lead but her low shot was saved by a diving Demi Lambourne in the 10th minute. The away side did make it 2-0 in the 13th minute when Reiten passed back to Fleming who finished from 6-yards. Chelsea had another opportunity two minutes later, but Kerr went too wide after going past the goalkeeper. Kirby passed to Kerr in the 17th minute, but her shot went just wide. There next chance came in the 32nd minute but Lambourne got to the ball before Kirby after some nice build up play. Two minutes after that the Blues broke forward, Kirby passed to Kerr but her shot hit the outside of the post. Chelsea scored a flurry of goals just before half time. In the 39th minute, Kirby made it 3-0 with an outside of the boot finish. Two minutes later, Niamh Charles headed in a corner to made it 4-0. In the final minute of the half, a nice move was finished by Sam Kerr to make it 5-0. Reiten assisted all three of these goals to bring it up to four assists and a goal for the Norwegian during the first half. Leicester had their first shot at goal of the match in 48th minute from half time substitute Natasha Flint. Chelsea made it 6-0 in the 50th minute. A cross was cleared only as far as Fleming who scored her second goal of the day when her shot found the back of the net. The home side were creating a few more chances in the early stages of the second half with Aileen Whelan’s shot from the edge area forcing Ann-Katrin Berger to dive to make a save in the 55th minute. Berger was forced to make a better save five minutes later when she tipped over Flint’s shot. A couple of minutes after that, there was a scramble in the Chelsea penalty area which ended when the ball was blasted over by Molly Pike as Leicester looked for a consultation goal. Reiten came close to adding to her total of goals and assists but her shot went into the side netting in the 66th minute. Second half substitute Jelena Cankovic then shot wide for the Blues in the 72nd minute. Two second half substitutes combined in the 75th minute as Chelsea scored their seventh goal when England headed in an Alsu Abdullina cross. It was 8-0 in the 82nd minute when Kirby finished from close range to score her second goal of the game. The visitors had two late chances as they looked to match last season’s 9-0 win at the King Power but a header from a corner was saved in the 87 minute, then Lambourne stopped an effort from England in injury time. Chelsea remain three points clear of Manchester United and Arsenal after the weekend’s matches, though they have played a game more than those two. Willie Kirk’s Leicester are still pointless and are now seven points adrift at the bottom of the WSL. Leicester’s next match is on Thursday when they are away to Sunderland in the Conti Cup. Their next league game is on Sunday when they travel to Liverpool. Chelsea are in UEFA Women’s Champions League action on Thursday evening when they travel to play Real Madrid before they return to Kingsmeadow to play Reading next Sunday evening in the WSL. Line ups Leicester City (4-3-3): Lambourne, Simon (Bott 46’), Howard, Brougham, Purfield (Vance 78’), Whelan (c), Tierney (Smith 83’), Pike, Goodwin (Cain 76’), C. Jones, Baker (Flint 46’) Unused substitutes: Levell, E. Jones, Robinson, Scofield Booked – Tierney 36’ Chelsea (4-3-3): Berger, Perisset (Carter 74’), Bright, Eriksson (c) (Nouwen 74’), Charles, Ingle, Fleming (Cankovic 63’), Kirby, Rytting Kaneryd, Kerr (England 63’), Reiten (Abdullina 74’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, James, Svitkova, Cuthbert Goals – Reiten 4’, Fleming 13’ 50’, Kirby 39’ 82’, Charles 41’, Kerr 45’, England 75’ Referee – Amy Fearn

Lionesses: Gamechangers by Abdullah Abdullah Lionesses: Gamechangers Lionesses: Gamechangers by Abdullah Abdullah England's emphatic victory at the 2022 women's Euros has been called a watershed moment both for the team and for women's football. But can this talented side prove their mettle on the biggest stage of all and achieve World Cup glory in 2023? Tactical writer Abdullah Abdullah once again lifts the lid on a women's footballing institution, this time through an international lens - deconstructing match tactics, analysing player performances and assessing the key improvements made in Sarina Wiegman's time in charge. Abdullah explores the standout tactical profiles from the current generation, including Fran Kirby and Lucy Bronze as well as the future crop, like Leah Williamson and wunderkind Lauren Hemp. This book dives into the specifics of how this iteration of the Lionesses can perform at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Will this be the moment they shed their status as perennial challengers and prove they are the best team in the world? Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BXFKKVQ1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0