A 1-1 draw keeps Manchester United in third place as Man City move in to battle it out for the third Champions League spot. Back Match Report WSL: West Ham v Manchester United A 1-1 draw keeps Manchester United in third place as Man City move in to battle it out for the third Champions League spot. Paul Donegan 18 March 2022 By Paul Donegan On a cold, wet and breezy Wednesday evening at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, West Ham played Manchester United in the WSL. Manchester United had the first chance in the 3rd minute when a low cross was put wide by Ella Toone. Man United’s Diane Caldwell was shown the first yellow card of the game in the 7th minute after committing a foul. West Ham’s first attempt came a minute later when Tameka Yallop had an effort saved by Mary Earps. In the 16th minute, Man United saw a corner scrambled away before having a shot go wide. Two minutes later, Leah Galton dispossessed Hawa Cissoko then passed to Alessia Russo but Cissoko got back to make a tackle before Russo could have a shot. West Ham’s Yallop was just unable to get onto Yui Hasegawa’s pass in the 25th minute. It was Manchester United though who continued to create more of the chances and the next came two minutes later when Martha Thomas was just unable to get her head on a cross, and a minute after that she saw a header saved by Mackenzie Arnold. A Katie Zelem corner caused problems in the 38th minute and Toone then saw a low shot from outside the area pushed away by Arnold. Three minutes before half time, Thomas saw her long range lob hit the crossbar via Arnold’s hand with the West Ham goalkeeper getting to the loose ball first. The last chance of the first half fell to Jackie Groenen who saw her effort from outside the area saved. The final action of the first half was a yellow card being shown to West Ham’s Gilly Flaherty for a foul. Manchester United had more of the first half opportunities but it was scoreless at the break. It was Man United who started the second half on top too with Russo seeing a shot pushed away by Arnold in the 46th minute. A Zelem corner was pushed away before Toone’s shot from halfway inside the half went wide. Russo was then unable to get onto Galton’s cross. In the 54th minute, Manchester United did take the lead when Ella Toone scored from close range with an acrobatic finish. West Ham started to create chances after going behind with Kate Longhurst seeing her cross put over by Yallop in the 59th minute and Katerina Svitoka saw a long range shot go wide a minute later. A cross from Man United’s Galton went right across goal but no one was able to get on the end of it. Yallop saw another effort saved for West Ham in the 65th minute as West Ham continued to look for an equaliser. At the other end, Kate Longhurst got a cross just before Galton in the 73rd minute. Flaherty saw her header from a free kick claimed by Earps in the 84th minute before Manchester United’s Toone was booked five minutes later for kicking the ball away. West Ham’s Svitoka headed wide Longhurst’s cross just before the game went into 5 minutes of injury time. West Ham won a corner during this from which Grace Fisk’s headed hit the post and went in for a dramatic late equaliser. There was still time for a succession of dangerous Zelem corners but there were no more goals as it finished 1-1. Not for the first time this season Manchester United have let in a late goal after leading to draw a match. Also, not the first time West Ham have scored a late equaliser. The result leaves Man United third in the league but Manchester City are now only 3 points behind with a game in hand as the fight for final Champions League spot really hots up. Teams West Ham United: Arnold, Fisk, Flaherty, Cissoko, Longhurst, Hasegawa, Brynjarsdottir, Stringer (Evans 69’), Svitkova, Yallop, Leon (Parker 90’+4) Unused substitutes: Wyne, Snerle, Walker, Filis, Leat, Joel, Houssein Goal – Fisk 90’+3 Booked – Flaherty Manchester United: Earps, Batlle, Caldwell, Zelem, Blundell, Groenen, Risa (Moore 68’), Toone, Galton, Thomas (Hanson 90’+4), Russo (Fuso 74’) Unused substitutes: Harris, Baggaley Goal – Toone 54’ Booked – Caldwell, Toone Referee – Daniel Lamport Attendance – 1,425

Nottingham Forest vs Watford Photographer Edward Payne Watford earn promotion into the Championship with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the FAWNL play-off. Our photographer Edward Payne was on hand to capture the bittersweet moments of the game.

Tobin Heath rescues Arsenal with last gasp equaliser at Manchester City Back Match Report WSL: Manchester City v Arsenal Tobin Heath rescues Arsenal with last gasp equaliser at Manchester City Girls on the Ball 24 January 2022 By Josh Bunting Tobin Heath’s last gasp goal rescued a point for Arsenal in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City away from home on Sunday evening. Heath’s goal could turn into a priceless point for the Gunners at the end of the season,as they go in search of the League title. Arsenal had the first clear-cut opportunity of the game inside nine minutes, when young Manchester City keeper Khiara Keating misjudged a ball into the box ,the ball dropping for Vivianne Miedema but her effort was cleared off the line by Alex Greenwood. A minute later Keating had to be alert to keep her side level when Miedema fired in a low shot,but the keeper did well to get down and keep the ball out at her near-post. Manchester City responded well however, when on 15 minutes Lauren Hemp met a Jess Park cross but could only direct her header into the grateful gloves off Manuela Zinsberger. Miedema was inches away from the opener minutes later when Nikita Parris skipped down the wing before swinging in a cross,but Miedema just couldn’t reach it to stab the ball into the net. Park could have broken the deadlock however for the home side as they caught Arsenal out on the counter attack, the 20 year old beating the defender but could only direct her effort wide. In an end to end game Arsenal had a good opening from a corner, when Lotte Wubben-Moy rose highest only to direct her header into the hands of the Manchester City stopper. On 33 minutes Katie McCabe found herself in the book after a coming together with Hemp ,meaning that the yellow card will earn her a suspension missing Thursday’s match with Brighton & Hove Albion. There would then be a moment of concern for Arsenal, as Leah Williamson who started the game after returning from injury went down holding her hamstring but ,was eventually ruled to be fine to continue. Manchester City had the final opportunity of the first half when Alex Greenwood whipped in a free-kick for Lucy Bronze to flick a header wide of the target. Jonas Eidevall made his first change at half-time bringing off Williamson for precaution, and replacing her with new signing Rafaelle Souza. Manchester City had the first strike of the second half, when former Gunners hero Vicky Losada had a go from distance but the ball went just wide of the target. Keating made a smart save in the 50th minute when Jordan Nobbs picked out Beth Mead who left Lucy Bronze for dead before firing in a low shot ,but the keeper was down smartly to make the stop. Eidevall’s side started the second half much better, pressing quickly as Nobbs played a smart pass into Miedema who cut inside and her shot was straight into the hands of Keating. Parris was then the next Arsenal player to find herself in the book ,as Hemp broke free down the left but was stopped in her tracks swiftly by Parris who raced back to trip her up. Eidevall would have been quite happy with what he was witnessing ,when his side had another opening via Miedema who was picked out on the edge of the box, but her shot from a tight angle was well handled by the keeper. Manchester City however came inches away from the opener on 61 minutes as Arsenal were caught cold on the counter attack ,as Hemp picked out Park who opened up the Gunners defence ,but her effort was superbly saved by Zinsberger reacting quickly to turn the ball over the crossbar. Eidevall was then to use his bench as he made a double change bringing on Heath and Lia Walti replacing Frida Maanum and Parris. Manchester City however took the lead on 65 minutes as Hemp skipped past Noelle Maritz ,before sending in a low cross for Khadija Shaw who tapped the ball into the back of the net. Arsenal however ,were furious as the ball clearly hit the referee changing direction and finding the feet of Hemp before she got her cross away. The goal resulted in a yellow card for Eidevall who protested in an angry fashion picking up his fourth booking of the season. That goal forced the Arsenal boss to look upon his bench yet again, when he brought on striker Stina Blackstenius taking off Nobbs for the final twenty minutes of the clash. Zinsberger then came to Arsenal’s rescue on 77 minutes when Georgia Stanway opened up the Arsenal defence with an excellent pass into the path of Hemp, who’s low effort was well saved by the feet of the Gunners keeper from close range. On 84 minutes and with time running out ,Manchester City came close to their second when Caroline Weir had a go from range, but Zinsberger yet again was equal to the effort palming the ball away from the danger zone before a Blue shirt could react. With six minutes added on time Arsenal found a way through via Heath,as Mead latched onto a direct ball up the pitch before slipping the pass into Blackstenius who held off the challenge from the Manchester City defence ,before the ball fell into the path of Heath who fired her low shot across goal and into the net. The result means that Eidevall’s troops extended their lead at the top of the table to two points ahead of Manchester United ,but have a game in hand over the Red Devils against Brighton on Thursday. Teams Manchester City: Keating 7,Bronze ,Houghton ,Greenwood ,Stokes Losada (Weir 57), Walsh ,Stanway, Coombs 88); Park ,Shaw, (White 74), Hemp. Substitutes not used: Pilling ,Scott, Beckie, Angeldahl, Mace. Arsenal: Zinsberger,Maritz ,Williamson (Souza 45), Wubben-Moy ,McCabe , Maanum (Walti 63), Little ,Nobbs, (Blackstenius 72); Parris (Heath 63), Miedema , Mead. Substitutes not used: Stenson,Beattie, Boye, Schnaderbeck, Wienroither. Referee: Abigail Byrne Attendance: 2,355.

Lewes are relegated from the Championship as Crystal Palace are one step away from promotion Back Match Report Fans come out in droves to applaud fantastic Lewes as they are relegated from the Championship Lewes are relegated from the Championship as Crystal Palace are one step away from promotion James Boyes 22 April 2024 By Paul Donegan Crystal Palace are on the verge of claiming the Women’s Championship title after their 2-0 win over Lewes at The Dripping Pan on Sunday whilst the defeat sees The Rooks relegated to the FA Women’s National League for next season. Shanade Hopcroft and Molly-Mae Sharpe scored the goals for the Eagles meaning all Laura Kaminski’s side need is a point to mathematically win the league on the final day of the season next weekend or avoid a big swing in goal difference if they lose and Charlton Athletic win. There was a good atmosphere on a cool afternoon with the Lewes fans behind one goal with their band and the Palace fans and their flags at the other. The attendance of 2,614 was The Rooks biggest ever league attendance at the Pan. Scott Booth’s side lined up with five across the back with the wing backs getting forward and Hazard dropping back to cover in defence. The Eagles were playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Hughes up top and Blanchard behind her with Hopcroft also getting forward from midfield to support the attack. Annabel Blanchard had the first opportunity for the visitors but her dipping free kick from 25-yards was caught by Sophie Whitehouse. Their next chance came two minutes later when Elise Hughes’ shot on the turn was saved. Sharpe’s deep cross from the right was claimed by Whitehouse in the 9th minute, then seconds later another of her crosses landed on the roof of the net. Then in the 14th minute, Sharpe controlled the ball in the area but sent an shot over. The home sides first chance came shortly after when Aimee Claypole was played in but sent her lobbed effort from outside the area over both the goalkeeper and crossbar. In the 23rd minute, a nice attack from the hosts finished with Caragh Hamilton putting a shot wide. Hopcroft gave Crystal Palace the lead in spectacular style in the 25th minute when she controlled the ball then sent a dipping and swerving half volley from 25-yards over Whitehouse and into the back of the net. The visitors had to make a substitution in the 29th minute when Hughes had to go off injured with Araya Dennis coming on to replace her. The Welsh international later reappeared during the second half on crutches. This change saw Sharpe go up front with Dennis on the right side. A dangerous low cross from Palace was turned over their own crossbar by a Rooks defender. Blanchard then had a shot from outside the area in the 34th minute that was easily claimed by the Lewes goalkeeper. An Eagles free kick was headed just wide by Dennis coming in at the far post in the final minute of the first half. In the second minute of additional time, a long Palace ball forward found Sharpe whose delightful lob was brilliantly tipped over by Whitehouse. Jacqui Hand had a good chance to equalise for The Rooks deep into stoppage time but dragged her shot wide of the post. Lewes’ half time substitute Reanna Blades had the first chance of the second half but her effort was deflected and looped into the hands of Demi Lambourne. Sharpe doubled the visitors lead in the 50th minute when she got onto Blanchard’s flick on after Lexi Potter’s long through ball and finished low past Whitehouse. Two minutes after going two behind and straight from the restart, Lewes’ Grace Riglar forced Lambourne into a good save. Blanchard turned in the area but sent her shot straight at Whitehouse in 57th minute as the Eagles looked to increase their lead further. Dennis went on a strong run down the right side but she sent her cross into the hands of the Rooks goalkeeper. With 15 minutes left, Felicity Gibbons free kick from distance bounced through the penalty area with none of her Palace teammates unable to get a decisive touch on the ball. Sharpe was denied by Whitehouse in the 77th minute after a quick attack from the visitors. Blanchard found some space in the area but sent her shot wide three minutes later. Amelia Hazard sent an effort over for the hosts as eight additional minutes were announced. During stoppage time, Hamilton’s fierce shot was blocked for the home side before the ball was cleared. These turned out to be the final chances of the match as the final whistle was blown shortly after confirming The Rooks relegation. The Crystal Palace players celebrated with their fans at the end of the match, and it is very much in their hands going into the final game of the season as they are three points ahead of Charlton with a much better goal difference. They take on Sunderland at Selhurst Park next Sunday whilst the Addicks are at home to Southampton at The Valley. Line-ups Lewes (5-3-2): Whitehouse, Hamilton (c), Hack, Olding (Roche 90’), Garrad, Heuchan, Hazard, Farrugia (Blades 46’), Hand (Grey 66’), Claypole (Brasero-Carreira 76’), Riglar Unused substitutes: Moore, Cleverly, Godfrey, Palmer Booked – Hamilton, Hazard, Grey Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Lambourne, Percival (Reilly 87’), Everett (c), Nolan, Gibbons, Potter, Hopcroft (Guyatt 87’), Sharpe, Blanchard, Atkinson (Larkin 69’), Hughes (Dennis 29’) Unused substitutes: Negri, Doran, Filbey, Arthur, Watson, Goals – Hopcroft 25’, Sharpe 50’ Booked – Atkinson, Sharpe, Dennis Referee – Lauren Impey Attendance – 2,614

Nusken and Kaneryd goals ease Chelsea through to the Subway League Cup final Back Match Report Chelsea sail through to League Cup final Nusken and Kaneryd goals ease Chelsea through to the Subway League Cup final Chelsea FCW 6 February 2025 By Finley Chung Chelsea sealed their place in the first final off the season the Subway Women’s League Cup after a 2-0 win over West Ham United at Kingsmeadow. Goals in the first half from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Sjoeke Nusken were enough to break down a stubborn West Ham side The headline be from the team news at Kingsmeadow was Keira Walsh’s first Chelsea start, having made her debut against Aston Villa at the weekend, with both sides eyeing a spot in the Subway Cup Final. On a bitter night in South West London, Chelsea got us underway, with the Blues doing a lot of the early running and getting touches on the ball early, Both teams had varied results to get to this stage, with this West Ham’s second London Derby in as many rounds, overcoming Spurs 2-1 in the Quarter Finals, whilst Chelsea breezed aside Durham 6-0 at the same stage to set up this tie, Some good pressing from Sjoeke Nusken set Guro Reiten away for the first inroad down the Blues’ left - but West Ham defended it very well and got the ball away, with the first chance coming courtesy of good running by Ashley Lawrence down the right, pulling the ball back to Guro Reiten, with the wingers poking the ball wide. West Ham stayed compact in the first 15 minutes, not allowing Chelsea any clear cut chances, but Guro Reiten found herself in space from a free kick after being found by Niamh Charles, with the winger heading over the bar. Chelsea then had another clever set piece, with Maika Hamano rolling a short free kick to Keira Walsh on the edge, but the midfielders effort was charged down well. It took twenty minutes for the Blues to open the scoring, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd getting the ball on the right hand side of the area and lashing an effort inside Kinga Smezik’s near post to send early relief surging around Kingsmeadow. Chelsea were getting more joy down their left and Guro Reiten found herself in too much space from a West Ham point of view, and somehow the ball couldn’t be turned home. Just before the halfway hour, Chelsea made it two, with some good pressing from Nusken eventually seeing the big German race through on goal after a good ball from Reiten, Nusken then rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slot the ball home to double the hosts advantage. Chelsea were keen to put the game to bed and almost had a third four minutes later, when Niamh Charles popped the ball inside to Hamano, with the Japanese Playmaker’s near post effort beaten away by Szmezik. The Hammers tried to up their ante after going two down and were definitely creating more probing play in the final third, but Oona Siren scuffed a ball on the edge of the box which sort of summed up the Irons’ attacking threats as Chelsea were able to clear confidently. Eva Nostrum had to be alert at the other end, excellently tracking back and blocking a goal bound Mayra Ramirez effort to keep score at just two going into half time. HT - Chelsea 2-0 West Ham United West Ham got the second half underway but it was the Blues who were once again controlling the play and not allowing West Ham out, with a huge chance to make it three on the 51st minute, as a lung busting Mayra Ramirez run and cross found Kaneryd at the back stick, with the Swede unable to properly adjust and fired her effort high and wide, the Colombian almost had a chance to add to the tally herself, but was unable to catch her effort and it rolled into the arms of Smezik. The Chelsea pack was then shuffled, with Ashley Lawrence and Mayra Ramirez replaced by Lauren James and Aggie Beaver Jones respectively, with West Ham also introducing Seraina Piubel in place of Shekeira Martinez. Wieke Kaptein then came on just shy of the hour, to replace Maika Hamano, with West Ham also making a double change, with Eva Nystrom and Oona Siren coming off for Danny Brynjarsdottir and Camila Saez respectively to try and inject some pace back into the game, Saez indeed had a chance about two minutes after coming on, looping her header over the bar, with Manuela Pavi replacing Riko Ueki for the Hammers. Some neat interplay from West Ham created another chance, with Viv Asseyi threading Kirsty Smith through down the wing, but her effort was well stopped by Hannah Hampton in the Chelsea goal. Oriane Jean Francois was then introduced for the final ten minutes in place of the scorer of the first goal, Johanna Kaneryd, with Millie Bright lashing an effort over the bar in an attempt to add gloss onto the Chelsea scoreline after cries of ‘Shoot’ from the Blues Faithful. The signal for three minutes added time was navigated with ease by the hosts, as they extended their unbeaten run uto twenty two matches, and sealed their place in the first final of the 2024/2025 Season. Full Time - Chelsea 2-0 West Ham Goals - Rytting Kaneryd 20’, Nusken 29’

Saints make it two out of two with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers Back Match Report WC: Southampton v Blackburn Rovers Saints make it two out of two with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers Southampton FC omen 4 September 2023 By Paul Donegan Southampton made it two wins out of two in the Championship as they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 on Sunday. Both goals were scored during the second half with them coming from Sophia Pharoah and an Alex Brooks own goal. These two were the only sides to win their opening matches last weekend. Southampton head coach Marieanne Spacey-Cale made two changes from their 4-1 win at Lewes with Ella Morris and Laura Rafferty replacing Lexi Lloyd-Smith and Alice Griffiths. Simon Parker made one change from the Rovers side that beat Birmingham 1-0 with Lauren Thomas coming in for Georgia Walters. Blackburn had the first chance in the 2nd minute when Lucy Shepherd just couldn’t get her head onto a dangerous cross. At the other end two minutes later, Southampton put in a dangerous low cross of their own that was put behind for a corner. From the corner, Brooks made a double save to deny Katie Wilkinson and then claimed the ball before it crossed the line. A great ball forward from Jemma Purfield found Molly Pike who passed to Wilkinson but she shot wide in the 6th minute for the Saints. Six minutes later, a long-range effort from Megan Collett dipped over the crossbar as Southampton had more of the early chances. After a fairly frantic start, the match then went through a quite spell chance wise on what was a warm and sunny afternoon at St Mary’s Stadium. Purfield was pinging some nice balls around the pitch for the hosts, and one of these found Morris but she shot over in the 28th minute. The home side had the next opportunity but a good ball across the six-yard box was unable to find Pike. Just as two minutes of additional time at the end of the half were announced, Pike put an effort wide. This turned out to be the last chance of the half as the sides went in goalless at half time. Pharoah gave Southampton the lead in the 49th minute, scoring her second goal of the season, when she dinked the ball over the Blackburn goalkeeper from inside the area after a superb through ball from Wilkinson. Four minutes later, Wilkinson couldn’t get enough contact on a cross and headed wide from close-range as the Saints looked to quickly double their advantage. The next effort didn’t come until the 75th minute when Lucia Kendall put an effort over after some nice build up play from Southampton. Jade Richards made a brilliant block on the line to deny Pike in the 89th minute as the hosts came close to making the game safe. They did score their second in the first minute of stoppage time when Kendall’s shot from just outside the area hit the post and went into the net off the unlucky Brooks. The home fans were chanting “we are top the league” near the end of the match as the Saints remain the only side with a 100% record in the league after two games. Both sides play again on Sunday when Southampton take on Sunderland at St Mary’s whilst Blackburn return to Ewood Park to play Sheffield United. Line ups Southampton: Rendell, Morris, Mott, Kendall, Parnell (c), Rafferty (Peake 77’), Wilkinson (Kraft 90’), Pharoah (Lloyd-Smith 77’), Pike, Purfield, Collett Unused substitutes: Howard, Wynne, Thompson, Milne, Griffiths Goals – Pharoah 49’, Brooks (o.g.) 90’+1 Booked - Collett Blackburn Rovers: Brooks, Tolond, Seed (Silcock 57’), Richards (c), Williams, Hornby, Taylor (Coan 57’), Shepherd (Smith 68’), Chandarana (Doyle 45’), Thomas (Dahou 68’), Nokuthula Unused substitutes: Salgado, Howarth, Dale Booked - Richards Referee – Lisa Benn Attendance – 1,645

Spurs end their season on a high with a 3-1 win over West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Back Match Report Late Spence stunner seals brilliant London derby win for Spurs Spurs end their season on a high with a 3-1 win over West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Spurs Women 18 May 2024 By Finley Chung Two late goal, including a stunner from Drew Spence ensured Tottenham Hotspur grasped all three points and secured a sixth placed finish under Robert Vilahamn in the WSL. Bethany England gor the scoring started early, before Spurs were pegged back through a moment of brilliance by Riko Ueki. Jess Naz nudged Spurs back ahead late on, before a mesmerising curling effort from Drew Spence put the icing on the cake in the basking N17 sunshine. Tottenham boss Robert Vilahamn opted for Becky Spencer back in goal after the Jamaican recovered from a foot injury that she picked up in the FA Cup final, with Ramona Petzelberger taking a starting berth in the middle of the park instead of Drew Spence. Charli Grant also replaced the injured Amanda Nilden at left back, with Martha Thomas back in the starting XI too. Former Spurs boss Rehanne Skinner made one change from her sides last encounter, swapping out Emma Snerle for her namesake, Harries. In the warm, balmy spring conditions, Spurs got this WSL finale underway and they pressed West Ham from the off, forcing the Irons back. Within four minutes, Spurs had their reward, Grace Clinton’s initial cross was blocked before the barrel was eventually recycled to the back post where captain Bethany England chested the ball down and lashed lt past Mackenzie Arnold to the light of the watching Spurs faithful. Spurs wre quick on the hunt for second, Clinton feeding Summanen on the edge with the Finn’s rasping effort well held by Arnold. Martha Thomas was next to have her effort snuffed out, with a brilliant block by Amber Tysiak preventing Spurs doubling their lead. Some lovely line breaking play by Ramona Petzelberger got Clinton on her way again, spraying the ball out wide to her partner in crime, Celin Bizet ran at Kirsty Smith before seeing her cross go out for a corner. From the resulting corner, Evelina Summanen floated a delicate ball onto the head of Charli Grant, who headed wide when she really should’ve done better to trouble Arnold in the West Ham goal. Mackenzie Arnold was once again the busier of the two keepers as we crept over the half hour mark, having to be at full stretch to deny West Ham again. West Ham, for all the chances Spurs had, found themselves on the counter and a delightfully in swinging ball from Jess Ziu, which Emma Harries nodded on to Viviane Asseyi, who’s effort was well kept out by Becky Spencer. Spurs felt they were then denied a penalty, when Celin Bizet flicked it over Kirsty Smith not once, but twice, with the second flick appearing to hit the arm of the Scott, but the referee remained unmoved. As we flicked into three minutes of added time, Grace Clinton drove at the Chelsea defence with runners either side, but her ball was overhit and ran through to Arnold in the final action of the half. Half Time - Spurs 1-0 West Ham Nobody inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could’ve foreseen what was about to unfold just four minutes into the second half. Riko Ueki was fed the ball out on the right, being picked out brilliantly by Honoka Hayashi, before lashing and unstoppable effort past the despairing Spencer to bring West Ham back on terms and shell-shock Spurs. Spurs went straight onto the front foot and tried to retake the lead, with Bethany England first firing over after being fed by Clinton and then heading over after Bizet’s cross from the right found the Spurs skipper. Kirsty Smith was then the first name in the referee’s notebook following a cynical foul on Celin Bizet as the Spurs winger drove at a stretched West Ham. The hosts came even closet to scoring when a deep free kick was sent in and found the head of Amy James-Turner, who’s looping header crashed back off the crossbar and bounced down to safety. Jess Naz, Drew Spence and Olga Ahitnen were then introduced in a triple roll of the dice for Spurs, replacing Petzelberger, Thomas and Summanen for some fresh legs. Viv Asseyi was next to test Spenver, but her free kick was a routine save for the Jamaican. It appeared not o be Spurs’ day when just after the hour, they hit the woodwork for the second time, with Bethany England this time being thwarted by the woodwork. Molly Bartrip was then introduced for the final 25 minutes of the season, replacing Luana Buhler. Spurs ramped up the urgency and Bizet sent in a stunning cross which England got over, and headed over the bar. West Ham sensed a chance, and very nearly found themselves in front following a teasing cross in from Jess Ziu who was looking for Asseyi, but Spencer showed coolness to come and collect the ball in her area. Two more second half changes for Spurs, with Molly Bartrip and Matilda Vinberg introduced for the remainder of the encounter. Grace Clinton was then found in the right channel by Matilda Vinberg, but her attempt to sign off her loan spell with a goal, was thwarted by Arnold. Off the bench, Jess Naz was the hero for Spurs again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, being fed through and outmuscling her marker, before finishing superbly past Arnold to nudge Spurs in front late on. The announcement of nine added minutes brought anxiety to Spurs supporters and hope to West Ham, who found themselves in space with Honoyashi on the edge, but the effort was skewed wide of the target. There was time for Spurs to put some gloss on the result, with Naz finding Drew Spence on the edge who took a touch and curled an unstoppable effort past Arnold, leaving the keeper dumbfounded and secured Spurs a brilliant London Derby win on the final day. Full Time - Spurs 3-1 West Ham Spurs - Bethany England 4’, Jess Naz 86’, Drew Spence 90+9’ West Ham - Riko Ueki 49’

Women’s football is not out to replace or replicate, it simply wishes to coexist. Get Back in the Kitchen Sunday, 8 November 2020 By Charlotte Stacey Women’s football is not out to replace or replicate, it simply wishes to coexist. Edward Payne As the second wave of lockdown begins in England, once again women’s football finds itself on the backend of overriding authority, fighting its cause for recognition to its own governing body. The Football Association have announced that Women’s Super League Academies and FA Regional Talent Clubs will cease to continue training for the duration of the lockdown period, alluding that their resources “do not meet the necessary ‘elite’ protocols.” A decision that perhaps would not have caused such a stir under current restrictive social measures, had the same applied across the board. Yet, the FA has ruled that boys’ academies will remain open and continue to operate as usual. The decision comes in contrast to the government’s definition of elitism as anyone “aged 16 or above and on an elite development pathway.” If the WSL and its respective clubs are classed as elite, then by default, so should their academies be. Unfortunately, this is not the only time that the FA have been called into question recently. On Saturday 7th November, Bristol City released a statement explaining that they had “requested postponement” of their match against Manchester City, due to the self-isolation of five first team players, after one tested positive for Covid-19. Bristol had played Crystal Palace just two days before and were rightly concerned for the welfare of their players, as well as others who would be attending the game. The appeal to postpone was indeed the correct action to take. In a time where precaution is of the utmost importance, rearranging the fixture to minimise health and safety risks, and in the name of sportsmanlike conduct, would have fared well. In response, the FA ruled that the clash with Manchester City should go ahead as planned, as Bristol had “accordingly drafted in players from the Academy”. Players that just a few days prior, were deemed as ‘non-elite’. The match was played and a depleted Bristol went on to lose 8-1. When searching the FA’s mission statement, the very first line that fills the screen reads, “the FA aims to make football a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved in the game.” But as constant contradictory decisions infer one half of the game as second best, perhaps a by-line should be added - “unless, of course, you’re female.” As the second wave of lockdown begins in England, once again women’s football finds itself on the backend of overriding authority, fighting its cause for recognition to its own governing body. The Football Association have announced that Women’s Super League Academies and FA Regional Talent Clubs will cease to continue training for the duration of the lockdown period, alluding that their resources “do not meet the necessary ‘elite’ protocols.” A decision that perhaps would not have caused such a stir under current restrictive social measures, had the same applied across the board. Yet, the FA has ruled that boys’ academies will remain open and continue to operate as usual. The decision comes in contrast to the government’s definition of elitism as anyone “aged 16 or above and on an elite development pathway.” If the WSL and its respective clubs are classed as elite, then by default, so should their academies be. Unfortunately, this is not the only time that the FA have been called into question recently. On Saturday 7th November, Bristol City released a statement explaining that they had “requested postponement” of their match against Manchester City, due to the self-isolation of five first team players, after one tested positive for Covid-19. Bristol had played Crystal Palace just two days before and were rightly concerned for the welfare of their players, as well as others who would be attending the game. The appeal to postpone was indeed the correct action to take. In a time where precaution is of the utmost importance, rearranging the fixture to minimise health and safety risks, and in the name of sportsmanlike conduct, would have fared well. In response, the FA ruled that the clash with Manchester City should go ahead as planned, as Bristol had “accordingly drafted in players from the Academy”. Players that just a few days prior, were deemed as ‘non-elite’. The match was played and a depleted Bristol went on to lose 8-1. When searching the FA’s mission statement, the very first line that fills the screen reads, “the FA aims to make football a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved in the game.” But as constant contradictory decisions infer one half of the game as second best, perhaps a by-line should be added - “unless, of course, you’re female.” This is not to say that the FA is not doing its bit for women’s football. They now provide a streaming service in which WSL, and some Championship fixtures, can be watched worldwide for free. They have committed to televising a number of fixtures and broadcasting Cup Finals on terrestrial channels. They have pledged “to create a sustainable future for women’s and girls’ football in England” over the next four years, and there are individuals within the association that work tirelessly to ensure that these goals are met. Yet, these long-term projections pale when short term decisions appear contradictory. Would a Premier League fixture have gone ahead that threatened health with potential knock on effects for the rest of the league? Probably not. Women’s football has enough of a fight on its hands without having to prove itself to one of its overarching bodies. As those within the sport know all too well, the game faces a constant battle in gaining acceptance within the wider community. Football is a sport, just as tennis, cycling and athletics are sports. Yet, Serena Williams is not compared to Roger Federer, Victoria Pendleton is not compared to Chris Hoy, Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce is not compared to Usain Bolt. These athletes are celebrated for their successes. Even in cases, such as a mixed doubles event in tennis, in which the two merge, men and women are appreciated for their different skillsets. It is a rarity to see discussions analysing the difference in quality of men’s and women’s sides in tennis, cycling or athletics; but in football, this is the norm. There is not a day that goes by in which advocates of the women’s game are not subjected to derogatory comments belittling their worth for simply enjoying the game. Whether this is a player, staff member, media representative or fan. “Women’s football is rubbish”. “No one cares”. “Get back in the kitchen”. Just a few of the remarks you will find under any platform reporting on the women’s leagues; the responses to those who dare to defend often far uglier. Yet these replies often have one thing in common. Typically, although one must stress, not exclusively, these injurious comments are made by men. Of course, one does not wish to mislead nor to tie the masses with the same brush. There are men that do wish women's football success. Plenty, in fact. Plenty whom actively defend the sport, weaselling out their stubborn brothers in their quest of promotion. So, what is it about women’s football that divides opinion? Why is it such a hard pill to swallow for some? Perhaps it was the enforced fifty-year ban on women playing football. A ban that consequently fed a narrative that football is a ‘men-only’ entity, in which the mere existence of a woman within its sacred realm threatens its very equilibrium. Perhaps it is envy. The bruising of a collective fragile ego that cannot comprehend the professionalism of women in a sport that ‘does not belong to them’. A jealous patriarchal nod to the outdated notion that a woman should not succeed where I could not. Perhaps it is a question of authenticity. Men’s football is so deeply rooted within society, such an ingrained factor of national culture, that it may simply boil down to the indoctrinated idea that a true game of football is played by men. One may fear that by viewing a women’s game, they are missing out on the ‘real deal’. There are, of course, differences between men’s and women’s football and nobody will deny such facts. The two exude a different feel, display different on field strengths, draw different audiences, but this does not mean that either is less worthy. Perhaps it is a lack of education. Disapproval of the women’s game frequently comes with the unoriginal reasoning of differentiating standards. It is presumed that as the WSL is the top division of women’s football, it must match the standard of the Premier League. Yet this is simply not true and such assumptions are often made with an ignorance to the obstacles women’s football faces. Is a game that is catching up on fifty years’ worth of resources, financial support, societal indoctrination and cultural relevance going to exude the same quality as its closest neighbour? Of course not. Yet, this is where those who so venomously oppose the women’s game seem to miss the point entirely. Women’s football does not profess to be men’s football. It does not proclaim to be at the same standard yet. It does not demand bells and whistles, the all singing and all dancing paraphernalia of its male counterpart. But what it does expect is a fair shot. It wishes to be judged without preconception. It wishes for its advocates to be treated with respect and tolerance. It wishes, from the grassroots up, to be met with acceptance. It expects to be taken seriously by the organisations that are supposed to endorse it. Women’s football is not out to replace or replicate, it simply wishes to coexist.

Chelsea go on to win midweek fixture after the Hammers take an early lead Back Match Report WSL: Chelsea v West Ham Chelsea go on to win midweek fixture after the Hammers take an early lead Chelsea WFC Twitter 2 October 2022 By Paul Donegan Chelsea came from behind to beat London rivals West Ham 3-1 on Wednesday evening. Dagny Brynjarsdottir gave West Ham the lead early in the game. Sam Kerr hit the post twice during the first half before Fran Kirby equalised five minutes before the break. Kerr and Millie Bright scored for the hosts during the second half. They had a chance to extend their lead further but Lauren James saw a penalty saved by Mackenzie Arnold. Chelsea made two changes from their win over Manchester City at the weekend. Katerina Svitkova came in for her debut and Eve Perisset made her first start in place of Maren Mjelde and Lauren James. Following their lose to Manchester United on Sunday, West Ham also made two changes with Grace Fisk and Abbey-Leigh Stringer coming into the starting eleven in place of Jess Ziu and Honoka Hayashi. There was a minute’s silence before match for groundsman David McKnight who had passed away over weekend. The away side took the lead in the 3rd minute when Kirsty Smith swung in a corner and unmarked Brynjarsdottir headed in. Kerr was just unable to get onto a through ball in the 5th minute, and then was caught offside two minutes later as Chelsea started to create opportunities. In the 10th minute, Bright saw a looping effort from a corner saved brilliantly by Arnold. Two minutes later, Kerr saw her cracking shot from 20 yards hit the post and bounce away. Chelsea appealed for a penalty in the 15th minute when Kadeisha Buchanan went down in the area but referee Tom Reeves played on. Kerr had another chance in the 20th minute but her shot from the edge of the area went wide. The hosts had another penalty appeal, this time for handball, turned down in the 33rd minute. A minute later, Guro Reiten saw her shot across goal go just past the post. The post was hit again by Kerr in the 35th minute. The referee had a word with Arnold after this for slowing the game down too much. Chelsea did equalise in the 40th minute. Reiten’s cross found Kirby who controlled then sliced the ball into the corner of the net. That makes it three goals in three games for Kirby this season. Both sides had chances before the break. Lucy Parker’s effort for the Hammers from 30 yards went well over whilst Erin Cuthbert’s deflected shot was caught by Arnold as the home side had the last effort of the half. Chelsea had chances early in the second half with Bright heading wide from a free kick and Kerr heading another opportunity over. Kerr did give Chelsea the lead in the 58th minute when following a bit of a scramble from a cross, she put the ball into the net from about 6-yards. Chelsea made it 3-1 in the 62nd minute when a Svitkova corner was headed in by Bright. Second half substitute Lauren James saw her powerful shot go over in the 69th minute. West Ham’s first chance of the half came in the 76th minute when Thea Kyvag’s shot from 25 yards was saved. Chelsea immediately went up the other end and James was brought down in the area and a penalty was given. James took the penalty herself but Arnold dived to her left and saved it low down. Niamh Charles saw her low shot saved in the 78th minute as Chelsea looked to extend their lead further. Bethany England also had a chance for the home side in the 81st minute but her header was off target. There were no more clear chances as Chelsea won 3-1 and moved up to fourth in the league, level on points with three other sides, but they have played a game more. Speaking to the press after the match, Emma Hayes said there had been a great reaction to going behind so early and they needed the half to break West Ham down. Hayes also said Chelsea moved the ball well, dominated in the second half and could have won by a bigger margin. They don’t play until after the international break now when they are away to Everton in the WSL on 16th October. West Ham manager Paul Konchesky told the press it was a fantastic performance from his side and they were disappointed and gutted with the result. Konchesky felt they could have dealt better with Chelsea’s two second half goals. West Ham play London City Lionesses on Sunday in the Conti Cup then their next league game is away to Aston Villa on 15th October. Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Berger, Perisset (Charles 63’), Bright, Buchanan, Eriksson (c), Cuthbert, Fleming, Svitkova (England 63’), Kirby (James 63’), Reiten (Rytting Kaneryd 72’), Kerr (Cankovic 72’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Nouwen, Ingle, Carter, Goals – Kirby 40’, Kerr 58’, Bright 62’ West Ham United (5-3-2): Arnold, Shimizu, Parker, Cissoko, Fisk, Smith (Ziu 69’), Stringer (Kyvag 69’), Longhurst, Brynjarsdottir (c), Asseyi (Walker 83’), Evans (Flannery 87’) Unused substitutes: Hillyerd, Atkinson, Filis, Houssein Goal – Brynjarsdottir 3’ Bookings – Cissoko 48’, Ziu 74’, Parker 76’ Referee – Tom Reeves Attendance – 2,842

Fran Kirby Position Forward D.O.B 29/06/1993 Club Chelsea via Getty Images

Everything you need to know ahead of today's historic final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur Women's FA Cup 2023/24 Final Guide Saturday, 11 May 2024 By Paul Donegan Everything you need to know ahead of today's historic final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur VisitWembley There will be a first-time winner of the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday when Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the 2023/24 final (2:30pm (BST) kick off) at a sold-out Wembley Stadium. This will be United’s second final in a row after losing to Chelsea last year whilst for Spurs it is their first time in a major showpiece occasion. Here is our guide to the final including information about how Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur got to Wembley, the sides, the stadium and transport, and TV/radio coverage. How they got to the final Manchester United entered the cup at the fourth round stage. There they met at home eventual FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division champions Newcastle United. The Red Devils convincingly beat them 5-0 with the goals coming from Ella Toone, Nikita Parris (2), Rachel Williams and Melvin Malard. They travelled to Championship side Southampton in the fifth round and won 3-1. Toone gave United the lead before Lexi Lloyd-Smith equalised for the Saints. Williams scored twice in the final 15 minutes to seal the victory for the visitors. Manchester United were handed another away game on the south coast in the quarter-finals, this time to Brighton & Hove Albion. They were again comfortable winners, this time 4-0. Millie Turner, Parris, Lucia Garcia and Lisa Naalsund were their goalscorers this time. In the semi-finals they were drawn at home to Chelsea, the winners of the FA Cup in the last 3 seasons, in a repeat of last season’s final. Garci and Williams put the Red Devils 2-0 up before Lauren James got a goal back for the Blues in first half additional time. United held on to knock the holders out and progress to the final again. Tottenham Hotspur also entered the cup in the fourth round. They were drawn at home to Championship side Sheffield United and came from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Sophie Haywood and Jessica Sigsworth had but the Blades ahead before a brace from Bethany England and a very late Rosella Ayane winner saw Spurs go through. They faced Championship opponents at home again in the fifth round, this time Charlton Athletic. Kit Graham scored the only goal with 15 minutes left as Tottenham won 1-0. Manchester City travelled to the Gaughan Group Stadium in the quarter-finals to face the Lillywhites. Mary Fowler gave the Cityzens an early lead but England equalised for Spurs in the sixth minute of second half additional time. There were no goals during extra time so it went to a penalty shootout. Tottenham won that 4-3 with Amy James-Turner scoring the decisive spot kick. In the semi-finals, they were drawn at home again, this time taking on Leicester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Jutta Rantala gave the Foxes the lead in the first half but Jessica Naz equalised for the Lillywhites with seven minutes remaining. An additional 30 minutes were required, and Martha Thomas scored the winner with two minutes remaining to send Spurs to Wembley. Past Meetings Tottenham have never beaten Manchester United in the WSL or Championship in their 12 meetings. United have won on 10 occasions whilst the other 2 were draws. This will be the first time they will have played each other in a cup competition. In their first WSL game against each other this season, the Red Devils won 4-0 away at Spurs in December. It was a comfortable win for them with Hannah Blundell, Ella Toone, Melvine Malard and Hayley Ladd finding the net on that Sunday evening. They met at Leigh just three weeks ago and this time it finished in a 2-2 draw. Malard gave United the lead before Bethany England and Jessica Naz put Tottenham ahead at half time. Maya Le Tissier scored a second half stoppage time equaliser for the Red Devils as the sides shared the points. Photo: Ryan Asman Manchester United Marc Skinner has led Manchester United to their second successive FA Cup final, though he is not that popular amongst sections of their fans. In the WSL, after finishing runners-up last season, this season has been disappointing with United currently sitting in 5th place in the league. Manchester United had a pretty comfortable passage through to the semi-finals where they knocked out holders and winners from the last 3 season’s Chelsea. Since the semi-final, they have picked up 4 points out of 9 in the league but lost their last game 1-0 away to rivals Liverpool. One of the Red Devils star players this season has been Nikita Parris. She is their leading goalscorer this season having scored 8 goals in the league and another 3 in the FA Cup, and reportedly turned down a move to the USA to stay with United so she could play in the final. Super sub Rachel Williams, who previously played for Tottenham, has scored four times in the cup this season for United, including what turned out to be the decisive goal in the semi-final against Chelsea. United could well line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and other players who could be involved include Mary Earps, Millie Turner, Maya Le Tissier, Lucia Garcia, captain Katie Zelem, Ella Toone, Jayde Riviere, Geyse and Melvine Malard. Skinner confirmed in his pre-final press conference on Friday that there are no fresh injury concerns for the Red Devils before Sunday. Photo: Ryan Asman Tottenham Hotspur Robert Vilahamn joined the club as head coach last summer and has a great first season in charge, leading Spurs to the cup final and 6th place in the WSL. Though he will be without one of their key players this season, Grace Clinton, as she is ineligible to play in the final against her parent club. On their way to the final, his side have scored a few very late goals including deep into second half stoppage time against Sheffield United and Manchester City, and two minutes from the end of extra-time in the semi-final. They have drawn all three league games they have played since the semi-final with their last outing finishing 2-2 at Everton. Two-time FA Cup winner with Chelsea, Bethany England, has hit a bit of form for the Lillywhites, scoring in their last 3 league games as well as 3 times in their run to Wembley. Former United player Martha Thomas is Tottenham’s leading scorer in the WSL with 7 goals and also scored the winner in the semi-final. Spurs have lined up using 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations in recent matches. The likes of Charlotte Grant, Ashleigh Neville, Molly Bartrip, Jessica Naz, Celin Beizet, Eveliina Summanen, Amy James-Turner, Olga Ahtinen and Amanda Nilden could also be involved at Wembley. In his pre-final press conference on Thursday, Vilahamn confirmed there was a full squad in training apart from long-term injury absentees. Wembley Stadium and transport information This will be the 10th FA Cup final to take place at Wembley Stadium since it started being played there in 2015. Tottenham’s supporters will be at the west end of the stadium whilst Manchester United’s will be at the east. The closest stations to the stadium are Wembley Stadium (National rail from London Marylebone station), Wembley Park (Jubilee and Metropolitan Underground lines) and Wembley Central (Overground from Euston station in London and Bakerloo Underground line). Check the National Rail and TfL websites for up-to-date information. A number of TfL buses stop close to the stadium including the numbers 83, 92, 182, 223, 440, 483. National Express coaches have direct event day services to Wembley. Official car parking has now sold out. General admission turnstiles open at 12:30pm (BST) with hospitality doors opening an hour earlier at 11:30am (BST). Wembley has a restricted bag policy with each person allowed to take in one small bag no bigger than A4 size. All bags will be searched before entering the stadium as well as security checks and searches on supporters. Wembley Stadium is a cashless venue with only card/contactless payments accepted throughout. Wembley Stadium has a no-street-drinking zone on Olympic Way and surrounding streets. Fans found drinking alcohol in this area will be asked to hand it over. There are bars and restaurants in the local area or alcohol will be available in the east fan zone. Fan Zones There will be two fan zones to the east and west of the stadium. You must have a match ticket to enter the east fan zone which has a limited capacity and the stadium’s bag policy will apply. The west fan zone (Arena Square) will have things such as a DJ, football freestyler, football skills games, competitions, face painters and a much more. The east fan zone will have a resident DJ as well as food, soft and alcoholic drinks (alcoholic ones will stop being served at 1:30pm (BST). Both fan zones will be open from 11:00am to 2pm (BST). Match Officials The referee will be Abi Byrne, her second FA Cup final in the middle after also being in charge of the 2019 Wembley showpiece, and she will be assisted by Sophie Dennington and Nicoleta Bria. The fourth official is Kirsty Dowle and Levi Gray is the reserve assistant referee. VAR will be in use for the final with David Coote and Natalie Aspinall in charge of that. TV/Radio coverage In the UK, the final will be shown live on BBC One/Sport Website/iPlayer with coverage starting at 1:50pm (BST). There is live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and also on talkSport2. Outside of the UK, check local listings or the FA Player.

St Albans v Stevenage Photographer Edward Payne It was a closely fought battle in Clarence Park between St Albans City and Stevenage. Our photographer Edward Payne was on hand to catch the best of the action.