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Aston Villa's Maz Pacheco talks FIFA23 and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit. On the red carpet with Maz Pacheco Tuesday, 25 October 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Aston Villa's Maz Pacheco talks FIFA23 and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit. Charlotte Stacey | Neville Williams When choosing a stat that could indicate a player’s importance to their team, the number of minutes played is a wise place to start. Aston Villa’s Maz Pacheco was one of only six players to have played every single minute of the Women’s Super League last season. The left back also ranked within the top ten for the number of interceptions, blocks and tackles won signifying her premium status in Villa’s system. The 24-year-old looks to be aiming for similar impact this time round to help the Villans climb to the middle of the table. We caught up with Pacheco at the Women’s Football Summit presented by EA Sports to celebrate the launch of the Women’s Super League in FIFA23 and to chat about the new season. Here’s what she had to say… Feelings on the way Villa have started the season…. “Ecstatic. I think it’s very different from last season. We’ve got quality players starting to play a bit more football, I feel like we’re growing something special and I feel like you guys can see that.” Whether the league is becoming more competitive… “Yeah, definitely. I think with the investment that clubs are putting in, the league’s only going to grow and it means more people are wanting to come and play here in England. So, competition ‘s very high.” Maz Pacheco at the Women's Football Summit New eyes and new audiences… “I think from the Lionesses winning the Euro’s the interest in England especially has been massive and you can feel it when we’re playing. The rise in ticket sales and people coming to watch us and events like this just help push the visibility of the women’s game.” Playing FIFA23… “I love FIFA!” Playing as herself on Fifa… “Not yet! You know it’s weird seeing yourself! Doing the face scans was one thing but then seeing yourself in the game is….”I’m like, it that really me!?” But yeah, they’ve done well with me.” Favourite dinosaur… “Favourite dinosaur….T-Rex. Big boss. Can’t go wrong.” Pacheco is back in action this weekend as Aston Villa take on Chelsea at Kingsmeadow. The game will be available to watch live on the FA Player, 2pm (GMT).

Reading surrender a 2-0 lead as the Toffees come from behind to win 3-2, denying the hosts a much needed three points. Back Match Report WSL: Reading v Everton Reading surrender a 2-0 lead as the Toffees come from behind to win 3-2, denying the hosts a much needed three points. Reading FC Women 23 April 2023 By Rosa Maitland Kelly Chambers made four changes to the side that lost to relegation rivals Leicester City two weeks earlier. Chambers named three changes to her backline from the last game, with Lily Woodham being forced out via injury. Brain Sørensen also named four changes, with the game coming just four days after the disappointing defeat to Brighton. Reading started the game on the front foot, and with less than a minute on the clock Charlie Wellings was brought down in the box by Lucy Hope to give the hosts an early penalty. Justine Vanhaevermaet buried the ball into the bottom right-hand corner to give the hosts an early lead. The home side capitalised on their positive start and enjoyed the majority of possession early on. Sanne Troelsgaard did well to find space down the left wing, but the end product was missing as her cross was fired past the penalty area. Everton looked to exploit the Reading defence on the counterattack and goalkeeper Grace Moloney was called into action on a few occasions but did well to prevent an equaliser. A great piece of defending was required by Easther Mayi Kith at the far post to put a deep cross behind for a corner. Following a spell of possession, the hosts looked threatening and midway through the first half Vanhaevermaet got her second of the game. A great piece of skill by Troelsgaard allowed her to get away from the defender, to then square it to the Belgium international who calmly slotted it into the bottom corner. Everton continued to look to break on the counterattack and their best chance of the half fell to Katja Snoeijs on the half an hour mark. Snoeijs connected well with the volley from midway in the penalty area, but Moloney did well to catch. The chance by Snoeijs seemed to spark the visitors into life who were being spurred on by a small crowd of vocal travelling supporters. The visitors reduced the deficit five minutes before halftime. Hope latched onto a ball and drove into the penalty box, before finding Hanna Bennison who was left unmarked in the middle to slot it past Moloney. Halftime: Reading 2-1 Everton Everton came out at half time the more threatening of the two sides. With Reading on the back foot, the visitors looked to capitalise but struggled to find the end product. Jess Park’s through ball from the halfway line to Hope was the closet the visitors came but Hope’s effort was just wide. With half an hour to go the visitors found the equaliser via a penalty. Diane Caldwell brought down Jess Park in the box, allowing Soneijs to send Moloney the wrong way with a well taken penalty into the bottom corner. With the momentum swinging towards the Toffees, Moloney made great save from close range to deny the visitors taking the lead. Another great save from Moloney denied substitute Rikkie Sevecke a goal, as she took on an effort from just inside the penalty area, but the Reading keeper did well to turn if behind for a corner. With pressure building for the hosts, Everton took the lead with ten minutes to go. Nicoline Sørensen cut in from the right side to fire the visitors ahead with a great curling effort from 18 yards out. With ten minutes of time added on to the second half, Reading threatened as they looked for the equaliser. Wellings went closest as she latched onto a header from Brooke Hendrix, but her effort went put over the crossbar. Wellings continued to work down the right side, and delivered a great ball across the box, but Harries was arriving late and couldn’t put in past Courtney Brosnan for the equaliser. Fulltime: Reading 2-3 Everton This result leaves Reading just one point ahead of bottom placed Leicester City who have a game in hand. While Everton remain in sixth place, three points behind Aston Villa. Line-ups Reading: Moloney (GK), Mayi Kith (72’), Caldwell, Mukandi (C), Primmer (59’), Troelsgaard (85’), Vanhaevermaet, Harries, Eikeland, Rowe, Wellings Subs: Poulter (GK), Bryson (59’), Evans, Hendrix (72’), Jane, Alexander, Perry (85’) Goals: Vanhaevermaet 1’ 17’ Booked: Rowe 44’ Everton: Brosnan (GK), Stenevik (45’), Bjorn, Finnigan, Hope (C), Bennison (90+8’), Wheeler, Holmgaard (73’), Park (73’), Snoeijs (87’), Sørensen Subs: Ramsey (GK), Sevecke (45’), Christiansen (87’), Beaver Jones (73’), Maier, Galli (73’), Holmgaard (90+8’) Goal: Bennison 41’, Snoeijs 62’, Sørensen 83’

Alex Hennessy's late goal sees the Addicks add three points to the board Back Match Report WC: Charlton Athletic v Coventry United Alex Hennessy's late goal sees the Addicks add three points to the board Charlton Athletic Twitter 7 February 2023 By Paul Donegan Alex Hennessy scored deep into second half stoppage time as Charlton Athletic beat Coventry United 1-0 at The Oakwood on Sunday. Both sides had chances before the late winner with Sian Rogers producing a fantastic save early in the second half to stop a Coventry effort. The visitors can maybe feel a bit unlucky not to come away with a point. Karen Hills named the same starting 11 for Charlton that had beaten AFC Wimbledon 5-1 in the FA Cup in their last match. Lee Burch made three changes for Coventry from their FA Cup win over Hashtag United with Khiara Keating, Megan Alexander and Merrick Will coming in for Jodie Whiteman, Hayley Hoare and Olivia Rabjohn. It was a sunny but cool afternoon with the pitch looking a bit dry in places. The first real chance didn’t come until 15 minutes into the match but Ella Rutherford couldn’t get enough on her shot and it was saved by Keating. Another 10 minutes passed before the next talking point when Charlton appealed loudly for a penalty after the ball looked to hit a Coventry United defenders hand. The referee and assistant instead gave a corner. From the corner, Ross saw her header saved. The Addicks next chance came in the 32 nd minute when Keating pushed away a shot from Angela Addison before Freda Ayisi’s effort from the rebound was blocked. Coventry’s first chances came a few minutes later when Mary McAteer saw her effort blocked by a Charlton defender. From the resulting corner, Freya Thomas sent a shot over from the edge of the area. At the other end a minute later, Melissa Johnson put a shot across goal. Two minutes before half time, Rutherford put in a nice cross for the home side that was just missed by Emily Simpkins before Ayisi put the ball wide at the far post. The visitors had the last opportunity of the first half in stoppage time but the ball bounced straight into Rogers’ hands. Coventry had the first chance of the second half just over five minutes into it. Eleanor Ryan-Doyle’s shot took a deflection and Rogers made a brilliant save to tip the ball over as it was heading into the top corner. Jodie Bartle saw an effort saved from the resulting corner. In the 57 th minute, Rutherford had a shot that was saved easily by Keating. As she shot, the Charlton player went down injured and received lengthy treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off. We wish Ella Rutherford a full and speedy recovery. The next opportunity came in the 73 rd minute for Coventry when Ebony Wiseman’s shot was blocked then there was a scramble on the line before play was stopped due to an injury to Rogers. Ayisi was played through for the home side in the 81 st minute but as she tried to go round Keating, the Coventry United goalkeeper got a slight touch on the ball then a couple of shots were blocked before the danger was cleared. Rogers made two more saves in the final ten minutes or so to deny Coventry. First she kept out a close-range effort from Morgan Cross and then saved a shot from Isobel Goodwin. 12 minutes of stoppage time were signalled and in the seventh minute of them Charlton scored. A long ball forward found Ayisi in the penalty area who passed back to Hennessy and she finished first time low into the corner of the net from about 12-yards. There was time for a couple of Charlton players to be shown yellow cards but no more opportunities for Coventry to equalise as it finished 1-0 to the Addicks. Charlton have now won eight times in a row in all competitions. The win sees Charlton remain in fifth place in the Championship, five points behind current leaders London City Lionesses. Coventry United are still bottom of the league and five points behind Sheffield United. This coming Sunday, Charlton are away to Sheffield United whilst Coventry are at home to Blackburn Rovers. Line ups: Charlton Athletic: Rogers, Roe, N’Dow, Skeels, Henson, Simpkins (c) (Bruton 57’), Ross, Rutherford (Follis 63’), Ayisi, Johnson, Addison (Hennessy 84’) Unused substitutes: Gray, Soper, Logan, Roche, O’Rourke Goal – Hennessy 90’+7 Booked – Ross, Rogers, Bruton Coventry United: Keating, Mann, Bartle (c) (Cross 86’), Will, Alexander, Thomas, Morris (Green 70’), Wiseman, McAteer, Ryan-Doyle, Jones (Goodwin 70’) Unused substitutes: Orthodoxou, Jhamat, Dudley-Jones, Whipp, Rabjohn, Whiteman Booked – Ryan-Doyle Referee – Adewunmi Soneye Attendance - 556

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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