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

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

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

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

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

Norwich City’s HerGameToo Advocates on their upcoming historic game at Carrow Road “To see the women's team at a big stadium will inspire others to believe they can do it too” Sunday, 9 April 2023 By Finley Chung Norwich City’s HerGameToo Advocates on their upcoming historic game at Carrow Road Norwich City Women At 10am on Monday (27th February), the news broke that Norwich City will be playing their final home game of the season, against Ashford Town in the FA Women’s National League Division One at Carrow Road! This is a historic move for the team, which will see them play at the men’s stadium for the first time in the clubs history. This news was greeted with glee by various City fans, but none more so than Nicol and Jess, The Canaries two HerGameToo advocates, who are relishing the chance to see their beloved Norwich, take to the Carrow Road pitch. “Honestly, I jumped up in the air when I saw the news, which made my work colleagues question me a bit! I'm absolutely elated for the team that they'll finally get the chance to play at Carrow Road. I personally think that the chance itself has been long overdue, but I'm so glad that it has finally come”, said an elated Jess! The team itself are pulling up trees in the FA Women’s National League, currently sitting 4th in the Division One South East table with just three defeats all season and only one at home. Nicol touches on the Yellows home form being the key to a great season so far. "This season has been extremely successful for the Women's team. With the exception of our home game to Hashtag United (a 7-1 defeat), NCWFC are undefeated at home in the FAWNL .They are also awaiting a semi final match in the County Cup in a few weeks time. Whatever the result the team battles hard every game and fans are always incredibly entertained with several nail biting heart pounding moments so far this season”. Natasha Snelling is certainly one to watch for any fan making the trip the either The Nest or Carrow Road for the remainder of the season, having scored 12 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions this season, whilst Megan Todd is another ‘ones to watch’, having struck 7 goals in 16 appearances this season. As with every team or course, there are players that perhaps don’t get the credit they deserve, with Jess adding, "players like Katie Knights, Eloise Morran and Alice Parker never get the credit they should do.” News of this Carrow Road date will no doubt be shining the spotlight on Women’s Football in Norwich, and as Jess and Nicol both elude too, the move is not only set to inspire, but it will also give the Yellows a chance to ‘get on the map’. England winger and former Norwich City player, Lauren Hemp. Photo:Getty "I feel as if this fixture at Carrow Road could bring a very real engagement in women's football to Norwich. Before, we've only had one player we've produced of note, that being European Champion, Lauren Hemp, but aside from that, women's football in Norwich has never really made it to the mainstream” , said Jess. Nicol added, "I think the game at Carrow Road will be an incredible platform to showcase the women's team to a much larger fan base. It will have a big impact on local young girls who may (like myself in the past) have been told that football is for boys. To see a women's team at a big stadium will inspire them to believe they can do it too. "The attendances at The Nest have been increasing throughout the season however some fans may not have been aware of the women's team but after this game they certainly will be which hopefully will increase attendances for future fixtures”. Whatever the result is on April 16th and the outcome of their season, it is clear to see the Canaries have caught the attention in Norfolk, and their date with destiny at Carrow Road, is set to enhance the evergrowing reputation for the Women’s game.

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur Conti Cup Photographer Ryan Asman It was goals galore at Borehamwood in the first of the week's North London Derbies. Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum and an own goal from Amy Turner earned the Gunners their three goals; Martha Thomas and a brace from Jess Naz totted up Spurs' three. Arsenal eventually earned the extra point after a close 4-3 penalty shootout.

West Ham earn the win over London City Lionesses in thrilling penalty shootout Back Match Report Conti Cup: London City Lionesses v West Ham West Ham earn the win over London City Lionesses in thrilling penalty shootout Ed Payne 4 October 2022 By Paul Donegan WSL side West Ham came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with second tier London City Lionesses in the sides first Conti Cup group match of the season. The Hammers went onto win a penalty shoot-out 10-9 to gain an extra point. Lois Heuchan and Sarah Ewens had scored either side of half time for London City Lionesses. Viviane Asseyi got a goal back for West Ham before Dagny Brynjarsdottir equalised deep into injury time at the end. It was Lionesses head coach Mel Phillips 50th match in charge, and she made two changes from their Championship win over Durham last weekend with Lois Joel and Shanade Hopcroft dropping out and Grace Neville and Katie Kitching replacing them. Paul Konchesky made four changes from West Ham’s defeat to Chelsea in the league during the week with Izzy Atkinson, Jessica Ziu, Keira Flannery and Claudia Walker coming in for Kirsty Smith, Hawa Cissoko, Abbey-Leigh Stringer and Lisa Evans. West Ham had the first opportunity of the game in the 4th minute when after a cleverly worked free kick, Risa Shimizu put in a dangerous cross but the referee blew for a foul on the goalkeeper. The hosts first chance came in the 10th minute but Ewens header was easily saved by Mackenzie Arnold. Walker was denied from close range in the 15th minute as Lionesses keeper Shae Yanez made a great save tipping the ball over. Two minutes later and West Ham had another opportunity when Brynjarsdottir was just unable to get onto a nice through ball and Yanez came out and claimed. Heuchan gave the home side took the lead in the 24th minute when a Neville cross missed everyone and found her at the far past where she finished from 6-yards. Ziu played a lovely ball through to Evans, who had just come on as a substitute, but Harley Bennett got back to make a great tackle and put the ball behind in the 38th minute as West Ham looked to equalise before the break. They had another chance in first half injury time but after controlling the ball nicely, Walker but the ball over. Half time substitute for the away side, Honoka Hayashi, had an opportunity early in the second half which was blocked. In the 61st minute, London City Lionesses made it 2-0 with Neville getting her second assist of the afternoon when her cross was headed into the corner of the goal by the unmarked Ewens. Photo: Ed Payne They had a chance to extend their lead further four minutes later but Heuchan’s long range effort was caught by Arnold. West Ham got a goal back in the 66th minute when Asseyi headed in Thea Kyvag’s deflected cross from close range to score her first goal for the club after joining during the summer. Jamie-Lee Napier put a shot wide for the Lionesses in the 73rd minute. A long ball from West Ham in the 87th minute found the head of Brynjarsdottir and Yanez had to dive to save the effort. Going into 6 minutes of additional time, the home side had a chance to seal victory but Muya saw her effort saved. Four minutes into added time and West Ham equalised. Evans got away from a Lionesses player and put in a good cross which was met by Brynjarsdottir who headed into the net. Both sides had opportunities even deeper into injury time with Smith sending a curling shot over for the Hammers, and Joel seeing her long-range shot for the home side easily claimed by Arnold. So, both sides take a point after the draw but there was still the drama of a penalty shoot-out to come to decide who gets another point. Photo: Ed Payne West Ham went first and Kate Longhurst saw her spot kick saved. Shanade Hopcroft and Lily Agg scored for the Lionesses and Asseyi and Melisa Filis did the same for West Ham. Joel and Evans missed the next penalties for both sides. Hayley Nolan and Brynjarsdottir both scored which meant the home side would win if goalkeeper Yanez scored. Arnold saved it though and we went to sudden death. Grace Fisk and Shimizu scored for the away side as did Atlanta Primus and Neville for the Lionesses. Smith saw her spot kick saved, and the hosts again missed the opportunity to win it when Bennett put her spot kick wide. After that there was a run of penalties scored, and some were really good, with Hayashi, Kyvag and Arnold finding the back of the net for the visitors and Lucy Shepherd, Muya and Carly Girasoli for London City Lionesses. All eleven players for both sides had taken a penalty so we went back to the start, but the officials said the order could be changed. Filis and Hopcroft scored again, as did Brynjarsdottir for West Ham. Agg stepped up having to score but put her kick from 12-yards over meaning West Ham won the shoot-out and claimed two points. The next Conti Cup games aren’t until the end of November for these sides with London City Lionesses at home to Brighton and West Ham also at home to Birmingham. The Lionesses are away to Coventry United in their next league came after the international break whilst West Ham are also away in the West Midlands to Aston Villa. Line ups London City Lionesses: Yanez, Neville, Bennett, Girasoli, Nolan, Heuchan (Joel 87’), Rodgers (Agg 59’), Kitching (Hopcroft 59’), Napier (Muya 77’), Ewens (Shepherd 77’), Primus Unused substitutes: Cull, Pedersen, Fitzgerald Goals – Heuchan 24’, Ewens 61’ Booked – Nolan 52’ West Ham United: Arnold, Shimizu, Parker (Evans 33’), Fisk, Atkinson (Smith 58’), Ziu (Kyvag 58’), Longhurst, Flannery (Filis 67’), Brynjarsdottir, Walker (Hayashi 46’), Asseyi Unused substitutes: Hillyerd, Stringer, Snerle, Houssein Goals – Asseyi 66’, Brynjarsdottir 90’+4 Booked – Brynjarsdottir 37’ Referee – Kirsty Dowl

Chelsea remain unbeaten at Kingsmeadow as Sam Kerr's lone goal sends them to the top of the table Back Match Report WSL: Chelsea v Manchester United Chelsea remain unbeaten at Kingsmeadow as Sam Kerr's lone goal sends them to the top of the table Harriet Lander 12 March 2023 By Finley Chung Manchester United’s wretched record against Chelsea continued as The Blues came out victorious in this crucial clash at the top of the WSL. Sam Kerr’s first half goal, her 22nd of an incredible season was enough to separate the sides, with Chelsea undefeated in their nine matches against United, and two points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand on the Red Devils. Thus huge title clash brought about a plethora of changes for Chelsea from their last league outing, a 3-1 win over Brighton on Wednesday night. Ann Katrin-Berger, Niamh Charles, Lauren James, Eve Perisset and Sophie Ingle all returned to the starting eleven. The visitors, Manchester United by contrast, made one change from their last outing, the FA Cup win at Lewes last weekend, with Nikita Parris coming in for Martha Thomas. United got the game underway at a packed, 3,277 strong crowd atnKingsmeadow with the sun starting to rear its head through the clouds in South West London. The game had the feel of a big one, with United’s vocal away support and the Chelsea fans making plenty of noise in the early stages. Ella Toone had the first run of the game down the right channel, but her fellow Lioness, Mille Bright won the race and cleared the ball to safety. Lauren James, against her old side was the first Chelsea player to have a real go at her marker, but United’s left back, Millie Turner matched the actions of her namesake at the other end, tracking her runner superbly and winning possession back. Chelsea settled into the game and had the first chance on nine minutes, a long ball forward found its way through to Sam Kerr who was looking to add to her 21 goals already this season, took her low right footed effort early which was well held by Mary Earps in the United goal. The Australian was then in on goal again barely two minutes later, excellent work from Niamh Charles to dispossess Nikita Parris, then finding Jessie Fleming in the middle of the park, who threaded a delightful ball through to Kerr, but her effort was once again kept out by an alert Mary Earps. At the midway point of the first half, Kerr and Chelsea did get their breakthrough with the Australian’s 22nd goal of the season and it was a goal of really. She touched down a stunning long ball from Lauren James, beautifully before delightfully clipping the ball over the advancing Earps and into the far corner. On half hour, the United players really felt they should’ve had a spot kick when Nikita Parris got in behind Kadeisha Buchanan and went down but the referee Cheryl Foster was unmoved by the appeals by those in United red. Alessia Russo then had their first shot at goal as she turned brilliantly in the box and unleashed a fierce effort towards goal but Ann-Katrin Berger held it well in the Chelsea goal. In the build up to that chance, Chelsea’s Melanie Leupolz was shown a yellow card by the referee after a string of fouls that had mounted up. United gained another free kick when Leah Galton was brought down by Eve Perisset. The in-swinging cross went deep towards the far post, Mille Turner climbed but couldn’t get any real contact or direction on her header to trouble Katrin Berger. Katie Zelem then looped a shot high and wide over The Blues goal, in the last action of the half, with a big second 45 ahead for both sides in South West London. HT - Chelsea 1-0 Man United Chelsea got the second half underway with a lead to defend in this crucial encounter in the WSL title race. United came out of the blocks quicker though with Hayled Ladd and Zelem starting to dictate and pick up little pockets in the middle for the Red Devils. Chelsea were always dangerous though and broke away on 51 minutes, Kerr once again getting in down the channels after a long ball, but her right footed curling effort drifted wide of Mary Earps left hand post. Chelsea burst forward again, with Millie Bright striding forward, faking to shoot and playing the ball inside before the ball eventually found its way to Lauren James, but she scuffed her effort from the edge of the box. United started to build up a head of steam as we approached the hour mark, with some neat interplay seeing the ball land at the feet of Alessia Russo but her effort was blocked by Bright. Emma Hayes was the first manager to shuffle her pack, bringing off Lauren James for one of Wednesday’s goal-scorers, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. As the game ticked into the final half hour, United had another good chance, as Leah Galton found herself in some space in the area, but didn’t connect with her shot at all and it sailed wide. Chelsea were next to stride forward as the game opened up, with Kerr darting in from the left channel, junking her way past defenders before seeing her right footed effort deflected away by Turner for a corner which came to nothing. Marc Skinner had a double roll of the dice with 19 minutes to go, with Ella Toone and Leah Galton being replaced by Rachel Williams and Martha Thomas in an attempt to haul United back into this. Jessie Fleming was then replaced by Magdalena Eriksson for Emma Hayes’ side. With twelve minutes to go, a clumsy challenge by Perisset, barging into Rachel Willams brought United a free kick in a very promising position, but Katie Zelem’s effort lacked power and placement to trouble Katrin Berger. Chelsea really should’ve been out of sight with the very next attack, Rytting Kaneryd’s cross was misplaced by the United defence with the ball falling to Leupolz but her effort fizzed over the bar when everyone inside the stadium expected to see the net bulge. Niamh Charles then clipped a right footed effort in towards goal but it was easily held by Earps in the United goal as Chelsea looked to sew up the points. Ticking ever closer to added time, it started to get frantic for United, with Ona Battle’s deep, deep cross an easy collection for Berger when she had bodies in the middle, Sam Kerr then lost her footing at the vital moment fro the hosts in another venture forward just as Hayley Ladd and Nilkita Parris were replaced by Aofie Mannion and Lucia Garcia for United and four added minutes were put up by the fourth official. Emma Hayes then brought off Niamh Charles, who had a really strong performance down the Chelsea left as she was replaced by Maren Mielde. United then worked a quick free kick really well just inside the Chelsea half, clipping the ball into the middle, but synonymous of their day, lacked the cutting edge as it eluded everyone in Red and went out for a goal kick. Chelsea stood firm and held on to claim a priceless three points in the title race, seeing them move two points clear of second placed United, with a game in hand o what felt like a pivotal afternoon in the WSL. FT - Chelsea 1-0 Man United Goals - Chelsea - Kerr 22’ Attendace - 3,277

Arsenal turned London red after a dominant display over their North London rivals Back Match Report WSL: Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal Arsenal turned London red after a dominant display over their North London rivals Arsenal FC 27 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Arsenal convincingly beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in the north London derby on Saturday afternoon. Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord scored in the first half for the Gunners before Bethany England got a goal back for Spurs. Foord scored again, then Kim Little and Frida Leonhardsen Maanum added further goals for Arsenal after the break. Interim head coach Vicky Jepson made one change for Tottenham from their last match which was a 1-0 win over Leicester ten days ago. Clin Bizet came into the starting eleven in place of Nikola Karczewska. Kerys Harrop made her 177th appearance in the Women’s Super League, equalling Gilly Flaherty’s record. Tottenham lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Drew Spence occasionally dropping back into midfield. Arsenal made three changes from their 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Sabrina D’Angelo, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Victoria Pelova replaced Manuela Zinsberger, Rafaelle and Laura Wienroither in the eleven that started. Jonas Eidevall lined the Gunners up in their normal 4-3-3 formation with Pelova playing in one of the wide attacking positions. It was a sunny but breezy afternoon at Brisbane Road. The playing surface didn’t look great with lots of sand on it in places. Eidevall said afterwards the pitch is “not the Allianz Arena” and it will be a better grass pitch at the Emirates on Wednesday. The Gunners had a good travelling support who were making a lot of noise. It only took Arsenal five minutes to take the lead when Stina Blackstenius fired the ball past Tinja Riikka Korpela. Spurs first chance came in the 11th minute but Spence sent her shot wide after Bizet and England had been involved in the build-up. It was visitors creating more opportunities though. Pelova was unable to get onto Maanum’s cross in the 20th minute. A couple of minutes later, Maanum’s deflected cross was saved by Korpela. Amy Turner then put a dangerous cross behind for a corner. Arsenal did double their advantage in the 29th minute. Caitlin Foord was given space to run forward then shot into the bottom corner of the net from just outside the 18-yard box. The Gunners immediately had a chance to make it 3-0 but Pelova saw her shot saved by Korpela when through one-on-one with her. England then Rosella Ayane couldn’t get shots away before ball cleared in 37th minute for Spurs. A minute later, they were awarded a penalty after Katie McCabe had handled the ball. England put the spot kick low into the net to score her sixth goal since joining the club in January. After the match, Jepson described England “as a born leader” and never gives up until the end of the game regardless of the scoreline. The home side had the last opportunity of the first half but Bizet put an effort from 25-yards over. Arsenal made a good start to the second half with Blacktenius, Maanum and Wubben-Moy all having half chances in the first ten minutes of it. Kim Little sent a low shot at goal from 20-yards that was saved in the 59th minute. McCabe was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area by Turner and the Gunners were given a spot kick by referee Louise Saunders. Vicky Jepson wouldn’t comment after the match on whether “it was or wasn’t” a penalty in case she got in trouble. Kim Little smashed the ball high into the net from 12-yards to make it 3-1 in the 66th minute. Four minutes later, Foord scored her second of the game to make it 4-1 with a shot from 6-yards that went in off the post. Foord saw a shot right go across goal as she looked for her hat-trick in the 75th minute. A superb goal made it 5-1 to the Gunners a minute later. Maanum won possession off Spence in midfield, advanced and sent a dipping shot over Korpela into the net from outside the area. Gio saw an effort that hit top of crossbar as the visitors looked to extend their lead further. Jodie Taylor came on to make her second debut for Arsenal in the 82nd minute. Gio then went off injured so the away side had to play last few minutes with ten players as had used all their substitutes. The home sides interim boss Jepson said after that Arsenal going 3-1 up was the “nail in the coffin and they built momentum” . She felt they didn’t ride the storm as well as they would have liked to. In the first half she felt they showed “character, grit, created opportunities, got ourselves back in the game and I am pleased with that”. Jepson was disappointed with the second half and felt sorry for the fans as a north London derby “should never be that scorline”. Eidevall felt his sides second half performance was “very dominant” and very pleased with that. He feels the attacking patterns are looking sharper. The Arsenal head coach said Pelova was “very important today” in the way that she plays. He praised D’Angelo and Wubben-Moy who had come into the side for this match and the strengths they have. Eidevall also felt it was one of Blackstenius’ best games for the club. He was also happy with four different goalscorers and the momentum the side has at the moment. Arsenal’s big win sees them move up to third position in the WSL (after Saturday’s matches), three points behind leaders Manchester United. Tottenham remain in ninth place. Spurs next game is away to Everton on Sunday 2nd April. Arsenal have their second leg against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday at the Emirates before returning to league action next Sunday when they are at home to Manchester City. Line ups Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2): Korpela, Neville (c), Turner, Bartrip, Harrop, Bizet (Ubogagu 79’), Summanen (Graham 67’), James, Ayane, England, Spence (Cho 88’) Unused substitutes: Spencer, Karczewska, Ale Goal – England (pen) 39’ Booked - James Arsenal (4-3-3): D’Angelo, Maritz (Wienroither 67’), Williamson, Wubben-Moy, McCabe, Walti (Rafaelle 67’), Little (c), Maanum (Kuhl 82’), Pelova, Blackstenius (Taylor 82’), Foord (Gio 77’) Unused substitutes: Zinsberger, Marckese, Beattie, Hurtig Goals – Blackstenius 5’, Foord 29’,70’, Little (pen) 66’, Maanum 76’ Referee – Louise Saunders

West Ham United #HerGameToo ambassador Charlotte Eve reflects on raising awareness of women in sport since the Euro's #HerGameToo changing attitudes in schools says ambassador Charlotte Eve Sunday, 19 March 2023 By Finley Chung West Ham United #HerGameToo ambassador Charlotte Eve reflects on raising awareness of women in sport since the Euro's Girls on the Ball For a campaign not even set up two years ago, #HerGameToo really has taken the world of sport in the UK by storm. This has been spurred on further by the Lionesses historic Euros triumph, and #HGT inevitably becoming a firm fixture on the radar of football fans up and down the country. The Lionesses aforementioned triumph has spearheaded a brilliant initiative in England with the Government pledging equal access to PE Sports in schools, as a result of campaigning by Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben Moy. HGT’s Charlotte Eve, the advocate for her beloved West Ham United, applauded the new deal and the Lionesses triumph. “I think the Lionesses win was just massive taking it to a whole new level and gaining some respect around the sport. I think there is already a shift in attitudes towards it”. Charlotte then called on how she has noticed that personally within her family too. “My Mum works in a school, she even says to me how she can see that shift, at such a young primary school level, it’s just viewed as ‘football’, it’s raising awareness. I say awareness rather than educate, because of what our campaign does, it raises awareness rather than educates”. Recently, Manchester United’s Ella Toone has came out and commented on the need to find different and alternative ways around being connected to fans, among many of the changes with the WSL this season, with the inclusion of ‘away ends’. The United midfiedler said , "I think it’s important that we maintain that close relationship with fans to make them feel engaged, seen and involved. It’s great we are seeing more attendances and stuff like designated away ends are long, long overdue for me. We do have to find a way to keep the fans coming as we need their attendance and their support to keep the game growing”. Touching on #HerGameToo as a whole and getting involved, Charlotte said, “I never really heard much about it at the start. I’d seen bits here and there and thought it sounded like a brilliant campaign. I teamed up my writing with The West Ham Way, to fill out the application you needed to to become a HGT ambassador. I then had an interview with one of the girls from the lead team, and that’s how I got involved”. As #HerGameToo branches out further into both women’s football and sport in general, we can be sure that the campaign is only just getting started in helping and empowering Women in Sport. *Edited by Charlotte Stacey

Her Football Hub and Sterling Management founder Drew Diamond talks us through his beginnings in women's football, his work within the game and his aspirations for the future. Back Hand over the mic: Drew Diamond Her Football Hub and Sterling Management founder Drew Diamond talks us through his beginnings in women's football, his work within the game and his aspirations for the future. Photographs courtesy of Drew Diamond 2 January 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Sitting down together to chat all things football, Drew Diamond, founder of platform Her Football Hub and agency Sterling Management, immediately confirms suspicions of a long-standing affiliation with the women’s game. “It’s always been in my household,” he begins, “I lived with my Nan for a long time in my later teens who had always gone on about women’s football.” Almost ahead of her time, Drew’s beloved Nan ingrained women’s sport as routine, a movement that is thankfully now becoming much more familiar. However, Drew admits that although he was accustomed to it, women’s sport was not his favoured interest. “She supported Liverpool, that’s where I’m from, and she’d always go on about Liverpool Women so I know all of those iconic names. She’d always go on about Doncaster Belles as well. She loved women’s teams that didn’t have big men’s counterparts, she always had a soft spot for them.” “But I never really loved women’s sport back then, it was always just a normal part of my life.” Skipping forward a few years, Drew recalls his time working as a writer covering Liverpool FC where the humble beginnings of Her Football Hub began to surface. “Eventually I got into writing. Writing about football and sport and I ended up working in a team that wrote solely about Liverpool Football Club, just the men’s side. That was where I first met the other Hub founders, Georgia Goulding and Taylor Kujawa” After some early interactions over a couple of years, Drew remembers that it was Georgia who broached the idea of branching out to also cover the then struggling women’s side. The outlet that the duo worked for agreed to this proposition and Georgia opened the opportunity to colleagues. A small group expressed interest and subsequently content started to be created in support of Liverpool Women. “We were that outlets women’s department for around about a year. Then leading up to the World Cup in 2019, myself and Georgia by this point were best mates, she said to me, ‘it’s quite limiting. Each season we’ve rinsed every little bit we can out of Liverpool Women, how can we do more?’” Photographs courtesy of Drew Diamond Seed planted; the pair welcomed a surprise third party to the team before taking the plunge. Leaving their full-time employment to found Her Football Hub. “It was Taylor, who neither of us had spoken to at great length, [he] joined us and showed real enthusiasm about leaving with us and creating something where we could cover everything. And it turns out Taylor is an absolute master website designer, so that worked!” “We decided to enjoy the World Cup as fans and after that we’ll go into it, and [thought] we’ll make sure that the quality of work is good enough that people know we haven’t jumped on the bandwagon.” “It was nerve wracking going from an outlet with 150,000 followers to something that we’d created that only our parents and friends followed.” Drew jokes about the screenshots he still has saved to his phone when the platform, which now has over 9000 followers, had only 20 followers to its name. But he is careful not to get caught up in the numbers or the fanfare that sometimes erupts when a post gains attention. It’s all about the community for Drew and his fellow founders, a group that exude genuine desire to maintain the very principles and inclusivity that made them fall in love with women’s football in the first place. “We want Her Football Hub to be a safe space. It’s why our staff page on the website has the teams’ pronouns on there, so everyone who visits the site will know we are aware of the relevance of things like that. In the past we’ve refused investment and support from betting and gambling companies to avoid triggering anyone, it needs to remain as ethical and as safe a space as possible.” Recollecting the early days of Her Football Hub once more, Drew explains the introduction of volunteers to widen its outreach. “At that point we needed volunteers, so we reached out and we got some really interesting people.” “Tom King joined as a photographer, he started trawling the country and taking other writers to games. He was a massive part at the start. Megan Hughes, who is still with us, was playing for Leeds at the time and we did an article on the league they were in. She was so thankful and asked if she could do more, so she joined.” “One of our close friends, Audrey Corminboeuf, she joined us, and we had this real strong team of people that cared about the project.” In fact, Drew recalls it was Audrey’s input that landed Her Football Hub it’s first major break. “Audrey, she used to play for Monaco and one of the contacts she’d made from that was Fabinho and his wife, Rebeca Tavares. So [she] said, ‘not many people know this but his wife used to play, can I interview her and see what content comes out of it?’ We said, absolutely yes, and she came up with the interview. It was a really good piece about how she’s living her dreams through her husband and how nice it was for her to invest in football again via someone else at a higher level.” “Every national newspaper picked it up – The Mirror, The Telegraph, Liverpool Echo, all the regionals, some outlets in Brazil, in France, and suddenly our website went mad. We logged on to see our statistics and this had hit 45,000 views. Now every time Fabinho scores that article gets about 2000 extra views. People must google and then things come up and it must make people inquisitive, ‘who is his wife?’, and then they realise it’s not just his wife, it’s more than that.” “That’s the thing about women’s sport. Until recently every person in it was sort of overshadowed by someone else. That is why we started, we wanted to help these women and players become their own personalities, become their own stories. Not the next Messi or anything like that. We want them to be Marta or Formiga, whoever they are.” At its core, Her Football Hub is a place to share the untold stories of these footballers, to fill the gaps and allow players to scribe their own narratives. Drew uses Georgia’s interview with Southampton defender Laura Rafferty as an example, specifically noting Rafferty’s candour to the ebbs and flows of the game and the impact this can have in broader life circumstances. “We wanted to add to, because we can’t do it all ourselves, but we needed to add to the culture [of women having their own spotlight], and I think we’ve started to achieve that.” Certainly, one would argue, Her Football Hub is well on its way to achieving that and more. As well as the UK, the platform now provides regular coverage of leagues and clubs in Poland, India, Kenya, Spain and Germany amongst others, exploits Drew insists “wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers.” Photographs courtesy of Drew Diamond Following from the continued success of Her Football Hub and his growing input into women’s football, Drew has branched out into talent management alongside fellow enthusiast Ajani Pile-Gray. Laughing as he mimics his Mum’s words “you should be an agent”, Drew goes on to recount the many times he reminded her that “most players already have agents and you need to know what you’re doing…it’s not as easy as, ‘I’ll just be your agent.’” However, after meeting through Ajani’s project, ‘Throw in the Kitchen Sink’ - a women’s football documentary highlighting ongoing issues surrounding the game, Drew’s Mum’s words came to fruition. “He came and interviewed me and from then on our professional relationship and friendship really started to grow.” Sterling Management was founded by Drew and Ajani last year and has already secured moves for Women’s Championship and Women’s Super League players, including Amber Stobbs from Crystal Palace to Watford, and Jade Pennock from Sheffield United to Birmingham City. Drew cites the connections he made through Her Football Hub as a starting point for this venture. “We made some content for Jade after realising [she followed HFH] and then put a few pieces out. She got in touch with the Hub.” And she just so happened to need an agent. “I cried when Jade scored [her first goal for Birmingham]”, Drew admits, “I had about 50 texts from people all saying JADE in capital letters. It happened to be on Sky Sports and I was like, ‘ah it’s happening!’” “It was a really good moment, actually brought a tear to my eye. I wasn’t sobbing, but it was a very intense feeling of pride because I know how much she has grinded in the Championship scoring a goal a game, goal a game, and had not had that big move.” “To see it all pay off, and her face when she was celebrating, honestly my eyes were watery!” After spending time with Drew, this reaction is not wholly surprising. This is a man who cares as deeply for his friends and colleagues, as he does for the sport itself. A man who makes a point of getting to know, not just those immediately around him, but those much further afield across the women’s football community. A man whose presence makes the game inherently richer. Drew speaks with enthusiasm and clear value for each individual he mentions. Through the stories he tells of friends, every moment exuding a compelling compassion, it becomes all the more obvious that the consideration of others is high on his list of priorities. This affection becomes noticeably apparent as his face lights up when circling back to Georgia. “I’m so proud of her. She is now one of the most respected women’s journalists within women’s sport. She’s been working for that for years. It genuinely makes me really happy.” Reminding Drew of his own accomplishments, he acknowledges his fortune in being offered opportunities. As he reflects on his growth since Her Football Hub was launched, Drew picks the 2020 FA Cup Final as a personal highlight. “There was only about 50 people there, and there was the light show, and I thought to my Nan again. She’d probably be proud of me right now. How much she loved women’s football, and obviously now I’m working in that base, and here I am at Wembley where only accredited media are allowed. It kind of invoked all emotions in me. It was an overwhelming privilege to be in that situation.” Drew goes on to commend those who have offered their time to cover the game in years previous to have gotten the game to a point where FA Cups Final’s are played at Wembley Stadium. He specifically names Tim Stillman, Girls on the Ball and Jen O’Neill as people he has looked to. “They’re the people that have inspired us.” Although Drew aspires to follow in footsteps, and to lay some of his own, he insists that the Hub is in no rush to turn fully professional. For now, focus remains on maintaining a respectful and inclusive stance within the industry, and providing a space for their writers and volunteers to grow. Yet as he looks forward, Drew plants a sentiment that stirs a sense of forthcoming jubilation. “It’s going to be really cool in about 50 years, when we’re a lot older, to look back, because the game’s going to be so different. There’s going to be people like myself, and you, and those that have been doing it way before us, and we’re just going to be able to feel like we all did something. It’s going to be a real special feeling when we get that nostalgia. I can’t wait for that moment.” Drew, neither can we. Her Football Hub https://herfootballhub.com/ Drew Diamond, Her Football Hub, Sterling Management