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

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

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

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

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

Catch up on all the action of the Women's FA Cup Fifth Round FA Cup Fifth Round, Round-Up Wednesday, 1 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Catch up on all the action of the Women's FA Cup Fifth Round West Ham United The FA Cup fifth round took place on Sunday and it didn’t disappoint, well apart from there weren’t any shocks. Plenty of goals scored of which some were spectacular, there were two penalty shoot-outs, two players scored four goals, a side reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and the record winners of the cup exited it for this season. The winners in this round received £20,000 in prize money whilst those that lost got £5,000. Here is my round up of what happened in the eight ties. Lewes v Cardiff City I was at The Dripping Pan to watch Women’s Championship side Lewes take on Cardiff City. Cardiff were the only FA Women’s National League and amateur side remaining in the cup. The tier 4 side had already won five matches to reach this stage, beating Downend Flyers 10-0, Bridgwater United 4-0, Keynsham Town 6-0, Bournemouth Sports 5-0 and Burnley 4-1. Lewes had beaten London Bees 5-0 in the third round then narrowly overcame Ipswich Town 1-0 to reach this stage.Cardiff brought a large travelling contingent with them, lots wearing the clubs bobble hats and scarfs, and they made a fair bit of noise throughout the match. The Lewes supporters had a drum and there was a good atmosphere inside ground. Lewes opened the scoring in the 5th minute when the ball rebounded to Ellie Mason who smashed it into the net.The home side had opportunities to extend their lead but a header from a free kick went just wide four minutes later, and Paula Howells sent a long range dipping effort over the crossbar in the 26th minute. Photo: Lewes FC Mason did make it 2-0 to Lewes in the 28th minute when after being played through she finished low past Cardiff goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan. Rebecca McKenna sent a shot into the side netting, and minutes later Emma Thompson hit the woodwork as Lewes looked to score a third. O’Sullivan made a good save with her legs to deny Lewes in the 41st minute then Mason shot over from inside the area. Cardiff scored in first half stoppage time to halve the deficit, and what a spectacular goal it was! Ingrid Aadland sent an effort towards goal from around 35 yards out which dipped over Lewes goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse and into the net. Mason continued to have chances for Lewes with her seeing a shot go just wide then having a goal ruled out for offside in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Kirsty Barton then saw a couple of efforts go wide for the home side.Lewes did go 3-1 ahead in the 61st minute when Mason completed her hat-trick with a low shot into the corner of the goal.Cardiff did have a chance to get a goal back in the 67thminute but Whitehouse made a good save to deny them.Mason saw an effort go wide in the 74th minute, then two minutes later she scored her and Lewes’ fourth when she controlled the ball then volleyed it in. McKenna, who I thought had a really good game down the right side for Lewes, set up Thompson but her shot was saved in the 84th minute. It was then announced that Mason was Player of the Match and that the attendance was 857.Lewes scored their final two goals late in the game with Kenzie Weir and Aqsa Mushtaq getting them. There was still time for the home side to hit the woodwork again before the final whistle was blown. The 6-1 win sees Lewes reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. Round-up of the rest of the fifth round Holders Chelsea took on 14-times winners Arsenal in an all Women’s Super League (WSL) tie at Kingsmeadow. Arsenal had chances before Chelsea took the lead in the 21stminute when Sophie Ingle scored. Ann-Katrin Berger made a few good saves for the Blues during the first half. Sam Kerr, on her 100th appearance for Chelsea, scored their second goal in the 56th minute. Chelsea’s 2-0 win means they have now beaten Arsenal in the FA Cup in the last three seasons. The sides meet again in the Conti Cup final on Sunday. There were two other all WSL ties and both went to penalties. West Ham United and Aston Villa couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes at the Chigwell Construction Stadium with the score level at 1-1. Rachel Daly gave the away side the lead in the 50th minute before Dagny Brynjarsdottir equalised for the Hammers in second half stoppage time. There were no goals during extra time so it went to a penalty shoot-out. Both goalkeepers took penalties with Hannah Hampton scoring for Villa then Mackenzie Arnold missed for West Ham which meant the Villans won after spot kicks 7-6 and made it through to the quarter-finals. At Brisbane Road, Tottenham Hotspur played Reading. Both sides had chances but it finished 0-0 after 120 minutes had been played. Reading won the shoot-out 5-4 with Lauren Wade scoring the decisive spot kick to send them through. The Royals have won both their FA Cup ties on penalties this season after defeating Leicester in a shoot-out in the fourth round.Both Manchester clubs had convincing wins against Championship opposition. Manchester United played Durham at home and won 5-0. The first goal didn’t come until the 42nd minute when Vilde Boe Risa scored direct from a free kick. Leah Galton, Hannah Blundell, Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris scored during the second half for United. Manchester City beat Bristol City 8-1 away from home. Khadija Shaw scored four of the goals with the others coming from Ingrid Angeldahl (a cracking effort into the top corner), Julie Blakstad (2) and Jemima Dahou, who scored her first senior goal for the club. Gracie Pearse scored the Robins consolation goal. A great attendance of 1,223 watched this one at the Robins High Performance Centre. Brighton & Hove Albion beat Coventry United 5-0 at the Broadfield Stadium in another WSL vs Championship tie. Brianna Visalli and Lee Geum-Min scored two each for the Seagulls and the other was an own goal from Fran Orthodoxou as the South coast side comfortably made it through.After causing a shock by beating WSL side Everton in the previous round, Birmingham City were drawn away to fellow Championship side Charlton Athletic in the fifth round. The only goal came in extra-time with Birmingham’s Ashley Hodson scoring it to send the Blues through to the last eight. Fifth Round results West Ham United 1 v 1 Aston Villa (Aston Villa won 7-6 on penalties) Manchester United 5 v 0 Durham Charlton Athletic 0 v 1 Birmingham City (after extra time) Lewes 6 v 1 Cardiff City Tottenham Hotspur 0 v 0 Reading (Reading won 5-4 on penalties) Chelsea 2 v 0 Arsenal Brighton & Hove Albion 5 v 0 Coventry United Bristol City 1 v 8 Manchester City Quarter-finals draw The draw for the quarter-finals has been made and these ties are due to be played on the weekend of 18th/19th March (check FA website/clubs social media for kick-off times and locations). Reading v Chelsea Aston Villa v Manchester City Lewes v Manchester United Birmingham City v Brighton & Hove Albion

A quick guide to Tottenham Hotspur who compete in the Women's Super League. Tottenham Hotspur Website https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/teams/women/players/ Manager Rehanne Skinner - ENG Captain Shelina Zadorsky Tottenham Hotspur Ashleigh Neville Photographer: Edward Payne Becky Spencer Photographer: Girls on the Ball Tottenham Hotspur 1/7 Squad Player Position Number Nationality DOB Tinja-Riikka Korpela GK 1 FIN 05/05/1986 Becky Spencer GK 22 ENG/JAM 22/02/1991 Esther Morgan DF 2 WAL 28/08/2002 Shelina Zadorsky DF 3 CAN 24/10/1992 Kerys Harrop DF 6 ENG 03/12/1990 Ria Percival DF 12 NZL 07/12/1989 Asmita Ale DF 13 ENG 03/11/2001 Ashleigh Neville DF 29 ENG 29/04/1993 Josie Green MF 4 WAL 25/04/1993 Cho So-hyun MF 8 KOR 24/06/1988 Tang Jiali MF 9 CHN 16/03/1995 Maeva Clemoran MF 21 FRA 10/11/1992 Jessica Naz FW 7 ENG 24/09/2000 Rachel Williams FW 10 ENG 10/01/1988 Angela Addison FW 14 ENG 09/12/1999 Kit Graham FW 16 ENG 11/11/1995 Kyah Simon FW 17 AUS 25/06/1991 Chioma Ubogagu FW 18 ENG 10/09/1992 Rosella Ayane FW 23 ENG/MAR 16/03/1996 Ground The Hive Stadium, London HA8 6AG

Manchester City are off the mark earning a full three points and a clean sheet against West Ham Back Match Report Jill Roord is back in business in the WSL Manchester City are off the mark earning a full three points and a clean sheet against West Ham Ryan Asman 3 October 2023 By Paul Donegan Lauren Hemp and debutant Jill Roord scored goals early in the second half as Manchester City beat West Ham United 2-0 in the Women’s Super League on Sunday at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. The Hammers Mackenzie Arnold saved Chloe Kelly’s penalty between the goals. Leila Ouahabi was sent off for City later in the match. In her first match in charge of West Ham, Rehanne Skinner gave a debut to Japanese international forward Riko Ueki. She lined her side up in a 5-3-2 formation. Gareth Taylor was without the injured Bunny Shaw for Manchester City so Hemp started in the centre position with Mary Fowler and Kelly out wide. Taylor lined his side up in a 4-3-3 formation. Roord had the first shot at goal for the visitors in the 5th minute which went wide. Roord then dispossessed the home sides Honoka Hayashi before chipping the ball over from the edge of the area in the 15th minute. In the 21st minute, Kelly sent in a good cross from the right side that Fowler put over for City. For a lot of the first half, Manchester City had a lot of possession but didn’t create that many chances whilst West Ham looked at their most threatening on the break but didn’t force Khiara Keating to make any saves. The visitors next chance came in the 37th minute when Ouahabi effort from 20 yards straight at Arnold. A minute later, the assured Keating came out and claimed a West Ham cross. Fowler and Hemp swapped positions late in the first half, and it was Hemp coming in from the left side who had City’s next attempt three minutes before half time but put it over. Arnold stopped a Hemp header right on half time but the offside flag was up anyway. Ueki forced Keating into a diving save in the first 15 seconds of the second half with West Ham’s first, and only, shot on target in the match. Photo: Ryan Asman Manchester City went ahead in the 48th minute when Hemp received a pass from Laia Aleixandri and finished with a lovely curling effort from outside the area into the corner of the net. The visitors were awarded a penalty a minute later after Shannon Cooke handballed in the area. Kelly took the spot kick but Arnold dived to her right and made a fantastic save to keep it out. In the 55th minute, club record signing Roord doubled City’s lead when she got between two West Ham defenders and onto a pass from Aleixandri before finishing with a shot into the bottom corner from 10-yards. Denya Castellanos had the visitors next couple of chances with a half volley that Arnold saved a couple of minutes after their second goal, then a low shot straight at the Australian international goalkeeper in the 64th minute. Ouahabi was sent off for City after she brought down Emma Harries in the 71st minute. There was a slight delay before the free kick was given and another slight delay before the red card was shown whilst it looked like the referee was checking with some of the other officials. The Hammers Shannon Cooke curled an effort wide in the 84th minute. Two minutes later, Asseyi had a chance but put it wide as the home side looked to get a goal back. Filippa Angeldahl had the last chance of the match for the away side during stoppage time at the end of the second half but her shot was easily saved. Both sides are next in action again next Sunday in the WSL with West Ham travelling to Brighton, whilst Manchester City host champions Chelsea. Line ups West Ham United (5-3-2): Arnold (c), Evans, Shimizu, Cissoko, Cooke, Smith, Stringer (Denton 76’), Filis (Flannery 76’), Hayashi, Ueki (Harries 60’), Asseyi Unused substitutes: Walsh, Atkinson, Ziu, Ademiluyi Booked - Cissoko Manchester City (4-3-3): Keating, Aleixandri, Kennedy, Greenwood (c), Ouahabi, Castellanos (Blaksted 83’), Hasegawa, Roord (Angeldahl 89’), Kelly (Casparij 76’), Hemp, Fowler Unused substitutes: Roebuck, Houghton, Coombs, Morgan, Park, Mace Goals – Hemp 48’, Roord 55’ Booked – Castellanos Sent off – Ouahabi 71’ Referee – Abigail Byrne

The game that is waiting for the world to catch up. The Growing Game Wednesday, 28 October 2020 By Charlotte Stacey The game that is waiting for the world to catch up. via Google Images Women's football in England, and indeed worldwide, is beginning to move onto a bigger platform. What was once a somewhat taboo hobby for some, is now hurtling towards the limelight, and is on its way to taking centre stage. Awareness of the women's game is slowly but surely growing. Last year the Lionesses drew in an impressive 11.7 million viewers for their World Cup semi-final, the BBC's biggest live audience of the year. With this mighty feat, paired with increasingly regular attendance across all league games, it is clear that interest in the game is certainly on the rise. Historically, women's football has received very little in the way of funding. The FA finally took the game under its wing 26 years ago, yet the FA's Women's Super League did not turn fully professional until the 2018-2019 season. However, we are now starting to see a larger backing from the FA, as well as development in the way of outside investors. Sponsorship deals from several large, well-known brands for the English national side, together with Barclays sponsorship of the WSL, demonstrate the emergent marketability of the sport. Women's football in England, and indeed worldwide, is beginning to move onto a bigger platform. What was once a somewhat taboo hobby for some, is now hurtling towards the limelight, and is on its way to taking centre stage. Awareness of the women's game is slowly but surely growing. Last year the Lionesses drew in an impressive 11.7 million viewers for their World Cup semi-final, the BBC's biggest live audience of the year. With this mighty feat, paired with increasingly regular attendance across all league games, it is clear that interest in the game is certainly on the rise. Historically, women's football has received very little in the way of funding. The FA finally took the game under its wing 26 years ago, yet the FA's Women's Super League did not turn fully professional until the 2018-2019 season. However, we are now starting to see a larger backing from the FA, as well as development in the way of outside investors. Sponsorship deals from several large, well-known brands for the English national side, together with Barclays sponsorship of the WSL, demonstrate the emergent marketability of the sport. Encouragingly, players in the England squad are beginning to form deals with sponsors, and perhaps quite rightly so. It is, after all, these same players gathering momentum from the front, who are opening themselves up for the criticisms and opinions of the masses. It is important to remember that select partnership is not unusual in any walk of life, and the handful of Lionesses receiving sponsorship should not be alienated in light of this. Whichever way it may be presented, increased investment in the game is crucial for its growth. Yet, we do not underestimate the players championing the game across the leagues. Those who are just as dedicated, and who strengthen the game with as much passion and commitment as those at the top. Lead from the front, build from the back. Major overseas signings are elevating interest in the WSL, and this is subsequently leading to the demand for more league games to be broadcasted. Apps such as the FA player, and select matches chosen by the BBC and BT sport, has meant that there has been a gradual increase in transmission. This has opened the door to larger audiences. However, this coverage is not always reliable, nor transparent. Just recently the BBC advertised the broadcast of several FA Cup 4th round ties. Yet only one match was televised, much to the irritation of those unable to physically attend these games. What is more, many key games continue to be the victims of scheduling conflict. Most recently, the Continental Cup semi-finals took place as midweek fixtures. Whilst this alone is not a huge issue, it does significantly limit the number of fans able to travel. However, with both matches kicking-off at the same time, as well as them clashing with a men's Manchester derby, many viewers, most notably United and City supporters, were stuck between a rock and a hard place. It is scheduling mishaps such as these that hinder the organic growth of the game. Currently for many club fans, the men's game will always take precedence. The issue of equality is ever present in the women's game. Lewes FC's current campaign has succeeded in highlighting the pay gap between the men's and the women's game, identifying the huge difference in winnings. Favourably Lewes FC have found themselves in a position in which they are able to accommodate both their male and female players equally. Whilst this is certainly commendable, unfortunately for most clubs, it simply is not yet possible to sustain equal pay. This is especially true of larger clubs, in which the difference in revenue brought in by the male and female teams is vast. Luckily these players do not play football for money. They play for love of the game and with the respect and support of each other. It is perhaps these qualities that makes the women's game so endearing to watch, and so enjoyable to root for. But whilst Lewes FC's campaign may have a long way to go in achieving equal pay across the board, it has certainly drawn attention to the sheer disparity between the male and female game. Monetary value aside, equality embodies so much more than just pay. Equality encompasses respect, value and dignity; areas in which female players regularly tend to find themselves on the back foot. A recent report featured in the Daily Mail investigated the state of some of the women's facilities in the WSL. What was uncovered was bothersome, but perhaps not surprising. The report highlighted the squalor states many teams are subjected to when travelling, and the less than adequate catering arrangements, amongst other issues. It is here where issues of equality really hit home. What must be instilled is that both male and female players are a part of one club, and should be treated as such. Nevertheless, it is important to recognise that the women's game is not yet expecting the all singing, all dancing facilities harboured by the men's. But what is expected, are half decent amenities, as would be regulation for any other place of work. Or at the very least, a fridge. Criticisms of the women's game, more often than not, question the quality of play. This is then typically compared directly to the men's game. But players can only do so much with what is available to them. There is still much to be said about the condition of pitches and the standard of officiating, which with both cases, there are huge inconsistencies. Yet, despite these factors, there are certainly more than a few female players who would not look out of place in a men's match. Being a part of a sport that is growing is exciting, but also terribly frustrating. Waiting for the world to catch up can definitely be disheartening. The general consensus among governing bodies indicates that a rise in overall interest, including physical attendees and televised viewers, will lead to an increase in financial and promotional backing. Yet with unreliable coverage and continuous scheduling conflicts, we find ourselves in a catch-22 situation. But, with the continuous devotion of fans to raise awareness of the game, and to support their players, there is no reason as to why the game should not naturally flourish. Fans should not fret, there has been substantial growth, and there will continue to be. We are headed toward something special, just you wait and see.

Chelsea book their place in the semi-finals of the Conti Cup after a convincing 3-1 win over Spurs Back Match Report Conti Cup: Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea Chelsea book their place in the semi-finals of the Conti Cup after a convincing 3-1 win over Spurs Chelsea FCW Twitter 27 January 2023 Paul Donegan Chelsea reached the Conti Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening at Brisbane Road. Sam Kerr scored twice (though the first might be an own goal from Molly Bartrip) and second half substitute Fran Kirby got the other. Former Chelsea player Drew Spence scored a late consolation goal for Spurs. The pitch had passed an afternoon inspection and it was not as cold as previous evenings, though it was raining heavily as the sides warmed but that got lighter during the match. The home side had won their Conti Cup group to reach this stage. Manu Iwabuchi made her debut for Spurs after joining on loan from Arsenal. Beth England also made her first home appearance against her former side. Rehanne Skinner’s Tottenham lined up with five across the back when defending with Celin Bizet and Kerys Harrop playing as wing backs. When attacking, their formation looked like it turned into 3-4-3. Chelsea were making their first appearance in the Conti Cup this season after not playing in the group stage due to being in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. They made one change from their abandoned game against Liverpool at the weekend with Lauren James coming in for Niamh Charles. Emma Hayes used a 4-2-3-1 formation with the full backs getting forward, especially Eve Perisset, to support. Tottenham had the first chance but a Eveliina Summanen free kick went straight at Zecira Musovic who easily caught it. Chelsea first opportunity came when a ball found Perisset who sent a low shot narrowly wide. Bizet had the next effort for Spurs but again the shot was straight at Musovic. The Chelsea fans were making a lot of noise, and they saw their side have the next chance when a nice move finished with James seeing her low shot saved by Tinja-Riikka Korpela. Korpela made another save when she caught Jelena Cankovic’s 20-yard effort. James had the visitors next opportunity but her low shot was deflected just wrong side of post. From the corner, James had another effort at goal but her powerful shot from 18-yards sailed over the crossbar. In the 38th minute, Chelsea took the lead when Cuthbert’s low cross shot found the back of net when Kerr (or maybe Bartrip, or combination of both) got a touch on it. The Blues had another chance before half time when Perisset’s cross found head of Kerr but the ball went into the keepers hands. The first chance for the second half went Tottenham’s way when Spence shot wide in the 49th minute. It was a fairly quiet start chance wise after the break with neither side having another attempt at goal until the midway point of it when the visitors made it 2-0. James received the ball and went past Harrop then passed to Kirby who finished first time from 12-yards to score Chelsea’s second in the 68th minute. Rosella Ayane saw her shot go wide for the home side a minute after they went two behind. Another nice Chelsea move in the 73rd minute finished with a Kerr shot being blocked. A Chelsea cross was headed narrowly wide of their own post by a Tottenham defender. From corner, a James shot from the edge of area was easily claimed by Korpela. Korpela made two saves in quick succession to stop Chelsea extending their lead when first she came out to block a shot, then seconds later saved another effort with her legs. Chelsea made it 3-0 in the 86th minute when they took a quick free kick which found Kerr who finished when she dinked the ball over Korpela. Five minutes of stoppage time were signalled and both sides had chances during that. A ball from a free kick found England but her low effort was saved for the home side. Chelsea went down the other end but James couldn’t get clean contact on a low cross across goal. Tottenham got a goal back in the fourth minute of added time when Drew Spence found the top corner of the net with a rocket of a shot from just outside the area. The win sees Chelsea through to the semi-finals of the Conti Cup for the sixth consecutive season, they will face West Ham United. Both Spurs and Chelsea start their FA Cup campaigns on Sunday with Tottenham at home to Championship leaders London City Lionesses whilst Chelsea are at home to fellow WSL side Liverpool. Line ups Tottenham Hotspur (5-4-1): Korpela, Bizet, Turner, Bartrip, Zadorsky (c), Harrop, Ayane, Summanen (James 82’), Spence, Iwabuchi (Ubogagu 59’), England Substitutes: Spencer, Naz, Karczewska, Ale Goal – Spence 90’+4 Booked – Ayane Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Musovic, Perisset (Charles 83’), Buchanan, Bright (c), Carter, Ingle (Fleming 61’), Cuthbert, James, Cankovic (Kirby 61’), Reiten (Kaneryd 76’), Kerr Substitutes: Berger, Svitkova, Eriksson, Mjelde, Abdullina Goals – Kerr 38’, 86’, Kirby 68’ Booked – Reiten, James Referee – Sunny Singh Gill

Ground Guide Coventry United By Paul Donegan This guide is from when I went to the Butts Park Arena to watch Coventry United play Crystal Palace on Sunday 10th October in the FA Women’s Championship. Things might be different from this guide of course if you decide to visit this ground. Address Butts Park Arena, Butts Rd, Coventry, CV1 3GE Location and Ground History Butts Park Arena is located fairly centrally in Coventry, about a 20/25 minute walk from the city centre. I arrived in Coventry a bit early so went and had a look around the ruins of the old cathedral and the new one next door. The stadium opened in 2004 as the new home of the Coventry rugby union side with the rugby league side, Coventry Bears joining them there shortly afterwards. Both still play at the stadium now. Coventry United (both men’s and women’s sides) started playing there in 2017 (according to Wikipedia). I didn’t notice much saying that the football sides play there outside or inside the ground. Getting There Coventry station is about a 15 minute walk from the ground and is served by trains from London (Euston), Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford, Reading and lots of other places in between those. There is a car park at the ground but it is pay and display. There are a number of buses that run along Butts Road which goes past the ground. Tickets I bought my ticket online and received a confirmation email which I printed off and took to the match and this was okay to use to get in. It cost me £10 but check the link below for all the prices and if you want to buy tickets for a Coventry United home match. You can pay on the day at the turnstile by cash or card and it is the same prices. Buy Tickets https://culfc-media.co.uk/matchtickets/ The Stadium The turnstiles are in one corner of the ground by the car park. There weren’t any bag searches. There is a big covered seated stand along one side of the pitch whilst the rest of the ground is uncovered standing. The far end of the ground from the entrance was not open for supporters as well as part of the side opposite the stand where the managers and subs are. Above this area there is a scoreboard but this wasn’t working for this match. There are toilets at either end of the seated stand, by the turnstiles and in the entrance area to the bar at the far end. Food and Drink The bar is under the seated stand with the entrance to it being at the far end from the entrance. You can take all drinks outside if you wish and it is card payment only for them. A bit of a lack of food though with the only thing being available to eat were crisps from the bar which cost £1 a packet (Walkers basic flavours). There is a Burger King near the station plus some shops/takeaways and a pub on the walk from station to ground and of course there are lots of places to eat and drink in the city centre. Merchandise Didn’t see any merchandise when I was at the ground but there is a section on the website where you can have a look at things that are available to buy. The programme is only available online.

Lotte Wubben-Moy Position Centre Back D.O.B 11/01/1999 Club Arsenal via The FA