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

Bunny Shaw earned Manchester City all three points in their visit to Kingsmeadow Back Match Report One A-Shaw-ed City performance in London Bunny Shaw earned Manchester City all three points in their visit to Kingsmeadow MCWFCXtra 18 February 2024 By Paul Donegan Manchester City won the clash of the top two in the Women’s Super League 1-0 thanks to Khadija Shaw’s first half goal. The win sees City move level on points and goal difference with Chelsea, only behind on goals scored, and end the Blues 22 game winning and 33 game unbeaten run at home in the WSL. On a mild evening at a sold out Kingsmeadow, Erin Cuthbert had the first opportunity of the night for the hosts in the 5th minute but her shot was blocked by Alex Greenwood. A minute later, Khiara Keating easily claimed a Nathalie Bjorn header following a corner for the home side. Manchester City scored with their first chance in the 14th minute when Cuthbert was dispossessed in midfield by Jess Park and she played in Shaw who finished into the corner of the net. A few minutes later, Shaw had another attempt but this time her shot drifted wide of goal for the Cityzens. In the 20th minute, Shaw had another shot but this one was saved by Hannah Hampton. From the resulting corner, Laia Aleixandri headed at goal but the Chelsea goalkeeper caught the ball. A whipped in cross from the hosts was headed behind by Greenwood. Guro Reiten saw an effort saved from the corner. A Lauren Hemp dinked ball forward was gathered by Hampton just before Shaw could get to the ball on the half-hour mark. At the other end, Chelsea appealed for a penalty after Mayra Ramirez went down after it looked like she had been caught by Greenwood but referee Abigail Byrne decided against giving a spot kick. Fran Kirby saw her shot tipped wide after some nice build up play from the Blues in the 34th minute. Cuthbert sent a shot from 30-yards over as the match approached half-time. Niamh Charles got back to block an effort from Chloe Kelly after a break from the Cityzens in first half stoppage time. Reiten was just unable to get her head onto Lauren James’ cross in the 47th minute when the Blues had the first chance of the second half. Ramirez was too strong for the City defence but her cross was put behind for a corner. Shaw couldn’t get on the end of Leila Ouahabi’s cross when the visitors had their first opportunity after the break shortly after. Laura Coombs had the Cityzens next effort at goal but this was saved by Hampton. Keating got to the ball just before Kirby almost immediately at the other end. Kelly’s inswinging cross in the 69th minute was headed over by Aleixandri as City looked to double their lead. Park, who had been superb, run through centre of midfield eventually finishing with Kerstin Casparij firing over. After another powerful Park run forward, Hampton kept out Kelly’s shot in the 73rd minute. Second half substitute Aggie Beever-Jones put a shot over for the home side as she made her way forward. Chelsea went close to getting an equaliser in the 77th minute but Cuthbert’s shot rocketed just wide of the post. Into the final 10 minutes, and Cuthbert made a fantastic tackle on Shaw leading to an attack from the Blues which resulted in a corner. Charles’ cross reached Nusken but she couldn’t get enough on her shot and it was easily saved by Keating. A Ramirez header from a corner was claimed by the City goalkeeper. Hemp, on what was her 150th appearance for the away side, fired an effort wide as nine minutes of stoppage time were announced. Keating made a brilliant double save to stop a Cankovic shot then Nusken’s follow up in the fifth minute of additional time. Chelsea had a few half chances before Ramirez was unable to get onto a long cross forward and the visitors keeper gathered the ball. Gareth Taylor’s side and fans celebrated when the final whistle was blown as they carried on their winning run and blew the title race wide open. When speaking to the media after the match, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes thought her side had “started the game really well then conceded a poor goal and that affected us a little bit, the way we pass the ball, and we weren’t very dynamic with movement in the first half.” Hayes thought they should have had a penalty. She continued by saying she thought they dominated the second half but they lacked the quality near goal. Hayes felt they limited City chances but the “disappointing thing for us was our final third play”. Taylor said he was “really pleased and is a big step for us” but he didn’t like the second half as he thinks they “can retain possession more or kill them off a bit more as they had some good counterattacking opportunities”. He felt they defended “incredibly well” . He added they are excited about the challenge with 8 games to go and “it is a big step, three points but we move on to the next.” Line ups Chelsea (4-4-2): Hampton, Lawrence (Nusken 72’), Carter, Bjorn, Charles, Kirby (Rytting Kaneryd 63’), Leupolz (Cankovic 79’), Cuthbert (c), Reiten (Beever-Jones 63’), James, Ramirez Unused substitutes: Musovic, Ingle, Perisset, Mjelde, Buchanan Booked – Cuthbert, James Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Keating, Casparij, Aleixandri (Kennedy 90’), Greenwood (c), Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Coombs (Stokes 90’+4), Kelly (Angeldahl 79’), Park (Fowler 90’), Hemp, Shaw Unused substitutes: MacIver, Morgan, Blindkilde Brown, Mace Goal – Shaw 14’ Booked - Kelly Referee – Abigail Byrne

Arsenal clinch a convincing 3-0 win over Brighton and progress to the FA Cup final to take on Chelsea. Back Match Report FA Cup Semi-Final: Arsenal v Brighton Arsenal clinch a convincing 3-0 win over Brighton and progress to the FA Cup final to take on Chelsea. Girls on the Ball 5 November 2021 By Charlotte Stacey As has become their adopted style under Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal kicked off the semi-final with high intensity and high press, immediately punching home positional fluidity and thrusting balls cross field to catch the visitors off guard. Yet, a resolutely defensive Brighton held firm in the first half denying the hosts at every turn. Relentless attempts from the Gunners front line, made up of Beth Mead, Nikita Parris and Caitlin Foord, successively threatened to break the deadlock. Foord’s chance at the 20-minute mark in particular, proved frustrating for Arsenal as an open goal was missed after the ball ricocheted from beneath Brighton defender and captain Victoria Williams’ feet. The next near-miss, and possibly Arsenal’s best chance of the first half, came 37 minutes in as Parris managed to get a head to Mead’s rebounded shot. Goalkeeper Megan Walsh managed to force Mead’s strike back into the box only for it fall to Parris. Parris nodded a strong ball toward goal that was subsequently cleared off the line by Williams. It was noted in the first half that the Seagull’s slipped into a 4-5-1 formation in an effort to resist Arsenal’s press whilst retaining a forward option to play to in transition. This system proved effective against Arsenal’s 4-3-3 and allowed Brighton moments on the break. Centre forward Danielle Carter took an encouraging run early on, racing toward goal before being cut out by Jen Beattie. After Williams’ goal-line clearance, Brighton seized the opportunity to counter the now out of shape Arsenal. Once again, it was Carter driving the attack as the Seagulls flooded forward. The striker was able to navigate space in the box to clip in a shot, yet Arsenal were able to avert the danger. The Gunners drove one last hurrah before the half time whistle when Mead and Foord rushed on to a long ball. Both used their pace to steam past Brighton’s back line, yet a watchful Walsh opted to meet them head on and collected her ball without hesitation. The opening goal came just four minutes into the second half after a slight tactical amendment to the Arsenal. The Gunners 4-3-3 remained; however, one midfielder pushed slightly higher, occupying the breadth of space behind the front three. Captain Kim Little filled this role of central nucleus, pivoting quick one-two-balls with the forward line. Stand-in left-back Katie McCabe acted as the third point in a triangle alongside Mead and Little, and the three worked in tandem to create the first goal. At 49 minutes, the opener was manifested from McCabe’s fine touch. McCabe passed to Mead who, with a shift of direction, cut around Megan Connolly and dinked it across to Little. As ever, the captain made no mistake and tipped the ball over the head of Walsh, putting the hosts one ahead. At 54 minutes Arsenal scored their second goal in a similar fashion to the first. Little passed the ball to Mead in their own half and the winger progressed forward 15 yards without much resistance. Mead squared it to Jordan Nobbs and continued her run. Nobbs threaded the ball back to Mead, who was now drifting inward, unmarked, on the edge of the box. Mead eyed up the angle before releasing the shot on her right foot, sending the ball into the bottom right corner. Firmly in the driving seat now, the Gunners third goal came with just under ten minutes to go when defender Leah Williamson sent in a signature bullet header from a corner to seal the deal. A valiant game was played by the Seagulls and definite moments of threat came from counters in both halves and some promising goalkeeping was displayed, yet Arsenal’s intense pressure ultimately proved too much to handle. Arsenal will face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 5th December. ___ Arsenal: Manuela Zinsberger, Noelle Maritz (82’), Leah Williamson (90+1’), Jen Beattie (82’), Katie McCabe, Lia Wälti (64’), Kim Little (c), Jordan Nobbs, Nikita Parris, Caitlin Foord (64’), Beth Mead Substitutes: Lydia Williams (GK), Hermione Cull (GK), Teyah Goldie (90+1’), Anna Patten (82’), Simone Boye (82’), Mana Iwabuchi (64’), Frida Maanum (64’), Halle Houssein, Alex Hennessy Goals: Kim Little (49’), Beth Mead (54’), Leah Williamson (76’) Brighton and Hove Albion: Megan Walsh, Fliss Gibbons, Victoria Williams (62’) (c), Danique Kerkdijk, Maya Le Tissier, Aileen Whelan, Megan Connolly, Inessa Kaagman (78’), Kayleigh Green (50’), Danielle Carter, Emily Simpkins (50’) Substitutes: Frankie Angel (GK), Emma Koivisto (50’), Lee Geum-min (50’), Rinsola Babajide, Libby Bance, Ellie Brazil (62’), Katie Robinson, Maisie Symonds (78’)

Spurs pick up their WSL first points since October in 1-0 win over fellow relegation zone side Leicester Back Match Report WSL: Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City Spurs pick up their WSL first points since October in 1-0 win over fellow relegation zone side Leicester Getty 16 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Tottenham picked up their first win and points in the Women’s Super League since late October as they beat Leicester City 1-0 thanks to Bethany England’s stunning second half goal on Wednesday evening. The win in Vicky Jepson’s first game as interim head coach sees Spurs move up to ninth position in the league and five points clear of bottom side Leicester. Jepson had replaced the sacked Rehanne Skinner after Spurs 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend. She made one change from that match with Eveliina Summanen coming into the starting eleven in place of Mana Iwabuchi. Leicester’s form had picked up since the start of the year with them picking up seven points since then. Willie Kirk also made one change from their game at the weekend, which was a 0-0 draw against Everton, with Missy Goodwin replacing Remy Siemsen. The Brisbane Road pitch didn’t look great with a fair bit of sand in places. There was persistent rain during most of the match as well. Leicester had a lot of the ball early on, but it was the home side had the first effort at goal when Kerys Harrop’s shot was easily caught by Janina Leitzig. Apart from that, the first 30 minutes lacked any other chances or real quality with the final ball lacking and both sides giving the ball away or putting it out of play. Hannah Cain had Leicester’s first attempt at goal but this too was easily saved. Straight away at the other end, Rosella Ayane saw a shot go wide, and then one stopped by Leitzig as the game livened up a bit just after the half hour mark. During the two minutes of added time at the end of the first half, Tottenham had a couple of chances. England played in Summanen but Leicester blocked the effort behind for corner. Summanen headed the resulting corner wide just before the half time whistle was blown. Leicester started the second half well but didn’t create much until they had a few chances in quick succession. Cain forced Tinja-Riikka Korpela to make save in the 63rd minute. From the corner, Sophie Howard saw her header saved then Ruby Mace hit the crossbar from rebound. England gave Spurs the lead in the 65th minute with a sensational goal. She cut in from the left-hand side and sent a shot from the corner of the penalty area into the top corner of the net. The quality of the goal went against what had happened during the majority of the match so far. Both sides had chances after that with Ayane playing in England but her shot was easily saved. For the visitors, Siemsen put an effort narrowly wide following a cross from Cain. Leicester then had a couple of efforts blocked before Spurs went straight up the other end but second half substitute Kit Graham put a shot wide in the 78th minute. Ayane played another great through ball to Celin Bizet but she put her shot wide as the home side looked to seal the win. Ayane, who I thought had been superb, got a great reception from the Tottenham fans when she was taken off during stoppage time at the end of the match. Mace and Monique Robinson had opportunities for the visitors during additional time but neither found the back of the net. Spurs celebrated when the final whistle was blown as they ended their nine game losing run in the league. Vicky Jepson, Tottenham’s interim manager, said that “it’s fantastic, three points, it relieves a little bit of pressure but still seven games left” when speaking to the media after the win. She believed the goal gave confidence to the whole team. Jepson was happy with the clean sheet, saying “it is everything” and added that it is “ incredible from the defenders, midfielders and goalkeeper who made some incredible saves tonight.” Leicester manager Willie Kirk said after the match that he “thought the second half was end to end, could have gone either way and disappointed it didn’t go our way”. He thought they could have defended the goal better. Kirk noted that they have got to be “clinical” with the chances they have during games. Neither side play again until Women’s Football Weekend when Tottenham are at home against Arsenal in the North London derby on Saturday 25th March. Leicester travel to Aston Villa the following day. Line ups – Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Korpela, Neville (c), Turner, Bartrip, Harrop, Summanen (Bizet 59’), James, Spence, Karczewska (Iwabuchi 45’), Ayane (Ubogagu 90’+5), England (Graham 72’) Unused substitutes: Spencer, Cho, Ale Goal – England 65’ Booked - Bartrip Leicester City (4-1-4-1): Leitzig, Eaton-Collins (Pike 77’), Howard, Plumptre, Nevin, Mace, Green (Robinson 87’), Whelan (c) (Siemsen 64’), Tierney, Cain, Goodwin (Jones 64’) Unused substitutes: Lambourne, Levell, Purfield, Smith Referee – Yoshimi Yamashita

Millie Bright Position Centre Back D.O.B 21/08/1993 Club Chelsea via The Independent

Brighton book their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over a testing Birmingham Back Match Report FA Cup Quarter Final: Birmingham v Brighton Brighton book their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over a testing Birmingham Getty 20 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Brighton & Hove Albion reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win away at Birmingham City. Poppy Pattinson and Danielle Carter scored the goals in a five-minute spell around the half hour mark as the WSL side overcame their Championship opponents. Birmingham can maybe feel a bit unlucky as a dubious penalty decision went against them and they hit the woodwork five times during the match. Birmingham had reached this stage after wins against Huddersfield Town, Everton and Charlton Athletic. Darren Carter made five changes to the eleven that started their 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic in the league last week. Harriett Scott, Siobhan Wilson, Lucy Quinn, Charlie Estcourt and Claudia Walker were the ones who came in. Brighton had reached the last eight after beating West Bromwich Albion and Coventry United. Interim head coach Amy Merricks made five changes to the side that had started their defeat to Manchester City last Sunday. There was a very late change to the starting eleven for this match with Megan Connolly replacing Elisabeth Terland. After a quiet opening 10 minutes at St Andrew’s, Birmingham had the first chance of the game when Jade Pennock, who was named as Women’s Championship Player of the Month for February during the week, saw her effort from 25-yards come back off the crossbar. The home side had another opportunity in the 13th minute but Wilson’s shot from 30-yards went wide. Three minutes later, Pennock’s shot from an angle hit the outside of the post via a slight touch from Brighton’s goalkeeper Megan Walsh. Brighton’s first chance came in the 19th minute when Katie Robinson’s shot came off the post, hit the head of the diving Lucy Thomas and went behind for corner. Victoria Williams headed wide for the visitors six minutes later. Brighton took the lead in the 28th minute. Pattinson took an inswinging corner that went directly in despite Thomas’ attempt to keep it out. The visitors were awarded a penalty a few minutes later. Referee Emily Heaslip deemed that Brianna Visalli had been fouled by Jamie Finn close to the edge of the area as she was running out of it. Birmingham head coach Darren Carter was disappointed with the penalty being given, saying after the match when speaking to the media “it is never a penalty” . Danielle Carter took the spot kick and scored low into corner of the net. Birmingham had a couple of opportunities to get a goal back before the break but Lucy Quinn shot over, then Christie Murray saw her free kick hit the wall before being cleared. In the first minute of the second half, Walsh tipped over Finn’s shot. The resulting corner from Murray caused problems before the ball was claimed by Walsh. Pennock shot over in the 49th minute as the hosts made a good start to the half. Pennock hit the woodwork again for Birmingham in the 53rd minute when her shot from 6-yards hit the crossbar. A few minutes later, Louise Quinn headed wide a corner. Ashley Hodson, who had only just come on as a substitute, was the next Birmingham player to hit the woodwork when her volley came back off the post before being scrambled behind for a corner in the 70th minute. Brighton’s first opportunity of the second half came a minute later when they broke but Robinson’s shot was easily caught by Thomas. Carter’s low shot was also saved in the 79th minute. These turned out to be the Seagulls only chances during the second 45 minutes. In the 88th minute, Walsh made a good save from close range to deny Pennock in what turned out to be the final chance of the game for Birmingham. The final whistle went shortly after and Brighton made it through to the last four of the FA Cup for the second time in the last three seasons. Interim head coach Merricks said that she was “proud” of the team and they “impressed with some of their play today, and they created some good opportunities”. Darren Carter thought his Birmingham side “were excellent” in the second half and “good in the first half but a little bit hesitant in their pressing” . He added they “were disappointed we’ve conceded two goals, one we can control and one we can’t” but was happy with his players response. Birmingham’s next match is on Wednesday evening when they take on Crystal Palace at home before travelling to Coventry United on Sunday, both games are in the Championship. Brighton are away to Reading on Sunday in the WSL in their next game. Line ups Birmingham City (3-5-2 ): Thomas, Scott, Louise Quinn (c), Lawley, Lucy Quinn (Hodson 68’), Finn, Murray, Estcourt, Wilson (Harris 68’), Pennock, Walker (Devlin 83’) Unused substitutes: Jones, Simkin, Bourne, Jenner, Worsey, Banaras Booked - Scott Brighton & Hove Albion (4-3-3): Walsh, Fox, Bergsvand, V. Williams (Morse 63’), Pattinson, Bance, Visalli, Zigiotti (c), Robinson, Carter, Connolly, Unused substitutes: L. Williams, Sarri, Stott, Park, Kullberg, Fergusson, Terland Goals – Pattinson 28’, Carter (pen) 32’ Referee – Emily Heaslip Attendance - 541

Lioness: My Journey to Glory by Beth Mead and Katie Whyatt Lioness: My Journey to Glory Lioness: My Journey to Glory by Beth Mead and Katie Whyatt Beth Mead is one of the world's most talented footballers - Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament at the UEFA Euro 2022, England Player of the Year 2021-22, Arsenal Player of the Season 2021-22, and runner-up for the 2022 Ballon d'Or. But long before this, Beth was just an ordinary kid from Hinderwell, North Yorkshire who wanted to play football. From being placed in the local boys' team as a child because her mum wanted her to run off her boundless energy, to joining Middlesbrough FC's Centre of Excellence and making her professional debut at Sunderland, Beth and women's football have come a long way. Now, Beth shares the challenges that shaped her, what she faced on the journey to the top, and the life events that made her stronger - from being dropped from the England squad and receiving devastating family news, to finding her best form under the guidance of Jonas Eidevall and Sarina Wiegman. Filled with positive lessons and an exclusive account of England's triumphant Euros campaign, Beth offers readers of all ages a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look into her remarkable journey to glory. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lioness-Journey-Glory-Beth-Mead/dp/1399611674/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=5rZWw&content-id=amzn1.sym.40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_p=40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_r=QATGHGXQ95KN8AYDA2TA&pd_rd_wg=RX4nK&pd_rd_r=3238de06-d874-48a6-977d-e0d14d80b1b5&pd_rd_i=1399611674&psc=1

A tale of two halves see things end all square in a 2-2 spectacular at the Madejski Stadium Back Match Report WSL: Reading v Brighton and Hove Albion A tale of two halves see things end all square in a 2-2 spectacular at the Madejski Stadium 27 March 2023 By Finley Chung A brace apiece was the order of the day in Berkshire as Reading and Brighton played out a pulsating 2-2 draw. Veatriki Sarri had scored twice inside 13 minutes to put Albion in cruise control, but a second half brace off the bench for Emma Harries earned Reading a share of the spoils in this bottom of the table WSL clash. Reading boss Kelly Chambers made only one change to the side that was defeated by Chelsea last time out, with Gemma Evans replacing Brooke Hendrix at the back. Brighton changed their goalkeeper for this one, with Australian Lydia Williams coming into the side to replace Megan Walsh. Emma Kullberg also replaced Elisabeth Terland as Brighton looked to have set up in a 5-4-1 system. The hosts got this game underway and you could sense the tension from early on in RG12. Reading worked the first opportunity of the game as Faye Bryson saw a headed chance blocked whilst Amalie Eikeland header over from a corner. It was the visitors however on their first foray forward ho broke the deadlock on this crucial afternoon on 7 minutes. A deep cross from the left channel by Poppy Pattinson was headed down by Katie Robinson to Veatriki Sarri who swivelled and smashed home a first time left footed effort into the corner past the helpless Grace Moloney in the Reading goal to draw first blood for the visitors. Barely six minutes later, the Seagulls had a second, the ball was worked back out to the left corner with yet another deep ball which the hosts didn’t deal with and Sarri reacted quickest again to prod the ball home and doubled the visitors lead. Albion so nearly had a third after neat work down the right by Katie Robinson and Emma Kullberg resulting in the latter cutting inside onto her left foot but her effort whistled wide of the post. Reading then finally upped the ante a little and had their first two strikes at goal which forced the Seagulls stopper, Lydia Williams into action. Firstly, Faye Bryson combined well with Eikeland and Charlie Wellings to send a ferocious half volley towards goal which Williams superbly saved, with the stopper then up again very quickly to deny Reading from the resulting corner. The visitors then sped away again on the counter and could’ve been out of sight and it was Sarri at the heart of it again, but her right footed effort was well saved by Grace Moloney in the Reading goal with Lee Guem-Min’s follow up being blocked en route to goal. Albion were the forced into a change just before the half hour, with Guro Bergsvand being withdrawn and replaced by Danielle Carter. Reading were finishing the first half strongly in an attempt to claw one back but the visitors were displaying some dogged defending to keep the hosts out as a series of corners in quick succession didn’t come off for the hosts. The substitute, Danielle Carter was the latest in Albion orange to try her luck fir their third goal but her effort was blocked well in the box. Eikeland then rather summed up the story of Reading’s half, trying an audacious chip over Williams in the Bruighton goal due to a lack of support, which ended up dropping well wide in the last action of an entertaining half. Half Time - Reading 0-2 Brighton and Hove Albion The second half got underway and whatever Kelly Chambers said too her players at half time worked, because one minute and 15 seconds into the second half, the Royals got back into it. Emma Harries who was brought on for Gemma Evans before the second half started raced clear onto an Emma Mukandi through ball to slot home with her first touch and get the Royal’s right back into proceedings. Brighton then broke swiftly once again with a two on two, Danielle Carter was then found free in the middle by Katie Robinson, but her low effort was held by Grace Moloney who once again thwarted Albion’s charge for a third goal. Reading then spurred a golden chance to pull themselves level as the electric start to the half continued. A free kick was floated in from the left by Rachel Rowe which landed on the head of Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen, who couldn’t have been more than five or six yards out, but her header went straight at Williams when if either side of the goalkeeper, the game would’ve had it’s fourth goal. Just before the hour mark, Brighton someway, somehow didn’t manage to get a third and surely thought things were conspiring against them, Katie Robinson’s effort was brilliantly kept out by Moloney who then somehow denied Sarri on the follow up after the attacker slipped over at the worst possible moment. The double whammy for Albion delivered on the counter from that very incident, Lilly Woodham got herself down the left hand side, spun away from her marker and stood the ball up to the back stick and there was substitute Emma Harries yet again who planted her header into the corner to level the game up at 2-2 and leave Brighton rueing the chances they had missed. The scorer of Brighton’s double, Veatriki Sarri was then replaced by Libby Bance as we entered the final 20 minutes in Berkshire. With 17 minutes to go, Kate Robinson perhaps missed a chance which could be pivotal come the end of the season. She raced onto a through ball, rounded Grace Moloney who sped off her line and misjudged the bounce, took a took and set herself before seeing her effort smash the outside off the post with the goal gaping infront of her, the biggest of the chances Albion hadn’t taken in the game, and what a pivotal moment that could be come season’s end, This pulsating encounter ticked into the final ten minutes with both sides looking to net a crucial winner in their fight’s against the drop. The seagulls had another huge, huge chance to win it late on, as a long ball forward was headed on by Lee Geum-Min into the path of Julia Zigiotti Olme but her effort was blasted over the bar when she really should’ve hit the target. Neither side could find a winner in stoppage time, and with Leicester’s loss at Aston Villa today sees Reading remain four points clear of the drop in 10th place, with Brighton one below in 11th, but with two games in hand on both Leicester and Reading having only played 14 WSL games this season. Full Time - Reading 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion Goals: Reading - Harries 46’, 60’ Brighton - Sarri 8’, 13’