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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’

We chat all things WSL with Aston Villa's Kenza Dali at EA Sports' Women's Football Summit On the red carpet with Kenza Dali Friday, 21 October 2022 By Charlotte Stacey We chat all things WSL with Aston Villa's Kenza Dali at EA Sports' Women's Football Summit Charlotte Stacey | Getty Images We were lucky enough to attend EA Sport’s Women’s Football Summit in London to celebrate the launch of the Women’s Super League in FIFA23. First up, we spoke to attacking midfielder Kenza Dali who signed for Aston Villa over the summer. The France international has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season in claret and blue having been instrumental in goal creation and assisting, and has even hit the back of the net herself. On the red carpet, we chatted all things WSL and touched upon the impact of women’s leagues becoming available to play on FIFA, here’s what Dali had to say… Settling in at Aston Villa… “I feel really good to be honest. We had a really good start to the season, obviously a bit disappointed with the game [last] weekend but you know you’re going to drop points in this league because every team is hard to beat. But I feel really good, it’s a really nice group.” Playing under Carla Ward…. “I really love my manager. Really, really, a good manager. A nice human being first of all, which makes things easier, and she’s working hard. I think she deserves the credit that she had this last month.” Kenza Dali on the red carpet at the Women's Football Summit Oppositions in the WSL…. “To be honest it’s a really hard league. When I’m watching every week and I analyse the opposition, I think “oof, another tough one”. You can never go easy. You play in this league for that and I love that.” The toughest league opposition… “I will go for Chelsea. I think Chelsea have a really strong team with a big depth, so this season I would go with Chelsea. But Arsenal, I think, have really improved.” Whether the league is becoming more competitive…. “Definitely. I don’t think there’s any team that you’re going to start the game and say “oh, it’s going to be an easy one today, or that I can be at 60 or 70 per cent.” I think in this league, if you’re at 70 per cent, you can’t win games.” The WSL being available to play in FIFA23…. “To be honest I played as myself in the previous game because the national team was in it. But seeing me in the club kit is amazing! I think it’s a big part of the game too because it shows how much the game has improved. “As I’m passionate about football, I love football - I’m eating, I‘m drinking football – I would love to go back, say, ten years before and play as some of the girls back then. I would love that. So, I think it’s amazing for the new generation.” Dali is in action this weekend against her former club Everton as Aston Villa host the Toffees on Saturday at 12:30am (BST). The game is available to watch live on the FA Player.

Conti Cup: London City Lionesses vs Watford Photographer Adam Mitten After the match ended all square with two apiece at Princes Park, penalties decided who would be earning the extra point. After the first five spotkicks finished equally, eventually Watford clinched the win earning 7 to LCL's 6.

Brighton vs Manchester United Photographer Edward Payne Manchester United added another crucial three points to their tally and now sit top of the table after a 4-0 win in Crawley. Two goals from Leah Galton (who is having herself a very impressive season indeed) and one a piece from Rachel Williams and Lucia Garcia saw the Red Devils make things uncomfortable for a struggling Brighton. Our photographer Edward Payne was on hand to catch the action.

The Lionesses thrashed Portugal 6-0 in Wembley win Back Match Report Aggie Beever-Jones lights up Wembley with first half hat-trick The Lionesses thrashed Portugal 6-0 in Wembley win Lionesses 3 June 2025 By Aimee Logan After a turbulent week in the England camp, the Lionesses put on a show at Wembley Stadium defeating Portugal 6-0, with a first-half hat trick from Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones. A shocking announcement of Mary Earps’ international retirement overshadowed the England camp this week as a huge gap was left in the Lionesses team, significantly between the goalkeepers. Hannah Hampton, now the only capped England goalkeeper in the current squad, was left with immense pressure on her shoulders to perform as the competition for England’s number one spot was now removed and, rightfully so, gifted to her. After playing every WSL minute in the 24/25 season for Chelsea, Lionesses fans are concerned about the risks of having little experience at the back ahead of the Euros this summer. It was Beever-Jones who opened the score sheet, driving past the poor Portugal defence and placing the ball in the bottom corner. It wasn’t long before the Portuguese defence were punished again, after Beth Mead’s shot was blocked by Ines Pereira, Lucy Bronze knocked the ball into the back of the net. Aggie Beever-Jones | @Lionesses Champions League winner, Mead, also secured a place on the score sheet to make it 4-0 for England with only 30 minutes on the clock. Despite the concern from England fans that the defensive holes of Millie Bright and Mary Earps were going to show, Portugal were silenced for the entire of the first-half by England’s backline leaving them without a single shot on target. Before the final minutes of the first 45, Beever-Jones secured her hat-rick as England remained consistently dominant against the visitors. The star of the Lionesses’ show at Wembley stadium had to have been Beever-Jones. Arguably, she was only given the starting position for this fixture due to Alessia Russo’s injury but it’s certain that her performance in this game will give the England manager, Sarina Wiegman, plenty to consider ahead of this summer’s Euros. Wiegman opted for a triple substitution ten minutes into the second half, seeing Alex Greenwood play her first minutes in an England shirt for over five months. Similarly, Lauren Hemp was substituted for Chloe Kelly, Hemp also playing her first England minutes in 2025 after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year. A less eventful second half included only one goal from Arsenal loanee, Kelly, proving the instant impact she can have as soon as she steps on the field. The final score, 6-0, provided England fans with comfort as the team looks to reclaim their European title in only five weeks time. For one last time out at Wembley for several months, the Lionesses proved that despite a disruptive time in and around the camp, the team can come together and perform at the highest standards. After Spain’s victory against Belgium, England still need to defeat Spain on Tuesday in order to top the Nations League group and advance to the next stage of the competition. Post-match, Aggie Beever-Jones described herself as “delighted” to become the third England player ever to score a hat-trick at Wembley stadium. “It was my first time playing at Wembley for England, so I don’t think it could have got much better than that.” "The first half from us as a team was incredible” , she added, “I’m just so happy if I’m honest!” Grace Clinton praised the return of Lauren Hemp who hasn’t played on the international stage in six months due to injury, “out of possession, in possession, she's an unbelievable player. She’s got 1 v 1s, she’s got dribbling, she’s got pace, like her runs in behind, she’s got everything.” Hemp agreed, “it’s been a long six months but I feel like, coming back in an England shirt today, it sort of also felt like yesterday that I was back here. It feels great.” She added, “It's been tricky but I feel fit, I feel fresh, so hopefully I’ll get some minutes again before a big summer ahead.” Earlier in the week, young Lioness, Michelle Agyemang described what it would be like to be a part of the team heading to Switzerland for England to defend their European title. “I think it's an honour to represent my country, no matter where it is or what age group. To be there would be an absolute honour, and we’ll see what the future holds.” Wiegman has left Agyemang waiting for her Wembley debut as she started as a substitute for the fixture against Portugal. She revealed the last time she was at Wembley, “I think when I was 15 I was a ball girl, that was it. Yes, England versus Northern Ireland, something like that, at Wembley, a couple of years ago, they got a few of the girls out from the pathway.” She added, “I’d never been to Wembley before, so the atmosphere was crazy, and yes, it was interesting but I really liked it and I enjoyed the experience.” If Agyemang doesn’t get a spot on Wiegaman’s roster for the European Championship, the Under-19s Euros also takes place this summer and no she will no doubt be called upon for the tournament if she doesn’t head to Switzerland with the senior Lionesses.

Chelsea progress through to the Champions League semi-finals with 4-1 aggregate score over Ajax Back Match Report Chelsea earn place in UWCL semi-finals Chelsea progress through to the Champions League semi-finals with 4-1 aggregate score over Ajax Chelsea FCW 29 March 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea progressed to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals for the second season in a row and for the fifth time in the last seven seasons with a 4-1 aggregate win over Ajax. The second leg finished 1-1 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening after the Blues had won 3-0 in Amsterdam in the first leg last week. Mayra Ramirez had given the hosts the lead in the first half before Chasity Grant deservedly equalised for the visitors after the break. The Dutch side had the first chance of the match when their captain Sherida Spitse headed a corner onto the roof of the net in the 3rd minute. Chelsea’s first opportunity came a minute later when Isa Kardinaal gave the ball away to Fran Kirby but her pass was overhit and went behind for a goal kick. In the 9th minute, the hosts went close to going ahead on the night but Erin Cuthbert’s effort went narrowly wide of the post. Ajax went close to scoring themselves in the 17th minute when Romee Leuchter’s shot from 12-yards drifted the wrong side of the woodwork. The visitors went even closer to finding the net a minute later when Zecira Musovic’s clearance rebounded off the charging in Tiny Hoekstra and went inches wide. At the other end, Guro Reiten’s shot across goal went not far wide after good build up from Aggie Beever-Jones on the right-side in the 23rd minute. Kay-Lee De Sanders made a good tackle to stop a Chelsea attack a minute later. Beever-Jones then couldn’t get the ball under control in the area after being played in and it was cleared by Ajax. The Blues did take the lead in the 33rd minute when Reiten played in Ramirez and the Colombian calmly rolled the ball low through Regina van Ejik’s legs and into the corner of the net to score her first Champions League goal for the club. Jonna Van de Valde saw her effort from 25-yards go high and wide for the visitors in the 39th minute. Three minutes before half time, Beever-Jones put in a lovely cross from the right which Ramirez couldn’t finish from in front of goal. In the final minute of the half, Leuchter’s shot on the turn flew wide of the far post for the Dutch side. Ajax had the first chance of the second half six minutes into it but Leuchter’s low shot went straight at Musovic. Kadeisha Buchanan acrobatically cleared an Ajax cross in the 58th minute as the visitors looked to find a way back into the tie. Chelsea’s defence wasn’t looking that convincing at times but Ajax weren’t having that many clear chances in the second half. That was until the 65th minute when Grant’s low shot from the edge of the area went through the hands of Musovic and into the net for the visitors equaliser. Danique Noordam had the Dutch sides next chance in the 77th minute but her low shot lacked power and trickled into the hands of Musovic. The Chelsea keeper made a great save in the 80th minute when she turned Leuchter’s shot wide of the post after the Dutch player had turned Jess Carter in the area. Musovic was by far the busier goalkeeper in the second half, and in the 83rd minute she palmed away Soraya Verhoeve’s deep cross. The hosts first effort at goal in the second half came in the 86th minute but van Eijk easily kept out Catarina Macario’s low shot. Musovic made another really good save in the 88th minute when she pushed Danique Tolhoek’s shot from the edge of the area wide. In the five minutes of stoppage time, Macario was played in but Ajax’s goalkeeper rushed out to deny her. Verhoeve then made a good tackle to stop Johanna Rytting Kaneryd as she attacked. These turned out to be the final opportunities of the match as Chelsea progressed to the last four of the Champions League. When speaking to the press after the match, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said she was happy for Ramirez and her performance might cause her selection problems for weekend. Hayes felt both sides could have scored more. She observed that there was disruption with amount of changes made (6) and they were too transitional. The Blues manager added that they love winning, no one cares who scores, she trusts and is happy for the whole squad. Hayes praised Musovic for her second half saves and concluded by saying that Chelsea expect to be at this stage of competition. Ajax head coach Suzanne Bakker said she was “proud of their performance”, they learnt from last week, and the second half was better than first. She felt they created lots of chances and were still trying to win at the end. Bakker added she never doubted her team and they played in a convincing way. Line-ups Chelsea: Musovic, Perisset, Carter, Buchanan (Nusken 66’), Lawrence, Cuthbert (c), Ingle, Beever-Jones (Rytting Kaneryd 76’), Kirby, Reiten (Cankovic 66’), Ramirez (Macario 66’) Unused substitutes: Hampton, Berger, Leupolz, James, Charles Goal – Ramirez 33’ Booked - Perisset Ajax: Van Eijk, Kardinaal (Verhoeve 76’), Spitse (c), de Sanders (Tolhoek 87’), de Klonia (Keijzer 46’), Noordam (Noordman 68’), van Gool, van de Velde, Grant, Leuchter, T. Hoekstra (Keukelaar 68’) Unused substitutes: Nienhuis, van der Wal, I. Hoekstra, Jansen, Sabajo Goal – Grant 65’ Referee – Tess Olofsson Attendance – 11,820

All the key details ahead of the opening weekend of the Women's Championship Back Domestic Football Returns as the Women's Championship Kicks Off All the key details ahead of the opening weekend of the Women's Championship Ryan Asman 25 August 2023 By Charlotte Stacey After an incredible summer of international action, the Barclays Women’s Championship 2023-24 season gets underway this weekend. All 12 clubs across the Barclays Women’s Championship are in action this weekend, keeping the spotlight firmly on the women’s professional game after a year of record attendances and audiences. Beginning today, the league opener features last season’s runners-up Birmingham City making the trip to Blackburn Rovers. Sunday will see the rest of the opening fixtures unfold, with newly promoted Watford welcoming Durham to mark their return to the second division. This season marks the tenth anniversary of the Barclays Women’s Championship, first established in 2014. Last season the league recorded a 75% uplift in average attendance figures last season compared to 2021-22. The league will feature several players who participated in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding to the excitement after a historic summer for the women’s game. Ireland’s Louise Quinn, Lucy Quinn and Lily Agg represent Birmingham City, while Grace Moloney and Ruesha Littlejohn join up with London City Lionesses. Fresh from their round-of-sixteen run, Jamaica’s Paige Bailey-Gayle will begin her second season at Crystal Palace and international teammate Atlanta Primus has joined Southampton from LCL. All first and second round fixtures of the Barclays Women’s Championship will be available live on The FA Player streaming platform. From the third round onwards, one match per round in the in the Barclays women’s Championship will be selected for live broadcast on The FA Player. First round fixtures are as follows: Saturday 26 August 2023 Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham City | Ewood Park | 17:30 Sunday 27 August 2023 Watford v Durham | Wealdstone FC | 12:00 Sunderland v London City Lionesses | Eppleton CV | 13:00 Crystal Palace v Reading | Sutton United | 14:00 Charlton Athletic v Sheffield United | The Valley | 15:00 Lewes v Southampton | The Dripping Pan | 16:00 The FA Player is a free streaming service. News