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Dulwich Hamlet and West Ham goalkeeper Mia North takes us through her professional football journey so far; becoming more than "the girl in goal" Back Hand over the mic: Mia North Dulwich Hamlet and West Ham goalkeeper Mia North takes us through her professional football journey so far; becoming more than "the girl in goal" Courtesy of Mia North 2 August 2021 My journey in football started when I was around 10 years old. Due to there not being many girls’ teams around I was forced to play in a boys’ team which was technically ‘mixed’. At the time, playing in a boys’ team was more normal due to a lack of girls’ teams around so the prospect of playing with boys did not really scare me, it just made me excited that I could play football properly. There was a challenge though with the whole facade that “girls can’t play football” and that I was an immediate weakness just because of my gender. As a result, there was added pressure on myself to make even less mistakes because I felt like I had to prove myself and I did not want to think about how the other boys would react or feel if they saw the girl making an error. There were multiple occasions where I would have boys sit behind my goal and laugh at me for being “the girl in goal”. This could have easily been a point in my life where I stopped wanting to play but instead, I used it as a motivation for me to prove them wrong. The social aspect for the first couple of years was a lot harder as well seeing as the boys on my team were very different to me. I struggled for conversation starters and the boys were much rowdier compared to me as I was quite shy so I struggled to make real friends. However, they never made me feel inferior to them and the coaching staff and parents were also lovely so there was enough enjoyment for me to carry on. Courtesy of Mia North I finally joined a girls’ team when I was 12. I spent the next 3-4 years with this team where I enjoyed a really successful few years, winning our league multiple times, multiple tournament victories and multiple county cup triumphs. During these years, I also stepped into the county environment and I was selected for a training camp with Wales U19s at the age of 16. Once I turned 16, I joined WSL team Yeovil Ladies where I spent the next 2 years of my career. The second year of being there saw me go into my first year of college in Bridgwater, meaning I had to move out and live in an accommodation whilst training every day. Moving out at 16 was a big change for me, and there was one point where I did not want to do it. I was fearful of being home sick and missing my friends at school, but I ended up embracing the new environment more than my parents or I would have ever expected it. In my first year I never got homesick once! I still missed my friends, but I was enjoying the new independence and due to making lots of new friends at accommodation - I was always up to something and rarely on my own, so it became very easy. Alongside this, it massively helped that I went home practically every weekend due to not having any games so I was able to still see my parents and friends every week, so I was not thrown in the deep end of not coming home for prolonged periods of time straight away. "Being at Yeovil was when I first experienced academy football and played the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal etc. I also had 2 first team bench appearances against Arsenal and Everton Women." After my first year of college, I decided I wanted to move on from Yeovil which saw me eventually end up where I am now which is West Ham. Soon after playing with the U21s, I was called up to the Wales U19s squad for the Euro Qualifiers where I enjoyed 10 days in Northern Ireland competing against Norway, Northern Ireland and Moldova. Following this tournament, I had another call up to the first team after which, I completed the rest of the season with the U21s before COVID-19 hit and our season unfortunately had to be null and void. Courtesy of Mia North If we skip to present day, I am currently a first year at UEL and in my second year with West Ham, I came out of college with 3 distinction stars in my BTEC and have just completed my first term on Sports and Exercise Science where I achieved firsts across all my modules. I am now on loan at Dulwich Hamlet Women where I am looking to gain experience within the women’s game and also looking to develop massively as a player. When I look at the modern women’s game now, it definitely has come a long way since I first started playing. First of all, I think in a way we have benefitted from less exposure. The women’s game has a lot less dramatics, much less diving and dialogue on the pitch itself is definitely less violent. However, the recent WSL deal with Sky Sports is a really exciting one and one which I hope will start to give the game the exposure it needs to be more successful. "Hopefully over the next few years, the game will grow exponentially and we will hopefully see more equity between the men and women’s game." Furthermore, if I think back to when I was young, there were few women’s teams around my local area and across the country, there were not many professional academy setups, this is why the county route for girls was so prevalent. Nowadays however, that has changed, for instance, West Ham have the West Ham Foundation where they coach and bring up young girls through their ranks which a lot more highly affiliated clubs are now doing. If I was born in that generation, I think the pressure on me would have definitely been higher because I would be having been in a more professional setup playing alongside other girls. However, there are so many positives that come from academies and a more stable pathway from grassroots for young girls will do wonders not only in terms of ability but also to provide the belief that football can be more than a hobby. Looking back now, I am glad I got to just enjoy football as a fun hobby before joining Yeovil academy because when you are so young, I think enjoyment is the most important thing and putting a child into a serious environment straight away may deter them more than it nurtures them which is why I am thankful to have had my time in the boys team as well as the early girls team I played for in my career. . . Mia North, Womens Football, West Ham

Thoughts on: Jill Scott MBE Thoughts on: Jill Scott MBE Scott Back 12 September 2020 By Charlotte Stacey The Woman. The Myth. The Legend via The Telegraph When it comes to icons of the women's game, Jill Scott should be a name that immediately comes to mind. Boasting a prolific career for both club and country, the Manchester City and England midfielder is nothing but deserving of her recent appointment as a Member of the British Empire. Jill Scott is a true veteran of the game. With 146 caps for England and counting, and over 200 collective appearances for the three domestic clubs she has represented, Scott is certainly a familiar face on a football field. It is her experience, alongside her clear respect for the game, and of all those involved in it, that has naturally elevated her to become somewhat of a mentor for upcoming players. Scott's deep rooted receptiveness does much to dispel any unease felt by those less familiar with the pressures of the game . With a buoyant energy that is seemingly endless, Scott has an endurance that rivals that of a player ten years her junior. Her maturity, along with her exceptional vision, enables her to quite comfortably control play from the middle. Pairing the finest of attitudes together with an unparalleled work ethic, Scott encompasses everything that is needed in a world class midfielder. Whilst her skill set sees her principally positioned in the middle, Scott is a threat at both ends of the field. Her absolute strength in dispossessing others, and assertiveness in retrieving a lost ball, shows her utter commitment to her defence. Scott is spirited, and although this can occasionally spell trouble, it is this passion that has kept her at the forefront of the game for so long. Likewise, in attacking, Scott is more than proficient. Scott is clever in making judicious runs off the ball, and in producing stellar passes when on it. Her aptitude to create, and finish, chances in the most crucial of times demonstrates a player with a well rounded acumen needed in pulling a team together in a crisis. Reuters Scott is always attentive to those around her under every circumstance. Off the pitch, she is widely regarded as 'the nicest player you will ever meet'. With a warm personality and friendly demeanour that is seen in every interview, it is easy to see why she is a firm favourite amongst players and fans alike. Her soccer schools are just one example of her consideration to, not only the development of the sport, but to the next generation. What is clearly evident, is that Scott harbours the generosity, integrity and kindness of a truly special individual. There is absolutely no doubt that Scott is worthy of every trophy, title and honour that she has won, and every accolade that may come her way in the future. Jill Scott is, and will always be, an essential part of the Lionesses and the FA's history. Her sincere dedication to her sport, and to the wider community, is second to none; and it is this devotion to give something back that means she stands, quite literally, head and shoulders above the rest. Luckily for us, she shows no signs of stopping yet.

Heartache in Kashima as Australia reign victorious over Team GB in a nail biter of a quarter final. Team GB News Team GB: It's All Over Heartache in Kashima as Australia reign victorious over Team GB in a nail biter of a quarter final. via Getty Images 30 July 2021 By Charlotte Stacey Hege Riise’s Team GB took on Australia in the second quarter final of the day. For Team GB it was a familiar setting as they remained in Kashima from their previous fixture that ended in a 1-1 draw with Canada. Team GB finished top of their table in Group E with seven points ahead of Canada and Olympic hosts, Japan. Australia finished third in Group G on four points below Sweden and the USA. Team GB kicked the game off and both sides came out of the gate strongly, looking lively in possession and working hard to retrieve it. Team GB looked to edge the early part of the first half as the more dangerous of the two and at the fifteen-minute mark they began to really threaten. A triangular passage of quick one touch passes between Kim Little, Lauren Hemp and Demi Stokes outfoxed the Australian defence releasing a fine ball into the box for Rachel Daly. Daly swung a left footed volley, but Teagan Micah managed to make the save before Daly was then called offside. Seconds later, Keira Walsh found space beyond the 25-yeard box and fired in a whipping shot (her first of two) that hit the post, narrowly missing out on giving Team GB the lead. Despite these chances, the pendulum of momentum began to swing in the favour of the Matilda’s and unlike Team GB, the Australians capitalised on this. The Matilda’s Steph Catley stepped up to take a corner from the right-hand side. With a inch perfect delivery, Catley’s ball directed itself to the head of Alanna Kennedy. Finding herself in space due to the static movements of Team GB’s defence, Kennedy powerfully met the ball to send it past Ellie Roebuck and put Australia one-nil up. As expected, the Matilda’s started their second half with confidence, forcing another set piece within seconds of the restart. A shaky looking Team GB manage to clear the loose ball but found themselves s in hot water again soon enough as Hayley Raso’s cross falls to Kyah Simon who is gifted a free header. Roebuck collects. After a tirade of Australian attack, at 55 minutes Keira Walsh took matters into her own hands, finding space to dribble through the centre of the field before releasing a pass to Hemp. Hemp made a driven run out on the wing before cutting in and taking a shot. Micah made a comfortable save. Just minutes later Team GB find an equaliser through Ellen White. Once again, Hemp finds joy cutting in from the left, sends in a left footed cross that finds White in space. White is able to convert the header and find the back of the net. At 65 minutes White writes her name on the scoresheet again. Leah Williamson sent a lofty throw-in into the box, White flicked it behind where it collided with Hemp. White’s quick thinking meant she tracked where the ball would land, swept up the loose ball and hit a low shot that beat Micah. Team GB were 2-1 up. What followed was twenty minutes of fairly relaxed play from Team GB, bordering on confident at times. However, just as Team GB thought they were in the clear, Australia’s Sam Kerr shot in a last-minute equaliser. Raso fired in a cross from the left in which Kerr had already found space. Kerr received the ball and was not immediately closed down which in turn allowed her time to line up her shot and the match ended all square; Team GB – 2, Australia – 2. With nothing to separate the two sides, extra time began as tired legs were replaced by fresh ones. Team GB looked to have the upper hand, rousing dangerously in and around the penalty area for the first few minutes. Team GB then drew a themselves a penalty after Nikita Parris was knocked as she strode toward goal. In the 100th minute of the game, Scotland’s Caroline Weir stepped up to take the spot kick. Weir hit a rather soft left-footed strike that was pushed out fairly easily by Micah. With the missed penalty Australia found a second wind and took advantage of the deflated Brits. Substitute Mary Fowler brought the ball down just outside of Team GB’s area and took a shot that deflected off of Lucy Bronze and spun into the top right-corner of Roebuck’s goal. Australia take the advantage and end the first half of extra time 3 - 2 up. The whistle blew to kick off the second half of extra time and Kerr beat out Steph Houghton to make it 4-2. Kerr jumped high for a header, climbing tall to deny Houghton the defensive clearance, and tipped the ball onto the crossbar with enough force that it bounced down and doubled the gulf. But not to be ruled out, Team GB responded once again as White finally bagged herself a hat-trick in the final minutes of the game. Fran Kirby dinked in a cross from the right that White was able to connect with. White finished it off beautifully but unfortunately was not enough to undo the damage. Full-time: Team GB 3 - 4 Australia Team GB: Ellie Roebuck (GK), Lucy Bronze (90+21’), Steph Houghton (C), Leah Williamson, Demi Stokes (58’), Kim Little (79’), Keira Walsh (90+5’), Caroline Weir, Rachel Daly (58’), Ellen White, Lauren Hemp (90+5’) Substitutes: Carly Telford (GK), Millie Bright (58’), Sophie Ingle (90+5’), Jill Scott (79’), Nikita Parris (90+5’), Georgia Stanway (90+21’), Fran Kirby (58’) Australia: Teagan Micah (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Aivi Luik (79’), Hayley Raso (87’), Emily van Egmond, Tameka Yallop, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord (79’), Sam Kerr (C), Kyah Simon (79’) Substitutes: Lydia Williams (GK), Kyra Cooney-Cross (79’) (90+7’), Clare Polkinghorne (90+7’), Chloe Logarzo (87’), Mary Fowler (79’), Emily Glenik (79’), Laura Brock

London City clinch a 4-3 win over the Addicks in South London derby Back Match Report WC: Charlton Athletic v London City Lionesses London City clinch a 4-3 win over the Addicks in South London derby Charlton Athletic 31 August 2022 By Paul Donegan London City Lionesses beat their local rivals 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at The Oakwood. The away side took a two-goal lead before Charlton came back to level things up. The Lionesses scored another two, and after a long break whilst Charlotte Fleming received treatment, Charlton scored their third deep into additional time. Charlton had won their opening game 2-0 against Southampton and Karen Hills kept the same starting eleven for this match. London City Lionesses had lost their first game 0-1 against Crystal Palace and Melissa Phillips made three changes with Lois Joel, Lucy Fitzgerald and Charlotte Fleming coming in for Grace Neville, Lois Heuchan and Sarah Ewens. The home side had the first opportunity of the match in the 2nd minute when Heidi Logan shot wide. London City Lionesses took the lead in the 11th minute when the ball was crossed in by Lucy Fitzgerald and Jamie-Lee Napier finished from close range. Four minutes later, Atlanta Primus saw her shot saved. From the resulting corner, the ball reached Primus who turned and shot low into the net from around 12 yards to make in 2-0. Rodgers saw a shot blocked for the Lionesses, whilst at the other end Beth Roe sent a free kick well over for Charlton. The home side were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute when Roe was brought down in the area by Karin Muya. Emily Simpkins stepped up to take and score her second penalty of the season. Angela Addison tested Shae Yanez with a long range shot that was saved by the Lionesses keeper who was making her 50th appearance for the club. The Lionesses had the best of the other chances before half time with Harley Bennett heading wide, Primus causing Charlton problems whilst they were trying to play out from the back, and seeing one effort caught by Sian Rogers as it was looping towards goal, and Fleming having a long range shot saved. Five minutes into the second half, Lily Agg shot wide for the Lionesses from about 8 yards out with only the keeper to beat. Charlton equalised after 55 minutes when Emma Follis put in a low cross that bounced out off a defender, but Follis was first to the loose ball and finished low into the corner of the goal. The away side almost regained the lead four minutes later when Napier shot just wide from the edge of the area. The Lionesses did re-take the in the 63rd minute when after her first effort was blocked, Amy Rodgers scored with a stunning strike into the top corner from around 25 yards out. Napier sent in a deep cross that Lucy Shepherd was just unable to get on the end of for the Lionesses in the 68th minute, and a minute later, Follis sent a shot wide for Charlton. It was 4-2 to London City Lionesses in the 74th minute when following a scramble from a corner, Agg finished from close range. Freda Ayisi saw her free kick for Charlton caught by Yanez in the 87th minute as The Addicks looked to come back again. Five additional minutes were signalled, and during these Charlotte Fleming went down with a nasty looking injury. There was an almost 20-minute hold up whilst she was treated on the pitch and stretched off to a waiting ambulance. Hoping Charlotte can make a quick and full recovery. When the game restarted, Charlton did get a goal back when Roe crossed and Corinne Henson backheeled the ball into the net from around 6 yards. The final whistle went shortly after, and this result leaves both sides on three points after two games. After the international break, Charlton’s next game is away to Coventry United, whilst London City Lionesses face Bristol City at home. Line ups Charlton Athletic: Rogers, Roe, Godfrey, Skeels, O’Rourke, Simpkins (Henson 82’), Ross (N’Dow 46’), Logan (Ayisi 46’), Follis, Addison, Johnson (Rutherford 64’) Unused substitutes : Soper, Bashford Goals: Simpkins 30’ (pen), Follis 55’, Henson 90’+24’ London City Lionesses: Yanez, Joel, Nolan, Bennett, Fitzgerald, Fleming (Girasoli 90’+12’), Rodgers, Agg (Kitching 78’), Napier (Hopcroft 78’), Muya (Shepherd 64’), Primus Unused substitutes: Pedersen, Neville, Heuchan Goals: Napier 11’, Primus 15’, Rodgers 62’, Agg 74’ Referee – Lauren Impey Attendance - 553

Tottenham Hotspur top Group E of the League Cup after 1-0 win over Aston Villa Back Match Report Super Summanen sends Spurs to the top of the group Tottenham Hotspur top Group E of the League Cup after 1-0 win over Aston Villa Tottenham Hotspur 27 November 2024 By Paul Donegan Eveliina Summanen’s brilliant long-range strike turned out to be the only goal of the match as Tottenham made it 2 wins out of 2 in the Women’s League Cup group stage with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. Both sides had won their first group games, and it was the visitors who had the first chance of this match in the 4th minute but Kenza Dali’s effort trickled into debutant Spurs goalkeeper Eleanor Heeps hands. Martha Thomas was unable to get on the end of Bethany England’s through ball, then England had a long-range shot which was saved by Sabrina D’Angelo as the home side had their first chances. In the 13th minute, Thomas was again unable to get on the end of a ball forward for the hosts, this time from Jessica Naz. Katie Robinson dragged a shot wide for Villa in 17th minute. Tottenham seemed to be using long direct passes often with the next one from Anna Csiki aimed at Naz but the offside flag was up anyway. The Villans appealed for a penalty after Adriana Leon went down in the area just after the mid-point of the first half but referee Stacey Fullicks waved play on. Dali’s run down the left side finished with her low cross being deflected onto the roof of the net by a Tottenham defender. From the resulting corner in the 29th minute, Miri Taylor’s long-range effort clipped the outside of the post. Thomas saw a shot deflected behind for the hosts in the 37th minute. Three minutes later, Thomas saw another chance go wide, this time from Amanda Nilden’s cross. In the 43rd minute, D’Angelo made a stunning save to deny England from close range as Spurs went closest to scoring so far. Missy Bo Kearns shot from outside the area was easily claimed by the Tottenham goalkeeper, then Ebony Salmon’s strike went over for the visitors as half time approached. Nilden had the first opportunity of the second half for Spurs in the 48th minute but her effort from the edge of the area following a corner flew over the crossbar. Leon put the ball in the net for Villa a minute later but the assistant referee’s flag was raised to deny them. Naz shot well over from 25-yards for the home side in the 58th minute as the rain started to fall heavily again. Tottenham opened the scoring in the 60th minute when Finland international Summanen scored a spectacular goal from nearly 40-yards that went into the net off the crossbar. The wind from Storm Bert almost benefited the Villans minutes later but Heeps manged to keep the ball out. The hosts had the next opportunity but D’Angelo kept Hayley Raso’s attempt out. The resulting corner was headed onto the roof of the net. The visitors goalkeeper again denied Raso with just under 20 minutes remaining. In the 78th minute, Villa went close to equalising from a corner but the chance was blocked before Spurs cleared the ball. Kirsty Hanson poked the ball wide in the 84th minute after a bit of ping-pong in the Spurs penalty area. At the other end, England’s strike from 25-yards was saved by D’Angelo. After quickly breaking forward in the second minute of stoppage time, Matilda Vinberg shot over for the home side as they looked to seal the win. There were no more chances as Tottenham moved onto 6 points and top of Group E. Line ups Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2): Heeps, Morris, James- Turner, Bartrip, Nilden, Raso (Neville 89’), Summanen, Csiki, Naz (Vinberg 81’), England (c), Thomas Unused substitutes: Spencer, Talbert, Grant, Hunt, Dennis, Gunning-Williams, Wang Goal – Summanen 60’ Booked - Nilden Aston Villa (4-4-1-1): D’Angelo, Maritz, Patten, Turner (Nunes 85’), Pacheco (Tomas 74’), Leon (Hanson 74’), Kearns (c), Taylor, Robinson (Grant 74’), Dali, Salmon (Daly 84’) Unused substitutes: Poor, Mayling, Staniforth, Nobbs Referee – Stacey Fullicks Attendance – 820

London City Lionesses v Coventry United Photographer Edward Payne Jamie-Lee Napier netted a scorching 9-minute hat-trick among the London City Lionesses 9-0 win over Coventry United in the final game of the season. Coventry have now been relegated from the Women's Championship.

Arsenal kick off the Women's Super League with a 4-0 win over Brighton Back Match Report WSL Opener: Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion Arsenal kick off the Women's Super League with a 4-0 win over Brighton Olivia Cantwell 19 September 2022 By Paul Donegan Arsenal won the opening match of the 2022/23 Barclays Women’s Super League 4-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,238 at Meadow Park. Emma Kullberg was sent off early on for the visitors, and then the home side took near enough total control with the goals coming from Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius and two from Beth Mead. Jonas Eidevall named two of the Lionesses Euro 2022 winners in his starting line-up with Leah Williamson and Player of the Tournament and Top Scorer Beth Mead included. Hope Powell gave debuts to Jorja Fox, Poppy Pattinson, Veatriki Sarri and Elisabeth Terland in Brighton’s starting eleven. Before the match started, there were tributes and a minutes applause for Arsenal super-fan Maria Petri who died in July, and then a minutes silence and the National Anthem was played in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Artwork: Charlotte Stacey Arsenal had the first chance of the game in the 5th minute when Rafaelle headed wide at the far post from a corner. Brighton were reduced to ten players two minutes later when Blackstenius was played through and Kullberg brought her down on the edge of the area. The Brighton defender was shown a straight red card as she was the last defender. Arsenal had plenty of chances in the next 15 minutes or so with Mead seeing a free kick deflected wide, Vivianne Miedema having an effort blocked, Megan Walsh saving shots from Caitlin Foord and Mead, and Foord shooting just wide and then having another effort saved. Brighton had a chance in the 26th minute when they broke quickly, as they had tried a few times earlier in the half unsuccessfully, and this time the ball reached Terland but her shot went narrowly wide. In the 28th minute, Arsenal did take the lead when Foord took advantage of a slip in the Brighton defence and passed back to Little who took a touch and finished low into the net. The home side continued to dominate up to half time with Blackstenius seeing her effort from the edge of the area hit the crossbar, Foord shot wide after a lovely through ball from Miedema, Mead shot over from the edge of the area, Walsh tipped away a shot from Lia Walti, and Rafaelle had a header from a corner cleared off the line. There were times when Arsenal were playing with a line of six up front but it was only 1-0 at the break despite all the chances they had had. Arsenal’s first chance of the second half came in the 48th minute when Blackstenius had an effort saved but the offside flag was up anyway. A minute later, Brighton had a chance of their own but Manuela Zinsberger made a good save to keep out Katie Robinson’s shot. That turned out to be a big save as just a minute later, Mead turned and passed to Blackstenius who finished into the top corner to make it 2-0 to Arsenal. Arsenal were dominating possession, and they added a third in the 63rd minute when Miedema pulled the ball back to Mead who finished first time low into the corner of the net from about 8-yards out. A minute later, Lina Hurtig came on to make her Arsenal debut. Arsenal continued to create chances with Hurtig providing a lovely back-heel to Mead but the final ball was missing, Miedema had the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside, and Walsh saved from Mead and Frida Maanum. Brighton did look dangerous on the odd occasion when they broke forward with Little putting a low cross from the away side behind for a corner. The corner came to nothing. Arsenal hit the crossbar again in the 81st minute when Jordan Nobbs saw her effort come back off the woodwork this time. It was 4-0 two minutes later when Maanum had a shot saved and the rebound fell to Mead who controlled, took a nice touch past a defender and goalie and finished into the net. Arsenal had further chances in the last five minutes with Mead seeing her shot blocked, Maanum putting a low cross across the front of goal that Hurtig was unable to get on the end of, and both Nobbs and McCabe sending shots well over. A comfortable win for Arsenal and it could have been more if more clinical. Brighton did have a couple of good chances of their own though. Arsenal’s next game is at home to Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday evening at Meadow Park before they face Tottenham in the WSL at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, whilst Brighton’s next game is at home to Reading next Sunday at the Amex Stadium. Line ups Arsenal: Zinsberger, Wienroither, Williamson (Wubben-Moy 83’), Rafaelle, McCabe, Walti (Maanum 77’), Little, Mead, Miedema (Nobbs 77’), Foord (Catley 64’), Blackstenius (Hurtig 64’) Unused substitutes: Marckese, Beattie, Maritz, Iwabuchi Goals – Little 28’, Blackstenius 50’, Mead 63’, 83’ Booked – Foord (59’) Brighton & Hove Albion: Walsh, Fox, Williams, Kullberg, Pattinson, Bance (Robinson 45’), Zigiotti (Ferguson 86’), Lee, Sarri, Terland, Green Unused substitutes: Startup, Park, Jarvis Sent off – Kullberg (7’) Referee – Lisa Benn Attendance - 3238

Arsenal book their place in the Conti Cup final thanks to Stina Blackstenius' extra time goal Back Match Report Conti Cup: Arsenal v Manchester City Arsenal book their place in the Conti Cup final thanks to Stina Blackstenius' extra time goal Arsenal WFC 10 February 2023 By Paul Donegan Arsenal reached the 2023 Conti Cup final with a 1-0 win over holders Manchester City in what was a closely fought game. Stina Blackstenius scored the only goal of the match during extra time after it had finished 0-0 after 90 minutes at Meadow Park on Wednesday evening. Jonas Eidevall made five changes to the Gunners starting line up from Sunday’s goalless draw at West Ham in the Women’s Super League (WSL). He also changed formation and played three at the back. Gareth Taylor made two changes for Man City from their 2-0 win at Leicester City with Sandy MacIver and Alanna Kennedy coming in for Ellie Roebuck and Steph Houghton. Arsenal had the first chance of the match in the 6th minute but Laura Wienroither’s shot was well saved by MacIver. The visitor’s first attempt came after 12 minutes when Lauren Hemp’s effort from out wide was caught by D’Angelo. Frida Leonhardsen Maanum’s free kick went into the side netting for Arsenal five minutes later. At the other end, Chloe Kelly forced D’Angelo into a good save in the 23rd minute. Man City had a few more chances in the next ten minutes but Filippa Angeldahl, Khadija Shaw and Kelly all put the ball over the bar. Arsenal then had a couple of opportunities of their own but Caitlin Foord shot over and Leah Williamson put an effort wide. The visitors had the final chance of the first half in stoppage time but Hemp blasted the ball over from the edge of the area. In the first minute of the second half, Angeldahl shot straight at the Arsenal keeper. In the 59th minute, Manchester City went close again when Hemp’s cross was deflected just wide. Laia Aleixandri volleyed into the side netting for the visitors after a corner. A few minutes later, Angeldahl and Shaw both saw efforts go over. Arsenal came closest to scoring so far in the 67th minute when Lina Hurtig, who had just come on as a substitute, saw an effort from close-range hit the crossbar before Kim Little’s shot was deflected wide. The visitors were continuing to have more of the chances though with Kerstin Casparij seeing a shot blocked as City put pressure on Arsenal’s defence in the 69th minute. A minute later, Kelly was allowed to run forward and sent a powerful shot into D’Angelo’s hands. Shaw then shot over two minutes later. Steph Catley had an important interception for Arsenal in the 74th minute when she got to a City cross first to put the ball behind after a quick counterattack. Arsenal finished the game well and had chances to win it in the final five minutes. Another second half substitute, Blackstenius, saw her shot saved by MacIver in the 85th minute. Hurtig then headed just wide a minute later. Maanum saw a shot saved as the 90 minute mark approached. Seven minutes of stoppage time were signalled, and four minutes into those MacIver spilled a cross but Alex Greenwood blocked Blackstenius’ effort near enough on the goal line. Blackstenius then saw a header saved before the referee blew the final whistle, and with the score at 0-0 it meant extra time. Three minutes into it, Blackstenius gave Arsenal the lead. Hurtig’s pass found her and she finished from about 8-yards via a slight deflection off City defender Leila Ouahabi. Manchester City did have some opportunities during the remaining 27 minutes of extra time with Deyna Castellanos, Angeldahl and Hayley Raso all seeing efforts saved whilst Hemp also put a shot wide. Maanum had the home sides only other chance but this was easily saved. The win sees the Gunners end City’s 16 game unbeaten run and reach their first Conti Cup final since 2020. Jonas Eidevall said that he switched to a back three to “have the ability to stop City’s crosses and be well positioned inside the area when they do come in” when speaking to the press after the victory. Going into extra-time, he told the team to keep doing the basic well and to “trust the game plan”. He also spoke about Blackstenius playing in a more central position when she came on, that she had four or five really good opportunities and is working really well on that. When speaking to the press afterwards, Gareth Taylor felt City “had played very well in large parts of the game, lacked a bit in the final third, that final bit of quality or their keeper really good saves or we didn’t make most of our number of attempts” . Taylor also said he was proud of the players and performance. Arsenal, who have won the cup five times before, will play Chelsea in the final at Selhurst Park on Sunday 5th March. Before that, the Gunners and City play each other again on Saturday at 12:30pm at the Academy Stadium in Manchester in the WSL. Line ups Arsenal: D’Angelo, Williamson (Beattie 83’), Wubben-Moy (Catley 64’), Rafaelle, Wienroither (Maritz 76’), Little (c), Maanum, McCabe, Pelova (Hurtig 64’), Foord, Khul (Blackstenius 65’) Substitutes: Zinsberger, Marckese, Walti, Agyemang Goal – Blackstenius 93’ Booked – Wubben-Moy 53’, Little 71’, Rafaelle 81’, Maritz 92’, Foord 116’ Manchester City: MacIver, Casparij (Coombs 101’), Kennedy (Houghton 89’), Greenwood (c), Aleixandri (Ouahabi 80’), Hasegawa, Castellanos, Angeldahl (Fowler 113’), Kelly (Raso 90’), Shaw, Hemp Substitutes: Roebuck, Blakstad, Dahou Booked – Kelly 35’, Hemp 90+5 Referee – Abigail Byrne

A huge 4-2 victory for Liverpool means the Reds secure promotion to the Women's Super League! Back Match Report FAWC: Bristol City v Liverpool A huge 4-2 victory for Liverpool means the Reds secure promotion to the Women's Super League! Hana Basir 4 April 2022 By Paul Donegan The top two in the Championship played each other at Ashton Gate on Sunday with Liverpool knowing that if they avoided defeat then they will be crowned champions and with it promotion to the WSL. Liverpool started brightly and Leanne Kiernan had the first chance in the 4th minute when her shot from the edge of the penalty area was easily saved. A Megan Campbell long throw was headed just over by Kiernan in the 8th minute. Liverpool did take the lead in the 13th minute when another long throw from Campbell bounced around in the penalty area before falling to Niamh Fahey who scored from about 6 yards out. Bristol City equalised straight away when Aggie Beever-Jones scored from an angle with the ball looping over the Liverpool goalkeeper and into the net. Liverpool went close to regaining the lead in the 20th minute when Rachel Furness smashed a shot just wide. Campbell then saw her free kick saved. Bristol City had a chance at the other end five minutes later when Beever-Jones saw her low shot saved by the legs of Rachael Laws with Liverpool then being stopped by a good tackle as they broke quickly. Furness had another effort for Liverpool that went over. Liverpool went back ahead in the 39th minute when Jasmine Matthews scored against her former club from inside the area after a free kick had not been cleared. Liverpool saw another opportunity go high and wide in first half injury time as they went into the break ahead. It was Liverpool who had the first efforts in the second half with Furness seeing her shot tipped over by Fran Bentley then they saw another shot go wide. A misplaced pass from Liverpool was picked up by Abi Harrison but Laws rushed out and gathered as Bristol City went looking for an equaliser. It was Liverpool though who scored the next goal when in the 59th minute, a Campbell long throw was flicked on and finished from close range by Katie Stengel to make it 3-1. In the 69th minute, Bristol City got a goal back when Harrison’s shot found the corner of the net from about 12 yards for her 15th league goal of the season. It was 4-2 in the 79th minute when Missy Bo Kearns finished a low cross from Stengel from close range. Liverpool went looking for more goals and in the 86th minute, Carla Humphrey rounded the Bristol City goalie but saw her shot blocked. From the resulting corner Jade Bailey headed over. In injury time, Liverpool saw a shot go over and Bristol City had the final opportunity of the afternoon when a long range effort from Jasmine Bull was tipped over. As the final whistle went, Liverpool started the celebrations on the pitch having secured the title and promotion back to the WSL after two seasons away. All of this in front of a Bristol City and Championship record attendance of 5.752. Teams: Bristol City: Bentley, Cataldo (J. Bull 59’), Layzell, Aspin (Wilde 83’), Murray, Allen (Powell 59’), Davies, Beever-Jones, C.Bull, Morgan, Harrison Unused substitutes: Whitehouse, Kuyken, Jhamat, Collis, Cook, Woolley Goals – Beever-Jones 14’, Harrison 69’ Booked – Wilde Liverpool: Laws, Roberts, Fahey, Matthews, Campbell (Wardlaw 67’), Hinds, Holland (Kearns 73’), Furness (Bailey 84’), Lawley (Humphrey 84’), Stengel, Kiernan (Daniels 67’) Unused substitutes: Clarke, Hodson, Moore, Silcock Goals – Fahey 13’, Matthews 39’, Stengel 59’, Kearns 79’ Referee – Lisa Benn Attendance – 5,752

The Arsenal come from one behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 in front of a sell-out crowd at Meadow Park Back Match Report WSL: Arsenal v Manchester City The Arsenal come from one behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 in front of a sell-out crowd at Meadow Park Ryan Asman 3 April 2023 By Charlotte Stacey The visitors seized the first advantage, breathing down the necks of the Gunners and pressing intensely early doors. Bunny Shaw’s bullet header earned City the lead within five minutes of kick-off following a passage of rather lovely build-up play between Lauren Hemp, Laura Coombs and Chloe Kelly. Shaw had another opportunity open up a few minutes later and, although the chances were not falling thick and fast, the scales were tipping in City’s favour throughout the first half. The makers of City’s midfield, Yui Hasegawa, Laura Coombs and Filipa Angeldahl, held control in the middle third, as well as offering a higher quality on the ball and in their passing. Arsenal found Hasegawa in particular difficult to deal with throughout. But with the addition of fullbacks Esme Morgan and Laia Aleixandri cutting inside, the visitors were able to overload Arsenal in the midfield whilst leaving Hemp and Kelly high and wide. Yet, as is becoming something of a theme, Jonas Eidevall’s gameplan began to take shape and the Arsenal began to get more of a foothold towards the end of the half. When they concede, the Gunners are not impulsively reactive. Rather than dropping their heads or panicking, they allow themselves to settle which is definitive of a collective culture developing. There was concern for Arsenal as Caitlin Foord was replaced by Laura Wienroither 35 minutes into the first half after suffering a knock. The Gunners will have everything crossed that nothing substantial is afoot after captain Kim Little became the latest name on their growing injury list last week. City had their chances in the second half and will be disappointed not to have netted at least one of them with the space Arsenal repeatedly gifted at the far post. Eidevall’s side dodged a bullet more than once in leaving Hemp unmarked when City’s whipping crosses came in and it is an area they will need to tighten up on. Frida Leonhardsen Maanum managed to poke the ball though the mountain of bodies in the area to score the equaliser just after the hour mark. Arguably City still had greater control of the ball up to this point, yet this served as somewhat of a catalyst for Arsenal to take the upper hand. Eidevall’s decision to shift his formation just minutes later further contributed to this mentality. Centre-back Jen Beattie was brought on and the Arsenal switched to a back three. This was clever for two reasons. One - to add another body into midfield and neutralise City’s overload, and two - to have a single central figure to occupy Bunny Shaw. Shaw is quite simply an exceptional striker. She has the movement, she has the finish, but what makes her truly brilliant is her intelligence and hold-up play. As she has done all season, Shaw had repeatedly dropped deep, earned possession and held-up the ball to allow teammates to flood forward. By introducing Beattie, Shaw was more closely pressed, limiting her allocation to retrieve the ball. Katie McCabe then went on to seal the deal for the Gunners with a rocket of a shot that defied numerous bodies, as well as Ellie Roebuck, to thump the back of the net. In a move that has clearly been rehearsed, McCabe received the short corner, nudged it into enough space to create an opening and unleashed a beauty that sent Meadow Park into orbit. City couldn’t bag themselves an equaliser and Arsenal ultimately earned the precious three points. Neither side outplayed the other, yet the Arsenal recognised and adjusted to the themes of the game more quickly and more sufficiently than their visitors. City, along with their uncharacteristically poor finishing, perhaps left it a little too late to respond to Arsenal’s tactical changes and fell just short of the mark. Line-ups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): D’Angelo (GK), Raffaele, Wubben-Moy, McCabe, Maritz (67’), Williamson (C), Leonhardsen Maanum, Wälti, Foord (35’), Pelova (67’), Blackstenius (67’) Substitutes: Zinsberger (GK), Marckese (GK), Beattie (67’), Gio, Kühl (67’), Wienroither (35’), Taylor (67’), Reid Goals – Leonhardsen Maanum 61’, McCabe 74’ Yellow – McCabe, Wälti Manchester City (4-3-3): Roebuck (GK), Aleiandri (81’), Greenwood, Houghton (C), Morgan, Coombs (81’), Angeldahl (87’), Hasegawa Kelly (79’), Hemp, Shaw Substitutes: MacIver (GK), Casparij (81’), Fowler (87’), Castellanos (81’), Raso (79’), Ouahabi, Dahou Goals – Shaw 4’ Attendance - 3, 982 Referee – Abigail Byrne

Arsenal have announced that Viktoria Schnaderbeck has gone on loan to Tottenham Hotspur Women for the rest of the season Back Tottenham sign Viktoria Schnaderbeck on loan from Arsenal Arsenal have announced that Viktoria Schnaderbeck has gone on loan to Tottenham Hotspur Women for the rest of the season via Spurs Women 27 January 2022 By Josh Bunting She has made 40 appearances for the Gunners since joining from Bayern Munich in May 2018 and was part of the squad that won the WSL title in 2018/19. With the addition of Rafaelle Souza she has fell down further in the pecking order and her opportunities were going to be limited. The 31-year-old defender spent 11 years with Bayern Munich, where she won two Frauen Bundesliga titles and a Frauen DFB-Pokal cup. She featured on 132 occasions and scored five goals during her time in the Bundesliga including five appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Schnaderbeck became a key squad player in the 2019-20 season and at the beginning of the 2020-21 season for Arsenal,usually playing as a centre-half but sometimes filling in at left-back too. The versatile player made her debut for the Austria national team in 2007 and has gone on to make 43 appearances. In March 2019, she was voted Austrian Player of the Year. Speaking about signing for Tottenham she said ““I am really looking forward to joining Tottenham Hotspur, the girls have done so well this season and I’m excited to help the team as much as I can. I can’t wait to get started.” Spurs boss Rehanne Skinner went on to add “Viki is an experienced centre half who brings a lot of value to the team. As Austrian national team captain she also brings strong leadership qualities. Viki will help us to establish control both in and out of possession with her ball quality.” The Austrian has been handed the number 11 shirt at the Lilywhites. News

Watford earn promotion to the Championship in a 1-0 victory at Stadium MK Back Match Report FAWNL Play-off: Nottingham Forest v Watford Watford earn promotion to the Championship in a 1-0 victory at Stadium MK Edward Payne 21 May 2023 By Paul Donegan Poppy Wilson headed in the only goal of the match in the 17th minute as Watford beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 to win the FA Women’s National League Championship Play-Off Final, and promotion back to the Women’s Championship at the first attempt. In an entertaining match, both sides had chances but Wilson was the only one to find the back of the net. Forest weren’t clinical enough with their opportunities, and Watford goalkeeper Jacqueline Goldsmid made a few good saves to deny them. It had already announced that this would be the last play-off between the winners of the National League Northern and Southern Premier Divisions to decide the single promotion spot. From next season, both Premier Division champions will be promoted with the bottom two in the Championship relegated. The sides had met in the League Cup final last month which Nottingham Forest won 3-2 after extra-time. The supporters of both clubs, just over 3,000 of them, were making a good noise before the start of the match on a nice sunny afternoon at Stadium MK. Both sides had early chances. A great ball found Bianca Baptiste but her cross couldn’t find any of her Watford teammates. Forest’s first effort came in the 5th minute when Charlotte Greengrass’ shot was easily saved. Goldsmid got down and saved with her legs to stop an effort from Yasmin Mosby after she had been played in by Sophie Domingo. Annie Rossiter saw a half-chance go wide for Watford in the 16th minute. Watford did take the lead a minute later when Gemma Davison’s cross from the left side found Wilson at the far post and she headed the ball into the net. Forest had a chance on the break in the 22nd minute but Domingo saw another effort saved. A free kick a couple of minutes later caused the Watford defence problems before the ball was cleared. As the game approached the half-hour mark, Forest came close to equalising but Rebecca Anderson put her free-kick narrowly the wrong side of the post. Their front three of Domingo, Mosby and Greengrass were playing some nice combinations but they just couldn’t take any of the chances they were creating. Wilson, who impressed me during the first half, was finding space for the Golden Girls but saw an effort blocked in the 41st minute, and then seconds later sent a shot from 35-yards not far wide. In stoppage time, Wilson couldn’t get on the end of a free kick in front of goal. Charlotte Steggles had the final chance of the half for Forest but put her effort wide of the post. Greengrass saw an effort easily saved in the first five minutes of the second half after a free kick had been played in as Forest looked for an equaliser. There was nice build up from Davison and Wilson as Watford attacked but the final ball was too far in front of Rossiter, then Wilson saw a header cleared. At the other end in the 54th minute, a cross came off Mosby and went narrowly wide. Andria Georgiou, who was named as Player of the Match, and Alison Pausch were making some fantastic tackles for Watford to stop Forest attacks. Watford had the ball in the net again in the 62nd minute but this was disallowed for offside, despite the music blasting out and the scoreboards showing multiple goals for and against both sides. Four minutes later, Rossiter put an effort over from an angle. Domingo played the ball back to Amy West in the 70th minute but her shot flashed just wide of the post as Forest went close again to levelling. Sophie Mclean sent a shot wide for Watford three minutes later. Greengrass headed over a free kick with ten minutes remaining for Forest. The Watford fans were singing and encouraging their side as the match entered the final five minutes. The Golden Girls dealt with what Forest threw at them during the five minutes of injury time, including Goldsmid getting booked for a committing a foul outside the area to stop an attack. Anderson sent the resulting free kick wide. That was their last chance of the match as the final whistle went seconds later, sparking celebrations amongst the Watford players and fans. Speaking to the media after the match, Watford head coach Damon Lathrope said he “was over the moon” after winning. He felt for Forest as “they deserved to be promoted, they won their league and it is a sour one with the rules changing next year”. Lathrope thought his side had a “little bit more control, and if we had cutting edge in the final third, we maybe could have got a second goal and killed the game”. He praised goalkeeper Jacqueline Goldsmid saying she “came good today and deserves some recognition after making some very vital saves”. Lathrope said the Watford fans were a massive factor and gives them “that extra motivation and energy when we need it” and their support “is much appreciated.” He finished by admitting they will have a lot of work to do next season in the Championship and it is going to be very tough but “we will enjoy this success first.” Nottingham Forest manager Andy Cook said that after winning the league and cup, the feeling after losing this match is “it’s almost worthless, we have done all that work, we have done brilliantly throughout the season but to not gain promotion almost feels worthless” . Cook continued by saying he was proud of his players after doing the double. He added that a motivation for next season is knowing that if they win the league, they will go straight up. Cook felt they lacked “that little bit extra” in front of goal and mentioned the 5/6 good chances and that “you have got to score goals and win games and they (Watford) managed to do that and we didn’t”. He finished by praising the Forest fans, saying they were “fantastic”. Line ups Nottingham Forest (4-1-2-3) : Batty, James, Harkin (c), Cook (Powell 89’), Daniels, Steggles, West, Anderson, Domingo (Mitchell 77’), Mosby (Reynolds 77’), Greengrass Unused substitutes: Hewitt, Taylor Watford (3-4-1-2) : Goldsmid, Meiwald, Chandler (c), Pausch, Baptiste (Fyfe 64’), Mclean, Georgiou, Head, Wilson, Rossiter (Wallace 90’+2), Davison Unused substitutes: Gibson, Ward, Brough