St Albans and Stevenage shared a point apiece at Clarance Park in tough-fought thriller Back Match Report St. Albans City v Stevenage St Albans and Stevenage shared a point apiece at Clarance Park in tough-fought thriller Edward Payne 4 September 2023 By Barry Rust The points were shared at Clarence Park this weekend as Becky Shephard cancelled out a first half goal from Sophie Hendy on Sunday. It was an enthralling and captivating match from start to finish and played at an incredible pace despite the searing heat that was present for the entirety of the game. St Albans thought they had the first real opportunity on target which required a fabulous save from Celine Ray, but despite her heroics, the whistle blew for offside and Polina Avramova was reprieved. Moments earlier, Shephard had tried to find her range but saw her effort fly wide. At the opposite end, Boro were creating too. Lilia Dempsey sent a good ball in from the left that Kelsey Millen couldn’t quite get under control in time, as Kalina Georgieva stole the ball from her toe before she could let fly. St Albans felt they should have had a penalty, which was waved away by Billy Houghton and Millen thought she had a shot away before falling victim to the offside trap. Ray was bossing her box as she came to collect well from crosses and Stevenage had their own penalty appeal turned down for handball. In fairness, neither shout was particularly strong and the referee – correct. The best chance of the half so far – and only 17 minutes had elapsed – came from another Hannah Nebbitt free kick. Her inviting ball from the right towards the near post was missed by centimetres as Jodie Southby looked guaranteed to head the ball home. The game finally settled as both sides fought for the ascendancy. Kelsey Millen was adjudged offside when embarking on a solo run, but this paled into insignificance moments later. With just over half an hour played, Amy Gooderham broke free down the right-hand side. After a few jinks, the ball was looped towards the far post where Hendy somehow got to the ball after it had bounced and delicately lifted it away from the opponents and into the net. Millen and Hendy nearly doubled the lead just four minutes later. Millen cut inside to her left foot where both Holly Williams and Jess Burke pulled off their best Gandalf impressions whilst not allowing the attacker to pass their defence. The ball was poked out to Hendy whose shot from the edge of the box flew away from the target. Photo: Edward Payne The last action of the half saw Millen again advance before unleashing a relatively tame effort that Annie Hickey was able to collect. The first half came to an end with Borough just ahead, but good value for their lead. St Albans came out refreshed and invigorated and tested Ray early from distance with a free kick. Ray passed that test with flying colours but two minutes later she was unable to stop Shephard from levelling after a looping shot was placed expertly beyond her reach. Boro’ fans knew all about the talent of Shephard after her clutch of goals for the club last season, but this was one they would not celebrate. Again Boro’ grew into the half and Millen continued to pressurise Hickey, this time with a shot from outside the box which stung the ‘keeper’s hands initially, before claiming at the second attempt. St Albans considered themselves unlucky when Elsbeth Cunningham saw her effort come back off the post, amongst the collective sighs of relief from the Boro’ faithful. A Chloe Gunn yellow card was sandwiched between a good cut inside and shot from Hendy and an even better run and shot from Gooderham following a tidy pass from Sarah Payne. Gooderham had her shot perfectly placed, but Burke again got the all-important block. Gunn also saw her low effort from the resulting corner fly just wide, a trick that was repeated by Payne during time added on at the opposite post. As Gunn herself said, “Sometimes they go in – and sometimes they don’t!” In the end, 483 people were treated to an absolute delight of a football match, with both sides registering their first point of the season. Manager Dave Perry had mixed emotions at the final whistle, “I thought we played well, but I’m frustrated with the result. When we play football, we play good football, but we gave the ball away a little too much today for my liking.” St Albans XI: Hickey, Burke, Santangelo, Farrell, Paton, Cunningham, L Hancock, Avramova, Shephard, Godino, Georgieva Subs: Ford, Ward, Small, Nellis, Williams Goals : Shephard Booked: Shephard Stevenage XI: Ray, White, Southby, Gunn, Nebbitt, Bodily, Baker-Re, Gooderham, Millen, Hendy, Dempsey Subs: Clarke, Stubbs, Goodall, Payne Sub Not Used: O’Brien Goals: Hendy Booked: Gunn You can see Stevenage FCW in action in their first home game of the season as they do battle with Haringey Borough on Sunday 10th September. Keep your eye on the social media platforms for more details - @stevenagefcw. Visit Stevenage YouTube channel for more Stevenage FCW interviews, challenges and content, including match highlights, at https://www.youtube.com/@stevenagefcwomen1645 – don’t forget to like and subscribe! Follow St Albans City - @stalbanscityfc

Maren Mjelde and Ann-Katrin Berger's nerves of steel see Chelsea knock out UWCL title-holders Lyon in dramatic fashion Back Match Report UWCL: Chelsea v Lyon Maren Mjelde and Ann-Katrin Berger's nerves of steel see Chelsea knock out UWCL title-holders Lyon in dramatic fashion Chelsea FC 31 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Maren Mjelde and Ann-Katrin Berger were the heroes for Chelsea on a dramatic evening at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals as they knocked out holders Lyon after a penalty shoot-out. Vanessa Gilles and Sara Dabritz had put the French side 2-0 ahead (2-1 on aggregate) before Mjelde scored from the penalty spot eight minutes into stoppage time at the end of extra-time to level the scores after the two matches. Berger then saved two penalties during the shoot-out which Chelsea won 4-3 and saw the Blues progress to the semi-finals. Emma Hayes made two changes for the Blues from their defeat to Manchester City in the Women’s Super League at the weekend with Eve Perisset and Niamh Charles coming in for Sophie Ingle and Mjelde. Millie Bright missed out after getting injured in the first leg last week. Hayes lined her side up in a 4-4-2 formation, explaining after the match this is because she knew they could get them in the transition spaces, and that Lyon would kill them down the sides if they played 4-2-3-1. Lyon’s manager Sonia Bompastor made four changes from the first leg with Selma Bacha, Amel Majri, Danielle van de Donk and Signe Bruun coming into the starting eleven. They set up in a 4-3-3 formation. The visitors made a good start. In the 3rd minute, Delphine Cascarino saw her shot saved by Berger before Chelsea scrambled the ball clear. A minute later, a Magdalena Eriksson clearance went straight to Bruun but she put her shot over from 12 yards, and a couple of minutes later the Danish international put another opportunity over the crossbar. Chelsea’s first chance came in the 15th minute when Lauren James played a lovely through ball to Sam Kerr but her shot from the edge of the area was saved by Christiane Endler. Van der Donk had two efforts blocked in the 18th minute, and Gilles then headed corner wide a minute later for Lyon. The home sides next chance came in the 23rd minute when James twisted and turned in the penalty area before sending a shot towards goal from an angle that was tipped over by Endler. Kerr headed over from the resulting corner. A long ball found Kerr in the 27th minute who passed to Melanie Leupolz but her shot from just inside the area went over. Bruun had another opportunity for the visitors but her effort was saved by Berger on the half-hour mark. Chelsea had the final two chances of the first half. Gilles got to the ball just before Kerr and cleared a James cross in the 38th minute. James then dragged a shot from 20-yards wide a couple of minutes before half time. The home side had the first chances of the second half with Guro Reiten shotting straight at Endler in the 49th minute. Kerr then sent an effort from an angle over a minute later. A long ball from Gilles was headed wide by half time substitute Ada Hegerberg in the 62nd minute for Lyon. There was a long delay whilst Leupolz was treated with blood streaming from her nose before she was eventually replaced. Lyon took the lead in the 77th minute and levelled the scores on aggregate. A low cross from Lindsey Horan from the right-hand side was turned in at near post by Gilles. An effort from substitute Mjelde was blocked and cleared as Chelsea looked for goal that would surely put them through. As seven minutes of stoppage time were signalled, Hegerberg headed over the bar for the visitors. Lyon were finishing the match well and putting pressure on the hosts. There were no more goals though so with the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate, it went to extra-time. Horan saw an effort from 25-yards go wide in the second minute of the extra 30 for Lyon. Horan had the visitors next chance but her header was kept out by Berger before a quick Chelsea counter-attack that was stopped by van de Donk. Rain started to come down as Cuthbert controlled the ball 25-yards out and shot over in the 97th minute for the Blues. In the 102nd minute, Bacha shot wide following a corner for the French side. Lyon’s defence were forcing Chelsea backwards when they were in attacking positions. Lyon went ahead 2-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate in the 110th minute when Hegerberg’s cross from the right-hand side went across the penalty area and found Dabritz who finished low into the bottom corner of the net from 12-yards. In stoppage time of the second half of extra-time, a long free-kick into the penalty area from Chelsea eventually found James who went down with loud appeals for penalty waved away by the referee Ivana Martincic. Then there was a pause whilst VAR checked the incident and told Martincic to look at it again on the monitor. After a watching it again a few times, Martincic deemed Vicki Becho had fouled James and signalled for a penalty. The Lyon bench were not happy about it. Mjelde stepped up to take the spot kick but this was delayed futher by the referee telling players to move away from the penalty area as this would be the last kick of the game. The majority of the 15,111 supporters held their breath whilst Emma Hayes couldn’t watch as the Norwegian took the penalty and sent the ball high into the net to level the scores on aggregate. Photo: Chelsea FC A penalty shoot-out followed to decide who would make it through to the semi-finals. Berger saved Wendi Renard’s spot kick before Endler kept out James’. It was 3-3 going into the last of the first five penalties. Jess Carter scored for Chelsea before Berger saved Horan’s penalty to win the shoot-out 4-3 for the Blues and send them through to the final four and a meeting with Barcelona. Hayes admitted afterwards that she only watched the penalties because “Guro (Reiten) made me”. She then pointed out Chelsea had never won a penalty shoot-out before this one. When speaking to the media after the match, Hayes described the performance as “character building even if it was the ugliest.” She described Mjelde as “a Chelsea legend” and that “she has blue blood”. Hayes also noted it was impressive for her to take two pressure spot kicks so quickly after each other. She also praised Berger, saying she is the “best penalty saving goalkeeper I have ever worked with”, and Hayes also said she was “really confident going into the penalty shoot-out even if I didn’t look it”. When asked about injuries and fixture schedule at Chelsea, she commented that “I am ready to go”. Chelsea’s win sees them join Arsenal in the semi-finals, the first time two English sides have reached that stage since 2018. Hayes mentioned how brilliant it was Arsenal getting through, and “I am so happy for English football, both teams are through”. The Blues next match is in the WSL on Sunday evening away at Aston Villa. Line-ups Chelsea (4-4-2): Berger, Perisett (Mjelde 73’), Buchanan, Eriksson (c), Carter, Charles, Cuthbert (Fleming 111’), Leupolz (Ingle 71’), Reiten (Rytting Kaneryd 90’), James, Kerr Unused substitutes: Musovic, Orman, Abdullina, Cankovic Goal – Mjelde (pen) 120’+8 Booked - Ingle Lyon (4-3-3): Endler, Carpenter, Gilles, Renard (c), Bacha (Morroni 105’), Egurrola (Dabritz 56’), Horan, van de Donk (Marozsan 105’), Majri (Becho 73’), Cascarino (Malard 97’), Brunn (Hegerberg 45’) Unused substitutes: Belhadj, Bosse, Le Sommer, Sombath, Cayman, Benyahia Goals – Gilles 77’, Dabritz 110’ Booked - van de Donk, Marozsan Referee – Ivana Martincic (Croatia) Attendance – 15,111

A Yui Hasegawa wonder goal was the difference on low quality evening as Spurs bow out of the Conti Cup Back Match Report Hasegawa rocket sends Man City to the semi's A Yui Hasegawa wonder goal was the difference on low quality evening as Spurs bow out of the Conti Cup Spurs Women 8 February 2024 By Finley Chung A stunning first half strike from Yui Hasgawa proved the difference on a low quality evening in E10 as Manchester City progressed to the Conti Cup Semi Finals. This was the second time the two sides had faced each other in their last three games, with Robert Vilahamn making two changes to his side after the draw at Liverpool on Sunday, with Shuang Wang coming in for her first Spurs start, and Kit Graham, fresh from extending her Spurs contract also in, for Olga Ahtinen and Beth England. Man City boss Gareth Taylor also made two changes to the side from the weekend, with Jess Park and former Spurs defender, Alanna Kennedy coming into the side, at the expense of Layura Coombes, who dropped to the bench and Kerstin Casparij, who didn’t make the match day 18. City got the game underway and made a really strong start, Bunny Shaw, who scored against Spurs two games ago had the first chance of the 90, seeing her effort blocked wide by Molly Bartrip, with the resulting set piece coming to northing and Spurs able to clear. Spurs made their first foray forward when Shuang Wang burst forward after picking up a loose ball and threaded through Martha Thomas, but the Scott lost her footing and couldn’t get an effort away. Lauren Hemp was getting a lot o joy against Amanda Nilden, this time whipping a ball in towards Shaw, but the forward was unable to get onto the end of the cross and it drifted wide. Chloe Kelly, who was operating off the left in the first half an hour, had the first City effort on target, drilling a low effort at Barbora Votikova but the Czech international was able to keep to out. You Hasegawa then placed one wide of Votikova’s left hand post as City looked to up the ante. City opened the scoring with an absolute stunner on the 33rd minute, after winning a corner, Filippa Angeldahl pulled the ball back to You Hasegawa who fired in an absolutely unstoppable effort that flew past Barbora Votikova for her first of the season and give City the lead. The goal was rather out of keeping with the night itself, with the patterns of play up to that point rather scrappy. City showed they could turn it on at any point however, with Kelly’s blocked effort falling back to her, but her second effort was well saved by Votikova. The final action of the half saw Molly Bartrip defend well from Bunny Shaw after Hemp stood up a cross to the back post which is usually the Jamaican’s bread and butter, which saw out the half with Spurs a goal behind. HT - Spurs 0-1 Man City Vilahamn rolled the dice at half time for Spurs, bringing on Bethany England for Shuang Wuang. Vociferous appeals for a handball were waved away by the officials as Charli Grant’s in swinging cross appeared to be blocked by Alex Greenwood’s arm, but the appeals fell on deaf ears. Another roll of the Spurs dice saw Jessica Naz replace Celin Bizet for a speed injection down the Spurs wings. Spurs’ pressing won them a corner from which they had their first effort of the game, Amy James-Turner getting up but lacked any real conviction in her goanward header and it trickled into the arms of Khiara Keating in the City goal. Martha Thomas was then replaced by Matilda Vinberg as Vilahamn went all out, throwing everything at it to try and stay in the competition as we entered the last half hour. Bunny Shaw then had a massive chance to put the game to bed, putting a header wide of the post, which was followed toy two City changes, one of them being herself, replaced by Mary Fowler and Jess Park was replaced by Laura Coombes. Fowler then almost made the instant impact, chesting down a cross and firing the resulting volley over Votikova’s cross bar. Grace Clinton was then withdrawn in place of Rosella Ayane with fifteen minutes remaining. Fowler then went close with another chance, driving forward and lashing an effort towards Votikova in the Spurs goal but the stopper was equal to it with a stunning reflex save. Manchester City saw the two minutes of added time well to progress through to the Cionti Cup Semi Finals and ensure an aggregate score of 10-0 across the whole season against Spurs. FT - Spurs 0-1 Manchester City Yui Hasegawa 34’

Birmingham fire back at Arsenal in rousing second half before the Gunners seal the deal with a 4-2 win Back Match Report WSL: Arsenal v Birmingham City Birmingham fire back at Arsenal in rousing second half before the Gunners seal the deal with a 4-2 win Olivia Cantwell 7 March 2022 By Josh Bunting Arsenal moved eight points clear at the top of the Women's Super League with a 4-2 home win over bottom side Birmingham City at Meadow Park. Rafaelle netted her first Arsenal goal while Vivianne Miedema created history becoming the first player to claim 100 WSL goal contributions, while Beth Mead scored her 50th Arsenal goal and Caitlin Foord wrapped the three points up. Jonas Eidevall’s side started on top with Katie McCabe getting on the end of a quick pass from Miedema, but former Gunners defender and McCabe’s Irish teammate Louise Quinn came across to make a strong tackle. On seven minutes the Gunners had another good opening when Miedema met a corner ,but her shot was blocked ,however it bounced out for Leah Williamson who volleyed over the top of the bar. On 14 minutes Arsenal went inches away from taking the lead, as Laura Wienroither came close to opening her account for the club when her powerful effort took a wicked defection off Harriet Scott and hit the post before going out for a corner. From the corner Arsenal had the ball in the net, as Steph Catley whipped a delightful ball into the unmarked Rafaelle and she headed the ball down into the ground before it sailed beyond Marie Hourihan. McCabe then had a good opportunity on 23 minutes from a free-kick just outside the penalty area in a central position, but her powerful strike was deflected off Scott and away. Miedema then had her history making goal ,as she was played in on goal by Kim Little before her initial shot was blocked however , the ball bounced back into her path and she scuffed her effort into the net for her 100th WSL goal involvement. Arsenal could have had their third on the stroke of the break when Lia Walti played a fantastic reverse ball into Stina Blackstenius, but before she could shoot Hourihan was out quickly to claim the loose ball. Arsenal who were in total control of the game came out quicker in the second half, and could have had their third when Mead played a square pass for Little ,who drilled her effort just over the top of the bar. Northern Ireland international Rebecca Holloway then found herself in the book in the 59th minute when she allowed frustration to get the better of her pushing Wienroither over. Eidevall then thought it was time to make a change when he brought off Blackstenius to be replaced by Caitlin Foord on the hour mark. The home side came close to making it 3-0 when Foord won a corner after her strike hit Scott and went behind , before from the resulting set-piece Miedema headed the ball back to Rafaelle who flicked her effort just wide. Eidevall’s troops did make it 3-0 on 71 minutes when Catley did well down the left after being surrounded by two Birmingham players, but she still managed to squeeze the ball into the path of Mead who slotted the ball across the face of goal and into the far corner for her 50th Gunners goal. Minutes later Arsenal made a triple change when Tobin Heath , Mana Iwabuchi and Frida Maanum came on for Catley , Miedema and Little. Birmingham did pull a goal back when Wienroither brought down Lucy Quinn allowing the Blues to pump the ball into the box , Gemma Lawley got on the end of the ball and crossed for Libby Smith to score her second goal against the Gunners this season. Birmingham made sure the Gunners were in for a nervy finish ,as Wienroither played a careless throw in for Rafaelle who could only clear against Lucy Quinn ,allowing the Birmingham midfielder in on goal to lift the ball over Manuela Zinsberger and into the net for 3-2 with less than 10 minutes to go. Arsenal did manage to slow the game down and retake control for the final few minutes ,and did manage to get their fourth when Walti played an excellent ball over the top for Foord who thumped her strike into the bottom corner to wrap up the three points. In Injury time Arsenal made their final change of the game as Jordan Nobbs came on for her 250th Arsenal appearance replacing Mead. Teams Arsenal: Zinsberger, Wienroither, Williamson, Rafaelle, Catley (Heath 72), Little (Iwabuchi 72), Miedema (Maanum 72), Walti , Mead (Nobbs 90), Blackstenius (Foord 60), McCabe. Substitutes not used: Williams , Beattie , Maritz, Wubben-Moy. Birmingham City: Hourihan, Lawley , Quinn, Scott, Finn, Murray, Sarri, Holloway , Whelen (Ryan-Doyle 75), Smith , Quinn. Substitutes not used: Jones , Cowie , Cole, Jenner, Timms

Bethany England sores as Spurs clinch a 4-1 win over struggling Reading Back Match Report WSL: Tottenham Hotspur v Reading Bethany England sores as Spurs clinch a 4-1 win over struggling Reading Tottenham Hotspur FCW 21 May 2023 By Finley Chung Two goals from Bethany England and one apiece from Celin Bizet and Kit Graham saw Spurs ease past Reading by a margin of four goals to one. This result all but relegates the Royals, who will be confirmed relegated if Leicester beat West Ham tomorrow. For Spurs, infront of their own fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, will be pleased to have put on such a clinical attacking display. Vicky Jepson made four changes to the side that was defeated by Manchester United with Tinja Rikka Korpella, Shelina Zadorsky, Kit Graham and Jess Naz dropping out and Becky Spencer, Ashleigh Neville, Rosella Ayane and Evelina Summanen all coming into the starting XI. Kelly Chambers also made four changes to her Royals side, with Jade Moore, Emma Harries and Diane Caldwell all dropping to the bench and Rachel Rowe dropping out altogether, in favour of Gemma Evans, Lauren Wade, Tia Primmer and Deanna Cooper who came into the side. With the sun beating down on N17, Bethany England gets the game underway for Spurs with the hoist immediately on the front foot as Rosella Ayane stormed down the left wing but couldn’t pick out a white shirt with her cross. The winger was again causing problems for Reading straight after again darting down the left channel and fizzing the ball across with Beth England just inches away from connecting and turning the ball goal wards. The Moroccan international was certainly having the better of it up against the Reading defence and after clever work from Drew Spence down the left side again, which Spurs have clearly identified as a Royals weakness, Ayane’s low effort was well held by Grace Moloney in the Reading goal. The Royals then had their first foray forward with an in swinging corner found Sanne Troelsgaaard at the back post, but her header was blocked behind by Spurs. The visitors won corner after corner in quick succession but failed to really make any of them count with a couple of blocks thrown in by Spurs defenders. A lengthy break in play followed as Evelina Summanen sustained an injury and required treatment but the Finn was able to continue. It seemed as if that break in play galvanised Spurs as they sped forward, worked the ball out to Molly Bartrip following a corner and floated the ball into the far post and in stormed Bethany England to power the ball home at the far post past Moloney to give Spurs the lead on the 29th minute, her ninth WSL goal in 11 matches for Spurs. Gemma Evans was proving a real colossus at the back for Reading, nipping in at just the right time to steer a cutback away from Celin Bizet and then putting in a crunching tackle on the winger moments later as she looked to advance further upfield. The Norwegian winger soon had the last laugh though as we ticked onto the 41st minute, she raced onto a crisp through ball, took a couple of touches and slotted it neatly past the Reading keeper Moloney and give Spurs a two goal cushion. Half Time - Spurs 2-0 Reading At half time, Reading made two changes bringing on Emma Harries and Jade Moore, for Sanne Troelsgaaard and Lauren Wade. Vicky Jepson also rolled her dice, as Kit Graham was brought on to replace Evelina Summanen in the middle. Spurs started the second half like they did the first, trying to force Reading back and progress forwards, going close on one occasion when a snapshot from the edge of the box was blocked wide. From a set piece again Molly Bartrip picked the ball up from the wide area and flighted a really good ball towards Celin Bizet, who just couldn’t reach the ball. On the hour, Deanne Rose made her long awaited return from injury after nine months out, replacing Tia Primmer. Spurs weren’t in the mood for sentiment though, with Bethany England latching onto a defensive mistake, rounding Grace Moloney and curling the ball into an unguarded net to give Spurs a three goal lead. Two more substitutions followed the goal, one for each side with Faye Bryson replacing Easther Mayi Kith for Reading, and Rosella Ayane replaced by Jess Naz for Spurs. Ayane received a standing ovation from the Spurs faithful as she departed the pitch, having forced the issue for Spurs all game and being a constant threat to Reading’s backline. Spurs grabbed their fourth of the game with fifteen minutes to go, as Kit Graham chased down a long clearance and cooly slot the ball past Moloney to wrap the points up for Vicky Jepson’s side. Reading did get theirselves onto the scoresheet with just over ten minutes to go, Justine Vanhaevermaet tapping the ball home at the far post from a deep cross the get the Royals on the board. Spurs used the break after the goal to make two more changes, with Mana Iwabuchi and Ria Percival entering the fray in place of Drew Spence and Celin Bizet. With five minutes to go, Bethany England was withdrawn and replaced by Nikola Karczewska, with the English International’s two goals, taking her WSL tally up to ten for Spurs in just eleven matches. Spurs were able to see out the remaining minutes of the contest well and effectively secure their WSL safety for next season, whilst all but endings Reading status as a WSL side in the process. The hosts even went close to a fifth, but Mana Iwabuchi poked the ball just wide from inside the area. Full Time: Spurs 4-1 Reading Goals: Spurs: England 29’, 62’, Bizet, 41’, Graham 75’Reading: Vanhaevermaet 79’

Chelsea face defeat to Barcelona in the first of their semi-final legs in front of record crowd at Stamford Bridge Back Match Report UWCL: Chelsea v Barcelona Chelsea face defeat to Barcelona in the first of their semi-final legs in front of record crowd at Stamford Bridge Chelsea FC Women 22 April 2023 By Charlotte Stacey Caroline Graham Hansen netted beauty of a goal within the opening five minutes to put the visitors ahead. Drifting in from the right the Norway international carried the ball cross-pitch before shifting over to her left leg and ripping her shot straight past Ann-Katrin Berger. Whilst the early lead did not appear to rattle Chelsea all that much, it didn’t really ignite anything either and the Blues only managed to offer any type of attacking threat towards the middle of the first half. Guro Reiten did manage to hit the back of the net after controlling Sam Kerr’s headed flick on 25 minutes in, but her effort was flagged for a tight offside and Barcelona retained their lead. This spell between the middle and end parts of the first half was Chelsea’s best. The had Blues dropped little deeper than they usually would and organically switched between a back three to a five in order to absorb Barcelona’s threat as necessary. To balance this, Chelsea played more so on the counter. They found a fair bit of joy with the long-lobbed balls in transition which allowed Kerr and Reiten opportunity to take on defenders in equal numbers. Chelsea remained goalless at half-time and Emma Hayes took this as the opportune moment to bring on Lauren James in place of Jelena Cankovic, The idea behind the half time addition of James was likely that of introducing a physical running threat. A player who will cause panic when blistering along the length of the pitch whilst also offering off-the-ball distraction to support the movement of Kerr and Reiten. However, this change did not have the desired effect. Barcelona’s midfield trio had a measured grasp over the flows of the game and neutralised James for large parts of the second half. The English maverick was only afforded one clear-cut opening to unleash one of her dizzying runs that ended with nothing more than a booking to Barcelona’s Keira Walsh. Arguably James was brought on too soon. In the first half Cankovic had closely marked and made things awkward for Walsh meaning there was more weight on fellow midfielder Patri to exert control over the midfield. Yet Hayes’ choice to bring on James somewhat lessened these constraints and gave Barcelona a firmer dictation of play. Further to this, and indeed more worryingly, the Blues seemed to fall utterly flat in the second forty-five minutes. Gone were the inspired off-the-shoulder runs from Reiten, gone were the dogged challenges of Cuthbert, and Kerr seemed to disappear entirely. However, it wasn’t all bad for the Blues. Bar affording Graham Hansen - who was simply outstanding - far too much time and space on a several occasions, Chelsea dealt with Barcelona’s attacking play fairly well. Jess Carter and Magda Eriksson held firm and did well to manage Geyse, but it was Champions League talisman Maren Mjelde who really knuckled down and stamped out every looming threat that came her way. Chelsea won’t be wholly disappointed with their performance, after all a 1-0 first leg defeat means that on paper they are very much still in this tie. In reality however, facing a stacked and charged-up Barcelona side at Camp Nou is a fantastically tall order. Hard enough will it be to keep the Spanish Champions at bay in front of their home supporters without having to find the net themselves. This is the Champions League, so naturally, anything can happen and this tie is far from over yet. But a tough night does await Chelsea, a night in which even the magic of Maren Mjelde might not be enough to save them. Line-ups Chelsea: Berger (GK), Carter, Eriksson (C), Mjelde, Perisset (83’), Charles, Cuthbert (66’), Leupolz (81’), Cankovic (45’), Reiten (81’), Kerr Subs: Musovic (GK), Orman (GK), Ingle (66’), James (45’), Fleming (83’), Kaneryd (83’), Harder (81’), Abdullina Booked: Kerr, James Barcelona: Panos (GK) (C), Parades, Bronze (65’), Leon, Rolfo, Walsh (81’), Patri, Bonmati Graham Hansen (81’), Paralluelo (81’), Geyse (58’) Subs: Cata, Codina, Pina, Crnogorcevic (83’), Marta (65’), Mariona (58’), Bruna, Osholala (83’), Nuria, Engen (83’), Lopez Goals: Graham Hansen 4’ Booked: Mapi Leon, Walsh, Panos Attendance: 27, 697

The Pride add another three points to their tally in unbeaten start to season Back Match Report London City pick up another three points at home The Pride add another three points to their tally in unbeaten start to season Edward Payne 25 September 2024 By Paul Donegan London City Lionesses continued their unbeaten start to the Women’s Championship season with a 2-1 win over previously undefeated Bristol City on Sunday at Hayes Lane. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah opened the scoring for the Pride with an outrageous effort from around 50-yards in the 16th minute before Sofia Jakobsson, on her debut, doubled their lead five minutes later. Amalie Thestrup scored the Robins consolation goal around the mid-point of the second half. Bristol City made a good start in Stephen Kirby’s first match in charge with Lexi Lloyd-Smith putting in a good cross into area that was cleared by the hosts defence in the 6th minute. A nice attacking move from the visitors finished with Amy Rodgers having a shot blocked two minutes later. In the 15th minute the Robins had another chance when a great ball forward from Emily Syme found Jamie-Lee Napier but her low shot went across face of goal and just wide. A minute later Boye-Hlorkah gave London City the lead in the most spectacular way with a lob from the edge of the centre circle that flew over Bentley and into the net. In the 20th minute, a corner from the home side hit Boye-Hlorkah and went straight into the goalkeepers hands. Swedish internationals linked up to double the Prides lead a minute later when Kosovare Asllani’s pass found Jakobsson and she found the net with a curling shot from 12-yards. Jakobasson had to go off injured five minutes later and was replaced by Isobel Goodwin. Bristol City got on top after that though both sides were miss placing passes. Two minutes before half time, the home side went close to scoring a third but Goodwin saw her strike hit the outside of the post. The visitors had the ball in the net during first half stoppage time but the whistle had long gone for an offence spotted by the referee. Neither side had any chances during the first 20 minutes of the second half with the final ball lacking on occasions for both the Pride and Robins. Bristol City thought they had got a goal back with the first opportunity after the break in the 65th minute when after Abi Harrison had been denied by Emily Orman, Syme put the rebound in the net but the flag was up for offside. Photo: Edward Payne Three minutes they did make it 2-1 when Thestrup got on the end of Lloyd Smith’s deflected cross to score for the Robins from close range. Asllani headed over for the hosts in the 73rd minute after some good build up down the right side of the pitch. Cerys Brown made a good tackle during stoppage time to stop an attack from the visitors then Georgia Brougham made a clearance from a cross as the hosts defence stood strong before the referee blew the final whistle. Line ups London City Lionesses (3-4-1-2): Orman, Goldie, Brougham, Henson, Wilde (Neville 79’), Meyong, Roddar (Scofield 79’), Mukandi (Brown 79’), Asllani (c), Boye-Hlorkah, Jakobsson (Goodwin 26’ (Fitzgerald 67’)) Unused substitutes: Moloney, Marashi Goals – Boye-Hlorkah 16’, Jakobsson 21’ Booked - Orman Bristol City (4-2-3-1): Bentley, Bull (Ward 65’), Bennett, Struck (Humphries 72’), Powell (Bance 90’+1), Syme, Rodgers, Lloyd-Smith, Harrison (Morgan 65’), Napier (c), Thestrup Unused substitutes: Burns, Earl, Woolley, Teisar, Pearce Goal – Thestrup 68’ Booked - Napier Referee – Ella Broad

Stina Blackstenius steals the show as Arsenal sail through to the Conti Cup Final Back Match Report First half hat-trick for Blackstenius sees the Gunners fly Stina Blackstenius steals the show as Arsenal sail through to the Conti Cup Final Arsenal WFC 10 March 2024 By Paul Donegan A first half Stina Blackstenius hat-trick helped holders Arsenal reach the 2024 FA Women’s League Cup (Conti Cup) final as they comfortably beat Aston Villa 4-0 in the semi-final on Wednesday evening at Meadow Park. Frida Maanum scored the Gunners other goal, and they had chances to win by more including Katie McCabe hitting the crossbar. Arsenal’s first opportunity came within the first minute when Blackstenius’ cross found Alessia Russo but she couldn’t direct the ball towards goal at the far post. After some nice play down the right-hand side, Blackstenius gave the Gunners the lead in the 9th minute with a thumping finish from inside the area. They doubled their lead two minutes later when Beth Mead’s cross was headed back and Blackstenius finished from close-range this time. The home side looked threatening every time they attacked with Maanum’s dangerous low cross being cleared behind for a corner. The visitors first opportunity came in the 17th minute but a cross to the far post was but wide by Alisha Lehmann. A minute later, Arsenal made it 3-0 when Mead passed to Maanum who hit a fabulous shot first time from just outside the area. A Steph Catley free kick from near the touchline was kept out by Villa’s goalkeeper Anna Leat two minutes later after nobody in the area could get a touch on it. McCabe’s free kick from 25-yards hit the crossbar and bounced behind as the hosts went close to scoring a fourth in the 23rd minute. The visitors had a rare attack in the 33rd minute but this was cleared behind for a corner by Leah Williamson. Another Villans cross was cleared from danger by McCabe. Blackstenius completed a first half hat-trick in the 39th minute after another free kick caused confusion in the Villa box and she headed in Lotte Wubben-Moy’s hooked ball back to her. Three minutes into the second half, Maanum thought she had made it 5-0 when she put the ball into the net from close range but the assistant referee had their flag up for offside. Catley shot over from the edge of the area in the 51st minute, then Maanum sent a shot straight at Leat a minute later as Arsenal looked to increase their lead further. A combination of Wubben-Moy and Williamson defended well to stop an Ebony Salmon attack, but Arsenal went straight up the other end with Blackstenius poking the ball over. Mead curled a shot wide for the Gunners in the 61st minute, maybe via a deflection, but a goal kick was given by referee Paul Howard. Wubben-Moy, who is having a very impressive season, made another block to stop Salmon in the 63rd minute. From the corner, Rachel Corsie headed into the side netting, which was about as close as the visitors came to scoring all night. Maanum’s long-range shot was saved for the hosts, then Kyra Cooney-Cross sent an effort over from 30-yards. Former Arsenal player Jordan Nobbs’ shot from 30-yards was easily saved by Manuela Zinsberger in the 72nd minute. Caitlin Foord cut in the 80th minute but her effort was deflected away by the Villans defence. Victoria Pelova then saw a shot deflected behind shortly after coming onto the pitch as a substitute for the home side. Blackstenius was played in five minutes from the end of the match but this time fired over. Pelova shot over after being played in by Foord. These turned out to be the final chances as Arsenal progressed to the final in Wolverhampton on Sunday 31st March where they will look to win the Conti Cup for the seventh time. When speaking to the media after the match, Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall said it was important they used their whole squad with all the players having played a lot recently both domestically and internationally. “It was important to put a lot of trust in the squad” he continued and pointed out you get different things from different players in a position on the pitch. Eidevall mentioned that the men’s win and performance on Monday against Sheffield United “inspired a lot of our players today” and “it is a nice thing to have a one club mentality and being able to take inspiration.” He praised the Gunners fans saying they “consistently keep the standards high, turn up away and at home and I am so happy for our fans as well, and we can create something special again, travel in numbers and make Molineux our home for the day.” Eidevall admitted he is a lucky coach with “so much talent to choose from”. He added Arsenal want to compete in every competition they are in and “happy to be in the final” . He thinks the final will be an even game and who hits their performance level on the day will be victorious. Line ups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, McCabe, Williamson (c) (Codina 63’), Wubben-Moy, Catley, Cooney-Cross, Walti (Pelova 80’), Mead (Foord 63’), Maanum (Lia 90’), Russo (Little 80’), Blackstenius Unused substitutes: Williams, Earl, Bouhaddi Goals – Blackstenius 9’, 11’, 39’, Maanum 18’ Aston Villa (4-3-3): Leat, Mayling, Turner, Patten, Pacheco, Nobbs, Corsie (c), Dali (Mullett 84’), Lehmann (Magill 46’), Daly, Hanson (Salmon 44’) Unused substitutes: Poor, MacPhail, Slaway Booked - Corsie Referee – Paul Howard Attendance - 3,507

Quick guide to the teams in Group C Euro's Information and News Get to know: Group C Girls on the Ball By Paul Donegan 7 July 2022 Netherlands The Netherlands are the defending champions having won it on home soil in 2017, beating Denmark 4-2 in the final. They qualified by finishing top of their group and winning all 10 games. This will be their third appearance in the finals. FIFA Ranking – 4th Manager – Mark Parsons Squad 1. Sari van Veenendaal (PSV) 2. Aniek Nouwen (Chelsea) 3. Stefanie van der Gragt (Ajax) 4. Merel van Dongen (Atletico Madrid) 5. Lynn Wilms (VfL Wolfsburg) 6. Jill Roord (VfL Wolfsburg) 7. Lineth Beerensteyn (Bayern Munich) 8. Sherida Spitse (Ajax) 9. Vivianne Miedama (Arsenal) 10. Danielle van de Donk (Lyon) 11. Lieke Martens (Paris Saint-Germain) 12. Victoria Pelova (Ajax) 13. Renate Jansen (FC Twente) 14. Jackie Groenen (Manchester United) 15. Caitlin Dijkstra (FC Twente) 16. Daphne van Domselaar (FC Twente) 17. Romee Leuchter (Ajax) 18. Kerstin Casparij (FC Twente) 19. Marisa Olislagers (FC Twente) 20. Dominique Janssen (VfL Wolfsburg) 21. Damaris Egurrola (Lyon) 22. Esmee Brugts (PSV) 23. Barbara Lorsheyd (ADO Den Haag) Sweden This will be Sweden’s 11th appearance in the finals. They won the first Euros in 1984 and have finished runners-up three times since then. They won their qualifying group with seven wins and a draw from their eight games. The 2020 Olympic silver medallist have both the oldest goalkeeper and outfield player in the Euro’s in their squad (Hedvig Lindahl and Caroline Seger). FIFA Ranking – 2nd Manager – Peter Gerhardsson Squad 1. Hedvig Lindahl (Atletico Madrid) 2. Jonna Andersson (Chelsea) 3. Linda Sembrant (Juventus) 4. Hanna Glas (Bayern Munich) 5. Amanda Niden (Juventus) 6. Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea) 7. Emma Kullberg (Brighton & Hove Albion) 8. Lina Hurtig (Juventus) 9. Kosovare Asllani (Milan) 10. Sofia Jakobsson (San Diego Wave FC) 11. Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal) 12. Jennifer Falk (BK Hacken) 13. Amanda Ilestedt (Paris Saint-Germain) 14. Nathalie Bjorn (Everton) 15. Rebecka Blomqvist (VfL Wolfsburg) 16. Filippa Angeldahl (Manchester City) 17. Caroline Seger (Rosengard) 18. Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona) 19. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (BK Hacken) 20. Hanna Bennison (Everton) 21. Zecira Musovic (Chelsea) 22. Olivia Schough (Rosengard) 23. Elin Rubensson (BK Hacken) Switzerland Switzerland reached the finals with a 3-2 penalty-shoot out win over Czech Republic after their play-off game had finished 2-2 on aggregate. Their only other appearance in the finals was in 2017 when they went out in the group stage. Manager Nils Nielsen lead Denmark to the final of the Euros in 2017. FIFA Ranking – 20th Manager – Nils Nielsen Squad 1. Gaelle Thalmann (Real Betis) 2. Julia Stierli (FC Zurich) 3. Lara Marti (Bayer Leverkusen) 4. Rachel Rinast (1. FC Koln) 5. Noelle Maritz (Arsenal) 6. Geraldine Reuteler (Eintracht Frankfurt) 7. Riola Xhemaili (SC Freiburg) 8. Sandy Maendly (Servette FCCF) 9. Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic (Barcelona) 10. Ramona Bachmann (Paris Saint-Germain) 11. Coumba Sow (Paris FC) 12. Livia Peng (FC Zurich) 13. Lia Walti (Arsenal) 14. Rahel Kiwic (FC Zurich) 15. Luana Buhler (1899 Hoffenheim) 16. Sandrine Mauron (Eintracht Frankfurt) 17. Svenja Folmli (SC Frieburg) 18. Viola Calligaris (Levante) 19. Eseosa Aigbogun (Paris FC) 20. Fabienne Humm (FC Zurich) 21. Seraina Friedli (FC Aarau) 22. Nadine Riesen (FC Zurich) 23. Meriame Terchoun (FC Zurich) Portugal Late replacements for Russia after they were banned. Portugal finished as runners-up in Group E to Finland in qualifying before losing 1-0 on aggregate to Russia in the play-offs. This is going to be their second appearance in the finals having also qualified in 2017 when they went out in the group stage. FIFA Ranking – 30th Manager – Francisco Neto Squad 1. Ines Pereira (Servette FCCF) 2. Catarina Amado (Benfica) 3. Alicia Correia (Sporting CP) 4. Silvia Rebelo (Benfica) 5. Joana Marchao (Sporting CP) 6. Andreia Jacinto (Sporting CP) 7. Vanessa Marques (Braga) 8. Andreia Norton (Braga) 9. Ana Borges (Sporting CP) 10. Jessica Silva (Benfica) 11. Tatiana Pinto (Levante) 12. Patricia Morais (Braga) 13. Fatima Pinto (Sporting CP) 14. Dolores Silva (Braga) 15. Carole Costa (Benfica) 16. Diana Silva (Sporting CP) 17. Lucia Alves (Benfica) 18. Carolina Mendes (Braga) 19. Diana Gomes (Braga) 20. Francisca Nazareth (Benfica) 21. Andreia Faria (Benfica) 22. Rute Costa (Famalicao) 23. Telma Encarnacao (Maritimo)

Alessia Russo's effort lights up another sold out Emirates Back Match Report Russo brings Derby Delight to Arsenal as they sink Spurs Alessia Russo's effort lights up another sold out Emirates Ryan Asman 3 March 2024 By Finley Chung Another 60,000 plus crowd descended on the Emirates Stadium as the only goal of the game was scored three minutes after half time, with Alessia Russo’s sixth in the league this term giving The Gunners derby delight in N5. The hosts made two changes to their team from the win over Man United, with Alessia Russo coming in to the lineup to replace Stina Blackstenius and Manu Zinsberger replaced the absent Sabrina D’Angelo in goal. Spurs boss, Robert Vilahamn made three changes to his side. Jess Naz replaced Bethany England, Kit Graham was dropped to the bench in place of Olga Ahitnen and there was also a change in goal, with Becky Spencer coming in for Barbora Votikova. A sun soaked Emirates Stadium on a crisp March morning as Spurs got us underway. The visitors were forced back early on as Molly Bartrip, Spurs’ captain for the day had to be well placed to block an early effort from Beth Mead. The Gunners clearly weren’t messing around and had a golden chance to lead after just four minutes. A corner from the right missed everybody and floated all the way o the back post and the awaiting Alessia Russo, who could only prod her effort over the bar with the back post area gaping. Lotte Wubben Moy was then expertly well placed to cut out a threatening through pass, aimed for Martha Thomas. Steph Catley took a flurry of early corner for the hosts, with every single one being right in the danger area and forcing drastic Spurs action at the back, with Evelina Summanen clearing the latest one from the waiting Laia Codina. Spurts’ game plan, much like the victory in December was clear, to sit in and frustrate. They worked some tidy passing out to Celin Bizet who’s pullback evaded all in Lillywhite and Arsenal were able to clear. Spurs had their first real chance just after quarter of an hour, Martha Thomas breaking in down the left, cutting inside Wubben Moy and firing a left footed effort into the gloves of Manuela Zinsberger. Spurs captain, Bartrip was superbly placed again to thwart a Beth Mead effort after the Arsenal Number 9 cut back inside onto her left. The visitors displayed their counter attacking prowess hey again as this time Jess Naz cut inside and sent a dipping effort goanward which Manu Zinsberger superbly tipped onto the crossbar, with the resulting corner coming to nothing and Arsenal able to clear. Spurs were once again defending resolutely and Jamaican international, Becky Spencer was commanding her defence well on set pieces and coming out to claim balls into her area on a frequent basis. The visitors were somehow able to get another body in the way again, this time when Catley stood up a cross to the back post, with the ball eventually worked back out towards Victoria Pelova who’s curling efforts was an easy hold for Spencer. The referee seemed to blow the whistle for the half time break just as an Arsenal counter seemed to die down, with the visitors easily the happier side at the break. Half Time - Arsenal 0-0 Spurs Arsenal flew out the blocks at the start of the second half, with Katie McCabe whizzing a deflected effort offside before the resulting corner was scooped out of play by Beth Mead. Arsenal did get their goal only three minutes after half time, when Beth Mead superbly took down a long raking ball, despite potentially being marginally offside, before plating it across to the waiting Alessia Russo who gratefully tapped into an empty net to give Arsenal the dream second half start. Mead whipped in another teasing cross from the right which just evaded McCabe coming in at the back stick, before Robert Vilahamn Mae a triple change, bringing on Olga Ahitnen, Ramona Petzelberger and Drew Spence, for Ashleigh Neville, Jess Naz and Kit Graham. Lotte Wubben Moy then became the first name in the referees notebook as she was shown a yellow card following a chopping challenge on Drew Spence. With twenty minutes to go, Bethany England was introduced in place of Martha Thomas as Spurs’ fourth change of the game. Three Arsenal changes soon followed, with Stina Blackstenius, Kyra Cooney Cross and the biggest cheer of all, the returning Leah Williamson replaced Alessia Russo, Laia Codina and Victoria Pelova, with the cheer for the returning Williamson, probably louder than the one that greeted Russo’s opener. Vilahamn’s fifth and final roll; off the dice saw Matilda Vinberg introduced for Celin Bizet as we approached the final ten minutes. Beth Mead sent a stinging free kick straight into the arms of Becky Spencer in goal, with Katie McCabe booked after for delaying the restart. Spurs get themselves into a bit of a mess trying to play the ball out, with Bartrip having to be on hand to cut out a Blackstenius cutback into the danger area. Evelina Summanen and Drew Spence were both booked in quick succession for Spurs. Jonas Eidevall then introduced Frida Maanum in place of Caitlin Foord as we ticked towards added time. The announcement of seven added minutes was greeted with despair from the home supporters, but belief from the travelling Spurs fans who saw to as enough time to try and nick something. Spurs wre pushing hard and Arsenal stood firm to somehow smuggle a pullback away from the onrushing Amy James Turner. Spurs huffed and puffed but couldn’t quite force their way through as Arsenal clung on to a precious three points, keeping them within three of leaders, Man City. FT - Arsenal 1-0 Spurs Arsenal - Russo 49’

Chelsea put three past the Toffees in controversial clash Back Match Report Two pens and a red in Kingsmeadow Chelsea put three past the Toffees in controversial clash Ryan Asman 7 February 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea returned to the top of the Women’s Super League with a 3-0 win over Everton at Kingsmeadow on Sunday evening. Manchester City had overtaken them after their 2-0 win against Leicester earlier on Sunday but two Guro Reiten spot kicks and an Erin Cuthbert goal saw Chelsea go back three points clear at the summit. Mayra Ramirez, who was making her first start for the home side after recently joining, had their first opportunity in the 6 th minute but got crowded out by Everton defenders before she could get a shot away. Cuthbert then saw an effort from the edge of the area go over following the resulting corner. Jess Carter made a good tackle to clear after the Toffees Heather Payne had played in Rikke Madsen in the 7 th minute. At the other end, Niamh Charles saw an effort blocked three minutes later. The hosts came close to taking the lead in the 21 st minute when a cross across goal found Reiten whose shot was saved by Courtney Brosnan before the ball was cleared off the line. Two minutes later they came even closer to going ahead but Reiten’s inswinging corner was tipped onto the crossbar by Brosnan before being cleared. In the 26 th minute, Chelsea were awarded a penalty when referee Emily Heaslip deemed Clare Wheeler had fouled Johanna Rytting Kaneryd as the Toffees midfielder was clearing the ball. Reiten sent the penalty low into the corner of the net to give the hosts the lead. The visitors best chance of the match came in the 31 st minute but Aurora Galli put her effort high and wide at the far post. The home side had the final chance of the half when James’ cross found Reiten but she glanced her header wide. Melanie Leupolz had the hosts first chance of the second half in the 53 rd minute but her effort from the edge of the area went over the crossbar and out of the ground. Lauren James took the ball past the Everton goalkeeper but her cross was put behind for a corner. Chelsea had two good chances to increase their lead within a minute of each other as the match reached the hour mark. First, after Ramirez had run down the right side, her cross was put over by Rytting Kaneryd from close range. Then James was played in but dragged her shot wide. The home side were awarded their second penalty of the evening in the 71 st minute when Heaslip adjudged that Ramirez had been fouled in the area by Wheeler after the Colombian had made another run down the right side. Reiten stepped up again to send the ball low past Brosnan and make it 2-0. Everton manager Brian Sorensen was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for comments made to the referee as his side were making some substitutions and was sent from the dugout with about ten minutes remaining. One of the home sides substitutes, Mia Fishel, saw an effort cleared off the line in the 82 nd minute. Chelsea made it 3-0 a minute later when after some nice one-touch build up play, Cuthbert finished into the bottom corner from inside the area. Aggie Beever-Jones and Fishel had chances to extend the hosts lead further but there were no more goals before the final whistle was blown. When speaking to the media afterwards, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes felt they were a “ little impatient in the first half” and they “were eager to create chances and wanted to win early” . She continued that “they didn’t do well enough” against Everton’s defence in the first half. Hayes remarked in the second half they were “much better with patience and switches etc ” and “ players who came off the bench made an impact”. Everton assistant manager Stephen Neligan spoke to the press after the match and felt the Toffees were “for large parts of the first half very competitive and for the first 15/20 minutes of the second half we held our own”. He added there were lots of things they were happy about and the performance they put it. He felt there was minimal contact for Chelsea’s second penalty. Chelsea’s next WSL match is on Friday 16 th February when they welcome their closest challengers in the league, Manchester City, to Kingsmeadow. Everton, who dropped a place to 10 th , are at home to West Ham United on the 18 th February, who are now a place above them on the same number of points. Before that both sides are in cup action with the Chelsea taking on Sunderland in the Conti Cup then Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, both at home, whilst Everton visit Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday. Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Lawrence, Carter, Bjorn, Charles, Cuthbert (Cankovic 89’), Leupolz, Rytting Kaneryd (Kirby 68’), James (Nusken 78’), Reiten (Beever-Jones 79’), Ramirez (Fishel 79’) Unused Substitutes: Musovic, Ingle, Perisset, Buchanan Goals – Reiten 27’ (pen), 72’ (pen), Cuthbert 83’ Booked – James Everton (3-4-3): Brosnan, Vanhaevermaet, Finnigan, Stenevik, Bennison, Wheeler (Olesen 78’), Kuhl, Galli, Payne (Hope 79’), Piemonte, Madsen (Bissell 58’) Unused substitutes: Hart, Dale, Snoeijs, Wilding Booked – Wheeler, Brosnan Referee – Emily Heaslip

We caught up with women's football broadcaster, podcaster and author Flo Lloyd-Hughes to chat about her exciting new book, and of course, all things Lionesses Catching up with Flo Lloyd-Hughes, author of The Rise of the Lionesses Monday, 22 May 2023 By Finley Chung We caught up with women's football broadcaster, podcaster and author Flo Lloyd-Hughes to chat about her exciting new book, and of course, all things Lionesses On Her Side “It’s a really, really cool feeling” said Flo Lloyd Hughes, renowned women’s football writer, podcaster and now author, as she spoke to On Her Side about the release of her new book, The Rise of the Lionesses. The book in question is Flo’s first foray into being a published author, looking at the past, present and future of Women’s Football in England. “I’d seen a lot of digital versions of what it would look like, when I got my first copy a couple of weeks ago, it’s one of the best feelings. We’ve tried to time the release with the upcoming World Cup and having actually got my hands on the physical copy, it feels really cool!” The front cover is one of bright and bold colours, with superb illustrations of Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson adorning the front cover. Flo herself admitted it was a bit of a challenge writing this book with a target audience of 8-12 year olds along with keeping it open for elder readers. “I think it’ll push into older age groups too, especially towards ‘newer’ fans and I even know some adults who aren’t even parents are really keen to read it too. I will say, it’s quite hard to write for kids because you have to bear in mind the language and there were a few moments I’ve had to adapt between things too. I don’t think I’ve made it too childish and for that reason, I thin older readers will enjoy it too”. The book not only focuses on modern day legends such as Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly, but also does a great job at shining the light on heroes of the past such as Lilly Parr and Hope Powell, potentially names that the newer Women’s football fan may not have yet come across. “I wanted to paint as broad a picture as possible and highlight some of the big names, obviously there aren’t enough words to write about every single person. But I wanted to highlight some big names, like Lilly Parr and Hope Powell, who undoubtedly is one of the most influential women ever in English Women’s Football, along with people like Fara Williams, who really epitomises the development of women’s football.” The books release was co-incited with the build up to the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2023 which will take place in Australia and New Zealand. Within Flo’s new book there are snippets of information on players and teams, both England and non-England related, which were really important for Flo to get across. Flo did also touch upon the horrid luck several Lionesses have had with injuries such as Fran Kirby, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead. “It’s really unfortunate for those players and from an England perspective, with the book being released on the back of the Women’s Euros and being released in England, with the success of last summer being such a core focus.” As mentioned earlier, the book touches on individuals and their impact on women’s football in England. One dedication is awarded to the Lionesses all-time top scorer Ellen White who retired from football after last summer's triumph. White, who is now an MBE for her services to football, scored 52 goals in 112 outings for the national side. She also won England Women’s Player of the Year three times alongside a host of domestic achievements including two WSL titles with Arsenal, three League Cups with Manchester City and Arsenal combined, and an FA Cup during her time with the Cityzens. Speaking on White, Flo added: “It’s a funny one, I probably also have been guilty of forgetting the impact of one player. I think looking at what she (Ellen White) did in her career, getting the record goal scorer tally off Kelly Smith and even heading into the Euro’s last year, there were always questions about whether she should be starting. She played SUCH an important role in England’s Euro win, if it wasn’t for her, England maybe wouldn’t have won the tournament. "There are also a lot of new fans and I think it’s important to showcase the talent and legacy someone like Ellen White had, to those who maybe had only discovered her during her latter years with England.” We couldn’t speak to Flo and not ask about that wonderful July afternoon last year, when Chloe Kelly poked the ball home to seal an England major trophy in the Euros which is what a central theme to the book. “Even though I am a journalist, It’s very hard to kind of dis-attach yourself from that ‘England fan’ feeling, so when that final whistle went, my intitial reaction was like 'Oh my god, we’ve just won a major trophy against Germany, at Wembley and you couldn’t have written a better ending to it’. It was like a footballing dream on the players part and the fact I have got this book, as a result of publishers wanting to write more about women’s football after the Euro’s which to me, shows the actual shift.” Finally, we asked Flo about the climax of the WSL season which has just two games to go at the time of writing. Chelsea remain the hot favourites to retain the WSL title, having already beaten Manchester United in the FA Cup final and sit top of the WSL table, two points ahead of the Red Devils. “The Arsenal game will be really interesting (Chelsea’s next match), but they could still win it on the last day of the season. I really do expect Chelsea to go ahead and win the title especially with Reading on the final day who could well be relegated already which could easily be a one sided affair. I feel with Manchester United also having their derby match against City the same weekend as Chelsea v Arsenal, we could well see Chelsea have the upper hand by the end of play”. You can purchase Flo’s new book here , The Rise of the Lionesses: Incredible Moments from Women’s Football. *Edited by Charlotte Stacey