The WSL title race will be taken to the final game of the season after Emma Hayes' side score eight in her last ever game at Kingsmeadow Back Match Report The title race is blown wide open as Chelsea net eight goals at Kingsmeadow The WSL title race will be taken to the final game of the season after Emma Hayes' side score eight in her last ever game at Kingsmeadow Chelsea FC Women 7 May 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea thrashed already relegated Bristol City 8-0 in the Women’s Super League on Sunday evening at Kingsmeadow as they moved three points behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand and wiped out the goal difference advantage that the Citizens had. Guro Reiten scored four, Aggie Beever-Jones a brace and Sjoeke Nusken and Niamh Charles got one each for Chelsea as the title race was blown wide open again. Emma Hayes’ last home match as the Blues manager stated with her walking out with her son Harry to loud cheers from the Chelsea fans and finished with her telling the crowd “let me be clear, it’s not f*cking over, there’s a title to be won.” It was all Chelsea in the opening period of the match with lots of attacking play as they looked to score an early goal and close the gap to Manchester City after they had lost to Arsenal earlier in the day, and the first chance came in the second minute but Maika Hamano sent her shot wide. Charles got forward for the hosts in the 5th minute and was brought down in the area by Jasmine Bull with referee Stacey Fullicks pointing to the spot. Reiten sent the ball low into the corner of the net then rushed back with it to the halfway line, an indication they wanted to score a few goals. The visitors first chance came in the 10th minute when Zecira Musovic first kept out Carrie Jones’ effort from close-range but also stop the rebound as well. The home side were almost relentless in their attacking but the Robins stopped any clear attempts at goal with some tackles and blocks, then Beever-Jones curled a shot just wide in the 18th minute. Beever-Jones then couldn’t get clean contact on a header with the ball being claimed by Bentley. Following a scramble after a corner, Nusken bundled the ball in from close-range to score Chelsea’s second in the 23rd minute. Bristol City couldn’t keep hold of the ball for long when they did have possession with their clearances going straight back to a player in a blue shirt. Beever-Jones couldn’t get on the end of a Reiten cross in the 32nd minute. In some rare first half attacks from the visitors, Amalie Thestrup skied an effort two minutes later, then Ffion Morgan’s run down the right finished with her cross being cleared by Nathalie Bjorn soon after. Emily Syme’s strike then went out of the ground as the Robins had another chance. In the final minute of the half, Erin Cuthbert’s shot from just outside the area was deflected and spun behind for a corner. Beever-Jones almost scored a third Chelsea goal with the last action of the half but her acrobatic effort went wide of the post. Fran Kirby came on at half time for her last home appearance for the Blues whilst Maren Mjelde came on later in the second half after it had been announced during the week that both players would be leaving in the club in the summer. Bristol City had the first opportunity of the second half but Jones saw her effort roll across the front of goal. Ella Powell’s cross from the left found Morgan but she put the ball narrowly wide in the 52nd minute as the visitors went close to getting a goal back. Chelsea quickly went down the other end and immediately made it 3-0 with Beever-Jones being played in by Cuthbert and finishing low past Fran Bentley. Reiten scored her second of the night and the Blues fourth in the 56th minute when she run at the visitors defence before sending her strike from the edge of the area in off the far post. Just after coming on as a substitute for the hosts, along with fellow attacking player Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Catarina Macario smashed a half volley just over the crossbar after a corner was cleared only as far as her. Thestrup had an effort for the visitors after a quick attack but this was easily caught by Musovic in the 69th minute. Reiten completed her hat-trick in the 70th minute to make it 5-0 when she picked up Macario’s pass and blasted the ball into the net from a tight angle. Four minutes later it was 6-0 when Macario’s free kick found Charles coming in at the far post and she drove the ball home from close-range. The hosts looked like they could score with every attack and Hamano put an effort over seconds later. Chelsea scored a seventh, and wiped out the goal difference gap, in the 77th minute and Reiten her fourth with a wonderful strike from just outside the area. Kirby had a chance to score but Bentley denied her. The crowd were willing for her to score in her final Kingsmeadow appearance, screaming for her to shot whenever she had the ball around the penalty area. Beever-Jones got on the end of Reiten’s cross and from 6-yards out headed in Chelsea’s eighth goal in the 88th minute. In stoppage time, Bristol City’s Sarah Stratigakis saw her low shot go just wide of the post whilst for the Blues Rytting Kaneryd saw her strike pushed away by Bentley then Reiten’s cross hit the top of the crossbar. When speaking to the media after the match, Hayes praised her side saying “the players demonstrated everything I have taught them over the years, they drove it and had belief.” She added “my team will not give up” and “we aren’t going to lie down easily, we are alive”. Hayes felt Chelsea had to score at least six goals in this match to give them a chance of still winning the title and even she had forgotten how many they had scored in the end. Line-ups Chelsea (4-3-3): Musovic, Perisset (Rytting Kaneryd 63’), Bright (c), Bjorn (Mjelde 82’), Charles, Nusken (Kirby 46’), Ingle (Macario 63’), Cuthbert, Hamano, Beever-Jones (Lawrence 90’+2), Reiten Unused substitutes: Hampton, Carter, Leupolz, Buchanan Goals – Reiten 6’ (pen), 56, 70’, 77’, Nusken 23’, Beever-Jones 52’, 88’, Charles 74’ Bristol City (4-5-1): Bentley, Bull (Ward 78’), Struck, Connolly (c), Powell, Morgan (Harrison 78’), Syme (Hayles 71’), Rodgers, Jones (Stratigakis 90’+2), Napier, Thestrup Unused substitutes : Clark, Yanez, Evans, Slocombe, Kendell Booked - Rodgers Referee – Stacey Fullicks

Ultimate Football Heroes: Smith by Charlotte Browne Ultimate Football Heroes: Smith Ultimate Football Heroes: Smith by Charlotte Browne By the time Kelly Smith was nine years old, she was already so good she was running rings around the boys at her local club and scoring goals for fun. But angry parents complained she was making their sons look silly, and Kelly had to move to a girls' team. From that day, she knew she had to be twice as skillful and brave as any boy to succeed in the game she loved. Smith is the story of how the girl from Watford refused to be held back, and became an Arsenal superstar and the England women's national team's top scorer. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Football-Heroes-Charlotte-Browne/dp/1786069717/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=ipexK&content-id=amzn1.sym.40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_p=40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_r=SK9X196XXHKTMYSZKZ5N&pd_rd_wg=Noa3q&pd_rd_r=78c28dc4-a984-4830-9d54-d9be004d0709&pd_rd_i=1786069717&psc=1

Stevenage suffer 3-2 defeat to Royston Town Back Match Report Royston Town v Stevenage Stevenage suffer 3-2 defeat to Royston Town Ed Payne 15 September 2022 By Ed Payne Stevenage FCW found themselves on the opposite end of their previous result as they fell to a 3-2 defeat at Royston Town FCW. Goals from Amy Gooderham and Becky Shephard were not enough for The ‘Boro and the watching crowd of 106 were treated to a hotly contested match. Stevenage started well and Gooderham saw an early effort saved by Amy Martin. It would take another 15 minutes for her to get another decent opportunity and this one was not squandered. A free kick was awarded to ‘Boro which was swung in towards the far post towards Vicky Neal who headed the ball downwards. Gooderham was there to meet the ball as it rose again and headed in from close range. Both teams exchanged chances before Town equalised with seven minutes of the half remaining. Dionne Manning was adjudged to have committed a foul near the right hand corner of the area, Annie Georgiou sent a left footed inswinger that Celine Ray got a hand to, only to see the ball drop over the line. Neal had a good opportunity which was turned behind for a corner and it looked as though both sides would go into the break with the score level. However, ‘Boro gave away a free kick for offside which was pumped direct to the Town front line. Natalie Richardson came up with the ball and from the edge of the box, unleashed a powerful, rising shot that Ray could not keep out and the ball nestled into the back of the net Gooderham had the best moment of the early second half as she broke down the left side and rolled a ball across Martin that went agonisingly wide and narrowly avoided the outstretched foot of Shephard. A penalty shout was turned down for Stevenage and both sides dug in trying to force the game. It was with seven minutes of the half remaining that Shephard levelled the game. After a neat interchange with Shianne Swarres, she let loose a right footed shot from near the away dugout that sailed over Martin. The joy was shortlived, as four minutes later Ray punched clear a free kick that sat up nicely for Richardson outside the area to thunder her volley clean and true and break Stevenage hearts. Line-Ups Stevenage: Ray, Webster (C), Farmer, Neal, Brooks, Swarres, Southby, Hussain, Gooderham, Shephard, Millen Subs: White, Greenwood, Manning, Schofield Goals : Gooderham, Shephard Booked: Manning, Sturgess Attendance - 106

Leagues The Women's Football Pyramid consists of 7 tiers, from professional top flight football down to the county leagues. Please follow the following links to find out more about each league. Barclays Women's Super League https://womenscompetitions.thefa.com/ Barclays Women's Championship https://womenscompetitions.thefa.com/News/FA-WC FA Women's National Leagues https://www.thefa.com/womens-girls-football/leagues-and-competitions/the-fa-womens-national-league Image taken from FA Handbook provided by Chloe Leadbeater Women's Football Pyramid

Birmingham clinch crucial three points from the Seagulls in 3-1 shocker Back Match Report WSL: Brighton & Hove Albion v Birmingham City Birmingham clinch crucial three points from the Seagulls in 3-1 shocker Girls on the Ball 24 April 2022 By Paul Donegan Birmingham kept their survival hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Brighton. Veatriki Sarri gave Birmingham the lead in the first half before Louise Quinn added a second after the break, Julia Zigiotti got a goal back for Brighton in the last 10 minutes but Quinn scored her second with two minutes remaining to seal the win. Before the match started, Brighton manager, Hope Powell, was presented with a framed shirt to mark her 100th WSL game in charge of the club. Brighton had some early chances with Geummin Lee charging down Emily Ramsey as the Birmingham goalkeeper was slow to clear and then Kayleigh Green sent a looping header straight into Ramsey’s hands. Birmingham took the lead though in the 9th minute when Sarri picked the ball up in her own half and ran through the Brighton defence and finished with a low shot that Megan Walsh got a hand to but not enough to stop the ball from finding the corner of the net. In the 14th minute, Birmingham lost procession and Lee sent a curling shot towards goal that was pushed away by Ramsey. Five minutes later, Danique Kerkdijk saw her header cleared then Inessa Kaagman’s cross landed on the roof of the net as Brighton looked for an equaliser. Birmingham had an opportunity to double their lead kick in the 24th minute but Gemma Lawley headed over a free kick. Play went straight up the other end where both Emma Kullberg and Aileen Whelan saw efforts blocked by the Birmingham defence. In the 29th minute, Brighton had another chance when Kaagman’s shot was pushed away by Ramsey after some nice build up play and seconds later the same player saw her header miss the target. Just before half time, Birmingham were given a free kick about 30 yards out which Sarri curled wide. In first half injury time, Lee saw her shot tipped over as Ramsey made another good save to keep Birmingham in the lead. From the resulting corner, Green’s header hit the crossbar and went behind. Birmingham went into the break a goal ahead despite Brighton having more of the clear chances and Ramsey making some vital saves for the visitors. Brighton started the second half on top too but were sometimes lacking a final ball after good build up play. Ramsey made another save on the 56th minute when she pushed away Kullberg’s shot. Brighton had another chance five minutes later when they saw a shot blocked then Danielle Carter’s shot went through a crowd of players and was tipped behind by Ramsey. Birmingham’s first chance of the half came in the 68th minute when Sarri sent a cross right across the goal but too far in front of the other forwards. A few minutes later, Emma Koivisto headed wide for Brighton. There were opportunities coming at both ends now with Libby Smith shooting wide for Birmingham as they broke quickly. Birmingham made it 2-0 in the 75th minute when Sarri beat a few Brighton players and sent in a good cross that was headed in by Quinn at the far post. Brighton looked to get back into the game and in the 78th minute, Kaagman saw her effort from around 35 yards out hit the top of the crossbar and go over. Two minutes later, Kaagman and Koivisto both saw efforts blocked. Brighton did score in the 84th minute when a cross was played back by Maisie Symonds to Zigiotti who finished from about 12 yards to set up a nervy last five or so minutes for Birmingham. However, Birmingham made sure of the win four minutes later when Quinn scored her second of the game and fifth WSL goal of the season as a ball from a corner fell to her and she finished from about 6 yards. There were no more chances as Darren Carter’s Birmingham won 3-1 to move 4 points behind Leicester at the bottom of the WSL. Birmingham still have to play Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa so it might be tough still to stay up but this victory has given them a chance. Line ups: Brighton & Hove Albion: Walsh, Le Tissier, Williams, Kerkdijk (Koivisto 69’), Kullberg, Whelan (Carter 45’), Connelly, Lee (Symonds 63’), Zigiotti, Kaagman, Green Unused substitutes: Bowman, Bance, Simpkins, Startup Goal – Zigiotti 84’ Booked – Kerkdijk, Le Tissier Birmingham City: Ramsey, Cowie, Scott, Louise Quinn, Lawley, Robertson, Pennock (Smith 63’), Finn, Murray, Sarri, Lucy Quinn (Whelan 90’) Unused substitutes: Hourihan, Ewens, Ryan-Doyle, Jenner, Worsey, Wildgoose, Cole Goals – Sarri 9’, Louise Quinn 75’, 88’ Booked – Smith Referee – Elizabeth Simms Attendance – 1,206

The Eagles are soaring after another win, this time a 3-0 over Watford Back Match Report Crystal Palace take another three points for the road The Eagles are soaring after another win, this time a 3-0 over Watford Crystal Palace FC Women 7 November 2023 By Paul Donegan All the goals came in the first half as Crystal Palace beat Watford 3-0 in the Women’s Championship on Sunday afternoon. Elise Hughes scored twice and Shauna Guyatt got the other goal with a stunning strike as the Eagles kept up with the other sides at the top of the table. The pitch at Grosvenor Vale had passed a morning pitch inspection after all the recent rain but it still looked heavy throughout the match. Crystal Palace took an early lead in the 3rd minute when after Molly-Mae Sharpe’s interception as Watford tried to clear the ball, it found Hughes who went past the Hornets goalie and finished in front of the noisy visiting supporters and their flags. Welsh international Hughes had a chance to double the away sides lead in the 9th minute but shot over from just inside the area after the hosts defence had given the ball area again. The home sides first opportunity came when Coral Haines played a nice through ball to Carly Johns but Demi Lambourne, on her first start in goal for Palace, and the offside flag stopped the attack. Watford goalkeeper Jacqui Goldsmid saved a low effort from Hayley Nolan with her feet in the 22nd minute. The Hornets best chance so far came ten minutes later but the Palace keeper got a touch to Ellie Head’s low effort to slow the ball down before it was cleared. The visitors had the next effort when Sharpe’s first-time low shot was saved in the 35th minute. Bianca Baptiste curled an effort wide five minutes before half time for the Golden Girls. In the 42nd minute, Palace made it 2-0 when Sharpe’s cross was headed into the net by Hughes for her second goal of the match and ninth Championship goal of the season. England under-19 international Guyatt made it 3-0 to the Eagles in the first minute of additional time when her superb shot from 30-yards went in off the crossbar. Not a bad way to score your first senior goal! Shanade Hopcroft’s shot was tipped onto the woodwork by Goldsmid three minutes into the second half as the away side looked to extend their lead further. Watford’s Baptiste saw a shot saved in the 52nd minute, then seven minutes later at the other end, Sharpe cut in but her shot went over. Charlotte Fleming came on in the 55th minute for Watford for her first appearance since suffering an ACL injury in August 2022 whilst playing for London City Lionesses. Poppy Wilson came on at the same time for the Hornets after being out injured since the opening day of the season. The Golden Girls then had a good spell and a few opportunities. Gemma Davison saw a low shot saved in the 63rd minute, seconds after she had come onto the pitch as a substitute. Johns saw an effort tipped onto the bar in the 66th minute before the ball was cleared by the visitors defence. Lambourne needed treatment after this that led to her having to go off injured. Immediately after the goalkeeping change, with Natalia Negri coming on, the hosts hit the woodwork again when Baptiste’s shot from 25-yards hit the post. The Eagles had the final chances of the match with Hughes coming close to completing her hat-trick in the 79th minute but shot wide after being played in. A minute later, Hopcroft saw her free kick pushed away by the diving Watford goalkeeper. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Isabella Sibley came on as a substitute for Palace for her first appearance in 11 months after an ACL injury. With the top four at the start of the weekend all winning in the Championship, Crystal Palace remain in fourth place, four points behind leaders Sunderland but the south London side do have a game in hand. Watford are still in 11th position and one of the relegation places after their sixth consecutive league defeat, now five points behind Reading who they travel to on Sunday. The Eagles are at home to bottom of the league side Lewes on the same day. Line ups Watford: Goldsmid, Lafayette, Meiwald (Leon 62’), Mclean, Baptiste, Johns (Rossiter 82’), Head (Davison 62’), Bennett, Georgiou (Wilson 55’), Chandler (c), Haines (Fleming 55’) Unused substitutes: Harris, Palisch, Reid, Henson Booked - Haines Crystal Palace: Lambourne (Negri 69’), Arthur (Potter 67’), Everett (c), Sharpe (Sibley 90’+4), Hughes, Cataldo, Nolan, Doran, Guyatt (Fibley 82’), Dennis (Bailey-Gayle 67’), Hopcroft Unused substitute: Johnson Goal – Hughes 3’, 42’, Guyatt 45’+1 Booked - Doran Referee – Megan Wilson Attendance – 295

Ground Guide Charlton Athletic Charlton Athletic This guide is based on my visit to The Oakwood on Sunday 21st November 2021 to watch Charlton play London City Lionesses in the FA Women’s Championship. A normal warning that this guide is based on one visit so things might be different if you decide to visit The Oakwood. Address Old Road, Crayford, Kent DA1 4DN Location and Ground History The Oakwood ground is located in Crayford in south-east London, near the border with Kent and not far from Dartford. The ground is just north of the town centre. VCD Athletic FC have played at The Oakwood since 1918 but did move out between 1999 and 2006 before returning. Charlton Athletic started playing at the ground in 2018 when they got promoted to the FA Women’s Championship. The ground has a capacity of 1180. There are also tennis courts and a bowls green as part of The Oakwood complex. Getting There Crayford station is about a 15 minute walk from the ground, passing through Crayford town centre and then a slight uphill climb. On the Sunday I went, trains were going to Dartford or back to into London via Woolwich from Charing Cross and Cannon Street stations in London and also passing through London Bridge station. Barnehurst station is a bit further away, about a 20 minute walk, and trains from here were running between Victoria and Dartford. The 492 bus stops closest to the ground (Old Road/Perry Street stop) whilst the 96 and 428 buses pass through Crayford town centre. There is car parking available at the ground (from what I can see is free) which is on a first come first serve bases with stewards pointing you in the right direction as to where to park. Some cars were parked on the grass behind one end of the ground. If the car park is full, then it would have to be street parking near the ground. Tickets I bought tickets online which cost me £10 (adult price) plus a £1.50 booking fee. I had to register with the club before buying online. The ticket came as an attachment on the confirmation email which I printed off and showed at the turnstile where it was taken from me. You were able to pay on the day at the turnstile, with the prices being £12 for adults and £7 for concessions (U18, Over 65 and disabled) and it is card payment only. Buy Tickets https://booking.cafc.co.uk/en-GB/categories/Womens%20Home%20Games The Stadium The turnstiles, which opened about an hour before kick off, are in one corner of the ground with a slight slope leading down to pitch side. There is a covered seated stand, which has a few rows of green and white seats (all unreserved), covering about a third of the pitch on one side of the ground with the slope and uncovered flat standing on either side of this. The opposite side has covered flat standing on either side of the dugouts and camera position. Both ends are uncovered flat standing. The dressing rooms are set back slightly from the ground, diagonally across the pitch from the turnstiles. There was a bag search before going into the ground. There are toilets inside the ground next to the turnstiles as well as inside the clubhouse. The ground is a bit exposed and was very cold when I went with the wind blowing from the north across it. Food and Drink There is a tea hut, to the left of turnstiles as you go in, with some benches and picnic tables near this at the top of the slope. The clubhouse is outside the ground, as you are walking up to it through the car park. The clubhouse is spacious with plenty of tables and chairs as well as a pool table and Sky Sports was on the TVs. The exit gate in the middle of the turnstiles is open at half time if you want to go out to the clubhouse then. Card and cash payment is accepted at the tea hut and in the clubhouse. In Crayford town centre, there are some restaurants, take-aways and a couple of pubs. Merchandise I didn’t see any merchandise available to buy at the ground (I may have missed it of course) and was told there are online programmes (link to free digital programme posted on Twitter). There is a crossbar challenge at half time, where you could win up to £150, which you are entered for if you buy a ticket before 9am on the Friday before a Sunday match.

Dulwich Hamlet v Saltdean Photographer Liam Asman Absolute scenes in Newhaven as Dulwich Hamlet beat Saltdean 5-1 and were crowned champions of the London and South East Regional Women's Premier League! Dulwich Hamlet have earned promotion into the FA Women's National League.

Manchester City and England midfielder Georgia Stanway says she’s at a point in her career where she’d like to “master” just a single position on the pitch Georgia Stanway wants to make the midfield her own Back Manchester City and England midfielder Georgia Stanway says she’s at a point in her career where she’d like to “master” just a single position on the pitch Girls on the Ball Wednesday, 16 February 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Stanway, 23, is well known for her versatility and ability to perform consistently well wherever she is situated. However, speaking to the press ahead of the Arnold Clark Cup, the Manchester City star noted the difficulties that come with being so adaptable. “It’s hard being versatile. Obviously its good for tournaments and when you’re talking about small squads and being about to fill-in if somebody’s injured.” “But I’ve hit a point now where I want to knuckle down on one position, I want to try and become the best I can in that position.” When asked exactly what position she prefers to play in, Stanway takes herself back to her roots in honouring the midfield role that started her career, the very role she has been performing so well in recently. “Midfield. I’ve played there through the youth and age groups coming up through England. That’s where I started out my career at Manchester City. It’s been a difficult 15 months at Manchester City always having to fill in for people, but obviously we were unfortunate with injuries. Whether it be the fullback position, the wide position, even the nine position. I’ve played in a back three at times, I’ve been second choice goalkeeper!” The 23-year-old touched on her current form at club level which has seen her become Manchester City’s all-time top scorer having now netted 64 goals for the Citizens. “With the past run of form I’ve had with Man City I’ve been experiencing the midfield and that’s where I’ve been doing well.” “So I need to make that midfield position my own and come into myself a little bit, know what I’m good at and what I need to get better at and push on as the midfielder that I started out as.” Stanway has joined up with the Lionesses and will take place in the Arnold Clark Cup. England’s first match is against Canada on 17th February at 7:30pm (GMT) at Riverside Stadium, the game will be shown live on ITV4.

Stevenage earn a 4-1 victory over Barking and advance to the quarter finals of the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Cup Back Match Report Barking v Stevenage Stevenage earn a 4-1 victory over Barking and advance to the quarter finals of the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Cup Edward Payne 1 March 2023 Barry Rust Stevenage FCW advanced to the quarter finals of the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Cup after a comfortable victory over the imperious Barking Ladies, who have a strong grip at the top of the division below. Boro’, who currently sit atop the Premier Division, had shown tremendous professionalism in seeing off the challenge of the Essex side and secured yet another game against Royston Town Ladies – a side they will have faced no less than four times by the end of the season. Boro’ found their rhythm immediately. Rosy Wodhams – the eventual Player of the Match - set the tone when she curled in a phenomenal right footed cross into the path of top scorer, Amy Makewell who could not quite stretch high enough to make contact with the ball. Five minutes later, Stevenage were ahead. Lucy Webster took a short throw to Makewell who turned and hooked a tasty ball into the eighteen yard box. Adella Jackson called for the ball but could not claim it through the growing crowd and the ball dropped to the feet of Emily Schofield who would make no mistake from close range for her first cup goal since the County Cup Final of 2022. Schofield was on a mission from that point onward and the hard-working forward nearly doybled the scoreline with an absolute thunderbolt from her right foot that crashed off the crossbar to safety. At the opposite end Barking were spurred into action as they took advantage of a stray ball. Sarah Finch foreshadowed later events as she had two attempts in quick succession, both of which were bravely blocked by the consistent Nicole Farmer. Photo: Edward Payne After a lull in opportunities Stevenage carved out another opportunity, this time down the left flank. Wodhams put Makewell through, but she was unable to turn her marker. Instead she laid the ball off to Schofield at the edge of the box who received her reward as she expertly placed the ball into the bottom right corner, beyond Jackson. Barking were stunned into action. Their best chance came from a fantastic effort by Finch, that was turned behind by Mia O’Brien for a corner. The ball was swung in and Finch finally stuck the ball into the net to reduce the arrears. Stevenage were determined to restore their advantage though. The continual energy of the team was on display as Wodhams won the ball back high up the pitch and advanced into the box. Her attempted pass deflected back into her path creating an opportunity which the young midfielder took without question, firing Boro’ back into a two goal lead. Webster saw an opportunity fly over the bar before the halftime whistle, but it was her shot after it that led to the final goal of the game. Her excellent run into the box gave her the perfect opportunity to shoot. The captain did exactly that but the goalkeeper could not hold it and as it squirmed through her hands, Makewell pounced to put the fixture to bed. Photo: Edward Payne The rest of the match was notable for missed opportunities but also for a celebratory reason as Jess Poulter became the first player from the ETC (Emerging Talent Centre) at Stevenage to play for the first team. This was announced in September as the FA chose Stevenage to host one of the centres and this was a landmark moment for the club. Manager Fadi Mazloum was content at the final whistle as he said “We controlled the game well and didn’t give them the chance to play. Jess controls the game well at CDM for the development side and you could see that in some of the tackles she made when she came on.” Poulter herself remarked, “I was hopeful I could get some time to show what I can do. I really enjoyed it.” A feeling that was no doubt shared by the whole Boro’ team as they travelled back to Hertfordshire. Line-ups Barking XI: A Jackson, Thomas, Daly, Cook, Oxby, Holt, Colthart, F Pridie, Finch, Bunton, C Jackson Subs: Cooper, N Pridie, Retim, McCarthy Goal: Finch Stevenage XI: O’Brien, Webster (c), Neal, Farmer, Nebbitt, Bodily, Wodhams, Shephard, Schofield, Millen, Makewell Subs: Price, Bellinger, Poulter, Lightning, Fidler Goals: Schofield x 2, Wodhams, Makewell

London giants Arsenal and Chelsea face off in the Conti Cup final, here's all you need to know Back Match Preview Conti Cup Final: 2023 Bumper Preview London giants Arsenal and Chelsea face off in the Conti Cup final, here's all you need to know Edward Payne 4 March 2023 By Paul Donegan The 2023 FA Women’s League Cup (Conti Cup) final takes place at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park on Sunday 5th March (kick off 3pm GMT) between London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal have won the Conti Cup a record five times whilst Chelsea are two times winners. This will be the West London sides fourth appearance in a row in the showpiece event. For the Gunners, it is the first time since 2020 they have reached the final. Arsenal will be looking to win their first silverware since 2019. In the last four years, Chelsea have won eight trophies. The final is a 24,000 sell out, so it looks like the record attendance set of last year of 8,004 for the final and competition is going to be broken! Here is our guide to the final including information about how Arsenal and Chelsea reached Selhurst Park, the two squads, the stadium and transport, and TV/radio coverage. How they got to the final Both sides didn’t enter the Conti Cup until the quarter-final stage due to playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. In the last eight, Chelsea travelled to Tottenham Hotspur where they won 3-1. Sam Kerr scored twice and Fran Kirby got the other for the Blues. They faced another London derby in the semi-final when they were drawn to play West Ham United away. The side from West London won 7-0 with Kerr scoring four this time. The other goals were scored by Kirby, Lauren James and Guro Reiten. Arsenal have had two home ties at Meadow Park as they reached the final. In the quarter-finals, they beat Aston Villa 3-0. Frida Leonhardsen Maanum was the star of the show and scored twice with Caitlin Foord getting the other goal. In the semi-final they took on holders Manchester City and with the scores being level at 0-0 after 90 minutes, the match went to extra-time. Stina Blackstenius scored the only goal in the 93rd minute for the Gunners as they won 1-0. Past Meetings The sides have faced each other twice this season already. In January, they drew 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the WSL. Kim Little opened the scoring from the penalty spot for Arsenal before Sam Kerr scored a late equaliser for Chelsea. They played each other in the FA Cup fifth round last weekend at Kingsmeadow. Chelsea won that tie 2-0 with Sophie Ingle and Kerr scoring the goals. In the Conti Cup, there have been five meetings between the sides with Arsenal winning three of them and Chelsea two. Their only previous meeting in the final of this competition was in 2020 which Chelsea won 2-1 thanks to Bethany England’s late winner. Photo: Edward Payne Arsenal Arsenal normally play in a 4-3-3 formation but head coach Jonas Eidevall did change to 3-4-3 in two recent games against Manchester City. Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are both unavailable due to long-term injuries, and Gio is cup-tied after playing for Everton earlier in the season in the Conti Cup. Eidevall confirmed in his pre-final press conference that no other players are ready to return yet so this probably rules out Teyah Goldie. In goal, Manuela Zinsberger has been number one for most of this season but January signing Sabrina D’Angelo has played in both Conti Cup games. D’Angelo picked up an injury whilst on international duty with Canada recently and Eidevall said on Friday that she is progressing but not sure whether she’ll be available. Kaylan Marckese is another goalkeeper that can be called upon. Noelle Maritz or Laura Wienroither normally play on the right side of defence for the Gunners. In central defence, it will probably be two from Leah Williamson, Rafaelle, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Jen Beattie. Both Steph Catley and Katie McCabe can play on the left side of the back four. Lia Walti normally plays in the defensive midfield role though Williamson can also play in this position. Captain and penalty specialist Kim Little plays a bit further forward in the middle of the pitch, and Frida Leonhardsen Maanum has been playing as an attacking midfielder recently. Two January signings, Victoria Pelova and Kathrine Khul, are other midfielders that could be involved in the final. From those available, the attacking wide positions are normally filled by Lina Hurtig (who Eidevall confirmed is in contention after a recent injury), Caitlin Foord and McCabe. Stina Blackstenius normally plays in the centre furthest forward though Foord can also play here. Youngster Michelle Agyemang can also play in attacking roles. Photo: Edward Payne Chelsea Emma Hayes has typically lined Chelsea up in a 4-2-3-1 formation this season. Hayes confirmed in her pre-final press conference on Friday that “the same number of players are available this week as last week”. Pernille Harder, Katerina Svitkova and Fran Kirby will all miss the final with injuries. There doesn’t seem to be a number one goalkeeper with both Zecira Musovic and Ann-Katrin Berger starting a fair share of games each. Emily Orman is another goalkeeper in the squad. Eve Perisset is a regular starter at right back. The two central defenders could come from Millie Bright, Kadeisha Buchanan and captain Magdalena Eriksson. Eriksson has also been a frequent starter at left back this season. Chelsea have a couple of versatile defenders with Jess Carter who can play anywhere across the back and Niamh Charles who can play in either full back position. Other defenders that might be involved include Maren Mjelde (can also play in midfield) and Alsu Abdullina. In midfield, Sophie Ingle normally occupies the defensive position while Erin Cuthbert always seems to be everywhere. With Fran Kirby injured, Jelena Cankovic played in the attacking midfield position last week. Melanie Leupolz and Jessie Fleming are other players who could feature in midfield for the Blues. The attacking three normally consists of Lauren James, who was recently Player of the Tournament in the Arnold Clark Cup after her performances for the Lionesses, and Guro Reiten in the wide positions with Sam Kerr furthest forward. Kerr may have only played two games in this season’s Conti Cup so far but is already top scorer in the competition with six goals, and has also scored in the last two finals. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd is an alternative for James and Reiten. Selhurst Park Selhurst Park Stadium is in South London, just north of Croydon. The stadium opened in 1924 and has been the home of Crystal Palace FC ever since. The current Main Stand was designed by Archibald Leitch and opened at the same time as the ground. The stadium hosted two football matches during the 1948 Summer Olympics. Two clubs, Charlton Athletic FC and Wimbledon FC, had spells groundsharing at Selhurst Park between 1985 and 2003. The Women’s FA Cup final was held here in 2001, 2002 and 2003 but this will be the first time the Conti Cup final has taken place at this stadium. Selhurst Park consists of four separate stands. They are the Main Stand, Holmesdale Road Stand (Arsenal end), Arthur Wait Stand and Whitehorse Lane Stand (Chelsea end). The capacity of the ground is 25,486. Turnstiles into the stadium open at 1pm, two hours before kick-off. Bags small enough to fit under seats can be taken in but will be searched. The stadium is cashless so only debit/credit card payments are accepted for food/drink inside it. Programmes will be available to buy from outlets around the stadium. It is encouraged supporters travel by public transport. The closest railway stations to the stadium are Norwood Junction (due to engineering works will only be served by a replacement bus on Sunday), Thornton Heath and Selhurst which are all about a 10/15 minute walk from the stadium. The latter two are served by trains from central London (Victoria station), Clapham Junction and Croydon. A number of bus routes pass close to the ground including the numbers 50, 75, 130, 157, 198 and 468. There is no spectator parking available at the ground. There is limited parking for accessible users only which must be prebooked. Several residential streets surrounding the stadium are now permitted to permit holders only so check if parking nearby. Free cycle parking is provide on-site from three hours before kick-off. Head to the CPFC Information Point (Entrance 9) for bicycle parking instructions. Photo: Edward Payne Fan Zone The fan zone will be open from midday in the main car park by entrance 10. Match Officials The referee for the final is Kirsty Dowle and she will be assisted by Ceri Williams and Sophie Dennington. The fourth official is Lou Saunders and Abby Dearden is the reserve assistant referee. TV/Radio coverage In the UK, the final will be shown live on BBC One/Sport Website/iPlayer with coverage starting at 2:25pm (GMT). There is live radio commentary of the final on talkSPORT 2. Their coverage starts at 2pm (GMT). Outside of the UK, it will also be available to watch live on the FA Player.

Annabel Blanchard netted a 15 minute hat-trick in Crystal Palace's 6-1 victory over the London City Lionesses Back Match Report The Eagles net six as Blanchard soars once again Annabel Blanchard netted a 15 minute hat-trick in Crystal Palace's 6-1 victory over the London City Lionesses Ryan Asman 17 October 2023 By Paul Donegan A second successive home hat-trick from Annabel Blanchard helped Crystal Palace to a 6-1 win over London City Lionesses on Sunday in the Women’s Championship. The Eagles other goals came from Molly Sharpe, Shanade Hopcroft and Anna Filbey, whilst Filbey also put the ball into her own net for the Prides consolation goal. There were no shots at goal in the opening 15 minutes for either side though a dangerous Palace cross caused the visitors defence problems, and a free kick for the home side was punched clear by Grace Moloney. Danielle Carter had the first opportunity for the away side but her effort was blocked after some nice build up play. The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute when Sharpe finished from close-range after Blanchard’s shot had been blocked and the ball rolled forward to her. Four minutes later, the Pride equalised when Emma Mukandi’s inswinging corner went into the net off the unlucky Filbey. Maddi Wilde had the next attempt at goal for the away side in the 38th minute but her shot was easily saved by Natalia Negri. A minute later at the other end, Aimee Everett sent a low shot across the front of goal but no one was there to finish though it wouldn’t have counted as a foul was given. In the 41st minute, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkam won the ball for the Lionesses but saw her shot saved when one on one with the keeper. Seconds later, the same player sent an effort well over. Photo: Ryan Asman Palace retook the lead in the third minute of stoppage time when Hopcroft scored against her former club with a shot from 25-yards that bounced into the bottom corner. Blanchard scored the third goal the home side in the 47th minute when her free kick from wide on the left edge of the penalty area curled into the top corner past Moloney. Four minutes later, a deep free kick was sent into the area which the keeper pushed out only as far as Filbey who smashed the rebound into the net from 6-yards to make it 4-1 to the Eagles. Blanchard was played in by Hopcroft in the 54th minute and finished low from the edge of the area to score the Crystal Palace’s fifth goal. The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute after Wilde had been penalised for a handball in the area. Blanchard took the spot kick and sent it low into the corner to complete her hat-trick in 16 minutes and make it 6-1. The chances kept coming for the home side with Sharpe, who was finding a lot of space on the left side of their attack, seeing a low shot saved a few minutes later, and then her long-range effort was kept out by Moloney. The visitors were still creating the old half chance but nothing to really threaten the Palace goal though Boye-Hlorkam had an effort saved in the 73rd minute. Paige Satchell charged forward from the halfway line in the 88th minute for the away side but Kirsten Reilly got back to make a vital tackle and put the ball behind for a corner. Ten minutes of stoppage time were signalled, and the only chance during these fell to the Eagles Shauna Guyatt who shot over in the final minute. The final whistle went shortly after as Laura Kaminski’s side completed their second high scoring home win in a row following their 9-1 win over Durham at the VBS Community Stadium in September. The win moves Crystal Palace up to third in the Championship table, a point behind both Southampton and Sunderland though the Eagles do have a game in hand. London City Lionesses remain in ninth position, a point above the relegation zone. On Sunday, Palace travel to The Valley to take on Charlton Athletic whilst the Pride return home to Princes Park where they face Southampton. Line ups Crystal Palace: Negri, Gibbons (Cataldo 78’), Filbey (Potter 81’), Everett (c), Sharpe (Watson 81’), Hughes, Blanchard, Reilly, Nolan, Doran (Dennis 69’), Hopcroft (Guyatt 69’) Unused substitutes: Lambourne, Johnson, Bailey-Gayle Goals – Sharpe 21’, Hopcroft 45’+3, Blanchard 47’, 54’, (pen) 63’, Filbey 51’ Booked - Everett London City Lionesses: Moloney, Neville, Mukandi, Brougham, Joel (c), Groves (Alexander 90’+4), Fitzgerald, Carter, Wilde (Satchell 63’), Culver, Boyle-Hlorkam (Scofield 75’) Unused substitutes: Dolby, Fraser, Hillyard Goal – Filbey (o.g) 25’/ Booked – Joel, Mukandi Referee – Phoebe Cross Attendance - 816