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Elise Hughes nets another as the Eagles soar at London City Back Match Report Two to good for Crystal Palace as they beat the Pride Elise Hughes nets another as the Eagles soar at London City Crystal Palace Women 22 January 2024 By Paul Donegan Hayley Nolan and Elise Hughes scored the goals for Crystal Palace as they beat London City Lionesses 2-0 on Sunday in the Women’s Championship. On a very windy afternoon at Princes Park, Palace started well and Shanade Hopcroft had the first opportunity for them but her long-range shot went over. The Eagles were having more of the ball and doing more of the attacking in the opening 20 minutes but weren’t creating many clear chances. They did take the lead in the 21st minute though when Nolan headed in against her former club from a corner. Felicity Gibbons’ corners were causing problems, and from one an effort hit the crossbar before the referee blew for a foul. London City Lionesses goalkeeper Hermonie Cull got to the ball just before Annabel Blanchard in the 30th minute. Gibbons made a great tackle on Maddi Wilde just as the Pride’s player was about to shot. The closest the home side came to finding the net during the first half was when Palace’s Aimee Everett headed just wide of her own net a minute before half time. The Eagles half time substitute Ayra Dennis had the first chance of the second half in the 47th minute but shot at Cull. Cull made a great save four minutes later when she kept out Kirsten Reilly’s header from close range. Danielle Carter shot well wide for the Pride in the 54th minute after the visitors had given the ball away. Shauna Guyatt saw her shot go wide for Palace in the 71st minute, then Dennis was played in and went past the goalkeeper but the ball was put behind for a corner by Paige Culver. In the 76th minute, Ruesha Littlejohn curled a shot wide from the edge of the area for the home side. The final 10 minutes felt a bit hectic but neither side threatened the goals. That was until the 89th minute when Carter was allowed to run forward for the Pride but shot straight at Palace’s keeper. The Eagles made the game safe in the second minute of stoppage time when they made it 2-0. Blanchard saw her free kick tipped onto the crossbar by Cull, Chloe Arthur’s effort from the rebound was blocked but Hughes finished from close range to score her 13th league goal of the season. Blanchard had the final effort of the match but her low shot was saved. Crystal Palace remain two points off top spot in the Championship but with a game in hand after Sunday’s games. London City Lionesses stay in ninth position, four points above the relegation zone. These sides meet again at Princes Park on Wednesday evening in the Conti Cup. In the league next Sunday, the Pride visit St Andrews to play Birmingham City whilst the Eagles are back at home as they take on Charlton Athletic in a top of the table clash. Line ups London City Lionesses: Cull, Neville, Mukandi, Brougham, Joel (c), Scofield (Alexander 71’), Fitzgerald, Carter, Wilde, Culver, Littlejohn (Groves 90’) Unused substitutes: Uttridge, Cowen, Farrelly Booked - Groves Crystal Palace: Lambourne, Reilly (Percival 68’), Everett (c), Nolan, Gibbons, Potter (Arthur 85’), Hopcroft (Guyatt 61’), Blanchard, Sibley (Dennis 46’), Sharpe, Hughes Unused substitutes: Negri, Johnson, Cataldo, Filbey Goals – Nolan 21’, Hughes 90’+2 Booked – Guyatt, Blanchard Referee – Grace Lowe

Goalkeeper Sophia Poor made her WSL debut as Aston Villa went down to 10 early on Back Match Report Chelsea rise to the top as they beat Aston Villa in comfortable 3-0 victory Goalkeeper Sophia Poor made her WSL debut as Aston Villa went down to 10 early on Chelsea FC Women 19 April 2024 By Paul Donegan Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano and Kadeisha Buchanan scored Chelsea’s goals as they beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Wednesday evening at Kingsmeadow and moved back to the top of the Women’s Super League. Villa’s goalkeeper Anna Leat was sent off in the 4th minute after handling outside the penalty area meaning the visitors had to play for 86+ minutes with 10 players. 17-year-old Sophia Poor come on for her senior debut in her place in goal. Leat seemed to misjudge where she was on the pitch as she saved Sjoeke Nusken’s shot outside the 18-yard box four minutes into the match with the ball rolling just wide of the post. Referee Melissa Burgin showed her a straight red card meaning what was already a difficult task away at the champions had become a bit harder. The resulting free kick from Catarina Macario was deflected over. The visitors first opportunity came in the 12th minute when Jordan Nobbs was allowed to run forward but shot over. Hamano just couldn’t get her foot on a low cross in front of goal at the other end a minute later. Aston Villa held out until the 18th minute when the Blues took the lead. Niamh Charles crossed in from the left and Beever-Jones volleyed the ball past Poor and into the net. Fran Kirby went close to adding a second for Chelsea but her flicked header from a corner went just the wrong side of the post. Another dangerous cross from Charles was cleared behind by the Villa defence for a corner. Nusken put an effort narrowly wide following a corner in the 31st minute as the hosts got on top. In the 38th minute, the home side made it 2-0 when Macario flicked the ball on and Hamano finished from close-range to score her first goal for the club. The Blues had the final chances before the break with Hamano sending an effort wide in the first of four additional minutes at the end of the first half. Deeper in stoppage time, Nusken flicked the ball forward and Macario got to it before the Villa goalkeeper but put the chance wide. Five minutes into the second half, Beever-Jones kept on running through Villa’s defence before putting the opportunity just wide. Hamano closed down Poor and saw the ball just roll across goal as the hosts went close to scoring a third. After some ball tricks from Macario in the area, Kirby fired wide. Buchanan then had an effort blocked before the visitors cleared. Buchanan scored her first goal for the Blues when she headed in Macario’s corner to make it 3-0 in the 64th minute. Hamano headed over after coming in at the far post to meet a cross in the 72nd minute for the hosts. Poor made a great save to stop a Kirby header from close-range in the 79th minute. Then a minute later, the Villa goalkeeper made another good save to stop a Reiten shot. Poor made these stops despite struggling with an injury/cramp during the second half. In a rare Villa attack, Chelsea were a bit exposed but Kirsty Hanson dragged her shot wide in the 84th minute. A long ball over the top in the final minute almost caught Chelsea out again but Hanson’s shot was saved by Hannah Hampton this time. The Scottish international had another opportunity for the Villans early in the nine minutes of addition time but half-volleyed this one over. Mayra Ramirez cut in from the right but shot straight at the goalkeeper, then Ashley Lawrence sent an effort over as the home side had the final chances of the match. The win sees Chelsea go top of the WSL, level on points with Manchester City but ahead on goal difference with four games left to play for both. Villa remain in seventh position in the league after the defeat. When speaking after the match, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said it is a “challenge playing against 10 but her side did everything I asked of them”. She was full of praise for Hamano and her “super performance” and Macario’s deliveries from corners. Aston Villa’s manager Carla Ward remarked that she was proud of her side for the way they played for 86 minutes against the champions with a player less. She praised substitute goalkeeper Poor saying she was “excellent”. Line-ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Lawrence, Carter (Cuthbert 69’), Buchanan, Charles (c) (Reiten 56’), Nusken, Ingle, Beever-Jones (Rytting Kaneryd 82’), Kirby, Hamano, Macario (Ramirez 69’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Leupolz Goals – Beever-Jones 18’, Hamano 38’, Buchanan 64’ Booked – Ingle, Lawrence Aston Villa (3-4-1-2) : Leat, Patten, Corsie (c), Maritz, Mayling (Lehmann 81’), Nobbs, Taylor, Daly, Dali (Hanson 69’), Magill (Mullett 82’), Salmon (Poor 5’) Unused substitutes: Gregory, Leon Booked – Corsie, Daly Sent off – Leat 4’ Referee – Melissa Burgin

Points were shared at the Dripping Pan as neither Lewes or Birmingham City could break the deadlock Back Match Report WC: Lewes v Birmingham City Points were shared at the Dripping Pan as neither Lewes or Birmingham City could break the deadlock James Boyes 12 September 2023 By Paul Donegan Lewes and Birmingham City both picked up their first point of the Championship season after a 0-0 draw at The Dripping Pan on Sunday. Both sides were reduced to ten players within minutes of each other during the second half with Katie Dungate being shown a red card for Birmingham and Caragh Hamilton for Lewes. Lewes’ goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse made a stunning save near the end of the match to deny Ellie Mason. Lewes had suffered defeats to Southampton and Durham in their opening two matches of the season whilst Birmingham had lost against Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace so both went into this game looking to get their season going. After a quiet opening 10 minutes, it was Birmingham who had the first effort when Jade Pennock saw her long-range shot easily saved. Lewes’ first attempt came a few minutes later but Grace Riglar headed over from a corner. The Blues next chance came in the 14th minute when after a poor kick out from Whitehouse, Claudia Walker saw a shot blocked by Shauna Vassell before Pennock but the rebound into the side netting. The first half was interrupted by several injuries that needed treatment and a cooling break in the very warm conditions. The Rooks had the next opportunity when Maria Farrugia went on a powerful run forward from inside her own half, played the ball to Hamilton but she shot just wide and into the side netting. Birmingham had the final effort of the first half when Pennock shot at the keeper. Photo: James Boyes The Blues Jamie Finn just couldn’t get onto a good cross early in the second half. Lewes had the next couple of chances but Anna Grey saw her low shot easily saved in the 56th minute, then eight minutes later, Farrugia’s long-range free kick dipped onto the roof of the net. Birmingham’s Dungate was shown a second yellow card in the 66th minute and was sent off. Three minutes later, Hamilton also received her second yellow, and after a slight delay a red card, meaning it was 10v10 for the last 20 minutes or so. The Rooks had the next opportunity in the 76th minute when Reanna Blades played in Grey but Lucy Thomas rushed out of goal to block the effort. Lucy Quinn saw her effort in the area blocked by a Lewes defender six minutes later. Three minutes into stoppage time at the end, former Lewes player Mason cut in and from just outside the area hit a shot that was heading towards the top corner of the net until Whitehouse made a brilliant save to keep it out. There were no more chances as the match finished goalless. The two sides remain in the bottom positions of the early Championship table. Next Sunday, Lewes travel to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United, whilst Birmingham return to St Andrews where they will play Charlton Athletic. Line ups Lewes: Whitehouse, Riglar, Cleverly (c), Hamilton, Palmer (Hazard 64’), Pursey (Brasero-Carriera 64’), Farrugia, Grey (Oakley 88’), Vassell, Olding, Mooney Unused substitutes: Moore, Garrad, Blades Booked – Hamilton (x2) Sent off – Hamilton (69’) Birmingham City: Thomas, Louise Quinn, Lawley, Pennock (Lucy Quinn 57’), Finn (Harris 78’), Harrison-Murray (c), Dungate, Walker (Devlin 78’), Allen, Moore (Agg 57’), Herron (Mason 35’) Unused substitutes: Clarke, Worsey, Cowie, Banaras Booked – Pennock, Dungate (x2), Mason Sent off – Dungate (66’) Referee – Lauren Impey A ttendance - 501

Ground Guide Crystal Palace By Paul Donegan This ground guide is based on a visit to Hayes Lane to watch Crystal Palace play Reading in the Conti Cup on a cold Wednesday 17th November 2021 evening. Some of the pictures used are from a couple of other visits there this season (once to see Palace and another to see Bromley Ladies play) and of course things might be different if you decide to visit Hayes Lane. Address Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EF Location and Ground History The Hayes Lane ground is in Bromley which is in south east London, about 10 miles from the centre of London. Hayes Lane stadium is to the south of Bromley town centre, off the B265. The ground opened in 1938 and has been home of Bromley FC since. Cray Wanderers FC also share the ground. The ground has a capacity of 5,000 with 1,300 seats. Getting There Bromley South is the closest station and is well served by trains from London (Victoria (some trains to/from here are non-stop and take about 20 minutes) and Blackfriars stations) and into Kent (Orpington, Sevenoaks, Dover and Ramsgate). It is a 15/20 minute walk from Bromley South station to the ground. Hayes station is about a 25 minute walk in the other direction from the ground and Bromley North is the other side of the town centre, though there is no service to there on Sundays. There are a few buses that go along Hayes Lane (119, 146 and 314) with the closest stops being Hayes Road/Hayes Lane or Hayes Lane/Norman Park/Mead Way. There is a car park at the ground and it costs £2 to park. Otherwise, it would be street parking near the ground. The ground is up a short driveway from Hayes Lane with some fields on either side where you might spot some horses. Tickets I bought my ticket online (need to register with Crystal Palace if not already done so to buy) and it came as an attachment on the confirmation email which I printed off. Tickets can be bought at the ground (entrance desk) on the day and these can be paid for by cash or card. The price for adult tickets does increase by £2 if bought on the day of the match (both online or at the ground). Buy Tickets https://tickets.cpfc.co.uk/categories/womens The Stadium The way in for this match was through the main entrance at the back of the main stand where I showed my ticket at the desk and got my hand stamped. Then I went through the Ravens Bar (mind the step down just inside the door into the bar) and into the ground. The main stand (John Fiorini Stand), with the tunnel in the middle, is a seated covered stand but this was part of the red zone so it is only for the subs, press and VIPs. The bar is to the left of this with some flat uncovered standing in front of it and to the right is some uncovered terracing. The end to the right of the main stand is a covered seated stand (Glyn Beverly Stand) that covers the width of the pitch and all seats are unreserved. At the opposite end (left of the main stand) there is terracing with a narrow roof at the back of it and it is at this end that Crystal Palace fans put their flags up during matches. The dugouts are opposite the main stand (subs have to go around the pitch when they are going to come on) and there is an uncovered terrace on this side that runs the whole length of the pitch with a tv camera position in the middle of it. The terracing on this side and behind the goal is amongst my favourites at any football ground as it is big, concrete, has a few crash barriers and, in my opinion, has a certain charm and character to it (as the whole ground does). The ground has a 3G pitch which was installed in 2017 so matches can take place in most conditions (unless there is torrential rain but that is a different story!). There are toilets around the ground (mainly in the corners of the ground and a gents toilet under the main stand) as well as in the bar. Dogs are welcome in the ground as long as kept on leads. Food and Drink The Ravens Bar is spacious and has Sky Sports. If you want to have a drink in here, then payment is by cash or card. Even though there are windows overlooking the pitch from the bar, you cannot stay in there to watch the match as shutters are put down over the windows about 15 minutes before kick off. A tea/food cabin (Cookie’s Cabin) on the right hand side of the main stand was open for this match with a good selection of food and drinks available. Again, cash or card accepted. As the Ravens Bar and Cookie’s Cabin are either side of the main stand and as you can’t walk in front of this, it is either a long walk around the pitch to get from one to the other or you could go back out the main entrance and in an exit gate at the other end of the main stand (I guess this might have been the reason for the hand stamps). Bromley town centre has plenty of place to eat and drink and this is about a 20 minute walk or 5/10 minutes bus ride away. Merchandise There were some scarfs and whole squad pictures available to buy at the entrance desk which again you could pay by cash or card. There is normally an online programme for matches with a link posted on their Twitter page and you can look at it for free but there wasn’t one for this match. Editor's note: There is an official Crystal Palace Merchanside shop in The Glades, the shopping centre in Bromley Town, approximately a fifteen minute walk away. The shop is located on the second floor opposite Lush.

England prepare to face World Champions Spain at Wembley Stadium "We don't want to be looking back" says Wiegman Back England prepare to face World Champions Spain at Wembley Stadium Lionesses | Getty Wednesday, 26 February 2025 By Aimee Logan “We don’t want to be looking back.” England manager Sarina Wiegman suggests the Lionesses are looking for victory not revenge at Wembley against Spain. Wednesday night under the Wembley lights is set to be an exciting fixture as European Champions, England, will take on the World Champions and Nations League Winners, Spain, for the first time since their World Cup final in Australia. It’ll be both sides' second fixture in this year’s Nations League. In this international break, the Lionesses have already faced Portugal where they were held to a 1-1 draw. Spain currently top the group after their last minute winner against Belgium already this window, taking a full three points in a 3-2 victory. Sarina Wiegman and Alessia Russo discussed what to expect from Spain in the tough upcoming fixture and noted how both sides have changed since the final back in 2023. “I think we have evolved. You can’t relate to the World Cup or the Euros as much any more” , Wiegman noted. The influx of young talent and retirements in the England squad makes it hard to compare the squads. They also reflected on the recent events with the Rubiales case in relation to when the ex-Spanish Federation leader kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the podium after their World Cup victory. Russo noted how she has been even closer to the court case because of playing with Spanish players Laia Codina and Mariona Caldentey at Arsenal. “I’ve got teammates that have been through it and they have acted with so much class through it all.” “We have to keep telling the world that we stand in solidarity and it will hopefully make change” , was Wiegman’s message to the Spanish team ahead of the night at Wembley. Wiegman agreed that a “special relationship away from football” had been built between the two sides after the events of the World Cup final. “In the women’s game, that community, that’s kind of special.” “I think overall women’s football players are supporting female football players and women in society.” Russo agreed with Wiegman’s statement, “the community that women’s football has is very special and it’s quite unique about the game. Whether it be good or bad we help and we come together as one.” “We’ve got a new opportunity, we’re back at Wembley, with all of our fans there” Russo concluded, with high hopes that England will perform under the Wembley lights. “We’ll do everything we can as players to put on a performance for them.”

Unique prints and player artwork designed for women's football. Prints Vivianne Miedema Vivianne Miedema Print Leah Williamson Leah Williamson Print Millie Bright Millie Bright Print Pernille Harder Pernille Harder Print Fran Kirby Fran Kirby Print Lucy Bronze Lucy Bronze Print Lauren Hemp Lauren Hemp Print Sam Mewis Sam Mewis Print Leah Galton Leah Galton Print Christen Press Christen Press Print Tobin Heath Tobin Heath Print Alex Scott Alex Scott Legends Print Casey Stoney Casey Stoney Legends Print Rachel Yankey Rachel Yankey Legends Print 1/1 The Football Print Room use players, managers, matches, events and terrace songs to create football print memorabilia of your favourite club! With a growing collection, The Football Print room is the place go for high quality prints. If you cannot find your team or player you can easily contact them and they'll design it for you! Artwork and Prints *Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or problems with any products featured in the shop. We are happy to contact the seller directly on your behalf.

Crystal Palace earn a 4-1 win over Lewes at their last home game of the season in a match that had just about everything Back Match Report WC: Crystal Palace v Lewes Crystal Palace earn a 4-1 win over Lewes at their last home game of the season in a match that had just about everything Crystal Palace FC Women 23 April 2023 By Charlotte Stacey Molly-Mae Sharpe gave Palace an early lead before Hollie Olding sank a long-distance effort to double it less than ten minutes later. Palace had the better grasp of the first half and their back three of Annabel Johnson, Aimee Everett and Fliss Gibbons were able to cut out Lewes’ attacking play along both wings which were areas the visitors targeted most often. Lewes had their first clear-cut chance 20 minutes in, but the tame strike did little to trouble Kitching who scooped it up with ease. Kirsty Barton and Paula Howells’ link-up play began to take shape along the left hand side towards the end of the half as the duo were able to progress into the final third. However, Olding and Johnson were mostly able to contain this threat and Lewes struggled to play threatening balls into the area. The visitors did manage to pull one back just before the 45-minute mark after the referee awarded a somewhat soft penalty for a shove in the box. The game had begun to take a bit of turn leading up to this point with a few spiky challenges and confrontations, as well as a purposeful ball to the face of the official from Charlotte Wardlaw that was left unpunished. Grace Palmer cooly converted Lewes’ spot kick with a ground shot that evaded Kitching before the Eagles won a penalty of their own at the opposite end. Coral-Jade Haines stepped up and made no mistake in taking Palace’s tally to three just before the half time whistle. The game had barely restarted when a challenge on Emily Kraft by Anna Filbey saw the Lewes forward need medical attention. Kraft hit her head hard on the grass as Filbey swept across to challenge the ball and precaution was taken to ensure Kraft received the appropriate treatment for a head trauma. After a lengthy stoppage, Kraft was stretchered off to applause from both the Lewes and Palace supporters and taken to hospital. Lewes later communicated that Kraft had been checked over and was given the all clear to be discharged. The injury understandably took a lot of the sting out of the game, which served as a helping hand to the officials whose level of control was hanging with fingertips only. It was the visitors though who had the better chances of the second half and were denied an hour in with a gargantuan double save from Kitching. Ellie Mason fashioned another clear-cut chance for Lewes five minutes after the 90 when she carried the ball into the area and went one-on-one with the keeper. Mason let the shot fly but aimed toward the middle of the goal where Kitching was ready and waiting. Just four minutes later, Riana Dean netted Palace’s fourth of the day and finished up a successful day at home for the Eagles. Line-ups Crystal Palace: Kitching (GK), A Johnson (C), Everett, Gibbons, Olding, Filbey, Blanchard, Doran, Hughes, Haines, Sharpe Subs: Negri (GK), Dean (84’), Bailey-Gayle (90+1’), Guyatt (90+1’) Goals: Sharpe 3’, Olding 11’, Haines (p) 45+5’, Dean 90+10’ Booked: Hughes Lewes: Whitehouse (GK), Wardlaw (90+18’), Cleverly (C) (90’), Weir, McKenna (90’), Hazard, Palmer, Barton, Kraft (58’), Mason, Howells Subs: N Johnson (90’), Thompson (90’), Copus-Brown (90+18’), Mushtaq (58’), Pursey, Longhurst, Dalton, Moore, Angel Booked: Palmer, Barton, Kraft, Howells

Southampton earn four goals to Reading's one as the Saints soar to the top of the table Back Match Report WC: Reading v Southampton Southampton earn four goals to Reading's one as the Saints soar to the top of the table Southampton FC Women 18 September 2023 By Paul Donegan Southampton’s impressive 4-1 win against Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday saw them move to the top of the Women’s Championship table. The Saints goals were scored by Molly Pike, Katie Wilkinson, debutant Atlanta Primus and Jemma Purfield whilst Charlie Estcourt got Reading’s consolation one. Southampton came into this match after having lost at home to Sunderland last weekend, and they had the first effort at goal in the 8th minute when Pike shot wide from outside the area after being played in by Primus. Two minutes later, Pike did give the Saints the lead when she got onto Megan Collett’s superb through ball and from 18-yards shot low into the corner of the net past Emily Orman. Reading had drawn their first three matches, and their first attempt at goal in this one came in the 19th minute but Josie Longhurst saw her shot well saved by Kayla Rendell. In the 25th minute, a long-range effort from Deanna Cooper was pushed away by the Southampton goalkeeper. At the other end two minutes later, Pike got onto another through ball but this time her low shot was saved. Almost immediately after that, Pike was brought down in the area by Orman after a nice pass from Primus and the Saints were awarded a penalty. Wilkinson stepped up to take the spot kick and sent it high into the corner of the net to double Southampton’s lead. Wilkinson put the visitors next opportunity wide in the 37th minute after being played in by Pike. Four minutes later, Lucia Kendall was allowed to run forward from way inside her own half and sent a shot at goal from the edge of the area that was tipped over by Orman. From the corner, Wilkinson headed over as Southampton looked to extend their lead further before the break. At numerous times during the first half, Wilkinson was dropping back for Southampton which was allowing space for Pike to run forward, and the former Leicester player saw an effort blocked during stoppage time at the end of the first half when this happened again. It started raining during half time which got heavier during the second half. Southampton had the first opportunities of the second period in the 51st minute when Orman saved an Ella Morris effort with her feet then Pike saw an effort blocked by Rachel Dugdale. A nice Southampton attacking move down the right-hand side which included Milly Mott, Collett, Morris and Kendall finished with the ball being headed behind for a corner. The home side had their first effort at goal during the second half in the 65th minute but Rendell kept out Lily Woodham’s 25-yard shot. Two second half substitutes combined a few minutes later when Charlie Wellings was played in by Freya Gregory but Paige Peake stopped her having an effort at goal with a good tackle. Southampton made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute when after another nice move down the right-hand side, Pike passed to Primus whose shot deflected off Bethan Roberts and into the net. In the 81st minute, the Saints made it 4-0 when Sophia Pharoah saw her effort hit the crossbar but Purfield was on hand to head in the rebound from close-range. Reading got a goal back in the third minute of stoppage time when Estcourt finished nicely with a volley from 10-yards following a corner. Southampton go into the international break in top spot, and in their next game on the 1st October they take on Birmingham City at home. Reading are in tenth position in the league after four matches, and their next game is away to Durham in a few weeks. Line ups Reading: Orman, Dugdale (Gregory 62’), Houssein (Elwood 80’), Cooper (Jarvis 45’), Wade, Hendrix, Mayi Kith (Smith 45’), Estcourt, Longhurst (Wellings 62’), Woodham (c), Roberts Unused substitutes: Kite, Meadows Tuson, Cox Goal – Estcourt 90’+3 Booked - Elwood Southampton: Rendell, Collett, Mott, Peake, Purfield, Kendall (c), Rafferty, Morris (Wynne 82’), Pike (Thompson 89’), Primus (Pharoah 74’), Wilkinson (Kraft 82’) Unused substitutes: Howard, Lloyd-Smith, Milne Goals – Pike 10’, Wilkinson (pen) 28’, Primus 73’, Purfield 81’ Referee – Adewunmi Soneye

Chelsea thumped out of sorts Arsenal in 3-1 victory in front of 30,000 strong crowd Back Match Report Blues light up Stamford Bridge with dazzling performance under the lights Chelsea thumped out of sorts Arsenal in 3-1 victory in front of 30,000 strong crowd Chelsea FC Women 17 March 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea beat London rivals Arsenal 3-1 on Friday evening at Stamford Bridge as they moved three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Women’s Super League. The match was played in front of 32,970 fans, a new record attendance for the Blues women’s side. The defeat near enough ends any chance the Gunners had of claiming the title this season as they are now six points off top spot with six games remaining. Lauren James put Chelsea ahead before Sjoeke Nusken scored twice to give them a 3-0 lead at half time. Catarina Macario deflected into her own net for Arsenal’s consolation goal late in the game. After a 30-minute delay to kick-off due to a clash of sock colour (Arsenal had brought the wrong ones and ended up wearing Chelsea’s change socks), the match got underway with a really good atmosphere, helped by the 6,000 visiting fans. James had the first shot of the match in the second minute but fired well over. The Blues had a spell of pressure in the 6th minute but the visitors defence held firm. Arsenal’s first effort at goal came in the 9th minute when Kim Little’s shot from inside the area was tipped wide by Hannah Hampton. Steph Catley then saw a shot stopped by the hosts goalkeeper. James gave Chelsea the lead in the 15th minute when after being played in by Nusken, she turned past Catley then her shot from an angle went through Manuela Zinsberger’s hands, looped in the air and into the net before Arsenal could clear the ball. The Blues made it 2-0 in the 21st minute when Nusken got in front of Leah Williamson and diverted Erin Cuthbert’s shot in from close-range. Beth Mead’s free kick from 25-yards went well over in the 25th minute as the Gunners looked to get back into the match. Nusken scored her second of the match to make it 3-0 in the 32nd minute when again she deflected a shot into the net, this time Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s, after Chelsea had again found so much space as they attacked. James sent an effort just over seconds after the goal as the hosts looked to extend their lead further. Arsenal had an opportunity in the 35th minute but Hampton got to the ball before Caitlin Foord. The home side had the final efforts of the first half with Guro Reiten’s free kick two minutes before half time landing on the roof of the net, then James sent a curling shot over during stoppage time. The away side made a triple change at half time, one of was Emily Fox coming on for Catley which meant Katie McCabe moved to the left side of defence. The Gunners had the first attempts of the second half but McCabe’s long-range effort went well over. Lotte Wubben-Moy couldn’t get enough on a corner and the ball went wide shortly after. Chelsea had a chance came in the 54th minute but Zinsberger came off her line and made herself big to keep out Rytting Kaneryd’s shot after the Swedish international had broken through. Half time substitute Fox was looking dangerous with some runs forward for the visitors. James broke clear for the Blues but was denied by Zinsberger who stopped her low shot. The Austrian goalkeeper made another good save in the 68th minute when she kept out Rytting Kaneryd’s effort. Hampton seemed to be first to every ball when Arsenal attacked in the second half. That was until Arsenal got a goal back in the 86th minute when Little’s shot from the edge of the area was deflected into the corner of her own net by Macario. Hampton saved a low shot from Alessia Russo in the final minute of the 90. In additional time, Frida Maanum’s dipping effort went over. The final chance of the match went to Chelsea but Zinsberger, who helped keep the score down during the second period, kept out a low Ashley Lawrence effort with her feet. When speaking to the media after the match, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said she wanted a performance after letting ourselves down at the Emirates and the Blues were aggressive. She thought James had tremendous game adding that “it is a playground for her out there, she is a maverick, not always perfect or consistent but she 1000% performs at Stamford Bridge”. Hayes loved there was a big crowd, loves rivalries and the away section and feels it improves the product. She added that everyone is invested in what we are doing and it was a “tremendous performance” and they played with joy and freedom and carried the weight of the crowd. The Chelsea manager was full of praise for Nusken, who “deserves credit for being in right place at right time” and feels Eve Perisset’s performance should be talked up. Hampton also got a lot of compliments for the Blues boss. Hayes concluded by saying they “do well in adverse situations and is proud of whole squad”. Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall was disappointed with how they let Chelsea play and didn’t deal with James, especially in the first half. He thought they turned over the ball too much in the first half and it wasn’t good enough from them to turn over the ball that much. He also felt the Gunners were too weak in defensive performance and didn’t deal well enough with the physical side of Chelsea. Eidevall added the result has nothing to do with referee or delay in start of match, which was the same for both teams, and “we take full accountability for our performance because it was not good enough”. Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Perisset, Buchanan, Carter, Charles (c) (Lawrence 70’), Cuthbert, Leupolz, Rytting Kaneryd, Nusken, Reiten, James (Macario 83’) Unused substitutes : Musovic, Ingle, Kirby, Hamano, Cankovic, Beever-Jones Goal – James 15’, Nusken 21’, 32’ Booked - Hampton Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, McCabe, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Catley (Fox 46’), Walti (Cooney-Cross 72’), Pelova (Maanum 46’), Mead, Little (c), Foord (Lacasse 57’), Blackstenius (Russo 46’) Unused substitutes: D’Angelo, Bouhaddi, Codina, Reid Goal – Macario (o.g.) 86’ Booked – McCabe, Lacasse Referee – Rebecca Welsh Attendance – 32,970

FA Cup Final 2024: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur Photographer Adam Mitten Manchester United were crowned as FA Cup champions for the very first time after a dominant display over Tottenham Hotspur. Ella Toone, Rachel Williams and Lucia Garcia put four past Becky Spencer in front of 76,000 at Wembley Stadium.

A quick guide to Coventry United who compete in the Women's Championship. Coventry United Website https://culfc-media.co.uk/ Manager Lee Burch - ENG Captain Squad Coventry Badge Coventry Badge 1/1 Number Player Position Nationality Hayley Crackle DF IRL Anna Wilcox MF ENG Simran Jhamat MF ENG Anna Colville FW SUI Mia Smith GK ENG Ebony Wiseman MF ENG Jodie Whiteman GK ENG Hayley Hoare DF WAL Megan Alexander DF ENG Fran Orthodoxou MF ENG Jodie Bartle DF ENG Charlie Estcourt MF WAL Evie Gane DF WAL Rosetta Taylor MF AUS Alanah Mann DF ENG Keeley Davies FW ENG Meesha Dudley-Jones FW WAL Arabella Suttie DF ENG Katy Morris MF ENG 11 Cara Milne-Redhead MF ENG 23 Merrick Will MF ENG Ground Butts Park Arena, Butts Rd, Coventry CV1 3GE

Blackburn Rovers earn a crucial point against London City Lionesses Back Match Report WC: London City Lionesses v Blackburn Rovers Blackburn Rovers earn a crucial point against London City Lionesses Blackburn Rovers Ladies Twitter 1 November 2022 By Paul Donegan London City Lionesses and Blackburn Rovers played out a goalless draw on Sunday at Princes Park. There were chances, with the home side having more of those, good saves from both goalkeepers, the woodwork hit, but no goals. Jade Richards was making her 50th appearance for Blackburn, and they had the first effort of the match but Natasha Fenton sent her shot well over in the 4th minute. London City Lionesses first chance came in the 9th minute when Hayley Nolan shot wide after some nice build up play. The Lionesses had a good chance four minutes later but Atlanta Primus was denied from close range when Blackburn’s goalkeeper Shanell Salgado made a good save with her feet. The game became a bit stop, start with a couple of stoppages for head injuries. Blackburn had the next opportunity in the 21st minute when Saffron Jordan saw her free kick blocked by the wall then her follow up shot saved. London City Lionesses had the next chance five minutes later when they broke and Lois Heuchan saw her shot deflected wide. In the 29th minute, Blackburn’s Farah Crompton saw her effort blocked then the rebound saved by Shae Yanez. There were to be no more chances during the remaining 15 minutes or so of the first half and the sides went in level at the break. The away side had an opportunity to go ahead in the first minute of the second half when Crompton was played through but her lobbed effort was caught by Yanez. London City Lionesses then had a few chances in quick succession. In the 48th minute, Primus’ dipping shot was tipped by Salgado onto the post then the rebound was blocked. A minute later, Sarah Ewens saw her shot from 30-yards saved. On the hour mark, a looping shot from Ewens caused problems and a scramble before being cleared by Blackburn. Second half substitute Lois Joel had the home sides next chance but shot over in the 63rd minute. Salgado made another save from a Joel cross four minutes later as London City Lionesses were getting on top. Shanade Hopcroft sent a free kick from distance over in the 69th minute for the Lionesses. Jamie-Lee Napier then saw her shot go over three minutes later. Salgado made a fantastic save to tip over Nolan’s shot in the 73rd minute as the chances kept coming for the home side. Blackburn survived an almighty scramble in front of goal in the 83rd minute when at least four London City Lionesses efforts were saved or blocked by defenders. The away side had a couple of late chances of their own. Jordan saw her shot from 18-yards saved in the 85th minute. Two minutes later, Yanez made a great save to tip over Millie Chandarana’s 20-yard lob. In between these Blackburn chances, Joel had shot over for the Lionesses. So, it finished 0-0. London City Lionesses stay in second place in the league but are now five points behind Bristol City after the weekend’s results. They play Birmingham at home on Sunday. Blackburn move up a couple of places to eighth after the draw. Their next game is also on Sunday when they play Sunderland at home. Line ups London City Lionesses (3-4-3): Yanez (c), Neville, Girasoli, Nolan, Fitzgerald (Muya 68’), Rodgers, Hopcroft (Kitching 90’+1), Heuchan (Joel 59’), Napier, Ewens, Primus Unused substitutes: Cull, Pedersen, Shepherd Blackburn Rovers (3-5-2): Salgado, Seed, Richards, Coan, Nokuthula, Worthington, Fenton (c), Chandarana (Hornby 90’), Murphy, Crompton (Leek 81’), Jordan Unused substitutes: Brooks, McDonald, Smith, Dixon, Williams, Thomas Booked – Leek 90+2’ Referee – Aimee Keir