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.

Barcelona beat Chelsea 2-0 after controversial decisions at sell out Stamford Bridge Back Match Report "Worst decision in UWCL history" slams Hayes as Chelsea bow out of the competition Barcelona beat Chelsea 2-0 after controversial decisions at sell out Stamford Bridge Chelsea FCW 28 April 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea lost 2-0 on the night and the tie 2-1 on aggregate to holders Barcelona amid refereeing controversy in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg on Saturday evening at Stamford Bridge. Aitana Bonmati and Fridolina Rolfo found the net for the Spanish side whilst Kadeisha Buchanan was sent off for the Blues on the hour mark after picking up two quick yellow cards, the second of which Chelsea manager Emma Hayes described as the “worst decision in UWCL history”. Some of the other decisions by the officials could also be questioned but the Blues also didn’t take the chances they had during the match. The sold-out attendance of 39,398 was a record for a Chelsea women’s match. The home side had the first real opening of the match in the 4th minute but Catarina Macario’s pass towards Lauren James was overhit. Three minutes later, another pass from the Blues didn’t find its intended target, this time from Melanie Leupolz. As the rain started to fall, a cross from the visitors was headed clear by Sjoeke Nusken, then their captain Patri Guijarro couldn’t control the ball and saw it go wide. After scoring the only goal in the first leg for Chelsea, Erin Cuthbert had another chance from the edge of the area but this one flew well over in the 16th minute. In the 22nd minute, the hosts goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was forced into a save when she stopped Caroline Graham Hansen’s shot from the edge of the area. Barcelona took the lead on the night and levelled the tie in the 24th minute when Bonmati’s shot from just inside the area deflected off Buchanan and into the net. Some nice build up play from the visitors on the half-hour mark involving Bonmati and Graham Hansen finished the ball being put behind for a corner by Cuthbert. The hosts had a great chance to level on the night in the 31st minute when James passed back to Leupolz but she hit the crossbar from 6-yards out, but the offside flag was up so it wouldn’t have counted anyway. Ashley Lawrence’s curling effort for the Blues was blocked, then Catalina Coll made a good low save to push Macario’s half volley behind. In the 38th minute, James couldn’t get her foot on Nusken’s low cross across goal then Cuthbert blasted over as Chelsea continued their good response after going behind. Two minutes before the break, Barca’s Graham Hansen turned just outside the area then saw her shot deflected over for a corner. In the final minute of the half, Rolfo aimed a curling effort at goal but this went past the angle of post and bar. The Swedish international had the final chance before the break for the Spanish side but this time she dragged her shot wide. The rain seemed to have got heavier at the start of the second period, and the had the first opportunity of the half but Coll got to Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s low cross just before Nusken. Barcelona appealed for a penalty after a player went down after a Nusken challenge before the ball was cleared. Ona Batlle then fired well over for the visitors. James played a great ball to Lawrence who passed to Nusken and she saw her effort hit the outside of the post in the 57th minute as the hosts came close again to levelling on the night and going ahead in the tie. Buchanan was sent off for the Blues in the 59th minute after she picked up her second yellow card within minutes when she committed what referee Iuliana Demetrescu deemed a foul on Guijarro meaning the hosts had to play the last half-hour with 10 players. Almost immediately after the sending off, Salma Paralluelo headed over for Barca. Ona Battle’s low shot was saved by Hampton in the 66th minute, then at the other end as Chelsea attacked quickly, Rytting Kaneryd saw her curling effort from the edge of the area saved. Nusken whipped in a dangerous cross for the hosts but this was headed clear. Barcelona were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute after Bonmati had gone down after a tangle with Lawrence. After a VAR check confirmed the decision, Rolfo sent Hampton the wrong way from the spot to put the visitors ahead on aggregate. Millie Bright came on in the 84th minute for her first appearance in five months to play up front as Chelsea looked for a goal to level the tie. Barca however slowed the match down with some tactical play in most of the remaining time. Eve Perisset’s deep free kick for the Blues in the third minute of stoppage time went through everyone in the penalty area and behind for a goal kick. Hampton stopped a Paralluelo effort with her leg deep into additional time as the Spanish side looked for a third goal. A final cross from Agnes Beever-Jones was claimed by the Barca goalkeeper before the referee blew the final whistle and the holders reached the final for the fourth season in a row. When speaking to the media after the match, Hayes started by praising the sold-out crowd say they were “tremendous” and gave as much support as they could. Later, she added that she hopes they keep coming back to watch the side. On the Blues performance, she felt Barcelona had a strong first half and are a top team, but her side were getting on top after the break and were confident before Buchanan’s sending off. Hayes was scathing on the referee’s performance, saying she made a “horrific decision” and is gutted for her players and feels robbed. She remarked a number of times that decisions against them meant they “didn’t have the opportunity to lose the game as that was taken away”. Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez thought it was a “really difficult game” against a side with “amazing players and an amazing coach”. On the officiating, Giraldez said “it is part of the game” and the most important thing is about managing emotions when winning or losing and his side were better than Chelsea at that. He was happy with his sides performance and felt they “were better and created more chances”. He added qualifying for another final is a big achievement for them. Line-ups Chelsea (3-5-2): Hampton, Carter, Buchanan, Charles (c), Rytting Kaneryd (Bright 84’), Cuthbert, Leupolz (Beever-Jones 76’), Nusken, Lawrence (Perisset 84’), James (Kirby 84’), Macario (Reiten 63’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Ingle, Mielde, Cankovic, Bjorn Booked – Buchanan, Charles Sent off – Buchanan 59’ Barcelona (3-5-2): Cata Coll, Ona Batlle (Mariona Caldentey 67’), Irene Paredes, Engen, Bronze, Aitana Bonmati (Alexia Putellas 90’+2), Walsh, Patri Guijarro(c), Rolfo, Graham Hansen (Claudia Pina 86’), Salma Paralluelo Unused substitutes: Sandra Panos, Gemma Font, Jana Fernandez, Marta Torrejon, Bruna Vilamala, Brugts, Vicky Lopez, Martina Goals – Aitana Bonmati 25’, Rolfo (pen) 75’ Referee – Iuliana Demetrescu Attendance – 39,398

Liverpool progress to the FA Cup quarter finals after a comfortable win over London City Lionesses Back Match Report Two goals for Liverpool sees the Reds sail through Liverpool progress to the FA Cup quarter finals after a comfortable win over London City Lionesses Adam Mitten 13 February 2024 By Paul Donegan Liverpool were 2-0 winners over London City Lionesses in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday at Princes Park. The Reds goals were scored by Sophie Roman Haug and Mel Lawley. This was Darren Smith’s first match in interim charge of the Pride after Carolina Morace and Nicola Williams had left the club on Wednesday but his side rarely threatened the visitors goal. Liverpool had the first opportunity of the match within the first minute but Roman Haug sent her half volley over the crossbar. In the 3rd minute, Jenna Clark shot over from 30-yards out after being allowed to advance. The visitors continued their early pressure when a Lucy Parry cross into the area was headed clear. From a corner in the 5th minute, Grace Fisk saw an effort cleared off the line. Liverpool deservedly took the lead a minute later when Jasmine Matthews sent in a superb cross from the left side that Roman Haug headed it into the net from close range. In the 12th minute, Matthews found space at the far post but put her effort wide for the visitors. The Reds high tempo start led to another chance seconds later but Lawley saw her shot saved. The visitors defended well to stop Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah from getting a cross in when the home side launched a rare attack in the opening 20 minutes. At the other end, Roman Haug couldn’t get enough on a cross and saw the ball go wide of the post. Another Liverpool cross from the right to the far post was met by Matthews but her effort was deflected behind. In the 23rd minute, Nicole Douglas was unable to sort her feet out and the visitors defence got back to clear the ball. Two minutes later, Lawley’s cross found Ceri Holland but her first time strike was saved by the Pride’s goalkeeper Grace Moloney. Marie Hobinger shot wide a couple of minutes later as the Reds looked to increase their lead. Moloney made a good save in the 29th minute when she dived at full length to stop a Lawley shot from long-range. A corner from the visitors was headed on to the bar by Clark before being scrambled behind in the 35th minute, The hosts put a bit of pressure on the Liverpool defence in the 42nd minute but couldn’t get any shots towards goal. The half time whistle blew with the score still only 1-0 to the away side. An inswinging free kick from Hobinger was clawed away by Moloney as the Reds had the first opportunity of the second half in the 50th minute. A cross from Boye-Hlorkah landed on the roof of the net which was about as close as the home side had come to scoring so far. Roman Haug headed wide following a corner in the 55th minute, then four minutes later, the Norwegian international saw another header go off target. London City Lionesses were more in it during the second half though still not getting many clear opportunities at goal. The Reds made it 2-0 in the 67th minute when a long Rachel Laws kick down the field was flicked on by Roman Haug into Lawley’s path and she hit the ball into the net via the crossbar. Both of Liverpool’s goalscorers were taken off in the 70th minute as Matt Beard made his final substitutions of the afternoon. Lois Joel was unable to get on the end of a cross two minutes later as the home side looked to get back into the match. A corner was then headed off the line by Koivisto. Yana Daniels’ long-range shot in the 80th minute was easily caught by the Pride’s goalkeeper. Mia Enderby put an effort over after a nice move from the visitors. Maddi Wilde had a chance to get a goal back for the hosts during stoppage time but her shot from outside the area went over. Liverpool still had time to hit the side netting after Enderby had been played in by Hobinger, and then they saw an effort from a corner cleared off the line. There were no more goals as the Reds booked their place in the quarter-finals. Line ups London City Lionesses: Moloney, Mukandi, Brougham, Joel (c), Scofield (Satchell 85’), Douglas (Wilde 79’), Fitzgerald, Carter, Culver, Littlejohn (Groves 62’), Boye-Hlorkah Unused substitute s: Cull, Dolby, Bailey, Cowan, Jarrett, Farrelly Liverpool: Laws, Fisk, Fahey (c), Matthews, Nugano, Roman Haug (Kiernan 70’), Lawley (Enderby 70’), Hobinger, Clark (Daniels 56’), Holland (Lundgaard 63’), Parry (Koivisto 56’) Unused substitutes: Spencer, van de Sanden, Bonner Goals – Roman Haug 6’, Lawley 67’ Referee – Chloe-Ann Small

Bristol City earn a 1-0 win on a cold night at The Dripping Pan Back Match Report WC: Lewes v Bristol City Bristol City earn a 1-0 win on a cold night at The Dripping Pan James Boyes 3 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Shania Hayles scored the only goal of the game as Bristol City won 1-0 away at Lewes and moved to the top of the Women’s Championship on Wednesday evening. Scott Booth named the same starting eleven for Lewes from their 6-1 win over Cardiff City in the FA Cup at the weekend. They would line up in what looked like a 3-5-2 formation with Rebecca McKenna and Nat Johnson playing as wing-backs. Bristol City went into the match knowing a draw or win would move them ahead of London City Lionesses and into top spot. Lauren Smith made four changes from their 8-1 defeat to Manchester City in the cup with Abi Harrison, Hayles, Jodie Hutton and Vicky Bruce all coming into the side. On a cold but dry evening at The Dripping Pan, Bristol City’s Grace Clinton had the first effort at goal in the 6th minute but her free kick was easily claimed by Lewes’ goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse. Ellie Mason, who had scored four against Cardiff, had Lewes’ first chance in the 13th minute but her shot from the edge of the area went over. Whitehouse made another save in the 22nd minute to keep out Emily Syme’s effort. Mason cut in from the left-hand side in the 28th minute but her curling shot was caught by the Robins keeper Fran Bentley. A minute later, Rachel Furness’ shot from distance went wide for the visitors. Lewes captain Rhian Cleverly was just unable to finish a dangerous Paula Howells cross at the far post in the 33rd minute. A couple of minutes later, Bristol City had a similar chance but Hayles wasn’t able to get a touch on a good cross from Harrison in front of goal. Gracie Pearce sent a shot side for the visitors, then Kirsty Barton made a vital block on the line to deny Hayles. Lewes had the final chance before half time but Emma Thompson was unable to get her head on a cross, and the first half finished goalless. Hayles fired a shot over the crossbar in the 47th minute as the Robins had the first chance of the second half. Furness had their next chance in the 50th minute but she sent an effort from 18-yards just wide. Furness had another opportunity four minutes later but her header across goal was cleared. Photo: James Boyes The pressure was growing on Lewes now and Bristol City won a succession of corners. From one of these, Vicky Bruce saw a header cleared off the line by Mason in the 57th minute. It felt like a goal was coming for the visitors and indeed they took the lead a minute later. Following another corner which was cleared off the line, the ball finished up with Harrison whose touch found Hayles and she finished low into the corner of the net from 6-yards. Lewes’ first chance of the half came in the 61st minute but Amber-Keegan Stobbs’ effort was saved. Bristol City continued to look dangerous from corners with one being scrambled clear in the 68th minute, and then Bruce seeing her header from another one saved by Whitehouse a few minutes later. Lewes did have a couple of chances to equalise with Howells shooting over after being played through by Stobbs in the 77th minute. Then in the 84th minute, Kenzie Weir saw an effort saved by Bentley. The final chance of the game came the visitors way deep into stoppage time when Whitehouse made a good save to deny Jesse Woolley. The win sees Bristol City move three points clear of London City Lionesses at the top of the Championship with both having played the same number of games. On Sunday, Lewes take on Sunderland at home and Bristol City travel to Hayes Lane to play Crystal Palace. Line ups Lewes (3-5-2): Whitehouse, Stobbs, Cleverly (c), Barton, McKenna, Hazard, Wardlaw, Howells, Johnson, Thompson (Pursey 84’), Mason (Weir 76’) Unused substitutes: Moore, Palmer, Rita, Heria, Copus-Brown, Longhurst, Mushtaq Bristol City (4-3-3): Bentley (c), Powell, Pearce, Layzell, Bruce, Clinton, Syme, Furness (Woolley 65’), Harrison, Hayles, Hutton (Morgan 65’) Unused substitutes: Clark, Cataldo, C. Bull, Wilde, Teisar, Ward Goal – Hayles 58’ Booked – Hutton, Powell Referee – Chloe-Ann Small Attendance - 367