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West Ham earn an important 2-1 win over Leicester putting the Foxes at risk of relegation Back Match Report WSL: Leicester City v West Ham West Ham earn an important 2-1 win over Leicester putting the Foxes at risk of relegation West Ham United WFC 22 May 2023 By Paul Donegan Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham meant they missed out on securing safety in the Women’s Super League and the relegation place will be decided on the final day of the season. A Sophie Howard own goal and a Dagny Brynjarsdottir penalty had given the Hammers a two goal lead before Hannah Cain scored a late spot kick for Leicester. The Foxes also had Ruby Mace sent off in second half stoppage time after she picked up two bookings. The win was West Ham’s first in the league since December. There were over 4,000 supporters at the King Power Stadium with many waving flags as the sides came out. There was a slight delay just after the match started due to the sprinklers at one end of the pitch starting and not wanting to stop for a couple of minutes. In the 5th minute, Remy Siemsen had the first opportunity of the match for Leicester but shot straight at the goalkeeper. Cain shot over for the hosts four minutes later. West Ham took the lead against the run of play in the 18th minute when Anouk Denton’s cross from the left side into the penalty area took a deflection off Howard with the ball looping over Janina Leitzig and into the net. Some nice Leicester play finished with CJ Bott’s strike being tipped wide by Mackenzie Arnold. From the corner, Arnold stopped a low strike from Cain with her feet. These saves followed some good ones the Australian international goalkeeper made in the Hammers defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday evening. Around the half-hour mark, a Mace cross was headed towards goal by Cain but Arnold got down to save and push the ball away. No Leicester attacker could get on the end of a dangerous ball across the penalty area from Courtney Nevin. Viviane Asseyi was allowed to run towards the Leicester penalty area before sending a shot at goal which Leitzig pushed around the post. Amber Tysiak got a couple of vital blocks in in the penalty area to stop the home side equalising four minutes before half time. Ashleigh Plumptre then headed over a corner when unmarked, before Siemsen headed wide. The visitors had a chance when they broke quickly during the six minutes of first half injury time but Amalie Thestrup shot over. Deeper into stoppage time, Leicester captain Aileen Whelan saw her shot from just outside the area saved. Tysak stopped an attack from the home side with a last ditch tackle three minutes into the second half. Mace volleyed over in the 52nd minute after the ball had only been cleared as far as her. West Ham were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute after Howard handled a cross in the area. Photo: West Ham United WFC Brynjarsdottir stepped up to take the penalty and sent the ball low into the net to double the Hammers lead. Shortly after conceding the second goal, Whelan saw an effort from six-yards hit the crossbar before the ball was cleared behind for a corner. Bott tried a long-distance chip in the 66th minute but Arnold saved this easily. Leicester were creating lots of opportunities but not being clinical enough to finish them. Following a corner, Siemsen saw an effort cleared off the line before Howard blasted the ball over. Second half substitute Shannon O’Brien sliced another Leicester chance wide in the 75th minute. West Ham were mainly attacking on the break but support was often slow to get up with play meaning Leicester defenders could get back and the attacks broke down. The Hammers slow play, players needing treatment, and some of the officials decisions were increasingly frustrating the home supporters as the match went on. Nine minutes of added time were signalled at the end of the second half. Mace committed a second bookable offence and was sent off in the fourth minute of them. The hosts were awarded a penalty of their own five minutes later when Whelan was fouled by Arnold. Cain scored from 12-yards for what to turned out to be a very late consolation goal for the Foxes. The final whistle was blown shortly after and West Ham had secured their first three points of 2023. Leicester will be guaranteed of staying up if they win away at Brighton on Saturday. If not, they are relying on Reading not beating Chelsea. West Ham take on Tottenham Hotspur at home in their final match. Line ups Leicester City (4-1-2-1-2) : Leitzig, Bott (Goodwin 74’), Howard, Plumptre, Nevin, Mace, Tierney, Whelan (c), Jones, Siemsen (O’Brien 60’), Cain Unused substitutes: Lambourne, Pike, Purfield, Levell, Smith, Robinson, Reavill Goal – Cain 90’+9 (pen) Booked – Mace Sent Off - Mace West Ham United (3-4-1-2) : Arnold, Fisk, Parker, Tysiak (Cissoko 73’), Shimizu, Brynjarsdottir (c), Hayashi, Denton (Smith 84’), Snerle (Longhurst 73’), Asseyi (Ademiluyi 90’+6), Thestrup (Evans 73’) Unused substitutes: Atkinson, Filis, Cooke Goals – Howard 18’ (og), Brynjarsdottir 60’ (pen) Booked – Parker, Fisk, Longhurst Referee – Lisa Benn Attendance – 4,023

Crystal Palace clinch a 1-0 victory in a tough match-up with hosts London City. Back Match Report WC: London City Lionesses v Crystal Palace Crystal Palace clinch a 1-0 victory in a tough match-up with hosts London City. Edward Payne 25 August 2022 By Paul Donegan Crystal Palace won this London derby 1-0 thanks to Isabella Sibley’s second half goal. In a close game in which both sides hit the woodwork and had other chances to score, it was the Eagles, and their fans, who went home happy. Last season’s Championship runners up London City Lionesses named two of their summer signings in their starting 11, those being Lois Heuchan and Sarah Ewens. Dean Davenport’s Crystal Palace made 15 signings over the summer, and seven of those were given debuts in the 11 that started the match. The seven were Fran Kitching, Anna Filbey, Polly Doran, Chloe Arthur, Chloe Peplow, Annabel Blanchard and Elise Hughes. London City Lionesses had the first chance of the match in the 3rd minute when Lilly Agg headed wide from a free kick. Ewens put a shot over in the 13th minute, and seconds later Atlanta Primus saw her low shot saved. Crystal Palace’s first attempt came in the 15th minute when Doran had a shot blocked. Coral-Jade Haines sent a curling effort wide in the 20th minute, and three minutes later Sibley had a shot saved. Palace continued to have more of the chances and in the 32nd minute Hughes put a shot from outside the area well over. Three minutes later, Filbey saw her shot from long range go wide. Haines played in Sibley but her low shot was saved by Shae Yanez in the 37th minute. London City Lionesses finished the half well though and had a few opportunities. In the 42nd minute, Karin Muya’s cross was deflected onto the roof of the net. Amy Rodgers hit the top of the crossbar from the resulting corner. A minute later, Grace Neville found herself in some space but shot wide. In the last minute of the half, Ewens sent a shot not far over from outside the area. The best chance of the half came in injury time for London City Lionesses when Primus sent a thunderous shot from outside the area towards goal that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced down before being cleared behind for a corner. Five minutes into the second half and Crystal Palace took the lead. Arthur sent an equally thunderous shot from a similar position that also hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced down though this time Sibley was there to put away the rebound from close range. Crystal Palace celebrate Isabella Sibley's goal. Photo: Edward Payne Palace went looking for a second with Blanchard having an effort blocked, and in the 54th minute her volley from the edge of the area was saved. London City Lionesses first opportunity of the half came in the 60th minute when Napier played in Ewens who shot narrowly wide. Palace had another attempt of their own a minute later when Doran saw her effort saved at the second attempt by Yanez. Agg saw her header hit the post as the Lionesses came close to equalising in the 63rd minute. At the other end, Palace went close to going further ahead in the 69th minute when Sibley’s curling shot hit the post before Doran put the rebound wide this time. Six minutes later, they went close again when Sibley charged down a Yanez kick out and the ball went just over. Both sides had opportunities in the last 15 minutes with London City Lionesses going close when Agg headed just wide. Yanez made a good save in the 83rd minute when she tipped over a Haines shot as Palace almost wrapped up victory. In the 87th minute, Napier was through for the Lionesses but Annabel Johnson got back to make an absolutely superb tackle. Two minutes later, second half substitute for Palace Molly Sharpe saw her low shot saved. In the 90th minute, Katie Kitching shot over for the Lionesses. Five minutes of injury time were signalled but Palace kept the ball in the corner for a fair bit of that and they had the final chance of the game when Kirsten Reilly’s shot was saved. Crystal Palace picked up three points from this match between two sides who could well be up there challenging for the title this season. London City Lionesses will go looking for their first points next Sunday when they have another local derby away to Charlton. Palace are at home to Coventry United on Saturday evening. Line ups London City Lionesses: Yanez, Neville (Joel 64’), Nolan, Bennett (C), Heuchan (Fitzgerald 86’), Agg (Hopcroft 86’), Muya (Shepherd 56’), Rodgers, Primus (Kitching 64’), Napier, Ewens Unused substitutes: Cull, Fleming, Pedersen, Girasoli Booked: Bennett 57’ Crystal Palace: Kitching, Johnson (C), Everett, Filbey, Doran (Barton 76’), Arthur, Peplow (Reilly 62’), Sibley, Haines, Blanchard (Sharpe 73’), Hughes Unused substitutes: Negri, Waldie, Gibbons, Olding, Guyatt, Noble Goal: Sibley 50’

Catch up with the action from the final group round of the Conti Cup Conti Cup - Final Group Round Saturday, 27 January 2024 By Paul Donegan Catch up with the action from the final group round of the Conti Cup Barclays WSL The final set of group matches in this season’s Conti Cup, which decided the seven sides who would join Chelsea in the quarter-finals, took place on Wednesday and Thursday. Here is a round-up of what happened. In Group A, Aston Villa won 7-0 away at Sunderland. The goals came from Alisha Lehmann, Jordan Nobbs, Rachel Corsie, Ebony Salmon, Simone Magill, Adriana Leon and a Natasha Fenton own goal. The win sees Villa top the group whilst Sunderland finish as runners-up. The Villans finished the group stage undefeated, having scored 24 and conceding only 1 in their 4 games. However, Aston Villa’s recent signing from Arsenal, Noelle Maritz, came on at half time and having already played in the competition three times for the Gunners this season, according to the cup rules it looks like she was cup-tied and ineligible. The FA released a statement on Thursday evening saying they “are now investigating an alleged breach of Cup Rule 8.19 by Villa and in accordance with competition rules, this matter has been referred to Sport Resolutions UK for consideration by an independent tribunal. ” In the other match in the group, Blackburn Rovers beat Sheffield United 3-0. Lucy Shepherd scored a brace and Lauren Thomas got the other goal for Rovers. Manchester City won Group B with a 2-1 win over city rivals Manchester United. Chloe Kelly gave City the lead just after half time and Lauren Hemp added a second in the 70th minute. Nikita Parris scored a consolation goal for United in stoppage time at the end of the match. The defeat sees Marc Skinner’s side finish in second place in the group. Leicester City beat Everton 5-1 in the other Group B game. The Foxes goals were scored by Samantha Tierney, Deanne Rose, Shannon O’Brien, Missy Goodwin and Jutta Rantala whilst Hanna Bennison scored the Toffees late consolation one. London City Lionesses progressed to the Conti Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in Group C. Elise Hughes had given the Eagles the lead in the first half but two second half goals from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah saw the Pride top the group. The other Group C match between Watford and Lewes was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at Grosvenor Vale. Holders Arsenal won Group D with a 6-0 win away at Reading. Caitlin Foord opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Stina Blackstenius added two more before the break. Laia Codina scored the Gunners fourth six minutes into the second half. Leah Williamson come on as a substitute in the 61st minute making her first appearance since recovering from an ACL injury. Ten minutes later, Kim Little came on to make her 300th appearance for Arsenal. Williamson assisted Beth Mead as the Gunners made it 5-0 before Blackstenius completed her hat-trick in the 84th minute. Tottenham Hotspur secured second place in Group D with a 3-0 win away at Southampton. Ramona Petzelberger, Charlotte Grant and Grace Clinton scored the goals for Spurs as they qualified for the quarter-finals. I was at The Oakwood on Wednesday evening to see Brighton & Hove Albion make it three wins out of three in the group stage as they beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 to win Group E. The Seagulls took the lead in the 22nd minute when Colombian international Jorelyn Carabali headed in from a corner. They extended their lead in the 37th minute thanks to Tatiana Pinto’s finish following a free kick. Charlton’s best chance in the first half fell to Melissa Johnson but her shot was tipped behind by the Brighton goalkeeper. Brighton had plenty of chances during the second half to extend their lead further but were denied by the woodwork, efforts being deflected off target and some good saves from the Addicks keeper Jess Gray. Charlton got a goal back in the second minute of additional time when Kayleigh Green found the net from close range. Gray made one final superb save to stop an effort from the Seagulls before the final whistle was blown. Championship side Birmingham City caused an upset as they beat their Women’s Super League opponents West Ham United 2-1 in the other Group E game. Lily Agg gave the Blues the lead during the first half before Martha Harris scored their second early in the second half. Riko Ueki did find the net for the Hammers in stoppage time as their exited this season’s Conti Cup. The sides that are in the quarter-finals at the moment are Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City, London City Lionesses, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. This line up could change when it is decided what, if any, punishment Aston Villa receive.

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

Birmingham leave Bromley with all three points after a 4-2 thriller at Hayes Lane Back Match Report WC: Crystal Palace v Birmingham City Birmingham leave Bromley with all three points after a 4-2 thriller at Hayes Lane Birmingham City WFC 17 April 2023 By Paul Donegan Birmingham City travelled to Hayes Lane and beat Crystal Palace 4-2 on Sunday afternoon to make it four wins in a row in the Women’s Championship and keep their chances of winning the league alive. The Blues scored three times in the first 15 minutes with the goals coming from Jade Pennock, Claudia Walker and Lucy Quinn. Coral-Jade Haines and Molly Sharpe pulled two goals back for the Eagles before half time. Walker scored her second of the game around the mid-point of the second half to secure the three points for the visitors. On a pleasant afternoon in Bromley, the home side had the first chance of the game but Sharpe sent her effort wide. Birmingham took the lead in the 9th minute when Charlie Devlin passed to Pennock who shot low into the corner of the net to score her 11th league goal of the season. Devlin saw a shot of her own go straight at Palace goalkeeper Fran Kitching in the 12th minute. Seconds later, the Blues doubled their advantage. Devlin played in Walker whose initial shot hit the post, but she was first to the rebound to tap the ball into the net. The visitors made it 3-0 three minutes later. Pennock, who was making her 50th appearance for the club, provided the assist this time when her low cross was finished from close-range by Quinn. Birmingham had opportunities to extended their lead further with Lucy Quinn seeing a shot saved in the 19th minute, and Pennock put a low effort wide three minutes later. Palace had a chance to get a goal back in the 24th minute but Anna Filbey saw her free-kick hit the wall then she shot straight at the goalkeeper from the rebound. Walker headed over for the away side on the half-hour mark. The home side found the net to make it 1-3 in the 36th minute. Annabel Blanchard played the ball back to Haines who finished first time past Birmingham goalkeeper Lucy Thomas. The Eagles made it 2-3 two minutes before half-time when Annabel Johnson played in Sharpe who lobbed the ball from the edge of the area into the net. Palace had the final opportunity of an eventful first half, but Sharpe’s effort was cleared wide by a Birmingham defender on the line as the home side came close to equalising. Pennock had the ball in the net again for Birmingham three minutes into the second half but this time it was ruled out for offside. There were no real clear chances for the next 20 minutes with the Blues seeing a few efforts blocked, and Filbey shooting over for the Eagles. Birmingham scored their fourth goal in the 68th minute. After some nice build-up play from Olivia McLoughlin down the right-hand side, the ball found Walker in the area who smashed it into the net. Harriet Scott headed a corner wide for the visitors in the 73rd minute. After this, the game became a bit disjointed with a number of stoppages, bookings and substitutions. The Blues had the final opportunity of the match but Libby Smith saw her shot saved. Birmingham now take on Durham home and away in the next week as they look to continue putting some pressure on Bristol City. The Robins will win the Championship if they beat Charlton next Sunday though whatever the Blues and London City Lionesses do. Birmingham and Bristol City face each other at St Andrew’s on the final day of the season. Crystal Palace are at home again next Sunday to Lewes. Line ups Crystal Palace (3-5-2): Kitching, Reilly, Everett, Johnson (c), Doran (Gibbons 73’), Filbey (Guyatt 84’), Olding, Haines, Sharpe (Bailey-Gayle 85’), Hughes (Dean 73’), Blanchard Unused substitutes: Negri, Arthur Goals – Haines 36’, Sharpe 43’ Booked – Haines, Gibbons Birmingham City (4-3-3): Thomas, Harris, Scott, Louise Quinn (c), Lawley, Finn, Devlin (Hodson 63’), McLoughlin (Estcourt 76’), Pennock, Walker (Smith 76’), Lucy Quinn (Bourne 84’) Unused substitutes: Jones, Simkin, Jenner, Cowie, Worsey Goals – Pennock 9’, Walker 12’, 68’, Lucy Quinn 15’ Booked – Finn Referee – James Durkin

The mammoth journey between the two sides only increases the hunger for a win The Distance Derby: Perth v Wellington Phoenix Saturday, 22 February 2025 By Ben Gilby The mammoth journey between the two sides only increases the hunger for a win Perth Glory FC The challenges of a long away trip. Maybe six hours or so crammed tight into a coach to travel to a distant part of the country? That’s nothing compared to the journey involved when the two teams with the biggest geographical distance between them competing in the same domestic club league in the world go face to face twice a season in the A-League Women. Perth Glory took on Wellington Phoenix on Sunday in the latest fixture of what has become known as “The Distance Derby”. The two cities are 3,264 miles apart. The flight between the two takes between nine and ten hours with a stopover. Also factor in the fact that Perth is five hours ahead of Wellington, and you get the mammoth trip to end all long away journeys. Of course, any away trip is an epic one for either of these sides. Whilst all of Wellington Phoenix’s away games are in Australia (until next season when they will breathe a sigh of relief with Auckland coming into the competition as well), Perth face huge distances to travel when they play the other 10 Australian clubs in the league. The Glory’s closest away game is the 1,619 miles trip for their encounter at Adelaide United. That is a three and a quarter hour flight. Travelling to play in Sydney or Melbourne involves flights the equivalent length of one from London to Turkey. Perth’s closest away game is still longer than that of Wellington Phoenix’s shortest away trip (to Sydney) despite the Kiwi side being located in a different country altogether. Perth Glory FC Perth has always been an outlier – a forgotten part of Australia. It’s the only major city on the whole of the west coast of the country. Its state, Western Australia, is the same size as mainland Europe but with a population of just 2.9 million – 2.3 million of whom live in the Perth/Fremantle area. It’s the most isolated major city in the world, with Singapore closer than Sydney. No wonder throughout history there have been campaigns for Western Australia to become a separate nation. It certainly has the finances behind it to do so. Therefore, it’s no surprise that these two clubs have developed a relationship, almost an affinity as they are the two “other” clubs in the A-League Women. It was a bond that was strengthened during the COVID ravaged season of 2021/22 when both sides had to be based in a hub in New South Wales – over six hours away by plane from their natural bases to play their matches. The Glory v Phoenix games that season were given the additional moniker of “The Suitcase Derby”. As a Perth Glory fan since the first season of what was then the W-League in 2008, due to having three generations of my family living in the Perth/Fremantle region, I’ve watched the team develop and go through the highs of Grand Finals in the years of our hometown hero Sam Kerr, to the lows of recent times, without any sort of feeling towards our opponents. That all changed in 2021 when Wellington Phoenix came into the league. Their steady year on year improvements playing a great style of football and socking it to the East Coast Australian sides has given me many smiles. But what is it like for the players and coaching staff to have to endure the sort of journey that is involved to play in a Distance Derby? Speaking to me ahead of Perth’s game in Wellington earlier this season, Glory head coach Stephen Peters said: "We think about the football aspect and prepare the players as best we can and try and have an energetic performance, because the main concern is that you won't travel well, and we need to do that part well.” He hinted that a lot of the players see positives in the trip as it allows time for real team bonding and supporting each other. Indeed, the Glory’s Welsh international Megan Wynne felt that the journey itself was better than a long away trip playing in the Barclays Championship, saying ahead of her first trip to Wellington in December 2024: "Travelling to Sunderland was six, seven hours on a coach, so for me, flying seems more of a walk in the park rather than jumping on a crammed coach. "It's certainly going to be different! A lot of us haven't been to New Zealand, not alone the flight all the way there and that long trip, but we'll be well prepared. We're flying two days before." However, whilst travelling to Sunderland on a coach was a long trip for Wynne, at least it was on the same time zone. With Perth five hours ahead of Wellington, that part of the trip has a major impact on player wellbeing. As does the inevitable delays. Perth striker Ella Lincoln made her professional debut in that game in Wellington back in December. The joy of wearing the purple of her hometown club for the first time was mixed with the journey from hell coming back – a trip that took over 14 hours. "It was definitely very long, and coming back we got delayed and there was a plane stuck on the tarmac, so it was a really long journey,” She told me the following week. So last weekend, it was Wellington Phoenix who had to take the huge trek across to Western Australia. The time difference meant that kick-off time – 5pm local time was the equivalent of 10pm back in Wellington. Yet the Phoenix went into the encounter having won their last three games against the Glory after the home side had won the first four of the encounters. Wellington Phoenix Due to the geographical distance between the two sides, the league form book often goes out of the window when they play. But going into the game, the New Zealanders were placed in seventh – one spot outside the end of season Finals. Perth had been beset by a horrific run of injuries which has ruled out almost their entire midfield and striking stocks during the campaign, and had only won three times all season. With the Glory welcoming back key creator Sarah O’Donoghue from a long spell in the treatment room, they were a team transformed. However, even the return of the midfielder and Kelli Brown up front was tempered by the news that Georgia Cassidy (midfield) and Gabby Hollar (striker) had been potentially ruled out for the rest of the season, plus goalkeeper Casey Dumont now has an Achilles strain. It meant that young Western Australian Miranda Templeman started in goal, and 17-year-old local product Jess Skinner had to come in as sub keeper. However, such was O’Donoghue’s influence, Perth were a side transformed, and in front of a raucous home crowd of just under a thousand, ironically their smallest of the season so far, they turned on the style. Just after the half-hour mark, the home side hit the front, and it was O'Donoghue who showed her worth once more as she laid a low ball across for co-captain, the Barnsley-born Izzy Dalton, to take a touch and then direct the ball into the net. In a first half that was superbly end to end, the visitors hit back just before the break. Annalie Longo was making intelligent runs and supremely weighted passes into the feet of the Wellington strike force all game, and she managed to thread a ball that took out the Perth defence and allowed Staffordshire-born Olivia Fergusson to slide a shot home. The home side had hit the bar twice during the opening period from Caitlin Doeglas, and felt hard done by to go in 1-1 at the interval. Despite Wellington having the better of the early stages of the second half, it was Perth that earned the three points with just under 20 minutes of the game remaining. Welsh international Megan Wynne broke along the right and threaded a low ball into the mix. Under huge pressure from Kelli Brown breathing down her neck from behind, Phoenix defender Tiana Jaber put the ball into her own net. The Glory haven't been on the receiving end of much luck this season, but this was a reward for their application and belief. So, Perth Glory ran out winners of the eighth “Distance Derby” – they now lead the series 5-3. However, you sense there is relief among both teams that thoughts of the marathon journeys involved to play this particular A-League Women fixture can now be put on hold until next season.

Vivianne Miedema scores with her first touch as Arsenal land a 5-0 victory over Brighton Back Match Report Miedema signs off Arsenal account in style Vivianne Miedema scores with her first touch as Arsenal land a 5-0 victory over Brighton Getty 18 May 2024 By Paul Donegan Departing Arsenal legend, Vivianne Miedema, scored as the Gunners comfortably beat Brighton & Hove Albion 5-0 on the final day of the 2023/24 Women’s Super League season. Alessia Russo scored a brace, and an Jorelyn Carabli own goal and Frida Maanum completed the scoring for Arsenal whilst the Seagulls had chances but they were unable to find the net. It was a sunny and warm Saturday afternoon at Meadow Park with the home fans in good voice, but it was the visitors who started brightly and had the first opportunity in the 5 th minute when Carabali scuffed her shot wide from inside the area. The home sides first attempt at goal came in the 8 th minute but Russo saw her poked effort blocked before Albion cleared the ball. On the 11 th minute, there was applause for Miedema after it was announced during the week she would be leaving the club in the summer, at the end of which Caitlin Foord shot over from 20-yards for the hosts. The Gunners took the lead in the 17 th minute when Emily Fox made a good run into the area from the right side, got onto the ball and passed to Russo who smashed the it into the back of the net from 12-yards. Terland headed a deep free kick wide, then the Norwegian international saw her strike deflect off Catley and onto the crossbar then bounce away as the Seagulls looked to quickly equalise. Russo made it 2-0 to Arsenal in the 24 th minute when Maria Thorisdottir passed straight to her as Brighton were trying to play out from the back with the England international taking a touch past Sophie Baggaley and finishing into an empty net. Russo went close to completing a first half hat-trick in the 33 rd minute when she got on the end of a long ball from Steph Catley, went past Guro Bergsvand but curled her shot just wide of the far post. A quick attack from the home side down the left finished with Katie McCabe’s powerful shot being blocked before they appealed for a penalty which referee Lauren Impey waved away. Five minutes before half time, McCabe’s free kick from 30-yards was easily caught by Baggaley. The visitors had the final opportunity of the half during stoppage time when Terland picked the ball up on the halfway line, run forward but saw her shot from 25-yards easily dealt with by Arsenal goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, who is also leaving the club in the summer. Bergsvand made a superb block as Russo had another chance to complete her hat-trick with the first chance of the second half in the 52 nd minute. At the other end, Terland was played in but her low shot from just inside the area was saved by the diving D’Angelo. The Gunners were awarded a penalty in the 55 th minute after Catley had been brought down in the area. Captain Kim Little stepped up to take the spot kick but sent her strike from 12- yards against the post before Brighton cleared. Miedema came onto the pitch to an amazing reception from the Arsenal fans in the 62 nd minute. Within two minutes, she was on the scoresheet with her first touch of the ball when she got onto Beth Mead’s pass and finished low past Baggaley. A few minutes later, the Dutch international saw an effort deflected over as the hosts went close again. From the resulting corner, another recent Arsenal substitute Codina headed the ball towards goal and despite Carabli’s best efforts it finished in the net to make it 4-0. In the 72 nd minute, Maanum sent a cross shot narrowly wide of the far post. Four minutes later, Laura Wienroither cut in from the right side but sent her strike straight at Baggaley. The Seagulls had a chance to get a goal back in the 78 th minute when D’Angelo kept out Veatriki Sarri’s low shot with her foot before the ball went behind off Leah Williamson. The hosts were still looking for more goals and Foord just couldn’t get on the end of Mead’s low cross across the front of goal. Miedema played a lovely ball through which Maanum got onto and finished in the 88 th minute to make it 5-0 to the Arsenal. The final opportunity of the match went the Gunners way when Mead whipped in a low cross from the right but Williamson just couldn’t convert in front of goal. When speaking to the media after the match, Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall explained that they have been working on keeping Russo in more central areas of the pitch and she has had a good goalscoring record since February. He said Miedema’s goal was “so well deserved” for her as she has been training so hard and been focused the whole week. “You can never write your own farewell, maybe you can’t do that unless you are her, for me I was 100% sure she was going to score today because that was her wish” Eidevall added. Line-ups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): D’Angelo, Fox (Wienroither 68’), Williamson, Catley (Codina 62’), McCabe, Pelova, Cooney-Cross (Maanum 61’), Mead, Little (c), Foord (Agyemang 65’), Russo (Miedema 62’) Substitutes: Zinsberger, Goldie, Williams, Reid Goals – Russo 17’, 24’, Miedema 64’, Carabali (o.g.) 67’, Maanum 88’ Brighton & Hove Albion (4-1-3-2): Baggaley, Carabali (Mengwen 80’), Bergsvand, Thorisdottir, Pattinson, Zigotti (Kullberg 69’), Robinson (Symonds 46’), Losada (c), Geum-Min (Sarri 69’), Terland, Haley (Stefanovic 80’) Substitutes: Loeck, McEwan, Dent Booked - Losada Referee – Lauren Impey Attendance - 3,553

Willie Kirk's Leicester stun with a 4-0 statement win over Liverpool but will it be enough to keep them in the top flight? Back Match Report WSL: Leicester City v Liverpool Willie Kirk's Leicester stun with a 4-0 statement win over Liverpool but will it be enough to keep them in the top flight? Ryan Asman 2 May 2023 By Paul Donegan Josie Green, Carrie Jones, Ashleigh Plumptre and Missy Goodwin scored the goals as Leicester beat Liverpool 4-0 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. The three points saw the Foxes move off the bottom of the WSL. Willie Kirk’s Leicester hadn’t played for four weeks since they beat Reading at home 2-1 but they started well and won a corner in the first minute. Their first effort on goal came in the 7th minute when the superb Ruby Mace sent a shot into the side netting. The home sides good start was rewarded when they took the lead in the 15th minute. After a corner, the ball found Green just inside the area and her shot went into the net via a deflection off Missy Bo Kearns. Leicester did a variety of different things from corners, especially during the first half. Some were cleverly played into space in the area, some were played further out towards the edge of it, and some were more standard crosses. All impressive though. The Foxes made it 2-0 in the 21st minute. They attacked quickly from inside their own half with the ball reaching Jones just outside the area whose shot took a slight deflection which made the ball loop over Rachel Laws and down off the crossbar into the net. Leicester came close to extending their lead in the 34th minute when Remy Siemsen saw her effort from six-yards saved by Laws onto the post before the ball was cleared behind for a corner. Liverpool’s Leighanne Robe made a vital tackle to stop Hannah Cain just as the Leicester player was about to shoot at goal just before half time. The away side hadn’t threatened the Leicester goal at all during the first half, and at half time Matt Beard made a triple substitution and changed to what looked like a 3-4-1-2 formation. These changes didn’t make an early difference as the Foxes made it 3-0 in the 48th minute when Plumptre headed in a corner. The visitors first effort at goal in the match came in the 54th minute but it was easily saved by Janina Leitzig. Katie Stengel then headed into the keepers hands a minute later. Leicester were almost causing themselves some problems when trying to play out from the back, but on the whole were defending well and were full of commitment, restricting Liverpool to mainly half chances. Photo: Ryan Asman Liverpool did come close to getting a goal back in the 83rd minute but were denied by Leitzig when she pushed Rhiannon Roberts header up and onto the crossbar. From the rebound, Jasmine Matthews saw an effort blocked before a scramble that finished with Gemma Bonner’s shot being saved. Leitzig made another good save five minutes later when she tipped wide Emma Koivisto’s shot. Carla Humphrey had Liverpool’s final effort of the match but this too was stopped by Leitzig. Deep into the six minutes of stoppage time, Leicester scored a fourth goal. Courtney Nevin’s cross from the left side was headed into the net by second half substitute Goodwin. This proved to be the final touch of the game as the referee blew the final whistle straight after this to signal the end of a convincing and impressive win for the Foxes. Leicester now sit in tenth place in the league after the weekend’s results whilst Liverpool remain in seventh. Leicester’s next match is on Friday evening then they travel to Meadow Park to take on Arsenal, whilst Liverpool play Chelsea at Kingsmeadow on Wednesday in their next game. Line ups Leicester City (4-1-4-1): Leitzig, Bott, Howard, Plumptre, Nevin, Green (Robinson 81’), Mace, Cain (Goodwin 78’), Jones (Pike 69’), Whelan (c), Siemsen Unused substitutes: Lambourne, Purfield, Levell, Baker, Smith, Reavill Goals – Green 15’, Jones 21’, Plumptre 48’, Goodwin 90’+6 Booked – Jones Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Laws, Koivisto, Robe (Bonner 45’), Matthews, Hinds, Holland (Roberts 45’), Nagano, van de Sanden (Lundgaard 45’), Kearns (Humphrey 85’), Stengel, Dowie (Taylor 80’) Unused substitutes: Cummings, Kirby Referee – Emily Heaslip

A quick guide to Blackburn Rovers who compete in the Women's Championship. Blackburn Rovers Website https://www.rovers.co.uk/teams/ladies/ Manager Gemma Donnelly - ENG Captain Saffron Jordan Squad Blackburn Rovers Blackburn Rovers 1/1 Number Player Position Nationality 1 Alex Brooks GK ENG 2 Niamh Murphy DF ENG 3 Hannah Coan DF ENG 4 Tyler Toland MF IRL 6 Jade Richards DF ENG 7 Farah Crompton FW ENG 8 Emma Doyle MF ENG 10 Chloe Williams MF WAL 11 Megan Hornby FW ENG 12 Emma Taylor DF ENG 14 Lucy Shepherd FW WAL 15 Hannah Silcock DF ENG 17 Millie Chandarana MF ENG 19 Evie Smith DF ENG 21 Lauren Thomas FW WAL 22 Milly Robertson DF ENG 23 Georgia Walters FW WAL 25 Nicola Worthington MF ENG 29 Faith Nokuthula MF ENG 29 Faith Nokuthula MF RSA 99 Shanell Salgado GK GER Ground Sir Tom Finney Stadium, Bamber Bridge, PR5 6UX

Jill Scott MBE The Woman. The Myth. The Legend. Legendary Lionesses: Jill Scott MBE Scott J Back 13 September 2020 By Charlotte Stacey The Woman. The Myth. The Legend. via Getty Images When it comes to icons of the women's game, Jill Scott should be a name that immediately comes to mind. Boasting a prolific career for both club and country, the Manchester City and England midfielder is nothing but deserving of her recent appointment as a Member of the British Empire. Jill Scott is a true veteran of the game. With 146 caps for England and counting, and over 200 collective appearances for the three domestic clubs she has represented, Scott is certainly a familiar face on a football field. It is her experience, alongside her clear respect for the game, and of all those involved in it, that has naturally elevated her to become somewhat of a mentor for upcoming players. Scott's deep rooted receptiveness does much to dispel any unease felt by those less familiar with the pressures of the game . With a buoyant energy that is seemingly endless, Scott has an endurance that rivals that of a player ten years her junior. Her maturity, along with her exceptional vision, enables her to quite comfortably control play from the middle. Pairing the finest of attitudes together with an unparalleled work ethic, Scott encompasses everything that is needed in a world class midfielder. Whilst her skill set sees her principally positioned in the middle, Scott is a threat at both ends of the field. Her absolute strength in dispossessing others, and assertiveness in retrieving a lost ball, shows her utter commitment to her defence. Scott is spirited, and although this can occasionally spell trouble, it is this passion that has kept her at the forefront of the game for so long. Likewise, in attacking, Scott is more than proficient. Scott is clever in making judicious runs off the ball, and in producing stellar passes when on it. Her aptitude to create, and finish, chances in the most crucial of times demonstrates a player with a well rounded acumen needed in pulling a team together in a crisis. Reuters Scott is always attentive to those around her under every circumstance. Off the pitch, she is widely regarded as 'the nicest player you will ever meet'. With a warm personality and friendly demeanour that is seen in every interview, it is easy to see why she is a firm favourite amongst players and fans alike. Her soccer schools are just one example of her consideration to, not only the development of the sport, but to the next generation. What is clearly evident, is that Scott harbours the generosity, integrity and kindness of a truly special individual. There is absolutely no doubt that Scott is worthy of every trophy, title and honour that she has won, and every accolade that may come her way in the future. Jill Scott is, and will always be, an essential part of the Lionesses and the FA's history. Her sincere dedication to her sport, and to the wider community, is second to none; and it is this devotion to give something back that means she stands, quite literally, head and shoulders above the rest. Luckily for us, she shows no signs of stopping yet.

A cruising 4-0 victory over Korea England sees England thrill at Stadium MK England earn comfortable win in Arnold Clark Cup opener Back A cruising 4-0 victory over Korea England sees England thrill at Stadium MK Getty Friday, 17 February 2023 By Charlotte Stacey It was a welcome homecoming in Milton Keynes for Leah Williamson as the Lionesses comfortably beat Korea Republic in their first match of the Arnold Clark Cup. Tributes were paid before kick-off with England donning black armbands in ongoing support of the aftermath of the earthquake suffered in Syria and Turkish, and in memory of the late June Mead who sadly passed away last month. Lucy Bronze was also honoured as England’s latest centurion with a commemorative shirt and flowers handed over by manager Sarina Wiegman. Wiegman opted for her preferred 4-3-3 with Millie Bright and Jess Carter pairing in central defence. These were flanked by Lucy Bronze on the right and Alex Greenwood who spent the evening revisiting her leftback roots. Captain Leah Williamson was stationed at the base of the midfield for the first half, in a single pivot, in the absence of Keira Walsh. Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway started as England’s two attacking midfielders with Stanway dropping slightly further back, loosely occupying more of an no.8 role when needed. Alessia Russo lead the line as the central striker with Chloe Kelly and Lauren James in support along the wings, Lauren Hemp started this one on the bench. The first half was largely in England’s hands. They did pretty much everything for the first forty minutes, (including hitting the post) apart from score. Stanway did eventually find the back of the net after James was tussled down in the box and earned the home side a penalty. The trouble in breaking through was less to do with England’s movement or shape, and more to do with the low block and compact structure of Korea Republic. The visitors maintained organisation in the first half and largely played the defensive game, typically leaving lone striker Son Hwayeon further upfied to hit transitions. England’s best option to create space was to thread balls through Toone and Stanway and then feed out to the wings. Here, Kelly and James, supported by Bronze and Greenwood, did well to overlap - but with a slack aggression in the first half. Where Korea Republic played with five at the back, these tight areas quickly became flooded with bodies and England’s attacks in these instances were flushed out. Throughout the first forty-five minutes it became clear that the ball needed to be moved across the pitch and with quicker succession. Korea Republic were concentrated in creating heavy traffic in front of the ball (on the wing in play and in central areas), meaning they left a lot of space on the opposite side. Releasing the ball and switching play ‘cross-field’ a little faster would have stretched the Korean side out. England also needed to hit the ground running with this space and progress with a heightened intent. Wiegman did note this in her post-match press conference and raised her concern that the quality of the pitch may have interfered with the speed in which England were able to play the ball. Becoming more aggressive in the wider areas is exactly how the Lionesses began the second half. They increased pressure by challenging more assertively using speed and physicality on the wings, and carried the ball with more urgency. This change of pace did the trick and Kelly scored within 30 seconds of the game being restarted from the left-hand side. Russo netted the next one five minutes later with principal ball again coming from the left wing. Greenwood whipped a cross through close to goalkeeper and Russo finished it off by flicking it in behind. Korea Republic noticeably began to tire at around 70 minutes and, despite substitutions, an increasing number of gaps began to open up. This allowed the Lionesses to then become more direct and siphon their pressure more centrally. This then opened up more options for England who were now able to create numerical advantages, through sheer pace, out wide and in the middle. It was James who scored England’s fourth and final goal of the evening after linking up with right-sided compatriot Bronze. The duo, in-sync with their signature moves, combined well to cut in and drive through the middle and player of the match James sank Bronze’s assist past the keeper. All in all, it was another good day for Wiegman’s side, who remain unbeaten since her appointment almost 18 months ago. The England manager praised her team’s togetherness and their desire to win games. Wiegman also suggested she was pleased to be able to “try a few different things” , alluding to Williamson’s switch in position from midfield to central defence at half time, Katie Zelem’s run as a solo defensive midfielder, and Rachel Daly’s time to come on and play as a no.9 whilst Greenwood earned minutes as a left-sided fullback. Plenty of substitutions were made throughout the match with Niamh Charles and Katie Robinson also getting a run out. Wiegman indicated that substantial rotation is planned and there will be changes to come over the course of the Arnold Clark Cup as it is “good preparation for the World Cup.” The Lionesses will face Italy on Sunday 19th February at 3:15pm (GMT) in Coventry. The match will be shown live on ITV1 with coverage beginning at 2:25pm. Line-Ups England (4-3-3) : Earps (GK), Bronze, Greenwood (63’), Bright, Williamson (c), Kelly (63’), Stanway (67’), Russo (63’), Toone, Carter (45’), James (80’) Substitutes: MacIver, (GK), Roebuck (GK), Ramsey (GK), Hemp (63’), Daly (63’), Park, Salmon, Zelem (45’), Charles (63’), Robinson (80’), Wubben-Moy, Le Tissier, Nobbs, Coombs (67’) Goals: Stanway 40’, Kelly 46’, Russo 50’, James (78’) Korea Republic (5-4-1): Kim Jungmi (GK), Hong Hyeji, Lim Seonjoo, Kim Hyeri, Jang Selgi (86’), Choo Hyojoo, Choe Yuri, Lee Geuminn, Kim Yunji (56’), Kang Chaerim (56’), Son Hwayeon (86’) Substitutes: Y G Yoon, J S Ryu, S Y Shim (56’), H Y Kim, C Jang, G R Chun (86’), E Y lee, E S Park, Y B Jang (86’), S Y Ji, K H Kim, M J Ko, J M Lee, Y B Bae, Y E Park (56’) Booked: Son Hwayeon, S G Gang, Y G Yoon Attendance – 21, 013