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Coventry United hang on to their place in the Championship through last minute wonder kick Back Match Report FAWC: Watford v Coventry United Coventry United hang on to their place in the Championship through last minute wonder kick Coventry United Twitter 4 May 2022 By Paul Donegan Coventry United pulled off the great escape with a 1-0 win thanks to Mollie Green’s stunning long range free kick in the seventh minute of injury time. The result sees Watford relegated with one of the last kicks of the season. Watford knew that a win for them or a draw would be enough to stay up, but it was Coventry, knowing they had to win, who started the more brightly of the two. They had the first effort at goal in the 6th minute but Green’s shot from distance went over. Coventry came close to taking the lead in the 11th minute but Natalie Haigh saw her header blocked the on the line. Another Haigh header in the 18th minute was comfortably caught by the Watford goalkeeper Georgia Ferguson. Watford’s first real attack came in the 26th minute which saw a Gemma Davison cross headed clear by the Coventry defence. It was back down the other end two minutes later when a cross was met by Olivia Fergusson but she didn’t seem to get clean contact on her shot and it was easily saved by Ferguson. In the 31st minute, Green sent a free kick wide of goal. Watford had their first attempt at goal in the 37th minute when Davison run forward but her shot was saved by Lucy Thomas. Coventry had the last couple of chances of the half when in the 41st minute Natalie Johnson’s cross was missed by everyone and just went wide then two minutes later Katy Morris headed over. Watford started the second half well and in the first minute of it, Corinne Henson saw her low cross claimed by Thomas. In the 54th minute, it was Coventry on the attack again when Fergusson saw her low cross saved, and four minutes later Katie Wilkinson’s low free kick was again saved by Ferguson. Watford’s Anne Meiwald met a free kick with her head but it went over in the 63rd minute. Wilkinson had Coventry’s next attempt but her long-range shot was easily saved in the 71st minute and then Green saw her free kick blocked by the Watford wall four minutes later. There was a scramble and Watford appealing for a penalty which the referee waved away in the 78th minute with Emma Beckett, who had just come on as a substitute, then seeing her shot saved. A dangerous Coventry United cross was headed clear in the 82nd minute. Five minutes later they again came close to scoring when Wilkinson saw her header cleared from off the line. Seven minutes of added time were signalled, and two minutes into that Coventry came so close to getting that vital goal but Grace Riglar saw her header hit the post. Watford had a chance to take the lead themselves but Flo Fyfe sent her shot into the side netting. Into the seventh minute of additional time and Coventry were awarded a free kick about 35 yards out. Up stepped Mollie Green and she hit it right footed into the top corner of the net to give Coventry the lead and spark mad celebrations on the pitch with some of the coaching staff and substitutes running on to join in. There was still time for a long-range Watford free kick to bounce through everyone in the penalty area and hit the top of the crossbar before going behind. The final whistle went seconds after that and Coventry could celebrate staying up after their 1-0 win whilst it was heartbreak for Watford who finished bottom of the league by a point and will be relegated back to the FA Women’s National League after one season in the Championship. This really was a great escape for Coventry United who were minutes away from going out of business in January before being saved by Lewis Taylor, then after having 10 points deducted they caught Watford up and to stay up by scoring such a spectacular goal with seconds of the season remaining is really fairy tale stuff! Line ups Watford: Ferguson, Henson, Stobbs, Chandler (Humes 87’), Meiwald, Kmita, Legg (Beckett 78’), Georgiou, Ali, Davison (Fyfe 78’), Ward (Fatuga-Dada 57’) Unused substitutes: Smith, Vyso, Hector, Rogers, Adebowale-Arimoro Booked – Ali, Georgiou, Beckett Coventry United: L. Thomas, N’Dow, Haigh, Hartley, Johnson (Toussaint 74’), Green, Morris, Estcourt, F. Thomas (Riglar 83’), Wilkinson, Fergusson (Orthodoxou 90’+9) Unused substitutes@ Clark, Whiteman, McGrother, Colville, Mann Goal – Green 90’+7 Referee – Georgia Ball Attendance – 1.451

Aston Villa v Bristol City Photographer Ryan Asman Bristol City took a big point for the road as they drew 2-2 with Aston Villa. The Villans took the lead twice throughout the match and largely had the run of play, yet some big saves from Shae Yanez meant they only managed to net two of their numerous chances. Jordan Nobbs opened the scoring for Villa with a screamer of a strike before Amalie Thestrup equalised a couple of minutes later. The second half saw Adriana Leon hit the back of the net on the hour mark but the Villans couldn't do enough to keep the Robins at bay and Carrie Jones leveled it again in the 75th minute. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the Bristol City supporter who collapsed at the match and later sadly passed away.

Super subs Rachel Williams’ 87th-minute winner takes the Red Devils to the top of the WSL. Back Match Report WSL: Reading v Manchester United Super subs Rachel Williams’ 87th-minute winner takes the Red Devils to the top of the WSL. Ryan Asman 23 January 2023 By Rosa Maitland With many games in the WSL being postponed, the result now sees United move up to first, level on points with Chelsea, but with a superior goal difference. Reading remain tenth, four points above bottom-placed Leicester. United boss, Marc Skinner, named an unchanged side to the one that comfortably beat Liverpool 6-0 last weekend. Reading boss, Kelly Chambers named her 150th Reading line-up, making four changes to her team’s 3-2 loss last weekend. Defender Diane Caldwell came into the side to face her old team with Lily Woodham and Rachel Rowe also returning. In front of a record crowd, at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, it was the visitors who dominated early on. Lucia Garcia picked up the ball and drove down the right-hand-side before picking out Katie Zelem, on the edge of the box, who saw her effort comfortably saved by Jackie Burns. After soaking up a large amount of pressure from the visitors early on, Reading began to settle and show their attacking ability. Reading’s first chance came from a cleaver improvised flick on by Sanne Troelsgaard which found Emma Harries, whose rushed effort was gathered by Mary Earps. The home side had another chance a moment later when Justine Vanhaevermaet tried an audacious effort from the halfway line which left Earps backpedalling before watching the ball land on the roof of the net. Despite some Reading chances, United continued to show their ability all over the pitch and dominated most of the possession but Reading’s defence stood compact and organised. The visitors had a golden chance to break the deadlock moments before halftime, as they were given a penalty when Caldwell brought down Alessia Russo in the box. Zelem saw her shot saved by keeper Burns who got down low to make a great save. Half-time: Reading 0-0 Manchester United After a frustrating first half for United, they started the second half with clear attacking intent, but equal were Reading to the challenge, who defended well and continued to frustrate the visitors. United were clearly trying to attack down the wings and a nice bit of play by Nikita Parris and Garcia nearly resulted in a tap-in for Russo, who arrived late into the box. United were creating chances but were missing the final product and ultimately had nothing to show for it. Emma Mukandi's last-ditch block prevented Ella Toone from scoring her fourth league goal of the season after a dummy from teammate Russo. Both managers turned to the bench for inspiration as Tia Primmer replaced Troelsgaard for the home side and Martha Thomas replaced Nikita Parris for the visitors. Earps was made to work for her record-breaking 50th WSL clean sheet. Woodham delivered in a great freekick which was met by the head of Vanhaevermaet who rose highest, but the England international did well to react quickly and put it behind for a corner. As United pushed for the breakthrough Skinner replaced Garcia with Rachel Williams Williams made an instant impact, with three minutes to go, she picked up the ball and cleverly rode the challenges of Reading defenders before smashing the ball into the roof of the net to send United top of the WSL. Full-time: Reading 0-1 Manchester United Line-Ups Reading: Burns, Mukandi (C), Evans, Wellings (Bryson 90’), Eikeland, Harries (Dowie 90’), Caldwell, Rowe (Wade 85’), Vanhaevermaet, Woodham, Troelsgaard (64’) Unused Subs: Moloney, Poulter, Jane Manchester United: Earps, Batlle, Blundell, Toone, Zelem (C), Ladd, Le Tissier, Garcia (Williams 83’), Turner, Parris (Thomas 64’), Russo Unused Subs: Baggaley, Mannion, Thorisdottir, Tounkara, Boe Risa, Leon Goal: Williams (87’) Attendance – 5,108

Reaching 200 appearances for Pride Park, Tash Allderidge is as passionate today as the day she made her debut Tash Allderidge: Pride Park's experienced icon Monday, 4 March 2024 By Ben Gilby Reaching 200 appearances for Pride Park, Tash Allderidge is as passionate today as the day she made her debut Shaun Hardwick Pride Park are a female only club with a major footprint in community football. The first team are currently in second place of the tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One, and run a large number of teams for girls. Someone who has been part of the journey from the very first season 18 years ago is Tash Allderidge who made her 200th appearance for the club at the start of February. In her period at ‘The Pride’, Allderidge has scored 79 goals since making her senior debut against Belper Town nine years ago. The club icon joined the club during their first season at the age of 10, and takes up the story of her journey with the Derby based outfit. Photo: Shaun Hardwick “I joined Pride Park in December 2006. Since then, the club has evolved and is now exclusively for women and girls, with eight teams currently, and recreational football for women as well as Wildcats for girls. Originally, our teams played and trained at various sites across the city and on different days, but since 2018 we have all trained on the same night at the same venue, where our first team and u18s play their matches, which has brought a feeling of togetherness to the club. “I had trained at a local football group for quite a few years as the only girl. Coming to Pride Park, it was really nice to join a proper team and play football with a really friendly group of girls. The club has always had the philosophy of fairness and playing for enjoyment and I feel like I’ve seen that through all my years at the club.” Whilst women’s football has never had as much exposure and finance at the highest levels, tier seven is somewhat different. Allderidge outlined what life is like in that respect at Pride Park. “Our players pay to play - although the club try to make it as affordable as possible to keep it accessible but subscriptions only cover the essentials and costs, particularly for venue hire, keep rising. Ultimately, we have to be self-financing although we’ve been quite fortunate as a club with grants and as a team the support of our sponsors is invaluable. We do quite a bit of fund-raising as a team to help fund additional items, such as off field kit, filming matches, supplementary training sessions etc.” Allderidge describes herself as a player who “brings a lot of energy to the team, playing as a box to box midfielder doing a lot of running, and am always getting stuck in with winning headers in the middle of the park. This season, a particular strength of mine has been my set pieces, after scoring some important goals from free kicks and a number of assists from my corner kicks.” Playing for the same club for 18 seasons is some achievement, particularly being part of that club’s entire history. Allderidge outlined that the main reason for keeping her in the light and dark blue of Pride Park. “I’ve always enjoyed playing for Pride Park because of the friendly team environment, whilst also being really competitive in the league. When playing for Pride Park Girls U18s, I did also play for Burton Albion Ladies for a season, helping them gain promotion to the Regional League. I did have the opportunity to continue playing for Burton Albion at the higher level, however I made the decision to continue playing for the enjoyment and stay with Pride Park as we began a senior team.” Photo: Shaun Hardwick Pride Park are currently having a superb season, with promotion to regional level football in tier six a distinct possibility. The club icon believes that unity and belief have been the main reasons for this success so far. “We’ve had some really good team performances this season, and it’s been pleasing to see how all the players have been playing for each other. We need to make sure that we keep consistent with our performances, particularly because we have some really important matches coming up against teams around us in the league. We can’t afford to drop many points the rest of this season and these are the games which will ultimately determine whether we can finish top this year. “In previous years, we’ve always had quite a slow start to the season and been disappointed with our performance and results at that early stage of the campaign. However, it was really pleasing that this season, we managed to break that cycle and hit the ground running with some good performances in a few particularly hard fixtures, which had put us in a strong position for the rest of the season.” The strong team ethic that exists in the team has been a major component in their league success this season – successes that have achieved despite a crippling injury list. “The most challenging part of this season has to be the number of injuries we’ve had. At times, we’ve been low on numbers for matches due to a large number of injuries in the squad - some of which have been quite severe and put players out for the remainder of the season. We’ve been fortunate to be able to recruit some more players throughout the season, to fill in gaps due to injuries, but it’s definitely been a big challenge this year.” Photo: Shaun Hardwick In terms of some of Pride Park’s closest challengers for potential promotion this season, Allderidge recognises the overall strength of the Derbyshire Ladies League’s top tier. “The league has been competitive again this season, especially towards the top of the table where it’s close on points between a number of teams. Wirksworth (the reigning league champions) have impressed again this season with one of the best defences in the league. They have made it hard for teams to break them down and score against them, proven by the small number of goals they’ve conceded so far this season.” With the season approaching its home straight, the Pride Park player outlined her aims for the weeks ahead. “Personally, I would love to add to my goal and assist tally throughout the rest of the games this season. We are currently still in two cup competitions so it would be great to make a cup final this year. However, as a team, our main priority would be pushing to win the league, and possibly promotion, so we need to ensure we’re being consistent in our performances for the rest of the season.”

Celebrating professional women's football in England. All you need to know about the top divisions of women's football. On Her Side provides information, news, articles and player profiles. 1/2 Our Associates The sites below have got you covered from Grassroots to the global scene. Make sure you check them out! Championing Women’s Football at all levels, from International to Grassroots. Created by fans, for fans. An independent news source that exists to capture women’s soccer in an authentic voice. Monthly magazine providing a new voice for women's football, from grassroots to the Lionesses. An independent news source that exists to capture women’s soccer in an authentic voice. Podcast (plus more!) sharing stories and news from across the globe.

Women's football supporter Finley Chung talks us through his experience of the Lionesses' historic Euro's campaign ‘It’s just the beginning’: How the Lionesses Captivated a Nation Friday, 5 August 2022 By Finley Chung Women's football supporter Finley Chung talks us through his experience of the Lionesses' historic Euro's campaign Girls on the Ball On Sunday 31st July 2022, 54 years of English football hurt was no more. Chloe Kelly stabbed home from close range in extra time to seal a historic win for the Lionesses and an even more historic moment for English football. Euro’s fever had certainly captivated the nation since the tournament’s beginning on the 6th July 2022. Whether it was through Beth Meads goalscoring exploits, Mary Earps pulling out unreal saves or Keira Walsh dictating play, the demand to see the Lionesses came from all corners of the country. Each game virtually a sell-out, players becoming household names, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo being serenaded any time anyone put on ‘Rockin All Over the World’ in any pub or club. From my personal point of view, I had been a fan of the Women’s game for a while. Being a Spurs fan and season ticket holder for the men’s side, I often took interest into what the women’s team were doing, especially following our promotion to the WSL back in 2019. On the international front, I only attended my first ever Lionesses game in 2021, a 5-0 win over Northern Ireland at Wembley in a World Cup Qualifier. Walking away from Wembley that night, not only was I dazzled by Beth Mead’s brilliance from her fourteen minute hat-trick, but I had a new found soft spot and connection for the Lionesses. Fast forward to July 2021, ‘Meado’ had just scored (shock) the winner in the opening game to Austria at Old Trafford and I thought to myself, ‘I wonder how far this team can go?’ The group games rolled by and 3 wins later, we were handed a tough test. Spain were our opponents in the Quarter Finals. I sat down to watch that game at home, thinking about how even if you travelled back one year and told me I would be this captivated, this hopeful and this invested in the Lionesses, well I’d have laughed you back into the pub you’d probably just stumbled out of! Fans celebrate Georgia Stanway's extra time goal Photo: Girls on the Ball As we all know, Georgia Stanway’s rocket was the difference in extra-time and aside from waking the neighbours children, that goal encapsulated everything about this team. Fight, passion, desire and a sprinkle of magic. We saw off Sweden in the semi’s, with I’m sure hundreds of people attempting and watching Russo’s delicious back heel the day after! I for one am still amazed how she had the nerve to do that in a European semi-final, it’s probably why she’s the professional footballer and I’m sat in my room writing this! That was it, England were in a major final, against Germany at Wembley. There was something rather poetic about it! I managed to bag myself tickets in the extra sale on the UEFA portal on the Wednesday before the final which put me on cloud 9, if only I knew how worth it all the queuing on the portal would actually be! Final day came around, I dusted off my England shirt and headed off to Wembley. After getting off at Wembley Park and getting a glimpse of Wembley Way, there was a special feeling in the air. No flares, no open use of drugs, not too much of a heavy police presence, all of which happened the last time an England side made a European final. This time you felt safe, kids getting face painted, programme sellers enjoying cheerful banter with fans, English and German supporters mixing, chatting, TV cameras getting photos of people, the whole walk up just felt so smooth. No sooner was I in the ground, Becky Hill opened the pre-game show with a brilliant performance and then the teams came out. Raucous cheering, the Wembley band blowing their trumpets and banging their drums, the Lionesses were in the final and the majority of the 87,000 crowd inside Wembley would back them all the way. In the first half, both Germany and England battled and defended well. Mary Earps and Millie Bright somehow denied Germany in a goalmouth scramble while Ellen White prodded over from close range at the other end, 0-0 at half time. Ella Toone celebrates her goal in the Euro's final Photo: Girls on the Ball Second half substitute Ella Toone was introduced and soon showed why, Kiera Walsh delivered a superb ball over the defence for Toone to lift deftly over the advancing keeper and put England ahead. Cue, bedlam!! ‘It’s coming home’ was being belted out of the Wembley stands and admits all the joy, bang. A German sucker punch. An equaliser to take it to extra-time. England v Germany in extra time of a major tournament, many of us had seen this film before, but these Lionesses clearly ripped up the script. In the second half of the extra period, Chloe Kelly won a corner then geed’ up the crowd, got herself into the box and made history. She stabbed the ball home at the second time of asking to send Wembley into raptures and create a moment of English football history. England beat Germany in the Euro's 2022 Photo: Girls on the Ball I went mad, as well as everyone else and after superbly seeing the game out, the party could really start. England had not only beaten Germany, but the Lionesses had secured their first ever major trophy and ended 54 years of hurt in the Sunday sunshine in a moment nobody under the Wembley arch will ever forget. Writing this in the days after, it’s all I can still think about, it still feels so surreal to have even been there for the final! One thing it does do, is catapult Women’s football in England to the forefront of everyone’s mind, every news outlet and so much more. Couple that with the excellent work campaigns like HerGameToo are doing and selling out a friendly against the US Women’s National Team inside 24 hours, I along with many others have a new found love and obsession with Women’s football, and it’s all thanks to these wonderful, inspirational, Lionesses.

Bunny Shaw earned Manchester City all three points in their visit to Kingsmeadow Back Match Report One A-Shaw-ed City performance in London Bunny Shaw earned Manchester City all three points in their visit to Kingsmeadow MCWFCXtra 18 February 2024 By Paul Donegan Manchester City won the clash of the top two in the Women’s Super League 1-0 thanks to Khadija Shaw’s first half goal. The win sees City move level on points and goal difference with Chelsea, only behind on goals scored, and end the Blues 22 game winning and 33 game unbeaten run at home in the WSL. On a mild evening at a sold out Kingsmeadow, Erin Cuthbert had the first opportunity of the night for the hosts in the 5th minute but her shot was blocked by Alex Greenwood. A minute later, Khiara Keating easily claimed a Nathalie Bjorn header following a corner for the home side. Manchester City scored with their first chance in the 14th minute when Cuthbert was dispossessed in midfield by Jess Park and she played in Shaw who finished into the corner of the net. A few minutes later, Shaw had another attempt but this time her shot drifted wide of goal for the Cityzens. In the 20th minute, Shaw had another shot but this one was saved by Hannah Hampton. From the resulting corner, Laia Aleixandri headed at goal but the Chelsea goalkeeper caught the ball. A whipped in cross from the hosts was headed behind by Greenwood. Guro Reiten saw an effort saved from the corner. A Lauren Hemp dinked ball forward was gathered by Hampton just before Shaw could get to the ball on the half-hour mark. At the other end, Chelsea appealed for a penalty after Mayra Ramirez went down after it looked like she had been caught by Greenwood but referee Abigail Byrne decided against giving a spot kick. Fran Kirby saw her shot tipped wide after some nice build up play from the Blues in the 34th minute. Cuthbert sent a shot from 30-yards over as the match approached half-time. Niamh Charles got back to block an effort from Chloe Kelly after a break from the Cityzens in first half stoppage time. Reiten was just unable to get her head onto Lauren James’ cross in the 47th minute when the Blues had the first chance of the second half. Ramirez was too strong for the City defence but her cross was put behind for a corner. Shaw couldn’t get on the end of Leila Ouahabi’s cross when the visitors had their first opportunity after the break shortly after. Laura Coombs had the Cityzens next effort at goal but this was saved by Hampton. Keating got to the ball just before Kirby almost immediately at the other end. Kelly’s inswinging cross in the 69th minute was headed over by Aleixandri as City looked to double their lead. Park, who had been superb, run through centre of midfield eventually finishing with Kerstin Casparij firing over. After another powerful Park run forward, Hampton kept out Kelly’s shot in the 73rd minute. Second half substitute Aggie Beever-Jones put a shot over for the home side as she made her way forward. Chelsea went close to getting an equaliser in the 77th minute but Cuthbert’s shot rocketed just wide of the post. Into the final 10 minutes, and Cuthbert made a fantastic tackle on Shaw leading to an attack from the Blues which resulted in a corner. Charles’ cross reached Nusken but she couldn’t get enough on her shot and it was easily saved by Keating. A Ramirez header from a corner was claimed by the City goalkeeper. Hemp, on what was her 150th appearance for the away side, fired an effort wide as nine minutes of stoppage time were announced. Keating made a brilliant double save to stop a Cankovic shot then Nusken’s follow up in the fifth minute of additional time. Chelsea had a few half chances before Ramirez was unable to get onto a long cross forward and the visitors keeper gathered the ball. Gareth Taylor’s side and fans celebrated when the final whistle was blown as they carried on their winning run and blew the title race wide open. When speaking to the media after the match, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes thought her side had “started the game really well then conceded a poor goal and that affected us a little bit, the way we pass the ball, and we weren’t very dynamic with movement in the first half.” Hayes thought they should have had a penalty. She continued by saying she thought they dominated the second half but they lacked the quality near goal. Hayes felt they limited City chances but the “disappointing thing for us was our final third play”. Taylor said he was “really pleased and is a big step for us” but he didn’t like the second half as he thinks they “can retain possession more or kill them off a bit more as they had some good counterattacking opportunities”. He felt they defended “incredibly well” . He added they are excited about the challenge with 8 games to go and “it is a big step, three points but we move on to the next.” Line ups Chelsea (4-4-2): Hampton, Lawrence (Nusken 72’), Carter, Bjorn, Charles, Kirby (Rytting Kaneryd 63’), Leupolz (Cankovic 79’), Cuthbert (c), Reiten (Beever-Jones 63’), James, Ramirez Unused substitutes: Musovic, Ingle, Perisset, Mjelde, Buchanan Booked – Cuthbert, James Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Keating, Casparij, Aleixandri (Kennedy 90’), Greenwood (c), Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Coombs (Stokes 90’+4), Kelly (Angeldahl 79’), Park (Fowler 90’), Hemp, Shaw Unused substitutes: MacIver, Morgan, Blindkilde Brown, Mace Goal – Shaw 14’ Booked - Kelly Referee – Abigail Byrne

Arsenal clinch a convincing 3-0 win over Brighton and progress to the FA Cup final to take on Chelsea. Back Match Report FA Cup Semi-Final: Arsenal v Brighton Arsenal clinch a convincing 3-0 win over Brighton and progress to the FA Cup final to take on Chelsea. Girls on the Ball 5 November 2021 By Charlotte Stacey As has become their adopted style under Jonas Eidevall, Arsenal kicked off the semi-final with high intensity and high press, immediately punching home positional fluidity and thrusting balls cross field to catch the visitors off guard. Yet, a resolutely defensive Brighton held firm in the first half denying the hosts at every turn. Relentless attempts from the Gunners front line, made up of Beth Mead, Nikita Parris and Caitlin Foord, successively threatened to break the deadlock. Foord’s chance at the 20-minute mark in particular, proved frustrating for Arsenal as an open goal was missed after the ball ricocheted from beneath Brighton defender and captain Victoria Williams’ feet. The next near-miss, and possibly Arsenal’s best chance of the first half, came 37 minutes in as Parris managed to get a head to Mead’s rebounded shot. Goalkeeper Megan Walsh managed to force Mead’s strike back into the box only for it fall to Parris. Parris nodded a strong ball toward goal that was subsequently cleared off the line by Williams. It was noted in the first half that the Seagull’s slipped into a 4-5-1 formation in an effort to resist Arsenal’s press whilst retaining a forward option to play to in transition. This system proved effective against Arsenal’s 4-3-3 and allowed Brighton moments on the break. Centre forward Danielle Carter took an encouraging run early on, racing toward goal before being cut out by Jen Beattie. After Williams’ goal-line clearance, Brighton seized the opportunity to counter the now out of shape Arsenal. Once again, it was Carter driving the attack as the Seagulls flooded forward. The striker was able to navigate space in the box to clip in a shot, yet Arsenal were able to avert the danger. The Gunners drove one last hurrah before the half time whistle when Mead and Foord rushed on to a long ball. Both used their pace to steam past Brighton’s back line, yet a watchful Walsh opted to meet them head on and collected her ball without hesitation. The opening goal came just four minutes into the second half after a slight tactical amendment to the Arsenal. The Gunners 4-3-3 remained; however, one midfielder pushed slightly higher, occupying the breadth of space behind the front three. Captain Kim Little filled this role of central nucleus, pivoting quick one-two-balls with the forward line. Stand-in left-back Katie McCabe acted as the third point in a triangle alongside Mead and Little, and the three worked in tandem to create the first goal. At 49 minutes, the opener was manifested from McCabe’s fine touch. McCabe passed to Mead who, with a shift of direction, cut around Megan Connolly and dinked it across to Little. As ever, the captain made no mistake and tipped the ball over the head of Walsh, putting the hosts one ahead. At 54 minutes Arsenal scored their second goal in a similar fashion to the first. Little passed the ball to Mead in their own half and the winger progressed forward 15 yards without much resistance. Mead squared it to Jordan Nobbs and continued her run. Nobbs threaded the ball back to Mead, who was now drifting inward, unmarked, on the edge of the box. Mead eyed up the angle before releasing the shot on her right foot, sending the ball into the bottom right corner. Firmly in the driving seat now, the Gunners third goal came with just under ten minutes to go when defender Leah Williamson sent in a signature bullet header from a corner to seal the deal. A valiant game was played by the Seagulls and definite moments of threat came from counters in both halves and some promising goalkeeping was displayed, yet Arsenal’s intense pressure ultimately proved too much to handle. Arsenal will face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 5th December. ___ Arsenal: Manuela Zinsberger, Noelle Maritz (82’), Leah Williamson (90+1’), Jen Beattie (82’), Katie McCabe, Lia Wälti (64’), Kim Little (c), Jordan Nobbs, Nikita Parris, Caitlin Foord (64’), Beth Mead Substitutes: Lydia Williams (GK), Hermione Cull (GK), Teyah Goldie (90+1’), Anna Patten (82’), Simone Boye (82’), Mana Iwabuchi (64’), Frida Maanum (64’), Halle Houssein, Alex Hennessy Goals: Kim Little (49’), Beth Mead (54’), Leah Williamson (76’) Brighton and Hove Albion: Megan Walsh, Fliss Gibbons, Victoria Williams (62’) (c), Danique Kerkdijk, Maya Le Tissier, Aileen Whelan, Megan Connolly, Inessa Kaagman (78’), Kayleigh Green (50’), Danielle Carter, Emily Simpkins (50’) Substitutes: Frankie Angel (GK), Emma Koivisto (50’), Lee Geum-min (50’), Rinsola Babajide, Libby Bance, Ellie Brazil (62’), Katie Robinson, Maisie Symonds (78’)

Spurs pick up their WSL first points since October in 1-0 win over fellow relegation zone side Leicester Back Match Report WSL: Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City Spurs pick up their WSL first points since October in 1-0 win over fellow relegation zone side Leicester Getty 16 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Tottenham picked up their first win and points in the Women’s Super League since late October as they beat Leicester City 1-0 thanks to Bethany England’s stunning second half goal on Wednesday evening. The win in Vicky Jepson’s first game as interim head coach sees Spurs move up to ninth position in the league and five points clear of bottom side Leicester. Jepson had replaced the sacked Rehanne Skinner after Spurs 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend. She made one change from that match with Eveliina Summanen coming into the starting eleven in place of Mana Iwabuchi. Leicester’s form had picked up since the start of the year with them picking up seven points since then. Willie Kirk also made one change from their game at the weekend, which was a 0-0 draw against Everton, with Missy Goodwin replacing Remy Siemsen. The Brisbane Road pitch didn’t look great with a fair bit of sand in places. There was persistent rain during most of the match as well. Leicester had a lot of the ball early on, but it was the home side had the first effort at goal when Kerys Harrop’s shot was easily caught by Janina Leitzig. Apart from that, the first 30 minutes lacked any other chances or real quality with the final ball lacking and both sides giving the ball away or putting it out of play. Hannah Cain had Leicester’s first attempt at goal but this too was easily saved. Straight away at the other end, Rosella Ayane saw a shot go wide, and then one stopped by Leitzig as the game livened up a bit just after the half hour mark. During the two minutes of added time at the end of the first half, Tottenham had a couple of chances. England played in Summanen but Leicester blocked the effort behind for corner. Summanen headed the resulting corner wide just before the half time whistle was blown. Leicester started the second half well but didn’t create much until they had a few chances in quick succession. Cain forced Tinja-Riikka Korpela to make save in the 63rd minute. From the corner, Sophie Howard saw her header saved then Ruby Mace hit the crossbar from rebound. England gave Spurs the lead in the 65th minute with a sensational goal. She cut in from the left-hand side and sent a shot from the corner of the penalty area into the top corner of the net. The quality of the goal went against what had happened during the majority of the match so far. Both sides had chances after that with Ayane playing in England but her shot was easily saved. For the visitors, Siemsen put an effort narrowly wide following a cross from Cain. Leicester then had a couple of efforts blocked before Spurs went straight up the other end but second half substitute Kit Graham put a shot wide in the 78th minute. Ayane played another great through ball to Celin Bizet but she put her shot wide as the home side looked to seal the win. Ayane, who I thought had been superb, got a great reception from the Tottenham fans when she was taken off during stoppage time at the end of the match. Mace and Monique Robinson had opportunities for the visitors during additional time but neither found the back of the net. Spurs celebrated when the final whistle was blown as they ended their nine game losing run in the league. Vicky Jepson, Tottenham’s interim manager, said that “it’s fantastic, three points, it relieves a little bit of pressure but still seven games left” when speaking to the media after the win. She believed the goal gave confidence to the whole team. Jepson was happy with the clean sheet, saying “it is everything” and added that it is “ incredible from the defenders, midfielders and goalkeeper who made some incredible saves tonight.” Leicester manager Willie Kirk said after the match that he “thought the second half was end to end, could have gone either way and disappointed it didn’t go our way”. He thought they could have defended the goal better. Kirk noted that they have got to be “clinical” with the chances they have during games. Neither side play again until Women’s Football Weekend when Tottenham are at home against Arsenal in the North London derby on Saturday 25th March. Leicester travel to Aston Villa the following day. Line ups – Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Korpela, Neville (c), Turner, Bartrip, Harrop, Summanen (Bizet 59’), James, Spence, Karczewska (Iwabuchi 45’), Ayane (Ubogagu 90’+5), England (Graham 72’) Unused substitutes: Spencer, Cho, Ale Goal – England 65’ Booked - Bartrip Leicester City (4-1-4-1): Leitzig, Eaton-Collins (Pike 77’), Howard, Plumptre, Nevin, Mace, Green (Robinson 87’), Whelan (c) (Siemsen 64’), Tierney, Cain, Goodwin (Jones 64’) Unused substitutes: Lambourne, Levell, Purfield, Smith Referee – Yoshimi Yamashita

Millie Bright Position Centre Back D.O.B 21/08/1993 Club Chelsea via The Independent

Brighton book their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over a testing Birmingham Back Match Report FA Cup Quarter Final: Birmingham v Brighton Brighton book their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over a testing Birmingham Getty 20 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Brighton & Hove Albion reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win away at Birmingham City. Poppy Pattinson and Danielle Carter scored the goals in a five-minute spell around the half hour mark as the WSL side overcame their Championship opponents. Birmingham can maybe feel a bit unlucky as a dubious penalty decision went against them and they hit the woodwork five times during the match. Birmingham had reached this stage after wins against Huddersfield Town, Everton and Charlton Athletic. Darren Carter made five changes to the eleven that started their 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic in the league last week. Harriett Scott, Siobhan Wilson, Lucy Quinn, Charlie Estcourt and Claudia Walker were the ones who came in. Brighton had reached the last eight after beating West Bromwich Albion and Coventry United. Interim head coach Amy Merricks made five changes to the side that had started their defeat to Manchester City last Sunday. There was a very late change to the starting eleven for this match with Megan Connolly replacing Elisabeth Terland. After a quiet opening 10 minutes at St Andrew’s, Birmingham had the first chance of the game when Jade Pennock, who was named as Women’s Championship Player of the Month for February during the week, saw her effort from 25-yards come back off the crossbar. The home side had another opportunity in the 13th minute but Wilson’s shot from 30-yards went wide. Three minutes later, Pennock’s shot from an angle hit the outside of the post via a slight touch from Brighton’s goalkeeper Megan Walsh. Brighton’s first chance came in the 19th minute when Katie Robinson’s shot came off the post, hit the head of the diving Lucy Thomas and went behind for corner. Victoria Williams headed wide for the visitors six minutes later. Brighton took the lead in the 28th minute. Pattinson took an inswinging corner that went directly in despite Thomas’ attempt to keep it out. The visitors were awarded a penalty a few minutes later. Referee Emily Heaslip deemed that Brianna Visalli had been fouled by Jamie Finn close to the edge of the area as she was running out of it. Birmingham head coach Darren Carter was disappointed with the penalty being given, saying after the match when speaking to the media “it is never a penalty” . Danielle Carter took the spot kick and scored low into corner of the net. Birmingham had a couple of opportunities to get a goal back before the break but Lucy Quinn shot over, then Christie Murray saw her free kick hit the wall before being cleared. In the first minute of the second half, Walsh tipped over Finn’s shot. The resulting corner from Murray caused problems before the ball was claimed by Walsh. Pennock shot over in the 49th minute as the hosts made a good start to the half. Pennock hit the woodwork again for Birmingham in the 53rd minute when her shot from 6-yards hit the crossbar. A few minutes later, Louise Quinn headed wide a corner. Ashley Hodson, who had only just come on as a substitute, was the next Birmingham player to hit the woodwork when her volley came back off the post before being scrambled behind for a corner in the 70th minute. Brighton’s first opportunity of the second half came a minute later when they broke but Robinson’s shot was easily caught by Thomas. Carter’s low shot was also saved in the 79th minute. These turned out to be the Seagulls only chances during the second 45 minutes. In the 88th minute, Walsh made a good save from close range to deny Pennock in what turned out to be the final chance of the game for Birmingham. The final whistle went shortly after and Brighton made it through to the last four of the FA Cup for the second time in the last three seasons. Interim head coach Merricks said that she was “proud” of the team and they “impressed with some of their play today, and they created some good opportunities”. Darren Carter thought his Birmingham side “were excellent” in the second half and “good in the first half but a little bit hesitant in their pressing” . He added they “were disappointed we’ve conceded two goals, one we can control and one we can’t” but was happy with his players response. Birmingham’s next match is on Wednesday evening when they take on Crystal Palace at home before travelling to Coventry United on Sunday, both games are in the Championship. Brighton are away to Reading on Sunday in the WSL in their next game. Line ups Birmingham City (3-5-2 ): Thomas, Scott, Louise Quinn (c), Lawley, Lucy Quinn (Hodson 68’), Finn, Murray, Estcourt, Wilson (Harris 68’), Pennock, Walker (Devlin 83’) Unused substitutes: Jones, Simkin, Bourne, Jenner, Worsey, Banaras Booked - Scott Brighton & Hove Albion (4-3-3): Walsh, Fox, Bergsvand, V. Williams (Morse 63’), Pattinson, Bance, Visalli, Zigiotti (c), Robinson, Carter, Connolly, Unused substitutes: L. Williams, Sarri, Stott, Park, Kullberg, Fergusson, Terland Goals – Pattinson 28’, Carter (pen) 32’ Referee – Emily Heaslip Attendance - 541

Lioness: My Journey to Glory by Beth Mead and Katie Whyatt Lioness: My Journey to Glory Lioness: My Journey to Glory by Beth Mead and Katie Whyatt Beth Mead is one of the world's most talented footballers - Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament at the UEFA Euro 2022, England Player of the Year 2021-22, Arsenal Player of the Season 2021-22, and runner-up for the 2022 Ballon d'Or. But long before this, Beth was just an ordinary kid from Hinderwell, North Yorkshire who wanted to play football. From being placed in the local boys' team as a child because her mum wanted her to run off her boundless energy, to joining Middlesbrough FC's Centre of Excellence and making her professional debut at Sunderland, Beth and women's football have come a long way. Now, Beth shares the challenges that shaped her, what she faced on the journey to the top, and the life events that made her stronger - from being dropped from the England squad and receiving devastating family news, to finding her best form under the guidance of Jonas Eidevall and Sarina Wiegman. Filled with positive lessons and an exclusive account of England's triumphant Euros campaign, Beth offers readers of all ages a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look into her remarkable journey to glory. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lioness-Journey-Glory-Beth-Mead/dp/1399611674/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=5rZWw&content-id=amzn1.sym.40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_p=40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_r=QATGHGXQ95KN8AYDA2TA&pd_rd_wg=RX4nK&pd_rd_r=3238de06-d874-48a6-977d-e0d14d80b1b5&pd_rd_i=1399611674&psc=1