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

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

Three goals and two assists from Rachel Daly saw Villa dominate a 5-0 win over Reading Back Match Report WSL: Reading v Aston Villa Three goals and two assists from Rachel Daly saw Villa dominate a 5-0 win over Reading Aston Villa WFC 9 May 2023 By Paul Donegan A superb performance from Rachel Daly helped Aston Villa to a 5-0 win over Reading in the Women’s Super League on Sunday. The Villans and England forward scored a hat-trick and assisted the other two goals, which were scored by Alisha Lehmann and Kirsty Hanson. The defeat leaves Reading two points from safety at the bottom of the WSL table with two matches left to play. Kelly Chambers made one change from Reading’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend with Jade Moore coming in for Tia Primmer. Lehmann and Hanson came in for Ruesha Littlejohn and Jordan Nobbs as Carla Ward made two changes for Villa from their late defeat to Manchester United. On a nice Spring afternoon at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, the hosts had the first chance of the match in the 9th minute but Rachel Rowe’s shot from 25-yards went over. Villa took the lead in 14th minute when a Hanson cross from the left found the unmarked Daly who finished from around 8-yards. The Royals had a chance to equalise two minutes later but Sanne Troelsgaard saw her shot from an angle hit the post and bounce away. It was the away side though who were having more of the first half chances with Lucy Staniforth seeing a shot from distance saved. On the half hour mark, Hanson headed a free kick just wide. A minute later, Staniforth sent a long-range shot over. Aston Villa made it 2-0 in the 41st minute when Daly’s cross from the left found Lehmann in so much space and she put the ball into the net from 10-yards. Daly put effort over after a free kick before the visitors made it 3-0 in the 44th minute. Daly won the ball off Easther Mayi Kith whilst Reading were trying to play out from the back then crossed to the unmarked Hanson who finished into an empty net from close-range. Reading had an opportunity to get a goal back in the 53rd minute but Moore blasted the ball over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Villa made it 4-0. Kenza Dali provided the cross from the right this time and Daly got in front of her marker to finish from 10-yards. Daly completed her hat-trick in the 63rd minute when she got onto a lovely through ball from Mayumi Pacheco and finished low into the corner of the net. By scoring this goal, Daly becomes the first English player to score 20 goals in a WSL season, and the third player in the leagues history to be directly involved in five or more goals in a single game. Rowe saw a long-range effort easily caught as the home side looked to score a consolation goal. During the second half, Remi Allen, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Simone Magill came on for the Villans, all making their first appearances after ACL injuries. Pacheco and Daly both had chances during second half stoppage time to increase Villa’s lead but neither found the net. When speaking to the media after the match, Aston Villa manager Carla Ward said she was “delighted” with the performance and win. She praised Daly, saying she has “been sensational for us” and that she is running out of plaudits for her. “She is constantly wanting more, constantly wanting to give more to the team” continued Ward about Daly. She also remarked that it is a “credit to all three” of the players coming back after ACL injuries and “we are so happy for them”. Reading manager Kelly Chambers was in the dressing room for at least half-an-hour after the match with the players and didn’t speak to the media on the day. The Royals next match is a big one away against fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 20th May. It is taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will be the first WSL/Premier League double-header. Aston Villa’s next game is at home to Liverpool on Sunday 21st May with this one being played at Villa Park. Line ups Reading (4-4-1-1): Moloney, Eikeland, Caldwell (Hendrix 67’), Mayi Kith (Woodham 45’), Mukandi (c), Harries, Vanhaevermaet (Perry 67’), Moore (Primmer 56’), Wellings (Wade 56’), Rowe, Troelsgaard Unused substitutes: Poulter, Bryson, Evans, Alexander, Booked – Vanhaevermaet, Rowe Aston Villa (4-1-2-3): Hampton, Mayling, Patten, Turner (c), Pacheco, Staniforth (Littlejohn 58’), Dali, Blindkilde (Allen 58’), Lehmann (Boyle-Hlorkah 58’), Daly, Hanson (Magill 75’) Unused substitutes: Leat Goals – Daly 14’, 55’, 63’ Lehmann 41’ Hanson 44’ Referee – Abigail Byrne

Alex Greenwood Position Left Back/Centre Back D.O.B 07/09/1993 Club Manchester City via Getty Images

Goals from Guro Reiten and Ji So-yun secure Chelsea's place in the final Back Match Report FA Cup Semi-Final: Arsenal v Chelsea Goals from Guro Reiten and Ji So-yun secure Chelsea's place in the final Stephen Pond 17 April 2022 By Paul Donegan Chelsea reached Wembley and a chance to defend the FA Cup there with a 2-0 win against Arsenal in front of 3.458 supporters at Meadow Park. Guro Reiten and Ji So-Yun scored the goals during the second half and were it not for some good saves from Manuela Zinsberger, the scoreline could have been a lot worse for Arsenal. It was actually Arsenal who started the better of the two but they were unable to create any clear chances with Chelsea defending well. Chelsea did slowly start to get into the game but again didn’t create anything that threatened the Arsenal goal. Vivianne Miedema had the first real opportunity of the game for Arsenal in the 20th minute but her powerful shot from the edge of the area went over. Chelsea did have a few chances of their own after that with Bethany England and Niamh Charles both seeing efforts saved by Zinsberger. As half time approached, both defences had to make vital blocks and tackles to stop chances, though Arsenal weren’t helping themselves with some sloppy passes. The half time whistle went with the game goalless. Beth Mead picked an early yellow card in the second half before having a good chance to put Arsenal ahead when she controlled and turned but saw her shot go narrowly wide in the 49th minute. It was Chelsea though who took the lead a minute later when Arsenal allowed Reiten too much space to advance with the ball before she sent a cracking shot from outside the area into the net. Chelsea went looking for a second goal and Zinsberger had to get down to tip Sam Kerr’s low shot behind in the 58th minute. They did make it 2-0 in the 61st minute when Ji found a bit of space on the edge of the area and sent a shot into the top corner then going to celebrate in front of the visiting Chelsea fans. Zinsberger was keeping Arsenal in it by this stage as she pushed Reiten’s shot from the edge of the area behind and then saved Sophie Ingle’s shot before Ji put the rebound wide. England sent a shot from the edge of the area over towards the end of a half that Emma Hayes’ Chelsea had been in control for the majority of. Arsenal did create a few chances very late in the half though but Nikita Parris headed wide and Mead saw her shot saved but the offside flag was up anyway. Chelsea’s second half performance saw them reach the final on 15th May where they will play Manchester City in what is a repeat of the Conti Cup final from earlier in the season. Teams: Arsenal: Zinsberger, McCabe, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Walti (Maanum 64’), Little (C), Miedema, Mead, Blackstenius (Parris 71’), Foord (Heath 71’) Unused substitutes: Williams, Beattie, Maritz, Wienroither, Nobbs, Iwabuchi Booked – Mead Chelsea: Berger, Nouwen, Bright (C), Carter, Charles, Ingle, Ji (Fleming 79’), Cuthbert, Reiten, England, Kerr (Harder 72’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Eriksson, Mjelde, Spence, Andersson, Aboullina Goals – Reiten 50’, Ji 61’ Booked – Cuthbert Referee – Rebecca Welch Attendance – 3,458

An afternoon at the Emirates ended all square between the top of the table giants Back Match Report WSL: Arsenal v Chelsea An afternoon at the Emirates ended all square between the top of the table giants Edward Payne 16 January 2023 By Paul Donegan Sam Kerr headed in a late equaliser for Chelsea as they drew 1-1 away at London rivals Arsenal on Sunday. Kim Little had given the home side the lead from the penalty spot as the top two in the WSL at the start of the day took on each other at the Emirates Stadium in front of 40,000+ fans. Jonas Eidevall named Arsenal’s new January signings, Victoria Pelova and Kathrine Kuhl, and the returning from loan, Gio, on the bench. There were three changes from their last match which was a 9-1 win against Zurich in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Emma Hayes made one change from Chelsea’s last match, when they beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the Champions League, with Jessie Fleming coming in for Fran Kirby. There was a good atmosphere inside the Emirates throughout the match. Chelsea were defending the goal the sun was shining towards in the first half. Chelsea’s Lauren James had the first chance in the 6th minute when she went on a powerful run forward which ended with a shot wide. The home sides first effort came four minutes later when Stina Blackstenius played in Lina Hurtig but her shot was saved by Zecira Musovic. Arsenal had another chance a minute later when Caitlin Foord’s shot from an angle was saved. Musovic made another save in the 13th minute to keep out Hurtig’s effort. The Gunners were defending well with Leah Williamson and Rafaelle both making important blocks. Frida Maanum had the hosts next opportunity in the 21st minute but her shot from the edge of the area was saved. Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert. Photo: Edward Payne It was Chelsea’s chance to defend well in the 30th minute when Kadeisha Buchanan headed behind a Lia Walti shot. Hurtig had another effort a minute later but this time she shot into the side netting. Chelsea ended the half well and had a couple of corners around the 38th minute mark, and then with the final action before half time, Kerr headed a corner wide. The first chance of the second half went Arsenal’s way when Hurtig’s headed was saved and then caught by Musovic in the 54th minute. Arsenal were awarded a penalty two minutes later when Foord and Niamh Charles tangled as they went into the area. Referee Emily Heaslip, who was in a good position, gave the spot kick after Foord went down. Little made no mistake from 12-yards to give the home side the lead. The Gunners had a couple of chances to extend their lead over the next ten minutes with Maanum shooting wide and Foord having an effort saved. Chelsea made a couple of substitutions with Eve Perisset and Kirby coming on and at the same time they changed formation to 3-5-2. This led to a period of chances for the away side with Erin Cuthbert seeing a shot deflected wide in the 66th minute, then Magdalena Eriksson saw an effort go over seconds later. James shot over from the edge of the area a minute later. It was all Chelsea now with Kirby putting an effort wide in the 69th minute, then Sophie Ingle sent a powerful shot from 18-yards just wide. Arsenal came close to going further ahead in the 74th minute though when Steph Catley’s cross was tipped onto the crossbar by Musovic just as Blacksteinus was running in at the far post. That was to prove to be the Gunners last real chance of the match as Chelsea had the better of the last 15 minutes. Eriksson saw a header from a free kick saved in the 77th minute, which was the visitors first effort on target of the match. Perisset sent a shot into the side netting in the 88th minute. Arsenal's Steph Catley. Photo: Edward Payne The equaliser for the Blues did come in the 89th minute when second half substitute Jelena Cankovic sent in a superb cross which was powerfully headed into the net by Kerr. The draw leaves Chelsea three points clear of Arsenal and Manchester United though they both have a game in hand on the leaders. Arsenal’s next match is away to Brighton in the WSL next Sunday evening whilst Chelsea take on Liverpool at home earlier in the day. Line ups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, Wienroither, Williamson, Rafaelle, Catley, Little (c), Walti, Hurtig (McCabe 80’), Maanum, Foord, Blackstenius, Substitutes: D’Angelo, Wubben-Moy, Beattie, Maritz, Gio, Pelova, Kuhl, Iwabuchi Goal – Little 57’ pen Booked – McCabe 88’ Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Musovic, Charles (Perisset 62’), Buchanan, Bright, Eriksson (c) (Rytting Kaneryd 86’), Ingle (Cankovic 80’), Cuthbert, James, Fleming (Kirby 62’), Reiten, Kerr Substitutes: Berger, Carter, Svitkova, Mjelde, Abdullina Goal – Kerr 89’ Booked – James 39’ Referee – Emily Heaslip Tickets sold - 46,881

Manchester United soar to the top of the table after an emphatic 4-0 win over Brighton Back Match Report WSL: Brighton v Manchester United Manchester United soar to the top of the table after an emphatic 4-0 win over Brighton Edward Payne 2 April 2023 By Paul Donegan Leah Galton scored twice and Rachel Williams and Lucia Garcia scored further goals as Manchester United beat Brighton 4-0 at the Broadfield Stadium on Saturday lunchtime. The win sees United move three points clear (as of Saturday) of Manchester City at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL) though they have played a game more. The attendance of 4,375 was a record for Brighton at this ground. Brighton went into this match with no league win since November. Interim head coach Amy Merricks made one change from their 2-2 draw at Reading last Sunday with Libby Bance coming in for Guro Bergsvand. Manchester United had beaten West Ham 4-0 at Old Trafford last Saturday and head coach Marc Skinner made one change from that starting eleven with Nikita Parris dropping to the bench and Vilde Boa Risa coming in to replace her. Neither side had any real opportunities in the opening 10 minutes or so. Manchester United won a corner in the 12th minute, and Galton headed in Katie Zelem’s cross from close-range to give the visitors the lead. The United fans who were behind that goal celebrated, and they also made a good noise throughout the game. Brighton first chance came in the 29th minute when an inswinging corner from Poppy Pattinson was headed over by Emma Kullberg. A couple for decisions went against Brighton frustrating their players, coaches and fans. Interim head coach Merrick was asked about this afterwards and said “I think the officials are trying their best, I think there needs to be more support around it, and support their performances in terms they need to be full time”. She added more investment is needed into officiating to support the game where it is now. If this is done, she thinks this could take the women’s game to another level. Boa Risa headed towards goal in the 37th minute but there was not enough power on it and Lydia Williams caught at the second attempt. A minute later, the Norwegian international was unable to control the ball 6-yards out box and it went out for a goal kick. Photo: Edward Payne Referee Stacey Fullicks now frustrated the United fans and Ella Toone when she blew for a free kick when the England international had just received the ball. Millie Turner couldn’t control the resulting free kick and ball went behind. As the fourth official signalled one minute of additional time, a nice move from the home side involving Julia Zigiotti and Geummin Lee down the right side finished with a cross reaching Pattinson who put her shot into the side netting. In opening minutes of second half, Pattinson put a corner into side netting. The South coast side had a better chance in the 52nd minute when Pattinson’s cross evaded Lee in the middle but found Katie Robinson, she passed back to Veatriki Sarri whose effort was saved by Mary Earps. Former Brighton player Maya Le Tissier saw an effort blocked at one end before the Seagulls counter-attacked but Robinson was a bit slow to pass to Lee and the chance was gone. Manchester United doubled their lead in the 66th minute, a bit against the run of play since half time. Galton picked the ball up and got away from Jorja Fox, took ball around Williams and finished low into the net from tight angle. Head coach Skinner was asked about Galton after the match and responded by saying “she is one of the best left sided players I have ever worked with”, and the club are “lucky to have her and she is a very talented player”. He also noted this second goal was “hugely important” after the Seagulls good start to the second half. Immediately after going two goals behind, the home had an opportunity but Elisabeth Terland sent her shot straight at Earps. Toone had the ball in the net in the 75th minute but the offside flag was up to deny her. United had another chance a minute later when the ball was played through to Alessia Russo but Williams got down to save. Zigiotti had a chance for Brighton in 81st minute but her effort from 18-yards through a crowd of players went narrowly wide of the post. Rachel Williams saw a shot saved by Lydia Williams, before the United substitute did find the net shortly after when she headed in a corner to make it 3-0. The visitors scored a fourth a minute later when another substitute Garcia picked up a loose ball and went round Williams before putting the ball in the net. Skinner said the Spanish international was unlucky not to start this game and also noted that United have “got a wonderful talent, she is learning lots this year, four goals shows her focus, there is going to be lots more to come from Lucia” Zelem had the final chance of the match for Manchester United in stoppage time but her shot was saved. When speaking to the media after the match, Marc Skinner commented about the team that he is “proud of them and what they’ve done” and this was a “wonderful performance and really pleased, ranks up there as one of the best performances based on the circumstances”. He mentioned they take it game by game and did their job today. He was also asked about players who don’t start that often and if they will get chance (Jayde Riviere etc). He responded by saying “we have got very talented players already starting in positions and very talented players that can come into positions” and noted they like consistency especially when you don’t need to change it for the sake of it. Amy Merrick thought for “a large portion of the game we were in it, threatening, good passages of play, some good movement” She continued by saying they had a decision to make when it went 2-0 “either go for it or don’t, we went for it and that opened up some space in behind at times with pace of Leah Galton etc.” She was pleased with how her side is competing in each game and it positive they are competing with sides like Manchester United. This result leaves Brighton two points above bottom side Leicester but they have played a game less whilst United ride high at the top of the WSL table (as of Saturday). Brighton and Manchester United play each other again after the international break in a fortnight’s time in the FA Cup semi-finals, this time in Leigh. Line ups Brighton & Hove Albion (5-4-1): L. Williams, Fox, Morse, Connolly, Kullberg, Pattinson, Robinson, Bance (Terland 64’), Zigiotti (c), Sarri (Visalli 90’), Lee Unused substitutes: Walsh, Startup, V. Williams, Stott, Park, Ferguson, Carter Booked – Zigiotti, Pattinson Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Earps, Batlle, Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell, Zelem (c), Ladd, Toone, Boa Risa (R. Williams 60’), Galton, Russo (Garcia 78’) Unused substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Mannion, Riviere, Tounkara, Cascarino, Parris, Thomas Goal – Galton 12’, 66’, Williams 86’, Garcia 87’ Referee – Stacey Fullicks Attendance – 4,375

Northern Ireland clinch a momentous win as Rachel Furness becomes the country's record goalscorer. Back Match Report WWC Qualifying Game: Northern Ireland v North Macedonia Northern Ireland clinch a momentous win as Rachel Furness becomes the country's record goalscorer. Colm Leneghan 30 November 2021 By Josh Bunting Northern Ireland were on cloud nine on Monday night as they eased past North Macedonia 9-0 in a World Cup qualification clash in Belfast, a night that saw Rachel Furness become the top scoring player in Northern Irish history. After winning 11-0 on Thursday it was another straightforward victory against the same opponent on a bitterly cold evening at Seaview Stadium in front of a sell out crowd. The home side had the ball in the net inside 10 minutes however it was ruled out as Simone Magill was judged to handle the ball before planting it into the back of the net. However it was 1-0 for Kenny Shiels side three minutes later when Furness played a sensational ball Into Kirsty McGuiness who looked up and fired her effort across the face of goal and into the net via the post. The girls in green were in complete control of the match as captain Marissa Callaghan fizzed an effort wide from outside the box. Furness who needed one more goal to become the top goal scorer in Northern Ireland’s history was then denied by a good save from Magdalena Lekovska in the visitors goal as the midfielder met a corner. However on 30 minutes Rebecca Holloway made it two with a stunning strike from range after taking the ball out of her feet and letting fly seeing the ball nestle into the top corner of the net. It wasn’t long before Furness did become a record breaker when she made it 3-0 with the ball falling to her outside the area before slotting into the net to make it a 37th international goal for the Green and White Army. Northern Ireland started to run riot as two minutes later it was 4-0 McGuiness adding her second of the game when she spotted the keeper off her line before curling the strike into the top corner of the net beyond the helpless goalkeeper. As half-time approached Lauren Wade was denied a fifth by a good save from Lekovska who came off her line quickly to make the save after Wade was played in on goal. Wade was to be frustrated again on the stroke of half-time when she had the ball in the net but her celebrations were cut short following the offside side being raised after a neat team move. Shiels made two changes at half-time as he brought on Ciara Waitling and Joely Andrews in place of Rebecca McKenna and Sarah McFadden. McGuiness had the first opportunity of the second half as she was played in on goal but failed to complete her hat-trick when she was under pressure from a challenge and slipped the ball wide of the target. Northern Ireland were pressing and pressing and had another big chance when McGuiness crossed for Magill who was on the stretch but the Everton striker couldn’t make a connection on the ball. Magill who was outstanding then hit the crossbar when Callaghan played a cross in but Magill thumped her header off the woodwork before it bounced away to safety for North Macedonia. Cliftonville winger McGuiness however did make it 5-0 and completed her hat-trick following a cross from a Magill with a classy finish. Holloway who scored her first goal for her country on Thursday was off celebrating again a few minutes later as the Birmingham City full-back made it 6-0 when she got on the end of a low Wade cross before guiding the ball into the net. Magill thought she had her goal as North Macedonia were tiring when the striker received the ball inside the box before turning quickly but she could only fire wide of the target. McGuiness was then to be replaced by young Glentoran striker Kerry Beattie for the remainder of the game. Six became seven on 74 minutes when Magill did get a deserved goal as she danced past the opposition defenders before planting the ball into the net with confidence adding to her superb run of goalscoring form. Shiels then made another substitution with 8 minutes left when Caitlin McGuinness replaced the two goal hero Holloway. There was room for an eighth when Furness added her second of the night when Wade swung in a superb cross onto the head of the midfielder and she made no mistake in thumping her effort into the back of the net. The final piece of action in the game saw the home side extend their lead when Beattie added a ninth for her first Northern Ireland goal after the keeper failed to deal with a cross allowing the striker to poke the ball into the net. It was the perfect way for Northern Ireland to round off a magical year as they look ahead to 2022 with the a first ever Euros on the horizon. ____ Northern Ireland Burns, McKenna (Watling, 46 mins), Nelson, McFadden (Andrews, 46 mins), Vance, Wade, Callaghan (McDaniel, 65 mins), Furness, Holloway (C McGuinness, 83 mins), Magill, K McGuinness (Beattie, 70 mins). Unused subs: Flaherty, McCarron, Burrows, Hamilton, Caldwell, McLaren, Harvey-Clifford. North Macedonia Lekovska, Jankovska, (Zivikj, 54 mins), Mileska, Milchevska, (Paneska, 54 mins), Boseska, Petrovska, Shemsovikj (Markovska, 46 mins), Maksuti, Mustafa (Gjorgjseska, 85 mins), Saliihi (Husein, 78 mins), Petrushevska (Velkova, 65 mins). Unused subs: Kolarovska, Kolevska, Velkova, Joshevska, Pavlovska.

Arsenal draw 2-2 with Ajaz in first leg of Champions League second round Back Match Report UWCL: Arsenal v Ajax Arsenal draw 2-2 with Ajaz in first leg of Champions League second round Arsenal WFC 22 September 2022 By Paul Donegan Arsenal and Ajax played out a 2-2 draw in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Round 2 1st leg. Ajax took the lead through Romee Leuchter but Stina Blackstenius quickly equalised for Arsenal. The hosts hit the post twice early in the second half before taking the lead when Kim Little scored from the penalty spot. Leuchter scored her second seven minutes from the end to equalise for Ajax. Arsenal had a late goal disallowed for offside. Arsenal made three changes from their starting eleven that had beaten Brighton in the WSL with Steph Catley, Noelle Maritz and Lina Hurtig came in for Katie McCabe, Laura Wienroither and Caitlin Foord. Lia Walti made her 100th appearance for the club. Ajax included three of the Netherlands Euro 2022 squad in their starting line-up. Those being Sherida Spitse, Victoria Pelova and Leuchter. Ajax had the fist chance of the game in the 5th minute when Pelova saw her shot saved by Manuela Zinsberger. Ajax were pressing Arsenal, causing them to make mistakes and passes not finding targets. Ajax were also defending well in the early stages. The visitors had another attempt in the 16th minute but Spitse saw her long range shot easily caught. Ajax did take the lead two minutes later when Chasity Grant sent in a low cross from the right and Leuchter finished from close range. Arsenal had their first chances in the 21st minute but Beth Mead saw her free kick saved and Blackstenius put the rebound wide. The hosts equalised two minutes later. Mead swung in a corner which Rafaelle headed against the crossbar with the rebound falling to Blackstenius who finished. Ajax created the next chance in the 27th minute when Ashleigh Weerden just couldn’t get onto a cross at the far post. Seconds later, Leuchter saw her poked effort saved. The visitors almost caused themselves problems in defence in the 32nd minute but nothing came of it. Arsenal had an opportunity in the 42nd minute but Vivianne Miedema couldn’t get the ball under control and shot wide. Ajax had the final chance of the half when Zinsberger saved Leuchter’s powerful effort from close range. Arsenal came out like a different side after the break, playing some excellent football for the first 15 minutes or so of the second half. Leah Williamson played a lovely ball through to Catley in the 47th minute but she saw her shot hit the post and bounce away. Miedema had the next attempt at goal two minutes later when she cut in but shot wide. Blackstenius saw her low shot from 25-yards saved by Lize Kop. Walti played the ball through to Hurtig but before she could get an effort at goal an Ajax defender got back to put the ball behind for a corner. Maritz dangerous cross was pushed away by Kop. In the 54th minute, Rafaelle cut back and sent a shot against the post. Kop then smothered the ball as Blackstenius tried to go past her. A minute later, Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Mead was fouled in the area. Kim Little stepped up and sent the spot kick low into the net to give The Gunners a deserved lead after their start to the second half. Ajax’s first effort of the half came in the 59th minute but Grant sent a shot high and wide. Arsenal continued to create chances but not at the same rate as earlier in the half. Williamson saw a shot from 35-yards go wide and Mead sent a free kick from the edge of the area over. In the 71st minute, Miedema was unable to control the ball then substitute Foord saw an effort blocked. Some of the passes that had been working for the visitors in the first half, weren’t working in the second. Catley was through for Arsenal in the 75th minute but Kop got to the ball first and blocked. In the 83rd minute, against the run of play of the majority of the second half, Ajax equalised. Tiny Hoekstra skipped past a defender and sent in a low cross that was poorly defended by Arsenal with the ball reaching Leuchter who scored her second from close range. Leuchter attempted a long-range effort four minutes later but it went wide. Arsenal did have the ball in the net again in the 89th minute but McCabe’s powerful shot into the net was disallowed for offside. In injury time, Little run into the box but her effort was blocked. Rafaelle had the final chance of the game but saw her effort go wide after a corner had been headed on. Ajax looked the happier side with the result as the final whistle went. The second leg takes place in Amsterdam next Wednesday. Before that, Arsenal take on Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday for which over 50,000 tickets have been sold! Line ups Arsenal: Zinsberger, Maritz, Williamson, Rafaelle, Catley, Walti, Little, Miedema, Mead, Blackstenius (McCabe 74’), Hurtig (Foord 58’) Unused substitutes : Marckese, Wubben-Moy, Beattie, Noobs, Maanum, Wienroither, Agyemang, Earl, Reid Goals – Blackstenius 23’, Little (pen) 57’ Ajax: Kop, Van der Most, Kardinaal, Doorn, Verhoeve, Noordam, Spitse, Pelova, Grant (Bakker 90’+2’), Leuchter, Weerden (Hoekstra 62’) Unused substitutes: Bussman, Van der Wal, Munsterman, Tromp, Kruize, Keijzer, Van Gool, Sabajo Goals – Leuchter 18’, 83’ Booked – Verhoeve 56’, Van der Moost 64’, Doorn 69’ Referee – Frida Nielsen (Denmark) Attendance – 2,550

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

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

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