Stevenage inch a 3-2 win over hosts Needham Market in tight clash Back Match Report Needham Market v Stevenage Stevenage inch a 3-2 win over hosts Needham Market in tight clash Edward Payne 18 April 2023 Barry Rust A place in the ERWFL League Cup final was at stake as Needham Market hosted Stevenage FCW on a glorious Sunday afternoon at Bloomfields. With both sides having faced each other in the league, this was to be the decider in the trinity of matches and in a game that contained no less than four penalties and two wonder goals, the away side came out on top. Goals from Lina Nagib for Needham and the triumvirate of Amy Makewell, Becky Shephard and Rosy Wodhams ensured that it will be the Hertfordshire side who were the first name into the final. It was a cagey first few minutes as both teams were probing to see how the other would react. Needham blinked first. With just shy of ten minutes passed, the immense Hannah Bodily headed the ball from a Needham goal kick which saw a delightful turn, and a fortuitous deflection from Makewell. The resulting ball was chased eagerly by Emily Schofield who was caught by Ele Catchpole’s outstretched leg. Cue penalty number one. Coolly despatched in a similar fashion to last week’s opener by Makewell for her fourteenth goal of the season and her fortieth of her Stevenage career. Photo: Edward Payne The game began to open and both Shephard and the outstanding Paige Wakefield had good chances for their respective sides. However, just ten minutes after the first penalty, the second arrived. Needham worked the ball intricately through the middle of the pitch with good interplay from Mia Etheridge and top goalscorer, Molly Hall. Her ball towards Amber Cantwell was initially blocked by Erin Price, but Mia O’Brien was adjudged to have clattered into her. Lina Nagib stepped up to send the ball low to O’Brien’s left and collected her tenth goal of the season. Ironically, it was again about ten minutes later when the crowd witnessed the third penalty in just half an hour of football. This time, a great run from Eleanor Rossiter dwn the right-hand side was matched by the energetic Vicky Neal. The Boro’ defender slid in to block the ball, which caught her hand. The penalty was awarded, and a yellow card added for her troubles. Nagib won the mind games by putting the ball exactly where she did previously, only this time it was inches past the outstretched hand of O’Brien. As half time drew near, Makewell almost added to her tally with a low shot that was well saved by Evie McKane. The goalkeeper could do nothing about the injury time equaliser. Borough moved the ball from defence to attack with a cracking kick from hands by O’Brien following a free kick. The Needham defence allowed the ball to bounce before Makewell collected the half clearance. The ball was sent to Kelsey Millen on the right who cut infield and sent the ball across the eighteen-yard box to Shephard who looped the ball high and away from McKane for a dramatic leveller. Both sides had efforts in the second half, in what was a much tighter and cagier affair. As the minutes ticked by, the sense of jeopardy from both sides was palpable, alongside the sheer will to win. It was going to take something spectacular to win the game, and with seventy-two minutes elapsed, Wodhams obliged. A Hannah Nebbitt throw, high up the left hand side of the pitch, was held up by Amy Gooderham who laid a simple ball back to Wodhams who unleashed her sixth career goal for the club from distance over McKane who could only turn and watch the ball bounce into the back of the net. Needham did not roll over and were almost level three minutes later. A corner was earned after a brilliant save from O’Brien, who punched clear the set piece only to see the bar come to her rescue from an excellent effort by Wakefield. That was the best opportunity for the hosts, but there was to be late drama in the penalty box as the game finished how it began. Holly Greenwood was unceremoniously brought to the ground during time added on. With Makewell off the pitch, Tilly Fidler stepped up, only to see her low effort saved well by McKane. The result means that it will be Stevenage who will await the decision of the match between Luton Town and Colney heath to see which side will finish the season by lifting the league cup. With AFC Sudbury securing a vital win against Royston and inching closer to the required points tally that would secure the championship, there is still yet the chance of glory for some. Stevenage will move into this Sunday’s County Cup Final against Royston Town, with a spring in their step. After a second consecutive battling 3-2 victory, Interim Manager Dave Perry said, “We worked hard today, everything was there, the desire to win. It was a good game, and we did well. Whether it be a cup semi-final, or a league game, the girls want to do well and want to play. They give us the tools to win, they do it, not me. Now we get our day out at the final – it’s good!” Needham Market XI: McKane, Bloomfield, Catchpole, Rossiter, Etheridge, Nagib, Hall, Ward, Wakefield, Cantwell, Thomas Subs: Hubbard, Gooding, Pannifer, Sharp Goals: Nagib x 2 Booking: Etheridge Stevenage XI: O’Brien, Neal (c), Farmer, Price, Nebbitt, Bodily, Greenwood, Shephard, Schofield, Millen, Makewell Subs: Fidler, Gooderham, Webster, Wodhams Goals: Makewell, Shephard, Wodhams Booking: Neal

Ground Guide Brighton & Hove Albion By Paul Donegan Groundhopper Paul spent the afternoon at The People's Prension Stadium, home to Brighton and Hove Albion. Here's how he got on and his guide for visitors wishing to see the Seagulls in action. Address The People's Pension Stadium, Crawley, RH11 9RX Location and Ground History Brighton & Hove Albion play most of their matches at the Broadfield Stadium, currently known as The People’s Pension Stadium, in Crawley. The ground opened in 1997 as the new home for Crawley Town and Brighton have played there since 2018. It has a capacity of 6,134. Crawley is just south of Gatwick Airport and is about 18 miles north of Brighton itself. The ground is on the south side of the town, just up the road from the end of the M23/A23 junction. Getting There Crawley has a station which is about a 20/25 minute walk along Brighton Road from the ground. There are direct trains to London and these take about 45 minutes, passing through Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport, whilst in the other direction, trains head down to Horsham, Bognor Regis and Southampton. The town centre is the other side of the railway to the ground so add a few more minutes on if walking from there plus there is a level crossing. One word of warning is that there are a few parts of the walk where the lighting for the pavement isn’t that good if there for a match after it gets dark. The roundabout next to the ground has a big red and white football in the middle of it and if walking from the town then take the football themed subway at the roundabout. There is some parking on site if driving. There are some buses that go from the town centre to near the ground including the 10 and 20 fastway buses. Tickets Tickets vary in price depending on the category of match. For the match I went to it cost £4 for standing and £5 for sitting. I bought the tickets online a few days before the match and received them as an attachment which I printed off at home. There is a ticket office at the ground (far end of main stand) that was open so I think you could buy tickets on the day if you wish but worth checking this and if prices increase. Buy Tickets https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/fixtures/womens?selectteam=1468&selectcompetition=-1 The Stadium The turnstiles in use for Brighton games are at the far end of the main stand, by the ticket office. They opened about 45 minutes before kick off but I went to an evening game so might be different for afternoon ones. There was a quick bag search before going in. There are toilets and a food kiosk just inside the entrance. The main stand covers about two-thirds of the length of the pitch and is raised above pitch level so there are some stairs to go up which are to the left as you go in. To the right is some covered terracing which extends are the way behind the goal (the other end is identical but not open for Brighton matches). There are more toilets in the far corner at the back of the terrace. On the far side there is a covered seated stand that goes along the whole length of the pitch. There are a few support pillars along the front so these might get in the way. Food and Drink At the ground behind the south terrace (beyond the turnstiles), there is a bar but this was closed when I went and not sure if it is open for Brighton matches. Inside the ground there is a food kiosk with a good selection of food and non-alcoholic drinks available but with a bit of a slow moving queue when I was there. Hot drinks (coffee, tea hot chocolate, bovrill) cost £2 whilst cold drinks (cans, fruit shoot and water) cost £1.50. Beef burgers cost £4, cheeseburgers £4.50 and you can add bacon for another £1. Skin on chips (which were really nice and a good portion) cost £3 and a there are a selection of chocolate bars which cost £1. There are also cheese and onion rolls, sausage rolls and pies and slices which all cost £3.50. Away from the ground, I only noticed one pub (The New Moon) on the walk from station to the ground so if you want anything else it might be best to go to the town centre. Merchandise Didn’t see much merchandise about. There was a photo booth thing by the entrance and I did see some flags being given out. There was no sign of any programmes and then it was announced it was online only. However a lady then appeared giving out paper programmes for free.

Esme Morgan Position Defender D.O.B 18/10/2000 Club Manchester City via PA Images

Bristol City take all three points home from Bramall Lane in a 3-1 win over Sheffield United Back Match Report WC: Sheffield United v Bristol City Bristol City take all three points home from Bramall Lane in a 3-1 win over Sheffield United Bristol City WFC 19 October 2022 By Paul Donegan Bristol City continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 3-1 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday. Shania Hayles scored twice before Abi Harrison added their third. Mia Enderby got a consolation goal for the home side in second half stoppage time. Ella Powell had the first opportunity of the match for the visitors but she shot over in the 4th minute. It was a fairly quiet start to the match with chances few and far between. Harrison saw a low cross cleared by a defender in the 15th minute, and Jodie Hutton shot wide for City five minutes later. Harrison then saw her cross go just wide. Courtney Sweetman-Kirk had the hosts first effort in the 25th minute but her shot was saved by Fran Bentley. At the other end a minute later, Ffion Morgan shot from 25 yards was kept out by Bethan Davies. Bentley pushed away a cross from Bex Rayner in the 34th minute, and seconds later saved a shot from Charlotte Newsham. Bristol City opened the scoring in the 40th minute. Hayles picked the ball up near the touchline midway inside the half, then ran past a couple of defenders before finishing low into the net. The away side made it 2-0 in the 48th minute. A cross from the right looped into the air off a combination of Hayles and goalkeeper and the City forward finished from close range to score her second of the match. Harrison scored The Robins third goal in the 54th minute. A ball was played over the top by Aimee Palmer which the Scottish international got onto before producing a nice finish into the corner of the net. Emily Syme had a chance to make it 4-0 shortly after but shot over after a scramble. Sheffield United made loud appeals for a back pass in the 59th minute but nothing was given. Rayner saw her dipping cross caught on the line by Bentley a minute later. Morgan’s shot from the edge of the area for City was saved in the 65th minute. Bentley made a save low down by the post to stop a Grace Riglar header from a free kick. She made an even better save in the 73rd minute when she kept out a deflection off Naomi Layzell from Sweetman-Kirk’s cross. The home side were finishing the match well and had a few opportunities in the final ten minutes. Enderby saw a low shot from the edge of the area saved, and in the 85th minute, Alethea Paul dragged a long range shot wide. Sheffield United did find the net in the first minute of stoppage time when Enderby picked the ball up midway inside the half, ran past one challenged and finished into the corner of the net from about 12 yards. The win sees Bristol City move three points clear of London City Lionesses and Charlton Athletic after the weekend’s games. Sheffield United drop down to sixth place in the league. Sheffield United are at home to Southampton on Sunday whilst Bristol City are also at home to Crystal Palace on the same day. Line ups Sheffield United: Davies, Newsham, Hartley, Riglar, Paul, Lord-Mears, Cusack, Haywood (E. Wilson 53’), Sweetman-Kirk (c) (Enderby 78’), Rayner, Walters (Muir 66’) Unused substitutes: N. Wilson, Wilcock, Docherty, Francis-Jones, Brown, Miller Goal – Enderby 90’+1 Booked – Cusack 87’ Bristol City: Bentley, Cataldo, Layzell, Mustaki, Powell, Syme, Palmer (c) (J. Bull 79’), Hutton (Bruce 69’), Morgan, Harrison (Woolley 69’), Hayles (C. Bull 57’) Unused substitutes: Clarke, Wilde, Teisar Goals – Hayles 40’, 48’, Harrison 54’ Booked – Syme 50’, Palmer 68’ Referee – Sophie Dennington Attendance – 1192

Kit Graham's late winner irks the Addicks in testing FA Cup match Back Match Report Graham sends Spurs through in FA Cup glory Kit Graham's late winner irks the Addicks in testing FA Cup match Spurs Women 11 February 2024 By Paul Donegan Tottenham Hotspur beat Charlton Athletic 1-0 in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round thanks to Kit Graham’s second half goal against her former club. This tie at the Gaughan Group Stadium on Saturday evening pitched Women’s Super League Spurs against the current Women’s Championship leaders and it turned out to be a close affair. In the second minute, the home side had the first chance when Eveliina Summanen’s flicked header from a corner hit the top of the crossbar and went over. Bethany England maybe should have done better when she headed wide from close range for the hosts in the 10 th minute after a cross had only been pushed as far as her. The Addick’s first opportunity came in the 15 th minute but Kate Longhurst’s header from a corner was blocked. Tegan McGowan lost possession when turning in the area a couple of minutes later and Spurs goalkeeper Becky Spencer claimed the ball. After some nice play from the home side in the 22 nd minute, Grace Clinton played in Celin Bizet but she fired over the bar. Freda Ayisi whipped in a free kick for the visitors that missed everyone as the match approached the half-hour point. A couple of minutes later, Ayisi saw her free kick from 25- yards hit the wall before being cleared. The conditions weren’t great with persistent rain falling through most of the match, and there were a number of misplaced passes from both sides. The hosts finished the first half well but England wasn’t able to get onto Olga Ahtinen’s cross. In the 41 st minute, Ahtinen’s long-range chip dipped over the crossbar. Wang Shuang aimed at goal from just outside the area but her shot went the wrong side of the post just as stoppage time was announced. Spurs made a double substitution at half time with Martha Thomas and Jessica Naz coming on for Clinton and Wang. Two minutes after the break, a cross from the home side went over England’s head and hit Bizet before going behind for a goal kick. Thomas couldn’t get on the end of another cross with Elisha N’Dow clearing the ball. Charlton’s first effort of the second half came in the 52 nd minute when McGowan sent a low shot narrowly wide. England had another opportunity for the hosts in the 55 th minute but she put her shot wide of the post. N’Dow then blocked an Amanda Nilden effort on the hour mark. Tottenham came close to taking the lead in the 65 th minute when Nilden played the ball back to England but her effort from just outside the 6-yard box cannoned back off the crossbar and out of the area. Nobody from the home side could get on the end of a Matilda Vinberg corner in the 74 th minute. Naz saw a shot saved by Jessica Gray a minute later. Spurs took the lead in the 76 th minute when second half substitute Graham won the ball back and her low shot from outside the area found the back of the net. Another dangerous Vinberg corner went right across the area in the 80 th minute with no one able to get the final touch. Graham saw an effort fly over following a corner as the home side looked to wrap the tie up. Karin Muya saw her shot from the edge of the area take a deflection and trickle to Spurs keeper in the 84 th minute. Nine minutes of stoppage time were signalled, and in the second minute of these, the Addick’s Mary Bashford saw her shot from 25-yards caught by Spencer. The match had got a bit tetchy during the second half and there were a few yellow cards shown, including one for someone on the Spurs bench. A long free kick forward from Charlton was headed just wide of her own goal by Nilden for a corner deep in additional time. That came to nothing and Spurs held out for the remaining time without any problems to progress to the quarter-finals. Line ups Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3): Spencer, Grant, Buhler (James-Turner 62’), Bartrip, Nilden, Ahtinen, Summanen (Graham 70’), Clinton (Thomas 46’), Bizet (Vinberg 62’), England (c), Wang (Naz 46’) Unused substitutes: Votikova, Brazil, Ayane Goal – Graham 76’ Booked – Summanen, Naz Charlton Athletic (4-2-3-1): Gray, Roe, Skeels, N’Dow, O’Rourke (Bashford 83’), Longhurst (c), Ross (Filis 74’), Addison (Muya 83’), McGowan (Johnson 74’), Barton, Ayisi (McKenna 63’) Unused substitutes: Rogers, Humphrey Booked – O’Rourke, Johnson, Barton Referee – Lisa Benn Attendance - 974

Liverpool's Faye Kirby made a sensational WSL debut, but it wasn't enough to keep Chelsea at bay as the Blues earned a late 2-1 win Back Match Report WSL: Chelsea v Liverpool Liverpool's Faye Kirby made a sensational WSL debut, but it wasn't enough to keep Chelsea at bay as the Blues earned a late 2-1 win Liverpool FCW 4 May 2023 By Paul Donegan Sam Kerr scored a late winner for Chelsea as they came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Kingsmeadow on Wednesday evening in the WSL. Emma Koivisto had given the visitors an early lead before Niamh Charles equalised for the Blues just before half time. The win sees Chelsea close the gap on the Manchester clubs at the top of the league to four points behind United and one behind City with two games in hand on them both. This was Chelsea’s first league match since their 3-0 win over Aston Villa on the 2nd April, having been in FA Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League action since then. Emma Hayes made one change from their draw in Barcelona last Thursday with Lauren James coming in for Maren Mjelde who had jarred her back. They started in a 3-4-1-2 formation with Charles and Guro Reiten playing in the wing-back roles, Eve Perisset was one of the back three with James joining Kerr up front. Matt Beard made four changes for Liverpool from their disappointing result and performance against Leicester at the weekend. Out went Rachael Laws, Leighanne Robe, Fuka Nagano and Katie Stengel. Coming in for them were goalkeeper Faye Kirby, who was making her WSL debut, Rhiannon Roberts, Gemma Bonner and Miri Taylor. They lined up in a 5-3-2 formation with Koivisto and Taylor Hinds playing as wing backs and getting forward when they could. When defending, the defence and midfield played very close together so it felt like there were about eight players for Chelsea to get through at times. The home fans may have still been eating the free hot dogs promised by Hayes after the original game was called off after six minutes due to a frozen pitch in January when the visitors took the lead in the 2nd minute. After winning the ball in midfield, Liverpool attacked with Natasha Dowie’s cross finding Koivisto running in unmarked at the far post who finished past Ann-Katrin Berger. Erin Cuthbert had Chelsea’s first effort at goal eight minutes in but shot over from 25-yards. A Perisset free kick was easily claimed by Kirby in the 11th minute. Bonner blocked Kerr’s effort four minutes later. Kirby got down low to save a Reiten shot shortly after. Liverpool saw a long-range effort from Dowie was easily caught by Berger. The Reds were defending well and looked organised, blocking a Chelsea effort before Kerr put a shot wide. Kirby made a good one-handed save to stop Kerr’s flicked header in the 23rd minute. Jessie Fleming shot wide a minute later The visitors were slow taking a throw in after half an hour and got warned by referee Abigail Byrne. Koivisto was booked for the same offence a few minutes later. During a break for treatment to an injured Liverpool player, Hayes took the chance to have a chat to her players and changed formation to 4-2-3-1. She admitted after that she probably took too long to make this change as they were missing Mjelde playing the back three. This change also allowed their play-makers to be somewhere else on the pitch which Hayes said they felt they needed. Chelsea equalised soon after this tactical change but the goal came from a set piece. Perisset put in a corner which Charles headed into the net in the 41st minute. Liverpool had the final chances of the half during the four minutes of stoppage time with Shanice van de Sanden seeing an effort saved then Dowie’s shot which was blocked by Perisset. Chelsea had the first opportunity in the second half but James saw her effort comfortably saved. The Blues players did a bit more switching of positions when they made a double substitution in the 54th minute with Fleming dropping back alongside Melanie Leupolz in midfield, Pernille Harder came on and went in the middle behind Kerr with Jelena Cankovic going in the right-side attacking position. Liverpool’s two wing backs almost combined but Koivisto deep cross couldn’t find Hinds running in at far post. Cankovic was putting in some dangerous crosses but no-one could get on the end of these or direct the ball towards goal. Liverpool brought on another defender in the 68th minute when Robe replaced Taylor meaning Roberts was pushed slightly further forward into a defensive midfield position. Kerr put a chance over in the 73rd minute, before Harder was allowed to run towards the but her shot went wide a minute later. A final slight positional change for Chelsea in the 80th minute saw Cankovic drop back into midfield when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was brought on and she went on the right side. Reiten had ball in net for the hosts in the 82nd minute but the flag was up for offside. Chelsea did score a second, and what turned out to be the winner, in the 86th minute. Fleming’s shot from outside the area hit the woodwork and Kerr was first to the rebound to score despite Kirby getting a touch on the ball. During the eight minutes of added time, Harder saw an effort blocked, and then a long ball forward was headed on by Kerr to Harder but Robe tackled before the Dane could shoot. The final whistle went seconds later. After the match when speaking to the press, Hayes said that Chelsea’s performance had showed they had not played a WSL match for a month, “we needed this game to get back into WSL, it is such a different game”. She felt they were asleep for the first 10 minutes of the game and this might be a “little bit of a hungover from the semi-final (UWCL against Barcelona), playing in front of 72,000 people and then 1,600, there is an adjustment and the first half reflected that”. She continued by saying they “found new levels of grind and new levels of dig today” to get the win. Beard said afterwards that he was disappointed for the Liverpool players as he thinks they “deserved a point” because of the way they defended. He admitted they “rode their luck at times” but considering everything that happened, they deserved something. After the disappointing performance against Leicester, he was happy with the commitment and desire the players showed against Chelsea. Both sides are at home on Sunday in the WSL with Chelsea taking on Everton and Liverpool host Manchester City. Line ups Chelsea (3-4-1-2) (changed to 4-2-3-1 during the first half): Berger, Perisset, Carter, Eriksson (c), Charles, Cuthbert (Cankovic 54’), Leupolz (Kaneryd 80’), Reiten, Fleming (Ingle 88’), James (Harder 54’), Kerr Unused substitutes: Musovic, Abdullina Goals – Charles 41’, Kerr 86’ Liverpool (5-3-2): Kirby, Koivisto, Roberts, Matthews, Bonner, Hinds (c), Taylor (Robe 68’), Kearns (Humphrey 82’), Holland (Lundgaard 60’), van de Sanden (Stengel 68’), Dowie Unused substitute s: Laws, Cummings Goal – Koivisto 2’ Booked – Koivisto, Kirby Referee – Abigail Byrne Attendance – 1,664

Reading face defeat at home as the Blades take a comfortable win 3-1 on the road Back Match Report Sheffield United earn all three points in Reading Reading face defeat at home as the Blades take a comfortable win 3-1 on the road Sheffield United FC Women 24 October 2023 By Paul Donegan Sheffield United beat Reading 3-1 in the Women’s Championship at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday. The Blades goals were scored by Ashley Hodson, Isobel Goodwin and Charlotte Newsham whilst Tia Primmer got the Royals late consolation one. Reading had a few early corners, including one where some of their players ran from behind the goalline before it was taken, but these came to nothing. Sheffield United’s Sophie Barker had first shot at goal in the 7th minute but this was easily gathered by the hosts keeper Emily Orman. The home side saw Freya Gregory’s long-range effort deflected over three minutes later. Tara Bourne’s free kick hit the post in the 13th minute as the away side went close. Rachel Dugdale’s was causing the Blades defence some problems with her long balls forward. The Royals next opportunity came in the 17th minute but Sanne Troelsgaard’s long-range effort sailed over the crossbar. Lauren Wade cut in and saw her shot from 20-yards tipped over by Sheffield United’s goalkeeper Fran Stenson in the 23rd minute. Wade had another effort at goal from the edge of the area two minutes later but this one was pushed away by Stenson before being cleared. The visitors took the lead in the 33rd minute when Hodson got onto a loose back pass, went around the goalkeeper and finished from a wide angle. There was some miscommunication in the Blades defence shortly after that almost let Reading in before the ball was cleared. There were half chances during the remainder of the half but nothing to test either goalkeeper as the away side went in ahead at half time. Three minutes into the second half, Sheffield United made it 2-0 when Goodwin won the ball off Easther Mayi Kith, run into the area then finished low into the corner of the net. Jodie Hutton shot over in the 51st minute as the visitors looked to add a third. The Blades seemed determined to be first to the ball and were rushing Reading in the early stages of the second half. The home side saw a curling free kick miss everyone in the area three minutes later. On the hour mark, the hosts had another opportunity when Stenson kept out a low effort from Dugdale before the ball was put behind for a corner. Hutton sent a free kick from 25-yards over for the away side in the 65th minute. Newsham made it 3-0 for the visitors in the 72nd minute when after Hutton’s great ball across had been played back to her by Bourne, she tapped in from near enough on the goalline. In the 78th minute, Stenson made a good save to deny Josie Longhurst as the Royals looked to get a goal back. The home side finished the match well and scored a consolation goal in the fifth minute of additional time when Primmer finished from close range after Stenson had made another save. The final whistle was blown a few minutes later meaning Sheffield United have now won three of their last four league matches. After the weekend’s results, Sheffield United move up a place in the Championship to eighth whilst Reading drop three places to ninth. Both sides next games are after the international break on Sunday 5th November when the Royals visit Birmingham City, and the Blades are away to Southampton. Line ups Reading: Orman, Dugdale, Houssein (Longhurst 60’), Primmer, Wade, Hendrix (Cooper 59’), Mayi Kith, Estcourt, Gregory, Woodham (c), Troelsgaard Unused substitutes: Annets, Smith, Elwood, Medows Tuson, Jarvis Goal - Primmer 90’+5 Booked – Primmer, Woodham Sheffield United: Stenson, Newsham, Barker (c), Bourne, Sigsworth (Haywood 78’), Rayner (Kinzett 90’), Goodwin, Hodson (Wilcock 90’), Hutton (Connolly-Jackson 85’), A. Brown, R. Brown (Graham 85’) Unused substitutes: Heeps, Docherty, Page, Adebowale-Arimoro Goals – Hodson 33’, Goodwin 48’, Newsham 72’ Booked – R.Brown Referee – Grace Lowe

Ultimate Football Heroes: Lionesses by Emily Stead Ultimate Football Heroes: Lionesses Ultimate Football Heroes: Lionesses by Emily Stead Celebrating the success of the phenomenal Lionesses, this book follows four key players in their journey from the playground to the pitch, as they prepare for the biggest match of their lives. Learn how star players Lucy Bronze, Ellen White, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead stepped up to help the Lionesses secure the title of European Champions 2022. Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lionesses-European-Champions-Ultimate-Football/dp/1789466881/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_2/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=sBA28&content-id=amzn1.sym.40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_p=40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_r=52Y9N1NYHXDY411HMK13&pd_rd_wg=eMXJ4&pd_rd_r=d05131df-0701-4d16-98ec-20c2bfbb5bbe&pd_rd_i=1789466881&psc=1

Anita Asante Two Decades of Excellence Legendary Lionesses: Anita Asante A Back 7 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Two Decades of Excellence Getty Images The morning before her 37th birthday, Aston Villa defender Anita Asante announced her retirement from professional football. Asante’s announcement was perhaps slightly surprising, but sewing up an immense twenty-year career was bound to come sooner or later. Asante’s presence is one as familiar as a pitch itself and a WSL season without the centre-back gracing the grass will certainly take some getting used to. From childhood football in the cages of North London to representing Great Britain in the Olympics, Asante’s career has taken her across the globe and seen her win multiple accolades, always at the very pinnacle of the game. Signing a senior contract at her beloved Arsenal in 2003 as a teenager, Asante was a part of the Gunners squad that made history becoming the first and only club to win the quadruple (Premier League, Premier League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League) in 2006-07. Asante is widely regarded to have played an exceptional game in the Champions League final against Swedish side Umeå. Asante then moved across London to join Chelsea for a year before spending the next portion of her career overseas. In 2009 Asante joined New Jersey side Sky Blue FC in the inaugural season of the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and helped the side to win their first campaign. She was then traded to the now obsolete Saint Louis Athletica and the briefly joined Chicago Red Stars. Asante moved once again in 2010 to Washington Spirit before following then coach Jim Gabarra back to Sky Blue. After the WPS folded in 2012, Asante took the opportunity to head back to Europe and settled into the Damallsvenskan, the top-flight of women’s football in Sweden. Asante joined Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC (now known as BK Häcken) and went on to make 41 appearances and score nine goals, as well as winning the Svenska Cupen (Swedish Cup) and the Svenska Supercupen (Swedish Super Cup). The defender then moved across to Swedish champions LdB FC Malmö (now known as FC Rosengård) and continued her illustrious run abroad. Asante picked up hordes of silverware in her four years with Rosengård, including the league title in 2014 and 2015, the Swedish Cup in 2016 and the Swedish Super Cup in 2016 and 2017. She also was part of the side that reached three Champions League quarter finals. Swedish dominance achieved; Asante returned to England to join Chelsea in the WSL in 2018 before signing the final contract of her career with Aston Villa in 2020 for their first campaign in the top division. Rather fittingly, Asante’s final away match came against Arsenal, signing out the very same way she signed in. With such noteworthy domestic form, it is unsurprising that Asante’s international bearing is no less impressive. Asante played for England through the youth groups and captained the U19 Lionesses to victory in 2002 at the U19 World Cup. Asante went on to make her senior debut in 2004 and subsequently made 71 appearances and scored two goals for her country. Asante was also part of the 2012 Olympic squad in which she featured prominently, playing in all four of Team GB’s matches before their eventual defeat in the final eight. Charlotte Stacey Asante’s style of play is simple; no nonsense, fundamentally driven, quality defending, and it has been her complete mastery of the basics that have kept her at the top for so long. In the final stretch of her pitch side endeavours Asante has played over 35 games for Aston Villa, still an essential part of the set-up as she was twenty years ago. Timely blocks, clever interceptions, imposing body positioning to force an opponent onto the wrong foot, all make up the small details of Asante’s game. Yet, possibly where she is most deadly is in one-v-one situations. Governing that backline with a notable astuteness, Asante is incredibly calm when handling immediate pressure. She will stick with an attacker before knowingly using her physicality or smart footwork to dispossess. In fact, in this final season alone, Asante leads as the player who has tackled the greatest number of dribblers throughout the term. Put simply, one sighs a certain amount of relief when Asante’s name pops up in the starting eleven. Asante’s mark, however, has not just been stamped between the confines of the touchlines. Advocate and activist, for many years Asante has campaigned for the rights of the LGBTQAI+ community, as well as strongly supporting Show Racism the Red Card and Amnesty International and Goals for Girls. Looking ahead, it seems there will be plenty on the horizon. Asante already lends her experienced voice to the masses, sharing her expertise in educating the nuances of women’s football as a pundit within the media industry. Yet further than that, Asante has ambitions that will eventually see her back in the dugout, aspiring to come full circle and head back to where it all began. Asante hopes to one day return to The Arsenal and manage the club that has sparked two decades of a remarkable life. “My long-term ambition is to one day manage my childhood club – it would be amazing to go back to where it all began. I want to live again in that world that gave me so much.” – Anita Asante. It is abundantly clear there is a deep passion that runs through Asante for the causes and issues that are close to her, and whilst pitch may lose a great, the sport and its lending organisations gain someone truly special. The floods of tributes from coaches, players and supporters alike only served to confirm the iconic status of the stalwart. Plain and simple, the pitch will miss the ever-present excellence of Anita Asante.

Alex Scott MBE Scottie Talks Legendary Lionesses: Alex Scott MBE Scott A Back 13 September 2020 By Charlotte Stacey Scottie Talks via Yahoo Sports You do not have to be a fan of women’s football to have heard the name Alex Scott. The former Arsenal and England defender has made waves in raising awareness of women’s football, and is vocal in advocating that women have a place in sport. Alex Scott has proved time and time again that she will get back up after a knock back. From a young age, her determined nature has seen her work through hardships and adversity in order to fulfil her ambitions. On the pitch, Scott enjoyed an illustrious career for both club and country. A fast paced, quick thinking, pressing fullback, Scott was very much a player you wanted working with you, rather than against. A gunner through and through, Scott enjoyed three separate spells with Arsenal across her sixteen-year senior career. Always returning to her roots, Scott helped Arsenal collect a wealth of silverware, including seven FA Cups and eight league titles. Much like her club feats, Scott’s international record is just as noteworthy as her domestic one. Having represented England on numerous occasions, as it stands, Scott is one of only four players to have worn the three lions 140 times or more. Scott was a part of the Lionesses squad that placed second in the 2009 Euro’s, as well as the team that took home the bronze medal at the 2015 World Cup. Legacy cemented; Scott has certainly set the bar high. A tough act to follow for England’s future right backs. Yet Scott’s mark is stamped far beyond the confines of a football pitch. In recent times, Scott has become somewhat of a familiar figure on our screens. Her recent stint on Strictly Come Dancing, as well as her guest presenter spots on popular shows such as The One Show, have seen Scott become a household name. But underneath those nifty dance moves and natural hosting skills, Scott is constantly raising the profile of the women’s game. In fact, simply by participating, she has opened the door to a whole new audience. Louise Cook With an easy-going friendly manner, and a first-hand experience of the game, Scott’s media presence is no accident. Taking the bull by the horns straight out of retirement, Scott made history as the first female pundit to appear regularly on Sky Sports, and to cover a major football tournament on the BBC. Unfortunately, these achievements did not come without their ups and downs. Scott often speaks about the abusive and sexist comments she receives online. But, luckily for us, the resilience Scott demonstrated on the pitch has remained, and she continues to propel the women’s game into the limelight. Regarding this step into the mainstream, in an interview with Hello! Magazine, Scott rightly commented, “it shows how far the women’s game has come”. Yet she is modest in her own efforts toward this. It is fair to say that Scott, herself, has had a pretty big hand in bringing the sport to the forefront of people’s minds over the last couple of years. Other projects aside, women’s football very much remains at the heart of Scott’s media career. Her passion is there in every interview, in every punditry broadcast, and was certainly seen with every goal the Lionesses scored in last year’s World Cup. It is this down to earth, honest nature that makes Scott so easy to watch. Scott’s likeability has justly gathered her a large fan base, and it is clear that the appreciation her supporters have for her, is reciprocated. Over this lockdown period, Scott has taken it upon herself to bring a smile to the faces of her fans. Scottie Talks, her Instagram Live series, has been a welcome distraction to many. Scott has chatted with a number of women in sport, both about their careers, but also about their time in lockdown. These open and frank discussions have certainly helped in normalising the struggles of this time, and perhaps for some, helped in not feeling quite so alone. Many sincerely hoping that Scott herself is getting as much out of this series as her audience is. So, both on and off of the pitch, Scott has led by example and has paved the way for others. Her work ethic and determination mean she is, simply put, the perfect role model for young girls and boys wanting to follow in her footsteps. Scott has achieved far beyond what was ever expected, and has shown that you do not need to compromise yourself in order to succeed. Since her induction to mainstream sports broadcasting, there has been a shift in the number of women seen on sporting channels. Several female pundits now feature regularly across a number of football events, and this began with Scott. Gunner royalty. Legendary Lioness. Alex Scott is, and always will be, a piece of English women’s football history. Her MBE for her “contribution to women’s football” is more than deserved. And it seems this contribution is far from over.

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Chelsea sit comfortably at the top of the table after a 5-0 win over West Ham Back Match Report Another win in the bag and Chelsea remain unbeaten in the WSL Chelsea sit comfortably at the top of the table after a 5-0 win over West Ham Chelsea WFC 21 January 2025 By Paul Donegan Chelsea’s undefeated start to the season continued on Sunday when they beat West Ham United 5-0 in the Women’s Super League. Catarina Macario, Erin Cuthbert, Aggie Beever-Jones, Sandy Baltimore scored superb goals for the Blues before Amber Tysiak put into her own net late on to complete the scoring. On a cold afternoon in Dagenham, Beever-Jones saw her shot from outside the area deflected over in the 4th minute as the visitors looked to make their early dominance count. A number of corners from the visitors also came to nothing in the opening stages of the match. Chelsea took the lead in the 11th minute when Macario sent a stunning left-footed dipping volley from 12-yards into the net. Two minutes later, Macario sent an effort well over from seven-yards. In the 15th minute, Mayra Ramirez headed straight at the West Ham goalkeeper. Macario sent a free kick from 25-yards wide for the visitors in the 20th minute. Cuthbert, on her 250th appearance for Chelsea, made it 2-0 a minute later when she fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the area after the Hammers had lost possession whilst trying to play out from the back. Baltimore forced Kinga Szemik into making a save in the 24th minute as the Blues continued to be well on top. Ramirez’s header from a corner went back closer to where it started then the goal minutes later. Cuthbert was back to stop a rare West Ham attack as the match approached the half-hour mark Beever-Jones saw her effort headed off the line by Anouk Denton with Sjoeke Nusken sending the rebound wide as the away side went close to extending their lead further. A nice Chelsea attack down the left-side, which started with Millie Bright winning the ball in defence, finished with Baltimore shooting across goal and wide. Seraina Piubel had the home sides first effort at goal in the 38th minute when she got clear but sent her shot wide of goal. At the other end, Szemik pushed away Macario’s 20-yard strike. Beever-Jones scored the Blues third goal a minute before half time with a stunning effort of her own when she found the net with a shot from 18-yards that flew past the West Ham goalkeeper. Szemik got down to stop Beever-Jones shot in first half additional time with the attack starting after a crunching Bright challenge. Baltimore was then denied by the goalkeeper as the visitors looked to add another goal before the break. Shekiera Martinez came on at half time for her debut for the Hammers. They had the first chance of the second half within the first minute of it but Katrina Gorry shot over from 20-yards. In the 48th minute, Baltimore sent a strike over for the away side and into their supporters behind that goal. Baltimore made it 4-0 in the 52nd minute when after a clearance from Szemik had been won by Chelsea, she sent a strike from just inside area into the top corner for another cracking goal. Denton, who had been one of West Ham’s better players, shot over from the edge of the box as the hosts looked to get a goal back. There weren’t as many clear chances in the second period until Riko Ueki made her way to just inside the area in the 70th minute but her shot was straight at Hannah Hampton in the Blues goal. Cuthbert saw her shot fall tamely into Szemik’s gloves with 15 minutes remaining. In the 78th minute, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd fired onto the side netting for the away side. West Ham appealed loudly for a handball by Lucy Bronze in the box a minute later but the referee waved play on before a cross was claimed by Hampton. Maika Hamano saw an effort blocked by one of her Chelsea teammates as the match went into the final 10 minutes. Gorry then made a good block as Hamano was about to shoot after Szemik had again given the ball away. In the 85th minute, Tysiak put Cuthbert’s low cross into her own net from close-range as the visitors made it 5-0. Chelsea had a few half chances during the remainder of the match but couldn’t find the net again and it was the home side who went closest to scoring when Gorry sent a shot wide. The victory for the Blues sees Sonia Bompastor set a new record of 11 games unbeaten start for a manager in the WSL whilst captain Mille Bright becomes the player with most wins in the leagues history. Chelsea are now seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the league with the two playing each other on Sunday at Stamford Bridge. West Ham remain 10th and three points ahead of bottom side Crystal Palace. Line ups West Ham United (5-3-2): Szemik, Smith, Mengwen (Cooke 75’), Tysiak, Zadorsky, Denton, Piubel (Pavi 78’), Gorry (c), Siren (Martinez 46’), Asseyi, Ueki Unused substitutes: Walsh, Bergman Lundin, Harries, Saez, Houssein, Ademiluyi Booked - Gorry Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Bronze, Bjorn, Bright (c), Charles (Lawrence 71’), Nusken (Jean-Francois 61’), Cuthbert, Beever-Jones, Macario (Hamano 61’), Baltimore (Reiten 61’), Ramirez (Rytting Kaneryd 71’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Perisset, Mpome, Bernabe Goals – Macario 11’, Cuthbert 21’, Beever-Jones 44’, Baltimore 52’, Tysiak (og) 85’ Referee - Amy Fearn