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Watford earn promotion to the Championship in a 1-0 victory at Stadium MK Back Match Report FAWNL Play-off: Nottingham Forest v Watford Watford earn promotion to the Championship in a 1-0 victory at Stadium MK Edward Payne 21 May 2023 By Paul Donegan Poppy Wilson headed in the only goal of the match in the 17th minute as Watford beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 to win the FA Women’s National League Championship Play-Off Final, and promotion back to the Women’s Championship at the first attempt. In an entertaining match, both sides had chances but Wilson was the only one to find the back of the net. Forest weren’t clinical enough with their opportunities, and Watford goalkeeper Jacqueline Goldsmid made a few good saves to deny them. It had already announced that this would be the last play-off between the winners of the National League Northern and Southern Premier Divisions to decide the single promotion spot. From next season, both Premier Division champions will be promoted with the bottom two in the Championship relegated. The sides had met in the League Cup final last month which Nottingham Forest won 3-2 after extra-time. The supporters of both clubs, just over 3,000 of them, were making a good noise before the start of the match on a nice sunny afternoon at Stadium MK. Both sides had early chances. A great ball found Bianca Baptiste but her cross couldn’t find any of her Watford teammates. Forest’s first effort came in the 5th minute when Charlotte Greengrass’ shot was easily saved. Goldsmid got down and saved with her legs to stop an effort from Yasmin Mosby after she had been played in by Sophie Domingo. Annie Rossiter saw a half-chance go wide for Watford in the 16th minute. Watford did take the lead a minute later when Gemma Davison’s cross from the left side found Wilson at the far post and she headed the ball into the net. Forest had a chance on the break in the 22nd minute but Domingo saw another effort saved. A free kick a couple of minutes later caused the Watford defence problems before the ball was cleared. As the game approached the half-hour mark, Forest came close to equalising but Rebecca Anderson put her free-kick narrowly the wrong side of the post. Their front three of Domingo, Mosby and Greengrass were playing some nice combinations but they just couldn’t take any of the chances they were creating. Wilson, who impressed me during the first half, was finding space for the Golden Girls but saw an effort blocked in the 41st minute, and then seconds later sent a shot from 35-yards not far wide. In stoppage time, Wilson couldn’t get on the end of a free kick in front of goal. Charlotte Steggles had the final chance of the half for Forest but put her effort wide of the post. Greengrass saw an effort easily saved in the first five minutes of the second half after a free kick had been played in as Forest looked for an equaliser. There was nice build up from Davison and Wilson as Watford attacked but the final ball was too far in front of Rossiter, then Wilson saw a header cleared. At the other end in the 54th minute, a cross came off Mosby and went narrowly wide. Andria Georgiou, who was named as Player of the Match, and Alison Pausch were making some fantastic tackles for Watford to stop Forest attacks. Watford had the ball in the net again in the 62nd minute but this was disallowed for offside, despite the music blasting out and the scoreboards showing multiple goals for and against both sides. Four minutes later, Rossiter put an effort over from an angle. Domingo played the ball back to Amy West in the 70th minute but her shot flashed just wide of the post as Forest went close again to levelling. Sophie Mclean sent a shot wide for Watford three minutes later. Greengrass headed over a free kick with ten minutes remaining for Forest. The Watford fans were singing and encouraging their side as the match entered the final five minutes. The Golden Girls dealt with what Forest threw at them during the five minutes of injury time, including Goldsmid getting booked for a committing a foul outside the area to stop an attack. Anderson sent the resulting free kick wide. That was their last chance of the match as the final whistle went seconds later, sparking celebrations amongst the Watford players and fans. Speaking to the media after the match, Watford head coach Damon Lathrope said he “was over the moon” after winning. He felt for Forest as “they deserved to be promoted, they won their league and it is a sour one with the rules changing next year”. Lathrope thought his side had a “little bit more control, and if we had cutting edge in the final third, we maybe could have got a second goal and killed the game”. He praised goalkeeper Jacqueline Goldsmid saying she “came good today and deserves some recognition after making some very vital saves”. Lathrope said the Watford fans were a massive factor and gives them “that extra motivation and energy when we need it” and their support “is much appreciated.” He finished by admitting they will have a lot of work to do next season in the Championship and it is going to be very tough but “we will enjoy this success first.” Nottingham Forest manager Andy Cook said that after winning the league and cup, the feeling after losing this match is “it’s almost worthless, we have done all that work, we have done brilliantly throughout the season but to not gain promotion almost feels worthless” . Cook continued by saying he was proud of his players after doing the double. He added that a motivation for next season is knowing that if they win the league, they will go straight up. Cook felt they lacked “that little bit extra” in front of goal and mentioned the 5/6 good chances and that “you have got to score goals and win games and they (Watford) managed to do that and we didn’t”. He finished by praising the Forest fans, saying they were “fantastic”. Line ups Nottingham Forest (4-1-2-3) : Batty, James, Harkin (c), Cook (Powell 89’), Daniels, Steggles, West, Anderson, Domingo (Mitchell 77’), Mosby (Reynolds 77’), Greengrass Unused substitutes: Hewitt, Taylor Watford (3-4-1-2) : Goldsmid, Meiwald, Chandler (c), Pausch, Baptiste (Fyfe 64’), Mclean, Georgiou, Head, Wilson, Rossiter (Wallace 90’+2), Davison Unused substitutes: Gibson, Ward, Brough

Review of the Lionesses double header against France England versus France: 2025 Euro's Qualifiers Back Review of the Lionesses double header against France Lionesses Sunday, 9 June 2024 By Paul Donegan England faced a tough double-header against France in UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying over the last week or so. The meetings between the sides second and third in the world rankings resulted in a win apiece with the visitors being victorious 2-1 on both occasions. Here is a look back and some thoughts on the matches. The first game took place at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Friday evening. This was the first time the Lionesses had played there and it was also Sarina Wiegman’s 50th match in charge. Wiegman decided to pair captain Leah Williamson and Millie Bright together in defence for the first time in over a year after both had suffered injuries during that time. Alex Greenwood can maybe feel a bit unfortunate to miss out after having a great season with Manchester City. Mary Earps won her 50th cap but within the first minute picked up a hip injury and had to be replaced by Hannah Hampton shortly after. England looked a bit shacky at the back in the early stages, maybe not surprising considering how long it was since Bright and Williamson last played together. It was Williamson’s long pass forward that started the move that led to the Lionesses taking the lead on the half-hour mark with Beth Mead finishing Lauren Hemp’s low ball across the area. Hampton made a good save to stop Maelle Lakrar’s header four minutes later as France looked for a quick equaliser. The visitors did level the score before half time when Elisa De Almeida’s stunning volley from a corner looped into the corner of the net. Not much England could do about that one. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin made a good save of her own in first half stoppage time when she stopped Mead’s curling effort. Marie-Antoinette Katoto put France ahead in the 68th minute with a low volley into the net. Though maybe she shouldn’t have had the chance in the first place as the Lionesses had numerous chances to clear the ball before it reached the unmarked Katoto. Apart from the early enforced goalkeeper substitution, Wiegman didn’t make any other changes until the 79th minute when Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly came on. This was perhaps a bit surprising considering it was the end of a long season and changes could have been made slightly earlier with England being behind and hardly threatening during the second half. The two substitutes helped improve things with both looking lively, and it was Kelly who had the best chance to equalise but saw her long-range effort dip over the crossbar. So, it was a defeat for England, and another recent match where a side has marked Keira Walsh closely and the Lionesses have produced little. There really needs to be a plan B for occasions when performances aren’t great and key players aren’t being effective. Moving onto Tuesday in Saint-Etienne when France knew that if they won then they would qualify for the Euro finals in Switzerland next year whilst England couldn’t really afford to lose after Friday night. Wiegman only made one change from the first meeting with Hampton starting in goal in place of Earps whilst Toone won her 50th cap. More changes might have been expected after the disappointing performance four days previously with the likes of Greenwood, Kelly and Kirby coming in. Both sides had early chances with Russo having the best of the Lionesses. Maybe having a number 9 to finish some of the chances could be useful as not really had one since Ellen White retired in 2022. A great Georgia Stanway first time strike from just outside the area gave England the lead in the 21st minute after Hemp had passed to her. The Lionesses looked more threatening and attacking with Toone playing higher up the pitch. Russo headed in England’s second goal in the 34th minute, Hemp providing the cross this time for her third assist in two matches. Stanway had the Lionesses final chance of the first half before Katoto headed narrowly wide to send a warning to England that France weren’t out of it yet. Indeed, the hosts were better after the break but the Lionesses were defending well. France were pressing more in the second half, and on one occasion when the visitors were playing out from the back, they won the ball back and Grace Geyoro was brought down in the area by Williamson with the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Kadidiatou Diani stepped up and sent put the ball into the net to make it 2-1 in the 72nd minute. Wiegman left it late to make substitutes again, making the first in the 75th minute then another in the final minute of the match with Kelly and Kirby coming on again. In the 89th minute, Hampton made a fantastic one-handed match winning save when she got down and tipped Katoto’s close-range effort wide of the post. There were no further chances in what was a slightly nervy finish to the match as England moved level on points with Sweden and two points behind France with two games remaining. Personally, in what was a much better performance overall especially in the first half in Saint-Etienne, I thought Russo, Stanway, Hemp, Toone, Jess Carter and Hampton all had really good games. The final group games take place in July with the Lionesses facing the Republic of Ireland in Norwich before travelling to Gothenburg play Sweden

Arsenal kick off the Women's Super League with a 4-0 win over Brighton Back Match Report WSL Opener: Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion Arsenal kick off the Women's Super League with a 4-0 win over Brighton Olivia Cantwell 19 September 2022 By Paul Donegan Arsenal won the opening match of the 2022/23 Barclays Women’s Super League 4-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,238 at Meadow Park. Emma Kullberg was sent off early on for the visitors, and then the home side took near enough total control with the goals coming from Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius and two from Beth Mead. Jonas Eidevall named two of the Lionesses Euro 2022 winners in his starting line-up with Leah Williamson and Player of the Tournament and Top Scorer Beth Mead included. Hope Powell gave debuts to Jorja Fox, Poppy Pattinson, Veatriki Sarri and Elisabeth Terland in Brighton’s starting eleven. Before the match started, there were tributes and a minutes applause for Arsenal super-fan Maria Petri who died in July, and then a minutes silence and the National Anthem was played in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Artwork: Charlotte Stacey Arsenal had the first chance of the game in the 5th minute when Rafaelle headed wide at the far post from a corner. Brighton were reduced to ten players two minutes later when Blackstenius was played through and Kullberg brought her down on the edge of the area. The Brighton defender was shown a straight red card as she was the last defender. Arsenal had plenty of chances in the next 15 minutes or so with Mead seeing a free kick deflected wide, Vivianne Miedema having an effort blocked, Megan Walsh saving shots from Caitlin Foord and Mead, and Foord shooting just wide and then having another effort saved. Brighton had a chance in the 26th minute when they broke quickly, as they had tried a few times earlier in the half unsuccessfully, and this time the ball reached Terland but her shot went narrowly wide. In the 28th minute, Arsenal did take the lead when Foord took advantage of a slip in the Brighton defence and passed back to Little who took a touch and finished low into the net. The home side continued to dominate up to half time with Blackstenius seeing her effort from the edge of the area hit the crossbar, Foord shot wide after a lovely through ball from Miedema, Mead shot over from the edge of the area, Walsh tipped away a shot from Lia Walti, and Rafaelle had a header from a corner cleared off the line. There were times when Arsenal were playing with a line of six up front but it was only 1-0 at the break despite all the chances they had had. Arsenal’s first chance of the second half came in the 48th minute when Blackstenius had an effort saved but the offside flag was up anyway. A minute later, Brighton had a chance of their own but Manuela Zinsberger made a good save to keep out Katie Robinson’s shot. That turned out to be a big save as just a minute later, Mead turned and passed to Blackstenius who finished into the top corner to make it 2-0 to Arsenal. Arsenal were dominating possession, and they added a third in the 63rd minute when Miedema pulled the ball back to Mead who finished first time low into the corner of the net from about 8-yards out. A minute later, Lina Hurtig came on to make her Arsenal debut. Arsenal continued to create chances with Hurtig providing a lovely back-heel to Mead but the final ball was missing, Miedema had the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside, and Walsh saved from Mead and Frida Maanum. Brighton did look dangerous on the odd occasion when they broke forward with Little putting a low cross from the away side behind for a corner. The corner came to nothing. Arsenal hit the crossbar again in the 81st minute when Jordan Nobbs saw her effort come back off the woodwork this time. It was 4-0 two minutes later when Maanum had a shot saved and the rebound fell to Mead who controlled, took a nice touch past a defender and goalie and finished into the net. Arsenal had further chances in the last five minutes with Mead seeing her shot blocked, Maanum putting a low cross across the front of goal that Hurtig was unable to get on the end of, and both Nobbs and McCabe sending shots well over. A comfortable win for Arsenal and it could have been more if more clinical. Brighton did have a couple of good chances of their own though. Arsenal’s next game is at home to Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday evening at Meadow Park before they face Tottenham in the WSL at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, whilst Brighton’s next game is at home to Reading next Sunday at the Amex Stadium. Line ups Arsenal: Zinsberger, Wienroither, Williamson (Wubben-Moy 83’), Rafaelle, McCabe, Walti (Maanum 77’), Little, Mead, Miedema (Nobbs 77’), Foord (Catley 64’), Blackstenius (Hurtig 64’) Unused substitutes: Marckese, Beattie, Maritz, Iwabuchi Goals – Little 28’, Blackstenius 50’, Mead 63’, 83’ Booked – Foord (59’) Brighton & Hove Albion: Walsh, Fox, Williams, Kullberg, Pattinson, Bance (Robinson 45’), Zigiotti (Ferguson 86’), Lee, Sarri, Terland, Green Unused substitutes: Startup, Park, Jarvis Sent off – Kullberg (7’) Referee – Lisa Benn Attendance - 3238

Leah Williamson Position Defensive Midfielder (Centre Back for club) D.O.B 29/03/1997 Club Arsenal Lynne Cameron

A celebration of the key figures who have paved the way for the Lionesses to this moment. Euro's Information and News Legendary Lionesses: Those who came before Girls on the Ball By Charlotte Stacey 29 July 2022 It's almost upon us. England in the final of a European Championships on home soil against their greatest footballing rival. It is poetry you could only dream of writing. The occasion will be momentous. Millie Bright will show no mercy, Mary Earps will swaddle the ball, Fran Kirby will be a nuisance, Alessia Russo will have the audacity, Beth Mead will be on fire, and Leah Williamson, well, let's reserve her final starring role for Sunday. This is the moment advocates of the women's game have been waiting for. The moment they knew would come. After patiently biding their time, they are relishing with the knowledge that others are finally catching up to what they knew all along. Pride can swallow you whole. It can overtake and manifest into raw, ugly emotion, but on this occasion we should absolutely allow it to. In fact, we should urge it to. For the longstanding supporters, families, reporters, staff, former players, this moment is as much for them as it is for the 23 players that will make their mark under Wembley's arch.. This moment is for us. Photo: iPaper Before Lauren Hemp was thundering up the left wing, Rachel Yankey was scoring from outrageous wide angles. Before Lucy Bronze whipped up the overlap, Alex Scott held down the right hand side. Before Keira Walsh sprayed her trademark passes, Marieanne Spacey dominated the midfield. And before Leah Williamson wore the armband, Sheila Parker led the pride in their first ever international. These are the players who came before. The players who led from the front, unwavering despite the hordes of obstacles and adversity thrown their way. Today, we celebrate them. Sheila Parker Photo: National Football Museum Sheila Parker England's first captain, Sheila Parker. At 24, Parker led England to victory in their first official match against Scotland in 1972, a match they eventually won 3-2. Parker was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in May 2013. Carol Thomas Photo: National Football Museum Carol Thomas The first captain to lead the England to a European final, and was the very first woman to earn 50 caps. Thomas was selected for the national side aged 19 and was handed the armband just two years later. Debbie Bampton Photo: Getty Debbie Bampton Box-to-box midfielder Bampton earned a total of 95 caps for England, wearing the captain's armband in two separate stints during this time. Bampton led England to their first Women's World Cup in 1995. Kerry Davis Photo: Wiki Kerry Davis As the first Black woman to play in an official England international, Davis served as her country's most prolific goalscorer throughout the 80's and 90's. Davis scored record 44 goals in 82 appearances, a record that remained until 2010. Gillian Coultard Photo: SheKicks Gillian Coultard Captain between 1991-1995 and 1997-2000, midfielder Coultard became the first woman to reach 100 caps for England. She scored a total of 30 goals in 119 appearances before hanging up her international boots in 2000. Marieanne Spacey Photo: Getty Marieanne Spacey-Cale Finishing with 76 caps to her name, midfielder Marieanne Spacey was recalled to the national side by Hope Powell to make a further 15 appearances, scoring a total of 28 goals. The player of a generation. Karen Walker Photo: National Football Museum Karen Walker Renowned aerial specialist Karen Walker was England's most formidable attacking threat for over a decade. Retiring from international football in 2003, Walker ended her England career with a huge 40 goals in 83 appearances. Hope Powell Photo: BBC Hope Powell A true pioneer who remains integral to the game. Powell has achieved success as both and player and coach. Powell ended her international career with 35 goals in 66 appearances. She went on to became the youngest ever England coach at 31. Mary Phillip Photo: SoulTreasury Mary Phillip Versatile defender Phillip became the first Black woman to captain England and earned a total of 66 caps. Later, as manager of Peckham Town, Phillip became the first female manager of a men’s team to win a cup in English football history. Faye White Photo: Getty Faye White Widely regarded as one of England's greatest defenders, White is also their longest serving captain having worn the armband for 10 years. White led England to the QF's of the 2007 and 2011 WC and to 2 Euro's, including the final in 2009. Rachel Yankey Photo: PA Rachel Yankey Dynamic winger Yankey was the very first woman to sign a professional football contract in England. She became the second woman to make a century of appearances for England and ended her career with 129 international caps. Kelly Smith Photo: Getty Kelly Smith Icon of the game and arguably one of the most gifted players to have ever worn an England shirt, Smith ended her colossal international career with 117 caps and 46 goals. Only Ellen White has scored more for the Lionesses. Alex Scott Photo: Getty Alex Scott Before she was paving the way for women's sports in the mainstream media, Scott was a key figure for the Lionesses and should first and foremost be known as one of their greatest ever right backs. 7 major international tournaments, 140 caps, 12 goals. Rachel Brown Photo: Getty Rachel Brown-Finnis Ever-steady between the sticks, Brown made 82 appearances for her country and served as England's first choice goalkeeper at the 2007 World Cup and 2009 Euro's. Eni Aluko Photo: News Chain Eni Aluko Formidable forward Aluko made a total of 102 appearances for England, scoring 33 goals. Aluko played a key role in several major international tournaments including the 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups, 2009 and 2013 Euro's. Casey Stoney Photo: The42 Casey Stoney A versatile yet solid defender, Stoney was appointed England captain in 2012 and skippered Team GB through the London Olympics. Stoney earned 130 caps for her country and has gone on to successfully manage top division teams. Karen Carney Photo: footballlondon Karen Carney Carney is widely, a rightly, regarded as one of the finest midfielders to have ever worn the three lions. Carney played in ten major tournaments, and is one of only four players to have earned more than 140 caps for the Lionesses. Fara Williams Photo: Getty Fara Williams With 172 appearances to her name, technically gifted midfielder Williams is England's most capped player. Williams now has roles both within the media and in coaching. Known as a set-piece specialist and true reader of the game, Williams will go down in history as one of the all time greats. Anita Asante Photo: Getty Anita Asante No-nonsense centre-back Asante earned 71 caps for England. No-nonense centre-back Asante earned 71 caps for her country representing England in numerous World Cup's and Euro's. Asante has only recently retired from professional football and has already become a valued media pundit. Karen Bardsley Photo: Getty Karen Bardsley England's trusty number one for several years, Bardsley has only recently hung up her boots. Earning a total of 82 caps for her country, Bardsley is in the history books as one of England's most valued goalkeepers. Steph Houghton Photo: Getty Steph Houghton Whilst her international career isn't over yet, we can't talk about key figures in the Lionesses without mentioning Houghton. Eight years of captaincy, 121 appearances so far, two Olympic games, outstanding. The Lionesses will take on Germany in the Euro's final at 5pm on Sunday 31st July at Wembley Stadium.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone at anytime. Read more about the importance of having automated external defibrillators (AED's) on hand at football clubs. Is Your Football Club Prepared for Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Tuesday, 10 August 2021 Provided by ZOLL Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone at anytime. Read more about the importance of having automated external defibrillators (AED's) on hand at football clubs. Provided by ZOLL Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen anywhere, any time. When it does, the victim’s best chance of survival is immediate CPR and a rescuer with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommends the availability of AEDs in places where access to emergency services may be delayed. A playing field falls into this category. Early intervention can increase survival. It is extremely important for football clubs to have AEDs available on-site in case of an SCA event. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen anywhere, any time. When it does, the victim’s best chance of survival is immediate CPR and a rescuer with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommends the availability of AEDs in places where access to emergency services may be delayed. A playing field falls into this category. Early intervention can increase survival. It is extremely important for football clubs to have AEDs available on-site in case of an SCA event. SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OF SCA IN FOOTBALL : “Footballers are healthy; we don’t need an AED on our field.” Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate. It can strike people of any age or fitness level. In Europe, more than 350,000 patients are affected by SCA every year. Most SCA events occur in public places. “There are no SCA hazards on our playing fields.” Sudden cardiac arrest can be brought on by many factors. Taking a fall, being hit by an object or any other trauma to the body can trigger a cardiac event. Additionally, the football pitch may be far from a hospital, police station or fire station. When an ambulance is called for a life-threatening illness, injury or other emergency, the standard response time should be between 7 and 18 minutes. For a victim of cardiac arrest, help may come too late. Every minute that passes without treatment decreases the victim’s chance of survival by 10%. Futhermore, playing fields are often located in more remote areas. If the field is equipped with an AED, anyone on-site could use it to provide immediate high-quality CPR and a potentially life-saving shock. While on a playing field, you should never be more than a 3-minute round trip from an AED to ensure effective and rapid treatment when a medical emergency occurs. This could mean multiple AEDs are needed for large sites to ensure that no matter where an incident takes place, an AED can be located and retrieved for the victim’s best chance of survival. Are you prepared? Football is about community! Be prepared to treat players, supporters, families, friends and staff with a ZOLL AED. More information here .

A full A-Z of the Women's Super League (2020/21) A-Z of the WSL Wednesday, 28 October 2020 By Charlotte Stacey A full A-Z of the Women's Super League (2020/21) Catherine Ivill Tnners are gunning for that top spot. A is for Aston Villa Newly promoted Aston Villa have a tall order establishing themselves in their inaugural year in the top division. Villa gained promotion from the Championship after being unbeaten all season, and although the step up is a vast one, the Villans are not to be written off too soon. In their opener against Manchester City, Villa defended exceptionally well and kept City on their toes. Although they ultimately conceded two goals, they were by no means, outplayed. B is for Birmingham City Birmingham City needed a shake up after finding themselves close to relegation last season. Cue, Carla Ward. The Blue’s new manager has certainly taken the bull by the horns and breathed a fresh lease of life into the previously struggling side. Already Birmingham have impressed with their solid defensive work, as well as some outstanding individual performances, notably from newly acquired defender Rachel Corsie, midfielder Christine Murray and forward Claudia Walker. B is for Brighton & Hove Albion Former England manager, Hope Powell, heads up Brighton in her third year at the helm. After ending the 2019-2020 season in the latter half of the table, the Seagulls will be looking to climb to a middle position. True to this ethos, Brighton have made an admirable start, bagging a win and two draws from their first five games. Powell is developing a dangerous looking team, additions such as the technically gifted Denise O’Sullivan, bringing an impactful strength to the side this season. B is for Bristol City Tanya Oxtoby’s Bristol City have work to do to keep them out of the relegation zone this season. The Robins finished in tenth place last year, and will be looking to achieve the same this time round. Although they can find themselves on the back end of some big score lines, Bristol are capable of producing some very good play, as seen in their early match against Arsenal, in which they contained the Gunners with solidarity and even managed to sink a goal past Manuela Zinsberger. The Robins’ keeper Sophie Baggaley is a rising talent and is certainly one to keep your eye on. C is for Chelsea The reigning champions not only won last year’s league title, but also the Continental Cup and the reinstated Community Shield. The London Blues have brought in leading names across the year to defend their growing trophy cabinet. The signings of Sam Kerr, Melanie Leupolz, Niamh Charles and Pernille Harder have taken the staggering depth of Emma Hayes’ squad to a whole new level of primacy. Chelsea flaunt what is a rather pleasant dilemma, having at least two players for each position at any one time. In short, what Hayes is building is arguably, one of the best sides in the world The 2020-21 season is now well and truly underway, and although we may not be able to get up close and personal to the action this time round, there is still plenty to keep us excited in what is quite possibly, the biggest year of the league so far. So, let us steer you toward key players, pioneers and points, as we run you through a full A to Z of the Women’s Super League. A is for Arsenal: The North London giants have long dominated in the world of women’s football and have hordes of silverware to their name. The Gunners treasures include 3 WSL titles, 12 Premier League National Division titles, 5 Continental Cups, a mammoth 14 FA Cups and they also carry the honour of being the only English side to have ever won the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal have certainly started their season with a bang; big score lines, numerous hat tricks, and Vivianne Miedema’s history making 50th goal all conclude that there is no doubt, Joe Montemurro’s Gunners are gunning for that top spot. A is for Aston Villa: Newly promoted Aston Villa have a tall order establishing themselves in their inaugural year in the top division. Villa gained promotion from the Championship after being unbeaten all season, and although the step up is a vast one, the Villans are not to be written off too soon. In their opener against Manchester City, Villa defended exceptionally well and kept City on their toes. Although they ultimately conceded two goals, they were by no means, outplayed. B is for Birmingham City: Birmingham City needed a shake up after finding themselves close to relegation last season. Cue, Carla Ward. The Blue’s new manager has certainly taken the bull by the horns and breathed a fresh lease of life into the previously struggling side. Already Birmingham have impressed with their solid defensive work, as well as some outstanding individual performances, notably from newly acquired defender Rachel Corsie, midfielder Christine Murray and forward Claudia Walker. B is for Brighton & Hove Albion: Former England manager, Hope Powell, heads up Brighton in her third year at the helm. After ending the 2019-2020 season in the latter half of the table, the Seagulls will be looking to climb to a middle position. True to this ethos, Brighton have made an admirable start, bagging a win and two draws from their first five games. Powell is developing a dangerous looking team, additions such as the technically gifted Denise O’Sullivan, bringing an impactful strength to the side this season. B is for Bristol City: Tanya Oxtoby’s Bristol City have work to do to keep them out of the relegation zone this season. The Robins finished in tenth place last year, and will be looking to achieve the same this time round. Although they can find themselves on the back end of some big score lines, Bristol are capable of producing some very good play, as seen in their early match against Arsenal, in which they contained the Gunners with solidarity and even managed to sink a goal past Manuela Zinsberger. The Robins’ keeper Sophie Baggaley is a rising talent and is certainly one to keep your eye on. C is for Chelsea: The reigning champions not only won last year’s league title, but also the Continental Cup and the reinstated Community Shield. The London Blues have brought in leading names across the year to defend their growing trophy cabinet. The signings of Sam Kerr, Melanie Leupolz, Niamh Charles and Pernille Harder have taken the staggering depth of Emma Hayes’ squad to a whole new level of primacy. Chelsea flaunt what is a rather pleasant dilemma, having at least two players for each position at any one time. In short, what Hayes is building is arguably, one of the best sides in the world. D is for Gemma Davies: Aston Villa’s Gemma Davies, leads her team into the WSL as the league’s youngest manager. At just 28, Davies heads up the Villans in top tier after an outstanding season in the Championship. Davies has acquired former Chelsea defender Anita Asante to add to her ranks, which already include former WSL players Emma Follis and Chloe Arthur. Davies has a tough stint ahead of her, but after such a remarkable run last year, there is no doubt that she is up to the job. E is for Everton: Everton have been the surprise of the season so far, seriously challenging for a higher position in the table after finishing a reputable sixth last year. Willie Kirk’s side have attacked the early part of the season with an appetite that looks to threaten the leagues typically expected outcome. Australia’s Hayley Raso, Scotland’s Claire Emslie and France’s Valérie Gauvin have brought with them an added energy and flair, making the Toffee’s all the more exciting to watch. F is for Fara Williams MBE: Reading’s anchor, Fara Williams, is one of the league’s, and the country’s, most experienced players. She is the Lionesses most capped player of all time, having made 172 appearances so far, and is well on her way to achieving the same in the domestic league. The midfielder is renowned for her passing accuracy and merciless free kicks. Williams’ name should be known far and wide; she is an endless pioneer of the women’s game, her continued resilience and courage an inspiration to many. G is for Goalkeeping: Perhaps sometimes a little over looked for their efforts, goalkeepers can often take the brunt of a bad day. Yet undeterred by such woes, the WSL boasts some rather fine work between the posts. Whether it is the developing gifts of Manchester City’s Ellie Roebuck, Birmingham City’s Hannah Hampton, Bristol City’s Sophie Baggaley or Aston Villa’s Sian Rogers; the growing expertise of Arsenal’s Manuela Zinsberger, Reading's Grace Maloney, Tottenham’s Becky Spencer or Manchester United’s Mary Earps; the experience of Chelsea duo Ann-Katrin Berger and Carly Telford; or City’s trusted Karen Bardsley; there is never a shortage of goalkeeping talent on display. H is for Lauren Hemp: Manchester City forward, Lauren Hemp, had a magnificent season last year, so much so that she received her first senior call-up and subsequent debut for the Lionesses. Hemp was a standout player in England’s SheBelieves campaign, in which she ran rings around a certain World Cup winning side. With an instinct that sees her attack games with a proficiency, vigour and pace that is incomprehensible at times, Hemp is most certainly one to watch. I is for Sophie Ingle: Wales captain, Sophie Ingle, is one that doesn’t necessarily jump out at you, yet the Chelsea midfielder is one of the league’s most accomplished players. Ingle is calm, she is collected and she does her job with such little fuss that sometimes one neglects to remember just how important she is. Ingle safeguards Chelsea, quietly dictating from the middle. But just to make sure we’re not resting easy, every now and again, she’ll treat us to a piece of Ingle magic and net an absolute screamer. J is for Ji So-Yun: Chelsea’s Ji So-Yun is quite simply a force to be reckoned with. Her movement, vision and creativity are astonishing, and when given the freedom to roam there is no stopping her. The midfielder effortlessly makes the most challenging of scenarios seem positively easy to navigate. To compare her to another is difficult, but it would be fair to say that, although they are rare, Ji’s bad days are still overtly favourable by anybody else’s standard’s. K is for Kim Little: Arsenal captain, Kim Little, is a player that needs no introduction. Often regarded as one of the most difficult players to come up against, Arsenal’s play is elevated just that little (pardon the pun!) bit further when she is on the field. Not the most vocal of leaders, Little instead leads by example, letting her feet do the talking. Her exemplary passing ability and movement concur with her ever-present vision, causing her to be one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers. L is for Lucy Bronze: England defender Lucy Bronze is widely, and rightfully, considered as one of the best right backs in the world. Bronze has returned to the WSL with former club Manchester City after a three-year spell with French Champions Olympique Lyonnais. Bronze’s time at Lyon was nothing short of remarkable, and she ended her time there as the only English player in history to have won three consecutive Champions League titles. The fullback is perilous in every game she plays. M is for Manchester City: Finishing in second place last season, Manchester City are aiming high, playing to keep their place in the “top three” after dominance in the past few years. New boss, Gareth Taylor inherited a fine side from the recently departed Nick Cushing, including no less than twelve Lionesses. City managed to secure a number of big names in their transfer window, including defender Lucy Bronze, USA midfielders Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle and Everton’s star striker, Chloe Kelly. Mewis and Kelly, in particular, have caused problems for oppositions and look to be very influential indeed. M is for Manchester United: Casey Stoney’s Red Devil’s certainly look to mean business this year. After respectably finishing in fourth place last season, United’s six incredibly strong summer signings could very well see them begin to give the “top three” a run for their money. As recruitment goes, Stoney has pulled out all the stops, signing Spanish defender Ona Battle, German forward Ivana Fuso, Lionesses Lucy Staniforth and Alessia Russo, as well as world champions Tobin Heath and Christen Press. N is for Ashleigh Neville: Yes, there is more than one Neville in English women’s football. Whilst Phil Neville closes out his tenure with the Lionesses, defender Ashleigh Neville continues to build a solid reputation on the pitch with the Lilywhites. The fullback is a principal figure in Tottenham’s defence. Sprightly runs, clever interceptions and a developing capability of keeping the most devilish of oppositions contained means she is sure to catch your eye. O is for Overseas Talent: The WSL has seen an influx of overseas talent over the past couple of years; players have hailed from every corner of the globe to join the top tier of English football, which speaks volumes as to the growing quality of the league. Amongst these are Australia’s Sam Kerr, Alanna Kennedy, Emily van Egmond, Cailtin Foord, Lydia Williams, and Hayley Raso; Switzerland’s Lia Wälti, Alisha Lehmann and Malin Gut; Dutch powerhouses Vivianne Miedema, Daniëlle van de Donk, Inessa Kaagman, Siri Worm, Danique Kerkdijk, Jackie Groenen and Jill Roord; Norwegian stars Maren Mjelde, Aurora Mikalsen, Maria Thorisdottir, Ingrid Moe Wold, Cecile Redisch and Guro Reiten; Denmark’s finest, Pernille Harder, Stine Larsen and Nicoline Sørensen; Sweden’s Madgalena Eriksson, Lotta Okvist, Nor Mustafa and Jonna Andersson; New Zealand’s Ria Percival and Rebekah Scott, as well as sharp Canadians, Shelina Zadorsky, Adriana Leon and Janine Beckie. With these players enhancing the already abundant talent from the four home nations, the WSL is the place to be. P is for Pernille Harder: Danish captain, Pernille Harder, made history as the most expensive signing in women’s football ever, with a transfer fee of a suspected €300,000 in her move to Chelsea from German Champions, Wolfsburg, in the summer. Striker, Harder, known for her positional excellence and notable finish, comes to the English league with a success of victories under her belt, including four Bundesliga titles. The 27-year-old was also named as UEFA’s Player of the Year in 2018, and has been most recently won Germany’s Women’s Footballer of the Year. Q is for Quality: There is often a lot of comparison between the men’s and women’s game, typically with the onus of the difference in “quality”. Whilst there will always be differences of opinion on this, the Women’s Super League unequivocally has a tremendous amount of “quality” running though it. World class players from across the globe, World Cup winners, captains of the four home nations, developing youth, intensifying competition; it’s all there for the taking. R is for Reading: With a simmering pool of experience in their ranks, Reading are not to be underestimated. Welsh midfielder Jess Fishlock, England’s Fara Williams, Scotland’s stout defender Emma Mitchell, the recently recovered Danielle Carter and captain Natasha Harding at the very core of the maturing side. The knowledge these players bring to Kelly Chambers’ squad should certainly not be overlooked this season. S is for Sandy MacIver: Everton’s Sandy MacIver, is one of the league’s most exciting goalkeeping prospects, and she looks ready to prove herself the same with England. Since returning to the WSL in January, the 22-year-old has been one of the Toffee’s stand out players. Her critical decisiveness has been hugely influential in Everton’s impressive start to the season thus far. Duly noted by Lionesses boss Phil Neville, MacIver was called up to this year’s SheBelieves Cup, as well as the recent consecutive training camps, marking her as a future England staple. T is for Tottenham Hotspur: Head Coaches, Karen Hills and Juan Amos, had an active transfer window, bringing in the experience of Rachel Williams and Kerys Harrop from Birmingham City, as well as bagging USWNT forward, Alex Morgan, from NWSL side, Orlando Pride. Spurs finished in 7th place last season and will be looking for more of the same this time round. The early fixtures haven’t been particularly kind to the Lilywhites, but there is still plenty of football left to play. Big performances from Lucia Leon, Gemma Davison and Becky Spencer look set to continue as Spurs head into their upcoming games. U is for USA: Five, yes, FIVE, World Cup winning USWNT players have made the move across the pond. Four have landed either side of Manchester and the other in North London. Forwards, Tobin Heath and Christen Press have bolstered Manchester United’s attacking ranks, making them all the more dangerous. Whereas Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle have opted for a Manchester blue, completing City’s finely-tuned set of midfield maestros. USWNT captain and new Mum, Alex Morgan, has joined Tottenham Hotspur just five months after giving birth, her hotly anticipated debut will hopefully soon be upon us. V is for Vivianne Miedema: Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema is one of the greatest strikers in the world; a statement that on the face of it may seem a little exaggerated, but one that is absolutely true. The Dutch forwards efforts often make the extraordinary seem anything but. She recently became the league’s all-time top goalscorer reaching 50 goals in 50 games, significantly succeeding Nikita Parris’ 50 in 110 games by some margin. Miedema has also achieved the same feat with her country, she is Holland’s leading goalscorer in both the men’s and women’s sides. W is for West Ham: Matt Beard’s West Ham ended last season in 8th place, four points behind fellow London club Tottenham Hotspur. The Iron’s first few games have been tough, the table perhaps not baring a true reflection of their performances thus far. Yet, with steadfast captain Gilly Flaherty on hand, as well as Swiss dynamo, Alisha Lehmann, and Houston Dash captain, Rachel Daly, bringing an attacking fire power, the Irons will surely shake themselves into gear before long. X is for Ex-Players: As the league grows, so does the level of coverage surrounding it. Fortunately, the WSL is on its way to obtaining the punditry and commentary it so deserves. Much of this comes in the form of ex-players who use their first-hand knowledge to provide in-depth analysis, justified criticism and honest reviews. Alex Scott, Karen Carney, Siobhan Chamberlain, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Rachel Yankey and Jane Ludlow are amongst those offering their expertise, spearheading the mainstream broadcasting of the game in the right direction. Y is for Youngsters: Coursing through the league is a throng of budding young talent, each ripening with every match played. Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly, Esme Morgan and Ellie Roebuck; Manchester United’s Ella Toone and star-in-waiting, Lauren James; West Ham’s Alisha Lehmann and Grace Fisk; Brighton’s Maya Le Tissier; Birmingham’s Jamie-Lee Naiper and Hannah Hampton, and Chelsea forward Niamh Charles are all sure to impress. Z is for Katie Zelem: Manchester United captain, Katie Zelem, is fast proving herself as the perfect leader to drive Casey Stoney’s Red Devil’s to the next level. The midfielder sits at the heart of United, often dictating the pace and flow of play, and she is also pretty handy with a set piece as well. Zelem has kicked off her season in style. Not only did she manage to grab Player of the Match in United’s opener against champions Chelsea, but her growing leadership and pinpoint accuracy have led to her first senior call-ups with the Lionesses.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Maya Le Tissier Youngster Maya Le Tissier has slotted straight into Manchester United’s backline in what has been their most successful season to date. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes Le Tissier one of the country’s most exciting young talents, but upon observation it quickly becomes clear that the defender will be a feature in the national team for years to come. Primarily positioned as a centre-back, twenty-year-old Le Tissier plays with a wisdom that keeps her team in check. She can be physical when the time calls for it, but where Le Tissier really shines is with her awareness. The defender has an acute understanding of her surroundings meaning she approaches situations with good decision and rationality. This also aids itself to favourable defensive positioning as well as optimal passing routes to both settle play and trigger build-up. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Jess Park Attacking midfielder Jess Park is about as lively as they come. With incredible pace and dribbling skills, Park can be a real handful to keep a hold of. This season Park has come to the forefront in her spell with Everton, demonstrating skill in both scoring and assisting, typically from wider areas. Park likes to stretch oppositions by drifting out to the wing before taking on fullbacks when in possession. Being comfortable up close and personal to the touchlines has allowed Park to develop a unique trickery in getting out of tight areas, pulling off inspired manoeuvres when doing so. To further instate the impact the youngster can have, Park scored her first international goal just a minute after making her debut appearance for England against Japan last November. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Crystal Palace v Sunderland Photographer Ryan Asman Crystal Palace were crowned Women's Championship champions in front of a record crowd at Selhurst Park. The Eagles held visitors Sunderland to a 0-0 draw as neither side were able to make the most of their chances to break the deadlock. Crystal Palace have earned promotion and will compete in the Women's Super League for the 2024/25 season.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Mary Earps Manchester United’s number one has asserted herself as Wiegman’s first choice between the sticks after being absent from the international stage for a couple of years. Wiegman trusts in Earps and after her outstanding display at the Euro’s, it is easy to see why. Here is a goalkeeper who does her homework, one who is exceptionally well prepared against individual opponents and knows exactly when to put her game face on. Earps is a capable shot-stopper and is unafraid to step out and take defensive work into her own hands. Known to be vocal, Earps ensures she is in constant communication with those around her. Her direct nature allows her to articulate exactly what she expects of her defensive line, which is a critical when defending set-pieces. Earps also demonstrates accuracy with passing and is comfortable to sit between centre-backs to allow fullbacks to stretch the pitch when playing out from the back. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Katie Zelem Manchester United captain Katie Zelem is becoming a common name on the Lionesses squad list of late. With United heavily contending for domestic acclaim, Zelem’s profile as a possession-based and precision-led central midfielder has become fundamental to her club. Zelem is best used in a double pivot in which she is able to step out and ping pinpoint passes forward whilst still maintaining a level defensive cover. Excelling in deadball situations, Zelem is a prolific set-piece taker and set-piece scorer. From both corners and free-kicks, Zelem’s deadly right foot sees her as an essential component in goal creation as she assists others. She is also renowned for scoring from the corner flag which is never a bad trick to pull out the bag. Photograph courtesy of the FA.