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Sarina Wiegman names a 24-strong squad to compete in the Arnold Clark Cup Arnold Clark Cup Squad Back Sarina Wiegman names a 24-strong squad to compete in the Arnold Clark Cup Girls on the Ball Tuesday, 8 February 2022 Sarina Wiegman has announced a 24–player squad to face Canada, Spain and Germany in the first staging of the new Arnold Clark Cup. Manchester City duo Ellie Roebuck and Lucy Bronze return after they missed out on the last three camps through injury. Arsenal's Leah Williamson also returns after her absence in November. However, the Lionesses are without Chelsea's Beth England who has picked up an injury, while captain Steph Houghton continues to works her way back to full fitness. All time top goalscorer Ellen White retains her place within the squad, as do the in-form Georgia Stanway and Beth Mead. Chelsea defender Jess Carter has also kept her spot after cementing herself as a starting fixture for the London Blues. The inaugural Arnold Clark Cup, hosted this year by England, features four nations ranked in the world’s top ten and will be vital preparation for England’s UEFA EURO 2022 campaign, which they will also host. The Lionesses will open the tournament with a match against Olympic gold medallists Canada in Middlesbrough on Thursday 17th February. They will then take on the powerhouse of European football Spain in Norwich on Sunday 20th February. England will finish up the round-robin on Wednesday 23rd February against eight-time European champions Germany in Wolverhampton. Wiegman said: “I am looking forward to playing against three world-class teams. It will be the perfect way to begin a big year, and we will get a lot of important information from the matches ahead of the Euros." “We will play three games in a short period and can rotate lots of players which will help us understand more about our squad and the way we want to play. I know the players will be excited to test themselves against strong opponents." "This tournament can only help us on our way to being ready for the Euros. That is what we are all working towards. It will also be special to go to three top stadiums in different parts of the country and I am sure the fans will give us great support once again." Full Squad: GK: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City) DF: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) MF: Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Manchester City), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Katie Zelem (Manchester United) FW: Lauren Hemp (Manchester City) , Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Ellen White (Manchester City)

Reading suffer 2-1 defeat to Spurs in first of the Conti Cup group matches Back Match Report Conti Cup: Reading v Tottenham Hotspur Reading suffer 2-1 defeat to Spurs in first of the Conti Cup group matches Reading WFC Twitter 4 October 2022 By Finley Chung Reading couldn’t send a club record crowd home happy as Spurs first half quality was enough to put them to the sword in this first Group E match of the Conti Cup. The record attendance of 2,200 saw goals from Ash Neville and Nikola Karczewska seal a win for Spurs which was marred by injury to Kyah Simon who was stretchered off near the end of the second half. The Royals suffered a late change in the warm-up, with Emma Mukandi dropping out and Diane Caldwell keeping her place, meaning Rachel Rowe was named captain for this match, with Kelly Chambers giving Jacqueline Burns her first start in goal. Rehanne Skinner also shuffled her pack as Spurs looked to bounce back from their North London Derby defeat to Arsenal last weekend, with Asmita Ale, Angharad James and Nikola Karczewska all coming into the starting eleven. Reading got the game underway under the Berkshire sunshine, but it was the visitors who had the first chance just two minutes in, a floated free kick by Molly Bartrip was met by the head of Amy Turner, but it was comfortably saved by Jacqueline Burns in the Reading goal. Bartrip’s defensive partner, Shelina Zadorsky then had to be alert to head away a Reading cross. Spurs continued to dominate, and their early pressure told just seven minutes in, with a very quick and clever free-kick routine saw Ash Neville dart into the box after being set up by Nikola Karczewska, cut inside onto her left and fire a rocket past Burns to give Spurs an early lead. Reading responded superbly to going a goal behind, seeing captain Rachel Rowe’s effort blocked, then a second shot saved by Becky Spencer in the Spurs goal. The visitor’s stopper was called into action again on 17 minutes, as the ball was played through for Lauren Wade by Rowe, and the former’s fierce, left-footed low drive was superbly kept out by Spencer. Another good Royals move on the twenty-minute mark saw a cross swung in from the right, but Natasha Dowie didn’t get a good connection and the effort bobbled wide. Just as the hosts looked to be growing into the game, Spurs doubled their lead on the half hour. Nikola Karczewska was on hand to prod home her first goal for the club since her summer move from FC Fleury, after Cho So-Hyun superbly worked her way into a position and saw her effort saved, with the rebound popping up for Tottenham’s number nine to double their advantage. Reading once again went close to pulling a goal back, with Amalie Eikeland’s effort striking the upright and going behind for a Spurs goal kick. The last action of the half came in the second minute of added time at the end of the first 45, when Tia Primmer became the first name in the referee’s notebook for a foul on Karczewska, but the free kick came to nothing, and the visitors went into the break 2-0 ahead. Half Time – Reading 0-2 Spurs Spurs got the game back underway for the second period, with neither manager deciding to make any changes during the interval. The visitors picked up where they left off, going for Reading on the front foot, with Celin Ildhusøy seeing an effort saved by Jacqueline Burns, with the Norwegian sending another effort wide moments later. An almighty goalmouth scramble then ensues down the other end after a brilliantly floated free kick, however Reading fail to make the most of it and a combination of Spencer and two Spurs defenders get the ball clear. Kelly Chambers then made the first move on her bench, welcoming back Emma Harries to the fold as she replaced Lauren Wade, which was then followed by a double Spurs change, with Drew Spence and Kyah Simon replacing Amy Turner and Angharad James. With around half an hour to go, the official attendance at the Select Car Leasing Stadium was revealed as 2,200, which is a new club record for the Royals. Chambers threw on Charlie Wellings for Faye Bryson in another attempt to try and turn the tide, but the Royals snatched at another opportunity to halve the deficit, when Deanna Cooper sliced the ball over from a free kick. Play was then halted for an extended period as Spurs’ Kyah Simon ended up being stretchered off with an injury to a standing ovation from the crowd, being replaced by Ellie Brazil. As a result of the stoppage, 11 additional minutes were shown at the end d of the second half. Reading kept pushing into added time, with Dowie again seeing her effort saved by Spencer. Spurs themselves had a chance to put some gloss on the victory, with Cho seeing her effort blocked on the line. Reading did get themselves on the board with virtually the last kick of the game when Emma Harries drew a foul off Molly Bartrip in the area, which Natasha Dowie converted, however it wasn’t enough and the visitors saw it through in this hugely entertaining Continental Cup encounter. Full Time – Reading 1-2 Spurs Reading – Dowie (p) 90+11’ Spurs – Neville 7’, Karczewska 30’

Annabel Blanchard netted a 15 minute hat-trick in Crystal Palace's 6-1 victory over the London City Lionesses Back Match Report The Eagles net six as Blanchard soars once again Annabel Blanchard netted a 15 minute hat-trick in Crystal Palace's 6-1 victory over the London City Lionesses Ryan Asman 17 October 2023 By Paul Donegan A second successive home hat-trick from Annabel Blanchard helped Crystal Palace to a 6-1 win over London City Lionesses on Sunday in the Women’s Championship. The Eagles other goals came from Molly Sharpe, Shanade Hopcroft and Anna Filbey, whilst Filbey also put the ball into her own net for the Prides consolation goal. There were no shots at goal in the opening 15 minutes for either side though a dangerous Palace cross caused the visitors defence problems, and a free kick for the home side was punched clear by Grace Moloney. Danielle Carter had the first opportunity for the away side but her effort was blocked after some nice build up play. The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute when Sharpe finished from close-range after Blanchard’s shot had been blocked and the ball rolled forward to her. Four minutes later, the Pride equalised when Emma Mukandi’s inswinging corner went into the net off the unlucky Filbey. Maddi Wilde had the next attempt at goal for the away side in the 38th minute but her shot was easily saved by Natalia Negri. A minute later at the other end, Aimee Everett sent a low shot across the front of goal but no one was there to finish though it wouldn’t have counted as a foul was given. In the 41st minute, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkam won the ball for the Lionesses but saw her shot saved when one on one with the keeper. Seconds later, the same player sent an effort well over. Photo: Ryan Asman Palace retook the lead in the third minute of stoppage time when Hopcroft scored against her former club with a shot from 25-yards that bounced into the bottom corner. Blanchard scored the third goal the home side in the 47th minute when her free kick from wide on the left edge of the penalty area curled into the top corner past Moloney. Four minutes later, a deep free kick was sent into the area which the keeper pushed out only as far as Filbey who smashed the rebound into the net from 6-yards to make it 4-1 to the Eagles. Blanchard was played in by Hopcroft in the 54th minute and finished low from the edge of the area to score the Crystal Palace’s fifth goal. The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute after Wilde had been penalised for a handball in the area. Blanchard took the spot kick and sent it low into the corner to complete her hat-trick in 16 minutes and make it 6-1. The chances kept coming for the home side with Sharpe, who was finding a lot of space on the left side of their attack, seeing a low shot saved a few minutes later, and then her long-range effort was kept out by Moloney. The visitors were still creating the old half chance but nothing to really threaten the Palace goal though Boye-Hlorkam had an effort saved in the 73rd minute. Paige Satchell charged forward from the halfway line in the 88th minute for the away side but Kirsten Reilly got back to make a vital tackle and put the ball behind for a corner. Ten minutes of stoppage time were signalled, and the only chance during these fell to the Eagles Shauna Guyatt who shot over in the final minute. The final whistle went shortly after as Laura Kaminski’s side completed their second high scoring home win in a row following their 9-1 win over Durham at the VBS Community Stadium in September. The win moves Crystal Palace up to third in the Championship table, a point behind both Southampton and Sunderland though the Eagles do have a game in hand. London City Lionesses remain in ninth position, a point above the relegation zone. On Sunday, Palace travel to The Valley to take on Charlton Athletic whilst the Pride return home to Princes Park where they face Southampton. Line ups Crystal Palace: Negri, Gibbons (Cataldo 78’), Filbey (Potter 81’), Everett (c), Sharpe (Watson 81’), Hughes, Blanchard, Reilly, Nolan, Doran (Dennis 69’), Hopcroft (Guyatt 69’) Unused substitutes: Lambourne, Johnson, Bailey-Gayle Goals – Sharpe 21’, Hopcroft 45’+3, Blanchard 47’, 54’, (pen) 63’, Filbey 51’ Booked - Everett London City Lionesses: Moloney, Neville, Mukandi, Brougham, Joel (c), Groves (Alexander 90’+4), Fitzgerald, Carter, Wilde (Satchell 63’), Culver, Boyle-Hlorkam (Scofield 75’) Unused substitutes: Dolby, Fraser, Hillyard Goal – Filbey (o.g) 25’/ Booked – Joel, Mukandi Referee – Phoebe Cross Attendance - 816

Elise Hughes nets another as the Eagles soar at London City Back Match Report Two to good for Crystal Palace as they beat the Pride Elise Hughes nets another as the Eagles soar at London City Crystal Palace Women 22 January 2024 By Paul Donegan Hayley Nolan and Elise Hughes scored the goals for Crystal Palace as they beat London City Lionesses 2-0 on Sunday in the Women’s Championship. On a very windy afternoon at Princes Park, Palace started well and Shanade Hopcroft had the first opportunity for them but her long-range shot went over. The Eagles were having more of the ball and doing more of the attacking in the opening 20 minutes but weren’t creating many clear chances. They did take the lead in the 21st minute though when Nolan headed in against her former club from a corner. Felicity Gibbons’ corners were causing problems, and from one an effort hit the crossbar before the referee blew for a foul. London City Lionesses goalkeeper Hermonie Cull got to the ball just before Annabel Blanchard in the 30th minute. Gibbons made a great tackle on Maddi Wilde just as the Pride’s player was about to shot. The closest the home side came to finding the net during the first half was when Palace’s Aimee Everett headed just wide of her own net a minute before half time. The Eagles half time substitute Ayra Dennis had the first chance of the second half in the 47th minute but shot at Cull. Cull made a great save four minutes later when she kept out Kirsten Reilly’s header from close range. Danielle Carter shot well wide for the Pride in the 54th minute after the visitors had given the ball away. Shauna Guyatt saw her shot go wide for Palace in the 71st minute, then Dennis was played in and went past the goalkeeper but the ball was put behind for a corner by Paige Culver. In the 76th minute, Ruesha Littlejohn curled a shot wide from the edge of the area for the home side. The final 10 minutes felt a bit hectic but neither side threatened the goals. That was until the 89th minute when Carter was allowed to run forward for the Pride but shot straight at Palace’s keeper. The Eagles made the game safe in the second minute of stoppage time when they made it 2-0. Blanchard saw her free kick tipped onto the crossbar by Cull, Chloe Arthur’s effort from the rebound was blocked but Hughes finished from close range to score her 13th league goal of the season. Blanchard had the final effort of the match but her low shot was saved. Crystal Palace remain two points off top spot in the Championship but with a game in hand after Sunday’s games. London City Lionesses stay in ninth position, four points above the relegation zone. These sides meet again at Princes Park on Wednesday evening in the Conti Cup. In the league next Sunday, the Pride visit St Andrews to play Birmingham City whilst the Eagles are back at home as they take on Charlton Athletic in a top of the table clash. Line ups London City Lionesses: Cull, Neville, Mukandi, Brougham, Joel (c), Scofield (Alexander 71’), Fitzgerald, Carter, Wilde, Culver, Littlejohn (Groves 90’) Unused substitutes: Uttridge, Cowen, Farrelly Booked - Groves Crystal Palace: Lambourne, Reilly (Percival 68’), Everett (c), Nolan, Gibbons, Potter (Arthur 85’), Hopcroft (Guyatt 61’), Blanchard, Sibley (Dennis 46’), Sharpe, Hughes Unused substitutes: Negri, Johnson, Cataldo, Filbey Goals – Nolan 21’, Hughes 90’+2 Booked – Guyatt, Blanchard Referee – Grace Lowe

Goalkeeper Sophia Poor made her WSL debut as Aston Villa went down to 10 early on Back Match Report Chelsea rise to the top as they beat Aston Villa in comfortable 3-0 victory Goalkeeper Sophia Poor made her WSL debut as Aston Villa went down to 10 early on Chelsea FC Women 19 April 2024 By Paul Donegan Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano and Kadeisha Buchanan scored Chelsea’s goals as they beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Wednesday evening at Kingsmeadow and moved back to the top of the Women’s Super League. Villa’s goalkeeper Anna Leat was sent off in the 4th minute after handling outside the penalty area meaning the visitors had to play for 86+ minutes with 10 players. 17-year-old Sophia Poor come on for her senior debut in her place in goal. Leat seemed to misjudge where she was on the pitch as she saved Sjoeke Nusken’s shot outside the 18-yard box four minutes into the match with the ball rolling just wide of the post. Referee Melissa Burgin showed her a straight red card meaning what was already a difficult task away at the champions had become a bit harder. The resulting free kick from Catarina Macario was deflected over. The visitors first opportunity came in the 12th minute when Jordan Nobbs was allowed to run forward but shot over. Hamano just couldn’t get her foot on a low cross in front of goal at the other end a minute later. Aston Villa held out until the 18th minute when the Blues took the lead. Niamh Charles crossed in from the left and Beever-Jones volleyed the ball past Poor and into the net. Fran Kirby went close to adding a second for Chelsea but her flicked header from a corner went just the wrong side of the post. Another dangerous cross from Charles was cleared behind by the Villa defence for a corner. Nusken put an effort narrowly wide following a corner in the 31st minute as the hosts got on top. In the 38th minute, the home side made it 2-0 when Macario flicked the ball on and Hamano finished from close-range to score her first goal for the club. The Blues had the final chances before the break with Hamano sending an effort wide in the first of four additional minutes at the end of the first half. Deeper in stoppage time, Nusken flicked the ball forward and Macario got to it before the Villa goalkeeper but put the chance wide. Five minutes into the second half, Beever-Jones kept on running through Villa’s defence before putting the opportunity just wide. Hamano closed down Poor and saw the ball just roll across goal as the hosts went close to scoring a third. After some ball tricks from Macario in the area, Kirby fired wide. Buchanan then had an effort blocked before the visitors cleared. Buchanan scored her first goal for the Blues when she headed in Macario’s corner to make it 3-0 in the 64th minute. Hamano headed over after coming in at the far post to meet a cross in the 72nd minute for the hosts. Poor made a great save to stop a Kirby header from close-range in the 79th minute. Then a minute later, the Villa goalkeeper made another good save to stop a Reiten shot. Poor made these stops despite struggling with an injury/cramp during the second half. In a rare Villa attack, Chelsea were a bit exposed but Kirsty Hanson dragged her shot wide in the 84th minute. A long ball over the top in the final minute almost caught Chelsea out again but Hanson’s shot was saved by Hannah Hampton this time. The Scottish international had another opportunity for the Villans early in the nine minutes of addition time but half-volleyed this one over. Mayra Ramirez cut in from the right but shot straight at the goalkeeper, then Ashley Lawrence sent an effort over as the home side had the final chances of the match. The win sees Chelsea go top of the WSL, level on points with Manchester City but ahead on goal difference with four games left to play for both. Villa remain in seventh position in the league after the defeat. When speaking after the match, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said it is a “challenge playing against 10 but her side did everything I asked of them”. She was full of praise for Hamano and her “super performance” and Macario’s deliveries from corners. Aston Villa’s manager Carla Ward remarked that she was proud of her side for the way they played for 86 minutes against the champions with a player less. She praised substitute goalkeeper Poor saying she was “excellent”. Line-ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Lawrence, Carter (Cuthbert 69’), Buchanan, Charles (c) (Reiten 56’), Nusken, Ingle, Beever-Jones (Rytting Kaneryd 82’), Kirby, Hamano, Macario (Ramirez 69’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Leupolz Goals – Beever-Jones 18’, Hamano 38’, Buchanan 64’ Booked – Ingle, Lawrence Aston Villa (3-4-1-2) : Leat, Patten, Corsie (c), Maritz, Mayling (Lehmann 81’), Nobbs, Taylor, Daly, Dali (Hanson 69’), Magill (Mullett 82’), Salmon (Poor 5’) Unused substitutes: Gregory, Leon Booked – Corsie, Daly Sent off – Leat 4’ Referee – Melissa Burgin

Points were shared at the Dripping Pan as neither Lewes or Birmingham City could break the deadlock Back Match Report WC: Lewes v Birmingham City Points were shared at the Dripping Pan as neither Lewes or Birmingham City could break the deadlock James Boyes 12 September 2023 By Paul Donegan Lewes and Birmingham City both picked up their first point of the Championship season after a 0-0 draw at The Dripping Pan on Sunday. Both sides were reduced to ten players within minutes of each other during the second half with Katie Dungate being shown a red card for Birmingham and Caragh Hamilton for Lewes. Lewes’ goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse made a stunning save near the end of the match to deny Ellie Mason. Lewes had suffered defeats to Southampton and Durham in their opening two matches of the season whilst Birmingham had lost against Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace so both went into this game looking to get their season going. After a quiet opening 10 minutes, it was Birmingham who had the first effort when Jade Pennock saw her long-range shot easily saved. Lewes’ first attempt came a few minutes later but Grace Riglar headed over from a corner. The Blues next chance came in the 14th minute when after a poor kick out from Whitehouse, Claudia Walker saw a shot blocked by Shauna Vassell before Pennock but the rebound into the side netting. The first half was interrupted by several injuries that needed treatment and a cooling break in the very warm conditions. The Rooks had the next opportunity when Maria Farrugia went on a powerful run forward from inside her own half, played the ball to Hamilton but she shot just wide and into the side netting. Birmingham had the final effort of the first half when Pennock shot at the keeper. Photo: James Boyes The Blues Jamie Finn just couldn’t get onto a good cross early in the second half. Lewes had the next couple of chances but Anna Grey saw her low shot easily saved in the 56th minute, then eight minutes later, Farrugia’s long-range free kick dipped onto the roof of the net. Birmingham’s Dungate was shown a second yellow card in the 66th minute and was sent off. Three minutes later, Hamilton also received her second yellow, and after a slight delay a red card, meaning it was 10v10 for the last 20 minutes or so. The Rooks had the next opportunity in the 76th minute when Reanna Blades played in Grey but Lucy Thomas rushed out of goal to block the effort. Lucy Quinn saw her effort in the area blocked by a Lewes defender six minutes later. Three minutes into stoppage time at the end, former Lewes player Mason cut in and from just outside the area hit a shot that was heading towards the top corner of the net until Whitehouse made a brilliant save to keep it out. There were no more chances as the match finished goalless. The two sides remain in the bottom positions of the early Championship table. Next Sunday, Lewes travel to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United, whilst Birmingham return to St Andrews where they will play Charlton Athletic. Line ups Lewes: Whitehouse, Riglar, Cleverly (c), Hamilton, Palmer (Hazard 64’), Pursey (Brasero-Carriera 64’), Farrugia, Grey (Oakley 88’), Vassell, Olding, Mooney Unused substitutes: Moore, Garrad, Blades Booked – Hamilton (x2) Sent off – Hamilton (69’) Birmingham City: Thomas, Louise Quinn, Lawley, Pennock (Lucy Quinn 57’), Finn (Harris 78’), Harrison-Murray (c), Dungate, Walker (Devlin 78’), Allen, Moore (Agg 57’), Herron (Mason 35’) Unused substitutes: Clarke, Worsey, Cowie, Banaras Booked – Pennock, Dungate (x2), Mason Sent off – Dungate (66’) Referee – Lauren Impey A ttendance - 501

Ground Guide Crystal Palace By Paul Donegan This ground guide is based on a visit to Hayes Lane to watch Crystal Palace play Reading in the Conti Cup on a cold Wednesday 17th November 2021 evening. Some of the pictures used are from a couple of other visits there this season (once to see Palace and another to see Bromley Ladies play) and of course things might be different if you decide to visit Hayes Lane. Address Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EF Location and Ground History The Hayes Lane ground is in Bromley which is in south east London, about 10 miles from the centre of London. Hayes Lane stadium is to the south of Bromley town centre, off the B265. The ground opened in 1938 and has been home of Bromley FC since. Cray Wanderers FC also share the ground. The ground has a capacity of 5,000 with 1,300 seats. Getting There Bromley South is the closest station and is well served by trains from London (Victoria (some trains to/from here are non-stop and take about 20 minutes) and Blackfriars stations) and into Kent (Orpington, Sevenoaks, Dover and Ramsgate). It is a 15/20 minute walk from Bromley South station to the ground. Hayes station is about a 25 minute walk in the other direction from the ground and Bromley North is the other side of the town centre, though there is no service to there on Sundays. There are a few buses that go along Hayes Lane (119, 146 and 314) with the closest stops being Hayes Road/Hayes Lane or Hayes Lane/Norman Park/Mead Way. There is a car park at the ground and it costs £2 to park. Otherwise, it would be street parking near the ground. The ground is up a short driveway from Hayes Lane with some fields on either side where you might spot some horses. Tickets I bought my ticket online (need to register with Crystal Palace if not already done so to buy) and it came as an attachment on the confirmation email which I printed off. Tickets can be bought at the ground (entrance desk) on the day and these can be paid for by cash or card. The price for adult tickets does increase by £2 if bought on the day of the match (both online or at the ground). Buy Tickets https://tickets.cpfc.co.uk/categories/womens The Stadium The way in for this match was through the main entrance at the back of the main stand where I showed my ticket at the desk and got my hand stamped. Then I went through the Ravens Bar (mind the step down just inside the door into the bar) and into the ground. The main stand (John Fiorini Stand), with the tunnel in the middle, is a seated covered stand but this was part of the red zone so it is only for the subs, press and VIPs. The bar is to the left of this with some flat uncovered standing in front of it and to the right is some uncovered terracing. The end to the right of the main stand is a covered seated stand (Glyn Beverly Stand) that covers the width of the pitch and all seats are unreserved. At the opposite end (left of the main stand) there is terracing with a narrow roof at the back of it and it is at this end that Crystal Palace fans put their flags up during matches. The dugouts are opposite the main stand (subs have to go around the pitch when they are going to come on) and there is an uncovered terrace on this side that runs the whole length of the pitch with a tv camera position in the middle of it. The terracing on this side and behind the goal is amongst my favourites at any football ground as it is big, concrete, has a few crash barriers and, in my opinion, has a certain charm and character to it (as the whole ground does). The ground has a 3G pitch which was installed in 2017 so matches can take place in most conditions (unless there is torrential rain but that is a different story!). There are toilets around the ground (mainly in the corners of the ground and a gents toilet under the main stand) as well as in the bar. Dogs are welcome in the ground as long as kept on leads. Food and Drink The Ravens Bar is spacious and has Sky Sports. If you want to have a drink in here, then payment is by cash or card. Even though there are windows overlooking the pitch from the bar, you cannot stay in there to watch the match as shutters are put down over the windows about 15 minutes before kick off. A tea/food cabin (Cookie’s Cabin) on the right hand side of the main stand was open for this match with a good selection of food and drinks available. Again, cash or card accepted. As the Ravens Bar and Cookie’s Cabin are either side of the main stand and as you can’t walk in front of this, it is either a long walk around the pitch to get from one to the other or you could go back out the main entrance and in an exit gate at the other end of the main stand (I guess this might have been the reason for the hand stamps). Bromley town centre has plenty of place to eat and drink and this is about a 20 minute walk or 5/10 minutes bus ride away. Merchandise There were some scarfs and whole squad pictures available to buy at the entrance desk which again you could pay by cash or card. There is normally an online programme for matches with a link posted on their Twitter page and you can look at it for free but there wasn’t one for this match. Editor's note: There is an official Crystal Palace Merchanside shop in The Glades, the shopping centre in Bromley Town, approximately a fifteen minute walk away. The shop is located on the second floor opposite Lush.

England prepare to face World Champions Spain at Wembley Stadium "We don't want to be looking back" says Wiegman Back England prepare to face World Champions Spain at Wembley Stadium Lionesses | Getty Wednesday, 26 February 2025 By Aimee Logan “We don’t want to be looking back.” England manager Sarina Wiegman suggests the Lionesses are looking for victory not revenge at Wembley against Spain. Wednesday night under the Wembley lights is set to be an exciting fixture as European Champions, England, will take on the World Champions and Nations League Winners, Spain, for the first time since their World Cup final in Australia. It’ll be both sides' second fixture in this year’s Nations League. In this international break, the Lionesses have already faced Portugal where they were held to a 1-1 draw. Spain currently top the group after their last minute winner against Belgium already this window, taking a full three points in a 3-2 victory. Sarina Wiegman and Alessia Russo discussed what to expect from Spain in the tough upcoming fixture and noted how both sides have changed since the final back in 2023. “I think we have evolved. You can’t relate to the World Cup or the Euros as much any more” , Wiegman noted. The influx of young talent and retirements in the England squad makes it hard to compare the squads. They also reflected on the recent events with the Rubiales case in relation to when the ex-Spanish Federation leader kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the podium after their World Cup victory. Russo noted how she has been even closer to the court case because of playing with Spanish players Laia Codina and Mariona Caldentey at Arsenal. “I’ve got teammates that have been through it and they have acted with so much class through it all.” “We have to keep telling the world that we stand in solidarity and it will hopefully make change” , was Wiegman’s message to the Spanish team ahead of the night at Wembley. Wiegman agreed that a “special relationship away from football” had been built between the two sides after the events of the World Cup final. “In the women’s game, that community, that’s kind of special.” “I think overall women’s football players are supporting female football players and women in society.” Russo agreed with Wiegman’s statement, “the community that women’s football has is very special and it’s quite unique about the game. Whether it be good or bad we help and we come together as one.” “We’ve got a new opportunity, we’re back at Wembley, with all of our fans there” Russo concluded, with high hopes that England will perform under the Wembley lights. “We’ll do everything we can as players to put on a performance for them.”

Unique prints and player artwork designed for women's football. Prints Vivianne Miedema Vivianne Miedema Print Leah Williamson Leah Williamson Print Millie Bright Millie Bright Print Pernille Harder Pernille Harder Print Fran Kirby Fran Kirby Print Lucy Bronze Lucy Bronze Print Lauren Hemp Lauren Hemp Print Sam Mewis Sam Mewis Print Leah Galton Leah Galton Print Christen Press Christen Press Print Tobin Heath Tobin Heath Print Alex Scott Alex Scott Legends Print Casey Stoney Casey Stoney Legends Print Rachel Yankey Rachel Yankey Legends Print 1/1 The Football Print Room use players, managers, matches, events and terrace songs to create football print memorabilia of your favourite club! With a growing collection, The Football Print room is the place go for high quality prints. If you cannot find your team or player you can easily contact them and they'll design it for you! Artwork and Prints *Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or problems with any products featured in the shop. We are happy to contact the seller directly on your behalf.

Crystal Palace earn a 4-1 win over Lewes at their last home game of the season in a match that had just about everything Back Match Report WC: Crystal Palace v Lewes Crystal Palace earn a 4-1 win over Lewes at their last home game of the season in a match that had just about everything Crystal Palace FC Women 23 April 2023 By Charlotte Stacey Molly-Mae Sharpe gave Palace an early lead before Hollie Olding sank a long-distance effort to double it less than ten minutes later. Palace had the better grasp of the first half and their back three of Annabel Johnson, Aimee Everett and Fliss Gibbons were able to cut out Lewes’ attacking play along both wings which were areas the visitors targeted most often. Lewes had their first clear-cut chance 20 minutes in, but the tame strike did little to trouble Kitching who scooped it up with ease. Kirsty Barton and Paula Howells’ link-up play began to take shape along the left hand side towards the end of the half as the duo were able to progress into the final third. However, Olding and Johnson were mostly able to contain this threat and Lewes struggled to play threatening balls into the area. The visitors did manage to pull one back just before the 45-minute mark after the referee awarded a somewhat soft penalty for a shove in the box. The game had begun to take a bit of turn leading up to this point with a few spiky challenges and confrontations, as well as a purposeful ball to the face of the official from Charlotte Wardlaw that was left unpunished. Grace Palmer cooly converted Lewes’ spot kick with a ground shot that evaded Kitching before the Eagles won a penalty of their own at the opposite end. Coral-Jade Haines stepped up and made no mistake in taking Palace’s tally to three just before the half time whistle. The game had barely restarted when a challenge on Emily Kraft by Anna Filbey saw the Lewes forward need medical attention. Kraft hit her head hard on the grass as Filbey swept across to challenge the ball and precaution was taken to ensure Kraft received the appropriate treatment for a head trauma. After a lengthy stoppage, Kraft was stretchered off to applause from both the Lewes and Palace supporters and taken to hospital. Lewes later communicated that Kraft had been checked over and was given the all clear to be discharged. The injury understandably took a lot of the sting out of the game, which served as a helping hand to the officials whose level of control was hanging with fingertips only. It was the visitors though who had the better chances of the second half and were denied an hour in with a gargantuan double save from Kitching. Ellie Mason fashioned another clear-cut chance for Lewes five minutes after the 90 when she carried the ball into the area and went one-on-one with the keeper. Mason let the shot fly but aimed toward the middle of the goal where Kitching was ready and waiting. Just four minutes later, Riana Dean netted Palace’s fourth of the day and finished up a successful day at home for the Eagles. Line-ups Crystal Palace: Kitching (GK), A Johnson (C), Everett, Gibbons, Olding, Filbey, Blanchard, Doran, Hughes, Haines, Sharpe Subs: Negri (GK), Dean (84’), Bailey-Gayle (90+1’), Guyatt (90+1’) Goals: Sharpe 3’, Olding 11’, Haines (p) 45+5’, Dean 90+10’ Booked: Hughes Lewes: Whitehouse (GK), Wardlaw (90+18’), Cleverly (C) (90’), Weir, McKenna (90’), Hazard, Palmer, Barton, Kraft (58’), Mason, Howells Subs: N Johnson (90’), Thompson (90’), Copus-Brown (90+18’), Mushtaq (58’), Pursey, Longhurst, Dalton, Moore, Angel Booked: Palmer, Barton, Kraft, Howells

Southampton earn four goals to Reading's one as the Saints soar to the top of the table Back Match Report WC: Reading v Southampton Southampton earn four goals to Reading's one as the Saints soar to the top of the table Southampton FC Women 18 September 2023 By Paul Donegan Southampton’s impressive 4-1 win against Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday saw them move to the top of the Women’s Championship table. The Saints goals were scored by Molly Pike, Katie Wilkinson, debutant Atlanta Primus and Jemma Purfield whilst Charlie Estcourt got Reading’s consolation one. Southampton came into this match after having lost at home to Sunderland last weekend, and they had the first effort at goal in the 8th minute when Pike shot wide from outside the area after being played in by Primus. Two minutes later, Pike did give the Saints the lead when she got onto Megan Collett’s superb through ball and from 18-yards shot low into the corner of the net past Emily Orman. Reading had drawn their first three matches, and their first attempt at goal in this one came in the 19th minute but Josie Longhurst saw her shot well saved by Kayla Rendell. In the 25th minute, a long-range effort from Deanna Cooper was pushed away by the Southampton goalkeeper. At the other end two minutes later, Pike got onto another through ball but this time her low shot was saved. Almost immediately after that, Pike was brought down in the area by Orman after a nice pass from Primus and the Saints were awarded a penalty. Wilkinson stepped up to take the spot kick and sent it high into the corner of the net to double Southampton’s lead. Wilkinson put the visitors next opportunity wide in the 37th minute after being played in by Pike. Four minutes later, Lucia Kendall was allowed to run forward from way inside her own half and sent a shot at goal from the edge of the area that was tipped over by Orman. From the corner, Wilkinson headed over as Southampton looked to extend their lead further before the break. At numerous times during the first half, Wilkinson was dropping back for Southampton which was allowing space for Pike to run forward, and the former Leicester player saw an effort blocked during stoppage time at the end of the first half when this happened again. It started raining during half time which got heavier during the second half. Southampton had the first opportunities of the second period in the 51st minute when Orman saved an Ella Morris effort with her feet then Pike saw an effort blocked by Rachel Dugdale. A nice Southampton attacking move down the right-hand side which included Milly Mott, Collett, Morris and Kendall finished with the ball being headed behind for a corner. The home side had their first effort at goal during the second half in the 65th minute but Rendell kept out Lily Woodham’s 25-yard shot. Two second half substitutes combined a few minutes later when Charlie Wellings was played in by Freya Gregory but Paige Peake stopped her having an effort at goal with a good tackle. Southampton made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute when after another nice move down the right-hand side, Pike passed to Primus whose shot deflected off Bethan Roberts and into the net. In the 81st minute, the Saints made it 4-0 when Sophia Pharoah saw her effort hit the crossbar but Purfield was on hand to head in the rebound from close-range. Reading got a goal back in the third minute of stoppage time when Estcourt finished nicely with a volley from 10-yards following a corner. Southampton go into the international break in top spot, and in their next game on the 1st October they take on Birmingham City at home. Reading are in tenth position in the league after four matches, and their next game is away to Durham in a few weeks. Line ups Reading: Orman, Dugdale (Gregory 62’), Houssein (Elwood 80’), Cooper (Jarvis 45’), Wade, Hendrix, Mayi Kith (Smith 45’), Estcourt, Longhurst (Wellings 62’), Woodham (c), Roberts Unused substitutes: Kite, Meadows Tuson, Cox Goal – Estcourt 90’+3 Booked - Elwood Southampton: Rendell, Collett, Mott, Peake, Purfield, Kendall (c), Rafferty, Morris (Wynne 82’), Pike (Thompson 89’), Primus (Pharoah 74’), Wilkinson (Kraft 82’) Unused substitutes: Howard, Lloyd-Smith, Milne Goals – Pike 10’, Wilkinson (pen) 28’, Primus 73’, Purfield 81’ Referee – Adewunmi Soneye

Chelsea thumped out of sorts Arsenal in 3-1 victory in front of 30,000 strong crowd Back Match Report Blues light up Stamford Bridge with dazzling performance under the lights Chelsea thumped out of sorts Arsenal in 3-1 victory in front of 30,000 strong crowd Chelsea FC Women 17 March 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea beat London rivals Arsenal 3-1 on Friday evening at Stamford Bridge as they moved three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Women’s Super League. The match was played in front of 32,970 fans, a new record attendance for the Blues women’s side. The defeat near enough ends any chance the Gunners had of claiming the title this season as they are now six points off top spot with six games remaining. Lauren James put Chelsea ahead before Sjoeke Nusken scored twice to give them a 3-0 lead at half time. Catarina Macario deflected into her own net for Arsenal’s consolation goal late in the game. After a 30-minute delay to kick-off due to a clash of sock colour (Arsenal had brought the wrong ones and ended up wearing Chelsea’s change socks), the match got underway with a really good atmosphere, helped by the 6,000 visiting fans. James had the first shot of the match in the second minute but fired well over. The Blues had a spell of pressure in the 6th minute but the visitors defence held firm. Arsenal’s first effort at goal came in the 9th minute when Kim Little’s shot from inside the area was tipped wide by Hannah Hampton. Steph Catley then saw a shot stopped by the hosts goalkeeper. James gave Chelsea the lead in the 15th minute when after being played in by Nusken, she turned past Catley then her shot from an angle went through Manuela Zinsberger’s hands, looped in the air and into the net before Arsenal could clear the ball. The Blues made it 2-0 in the 21st minute when Nusken got in front of Leah Williamson and diverted Erin Cuthbert’s shot in from close-range. Beth Mead’s free kick from 25-yards went well over in the 25th minute as the Gunners looked to get back into the match. Nusken scored her second of the match to make it 3-0 in the 32nd minute when again she deflected a shot into the net, this time Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s, after Chelsea had again found so much space as they attacked. James sent an effort just over seconds after the goal as the hosts looked to extend their lead further. Arsenal had an opportunity in the 35th minute but Hampton got to the ball before Caitlin Foord. The home side had the final efforts of the first half with Guro Reiten’s free kick two minutes before half time landing on the roof of the net, then James sent a curling shot over during stoppage time. The away side made a triple change at half time, one of was Emily Fox coming on for Catley which meant Katie McCabe moved to the left side of defence. The Gunners had the first attempts of the second half but McCabe’s long-range effort went well over. Lotte Wubben-Moy couldn’t get enough on a corner and the ball went wide shortly after. Chelsea had a chance came in the 54th minute but Zinsberger came off her line and made herself big to keep out Rytting Kaneryd’s shot after the Swedish international had broken through. Half time substitute Fox was looking dangerous with some runs forward for the visitors. James broke clear for the Blues but was denied by Zinsberger who stopped her low shot. The Austrian goalkeeper made another good save in the 68th minute when she kept out Rytting Kaneryd’s effort. Hampton seemed to be first to every ball when Arsenal attacked in the second half. That was until Arsenal got a goal back in the 86th minute when Little’s shot from the edge of the area was deflected into the corner of her own net by Macario. Hampton saved a low shot from Alessia Russo in the final minute of the 90. In additional time, Frida Maanum’s dipping effort went over. The final chance of the match went to Chelsea but Zinsberger, who helped keep the score down during the second period, kept out a low Ashley Lawrence effort with her feet. When speaking to the media after the match, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said she wanted a performance after letting ourselves down at the Emirates and the Blues were aggressive. She thought James had tremendous game adding that “it is a playground for her out there, she is a maverick, not always perfect or consistent but she 1000% performs at Stamford Bridge”. Hayes loved there was a big crowd, loves rivalries and the away section and feels it improves the product. She added that everyone is invested in what we are doing and it was a “tremendous performance” and they played with joy and freedom and carried the weight of the crowd. The Chelsea manager was full of praise for Nusken, who “deserves credit for being in right place at right time” and feels Eve Perisset’s performance should be talked up. Hampton also got a lot of compliments for the Blues boss. Hayes concluded by saying they “do well in adverse situations and is proud of whole squad”. Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall was disappointed with how they let Chelsea play and didn’t deal with James, especially in the first half. He thought they turned over the ball too much in the first half and it wasn’t good enough from them to turn over the ball that much. He also felt the Gunners were too weak in defensive performance and didn’t deal well enough with the physical side of Chelsea. Eidevall added the result has nothing to do with referee or delay in start of match, which was the same for both teams, and “we take full accountability for our performance because it was not good enough”. Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Perisset, Buchanan, Carter, Charles (c) (Lawrence 70’), Cuthbert, Leupolz, Rytting Kaneryd, Nusken, Reiten, James (Macario 83’) Unused substitutes : Musovic, Ingle, Kirby, Hamano, Cankovic, Beever-Jones Goal – James 15’, Nusken 21’, 32’ Booked - Hampton Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, McCabe, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Catley (Fox 46’), Walti (Cooney-Cross 72’), Pelova (Maanum 46’), Mead, Little (c), Foord (Lacasse 57’), Blackstenius (Russo 46’) Unused substitutes: D’Angelo, Bouhaddi, Codina, Reid Goal – Macario (o.g.) 86’ Booked – McCabe, Lacasse Referee – Rebecca Welsh Attendance – 32,970