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The Foxes pull of the Great Escape and retain their place in the top division Back Match Report WSL: Brighton v Leicester City The Foxes pull of the Great Escape and retain their place in the top division Ryan Asman 28 May 2023 By Paul Donegan Leicester City secured safety in the Women’s Super League with a final day 1-0 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion. Second half substitute Ava Baker scored the only goal in the 73rd minute. By staying up, the Foxes created WSL history by becoming the first side to make up a seven-point deficit at the bottom of the league and survive. The travelling Leicester fans were in good voice on a sunny and warm afternoon at the Broadfield Stadium. They knew a win for their side would keep them up whilst any other result meant they would be depending on Reading not beating Chelsea. It was Brighton though who made the better start, and they had the first chance in the 5th minute when Elisabeth Terland back-heeled a Katie Robinson cross into the keepers hands. A minute later, Kayleigh Green sent a fierce shot from 25-yards high and wide. It took until the 15th minute for the next effort. It went the home sides way again when Robinson run down the right side and her cross was deflected into Janina Lietzig’s hands. Robinson’s runs were causing problems but the next cross was overhit and missed her teammates in the penalty area. In the 17th minute, Leicester had their first opportunity when Hannah Cain dragged her shot wide of the post after being played in by Carrie Jones. It was the Seagulls who had the next effort two minutes later but Terland put her shot wide. From then onwards, it was near enough Leicester with all the chances. Missy Goodwin put an effort wide from just inside the area in the 23rd minute. Jones miskicked in front of goal in the 32nd minute as they had missed a third good chance to go ahead. Appeals for a penalty for the visitors were waved away by referee Abigail Byrne after Aileen Whelan went down in the area five minutes before the break. It was goalless at half time but with Reading losing 2-0 at this stage, Leicester would be safe anyway. Photo: Ryan Asman Leicester carried on having chances in the second half but not taking them. Remy Siemsen had an effort easily stopped by Megan Walsh five minutes into it. Cain put a free kick over the crossbar in the 53rd minute, before a Cain cross hit Siemsen in front of goal and went behind. Siemsen had another opportunity a few minutes later but put this one went wide. Cain then headed over in the 60th minute. Substitutions and stoppages then interrupted the game for a spell after the hour mark. It was one of those substitutes who put Leicester ahead. England Under-17 international Baker found the back of the net from close range following a corner. Three minutes later, another Leicester corner was headed wide by Sam Tierney. Whelan was then denied by a good stop from Walsh seconds after that. Brighton hadn’t threatened the Leicester goal at all during the second half until the 87th minute when Lietzig saved a Terland shot before Veatriki Sarri put an effort wide. Danielle Carter had an effort blocked for the home side in stoppage time. A final Brighton effort from Emma Kullberg went well wide, and this turned out to be the last opportunity of the match as the final whistle went shortly after confirming Leicester’s place in the WSL next season. After the match there were presentations to Victoria Williams, Kayleigh Green, Megan Connolly, Danielle Carter and Megan Walsh after it had been announced they will be leaving Brighton when their contracts expire over the summer. Willie Kirk’s side Leicester side had a fantastic second half of the season, picking up all their 16 points since January, and this win also saw the Foxes move up to 10th place in the league whilst Brighton dropped down to 11th. Line ups Brighton & Hove Albion (3-4-3): Walsh, Bergsvand, Morse, Stott (V. Williams 73’), Kullberg, Zigiotti (c) (Stefanovic 85’), Symonds (Carter 65’), Green (Pattinson 65’), Robinson (Visalli 85’), Lee (Sarri 85’), Terland Unused substitutes: Startup, Jarvis, Connolly Booked – Lee, Symonds Leicester City (4-1-2-1-2): Leitzig, Bott (Purfield 78’), Howard (Eaton-Collins 89’), Plumptre, Nevin, Tierney, Whelan (c), Jones (Pike 78’), Goodwin (O’Brien 60’), Siemsen (Baker 67’), Cain (Robinson 67’) Unused substitutes: Lambourne, Reavill, Green Goal – Baker 73’ Booked - Bott Referee – Abigail Byrne Attendance – 3,073

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England’s occasion at the Stadium of Light ends in victory as the Lionesses remain unbeaten in their World Cup Qualifying games. England Beat Austria 1-0 to Retain Their Place at the Top Back England’s occasion at the Stadium of Light ends in victory as the Lionesses remain unbeaten in their World Cup Qualifying games. via Lionesses Twitter Saturday, 27 November 2021 By Charlotte Stacey It was a special occasion for forward Ellen White, who earned her 100th cap against Austria, the team she made her debut against in 2010. White was to be England’s sole goalscorer on what was a bitterly cold and treacherous afternoon in Sunderland. Prior to the match, England manager, Sarina Wiegman, had already identified Austria as the Lionesses most difficult opponents of the qualifying group, and given the concluding scoreline and the overall performances from both sides, she was wise to do so. England opted for a 4-3-3 formation, reverting back from their previous fixture against Latvia, in which they lined-up with an attackingly emphasised back three. Demi Stokes and Rachel Daly returned to the starting line-up, replacing Beth England and, a now injured, Leah Williamson. Millie Bright took on captain duties in the absence of Williamson and usual skipper, Steph Houghton. The opening moments warned England of a more testing fixture than those of late when Austria pressed almost immediately, earning themselves a corner within the first minute. However, England were not to fall victim and roused a positively dominant first half. A triangle formed of Rachel Daly, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead down the right-hand side caused problems for Austria as the three worked in conjunction to feed balls through on goal. This was further bolstered by the deliveries of Bright and Keira Walsh who kickstarted attacks from deeper positions. It was this link-up that provided England’s first clear cut chance of the match, after several looming threats had failed to hit the mark. Bright slotted a well-placed ball to a front-footed Kirby who collected and released to an in-turn running Mead. Mead squared it across the box to White, who had just crept offside. Seven minutes later, a similar play was made as Bright supplied Kirby in the central channel. Kirby pitched forward and teed up a beautiful through ball to meet White’s run. This time White was not able to connect. Centre-back Bright got herself into a prime position and unleashed a lethal long range shot just minutes later. Austria goalkeeper, Manuela Zinsberger looked comfortable to let Bright’s shot fly just wide, however it was not a bad effort at all from the stand-in skipper. The deadlock was eventually broken 40 minutes in after Lauren Hemp’s delivery from the left pinballed around in the box before finding the back of the net. Mead overran the placement of Hemp’s ball, but Kirby was there to retrieve and keep the attack alive. Kirby struck the ball well but her effort was blocked bravely by the head of an opponent. Kirby was able to dink the second ball over to White at the far post, who managed to get stretch just enough to force the ball past Zinsberger. England could have then had a second just before the break when Walsh’s central ball met a well-positioned Kirby. Kirby got the shot away cleanly enough, but Zinsberger pulled off a might fingertip save to deny the Chelsea star. Austria began the second half as they had the first, strongly. The visitors provided goalkeeper Mary Earps with her first action of the game when Barbara Dunst took a punt from range. Two minutes later, Earps was up again as Austria came thundering on the counter in a 3v2 against Daly and Bright. Maria Plattner hit her shot as she inched past Daly, Earps reacted quickly and got a big hand on the strike. With gaps beginning to open up and Austria beginning to exploit space, England were fortunate on this occasion. Just before the hour mark, England had a rightful penalty shout when Mead was quite blatantly pulled down in the area. The referee denied England protests, and the visitors, as the host were minutes before, were fortunate. Austria keeper, Zinsberger, who like her defensive compatriots in front, took another important action at 65 minutes when she tipped out clubmate Mead’s powerful shot from the right. England’s next and final chance of the game came from Daly with just five minutes to go. The provisional fullback collected the ball a few yards outside of the box and saw the space open in front of her. Daly shifted herself to get enough weight behind her shot and sent in a strong ground sweeping strike. Once again, Zinsberger managed to force the effort wide. In relation to England’s previous performances, this was not the most engaging. However, it will serve as the most critical in relation to picking out areas to adjust and improve upon. England succeeded in feeding the channels of the pitch and in being positive in possession. They fell short was in connecting with those final balls, overplaying the attack at times, and in allowing space to be exploited at the back. Sarina Wiegman was pleased with her side’s performance in her post-match talk, noting the performances of Ellen White, Fran Kirby, Beth Mead and Mary Earps in particular. Wiegman expressed that she would have liked to have seen her team play “tighter on the ball” and that they will need to improve upon their opening minutes of play going forward. The Lionesses will face Latvia on Tuesday at 7:30pm at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium. ----- England: Earps (GK), Daly, Bright (C), Greenwood, Stokes (90+1’), Walsh, Toone (62’), Kirby, Mead, White, Hemp Substitutes: MacIver (GK), Hampton (GK), Charles, Carter (90+1’), Wubben-Moy, Stanway (62’), Nobbs, Zelem, Scott, England, Parris, Russo Goals: White (40’) Austria: Zinsberger (GK),Naschenweng (60’), Plattner (89’), Wenninger (C), Dunst, Zadrazil, Weinrother, Kirchberger, Billa (86’), Puntigam, Hansaw Substitutes: El Sharif, Pal, Horvat, Fuchs, Schiechtl, Triendl, Georgieva, Höbinger (89’), Eder, Wienerroither (60’), Schasching, Enzinger (86’)

Lauren James thrilled at Stamford Bridge as she put three past the Red Devils Back Match Report James delights as the Blues soar past a subpar United Lauren James thrilled at Stamford Bridge as she put three past the Red Devils Chelsea FCW 21 January 2024 By Finley Chung A Lauren James hat trick helped Chelsea ease past a below par Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on a chilly Sunday afternoon in West London. The Chelsea Number 10 put the hosts two goals up with two excellent finishes, before Hayley Ladd dragged United back into the game, before James completed the scoring with her hat trick goal to seal the points and move Chelsea 10 points clear over their opponents. Chelsea’s Emma Hayes handed Nathalie Bjorn her first Chelsea start, with Mia Fishel, Guro Reiten, Melanie Leupolz, Lauren James, Kadeisha Buchannan and Hannah Hampton all being handed starting berths after the FA Cup win last week. Manchester United only made one change from their cup clash, with Leah Galton coming in for Nikita Parris. The Blues got this one underway in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Fishel providing the attacking option through the middle, with Guro Reiten, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Lauren James in behind the American forward. United lined up in a similar shape, with Geyse leading the line, Zelem and Ladd holding the midfield and Toone, Garcia and Galton between the middle and forward. Chelsea's captain for the day, Niamh Charles asserted herself early on, communicating with Reiten and Erin Cuthbert and putting in a very solid challenge on Geyse early on. Chelsea flew out of the blocks and were ahead within five minutes, courtesy of Lauren James. She initially broke forward before laying the ball off to Reiten, who prodded the ball into the path of Rytting Kaneryd before finding the Chelsea Number 10, who’s clever outside of the boot finish flew past Mary Earps in the United goal to give The Blues a dream start! Jamres wasn’t hanging about in wanting to add to Chelsea’s lead and she combined with Reiten again before her left footed drive flew wide of Earps’ left hand post. United had their first forray forward just after the tenth minute, when Leah Galton fed the ball inside to Katie Zelem, who curled a left footed shot harmlessly over the Chelsea goal.. Chelsea were pressing relentlessly and sensed a second goal, with a surging run down the right hand side by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd not matched by the final ball, as her cross was cut out by the United defence. Erin Cuthbert was next to try her luck, with the ball falling kindly to her on the edge of the box, but the Scot’s effort flew wide of the post. Chelsea’s dominance paid inside the first 25 minutes as they doubled their lead in some style. Nathalie Bjorn clipped a delightful ball over the top of the defence to Lauren James who strode onto the ball and smashed it past Mary Earps on the volley to ram home their dominance and give Chelsea that cushion their dominance deserved. The hosts really should’ve had a third too, a delightful cross from Melanie Leupolz was met by the captain Niamh Charles at the back post, but she skewed her effort wide when she should’ve hit the target. United called Hampton into action for the first time on the 35th minute, Geyse won the ball back after a Bjorn miskick and drove at the Chelsea backline before drilling a right footed effort goal ward which Hampton did well to palm away to safety. Chelsea’s intensity was encapsulated in one passage of play, when Mia Fishel pressed Maya Le Tissier into passing the ball out of play and Guro Reiten’s hands immediately went up in applause towards her teammate in appreciation for her work. Lucia Garcia was next to work Hampton in the Chelsea goal but her right footed effort lacked any power to trouble the Chelsea stopper. Three minutes before half time, United found themselves somehow back in the game. The ball seemed to bobble around the area for an eternity after a Geyse cutback, before Hayley Ladd smashed the loose ball home past a despairing Hampton to claw United back into the contest. Marc Skinners side had their tails up bow as the half ended and another tricky Geyse ball was well seen away by Bjorn at the back as we headed into three minutes of stoppage time in the first half, with all the noise coming from the away end and the Manchester Untied faithful. Chelsea were actually the ones who had the final chance of the half, with Rytting Kaneryd striding onto a loose ball but her dipping, right footed volley fell wide of Earps’ left hand post. Half Time - Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United Hayley Ladd was the first name in the referee’s notebook, five minutes after half time for a cynical foul on Erin Cuthbert in the middle of the park. Chelsea then had Ashley Lawerence to thank for preserving their lead, pulling out an unbelievable last ditch challenge on Ella Toone after the latter was threaded through by Geyse. Toone then looked to turn provider for Lucia Garcia, but her header looped just wide of Hampton’s right hand post. Emma Hayes made the first change of the clash, withdrawing Mia Fishel in place of Sjoeke Nusken, which saw Lauren James move up front for the Blues. Hannah Hampton then showed why she was picked between the sticks for the hosts today, a mix up in the Chelsea back line allowed Hayley Ladd in, but her close range effort was saved superbly by Hampton and then away to safety, The Lauren James box of tricks was then out in response to that, twisting Maya Le Tissier inside and out before seeing her low effort pawed wide by Earps in the United goal, with the resulting corner not amounting to anything for The Blues. Leupolz then angled in a beautiful ball which was met by Reiten on the stretch, but the Norwegian couldn’t keep her effort down. Hayes’ side were pushing for a third and very nearly got it, Bjorn met James’ pinpoint cross with her header coming back off the list and behind. Marc Skinner rolled his dice with just over 20 minutes to go, with Lucia Garcia and Hayley Ladd being withdrawn in place of Nikita Parris and Lisa Naalsund. Chelsea so nearly added a third with a brilliant move, with Cuthbert finding the energetic Rytting Kaneryd, who combined with James but the Swede’s pulled ball across was cut out by the United defence. The United bench were then furious after Leah Galton went down under challenge from Ashley Lawerence but referee, Abigail Byrne refuted any claims for a penalty kick, much to the frustration of Skinner and his coaching staff, then yielded a yellow card for Parris’ protestations about the incident. Kadeisha Buchanan was then replaced by Jess Carter at the back for Chelsea, as Hayes looked to combat the fresh legs United had town on. Marc Skinner then turned to his late goal specialist, Rachel Williams as the game ticked into it’s final 10 minutes, bringing her on in place of Ella Toone. In the 84th minute, Chelsea did have their third and James did have her hat trick, cooly slotting past Mary Earps, for her tenth of the season and surely wrap the points for the Blues. The hat trick hero was then withdrawn to a standing ovation in place of Fran Kirby as we ticked towards injury time. United didn’t give up the ghost however, as Lisa Naalsund curled an effort goal wards which had to be superbly kept out by Hampton in the Blues goal. Chelsea were on the lookout for a late court room, with Kirby and Nusken combining, with the latter firing an effort over the bar in the games last action. Full Time - Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United Chelsea - Lauren James 5’ 22’ 86’ Manchester United - Hayley Ladd 43’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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