Search Results

Thoughts on: Carly Telford Thoughts on: Carly Telford Telford Back 12 September 2020 By Charlotte Stacey She's a Keeper via Getty Images After a stunning performance at the SheBelieves Cup and a perfect record of clean sheets this season, England and Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford has finally been able to show the world what she’s made of. It is an unfortunate truth that goalkeepers can sometimes find themselves on the end of a raw deal. Not only can it be a thankless task, there are instances in which many able keepers are overlooked. The problem they face, unlike outfield players, is that there is only space for one. Of course, for most clubs there is rotation, but depending on circumstances, this can be sparse season to season, tournament to tournament. In the case of Carly Telford, the luck of the draw has not always dealt her the most favourable hand in reaching the pole position. Although there have been times during her career in which she has not quite managed to maintain a permanent start on the pitch, this has fortunately not deterred her. Luckily at both club level and internationally, Telford has always been nipping at the heels of the number one. Carly Telford is first and foremost a finely crafted shot stopper. Unafraid to come off of her line and to impose herself on a threatening play, Telford makes some big saves. Having an eye for an incoming play is all well and good, but unless keepers are able to react with the appropriate urgency, this becomes somewhat obsolete. Fortunately, Telford is more than proficient in both. With quick thinking, and equally as quick hands and feet, Telford is more often than not, quite literally, on the ball. Charlotte Stacey With a no-nonsense approach between the posts, her resolute attitude on the pitch has seen her prove time and time again, she is a player you want in your squad. Her ability to read a game in its entirety, as well as her acute attentiveness to remain switched on even when she is perhaps a little redundant, has meant she has withstood the test of time. Whether it is her wealth of experience or her infectious optimism, there is no denying that Telford has a quality that has kept her around. When it comes to distribution, Telford is skilled. She is more than capable in making the appropriate decision. Whether it is quickly initiating a counter attack, or taking her time to slow the pace in an attempt to establish possession, Telford is confident in her choice. When pushing forward, Telford is able to direct long balls with accuracy, and completes short passes with clear communication in how she wishes to orchestrate her team. Patiently having had to wait until last year’s World Cup to play her first minutes in a major tournament will have no doubt caused Telford times of disappointment and frustration. However, with her display at the recent SheBelieves Cup, it was certainly worth the wait. In moments of panic Telford did not bow down to intimidation and remained unnerved when advanced upon. In fact, Telford positively remained one of the calmest players throughout. Her experienced voice of reason serving as a comfort for teammates and supporters alike. Her performance in front of the net almost faultless, noting that without Telford, the Lionesses score line could have read very differently. Tried and tested, Telford is a player that can be relied upon to get you out of trouble. But more than that, both on and off the pitch, Telford’s drive to proceed with resilience and determination in the face of uncertainty is admirable. It is this perseverance that has seen her edge ever closer to her goal, and when the time has called, she has certainly risen to the occasion. Thankfully, Telford’s patience has finally paid off. With those safe hands and mighty saves speaking for themselves, all that’s left to say is; CT, she’s a keeper.

Ground Guide London City Lionesses By Paul Donegan This ground guide is based on two visits to Princes Park to watch London City Lionesses play Crystal Palace on 5th September and West Ham on 13th October 2021. As I found with my two visits, things can be slightly different when visiting a ground on different occasions. Address Darenth Rd, Dartford, DA1 1RT Location and Ground History Dartford is on the Kent/London border and probably most famous for the crossings over/under the River Thames. Princes Park opened in 2006 as the new home of Dartford FC and can hold around 4,000 people with just over 600 seats. The stadium has been described as being one of the most ecological ever built with solar panels on the roof, rain water is collected and low energy lighting is used amongst other things. Greenwich Borough, Thamesmead Town and Millwall Lionesses have also played at the ground. London City Lionesses have played at Princes Park since they were formed in 2019 as an independent breakaway club from Millwall Lionesses. Getting There Dartford station is served by trains from London (London Bridge, Charing Cross and Victoria stations). Thameslink trains also serve Dartford which go through London and up to Luton. Trains going the other way head into Kent. Oyster cards can be used at Dartford station. It took about 20 minutes to walk from the station to the ground. If driving, the ground is just off the A282 which forms part of the M25 in that section (not sure why that part is an A road) and there is a big car park at the ground which is free to use. The B Fastrack bus goes from near the station/town centre and passes along Princes Road (Brooklands Lake stop) near the ground. Tickets Tickets are only available to buy online (as far as I am aware) for London City Lionesses home matches from the link below and they are available to buy right up until kick off time if available. It cost me £8 and the ticket came as an attachment on the confirmation email. Buy Tickets https://www.londoncitylionesses.com/tickets The Stadium On my two visits, there have different ways to enter the stadium. For the Palace match it was through an exit gate at the far end of the main stand near the bar and burger bar whilst for the West Ham match it was through an exit gate at the other end of the main stand, by the car park as you approach the stadium. Both times, I showed my ticket just inside the gate. Once inside the ground, it is fully covered with terracing along one side and behind both goals and unreserved seating on the main stand side. There is a walkway all the way around the ground at the top of the terracing/seats (can’t get all the way around though as there is scaffolding up for cameras above the tunnel blocking the way) and there are toilets at either end of the ground off this. On the side opposite the main stand, there is the oak man sculpture which is something a bit different inside a football ground. There was a scoreboard in one corner of the ground but this had disappeared on my second visit. Food and Drink There was no food and drink available inside the ground on either visit. Outside, at the far end of the main stand there is Champions Bar and a burger bar across that. You can go out during the match if you want to get food and drink. Dartford town centre is about 15 minutes walk away if you want something different. Merchandise On the website it does say that merchandise is available to buy at the ground on match days but I didn’t see any on both my visits. If you do want some it might be best to ask when there. The programme is online only and available from the link below or a link is posted on London City Lionesses Twitter page on the day of the match.

Team Information: Everton Everton Website https://www.evertonfc.com/teams/ladies Manager Jean-Luc Vasseur - FRA Captain Lucy Graham Squad Everton Badge Square Gabby George Photographer: Girls on the Ball Everton Celebrate Photographer: Girls on the Ball Everton Badge Square 1/8 Player Position Number Nationality DOB Sandy MacIver GK 1 ENG 18/06/1998 Courtney Brosnan GK 18 IRL 10/11/1995 Danielle Turner DF 3 ENG 10/09/1991 Nathalie Bjorn DF 5 SWE 16/10/2002 Gabrielle George DF 6 ENG 02/02/1997 Megan Finnigan DF 20 ENG 30/04/1998 Leonie Maier DF 21 GER 29/09/1992 Rikke Sevecke DF 22 DEN 15/06/1996 Poppy Pattinson DF 30 ENG 30/04/2000 Kenza Dali MF 7 FRA 31/07/1991 Izzy Christiansen MF 8 ENG 20/09/1991 Lucy Graham MF 17 SCO 10/10/1996 Aurora Galli MF 22 ITA 13/12/1996 Hanna Bennison MF 28 SWE 16/10/2002 Grace Clinton MF 26 ENG 31/03/2003 Toni Duggan FW 9 ENG 25/07/1991 Simone Magill FW 10 NIR 01/11/1994 Claire Emslie FW 11 SCO 08/03/1994 Nicoline Sorensen FW 14 DEN 15/08/1997 Valerie Gauvin FW 13 FRA 01/06/1996 Anna Anvegard FW 19 SWE 10/05/1997 Elise Hughes (on loan to Blackburn Rovers) FW - WAL 15/04/2001 Ground Walton Hall Park, Liverpool L4 9XP

Chelsea edge past gritty Spurs to take tense title race to the final day Back Match Report Down to the wire - the WSL title is taken to the final day Chelsea edge past gritty Spurs to take tense title race to the final day Chelsea FC Women 15 May 2024 By Finley Chung Chelsea edge past gritty Spurs to take tense title race to the final day. Chelsea will go into the final day of the Women’s Super League season level on points but crucially, two goals ahead of Manchester City at the top of the WSL table after a 1-0 win over a dogged Spurs side in East London. Maika Hamano slid home the only goal of the game seven minutes before half time, tapping in a teasing Guro Reiten cross to leave Chelsea in pole position in the most tense of WSL title races. Robert Vilahamn hfs yo maske one injury enforced change, with Becky Spencer dripping out in place of Barbora Votikova in goal, with Celin Bizet making her way into the starting XI, in place of Martha Thomas. For Chelsea and Emma Hayes, Ashley Lawerence, Cat Macario and Melanie Leupolz came into the side for three changes from the side that battered Bristol City 8-0 a fortnight ago, with Eve Perriset, Sophie Ingle and Sjoeke Nusken dropping to the bench. In the balmy East London sunshine, Emma Hayes’ final game in London got underway with Tottenham getting us off to a start in East London. The first effort of the game came from Catarina Macario, who jinked her way past two Spurs challenges before firing a low effort with Votikova held with ease in the Spurs goal, The Blues worked another opportunity brilliantly, with Guro Reiten getting ion behind Ashleigh Neville and cutting the ball back to Erin Cuthbert, who’s effort went straight at Barbora Votikova. Che;sea were having the better of the opening exchanges, with Maika Hamano hitting an effort this time which appeared to strike the arm of the desperate Spurs defender, but referee Emily Heaslip remained unmoved. Spurs were looking to use Jess Naz’s pace in-between Ashley Lawerence and Millie Bright, being found by a beautiful reverse Beth England ball, but the fourth official’s flag brought an end to that particular attack. Chelsea’s first big clear cut chance was one that should’ve found the back of the net, coming down the left flank again, neat interplay between Reiten and Niamh Charles saw the latter pick the onrushing Hamano out at the far post who’s diving header flew over the bar. Jess Naz robbed Sophie Ingle in possession for Tottenham’s first effort, Celin Bizet made a very clever run which maybe was a better option than the left footed strike that Naz went for, which harmlessly flew into the arms of Zecira Musovic. Erin Cuthbert was next to try her luck with a rasping drive, which Votikova spilled but managed to gather at the second attempt. Grace Clinton then spun perfectly in the Spurs midfield and strode toward the Chelsea goal, before firing an effort well off target. Votikova had to be at her best to beat away a fierce Macario effort as Chelsea started to up the ante with ten minutes left of the first half, with Neville doing well to snuff Reiten out on the rebound. Chelsea finally got the breakthrough they deserved with nine minutes left of the half, again it was down their left with Reiten leaving Neville in her wake before fizzing a delicious ball across the box which was begging for a tap in, which Hamano obliged, sliding in at there far post to give the Blues the lead with her second goal for the club. The introduction of added time was delayed due to Amanda Nilden being stretchered off following a prolonged period of treatment, leading to Charli Grant being Brough on in her place. Jess Naz flashed a chance across the box in added time, but Chelsea held out and went into the break with a goal cushion. HT - Spurs 0-1 Chelsea The Blues got the second half underway, with the visitors being backed by a very vocal South stand here at Brisbane Road. Naz won the ball high up again and this time opted to find Bizet, who never quite got enough room to get a shot off against Nathalie Bjorn and Chelsea were able to clear for a corner. It was a sustained period of Spurs pressure which saw the hosts win three corners in quick succession, they finally made use out of the third one, with the ball bobbling around amidst some desperate Chelsea defending, James-Turner and Neville both went for the same ball in the Chelsea box, with the effort somehow being scooped over the bar than into the back of the net. Chelsea’s first chance came down, yep you guessed it, the left hand side as Charles got in this time with the Spurs defence able to scramble clear. Hamano was also appearing to have a field day down the right, skinning Charli Grant before cutting it back to Aggie Beever-Jones whoi;’s clever back heel flick went just wide,. Some incredible skill by Celin Bizet to leave Charles in her wake led to Spurs opening up another chance, but the ball across was cut out by Bjorn. Martha Thomas and Matilda Vinberg replaced Jess Naz and Martha Thomas. Evelina Summanen’s out swinging corner was then well met by Luana Buhler, but her header was an easy catch for Zecira Musovic. Chelsea then rolled their dice, with Jess Carter, Sjoeke Nusken and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd replaced Ashley Lawerence, goalscorer Maika Hamano and Catarina Macario. A messy sequence of playing allowed Kaneryd her first chance since coming on, with Grant slicing two clearances but then shared her relief with the Spurs faithful as Kaneryd’s miscued effort rolled wide. Beever-Jones was then tee’d up from the left side but her header lacked any real conviction to trouble Votikova in the Spurs goal. Fran Kirby and Lauren James were then introduced in place of Guro Reiten and Aggie Beever-Jones as a tense hush descended over Brisbane Road with Drew Spence being withdrawn in place of Kit Graham heading into the final ten minutes. Ticking into the final five minutes, Clinton found herself in space and robbed Chelsea before lashing a shot just over when Vinberg could’ve been slipped in down the right, which rather summed up Tottenham’s evening infront of goal. Amid a nervous and tense atmosphere, Chelsea ground out the most precious of three points in Emma Hayes’ final London Derby, ensuring they go top, by two goals ahead of the most fascinating and thrilling final day the WSL has ever scene. FT Spurs 0-1 Chelsea Goal: Maika Hamano 37’

Chelsea's Millie Bright and Aggie Beever-Jones look forward to England's upcoming matches against France Playing alongside England idols is "what dreams are made of!" says Beever-Jones Back Chelsea's Millie Bright and Aggie Beever-Jones look forward to England's upcoming matches against France Lionesses Thursday, 30 May 2024 By Aimee Logan A first full day in the camp for the Lionesses began with a training session out in the rain. All called up players were out on the field to be a part of the full training session ahead of their double header, this camp, against France both home and away. The teams haven’t faced each other since a friendly back in 2021 where France sealed a 3-1 victory. The typical English weather couldn’t stop the squad getting stuck into the training session. First onto the field was Beth Mead and Millie Bright who were evidently eager to get started with day two of camp. Bright returns to the England roster after her long-time out with a knee injury: she hasn’t been in a Lionesses camp since October last year. Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh have had to switch from the sunny Spain to the miserable England weather, but this didn’t dampen their spirits. The pair are on a high after they became back-to-back Champions League winners at the weekend with their club Barcelona. Bright was asked about how significant this was and stated that ‘it’s a massive achievement for both of them.’ She also reflected that ‘they’re too humble’ to still be celebrating the huge achievement at the England camp. Bright praised Bronze for her consistent success in the competition saying that ‘ no matter what team she plays in she always seems to come out a winner’ just because ‘that is her mentality’. With the retirement of Rachel Daly, Bright was missing ‘her right arm’ this camp and now has to find more people to ‘annoy’ now Daly is not with the Lionesses. Bright reflected, though, that the squad is looking to progress and develop as a team. ‘Everyone’s got that mentality to push each other’ she said. Bright hasn’t had the best season with injuries having been out with a knee injury for several months. ‘It’s definitely been the most tasking period for myself’ she reflected, but ultimately ‘that’s football’ the centre-back confirmed. Playing a team twice in quick succession isn’t common in football. Bright spoke about the possible threats that the developing French team have but also reflected that ‘there’s things we (England) can do to put the threats on them’, ‘we don’t go out for anything other than wins.’ There were some new faces in the Lionesses squad. Aggie Beever-Jones earns her first senior call up while Missy Bo Kearns, Jessica Naz and Lucy Thomas have been called up, for the first time, ‘on standby’ in case of any injuries. Beever-Jones’ senior international debut has been discussed all season because of how she has performed, domestically, for Chelsea. Bright and Beever-Jones play with each other at Chelsea and have got to know each other well this season. Bright described the youngster as a ‘great addition to the squad’, ‘super humble’ and a ‘ real good character’ that will help the Lionesses team thrive. Beever-Jones also spoke to the press about the feelings surrounding her first senior call up. She had plenty of praise for club captain Millie Bright, ‘me and Millie get on really well’, ‘she’s always looked after me’, ‘she’s someone who I’ve always looked up to’ and ‘she’s a great person before anything else.’ The young forward was also asked about what it would mean to make her senior debut, ‘ it would be a pinch me moment’, she described. I asked Beever-Jones about what it would be like to play with some of the people she has idolised growing up, ‘its what dreams are made of!’ She spoke about some new friendships she had gained since being a senior, ‘a ll the girls have been so welcoming, especially Georgia (Stanway).’ ‘ The quality in Europe is unmatched’ but because of ‘the quality in the team’, Beever-Jones knows that England can push to be the best in Europe once more. She constantly praised her new teammates, ‘every single one of these players is world-class’ and ultimately reflected that she is ‘ delighted to be here’ as it is something she ‘always knew (she) was capable of.’ The Lionesses are taking international football back up north to Carrow Road for their first game against France. Aggie Beever-Jones told the media that the team ‘want it to be sold out’ so that the fans can get behind the Lionesses on their Euros campaign.

Information on every team that competes in the Barclays Women's Championship, the second tier of women's football in England. Barclays Women's Championship The Women's Championship (WC) is the second division of women's football in England. It consists of twelve teams with one spot for promotion and relegation each season. Click on the badges below to find out more about each team.

Ground Guide Watford By Paul Donegan This ground guide for the Orbital Fasteners Stadium is from when I went and watched Watford play their first match of the season there (previous ones played at Vicarage Road) against Sunderland on 14th November 2021 in the FA Women’s Championship. Normal warning that things might be different from this if you decide to visit there to watch a match. Address Kings Langley, WD4 8JE Location and Ground History Kings Langley is in Hertfordshire, near junction 20 of the M25 (then up the A4251 and through the village if driving and coming from that way). It is about 20 miles north west of central London, about 5 miles north of Watford and 3 miles south of Hemel Hempstead. The ground opened in 1997 when Kings Langley FC moved there and it has a capacity of 1,900. Watford have played at Kings Langley since 2017. Getting There The closest station to the ground is Apsley which is about a 20 minute walk away whilst Kings Langley station is about 30 minutes walk in the other direction and going through the village. Both stops are on the same line which runs between Euston station in London and Milton Keynes on Sundays (stopping at Watford) and there is one train an hour to both stations. The railway line actually passes the ground between the two stations. The 501 bus runs hourly on Sundays (runs between mid morning and early evening) and passes the ground (Coniston Road stop). It runs between Watford and Aylesbury. The car park at the ground is not available for the public to park in on matchdays so it is either using car parks in the village (10/15 minute walk away) or street parking near the ground. If walking from the stations or village, there is only a pavement on one side of the road at certain points so the walk may involve a bit of crossing over the road (including at near the ground where the pavement is on the opposite side). Tickets Tickets are available to buy online up until 5pm on the Friday before a Sunday match. You do need to do the ‘normal’ creating an account with the club if you haven’t bought tickets from them before. The ticket comes as an attachment on the confirmation email which I printed off and showed at the ground. Tickets are also available to buy on the day of the match from inside the clubhouse at Kings Langley (at a table near the entrance) and these cost the same as if bought online. Cash or card payment is accepted. Buy Tickets https://tickets.watfordfc.com/en-GB/categories/home-tickets The Stadium The turnstiles and clubhouse/dressing rooms are in a corner of the ground, straight in front of you as you go in off the road. I went in through the bar and down some steps and showed my ticket to a steward there. On one side of the ground, there is some uncovered terracing with a covered seated stand (all seats are unreserved) further along. With some scaffolding poles holding up the roof along the front as well as people walking past, there can by an obscured view of the pitch. The end to the right of this side (entrance end) is uncovered flat standing whilst at the other end, there is a small covered seated stand behind the goal with the rest of the end being uncovered flat standing. The opposite side has some covered terracing in the middle with the dugouts either side of this though this side was not open to the public as it was part of the red zone. The camera position is on the roof above the terracing. There are toilets near the turnstiles and in the bar. This is a ground/clubs that are very welcoming for you to take dogs (as long as kept on leads) along with some bowls of water and biscuits left for them near the entrance. Food and Drink There is a burger van inside the ground near the entrance. Not a big choice of food with burgers/cheeseburgers costing £3.50 and hot dogs £3. Hot drinks cost £1 and cold drinks £1.50. Not the biggest bar either but there is some outdoor seating available. Alcohol is not allowed to be taken into the actual ground. Cash and card are accepted in the bar and at the burger van. There is a pub between the ground and Apsley station and in Kings Langley village, there are a some shops, cafes, takeaways, pubs etc. Merchandise I didn’t notice any Watford merchandise available to buy at the ground (I might have missed it though) but paper programmes are available to buy from inside the clubhouse (same place as where you buy tickets) which cost £3 and again you can pay by cash or card. The programme has 44 pages and probably the best I have seen at any WSL/Championship club this season so far.

Mia Fishel and Lauren James earn the Blues their first three points of the season in 2-1 win over Spurs Back Match Report Chelsea delight at Stamford Bridge in WSL opener Mia Fishel and Lauren James earn the Blues their first three points of the season in 2-1 win over Spurs Chelsea FC Women 1 October 2023 By Finley Chung A dream debut for Mia Fishel as goals from the Chelsea number 2 and Lauren James saw The Blues start their WSL title defence with a win. Martha Thomas pulled one back for Spurs in the last quarter of an hour, but despite a encouraging performance from Robert Vilahamn’s side on his WSL managerial bow, Both Sjoeke Nusken and Mia Fishel were handed their first Chelsea starts for the club following their respective moves from Eintracht Frankfurt and Tigers UNAL. Ashley Lawerence was named on the bench for the first time in Chelsea blue, with Annie Nouwen back on the Chelsea bench, following her loan last season to AC Millan. New Spurs manager, Robert Vilahamn named Grace Clinton, Martha Thomas, Olga Ahtinen and Luana Buhler, four new signings in his starting eleven, goalkeeper Barbora Votikova named amongst the substitutes. After an impeccable minutes silence observed by all inside Stamford Bridge in memory of Maddy Cusack, Drew Spence got the game underway for Spurs. It was the visitors who had the first foray forward as Celin Bizet got in down the right hand side, but her cross was superbly seen behind by Jess Carter. Robert Vilahamn’s philosophy was clear to see early on, he had Spurs looking to play their way out of any situation early on, but it was Chelsea who had the first shot of the match, with Lauren James’ daisy cutter well kept out by Becky Spencer in the Spurs goal. From the resulting corner, Molly Bartrip was well placed on the line, to ensure Jess Carter’s header didn’t give the hosts an early lead. Spurs were keeping the ball well and summer signing from Manchester United, Martha Thomas went close, finding a gap in-between Millie Bright and Carter after a brilliant ball through from Drew Spence. The very next Chelsea attack saw a brilliant curling effort from Lauren James graze the top of the bar. A crucial intervention from Sophie Ingle was then required as Evelina Summanen looked to find Martha Thomas after a mix up at the back from Chelsea, but the Blues Number 5 got back to spare her teams blushes. Another flowing Spurs move starting with Spencer in goal, floating the ball out to Spence who then slid it wide for Bizet but the latter’s ball was a poor one when trying to find Thomas and allowed Zecira Musovic to come and collect well in the Chelsea goal. Chelsea showed their threat from set pieces around 23 minutes in, but Guro Reiten’s corner was met by Sjoeke Nusken, but her effort was straight at Spencer in the Spurs goal. The Blues showed their clinical edge on the 27th minute, with Mia Fishel, the Chelsea fan from childhood, getting infrtont of Luana Buhler to nod the ball home, past the despairing Spencer and put the reigning champions ahead. The goal owed so much to Niamh Charles, breezing past Celin Bizet a bit too easily for Spurs’ liking in the build up to the goal. Spurs looked for the instant reply as Olga Ahtimen found fellow new signing Martha Thomas who drove inside on her right foot, but the Scot’s effort lacked any real power and was an easy take for Musovic. Charles and Reitien were causing Spurs all sorts of problems down the left hand side, constantly looking to combine and cause habit at every opportunity and it was their neat work, which brought about a corner that ended up with Maren Mjelde’s low effort being straight at Becky Spencer. Chelsea were purring and Lauren James displayed great skill to breeze past her marker advancing into the box, but her low left footed drive arrowed a few yards wide of Spencer’s left hand post. Spurs and particularly Martha Thomas were desperately unlucky not to level the scores in first half added time, first being denied by Musovic who spread herself well at the feet of the Scottish international, who’s leader was then cleared off the line by Millie Bright in the last action off a gripping first half in West London. Half Time - Chelsea 1-0 Spurs The hosts had the first chance of the second half and predictably it came down their left side, but Niamh Charles’ low effort was well held by Spencer. They went close again two minutes later, with yet another Lauren James curler beating Spencer, but crashing down off the underside of the bar and away, with Spencer being called into action again to deny Chelsea, but Spurs just couldn’t clear their lines and a lovely ball into the middle found Lauren James who made no mistake, sliding the ball home to double Chelsea’s lead. Moments before, Guro Reiten’s effort looked to have crossed the line, but wasn’t given, however Chelsea’s number 10 made no mistake to make Spurs pay. Spurs must’ve been ruing their luck as to how they hadn’t scored, as Grace Clinton saw her curling effort superbly kept out by Musovic in goal, before Ashleigh Neville was again denied by the Swede in goal. The attacks kept coming as Chelsea motored up the other end and Lauren James was denied another goal by the strong hands of Spencer in Spurs’ goal. Fran Kirby was then brought on to a hero’s reception at Stamford Bridge after a torrid, Injury ridden campaign last term in place of Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, with the impressive Sjoeke Nusken also being withdrawn after a solid debut in Chelsea blue, being replaced by Melanie Leopolz. Vilahamn made his first role of the dice, bringing off former Chelsea player Drew Spence and Olga Ahtinen for Asmita Ale and Jess Naz. Naz had a brilliant impact latching onto a loose Chelsea ball , with her centre finding Martha Thomas, who somehow hasn’t opened her Spurs account today, as her effort sailed high and wide of Musovic’s right hand post. Celin Bizet’s solid shift came to a close on the 71st minute, as she was replaced by Moroccan international Rosella Ayanne. With 15 minutes to go, Spurs finally got their reward for their huffing and puffing, Grace Clinton’s shot wasn’t held by Musovic and Martha Thomas finally managed to smuggle the ball over the line to halve the deficit and bring about a nervous air amongst the home fans at Stamford Bridge. In the immediate aftermath of the goal, Ashley Lawerence was introduced for her Chelsea debut, along with Jessie Fleming, replacing goalscorer Lauren James and Guro Reiten respectively. Jess Naz once again made an impact down the left, after a low ball found her free at the back post, but her low curling effort was well saved by Musovic. Jelena Cankovic was then brought on to add some steel and bite in the middle of the park for Chelsea in the games last knockings, replacing Maren Mjelde. Chelsea almost crowned it off in fantastic Chelsea style, with Melanie Leopolz volleying a Fran Kirby cross goanward, but her effort grazed the Spurs crossbar. The blues thought they had wrapped the game up when Cankovic prodded the ball past Spencer, but her effort was chalked off by the assistant referee’s flag, putting the game back in the melting pot. As seven added minutes went up at the end of the second half, Spurs brought off Grace Clinton for Kit Graham and you could feel the tension around The Bridge with the cushion only being one goal. But the reigning champions got their title defence off to a winning start, seeing out added time and sealing the three points in a 2-1 win over Spurs. Full Time - Chelsea 2-1 Spurs Goalscorers; Chelsea - Fishel 28’, James 51’ Spurs - Thomas 76’

Lewes took on Crystal Palace at The Dripping Pan on Sunday afternoon in the FA Women’s Championship. Back Match Report FAWC: Lewes v Crystal Palace Lewes took on Crystal Palace at The Dripping Pan on Sunday afternoon in the FA Women’s Championship. Paul Donegan 15 March 2022 By Paul Donegan Crystal Palace had the first chance when Bianca Baptiste run through but Lewes goalkeeper Tatiana Saunders rushed out to block with her legs with the rebound falling to Siobhan Wilson who sent a chipped effort towards goal which was headed clear. In the 7th minute, Lewes had their first chance when a lovely cross field ball found Paula Howells and her low cross was just put behind by Palace’s Aimee Everett. Palace hit the post in the 14th minute when Baptiste chipped the goalkeeper but saw her effort come back off the woodwork and go behind. Lewes then created a number of opportunities with Amelia Hazard being unable to get her head on Howells cross and Georgia Timms having a shot blocked and the rebound being put well over by Izzy Dalton. Dalton went closer in the 20th minute when she sent an effort towards goal from halfway inside the half that just went wide. Wilson saw her shot from an angle held by the Lewes goalie in the 21st minute as both sides continued to look for the first goal. Two minutes later, Lucy Porter hit the post for Lewes but the assistant already had her flag up for offside. Lewes then had another chance minutes later when Ellie Mason saw her header go just wide via a slight touch off a Palace defender. Palace had the next attempt when Coral Haines saw her shot from just inside the area deflected narrowly wide. Palace had a few more half chances before the break as well as having Charley Clifford and Wilson booked late in the half. Somehow, it was 0-0 at half time. Lewes started the second half on the front foot with Timms having her low shot saved by Emily Orman in the 47th minute. Two minutes later they took the lead when Lucy Porter took a lovely touch to control the ball just outside the area and put the ball into the corner of the net with the outside of her boot. Lewes continued to press with Timms seeing an effort from a corner deflected into Orman’s hands in the 52nd minute. Lucy Ashworth-Clifford put in a dangerous cross that no one could get on the end of and Howells put a shot from distance wide as they dominated the early stages of the second half. Lewes did score a second in the 57th minute when a Howells cross was only cleared as far as Izzy Dalton whose low shot found the back of the net from about 12 yards out. Lewes went looking for a third with Ellie Hack heading wide and Ashworth-Clifford and Howells both shooting well over. Palace were reduced to 10 players in the 70th minute when Siobhan Wilson received a second yellow card after committing a late foul. They actually had their first chance of the second half after that when Baptiste sent a shot over from outside the area. In the 81st minute, it was Lewes who had the next opportunity when Porter’s cross went right across the penalty area to Rebecca McKenna who shot just wide. Both Ashworth-Clifford and Dalton saw shots blocked in quick succession in the 8 rd minute. As the match reached the 90 minute mark, they broke quickly and Heidi Logan hit the post with the ball bouncing away. Some good defending by Lewes restricted Palace to half chances at best in the latter stages of the game. Freda Ayisi had two attempts in added time for Lewes when she had a shot saved and then saw an effort deflected onto the crossbar. An impressive second half from Lewes saw them take the three points and continue their fairly good home form this season. Teams Lewes: Saunders, McKenna, Hack, Mason, O’Rourke, Hazard (Cross 78’), Dalton, Ashworth-Clifford (Longhurst 89’), Howells (Logan 78’), Porter (Ayisi 84’), Timms (Noble 84’) Unused Substitutes: Salgado, Cousins, Cordier, Hartley Goals – Porter 49’, Dalton 57’ Crystal Palace: Orman, Johnson, Waldie, Pearse, Clifford (Barton 60’), Everett, McLean (Sibley 84’), Haines (Hennessy 84’), Wilson, Baptiste, Farrow (Sharpe 60’) Unused Substitute: Smith Booked – Clifford, Wilson Sent Off – Wilson 70’ (Second booking) Referee – Jack Packman Attendance - 465

Australia put on cohesive display to beat highly-ranked England 2-0 ahead of the World Cup Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses taste first defeat as their 30-game unbeaten run comes to an end Back Australia put on cohesive display to beat highly-ranked England 2-0 ahead of the World Cup Lionesses Tuesday, 11 April 2023 By Charlotte Stacey Sam Kerr was the was the first to hit the net after some poor decision making from England captain Leah Williamson allowed the Australian marvel to lob the loose ball over the top of a somewhat late on-rushing Mary Earps. Williamson’s individual slip-up, whilst she will no doubt be disappointed, was not the sole reason the European Champions went on to lose. Across this international break, bar a passable first half against Brazil in the Finalissima, England have simply looked out of sorts. There has been plenty of change within the England squad since their historic win of last July. A mix of injuries, retirements, and the introduction of younger talent, has meant that the Lionesses of April 2023 are a different side to that of July 2022, such is the tide of international football. Amongst this rotation however, prior to last night, the Lionesses had not lost a game since September 2021 and had not conceded more than one goal per game. Such an illustrious run of form is remarkable, there is no denying that. It is an achievement few can tie their name too, one that has drawn the attention of the masses and has ranked England as a favourite for the upcoming World Cup - the only trouble is, it cannot last forever. Hidden have been the cracks that are compromising the foundation. In fact, so delicate had some of these joints become, all it took was a little pressure to send them tumbling. England’s left side, for some time now, has been a weak area. Manchester City’s Demi Stokes was the Lionesses last 'trade' left sided fullback, yet striker Rachel Daly was favoured by Wiegman to take on the role. Since Ellen White’s retirement, Daly has played upfront meaning the fullback role is essentially up for grabs. For the last two matches Chelsea’s Jess Carter has occupied the position - and it must be noted, Carter played it very well - but it is an area that is consistently targeted by oppositions. Wiegman’s selection for this camp (and previous camps) does not contain a defender that regularly plays as a leftback. Left-footed Alex Greenwood would perhaps be favoured by supporters, however has been stationed as a centre half domestically now for quite some time. Everton’s Gabby George, Aston Villa’s Maz Pacheco, or even Manchester United’s Hannah Blundell, all regular fullbacks for their respective clubs, perhaps could have been called-up to gain further international experience, but it seems Wiegman is content with her choice of ad-hoc fullbacks for now. Just as pressing as the fullback conundrum is that of the centre-back pairing. The is a strong argument to be had that the most notable absence in the Lionesses camp of late is that of Millie Bright. Without the Chelsea leader, England just feel that little bit more exposed. The Bright-Williamson pairing works largely because each is able to execute their skillset whilst relying on the other to cover the weaker elements of their game. Williamson is a progressor, Bright is a holder. Williamson thrives with a more physical presence protecting the space left behind as she steps out, which is why Lotte Wubben-Moy or Jess Carter might have been a more favourable choice for this particular meeting with Sam Kerr. Where Australia and indeed Brazil offered pressure upfront, England offered very little in the way of creativity or clear-cut chances despite having the majority of possession on both occasions. Part of this is down to oppositions clamping down on midfield marvel Keira Walsh and nullifying her passing options as well as limiting her time on the ball. Yet the issue also lies further upfield. England have plenty of the ball, their passing network is an image of beauty, and typically, they are able to advance into superior positions, yet little is done when it comes to finding that final product. A definitive lack of creativity has crept upon the Lionesses as writers block renders an author wordless. The deliveries are good, the positioning is good, but missing is that little piece of innovation that will open the door. Ella Toone has done a decent job of finding her feet in the number 10 role and demonstrates a growing influence in build-up play. However, although Toone and fellow Manchester United teammate Alessia Russo start together for club, when the duo line-up for country the workings do not seem to have quite the same effect. The question could be posed as to whether Alessia Russo’s impact is more significant as an “end of game” player as opposed to a starter. Further to this, with the leftback position still an ominous one, and the very real prospect of Daly settling back there at any given moment, England could do with a traditional off-the-shoulder box-roamer, much like that of Spurs striker Bethany England. It is a tall order to reach 30 games unbeaten and an even taller one to even contemplate carrying this through another major tournament. A loss at this moment might seem cruel, might hurt the players it has pulled the rug from under, but it is, in actuality, a blessing in disguise. Losing is not the end, quite the opposite - it is the beginning. Wiegman will not make wholesale squad changes ahead of the World Cup, nor does she need to. Right now, England's cards are laid bare and pinpointed have been the improvements that need to be made, the relationships that need to be strengthened and the tactical nuances that need tweaking. This defeat must be viewed as a gift that arrived at precisely the right time, and nothing else.

Ground Guide Chelsea By Paul Donegan This guide is based on two visits to Kingsmeadow to watch Chelsea play Brighton on Saturday 2nd October and Wolfsburg on Wednesday 6th October 2021. As normal with these guides, things might be different from this if you decide to visit Kingsmeadow to watch a match. Also, I have never sat at the north end (maybe will need to do that at some point and then update this) so not sure what facilities are available there once you go through the turnstiles. Address Kingsmeadow, Kingston Rd, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 3PB Location and Ground History Kingsmeadow is located in Kingston upon Thames in South West London. The River Thames flows through the town and the main A3 road passes close by. Kingsmeadow opened in 1989 as the new home for non-league side Kingstonian. AFC Wimbledon started sharing the ground with them when they were formed in 2002 and took ownership of the ground a year later. Chelsea purchased the ground in 2016/17 with the women’s side playing there since 2017 (Kingstonian moved out at this point) and youth sides joining them in 2020 after AFC Wimbledon moved to their new stadium. The two ends were built and the main stand extended during AFC Wimbledon’s time there and the ground has had a slight redevelopment (new food kiosk, bar entrance, ticket office) since Chelsea became the only side to play there. Getting There The closest station is Norbiton which is about a 15 minute walk from the ground. Trains go there from Waterloo station in London via Vauxhall, Clapham Junction and Wimbledon. Going the other way they pass through Kingston and either go to Shepperton or back to Waterloo a longer way via Twickenham and Richmond. Surbiton, Kingston and New Malden stations are also close by. The 131 bus goes along Kingston Road which runs past the ground and these buses go to Kingston one way and to Raynes Park, Wimbledon and Tooting the other. Kingston town centre is about a 20/25 minute walk from the ground. There is a car park at the ground and parking is free until it is full then it would probably have to be street parking. Tickets For both the matches I went to, I bought tickets online and printed the attached ticket on the email off (got these a few hours/days after booking the tickets and getting confirmation email). For the Brighton match, I only had the option of standing tickets at the south end which cost £9 but for the Wolfsburg match, I also had the option of seats in the west and north stands as well and these cost £10. There is a ticket office at the ground (located on the corner of the west and north stands, next to the merchandise kiosk) which opens 90 minutes before kick off. You can buy tickets on the day from there if they are available and the person I spoke to there said they are the same prices as above. The stadium is cashless so need to pay by card for tickets, food/drink, programme etc. Buy Tickets https://www.chelseafc.com/en/tickets---membership/buy-tickets?pageTab=WOMEN%27S%20FIXTURES The Stadium The north and west stands at Kingsmeadow are covered seated stands whilst the south end is a covered terrace. The east side of the ground is also a terrace and covered for most of its length but this side isn’t normally open. The east side has the camera gantry on top of it, the dugouts in front and there is also a scoreboard on this side. There are some places for disabled people in the south west corner near the entrance. The capacity of the ground is 4,850. The turnstiles for the north end are in front of you as you approach the ground whilst the turnstiles for the other 3 stands are at the far end of the main stand/car park. They open 90 minutes before kick off. When I went, I had to show proof I was double vaccinated or had a negative Covid test and think this is a requirement for everyone to prove at the moment before entering the ground. There is also a quick bag search before going in (had to give in the lid from my plastic water bottle for the Wolfsburg match but not the Brighton one). For the west and south stands, there are toilets between these stands near the turnstiles. Food and Drink There are two food kiosks available for the west and south stands. One is at the end of the south stand in the corner with the east side (not open for the Wolfsburg match) and the other is near the entrance/toilets between the south and west stands. The south west area of the ground can get a bit congested with queues for the food kiosk and toilets. See pictures below for what is available to eat/drink and prices. There is an entrance into the bar between the food kiosk and the west stand. Outside of the ground, there are a few takeaways/shops along Kingston Road but if you want pubs/restaurants then Kingston town centre is probably the best place to go. Merchandise As you approach the ground, between the north stand turnstile and the ticket office, there is a merchandise kiosk where you can buy shirts, scarfs, hats, pens, key rings and much more. A programme is available to buy on the day and these were being sold from near the turnstiles to the south and west stands for the Brighton match and on the approach to the ground, near the north stand turnstiles, for the Wolfsburg match.

Fara Williams MBE Williams: 20 years and counting Legendary Lionesses: Fara Williams Williams Back 3 June 2021 By Charlotte Stacey Williams: 20 years and counting Matthew Lewis England centurion and true pioneer of women’s football Fara Williams has played her last game of professional football, closing the book on her illustrious 20-year pitch side career. You would not have to delve far into the world of women’s football before the name Fara Williams would crop up. The 37-year-old has been a staple figure of the game long before the audiences, sponsorships and broadcasting deals of today caught up. Career flutterings began at the age of twelve with Chelsea, the team she grew up supporting. Williams impressed at the Blues’ trials despite arriving hours late due to a calamity with bus numbers. From there, professionally, things began to pick up. Williams remained at Chelsea until 2001, playing for the first team for one year before she signed for Charlton Athletic. At the time Charlton was a big player in the women’s league, well regarded as one of the most fruitful teams to play for. Williams completed a three-year spell with the Addicks, yet missed out on their eventual consecutive FA Cup victories after making the move to Everton, under coach Mo Marley, in 2004. As with her previous stints, Williams’ time with the Toffees was another tale of brilliance. Very quickly Williams certified herself an essential figure within the squad as confirmed when she was voted as FA Players' Player of the Year in 2009. She also finally managed to chase down that illusive FA Cup whilst at Everton in 2010. From there Williams hopped over to Merseyside adversary Liverpool. A flagship signing for the club and their bid to rival North London titans Arsenal’s supremacy. Indeed, not only did Liverpool rival the Gunners, they reigned victorious, winning back-to-back league titles in 2013 and 2014. Success was short lived however as the Reds tumbled to the bottom of the table and Williams herself was out with injury. Moving once again, Williams spent one season with The Arsenal before concluding her story with a four-year term at Reading. The enduring case of Fara Williams was as impressive internationally as it was domestically. The midfielder remained sought after from the moment she wore her first senior England shirt aged 17. Williams would then go on to become England’s most capped player of all time. Not women’s player. Just player. She has racked up a total of 172 caps for her country; she has represented Team GB in the Olympics; she has played in four European Championships and three World Cups. Unfortunately, Williams did not make the cut in the Lionesses’ World Cup campaign before her retirement in what will persist as a controversial judgement by England’s then head coach. Girls on the Ball & Charlotte Stacey When pouring over these achievements one could be rather easily fooled into believing that for Williams it came easy. Yet this could not be further from the truth. Whilst she quite clearly exuded an effortlessly raw footballing talent, life outside of the touchlines was far from easy. Unbeknownst her teammates and coaches, for six years throughout early part of her career, Williams was homeless. Family disagreements and self-confessed ‘stubbornness’ led to Williams’ prolonged period living in and out of hostels. With little physical, emotional or psychological security back then, Williams now openly contemplates this time. Speaking to Oliver Brown at The Telegraph, she reflects, “I probably ended up homeless a little longer than I needed to. When I was first in a hostel, I used to share a room with three other females. My belongings would get stolen, my clothes. That was what troubled me the most. I never had any friendships or relationships there. Inside, I had to remain strong.” It is this inner strength and resolute determination that propelled Williams to such magnitude on the field. It can be rare to find an athlete of profound talent that with the hunger to tune their gift with such fortitude. It is even rarer to find that elevates so finely with age. Williams cites former England coach and current Brighton and Hove coach Hope Powell, and former Everton and England U-21 coach Marley, as two of her greatest influences both professionally and personally. For it was Powell who eventually learned of Williams’ struggles outside of training. Powell who bought her bedding and drove her to a homeless unit in London that night. Setbacks and injuries are part and parcel of an athlete’s course and Williams was no exception to this. After niggling injuries throughout her career, her most concerning medical complaint came very late on. A few months prior to announcing her retirement, Williams revealed that she had been diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney condition that is treated with steroids. The medication Williams was taking resulted in a number of distressing side effects that partly led to her to take the decision to bow out gracefully. As her rather fitting game final game against her beloved Chelsea was upon us, we were served with the opportunity to savour a last glimpse of a twenty-year honed creation. To reflect on a personal evolution that has steadily budded over the years. By her own admission, Williams progressed from “a dribbling creator” to a “creative passer” (Sarah Shephard, The Athletic) alluding to the rawness that was exorcised and the finesse that was expected. Yet here Williams sells herself short. The footballer that stands before us is far more than a creative passer. Williams is intuitively tactical, expertly navigational and a deadly set piece taker. But further than this is her first-hand experience of the sport. Williams has lived through the gradual growth of the women’s game; she has remained an integral figure when leagues and clubs have been uprooted, restructured and reinvented. And as this continues to mature, despite her retirement, it is likely that Williams will remain as such. With media opportunities now broadening, Williams has expressed interest in trying her hand with punditry or commentary. Williams has called for more truthful critiques of the women’s game, specifically with the national team, who, many would agree, are still not up to par. With an honest mentality and personal knowledge of the game, Williams would certainly bring a refreshingly candid take. Yet, an ambition that sits slightly closer is coaching, a role Williams has always seen herself taking on. As she hangs up her boots Williams can proudly look over a job well done and take some deserved time away from the pitch. However, with her proven track record, reciprocal loyalty to football and trademark headstrong approach, one can bet, she won’t be away for too long.