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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.

Stevenage earn a 2-1 win over Luton Town to send them to the top of the table in hard-fought match Back Match Report Stevenage v Luton Town Stevenage earn a 2-1 win over Luton Town to send them to the top of the table in hard-fought match Edward Payne 7 February 2023 By Barry Rust Stevenage FCW returned to the top of the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division with a superb last minute winner against Luton Town. Their opponents have occupied the top spot for most of the season so far and have just one defeat to their name – to FA WNL team – Ipswich Town. That though, was a cup game. Here at the Herts FA County Ground, Stevenage inflicted the first league loss of the campaign so far. The first half saw both sides testing the waters without causing either defence too many issues. It took almost a quarter of an hour to offer a noteworthy chance, as Kelsey Millen sent in a wicked cross from the right that Emily Schofield couldn’t quite convert from close range. As the half hour mark approached an opportunity arose for Stevenage to deliver the first decisive blow. Lucy Webster took over attacking duties and broke through the middle of the park, before being unceremoniously dumped to the floor as she entered the area. Chris Geelan pointed to the spot and entered Hannah Major into the book with a yellow card. In the absence of Amy Makewell, Jodie Bellinger, making her 40 th career appearance for Stevenage, stepped up in the ultimate showdown. Her effort however was matched by Angelica Kopec in goal and the game remained at a stalemate. Borough had one final major opportunity to take the lead before the break after Schofield was brought down at the edge of the area. Shianne Swarres hovered over the ball before delivering a sublime free kick over the wall, but on a collision course with the crossbar. Luton cleared their lines and the scoreline remained level. Immediately upon the restart, Boro started with a spring in their step. Nicole Farmer mimicked Swarres’ earlier effort as she hammered the ball into the bar from a free kick. Down the other end, Stevenage rode their luck as Elizabeth Sanders wandered around Tea Oldroyd only to find her effort blocked on the line by Neal and cleared. The reprieve lasted barely two minutes as Leyah Maddix scored her ninth goal of the season as she latched on to a ball from ex Boro-player Andie Dickens and saw her header roll into the empty net. Stevenage could have been deflated and defeated, but they continued to dig in. Amy Gooderham made her return to action and gave the defence something to worry about. Her best early opportunity came from a great ball from Erin Price, but her initial touch was just too heavy and Kopec had no troubles winning the race. Two minutes ater and Boro’ were level. A free kick from Webster was pushed onto the post by Kopec. The ball rebounded off the woodwork and rolled into the path of Kopec and ex Boro’ defender Tanya Blacksley who was unfortunate to deflect the ball into her own net . Blacksley had made 69 appearances for Stevenage in her career without ever scoring, but the Borough fans were overjoyed. The game continued as it started, a battle with two teams slugging it out to see who would be top of the mountain. Becky Shephard was starting to find some spaces and had set Gooderham up with another opportunity that Kopec was equal to. As the minutes ticked into the additional three minutes that were added on, Boro’ earned a corner. Shephard took the set piece and placed it into the perfect spot for Neal to attack the far post and be first to the ball with a vicious header that sent the home fans and staff into ecstasy. Photo: Edward Payne “I’ll remember that one, I was glad I could contribute with one off the line and that goal!” Neal said afterwards. “I feel like we really fought for the game today.” A nervy minute was played before the final whistle blew and Stevenage celebrated their return to the top of the league with Luton still very much in the hunt for glory thanks to their games in hand. Captain Lucy Webster was “Buzzing” after the game, claiming “Today just showed our standards and nothing is better than beating the team at the top of the table in the last minute of the game.” This was something the manager, Fadi Mazloum, fully agreed with. “It feels good. You could see the fight and determination from the girls today. I always felt we were in it. That’s the standard, week in, week out.” Stevenage XI: Oldroyd, Farmer, Webster (c), Neal, Re, Price, Bodily, Greenwood, Schofield, Millen, Bellinger Subs: Shephard, Makewell, Swarres, Gooderham, White Goals: Blacksley (og), Neal Luton XI: Kopec, Taylor, Wade, Blacksley, Major, McKay, Palmiero, Constable, Dickens, Sanders, Maddix Subs: Payne, Lewis, Hussain, Milton, Wilson Goals: Maddix Booked: Major, McKay, Maddix

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

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

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

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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