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Arsenal hurt Rangers in 6-0 thrashing Back Match Report Foord opens UWCL campaign with a bang Arsenal hurt Rangers in 6-0 thrashing Arsenal WFC 5 September 2024 By Paul Donegan Caitlin Foord scored four goals as Arsenal thrashed Rangers 6-0 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Round 1 Semi-Final on Wednesday evening. Alessia Russo and Kim Little also found the net as the Gunners set up a final against Norwegian side Rosenborg on Saturday evening with the winner progressing to Round 2 of qualifying. Arsenal made a good start in front of a sold-out crowd at Meadow Park and went close to opening scoring in 4th minute when Kathyrn Hill headed a cross wide of her own post. The hosts continued to be the more dominant of the sides without threatening the Rangers goal. The Gunners did take the lead in the 16th minute when Victoria Esson was unable to keep out Foord’s far post header following a cross from debutant Mariona Caldentey. Codina Panedes made a cracking tackle to stop a rare attack from the Scottish Women’s Premier League leaders. Foord almost scored her second in the 29th minute but her close-range effort was saved by Esson before the ball was scrambled clear. Both of the Gunners full-backs, Katie McCabe and Emily Fox, were getting forward and combining well with Caldentey and Foord in attacking wide positions. There were no more chances as Arsenal went in only one goal ahead at the break despite being on top during the first half. Five minutes into the second half, after some nice build up down the right side from the hosts, Frida Maanum couldn’t connect cleanly with a cross and put an effort wide. In the 54th minute, Little saw her shot from inside the area deflected wide off Olivia McLoughlin. Foord scored her and Arsenal’s second goal in the 59th minute when she finished past Esson from 6-yards into the corner of the net. A minute later, Russo made it 3-0 with a shot from inside the area that flew past the Rangers goalkeeper. Around the midpoint of the second half, Russo’s looping header was easily claimed by Esson. Foord completed her hat-trick in the 69th minute with a spectacular finish as she volleyed in McCabe’s cross at the far post. Just after coming onto the pitch, Stina Blackstenius was denied by the visitors goalkeeper from close-range. Esson then stopped McCabe’s shot from 25-yards in the 76th minute as the home side looked for more goals. Blackstenius couldn’t make proper contact with a cross and headed wide in the 78th minute. Caldentey could have capped her impressive debut with a goal in the 83rd minute but put an effort over into the North Bank. In the 85th minute, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after McCabe was fouled in the area. Little put the spot kick high into the net to score the Gunners fifth. As the match entered stoppage time, Rosa Kafaji saw her shot from the edge of the area saved but Foord was on hand to score her fourth from the rebound. The home side almost scored a seventh seconds before the referee blew the final whistle but summer signing Kafaji saw her 40-yard lob go over. After that comfortable win for the Gunners, the final against Rosenborg takes place on Saturday at 19:30 BST at Meadow Park. Line ups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, Fox (Wienroither 79’), Williamson, Codina Panedas, McCabe, Little (c), Cooney-Cross (Walti 79’), Foord, Maanum (Kafaji 70’), Caldentey (Kuhl 87’), Russo (Blackstenius 70’) Unused substitutes: Van Domselaar, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Lia, Godfrey, Agyemang, Reid Goal – Foord 16’, 59’, 69’, 90’, Russo 60’, Little (pen) 86’ Rangers (3-4-1-2): Esson, Rafferty (Middag 67’), Hill, Docherty (c), Hay (McAuley 46’), Eddie, McLoughlin, Arnot, Howat (Lafaix 67’), Hardy, Wilkinson (Berry 85’) Unused substitutes: Fife, Austin, Mcleary, Black Referee – Rasa Grigone (Lithuania) Attendance - 3,487

Arsenal return to winning ways in Brighton victory Back Match Report WSL: Arsenal v Brighton Arsenal return to winning ways in Brighton victory Girls on the Ball 28 January 2022 By Josh Bunting Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League with a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Meadow Park on Thursday evening. It was just the Gunners second victory in eight games but they showed great character and spirit to extend their lead at the top of the table against a Brighton side who came into the game following a 0-0 draw with Chelsea. Arsenal started really well playing with a high press and could have been ahead inside just six minutes, Victoria Williams playing a back-pass that Megan Walsh took her eyes off but it just went wide for a corner. From the corner it was inches away from being 1-0 for the home team when Vivianne Miedema had her header cleared off the line by Maya Le Tissier. However despite the early pressure from Jonas Eidevall’s team it was Brighton who took the lead ,when Kim Little gave away a free-kick on 15 minutes following a handball. As a result Inessa Kaagman sent in a brilliant free-kick for Emma Koivisto to flick the ball beyond Manuela Zinsberger and into the net against the run of play. Brighton were then forced into a substitution several minutes later ,when Williamson and Megan Connolly collided with the Republic of Ireland international coming off with an injury to be replaced by Aileen Whelan. Ellie Brazil was the first Albion player to find herself in the book when Arsenal broke forward and Mead was brought down. On 29 minutes Arsenal put a good move together when Jordan Nobbs got on the end of a ball on the edge of the box ,before picking out Laura Wienroither on her full debut ,but she was denied by a good challenge. After a quiet period in the game Eidevall’s troops attempted to get themselves going again as they won a free-kick on 39 minutes after Little was fouled however, Nobbs stepped up to take the free-kick but she only found the gloves of Walsh in the Seagulls goal. Arsenal had the final opening of the first half when Mead found space before clipping it into Little ,but the Brighton defence dealt with it easily enough. The Gunners started the second half like a brand new team , playing with a much better intensity as Mead slotted a ball into Miedema who failed to get any power behind her shot allowing Walsh to make the save. Walsh was called into action yet again,when Williamson played a brilliant pass into Nobbs who could have picked out Miedema but had a go herself and it was well handled by the keeper. On 54 minutes Arsenal were level with Miedema getting on the score-sheet to her relief after Le Tissier fouled Mead on the edge of the area. Mead took full responsibility in taking the set-piece before whipping it in for the Netherlands striker who poked the ball into the net at the back-post for her first goal of 2022. Several minutes later and the turnaround was complete when Williams brought down Mead just outside the area,allowing Mead to step up and curl a quite sensational free-kick into the net. Arsenal really found their stride with Walsh making a good save from Miedema a minute later when she got plenty of power on a strike however , the keeper got across goal well to beat it away. Eidevall then looked across his bench on 65 minutes when Williamson who is still being managed after her return from injury was replaced by Lotte Wubben-Moy. Arsenal could have sealed the game with just less then fifteen minutes to go when Miedema found Little as Walsh came off her line, but eventually hesitated ,before the ball fell for Tobin Heath who played the ball to Nobbs who lashed the strike wide of the target. Brighton where starting to panic at the back as Mead cut inside before having her low shot was blocked by Emma Kullberg. Heath was then substituted in the 77th minute as she was replaced by Nikita Parris after the USA international put in a really good shift. Brighton were still very much in the game when Emily Simpkins spotted Zinsberger off her line but she snatched at her effort and the ball sailed over the top. Arsenal then made another change bringing off Lia Walti replacing her with Frida Maanum with less than ten minutes to go. Arsenal didn’t really create all that much seeing out the win,but they did have a scare when Williams nearly got on the end of a free-kick but the ball skipped away off the surface and bounced behind. A big three points where sealed from the Gunners as they went four points clear of nearest rivals Chelsea who moved into second after their 2-0 win over West Ham on Wednesday night. Arsenal are next in action on Sunday afternoon in the FA Cup against London City Lionesses. -- Teams Arsenal: Zinsberger (GK), Wienroither, Williamson (Wubben Moy '65), Rafaelle, Maritz, Walti (Maanum '82), Nobbs , Little (C), Heath (Parris '77), Miedema, Mead Substitutes not used: Cull, Head , Boye Sørensen. Brighton & Hove Albion: Walsh (GK), Le Tissier, Kerkdijk, Williams (C), Kullberg, Zigiotti Olme (Simpkins '70), Connolly (Whelan '22), Koivisto, Kaagman, Brazil , Carter (Green '70) Substitutes not used: Gibbons , Bowman, Bance, Symonds, Startup

FA Women's Technical Director addresses the Lionesses talent pathway England Talent Pathway Discussion with Kay Cossington Back FA Women's Technical Director addresses the Lionesses talent pathway Adam Mitten Tuesday, 16 July 2024 By Aimee Logan The media were briefed by Kay Cossington on how the talent pathway is being shaped so that the future of the Lionesses is brighter for the future. She highlighted the key aims of the pathway directors, to protect player identities, compete for trophies and develop even more home-grown players that can progress to the highest level of women’s football in England. Cossington reflected that since the boom in the popularity of Women’s football, the number of young girls wanting to be a Lioness in the future has surged. Because of the work from the talent development team in England, the number of emerging talent centres has increased from 39 to 73 nationally making space for three times the number of players in the selection pools. Another problem that was highlighted was the excessive time and costs that families have previously had to commit so that girls had the best opportunities to pursue a football career. Significantly, because of the opening of the talent centres, the travel time has decreased by 50% on average and the costs decreased from £50-£8 making these centres accessible for a wider range of the country, whether that being people of different ethnic groups or different incomes. A key example of this was Aston Villa’s relocation of their academy centre from the suburbs of Birmingham to an inner city that is now accessible by public transport links. The professional game academies are targeted towards girls aged 14-21yrs and have been created in order to highlight exceptional talent in the country. Cossington restated that it was still important that the girls played in grassroots teams and in mixed football. As the girls continued to grow and develop into senior players, playing alongside the boys is making those that are special stand out to the regional talent directors. Occasionally, the media report that girls playing with boys was a hindrance to girls who want to progress into the top leagues, but after discussion it was agreed that it will increase the quality of the talent coming through the system. ‘Discover My Talent’ was introduced in 2021 and since then over 5000 girls have been referred into the system, out of these 75% still have the opportunity to play in their local grassroots team. This programme along with the Regional Talent Programme aims to find more diverse players with different backgrounds and from different ends of the country. A player that was focused on in the briefing was Brooke Aspin who has recently been called up to the U19 camp for their Euros tournament in Lithuania. Aspin is now contracted with current WSL champions, Chelsea, which came from her success when playing for Bristol City previously. At only 19 she had an early opportunity for WSL minutes, and this helped accelerate her career. Overall, the briefing presented the many ways that the FA are looking to help the development of future Lionesses.

Back Fran Kirby Club Chelsea Position Forward D.O.B 29/06/1993 Bio Kirby is likely to be many supporters first choice to be seated on the plane. The Chelsea forward has returned from her lengthy absence with a vengeance, providing a mammoth thirteen assists and twenty-two goals across all competitions. Kirby has played in a wider position this season but is just as deadly playing centrally in what one would suggest is her most favoured role as a number ten. She is quick, conscious, intelligent and significantly unselfish, drawing in defenders leaving others to dart into optimal positions whilst lines are stretched. Girls on the Ball D4

The Pride of the Lionesses: The Changing Face of Women's Football in England by Carrie Dunn The Pride of the Lionesses The Pride of the Lionesses: The Changing Face of Women's Football in England by Carrie Dunn Is women's football in England actually growing - or is it just another slick PR campaign? The Pride of the Lionesses is a timely inside analysis of the UK’s fastest-growing sport from top sports writer, Carrie Dunn. The England Lionesses’ fighting spirit and skill has continued to capture the fascination of the entire country. So why is women’s football still so woefully underrepresented in sport? In Roar of the Lionesses, Carrie Dunn revealed what female footballers really thought about the future of women’s football, but this book takes this a step further, offering a unique insight into the drama and difficulties the sport has faced since the Lionesses’s performance at the 2019 World Cup. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pride-Lionesses-Changing-Football-England/dp/1785315412/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=QDjCZ&content-id=amzn1.sym.40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_p=40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_r=32Q5R8SCK2FW47TZY6RJ&pd_rd_wg=VwUe4&pd_rd_r=f9d026ba-7d09-43ea-a3fa-6a5ac63e4772&pd_rd_i=1785315412&psc=1

Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal’s performance against Manchester United was a “step in the right direction”. Back Eidevall Reflects on the Gunners Conti Cup Exit Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal’s performance against Manchester United was a “step in the right direction”. Roland Krivec 20 January 2022 By Josh Bunting Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal’s performance against Manchester United was a “step in the right direction” despite losing 1-0 and exiting the Continental Cup. Eidevall explained “It was a big step in the right direction, we pressed much better than we have done lately and we were much better with the ball in the build up phase. We attacked much better in the penalty area, unfortunately we didn’t convert the chances we created so we couldn’t win the game. For me, I have a totally different feeling than I did from the Birmingham game because we were the better team today and if we played this game again like this I think we’d win it, that wasn’t the case against Birmingham so it was a step in the right direction even though we are disappointed not to get the result. If there is any competition I can take a loss it would be the Conti Cup so we move on and try to build on this performance.” Arsenal dominated for the majority of the game but didn’t create all that many clear-cut openings with the Swede saying “I think there were a lot of times when passes were going between the players legs and not resulting in a shot so we need to convert those situations, into shots on target, if we do they are high percentage opportunities. It all starts with getting into the positions, if you don’t do that it’s impossible to score. Today we did that so we just need to work on the final touch or the final pass.” Arsenal looked to hit Manchester United in the wide areas instead of creating openings from centre midfield and on that the Gunners boss went on to add “I do think there are situations where we can do better especially in the second half,when we could have held onto the ball a bit more we got too transitional and the distances were too big. A team like United they work with a lot of their players central in the area and they overload in defence. If they are not moving then we need to attack on the sides but we can get better at moving central when their players move to the sides and try to create opportunities from there. It’s that balance and decision making and we try to perfect that and in the second half, we could’ve held onto the ball a little bit better because United get tired and we don’t need to force the decision making so much, especially when it just results in wide crosses.” Eidevall also addressed a run of five defeats in six games as he said “We need to work on our game, today was a big step in the right direction and that is where our focus needs to be even if it wasn’t the result we wanted. We need to attack the next game against Manchester City we know it’s going to be a tough game.” On preparing the side for the Manchester City game on Sunday he said “We need to remember who we are and not get carried away with the result today because we could have so easily won. Sometimes it doesn’t go your way but the performance was much better from us.” Leah Williamson and Tobin Heath returned to the bench and on that he said “We knew the game could have gone into extra time, and that would have affected their loading in a not ideal way so we started them on the bench but it was excellent to have them back and it will help us a lot in the next games.” Eidevall also went on to say about Williamson and her ability to play through the press “She is a great player because she has so many tools to play through these situations, she can dribble her way out but she also has the passing range to get out. Because of that she is a hard player to press.” Vivianne Miedema was starved off service and on that aspect of the Gunners game he said “Generally strikers have fewer touches because they play in the most dangerous position to score so most teams are compact in that area. It’s about finding her at the right time and that is always the case for a forward player, it’s about quality of actions. Of course we would like to always attack centrally and play into feet but that depends on how well you move the ball. We need to open up that space and sometimes that means going over to the sides. If we are good on the sides, they have to go out there and press and it opens up the centre. I think that’s just part of the game.” Lotte Wubben-Moy missed out and why that was Eidevall added “She had a minor injury. The weekend is a question mark, we don’t know yet if she will be available. It’s not certain either way.” Arsenal’s game with Manchester City kicks off at 6.45 on Sunday and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. News

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Georgia Stanway Bayern Munich’s star midfielder is spirited and gutsy. Georgia Stanway is an aggressor, and to describe her as anything less would be inimical of the passion she exudes. Stanway is a versatile and positionally disciplined player having played stints as a right-back, a holding midfielder and a forward. However, Stanway’s most natural role falls as a number 10, bridging the defensive lines of midfield to the forward troupe. Stanway is a significant attacking facet for England with an ability to facilitate successful and consistent passes and carries into the penalty area. Yet, she is also a considerable defensive asset who is particularly knowing of the importance of defensive unity across the whole pitch. Stanway is already affluent in international experience with over 40 senior caps and 14 goals for her country, despite still being in her early twenties. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Saints secure their place in the Championship after an impressive 1-0 victory over Wolves in the FAWNL play-off Back Match Report FAWNL: Southampton FC Women v Wolverhampton Wanderers Saints secure their place in the Championship after an impressive 1-0 victory over Wolves in the FAWNL play-off Paul Donegan 22 May 2022 By Paul Donegan A first half goal from Sophia Pharoah was good enough for Southampton to win the FA Women’s National League Championship Play-Off Final against Wolverhampton Wanderers and gain promotion to the FA Women’s Championship. Pharoah’s strike came during a first half in which Southampton had the better of the chances and could have been further ahead at the break. Wolves had to play with ten players for the whole of the second half after Kelly Darby got sent off for two bookings on the stroke of half time. Southampton had the first chance in the 7th minute when Pharoah played a lovely ball to Lucia Kendall but she saw her lob saved by Wolves goalkeeper Shan Turner. From the resulting corner, Alice Griffiths sent a long range shot well wide. Wolves had their first efforts in the 9th minute when both Beth Merrick and Marie Gauntlett saw shots blocked. Both sides had shots easily saved in the next ten minutes, Pharoah for Southampton and Amber Hughes for Wolves. In the 21st minute, Southampton’s Leeta Rutherford saw her header from a free kick saved. A minute later, Southampton had another opportunity when Kendall saw her shot from around 18-yards out kept out by Turner. Southampton did take the lead seconds later when Georgia Freeland’s nice through ball found Pharoah in space who controlled, went round Turner and finished low into the net from about 12 yards. The game then went into a bit of a quiet spell chance wise during which Darby was booked for a foul in the 33rd minute. Southampton went close to extending their lead in the 35th minute when Kendall’s free kick from around 20-yards hit the post and bounced out to Griffiths but she sent the rebound over. A dangerous Southampton corner caused problems with Turner colliding with the post and needing some treatment. Rosie Parnell was booked for Southampton as she stopped a quick Wolves attack. Wolves had a chance just before half time when a header back from a free kick bounced off Tammi George and went behind. In first half additional time, Darby committed a foul right in front of the dugouts, and after referee Lauren Impey had had a quick word with the assistant referee, the Wolves number 15 was shown a second yellow card followed by a red and was sent off. Southampton had the first opportunities of the second half when Pharoah saw an effort saved in the 47th minute, and a minute late Kendall’s lob went just wide. Despite being down to 10 players, Wolves did cause Southampton problems and they had some chances during the second half. The first of these came in the 51st minute when George played in Merrick but her shot was blocked. In the 60th minute, Hughes saw her curling shot from the edge of the area held by Southampton goalie Kayla Rendell. Eight minutes later, Merrick dragged a shot wide from about 20 yards after some sloppy defending from Southampton. Southampton brought on Katie Rood in the 75th minute, and two minutes later she sent a shot from an angle just wide. Anna Price headed wide a corner for Wolves in the 81st minute as they continued to look for an equaliser. Rood had another opportunity for Southampton in the 86th minute but this time saw her header from a long free kick go wide. In second half additional time, Wolves had their final chance when Alie Miller headed the ball back to George who sent her shot over. The final whistle went a few minutes later and the celebrations could begin for Marieanne Spacey-Cale’s Southampton as they won 1-0 and secured promotion to the Championship after just one season in the National League Southern Premier Division. Line ups Southampton (4-2-3-1): Rendell, Mott, Rafferty, Parnell, Collett (Rood 75’), Rutherford, Griffiths, Freeland (Morris 62’), Kendall, Ware, Pharoah Unused substitutes: Luce, Watling, Pusey Goal – Pharoah 22’ Booked - Cross Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-5-2): Turner, Darby, Cross, Morphet, Cross, George, Price, Cooper, Merrick, Hughes, Gauntlett (Miller 69’) Unused substitutes: Dicken, Walker, Elsmore, Burridge Booked – Darby Sent Off – Darby (second yellow card) Referee – Lauren Impey Attendance – 1,354

Spurs v Leicester FA Cup Semi-Final Photographer Ryan Asman Tottenham Hotspur made history on Sunday as they earned their place in the FA Cup Final due to take place at Wembley in a couple of weeks. The Foxes took an early lead through Jutta Rantala's rocket strike and looked to hold on to this as the match began to draw to a close. Jess Naz equalised in the 83rd minute taking the game to extra time. Despite good efforts from both sides including a fantastic Rantala free-kick that bounced off the crossbar, it felt as though the deadlock would not be broken. Martha Thomas became a hero and Spurs legend in the 118th minute as her header outdid the foxes defence and flew past Lise Kop into the back of the net. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted with supporters soaking up every fibre of the special moment and celebrations continued as referee Emily Heaslip blew the final whistle just minutes later.

BK Hacken frustrate the home crowd as they hold Chelsea to a nil-nil draw Back Match Report UWCL: Chelsea v BK Hacken BK Hacken frustrate the home crowd as they hold Chelsea to a nil-nil draw Ryan Asman 16 December 2023 By Paul Donegan It was a frustrating evening for Chelsea as they drew 0-0 against BK Hacken in the UEFA Women’s Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening. Despite having 70% of possession and 22 shots, though only 5 of those on target, the Blues were unable to find the back of the net, being denied by the woodwork twice, the assistant referee’s flag, Hacken goalkeeper Jennifer Falk and some poor finishing. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes made five changes to the side from the one that lost 4-1 to Arsenal in the WSL on Sunday with Zecira Musovic, Kadeisha Buchanan, Sophie Ingle, Fran Kirby and Guro Reiten coming into the starting eleven. The hosts started brightly with Reiten and Kirby combining in the early minutes but the ball was put behind for corner by the Hacken defence. Kirby had a shot that took a touch off a defender and went narrowly wide. The England international needed treatment on her knee after this but was able to continue. Sam Kerr volleyed wide following a corner in the 9th minute. A nice one-two between Niamh Charles and Kirby finished with the ball being put into the side netting. Reiten saw an effort blocked by Hacken’s goalie Falk in the 12th minute. Buchanan headed wide after a scramble after another corner. The visitors first opportunity came when they broke with Clarissa Larisey’s effort coming off the foot of Jess Carter and into Musovic’s hands in the 16th minute. After the frantic start, there was a bit of a quiet spell chance wise, until the 28th minute when Erin Cuthbert’s volley hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced down on the line before being cleared. Hayes was visibly frustrated in the technical area when Chelsea gave the ball away and Hacken started to break. In stoppage time, Reiten saw an effort deflected behind. Chelsea’s first half can perhaps be summed up as producing some nice build up play but no end product. Cuthbert had first opportunity of the second half, within the first minute of it, but her shot from 30-yards went well over. Buchanan made a good tackle to stop Hacken half time substitute Monica Jusu Bah before she could shoot. Kirby sent a dipping effort onto roof of net in the 56th minute, then a minute later, Charles saw her cross finish in the same place. In the 59th minute, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was denied by the outstretched leg of Falk. Kerr saw a header from a corner hit the crossbar and bounce away. Charles then headed over in the 63rd minute. The loudest cheers of the night were reserved for when Lauren James came onto the pitch in the 64th minute. Sjoeke Nusken, who had also come on, shot over from just outside the area in the 67th minute. James then twisted and turned past defenders but no one could get on the end of her cross across the front of goal. Anna Anvegard put an effort over for the visitors from 25-yards in the 72nd minute. A James cross was headed into the net by Kerr seconds later but the offside flag was up to save Hacken in what looked like a very close decision. Buchanan was there again to stop a through ball from the away side. James’ shot was easily saved. Even though being on top, the Blues still couldn’t find a breakthrough as the match reached the final 10 minutes. Nusken’s low cross in the 90th minute didn’t find any of her teammates before being cleared. The German international then headed a corner wide as the match entered five minutes of stoppage time. Falk made another save as she palmed away a low cross from James. Eve Perisset’s free kick from 25-yards went the wrong side of the post, and this turned out to be the final chance as the final whistle went seconds later. The drew leaves Chelsea in second place in their Champions League group, two points behind Hacken. The two sides play each other again next Wednesday in Gothenburg. Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Musovic, Perisset, Buchanan, Carter, Charles, Cuthbert (Nusken 64’), Ingle, Rytting Kaneryd (James 64’), Kirby (Fishel 80’), Reiten (Beever-Jones 74’), Kerr (c) Unused substitutes: Hampton, Fleming, Mjelde, Brown BK Hacken (4-2-3-1): Falk, Kosola, Rybrink (c), Luik, Junttila Nelhage, Bergman-Lundin, Fossdalsa Sorensen, Anvegard (Schroder 86’), Kafaji (Grant 90’+3), Sandberg (Jusu Bah 45’), Larisey (Masaka 76’) Unused substitutes: Geurts, Hoglund Jansson, Johansson, Csiki, Lowing, Wijk Referee – Esther Staubli Attendance – 3,300

The Lionesses secured a 1-0 win over the World Champions Back Match Report England light up Wembley with impressive victory over Spain The Lionesses secured a 1-0 win over the World Champions Ryan Asman 27 February 2025 By Aimee Logan “We do have a plan and we are on a journey.” Leah Williamson reflects on the reverse of events after England secured a 1-0 victory over World Cup Champions, Spain. Salma Paralluelo with the first chance of the game, her quick footwork taking her past the large majority of English defence before Millie Bright clears the ball for England. The home side had not a lot to show from the first 15 minutes of the game, but Spain continued to look ruthless, significantly when Lucia Garcia almost caught England goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton, off-guard on the goal line and minutes later, narrowly missing the target and hitting the crossbar. England began to build into the game at Wembley Stadium, with an influx of attacking play after mistakes from the Spanish defence. A free kick from Lauren James, the best of the opportunities, was blocked by Cata Coll at the near post. The Lionesses were unable to convert any of their corner kicks to goals in the first half despite the messy defending from the Spanish team. In a fantastic rum of play, it wasn’t long before England punished the Spanish defence when a lack of communication between the away side allowed England’s Jess Park to knock the ball into the back of the net, opening the scoresheet in the 33rd minute under the arch. Photo: Ryan Asman Spain once again proved their drive and came back fighting against the English defence, Pina and Paralluelo unable to hit the target, firing the ball just wide of Hampton’s net. Hampton was England manager Wiegman’s only change from the starting line-up that played against Portugal, a decision that proved to be a successful choice due to Hampton’s impressive shot-stopping display against a world-class Spanish front line. There was a chaotic start to the second half with shots coming from either end of the pitch. The Spanish looked to catch the England side (off-guard) with continuous shots from range, while the home side perfected their build-up play on multiple occasions, only just unable to complete the attacks. Montse Tome was first to make a substitution with the only goalscorer of the World Cup final, Olga Carmona, making way for Leila Ouahabi. England’s first substitutes of the evening saw Alessia Russo and Jess Park make way for Nikita Parris, for her first England appearance since 2022, and Chloe Kelly, on for her 50th cap in an England shirt. Wiegman’s backline consistently looked in great shape, something that has previously punished the side. The Spanish forwards continued to display their quality in front of goal, striking with accuracy and power but Hampton was accurate in saving the shots. Despite bringing attacking threats off of the bench, Spain were unable to challenge the solid performance from the English backline who prevented the opposition from making a mark on the score sheet. After Spain’s extra-time comeback against Belgium, it became clear that the Spanish weren’t going to give-up on taking a point away from the fixture but it was England who tonight sealed a 1-0 victory over the World Champions. The Lionesses were back on top at the same place they conquered Europe back in 2022. England’s defence displayed one of their best performances against the World Champions, keeping a clean sheet at Wembley stadium. Post-match, Lionesses captain Leah Williamson agreed stating, “individually there were some spectacular individual performances in 1v1s in defence.” She also praised the attacking play from her team, “in the first half, especially, there were some lovely passages of play.” “They're a top team and they’re world champions for a reason.” She hadn’t faced the Spanish side since the 2022 European semi-final as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevented her from playing the World Cup final in Sydney nearly two years ago. Bright, another defender who put on an impressive performance on the pitch, noticed how the team had changed after the draw against Portugal earlier this camp, “ tonight we showed huge improvements from the last game” , adding, “yes we dropped points in the last game but we don’t let that derail us.” “The next step now is creating more chances and scoring more goals.” Bright suggested. England recorded nine shots and six on target and their opponent with over double the amount of opportunities in front of goal, 20 shots and five on target, all of which were stopped by Hampton in the net. England topped the group at the end of the first camp of the 2025 Nations League, matched by Portugal who also finished the international break with four points. For the Lionesses, their upcoming fixtures are home and away legs against Belgium on 4th and 8th of April respectively. England: Hampton Bronze Williamson Bright Charles Clinton Walsh Toone → Naz (84’) Park Russo → Parris (64’) James → Kelly (64’) Unused Substitutes : Beever-Jones Blindkilde Brown Carter Earps Le Tissier Mace Moorhouse Morgan Turner Spain: Coll Battle Paredes Mandez Carmona → Ouahabi (55’) Bonmati Aleixandri → Zubieta (83’) Caldentey Pina L. Garcia → del Castillo (70’) Paralluelo → Redondo (83’) Unused Substitutes: Codina Garcia Lopez Martin-Prieto Nanclares Oroz Sullastres

All you need to know about the Women's Championship as it kicks off this weekend. Barclays Women's Championship Guide 2022-23 Friday, 19 August 2022 By Paul Donegan All you need to know about the Women's Championship as it kicks off this weekend. Barclays Women's Championship Find out who's in and who's out as the Women's Championship, the second tier of women's football, kicks off! Birmingham City's Siobhan Wilson Birmingham City Ground – St Andrew’s B9 4RL Tickets - Event Tickets List - Online ticket office (eticketing.co.uk) Twitter - @BCFCWomen Manager – Darren Carter Last season – 12th WSL Players joined - Siobhan Wilson (Crystal Palace), Martha Harris (Manchester United), Mollie Green (Coventry United) and Lucy Thomas (Coventry United). Loan deals - Tara Bourne (Manchester United), Fran Stenson (Arsenal), Charlie Devlin (Leicester City) and Ashley Hodson (Liverpool). Players left - Rebecca Holloway, Veatriki Sarri, Marie Hourihan, Emily Whelan, Lucy Whipp, Sarah Ewens, Cecilie Sandvej and Arabella Suttie. After being relegated from the WSL at the end of last season, Birmingham appointed Darren Carter as permanent manger and former Birmingham player and Lioness Jo Potter as assistant head coach over the summer. They have managed to keep a lot of the squad from last season including captain Louise Quinn, Jade Pennock, Christie Murray and Lucy Quinn. They have sign players with Championship experience including Siobhan Wilson from Crystal Palace, and Mollie Green and Lucy Thomas from Coventry United. They also signed Martha Harris from Manchester United. They have brought in on loan young goalkeeper Fran Stenson from Arsenal and Charlie Devlin from Leicester City, who has won the Championship twice with Manchester United and then Leicester, as well as Tara Bourne and Ashley Hodson. Blackburn Rovers Ground – Sir Tom Finney Stadium PR5 6UX (Clubs main ground – Ewood Park BB2 4JF) Tickets - Event Tickets List - eTickets (eticketing.co.uk) Twitter - @RoversLadies Manager – Gemma Donnelly Last season – 10th WC Players joined - Evie Smith (Liverpool) and Faith Nokuthula (Brighton & Hove Albion). Loan deals – Chloe Williams (dual registration Manchester United) and Niamh Murphy (dual registration Manchester United) Players left - Aimee Hodgson, Chelsey Jukes, Chloe Dixon, Katie Anderson, Erica Cunningham, Amaya Coleman-Evans and Annabel Blanchard. Gemma Donnelly has signed a few new players for Blackburn after they finished 10th in the Championship last season. Evie Smith comes in from Liverpool and Faith Nokuthula joins from Brighton. Welsh international Chloe Williams and Scotland youth international Niamh Murphy have also joined on dual registration from Manchester United. Most of the squad from last season, including Hannah Coan and Saffron Jordan, have re-signed for the 2022/23 season but Player of the Year and joint top goalscorer Annabel Blanchard has joined Championship rivals Crystal Palace and long serving player Chelsey Jukes has also left the club. Bristol City's Abi Harrison Bristol City Ground – Robins High Performance Centre BS8 3TN (Clubs main ground – Ashton Gate BS3 2EJ) Tickets - Buy Tickets: Bristol Sport Ticketing (bristol-sport.co.uk) Twitter - @bristolcitywfc Manager – Lauren Smith Last season – 3rd WC Players joined - Fran Bentley (Manchester United), Olivia Clark (Coventry United), Jodie Hutton (Aston Villa), Chloe Mustaki (Shelbourne), Shania Hayles (Aston Villa), Elyssa Boddy (Leicester City), Vicky Bruce (SC Sand) and Emily Syme (Aston Villa). Players left - Flo Allen, Satara Murray, Izzy Cook, Maisy Collis, Simran Jhamat, Ava Kuyken, Sophie Whitehouse, Mel Johnson and Gwen Davies. After being in the chasing pack behind Liverpool for most of last season and eventually finishing third, Bristol City will be looking to get back to the WSL at the second time of asking. A lot of comings and goings over the summer with eight new players coming in and ten leaving. Among those still at The Robins is Abi Harrison who won the Championship Player of the Year award and finished top goalscorer in the league last season with 17 goals. Fran Bentley has joined permanently after being on loan last season, Welsh international Olivia Clark joins from Coventry United, and Jodie Hutton, Shania Hayles and Emily Syme have all signed from WSL side Aston Villa with Syme returning to the club where she started. Charlton Athletic Ground – The Oakwood DA1 4EU (Clubs main ground – The Valley SE7 8BL) Tickets - Buy Tickets: Charlton Athletic Ticketing (cafc.co.uk) Twitter - @CAFCWomen Manager – Karen Hills Last season – 5th WC Players joined - Angela Addison (Tottenham Hotspur), Freda Ayisi (Lewes), Corinne Henson (Watford), Emily Simpkins (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sophie O’Rourke (Lewes), Heidi Logan (Lewes), Tegan McGowan (Chelsea), Poppy Soper (Chelsea) and Mel Johnson (Bristol City). Loan deals - Sian Rogers (Aston Villa), Lucy Watson (Chelsea) and Elisha N’Dow (Aston Villa) Players left – Eartha Cummings, Jess King, Anna Filbey, Sophie Hillyerd, Becky Jane, Vyan Sampson, Hollie Olding, Elisha Sulola, Megan Wynne, Elise Hughes, Sophie Quirk, Lois Heuchan and Natalia Negri. Charlton Athletic finished fifth in the league last season, which was their first as a professional side. Karen Hills has been busy in the transfer market with 12 players coming in and 13 leaving over the summer. Among those joining from WSL sides are Angela Addison from Tottenham and Emily Simpkins from Brighton. Experienced forward Mel Johnson has also signed from Bristol City. Sian Rogers, Lucy Watson and Elisha N’Dow have all joined on loan for the season from WSL clubs. Captain Lauren Bruton has re-signed for another season with Charlton, as have Emma Follis and Ella Rutherford. Coventry United's Merrick Will Coventry United Ground – Butts Park Arena CV1 3GE Tickets - Home | Coventry United Twitter - @CovUtdWomen Manager – Lee Burch Last season – 11th WC Players joined - Cara Milne-Redhead (Seton Hall), Mia Smith (Watford), Merrick Will (Oxford United), Meesha Dudley-Jones (Bridgwater United), Ebony Wiseman, Rosetta Taylor, Hayley Hoare (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Simran Jhamat (Bristol City), Evie Gane (Portsmouth), Arabella Suttie (Birmingham City), Megan Alexander (Oxford United) and Jodie Bartle (Celtic). Players left - Anna Colville, Becky McGrother, Mollie Green, Olivia Clark, Phoebe Warner, Lucy Thomas, Grace Riglar, Katie Wilkinson, Naomi Hartley, Olivia Fergusson, Nat Johnson and Destiney Toussaint. After completing ‘the great escape’ at the end of last season and staying up in the Championship thanks to Mollie Green’s late free kick, there have been a lot of changes at Coventry United over the summer. Jay Bradford left as manager at the end of May. Then it was announced that the club would move to a part-time set up for this season following further financial concerns. Lee Burch was appointed as new manager having previously been in charge at Millwall Lionesses, Yeovil Town and London Bees in the top two divisions. Sian Osmond is the new assistant head coach and has worked with Burch previously at London Bees and then managing them herself. They also changed name to Coventry United Women. A lot of the players from last season left the club over the summer but Burch has brought in 12 new players including Jodie Bartle who returns to the club, Merrick Will, Evie Gane and Arabella Suttie. Crystal Palace captain Annabel Johnson Crystal Palace Ground – Hayes Lane BR2 9EF (Clubs main ground – Selhurst Park SE25 6PU) Tickets - Buy Tickets: Crystal Palace Ticketing (cpfc.co.uk) Twitter - @cpfc_w Manager – Dean Davenport Last season – 4th WC Players joined - Fran Kitching (Sheffield United), Fliss Gibbons (Brighton & Hove Albion), Chloe Arthur (Aston Villa), Anna Filbey (Charlton Athletic), Rianna Dean (Liverpool), Annabel Blanchard (Blackburn Rovers), Kirsten Reilly (Rangers), Natalia Negri (Charlton Athletic), Paige Bailey-Gayle (Leicester City), Hollie Olding (Charlton Athletic), Ellie Noble (Lewes), Elise Hughes (Charlton Athletic), Polly Doran (Melbourne Victory) and Shauna Guyatt (Chelsea). Loan deal - Chloe Peplow (Reading). Players left - Bianca Baptiste, Hannah Churchill, Grace Coombs, Leanne Cowan, Millie Farrow, Sophie McLean, Kate Natkiel, Siobhan Wilson and Chloe Morgan. Crystal Palace finished in their highest ever league position last season and will be looking to improve on that. The Eagles have made some impressive signings over the summer including Scottish international Chloe Arthur, Jamaican international Paige Bailey-Gayle and Fliss Gibbons from WSL clubs as well as Chloe Peplow on loan from Reading. Rianna Dean has joined having been part of the Liverpool squad that won the Championship last season, and she was also with Tottenham when they won this level in 2018/19. A lot of players that have signed have experience of playing in the Championship including Annabel Blanchard, Anna Filbey and Elise Hughes. Amongst those still at the club are Molly Sharpe and last seasons Player of the Year Aimee Everett. Durham's Beth Hepple Durham Ground – Maiden Castle DH1 3SE Tickets - Durham Women FC (ticketco.events) Twitter - @DurhamWFC Manager – Lee Sanders Last season – 6th WC Players joined - Georgia Robert (Sheffield United), Tatiana Saunders (Lewes), Jess Clarke (Sheffield United), Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne) and Maria Farrugia (Sunderland). Players left - Abby Holmes, Nicki Gears, Kathryn Hill and Danielle Brown. Durham announced earlier in the summer that they were turning to a full-time operating model from this season. Lee Sanders has sign Georgia Roberts, Tatiana Saunders, Jess Clarke and Maria Farrugia from other Championship sides and Saoirse Noonan has joined from Shelbourne who play in the Women’s National League in the Republic of Ireland. # Last season’s Player of the Yeah and captain Sarah Wilson has signed a new contract with the club, as has Beth Hepple who scored 14 goals in all competitions during the 2021/22 season. Lewes Ground – The Dripping Pan BN7 2XA Tickets - Buy tickets for Lewes Football Club (tickettailor.com) Twitter - @LewesFCWomen Manager – Scott Booth Last season – 8th WC Players joined - Josie Longhurst (Brighton & Hove Albion), Emily Kraft (FFC Frankfurt), Sophie Whitehouse (Bristol City), Amber-Keegan Stobbs (Watford), Nat Johnson (Coventry United) and Libby Copus-Brown (Newcastle Olympic). Loan Deal - Emma Thompson (Chelsea) Players left – Zoe Cross, Georgia Timms, Lucy Ashworth-Clifford, Shanell Salgado, Tatiana Saunders, Freda Ayisi, Ini Umotong, Nicola Cousins, Sophie O’Rourke, Heidi Logan, Ellie Noble, Lea Cordier and Izzy Collins. Lewes appointed Scott Booth as their new manager in May. The former Scotland international had previously managed Glasgow City and had a short spell at Birmingham last season in the WSL. Whilst he was at Glasgow City, they won six consecutive league titles, two Scottish Cups, one Scottish League Cup and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2020. Natalie Haigh was announced as new assistant manager in August. Amongst those staying with Lewes include Northern Ireland international Rebecca McKenna, who also won the clubs Player of the Season award for last season, and Paula Howells who won the Supporter’s Player of the Year. New signings include Welsh international Josie Longhurst, goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse and experienced defender Nat Johnson. London City Lionesses Ground – Princes Park DA1 1RT Tickets - TICKETS | Lionesses (londoncitylionesses.com) Twitter - @LC_Lionesses Manager – Melissa Phillips Last season – 2nd WC Players joined - Lois Joel (West Ham United), Millie Farrow (Crystal Palace), Lois Heuchan (Charlton Athletic), Lucy Shepherd (Washington Spirit), Hermione Cull (Arsenal) and Sarah Ewens (Birmingham City). Players left - Hannah Short, Lily Pursey, Kenni Thompson, Annie Rossiter, Alli Muprhy, Mollie Rouse and Brooke Nunn. London City Lionesses finished as runners-up to Liverpool in the Championship last season and will be looking to go one step better this time. Amongst those Melissa Phillips has brought in are Lois Joel from WSL side West Ham, Millie Farrow who won the Championship with Leicester in 2021, and Sarah Ewens who scored 64 goals in 98 appearances for Celtic between 2016 and 2021. Players still at the club from last season include Amy Rodgers, Rianna Jarrett, Lily Agg, Jamie-Lee Napier, Hayley Nolan and Atlanta Primus. Sheffield United captain Sophie Barker Sheffield United Ground – Bramall Lane S2 4SU Tickets - Buy Tickets: Sheffield United Ticketing (sufc.co.uk) Twitter – @sufc_women Manager – Neil Redfearn Last season – 7th WC Players joined - Rachel Brown (Nottingham Forest), Sophie Haywood (Aston Villa), Bethan Davies (Huddersfield Town), Naomi Hartley (Coventry United) and Grace Rigler (Coventry United). Loan deals - Marie Francis-Jones (dual registration Manchester City) and Sophie Barker (Leicester City) Players left - Sophie Walton, Kasia Lipka, Matilda Taylor, Sam Sharrocks, Fran Kitchen, Lucy Watson, Ocean Rolandsen, Jess Clarke, Georgie Robert, Jess Reavill and Sophie Bradley-Auckland A lot of Neil Redfearn’s squad from last season have stayed at the club as they look to push on from finishing seventh last time around. Player of the Season and top goalscorer Courtney Sweetman-Kirk has signed a new contract with The Blades, as have Maddy Cusack, Mia Enderby and Althea Paul. Sophie Haywood has joined from Aston Villa having won the Championship with them in 2020, Naomi Hartley re-joins Sheffield United after spending a season at Coventry United and Grace Rigler also joins from the West Midlands side. Former captain Sophie Barker has re-joined the club on loan from Leicester. The club announced over the summer that they will be playing all their games this season at Bramall Lane. Southampton Ground – St Mary’s Stadium SO14 5FP Tickets - SOUTHAMPTON FC | Women's fixtures | Southampton FC Twitter - @SouthamptonFC (Matchday - @SaintsFCWomen ) Manager – Marieanne Spacey-Cale Last season – 1st WNL Players joined - Paige Peake (Ipswich Town), Beth Lumsden (Oxford United), Sophie Harris (Leicester City), Megan Wynne (Charlton Athletic), Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Katie Wilkinson (Coventry United) and Ashleigh Ward (Actonians). Players left - Alisha Ware, Caitlin Morris, Katie Rood, Kirsty Whitton, Sara Luce, Shannon Sievwright and Shelly Provan Marieanne Spacey-Cale’s Southampton won promotion to the Championship after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in the National League Championship Play-Off Final. Most of that side have signed new contracts with the club after it turned professional in May. Among those who stayed on include Sophia Pharoah, who scored the winning goal against Wolves, and Northern Ireland international Laura Rafferty who has also played for Chelsea, Brighton and Bristol City in the WSL. Among the new players are Megan Wynne who won the Championship with Spurs, and forward Katie Wilkinson who has experience at this level with Aston Villa, London Bees, Sheffield United and Coventry United. Sunderland's Emma Kelly Sunderland Ground – Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground DH5 9NA (Clubs main ground – Stadium of Light SR5 1SU) Tickets - Home - eTickets (eticketing.co.uk) Twitter - @SAFCWomen Manager – Melanie Reay Last season – 9th WC Players joined - Abby Holmes (Durham), Nicki Gears (Durham), Danielle Brown (Durham), Tyler Dodds (Glasgow City) and Brianna Westrup (Rangers) Players left - Eva Blakey, Maria Farrugia and Daisy Burt Sunderland finished ninth in their first season in the Championship after getting promoted. In May, they rebranded to Sunderland Women. Not that many changes in players with only five in and three out and the majority of last season’s squad having sign new contracts. Captain n, Emily Scarr, Emma Kelly and Louise Griffiths. Joining the club are Abby Holmes, Nicki Gears and Player of the Season award winner Keira Ramshaw is still with the club as are Neve Herroand Danielle Brown who all come from Durham, or in Holmes and Brown’s cases re-join the club. Tyler Dodds has joined from Glasgow City (another to return to the club) and Scotland international Brianna Westrup has signed from Rangers after captaining them to the Scottish title last season. The Women's Championship kicks off on Saturday 20th August at 12:30pm when Southampton host Charlton Athletic at St. Mary's Stadium. All other fixtures will be played on Sunday 21st August. All matches will be shown live on the FA Player.