Blues Ladies made hard work of their progression into the FA Cup Quarter Finals this weekend, eventually defeating WSL 2 side Doncaster Rovers Belles 3-1 thanks to goals from Remi Allen, Kirsty Linnett and a wonder strike from Jo Potter.
This was the first game to be held at Damson Park, the home of Solihull Moors, and Blues fielded a strong starting line up, with only two changes being made from the Champions League Quarter Final success over Arsenal. Both changes came in defence, Christina Torkildsen and, making her debut, Meaghan Sargeant replaced Aoife Mannion and Jess Carter. Belles also put out a strong side, the vast majority of which played a significant part in their previous WSL season.
It did not take long until Blues broke the deadlock, the first goal at their new home, and it was the impressive Allen who opened the scoring. A neat turn from Linnett on the edge of the box allowed her room to cross and, after evading the reach of Nic Hobbs in the Belles' goal, Allen timed her run to perfection to be in the right place at the right time to score her third Blues goal in as many matches, and increased her burgeoning reputation as a goal scoring midfielder.
If anything the goal led Blues to rest on their laurels a touch, and the fast, high pressing game the team displayed in the two Arsenal games was missing. As the first half went on, Doncaster enjoyed their fair share of possession, but rarely got into the final third due to the presence of Blues' midfield trio. Their best chance of the half came on the half hour, when Mille Bright found herself with what seemed an unguarded net to place the ball into, but her goalbound effort was superbly blocked on the line by Kerys Harrop.
Blues should have gone into the break two up. Potter's diagonal ball found Carney on the right wing, and following an excellent first touch her cross found Linnett inside the box, with Hobbs nowhere to be seen, but unfortunately for the former Arsenal forward she was leaning back as she connected with the volley, and her effort went harmlessly over the bar.
The second half played out very much the same as the first, both sides losing possession to easily and the game mainly being battled out in the middle of the park, but with fifteen minutes remaining Doncaster equalised. Jess Sigsworth rounded a couple of challenges to find herself inside the area, and her shot-come-cross was side-footed home by captain Leandra Little, a goal which the lower league outfit deserved, if only for their determination and hard work.
Following the goal, Blues appeared to wake from their slumber and began to regain control of the game. Carney found space following a good link up with Linnett, and the skipper's square ball fell to Mel Lawley, but the winger took one touch too many and allowed Hobbs to parry her shot behind for a corner.
Potter had wasted a couple of good set piece opportunities during the second half, but Belles conceded one foul too many two minutes from time when Jade Moore was bundled over on the edge of the area. Potter chipped the cross in which caused all sorts of confusion inside the area, and as the Belles defence attempted to clear their lines, an attemped clearance ricocheted off Linnett and looped over Hobbs to put Blues back in front, and they wrapped the tie up in injury time thanks to a piece of solo genius.
Hobbs raced out of her goal to prevent a Blues corner, and her clearance eventually fell to the left foot of Potter, the last place they would have wanted it to land, and the former Everton and Charlton midfielder fired home a tremendous effort into the top corner.
Blues will know they have to be better if they are to steer clear of trouble in the upcoming WSL season, but they will also know they are capable of much better, and will be hoping to get back to business in their opening league game of the season against Everton on Wednesday evening.
Credit to Doncaster, nobody could have begrudged them of their equaliser, and they should take great confidence from this game, as they strive for an immediate return to WSL 1 this season.
Blues: Spencer, Weston, Torkildsen, Harrop, Seargant, Potter, Moore, Allen, Carney (c), Lawley, Linnett. Subs not used: Baggaley, Carter, Mannion, Keryakoplis, Simpkins
Doncaster: Hobbs, Cunningham, Little (c), Roberts, Cresswell, Smith, Lipka, Bright, Chadwick (Williams 70), England (Mills 55), Sigworth. Subs not used: Knight, Johnson
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Familiarity breeds success to give Blues slender lead
Debutant Remi Allen’s first half strike gave Blues Ladies a
1-0 lead going into Sunday’s second leg of their Champions League Quarter Final
tie against Arsenal. In front of a crowd of over 2,500 at St Andrews, the hosts
displayed outstanding character and spirit in the face of a team full of
experienced internationals.
Blues set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, as expected. The front
six players picked themselves: Potter and Moore sat in the holding position in
front of the back 4, with new signing Allen being the player given the licence
to push forward to support lone striker Linnett. Newly appointed Captian Carney and Lawley offered the side
width throughout the game and stretched the pitch as much as possible, whilst
tracking back to assist their full backs.
The main selection questions marks
came in defence, and boss David Parker bravely opted to throw sixteen year old
Jess Carter in at left back for her first team debut. The ever reliable Weston
patrolled the right back slot, with Mannion and Harrop the two centre backs.
Arsenal picked a strong line up considering the player
exodus during pre-season. New signing Chamblerlain had to settle for a place on
the bench as Byrne kept goal. A new back four of Scott, Stoney, Kinga and
Mitchell were shadowed by youngster Jade Bailey.
The front five players interchanged
throughout the match. Yankey and Dan Carter found themselves up against the
full backs regularly, while Smith, Ohno and Weir tried to make the most of the
central areas, moving into the gaps between midfield and defence.
Arsenal forced Blues into a few nervy moments early in the match,
as the young defenders tried to find their feet, but gradually they became more
comfortable and the home side gained control of the match. An early Potter free
kick went just wide, and after Byrne spilt a Weston cross from the right,
Lawley should have opened the scoring, but blazed the dropping ball just over
from inside the area. Linnett was causing Stoney and Kinga all sorts of
problems, and Allen was pushed further forward to assist her teammate, and following
another burst forward from the former Gunner, Allen’s shot was gathered
comfortably, but it was another Weston cross that created the only goal of the
game. Carney laid the ball back for the England U23 international, and her
cross was hooked in by Allen. Linnett had another shot cleared off the line as
Blues went into the break a goal to the good.
The second half became a war of attrition, as Arsenal’s
front five began to impose themselves onto the game. Whilst possession stats
are unavailable, I would suggest that Arsenal had the majority during the
second half, but the midfield trio of Moore, Potter and Allen worked tirelessly
to prevent Arsenal’s playmakers to create any clear cut goal scoring
opportunities. It seemed wherever Smith ventured, Potter followed. If any
midfield outfights Blues this season, then they will certainly feel it the next
day. Given that this was the first competitive match since the 5-2 victory over
Zorky four months ago, the energy shown by Blues was tremendous, and the fact
the vast majority of the team have either played together or know each other
very well was invaluable in the battle against the Londoners. Yankey was
replaced by another of the young Arsenal reserves Freda Ayisi, while Blues
looked to close the game out by bringing on Simpkins, usually a defensively
minded midfielder, to play up top, replacing the impressive Linnett with ten
minutes remaining. Japanese World Cup winner Ohno had the best two chances of
the second half, firstly being denied by a tremendous block tackle by Mannion,
and late on firing over when well placed in the area.
The player of the match was fully deservedly awarded to Jess Carter. For a sixteen year old debutant, she showed nerves of steel up against Carter and Scott on the Arsenal right hand side, and for her not to look out of place was testament to how well she performed on the biggest stage Blues have ever performed on. There is a very bright future ahead for the youngster, already making waves in the England U19 squad, and after shining against Arsenal she has proven herself capable of playing in the big games. Kudos must go to Parker for her giving her the chance to play, and she took full advantage of her opportunity.
The player of the match was fully deservedly awarded to Jess Carter. For a sixteen year old debutant, she showed nerves of steel up against Carter and Scott on the Arsenal right hand side, and for her not to look out of place was testament to how well she performed on the biggest stage Blues have ever performed on. There is a very bright future ahead for the youngster, already making waves in the England U19 squad, and after shining against Arsenal she has proven herself capable of playing in the big games. Kudos must go to Parker for her giving her the chance to play, and she took full advantage of her opportunity.
So Blues go into the second leg not only with a lead, but
with an all-important home clean sheet, meaning if they were to score at The
Hive on Sunday, Arsenal would need three to progress to a semi-final showdown
with Swedish outfit Tyreso.
Looking at the respective benches during the first
leg, I would not expect many changes to be made for the reverse tie, and if
Blues can match the effort and commitment shown during Monday night’s game,
they will give themselves a great chance of making even more history and find
themselves in the last four of the competition.
Blues: Spencer,
Weston, Mannion, Harrop, Carter, Potter, Moore, Allen, Carney (c), Lawley,
Linnett (Simpkins 79). Subs not used:
Baggaley, Sargeant, Keryakoplis, Wilkinson, Torkildsen, Haines
Arsenal: Byrne,
Scott, Stoney, Kinga, Mitchell, Bailey, Weir, Ohno, Carter, Smith (c), Yankey
(Ayisi 76). Subs not used:
Chamberlain, Hoogendijk, Williamson, Bragg, Sampson, Humphrey
Attendance: 2,671
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Blues vs Arsenal preview
With only a few days to go until the first leg of the Champions
League Quarter Final, we preview the season opener at St Andrews.
There is a distinct feeling of the changing of the guard at
Blues this season. Long standing stalwarts of previous seasons have departed,
with younger, fresher players being brought into the club. There is no doubt
Captain Laura Bassett and top scorer Rachel Williams, both of whom moved to
Chelsea over the winter, will be missed, despite the fact the latter was
unavailable for Blues for the majority of the second half of last season. The leadership
qualities lost by Bassett’s exit will be hard to replace, although the appointment
of Karen Carney is one that ensures the team will be under no illusions of how
much the club means to the Birmingham born winger. Izzy Christiansen has signed
for WSL newcomers Manchester City, and she will be a big loss, especially with
how well she linked up with the front line towards the back end of the 2013
campaign. Last season ended on such a high, the 5-2 victory at the home of the
men’s side over Zorky was arguably the display of the season. The likes of Mel
Lawley and Kirsty Linnett showed how well they had seamlessly fitted into the
BCLFC system, and there will be added pressure on them this season to deliver
the goods in the final third of the pitch.
It hasn’t all been exits and departures this pre-season:
Midfielder Remi Allen and versatile defender Meaghan Sargeant have joined from
the former Lincoln Ladies, and Welsh international attacker Hannah Keryakoplis
has bolstered David Parker’s options up front, arriving from Stoke City. I would expect Blues to set up similar to last season, with Carney and Lawley the wide outlets, Allen and Moore patrolling the midfield, with Jo Potter breaking forward to support Linnett up front. The main question marks would be the centre of defence. Assuming Emily Westwood is fit, she would make up one of the back two, but Parker has a decision to make regarding whether Sargeant comes straight in for her debut, or Harrop is moved into central defence, and Hannah George plays. There is plenty of youthful exuberance available to Blues should they feel the need to use it.
The transfer activity at Blues has been nothing compared to
that of their quarter final opponents from the capital. Eleven players have
left the current FA Cup holders, eight of which were first team regulars last
season. The financial muscle of Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and Notts County
have accounted for many of Arsenal’s stars of the past three years, while PFA
Women’s Player of the Year Kim Little has moved across the pond to re-join her
old coach Laura Harvey at Seattle Reign. The Gunners have recruited well,
however, bringing in England internationals Siobhan Chamberlain and Casey
Stoney from Bristol Academy and Notts County Ladies respectively, Dutch full
back Anouk Hoogendijk, Scottish midfielder Christie Murray, along with Japanese
duo Yukari Kinga and Shinobu Ohno.
Shelley Kerr has a very tough job gelling this new squad
quickly. The loss of key players down the spine of the team such as Little,
Houghton and White will mean the side has to adjust, and whilst there are
players who can come in and fill the same positions, there can be no hiding the
impact Little’s departure will have. Jordan Nobbs is out injured for the first
month or so of the league, and this will be another huge blow to the London
outfit. A lot of trust will be placed in Dan Carter to supply the level of
goals left behind by White, Little and Davison, all of whom always caused Blues
numerous problems in previous encounters. It is very difficult to predict the Arsenal line up, what with the huge turnover of players, but they will be hoping to play as many of their experienced players as they can in such a huge game to start the season.
With the first leg providing Blues with home advantage, up
against a side very much in transition, I am letting my heart persuade my head
in predicting a tight 2-1 victory for the hosts.
Monday, 18 November 2013
A fitting way to say goodbye
Only days after leading Blues Ladies into the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club's history, it was announced that club captain Laura Bassett would not be renewing her contract, and would be leaving the Midlands side. Since then, many tributes have been paid, so here is ours to a true legend of Birmingham City Ladies.
Since she arrived at Blues thirteen years ago, Laura has not only left her mark, more imprinted her DNA into the whole club. Any team that goes out to play for Blues does so with a tenacity and a drive that is so symptomatic of Bassett's character, it doesn't matter whether she is even playing, her passion is ingrained into every player who has had the pleasure of playing under her. Watching her lead her team from the heart of the defence has been a joy to watch for these last three years, and her impact may only be truly felt once next season begins. For someone so strong and determined, there is a vastly underestimated calmness about her ability on the ball. A better reader of the game in her position I'm yet to see, and she always knows where a pass is available, even under severe opposition pressure.
But despite her undeniable talent and emphatic leadership qualities, Laura is genuinely the nicest person we have ever met. She would always greet us when we arrived at the game, always available to chat with all fans, and has been instrumental in us covering the game as much as we do. Whether it be this blog, or photographs from games and the kit launch, Laura always acknowledged what we did and always made it feel worthwhile. She met us at a couple of Centre of Excellence games, and always made time to talk to us.
Whilst we are naturally gutted that Laura is leaving, we can wish her nothing but the best in her future, wherever that may be. We can look back fondly and remember her lifting the FA Cup last summer, and of course bowing out at such a magnificent occasion at St Andrews. Thanks for the memories Laura, and good luck!
Since she arrived at Blues thirteen years ago, Laura has not only left her mark, more imprinted her DNA into the whole club. Any team that goes out to play for Blues does so with a tenacity and a drive that is so symptomatic of Bassett's character, it doesn't matter whether she is even playing, her passion is ingrained into every player who has had the pleasure of playing under her. Watching her lead her team from the heart of the defence has been a joy to watch for these last three years, and her impact may only be truly felt once next season begins. For someone so strong and determined, there is a vastly underestimated calmness about her ability on the ball. A better reader of the game in her position I'm yet to see, and she always knows where a pass is available, even under severe opposition pressure.
But despite her undeniable talent and emphatic leadership qualities, Laura is genuinely the nicest person we have ever met. She would always greet us when we arrived at the game, always available to chat with all fans, and has been instrumental in us covering the game as much as we do. Whether it be this blog, or photographs from games and the kit launch, Laura always acknowledged what we did and always made it feel worthwhile. She met us at a couple of Centre of Excellence games, and always made time to talk to us.
Whilst we are naturally gutted that Laura is leaving, we can wish her nothing but the best in her future, wherever that may be. We can look back fondly and remember her lifting the FA Cup last summer, and of course bowing out at such a magnificent occasion at St Andrews. Thanks for the memories Laura, and good luck!
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Blues Ladies to make history
On Wednesday 13th November, St Andrews stadium will create history. For the first time in its 107 year history, Birmingham City Ladies will strut their stuff on the hallowed turf. 45 years after their formation, the female team will represent our great football club at its spiritual home, as FK Zorkiy Krasnogorsk make the long trip from Russia to play the second leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 tie, with Blues leading 2-0 from the first leg.
Many of you may have your misgivings about the women's game, and no doubt there will be plenty of preconceptions regarding the standard of football, but for one night, Birmingham City Ladies have been given the honour of playing at our famous stadium. Many heroes have graced our pitch, from Gil Merrick and Trevor Francis, to Martin Grainger and Joe Hart, but now the ladies have their chance to add their names to that list. Captain Laura Bassett, who first joined Blues in 2000, has lifted the FA Cup for her side, but the opportunity to lead her team out at St Andrews has been a huge dream for a long time. Local hero and England star Karen Carney has expressed her thrill and excitement about having the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream, and boss David Parker has described how emotional it will be for him to walk out at the home of Birmingham City, the sound of the famous Champions League theme ringing around the stadium.
Whether you have ever watched women's football before or not, and even if you are not that interested in following the team after this game, these girls deserve the chance to play in front of one of the biggest crowds in their career. With a Champions League quarter final only 90 minutes away, it would be such a boost for the team to feel a fantastic atmosphere in what is the biggest game of the young club's history. They have earnt the right to play at this level, and they deserve an attendance to match that achievement. A mere 8 years ago, the club was on the verge of extinction, and was saved thanks to a loan from the parents of a former player. Those days are past now, and this team have such a bright future ahead, so please, even if it is just for one evening, come and support the girls, come and support Birmingham City, and make this a night to remember for all involved.
Wednesday 13th November
St Andrews Stadium
7pm kick off
Adults - £6
Concessions - £3
Group ticket bundles:
Adults - £20 for 5 tickets
Concessions - £10 for 5 tickets
Contact the BCFC Ticket Office on 0844 557 1875 option 2 or visit St Andrews Stadium, where you can pay on the day
Many of you may have your misgivings about the women's game, and no doubt there will be plenty of preconceptions regarding the standard of football, but for one night, Birmingham City Ladies have been given the honour of playing at our famous stadium. Many heroes have graced our pitch, from Gil Merrick and Trevor Francis, to Martin Grainger and Joe Hart, but now the ladies have their chance to add their names to that list. Captain Laura Bassett, who first joined Blues in 2000, has lifted the FA Cup for her side, but the opportunity to lead her team out at St Andrews has been a huge dream for a long time. Local hero and England star Karen Carney has expressed her thrill and excitement about having the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream, and boss David Parker has described how emotional it will be for him to walk out at the home of Birmingham City, the sound of the famous Champions League theme ringing around the stadium.
Whether you have ever watched women's football before or not, and even if you are not that interested in following the team after this game, these girls deserve the chance to play in front of one of the biggest crowds in their career. With a Champions League quarter final only 90 minutes away, it would be such a boost for the team to feel a fantastic atmosphere in what is the biggest game of the young club's history. They have earnt the right to play at this level, and they deserve an attendance to match that achievement. A mere 8 years ago, the club was on the verge of extinction, and was saved thanks to a loan from the parents of a former player. Those days are past now, and this team have such a bright future ahead, so please, even if it is just for one evening, come and support the girls, come and support Birmingham City, and make this a night to remember for all involved.
Wednesday 13th November
St Andrews Stadium
7pm kick off
Adults - £6
Concessions - £3
Group ticket bundles:
Adults - £20 for 5 tickets
Concessions - £10 for 5 tickets
Contact the BCFC Ticket Office on 0844 557 1875 option 2 or visit St Andrews Stadium, where you can pay on the day
Monday, 19 August 2013
Arsenal march on to end Blues’ winning streak
Arsenal Ladies closed in on league leaders
Liverpool with a 3-1 away win at Blues this weekend. Captain Steph Houghton,
Ellen White and Gemma Davison all scored before half time as The Gunners took
complete control of the match, and although the hosts dramatically improved in
the second half, a deflected Jo Potter strike was merely a consolation in the
end as Shelley Kerr’s side moved to within five points of Liverpool with two
games in hand. There was one change to the Blues side from the one that beat
Doncaster Belles the previous home match, match winner Mel Lawley was away with
England’s U-19 squad in Wales, so Karen Carney returned to the starting lineup.
Following Saturday evenings incredible
Liverpool win, Arsenal knew only victory would keep the title in their own
hands, and they set about earning the three points rapidly, pressing their
hosts and winning possession high up the pitch on numerous occasions, and it was
a Blues mistake that led to the opening goal. A mix up between Potter and
keeper Spencer led to a Gunners corner, and Kim Little’s inviting cross was met
by Captain Houghton with a thunderous header at the far post. The tempo had
been set by Arsenal, and their star midfield duo of Nobbs and in particular
Little were finding copious amounts of space to dictate the game from. Dan
Carter fired a shot over from inside the area and Ellen White also shot wide
when well placed, but Blues were not learning from their mistakes, and it was
two shortly after. Houghton’s bending free kick hit the inside of the post, and
Flaherty’s rebound also struck the cross bar, but the home side failed to clear
their lines and from the resulting cross back into the box, White rose highest
at the back post to head home. Jordan Nobbs placed a shot wide when through one
on one with Spencer, but with Arsenal in cruise control, and Blues’ unfamiliar
back line looking shaky at best, the visitors increased their stranglehold on
the game with a third before half time. The impressive Emma Mitchell, playing
at left back for this season’s FA Cup winners, was allowed too much time to
make another venture forward, and her deep cross was met by the onrushing
Davison at the back post, who calmly side footed a volley into the far corner.
Blues’ only threat in the half came from the reliable left footed set piece of
Potter, and it took a desperate goalmouth block from Little to prevent Chelsea
Weston driving in a response following a cleared corner, but Arsenal went into
the break fully deserving their three goal cushion.
David Parker went for broke and threw on 17
year old starlet Coral Haines at half time, replacing Hannah George. This led
to a tactical change for Blues, with a more recognisable back line of Weston,
Bassett, Westwood and Harrop, and Haines linking up with Linnett up front, and
within minutes the gamble nearly paid off. Having had a shot blocked, Haines
picked the ball up on the edge of the area, gave herself a yard to shoot and
bent a dipping effort that crashed onto Emma Byrne’s crossbar and over. The latest
in a long line of young stars to come from the club’s Centre of Excellence,
Haines was causing Flaherty and Co more problems than they had faced all
through the first half, and she was to be denied once more, along with Linnett,
before Blues pulled one back through Potter’s deflected effort from distance.
The talismanic midfielder was at the heart of dragging Blues back into the
game, and she almost pulled off another magical moment, lobbing Byrne from
distance but unfortunately for the home side the ball drifted just wide. Little
was not only making her mark in the middle of the pitch, but she was on hand to
deny Blues again on the hour mark, Westwood climbing highest to head a Potter
corner goal wards, only for the Scottish maestro to block on the line and clear.
This block seemed to knock the wind out of the home side, and galvanise the
away team, and Arsenal began to gain momentum again. Little fed Davison inside
the area, but her shot was sliced harmlessly wide, and even though star striker
Rachel Williams was introduced for the ineffective Carney, Arsenal had regained
a sense of calm over the match. Williams did trouble Byrne with a long range
shot three minutes from time, but the Irish keeper was alert to the strike to
tip it round the post. As injury time approached, Carter should have sealed the
victory more emphatically, but she could not beat Spencer following unselfish
play from Nobbs, but it did not affect the end result, the Londoners running
out 3-1 winners, a victory earnt based on their first half performance.
This defeat almost certainly ends Blues’
slim chances of title success, and has dented their Champions League hopes, as
Liverpool and Arsenal continue to push away from the rest of the pack, so a win
against Liverpool in their next home match is crucial if David Parker’s side
are to participate in next season’s European campaign. Based on the contrasting
first and second half performances from the Arsenal contest, it may be a better
option for Blues to go back to basics. The centre half partnership of Bassett
and Westwood feels much more reliable and trustworthy, and Harrop is best
suited to being played at left back. Potter and Moore is a central partnership
that has controlled many a game in the past for Blues, and the trickery of Linnett
and the returning Lawley will be a major plus in the wide areas. It would be
nice to see more of young Coral Haines, to come on and perform in the manner
she did against unquestionably the best team in the league was testament to her
abilities and her mental strength, and she showed she can cut it with the best
this league has to offer, and at just 17 there is more to come from this
talented attacker.
Blues have two more WSL home matches remaining
this season. We face Liverpool on Sunday September 1st, a 2pm kick
off, and finally Everton visit the DCS on Wednesday September 4th,
which is a 7.45pm kick off.
Blues:
Spencer, Weston, Westwood, Harrop, George (Haines
46), Christiansen (Wilkinson 84), Bassett (c), Moore, Carney (Williams 67),
Potter, Linnett. Subs not used: Earps,
Simpkins, Torkildsen, Myers
Arsenal:
Byrne, Scott, Houghton (c), Flaherty, Mitchell
(Grant 90), Davison (Yankey 78), Nobbs, Little, Weir, Carter, White. Subs not used: Tracy, Chapman, Ayisi
Monday, 5 August 2013
Blues secure away win on WSL return
Two goals from winger Mel Lawley helped Blues earn a 2-1 away win at Lincoln Ladies, as FAWSL action returned following the mid season break for the European Championships. Attractive strikes either side of half time put Blues in charge, before Carla Cantrell halved the deficit for the hosts, but despite this David Parker's side held on for a valuable three points to take Blues above Everton into 5th place in the WSL going into two consecutive home matches against Doncaster Belles and Arsenal.
There were also wins this weekend for Arsenal, Chelsea and Bristol Academy over Liverpool, Doncaster and Everton repectively. Arsenal travelled to league leaders Liverpool knowing anything but a win would leave them a huge task to win their third successive WSL title, but were ahead early on in the game thanks to a Jordan Nobbs goal. Liverpool were desperately disappointing, and could not prevent Arsenal from bossing the midfield, with Nobbs, Kim Little and youngster Jade Bailey impressing on the ball and dictating the game. Arsenal made it two before half time, Kim Little marauding through the exposed Liverpool midfield and slotting a ball through to Ellen White, who showed great composure by pulling the ball back for the advancing Alex Scott to side foot into an empty net. Natasha Dowie had the chance to pull a goal back for The Reds in the second half from the penalty spot after drawing a foul from Steph Houghton, but Arsenal stopper Emma Byrne made a good save low down to her left. The Gunners wrapped up the emphatic win late in the second half, Dan Carter playing a ball across the influential Nobbs who struck a magnificent first time shot which flew past Laws in the Liverpool goal. It was rather sobering viewing from an England persausion to see Nobbs displaying quality and control that was so desperately lacking in this summer's Euros, where the Arsenal star sat on the bench for all three pitiful group games, and there would have been an over riding sense of regret that she never had the chance to show her talents on the International tournament stage.
Chelsea romped to a comfortable home victory over bottom of the table Doncaster, thanks to a brace from Eni Aluko, and one each from fellow strikers Helen Ward and Sofia Jakobsson, and this victory has kept them within reach of the Champions League positions, while Doncaster already know that they will be playing in the second tier of womens football next season. Bristol Academy jumped above Liverpool to the top of the table with another goalfest against Everton, the visitors coming out 3-2 winners. It was 2-2 before the half hour mark, Bristol going ahead twice thanks to a Jill Scott own goal and Natasha Harding, with Kelly Jones and a Toni Duggan penalty pulling the hosts level both times. The winner came in the second half for The Vixens, another own goal, this time debutant Billie Murphy the unfortunate player.
As the table shows, the title race is almost certainly down to three teams; Bristol, Liverpool and Arsenal, but with half of the season remaining for most teams, everyone has to play eachother again, so the likes of Chelsea, Blues and Everton will still be looking to make a late charge for the top spot, but realistically, with their games in hand, Arsenal would still see themselves as favourites, and until it is out of their hands, the Champions League semi finalists will remain favourites for the league and cup double.
There were also wins this weekend for Arsenal, Chelsea and Bristol Academy over Liverpool, Doncaster and Everton repectively. Arsenal travelled to league leaders Liverpool knowing anything but a win would leave them a huge task to win their third successive WSL title, but were ahead early on in the game thanks to a Jordan Nobbs goal. Liverpool were desperately disappointing, and could not prevent Arsenal from bossing the midfield, with Nobbs, Kim Little and youngster Jade Bailey impressing on the ball and dictating the game. Arsenal made it two before half time, Kim Little marauding through the exposed Liverpool midfield and slotting a ball through to Ellen White, who showed great composure by pulling the ball back for the advancing Alex Scott to side foot into an empty net. Natasha Dowie had the chance to pull a goal back for The Reds in the second half from the penalty spot after drawing a foul from Steph Houghton, but Arsenal stopper Emma Byrne made a good save low down to her left. The Gunners wrapped up the emphatic win late in the second half, Dan Carter playing a ball across the influential Nobbs who struck a magnificent first time shot which flew past Laws in the Liverpool goal. It was rather sobering viewing from an England persausion to see Nobbs displaying quality and control that was so desperately lacking in this summer's Euros, where the Arsenal star sat on the bench for all three pitiful group games, and there would have been an over riding sense of regret that she never had the chance to show her talents on the International tournament stage.
Chelsea romped to a comfortable home victory over bottom of the table Doncaster, thanks to a brace from Eni Aluko, and one each from fellow strikers Helen Ward and Sofia Jakobsson, and this victory has kept them within reach of the Champions League positions, while Doncaster already know that they will be playing in the second tier of womens football next season. Bristol Academy jumped above Liverpool to the top of the table with another goalfest against Everton, the visitors coming out 3-2 winners. It was 2-2 before the half hour mark, Bristol going ahead twice thanks to a Jill Scott own goal and Natasha Harding, with Kelly Jones and a Toni Duggan penalty pulling the hosts level both times. The winner came in the second half for The Vixens, another own goal, this time debutant Billie Murphy the unfortunate player.
As the table shows, the title race is almost certainly down to three teams; Bristol, Liverpool and Arsenal, but with half of the season remaining for most teams, everyone has to play eachother again, so the likes of Chelsea, Blues and Everton will still be looking to make a late charge for the top spot, but realistically, with their games in hand, Arsenal would still see themselves as favourites, and until it is out of their hands, the Champions League semi finalists will remain favourites for the league and cup double.
| Team | Pl | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol Academy Women | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 10 | 18 |
| Liverpool Ladies | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 9 | 15 |
| Chelsea Ladies | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
| Arsenal Ladies | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| Birmingham City Ladies | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 9 |
| Everton Ladies | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 14 | 14 | 8 |
| Lincoln Ladies | 8 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 12 | 3 |
| Doncaster Rovers Belles | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 2 |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)