FAWSL Continental Cup - Birmingham Ladies vs Doncaster Rovers Belles

Birmingham Ladies reached the semi finals of the FAWSL Continental Cup after a 2-0 home victory over Doncaster Rovers Belles on Sunday. Goals either side of half time by Eni Aluko and in form Jodie Taylor meant Blues moved to 7 points out of 9 in the group and finish second, as Bristol Academy's superb 4-0 win over Everton meant they topped the group on goal difference.
It was very much a developmental squad selection from boss David Parker, with Centre of Excellence stars Anna Wilcox, Hannah George and Harley Simpson all rewarded with a place on the bench, and hopefully valuable experience of being in the first team environment for a big game. All in all there were three changes to the side that beat Chelsea 4-2 in their last game, Marie Hourihan replaced Becky Spencer in goal, Kerys Harrop came in for Emily Westwood alongside captain Laura Bassett at centre half, and Jo Potter made way for Izzy Christiansen in the centre of midfield. There two sides met earlier in the season, Blues running out emphatic 4-0 winners in the league encounter at the DCS Stadium, and the hosts went about trying to emulate that scoreline early on, and only an offside flag prevented striker Taylor from opening the scoring on 11 minutes after a fine finish.

England under 19 goalkeeper Mary Earps was in for a busy afternoon, and she was tested by Taylor again after a clever turn on the edge of the area, but she shot was well held by the Belles keeper, and she did even better to hold onto a rasping drive from Rachel Williams from the edge of the box before 20 minutes were up. The visitors were clearly more confident than their last trip to the Midlands following their superb away win at Lincoln in their last fixture, and they were causing the Blues side a few headaches, Alyssa Lagonia and Aine O'Gorman working well on both flanks to support Millie Bright and Jess Sigsworth up front, but it was to be the girls in blue who opened the scoring on the half hour mark.

Clever, sharp passing between the Blues' front line culminated in a delightful flick from Taylor into the path of the on rushing Aluko, whose pace drove her past the Doncaster defence and after a touch to control, she placed her shot perfectly into the bottom corner of Earps' net to make it 1-0. The link up play between the attacking players in the Birmingham side must have been a joy to behold for the watching England at Team GB manager Hope Powell, with Aluko, Williams, Carney and Taylor all in fine form ahead of the summer's olympics.

The second half was very much a similar story to the first, Blues attacking at will and Doncaster trying to soak up the danger and attack on the counter, and the visitors introduced tricky winger Bethany England in place of O'Gorman at half time, but it was Blues with the major chances still. Taylor was perhaps unlucky not to be awarded a penalty as she went down under a challenge in the area, but the referee waved away her claims. Williams, Taylor and Aluko all had efforts on goal but the score remained 1-0 until the 71st minute. Substitute Emily Westwood, on for Chelsea Weston, played a sublime ball over the Belles defence which Taylor latched onto, twisted and turned out of a couple of challenges and calmly planted the ball past Earps for her 6th goal of the season, and surely she must be in serious consideration for an international call up. Despite Jade Moore limping off late on, Blues eased the game out and could look forward to their next game, a massive top of the table clash away at Arsenal. The victory, and second place in their group, meant a semi final away to Lincoln Ladies at the beginning of September, whilst Arsenal will travel to Bristol Academy in the other semi final.

Player of the game: Jade Moore. Was missing her partner in crime Jo Potter for today, but again put in an outstanding shift in the middle of the park, winning tackles, never shy to receive a pass in a tricky area, and moving it on quickly and efficiently to the danger players. In the second half, she was asked to play out of position at right back after Weston went off, but again she worked hard to win possession and showed her class in front of Hope Powell. Unfortunately for Powell, England and Blues she limped off before the end with what looked to be a recurrence of a knee injury, and all three will be hoping it does not sideline her for too long because she is fast becoming a very integral player to club and country.

Blues: Hourihan, Weston (Westwood 59), Bassett (c), Harrop, Unitt, Carney (Potter 64), Moore, Aluko, Christiansen, Taylor, Williams (Ballard 74)

Subs not used: Wilcox, George, Simpson, Torkildsen

Doncaster: Earps, Little, Oxtoby, Cunningham, Chadwick (Hills 72), Lagonia, Holtham (c), Lipka, O'Gorman (England 46), Bright (Russell 64), Sigsworth

Subs not used: Sowerby

Attendance: 464

FAWSL - Birmingham Ladies vs Chelsea Ladies

Birmingham Ladies made it three league wins in a row as they beat Chelsea Ladies 4-2 on Thursday night, their second victory over the Londoners in the space of 5 days after their victorious FA Womens Cup final. Blues raced into a two goal lead in the first 15 minutes of the game, with striker Jodie Taylor and winger Karen Carney putting the hosts into a strong position, but goals from Gemma Bonner and the in-form Helen Lander pulled a resilient Chelsea side level, but Rachel Unitt and Jo Potter ensured the three points would be staying in the Midlands.

The hosts made one change to the team that started the final in Bristol at the weekend, Eni Aluko coming in for Kerys Harrop, whilst Chelsea made three changes, Laura Coombs dropping to the bench and Helen Bleazard and Emma Sherwood missing out all together, to be replaced by Drew Spence, Ashlee Hincks and Kate Longhurst. Any worries of fatigue were banished early on the home side, and they burst out of the traps, opening the scoring on just 6 minutes when Chelsea Weston added another assist to her tally this year, her arcing ball over the top released Taylor, and when she manouvered the ball away from the onrushing Carly Telford, Saturday's player of the match notched her 6th goal of the season by calmly sliding the ball into the vacant net.

Chelsea certainly appeared to be the team who were feeling the effects of 120 minutes in the heat of the final, and they were two down shortly afterwards on 11 minutes. Taylor was again instrumental in the build up, jinking her way past Dani Buet's tackle and finding space before spreading the ball wide to Carney, who then stole the show with a goal of the season contender, cutting inside Claire Rafferty and bending an unstoppable strike into the corner of Telford's goal, nothing the England stopper could do with her compatriot's effort.

The home side were in complete control and full of confidence, but Matt Beard's side came back into the game as the half wore on, with Buet in central midfield pulling the strings and making Chelsea play, and pressure began to build as the visitors forced a number of corners. On 24 minutes one of those corners, taken by Hincks, was headed home by centre half Bonner, who ironically was the player to miss the all important penalty in the final, and this goal spurred Chelsea on, Hincks forcing a smart save from Spencer and Bassett blocking bravely from the follow up, and it was David Parker's team who may have been slightly relieved to hear the half time whistle, although Telford was forced into action just before the break, smartly denying Carney her second of the game.

7 minutes after the break, the visitors had their equaliser, and it came from a familiar source when Kate Longhurst's inswinging cross was stabbed home cleverly by Welsh international Lander, who added to her impressive tally this season. Chelsea tails were not up for long, however, as just a minute later, Blues were back in front. Jo Potter's set pieces had once again been a constant threat to Chelsea, and her in swinging corner was whipped in and Rachel Unitt scored her first Birmingham goal, scrambling the ball home from under the cross bar. As the natural light slowly started to be replaced by the light of the floodlights at the DCS Stadium, both sides continued to look for goals, Rachel Williams and Potter both shooting narrowly over for Blues, whilst Chelsea threatened through Dunia Susi and Lander, but the all important 6th goal of the game came with 8 minutes remaining, when Jo Potter's thunderous free kick flew past Telford and into the bottom corner to make it 4-2 to Blues. The Londoners seemed to run out of steam in the closing stages of the match, and it ended 4-2, moving Blues back to within two points of leaders Arsenal.

Special praise has to go to both sides for putting on another entertaining game only 5 days after the energy sapping cup final, but it shows the quality and strength of the two teams, and for Blues in particular to come away from the week with another 3 points in the league and the FA Womens Cup is a fantastic achievement. Not for the first time this season they have not let their heads drop after conceding goals, and just when it appears that they are in trouble, the heart and determination of the squad shines through, and when you have the attacking threat that Blues possess, it is no suprise that they have the belief that a match is never lost, and that it is always possible to grab a goal.

The front 6 that started the league game vs Chelsea all have a touch of class that can win any game against any side, as Taylor and Carney's goals proved, but after being pegged back, it was the set piece quality of midfielder Potter that proved the difference, her corner was found impossible to deal with by the Chelsea back line, allowing Unitt to regain the lead, and of course her wicked free kick at the end sealed the three points, and to think Rachel Williams and Aluko didn't find the net, Blues have arguably the most potent attack in the league, and this is one of the reasons the side have the belief that on their day they can beat anybody, and this fight and ability will be key in their quest to continue their trophy winning ways in WSL and Continental Cup action this season.

Player of the game: Jo Potter

Blues: Spencer, Weston, Bassett (c), Westwood, Unitt (Harrop 57), Aluko (Christiansen 73), Moore, Potter, Carney, Taylor (Ballard 84), Williams

Subs not used: Hourihan, Torkildsen

Chelsea: Telford (c), Fay (Gwilliam 82), Bonner, Ingle, Rafferty, Susi, Buet, Spence, Hincks (Lappin 66), Lander, Longhurst

Subs not used: Quantrill, Perry, William, Coombs

Attendance: 756

FA Womens Cup Final - Birmingham Ladies vs Chelsea Ladies

Photographs by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17181772@N00/with/7278675298/


On Saturday 26th May 2012, Birmingham City Ladies made history by winning their first ever FA Womens Cup, beating Chelsea at Bristol City's Ashton Gate 3-2 on penalties, after drawing 2-2 after extra time. Welsh international Helen Lander looked to have won the cup for the London Blues, turning exquisitely before slotting the ball past Rebecca Spencer in the Birmingham goal, but after a terrific goal line clearance from Chelsea's Claire Rafferty denied Jodie Taylor an equaliser on the stroke of 90 minutes, the resulting corner eventually found its way to Rachel Williams who, through a crowded penalty area, managed to stroke the ball accurately past the despairing Chelsea back line to send the tie into extra time.

The heat inside Ashton Gate was searing, and the 30 minutes of extra time saw alot of the girls from both sides stretching tense muscles, and trying to run off cramp or niggles, but still the quality did not wane. Chelsea went back into the lead before half time in extra time, a slight lack of communication between Spencer and captain Laura Bassett allowed Kate Longhurst a sight at goal, which she took with aplomb, a beautiful curling finish into the bottom corner, and again the majority of the 8,000 plus crowd in attendance must have predicted it to be a monumental task for the Midlands outfit to get back into the game, but one thing that has been evident over the past year and a half is that Birmingham City Ladies are not a team to write off easily, and once again their spirit, fight and determination to win was on show, as with 8 minutes left of extra time, Karen Carney took a quick free kick and bent it into the top corner of Carly Telford's goal.

And so to the penalty shoot out. The penalties were taken in front of the Atyeo Stand, which held the fans behind the goal, and Chelsea were to take first. Katie Sherwood was the first to take a spot kick, and she dispatched it well, despite Spencer going the right way. Rachel Williams took Birmingham's first penalty, and despite hitting it low, it was too close to Telford, and the England stopper saved well. Chelsea sub Drew Spence was next up, but much like Williams' effort, her shot was too close to Spencer and the Birmingham keeper parried the penalty away with a superb save down to her left. It was then the turn of England international Rachel Unitt, who stepped up and confidently dispatched her penalty to Telford's left into the bottom corner to level things up after 2 penalties each.

Another England international was next up to take for Chelsea, Claire Rafferty, who had missed a penalty for England in last year's world cup against France, and again it was heartache for her, as her penalty was struck with a lot of power, but went wide of the post. Striker Jodie Taylor was next up for Birmingham, and she followed up her player of the match winning perfomance with a calm, confident penalty, sending Telford the wrong way to give Birmingham the lead for the very first time in the whole tie. Midfielder Dani Buet walked up to take Chelsea's fourth penalty, and if there were any nerves she did not show them, placing her penalty to her left into the top corner, Spencer going the wrong way. Birmingham's fourth penalty was taken by hometown girl Karen Carney, and there was no way she was going to miss after taking her side into the shoot out with her brilliant free kick, and she duly obliged with her spot kick, arguably the best of the shoot out, stroking the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net, sending Telford the wrong way and putting her side 3-2 up with one penalty left for each side.

Centre half Gemma Bonner, renowned for her penalty taking abilities, stepped up for Chelsea's fifth, but despite her previous history of successful penalties for club and country, sometimes pressure does horrible things to players, and as with Rafferty, her penalty had plenty of power but not the required accuracy, and her shot went over the bar to hand Birmingham Ladies their first ever FA Womens Cup.

As is quite apparent with the content of this blog, we are Birmingham Ladies fans, but we do try and write in an impartial format, but we will not apologise for making an exception in this instance.


Chelsea played their part in a tremendous final, and it is never nice to lose on penalties, especially as they were so close to winning in normal time and in extra time, and they deserve great credit for their efforts, but if ever there was a side that deserved a trophy for their efforts over a period of time, it is Birmingham City Ladies. They were outstanding all last season, but ended up runners up in both the FAWSL and the Continental Cup, and again this season they have worked so hard and they have been excellent in all areas of the pitch, and were once again in the final. This win was for everyone at the club, players, management, staff, fans, everyone.

It was for the two goalkeepers: Rebecca Spencer, who left Arsenal at the beginning of the season to gain more first team football, and has been a more than welcome addition to the squad, and made important saves in the final, culminating in saving Drew Spence's penalty to get Blues back into the shoot out, and for Marie Hourihan, who was the number one last season and has played her part in this season's promising start to the season too.

It was for Rachel Unitt, who has brought a wealth of experience into the back four and been a fantastic acquisition, who has shown her value to the side in the defensive and attacking departments, and who scored the second penalty in the shoot out.

For Chelsea Weston and Emily Westwood, who have been regulars in the side this season and last, and have been integral members of the side, and for the inspirational captain Laura Bassett, back skippering the Blues for a second time in her career, and who deserved more than anyone to lift the trophy.

It must have meant the world to Birmingham girl Karen Carney, whose contributions to the final in particular are an example of what the England winger means to the club, and in turn what the club means to her. Her free kick and penalty successes were followed by evident shows of emotion, and this displayed how much she wanted this success with her hometown club.

It was for the superb midfield duo of Jade Moore and Jo Potter, who time and time again have shown class in abundence on the ball, and their workrate in the soaring Bristol heat was inspirational to watch, Jade Moore's battle with fellow midfielder Dani Buet was particularly grueling, and Potter was again the source of calmness in possession, always happy to receive the ball and never rushed, dictating the flow of the game and bringing team mates into play, always looking to set the strikers away and dominating the midfield with her England team mate Moore.

For Kerys Harrop, who was brilliant last season whilst playing at left full back, and also this season in a more attacking role in front of Unitt, and she has made that position her own this season, scoring goals as well as her natural defensive qualities to assist Unitt.

It was for strikers Rachel Williams and Jodie Taylor, who worked tirelessly and chased balls all afternoon, often without fruition, but never gave up. Williams was clearly suffering with an injury for a large portion of the second half and all of extra time, but she did not stop running, chasing balls over the top, closing down the Chelsea players in possession, and of course, not for the first time, scoring the goal when Blues desperately needed it, forcing extra time with her stoppage time equaliser, and Taylor was given the Sky TV player of the match award, and no one can argue with that, she had a perfectly good goal ruled out incorrectly for offside in the first half, and on another day she could have had a hat trick, her effort at the end of normal time being cleared off the line, and she continuously ran her socks off for the team, and she also scored one of the penalties in the shoot out.

It was for the subs, and squad members, Eni Aluko who came on in the final and looked very sharp and threatening, which she has since she arrived back this year, and for the subs who didn't get on, Izzy Christiansen, Marie Ballard and Christina Torkildsen, who have all played their part in the progress of the club, and have contributed to it's recent success.

For David Parker, and all the backroom staff and management, and for the fans that have followed the club regularly, and for everyone involved with the club, 26th May 2012 was a day that will never be forgotten, and all the players deserve their winners medals and the accolades that will follow.

The home league fixture vs Chelsea on Thursday is now free admission for supporters to come and show their appreciation to the players that have bought this trophy back to Birmingham, and to see them embark upon another charge towards success this season, and we will be there again, and our pride for the girls that wear the clubs shirt that was so affluent on Saturday will be displayed again.

Birmingham: Spencer, Weston, Bassett (c), Westwood, Unitt, Carney, Moore, Potter, Harrop (Aluko 63), Williams, Taylor

Subs not used: Hourihan, Ballard, Christiansen, Torkildsen

Chelsea: Telford (c), Fay (Perry 70), Bonner, Ingle, Rafferty, Susi, Buet, Coombs (Spence 58), Sherwood, Bleazard, Lander (Longhurst 76)

Subs not used: Quantrill, Hincks

Attendance: 8,723

Photographs by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17181772@N00/with/7278675298/

Check out this for all the latest bclfc photographs.. great photographs! 

FAWSL - Birmingham Ladies vs Liverpool Ladies

Birmingham Ladies closed to within two points of leaders Arsenal on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool Ladies at the DCS Stadium. The holders' 3-3 draw away at Lincoln meant Blues had the opportunity to edge closer to their rivals at the top of the league, and this home win was the perfect tonic, ahead of arguably the biggest week in the club's history.

Liverpool proved a solid test for last year's WSL runners up, with left midfielder Hannah Keryakoplis showing early signs of why she has plenty of people in the game talking about her, and the opening quarter of an hour was a battle of attrition, with the ball mainly being fought for in the middle of the park, but as has happened on numerous occasions, the opening goal changed the whole complexity of the game, and the hosts took control of the game. Chelsea Weston's teasing cross from the right wing caused Reds centre back Nicky Twohig to slice her clearance, and despite the best efforts of keeper Nicola Davies, the ball looped into the net to give Blues the lead on 16 minutes. The remainder of the half was dominated by Birmingham, England winger Carney in especially sparkling form, causing problems on either wing and with her set pieces, and the combination of Rachel Williams and Jodie Taylor up front always worrying the opposition defence, the home side had regular chances to double their lead before the break, Davies making saves from Carney and Kerys Harrop, and a thunderous Jo Potter free kick narrowly missing the target.

The second half was a closer affair, Liverpool determined to come out and show a resilience that was lacking in the FA Womens Cup game earlier in the season where they were beaten 4-0, but 7 minutes after the restart, Blues had their second that the first half display deserved. Substitute Eni Aluko, on for the impressive Izzy Christiansen who put in a good shift out of position in central midfield, needed only 2 minutes to make her mark in the game, crossing for Taylor, and although the striker couldn't get to the first cross, Harrop came in at the back post and steered the ball home. Aluko is becoming sharper and more dangerous with every appearance for the club she began her career with, and it was the England striker who was the provider for Blues' third of the game on 57 minutes, crossing again for Taylor who controlled superbly and slotted the ball past Davies to continue her good run of goalscoring form at the start of this season. The Merseyside outfit did not give in however, and came back determined to reduce the deficit and take some positives back north, and their efforts in the final half hour were rewarded when Kelly Jones headed in a Caroline Charlton cross to reduce the arrears. They could have had more, with Rebecca Spencer in the hosts' goal saving well from Chloe Jones, and new signing Emily Gielnik thumping the bar from 20 yards, but in the end the home side came out with the win that takes them to joint second with Chelsea Ladies on 8 points, but with a game in hand over their FA Womens Cup final opponents, while Liverpool remain on one point.

Blues boss David Parker will be hoping his side will stay injury free this week leading up to their Final at Ashton Gate on May 26th, and the appearance of Jade Moore coming on as substitute in their last two games will be a massive boost for the Midlanders, in what promises to be an exciting, close fought game between two sides who have started their seasons well, and the opportunity to etch their names into their club's history will provide all the incentive to put everything into the game, and at 3pm on Saturday either Laura Bassett or Carly Telford will be lifting the trophy.

Player of the game: Karen Carney

Blues: Spencer, Weston (Moore 64), Bassett (c), Westwood, Unitt, Carney, Christiansen (Aluko 49), Potter (Ballard 69), Harrop, Williams, Taylor

Subs not used: Hourihan, Torkildsen

Liverpool: Davies, V Jones (c), Twohig, Chappell, Evans (Shepherd 55), Harding (Fleming 75), C Jones (Charlton 75), Brusell, Keryakoplis, K Jones, Gielnik

Subs not used: Clansey, S Jones

Attendance: 266

FAWSL - Birmingham Ladies V Doncaster Rovers Belles

Birmingham Ladies got their first win of the 2012 FAWSL season on Sunday with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers Belles at the DCS Stadium. The goals were spread across the team, with Rachel Williams, Kerys Harrop, Jo Potter and substitute Eni Aluko each getting on the scoresheet against the Yorkshire outfit.

Patience was the key for the Blues against a team which had lost their previous game of the season, and despite an even start, the first goal breathed new life into the hosts. Once Chelsea Weston's superb right wing cross was carefully controlled by England striker Williams and slotted home neatly, Birmingham's confidence rose and, in turn, Doncaster's faded, and just four minutes after the opener Williams turned provider, keeping the ball in a tight space inside the box before nudging the ball across goal into the path of the unmarked Harrop to double her side's lead. The hosts continued to threaten the Belles' backline, in between sporadic Donny forrays forward, and four minutes before half time it was 3-0, a develish Karen Carney corner was whipped in and headed home by midfield dynamo Jo Potter, who grabbed her first goal of the season.

Both sides made changes at half time, Eni Aluko replacing Jade Moore, who went off with a knock to her knee, and Rovers' Lillie Bilson replaced by Millie Bright, much to the winger's disgust. The second half was certainly less dramatic goal wise than the first, with the visitors determined not to be embarrassed, and the hosts playing with no pressure and with lots of freedom to express themselves, and happy to maintain possession. Aluko looked very sharp when she came on, running into channels and causing the visitor's defence plenty of problems, and her efforts were rewarded on 70 minutes when she latched onto a through ball, and one on one with Mary Earps, confidently rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net. She could have had more, with a header hitting the cross bar, and there were plenty of half chances that went by which could have improved the goal difference, what with Arsenal looking as strong as ever so far in the league.

After two away draws at Lincoln and Everton, the nature of the comfortable win will have pleased boss David Parker, especially with a consistent run of games coming up for his team, including the eagerly anticipated FA Womens Cup final against Chelsea on May 26th, and the return to goalscoring form of the side was a positive sign.

Once again the quality of crosses and passing caused all the problems for the Belles side, Carney and Potter supplying dangerous free kicks and corners, and full backs Weston and Unitt supporting the wide players, expanding the pitch as much as possible, pulling the visitors wide and creating space for the likes of Potter, Williams and Carney to create opportunities for the FA Cup finalists. Potter was superb in the centre, twisting and turning her way into space on numerous occasions, never rushed in possession and often creating goalscoring chances for her team mates.

Blues are in Continental Cup action away at Bristol Academy next weekend, and after this win they will go into the game full of confidence, and hopefully this will continue onto their second trip to Bristol in May, as they search for their very first FA Womens Cup.

Player of the match: Jo Potter

Blues: Spencer, Weston, Bassett (c), Westwood, Unitt, Christiansen, Moore (Aluko 46), Potter, Harrop, Williams (Torkildsen 73), Carney (Ballard 59)

Subs not used: Hourihan

Doncaster: Earps, Cunningham, Little, Sigsworth, Holtham, O'Gorman (Russell 82), Lipka, Oxtoby, Bilson (Bright 46), Chadwick (Sowerby 62), England

Subs not used: Lagonia, Hills

Attendance: 489

FA Cup - Birmingham Ladies V Bristol Academy

Birmingham Ladies made history on Sunday as they defeated Bristol Academy 4-1 in the semi-final of the FA Women’s Cup, reaching the final for the very first time in their history. The win was much deserved, with Rachel Williams and Karen Carney grabbing a brace apiece, and the rise and rise of the Midlands’ outfit is there for all to see, being runners-up in last season’s inaugural FAWSL and Continental Cup, and this season hoping for even more achievements.

Blues were 3-0 up before half time, Williams scoring her first goal of the season early on, before a Carney corner was kept out by the hand of Bristol defender Alex Culvin, who was sent off, and despite Williams missing the resultant spot kick, England winger Carney scored two very neat finishes to put Birmingham fully in control at half time. Blues were the designated home side, with the game being played at Tamworth FC’s The Lamb ground, and they had a good backing from the fans that had made the trip north, and they certainly would have enjoyed a first half performance that displayed great confidence and quality.

Carney makes it 2-0

Half time: Birmingham 3 - 0 Bristol 

Bristol gave their all in the second half, but with 10 players it was always going to be difficult for them to get back into the game, and despite long range shots from Laura Del Rio, it was the “hosts” who increased their lead, Williams nodding home for her second and Blues’ fourth, and although Del Rio managed a consolation goal, Birmingham were through to their first FA Women’s Cup final in their history.

Williams wraps up the scoring for the hosts

Much is said of Birmingham’s ability to score goals, with a threatening attacking line up headed by the likes of Williams, Carney, Eni Aluko and Jodie Taylor, and in the first half, these talents were there for all to see, but in the second half, Bristol came out and were always going to attack, but Blues showed why they have a great chance of success this season with a commanding display of resilience and defensive strength coupled with their attacking threats. Last season Kerys Harrop was one of the star players of the season playing at left full back, but since the acquisition of Rachel Unitt, the youngster has not played as much as she would like, which is testament to the start England international Unitt has had. Originally from Walsall, the former Everton star has showed her class since arriving at the club she calls home, and her experience and coolness under pressure has certainly helped those around her, but not only has she added much defensively, but she has also contributed assists already this season, one coming in the semi final for Williams’ opener, and her delivery from wide areas will be an invaluable asset for her side. The same can be said on the opposite side of the pitch, with Chelsea Weston continuously improving, cementing her role as first choice right back with similar outstanding performances, and the England under 23 international also provided an assist in the 4-1 win over Bristol, and linking up well with the midfield.

As previously mentioned, this season may turn out to be very fruitful for David Parker’s side, and should they manage to win a trophy, no one would epitomise the spirit the side has more than the woman who would be lifting the trophy, captain Laura Bassett.

The England international led her side all through last year’s campaign, and again this year she is showing the leadership qualities and desire that is spreading through the rest of her team. Strong and commanding, be it in the air or using her feet, Bassett exhumes a confidence in herself and her team mates that has ensured Blues are currently unbeaten in all games this season so far, and the semi final was no exception to the rule. Up against in form strikers Nikki Watts and Laura Del Rio, Bassett marshalled the defence superbly, especially in a tricky second half period where Bristol tried to get back into the game. Emily Westwood is a player who is benefitting from playing alongside the former Coventry, Arsenal and Leeds defender, making the centre back position her own with fellow defender Sally Stanton on pregnancy leave, but Bassett is a calming influence in the captain’s role, and her teammates can only improve playing alongside her, but Bassett can also be a tough tackling centre back, an example of which was displayed by a crunching last gasp tackle at the front post when it seemed certain Bristol were about to get a shot away, and this determination to succeed is driving the team along.

Bassett is in her second spell at Blues, and at 28 she is now reaching her peak, and the skipper will be desperate to not only enjoy success at club level, but also international level, where she must surely be considered for the upcoming Olympic Games. Bassett became the first player to represent Birmingham Ladies at international level, and she deserves to be the first Birmingham Ladies players to lift the FA Women’s Cup at Ashton Gate come May 26^th.

Full time: Birmingham 4 - 1 Bristol Academy 

For photos of this game please visit: www.flickr.com/birmcitylfc

Blues: Spencer (Hourihan 63) Unitt, Bassett, Westwood, Weston, Aluko (Christiansen 67) Potter, Moore (Torkildsen 76) Carney, Taylor, Williams.

Bristol Academy: Chamberlain, Windell, Green (James 67) Del Rio, Fishlock, Dykes, Lawley (Curson 77) Watts (Heatherson 67) Culvin, Rose, Harding.

Continental Cup- Birmingham Ladies v Everton

206 fans saw Blues ladies completed a Merseyside double after they defeated Everton 1-0 in their opening Continental Cup game of the season thanks to an 88^th minute penalty scored by Jodie Taylor. Blues made one change to the team that brushed aside Liverpool in the FA Womens Cup the week before, with Rachel Williams returning from suspension to replace Eni Aluko up front alongside Jodie Taylor. Fit again Kerys Harrop made the substitute’s bench, whilst for the visitors Alex Greenwood partnered Lindsay Johnson for her full debut.

The game started brightly for the home side, and they showed their attacking intent right from the off, winning a free kick in a dangerous position in the first minute of the match, and Karen Carney forcing a save out of England keeper Rachel Brown. Blues were again on the attack after 5 minutes, when good build up play from Taylor and Williams led to the latter shooting over when well placed, and two minutes later the same pair were linking up well, this time Williams winning possession and playing in Taylor, who shot just wide. Everton were struggling to get into the game, and it was again Birmingham who had the next chance, Emily Westwood rising highest but heading a Jo Potter dead ball wide. The visitors’ first chance came on 12 minutes, Natasha Dowie shooting wide after being put through by Toni Duggan.

The midfield battle was very tight, with Potter and Jade Moore up against England internationals Jill Scott and Fara Williams, with Duggan also dropping deeper to assist. On 20 minutes, Everton produced the best chance of the match, a Greenwood free kick just outside the box was whipped in and Toni Duggan met it 6 yards out, but could only glance the ball wide of Marie Hourihan’s goal. Birmingham continued to press forward, and always looked threatening from crosses and set pieces, and after Rachel Unitt’s cross was fumbled by Brown, Chelsea Weston met the ball on her weaker left foot and shot over, and two minutes later a Karen Carney drilled cross was inches away from both Williams and Taylor. The shape of both sides was flexible, Izzy Christiansen and Carney swapping wings throughout the half, and Duggan also drifting between the role of supporting Dowie and dropping into a midfield 5. Everton showed their counter attacking qualities on 31 minutes, when Gwenn Harries won the ball in her half, and broke through the Birmingham midfield, feeding Duggan who missed the target, and Fara Williams was next to benefit from the Everton break but again she couldn’t force a save from Hourihan. Just before the break, Jodie Taylor was very close to breaking the deadlock, cutting inside Greenwood in the area, but before she could get her shot away, Brooke Chaplen got back with a last gasp tackle.

Half Time: Birmingham 0 – 0 Everton

Five minutes into the second half, the hosts made their first change of the game, Eni Aluko replacing Izzy Christiansen, with Aluko playing right midfield and Carney switching to the left. Everton were certainly the better side after the break, playing with more cohesion and passing the ball quicker and better, making Blues work very hard to remain level. Fara Williams forced a save from Hourihan with a free kick on 58 minutes, but moments later Birmingham should have had a penalty.

Rachel Williams chased down a ball over the Everton defence, and just as she got into the area was hauled down by Everton’s number 6 Johnson, but the referee waved away the appeals, much to the dismay of the home team. England under 23 international Duggan was next to miss the target for the Toffees twice in the space of 3 minutes, first from a Harries cross from the left, and then from a cross on the other side she skied her chance. Kerys Harrop came on for Carney on 67 minutes, a straight swap with Harrop playing ahead of Unitt. Rachel Williams was a threat all afternoon for the Everton defence, but her afternoon was cut short after receiving a twisted ankle, and she came off on 73 to be replaced by Maz Ballard in Birmingham’s final change of the match, whilst Everton made their first and only alteration, with Nikita Paris coming on for Dowie.

In what was a hard fought game, the first booking off the game came in the 78^th minute, when Becky Easton was cautioned for a cynical block on the advancing Jade Moore. Duggan was to have two more chances to open the scoring as the game approached the end, firstly latching onto a loose ball in the area, and poking past Hourihan in the Blues goal, but didn’t get enough purchase on the ball, and Unitt was able to clear off the line, and secondly bending a shot towards goal, but the Blues No.1 was behind it to keep her clean sheet intact. The pivotal moment came on 88 minutes, when a Jo Potter free kick on the right touchline caused panic in the Everton defence, and when Captain Laura Bassett went to lash the ball home, she was brought down in the area, and the referee pointed to the spot. With regular spot kick taker Williams off the pitch, the duty was left to fellow striker Taylor, who stepped up and confidently sent Brown the wrong way to give Birmingham the lead. The remainder of the match, including 3 minutes injury time, passed without any further chances, and Blues held on for a hard earned victory.

Full Time: Birmingham 1 – 0 Everton

Everton can feel a little hard done by in the fact they certainly had the better of the second half, but they were fortunate not to be down to 10 men and a goal behind earlier than they did concede. Birmingham showed they are a team that will not be beaten easily; they fought for every ball, and were strong and resolute when Everton pushed forward and pressed harder for a goal, and it was no real surprise that one of the Blues centre halves won Player of the Match, Emily Westwood being preferred to Bassett, but no-one would have argued had it been given the other way. Both sides move on next week to the quarter finals of the FA Womens Cup, Birmingham at home to Sunderland and Everton facing the tie of the round, away to holders Arsenal.

For photos of this game please visit: www.flickr.com/birmcitylfc 

Blues: Hourihan, Weston, Bassett, Westwood, Unitt, Carney (Harrop 67), Moore, Potter, Christiansen (Aluko 50), Williams (Ballard 73), Taylor

Everton: Brown, Easton, Johnson, Greenwood, Chaplen, Handley, Williams, Scott, Harries, Dowie (Paris 73), Duggan