FAWSL 2 2015 - Season Review

   The season finished three weeks ago so this season review is a little over due, hot on the heels of my review of the FAWSL 1 season, it's time to take a look back at the 2nd tier of the FA Women's Super League having completed it's 2nd season since it's formation in 2014.

   Have seen more football from FAWSL 2 this year compared to FAWSL 1, have been some cracking matches and on the whole the level of football and performance has increased significantly on it's debut season, when to be fair it looked as though a few clubs were finding their feet having won the franchise to enter the newly formed league. Comprising of 10 teams, AFC Sunderland Ladies won the title to clinch promotion to the top tier of women's football.

 

Lisa Giampalma scored the play-off winner for
Sheffield FC Ladies who will be playing football
in FAWSL 2 in 2016

 In 2015 the FAWSL is beginning a further expansion looking to increase FAWSL 1 from 8 teams to 10 over the next 2 season's with 2 sides from FAWSL 2 earning promotion with one going down to make it 9 sides in FAWSL 1 in 2016 with the same happening again in 2017 to make the 10. There will still be 10 sides competing in FAWSL 2 next season as for the 1st time in it's history their will be promotion and relegation from the FAWSL to the FAWPL (Women's Premier League) the traditional winter season where 98% of the women's football in England still takes place. A play-off between the winners of the FAWPL Northern and Southern Division's took place in May this year with Sheffield FC Ladies earning a place in the FAWSL in 2016 with a last gasp 1-0 win over Portsmouth Ladies. Bristol Academy relegated from FAWSL 1 this season will make up the 10.

  
   With 2 promotion places up for grabs this season their was plenty to play for, two clear favourites in Doncaster Rovers Belles who narrowly missed out last season and Reading FC Women with the talismanic, Fran Kirby in their side. Others fancied their chances of being a surprise contender whilst Everton Ladies suffering the unwanted tag of being the 1st ever club to be relegated within the FAWSL were looking to bounce straight back up. Same as with the season review for FAWSL 1, let's break it down club by club, starting of course with the CHAMPIONS!

Reading FC Women

Champions - 45 points

  In the end all the predictions were right it was a straight battle for the title between Reading FC Women and Doncaster Rovers Belles with The Royals taking the title on the final day on goal difference. Were more often than not occupying 2nd spot with Doncaster Rovers Belles matching them for results throughout the season, a couple of games in hand late on allowed them to nudge into pole position going into the last match of the 18 game season.

  Rewind to the start of 2015, Reading FC Women had finished 3rd in the newly formed FAWSL 2 having taken a little time to find their feet were strong towards the end their star player Fran Kirby lighting up the world of women's football. Manager Jayne Ludlow a playing legend for Arsenal Ladies had brought in alot of new faces that year. Left to become the Welsh Ladies manager towards the end of that season with assistant Kelly Chambers taking on the managerial job for 2015. Brought in a few new faces to bolster a strong looking squad, Emma Follis from Aston Villa Ladies, Kylie Davies coming in from Millwall Lionesses, along with Rachel Rowe and Charlie Estcourt. 

 

Emma Follis proved to be a great
signing for Reading FC Women

 Fran Kirby was without a doubt their key player last season scored plenty of goals, could create them on her own that form had got her established in the senior England squad. Started the new season in blistering form scoring 9 goals in Reading FC Women's opening 2 league matches would end up with 11 goals end the season Reading FC Women's 2nd highest goal scorer. Injury and the World Cup squad gathering meant Reading FC Women would have to do without her services and it was an chance for Chamber's squad to impress without Kirby on the pitch, did very well in her absence, still it was a surprise when she was lured away from the club, by Emma Hayes to join her title chasing Chelsea Ladies side a transfer fee was paid benefiting the club and Reading FC Women acted quickly to fill the gap left by Kirby made a fantastic signing bringing in Nikki Watts in from Bristol Academy. In the centre of the attack with the experienced Helen ward one side of her, Emma Follis on the other they formed a potent attack. Follis ending as leading goalscorer emerging as exciting young talent with 12 league goals. 
  
  A blistering high scoring start to FAWSL was dented with a 4-2 home defeat against Yeovil Town Ladies followed by a draw at home 2-2 against Oxford United Women, meant they were chasing Doncaster Rovers Belles early on regained ground beating them at the Keepmoat would go on to be unbeaten for the rest of the season. Goal scorers throughout the side meant they edged Doncaster Rovers Belles out on goal difference to be crowned FAWSL 2 Champions on the last day of the season. Were also the only side from FAWSL 2 to make it out of the group stages of the Continental Tyres Cup.

Doncaster Rovers Belles

Runners-Up - 45 points

   We all know the story for Doncaster Rovers Belles, the FA created FAWSL 2 just so they could relegate them... just kidding! Still they were demoted from the top tier of women's football under cruel circumstances, without kicking a ball in 2013. The club didn't fall apart but rather pulled together looked to push hard in the newly formed FAWSL 2 bounce back at the 1st time of asking. Sunderland Ladies pipped them to the post achieving promotion instead. Lost manager Gordon Staniforth at the end of that season and were looking for a new manager to lead them back to FAWSL 1. 

   Made a great appointment in Glen Harris, a manager with previous experience managing in the FAWSL with Lincoln Ladies, brought with him knowledge of the female footballing talent in the local area. The likes of goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs, Sue Smith and Leandra Little had worked under Harris previously at Lincoln, brought in another former Lincoln favourite the versatile Sophie Barker with Emily Roberts also coming in on loan from Notts County Ladies for the season. Two more midfielders who both offered the side different dimensions, Jade Radburn-Lorton and Emily Simkins would come in during the 2nd half of the season as Harris looked to add depth to the squad. Lost players too fans favourites Millie Bright and Jessica Sigsworth known as the twin tanks moving to up to FAWSL 1 would have contrasting seasons. Victoria Williams was lured north to promotion winning Sunderland.

   One goal for the season #OperationPromotion as it became known on twitter the clubs sole focus to achieve promotion back to FAWSL 1 a challenge made a little easier with 2 promotion spots up for grabs this season. With Sigsworth gone, it meant Courtney Sweetman-Kirk a mid-season in 2014 had the opportunity to lead the attack for Doncaster Rovers Belles, make a mark on the league and didn't she take it. Ended up top scorer in the league the only player to reach 20 goals (24 across all competitions) Had great support in attack with Sue Smith and Emily Roberts either side and Beth England attacking from the centre of midfield would score 13 league goals herself. 

 

Courtney Sweetman-Kirk scored 24 goals in total
this season well ahead of her closest rivals

 Nudged ahead early winning 5 of their opening 6 league matches, lost just the one match all season that at home to title rivals Reading FC Women, didn't lose another game in the league after that, 2 draws in the run in allowed Reading FC Women to gain the advantage in the title race, but like Reading, Doncaster Rovers Belles objective was promotion, the title if achieved a welcome bonus. Clinched promotion and will be back playing top flight football in 2016. Ultimately the hand dealt them by the FA proved to be a blessing in disguise as the attention that was drawn to their plight brought with it much needed help and investment, restructuring behind the scenes and the club has emerged stronger for it. Will be training in a brand new built facility in the future as well as several of their players getting the opportunity to train and play as full time professionals. 

     

Everton Ladies

3rd - 31 points

Has been a tough couple of seasons for Everton Ladies having previously been a dominant force in the game, especially in Merseyside. The changing face of the FAWSL has hurt them hard. Not receiving anywhere near the investment of other women's sides in their area and beyond have seen a host of their top talent move on to the likes of Liverpool Ladies and Manchester City Women. Took its toll last season as they finished bottom of the pile and were the 1st club to be relegated in the young history of the FAWSL.

   More player departures at the start of the 2015 season, more stars too, Fern Whelan and Alex Greenwood going to Notts County, Nikita Parris going on loan to Manchester City Women. Goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis announced her retirement from the women's game whilst the club allowed midfielder Brooke Chaplin to leave. Have a rich history of producing young players, and manager Andy Spence was to play the youth policy in bringing in new faces to the squad raiding both Liverpool Ladies and Manchester City Women for some of their young talent with, Danielle Young and Danielle Lea coming in from Manchester City, Megan Alexander, Claudia Walker and Ellie Stewart joining from Liverpool Ladies. 

   Bouncing back at the 1st attempt would be a big ask, and with Reading FC Women and Doncaster Rovers Belles starting the season so strongly keeping up with them was going to be challenge enough. Were to lose manager Andy Spence during the campaign stepping down from coaching the 1st team which saw assistant Nicola Anderson appointed as interim manager. Were to become the draw specialists in the league, 7 league games ending with the points shared. Lost just 3 games 2 before the World Cup 1 more in the run in against Reading FC Women. Finished in 3rd spot 14 points off the top two places but with 8 wins had they converted those 7 draws into 3 points could well have been in the promotion mix. Certainly positive stuff to take into the 2016 season. Danielle Turner their top scorer in the league with 7 goals. Going into the final day of the season defender Lindsay Johnson announced her retirement from football after spending the last 12 years playing for Everton Ladies, scored in her final game too.

Lindsay Johnson retires from football after 12 years playing for  Everton Ladies

  

Yeovil Town Ladies

4th - 31 points

  I felt one side more than any other might have a chance of robbing either Doncaster Rovers Belles and Reading FC Women of one of the two promotion spots in 2015 and that was Yeovil Town Ladies. A 5th place finish in FAWSL 2's debut season, the club had shown it meant business by making some high profile signings with the likes of Helen Bleazard and Sarah Wiltshire moving to the club in 2014. Manager Jamie Sherwood was to bring in a few more face from Bristol Academy at the start of the 2015 campaign, Anne-Marie Heatherson and Ellie Issac who would go on to have fantastic seasons for the club, so to their biggest coup bringing in a Bristol Academy favourite former captain Corinne Yorston. Raided his old club Cardiff City Ladies too bringing in Stephanie Williams and Alys Hinchcliffe. Wiltshire was to be tempted away with the opportunity to player for Manchester City Women, in the end never getting the game time she deserved and just wanting to be on the pitch doing the thing she loves returned to Yeovil in the latter part of the campaign.

 

Corinne Yorston made a huge difference for
Yeovil Town Ladies this season.

Fran Kirby was the visitor to Sherbourne Town on the opening day of the season bringing Reading FC Women with her she scored all 4 goals in a 4-2 win, another tough opener followed on the road to Doncaster Rovers Belles despite a good performance lost again 2-1, Picked up their season after that going on a 6 match unbeaten run beating Reading FC Women at home along the way. Were to lose against Doncaster Rovers Belles for the 2nd time going into the break for the World Cup, the 2nd half of the season started brightly enough 2 defeats in the final 3 matches just allowing Everton Ladies the chance to push above them on goal difference to give Yeovil Town Ladies a 4th place finish. One place higher 3 more wins than 2014 giving them 31 points again 14 off the top spots, find themselves another 9 points next season and they will be in the title mix have improved and that is always the best platform to build on.

Aston Villa Ladies

5th - 25 points

  Finished 4th in the FAWSL 2 last season putting together a strong run towards the end of the season to climb up the table. Aston Villa Ladies have quite a large and young squad were one of a number of sides in the newly formed league that took their time to find their feet. Brought in Katie Wilkinson and Hannah George from Birmingham City Ladies, Abbey-Leigh Stringer would also return to the club after moving in the opposite direction the season before. Abi Cottam, Lauren Haynes and Gwyn West were also new arrivals with Emma Follis going to Reading FC Women, Carly Davis and Chloe Jones also departing. Had a few injury problems during their 1st season in FAWSL 2 and that would unfortunately be a problem this season too.

Maddy Cusack on the ball for Aston Villa Ladies

 Had momentum going into the start of the 2015 FAWSL 2 season winning in the FA Women's Cup a run that saw them reach the quarter-finals of the competition before being knocked out by eventual finalists Notts County Ladies. An up and down season in terms of league results struggled to get a consistent run going. Same for consistency in naming a regular starting XI with players in and out of the side some moving on and injuries some long term with Sarah Mayling and Kerri Welsh out for the season. Play some great football whenever I've seen them, good movement across the pitch, developing as a group could easily push on next season.   

Oxford United Women

6th - 24 points

  I have to say Oxford United Women really proved me wrong last season having seen them early in the season in the FA Women's Cup they looked out of sorts and I wondered if they would have another hard season ahead. Of course that was very early in the season time to improve as a group get the fitness levels peaking. Have a stable squad of players and made very few changes during the close season bringing in defender Hannaliis Jaadla with Destiney Toussaint who had scored against them for Coventry City Ladies who knocked them out of the FA Women's Cup joining later in the season. 

    

Top scorer Kayleigh Hines on the ball for Oxford United Women

Was a slow start to the season an opening day win followed by 3 straight defeats left them with ground to make up. Finished 9th last time out with 12 points with 3 wins and 3 draws, a late 3 match winning streak pushed them up the table as they ended up doubling their points total from their previous season endng up on 24 points and clinching 6th spot in the table. A huge improvement on their 1st FAWSL 2 season Kayleigh Hines top scoring with 7 league goals. Another young squad which has benefited from a stable environment, picked up some good results with their 2-2 draw away to Reading FC Women being one of the highlights of the season for me. 

Durham FC Women

7th - 20 points

   Finished 6th in the FAWSL 2 last season and the club was hopeful of pushing on in 2015 and weren't ruling out a charge for the promotion places. Brought in some useful signings experienced defender Julie Nelson along with midfielder Rachel Lee, goalkeeper Helen Alderson came in from Sunderland Ladies, would be joined later by Natalie Gutteridge too. Portugese player Amelia Pereira also joining the club. A skilful player with good close ball control would add another dimension to the The Wildcats. Captain Caroline Dixon was out for the season with a long term knee injury, Sarah Wilson wearing the armband in 2015.

   Their league season got off to a reasonable start, it was a 5 match losing run slap bang in the middle of the season that saw them lose ground on the chasing pack had too much to make up towards the end turned thing's around to recover at the end but in terms of league points gained they ended up just 2 more better off than in 2014 finishing in 7th place. Courtney Corrie the top goal scorer with 5 league goals.

   

London Bees

8th - 13 points

  Finished bottom of the pile in 2014 after a difficult 1st season as a FAWSL 2 side a newly created franchise they have brought in a huge amount of players talented individuals it was getting them to play with any consistency as a team that proved the challenge, won the 1st ever FAWSL 2 match after that though won just 1 more time in that season to finished bottom on 8 points.

   Julian Broomes took over the managerial duties towards the end of the 2014 season and their were more players coming in and going out as he looked to sharpen up the squad. Ashleigh Goddard, Leigh Nicol and Cheryl Willaims came in from Reading FC Women, Samantha Miller from West Ham United Ladies with Jenna Connor-Iommi and Loiuse Fellows joining from Oxford United Ladies. PLayers departing included, Dawn Mallett, Anneka Nutall, Megan Goss and goalkeeper Cherie Rowlands.

   Although they did look a lot more organised in the games I saw them play they didn't get off to a great start in 2015 picking up just 2 points in their 1st 8 matches a win either side if the mid-season break gave them some much needed confidence and took points of those down at the bottom with them to finish the season on 13 points up to 8th spot a huge improvement from 2014. Another young squad with bags of potential they end the season looking for a new manager with Julian Broomes departing after his contract expired. 

Millwall Lionesses

9th - 12 points

  Had fully expected Millwall Lionesses to be a surprise package in FAWSL 2 when it started last season, had made some very good signings full of experience and potential. Was a surprise then to see them finish up in 8th spot in the final standings. Dan Mlinar stepped up from the back room staff to take on the managerial duties in 2015, kept hold of their squad with just Kylie Davies moving to Reading FC Women in the close season. Brought in a few fresh faces namely in attack. Megan Goss from London Bees, Rinsola Babajide came in from Crystal Palace Ladies, just 16 years old when I saw her in action for Millwall Lionesses playing Lowestoft Town Ladies in the FA Women's Cup looked a real talent and a player to light up the league. The club would also add another promising young talent later on in the season bringing in Fliss Gibbons from Bright & Hove Albion WFC. Ashlee Hincks came in from Gillingham FC Ladies after the start of the season.

 

Rinsola Babajide power and pace just 17 years old
impressed in her 1st season with Millwall Lionesses

With the likes of midfielder Lily Agg, Naomi Cole and exciting youngsters such a Grace Fisk and Lilli Maple also in the squad it looked like the club would push on up the league this season started very well undefeated in their 1st 7 matches, albeit 5 of these were draws, still a good platform to push on. It didn't happen however after that the last 11 league matches saw them on a terrible run losing 10 matches with just 1 more point earned lost the last 6 in a row to condemn them to a lowly 9th place finish. Babajide finished with 5 league goals their top scorer, Hincks and Gibbons with 4 each. A bizarre season had a few injury problems Jordan Butler picking up a serious injury that would keep her out long term missed Lily Agg for a good portion of the season. Leagues tables don't lie, that squad is better than that however and could easily push on if they can gain some confidence early next season.

Watford Ladies

10th - 5 points

   Someone has to finish bottom and in 2015 this tag unfortunately belongs to Watford Ladies. Finished in 7th place in 2014 the signs were their though that they might struggle in 2015 as they had a terrible run of results towards the end of the season in 2014 lost some of their star players to other clubs, Bonnie Horwood and Sarah Wiltshire to name two. With goalkeeper Lauren Davey retiring manager John Salomon brought in Cherie Rowlands from London Bees. Two more players added to the squad from London Bees were Dawn Mallett and Anneka Nuttall.

 

 Watford Ladies, Emily Heaslip

 Got off to the worst possible start losing their opening 3 league matches. Were to only collect 5 points all season, just 1 win, and a 11 losing run which seriously eroded the confidence. Scored just 12 league goals all season Ellie Mason coming away with 4 to finish top scorer. A lot of work to do to improve in 2016. Will be a new manager too with John Salomon stepping down as not only 1st team manager but the clubs general manager too after 7 years at the club.

   

 
Final Thoughts

  I deliberately left out the Continental Tyres Cup group performances in each clubs round up. Only Reading FC Women managed to break the stranglehold the FAWSL 1 clubs have on the competition this season the format offering a quarter final place this season was an opportunity for more than one to cause an upset or two as it was the competition more often than not highlighted just how large the gulf is between the two elite divisions and you would think it's format may need looking at next year. 

    As for 2016 the FAWSL 2 will have a very different feel about it, Reading FC Women and Doncaster Rovers Belles were by far the best sides in the league this time around, with them promoted now it will be a very different picture for those wanting to chase down the promotion spots, Bristol Academy and Sheffield FC Ladies joining will make for an intriguing 2016 will be interesting to see how it unfolds and what managers feel they need to do to earn those extra points to make the difference.

My FAWSL 2 Team of the Season

  Don't think it will come as a surprise to anyone that my FAWSL 2 Team of the Season will be dominated by players from Reading FC Women and Doncaster Rovers Belles plenty of top performers in both sides.

  A tough decision who to put in and leave out, Grace Moloney was superb in the Reading FC Women goal. Helen Ward and Sue Smith contrasts in attacking style both scored double figures, Lois Roche a battling player in the middle for Reading FC Women. Everyone has their own opinion. Have really enjoyed the football played in FAWSL 2 in 2015 and look forwards to the league growing further in 2016.

  

    

Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v Millwall Lionesses

  Today's the final day of the season in FAWSL 2 and the race for the title has gone down to the wire with either Reading FC Women or Doncaster Rovers Belles lifting the trophy as newly crowned champions. Trip to the Keepmoat Stadium this Sunday afternoon to watch Doncaster Rovers Belles as they play their final match of the season against Millwall Lionesses.

   Doncaster Rovers Belles had one goal this season #OperationPromotion the aim to get themselves back into FAWSL 1 after 'relegation' in 2013. Having narrowly missed out last season have achieved it this time around and will be back playing in the top tier of women's football in England in 2016. Have been in a battle at the top with Reading FC Women all season, but with 2 promotion spots up for grabs this season as the league looks to expand both clubs have achieved promotion.

   Reading FC Women and Doncaster Rovers Bells are neck and neck going into the final day on 42 points each, some 14 points clear of the rest. Identical records after 17 matches played 13 wins, 3 draws and a single loss. In the race to nail the title Reading FC Women have the edge leading the way on goal difference 7 better than Doncaster Rovers Belles have scored 5 more goals too so there would need to be a massive swing to turn that around. Doncaster Rovers Belles can only focus on their game today secure the points against Millwall, whilst Reading FC Women travel to Aston Villa Ladies.

   Millwall Lionesses will be looking to finish on a high haven't had the season they were hoping for 8th in the table with just 2 wins in the league this season, are on a poor run in the league 5 defeats in a row going into today's match, also missing a few 1st team regulars in Naomi Cole, Lily Agg and Ashley Hincks.

   Good atmosphere building at the Keepmoat Stadium prior to the match, weather's not playing ball overcast and chilly as the cheerleaders assemble to welcome the two teams onto the pitch. 

  Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Nicola Hobbs, Lyndsey Cunningham, Sophie Barker, Rhiannon Roberts, Leandra Little (C), Kasia Lipka, Emily Simpkins, Sue Smith, Emily Roberts, Bethany England & Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.
  subs - Sam Tierney, Lauren Cresswell, Nicole Dale, Ashleigh Mills, Hope Knight, Molly Johnson & Sophie Stamp.

  Millwall Lionesses starting XI - Sarah Quantrill, Leanne Cowan, Frankie Strugnell Danielle Charlton, Dionne Lennon (C), Grace Fisk, Lily Maple, Fliss Gibbons, Bethany Hertford, Megan Goss & Rinsola Babajide.
  subs - Anna Williams, Ciara Sherwood, Francesca Ali, Jordan Butler.

   It's Doncaster to kick off the game wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts with Millwall lined up opposite wearing navy shirts with white sleeves, white shorts and navy and white hooped socks. Millwall press Doncaster for the ball early on forcing Sophie Barker playing at left back today to play the ball all the way back to goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs, soon after Megan Goss is stopped by the offside flag as the visitors look to attack down the right.

   Doncaster get some meaningful possession in and around the Millwall box the ball is switched out to the right, Sue Smith plays the ball into the box with Bethany England looking to attack the near post gets onto the end of the ball the angle is tight sends her shot over the crossbar. Smith attacking down the right wing once again cuts back inside and looks to play the cross in from the corner of the area the ball is headed behind for a corner kick. The ball is played into the congested far post area, no one can get a meaningful touch before Millwall scramble the ball away.

   Millwall look to counter attack down the left, Rhiannon Roberts comes across from centre back to win the ball back on the half way line, sends the pass forwards plays in Courtney Sweetman-Kirk breaking behind the Millwall defence, the flag is raised stopping her in her tracks. Sweetman-Kirk is involved in the build up in the next attack in front of the Millwall area takes on a couple of players before passing to Smith to her right, corner of the area Smith is given the space and opportunity to shoot, cuts back inside pulls the trigger the shot going wide across the goal.

  Rinsola Babajide is running the line for Millwall up top today with Goss looking to support her when the visitors get on the ball, has had little opportunity to run with the ball goes after a ball played into space on the left drives to the byline gets the cross into the box, Hobbs is 1st to it intercepting, dropping on the ball inside her six yard box. Barker has little to keep her occupied at left back with Millwall keeping players back is able to get forwards makes a move up the flank which is seen by her captain Leandra Little receives the ball on the run looks to play the pass forwards to put Emily Roberts through, Millwall captain Dionne Lennon gets to the ball 1st. Doncaster keep coming Roberts again on the ball on the left sees her cross put behind for a corner kick. Put in from the left just a little too high for England as she leaps for it in the middle, keeping hold of the ball it comes to Kasia Lipka outside the box her pass drops onto the chest of England just inside the box she looks to turn and find space for the shot, Millwall's Bethany Hertford gets tight on her prevents the shot puts in the tackle to concede a throw.

Rinsola Babajide leading the attack for Millwall Lionesses today

   Doncaster are pressing forwards knowing they need goals if they want to challenge Reading for top spot, haven't really troubled Quantrill in the opening 20 minutes, looking to bring the ball out from the back are caught out as Babajide steals the ball and looks to make a move towards the area, Lipka is quick to react close enough to get back on Babajide prevent her lining up a shot, the ball comes loose outside the area is latched onto by Goss, Rhiannon Roberts is in position to get he head in the way of the ball make the clearance. 

Doncaster Rovers Belles, Kasia Lipka

  Up the other end Lipka is encouraged to travel with the ball has support from Smith to her right the two exchange passes before Lipka takes on the shot 20 yards out plays the ball straight into Quantrill's midriff. Good combination play between Sweetman-Kirk and Smith with Sweetman-Kirk playing the cross into the box from the left is just over the head of England in the centre dropping behind her, Emily Simpkins is racing in looking to meet the ball hit it hard smashes it straight against a defender.

   Defending deep at times Millwall aren't leaving much space behind for Doncaster to exploit down the wings, Emily Roberts and Smith as they often do switch sides with Smith now attacking down the left channel. Barker plays a great ball into Sweetman-Kirk 25 yards out from goal has space to make the shot goes for placement sends the ball narrowly over the bar. For all their attacking Doncaster hearts are in their mouths as they almost score at the wrong end with Millwall attacking down the right the cross is fired in along the six yard line Roberts goes to clear slices the ball Hobbs dives to her right the ball past her thankfully though the right side of her post corner given.

   Sweetman-Kirk does spring the offside trap this time is through after the ball, Quantrill reads it early is off her line quickly out to gather before the striker can pounce on the ball. Lyndsey Cunningham getting forwards from right back for Doncaster goes beyond everyone out on the flank cuts back inside sends the ball into towards Simpkins looking to attack the near post hits the shot smashes the ball off the post.

  GOAL! 41 minutes into the half and Doncaster find the back of the net. Barker brings the ball into the Millwall half then plays a great diagonal cross into the box looking to pick out England at the far post, she gets her head to the ball flicks it on past Quantrill and into the back of the net 1-0. 

Bethany England  getting hold of the ball for Doncaster Rovers Belles

  Late pressure by Doncaster with Smith taking on the shot from distance comes in low in front of Quantrill she makes the save pushes it out to her right along the by line not going out of play Sweetman-Kirk retrieves it digs the cross back in with England inside the six yard box gets her head to the ball looking to turn her attempt across the keeper also takes it wide of the far post.

                           Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-0 Millwall Lionesses
  
  Doncaster eventually getting the goal all their attacking play deserved 1st half, finally breaching a stubborn and hard working Millwall defence. Had the edge in the race for the title for a couple of minutes before Reading FC Women scored at Aston Villa Ladies to leave things as they were going into the 2nd half. Doncaster make a change at the break bringing on Hope Knight for Emily Roberts on the left side of attack as Millwall get the 2nd half under-way. 

   Millwall come very close to levelling the scores early in the 2nd half winning a free kick wide on the right inside the Doncaster half Charlton is over the ball sends it in towards the far post area drops inside the six yards box, Babajide is there, can't turn it home, comes through to Goss behind her connects with the ball pushes it the wrong side of the post. Rhiannon Roberts makes two blocks in quick succession getting in the path of a blast from Lily Maple from 25 yards out, falls to Fliss Gibbons on the edge of the area, Roberts is there again making the block at point blank range.

Frankie Strugnell winning the ball for Millwall Lionesses

   Quantrill makes a fantastic save off Sweetman-Kirk as she stoops to get her head onto a perfectly weighted cross from Smith put into the six yard box, Quantrill is falling to her right Sweetman-Kirk's header looks destined for the back of net however the keeper throws a leg up to make the save deny the change the ball comes out to Knight coming in from the left her shot is wild flashes over the bar. 62 minutes on the clock and Doncaster make a 2nd change with Ashleigh Mills coming on for Simpkins which sees England drop deeper into the middle. Doncaster are laying the Millwall box under siege now as they look to find another goal, Quantrill keeping her eye on a ball from Smith delivered into the centre of the six yard box, isn't distracted by Little as she comes in looking to met the ball with her head takes it cleanly in her gloves.

  GOAL! Smith bags herself a goal is through on goal as a kindly deflection at the back falls her way left of goal inside the area, Quantrill has to close her down, Smith takes the ball around her and rolls the ball into the empty net beyond 2-0. 20 minutes to play need more goals as Reading too extend their lead.

Sue Smith

  Millwall make their 1st change with Ciara Sherwood coming on for Hertford. Knight attacks down the left for Doncaster plays her cross into the box too close to the keeper. Millwall make another change bringing on Francesca Ali for Maple who had landed awkwardly hurting her ankle minutes before. 

  GOAL! Doncaster have a 3rd goal and it's Smith who scores her 2nd on 75 minutes as route one as you can get but highly effective as the goal kick is headed on superbly by Sweetman-Kirk with Smith making the run beyond keeping onside the racing clear of the Millwall defence with the keeper coming again Smith lofts the ball over her and sees it roll into the bottom corner of the net 3-0. 

  The attack is all with Doncaster, the ball is played in from the left is long heading out past the far post inside the six yard box Mills manages to hook the ball back across goal, Quantrill makes another brilliant save at close range as England gets her head on the ball it drops down Sweetman-Kirk is there shoots the ball is kept out goes away for a corner.

  Mills slips over as she goes for a challenge takes out a Millwall player the referee awards the free kick 30 yards out left of goal Sherwood is over the ball sees an opportunity to play it into space to her right, unfortunately for her the referee can't get herself out of the way makes a great interception for Doncaster. Final change for Millwall with Goss coming off and Anna Williams coming on.

   England plays the ball forwards with Sweetman-Kirk in front of her is on the ball has Lennon on her shoulder as the pair race into the box, the Millwall captain doing enough to force Sweetman-Kirk to shoot wide. 

  GOAL! Sweetman-Kirk plays the ball into the right channel for Smith to go after she sweeps the cross into the middle is too high for England in the centre, but drops to Knight also racing in at the far post she meets the ball sending it past the keeper to make it 4-0 with 10 minutes left to play.

   Reading go 3-0 up at Aston Villa, closing stages at the Keepmoat Stadium Nicole Dale comes on for Lyndsey Cunningham, with Radio 5 Live commentating at the match words spreads around the press box that Aston Villa have scored in injury time, not once but twice. Doncaster are pressing forwards, numbers committed Millwall clear it Babajide is clear of the defence closing in on the Doncaster area, Hobbs comes to meet her doesn't commit stays big saves as Babajide tries to hit the shot past her. The counter attack in on down the left Knight on the ball looks to shoot early places the ball over the bar.

   All over the final whistle blows and Doncaster win their final match of the season 4-0. Finish as runners-up as reading FC Women hold on for a 3-2 win to make them champions. A bitter-sweet victory in the end the main objective achieved promotion. Celebrations, presentations and thanks after the match with a good sized crowd of 723 watching today.

   Millwall finish 8th did well to keep Doncaster at bay for so long 1st half, stayed on the pitch to watch the celebrations a good squad of young players the FAWSL 2 with be a different prospect next season.

Doncaster Rovers Belles celebrating promotion back to FAWSL 1

   
  Two years out of the top flight, would have been easy to embrace the negativity that threatened to overshadow the relegation but the club stood together, now the future is bright for Doncaster Rovers Belles the club has seen an overhaul behind the scenes investment and this has born fruit in the form of the club seeing a new training complex being built and 10 players getting the opportunity to become full-time, Project Phoenix. The future looks bright and I'm already looking forwards to seeing Doncaster Rovers Belles back in the top flight next season.

Match Report - Yeovil Town Ladies v Watford Ladies

   On to my 2nd match of the weekend down in the west country having stayed in Bristol over night time to head down to Sherbourne Town FC  in Dorset, home of Yeovil Town Ladies as they played host to Watford Ladies this Sunday afternoon. 

   Yeovil Town Ladies didn't get off to a great start in the league lost to both Reading FC  Women and Doncaster Rovers Belles the 2 sides touted as promotion favourites at the start of the season. Since those defeats though Yeovil have gone on to win 6 of their last 8 league matches and climb up the league table into 3rd place. Have 19 points after 10 matches played 7 points behind 2nd placed Reading FC Women with Doncaster Rovers Belles top, the gap 9 points.

   Yeovil Town Ladies have played both the teams above them twice though and are well placed to close the gap and push on into the 2nd part of the season try and keep picking up the points starting today against Watford Ladies. Manager Jamie Sherwood has assembled a squad with a good blend of youth and experience. Over the mid season break the club has brought in a couple of new signings to bolster the squad, Welsh U19 international Sammy Quayle and most notably, Sarah Wiltshire has returned to the club having left to join Manchester City Women after a short spell at Yeovil prior to the move Wiltshire made a real impact scoring plenty of goals the club will be hoping she continues to score as they look to push on.

  A different story all together for their opponents today, Watford Ladies travel to Sherbourne Town FC as the side currently propping up FAWSL 2. Has been a difficult start to the new season losing 10 of their opening 12 league fixtures have just a single win and draw 4 points in total are in danger of getting cut adrift from the rest of the table. Have seen a large turn around of players have lost several experienced players too. Manager John Saloman has players out injured too, a good development set up at Watford Ladies, are not afraid to give the youngsters a start has brought in a few new faces over the mid season break including experienced goalkeeper Trippoli Witney who played for QPR Ladies last season.

   Woke up this morning and it was tipping down, headed south regardless, ironically I had remembered to pack an umbrella but had totally forgotten to pack any sun cream, not that I've needed any yet, this being the Great British summer and all. Yeovil Town Ladies assured me it'd be dry by time the match got under-way. I usually go for the cheeseburger option at a WSL ground (if they have such a thing) Yeovil Town Ladies were offering something a little different today, had The Pizza Box at the ground, cooking thin crust pizza's as well a crepes to order. Went for the magarita pizza and it was very tasty too.

  It was wet, the driest place to be was in the dugouts so it was a good day to be named amongst the subs.

   Yeovil Town Ladies starting XI - Charlotte Haynes, Corinne Yorston, Nicola Cousins, Natalie Haigh (C), Helen Bleazard, Steph Williams, Sammy Quayle, Ellie Curson, Sarah Wiltshire, Natasha Knapman & Annie Heatherson
   subs - Alys Hinchcliffe, Stacey Pearson, Shauna Cossens, Emily Donovan, Ebony Dover, Jodi Cornwall & Nicky Lipscombe 

   Watford Ladies starting XI - Trippoli Witney, Leighanne Robe, Phoebe Read, Tricia Gould, Amber Tullett, Anneka Nuttall, Jordan Littleboy, Mollie Burgess, Nicole Pepper, Kim Farrow & Stacie Donnelly (C)
   subs - Deger Zekai, Megan Wynne, Ellie Mason, Sasha Adamson, Adekite Fatiuga-Dada & Ashleigh Deacon.

   It's Yeovil in their home kit of green and white hooped shirts and socks with white shorts to kick off the game with Watford lined up opposite in their usual kit, yellow shirt and socks with black shorts. From the kick off Watford harry Yeovil on the ball forcing them to play it back to goal keeper Charlotte Haynes, she is rushed into dealing with the back pass but gets it clear before Watford captain Stacie Donnelly can close her down.

   Helen Bleazard getting hold of the ball on the right for Yeovil pushes on from the back sends in a high looping cross towards the back post Watford's defence deals with the threat. Yeovil are soon into their stride getting hold of the ball and driving at the Watford back line, Annie Heatherson wins the ball back inside the Watford half pushes forwards has Sarah Wiltshire running with her to her left plays the ball into her run, Wiltshire bombs forwards into the area hits a shot/cross along the face of the goal the ball running out of play.

Watford's Nicole Pepper with Yeovil's Sarah Wiltshire

GOAL! Penalty! Wiltshire has got herself one on one with Watford defender Leighanne Robe on a couple of occasions early on the 1st time Robe puts in a good challenge to put the ball out for a throw not long after the pair are shoulder to shoulder as they enter the box from the left Wiltshire goes down, the referee is quick to point to the spot. It's Corinne Yorston to take is a cool strike that sends Watford goalkeeper Trippoli Witney the wrong way 1-0.

   Less than 10 minutes played Yeovil have opened the scoring, and with it, Corinne Yorston's goal has also brought an end to the rain! Yeovil are picking the ball up easily in the middle and pushing forwards, Heatherson is all over the place wanting to get hold of the ball, has Wiltshire out to the left again plays the ball to her Wiltshire pushes on down the wing he cross is good along the six yard line but misses everyone retrieved by Sammy Quayle on the right the ball is send back into the box, Heatherson having made the run can't control the ball with her head falls to the edge of the area, Yorston is there to take the shot on is blocked by a Watford body.

   Watford have little opportunity to get the ball into the Yeovil area, win a free kick on the halfway line the ball delivered to the edge of the area is headed down into the box falls to Mollie Burgess she shoots, has too many bodies in front of her the effort is blocked. Yeovil are soon attacking up the other end Bleazard bringing the ball forwards confidently down the right, rides 2 challenges before delivering a diagonal ball from the corner of the area towards the far post, Robe is there to clear the threat.

   Wiltshire is fouled wide on the left, off the free kick delivered into the box Bleazard wins her team a corner, put in from the right into the congested six yard box, Witney does well to throw her fists up and punch the ball away and out for a throw.

 GOAL! On 19 minutes Yeovil double their advantage. On half way Heatherson goes down theatrically as Nuttall shoves her in the back the referee awards the free kick. Heatherson has made her way into the box as the free kick is played in receives the ball left of goal, fires in a shot, Witney is down sharply makes the save but pushes it out to the right straight into Bleazard who sends the ball into the back of the net 2-0.

  GOAL! 4 minutes later and Yeovil add a 3rd goal, good work from Ellie Curson in the middle of the park, winning the ball before delivering a great pass out to Bleazard up on the right taking the ball into the final 3rd she turns before sending in the ball towards goal, is over Witney with Wiltshire coming in, may have got the final touch, the ball was heading in either way Yeovil make it 3-0.

   Strong running with the ball at her feet from Nuttall she does well travelling up the right touchline with the ball then squares the cross into the box picking out Kim Farrow right of goal she shoots early puts the ball wide of goal.

Watford's Trippoli Witney

  Natasha Knapman has come into the middle of the park to win the ball sends it out to Wiltshire, up against Robe as she enters the area the defender does well in the tackle, Yorston has bombed forwards down the left gets hold of the ball fizzes it back into Wiltshire, the Welsh international hits the shot gets plenty of power behind it is rising as it arrows straight at Witney, good gloves the goalkeeper makes a great save taking the power out of the shot getting it under control well.


   Curson plays the ball out to Sammy Quayle on the right, her cross into the box is met by Knapman she shot takes a kick off a defender to put it wide of goal, the referee though indicates a goal kick. Yeovil come again, Quayle down the right again this time looking to come inside does win a corner. Wiltshire manages to get he head to the set piece, Watford manage to keep it out of their goal and clear.


GOAL! Over half an hour played Watford have been on the back foot for much of the game, Yeovil looking like they are going to score every time they go forwards, add a 4th goal before half time. The build up play on the right before the ball is delivered into the area, Watford get the ball away falls to Curson around 25 yards out. She takes on the shot sending in a great ball that flies over Witney and in 4-0.

   Witney's gloves are stung for the 2nd time in the match this time off a Yorston strike as a cross-field ball from the right comes all the way through to her, taking it on the run into the area hits the shot, arrows straight at Witney who gets her gloves behind it parries it away for the save. 

   Yorston can get plenty of power behind the ball, Watford's Robe feels the effects as she gets in the way but manages to stop her cross from the left finding a team mate is off the pick winded play stopped. From the corner Witney rises highest to knock the ball away for a corner on the right. The ball put into the area is headed over the bar by Bleazard. 

                             Half time Yeovil Town Ladies 4-0 Watford Ladies

  A dominant 1st half display from Yeovil have looked a constant threat going forwards at will looking like scoring with every attack. Watford have been on the back foot all half finding it very difficult to retain the ball and build an attack.

   It's the visitors to kick off the 2nd half, have made 2 changes at half time with Kim Farrow and Tricia Gould the players having come off. On the pitch are Ellie Mason and Sasha Adamson. Start the 2nd half much brighter than the 1st getting bodies forwards a chance for Jordan Littleboy outside the area on the left smashes the ball goal wards in the Yeovil goal Charlotte Haynes is called into action to make the save.

   Soon after sub Adamson gets hold of the ball slides the pass through to put Nuttall through on the right side of the box, her initial shot is blocked, gets onto the loose ball fires her shot over the bar. Time for Watford's other half time substitute to have a go for goal picking up the ball in the centre pushes on hits a low effort 35 yards out, coming across to guard her post Haynes can see it roll wide.

 Phoebe Read on ball for Watford

  Wiltshire coming in from the left for Yeovil plays the ball out to Quayle wide on the right she tees up the cross looking to send it in towards the far post, Witney is back pedalling to get to it has to with Knapman closing in punches the ball away from danger before Knapman can connect. On the ball in front of goal 20 yards out Wiltshire twists and turns makes the room for a shot lifts the attempt over the cross bar.

   GOAL! Despite Watford's brighter start to the half it's Yeovil who extend their lead as we approach the 60th minute the build up is on the left of the Watford area Curson and Quayle are involved before the ball comes to Yorston hits it on the volley sending the ball into the top corner from 30 yards out, great strike 5-0.

   Yeovil make their 1st change with Bleazard coming off and Ebony Dover coming on to join the defence, picks up a yellow card straight away going in strong on Adamson as she looks to take the ball into the area. Left of goal it's Nicole Pepper over the ball sweeps a low curving ball into the six yard box, Yeovil captain Natalie Haigh is the player who gets her foot to it to clear.

   Heatherson is full of energy worked up and wanting to run at defenders makes a move down the right of the pitch before delivering a cross into the centre is met by Wiltshire who shoots takes a deflection of Watford defender Phoebe Read out for a corner.Put into the far post from the left Knapman rises to try and get her head to it has a defender jumping with her can only direct the ball over the bar. 


   Read pushes out from the back for Watford on the left wins her team a corner, the ball is initially cleared by the Yeovil defence, comes back out to the right of the area to Watford's Donnelly 25 yards out she takes on the strike sends the ball over the bar.

   GOAL! Watford get themselves a goal as Adamson gets herself into a one on one position with Haigh central to the goal as they enter the area Haigh blocks Adamson's 1st attempt then slides in to deny Read as she looks to get up the pitch to support Adamson, the ball is loose Haigh can't recover a 3rd time before Adamson can reach it and send her shot past Haynes into the back of the net 5-1.

   GOAL! Isn't long before Yeovil restore their 5 goal lead on the 67th minute, Heatherson with another powerful run into the middle has the space in front of her closed by the Watford centre backs manages to get it out to Wiltshire to her left who wins a corner. In from the left Witney gets her fists to it to send it away for a corner on the right. From this delivery Heatherson scores inside the six yards box right of the goal jumps and sends a bullet into the back of the net 6-1.

Annie Heatherson always looking to take players on with the ball

   2nd change for Yeovil, Knapman the player to give way with Emily Donovan coming on. Heatherson continues to drive at the Watford defence pulling out to the left squares the cross into Wiltshire, inside the box she pulls her shot wide of the post. Final change for Yeovil, Yorston comes off with Shauna Cossens coming onto the pitch. 

   GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes not long on the pitch substitute Donovan has a go fro a long way out a low strike that drops bouncing before Witney who getting down to try and stop it is very unfortunate as the ball lifts up off her and despite he attempt to gloves the ball off the line the linesman flags to say it was in 7-1.

   A late effort for Mason for Watford as they get the ball up into the D, falling as she hits the shot however can only scuff the effort wide of goal. Injury time Donovan has pulled out into space on the right flashes a cross along the goal face Heatherson still has the energy to get leaping though is just under the ball. The final whistle blows and Yeovil Town Ladies win the game 7-1 closing the gap on the teams above them whilst significantly improving their goal difference.

  Yeovil were dominant from start to finish their movement and forward play a constant threat had 4 goals by half time could easily have been more but for some great saves from Trippoli Witney in the Watford goal.

   A tough game for Watford were pulled all over the place never really got themselves imposed on the ball gave it away too easily. Remain bottom can only pick themselves up and go again.