Match Report - Reading FC Women v Manchester City Women

  Midweek football action from FAWSL 1 on the Supporting Women's Football Blog comes from Adams Park, home of Reading FC Women, the visitors league leaders Manchester City Women.

 Reading FC Women are newly promoted to FAWSL 1 having won the FAWSL 2 title last season. Are currently in 7th place in the table but have yet to record a win in the league. That doesn't tell the whole story however as they are the draw specialists in the league having drawn 6 of their 9 matches played to date. Have battled hard to get something from the games they've played as they look to try and establish themselves in the top tier of women's football. 

Have brought in a couple of new faces to bolster the squad during the summer transfer window. Remi Allen joining from Birmingham City Ladies to add even more steel to a combative midfield. Sophie Perry also joins having had a magnificent season with FAWPL Southern Division Champions, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.

Manchester City Women are top of the table and looking in good shape to win their 1st ever FAWSL title since joining the league in 2014. Undefeated in 10 league games played this season with 8 wins and 2 draws. 4 points clear of 2nd placed Chelsea Ladies. One of the smallest squads in the league too. With the stop start nature of the FAWSL this season games can sometimes come thick and fast this being the 2nd match of 4 Manchester City Women will play in 12 days.

 Are without influential attacking player Kosovare Aslanni currently away with Sweden competing in the Rio Olympic's. Have also lost defender Abbie McManus to injury will be out for several months, this has seen Jennifer Beattie drop from a midfield anchor role into the back 4. Dutch International star Tessel Middag was signed at the start of June and has taken on Beattie's midfield role. Izzy Christiansen has also returned to competitive action having missed a large chunk of the early season.

  Made good time to the ground for a 7:45pm KO, chance to get some food and get settled watch the two sides warm up on an excellent playing surface, a large pitch too. A warm evening after a bright sunny day. A few dark clouds around but little chance of rain. The visitors had brought plenty of vocal support with them and with the Reading fans being a vocal bunch themselves a lively atmosphere was building. 

   Reading FC Women starting XI - Mary Earps, Rebecca Jane, Sophie Perry, Kirsty McGee, Kayleigh Hines, Lois Roche, Remi Allen, Lauren Bruton, Rachel Rowe, Emma Follis & Jade Boho-Sayo.
   subs - Chloe Sansom, Molly Bartrip, Nia Jones, Laura-May Walkley, Amber Stobbs, Helen Ward & Melissa Fletcher.

   Manchester City Women starting XI - Karen Bardsley, Lucy Bronze, Demi Stokes, Steph Houghton (C), Jennifer Beattie, Tessel Middag, Jill Scott, Izzy Christiansen, Georgia Stanway, Nikita Parris & Jane Ross.
   subs - Marie Hourihan, Toni Duggan, Keira Walsh, Ella Toone & Daphne Corboz.

  It's Reading to kick off the 1st half wearing blue and white hooped shirts, blue shorts along with blue and white hooped socks with opponents Manchester City lined-up wearing sky blue shirts with navy sleeves, white shorts and sky blue socks. The ball is put long into the visitors half allowing them to get possession straight away, captain Steph Houghton plays a great 40 yard crossfield pass up to Georgia Stanway on the left side of attack, has Izzy Christiansen making a run from the middle of the park to get ahead of play looks to play her on the midfielder can't keep the ball in to cross into the box, goal kick.

  Reading drop deep as a unit with Manchester City on the ball, Lucy Bronze attacks down the right with the ball the pass is into Nikita Parris she looks to take the ball inside into the area, the ball is taken from her feet by Lois Roche tracking back from midfield for Reading inside the box. Plenty of possession on the ball for the visitors early on, Scottish International, Jane Ross is flagged offside inside the area as the ball is threaded into her run.

  From a goal kick, Reading get an attack going the ball with Emma Follis on the left side takes it on down the wing, sends an early ball into the Manchester City area a deflection near side takes it on into the path of Rachel Rowe coming in from the right, strikes the shot the ball hitting Demi Stokes as she charges it down. Back on the attack Manchester City get the ball into Bronze on the right storming forwards plays the pass inside along to top of the area, Ross strikes for goal, the shot blocked by the Reading defence lined-up along the top of their area.

  Reading are getting everyone behind the ball more often than not having everyone inside their own half, affording Manchester City plenty of time and space on the ball, centre backs Houghton and Jennifer Beattie rarely challenged on the ball. Beattie coming forwards into the reading half takes a shot from distance the effort screws away from goal. Jill Scott plays a clever ball over the top looking to get Stanway in behind on the left, Reading right back Rebecca Jane gets up to head the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner is delivered deep towards the penalty spot, Houghton coming in is there meets the ball with her head sends a looping header back in on target the ball is headed away from danger off the goal line by Reading.

Manchester City captain, Steph Houghton attacking the ball from a corner.

  A strong start by Manchester City 10 minutes played. Neat foot work from Parris on the top right corner of the area as she receives the ball from Bronze attacking down the right, a flick to wrong foot her marker gets her inside to take on the shot looking to hit the ball on the volley puts the attempt over the crossbar. Little chance for the Reading attack to create anything, Houghton fouls Lauren Bruton mid-way inside her half, a chance for Reading to get the ball up into the opponents area Roche takes, it's Houghton who get's up highest to head the ball away.

  Follis is getting some joy on the ball down the left of attack for Reading bringing the ball on sends in a cross towards the near post, is claimed well and held by Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley with striker Jade Boho-Sayo closing in on her. Up the other end Reading goalkeeper Mary Earps with a good take to catch the ball inside her six yard box deals well with a Bronze cross as Manchester City counter attack getting numbers forwards into the area. Ross and Christiansen look to link up centrally in front of the Reading area, a give and go between the pair Ross looks to send Christiansen clear into the box, a good run from the midfielder a vital tackle from Reading captain Kirsty McGee to deny her a shot on goal.

Reading FC Women captain, Kirsty McGee

  Manchester City are allowed to come on again and again with the ball, Parris has it at her feet inside her own half is one of the fastest players out there in the women's game right now surges forwards with the ball unchallenged, Christiansen has make a fantastic run getting clear to receive the ball on the left, Parris has only one thing on her mind however taking on the shot from 25 yards out sees her effort sail over the bar. A powerful run through the middle by Bruton comes to an end as she is checked inside the D, nothing given Reading retain possession of the ball with Sophie Perry left her cross swept into the area is collected by Bardsley look to attack quickly work the ball through the middle into Ross shot from the edge of the box is straight at Earps.

   Bruton on the ball 30 yards out goes for goal lifting her shot towards the top corner, may have been drifting wide, Bardsley moving across to her left gets hold of the ball. Bruton is off the field receiving treatment after a Bronze challenge, Reading down to 10 briefly continue to defend doggedly. Bronze getting deep on the right with the ball has players racing to get into the six yard box as she plays the cross in deep towards the far post, Christiansen is there looks to send her header back across the goal to be attacked, Earps with firm gloves takes hold of the ball and does well to keep it between her gloves as Scott lunging in with a high leg looks clips her.

Reading's Rebecca Jane, looks to break away from Georgia Stanway of Manchester City Women

  Half an hour played it's still goalless despite the pressure and possession Manchester City have, Parris with a low shot drilled in from the edge of the area is straight at Earps, pops out of her body as she falls forwards onto the ball, spinning away to her left, Christiansen is interested, Earps up goes after her pushing her further wide before retreating back to her goal by then her defence has regrouped the cross is dealt with. Perry has had a busy 1st half dealing with both Parris and Bronze. Bronze is sent away down the right by Scott's pass in midfield, Perry leaps to head the ball as Bronze attempts to lift the ball over her, dealt with well as Parris was clear inside the box to receive the ball. 

Centre back, Jennifer Beattie had plenty of time on the ball for Manchester City Women in the 1st half

  Corner on the left for Manchester City a good delivery by Christiansen swept in across the six yard box, Earps with a strong punch sends it out to the top of the area, Stanway latches onto it for the visitors goes for goal, her low strike taking a deflection off a leg on the way through sends it wide of the target 

   GOAL! The deadlock is finally broken on the 38th minute, Reading have been defending resolutely, but that is pretty much all they've been doing inviting Manchester City onto them. Scott winning the tackle in midfield plays a great pass into Parris breaking on the right, charging forwards into the area pulls the ball back from the byline as the Reading defence drop deep, Christiansen as she has done all game has made the midfield run not tracked is there to head the ball home from six yards 0-1.

Izzy Christiansen opens the scoring for Manchester City Women

  Boho-Sayo gets on to a long ball sent up to her on the right, from distance she takes on the strike, Bardsley down low comfortably takes control of the ball. Coming down the left Stanway has the ball at her feet, a clever turn sees her spin off her marker get inside for the shot top left corner of the area, the strike is blocked by Kayleigh Hines in the centre of the Reading defence.

Half-time Reading FC Women 0-1 Manchester City Women

  At half-time Reading see themselves a goal down have been defending hard getting everyone behind the ball so much so Manchester City have been allowed to take throw in's inside their own half unopposed as the home side drop everyone back into their own half, with so much time allowed on the ball it eventually told. Had to be patient Reading have been very hard to break down, defended well for the large part without getting forwards much. Christiansen making some clever runs from midfield eventually getting free to score. A slender lead but at the half way stage in the match the league leaders are well in control of the game. The pitch receiving a liberal soaking of water as the sprinklers come on so to does Reading's substitute goalkeeper Chloe Sansom as one sprinkler catches her off guard.

  Manchester City get the 2nd half underway. No changes from either side at the break. Start as they ended the 1st half with possession of the ball. Remi Allen nips in to win the ball in midfield plays it out to Follis on the left, looks to be shoved off the ball as she drives on but nothing given. Reading are looking to get players further forwards Roche into Follis left plays it inside the Bruton pushing forwards, Tessel Middag gets back on her to win the ball back for Manchester City.

Manchester City Women's, Tessel Middag

   Pushing forwards through the centre Scott plays the ball into Stanway coming inside from the left flank turn and shot on the edge of the box the low strike is again just wide of the left goal post. Stokes getting forwards on the left sweeps in a long cross deep towards the far post the ball is headed away by Perry with Parris closing in . 

  52 minutes on the board and Reading have their 1st corner of the match, as Boho-Sayo is clear for a moment on the right, Stanway get's back on her to tackle the ball running out for the corner. The set-piece allows players to come up form the back the delivery is a good one the target Hines a fantastic header of the ball out towards the far post area inside the six yard box a good connection on the ball looking to send it back across the goal the ball is claimed firmly by Bardsley the break is on Manchester City surge forwards the ball with Stanway her shot from outside the box is blocked by Jane.

Reading FC Women's, Remi Allen

  Stanway hits the post! The ball is rolled into her wide left, turning inside hard it hard from 25 yards out, Earps throws herself to her left in a attempt to get to the ball, smashes off the base of the goalpost and out for the goal kick. Reading are getting a little more joy on the ball as they press it a little higher. Roche with a good ball winning tackle sees the ball rebound into the Manchester City half into space with Follis setting off after it, so too does Bardsley who comes running out of her area, slight hesitation from Follis allows the keeper sliding in to get there first and clear the ball.

Manchester City Women's, Georgia Stanway

  60th minute sees the 1st change of the match, for Manchester City as they bring off holding midfielder, Middag to be replaced by Kiera Walsh. Hines is called into action as she gets up highest inside the box to clear a cross from Bronze. Reading make their 1st change with Laura-May Walkley coming on to replace Roche. Earps comes charging out of her goal to save with her legs inside the box as Christiansen puts Stanway through on goal on the left out for a corner kick on the left

  Taken short, Manchester City keep the ball on the left playing it up the line before crossing along the top of the area both Scott then Parris beyond her see shots blocked by Reading as the home side continue to defend doggedly. Walsh get's herself booked as she tugs back Bruton as the Reading midfielder looking lively tries to race clear through the middle. The ball put long up into the box is headed out to the left by Houghton the ball picked up by Follis she looks to send a cross in towards the far post, runs out of play for the goal kick.

Jade Boho-Sayo looks to keep Steph Houghton off the ball

  Ross checks her run through the middle as Manchester City break again down the left finds herself free to the right of the D as the ball is fizzed into her path looking to hit her shot across the ball pulls the effort away from goal. 20 minutes left to play Manchester City hold onto the lead make a 2nd change Stanway the player off as Toni Duggan enters the field of play. Bruton is looking like she can make something happen for Reading neat footwork sees her in behind her marker, Follis sets off down the left wing, Bruton looks to put the pass into her run, Houghton comes back to clear the ball for a corner kick. From the left goes long again the target Hines once more, has Scott on her this time, still gets her head to the ball, can only place the ball down wide of goal. 10 minutes left on the clock

  GOAL! Manchester City double their lead as McGee slides in to win the ball inside her box put it out of play for the corner kick. The ball from the right is played long and deep falls to Houghton she lays it back to Duggan waiting outside the box centrally, is a stunning strike and she hits the shot across the line of the ball lifting it up arrowing into the top right corner, nothing Earps can do as she throws herself at the ball in vain 0-2.

  Both sides make a change Reading taking off Allen throw on a striker with Melissa Fletcher on the pitch. Manchester City bring Scott off, Daphne Corboz the player coming on with less than 8 minutes to go. Ross sees a shot sail over the crossbar from the top left corner of the Reading area. 

  Counter attack by Reading the ball played into Bruton high up the pitch powers her way through Manchester City to get into the area right of goal, the tackle comes in the ball taken off her toes rolls out to Boho-Sayo right side has Follis free far side if she goes long with the cross, gets it wrong putting the ball in central Bardsley right behind it claims the ball. A corner to Manchester City on the right side is headed a foot over the bar by Beattie rising high at the near post.

  GOAL! Penalty to Reading on the 88th minute! A move orchestrated by Bruton again for the home side as she gets forwards with the ball loft side this time into the box, Parris comes back to tackle her gets it away from her, Follis is beyond her however and the ball straight at her she looks to get it up in front of goal, is brought down tripped by Parris the referee points to the spot. Bruton to take it wrong foots Bardsley who creeps to her right, the ball instead drilled low and hard into the bottom left corner 1-2.

  4 minutes of added on time to be played, neither side can fashion a chance as Reading rally late at the end the final whistle blows and Manchester City extend their lead to 6 points at the top of the FAWSL 1 table. Dominated for pretty much the whole match and at 2-0 were cruising late drama at the end as Reading pull a goal back from the penalty spot makes it a less than comfortable looking win than it was.

  Manchester City had to be patient but with so much of the ball it was attack v defence for large parts of the 1st half. Got the win but may feel with so much of the ball they could have been more clinical in the final 3rd. Reading to their credit defended well, put themselves under pressure to be sure and as they came out a bit more in the 2nd half and got it back to 2-1 may feel they could have gotten something from the match had they been a little more adventurous. 

Pre-Season Friendly - Cambridge United WFC v Solihull LFC

  A change of pace on the Supporting Women's Football Blog this Sunday the FAWSL season may well be in full swing, but elsewhere across the country the winter 2016/17 leagues are preparing for a new season, from county level all the way up to the FA Women's Premier League (FAWPL) with plenty of friendly matches being played this weekend and it is to one of these I headed this Sunday to watch Cambridge United WFC play Solihull Ladies FC.

  Regular readers of the blog will know I'm always trying to see as many different women's football teams play as possible and although I follow Cambridge United WFC more than any other side, they were playing a side from another FAWPL Division One this afternoon. There are 4, Division One Leagues feeding into the FAWPL Northern and Southern Leagues above. Along with the Northern and South West Division One Leagues, Cambridge United WFC play in FAWPL South East Division One whilst Solihull Ladies FC ply their trade in the FAWPL Midlands Division One.

  An interesting match up on paper and intriguing to see how two sides playing at the same level of football albeit in different leagues will match up. Comparable records last season with Cambridge United WFC recording a 6th placed record 36 points tally, Solihull Ladies FC finished 4th in their league with 35 points.

  Pre-season friendlies are about building fitness levels and match sharpness, trying out new players and new formations and styles of play. Players getting used to each other, breaking in new boots and kit. 

  For Cambridge United WFC this was also their 1st game at their new home for the 2016/17. Will be playing their football at Mildenhall Town FC. Played a game there last season. Have moved a little closer to me too. A nice little stadium that boasts an excellent playing surface very well maintained. The pitch is a good size with a slope that varies in gradient depending on where you happen to be standing. A small seated and covered stand and covered standing area either side of the clubhouse which holds a bar and refreshments. Is in a prime location being in the heart of the town centre itself very close to the main shopping area, rare for a football ground these days and Cambridge United WFC are hoping to find new support from the town and the surrounding area over the season.

   One to the game itself, not my regular in depth match report today, a pre-season friendly the format can vary roll on roll off substitutes and clubs trialing new players etc, so a match summary instead...

   The game to be played in 3, 30 minutes 'halves' it is the visitors Solihull Ladies FC who travel up to Suffolk for there 1st pre-season friendly to get the 1st period underway. Wearing an all red kit have 9 players making their debuts for the side with just a couple more available on the bench. Cambridge United WFC have several new faces in their starting line up too with others stepping up from the reserve side, several 1st team players absent. A chance for others to impress the management team.

   Up the slope in the 1st period Cambridge go forwards the outlet the pacy Laura Mills out wide right looks to lift the ball into new signing Nicole Perschky inside the box, Solihull defend intercept the ball runs back to Mills her 2nd ball lifted into the box is caught by goalkeeper Sarah Parks. Solihull too are finding some joy down the right flank getting the ball deep squaring the cross into the box just can't pick out an attacker the Cambridge defence winning the ball.

   A good tempo to the match played under a bright sunny sky, the pitch having been watered before the game. Cambridge with more progress up the right win a corner the ball returned to the taker is fired along the face of the area the shot from outside the box over the crossbar. Solihull working the ball down the right flash a shot over the bar themselves. Parks gets down quickly to stop a low Mills shot from the right as she is played into the box, they take the lead from the next attack Mills the scorer as she get's free on the right takes on the shot from the top corner of the box sending the ball across goal into the top left corner 1-0. The brighter side in the opening period of the game Cambridge have the lead as the referee brings it to an end.

Laura Mills on the ball for Cambridge opens the scoring

  Chance for both management teams to put their observations across. Cambridge now attacking down the slope get the 2nd 30 minute period underway, rotating players and early strike hit on the half volley outside the box goes wide. Solihull get themselves back on level terms early on working the ball up the left side of the pitch is fed into their attacker inside the box, closed down the ball isn't cleared comes back to Samantha White one of those making her debut today right on the corner of the area takes on the strike hitting it low and hard towards the near post is past the diving Verity Crook and in 1-1. Solihull put the bar over the crossbar from a free kick 25 yards out from goal.

Samantha White scores the goal to make it 1-1 for Solihull Ladies FC

  Solihull are performing much better in the 2nd period keeping a solid shape and not letting Cambridge in behind as much as they were in the opening period. Mills always a threat out wide does find a way past flashes a cross along the six yard box Perschky racing in far post turns the ball wide of goal. More end to end action during this period. Parks produces a top class save to deny Mills as she strikes from distance right side outside the box arrowing for the top corner Parks turns it around the post for a corner kick. 

  60 minutes played the score level at 1-1 a good workout for both sides so far, a coin toss to decide who'll take kick off in the final 30 minute period. Cambridge take it going up the slope once more. Becky Taylor having com on during the 2nd period has an early chance as she heads a Mills cross wide at the far post. Isn't long after before Taylor gets on the score sheet to give Cambridge the lead Mills with the through ball central on halfway as Cambridge counter Taylor is through on goal bearing down on the area, Parks comes out to meet her Taylor strikes early sending the ball past her and into the back of the net 2-1.

   Solihull are starting to tire their 1st pre-season friendly, Cambridge starting to apply more pressure getting bodies up and around the area as the visitors struggle to get the ball clear it rolls favourably into Gemma Croucher central outside the box sends a looping shot back in unlucky not to score as the ball rebounds off the crossbar. Parks is called into action on a couple of occasions to hold onto shots, the home side pushing late on for another goal get it Taylor on the score sheet again played in from the left into the area the pass provided by Mills shoots sending the ball across the keeper and in 3-1.

   The final score Cambridge run out 3-1 over Solihull 3 contrasting periods to the game, Cambridge starting the much better, Solihull regrouping and winning the 2nd period, tiring visibly at the end Cambridge with a little more football under their belts took advantage to seal the win. A good workout from both sides as they build for a new season. 

  Enjoyed the game, my thanks to Sarah Westwood, 1st team manager for Solihull for her assistance today will keep a look out for their results and best of luck for the coming season. Good to catch up with Cambridge United WFC too, won't be long before I'm back at Mildenhall Town FC. The FAWPL season begins on Sunday 21st August. 

  

Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v Birmingham City Ladies

   Saturday football action from FAWSL 1 on the Supporting Women's Football blog comes from the Keepmoat Stadium as bottom of the table, Doncaster Rovers Belles continue their search for those elusive 1st 3 points in the league taking on 4th placed Birmingham City Ladies.

   A torrid start to the season upon their return to FAWSL 1 for Doncaster Rovers Belles have yet to record a single league point. With just 6 games on the board have played the fewest league games out of anyone in the division. Not at all helpful in building any sort of momentum for a largely full-time squad. Changes off the field to have added to their woes, dismissing manger Glen Harris after 3 games, have also been without last season's top scorer Courtney Sweetman-Kirk after she fractured a leg in a friendly game. Close season signings Natasha Dowie and Becky Easton have left the club too.

   Emma Coates has stepped up from assistant coach to become 1st team coach and moved quickly in the mid-season transfer window to bolster the squad with Lauren Cresswell returning to the club. Christie Murray and Marta Bakowska-Mathews have also joined along with Majumi Pacheco on loan from Liverpool Ladies. Has picked up a win beating Sunderland AFC Ladies 2-1 in the Continental Cup 1st Round, it's league points that need to be won however if the club wants to avoid relegation.

  Face a tough test today against a side that for whatever reason had been tipped as relegation candidates themselves, Birmingham City Ladies. Lost their opening 2 league matches in FAWSL 1 but since then haven't looked back unbeaten in a run of 9 league games, 10 if you include the 1st Round Continental Cup win over Oxford United Women. 4 wins and 5 draws that see them sitting in 4th spot in the table looking at closing the gap of the leading trio. 

  Have seen a fair amount of change over the season to date themselves strengthening off the field financially have seen a few fans favourites depart, Karen Carney and Becky Spencer going to Chelsea Ladies at the start of the season, Over the mid-season break midfielders Jo Potter, Jade Moore and Remi Allen have all left. Manager David Parker is a big fan of giving youth its head not afraid to give the younger players a go. To that the club have brought in a few overseas players in to add strength and experience to the club, goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger joining from Paris St Germain, along with German stars Isabelle Linden and Marisa Ewers. Norwegian International midfielder Andrine Hegerberg is another new signing.

  Doncaster Rovers Belles return to their home the Keepmoat Stadium for the 1st time since the end of March, the home game against Arsenal Ladies abandoned due to heavy rain making conditions unplayable in May. The stadium had played host to the Rugby League Challenge Cup semi-final on Friday the pitch still marked with the rugby lines and sponsors logo. Summer is here at long last and the weather was warm and sunny for the evening kick off there nice and early mainly because I thought it was a 6pm kick-off not 6:30pm.

  Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Nicola Hobbs, Majumi Pacheco, Sophie Barker, Leandra Little (C), Rhiannon Roberts, Kasia Lipka, Katrin Omarsdottir, Emily Simpkins, Carla Humphrey, Jess Sigsworth & Christie Murray.
  subs - Anna Moorhouse, Samantha Tierney, Sue Smith, Yasmin Mosby, Rachel Newborough, Marta Bakowska-Mathews & Lauren Cresswell.

  Birmingham City Ladies starting XI - Sophie Baggaley, Aoife Mannion, Kerys Harrop, Jess Carter, Emily Westwood (C), Andrine Hegerberg, Abbeyleigh Stringer, Connie Scofield, Chloe Peplow, Isabelle Linden & Charlie Wellings.
  subs - Kirsty Linnett, Cheryl Edwards, Sian Johnson & Ann-Katrin Berger.

   Doncaster kick off the game 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts, new signings, Majumi Pacheco and Christi Murray start for Doncaster with Lauren Cresswell and Marta Bakowska-Mathews on the bench along with Sue Smith who is slowly returning to fitness after a long injury lay off amongst the substitutes. Birmingham lined up opposite are in their away colours an all red strip, are without several players naming just the 4 on the bench with, Freda Ayisi, Coral-Jade Haines, Alex Windell and Melissa Lawley amongst those unavailable. Sophie Baggaley returns in goal in place of Ann-Katrin Berger. New signings Isobelle Linen and Andrine Hegerberg start along with development player Connie Scofield making her 1st start for the 1st team.

  A sing off between the fans from both sides at the start of the game the Belles fans not to be out done by the visiting Blues supporters. Doncaster push forwards into the Birmingham half, can't find the final ball as the visitors regain possession and play it long out into space on the right channel, Isabelle Linden goes after it wrapping her foot around the ball sending it into the six yard box, stepping out Doncaster goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs parries the bouncing ball, loose for a moment, Sophie Barker playing at right back today is behind her to kick the ball clear inside the six yard box.

  Looks like it'll be an open game with both sides looking to get the ball up the pitch rapidly, again Doncaster come on bringing the ball into the Birmingham half, Aoife Mannion steps in to win the ball back from Jess Sigsworth peeling away to the left, puts the ball up into Chloe Peplow ahead of her on the right, plays it forwards straight away, Linden looking to provide the run skipping in behind the Doncaster defence, the pace on the ball is a little heavy, can't reach it before it runs out of play. A good tempo to the game little goalmouth action in the opening 10 minutes.

Birmingham City Ladies, Charlie Wellings holds Doncaster's Majumi Pacheco off the ball

  Peplow drifting into the middle of the park wins the ball back from Majumi Pacheco as she attempts to carry it out from defence spins and plays the ball out to Connie Scofield out towards the top right corner of the Doncaster area, plays the ball into the box, Charlie Wellings leaps at the far post six yards out to head the ball on target, Hobbs is well placed to lay claim to the ball. Doncaster are pressing Birmingham for the ball high up the pitch almost capitalise on a mistake at the back the ball deflected back towards goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley has to wait for it to travel into her area before she can scoop it up, does so as Sigsworth arrives the pair come together the ball is spilt, on the ground keeper and striker scramble for it, Sigsworth can't get it to a team mate before Baggaley gets her gloves firmly wrapped around the ball.

Birmingham City Ladies, Abbeyleigh Stringer tussling with Doncaster's Carla Humphrey from the ball

   Birmingham are awarded a free kick on the left side of the pitch the ball put into the box from a deep position is headed clear by Doncaster captain Leandra Little for a throw on the left side, Jess Carter to take a good long throw on her the ball is headed on at the near post across the Doncaster six yard box, Peplow is free four yards out, throws her hands up to her head as she lashes the ball over the crossbar.

  Jess Sigsworth taking the ball on down the right wins Doncaster a corner, the defenders come up from the back, the ball swept into the middle of the area, Little making the run jumps to head the ball, not the connection she wanted as the ball is turned away from goal out to the left, Katrin Omarsdottir goes to retrieve it turning as swinging a cross into the box, Birmingham captain Emily Westwood heads clear, the counter attack is on the ball put up to Wellings inside the Doncaster half, Pacheco is the last defender, vital she gets her head on the ball, does well winning the ball. 

Leandra Little sends her header wide of the Birmingham City Ladies goal

  20 minutes played Kerys Harrop on the left for Birmingham in defence gets forwards up the pitch, plays a high ball into the Doncaster area, Wellings is there to attack it at the far post powers her header wide. Kasia Lipka pressing the ball high up the pitch gets hold of it rolls it to Emily Simpkins ahead of her on the right outside the Birmingham area, lifts the cross into the six yard box, Baggaley gets in front of Christie Murray to catch the ball. 

  A good midfield battle going on is starting to lead to a few free kicks being given away Doncaster try to take a quick on don't get anywhere, another is given away inside the centre circle, Little goes forwards as central defensive partner Rhiannon Roberts goes to take it, plays the ball low into Omarsdottir back to goal 20 yards out central her pass is flicked on by Carla Humphrey to her right puts Simpkins through into the Birmingham box, is closed down quickly pushed wide before she can get the shot away.

Connie Scofield making her 1st start for Birmingham City Ladies

  Humphrey nips in to win the ball in the midfield for Doncaster her pass picks out Sigsworth on the left, a powerful runner on the ball drives her way inside looking to get into the box, can't find the half a yard needed to get a shot away the ball charged down is cleared, runs into Humphrey 25 yards out lobs the ball back in towards goal, Baggaley is back pedaling sees the ball drop onto the roof of her goal. 

Isabelle Linden drives forwards with the ball for Birmingham City Ladies

  Picking up the ball inside the Doncaster half Linden gets her head down and charges forwards, is brought down by Omarsdottir, awarded a free kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out to the right of goal. Andrine Hegerberg over the set-piece goes for goal, her effort narrowly wide of the post. Looks like Simpkins has picked up an injury as the game  moves into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half can't continue and is replaced by Samantha Tierney. 

Andrine Hegerberg sees her effort fly wide of the Doncaster goal

  Carter driving down the left with the ball is brought down by Lipka, from the wide position the ball is lifted up into the Doncaster area, Little clears with her head putting the ball out for a throw deep on the right, Carter comes across to take it going long into the box again, Doncaster don't deal with it and like the earlier effort, the ball is headed on with Wellings getting up to head the ball towards goal, heading for the top corner, Hobbs gets across making a great save pushing the ball wide for the corner kick with the 45 minutes played.  

Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 0-0 Birmingham City Ladies

  Goalless at half-time against two sides that are fairly evenly matched, few chances created and the best of those have fallen to Birmingham. Good pressure put on the ball by Doncaster but often deep when they begin an attack Birmingham are able to regroup keep a solid defensive shape. With few chances being created it could come down to just the one being converted into a winning goal, question is which side will score it as they come out for the 2nd half.

  Birmingham to get the 2nd half underway, the ball put into Peplow on the right charges forwards is stopped by Pacheco's tackle. Positive start by Doncaster pushing forwards Barker coming up the pitch is free to receive the ball and lift the cross up into the area, Harrop heads it clear of danger. On the opposite side of the pitch Pacheco storms forwards with the ball at her feet runs into traffic on the edge of the area, keeping the ball lays it inside with Lipka providing a midfield run takes on the shot 25 yards out, lifts the attempt over the crossbar.

Doncaster Rovers Belles, Kasia Lipka

  Carter and Harrop have switched positions at the start of the 2nd half Harrop now inside alongside Westwood with Carter out left. The Birmingham defence is busy early on in the 2nd half Doncaster pushing bodies forwards, the risk is a rapid counter attack Linden laying claim to the ball in the middle sends it forwards into Wellings 20 yards out running with the ball shifts it between her feet before shooting running along the ground Hobbs is behind it gets down to claim the ball. Barker bringing the ball on down the right plays it into Sigsworth who whips an early ball into the Birmingham area, Murray has made the run into the centre of the six yard box, as in the 1st half however Baggaley is across in front of her to jump up and pull the ball down into her body.

Scottish International, Christie Murray

  Good pressuring from Murray leads to a mistake from Harrop as she turns to roll the ball back to her keeper, Omarsdottir alert central races into the box getting there just before the onrushing goalkeeper taking the ball around her the Icelandic International turns to shoot put the ball into an empty net, is denied by Mannion making a superb recovering tackle getting back on her to take the ball of her toes and behind for a corner kick. 1st change for Birmingham on 60 minutes with Linden the player coming off to be replaced by Kirsty Linnett who has missed the best part of 5 months of the season out injured.

   GOAL! What a return to action Linnett scores with her 1st touch of the ball! The ball is with Doncaster in front of their area Birmingham close it down the ball is deflected favourably into the path of Linnett finding room to break into the box left of the D, Hobbs rushes in to close her down going to ground, Linnett lifts the ball over her and scores  0-1 giving Birmingham the lead.

Super sub, Kirsty Linnett scoring with her 1st touch of the ball 

  Carter is up ended by Barker as she attacks down the left. Peplow to take the free kick sends the ball long to the far side of the area Hegerberg gets hold of it on edge of the box, pulls the trigger her shot taking a deflection off a Doncaster defender sending it wide for a corner kick. 

  Doncaster lift their tempo even further pushing on Little plays a good long pass out to Murray on the right wing holding the ball up Sigsworth comes to provide support Murray rolls the ball into her, Sigsworth sees Humphrey forwards in the Birmingham box plays the pass into her then makes the run to receive the return ball, gets it, Carter closes her down quickly stops her getting a shot away Sigsworth ends up fouling Carter. 

Jess Sigsworth, looking to take players on every time she had the ball at her feet

  20 minutes left to play, Sigsworth is working hard up front to make something happen for Doncaster, picking the ball up in a central position, takes on the defender in front of her getting past her has Humphrey looking to break clear to her right, picks her out play is stopped as Humphrey strays offside. The free kicks are still being given away Barker leaving Hegerberg on the ground in the middle of the pitch, is okay after treatment, Mannion to play the ball up into the area, Roberts get's up highest to clear the ball.

   Baggaley gets there just ahead of the onrushing Sigsworth inside her area left of goal as Murray plays her through on goal, the Doncaster striker left on the ground injured as Baggaley kicks the ball the pair coming together, Baggaley has to get back to defend her goal as the attack continues Doncaster getting bodies forwards, reclaim possession of the ball Omarsdottir bursting into the box left side blasts the ball towards goal, Baggaley going to ground parries it with her gloves deflects it across her six yard box in front of goal comes at Murray quickly can't control it giving the Birmingham defence a chance to scramble it away, play eventually stopped so that Sigsworth can receive treatment.

Doncaster Rovers Belles, Katrin Omarsdottir and Birmingham City Ladies, Chloe Peplow 

  Sigsworth is barely back into the action returning to the pitch goes after a long ball put into the right channel is caught by Carter accidentally another painful knock, Doncaster bring her off sending on Lauren Cresswell with 10 minutes left to play. A throw deep on the right for Doncaster, Barker receiving it turns the cross back towards to face of the area from the byline, Humphrey racing onto the ball goes for goal, blasts the ball over the bar.

  Hegerberg fouled in the centre circle takes the resulting free kick sending the ball long and high into the Doncaster area central, Hobbs goes up to punch the ball is clattered by Harrop attempting to get to it, Hobbs gets the free kick. Pressing forwards the full backs up the pitch Birmingham counter attack, Wellings looking to get in between the Doncaster centre backs, Roberts does superbly going to ground lunging for the ball taking it away from Wellings and into Little who sends it long. Tierney drives through the middle looking to force her way into the Birmingham box is stopped by Mannion on the edge of the area. 

Birmingham City Ladies, Kerys Harrop

   3 minutes of normal play left Doncaster continue to press numbers forwards, Birmingham defending get the ball up top for Linnett to chase on the left side, sends a sweeping ball across the face of the Doncaster area, picks out Peplow is a long way from goal as she attempts to header it down lacking any pace is gathered by Hobbs. Little goes forwards to join the attack late on of a quickly taken throw on the right side Barker sends a great delivery into the box, Little rises to meet it six yards out puts the ball over the crossbar. 

   Doncaster pile everyone forwards a minute left Tierney lunges in to win the ball back on the right, Barker in close attendance latches onto the loose ball whipping the cross into the area, is just beyond Omarsdottir as she stretches out a leg desperate to bring it down, Birmingham regain possession make a late change Wellings the player replaced, Cheryl Edwards coming on. Late attack for Birmingham in injury time Linnett getting to the byline on the left into the area can't lift her cross over Hobbs coming to cover her near post. 

  The final whistle blows and it's Birmingham City Ladies who win the 3 points beating Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-0 super sub Kirsty Linnett with the goal off her 1st touch. Sees them join Arsenal Ladies on 20 points are 3 points off the leaders, have played more games than those above them but a top two finish is very much a possibility. Was a game of few chances both sides battled hard and for Doncaster the search for a league point goes on 5 points adrift at the bottom a frustrating result will feel a draw would have been a been a fair result. Played 7 lost 7 have plenty of games left and still all to play for just need to find that positive result. 

   

Match Report - Sheffield FC Ladies v Millwall Lionesses

  The football on the Supporting Women's Football Blog this Sunday comes from the Home of Football Stadium, league action from FAWSL 2, Sheffield FC Ladies v Millwall Lionesses.

   New to FAWSL 2 it took Sheffield FC Ladies a while to find their feet in the league after a long lay off following promotion via the 1st ever Play-off match to earn their place in the Women's Super League. A single point claimed in their opening 5 league games with 4 defeats and a draw far from the start they wanted after back to back FAWPL Northern Division titles. Have found their form in the FAWSL's Continental Tyres Cup competition winning in the Preliminary and 1st Rounds to reach the quarter finals. The 1st Round win at home to FAWSL 2 promotion chasers Bristol City Ladies has seen the club turn it's league form around and have now won their last 3 league games in a row to climb up the table to 7th spot with 10 points on the board from 8 games played. Have added to their squad during the FAWSL mid-season break bringing in Sophie Jones from Blackburn Rovers Ladies along with Olivia Dixon and Kirsty Hanson both joining having been with Liverpool Ladies Development squad.

  Opponents Millwall Lionesses travel up to the Home of Football Stadium on the back of 2 successive league defeats, in what is shaping up to be another difficult season. Finished 2nd bottom in FAWSL 2 in 2015 and right now that is where they find themselves in the table despite a promising start to their league campaign an opening day victory followed by 2 draws have picked up just 2 points from 18 available since. A new manager in charge for the start of the 3rd season in a row, Rebecca Sawiuk joining at the start of the season. Sawiuk has since left the club to pursue other career opportunities, Lauren Phillips steps up to take interim charge of the 1st team supported by development team manager Andy Hill. 

Sawiuk brought in several new faces at the start of the season with some departing the club to alot of new faces to gt used to each others play. Charlotte Gurr having helped Brighton & Hove Albion WFC to the FAWPL Southern Division title and experienced FAWSL midfielder Bonnie Horwood have both joined the club recently. 

  Been a hot sunny week and that continues into the weekend a few dark clouds above a few light spots of rain but nothing to threaten the match. The pitch well used dry and a little bobbly in places. 

  Sheffield FC Ladies starting XI - Juliana Draycott, Danielle Cox, Emma Lipman, Billie Murphy, Carla Ward (C), Hannah Dale, Emma Johnson, Sherry McCue, Ellie Gilliatt, Jodie Michalska & Chelsea Flanagan. 
  subs - Claire Wallhead, Sarah Jackson, Sophie Jones, Rhema Lord-Mears, Olivia Wild, Chloe Dixon & Kenedy Owen

  Millwall Lionesses starting XI - Sarah Quantrill, Billie Brooks, Leanne Cowan, Jordan Butler, Leighanne Robe, Bonnie Horwood, Ella Rutherford, Lilli Maple, Ashlee Hincks (C), Megan Wynne & Rinsola Babajide.
  subs - Grace Fisk, Leigh Nicol, Georgina Giddings, Amber Gaylor, Charlotte Gurr & Lucy Loomes.

  It's Sheffield to get us under way in the 1st half wearing red shirts, black shorts and socks with Millwall lined up opposite wearing navy coloured shirts with white sleeves and collar, white shorts and socks. The ball is played long up to Sheffield's attackers early Chelsea Flanagan back to goal outside the box jumps and heads the ball down to Jodie Michalska on the right, gives it back to Flanagan her cross lifted into the area is held by Millwall's goalkeeper, Sarah Quantrill.

  The ball is won back by Sheffield as Millwall try to build an attack, a rapid counter move the ball fed out to the right the cross finds Flanagan just inside the area right of goal goes to shoot scuffs it not getting a firm connection with the ball the shot rolls harmlessly into Quantrill's gloves. A bright start from the home side mostly down the right Michalska powering her way up the wing with the ball turns her cross wide over the goal.

  Little opportunity for Millwall to make head way into the Sheffield half, win a free kick on half way. Centre back Leighanne Robe on the ball sends it high towards the edge of the area Sheffield captain, Carla Ward gets up to head the threat clear, a chance to break the ball out on the left with Ellie Gilliatt. Taken quickly, Gilliatt gets clear on the left sends the cross into the area long for Michalska, back inside for Flanagan, the flag is raised for offside.

  A throw inside the Sheffield half on the left see's Millwall captain, Ashlee Hincks play the ball down the line for Rinsola Babajide, she wins her side a corner kick. The set piece is played up to the face of the area, Sheffield clear it, Millwall close the ball down quickly regain possession the pass finding Ella Rutherford making her 1st start for the club a Centre of Excellence graduate, out on the right her cross/shot is collected by Sheffield goalkeeper, Juliana Draycott.

  Billie Brooks with the sliding challenge concedes the throw high on the left to stop a surging run up the wing by Gilliatt. Emma Johnson gets forwards to receive the ball from the throw closing in on the by line left of goal inside the box squares her cross along the six yard box picking out Hannah Dale central, her shot is saved at point blank range the ball pushed out to the top of the area Flanagan arriving latches onto it sees her attempt blocked by the Millwall defence coming out to charge the ball down, the rebound is met by Michalska who puts the ball over and out of play for the goal kick.

Millwall Lionesses, Lilli Maple with Sheffield FC Ladies, Emma Johnson

  Two competitive midfield's on show today some robust challenges coming in, Dale is fouled by Bonnie Horwood on the left half way inside the Millwall half, Ward over set-piece sends a good ball into the box out towards the far post to be attacked, Emma Lipman leaps getting her had to the ball puts it over the crossbar. A good ball from Millwall's Robe bringing the ball to the halfway line picks out Leanne Cowan pushing forwards on the left side, on for Megan Wynne ahead of her wins her side a corner. A good delivery into the box Sheffield have plenty back to defend and clear it.

Is shaping up to be a competitive battle between the sides

 The break is on as Dale picks out Gilliatt ahead of her taking the ball inside 25 yards out feints then getting half a yard shoots, Jordan Butler sticks a foot out inside the box to try and intercept, does enough the ball deflected into the gloves of her goalkeeper beyond. Getting forwards as Sheffield build another attack, Sherry McCue sees the ball rolled into her path 25 yards from goal central takes on the strike sees the effort swerve up and over the crossbar. Millwall are starting to find some joy deep on the left, Babajide holding the ball up well Hincks and Rutherford both getting across to offer a passing option. 

  GOAL! Penalty! A chance for Millwall to open the scoring as out of nothing Rutherford is brought down just inside the area. The referee points to the spot, it's Hincks to take it. Placing the ball on the spot, scores sending Draycott the wrong way as she buries the ball into the back of the net 1-0.

Millwall Lionesses captain, Ashlee Hincks gives her side the lead from the penalty spot

  Against the run of play early on with Sheffield strong in the opening 20 minutes they find themselves a goal down. Coming forwards with the ball Dale 25 yards out left of the area sends a ball into the box, is taken out by Rutherford as she comes sliding in with a rash challenge giving away a free kick in a dangerous position and gets booked in the process. Ward over the set-piece gets it around the 2 player wall low into the area, Millwall have the players back and launch it clear.

  Gilliatt is very nearly put through clear on goal as Sheffield get the ball up to her quickly opening up Millwall, Lipman into Flanagan in the centre plays the pass on for Gilliatt bursting clear as she comes inside, central makes a run for the box, it's Robe who gets back on her recovering well to close her down on the edge of the area tackling and taking the ball away from her. 

  Gilliatt is left on the floor inside the Millwall penalty area as she is very nearly put through on goal again the ball played forwards by Danielle Cox coming up the right into the area for Gilliatt to go after, brave goalkeeping from Quantrill as she comes sliding in to get hold of the ball ball, Gilliatt goes over her landing hard but is okay to continue after treatment.

  Has taken Millwall a little time to get themselves on the ball look a side that aren't used to playing together with new faces on the pitch the ball is being won well enough but the passing after a little aimless giving it away has allowed Sheffield the momentum. Babajide holding the ball up well on the left side plays the pass inside to Rutherford who sees her shot charged down 25 yards from goal. Robe steps out of the defence in stop Johnson as the Sheffield midfielder looks to attack through the middle. 

  Horwood breaks forwards from midfield to get into the Sheffield box left of goal as Hincks takes control of the ball wide left, lifts the ball into the area picking her out, looks for the glancing header to turn the ball in towards goal, not enough as the attempt is sent wide. The competitiveness in midfield is in danger of boiling over no one's being given a second on the ball and the referee has a word with a few to calm thing's down. Babajide one of those now over on the right gets a talking too from the referee for bringing down Gilliatt inside her half.

Bonnie Horwood looks to get to the ball ahead of Sheffield's Hannah Dale

  Defends well against her moments later, tracking back with her to hold Gilliatt off as she tries to work an opening on the edge of the Millwall area eventually winning the ball. Gilliatt isn't tracked the next time she bursts forwards up the left swinging a cross in towards the far post Michalska coming in meets the ball with her head puts the chance over the bar. Horwood plays a great ball out to the right releasing Babajide into space taking it forwards looks to put the cross into the box, Sheffield's Billie Murphy gets her head to the ball turning the ball back for Draycott to collect.

Millwall Lionesses, Rinsola Babajide back to defend against Sheffield FC Ladies, Ellie Gilliatt

   Gilliatt continues to cause problems up the left for Sheffield as the 1st half moves into the final 5 minutes. The ball is played forwards by Lipman as they press forwards, Gilliatt after it keeps it in play inside the box as Quantrill is drawn towards the ball, Gilliatt hooks it over her, Robe is there back on the goal line to clear the ball, is lifted out of the area but picked up by Dale left corner of the box 25 yards out, takes on the strike arrowing for the top corner, Quantrill saves brilliantly tipping the ball behind for the corner kick. The corner goes behind for a goal kick at the near post despite Sheffield protests.

  GOAL! Pressing hard late in the 1st half looking for the equaliser, Sheffield find it right on the stroke of half-time winning the ball back from a Millwall free kick in a central position the ball is played up into Flanagan's feet, is pushed out wide to the right as she turns and looks to attack, squares the ball into the area with both Lipman and Michalska taking up central attacking positions runs to Lipman who touches it into Michalska to strike putting her foot through the ball, Quantrill gets down to make the blocking save the rebound is straight at Lipman who sends the ball back in over the grounded keeper and scores 1-1.

Half-time Sheffield FC Ladies 1-1 Millwall Lionesses

  The scores all square as the players head to the dressing rooms for half-time. A competitive match so far the ball hotly contested in midfield, Sheffield have been the dominant side for much of the 1st half but despite that found themselves going a goal down. Millwall have battled hard, defended well on the whole but haven't been able to retain possession of the ball misplaced passes giving the advantage to Sheffield all to often but at 1-1 have something to build on 2nd half. Sheffield finding space out wide haven't put in the telling final ball enough.

  No changes at half-time from either side, Millwall get the 2nd half underway. Sheffield get hold of the ball play it long with Michalska moving clear on the right, Robe coming across to defend puts the ball out for a corner kick. The ball from the right is sent long into the box, headed down at the far post dropping amongst bodies inside the six yard box Millwall scramble it away. McCue regains possession of the ball coming in from the left her initial effort is blocked, gets a 2nd bite blazes the ball wide of goal from outside the box.

Sheffield FC Ladies captain, Carla Ward

  Cox releases Johnson down the right for Sheffield driving forwards with the ball whips the ball across the Millwall six yard box with Gilliatt arriving on the far side to meet the ball sends her shot into the side netting. Hincks with the ball on the right for Millwall gets a throw with support from Wynne a corner is won, the ball swung in near post is cleared by Sheffield. An open game at the start of the 2nd half both sides thinking they can score pushing players forwards. Play over on the left as Sheffield attack the strike comes in from distance a lob by Michalska looking for the top corner over Quantrill won't dip in time just over.

  Hincks gets ahead of everyone on the right from a quickly taken throw lifts the ball up into the Sheffield area, Cox has to hook the ball clear with Rutherford threatening to steal in behind her. Getting the ball up the other end of the pitch Sheffield's McCue darts in to take the ball from the Millwall defence 20 yards out lays the short pass into Johnson to hit goalwards, on target places the shot directly at Quantrill who gathers the ball into her body.

Sheffield FC Ladies, Sherry McCue

Powerful run on the ball from Babajide on the right brings her side a corner. A good ball swept into the centre of the six yard box, Draycott gets up above everyone to lay claim to the ball. The game continues to flow from one end of the pitch to the other Lipman getting forwards on the left has Gilliatt ahead of her exchanging passes the ball is sent on the diagonal into the box, with Cox the furthest player forwards unmarked far side in the six yard box looks to stab the ball back across goal with the outside of her boot, doesn't get it past Quantrill coming across to scoop it up into her gloves.

  Rutherford getting the ball from Babajide as she latches onto a loose kick out from Draycott tries her luck from distance hoping to catch the keeper off her line, doesn't get enough on the ball Draycott can get across and lay claim to the ball. Sheffield win themselves a corner kick however play is stopped with Cox hurt off the ball. A change is made by both sides on 63 minutes Cox can't continue and coming off, Sophie Jones comes on to make her debut for the club the change sees Lipman move across to right back, with Gilliatt dropping in to left back Jones attacking down the left. Rutherford comes off for Millwall to be replaced by Amber Gaylor.

  The corner played in from the right goes long falling for Ward she sees her shot blocked, so too McCue latching onto the rebound inside the box, Millwall clear it and the break is on Cowan away on the left, plays the ball inside to Horwood who let's fly from 30 plus yards the attempt blocked by Sheffield is retrieved by Gaylor driving on with the ball her attempt at goal is also blocked. 

  A long range pass from the back by Sheffield picks out Flanagan inside the Millwall box to the right, holds the ball up well with Johnson rushing forwards to support getting the ball sends the cross long to the far post Jones racing in gets up to head the ball but can't keep it down, flies out for a goal kick. 

  GOAL! 70 minutes on the clock and Sheffield retake the lead, positive build up play as they press the ball inside the Millwall half in front of their are, Michalska then Johnson as players are drifting forwards to support on of those is Lipman outside the box right of goal in the perfect position as McCue nips in to win the ball comes to Lipman who sends in a strike burying it into the top corner of the net to score her 2nd of the match 2-1.

Emma Lipman sends the ball into the top corner to score her 2nd goal of the match

 Millwall respond with a 2nd substitution bringing on Charlotte Gurr in place of Lilli Maple. Up the tempo push forwards looking for a quick reply. The passes rushed Sheffield are able to regroup and win the ball back. A 3rd change for the visitors with Lucy Loomes coming on to join the attack replacing Babajide. 

  GOAL! Millwall win a corner on the left players rushing to get up into the Sheffield area the corner is taken short by Cowan into Hincks up the line top of the box on the left sends the ball in over everyone towards the far post area, two Millwall players are in behind as the ball clears the keeper and it turned over the line at close range, Charlotte Gurr credited with the goal, Sheffield look to the linesman for a flag it isn't raised Millwall pull it back to 2-2 with a little over 10 minutes left to play.

  Sheffield make their 2nd change Chloe Dixon comes on in place of McCue. Millwall have the momentum in the latter stages of the game buoyed by the equaliser push forwards with abandon. Loomes wins Millwall a corner on the left side is delivered deep is cleared, Millwall go after the ball try to put it back in their attempts are charged down. Murphy just about gets her head to the ball to knock the ball back for Draycott to gather on the edge of her box as Gurr threatens to steal in behind her from a great pass from Hincks.

Millwall's Leanne Cowan defends against Sheffield's Emma Johnson

  Both sides are giving the ball away as the game moves into the final 5 minutes both think they can win it and are going for it, Dixon for Sheffield whips a great cross into the box for Michalska to attack gets her head to the ball under challenge sends the effort wide across the face of goal. Johnson has the ball rolled into her by Michalska 25 yards out takes on the strike central can only pick out Quantrill who holds onto the ball. Whilst up the other end Loomes seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out her back to goal turns and hits it goalwards all along the ground rolls through for Draycott to gather. Into injury time and one more chance falls to Millwall the ball drilled into Loomes holding her ground just inside the Sheffield box with the turn and hit from the right drills the effort wide.

  The final whistle blows and the points are shared the full time score 2-2. Millwall coming back from a goal down in both halves to take a point out of the game, battled hard throughout the 90 minutes and late on will feel they might have taken all 3. A competitive game, time allowed on the ball at a premium Emma Lipman scoring twice for Sheffield her 1st goals for 3 years, quality strikes too. Had more of the ball and having taken the lead will be disappointed not to have gone on and got the win however their unbeaten run goes on.