Well I thought a blog entry on this WSL transfer period would be something I'd be rounding up when the dust had settled and the new season was ready to begin, but such has been the cyclone of activity blowing through the top tier of English women's football I feel it prudent to summarise the various comings and goings between clubs up to date.
After 3 seasons of an elite league of 8 unchanged teams the 2014 season brings with it change as the WSL gains a 2nd tier of 10 teams. It is the WSL 1 as it will become where there has been a great deal of movement of players. As of the 2014 season the WSL 1 has a new entrant in the form of Manchester City Ladies who somewhat controversally replaced Doncaster Rovers Belles who will been lining up in WSL 2 next season.
It is with Manchester City I will begin. A club with money behind it they got into the WSL set up at the expense of some established women's football names, nevertheless everyone expected them to spend big and bring in star names there were rumours galore one of the most notable being the arrival of USA international goalkeeper Hope Solo. As it was the goalkeeper who did arrive was something of a surprise in the form of current England No 1 Karen Bardsley from Lincoln Ladies. 1st to arrive however was her England team mate midfielder Jill Scott from Everton after deciding not to renew her contract, she was closely followed by another Everton star and England striker Toni Duggan. Now as far as I understand it a WSL team is allowed to have 4 England internationals in it's squad so it was a case of waiting to see whom the 4th would be with a goalkeeper, striker and midfielder a defender was required to complete the set and Manchester City signed versatile England player Steph Houghton from Arsenal. The club has also signed Steph Marsh from Blackburn Rovers Ladies.
The team has a solid spine but to be challenging for the title you would think they would still need to bring in 7/8 top signings but you have to walk before you can run and that might be an unrealistic aim for their 1st season of top football.
I say this however as I move onto Liverpool Ladies the current WSL champions, this after an injection of cash from the men's club see them go from rock bottom the previous 2 seasons to the top of the pile. Matt Beard brought in an entire new team of players then the English quartet as Manchester City have done but also the likes of oversea's internationals such as Whitney Engen, Louise Fors and Corina Schroder. Matt Beard has a strong squad at his disposal so my thought was only 2/3 additions would be needed to defend their title. The clubs 1st move was something of a surprise as they signed a player who was probably the best performer in the league in 2013 and certainly at her club Lincoln Ladies, England U19 international Martha Harris. An extremely shrewd transfer Matt Beard was to also sprung another coup in signing Gemma Davison from Arsenal Ladies in contrast to Martha Harris' huge potential she brings a wealth of experience and Natasha Dowie will thrive on her service. A surprise departure was goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill so Liverpool will be looking for a keeper expect 1 or 2 more in yet.
Likewise the team who finished 2nd last season Bristol Academy Women had a good blend of demestic players and 2 experienced Spanish strikers a surprise package to some, the teams achievements have no doubt helped their manager Mark Sampson as he takes up the ultimate challenge of becoming head coach of the English national team. As of yet no new players have come in although they have secured the services of striker Laura del Rio. One of the biggest transfer moves was the departure of goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain to Arsenal ladies. Need a manager installed quickly if they want to bring new players in.
This was something of a much needed boost to Arsenal Ladies fans as they had seen a host of star players leaving the club after their 3rd place finish and seemingly several more players yet to agree new contracts it is something of a transititional time for the long time unchallenged team in English women's football. Siobhan Chamberlain is a vastly experienced goalkeeper. It was however a little strange that their long serving Irish No 1 goalkeeper Emma Byrne signed a new deal as she has been unchallenged for years will be interesting to see how the club will accommodate both. It was at least a player coming into Arsenal Ladies will they be able a attract more, you would certainly think so and some more will sign new deals eventually.
Just as it was looking up for Arsenal another star player departed however this time another surprise move (have I said that already?) striker Ellen White rejoining her old manager Rick Passmoor at Notts County Ladies. The rebranded clubs 1st signing in this transfer period and the much needed goal scorer they were lacking in the previous campaign whilst still Lincoln Ladies. As some have pointed out she is a target player who thrived on the service the likes of Yankey, Davison and co provided at Arsenal. She will need players to help her and a look at the Notts County Ladies page on the FAWSL website shows you their squad is extremely thin on the ground. More players will be coming in no doubt this window has proved that and the club will need more if they want to push for a top half finish.
The 1st team to make a move in the transfer was Chelsea. Coach Emma Hayes undoubtedly disappointed with their 2nd bottom finish let several players go and was quick to snap up newly released striker Rachel Williams from Birmingham City Ladies. A proven goal scorer in the WSL she had a poor 2013 season and lost her England place linking up again with Eniola Aluko she will no doubt want to win it back and will need plenty of goals to do so. Joining her from Birmingham after finishing her contract was defender Laura Bassett.
Birmingham City Ladies have been quiet in this transfer period so far however that being said I like what manager David Parker is doing there as he has brought in a group of younger players the likes of Kirsty Linnett, Melissa Lawley and Aoife Mannion taking a different approach to other clubs you would still expect to see 1 or 2 arrivals yet.
That leaves Everton Ladies whose fans must be very deflated after seeing 1st Liverpool Ladies, and now Manchester City Ladies tempt their star players away. They like Birmingham City Ladies however have alot of young talented players and put out an announcement just last night that 16 of their players had committed to new deals another Fern Whelan adding her commitment to the club as she recovers from injury. A strong statement from the club it was good to see.
Still alot more to come I feel there are some notable free agents still out there such as Dunia Susi, Katie Holtham, Meaghan Sargeant and Carly Telford (and at least 3 teams might be after a new goalkeeper) more twists and turns shocks and surprises....stay tuned.
A brief mention for WSL 2 as there has been some surprising and eye opening moves as the 2nd teir gears up for the new season most notably from Yeovil Town Ladies who have signed up the experienced Katie Sherwood and Welsh international Helen Bleazard from the area who was released by Chelsea. Millwall Lionesses have swooped for goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill and striker Lillie Billson from Lincoln the later will be a threat in WSL 2 no doubt. Also Reading now with ex Arsenal star Jane Ludlow in charge have signed Welsh striker Helen Ward. Lastly and most notably Doncaster Rovers Belles haven't lost any players to date despite their demotion which is good news for the club and I'd be disappointed if a Belles fan didn't come on twitter and say 'damn right too!' WSL 2 could very well prove to be very interesting in 2014.
No doubt someone just signed for a club just 5 minutes ago but I shall leave it there for now.
A fan of the sport doing my small part to help promote the women's game
Saturday 21 December 2013
Sunday 15 December 2013
SE Combination match report Norwich City LFC v Cambridge WFC
After an intense burst of women's football taking in England's games in the recent UEFA U17 Championships in the midlands 5 games in 13 days along with an East Anglian Championship match between Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire aswell as the South East Combination league clash between Ipswich Town Ladies and C&K Basildon... oh and the Norfolk Division 2 clash involving Freethorpe LFC and Ealham Colney LFC you'd think I'd be all footballed out and in need of a rest.
However 7 days without a match proved to feel very odd indeed and I was looking forwards to checking out the fixtures for this Sunday and deciding the best place to be. As it was, something else fairly important happens in December and I needed to visit a certain shop... well garden centre near Norwich to make a sneaky purchase without the mother knowing... thus the South East Combination league clash fortunately rearranged between Norwich City Ladies and Cambridge WFC was perfect.
That being said my luck at actually attending a women's football match at Norwich City Ladies home ground Plantation Park hasn't been great having turned up there when they were actually away on the 1st occasion and getting rained off earlier this season on the eve of the East Anglian derby match with Ipswich it was a case of 3rd time lucky. Situated in Blofield east of Norwich along the A47 the ground is easy to find if you use your eyes instead of your sat nav. A decent little ground with good facilities... the game was on!
Norwich have been the victim of several postponements and rearranged fixtures which now see's them playing catch up in the South East Combination which for them I'm sure has been frustrating for both players and management alike as they were in a hot streak of form one of the results in that period being a 6-1 victory over todays visitors Cambridge back in September.
Now for the reverse fixture expected Norwich to be strong opponents for Cambridge whom having seen several times now knew this was a much changed starting line up with no Sophie Thompson and Laura Baker on the bench the attacking duties fell to lone stiker Nuala Wayne with midfielder Laura Bright pushed further forwards to try and support her. As kick off started the rain that was building got heavier and heavier and with what looked like a heavy pitch to start with conditions weren't great.
With a changed line up you wouldn't want to concede an early goal but this is exactly what Cambridge did as Norwich won a free kick 25 yards out and it was fired in Norwich defender Kate Parsons rose unmarked to head the ball down into the near post and make it 1-0. Conditions were poor with the rain pouring down and players were sliding in with challenges from both sides midfield was a congested area of the pitch with Cambridge battling hard to win the ball Norwich had the balance of the attack with the visitors unable to get the ball up to Nuala Wayne and make it stick although chances on goal were few and far between with shots at both end from long range going wide and Cambridge keeper Verity Crook being in the right position to gather when needed. At half time Norwich led 1-0
The rain had stopped late in the 1st half and with the teams out for the 2nd half it was Cambridge who started the brighter were looking to get their flank players moving forwards quicker to support their striker were working hard to win the ball back higher up the pitch had a shot which was stabbed straight at the on rushing keeper. With support at hand Nuala Wayne was a threat driving at Norwich's defence from a ball played over the top the no 9 was through on goal with the keeper rushing out there was only one option the early lob and it was taken with aplomb to make it 1-1.
Cambridge were on top during this period another chance fell to midfielder Bethan Jones who played the ball past her full back had to chase it pressure the keeper who kicked it against her the ball cannoning back but wide of goal. Bethan Jones was through again minutes later but a tangle of legs in the box saw both players injured and having to be replaced.
There was a lengthy delay and this seemed to be just what Norwich needed to organise themselves as barely minutes later they were able to break on the right Chelsea Garrett breaking through to strike from the edge of the box and past the keeper into the back of the net to restore the lead at 2-1 now they were dominant keeping Cambridge pinned back had a further 2 shots that were saved by Verity Crook and a further 2 sliced wide of goal.
Cambridge had a late corner to try and salvage a point but the goal mouth scramble saw Norwich clear the ball and the final whistle blew for them to claim the 3 points. Move onto 21 points some 11 points behind league leaders C&K Basildon but with some 5 games in hand.
In the other 2 SE Combination league games today the afforementioned C&K Basildon racked up a 9-0 victory at Luton Town Ladies and the leagues 3rd placed team Milton Keynes Dons LFC scored 5 at home against Brentwood Town LFC.
However 7 days without a match proved to feel very odd indeed and I was looking forwards to checking out the fixtures for this Sunday and deciding the best place to be. As it was, something else fairly important happens in December and I needed to visit a certain shop... well garden centre near Norwich to make a sneaky purchase without the mother knowing... thus the South East Combination league clash fortunately rearranged between Norwich City Ladies and Cambridge WFC was perfect.
That being said my luck at actually attending a women's football match at Norwich City Ladies home ground Plantation Park hasn't been great having turned up there when they were actually away on the 1st occasion and getting rained off earlier this season on the eve of the East Anglian derby match with Ipswich it was a case of 3rd time lucky. Situated in Blofield east of Norwich along the A47 the ground is easy to find if you use your eyes instead of your sat nav. A decent little ground with good facilities... the game was on!
Norwich have been the victim of several postponements and rearranged fixtures which now see's them playing catch up in the South East Combination which for them I'm sure has been frustrating for both players and management alike as they were in a hot streak of form one of the results in that period being a 6-1 victory over todays visitors Cambridge back in September.
Now for the reverse fixture expected Norwich to be strong opponents for Cambridge whom having seen several times now knew this was a much changed starting line up with no Sophie Thompson and Laura Baker on the bench the attacking duties fell to lone stiker Nuala Wayne with midfielder Laura Bright pushed further forwards to try and support her. As kick off started the rain that was building got heavier and heavier and with what looked like a heavy pitch to start with conditions weren't great.
With a changed line up you wouldn't want to concede an early goal but this is exactly what Cambridge did as Norwich won a free kick 25 yards out and it was fired in Norwich defender Kate Parsons rose unmarked to head the ball down into the near post and make it 1-0. Conditions were poor with the rain pouring down and players were sliding in with challenges from both sides midfield was a congested area of the pitch with Cambridge battling hard to win the ball Norwich had the balance of the attack with the visitors unable to get the ball up to Nuala Wayne and make it stick although chances on goal were few and far between with shots at both end from long range going wide and Cambridge keeper Verity Crook being in the right position to gather when needed. At half time Norwich led 1-0
The rain had stopped late in the 1st half and with the teams out for the 2nd half it was Cambridge who started the brighter were looking to get their flank players moving forwards quicker to support their striker were working hard to win the ball back higher up the pitch had a shot which was stabbed straight at the on rushing keeper. With support at hand Nuala Wayne was a threat driving at Norwich's defence from a ball played over the top the no 9 was through on goal with the keeper rushing out there was only one option the early lob and it was taken with aplomb to make it 1-1.
Cambridge were on top during this period another chance fell to midfielder Bethan Jones who played the ball past her full back had to chase it pressure the keeper who kicked it against her the ball cannoning back but wide of goal. Bethan Jones was through again minutes later but a tangle of legs in the box saw both players injured and having to be replaced.
There was a lengthy delay and this seemed to be just what Norwich needed to organise themselves as barely minutes later they were able to break on the right Chelsea Garrett breaking through to strike from the edge of the box and past the keeper into the back of the net to restore the lead at 2-1 now they were dominant keeping Cambridge pinned back had a further 2 shots that were saved by Verity Crook and a further 2 sliced wide of goal.
Cambridge had a late corner to try and salvage a point but the goal mouth scramble saw Norwich clear the ball and the final whistle blew for them to claim the 3 points. Move onto 21 points some 11 points behind league leaders C&K Basildon but with some 5 games in hand.
In the other 2 SE Combination league games today the afforementioned C&K Basildon racked up a 9-0 victory at Luton Town Ladies and the leagues 3rd placed team Milton Keynes Dons LFC scored 5 at home against Brentwood Town LFC.
Sunday 8 December 2013
Penalty Heartache For Young Lionesses
It was heartache for the England Women's U17's in the end as they lost their 3rd place play off match against Italy at Burton Albion.
Having followed the women's U17 team all through the tournament it was only right I travel back over to Burton Albion for the 3rd time in 6 days to see if they could win their 3rd place play off game with Italy. Now this journey went alot more smoothly than the previous 2 as myself and the sat nav found away to go round Nottingham instead of through it. As I mentioned in my previous post there was still alot to play for the winner claiming a place at next years World Cup, to reach the last 4 in a major tournament is no small achievement in itself.
At Telford in the opening game England had worked hard and were unlucky to concede defeat to Italy being 2 pretty evenly matched sides Italy's style of play suited England meant it would be a strongly fought contest with not many goals in it. Thus it turned out as the game ebbed and flowed from one end to the other without a great deal of clear chances being created. Italy were able to get more bodies in and around the box and for much of the 1st half striker Chloe Kelly was an isolated figure up front.
1st half ending 0-0 England made a change bringing on Evie Clarke for Atlanta Primus which allowed Lucy Porter to better support Chloe Kelly England had a dominant spell and did score but much to the crowds dismay the flag was raised and it was ruled out. As the half wore on the team's were getting nervous not wanting to commit too many forward for fear of conceding so it ended 0-0 and went straight to penalties. I hate penalties.
What do you do it is a lottery England had 2 saved as Italy took a 3-1 advantage, England pulled it back to 3-3 as Kirstie Levell saved 1 but Italy needed to score 1 more to claim victory and they did to leave England heartbroken. Congratulations to Italy who join the finalists Germany and Spain at next years World Cup.
Below is a small tribute to our England U17's of whom I'm sure we will be hearing alot about in the future...
There was was further penalty heartache in the Final itself later that day as England's opponent at Thursday's semi-final were beaten by Germany in another shoot out. This one somewhat harsher than England's defeat as Spain had dominated the final for 75mins taking the lead early on and creating a few clear cut chances to bury the game. They didn't however and the German's hung in there a shot turning into a cross as the player slipped was slotted home with minutes to spare and leave Spain rattled. Very tough on the Spainards they have played some great football and will be a serious contender come the World Cup and perhaps Spain will soon become a more serious force at senior level they certainly will if their youth players are anything to go by but then so will many of the other nations who took part in this tournament. That being said Germany are the champions I congratulate them.
This has been a great tournament a good showcase of female footballing talent from all the nations I have seen play and so I have been told aswell about the teams I didn't see play. The skill level has been of a high standard the team work first rate and the experience I'm sure of huge benefit to all the players going forwards in their careers a young group who I will follow with interest.
Having followed the women's U17 team all through the tournament it was only right I travel back over to Burton Albion for the 3rd time in 6 days to see if they could win their 3rd place play off game with Italy. Now this journey went alot more smoothly than the previous 2 as myself and the sat nav found away to go round Nottingham instead of through it. As I mentioned in my previous post there was still alot to play for the winner claiming a place at next years World Cup, to reach the last 4 in a major tournament is no small achievement in itself.
At Telford in the opening game England had worked hard and were unlucky to concede defeat to Italy being 2 pretty evenly matched sides Italy's style of play suited England meant it would be a strongly fought contest with not many goals in it. Thus it turned out as the game ebbed and flowed from one end to the other without a great deal of clear chances being created. Italy were able to get more bodies in and around the box and for much of the 1st half striker Chloe Kelly was an isolated figure up front.
1st half ending 0-0 England made a change bringing on Evie Clarke for Atlanta Primus which allowed Lucy Porter to better support Chloe Kelly England had a dominant spell and did score but much to the crowds dismay the flag was raised and it was ruled out. As the half wore on the team's were getting nervous not wanting to commit too many forward for fear of conceding so it ended 0-0 and went straight to penalties. I hate penalties.
What do you do it is a lottery England had 2 saved as Italy took a 3-1 advantage, England pulled it back to 3-3 as Kirstie Levell saved 1 but Italy needed to score 1 more to claim victory and they did to leave England heartbroken. Congratulations to Italy who join the finalists Germany and Spain at next years World Cup.
Below is a small tribute to our England U17's of whom I'm sure we will be hearing alot about in the future...
There was was further penalty heartache in the Final itself later that day as England's opponent at Thursday's semi-final were beaten by Germany in another shoot out. This one somewhat harsher than England's defeat as Spain had dominated the final for 75mins taking the lead early on and creating a few clear cut chances to bury the game. They didn't however and the German's hung in there a shot turning into a cross as the player slipped was slotted home with minutes to spare and leave Spain rattled. Very tough on the Spainards they have played some great football and will be a serious contender come the World Cup and perhaps Spain will soon become a more serious force at senior level they certainly will if their youth players are anything to go by but then so will many of the other nations who took part in this tournament. That being said Germany are the champions I congratulate them.
This has been a great tournament a good showcase of female footballing talent from all the nations I have seen play and so I have been told aswell about the teams I didn't see play. The skill level has been of a high standard the team work first rate and the experience I'm sure of huge benefit to all the players going forwards in their careers a young group who I will follow with interest.
Thursday 5 December 2013
England U17's lose semi final
As the storm built up along the east coast I headed out of Norfolk and back to Burton Albion's Pirelli stadium the venue just three days earlier to England Women's U17 strong 6-1 over Portugal to see them take on Spain in the UEFA U17's Championship semi-final. Having racked up a 4-0 win over Germany in their final group game both teams would have been high of confidence going into the game.
It was Spain who started the stronger spreading the ball about the pitch quickly and driving at England's centre backs Captain Leah Williamson was called into action several times the clear the lines Spain struck the cross bar from a corner and England couldn't get an attack going space was available on the flanks and left back Jemma Purfield did her best to support Atlanta Primus. It was Spain though that took the lead a cross from the right and Andrea Sanchez was on hand to make it 1-0 and capitalise on Spain's early dominance. 4 minutes later the England post was rattled again.
England got more pocession as the half wore on creating chances as Spain sat back a little Williamson with the best as she tried to control an Primus free kick floated into the box. At the break it was 1-0 to Spain.
England needed a strong start to the 2nd half however it was Spain who had the ball on the roof of the net. England with a driving run then shot straight at the keeper Spain broke quickly and as the ball was cleared out of England's box it came to Maria del Pilar Garrote who rifled her shot towards goal Kirstie Levell dived but only in dispair as the ball went past her and Spain took control going 2-0 ahead.
England needed a goal badly and Ellie Wilkinson was brought on, Leah Williamson was pushed into midfield with Rebacca Lloyd moving into the back line which caused a little communication problem as Spain drove into the box and almost scored Levell gathering at the players feet. England couldn't get an attack going Williamson was magnicient as she tried to make thing's happen and with England pushing on Spain could take advantage of the space left behind on 79 mins Sanchez scored her 2nd of the game and it was all over Spain the deserved winners were through to Sunday's final and having already beaten Germany who won the early semi final 1-0 over Italy they will I think be strong favourites.
As for England it is a blow they will be hugely disappointed however they have to pick themselves up still alot to play for on Sunday they go into a 3rd place play off with Italy at Burton again (I'm not looking forwards to that journey mind) as the winner will join the 2 finalists at the next World Cup and having seen England lose narrowly to Italy in the 1st group game there is no doubt they can achieve this and will be there cheering them on...
It was Spain who started the stronger spreading the ball about the pitch quickly and driving at England's centre backs Captain Leah Williamson was called into action several times the clear the lines Spain struck the cross bar from a corner and England couldn't get an attack going space was available on the flanks and left back Jemma Purfield did her best to support Atlanta Primus. It was Spain though that took the lead a cross from the right and Andrea Sanchez was on hand to make it 1-0 and capitalise on Spain's early dominance. 4 minutes later the England post was rattled again.
England got more pocession as the half wore on creating chances as Spain sat back a little Williamson with the best as she tried to control an Primus free kick floated into the box. At the break it was 1-0 to Spain.
England needed a strong start to the 2nd half however it was Spain who had the ball on the roof of the net. England with a driving run then shot straight at the keeper Spain broke quickly and as the ball was cleared out of England's box it came to Maria del Pilar Garrote who rifled her shot towards goal Kirstie Levell dived but only in dispair as the ball went past her and Spain took control going 2-0 ahead.
England needed a goal badly and Ellie Wilkinson was brought on, Leah Williamson was pushed into midfield with Rebacca Lloyd moving into the back line which caused a little communication problem as Spain drove into the box and almost scored Levell gathering at the players feet. England couldn't get an attack going Williamson was magnicient as she tried to make thing's happen and with England pushing on Spain could take advantage of the space left behind on 79 mins Sanchez scored her 2nd of the game and it was all over Spain the deserved winners were through to Sunday's final and having already beaten Germany who won the early semi final 1-0 over Italy they will I think be strong favourites.
As for England it is a blow they will be hugely disappointed however they have to pick themselves up still alot to play for on Sunday they go into a 3rd place play off with Italy at Burton again (I'm not looking forwards to that journey mind) as the winner will join the 2 finalists at the next World Cup and having seen England lose narrowly to Italy in the 1st group game there is no doubt they can achieve this and will be there cheering them on...
Monday 2 December 2013
UEFA Women's U17 Championship - England progress
Last Tuesday saw the start of UEFA's Women's U17 Championships which saw England in competition with 7 other qualifying nations. Having enjoyed watching a few of the Women's U19 Euro matches in the summer I really wanted to go see what the next age group coming through had to offer so booked the tickets to go and see all of England's group matches.
The 4 venues chosen to host these Championship matches were, Chesterfield FC, Burton Albion, Hinckley & AFC Telford. The 8 participating nations were drawn into 2 groups of 4 with the top 2 in each progressing through to the semi-final stage. England were drawn in Group A along side Italy, Austria & Portugal. Group B was made up of Germany, France, Spain & Scotland.
England's 1st game was against Italy on 26th Nov at AFC Telford taking the day off work for a 12:30 kick off AFC Telford is a nice modern stadium with one large stand running the length of the pitch, terracing either end packed with school children and the England band in town it was a great atmosphere the kids loving it making plenty of noise as the two teams put on a very good display of flowing high tempo football that was end to end (very un-Italian like) without really creating any clear cut chances on goal in fact it was the defenders who stood out the most England Captain Leah Williamson and her defensive partner Gabriel George played very well the game was heading for a 0-0 probably a fair result too however football's not always fair and Italy were making some good runs into the box late on 1 shot took a deflection and Italy claimed the win with just minutes to play. Austria and Portugal played out a 0-0 which was as far as England were concerned a great result.
In Group B Germany won despite a strong Scotland fightback 4-2 with Spain beating France 2-0.
Onto Friday 29th Nov and group game no 2 this time a 7:00 kick off at Chesterfield's Proact Stadium a new built stadium and very impressive. England's opponents Austria, after an opening day defeat England really needed a win. A Friday night with no school parties to attend the crowd was never the less in excess of 2000 turned out along with the band to watch the same England side that had started against Italy struggle early on to cope with Austria's flank players driving into the box and it was from one of these Austria scored the opening goal. England needed a response Ashleigh Plumptre coming in from the left was causing Austria problems and it was she who scored the equaliser to make it 1-1 at the break.
The 2nd half was totally different England came out the stronger were the ones asking Austria questions and it was Lucy Porter whom had just come on who tucked the ball home from an inch perfect cross from midfielder Keira Walsh from the edge of the box and England won 2-1. Italy clinched their place in the semi's beating Portugal 2-0. In Group B Scotland kept their hopes of qualifying alive with a 0-0 draw with Spain whilst Germany beat France 4-0 to reach the semi's themselves.
Now onto today Monday 2nd December and the final round of group matches. Up against Portugal a 12:30 kick off at Burton Albion the most straight forwards of my 3 journeys so far so you would think it was a total nightmare hold ups everywhere and the less said about road 'improvements' in Nottingham the better still got there just in time loads of kids again and the band they really know how to get a crowd going, so long as you're not sitting next to the drummer. A draw would see England progress to the semi's however a Portugal win would see them qualify at our expense so what England really needed was an early goal and on 11 mins midfielder Mollie Rouse rifled a shot into the back of the net England were dominant with Atlanta Primus (daughter of ex premier league footballer Linvoy Primus) making her 1st start in the tournament on the left England were dominant a 2nd goal was scored through no 7 Evie Clarke then a 3rd minutes later this time headed in by Atlanta Primus. On the stroke of half time Portugal pulled a goal back to give them hope through Carolina Ferreira. The 2nd half however was again dominated by England, Portugal could not cope with their strength and movement and the 4th goal was scored by striker Chloe Kelly. The Portuguese keeper Catarina Barradas brought down an England player in the box and was sent off on 50 mins her replacement unable to save the penalty taken by England's right back Alice Hassall. The final goal England's 6th was headed in from a corner by Lucy Porter and England reached the semi finals in emphatic fashion with what will be huge confidence and belief. In the other match Austria got a 1-0 over Italy and finish 3rd in the group. In Group B Scotland needed a win coupled with a Spanish defeat to go through sadly they were beaten 1-0 by France, whilst Spain stole top spot in the group from Germany by beating them 4-0.
Thus the semi-final line up will be Italy v Germany & Spain v England two fascinating matches the final will be a hard one to call I'm certainly not going to do so. I have been very impressed with the standard of football on display it has been a very good advert for the women's game especially for the young children who have attended the games the venues have been very good and the attendences for the games I've been to excellent. Roll on the semi-finals..
The 4 venues chosen to host these Championship matches were, Chesterfield FC, Burton Albion, Hinckley & AFC Telford. The 8 participating nations were drawn into 2 groups of 4 with the top 2 in each progressing through to the semi-final stage. England were drawn in Group A along side Italy, Austria & Portugal. Group B was made up of Germany, France, Spain & Scotland.
England's 1st game was against Italy on 26th Nov at AFC Telford taking the day off work for a 12:30 kick off AFC Telford is a nice modern stadium with one large stand running the length of the pitch, terracing either end packed with school children and the England band in town it was a great atmosphere the kids loving it making plenty of noise as the two teams put on a very good display of flowing high tempo football that was end to end (very un-Italian like) without really creating any clear cut chances on goal in fact it was the defenders who stood out the most England Captain Leah Williamson and her defensive partner Gabriel George played very well the game was heading for a 0-0 probably a fair result too however football's not always fair and Italy were making some good runs into the box late on 1 shot took a deflection and Italy claimed the win with just minutes to play. Austria and Portugal played out a 0-0 which was as far as England were concerned a great result.
In Group B Germany won despite a strong Scotland fightback 4-2 with Spain beating France 2-0.
Onto Friday 29th Nov and group game no 2 this time a 7:00 kick off at Chesterfield's Proact Stadium a new built stadium and very impressive. England's opponents Austria, after an opening day defeat England really needed a win. A Friday night with no school parties to attend the crowd was never the less in excess of 2000 turned out along with the band to watch the same England side that had started against Italy struggle early on to cope with Austria's flank players driving into the box and it was from one of these Austria scored the opening goal. England needed a response Ashleigh Plumptre coming in from the left was causing Austria problems and it was she who scored the equaliser to make it 1-1 at the break.
The 2nd half was totally different England came out the stronger were the ones asking Austria questions and it was Lucy Porter whom had just come on who tucked the ball home from an inch perfect cross from midfielder Keira Walsh from the edge of the box and England won 2-1. Italy clinched their place in the semi's beating Portugal 2-0. In Group B Scotland kept their hopes of qualifying alive with a 0-0 draw with Spain whilst Germany beat France 4-0 to reach the semi's themselves.
Now onto today Monday 2nd December and the final round of group matches. Up against Portugal a 12:30 kick off at Burton Albion the most straight forwards of my 3 journeys so far so you would think it was a total nightmare hold ups everywhere and the less said about road 'improvements' in Nottingham the better still got there just in time loads of kids again and the band they really know how to get a crowd going, so long as you're not sitting next to the drummer. A draw would see England progress to the semi's however a Portugal win would see them qualify at our expense so what England really needed was an early goal and on 11 mins midfielder Mollie Rouse rifled a shot into the back of the net England were dominant with Atlanta Primus (daughter of ex premier league footballer Linvoy Primus) making her 1st start in the tournament on the left England were dominant a 2nd goal was scored through no 7 Evie Clarke then a 3rd minutes later this time headed in by Atlanta Primus. On the stroke of half time Portugal pulled a goal back to give them hope through Carolina Ferreira. The 2nd half however was again dominated by England, Portugal could not cope with their strength and movement and the 4th goal was scored by striker Chloe Kelly. The Portuguese keeper Catarina Barradas brought down an England player in the box and was sent off on 50 mins her replacement unable to save the penalty taken by England's right back Alice Hassall. The final goal England's 6th was headed in from a corner by Lucy Porter and England reached the semi finals in emphatic fashion with what will be huge confidence and belief. In the other match Austria got a 1-0 over Italy and finish 3rd in the group. In Group B Scotland needed a win coupled with a Spanish defeat to go through sadly they were beaten 1-0 by France, whilst Spain stole top spot in the group from Germany by beating them 4-0.
Thus the semi-final line up will be Italy v Germany & Spain v England two fascinating matches the final will be a hard one to call I'm certainly not going to do so. I have been very impressed with the standard of football on display it has been a very good advert for the women's game especially for the young children who have attended the games the venues have been very good and the attendences for the games I've been to excellent. Roll on the semi-finals..
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