The men's World Cup in Brazil might be taking place right now, but this Saturday it was another round of qualifying matches for the Women's World Cup taking place in Canada in 2015. With around a year to go the groups were taking shape reaching the latter stages teams looking well placed on the Road to Canada.
The road I took yesterday was a little closer, albeit a long drive up north the watch the Scottish Women's National team take on opponents Sweden in a Group 4 Women's World Cup Qualifier at Motherwell's Fir Park stadium.
Two teams I have been looking forwards to seeing play live. Scotland lead the way in their group having played 6 and taken maximum points on 18 having scored 25 goals along the way and conceded 3. Are a fast improving nation have some very good young players coming through and several players plying their trade overseas in the U.S, Germany and Sweden.
Just 3 points behind in Group 4 are the team seen as favourites to qualify for the World Cup, Sweden. Having played 5 they like Scotland have a 100% record with 5 wins have scored 15 and not conceded a goal. On 15 points 3 behind Scotland. Have world class players throughout the squad have been one of the top nations in Europe and the Rest of the World for a long time.
Today's match was of huge importance for both teams. Could Sweden claim victory and move level on points with Scotland or would the home side take the points and move 6 points clear at the top of the group.
Scotland Women starting XI - Gemma Fay (C), Frankie Brown, Ifeoma Dieke, Jennifer Beattie, Hayley Lauder, Rachel Corsie, Joanne Love, Megan Sneddon, Kim Little, Jane Ross & Lisa Evans
Sweden Women starting XI - Hedvig Lindahl, Emma Berglund, Nilla Fischer, Hanna Folkesson, Sara Thunebro, Caroline Seger, Elin Rubensson, Therese Sjogran, Sofia Jakobsson, Lotta Schelin (C) & Kosovare Asllani
A 5:00pm kick off Motherwell's Fir Park is the home venue for Scotland Women. Is an long established inner city stadium in the heart of the community. Meeting up with friends to watch the game the stands running along side either side of the pitch were open to fans a decent crowd of over 2000 had gathered. The weather was surprisingly good despite the threat of rain all day the sun was out it was bright and the pitch looked in good condition lush and green (no paint needed).
It was Scotland who kick the match under way, had Lisa Evans and Jane Ross in attack looking to power down the left and right channels with their most influential player Kim Little looking to play through the centre. It was the home side with the 1st effort at goal, Joanne Love receiving the ball deep with a speculative drive from 30 yards out that rolls wide of Hedvig Lindahl's goal.
Scotland start the brighter, Lisa Evan's is having so joy down the left pushing forwards with the ball wins a corner. The ball is played in but Sweden clear... only as far as Little who tries to dink the ball back in her effort again wide.
Sweden though soon settle have players throughout the team that look to drive forwards with the ball at their feet. Left Back Sara Thunebro has the ball at her feet powers her way to the touchline and delivers a good cross into the box, Scotland goalkeeper and captain Gemma Fay is well placed to beat the ball down at her near post and stifle the danger.
The pressure is building on Scotland, despite getting the ball forwards to their attacking players it is coming back too regulary. Sweden enjoy a period of sustained possession in and around their opponents penalty area which results in a corner. Played in the ball goes over the crowd in the centre of the box and drops to Caroline Seger unmarked, she plays the ball back across goal her looping effort finding the top corner of the goal 1-0 Sweden.
Not what Scotland wanted they continue to work the ball well, the wide positions still their best avenue of attack. A chance however comes from a mistake from one of Sweden's most experienced players their captain Lotta Schelin, who recieving the ball from deep plays a loose pass back to keeper Lindahl. It is short Scotland are onto it, takes a great tackle from Nilla Fischer to prevent a strike on goal.
On the opposite flank Love and Ross are combining well the latter getting a good cross into the box which Lindahl takes. From the back Ifeoma Dieke breaks forwards plays the ball into Little who has a go that Lindahl claims well.
Lindahl though makes a mistake giving away a free kick as she travels with the ball outside her area, referee Bibiana Steinhaus awarding Scotland an opportunity to strike from the edge of the 18 yard line. It is Little to take strikes it against the wall the referee spotting an infringement points to the spot.. penatly!
It's Little to take and she makes no mistake sending the ball past Lindahl to make it 1-1.
At the other end Gemma Fay makes a brilliant save with her legs as running onto a pass Therese Sjogran is clear on goal.
Sweden win another corner,on the right it is played short the ball launched into the box is cleared but only as far as Sjogran waiting outside the box, she unleashes a powerful drive back towards goal goes through the crowd Fay dives to her left, Sweden's Kosovare Asllani though sticks out a boot in the six yard box that deflects it past the keeper and into the back of the net 2-1 Sweden restore their lead.
Shortly after it is Asllani with another chance has a strike from outside the box this time Fay is beaten, the ball though strikes the upright and is cleared.
Last chance for Scotland in the 1st half Jane Ross has the ball in the back of the net however the flag is raised for offside.
Half-time Scotland Women 1-2 Sweden Women
Both teams make a change at half time Sweden taking off Sofia Jakobsson and replacing her with the Malin Diaz. For Scotland Emma Mitchell comes on in place of Megan Sneddon.
Sweden kick off the 2nd half. Diaz has an immediate impact the diminutive player full of pace runs with the ball into the middle plays it into Lotta Schelin who holds it up well, looks to turn and have a strike but Ifeoma Dieke does brilliantly to deny her the chance.
Sweden have started the stronger are attacking in number a cross is driven in from the left, Fay diving tries to take it can't get it the ball travels through to Asllani coming in on the opposite post and she powers it back in to extend the Swede's lead 3-1.
Schelin is looking more of a threat in the 2nd half too with Diaz in support she is getting the ball more often has an effort on goal that Fay takes comfortably.
Lisa Evens switching flanks tries her luck down the right is a powerful runner with the ball at her feet has a go from long range the ball arrowing towards goal just a little too high and over the bar. Love wins possession from Sweden on the edge of their box breaks clear of her marker the referee though halting the move as she is adjudged to have fouled.
Emma Mitchell wins a free kick after a hard tackle from Diaz out on the left. Little to play the ball into the box it comes to Jane Ross who attempts to hook it back towards goal, not enough power it is an easy catch for Lindahl.
Little has another opportunity to deliver a free kick from a similar position again the ball finds a team mate this time the head of Jennifer Beattie whose goal bound effort is once again collected by Lindhal.
Sweden enjoy another period of pressure in Scotlands half but can't find a way through. Little has a third go at delivering a free kick into the box this time on the opposite side of the pitch and this time it's Rachel Corsie with the header, lacks the power it needs to beat Lindahl.
Nilla Fischer is lucky to only get a yellow card as she stops Evans from breaking into the box and being clear on goal. Outside the box Little and Hayley Lauder are over the ball, Little with the dummy, Lauder strikes the ball cannoning off the crossbar.
Little has a run with the ball beats a challenge on the left cuts inside into the box and has a go for goal producing a good save from Lindahl to win a corner.
Sweden are always looking a threat on the break and Fay is beaten as Schelin has a shot across goal, again though the attempt strikes the post and comes back for Fay to gather.
Scotland are pressing hard to try and get something back late into the match. Christie Murray comes on for Joanne Love. Ross puts in a good cross from the right which Evans heads narrowly wide.
Emilia Appelqvist comes on for Sweden to replace Sjogran. It is Schelin with the final effort on goal coming onto the end of an over the top ball she shoots produces a good save from Fay to win a late corner it is cleared and the final whistle blows. Sweden win 3-1 to claim the 3points and move level on 18 with Scotland.
A good effort from Scotland but not enough against a Sweden side filled with quality. It was an enjoyable match with great football from both sides. Met Pia Sundhage the Sweden coach after the match a real pleasure to have done so. An enjoyable trip.
A fan of the sport doing my small part to help promote the women's game
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Thursday, 5 June 2014
FAWSL 2 - Early Season Review
Somewhat overdue but only fair that the FAWSL 2 gets an early season review just like FAWSL 1 has. The new 2nd teir of the Women's Super League in its 1st season has provided some very entertaining and commited games. I knew trying to get around to seeing all of the 10 teams in the new league before the break was going to be difficult, they are spread out across the country a lot further than the WSL 1 teams are.
Still I have managed to see 7 of the 10 teams play at least once home or away in the 1st part of the season. Of the 3 teams I haven't Durham Women, Watford Ladies and Yeovil Town Ladies dates in the dairy have been set aside to come watch them play sooner rather than later. With 5 league games played before the teams enter there mid-season break the table is taking a much clearer shape as to who the title challengers will be and which teams will struggle.
Let's start with looking at the teams
Doncaster Rovers Belles
A 100% record after 5 games played and leading the table the perfect tonic for the team after a tough campaign last season after they had been 'relegated' by the FA after just one match played. Said before that keeping there squad together was a huge plus and stood them in good stead going into the new WSL 2 campaign. Have plenty of options in attack and have played positive forward thinking football looking to play their football in the oppositions half and push them back have players that can switch positions too making them hard to mark. Plenty of goals are being scored and they are coming from all over the team.
Sunderland Ladies
Doncaster though aren't the only team with a 100% record after 5 games played keeping pace with them are Sunderland Ladies. I have seen them play twice, admittedly both times in the Continental Cup 1st time they were poor, but the 2nd time they showed me why many think they are title challengers. Have a good work rate, make the pitch very big and have forward players that keep the ball well and bring their midfielders into play.
Millwall Lionesses
Have signed some very good players several with WSL 1 experience aswell as bringing in some good additions from the WPL. Have started the season well with 2 wins and 2 draws that see's them heading the chasing pack. A physical side that look to get the ball moving quickly then get players up into the box to get on the end of any wide balls, have a few dead ball specialists too.
Reading FC Women
Have started the campaign with 2 wins, a draw and 2 defeats the victories both at home, the defeats on the road both against the Sunderland and Doncaster. Have been scoring goals, but also conceding them at the other end so a real mixed bag. Have perhaps the stand out player in the league in attacking Fran Kirby whose good form and 11 goals have earnt her a call up to Mark Sampson's England squad very encouraging for anyone playing outside of WSL 1.
Yeovil Town Ladies
The Somerset club have started the season off very well matching Reading on points with the same record of 2 wins, a draw and 2 defeats. No real pattern yet with a home win then loss the opposite away, a defeat then a victory with a draw with Aston Villa in between. Have scored 7 goals and conceded 7. Comfortable in mid-table could they push on?
Watford Ladies
Sitting in 6th place on 5 points after securing 1 win and 2 draws in their opening 5 league matches. Had gotten their points in the opening 3 matches a good start then came up two defeats just like Reading again Doncaster away, then at home to Sunderland although in that match Watford had taken a 2 goal lead. Goals are spread out amongst the team, will need to stop them going in at the other end to make progress up the table.
Aston Villa Ladies
Have seen Aston Villa Ladies a few times this season in the cup competitons and seen them beaten on 3 occasions. Their league campaign hadn't gotten off the the best of starts either, with two sucessive home defeats against.. yes you guessed it, Doncaster and Sunderland an away draw with Watford sandwiched in between. Form started to pick up though the team does have some very good technical players that look to play football, keep a good shape have gone into the break on the back of another away draw and a home win and like Watford and Yeovil will be looking to make further progress when the season resumes.
London Bees
The London Bees started off the season with a fantastic performance and victory in the opening game of the WSL 2 away to Oxford United Women. Had put together a squad very late in pre season and bringing these players together would be interesting to see how well they would play as a team. Since that opening victory they have picked up a single point leaving them in 8th place on 4 points going into the break. Have a talented group of young players some of whom were finishing stints with other clubs over the winter season and have yet to make an impact on the team will hope to do so when the season resumes.
Durham Women FC
There was a danger of Durham Women FC being 1 of 2 teams in WSL 2 going into the break with no points on the board after 5 matches played has been a tough start for the North East club. Had 3 successive home defeats then one away to Reading before travelling to The Hive to play London Bees and securing that 1st all important victory. Have scored in all but one of their league games but need to stop them going in at the other end have conceded the most goals in the league.
Oxford United Women
Like Durham this was not the start to the new WSL 2 that Oxford United Women would have wanted, has been tough for the club. Like Durham were in danger of going into the break with no points on the board. Starting with 4 defeats home and away goals have been in sort supply. Have 1 point though and it will I think mean so much to the team having been secured by a late late equaliser at home to Reading in a 2-2 draw.
At this point it is hard to see beyond Doncaster Rovers Belles and Sunderland Ladies slugging it out for the title but plenty of football left, the 2 matches between these clubs will be huge in settling things... or not. Out of the chasing pack I think Millwall Lionesses look the most likely to threaten. Reading FC Women need support for Fran Kirby in the scoring charts. Yeovil Town Ladies, Watford Ladies and Aston Villa Ladies will all want to make progress whereas London Bees, Durham Women FC and Oxford United Women will all be looking to keep off the foot of the table as the 2nd half of the first WSL 2 season resumes on the 28th June.
Still I have managed to see 7 of the 10 teams play at least once home or away in the 1st part of the season. Of the 3 teams I haven't Durham Women, Watford Ladies and Yeovil Town Ladies dates in the dairy have been set aside to come watch them play sooner rather than later. With 5 league games played before the teams enter there mid-season break the table is taking a much clearer shape as to who the title challengers will be and which teams will struggle.
| FAWSL 2 League Table | |||||||||
| Pos | Team | Pl | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
1
|
Doncaster Rovers Belles |
5
|
5
|
0
|
0
|
15
|
4
|
11
|
15
|
2
|
Sunderland Ladies |
5
|
5
|
0
|
0
|
15
|
6
|
9
|
15
|
3
|
Millwall Lionesses |
5
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
10
|
7
|
3
|
8
|
4
|
Reading FC Women |
5
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
13
|
10
|
3
|
7
|
5
|
Yeovil Town Ladies |
5
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
7
|
7
|
0
|
7
|
6
| Watford Ladies |
5
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
7
|
10
|
-3
|
5
|
7
|
Aston Villa Ladies |
5
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
5
|
7
|
-2
|
5
|
8
| London Bees |
5
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
6
|
8
|
-2
|
4
|
9
|
Durham Women FC |
5
|
1
|
0
|
4
|
5
|
14
|
-9
|
3
|
10
|
Oxford United Women |
5
|
0
|
1
|
4
|
3
|
12
|
-9
|
1
|
Let's start with looking at the teams
Doncaster Rovers Belles
A 100% record after 5 games played and leading the table the perfect tonic for the team after a tough campaign last season after they had been 'relegated' by the FA after just one match played. Said before that keeping there squad together was a huge plus and stood them in good stead going into the new WSL 2 campaign. Have plenty of options in attack and have played positive forward thinking football looking to play their football in the oppositions half and push them back have players that can switch positions too making them hard to mark. Plenty of goals are being scored and they are coming from all over the team.
Sunderland Ladies
Doncaster though aren't the only team with a 100% record after 5 games played keeping pace with them are Sunderland Ladies. I have seen them play twice, admittedly both times in the Continental Cup 1st time they were poor, but the 2nd time they showed me why many think they are title challengers. Have a good work rate, make the pitch very big and have forward players that keep the ball well and bring their midfielders into play.
Millwall Lionesses
Have signed some very good players several with WSL 1 experience aswell as bringing in some good additions from the WPL. Have started the season well with 2 wins and 2 draws that see's them heading the chasing pack. A physical side that look to get the ball moving quickly then get players up into the box to get on the end of any wide balls, have a few dead ball specialists too.
Reading FC Women
Have started the campaign with 2 wins, a draw and 2 defeats the victories both at home, the defeats on the road both against the Sunderland and Doncaster. Have been scoring goals, but also conceding them at the other end so a real mixed bag. Have perhaps the stand out player in the league in attacking Fran Kirby whose good form and 11 goals have earnt her a call up to Mark Sampson's England squad very encouraging for anyone playing outside of WSL 1.
Yeovil Town Ladies
The Somerset club have started the season off very well matching Reading on points with the same record of 2 wins, a draw and 2 defeats. No real pattern yet with a home win then loss the opposite away, a defeat then a victory with a draw with Aston Villa in between. Have scored 7 goals and conceded 7. Comfortable in mid-table could they push on?
Watford Ladies
Sitting in 6th place on 5 points after securing 1 win and 2 draws in their opening 5 league matches. Had gotten their points in the opening 3 matches a good start then came up two defeats just like Reading again Doncaster away, then at home to Sunderland although in that match Watford had taken a 2 goal lead. Goals are spread out amongst the team, will need to stop them going in at the other end to make progress up the table.
Aston Villa Ladies
Have seen Aston Villa Ladies a few times this season in the cup competitons and seen them beaten on 3 occasions. Their league campaign hadn't gotten off the the best of starts either, with two sucessive home defeats against.. yes you guessed it, Doncaster and Sunderland an away draw with Watford sandwiched in between. Form started to pick up though the team does have some very good technical players that look to play football, keep a good shape have gone into the break on the back of another away draw and a home win and like Watford and Yeovil will be looking to make further progress when the season resumes.
London Bees
The London Bees started off the season with a fantastic performance and victory in the opening game of the WSL 2 away to Oxford United Women. Had put together a squad very late in pre season and bringing these players together would be interesting to see how well they would play as a team. Since that opening victory they have picked up a single point leaving them in 8th place on 4 points going into the break. Have a talented group of young players some of whom were finishing stints with other clubs over the winter season and have yet to make an impact on the team will hope to do so when the season resumes.
Durham Women FC
There was a danger of Durham Women FC being 1 of 2 teams in WSL 2 going into the break with no points on the board after 5 matches played has been a tough start for the North East club. Had 3 successive home defeats then one away to Reading before travelling to The Hive to play London Bees and securing that 1st all important victory. Have scored in all but one of their league games but need to stop them going in at the other end have conceded the most goals in the league.
Oxford United Women
Like Durham this was not the start to the new WSL 2 that Oxford United Women would have wanted, has been tough for the club. Like Durham were in danger of going into the break with no points on the board. Starting with 4 defeats home and away goals have been in sort supply. Have 1 point though and it will I think mean so much to the team having been secured by a late late equaliser at home to Reading in a 2-2 draw.
At this point it is hard to see beyond Doncaster Rovers Belles and Sunderland Ladies slugging it out for the title but plenty of football left, the 2 matches between these clubs will be huge in settling things... or not. Out of the chasing pack I think Millwall Lionesses look the most likely to threaten. Reading FC Women need support for Fran Kirby in the scoring charts. Yeovil Town Ladies, Watford Ladies and Aston Villa Ladies will all want to make progress whereas London Bees, Durham Women FC and Oxford United Women will all be looking to keep off the foot of the table as the 2nd half of the first WSL 2 season resumes on the 28th June.
FAWSL 2 Team of the Season so far
I didn't know whether to pick a team out for WSL 2 for this review or not our whether just to pick out the stand out players for me so far especially as I hadn't seen all the teams play, but I've decided to have a go with the teams I have seen for the season so far, with the players at Yeovil, Watford and Durham all with a chance to break into the End of Season team I will no doubt put in a future post.
So here it is...
Goalkeeper
There are a number of contenders in WSL 2 for the goalkeepers position but so far I have been most impressed with Caitlin Leach of Aston Villa Ladies also in the England U19's squad. Is a good shot stopper and prepared to come for the ball in a crowd of players has made some very good saves whenever I've seen her play.
Defence
At right back although she can play in a variety of positions I went for Naomi Cole of Millwall Lionesses have always heard good things about her was great to watch her play and see for myself. Defencively strong, with good pace and distribution from the back is also an England U23 international.
Jade Richards of Aston Villa Ladies, has gotten better with every match I've seen her play at centre back really commands the back line winning crosses and long balls, getting into position well and recovering with pace when needed, also is a goal threat at the other end.
Partnering Richards at centre back I have gone for Sunderland Ladies captain Stephanie Bannon. Leads her team well in the heart of the back line. Has made some very good tackles to prevent goal scoring opportunities in the games I've watched.
At left back is Bannon's Sunderland Ladies team mate Victoria Greenwell. Works hard down the flank can rtravel with the ball and has a good delivery from set pieces.
Midfield
Doncaster Rovers Belles have a host of attacking forward thinking players but at the heart of their midfield is their engine one of those players that doesn't always get noticed for what she does in sitting in front of the back line and breaking up play, then starting off another move. Kasia Lipka is that type of player and has had a very good start to the season.
Lipka's team mate Millie Bright also makes the WSL 2 team of the season so far. Strong in the tackle a commited player no shy of getting involved she has good energy levels looking to bomb forwards to support the attack and has a powerful strike on her.
Lily Agg of Millwall Lionesses is the last player in the midfeild trio. Is a box to box type player as likely to pop up inside the box to get on the end of a cross as she is to track back and prevent an opponent getting on the end of one.
Attackers
With her wealth of experience, skill and vision on the ball it's impossible to leave Doncaster Rovers Belles, Sue Smith out of the side. Always looking to beat her marker and look to have a strike on goal or play in a team mate has good movement that makes marking her difficult, can play on either flank, has all the tricks and a good dribbler with the ball.
Beth Mead has been amongst the goals for Sunderland Ladies for the past couple of seasons and is still in her teens, representing England at youth level and the U23's. Holds the ball up well, operating anywhere in the forward line either as a lone striker or dropping deeper to win the ball and bring team mates into play. Has scored 7 goals so far this season.
Last of the attacking trio is Fran Kirby, has started the season for Reading FC Women in spectacular fashion. Has scored 11 of the 13 goals her club have taken in the league. Is a very pacy and strong runner with the ball a danger when ever she has possession looking to take players on. Rightly so and great for all of WSL 2 her form has been recognised by England manager Mark Sampson who has called her into the senior England squad.
The Bench
Plenty of players in contention for the team let alone on the bench but here are 3 more that have started the season well. No surprise that 2 are from Doncaster Rovers Belles and the other from Sunderland.
In central defence for Doncaster Rhiannon Roberts has done well is a good marker and her tackling has been excellent.
Up front for Doncaster another attacking player Jess Sigsworth has had a good start too, it's probably her selflessness that nudges her out of the starting XI of the team of the season so far as is more likely to look to play a final ball into a team mate than finish off the chance herself, does hold the ball very well.
Another attacker that has caught my attention this season has been Sunderland Ladies Abbey Joice. Is very lively up front with good movement, links up with Beth Mead well, can play centrally or look for space down either wing.
There are other players who have started well and of course with there being 3 teams I haven't looked at all to consider I'm sure the end of team season could have a few new names in it.
Goalkeeper
There are a number of contenders in WSL 2 for the goalkeepers position but so far I have been most impressed with Caitlin Leach of Aston Villa Ladies also in the England U19's squad. Is a good shot stopper and prepared to come for the ball in a crowd of players has made some very good saves whenever I've seen her play.
Defence
At right back although she can play in a variety of positions I went for Naomi Cole of Millwall Lionesses have always heard good things about her was great to watch her play and see for myself. Defencively strong, with good pace and distribution from the back is also an England U23 international.
Jade Richards of Aston Villa Ladies, has gotten better with every match I've seen her play at centre back really commands the back line winning crosses and long balls, getting into position well and recovering with pace when needed, also is a goal threat at the other end.
Partnering Richards at centre back I have gone for Sunderland Ladies captain Stephanie Bannon. Leads her team well in the heart of the back line. Has made some very good tackles to prevent goal scoring opportunities in the games I've watched.
At left back is Bannon's Sunderland Ladies team mate Victoria Greenwell. Works hard down the flank can rtravel with the ball and has a good delivery from set pieces.
Midfield
Doncaster Rovers Belles have a host of attacking forward thinking players but at the heart of their midfield is their engine one of those players that doesn't always get noticed for what she does in sitting in front of the back line and breaking up play, then starting off another move. Kasia Lipka is that type of player and has had a very good start to the season.
Lipka's team mate Millie Bright also makes the WSL 2 team of the season so far. Strong in the tackle a commited player no shy of getting involved she has good energy levels looking to bomb forwards to support the attack and has a powerful strike on her.
Lily Agg of Millwall Lionesses is the last player in the midfeild trio. Is a box to box type player as likely to pop up inside the box to get on the end of a cross as she is to track back and prevent an opponent getting on the end of one.
Attackers
With her wealth of experience, skill and vision on the ball it's impossible to leave Doncaster Rovers Belles, Sue Smith out of the side. Always looking to beat her marker and look to have a strike on goal or play in a team mate has good movement that makes marking her difficult, can play on either flank, has all the tricks and a good dribbler with the ball.
Beth Mead has been amongst the goals for Sunderland Ladies for the past couple of seasons and is still in her teens, representing England at youth level and the U23's. Holds the ball up well, operating anywhere in the forward line either as a lone striker or dropping deeper to win the ball and bring team mates into play. Has scored 7 goals so far this season.
Last of the attacking trio is Fran Kirby, has started the season for Reading FC Women in spectacular fashion. Has scored 11 of the 13 goals her club have taken in the league. Is a very pacy and strong runner with the ball a danger when ever she has possession looking to take players on. Rightly so and great for all of WSL 2 her form has been recognised by England manager Mark Sampson who has called her into the senior England squad.
The Bench
Plenty of players in contention for the team let alone on the bench but here are 3 more that have started the season well. No surprise that 2 are from Doncaster Rovers Belles and the other from Sunderland.
In central defence for Doncaster Rhiannon Roberts has done well is a good marker and her tackling has been excellent.
Up front for Doncaster another attacking player Jess Sigsworth has had a good start too, it's probably her selflessness that nudges her out of the starting XI of the team of the season so far as is more likely to look to play a final ball into a team mate than finish off the chance herself, does hold the ball very well.
Another attacker that has caught my attention this season has been Sunderland Ladies Abbey Joice. Is very lively up front with good movement, links up with Beth Mead well, can play centrally or look for space down either wing.
There are other players who have started well and of course with there being 3 teams I haven't looked at all to consider I'm sure the end of team season could have a few new names in it.
Sunday, 1 June 2014
Women's FA Cup Final 2014 - Everton Ladies v Arsenal Ladies
This years Women's FA Cup Final was in the end to be contested the the two club currently occupying the bottom two positions in the Women's Super League, Everton Ladies and Arsenal Ladies. Early days with just 4 league matches played this match represented a great chance for both clubs to get their hands on some silverware and hopefully kick on their season.
Everton Ladies have saved their best form for the Women's FA Cup the WSL 1 teams entering the competition at the 5th round had beaten, Cardiff City Ladies (3-1 5th rd), merseyside rivals Liverpool Ladies (2-0 quarters) & Notts County Ladies (2-1 semi-final). Had lost a few of their more experienced players over the close season and were showing faith in giving their younger players the chance to shine.
Arsenal Ladies league campaign has gotten off to a terrible start with just one point secured after 4 games played, it has played some part in manager Shelley Kerr deciding to step down from her position after just 16 months in charge. Like Everton their best form has been saved for the Women's FA Cup as they beat Gillingham Ladies (2-0 5th rd), Birmingham City Ladies (2-1 quarters) & Chelsea Ladies (5-3 aet semi-final). The final would be Shelley Kerr's last match in charge. Arsenal Ladies are the current holders of the Women's FA Cup.
The venue for today's final Stadium MK home of Milton Keynes Dons FC. A very impressive stadium, a new modern build, open plan design, up to date facilties, a good layout overall, padded seats and plenty of room between them. The weather was fanastic for a cup final bright and sunny. The pitch looked a little tired and bobbly but then it was at the end of a season.
My ticket for the match was very kindly given to me by @nwgfl who look after and help promote women's and girls football in Norfolk. It was nice to see a few faces I recognised from the Norfolk leagues from some of the matches I attended over the winter.
Everton Ladies starting XI - Rachel Brown-Finnis, Vicky Jones, Lindsay Johnson, Gabrielle George, Alex Greenwood, Brooke Chaplen, Michelle Hinnigan (C), Danille Turner, Millie Turner, Kelly Jones & Nikita Parris
Arsenal Ladies starting XI - Emme Byrne, Alex Scott, Casey Stoney, Niamh Fahey, Emma Mitchell, Jade Bailey, Yukari Kinga, Rachel Yankey, Shinubo Ohno, Kelly Smith (C) & Danielle Carter
It was something of a surprise Arsenal starting with Emma Byrne in goal for the final as Siobhan Chamberlain had been the goalkeeper in all of the previous rounds. With Rachel Yankey on the pitch it looked to as if Kelly Smith would be playing a little further up the pitch than she had been doing for much of the early season in support of Shinubo Ohno and Danielle Carter.
For Everton it would be important that they got the ball to striker Nikita Parris and that she didn't get isolated as the team in their blue and white kit kicked off the match against the team against Arsenal in red.
A good atomsphere inside the stadium which had filled up nicely, with clapper handed out and the England band in attendance (on the otherside of the stadium). It was Parris who had an opening early bursting down the right channel unleashes her shot early the effort wild the ball blazes over Emma Byrne's goal.
In the opening exchanges the ball is travelling rapidly from one end of the pitch to the other with both defences keeping the danger out, their is space down the right for Everton to exploit. Arsenal though are matching Everton for their tempo are winning it back. Kelly Smith recieves the ball and plays it into the run of Danielle Carter coming in from the right, Rachel Brown-Finnis has to rush out of her goal to the edge of her area to make the save diving at Carters feet to deflect the ball behind for a corner.
Everton's Kelly Jones get's to the ball out on the left of Arsenal's panalty area puts in a good cross has team mates arriving at pace, midfielder Millie Turner makes contact with the ball inside the six yard box unmarked but can't get her effort on target.
Rachel Yankey for Arsenal tees up a long range effort that comes in dangerously has Brown-Finnis beaten but cannons off the inside of the post comes out, eventually arrives at the foot of Alex Scott who puts her attempt over from outside the box.
Arsenal's attacking trio of Smith, Carter and Shinubo Ohno are causing all sorts of problems for Everton with their pace and movement. Ohno plays the ball into Smith central who from the edge of the box slides her shot wide of Brown-Finnis' goal.
Carter has the ball comes in from the right going across the D she is brought down from behind, free kick awarded. It's Kelly Smith to take and she strikes the ball superbly as it flies into the net to Brown-Finnis' left 1-0.
Everton chances are few the one player who seems to be able to get on the ball and make something happen going forwards is midfielder Brooke Chaplin, she wins a corner of Niamh Fahey. Michelle Hinnigan takes from the right comes in well Millie Turner rises to head the ball the attempt going over the bar.
Arsenal are dominating possesion and putting Everton's defence under pressure for a large spell of the game that leads to first Carter heading one cross over the bar then Niamh Fahey heading wide at the far post from a set piece.
Chaplin picks up the ball in the centre goes forwards has no options takes a shot from 25 yards on target it hasn't the power to beat Byrne as she drops to make a comfortable save.
Coming off the right flank again Carter has another run at the Everton goal let's fly a shot Brown-Finnis diving to her left is beaten the ball goes narrowly wide of the post.
Late on in the half Arsenal have a free kick on the edge of the box it is delivered dangerously Carter has an attempt from close range their is a bit of a scamble as Everton's defence tries to clear the danger Brown-Finnis managing to smother the ball before it can roll over the line.
Last chance of the half falls to Everton, they have a break on Hinnigan in the centra lofts a ball forwards attempting to find the feet of the running Kelly Jones, close as she sticks a leg out to try and devert the ball past Byrne she can't make contact and the keeper collects.
Half-time Everton Ladies 0-1 Arsenal Ladies
It's Arsenal to kick off the 2nd half. Despite their 1st half dominance there was still only a single goal in it and Everton were still very much in the tie something I'm sure their manager Andy Spence would have told his team.
It was Arsenal who started the stronger however pushing Everton back they are defending very deep putting pressure on themselves. It's Smith with a curling effort given too much space on the edge of the box the strike hitting the post comes back out to Yukari Kinga, her effort doesn't trouble Brown-Finnis.
Shinubo Ohno is doing very well up front for Arsenal winning the ball and looking to play in Smith in particular, Everton are defending well but cannot get the ball out of their half, it keeps coming back. Parris is their outlet and when she does get the ball to make a run has no support and is closed down.
The pressure tells as the ball comes ball played over the top for Smith to chase she and young Everton defender Gabrielle George tussle with each other in the box, referee Martin Atkinson waves play on, Smith finds a yard and puts in a parfect ball for the arriving Yukari Kinga to slot the ball home from just inside the box 2-0
Everton make a change taking off Vicky Jones and bringing on Billie Murphy. Does little to change the pattern of the game Arsenal come again this time with Ohno producing a fine save from Brown-Finnis as she bursts into the box with the ball and strikes.
Carter screws the ball back into the path of team mate Alex Scott she strikes the ball first time from the edge of the box but straight at Brown-Finnis. Ohno puts a further effort wide and Carter one over the bar.
Millie Turner comes off for Everton to be replaced by striker Simone Magill. For Arsenal Jade Bailey is taken off to be replaced by local girl Leah Willaimson.
A half chance for Everton a free kick from the left delivered into the area finds the head of Nikita Parris but goes wide of the goal. Last substitute for Everton Fern Whelan coming on for Danille Turner.
Arsenal continue to dominate Leah Williamson has a run across the penalty area attempts a shot cutting the ball back towards from an acute angle but it has no power Brown-Finnis gathering it up.
Late on Carter has a shot it is deflected comes out to Smith, she in turn lays it off into the path of the onrushing Emma Mitchell the left back inside the box has a go from a tight angle smashes the ball against the upright before Everton scramble it away.
Full-time and Arsenal Ladies retain the Women's FA Cup beating Everton Ladies 2-0 with a strong performance for Shelley Kerr's last match in charge. Congratulations to Arsenal Ladies. Tough on any team losing a final Everton will no doubt be disappointed by the performance never got a real foot hold in the match but can take heart and be proud of their achievement in getting to the final.
Everton Ladies have saved their best form for the Women's FA Cup the WSL 1 teams entering the competition at the 5th round had beaten, Cardiff City Ladies (3-1 5th rd), merseyside rivals Liverpool Ladies (2-0 quarters) & Notts County Ladies (2-1 semi-final). Had lost a few of their more experienced players over the close season and were showing faith in giving their younger players the chance to shine.
Arsenal Ladies league campaign has gotten off to a terrible start with just one point secured after 4 games played, it has played some part in manager Shelley Kerr deciding to step down from her position after just 16 months in charge. Like Everton their best form has been saved for the Women's FA Cup as they beat Gillingham Ladies (2-0 5th rd), Birmingham City Ladies (2-1 quarters) & Chelsea Ladies (5-3 aet semi-final). The final would be Shelley Kerr's last match in charge. Arsenal Ladies are the current holders of the Women's FA Cup.
The venue for today's final Stadium MK home of Milton Keynes Dons FC. A very impressive stadium, a new modern build, open plan design, up to date facilties, a good layout overall, padded seats and plenty of room between them. The weather was fanastic for a cup final bright and sunny. The pitch looked a little tired and bobbly but then it was at the end of a season.
My ticket for the match was very kindly given to me by @nwgfl who look after and help promote women's and girls football in Norfolk. It was nice to see a few faces I recognised from the Norfolk leagues from some of the matches I attended over the winter.
Everton Ladies starting XI - Rachel Brown-Finnis, Vicky Jones, Lindsay Johnson, Gabrielle George, Alex Greenwood, Brooke Chaplen, Michelle Hinnigan (C), Danille Turner, Millie Turner, Kelly Jones & Nikita Parris
Arsenal Ladies starting XI - Emme Byrne, Alex Scott, Casey Stoney, Niamh Fahey, Emma Mitchell, Jade Bailey, Yukari Kinga, Rachel Yankey, Shinubo Ohno, Kelly Smith (C) & Danielle Carter
It was something of a surprise Arsenal starting with Emma Byrne in goal for the final as Siobhan Chamberlain had been the goalkeeper in all of the previous rounds. With Rachel Yankey on the pitch it looked to as if Kelly Smith would be playing a little further up the pitch than she had been doing for much of the early season in support of Shinubo Ohno and Danielle Carter.
For Everton it would be important that they got the ball to striker Nikita Parris and that she didn't get isolated as the team in their blue and white kit kicked off the match against the team against Arsenal in red.
A good atomsphere inside the stadium which had filled up nicely, with clapper handed out and the England band in attendance (on the otherside of the stadium). It was Parris who had an opening early bursting down the right channel unleashes her shot early the effort wild the ball blazes over Emma Byrne's goal.
In the opening exchanges the ball is travelling rapidly from one end of the pitch to the other with both defences keeping the danger out, their is space down the right for Everton to exploit. Arsenal though are matching Everton for their tempo are winning it back. Kelly Smith recieves the ball and plays it into the run of Danielle Carter coming in from the right, Rachel Brown-Finnis has to rush out of her goal to the edge of her area to make the save diving at Carters feet to deflect the ball behind for a corner.
Everton's Kelly Jones get's to the ball out on the left of Arsenal's panalty area puts in a good cross has team mates arriving at pace, midfielder Millie Turner makes contact with the ball inside the six yard box unmarked but can't get her effort on target.
Rachel Yankey for Arsenal tees up a long range effort that comes in dangerously has Brown-Finnis beaten but cannons off the inside of the post comes out, eventually arrives at the foot of Alex Scott who puts her attempt over from outside the box.
Arsenal's attacking trio of Smith, Carter and Shinubo Ohno are causing all sorts of problems for Everton with their pace and movement. Ohno plays the ball into Smith central who from the edge of the box slides her shot wide of Brown-Finnis' goal.
Carter has the ball comes in from the right going across the D she is brought down from behind, free kick awarded. It's Kelly Smith to take and she strikes the ball superbly as it flies into the net to Brown-Finnis' left 1-0.
Everton chances are few the one player who seems to be able to get on the ball and make something happen going forwards is midfielder Brooke Chaplin, she wins a corner of Niamh Fahey. Michelle Hinnigan takes from the right comes in well Millie Turner rises to head the ball the attempt going over the bar.
Arsenal are dominating possesion and putting Everton's defence under pressure for a large spell of the game that leads to first Carter heading one cross over the bar then Niamh Fahey heading wide at the far post from a set piece.
Chaplin picks up the ball in the centre goes forwards has no options takes a shot from 25 yards on target it hasn't the power to beat Byrne as she drops to make a comfortable save.
Coming off the right flank again Carter has another run at the Everton goal let's fly a shot Brown-Finnis diving to her left is beaten the ball goes narrowly wide of the post.
Late on in the half Arsenal have a free kick on the edge of the box it is delivered dangerously Carter has an attempt from close range their is a bit of a scamble as Everton's defence tries to clear the danger Brown-Finnis managing to smother the ball before it can roll over the line.
Last chance of the half falls to Everton, they have a break on Hinnigan in the centra lofts a ball forwards attempting to find the feet of the running Kelly Jones, close as she sticks a leg out to try and devert the ball past Byrne she can't make contact and the keeper collects.
Half-time Everton Ladies 0-1 Arsenal Ladies
It's Arsenal to kick off the 2nd half. Despite their 1st half dominance there was still only a single goal in it and Everton were still very much in the tie something I'm sure their manager Andy Spence would have told his team.
It was Arsenal who started the stronger however pushing Everton back they are defending very deep putting pressure on themselves. It's Smith with a curling effort given too much space on the edge of the box the strike hitting the post comes back out to Yukari Kinga, her effort doesn't trouble Brown-Finnis.
Shinubo Ohno is doing very well up front for Arsenal winning the ball and looking to play in Smith in particular, Everton are defending well but cannot get the ball out of their half, it keeps coming back. Parris is their outlet and when she does get the ball to make a run has no support and is closed down.
The pressure tells as the ball comes ball played over the top for Smith to chase she and young Everton defender Gabrielle George tussle with each other in the box, referee Martin Atkinson waves play on, Smith finds a yard and puts in a parfect ball for the arriving Yukari Kinga to slot the ball home from just inside the box 2-0
Everton make a change taking off Vicky Jones and bringing on Billie Murphy. Does little to change the pattern of the game Arsenal come again this time with Ohno producing a fine save from Brown-Finnis as she bursts into the box with the ball and strikes.
Carter screws the ball back into the path of team mate Alex Scott she strikes the ball first time from the edge of the box but straight at Brown-Finnis. Ohno puts a further effort wide and Carter one over the bar.
Millie Turner comes off for Everton to be replaced by striker Simone Magill. For Arsenal Jade Bailey is taken off to be replaced by local girl Leah Willaimson.
A half chance for Everton a free kick from the left delivered into the area finds the head of Nikita Parris but goes wide of the goal. Last substitute for Everton Fern Whelan coming on for Danille Turner.
Arsenal continue to dominate Leah Williamson has a run across the penalty area attempts a shot cutting the ball back towards from an acute angle but it has no power Brown-Finnis gathering it up.
Late on Carter has a shot it is deflected comes out to Smith, she in turn lays it off into the path of the onrushing Emma Mitchell the left back inside the box has a go from a tight angle smashes the ball against the upright before Everton scramble it away.
Full-time and Arsenal Ladies retain the Women's FA Cup beating Everton Ladies 2-0 with a strong performance for Shelley Kerr's last match in charge. Congratulations to Arsenal Ladies. Tough on any team losing a final Everton will no doubt be disappointed by the performance never got a real foot hold in the match but can take heart and be proud of their achievement in getting to the final.
Arsenal Ladies lifting the cup and a special mention for Casey Stoney she came to Arsenal to win trophies and as an ex Lincoln Ladies supporter I am delighted for her
The FA Girls Youth Cup Final
The Women's FA Cup Final was the 2nd game in a double header at Stadium MK today with the FA Girls Youth Cup Final taking place. Between the blues of Everton once again and their merseyside rivals the reds of Liverpool it was a fantastic occassion for the teams to showcase their skills.
Was some good football on display from two commited teams actually played at a slower tempo that the seniors game later on. Liverpool U17's should have gone into the break at the end of the 1st half with the lead had three glorious chances to score, twice through on goal with the keeper to beat but putting the effort wide then a long range strike that came back off the bar.
The 2nd half Everton sat deeper trying to soak up the Liverpool pressure looking to counter it never really worked. Liverpool looked the most likely to score and did so through Kess Elmore as she stabbed the ball home from inside the box the single goal giving Liverpool the victory, as they won the Youth Cup. Congratulations to Liverpool Ladies U17's
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