SWF Blog 50 Match Challenge update - Games 41 - 50

  

   Challenge Complete!!!



 

    What else is there left to say? I set out at the start of the 2014 to undertake the Supporting Women's Football Blog 50 Match Challenge (SWF Blog 50) if you didn't see the 1st entry on this and how it all began take a look back here http://tinyurl.com/n95qotm

    

      50 matches watched and most reported on too in the Supporting Women's Football Blog. I really have enjoyed the experience watching the women's game for all aspects from the grassroots football of my native Norfolk all the way to International matches, cup and league, friendlies and finals. Met so many fantastic people along the way too. Have clocked up the miles (well the car does that part I guess) is in need of another service the 2nd of the year! The British road network can be trying at times and the weather.. well unpredictable.

 

    The 1st 40 games raced along was racking them up in double quick time.. but the last 10 took a little longer as the FAWSL season break happened and I was forced to have a rest myself, although to be fair I think I needed it too, recharge the batteries and go again, still it's only the end of July and game #50 has been ticked off..

 

    So where have I been these past 10 matches, Games #41 - 50

 

                    Game #41 - Everton Ladies U17s 0-1 Liverpool Ladies U17s

                                                (FA Youth Cup Final) 1st June

 

                    Game #42 - Everton Ladies 0-2 Arsenal Ladies

                                         (Women's FA Cup Final) 1st June

 

                    Game #43 - Scotland Women 1-3 Sweden Women

                                        (Women's World Cup Qualifier) 14th June

 

                    Game #44 - Birmingham City Ladies 0-2 Notts County Ladies

                                        (Continental Cup Group Three) 6th July

 

                    Game #45 - Yeovil Town Ladies 0-4 Notts County Ladies

                                        (Continental Cup Group Three) 12th July

 

                    Game #46 - Chelsea Ladies 13-0 London Bees

                                        (Continental Cup Group One) 13th July

 

                    Game #47 - Birmingham City Ladies 2-1 Bristol Academy

                                                   (FAWSL 1) 16th July

 

                    Game #48 - Chelsea Ladies 2-1 Manchester City Women

                                                   (FAWSL 1) 20th July

 

                    Game #49 - Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-1 Sunderland Ladies

                                                   (FAWSL 2) 26th July

 

                     Game #50 - Yeovil Town Ladies 2-0 Millwall Lionesses

                                                   (FAWSL 2) 27th July

 

     50 matches complete all in the cause of supporting women's football and not once have I stopped and wondered why on earth I'm doing this. It's always entertaining in the women's game the ball never stops moving it's all I can do to keep up with my note taking sometimes the hand writing is terrible but the notes jog the memory I relive the game I watched as I write the report.

 

   Now what do I do?

 

  50 matches complete I could stop here right?

 

   Of course that's not going to happen still I need to think up a new plan. If you've read the 1st entry to this thread you'll know I reeled myself in somewhat had the crazy notion I might be able to do 100 women's football matches in a calender year (maybe I will one day), 7 months have passed though so another 50 might be beyond me still I reckon I can get close so the next picture I take on my twitter feed at a women's football match will start with (SWF Blog 90) that is a challenge 90 women's football matches in 2014 got my work cut out (the car just groaned). I'm looking forwards to it already so let's end this post like the rest...

 

   Next update in 10 matches time....

 

 

Match Report - Yeovil Town Ladies v Millwall Lionesses - FAWSL 2

     My 2nd trip down to the South West in July to watch Yeovil Town Ladies play again, this time a league encounter in FAWSL 2, the visitors Millwall Lionesses. This also happened to be the 50th women's football match I've attended in 2014 as part of my SWF Blog 50 match challenge to have completed 50 matches before the end of July is great and I can happily say I have loved every minute... (well perhaps not the typhoon at Easton College I endured back in January watching Mulbarton Belles & Norwich City Ladies).

     Still today down at Sherbourne Town FC the weather was fantastic bright and sunny. The drive from Norfolk not full of the delays and jams I'd had 1st time around. Then I watched Yeovil Town Ladies take on Notts County Ladies in the Continental Cup, the WSL 1 club running out comfortable 4-0 winners. I wanted to see Yeovil Town Ladies in league action and Millwall Lionesses provided the perfect opponents.

    Both sitting comfortable in mid table in the league both would be looking to push on now that the league campaign had resumed with Millwall Lionesses sitting in 4th place on 9 points after 6 matches played, Yeovil Town Ladies were 2 places back on 7 points after 6 played.

    With the Continental Cup campaign over Yeovil Town Ladies were able to field their new signings. Sarah Wilshire is one of the most talked about talents in WSL 2 hadn't seen her play when she was at Watford was looking forwards to seeing her make her debut for Yeovil Town Ladies today.

    Yeovil Town Ladies starting XI - Beth Howard, Jade Kirby, Rachael Edwards (C), Natalie Haigh, Nicola Cousins, Jade Lorton-Radburn, Helen Bleazard, Stacey Pearson, Ellie Curson, Sarah Wiltshire & Katie Cook.

    Millwall Lionesses starting XI - Sarah Quantrill, Naomi Cole, Jade Dempster, Kylie Davies, Frankie Strugnell, Leeta Rutherford, Kim Stenning, Sophie Perry, Snezana Maresevic, Lily Agg & Lillie Billson.

     There hasn't been a great deal of rain since my last visit to Sherbourne Town FC the grass on the pitch looked a little dry, but the weather was perfect hot and sunny. It was Millwall in their navy blue and white shirts, navy blue shorts and socks to kick off the match against Yeovil lined up in their white and green striped shirts, white socks and green socks.

      The opening exchanges fairly even with the ball travelling up and down the pitch both defences clearing any long ball played in. Yeovil have the 1st real attack after winning a free kick on the half way line, a good run from Ellie Curson is spotted on the right and receiving the ball she breaks into the channel to the by line and puts in a good cross, Kylie Davies is there in defence to make the clearance.

   Curson is making some good runs down the right is finding space to run into, has a run at her marker this time beating her she flashes her cross into the box, goes behind everyone this time and Millwall regain the ball.

    For Millwall Lily Agg is getting some joy down the right channel herself plays the ball into striker Lillie Billson who has a pop from distance, Yeovil keeper Beth Howard is alert and drops down to make the save inside her six yard box.

   Kylie Davies takes a free kick for Millwall plays the ball into Leeta Rutherford who turns her marker well to get a shot away but puts it wide of the goal.

   Yeovil are looking dangerous on the break getting bodies forwards with striker Katie Cook and support players Ellie Curson (right) and Sarah Wiltshire (left) offering good support. They look the most likely to score early on.

    Yeovil win a free kick out on the left wide of goal 30 yards out players come up from the back the ball is played into the perfect place in front of the six yards line two Yeovil players attack the ball, Millwall keeper Sarah Quantrill can't come for the ball in time and it is a tap in for Nicola Cousins 1-0.

     Yeovil are on top soon after Katie Cook has a chance to put a good ball into the box Quantrill catching this time. Sarah Wilshire has a go from 25 yards out but can only find Quantrill's gloves.

    In the middle of the park Helen Bleazard is running the show winning the ball, making good runs and picking out her team mates further forwards, gets a pass into Wilshire on the edge of the box, she plays the ball into the feet of Katie Cook she is through on goal but stopped by the offside flag.. close.

     Millwall are struggling to make the ball stick up top Lillie Billson is doing her best is a strong powerful players can run with the ball and hold it up but lacks support Yeovil winning it back, the visitors are restricted to deep crosses.

     Yeovil break the ball coming to Wiltshire who finds herself on the right hand corner of the Millwall penalty box she tries a curling effort towards goal that produces a quality save from Sarah Quantrill who puts it behind for a corner.

     The ball comes through to Wiltshire on the run this time under pressure from her marker breaking into the box she scuffs her shot making it easy for Quantrill to deal with.

    A deep cross finds it way over to Billson at the far post the striker does well to take it down and lobs it back towards goal Beth Howard is there to take the catch.

    Billson turns provider for Agg this time as she lays the ball back into her path to have a shot from 30 yards out, Howard is behind it all the way.

   Bleazard has a shot from the left of the 18 yard box that stings Quantrills hands spins loose in the six yard box, defender Frankie Strugnell is on hand to clear before a Yeovil attacker can take advantage.

                                   Half-time Yeovil Town Ladies 1-0 Millwall Lionesses

     A good solid performance from Yeovil in the 1st half created a lot of chances would feel maybe they should have more going into the break. A frustrating half for Millwall finding it difficult to keep the ball their manager would be reminding them there was just 1 goal in it, but to pull the game level they would need to improve.

     Yeovil kick off the 2nd half. They have the 1st chance of the half as Bleazard plays in Curson she slides in on Quantrill to try and win the ball as the keeper comes out, Qunatrill isn't fazed and makes the save, neither realising the linesman flag was raised.

    Wiltshire has the ball at her feet, twists and turns before shooting her effort blocked. Moments later Wiltshire flashes a cross along the goal face coming in Katie Cook can't get a strong enough touch as a corner is given. Coming in deep Jade Lorton-Radburn heads the ball over.

    Millwall make a chance bringing on Chantelle Mackie for Jade Dempster, Mackie goes to right back as Naomi Cole moves into the centre of defence. Millwall are looking sharper in the 2nd half working hard to win the ball earlier from Yeovil with Agg putting in a good shift. The midfielder having another go from long range this time it is wide of goal.

     Another run by Wiltshire she drills her shot wide of the post from the edge of the box. Bleazard has a go at goal with similar results.

    A 2nd change for Millwall, Stevie Lamb coming on for Snezana Maresevic. Beth Howard is called into action making a fantastic save tipping the ball over for a corner from Lily Agg after the Millwall player wins the ball back off the Yeovil defence.

    Yeovil win a free kick right on the edge of the box after Katie Cook is fouled, it is Cook and Bleazard standing over the ball. Bleazard runs up and sends it over the wall and into the back of the net to double Yeovil's lead 2-0.

      Millwall make their final change Kim Stenning coming off, Cherelle Albert coming on up front. Frankie Strugnell finding herself in an advanced position has her shot on goal blocked after another piece of possession winning from Agg.

    Yeovil make a change 2 changes bringing off Stacey Pearson for Katie Sherwood, and Paige Stewart comes on for Ellie Curson.

    Wiltshire with good feet again ends another attacking move by putting the ball over the bar. Soon after Yeovil make their final change bringing on Laura Bray for Katie Cook.

    Sophie Perry has a go from long range for Millwall that Howard has to deal with. Paige Stewart plays a great ball into Wiltshire she shoots near post Quantrill makes the save. Natalie Haigh wins the ball in defence and decides to go on a marauding run up the pitch into the left channel she gets a good cross in Wiltshire just can't quite get there to divert the ball goal wards.

     The full time whistle blows and Yeovil Town Ladies win 2-0 and take the 3 points moving above Millwall with 10 on the board. Climb a place to 5th as 4th is taken by Watford Ladies who beat Oxford United Women 2-1 away from home.

    A good team performance from Yeovil Town Ladies today. A frustrating one for Millwall Lionesses.

    My 50th match of 2014 and an enjoyable one too.



   

   

Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v Sunderland Ladies FAWSL 2

     Doncaster Rovers Belles v Sunderland Ladies... I've done this one already this season haven't I? It was Sunderland Ladies who came away from the Keepmoat Stadium with a 2-0 win. That though was the Continental Cup. Todays match is an altogether different affair a top of the table league clash in FAWSL 2.

    It's Sunderland Ladies who lead the way after 6 matches played on 18 points, the only team left in the WSL with a 100% win record. Doncaster Rovers Belles are 2 points behind on 16 after 6 matches played having dropped points away to Millwall Lionesses last time out. Looking the 2 most likely teams to win the race for the league title todays match was of huge importance with Sunderland Ladies having the chance to go 5 points clear at the top win an away win.

   Something Doncaster Rovers Belles would look to stop happening with the victory themselves and pull themselves above Sunderland Ladies at the top of the FAWSL 2 league table. Both teams though were without one of their talismans in attack both on their way to Canada with the rest of the England Women's U20 squad, Jess Sigsworth for Doncaster Rovers Belles and Beth Mead for Sunderland Ladies, both players will no doubt feature prominantly for their country and I wish them both and the rest of the squad every success at the tournament.

    A chance for others however it was a home debut for Doncaster Rovers Belles new signing Courtney Sweetman-Kirk drafted in from Notts County Ladies during the season break.

    Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Nicola Hobbs, Lyndsey Cunningham, Leandra Little (C), Rhiannon Roberts, Lauren Cresswell, Kasia Lipka, Beth England, Victoria Williams, Sue Smith, Reanne Thomas & Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.

     Sunderland Ladies sarting XI - Rachel Laws, Megan Beer, Stephanie Bannon (C), Gemma Wilson, Victoria Greenwell, Kelly McDougall, Rachel Furness, Rebekah Bass, Emma Kelly, Sophie Williams & Keira Ramshaw.

     It had been a hot and sunny day, a covering of cloud as the evening match kicked off it was very muggy. Sunderland had brought with them a large travelling contingent of fans which would make for a bouyant atomosphere as the visitors in their kit of red and white striped shirts, black shorts and socks kicked off the match against Doncaster lined up in their yellow and blue home kit.

  In their Continental Cup encounter at the Keepmoat before the break, Sunderland had pressed Doncaster's attacking trio back worked hard to stop them having space and building attacks. Without Beth Mead or her striker partner Abbie Joice on the pitch it was Keira Ramshaw who was leading the line for the away team.

  Early on it looked to be the same with Sunderland pressing Doncaster from the start, pinning them back, then looking to find both Sophie Williams and Rebekah Bass running the flanks to put in a dangerous cross, Doncaster were alert to clear their lines and getting the ball forwards in a good counter attacking move have the 1st chance as Courtney Sweetman-Kirk wins the ball outside the Sunderland 18 yard box hits her shot 1st time but it is off target going wide of the goal.

    Rebekah Bass is finding space down the right and is getting the ball into the box. Sunderland win a free kick 30 yards out, the ball is flighted into the box, Nicola Hobbs comes for it but under challenge the ball comes free Sunderland have a chance to score Rachel Furness with the effort cannons off the post and Doncaster get the ball away up the pitch quickly.

    The break is on the ball coming out to Sue Smith out wide left she runs with the ball, bursting into the box closing the goal down blasts the ball across the goal past Rachel Laws and into the back of the net 1-0 Doncaster.

   The goal gives Doncaster a boost the game is end to end the ball not allowed to stand still for long. In midfield Victoria Williams has time to tee a shot up from 25 yards or so, pulls her effort wide of goal. Beth England too has a crack from long range central to goal it is an easy take for Laws.

   Sue Smith has switched flanks with Reanne Thomas moving to the right she has the ball again runs towards goal has a go this time Laws is there to take the ball. Lyndsey Cunningham on the right puts in a long cross to the far post that Thomas can't control 1st time as the ball goes out for a goal kick.

   Keira Ramshaw is a powerful runner with the ball at her feet, drives at the Doncaster defence but between them, Rhiannon Roberts and Leandra Little stop her.

   Not afraid to try a long ball on goes over the top for Sunderland's Sophie Williams racing onto it has Hobbs closing her down prods the ball past her but not on target as Doncaster clear.

   Doncaster play a cross in towards the far post coming in from the right Reanne Thomas heads the ball into the side netting. Thomas has another chance minutes later again on the right shoots this time Laws coming out palms the ball away for a corner.

   Sunderland find an equaliser as Rachel Furness wins the ball back in her own half and drives forwards towards goal is tracked all the way by Sue Smith she tries to tackle her outside the box can't win the ball as Furness puts her foot through the ball, struck fiercely Hobbs has no time to react the ball is past her and in to level the scores 1-1.

   Crosses come in from both sides but both keepers are there to claim the ball. A defensive clearance from Sunderland is struck against Sweetman-Kirk the rebound going narrowly wide of goal.

   Late in the half Sunderland almost take the lead, loose play from Doncaster sees the ball come out to Bass on the right, she is in on goal one and one against Hobbs, she shoots, Hobbs makes a great save with her leg to clear the danger.

                          Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-1 Sunderland Ladies

    It's Doncaster to kick off the 2nd half. Sunderland start the 2nd half as they started the 1st pushing Doncaster back with Bass having a run at the goal her cross deflected onto the roof of the net to win her team a corner.

    Doncaster make an early change in the 2nd half bringing on Millie Bright for left back Lauren Cresswell, a tactical change Bright goes into midfield as Victoria Williams goes into the back line at left back.

    Sophie Williams has a go from long range the ball going wide of goal. Time for the visitors to make their 1st change taking off Emma Kelly and bringing on Lauren Briggs in midfield.

   Sunderland are on top for a spell, Ramshaw tries a lob towards Doncasters goal the ball going too high and over.

   Sweetman-Kirk plays the ball out to Sue Smith on the right, she comes inside and has a shot from the edge of the box, not troubling Laws she makes a comfortable save. Millie Bright with a powerful drive towards goal has a shot, to strong blasts the ball over the bar.

    Reanne Thomas comes off for Doncaster her replacement Ashleigh Mills. It is Doncasters turn to press Sunderland back, leaving Ramshaw up top on her own, has little support the ball keeps coming back.

    Sweetman-Kirk wins a header inside the box, dropping down Laws is sharp and takes it before Sue Smith can get any contact. More good work from Sweetman-Kirk gets a shot away outside the box along the ground it lacks enough pace Laws is there to gather.

   A risky game Sunderland seem to be sitting back inviting Doncaster onto them confident they can take advantage of any chance to break and counter attack. Ashleigh Mills wins the ball on the left puts a cross in but it is deflected and saved by Laws.

   Ramshaw is almost through on goal inside the box she can't get to the ball before Williams can make a saving tackle prodding the ball away from the attacker into Hobbs' gloves.

    Beth England is replaced by Hope Knight, the substitute makes an immediate impact winning her team a corner out on the left wing. Bright to play the ball in towards the far post Leandra Little is coming in but can only glance the ball wide.

    Sunderland bring on Brogan McHugh, comes on for the impressive Rebekah Bass. Sunderland are under pressure late on as Mills and Knight link up outside the box the latter almost through but unable to gain control of the ball before Sunderland regroup and clear.

    Mills and Knight have another go this time Knight is booked for commiting a foul on her marker inside the box. Doncaster are pushing bodies forwards looking for a winner. Mills winning a corner in stoppage time.

   Smith plays the corner out to Cunningham unmarked on the right of the penalty box plays the ball in it comes out towards Mills, on the half volley she shoots the ball fired wide.

    Full time and it's honours even with Sunderland still leading the table 2 points clear of Doncaster. A good point earned for the visitors as they stay top, Doncaster might feel they should have gotten more.

   There was one other match in the FAWSL 2 today, with Reading FC Women hosting London Bees at the Majeski Stadium, Reading running out 5-1 winners.



  

   

Match Report - Chelsea Ladies v Manchester City Women - FAWSL 1

   A return trip down the M11 and anti-clockwise round the M25 this Sunday back to Staines Town FC to watch Chelsea Ladies in action once again, and this time hoping for a more even affair than the 13-0 drubbing handed out to London Bees in the Continental Cup. This time though it was back to league action in the FAWSL and today's visitors were Manchester City Women.

    As we reach the mid way point of the FAWSL season the league table is beginning to spread and develop into those that will be challenging for the title and those that will be looking at the dreaded drop. Chelsea Ladies had dropped from 2nd to 3rd in the table overnight as Liverpool Ladies over took them with a 3-1 victory away to Bristol Academy on Saturday.

   Chelsea Ladies league form is good since the break they have recorded wins over Everton Ladies and Arsenal Ladies to move up the table. Just behind them in 4th place going into todays match were Manchester City Women in a good run of form themselves their league campaign had gotten off to a shakey start but since the break results have been positive the latest a 1-0 at home to Notts County Ladies on Thursday night. So going into this match both teams were full of confidence.

     Of course once we get to the middle of July (which means I'm another year older by the way) summer should finally be here and it was. It was hot and bright at Staines Town FC the pitch once again looking perfect everything was ready, I was refuelled Chelsea Ladies refreshments booth offering up a bacon and cheese bap I was turned away from the path of the cheeseburger... for once.

     Chelsea Ladies starting XI - Marie Hourihan, Hannah Blundell, Laura Bassett, Emma Wilhelmsson, Ana Borges, Katie Chapman (C), Ji So-Yun, Drew Spence, Yuki Ogimi, Rachel Williams & Eniola Aluko.

    Manchester City Women starting XI - Karen Bardsley, Emma Lipman, Steph Houghton (C), Kathleen Radtke, Abbie McManus, Betsy Hassett, Jill Scott, Isobel Christiansen, Natasha Flint, Krystle Johnston & Toni Duggan.

    It was Chelsea to kick off the match in their blue and white kit lined up against them Manchester City were in their white away shirts and sky blue shorts and socks with navy trim. It's a hot day the conditions aren't suited to a high intensity match but that is how both teams approach the game winning the ball and looking to play it forwards quickly.

    The 1st chance falls to the visitors through left back Abbie McManus as she wins the ball back and plays it forwards through to Krystle Johnston, she bursts down the left into the box and shoots the ball flying across the goal mouth and wide.

    Up front for Chelsea Rachel Williams playing centrally is a powerful player strong on the ball wins the ball off Manchester City's new German signing Kathleen Radtke and would have been through to have a strike at Karen Bardsley's goal had Steph Houghton not tracked back well to make a great sliding tackle to deny her.

    It is Manchester City who are causing the early problems pushing Chelsea back getting joy down both flanks with Izzy Christiansen, left, and Natasha Flint on the right. Are counter attacking well winning the ball in their half and finding willing runners to get the ball to. Krystel Johnston has another chance coming in from the left of the box that Chelsea keeper Marie Hourihan pounces upon to save.

     Minutes later Hourihan produces a world class save from a Manchester City corner taken by Hannah Blundell, played into Johnston she plays it into the centre, to Toni Duggan on the penalty spot she hooks it goalwards, through a crowd Hourihan does fantastically well to get a hand to it to make the save.

    Chelsea can not make the ball stick up top can't get the bodies forwards like Manchester City seem able to, Johnston has another chance on the right this time volleys over after the ball is worked forwards with purpose.

    Manchester City's Jill Scott is booked for a foul on Ji So-Yun 30 yards from goal, it's Yuki Ogimi to play it into the box, Rachel Williams is the target she plays it out to Katie Chapman outside the box her effort on goal lacking the pace to trouble Bardsley.

    Eniola Aluko is having some joy coming in from the right has the ball running with it towards goal gets a shot away Bardsley though covering her near post makes the save with her legs the danger is cleared.

     Manchester City take the lead, through another break, Natasha Flint wins the ball and from 25 yards out sees Hourihan is off her line and tries the lob. No real height it has the pace and Hourihan can only turn and watch the ball ripple the back of the net 0-1.

    Chelsea have a chance to draw level as the ball is won on the left and is played in it is Korean Ji So-Yun who gets a foot on the ball to send it towards goal Bardsley however gets a touch making the save to send it wide for a corner.

     Play is stopped then for a head injury to Manchester City's captain Steph Houghton a clash with Rachel Williams she needs lengthy treatment the stretcher is called for. She gets up, however, bandaged but looking very groggy is taken off sensibly her replacement Chelsea Nightingale.

   Late in the half Chelsea win a corner, Ogimi takes sending it to the far post were rachel Williams rises over everyone else making contact with her head but sending it over the bar.

                             Half-time Chelsea Ladies 0-1 Manchester City Women

   Manchester City has edged the 1st half and deservedly so, but had lost their captain Steph Houghton through a head injury in the process. As things stood though if they could hold on then they would move above Chelsea in the table. The home side needed a better 2nd half if they wanted to retake 2nd spot from Liverpool Ladies.

    It was Manchester City to kick off the 2nd half. It is the visitors through Toni Duggan that have the 1st shot at goal or rather wide and putting a hole in the garden fence at that end of the ground in the process.

    Chelsea have a great chance to equalise, Aluko makes a determined run down the right powers her way to the by line, puts in a peach of a cross, Williams coming in centrally just can't quite get her head to it behind her Yuki Ogimi sees the ball late and blazes over from close range.

    Aluko is proving a real threat early in the 2nd half is taking some stopping as she runs with the ball gets another good ball across that evades everybody before Manchester City clear. Moments later Aluko is brought down inside the box a lunging tackle, I was close to it looked a dead cert to me however my opinion doesn't count the referee waved the appeals away.

    Manchester City make their 2nd substitution bringing on their new New Zealand signing Emma Kete for Natasha Flint. The visitors haven't had as much possession in the final 3rd in the 2nd half as they enjoyed in the 1st. Izzy Christiansen has a chance as she wins the ball off Ana Borges strikes the ball early Hourihan is well placed to make the save.

    The equaliser comes through a great bit of Chelsea build up play a good run from Aluko she plays it to So-Yun centrally outside the box the Korean thinks about shooting before eventually laying it out to Ana Borges making a run from right back, she in turn passes it to Williams on the right hand corner of the box she plays the perfect cross into the danger area for the running Katie Chapman to get a bullet of a header that gives Bardsley no chance 1-1.

    Chelsea are on top have the superior possession and are coming at Manchester City just like they were to them in the 1st half. Chelsea have a free kick 30 yards out wide So-Yun plays it to Williams inside the box once again she rises above everyone but again the chance is over the bar.

    Jill Scott heads a chance wide from a Krystle Johnston cross, but it is a rare chance as Chelsea come again Aluko with another driving run into the right channel plays a good cross into the six yard box near post Bardsley coming for it does enough to put the arriving Williams off as she heads over.

    Aluko is taken off has run herself into the ground, time for new legs her replacement Jackie Groenen.

    Williams has a fantastic opportunity to get herself on the score sheet finds herself through on goal a one and one with Karen Bardsley tries to go wide put the ball across her but dropping Bardsley makes the save nudging out her shoulder enough to deflect the ball does come to Groenen but she puts the ball high over the goal.

    Anne Meiwald comes on for Chelsea to replace Hannah Blundell at left back. Chelsea attacks are piling up but the clock is against them to find the winning goal. The ball pops loose from the box after a corner Ana Borges runs onto it and blasts the ball goalwards a stinging effort the shot is blocked... by Yuki Ogimi her team mate who was down after a tangle in the box, that hurt, one owed I think.

     Football is great.. football is cruel 90 minutes are up the ball is played forwards a mistake from a Manchester City defender gifts possession to Chelsea's Jackie Groenen she is through on goal one on one once again, she goes around Bardsley as she comes out this time and runs the ball past and into the net to win the game for Chelsea 2-1! Groenen is buried by her jubilant team mates. Manchester City are floored.

    A late substitution Laura Coombs comes on for Chelsea replacing Ji So-Yun. The full time whislte blows and they have the win and retake 2nd spot in the WSL table.

    There were 2 other matches in the WSL 1 today leaders Birmingham City Ladies travelling to Meadow Lane to play Notts County Ladies and they came away with the 3pts winning 1-0 to extend their lead at the top to 17pts.

    It was a battle of the bottom 2 at the Select Security Stadium between Everton Ladies and Arsenal Ladies the visitors coming away with the 3pts after a 2-1 win. And this is how the table looks....

      

FAWSL 1 League Table standings as of 20/07/14
Pos	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Birmingham City Ladies	7	5	2	0	10	3	7	17
2	Chelsea Ladies	7	4	2	1	9	5	4	14
3	Liverpool Ladies	7	3	3	1	6	3	3	12
4	Manchester City Women	7	3	0	4	5	7	-2	9
5	Bristol Academy	6	2	1	3	7	8	-1	7
6	Arsenal Ladies	7	2	1	4	5	9	-4	7
7	Notts County Ladies	6	1	3	2	3	3	0	6
8	Everton Ladies	7	0	2	5	3	10	-7	2

      Starting to spread out and take shape as most of the teams have played half their matches. Still plenty to play for and a team can move a long way up the table if they can get a run going... if

Match Report - Birmingham City Ladies v Bristol Academy - FAWSL

   My midweek game saw a return to league action in the FAWSL, now that the 4 semi-finalists for this years Continental Cup have been decided. A trip back over the Autotach Stadium, the home of Birmingham City Ladies to watch them play Bristol Academy for the 2nd time in 4 days.

    This time Birmingham City Ladies would be hoping for a better result having been beaten 5-0 in their previous encounter, the final game in Group Three of the Continental Cup.

    Both teams missed out on a Continental Cup semi-final spot so for both the attention is very much back on the league. There it is a different story for Birmingham City Ladies sitting top of the pile with 11 points after 5 matches played, and would no doubt be looking to put things right against Bristol Academy as they returned to Solihull.

   Bristol Academy would be full of confidence to after their recent victory and fancy their chances of closing the gap to the league leaders to just a point having played 5 league games and 7 points. This game had also been chosen by BT Sports to be their live televised match.

   Plenty of camera's about the pitch looking in great condition, the weather warm and muggy with a fair amount of dark cloud about there was rain in the air as kick off approached.

    Birmingham City Ladies starting XI - Becky Spencer, Chelsea Weston, Aoife Mannion, Kerys Harrop, Hannah George, Jo Potter, Jade Moore, Remi Allen, Melissa Lawley, Karen Carney (C) & Emily Westwood.

    Bristol Academy starting XI - Mary Earps, Grace McCatty, Jemma Rose, Loren Dykes, Corinne Yorston (C), Sophie Ingle, Angharad James, Nikki Watts, Laura Del Rio, Natasha Harding & Natalia Pablos Sanchon.

     It was the home side Birmingham in their blue kit to kick off, lined up against Bristol in their red kit with white trim.

     It was a lively start with both teams looking to work the ball from defence to attack quickly. Bristol though are the team to find a way past the oppositions defence namely through Natasha Harding, the Welsh international getting the better of her marker and darking into the channel puts a got ball back across the goal but behind the run of Nikki Watts.

    It's Watts who is the provider soon after playing the ball into the box into Harding who sends her first time effort wide of the goal.

    Birmingham's first meaningful attack is on the right a determined run by Karen Carney wins her team a corner. Playing it in from the right the ball finds the head of the rising Jade Moore the attempt send wide of Mary Earps' goal.

    Birmingham's Emily Westwood is fouled outside the box on the left as she attempts to have shot. It's Jo Potter and Karen Carney standing over the ball. Carney to take strikes in well sending it up and over the Bristol wall, Mary Earps dive is too late and the ball is in, Birmingham have the lead 1-0.

    Bristol enjoy a good spell of possession after conceding with Laura Del Rio making several runs with the ball pushing the Birmingham defence back, they win a succession of corners that Birmingham deal with well.

  The rain is starting to fall steadily now. Good work from Bristol's Nikki Watts as she plays a pass through to Spanish striker Natalia Pablos Sanchon. She storms into the box, cuts back to work space for a shot and Birmingham keeper Becky Spencer makes a fine save to deny her a goal.

   Birmingham have a corner, cleared by Bristol the ball is worked down the pitch quickly, the ball finding it's way out to Grace McCatty wide right she plays it into Sophie Ingle on the edge of the visitors penalty box she in turn crosses it in towards goal. There is Nikki Watts leaping to head the ball towards goal from six yards out, Becky Spencer though is in the right place to deny her and make the save.

     A few niggley challenges are creeping into the match as the rain grows stronger. Birmingham have a break through Melissa Lawley she has support from Chelsea Weston the right back picking out Emily Westwood her shot is put over the bar.

   Not long after it's Bristol's turn to put the ball over the opponents cross bar as Corinne Yorston bursts forward with the ball at her feet plays it over to Natasha Harding, her pass is into Nikki Watts who puts it over from inside the box.

                            Half-time Birmingham City Ladies 1-0 Bristol Academy

     It's Bristol to kick off the 2nd half the rain is fairly heavy by now the note pad getting a little dog eared, but I can't write with an umbrella, did offer it to the young lady standing next to me mind but she was hard and content to get wet.

     Back to the match, it was a fairly even 1st half if anything Bristol edged it, bar conceding the free kick that lead to the goal. It was another error that Birmingham were to capitalise from. Had been a fairly quiet opening to the half, Birmingham with the goal advantage letting Bristol come on a bit then look to break.

     It was a poor pass from defender Jemma Rose playing it back to keeper Mary Earps, the pass short was leapt onto by midfielder Jo Potter, with Emily Westwood free to her right it's 2 v 1, Earps has to come out try and put Potter off, she can't get to the ball in time as Potter lays it off to her team mate and Westwood makes no mistake slotting the ball into the empty net, 2-0.

    The pitch is getting slicker as the rain falls steadily challenges are mis-timed and fouls are being given away by both teams. Loren Dykes is well placed to head clear a dangerous Birmingham cross at one end, whilst at the other Pablos Sanchon has an effort on goal blocked that goes away for a corner.

     The game is played at a furious pace both teams commited determined to get the ball forwards as swiftly as possible. From a Bristol corner Watts has a volley that she puts wide of goal.

    Emily Westwood has a punt from a long way out that Mary Earps collects on her line. Bristol make a chance bringing on Jasmine Matthews for Corinne Yorston.

     Mary Earps is called on to make a fantastic save as Emily Westwood strikes a vemonous shot from the edge of the box.

    Bristol win a free kick inside the Birmingham half on the left it's Laura Del Rio. The ball is flighted into the box falling into a crowd it get's a touch from a Birmingham player and the ball bounces into the goal beating the diving Becky Spencer to make the score 2-1.

    Carney has a good run into the right channel and deliver a good across, the ball travelling towards the far post has Earps scrambling to cover, no one can get a touch to deflect it in as it sails narrowly wide and behind.

    Nikki Watts is replaced by Bristol for Frankie Brown. For Birmingham Hannah Keryakoplis comes on for Emily Westwood.

   Late in the game Bristol have a coner as they press for an equaliser, delivered from the right Pablos Sanchon rises to meet it sending her header wide of goal. The niggle has been rising all game, Pablos Sanchon and Carney have an altercation off the ball that they are lucky the referee didn't see.

    Birmingham are happy to keep the ball, keep Bristol pinned back in their half as the final whistle approaches and hold on to win 2-1 and extend their lead at the top of the WSL a good result, to bounce back after the weekend. Were hard to break down and took their chances well.

    Bristol might feel they should have gotten a point out of the match and will be disappointed of the goals they conceded.

    There were two other FAWSL 1 matches played tonight in the 6:30pm ko Liverpool Ladies edged the Merseyside derby against Everton Ladies 1-0 to move onto 9pts and in the London derby between Chelsea Ladies & Arsenal Ladies it's Chelsea who claim 2nd spot in the table moving onto 11pts after a 2-1 victory.

    Birmingham City Ladies lead the way with 14 points after 6 games played.
  

Match Report - Chelsea Ladies v London Bees Continental Cup Group One

     My 2nd Continental Cup fixture of the weekend saw me returning west from watching Yeovil Town Ladies v Notts County Ladies and having an overnight stop in Reading to continue on to Staines Town FC to watch Chelsea Ladies take on London Bees in the final match of their Continental Cup campaign.

    Chelsea Ladies had been leading Group One going into the season break having won 3 out of 3. Returning from the break their next match was against fellow WSL 1 side Arsenal Ladies, a must win game for their opponents it was Arsenal Ladies who claimed the win 3-0 at Borehamwood.

    And with a game in hand on Chelsea Ladies played this past Thursday Arsenal Ladies moved into top spot on goal difference by beating London Bees again at Borehamwood 7-0.

    So going into the final round of Continental Cup matches both Chelsea Ladies and Arsenal Ladies were both on 9 points Arsenal Ladies had the edge with a +4 goal difference on Chelsea Ladies. Either way both looked well placed to qualify as winner and runner-up as things stood so long as both won.

    London Bees had had a tough week had played two Continental Cup matches the 1st at home to Reading FC Women where they were beaten by 8 goals to 1. (Reading FC Women were later removed from the competition for fielding an ineligible player) then on Thursday as already mentioned they were beaten 7-0 away to Arsenal Ladies.

     A trip to Staines Town FC to play a Chelsea Ladies team needing a win was not what the doctor ordered. The club had seen it's coach Tom Donati step down before the break too. Have brought in a lot of new faces always going to take time to build a settled team.

    My 1st trip to Staines Town FC of the season always hot and sunny when I go there (kiss of death for my next visit I bet). The pitch looked in good nick, being under water earlier in the year must have done it some good. The best pitch I've seen in the WSL this season so far.

    Chelsea Ladies starting XI - Marie Hourihan, Danielle Buet, Emma Wilhelmsson, Laura Bassett (C), Anne Meiwald, Laura Coombs, Drew Spence, Jackie Groenen, Ana Borges, Ji So-Yun & Rachel Williams.

    London Bees starting XI - Cherie Rowlands, Aoife Hurley, Samantha Chappell, Anneka Nuttall, Chontele Lawrence, Paula Howells, Rebecca Anderson, Laura Miller, Danielle Scanlon, Amber Gaylor & Lucy Loomes

   For the London Bees it was a re jigged side with players out through injury and in midfield Danielle Scanlon an ex Barnet player was making her debut for the new club having just been signed up on a short term deal.

    Now I should warn you if you're a London Bees fan you're not going to like what happens next...

    Chelsea Ladies had made chances too coach Emma Hayes resting several big name players including Eniola Aluko and Yuki Ogimi who were on the subs bench. It was London Bees to kick off the match in their orange shirts, black shorts and socks. Chelsea in their blue kit with white trim.

   Straight away Chelsea were on the offensive the ball fed into Rachel Williams she is poised to strike on the edge of the box however London Bees keeper Cherie Rowlands is quick off her line to smother the ball at the attackers feet.

    Korean Ji So-Yun has a free kick on the right side of the penalty box fires it in low Drew Spence is central gets a foot to it her effort though is wide of goal. So-Yun then attempts a one, two with Jackie Groenen inside the box the London Bees smuggle the ball away from danger.

   There box under constant pressure it doesn't take long for a Chelsea goal to come the ball is with So-Yun inside the box is played out wide right to Portugese winger Ana Borges making her home debut strikes the ball sweetly sending it past Rowlands to make it 1-0.

    Chelsea's Laura Coombs tries her luck from long range the attempt goes high and wide. Chelsea have a corner. It comes into the near post low Rowlands gets something on it but the ball spins loose across goal. A London Bees defender makes a block on the line but the ball loose pops back to the waiting Drew Spence who lashes it home to double Chelsea's lead 2-0.

    Rachel Williams is causing all sorts of problems up front she and London Bees Samantha Chappell have a tangle of legs inside the box the referee waves away the panalty appeals. Borges has another shot from the right this time Rowlands deflected save across the box is cleared.

   Chelsea win another free kick 25 yards out central to goal for So-Yun to take plays it into the box to the feet of Drew Spence this time her shot is saved by Rowlands.

   London Bees attacks are rare players are making good runs, trying to find space but when they look up for a pass no one is available. Lucy Loomes is a lone figure up front, Danielle Scanlon, Paula Howells and Amber Gaylor are called back to defend more often than trying to build an attack.

   Borges is brought down on the edge of the D, it's So-Yun to take, she fires it low to Rowlands right, her dive is too late the ball is in the net it's 3-0.

   A 4th goal comes almost immediately, Williams with her power drives towards goal her marker blocks her initial shot but it comes off her and Williams alert is onto it for another go to send it past Rowlands to make it 4-0.

    It's all Chelsea they keep coming at the London Bees, switching play with ease, Coombs lays the ball off into the path of Groenen she attempts to curl the ball into the net it goes over.

    So-Yun adds a 5th goal as Chelsea barge their way through the middle London Bees just cannot get it clear as it rolls free to the Korean international she fires home inside the box 5-0.

    Rowlands is doing her best to rally her teaqm mates a tough ask at 5-0 down but produces a fantastic saves to deny Laura Coombs as she has another crack from 20 yards out.

   From the resulting corner though the ball comes in perfect to the middle her defender Emma Wilhelmsson to head home 6-0

    6 becomes 7 as So-Yun puts a cross in towards the near post Spence is closing down Rowlands as the ball goes in not sure if Spence got a touch but Chelsea announced her as the goal scorer 7-0.

                           Half-time Chelsea Ladies 7-0 London Bees

    I hate these one sided games but credit to Chelsea they were relentless in attack switching the ball well and looking for space to exploit all the time, the London Bees didn't have an answer.

  Normally what happens when one side has built up such a 1st half lead they let off the gas, now though with so many scored already Chelsea must be thinking they could haul back the goal difference from Arsenal Ladies and top the group.

   London Bees make two changes at half time bringing on Taylor O'Leary and Samantha Carson for Laura Miller and Danielle Scanlon with Anneka Nuttall moving out of defence into midfield.

   Chelsea start where they left off as Danielle Buet working the ball into the right channel porduces a fantastic cross for the unmarked Laura Coombs to volley home from inside the six yard box 8-0.

   London Bees had barely kicked off again before Rachel Williams has her 2nd of the match chipping the ball over Rowlands she chases it all the way to ensure it goes into the back of the net 9-0.

    Chelsea make their 1st substitution bringing on Atlanta Primus for Ji So-Yun. Young defender Anna Meiward is brought down inside the box for a Chelsea penalty it's Williams to take she makes no mistake to complete her 1st hat-trick for the club double figures too 10-0.

   Jackie Groenen adds an 11th goal for Chelsea five minutes later as Ana Borges plays the ball into her across the goal 11-0

   Laura Rafferty comes on for Drew Spence for Chelsea followed by Eniola Aluko for Ana Borges.

   London Bees have a free kick out wide right but Chelsea keeper Marie Hourihan is well placed to claim the ball.

    Chelsea keep coming are not going to sit back there's goals to be had and everyone wants one. Jackie Groenen scores again as the ball blocked by the London Bees defence comes back to her 12-0.

   The 13th goal comes as the game enters the last five minutes a powerful run by Eniola Aluko to the near post she shoots it is blocked by Rowlands but spins into the path of Atlanta Primus whose shot is in to make it 13-0.

   Let's end it their the full time whistle blows and Chelsea run out 13-0 winners and top the group on goal difference after Arsenal Ladies beat Millwall Lionesses by 4 goals to nil. They still qualify however as best runners-up.

    A strong performance from Chelsea Ladies were relentless for 90 minutes.

   A week to forget for London Bees, things don't look settled at the club. All they can do though is regroup as a team, as a club, find a way past this, have a league campaign to focus on.

   Manchester City Women complete the semi-final line up as they top Group Two with a 3-0 win at Durham Women. In the other result in Group Two Everton Ladies beat Sunderland Ladies away 2-0

   In Group Three Notts County Ladies had already qualified, Birmingham City Ladies had a chance of finishing best runner-up but having been a win away from qualifying themselves slip down to 3rd as their oponents Bristol Academy came away from Solihull with a 5-0 victory to claim 2nd spot. Aston Villa Ladies beat Oxford United Women 1-0.

   So the semi-final line up is Notts County Ladies, Manchester City Women, Chelsea Ladies and Arsenal Ladies two exciting ties to look forwards too.

  

  

Match Report - Yeovil Town Ladies v Notts County Ladies Continental Cup Group Three

     I took on my longest journey to see a club play in the FAWSL. A trip to down to the South West to watch WSL 2 side Yeovil Town Ladies take on Notts County Ladies in the Continental Cup.

     This weekend is the final round of group matches, and plenty of teams from all three groups were still in contention to qualify for a semi-final spot, including Yeovil Town Ladies and Notts County Ladies. I explained who was still in the hunt for the semis in my previous blog entry. In Group Three, Notts County Ladies are leading the way in pole position with 10 points from 4 games played undefeated, 3 wins and a draw therefore a victory and their place in the semi-finals was assured.

     Yeovil Town Ladies task was far more complex, with 7 points gathered after 4 games played with 2 wins a draw and defeat, it was still possible mathematically, would need a victory by a huge margin, plus favourable results in Sunday's matches to qualify. Still to be in contention going into the final round of group fixtures was a good achievement in itself.

   4 hours 22 minutes was the estimated journey time to Yeovil Town Ladies home ground at Sherbourne Town FC. I allowed 6 hours to make the trip and needed every single minute delays galore, but will know better next time. The postcode sent me past the ground but if you look out for it on your left as leave the village you'll have no trouble spotting the banner for the club at the entrance.

   A surprisingly large car park Sherbourne Town FC is a nice little ground in a picturesque setting. Good facilities a club house and refreshments. A welcoming and friendly atmosphere, a good set up. I had heard plenty of good things about the club, and like what they do on twitter, and had had this trip planned for some time.

    To the match action then. There had been a down pour prior to my arrival and black clouds threatened more above, but thankfully my brolley wasn't needed (I've tried writing notes in the rain and it isn't fun). The pitch looked to be in good condition.

      Yeovil Town Ladies starting XI - Beth Howard, Helen Bleazard, Rachael Edwards (C), Natalie Haigh, Jade Kirby, Laura Bray, Jade Lorton-Radburn, Paige Stewart, Polly Wardle, Katie Cook, & Stacey Pearson

     Notts County Ladies starting XI - Carly Telford, Amy Turner, Sophie Bradley (C), Rachel Corsie, Danielle Brogan, Sophie Walton, Desiree Scott, Katie Hoyle, Dunia Susi, Caitlin Friend & Jess Clarke.

    It was the home side to kick off the tie, in there kit of white and green striped shirts, white shorts and green socks, against Notts County in their purple and yellow kit.

    Have seen Notts County play a few times this season, they are very fit, with a good work ethic. There play can be direct at times but with an attack full of pace this is the best way to exploit it. Notts County were on the attack from the start, with Caitlin Friend and Dunia Susi to the left and right of Jess Clarke looking to find a way through Yeovil's defence.

    The early exchanges were cagey however, Yeovil were keeping a good shape working well as a team unit to thwart Notts County. The visitors were forced into making an early substitution having to bring off their captain Sophie Bradley as she went down off the ball. Looked to be in some pain and you always worry more when something happens without visible contact. Can only hope it's not too serious and wish her a speedy recovery.

     Here replacement, midfielder Katie Holtham, saw a switch in personnel with new Aussie signing Danielle Brogan moving from left back to centre back, Amy Turner coming across the pitch to left back and Sophie Walton coming out of midfield to take up duties at right back.

      Attacks leading to clear chances were few in the 1st 20 minutes with Carly Telford quick off her line to deny a Yeovil through ball from reaching their stikers and at the other end Beth Howard saving well to deny a Notts County long range effort.

    The visitors found a way through however pressing and probing the ball was won back in midfield, Dunia Susi manages to find a way through the Yeovil defence central to goal has a run into the box and prods it past Beth Howard before she can get down to save. Notts County take the lead 0-1.

    Notts County aren't content with one goal however and are pushing the Yeovil defence back making it very difficult for them to break with any purpose. When they do get a ball forwards the numbers aren't there to trouble the Notts County defence and efforts on goal are limited to long range both going wide of goal.

    Jess Clarke inside the box receives the ball from the right, lays it back to Katie Holtham on the edge of the box, she slices her effort on goal from the edge of the box wide of the mark.

   Yeovil are getting most joy on the left through Laura Bray, she get's the better of her marker and gets space for a shot has a go the effort from inside the box sending the ball over the cross bar.

    Notts County score a 2nd goal but it is ruled out for offside as New Zealander Katie Hoyle plays a good through ball into Jess Clarke she sends the ball past Howard but the flag is up.

    Clarke is looking very dangerous, has a shot near post that Beth Howard keeps out but the ball spins loose across the goal, Katie Hoyle tries to stab it home at close range, but Yeovil have covering defenders on the line to block it spins out to Amy Turner whose effort back in goes high over the bar.

    Helen Bleazard coming inside with the ball plays a good pass through to Bray out wide left, she in turn puts in a good cross, Notts County have tracked back in number however and she can't pick out a team mate.

    Beth Howard produces a fine save to deny Amy Turner from scoring the effort from long range dipping as it comes in. From the corner the ball comes back out to Holtham whose effort is sent wide of the right post.

    Yeovil have  a break, Bray with the ball on the left has a run at goal and has support coming with her in the end doesn't know whether to shoot or cross as she is closed down her attempt is tame in the end comfortable for Telford to take.

                              Half time Yeovil Town Ladies 0-1 Notts County Ladies

    Going into the break with a 1-0 lead Notts County had the goal they needed to ensure qualification for the semi-finals, had created a host of other chances. Yeovil had worked hard to keep the scoreline down at with just one goal in it were still in the tie they would need more going forwards though if they wanted to pull the tie level.

    As it was it was Notts County kicking off the 2nd half that extended their lead. Had started the brighter Clarke had already put in a great cross that Caitlin Friend almost reached with her head in the six yard box. Now Clarke finding herself charging down the left channel bursts into the box shoots, a fierce effort Howard gets her gloves behind it but can only send it into the chest of the onrushing Dunia Susi the ball coming off her and into the net. 0-2 Notts County.

    Notts County are putting Yeovil under pressure pinned back in their half they cannot get a move going. Play is called back for a free kick outside the box after no advantage after Canadian Desiree Scott is fouled. It's Rachel Corsie to take launches it to the far post, Katie Holtham heads back across the goal and there is Jess Clarke to rifle the ball home. 0-3 Notts County.

   Notts County make another sub bringing on a player that has been out of action for far too long Rachel Unitt. This causes another change in the defence with Amy Turner becoming Rachel Corsie's 3rd defensive partner in central defence for the game as Unitt drops into her favoured left back role.

     It doesn't unsettle Notts County a 4th goal soon arrives and another beauty from Jess Clarke as the ball is laid back to her 25 yards out she strikes it sweetly and scores. 0-4 Notts County.

   The visitors are forced into another change as Dunia Susi has to come off, is replaced by Emily Roberts.

   Walton plays the ball inside to Clarke breaking into the box she wins a corner that Roberts takes a dangerous ball Beth Howard comes and does well to punch it away from the rising Rachel Unitt's head inside the box, it comes to Clarke but this time her effort is over.

    Clarke puts the ball onto the top of the Yeovil cross bar as Corsie flicks a ball on from another corner stretching Clarke does well to produce the chance.

   Good link up play between Clarke and Corsie as the defender breaks forwards minutes later, Clarke plays the ball into her path and the Scottish international has a go for goal the ball is deflected for a corner.

     Yeovil make 2 late changes bringing of Laura Bray for Jemma Tewkesbury, and Kirsty Whitton comes on for Paige Stewart.

       Full time and Notts County Ladies win the game 4 nil and with it top Group Three and are the 1st team to qualify for the Continental Cup semi-finals. A confident display were too strong for their opponents today and will fancy their chances of reaching the final itself.

    Yeovil will be disappointed with the result for sure worked hard in defence but pushed too deep couldn't get anything going the other end.

     There was one other Continental Cup match today in Group Two Liverpool Ladies playing host to Doncaster Rovers Belles. Liverpool raced to a 3-0 lead in the 1st half but Doncaster fought back in the 2nd to pull it back to 3-2. It's Liverpool who top the group going into Sunday, Manchester City know now nothing less than a win will do as they visit Durham Women.

    Enjoyed my 1st trip to see Yeovil Town Ladies and have another trip planned soon.