Match Report - Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Lewes Ladies

  Cup football in the FAWPL this Sunday with all the teams across the 6 divisions competing in the Determining Round of this seasons FAWPL League Cup. A trip today down to Cheshunt FC to watch Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Lewes Ladies.

   A Determining Round, as the name suggests the tie is the same as last season when the new look format of the League Cup began, to determine which team will play in which competition with the winners progressing into the League Cup proper and the other going into the pot to contest the FAWPL League Plate.

   Cheshunt FC is Tottenham Hotspur Ladies new home venue this season and is the 1st time I've seen them play at their home ground having seen them on the road previously. Cheshunt FC's Stadium on Theobalds Lane is just off the M25, has recently seen some renovation work to it's entrance, with a good clubhouse and refreshments available, a small seated stand on both sides of the ground with a new fence surrounding the pitch which looked in great condition.

  Lewes Ladies are a side I have been wanting to get round to seeing for some time like Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are now an established side in the FAWPL Southern Division since achieving promotion in 2012, also known as the Rookettes. Are amongst the most proactive on social media. When the draw for the competition was made this was the tie that I wanted to see.

   A pretty gloomy day overhead considering we're still in August, overcast and a cool feel to the air although not cold, threat of rain but I was undercover sitting in the stands as the two sides came out onto the pitch.

    Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI - Toni Anne Wayne, Lucia Leon, Sophie McLean, Alexandra Keown, Jenna Schillaci (C), Shannon Maloney, Avilla Bergin, Wendy Martin, Bianca Baptiste, Riana-Devi Soobadoo & Katie O'Leary.
    subs - Leah Rawle, Rosie Kmita, Amy Cooper & Chloe Morgan.

    Lewes Ladies starting XI - Lauren Dolbear, Claire Capon, Natasha Wells, Katie McIntyre, Rachel Palmer, Kelly Newton (C), Danielle Lane, Sian Cheedy, Paige Walder, Cherrelle Khassal & Sian Heather.
    subs - Lauren Smith, Kate Donnan, Gabby Baldock.

  Tottenham have kick off are wearing white shirts and socks with navy coloured shorts with Lewes lined up opposite in their change strip of orange shirts, black shorts and socks. Tottenham are the most attack minded side I've seen play in women's football and it isn't long before they are looking to get behind the Lewes defence with Bianca Baptiste wide on the ride receiving the ball and looking to cross it into the box, Natasha Wells puts in the tackle to win the ball back for Lewes.

   Baptiste is on the ball shortly after standing over a free kick wide on the right half way inside the Lewes half, plays in a high ball towards the area, Katie O'Leary leaps to attack it for Tottenham, Lauren Dolbear keeping goal for Lewes can see the ball wide and out. Baptiste and O'Leary combine the latter winning a corner from Baptiste's pass. Played in from the right the target, Wendy Martin at the far post stoops to head the ball back in towards goal, Dolbear comes out to make save the ball spills out behind her but the Lewes defence gets to it 1st a rushed clearance comes back to Martin her 2nd attempt at goal is blocked.

   Tottenham continue to press early on another corner is won on the left the target again is Martin gets her head to the ball this time on the edge of the area knocks it down into the ground, her team mate Alexandra Keown up from the back is the player to connect with the ball sends a low shot with plenty of pace through the crowded area, the shot is blocked on line by the Lewes defender covering the post.

    Lewes attacks are few and far between in the opening 10 minutes Tottenham having them pinned back are playing a high line, getting hold of the ball in the middle Paige Walder attempts to play the ball through to Cherrelle Khassal looking to break beyond the Tottenham defence, is stopped as captain Jenna Schillaci makes a vital tackle to deny the chance.

    Lewes are sitting off the Tottenham defence the players at the back allowed to play the ball out looking to release the attackers beyond, Alex Keown in particular with a great long range pass looking to pick out Avilla Bergin as she makes a diagonal run, in the Lewes goal Dolbear is alert to the danger and out quickly to the edge of her area to make the save before Bergin can get anything on the ball.

   Lewes best outlet in attack seems to be Danielle Lane down the left flank prepared to go after the ball and hold it up looks to cut back inside on two occasions gets the cross in towards the area can't pick out an orange shirt. On the opposite side Sian Heather with the powerful run into the corner sends a cross into the box from the right, having made up the ground from midfield to get there Katie McIntyre meets the ball 1st touch strike the shot is blocked by the back tracking Tottenham defence.

Paige Walder looking to bring the ball forwards for Lewes Ladies

Riana-Devi Soobadoo

   GOAL! Half way through the 1st half and Tottenham take the lead. The move starting with the ball at O'Leary's feet on the right inside the Lewes half as she brings it forwards, Bergin is looking to make the run in front of her moving from a central position out to the right corner of the area, O'Leary plays her in Bergin looks to hit the shot is straight against a defender the loose ball comes out to the edge of the box inside the D where it is collected by Riana-Devi Soobadoo she hits her shot across Dolbear in goal and it goes into the back of the net off the far post 1-0.

  Lewes look for an immediate response as they are awarded a free kick 30 yards out as Lane is fouled trying to come back inside from the left, it's McIntyre to hit the strike sends the ball in towards the far post a good effort with players coming in to attack it, Tottenham goalkeeper Toni Anne Wayne does well jumping through the crowd to punch the ball away.

Paige Walder with the equaliser

GOAL! Moments later Wayne is the villain as her error brings about an equalising goal for Lewes as her kick out from the area goes straight into the feet of Lewes striker Paige Walder 25 yards out from goal she fires her shot straight back in low and accurate to find the net and make it 1-1. Half an hour gone.

  Bergin is getting plenty of the ball looking to take on the Lewes defence, looking to cut into the box from the by line can't get the cross away as Sian Cheedy slides in to put the ball out for a corner kick. From the resulting corner a spot of pinball occurs on the edge of the Lewes area as the ball is played out to the players inside the D at least three shots are blocked at close range before the loose ball arrives at the feet of Baptiste 20 yards out has a strike on goal pulls it wide of the target.

   Lane is played in down the left again for Lewes a race to the ball between her and Tottenham's Lucia Leon, into the box Lane does well to keep hold of the ball before rolling it across to her right where Walder is there to hit the shot in towards goal, Wayne is down sharply to make the save knocking the ball away for a corner. Tottenham make a 1st half substitution with Baptiste who looked to have taken a knock a few moment before coming of with Leah Rawle coming on to join the attack. 

  GOAL! Into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half and Tottenham retake the lead. The home side with possession on the left bring it into the Lewes half the cross-field ball is sent forwards with Martin the player bursting up the field central 20 yards out she heads the ball on picking out O'Leary beyond right of goal unmarked six yards out she strokes the ball back across the goal and into the back of the net 2-1.

   GOAL! Into injury time in the 1st half and Tottenham add a 3rd goal with Lewes attacking having players up the pitch Tottenham break, have Martin on the ball charging forwards driving into the area right corner has support hits the low cross along the six yard line the target Rawle in the centre she can't make contact with the ball nevertheless it rolls through to Bergin at the back post she hits the ball sending it high into the back of the net 3-1.

                  Half time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 3-1 Lewes Ladies.

   Two late goals half left Lewes Ladies shell shocked as Tottenham go into the dressing room at half time with a 3-1 lead. Have though had the majority of the attack and created more chances to score, have been allowed to have the ball inside their own half sitting back Lewes haven't had the players in forward positions when they look to break, capitalised on a mistake to get back into the match once, need to score twice in the 2nd half if they want to get back into the tie as they kick off the 2nd period.

    It's Tottenham though that start on the front foot with Soobadoo bringing the ball out wide left playing it into Rawle in front of her taking the ball up the wing she looks to swing a cross in towards the far post with Bergin the player looking to get onto the end of it, leaping Bergin can't quite get there as the ball sails out of play.

   In the middle of the park Shannon Maloney has been performing the sitting role in front of defence for much of the 1st half now she looks to bring the ball forwards, plays the pass out to O'Leary on the right on the run she hits the cross into the box Dolbear leaps up to claim the ball before Rawle can get anywhere near it. O'Leary then drills a shot over the crossbar from distance after Tottenham retain possession around the Lewes box.

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Shannon Maloney on the ball

   Bergin bursts down the right wing getting beyond her full back before playing the cross in towards the near post with Martin looking to get onto the end of it, Cheedy looks to leap for the ball with her as Dolbear closes in on them both as all three come together the ball squirms past them all, comes to Soobadoo in the centre her back to goal takes her a second to turn and get her shot away, in that moment Dolbear has scrambled back up to get across her lie and throw herself into the save to stop the shot from going in, play is stopped as Cheedy has remained down needing treatment, but she is okay to continue. From the corner played in from the left O'Leary gets a glancing header to the ball but can only turn it wide.

  GOAL! Penalty to Tottenham! 20 minutes into the 2nd half O'Leary is brought down on the left corner of the area as she races after the ball, Dolbear has come to try and intercept O'Leary goes over the keepers leg the referee points to the spot. It's Tottenham captain Schillaci to take makes no mistake coolly sending the ball into the right of the net 4-1.

   Tottenham continue to have the attack Lewes are hard pressed to make anything happen in the final 3rd, the home side working hard to win the ball back all over the pitch, Martin takes hold of the ball 20 yards out from the Lewes goal doesn't hesitate to shoot puts the ball straight into Dolbear's gloves. Lewes make their 1st change with Lauren Smith coming on for Lane. 

Lewes Ladies captain Kelly Newton battle's Tottenham's Wendy Martin for the ball

   Tottenham make their 2nd change bringing off Schillaci with Rosie Kmita coming on, the substitute joining the attack with Rawle dropping back into defence. Kmita is immediately into the action as Bergin on the ball coming in from the right plays the pass out on the diagonal looking for Kmita's run in from the left into the area she hits her shot wide put off as Cheedy throws herself into the challenge to stop the ball.

  Lewes make their 2nd change Walder coming off for Gabby Baldock. Tottenham's final change sees Martin replaced by Amy Cooper. A give and go between Kmita and O'Leary brings the home side a corner on the right the ball put into the area goes through the crowd falls to Cooper who smashes the ball high over the bar. 

   GOAL! Tottenham add a 5th goal, Bergin the scorer. It's Maloney who brings the ball out from the back plays the pass long looking for Bergin who steals in on the Lewes defence to take the ball running on towards the edge of the area picks her spot placing the ball to the left of the keeper to score her 2nd goal and Tottenham's 5th of the match 5-1.

With her next touch Avilla Bergin scores Tottenham's 5th goal

  Final change for Lewes with Sian Heather coming off and Kate Donnan coming on. Late on into the match the ball is with Tottenham they continue to press forwards, Maloney having gotten forwards takes on a shot 25 yards out aiming for the top corner Dolbear has it covered no problem for her as the shot goes a foot wide. 

   The final whistle blows and Tottenham run out 5-1 winners to clinch their place in the FAWPL League Cup draw proper with a convincing win over Lewes Ladies today. The draw for both the FAWPL League Cup and the Plate which Lewes Ladies will now contest is scheduled for September 14th.

   My thanks to both Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, June Clarke and Jane Roberts for Lewes Ladies for helping me out with the teams today.

   

   

   

   
    

Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v Durham Women FC

   Midweek trip up the A1 to the Keepmoat Stadium to watch Doncaster Rovers Belles v Durham Women FC in Group Two of this seasons Continental Cup. 

   Doncaster Rovers Belles had a keen interest on last nights results in the Continental Tyres Cup, particularly the match being played in the Select Stadium in Widnes with Group Two rivals Liverpool Ladies and Sunderland AFC Ladies going head to head a favourable result putting them right back in contention to fight for a place in the quarter finals of the competition. Liverpool Ladies won the match 2-0 to move to the top of the group and secure their place in the quarter finals.

   That result means that Sunderland AFC Ladies stay 3rd in the group with 6 points after 4 matches played. Doncaster Rovers Belles lay a place back in 4th with just 3 points from their opening 3 group matches have 2 games left starting with tonight's game against Durham Women FC, win that and they go level on points with Sunderland AFC Ladies and then the 2 sides meet in their final group match at the Hetton Centre. 

   Durham Women FC in contrast travel to the Keepmoat Stadium having lost their 1st 3 matches in the group have no points have been drawn in a tough group know they face another tough challenge against Doncaster Rovers Belles tonight. Below is the table showing how things stand going into tonight's game.

Group Two
Pos	Team	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Liverpool Ladies	4	3	0	0	8	0	8	12
2	Manchester City Women	3	3	0	0	11	1	10	9
3	AFC Sunderland Ladies	4	2	0	2	8	8	0	6
4	Doncaster Rovers Belles	3	1	0	2	3	8	-5	3
5	Everton Ladies	3	0	0	3	4	10	-6	0
6	Durham Women FC	3	0	0	3	1	8	-7	0

    Few dark clouds around on the way up to the Keepmoat Stadium by the time I arrived though the skies were clearing still a warm evening as the teams warmed up on a lush looking pitch.

   Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Nicola Hobbs, Lyndsey Cunningham, Lauren Cresswell, Leandra Little (C), Rhiannon Roberts, Kasia Lipka, Jade Lorton-Radburn, Emily Simpkins, Nicole Dale, Emily Roberts & Courtney Sweetman-Kirk.
   subs - Sue Smith, Sophie Barker, Beth England, Ashleigh Mills, Hope Knight, Emily Batty & Jodie Langstaff.

   Durham Women FC starting XI - Anna Moorhouse, Lauren Jordinson, Gabrielle Banks, Julie Nelson Sarah Wilson (C), Chloe Macek, Beth Hepple, Natalie Gutteridge, Jordan Atkinson, Amelia Pereira & Nicki Gears.
   subs - Jess White, Meg Lawson & Erin Kelley.

  Doncaster kick off the tie wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts against Durham lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and white socks. On the right of attack Doncaster have Nicole Dale making her 1st start for the club whilst manager Glen Harris names 1st team regulars Sue Smith, Sophie Barker & Beth England amongst the subs with recent signings Jade Lorton-Radburn and Emily Simpkins teaming up in midfield in a 4-3-3.

   Durham in contrast looked to have lined up with five across the back when they lose the ball with Nicki Gears (left) and Jordan Atkinson (right) looking to join Amelia Pereira playing through the centre in attack when they win back possession. Doncaster look to get the ball up the pitch quickly play out on the right the through ball is sent forwards looking for Courtney Sweetman-Kirk to make the run, arrives at Durham goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse who clears before Sweetman-Kirk can pounce.

   A fairly even opening both sides playing the ball long Doncaster looking for their wide players Dale (right) and Emily Roberts out on the left, Durham looking to get it into the feet of Pereira. Dale wins the 1st corner of the match, from the right the ball is sent in towards the near post Atkinson heads it behind for a 2nd corner this one comes in high is dropped by Moorhouse, thankfully for the keeper it is one of her defenders who gets to the ball 1st to launch it out of the box.

  Jade Lorton-Radburn is alert in the middle latches onto a loose pass and looks to set Sweetman-Kirk in behind the Durham defence, Moorhouse is alert to the threat and races out to intercept the ball. Winning the ball back Doncaster feed it out to Sweetman-Kirk moving into space on the right her cross into the area is cut out before Doncaster get a 2nd chance to fire it in with Emily Roberts coming in from the left having her 1st time shot blocked at close range from 10 yards out. 

   Sloppy at the back from Doncaster sees Pereira pounce stealing the ball to take it beyond, giving chase to it, Nicola Hobbs in the Doncaster goal is out gets onto the ball 1st clearing sets up a counter attack that ends with Doncaster winning another corner. Put into the centre of the area from the right both Emily Roberts and Sweetman-Kirk jump for the ball, just over both is put behind for a corner on the left, played out to the edge of the area Rhiannon Roberts is making the run to get onto the end of it powers her header wide of goal.

    Durham captain Sarah Wilson plays a great ball out of defence picking out Jordan Atkinson making the run into space on the right takes on left back Lauren Cresswell to get into a crossing position, sends in a low ball Hobbs is down to wrap her gloves around the ball at her near post with Nicki Gears closing her down 15 minutes gone.

   A free kick is awarded to Doncaster on the right 20 yards out on the corner of the area Cresswell is the player to swing the ball into the area, is looking for Leandra Little making the run, Moorhouse keeps her eye on the ball composed takes it with the Doncaster captain bearing down on her. Simpkins on the ball in the centre looks to release Emily Roberts on the left, a good tackle from Durham's Lauren Jordinson denies her a run at goal.

  Durham are backing off giving Doncaster time and space on the ball in their own half. Give Sweetman-Kirk too much time as the striker looks to line up a shot from 35 yards out, Moorhouse has time to get across cover the top corner of her goal, the ball swerves away and narrowly wide. Dale is doing well on the right looking to take players on drive forwards and cross puts the ball behind from a tight angle. Sweetman-Kirk does the same after a good passage of play in the middle by Doncaster, with the ball going from left to right before she is set up making a run into the right channel a tight angle inside the box to shoot from the attempt goes behind.

   Cresswell travels over the halfway line with the ball, head down she takes on the player in front of her shifts the ball between her feet and 40 yards out lines up the strike getting plenty behind the ball, Moorhouse has time to get a across might have been sneaking wide of the top corner, the keeper takes no chance knocks it down and gathers.

   Wilson puts in a vital tackle inside the area to deny Sweetman-Kirk a shooting opportunity as she tries to turn with the ball after a great pass into her from Lorton-Radburn. Played in high again from the right Moorhouse claims well despite the attentions of Rhiannon Roberts.

Emily Roberts

  GOAL! 32 minutes on the clock Doncaster open the scoring the ball is quickly won back from the previous corner as players are looking to get out back into position Sweetman-Kirk has the ball out on the right 20 yards from goal looks to shoot put the ball across the goal, Moorhouse is drawn to it has Emily Roberts racing in at the far post she slides in to turn the ball into the back of the net 1-0.

   Durham look for an immediate response winning a free kick in a central position 35 yards out have Beth Hepple over the ball she goes for goal is a good strike which dips late on, is straight at Hobbs who keeps her eye on the ball see's it into her gloves on the line. Doncaster scoring seems to have spurred Durham into action as they attack again good work on the ball from Pereira she plays it out to Chloe Macek making the run on the right gets the ball into the area, Hepple is tearing forwards to get into the box gets hold of the ball shoots, fires her effort over the bar.

  
 GOAL! It's a penalty to Doncaster! Finding herself out on the left as Doncaster break Dale slides the ball forwards for Sweetman-Kirk to chase, Moorhouse comes racing out slides in to make the challenge attempt to cut out the ball, Sweetman-Kirk just manages to toe it wide of her away from goal but her intention is to go after the ball goes down over Moorhouse's outstretched leg. Right on the corner of the area not sure if it's inside or out, free kick or penalty? The referee is certain points to the spot as the Durham players converge to argue the decision. It's Sweetman-Kirk to take opts for power Moorhouse is sent the wrong way the ball is buried into the back of the net 2-0 with 42 minutes on the clock.

                    Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 2-0 Durham Women FC

   Doncaster and patient seem to be a common theme in any report I write covering one of their games tonight no exception have come up against a stubborn Durham side who got ten players behind the ball looked to be hard to break down were doing well Doncaster kept coming and eventually the goal was scored the penalty making it a more secure score-line going into the break. 

    Doncaster make a substitution at half time with Ashleigh Mills returning to action after a long injury lay off, Lyndsey Cunningham the player giving way as Durham get the 2nd 45 under-way. Pereira and Gears link up in attack win an early corner on the right, the ball is played in Julie Nelson up from the back flicks the header on before Doncaster clear the threat.

   Doncaster push Durham hard for the ball at the start of the 2nd half have them pinned in their own half. Mills bursts forwards from the right back position lays the pass out for Sweetman-Kirk the right she looks to get the ball into the box has Emily Simpkins making up the ground to support latches onto the ball right of goal a couple of yards inside the box Durham block and clear.

  Doncaster win it back Emily Roberts on the left with the run has the ball at her feet looking to go inside pulls the trigger from 20 yards out hits it against the defender in front of her the loose ball runs back to her feet looks to loft her 2nd attempt in towards goal can only pick out Moorhouse between the sticks. Simpkins is looking to make more runs from the midfield in the 2nd half forces Durham into conceding a corner as the receives the ball from Dale on the right. It's Simpkins who gets on the end of the corner attempts the flick between her legs inside the six yard box Durham cut it out on the line.

   Durham's Gabrielle Banks does well as Simpkins and Emily Roberts link up in front of the Durham area with the former putting Sweetman-Kirk away to the right, Banks gives chase manages to win a goal kick as she plays the ball off Sweetman-Kirk. Cresswell surges forwards from the back her determination sees her claim the ball lays it back to Simpkins who rolls it back to Kasia Lipka the holding midfielder not afraid to shoot hits her effort from 30 yards out but is over the crossbar.

Doncaster's Emily Simpkins with Durham's Amelia Pereira

   2nd change on 61 minutes is by Doncaster as they bring on Sue Smith for Dale. Smith is soon in the thick of the action, playing the ball in to Sweetman-Kirk on the left the attacker drives into the area takes on the shot with Moorhouse coming to close her down gets the ball past her beyond Nelson can see the ball roll wide of goal. Doncaster corner won on the right the ball is flicked on comes to Smith unmarked in the centre has the header directs it wide of goal. 3rd change for Doncaster on 69 minutes with Beth England entering the action for Lipka. 

    Driving forwards on the left with the ball Emily Roberts sets up a chance for Lorton-Radburn as she receives Roberts pass 20 yards out goes for the shot is narrowly over the crossbar. Lorton-Radburn then looks to put the ball over the top for Sweetman-Kirk to attack, however Durham's Nelson reads the pass and gets to the ball 1st.

    Chances have been rare for Durham 2nd half on 75 minutes Nelson plays the ball forwards it is flicked on falls to Atkinson 12 yards out hits the volley the ball is straight at Hobbs who makes the save. Have done well to keep Doncaster out for so long in the 2nd half, in the middle Natalie Gutteridge enjoys a spell of possession keeping the ball at her feet before releasing Atkinson on the right her cross is put in too close to Hobbs who makes the claim.

   GOAL! 78 minutes on the clock and Doncaster's possession finally brings a 3rd goal. England closes down Nelson as she lingers on the ball at the back getting hold of it she takes it into the area right of goal, needs support has it as Smith racing up to the edge of the area rolls the ball back to her who opens up her body to send the ball across Moorhouse and into the net to make it 3-0.

   10 minutes to go Simpkins fancies a shot from 40 yards out, Moorhouse is behind it makes the save. Chance for England as the ball comes to her left side of the goal outside the area hits the shot with the outside of her boot, the ball wide as it strikes the outside of the post. Durham make a triple change with Pereira, Atkinson and Gutteridge coming off, Jess White, Meg Lawson and Erin Kelley on.

   GOAL! It's 4-0 to Doncaster as Simpkins scores her 1st goal for her new club. Smith and England combine as Smith crosses the ball in from the right, comes to England who flicks the ball on Simpkins is there to get onto the end of it 3 yards out to turn it home to give Doncaster a 4-0 lead with 3 minutes left of normal time.

   GOAL! 4 minutes later and Simpkins has a brace scoring her 2nd goal following great work from Sweetman-kirk down the left taking the ball to the byline looking to get the shot away, Moorhouse coming out to close her down dives to make a great save unfortunately as the ball pops free behind her in the centre of the box, Simpkins is racing forwards as she has done all 2nd half and it there to put the ball away and make it 5-0.

 Full time and Doncaster run out 5-0 winners a result that sees them go level on 6 points with Sunderland in the Group Two table wipe out their -5 goal difference in the process and both are level on goals scored and difference going into the match at the Hetton Centre still need other results to go their way as teams in the other 2 groups are in a better position going into the final round of group matches, all both sides can do is try an win the game.

    Created plenty of chances scored 5 times a good performance on the night from Doncaster giving them the chance of progression from the group into the quarter finals. Durham will feel hard done by conceding 5 goals held out for 32 minutes in the 1st half even longer in the 2nd but ultimately the pressure Doncaster put on them brought the goals.

   Final round of group matches in this years Continental Tyres Cup takes place at the weekend when we will find out who the 8 sides are who have reached the quarter finals.

   

   

   

    

Match Report - Arsenal Ladies v Chelsea Ladies

  Onto my 2nd match this Sunday and an evening kick off at the Meadow Park Stadium with Arsenal Ladies playing Chelsea Ladies in FAWSL 1 a match which was also being televised live by BT Sport as the top tier of women's football heads for yet another dramatic finish.

  Two sides very much in contention for the title with Chelsea Ladies narrowly leading the way at the top of the table going into the day on 20 points with just 4 games left to play. Arsenal Ladies 2 points back on 18 also have 4 games left to play. Sunderland in between them on 19 points faced relegation threatened Birmingham City Ladies earlier this afternoon drew 1-1 to move level on points with Chelsea Ladies at the top.

   Manchester City Women in 4th place in the table were a point behind Arsenal Ladies on 17 with a game in hand travelled to Notts County Ladies earlier today were held to a 2-2 draw a result that meant they pushed Arsenal Ladies down a place, however a victory this evening would see Arsenal Ladies climb to the top of the table.

  A Chelsea Ladies win would see the leaders extend the gap at the top and open up a 5 point gap between themselves and their London rivals with 3 matches left to play.

   I wasn't the only one to who travelled from Enfield to watch the match as the Enfield Town girls are today's flag-bearers and ball girls. The weather was still dry after the early afternoon downpour and getting a lot cooler as the 2 sides walked out onto the Meadow Park pitch. 

   Arsenal Ladies starting XI - Sari Van Veenendaal, Emma Mitchell, Casey Stoney (C), Jemma Rose, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Vicky Losada, Marta Corredera, Dominique Janssen, Jade Bailey, Danielle Carter & Natalia Pablos Sanchon
   subs - Emma Byrne, Vyan Sampson, Jordan Nobbs, Rachel Yankey, Chioma Ubogagu, Carla Humphrey & Chloe Kelly.

   Chelsea Ladies starting XI - Hedvig Lindahl, Hannah Blundell, Gilly Flaherty, Niamh Fahey, Claire Rafferty, Gemma Davison, Katie Chapman (C), Drew Spence, Ji So-Yun, Fran Kirby & Eniola Aluko.
   subs - Millie Bright, Marie Hourihan, Ana Marques Borges, Jenna Legg, Laura Coombs, Jodie Brett & Atlanta Primus.

    It's Arsenal Ladies to get the match under-way wearing red shirts with white sleeves, white shorts and socks with Chelsea Ladies lined up opposite wearing blue shirts and shorts with white socks. Looks an attack minded line up from the visitors with Arsenal Ladies lining up with what looks like three at the back.

  Early on the play is congested in the middle of the park with neither side finding a final ball, Arsenal look to play the ball on the diagonal out into the right channel for Danielle Carter to gather and take it forwards, facing her is Claire Rafferty, the England defender wins the ball. Is shaping up to be a good contest between the two in the early stages of the match as moments later Carter again on the right as her shot on goal blocked by Rafferty.

   Chelsea break get the ball up the pitch into Fran Kirby on the drive through the middle passes the ball out to Gemma Davison on her right as she looks to run beyond into the box, play is brought back as Davison is obstructed. The free kick 20 yards out to the right of the D is taken by Korean international Ji So-Yun she goes for goal, Sari Van Veenendaal in the Arsenal goal today can see the low effort wide of her post.

  Davison on the attack down the right wing fires the cross in to the box is met by Arsenal captain Casey Stoney getting her head to the ball sends it up high into the air then gets clattered by Van Veenendaal as she comes over her to punch the ball away isn't clear of danger the ball put back in is cleared by Jemma Rose for a corner to Chelsea.

  GOAL! An early goal for Chelsea who score, the ball is played in with good pace and an inviting height to the far post area where Chelsea's Gilly Flaherty is there unmarked free to head the ball back in towards goal her effort isn't on target but is turned into the back of the net as Arsenal's Vicky Losada can't get out of the way, the Spanish international unlucky to score an own goal 0-1

  Up front for Arsenal, Natalia Pablos Sanchon looks for an immediate response as she receives the ball out on the left looks to take on the shot from the angle aiming for the near post Chelsea goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl isn't troubled as she comes to claim the ball. Is a fast paced match Chelsea soon have the ball up the other end their attackers looking to take on the Arsenal defence which is holding a high line whilst dropping back rapidly to close the ground whenever they lose the ball.

   The ball is slotted through the middle for Kirby to run after is through clearing the Arsenal defenders Van Veenendaal is sharply off her line to come and make the save smothering the ball at Kirby's feet. Not so fluid for Arsenal in the final 3rd they win a corner as Carter's cross is headed behind. The ball in from the left picks out Rose in the centre of the area the defender can't control her header, Arsenal retain possession out on left as Chelsea clear the area the ball is fired back in Carter attempts the back flick looking for Marta Corredera up with her, can't pick her out.

Jemma Rose of Arsenal Ladies looking to get to the ball before Eniola Aluko

  The ball is headed on from midfield for Chelsea's Eniola Aluko to attack inside the box Rose with a good challenge concedes the corner So-Yun puts it in from the left Corredera heads it away the ball coming back to So-Yun she takes on the player in front of her bursting into the area, the angle is very tight goes for the shot blasts the ball into the side netting.

Chelsea Ladies, Ji So-Yun

   A neat triangle between Kirby, So-Yun and Drew Spence 30 yards from the Arsenal goal finds the midfielder forwards and in space, allowed to shoot drills the ball wide of goal as Van Veenendaal dives to her right.

   Natalia is in on goal as Carter makes a good run with the ball beating Chelsea captain Katie Chapman slides the pass through to Natalia is pushed wide of the goal but still manages to get a shot away firing her effort wide. No let up in play with Davison powering forwards on the ball for Chelsea, drives into the box, shoots the ball is blocked by Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy. 

   10 minutes left in the 1st half Arsenal have a free kick on the half way line Rose plays it to Jade Bailey to her right the young midfielder plays the ball long into the area is headed down by Corredera, is a scramble for the ball as Lindahl tries to get hold of it, is Losada attempting to get a touch on the ball to turn it over the line, Chelsea manage to get it away.

   Kirby loves nothing more than having the ball at her feet and driving at players gets plenty of momentum pushes towards the Arsenal area just outside the box takes on the shot powers the attempt wide across the goal.

Chelsea Ladies, Fran Kirby on the attack

   Last attack of the 1st half is Chelsea's Davison on the right again fires the low cross into So-Yun at the near post on the six yard line can't dig it out of her feet for the shot, instead plays it beyond her into Aluko, looks to stab the ball towards goal, sends it over the bar.

                          Half time Arsenal Ladies 0-1 Chelsea Ladies

   A high energy display from both sides it's Chelsea who have the advantage going into the break. Their attacking quartet of Davison (right), Aluko (left) and Kirby and So-Yun interchanging roles in the centre have caused a few problems for the Arsenal back line, forcing them to drop back at times which has made it harder to get the ball into their own attackers.

   Chelsea to kick off the 2nd half as Arsenal make a half time change bringing on attacker Chioma Ubogagu for defender Wubben-Moy. The home side win an early corner which is played deep into Natalia outside the area she looks to drill the ball in towards goal flicks up off a boot, the deflection though doesn't trouble Lindahl in goal who comfortably sees it into her gloves.

   Davison finding herself out on the left as Chelsea work the ball up the pitch looks to shoot on the angle, sends her attempt over the crossbar. Is end to end as Arsenal get the ball up into Natalia central is a race to the ball with her and Niamh Fahey the Chelsea defender lunging to get a toe to the ball to propel it back to her keeper to kick clear.

   Winning the ball off Corredera on the left Rafferty races forwards before fizzing a pass into the feet of So-Yun who controls the ball well her back to goal lays it off to her right for the on rushing Kirby who strikes it from outside the box, is narrowly over the bar.

  The Carter/Rafferty battle is still in full swing when Carter does manage to find a way past more often than not either So-Yun or Aluko has come back to help defend. It's Carter who is the 2nd Arsenal player to be substituted as the crowd give a hearty cheer as Jordan Nobbs comes on into the midfield. 

  A good give and go between Aluko and Hannah Blundell as the right back bombs forwards plays the ball into the centre, Van Veenendaal saves smartly with Kirby racing in trying to get on the end of it, the ball is loose in the box Aluko is to it 1st smashes it over the crossbar.  

  GOAL! 20 minute left to play and Chelsea win themselves a penalty kick. The ball is played long from the back up to Kirby her back to goal in front of the D, knocking it down to the right is after the ball looking to get onto it and fire a shot away, as she enters the area it's Emma Mitchell with the lunge as she attempts to stop the chance sends Kirby tumbling the referee points to the spot. Davison is the penalty taker, the ex-Arsenal player making no mistake as she rifles the ball into the back of the net to double the lead 0-2.

Gemma Davison makes no mistake from the penalty spot

Chelsea win a corner to be put in from the right is fired into Chapman who has come to receive the ball right of the area hits a low effort in towards the far post is cleared off the line by Corredera before coming back to Kirby who fires her shot over the bar. Chelsea make a change bringing on Ana Borges for Aluko. Spence's turn to fire a shot over the bar from distance.

  Final change for Arsenal as Losada comes off in place of Carla Humphrey. Is getting a bit tense out there the Arsenal crowd giving their ex players in the Chelsea colours a bit of grief. Rafferty is booked for time wasting whilst taking a throw. Chelsea make a 2nd change bringing on Millie Bright for So-Yun, not long after make their final change this one sees Laura Coombs on for Davison as the visitors look to hold up the ball in the closing minutes.


   Natalia is almost played through beyond the Chelsea defence inside the box stabs the ball past Lindahl but wide of goal, a corner is given looks like the keeper managed to get something on the ball. Is played deep Chelsea get it away. Arsenal press late on the ball is played in from the right looking for both Natalia and Ubogagu behind her to attack, an assured header from Fahey sees the ball safe in Lindahl's gloves. 

  Into injury time Nobbs in the middle plays the ball out to Corredera on the right, wastes no time is on the gallop looking to get into the box as Corredera holds it up deep in the right before playing it back to Humphrey the ball played into the box finds Nobbs making it to the near post volleys the ball from a tight angle, hits the outside of the post.

   The final whistle blows and Chelsea Ladies celebrate the win beating Arsenal 2-0 to move clear at the top of the table on 23 points 3 clear of Sunderland Ladies with 3 games left to play the gap back to Manchester City Women and Arsenal Ladies in 4th now 5 points although Manchester City Women have one game in hand. 

   A good display from Chelsea today looking to attack with the ball and work hard to win it back the movement between their attackers exciting to watch, unless you're an Arsenal fan. 2 home defeats in a row in the league for Arsenal against teams competing for the title a 5 point gap with 3 games left is huge.

   In the race for the FAWSL title it's definitely advantage Chelsea Ladies with 3 games left to play, but if past seasons are anything to go by it's not over yet. 

   

Match Report - Enfield Town Ladies v Crystal Palace Ladies

   Trip down the A10 today to watch my 2nd match of the new season in the FAWPL South East Division One, the venue the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium on Donkey Lane to watch Enfield Town Ladies play Crystal Palace Ladies.

   Is a unique venue with it's distinctive glass house cafe mounted atop the clubhouse and stand overlooking the athletics track surrounding the pitch beyond. Is only my 2nd trip to the stadium and the 1st time I've seen it in daylight having covered a midweek night match last season.

    Wasn't the greatest weather to either to take a look around the stadium as dark clouds rolled in and by the time I arrived at the ground an hour before kick off it started to rain steadily. Nevertheless with my umbrella up I had a leisurely stroll around the running track whilst the 2 sides warmed up.
   
   Enfield Town Ladies are an established side within the FAWPL South East Division One which was until last season known as the South East Combination League. Recovered from a poor start to their league campaign last season picking up points in the latter half of the season to eventually record a 5th place finish in the table. Lost on the opening day of the this season last Sunday a 3-0 defeat away to Luton Town Ladies. 

   Crystal Palace Ladies were newly promoted to the FAWPL South East Division One last season and wasted no time with consolidating their place in the league were in the top three places in the league for most of the season in contention for the title itself going into the closing games involved in a 3 way battle with C&K Basildon Ladies and Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. It wasn't to be however as they eventually finished 3rd in the table. Are amongst the favourites for the league title this season and got off to a winning start last weekend with an away fixture beating Denham United Ladies 3-0. Visiting the Queen Elizabeth Stadium last season Crystal Palace Ladies drew 2-2 with Enfield Town Ladies. 

   Enfield Town Ladies starting XI - Chloe Crook, Beth Demery (C), Claire Gooch, Emma Kayser, Nuala McKevitt, Sheryce Slater, Ayse Mustafa, Kate Wilding, Cara Newton, Cally Browne & Ester Yong.
   subs - Jordan Ferdinand, Hayley Wood-Thompson & Robyn Brown

   Crystal Palace Ladies starting XI - Samantha Saint, Pamela McRoberts, Alexandra Elson, Sarah Jones, Freya Holdaway, Katy Morris, Abigail Igbavboa, Leanne Bell, Nicha Dyett, Mary Robinson & Alma Donohoe.
   subs - Stephanie Mann, Georgie O'Halloran & Leesa Haydock.

   There was no let up in the wet weather as the 2 sides walked out on to the pitch, Enfield wearing white shirts with blue strip across the shoulder, blue shorts with blue and white hooped socks. Crystal Palace wearing yellow shirts, light blue shorts and socks. I retreated to the small covered stand on the far side of the ground as the 2 captains met in the middle to toss the coin. Crystal Palace kick off the match.

   The visitors are on the attack early on pushing bodies into the Enfield half with Pamela McRoberts showing good pace out wide on the right, her attempted cross is cut out before it can find anyone inside the box. Crystal Palace retain the ball inside their opponents half receiving the ball 25 yards out from goal striker Nicha Dyett looks to push on into the area, Enfield centre back Claire Gooch comes across to slide in with the tackle inside the area to win the ball.

   For all their early possession Crystal Palace have yet to test Enfield goalkeeper Chloe Crook, she is well placed to claim the ball when the shot eventually comes in from the left side of the pitch outside the area as Abigail Igbavboa sends a diagonal ball looping in towards goal. The visitors win their 1st corner on the right with McRoberts on the ball looking to get beyond the Enfield defence and send the cross in, Gooch comes across to make the tackle concede the corner the ball sent with pace into the area Crook calls for it and punches it clear.

   Crystal Palace break from their own area as the ball is cleared following an Enfield attack, Mary Robinson doing well to chase the ball down and keep it in on the right touchline travels down the flank before sending in a low cross that is met by er strike partner Dyett who has covered the length of the pitch to get onto the end of the cross, sent in low she throws herself forwards meeting it with a diving header, drills the ball wide of goal.

   20 minutes into the game and the rain starts to ease the dark clouds being blown away by the wind the sun making an appearance. Crystal Palace continue to have the lions share of the attack with Enfield struggling to hold the ball up in the final 3rd. Gooch heads another corner kick clear from the right, then midfielder Nuala McKevitt back to defend a free kick heads the ball away as Crystal Palace launch it into the area from 35 yards out. 

   Getting some meaningful possession on the left Cally Browne wins her side their 1st corner the ball is sent into the box comes back to McKevitt on the edge of the area gets a strong header on the ball to turn it goal wards puts it straight at Crystal Palace goalkeeper Samantha Saint.

Crystal Palace's Alma Donohoe on the ball

   Alma Donohoe for Crystal Palace is gifted a chance to have a strike on goal as a miscued clearance comes to her feet 25 yards out, looks to take on the shot sends her attempt over the bar. Donohoe has another attempt blocked left of the goal by Enfield captain Beth Demery the ball is set looping up high into the air, Crook makes the composed claim despite Dyett coming in looking to attack the ball.



  Strong running from Crystal Palace's Robinson on the right corner of the area looks to turn burst forwards before sending the cross in along the six yard line comes all the way through to Donohoe over on the left her shot is blocked by Enfield's Cara Newton. Enfield concede a free kick 25 yards out in a dangerous position, is Freya Holdaway over the ball for the visitors goes for goal Crook makes the save diving to her right to get hold of the ball.

   Crystal Palace have a penalty! Following a good attacking move as Dyett has the ball at her feet wide to the left of the Enfield box puts the pass into Robinson central who holds it up well before laying it off to Igbavboa she spots the run Dyettt has made to get in behind the Enfield defence slides the ball through to her, she is brought down by Newton, the referee points to the spot, as Enfield are reduced to 10, Newton sent up the tunnel for an early shower. Sarah Jones to take the penalty hits the shot hard, Crook diving makes the save to stop the ball and is quickly up to get hold of the loose ball keep the score at 0-0.

Chloe Crook saving the Crystal Palace penalty

   Another great save by Crook as the 1st half draws to a close from a Crystal Palace corner played in from the right, Jones in the centre of the area can't get the touch to turn the ball home, flies past her low into Alexandra Elson beyond she goes for goal a fierce strike that Crook gets enough on to deflect it up off her body and over the bar, the resulting corner is well defended.   

                         Half time Enfield Town Ladies 0-0 Crystal Palace Ladies

  Has been a 1st half dominated by Crystal Palace have had plenty of time on the ball with Enfield pushed back defending for large spells have found it difficult to get in behind the home sides defence and when called upon Crook has made the saves, the vital one being the penalty, down to 10 players though would they be able to maintain the hard work they had put into the 2nd half as returning to the pitch Enfield got the 2nd half under way.

  Crystal Palace have possession again at the start of the 2nd 45, keeping it in and around the Enfield area can find no way through the cross eventually lofted in from the right claimed by keeper, Crook. A rare chance for Enfield to play the ball into the Crystal Palace area as they win a free kick 35 yards out, Demery over the ball lifts it into the area, the visitors head it clear set up a break.

   Attacking up the Enfield left the cross is fired in towards the near post looking for Dyett, she can't get hold of the shot the ball instead comes through to Leanne Bell inside the area she lays it back to Igbavboa on the edge of the area she opens up her body to take the shot Crook is beaten the ball past her smashes against the bottom of the right post and spins across the goal face, retrieved by Crystal Palace the ball is fired back in from the left McRoberts gets her head to it sends her effort wide across the goal.

Abigail Igbavboa with the strike that hit the post for Crystal Palace

   Gooch is reading the Crystal Palace attackers well putting in well timed challenges to deny them a shot on goal having to concede corners. One played in from the right finds Igbavboa unmarked inside the area, sends her attempt over the crossbar. Browne now playing at left back since the 1st half sending off is trying her best to get forwards offer some support to the attack wins a throw, taking it herself gets good distance on it as she picks out McKevitt who headers it down back to Browne to hit the cross into the area looking for the far post it's a Crystal Palace head that gets there 1st.

   GOAL! Crystal Palace finally find a way to breach the Enfield defence, unfortunate to come from an error from the home side as the ball is played up the pitch given cheaply to Dyet 25 yards out turns and hits the low shot with plenty of power to send it across Crook and into the back of the net 0-1.

   Going a goal down after so much hard work Enfield look to try and get forwards get themselves back on level terms playing up top on her own Kate Wilding has seen little of the ball, holds it up inside the D, has support from Sheryce Slater looks to play her in on her right, the Crystal Palace defence converge and crowd her off the ball. Crystal Palace with the 1st change of the match with Stephanie Mann coming on. Enfield make their 1st substitution too bringing on Robyn Brown for Emma Kayser.

Kate Wilding on the ball for Enfield Town Ladies

   Crystal Palace bundle the ball over the line at the far post from a corner on the right the referee has spotted a foul on Gooch as she attempts to jump for the ball and blows up before the ball is over the line. Robinson is the next player substituted for Crystal Palace with Georgie O'Halloran coming on in attack. 

   Demery is over another Enfield free kick on half way, Browne calls for it as she has space to run into on the right receiving the ball takes it down the right, swings her cross in too close to Saint goal, covering her near post claims the ball, sets up a counter attack the ball out to Pyelt wide on the right she wins a corner, the ball played out to the edge of the area central Donohoe latches onto it 25 yards out hits the shot is deflected wide for another corner on the left.

   The corner is fired in low across the six yard box goes through a crowd before arriving at Pyelt who is caught by surprise gets hold of the ball can't wrap her foot over the ball as she sends her effort over the bar. Donohoe comes off for Crystal Palace with  Leesa Haydock coming on. Enfield switch to 3 at the back allowing Browne to push on join the attack.

   GOAL! It is Crystal Palace who capitalise as Dyett gets onto the ball travelling into space on the right wing getting beyond the Enfield defence, takes on the shot from the angle hitting it low and hard, Crook has come across the cover the shot drops to make the save, stops the ball but it squeezes past her and is presented to O'Halloran behind for the simplest of tap ins to double the lead 0-2.

   Igbavboa gets hold of the ball late on for Crystal Palace breaks free of the Enfield defence, Gooch though recovers quickly, Igbavboa manages to evade her challenge Gooch though has good back up from Demery the Enfield captain puts in the block on the edge of the area to send the ball deflected up over her crossbar.

   Closing action of the match Crystal Palace have their 2nd win of the season to put them on 6 points in amongst the early leaders at the top of the table winning 0-2. A comfortable win creating plenty of chances if not converting them, having to put in the effort to break down a stubborn Enfield defence.

   Opposite for Enfield nothing to show for their efforts as they start their season with 2 defeats. Worked very hard in defence today did well for large periods of the match offering very little space for Crystal Palace to exploit beyond them that though left them with very little of the attack.

   Good to see both sides early in the season thanks to both for helping me out today.