After yesterday's FAWSL 1 matches Arsenal Ladies slip to 5th in the table, having suffered 2 defeats in the league so far against leaders Manchester City Women & defending Champions Chelsea Ladies they can ill afford to drop more points if they wish to remain in contention for the title themselves. A win today would see they climb back to 3rd in the table.
Manager Pedro Martinez Losa did most of his transfer business during the close season, bringing in several new faces, a strong squad with a good blend of International experience, home grown and overseas as well as youth coming through. The hugely experienced Fara Williams joining the side has added strength to the midfield. Quiet during the summer transfer window with Rachel Yankey returning to the club after being on loan to Notts County Ladies for the 1st part of the season.
A place below Arsenal Ladies in 6th with a game in hand on their opponents Notts County Ladies travel down to Boreham Wood FC today looking to win and close the gap to just a point as they attempt to achieve a top half finish in the FAWSL 1 table for the 1st time since they re-branded in 2014. Have been dealt a blow losing goalkeeper Carly Telford to injury that will see her sidelined for 2-3 months after an operation. Happening during the summer transfer window however the club was quick to bring in cover and a good piece of business too signing Lizzie Durrack, a promising young goalkeeper who has featured regularly for England at youth level will provide good competition for Megan Walsh who also arrived from Everton Ladies at the start of the season.
Two more players to join Notts County Ladies during the summer transfer window were a major coup for the club, although rumours about them coming in all season have been around having been training with the club. Jo Potter and Jade Moore join having brought out the remainder of their contracts at Birmingham City Ladies, signing deals till the end of the season both are regular picks for the senior England squad in recent times, both winning a Bronze medal with the Lionesses in Canada at last summers World Cup.
Boreham Wood FC's Meadow Park ground the venue for today's game, a good sized ground for an FAWSL game not so large as the fans get swallowed up in one stand. Covered stands on both sides plenty of seating and standing areas, refreshments available. The pitch looked in top class condition, cloudy and overcast with a few drops of rain around these were to clear away and the sun make an appearance for the game itself.
Arsenal Ladies starting XI - Sari Van Veenendaal, Alex Scott (C), Casey Stoney, Jemma Rose, Josephine Henning, Fara Williams, Vicky Losada, Dominique Janssen, Jordan Nobbs, Kelly Smith & Danielle Van de Donk
subs - Emma Byrne, Emma Mitchell, Natalia Pablos Sanchon, Vyan Sampson, Marta Corredera & Asisat Oshoala.
Notts County Ladies starting XI - Megan Walsh, Danielle Buet, Amy Turner, Laura Bassett (C), Fern Whelan, Jade Moore, Angharad James, Jo Potter, Rachel Williams, Jess Clarke & Ellen White
subs - Lizzie Durrack, Maja Krantz, Aivi Luik, Alice Hassell, Leanne Crichton & Aileen Whelan.
Both Jade Moore and Jo Potter are in the starting line-up for Notts County Ladies today as they lined up wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and white socks waiting for Arsenal Ladies to take th kick off 1st half wearing the new seasons kit of red shirts with white sleeves, white shorts and red socks. The home side start positively getting the ball into the Notts County half get bodies out onto the right wing as they try to find a way in behind, play is stopped by an offside flag.
A bitty start, play congested on one side of the pitch neither side making much head way the ball closed down and put on for a series of throws. Notts County have always been a hard working and competitive side ready to close players down quickly win the ball, Arsenal know they will have to match that, encounters between the two sides have always been heated. Jordan Nobbs is operating out wide on the right of the attack for Arsenal gets forwards as captain Alex Scott plays the ball long wins her side a corner kick, the set piece goes long over everyone crowding the six yard box.
Danielle Van De Donk hooks the ball on playing it out to the right as it is fired up to her through the middle, Nobbs charging forwards latches onto it looks to take the ball into the area, up against Amy Turner the left back, blocks her cross once, then twice preventing a scoring opportunity, before the ball is cleared. The tempo is with Arsenal in the opening 5 minutes Notts have had little opportunity to get on the ball inside the opposition half.
Jess Clarke get's the better of Casey Stoney playing at left back for Arsenal today, as the defender leaps to try and get her head on a long clearance sent out to the flank, Clarke steals in on the falling ball races forwards, Ellen White making a central run ends up tumbling to the ground raises her arms in protest to the referee, Clarke continues forwards corner of the area pulls the trigger her shot takes a deflection off a defenders boot Arsenal goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal can't prevent the corner. Potter takes it from the right looks to play it to the face of the area, Arsenal's Vicky Losada headers the ball clear.
A strong run on the ball from Kelly Smith attacking down the left sees her break into the Notts County half before laying the pass forwards for Van De Donk coming left to receive, looking to take ball inside get into the area is closed down by Danielle Buet and Fern Whelan. The ball is deflected into the middle of the half, Fara Williams has an opportunity to strike it 1st time, slices her effort well wide of the mark.
GOAL! 10 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken, Notts County are attacking Rachel Williams is on the ball on the left charging forwards looks to play the ball on for Potter, Arsenal win it back, it's with Nobbs she plays the ball long, looking for Van De Donk up top, is a great pass picking her teammate out as she takes the ball on beyond the Notts County defence into the area left of the goal, Walsh stays big, Van De Donk composed keeps the shot down sending it across the keeper and into the back of the net 1-0.
Isn't long after taking the lead Arsenal's Nobbs and Van De Donk almost link up to score again. Hit Notts County on the counter attack again after Rachel Williams powers her way with the ball into the box again her cross intended for Clarke coming in on the opposite flank is cut out the ball launched up to Nobbs on the right, powers her way forwards before sending in an inviting ball along the six yard box, coming in far post Van De Donk throws herself at it but the Dutch player can't quite get there.
Stoney is breaking up most Notts County attacks down the right has Smith on the left with her to pass to, chooses to carry the ball forwards herself is stopped before she can break into the Notts County area. German International Josephine Henning puts the ball up long for Smith a good knock down back into the centre sees Dutch midfielder Dominique Janssen bombing forwards 25 yards from goal her connection with the ball isn't great blazes her shot over the bar. Notts County can't keep hold of the ball losing it to easily Smith latches onto the ball hitting it on the volley some 30 yards out drags the shot wide of the goal.
Rachel Williams looks the most likely to make something happen for Notts County in attack a juggernaut on the ball takes some stopping when she gets her had down carries the ball forwards into the box from the left flank evading two challenges goes to put the ball across the six yard box can't find the height to get it over Van Veenendaal who has come to cover that side of her goal drops to claim the ball.
Janssen taking the ball over halfway plays the pass out to Nobbs racing down the right wing again, getting the ball sends a high cross into the area, Buet get's in front of Van De Donk to head the ball sends it high into the air, is going to drop to the Arsenal attacker beyond her, however bouncing it's a difficult one to control, Notts County crowd her off the ball is cleared out into the centre of midfield, Fara Williams latches onto it the shot is fired back in Notts County block.
Rachel Williams finds herself on the right holds the ball up well with Clarke up with her plays it inside to her, trying to take it on into the box, it's Fara Williams who gets back to tackle and prevent her unleashing a shot. Clarke holding her run out wide right, springs the offside trap to get in behind the Arsenal defence, coming inside into the box it's Scott who comes across to close her down and tackles blocking the shot.
Van De Donk receiving the ball turns well and plays the ball out to Nobbs once again breaking in behind down the right, takes the ball to the by line looks to stand it up, Notts County captain Laura Bassett is back there, blocks her 1st attempt to stand the ball up into the six yard box then again closes down and blocks with her body as Nobbs tries again. Has been a little heated out there between the two sides Smith and Buet have exchanged a couple of robust challenges, before Smith goes in rashly on Notts County left back from behind, earning her the 1st yellow card of the match, Buet is okay to continue after treatment but is now sporting a large tear in her right sock.
Welsh International, Angharad James in the centre of midfield for Notts County puts the ball forwards for Ellen White through the centre, she has Clarke making a run from the right goes to put her through on goal, again Scott reads it and gets across to send the ball out for a throw. Bassett is shown a yellow card after she fouls Smith in the centre circle, not for the challenge but instead preventing Smith from taking the quick free kick.
Upon the restart the free kick taken by Losada is rolled forwards into Nobbs right side, the ball is send in towards the edge of the area however the referee stops play blowing his whistle after spotting an altercation between Rachel Williams and Van De Donk, both are called over and receive a yellow card, is heated out there and at the moment in danger of getting out of control.
Scott is called into action again to put in another last ditch but well timed tackle inside the box in the closing minutes of the 1st half, this time as Clarke slides the ball through to White breaking into the area. A good long range pass from Stoney at the back up to Van De Donk closed down her attempt is blocked rolls loose Losada has made a run from the midfield the Spanish International smashes the ball from 20 yards Whelan blocks it. Losada is fouled in front of the centre circle Fara Williams looks to go for goal gets it on target but dropping long before it reaches her goal Walsh drops forwards taking the ball safely into her body.
Both Jade Moore and Jo Potter are in the starting line-up for Notts County Ladies today as they lined up wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and white socks waiting for Arsenal Ladies to take th kick off 1st half wearing the new seasons kit of red shirts with white sleeves, white shorts and red socks. The home side start positively getting the ball into the Notts County half get bodies out onto the right wing as they try to find a way in behind, play is stopped by an offside flag.
A bitty start, play congested on one side of the pitch neither side making much head way the ball closed down and put on for a series of throws. Notts County have always been a hard working and competitive side ready to close players down quickly win the ball, Arsenal know they will have to match that, encounters between the two sides have always been heated. Jordan Nobbs is operating out wide on the right of the attack for Arsenal gets forwards as captain Alex Scott plays the ball long wins her side a corner kick, the set piece goes long over everyone crowding the six yard box.
Danielle Van De Donk hooks the ball on playing it out to the right as it is fired up to her through the middle, Nobbs charging forwards latches onto it looks to take the ball into the area, up against Amy Turner the left back, blocks her cross once, then twice preventing a scoring opportunity, before the ball is cleared. The tempo is with Arsenal in the opening 5 minutes Notts have had little opportunity to get on the ball inside the opposition half.
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| Fern Whelan and Danielle Van De Donk go up to win the ball |
Jess Clarke get's the better of Casey Stoney playing at left back for Arsenal today, as the defender leaps to try and get her head on a long clearance sent out to the flank, Clarke steals in on the falling ball races forwards, Ellen White making a central run ends up tumbling to the ground raises her arms in protest to the referee, Clarke continues forwards corner of the area pulls the trigger her shot takes a deflection off a defenders boot Arsenal goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal can't prevent the corner. Potter takes it from the right looks to play it to the face of the area, Arsenal's Vicky Losada headers the ball clear.
A strong run on the ball from Kelly Smith attacking down the left sees her break into the Notts County half before laying the pass forwards for Van De Donk coming left to receive, looking to take ball inside get into the area is closed down by Danielle Buet and Fern Whelan. The ball is deflected into the middle of the half, Fara Williams has an opportunity to strike it 1st time, slices her effort well wide of the mark.
GOAL! 10 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken, Notts County are attacking Rachel Williams is on the ball on the left charging forwards looks to play the ball on for Potter, Arsenal win it back, it's with Nobbs she plays the ball long, looking for Van De Donk up top, is a great pass picking her teammate out as she takes the ball on beyond the Notts County defence into the area left of the goal, Walsh stays big, Van De Donk composed keeps the shot down sending it across the keeper and into the back of the net 1-0.
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| Danielle Van De Donk opens the scoring for Arsenal Ladies |
Isn't long after taking the lead Arsenal's Nobbs and Van De Donk almost link up to score again. Hit Notts County on the counter attack again after Rachel Williams powers her way with the ball into the box again her cross intended for Clarke coming in on the opposite flank is cut out the ball launched up to Nobbs on the right, powers her way forwards before sending in an inviting ball along the six yard box, coming in far post Van De Donk throws herself at it but the Dutch player can't quite get there.
Stoney is breaking up most Notts County attacks down the right has Smith on the left with her to pass to, chooses to carry the ball forwards herself is stopped before she can break into the Notts County area. German International Josephine Henning puts the ball up long for Smith a good knock down back into the centre sees Dutch midfielder Dominique Janssen bombing forwards 25 yards from goal her connection with the ball isn't great blazes her shot over the bar. Notts County can't keep hold of the ball losing it to easily Smith latches onto the ball hitting it on the volley some 30 yards out drags the shot wide of the goal.
Rachel Williams looks the most likely to make something happen for Notts County in attack a juggernaut on the ball takes some stopping when she gets her had down carries the ball forwards into the box from the left flank evading two challenges goes to put the ball across the six yard box can't find the height to get it over Van Veenendaal who has come to cover that side of her goal drops to claim the ball.
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| Notts County Ladies, Rachel Williams |
Janssen taking the ball over halfway plays the pass out to Nobbs racing down the right wing again, getting the ball sends a high cross into the area, Buet get's in front of Van De Donk to head the ball sends it high into the air, is going to drop to the Arsenal attacker beyond her, however bouncing it's a difficult one to control, Notts County crowd her off the ball is cleared out into the centre of midfield, Fara Williams latches onto it the shot is fired back in Notts County block.
Rachel Williams finds herself on the right holds the ball up well with Clarke up with her plays it inside to her, trying to take it on into the box, it's Fara Williams who gets back to tackle and prevent her unleashing a shot. Clarke holding her run out wide right, springs the offside trap to get in behind the Arsenal defence, coming inside into the box it's Scott who comes across to close her down and tackles blocking the shot.
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| Arsenal' Kelly Smith, goes to challenge Notts County's Danielle Buet for the ball |
Van De Donk receiving the ball turns well and plays the ball out to Nobbs once again breaking in behind down the right, takes the ball to the by line looks to stand it up, Notts County captain Laura Bassett is back there, blocks her 1st attempt to stand the ball up into the six yard box then again closes down and blocks with her body as Nobbs tries again. Has been a little heated out there between the two sides Smith and Buet have exchanged a couple of robust challenges, before Smith goes in rashly on Notts County left back from behind, earning her the 1st yellow card of the match, Buet is okay to continue after treatment but is now sporting a large tear in her right sock.
Welsh International, Angharad James in the centre of midfield for Notts County puts the ball forwards for Ellen White through the centre, she has Clarke making a run from the right goes to put her through on goal, again Scott reads it and gets across to send the ball out for a throw. Bassett is shown a yellow card after she fouls Smith in the centre circle, not for the challenge but instead preventing Smith from taking the quick free kick.
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| Laura Bassett with Kelly Smith |
Upon the restart the free kick taken by Losada is rolled forwards into Nobbs right side, the ball is send in towards the edge of the area however the referee stops play blowing his whistle after spotting an altercation between Rachel Williams and Van De Donk, both are called over and receive a yellow card, is heated out there and at the moment in danger of getting out of control.
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| Arsenal Ladies captain, Alex Scott |
Scott is called into action again to put in another last ditch but well timed tackle inside the box in the closing minutes of the 1st half, this time as Clarke slides the ball through to White breaking into the area. A good long range pass from Stoney at the back up to Van De Donk closed down her attempt is blocked rolls loose Losada has made a run from the midfield the Spanish International smashes the ball from 20 yards Whelan blocks it. Losada is fouled in front of the centre circle Fara Williams looks to go for goal gets it on target but dropping long before it reaches her goal Walsh drops forwards taking the ball safely into her body.
Half-time Arsenal Ladies 1-0 Notts County Ladies
Arsenal Ladies go into the dressing room at half-time with a well deserved lead have had a very strong opening 45 minutes, dominating the play for large periods, putting the Notts County defence under pressure, they have struggled to deal with the runs from Jordan Nobbs on the right in particular. Have created plenty of chances, however having just the one goal lead Notts County are far from out of the match and half-time gives manager Rick Passmoor an chance to sort a few thing's out
It's Notts County to get the 2nd half underway neither side has made any changes at half-time. A cagey start to the 2nd half the ball put long by both sides, Van De Donk is caught offside. Turner looks to send the ball up the left long for White coming across to receive, Stoney gets herself in front of the attacker clears the ball for a throw. Notts County have a throw deep on the right, bodies up to pressure the ball it pops free to see Clarke nip in beyond the Arsenal defence right corner of the box goes to shoot a low effort, Van Veenendaal throws herself forwards to gather the ball at her near post.
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| Notts County Ladies, Jess Clarke |
Nobbs is now over on the left side of the attack at the start of the second half. Notts County have brought plenty of vocal support with them are encouraging their side gathered at one end of the new stand. James gets her foot in to win the ball prods it into Potter in front of her right side her pass puts White clear for a shot edge of the box snatches at it slices the effort wide of target.
Notts County are awarded a free kick wide on the left over the half way line, Jo Potter is a dead ball specialist plays the ball long aiming for the far post area where Bassett jumps to get her head on the ball, knocks it down and on target, Van Veenendaal gets down sharply to save pushing the ball wide across her six yard box before it is kicked clear of danger. A good spell from Notts County in the opening 10 minutes of the 2nd half.
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| Laura Bassett |
GOAL! A blow then as they concede a 2nd goal. Possession of the ball is over on the left side of the pitch, players from both sides are draw across, leaves a big expanse of grass for Scott to run into, goes for it as Nobbs gets control of the ball on the halfway line sees her plays the perfect pass out to her, Janssen surges forwards looking to get up with Scott who gives her the ball as they reach the face of the Notts County area, Janssen looks to turn inside take the ball on looking for a shooting opportunity, instead she had Nobbs arriving in the centre inside the D rolls the ball into her path, Nobbs makes a perfect connection with the ball turning it towards goal sending it wide of the diving Walsh and into the back of the net to double Arsenal's lead 2-0.
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| Jordan Nobbs started and finished the move for Arsenal Ladies 2nd goal |
Pushing forwards with the ball Losada sweeps a cross on the diagonal into the box, Walsh plucks the ball down well with a glove to prevent Van De Donk running in behind her from getting a chance to add to her 1st half goal. Good tracking back by James as Nobbs coming into the middle rolls the ball down the right for Van De Donk, gets back to slide in and win the ball inside the box knocking it into Bassett who launches clear. Stoney takes the ball on into space on the left whips a ball into the box too close to Walsh covering her near post, the keeper claims the ball.
A clumsy challenge from Fara Williams, on Clarke just outside the box to the right of goal sees Notts County presented with a good opportunity to strike at goal. Potter over the ball does so but too much on the ball sends it over the crossbar. Cries for a penalty by the Notts County players as Jade Moore plays a good ball up field for Clarke to attack and take on into the box gets a shot away past Van Veenendaal coming towards her, she ends up bundled to the ground the shot is wide the protests go unheeded by the referee.
A throw on the right down the line for Notts County sees White turning her marker hit a shot on the volley a long way out blasts it into the boarding behind the Arsenal goal. Moore goes in late on Janssen, the referee plays the advantage with Scott picking up the ball and driving forwards her cross is long to the far post Nobbs is there but can't bring the ball under control before she is closed down.
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| Notts County Ladies new signing, Jade Moore battles for control of the ball |
Another free kick for Notts County on the right another chance for Potter to deliver a good ball into the box, is played long towards the far post again, this time it's Moore who meets it with her head sends a looping ball back across the goal face, Rachel Williams goes for it leaping at close range can't get anything on it the chance is gone. 1st change of the match is by Arsenal it's Nobbs who comes off to be replaced by Spanish International, Marta Corredera.
Moore up ends Losada 30 yards from goal in the middle of the Notts County half, Fara Williams takes a quick free kick with Losada to her right time and space to line up a shot sends in a great strike, is going in under the bar, Walsh does superbly to flick up a glove and turn the ball over her crossbar conceding the corner kick. The ball from the right is fired in with a lot of pace for Van De Donk to try and control near post, snatches at the ball puts it behind for the goal kick.
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| Arsenal Ladies Spanish International, Vicky Losada |
2nd change for Arsenal with Emma Mitchell coming on for Scott. Notts County make a double switch Turner and James the players coming off with Aivi Luik and Leanne Crichton entering the action with around 10 minutes left on the clock. Buet is down in some discomfort needs treatment, Arsenal make their final change an attacking on bringing on Natalia Pablos Sanchon for Smith.
Notts County win a late corner on the right, Potter plays the ball long Van De Donk back to defend headers the ball behind for a 2nd corner on the left side this time. Potter whips it in with plenty of pace into the six yard box is knocked out towards the edge of the box, Bassett is free unmarked goes to hit the shot puts the ball over the crossbar. Final change for Notts County with Buet coming off to be replaced by Aileen Whelan as the 4th official indicates 6 minutes of added on time.
It's Arsenal who have the ball the play is spread out to Natalia on the left side, fresh with pace to burn drives forwards into the box turning inside goes to fire the ball across the six yard box Arsenal have two players free far post, Walsh does well to dive forwards throw herself at the ball doesn't gather, but grounded is quick to recover and claim before Corredra following up can pounce on the ball. A late late chance for Notts County to pull one back the ball put long for Clarke to run down shots from 20 yards out runs narrowly wide.
The full time whistle blows and Arsenal Ladies take the 3 points beating Notts County Ladies 2-0 to move back up into 3rd place in the FAWSL 1 table. A strong performance for Arsenal Ladies, especially 1st half scoring early on both halves, the 2nd goal started and finished by Nobbs a well worked move. Showed a good range of passing all over the pitch the result will fuel their confidence as they travel to Staines Town FC next weekend to face Chelsea Ladies.
Notts County Ladies rallied in the 2nd half after struggling 1st half to cope with Arsenal's play and movement. Were on the end of some robust challenges but not a battle they'd shy away from. Wasn't their day today but that Notts County Ladies line-up is a pretty formidable one they will have better days.
A good game/battle to watch.
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