Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v Sunderland AFC Ladies

  Action form the 1st Round of the 2016 Continental Tyres Cup on the Supporting Women's Football Blog this Sunday with a trip to Sheffield to watch the all FAWSL 1 tie between Doncaster Rovers Belles & Sunderland AFC Ladies.

  Both sides looking to reach the quarter finals of the competition and with it hope the victory will kick start their season as this is a clash between the two sides currently bottom of FAWSL 1. 

  Newly promoted back to the top flight of women's football after a 2 season absence, Doncaster Rovers Belles have gotten off to the worst possible start to life back in FAWSL 1 losing all of the matches to date. The poor start saw manager Glen Harris dismissed after just 3 league games played. A turbulent time having lost FAWSL top scorer from last season Courtney Sweetman-Kirk to a fractured leg early in the season and recently high profile signings Becky Easton and Natasha Dowie have left the club. 

  The club has promoted Emma Coates to the role of 1st team manager, has been able to bring in new faces whilst the transfer window was open during the mid-season break, Lauren Cresswell has re signed for the club a dead ball specialist who will provide a extra option in the wide position. Also coming in are Mayumi Pacheco from Liverpool Ladies to add defensive cover and Marta Batowska-Mathews to add more depth to the midfield. 

  For Sunderland AFC Ladies this is their 2nd season playing in FAWSL 1 and haven't gotten off to the start they did in 2015 where for a spell they were flirting with the title chasers eventually finishing 4th. From 8 league matches played so far this season have yet to win a league game with 3 draws and 5 defeats, will be looking to end a run of 4 straight defeats with a win today.

  Perhaps a welcome distraction for both sides this weekend sees the 1st Round of a new look Continental Tyres Cup taking place, gone is the group format. Straight into a knock-out competition with a preliminary round played to see 16 sees in the 1st Round draw with the FAWSL 1 clubs seeded to play a lower ranked club who get home advantage. Doncaster Rovers Belles have the home advantage although with their usual home venue the Keepmoat Stadium not quite ready after having the pitch reseeded today's match is taking place at Sheffield FC Ladies, Home of Football Stadium.

  A nice compact stadium, good lay out around a large pitch a stand behind one goal another standing area covered on one side. The Coach and Horses pub nestling in one corner, worth a visit too. Was a hot day a little cloud cover but no chance of rain. The pitch looked a little uneven and bobbly in places as the two sides walked out onto the pitch

  Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Nicola Hobbs, Sophie Barker, Rachel Newborough, Leandra Little (C), Rhiannon Roberts, Kasia Lipka, Emily Simpkins, Katrin Omarsdottir, Lauren Cresswell, Carla Humphrey & Jess Sigsworth.
  subs - Anna Moorhouse, Samantha Tierney, Sue Smith, Mayumi Pacheco & Yasmin Mosby.

  Sunderland AFC Ladies starting XI - Hilde Olsen, Abby Holmes, Danielle Brown, Hayley Sharp, Victoria Williams (C), Lucy Staniforth, Rachel Furness, Abbey Joice, Keira Ramshaw, Brooke Chaplin & Madelaine Hill
  subs - Rachael Laws, Stephanie Bannon, Kelly McDougall, Beth Mead, Stephanie Roche & Charlotte Potts.

  Lauren Cresswell was in the starting line-up for Doncaster operating in front of Sophie Barker at left back. Mayumi Pacheco was amongst the substitutes. Four changes for Sunderland from the side that lost 5-0 to Chelsea Ladies in mid-week with Rachael Laws, Stephanie Roche, Beth Mead and Stephanie Bannon starting on the bench, Victoria Williams wearing the captains armband. Are lined up wearing their red and white vertical striped shirts, with black shorts and socks as Doncaster wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts kick off the 1st half. 

  Doncaster go long from the start sending a ball out to the right flank for Jess Sigsworth to chase can't get there an early kick off the ball for Sunderland goalkeeper Hilde Olsen. A break on for Sunderland as Keira Ramshaw latches onto a Doncaster throw put in from the right looks to send the ball up the pitch with Madelaine Hill making a run up front, Nicola Hobbs coming running out her area to clear the threat on her goal. 

  A quiet opening few minutes in terms of goal mouth action, both sides are snapping at each other in the middle of the park which is seeing passes misplaced. A throw to Doncaster mid-way inside the Sunderland half on the right sees the ball put into Sigsworth's feet, turning and taking the ball on unleashes a shot from the corner of the area, aiming near post Olsen has the angle covered and gathers the ball. 

  Williams comes across to the left to tackle Cresswell as she looks to get on the ball having been fed the ball up the line by Barker. From the resulting throw Carla Humphrey is brought down 25 yards from goal. Emily Simpkins is over the set-piece looks to lift the ball in towards the far post for players to attack, too much on it no one can latch onto the ball as it drops out of play. 

  Lucy Staniforth presses the ball high up the pitch winning in from Doncaster's defence right side in front of the box rolls the pass inside to Brooke Chaplin who goes for goal, drags her effort wide.A free kick out wide on the left brings them the 1st corner of the match the ball is put in long headed clear as Doncaster look to clear their box Sunderland right back Danielle Brown getting to the ball looks to hook it back high into the box, the visitors look to attack it but the offside flag is raised.

  A spell of dominance from Sunderland, Staniforth working hard to close down the ball takes it on up the left flank before cutting inside and passing to Hill 20 yards from goal left of the D pulls the trigger, her effort is blocked at close quarters the deflection sees the ball run out to the right picked up by Ramshaw she powers a shot in towards the Doncaster goal, Hobbs coming across her goal does well to hold onto the ball. Abby Holmes brings the ball up the left from the back for Sunderland plays the pass into Chaplin ahead of her takes on the shot from outside the box takes a deflection running behind for a corner. 

  Doncaster having been put under the cosh by Sunderland break forwards the ball is with Humphrey a strong run on the ball, has Sigsworth peeling away to the left ahead of her, gets the ball, coming inside he cross is deflected up high into the air, Katrin Omarsdottir has made up the ground from midfield is after the dropping ball, can't quite get there as Olsen collects it on the bounce. Sigsworth and Omarsdottir link up moments later, the former getting hold of the ball and turning the Sunderland defence on the right, lays the ball inside to the Icelandic International who shoots from the corner of the area sees her strike charged down.

  GOAL! Doncaster take the lead on 22 minutes scoring from their 1st corner of the game, won on the right side, Cresswell whips in a great delivery towards the near post, Doncaster captain Leandra Little coming to meet it stoops and head the ball on towards goal past the diving Olsen and in 1-0.

Leandra Little turns her header into the back of the net to give Doncaster the lead

  The goal sees Doncaster begin to dominate press players forwards winning a throw on the left Barker plays the ball back up the pitch to Humphrey who sees Cresswell moving to come inside towards the left corner of the area sends her the ball, Cresswell looks to lift a ball up towards the far post with both Sigsworth and Omarsdottir looking to attack it, just too close to Olsen the keeper jumps to claim the ball. A free kick is awarded to Doncaster inside the Sunderland half in front of the centre circle, Cresswell looks to lift the ball into the box, Little cries out in protest as she appears to be hauled to the ground by Williams but referee Jane Simms isn't interested.

  Rachel Furness is going to battle for every ball in the midfield for Sunderland, winning it drives forwards a powerful run ends with a strike from 20 yards out Hobbs throws herself to her right the ball ends up in the side netting the keeper must have got something on the ball on the way through as a corner is awarded. Barker plays the ball long from the back aiming for Sigsworth already on the move through the centre Williams goes with her the two battle for the ball the Sunderland centre back getting a toe on the ball as they enter the box to put it back to Olsen to kick clear.

Rachel Furness attacks with the ball at her feet for Sunderland

  Humphrey gets the ball from Simpkins has Sigsworth moving into space wide left again gives her the ball, turning back inside Sigsworth looks to place a looping shot into the top corner of the net drops wide of target. From a Barker throw on the left Cresswell sends a high ball into the Sunderland area, Olsen lets it bounce almost costs her as it skips off the turf threatens to loop over her throws herself up and back tips the ball wide for the corner. Doncaster play the corner in from the right cleared near post lands at Omarsdottir's feet outside the box right off goal scuffs her attempted shot however the ball comes to Rhiannon  Roberts just inside the box, before she can shoot the ball is pinched off her toe, rolls back to Kasia Lipka 25 yards out hits the ball hard back in towards goal throwing herself to her left Olsen produces a fantastic save to turn the shot over.

Doncaster's Jess Sigsworth looks to get away from Sunderland's Hayley Sharp

  Sunderland win a series of corners late in the half, two from the left two from the right, the closest of the 4 is played long to the far post Furness attacking it heads the ball onto the back of a defender to send the ball wide of goal. Up the other end Sigsworth tries to wriggle free on the right, Hayley Sharp goes with her the defender prevents her getting into the area and shooting.

Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-0 Sunderland AFC Ladies

  A narrow advantage for Doncaster at half-time in an intriguing cup tie that has seen both sides on top for extended periods in the 1st half. Good football from both sides at times some nervousness in there play too is visible. Chances created both sides willing to use the whole pitch.

  No changes at half-time as Sunderland get the 2nd half underway. The visitors start on the offensive the ball is played up to Chaplin her shot is blocked 20 yards from goal spins out for a throw on the left side. The ball is put up into the box from the throw falls favourably for Hill to attack it can't squeeze her shot away, the ball is cleared into the middle of the half, Doncaster give away a free kick. 35 yards out central, Staniforth is over the ball sends the ball up to the face of the box, Doncaster's right back Rachel Newborough heads the ball away from danger. The ball is reclaimed on the left as Doncaster try to clear the box lifted back into the mix Williams still in there, holds the ball up on the penalty spot before laying it off to Chaplin to the left of goal looks to place it top corner, just over.

Lucy Staniforth on the attack for Sunderland AFC Ladies

  Cresswell has switched sides at the start of the 2nd half now over on the right side gets ahead of play as Doncaster work the ball up the left side Barker onto Humphrey before being swept long looking for Cresswell moving to get into the area, Olsen comes and claims the ball keeps hold it it as Cresswell ends up on of her. 

  A mix up between the Doncaster centre backs getting attracted to the same ball put up from the back left side sees them both on the ground as the ball pops loose running to Ramshaw bursting through the centre charging forwards has Barker ahead of her the defender doing well to keep herself in a position to block as she back tracks Ramshaw smashing her shot against her it's deflected away for a corner from just inside the box. 

   Little clips Staniforth as the midfield looks to spin around her inside the Doncaster half. It's Staniforth over the free kick long into the area, Furness leaps can't quite get her head on the ball. Both sides looking a threat on the counter, Sunderland get the ball forwards into Chaplin right side has Staniforth up with her gives her the ball looks to whip a cross into the Doncaster box, is cleared behind for the corner kick. Change for Sunderland before the corner is taken Joice the player off, Stephanie Roche coming on with 62 minutes played.

 GOAL! Another corner another goal Sunderland find the equaliser. Have looked to go deeper with their corners this one is played in to the back of the area for Furness to attack a central position gets up will to head the ball down, isn't cleared at it strikes a Doncaster body, lands inside the six yard box right side of goal bouncing up it's Ramshaw who lifts her leg and connects with the ball knocking it down and over the line before peeling away in celebration 1-1.

Keira Ramshaw scorer of the equalising goal for Sunderland

  Chaplin has been the furthest forwards for Sunderland for a large portion of the match, breaking away into space on the left, the diagonal ball finds it's way out to her, Roberts comes across to meet her, Chaplin tries to take the ball on get it past her into the area on the byline Roberts goes in to challenge ends up winning a goal kick off Chaplin. Roche goes on a run left side finding space as the ball is played out of the middle, receiving it get's flagged offside looked an unlucky call. Roche has another chance to put the ball in from the left as she gets it from Furness powering her way through the centre of midfield rolling it out to Roche left she whips a dangerous cross into the Doncaster area an inviting ball for Hill steaming in, too close to Hobbs the keeper stakes claim to the ball.

Sunderland's Stephanie Roche & Doncaster's Rachel Newborough battle for the ball.

  Powerful run on the ball from Sigsworth on the left side sees her shot from outside the box blocked by Sharp. A drive with the ball from Simpkins through the middle for Doncaster her shot 20 yards out is deflected into the path of Cresswell right a wild effort clears the stand behind the goal hits the Sunderland bus. Game is getting stretched scores level both sides fancy their chances of scoring again. Holmes does well up against Cresswell to head a long cross away from the left with both running towards goal.

Doncaster Rovers Belles, Sophie Barker

 Doncaster make their 1st change bringing on Pacheco for her debut replacing Newborough, sees a positional change as the versatile Barker switches to right back with Pacheco taking over at left back. Roche comes away with the ball after a challenge in the centre plays it long for Hill, Little is with her manages to play the ball back to Hobbs. 2nd sub for Doncaster as Lipka comes off, Samantha Tierney the player coming on. Both keepers are first to claim a through ball, Hobbs off Chaplin, Olsen gathers as Simpkins tries to play Humphrey through into her area. 10 minutes left to play. Omarsdottir out on the left looks to pick out Cresswell breaking into the box on the right, Holmes gets in front of her to head clear.

  GOAL! The clearance from Holmes is reclaimed by Doncaster as they push bodies forwards comes to Sigsworth out left side deep in the Sunderland half the cross is played long again to the far post Cresswell is still out there only this time she is unmarked the delivery is pinpoint as she leaps up to nod the ball into the ball of the net from close range to see Doncaster retake the lead with 7 minutes left 2-1. 

Lauren Cresswell scores on her return to the club

  Little time left to find a response and the goal has flattened Sunderland, they look to push forwards Staniforth attempts to send Chaplin away down the right, Doncaster lifted find an extra half a yard of pace to close the ball down. Furness won't be shoved off the ball as she drives through the middle unleashes a shot is blocked by Simpkins the deflection sees the ball spin into the path of Ramshaw running forwards edge of the area Roberts lunges for the ball just about gets her toes on it to take it away from Ramshaw.

  Into injury time Doncaster give away a corner right side, Roberts puts the initial ball behind for another corner at the near post. The 2nd corner goes long Sharp meets it with her head looks to send the ball back across goal the ball drops wide of goal. Humphrey is replaced in the closing seconds Yasmin Mosby getting on just as the final whistle blows and it's Doncaster who can celebrate a win at last as they beat Sunderland 2-1 to book their quarter final spot in the 2016 Continental Tyres Cup.

  A lively contest with both sides putting in alot to close the ball down and use the pitches width. The result could really have gone either way, both sides had extended periods in the match where they dominated, created chances in the end it was Doncaster who edged it.

  The sides joining Doncaster in the quarter finals are as follows with all the 1st Round ties completed. Holders Arsenal Ladies are through after beating Reading FC Women 3-1. The same scoreline for last season's beaten finalists Notts County Ladies 3-1 away to Yeovil Town Ladies. The final will be played at Manchester City Women's Academy Stadium this year and they were in ruthless form away to Aston Villa Ladies winning 8-0.

  Liverpool Ladies came out on top in the Merseyside derby beating Everton Ladies 1-0. Whilst Birmingham City Ladies beat Oxford United Women 2-0. At least one FAWSL 2 side was guaranteed a quarter final place with Sheffield FC Ladies hosting Bristol City Women on Saturday, it's Sheffield going through winning the game 2-0. However they aren't the only FAWSL 2 side through London Bees join them as they cause one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Continental Tyres Cup beating Chelsea Ladies the Champions on penalties having held them to a 3-3 draw after extra time, Chelsea down to 10 players after Gilly Flaherty was sent off.

  Will be an interesting draw for the quarter finals of the Continental Tyres Cup. Enjoyed the game and maybe.. just maybe summer has arrived.

*UPDATE* The draw for the quarter finals of the Continental Tyres Cup was made this Monday morning as is as listed below: - 

  Arsenal Ladies v Notts County Ladies

Manchester City Women v Doncaster Rovers Belles

Birmingham City Ladies v Liverpool Ladies

Sheffield FC Ladies v London Bees

Ties to be played 6th/7th August

  

Cup Final Report - Arsenal Ladies v Notts County Ladies

  One more game left in what has been another captivating season of FAWSL football. A show-piece cup final, one last shot at winning silverware in 2015 with Arsenal Ladies and Notts County Ladies vying to lift the Continental Tyres Cup. 

  Brings an end to another fantastic season of women's football in the FAWSL, Chelsea Ladies winning the double the FAWSL 1 title and FA Women's Cup, held for the 1st time at Wembley Stadium. 2015 though will be always remembered for the achievement of England's Lionesses during the summer at the Women's World Cup in Canada finishing 3rd beating the German's with a penalty too. 

   The Continental Tyres Cup is the women's version of the league cup contested by the 18 sides that make up FAWSL 1 and 2. Drawn into 3 groups of six sides playing each other once with the top two plus the 2 best runners-up progressing for the 1st time this season to a quarter-final knock-out stage. A later than usual final this season namely because of the Women's World Cup and the Continental Tyres Cup not starting until the FAWSL resumed after the summer break.

  Onto the sides contesting today's final, Arsenal Ladies have featured in every single final of the Continental Tyres Cup since it began 5 seasons ago in 2011, won it that year and in 2012 and 2013. That run ended in last season's final when they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City Women. Were in Group One this season along side, Chelsea Ladies, Reading FC Women, Millwall Lionesses, Watford Ladies and London Bees. With just the 2 FAWSL 1 sides in the group they were hot favourites to progress the the quarter final stage. Did so with a 100% win record 5 out of 5 to top Group One, including a 2-0 away win against Chelsea Ladies.

   Was a repeat of last seasons final as they were drawn at home against Manchester City Women who had topped Group Tow with a similar record. The tie was delayed whilst Manchester City Women were investigated by the FA for allegedly fielding an ineligible player in a group stage match was a situation that didn't help anyone, clubs, players and fans alike, eventually the charge wasn't proven and the tie went ahead Arsenal Ladies winning 1-0 Natalia Pablos Sanchon with the goal. Onto the semi-finals were drawn once more at home to Birmingham City Ladies who had ended Chelsea Ladies dream of a treble with a 1-0 win in the quarter finals. Arsenal Ladies booked their place in their 5th successive Continental Tyres Cup Final with, Marta Corredera, Dan Carter and Alex Scott scoring the goals in a 3-1 victory.

  Notts County Ladies have a shorter history in the competition having only been named as a FAWSL franchise in the 2013 season rebranding form having been Lincoln Ladies previously. Last season they topped their group to reach the semi-finals where they were beate 2-0 by Arsenal Ladies. Finished top of Group Three again this season like Arsenal Ladies and Manchester City Women with a 100% win record to book a place in the quarter finals where they were drawn at home to FAWSL 2 side Reading FC Women.was a close encounter with Notts County taking the lead twice only to be pegged back before Alex Greenwood struck again in the closing minutes to seal a 3-2 win. 

  Were on the road in the semi-finals drawn against Liverpool Ladies. Ellen White scored a brace in the 1st half as the Lady Pies ran out 2-0 to reach their 2nd Cup Final of 2015. Having been part of that historic day at Wembley Stadium eventually losing 1-0 to Chelsea Ladies they will be hoping they can go one better this time around.
  
  The venue for today's Continental Tyres Cup Final the ASSEAL New York Stadium home of Rotherham United. Opened in 2012 is a smart looking modern stadium with fantastic facilities. Today was my 1st taste of covering a major women's cup final from the press box and I was excited and looking forwards the the experience. Had a good view of an excellent looking playing surface the sun setting across a lush green surface. Into November but a pleasant afternoon with no sign of the fog that was plaguing other parts of the country.

  Arsenal Ladies starting XI - Sari Van Veenendaal, Casey Stoney (C), Jemma Rose, Dominique Janssen, Marta Corredera, Leah Williamson, Jordan Nobbs, Jade Bailey, Vicky Losada, Rachel Yankey & Natalia De Pablos Sanchon.
  subs - Emma Bryne, Chioma Ubogagu, Carla Humphrey, Chloe Kelly, Lotte Wubben-Moy & Georgia Allen.

  Notts County Ladies starting XI - Carly Telford, Alex Greenwood, Amy Turner, Laura Bassett (C), Sophie Walton, Desiree Scott, Danielle Buet, Leanne Critchon, Rachel Williams, Jess Clarke & Ellen White.
  subs - Olivia Walker, Fern Whelan, Ashleigh Plumptre, Alice Hassall, Aileen Whelan & Laura-Jayne O'Neill.

  Arsenal Ladies were without Alex Scott, recently back from a trip to China with the England squad along Danielle Carter in attack and Emma Mitchell in defence. Had Leah Williamson starting at left back with Dominique Janssen at right back. Notts County had their strongest 11 starting today. The toss won Arsenal switched ends with the Carly Telford having to deal with the setting sun at that end. Notts County to kick off the 1st half of the Continental Tyres Cup Final wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts and black socks with Arsenal lined up opposite in red shirts with white across the shoulders and sleeves, white shorts and socks. 

   The ball is played long into the right channel right from the off and a slip from Leah Williamson as she goes to defend it presents a chance for Notts County, Jess Clarke to steal in on the ball, tries to take it into the box, is squeezed off the ball as Arsenal's centre back pairing of Jemma Rose and captain Casey Stoney converge to close the door in front of her. 

   Fast start to the game, Arsenal are soon up the other end Marta Corredera on the ball driving towards Amy Turner on the left of defence for Notts County, has support from Jordan Nobbs making an overlapping run into space on the right gives her the ball, taking it into the corner wraps her leg around the ball sending the cross into the box, Carly Telford comes and makes a comfortable claim at her near post.

   Rachel Yankey celebrating her birthday today has the ball on the left down to the byline wins a corner off Notts County captain Laura Bassett. The corner is met at the near post by Notts County's Leanne Critchon heading the ball behind for a 2nd corner. This corner is hooked on by Dominique Janssen at the near post into the crowded six yard box, a brief scramble ensues before a Notts County boot gets the ball away from danger. Pitch looks a little slick underfoot a few players losing their standing foot as they attempt a pass.

   Natalia De Pablos Sanchon steals the ball off the Notts county defence as Arsenal push numbers forwards, taking it into the right corner of the area looks to send the cross in towards Vicky Losada making a run to the far post, hitting the shot on the volley, it strikes Bassett closing her down taking the sting out of the shot deflecting it safely into Telford's gloves.

   Great chance for Notts County to open the scoring up the other end 3 minutes later as they win a free kick wide on the right half way inside the Arsenal half, played into the front of the area takes a nick off a defender as Ellen White attempts to poke the ball towards goal, comes through to Bassett clear to the right of the goal, Arsenal arms go up but no flag is raised, Bassett shoots, Arsenal goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal makes a brilliant save diving to her left showing great reactions to push the ball away from danger. Notts County keep it in play on the left the ball eventually coming to Rachel Williams 30 yards out full of power runs towards the box hits the shot blasts the ball over the crossbar.

   Just 10 minutes on the clock both sides with glorious chances to score. Notts County as you'd expect are pressing the ball hard the movement of their front 3, Williams, White and Clarke causing the Arsenal defence a few concerns early on. Another slip as White goes to take a shot from 20 plus yards out falling back in a central position lifts the ball over the bar. Another powerful run from Williams on the left of the attack takes her past Janssen into the corner cuts the cross back towards the penalty spot, it's Arsenal midfielder Jade Bailey who has raced back to help defend who gets to the ball 1st.

Notts County Ladies, Rachel Williams a powerful runner with the ball

   Notts County are doing well the pressing paying off this time the move starts with Sophie Walton coming forwards to win the ball on the right play it into the channel for White to go after, gets the cross into the box early, Jess Clarke is probably the only player likely to cover the grass to get onto the end of it has made the run slides in connecting with the ball sends it wide of the goal.

  Telford with another smart save of Natalia following good work down the right from Corredera pushing forwards into a crossing position sends the cross into her fellow Spaniard arriving on the six yard line, turns ad hits the shot, Telford might have been unsighted by Bassett in front of her isn't distracted drops low to her left to turn the ball away.

  GOAL! 25 minutes in and the deadlock is broken Arsenal have the ball on the right good link up play between Janssen and Corredera before they release it into the feet of Nobbs making another forwards run right of the area surges into the box, hits the shot hard and low sending it across Telford and into the back of the net 1-0.

  The goal is against the run of play Notts had been putting the Arsenal back line under a little pressure before, attacking again Clarke in the centre puts her shot from 20 yards out straight into Van Veenedaal's gloves. Clarke again making a run down the right tries to out pace Williamson, realising she can't go shoulder to shoulder with her peels away does well to slide in prevent the cross. Alex Greenwood fouls Losada as she looks to break with the ball, a bit of back chat earns her the 1st yellow card of the match. 

  The next card shown is RED! Notts County captain Bassett is giving her marching orders from the referee. Inside the Notts County half is in front of the Arsenal dugout, they rush out to protest as Bassett goes to ground looking to win the ball off Losada she ends up on the ground my 1st thought was that Bassett might have actually got the ball before bringing Losada down, and of course with the hindsight of seeing a replay this looks the case, so it comes down to intent didn't look much of that either the referee thinks differently however and she brandishes the red card sending Bassett for an early shower and reducing Notts County to 10. Big call in any game let alone a cup final.

  Losada on the ball plays it out to Yankey in space on the left cutting the cross back into the area the ball is too long for Natalia in the middle comes all the way through to Corredera out to the right corner of the area, hits the 1st time shot over the bar. With the player advantage Williamson has space to run into on the right as Notts County look to adjust has Bailey making a good run for her in the middle looks to roll her in, Desiree Scott reads it and comes across to put the tackle in to stop her outside the box.

A superb brace scored by Arsenal's Jordan Nobbs

  GOAL! 38 minutes into the half and Arsenal double their advantage, the shot an unstoppable strike from Nobbs outside the box as Notts County clear a long ball played into the area straight into her path 25 yards out gets plenty of power behind the shot giving Telford no chance to stop it going in 2-0.

  Critchton filling in at centre back with Bassett off the pitch is replaced by Fern Whelan. She is called into action straight away putting a stop to another determined run from Corredera on the right as she looks to come inside and drive into the box.

  Late chance for Notts County to pull one back before the break as the ball is put forwards into the Arsenal area with Williams the player attacking the far post is almost past the goal when she gets her head the the ball turning it back  inside loops over Van Veenendaal striking the crossbar before Arsenal clear and the whistle blows for half-time.

Half time Arsenal Ladies 2-0 Notts County Ladies

   Was a pretty even contest for a while could say Notts County were edging it although it was Arsenal who opened the scoring Nobbs with some great movement operating behind Natalia took her 1st goal well, the 2nd was even better. Between that though Notts County were reduced to 10 a controversial decision by the referee and one that has changed the completion of the final entirely not want we want to be talking about, Notts County have a mountain to climb 2nd half as Arsenal get it under-way.

Arsenal Ladies Jade Bailey evading a challenge.

   Notts County get on the ball early on have an attack the ball fed into White inside the D produces a clever back heel for Clarke to steal into the box behind her, Rose does enough to get in front of the ball turn it away to the right side, the cross gets sent into the area Van Veenendaal claims it.

   Arsenal win a free kick wide on the left the ball is put long into the box by Nobbs looking for Natalia the striker stretching for the ball can't quite get the tough needed to divert it towards goal. Van Vennendaal is called into action to make the save off White as the Notts County attacker steals the ball from Williamson at the back and drives into the box from the right powers her shot in towards goals Van Veenendaal drops low to her left to push the ball away for a corner kick. Nobbs back inside her box to defend the corner kick gets it clear.

  Notts County haven't come out 2nd half looking for damage limitation have gone to 3 at the back with Whelan, Turner and Greenwood pushed Walton up into the middle. Are putting the work in to press the ball just as they were 1st half with 11 on the field. White and Clarke link up on the right side taking the ball down the channel the cross is lofted in Van Veenendaal throws up a glove at her near post the ball going over her is threatening to creep over the line, between them Rose and Janssen hook it off the line and the ball ends up safely in the keepers gloves.

  Losada when she can get on the ball is making some great runs from the centre of the park to link up with players both left and right, this time puts the ball forwards into the run from Corredera on her right she whips the cross in towards the far post, Nobbs is racing in to get onto the end of it throwing herself at the ball cannot quite get there to turn it home. Strong challenges are coming in from both sides Turner gets away with one through the back of Losada, Corredera doesn't as she chops down Greenwood. From the free kick on the half way line Notts County send the ball in towards the edge of the box, Williams heads on well with White breaking clear to steal in on the ball, Van Veenendaal comes and claims the ball saving at her feet.

   Losada and Corredera link up in attack for Arsenal through the middle Losada looking to send Corredera through on goal, Scott does well tracking the run well and getting in to make another fine tackle. Notts County make another change bringing off Walton for Aileen Whelan as they look for the goal to get themselves back into this final on 65 minutes. Corredera on the left of the attack sweeps in a great cross into the box with Natalia getting her head to the ball turns the attempt wide of goal.Scott back again this time tracking the run from Nobbs into the area as Natalia looks to put her in on goal.

Danielle Buet on the ball for Notts County Ladies

  Last action of the game for Natalia as she comes off the field to be replaced by Chioma Ubogagu with 15 minutes left to play. Notts County push players forwards have bodies up and around the Arsenal area try to bulldoze their way through the door is closed the ball pops back out to Buet who goes for the drive from distance hitting it low and hard across the area out of play the far side of the goal. 

   An extremely rare mistake by Stoney as she comes out to the right back slot to deal with Williams as Buet sees her in space on the wing. Williams wins the ball back off the defender comes inside off the byline looks to square it back in towards the penalty spot for White to hit, instead Rose steals in to get on the ball knocks it back into Williams the flag goes up stopping play not entirely sure why. 

   Stoney is soon back to her defensive best getting her head firmly onto a long ball put into the box from a Greenwood free kick sent in to the far post heads behind for a corner. The corner put in from the left is nodded down in the middle falls to the right, Scott somehow gets to the ball going to ground manages to get a shot away too much lift sends the shot over the bar. Notts County are pressing hard Williams on the left squares it to White edge of the box Yankey gets back to take it from her toe as she looks to pull the trigger. Final change for Notts County with Laura-Jayne O'Neill coming on for the hard working Williams. 

  Five minutes of normal time left Notts County have a free kick halfway inside the Arsenal half on the left, Greenwood to deliver aims for the crowd lined up to attack the far post comes to Fern Whelan stooping to head the ball turns it wide of goal. Arsenal send 17 year old Chloe Kelly on for Corredera in the closing minutes. Kelly playing on the right of the attack has 2 good opportunities to play the ball into the box looking for Ubogagu the Notts County defence stand firm. Last change for Arsenal Yankey leaves the pitch on comes Lotte Wubben-Moy with 4 minutes of injury time indicated. 

  GOAL! Arsenal score the 3rd goal to put the game beyond doubt, Ubogagu gets on the score sheet late on as the ball is put into her feet left of the goal taking on her marker closes in on goal shoots sending the ball past Telford coming to close the angle and the shot rolls over the line to make it 3-0.

   One last Notts County corner for Arsenal to deal with and that's the final whistle blows they win the match 3-0 and with it win the Continental Tyres Cup for the 4th time in 5 years. 2 wonderful goals from Jordan Nobbs the seasons only just started for her if only Arsenal had had her for the whole campaign. End the season with silverware as Casey Stoney lifts the trophy aloft for her side.

  Two finals two defeats for Notts County battle till the end today, were the better side 2nd half despite having just 10 players worked hard all game and 11 v 11 might have been a different story. 

   Arsenal Ladies are the Continental Tyres Cup winners for 2015. My congratulations to manager Pedro Martinez Losa and his players for their success. 

  

   

  

   

  

   

   

  

  

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.