FAWSL 2 - Spring Series Review

 It began back on Saturday 11th February, London Bees hosting FAWSL 2 newcomers Brighton & Hove Albion WFC at The Hive for the opening match of the one off Spring Series competition ending 3 and a half months later with Everton Ladies topping the table and lifting the trophy on the very same pitch this past Sunday.

Everton Ladies, FAWSL 2 Spring Series Champions

  A little review of the mini-season that has just taken place. The Spring Series introduced by the FAWSL to bridge the gap as the league prepares to move back in line with the rest of the women's football pyramid from the start of the 2017/18 season. A bold and risky move by the FA but the decision taken for a number of reasons, improve scheduling of fixtures? Help the national side better and better suit the pyramid with 98% of the games played over the winter. Meaning that teams can win promotion and be relegated from the FAWSL for the 1st time in its history.

  Onto the Spring Series, basically to bridge the gap the sides from FAWSL 1 and 2 playing each other once in a league format with the overall winners getting their hands on the trophy. Mentioned in my preview way back when some of the pro's and con's. Was a nothing to lose competition, teams able to bed in new faces, new coaches, new tactics etc. Most likely benefit Brighton  Hove Albion WFC the most as they enter the league give them time to find their feet. Anything that needed addressing could be ironed out. Would they be glorified friendlies? I don't think so competitive football is what everyone would expect and that is certainly what we got. It's an exciting league to watch good football and talented footballers on show and since it's introduction in 2014 FAWSL 2 has come into it's own.

  Below is the FAWSL 2 Spring Series final league standings.

EVERTON LADIES

  Spring Series winners in FAWSL 2 winning the title away to London Bees on the final day. Have had a strong campaign dropping just 5 points from their 9 games played with 7 wins the Spring Series top goal scorers with 25 goals coupled with the meanest defence letting in just 7 up the other end. 

  The club has had to deal with a few tough season's since the inception of the FAWSL the 1st to be relegated from FAWSL 1. As other sides budgets have grown have lost a host of big names moving to rivals. A club that has always prided itself on bringing youth players through the ranks, manager Andy Spence a firm believer in that tradition, has continued to bring players through sometimes forced to but the club has a stable base pushing the top sides for promotion since, the club getting a deserved reward by lifting the Spring Series trophy.

 DONCASTER ROVERS BELLES

  Back in FAWSL 2 after a difficult and disappointing season following their return to FAWSL 1 after their enforced 'relegation' in 2014. Struggled not picking up a point all season until winning on the final day with their relegation already confirmed. The Spring Series a chance for the club to get over any hangover from being relegated although I suspect there wasn't much of one, things to address that went against them last season but starting later than most were still amongst the favourites to win the Spring Series.

  Beating Durham and a 3-3 draw with Everton looked to see them off to a good start, however Everton's form meant that draws against Watford Ladies and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were costly in the end, just the one defeat that coming against Millwall Lionesses, Doncaster Rovers Belles clinched runners-up spot finished 4 points behind Everton. Top scorer Courtney Sweetman-Kirk missed most of the previous season through injury but back to full fitness now has kept her goal scoring record for the Belles netting 10 during the Spring Series the leagues top scorer.

 MILLWALL LIONESSES 

  The Spring Series didn't quite go to form as most would have predicted there was a surprise package gatecrashing the top 3 as Millwall Lionesses finished the campaign strongly. Having been sliding down the FAWSL 2 table since promising beginnings back in 2014 and another change of manager it looked like another campaign of struggle as they began the Spring Series with 2 straight defeats. Drew the next 2 matches to get points on the board. After that Lee Birch's side never looked back going on to win all 5 of their remaining games to propel the club up the table and certainly restore some belief and confidence to take into the new season. The 2nd best defensive record in the league too.

 ASTON VILLA LADIES

  Have one of the most stable squads in the FAWSL 2 also a young squad with players always coming through haven;t always hit the heights the team has the potential to reach. A new home this season at Tamworth FC. Came back from 4-1 down against Durham Women FC in their final fixture this Sunday to win the game 5-4, Alys Hinchcliffe with the winning goal in injury time lifting Aston Villa above Durham into 4th position in the final FAWSL 2 Spring Series standings. Along with Doncaster Rovers Belles are the league's joint 2nd top goalscorers with 19, their goals spread out amongst the whole squad losing just the 2 games those against the top 2.

 DURHAM WOMEN FC 

  The club continues to go from strength to strength both on and off the field, are closing the gap on North East rivals Sunderland AFC Ladies be becoming the top women's football side in the region. Another side tipped to do well, potentially win the Spring Series a stable playing squad. Will ultimately be disappointed with a final placing of 5th missing out on runners-up spot having been there for most of the season with a final game last gasp defeat away to Aston Villa Ladies.  

 BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION WFC

  The new comers to FAWSL 2 winning the 2nd FAWPL Play-off game against Sporting Club Albion to follow Sheffield FC Ladies the previous season. The FAWPL Southern Division Champion's as I mentioned would have been one of the clubs to most benefit from the Spring Series being able to get a feel for the league stepping up as a squad to a higher level. George Parris named interim manager for the Spring Series following the Play-off win. Drew their 3 opening Spring Series matches, 2 lowest scorers in the league but hard to beat the draw specialists in the end with 4 from their 9 games, 3 defeats, 2 wins including a final day 3-1 win at the Amex Stadium lifting them up into 6th season, sets them up well for the season to come.

 LONDON BEES

  A difficult start to live in FAWSL 2 for London Bees since 2014 have struggled managerial changes a high player turn over. That looked to have turned a corner in 2016 with Dave Edmondson coming in as manager got them playing some good football and results started to improve. Started the Spring Series well undefeated in their opening 3 games with a draw and 2 wins, however just the one win has followed since and a disappointing end to the campaign with 4 straight defeats sees them end in 7th position. 

WATFORD LADIES

  There were several who feared Watford Ladies weren't going to start the Spring Series after 2 seasons of struggling at the bottom of the table, no manager and players leaving in large numbers over the close season a lack of information coming from the club and the news the club was forfeiting it's FA Women's Cup game against Doncaster Rovers Belles on the eve of the Spring Series it all turned around rapidly. The hugely experienced, Keith Boanas was announced as manager, the former Estonia National Women's team manager with little time to assemble a squad new signing were announced so catching the eye.

 A new lease of life for the club narrow defeats to start the season frustrating as a new team learnt about each other. Off the pitch the club became one of the most active on social media things going from strength to strength players stepping up from lower leagues making an impact good to see the wins finally coming towards the ed of April back to back against the 2 bottom sides Watford finishing 8th will have benefited more than any from the Spring Series and came have a positive outlook going forwards.

 SHEFFIELD FC LADIES

  Sheffield FC Ladies will be hoping this Spring Series was just a case of 2nd season syndrome and results will improve dramatically for the better come the new season after finishing 2nd bottom in the table with just the 2 wins from their 9 games. Won their opening fixture before suffering 3 straight losses before picking up their 2nd win. 4 straight defeats to end the season. Not getting beaten heavily just not scoring enough up the other end. An ambitious club will be looking for improvement over the summer to get themselves back in amongst the title challengers.

 OXFORD UNITED WOMEN

   Oxford United Women finish with the wooden spoon bottom of the table the only side in the table not to have won a game during the Spring Series with just the 2 draws from their 9 matches played. A new manager taking over this term, Andy Cook working with Karl Milgate taking over from Les Turner. The club producing alot of home grown talent had started to improve in FAWSL 2. Bringing in Ini Umatong from Portsmouth FC Ladies the striker was FAWSL 2 top goalscorer last season, has been a marked woman this time around scoring just the 4 goals for Oxford that combined with a total goals tally of just 7 in the league goes along way towards their league position. Discounting their 4-0 loss to Doncaster Rovers Belles on the final fixture however they haven't been heavily beaten at all. 

 Work to do over the close season all sides know a 10 plus goal scorer will do wonders for you league position in FAWSL 2 as they stop and prepare for the next challenge for the league. A competitve league will no doubt be the case next season to with the battles at both ends of the table carrying weight from now on.

One side from FAWSL 2 won't be kicking off the new season in the league however as the FA announced it's plans to fill the hole in FAWSL 1 caused by the devastating news of Notts County Ladies folding, with the FAWSL 2 sides being allowed to bid for the place. Similar to the franchise bids made by the clubs in the past needing to meet a number of criteria as they would have had to to earn promotion anyway. League position will be a factor too however and winning the Spring Series you would have thought put Everton Ladies in pole position. The FA thought Notts County's was a good plan to however and look what happened there? Lessons learned we hope.

  

Congratulations to Everton Ladies on their Spring Series success a trophy for the cabinet.

  


  

Match Report - London Bees v Everton Ladies

 The 2nd game from this Saturday's double header at The Hive, the FAWSL 1 Spring Series may be only half way through it's fixtures however it's the final round pf games from the FAWSL 2 Spring Series with London Bees hosting table toppers, Everton Ladies with just a point needed from their final game to clinch the one off series title.

  The games paced out a bit further apart in the FAWSL 2 Spring Series, Everton Ladies have looked strong all season suffering just the one defeat in their 8 matches played to date that a narrow loss away to surprise packages Millwall Lionesses. 6 wins and a draw undefeated in their last 5 games including 3 straight wins come into the game knowing the Spring Series trophy is almost in their hands a superior goal difference meaning even a loss today wouldn't be a disaster however the club will want to become Champions with a final day win, boost the confidence going into the new season no end. For Everton manager Andy Spence always looking to bring youth players through the ranks, something's being forced to in recent seasons this will be a well deserved achievement for the club.

  London Bees can't finish any higher than 6th place in the FAWSL 2 Spring Series table a win needed to guarantee the position, as both Watford Ladies or Brighton & Hove Albion WFC could yet catch them if they were to win their final games. Will be disappointed with that position however after making such a promising start to the Spring Series undefeated with 7 points from their opening 3 games. Only one more win has come since and have lost the last 3 games in a row.

  Playing at The Hive for the last time in the Spring Series will be looking to end on a high take that into the new season. Looks like the showers that affected the earlier game are fading away the sun bright behind the West Stand as the two sides walk out onto the pitch. 

  London Bees starting XI - Sophie Harris, Ocean Rolandsen, Sophie Fogarty, Emma Beckett, Amber Tullett, Rebecca Anderson, Tricia Gould, Ashleigh Goddard (C), Paula Howells, Evie Clarke & Jo Wilson.
  subs - Amelia Boyle, Lucy Loomes, Alysha Stojko-Down, Holly Greenwood, Katherine Huggins

  Everton Ladies starting XI - Kirsty Levell, Georgia Brougham, Danielle Turner, Megan Finnigan, Gabby George, Michelle Hinnigan (C), Mollie Green, Faye Bryson, Kelly Jones, Aileen Whelan & Simone Magill
  subs - Vicky Jones, Fern Whelan, Chantelle-Boye Hlorkah, Amber Stobbs, Olivia Chance, Claudia Walker & Emily Hollinshead.

  Everton another side to bring players in from folded Notts County Ladies welcome the return of defender Fern Whelan along with striker Aileen Whelan, the former named amongst the substitutes, with the latter starting. It's London Bees to kick off the 1st half, wearing white shirts with an orange and black striped sash across the front, black shorts and white socks. Everton lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with white shorts and socks.

  Everton pressure the ball right from the start Kelly Jones cutting out a pass in the middle sends it forwards with Aileen Whelan looking to get into the area left the ball into her path knocks it to the right for Simone Magill, trying to shift it inside the area is tackled by London Bees, Amber Tullett.

  Tricia Gould brings the ball forwards for London Bees left side closing in on the top of the area sends it across looking to pick out Jo Wilson in the middle, can't reach it runs on picked up by Evie Clarke right side tries to force her way into the box, no way through as Gabby George and Danielle Turner close her down. 

Everton Ladies, Gabby George

  Sophie Fogarty is fouled on the left side a free-kick in a wide position outside the box 25 yards out. Emma Beckett comes forwards from the centre of defence to take it, a let off for Everton as her inswinging strike fired in with plenty of power smashes against the upright before dropping down into the box and being scrambled away. 

London Bees, Sophie Fogarty with Everton Ladies, Simone Magill

  London Bees captain, Ashleigh Goddard controls well in the middle sees Forgarty on the move down the left picks her out with the pass, sends the cross into the the area, George getting her head on the ball clears for Everton. Everton get the ball up the other end win a throw deep on the right into Mollie Green she turns inside drives into the box fires the ball in across the six yard box is intercepted by Beckett at the near post and cleared up field.

  An Everton corner on the left an inswinging ball played in high Tullett gets up high to head away for London Bees. Whelan and Magill link up well up top for Everton bring about another corner from the opposite side, another good delivery, this time goalkeeper Sophie Harris with a confident claim for London Bees. Beckett cuts the ball out near post as it is fired into the area for Magill to attack after Georgia Brougham and Faye Bryson combine well on the right for Everton.

Amber Tullett gets up high to head the ball clear from the corner for London Bees

  Moving past the opening 15 minutes of the game Everton starting to build some momentum, captain Michelle Hinnigan winning the ball in the middle driving on with it plays a great through ball in behind the London Bees defence sending Whelan through on goal, looks to stab the ball past Harris coming racing out to close her down sliding in the keeper makes a fantastic save grabbing the ball before it can escape her. 

  Less than a minute later Harris is called into action again producing another great save, Magill played through on goal to the right shoots from inside the box Harris pushing the ball wide of her near post conceding the corner. The goalkeepers heroics continue as Harris produces a quality double save from the resulting corner the ball long to the fire posted knocked down back towards goal Harris going to ground blocks then as the ball is fired back at her saves with her feet the ball deflected out to the right send back in across the face of goal goes wide of the far post.

A busy 1st half for London Bees goalkeeper, Sophie Harris

  Jones plays the ball on into Whelan outside the box a good turn before sending the ball wide right for Magill, going on cuts it back to Green arriving at the top of the box central her shot is blocked. Jones carries the ball forwards moving right crosses into the area, Beckett wins the header with Whelan closing in, out to the left Turner sends the ball in near post Harris claiming well. Green plays the ball into Magill drifting in space on the right takes on the shot from the top of the area the ball over the bar midway through the 1st half.
  

Everton Ladies, Mollie Green
opens the scoring

 GOAL! Everton's pressure eventually tells as they open the scoring in the 28th minute, Jones plays the ball on for Magill out on the right again, back to Jones who rolls it into Whelan inside the box right of goal turn and hit the ball blocked the deflection coming to Green outside the area left of the D goes for goal her shot taking a wicked deflection of a defender taking it away from Harris central into the back of the net 0-1.

  Everton keep coming winning the ball from the restart go forwards Hinnigan on for Green taking the ball on onside the box moving right looks to fire a shot back across the keeper, Harris making a good save grabbing the ball low to her left. Paula Howells gets control of the ball in the middle for London Bees moving left drives forwards whipping in a ball from 20 yards out, it's George who gets her head on the ball to clear for Everton. 

  A corner kick for Everton on the left just past the half hour the ball into a central position, Whelan gets up highest sends her headed ball wide across goal. Fogarty does well inside the box to defend a cross fired in long from the left has Whelan and Green either side of her brings the ball down well keeping it close to her body before playing it clear.

  GOAL! Everton double their lead good build up play on the left side it's Turner who plays in a fantastic ball from the wing top of the area over the runners near post falls on a plate for Hinnigan central a top draw header to send the ball angling back across the keeper and into the top corner 2-0.

Everton Ladies captain, Michelle Hinnigan

  Opportunities for London Bees up top have been limited as the game moves into the last 10 minutes in the 1st half. Goddard brings the ball forwards has Howells to her left finding her with the pass the cross is played into the box, George their to deal with it again far post. Magill receiving the ball from a throw in turns her marker taking the ball down the line putting the ball into the six yard box Whelan getting her head on the ball places her effort over the top. 

London Bees, Paula Howells

  Goddard with another forceful run forwards plays the ball into Wilson the striker shifts the ball left to right between her feet before shooting the strike blocked by Everton's Megan Finnigan. Magill robs the London Bees defence of the ball as they get caught in possession at the back on the left the ball rolled into the middle with Hinnigan bombing on meeting the ball strikes 1st time putting her attempt over the bar. 

  Into the last 2 minutes of the 1st half and Harris continues to make the saves to keep her side in the match Hinnigan driving on with the ball through the middle puts it on for Magill into the box left of goal blasts the ball in towards goal the London Bees keeper saving excellently with her legs to keep the ball out. 

 Half-time London Bees 0-2 Everton Ladies

 Everton Ladies good value for their 2-0 lead at the break have created plenty of chances in front of goal only some superb goalkeeping from Sophie Harris for London Bees has kept the score down. Few opportunities up the other end goalkeeper Kirsty Levell rarely called into action, Beckett's strike against the bar the closest the home side have come. Need a better 2nd half if they are to get back into the game.

  A change for London Bees at the start of the 2nd half Tullett off to be replaced by Lucy Loomes. Everton to get the 2nd half underway on the attack right from the off, a throw in right the ball put into Jones' feet as it is played across the top of the area, goes for goal a low drive blocked by Beckett. 

London Bees, Rebecca Anderson

  Whelan taking the ball out to the left wins Everton a corner kick, taken short before being delivered into the box the ball headed clear falling to Jones outside the box hits it hard back in towards goal taking a deflection flies up over the bar. London Bees break from the corner Anderson bringing the ball out of the area looks to release Wilson up top, Turner the last defender does well to close her down. Bryson puts the ball wide from inside the six yard box for Everton as she gets onto the end of a cross fired in from the left. 

Everton Ladies, Faye Bryson

 A change for Everton 10 minutes into the 2nd half bring off Bryson sending on Vicky Jones twin sister to Kelly. It's Vicky who puts the ball on for Turner getting in behind the London Bees defence on the left puts a great cross into the box Green arriving headers the ball down, straight at Harris saves will going to ground. Everton keep coming forwards, Magill playing the ball into Whelan central no way through plays the ball out to Turner left clips a cross back into the six yard box, Harris gets her arms up to claim the ball.

 Another change for Everton Claudia Walker entering the game replacing Green in the 61st minute. A throw for Everton level with the top of the box on the right side into Magill, sends the ball inside to Whelan letting the ball run across her strikes it her shot swinging away from goal. Wide again from Whelan soon after as Vicky Jones comes on with the ball looks to put the ball inside for Walker the ball evading her central come onto Whelan strikes the ball from outside the box. 

 GOAL! Penalty! The ball on the left played into Walker the Everton attacker is brought down as she enters the area, dusts herself down to take it. Hits the ball hard and low into the bottom corner of the net guessing right Harris almost reaches it with her dive Everton extend their lead in control of the game with 20 minutes left play 0-3.

Claudia Walker converts the penalty to put Everton Ladies 3-0 up

 London Bees make a change Wilson coming off to be replaced by Alysha Stojko-Down up front. Everton continue to dominate possession of the ball keeping it in and around the London Bees area. Walker with the ball on the left cuts inside before letting looses a shot from 20 yards the ball swerving through the air sails over the bar. Vicky Jones with a strike at goal from 20 yards right of goal as she comes onto a Magill lay off from inside the box the shot held by Harris. 

Alysha Stojko-Down winning the header for London Bees

  Everton make their final chance with 80 minutes on the clock, Olivia Chance coming on for Magill. Goddard is injured for London Bees can't continue, Katherine Huggins comes on. Loomes pushes forwards for London Bees left side allowed the shot the ball is blocked inside the area. A free-kick for London Bees inside the Everton half as Gould is fouled. Beckett to play the ball down the right the cross put in Finnigan heads the ball out of the area comes to Howells hits it hard taking a deflection goes away for the corner kick. The ball in from the left is met by Fogarty near post sees her header blocked. 

 GOAL! Not long left on the clock now Everton keep on pressing forwards the ball played into Walker has time to shoot 25 yards out and hits a cracking ball ball in curling away from Harris flies into the back of the net her 2nd of the game to make it 0-4 virtually the last action of the game as the final whistle blows and Everton Ladies celebrate winning the FAWSL 2 Spring Series.

Full time London Bees 0-4 Everton Ladies

  A 4-0 win for Everton Ladies looked the better side from start to finish getting forwards seeing plenty of the ball, 2 goal each half would have been more if not for the magnificent saves from Harris. A on off competition and Everton Ladies win the trophy.

The Prize

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

 The SWF Blog - Player of the Match goes to Everton Ladies captain Michelle Hinnigan leading from the front a driving force in the middle well backed up by Kelly Jones getting hold of the ball bringing it on setting up chances and scoring too.

Everton Ladies, FAWSL 2 Spring Series Champions

  Congratulations to Everton Ladies on winning the FAWSL 2 Spring Series a great achievement for all the players, staff and fans.

CHAMPIONS

Match Report - Sheffield FC Ladies v Oxford United WFC

 Easter weekend, the FAWSL 2 Spring Series continues a trip up to the Home of Football this Saturday afternoon to watch Sheffield FC Ladies take on Oxford United Women. 

  The Spring Series is a one off competition to bridge the gap until the FAWSL reverts to a winter format to fit in with the rest of the women's football pyramid. Each team facing each other once most sides have reached the half way point in the campaign with the exception of Doncaster Rovers Belles who have played just the one fixture to date. 

  Both of today's opponents would have liked to have had more points on the board. Sheffield FC Ladies into their 2nd season of FAWSL football lay in 7th place in the table with just the one win from the 4 matches they have played so far winning their opening fixture went on to lose the next 3 in a row, the last away to joint table toppers London Bees two weeks ago. Narrow defeats all however losing by a single goal margin on all three occasions away from home. Now back on home soil a win would put Sheffield up at least one place into 6th.

  Oxford United Women currently lay 2nd bottom in the FAWSL 2 Spring Series table 2 draws and 3 losses from the 5 matches they have played so far. The club has a new manager and coaching team in place this season, Andy Cook appointed as first team manager with Karl Milgate head coach. Ini Umotong was last season's top scorer in the league with 13 goals. Has 2 to her name so far this season. Looking for their 1st league win of the season this afternoon, like Sheffield 3 points would lift them all the way up to 6th too.

  Heading north for today's game the journey got off to a bad start I was a mile down the road before I thought.. hang on what am I doing I'm going south? Don't ask me why I turned left instead of right I don't know! Anyway back on track Easter weekend traffic was likely to be heavy in places and so I didn't get to The Home of Football stadium as early as I'd like. Still time to get a cup of tea, glad I brought my coast too was starting to cool, the sun bright in the sky a few dark clouds lurking around that would bring showers later in the day. Mind you like alot of pitches round the country today's would welcome a little bit of moisture.

  Sheffield DC Ladies starting XI - Juliana Draycott, Danielle Cox, Emma Johnson, Sarah Jackson, Carla Ward (C), Sherry McCue, Jenna Dear, Hannah Dale, Rhema Lord-Mears, Ellie Gilliatt & Lagan Makin.
  subs - Claire Wallhead, Billie Murphy, Sophie Jones, Hannah Cain, Suzanne Davies, Chloe Dixon & Kennedy Owen.

  Oxford United Women starting XI - Lucy Thomas, Charlotte Deeley, Jess Frampton, Rosie Lane, Riva Carsley, Ellie Noble, Lauren Haynes (C), Emily Donovan, Holly Pickett, Taome Oliver & Ini Umotong.
  subs - Demi Lambourne, Madison Lee, Lauren Allison, Ella Franklin-Fraiture & Sophie Baker.

  Onto the action it's Sheffield to kick-off the 1st half wearing red shirts, black shorts and socks with Oxford lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with navy shirts and yellow socks. Oxford press Sheffield in possession right from the start the ball played back to left back Emma Johnson plays it up for Ellie Gilliatt making a run to get in behind on that side, Oxford's Jess Frampton getting back on her to tackle and put out for the throw in before she can cross.

  Oxford get the ball into Umotong moving out to the left channel into the box her 1st touch a little too heavy runs out of play before she can get a shot away. A free flowing game early on end to end without anyone finding a way in behind either defence. Rosie Lane bringing the ball out from the back plays it long up to Umotong inside the D looks to bring the ball down on her chest turn into the box both Sheffield centre backs Sarah Jackson and captain Carla Ward quickly converge shutting the door on Umotong.

Oxford United Women's Rosie Lane

  Twice in quick successive Ward gets to the ball before Umotong as Oxford look to put the ball into the powerful striker outside the box. Hannah Dale carries the ball forwards for Sheffield through the middle releases Gilliatt on the left as she bursts forwards opts the hit the ball early dragging her half volley across the six yard box, picked up by Lagan Makin far post she is dispossessed by Oxford's Charlotte Deeley. Just as Oxford are looking to put the ball into Umotong up top, Sheffield's outlet is Gilliatt attacking down the left. McCue winning the ball in the middle brings it on has Gilliatt already on the move on the right, in behind as she receives the ball, Oxford captain Lauren Haynes tracks back slides in as Gilliatt reaches the byline puts her cross into the side netting.

Sheffield FC Ladies, Ellie Gilliatt looking to get after the ball

 Emily Donovan looks to take the ball forwards for Oxford left side outside the box her low shot aimed near post is gathered by Sheffield goalkeeper, Juliana Draycott. Johnson gets forwards on the left for Sheffield the ball given to her by McCue has Gilliatt in front of her skips past the defence her cross deflected behind for a corner kick, players crowd the box the ball goes long towards the far post, Taome Oliver deals with it for Oxford. The ball is constantly in motion pinging back and forth between the sides, Oxford pressing Sheffield. 

Emily Donovan bringing the ball on for Oxford United Women

   Two important touches from Lane at the back of Oxford to keep the score at 0-0 as Sheffield come forwards down the left Johnson linking up with Gilliatt ahead of her gets to the byline looks to cut the ball in towards Dale arriving near post, Lane tracking back with her gets something on the ball deflecting it out of Dale's path the ball running back towards the top of the box is fired in centrally Dale 3 yards out Lane lunges in front of her knocks the ball away, goalkeeper Lucy Thomas down to smother it beyond. Oliver bringing the ball on down the left channel comes in field as she reaches the area lays the ball across into Umotong central inside the D, turns the ball goalwards puts it straight at Draycott.  

 GOAL! Penalty! Oxford are attacking down the right the ball played into Holly Pickett passes to Umotong outside the area right of goal, Ward ahead of her faints to take the ball inside into the area, then shifts to take it the other way into the box, Ward upends the striker the referee pointing to the spot. It's Umotong herself to take Draycott is left static in goal as the ball hit with plenty of pace flies to her left into the corner of the net 0-1 Oxford take the lead in the 18th minute.

Ini Umotong blasts her penalty into the back of the net to give Oxford United Women the lead

  Oxford maintaining a good tempo, Oliver nipping in to win the ball takes it inside from the left out to Pickett getting in behind on the right, puts a cross into the area is taken down by Draycott at the near post. A few spots of rain start to fall. Picking up possession on the left as Sheffield come forwards Rhema Lord-Mears takes the all in field on the move pulls the trigger from 30 yards her strike swerving in the air flies wide of the top right corner of the Oxford goal. 

  A powerful run from Jenna Dear in the middle for Sheffield linking up with McCue goes on as the ball is switched out to Danielle Cox on the right plays the ball up to Dear as she reaches the top of the area on the right, shoots sends her effort over the crossbar. Oxford push on Donovan on for Umotong goes for the shot 25 yards out puts the ball straight into Draycott's gloves an easy take for the keeper. Snapping at the ball Gilliatt wins it on the left 20 yards from goal drives for the box has support from Dale goes on into the box evading Frampton's challenge shoots as she falls her low ball taken cleanly by Thomas making the save as she goes to ground. Gilliatt questions the referee regarding the challenge gets no where. 

Sheffield FC Ladies, Jenna Dear

  A few tempers getting frayed out there a bit of niggle in the middle the referee calls both Donovan and McCue over for a chat warns both. The resulting free-kick on half way is played up towards the top of the area by Oxford's Lane, Umotong heads the ball on into the area, Draycott the first to it. Dear plays the ball to Gilliatt on the move up the left a bit of space to exploit, Lord-Mears making a run in towards a central position Gilliatt puts the ball across the top of the area into her shooting from 25 yards out the ball sails over the bar. 

Rhema Lord-Mears looking for a pass for Sheffield FC Ladies

  Oxford are doing a good job of frustrating Sheffield winning a free-kick wide right the ball is played up into the box towards the near post Umotong up to head the ball, the Sheffield defence put it behind for a corner. High into the box it's Ward who gets her head on the ball sends it clear of the area, Sheffield look to counter, Oxford regain possession the ball played out to Frampton in space on the right whips a cross into the area a vital header from Jackson for Sheffield putting it behind for another corner with Umotong ready to meet the ball beyond her. The corner from the right put up towards the near post, Lane six yards out gets her head on the ball looping up drops safely into Draycott's gloves.

Oxford United Women captain, Lauren Haynes

  An injury to Umotong late in the 1st half play stopped so she can receive treatment, okay to come back on Sheffield resume with a throw on the right into Lord-Mears drives inside looking to pick out Gilliatt always ready to spring into action wide left, the ball goes out for a throw in, Sheffield pressure the ball late on into injury time, Gilliatt looks to pick out Makin making a run to get ahead of her left side into the box, Frampton clears for Oxford a counter attack on for the visitors the ball played into Umotong right side outside the area lays the ball inside with Pickett making the run, Jackson does well for Sheffield getting across the attacker shielding the ball back to the keeper. 

Half-time Sheffield FC Ladies 0-1 Oxford United Women

  A narrow advantage Oxford United Women at half-time leading through Umotong's 18th minute penalty. Have worked hard pressing Sheffield on the ball frustrating them at times, Umotong a handful up front the visitors looking to constantly get her on the ball in the final 3rd, although busy the Sheffield defence has done well changes in behind have been at a premium. Up the other end Gilliatt has been the outlet for Sheffield but despite getting forwards on several occasions the shots from distance have been off target and goalkeeper Thomas been put under little pressure. A 1-0 lead can Oxford maintain that level of performance 2nd halve or will Sheffield up their game.

  The decision to bring my coat with me was a good one the rain falling steadily at the start of the 2nd half sunshine and showers the best way to describe the weather as Oxford get the 2nd half underway. Sheffield move in quickly to take hold of the ball counter attacking the long ball out to Gilliatt on the left sends the ball into the area long towards the far post, Makin trying to get there, Deeley defends well for Oxford getting the ball back to her goalkeeper. 

Sheffield FC Ladies, Lagan Makin

  Oxford win a free-kick out wide left, Noble left on the floor needing treatment after Johnson fouls her picks up the 1st yellow card of the match. The free-kick is played up field headed on by Oliver into Umotong who helps it on into the area, Ward clears for Sheffield. Oxford get a corner attacking down the left the ball played in towards the top of the area Donovan takes it into towards goal, challenges come in the ball deflected between feet before being cleared.

  

 GOAL! 52 minutes played in the 2nd half and Sheffield get themselves back on level terms win a free-kick as Dale charging forwards is brought down 20 yards from goal. It's Dear to take the set-piece right of the D, gets plenty of power on the shot taking it past the Oxford wall angling across the area Thomas can't get to it as it the ball smashes of the advertising hoardings behind the goal as it hits the back of the net 1-1. Dear's 1st goal for Sheffield.

Jenna Dear hits her free-kick across the keeper to score her 1st goal for Sheffield FC Ladies

Not long after Sheffield make a change Makin coming off the field Hannah Cain coming on. Sheffield have the momentum, Dear with another chance to shoot from outside the box left this time sends her effort bouncing wide out at the far post. Oxford get hold of the ball in the middle Noble bringing it on sending it on for Umotong who takes on the 1st time shot in a central position just as she enters the box, takes a deflection off Jackson seeing it safely run through to Draycott in goal.

Oxford United Women's, Ellie Noble

  GOAL! 6 minutes after equalising Sheffield go on to take the lead in the 2nd half and it's a beauty from Johnson. Winning a free-kick up on halfway Dear over the ball plays it long up towards the top left corner of the area, headed down dropping into Johnson she brings it down well before shifting it to her right turning inside she strikes the ball sweetly sending it arrowing into the top corner kissing the underside of the crossbar and in! A worldie to make it 2-1.

  Oxford respond with a double change, Donovan and Pickett coming off, Lauren Allison and Ella Franklin-Fraiture coming on in the 60th minute. Taking a throw-in quickly on the right the ball into Umotong 35 yards out looks to thread the ball into Allison breaking ahead of her into the box she is caught offside.

 GOAL! A further blow for the visitors as Sheffield further extend their lead, given the ball inside her own half on the left Cain is allowed to travel all the way to the Oxford area before she lays the ball across the face towards Gilliatt positioned centrally leaning back letting the ball roll across her meets it with the inside of her boot the ball angling up and away from the goalkeeper to fly into the top corner 3-1. 3 goals in the space of 13 minutes Sheffield have completely turned the game around and the home fans sitting in the stand behind the goal have been treated to some top class finishes.

  Oxford push on, frustrated themselves now on the back foot win a throw in deep on the right Noble winning a corner from it, the inswinging delivery claimed by Draycott central inside her six yard box high in the air with Oliver closing in. A free-kick for Sheffield on half-way played long to Gilliatt on the left allowed to travel with the ball shoots on the angle her effort flying over the bar. 

 Umotong catches Jackson giving away a free-kick and gets a warning from the referee. Haynes regain possession for Oxford the ball is worked out to Allison moving into space on the left sends the ball in early towards the top of the area Umotong jumping leans on Ward to gain the advantage bringing the Sheffield captain down gives away another free-kick this time earning her a yellow card. 

Ella Franklin-Fraiture brings the ball forwards for Oxford United Women

  Franklin-Fraiture brings the ball on for Oxford right midfield plays the pass on for Oliver to take it up the right wing puts a high ball into the box, Umotong coming near side can't reach it falls to Allison far side bringing in under control looks to turn back towards goal her shot from 8 yards out blocked by Cox. Umotong is fouled 20 yards from goal in a central position, Noble over it runs in faints to shoot before laying it to Haynes to her right the Oxford captain's shot is charged down at the top of the area. 

Sheffield FC Ladies, Danielle Cox

 GOAL! Into the final 15 minutes Oxford get players forwards Frampton given the ball on the overlap goes on up the wing lifting a high ball into the near post area, Umotong getting across her marker gets up high to head the ball down back across the keeper to score and pulls it back to 3-2.

 

2 goals and a red card for
Oxford United Women's
Ini Umotong

Umotong's joy at scoring her 2nd of the game giving Oxford a chance to get back into the game is short lived going to grab the ball out of the back of the net, she and Draycott come together, hands are raised and the referee is quickly on the scene can't be any other outcome as both striker and goalkeeper are called back to the referee, a yellow card shown to both, Umotong's 2nd is followed by the red as she is sent off, Oxford down to 10. 

 A 2nd change for Sheffield, Dale the player coming off to be replaced by Suzanne Davies. Franklin-Fraiture wins the ball in the middle for Oxford bringing it on picks out Allison on her own up top now moving to the left the ball into her feet turns inside travelling towards the top of the box, collides with Jackson as the defender goes to ground to put in the challenge, Allison trying to hurdle the defender accidentally catching her in the face with her knee. Jackson is left a little dazed but up after receiving treatment. Sheffield looking for another goal to make the result safe, Lord-Mears into Cox as the defender gets forwards on the right lays the ball on for Davies, can't make anything happen as she is tackled by Carsley.

  Franklin-Fraiture with another strong run on the ball gets forwards for Oxford moving left turns inside 25 yards out lets fly with a shot the ball going wide of goal. Jackson needs to come off for Sheffield is replaced by Billie Davies as the game moves into the closing minutes. Oxford bring on Sophie Baker for Deeley. With the player advantage Sheffield are able to retain possession keep it in their opponents final 3rd. Cain gets a shot away from distance driven in low is saved by Thomas. 

Full time Sheffield FC Ladies 3-2 Oxford United Women

  The 3 points go to Sheffield winning the game 3-2 turning the game completely around having been 1-0 down at the break, 3 superb 2nd half strikes in the space of 13 minutes turning thing's around, Umatong pulling it back to 3-2 giving Oxford a chance to get back into the match but a moment of madness seeing her red carded reduced to 10 Sheffield looked comfortable for the win a good 2nd half performance after a frustrating 1st half.

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

  Ellie Gilliatt is today's SWF Blog - Player of the Match for Sheffield a constant threat on the wing well backed up by Emma Johnson behind her. Always wanting the ball annoyed when she doesn't get it creating chances for herself and bringing opportunities for her teammates entertaining to watch and a well taken goal. Johnson's does beat it however.

  An entertaining trip up to the Home of Football.

Match Report - London Bees v Sheffield FC Ladies

  Trip to The Hive this Saturday evening to watch another match from this season's one off Spring Series competition bridging the gap until the FAWSL moves back in line with the rest of the women's football pyramid. Reaching the mid-point of their Spring Series fixtures 2nd placed London Bees are looking to get back to winning ways as they host Sheffield FC Ladies.

  A promising start to the Spring Series for Dave Edmondson's, London Bees side after drawing their opening match 1-1 at home to FAWSL newcomers Brighton & Hove Albion WFC, went on to win their next 2 matches away to Watford Ladies and home against Oxford United WFC. Lost last time out beaten 4-1 away to Doncaster Rovers Belles who were finally starting their own Spring Series campaign. Joint leaders on 7 points 2nd to Durham FC Women on goal difference a point or better will put London Bees top of the table.

  

  A win for Sheffield FC Ladies would lift them up into 4th place in the table a point behind London Bees having won their opening fixture against Millwall Lionesses narrow losses have followed home and away to Durham FC Women and Everton Ladies. Have strengthened their attack by bringing in Lagan Makin and Natasha Flint from Flyde Ladies along with Hannah Cain on loan from Liverpool Ladies. Made the announcement 30 minutes before today's match via twitter of the addition of Jenna Dear to their squad the England youth midfielder having previously been with Chelsea Ladies and Everton Ladies goes straight into this evenings starting line-up.

  

 Made it to The Hive this evening with a perfect score having got all the traffic lanes I needed to be in correct for once! As I mentioned in my previous outing to The Hive on the opening day of the Spring Series season The Hive has grown into an impressive venue, training pitches all around the main stadium facility at the heart of the community and London Bees are very much a part of that. The clocks have gone forwards, (I'm already looking forwards to getting that hour back in the autumn) a 7:00pm kick-off the sun setting behind the stand opposite daylight still with us, mild and dry too, the large pitch which has seen a fair bit of action already today looking in good shape.

  London Bees starting XI - Sophie Harris, Ellie Perkins, Sophie Fogarty, Amber Tullett, Anne Meiwald, Paula Howells, Ashleigh Goddard (C), Hana Lalani, Emma Beckett, Lucy Loomes & Jo Wilson.
  subs - Amelia Houghton-Boyle, Mollie Burgess, Evie Clarke, Tricia Gould & Becky Anderson

  Sheffield FC Ladies starting XI - Juliana Draycott, Ellie Gilliatt, Emma Lipman, Sarah Jackson, Carla Ward (C) Sherry McCue, Hannah Cain, Jenna Dear, Lagan Makin & Natasha Flint.
  subs - Claire Wallhead, Danielle Cox, Billie Murphy, Sophie Jones, Rhema Lord-Myers, Chloe Dixon & Emma Johnson.

  London Bees to get the match underway wearing amber shirts, black shorts and socks with Sheffield lined up opposite wearing red shirts, with black shorts and white socks. The ball is played out to full back Sophie Fogarty making a run on the left over halfway sends the ball long through the middle aiming for striker Jo Wilson looking to make a central run, Sheffield centre back Sarah Jackson get her head on the ball nullifying the early threat. Busy start to the game London Bees pressing players forwards. 

  Emma Lipman closing the ball down wins a 50/50 brings it into the opposition half launches the ball from the right forwards towards, Natasha Flint up front knocks the ball on into the box, London Bees, Anne Meiwald gets across to put in the challenge send the ball out for a throw in on the left. From the throw Ellie Gilliatt takes the ball past 2 players towards the byline before cutting in back in towards the near post, Hannah Dale is there inside the six yard box turns the ball goalwards, London Bees goalkeeper, Sophie Harris flings herself to the ground making the save.

  All action at the start of the game 3 minutes on the clock Sheffield attacking down the left the ball worked in towards the area is cleared out towards Hannah Cain 25 yards out central rifles a shot back in towards goal, Harris is beaten the ball flies over her smashes down off the crossbar, onto the goal line and out, very close to the opening goal. Competitive, London Bees midfielder Emma Beckett breaks up a Sheffield attack plays the ball forwards Lucy Loomes attacking down the right side, attempting to come infield is stopped by Sheffield captain Carla Ward playing at centre back.

Sheffield FC Ladies, Hannah Cain

  Wilson up on the halfway line right side wins the ball for London Bees sends Loomes away down the wing, Cain tracks back catching up with Loomes sliding it to prevent the cross the ball deflected away for the 1st corner of the game. Beckett gets up high near side a good leap to head the ball on in towards the middle of goal falls at Loomes feet top of the six yard box her snap shot blazes up over the crossbar. Gilliatt is proving to be a real threat on the left for Sheffield picking up the ball 30 yards out drives towards the box get a shot away the ball is deflected into the side netting, a goal kick is indicated however.

  Beckett steps in to break up another Sheffield moves as Flint, Cain and Lagan Makin all look to combine up top passing the ball between them outside the area. A poor tackle from Jackson on Wilson sliding in from behind on the halfway line earns the defender the 1st yellow card of the game. Wilson requires treatment but is okay to continue. London Bees are beginning to get more of the ball Beckett along with Hana Lalani breaking thing's up in midfield. A throw on the left played into Beckett 30 yards out sends the pass inside to Loomes in a central position outside the box shifts it well to evade Ward's challenge gets a shot away her strike flying over the crossbar.

London Bees, Emma Beckett

  Another good pass from Beckett down the left channel, Paula Howells goes on as Wilson helps the ball on into the corner, the cross is long towards the far past, Sherry McCue gets her head on the ball sends it back across the area, Wilson arriving from that side meets the ball on the volley turning it in low towards goal, Sheffield goalkeeper, Juliana Draycott s down smartly at her post to make the save. A corner to London Bees on the left played in towards the near post by Loomes a scramble for the ball rolls back towards Lalani knocks it back towards Loomes who looks to open her body send the ball across the face of goal, Draycott on her line gets down low to claim the ball.

  London Bees captain, Ashleigh Goddard comes away with the ball as Sheffield push forwards through the middle plays the good ball out to Howells on the move left side sweeps an early ball in towards the box, just out of the reach of Wilson trying to twist away from her marker. A high ball from Sheffield in towards the top of the area, Flint miscues her attempted volley, the ball looping up into the air is a tricky one for goalkeeper Harris to deal with, Lipman closing her down they collide as the ball pops out of the keeper's gloves before Amber Tullett clears, Harris is left floored needs treatment before continuing.

  Half an hour played Sheffield bring the ball on through the middle Dear into Flint sends the pass into Makin ahead of her looking for the lay-off as she burst forwards Flint receives the return ball left of the D volleys in a shot the ball angling away from goal goes wide. Cain goes after the ball down the right as it is deflected into space following a strong 50/50, Tullett recovers the ground putting in the challenge as Cain attempts to hold it up, the home side giving away very little down the flanks preventing the ball coming into the area, both Fogarty and Ellie Perkins on the opposite side closing the ball down quickly when ever Sheffield look to go wide. 

Sheffield FC Ladies, Natasha Flint

  When Gilliatt comes forwards and overlaps she succeeds in getting in beyond the London Bees defence taking the ball to the byline once again cuts the ball back into the middle of the area, it's Cain there again stretching for the ball this time throwing a foot forwards connects sends the ball up onto the crossbar, down into the six yard box, Tullett clears. Back with Sheffield on the right Lipman into Dale brings the ball inside passing to Flint outside the area, shoots places the ball wide of goal. 

  A free-kick to Sheffield 30 yards out on the right as Tullett fouls Dale. Gilliatt over the ball played long towards the far post players from both sides up for the header cleared by London Bees sent up towards the halfway line won back by Gilliatt comes on with it before trying an ambitious shot, on target Harris sees it safely into her gloves. A good run from McCue getting forwards for Sheffield through the middle her pass on for Flint is good however the striker has strayed offside. Into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half London Bees are risking getting caught in possession at the back trying short passes with Sheffield snapping at the ball. Gilliatt plays the ball through for Flint to go after looks to win the race with Meiwald into the area, the defender reaching the ball first, deals with the threat well. 

 Half-time London Bees 0-0 Sheffield FC Ladies

  Goalless at the break, Sheffield with the better of the chances having started well striking the crossbar twice either end of the 1st half. Competitive in the middle of the park, defences on the whole able to deal with the ball ahead of them dropping deep little room in behind.

  It's Sheffield to get the 2nd half underway no chances for either side. London Bees close down quickly Goddard out to Loomes on the right moving down the line Gilliatt closes her down tackles the ball out for a throw. Sheffield bring the ball on a one two between Dear and Cain outside the box, the threaded pass into the area intercepted and deflected towards Beckett who gets it away for London Bees, Sheffield come straight back at them Flint turning towards goal sees the ball over her shoulder well connecting on the volley outside the box sends her strike over the crossbar. 

  Makin with a pacy run down the right flank for Sheffield sends a high ball in towards the near post Harris going up for it claims well under pressure. McCue and Beckett enjoying a good tussle in the middle of the park neither backing out of a 50/50 ball throwing themselves at it McCue knocks it against Beckett and away for the throw in. Meiwald wins the ball at the back for London Bees plays it forwards with Loomes in space on the right, Gilliatt shows good recovery to close her down put in the tackle preventing the cross. The ball is soon up the other end Sheffield with a corner taken from the left by Ward placed onto the roof of the net. 

Sheffield's Sherry McCue keeping the ball away from London Bees, Emma Beckett

  Cain brings the ball on for Sheffield support from Gilliatt who fires the ball in towards Dale outside the box takes on the strike the shot whistling over the bar. A good start to the 2nd half from Sheffield. In their penalty box Ward heads the ball clear as Howells sends a free-kick wide on the left into the box for London Bees. Harris gathers a deflected shot from Cain as she forwards left to right across the face of the area. Gilliatt intercepts a Lalani pass aimed at Loomes moving right, the visitors counter attack Gilliatt playing the pass inside to Cain bursts forwards succeeds in getting in behind the return pass coming towards her Goddard has seen the threat and moves in to tackle Gilliatt stop the danger. 

  Lalani on the ball 30 yards out has time on the ball encouraged to shot pulls the trigger the ball swerves in the air but doesn't trouble Draycott who gets her body firmly behind the ball. 60 minutes played and both sides make a change Tricia Gould coming on for London Bees replaced Loomes. Emma Johnson comes on for Sheffield replacing Dale. A great pass sees Wilson through on the left bringing the ball on cuts it back inside towards the top of the area runners from midfield, Lalani has the option of a 1st time strike from the top of the area, instead takes a touch wrong footing the defender ahead of her inside the area shoots no power behind the strike Draycott dropping low gathers easily.

London Bees, Hana Lalani holds off Sheffield's Sarah Jackson

   Howells links up with Lalani as they bring the ball forwards through the middle for London Bees closed down the ball is squeezed out to Goddard to the right 20 yards out fires the ball back into the D, Howells latches onto it sending a shot goalwards, Draycott is right behind it makes the save. An over the top ball on the left side see Wilson try to get half a yard on Ward as the pair tussle trying to win the race, Draycott is already on the move comes rushing out sliding in to make sure the ball disappears high into the stand. Moving into the two sides look evenly matched can either break the deadlock.

  Sheffield make a 2nd change, Rhema Lord-Myers on for Flint. Lalani plays the ball out to Howells wanting the ball on the right crosses early the diagonal ball into the area a vital winning header from Ward to get the ball clear, miss it and Wilson was through on goal beyond. The last action of the game for Howells in the 77th minute as she makes way for Evie Clarke. Makin gets away down the right side for Sheffield her strike in towards goal hitting the side netting. Sheffield make their final change bringing off Cain, Chloe Dixon coming on. The match moves into the final 10 minutes.
  

  GOAL! The deadlock is broke London Bees take the lead in the 82nd minute, possession in the final 3rd players forwards the ball played into Gould 20 yards out rolls it into the area with Wilson on her left breaking forwards latching onto the ball drills a low strike towards goal, races past the diving Draycott inside the near post and Wilson races away in celebration 1-0.

Jo Wilson opens the scoring for London Bees

 The home side quickly regain possession after the restart, Wilson is fouled out wide left the ball out side the area is swept in towards the middle of goal headed out by Jackson falls it Lalani outside the box her low shot is charged down by the on rushing Sheffield hoard, the rebound coming back to Lalani stabs at the ball this time her effort flying up and over the goal. 

  A corner kick for London Bees taken from the left played in low is cleared at the near post the ball running into the path of Wilson, goes to pull the trigger but is rapidly closed down the ball running out of the area Sheffield look to counter McCue brings the ball on through the middle Gilliatt the furthest forwards, McCue sends the ball forwards Gilliatt can't get a touch on the ball as it runs through into the box Harris coming out towards the edge of her box gathers. 

  GOAL! 2 minutes of normal play left and with Sheffield looking to get back on level terms late on they are hit on the counter attack Goddard bringing the ball on has Wilson available moving left plays a perfectly weighed pass into her feet the striker reaching the top of the area controls looks to come inside wrong footing the defender ahead of her room to shoot drills a rising shot pass Draycott, cannoning down off the crossbar bounces over the line and with her 2nd of the game Wilson races away in celebration again 2-0.

  Sheffield push Gilliatt on Ward too looking for an immediate response, Lord-Mears comes forwards with the ball making a central run attempts to thread the pass into Ward as she breaks into the area left side of goal, Harris rushing out dives at her feet, Ward knocks the ball past her, however it runs out of play beyond for a goal-kick.

  GOAL! Into injury time and Sheffield pull a goal back as they win the ball outside their area played up into Dear she produces a great pass with Gilliatt on the shoulder of the last defender, nips in front of her to knock the ball on and racing after it into the box throws herself off her feet getting to the ball before Harris sliding in sending it past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net 2-1.

Full time London Bees 2-1 Sheffield FC Ladies

  The last action of the game the final whistle blows and London Bees win 2-1 to take the 3 points and go top of the league. The result could have gone either way and at 0-0 going into the last 10 minutes it looked the most likely outcome, Wilson netting the all important goal scoring another with Sheffield chasing the game inside the final 2 minutes to put the result beyond doubt. Another day and the scoreline could easily have gone Sheffield's way. A dramatic end to the game.

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

   A few contenders for the SWF Blog - Player of the Match today. Was a good tussle in midfield, Beckett did well along with Lalani for London Bees. Gilliatt a constant threat for Sheffield. Today's award however goes to Jo Wilson, a well taken brace inside the final 8 minutes to cap a strong performance up front always looking for an opening, ready to receive the ball when London Bees mount an attack.

Jo Wilson

  An entertaining contest at The Hive, treated myself to a new piece of merchandise too a London Bees mug, and seeings as it was buy one get one free I got two.