FAWSL 2016 - The Final Day

   An FAWSL double on the final day of the 2016 season with the final round of games taking place for both leagues this Sunday, FAWSL 2 1st the final matches of the season kicking off at 2 with FAWSL 1 kicking off at 6. Sure plenty of FAWSL fans will be trying to take in 2 games, I'm no different having worked out the logistics have opted for a trip to Abingdon United FC to watch Oxford United Women v Bristol City Women with a 30 mile drive east down the M40 to watch Reading FC Women v Doncaster Rovers Belles.

  FAWSL 2 - Oxford United Women v Bristol City Women

  Across the 2 FAWSL leagues pretty much everything is settled, 2 sides going up from FAWSL 2 to the top tier this season again, is a South West double too with both Yeovil Town Ladies and Bristol City Women winning last weekend to confirm the 2 promotion spots. All that remains is to decide which one of the two will go up as Champions. Felt that 40 points would be enough to secure promotion from the league this time around and with both on 36 points it will be less than that. Yeovil Town have a 6 goal advantage on goal difference so hold the advantage as they entertain, Sheffield FC Ladies at Huish Park. Drop points and Bristol City Women can capitalise so long as they get the right result away to Oxford United Women. A winning scoreline of 6 or more than Yeovil could also hand Bristol the title if both sides were to win.

  Saw them in action for only the 1st time this season away to Everton Ladies just over a week ago, 2nd v 3rd at the time with a 2 point gap between the 2 sides a win would seal Bristol City Women's promotion bouncing back after relegation last term. Got themselves into a 3-1 lead 2nd half before a late Everton Ladies fightback threatened to put the celebrations on hold, Caitlin Leach saving a 98th minute penalty to see Bristol City Women win 3-2 and secure promotion. 

  Finishing in 6th place in the FAWSL 2 table last season, Oxford United Women looked to have a platform to build upon for this season push further up the table. Needed to add a proven goalscorer to their squad did so bringing in Ini Umatong from Portsmouth FC Ladies and she has scored goals is the FAWSL top scorer with 13 goals to her name. The results haven't come with the goals and 4 defeats worse off than they were last season Oxford are 2nd bottom. 

  Abingdon United FC's stadium on Northcourt Road the venue for today's match a good crowd in attendance for the final home game of the season. Oxford's sister clubs playing at the ground before the match. A chilly day at the start of November with dark clouds dominating the sky.

 Oxford United Women starting XI - Demi Lambourne, Jess Frampton, Riva Casley, Rosie Lane, Madi Lee, Lauren Haynes, Katherine Nutman (C), Katja Hakala, Holly Pickett, Georgia Timms & Ini Umotong.
 subs - Hannah Cox, Ella Franklin-Fraiture, Sophie Barker, Charlie Deeley & Zoe Chung.

 Bristol City Women starting XI - Caitlin Leach, Megan Alexander, Flo Allen, Hayley Ladd (C), Frankie Brown, Chloe Arthur, Jodie Brett, Eloise Wilson, Clare Emslie, Georgia Evans & Millie Farrow.
 subs - Hannah Reid, Olivia Fergusson, Paige Sawyer, Emily Syme, Katie Jones, Poppy Wilson, Lily Woodham.

  Oxford get the 1st half underway wearing yellow shirts with navy shorts and socks, Bristol lined up opposite wearing a red kit. The visitors get after the ball straight from the start, hustling Oxford out of possession on the right Eloise Wilson sends the ball on for Millie Farrow to chase into the channel, getting the ball on the byline plays an early cross into the box, Oxford goalkeeper, Demi Lambourne, parrying the ball away with her gloves near post to concede an early corner. Played into captain Hayley Ladd top of the area, helps it through to the far side the shot far side along the ground is off target.

  Bristol's Jodie Brett, latches onto the ball from a goal-kick drives forwards through the centre, over runs the ball as she trips, manages to get back onto the ball lay it out to the left, Chloe Arthur receiving the ball shoots from 20 yards out her effort flying over the crossbar. All Bristol early on pushing players forwards with purpose, Wilson with an inswinging cross on the right looking to pick out Farrow, Oxford's Rosie Lane clears. Lane is on hand to put the tackle in on Farrow inside the D as the ball is played into her by Claire Emslie as she bursts down the left wing cutting inside with the ball at her feet.

Bristol City Women's
Frankie Brown

  Up top for Oxford, Ini Umatong is seeing little of the ball Oxford looking to pick her out Lauren Hayes in the centre of midfield gets the ball into her, a long way out back to goal she tries to spin in behind but is closely marked by Frankie Brown in the centre of the Bristol defence. Emslie with the ball at her feet on the left drives on down the wing moving into the box tries to lay the ball back into Arthur, Oxford's Riva Casley makes a timely tackle to win the ball. 

  A corner to Bristol on the left taken quickly the ball up to the top of the area is whipped into the six yard box, Wilson jumps but can't meet the ball sails into Georgia Evans at the far post puts it into the side netting. Oxford captain Katherine Nutman is back to help her defence as Bristol full back Flo Allen getting forwards sends a cross into the box from the right. On the opposite flank Emslie surges down the left wing shoots aiming near post, Lambourne holds onto the ball near post.




  GOAL! Emslie likes to have the ball at her feet drive at players and her solo run and strike ends with a goal for Bristol on 12 minutes. Picks the ball up 40 yards out carrying it on coming inside shoots as she reaches the top of the area a low drive that flies past the diving Lambourne into the bottom corner of the net. 0-1.

Driving forwards with the ball, Claire Emslie opens the scoring for Bristol

  Bristol keep coming forwards, Allen linking up with Wilson on the right get the corner. Goes long is cleared by Umatong far post heading the ball back out to the right, Oxford look to clear their box, Brett plays the ball back in from the right her cross/shot kissing the crossbar drops into the six yard box for Millie Farrow, sends a looping header towards goal drops kindly into Lambourne's gloves. Oxford with a rare attack the ball out to Katja Hakala on the right wing gets in behind Megan Alexander crosses into the box, too close to Bristol goalkeeper Caitlin Leach who claims the ball at her near post.

  Up the other end Lambourne is tested by a 25 yard strike from Emslie, holds onto the ball. Bristol continue their onslaught, players pushing forwards Wilson and Emslie right and left getting the ball into the Oxford box. Oxford have a free-kick inside the Bristol half as Umatong is followed, Haynes plays the set-piece into the Bristol area far post looking for Umatong, the Bristol defence get it away from danger. 

 GOAL! Closing in on the half hour mark Bristol double their lead have a corner on the left following another determined run on the ball from Emslie. Will go down as an own goal the corner on the left taken quickly into the top of the area, helped on towards the far post area the ball strikes a back peddling defender inside the six yard box, Lambourne throws herself on the ball trying to keep it out but her momentum sees the ball cross the line the goal awarded 0-2.

  GOAL! Bristol go further into the lead straight from the restart winning the ball the pass is into Brett she runs through the middle with the ball surging into the box going right whips the cross in across the six yard box, Emslie coming in far post makes contact with the ball squeezing her header between defender and goalkeeper into the back of the net 0-3.

  Emslie on the ball again driving on down the left side cutting inside rolls the ball into Brett racing through the middle unleashes a shot from 20 yards, Lambourne dives to her right making the save pushing the ball away for a corner. The header from the corner far post is off target. Hakala coming on up the right for Oxford, has Umatong coming across to support her right side in the box, given the ball tries to lay it back for the advancing Haynes, Ladd steps into win the ball. Emslie on the move down the left has Farrow inside the box near side gives her the ball on the run tries to lob the ball over Lambourne the keeper snatches the ball down out of the air.

  Umatong is a hard player to shake off the ball,Holly Pickett plays the ball into her from the left she turns inside running across the front of the Bristol box, reverses the ball sending it in on goal running along the ground, Leach isn't troubled as she puts her foot on the ball. Arthur plays the ball on down the right for Wilson, Jess Frampton tackles winning the ball back tries to bring is out is fouled by Arthur. Close to being a penalty conceded by Frampton moments later as she trips Farrow inside the D just outside the box as she tries to wriggle her way into the area. Brett over the set-piece goes for goal over the bar, a hearts in the mouth moment for the supporters cars who are parked behind the goal.

   GOAL! Into stoppage at the end of the 1st half and having forced Leach into making her 1st save of the match in the Bristol goal the visitors counter attack the ball sent out to Emslie on the left a powerful run forwards plays the ball into the box, Farrow racing in near post headers the ball into the back of the net 0-4. Referee Sian Massey-Ellis signals the end of the 1st half.

Half-time Oxford United Women 0-4 Bristol City Women

  A dominant 1st half display sees Bristol with a comfortable and deserved 4-0 lead, if they are to out score Yeovil to the title they are well on their way there, their rivals with a 1-0 lead at half-time. A few spots of rain in the air as the two sides come out for the 2nd half Bristol getting things underway. Are on the attack early on Brett nips in to take the ball pushes on crossing the ball along the D tries to pick out Farrow, Haynes steps across her to win the ball. Brett moving out to the left side with the ball cuts it back inside for Emslie, 25 yards out looks to curl a shot into the top corner, the ball flies over the bar.

  Emslie on the move left side fires in a low drive towards the near post is deflected of Casley as she attempts to block, Lambourne making a smart save the ball behind for the corner kick. The set-piece is cleared far post put back across goal, Evans playing it back into the mix for Bristol, Umatong back defending heads clear. Allen goes on the overlap past Wilson on the right delivers a cross into the box, Lambourne claiming it near post. 

Oxford's Ini Umatong with Frankie Brown

  The rain is starting to fall steadily now, Oxford have started the 2nd half better, closing Bristol down quicker on the ball. Getting up the other end have a throw deep on the right played into the box the cross is over Georgia Timms near post falls to Umatong far side swings a leg at the ball rebounds off a defender, Nutman arriving inside the box right latches onto the ball but doesn't get any power behind the shot which is caught safely by Leach. Haynes is off the field for Oxford has picked a knock earlier in the match is substituted, Sophie Barker coming on.

  Bristol press on but aren't finding it quite so easy to break through the Oxford defence 2nd half, still ready to have a go from distance, Arthur has a try from 25 yards out a low effort bobbling along the ground, Lambourne gets down to save it. Wilson with Allen on the right flashes a cross along the six yard box. Oxford make their 2nd change with Ella Franklin-Fraiture coming on to replace Timms. Bristol make a change too Lily Woodham coming on for Wilson with a little over 20 minutes left.

 

Oxford captain, Kat Nutman

The rain heavy now making conditions slippery out on the field. Bristol make a double substitution, Olivia Fergusson and Emily Syme coming on for Alexander and Evans. The visitors putting pressure on the ball around the Oxford box get the pass into Arthur left side leaning back as she goes to strike the ball outside the box her effort lands straight into Lambourne's gloves. Woodham pressing with the ball on the left plays the cross long towards the far post arriving at her quickly Emslie chests the ball into the side netting.

  Umatong up top puts pressure on the Bristol defence almost capitalises as she goes after a back pass, charges Leach's kick down inside the box, back on her feet quickly Umatong is after the loose ball 8 yards out smashes her shot into Brown back to put the block in the rebound running out to Nutman top of the area her shot is blocked by Ladd. Ladd bringing the ball out from the back plays it long up the left for Woodham tries to play it inside for Emslie, Barker gets back on her with a strong sliding challenge before she can pull the trigger.

  GOAL! Into the final 10 minutes of the match, and Bristol get their 5th goal of the game. Good work from Farrow picking up the ball on the right side dribbles her way into the area running at goal plays the ball over the keeper and into the top corner to score 0-5.

  Frampton breaks forwards for Oxford getting up the pitch lifts the ball into the box trying to pick out Umatong, Leach coming off her line jumps in to claim the ball before it can reach her. Persistent rain falling now Bristol work the ball up the right the cross is sent in square along the top of the area, Syme unmarked outside the box left of the D coolly turns the ball towards goal, Lambourne dives to her right the ball striking the base of the post bounces into her before she throws herself on top of it. 

  The game moves into injury time, Frampton picking the ball up from a throw on the left deep in the Bristol half drives on into the box, flashes a shot wide across the face of goal. Franklin-Fraiture picks up the ball from a clearance sends it out to the right with Umatong giving chase picking it up on the byline turns inside and crosses, Leach holding onto the ball is sent up field out to Emslie still full of running on the left side comes back inside plays her shot wide across the six yard box. Game over winning 5-0 Bristol did their part, so to did Yeovil the title going their way after a 3-0 home win over Sheffield.  

Full-time Oxford United Women 0-5 Bristol City Women

  A dominant display to end the season for Bristol went for it right from the off, tried to score the goals to close the gap between themselves and Yeovil, ultimately proved to much. Return to the top flight after just a season's absence, the celebrations can begin. Congratulations to both Bristol and Yeovil on winning promotion.

FAWSL - Reading FC Women v Doncaster Rovers Belles

   The rain has just about stopped, time to hot foot it over to Adams Park to watch my 2nd match of the day, the blowers in the car set to hot to dry me out. A 45 minute drive becoming more like 1 hour 15 minutes thanks to roadworks on the M40, joy. Got there in the end however. With Manchester City Women winning the FAWSL 1 title going the season unbeaten finishing the season a week early with 9 teams in the league pretty much everything is sorted, a bit of mid-table jostling it's to the bottom off the FAWSL 1 table i am drawn to to watch the 2 sides promoted to the top tier last season with Reading FC Women still looking for their 1st hoe win of the season playing Doncaster Rover Belles still in search of their 1st point of any description on the league.

  Reading secured their top flight status a few weeks back getting their only win of the season to date away to Doncaster Rovers Belles in a relegation 6 pointer. 6 draws coming at the top end of the season meaning they have 9 points on the board, a home win in front of their fans the perfect end to their 1st ever campaign in the top flight.

  A tough season for Doncaster Rovers Belles had looked so promising at the start of the season returning to FAWSL 1 after a 2 season absence. Looked to have made some good signings the squad going professional, however injuries and departures affecting pretty much all their strike force have seen them struggle. 15 played 15 lost one more game left to see if they can at least end on a positive note take something forwards into the close season avoid going down on zero.

  More cover at Adams Park than Abingdon, under cover in the press area it was dry now, still cloudy and cold the pitch looked good if slick from the rain fall.

  Reading FC Women starting XI - Mary Earps, Rebecca Jane, Harriet Scott, Kayleigh Hines, Kirsty McGee (C), Emma Follis, Remi Allen, Lauren Bruton, Rachel Rowe, Amber Stobbs & Melissa Fletcher.

  subs - Grace Moloney, Lois Roche, Charlie Estcourt & Helen Ward.

  Doncaster Rovers Belles starting XI - Anna Moorhouse, Mayumi Pacheco, Sophie Barker, Leandra Little (C) Rhiannon Roberts, Kasia Lipka, Emily Simpkins, Carla Humphrey, Katrin Omarsdottir, Sam Tierney & Christie Murray.

  subs -Nicola Hobbs, Rebecca Rayner, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Rachel Newborough & Marta Bakowska-Mathews.

  Reading to kick off the 1st half wearing blue and white hooped shirts, blue shorts and blue and white hooped socks with Doncaster kitted out in yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. The visitors press the ball early force reading to play it backwards, coming forwards attacking on the left Katrin Omarsdottir is brought down an early chance for players to come forwards with Rhiannon Roberts to take the set-piece, sends it up towards the far post, Reading goalkeeper Mary Earps comes through bodies to try and punch it away, misses it, drops safely beyond Reading launching it clear ends up with Anna Moorhouse in goal up the other end.

   Both sides probing early the ball doesn't find it's way into either area out on the flanks, play is swept across field out to Emma Follis on the left side of attack plays it into the box looking for Melissa Fletcher, Leandra Little, Doncaster's captain gets a foot in to win the ball back. Follis is put clear on the left once more driving on coming into the box shoots putting the ball behind the goal. Doncaster's full backs aren't afraid to go forwards, on the right Sophie Barker makes a forward run receiving the ball takes it into her stride lifting the ball into the box, Christie Murray inside the area is leaning back as the ball falls to her right side plays her shot straight at Earps who holds onto the ball.

   Carla Humphrey finds space on the right delivering a cross into the Reading box in cleared by Kayleigh Hines coming near post to intercept. Reading counter attack the ball into Lauren Bruton in the centre of midfield drives forwards tries to lay the ball into Amber Stobbs moving inside from the right into the box, Roberts gets to the ball 1st to win in for Doncaster. Play is switched by Sam Tierney out to Omarsdottir wide on the left a clever back heel almost puts Mayumi Pacheco away on the overlap is stopped by Rebecca Jane sliding in to tackle.

   Moorhouse holds onto the all as Follis breaking down the left with the ball shoots putting the ball in low towards the near post. Reading starting to get a little more of the ball as the game moves towards the 20 minute mark. Stobbs with a couple of useful runs into space on the right gets the ball into the box both times the ball is headed out by Little. Good footwork on the ball from Omarsdottir in possession deep on the left side outside the Reading area brings a corner kick, swept in across the six yard box Earps leaps and just about gets her fist to the ball deflecting it out to the right with players rushing in towards her.

Reading FC Women's Lauren
Bruton with Kasia Lipka of
Doncaster Rovers Belles

  Reading push players forwards Harriet Scott bringing the ball up the left plays it forwards, the cross is swept long into the Doncaster area, Jane arriving at the far post inside the six yard box meets it on the volley, Moorhouse with a reactive save pushes the ball over, however Jane was offside when she struck the ball. Rachel Rowe is doing well in the middle for Reading breaking up play and getting forwards, tries to find Stobbs on the right, Pacheco tackling wins the ball back. Stobbs does get in behind the next time cutting the cross into the area with Bruton on hand to meet it her shot comes in low too many bodies in front of goal the ball is cleared.

  Fletcher lays the ball out to Follis left as she brings in forwards through the middle, Follis crosses early, Roberts heads it away from danger back out left Follis nips in to retake possession flashes a low cross into the six yard box Fletcher is in their the ball is blocked rolling back out to the left side and blazed over. Little taking control of a long ball played up into the area sends it long looking for Omarsdottir left, falling central a miscued header from Reading captain, Kirsty McGee puts the ball into Murray in field lines up a shot 25 yards out isn't too far over the crossbar.

Emily Simpkins

  The Reading crowd goes up in celebration thinking they have taken the lead in the 34th minute but it is ruled out by and offside flag. Reading surge forwards as the ball is taken down the right, the cross is whipped in fiercely over two players leaping in front of goal drops to Follis far stick who send it home, only to see her celebrations cut short. A free-kick for Doncaster on the left another chance for Roberts to play the ball into the box, Little gets her head to it far post drills her header across the face of goal. Moorhouse is hurt after she collides with Fletcher just inside her box as the striker is played in behind by Bruton coming on through the middle making the painful stop Moorhouse is okay to continue after treatment.

  Into the closing minutes of the 1st half another free-kick for Doncaster the ball sent long looking for Little, she leans on her player committing the foul as she heads the ball back across goal. An excellent strike from Emily Simpkins all of 30 yards out produces an excellent save from Earps in the Reading goal the ball heading for the top corner the keeper diving to her right pushes it wide for the corner. Coming in from the left McGee heads it out of the area, Doncaster play it back in Earps gets her gloves around the ball as the referee blows for half-time.

Half-time Reading FC Women 0-0 Doncaster Rovers Belles

  A goalless 1st half both goalkeepers called into action Reading having a goal ruled out for offside, neither has broken the dead lock yet both looking for goals wanting to end with a win. Doncaster get the 2nd half underway, Roberts sending the ball long for Omarsdottir left the ball going out of play. Simpkins is booked for a strong challenge on Remi Allen on half way. Rowe sends the ball long up into the area, Moorhouse claims well as Fletcher jumps into her at the far post. 

  Scott getting forwards for Reading shoots from the edge of the box on the left places her strike over the crossbar after the ball rebounds back into her path as Fletcher tries to wriggle her way through the Doncaster defence. Jane getting forwards down the right wing plays the cross in towards the near post Fletcher running onto it places her header wide of the target. Another chance for Fletcher as she is played through by Bruton in the middle into the box Doncaster defenders converge she squeezes a shot through, lacking any pace doesn't trouble Moorhouse beyond. 

  Humphrey plays the ball crossfield from the right for Pacheco coming on down the left plays it inside to Murray back to goal 25 yards out lays it back for Omarsdottir, shoots her effort running along the ground wide of goal. 15 minutes of the 2nd half played a lull in play. Follis seeing the ball drop over her shoulder on the left tries to  take it inside into the box, Barker stretches a leg wins the ball for Doncaster. Humphrey with support from Kasia Lipka the ball is played up into the box for Omarsdottir central, McGee jumps in front of her to win the header. 

  A corner for Doncaster on the left an inswinging ball Earps comes and gets a strong fist on the ball. Doncaster retain possession the ball is with Lipka right tries to put the ball over Earps the keeper with a good save to tip the ball away near post. Earps then claims well at her far post as the ball is sent back in. Humphrey plays an early cross into the Reading box, Omarsdottir the target gets her head on the ball six yards out knocks it down blocked by a defender.Reading make a chance on 68 minutes Follis coming off to be replaced by Helen Ward.

  GOAL! Doncaster score! Reading have been warned a few times already by Roberts deliveries into the box from any free-kick given away, concede one wide on the right inside the Reading half, the ball is swept long by the central defender out to the far post area, running onto it is Omarsdottir, connects as it hits the ground sending the ball back in towards goal and over the line 0-1.

Katrin Omarsdottir with the winning goal

  Lipka plays the ball on through the middle for Murray moving right plays the diagonal ball into the area Omarsdottir in the middle gets her head to the ball plays it straight a Earps, the goalkeeper reacting sharply to save tipping the ball over her goal for the corner kick. 15 minutes left on the clock, Reading try to up the tempo, Doncaster have something to hold onto and close the ball down quickly play is a little scrappy now. Reading make another change bringing on Charlie Estcourt for Stobbs.

 

Courtney Sweetman-Kirk

Lipka is hurt as she fouls Bruton inside her half. Off field to receive treatment Rowe over the ball places it into the centre of the are, under pressure Moorhouse gets to the ball pops out of her gloves but is awarded the free-kick after being fouled. Reading press forwards the ball is played into the Doncaster box 1st Little then Roberts slide in to stop a Reading boot finding the ball in the area. Jane turning inside with the ball 30 yards out has a shot from distance Moorhouse dropping forwards falls onto the ball to claim.

  A free-kick for Reading 35 yards out Rowe to play up into the box, McGee with the flick on Little beyond her heads it away from the box. Doncaster make a change bringing on Marta Bakowska-Mathews for Simpkins. A penalty shout for Reading as Roberts sticks out a leg on the edge of the area and Rowe coming on goes over it, hearts in mouths from the Doncaster fans however it's Rowe who is booked for a dive. A welcome sight for Doncaster fans with 2 minutes of normal time left as Courtney Sweetman-Kirk comes on to the field having fractured her leg early in the season, they've missed her goals. Replaces Murray up top. 

  Backs to the wall from Doncaster they are defending for their lives keeping Reading at bay as the game moves into stoppage time the ball is put up into the box Allen inside back to goal holds it up knocks it out to the top of the area, is laid back to her, however she slips at the vital moment doesn't get a shot away Doncaster launch it long Omarsdottir tries to hold it up in the corner. Reading get it long one last time Roberts coming across marshals it out of play for a goal-kick. The final whistle sounds and it's the bells that are ringing in celebration as at last Doncaster win and get those much sort after 3 points on the final day

Full-time Reading FC Women 0-1 Doncaster Rovers Belles

  A huge win for Doncaster and something to give to the fans who have stood by the team through a difficult season. The game in truth could have gone either way neither settling for a 0-0 on the final day had chances to win in one goal enough in the end

  After 6 seasons of summer football the FAWSL 2016 comes to an end with the league switching back to the winter next season after a Spring Series to bridge the gap will be sad to see it go. Having only been a casual women's football follower before the inception of the FAWSL in 2011, I decided to get behind a team, Lincoln Ladies when it all began loved it but sadly the club was to be rebranded. We all move on the blog was born the rest is history think the early years of the FAWSL were heading in the right direction, grew to include the 2nd league in 2014. After that the fixture scheduling became a nightmare and returns to the winter. Reservations yes, know it can work well if delivered right is strong enough and will benefit the England team and those qualifying for Europe. So here's to the summer (just pretend it's not November) been fun, see you in the spring.

Match Report - Doncaster Rovers Belles v Birmingham City Ladies

   Saturday football action from FAWSL 1 on the Supporting Women's Football blog comes from the Keepmoat Stadium as bottom of the table, Doncaster Rovers Belles continue their search for those elusive 1st 3 points in the league taking on 4th placed Birmingham City Ladies.

   A torrid start to the season upon their return to FAWSL 1 for Doncaster Rovers Belles have yet to record a single league point. With just 6 games on the board have played the fewest league games out of anyone in the division. Not at all helpful in building any sort of momentum for a largely full-time squad. Changes off the field to have added to their woes, dismissing manger Glen Harris after 3 games, have also been without last season's top scorer Courtney Sweetman-Kirk after she fractured a leg in a friendly game. Close season signings Natasha Dowie and Becky Easton have left the club too.

   Emma Coates has stepped up from assistant coach to become 1st team coach and moved quickly in the mid-season transfer window to bolster the squad with Lauren Cresswell returning to the club. Christie Murray and Marta Bakowska-Mathews have also joined along with Majumi Pacheco on loan from Liverpool Ladies. Has picked up a win beating Sunderland AFC Ladies 2-1 in the Continental Cup 1st Round, it's league points that need to be won however if the club wants to avoid relegation.

  Face a tough test today against a side that for whatever reason had been tipped as relegation candidates themselves, Birmingham City Ladies. Lost their opening 2 league matches in FAWSL 1 but since then haven't looked back unbeaten in a run of 9 league games, 10 if you include the 1st Round Continental Cup win over Oxford United Women. 4 wins and 5 draws that see them sitting in 4th spot in the table looking at closing the gap of the leading trio. 

  Have seen a fair amount of change over the season to date themselves strengthening off the field financially have seen a few fans favourites depart, Karen Carney and Becky Spencer going to Chelsea Ladies at the start of the season, Over the mid-season break midfielders Jo Potter, Jade Moore and Remi Allen have all left. Manager David Parker is a big fan of giving youth its head not afraid to give the younger players a go. To that the club have brought in a few overseas players in to add strength and experience to the club, goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger joining from Paris St Germain, along with German stars Isabelle Linden and Marisa Ewers. Norwegian International midfielder Andrine Hegerberg is another new signing.

  Doncaster Rovers Belles return to their home the Keepmoat Stadium for the 1st time since the end of March, the home game against Arsenal Ladies abandoned due to heavy rain making conditions unplayable in May. The stadium had played host to the Rugby League Challenge Cup semi-final on Friday the pitch still marked with the rugby lines and sponsors logo. Summer is here at long last and the weather was warm and sunny for the evening kick off there nice and early mainly because I thought it was a 6pm kick-off not 6:30pm.

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

  Birmingham City Ladies starting XI - Sophie Baggaley, Aoife Mannion, Kerys Harrop, Jess Carter, Emily Westwood (C), Andrine Hegerberg, Abbeyleigh Stringer, Connie Scofield, Chloe Peplow, Isabelle Linden & Charlie Wellings.
  subs - Kirsty Linnett, Cheryl Edwards, Sian Johnson & Ann-Katrin Berger.

   Doncaster kick off the game 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts, new signings, Majumi Pacheco and Christi Murray start for Doncaster with Lauren Cresswell and Marta Bakowska-Mathews on the bench along with Sue Smith who is slowly returning to fitness after a long injury lay off amongst the substitutes. Birmingham lined up opposite are in their away colours an all red strip, are without several players naming just the 4 on the bench with, Freda Ayisi, Coral-Jade Haines, Alex Windell and Melissa Lawley amongst those unavailable. Sophie Baggaley returns in goal in place of Ann-Katrin Berger. New signings Isobelle Linen and Andrine Hegerberg start along with development player Connie Scofield making her 1st start for the 1st team.

  A sing off between the fans from both sides at the start of the game the Belles fans not to be out done by the visiting Blues supporters. Doncaster push forwards into the Birmingham half, can't find the final ball as the visitors regain possession and play it long out into space on the right channel, Isabelle Linden goes after it wrapping her foot around the ball sending it into the six yard box, stepping out Doncaster goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs parries the bouncing ball, loose for a moment, Sophie Barker playing at right back today is behind her to kick the ball clear inside the six yard box.

  Looks like it'll be an open game with both sides looking to get the ball up the pitch rapidly, again Doncaster come on bringing the ball into the Birmingham half, Aoife Mannion steps in to win the ball back from Jess Sigsworth peeling away to the left, puts the ball up into Chloe Peplow ahead of her on the right, plays it forwards straight away, Linden looking to provide the run skipping in behind the Doncaster defence, the pace on the ball is a little heavy, can't reach it before it runs out of play. A good tempo to the game little goalmouth action in the opening 10 minutes.

Birmingham City Ladies, Charlie Wellings holds Doncaster's Majumi Pacheco off the ball

  Peplow drifting into the middle of the park wins the ball back from Majumi Pacheco as she attempts to carry it out from defence spins and plays the ball out to Connie Scofield out towards the top right corner of the Doncaster area, plays the ball into the box, Charlie Wellings leaps at the far post six yards out to head the ball on target, Hobbs is well placed to lay claim to the ball. Doncaster are pressing Birmingham for the ball high up the pitch almost capitalise on a mistake at the back the ball deflected back towards goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley has to wait for it to travel into her area before she can scoop it up, does so as Sigsworth arrives the pair come together the ball is spilt, on the ground keeper and striker scramble for it, Sigsworth can't get it to a team mate before Baggaley gets her gloves firmly wrapped around the ball.

Birmingham City Ladies, Abbeyleigh Stringer tussling with Doncaster's Carla Humphrey from the ball

   Birmingham are awarded a free kick on the left side of the pitch the ball put into the box from a deep position is headed clear by Doncaster captain Leandra Little for a throw on the left side, Jess Carter to take a good long throw on her the ball is headed on at the near post across the Doncaster six yard box, Peplow is free four yards out, throws her hands up to her head as she lashes the ball over the crossbar.

  Jess Sigsworth taking the ball on down the right wins Doncaster a corner, the defenders come up from the back, the ball swept into the middle of the area, Little making the run jumps to head the ball, not the connection she wanted as the ball is turned away from goal out to the left, Katrin Omarsdottir goes to retrieve it turning as swinging a cross into the box, Birmingham captain Emily Westwood heads clear, the counter attack is on the ball put up to Wellings inside the Doncaster half, Pacheco is the last defender, vital she gets her head on the ball, does well winning the ball. 

Leandra Little sends her header wide of the Birmingham City Ladies goal

  20 minutes played Kerys Harrop on the left for Birmingham in defence gets forwards up the pitch, plays a high ball into the Doncaster area, Wellings is there to attack it at the far post powers her header wide. Kasia Lipka pressing the ball high up the pitch gets hold of it rolls it to Emily Simpkins ahead of her on the right outside the Birmingham area, lifts the cross into the six yard box, Baggaley gets in front of Christie Murray to catch the ball. 

  A good midfield battle going on is starting to lead to a few free kicks being given away Doncaster try to take a quick on don't get anywhere, another is given away inside the centre circle, Little goes forwards as central defensive partner Rhiannon Roberts goes to take it, plays the ball low into Omarsdottir back to goal 20 yards out central her pass is flicked on by Carla Humphrey to her right puts Simpkins through into the Birmingham box, is closed down quickly pushed wide before she can get the shot away.

Connie Scofield making her 1st start for Birmingham City Ladies

  Humphrey nips in to win the ball in the midfield for Doncaster her pass picks out Sigsworth on the left, a powerful runner on the ball drives her way inside looking to get into the box, can't find the half a yard needed to get a shot away the ball charged down is cleared, runs into Humphrey 25 yards out lobs the ball back in towards goal, Baggaley is back pedaling sees the ball drop onto the roof of her goal. 

Isabelle Linden drives forwards with the ball for Birmingham City Ladies

  Picking up the ball inside the Doncaster half Linden gets her head down and charges forwards, is brought down by Omarsdottir, awarded a free kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out to the right of goal. Andrine Hegerberg over the set-piece goes for goal, her effort narrowly wide of the post. Looks like Simpkins has picked up an injury as the game  moves into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half can't continue and is replaced by Samantha Tierney. 

Andrine Hegerberg sees her effort fly wide of the Doncaster goal

  Carter driving down the left with the ball is brought down by Lipka, from the wide position the ball is lifted up into the Doncaster area, Little clears with her head putting the ball out for a throw deep on the right, Carter comes across to take it going long into the box again, Doncaster don't deal with it and like the earlier effort, the ball is headed on with Wellings getting up to head the ball towards goal, heading for the top corner, Hobbs gets across making a great save pushing the ball wide for the corner kick with the 45 minutes played.  

Half-time Doncaster Rovers Belles 0-0 Birmingham City Ladies

  Goalless at half-time against two sides that are fairly evenly matched, few chances created and the best of those have fallen to Birmingham. Good pressure put on the ball by Doncaster but often deep when they begin an attack Birmingham are able to regroup keep a solid defensive shape. With few chances being created it could come down to just the one being converted into a winning goal, question is which side will score it as they come out for the 2nd half.

  Birmingham to get the 2nd half underway, the ball put into Peplow on the right charges forwards is stopped by Pacheco's tackle. Positive start by Doncaster pushing forwards Barker coming up the pitch is free to receive the ball and lift the cross up into the area, Harrop heads it clear of danger. On the opposite side of the pitch Pacheco storms forwards with the ball at her feet runs into traffic on the edge of the area, keeping the ball lays it inside with Lipka providing a midfield run takes on the shot 25 yards out, lifts the attempt over the crossbar.

Doncaster Rovers Belles, Kasia Lipka

  Carter and Harrop have switched positions at the start of the 2nd half Harrop now inside alongside Westwood with Carter out left. The Birmingham defence is busy early on in the 2nd half Doncaster pushing bodies forwards, the risk is a rapid counter attack Linden laying claim to the ball in the middle sends it forwards into Wellings 20 yards out running with the ball shifts it between her feet before shooting running along the ground Hobbs is behind it gets down to claim the ball. Barker bringing the ball on down the right plays it into Sigsworth who whips an early ball into the Birmingham area, Murray has made the run into the centre of the six yard box, as in the 1st half however Baggaley is across in front of her to jump up and pull the ball down into her body.

Scottish International, Christie Murray

  Good pressuring from Murray leads to a mistake from Harrop as she turns to roll the ball back to her keeper, Omarsdottir alert central races into the box getting there just before the onrushing goalkeeper taking the ball around her the Icelandic International turns to shoot put the ball into an empty net, is denied by Mannion making a superb recovering tackle getting back on her to take the ball of her toes and behind for a corner kick. 1st change for Birmingham on 60 minutes with Linden the player coming off to be replaced by Kirsty Linnett who has missed the best part of 5 months of the season out injured.

   GOAL! What a return to action Linnett scores with her 1st touch of the ball! The ball is with Doncaster in front of their area Birmingham close it down the ball is deflected favourably into the path of Linnett finding room to break into the box left of the D, Hobbs rushes in to close her down going to ground, Linnett lifts the ball over her and scores  0-1 giving Birmingham the lead.

Super sub, Kirsty Linnett scoring with her 1st touch of the ball 

  Carter is up ended by Barker as she attacks down the left. Peplow to take the free kick sends the ball long to the far side of the area Hegerberg gets hold of it on edge of the box, pulls the trigger her shot taking a deflection off a Doncaster defender sending it wide for a corner kick. 

  Doncaster lift their tempo even further pushing on Little plays a good long pass out to Murray on the right wing holding the ball up Sigsworth comes to provide support Murray rolls the ball into her, Sigsworth sees Humphrey forwards in the Birmingham box plays the pass into her then makes the run to receive the return ball, gets it, Carter closes her down quickly stops her getting a shot away Sigsworth ends up fouling Carter. 

Jess Sigsworth, looking to take players on every time she had the ball at her feet

  20 minutes left to play, Sigsworth is working hard up front to make something happen for Doncaster, picking the ball up in a central position, takes on the defender in front of her getting past her has Humphrey looking to break clear to her right, picks her out play is stopped as Humphrey strays offside. The free kicks are still being given away Barker leaving Hegerberg on the ground in the middle of the pitch, is okay after treatment, Mannion to play the ball up into the area, Roberts get's up highest to clear the ball.

   Baggaley gets there just ahead of the onrushing Sigsworth inside her area left of goal as Murray plays her through on goal, the Doncaster striker left on the ground injured as Baggaley kicks the ball the pair coming together, Baggaley has to get back to defend her goal as the attack continues Doncaster getting bodies forwards, reclaim possession of the ball Omarsdottir bursting into the box left side blasts the ball towards goal, Baggaley going to ground parries it with her gloves deflects it across her six yard box in front of goal comes at Murray quickly can't control it giving the Birmingham defence a chance to scramble it away, play eventually stopped so that Sigsworth can receive treatment.

Doncaster Rovers Belles, Katrin Omarsdottir and Birmingham City Ladies, Chloe Peplow 

  Sigsworth is barely back into the action returning to the pitch goes after a long ball put into the right channel is caught by Carter accidentally another painful knock, Doncaster bring her off sending on Lauren Cresswell with 10 minutes left to play. A throw deep on the right for Doncaster, Barker receiving it turns the cross back towards to face of the area from the byline, Humphrey racing onto the ball goes for goal, blasts the ball over the bar.

  Hegerberg fouled in the centre circle takes the resulting free kick sending the ball long and high into the Doncaster area central, Hobbs goes up to punch the ball is clattered by Harrop attempting to get to it, Hobbs gets the free kick. Pressing forwards the full backs up the pitch Birmingham counter attack, Wellings looking to get in between the Doncaster centre backs, Roberts does superbly going to ground lunging for the ball taking it away from Wellings and into Little who sends it long. Tierney drives through the middle looking to force her way into the Birmingham box is stopped by Mannion on the edge of the area. 

Birmingham City Ladies, Kerys Harrop

   3 minutes of normal play left Doncaster continue to press numbers forwards, Birmingham defending get the ball up top for Linnett to chase on the left side, sends a sweeping ball across the face of the Doncaster area, picks out Peplow is a long way from goal as she attempts to header it down lacking any pace is gathered by Hobbs. Little goes forwards to join the attack late on of a quickly taken throw on the right side Barker sends a great delivery into the box, Little rises to meet it six yards out puts the ball over the crossbar. 

   Doncaster pile everyone forwards a minute left Tierney lunges in to win the ball back on the right, Barker in close attendance latches onto the loose ball whipping the cross into the area, is just beyond Omarsdottir as she stretches out a leg desperate to bring it down, Birmingham regain possession make a late change Wellings the player replaced, Cheryl Edwards coming on. Late attack for Birmingham in injury time Linnett getting to the byline on the left into the area can't lift her cross over Hobbs coming to cover her near post. 

  The final whistle blows and it's Birmingham City Ladies who win the 3 points beating Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-0 super sub Kirsty Linnett with the goal off her 1st touch. Sees them join Arsenal Ladies on 20 points are 3 points off the leaders, have played more games than those above them but a top two finish is very much a possibility. Was a game of few chances both sides battled hard and for Doncaster the search for a league point goes on 5 points adrift at the bottom a frustrating result will feel a draw would have been a been a fair result. Played 7 lost 7 have plenty of games left and still all to play for just need to find that positive result. 

   

Match Report - Liverpool Ladies v Notts County Ladies

  A trip up to Widnes this Saturday evening for the 1st game of an FAWSL weekender at the Select Security Stadium with Liverpool Ladies looking to extend an unbeaten run of 5 matches in all competitions against Notts County Ladies.

  An unbeaten run of 5 games starting with a 4-0 away win against Sunderland AFC Ladies back on May 18th has seen Liverpool Ladies consolidate a place in the middle of the FAWSL 1 table and place then in a great position to push on up the table challenge for a Champions League spot currently in 5th a win today could left them into 4th spot or even 3rd if they can win by 3 clear goals. 2 wins and 2 draws in the league plus a Continental Cup win over Merseyside rivals Everton Ladies in their unbeaten run to date and in that time have conceded just the one goal too.

  Notts County Ladies make the long trip up to the Select Security Stadium off the back of a 2-0 away defeat at the hands of Arsenal Ladies last Sunday. Have had an indifferent start to the season unable to get a run of form going with the stop start nature of the season. In 7th place in the FAWSL 1 table with 7 points have scored just 7 goals to date, have a solid enough defence despite injuries to goalkeeper Carly Telford and defenders Chelsea Weston and Sophie Auckland-Bradley are unlikely to get caught up in the relegation battle however they need to start picking up points if their aim is to finish in the top half of the table.

  It's a long drive up to the Select Security Stadium from Norfolk closing in on 4 hours and the Sat Nav likes to find a new way into Widnes whenever I come here. Did arrive nice and early up high the fans were arriving drums were being tested from both sets of fans so you knew it was going to be a boisterous atmosphere between the fans, the Liverpool fans have a song for every player. Notts County Ladies had plenty of travelling support. Was a pleasant evening warm and sunny no chance of rain. I don't like the pitch but I think I've mentioned that before.

  Liverpool Ladies starting XI - Siobhan Chamberlain, Satara Murray, Alex Greenwood, Gemma Bonner (C), Sophie Ingle, Kate Longhurst, Laura Coombs, Rosie White, Shanice Van De Sanden, Natasha Harding & Caroline Weir.
  subs - Danielle Gibbons, Mandy Van Den Berg, Emma Lundh, Niamh Charles, Katie Zelem, Mollie Green & Ashley Hodson.

  Notts County Ladies starting XI - Megan Walsh, Danielle Buet, Amy Turner, Laura Bassett (C), Fern Whelan, Jo Potter, Leanne Crichton, Jade Moore, Rachel Williams, Jess Clarke & Ellen White.
  subs - Maja Krantz, Aivi Luik, Angharad James, Aileen Whelan & Alice Hassell.

  An early evening kick off it's the visitors Notts County to get thing's underway wearing their black and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts and black socks with Liverpool lined up opposite in their all red kit. The ball is put long up to Rachel Williams she is over on the right at the start heads the ball down for Ellen White playing central in attack 25 yards out takes on the early strike, across the area, Liverpool goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain can see the ball run out of play for a goal kick.

  Notts County with the ball on the left at the start of the game 1st Jess Clarke looks to carry it on into the box, has Leanne Crichton up with her in support on that side the look to exchange passes, the Liverpool defence wins the ball back. Williams coming over to the left on halfway wins the ball, right back Danielle Buet has plenty of space a head of her bombs forwards, Williams picks her out with a great diagonal ball, Buet sends an early looping cross into the Liverpool box, too close to Chamberlain the keeper takes the ball as Ellen White trying to get on the end of it leaps in front of her.

  5 minutes in and Notts County have kept Liverpool out of their area, a moving in quick to win the ball break up attacks, have the ball again on the left. Amy Turner gets forwards whips an inviting ball into the area across the six yard box Ellen White is coming near post doesn't get to the ball, her move looks to have deceived Chamberlain who is drawn towards her misses the ball as it sails past her, Alex Greenwood sticks out a boot attempting to clear the threat very nearly scores and own goal as the ball is deflected onto the far post before being launched clear of the area.

Notts County Ladies, Jade Moore holds off Liverpool Ladies, Rosie White

  Counter attack on for Liverpool with Notts County players forwards the ball is played over the top out to Shanice Van De Sanden making a move to get in behind on the right, cuts the cross back to the face of the area where Rosie White is arriving, the New Zealander sees her shot blocked at close range by Buet, the ball swerves away to the left White goes after it turns the cross back on along the six yard line far post Van De Sanden gets her head to the ball but can only knock the ball up high into the air, gives the Notts County defence the time it needs to regroup and win the ball.

 Van De Sanden is now finding a little room in behind the Notts County defence on the left side as Turner looks to provide support for Clarke when they are on the attack. Puts one cross long out of play across the box. Next time she is in behind Notts County goalkeeper Megan Walsh comes rushing out of her goal to the right corner of her box, her momentum will take her out of the box not going to get there before Van De Sanden she jumps into her shot doing enough to deflect the ball off her back take it away for a corner kick. Rosie White comes to receive the corner short on the right lays it back to the taker Greenwood who stands the ball back up into the box, Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner comes to meet it near side twists her neck as she heads the ball, too much to do puts the attempt behind.

Notts County Ladies, Leanna Crichton with Liverpool Ladies, Laura Coombs

   A miscued goal kick from Chamberlain presents the ball to Clarke, getting her head down she looks to drive into the box, Satara Murray playing at right back comes in to close her down wins the ball and set up a counter attack the ball played into midfield sent long out to the left with Welsh International, Natasha Harding after it, sweeps an inviting cross into the Notts County area, Caroline Weir arriving in the middle of the six yard box leaps up to head the ball puts it over the crossbar.

  Notts County work the ball from a throw on the right side along the face of the Liverpool area Crichton looks to strike from 20 yards out the attempt charged down sees the ball roll back to Jade Moore, 30 or more yards out, blazes her shot wide of goal. Moore once again looking to get hold of the ball knocks it back into the Liverpool area, charges forwards into the box to chase it down fouls Sophie Ingle as the Welsh International tries to shield the ball out of play. 

  Clarke finds herself on the right side of the attack as Notts County get the ball forwards, whips a cross into the box looking for Williams coming near side, Bonner nips in getting in front of her to push the ball safely back to Chamberlain. An even contest both sides set up in a similar fashion organised defences. Harding gets support from Greenwood on the left between them they work the cross into the box, but as Weir headers the ball forwards she is flagged off side. Weir is left on the floor fouled the filling of a Bassett and Williams sandwich the resulting free kick on the left side is played down the line Harding does well to keep the ball in play in the corner rolls the ball back to Rosie White sends the ball into the box too long for everyone.

Caroline Weir floored between Notts County Ladies, Laura Bassett and Rachel Williams 

  A fantastic pass from Kate Longhurst in the middle of the park puts Van De Sanden her way attacking the right channel, Fern Whelan is on her shoulder as they close on the area, Walsh is racing off her line again and going to get there Whelan gets out of the way as the keeper puts her foot through the ball. 30 minutes played. Clarke and Murray are enjoying a fierce contest out wide as Clarke looks to get in behind the right back, gets half a yard on her enough to  turn inside on the byline then stabs the ball in towards the near post with Ellen White available, Bonner gets across and sticking a foot forwards takes it off White conceding the corner. A good ball put in from the left into the crowded six yard box Liverpool get it away Notts County have it again put into Potter's feet 30 yards out time and space to line up the shot ends up pulling it wide across the goal.

  Ellen White takes the ball wide to the byline before looking to turn a cross back in towards the six yard box, Ingle intercepts plays it out from the Liverpool area, Notts County are quick to close the ball down win it back play it inside to Moore 25 yards out goes for the strike keeping it down, Chamberlain does well to adjust her feet as the ball swerving in the air looks to have taken a deflection on the way though either way is safely in her gloves. Liverpool make a change with 5 minutes of the 1st half left Van De Sanden who had taken a knock earlier in the match the player off, Niamh Charles comes onto the field. 

  Taking the ball into the Liverpool half Buet puts in an early cross into the area, Williams in the centre of the area back to goal does well to chest the ball down and looking to hit the falling ball on the turn lashes the shot over the crossbar. Free kick for Liverpool on half way late in the game send players into the box the ball is put in Notts County captain Bassett gets her head on the ball knocks it over to the right, Buet looks to carry it out Bonner goes after her tackling wins the ball back then combining with Greenwood has a chance to shoot from 20 yards out, takes a deflection off a Notts County body on the way through ends up secure between Walsh's gloves.

Rachel Williams looking to play the ball forwards with Liverpool Ladies, Natasha Harding looking to close her down

  Liverpool attack late in the 1st half Weir with the ball at her feet in the middle of the park plays a great pass out to the left side with Harding going after it down the wing, jinks her way into the box before laying the ball back to the face of the area with Coombs arriving squeezes her shot away as 2 Notts County players converge on her, sails over the crossbar, but not by much closest chance yet as the whistle blows ending the 1st half.
   

Half-time Liverpool Ladies 0-0 Notts County Ladies

   A game of few clear cut chances defences on top and well organised defending deep leaving little space to get in behind, Liverpool are drawing Notts County out a little but haven't exploited the space in behind enough losing Van De Sanden hasn't helped as she was finding room attacking down the right. No one is getting any time on the ball in the middle the 2 sides cancelling each other out to a degree.

   No changes at the start of the 2nd half as Liverpool kick off with Notts County having to defend into the setting sun falling low over the stands. Coombs in the centre plays the ball long out to the left with Rosie White making a run to get into the box, Buet jumping up to head the ball get's there 1st. Liverpool attack down the left with Harding looking to break clear, Buet gets back on her to lunge in take the ball from her toes, Harding let's the all run out for the corner on the left. Walsh can't get anything on the corner as it is swept in across the six yard box dropping far post his headed clear by Turner at the far post then as the defence charges out it's Turner again who gets her body in the way of a Weir strike from outside the box.

Fern Whelan bringing the ball forwards for Notts County Ladies

   Clarke with the ball and her feet on the right twists and turns her way inside looks to roll the ball into the box aiming near post Ingle running back intercepts and plays the ball out. 2nd change for Liverpool early in the 2nd half with Kate Longhurst coming off and Katie Zelem coming on a straight midfield switch. The stalemate continues attacks are getting broken up before they've barely begun. 

  Liverpool win a corner on the left side the ball is played long with Bonner moving towards the far post gets her head on the ball puts it back across goal and it ends up in the back of the net however it won't count as the referee has spotted a foul in the build up and awards Notts County the free kick. Potter is a good passer of the ball produces a fantastic ball out of the centre of midfield out to Williams providing a good run for her over on the right into the area looks to meet the ball on the half volley blasts her shot wide across the face of goal.

 

Jo Potter, going in to win the ball for Notts County Ladies

  Clarke on the left skips past Murray and powers her way forwards taking the ball on looking to break into the box, Murray recovers well and gets back to her, no way through for a shot looses the ball, Moore wins it back of Coombs, 30 yards out takes on the shot a low effort coming in Chamberlain can see it run safely past her far post. Two sides committed to closing the ball down quickly hasn't been a dirty game few fouls committed it's the 63rd minute before a card is shown, Buet the recipient for bringing down Harding on half way.

  Walsh comes to gather the ball as Charles breaks beyond the Notts County defence looking to gt onto the end of a long crossfield pass from Rosie White on the left. Nip and tuck, end to end neither side on top, Clarke trying to make something happen on the left for Notts County brings the ball on before cutting back inside top of the area squares the ball into Ellen White just inside the box has time and space to shoot places the attempt high over the goal. 20 minutes left to play and I cant see a goal being scored.

Liverpool Ladies, Katie Zelem looking to take the ball past Notts County's Jade Moore

   Weir out left plays the cross in towards the near post Charles is making the move to get across in front of Walsh gets something on the ball, Walsh diving makes the save diverting the ball behind for the corner kick. The set piece is played up to the top of the area Murray heads the ball high into the air a spot of head tennis before the ball is lifted back into the area by Ingle bouncing safely through to Walsh.

   Potter needs treatment and Notts County are down to 10 as she comes off the field a substitute is being prepared. Charles with a run in midfield plays it on for Harding on the left, her shot from outside the area is charged down by Buet. Walsh with a wayward back pass makes amends with the best save of the match moments later as Coombs ties up a shot from 30 yards out is heading for the top corner, Walsh pushes it wide to hr right and out for the corner kick. 

  Before the corner is taken Notts County make the change, Angharad James coming on to replace Potter. The corner goes deep again Bonner the target gets her head to the ball knocks it down towards goal, Crichton back to defend gets it clear. Liverpool are looking to press forwards a bit more as the game draws into the final 10 minutes as they look to find what would most likely be the winning goal. Notts County make an attacking change bring on Aileen Whelan in place of Ellen White. 

Liverpool Ladies captain, Gemma Bonner brings the ball out from the back

  Whelan almost makes an immediate impact strong on the ball pushing forwards to get up towards the box has players up with her looks to lift the ball into James inside the D, cries for hand ball from Notts County as the ball is stopped an kicked away, the referee waves the protests away. Bonner carries the ball out from the back a powerful run before sending the ball forwards for Charles on the right Notts County defend concede the corner. The ball is whipped in near post Walsh ends up grounded but clears the ball as she goes over the falling Bonner, play is stopped the free kick awarded as Walsh receives treatment but is okay.

Up ended Megan Walsh still manages to get something on the ball

  Charles puts a reverse ball along the face of the Notts County area from the right, just evades Weir inside the D. 88 minutes on the clock a free kick to Liverpool left of the centre circle the ball is whipped up towards the face of the area by Greenwood, Zelem is there just inside the box gets her head on the ball, turns it on towards goal, off target out for the goal kick. Into injury time and Notts County make their final change Aivi Luik coming on for Williams last action of the match as the referee blows for full time and the game ends 0-0.

  Could have played another 90 minutes and I doubt we would have seen a goal, two very well organised defences with the midfielders from both sides committed to breaking up play led to very few chances being created, most of the strikes at goal from distance the keepers needed to be alert but were rarely troubled. A solid performance both sides will be happy with the defensive display. Liverpool Ladies unbeaten run continues.