Match Report - Birmingham City Ladies v Chelsea Ladies

  Last game of the season this Saturday afternoon, the winter leagues all concluded the 1st weekend in June sees the FAWSL 1 Spring Series come to an end and it couldn't be any tighter at the top as once again the league will be decided on the last day with 4 sides in the running. A second trip to Solihull Moors FC's Autotech Stadium in 3 days with Chelsea Ladies leading the table going into their final game away to Birmingham City Ladies

  Chelsea Ladies leading on 16 points with a strong goal difference over 2nd placed Manchester City Women both defeated just the once during the one off Spring Series campaign. A busy schedule 8 league games in 6 weeks just 2 points separate the top 4. Chelsea going top of the table with a comprehensive 7-0 win at home to previous leaders Liverpool Ladies last weekend maintained top spot with a midweek win away to Bristol City Women. Another away victory today will guarantee Emma Hayes' side the Spring Series trophy and lay down a marker for next season when the FAWSL returns to the winter scheduling to come back in line with the rest of the women's football pyramid. 

  Anything less than a win and it gives their rivals a chance, Manchester City are away to Liverpool Ladies now in 4th spot 2 points off the top having led for much of the Spring Series. Liverpool need other results to go their way but they know it is possible having been 3rd on the final day a couple of seasons back. Arsenal Ladies are the only undefeated side in the table in 3rd place a point behind the leading pair. Ideally they need to win away to Bristol City Women and hope Chelsea lose and Manchester City Women either draw or are beaten.

  Looking to stop Chelsea Ladies claiming the title, Birmingham City Ladies have had a frustrating Spring Series just the 2 losses have become the draw specialists in the league with 4 from their 7 games played so far. Just the one win have plenty of goal scorers in their squad it's just that they haven't found the net to often just the 6 scored. Creating plenty of chances were unfortunate not to get the 3 points at home to Yeovil Town Ladies as the league new comers battled for a goalless draw to get their 1st point of the campaign.

  Saturday afternoon for the final round of fixtures, a 3:30pm kick off and then my football is done for the season. The television cameras at the Autotech Stadium the game being shown on BT Sports. A decent sized crowd building too, Chelsea bringing plenty of travelling support with them. Another decent day weather wise too warm and bright with a little cloud cover.

 Birmingham City Ladies starting XI - Ann-Katrin Berger, Meghan Sargeant, Aoife Mannion, Kerys Harrop (C), Paige Williams, Sarah Mayling, Jess Carter, Marissa Ewers, Abbey-Leigh Stringer, Ellie Brazil & Rachel Williams.
 subs - Sophie Baggaley, Emily Westwood, Charlie Wellings, Adrine Hegerberg, Freda Ayisi, Chloe Peplow & Connie Scofield.

 Chelsea Ladies starting XI - Carly Telford, Millie Bright, Deanna Cooper, Gilly Flaherty, Katie Chapman (C), Maren Mjelde, Gemma Davison, Ji So-Yun, Crystal Dunn, Karen Carney & Fran Kirby.
 subs - Fran Kitching, Hannah Blundell, Beth England, Erin Cuthbert, Ramona Bachmann & Drew Spence.

  Both sides having been in action on Wednesday night make full use of their squads Birmingham making 4 changes from the starting line-up with manager Marc Skinner bringing Kerys Harrop, Jess Carter, Sarah Mayling and Rachel Williams into the starting 11 with Freda Ayisi, Adrine Hegerberg and Emily Westwood on the bench. Emma Hayes making 5 changes switching wing backs Hannah Blundell and Beth England for Crystal Dunn and Gemma Davison. Erin Cuthbert, Ramona Bachmann and Drew Spence also starting up top for Chelsea on Wednesday on the bench today with Karen Carney and Ji So-Yun joining Fran Kirby in the attack. 

  It's Birmingham to get the 1st half underway wearing their all blue home kit with Chelsea wearing their white away strip. Birmingham play the ball long out to the right Sarah Mayling looking to knock the all on into the area for Ellie Brazil, Chelsea goalkeeper, Carly Telford getting an early claim on the ball. 

  Bringing the ball forwards the pass finding Ji So-Yun for Chelsea the South Korean international plays the ball into Karen Carney making a run out to the right side is challenged by Birmingham captain, Kerys Harrop the ball put out for a throw in from which the 1st corner of the game is won. Fran Kirby comes out of the six yard box to receive the corner rolled into her by Carney plays it back to Davison top of the area to sweep a cross into the area, Birmingham's Jess Carter heads the ball clear.

  Positive build up play from Chelsea working the ball forwards Birmingham defending the final ball as the visitors attempt to play Kirby in behind on the right. Birmingham put the ball up through the middle, Rachel Williams looking to attack it, Millie Bright back across her run skies the ball high into the air, both give chase as it falls towards the left outside the area the Chelsea defender fouling the Birmingham attacker to give away the free-kick. Paige Williams on the set-piece plays it into the area, Chelsea clear, Birmingham regroup, gain possession and come forwards an intriguing start to the game an even contest so far.

Rachel Williams hurdling, Cooper's sliding challenge

  Aoife Mannion is busy in the heart of the Birmingham defence comes across to deal with Kirby as she looks to find a way in round the back down the left channel. Little goalmouth action in the opening 15 minutes. Carney getting hold of the ball on halfway pics out American International Crystal Dunn on the move down the left taking the ball on to the byline cuts the cross back into the area, falls for Carter back tracking to help her defence her stooping header running straight to So-Yun outside the area left connects with the 1st time hit her volley well over the crossbar.

Birmingham's Aoife Mannion beats Chelsea's Fran Kirby to the ball

  Kirby is fouled in the back by Meghan Sargeant on the left side outside the area as she attempts to hold the ball up the referee spotting it awarding Chelsea the free-kick. Carney over the ball hits it hard and inswinging ball flying in central towards goal Birmingham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger coming through the crowd before her punches the ball away.

 GOAL! Penalty! In the 21st minute Chelsea are awarded a penalty. Deanna Cooper bringing the ball out from the back playing it long for Kirby making the run into the box, is taken down by Berger as the goalkeeper comes across to challenge the referee pointing to the spot shows Berger a yellow card. Carney up to take the spot kick no messing hits it hard, Berger guessing the right way dives can't get anywhere near the ball 0-1.

Karen Carney gives Chelsea Ladies the lead from the penalty spot

   Harrop does well defending for Birmingham on the right as Davison gets forwards to support Carney. Drifting across to the left as Birmingham attack, Brazil looks to try and knock the ball in behind the Chelsea defence, reading it Gilly Flaherty makes the defensive tackle for Chelsea winning the ball. Sarah Mayling is keeping tight to the wing on the right trying to get forwards to support the attack room to receive the ball if her team mates can find her. Rachel Williams picks her out the cross comes in high is Williams coming in, Telford keeps her eye on the ball claims it high.

  Chelsea are starting to see more of the ball patient and progressive in their build up play over loading one flank or the other, Birmingham's back three have dealt with thing's well so far, Harrop left, Sargeant right well backed up by Mannion in between. Great attacking build up from Chelsea the ball going right to left quickly Carney playing the ball across the face of the area into So-Yun 30 yards out on for captain Katie Chapman she picks out Dunn getting away down the left taking the ball on towards the line whips and inviting cross into the six yard box, Davison running onto it far post sends her bullet header over.

Karen Carney on the attack for Chelsea Ladies

   Maren Mjelde is allowed to come forwards with the ball through the middle the Norwegian International spots Berger off her line looks to send the shot in a distance over her, Berger back peddling does well to stop the ball high on her goal line bring it down safely. Chelsea ending the 2nd half strongly, Carney influencing the play brings the ball out to the left before turning inside producing a great reverse pass to release Dunn on the left, slices her cross behind. 

Chelsea Ladies, Maren Mjelde

   Bright has defended well at the back for Chelsea left side getting forwards when she can to support the attack down that side sends  a great ball on for Dunn an excellent 1st touch to bring the ball down into Carney who plays Dunn on down the wing, the cross bisecting the six yard box is too long for Davison coming in far post, retrieves the ball turning back in towards goal lifting the ball into the middle Mannion gets her head on the ball to clear for Birmingham.

Birmingham City Ladies, Ann-Katrin Berger

  Into the closing stages of the 1st half Chelsea dominating play towards the end of the 45, Carney with a fantastic ball up into the area central, both So-Yun and Kirby looking to steal in behind a deft header from So-Yun to drop the ball into Kirby's path she attempts to knock the ball past the advancing Berger, the goalkeeper denies her making a superb stop going to ground killing the ball with her right hand, Mannion quickest to react getting the ball out of the area.    

Half-time Birmingham City Ladies 0-1 Chelsea Ladies 

 An intriguing contest, Chelsea Ladies have the 1-0 lead enough as it stands to see them clinch the FAWSL 1 Spring Series title. An even start to the game little goal mouth action early on both playing 3 at the back winning the ball has been congested in midfield Chelsea beginning to find more room with the like of Carney moving across the pitch. Birmingham have defended well without creating too many opportunities up the other end the penalty the difference between the sides at the break.

  Chelsea to get the 2nd half underway in front of a revised crowd of 1171, no changes for either side during the interval. Carter winning the ball at the back for Birmingham as the visitors look to play Davison through into the area from the right. The ball played long into the left channel, Brazil gives chase, she is quickly closed down by Cooper who shields the ball well before rolling it into Telford to kick clear up the pitch. 

Jess Carter wins the ball for Birmingham City Ladies

  Great hold-up play inside the box by Rachel Williams as the ball is rolled into her feet from the right off Mayling, left of goal six yard outs spins off he marker and hits the cross/shot on the turn effort going over from the angle. Mjelde carries the ball forwards moving left supported by Davison as the ball is pushed on then cut inside for Kirby charging at the area left side her shot is charged down. Chelsea keep possession of the ball stroke it around the top of the Birmingham area before So-Yun wins the visitors a corner kick.

  Carney puts plenty of zip on the ball goes long headed back in across goal by Mjelde out of play wide of the far post another corner signalled. A strong start to the 2nd half for Chelsea in the opening 10 minutes as they look to double their lead. 

 GOAL! From that early 2nd half pressure Chelsea go on to double their lead the ball on the right with Davison powering forwards fires a vicious cross in along the goal face Berger getting down low to stop the ball spills it running on for Kirby at the far post for a simple tap in to make it 0-2.

Fran Kirby doubles Chelsea Ladies lead

  Birmingham push on from the restart Mannion prepared to bring the ball out from the back spots Rachel Williams looking to break through the middle of the Chelsea defence puts the ball on over the top, into the area, Telford back peddling gives herself the room to collect the ball cleanly on the bounce, rather than risk spilling it with Williams barrelling down upon her. A break in play a Brazil gets the full force of the ball driven into her stomach from close range by Bright as she goes to clear the ball. Both sides make a change Carter coming off for Birmingham just past the hour mark, Charlie Wellings coming on. Chelsea bring off Davison she is replaced by Swiss International, Ramona Bachmann. Brazil is okay to return to the action.

  Wellings has an early opportunity to drive with the ball at the Chelsea defence coming in from the right is stopped in her tracks by Bright. A mazy run with the ball on the left from Dunn for Chelsea bringing the ball inside across the top of the area, is leaning back as she goes to strike the ball causing her shot to swerve away from goal. A neat one two through the middle between Carney and Kirby the latter into the box, Harrop steps in to make the timely interception. A 2nd change fro Birmingham with 20 minutes left on the clock increasing their attacking options bringing on Freda Ayisi for Ewers.

Freda Ayisi coming away with the ball for Birmingham City Ladies

   Very nearly a 3rd goal for Chelsea, Flaherty joining the attack getting forwards laying the all into Kirby near post no room to turn lays it back to So-Yun who back heels the ball into Mjelde just outside the box strikes the bar flies narrowly over the bar. Chelsea notch up the passes building up another attack play inside the Birmingham half left rolled into So-Yun in a central position strikes the ball goalwards, taking a deflection on the way through the pace off the ball Berger gathers.

 Brazil has worked hard up front for Birmingham chasing lost causes getting the ball back in play going after it down the left wing lays the ball back to Paige Williams outside the box top corner, fires the diagonal ball long towards the far post brought down by Rachel Williams keeps hold of the ball turns and tries to lift it up towards the opposite post, Telford in between gets up to claim hold of the ball. Rachel Williams has another opportunity moments later striking the ball wide from 30 yards after Cooper's sliding tackle to deny Brazil runs into her path.

Chelsea Ladies, Deanna Cooper

  Chelsea make another change bring Kirby off sending on Drew Spence. Paige Williams carries the ball forwards for Birmingham turning in field puts a great ball on for Brazil making the run towards the top of the area the striker almost connects but is closely marked by Cooper the defender putting in the challenge before getting the ball away from danger. Birmingham win a corner as Brazil pressures Cooper in the left corner. The ball is fired in near post Flaherty gets her head down to the ball as Harrop comes in with a high boot, noses and studs work in some combinations but not that one the referee awarding the free-kick. Flaherty is okay. 

Birmingham City Ladies, Paige Williams

   A powerful run with the ball through the middle by Bachmann for Chelsea getting into the box but up against Mannion it's the defender who wins the tussle for control of the ball. 5 minutes of added on time to be played Chelsea are almost there, make their 3rd and final change So-Yun off, Erin Cuthbert the substitute almost finding herself through on goal following great work from Dunn on the left with the support in Carney on her inside right putting the ball on for Cuthbert in the area left of goal almost succeeds in knocking it past Berger as she comes to close her down the keeper grabbing the ball and pulling it into her body. 

Full time Birmingham City Ladies 0-2 Chelsea Ladies

  That's it the final whistle blows and Chelsea Ladies are the FAWSL 1 Spring Series Champions finishing ahead of Manchester City Women on goal difference. Arsenal Ladies go the whole Spring Series unbeaten clinch 3rd spot. Liverpool Ladies ending the Spring Series with 2 straight defeats end up 4th.

  A good display from Chelsea to end the season. Playing some good attacking football progressive in their build up patient too. Plenty of attacking options with Katie Chapman protecting a solid back three. Laying down the marker for next season. Conceding from 2 errors Birmingham will feel disappointed once again another solid performance again with another strong defensive trio at the back not creating as much going forwards, overall would have expected to pick up more points during the Spring Series campaign but that squad is more likely to be challenging the top half of the FAWSL table next season rather than looking down.

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

 The final SWF Blog - Player of the Season goes to Chelsea Ladies Karen Carney an impressive performance using the ball well, moving to find space and bring others into play. Hopefully she can take that on into this summers Euro's for England.

Karen Carney

  Congratulation's to Chelsea Ladies on winning the FAWSL 1 Spring Series.

 Last match report for a little while 140 games in 18 months not a bad run time to enjoy a break however but will be rearing to go come the new season.

Match Report - Birmingham City Ladies v Yeovil Town Ladies

 A midweek trip to Solihull Moor FC's Autotech Stadium to watch the FAWSL 1 Spring Series fixture between Birmingham City Ladies & league new comers Yeovil Town Ladies.

 The penultimate game of the Spring series for Birmingham City Ladies down in 6th place from their 6 games played to date in the one off competition before the league reverts to a winter format later in the year. Marc Skinner taking over as manager reaching the FA Women's Cup Final. Haven't picked up as many points in their Spring Series campaign as they would have liked with just the one win along with 3 draws putting them on 6 points. Successive home games against Yeovil tonight then Chelsea Ladies on Sunday will be looking for Maximum points.

The Spring Series a good opportunity to access a squad and try new thing's Birmingham City Ladies have a large squad, which is useful with a few unavailable, new signings, Ellen White and Emma Follis amongst them along with captain Kerys Harrop and PFA Young Player of the Year, Jess Carter.

  I said in my season previews that the Spring Series would most likely benefit the newly promoted sides the most. Yeovil Town Ladies winning promotion to the top tier of women's football as FAWSL 2 Champions last season for the 1st time. A chance to see what the higher level is all about without the pressure of league position a snap shot half season. Yeovil Town know now after 7 games they have a bit of work to do if they are to pick up points regularly next season. 7 straight losses bottom of the table without a point.

  A mixture of results, some heavy defeats against the sides expecting to be challenging at the top, narrow losses to those that they would be more likely to take points from. Not training as regularly as some squads in FAWSL 1 another factor. With an uneven number in FAWSL 1 due to the folding of Notts County tonight is Yeovil Town's last match of the Spring Series and it would be a huge boost to the club to take at least a point home with them.

  Has been a while since I was last at the Autotech Stadium a few improvements and additions another smaller seated area in one corner along with covered terracing behind one goal. Always get a good cheeseburger there too. Have been craving an soft scoop ice cream for a few days now to, long way to go to get one but I'm glad to see the ice cream van is still a regular feature at the ground. Another warm sunny day a few clouds around but unlikely to rain the pitch i great condition considering the time of season.

Birmingham City Ladies starting XI - Ann-Katrin Berger, Meghan Sargeant, Emily Westwood (C), Aoife Mannion, Paige Williams, Abbey-Leigh Stringer, Marisa Ewers, Adrine Hegerberg, Carol-Jade Haines, Freda Ayisi & Ellie Brazil.
subs - Sophie Baggaley, Sian Johnson, Sarah Mayling, Chloe Peplow, Charlie Wellings, Connie Scofield & Rachel Williams.

Yeovil Town Ladies starting XI - Megan Walsh, Helen Bleazard, Natalie Haigh, Hannah Short, Nicola Cousins, Ellie Curson (C), Angharad James, Annie Heatherson, Nia Jones, Nadia Lawrence & Lucy Quinn.
subs - Bethany Howard, Leah Burridge, Steph Williams, Jessie Jones, Sarah Wiltshire, Kelly Snook & Ella Pursey.

  It's Birmingham to get the 1st half underway wearing their all blue kit with white piping across the shoulders, shorts and socks. Yeovil wearing a yellow coloured kit with green horizontal piping on the shirts and shorts with yellow and green hooped socks. Not much happening in the early stages the ball played out wide to Abbey-Leigh Stringer on the right quickly closed down by Yeovil captain, Ellie Curson as she attempts to get forwards.

  Paige Williams receives the ball in space on the left wing looking up plays the diagonal ball early into the box looking to pick out Ellie Brazil around the penalty spot the striker bringing he ball down on her chest is closely marked by Yeovil's Hannah Short the centre back reacting quickly to clear the ball. Birmingham goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger gathers the ball as Yeovil launch a rapid counter attack the ball, isn't long getting down the other end Brazil after it down the left channel holding it up rolls the ball up towards Williams sends a looping cross into the area, Yeovil goalkeeper, Megan Walsh claims it high in the arm no losing her grip in the ball as Freda Ayisi clatters into her.

Birmingham City Ladies, Paige Williams

  Off the bar! Coral-Jade Haines comes very close to opening to scoring for Birmingham in the 6th minute as she wins the ball from a goal kick takes aim from 30 yards out the ball fired in smashes against the crossbar and over for a goalkick. Yeovil have little of the attack early on Birmingham intercepting any attempt at sliding the ball through for Lucy Quinn to chase.

  Haines strikes the bar again less than 5 minutes after her earlier strike, closer in this time as Birmingham press down the right side Meghan Sargeant getting forwards with the ball cutting it across the face of the area Ayisi inside the D holds it up before laying it back for Haines to hit 25 yards out smashes against the bar dropping down safely for Yeovil to clear.

  A break in play as Stringer clashes heads with Nicola Cousins, the Yeovil player coming off worse needing treatment, getting up gingerly is allowed to return to the pitch, very nearly puts Yeovil into the lead as the woodwork is struck for the 3rd time in the opening 17 minutes. The ball is played into Nadia Lawrence halfway on the right holding the ball up has support from full back Natalie Haigh the ball is fired up into the middle Quinn the target outside the box can't take it in her stride, Cousins coming beyond her left of goal latches onto the ball hitting it across the keeper strikes the base of the far post.

  Birmingham attack on the left Brazil with support from Marisa Ewers coming on from the midfield the latter attempting to get into the box take a run at goal her cross cut out comes back to Ayisi inside the D attempts to curl the ball into the top corner places it wide of the far post. Another injury concern for Yeovil as Annie Heatherson is down injured. Okay to continue Yeovil win a corner on the right the ball cleared near post Birmingham look to break with purpose Ayisi bringing the ball on sends it forwards, Birmingham captain Emily Westwood is the furthest forwards, Walsh comes racing out of her area winning the race for the ball kicking it long.

Birmingham City Ladies captain, Emily Westwood

  Good work by Stringer getting hold of the ball on the right wing coming forwards lifts it up into the area for Brazil peeling right, the ball won't drop favourably for the attacker closed down by Helen Bleazard, comes back to Stringer, puts a high ball in towards the far post Walsh takes it high in the air with Ayisi closing in. Ewers is fouled by Curson a free-kick wide left Williams to put the ball into the box, Short wins the header. Birmingham retain possession inside the Yeovil half working it around the area the move ending with a shot from Stringer driven in low but wide from 25 yards. 

Abbey-Leigh Stringer bringing the ball on for Birmingham

 A great opportunity for Stringer as she gets into the box coming in from the right supported by Brazil coming central out to the right giving the midfielder the return ball she is clear on goal, opts instead to try and square it into Haines central she is tackled by Jones the chance gone. A free-kick inside the Birmingham half wide right a chance for players to go forwards Bleazard over the ball 40 yards out a great delivery into the area runners coming on attack the ball, Short gets her head on the ball knocking it down towards goal, Berger is well placed right behind it makes a comfortable save. 

  Heatherson defends well tracking back into the area against Brazil right side as Stringer looks to slide her in on goal. The clearance gathered by Stringer tries to pick out Ayisi inside the box, no room to turn back to Stringer goes longer with the cross, Walsh under it calls and claims. Ayisi is brought down by Lawrence 30 yards from goal, Haines to take it a central position goes for goal puts her shot straight at Walsh.

 Into injury time in the 1st half Yeovil have defended well but have had little opportunity to attack the Birmingham goal Quinn tussles with Westwood for the ball in the centre circle coming away with it as Westwood goes down holding her face, the attacker drives forwards heading for the area jinking left the right to make room for the shot sends her strike up over the crossbar.
 

Yeovil Town Ladies, Lucy Quinn

Half-time Birmingham City Ladies 0-0 Yeovil Town Ladies

 A change an the break for Yeovil with Cousins coming off, Jessie Jones coming on to join the midfield. Yeovil kick off the 2nd half, lose possession early on Hegerberg on for Ayisi a driving run towards the box her shot charged down by Jones. Brave goalkeeping from Walsh saving at point blank range from Haines inside the six yard box as the ball is played long from the left knocked in towards goal the foul given against the goalkeeper. 

Freda Ayisi looking to bring the ball down for Birmingham

  A good claim from Berger inside her area off a Bleazard free-kick on halfway. Haines works herself free with the ball in the middle rolling it on for Hegerberg strikes from outside the box her low drive gathered cleanly by Walsh inside her six yard box. A lot of effort being put in from both sides to close the ball down, possession changing hands without any progress being made. Stringer wriggling free on the right sends it up towards Brazil, is tackled by Short. Williams with the ball on the left outside the area 25 yards out looks to go for goal her strike wide beyond the far post.

  Lawrence looks to thread the ball through the middle for Quinn ahead of her, she is brought down 30 yards from goal. Bleazard closer in this time goes for the shot placing her attempt wide of the top corner. James battling for the ball comes away with it central on halfway moving right fires it down the line for Quinn, Mannion goes with the attacker getting across her marshals the ball back to her keeper to clear.  

Yeovil Town Ladies, Nadia Lawrence

  On the hour mark Birmingham make their 1st change, Rachel Williams coming on replacing Ayisi up front. Yeovil make another change too, Sarah Wiltshire on to join their attack with Curson coming off. Paige Williams looks to combine with Rachel Williams on the left the ball rolled forwards for the striker into the area her cross cut out. Momentum building Birmingham play the ball left to right for Stringer going on has Sargeant coming on in support playing the ball back to her the defender opens up her body to slide the pass into the area with Rachel Williams moving to the right, she is tackled by Jones the ball put out for a corner. An inswinging delivery the ball is headed clear of the six yard box falling straight at Hegerberg on the edge of the area left of the D strikes the ball back in on the volley putting it wide of the post.

  Birmingham have the power and pace of Rachel Williams now running directly at the Yeovil defence wins a corner the ball put into the area, twice Yeovil block attempted shots, the ball eventually coming to Paige Williams left outside the area her cross/shot back in towards the far stick goes over. Birmingham make another change Westwood coming off in the 67th minute replaced by Sarah Mayling who takes up a wide right position Stringer moving inside Ewers joining the defence.

  Mayling with room on the right plays a good ball long into the area for Brazil back to goal bringing it down well volleys over. Jones heads another Mayling back into the area away gathered by James the midfield carries it on attempts to put Quinn away through the middle a timely interception by Mannion for Birmingham. Mayling is having an instance impact on the game getting forwards wide right sends another great ball in towards the far post Rachel Williams dropping off her marker in the six yard box gets up to knock the ball down towards goal, Walsh throwing herself the the right makes the save look easy.

  

Yeovil Town Ladies goalkeeper, Megan Walsh

  Birmingham have Yeovil on the back foot pressing forwards the visitors holding firm putting in the blocks, get forwards the ball into the left channel Quinn goes after it is fouled by Berger as the goalkeeper comes out of her area, is shown a yellow card. Bleazard's free-kick is put long a little to high for Wiltshire to bring down the striker keeps hold of the ball has Rachel Williams in close attendance, a good tussle between the two Wiltshire looks to knock the ball in behind cut the cross in from the byline Williams prevents the cross leaning on Wiltshire who appeals for the penalty but the referee waves play on. 

  Yeovil make their 3rd and final change with 15 minutes left on the clock, Leah Burridge coming on to replace Haigh at the back. A few niggly fouls being given away Birmingham a little frustrated that they cannot get the ball into the back of the Yeovil net. The home side make their final substitution Haines the player taken off, Charlie Wellings coming on.Birmingham launch a counter attack from a Yeovil set-piece the ball into Stringer played up field for Brazil she is challenged by James the ball going out for a throw in. 

  Wiltshire goes to lob the keeper as the ball is rolled across to her in space 35 yards out getting her foot up and over the ball launches it into the air, Berger has time to judge it's flight and as it drops short inside her six yard box gathers the ball. Mannion brings the ball forwards from the back Birmingham attacking with intent want to get that opening goal that could well prove to be the match winner playing the ball into Mayling she slides it into the area with Wellings ahead of her squaring the ball across the six yard box Brazil can't connect as it races across her. 

  Walsh has been commanding in her area even as her defence drop deeper giving her little room to operate, calling and claiming the ball high in the air unfazed by Birmingham's attackers coming at her. Into injury time Birmingham pile players forwards the cross fired in from the right by Brazil drops for Rachel Williams far post sends her header over the bar. A collision in the box sees Short knocked to the ground is taken of after treatment on the pitch Yeovil to try and see the closing minutes out with 10 players. Is all Birmingham at the end Yeovil have everyone back in defence the final whistle blows and the points are shared.

Full time Birmingham City Ladies 0-0 Yeovil Town Ladies

   A valuable point earned in their final match of the Spring Series a welcome one too for Yeovil giving them far more to take into the new season than going the entire campaign without anything in the final column of the league table. A battling performance plenty of grit and determination the longer the game wore on to keep their goal intact. Little going forwards Birmingham rarely troubled up the other end. A frustrating performance from Birmingham will feel they did everything but find that one crucial strike had the majority of the attack creating chances. Striking the bar twice, needing that one clinical finish it wasn't to be, plenty of options going forwards they will score more often than not.

SWF Blog - Player of the Match

 A difficult one this to chose tonight's SWF Blog - Player of the Match a few contenders from both sides, thought Coral-Jade Haines did well for Birmingham in the middle of the park, Abbey-Leigh  Stringer was excellent too attacking right side. For Yeovil, their defence put in a real shift backed up well by Megan Walsh, am choosing centre back Hannah Short who made a number of blocks and well timed tackles throughout the game.

 One more game to go, back at Birmingham on Saturday for their final Spring Series game v Chelsea Ladies... then I can have a rest.

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