Match Report - Norwich City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

   A new football season begins this Sunday in the FA Women's Premier League. Pre season is done players are fit and raring to go. The FAWPL South East Division One is where I begin this new season a trip up the A47 in Norfolk to watch the opening match of the new season between Norwich City Ladies & Cambridge United WFC.

   A new season can often mean a new start for a lot of football teams and this is very much the case for both today's teams. For the league too as it is restored to it's full capacity of 12 sides having lost 2 sides very early on last campaign reducing it to just 10. C&K Basildon Ladies won the league and promotion to the FAWPL Southern Division, coming out on top as both Milton Keynes Dons Ladies and Crystal Palace Ladies pushed them all the way. 

   Relegated from the FAWPL Southern Division last season were Gillingham Ladies. Two newly promoted sides from the regional leagues below the FAWPL make up the 12, Lowestoft Town Ladies and Old Actonians Ladies. Looks to be a competitive league with no clear favourite for the title, will be 3 or 4 in contention at the top, and everyone is capable of taking points off the other.

   Focus on today's sides and Norwich City Ladies will be hoping to have a much better season than the one they endured last campaign. Finished bottom of the league with a negative points tally after suffering deductions for failing to meet fixtures and their Reserve side dropped out of the regional league set up. With 2 sides having already dropped out of the league beforehand they were spared relegation. 

   Have a new manager in charge of the team for the start of this season, James Buhlemann, who comes to the club having recently completed his UEFA B license, whilst spending the last 4/5 years coaching at Kings Lynn college and academies in the area. It is through knowing a couple players from the Norwich Girls Centre of Excellence that he became aware of the opportunity to manage the ladies 1st team. Norwich Ladies lost several key players last season but have gotten 3 of them back on board for the new season, captain Kate Parsons along with Paige Shorten and Anna Larkins who both played a large role in helping Lowestoft Town Ladies achieve success last season and Buhlemann feels the club has a good depth of squad with experienced and exciting young players to once again challenge at the right end of the league.

   A new beginning too for Cambridge United WFC. The new part being the United in their name as they begin a new era having formed a merger with Football League Two side Cambridge United FC to take them forwards as a club. Covered this merger in greater detail in an earlier blog entry if you want to know more click on the link below

A United Future for Cambridge WFC

   Last season was manager Steve Edwards 1st in charge of the club having come to the club from coaching at Watford Ladies. The club had a strong 1st half to the season winning more points than the previous campaign, eventually finished in 7th place and Edwards is keen to see the club push on this season, the merger with the mens side showing the clubs ambition they too want to be amongst the challengers at the top. Have brought in attacker Becky Taylor form local rivals Gt Shelford  as well as full back Lucy Du Plooy who played for Ipswich Town Ladies last season. Today though the club were without a few experienced players in captain Laura Bright, Laura Baker and Verity Crook who were all unavailable.

   Were a few dark clouds around as I travelled up the A47 to Plantation Park the home venue Norwich City Ladies share with Norwich United FC. The sun was to win the day however as kick off approached the pitch looking if anything a little hard and dry as the two sides walked out of the dressing rooms.

Norwich City Ladies starting XI - Fiona Coombes, Bryony Radley, Erin Wilson, Jordan Arnoup, Kate Parsons (C), Ellen Fewkes-Woodrow, Zavarnah Smith, Chelsea Garrett, Anna Larkins, Ebony Wiseman & Natasha Snelling.
subs - Jade Nicholson, Ellen Swift, Brooke Osborne & Katie Knights.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI - Liz Pamplin, Robyn Phillips, Lucy Du Plooy, Kayleigh Anne Burt (C), Nicola Geoghan, Hannah Bodily, Hannah Goodchild, Nuala Wayne, Emma Jenkins, Laura Mills & Becky Taylor.
subs - Becca Fay, Emily Reed & Isabella Simmons.

   It's Norwich to kick off the match in their traditional home colours of yellow and green with Cambridge lined up opposite in what was before their home coloured kit of sky blue. This now though is their away colours having adopted the amber and black colours for Cambridge United for their home kit. 

  The home side are on the attack early on taking the ball to Cambridge, keep the ball inside their opponents half without finding a way past their defence. Cambridge eventually get hold of the ball create the first chance with the ball slotted through from the middle of the park into the run of Emma Jenkins playing on the left three in attack entering the area looks to shoot, doesn't get good contact with the ball as it rolls towards the near post Norwich goalkeeper Fiona Coombes is across to gather.

   The game at this level is always played at a frantic pace and today is no exception both sides wanting to get the ball into their attackers quickly, on the attack Norwich get the ball into Natasha Snelling making a run into space out on the right channel, she squares the ball picking out her fellow attacker Ebony Wiseman making up the ground to support her, is able to take the ball in her stride and burst into the box right of goal, Lucy Du Plooy makes the lunging challenge to try and prevent the shot as Wiseman lifts it over her but can only put the ball into the side netting from the acute angle.

   Norwich are looking to exploit the flanks with Anna Larkins on the left and Chelsea Garrett out on the right in the next attack Garrett springs the offside trap is played in beyond the Cambridge defence is a one on one situation with Cambridge goalkeeper Liz Pamplin, Garrett opts to take on the shot early outside the area puts the ball straight into Pamplin for a comfortable save.

  GOAL! Norwich have started the brighter and 10 minute played open the scoring as Snelling controls a high ball inside the Cambridge half bringing it down and sending the ball out to the right this time with Wiseman the one giving chase, is strong as she battles with Cambridge central defender Nicola Geoghan as she runs into the area closing in on the near post inside the six yard box manages to hold Geoghan off long enough to send the ball across the goal face towards the far post where Larkins is waiting unmarked to pop the ball into the back of the net 1-0.

   Once more Garrett is through on goal again beyond the Cambridge defence as Snelling provides the pass another one on one goes for the shot as she approaches the area again this time lifts the ball over Pamplin, too high though flies over the cross bar too. Pamplin is called into action to save smartly from her own player as Kayleigh Anne Burt the Cambridge captain slides in near post to try and keep out another Norwich cross from the right a sharp save from Pamplin dropping and throwing a glove out to turn the ball around the post prevents an OG. From the corner the ball comes to Snelling on the edge of the area, Burt closes her down quickly blocking her shot at close range.

Norwich City Ladies Zavarnah Smith

   Cambridge opportunities are rare are finding it tough getting their own wide players on the ball, Laura Mills out on the left manages to skip past a challenge and take the ball deeper into the Norwich half only has Becky Taylor in the centre to aim for as she plays in the ball. Taylor comes to meet the ball gets her head to it but a long way out can't turn the ball towards goal out for a goal kick.

   Norwich's attackers Snelling and Wiseman along with Garrett and Larkins on the wings are causing all sorts of problems in the centre of midfield for the home side Ellen Fewkes-Woodrow and Zavarnah Smith are putting themselves about working hard to retain the ball frustrating Cambridge preventing them from getting any attacking moves going. Wiseman gets the ball out to Garrett on the right cuts the cross back into the area picking out Snelling near post her back to goal she can't get away from Geoghan to make room for a shot lays it to her left Cambridge intercept break with purpose playing the ball up to Mills she wins her team a corner. Mills to play the corner in from the left is a good delivery picking out Taylor rising at the far post sends her header wide of goal.

Norwich's Ellen Fewkes-Woodrow battles with Cambridge's Hannah  Goodchild

   Trying to drive forwards with the ball out on the left Larkins is fouled by Cambridge's Hannah Goodchild. A good position 25 yards from goal sees Jordan Arnoup playing centre back today come up to take, gets her low effort past the wall lacks the power or width to trouble Pamplin beyond. 

   In the centre her back to goal Mills receives the ball with a good turn and touch is past her marker and sets up Taylor to her left for a run into the area, closing in on goal Taylor shoots aiming for the near post, Coombes is across to make the save puts the ball behind for a corner. The first corner from the left is put behind for another corner the 2nd one is played deep into the D where Taylor leaps to head the ball down falls to Burt outside the area left of the goal her shot is instinctive and wide of the goal.

    Cambridge are caught out by the diagonal ball from the left with Wiseman the player bursting clear of the defence to get onto the end of it looks to send her shot across Pamplin, catches the keeper flat footed, turning she is almost resigned to picked the ball out of the back of the net is saved as the ball comes back off the post and gets it safely into her gloves.

Cambridge United WFC's Lucy Du Plooy

   Norwich win the ball back on the left look for the diagonal ball again long up into Garrett edge of the area a good first touch sees her take the ball into the area is right of the goal the angle tight, Du Plooy recovers the ground to get back and lunge in to make the challenge blocking the shot sending it up over the bar for a corner. 

   Mills late into the half gets the ball into Jenkins coming in from the left to a central position looking to attack the ball has Norwich right back Bryony Radley for company tracking across with her to put in the block as she pulls the trigger outside the D. Final action of the half and it's a vital interception from Du Plooy to prevent Garrett from getting onto the end of another left right pass.

                  Half time Norwich City Ladies 1-0 Cambridge United WFC 

   Has been a high tempo 1st half with Norwich starting strongly putting Cambridge on the back foot for large periods of the half getting the ball across the park into the space on either wing haven't allowed Cambridge to get any meaningful possession inside their half have created several chances the only down side perhaps that they have only converted one of them. Half time giving Cambridge a chance to regroup a single goal down were still very much in the match as they kicked off the 2nd half.

   GOAL! Not the start Cambridge wanted to the 2nd half but perfect for Norwich as they double their lead barely 2 minutes into the half. The ball won in midfield is slid through the centre picking out Garrett on the right of the area this time clear on goal makes no mistake hit her shot low and hard across Pamplin and into the goal at the far post 2-0.

   Cambridge look for an immediate response taking the ball up the other end win a corner on the right is played short between Mills and Du Plooy the cross cut out put behind for another corner played into the box Norwich clear and break with Fewkes-Woodrow on the ball taking it on down the right, has Garrett on the overlap plays her in, she looks to flash the cross in looking for Larkins at the far post attempting to turn the ball towards goal places it across the face allowing Cambridge to clear.

   GOAL! Norwich add a 3rd goal as they win another free kick outside the Cambridge box in a dangerous position 20 yards out to the right of goal. Jordan Arnoup has had a couple of free kicks 1st half gathered and placed wide with a purposeful run up she hits this one hard sending it low across the area past the diving Pamplin and into the back of the net to gove Norwich a 3-0 lead.

Scorer of Norwich's 3rd goal Jordan Arnoup

   Cambridge make their 1st substitution and with it a change in formation going to three at the back bringing off Du Plooy and sending on Isabella Simmons a new recruit from the Cambridge Girls Centre of Excellence. Goodchild is back helping her defence out as Norwich bring the ball forwards puts in the block inside the box as Wiseman looks to line of a shot on the edge of the area. A few refereeing decisions are going against the visitors and the bench is voicing its displeasure gets a talking too for their troubles.

Cambridge defender Robyn Phillips with Natasha Snelling going for the ball

   Not long after a free kick in the centre goes their way from inside their half Geoghan plays the ball up into the area is knocked down before falling to Taylor outside the D, she gets her foot under the ball fires the shot in can only pick out Coombes well placed to make the save in goal. 20 minutes to go Norwich make a change with Zavarnah Smith the player coming off, Ellen Swift coming on. Fewkes-Woodrow has been getting further forwards as the game progresses receiving the ball from a corner on the right outside the box places her shot wide of goal.

   Cambridge make their 2nd change with Emily Reed coming on for Hannah Bodily. Play is stopped for several minutes as Wayne catches Arnoup in the knee with her foot as the defender looks to get the ball up the pitch, she goes down, is clear she is in alot of pain. Can't carry on is helped off the pitch not putting any weight on her leg, Brooke Osborne comes on. 

 

Emma Jenkins looks to bring the ball forwards for Cambridge

  Into the last 10 minutes plus what will now be a good period of stoppage time Cambridge make their final change with Becca Fay on for Burt. Snelling gets onto the ball catches the Cambridge defence playing a high line whips the ball into Swift making the diagonal run from her left to get into the area, Swift attempts to lift the ball over Pamplin as she comes to close her down, Pamplin gets her gloves up to knock the ball away, swift races to retrieve the ball is wide to the right of goal when she tries to fire the shot back in blasts it over.

   Swift looks to set up Wiseman as she controls the ball played into her on the left plays the past into Wiseman outside the area she flicks it up attempts the volley too much on the ball sends it over the bar.

    Taylor hasn't had much chance to break beyond the Norwich defence during the match but is still looking for the opportunity is put through burst into the area, Coombes comes towards her goes down to block Taylor's shot saves with her legs, the ball is loose Mills is the player who is after it. Coombes is very quick to get back up goes to block the shot again makes the saves looked very close to being outside the box, Norwich counter attack Garrett on the right with the shot puts it straight at Pamplin.

   Garrett's last action of the match as she is Norwich,s final sub on in her place is Katie Knights. Into injury time Cambridge have found more joy since switching to 3 at the back have prevented Norwich exploiting the flanks so much are looking to find at least a consolation goal as Wayne gets hold of the ball outside the box with two touches makes the room for a shot is always swinging away from goal.

  GOAL! Cambridge do find a goal as the have a throw deep in their left they win a free kick as the ball is handled 25 yards from goal on the left it's Mills standing over the ball, hits a flighted ball with plenty of pace on it towards the near post flies over Coombes and into the back of the net 3-1.

   Little time left in the match Cambridge play it long have both Taylor and Jenkins racing after it as Coombes comes is almost caught out by the bounce but manages to stretch up an arm to pluck the ball down before it can evade her.

   The final whistle blows and it's Norwich City Ladies celebrating an opening day win beating Cambridge United WFC 3-1. Just the start the side were looking for after last season. Played well pressing the ball and looking to expose Cambridge on the flanks whenever they could.

   A result that Cambridge will want to get out of their system quickly not the start they were hoping for. Both sides are in action again next Sunday 23rd August with Norwich City Ladies away to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies and Cambridge United WFC at home to Ipswich Town Ladies.

   Thanks to both managers James Buhlemann and Steve Edwards for helping me out today, will no doubt see both clubs again over the coming season.

    

  

    

  

   


  

Match Report - Arsenal Ladies v Manchester City Women

   Trip down to Borehamwood's Meadow Park for an evening kick off to watch Arsenal Ladies play Manchester City Women in FA WSL 1.

  Getting into the business end of the league season and still all to play for. Arsenal Ladies go into today's match having slipped from 2nd to 3rd in the FA WSL 1 table following Chelsea Ladies 4-0 victory over Birmingham City Ladies earlier in the day. The FA Cup winners reclaiming top spot 2 points clear of Arsenal Ladies on 20 points at the top displacing surprise leaders Sunderland Ladies on 19 points following their 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool Ladies on Saturday. With 18 points after 9 matches played so far this season and just the 1 defeat Arsenal Ladies would go top themselves with a win again Manchester City Women.

   Going into this evenings match Manchester City Women were in 4th place in the table with 14 points after 8 matches played a gap of 4 points between themselves and Arsenal Ladies a defeat would seriously dent their chances of challenging for the top of the table a win would play them right back into the title mix up, especially as they have a game in hand on all the sides above them.

  A hot and sunny Sunday evening with the BT Sport cameras in town, the Meadow Park pitch looked in great condition with another good sized crowd building at the ground as the two sides walked onto the pitch. 
  
  Arsenal Ladies starting XI - Emma Byrne, Alex Scott (C), Emma Mitchell, Casey Stoney, Jemma Rose, Marta Corredera, Jade Bailey, Dominique Janssen, Natalia Pablos Sanchon, Chioma Ubogagu & Danielle Carter. 
  subs - Sari Van Veenendaal, Jordan Nobbs, Rachel Yankey, Carla Humphrey, Chloe Kelly, Lotte Wubban-Moy & Georgia Allen.

  Manchester City Women starting XI - Karen Bardsley, Lucy Bronze, Demi Stokes, Steph Houghton (C), Kathleen Radtke, Isobel Christiansen, Jennifer Beattie, Jill Scott, Daphne Corboz, Toni Duggan & Nikita Parris.
  subs - Alex Brooks, Emma Lipman, Krystle Johnston, Natasha Flint, Abbie McManus & Georgia Brougham.

    It's Manchester City to kick off the match wearing their home colours, sky blue shirts and socks with white shorts, Arsenal lined up opposite in their home colours, red shirts with white shoulders and sleeves, white shorts and socks. Manchester City look to play the ball early on have a willing runner in Nikita Parris up top, the ball is too long allowing Arsenal goalkeeper Emma Byrne to take comfortably.

    Manchester City have started on the front foot, Jill Scott getting onto the ball in the centre of midfield plays the pass out to Daphne Corboz on the right, behind her from right back Lucy Bronze makes a storming run to get ahead of her and into the box, Corboz sends the ball forwards into Bronze who forces an early corner as she tries to take on the Arsenal defence. The corner from the right is played in high by Isobel Christiansen, captain Steph Houghton is the one looking to get on to the ball leaping can't quite get there the ball is reclaimed by Manchester City sent in towards the far post, Jennifer Beattie is there lays the ball back to Christiansen her shot from 12 yards out is held by Byrne.

    Parris is fed the ball wide on the right is a race shoulder to shoulder with Arsenal left back Emma Mitchell as she takes the ball into the box the defender putting the blocking tackle in to concede the corner as Parris tries to take on the shot. The corner is put towards the back post looking for Beattie, sending it in towards Byrne the goalkeeper dives to claim the ball even as it looked to be heading wide.

   Manchester City are looking to press Arsenal for the ball especially inside the opposition half with both full backs Bronze on the right and Demi Stokes on the left looking to get forwards. Bronze looks to go beyond the attackers take on the Arsenal defence has her shot blocked inside the box. Arsenal in contrast are being forced to play from deep their attackers receiving the ball on the half way line then running into traffic centrally as Manchester City track back in numbers.

  Marta Corredera gets hold of the ball in the centre plays the pass out to Carter making a run into the right channel, has support from captain Alex Scott on the overlap sends the ball into her path taking it into the area, Scott swings the cross in towards the near post, Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has the angle covered, sets up a break getting the ball up the other end force the error as Arsenal concede the corner. A good delivery into the middle the ball is headed goal wards by Jill Scott, back to defend Carter is the one who cuts the ball out heading it clear.

   Manchester City retain possession from a throw on the left played into Parris 25 yards from goal, on the turn she hits the ball towards goal a low strike is drilled wide of goal. Another Manchester City attack as Corboz brings the ball in from the right plays it into Christiansen who powers her way forwards before laying it off to Toni Duggan who goes for the shot from just inside the area sweeping the ball wide across Byrne's goal.

  GOAL! Another strong run from Corboz on the right hard to shake off the ball wins her team a corner. From the right the ball is played into the congested area, an inviting height Byrne comes looking to collect the ball, doesn't take it as it flies beyond her is met by Bronze who headers the ball towards goal, covering the far post Alex Scott does well to get across and hook the ball clear, in vain however as the assistant waves his flag to indicate the ball had crossed the line 0-1.

Manchester Cty's opening goal Lucy Bronze heading the ball, Alex Scott out of shot unable to keep the ball from going in

   Is a dominant performance from Manchester City continue to create chances win a free kick on the halfway line to the right Houghton to take sends the ball long looking for Parris to chase it down, has Casey Stoney for company as the pair race into the area, towards the right of the six yard box Parris gets the touch to stop the ball give herself half a yard on Stoney, shoots Byrne throws herself into the save getting everything behind it parries the ball away, loose Duggan's eyes light up as she senses the opportunity, Alex Scott gets across in the knick of time to take the ball off her foot deny the shot.

Manchester City's Toni Duggan

    Corredera is trying to get on the ball higher up the pitch for Arsenal looking to set up Carter to her left, taking the ball on into the area can find no way past Bronze. Arsenal retain possession for a spell inside the Manchester City half with Chioma Ubogagu the ball eventually returned to her 25 yards out she hits the shot low towards goal, no power behind it Bardsley has no problems scooping it up.
  

Arsenal Ladies Casey Stoney beats Toni Duggan to the ball

  Corboz takes the ball from Dominique Janssen in the middle of the park pushes forwards before setting up Parris inside the area, she can't get her shot away the ball is cleared but only out to Christiansen coming in from the left she shows good strength on the ball evading challenges as she drives across the penalty spot looking for an opening, none to be had gets the ball to Duggan to her right, her shot is blocked the ball flying back out of the area is met by Beattie who 25 yards out hits the ball back in towards the goal, Byrne makes the save tipping the ball over the bar. This time Bronze can only direct her header straight into Byrne's gloves.


   Late into the 1st half Corredera tries her luck from 30 yards out central to goal, but like Ubogagu's earlier effort the low strike hasn't the power needed to beat Bardsley. Capitalising on a loose ball out from Bardsley, Corredera slides the ball through the centre looking for Ubogagu, is a chase for the ball with Stokes the full back having tracked back gets there just before the Arsenal attacker prods the ball back to Bardsley who kicks clear.

                Half-time Arsenal Ladies 0-1 Manchester City Women

  Has been a strong 1st half display from Manchester City Women who have worked very hard to press the ball getting players around the ball and preventing Arsenal Ladies finding their passes, have created chances and taken the lead, only a single goal separating the sides though, Arsenal are still very much in the game but will need to get hold of the ball more in the 2nd half as they kick off.

  GOAL! The perfect start to the half for Arsenal, the last thing Manchester City wanted as the home side bring the scores level. The ball is rolled through to Carter from the centre of midfield on the right of the area she has Alex Scott bombing up the pitch to support plays the ball out to her. Stabs the ball into the box I suspect looking to pick out Ubogagu who has made the run towards the far post area, instead the looping ball swings in towards goal looping over Bardsley and into the goal beyond 1-1.

  Is a more even start to the 2nd half with Arsenal matching Manchester City when pressing for the ball. Bronze is still looking to get forwards is allowed to bring the ball on attempts to play the through ball for Duggan to attack, instead Jemma Rose comes across to win the ball. Like Bronze for Manchester City, Alex Scott is getting forwards alot more now for Arsenal Ladies squares the ball from the wing into Natalia Pablos Sanchon free inside the D, is allowed the time to tee up a shot scoops the ball in towards goal, Bronze is back to get her head onto the ball to clear.

  GOAL! It isn't long before Manchester City restore their lead, Bronze is in the heart of the action again, races up the pitch as the ball is put out to Corboz on the right coming inside it is a simple pas to play the ball into Bronze's run, the Arsenal defence is drawn towards Bronze as she closes in on the near post, gets the ball across the six yard box where her team mates have overloaded the far post area unmarked the ball comes to the foot of Christiansen harder to miss than score she makes no mistake putting the ball into the back of the net 1-2.

Scorer of Manchester City's 2nd goal Isobel Christiansen

   Ubogagu strong in the challenge gets hold of the ball inside her own half bursting forwards looks to take on Bronze is a good race as the two head into the area, Ubogagu with the touch to beat Bronze cuts back opts to take on the shot hitting it towards the near post, Bardsley is across to cover the angle and has the shot covered.

  GOAL! Manchester City Women extend their lead on the 68th minute and it's a beauty of a strike from Toni Duggan too. Is at the centre of the build up with the ball at her feet out on the left side of the pitch coming inside as she reaches the corner of the Arsenal area has Stokes racing up to support plays the ball into Stokes' feet as she enters the area, Stokes returns the ball to Duggan who from the corner of the area strikes the shoot a curling shot that gives Byrne no chance as it sweeps into the top right hand corner of her goal 1-3.

   Another long range pile driver from Beattie stings Byrne's gloves as she brings the ball down gathers before Parris can pounce. Natalia brings the ball forwards for Arsenal, Carter is making the cross field run for her attempts to play the ball through, Kathleen Radtke is across to make the winning tackle the ball is loose Ubogagu latches onto it shoots Bardsley though can see it wide of her goal.

   Last action of the match for Ubogagu as Arsenal make their 1st chance with Rachel Yankey the player coming on. Soon after Manchester City bring off Corboz with Krystle Johnston coming on in her place on the right as the game enters the last 10 minutes.

  GOAL! Arsenal pull a goal back as Corredera takes the ball into the right channel before firing in a defence splitting cross to pick out Natalia making the near post run gets her head to the ball turning it across Bardsley and into the back of the net to set up an exciting finish 2-3.

   A 2nd change for Arsenal with Jade Bailey coming off as manager Pedro Martinez Losa sends on Georgia Allen. Manchester City continue to push forwards with time and space out wide right Johnston sends a cross in to the area to close to goal Byrne collects near post. Arsenal pressure win the ball play it forwards along the right wing the cross is swept into the area Bronze once again is there to head clear.

Arsenal Ladies, Dominique Janssen with Jill Scott

   Closing minutes Manchester City bring on Abbie McManus for Parris as they look to retain possession heading into stoppage time. Corredera with the ball sends it into the box looking for Natalia, Bronze is across to take the ball away from her before she can head it towards goal. Moments left Arsenal have the ball deep inside the Manchester City half on the left the ball comes back to Yankey 25 yards out flicks the ball up and hits it on the half volley wide of target the last action of the half as the final whistle blows and the visitors clinch the 3-2 win and the 3 points that see them close right up behind the leading trio.

   A game in hand on the teams above them and in a rich vein of form Manchester City have played themselves right back into the title race. Was a very good performance today, a team effort to press the ball was impressed by Isobel Christiansen in the centre of midfield having seen her as more of an attacker wide in a three she has really developed in this new role for Manchester City. 

   A below par performance from Arsenal Ladies couldn't really get hold of the ball for long enough periods have a few players missing particularly in the middle of the park, are still in 3rd place however and very much involved in the battle at the top.

  3 points separating the top 4 sides in FA WSL 1 there will be a few more twists and turns yet, not many games left to play however the title is going to the wire... again.

   

   

   

    
   

SWF Blog Special - Cambridge United WFC v QPR Ladies

  The venue tonight The R Costings, Abbey Stadium, in Cambridge home to League Two side Cambridge United. Those gathered inside on a warm evening at the end of July weren't there to see the men's side in a pre-season friendly but instead it was the newly merged women's side wearing the amber and black strip.

   A new chapter in the short history of Cambridge WFC, a club that most of you who follow this blog will realise I have a soft spot for. Is a fantastic club with a great group of players, friendly were the guinea pigs when I first starting writing match reports. July 30th 2015 is the day the club has its special launch match to celebrate its merger with Cambridge United as they become known now as Cambridge United WFC.

   Will now wear the amber and black colours with a new club logo and benefit from a relationship that many women's football teams throughout the country have with their respective men's sides. A natural progression for the club as it moves forwards having gone as far as they could as Cambridge WFC this new merger bringing more than the exposure that can be gained by associating with the men's side they will benefit from better resources being available as well as added media coverage.

  For many of the current squad too, this is a dream come true some fans of Cambridge United they could hardly wait to wear the clubs colours and with it get the chance to play on the Abbey Stadium pitch. 

Cambridge United WFC wearing their new colours

   Manager Steve Edwards, starting his second season in charge has recruited a few new faces to the squad over the close season three of whom were available tonight, attacking player, Becky Taylor coming in from Great Shelford Ladies. Defender Lucy Du Plooy rejoins the club having had a spell at Ipswich Town Ladies along with 16 year old Isabella Simmons who joins from the Cambridge Girls Centre of Excellence.

   Invited to join in the celebrations and help launch Cambridge United WFC, are Queens Park Rangers Ladies. QPR Ladies are a club that are a club that already enjoy a great partnership with their respective men's side. Are also one of the most proactive clubs on social media and the web to help not only promote themselves but often the clubs in the league with them.

   Familiar opponents for the Cambridge girls having been in the same league in the 2013/14 season the FA Women's Premier League South East Division One. QPR Ladies went on to win the title and secure promotion to the Southern Division above had a solid campaign securing their place in the league last season along the way knocking Cambridge WFC out of the FAWPL League Cup. Tonight would be a good test for both sides as they prepare for the new season this the 2nd pre season friendly for them both.

  The venue tonight the Abbey Stadium. Is my 1st visit to the stadium itself, Cambridge WFC's regular home venue is Ely City FC where they will continue to play their home matches as United this season. Is an impressive ground undergoing a little bit of renovation behind the large Main Stand running along the side of the ground with a smaller seated stad behind one goal the other 2 stands opposite offering covered terracing. The pitch looked to be in fantastic condition.

   Due to QPR Ladies getting stuck in heavy traffic kick off was delayed by 15 minutes, there was a decent sized crowd building as the two sides stepped out onto the pitch

   Cambridge United WFC starting XI - Verity Crook, Robyn Phillips, Lucy Du Plooy, Nicola Geoghan, Kayleigh Anne Burt, Laura Baker, Faith Hewitt, Laura Bright (C), Emma Jenkins, Laura Mills & Becky Taylor.
  subs - Liz Pamplin, Emily Reed, Nuala Wayne, Isabella Simmons, Becca Fay, Gemma Clark Sophie Thompson.

  Queens Park Rangers Ladies starting XI - Joanne Ayre, Juliet Denny, Micaela Lopez, Vanessa Nicholson, Louise Hayes, Carrie-Anne Layton, Kasha Petit, Elly Maggs, Sophie Fogarty (C), Lauren May & Jo Wilson.
  subs - Natalie Richardson, Rachel Mullard, Dominika Netschova & Zemeka Clarke.

   Two of the new signings, Lucy Du Plooy and Becky Taylor were in the starting XI for Cambridge in their new colours Amber and Black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks, with QPR lined up opposite wearing their blue and white hooped shirts, white shorts and socks. Cambridge get the match under way.

  QPR are a good football side who like to move the ball quickly with several players in their squad who are confident to take players on, a good test for Cambridge who have Becky Taylor in the centre of attack with Laura Mills to her left, Emma Jenkins to the right, support behind from Faith Hewitt. Winning the ball on halfway Taylor lays the ball forwards out to the left racing to the touchline she fires a cross into the box is put behind for a corner by QPR central defender Vanessa Nicholson.

   Claiming the ball from the resulting corner QPR goalkeeper Joanne Ayres is down after a collision having taken a knock to the face tonight's referee Abi Marriot awarding a free kick, after receiving treatment is able to continue. Cambridge are pressing the ball well in the opening minutes, Taylor fouled wide on the left inside the QPR half plays the ball down the line for Mills to chase, putting the cross into the box the target captain Laura Bright making a run to the far post, again it is Nicholson back to put her foot out to concede the corner.

  In from the right the ball put into the area is cleared out to the edge of the area is picked up by Taylor who takes on the shot takes a deflection on the way through sending it wide of goal, a goal kick is given. QPR get their attacking players on the ball up top no 9 Jo Wilson picks up the ball on the right is strong on the ball as she drives into the Cambridge box, rides a challenge before winning the corner. From the right the delivery is good into the middle Cambridge goalkeeper Verity Crook takes the ball cleanly into her gloves.

   QPR are starting to look a threat on the ball in attack Wilson and fellow striker Lauren May are being allowed to travel with the ball in the final forwards. Wilson has a strike from 35 yards out left of goal sweeping in towards goal it strikes the outside of the post goes behind. Caught in possession at the back by Taylor who does well winning the ball from QPR opts to shoot early 20 yards out sends the effort wide.

   Wilson and May combine for QPR as the pair drive at the Cambridge defence force the corner. Sent in from the right the ball is cleared but falls to QPR's Carrie-Anne Layton some 35 yards from goal, nevertheless takes on the shot on target but straight into the gloves of Crook well placed in her goal.

   QPR win a free kick, looked a harsh call against Bright, but a good shooting chance 22 yards from goal to the right of the D. It's captain Sophie Fogarty over the ball for QPR hits a powerful shot past the Cambridge wall, Crook is left stranded as the ball cannons off the right post bouncing across the six yard box, retrieved on the left the ball is fired back in sent wide of the post.

Sophie Fogarty for QPR Ladies with the strike that cannons off the post.

   GOAL! QPR have been the dominant side for the past few minutes and capitalise to open the scoring halfway through the half, play has been dragged over to the left of the pitch, Kasha Petit is the widest player on the right gets in beyond the Cambridge defence as the pass is sent in from the opposite side picking her out taking the ball on the stride as she entered the area smashes the shot early past Crook to take the lead 0-1.

   GOAL! Isn't long before QPR double their advantage having soaked up a spell of Cambridge possession in front of their area they set up a rapid counter the ball played long into Wilson available on the left is allowed to come inside unchallenged 30 yards from goal hits a powerful strike in towards goal beating Crook to make it 0-2.

    Fogarty is joining the attack on the left linking up well with Wilson exposing the full back sends the ball into the area Du Plooy is around on the cover to clear the ball. First change of the night comes from the visitors as Rachel Mullard comes on for Louise Hayes at the back. Again Cambridge allow Wilson too much time and space on the ball 30 yards out she takes on the shot the ball this time going over the bar.

   Taylor gets a free kick after she is fouled in the middle, Nicola Geoghan to deliver the ball into the area QPR get it down and away, Cambridge midfielder Laura Baker is sharp to reach the ball first hits a high ball back in towards goal looping high Ayres has to keep an eye on it but it's safe as it drops over her bar. 

                  Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-2 QPR Ladies

   Has been a competitive first 45 minutes despite it being a friendly both sides enjoying playing on the large Abbey Stadium pitch. QPR with the 2 goal lead have been allowed a little too much time on the ball in the final 3rd and have exploited this to have the lead.

   A friendly you'd expect to see plenty of changes and at half time Cambridge have 5 replacements on the pitch, Becca Fay at left back, along with a new attack, Nuala Wayne left, Gemma Clark right with Isolbella Simmons behind Sophie Thompson in the centre. The floodlights taking full effect QPR get the 2nd 45 under way.

   The visitors start the brightest, win a free kick on the right, Ellie Maggs plays Fogarty in down the left she whips the ball into the box, is headed away by Nicola Geoghan at the back for Cambridge before May can latch onto it. 

   Cambridge's turn to deliver a fee kick into the area on the left 40 yards out the ball is swept into the box, Bright is the player looking to attack it inside the six yard box contact isn't strong but she manages to knock it down has Simmons with her, falling she attempts the overhead kick sends the ball over the bar. A counter attack by QPR Forgarty races down the right wing with the ball has Wilson keeping pace with her squares the ball to her across the D, Wilson shoots a good save from Crook to turn the ball behind for a corner.

  16 year old Simmons looks lively for Cambridge wanting the ball looking to turn and attack with good support from Thompson. Cambridge are coping with the runs of Wilson and May better 2nd half, with Kayleigh Anne Burt in particular looking to track back with Wilson whenever she has the ball. QPR have Forgarty still working the wide spaces a good dribbler with the ball pace to burn fires a ball into the area is cleared all the way back to Juliet Denny for QPR she strikes a powerful shot from distance, Crook throws up her gloves to take the sting out of the shot and bring the ball under control.

   QPR with 2 changes with their new signing Natalie Richardson coming on for Micaela Lopez, Dominika Netschova comes on for Lauren May. Cambridge are looking sharper 2nd half Bright attempts to put a defence splitting pass through into the area with Simmons the runner, Ayres is alert and out to sweep the ball up into her gloves before she can reach it.

   Up the other end Wilson attempts the same with Forgarty making the run for her is beyond the Cambridge defence, however Geoghan recovers quickly to make a vital sliding tackle to win the ball before Forgarty can shoot. Zemeka Clarke comes on for QPR in place of Kasha Petit. 

   Maggs puts the ball into the side netting after substitute Clarke slides the pass through to Wilson inside the area again it's Geoghan with the tackle inside the 6 yard box pushing the ball away from Wilson, Maggs is to the right gets to the ball a tight angle puts her shot wide.
Thompson coming back to receive the ball for Cambridge lays the pass out wide right to Bright who looks to play the diagonal ball towards the far post, with Wayne making the run, can't quite get their to turn the ball home.

   Du Plooy is back on for Cambridge at right back for Robyn Phillips. Cambridge corner the ball is put into the middle over Burt as she leaps for it, drops to Simmons beyond her snapshot is pulled wide of goal. Emily Reed comes onto the pitch for Cambridge replacing Laura Baker. Wilson gets the better of Burt for once getting a yard on her as she bears down on goal shoots but puts it straight at Crook who saves.

   Gemma Clark has possession of the ball on the right, Simmons comes to offer support receiving the ball turns and whips a great cross into the area, a great save from Ayres who gloves the ball away from the head of Thompson as she comes racing in. 

  Petit is back on the pitch for QPR replacing Wilson in attack gets hold of the ball on the right her touch putting her beyond the Cambridge defence as she looks to enter the box Crook has come out to meet her, closing her down stops the shot with her legs the ball is loose, Petit is after it Becca Fay has recovered the ground to get hold of the ball before Petit can turn it into an empty net. 

   Late into the game Cambridge have a corner from the right is put into the six yard box isn't cleared a bit of pinball before it drops to the boot of Emily Reed who smashes her effort over from 10 yards. The final whistle blows the decent sized Abbey Stadium crowd watching a competitive match of football if not seeing the result they wanted with QPR holding onto their 1st half lead winning 2-0.

   Both sides created chances to score 2nd half, Cambridge matching the side from the league above them for large periods of the game. A pre season friendly however the result is not nearly as important and getting the game time under your belt a good workout.

    As it's a special occasion for Cambridge United WFC I thought I'd do something a little different and get a couple of interviews after the match, joined the media out on the pitch to firstly hear what manager Steve Edwards (pictured left) had to say then ask a couple of questions.

   SE, "We wanted to play a side like QPR test ourselves against higher placed opposition, they've done us absolutely proud by how they've done out there, I guess the only thing we didn't do was put a finishing touch on one of the many chances we had in the whole game, but in my mind we've dominated a good 70 minutes of that game, that's a team that's put 5 goals past Enfield last week a team who are in our league as well. The effort level, the determination, the badge that they're now wearing makes me immensely proud and bodes well for the new season.

  "We were aware of QPR's threats before the game, we knew they'd be quite direct in terms of trying to get behind us, so we spoke about having a plan to stop that. We spoke at half time about where on a couple of times we had dropped off too deep, far away from the strikers and when you do that they're going to punish you, like they showed out there."

   "Two more pre season friendlies after tonight before the league kicks off against Norwich City on the 16th I'm confident if we maintain this level then we'll start with 3 points."

  "We really appreciate those that have come here to see us tonight and hope that the performance will warrant them coming to see us again."

  Q. How excited have the players been to wear the new colours?

  SE, "Oh, they've been so excited. Some of them were saying they couldn't sleep last night, it felt like Christmas when they went to bed last night, putting the colours on for the 1st time and playing on a stage like this stuff that dreams are made of really. Hopefully it's not the last opportunity to do that, hopefully it's going to open doors for us, and we're massively excited about the relationship we've got with this club now, I do really think it's going to help us along the way."

 Q. Do you think there could be more games here at the Abbey Stadium this season, one or two?

   SE, "Watch this space I'd say, there's nothing set in stone at the moment, but you know if we could do on a decent FA Cup run or something get a favourable draw than you never know, we might find ourselves back here, but it won't be the last time that we're here, and long may that continue.

  Q. In terms of pre season, with the players you've brought in happy with who you've got so far? Are you looking to bring more in?

  SE, "I wouldn't mind one or two more, we are trying to be active in terms of that, but the players that have come in have been very very good couple on show tonight Lucy Du Plooy at the back, Becky Taylor up front, and then young Bella Simmons who came on 2nd half, I think they're all going to be stars this year, we had a couple missing that we can bring in as well. Pre season preparations have been going really well, as I say that's just another piece of the pre season really and we'll be ready when it comes to playing Norwich City on the 16th of August.

  After speaking to Steve I also had the opportunity to speak to one of the players, defender Kayleigh Anne Burt who has been handed the role of vice captain for the new season.

  Q. How did you enjoy the experience of playing at the Abbey Stadium tonight?

  KAB, "I thought it was amazing, everyone who is involved with Cambridge United aspires to play there. The pitch is lovely, it's the best surface I've ever played on, it was a great occasion and brilliant performance, great for the future of the club I can't wait."

  Q. Named the new vice-captain how much of an honour is this?

 KAB, "Great honour, very very pleased, very honoured. I think LB (Laura Bright) rightly she's the captain, she's brilliant, she's a natural leader and I'm very honoured to be along side her, support her."

  Q. Is your new role going to change the way you are on the pitch?

  KAB, "I'm quite vocal anyway, or like to think I am. Occasionally I will get to lead the team out as LB will be unavailable and I'm really looking forwards to that."

 Q. Pre season preparations how are they coming along?

  KAB, "Very well actually, we've done a lot of mostly fitness based stuff and then also with the result tonight and the effort levels shown from everyone it was a really good result, I think that we did out play them (QPR) for a lot of the game, and to compete at that level against a team that are a league above us, in our 2nd pre season fixture the way we did, I thought was very impressive and really looking forwards to seeing what we can produce for the rest of the season."

  Q. What do you think the club can achieve this season?

  KAB, "I think we can push for the top of the league, I mean with the result just now a 2-0 loss but outplayed them for a good part of the match when they are a league above us and in their previous pre season fixture beat a team in our league last week, put 5 goals past them, so I think we stand a good chance of making the top 2 and who knows maybe a chance at promotion, we'll see."

   Thanks to both Kayleigh and Steve for taking the time out to answer a few questions. A great occasion for the club and it's players tonight playing at the Abbey Stadium the crowd got behind them and saw a competitive game of football. Not long now till the new season starts with Cambridge United WFC beginning their league campaign away to Norwich City Ladies on Sun 16th August.
   

   

   

Match Report - Millwall Lionesses v Reading FC Women

  A midweek trip down to London to Beckenham Town FC to watch Millwall Lionesses in action in their Continental Tyres Cup, Group One match against Reading FC Women.

  Group One of this season's Continental Tyres Cup is the same as last year, the 'London' group, which contains both Arsenal and Chelsea Ladies both involved in the title fight at the top of FAWSL 1 both are strong favourites to progress from the group to the knock out stages of the competition. This season though the competition has gained a quarter final stage with the top 2 teams from each of the three groups progressing as well as the best two runners up.

   If they can't muscle there way into the top two spots above Arsenal or Chelsea then there's still a lot to play for, for the four FAWSL 2 sides competing in Group One which also includes Watford Ladies and London Bees.

    The competition started last week with its opening round of group matches, in Group One Millwall Lionesses got their campaign off to a winning start coming out the better in an 8 goal thriller at home to London Bees winning the match 5-3 a result that puts them 2nd in the group albeit early days. Have recently signed Fliss Gibbons from Brighton and she opened her Millwall account against London Bees scoring a hat-trick.

   Reading FC Women started their 2015 Continental Tyres Cup group campaign with a home match against Chelsea Ladies. Was a competitive match where Reading FC Women were 2-1 up in the 2nd half before Chelsea Ladies came back to score 2 goals the 3rd in the final minute to wrap up a 3-2 win. In the other group match Arsenal Ladies beat Watford Ladies 3-0 putting them top of Group One.

   A win for Millwall Lionesses over Reading FC Women would open the gap on their rivals to 6 points and put them is a good position with three group games left to play, two defeats from their opening two group matches is certainly something Reading FC Women would want to avoid. Have lost their star player after selling Fran Kirby for a record British transfer fee to Chelsea Ladies. Have done a very good piece of business though in bringing in Nikki Watts almost immediately from Bristol Academy to replace her as well as adding Welsh international defender Nia Jones to their squad. 

  Taking up a spot on the side of the pitch just along from the dugouts I had the Reading FC Women fans to my left. A vocal bunch full of song and banter gave their team plenty of encouragement throughout the match.

   Millwall Lionesses starting XI - Francesca Gibbs, Jordan Butler, Grace Fisk Naomi Cole (C), Leanne Cowan, Ashlee Hincks, Meghan McKeag, Lilli Maple, Danielle Carlton, Megan Goss & Fliss Gibbons.
   subs - Ciara Sherwood, Rinsola Babajide, Dionne Lennon, Francesca Ali, Lottie Iverson, Jasmine Auguste & Lauren Davis

   Reading FC Women starting XI - Grace Moloney, Nia Jones, Becky Jane, Kirsty McGee (C), Kylie Davies, Bonnie Horwood, Lois Roche, Charlie Estcourt, Emma Follis, Nicola Watts & Helen Ward.
   subs - Harriet Scott, Georgie Giddings, Lauren Bruton, Laura-May Walkley, Melissa Fletcher, Rachel Rowe & Chloe Sansom.

Kick off was delayed, put back 15 minutes due to the Reading team bus arriving late following heavy traffic. The Beckenham Town FC pitch looked in great condition and is out of bounds to everyone until kick off the players warming up on the pitch beside the ground. It was Millwall to kick off the match wearing their kit of Navy shirts, white shorts and socks with Reading lined up in their white and blue hooped shirts, blue shorts and socks opposite.

   Millwall start on the front foot possession inside the reading half Lois Roche committing a foul inside their half giving Millwall's Ashlee Hincks an early opportunity to play the ball into the area aiming for the crowded far post area players go up looking to get onto the end of the ball, it's a Reading head that gets the ball away. Good work down the left of the pitch sees the pass slid down the channel for Millwall's Meghan McKeag to attack, screws the ball back to the edge of the area with Hincks arriving sends a diagonal ball in towards the far post again Reading clear.

   GOAL! Millwall are awarded a penalty inside the opening 5 minutes. With possession the ball is worked out to Megan Goss out on the right taking the ball to the byline she takes on a gets past Nia Jones playing at left back to enter the area is tripped by Jones before she can deliver the cross the referee points to the spot. Millwall captain, Naomi Cole to step up to take the spot kick, is clinical, sends Reading goalkeeper Grace Moloney the wrong way as she blasts the ball into the back of the net 1-0.

Millwall Lionesses, Naomi Cole

   Winning the ball back at in defence Cole plays the ball long with McKeag making the run for her down the left, she is almost through the Reading defence to attack the goal, however captain Kirsty McGee is quickly across to close her down sliding in to make the tackle and clear the threat. In the middle for Millwall, Hincks is getting plenty of time on the ball and has a good range of passes on her, with McKeag left and Goss on the right looking to make runs.

   Reading are starting to make some progress into Millwall's final third with Emma Follis on the right side driving up to the byline manages to square the ball in towards goal can only pick out Millwall goalkeeper Frankie Gibbs who has come across to cover her near post. A long pass from midfield by Charlie Estcourt has both Follis and Helen Ward interested as they break beyond the Millwall defence, right back Jordan Butler is alert to the danger and across on the cover to sweep the ball away for a throw. 

   In attack for Millwall, Fliss Gibbon's playing centrally comes looking for the ball is given it in space 30 yards out, Reading don't close her down as she lines up the shot. Moloney isn't troubled though with the ball coming straight at her she easily gathers.

Millwall Lionesses, Fliss Gibbons

   Reading almost level as Nikki Watts hits the post with a curling strike aiming for the top corner from outside the area to the right of goal as she is played in by Follis who has made a great run to get the ball on the right.

  GOAL! Reading do equalise this time. Good work from right back Becky Jane to win the ball back for her team on the right puts the ball forwards to Follis, taking on the player in front of her she gets into the area with the ball stabs it across the goal face, the initial effort on goal is blocked before the ball pops back to Follis who plays it to the far post area where Ward is waiting to sweep the back back across and into the back of the net 1-1.

   20 minutes gone, Millwall look to respond get back in the lead, Danielle Carlton wins the ball out on the left has good support from Gibbons as the two work the ball down the wing before Carlton plays the return ball back into Gibbons inside the box, the striker curls the cross in towards goal with Goss arriving at the far post under challenge can't direct her header towards goal instead it drops to Hincks who is running into area she lashes her shot wide, must have taken a deflection though as a corner is indicated.

   Reading have pushed everyone up the pitch are a little vulnerable if Millwall get the ball back and quickly counter, do so as McKeag is send through wide on the left, Jane has plenty of pace as she quickly closes the gap and tackles well to win the ball back.

Reading FC Women's, Becky Jane

   Strong running from Follis on the right wing again chases down the ball fizzes a cross into the area is turned back out to the edge of the box, Watts is ready to pounce on it shoots Butler throws herself in front of the ball making the block. Is end to end as Hincks with support from Gibbons takes the ball up the pitch on the left sweeping the cross in towards goal Moloney keeps her eye on the ball not distracted by the attacker coming in catches the ball but loses it as bowled over the referee stops play awarding the free kick in her favour.

   Watts with another shot smashing off the woodwork having come to offer support on the left has the ball 35 yards out looks to take on the shot Gibbs is beaten in goal saved by the cross bar as the ball comes back off it before being cleared. 

   GOAL! Reading take the lead having won a corner to be played in from the right. The delivery is good the ball swung in towards the far post area think it is McGee up from the back who gets her head to the ball knocking in back into the centre before it is puts back in towards the far post again this time Ward is their and free to nod the ball down and into the net 1-2.

   Reading have become the dominant side as the half draws to a close, Watts on the ball on the right turns back inside seeing the run from Roche tees her up as she hits the ball on the stride sending it into the area across the goal, Gibbs dives the shot though is wide at her far post.

                           Half time Millwall Lionesses 1-2 Reading FC Women.

   Despite a bright start and taking the early lead Millwall Lionesses find themselves 2-1 down following a brace from Helen Ward, have been competitive 1st half with Hincks getting hold of the ball, Reading though grew into the match as the half wore on just one goal in it though all to play for 2nd half with Reading kicking off.

   The floodlights taking full effect the temperature has dropped making it feel chilly. Millwall get the ball back enjoyed a spell of sustained possession around the reading area neither Gibbon's nor Goss with their backs to goal are allowed to turn and get a shot away. Nia Jones getting hold of the ball brings it out from the back has Bonnie Horwood making a good run looking to get free on the left in front of her plays the midfielder in she takes the ball to the touchline before sending the cross into the box can only pick out Gibbs who claims the ball.

Millwall Lionesses, Lilli Maple on the ball

   Is Leanne Cowan's turn to make a run from full back travelling up the right side of the pitch offering good support to Gibbons the two exchange passes before Cowan delivers the ball into the box is met by the head of Kylie Davies the Welsh international heading the ball clear.

    A deflected Reading shot sees the visitors win a corner kick swept in from the right is threatening to swing in under the bar Gibbs does well to initially parry the ball away however it drops down to Watts out to the left of the six yard box she smashes the ball back in towards goal, this time Gibbs does fantastically well making a great save pushing the ball well away from danger.

   Reading are starting to apply the pressure are winning the ball back in midfield with Horwood and Estcourt working hard, the pass is played out to Follis on the right as they launch a rapid attack Follis sends the ball into the area close on the near post Gibbs is across to save almost pushes the ball onto Watts who is attempting to get onto the end of the cross.

   Millwall make a change with McKeag the player coming off. Millwall have had very little of the ball 2nd half aren't able to get Hincks on the ball as much as they did 1st half with Goss and Gibbons having to pick up the ball deeper to mount an offensive move. 

   Reading make a double change, Horwood has taken a knock a few minutes earlier and can't continue as she is helped off the pitch Rachel Rowe comes in on her place, Lauren Bruton comes on too for Emma Follis. A great forwards pass from Reading picks out Ward travels with the ball from a central position out to the right side of goal before getting her shot away, aiming for the near post Gibbs is well placed to make the save.

   Watts then fires a shot over the bar as reading push players forwards, peeling off into space left of the area Watts takes on the early shot sending the ball over the bar. Millwall make a 2nd change with Lilli Maple coming off, Ciara Sherwood the player coming on.

  Roche powers a shot wide from a long way out on the right off a free kick played into her from the left inside the Millwall half as Bruton is fouled. Ward down the right channel for the visitors fires the ball in towards goal Gibbs making the save at her near post pushes the ball out into the area, Estcourt has burst forwards from the midfield and is after the ball her shot is smashed against as Millwall defender as they block the shot.

   Few opportunities for Millwall 2nd half to play the ball into the box winning a free kick wide on the right Hincks has the chance to put the ball in sending it over to the far post the ball is met by Cole who heads it back into the danger area can't pick out a team mate with Reading winning it back and countering win a throw deep on the right.

   Final changes for both sides as 1st Millwall bring on Rinsola Babajide for Megan Goss, then reading bring on Laura-May Walkley for Estcourt. Walkley is involved straight away linking up with Bruton as the two press forwards Walkley playing Bruton in wide left she fires a cross in towards goal is intercepted by Cole put out for a corner. 

  GOAL! Bruton buts the game beyond doubt for Reading as she adds the 3rd goal getting the ball from the corner on the left she drives in towards the top left hand corner of the box, rides a strong challenge keeps on her feet before hitting a rocket of a shot through the crowd and into the back of the net 1-3.

    Late into the match Millwall's Ciara Sherwood plays the ball long down the left with Gibbons still willing to give chase, Moloney is having no of it though comes racing out of her area to smash the ball away. Full time and Reading FC Women get their Continental Tyres Cup campaign up and running with 3-1 win to go level on points with Millwall.

   Arsenal Ladies top Group One with 2 wins out of 2 but not before going a goal down at London Bees tonight a young side eventually coming back to win 3-1.

   A competitive 1st half from both sides with Millwall taking the early lead, struggled to cope though as Reading grew stronger as the game progressed were the dominant side 2nd half and never looked in danger of letting their 1st half lead slip.