bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 28, 2024 16:38:57 GMT
Sunday 28th April 2024 - Women's Super League
Aston Villa 1 (Lehmann 72) West Ham United 1 Cooke 90+5)
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/5856/production/_133241622_gettyimages-2150556559.jpg Shannon Cooke's goal was her first in the Women's Super League this season
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/98f0f193-4dfa-4067-bf61-ce8c76bf2336.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/0dacad4a-5e3a-4da7-adf8-01ac09296d7d.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/3750c84b-95ed-4171-8649-d6ce8879ebe4.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/e1d6c25a-7c7c-40c6-a06a-e25dfebf4997.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/3e7fd614-14f7-4fd7-8962-fbffd6dec71c.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/9b3f5c65-a6c4-496e-8007-b672779233ce.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/304b4d73-66cb-4303-b53a-2c46db23656b.jpg
Report By Joe Nelson, BBC Sport.Shannon Cooke's injury-time header earned West Ham a late draw against Aston Villa in Birmingham. Alisha Lehmann's flick put the hosts in front at Villa Park, moments after she came on in the second half. But in the dying moments Cooke glanced Riko Ueki's cross past Sophia Poor to clinch an all-important point for the relegation-threatened visitors. If Bristol City fail to win against Manchester City on Sunday evening, West Ham's WSL safety will be confirmed. The Londoners, who knew a win would all but seal Bristol City's relegation to the Championship, looked bright as they set about claiming a crucial three points at Villa Park. Ueki's early header was saved by 17-year-old Villa keeper Poor, who was making her full senior debut. Kirsty Hanson was Villa's main creative outlet throughout, causing problems for Kirsty Smith and Hawa Cissoko down the left. The former Manchester United midfielder placed the ball on Rachel Daly's head early in the second half, but the striker couldn't add to her tally of seven WSL goals this term, heading over from close range. But when the next delivery came in from Hanson, Lehmann evaded the West Ham defence before diverting the ball expertly beyond Mackenzie Arnold. Villa surely thought they had won it but Cooke's 95th-minute header quietened those celebrations, clinching what could be a pivotal point for Rehanne Skinner's team.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 28, 2024 17:05:35 GMT
Sunday 28th April 2024 - Women's Super League
Tottenham Hotspur 1 (England 81) Brighton & Hove Albion 1 (Terland 17)
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/163EA/production/_133241119_gettyimages-2150555349.jpg Bethany England was Tottenham's top scorer in the WSL last season
Report By Emma Sanders, BBC Sport.A late equaliser from Bethany England salvaged a point for Tottenham against Brighton in the Women's Super League. Elisabeth Terland gave Brighton an early lead at Brisbane Road, but England responded in the 81st minute by steering home Ashleigh Neville's cross. The Spurs captain almost made it a winning comeback when she struck the crossbar from the edge of the box. Brighton did enough to hold on, however, picking up a hard-earned draw. Substitute Neville had an immediate impact when her cross found England and she then stabbed an effort wide, before midfielder Grace Clinton forced Brighton goalkeeper Melina Loeck into a smart save. Loeck, making her debut for Brighton, was kept busy throughout as she made several stops to deny England and Clinton. Meanwhile, Norwegian striker Terland was impressive again, grabbing her 13th goal of the campaign and her seventh on the road. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/A09A/production/_133241114_gettyimages-2150545914.jpgElisabeth Terland is the second highest goalscorer in the WSL this season
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 28, 2024 17:11:59 GMT
Sunday 28th April 2024 - Women's Super League
Leicester City 0 Manchester United 1 (Toone 83)
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/9226/production/_133241473_gettyimages-2150562893.jpg Manchester United have scored in each of their past 13 Women's Super League away games
Report By Emma Sanders, BBC Sport.Ella Toone came off the bench to score a superb winner for Manchester United against Leicester City at King Power Stadium. A fine performance from home goalkeeper Janina Leitzig had kept United at bay before Toone's stunning long-range strike in the 83rd minute. Victory means fourth-placed United are now three points above Liverpool in fifth, having played a game more. Leicester remain 10th but are comfortably clear of relegation. The visitors threatened throughout but Leitzig produced numerous saves to deny Geyse, Melvine Malard and Leah Galton before Toone's moment of magic. Leicester's Yuka Momiki hit the post in the second half when she got on the end of Missy Goodwin's rebounded strike, but her effort bounced back off the woodwork and spun away from team-mate Lena Petermann. That was the hosts' biggest opportunity but, although they only had one shot on target, they caused United's defence problems in an encouraging display. United's victory ends a run of four away games without a win. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/efd9fc22-0e6c-4f3f-95de-3fd4ceb3f558.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 28, 2024 18:26:22 GMT
Sunday 28th April 2024 - UEFA Champions League Semi-Final - 2nd Leg (agg: 2-3)
Paris Saint-Germain 1 Lyon 2 - (agg: 3-5)
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/B616/production/_133241664_gettyimages-2150046755.jpg Lyon last won the Champions League in 2021-22 and are the most successful team in the competition's history
Report By Bobbie Jackson, BBC Sport.Lyon beat French rivals Paris St-Germain at the Parc des Princes to set up a Women's Champions League final against Barcelona. Selma Bacha got Lyon off to the perfect start, scoring after three minutes with a low drive from the edge of the box to put her team 4-2 ahead on aggregate. PSG hit back shortly before half-time when Tabitha Chawinga whipped the ball into the bottom right corner. Melchie Dumornay scored late to give the visitors breathing space. Record eight-time Champions League winners Lyon and defending champions Barcelona, who beat Chelsea in the other semi-final, will meet in the final at Athletic Bilbao's San Mames on 25th May.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 29, 2024 0:58:30 GMT
Sunday 28th April 2024 - Women's Super League
Bristol City 0 Manchester City 4 (Fowler 62, 75, Rodgers 77 og, Greenwood 90+9)
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1680/cpsprodpb/1218C/production/_133242147_gettyimages-2150591016-1.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/16B6/production/_133241850_gettyimages-2150580249.jpg Bristol City have lost all 10 of their home league matches so far - their last home game is against Everton on the final day
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/74b0cff8-3e4f-4317-a793-952e1ebbfdac.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/901dc809-121c-4d11-9485-f03e9a5f8dc0.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/29f7df67-884c-4472-9462-78983fe1f13d.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/d3201033-b041-4020-a516-807e4ffd8ccc.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/fc2edaaf-d60f-4929-baad-30d7e0bec1cb.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/272324ec-31c7-4a84-9c36-64bb8f3f81c2.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/fcdfc818-1cd1-44c9-98c6-65882f1687bd.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/d80d27fb-0993-421b-8ad7-91ebe482027d.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/4c456cd7-9eb9-421d-ab66-081365a40cd5.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/850af9b6-b20b-4709-addb-fe8e7be2d8fc.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/6ac5209d-9b60-4ace-b907-3c16fa8312c5.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/d4640d2b-cf3d-4f07-8ea1-a1f23d81e044.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/1d17aca0-b534-4562-9428-d6ad86d58930.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/2e717396-2112-4edb-8847-23b35a59c98c.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/6ffdf846-170d-4d69-99c0-c08bb7edac9e.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/82deb90f-efca-413c-a69c-34793e8f3b22.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/f1806e0f-507f-4b67-bdb3-af1a6473df84.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/3aa099ed-4e14-455b-a2f4-669229bd72b2.jpg ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/eca5d6cc-15d1-41cb-bbdf-c116a500ad04.jpg
Report By Emma Smith, BBC Sport at Ashton Gate.Manchester City beat Bristol City 4-0 to move six points clear at the Women's Super League summit and confirm the Robins' relegation. The visitors toiled for the first hour until Mary Fowler broke the deadlock from distance, before the Australian finished a Lauren Hemp cross at the near post for her second. Amy Rodgers then turned into her own net before Alex Greenwood headed in the league leaders' fourth with the last touch of the game. Man City have equalled the WSL record of 14 successive victories and are six points above Chelsea at the top, albeit having played two games more. City boss Gareth Taylor said he was unhappy with his side's "body language" at half-time and sent them out five minutes early for the restart, but was pleased with their display after the break. "We were poor in the first half, we were lethargic, we were flat, we were slow in moving the ball," he told Sky Sports. "We adjusted some things, a few minor tweaks. We spoke about body language, about intensity of our play."You have to give credit to Bristol, they were very good. We had to really find some bits of quality to unlock the door. "I don't mind mistakes, I just want players to show positive energy. It's fine to make mistakes, but don't slump your shoulders, don't show everyone you made a mistake. "When you do that and the energy is not there, we end up getting a first half like we did. We were the opposite of that in the second half. We were so good." Bristol City, who fell to a 10th straight home league defeat, will make an immediate return to the Championship having won just once all season. "It has always been a mountain to climb," manager Lauren Smith told Sky Sports. "Some of the performances we have been very proud of but haven't got the results." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/afcc0e12-aa8a-4d71-b28f-dfb2fed00114.jpgManchester City boss Gareth Taylor speaking to Sky Sports: "Our second half performance was very good. We were poor in the first half, we were lethargic, we were flat, we were slow in moving the ball. We adjusted some things, a few minor tweaks. "We spoke about body language, about intensity of our play. You have to give credit to Bristol, they were very good. We had to really find some bits of quality to unlock the door. "Mary’s goal is a great goal, she did so well in the second goal as well. At half-time I would have been happy with 1-0, so to come away with 4-0 we are really pleased." On what he said about body language at half-time: "I don’t mind mistakes, I just want players to show positive energy. It’s fine to make mistakes, but don’t slump your shoulders, don’t show everyone you made a mistake. "When you do that and the energy is not there, we end up getting a first half like we did. We were the opposite of that in the second half. We were so good." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/c80858f9-0f9f-4789-b1ab-9cef719569b7.jpgBristol City manager Lauren Smith speaking to Sky Sports after the Robins' relegation was confirmed: "I think we have been sat at the bottom of the table for the season. It has always been a mountain to climb. Some of the performance we have been very proud of but haven't got the results. I think we have showed and we haven't shown up for 90 minutes and that's shown at the end of the season." On the changes she made in the second half against Man City: "Amelie [Thestrup] was really making our press effective and having to change her and change the plan a little bit, and then City came out and were more aggressive. They ultimately found that one and turned the screw a little bit." On the future: "We have to start looking at what next year looks like. We have to continue to build and make sure our fanbase is as incredible next year as it is now. We will be looking to continue this trend and build the excitement in Bristol. "We talk about the journey a lot of the time. This is part of that journey for them. We have two more games and many more seasons ahead. Everything they have done this season they can be proud of and that is experience. If this makes them better, that's part of the development we do here." On whether the manager in charge next year will be her: "I hope so."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 29, 2024 1:09:25 GMT
'No-one expected this' - Crystal Palace reach WSL - FT: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/4/28/60c1b16f-fcdb-4789-bfde-fdacc87e3dce.jpg
Emma Smith, BBC SportThe Women’s Super League will have a new name among its ranks next season after Crystal Palace rubber-stamped promotion from the Championship on the final day of the season. The Eagles were all but sure of their place in the top flight thanks to a 2-0 victory at relegated Lewes that put them three points clear of second-placed Charlton, with an overwhelming advantage in goal difference. On Sunday, that place was sealed with a goalless draw against Sunderland in front of a club-record 6,796 crowd at Selhurst Park. It has been a historic season for Palace and one that even their captain admits has surpassed expectations. "At the start of the season there were a lot of changes," Palace captain Aimee Everett told BBC Sport. "Honestly, I don't think anyone expected this would have been the outcome, but this is what everyone wanted to achieve."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 1, 2024 0:06:08 GMT
New ACL research to be carried out with WSL clubs..by Emma Sanders, BBC Sport journalist.i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/19/13/65732625-0-image-a-40_1671456629035.jpgArsenal and Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema suffered an ACL injury in December 2022A new three-year project researching anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention is being launched in the Women's Super League. The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), Fifpro, Nike and Leeds Beckett University have joined forces to fund the research. It will focus on environmental factors that increase the risk of ACL injuries in female footballers. Just over half of the 12 WSL clubs have agreed to participate and will be assessed on a number of factors including their facilities, the number of staff in ratio to their squad sizes, frequency of access to training facilities, travel and playing schedules. Fifpro's Dr Alex Culvin, head of strategy and research for women's football, hopes 'Project ACL' will eventually be expanded to professional leagues worldwide. "We've had a really positive response so far," said Culvin, who stressed there is an expectation that more WSL clubs will participate when the season ends. "We don't need club buy-in, but we really want club buy-in. This is an opportunity for clubs to contribute to a better future for professional women's football." i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article31197416.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/22_GettyImages-1736933621.jpgGabby George of Manchester United receives medical treatment and is substituted offResearch suggests female footballers are two to six times more likely to suffer ACL injuries than their male counterparts. England captain Leah Williamson missed the 2023 Women's World Cup with an ACL injury, after former Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas was ruled out of Euro 2022 with the same injury. Arsenal's Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, as well as Chelsea's Sam Kerr have also suffered ACL injuries recently. Dr Stacey Emmonds, an expert in Sports Performance at Leeds Beckett University says the injury rates are "consistent" with previous seasons, but because of the growing professionalisation of the game, we should expect a decline in the numbers. Previous research has largely focused on physiological factors including menstrual cycles, football boots and body position. But Emmonds believes the "narrative" around female ACL injuries can be misleading. "We know a lot of the language [says] some of these risk factors are inherent to females and suggests that we just need to accept that - but we know they can be influenced," said Emmonds. "For example, we know from a younger age girls receive less strength and conditioning training - that underpins reducing some of the injury risks. "We know there is research looking at neuromuscular programmes. [This is] not being explored in female athletes. There's a need for broad research and we feel one of the biggest things is the environmental factors in the women's game." i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article29756802.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1483345380.jpgLeah Williamson receives medical treatment during the WSL match against Manchester UnitedFormer England defender Fern Whelan, now a women's football executive at the PFA, says the project was launched in response to players calling for more research as there is "real concern and frustration that more isn't being done". "It's our duty as a union to respond to that and show we have a lot of passion for it. It's a player welfare thing and one we take very seriously," she added. The second year of the project will focus on player-led feedback and England defender Lucy Bronze says it is "important to hear the players' voices". "Ultimately we're the ones that go through it. There's parts of information that [people] don't think about or skip over that players think is important," said Bronze. "There is so much talk and a lot of wrong information that gets put out. There isn't a quick fix. We need to do this finely tuned research so we can say 'these are the key factors and the focus points'. "There's no point in playing if you feel like you're just going to keep getting injured. You want the best environments and it does play on some players' minds."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 1, 2024 0:27:14 GMT
Wednesday 1st May 2024 - Women's Super League
Liverpool v Chelsea - 7pm KO
i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/28/13/84185401-13359133-Chelsea_cannot_afford_to_linger_on_the_defeat_with_the_Women_s_S-a-8_1714308282779.jpg
Report Emma Smith, BBC Sport journalist.Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says her team only have a "small chance" of retaining their Women's Super League title. The Blues trail leaders Manchester City by six points and have an inferior goal difference, although they have two games in hand. The first of those games comes on Wednesday when Chelsea face Liverpool - but Hayes says they are up against it to catch City. "We are not in the driving seat, we don't have the goal difference, we have to catch up," she said. The WSL is the only trophy Chelsea have left to play for this season, having been in contention for a quadruple at the end of March. In the past month, they have lost the League Cup final, exited the FA Cup at the semi-final stage and last Saturday were beaten on aggregate by Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals. Hayes - who unleashed a furious outburst at the refereeing following their second-leg defeat by Barcelona - said she was pleased to be back in league action just days later. "We have moved on [from Barcelona]," she said. "We had a day off. "We have discussed our objectives, and now focus on this game. "After any loss, the worst thing you can have is a long period of time off. We have a small chance of winning the league, we have to focus on doing that." Since Chelsea last played in the league, Manchester City have won twice against West Ham and Bristol City while scoring nine unanswered goals. It has left City with a six point advantage over Chelsea, and a superior goal difference - +46 to the Blues' +39. Chelsea, who have won the past four WSL titles in a row, now face a battle to win the league before Hayes leaves to take charge of the United States women's national team in the summer. i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/28/21/75952319-0-image-a-36_1695932133415.jpgupload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0c/Liverpool_FC.svg/270px-Liverpool_FC.svg.png V upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cc/Chelsea_FC.svg/285px-Chelsea_FC.svg.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 1, 2024 20:57:22 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 1, 2024 21:05:46 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/1/cab8dee4-798c-48c2-bb4e-8ec79305e90d.jpgFT: Liverpool 4-3 Chelsea Liverpool boss Matt Beard speaking to BBC Sport: "What a fantastic game of football, not good for my heart that’s for sure. We’re fighting for that fourth spot, Chelsea are fighting for the title. We knew they were a little bit vulnerable after how the last month has been for them. When you go in front and get pegged back against a team like Chelsea, to keep going and keep scoring is great testament to the group." On the battle for fourth: "On our day we can beat anyone. I think Man City are the team to beat and I feel for us now we’ve already ebaten Manchester United away, we’ve beaten Chelsea, we’ve beaten Arsenal. We know we can win these type of games. We need to make sure we recover well and we go again on Sunday." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/1/33cb5d77-e48f-4f57-8af7-d6c018f7ee42.jpgFT: Liverpool 4-3 Chelsea Liverpool defender Gemma Bonner speaking to Sky Sports after making her 150th appearance for the club tonight: "I think coming into the game we knew it was an opportunity. Chelsea are an unbelievable side and we showed we had the belief. It was very end-to-end but for us to go and do that performance, our fans were behind us. Delighted to get the win and it is a special night. "Growing up being a Liverpool fan and having a first spell here and then coming back I wanted to get us back to where we want to be. I just try and be the best I can. We can put on performances like that and it's just about getting that consistency and then we can push into the top three." On the way the win over Chelsea panned out: "I think we didn't have much control. It was in spells. But we knew we could exposes them on the transition. We knew we could exploit them and that we can hurt any team. We spoke about at half-time being more aggressive and we got a lot more joy from that. We keep fighting back and we wanted to make sure what happened when we went behind City and Chelsea didn't happen again." More from Liverpool defender Gemma Bonner speaking to Sky Sports, discussing her two headed goals against Chelsea: "I think with the height we have got, it is a huge strength of ours. Fantastic ball in and we know it is a huge strength of ours." On her relationship with manager Matt Beard: "What you see is what you get from Matt. He has build a squad and first of all makes sure we are hard to beat. Everyone probably thinks we have overperformed but that is the belief he puts in us. "For me, we want to win every game. It is important that, as the game (against Manchester United) is soon, we recover well. We are on a run and confident and at home, and we have to use that to our advantage. We have to make sure we prepare well to go again." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/603/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/1/27b1572f-8259-4f43-a353-b368d0af2f77.jpg FT: Liverpool 4-3 Chelsea Chelsea boss Emma Hayes: "This team has done a tremendous job in my time here to really compete and push for titles. I don’t know if we have ever conceded four goals in a half before. Three from set pieces is just unforgiveable. But I’m going to credit Liverpool. They wanted it, they executed their game plan. They delivered from that and from set pieces they got goals. On if fatigue played a part: "We looked exhausted but I don’t make excuses. I want to remind our fans how much success we have brought over the years. It’s not to be this year but I’m sure Chelsea will continue to be at the top of the game and it’s important that we go out in the best possible way." On the title race: "I think the title is done. Of course mathematically it’s not but I think the title is done. Our job between now and the end of the season is to keep pushing until the end but I think it will be very difficult."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 1, 2024 21:11:40 GMT
FT: Liverpool 4-3 Chelsea - Report Adam Millington, BBC Sport journalist.ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/1/7e571d4b-75b9-4427-90a7-fbd5112c5ef1.jpgThe Women's Super League title slipped out of Chelsea's hands as they were stunned by a late defeat at Liverpool. Reds captain Gemma Bonner snatched an injury-time winner in a thrilling seven-goal spectacle. While Chelsea still have a game in hand on leaders Manchester City, a six-point deficit means their rivals must slip up in their final two matches for Emma Hayes' second-placed side to have any chance of winning a fifth league title in a row. An 83rd-minute own-goal by Liverpool goalkeeper Teagan Micah meant the reigning champions thought they could at least leave Merseyside with a draw. But Bonner's header, on her 150th club appearance and her second goal of the game, provided a dramatic conclusion after the hosts had twice let leads slip. Leanne Kiernan struck in the 81st minute to make it 3-2 to Liverpool, firing past Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton and cancelling out an Aggie Beever-Jones equaliser just moments earlier. Beever-Jones had put the visitors ahead after just nine minutes when she headed home a Catarina Macario cross, but Chelsea were made to pay for failing to extend their advantage. Liverpool were patient and rewarded for their determination as Bonner and Sophie Roman Haug both scored from corners to give them a 2-1 lead. Chelsea dug deep as they rallied to turn the scoreline around and revive their title hopes, but the late drama saw them suffer yet more heartbreak in their quest for another trophy.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 4, 2024 2:05:47 GMT
Carla Ward to leave Aston Villa at end of season..by Emma Sanders, BBC Sport journalist.i2-prod.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article29107855.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-2056310598.jpgAston Villa manager Carla Ward will leave the club at the end of the season despite having a year remaining on her contract. It is understood discussions had taken place with the club as they attempted to reach an agreement but Ward expressed a desire to leave. Last month, Ward told BBC Sport she had "questioned" the longevity of managing in the WSL while having a four-year-old daughter. Ward led Aston Villa to their highest WSL finish last season as they ended in fifth place, as well as reaching the Women's FA Cup semi-finals. Following a disappointing start to this campaign, they sit seventh with two games remaining. Ward signed a new contract last May that extended her position at the club until the end of the 2024-25 season, with an option to extend for a further year. "To step down from my post here at Aston Villa has been the hardest decision of my managerial career, but I know it is the right one for my family and I," said Ward. “Managing a great club like Aston Villa has been a full-throttle job and I have always given the role 100% dedication. "However, I now believe it is the right time for me to prioritise the other important things - such as my daughter and the rest of my family life. “I am immensely grateful to [president of football operations] Monchi and [director of football operations] Damian Vidagany who tried so hard to encourage me to stay in the role, but I know it is the right time to step down after our last game of the season." Vidagany added: "In my opinion, Carla is one of the best managers in women’s football and we are sad to see her go. I would like to wish her all the best for the future." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/3/e6aca31b-4c73-4fdf-8010-3920b3f0c33e.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 4, 2024 2:12:53 GMT
Liverpool Women to move to St Helens' stadium..By Megan Feringa, Football Writer.i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article32728366.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200d/0_LFCMP.jpgLiverpool Women will play their home games at the 18,000-capacity St Helens Stadium from the start of the 2024-25 season. Matt Beard's side currently play all of their home matches at Prenton Park in Birkenhead. The 16,587-capacity ground is the home of League Two Tranmere Rovers and has been the location to watch Liverpool Women since 2018. However, with the deal between the two clubs is set to expire this summer and a move away from the Wirral has been mooted by the club for some time as the team's renown and popularity continues to grow. And the club have now confirmed that Liverpool Women will play at St Helens having agreed a new 10-year lease. The "club's ambition is to play a number of fixtures also at Anfield," according to a statement. The announcement arrives as a brand-new high-performance Premier League standard pitch being laid at St Helens, along with enhanced player facilities. The move will mark the first time the club's women's team will have their own bespoke dressing room. The stadium is also set to be "revamped for home games to make it look and feel part of the LFC family", including the addition of the club crest and other branding. Other areas of improvement sited by the club reside in the matchday experience offered, including the incorporation of music, face painting, food and drinks, along with kids kick-abouts and other activities. The stadium will remain the home of St Helens R.F.C. men's and women's rugby league teams. However, with the rugby league season running from February through to September, Liverpool will have sole occupancy of the stadium for almost half the season. According to the club's statement, the decision to relocate to St Helens was based on consultation with players, staff, fans via the club’s Supporters Board and fan surveys. i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article32728363.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_LFCW-NEW-HOME-16x9.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 4, 2024 2:18:37 GMT
Khadija Shaw of Manchester City wins Football Writers' Association award..i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article32651012.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_GettyImages-2149527701.jpgManchester City's Khadija Shaw has been named footballer of the year by the Football Writers' Association. Shaw, 27, is the Women's Super League top scorer this season with 21 goals in 18 games. The Jamaican saw off competition from Chelsea's Lauren James to win the women's award, with City team-mate Alex Greenwood coming third. City midfielder Yui Hasegawa was fourth, with Brighton’s Elisabeth Terland and City keeper Khiara Keating completing the top six. The striker, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the season with a foot injury, has helped City to a six-point lead at the top of the table. "To be recognised in this way is a special honour," she said. Shaw is the second City player to win the award since its creation in 2018, following Nikita Parris in 2019. City lead the WSL by six points with two games remaining.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 4, 2024 2:33:15 GMT
Women's Super League Fixtures..
Saturday 4th May 2024Everton v Tottenham Hotspur - 12pm KO Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa - 1pm KO Sunday 5th May 2024Liverpool v Manchester United - 2pm KO Manchester City v Arsenal - 2.15pm KO West Ham United v Leicester City - 3pm KO Chelsea v Bristol City - 6.5pm KO upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4f/FA_Women%27s_Super_League.png
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bluetornados
Predictions League
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Post by bluetornados on May 4, 2024 18:02:56 GMT
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bluetornados
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Posts: 12,548
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Post by bluetornados on May 4, 2024 18:15:15 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 5, 2024 0:55:51 GMT
Forward Fran Kirby to leave Chelsea at end of season..i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27564364.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_GettyImages-1408963413.jpgEngland forward Fran Kirby will leave Chelsea at the end of the season when her contract expires after a trophy-laden nine years with the reigning Women's Super League champions. Kirby, 30, is the club's leading goal-scorer in the modern era, with 115 goals in 205 appearances. She has helped Chelsea win 15 trophies since joining from Reading in 2015, including six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups. "To leave with the trophies that I have won, with the team-mates I’ve played with - some of the world’s best players - it has been one of the biggest privileges of my life," Kirby said in an emotional video message to supporters. "Part of my job is to play well, win trophies and football games. If I can do that and inspire young girls to be footballers or any form of athlete, that is enough for me. "Growing up I never thought I could impact it so much. So I’m really proud I have been able to impact in a positive way and doing that for a club like Chelsea is something I’m really proud of." i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/04/09/84449331-0-image-a-1_1714812261343.jpgKirby joined Emma Hayes’ Chelsea after playing an integral role for England in their third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup in Canada. She has gone on to score 19 goals in 70 appearances for England as well as earn a host of personal accolades at club level. In the 2017-18 season, she won the Football Writers’ Association first Women’s Footballer of the Year award. That year Kirby also picked up the PFA Footballer of the Year award, as well as Chelsea’s Women’s Player and Players’ Player of the Year after scoring 25 goals in all competitions. She once again scooped the club, WSL and PFA awards in the 2020-21 season, and was part of the England squad that lifted the European Championship at Wembley in 2022. Kirby scored nine goals in 16 appearances as Chelsea marched to a fourth consecutive WSL title and third successive FA Cup triumph last year, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in May and missed the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/sport/article24117179.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_JS234962265.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 5, 2024 18:07:33 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 5, 2024 18:48:39 GMT
Sunday 5th May 2024 - Women's Super League
Manchester City 1 (Hemp 17) Arsenal 2 (Blackstenius 89, 90+2)
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FULL-TIME - Manchester City 1-2 Arsenal - WOW...!!!
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/5/12578e8b-d384-44eb-aa61-d101a1cc52a1.jpg Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor speaking to BBC Sport: "We've always reacted well from negative results. I thought it was tough on us today, a draw was probably a fair result. The girls will be fine. We wanted to be in control. We've lot a little bit of that but we still have one more game and we look forward to that." On what winning title will mean: "It would be amazing. It would complete the set for me domestically. But it's not easy, you saw today how momentum is in your favour and then can quickly be taken from you." On not bringing on Steph Houghton in final home game: "It's really difficult. We are going for a title and have to make the right calls on the pitch. If we are in a different situation we would hopefully celebrate Steph in the right way. In five or 10 years people won't remember Steph for this game." i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article32690030.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200d/0_GettyImages-2150531955.jpgArsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, speaking to BBC Sport: "Absolutely, our performance was very strong today. I think we got the result we deserved. Not many teams can do what we did here today and I think we should be very proud." On the second half improvements: "I think there was a lot of good things at earlier stages of the first half and earlier stages of our build-up, we just didn't really connect the things together when we turned them around, but that's small details. "We had a lot of the foundations that were good in the second half already in place in the first half. "We showed it's a real squad game, because we knew before that its important we start well, but its also really important that we finished well and I think we had some real quality coming off the bench as well." More from Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall...On Kim Little's impact on the game: "Kim is a phenomenal player in games like this, when its about managing space, its like having two players because she can press I front of her and behind her and she doesn't need any teammate to help her with that, so that's a blessing as a coach to have a player like that." On Stina Blackstenius scoring important goals: "She's always had that gift, it doesn't come for free - she works extremely hard in training extremely dedicated player, so it doesn't come from nowhere it comes from hard work." On finishing the season at home: "Our have fans have been magnificent. Today gives me goose bumps only thinking about it. The numbers that they turn up with, the passion that they bring, how they support the team. We want to finish the season as strong as possible in front of them." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/5/9cee1e69-07c7-4c99-ba99-b2c781a66672.png
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