bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 13, 2023 8:30:24 GMT
England 0-2 Australia: Lionesses weaknesses exposed - is this a wake-up call ?..by Emma Sandersichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6309/production/_129335352_gettyimages-1481458711.jpgThere were no celebrations this time as England suffered the unfamiliar feeling of defeat - but with a World Cup looming was this just an untimely defeat or time to be concerned? The end to the Lionesses' stunning 30-game unbeaten run felt heavy as Australia ran out as comfortable 2-0 winners on Tuesday. "We're obviously gutted," said England striker Alessia Russo. "We don't like losing. I wouldn't say I would ever want to lose a football game to learn from it, but I think it is important to have these lessons." Having gone almost two years without tasting defeat - a run which included matches against seven of the world's top 10 sides - it was World Cup co-hosts Australia, ranked 10th in the world, who finally found a way to outwit Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman. And it is not just the result, but the manner of it, that will ring some alarm bells for the side who have won four trophies in the past 14 months. Former England midfielder Karen Carney told ITV4: "Teams have a blueprint as to how to play against us now, how to stop us. But I think the only way we're going to be beaten is by beating ourselves. "Tactically we have to be better and I'm sure Sarina Wiegman will be looking at that. We have a lot of credit in the bank and I'm not overly concerned, but we don't want that to happen in the World Cup. "We have to move the ball quicker and be less complacent. You don't get many chances in a World Cup." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D451/production/_129335345_gettyimages-1481458566.jpgEngland faced a well-organised Australia side who had clearly done their homework. The blueprint was clear - Australia frustrated England out of possession then hit them ruthlessly on the counter-attack, feeding superstar striker Sam Kerr at the earliest opportunity - and it worked perfectly. Despite having 71% of possession, England were limited to four shots on target as their usually fluid attacking play lacked rhythm and impetus. Wiegman described England as "lacking energy" and admitted they still need to improve when forced to break teams down, something that has become more common since their Euro 2022 success. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes told ITV4: "This is uncharacteristic of England. Rarely do we see them looking so sluggish as a team. We're used to them creating so many chances." Former England defender Gilly Flaherty added on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: "Teams are going to show England respect now. They are going to sit in blocks and are going to make it hard. "England now need to find that next level, to know how to break down teams when they use this approach." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/17091/production/_129335349_gettyimages-1251629185.jpgThere were mitigating circumstances for England. The Lionesses were missing key defenders Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood, whose reputation will only have grown in their absence. Winger Lauren Hemp, who wore a face mask after suffering a heavy blow in the win over Brazil, had to come off after half an hour. With Ballon d'Or runner-up Beth Mead and Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby also out with long-term injuries, England's options were sparse off the bench. Forwards Lauren James and Rachel Daly came on but neither inspired a comeback - something "super-subs" Russo and Ella Toone - now regular starters - did so often at Euro 2022. "Of course we want to create that. We still have depth in the team but now we have more players not available if you compare (to last summer)," said Wiegman. "But we don't want to compare as we're moving on to the World Cup. We have to make those choices (on the starting XI) and, if we have to change, who can impact the game? "We're working on that so we're looking at what it can bring us."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 13, 2023 15:02:33 GMT
THE WOMEN'S FA CUP - 1st SEMI-FINAL.
SATURDAY 15th APRIL.Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - 5.15pm - Live on BBC 2 From 5pm ................................................................................................................... THE WOMEN'S FA CUP - 2nd SEMI-FINAL.
SUNDAY 16th APRIL.Aston Villa v Chelsea - 2.15pm - Live on BBC 1 From 1.50pm ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/B08A/production/_129349154_gettyimages-1397534052.jpgChelsea are the Women's FA Cup holders - winners of the trophy for the past two seasons ................................................................................................................
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 13, 2023 21:22:38 GMT
Rangers: Coach Craig McPherson banned for six games after derby headbutt..ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/17CEB/production/_129351579_20714458.jpgRangers Women coach Craig McPherson has been banned for six games by the Scottish Football Association after headbutting Celtic manager Fran Alonso. McPherson, 52, approached Alonso after a dramatic 1-1 draw in the Scottish Women's Premier League on 27 March. He later apologised and said he would "accept in full" any punishment. McPherson admitted breaching SFA disciplinary rule 77 concerning violent conduct, resulting in an immediate six-match suspension. "I would like to offer a full and unreserved apology for my actions," he said in a statement released on 1 April. "I know I have severely let myself, our team, and the club down." Celtic had rescued a point with the last kick of the match by Caitlin Hayes to remain second in the SWPL, eight points behind leaders Glasgow City. As players and staff were shaking hands, McPherson butted Alonso from behind. Rule 77 states team staff "shall, at all times, act in the best interests of association football" and prohibits the use of violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 14, 2023 10:59:44 GMT
THE WOMEN'S FA CUP - 1st SEMI-FINAL.
SATURDAY 15th APRIL.
Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion - 5.15pm - Live on BBC 2 From 5pm
Women's FA Cup: Manchester United on verge of 'massive' first final five years after reforming..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/EC7F/production/_129334506_gettyimages-1068941584.jpgJust five years after being reformed, Manchester United stand on the brink of a first major final. They are making up for lost time. While Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea were present in the inaugural Women's Super League (WSL) season in 2010, with Manchester City and Tottenham following soon after, a women's team from the other member of the Premier League's 'Big Six' was conspicuous by its absence. United had previously run a women's team, however it disbanded in 2005, when it was described as not being part of the club's "core business". The club's academy continued through the United Foundation, producing players such as Izzy Christiansen and Katie Zelem, but there was no senior pathway for the girls. Eventually, following much speculation and criticism, United ended a 13-year absence from senior women's football and re-entered a team into the second-tier Championship for the 2018-19 season, which they finished as champions. Goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain was one of the 21 players United signed for that debut season. Despite being a 50-cap England international with years of WSL experience, she remembers the early days as a unique and surreal experience. "I turned up on the first day with Amy Turner and Martha Harris who I had been with at Liverpool, and we had no idea who else would be in the team," she tells BBC Sport. "That never happens in football, starting from fresh like that. Everyone was the new kid at school all at once. "It was nice - there was no original hierarchy, but a big onus on building the team, which Casey [Stoney, the manager] did brilliantly. "We were given a tour of Old Trafford, the museum - I've never felt so ingratiated in the history of a club after joining. We were given a feeling of how big United is as a club. You never truly get that feeling until you are in it." The club has gone from strength to strength on the pitch since, and is now in contention for a domestic double. On Saturday they host Brighton in the Women's FA Cup semi-final. Victory would seal a place at Wembley Stadium on 14th May, and a first final since their formation. It is a sharp contrast to when midfielder Christiansen was starting her footballing journey at United. She told BBC Sport that the club's lack of a senior team back then left a "gaping hole" in English women's football. With no senior path available at United, Christiansen was forced to move to Everton as a youth player to pursue her ambitions, on her way to becoming a WSL and FA Cup champion with Manchester City, a Champions League winner with Lyon and earning 31 caps for England. Now back with Everton, she says of her time at United: "It took a very long time to re-establish a women's team, and there were a lot of questions asked when the WSL was formed, for the first four or five years. Where is Manchester United Women, why is it not here? "Eventually they formed a team, and a very good one. They worked upwards from the Championship and I think that start gave them a chance to grow. There may still be space to grow too, in terms of levelling up resources." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0607/production/_129334510_gettyimages-1246837530.jpgWhile Christiansen left to further her career, fellow academy alumnus Zelem returned to the club in 2018 following United's Championship entry and has remained there since, becoming captain in 2019. Zelem, Ella Toone and Leah Galton were all part of the original squad along with Chamberlain, and remain key players under current manager Marc Skinner. "There were questions asked why United didn't have a women's team, and then, when they did [form one], 'why now?' It's hard to win in that situation," Chamberlain said. "But they did it the right way, building a squad to compete from the Championship, not going in at the top level, trying to spend millions of pounds. "Look at the men's team, the record of how many players have come through the academy. United women wanted to replicate that, to show the importance of home grown players from the set up. "You know now if you come to Man Utd at eight years old, you know there is a chance to become a star player." Christiansen, who played with Toone at City, says the connection with the original United side is key to the team's identity, and a source of their potential success this season. "I've known Ella Toone a long time, she always had talent but needed the right environment," she said. "She found that at Man United. "They are hard to beat but have class as well, it's what the best United men's teams had. Look at [Ona] Batlle, Galton, [Maya] Le Tissier, Toone - these are players who are winners, strong and determined." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/A247/production/_129334514_gettyimages-1249427329-1.jpgUnited have never reached an FA Cup semi-final but they have made it to the last four of the League Cup on three occasions, losing to Chelsea, twice, and Arsenal. They will be firm favourites on Saturday against the WSL's bottom side Brighton, who have just appointed a new manager in Melissa Phillips. Skinner, speaking in his pre-match news conference, said: "We are not at the final and cannot think of anything but a very difficult game against a new manager. The mentality from my players has to be to hunt any team that stands in the way of our success from now until the end of the season. "We've learned from last season, where we hit stumbling blocks but did not have the mental resolve to overcome them, or even the ability to change the game like we can this year, where we can inject some width, pace and trickery." Even as United continue to make strides on the field, off it there remains some uncertainty with a takeover looming in the future, bringing questions as to how much support the women's team will get from whichever bidding party triumphs. For now, they sit a point clear at the top of the WSL and 90 minutes from Wembley. "The philosophy must be to get even better at what they already do well - they have built a winning mentality," says Christiansen. "They've had the resilience to keep fighting and break into the top four. "I'm sure the manager and players haven't achieved what they want to yet which undoubtedly would be silverware, but a first final will be massive." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/EB53/production/_129334206_gettyimages-1249423404.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 15, 2023 8:41:07 GMT
Anna Patten: Defender eyes FA Cup glory with Aston Villa..By Emma Sanders
Women's FA Cup semi-final - Aston Villa v Chelseaichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/14556/production/_129368238_gettyimages-1437703334.jpgAnna Patten has tasted success in the FA Youth Cup, but now craves glory in the senior competition as Aston Villa look to upset the odds and beat Chelsea to reach a Wembley final. The 23-year-old defender hopes to feature in Villa's first Women's FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, taking on four-time winners Chelsea, who are also chasing a third successive crown. Patten, on loan from Arsenal, has come close before - she was an unused substitute for the Gunners in their 2021 final defeat to Chelsea. She also won two FA Youth Cups with Arsenal, developing an early love for the competition. "The first final I played in with the under-17s, I had my Scottish family come down which was unusual. I had grandparents from both sides there," Patten told BBC Sport. "I remember they were all there with their phones out wanting me to pose for photos with the cup. It was a great feeling. "The FA Cup is one of the greatest achievements you can have when you're playing in English football. We definitely want to stop this Chelsea team as best we can." For Patten, who began her career at Arsenal and returned after graduating from college in the United States, says there is extra incentive to beat Chelsea because of the rivalry with her parent club. "I'll probably get a few messages from the Arsenal girls," added Patten. "They definitely want to see Villa in the final instead of Chelsea, seeing as they were the team who knocked Arsenal out too. "Anyone beating Chelsea will probably make them happy. Me and [ex-Arsenal midfielder] Jordan Nobbs will take that into the game. "A couple of the Arsenal girls might come to watch and will probably be supporting us as well. I definitely don't think they will be cheering for Chelsea!" ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/A916/production/_129368234_gettyimages-1474698479.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 15, 2023 8:44:43 GMT
Women's FA Cup semi-final - Aston Villa v Chelsea - Managers Views:Aston Villa manager Carla Ward says the club's first Women's FA Cup semi-final is a "massive" moment for the team. Villa face holders Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, with a place in the Wembley final on the line. The winner will play Manchester United or Brighton on May 14th. "There's no dressing it up, it's an FA Cup semi-final and as a young girl you always dream about these moments and getting to Wembley - whether that's as a player, coach or staff," said Ward. "There's an excitement growing because it's an opportunity. That's the message, that we're 90 minutes away from Wembley." Aston Villa are having arguably their best ever season - as well as a first FA Cup semi-final, they sit fifth in the Women's Super League having never previously finished higher than ninth. Villa are expecting at least 4,500 fans at the Bescot Community Stadium in Walsall for the semi-final against a Chelsea side who beat them 3-0 in their previous WSL game on 2nd April. "I think we should always respect them but never fear them," Ward said of the reigning WSL and FA Cup champions. "They are an unbelievable side, they really are. They have an abundance of world-class talent and we know that. But this is a one-off game. "That match before the international break will probably help us a lot because we have learnt a lot from it. It's about taking that into this game and trying to seize the opportunity." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/6ABE/production/_129362372_gettyimages-1479125826.jpg........................................................................................................................................................................ Chelsea 'can cope' without key defenders..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8D46/production/_129366163_gettyimages-1475923306-1.jpgChelsea go into the game without first choice centre-back pairing Kadeisha Buchanan and Millie Bright, who are both injured. However manager Emma Hayes backs her team to cope, telling her pre-match news conference: "Nothing changes, we build a squad to prepare for this moment. "Our players want these opportunities, to continue to impress. We have a team full of internationals, we have the qualities to cope." Hayes is expecting an improved Villa performance from Chelsea's win two weeks ago, while tipping Ward's side to challenge the top four next season. "It's a cup game which makes it difficult," she said. "Villa were disappointed in their performance last time, so we will expect an aggressive performance and difficult game. "We will prepare as we do every week, but this time with a cup final on line. At the end of the game we want to be going to Wembley. "Carla has done a great job, they are efficient against top teams, they make the most of set pieces and in the transitions. The next step is how do you be more than that, she knows that, she will have to keep improving the squad. "They have had an amazing season, consistent performances throughout, so I can see them taking the step for top four."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 15, 2023 19:25:44 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 16, 2023 16:12:31 GMT
THE WOMEN'S FA CUP - 2nd SEMI-FINAL.
Sunday 15th April
Aston Villa 0 Chelsea 1 (Kerr 59)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/10D17/production/_129378886_gettyimages-1482614234.jpgHolders Chelsea booked their place in the Women's FA Cup final with a narrow victory over Aston Villa and remain on course to win the trophy for the third year in a row. Sam Kerr headed in the winner at the back post in the second half but there were chances for both sides throughout an evenly-matched encounter at Bescot Stadium. First-time semi-finalists Villa almost took the lead when Rachel Daly's effort was blocked by defender Magdalena Eriksson, before Chelsea's Eve Perisset sliced a golden opportunity over the bar on the brink of half-time. Carla Ward's Villa side grew into the match but lacked quality in decisive moments which proved costly as they looked to cause an upset. In contrast, Blues striker Kerr only needed one chance to make her mark, rising highest to meet Guro Reiten's cross for her 24th goal in all competitions this season. It came after Villa's Alisha Lehmann had fired inches wide at the other end - and the Swiss winger had another chance later on but fizzed it across the face of the goal in the 77th minute. Chelsea were forced to hold on in the latter stages as Villa pushed desperately for an equaliser, with full-back Sarah Mayling striking the post, but the Blues held their nerve to reach another final. They will meet Manchester United at Wembley on 14th May after the Red Devils' dramatic late victory over Brighton on Saturday. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/BEF7/production/_129378884_gettyimages-1482614291.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 16, 2023 16:33:30 GMT
THE FA WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES..
Wednesday 19th April
Brighton v Everton - 7pm
Manchester United v Arsenal 7.15 pm - Live on BBC 3
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WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL 1ST LEG
Saturday 22nd April
Chelsea v Barcelona - 12.30pm
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THE FA WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Sunday 23rd April
Liverpool v Brighton - 2pm
Reading v Everton - 2pm
Tottenhan v Aston Villa - 2pm
Manchester City v West Ham - 6.45pm
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WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL 1ST LEG
Sunday 23rd April
VfL Wolfsburg v Arsenal - 2.30pm
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WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - SEMI-FINAL 2ND LEG
Thursday 27th April
Barcelona v Chelsea - 5.45pm
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THE FA WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Friday 28th April
Aston Villa v Manchester United - 7.15pm
Saturday 29th April
Leicester City v Liverpool - 12.30pm
Tottenham v Brighton - 5.15pm
Sunday 30th April
Manchester City v Reading - 2pm
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WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL 2ND LEG
Monday 1st May
Arsenal v VfL Wolfsburg - 5.45pm
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 17, 2023 20:05:57 GMT
Kim Little: Injured Arsenal captain out for rest of the season.. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/11A88/production/_129382327_gettyimages-1476511829.jpgArsenal captain Kim Little will miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury in their Women's Champions League quarter-final win. The midfielder, 32, was substituted 12 minutes into the second leg against Bayern Munich in March, which Arsenal won 2-0 to triumph 2-1 on aggregate. Arsenal visit Wolfsburg for the first leg of the semi-final on Sunday, 23rd April and play the home leg on 1st May. They travel to Women's Super League leaders Manchester United on Wednesday. Jonas Eidevall's side are third in the domestic league and just three points adrift of United. Arsenal have already won a title this season, beating Chelsea in Continental League Cup, to pick up their first trophy in four years. Analysis - 'Little is undoubtedly one of Arsenal's best players'
Emma Sanders, BBC Sport football reporterThis is a huge blow to Arsenal as they prepare to take on Wolfsburg. Little is undoubtedly one of their best players and has been for several seasons - leading the team as captain and acting as a focal point in midfield, helping Arsenal tick. It is the latest injury to one of Arsenal's key players, following the season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injuries to last season's top-scorer Vivianne Miedema and Ballon d'Or runner-up Beth Mead. However, Arsenal have performed well given those injuries and showed in the Champions League quarter-final win over Bayern Munich that they can adapt to Little's absence. England captain Leah Williamson is a good back-up option and is likely to move into midfield from her preferred centre-back position, as she did against Bayern. But Arsenal's squad depth is thinning at a time when they remain in a four-way battle for the WSL title and are chasing a second European trophy. It will be a major concern. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/CC68/production/_129382325_gettyimages-1473230326.jpg |
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 18, 2023 14:55:19 GMT
Kim Little: Arsenal captain signs contract extension with WSL club..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6CE7/production/_129397872_gettyimages-1247809980.jpgArsenal captain Kim Little has signed a new contract to stay at the Women's Super League club beyond this season. The midfielder has made more than 290 appearances in two spells with the Gunners, scoring 164 goals. "I'm delighted to sign a new contract at Arsenal," said the 32-year-old, who will miss the rest of the season after injuring her hamstring in March. "Thinking back to when I first joined at the age of 17, I'm so proud of the progress that we have made together." She added: "Arsenal has been such an important part of my life and over time this club has become my home. It continues to be a privilege to represent Arsenal and I'm still so motivated to move this club forward and to be a part of its success." Former Scotland international Little has won five top-flight league titles, three FA Cups and five League Cups since joining Arsenal for her first spell in 2008, and was awarded an MBE for services to football in the 2023 New Year Honours list. Head coach Jonas Eidevall said: "Kim is a world-class player and an exemplary professional. Her contribution here over many years has been outstanding and we are so pleased that she will continue to represent Arsenal for years to come. "On and off the pitch, Kim is such an important part of what we are trying to achieve here at Arsenal Football Club so we are all delighted with this news." Arsenal are third in the WSL, three points adrift of leaders Manchester United. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/4839/production/_129398481_gettyimages-1247790438.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 18, 2023 14:58:23 GMT
Jasmine Bull: Bristol City in 'final push' for promotion, says midfielder..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1891/production/_129398260_gettyimages-1448486996.jpgAbi Harrison (right) scored the final goal of the team's 5-0 win over Sunderland Bristol City are in the "privileged" position of having promotion to the Women's Super League in their hands, says midfielder Jasmine Bull. The club are six points clear at the top of the Women's Championship with two games to go. They host Charlton on Sunday knowing one point will secure their return to the WSL. "It is a great privilege, it's just the final bit now, the final push," Bull told BBC Radio Bristol. "It's not going to be easy but the belief that I have in the team and that we should all have in ourselves, we're capable of anything. But it's not going to be a walk in the park." After dropping points in the loss to Sheffield United earlier in April, Bristol City thrashed Sunderland 5-0 away last weekend, with Bull scoring her first-ever goal. Second-placed London City Lionesses then fell to a 1-0 defeat by Southampton, which opened up the gap at the top of the table and put the Robins firmly in the driving seat. "We were looking to bounce-back after our previous performance in the league and put a statement out there," Bull said. "We're not looking too much at what other teams are doing because if we do what we're doing then we can pull it off." The match against Charlton is the Robins' final home game of the campaign and will be held at Ashton Gate. More than 4,000 tickets have already been sold with the club hopeful of beating their record attendance of 5,752, last year at the same ground in their game against Liverpool. Liverpool secured promotion to the WSL that day, with Bristol City hoping to emulate their feat in front of a home crowd before travelling away to Birmingham for their final game of the campaign. "We want that feeling, we wanted that feeling, so if we can do that would be amazing," Bull added.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 18, 2023 15:02:20 GMT
Women's FA Cup final: Man Utd boss Marc Skinner criticises Wembley ticket allocation..By Emily Salleyichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/136DB/production/_129397597_gettyimages-1437774701.jpgMarc Skinner says it is "crazy" Manchester United and Chelsea have been allocated only 8,000 tickets each for next month's Women's FA Cup final at Wembley. The Football Association (FA) said on Monday that 65,000 neutral-area tickets had been sold for the 14 May showpiece. United confirmed they had been allocated 8,000, while Chelsea said they had been given 7,530. "I don't know how many it is in the men's game," United boss Skinner said. "But to give clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United 8,000 tickets to sell, it's just crazy in my opinion." Chelsea and Liverpool were allocated 30,500 tickets each for last season's men's FA Cup final at Wembley, which has a capacity of 90,000. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/184FB/production/_129397599_gettyimages-1397370339.jpgThe record attendance for a Women's FA Cup final was set last year at 49,094 "The Vitality Women's FA Cup final is the showpiece event of the women's domestic season, and to date we have issued over 65,000 tickets," the FA said. "Finalists Chelsea and Manchester United have each been issued with an additional 7,500 tickets for their fans. This is to help meet the likely demand for each club and is almost double the amount of tickets that the finalists received last year." The Women's FA Cup final attendance is set to break the record of 49,094, set at last season's match when Chelsea beat Manchester City 3-2 in extra time. Emma Hayes' Blues are hoping to win the FA Cup for the third consecutive year, while it is United's first appearance in the final. The two sides are also in the race for the Women's Super League (WSL) title, with leaders United one point ahead of the Blues having played one game more.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 19, 2023 20:59:08 GMT
THE FA WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE RESULTS.
Wednesday 19th April
Brighton 3 (Terland 12, 80 Robinson 43) Everton 2 (Snoeijs 63, 83)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/2883/production/_129417301_gettyimages-1483359193.jpgBrighton moved off the bottom of the table in manager Melissa Phillips' first Women's Super League match in charge with victory over Everton. It was a gutsy display from the Seagulls who go two points above relegation rivals Leicester City. Elisabeth Terland scored twice either side of Katie Robinson's superb chip, while a double from Everton's Katja Snoeijs threatened a late comeback. But Brighton held on to pick up a crucial win as they seek WSL survival. Snoeijs weaved into the box before rolling it into bottom corner in the 63rd minute as Brighton's lead came under threat before Kayleigh Green's powerful run set up Terland's second of the match. Brighton settled again and looked on course for a comfortable victory when Snoeijs scored another in an anxious final few minutes for the hosts. It was Brighton's first win in the league since November and a first at home in seven months. With six games remaining, there is just two points separating the bottom four teams but Brighton will be encouraged by their recent performances under Phillips, who took over this month. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/183C7/production/_129417299_gettyimages-1483359704.jpg.................................................................................................................................................................... Manchester United 1 (Russo 45+6) Arsenal 0ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/311B/production/_129417521_alessiarusso.jpgManchester United beat fellow title challengers Arsenal to move four points clear at the top of the Women's Super League in a match overshadowed by an injury to England captain Leah Williamson. England striker Alessia Russo scored with United's first shot on target on the stroke of half-time after Nikita Parris had got free down the right wing and pulled the ball back. But the goal came 30 minutes after Williamson suffered what appeared to be a serious injury when her leg buckled underneath her, with the player, who can operate in central defence or central midfield, instantly signalling that she needed to be replaced. It looked like she was going to be carried off on a stretcher, although that eventually was not needed, but Williamson looked in great discomfort as she limped off the field. The 27-year-old, who captained England to victory at last summer's Euro 2022 and who has played 43 times for her country, will be hoping the injury is not as serious as first feared, with the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand starting on 20th July. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/0198/production/_129380400_alessiarusso.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 20, 2023 5:39:29 GMT
Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal: WSL leaders making "massive" progress, says boss Marc Skinner..By Michael Emonsichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/CD5B/production/_129417525_manchesterunitedplayers.jpgManchester United manager Marc Skinner felt his side's victory over Arsenal was "a massive sign of our growth" as United push to become Women's Super League champions for the first time. England striker Alessia Russo scored the only goal in a 1-0 win to leave United four points clear at the top. However, reigning champions Chelsea remain favourites to retain their title as they have two games in hand. Asked if the WSL was a two-horse race, Skinner replied: "I don't really care." "It's about us doing what we can," he added. "If Chelsea win all their games we can't catch that. "But what we can do is progress, keep performing, keep getting better, and that's what we're doing. "We have to fight our own battles. I'm not going to get into what Chelsea do." "I'm as proud as I would've been with a 5-0 win," added Skinner. "Arsenal are in the semi-finals of the Champions League and are a top, top team for many years in this country. "For us to do a double over a rival is a massive sign of our growth. We can just keep promoting that energy and the rest will look after itself." United are also in the FA Cup final, where they take on Chelsea at Wembley on 14 May having beaten Brighton 3-2 in the semi-final on Sunday. "The reality is I don't have to dampen anything down, I just need to make sure we are in the right space to perform," added Skinner. "We could've been over-excited from the weekend but we were professional and I knew we would be. "After we played Brighton we celebrated, then got back to business. "What's more important is that's another clean sheet, 12 for the season, and if you're going to win championships you have to keep clean sheets. "We had to find a way to win. The beauty of that performance was Arsenal put in a front six and we had the answers. "Arsenal were not at their very best, and neither were we, but we had moments of class in the first half and the second half was more about resilience - that's what we're learning. "I'm very proud of every single player and every staff member, they were excellent." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/AA33/production/_129417534_gettyimages-1251995289.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 20, 2023 14:04:10 GMT
Leah Williamson: Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall 'does not know' extent of England captain's injury..ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/16865/production/_129416229_gettyimages-1483345116.jpgArsenal manager Jonas Eidevall "does not know" the extent of England captain Leah Williamson's injury after she came off in the defeat by Manchester United. Williamson, 26, was replaced after just 15 minutes of the Women's Super League match on Wednesday and Eidevall implied the pitch may have had an impact. After falling awkwardly while chasing possession, Williamson immediately signalled to be replaced. "Of course it's not good that she had to come off," said Eidevall. "You see the pitch, it is a pitch that has a lot more to [be desired]. I think it's going to continue here with the schedule we have and pitches like that, players are going to get injured. "That is something that we all need to improve on, the facilities where we play, so we can keep the players on the pitch." A stretcher was initially brought on to the pitch, but a limping Williamson was able to walk off with support from a member of Arsenal's medical staff. The injury comes three months before England's World Cup campaign begins on 22 July when the Lionesses face Haiti. Arsenal have already been impacted by serious injuries to key players this season including captain Kim Little, Ballon d'Or runner-up Beth Mead and last season's top scorer Vivianne Miedema. "We spoke about that before the game, that we have managed very well so far this season, having players missing," added Eidevall. "But I think with all things accumulating here, with suspended players and Leah [Williamson] coming off injured, it was one absence too many for us." Arsenal's 1-0 defeat at Leigh Sports Village leaves them six points off WSL leaders United with five games remaining. They play Wolfsburg in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Sunday. "Nobody wanted to see [Williamson go off injured]," said Manchester United manager Marc Skinner. "I've seen her inside, she seemed in really high spirits. We obviously wish it's something minor and just a precaution. "We wish her all the best. We all want to see her lead the Lionesses in the summer." Williamson's injury will cause great concern to England manager Sarina Wiegman with less than 100 days to go until the World Cup. The European champions are already expecting to travel to Australia without Mead, who finished top scorer last summer, because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury. There are major doubts over Chelsea forward Fran Kirby's availability having been out of action since February. Chelsea defender Millie Bright has also been on crutches with a knee injury sustained in March.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 20, 2023 14:10:01 GMT
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL 1ST LEG - PREVIEW.
Saturday 22nd April
Chelsea v Barcelona - 12.30pm
Women's Champions League: Can Chelsea avenge 2021 defeat against Barcelona..?..by Ben Millerichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/13D6/production/_129387050_pa-59821583.jpg"We will be back" was the vow from Chelsea players after they were thrashed 4-0 by Barcelona in the 2021 Women's Champions League final. Chelsea had become the first English team since Arsenal in 2007 to reach the women's European showpiece, but they were blown away in the first half in Gothenburg's Gamla Ullevi. Almost two years on, they have a chance to fulfil that pledge and reach another final, although standing in their way is the same team who humiliated them back in 2021. So can Chelsea avenge that final defeat in their two-legged semi-final this season ? What happened when the sides last met?Barcelona were rampant, taking the lead inside just 33 seconds and they were 4-0 up inside 36 minutes on an almost instantly forgettable night for Chelsea. The first goal came through an unfortunate own goal for Melanie Leupolz, who was hit by an attempted clearance, before Alexia Putellas scored a penalty and then set up Aitana Bonmati for the third. Caroline Graham Hansen wrapped up the scoring for an utterly ruthless Barca side. Former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin said Chelsea "had been destroyed", while ex-England midfielder Izzy Christiansen said there had been "catalogues of errors defensively" for the Blues. Emma Hayes' side produced a spirited display in the second half - but the winners were in cruise control by then. The club's then-owner, Roman Abramovich, had flown to Gothenburg to be at the game and came to see the players in the dressing room after the match. "The girls were very quick to tell him that we will be back here," said Hayes. "We'll work hard on the training pitch to make sure we do that. "If I know this group well enough I know they mean those words and this is just another step in our journey. "Some of the players haven't played in this arena before and it showed, but they'll improve with that experience." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D726/production/_129387055_gettyimages-1318659039.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/112BB/production/_129413307_-7f520932-8863-4c9b-8e31-4aa2109e4e29.pngHow do you beat this Barca side ?Free-scoring Barcelona have won all five of their Champions League games at the Nou Camp during the past two seasons, scoring 24 goals and conceding just four. A record crowd for a women's match of nearly 92,000 watched the home leg of Barca's semi-final last season, inspiring a 5-1 thrashing of Wolfsburg that made their second-leg defeat immaterial. So Chelsea will surely need a positive result in the first leg at Stamford Bridge to take with them to the daunting Nou Camp for the second leg five days later. Despite Barca's imperious domestic form which has seen them extend their unbeaten league run to 59 games, they have been fallible on the European stage this season. Bayern knocked Barca out of their rhythm by netting twice in 10 minutes in a blistering opening as they won 3-1 in the group stages in December. "It's very hard to beat Barcelona because they are currently the best team in the world," said Bayern's Lina Magull, the scorer of the first goal and player of the match in the German side's win. "We knew we would have to defend extremely well and we wouldn't have many chances to score, so we were clinical." Lyon also made a fast start in their triumph over Barca in last year's final, with Amandine Henry scoring a superb opener in the sixth minute, as the French side scored all three of their goals in the 3-1 win in the first 30 minutes. England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain told ITV 4 at the time: "Lyon did exactly what Barcelona don't like. They pressed them high up the pitch and they didn't let them get into their rhythm."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 21, 2023 13:22:06 GMT
Breaking News: Leah Williamson: England and Arsenal captain set to miss World Cup with ACL injury..ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/16C78/production/_129440339_leahwilliamson.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/B00A/production/_129166054_gettyimages-1412225253.jpgArsenal and England captain Leah Williamson is set to miss this summer's World Cup and the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Williamson went down in the first half of Arsenal's 1-0 Women's Super League loss to Manchester United on Wednesday. "Leah is set for an extended spell on the sidelines," Arsenal said in a statement on Friday. England's opening World Cup match with Haiti takes place on 22nd July. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/21/18ce739b-e890-45da-b787-80a232e87f8b.jpgBeth Mead, Leah Williamson's England and Arsenal team-mate, who is also fighting to recover from a serious knee injury, has tweeted a similar message of support to that of the England camp, saying: "We are with you every step of the way @leahcwilliamson even if I have to be quiet some days in rehab. We got you girl, all the love and strength in the world." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/21/0b9b8301-d738-4c57-aa4c-8ebac59c7e08.jpg....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Women's Super League defends pitch standards after Jonas Eidevall's criticism.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/17A5F/production/_129436869_gettyimages-1483345349.jpgA stretcher was initially brought on to the pitch but Williamson was able to walk off with help from medics The Women's Super League has defended the standard of pitches after Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall warned poor pitch quality is causing injuries. England captain Leah Williamson limped off the field in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Manchester United. Eidevall later said facilities need to improve to "keep players on the pitch". But a WSL spokesperson said pitches at WSL stadiums are monitored throughout the season with "steps taken" to support clubs where necessary. The spokesperson said: "We monitor pitch performance at WSL stadiums throughout the season and during this process we take steps to support the clubs when necessary. "Significant progress has been made in recent seasons with several clubs delivering new hybrid playing surfaces following investment through the Premier League Stadium Fund." Nine of the 12 WSL clubs currently have a hybrid pitch, with significant progress being made over the last three years. Williamson, who fell awkwardly while chasing possession, was replaced after 15 minutes of Wednesday's match. The 26-year-old immediately signalled to be replaced, before being led down the tunnel with club medics. The extent of her injury is still unknown. Eidevall later implied the Leigh Sports Village pitch may have had an impact, saying: "You see the pitch, it is a pitch that has a lot more to be desired. "I think it's going to continue here with the schedule we have and pitches like that, players are going to get injured. "That is something that we all need to improve on, the facilities where we play, so we can keep the players on the pitch." In January, the Swedish coach said "emotional" decisions about investment in women's football should be avoided amid growing calls for clubs to have undersoil pitch heating. He added: "We need to take good decisions on where the investment should be going to grow the game in the long term and I'm very doubtful that should be put into undersoil heating at the moment." Williamson becomes the latest concern for Eidevall, in the absence of captain Kim Little, Ballon d'Or runner-up Beth Mead and last season's top scorer Vivianne Miedema.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 21, 2023 13:32:13 GMT
West Ham United: Playing at London Stadium 'not a big deal', says manager Paul Konchesky..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/E97D/production/_129437795_gettyimages-1177889088.jpgWest Ham's women's team have not played at London Stadium since 2019 West Ham manager Paul Konchesky has said playing at London Stadium is "not a big deal" to his Women's Super League side. Last month Hammers defender Lucy Parker criticised the club for failing to hold a match for their women's team at the stadium. West Ham are the only team in the WSL this season not to have played at the same ground used by their men's side. "It's a big deal to everyone at the moment but not to us," said Konchesky. "There's ongoing talks and we'll wait for the right time to play there. "We know that everyone wants to play at the stadiums. Hopefully sooner rather than later this football club and team will play at the London Stadium, then nobody will say anything else about it." Earlier in April West Ham said they will make hosting a women's game at London Stadium a priority. The women's team have not played at the home of the 2012 Olympic Games since 2019. The current concession agreement in place, which was initially signed in 2013, only caters for friendlies and youth matches. It means a women's match would be regarded as an additional fixture and bring a hosting charge of £100,000, plus inflation over the intervening period. For 2020-21, West Ham posted a loss of £897,000 for their women's team. West Ham currently pay close to £4m a year to play at the venue, which funded by the taxpayer and run by London Stadium 185 Ltd with the London Legacy Development Corporation as the overall landlords. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/2BA5/production/_129437111_gettyimages-1177889372.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 21, 2023 18:34:50 GMT
Millie Bright: Chelsea and England defender out for several more weeks with knee injury..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12ED4/production/_129442577_gettyimages-1475923357.jpgChelsea and England centre-back Millie Bright has been ruled for several more weeks with the knee injury she suffered in March. Bright, 29, has been absent since going off in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final win over Lyon. She will miss the semi-final tie against Barcelona, with the first leg at Stamford Bridge on Saturday before the return game on Thursday. "She had a bony cartilage lesion that needed cleaning out," said Emma Hayes. The Chelsea boss added: "She will be out for weeks, I can't say how many." When asked about Bright's World Cup hopes, Hayes replied: "She will be out for weeks." England's first game in the World Cup is against Haiti on 22nd July. Bright was an ever-present in the England team that won the Euros last summer, but her centre-back partner from that success Leah Williamson was ruled out of the World Cup on Friday after suffering a anterior cruciate ligament injury. Chelsea face a congested end to their season with Hayes' side competing on three fronts. They are four points behind Manchester United in the Women's Super League, but have two games in hand, and face the Reds in the FA Cup final on 14th May.
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