The evolving finances in women’s football

The growth in women’s football is starting to be reflected in transfer fees. But how does this impact the rest of the football economy?

By Rachel Gore 13/2/24

Above: Kaitlyn Torpey broke the Australian transfer record when she was signed by San Diego Wave.

Last week, on February 6, Kaitlyn Torpey signed for San Diego Wave FC for a record-breaking fee. The Australian defender was reportedly sold by Melbourne City for $75,000 that record transfer was almost immediately eclipsed by Lysianne Proulx‘a move to Bay FC. Previously a rarity, the increasing spending on transfer fees have has sparked a conversation on money within the women’s game. 

Recent years have seen numerous transfer records be broken. In the summer of 2022, Kiera Walsh moved from Manchester City to Barcelona having been sold for a rumoured $750,000. This made Walsh the most expensive women’s footballer to date. One year later, in 2023, Jill Roord had a record WSL transfer as she moved from Wolfsburg to City for $580,000.

Seemingly, female players are being sold for increasing sums of money, the first million Euro transfer seems inevitable, which leads us to question how clubs are generating their funding. 

In England many women’s teams are dependent on financial support from their affiliated men’s teams – to a degree these men’s teams have been subsidising the women’s game.

It’s not only men’s teams that are funding women’s football, but also men’s leagues.

In 2022 the Premier League announced financial support for FA Women’s National League clubs. This investment totalled to just under £10 million and had a key focus on the tier 3 and 4 leagues; £3 million was dedicated to supporting their matches and £1.5 million was given for improvements of their stadiums. As part of this, the Premier League also pledged to fund £1.75 million annually for 3 years to the FA’s Girl’s Emerging Talent Centres.

Further to this 2022 scheme, on February 8, 2023, Sky News reported on a loan being approved for WSL and Women’s Championship teams. This £20 million loan, given by the Premier League, is to be interest free and only repaid once thecombined revenue of these leagues reaches £100 million.

To close the gap between the Women’s Championship and the WSL, Championship clubs are also in line to receive 25% of the combined leagues’ commercial income; nearly all of this comes from the WSL.

Clearly new funding has contributed to higher transfer fees. As well as becoming more expensive, women’s transfer fees have also gained more attention in recent years; previously they have not been publicly discussed but now they are spoken about across the media.

Last week, the Daily Mail wrote an exclusive piece stating that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is hoping to sign Chloe Kelly, the Lioness who scored the winner for England at the 2022 Euros, with an offer that could make her the best paid player outside of the NWSL. 

This transfer rumour was then posted on the Instagram account Soccerdonna. Soccerdonna has over 80,000 Instagram followers and focuses on women’s football news and transfers, including those that are only speculations.

The newfound attention on women’s transfers is likely due to the growth in the game. 

In 2022 WSL attendance increased by 227%. Following on from this, in December 2023 Arsenal beat the record for the highest ever attended WSL match as over 59,000 fans travelled to the Emirates to watch their game against Chelsea.

Financial company Deloitte has noted how this rising match attendance has led to numerous companies sponsoring women’s teams. They found that 60% of teams in major women’s leagues now have different sponsors on their shirts than the sponsors for the men’s teams at the same club. 

According to Women’s Sport Trust, in 2023 women’s sport had over 46 million viewers in Britain. Matches from the 2023 Women’s World Cup were streamed 25.7 million times on BBC iPlayer, this is a 75% increase in streams from the number at the 2019 World Cup.

Attendance at these World Cup matches was also huge, the average match attendance was 30,000 and almost 2 million fans travelled to the stadiums in Australia and New Zealand to watch their countries compete.

In Australia’s domestic league, spectatorship has also increased. The 22/23 season saw a 13% in attendance at Liberty A-League matches. 

In an ideal world, This increase in spectatorship leads to an increase in money being drawn into women’s football clubs and therefore higher player transfer fees and an improved quality of play. As quality of play improves, more fans attend matches, and the cycle continues.

However, not all leagues are equal and with many of the A-League clubs charging no admission, there are local concerns about the game’s financial growth.

These higher transfer fees are having numerous knock-on effects within clubs as they have become a new revenue source. 

One of these effects is that contract lengths are getting longer. In the past, most contracts were only for a year or less, but now players tend to sign longer term contracts. Another of the effects is that more players are being contracted to clubs. In the Australian A-League 274 players were contracted in the 22/23 season which was a 42% increase from the 17/18 season. 

As they are in the men’s game, women’s transfer fees are becoming apart of club’s revenue strategies both incoming and outgoing expenses, and transfer windows are starting to gain widespread media attention. 

Transfer fees, however, are not the only financial factor being affected by the increase of women’s football fans. 

In a bid to give young girls the opportunity to play football, the UK government and the FA have provided £30 million to fund 30 new state of the art 3G pitches and accompanying facilities. This funding, which was announced in November 2023, will give grassroots women’s and girls’ teams a place to train and play.

Similar funding has been granted in other countries. In Australia, following the World Cup last summer, Football Australia has launched the Growing Football Fund to support the growth of women’s football. This fund gives community clubs and associations up to $5,000 to support programmes that promote women’s or girls’ football.

Although while the game, and the money in it, is growing, a review led by ex-England player Karen Carney in the summer of 2023 found that more is needed to be done. A recent Guardian article also demonstrated that more needs to be done in Australian community football.

Carney spoke on how the FA should be exploring potential partnerships with investors. Having investments in the women’s game will help with the short-term costs of developing the sport until it begins earning the amount of money necessary to fund its own growth.

In 2022 analysis carried out by the BBC found that the average WSL player earns £47,000 a year. At this time the average Wolves footballer that played in the Premier Leagueearnt £4.7 million, making their salaries 100 times more than those of the women’s.

One of the suggestions from Carney’s 2023 review was that a minimum salary should be set for players in the English leagues. Minimum salaries already exist in the US and Australian women’s leagues; in Australia the minimum salary for players is $25,000 and in the US the minimum is $35,000.

In Spain, the top women’s league also has a minimum wage. In September 2023 players in the Spanish league called off a strike after agreements were made to increase the minimum salary to €23,500 (£20,000) by 2025. Prior to this agreement, their minimum salary sat at €16,000 compared to the men’s league minimum of €182,000. Even by 2025 the difference in minimum salaries will be over €150,000, emphasising the financial differences in the Spanish leagues.

While the WSL does not currently have a minimum salary for its players, it does have a salary cap.

Originally, when the WSL began in 2011, the league had a strict salary cap which meant that a maximum of four players in each team could be paid over £20,000 a year. This aimed to keep the most talented and experienced players spread out across all the clubs in the league.

However, in 2014 these caps were softened and currently the WSL salary cap is 40% of the revenue taken by the club. 

In October 2023 the owner of Crystal Palace called for tougher salary control in women’s football. This call echoed the thoughts of many, including Francesca Whitfield who is the head of planning at Manchester United. Whitfield commented on the current WSL cap system; she claims that it is an issue that the 40% cap includes revenue from the entirety of the parent club. 

Larger clubs, with men’s teams in the Premier League, benefit as they earn more revenue and are therefore allowed to spend more on women’s players. This is creating a large gapbetween squads and allowing the league to be dominated by just a handful of clubs. 

Due to the way the current WSL salary cap works, the argument that a stricter salary cap should be reimplemented, and put in place across the European leagues, has emerged – it would ensure that all clubs in the top women’s leagues have access to similar players allowing competition to remain fresh and exciting. 

Salaries in the women’s game have been a point of discussion for years. Top players have had to work alongside playing in the top professional leagues due to the lack of money in the game. 

Star Arsenal and England player Alex Scott spent time during her professional career washing the kits of the Arsenal men’s squad to earn money. 

Sarah Langman, a goalkeeper for Central Coast Mariners, has played for the Australian A-League for nine years and yet still works part time; Langman was not paid for her first season and today commutes for training whilst working as a massage therapist.

According to Professional Footballers Australia 60% of female players in the A-League work alongside playing for their clubs, this compares to only 15% of men. In addition to this, nearly all of Australia’s national team players play abroad in leagues where they can earn better salaries. 

This information about the Australian A-League suggests that having a minimum salary for players is not enough. The A-League, unlike the WSL, has a minimum salary but Australia’s top players are still more likely to move abroad for football. This is partly because there is a high likelihood that they would have to work alongside competing if they remained in Australia. 

Kaitlyn Torpey is one of these Matildas that has now made the move abroad, away from the Australian A-League.

Torpey’s history making transfer to the US has most certainly created intrigue into the finances behind women’s football. Her move to the other side of the world is exciting, and will no doubt be the making of her career, however, it is unlikely that her transfer fee will remain the most expensive one that Australia has seen for long.

The number of fans attending and watching women’s football is only growing, and therefore there are set to be many more record-breaking transfers in the future. Alongside these, we are likely to see higher salaries for players and staff alike. 

The women’s game is an example of how boosts in spectatorship boost revenue and how this leads to not only money for players and their clubs, but also money for communities.

Match Report: Billericay Town 1-1 MK Dons

Photo: Chris Foxwell

James Gibson’s 50th match did not get off to a great start as he was forced into a change in Midfield after Keresha Iton was dropped out of the squad due to an underlying injury picked up against Cardiff City in the last game which meant Zoe Rushen would be making her 150th appearance however new signings Nia Evans and Louise Davis made the bench in their first fixture as Billericay Town Players

2 Changes for MK Dons Mitchell and Wilson coming in for McLean and Attenborough who dropped to the bench.

In a game where both teams needed points to reach their league objectives, we knew that goals would definitely be on the agenda today and with a 1-1 draw earlier in the season this was an opportunity to go one step further for both these sides.

The first dangerous attack came in the fifth minute when Rodgers put a deep free-kick into the MK Dons Penalty area and the goalkeeper and Defender both went for the same ball but Billericay couldn’t react quick enough. Both sides had seen a wide amount of possession but neither side had been able to capitalize on the early action.

In the 10th minute, MK Dons did take the lead with a great bit of passing play across the box all made possible by midfielder Wilson as she played the ball outside to the left side where Wood managed to put a low cross into the box which allowed Puddick to drift in towards the front post and place the ball across the face of the goal beating Billericay Goalkeeper Baker.

Billericay did try to find a reply instantly however the momentum of the game dropped when Billericay’s Goalkeeper Baker went down injured off the ball and needed lengthy treatment from the medical team before being able to continue.

Since the break for the injury, MK Dons started to get on top in the game with plenty of chances coming down the left side through Wood who was looking to find Puddick once again but all shots were being fired at the Billericay Goalkeeper or ended up going wide of the target.

As we reached the 19th Minute in the game things started to become a bit more physical and the battle on the pitch was starting to heat up especially when MK Dons Defender Warren committed a very poor challenge just over the halfway line which earned the Right Back a Yellow Card the resulting free-kick was delivered in by Rodgers once again towards the penalty spot but Biggs couldn’t direct it goalwards and put it over the crossbar.

Although Billericay were struggling with the constant pressure of the MK Dons attack there was parts of the game where Billericay fans could be hopeful of some joy mostly when Thomas made a number of dangerous runs towards the MK Dons defenders but the MK Dons defense remained strong for those periods of the game.

As the clock reached 32 Minutes Billericay almost conceded a second goal this time coming from a lack of concentration on the ball which allowed MK Dons’ threat Wilson to collect the ball just outside of the Penalty area. Wilson decided to pass the ball off to Gould instead of taking the shot which resulted in Baker making a comfortable save.

Just four minutes later MK Dons had a corner Kick which went into a dangerous area and Billericay struggled to clear the ball away fortunately  the Referee awarded a Free-Kick for a foul inside the box by Gould on Rodgers.

As the half was coming to a close and Billericay were starting to take control of the game Billericay had two excellent chances to get back on level score first of all through Zoe Rusheden who had a great chance to cross the ball into the box but her touch was too heavy as she was put under pressure by Warren.

The second opportunity came just a few seconds later as Rodgers delivered a Free-Kick from 35 Yards out towards goal but it missed everyone and went out for a Goal Kick. From that Resulting Gk it went long and Gould tried to get a shot away but it was blocked by Rogers.

With the last kick of the half Billericay had a chance after Thomas made a great run into the box and pulled it back across the box for Bell. But Guy made a great save and the ball went out of play and the referee blew for Half-Time.

Photo: Chris Foxwell

Just like the first half Billericay made a promising start to the half but they still found themselves a goal behind.

In the 49th minute Rodgers played a great free-kick into the area and a corner kick was given after MK Dons dealt with the set piece. From that resulting corner kick the ball was headed out towards the edge of the Penalty area where  Bell had a chance at the goal but it ended up going quite wide of the target.

As the game continued Billericay really forced MK Dons further into their own half and MK Dons were now the team on the back foot and struggling to cope.

MK Dons did manage to take a shot from just inside the box but it took a deflection which gave MK Dons their first opportunity of the half but the corner was poor just like all other set pieces today and Billericay were given a Free-Kick for a foul on Baker.

With Billericay on top but still needing more goal threat they decided to make an attacking substitute as Sealy replaced Rushden in the 57th Minute.

MK Dons did have a great chance when Wilson broke away down the Dons left-hand side but she was fouled by Maddie Biggs 23 Yards out from goal which earned Biggs a yellow card.

With Guy’s distribution in the 2nd half causing problems Billericay were starting to apply pressure further up the field with only one of Guy’s five second half kicks finding a MK Dons player meaning Billericay were looking likely to capitalize on a mistake.

With the game starting to turn in Billericay’s favour it was time for MK Dons to add some fresh legs in the way of Attenborough and McLean who came on to Replace Wilson and Mitchell with just under 20 minutes left to see this 1 goal lead out.

Billericay followed suit and added some fresh energy of their own just a few minutes later as Davies and Evans came on for their debuts but to also give some more attacking options in place of O’Shea and Bell.

Since coming on Attenbrough had been alive down the MK Dons right hand side and was giving MK Dons a much needed lift in the 2nd Half which meant Billericay were still having to be careful they didn’t leave themselves open for a counter-attack.

In the second half Billericay won a lot of the Midfield battles and still looked likely to score but MK Dons remained strong in numbers.

With 78 Minutes on the clock MK Dons were forced into their final substitution as Wood came off with a slight knock and was replaced by Fatuga-Dada.

Up to this point the Billericay subs had not quite made the impact they would have been hoping for and Billericay still found themselves 1-0 down with 7 minutes left to play.

With time running out and the opportunities just not quite falling in their favour Billericay Town elected to make one final change Walsh came off and Doo came on.

With less than 84 seconds of the original 90 minutes left Billericay managed to create an excellent opportunity out of a misplaced pass as Sealey fed the ball through for Doo but Guy made an excellent diving save to concede a corner kick. 

The corner kick was whipped into the front post and there was a scramble of heads to head the ball up into the air and as the ball dropped Maddie Biggs headed home to make it 1-1 although the MK Dons players felt there was a foul by the Billericay player the referee awarded the goal and we were now going to be playing 12 minutes of additional time.

The final 12 minutes were just back and forth passing and both teams losing the ball in the centre of the pitch.

Full Time : Billericay Town 1-1 MK Dons

Billericay Town : Baker, O Smith, Williams, Biggs, Rushen, Bell, O’Shea, Beaufort, Rodgers, Walsh, Thomas
Subs : Jones, Doo, Evans, Sealey, Davis

Scorers: Biggs 89’

Mk Dons: Guy, Puddick, Stovold, Creaney, Warren, Biggadike, Rush, Wilson, Gould, Mitchell, Wood
Subs : Samuels, Hayes, Attenborough, McLean, Fatuga-Dada

Scorers: Puddick 10’

Referee: Ryan Bartlett

Attendance: 187 (52 Away Fans)

Match Report: Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City

Manchester City’s long journey to London ends in a victory in front of a lively and loud crowd swarmed with Arsenal support.

The sun was shining at Meadow Park, ready for the FA Cup matchup that’ll knock a top WSL side out of the competition. Fans can always expect drama in a game between these two sides and this was no different. With impressive saves from both keepers and some tough decisions for the referee in the penalty area, the game was packed with controversy that brought plenty of excitement to the eager fans. Both teams came out fighting, but it was Manchester City that secured a victory and a place in the next round.

Neither side dominated the first 15 minutes and both teams had chances to start the game in the best way possible, but the ball didn’t reach the back of the net at either end of the pitch. Arsenal’s first major chance came from Caitlin Foord who noticed an opening in City’s defensive line, but Khiara Keating was quick off her line to ensure her team stayed level with the Gunners.

Bunny Shaw also tested the defensive line of the home side with two darting headers at D’Angelo, but the Canadian goalkeeper impressively kept Jonas Eidevall’s team level.

Eidevall is soon to lose Canadians D’Angelo and Cloe Lacasse, along with American Emily Fox as they head to represent their national team in the Gold Cup. Fox has been a consistent starter for Arsenal since she joined the club in the January window so this could be a big loss for the team as they are set to face London City Lionesses in the Continental Cup, and Manchester United in the WSL in the forthcoming weeks.

Australian youngster Kyra Cooney-Cross started today’s fixture for the home side and once again was impressive on and off the ball. Arsenal’s 32 has been called up to represent her country, Australia, as the Matilda’s hope for a space in the Olympics in the summer. These matches are to be played in the February international window.

It seemed Arsenal were looking to close down City midfielder Yui Hasegawa and ultimately, this seemed successful. Frida Maanum was rarely spotted away from her and consistently prevented her from progressing with the ball.

A match between these two sides brings a battle or arguably some of the best wingers in the WSL. Katie McCabe and Lauren Hemp love a physical battle on the pitch, and this didn’t go unnoticed today. The pair both had chances themselves and were consistently striking testing crosses into the six-yard box.

Both teams dominated during different times in the first 45 minutes, it would be difficult to justify which side performed best before half time considering neither side managed to score a goal. The teams went into the break completely even and all to play for in the second half.

A big 45 minutes was ahead for the two WSL sides and initially, Arsenal seemed to be the team looking to make a mark on the scoresheet. The Gunners had several chances coming primarily from Victoria Pelova, within the first 10 minutes of the second half and it appeared as if the home side had found energy to try and take the game into their own hands.

Two incredible chances from Manchester City in the 62’ minute but the away side were unfortunate to not find the back of the net. An impressive save from Sabrina D’Angelo and a goal-line clearance from Leah Williamson to keep the Gunners level.

The intensity and physicality of the game continued as Lotte Wubben-Moy successfully kept Bunny Shaw from scoring from continuous set pieces that Chloe Kelly fired into the box. Wubben-Moy put out a firm challenge to prevent Shaw from scoring and in quick succession, Gareth Taylor took Shaw off the field.

Taylor was questioned post-match whether his reason for substituting his top goal scorer was because of this challenge but rather he stated how, ‘Bunny has just been nursing a bit of a calf strain, but fair play to her she really wanted to play in this game today and put herself out there.’

Another Australian international, Mary Fowler, entered the field to replace Shaw in the 67’ minute. Fowler hadn’t been on the pitch for 10 minutes when she assisted Laia Aleixandri in scoring City’s winning goal in the 74’ minute.

The final 15 minutes of normal time became scrappy as Arsenal searched for an equaliser so the team could continue their hopeful run to Wembley for the final. Young England international Khiara Keating kept her team firmly in during this time of high pressure. Two outstanding saves within 5 minutes in a crowded box, just showing off her sublime quality at only 19 years old.

In extra time the Gunners still dominated but had nothing to show for it. The intensity and fight from the players placed four players in referee Stacy Pearson’s book but the home side’s fight ended in heartbreak as they crashed out of the FA Cup in the fifth round for the second season running.

Speaking with Jonas Eidevall post-match he discussed his choices in starting players like Maanum and Cooney-Cross who have typically been used as substitutes for his side: ‘A lot of the decisions in how we made the team was to be good around the ball and play out of the really intense pressure that Manchester City have got and built during the game.’

Eidevall also gave his view on the controversy around Arsenal’s possible goal in the final minutes, a decision that didn’t go his sides’ way: ‘Right now I’m very disappointed with it. Like you say, with the margins in the end, if the ball is over the line or not, if that’s a penalty or not…those are difficult decisions to deal with right now. Our job here now is to control what we can control.’

Arguably the happier manager of the afternoon, Gareth Taylor, expressed how difficult it was to be victorious against Arsenal: ‘It was such a tough game and has probably come quite early in the competition… I said in the press the other day, but it probably felt more like a semi-final or a final. It was a tough game for us no doubt… the second half was difficult. I have to give credit to Arsenal, they were good, probably better than us at maintaining possession in the middle part of the pitch.’

The City manager also had plenty of praise for Keating as she ‘got redemption’ from their previous visit to Arsenal this season, in the WSL, where she conceded a goal at the tail end of the game. ‘She’s been preparing herself all week she’s been telling me, for this. I don’t know what that looks like. Obviously, people have been hurling abuse at her, but she handled it really well today. Arsenal make it a cauldron here, the fans do get behind them and they keep going, they don’t stop.’

City makes it through to the next round of the FA cup which is to be drawn on Monday 12th February.

Arsenal next face London City Lionesses in a midweek fixture in the Continental Cup after it was postponed the previous week. Following on from that, they are set to face Manchester United in an almost sold-out Emirates Stadium. Away side Manchester City secured their place in the next round of the Continental Cup last week after they beat Tottenham. They visit WSL leaders, Chelsea, for their last WSL fixture before the international break.

LINEUPS:

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): D’Angelo, Fox, Williamson (Codina 77’), Wubben-Moy, McCabe (Catley 66’), Cooney-Cross (Walti 77’), Maanum (Little 83’), Pelova, Mead, Foord, Russo (Blackstenius 66’)

Subs: Zinsberger, Lacasse, Williams

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Keating, Aleixandri, Caparij, Greenwood, Ouahabi, Park (Angeldahl 86’), Hasegawa (Kennedy 90+3’), Coombs, Kelly, Shaw (Fowler 67’), Hemp

Subs: Stokes, Morgan, MacIver, Mace

Scorers: Aleixandri 73’

Referee: Stacey Pearson

Attendance: 3,496

Matildas announce Mexico challenge in April

12/2/24

Above: The Matildas are heading to the USA to take on Mexico in April. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia confirmed today that they will take on Mexico in San Antonio, USA during the April international window. 

In the first meeting between the two nations since 2011, this fixture will be played at Toyota Field on Tuesday, 9 April 2024 (local) / Wednesday, 10 April 2024 (AEST). 

Matildas Head Coach, Tony Gustavsson, expressed his keenness to face an opponent that will keep testing the squad and providing opportunities for individual and team progression.

“When I started with the Matildas we identified the need to continue challenging ourselves against different types of styles, opponents and experiencing high-quality matches that allows us to strive to get one day better,” he said.

Above: Mexico celebrate after defeating Chile in the Pan-America Games Final in November. Photo: REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado

“Every match we schedule is deliberate and are key to our bigger picture of preparing the team for global tournaments and to take on the best teams in the world. With quality players across the park, where many play their club football with top teams, Mexico is certainly an opponent that will offer strong competition, and the knowledge we will gain from the questions they ask will boost our team.”       

Mexico will be the 27th different nation faced by the Matildas from all six FIFA confederations during Gustavsson’s tenure. The current world number 35 completed an undefeated 2023 international calendar which included qualifying for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup and capturing the Gold Medal at the 2023 Pan American Games.

The match against El Tri Femenil forms part of the second annual “MexTour W” which serves as a platform for talented athletes to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in the sport. The “MexTour W” will see Mexico also take on Colombia in the same international window.`

Australia and Mexico have played on nine previous occasions, with their first meeting back in 2003 where the Matildas have recorded eight wins and a defeat. The last clash in June 2011 saw Australia come away with a 3-2 victory in a pre-FIFA Women’s World Cup (2011) friendly.

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Match Report: Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

Above: Chelsea Women celebrating Mayra Ramirez’s goal against Crystal Palace via Chelsea Women Website 12/02/24. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

By Maisie Mcnulty 12/02/24

In the fifth round, Chelsea, the current FA Cup champions, faced up against one of the teams vying for the Women’s Championship title, Crystal Palace. But the Blue and red eagles made sure they gave it their all, right up until the final whistle.

Initially, Lauren James was set to start however in a post-match interview with Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, it was said that Lauren James was ill yesterday and therefore Hayes decided not to risk it, especially with their upcoming fixture against Manchester City. Therefore Fran Kirby replaced Lauren James in the Blues starting line up.

Laura Kaminski’s side opted for a defensive formation of a 5-4-1 which was to be expected whilst going up against the five-time winner of the FA Cup, Chelsea. In the upfront position for Crystal Palace was no other than the current Women’s championship top goalscorer, Elise Hughes.

Fran Kirby had the opening chance of the game in the fifth minute as she popped a half-volley on the edge of the area which was just an inch too high causing the ball to land on the top of the goal.

It was a quiet start with Chelsea having more possession of the ball but Crystal Palace’s strong defensive back line denying the Blues of any chances they got. In the 11th minute, Crystal Palace had their first attempt of the match as Shanade Hopcroft took a right-footed shot at the goal, but missed to the far right.

In the 23’ minute it was a battle of the captains as Aimee Everett was shown a yellow card after a bad foul on the Blues captain, Niamh Charles. 

 Johanna Rytting Kaneryd committed a soft foul on Elise Hughes in the 31st minute winning Crystal Palace a free kick a couple of feet outside the area. Shanade Hopcroft fired the ball into the box but it just couldn’t find her teammates meaning it rolled out for Chelsea’s goal kick.

Although there were many close attempts by Chelsea including a narrow miss by Mayra Ramirez, after a brilliant cross from Niamh Charles, that went just high. As the whistle blew to indicate the end of the first half the scoreboards stayed the same with Chelsea Women 0, Crystal Palace 0.

As the second half began there was no changes made to the players and the performance, with both teams keeping up their strong form. In the 55’ minute Erin Cuthbert crossed the ball in from the corner to reach Jess Carter’s head in the middle of the box but it breezed above the crossbar.

In the 56’ minute Laura Kaminski made a double substitution, as well as Emma Hayes made two substitutions in the 62’ minute in hopes that a goal would come through soon. The attempts just kept on rolling for Mayra Ramirez as she took a shot with her right foot which was strongly blocked by Demi Lambourne in the 63’ minute. 

One of Palace’s first attempts of the second half was blocked by Hannah Hampton as Abbie Larkin headed it straight into Hampton’s hands. After a positive run of play by Chelsea, Mayra Ramirez took another attempt at goal in the 74’ minute but it was just a touch too high as it bounced off the crossbar and back into play.

With the last quarter of the match remaining, in the 75’ – 79’ minute we saw a triple substitution for the Eagles and another substitution for the Blues. 

Within seconds of restarting the game, in the 81’ minute, we saw a sublime goal from Mayra Ramirez as Ashley Lawrence crossed it into the box, leading to an outrageous finish of a backheel flick which put the ball in the back of the net. 

Even after a total of 8 added minutes, unfortunately for Palace, it was Mayra Ramirez’s goal that sealed Chelsea’s win progressing the Blues into yet another quarter-final within the FA Cup.

Chelsea: Hampton, Carter, Leupolz, Kirby, Reiten, Lawrence, Rytting Kaneryd, Charles (C), Cuthbert, Ramirez, Bjorn Substitutes: Ingle, Nusken (62’), James, Hamano, Beever-Jones (62’), Buchanan, Perisset, Cankovic

Scorers: Mayra Ramirez 79’

Crystal Palace: Lambourne, Gibbons, Arthur, Everett ©, Sibley, Sharpe, Hughes, Reilly, Nolan, Percival, Hopcroft Substitutes: Johnson, Filbey (80’), Blanchard (57’), Guyatt (75’), Dennis (75’), Larkin (56’), Atkinson

Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Charlton Athletic

Above: Beth England attacking. Photo: @Bethany_Eng15

By Mia Kipling

The magic of the FA Cup means seeing Barclays Women’s Championship teams and Women’s Super League (WSL) teams face each other. Much like tonight where Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic face each other. Both teams are no strangers to this fixture, having played each other eleven times previously with Tottenham winning five, Charlton winning five and a draw.

The hosts came close to scoring in the first two minutes with a headed effort from Summanen from a corner but hit the crossbar. 

In the 11th minute, Celin Bizets cross in from the right was knocked over the bar by Jessica Gray with captain Beth England’s header diverting just wide 

Bizets shot fired over the bar in the 22nd minute after playing a one-two with Grace Clinton on the edge of the area. 

Charlton’s best chance of the first half was around the 30-minute mark when Summanen was booked for a foul on Charlton Ayisi 22 yards from the goal, but the shot hit straight into the defensive wall.

We go into half time still equal at 0-0 with both teams putting in the works with multiple shots from each side so far.

We finally see the first goal of the game from Tottenham in the 75th minute when number 16 Kit Graham wins the ball on the edge of the box and fires a driven shot past the Charlton keeper, Jessica Gray and into the back of the net after coming off the bench in the 70th minute replacing Eveliina Summanen

Charlton’s last shot of the game came from a free kick taken by Beth Roe from deep which glanced off Nildéns head and over the bar.

When asked about how he feels about the new winter signings and how they fit into the squad, Robert Vilahamn says “If you look at Charli (Grant) and Amanda (Nildén), they’ve played 3 / 4 games now in a row, they’re actually adapting really well”

“They are very physical and a little bit older than Matilda (Vinberg) and I think they did an amazing game today. And Shuang (Wang) is older, she is an incredibly talented player but the communication and how to learn English takes a bit of time, so the game time today again is for her to adapt in all the situations”.

After the 1-0 win from Tottenham today, Vilahamn stated “Finding a way to win is very important, we need the mentality from the girls to do it, then again, we need to look at this game again because we were not good in the first half”.

Vilahamn is particularly fond of Bethany England’s leadership skills as “Bethany had a good talk with the team at half time about that (the performance in the first half), so the standards need to come up and we need to make sure we are better than that and the second half was better, we are learning every week”

Goal scorer Kit Graham describes her goal against her former club of 14 years as “It felt good, a bit of a weird one scoring against your old team but like I’ve said before, in the moment you sort of forget that and you’re glad it’s gone in the back of the net”.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3) Spencer, Grant, Bartrip, Nildén, Clinton, England, Bizet, Ahitnen, Bühler, Summanen, Wang

Scorer: Graham 75’ 

Charlton Athletic (4-3-3) Gray, Ross, N’Dow, Addison, Ayisi, Longhurst, McGowan, Barton, Skeels, O’Rourke, Roe

Attendance: 974

Referee: Lisa Benn

Match Report Millwall Lionesses 1-1 Sutton United

Above: Millwall team celebrating Chapman’s equaliser Photo: Myles Thornton

Millwall Lionesses came from behind to draw 1-1 with Sutton United who are on a run of 6 losses, and the Lionesses come off the back of an undeserved 3-2 defeat to Dartford in the league cup last week.

Millwall co-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made 3 changes to the side who were narrowly defeated by Dartford the previous week, Emma Whitter, Chloe Burr and Jordan Butler dropped out of the squad and were replaced by Ciara Watling, Emel Huseyin and Sharna Giordani.

It was a pretty dull first half with hardly any action, both teams playing the ball around but neither side having clear-cut chances to break the deadlock before the break.

Once the second half got underway, both Millwall and Sutton had more opportunities to open up the game, but again, not finishing the few chances they had created.

Maizi Garwood and Shay Bennett came on at 57 minutes, replacing Ella Bailey and Liv McGregor. Then, Shannan Drewe put a fantastic ball into the box from a corner, but it didn’t find any Millwall player and went behind for a Sutton United goal kick.

Maisie Joyce and Sharna Giordani then came on for Northern Ireland international Ciara Watling and American talent Madison Grandys.

Sutton took the lead with 10 minutes to go after Jaz Backhurst fired home and the players and fans probably began to believe the three points would be going back to SM1.

However, Millwall’s Sophie Chapman had other ideas, Drewe teased a great delivery from a free kick, Sutton keeper Zoe McNulty couldn’t hold onto her save and after a ricochet in the area, Chapman got a shot away to draw the lionesses level.

There were chances at both ends after the equalising goal but like the first half and most of the second half, neither side showed their finishing touch.

Millwall travel to National League  Division One South East side AFC Wimbledon in the quarter-finals of the capital cup next Sunday with Sutton United playing host to league leaders Dartford.

Millwall: Wiggins, Seely (C), Huseyin, Bailey, Chapman, Payne, McGregor, Watling, Grandys, Napper, Drewe. Subs: Jones, Garwood, Joyce, Bennett, Giordani.

Scorer: Chapman 84′

Sutton United: McNulty, Modak (C), Talbut-Smith, South, Malcolm, Measures, Backhurst, Buckmire, Bussey, Thomas, Savage. Subs: Cutler, Tyrer, France-Creaser, Spear, Humpphries.

Scorer: Backhurst 80′

Referee: Tom Amber

Attendance: 70

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Match Report: Southampton 1-3 Manchester United

By Emily Evans 12/2/24

Above: United celebrating after Williams’ goal. Credits: Impetus 71 – Josh Barrett 

Saints went head to head against the Red Devils at home today in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup. The crowds were booming at the Silverlake Stadium on a sunny Sunday afternoon. People arrived from up and down the country to watch this match between the two red teams.

Saints started by taking the advantage, before the Red Devils took the majority of the possession, passing the ball cleanly up and down the pitch. 

Only a mere seven minutes into the game United took the lead with a goal from Ella Toone, who is not only a key player for them, but also a key player for the Lionesses. She pushed through Southampton’s defensive line, making their early goal almost inescapable, and keeping the away fans excited and loud. 

This however did not stop Saints, who came back with full force in their attacking but also their defending, managing to keep the visiting team at bay and push the ball into United’s box. 

In the sixteenth minute, Saints took a throw in thta ended with United getting the ball and securing it back into Southampton’s half, despite their great efforts to keep the ball, seemingly a key problem for the home team. 

After a very exciting twenty minutes, United had another chance to score again, however they didn’t succeed after the ball bounced off the corner post and the keeper managing to clear it – making the home fans very excited and showing their support for their team. Despite this, the visiting team continues to look dangerous, really testing Southampton’s defence. 

A strike right into the hands of Mary Earps, almost landed Saints their first goal, but their finishing tactics were seeming flawed, and Earps kicked the ball out of her half, a flurry of chances for United following, all the while looking more and more dangerous, but with none of their shots finding the back of the net. 

A break in play followed as Southampton’s number 9 received some treatment, but she was back up in no time and play resumed as normal, both sides really putting in the work, eager to win. 

A slip up in Manchester United’s defence meant Saints could push through, getting closer and closer to the goal, but ultimately leading to nothing as Earps received the ball. Once again, this being a key problem for Southampton – their finishing not being clinical enough, always going straight into the hands of the keeper. 

In the 31st minute, a free kick was granted to United, with their Captain and number ten, Katie Zelem, taking it. Nothing came from this opportunity as the ball soared past the side of the goal, but still making United look extremely dangerous when having possession. 

Several elements of the home team make them look dangerous, managing to get the ball out of their half, but with nothing coming from it – something they can use as a takeaway from the game to improve on. 

In the 34th minute, Collett took a shot that veered just to the side of the goal, all the while showing just how much they wanted this win against one of the WSL’s top teams. Their determination and skills never faltered, despite being 1-0 down.

The Southampton keeper, Kayla Rendell, was equal to much of what United threw at her.

Ella Toone once again looked dangerous but was stopped inside the box by Saints, who managed to clear the ball before another one of their players went down with an injury. This time it was their number twenty-three who seemed to be having trouble with her leg but got back up and made her way back onto the pitch as the play continued. 

United’s front pairing of Toone and Galton made their side especially dangerous, with them having many chances and constantly breaking through Southampton’s defensive back line. Regardless of only one meeting the back of the net, they demonstrated just what they have come to do – win this game in order to progress into the next round. 

Both teams continued to fight until the last minute of the first half where the visiting team stayed in the lead with a 1-0 advantage. Despite being down at half time, Saints have shown their clinical nature, managing to get the ball into United’s half many times, having some shots on target and keeping their opponents at bay. 

In the 50th minute, Saints had an excellent on-target shot, nearly managing to make the score line equal. However, it was saved by Mary Earps, who made an excellent save in order to keep her team in the lead. 

Southampton had to call on Rendell to make an impressive save when their defence broke down and Nikita Parris managed to sneak her way round, which she successfully saved, keeping the score line at 1-0. 

The home team pulled back and forced the ball into United’s half, really showing their determination and drive to score and bounce back after an accidental mistake, that nearly cost them another goal. To keep the score at only 1-0 is very impressive on behalf of Saints, who are currently a championship team and wouldn’t usually go against United. 

The crowd continued to cheer and support their teams, giving them the motivation to drive forward and secure a win, while both the home and away team gave it their all on the field. 

The 63rd minute brought around Parris once again taking a shot on goal, looking very clinical, but Rendell made another brilliant save keeping her team in the game. 

Straight after this, the home team bought it back, with their number seven, Lexi Lloyd-Smith, scoring an amazing goal, catching Earps off guard and bringing the score to 1-1. The fans went absolutely wild, cheering on their team and showing just how much support they bring. The home team’s comeback proved just how good this Championship side really is, giving them the motivation to push for a second goal, which was unfortunately for them saved by Earps. 

Two substitutions were then made, the United side perhaps being rattled by this unexpected goal and needing fresh legs on the pitch. Rachel Williams came on for Malard, and Irene Guerrero coming on for Naalsund. 

Following the lead of United, Saints then also made some subs, having Ella Morris replace Collett and Sophia Pharoah come on for Atlanta Primus. 

In the 71st minute, another attempt on goal was made for Saints, being saved by Earps but showing the strength this team has to score more goals in order to keep them in. Being the underdogs coming in to this match, it could be suggested that no one would have expected them to perform the way they have, managing to keep United on their toes the whole game, and even scoring a goal. 

Not long after, in the 73rd minute, a beautiful header by Rachel Williams put the away team in the lead once again, currently holding on to a 2-1 lead. This indeed proves their tactic of making subs correct, as the fresh legs did in fact bring them another goal. 

An opportunity for a third goal arose for United, and Williams despite only previously scoring her first goal not too long before, scored another one, bringing the score to 3-1. The away team really showing just how sharp they can be. 

In the 86th minute, Earps made a key save, just about managing to push the ball away and stop the home team from scoring another goal. 

Throughout both halves, both teams had a very strong attacking focus, each of them really pushing through the other’s defence and getting stuck in with tackles.

The home side voted for their number three, Milly Mott, as their player of the match, the result of her being clinical on the field and creating chances for her team. 

A key player that stood out to me in the home team was the keeper, Kayla Rendell, who managed to keep the score line so much lower than it could have been. Throughout the game, she made key saves, boosting her team and showing everyone the talent that has led to several England youth caps. Regardless of her not being Saints’ player of the match, she was mine. 

On the away side, Toone definitely stood out. Her determination and vision kept the game going, pushing her team forward and allowing more and more goals to be scored. She actively sought after the ball, making key tackles, and opening up spaces for United. 

The game ended with a 3-1 win to the Red Devils, securing them a place in the next round of

Southampton: Kayla Rendell, Milly Mott, Lucia Kendall, Laura Rafferty, Katie Wilkinson, Molly Pike, Alice Griffiths, Atlanta Primus, Jemma Purfield, Megan Collett, Paige Peake 

Subs: Ella Morris, Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Megan Wynne, Sophia Pharoah, Benedicte Haaland, Emma Thompson, Emily Kraft, Isabel Milne, Bethany Howard

Scorers: Lexi Lloyd-Smith (65)

Manchester United: Mary Earps, Gemma Evans, Katie Zelem, Melvine Malard, Maya Le Tissier, Hannah Blundell, Lisa Naalsund, Leah Galton, Millie Turner, Ella Toone, Nikita Parris

Subs: Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Aofie Mannion, Irene Guerrero, Hayley Ladd, Rachel Williams, Alyssa Aherne, Olivia Francis, Pheobe Chadwick 

Scorers: Ella Toone (7), Rachel Williams (74, 82)

Referee – Jade Wardle

Attendance – 4554

Goal fest in the west but Western snatch the win.

Western United 3-2 Brisbane Roar

By Kieran Yap 11/2/24

Above: Mia Corbin scored an excellent goal to put Roar in the lead, but it wasn’t enough to win the match. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Chloe Logarzo scored twice as Western United came from a goal down to win 3-2 against Brisbane Roar. The result puts Kat Smith’s side up to second on the ladder, and might make them the form side of the competition leading into the final weeks of the season.

The task was always a big one for the visiting Roar. Despite some vocal Victorian based support, they arrived at City Vista without two key players. Aesha Norrie and Hollie Palmer were both missing through suspension. Coach Alex Smith entrusted Alisha Woods with the midfield along with Tameka Yallop.

Western United had a near full squad to choose from. They welcomed back Aimee Medwin for the first time in 12 months, while Tyla-Jay Vlajnic returned to the starting eleven.

Vlajnic’s influence was almost instant. Her corner kick in the eighth minute set up the opening goal. Logazro met the ball at the near post, and her flicked header whizzed past Jordan Silkowitz. It was the brightest possible start by the home side, but Brisbane Roar were not perturbed by going behind. By half time they were a goal ahead through the wing wizardly of Sharn Freier.

The first goal came through a typical Freier run. A burst of acceleration on the left put her clear and she drove into the penalty box to tee up Kijah Stephenson to score. It was the 22 year old’s third goal this season, the local product has always been talented, but is starting to influence games regularly and has plenty of composure in the final third.

The second goal was the result of something  that Freier is not always known for. She sent in an early, curling cross from deep that Mia Corbin was able to hammer home off the woodwork. The Western United defence started to backpedal as soon as Freier received the ball, likely expecting another sprint, but she used that space to produce an inch perfect ball for Corbin. The finish matched the pass, and Western were suddenly chasing the game.

As the game passes the hour, both sides made changes. Kahli Johnson and Aimee Medwin were brought on for Western United. Brisbane withdrew Corbin and Mariel Hecher, to be replaced by Tamar Levin and Bonnie Davies. Johnson was immediately involved with a cross and shot. Her direct style provided a different challenge to the tricky Kiwa Hieda. Logarzo almost scored her second after running onto a long Vlajnic pass, but Silkowitz produced a remarkable close range save.

With 10 minutes to play, and after already having a goal disallowed for a foul on the keeper, Western drew level. Once again it was from a corner kick, this time it was Adriana Taranto who glanced the header into the net.

Relief turned to triumph in injury time when Western re-took the lead. Johnson’s right footed rocket crashed off the crossbar, and in the ensuing scramble to clear, Yallop brought down Adriana Taranto. Logarzo took spot-kick duties and celebrated a big week for herself with the winning goal.

The win was Western United’s fourth in a row. Kat Smith was able to make substitutions and tactical tweaks to wrestle back control of a match that they looked likely to lose. They have depth on the bench and game changing potential on the pitch and in reserve. Brisbane Roar would be encouraged by their attacking display. In Freier they have one of the league’s most dangerous wingers, and in Corbin they have a player who can finish the chances. But they will be disappointed in the way that they conceded. Two nearly identical corners and a last minute penalty kick is a frustrating way to lose an away game, especially after spending the majority of the match in a winning position.

Brisbane Roar continue on the road next week against Newcastle in what shapes up to be an opportunity for both sides.

Western United 4-3-3: Beall, Papadopoulos, Cerne, Maher, Vlajnic, Sawicki, A Taranto, M Taranto, Hieda, Logarzo, Keane. Subs: Medwin, Johnson, Dall ‘Oste, Prakash, Dakic

Scorers: Logarzo 8’ 92’ A Taranto 79’

Brisbane Roar 3-4-3: Silkowitz, Cuthbert, McCormick, McQueen, De La Harpe, Woods, Yallop, Freier, Stephenson, Corbin, Hecher. Subs: Levin, Davies, Brodigan, Richards, Kirkup.

Scorers: Stephenson 29’ Corbin 31’

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: TBC

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Heyman heroics secure a point for Canberra in the west

Perth Glory 2-2 Canberra United (10/02/24)

By Ben Carey

Above: Michelle Heyman was influential again for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.

Canberra United played out an enthralling 2-2 draw with their hosts, Perth Glory, on a hot Saturday evening in the west. The draw sees Canberra United finally get off the bottom of the table, squeezing just ahead of Adelaide United on goal difference. Perth Glory, who started the season so strongly, are now on a winless streak of six matches. Their last victory came at the tail end of 2023.

It was a frantic start to proceedings, both sides playing high intensity, attacking football. But it was Canberra who were the first to exploit the opposition’s defence. Just before the 10-minute mark, right after a Perth attack, Canberra surged forward. Vesna Milivojević passed out to Nikki Flannery, who hit a silky-smooth ball across the box. Michelle Heyman was waiting in front of goals to tap it in.

Perth Glory were able to assert themselves into the match more as the first half continued though, and it wasn’t too long before it paid off. The 36th minute saw some great build up play from Perth Glory, consisting of excellent positioning and quick passing. Sophia Sakalis opened up the Canberra defence and whipped a perfectly weighted cross into the box, which was beautifully brought down by Millie Farrow to the feet of Susan Phonsongkham, who finished the chance in a clinical fashion. 

Just before the stroke of halftime though, Canberra struck againto reclaim the lead. Another great pass from Flannery set up Heyman once again, who struck the ball first time and thumped it into the back of Perth’s net. Heyman made it 12 for the season, and 106 for her career, truly outrageous numbers! She also managed to put some daylight between her, Lowe, Bolden, and Milivojević (who are sitting on nine goals) in the race for the 23/24 Golden Boot award.

Perth came into the second half with a renewed vigour and intent, putting together a number of sustained attacks on Canberra’s goals, but the final product was lacking. It seemed like the match was heading toward a fairly straightforward 2-1 upset, but things began to pick up again about 15 minutes before the end of regulation time. A foul by a Canberra player, right on the edge of the 18-yard box, was protested by the Glory, who insisted that the foul took place inside the box. Honestly, they had a pretty strong case. A penalty probably should have been awarded, but instead a free kick was given. 

Perth kept pressing and two minutes into stoppage time, they finally found their equaliser. Perth was surging forward, desperate to get another goal. A very good attempt by Farrow was thwarted, but immediately after, Izzy Dalton, took an incredible shot from about 30 yards out and dinked it over the head of Chloe Lincoln.

Just before the end of stoppage time, there was another questionable foul in the box, down the other end this time. A foul against an onrushing Milivojević had Canberra up in arms in protest. But nothing was awarded, and soon the final whistle blew.

Canberra United will play the dreaded Sydney FC next Saturday, meanwhile Perth Glory will take on Central Coast Mariners next Sunday.

Teams: PERTH GLORY (4-2-4): Aquino, Johnston, Anton, Cowart, Rigby, Lowry, Dalton, Sakalis, Farrow, Phonsongkham, Quezada. Substitutes: James, Cassidy, Foletta, Green, Hoarau.

Scorers: Phonsongkham 35’, Dalton 90+2’.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Grove, Clark, Clough, Bertolissio, McKenzie, Milivojević, Jackson, Stanic-Floody, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Christopherson, Ilijoski, Majstorovic, Skelly, Whittal. 

Scorers: Heyman 9’, 44’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: TBD.

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