Marine Women: New Kids On The Block at the Heart of their Community

Ben Gilby spoke to Marine Women’s manager Iain Scott and assistant manager Declan Henry about the relatively new tier seven club who play in the Liverpool County FA Girls and Women’s Open League.

Above: Marine Women gather after a recent game away to Southport. Photo: @MarineWFC

Declan began our conversation by outlining how the club were formed less than a year ago.

“Marine knew for a while that they would like to establish a women’s team but there were questions around the who, when and how. Last summer after the lockdown the decision was made that the club should take the leap and form the team and Iain Scott was appointed as the Manager.”

“The team had six weeks to prepare for the season which was an incredibly tight turnaround, fortunately we were able to make use of the club’s relationship with Frankie Meadows from Crosby Stuart. Frankie is a grassroots legend and a pioneer of girls’ football on Merseyside, he was able to assist in building a competitive squad ready for the season.”

“Since the start of the season we’ve continued to grow, recruiting additional players so we’re in a position to establish a second team and making preparations for next season.”

This season Marine gained worldwide headlines when the men’s club were handed a fairy tale home FA Cup tie against the mighty Tottenham Hotspur. Ahead of the game, a post appeared on Marine Women’s social media challenging Spurs’ FA Women’s Super League side to a pre-season friendly. I wondered if they had heard anything back yet.

“The community were bursting with pride and a great relationship was built between Tottenham and Marine. The tweet was sent by Iain, the manager, in light of the news that the FA Cup fixture was to be played behind closed doors, and we are hoping that if the women’s fixture goes ahead it will give fans the opportunity they so richly deserve to be in the stands and to see the two great clubs go head to head. The clubs are in contact but there’s nothing to report just yet.”

Iain Scott, the club manager explained further: “I believe in my players, each and every one of them is an incredible athlete, I wouldn’t have sent the tweet if I did not genuinely believe that it would be a competitive fixture.”

“I was gutted when I learned all the fans were going to be missing out on going to the men’s game against Spurs, it’s possibly the biggest game in the club’s history and to play it without fans was devastating. Hopefully if this game can go ahead between the women’s sides it will give the fans the chance to re-live that excitement.”  

Above: Marine pre-game against Southport. Photo: @MarineWFC

Marine’s first season has coincided with coronavirus lockdowns and the huge restrictions connected with that. I asked Declan just how hard it has been.

“It’s been really challenging, not just in terms of footballing, but also managing player’s health and well-being away from the pitch. Financially it’s been hugely challenging to the club and the lads run in the FA Cup was monumental in helping to offset those financial challenges.”

“The players all have football in their hearts, it’s taken a massive effort to make sure that we can keep them engaged, motivated, happy and healthy without being able to get together for a kick about or training. In terms of footballing, it’s been a small price to pay in order to protect our community and also ourselves and our own families.”

“Outside of the pandemic one of our largest challenges has been the speed at which the team was put together, we started the season with players having to play out of position and provide cover while we worked hard and continued to recruit in players to strengthen across the pitch.” 

We’ve already touched on links with the men’s club in relation to their FA Cup match with Tottenham Hotspur, but I wondered what things were like on a more formal basis.

“We are firmly part of one club,” said Declan, “We’re well supported and we have the board of directors behind us and they’ve given us a budget to establish and build a competitive side. Unfortunately because of the times we’re living in we’ve not been in a position to enjoy that relationship fully but there’s a few ideas we’ve had that will come into fruition as and when we’re able to put them into action.”

Marine’s first league season has been very stop start, Declan explained how things have been going: “The season has been hugely challenging in a number of ways, but everyone at the club is happy with the performance. There is work to be done but to achieve what we have in such a short space of time has been fantastic.” 

“Tactically we need to develop and become more confident in how we play, sometimes we’ve allowed our opposition to dictate the game to us on the pitch but that confidence will build with experience and spending time at the training ground and on the field together. With such a short period of time with the players before the season began it was always a tall order to expect them to take all the direction on board but the girls have been nothing short of incredible in that sense.”

“We’ve been able to learn more about the players, and they’ve had the chance to get used to playing alongside each other and we’ve been introducing changes in our play building it up over the season. In our last few games we’ve really seen the squad come together despite the results and now it’s about fine tuning that and being ready when football returns.”

“The gaffer has been able to make some exciting signings over the past few weeks, and with the players we already have in the squad we’re now in prime position to progress.”

Despite the club still being in its infancy, there is already a pathway from girls to women’s football at Marine as Declan explained.

“We’re in partnership with Crosby Stuart through our relationship with Frankie Meadows and as girls age out at Crosby Stuart they will come to Marine for a trial. This season we have brought in 5 U-18s players through the Crosby Stuart pipeline and they’ve already had a great impact on the squad.” 

The club, like everyone, rely on a small band of volunteers. Manager Iain Scott outlined some of Marine’s.

“We do our best to sing about all of our heroes, but we’ll take this chance to praise them as well!”

“Firstly, Rachel Lamb and Nicola Taylor. Both work for the NHS, and both have been on the frontline in combating the pandemic as a Trauma Nurse and Paramedic respectively. They’ve both remained committed to the team and have given up their time off-shift to train hard with the squad.” 

Above: Marine’s home stadium, The Marine Travel Arena in Crosby. Photo: @MarineWFC

“Nor Daley is also an incredibly talented artist and has balanced her roles as defensive midfielder, clinical support worker and mum, to make time to carry out photoshoots for our players.”

“I want to thank all of our players, this season has thrown challenge after challenge in their faces. They’ve pulled together and pulled each other through it all and are a fantastic squad to work with.”

“Also the families and friends of the players and our fans for standing in the wind, rain and even hail to cheer us on, they’re part of the team too and I’d like them all to feel that way.” 

Liam (Dempsey – goalkeeping coach)has also been great, not only working our keepers, but spending time with all of our players to help them work on technique, finishing and playing out from the back.”

To close, Iain outlined his goals for the club and team over the next few seasons. “As a club we’re looking to have progressed up a few tiers on our journey to the Super League. We’re hugely ambitious and that vision is shared by our players, coaching team and the club staff.”

“Watch this space! This team is going places, our vision and goals are set, and we have the ability, drive and determination to achieve them.”

Irish Women’s National League Round Three

Ciarán Duffy of Post to Post Sport rounds-up all the goings on in Week Three of the Irish Women’s National League, which saw reigning champions Peamount United facing an early season top of the table challenge from Shelbourne and Wexford Youth’s teen star Ellen Malloy hitting four goals.

Champions Beat Another Challenger

Above: Bohemians (red) and Peamount United battle for the ball in the top game of round three. Photo: @FAI_WNL

Peamount United have played two games this season.  They’ve both been against likely title contenders and they have both resulted in wins for Peas, who are looking to win their third consecutive league title. 

Two of last season’s top goal-scorers, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle and Aine O’Gorman scored to secure the victory for Peamount against their Dublin rivals, who have finished as runners-up in both of the last two seasons. 

The game started at a fast pace and continued that way as both teams had chances.  Shels had the better of the opening exchanges, before Peamount started to threaten down both wings. After 25 minutes, Ryan-Doyle got on the end of O’Gorman’s cross to turn the ball in.  They had a chance to double their lead five minutes later from the penalty spot, but Shels keeper Amanda Budden made the save.  Peamount would get their second with a volley from Aine O’Gorman. 

The second half started the same as the first with Shels having the majority of the ball.  75 minutes in Ciara Grant turned the ball home to get one back.  Shels were unable to find an equalizer, they remain top of the table on goal difference having played one game more than Peamount. 

FT Peamount United 2-1 Shelbourne

Molloy Masterclass Helps Wexford To Big Win

Above: Ellen Molloy – scorer of four goals for Wexford Youths at the weekend. Photo: scoreline.ie

Ireland’s teenage sensation Ellen Molloy scored four goals as 2018 champions Wexford Youths got their first win of the season, against bottom side Treaty United. 

Treaty tried to play out from the back, but were caught out early on when Ciara Rossiter took advantage of a loose pass.  Despite Wexford having all the momentum, the Limerick side did equalize six minutes later through Aoife Horgan.  The sides remained level until just after the half hour mark when Sinead Taylor beat a defender and volleyed home.  Molloy got her first of the game just before halftime when once again Treaty tried to play out from the back. 

The second half was only just over a minute old when Wexford scored their fourth, a penalty by captain Kylie Murphy.  The rest of the game saw Wexford in control.  Molloy scored three goals in an eight minute spell late in the half.  The young star earned an international call-up with her form last season, and will surely become a household name for the Irish senior team. 

FT Treaty United 1-7 Wexford Youths

Bohs and Cork Hit Six To Share Spoils

Above: Cork City (green) and Bohemians competing hard at the weekend. Photo: Stephen Burke.

Goal fests are become a trend for games involving Bohs, all their games so far have involved at least four goals. 

It took just four minutes for the first goal when Erica Burke scored from close range give Bohs the lead.  Cork would equalize in the 25th minute, then take the lead 6 minutes later, with both goals coming from Lauren Egbuloniu. 

In the 2nd half Aoife Robinson equalized for Bohs only for Laura Shine to put Cork back in front straight away.  Chloe Darby scored from the spot to ensure Bohs took a point from the game.   

FT Bohemians 3-3 Cork City

Impressive Waves Gain First Win Of The Season

Above: Katie Malone scores the late winner for DLR Waves over Galway. Photo: @DLRWaves

DLR Waves beat Galway 2-1 in a hard-fought arm wrestle of a contest. 

The opening exchanges were cagey with no clear cut chances.  However, 16 minutes in a spectacular ball by Jess Gleeson found the head of Kate Mooney who powerfully headed the ball home.  DLR frustrated Galway for the remainder of the half and limited their opportunities. 

The second half was a back and forth affair.  Galway would equalize with a header from Rachel Kearns who got on the end of a freekick with 12 minutes to go. 

It could have been a case of heads going down but the Waves pushed on.  Eventually they found their way through late on when Katie Malone was in the right place at the right time to get the ball in the net.  DLR were able to hold out a late Galway push to secure the win. 

FT DLR Waves 2-1 Galway

Table

PosTeamPldPtsGD +/-GFW
1Shelbourne36+462
2Peamount United26+232
3Wexford Youths34+581
4Bohemians34+2101
5Galway34+171
6DLR Waves24+131
7Cork City32-360
8Athlone Town21-230
9Treaty United31-1060

Next Fixtures

Saturday 24th April

Bohemians v Peamount United (14:00)

Cork City v DLR Waves (14:00)

Galway v Treaty United (16:00)

Wexford Youths v Athlone (18:30)

Chelsea One Step From The Title

Manchester City 2-2 Chelsea

By Ben Gilby

Above: Sam Kerr, in dominant first half form, gets away from Alex Greenwood at the Academy Stadium tonight. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

Chelsea moved within three points of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League title after earning a draw at closest challengers Manchester City.

In a high tempo, all action encounter of the highest quality, it was a dominant first half performance from Matildas star Sam Kerr which ultimately proved to be the difference. The Fremantle born striker scored her side’s opening goal before winning the penalty that delivered their second.

Both teams were missing their captains, Manchester City’s Steph Houghton has been out for almost a month now with an Achilles injury. Chelsea’s Magda Eriksson had to come off last Friday night in her side’s FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Championship side London City Lionesses.

The stats pre-game emphasised just dominant these two sides are. Manchester City had only conceded three times at home all season, hadn’t conceded at all for over 600 minutes and had never lost to the reigning champions at the Academy Stadium. As for Chelsea, they went into the match unbeaten in their last 37 away games (since a loss at City) and were 21 matches unbeaten against City and the other FAWSL big gun, Arsenal.

The early exchanges saw the two sides probing down the same flan of the pitch with Chloe Kelly and Erin Cuthbert pushing on. From a City perspective, Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood were trying to stick as tight as possible to Sam Kerr from the get go.

The hosts built a succession of half chances. With ten minutes gone, Sam Mewis cut in from the right and played in a dangerous ball which Millie Bright had to clear for a corner. The pressure that this built ended with Mewis heading over the bar.

Chelsea received their first opportunity just afterwards when Kerr was shoved in the back by Greenwood. The resulting free-kick out on the right saw Pernille Harder head wide under pressure in the air from Bronze.

The South Londoners came closer still two minutes later when a viciously in swinging corner from Erin Cuthbert on the right saw City keeper Ellie Roebuck come, miss the ball completely and Melanie Leupolz’s looping header had to be cleared off of the line by Greenwood.

Chelsea looked to profit from another City error when Keira Walsh’s attempted pass was intercepted by Ji who immediately found Kerr. The Western Australian put her foot down on the gas and raced towards the box, but was denied just inside by a perfectly timed tackle from Greenwood which resulted in the concession of a throw in.

It was from another corner that Chelsea finally profited. This time, Cuthbert played in an out swinger towards the centre of the box. Kerr lost her marker Greenwood and got between Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp to power a trademark bullet header into the right hand side of the net.

Yet, just two minutes later, City were level. Weir fed Hemp on the left. Her ball in wasn’t dealt with by Bright which allowed Chloe Kelly the easiest of opportunities to turn the ball home and she didn’t look the gift horse in the mouth.

It took only a further five minutes for the next goal arrive. City coughed up possession in midfield with Kerr profiting. With no support in sight, the striker ran though and went to round Roebuck who caught her on the ankle with a palm of the hand. The Australian went down and referee Rebecca Welch had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Harder and drilled the ball into the net to the right of centre to re-establish Chelsea’s lead.

Above: Pernille Harder, scorer of Chelsea’s second goal from the penalty spot, gets away from Sam Mewis. Photo: @ChelseaFCW

City responded well once more with Bronze’s effort having to be pushed over by Ann-Katrin Berger for a corner which the German then claimed comfortably ahead of the interval.

It was a harum-scarum start to the second period with City looking to push for the equaliser and the visitor’s content to hit on the counter.

With fifty minutes played, Kerr went down grimacing and required attention from the Chelsea physio before returning to the action.

City continued to build the pressure with Hemp at the centre of much of what was good about their play, but Chelsea were successfully playing the high press which was making life hard for the home side to get in behind.

It was from another counter attack that saw Chelsea away down the left with 25 minutes left. Fran Kirby got free and drove into the box before laying it back to Kerr whose side footed effort was wide.

A carefully controlled flurry of possession saw the visitors slowly build towards goal on seventy minutes which earned a corner. Another dangerous flag kick from Cuthbert resulted in substitute Niamh Charles’ effort going wide of the right hand post.

An uncharacteristic error from Fran Kirby gifted City a lifeline with just over fifteen minutes left. Her loose attempt at a back pass allowed Kelly to play a ball across the box. Bright swung and missed her clearance which allowed Hemp was able to smash home the equaliser.

Buoyed by the goal, City so nearly took the lead with just over ten minutes to go. Bronze won a corner off of Jonna Andersson. Kelly’s ball in was met with a back header from Hemp which was denied by an outstanding save by Berger who back palmed it onto the top of the bar and over. An incredible moment – the like of which ultimately decide matches.

Chelsea responded with Cuthbert sliding a pass across the outside of the box towards sub Guro Reiten. The Norwegian star drove an effort agonisingly wide of the right hand post.

There was one final chance when Kerr broke clean through but Roebuck saved just seconds ahead of the final whistle.

Despite City’s best efforts to find a winner, they never quite conjured up the ingenuity to break through for a third time. It will now take a slip up of unimaginable proportions for Chelsea not to retain their FAWSL title.

MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck, Bronze, Dahlkemper, Greenwood, Stokes, Mewis, Walsh, Weir, Kelly, White, Hemp. Substitutes: Mannion, Coombs, Stanway, Beckie, Morgan, Park, Lavelle, Benameur (GK), Davies.

Scorers: Kelly 29, Hemp 74.

CHELSEA: Berger, Carter, Bright, Ingle, Andersson, Leupolz, Ji, Kirby, Harder, Cuthbert, Kerr. Substitutes: Musovic (GK), Blundell, England, Reiten, Fleming, Charles, Spence, Telford (GK), Fox.

Scorers: Kerr 25, Harder pen 34.

Referee: Rebecca Welch.

PSG End Lyon Champions League Dominance

Jean-Pierre Thiesset gives us his report of the UEFA Women Champion League round of 8 second leg, Olympique Lyonnais game against Paris SG.

Paris St Germain won 2-1 away from home against Lyon, and qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Unfortunately for Lyon fans and as I foresaw, Lyon were not able to step up. Even if Lyon scored quickly in the game, PSG players were more efficient with 13 shots on goal, of which four were on target while Lyon had only five shots, three of which were on target. PSG players were also more efficient on the passes with 70% of successful passes against 61% for Lyon.

Despite Lyon taking the lead thanks to a goal from Catarina Macario (4), PSG hit back with goals from Paris SG Grace Geyoro (24) and a Wendie Renard own goal (61).

Is it the end of Lyon era? Their next game against Paris St. Germain, which will take place in Lyon on May 29 for the D1 Arkema final will tell us.

Pride Park Suffer Misfortune and Defeat

Draycott Victoria 4-0 Pride Park

from ‘Boot Room’

Above: Pride Park (in red change kit) take on Draycott Victoria. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

An unfortunate combination of mishaps, injuries, ailments and events came together at the weekend to rule several of our players out of our trip to Draycott in the Derbyshire Ladies League, leaving us with just ten fit players available to start the game. With regular goalkeeper Jade Howell one of those missing, Vicky Wilsoncroft took the gloves as a very capable stand-in.

Particularly after last week’s false start to the resumption of our league season after the horrendous injury to Janine Wardman, we were hoping for a trouble – and injury free – game of football, and as if to give us a sign, the sun was out and it was a pleasantly warm afternoon.

The girls started in a determined mood and stayed compact and organised, denied space to Draycott, and mounted a stout defence. Although Draycott, inevitably, had the most of the possession, it was Pride Park with the early chances, all coming on the counter-attack, with Maja Znamirowska – playing only her second game in a year due to the Covid-related restrictions – a constant threat.

It was Maja who broke down the right flank after 27 minutes, and was getting beyond the Draycott defender, only to be taken down just inside the penalty area with a barge from behind. Tash Allderidge took responsibility for the spot kick, and hit it firmly but the ‘keeper managed to get across and get a hand to it – a rare blemish on Tash’s very good penalty record – and the ball was cleared from the rebound.

A minute later and Maja was in behind the Draycott defence again, going very close. Inevitably, despite our best efforts, Draycott were going to get chances and their first opportunity of any note came just around the half-hour, a dipping shot that Vicky did well to tip over at full stretch.

There was nothing Vicky could do about the next shot, after 33 minutes, which flew into the top corner from outside the area. It was a setback, but one that was brushed off quickly as Pride Park continued to defend doggedly and hit Draycott on the break.

There were a couple of minutes left to half-time when Maja latched on to a pass from Tash, and hit her shot for the left corner – only to see it ricochet off a recovering defender’s head and fly only just inches wide of the other post, leaving the goalkeeper completely wrong-footed and stranded. The resultant corner lead to a scramble in the goalmouth, but we just couldn’t find the decisive touch before a defender lifted the ball over the crossbar from the edge of the six yard box for another corner. It was a breathless end to the first half in which Pride Park could feel very unfortunate to not be at least on level terms.

Draycott had been frustrated by a really dogged, well organised and committed first half by Pride Park and, although the goal that divided the teams was very well taken, they could consider themselves a little fortunate to be ahead at the interval.

On a warm afternoon Pride Park were looking for more of the same in the second half – the only question was how long it would take before the prodigious effort they were putting in on a warm afternoon would take its toll. Eight minutes after the restart Draycott won a corner on our left which was initially cleared, but the ball fell to a Draycott player, was played wide and then put back into the box for a header from five few metres to double Draycott’s lead.

Above: Pride Park advance against Draycott Victoria yesterday. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

With a two goal lead, and a numerical advantage on the pitch – and on the bench – Draycott had a degree of comfort, but Pride Park weren’t giving up, as Maja again went close after some really good combination play down the right between her and Annie Laight. Draycott extended their lead further with an excellent curling shot from wide that was placed in the far corner of the goal, giving Vicky no chance.

Draycott had by now recognised the threat posed by Maja and she was being shadowed by two or three defenders. Despite their close attention, Maja was still proving to be a handful and with fifteen minutes to play she threatened to break clear again, only to be body checked by a defender. The free kick was in range, but although Beth Jones was able to clear the wall, she wasn’t able to get the ball down again enough to trouble the ‘keeper.

The pitch had caused both teams problems with first touch and control, and the ball had a tendency to bobble unexpectedly on the hard, dry, surface. After seeing the players trying to control the ball and play “classic” football, it was entirely appropriate that when Draycott scored their fourth goal, with about five minutes left, it was from a toe poke from about ten metres, which in the circumstances was being smart to do what was effective.

As the game drew to a close Pride Park had one last opportunity for a consolation, as Tash Allderidge hit a close range effort wide of the ‘keeper only to see her instinctively stick out a foot to deflect the shot. It summed up pretty well how the ball just didn’t run kindly for Pride Park on a day when they were always going to be up against it and needed just a little helping hand from Lady Luck.

Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly enjoyable game and a very encouraging performance from which the players can take a lot of pride. The odds were heavily weighted in Draycott’s favour, but they were made to work very hard for their win and the scoreline doesn’t really do Pride Park any justice. At least it was an injury-free afternoon, which is something we are grateful for.

We were pleased to see some old friends – a couple of former players – take advantage of the weather to come down and support us, and really appreciated Simon coming along in the absence of the injured Janine – at times providing her with a commentary of the game in her hospital bed via the phone!

Next week’s opponents are second placed Wirksworth Colts. Kick off at Anthony Gell School in Wirksworth is 1.30pm.

Town Win Sets Up Brighton Tie

Huddersfield Town 3-2 Derby County

By Jack Walker

Above: Huddersfield Town celebrate a goal against Derby County that sets them up with a tie against FA Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion. Photo: Jess Hornby.

Huddersfield Town Women emerged victorious from a five-goal thriller with Derby County to book their place in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup after a fierce and competitive game.

The Terriers held on for a dramatic 3-2 win at the Stafflex Arena, coming out the other side after positively weathering the storm in the first half against Derby County at the Stafflex Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts started brightly with Lucy Sowerby linking up well with Laura Elford on the right hand side, whilst Derby created chances of their own in the early stages as the contest turned into a midfield battle with both teams searching for the opener.

Laura Elford gave Town the lead in the 15th minute as she was played in down the near side, took the ball down, and finished at the second time of asking. Although the hosts went in front, Derby equalised just one minute later and the Rams continued to threaten, smashing the right hand post eight minutes later.

With the two teams level at the break, it all came down to the second forty-five minutes and, just like in the previous round, Town’s substitutions worked a treat as Kate Mallin emerged from the substitutes’ bench to claim two assists.

In the 72nd minute, the winger whipped in a corner which was bundled over the line by Elford before the same combination saw the prolific striker completed her hattrick just four minutes later – rising high to once again head the ball in.

Above: Going for goal – Huddersfield Town against Derby County yesterday. Photo: Jess Hornby,

The two goals in quick succession secured victory and, although there was a late scare as Derby pulled a goal back seven minutes before full time. Town now travel to Brighton away in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup on May 16th.

Manager Jordan Wimpenny admitted it was a nice feeling to win the contest in the way the team did.

“It’s always a nice feeling to win a game and to progress to the next round is great. I feel the team deserve that after this performance.”

Debutant Paige Crossman was also very satisfied with her afternoon’s work. “We had to be quite tight in areas. I had to stay back and sit a lot more than I normally would. You’ve got to do what is right for the team. I think in my legs I knew I had it in my head that I will be fine physically. Just getting 90 minutes out the way, psychologically it’s a big thing. I feel we had quite a lot of space outside wide.”

Chichester & Selsey Go Down Battling

West Ham United 11 – 0 Chichester and Selsey

From Caz Evans

The scoreline will suggest that West Ham gave Chichester and Selsey a ‘hammering’ but that wasn’t officially the case.

The West Ham team featured many international players and a strong starting 11. West Ham got off to a quick start when the referee adjudged Amber Howden of a handball in the area, something that she seemed to be the only one to see, and although Issy Foster in the Chichester goal went the right way and was close to it they were 1-0 up after 2 minutes. This of course massively affected the team and their game plan. Emily Van Egmond was a constant threat and her height and stature proved too strong for the Chichester defence as she scored four first half goals, some great headers along the way to give West Ham a substantial lead.

Chichester were working hard and closing down the ball, but West Ham were in confident mood after a few quick goals and the difference in fitness levels showed. Sarah Saunders up front for Chichester held the ball up well and Chichester had a threat from set pieces but unable to test the keeper. 7-0 at the break.

Manager Sadie Blakely asked her team at half time to continue to compete and enjoy the game and improve on their first half performance. 15 minutes had gone in the second half before Chichester were unlucky to concede again when a shot cannoned off the post and off a Chichester player into the goal. Another strange decision on a penalty was awarded and although again Foster got her hands too it, the strike was too strong to keep out. Foster was having an incredible game and pulled off a fantastic save to deny West Ham a tenth and out for a corner.

Above: Emily van Egmond – scorer of four for West Ham United. Photo: @WestHamWomen

It was though ten soon after however. Suddenly, Chichester found themselves on a break down the West Ham right hand side, with great link up play between the three centre midfielders, Ariana Fleischman, Megan Fox and Gemma Simmonds, the ball into the box met by Tash Wild and found the bottom corner…only for the linesman to raise his flag and Simmonds was offside in the build-up…gutted! West Ham finished the game off with an eleventh The score line maybe a bit harsh in terms of the commitment and work ethic of Chichester and Selsey on the day but everyone at the club and their supporters are proud of the achievement this season. For a bunch of players who get to train twice a week, have had four months off due to Covid-19 and have to pay to play the game they love, we are extremely proud.

The fact the players have had two games recently after so long out and played against a professional side also showed the difference in women’s football. A club getting their day against a Super League side is what the FA Cup is about, but it also highlighted the difference in the Women’s football pyramid and maybe something the FA should look into. This game wasn’t the only one to be high scoring.

The only controversial actions of the day was when the West Ham manager decided to bring on his goal keeper Mackenzie Arnold, who played in goal for Australia against the Netherlands in week, and played her in centre midfield. Secretary Caz Evans commented “It is important for clubs to remember where they came from to get where they are now. Some clubs used to be in our league (tier three) until they were given a huge financial backing from either their men’s club or the FA. If all clubs had the financial backing like this then this huge gap in women’s football wouldn’t be so obvious. It is hard for a club like ours to financially make every season and when the team who have worked so hard see clubs doing things like this to them, it is not helping the situation. I personally would like to see the FA and Women’s Football Board really think about all other teams not just those with ‘big names’ and clubs with lots of money! Myself and the whole club are extremely proud of our manager, coaches, players and volunteers for all their hard work this season, previous seasons and all future seasons ahead. We are looking forward to the new league season and another great FA Cup run.”

Helston Return In Style

Helston 6-1 Mousehole

From Paul Parfitt

A glorious April Sunday afternoon welcomed the return of league football to Kellaway Park for the first time in 2021.  Unbeaten Helston were playing host to third placed rivals Mousehole as the Blues looked to carry on their fine form from 2020 and push towards securing a first league title and promotion to the South Western Regional Football League.

Helston started brightly with Abi Locke finishing a good move assisted by debutant Eve Moore who has recently signed from Bideford Ladies.  It was role reversal after 26 minutes as Locke set up Moore with a superbly driven cross into the six yard which Moore expertly pivoted on to steer home for her first for the club.   

Helston enjoyed a period of control without ever finding top gear and manager Parfitt rung some changed on the half hour mark making use of the leagues roll on roll off substitution rules.  Five minutes before half time Locke won the ball in midfield and from 20 yards out curled a wonderful shot inside the far post giving the Mousehole keeper no chance. 

After the break Helston showed a little more dynamism with Moxom and Yould controlling midfield with some simple play, this dynamism was spurred on in part by the quick fourth goal scored by captain Sasha Sparkes who finished a cross from Barker-Thomas.    Helston’s control in this period was rewarded with Sparkes turning provider this time for a driven finish from Katy Barker-Thomas.  

Helston had two free kicks in a dangerous area one of which Barker-Thomas appeared to have scored from only for the referee to deem that it had not crossed the line.  The Mousehole keeper pulled off several saves to deny the Helston forwards and when Yould and Moxom combined to send Sparkes through for the home team’s sixth in the 65th minute the result was confirmed.  Helston will feel they could and should have scored more but Mousehole fought back and scored and excellently worked goal from Midfield with Richards driving through to score in the 72nd minute.  

Both teams were obviously pleased to be back on the pitch for the first time in months and there were signs of rustiness from both sides.  Helston will be content in knowing they got the points but the manager will also know there are areas to work on and opportunities to improve in the coming weeks.  Helston host Illogan this coming Sunday in their next league fixture. 

HELSTON:   N Marable, G Sweet, S Sparkes-Bond, E Brewer, C Demouy, D White, K Moxom, A Locke, E Moore, S Sparkes (c), K Barker-Thomas Subs Used:  K Yould, R Hannaford, L Bate, S Clouter, C Sparkes-Bond.

Scorers: Locke 5, 40, Moore 26, Sparkes 48, 65, Barker-Thomas 52.

MOUSEHOLE:  C Britten, I D’escrivian-Nott, F Davies-Kirsop, B Hayward, T lobb, L Mannon, S Richards, R Storey, L Taylor, L Williams, S Wilson Subs Used:  K Mayall, H McEwen, J Spencer-Amos.

Scorer: Richards 72.

The Swedish Scene

In our regular Saturday morning round up of the Swedish women’s game, @DandalBs updates us with all the news from the national team’s two games, the big kick off in the leagues and what’s been going on around the clubs.

NATIONAL TEAM NEWS:

Above: Sweden celebrate Lina Hurtig’s goal against the USA. Photo: YouTube

Sweden began their two match international series with a promising 1-1 draw against the USA in Solna. A great header from Lina Hurtig gave Sweden the lead. The Swedes played very well the USA’s late equaliser was deserved, it shouldn’t have been from a poor award of a penalty.

A much changed Swedish side managed to earn a 4-2 win in Poland, but had some problems. Two goals by Stina Blackstenius helped Sweden, but early in second half it was 2-2 thanks to Poland’s Wolfsburg forward Iwa Pajor. There were plenty of second half subs and it took Caroline Seger and Lina Hurtig to score the winning goals.

In the last international window before the Olympics, Sweden will have two home games. First they will play Norway on 10th June and a yet undisclosed team on the 15th. Both matches will take place in Kalmar.

DAMALLSVENSKAN:

The season gets underway this weekend with the first round of fixtures scheduled as follows:

Saturday 17th April:

Djurgårdens v KIF Örebro 

Växjö v AIK

Sunday 18th April:

Eskilstuna United v Kristianstads

Hammarby v BK Häcken

Linköpings v Rosengård

Vittsjö GIK v Piteå IF

ELITETTAN:

The first round of fixtures in the second tier of the Swedish league for this weekend is:

Saturday 17th April:

Borgeby FK v Älvsjö AIK FF

IFK Norrköping v IFK Kalmar – POSTPONED

IK Uppsala v Lidköpings FK

Jitex Mölndal v Sundsvalls DFF

Sunday 18th April:

Mallbackens IF Sunne v IF Brommpojkarna

Morön BK v Alingsås FC United

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES:

In the final week of pre-season friendlies ahead of this coming weekend’s Allsvenskan season, all the top tier clubs were without their international players.

AIK suffered a 2-1 loss to Brommapojkarna with Ema Paljevic scoring for the Solna based side. Hammarby drew 1-1 Örebro. Ellen Wangerheim was on target for Hammarby with Jessie Scarpa scoring for the visitors. Kristianstad defeated Kalmar 2-1 thanks to goals from Anna Welin and Ebba Jahnfors. Växjö went down 2-0 to Vittsjö for whom Fernanda de Silva and Mie Leth Jans were on target. Finally, Eskilstuna United lost 2-0 to IFK Norrköping.

NEWS ROUND-UP:

Above: Djurgården’s Malin Diaz. Photo: Maxim Thore/ Bildbyrån

Djurgården have announced that their midfielder Malin Diaz is pregnant and will not play during the 2021 season.

Vittsjö‘s 22 year-old midfielder Ebba Wieder has decided to take a break from football for mental health reasons. Wieder played five seasons in the Damallsvenskan for Rosengård before she moved to Vittsjö last season.

Above: Ebba Wieder in action for Vittsjö. Photo: Bildbyrån