A fitting way to say goodbye

Only days after leading Blues Ladies into the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club's history, it was announced that club captain Laura Bassett would not be renewing her contract, and would be leaving the Midlands side. Since then, many tributes have been paid, so here is ours to a true legend of Birmingham City Ladies.

Since she arrived at Blues thirteen years ago, Laura has not only left her mark, more imprinted her DNA into the whole club. Any team that goes out to play for Blues does so with a tenacity and a drive that is so symptomatic of Bassett's character, it doesn't matter whether she is even playing, her passion is ingrained into every player who has had the pleasure of playing under her. Watching her lead her team from the heart of the defence has been a joy to watch for these last three years, and her impact may only be truly felt once next season begins. For someone so strong and determined, there is a vastly underestimated calmness about her ability on the ball. A better reader of the game in her position I'm yet to see, and she always knows where a pass is available, even under severe opposition pressure. 

But despite her undeniable talent and emphatic leadership qualities, Laura is genuinely the nicest person we have ever met. She would always greet us when we arrived at the game, always available to chat with all fans, and has been instrumental in us covering the game as much as we do. Whether it be this blog, or photographs from games and the kit launch, Laura always acknowledged what we did and always made it feel worthwhile. She met us at a couple of Centre of Excellence games, and always made time to talk to us.

Whilst we are naturally gutted that Laura is leaving, we can wish her nothing but the best in her future, wherever that may be. We can look back fondly and remember her lifting the FA Cup last summer, and of course bowing out at such a magnificent occasion at St Andrews. Thanks for the memories Laura, and good luck!

Blues Ladies to make history

On Wednesday 13th November, St Andrews stadium will create history. For the first time in its 107 year history, Birmingham City Ladies will strut their stuff on the hallowed turf. 45 years after their formation, the female team will represent our great football club at its spiritual home, as FK Zorkiy Krasnogorsk make the long trip from Russia to play the second leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 tie, with Blues leading 2-0 from the first leg.

Many of you may have your misgivings about the women's game, and no doubt there will be plenty of preconceptions regarding the standard of football, but for one night, Birmingham City Ladies have been given the honour of playing at our famous stadium. Many heroes have graced our pitch, from Gil Merrick and Trevor Francis, to Martin Grainger and Joe Hart, but now the ladies have their chance to add their names to that list. Captain Laura Bassett, who first joined Blues in 2000, has lifted the FA Cup for her side, but the opportunity to lead her team out at St Andrews has been a huge dream for a long time. Local hero and England star Karen Carney has expressed her thrill and excitement about having the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream, and boss David Parker has described how emotional it will be for him to walk out at the home of Birmingham City, the sound of the famous Champions League theme ringing around the stadium.

Whether you have ever watched women's football before or not, and even if you are not that interested in following the team after this game, these girls deserve the chance to play in front of one of the biggest crowds in their career. With a Champions League quarter final only 90 minutes away, it would be such a boost for the team to feel a fantastic atmosphere in what is the biggest game of the young club's history. They have earnt the right to play at this level, and they deserve an attendance to match that achievement. A mere 8 years ago, the club was on the verge of extinction, and was saved thanks to a loan from the parents of a former player. Those days are past now, and this team have such a bright future ahead, so please, even if it is just for one evening, come and support the girls, come and support Birmingham City, and make this a night to remember for all involved.

Wednesday 13th November
St Andrews Stadium
7pm kick off

Adults - £6
Concessions - £3

Group ticket bundles:
Adults - £20 for 5 tickets
Concessions - £10 for 5 tickets

Contact the BCFC Ticket Office on 0844 557 1875 option 2 or visit St Andrews Stadium, where you can pay on the day

Arsenal march on to end Blues’ winning streak

Arsenal Ladies closed in on league leaders Liverpool with a 3-1 away win at Blues this weekend. Captain Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Gemma Davison all scored before half time as The Gunners took complete control of the match, and although the hosts dramatically improved in the second half, a deflected Jo Potter strike was merely a consolation in the end as Shelley Kerr’s side moved to within five points of Liverpool with two games in hand. There was one change to the Blues side from the one that beat Doncaster Belles the previous home match, match winner Mel Lawley was away with England’s U-19 squad in Wales, so Karen Carney returned to the starting lineup.

Following Saturday evenings incredible Liverpool win, Arsenal knew only victory would keep the title in their own hands, and they set about earning the three points rapidly, pressing their hosts and winning possession high up the pitch on numerous occasions, and it was a Blues mistake that led to the opening goal. A mix up between Potter and keeper Spencer led to a Gunners corner, and Kim Little’s inviting cross was met by Captain Houghton with a thunderous header at the far post. The tempo had been set by Arsenal, and their star midfield duo of Nobbs and in particular Little were finding copious amounts of space to dictate the game from. Dan Carter fired a shot over from inside the area and Ellen White also shot wide when well placed, but Blues were not learning from their mistakes, and it was two shortly after. Houghton’s bending free kick hit the inside of the post, and Flaherty’s rebound also struck the cross bar, but the home side failed to clear their lines and from the resulting cross back into the box, White rose highest at the back post to head home. Jordan Nobbs placed a shot wide when through one on one with Spencer, but with Arsenal in cruise control, and Blues’ unfamiliar back line looking shaky at best, the visitors increased their stranglehold on the game with a third before half time. The impressive Emma Mitchell, playing at left back for this season’s FA Cup winners, was allowed too much time to make another venture forward, and her deep cross was met by the onrushing Davison at the back post, who calmly side footed a volley into the far corner. Blues’ only threat in the half came from the reliable left footed set piece of Potter, and it took a desperate goalmouth block from Little to prevent Chelsea Weston driving in a response following a cleared corner, but Arsenal went into the break fully deserving their three goal cushion.

David Parker went for broke and threw on 17 year old starlet Coral Haines at half time, replacing Hannah George. This led to a tactical change for Blues, with a more recognisable back line of Weston, Bassett, Westwood and Harrop, and Haines linking up with Linnett up front, and within minutes the gamble nearly paid off. Having had a shot blocked, Haines picked the ball up on the edge of the area, gave herself a yard to shoot and bent a dipping effort that crashed onto Emma Byrne’s crossbar and over. The latest in a long line of young stars to come from the club’s Centre of Excellence, Haines was causing Flaherty and Co more problems than they had faced all through the first half, and she was to be denied once more, along with Linnett, before Blues pulled one back through Potter’s deflected effort from distance. The talismanic midfielder was at the heart of dragging Blues back into the game, and she almost pulled off another magical moment, lobbing Byrne from distance but unfortunately for the home side the ball drifted just wide. Little was not only making her mark in the middle of the pitch, but she was on hand to deny Blues again on the hour mark, Westwood climbing highest to head a Potter corner goal wards, only for the Scottish maestro to block on the line and clear. This block seemed to knock the wind out of the home side, and galvanise the away team, and Arsenal began to gain momentum again. Little fed Davison inside the area, but her shot was sliced harmlessly wide, and even though star striker Rachel Williams was introduced for the ineffective Carney, Arsenal had regained a sense of calm over the match. Williams did trouble Byrne with a long range shot three minutes from time, but the Irish keeper was alert to the strike to tip it round the post. As injury time approached, Carter should have sealed the victory more emphatically, but she could not beat Spencer following unselfish play from Nobbs, but it did not affect the end result, the Londoners running out 3-1 winners, a victory earnt based on their first half performance.

This defeat almost certainly ends Blues’ slim chances of title success, and has dented their Champions League hopes, as Liverpool and Arsenal continue to push away from the rest of the pack, so a win against Liverpool in their next home match is crucial if David Parker’s side are to participate in next season’s European campaign. Based on the contrasting first and second half performances from the Arsenal contest, it may be a better option for Blues to go back to basics. The centre half partnership of Bassett and Westwood feels much more reliable and trustworthy, and Harrop is best suited to being played at left back. Potter and Moore is a central partnership that has controlled many a game in the past for Blues, and the trickery of Linnett and the returning Lawley will be a major plus in the wide areas. It would be nice to see more of young Coral Haines, to come on and perform in the manner she did against unquestionably the best team in the league was testament to her abilities and her mental strength, and she showed she can cut it with the best this league has to offer, and at just 17 there is more to come from this talented attacker.

Blues have two more WSL home matches remaining this season. We face Liverpool on Sunday September 1^st, a 2pm kick off, and finally Everton visit the DCS on Wednesday September 4^th, which is a 7.45pm kick off.

Blues: Spencer, Weston, Westwood, Harrop, George (Haines 46), Christiansen (Wilkinson 84), Bassett (c), Moore, Carney (Williams 67), Potter, Linnett. Subs not used: Earps, Simpkins, Torkildsen, Myers

Arsenal: Byrne, Scott, Houghton (c), Flaherty, Mitchell (Grant 90), Davison (Yankey 78), Nobbs, Little, Weir, Carter, White. Subs not used: Tracy, Chapman, Ayisi

 

Player of the Match: Jade Moore

Blues secure away win on WSL return

Two goals from winger Mel Lawley helped Blues earn a 2-1 away win at Lincoln Ladies, as FAWSL action returned following the mid season break for the European Championships. Attractive strikes either side of half time put Blues in charge, before Carla Cantrell halved the deficit for the hosts, but despite this David Parker's side held on for a valuable three points to take Blues above Everton into 5th place in the WSL going into two consecutive home matches against Doncaster Belles and Arsenal.

There were also wins this weekend for Arsenal, Chelsea and Bristol Academy over Liverpool, Doncaster and Everton repectively. Arsenal travelled to league leaders Liverpool knowing anything but a win would leave them a huge task to win their third successive WSL title, but were ahead early on in the game thanks to a Jordan Nobbs goal. Liverpool were desperately disappointing, and could not prevent Arsenal from bossing the midfield, with Nobbs, Kim Little and youngster Jade Bailey impressing on the ball and dictating the game. Arsenal made it two before half time, Kim Little marauding through the exposed Liverpool midfield and slotting a ball through to Ellen White, who showed great composure by pulling the ball back for the advancing Alex Scott to side foot into an empty net. Natasha Dowie had the chance to pull a goal back for The Reds in the second half from the penalty spot after drawing a foul from Steph Houghton, but Arsenal stopper Emma Byrne made a good save low down to her left. The Gunners wrapped up the emphatic win late in the second half, Dan Carter playing a ball across the influential Nobbs who struck a magnificent first time shot which flew past Laws in the Liverpool goal. It was rather sobering viewing from an England persausion to see Nobbs displaying quality and control that was so desperately lacking in this summer's Euros, where the Arsenal star sat on the bench for all three pitiful group games, and there would have been an over riding sense of regret that she never had the chance to show her talents on the International tournament stage.

Chelsea romped to a comfortable home victory over bottom of the table Doncaster, thanks to a brace from Eni Aluko, and one each from fellow strikers Helen Ward and Sofia Jakobsson, and this victory has kept them within reach of the Champions League positions, while Doncaster already know that they will be playing in the second tier of womens football next season. Bristol Academy jumped above Liverpool to the top of the table with another goalfest against Everton, the visitors coming out 3-2 winners. It was 2-2 before the half hour mark, Bristol going ahead twice thanks to a Jill Scott own goal and Natasha Harding, with Kelly Jones and a Toni Duggan penalty pulling the hosts level both times. The winner came in the second half for The Vixens, another own goal, this time debutant Billie Murphy the unfortunate player.

As the table shows, the title race is almost certainly down to three teams; Bristol, Liverpool and Arsenal, but with half of the season remaining for most teams, everyone has to play eachother again, so the likes of Chelsea, Blues and Everton will still be looking to make a late charge for the top spot, but realistically, with their games in hand, Arsenal would still see themselves as favourites, and until it is out of their hands, the Champions League semi finalists will remain favourites for the league and cup double.

Team	Pl	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Bristol Academy Women	7	6	0	1	18	10	18
Liverpool Ladies	7	5	0	2	17	9	15
Chelsea Ladies	8	3	1	4	14	12	10
Arsenal Ladies	5	3	1	1	9	8	10
Birmingham City Ladies	7	2	3	2	7	10	9
Everton Ladies	7	2	2	3	14	14	8
Lincoln Ladies	8	0	3	5	6	12	3
Doncaster Rovers Belles	5	0	2	3	3	13	2



The misery of England's Euro 2013 campaign

Having had time to reflect on England's dismal Euro 2013 performances, it is becoming a much more popular opinion that Hope Powell's time as England manager should come to an end. Though it would be easy to lambast the players' efforts, the direction the management set up went for in this tournament led to the early exit of The Lionessess, and whilst many in the media looked at England's ranking of fourth best team in Europe, those who regularly watch WSL matches were not so shocked at the team's premature return home.

As soon as the original 23 player squad was announced, many within the game hung their heads in utter dismay at the glaring exclusions from the touring party, meanwhile the same old names were cropping up for another tournament under Powell's regime. The likes of Anita Asante, Casey Stoney, Kelly Smith, Karen Carney and Eni Aluko were all selected for their fifth international tournament in succession, despite all having major question marks against their names concerning form or fitness. One of Powell's current cliques is the out of form Lincoln Ladies back three of goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and central defenders Stoney and Sophie Bradley, despite Lincoln sitting seventh in an eight team WSL half way through the season and having failed to win a game in seven attempts.

The major issue regarding the squad announcement however was the huge risk placed on injured players. Steph Houghton, Stoney, Carney, Yankey, Rachel Brown and Smith had all missed large parts of the season with injuries, whilst Bradley picked up an injury in a warm up game against Sweden. Powell's reliance on these "big name stars" meant she could not possibly leave them behind, especially knowing the amount of media coverage this tournament would be getting back home, Smith in particular. For so long the golden girl of the English game, but now only capable of showing glimpses before picking up another long term injury. Her half hour spell against the French was an example of a player who has lost the aura she had 6-8 years ago. Houghton and Stoney started and finished all three games, and their lack of match fitness showed as they toiled, alarmingly so against France.

As previously stated, it is very easy to point the finger at the players, but in truth the majority are simply no longer good enough to play at that level any more, despite Powell's blind faith in them. I feel for Houghton, the converted left back in the squad, despite numerous possibilities for that position, including Kerys Harrop, Corrine Yorston and Alex Greenwood. She has become a victim of her own success, grabbing headlines with goals in the Olympics for Team GB, and therefore has been dispatched to the left back berth ever since, despite being naturally right footed and, in my opinion, a much more competent central midfielder. Bradley was also unlucky, her injury not allowing her to show her abilities, and in turn showing up the frailties of her partner in crime Stoney.

While some will argue Powell did pick young players in the form of Jordan Nobbs, Toni Duggan and Jade Moore, it was impossible not to pick them considering their club form, but then to go the whole tournament without giving all but one of the youngsters any game time was an appaling display of no confidence, opting towards the omnipresent Asante and Jill Scott. Duggan's inclusion off the bench against Russia was an act of pure desperation, and luckily for Powell it paid off, and following her impressive introduction, she simply could not leave her out of the France game, but as for the other young players in the squad, they may as well have stayed at home.

There are so many names that could be brought up that were not involved in the squad, and many already have been, but it is a sign of the manager's inflated ego that there are a number of players that will not be included by their choice. Lianne Sanderson has publicly stated that she will not be available for selection while Powell is in charge, and the likes of Rachel Williams and Gemma Davison, amongst others, have had disagreements with the coach.

One enormous cross against the managers name came in the final group game, a must win game against France. Despite already being through, France still named a strong line up, with Necib, Thiney and Henry in midfield. What with England having to win the game, Powell bewilderingly decided on a 4-4-2 formation, with Asante and Fara Williams in the centre of midfield. Consequently, the game was over as soon as it began, with the talismanic Necib controlling the midfield, and the French ensured England hardly touched the ball, in particular in the forward areas. This, much like Duggan's appearance against Russia, smacked of desperation from Powell, but it only highlighted her lack of tactical awareness in the modern day game, and if anything shone a bright light on all of her team's weaknesses, namely the pace of opposition movement and off the ball running.

Powell has had a relatively easy life as manager of England, what with the lack of media and supporter scrutiny for the vast majority of her reign, but despite a rather fortunate run to the final of Euro 2009, where Germany did the same thing as France this year, she and her regular squad have never looked like achieving something of a substantial tournament win. It appears she has no intention of stepping down, and I am sure the F.A. have bigger and more expensive things to worry about, so it would not surprise me to see her, along with her usual squad members, take to the field in their first World Cup Qualifier in September, but more and more people within the game, players and supporters alike, would like to see new life breathed into the England set up. Mark Sampson of Bristol Academy has shown what he can do with a group of young players, leading them to two FA Cup finals in three years, while Mo Marley could easily make the transition from U-19 level to first team coach. If Powell stays, you can be sure her merry band of players will also stay for one more crack at an international tournament, but if she goes, maybe we will see a domino effect and some of the senior players will call time on their international careers. In the meantime, England will continue to fall further behind the advancing nations, and this would be a crying shame to all the young exciting talent English football has to offer.

Potter’s magical strike earns Blues first league win

Blues grabbed their first league win of the season last night following a 2-1 success over Chelsea Ladies at the DCS Stadium. Second half goals from Izzy Christiansen and Jo Potter put the hosts in control, before young Chelsea substitute Hannah Blundell made it a nervy last twenty minutes for Blues, but they held on for the three points. Boss David Parker made two alterations to the side that started the disappointing home draw with Lincoln, Marie Hourihan replacing Mary Earps in goal, and Kirsty Linnett coming in for Rachel Unitt, who will be missing for the remainder of the season following her ACL injury suffered in the Lincoln tie. This meant a back to basics set up for Blues, with Bassett and Westwood playing in the centre of defence, Harrop moving to left back, Potter and Moore marshalling the midfield and Linnett, Lawley and Christiansen supporting Williams in her usual lone striker role. Chelsea’s starting line up included former Blues favourites Dunia Susi and Eniola Aluko, the latter returning for the first time since her winter move to London.

As the rain eased in Stratford, Blues began brightly. Lawley started on the left wing up against Susi, and she had no problems taking on the England regular, beating her for pace on a number of occasions and setting up good attacking positions, as well as tracking back to assist Harrop in dealing with the lively Sofia Jakobsson. The early efforts came from Harrop, whose 25 yard drive flew wide of the post, before having a header saved by Telford from a Potter set piece. Christiansen cut inside from the right and floated a shot just wide, and Linnett’s long range strike was saved relatively comfortably by the England stopper. Chelsea got into the game as the half went on, and had chances through Helen Ward and Jakobsson, but the score remained goal less at half time.

Whatever Parker said to his troops at half time certainly made an impact, as merely twelve seconds into the second half, the home side were ahead. Rachel Williams strode forward straight from the kick off, and passed wide to Linnett, whose trickery and close control took her into the opposition territory before she slipped the ball into Christiansen, who had made an excellent run through the heart of the Chelsea defence. Her first touch set her up and, despite the angle being tight, powered her shot into the far corner past a helpless Telford. The goal shook the away side, and Blues took control of the game, before doubling the lead in spectacular style on 55 minutes. Midfield dynamo Potter picked up a loose ball which bounced off the referee and, all of 35 yards out, took aim and struck a thunderous effort which swerved and dipped over the outstretched arm of Telford and settled in the back of the net. Potter has shone in what has been a relatively low key start to the season for Blues, her performance against Lincoln in the recent Continental Cup match was very impressive, and again she was a star performer against a tough Chelsea midfield. Whilst it is incredibly unlikely this close to the European Championships, Potter has been arguably the most in form English midfielder this season, and would not look out of place if she was to earn a shock call up.

That sensational strike rocked Chelsea into life, and they began to show more attacking intent, with Jakobsson and Buet dictating the play, and with twenty minutes remaining they grabbed a lifeline. Substitute full back Blundell, a product of Chelsea’s academy scheme, brought a high ball down, cut inside and hit a sweet strike which flew past a despairing Hourihan. Chances came and went for the visitors, Buet and Susi shooting over, and despite Blues’ top scorer Williams having to be replaced with a dislocated finger, the home side held on for the all important three points, which leaves them only a point behind the Londeners, and three points off the league leaders Bristol.

It was a joy to see the younger players Linnett and Lawley play wide and attack their full backs. Considering Hope Powell considers Susi an England right back, Lawley won the battle between the two, as expressed above. It would be nice to see Lawley and Linnett be given a more expressive role in the side, and be encouraged to use their skills and abilities to worry teams. The girls are looking more confident and, as the season progresses, with a mixture of the experienced and young talent, the side should find a way to get the best out of the flair players, and no doubt this will provide a very exciting viewing experience for the fans.

Blues have two more fixtures before the season breaks for the European Championships. These are at home to leaders Bristol Academy on June 5th, and away to Liverpool the following Saturday.

Blues: Hourihan, Weston, Bassett (c), Westwood, Harrop, Linnett (Torkildsen 75), Potter, Moore, Lawley, Christiansen, Williams (Wilkinson 89). Subs not used: Earps, George, Simpkins, Haines.

Chelsea: Telford, Susi, Davies, Holtham, Vidarsdottir (Blundell 70), Jakobsson, Buet, Gardarsdottir (Ester 51), Bleazard (Spence 62), Aluko, Ward. Subs not used: Cole, Myers, Coombs, Longhurst.

Player of the Match: Mel Lawley

Continental Cup dream over after draw

Blues’ Continental Cup dream is over for this season following their second successive 1-1 draw at home to Lincoln Ladies. An early Rachel Williams goal gave the home side hope of reaching their third semi final appearance in three years, but Lincoln striker Carla Cantrell equalised before half time, following up after Remi Allen’s penalty was superbly saved by Mary Earps. With Arsenal beating Bristol Academy in the other group game, Blues knew only a win would be good enough to reach the latter stages of a competition which has been kind to them the previous two years, and while they pressed hard for that all important goal, Lincoln stood firm, particularly England duo Karen Bardsley and Sophie Bradley, the former of the two making a number of good saves, notably from Chelsea Weston’s free kick with only minutes left. Blues’ young side certainly were not lacking in effort, but the more experienced Lady Imps held on for the point that sent them through at the hosts’ expense. The semi final line up for the competition is as follows:

Arsenal v Everton

Liverpool v Lincoln

One side note to the game was an injury to Blues and England’s Rachel Unitt. The left back went down unchallenged in the first half and, despite attempting to carry on, was forced off with a knee problem. It has now transpired that, sadly for Rachel, it is a serious ACL injury, similar to that suffered by fellow England full back Claire Rafferty, and both stars will miss the rest of the season, including this summer’s European Championships.

Despite another disappointing draw, there was a shining light in the form of Jo Potter. With the defensive restructure, Potter found herself in an unfamiliar role supporting the lone striker, and she blossomed in this position. She made her mark on the game after only three minutes, picking the ball up in between Lincoln’s lines of defence and midfield and sliding through an inch perfect pass for Williams to slot past Bardsley. Potter was continuously the major threat to Lincoln’s backline, whether it was her strength and determination driving her side forward, or her pin point set piece delivery which caused numerous problems for the visitors. She showed a side to her game that is not always evident in her normal position of central midfield, where alongside Jade Moore we see a more combative persona, whereas in this role she adopted against Lincoln she displayed plenty of skill and her ability shone through. Hopefully she will be given similar roles throughout the season, and she can display more attacking qualities.

In other women’s football news, Wolfsburg are the new UEFA Women’s Champions League winners, following a 1-0 victory over strong favourites Lyon at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge. A late contentious Martina Muller penalty gave the German side their first ever Champions League success, and completed an incredible treble this season after they won their first ever German League and Cup double earlier this season.

Blues’ next game is at home to Chelsea Ladies in an FAWSL fixture on Tuesday 28^th May, a 7:45pm kick off.

Blues: Earps, Weston, Westwood, Harrop, Unitt (George 23), Christiansen (Wilkinson 65), Bassett (c), Moore, Lawley (Linnett 46), Potter, Williams. Subs not used: Hourihan, Torkildsen, Simpkins, Haines.

Lincoln: Bardsley, Turner, Bradley, Stoney (c) (Horwood 55), Walton, Clarke, Martha Harris, Allen, Roberts (Harris 69), Hamilton (Sergeant 86), Cantrell. Subs not used: Kay, Cresswell.

Player of the Match: Jo Potter

Blues still unbeaten as league takes unfamiliar shape

Blues Ladies secured their third successive FAWSL draw on Wednesday night away to Everton Ladies. Both teams had chances to win the game, including the woodwork coming to the rescue of both teams. Everton keeper Lizzy Durack ended up winning the Player of the Match award, which suggests which side had the better of the chances, but Blues unfortunately could not grab their first win of the league season. The draw leaves them sitting poised in fifth place in the league on three points after three games, six points behind the division’s pacesetters Bristol Academy, who, following an impressive 2-0 victory over Chelsea Ladies, are on a maximum of nine points from three games played. Arsenal Ladies have found the WSL tougher than the FA and Continental Cup this year, the 4-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool and their recent 1-1 draw away to Lincoln Ladies leaves them in 7^th position on a solitary point, but they will surely be intent on climbing the table in search of their third FAWSL title. The table in full is as follows:

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals F	Goals A	Points
Bristol Academy	3	3	0	0	9	4	9
Chelsea	4	2	1	1	7	4	7
Liverpool	3	2	0	1	6	2	6
Everton	3	1	1	1	5	4	4
Birmingham	3	0	3	0	2	2	3
Lincoln	4	0	2	2	2	5	2
Arsenal	2	0	1	1	1	5	1
Doncaster	2	0	0	2	1	7	0

The next FAWSL fixtures take place at the end of May. Blues host Chelsea Ladies on Tuesday 28^th, Liverpool are at home to Lincoln on Wednesday 29^th, Arsenal travel to leaders Bristol and Doncaster visit Everton on Thursday 30^th.

This weekend’s fixtures bring to a close the group stages of the Continental Cup, with all to play for in both groups. In Group One, Blues host Lincoln Ladies knowing anything but victory will see them eliminated from the Group, whereas a win for David Parker’s girls will see Lincoln go out. Arsenal host Bristol Academy knowing a draw will be good enough to see them qualify for the semi-finals and keep their hopes alive of a third Continental Cup success in a row, whilst their fellow FA Cup finalists Bristol are already out following two defeats. Going into the final weekend, the two groups are as follows:

Group One

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals F	Goals A	Points
Arsenal	2	1	1	0	3	2	4
Lincoln	2	1	1	0	2	1	4
Birmingham	2	1	0	1	3	2	3
Bristol Academy	2	0	0	2	0	3	0

Fixtures Remaining: Arsenal v Bristol Academy, Birmingham v Lincoln (Both 19th May, 2pm k.o.)

Group Two

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals F	Goals A	Points
Everton	2	1	1	0	3	2	4
Liverpool	2	1	1	0	2	1	4
Chelsea	2	0	1	1	2	3	1
Doncaster	2	0	1	1	1	2	1

Fixtures Remaining: Chelsea v Liverpool (19th May, 2pm k.o.), Doncaster v Everton (19th May, 6pm k.o.)