WSL Team of the Season

So the WSL season has come to an incredibly dramatic end, with Liverpool Ladies retaining their title on the final day of the campaign. In light of the season’s finish, here is our Team of the Season:

Goalkeeper – Carly Telford (Notts County)

It would be easy to pick the goalkeeper from the team with the best defensive record, but in this case it is fully deserved. The England stopper, who played every WSL game, conceding only 8 goals, has been in tremendous form this year, not least in the final game of the season, putting in a match saving performance to deny Blues, in particular the outrageous double save from Karen Carney’s penalty and follow up. In the year before a World Cup, Telford has performed admirably behind a solid Notts County defence, and I would fully expect her to be on the plane to Canada next year.

Defender – Chelsea Weston (Birmingham)

Equally comfortable defending or attacking, Weston has had another very good season in the Blues defence. Missing only one game throughout the season, the right back has also chipped in with two goals, including a now trademark screamer away to Bristol Academy, as well as contributing to goals through her forays forward. Another young, exciting player who the England camp must be looking at for the future.

Defender – Gemma Bonner (Liverpool)

One of three Liverpool players to play every minute this season, Matt Beard’s Captain once again ended the year lifting the WSL trophy. Bonner is an integral part of a Reds backline that claimed the second best defensive record in the league, conceding only 10 goals all season, as well as getting a goal to her name in the win at Bristol. Her never say die attitude epitomises the way she dragged her side along towards the end of the season. As with Telford, I would be hugely surprised if her name was not on the England World Cup squad next year.

Defender – Rachel Corsie (Notts County)

Voted Notts County’s player of the season recently, Corsie has become the star of the most resilient side in the WSL. Vice-captain at the start of the season, but promoted to Captain due to Sophie Bradley’s long term injury, the Scotland international has won the hearts of fans and staff alike with her hard work and professionalism at the heart of the East Midlanders defence. Another who played every minute of their campaign, Corsie has a World Cup qualifying play off against The Netherlands to look forward to with Scotland. Qualification to Canada would top a magnificent year for the 25 year old.

Defender – Lucy Bronze (Liverpool)

Last season’s PFA Player of the Season has had another terrific year, cementing her place in not only Liverpool’s team, but also stamping her mark on Mark Sampson’s England squad. Bronze has scored two goals this term, including one in the crucial final day victory over Bristol, and has been a rock in the Champion’s defence. A certainty to play a huge part in Canada next year, she, like Bonner, played every minute of the Merseysiders successful campaign, and she will be looking forward to progressing in the Champions League to top another superb season.

Midfielder – Fara Williams (Liverpool)

Despite the controversy surrounding the goal, one of Williams’ four goals this year well and truly revitalised the Reds chances of retaining their title this year. After conceding a late equaliser at Birmingham, it was Williams’ quick thinking and world class ability to take the kick off and score from the halfway line gave Liverpool the win, and ultimately led to them finishing top. Starting every game this season, and scoring in the final day win, Williams has become the catalyst for all Liverpool attacks, making a deeper midfield role her own for both club and country. Only injury can prevent Williams extending her record international caps haul over the next year or two.

Midfielder – Jo Potter (Birmingham)

Much of what was said about Fara can be mirrored into the analysis of Blues’ very own midfield engine. The pivot in the Blues side, Potter is usually the one dropping deep to start attacks off, spraying 30-40 yards passes to the wings or over the opposition defence. She has three WSL goals to her name this year, including one straight from a corner kick away to Notts County. An unsung hero in the side for a number of years, Potter’s efforts have recently been awarded with a return to international action, and she, along with all Blues fans, would be delighted to see her on the plane to next year’s World Cup.

Attacker – Yuki Ogimi (Chelsea)

A tough call between Chelsea’s two eastern acquisitions, who have both made a big impact to Chelsea’s side this year, the Japanese international sneaks in thanks to her goal scoring efforts, netting five times this season. Bringing flair and control to a strong team, Ogimi took no time settling in, scoring a brace in their opening game of the season. Starting all but one WSL game this year, the former Potsdam star will be looking to put the final day disappointment behind her as she and her international teammates look to retain the Womens World Cup next year.

Attacker – Jess Clarke (Notts County)

Clarke has had a magnificent season for Notts County, stepping up in the absence of Ellen White and thriving in the role as main attacking threat. Scoring half of their league goals all season, six in total, she has become arguably the most threatening player in the league, mixing pace and skill with some very good finishes. There is no doubt that, without her efforts this year, County’s great defensive record may not have counted for much, and they have been heavily reliant on her goals all year. While she may not be a regular starter for England, I would hope she gets a place in the World Cup squad, as she would be a seriously positive impact player to bring on.

Attacker – Karen Carney (Birmingham)

Blues’ skipper this year could not have done much more to help her side lift their first WSL trophy. Finishing top scorer in the WSL with eight goals, playing every game for the Midlands outfit, she has played her part in what was a superb effort from Birmingham in taking it to the very last minute in the fight for the title. Carney’s brace in the penultimate game at Man City is an example of her never say die attitude, and her willingness never to give in and help pull the team along eventually led to the last day battle. Another who will be guaranteed a place in the England World Cup squad, injuries permitting.

Striker – Nikita Parris (Everton)

This could very easily have gone to Eni Aluko, who deserves a mention, but Parris shone in an Everton side that were eventually relegated. The young England striker scored six of Everton’s ten goals in total, missing only one game through suspension. Parris’ goals, although futile in the fight for survival, gave the Blues the best chance possible, and in two of the games they drew, Parris scored in those games. A shining light in the side, she performed wonders, being asked to carry the team with her goals, and at a tender age she has displayed a great eye for goal, one which many WSL1 teams will be looking at over the winter.

Final day heartbreak for Blues

Blues Ladies' season ended in agony on Sunday, as a 2-2 draw with Notts County saw them end the year in third place, not only missing out on the title, but also a place in next season's Champions League, as Liverpool retained their title in the most tense and dramatic of finale's.

Blues began the day knowing victory at home would ensure themselves a place in Europe, and still leave them with a chance of toppling Chelsea to WSL glory, should the Londoners lose at Manchester City, but also knowing failure to win would leave the door open for Liverpool to sneak in. The hosts were unchanged from last week's win in Manchester, Abbey-Leigh Stringer retaining her place ahead of Jade Moore, who was fit enough for a place on the bench.

Blues started poorly, and found themselves a goal down after only three minutes, Aileen Whelan left free to head home a corner to give the away side the perfect start. The title chasers could not get a foot in the game, as a confident Notts County side were looking to continue on a recent four league game unbeaten run, and they strengthened their grip over Blues on 20 minutes when, following a goalmouth scramble, striker Fiona O'Sullivan poked the ball into the net from close range. Alarm bells were ringing at this point, and with nothing improving up to the half hour mark, David Parker made a tactical change, bringing Hannah Keryakoplis on for Stringer, and setting up with a more attacking formation, and the Welsh forward made an immediate impact, intercepting a loose back pass before rounding Carly Telford and unselfishly pulling the ball back to Kirsty Linnett who, on the second attempt, pulled a goal back.

This livened up the crowd and the players responded, dragging themselves back into the contest, in the knowledge that Man City were beating Chelsea by two goals to nil in the other game, and with three minutes of the half remaining, Blues were given a glorious chance to get back on level terms. Keryakoplis' pass was adjudged to have been handled by a Notts defender, and Carney stepped up to take the penalty, but was denied by Telford with a good save from the penalty, and then a spectacular stop from the follow up.

Jade Moore replaced Remi Allen at the break, and Blues carried on where they left the first half, on the front foot, and were level within five minutes of the restart. Linnett chased down a loose ball, and the clearance bounced off her kindly into the path of Keryakoplis, who only needed two touches to control the ball and calmly slot it past Telford to send the home crowd into raptures, knowing only one more goal would mean title glory, with Chelsea still losing in the North. Moore and Carney went close minutes after the goal as Blues pushed for that pivotal third, but Liverpool were winning 3-0 at home to Bristol, so Blues knew it was all or nothing in terms of league positions.

County sub Dunia Susi clipped the bar with a twenty yard shot, highlighting the danger of pushing so hard for the winner, but at this stage a draw was as irrelevant as defeat, so Emily Westwood was brought on with ten minutes left as the hosts went hell for leather, and the bumper crowd reacted with great noise and enthusiasm, willing their side to grab the winner.

Liverpool had kicked off a couple of minutes earlier than Blues, so their game had finished as Blues and Chelsea went into injury time, Chelsea having pulled a goal back and were now battering away at a Man City side with a player sent off, and it was in the additional four minutes added time that Blues' best chance came and went. Carney turned smartly in the middle of the park to create space to run into, and she found Linnett on the edge of the box. Her first touch was inch perfect, but once again Telford denied her with a superb save, tipping her powerful effort round the post. She was at hand for the resulting corner as well, tipping Potter's cross over the bar for another corner, from which Mannion's header was deflected wide by Linnett, and that was that.

The final whistle was met with tears from players, fans and staff alike, the devastation of missing out on both prizes available on the day hitting home, Liverpool winning the league and Chelsea grabbing the second Champions League place. In time, the achievements of this squad this year will be looked back upon with great pride, and rightly so, in light of everything they have gone through as a squad, with a limited budget, to finish third in the WSL is an incredible feat, but it will take time for the team to come to terms with the feeling of what could have been on a day of so many contrasting emotions. Keep Right On may never have been a more appropriate anthem than it is for those players right now, but I believe that, should they stay together and not lose important players, this experience will only serve to make this group even more determined to finally lift the trophy they desire the most.

Blues: Spencer, Weston (Westwood 80), Mannion, Harrop, Carter, Allen (Moore 46), Potter, Stringer (Keryakoplis 28), Lawley, Carney (c), Linnett. Subs not used: Baggaley, Sergeant, Torkildsen, Simpkins

Notts County: Telford, Walton, Turner, Corsie, Brogan, Scott (Susi 64), Hoyle, Whelan, O'Neill, Clarke, O'Sullivan (Friend 88)

Title now in Chelsea's hands

Blues failed to break down a resolute Everton side at the Select Security Stadium last night, leaving the FAWSL title very much in the hands of Chelsea, who are now two points clear of the Midlands side with three games remaining.

The away side were unchanged from their recent 3-1 victory at Bristol Academy, with Everton making one forced change, young striker Lucy Whipp replacing the suspended Nikita Parris.

In light of their lowly league position, it was a surprise to see Everton begin the game defending very deep, allowing Blues to control the game in midfield, where they enjoyed the majority of possession in their opponents half, which lasted for the whole of the first 45 minutes. Winger Mel Lawley was the liveliest of the attacking Blues stars, causing the hosts plenty of problems on the left wing, and bringing a good low save from Brown-Finnis in the Everton goal early on. Lawley's cross three minutes later found Karen Carney, who headed just over, before Lawley again cut inside from the left to shoot just wide. The England U20 trickster then fed full back Jess Carter who forced Brown-Finnis into a smart stop, driving a testing shot from 25 yards, and from the resulting corner Danielle Turner hacked the ball off the line following a goalmouth scramble. Blues continued to control the possession stats, especially inside Everton's half, but the final killer pass was lacking. Carney and Kirsty Linnett had half chances as the half wore on, but Everton, understandably, were determined not to concede and made life hard for Blues' playmakers. The visitors suffered a blow minute before half time when Jade Moore suffered a reoccurrence of the ankle injury which affected her recent international duty, and she was replaced by Emily Westwood, a straight swap in the centre of midfield.

Ten minutes after the break, the only moment of controversy in the game flared up when Remi Allen collided with Toffees midfielder Brooke Chaplen who, unhappy with Allen's challenge, aimed a kick out at Allen. The incident could not have been seen by the referee clearly, as she was only given a talking to, a matter which was made worse when minutes later she was booked for a foul on Westwood, and may well feel she was lucky to stay on. The hosts were defending bravely, but never really looked threatening going forward until their best chance of the game fell to Whipp on the hour mark. Indecision in the Blues defence led to a loose ball being picked up by the U19 England international, but her shot flew over Becky Spencer's crossbar, much to the relief of the away side. This was the closest Everton came to scoring, as David Parker desperately tried everything to see his side grab a crucial goal that would have taken them above Chelsea to the top of the table. Turner was in the right place at the right time for Everton again from a Blues corner, Aoife Mannion's header cleared off the line, before Vicky Jones did the same from another Mannion header with ten minutes remaining. Brown-Finnis was looking confident in the hosts' goal, saving from Lawley, while Linnett headed inches wide from a delightful Carney cross, as Blues threw everything at their opponents, but their best chance was yet to come. As the clock ticked into injury time, Carney fed. Linnett on the right hand side of the Everton box, and her inch perfect cross bounced horrendously on the artificial surface, leaving Westwood ending up neither heading nor tapping the ball home, as it bounced harmlessly wide. Everton held out the remainder of added on time, leaving neither side pleased with the outcome.

The draw leaves Everton bottom of the table, four points behind Notts County with four games remaining, including a six pointer when they travel to Meadow Lane to face County. Blues are now on 21 points, two behind leaders Liverpool, and two ahead of next opponents Liverpool.

Chelsea have the advantage of playing the day before Blues, knowing victory away at Notts County would open up a five point gap before their two rivals for the title play each other a day later. If County were to stop the London side picking up all three points however, it would be a huge boost to both Blues and Liverpool, with both teams knowing a win would put them right back in the race. You have to make Chelsea favourites to lift the trophy on October 12, but this season has proved on many occasions any team can beat anyone on their day, so Blues have to believe three wins from their remaining games (Liverpool at home, Man City away and Notts County at home) could very well lead them to their first ever WSL title, and cap an incredible season for this group of players.

The Liverpool game is to be shown live on BT Sport on Sunday September 21st, a midday kick off, but it would be a huge boost to the players if there was a bumper crowd at Solihull Moors' Autotech Stadium, especially with the season drawing to a close, and so much still to play for.

Blues: Spencer, Weston, Mannion, Harrop, Carter, Potter, Moore (Westwood 44), Allen, Lawley, Carney (c), Linnett. Subs not used: Baggaley, Sargeant, Wellings, Torkildsen, Stringer, Keryakoplis

Everton: Brown-Finnis, Jones, Johnson, George, Greenwood, Turner, Chaplen, Hinnigan (c), Jones, Turner, Whipp. Subs not used: Walsh, Whelan, Handley, Magill, Williams, Kane, Davies

Select Security Stadium

Attendance: 310

Referee: T Neild

FAWSL campaign begins with a point

Blues Ladies kicked off their WSL league campaign with a goalless draw at home to Everton on Wednesday night at The Autotech Stadium.

The home side made several changes to their starting line up, with Saturday's UEFA Champions League semi final very much in the minds of players and management. Allen, Potter, Lawley and Linnett were left on the bench, while Weston was rested all together from the squad. This meant starts for Torkildsen, Simpkins, Wilkinson and a first start for pre season signing Keryakoplis. For the visitors, Danielle Turner made her debut, and Nikita Parris started up front, filling the gap left by England striker Toni Duggan who has joined Man City.

During a quiet first half, Blues' best chance fell to Wilkinson, who was unlucky to be denied twice by Brown-Finnis in the Everton goal. The former Villa striker met a left wing cross with a good header, and after the England stopper kept that out, she was their to deny Wilkinson from the follow up shot. Becky Spencer saved well following an Everton corner, but goalscoring opportunities were few and far between for both sides.

Parker made a double change at half time, Linnett and Allen replacing Torkildsen and Wilkinson, but if anything it was the Merseyside outfit who came out stronger after the break, and it took a superb save from Spencer to deny Billie Murphy the opener. Everton looked comfortable in possession, belying their tag as favourites for relegation this season, and it took Jo Potter's inclusion on the hour mark, replacing Simpkins, to drag Blues back into the game. Her usual nonchalance and composure in possession was much needed, and with the midfield back to how it has been for the start of the season Blues seized control. The best cross of the match from Keryakoplis was inches away from a decent Linnett connection, and Allen shot straight at the keeper following a right wing cross. The closest either team came to a winner was with ten minutes remaining, Linnett escaping her marker before crashing a 25 yard effort off the bar, leaving Brown-Finnis stranded.

Neither side could find the winner, and in terms of the start of the league both teams will be pleased with their respective points and clean sheets. This is a very impressive feat for Blues, who can add this clean sheet to the two they achieved against Arsenal in the Quarter Finals. Considering the loss of Laura Bassett from the back line, and with Emily Westwood recovering from injury, the young defenders have displayed maturity and confidence beyond their years. Harrop and Mannion have set up a good understanding at the heart of the defence, while Sargeant has looked equally at home at left back (Doncaster) or right back (Everton). I would guess that Jess Carter will make the left back berth her own as the season progresses, it is incredible to see a sixteen year old with so much composure, something Parker must be delighted with considering the lack of experience Blues have at the back.

The draw was a better result for both teams taking into consideration the other result of the night, where Notts County drew 1-1 with Arsenal, which confirms the expectations of many WSL supporters that this season will be the most competitive league yet. Liverpool and Chelsea will be the two teams most likely to break away and challenge for the title, but the remaining six teams will take points off each other throughout the season, so not losing the first game was very important for all four sides.

Attentions now turn to Saturday's history making tie with Tyreso, and the defence will have to stay strong against some of the best players in the world, while hopefully the rests given to the attacking players will do them good, and they can come out firing against the Swedish giants.

Blues: Spencer, Sargeant, Mannion, Harrop, Carter, Moore, Torkildsen (Allen 46), Simpkins (Potter 60), Carney (c), Keryakoplis, Wilkinson (Linnett 46)
Subs not used: Baggaley, Haines, Lawley, Brown

Everton: Brown-Finnis, Murphy, Whelan, Johnson, Greenwood, Handley, Jones, Chaplen, Turner (Magill 77), Hinnigan (c), Parris
Subs not used: Jones, Whipp, George, Turner, Walsh, Hayes

Timely reality check as Blues edge into FA Cup Quarters

Blues Ladies made hard work of their progression into the FA Cup Quarter Finals this weekend, eventually defeating WSL 2 side Doncaster Rovers Belles 3-1 thanks to goals from Remi Allen, Kirsty Linnett and a wonder strike from Jo Potter.

This was the first game to be held at Damson Park, the home of Solihull Moors, and Blues fielded a strong starting line up, with only two changes being made from the Champions League Quarter Final success over Arsenal. Both changes came in defence, Christina Torkildsen and, making her debut, Meaghan Sargeant replaced Aoife Mannion and Jess Carter. Belles also put out a strong side, the vast majority of which played a significant part in their previous WSL season.

It did not take long until Blues broke the deadlock, the first goal at their new home, and it was the impressive Allen who opened the scoring. A neat turn from Linnett on the edge of the box allowed her room to cross and, after evading the reach of Nic Hobbs in the Belles' goal, Allen timed her run to perfection to be in the right place at the right time to score her third Blues goal in as many matches, and increased her burgeoning reputation as a goal scoring midfielder.

If anything the goal led Blues to rest on their laurels a touch, and the fast, high pressing game the team displayed in the two Arsenal games was missing. As the first half went on, Doncaster enjoyed their fair share of possession, but rarely got into the final third due to the presence of Blues' midfield trio. Their best chance of the half came on the half hour, when Mille Bright found herself with what seemed an unguarded net to place the ball into, but her goalbound effort was superbly blocked on the line by Kerys Harrop.

Blues should have gone into the break two up. Potter's diagonal ball found Carney on the right wing, and following an excellent first touch her cross found Linnett inside the box, with Hobbs nowhere to be seen, but unfortunately for the former Arsenal forward she was leaning back as she connected with the volley, and her effort went harmlessly over the bar.

The second half played out very much the same as the first, both sides losing possession to easily and the game mainly being battled out in the middle of the park, but with fifteen minutes remaining Doncaster equalised. Jess Sigsworth rounded a couple of challenges to find herself inside the area, and her shot-come-cross was side-footed home by captain Leandra Little, a goal which the lower league outfit deserved, if only for their determination and hard work.

Following the goal, Blues appeared to wake from their slumber and began to regain control of the game. Carney found space following a good link up with Linnett, and the skipper's square ball fell to Mel Lawley, but the winger took one touch too many and allowed Hobbs to parry her shot behind for a corner.

Potter had wasted a couple of good set piece opportunities during the second half, but Belles conceded one foul too many two minutes from time when Jade Moore was bundled over on the edge of the area. Potter chipped the cross in which caused all sorts of confusion inside the area, and as the Belles defence attempted to clear their lines, an attemped clearance ricocheted off Linnett and looped over Hobbs to put Blues back in front, and they wrapped the tie up in injury time thanks to a piece of solo genius.

Hobbs raced out of her goal to prevent a Blues corner, and her clearance eventually fell to the left foot of Potter, the last place they would have wanted it to land, and the former Everton and Charlton midfielder fired home a tremendous effort into the top corner.

Blues will know they have to be better if they are to steer clear of trouble in the upcoming WSL season, but they will also know they are capable of much better, and will be hoping to get back to business in their opening league game of the season against Everton on Wednesday evening.

Credit to Doncaster, nobody could have begrudged them of their equaliser, and they should take great confidence from this game, as they strive for an immediate return to WSL 1 this season.

Blues: Spencer, Weston, Torkildsen, Harrop, Seargant, Potter, Moore, Allen, Carney (c), Lawley, Linnett. Subs not used: Baggaley, Carter, Mannion, Keryakoplis, Simpkins

Doncaster: Hobbs, Cunningham, Little (c), Roberts, Cresswell, Smith, Lipka, Bright, Chadwick (Williams 70), England (Mills 55), Sigworth. Subs not used: Knight, Johnson

Familiarity breeds success to give Blues slender lead

Debutant Remi Allen’s first half strike gave Blues Ladies a 1-0 lead going into Sunday’s second leg of their Champions League Quarter Final tie against Arsenal. In front of a crowd of over 2,500 at St Andrews, the hosts displayed outstanding character and spirit in the face of a team full of experienced internationals.

Blues set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, as expected. The front six players picked themselves: Potter and Moore sat in the holding position in front of the back 4, with new signing Allen being the player given the licence to push forward to support lone striker Linnett. Newly appointed Captian Carney and Lawley offered the side width throughout the game and stretched the pitch as much as possible, whilst tracking back to assist their full backs.

 

The main selection questions marks came in defence, and boss David Parker bravely opted to throw sixteen year old Jess Carter in at left back for her first team debut. The ever reliable Weston patrolled the right back slot, with Mannion and Harrop the two centre backs.

 

Arsenal picked a strong line up considering the player exodus during pre-season. New signing Chamblerlain had to settle for a place on the bench as Byrne kept goal. A new back four of Scott, Stoney, Kinga and Mitchell were shadowed by youngster Jade Bailey.

 

The front five players interchanged throughout the match. Yankey and Dan Carter found themselves up against the full backs regularly, while Smith, Ohno and Weir tried to make the most of the central areas, moving into the gaps between midfield and defence.

Arsenal forced Blues into a few nervy moments early in the match, as the young defenders tried to find their feet, but gradually they became more comfortable and the home side gained control of the match. An early Potter free kick went just wide, and after Byrne spilt a Weston cross from the right, Lawley should have opened the scoring, but blazed the dropping ball just over from inside the area. Linnett was causing Stoney and Kinga all sorts of problems, and Allen was pushed further forward to assist her teammate, and following another burst forward from the former Gunner, Allen’s shot was gathered comfortably, but it was another Weston cross that created the only goal of the game. Carney laid the ball back for the England U23 international, and her cross was hooked in by Allen. Linnett had another shot cleared off the line as Blues went into the break a goal to the good.

The second half became a war of attrition, as Arsenal’s front five began to impose themselves onto the game. Whilst possession stats are unavailable, I would suggest that Arsenal had the majority during the second half, but the midfield trio of Moore, Potter and Allen worked tirelessly to prevent Arsenal’s playmakers to create any clear cut goal scoring opportunities. It seemed wherever Smith ventured, Potter followed. If any midfield outfights Blues this season, then they will certainly feel it the next day. Given that this was the first competitive match since the 5-2 victory over Zorky four months ago, the energy shown by Blues was tremendous, and the fact the vast majority of the team have either played together or know each other very well was invaluable in the battle against the Londoners. Yankey was replaced by another of the young Arsenal reserves Freda Ayisi, while Blues looked to close the game out by bringing on Simpkins, usually a defensively minded midfielder, to play up top, replacing the impressive Linnett with ten minutes remaining. Japanese World Cup winner Ohno had the best two chances of the second half, firstly being denied by a tremendous block tackle by Mannion, and late on firing over when well placed in the area.

The player of the match was fully deservedly awarded to Jess Carter. For a sixteen year old debutant, she showed nerves of steel up against Carter and Scott on the Arsenal right hand side, and for her not to look out of place was testament to how well she performed on the biggest stage Blues have ever performed on. There is a very bright future ahead for the youngster, already making waves in the England U19 squad, and after shining against Arsenal she has proven herself capable of playing in the big games. Kudos must go to Parker for her giving her the chance to play, and she took full advantage of her opportunity.

So Blues go into the second leg not only with a lead, but with an all-important home clean sheet, meaning if they were to score at The Hive on Sunday, Arsenal would need three to progress to a semi-final showdown with Swedish outfit Tyreso.

 

Looking at the respective benches during the first leg, I would not expect many changes to be made for the reverse tie, and if Blues can match the effort and commitment shown during Monday night’s game, they will give themselves a great chance of making even more history and find themselves in the last four of the competition.

Blues: Spencer, Weston, Mannion, Harrop, Carter, Potter, Moore, Allen, Carney (c), Lawley, Linnett (Simpkins 79). Subs not used: Baggaley, Sargeant, Keryakoplis, Wilkinson, Torkildsen, Haines

Arsenal: Byrne, Scott, Stoney, Kinga, Mitchell, Bailey, Weir, Ohno, Carter, Smith (c), Yankey (Ayisi 76). Subs not used: Chamberlain, Hoogendijk, Williamson, Bragg, Sampson, Humphrey

Attendance: 2,671

Blues vs Arsenal preview

With only a few days to go until the first leg of the Champions League Quarter Final, we preview the season opener at St Andrews.

There is a distinct feeling of the changing of the guard at Blues this season. Long standing stalwarts of previous seasons have departed, with younger, fresher players being brought into the club. There is no doubt Captain Laura Bassett and top scorer Rachel Williams, both of whom moved to Chelsea over the winter, will be missed, despite the fact the latter was unavailable for Blues for the majority of the second half of last season. The leadership qualities lost by Bassett’s exit will be hard to replace, although the appointment of Karen Carney is one that ensures the team will be under no illusions of how much the club means to the Birmingham born winger. Izzy Christiansen has signed for WSL newcomers Manchester City, and she will be a big loss, especially with how well she linked up with the front line towards the back end of the 2013 campaign. Last season ended on such a high, the 5-2 victory at the home of the men’s side over Zorky was arguably the display of the season. The likes of Mel Lawley and Kirsty Linnett showed how well they had seamlessly fitted into the BCLFC system, and there will be added pressure on them this season to deliver the goods in the final third of the pitch.

It hasn’t all been exits and departures this pre-season: Midfielder Remi Allen and versatile defender Meaghan Sargeant have joined from the former Lincoln Ladies, and Welsh international attacker Hannah Keryakoplis has bolstered David Parker’s options up front, arriving from Stoke City. I would expect Blues to set up similar to last season, with Carney and Lawley the wide outlets, Allen and Moore patrolling the midfield, with Jo Potter breaking forward to support Linnett up front. The main question marks would be the centre of defence. Assuming Emily Westwood is fit, she would make up one of the back two, but Parker has a decision to make regarding whether Sargeant comes straight in for her debut, or Harrop is moved into central defence, and Hannah George plays. There is plenty of youthful exuberance available to Blues should they feel the need to use it.

The transfer activity at Blues has been nothing compared to that of their quarter final opponents from the capital. Eleven players have left the current FA Cup holders, eight of which were first team regulars last season. The financial muscle of Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and Notts County have accounted for many of Arsenal’s stars of the past three years, while PFA Women’s Player of the Year Kim Little has moved across the pond to re-join her old coach Laura Harvey at Seattle Reign. The Gunners have recruited well, however, bringing in England internationals Siobhan Chamberlain and Casey Stoney from Bristol Academy and Notts County Ladies respectively, Dutch full back Anouk Hoogendijk, Scottish midfielder Christie Murray, along with Japanese duo Yukari Kinga and Shinobu Ohno.

Shelley Kerr has a very tough job gelling this new squad quickly. The loss of key players down the spine of the team such as Little, Houghton and White will mean the side has to adjust, and whilst there are players who can come in and fill the same positions, there can be no hiding the impact Little’s departure will have. Jordan Nobbs is out injured for the first month or so of the league, and this will be another huge blow to the London outfit. A lot of trust will be placed in Dan Carter to supply the level of goals left behind by White, Little and Davison, all of whom always caused Blues numerous problems in previous encounters. It is very difficult to predict the Arsenal line up, what with the huge turnover of players, but they will be hoping to play as many of their experienced players as they can in such a huge game to start the season.

With the first leg providing Blues with home advantage, up against a side very much in transition, I am letting my heart persuade my head in predicting a tight 2-1 victory for the hosts.