BCLFC vs NCLFC preview

This Sunday sees a repeat of the heart-breaking final game of the 2014 season, when Notts County travel to Blues in third WSL game of the season. With both teams on one point from six from their first two games, and the knowledge that no WSL Champions have lost more than two games in the season they won the title, three points is crucial in an attempt to climb the table.

The early season optimism around The Autotech Stadium has been dampened slightly following away defeats to Liverpool in the league and Man City in the FA Cup Quarter Final, but with three WSL home fixtures in the next week and a half, Blues will be hoping to revive their campaign with some positive results. Following the Notts County game, they host pace setters Chelsea and strugglers Bristol, and this signifies a big chance for the Midlanders to regain confidence and push away from the bottom of the division.

Similarly to Blues, County haven’t secured the points they would feel they deserved from their first two league games. Defeat at home to Chelsea in the season opener was somewhat cruel, and they were the better team in their draw at home to Arsenal, but they find themselves above Blues only on goals scored. They have good memories of visits to Solihull from last season, winning in the Continental Cup group stage and securing the draw in the dramatic last day fixture, and unlike their opponents they have an FA Cup Semi Final to look forward to, with a fine 5-1 victory over Aston Villa leading to another kind draw against WSL2 side Everton. County may well reach the final without playing a fellow WSL1 opponent, which is quite astonishing.

If there wasn’t enough spice in this fixture, the return of former Blues favourites Laura Bassett, Rachel Williams and Rachel Unitt will no doubt up the ante, and midfielder Jade Moore has been speaking about the game to FAWSL.com:

“It’s going to be a very tough contest and they’ve got a few ex-players of ours like Laura Bassett and Rachel Unitt, which always makes the game interesting,” she said.

“Then there’s obviously the history of last season when they got the draw at our place that prevented us from winning the league so there’s a few things that will put an edge on the game.

“But we’re looking forward to the battle and they’ve got off to a really good start, while for ourselves we’ve got to get some points on the board.

“It’ll definitely be good to be back at home after two away games and the crowds are slowly growing. It also becomes a bit of a derby as they are the closest team relative to us in the league.

“We need a few more noisy fans to come down to make sure we don’t get out-voiced by the away fans but the crowds have been good to us and it will be nice to have a few games in a row at home.”

Meanwhile, Blues’ development side have been embroiled in a controversial week following their Cup Semi Final defeat to Liverpool last Sunday. Blues lost on penalties, but it transpired that Liverpool made 4 substitutions in the match, without the referee knowing, so the Semi Final will be replayed a week on Sunday (26^th April) to see who will face Sunderland in the Final on May 31^st. In league matters, a 4-1 derby win over Villa sees the Northern Division tighten up at the top. Man City find themselves leading the way, a 2-0 win over Liverpool saw them leapfrog the Merseysiders onto 27 points from 11 games, with the Reds and Blues sitting three points behind, but with a game in hand. Whilst the first team are battling Notts County on Sunday, the development side travel to Doncaster Belles, who sit bottom of the nine-team group, and will be aiming to keep the pressure on their northern rivals.

This week also saw the announcement of the PFA Player of the Year awards, and Blues were involved in both senior and young player awards. Captain Karen Carney was nominated in the senior list, alongside Eni Aluko and Ji So Yun from Chelsea, Kelly Smith from Arsenal, Lucy Bronze from Man City and Jess Clarke from Notts County. There were two Blues players in the young player nominations, Aoife Mannion and Freda Ayisi vying for the award with Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Hannah Blundell (Chelsea), Amy Turner (Notts County) and Nikita Parris (Man City). As ever with player awards nominations, there has been some debate about players included in both lists, and in particular players not recognised for their performances last season, but good luck to the Blues contingent in their respective categories.

WSL 1 2015 Predictions

As the eight WSL 1 teams prepare to start the fifth WSL season, we look at the chances of each team in what promises to be the hardest season to predict yet:

Arsenal Ladies – Last Season 4^th

After the upheaval and turmoil surrounding the clubs last pre-season transfer activity, fans will be much happier this time around, with the big news surrounding incoming players as opposed to players leaving the club. Manager Pedro Martinez Losa has bolstered his teams attacking threat, bringing England striker Lianne Sanderson back to the club following her stint in America, along with Bristol Academy’s top scorer from last season Natalia. Vicky Losada will add flair to the midfield after joining from Barcelona, while Arsenal’s second capture from Bristol, Jemma Rose, will add a bit of pace and strength in their back line. Japanese duo Kinga and Ohno have left, but first team players have opted to stay at the club this season, as the biggest name in women’s football aim to regain their place at the head of the table.

One to watch – Leah Williamson – looking to follow up on her successful breakthrough season last year, could form a solid midfield partnership with Nobbs. May be a little too early in regards an England World Cup place this year, but a good start to the season may sway opinion.

Prediction – May well be the entertainers of the league, will score plenty but may concede a few too many to be challengers. Expect to challenge again in cup competitions. 6^th

Birmingham City Ladies – Last Season 3^rd

Another quiet transfer window for David Parker’s side, which will be music to the ears of many supporters who feared last season’s heart-breaking finale would see many big name players depart for pastures new. Alex Windell (Bristol) and Freda Ayisi (Arsenal) will add versatility, pace and technical ability to a squad that has developed together over a number of years, and many within the group feel more confident than ever. The policy of allowing youth players to flourish in the first team has worked, and this remains the key ethos of the club. The loss of Chelsea Weston for the season will be a body blow, but may well act as an added incentive for a team that never know when they’re beaten, and after the events of that final day of last season will surely fan the flames of desire within a talented squad.

One to watch – Jade Moore – could have picked any of the brilliant midfield trio at Blues’ disposal, but in a World Cup year, Moore will be keen to catch the eye of Mark Sampson to secure her place on the plane to Canada.

Prediction – Will be hard to beat, will cause plenty of shocks to pundits who expect them to falter, but will need a fully fit to squad to stay in contention. 2nd 

Bristol Academy Women – Last Season 7^th

In stark contrast to the first two teams mentioned, the transfer window has not been kind to fans of Bristol Academy. From the joy of securing a Champions League Quarter Final place only a few months ago, they have seen the departures of many of the key figures who got them into that position. Spanish strikers Natalia and Laura Del Rio have left, along with winger Natasha Harding, while Jemma Rose and Corrine Yorston have also jumped ship to leave holes in a defence that was the second worst last season. A Welsh influence has arrived in the shape of Hayley Ladd, Nadia Lawrence and Lauren Townsend, along with Christie Murray from Arsenal, but defeat in the FA Cup to WSL 2 Everton may be a sign of the troubles ahead.

One to watch – Angharad James – Bristol will look to the likes of James to steady the ship, and the Welsh international has the ability to become the key to saving Bristol’s season from petering into a disaster.

Prediction – Can’t see where the goals will come from, and Mary Earps may well be kept very busy this season. 8^th

Chelsea Ladies – Last Season 2^nd

It transpired that a point away to Man City would have seen Emma Hayes’ team head into this season as Champions, but defeat in Manchester saw the title slip from their grasp. Though the season ended with disappointment, there were plenty of positives to take from the campaign, and even though some first team players have left, namely Laura Bassett, Rachel Williams and Dani Buet all to Notts County, and Yuki Ogimi to Wolfsburg, the acquisitions of the likes of Gemma Davison, Millie Bright and Marija Banusic will mean the Londoners will retain their goal threat. Niamh Fahey and Hedvig Lindhal will also provide competition on the defensive front. Will be desperate to go one better than last term and win their first WSL title.

One to watch – Ji So Yun – the Japanese playmaker made an immediate impact with Ogimi last season for the Blues, and although Ogimi has left, So Yun will be the player that Chelsea look to for the attacking flair this year.

Prediction – Second highest scorers last year will be full of goals again, but I wonder what that Man City game will do to their confidence. 5th

Liverpool Ladies – Last Season 1^st

Last season’s Champions have once again placed their faith in bringing in foreign players in the transfer window, with four new signings coming in to replace some important members of the 2014 squad moving on. Asisat Oshoala is the most eye catching signing, the young Nigerian with big potential will hope to settle in quickly. Surprisingly, names like Lucy Bronze and Gemma Davison have joined opposing WSL teams, and Amanda da Costa has moved back to the USA. Despite these departures, the strong English spine of the team remains, captain Gemma Bonner marshalling defence, Fara Williams the playmaker in midfield, and Natasha Dowie will be hoping to score more than the three league goals last year. Nicole Rolser and Lucy Staniforth returning from long term injuries will also boost the squad. Already out of the Champions League and FA Cup, the WSL season is the main focus.

One to watch – Natasha Dowie – as mentioned above, will be disappointed with last year’s goal tally, and with a World Cup only months away, will be desperate to start the season on fire to try and grab a late call up to the squad.

Prediction – Big squad full of talent, will start the season in the eyes of many as favourites, but will have to start the season strongly. 3rd

Manchester City Women – Last Season 5^th

It has been another busy pre-season for the Continental Cup holders, with plenty of players in and out of the door. Unsurprisingly, the additions have caught the eye, especially the signing of Lucy Bronze from Liverpool, a deal struck at the very start of the window, which signalled City’s intent early on. Jennifer Beattie and Demi Stokes will bolster the back line, but the attacking signings have been impressive, with the club opting for young, British talent as opposed to foreign incomings. Sarah Wiltshire and Natasha Harding will bring pace and ability in the wide areas, and Nikita Parris will challenge Toni Duggan for the striker role, possibly even partnering her at some stage. Playing this season at their new home of the Academy stadium, there is no doubt where this club intends to be, and the sooner the better.

One to watch – Sarah Wiltshire – among the many big name signings over the last two years, the Welsh attacker may well prove to be the most exciting. Impressed regularly at WSL 2 level, this is her chance to shine at the top

Prediction – It is clear that City’s aim is title winners not just once, but to dominate the game. They now have a very strong squad, and could start that this year. 1st

Notts County Ladies – Last Season 6^th

The surprise package during the off season, and arguably the big winners in terms of transfer activity. Bringing in Bassett, Buet and Williams from Chelsea was shrewd business, as was exploiting Everton’s relegation by bringing in Alex Greenwood and Fern Whelan. They will miss their best player last year in Rachel Corsie, but now look to have a seriously strong squad, with cover for all areas of the pitch. Jess Clarke will no doubt be a key attacking player, and Ellen White will practically be a new signing to them, having missed the previous campaign with a long term injury. County boasted the best defence in the league last year, and are very well organised under Rick Passmoor. If they can avoid a repeat of last season’s injury curse, they will cause a lot of teams a lot of problems, and within the squad have confidence to go well this year.

One to watch – Ellen White – will be desperate to get playing again after last season’s disappointment, and another with realistic England ambitions to go to the World Cup. A flurry of goals early on may well see her achieve that.

Prediction – On the face of it, the strongest defence last year now has a serious goal threat, which means they have a really good chance of upsetting teams, especially in cups. 4th

Sunderland Ladies – WSL2 Champions

The newcomers to WSL 1 having won WSL 2 last year, winning 15 of their 18 league games. Their biggest strength, similarly to Birmingham, is that the main core of their squad is still in place, with not much movement in the transfer window, however they have had to endure a chance of management. Mick Mulhern had to resign his post due to his role as a full time police officer, and this would have prevented him spending enough time as manager. His replacement, Carlton Fairweather, has managed to bring in experienced WSL 1 players in Victoria Williams and Brooke Chaplen, leaving Doncaster and Everton respectively. Last season’s Continental Cup showed a gulf in class, where they lost 6-0 at Liverpool, but they will back themselves to be stronger this time around, and in Beth Mead they have a goal threat up front.

One to watch – Beth Mead – has to be the one Sunderland will look to to keep them in the top division. 10 goals in 15 games last season shows she has an eye for goal, and she will hope for more in the biggest league.

Prediction – Will see themselves in a two horse race for survival along with Bristol, Mead’s goals could prove to be pivotal in this battle. 7^th

Blues progress to Quarter Finals after Liverpool win

Blues Ladies marched into the Quarter Finals of the Womens FA Cup following an excellent 3-1 victory against WSL Champions Liverpool on Sunday. Goals from the midfield trio of Jade Moore, Jo Potter and Remi Allen ensured progression for the 2012 winners, despite a Natasha Dowie header in the first half.

Blues were without their suspended captain Karen Carney, so Emily Westwood was brought in, with new signings Freda Ayisi and Alex Windell starting on the bench, and Jade Moore taking the captain’s armband. The home side began brightly, forcing a succession of early corners which Allen twice found herself on the end of, once heading just wide and the other creating a chance of Westwood, but her swivelled shot also missed the target. Another Blues set piece was partially cleared by the away side straight to Chelsea Weston, who fired a drilled shot just over the bar from outside the area, but that led to the opening goal.

With Westwood in the team, she was deployed to prevent Liverpool keeper Libby Stout giving the ball to playmaker Fara Williams, and in doing so, Stout was forced to play the ball out to the left, where Blues pressed high and won the ball back well, the ball eventually falling to striker Kirsty Linnett, who produced a sublime flick to free the onrushing Moore. The stand in skipper took her time to steady herself before calmly slotting a left footed effort beyond Stout to give the hosts the lead they had thoroughly deserved, however ten minutes later the Reds were level, Dowie finding space in the box and heading home Corina Schroder’s left wing cross.

This goal settled the visitors down, and they began to play with more control. On the half hour mark, disaster struck for Blues full back Weston, following what looked an innocuous challenge, she went down clutching her knee in obvious agony. Not one to stay down when not hurt, this was a clear sign that serious damage had been done, and after 6-7 minutes treatment, she was stretchered from the pitch to warm applause from all parts of the ground. She was replaced by new signing Windell for her debut, in an unfamiliar full back berth, but the gloom was to be lifted by a stroke of genius two minutes later.

Westwood did well to win a free kick 25 yards from goal, and with no Carney in the side, free kick duties were left to the left foot of Potter, who didn’t disappoint, curling a spectacular strike into the top corner, beyond the despairing dive of Stout to regain the lead for David Parker’s side. New Liverpool signing Asisat Oshoala could have made it 2-2 before the break, but fired wide after dispossessing Kerys Harrop on the edge of the box, and Blues made it to half time ahead.

The second half was a quieter affair, Oshoala, Lawley and Westwood all failing to hit the target in the first twenty minutes of the second period. Liverpool made three substitutions in the space of ten minutes to try and wrestle back control of the game, Katie Zelem, Nicole Rolser and new signing Ingrid Ryland coming on, but still the home side resisted any clear cut chances for the two time WSL winners, allowing them plenty of possession but staying strong when the ball came into the final third, and allowing no time and space for Williams to dictate play. With ten minutes, the hard working Linnett was replaced by fellow debutant Ayisi, and following chances for Bonner and Rolser for the away side, it was Ayisi who won the match winning chance, after being fouled in the area by Murray. It was left to Allen to take the penalty with Carney missing, and she made no mistake by getting the third and sealing Blues’ passage into the Quarter Finals.

A sweet day for Blues Ladies was soured slightly with the news Weston suffered the dreaded ACL injury, which has plagued the women’s game over the last couple of years, and it is expected that the talented full back will miss the remainder of the season. A speedy recovery and full rehabilitation is hoped for so she can come back stronger and better than before. This result not only takes Blues one step closer to an FA Cup Final at Wembley, but also lays down a marker for the upcoming WSL season, a win over the reigning Champions is not to be played down, especially considering the performance in the win.

The draw for the Quarter Finals was made on Monday morning, and is as follows:

NOTTS COUNTY vs ASTON VILLA

MANCHESTER CITY vs BIRMINGHAM CITY

EVERTON or BRISTOL ACADEMY vs CHARLTON ATHLETIC

ARSENAL vs CHELSEA

A tough draw for Blues, but we managed to secure a 2-1 victory in last season’s trip to Manchester, a similar outcome would be much welcomed, and would leave Blues one game from Wembley.

BLUES: Spencer, Weston (Windell 37), Mannion, Harrop, Carter, Moore (c), Allen, Potter, Westwood, Lawley, Linnett (Ayisi 82). SUBS NOT USED: Baggaley, Simpkins, Wellings.

LIVERPOOL: Stout, Easton (Ryland 67), Bonner (c), Murray, Schroder, Williams, Dale (Zelem 63), Oshoala, Longhurst, Smorsgard (Rolser 73), Dowie. SUBS NOT USED: Gibbons, Harris.

Attendance: 401

Referee: Richard Watson