 Oxford Utd 2 (Osbourne-Ricketts 72,89) Shanklin 2 (Masterton 67, Mumford 78) Oxford won 3-1 on penalties Oxford Utd completed the Southern Region League and Cup 'double' and retained the League Cup after getting the better of Shanklin on a penalty shootout following an entertaining Final at Aldershot. After a tight start to the game, Oxford provided the first effort on goal when Lauren May sent a volley wide. Oxford were having the better of possession at this point whilst Shanklin looked dangerous through the pace of Nicola Briggs and Susan Cullen. Danielle Merryfield drove a shot from the edge of the area which was saved by Hannah Cox and then a good move, initially started by Georgia Dye, saw Briggs and Merryfield combined to set up Dye who fired her shot just past the post. Cox saved from a Kim Arnold free kick before Oxford enjoyed a good spell before half time. Firstly, May headed over the bar from a Holly Pickett cross, then Josie Tyler pulled off a good save from Lauren Allison as she met a Sian Riley-Phillips corner with a near post header. Ellie Roberts had a left foot strike well saved by Tyler as the half ended goalless. Tyler was again called into action at the start of the second half as she made a good save from May, who had been released on goal by Natasha Caswell's through ball. At the other end, a slip from Stephanie Mobbs let in Kim Arnold but Cox came to the rescue with a good save. Shanklin grew in confidence and started to carry the game to their opponents and were unlucky not to take the lead when Masterson's pass found Briggs on the left, the winger's pass putting Arnold through on goal where she fired the shot over Cox but against the bar. The Isle of Wight side should have taken the lead moments later though as a back pass from Isi Mead was intercepted by Merryfield who rolled the ball across goal for Cullen but, with an open goal at her mercy, she shot over the bar. Oxford responded with Pickett setting up Roberts to shoot just wide and Caswell saw an effort deflected over but Shanklin took a deserved lead when Arnold found Cullen who chipped a neat pass for Masterton to volley past Cox and inside the far post for the opening goal. Five minutes later, Oxford were back on level terms after Chloe Parkes was penalised for a foul on Pickett. Sahara Osbourne-Ricketts stepped up and from around 35 yards, fired a dipping shot just under the bar for the equaliser. This time it was Shanklin's turn to hit back and the luckless Arnold almost put them back in front with a 25-yard strike which crashed against the post. They only had to wait two more minutes though and as a Naomi Cooper corner caused hesitation in the Oxford defence, Sammie Mumford was on hand to ram the ball into the roof of the net from point blank range. Oxford piled on the pressure in the final minutes, coming closest when a Roberts fired a shot across goal which just evaded the oncoming Allison, but Shanklin kept things tight at the back with Emma Webb excelling in the centre of defence. However Shanklin's hearts were broken a minute from time when, after Parkes had been adjudged to have fouled Caswell, Osbourne-Ricketts repeated her feat from almost the same blade of grass as she powered another shot which sailed over Tyler's head and into the top corner. The pace of the game inevitably slowed down in extra time as the two teams tired badly. Oxford were reduced to ten players when Lucy Paley was forced off through injury but they had the better of what few chances were on offer. Roberts was just off target on two occasions and a good run from Mead almost took her all the way through but neither side could break through and the game went to penalties. Masterton gave Shanklin the lead with Osbourne-Ricketts levelling, then Arnold hit the woodwork for a third time and Mumford also struck the bar. Boxall and May both found the net for Oxford before Cox saved from Parkes to clinch victory and the 'double'. Oxford Utd: Hannah Cox, Gina Ianneillo, Isi Mead, Stephanie Mobbs (sub Lucy Paley 86mins), Sahara Osbourne-Ricketts, Sian Riley-Phillips (sub Nell Boxall 56mins), Lauren May, Natasha Caswell, Lauren Allison, Ellie Roberts, Holly Pickett (sub Emily Moore 79mins). Shanklin: Josie Tyler, Chloe Parkes, Naomi Cooper, Sammie Mumford, Kim Arnold, Georgia Dye (sub Kelly Thorne 45mins), Emma Webb, Kim Masterton, Susan Cullen (sub Lauren Crews 86mins), Danielle Merryfield, Nicola Briggs (sub Katy Rawlinson 79mins).
 Aldershot Town 2 (Carnell 22, Hubbort 85) Bracknell Town 1 (Smith og 23) An Amy Hubbort header five minutes from time gave Aldershot Town the edge in a tightly contested Southern Region League Chairman's Cup Final and handed a perfect retirement present to team mates Lesley Hubbard and Di Smith. Aldershot started the brighter of the two sides with Hubbort going close early on, hitting the side netting after exchanging passes with Emma North. The pace of hard working striker Amy Lawrence was keeping the Bracknell defence busy but it was the Robins who were next to go close as Libby Shuttle cut the ball back from a Jennifer Mulleady cross for Amy Davies who poked her shot just wide. The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Smith played a free kick into the area for fellow central defender Lauren Carnell to finish expertly, sidefooting past Jo Anderson at the far post. Aldershot's joy lasted barely a minute though as Bracknell hit back immediately, Shuttle's cross from the left being touched past her own keeper by Smith. Both teams were near to taking a lead into half time, firstly Emma Constable drilling a shot just over the bar for Bracknell and then at the other end, Caroline Shepherd played the ball forward for Lawrence who held off two challenges before her lob was denied by an excellent fingertip save from Anderson. Bracknell started the second half well and almost went in front as Caroline Bisson slid a neat pass into the path of Constable whose shot looked destined for the corner of the net but Hubbard pulled off a superb diving save. Hubbard again thwarted Constable by blocking her shot after the Aldershot defence were unable to clear a Joanne Atkins corner. The game remained evenly contested with both teams working hard to find another way through but found both defences in good form. A keen battle in midfield, particularly between Shepherd and Rebecca Powell, was also even as they fought for supremacy in that area. It was Aldershot who grew stronger in the latter stages and Hubbort almost put them in front but was denied by a good block after Sian Houghton had nodded on Smith's free kick. Then Hubbort fed Lawrence on the edge of the area where she turned and shot but Anderson turned the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner, Smith floated her kick to the far post where Hubbort was on hand to plant a header into the corner of the net and put her side back in front. With Bracknell committed forward, the Shots had an opportunity to increase their lead as Shepherd picked out Lawrence on the right and she slipped a through ball to Nikki Moore who raced clear on goal before being denied by a great saving tackle from Hannah Burgess. Bracknell tried hard to take the game to extra time, going closest when Constable shot just over from the edge of the area, but Aldershot held out for a very hard earned win. Aldershot Town: Lesley Hubbard, Katie Salmon (sub Amber Marsh 45mins), Holly Gayler, Di Smith, Lauren Carnell, Sian Houghton, Emma North, Nikki Moore, Amy Lawrence (sub Callie Messingham 89mins), Caroline Shepherd, Amy Hubbort. Sub not used: Laura Wallman. Bracknell Town: Jo Anderson, Jennifer Mulleady, Michelle Lewis, Angela Whitney, Hannah Burgess, Joanne Atkins, Libby Shuttle, Rebecca Powell, Amy Davies, Caroline Bisson, Emma Constable. Subs not used: Clare Hedley-Smith, Caroline Paterson.
Chelsea 3 Everton 1 Chelsea added to their already celebratory mood with a very welcome 3-1 victory over Everton at Staines which leaves them in third place in the FA WSL. The home team overcome a difficult opening 40 minutes when they were second best to a lively Everton display, equalising right on the break then dominating the second half to run out deserved winners. Everton looked sharp from the first whistle as they dominated midfield and gave the Chelsea defence all sorts of problems. Toni Duggan, Gwennan Harries, Michelle Hinnigan and Nikita Parris all took every opportunity to run at the Blues back line and their interplay was very slick at times. Duggan had the first clear opportunity, running clear from her own half before curling a shot inches wide. Carly Telford had to be quick from her line to deny the same player after another left wing raid. Parris on the right showed similar speed of execution to send over a dangerous cross which was well defended by Gemma Bonner. It was no surprise when Everton took the lead in the 24th minute. This time it was Michelle Hinnigan, cutting in from the left and curling a perfect shot wide of Telford from the edge of the area. Chelsea had only mustered a Laura Coombs snap shot just wide by this stage and the visitors continued to look the more impressive. Bonner played a part in the Chelsea revival around the 40 minute mark, preventing a second Everton goal with a last ditch clearance off the line then, a minute later, playing Helen Bleazard through for a goal attempt adjudged offside. But it was Dunia Susi who engineered the equaliser in first half stoppage time, skipping past a challenge before setting up Lander on the far post . A far different Chelsea emerged after the break.Bleazard on the left was getting to see far more of the ball, testing Rachel Brown with a couple of teasing crosses and firing a shot just wide of the far post. Susi, who had a fine game, was doing similar damage on the other flank and the Toffees defence, missing the injured Fern Whelan, were under pressure. It took a classic Lander strike to break the visitors down in the 74th minute. Latching on to a through ball, the Welsh international drilled a shot over Brown from the edge of the area to give Chelsea the lead. Everton brought on Natasha Dowie as they chased the game but were rarely able to trouble Telford and her back four. Chelsea made the game safe in the closing seconds when Everton lost the ball from a risky throw in across their own area whilst trying to launch a final attack and Lander was able to provide another emphatic finish to complete her hat trick and round off a perfect weekend for the West London club. Chelsea: Carly Telford, Lara Fay, Gemma Bonner, Sophie Ingle, Claire Rafferty, Drew Spence, Laura Coombs, Dani Buet, Helen Bleazard, Dunia Susi, Helen Lander. Subs: Sarah Quantrill, Kate Longhurst, Sophie Perry, Sophie Gwilliam. Everton: Rachel Brown, Lucy Bronze, Fara Williams, Lindsay Johnson, Alex Greenwood, Brooke Chaplen, Jill Scott, Nikita Parris, Michelle Hinnigan, Toni Duggan, Gwennan Harries. Subs: Danielle Hill, Becky Easton, Natasha Dowie. (Report by Patrick Higgins)
Lincoln Ladies 3 (McCallum 26, Harris 40, Daly 73) Arsenal 3 (Yankey 22, Little 66,85) Lincoln made it two games unbeaten against Arsenal in successive weeks as the two teams saw out another goal filled game at Ashby Avenue. The game started at a fast pace, although neither side managed to carve the opening both were looking for. The first real shot of the game came 19 minutes in, Lucy Staniforth picked it up in the midfield and drove towards the Arsenal goal before unleashing a shot 25 yards out, but it was straight at Byrne in the Arsenal net. Just three minutes later Arsenal were ahead. Lincoln pushed forward and won a corner, the ball fell to Arsenal who hit on the counter attack. A through ball beat Sophie Barker and, despite recovering, Rachel Yankey cut inside the full back and fired past Nicola Hobbs in the Lincoln goal. It took just four minutes for the home side to respond. After a couple of attempted crosses the ball was played to Jess Clarke, she drove the ball into the area towards Precious Hamilton, the striker neatly stepped over the ball and it ran to Collette McCallum who finished beautifully from the edge of the area. In front of a crowd of 302, Arsenal pushed forward looking to take the lead for the second time in the match. After pressing the Lincoln box, the ball fell to Yankey who volleyed over. Ten minutes before half time, Lincoln could have been ahead. A perfect cross was curled into the Arsenal box but the ball just evaded Megan Harris who only had to make contact to put the home side ahead. Just five minutes later Lincoln did find the goal to put them ahead at half time. Staniforth whipped in a dangerous ball and Megan Harris ghosted in to flick the ball past Emma Byrne. It was Arsenal who started the second half the better, pressing the Lincoln goal and Hobbs did well to save from Jordan Nobbs who volleyed goalwards. Lincoln pressed to extend their lead and Carla Cantrell, who had just come on for Jess Clarke, almost scored with her first touch, curling the ball straight at Emma Byrne. Six minutes past the hour mark, Arsenal were level. Kim Little beat the offside trap and, similarly to last week, rounded Hobbs before sliding the ball home. On 73 minutes, Lincoln took the lead for the second time in the match. Another dangerous free kick, this time from McCallum was met by a Lincoln head. Byrne did well to parry it onto the post but Daly was on hand to follow up and fire it into the roof of the net. For the final twenty minutes, Arsenal pressed for an equaliser and it eventually came with five minutes to go. Lincoln failed to clear the ball and it came out to Kim Little who looped the ball over Hobbs for her second of the match. Arsenal continued to press for the winner and into stoppage time there was a big appeal for a penalty as Rachel Yankey when down, but the referee was unimpressed. The final action of the game came from Arsenal as Rachel Yankey hit a free kick from wide on the Arsenal right which flew over, with a little help from the bar. A result for Lincoln which moves them up one into fifth place, whereas Arsenal continue to sit on top of the league, despite having their gap cut to two points. (Report by www.TheFA.com)
Birmingham City 3 (Twohig og 16, Harrop 51, Taylor 57) Liverpool 1 (K.Jones 77) Birmingham City piled the pressure on FA WSL leaders Arsenal by moving to within two points of the Gunners after overcoming Liverpool 3-1. Liverpool started brightly at the DCS Stadium by controlling the lion's share of possession, leaving the Blues struggling to get a foothold on the game. However against the run of play on 16 minutes Karen Carney's testing cross caused Nicola Twohig to take a reckless swipe at the ball, which flew in off the bar past Reds 'keeper Nicola Davies. Birmingham upped the ante as the first half wore on with Carney terrorising the visitors' defence. The England international headed Rachel Unitt's cross onto the roof of the net, then moments later Kerys Harrop forced Davies into a fine save with an effort from close range. On 32 minutes Davies was called into action again, when the returning Jodie Taylor stung her hands courtesy of a venomous 20-yard strike. The Blues were very much in the ascendancy as the interval approached and Jo Potter almost doubled her team's advantage. Potter's outrageous free kick from 35 yards well and truly beat Davies, but the attempt missed the near post by inches. The 27-year-old tried her luck again the other side of the break, this time striking the woodwork, but two goals in the space of six minutes secured a comfortable three points for the Blues. Sixty seconds after Eniola Aluko stepped off the bench, the England striker slid a beautiful ball across the face of goal for Kerys Harrop to coolly slot into the bottom corner. Birmingham's third goal of the afternoon shortly followed after Taylor produced a fine finish from close range. The Merseyside outfit did pose a danger at times, though, and Emily Gielnik struck the upright with a little over 20 minutes to play. Gielnik's team mate Kelly Jones managed to pull one back on 77 minutes, although it proved nothing more than a consolation for the Reds. The hosts could have easily won by a more handsome scoreline, with Rachel Williams seeing her header cleared off the line in stoppage time, but it was a professional performance nonetheless. Birmingham City: Rebecca Spencer, Chelsea Weston (sub Jade Moore 64mins), Rachel Unitt, Kerys Harrop, Emily Westwood, Laura Bassett, Issy Christiansen (sub Eniola Aluko 50mins), Rachel Williams, Jodie Taylor, Karen Carney, Jo Potter (sub Marie Ballard 69mins). Subs not used: Marie Hourihan, Cristina Torkildsen. Liverpool: Nicola Davies, Samantha Chapell, Vicky Jones, Nicola Twohig, Katie Brusell, Kelly Jones, Emily Gielnik, Nicky Harding (sub Caroline Johnson 75mins), Michelle Evans (sub Lynda Shepherd 55mins), Chloe Jones (sub Amie Fleming 75mins), Hannah Keryakoplis. Subs not used: Sophie Jones, Aroon Clansey. (Report by www.TheFA.com)
Crewe Alexandra Ladies are looking to recruit new players to strengthen both their squad for the forthcoming season and invite any female players aged 16+ who may be interested in playing for a club. The club is based at the Crewe Alexandra Soccer Centre, Cheshire and is currently playing in the North West Women's Regional League. With a new Under-18's team planned for the 2012-13 season, the club has now developed a clear player pathway to create more opportunities for girls and women's football in Cheshire. Trial dates will take place at Crewe Alex Soccer Centre, Crewe Road, Shavington, Crewe CW2 5AF Sunday 24th June (Phase 1) 12.45- 3.00pm - NEW PLAYERS Sunday 1st July (Phase 2) 12.45- 3.00pm - NEW & EXISTING PLAYERS To book your trial place please contact crewealexandralfc@gmail.com. Please note the trials will be taking place on our 3G field turf pitch so please wear appropriate footwear, no blades or metal studs. If you require any further information please contact Head Coach, Nick Pearce on (0779) 2353967.
Glasgow City maintained their advantage at the top of the Scottish Women's Premier League as they powered to a 9-0 victory over Spartans. Lisa Evans led the scoring for City with a hat-trick and also on target were Emma Mitchell, Rachel Corsie, Jane Ross, Leanne Ross, Nicola Docherty and an own goal. Hibernian meanwhile stayed hard on City's heels as they won 2-1 away to Aberdeen. Laura Kennedy and Rebecca Zoltie netted the goals to keep Hibs' challenge on course while Rebecca Dempster replied for the home side. Celtic are back up into third place after running out 4-0 winners away to Hamilton Academicals. Suzanne Grant was on target twice along with Emily Thomson and Hayley Cunningham. The result lifts Celtic above Forfar Farmington who battled out a goalless draw with mid-table Rangers. Hutchison Vale claimed their second victory of the season when beating Inverness City 3-2. Natasha McMahone netted twice and Michelle Russell joined her on the scoresheet with Inverness responding through Megan Gillies and Hannah Gordon. It was also a good day for Falkirk as they won 5-2 at FC Kilmarnock to lift themselves out of the bottom three. Ashley McDonald bagged a brace along with Shelby Goi McLeod and Nicole Letford, Sam McManus and Kirsty Munro scored for the home side.
 Bristol Academy 3 (Fishlock 54, Heatherson 76, McCatty 90) Doncaster Rovers Belles 2 (Lipka 61,89) Bristol Academy ended their run of home games without a win in the FA WSL as an injury time winner from substitute Grace McCatty sent them into second place in the table. Doncaster Rovers Belles looked as though they had done enough to pick up their first point of the season and could have won it themselves during a frantic end to the match. There was little sign of what was to come during a tightly contested first half and the only effort on goal early on came from a long range strike by Corinne Yorston which was too high. The Belles were playing a pressing game to deny the home side time on the ball and it was paying off as Academy were being knocked out of their stride. Kasia Lipka dispossessed Natasha Harding and threaded the ball into the path of Katie Holtham who was denied by a good save from Siobhan Chamberlain. Doncaster had shouts for a penalty when a Lipka shot appeared to strike Alex Windell on the hand on the area but their appeals were rejected. Academy responded with Loren Dykes making a good run towards goal before shooting off target. The visitors had a great spell leading up to half time with Tanya Oxtoby having a header saved by Siobhan Chamberlain and Leandra Little also going close with a header from an Aine O'Gorman corner. A Millie Bright shot was blocked and fell for Holtham who looked certain to score but Chamberlain again came to her side's rescue with a fine stop. Academy had the final effort of the half when Jessica Fishlock exchanged passes with Yorston from a corner and cut in but she shot well over and the game was goalless at the interval. After the break, the Belles continued to look threatening from set pieces with Little heading an Alyssa Lagonia free kick past the post but Academy were to go even closer at the other end when Melissa Lawley's cross picked out Ann Marie Heatherson but her volley came back off the bar. The deadlock was finally broken on 54 minutes and it came following a good flowing team move by Academy, which culminated with Nikki Watts sliding an inch perfect pass into the path of Fishlock who beat Mary Earps with a low left foot shot. Doncaster responded well to the setback though and after Holtham had sent a header inches wide from a Lagonia free kick, they levelled the scores via a 30-yard dipping shot from Lipka which beat Chamberlain and found the top corner. There was a bizarre moment as Jemma Rose made a clearance which flashed across her own goal and away to safety - much to the amusement of her team mates - but it seemed to settle Academy down again and they began to inflict more pressure going forward. Dykes and Fishlock combined to set up Lawley whose shot was turned past the post by Earps. Fishlock drove a shot narrowly over from 25 yards but Academy got themselves back in front again as a deep cross into the area by Yorston picked out Heatherson who got inside her marker to plant a header into the corner of the net. Academy tried to further press home their advantage and went close again as Heatherson struck the bar for the second time in the match, this time with a header from a corner. However just as they looked to be closing out the match, a loose pass in midfield led to the Belles winning a free kick and Lipka's shot went under the diving Chamberlain for another equaliser. Doncaster could well have won it in the third minute of injury time as Jessica Sigsworth played in Holtham but the Belles skipper's shot hit the side netting. Back came Academy to win a free kick near the touchline and, after Fishlock's cross had not been cleared, McCatty was on the spot to turn the ball home from close range and finally seal the three points for her side. Bristol Academy: Siobhan Chamberlain, Angharad James (sub Grace McCatty 65mins), Corinne Yorston, Natasha Harding, Jemma Rose, Alex Windell, Melissa Lawley (sub Michelle Green 78mins), Nikki Watts, Ann Marie Heatherson, Jessica Fishlock, Loren Dykes (sub Alex Culvin 87mins). Subs not used: Rachel Simkin, Ellie Curson, Ellie Isaac. Doncaster Rovers Belles: Mary Earps, Lyndsey Cunningham, Tanya Oxtoby, Leandra Little, Jessica Sigsworth, Katie Holtham, Kasia Lipka, Naomi Chadwick, Aine O'Gorman (sub Beth England 77mins), Alyssa Lagonia (sub Julie-Ann Russell 80mins), Millie Bright. Subs not used: Lucy Sowerby, Shelby Hills.
Curzon Ashton are looking to recruit new players to strengthen both their squads for the forthcoming season and invite any female players aged 16+ who may be interested in playing for a club offering fantastic training and playing facilities the opportunity to attend their forthcoming trials. The club, based in NE Manchester, has two teams currently playing in the Midland Combination and the Greater Manchester Women's League. Trial dates are: Friday 22nd June - 7pm - 8pm - NEW PLAYERS ONLY Wednesday 27th June - 8pm - 9:30pm - NEW & EXISTING PLAYERS To book your trial place please contact Bev Lambourne on curzon-ladies@virginmedia.com. Please note the trials will be taking place on our 3G field turf pitch so please wear appropriate footwear, no blades or metal studs. If you require any further information please contact Head Coach, Glyn Jones on (07846) 130699 or e-mail glyndec@googlemail.com.
 Scotland national coach Anna Signeul has named her squad to face Sweden in their friendly international in Kirkcaldy. Swede Signeul's home nation finished third in last year's FIFA Women's World Cup and will provide a tough test ahead of Scotland's Euro 2013 qualifier against Israel at Tynecastle on Saturday 16th June. The match takes place at Stark's Park, Kirkcaldy, the home of Raith Rovers FC, on Saturday 26th May with a 3pm kick off. Tickets are available on the gate and are priced at £5 adults, £2 child. Scotland squad:
 Hemel Hempstead Town ladies who play in the London and South East Regional League (Premier Division) are currently seeking some preseason friendlies over the summer. The club are willing to travel within reason, if anyone is interested then please contact Charlene: charleneturturici@hotmail.co.uk
Olympique Lyonnais 2 (Le Sommer pen 15, Abily 28) FFC Frankfurt 0 Olympique Lyonnais became only the second team ever to be crowned Champions of Europe for the second year running when they defeated FFC Frankfurt 2-0 in the UEFA Women's Champions League Final at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. In front of a record crowd of 50,212, the vast majority of whom were cheering on Frankfurt, the German side applied the early pressure and almost took the lead in bizarre circumstances when Lyon captain Sonia Bompastor sliced a clearance from a corner agains her own post. Lyon hit back and Eugenie Le Sommer was denied by a brilliant last ditch tackle from Gina Lewandowski. Shirley Cruz Trana had an impressive game for Lyon and, after dispossessing Melanie Behringer, was brought down by her in the area and a penalty was awarded. Le Sommer stepped up and duly placed her shot beyond the reach of Desiree Schumann to give Lyon the lead. Wendie Renard, who scored in last year's Final, almost repeated the feat with a glancing header from a Bompastor free kick but Schumann tipped the ball onto the post. However the increasing pressure told and, after Schumann charged out of her area to head clear as Lotta Schelin raced through, Camille Abily returned the ball with interest and a perfectly executed lob found the back of the net. Frankfurt needed a way back into the game and passed up a glorious chance on the stroke of half time when Kerstin Garefrekes played in Behringer but she shot weakly at Sarah Bouhaddi when clean through. After the break, Lyon continued to dominate possession and were content to soak up any attempted Frankfurt pressure. It was not to be Schelin's day as she went close on three occasions and Le Sommer was just off target with a volley whilst at the other end, Frankfurt sent a number of shots wide and Bouhaddi dealt with any balls played into the area, not always convincingly. Abily almost rounded things off for Lyon late on with a free kick which she crashed against the bar but all in all it was a commanding victory for the French side who have no equal in Europe right now. Olympique Lyonnais: Sarah Bouhaddi, Corine Franco, Sonia Bompastor, Wendie Renard, Sabrine Viguier, Amandine Henry, Camille Abily, Lotta Schelin (sub Ami Otaki 88mins), Eugenie Le Sommer (sub Rosana 65mins), Louisa Necib (sub Lara Dickenmann 49mins), Shirley Cruz Trana. Subs not used: Celine Deville, Makan Traore, Laura Georges, Aurelie Kaci. FFC Frankfurt: Desiree Schumann, Gina Lewandowski, Svenja Huth (sub Ana Maria Crnogorcevic 64mins), Saki Kumagai, Sara Thunebro, Saskia Bartusiak, Melanie Behringer, Meike Weber (sub Ria Percival 61mins), Sandra Smisek (sub Jessica Landstrom 83mins), Dzsenifer Marozsan, Kerstin Garefrekes. Subs not used: Anne-Kathrine Kremer, Silvana Chojnowski, Jasmin Herbert.
 For the past few seasons, Portsmouth have not just knocked on the door of promotion from the Southern Division - they have hammered it down. This season, Pompey have finally carried off the title after a number of near misses and manager Vanessa Raynbird, who has been in charge throughout that time, admitted to Women's Soccer Scene that she had experienced just about every emotion before they were confirmed as Champions. "I was pretty relieved to hear the final whistle against Plymouth as we were only winning 2-1 and needed three points to gain promotion on the day," she said. "Plymouth needed a draw to stay up and had a number of corners late on. "At the end of the game we were euphoric, there was great excitement for everyone involved in the club. We all ran on to the pitch and players bundling on top of each other - even I ended up on the ground, although the players knew better than to jump on me!" After being perennial challengers, finally winning the title made it extra special for Vanessa. "We have been close a number of times, which has been a bit frustrating in the past, but I think it's a great achievement to win this league, whenever and whoever does it. It's a very tight division and with only one team going up, you can't drop too many points - otherwise you won't make it." So what has made the difference this time? "Strength in depth and more consistency have been the deciding factors this season," replies Vanessa. "We had a good squad last year but it simply wasn't big enough. We fell away at the end because we sustained a number of injuries at a crucial time and were asking players that had played most of the season in the reserves to compete at a level that you were not used to. So this year we managed to sign three or four quality players that went straight into the first team squad as well as a number of Centre of Excellence players, which we have been able to wean into the first team whilst giving them valuable playing time in the reserves. "Our consistency throughout a whole game still needs improving but there were not many games where we didn't have the lion's share of possession, which we turned into goals on a regular basis. I was always confident in every game that we played that we would score goals, we signed on Jemma Tewkesbury, the second top goalscorer in the league last season whilst playing for Yeovil and Charley Wilson, a prolific goalscorer from Havant & Waterlooville and along with our captain Gemma Hillier, our three forwards notched up 46 goals in all FA Competitions." Postponements and good Cup form meant that Portsmouth needed to catch up a number of games but Vanessa did not see this as too big a problem: "No not really, I tend not to feel too much pressure, what will be will be and all the time it is in your own hands you just need to keep winning - although that is easy to say now!" Now the manager has a new challenge, to turn Portsmouth into a competitive side at a higher level, a task she is clearly relishing. "Well, we will certainly go into the season in great confidence but understand that we will need to start preparing for it now," she said. "We are having a team get together next week to discuss our expectations of the players during the close season and to outline the differences in the level of football. We will however encourage them to continue playing in the way that has gained us promotion this year and to look forward to the challenges that come our way. "We need to recruit a few new players to replace and strengthen our squad as we want to finish as high as we can in the National Division. We are looking for a couple of defenders and midfield players as two regular members of this year's squad - Laura Heron and Lucy Quinn - have gained four-year Scholarships in America. "Having been in the FA Women's Southern Division for nine years and been fairly close on a number of occasions, I'm sure you can imagine how thrilled everyone is that's involved in the club. Although we are the Women's section of Portsmouth FC, we are financially independent and rely very much on sponsorship and getting money by fund raising events etc so next season is going to be very testing for us, and if there is a sponsor out there that can help to support us next season we would love to talk about what we can offer." Amidst all of the celebrations and joy amongst the players and staff, there was one person who was on everybody's minds: "Our 'Mr Portsmouth Ladies' Dave Coyle has been the secretary for over 20 years and it is an absolute pleasure to work with him. He's not been too well over the past four or five months and now hopefully on the mend. He managed to get to the game against Plymouth which gained us promotion and just the look on his face said it all. I know that all the girls hold him in great regard and we were all as pleased for him that we had won the title as we were for ourselves. 4 U DAVE." And what about Vanessa herself? She has achieved a number of things during her management career, including once leading Southampton Saints to an F.A.Women's Cup Final, so how high does this rank amongst them? "Life is always good when you win things and very satisfying to win a league as it is over a long period of time and you have to play consistently to achieve it - but ask me again when we win the National!"
 After finishing last season in great form, Oxford United were expected to be among the main challengers in the Southern Region League this time time around but the campaign could hardly have gone any better for them. The U's have stormed to the Premier Division title in some style, having won all of their league matches so far as well as being one stage away from successfully defending the League Cup, retaining the Oxfordshire County Cup and reaching the Third Round of the F.A.Women's Cup. Pre-season started very well with Oxford not losing a game throughout this stage and they went into the season full of confidence, with their objective being to gain promotion into the South West Combination. The first league game of the new campaign was against last season's runners-up Woodley Utd and Oxford ran out 5-1 winners, a great start which they carried on into their first few matches. Indeed, Oxford continued their good run of form and managed to win every game in the league up to Christmas. Their fine run of results transferred over into the F.A.Women's Cup and Oxford found themselves up against Lewes in the Second Round, going on to record a stunning 2-0 win over a side which won the South East Combination title and promotion to the Premier League with an unbeaten record. Their reward was a Third Round tie against Northern Division title chasers Manchester City at their SportsCity home, which is located next to the Etihad Stadium. Unfortunately for Oxford, playing against a side that was two leagues above them was too much for them to deal with and City went on to progress to the last sixteen as well as the Northern Division Championship. Oxford's first silverware of the season came in the County Cup where they defeated Launton 5-0 in the Final to lift the trophy for the second year in succession. They kept up their winning run in the league and secured the title with a midweek victory over local rivals Bracknell Town. This Sunday, they have the opportunity to pick up a third trophy when they take on runners-up Shanklin in an eagerly awaited League Cup Final at Aldershot. The manager for the later stages of the season was Leon Blackmore-Such who paid tribute to his players. "The success this season is down to the hard work they have continued to put in," he said. "Whether in training or in games, it has been a pleasure being involved with such a successful team." Many of the side are members of the Oxford United Ladies Football Academy and they have been fired along the way by 32 goals from highly rated young striker Ellie Roberts, who also scored the team's goal against Manchester City. Oxford's targets for next season are to be competitive and gain a good finish in order to build again for promotion, as well as to retain the County Cup and have another good run in the F.A.Women's Cup.
After another successful season, Solihull Ladies FC is recruiting players for both their first and second teams. We are a friendly, ambitious and well organised Club with aspirations of playing Midland Combination football next season. We currently play our football in the West Midlands League Premier Division. The first team squad receive high quality coaching all season from current and former international sportsmen. Pre-season starts Thursday 28th June 2012 and training is every Thursday night from 8.30pm-10.00pm on the 3G Astro Pitch at Moseley Rugby Club. We are looking for highly motivated players in all positions to strengthen our current squad. Please call Sarah on (0781) 7961354 or for more details, visit our website at www.solihullladiesfc.moonfruit.com.
Following the finalisation of the set up for the new Chester FC Ladies team for the forthcoming season, we are delighted to announce that we are now in a position to begin player registrations. Chester FC Ladies are recruiting for female open aged (16 and over) footballers to join their new set up for the 2012-13 season. The team will compete in the Cheshire Womens League and have ambitions to progress as high as possible in the women's pyramid. If you share the same passion and ambition for the game that we do, then we want to hear from you. All kit, equipment and training costs will be covered. Interested players please e-mail chesterfcladies@gmail.com with a football CV and contact details.
London & South East League The Division One (London) campaign is continuing to wind down and although the outcome of the title has been decided, the runners-up position still remains in the balance. MSA Ladies are still in the driving seat and moved closer to their goal with a 5-0 victory away to Brentford but on Wednesday night, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Luton Town Res. A win would have all but confirmed them in second place but Hampstead can still catch them and Fulham Compton OB can overhaul their points total if they win their remaining matches. Luton meanwhile had beaten Kent Magpies 3-0 over the weekend and they remain in the running for a place in the top five. North East League Sheffield Utd Community all but wrapped up the Premier Division title on Sunday when they recorded an 8-1 victory over Hessle Town. Starting three points clear of second placed Hull City, United went into the game knowing that victory would leave them on the brink of being crowned champions thanks to a vastly superior goal difference advantage. An early goal from Tania Marsden settled any possible nerves and the advantage was soon doubled when Cheryl Mawhood struck following a fine pass from Chelsea Burke who got herself on to the scoresheet with United's third. Marsden's second of the game made it four at half time and she completed her sixth hat-trick in eight games in the second half before finishing the day with four goals. Marsden and Mawhood have been scoring goals for fun as United's title challenge has gathered ever increasing momentum (this was maximum points for the 11th successive game) and Mawhood also finished with a hat-trick. The top two are also on course to meet in the League Cup Final following semi final victories over the past week. On Sunday, Hull City came through a tight game with a 2-1 win against Peterlee Town, Rebecca Beech and Sian Bentley scoring their goals with Rachel Hedley replying. Sheffield Utd Community followed this up on Wednesday by beating Castleford White Rose 3-0, Cheryl Mawhood adding another two goals and Natalie Froggatt was also on target. Meanwhile the runners-up spot in the Northern Division was also decided following a tense day on Sunday. The winners of the game between Norton & Stockton Ancients and Redcar Athletic were almost guaranteed second place behind title winners Birtley Phoenix but instead the sides battled out a 2-2 draw, Kirsty Ramsay netting both for Redcar, meaning that California Ladies were the side which finished there instead. North West League The League Cup Final was an all-Blackpool affair between Blackpool FC Girls & Ladies and Blackpool Wren Rovers. The wind whistled off the adjoining airfield at Airbus UK in Broughton, making things difficult but Blackpool FC Girls & Ladies adjusted quicker and soon built up a 4-0 lead before half time with goals from Emma Ambrose, Melissa Brown, Danielle Cross and Michaela Barlow. After the break, Blackpool Wren Rovers set about reducing the arrears with a goal from Caroline Wilcock. The Division One North side went close with a shot that hit the bar but couldn't prevent their seaside neighbours from running out 4-1 winners. The League Plate Final had earlier kicked off proceedings as newly crowned Premier Division Champions Chorley faced Southport Birkdale, who finished a creditable mid-table position in their first season in Division One North. Kiery Horne opened the scoring for Chorley after only five minutes but their opponents dug deep until ten minutes into the second half when Victoria Coope scored spectacularly from distance. Southport's heads didn't drop and they deservedly pulled a goal back through Erin Woodhouse. Chorley's experience however proved too much as Natalie Parry and Victoria Coope scored to round off a 4-1 victory which also saw them retain the Plate. South West League Morley Rangers captured the last silverware of the season in the league as they defeated Falmouth Town in the Supplementary Cup Final at Roche. Danielle Krac netted for Morley, with Katy Barker replying for Falmouth as the sides battled out a 1-1 draw and could not be separated after extra time, before Morley emerged as 4-3 winners from the resulting penalty shootout. Bridgwater Town met Cleeve West Town in Eastern Division One in a winner-takes-all match for the runners-up position behind Downend Flyers. It was Bridgwater who ran out 3-2 winners to take second place in their debut season in the league. Vicky Tindall, Charlotte Barnes and Chelsea Pitt were all on target for Bridgwater while Cleeve's strikes came via a Charley Grimes double. Swindon Supermarine meanwhile made up for their disappointment in the Bristol Soccerworld Cup Final seven days earlier by beating Nailsea Utd 5-0 thanks to a Mel Bristow brace, Jennifer Jones, Claire Moreton and an own goal. Southern Region League Oxford Utd moved ever closer to completing the season with a 100% record as they recorded their 18th straight victory by scoring eleven without reply against Andover New Street, who are condemned to finishing bottom of the table. Shanklin enjoyed a good few days, firstly beating Andover 5-0 thanks to doubles from Danielle Merryfield and Katy Rawlinson with Emma Webb adding the other goal, then going on to beat Woodley Utd 1-0 in midweek to secure themselves the runners-up spot - their highest ever finish. Woodley had also done Shanklin a big favour on Sunday by holding Bracknell Town to a 1-1 draw which helped the Isle of Wight side into an unassailable position. Oxford Utd Res rounded off a fine day for their club by defeating Marlow 6-0 in the semi finals of the Jubilee Cup. Lucy Paley hit a hat-trick and she was joined on the scoresheet by Laura Allsop, Danielle Anderson and Rebecca Krijewski to see Oxford through to the Final where they will meet Newbury Ladies & Girls at Aldershot this Sunday. West Midlands League Neither side which still has a chance to win the Premier Division title was in action on Sunday and this allowed Solihull Ladies to stake their claim for the runners-up spot with a 6-2 victory over Kidderminster Harriers, which does lift them into second place. Lichfield Diamonds meanwhile assured themselves of a top five place as they defeated Bradwell Belles 4-0. In Division One North, FC Reedswood kept their title hopes well and truly alive with a 5-0 win away to Coseley Town, which takes them level on points with leaders Wyrley Ladies and the two teams are set to meet in a virtual title decider this Sunday. Third placed Walsall completed a good season by beating Port Vale 2-0. Coventry Sphinx returned to the top of Division One South with a 5-1 success away to Ferndale but they face an anxious wait to see if they will finish as Champions, as B & WM Police must win their final match to deny them. Coventry Development will also have a keen eye on that result after their 3-2 win over Crusaders took them into second place and they will finish runners-up unless Police defeat Crusaders.
 UWIC are the new Welsh Premier Women's League Champions and will compete in Europe next season after they defeated Wrexham 3-0 in the Play-Off Final at Victoria Park, Llanidloes on Sunday. The university side had twice finished as runners-up in the Southern Conference in each of the past two seasons but this time they went one better, finishing above reigning Champions Swansea City to book their place against Wrexham, who also reached the Final for the first time. An exciting start saw UWIC's Adele Hooper create an early chance when she headed a perfectly timed cross from Hannah Billington just over the bar. Wrexham hit back a few minutes latter when a through ball from Alys Hinchcliffe was just shot wide by Lyndsey Roger. In the middle of the park Wrexham's Kate Edwards and Steph Taylor broke up UWIC's attacks, but it was a storming run from Chloe Basset before finding the capable feet of Nadia Lawrence that put UWIC into the lead in the 28th minute. However Dave Taylor's squad battled on and it was the international experience of Sophie Dando that denied an Emma Roden volley from finding its target. The second half saw Wrexham come hard at UWIC, but some brave defending from Siobhan Humphreys and Kelly Highman frustrated the goalscoring feet of Lexi Musgrove. UWIC hit back and in the 56th minute Sophie Scherschel shook off hard challenges from Jade Davies and Chloe Foster to see her shot go under the desperate hands of Rosie Lamphey. Wrexham were then on the back foot and the pressure piled from the Cardiff side and a goalmouth scramble resulted in a 76th minute goal from Chloe Bassett to secure UWIC the premier crown and a place in the UEFA Women's Champions League. (Report and photo by Ian Howells)
Charlton Athletic gave a performance worthy of the setting with a 5-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at The Valley on Tuesday. The team were challenged by manager Paul Mortimer to showcase the female side of the club and did so in style throughout the 90 minutes, creating numerous scoring opportunities and restricting Spurs to a minimum of chances. Charlton started positively, going close several times with a policy of shooting on sight of Spurs keeper Jo Ayre's goal. One such effort, from Kit Graham, brought the opener, driven low into the corner from 20 yards. Ellie Stenning, played in on the left edge of the area by a flowing move, doubled the lead on the quarter hour. Jenny Newman finished well at the far post for the third as the hosts kept up a relentless stream of attacks and were quicker to every loose ball. Spurs were forced to step up their game by Charlton's lively start and they managed to stem the flow during the last twenty minutes of the half and mount a few attacks of their own without ever getting a clear opportunity.. Skipper Kim Dixson, who had twice gone close from distance in the first half, again tested Ayre after the break. Gemma Bryan, who had threatened to score all evening, added the fourth, powering in a shot from a very tight angle just before the hour before setting up Jade Keogh for the fifth. . Spurs kept looking for a consolation right to the end but were kept at bay by an efficient defensive showing that meant Charlton keeper Megen Lynch was well protected. The crowd were treated to a five star showing on the pitch and to the facilities of the Millennium Suite before and after the match for an enjoyable and entertaining evening. (Report by Patrick Higgins)
The North West League Cup Final was an all-Blackpool affair between Blackpool FC Girls & Ladies and Blackpool Wren Rovers. The wind whistled off the adjoining airfield at Airbus UK in Broughton, making things difficult but Blackpool FC Girls & Ladies adjusted quicker and soon built up a 4-0 lead before half time with goals from Emma Ambrose, Melissa Brown, Danielle Cross and Michaela Barlow. After the break, Blackpool Wren Rovers set about reducing the arrears with a goal from Caroline Wilcock. The Division One North side went close with a shot that hit the bar but couldn't prevent their seaside neighbours from running out 4-1 winners. The League Plate Final had earlier kicked off proceedings as newly crowned Premier Division Champions Chorley faced Southport Birkdale, who finished a creditable mid-table position in their first season in Division One North. Kiery Horne opened the scoring for Chorley after only five minutes but their opponents dug deep until ten minutes into the second half when Victoria Coope scored spectacularly from distance. Southport's heads didn't drop and they deservedly pulled a goal back through Erin Woodhouse. Chorley's experience however proved too much as Natalie Parry and Victoria Coope scored to round off a 4-1 victory which also saw them retain the Plate.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Latest wssTV.co.uk  
About Us 
News Archive
Please Link To Us 
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total page reads: |
© designed, created, hosted and managed by WWW Support Services (click for info)