It’s been a busy weekend in the footballing world and we’ve got the latest news to bring you right up to speed.
The FA Women’s Premier League Cup:
It was a dramatic finish in the Gillingham Ladies v Charlton match with last minutes goals from Gillingham ladies to secure three points and a place in the next round. It looked like Charlton were going to walk away victorious after a first half strike from Gemma Byrne which put them in the lead but it all went pear shaped in the closing moments of the game. Danielle Carlton grabbed an equaliser with three minutes to go and then Laura Jeffrey put the icing on the cake with a goal in the 89th minute.
Preston secured a 2-1 victory over Rochdale Ladies thanks to second half goals from Sam Cadwallader and Hannah Bailey while Aston Villa won 1-0 against Watford Ladies.
Suzanne Davies hit the winner three minutes from time to help Nottingham Forest win 1-0 at Manchester City and reach the last 16. Leicester City will also progress from their group after beating Derby 3-0 with goals from Natasha Meade, Vicky Gallagher and Natalie Reay.
Leeds United triumphed over Leeds City Vixens, beating them 3-1 in a derby clash. An early goal from Carey Huegett and a second from Jade Pennock put United in control and a third goal from Hayley Sharp sealed the deal. United go through with Sunderland who qualified last week.
Milwall Lionesses are also through after beating Brighton 3-2. Lizzie Edwards and Leah Jones gave the Lionesses leads which were levelled by Kim Stenning and Katie Baker. Ann-Marie Heatherson went on to score the winning goal minutes before the final whistle.
Yeovil and Portsmouth drew 3-3, a magnificent come from Portsmouth after Yeovil took an initial 3-0 lead.
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The FA Women’s Premier League:
Blackburn Ladies scored an important 2-1 victory over Barnet Ladies to stay top of the table. The result leaves Rovers three points clear of the rest of the pack after five games.
Newly promoted Reading Royals drew with Sunderland Ladies 1-1. The draw puts Sunderland in second place with a match against Blackburn on the horizon.
Club England:
England’s under 17’s drew with Belgium in the final first round qualifier for the European Championships but they remain in a strong position to progress to the Elite Round as one of the best runners up. While England dominated the first half, there were no goals to reward their efforts and an energised Belgian side came out after half time and piled on the pressure. Neither side could break the deadlock and Belgium made it through to the final phase of qualifying for this season’s Euros. England will hope to join them.
Euro fixtures:
Both Arsenal and Everton will be in Champions League action this Thursday. Arsenal take on Serbian Champions, ZFK Masniac at Borehamwood FC in the return leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League Round 32. Kick off is 2pm, admission is free.
Everton will face MTK Hungaria at the Halton Stadium in Widnes, kick off at 7pm.
Kirsty Page, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Image: istockphoto.com
