All the Women’s National Premier League club pages have been updated to include Football England's appraisal of the good and bad of their season, and here is our very own Women’s Team of the Season.
We‘re going to have to stick with the 4-3-3 formation for the women’s team I‘m afraid because virtually everyone still plays it all the time so the players obviously fit into the system. It would be nice to see a few different ideas and tactics creeping in from our coaching manual managers.
Lindsay Johnson, Kelly Smith and Fara Williams have now featured in all four Football England Team of the Seasons while Rachel Unitt and Karen Carney retain their starting places from last season. Natasha Dowie steps up from the 2007-08 substitutes bench while the Leeds duo of Carly Telford and Sue Smith go the other way.
Special mention this year goes to Doncaster’s Rachel Williams who made such a storming impression during her first season at this level.

Substitutes:
C.Telford (Leeds Carnegie)
C.Weston (Doncaster Belles)
K.Chapman (Arsenal)
S.Smith (Leeds Carnegie)
G.Harries (Bristol Academy)

Manager: Vic Akers (Arsenal)

Gk: Emma Byrne (Arsenal)

Byrne has struggled to get into this side mainly because she has seldom had much to do between the posts in the all conquering Arsenal side. This season has seen her a little more active as Arsenal found themselves in a state of transition and she proved herself reliable in every instance, culminating in an outstanding performance in the league decider at Everton.
Tall and agile she undoubtedly has the best physique for a goalkeeper in the National Premier League.

RB: Casey Stoney (Chelsea)

It was nice to see Stoney back in her best position for Chelsea and she was outstanding all season. Rock solid in the tackle and good in the air Stoney also gets forward well with sound passing and excellent crossing ability. Ended the season as player manager at Chelsea and she certainly has an air of authority in everything she does.

CH: Lindsay Johnson (Everton)

Lindsay Johnson is magnificent. She’s more like a crusader than a centre half, sweeping across the field with majestic power to repel opposition attacks and then starting her own. One of the most single minded players in English football she just keeps going and going, putting everything she has into the Everton cause. Lindsay, we salute you.

CH: Gilly Flaherty (Arsenal)

Arsenal needed a couple of their younger players to step up to the plate during a season of upheaval and nobody grasped the nettle harder than Flaherty. By the end of the season she was established at centre half and has all the basic qualities to be a success in that position.
She does not look like the traditional centre half and looking at her you might wonder whether she really has the stomach for a battle but watching her take a full blooded punch to the head and come back for more in the FA Cup final seemed to answer those doubts.

LB: Rachel Unitt (Everton)

Started the season, surprisingly, at centre half but was soon back in her usual position at left back. Remains a model of consistency and brings a calm assurance to everything she does. Suffered one torrid examination at the hands of Arsenal’s Gemma Davison in the FA Cup but handled her well in the clubs’ other meetings.

CM: Kim Little (Arsenal)

Vic Akers promised us that this girl was a bit special and he wasn’t having us on. This was Little’s first full season with Arsenal after moving down from Scotland and she was a massive success.
A busy midfielder who always wants to get forward and hurt the opposition, Little has the ability to skip past a challenge but is most dangerous slipping passes through to her strikers or darting forward to accept such a pass herself.
Has an instinctive footballing brain and hardly ever chooses the wrong option.

CM: Fara Williams (Everton)

Football England Favourite Fara Williams remains untouchable. Yet another season of magnificent consistency and quality in midfield backed up by another impressive goal return.
Outstanding for club and country. (I left these comments untouched from last year but it’s worth noting that Fara now seems to have taken the Ronaldo toe bunger free kick to a new level of consistency)

AM: Rachel Williams (Doncaster Belles)

The Belles’ made an inspired signing in taking this powerful attacking midfielder from Leicester City in the summer and Williams was instrumental in making this the clubs’ best season in a long time.
Always looking to attack the opposition Williams has a raw power that makes her almost impossible to stop when in full flight and is probably only matched in that department by Kelly Smith in this country. She is no bull in a china shop, however, as she retains excellent control and is an assured finisher when storming forward.
Gave an outstanding performance in the League Cup final when she took on the Arsenal defence almost single-handed and looks capable of providing a threat for England if given the chance in the upcoming European Championships.

RW: Karen Carney (Arsenal)

The wonderfully talented and enthusiastic Carney ended the season in the Pro League and America’s gain is very definitely our loss. Gave further outstanding service to Arsenal before her departure and also continued to become increasingly influential for England.

CF: Natasha Dowie (Everton)

Dowie has done exceptionally well for Everton since moving from Charlton and now looks a more complete player than the likes of Aluko and Sanderson who came to prominence earlier and remain above her in the England pecking order.
Dowie is an excellent target with a good touch and real strength, her movement is good and she is a reliable, and still improving, finisher. Probably lacks a yard of pace but must be close to an international call up.

LW: Kelly Smith (Arsenal)

Simply the best. Kelly has been in the midfield in all our previous teams of the season but this time we’ve slotted her in up front. Despite quitting the Premier League for America in February she ended up the divisions’ top scorer by a comfortable margin and her goals went a long way towards Arsenal retaining their title on goal difference in the end.
Now thrilling everybody in the States with her wonderful combination of raw power and delicate skill. What a shame that this country cannot provide her with the platform she deserves.

Manager: Vic Akers (Arsenal)

We have never bestowed this accolade on Akers before despite the fact that his side has been winning virtually everything ever since we began giving coverage in 2005. Akers, along with the Arsenal club, has made his own job relatively easy over the years with his unflinching efforts and their unceasing support which have long since put the club in a position of real power.
This season was completely different, however. Arsenal were still the team to beat and had an enviable array of talent at their disposal but between last summer and the end of the season they lost Anita Asante, Lianne Sanderson, Mary Phillip, Alex Scott, Karen Carney and Kelly Smith. They also had to do without the services of Faye White (injured) and Julie Fleeting (pregnant) for the majority of the campaign.
That is some loss of personnel but Akers was still able to guide his side to a domestic treble; comfortable wins in both cup competitions being followed up by the narrowest and most dramatic of league titles.
This was certainly a fitting way for Akers to stand down from the managers role with Arsenal Ladies and he certainly leaves both a wonderful legacy and a hard act to follow.

Sunday May 10, 2009; National Premier League.

Everton Ladies 0 Arsenal Ladies 1

Everton: R.Brown, B.Easton, F.Whelan, L.Johnson, R.Unitt, F.Williams, J.Scott, M.Hinnigan, J.Handley, N.Dowie (E.Westwood 76), T.Duggan.

Arsenal: E.Byrne, L.Bassett, C.Grant, G.Flaherty, N.Fahey, K.Chapman, J.Ludlow, K.Little, G.Davison (H.Lander 60), S.Grant (E.Pond 90), R.Yankey.

The destination of the Womens' Premier League title for 2009 had come down to this meeting between Everton Ladies and Arsenal Ladies. Everton needed only a draw to end Arsenal's domination of the competition whereas the visitors needed to win to retain their title on goal difference.

There was a healthy crowd, eventually recorded at 2,135, cramming into one stand of The Stobart Stadium, home of Widnes Rugby League Club, at kick off but there was no sign of nerves as the game began in open fashion.

Everton made a positive start, no doubt looking to avoid the trap of playing for a draw, and pinned Arsenal back in the opening minutes. Having won a corner on the right Jill Scott met Fara Williams' driven centre with a powerful downward header at point blank range and it needed a magnificent save on the line from Emma Byrne to keep the scores level.

Everton continued to impress with Williams setting Jody Handley away down the right with a wonderful pass to win another corner and then the England midfielder was dubiously pulled up for offside as she raced through to meet a punt forward from Rachel Brown.

Arsenal had shown some neat football of their own without really testing the Everton defence when they came forward to win a corner of their own with just over ten minutes gone. Kim Little whipped this in to the near post and the ball bounced just wide following an aerial challenge.

The ball appeared to have come off an Arsenal head but the referee decided that it had been an Everton touch and this was to prove a crucial judgement.

Little then sent over a deeper ball which Brown came for without ever looking convincing and when the ball dropped it landed straight at the feet of Suzanne Grant who accepted the gift without hesitation from six yards out.

It was unclear whether the referee had made a misjudgement in awarding the corner. It was blatantly obvious that Rachel Brown had made a misjudgement in trying to deal with it.

This goal now shifted the onus squarely onto the home side to find the next goal but they were unable to maintain their bright start as Arsenal set up a solid shield in front of their back four and looked to play on the counter attack, a situation that seemed to be to their liking.

Jayne Ludlow and Katie Chapman, who was particularly impressive, ensured that it was difficult for Everton to mount any concerted pressure or provide support to Natasha Dowie while Kim Little remained free to help the Arsenal attack when they did break forward.

Little's twinkling feet earned her a couple of shooting opportunities and it needed good blocks by the Everton defence to take the sting out of likely looking efforts and the playmaker then combined well with Gemma Davison in a move that ended with Rachel Yankey sending in an angled drive that was well struck but straight at Brown in the Everton goal.

Everton were trying to press but struggling to create anything resembling a clear opening as the Arsenal rearguard worked diligently. Toni Duggan wriggled away from one challenge close to goal following a corner from the left but then found herself crowded out by covering defenders.

Jill Scott was provided with a better chance when a cute pass by Handley put her in behind the Arsenal defence but although Scott got the first touch as Emma Byrne dashed out the goalkeeper got a stronger touch herself and was able to pick the ball up as Scott went down in the challenge.

Scott claimed a penalty but she had actually fallen over the ball in the end and the referee was certainly correct in waving play on.

The play was becoming increasingly scrappy as the half progressed with Everton huffing and puffing but producing nothing really fluent.

As so often happens when these two teams meet the lone Everton striker, in this case Dowie, was finding herself painfully isolated as her midfield colleagues struggled to get the upper hand and the wide attackers, Handley and Duggan, failed to make any real impression on the flanks.

Dowie therefore, despite looking capable of creating something herself, was always fighting a losing battle against her two shadows.

The Everton striker had been harshly pulled up for a foul on one occasion as she turned her marker in a dangerous area and then showed good feet to fashion herself a half chance but could only manage a feeble finish.

Fara Williams, nowhere near her best, sent in one decent effort from twenty yards that was too close to Emma Byrne's post for comfort before Handley wasted a promising situation after good work from Dowie.

Just before half time Everton almost gifted Arsenal a second goal as Brown and Fern Whelan got themselves into a tangle after a long ball down the middle but escaped as Brown got a vital hand to Whelan's header back as the pair converged on each other.

So Arsenal were in the position they wanted to be at the break with Everton looking increasingly unlikely to break them down and conjure the goal they now needed to be crowned champions.

Half Time: Everton Ladies 0 Arsenal Ladies 1

The second half, unsurprisingly, followed the same pattern as the first. Arsenal remained content to soak up pressure and, despite the fact that Everton managed to press them further back, they continued to do so with relative comfort while remaining a sporadic threat on the break.

Indeed Everton were fortunate to get away unpunished when Williams played her side into trouble with an awful pass straight to Yankey who found her run on goal blocked by Fern Whelan. This looked highly suspect but the referee was content to turn a blind eye and the game remained in the balance.

Everton were still unable to fashion anything clear cut in open play but had plenty of opportunities to apply pressure from set piece situations. Unfortunately Fara Williams was not on top of her game in this area either while Jody Handley's attempts posed even less danger.

There seemed to be a conscious decision to aim the kicks straight at Emma Byrne in the hope that the Arsenal goalkeeper would make a mistake but the Irish international was at her commanding best.

Byrne did well to punch one of Fara's better corners behind and then watched a decent free kick from the same player flash a couple of yards over her crossbar. The one time when the Arsenal keeper didn't get there from a Handley corner Natasha Dowie headed over at the far post. Byrne complained that she had been fouled and seemed to have cause for grievance but the effort would have counted had it been on target.

The better openings were coming at the other end as Everton looked to push more players forward. Yankey made a good break down the left before pulling her low centre back too far for her onrushing colleagues and it needed an excellent challenge from the hugely impressive Lindsay Johnson to stop Helen Lander, on as a sub, in her tracks as Arsenal countered following an Everton corner.

With Everton trying to gather a head of steam for the last fifteen minutes their chances took a hammer blow as Byrne made a great take from a Handley free kick and flattened Dowie in the process. The Everton striker tried to continue but collapsed almost immediately and had to be stretchered from the field.

Emily Westwood, who had been ready to come on in any case, now found herself replacing the one player who had looked capable of snatching a goal for Everton and taking her place at centre forward.

All of Westwood's best work for Everton has been done either in defence or midfield and she could make no real impression as a makeshift striker as the home team continued to throw hopeful balls towards the Arsenal penalty area.

Mo Marley persisted with Handley and Duggan on the flanks despite the fact that neither had sent in a decent cross all afternoon or posed a threat on goal while Michelle Hinnigan, a highly surprising inclusion ahead of Westwood, remained anonymous as the attacking midfield link.

The ball kept coming towards the Arsenal penalty area from a succesion of punts forward, free kicks, long throw ins and corners but Byrne still hadn't made a save of note in the second half and it began to look more likely that Arsenal would seal victory on the break against a defence that by now was almost non existent.

Kim Little could not find a finish after being set up by Rachel Yankey and then the winger shot wide of the near post when the roles were reversed.

In the end the failure to find a second goal proved meaningless as the referee sounded the final whistle with Everton still pounding futilely at the Arsenal door.

Yet another triumph for Arsenal, therefore, with a sixth straight league title in the bag and a domestic treble completed.

In the end this success came courtesy of the smallest of margins. Arsenal took the crown on goal difference but in the end the difference was one superb save by Emma Byrne and one sad misjudgement by Rachel Brown at early corners in this decisive match.

Full Time: Everton Ladies 0 Arsenal Ladies 1

Star Player: Katie Chapman

Chapman was outstanding in what was mainly a defensive Arsenal effort. She was constantly heading balls away before her back four needed to get involved or making an interception or challenge that broke up a potential Everton attack.
She was also neat and tidy, as always, in her distribution and radiated an air of calm authority that no-one on the Everton side could match.

Monday May 4, 2009; Womens FA Cup Final.

Arsenal Ladies 2 WFC Sunderland 1

Arsenal: E.Byrne, L.Bassett (F.White 90), C.Grant, G.Flaherty, N.Fahey, G.Davison (N.Ross 82), J.Ludlow, K.Chapman, R.Yankey, K.Little, S.Grant (H.Lander 62).

Sunderland: H.Alderson, L.Bronze, V.Greenwell, S.Bannon, S.Halliday, L.Staniforth, K.McDougall, J.Nobbs, S.Williams (N.Devine 62), N.Gutteridge (S.Danby 83), D.Stokes.

Recent FA Cup finals had certainly been one sided affairs with Arsenal Ladies sweeping all before them and there was an obvious worry that this one might be the most lop-sided of the lot with the all conquering queens of English football meeting challengers from outside the top flight in Sunderland.

Promotion chasing Sunderland could take confidence from their fine semi final victory over Chelsea and some comfort from a glance at the Arsenal teamsheet. Without the departed Smith, Carney and Scott and with Julie Fleeting unavailable the Arsenal line up was not looking as formidable as in recent finals.

There was no doubt that Arsenal remained overwhelming favourites, however, and if the young Sunderland side betrayed any signs of nerves or inferiority complex then they could expect a long afternoon.

Arsenal started brightly with Gemma Davison heavily involved in their early attacking moves. Facing a makeshift left back in sixteen year old Sophie Halliday the tricky forward immediately surged past her opponent to set up an instant attack and spent the first ten minutes causing problems down either flank.

The first threat to the Sunderland goal came from an inswinging free kick by Rachel Yankey that flashed just wide of the far post via a Sunderland head and Davison instigated a clever move involving Kim Little that ended with Suzanne Grant, preferred to Helen Lander up front, sliding a low effort into the side netting.

This was a clear chance and set the tone for an indecisive display from the centre forward.

Davison was keen to shoot herself when cutting in from the left hand side and saw one strong effort blocked before curling in an inviting centre from the right that was just too high for Grant.

Sunderland could be reasonably pleased with their start, however. They had managed not to concede and each passing minute saw them competing more confidently at the back and in midfield. There was also a hint of indecision in the Arsenal back four when a couple of long balls were sent forward but Sunderland were struggling to get the players forward to take any advantage and the prospect of a goal remained almost exclusively at the other end of the pitch.

Steph Bannon was lucky to escape a yellow card after felling Yankey in full flight following smart distribution by Emma Byrne before Sunderland retaliated with a good move of their own. Halliday clipped a good ball forward down the left for Sophie Williams who sent in a dangerous ball to the near post. Jordan Nobbs was arriving from midfield right on cue but, under pressure from a defender, could not get the power needed on her finish to trouble Byrne.

Williams was soon on the attack in the inside left position again but found herself completely without support and having to shoot from an unfavourable angle. Once again Emma Byrne's save was purely routine.

At this stage Sunderland seemed to have found Arsenal's measure in midfield and looked capable of pushing on to trouble the favourites but Arsenal then upped the pace to pen their opponents back for the rest of the first half.

Kim Little sent in a good effort from distance that had Alderson worried as it flashed over the bar and the Sunderland keeper then had to field a firm drive from Davison as she again cut inside from the left wing.

Davison had been allowed too much space to get her shot away as she came inside and this was a lesson Sunderland did not heed.

Little, now Arsenal's playmaker in chief, was becoming increasingly involved and one typical burst ended with a clever pass into Grant who managed to squeeze a shot under Alderson only for Lucy Bronze to clear bravely off the line, ploughing into the post as she did so.

The pressure was increasing as Alderson had to claw away a Yankey cross shot and was fortunate to see the ball land at the feet of a defender rather than an attacker and then Little slammed a shot against the outside of a post after Sunderland had played themselves into trouble just outside their own box.

Jayne Ludlow was inches away from connecting with a lunging dive at the far post following an inswinging free kick and Suzanne Grant wasted another clear opening when her touch was poor in front of goal only eight yards out.

An Arsenal goal was now looking inevitable and it duly arrived when Davison was again allowed to cut inside to test Alderson who spilled the shot and was powerless to intervene as Katie Chapman stepped forward to slam the rebound high into the net.

This was certainly a goalkeeping error but it was hard not to feel sympathy for Alderson who had been standing up well to increasing pressure.

Half time couldn't come quickly enough now for Sunderland and they were relieved that Grant could only put in another weak attempt after a lovely turn and pass by Little had put her clear again.

Ludlow also went close with a drive from outside the box when again offered too much time and space but the interval came without further score and only one goal seperating the two sides.

Half Time: Arsenal Ladies 1 WFC Sunderland 0

Sunderland were able to regroup during the break and they were able to keep Arsenal further from their goal for long periods as the second half progressed. They were still unable to make much impression at the other end, however.

Jordan Nobbs and Sophie Williams combined for one neat move but Emma Byrne was out quickly to deal with the centre and there was more danger at the other end as Davison sent two centres right across the face of goal in quick succession.

With the game becoming stuck in a midfield rut there was a horrible delay when Sophie Williams stayed down after a crunching challenge and was eventually stretchered from the field motionless and with breathing apparatus in place.

The challenge had been perfectly fair and seemingly innocuous but there was no doubting the severity of the outcome. We obviously wish Williams the best for a speedy recovery.

This was a blow in more ways than one for Sunderland as Williams had looked the one attacking player who might snatch something for them as they looked to get back on terms.

Arsenal continued to do most of the attacking but there was little conviction about their play by this stage and you sensed that Sunderland might still be able to pull off a shock. Unfortunately the underdogs were beginning to look increasingly jaded which was hardly surprising given the effort they had expended in keeping Arsenal out for over an hour.

Ludlow was again close to converting a teasing centre from Yankey at the far post while Ciara Grant sent a scuffed effort into the side netting following a corner. Then Davison sent Helen Lander, on as a substitute, through the middle but Alderson produced a good save with her foot to keep her side in contention.

There was also another stoppage as Gilly Flaherty received treatment after finding herserf on the end of an Alderson punch as she challenged for a corner.

Flaherty recovered from the blow and almost provided her own knockout punch as she came forward for another set piece but saw her header go straight at the Sunderland keeper.

Arsenal were finishing strongly and Vicky Greenwell did well to block a header from Natalie Ross, another substitute, before Alderson's mixed afternoon continued as she allowed Lander to block her clearance and was hugely relieved at the forwards' poor finish.

With the game into a lengthy period of injury time Arsenal finally managed a second goal and it was one of real class. Chapman chipped beyond the Sunderland defence to pick out Kim Little's forward run and the skillful Little produce a masterly turn to get the ball out of her feet and around the advancing Alderson in one glorious movement before clipping into the empty net.

There were still several minutes remaining and there was a fear that Sunderland might concede again for a margin of defeat that their efforts did not deserve. To their eternal credit, however, Sunderland actually managed to put the Arsenal goal under more pressure than at any time in the game.

Sarah Danby fired in a superb effort from distance that forced Byrne into a flying save and then Kelly McDougall produced a turn and finish that was not far behind Little's in terms of quality to reduce the arrears with the last kick of the game.

It was telling that this was McDougall's first real venture into the Arsenal penalty area, however. Sundeland had battled bravely and given an excellent account of themselves but their attacking options had remained strictly limited throughout and Arsenal were once again worthy winners.

Full Time: Arsenal Ladies 2 WFC Sunderland 1

Star Player: Lucy Bronze

The Sunderland right back epitomized the spirit and quality of Sunderland's defensive effort and stood up to the double threat of Davison and Yankey remarkably well. Her goalline clearance was the obvious highlight of an outstanding performance.

Thursday April 23, 2009; International Friendly.

England 3 Norway 0

England: R.Brown, A.Scott, C.Stoney, F.Williams, L.Johnson, A.Asante, K.Carney, J.Scott, E.Aluko (K.Chapman 66), K.Smith, S.Smith (J.Clarke 79).

Norway: C.Knutsen, I.Stensland, T.Ronning, S.Gulbrandsen, I.Herlovsen (M.Wiik 60), H.Gardsjord (C.Huse 82), M.Mjelde, T.Akerhaugen, I.Isaksen, K.Lie (E.Thorsnes 60), L.Storlokken (A.Giske 60).

Within thirty seconds of the start Norway had come forward for a shot by Solveig Gulbrandsen that was not too far away from the angle of post and bar. This set the scene for a competitive and entertaining friendly international.

The early stages were evenly contested with the two teams trading attacking moves. Fara Williams drove forward from midfield to draw a free kick within shooting distance and was not far away with her resulting effort before Isabell Herlovsen scraped the post with a low drive for Norway.

This was the best chance of the opening quarter hour as the England central defence got itself into a tangle. Lindsay Johnson flicked an intended interception away from Anita Asante who was then brushed aside by Herlovsen as she strove to recover.

This opportunity came as Norway enjoyed their best spell of the game. Attacking swiftly and directly with good movement from midfield the England defence was at full stretch for several minutes. Asante looked uncomfortable under pressure on a couple of occasions but then produced a smart interception to halt a dangerous move while Alex Scott had to clear awkwardly from the jaws of goal after Jill Scott had conceded a free kick just outside the box.

There was encouragement for England when they did manage to get forward, however, especially from the unconvincing, third choice Norwegian keeper, Caroline Knutsen.

Johnson headed a Sue Smith corner wide with the keeper flapping hopelessly and, with Norway unable to relieve the pressure, England then took a nineteenth minute lead.

Jill Scott was the instigator by winning possession high up the field and a quick interchange between Kelly Smith and Karen Carney ended with the latter crossing low to the near post where Fara Williams arrived to sweep home a left footed finish.

Fara’s scoring shot was crisp enough but Knutsen should have blocked the effort rather than spooning it into her own net.

The goal obviously inspired England and they began to take increasing control of the proceedings. The presence of Knutsen in goal also encouraged a shoot on sight policy, particularly from skipper Williams, which promised further goals at any moment. The long range policy did not bring reward at this stage, however, with an early drive into the keepers’ tummy from Fara and a free kick onto the roof of the net from Kelly Smith coming the closest.

England then carved out a clear chance after a superb move out of defence which ended with Williams lobbing a teasing ball to the far post. The Norway defence was uniformly static but Carney wasted the opportunity with a feeble right footed effort when a left foot shot or a header would have been a better option.

Again Norway were unable to properly relieve the pressure, however, and England again took full advantage. A left wing corner was only partially cleared and when the ball was quickly played back out to Carney on the left she delivered a perfect centre for Lindsay Johnson to head home her first international goal.

England were now rampant as half time approached. Kelly Smith sent a superb through ball to Eni Aluko but the striker’s first touch was sloppy and the chance went begging. Carney then saw a thirty yarder tipped over and Aluko’s drive from the resulting corner was blocked on the line. Finally Sue Smith whipped in a cracking free kick which just cleared Jill Scott six yards out.

So by the end of a keenly contested first half England were worth their two goal lead despite having suffered several uncomfortable moments themselves.

Half Time: England Ladies 2 Norway Ladies 0

England were keen to retain the initiative after half time and made a storming start to the second half, keeping Norway pressed back deep inside their own half for several minutes. No chances were forthcoming in this period, however, and Norway managed to lift the siege to enjoy a strong spell themselves.

Jill Scott was rightly booked for a cynical tug as Norway broke dangerously but the free kick brought danger of its’ own as the well placed ball found Gulbrandsen six yards out but her header lobbed over the bar.

The England defence was now looking more secure and Norway struggled to fashion chances despite their increased possession. Anita Asante, in particular, was now looking her normal dominant self. Goalkeeper Rachel Brown was not looking as confident as those in front of her, however, and she was lucky to get away with a hurried clearance, from Alex Scott’s back pass, that was charged down close to goal.

In fairness to Brown this was not the best back pass ever but the incident added to the impression that England’s goalkeeper was not exuding confidence and security. This was confirmed later when she inexplicably passed the ball, under no pressure, straight to Melissa Wiik whose scoring attempt was equally woeful, rolling wide of the gaping goal from twenty five yards.

In between these incidents Ingvild Isaksen had come close with a fierce drive that angled just wide of the far post from the right hand side of the area.

The game was now beginning to drift slightly although there was interest to be had in following the feud that began to develop between the teams’ two star players, Kelly Smith and Ingvild Stensland.

Stensland had not been at her best and had been made to look sluggish on several occasions by the vibrant Smith. It was possibly frustration that caused her to foul Smith late and thereby start the spat.

Nothing was done about this initial incident but Smith obviously made a mental note and provided her own retribution a little later with a crunching, perfectly fair, challenge that left the normally upright and elegant Stensland in an untidy heap.

Absolutely brilliant.

Obviously ruffled Stensland took the earliest opportunity to niggle Smith late again and was promptly booked.

This marked the end of the warfare, however, as both players probably realised they were better off getting on with the game again.

Wiik’s horrible miss had effectively marked the end of Norway’s challenge and England sealed victory with a third goal eleven minutes from the end. Fara Williams was again the scorer when one of her long range efforts finally hit the jackpot. Fara was well out and to the left of goal but her angled drive was too hot for Knutsen who got hands on the effort but could not stop it from finding the far corner.

This was undoubtedly a fine strike from Fara but once again the keeper had to be disappointed.

Stensland then risked an early bath by booting Jess Clarke, who looked lively after coming on for Sue Smith, but the referee was tolerant and contented herself with a word in Stensland’s shell-like.

The final action saw Carney produce a magnificent piece of skill down the left before crossing low to Jill Scott whose first time volley rippled the wrong side of the netting from close range.

All in all a good game and another excellent result for England. The only possible quibble from an England point of view was that the game didn’t really teach us anything that we didn’t know already. Hope Powell only introduced two substitutes and only Jess Clarke, given the last eleven minutes, was a new face with something to prove.

Clarke made the most of her time on the pitch, looking lively and comfortable in this company. It would have been nice to see one or two others given the same sort of opportunity.

Powell has been banging on about the impact new faces can make at major tournaments but they have to be given the opportunity. Gemma Davison might be a credible substitute for Carney and Rachel Williams looks the most likely of all to come in and make a real difference.

I know we have often complained that friendlies have been made meaningless by too many substitutions but this seemed to be going too far the other way.

Still, an excellent performance, result and game.

Full Time: England Ladies 3 Norway Ladies 0

England: R.Brown 4, A.Scott 6, C.Stoney 6, F.Williams 9, L.Johnson 6, A.Asante 7, K.Carney 8, J.Scott 8, E.Aluko 5 (K.Chapman 5), K.Smith 8, S.Smith 7 (J.Clarke 7).

Star Player: Fara Williams

Football England Favourite Fara scored two goals and had several other decent attempts on goal but it was the control and vision she brought to her passing that really earned her star billing. Wonderfully two footed she kept England ticking over from first to last.
Special mention also to Kelly Smith for her notable defensive efforts that kept England out of danger in the early stages when Norway were looking to press. Considering her standing in the game and the fact that this was only a friendly it says a lot about Smith that she is prepared to put in that kind of effort.

Tuesday, April 21
Everton Maintain Pressure

Everton Ladies remain on course to end Arsenal's dominance of the National Premier League after scoring two more vital victories in the last week.

The midweek trip to Birmingham looked a difficult fixture and this proved to be the case. The home side pushed Everton all the way and were only defeated by another set piece special from Fara Williams.

Fara found the top corner with a free kick from 25 yards shortly before half time and Everton just about managed to protect this advantage.

Birmingham gave everything they had in search of the equaliser but it was simply not to be their night. This was confirmed when they struck the woodwork twice within a minute during the second half. Firstly Jo Potter lobbed against the bar and then, after Everton had scrambled the ball clear at the expense of a corner, Jemma Connor-Iommi smacked a shot against the post.

There were no such scares on Sunday, however, as Everton ran out comfortable winners over Bristol Academy. There was only one goal in it at half time, Jody Handley on target, but the game was settled early in the second half as Williams scored twice.

Fara then went on to complete her hat trick before Rachel Unitt completed the scoring for a 5-0 win.

Everything is still geared up towards a championship decider between Everton and Arsenal and we now have a date for this crunch fixture. Sunday May 10 is the date and the Widnes rugby league stadium is the venue.

I can't wait.

Chelsea Ladies ensured that they will finish another vaguely disappointing season in 3rd place after defeating Leeds Carnegie 3-1 on Sunday.

The form of Sarah Kempson, who has come to the fore since Eni Aluko's departure, has been a real plus point for Chelsea recently and she opened the scoring after ten minutes with a free kick.

Former Blue Ellen White headed Leeds level after her initial effort had rebounded from the bar but Chelsea regained the advantage after half time when Sophie Walton sliced into her own net before Emma Whitter sealed the victory.

The other Premier League fixture to take place saw WFC Fulham end their campaign by claiming their first victory of the season at Blackburn.

The home side led at half time through Denise Campbell but Fulham claimed the points after second half goals from Gemma Fraser and Charmaine Benham.

This result provides some form of consolation for Fulham and further concern for Blackburn whose form has deteriorated as the season has gone on.

Sunderland are still sweating on whether they can overhaul OOH Lincoln in the Northern section after taking four points from their two games last week.

There was huge disappointment in dropping two points at home to Newcastle before they rallied on Sunday to record an 11-0 win over Aston Villa.

The Black Cats dominated the derby with Newcastle but could not press home their superiority against predictably resolute opponents. Natalie Gutteridge finally broke the deadlock with a fine header on the hour mark but the second goal wouldn't come and Newcastle made Sunderland pay when Melanie Reay lofted home an opportunist goal from long range for a late equaliser.

There were no such problems finding the net against Villa, however, as Gutteridge and Sophie Williams both scored four in their double figure victory.

Sunderland have three league games remaining and need to win them all to overtake Lincoln.

Congratulations go to Millwall Lionesses who duly confirmed promotion from the Southern section with a hard fought victory over Crystal Palace last week.

It took Millwall seventy minutes to break the deadlock but once Ann Marie Heatherson had headed home the opener Millwall cruised to a 3-0 win.

Heatherson struck again for the second before providing Carly Eagles with the chance to make it three.

It was appropriate that Keith Boanas was back in Blighty to see Millwall crowned champions and especially nice that he should contact us with another chirpy message.

Boanas laid the foundations for Millwall's successful season and was obviously happy to be back to see the culmination of his earlier work. He was also, typically, quick to praise the work of his successor at Millwall, Matt Beard.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Keith a happy 50th birthday and the best of luck with his work in Estonia.

It was also interesting that Boanas should tip Millwall striker Ann Marie Heatherson for international recognition in the near future. I wonder if he's discovered any Estonian blood in her family tree.

Wednesday, April 15
Arsenal Held By Donny

Arsenal Ladies continue to find life more of a struggle after losing three players to the American pro league and, having already lost to Everton, they were held to a goalless draw by Doncaster Belles on Sunday.

Arsenal had already posted two handsome wins against the same opposition this season but found it difficult to make inroads against a resolute Doncaster side in a game of few clear cut chances.

Doncaster were obviously intent on matching Arsenal physically after suffering in that respect in their recent League Cup final meeting and did so successfully. This went a long way towards gaining them their point but also ensured that the game was not much of a spectacle.

Not that the Belles should be blamed for that. There's no point just rolling over.

While the result gives hope to Arsenal's would be challengers, especially Everton, that the queens of womens football in this country are no longer untouchable it doesn't really make any difference to the league situation.

As it stands an Arsenal victory at Everton would still give them the title, presuming neither team slips up again.

Everton cruised to a 6-0 win over already relegated WFC Fulham. Toni Duggan and Jill Scott were on target before half time before Fara Williams helped herself to a hat trick after the break with Jody Handley also on target.

Williams scored once from open play, once from the penalty spot and once from a free kick, which was another of her Ronaldo style efforts.

Elsewhere there were wins for Chelsea and Leeds. Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 with Sarah Kempson scoring twice while Leeds won 2-1 at Bristol Academy.

Sue Smith and Carla Cantrell were the goalscorers but this game was marred by a nasty looking injury to Steph Houghton early on in the game. Houghton was stretchered off after an opponent fell onto her in a challenge with the impact seeming to cause serious damage to her knee.

Leeds continue to be dogged by injuries in general and this could be Houghton's second serious setback in just over a year. We wish her the best and hope that first impressions weren't correct in this case.

OOH Lincoln completed their programme in the Northern section with a 4-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday and then received a massive boost with the news that Sunderland had lost at home to Leicester City.

Jodie Michalaska took her league tally for the season to 32 with a hat trick and Lincoln must now wait to see if Sunderland can make up a twelve point deficit from their five games in hand. With Sunderland still having to face Newcastle and Leicester again during the run in Lincoln will be hopeful that they slip up.

There was no doubting that Leicester deserved their victory on Wearside as two goals from Natasha Meade put the seal on a vibrant second half display from the visitors who ended up 3-1 winners.

There won't be any such dramas in the South where Millwall now need only one more point to clinch the title after two more wins in a week. Firstly they recorded a routine 3-0 win over Brighton before seeing off Truro City 2-0. Not surprisingly Ann Marie Heatherson scored in both of these victories. I wonder if Heatherson will actually go with Millwall into the Premier League next season or simply join another team in the Southern section and get them promoted instead.

Wednesday, April 8
Forest's Great Escape

Nottingham Forest are able to celebrate avoiding relegation and another season in the top flight after defeating Leeds Carnegie 1-0 on Sunday. This win means Forest have taken 13 points from their last 6 games. That represents good form at any time but looks truly remarkable when compared with the 4 points from 13 games that they had managed previously.

Andrea Bell, who blows hot and cold but is a real handful when she is hot, scored the all important goal seven minutes from time when she broke through on goal to score, just about, past Carly Telford from a tight angle.

Credit obviously goes to Forest who have rallied so strongly to produce the goods when it really mattered having contested many earlier games for long periods only to lose out narrowly in the end.

Liverpool Ladies, who have finished their fixtures and are definitely relegated, have in truth no-one to blame but themselves. If they had beaten the league's bottom side, WFC Fulham, on Sunday they would have kept Forest sweating but two Kelly Jones goals were only enough to gain them a point having trailed twice to goals by Gemma Fraser and Charmaine Benham.

That result meant that Liverpool had drawn twice with Fulham this season and they finished the campaign without a home win. The Reds recorded a handful of excellent results along the way but were never able to put a sequence together which meant that they were always vulnerable to a Forest rally and, eventually, that is exactly what happenend.

Significantly Forest's great run started with victory at Liverpool and they will be relieved that the pressure is now off as they complete their season with games against Chelsea, twice, and Everton.

Everton remain on course for the title but they face a long haul through April if they are going to complete their mission. Having slogged their way to a goalless draw at Leeds last week they found Watford in similarly determined mood on Sunday and were grateful for a Fern Whelan header which ended up proving decisive.

Arsenal continue to supply the pressure, and actually hold an eight point lead, after seeing off Bristol Academy 3-0. Not vintage Arsenal with the goals coming from two penalties and a free kick but they got the job done.

Elsewhere Emma Whitter marked her return to Chelsea with the only goal of the game at Doncaster Belles, although at least equal credit for the victory should go to goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain who was in top form, while Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers drew 1-1. Rovers scored both goals, however, with a Karen Burke own goal cancelling out Rhianda Roberts' opener.

In the Premier League North there were comprehensive wins for both OOH Lincoln and Sunderland. Lincoln ran out 6-0 winners at Tranmere while Sunderland anihilated Rotherham 11-0. The individual honours went to Jodie Michalaska who scored four for Lincoln and Sophie Williams who helped herself to five at Rotherham.

In the South Millwall cemented their grip on top spot with a 1-0 win over Keynsham while their potential rivals dropped points again. Once more it was Ann Marie Heatherson who made the difference with a late winner. Having fired Fulham to promotion last season it looks as though Heatherson will repeat the feat with Millwall this time around.

Womens' football was dealt another blow this week as the FA announced that the proposed summer Super League will now not begin in 2010 but has been provisionally pushed back to 2011.

This decision has been blamed on the global economy which comes across as a convenient excuse. It's hard to see how the global economy is really affecting football at the top levels.

Of course serious mis-management can always affect the viability of any concern and the FA has overseen the shambolic building of a new stadium recently as well as throwing good money after bad at a couple of mediocre/incompetent England managers so they might well have to tighten their belts.

I don't know how much money is actually needed to provide womens' football with a sound basis but you can only assume it is a drop in the ocean compared with the figures which continue to be thrown at the mens' game from every direction.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of this decision by the FA, however, the real shame is in the way this process has been handled from start to finish.

From the moment this idea was introduced by the FA as the way forward to a bright new future for womens' football we have received nothing but grandiose soundbites about sketchy plans and ideas.

Sift through the self promotion and hype and there has been nothing resembling a comprehendable plan of attack or a recognisable vision for the future.

Information has been sporadic and, when offered, it has given the impression that it was the result of the FA feeling it had to put out a message rather than that it actually had a message to give.

Clubs have been kept in the dark and then called to meetings from which they learned nothing of consequence and were then told to prepare bids to join the proposed league only to be told, a couple of weeks later, that the league wasn't actually going to happen.

The FA, if it indulges in soul searching or internal reviews, will doubtless find absolutely nothing to reproach themselves with in their handling of this affair but to everyone else it smacks of incompetence from start to finish.

Well, I say finish but in point of fact we're simply back where we started from.

Now the clubs are faced with preparing financially for another season, always a nervous time, with the goalposts having been moved at the last moment.

I suppose it's grimly ironic that if you go onto the FA's website for information about this decision you find the few paragraphs granted to it, in which the clubs are told to "put their applications on hold until further notice", right next to a link headed "RESPECT".

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to the FA if you can.

No sign of an apology or a sign of regret that the clubs have been sent on a prolonged wild goose chase. No sign of any respect whatsoever, really.

Meanwhile the WPS has got under way in America to a bright start. Marta has grabbed the headlines by scoring two goals as her side, LA Sol, have recorded two wins out of two and the five English participants have all been in action.

Not surprisingly Kelly Smith has made the biggest impression. Smith gave a fine display and scored in the Boston Breakers' opening game although they ended up defeated 2-1 by FC Gold Pride.

Alex Scott also played in that game and was unable to stop her winger scoring a last minute winner although she was not personally at fault as Boston found themselves stretched at the back following a swift counter attack.

Anita Asante featured for Sky Blue FC as they lost to Marta's brace while Karen Carney and Eni Aluko went head to head as Chicago Red Stars faced St Louis Athletica.

Carney's Chicago won that one by the only goal and she sparkled in patches while Aluko was unable to make an impression, despite her team having most of the play, and was subbed off in the closing stages.

With the sun shining, crowds of 5-6000 and television cameras in attendance it's the stuff of dreams for the FA. Whether the league will sustain itself long term, however, remains a matter for conjecture but we have to hope that it does.

If a professional league establishes itself in the States then it will be good for womens' football throughout the world in helping to confirm its' credibility and marketability.

Personally I think the most obvious positive of the WPS over the standard fare on offer in our own National Premier League, from the action so far, is the state of the pitches.

Lush, level, grassy playing surfaces obviously encourage good football. Even Marta wouldn't fancy the bare, bone hard, windswept parks that our top players are faced with week in and week out.

Saturday, April 4
Everton Cracking Up?

Having given themselves the advantage in the title race by winning at Arsenal last Sunday Everton immediately lost their own 100% record on Thursday night when they could only manage a goalless draw away to Leeds Carnegie.

The trip to Leeds was always going to be a tricky one for Everton and it was probably extra difficult coming on the back of the win at Arsenal. Sometimes you can get too high after a victory and it's not easy to concentrate properly on the next task in hand.

The draw does not really alter the situation at the top of the table, however. If Everton avoid defeat against Arsenal in their second meeting and win their other games then they will still end the season as champions. The result does mean there is extra pressure on them not to slip up again.

Can they handle this pressure? Probably, although it was a bit disconcerting to find the official Everton website saying that their next game is away to Fulham when it's actually at Watford.

It's going to be a bad way to lose the league if your coach driver, in every good faith, ends up at the wrong ground.

The game with Leeds was exceptionally tight throughout with both sides struggling to create any clear cut chances. Everton shaded possession but were without a cutting edge against a commendably resilient Leeds outfit.

One thing that Everton can be reasonably sure about is that Arsenal are unlikely to present them with any unexpected gifts before they meet again. The Gunners had an awkward looking fixture themselves this week, away to in form Birmingham, but secured the points without too much fuss after a 3-1 win.

Kim Little, who has consistently confirmed the star billing given her by manager Vic Akers when she signed for the club last year, again played a starring role and scored the two first half goals which put Arsenal in command of the game.

Birmingham responded early in the second half with a smart goal from Becky Hall and the game remained in doubt until Ciara Grant headed home a rare goal with just under twenty minutes remaining.

Everything looks to be heading for a massive climax when Everton and Arsenal meet again, whenever that may be.

There was also a vital game in the Premier League South as Millwall Lionesses took on Charlton Athletic. Charlton really needed to win this one to breathe new life into the title race but suffered a blow when Sarah Jones opened the scoring for Millwall. They responded well to equalise through Natalie Crinean and had the better of the game from that point on but could not force a winner.

The draw leaves Millwall one point ahead at the top of the league and with three games in hand.

Tuesday, March 31
Arsenal's Unbeaten Record Smashed

Having lost tamely to Arsenal in the FA Cup the week before Everton Ladies returned south for a league fixture against the same opposition on Sunday and completely turned the tables. From the first whistle Everton were positive and sharp all over the field and they had swept into a two goal lead inside fifteen minutes.

Both goals came from smart finishes, the first by Fara Williams and the second from Michelle Hinnigan.

This left the onus squarely on Arsenal to force their way back into the game but they were rarely able to penetrate a resolute Everton defence and Rachel Brown remained largely unemployed in the vistors' goal. One save from Kim Little was worthy of note, however.

On a day when Everton finally looked to have shed their Arsenal inferiority complex victory was confirmed early in the second half when Jill Scott strode clear of the defence to finish calmly past Emma Byrne.

Great joy for Everton therefore but they will need to retain their focus if they are to complete the job of relieving Arsenal of their league title. They still have to play Arsenal at home and if The Gunners win all their remaining games they would still retain their title on goal difference.

Everton also have a positive glut of fixtures to complete in April, including several tricky midweek away games, and there are plenty of banana skins laying in wait if they think this result has got the job done.

This defeat was Arsenal's first in the league for over a century of games and their ever sombre/sullen manager Vic Akers was quick to point out that the record would still be intact had it not been for the loss of key players over the past year or so.

That might well be true Vic but the record wouldn't have existed anyway if your club hadn't been in a position to hand pick the players it wanted from other clubs in the first place.

Nottingham Forest continue to make good progress in their bid to avoid the drop at the other end of the table. Having lost 4-0 at Birmingham in midweek Forest responded with a fine 3-0 win at Blackburn.

The game at Birmingham was one to forget for Forest goalkeeper Claire Wallhead as she found the ball flying past her from all distances as the home side scored four first half goals. Maz Gauntlett scored two of these with the best being her bullet header from a pin point Sian Larkin centre.

At Blackburn, however, Forest always looked dangerous and their generous ex-Rovers contingent certainly looked as though they had something to prove. Andrea Bell reminded her former colleagues of her pace when opening the scoring in the first half and Levi Penny, who Rovers brought into the Premier League from Crewe, made the game safe with two goals after half time.

With Liverpool losing again, at home to Bristol Academy, Forest are now only one point behind their rivals in distress and have three games in hand.

It might have been expected that the game between Liverpool, without a home win all season, and Bristol, no wins on the road, would have ended in a draw but the visitors raced into a three goal lead before half time and Liverpool, despite their best efforts, were unable to retrieve the deficit.

Sam Chappell put through her own goal to give Bristol the lead before the in form Gwennan Harries struck twice to put real daylight between the sides. Danielle Sheen and Ally Hastie, from the penalty spot, were on target for Liverpool after the break but this proved to be too little too late and The Reds now desperately need to win their final game against Fulham if they are to stay up.

Elsewhere Chelsea beat Doncaster Belles 4-1 with both Lianne Sanderson and Sarah Kempson scoring twice while Birmingham confirmed Fulham's relegation in beating them 1-0 with a late goal from Heather Scheuber.

Watford, who lost by the only goal to Arsenal in midweek, found themselves edged out again on Sunday by Leeds Carnegie whose winner came courtesy of an Ellen White header.

The title race in the north has been opened up again after FA Cup finalists Sunderland came a cropper at Manchester City. The Wearsiders would have been hoping to guard against their cup exploits proving a distraction but this seemed to be the case at City who took the points thanks to Elle Turner's second half goal and an impressive display of goalkeeping from Andrea Worrall.

OOH Lincoln took full advantage of this slip up by thrashing Rotherham 7-1 with Stacey Aisthorpe bagging four. Lincoln now lead the section by nine points while Sunderland have five games in hand.

In the south Millwall are now odds on favourites to clinch promotion after beating both Colchester and Cardiff while Charlton drew again, this time away at Brighton.

Ann Marie Heatherson's contribution was again vital. She scored a hat trick in the 4-1 win at Colchester and then popped up with the winner against Cardiff. Millwall had trailed in this one after two goals by Charlotte Miller but Heatherson's goal sealed a 3-2 success and The Lionesses now head the table and have three games in hand.

Charlton's latest draw surely leaves them out of contention while Keynsham's draw with Barnet was of no real use to either team.

Monday, March 23
Sunderland Shock Chelsea

This seasons' FA Cup final will be contested by, predictably, Arsenal Ladies and, more surprisingly, WFC Sunderland. Arsenal overcame a disappointingly tepid Everton challenge while Sunderland recorded a shock, but ultimately comprehensive, victory over Chelsea.

The opening stages of the Arsenal/Everton game were mainly cagey but Everton disintegrated after conceding a dreadful goal midway through the first half. Lindsay Johnson's back pass played Rachel Brown into a certain amount of trouble but there was no excuse for the shocking miscue that presented Rachel Yankey with an open goal from five yards.

This goal completely deflated Everton who found themselves 3-0 down at half time after a towering header from Jayne Ludlow and a close range finish by Gilly Flaherty.

This was the good part of Ludlow's contribution, the bad came in the shape of a dangerous studs up lunge at Fara Williams which fortunately the Everton player managed to leap away from. The yellow card issued was one of three collected by Arsenal players in another display that skirted the boundaries of acceptable physical aggression.

Everton pulled one back shortly after half time through Natasha Dowie and had one or two chances to really get themselves back into the game but there was never any realistic chance of them recovering and it was more likely that further goals would come at the other end as the clock ticked down.

This game was almost a replica of their League Cup meeting earlier on in the season when Arsenal surged into a three goal lead before eventually running out 3-1 winners. Everton will need to hit the ground running in their two league meetings if they are to deny The Gunners another league title.

It is unlikely that Sunderland will be able to prevent Arsenal from retaining the FA Cup but they certainly deserved their semi final glory after producing a superb performance to dump out the strong favourites, Chelsea.

The first half in this one was evenly contested with Chelsea looking perhaps more threatening. Lianne Sanderson was an obvious danger but each time she came face to face with Helen Alderson in the Sunderland goal she came out second best.

Perhaps the pivotal moment came just before half time when Chelsea almost struck a lucky blow when Claire Rafferty's centre bounced out off the crossbar.

Sunderland had certainly given as good as they were getting in the first half and their young side seemed to grow in confidence as every second half minute ticked away and their grip on the game increased.

Chelsea were given a warning as Sunderland had the ball in the net only to be pulled up for offside before the deadlock was finally broken with less than twenty minutes left. Kelly McDougall whipped a fine free kick against the woodwork and Natalie Gutteridge was on hand to convert the rebound.

Chelsea threw players forward in a desperate attempt to respond but Sunderland kept their composure and were able to pick off their opponents and seal victory in style. Two goals from Sophie Williams compounded Chelsea's misery and booked Sunderland their place in a first major final.

Congratulations obviously go to Sunderland whose team is based around the latest products from a conveyor belt of young talent and whose members feature strongly in the various England age group squads.

In the league Liverpool remain in relegtion trouble after seeing their awful home form continue. Having won 3-0 at Watford the week before Liverpool fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to the same opponents on Sunday, Charlotte Young heading the only goal.

WFC Fulham are certainly going down and they lost again at the weekend, 3-1 at Birmingham City. Maz Gauntlett scored two fine goals in an impressive individual display while Danni Bird and Jo Potter were also in good form for The Blues.

The other Premier League fixture played saw Bristol Academy and Doncaster Belles draw 1-1, Gwennan Harries on target for Bristol and Chelsea Weston, sent off last week but apparently available, equalising with a sweet free kick.

OOH Lincoln enjoyed a 3-0 win at Curzon Ashton in the Northern section, Jodie Michalska scoring another two, but will be expecting Sunderland to overaul them over the coming weeks.

In the South Millwall look strong favourites after two wins in a week left them four points behind the leaders but with four games in hand.

Ann Marie Heatherson scored twice in their 5-2 win against Barnet during the week and then grabbed a hat trick as Ipswich were routed 9-0 on Sunday, Emma Whitter getting a couple herself in this one.

Charlton Athletic still lead in this section but look increasingly vulnerable after only drawing 1-1 at Colchester and Keynsham Town look to be out of the running after suffering a shock 1-0 home defeat against struggling Brighton.

Tuesday, March 17
Liverpool Respond In Style

With Nottingham Forest having taken seven points from their last three games, including a win at their expense, Liverpool Ladies were under renewed pressure near the bottom of the Premier League table as they headed to Watford on Sunday. Having lost both their goalkeeper and leading scorer to injuries suffered on international duty The Reds might have been excused for feeling sorry for themselves as they approached this vital game but instead they rallied to produce perhaps their most convincing display of the season.

Hannah Williams, standing in for Nicky Davies in goal, had a relatively quiet afternoon but Maddie Hills, up front in place of Cheryl Foster, was at the centre of everything in a debut to remember.

With just over two minutes gone Hills made her mark with a cool finish having been put through on goal by Ally Hastie. Then, just before half time, she returned the compliment by setting up Hastie for the second Liverpool goal.

Watford's task was made all but impossible when they lost goalkeeper Marie Hourihan to a red card for a handling offence outside the area and Kelly Jones wrapped up an impressive 3-0 victory for Liverpool after another clever assist by Hills.

This was a chastening experience for Watford who are in need of firepower after losing Helen Lander to Arsenal and Ashlee Hincks to WFC Fulham recently.

This result, together with Forest's recent run of form, opens up the remote possibility that someone else might just get dragged into the relegation scrap and Bristol Academy and Blackburn Rovers might just have one eye over their shoulders after defeats at the weekend.

Bristol went down 2-1 at home to Chelsea with all the goals coming in the second half. Michelle Green had equalised Jess Smith's opener to give them hope of claiming at least a point but Lianne Sanderson quickly drove Chelsea back in front to settle the issue.

Blackburn were left frustrated at home to Doncaster Belles after leading at half time through Katie Anderton only to end up beaten at full time. Naomi Chadwick, on as a sub, levelled for Doncaster with fifteen minutes left but the initiative seemed to be back with Blackburn after Chelsea Weston then saw a second yellow card.

The Belles kept going, however, and clinched a last minute victory thanks to a penalty from Vicky Exley.

The other game played also saw an away victory as Birmingham City left Leeds Carnegie with the points after a 2-1 win.

Jo Potter opened the scoring from a corner early on as Birmingham had the better of the first half but Leeds hit back strongly after the break following the introduction of Ellen White as substitute.

This was White's first appearance for Leeds following her move from Chelsea last summer due to a serious injury and she looked eager to make up for lost time with a series of efforts on goal which eventually resulted in an equaliser as her corner managed to squeeze through a ruck of players and into the net.

Instead of boosting Leeds for a grandstand finish this goal seemed to revive Birmingham who quickly won a corner of their own which was forced home by Maz Gauntlett.

Disappointment then for White on her return to action but it is certainly good to see her back.

In the Northern section Sunderland warmed up for the biggest game in their history, this Sunday's FA Cup semi final against Chelsea, with a 5-0 hiding of Preston North End in which Kelly McDougall scored twice while Barnet kept their promotion hopes alive in the South by winning 4-2 at Brighton, Holly Sandow getting a brace.

Elsewhere the European qualifying groups for the 2011 World Cup have been made with England coming out of the hat with Spain, Austria, Turkey and Malta.

That doesn't look too bad but with only one team going through to the play offs there will be no room for slip ups and Hope Powell will no doubt be especially wary of Spain who gave us an almighty scare in our recent European Championship qualifying campaign.

Expect two more tough encounters and watch out for Laura Del Rio who was magnificent when England went to Spain for their final group game and who will be honing her skills in America along with the likes of Kelly Smith in the upcoming WPS League.

Thursday, March 12
England Win Tournament

England will return home from Cyprus as champions of the mini tournament they have taken part in over the past eight days. The Cyprus Womens Cup is never likely to rate too highly on the list of international tournaments but you can't do any better than win whatever the occasion might be.

Given the eight teams taking part England always looked capable of winning this trophy and they will have certainly have set themselves that target. To have achieved that aim will have given the whole squad a boost and while we did not have to face the strongest nations to claim victory the tournament does seem to confirm that England are emerging from the middle ranking teams in world football as possible challengers to the established elite.

England were grouped together with South Africa, France and Scotland needing to top the section to take part in the final. The toughest test was obviously going to be France in the second game but in the end it was goal difference that proved vital after that game ended in a draw.

England made an emphatic start to the tournament with a 6-0 drubbing of South Africa. Fara Williams, Lianne Sanderson and Kelly Smith were on target before half time with Steph Houghton increasing the lead after the break.

Two late goals by Katie Chapman then gave England a significant advantage as they headed into the game against the French.

This was as tough and tight an encounter as might have been expected with France taking the lead in both halves. On both occasions England responded quickly, however, with goals by Karen Carney and Casey Stoney good enough to earn the draw that maintained England's advantage.

Despite picking an unfamiliar line up for the final group game against Scotland a comfortable 3-0 victory was enough to send England into the final. Eni Aluko, Emily Westwood and Jess Clarke all found the target as Hope Powell's fringe players were able to make a good impression.

The final saw England proving themselves too strong for a spirited Canada side that actually took the lead after 15 minutes when Christine Sinclair lobbed a smart finish over Rachel Brown.

England responded in fine style in the run up to half time and went in at the break with a two goal advantage after a three goal blitz.

Sanderson headed England level after a searching ball into the box by Stoney, Kelly Smith drilled a typically clinical low drive into the corner from the edge of the box and then Fara Williams smashed home a fierce free kick right on the stroke of half time.

Fara seems to be trying to copy the Ronaldo toe bunger technique with her free kicks and she seems to be far more adept at it than the supposed master.

At least Fara's efforts can be reasonably expected to avoid the wall whereas 99% of Ronaldo's still smash straight into it.

Canada battled to the end and had the better of the second half but England, in truth, looked comfortable as they held on for victory and the trophy.

Winning this cup is nothing to get too excited about but the exercise was certainly worthwile, with more at stake than the usual friendlies at this time of year, and undoubtedly represented a job well done.

Back at home Nottingham Forest are now breathing right down Liverpool's neck after grabbing a late winner against doomed WFC Fulham at the weekend.

Forest started in confident fashion and should probably have scored straight from the kick off. As chances went begging and a goal was disallowed they slowly became more edgy in their play and, with conditions deteriorating, the second half became an increasing slog.

Just when it seemed as though the afternoon would be one of total frustration, however, Beth Bailey stepped forward to hook home a precise winner after the Fulham keeper could only punch a centre to the edge of the box under pressure.

Forest are now only one point behind Liverpool and have two games in hand. Liverpool would appear to have the better run in but the pressure is now definitely on them to start collecting points.

Blackburn Rovers enjoyed a good 4-1 win over Birmingham City in the other Premier League game to take place with Katie Anderton once again their chief goalscorer with a hat trick.

In the northern section OOH Lincoln suffered a big blow as they look to put pressure on Sunderland as they could only manage a goalless draw with Newcastle.

In the south there were vital wins for Keynsham Town and Millwall Lionesses as they look to overhaul Charlton Athletic.

Keynsham's 2-1 win at Brighton leaves then three points behind The Addicks with one game in hand while Millwall are nine points adrift with five games in hand after a fine 3-0 win at Portsmouth.

With the FA now accepting applications for their proposed 2010 summer league it is uncertain exactly how much is at stake in the current relegation and promotion issues but those involved will no doubt be giving it their all in any case.

Tuesday, March 3
Everton Retain Perfect Record

Everton Ladies are hoping to usurp Arsenal’s standing as Premier League champions this season and they know that this will not happen if they drop any points against the other teams in the league. On Sunday they faced perhaps their toughest remaining test, apart from the games with Arsenal themselves of course, when they took on Chelsea for the second time this season.

Everton had registered a surprisingly emphatic victory when they travelled to meet Chelsea earlier on in the season but this time the game was much closer and there were a lot of relieved faces among the Everton camp when the final whistle blew to confirm their 1-0 victory.

Siobhan Chamberlain produced a couple of good early saves that helped Chelsea to settle and after that there was very little between the two sides. Half time came with the game goalless but the crucial breakthrough came soon after the break when Toni Duggan was fouled inside the box and Fara Williams stepped up to put away the penalty.

Hard work for Everton but all that matters from now until the end of the season are results and this one keeps them up with Arsenal’s pace. The first of the two league meetings between the title hopefuls is in two weeks time with Everton having the home advantage.

Elsewhere Nottingham Forest clawed another point back on Liverpool to keep the relegation issue in doubt. Having beaten their rivals in distress the previous week Forest came away from a see-saw game against Bristol Academy with a point.

Bristol scored first in this one but Forest were looking at another three points after goals from Natalie Clarke and Andi Bell put them into the lead. They ended up having to settle for just the one, however, as Bristol grabbed a draw through Jemma Rose’s late goal.

Forest will be growing in confidence thanks to their last two results, however, and will feel that they could also get a positive result from their visit to Blackburn this weekend.

Liverpool, on the other hand, will be feeling far less secure after Leeds Carnegie became the latest team to come away from Merseyside with three points. Liverpool haven’t won a home league game all season and were unable to end that sorry statistic despite taking a fourth minute lead in this one through Ally Hastie.

Two goals from Steph Houghton had given Leeds the advantage by half time and a nice goal from Sue Smith early in the second half sealed the points.

WFC Fulham are surely doomed after their latest defeat, a 2-0 reverse away to Watford who struck twice in quick succession just before half time through Holly Miles and a Sally Wade penalty.

OOH Lincoln continue to put pressure on Sunderland in the Northern section after two Jodie Michalska goals helped them to a 4-2 win at Preston while the position in the South simply refuses to become any clearer.

None of the leading sides won at the weekend. Leaders Charlton could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Cardiff but all their potential challengers dropped points as well.

Barnet and Keynsham Town shared the points after a 2-2 draw while Portsmouth fared even worse, losing at home to Colchester 2-1.

Millwall Lionesses have looked the most likely side to emerge from the pack but their 0-0 draw at home to West Ham leaves them with a big ask. Fixture congestion is bound to be an issue as Millwall still have fourteen games to squeeze in having managed to play only eight so far.

Thursday February 26, 2009; Womens League Cup Final.

Arsenal Ladies 5 Doncaster Rovers Belles 0

Arsenal: E.Byrne, A.Scott, C.Grant, L.Bassett (G.Flaherty 81), N.Fahey, J.Ludlow, K.Little, K.Chapman, G.Davison (S.Grant 77), K.Smith (L.Bruton 88), R.Yankey.

Doncaster: N.Hobbs, C.Weston, C.Utley, N.Hughes, V.Leat, A.Turner, V.Exley, V.Stevens (N.Shaw 77), E.Heckler, R.Williams, E.Johnson (N.Chadwick 88).

Anybody giving serious and honest consideration to this cup final beforehand would have been concerned that the game would not provide the sort of spectacle anyone would really want to see from one of the showpiece occasions in the domestic womens' football calendar.

As feared the game was not really an even contest, with Arsenal running out easy winners, but the occasion turned sourer than anybody could have predicted beforehand leaving a bad taste in the mouth that will linger for some time to come.

There were natural concerns that The Belles would be embarrassed in defeat by an Arsenal side obviously superior in perhaps every department but it was expected that Arsenal would provide the sort of rich, vibrant attacking display in claiming victory that would at least showcase their outstanding qualities.

We weren't really treated to that, however, despite the emphatic final scoreline.

Arsenal only really approached their best in bursts while Doncaster gave about as good an account of themselves as could be expected with a weakened team.

The fact that Arsenal, not at their best, won 5-0 against a team playing just about to potential merely serves to highlight the hopeless task that The Belles were faced with going into the game.

While it was possible to feel a little disappointed with Arsenal for the fragmented nature of their attacking display this was nothing to the outright unpleasantness of their first half defensive display which centred around the concerted, apparently systematic, abuse of the Doncaster centre forward, Rachel Williams.

The Arsenal team appeared to be taking it in turns to kick lumps out of the impressive Williams and, with the help of a disgusting refereeing performance by Steve Rowntree, they had succeeded in reducing Williams to a limping virtual passenger by half time.

This is not a knee jerk reaction or sensationalism. One of the best things about womens' football is the fact that tackling is an accepted part of the game by players and officials alike and there is seldom any histrionic reactions if a challenge is mis-timed. People generally seem willing to accept this as part and parcel of the game and simply get on with it.

This is the way most people would want to see football being played and long may it continue.

What Arsenal got away with in this game, however, had nothing to do with good, old fashioned competitiveness. It was nasty, underhand and brutal. It was the sort of uncontrolled aggression that football could well do without.

What on earth was going through the referee, Rowntree's, mind as he continually blew for the fouls but neglected to brandish cards is anyones' guess.

Perhaps he had turned up with the frame of mind that they were only women and did not need to be treated as seriously as men. Perhaps he had turned up in "cup final mode" and did not want to spoil the occasion by dishing out cards.

His performance did remind me of Roger Milford's in the cup final when Paul Gascoigne was allowed to cripple himself by the smiling, laissez-faire official. This time there was no poetic justice in the consequences, however.

A referee's first duty, his most important duty, is his duty of care towards the players under his control. Rowntree singularly failed in his duty of care to Rachel Williams in this game and he should be truly embarrassed by his performance.

Nobody wants to see yellow and red cards being flashed but they are in the referee's pocket for a good reason. This game was one in which both the yellow and the red should have been seen on more than one occasion.

Doncaster started brightly enough as they looked to be positive despite their obvious standing as huge underdogs. The selection of Rachel Williams, usually The Belles' midfield driving force, at centre forward looked a strange one but, along with Emily Heckler, she was prominent in the opening minutes as the Arsenal defence came under some pressure.

Some neat, purposeful approach play brought only one, speculative, overhead attempt that dropped straight into the arms of Emma Byrne before Arsenal took a fifth minute lead in their first real attack, however.

It was alarming to see the Doncaster defence completely beaten by a simple chip through the middle that left both Kim Little and Kelly Smith clean through on goal.

Little took the ball wide of the advancing Nicola Hobbs and Smith looked like she was allowing the shot to roll in until the presence of a recovering defender forced her to touch the ball home herself.

The first hint of Arsenal nastiness came in the shape of a late challenge from behind by Laura Bassett, who comes across more and more as just a thug every time I see her play, which brought the Belles a free kick but no card for the defender.

The fragile nature of the Doncaster defence was then highlighted again as Arsenal contrived to miss a gaping chance to double their lead. Smith played Gemma Davison in behind the defence on the right wing and her squared ball presented Rachel Yankey with an open goal.

The winger lofted her shot carelessly over the bar, however.

Next came the worst moment of the night.

Doncaster broke quickly from an Arsenal corner and the powerful Williams set off straight at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Having burst past one defender the Doncaster player was crudely taken out at the knee by a horrible, studs up, stamping challenge by Niamh Fahey.

This was the most obvious red card offence imaginable yet the hapless Rowntree still only saw fit to punish the assault with a free kick.

Williams initially tried to carry on but it was no surprise to see her collapsing to the floor moments later. After prolonged treatment the game forward returned and continued to carry the attack to Arsenal throughout the first half but the damage done was obvious.

Despite the best efforts of Williams and, more infrequently, Heckler the real goal threat was still carried by Arsenal. Hobbs made a fine, very brave, double save to deny Kelly Smith after a swift Arsenal break and Smith was then inches away from connecting with a wicked Yankey centre as she dived in at point blank range. Alex Scott also had the Doncaster keeper worried with a dipping shot from distance that ended up clearing the bar by a couple of feet.

All this time Rachel Williams continued to be the victim of serial Arsenal fouling which reached its' peak when Jayne Ludlow dived into three dangerous late challenges in quick succession and still, miraculously, escaped without seeing a card.

Just past the half hour Arsenal scored again and any semblance of doubt concerning the final outcome of the game was removed. This was Arsenal near their best as a slick passing move involving Yankey, Little and Ludlow ended with Kelly Smith biding her time inside the box before burying her finish into the far corner.

To their credit Doncaster rallied to produce their best spell of the game and they created the chances to get back into the game. None of these were taken, however.

Emily Heckler blazed over the bar from close range after the ball had broken her way following another storming run by Williams and then Williams burst through the Arsenal defence onto Heckler's pass only to finish weakly with her left foot.

The Belles then produced their best move of the night with a flowing series of passes from left to right that ended with Chelsea Weston coming forward to put in a wonderful first time centre that picked out Heckler, involved throughout the move, but the header was sent frustratingly over the crossbar.

Arsenal responded and Ludlow was close to increasing their lead on the stroke of half time with a smart volley, under pressure, from the edge of the box but the attempt was just too high.

Half Time: Arsenal Ladies 2 Doncaster Belles 0

The second half started in mundane fashion with neither side able to put any attacking moves together. Arsenal remained patchy in their attacking play and Doncaster, with Williams perhaps feeling her injuries more than ever after the half time break, unable to mount any sort of threat.

The only consistent source of danger was established between Kelly Smith and Kim Little. When either of these players got involved in the final third there was danger for Doncaster and when they combined the threat was doubled.

Little created a spell of pressure with a darting run away from three defenders and when her teasing centre was not properly cleared Smith was on hand to belt Arsenal's third into the near post from just outside the box, duly completing a hat trick in her farewell Arsenal appearance.

The Belles were quickly making more trouble for themselves as they gave the ball away on the edge of their own box and a tremendous drive by Yankey looked goalbound only to poleaxe Natasha Hughes en route.

On sixty six minutes Alex Scott, strangely subdued for the most part, came forward to add her own farewell goal to the Arsenal tally. Smith turned provider with a superb pass inside Vanessa Leat and Scott was able to finish with some comfort thanks to the dubious positioning of Hobbs in the Doncaster goal.

Hobbs was more obviously at fault as she allowed Katie Chapman, at an angle, to shoot into a gaping goal minutes later but this time The Belles were reprieved by an erroneous offside flag.

Emma Byrne, possibly bored by this stage, then presented Doncaster with the chance of a consolation when she was caught dawdling with the ball beyond her area but Heckler confirmed the theory that it was not going to be her night by shooting inches wide of the far post.

Chelsea Weston, who came out of the game with real credit, saved Doncaster from conceding another goal with a superb last ditch interception after a good break by Alex Scott and then the Arsenal full back sent a drive inches wide of Hobbs' right hand post.

Arsenal were not to be denied a fifth goal, however, as Little produced a sublime pass to release the substitute Susanne Grant to score comfortably and the match ended in farcical circumstances as Referee Rowntree finally brandished a yellow card in the face of Jayne Ludlow for something and nothing deep into stoppage time.

"Unbe-spunking-lievable" is what I think I said at the time and it still seems appropriate.

Arsenal, therefore, ended up the clear winners they were fully expected to be but this victory certainly hadn't enhanced their reputation one bit.

Full Time: Arsenal Ladies 5 Doncaster Rovers Belles 0

Star Player: Rachel Williams

Kelly Smith signed off with a hat trick and confirmed yet again what a quality player she is but on this occasion I felt it was genuinely questionable whether she could have performed as well for the other team as one of their players had done.
Rachel Williams, who has been outstanding all season in midfield for The Belles, stepped into the gap left by Liz Hansen's injury at centre forward and was truly outstanding.
Running at the opposition with pace, power and purpose she gave a good imitation of Smith herself and was able to stretch the Arsenal defence consistently in basically a lone role.
It is also hard to imagine that Smith would have been able to control herself if she had been subjected to the terrible punishment that Williams suffered at the hands of Bassett, Fahey, Ludlow and company.
Hope Powell was in the crowd and might just have noticed this performance but she might have been too busy watching her usual suspects.
Williams is only on standby for England's forthcoming trip to Cyprus. It's a pity she's not making the trip. I would have thought it would be worthwhile to give this truly dynamic player an opportunity in the Jill Scott role in the England team.
Of course she might not have been fit enough to take up the invitation even if she had been selected.

Wednesday, February 25
League Cup Final Preview

Before looking forward to tomorrow's League Cup final between Arsenal and Doncaster Belles let's have a quick look back at last weekends' action which came predominantly in the FA Cup.

The quarter finals of the FA Cup saw expected victories for Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea but promotion chasing WFC Sunderland were able to defeat Premier League Bristol Academy in the other tie.

Arsenal were pushed hard by Leeds Carnegie, in a repeat of last years' final, but were always firm favourites after Carly Telford conceded the opening goal making a hash of an inswinging corner. Jayne Ludlow quickly extended that lead by heading home to cap a fine move but thoughts of an Arsenal landslide were checked when Jade Moore scored with a header of her own minutes later to keep the tie alive.

The second half was particularly hard fought but Leeds were unable to force themselves level and Arsenal finally sealed victory through a Gemma Davison goal with just over ten minutes remaining.

Everton always looked comfortable at Blackburn and progressed to the last four without alarm after Fara Williams and Natasha Dowie struck in quick succession during the first half of their tie.

Fara was left feeling pleased with herself after one of her ambitious free kicks' found the target and she was soon showing the more reliable part of her game as she created the chance for Dowie to extend Everton's lead.

Chelsea were less impressive in seeing off the challenge of OOH Lincoln and were extremely grateful to reach the interval level after seeing their lower ranked opponents snatch an early lead and then threaten to add to it on several occasions.

Perhaps the loss of their manager, Steve Jones not Big Phil Scolari, during the week affected Chelsea but there was no excuse for Siobhan Chamberlain's mistake that literally handed Jodie Michalaska with Lincoln's fifth minute opener.

Having survived several close calls after this Chelsea gained a massive boost on the stroke of half time when Eni Aluko was on hand to score after a Lianne Sanderson effort was parried by the keeper and they took this momentum into the second half with Dunia Susi shooting them ahead from a narrow angle shortly after the break.

Bizarrely Susi was then immediately sent off after a mild fracas with a Lincoln defender on her way back to the centre circle and thoughts of an upset were immediately back on the agenda.

Lincoln had missed their chance before the break, however, and were unable to really take advantage of their extra player as Chelsea stepped up the pace by several yards in the second period.

Aluko confirmed victory with a fine solo goal on 65 minutes and also provided her team-mates with an obvious reminder of what they will be missing when she jets off shortly to the States for the WPS.

Aluko's progress in America will be interesting to chart. She is a pacy, dynamic and hugely exciting striker who is capable of scoring great goals when she is playing with confidence but has never been able to produce the goods while playing for England.

In terms of making it at the very highest level I think this could well be a make or break move for Aluko.

Finally everyone at Football England would like to wish Casey Stoney well as she steps into the managers' role with Chelsea Ladies.

The appointment has only been made on a temporary basis at the moment but Stoney comes across as a person who is well equipped to be a successful manager if she wants to follow that path.

She knows womens' football inside and out, is a leader on the pitch and a real competitor. It was also encouraging to see her being brave enough to introduce a different tactical approach to her first game in charge and then astute enough to go back to Plan A at half time when things weren't going as expected.

A few fresh ideas and a little bit of invention would not go amiss at the top level of the ladies game.

The real drama certainly came at Sunderland, however. There had been a crisis before the drama with the home side struggling to find a venue for the fixture but Sunderland FC themselves sorted that situation out by allowing the ladies the use of their academy training facility.

I've seen other womens' teams playing at the mens' training venues before and the upshot has always been the same. The players get to perform on a beautiful pitch but the wide open spaces mean they are completely at the mercy of the elements and usually battling a gale force wind.

This was exactly the case in this game as the teams took it in turns to play with a fierce wind at their backs.

Bristol had the advantage first and were two goals to the good at half time. In fairness to Sunderland they coped pretty well in general but struggled to deal with the wind assisted set pieces. Both goals came in this manner with Gwennan Harries swinging a corner straight into the net and then firing home a splendid free kick.

The response from a young Sunderland side was outstanding as they dominated the second half and even shrugged off the disappointment of a missed penalty by Kelly McDougall to bring themselves level with goals from Demi Stokes and Sophie Williams.

The momentum was definitely with Sunderland going into extra time and, having held out against the wind in the first period, they clinched a famous victory with two further goals in the second.

Williams produced her second classy finish of the game by chipping home to put Sunderland ahead and Lucy Bronze was on hand to seal victory in the very last minute.

The semi final draw has pitted Arsenal with Everton and Sunderland with Chelsea. While the two favourites will do battle at Bishops Stortford the game between the two underdogs will be held in the imposing surroundings of Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

In the league Nottingham Forest scored an important victory over Liverpool to keep their survival hopes alive, a full report follows below, while a late Heather Scheuber goal gave Birmingham City a 2-1 win at Watford.

The other top flight game played saw the bottom club WFC Fulham hold Doncaster Rovers Belles to a goalless draw which was hardly the morale boosting result or performance Donny would have been hoping for ahead of tomorrows' League Cup final against Arsenal.

Arsenal always go into these games as favourites but never more so than on this occasion. Doncaster's passage to the final was obviously eased by the fact that Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea and Leeds all came out in the other half of the draw and it would look like The Gunners have done the hard work already by putting out Everton and Chelsea.

It would also seem as though The Belles are limping into this game having lost the vibrant form that marked their performances before Christmas. They will also be hindered badly by the loss of striker Liz Hansen to injury and Precious Hamilton from their midfield due to suspension.

Arsenal, on the other hand, will be at near full strength ahead of the departure of Kelly Smith, Karen Carney and Alex Scott to America.

None of this bodes well for Donny and I think it is safe to say that The Three Musketeers will be especially eager to sign off in style.

Jesus, should I go on? I'm beginning to really fear for The Belles.

If The Belles are looking for positives they can take some comfort from the fact that they have actually given Arsenal some of their best league games over the past year or so and have managed to wreak some havoc amongst The Gunners defence with their pacy attacking threat.

Without Hansen and Hamilton the chances of Donny causing Arsenal significant problems looks slim, however, and it is impossible to believe that their defence will be able to cope with the Arsenal attack.

If Doncaster are to emerge from this game with credit, and unfortunately that is the best I think they can hope for, then it is important that they try to be as positive as possible. They still have pace up front and power in their midfield and it is vital that they carry some kind of threat to Arsenal.

This is obviously a massive stage for the Doncaster players and hopefully people such as Rachel Williams and Emily Heckler, who have been consistently impressive this season, can enhance their reputations. The experience of Vicky Exley will also be vital and the former England stalwart will need to be at her very best if she is to have any chance of collecting the silverware her years of service deserve.

As ever the real question is how can the Arsenal attack be blunted? Looking at the Donny rearguard there are no obvious answers to that vexing question. It is also easy to imagine that the Rovers' midfield will be sucked into a totally defensive mindset as they look to protect their back four.

I really don't have a good feeling about this one as everything seems to be running right for Arsenal going into the game and everything is stacked against Donny.

Even if that situation had been reversed I would still fancy Arsenal to win. As it is I would be surprised if Doncaster keep the deficit down to five.

Not only do I expect Smith, Carney and Scott to be pulling out all the stops to provide a lasting memory of their time with Arsenal before heading off to the States I think the relative newcomer Kim Little will be eager to show a wider audience her talents as she enjoys an outstanding first full season with The Gunners.

Do I need to make a prediction? Not on the result but if pressed to guess Arsenal's score I would probably say seven. In fact that's one less than I was going to say but I don't want to sound too harsh on The Belles.

Let's hope I'm totally wrong and The Belles can make it a final to remember. Anyone wanting to watch the game will be able to buy tickets on the day (kick off 7pm at Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park) or tune in to Setanta Sports 2.

Sunday February 22, 2009; National Premier League.

Liverpool Ladies 1 Nottingham Forest Ladies 2

Liverpool: N.Davies, S.Chappell, J.Traynor, C.Charlton, V.Jones, K.Jones, G.Donnelly (L.Topping 60), L.Mathison, G.Hart, C.Foster, D.Sheen (A.Hastie 60).

Notts Forest: C.Wallhead, C.Stainthorpe, N.Staneff, B.Bailey, E.Gilliatt (L.Cresswell 65), K.Finley, R.Thomas, T.Byrne (E.Simpkins 75), A.Bell (K.Robson 70), N.Clarke, L.Penny.

Despite having three games in hand on Liverpool going into this game Nottingham Forest would have been well aware that the fixture represented a last chance saloon for their hopes of survival.

Forest desperately needed the three points on offer to cut the deficit between themselves and their relegation rivals to five points if they were going to retain any hope of avoiding the drop.

The opening exchanges were scrappy in the extreme as both teams struggled to put any passes together on a bare pitch that was especially difficult to adapt to because of a strong wind.

Liverpool seemed to have the wind mainly at their backs in the first half but this was no help to them as any attempted through balls simply ran harmlessly away from the intended target.

Gradually it was Forest who gained in confidence as the half progressed and any cohesive, constructive football on offer came from the visitors.

Some neat build up play was generally spoiled by a lack of cutting edge around the edge of the penalty area, however, and when Beth Bailey, Levi Penny and Reanne Thomas combined in one sweeping move a general reluctance to shoot meant the Liverpool goal remained unthreatened.

Forest were clearly the better side as the first half reached its' midway point despite being unable to fashion a clear chance. Tammy Byrne, against her former club, was becoming increasingly influential in midfield and, with the help of Reanne Thomas, was dictating play in the central areas.

Up front Forest were also coming to life with Andi Bell and Levi Penny taking people on out wide and Natalie Clarke dropping deeper to link up the play cleverly.

The Liverpool defence was looking pretty resolute, however, with Sam Chappell, the youngest looking player I've ever seen, tackling anything that moved down the Liverpool right and Jo Traynor levelling Bell with a thunderous, but perfectly fair, challenge.

The breakthrough that Forest badly needed during this spell of dominance duly arrived after the award of a free kick in a central area some forty yards or so from goal. Byrne whipped in a fine ball that Nicky Davies decided to come for but the keepers' solid punch only connected with Kelly Jones and as the ball looped up Beth Bailey was on hand, amidst the carnage, to nod into the empty net.

Forest continued to look the more constructive side and Penny would have had a good chance to increase the lead had her touch been better after a good pass from Clarke.

Liverpool had created nothing but were suddenly offered the chance to equalise after Bailey played Claire Wallhead into trouble with a woeful back pass and the keepers' attempted clearance went straight to Gill Hart forty yards from goal.

Hart shot for the unguarded goal but saw her effort drop agonisingly onto the roof of the net.

This was an isolated interruption to Forest's overall superiority and they came storming back with a superb turn and centre from near the right hand corner flag by Bell but Byrne was unable to bundle the ball home at the far post.

The resulting corner also brought a presentable chance but Natalie Staneff could only scoop her effort over the bar when the ball dropped invitingly at her feet ten yards out.

Staneff would make no such mistake minutes later, however, when Byrne picked her out from a generously awarded free kick down the left hand side of the penalty area. This time the centre half buried a free header low past Davies from close range as the Liverpool defence stood looking at one another.

Half time came with Forest fully deserving their two goal lead and the relegation battle looking very much alive.

Half Time: Liverpool Ladies 0 Nottingham Forest Ladies 2

The second half began in much the same vein with Forest looking, if anything, even more in control than before half time. They continued to dominate in midfield while Penny and Clarke posed problems up front and they were even now prepared to attack from the back with Ellie Gilliatt particularly keen to get forward from left back.

Tammy Byrne, who had been outstanding, showed magnificent control as she led a thrilling attack down the right wing which was let down by a weak final pass by Penny. There was still half a chance as the Liverpool clearance dropped to Clarke twenty five yards out but her effort was always too high.

Forest's next sweeping move, a real beauty, came down the left hand side and should have seen them wrapping up the points. Byrne linked with Andrea Bell who fed Beth Bailey galloping forward down the left wing and the centre halves' cross was perfect for Penny but, from eight yards out, she could only thump her header against the face of the bar.

Slightly unlucky, perhaps, but this was a chance that should have been taken.

It seemed unlikely to matter at this stage but the usual bout of substitutions began on the hour mark and these would profoundly affect the course of the game.

Forest made all three changes in a ten minute spell while Liverpool contented themselves with a double change on the hour mark.

Whereas Liverpool's switch immediately boosted their attacking threat Forest appeared weakened by all three of their changes losing most of their pace, purpose and control in the process.

To be fair to Forest their changes seemed driven by injuries but the loss of Bell, Gilliatt and, in particular, Byrne saw them lose their grip on proceedings.

Ally Hastie, one of the Liverpool replacements, immediately announced her arrival by breaking through a couple of tackles on the edge of the area for a low cross shot that looked a goal all the way only for Wallhead to make a fine reflex save with her right foot.

Wallhead also had to react sharply to keep her goal intact when Stainthorpe sent the ball towards the top corner of her own goal from a testing Gill Hart centre.

Lisa Topping was also making an impact from the bench for Liverpool and she seemed to have got Hart in on goal but Lauren Cresswell, a Forest replacement, did just enough to prevent her from getting a shot in on goal.

With Liverpool now throwing players forward there was the occasional chance for Forest on the break and Kirsty Robson looked odds on to wrap things up having held off the challenge of Caroline Charlton but could then only shoot against Davies from point blank range.

Robson then turned provider by teeing up Penny after a pacy break but the shot was again straight at Davies in the Liverpool goal.

With time ticking away Liverpool finally clawed their way back into contention following a corner. Topping saw her effort hit the bar but Charlton was on hand to turn in the rebound to set up a dramatic finish.

There were only a couple of minutes of normal time remaining but a generous amount of added time could be expected given the usual quota of substitutions and the unusual quota of injury stoppages, mainly to Forest players.

This quota was then added to when Emily Simpkins produced an ugly lunge on Vicky Jones and was extremely fortunate only to see a yellow card. The Liverpool captain was just about able to finish the game after lengthy treatment.

Liverpool, with Traynor thrown forward from centre half, now launched everything they had at Forest in search of an equaliser and had a good penalty claim when Kelly Jones was cleaned out in the act of shooting but again the referee was lenient to Forest.

The final act of the game saw Gill Hart looping an ambitious overhead attempt towards the far corner and the effort probably had Wallhead panicking as she desperately back-pedalled but, in truth, the ball was always drifting over the angle and Forest were able to celebrate the win they so badly needed.

It was a win they also certainly deserved despite the fact that they were hanging on in the closing minutes. Overall they had dictated play for long periods and undoubtedly played the better football on the day.

Full Time: Liverpool Ladies 1 Nottingham Forest Ladies 2

Star Player: Tammy Byrne

Byrne was excellent as she returned to her old stamping ground, controlling midfield with a measured display. Rarely wasting possession she kept Forest moving forward for the most part and her set pieces ultimately proved the difference between the two sides.

Tuesday, February 17
Football England Considers The WPS

Arsenal and Everton Ladies maintained their perfect league records with comfortable away wins at the weekend as they head towards an almighty showdown later on in the season.

Arsenal were never in any danger at Blackburn and ran out 4-0 winners with Kelly Smith scoring twice. Everton had to come from behind at Bristol after an early Gwennan Harries goal but Natasha Dowie had the title hopefuls level by half time and went on to complete a hat trick after the break as Everton ran out 3-1 winners.

Due to the games between the big two originally being scheduled for cup weekends we are no nearer knowing when the two decisive clashes will take place at the moment but the delay will probably suit Everton more.

With Karen Carney, Kelly Smith and Alex Scott all signed and sealed, I think, for an imminent move to America and professional football Everton will be happy for their meetings with Arsenal to be delayed at the moment.

By the way, has nobody across the pond ever heard of Fara Williams? I find it bizarre that her name has never seemed to get a mention in relation to the forthcoming WPS.

I would have fancied getting Emily Westwood on board as well if I was a coach Stateside but it would appear as though the Everton squad is going to remain intact.

As yet I've not really mentioned the WPS as things are still a little sketchy even with the league set for kick off in less than two months time.

Basically, however, I think it is a great thing for the womens' game and the fact that some of our top talent is going to be lured from these shores is not really of any regret given the state of play here at the moment.

While it will be a shame for the handful of people who do attend womens' football matches in this country to be denied the chance to see Scott, Smith and Carney in action it is hard to feel anything other than real pleasure for the players themselves that they will be going to a country and a league where they will be taken seriously as footballers, fully appreciated for their ability and also rewarded financially.

A quick flick through the WPS website is an interesting venture. Check out the stadiums, they certainly put Borehamwood and Marine into sorry perspective. The selling of season tickets is another clear indication that womens' football in America is a completely different thing to womens' football here.

As well as the obvious financial inducements I would have thought that the simple prospect of playing in a seriously run, properly organised league, with and against most of the best players in the world, would have been enough to tempt any of our players offered the chance to hot foot it across the Atlantic without a second thought.

It seems as though there is still some reluctance on the part of our women footballers to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that are open to them for fear that they might either compromise their standing as serious footballers or, in this case, be looked upon as some kind of traitor to our game.

Quite honestly I can't see that English football has given the top players that much and it certainly isn't in a position to demand any massive degree of loyalty from them.

Kelly Smith, for instance, has surely given the game in this country far more than it has given her and if she can make some decent money from playing in the States, while challenging herself to perform at a level English domestic football certainly cannot set her, then I say good luck to her.

I wish all the British girls who end up playing in the States all the best and hope they are successful on the pitch and have a wonderful experience off it as well.

If this league is a big success and if our girls star in it then it could end up being the best thing that ever happened to our football as well. Nobody seems to be prepared to take womens' football seriously in this country but if it proves to be a success elsewhere then attitudes will change pretty quickly.

Back to the weekends' action and Liverpool gained another good point as they continue to edge clear of the two relegation places. In fact they ended up disappointed not to have won after conceding a late equaliser at home to Chelsea.

Cheryl Foster, who has been outstanding for The Reds all season, was on target again in the first half and it took a last gasp goal from Rebecca Jane to deny Liverpool a famous victory.

The other Premier League game to take place saw Leeds Carnegie put another nail in WFC Fulham's relegation coffin, goals in either half from Jess Clarke and Jade Moore giving them a 2-0 win.

Just a quick mention of the two games England played the previous week against Finland as part of their annual training camp in the sun.

The first ended in a 2-2 draw after a Kelly Smith penalty and a Lianne Sanderson goal had given them a two goal lead inside the first five minutes. Then a three goal blitz in the five minutes leading up to half time set England on the way to a