Sunday September 2, 2007; National Premier League

Blackburn Rovers Ladies 1 Bristol Academy 3

Blackburn: N.Hobbs, J.Eadie, N.Brewer, J.Carroll, N.Harding, D.Campbell, L.Shepherd, N.Preston, K.Burke, K.Anderton, L.Penny.

Bristol: T.Brown, G.McCatty, E.Jones, S.Curtis, S.Thomsit, J.Fishlock, C.Scanlan, C.Williams, K.Bartlett, J.Lorton, G.Harries.

On a wet, miserable day in East Lancashire it quickly became apparent that no quarter would be asked or given by two sides looking to build on impressive campaigns last season.

Jarring challenges at either end by Blackburn's Natalie Brewer and Academy's Stef Curtis set the tone for a feisty encounter although Curtis looked to have hurt herself when she then sailed into another tackle.

Fortunately for the visitors there would be no lasting damage and Curtis would emerge as one of the games' dominant figures.

Blackburn showed some early promise down their right hand side and when Karen Burke produced a good pass to release Katie Anderton the striker breezed past Emma Jones only to shoot wildly from the angle when a ball across the box looked a better option.

As the game began to settle, however, it was the visitors who looked the more assured and dangerous team. The driving rain was in their favour but it was the quality of their attacking trio which really gave them the edge.

Both Justine Lorton and Kerry Bartlett showed excellent control and distribution while the pace of Gwennan Harries was a constant threat. The movement of all three players also kept the Rovers defence at full stretch.

Bartlett looked particularly inventive in the early stages and set Lorton running into the area with a sweet first time ball on the turn but an excellent sliding tackle by Brewer averted the danger.

The officials decreed, somewhat dubiously, that the visitors would have a corner when it looked as though the defender had played the ball against the forward and this almost cost the home team when Curtis's inswinger from the right thudded straight against the face of the bar with Nicola Hobbs nowhere.

Another fleeting half chance came Anderton's way after a neat turn but her finish was weak and again there were better looking options available. Seasoned watchers of Blackburn Ladies probably wouldn't attach much blame to this prolific scorer for going for goal, however.

Harries, getting into the game more after a quiet start, slipped a clever ball behind Brewer for Lorton but her shot was badly scuffed and presented no danger.

Then another slick build up between Lorton and Harries had Jess Fishlock scampering into the box but the Blackburn defence recovered before the midfielder could get her shot away.

The visitors were becoming increasingly dominant in midfield and the Blackburn defence, in which Brewer was outstanding, was regularly at full stretch to keep their lively opponents at bay.

Sam Thomsit sent in a good ball from the left back position which Lorton killed beautifully before playing in Fishlock, again supporting well from midfield, and her chipped attempt from the angle was clever but just off target.

Lorton then sent in a fine centre that found Harries at the far post but after turning sharply beyond the last defender she could only stab her finish straight at Hobbs.

Fishlock, elegant despite turning her shirt into a sleeveless number more commonly found on a building site, then set off on a mazy dribble through the midfield which was only ended by a crude challenge from behind by Burke. Cheryl Williams whipped in a dangerous ball but once again it was Brewer intercepting at full stretch to avert the danger.

As the half reached its' midway point the flame haired Williams was another Academy player becoming increasingly influential and when she speared a fine ball out to Harries in the inside right position the nimble forward skinned Nicola Harding before sending in a rising drive that was arrowing into the top corner before a flying, fingertip save from Hobbs sent the ball just past the post.

Blackburn were struggling to string anything together in midfield and neither Burke or Levi Penny looked capable of offering Anderton any meaningful support. They did manage an attempt on goal when Jane Eadie's free kick found the head of Burke but the effort was always drifting wide of Teri Brown's goal.

Then Anderton tried to go alone but after beating Emma Jones with a fine turn Curtis was quick to cover and see out the danger.

Blackburn's lack of cutting egde was demonstrated when a superb crossfield ball from Harding found Burke in acres of space but the Rovers' attacker took an age weighing up her options and was eventually robbed.

Bristol were back on the attack to win a free kick from which Lorton tested Hobbs with a dipping effort and then a set piece from deeper brought a clear chance for Bartlett but having run perfectly onto Curtis's ball over the top she could only steer her header over the bar.

Brewer came into a midfield skirmish to claim possession for Blackburn but when her colleagues then gave it straight back to the opposition there was a big hole left which Fishlock and Bartlett exploited to send Lorton running clear but once again the finish was poor.

Harding was producing the occasional inspired pass and found another to free Levi Penny down the left hand side of the box. Anderton was completely unmarked in the middle but, having brought the ball back onto her favoured right foot, Penny played the pass straight to the one defender manning the box.

Grace McCatty found Lorton's head from the right back position and her deft flick put Harries clean through but Hobbs managed to block the shot with her feet as the visitors passed up yet another opportunity.

Blackburn then came their closest to scoring when Penny's poor free kick from the left actually bounced off Curtis at the near post but bobbled wide of the post.

Overall, however, the visitors would have been disappointed not to have led at the break.

Half Time: Blackburn Rovers 0 Bristol Academy 0

The home side came out after the interval to produce their brightest spell of the game. Quicker to the challenge in midfield and with the wind at their backs they pressed the visitors back for the first time.

Anderton found Burke with a good pass and although the cross was not the best Brown made a meal of the catch. With Anderton having dropped deeper to start the move, however, there was nobody on hand to capitalise.

Denise Campbell opened up the Bristol defence with a slide rule pass for Penny but the shot was straight at Brown from the angle. Lynda Shepherd then caught a snap shot sweetly from outside the box but the ball fizzed a couple of yards wide of the far post.

Katie Anderton had laid on that shooting chance and then created a clear sight of goal for Penny which was spoiled by a poor first touch which allowed Curtis to clear at the expense of a corner.

Bristol emerged from this spell of pressure through Fishlock who produced another stylish dribble through the midfield but there appeared to be no danger from her through ball as Hobbs slid out to collect under no real pressure. Somehow the ball squirmed straight through her hands and under her body and Cheryl Williams was left with an open net which she promptly buried the ball into.

Coming as it did at the end of their first real spell of pressure this clanger could not have been worse timed for Blackburn and its' demoralising effect was highlighted by the concession of two more goals in rapid succession.

Hobbs had already had to save from Harries after Lorton had opened up the Blackburn defence before she was beaten again. Lorton, Williams and Bartlett combined superbly in a swift break for the latter to score with a rasping shot at the near post.

Bristol's pace on the counter was again in evidence after McCatty had produced a superb defensive header at the far post from a Burke centre and a sweeping move ended with Harries playing in Bartlett but her fierce drive flashed just wide of the post.

The Blackburn defence was becoming increasingly exposed as their colleagues tried to push forward and the visitors struck again to effectively settle the outcome on the hour mark.

Claire Scanlan chipped a lovely ball through for Harries who attempted to tee up Lorton in the middle. Brewer snuffed out the chance with another sliding challenge but when the ball ran loose the quickest player to react was Harries who hammered a low shot past Hobbs for number three.

Blackburn bravely made a couple of attacking substitutions although this left them ever more exposed to the visitors' counter attacks and opened up the possibility of a really heavy defeat.

Williams stormed past three opponents in a driving run from midfield but then wasted her good work with a poor pass when she had options either side. Then Harries was sent clear of the Blackburn defence again but was unable to beat Hobbs.

Blackburn managed to get back into Academy territory for Natalie Preston to try her luck from 25 yards but the shot was deflected wide by a defender.

Shepherd produced a neat flick to offer Caroline Dixon, one of the subs, a chance but Price was out smartly to collect at feet. When Harding then got forward to cross from the left, however, Dixon was able to hit the net on the half turn at the far post.

Bartlett, Fishlock and Williams combined in a fine move which almost had Harries through and when the Blackburn defence was unable to clear Williams sent in a low drive, slightly deflected, which Hobbs did well to save.

Burke played in Anderton at the other end but although the forward was able to skip past the keeper she had almost no room to work with and Emma Jones was able to block out the danger tight to the byeline.

Jones produced an even better challenge to deny Anderton when the forward appeared to be through following a super ball from Preston. From the tackle the ball ran through to Price who picked it up only for the referee to deem it a back pass.

The indirect free kick was tapped back to Anderton who tried a chip but was too high. This looked an almost impossible finish and a good old fashioned thump from Dixon, one of the hardest shooters in the womens' game, would surely have been a better option.

With the game stretched and players tiring chances continued to arrive but there would be no further goals.

Brewer produced yet another vital interception to stop Bartlett setting up Lorton while at the other end Anderton scuffed a shot after being supplied by another sub, Stacey Daniels, who then tried a chipped effort of her own only for the ball to drift wide.

There could be no argument about the visitors deserving this win although the game had turned on a huge error by the Rovers goalkeeper, Nicola Hobbs.

While Blackburn look hard pushed to match their excellent efforts of last season Bristol Academy look capable of challenging for the runners up spot on this performance.

Stef Curtis was commanding in her new defensive role and got solid support from the young trio alongside her. The midfield was quick and inventive with Jess Fishlock looking a good signing while the forwards were a menace throughout.

There is also good depth to the Academy squad although they will probably miss the departed goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain over the course of the season.

Blackburn have also lost a tried and trusted keeper in Kay Hawke and on the evidence of this game she will be a big loss. The defence did not look as solid a unit as last season and would have been in big trouble without a top performance from Natalie Brewer while Katie Anderton looked more isolated than ever up front.

The loss of Andrea Bell, who looked to be improving rapidly at the end of last season, may be felt more keenly than anticipated and although the midfield looks stronger on paper it was comprehensively outplayed on this occasion by the Bristol trio.

Full Time: Blackburn Rovers 1 Bristol Academy 3

Star Player: Kerry Bartlett

There were outstanding defensive performances from Brewer and Curtis and all of the Bristol attacking players could have been selected but Bartlett was the one who really caught my eye.
Her first touch was brilliant and her movement and distribution both of the highest order.
Good to watch.

Monday, September 3
Watford Win Another 5 Goal Thriller

National Premier League newcomers Watford look like being a welcome addition after they won 3-2 for the second weekend in succession. Having beaten Blackburn the week before they travelled to Birmingham City on Sunday and came home triumphant by the same scoreline.

Birmingham had won at Watford by the only goal on the opening day of the season but Watford were without Helen Lander and Ellen Maggs on that occasion and the pair made a massive difference in the return.

Lander basically ran the Birmingham defence ragged before half time as Watford raced into a three goal lead. Lander had the visitors in front early on with a fine individual effort and then fired her side further ahead before laying one on a plate for Ashlee Hincks to make it three before half an hour had elapsed.

With Birmingham in disarray there could have been further goals and the shoddy nature of the home teams' performance was highlighted by the fact that they had made two tactical substitutions before half time.

It was a third change midway through the second half that brought about a significant change to the pattern of play, however. Maz Ballard replaced Amy McCann and was pivotal as Birmingham pulled two goals back quickly.

Heather Scheuber drove home the first from a Katy Ward flick before Ballard notched on the rebound after a Michelle Archer effort rebounded from the post.

Ballard would also hit the woodwork later on as the home side frantically sought an equaliser but Watford keeper Marie Hourihan stood firm to ensure her side their second victory at this level.

Bristol Academy produced a fine display to win 3-1 at Blackburn Rovers, a full report of which follows this round up.

Elsewhere Cardiff City and Liverpool got their first points of the season with a 1-1 draw in South Wales.

Both goals were scored by players called Jones who both play for Liverpool.

Kelly Jones had the Reds ahead before half time before sister Vicky sliced one into her own net after the break.

Cardiff will feel worth their point after seeing Caroline Cooper hit the woodwork but this result may end up doing neither side any favours.

It's nice to be off the mark though.

In the Northern section both Stockport County and Preston North End continued their perfect starts to the season with favourites Lincoln City involved in cup action.

Goals from Krystle Johnston, from a spectacular free kick, and Charlotte Higginson gave Stockport a 2-1 win at Aston Villa while Preston defeated Rotherham United 2-0 courtesy of second half goals from Emma Sconce and Gemma Watson.

In the South Portsmouth lead the way after winning 2-0 at Colchester United, Kirsty McGee and Leeta Rutherford notching before half time, while Newquay storm into 2nd place after their 9-0 drubbing of Reading Royals in which Helen Wood fired a hat trick.

In the preliminary round of the Premier League Cup there were wins for Newcastle United, Sunderland, Lincoln City and WFC Fulham.

Sunday September 9, 2007; National Premier League

Liverpool Ladies v. Watford Ladies

This game saw the two promoted teams from last season going head to head. While Liverpool are tackling life back in the National Premier League with the squad that gained them promotion Watford have been able to add players from various sources, notably Charlton, and would no doubt be confident of building on their excellent win against Birmingham City the previous week.

It was the home side who started the better, however. Playing neat, controlled football through midfield and with both full backs eager to push forward into the space afforded them down the flanks Liverpool began well.

A trip on Jade Thomas by Ellen Maggs gave them their first chance to threaten and Cheryl Foster produced a good free kick onto the head of Jo Traynor but the centre halves' effort drifted wide.

Tammy Byrne instigated a flowing move by finding Thomas whose clever flick sent Foster racing down the right for a centre which found its' way to Kelly Jones but her shot from just inside the box was marginally over the angle of post and bar.

When Watford retaliated it was immediately obvious that they would be more direct in their approach and with strong, pacy forwards in Helen Lander and Ashlee Hincks this appeared a sound tactic.

The clever Maggs sent Lander galloping away down the right to win a corner which led to a second and when this was only half cleared Emma Thomas sent in a fierce low drive that Nicky Davies was at full stretch to tip around the post.

When Watford did look to play through midfield they ended up conceding possession in dangerous areas more than once and Foster almost capitalised with a 25 yarder that dipped just over Marie Hourihan's crossbar.

Hincks split the Liverpool defence wide open with a sweet pass for Lander to run onto but the home side were reprieved by a very tight offside decision as the visitors began to come more into the game.

Emma Thomas quickly offered Lander another chance to show her pace and she got there just ahead of the onrushing keeper but after slight contact was unable to reach the ball before Gayle Formston, the covering defender.

The referee brought play back for the infringement by Davies but kept his cards in his pockets, probably the correct decision, and the free kick came to nothing as Hayley Kemp's effort was straight at the keeper.

Next it was Hincks racing through after a Maggs ball but this time Davies just about won the race and gathered.

The game was open and entertaining and Liverpool soon responded with another measured attack. Vicky Jones, tidy and always available at right back, got forward to find Micha Deane who instantly played in the speedy Thomas.

The striker was able to toe the ball past the advancing Hourihan but the ball ran on past the post for a goal kick.

There were loud penalty claims in Liverpool's next attack as Foster tried to lob the ball over a defender's head but the referee adjudged the ball to have hit head rather than arm and this again looked the right call.

Then Liverpool were desperately unlucky not to take the lead. Foster cut inside from the left wing to unleash a ferocious drive from 25 yards that beat Hourihan all ends up only to crash down off the underside of the bar.

Three Liverpool players were in on the rebound but two were in too quickly and as the ball bounced behind them Deane somehow managed to scoop the rebound over the gaping goal.

Watford countered immediately from the goal kick with Lisa Burrows sending Lander clear of the defence yet again and the prolific striker was clearly disappointed at lobbing wide of the post as Davies advanced.

Lander was quickly offered another opportunity as the under pressure Traynor missed a routine interception and Hincks supplied her forward partner for a shot that flew into the side netting.

Watford's speed on the counter was demonstrated as they broke with purpose from a Liverpool corner. Hincks produced a lovely first time flick to release Thomas who once more had Lander sprinting away from the defence.

Natalie Holt gave the speeding forward a sly nudge as she was about to shoot and this resulted in the forward careering into the onrushing Nicky Davies.

Both players needed lengthy attention before continuing.

Having been bright and breezy action from the start the first half actually fizzled out tamely with only an overly ambitious 30 yard effort from Foster to report from the final ten minutes.

Overall, however, it had been entertaining stuff with both sides knowing they had had their chances to score.

Half Time: Liverpool 0 Watford 0

Having both squandered several chances before the break the deadlock was broken in the first attack of the second half.

Lander's charge towards the byeline was halted at the expense of a corner by a fine challenge from Holt but then the home defence switched off fatally.

Watford took the corner short and Kath McKenna, allowed far too much time, whipped in a perfect centre onto the head of Lander and the unmarked striker glanced home from point blank range.

Conceding so early evidently unsettled the home team and for the next ten minutes they forgot all their good habits from the first half and looked to get the ball forward too quickly.

Without the forwards to profit from this service, unlike Watford, the visitors were able to win the ball back quickly and counter attack themselves.

A bizarre decision by the linesman gave Liverpool a free kick right on the Watford goalline but the impressive Hourihan came out to claim confidently and quickly set her side on the attack again.

Ellen Maggs set Emma Thomas flying down the right with a subtle flick and having skinned Holt her pulled back centre found Lisa Burrows whose half volley, though perhaps not perfectly struck, found the top corner.

It was Watford's intermittent habit of giving the ball away in dangerous areas that led to Liverpool clawing their way back into the game on the hour mark. Kemp attempted a risky back heel just outside her own box which Kelly Jones seized on.

The Liverpool midfielder scampered forward to send in a low drive that took a deflection and was arrowing towards the bottom corner before Hourihan dived across to fingertip behind.

The resulting corner was not properly cleared, however, and as the ball dropped just inside the box Gayle Formston clipped a smart shot into the top corner.

The goal inspired Liverpool who returned to their neat football of the first half and enjoyed five minutes of dominance.

Hourihan had to be out smartly to reach a Foster through ball ahead of Kelly Jones and then Byrne produced a telling ball to release Jade Thomas to the right of goal. Thomas shot early from the angle of the penalty area and her skimming drive looked to be goalbound only to clip the outside of the far post.

Desperately unlucky.

Any real thoughts of a comeback were then quashed as Watford restored their two goal lead. The referee, desperate to turn the game into a non contact event, handed the visitors a soft free kick down the left hand side of the Liverpool penalty area and Ashlee Hincks's inswinger curled over Davies's head and straight into the net.

Although Liverpool tried gamely to respond this goal knocked most of the stuffing out of their efforts and with Watford finishing strongly the question seemed to be whether the visitors would build on their lead rather than could the home side get back into it.

Lander stormed onto a McKenna clearance and having headed the ball on for herself perfectly looked an odds on scorer but Davies flew out to block bravely and then the visitors might have had a penalty when Maggs went down under challenge from Formston.

Typically the ref, who was giving everything outside the box, wasn't interseted once it was inside the area.

When the Liverpool substitute Danielle Sheen went down under challenge in the Watford box, however, the ref was right to ignore the penalty claims as the tackle had been perfectly timed by the Watford no. 25 (apologies for not knowing your name, if anyone has the answer let us know and we will credit the appropriate person).

Ashlee Hincks was getting better by the minute and produced a fine piece of play in midfield to find McKenna in space down the left and the Watford full back produced another peach of a cross that Hincks herself met with a glancing header which sent the ball into the path of Ellen Maggs who buried a thumping drive at the far post.

Watford's firepower meant that they could not be begrudged their 4-1 lead although the scoreline seemed somewhat harsh on Liverpool and you had to hope that the defeat would not get any more emphatic after what had been a decent display.

The home side had a couple of opportunities from free kicks just outside the area but Byrne scraped the bar with the first before Gill Hart hit the wall with the second.

Byrne also sent in a lovely centre which the diving Kelly Jones was a fraction away from converting but the better chances continued to come at the other end.

Lander was set free again to shoot just wide with a cross shot and the striker then passed up another shooting opportunity in favour of trying to play in a colleague but her pass was intercepted.

Emma Thomas then got away down the right to clip over an inviting centre that was just too high for Hincks arriving in the middle.

Watford will surely have more than enough to survive in the Premier League on this evidence, especially as they have a real goal threat, whereas Liverpool will have to work hard for the points needed to avoid relegation.

Despite losing here, however, there was no reason to despair over their performance as a whole.

Full Time: Liverpool Ladies 1 Watford Ladies 4

Star Player: Helen Lander

Watford's hot shot actually missed several good chances in scoring once but if she had been in the Liverpool side the result might well have been completely different.
Strong, pacy and direct she is a real handful and will score goals consistently at the top level.

Tuesday, September 11
Weekend Round Up

Obviously most attention in the womens game is now focussed on the World Cup which got under way yesterday in China with Germany thrashing Argentina 11-0.

You've just got to love the Germans, haven't you? Teutonic efficiency at its' most efficient and Teutonic.

There's something almost unnatural about the way they produce teams which look exactly the same as the ones before them. Same formation, same style of play, all the players looking exactly the same from one generation to the next.

Men and women.

They'll obviously take some beating.

I have to obviously wish England good luck today for their game against Japan. It would appear as though this game is almost a group decider. If either side wins it then they will almost certainly qualify alongside the Germans.

The obvious concern for our girls is the climate but the conditions didn't seem to bother the Germans too much so we shouldn't really have any excuses on that score.

I'm just hoping for the best on what could be a nervy night in China.

On the domestic front the National Premier League continues to limp along without its' main protagonists and Watford Ladies took their turn to lead the table after a 4-1 win at Liverpool, a full match report of which follows below.

Watford lead on goal difference ahead of Bristol Academy who came within seconds of dropping points at home to Birmingham City.

Missed chances were the familiar theme of this encounter for the Gas Girls. While being extremely creative Bristol do tend to be less ruthless in front of goal than the other top teams.

Justine Lorton fired them ahead with a splendid free kick but after wasting other chances to extend their lead they were pegged back on the stroke of half time when the impressive Heather Scheuber latched onto a poor back pass and rounded the keeper before firing home from a sharp angle.

The home side laid seige to the Birmingham goal after the break but found keeper Sue Wood in fine form and also managed to hit the woodwork three times through Lorton, Kerry Bartlett and Emma Jones.

Just when it looked as though Birmingham would hang on the substitute Nicky Watts popped up to bundle home the winner from close range with the game deep into stoppage time.

Elsewhere Blackburn completed the double over Cardiff City with a 3-1 win in South Wales. Kelly Isaacs actually had the home side ahead in this one at half time but Katie Anderton struck twice after the break to edge Rovers ahead before Caroline Dixon sealed the points.

Anderton's brace made it seven in two games against Cardiff this season and there will no doubt be other strikers in the division who inflict some severe punishment on the struggling Welsh side. Cardiff appear to be fighting a hopeless cause without Gwennan Harries and Jess Fishlock who departed for Bristol Academy in the summer.

In the Northern section there are three teams who still have maximum points.

First half goals from Gemma Watson and Louise Cafferkey gave Preston North End a comfortable victory over Sheffield Wednesday and they currently lead the section.

Favourites Lincoln City maintained their winning start with victory over Stockport County who also had a 100% record going into this game. Two goals from Jodie Snelson had Lincoln in command by half time and Stacey Aisthorpe got in on the act after the interval.

Snelson and Aisthorpe are proving themselves a formidable double act.

The home sides' misery was complete when Charlotte Higginson, a fine talent but one of the most fiery players in the womens' game, was sent off.

Nottingham Forest also have an unblemished record after their 3-0 win over Manchester City, Natalie Clarke with a couple and Reanne Thomas the scorers.

In the South Portsmouth continued their impressive start by edging out Millwall Lionesses 2-1 with Brooke Chaplen (my favourite name in womens' football) and Kirsty McGee on target.

WFC Fulham look set to challenge for a place back in the top flight after strengthening substantially in the summer and they demolished West Ham away from home to the tune of 8-0 with both Sarah Lipscombe and Ann-Marie Heatherson notching hat tricks.

Perhaps the most intriguing game of the day saw Keynsham Town travel to Newquay and return with a hard earned 2-0 victory. Sheila Rocha was on target in both halves, once from the penalty spot.

Wednesday, September 19
Liverpool Score Fine Win

Liverpool Ladies have found the going fairly tough in the National Premier League after their promotion last season but enjoyed an excellent win away at Birmingham City on Sunday, their first back in the top flight.

Liverpool started well and took the lead when Gill Hart crashed home from a Vicky Jones centre and could have scored more against a lacklustre home team in the first half.

Birmingham got back on terms in fortuitous fashion when Gayle Formston put through her own goal and the home side then began to dominate.

Heather Scheuber, again, was a big threat for Birmingham but Nicky Davies in the Liverpool goal was on top form and the visitors struck on the break to clinch victory through the pacy Jade Thomas.

This result will obviously give Liverpool renewed belief but Birmingham, who saw Amy McCann hit the bar and Faye Cardin depart with a serious looking injury, will be worried about their start to the campaign.

Bristol Academy remain top but could only draw at home to Blackburn Rovers. Katie Anderton opened the scoring for Blackburn and then equalised right at the end after a Corinne Yorston penalty and a Shelley Cox goal had put Bristol in the driving seat.

There was an excellent point for Cardiff City from their visit to Watford. Kelly Isaacs had them ahead with an early penalty awarded when Watford keeper Marie Hourihan took out Natasha Harding.

Watford would have expected to come back from this early blow to win but could only muster a looping effort from Ellen Maggs in reply and had to settle for a point.

Both sides had their chances to win the game with Harding and Watford's Helen Lander both denied when one on one with the keeper in an end to end second half.

In the Southern section leaders Portsmouth went down to an emphatic defeat at Barnet. Stacey Sowden and Nina Downham were both on target in Barnet's 4-0 win.

Keynsham Town lie second but WFC Fulham look capable of challenging for a place back in the top flight with Ann-Marie Heatherson helping herself to four goals in the 6-0 drubbing of Brighton & Hove Albion.

The top of the Northern section is being influenced massively by former Blackburn Rovers players.

Nottingham Forest hold top spot at the moment. They enjoyed two wins in a week with victories over title favourites Lincoln City and Stockport County, both away from home.

Former Rovers forward Andrea Bell scored in both fixtures and will have been especially pleased to put one past her former teammate Kay Hawke in the crunch clash with Lincoln.

Preston North End lie second after hammering Aston Villa 5-2 on Sunday. Preston were five up at the break with another ex Blackburn pair among the goals. Sarah McCrea grabbed a couple while Hannah Bailey chipped in with another.

Preston did suffer defeat during the week, however, when they lost at home to Manchester City 2-1 who triumphed thanks to two goals from Katie Brusell, a player signed from (you've guessed it) Blackburn Rovers.

Lincoln recovered from their defeat against Forest to hammer Newcastle United 5-1 with Stacey Aisthorpe grabbing another couple of goals for herself.

Thursday September 20, 2007
England Ladies Update & Quarter Final Preview

The Womens' World Cup Finals in China are reaching the business end of the competition and England are still in there scrapping. Here we look back at some of the talking points from our successful mission to qualify from the group stage and look ahead to Saturdays' quarter final tie against the United States (Boo, Hiss).

And because we think the only thing with almost as high a feelgood factor as womens football is 1980's pop music we are linking everything to some classic tunes from that magnificent decade.

England's opening game against Japan was always going to be crucial to their hopes of qualifying and the game was almost unbearably dramatic.

Losing 1-0 with ten minutes to go, having missed a host of chances, it looked as though England's World Cup adventure was going to be over before it had really started. Then two quickfire Kelly Smith goals seemed to have all but secured qualification only for the Japanese to stun us with a last gasp free kick equaliser.

Phew!

After this incredible game the main talking point became Kelly Smith's goal celebrations. Apparently manager Hope Powell was not impressed by her star player drawing attention to herself having just singlehandedly rescued her nation from an instant World Cup exit.

Football England has to take issue with Hope on this one. Surely if you score for England in the World Cup finals it is obligatory to celebrate in the most elaborate way possible.

Hope shouldn't have had a go at Kelly for her celebrations, she should have got all the other forwards together, ordered them to think up a celebration of their own, demanded that they score during the tournament so they could show it to the world and promised a prize for the one she thought the best.

It's a serious business but the girls do still want to have some fun, Hope. Party pooper.

Goody Two Shoes; Adam Ant, May 1982 no. 1

Just in case you missed Kelly's magnificent celebrations we'll run them by you now.

Having stroked home England's equaliser with the steel nerved calm of a professional hitwoman La Smith removed her left boot in the blinking of an eye, tenderly kissed it and then held it aloft for the world to admire.

Good stuff.

When she then slammed England ahead two minutes later, this time with her right foot, she whipped both her boots off for us all to admire.

Goody two shoes.

I presume the only thing stopping her from completing her hat trick was the lack of a third foot/boot.

As I say, this apparently didn't impress her manager but my only worry would have been whether it was advisable to play football in boots that come off so easily.

System Addict; Five Star, Jan. 1986 no. 3

So we were a bit disappointed in Hope for nipping Kelly's goal celebrations in the bud, she was probably sulking against the Germans and therefore didn't bother scoring against them, but we forgave the England manager after she masterminded a fantastic draw in the next game against the world champions.

Hope doesn't really change her formation at any stage but she is more than willing to shift players around within her preferred system. Against Germany she got it absolutely right.

Four strong, committed defenders stood firm against the German juggernaut and basically stopped it in its' tracks. Three tireless, combative midfielders harried and chased the opposition to distraction.

Her forward trio threatened a breakthrough in the first half and then rolled their sleeves up and pitched in to the team effort after the break as England secured the best result in their international history.

Hope Powell must have been delighted. All that and not a goal celebration in sight.

The Bitterest Pill (Fara Ever Had To Swallow); Sept. 1982 no. 2

So we went into the final game against Argentina and, amazingly, we were brimming with confidence that an England side would qualify without any real problem. This faith was justified as England cantered to a 6-1 victory but the game was not without its' down sides.

First and foremost there was the ludicrous booking picked up by Football England favourite Fara Williams, her second of the tournament, which rules her out of the quarter finals.

Fara had picked up her first caution in the Germany game for scything down one of the Hun as she raced towards the England penalty area. Fair enough, well done Fara.

Throughout the Argentina game, however, Fara had been on her best behaviour. Refusing to commit herself to any challenges unless she was absolutely certain that the ball was hers she had dutifully got herself goal side of her opponents all night and just jockeyed them into passing to ensure she did not collect that dreaded second yellow card.

Typically the Argentinians were too devious for her. Fara had not considered the possibility that she might be in danger when she actually had possession herself.

Never underestimate the Argentinians, however. Or referees from Guyana.

Fara's tragic moment came when she received possession with a couple of opponents in close attendance. She tried to weave her way between them but was sent flying by the first one with a blatant barge in the back. As she went sprawling Fara inadvertently brought down the second Argentinian.

Free kick to England you could hear the whole world saying in unison. The typhoon that has since hit China was probably caused by this spontaneous reaction.

Dianne Ferreira-James didn't hear it, however. The hapless official not only saw the incident as a free kick to Argentina but deemed it a bookable offence.

Well done you fool. Now Fara has to sit out the biggest game of her life. Brilliant.

I can't believe FIFA haven't looked at the decision and seen sense.

Walls Come Tumbling Down; Style Council, May 1985 no. 6

The other disturbing thing to come out of the Argentina game was the fact that they scored against us. This might not seem so bad, especially as we scored six, but the fact that this was the third free kick to fly past Rachel Brown in the tournament gives some serious food for thought.

Two of the three have been fine strikes but it is still a worry and England need to look at the positioniong of their walls, who they put in the wall and where Brown herself is standing. Maybe they should start putting someone on the post?

Maybe they should start selecting Lianne Sanderson just so she can go in the walls. I've never been able to convince Hope Powell to play her for her attacking qualities. Maybe this idea will do the trick.

Get The Balance Right; Depeche Mode, Feb. 1983 no.13

Having qualified England now face the prospect of a quarter final tie with the joint favourites America. Obviously Hope Powell has another massive challenge ahead of her.

It would appear as though her team picks itself other than in the three forward positions.

Given that the American attack is built along similar lines to that of the Germans' then it seems safe to assume that Powell will stick to the back four that coped so brilliantly with the Hun.

Faye White and Anita Asante were giants in the centre of defence and were ably assisted by the solid full back pairing of Mary Phillip and Casey Stoney.

With Fara Williams suspended it also seems certain that Katie Chapman will return alongside Jill Scott in a predominantly defensive midfield role while Kelly Smith is employed as an attacking midfielder.

Who gets the nod up front is more difficult to call and whether the options offer England the necessary balance between attack and defence is debatable.

Alex Scott seems sure to play and will not let anyone down. When she plays up front, however, she tends to make England more durable still, not more threatening. She is probably more dangerous as an attacking full back. In the Japan game she started several dangerous moves with her pace and anticipation.

England have not had that impetus in the two other games they have played. It would be a bold move but I think playing Scott at full back, and she is a more than capable defender, does give England a better balance between defence and attack.

Eni Aluko has probably done enough to secure her place after an improved performance against Argentina but she is still finding it impossible to hit the net. She is getting closer though.

Rachel Yankey also improved on her performance against Japan in the game against Argentina but it seems hard on Karen Carney to lose her place to players who did more against Argentina than she managed against the mighty Germans.

Personally I think Carney should start. Unilke Yankey she definitely has the bottle to take on the biggest and the best and will never go missing in action.

Whoever she selects, however, Powell does need to try and improve the balance between attack and defence. The draw against Germany was magnificent but now it is the knockout stages there has to be more of an emphasis on trying to hurt the opposition.

Having watched the Americans I think there is no reason to believe they cannot be beaten.

Buffalo Gals; Malcolm McClaren, Dec. 1982 no. 9

Beating America will certainly not be easy. They are ranked number two in the world and are joint favourites to win the competition. They are also used to, and expected to, do well at these events.

Physically they will offer a huge challenge. They are big and strong all over the pitch and they play to those strengths. Long balls, long throws, corners, free kicks, lunging tackles.

It's a bit like playing one of Sam Allardyce's teams.

If the England defence can stand firm to the battering they are likely to receive then there is no reason why our forwards can't cause problems to the strapping American back four.

Big and strong are words to fit the American defenders but cumbersome might apply also. If Kelly Smith gets enough of the ball she will cause them big problems but it is important that England's smaller forwards also make their presence felt.

Carney, Aluko, Yankey and Alex Scott all have it in them to turn and outpace the opposition. If one or two of them really join Kelly Smith at the party then England must have a good chance of progressing further.

North Korea put two past the Americans and could have had more. Nigeria's Perpetua Nkwocha, a very pacy player, caused their defence plenty of problems with Cat Whitehill, a genuine Buffalo Gal, struggling to keep up on several occasions.

Whilst England will no doubt have a lot of defending to do and need to get that area of their performance right it is vital that we look to pose a threat whenever possible and get at the American defence.

Favourite Shirts; Haircut 100, Oct. 1981 no. 4

One other thing might just work in England's favour as well. With China suffering from typhoons and the like it might just benefit England if it's pouring down again when we take on the Americans.

This is not for any footballing reasons but simply because our kit is likely to hold up better than theirs.

Against Nigeria, when it was leathering down, the Americans ended up looking like drowned rats with their shirts and shorts getting completely waterlogged.

Not only did this look extremely uncomfortable, kit plastered skintight to their bodies, but they might have been getting worried about whether or not they were still decent.

If the same happens again it could just prove to be the difference as we carry on as normal in our nice, sensible shirts.

In conclusion all I can say is COME ON ENGLAND!

Wednesday, September 26
Bristol Academy Falter

Now England's World Cup campaign has come to an end the National Premier League, which has been limping along so far, will soon be in full flow. In the absence of the big guns Bristol Academy had emerged as the team most likely to give the favourites something to think about but they have now slipped up twice in recent weeks.

Gary Green's side had dropped two points in a home draw with Blackburn Rovers a couple of weeks back and then, having won at Cardiff last midweek, they fell to a 3-2 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.

The Gas Girls enjoyed some fortune in winning at Cardiff as the home side gifted them two own goals and a penalty in their 3-1 win. Lauren Townsend and Nicola Cousins were the girls putting through their own net and it was Cousins who conceded the penalty from which Corinne Yorston eventually scored, following up after Rhian Nokes had parried her spot kick.

Natasha Harding had equalised the first own goal for Cardiff with a long range effort.

Liverpool were in no mood to offer such gifts to Bristol, however, and swept into a three goal lead just after the half hour. Jade Thomas, Jo Traynor and Gill Hart were all on target in a whirlwind start but the visitors rallied before half time and went in only one goal behind after Kerry Bartlett and Stef Curtis netted.

Amazingly there would be no further goals after half time with Liverpool holding on for a 3-2 win, their second victory in succession.

Blackburn Rovers ran out easy 4-1 winners over Birmingham City who have endured a torrid start to the season and must be concerned about their prospects at this early stage.

City actually looked in control of this game in the first half hour and led through Heather Scheuber's low finish.

The game turned when Birmingham's Kerys Harrop hit the bar at one end and Blackburn went straight down pitch to equalise through Katie Anderton.

The confidence drained completely from the Birmingham performance when Anderton netted again shortly afterwards with a deflected effort and victory was confirmed as Anderton turned provider for Lynda Shepherd and Levi Penny to find the target.

Action in the Premier League South saw Portsmouth confirm top spot with a 2-0 win over West Ham, goals coming from Gemma Hillier and Kirsty McGee, while WFC Fulham continued their good run with a last minute header by Ann-Marie Heatherson giving them a 2-1 victory at Keynsham Town.

In the North Nottingham Forest continue to lead the way after recovering from two goals down to beat Sunderland 3-2 with Beth Bailey's acrobatic late goal but Lincoln City look the team to watch. Stacey Aisthorpe grabbed a hat trick and Jodie Snelson a couple as they battered Sheffield Wednesday 6-2 away from home.

Aisthorpe and Snelson already have ten goals each at the top of the scoring charts and look capable of firing the Imps into the National division.