SAUNDERS STEALS IT FOR STOKE CITY LADIES Copsewood Coventry 2 Stoke City 3 Women's FA Cup Second Round 29th December 2009 Copsewoods FA Cup run end just two minutes shy of extra time as Emma Saunders second goal of the afternoon at Allard Way booked Stoke City Ladies passage into the Third Round of the Women's FA Cup to settle a competitive evenly match close Cup tie. The visitors wasted a guilt edge chance to take the lead after just eight minutes when Kate Asher was up-ended by Copsewoods Leonna McCook from the resulting penalty Cassie Hyde ballooned the ball over the crossbar as Copsewood survived an early let-off. Stoke took the lead on 21 minutes after the home defence failed to deal with a corner from the right which Saunders headed at the near post for Gallagher to head home from close range. With the visitors still celebrating Copsewood hit back straight away when a quickly taken Foskett corner found McGuckin, who hit home. With Copsewood being pegged back Asher released Saunders, but she could only fire into the side-netting while Linzi Hewitt went close to restoring the visitors lead forcing Smithers to turn away a free-kick before heading over the crossbar on 36 minutes. Copsewood took the lead just three minutes after the restart when Lyndsey Breyton inadvertently steered a back pass wide of the advancing Marshall and into her own net. At the other end only a fine save by Smithers in the home gaol denied Meg Bowyer. In a tight contest Marshalled saved well at the feet of Foskett on 61 minutes before the visitors hauled themselves back on level terms through Emma Saunders, who hit home from 18 yards out. Nicola Foskett came closest to stealing victory for the hosts but from 8 yards she snatched at her shot when well placed with only Marshall in the Stoke City goal to beat to fire wide of the near post. With extra time looming on 88 minutes Copsewood paid the ultimate price for failing to close down a lively Saunders, who curled the ball home from 20 yards out to book Stoke City's passage into to the next round of the FA Cup in style. A disappointing afternoon for Copsewood they survived an early let off but throughout 90 minutes of football failed to create much in the way of notable goal bound efforts to trouble Marshall in the visitors' goal a below par performance saw them edged out by a better strong Stoke City team who looked to have the cutting edge as the game grew older.But in the end Copsewood learnt in the cruellest of ways in a cup tie concentration is paramount, closeting down your opponents are the key factor to taking games when on level terms into overtime a simple must learn lesson as the hosts failed to hold firm just minutes from the end, Thirty minutes of extra time would have proved interesting in an enjoyable and entertaining cup tie, Under the guidance of new team chief Vicky Mitchell on this showing Stoke City are an improving team but as Christmas approached for many teams there is only pride to play for in Women's Football as the leagues are restricted to just one promotion place but a nice little FA Cup run along the way while collecting some useful clubs funds will be a bonus and a luxury for some clubs while for others it will be a season of consolidation, The two sides go head to head next weekend with three valuable points up for stake in a Midlands Combination League which is led by runaway leaders' Coventry City as we approach the festive break. Copsewoods next home encounter will be a big test as they face Birmingham City Ladies in the Birmingham FA County Cup if nothing else that game should provide a benchmark to see how Mick Conneelys side have progressed 12 months on from the 7-1 drubbing the Blues inflicted on them last season. Copsewood 1.Smithers 3.Harley 4.Knight (14.Davis 60 mins) 5.Sloan 7.Walley (c) 8.Towey 9.McCook (17.George 87 mins) 10.McGuckin 11.Foskett 12.White 16.Green (15.Ryan 55 mins) Stoke City 1.Marshall 2.Cowan 4.Hyde 18.Breyton 14.Bowyer 6.Pinner 8.Ridgeway 11.Ghallagher 17.Hewitt 9 Sanders 12.Asher Subs 3.Hudson 7.Loundes 15. Hughes 22.Langstone

COPSEWOOD PROGRESS ON SEVEN UP AS FIVE STAR FOSKETT DELIVER'S GOAL BLITZ. Copsewood Ladies progress into the Second Round of the Women's FA Cup where they have been given home advantage over league rivals Stoke City in the next round after a second half goal blitz led by Nicola Foskett blew away the challenge of Northern Combination opponents Scunthorpe United at Allard Way. Following last weekends 2-1 win at TNS Copses team-chief Mick Conneely who admitted his side were on the brink of collapse following a player shortage this season were without Nana Bigiaphini and Jodie McGuckin who were replaced in the starting line-up by Chantelle Davies and Natasha White for the visit of lowly Northern Combination league outrfit Scunthorpe United Ladies. Nicola Foskett sent Copswood on their way into the next round with the opening goal on 15 minutes, Natasha White was unlucky not to doubled the hosts lead finding the side netting soon afterwards. Only the woodwork denied Scunthorpe United on 25 minutes as Lindsay Hughes saw her 25 yard strike crashed off the Copswood crossbar in an evenly matched first 45 minutes Sue Hunsley hauled the visitors back on level terms on the stroke of half-time as her looping 18 yard strike from the right sailed high into the net, the ball flying inside the far upright. Nicola Foskett restored Copsewoods lead on 53 minutes when she curled the ball home low into the net from 20 yards out her low shot squeezing between the right hand post and the outstretched hand of Burdett in the visitors' goal. Unstoppable Foskett added the hosts third goal on 61 minutes as she bust down the left to deliver a top quality finish hitting home into the top corner of the net from 16 yards and three minutes later Foskett punished the visitors once more as she rang rings around the Scunthorpe defence, Despite the visitors looking capable on the break this Cup Tie was all but over as a viable contest just past the hour-mark over as Scunthorpe failed to control Foskett's electrifying pace and skill and Whalley's who always plays better in a striker role.,However, on 71 minutes Sue Green rattled the Copsewood woodwork with a well struck free-kick. Amanda Whalley fired Copsewood further ahead on 79 minutes following Natasha Whites neatly squared pass and eight minutes later Amanda Whalley out mused her marker Natasha Cook to hit Scunthorpe United Ladies for six before Nicola Foskett completed the 7-1 rout just a minute later but that was purely academic as Scunthorpe heads had long since dropped as hobbling Nicola Foskett destroyed and teased the visitors' defence with a five star show of still and pace to deliver some quality well taken goals. Not best of games or a greatest Copsewood performance but with a make-shift team Manager Mick Conneely will be please his charges delivered a much better second half performance which destroyed plucky Scunthorpe United Ladies, who were undone by the unstoppable Foskett and Whalley the visitors battle away but had no answers as they paid the ultimate price for allowing Whalley and Foskett too much time and space on the ball the visitors failing to capitalise a several useful well place free-kicks inside the first 45 minutes.Copsewood travel to Stratford Town Ladies in the Birmingham Country Cup for what on paper promises to be mouth watering tie if both teams deliver and play to their full potential. Copsewood Ladies Line-Up 1.Smithers 3.Harley 4.Knight 5.Sloan 6.McCook (17.George 75 minutes) 7.Whalley 8.Towey 9.Davies 11.Foskett 12.White 16.Green (R) Scunthorpe United Ladies Team 1.Burdett 2.Ford 3.Cook (A) 4.Speck 5.Cooke (N) 6.Baker 7.Green (S) 8.Hughes (15.Nottingham 75 minutes) 9.Smithson 11.West 17.Hunsley UnUsed Subs 12.McNeive 14.Alcester Copsewood Ladies are seeking to increase their playing squad and are looking for New Players to join them in all Areas, Proven Experience is a distinct advantage. However, if you feel you can compete at a Midlands Combination level and would like an opportunity to demonstrate so then this is a unique opportunity for up and coming players aged 16+ to Join a Friendly Family Fun Women's Football Team, who secured a top six finish in their First Midlands Combination campaign having been West Midlands Champions for the Past Two Seasons, The Club offers excellent Playing and Social Club facilities at Allard Way if you're a fringe player, a new player, or you are just seeking a change of Clubs, then there are plenty of playing opportunities for Players as the Management looks to build a bigger squad to complete at the highest level, Interested? Mick Conneely can give you more Info on 0793 152 9126

HANDY HANDLEY IS HELPING HAND IN FOXES VICTORY Leicester City Women 4 Sheffield Wednesday Ladies 1 FA Premier League Northern Division Sunday 1st November 2009 It was a bad day at the office for New Sheffield Wednesday Manager Andy Burgess who took charge for the first time and witnessed his side beaten 4-1 at Blaby in a score-line that did not do Sheffield Wednesday justice, A result which lifts Leicester City into third League place. The Foxes when ahead on 16th minutes, when Zira Handley and Katie Lowder set-up Natasha Meade. Sheffield Wednesday should have levelled the score through Rachel Lee but with only Hall in the Leicester goal to beat she fired straight at the goalkeeper, Hall managing to parry down Lee's shot. The Owls got back on level terms in the 23rd Minute when Tanya Rich levelled with a powerful dipping shot from 25 yards out. However, City went back in front, when a well flighted corner by Leah Rawle eluded the visitors defence and found Zira Handley on 55 minutes, who turned the ball home from close range. Sheffield Wednesday tried to get back into the game but with Leanne Hall was in splendid form Tanya Rich and Sarah Danby were both denied. On 83 minute's a mistake by Wednesday goalkeeper Maslin saw her only clear the ball as far as, City's Chloe Jones, whose neatly threaded a through-ball found Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, who slot home. Kirsty Robson added goal number on 90 minutes following Handley's through ball as two gaols inside the final ten minutes sealed a 4-1 score-line, Boston match official Helen Fulcher booked City's Handley and McArthur in a game which produced some well crafted goals, In an enjoyable and entertaining game Leicester City created more chances than their Sheffield Wednesday counterparts on a blustery and chilly afternoon, Plenty of work for new manager Andy Burgess to do if Sheffield Wednesday are to turn their season around. Apologies for the short abbreviated Match Report as I was due to cover Birmingham Athletics' postponed West Midlands Southern League encounter with Leominster Town in the rush to find a game on I forgot to stop and pick a new notebook only realising it was missing after getting to the game, Many Thanks to Geoff White and Leicester City Ladies for allowing us to cover this game at short notice, The first time we had visted Blaby to cover a game and Birmingham Athletic Ladies will be featured later on in the season my thanks to their manager Adam Smallman for letting me know early that the clubs' home game had been postponed. Leicester City Womens Team 1.Hall 2.Handley (Z) 3.McLoughlin 4.Jones 5.Butler 6.Rawle 7.Lowder 8.McAthur 9.Guantlett 10. Meade 11.Sweetman-kirk Subs 12.Toussaint 14.Robson 15.Gumbs 16.Impey Shedffield Wednesday Team 1.Maslin 2.Styevens 3.Sherwood 4.Lee 5.Hobson 6.Sharp 7.Scott 8.De Silva 9.Rich 10.Skeemer 11.Danby Subs 12.Skully 14.Barker 15.Gingall 16.Jepson 17.Corry Pictured Wednesday new boss Burgess ponders after watching his side slide to a 4-1 defeat against Leicester City

FIRST DEFEAT OF THE SEASON SENDS SHAKESPEARE SISTERS CRASHING OUT OF THE WOMEN'S FA CUP Stratford Town 1 Hereford Phoenix 3 Women's FA Cup First Round Sunday 11th October 2009 Two goals inside the opening 28 minutes paved the way for Hereford Phoenix to progress in the Women's FA Cup as they inflicted a 3-1 defeat on Stratford Town Ladies at Knights Lane to destroy the Shakespeare Sisters unbeaten start to the season. High flying West Midlands Premiership side Stratford Town Ladies turned their attention to producing a good Women's FA Cup run as they hosted league rivals' Hereford Phoenix for the second successive week on home soil having won the league encounter 2-1 thanks to a goal double from Lisa Taylor- Phillips just seven days ago. With new manager Stratford Town Ladies Ross Thorpe having embarked on a summer signing spree in a bid to bolster the Shakespeare Sisters push for high grade football his latest signing Ria Baker from Copsewood Ladies is both an interesting and significant one, having come off the bench to feature in last weekends' victory Baker should add more fire-power to a team that on paper should be capable of manufacturing and producing plenty of goals this season.Visitors Hereford Phoenix meanwhile had suffered a disappointing start to their league campaign just one win from four outings leaves Dave Panniers side sitting at the wrong end of the table.Stratford Town Ladies were without defender Cara Williams and Midfielder Lisa Slowther for the visit of Phoenix. Only a fine save from Jones in the Town goal on two minutes prevented Emily Gilbert from putting the visitors ahead as Jones blocked Gilbert's strike on the edge of the box. Stratford town opening chance failing to Esther Slater, whose free-kick was well held beneath the crossbar by Francis in the visitors goal.Hereford Phoenix took the lead on 13 minutes when Rebecca Panniers free-kick was head on by Laura Davies and as the home defence failed to clear Emily Gilbert hit home from 6 yards out. Just Minutes later Leya Latham saw a 25 yard shot sailed wide. On 28 minutes good work by Laura Davies saw her release Gilbert, who fired the visitors further ahead from 18 yards out while at the other end Stratford's Darwood blazed wide and Slater fired into the side netting. As the visitors press forward once again on 34 minutes Gilbert was unlucky with an outstretch boot from 8 yards out, which just failed to connect to a Davies incoming cross from the right as Phoenix took a two goal lead into the turn around point. Only a fine save from Francis in the Phoenix goal denied Lisa Taylor-Phillips from 16 yards out on 53 minutes as Town enjoyed a better second half Lisa Taylor-Phillips reduced the deficit on 55 minutes that lifted a few heads that had dropped in the first half, and for long periods the Shakespeare Sisters looked more than capable of hauling themselves back on level terms.Good work by Darwood found Lisa Taylor-Phillips by her 20 yard drive was parried down by Francis in the visitors goal.As Town continued to press for that elusive equaliser Slater's free-kick was parried down by Francis the loose ball finding Weston, who chose to shoot instead of the better option of passing the ball square to Mead, who was well placed, Weston's shot from an acute angle being pushed around the near post by Francis.Only the crossbar denied Emily Gilbert on 86 minutes before Laura Davies fired home the rebound at the near post to finally seal the visitors' passage into the next round. A disappointing below par performance left the Shakespeare Sisters with an uphill task to clime before they finally rallied in the second half an early goal in the second period gave the hosts hope in a cup tie which could have gone either way. However, Phoenix took their foot right of the gas in the second half as they hard work of beating a Town Ladies side who subjected them to some good pressure. An enjoyable and entertaining game but ask the Two Managers which they would prefer a place in the next round or Three Leagues points and the answer would most definitely be three points as both Manager look to steer there respective sides to mounting a title challenge however on this showing what both managers will need from their sides are consistence performances through and over the 90 minutes we never really saw the best of Town new crop of young guns this afternoon as a battling Phoenix side who should have killed this game off as a contest before the 86th Minute. Confidence is a big winner in Football and for the first 45 minutes Town Ladies looked as through they just were not up for the Cup as they failed to test Francis will much in the way of notable goal-bound efforts, disappointing to see such a poor attendance, But in the end its Phoenix who progress however once again We have too question the powers to be at the FA if Phoenix had been a Male Football team they would have pocket £4,500 for wining this tie, so why if the FA are committed to grass roots football is today's winning price money a poultry £100? Phoenix Manager Dave Panniers was probably lucky the Referee took no action for voicing his opinions on some strange decisions. However, I am still left searching for a definitive answer as to just why Women's football is so poorly Administered, Funded, Promoted and Refereed and if that's not the case tell why are some teams playing each other on Consecutive weekends, Surely as a Manager If your draw a Team in a Cup Competition the last thing you need is to be playing that team a week before hand in a League encounter it rarely happens in Non League Football but is being increasing common within Women's Football. Attention now turns to the League and producing a good County Cup and League Cup run for Stratford Town Ladies while Phoenix will be hoping the regionalized FA Cup draw for the next round doesn't pair them with either Leamington Lions or Dudley Town in the Third Qualifying Round on Sunday 25th October. Stratford Town Team 1.Jones 3.Lamb (17.Baker 64 Mins) 4.Dickinson 5.Taylor-Phillips (S) 7.Turner 8.Slater 9.Taylor-Phillips (L) 10.Mead (16.Payton 76 Mins) 11.Darwood 15.Weston 19.Cox Unused Sub 14.Lakeman Phoenix Team 1.Francis (13.Brislaw 88 Mins) 2.Jennings 3.Jenkins 4.Panniers 5.Latham 6.Woolies (Lara) 7.Wooles (Lisa) 8.Gilbert 9.Edwards 10.Davies 11.Lloyd (12.Lovelock 74 Mins) Match Bookings None

THREE SENT OFF - SIX BOOKED AND THE MANAGER DISMISSED FROM THE DUGOUT AS BLUE CRASH OUT OF LEAGUE CUP Birmingham City 1 Blackburn Rovers 2 * After Extra Time Score 1-1 on 90 Mins * FA Women's Premier League Cup Second Round Sunday 5th October 2009 Three players Sent Off. Blues Manager Stuart Wilson dismissed from the home dugout,Six Yellow Cards and not a malicious tackle in-sight tells the story of a book happy referee who failed to let both sides play football at Knights Lane as Birmingham City Ladies crashed out of the FA Women's League Cup at the second hurdle courtesy of a Nikki Harding late strike just three minutes from the end of extra time. Having already drawn 1-1 at Rovers back in September Blues looked to go one better as they tried to reach the FA Women's Premier League Quarter Final stages, Following Thursday nights good second half performance against basement battlers Bristol Academy, which earnt the Blues a 4-0 victory City Ladies manager Stuart Wilson making three changes from the starting line-up that secured the Blues their second three point haul on home soil this season, As Moran, Gauntlett and Bird were replaced by Connor-Imooi, Torkildsen and Hickmott, Blues reaching the second round having hit Lincoln for Six back on the 13th September. Meantime Rovers arrived at Knights Lane on the back to two straight wins having beaten Sunderland Women 2-1 just seven days ago this coming after Rovers had knocked Manchester City Ladies out of the League Cup in the first round following 4-2 success Rovers Manager Adam Lakeman making just one changes from last weeks victorious side for the Journey to Shakespeare Country as Nicky Towhig replaced Natalie Brewer in the starting line-up. Becky Hall wasted the first early chance missing cueing her shot from 20 yards out on 3 minutes while Rovers Kane failed to test Wood in the home goal with a well placed free-kick after 20 minutes Tolkildsen was unlucky with an acrobatic bicycle kick from 8 yards out, which sailed over the crossbar after latching to a Jemma Connor-Imooi pinpoint cross from the right.On 23 minutes Rovers Radburn became the first victim of the book happy Referee for dissent before the hosts were awarded a penalty on 36 minutes when Radburn was adjudged to have handled the ball, Radburn being dismissed for a second book-able offence. With Rovers still protesting Sheen was also booked from resulting spot-kick Christine Tolkildsen blasted the ball high into the roof of the net to give Birmingham City Ladies the advantage at the turn around point. Rebbecca Hall should have doubled the hosts lead just before the break but from 16 yards out Parker saved well the loose ball bobbling wide of the post. With both teams having emerged for the second half and waiting on the pitch it took the Match Officials some 4 minutes to make their re-appearance presumable they had been looking for a pencil sharpener.Only a fine save by Wood in the Blues goal denied Sheen from 6 yards out as she latched onto Anderton's cross.With Rovers looking strong in the second half Kate Anderton levelled the score on 59 minutes hitting home inside the near post from 6 yards out.Callum Barber replaced Saulter up-front on 80 minutes but by this time Blues had not tested Parker in the Rovers go to any real extent in the second half.Jemma Connor-Iommi was next into the book on 83 minutes but for long periods Katy Wood then fired an acute shot cum cross just wide of the far post.Blues looked well short up-front as the tie headed towards overtime but there was still time for the Referee to produce another Red Card as Blues Skipper Kerys Harrop was next to see Red dismissed on 90 minutes. With both sides playing the extra half an hour with 10 Players Three Minutes in Extra Time Birmingham City Ladies boss Stuart Wilson was next to be dismissed from the dugout for voicing his opinion too loudly to the liking of Referee Stone while Rovers Natalie Preston was next to be booked on 95 minutes as she saw yellow, With Cards being produced left right and centre it was probably easier to note just who had not been booked in this encounter as the Referee stole the show. And still the bookings carried on as Sian Lakin was next to see a yellow card.Rebecca Hall was unlucky on 108 minutes when her 16 yard chip landed on the roof of the Rovers' net, while at the other end former Blues favourite Katy Ward fired wide of the far post from 18 yards out.In the second Period of Extra Time Sian Larkin's cross from the left just failed to find the head of the incoming Jemma Connor-Iommi, In a close contest with both teams being stretched it was Rovers, who stole victory on 117 minutes when Harding hit the pos,t the rebound failing back to Harding, who rifled home into the back of the net from the corner of the 6 yard-area to sent Blackburn home jubilant. Rovers Danielle Sheen was dismissed late on in Extra Time for a second booking while Katie Anderton saw yellow but the biggest cheer of the afternoon came when Referee fell over his boot laces. Blues had Sue Wood to thank for keeping them in this game as Wood produced several fine saves to deny a lively Rovers' side throughout the 90 minutes in a game which never really flowed. Rovers looking like the stronger,fitter and more likely of the two sides to edge it for long periods as extra time prevailed but once again Blues paid the price for not having a clear centre forward to convert some well crafted chances three defeats in the four games, we have witnessed shows how Blues have been edged out in these games but on an afternoon where the Referee applied the letter of the law probably Rovers Kane was the most fortunate player on the park her early outburst going unpunished by the match official but after that dissent and abuse ruled the way bore out of frustration but one again as so often Referees are inconsistence no excesses for Colourful Language but that is so often part and parcel of Football at all levels. An entertaining, exciting close cup tie but another slender defeat in-which one goal was always going to settle this encounter as Blackburn edged pasted Birmingham City Ladies, Disappointing results for Blues amid good and mediocre performances not their best performance today, but they should have been good enough to get and grind out result from this tie against a Rovers' side who made it hard for them but were far from invincible or at their very best.Stuart Wilson will need to raise his side if they are to get anything from next weeks visit to Leeds but on home soil the results at lease could have better recently.Birmingham City Ladies are back in League action at Knights Lane on Thursday 15th October when Everton Ladies are the visitors for a 7.45pm kick off. Birmingham City Ladies Team 1.Wood 2.Cardin 3.Lakin 4.Connor-Iommi 5.Rose 6.Harrop 7.Hall 8.Potter 9.Tolkildsen 10.Saulter 11.Hickmott Subs 12.Manley 14.Howell 15.Barber 18.Moran. Blackburn Rovers Ladies Team 1.Parker 2.Burke 3.Harding 4.Shepherd 6.Preston 8.Anderton 12.Radburn 15.Twohig 16.Carroll 17.Kane Subs 5.Brewer 10.Ward 11.Walker 18.Sullivan 19.Roberts Referee Mr J.Stone Sent Off - Radburn - Harrop and Sheen Match Bookings - Tolkildsen - Connor-Iommi - Lakin - Anderton - Shepherd - Preston

ARSENAL EDGE PAST BLUES THANKS TO EARLY LITTLE GOAL Birmingham City Ladies 0 Arsenal Ladies 1 FA Tesco Premier League National Division Sunday 27th September 2009 An early goal just two minutes in from Scottish International Kimberley Little paved the way for Arsenal Ladies to edge past Birmingham City Ladies in their opening league fixture as the Blues sank to a second successive slender home defeat at Knights Lane by the odd goal. Knights Lane in Stratford Upon Avon played host as Arsenal Ladies began the defence of their 2009/10 FA Premier League title against Birmingham City Ladies.Having held league leaders Millwall Lionesses in the capital to a goalless stalemate just seen days ago Stuart Wilson made two changes from the Blues side that gained a credible point against the seasons early Premier Division front runners as Jemma Connor-Iommi replaced Maimee Morris and Danni Saulter come in for Kerry Bartlett while Blues were still without injured Captain Heather Scheuber. Beaten just once this season after being edged out by Doncaster Rovers Belles on home soil Blues moved into the top four after securing a point last weekend. The visit of the Gunners promised to be a stern test for a Blues side who have a busy week ahead on Thursday Evening Bristol Academy are the visitors to Shakespeare Country while four days later Blues go in search of League Cup success when they play host to Blackburn Rovers in the Quarter Finals of League Cup. Following the European Championships and International call-up's Arsenal Ladies kicked off their overdue season under the guidance of new team-chief Tony Gervaise and without the services of household star names Kelly Smith, Alex Scott and Karen Carney as the Gunners began the defence of the FA Premier Women's League championship Trophy, a title they have claimed consecutively for the past six years under former Manager Vic Akers, who ended his 22 years in the charge of Arsenal Ladies back in May. Arsenal new team-chief Tony Gervaise saw his side who beat Watford Ladies in last weekends' League Cup, Scottish International Kim Little setting the Gunners on their way to a 4-1 success and doing much of the damage with a hat-trick at Northwood former Hornets recruit Helen Lander adding the Gunners other goal. Birmingham City kicked off and within two minutes the Gunners had taken an early lead as Danni Bird's stray ball was picked up in midfield by Chapman, who found Yankley on the right who then released Little, As advancing sprawling goalkeeper Wood attempted to pounce on the ball with an outstretched arm on the edge of the box, Little's 18 yard chip sailed into the roof net despite a valiant attempt from Jemma Rose to head clear.Blues attempted to hit back as Potter deep inside the Blues half sprang clear to release Chrissy Tolkdilsen but from 22 yards out advancing goalkeeper Byrne clear the ball only as far as Bird whose wayward shot sailed wide of the post.Again as the hosts pressed forward Potter on the edge of the box neatly jinxed her way through but from 8 yards out she blazed over the crossbar while at the other end it was a similar story as Ludlow found Chapman who drilled wide of the far post from 8 yards out with only Wood in the home goal to beat. Blues enjoyed a better second half in the closing stages of the game Kerys Harrop bundled the ball wide of the near post while Danni Saulter's 20 yard dipping shot fell onto the roof of the net as Blues looked to pinch a point.Only a fine save late on from Wood in the home goal denied Jayne Ludlow as Ludlow's 30 yard dipping shot was pushed over the crossbar with one hand by Wood. The Champions were not at their best today and that will probably make it an even more disappointing result for Birmingham City, who failed to salvage a point or more from this entertaining top flight clash.In a busy week Blues entertain basement battlers Bristol Academy on Thursday evening with a 7.45pm Kick Off looking for their second three point haul of the season following an opening day victory against Watford Ladies.In the end perhaps the marketing team behind the Blues do need to go out and about in the local community and offer tickets for home games to some of the local schools in order to achieve a better crowd atmosphere because had Birmingham had more vocal support this afternoon it would have undoubtedlyy helped their players in their quest. Video highlights can be found on the SoccerX website along with interviews with the Gunners Kimberly Little and Rachel Yankley Birmingham City Ladies Team 1.Wood 2.Cardin (!5.Hickmott 78 mins) 3.Larkin 4.Connor-Imooi 5.Rose 6.Harrop 7.Howell (16.Gauntlett 78 mins) 8.Potter 9.Torkildson 10.Saulter 11.Bird (18.Hall 78 mins) Unused Subs 12.Foster 14.Morris Arsenal Ladies Team 1.Byrne 2.Yorlston 4.Ludlow 5.Flatherty 7.Grant 11.Yankey 12.Davison 16.Little 1`7.Chapman 19.Fahey 20.Lander (27.Coombs 62 mins) Unused Subs 3.Tracey 6.White 13.Spencer 14.Beattie Referee Mr Tony Pratt No Match Bookings

COPSEWOOD HIT FOR SIX BY BAGGIES Copsewood 3 Sporting Club Albion 6 Midlands Combination Sunday 20th September 2009 - Match Report Glenn Lawrence Sloppy Copsewood paid the penalty for basic defensive errors as Sporting Club Albion bagged Five goals in a rampant second half display to hit Copsewwod for Six at Allard Way after overturning a 2-1 first half deficit. With Copsewood having been left with only a small basic squad following the departures of McKenna, Ball, Stevens and Stanley, For the visit of Sporting Club Albion the home-side were without injured duo central defender Emily Brimson and midfielder Natasha White while the unavailable Ria Baker has yet to return.Copsewood Manager Mick Conneely made two changes from the squad who suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Radcliffe Olympic just seven days ago as new signings Katie George and debutant Nant Bigiaphini replaced Joanne Ryan and Natasha White. Jodie McGuckin gave Copsewood the perfect inside only two minutes as she fired home in style a well driven 22 yard free-kick which sailed low into the net at the far post and beyond the outstretched reach of Albion goalkeeper Natalie Hall.Ashley Neville hauled the Baggies Ladies back on level terms four minutes later and the visitors nearly went further ahead on 13 minutes as keeper Hall found Ray, who released Phillipowski but she could only blazed the ball over the crossbar.With the home defence under pressure McQuilkin's corner from left was headed wide by Ashley Neville. Copsewood restored their lead on 26 minutes when Albion goalkeeper Hall failed to hold onto Amanda Wally's thunderous 22 yard shot the goalkeeper spilling the ball only for Nicola Foskett to follow up and slot home from 2 yards out at the far post.Five minutes before the break McGuckin was unlucky with another well struck 22 yards free-kick, which sailed over the Albion crossbar.Nicola Fosket nearly had Copsewood further ahead just a minute before the break as she latched onto McGuckin's through ball, the lively Foskett rounding advancing goalkeeper Hall only to see her low drive hooked clear of danger by the Albion defence, Only the stroke of half-time Jordan Ray fired wide of the Copsewood near post as the hosts entered the turn around point leading 2-1. Albion resumed with more Vigour looking strong and fitter and within 6 minutes of the restart were back on level terms as Jordan Ray hit home from 18 yards out with Copsewood still reeling from that set-back Jordan Ray fired Sporting Club Albion into the lead just sixty seconds later. Jessica Lippiatt saw her 22 yard shot well parried down by Smithers in the home goal before Albion went further ahead on 61 minutes Hayley Phillipowski on hand to tap into an inch perfect Ray cross from the right.With the home defence all at sea and missing a commanding figure at the back Hayley Phillipowski added goal number five as the hosts waited for an off-side flag which never emerged Hayley Phillipowski slotting the ball home low into the net. Copsewood were hit for six on 80 minutes when Hanna Goffe's corner was headed home by Jordan Ray. Copsewood reduced the deficit through Jodie McGuckin on 83 minutes but that was purely academic in a poor second half performace which cost the hosts the game. To coin a cliché A game of two half's this certainly was for 45 minutes Copsewood did well to control an Albion side who always looked dangerous but failed to fire on all four cylinders Wally, Foskett and McGuckin causing Albion some degree of difficulty in the opening 45 minutes before Albion took command with a clinical second half display only helped by a make-shift Copsewood rear-guard who enjoyed playing a game of statures which for most of the half left Smithers in the home goal totally exposed. With Copswood slower to the ball in the second half Albion's strength and stamina paid dividends as the visitors undertook a second half goal blitz, If you are looking for excesses then the lack of a commanding defensive figure at the back was the key today but there are a few talented players in the Copsewood ranks who undoubtedly need to get on the Gym Machines rather than the Mars Bar machines because without a shadow of doubt their performance due to lack of fitness has dwindled over the past few years that was certainly evident today. For the neutral supporter, an enjoyable and entertaining game which was only ever going to be a second half damage limitation exercise for the hosts as Albion could have left Allard Way with a bigger winning margin.Only Wally, Foskett and McGuckin for me enjoyed a good game everyone else battled away in vain as Copsewood paid the price for failing to properly mark and close down a stronger Albion side who played some neat football with clinical results, all in all, a miserable second half performance from Copsewood against a lively Albion side who they could only match for 45 minutes,basic errors of failing to mark tightly, stay in position and closedown the opposition was key factors to this humiliating hammering that said Copsewood created and dispatched three well taken goals in Wally, Foskett and McGuckin they have three players who can turn any game on its head but even their magic today could not stop the rot.Looks like it could be a long hard season of head scratching for team boss Conneely as he works to plug the gaps and assemble a bigger squad. Copsewood Team 1.Smithers 3.Towey 4.Sloan 5.Davis 6.Bigiaphini 7.Wally 8.Brookes 11.Foskett 12.McCook 14.Green 16.McGuckin 17.George Sporting Club Albion Team 1.Hall 2.McQuilkin 6.Goodwin 7.Lippiatt (22.Baptist 73 mins) 8.Rippington 9.Ray (11.Steele 80 Mins) 10.Neville 17.Phillipowski (19.Hinton 80 Mins) 18.Pritchard 38.Goffe (L) 39.Goffe (H) Unused Subs 3.Glover 33.Hodgetts

GROGAN "ABSOLUTELY GUTTED" AS NO SHOW WOODFORD CRASH OUT OF THE WOMEN'S FA CUP AT FIRST HURDLE Woodford United 0 Brackley Sports 4 FA Women's Cup sponsored by E.ON Preliminary Round Sunday 13 September 2009 Match Report From Glenn Lawrence Woodford United Ladies boss Danni Grogan was left absolutely ‘gutted’ after watching her team suffer a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Brackley Sports in the Preliminary Round of The Women’s FA Cup at Byfield Road. The Northamptonshire-based County side had high hopes of making progress in the Competition but a poor second-half display cost the Reds at the first hurdle and enabled the visitors to complete an easy victory. Despite their early dominant Brackley Sports could not turn chances from Pritchard, Eden and Mortimer into goals Brackley took the lead on 17 minutes through Danni Pritchard. Brackley Sports continued to press through-out the first half. However, Woodford united battled away to thwart Eden and Pritchard, who were causing the hosts problems.However the visitors could have taken into the turn around point a bigger goal margin Kelly Gell blazing over the crossbar from 8 yards out while Rosie Eden fired wide of the far post from 6 yards out. Woodford's 0'Reilley should have done better in a rare assault on the visitors' goal after 30 minutes when well place but her shot, which lacked power and direct was safely scooped up by Mullins in the visitors' goal while at the opposition end an injury to Goalkeeper Fisher saw the closing stages of the first half held up for some time as Sports entered the break leading by the odd goal. However, Woodford United were still in this cup tie despite having created very few goal-scoring chances to trouble Mullins in the Sports goal. A hobbling Fisher in the home goal emerged for the second half looked to be in some difficult before Rosie Eden doubled Brackley's lead on 50 minutes in style as she weaved through the home defence to fired Sports further ahead, That gave the United an uphill task O'Reilley and Harris carried any small glimmer of hope Woodford United Ladies had of salvaging something from this cup tie but in the end clear cut chances were at a premium for a Woodford team who were missing Player Manager Grogan. Brackley Sports went further ahead on 68 minutes when Danni Prichard fired home low into the net from 16 yards out. Christina Picchianta clear the ball off the goal-line following a Woodford United corner from the right on 70 minutes while at the other end Oliver Mortimer was unlucky when she fired the ball wide of advancing goalkeeper Fisher from 18 yards out.Kelly Gell put the icing on the cake for Brackley Sports on 84 minutes as she wrapped up the goal-scoring with a thunderous shot from the left which gave Fisher in the home goal no chance. the ball riffled into the roof of the net.Woodford railed in the closing stages looking for a consolation goal. However, United were denied by Mullins in the Sports goal who pushed around the near post a Harris shot while minutes later O'Reilley fired wide of the near post. In the end Mullins in the Brackley Sports goal was a mere spectator for long periods as Woodford United failed to create much in the way of worthy notable goal-bound efforts and paid price for failing to closedown a lively developing Sports side whose free flowing football carved out four well taken goals.Trailing by a single goal at the break, United Ladies boss Grogan was adamant her side could still salvage the cup tie, but a series of errors and defensive blunders allowed Brackley to cruise home.“I’m absolutely gutted,” said a downhearted Grogan. “At the break we all believed we could win the game and still get through, but we just didn’t do our jobs, and they punished us.“There were too many mistakes, and it was just a really poor performance in the end. It’s such a shame because this is The FA Women's Cup, and we really wanted to do well.“We’ll just have to make sure we go and take out our frustration on The League now.” As for Brackley Sports Manager Andy Bannard he was absolutely delighted with his teams all-round performance some notable performances from Pritchard, Gell, Eden and Mortimer as Sports crafted four well worked goals against a Woodford United team who paid the ultimate price on this showing this performance must rank as one of the most disappointing we have witnessed from Woodford United Ladies, who were not up for the Cup today but take nothing away from a young developing Brackley Sports side. An enjoyable and entertaining Women's Cup Tie but I wonder if Referee Mr Jarrett had been in charge of a Men's game would we have only had one ball and no spares on the touch-lines? Woodford United Team 1.Fisher 2.Davies 3.Warren 4.Wood 5. Dawn 6. O'Reilley 7.O'Donovan 8.Harris 9.Hennessey 11.Hirons 14.Hourigan Sub 12.Parker Brackley Sports Team 1.Mullins 2.Barker 3.McStraw (15.Cox 70 Mins) 4.Gell 5.Williams 6.Pritchard 7.Picchianti 8.Maclachlan 9.Eden (12.Whittaker 83 mins) 10.Jones (14.Rundle 83 mins) 11.Mortimer Referee Mr D.Jarrett (Northampton) No Match Bookings

SAINTS HOLD ON DESPITE SECOND HALF RUGBY COMEBACK. Rugby Town Ladies 2 Southam United Ladies 3 Birmingham FA County League Premier Division Sunday 6th December 2009 In a game of two halves, Southam United Ladies sealed an important win with three goals inside the opening 30 minutes at Kilsby Lane in the Birmingham FA County Leagues against Rugby Town Ladies, Two goals from Laura Condon and a Becky Wood strike sealing victory for United Ladies despite a nervous final 15 minute's in-which Rugby Town threatened to steal a draw after two goals from Lauren Casswell had hauled the host back into the game. In the Birmingham FA County Women's League, the days top of the table clash between third and fourth placed high flyers' Rugby Town Ladies and Southam United Ladies survived the weather at Kilsby Lane after tremendous work by the Rugby ground staff saw the game given the green light after passing a pitch inspection. Heavy overnight rain in the Midlands area and beyond during the past 48 hours had led to a number of Postponements despite a breezy sunny chilly afternoon in Warwickshire few games were given the green light to go ahead. Under the new guidance of Saints' team chief Lee Constable Southam United Ladies have enjoyed a fantastic campaign winning their opening County League five matches while opponents Rugby Town Southam United took the lead on 6 minutes when Mia Graham found Laura Condon, who hit home the Saints' opening goal. Southam United Ladies doubled their lead after 13 minutes when Grahams initial shot took a deflection and fell to Condon, who capitalised to put the visitors well in control. Only a fine save from Hunt in the Saints' goal denied Ariana Thompson, whose 18 yard strike was well saved on the floor. However, with Hunt spilling the ball Johns failed to capitalise and was well tackled by Kalns before she could get a clean strike on goal. Rebecca Wood hammer home the Saints third goal on 29 minutes as the visitors finished the first half well in control against a Rugby Town Ladies side who had played just once since the beginning of November and whom had not created much in the way of notable goal efforts to test Hunt in the visitors' goal. The visitors enjoyed a good second half on 53 minutes the hosts reduced the deficit when Thompson on the left found Casswell, who neatly rounded Hunt to slot the ball home low into the net. Rugby Town Ladies moved up a gear and continued to look dangerous on the break. On 75 minutes Rugby Town Ladies were rewarded with a second goal as Casswell fired home high into the net, the ball sailing high into the far corner of the net beyond the outstretched reach of Hunt, that set up a nervous final 15 minute's as United paid the price for some slack defending. Just minutes later Kalns on the right found Milenkovic, who could have restored the visitors two goal cushion, but she failed to test Oddy in the home goal. Only the woodwork denied Rugby Town Ladies a share of the points on 87 minutes as Trimm's corner from the left found Thompson unmarked at the far post who headed back across the face of the goal only to see her header shave the Saints far post. Despite a good surge of pressure from Rugby Town Saints held on for an important victory in what manager Lee Constable classified as he teams "biggest test to date" as Southam United Ladies recorded, they sixth successive win of the season. An enjoyable and entertaining well refereed game which was a credit to County Women's Football Standards played a good playing surface which given the recent wet weather was in great condition. However, this game is a valuable lesson for both sides Southam must learn that if they do not kill teams off, they can come unstuck football about a performance over 90 minutes and had Rugby Town Ladies played in the first half with the same level of competitive edge they showed in the second 45 minutes then this game may well have been a different contest that said Saints were in control with three goals but Rugby wanted something from this game having only played once 1st November it took Rugby Town 45 minutes to come to life in the end maybe the Saints were lucky to come away with all three points against a battling Rugby Town Ladies side who raised their game in a bid to salvage the game and showed they can lift their heads when seemingly they looked down and out of games, Those three early goals inside the opening half-hour seeing the hosts suffer a big set-back but full credit they bounced back in an attempt to steal the points going mighty close in the closing stages. On a chilly afternoon for me there were only two disappointments, Roll on Roll Off Subs is an experiment in this league that should be confined to the scrap-heap, and it was disappointing not to see the Bar open at what must rank as one of the best facilities in the Birmingham FA County League, why, because it's only the Girls, who suffer, many clubs rely on bar takings for extra income and the revenue it generates, and I am sure that among the Ladies' team, there would be a couple of willing barmaids that would be keen on helping the club achieve the extra income and revenue that opening the Bar would achieve, and any extra revenue would go someway I am sure to helping Rugby Town Ladies in their football pursuits, plus I would have thought it would have been compulsive for teams to supply some hospitality at a County League level that's clearly not the case and if its about attracting supporters to games then surely a club with "No Beer" isn't really that enticing to getting Supporters to come along to Women's Football games, if Rugby can utilise their facilities, then they will be the benefactors and so will their Ladies Team. With both teams under new management both will be hoping they can make a return to West Midlands Regional Ladies League Football both should be well cable of mounting a credible challenge for honours this season. Been along a time since I covered a Saints Ladies game. However, something's never change do they Ladies? Good to see Anna "Molly" Davis is still auditioning for the vacant place in the Cheeky Girls and judging by that cheesy team photo we have several entries from the back row into the Miss Southam Carnival Queen competition 2010. An interesting and entertaining first ever visit to Kilsby Lane with resources that went way beyond the School Pitch and facilities, I rather expected to find on my first ever excurison, You never know they might just invite me back in 2010 Rugby Town Ladies 1.Oddy 2.Ecclestone 3.Greenaway 5.Rawes 6.Montgomery 7.Woods 9.Casswell 11.Reeve 12.Haydon 14.Thompson 15.Trimm Subs 4.Quirk 8.Richardson 10.Johns Southam United Ladies 1.Hunt 2.Kalns 3.Oram 16.Constable 5.McHugh 6.Woodcock 7.Milenkovic 8.Davis 9.Graham 10.Wood 11.Condon Subs 4.Kelly 14.Thorne 15.Attwood

CHRISTMAS GIFTS COMES EARLY FOR SUNDERLAND AT KNIGHTS LANE Birmingham City 0 Sunderland 2 FA Women's Premier League Sunday 13th December 2009 League Leaders Sunderland were made to sweat and work hard for a two nil score-line which greatly flattered a mediocre looking side who stole the show late on with two quick goals after capitalising on some poor defending on a heavy Knights Lane pitch. Birmingham City Ladies looked to end 2009 with some much need points from their final League encounter as league leaders' Sunderland arrived at Knights Lane for the Blues penultimate league game of the year.Sunderland boss Mick Mulhearn wasted no time as he brought right back Lucy Bronze back into the Black Cats squad this week after the 18 year old decided to return back to the North East after being unhappy with her studies in the USA, Bronze who has been capped at England Junior level was part of the successful Sunderland team that won promotion to the top flight division last season, and was part of the squad that reached the showpiece Women's FA Cup final at Pride Park in May 2009, where the Black Cats lost out to Arsenal. After successive back to back wins against Arsenal, Chelsea and Bristol Academy on home soil at the Hetton Centre, Sunderland were without striker Sophie Williams however Mulhearn was boosted by the news Midfielder Lucy Staniforth was available again for the trip to Shakespeare Country. Having beaten the Birmingham 3-1 in the reverse fixture back in October Mulhearn know the Blues would be a " different proposition this time around” for his table topping side, especially after the Blues acquisition of former Everton Midfielder Isobel Christiansen, who was one of Mulhearn's main targets. Although currently leading the table Mulhearns realistic goal is a top six finish as the Black Cats looked to end 2009 in pole position with nothing less than maximum points against a struggling Blues side who current languishing third-from-bottom Mulhearne named Bronze on the bench was Staniforth returned to the starting line-up, His opposite number Stuart Wilson gave a home debut to new signing Isobel Christiansen who netted two goals on her debut last month at Northwood against Watford Ladies while Hickmott and Howell suprisingly started ahead of Cardin and Torkildesen while Birmingham were also without the services of Becky Hall for the visit of Sunderland. In a first half which produced very few clear cut chances Sunderland looked dangerous but never really breached a solid looking Blues rear-guard with much in the way of clear cut goal-bound efforts. However smart saves from Wood denied the visitors on several occasions as efforts from Gutteridge, Nobbs and Stokes were well saved. Gutteridge forced Wood to safely scooped-up her low 18 yard shot while at the other end Potter released Christensen, who burst down the middle and in-turn found Howells on the right flank who's over hit cross just failed to find the head incoming Torkildensen. On 37 minutes Only the crossbar denied the lively Christiansen, whose spinning 18 yard shot was parried and turned onto the crossbar by visitors' goalkeeper Laws, the loose ball falling to Danni Bird, who failed to capitalise on a guilt edged chance and dragged her shot wide of the post an evenly matched first half that finished finished goal-less. Sunderland' s Gemma Wilson had a second half goal disallowed following McDougall's corner, While only a super well timed sliding tackle by classy Blues skipper Kerys Harrop denied Danby a clean strike on goal, the loose ball being recovered by Denby who dragged her low 18 yard shot across the goal mouth and wide of the far post. As Sunderland continued to apply the pressure Jordan Nobbs low drive from the right cannoned off the legs of Morris into the path of Danby whose low diagonal shot from the corner of the 6 yard area was hooked off-line the goal-line by Jemma Connor. As the visitors continued to pressurise a needlessly give away corner by Connor was the Blues undoing as she cleared Stokes low drive, which was going no-where expect well wide of danger, from the resulting corner on 85 minutes the visitors broke the deadlock when McDougall's corner from the left saw Gutteridge out-jumped Morris and Torkildsen in the home defence to head home from 3 yards out despite Hickmott's gallant attempt at the far post to deny the visitors. As heads dropped Sunderland capitalised as Stokes long seemingly harmless looking long through-ball from the left only found Larkin in the middle of the park, who made an awful mess of playing the ball back to Wood in the home goal, Larkin's defensive blunder being intercepted by Danby, who sealed victory in style as she curled the ball home low inside the near post from 18 yards out as the Blues paid the ultimate price for sloppy defending which gifted the visitors this game when all they need to do in the closing stages was stay tight against a lively Sunderland side who were frustrated but never in 80 plus minutes looked to many goals in them. In the end two points dropped by Birmingham City Ladies for long periods it looked like this game was destining to end in a goal-less stalemate until Christmas come early in the form of two easy goals amid some sloppy Blues defending as the hosts gifted the visitors their two goal haul in an enjoyable and entertaining game where they were well worthy of a point, The lost of Rose in the home defence allowed Sunderland to exploit gaps, The lively Christiansen looks more than a useful acquisition but perhaps what Manager Stuart Wilson needs now is two new strikers on his Christmas shopping list, A moral boosting victory is what is needed now, on Paper, they should have no reason not to achieve that next weakened when they go to Allard Way in the Birmingham FA County Cup as they hit the Silverware trail. However, Blues supporters may just be left wondering just how long their league goal draught will last, 2009 ends on a disappointing note as results fail to reflex performances, 16 goals in 13 league outings tells the story with only Danni Bird having managed to bag more than a hand full of goals, The lost of Bartlett and Scheuber have not helped Birmingham's goal crusade, they end 2009 third-from-bottom with just 4 league wins, the year concludes at Copsewood Ladies next weekend before returning to action in the FA Cup on January 10th 2010 at Knights Lane with a Fourth Round tie against Derby County, seven days later a return to league action beckons for the first game of 2010 with a tricky testing trip to Imber Court in Surrey to take on Chelsea Ladies in the Premier League, Just three away games remain with the Blues still awaiting trips to Arsenal, Chelsesa and Everton, which means Birmingham City Ladies will have a long list of back to back home encounters but league and Cup form at Knights Lane isn't good with just 2 wins from 8 outings. Birmingham City Ladies - Wood, Larkin, Hickmott, Connor-Iommi, Rose (Morris), Harrop, Howell, Potter, Saulter (Torkildsen), Christiansen, Bird. Unused Subs Cardin, Barber, Durrant Sunderland Ladies - Laws, Holmes (Bronze), Bannon, Wilson, Devine, Staniforth, Nobbs, McDougall, Stokes, Danby (Atkinson), Gutteridge. Unused Sub Salicki