Week 13 of the WSL and Championship

WSL

Arsenal vs Manchester United

1-1

In this huge game for both sides, WSL January Team of the Month duo of Russo and Galton started for United. United started the better side and were rewarded as Russo put away her seventh goal of the season from a far post header. The Gunners nearly bounced back quickly but were denied by a great save from United’s keeper, Russo was on hand to clear a close range shot off the line just at the start of the second half to maintain their lead. However, Arsenal managed to equalize from a great piece of play from one of their star players as this tight match finished 1-1.

Russo and Galton have been on fire for Manchester United this year.

Aston Villa vs West Ham United

1-2

This match featured 4 FORTE players with Villa defenders Maz Pacheco and Anna Patten going up against Mel Filis and Lois Joel. The Hammers scored first from a corner following a mistake from Villa’s goalkeeper which they took advantage of. Maz looked her dangerous self as she made forward runs from the left flank putting pressure on her opponent’s defense. Villa’s push for the equalizer resulted in them getting a penalty which they calmly put away. The Hammers started the second half very well by pressing Villa’s defense after Mel came on. Mel has recently been nominated towards the London Young Player of the year and made an immediate impact as her side scored their second goal by winning the ball back on the front foot. Villa dominated the second half and were very unlucky to score at least one as Patten nearly scored a header from a corner. In the end, it just wasn’t to be for Villa as they lost the game by one goal to Mel and the Hammers.

Birmingham City vs Leicester City

1-2

Emily Ramsey was in goal for Birmingham as they took on Molly Pike and her Leicester City looking to edge the relegation battle. It wasn’t a great start for Ramsey as she was shown a red card after she was forced to come out to the ball after some poor play from her defence as she fouled the oppositions striker receiving a red card and giving away a penalty. The Foxes converted the penalty and doubled their lead from a corner that snuck in at the front post. Pike looked comfortable as she made her impact from the midfield nearly scoring as she saw her shot narrowly go wide. The Blues scored a late goal to make it 2-1 but it was too little too late as Molly’s team took all 3 points in a crucial win.

FA Women's Championship

Bristol City vs Crystal Palace

4-0

Aimee Palmer was captain once again for Bristol City as they took on Palace. Fellow FORTE players, Aimee Everett and Issy Sibley featured for The Eagles as Lia Cataldo was on the bench for Bristol. City scored in the first minute and doubled their lead after Palmer won the ball back and played a fantastic throw ball to set up the second. Aimee Palmer was involved again with the third as she saw her corner fly into the back of the net as Palace’s keeper couldn’t deal with it. In the end, Bristol City won 4-0 as Crystal Place just could not get into the game as their opposition created many chances to put away.