WSL and Championship Week 14
WSL
Manchester City vs Manchester United
1-0
Fresh from being called up to the England senior squad ahead of their Arnold Cup fixtures, Alessia Russo started for United in this massive Manchester Derby. Unfortunately, January’s Player of the Month, Leah Galton was out for this fixture due to a slight injury. City started brightly and should of capitalized on their dominance but United remained solid. The second half started with City hitting the post, however as the game went on, The Red Devils grew into the game creating a few chances. In the end, City scored a wonder goal from about 30 yards out, winning the game which sees them move up to 5th place just 2 points off United.
Everton vs Aston Villa
0-2
2 of our England U23 players, Maz Pacheco and Anna Patten started for Villa as they beat a strong Everton side by 2 goals. The Blues started better but Villa scored two in quick succession in a busy first half. Despite pushing for a goal, Villa’s defense held strong with Patten and Pacheco leading the line. The much needed win sees them go up to 9th place in the WSL. As a result of her dazzling performance, Maz was voted into the WSL Team of the Week.
Maz Pacheco for Villa during her outstanding match.
Birmingham vs Tottenham
0-2
Birmingham with Ramsey in goal was looking for another important win against a rising Spurs side. Ramsey made a great save in the second half as it looked as if Tottenham were about to break the deadlock when Ramsey came flying out to steal the ball away from the striker. Spurs didn’t take long to score though as they bounced on a loose ball following a great save from Ramsey. In a match that Ramsey proved her pedigree making save after save, she was very unlucky to concede 2 goals as Tottenham proved too much for her side.
Leicester City vs West Ham
3-0
This match featured 3 FORTE players in Mel Filis and Lois Joel (West Ham) and Molly Pike for Leicester City. The Foxes scored very early and doubled their lead from a corner which boosted their confidence. The Hammers struggled to get into the game as they pushed for a way back, leaving them vulnerable to concede which they did for the third time. Pike looked extremely comfortable in the midfield for Leicester as fellow England U23 Mel and her team struggled to gain a foothold in the game.
Championship
Durham vs Bristol City
0-3
Aimee Palmer led Bristol City out in their 3-0 win over Durham in this comfortable win. Bristol dominated from start to finish as they put 3 past their opposition. Palmer dominated the midfield by winning the ball back multiple times and then starting a break for Bristol which led to their second goal of the afternoon.
Sheffield United vs Blackburn
4-0
Sheffield scored two early goals in this big win for them over Blackburn. FORTE’s Blanchard tried her best to half the early deficit as she laid the ball across goal, but United’s defenders got across well to block the tap in. The Rovers nearly got back into the game after another lovely pass from Blanchard whose teammates shot hit the woodwork. It just didn’t seem to be Blackburn’s day as Sheffield put two more goals past them in the second half, ending the match 4-0.
Crystal Palace vs London City Lionesses
1-5
Millie Farrow and Aimee Everett started for Palace in this disappointing lost to the Lionesses. London scored first against the runoff play and never looked back as Palace conceded some weak goals due to some individual errors. Farrow managed to pull one back with a tidy finish, but it wasn’t enough to lead a comeback as her side lost 5-1 in the end, seeing them drop to 6th place.