WSL + FA Cup Round 3
WSL
Brighton & Hove Albion Women vs Manchester United Women
0-2
Lioness Rising star Alessia Russo started at striker for United with fellow FORTE star, Leah Galton starting on the bench for the first time this season. The Red Devils would dominate in the game, creating 30 shots at Brighton’s goal with 65% possession. Brighton’s keeper had to make multiple saves to keep her side in the game but United managed to break the deadlock after a successful set play. Russo provided the assist from the wing by playing a wonderful cross inside the box for an easy tap in. The match ended 2-0 to Manchester United as Leah made a late appearance for the winners.
Aston Villa Women vs Tottenham Hotspur Women
1-2
Maz Pacheco and Villa played extremely well in this fixture and were unlucky not to come with a point at least making this their 5th defeat in 6 games. It was Maz, who was involved with the opening goal as she stated the move from the left flank as it was played into the middle to open proceedings. However, Spurs received a penalty shortly after which was converted, making it 1-1. Tottenham made it 2-1 in the second half but Maz’s Villa were not to give up and nearly equalised after her high arcing free kick caused the goalkeeper problems but it was not to be as Villa lost out.
Arsenal Women vs Leicester City Women
4-0
England U23 skipper, Anna Patten played the full 90 minutes for league leaders, Arsenal in their thumping win over Leicester City Women. Molly Pike came on just after halftime for Leicester to try and control the central midfield, but it was tough task against such an in form Arsenal team. The Gunners took an early lead and never looked back, dominating possession and creating many opportunities. Patten nearly scored a header following a powerful run from full back to be denied by the Foxes keeper. In the end, Arsenal won the game by 4 goals, solidifying their lead at the top of the table whilst Pike and Leicester need to focus on a huge game next week against Birmingham which could be a decider in the relegation battle.
FA Cup
Liverpool Feds Women vs Blackburn Rovers Women
0-1
Annabel Blanchard was back in action for Blackburn in her influential number 10 role. The Rovers managed to secure the win after a second half strike by their striker went in to see themselves through to the 4th round of the FA Cup.
Bridgewater United Women vs Crystal Palace Women
1-0
Crystal Palace were favourites in this FA Cup match but just did not play to their standards, resulting in a loss to the lower league side Bridgewater. FORTE players, Aimee Everett and Millie Farrow featured but couldn’t break down Bridgewater as it just wasn’t the Eagles day.
Bristol City Women vs Lewes Women
5-0
Lia Cataldo begun at left back for Bristol whilst returning Skipper Palmer started on the bench. Bristol dominated the game from start to finish , putting 5 goals past the Lewes’s keeper. Lia was her usual energetic self, flying up and down the left flank and Palmer came on at the 70th minute following her recent injury. They play Crystal Palace in the Continental Cup and will look to continue this run of form.
Lia Cataldo on the ball for Bristol City.
Written by Zak Byskup
13/12/2021