 UWIC are the new Welsh Premier Women's League Champions and will compete in Europe next season after they defeated Wrexham 3-0 in the Play-Off Final at Victoria Park, Llanidloes on Sunday. The university side had twice finished as runners-up in the Southern Conference in each of the past two seasons but this time they went one better, finishing above reigning Champions Swansea City to book their place against Wrexham, who also reached the Final for the first time. An exciting start saw UWIC's Adele Hooper create an early chance when she headed a perfectly timed cross from Hannah Billington just over the bar. Wrexham hit back a few minutes latter when a through ball from Alys Hinchcliffe was just shot wide by Lyndsey Roger. In the middle of the park Wrexham's Kate Edwards and Steph Taylor broke up UWIC's attacks, but it was a storming run from Chloe Basset before finding the capable feet of Nadia Lawrence that put UWIC into the lead in the 28th minute. However Dave Taylor's squad battled on and it was the international experience of Sophie Dando that denied an Emma Roden volley from finding its target. The second half saw Wrexham come hard at UWIC, but some brave defending from Siobhan Humphreys and Kelly Highman frustrated the goalscoring feet of Lexi Musgrove. UWIC hit back and in the 56th minute Sophie Scherschel shook off hard challenges from Jade Davies and Chloe Foster to see her shot go under the desperate hands of Rosie Lamphey. Wrexham were then on the back foot and the pressure piled from the Cardiff side and a goalmouth scramble resulted in a 76th minute goal from Chloe Bassett to secure UWIC the premier crown and a place in the UEFA Women's Champions League. (Report and photo by Ian Howells)
Charlton Athletic gave a performance worthy of the setting with a 5-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at The Valley on Tuesday. The team were challenged by manager Paul Mortimer to showcase the female side of the club and did so in style throughout the 90 minutes, creating numerous scoring opportunities and restricting Spurs to a minimum of chances. Charlton started positively, going close several times with a policy of shooting on sight of Spurs keeper Jo Ayre's goal. One such effort, from Kit Graham, brought the opener, driven low into the corner from 20 yards. Ellie Stenning, played in on the left edge of the area by a flowing move, doubled the lead on the quarter hour. Jenny Newman finished well at the far post for the third as the hosts kept up a relentless stream of attacks and were quicker to every loose ball. Spurs were forced to step up their game by Charlton's lively start and they managed to stem the flow during the last twenty minutes of the half and mount a few attacks of their own without ever getting a clear opportunity.. Skipper Kim Dixson, who had twice gone close from distance in the first half, again tested Ayre after the break. Gemma Bryan, who had threatened to score all evening, added the fourth, powering in a shot from a very tight angle just before the hour before setting up Jade Keogh for the fifth. . Spurs kept looking for a consolation right to the end but were kept at bay by an efficient defensive showing that meant Charlton keeper Megen Lynch was well protected. The crowd were treated to a five star showing on the pitch and to the facilities of the Millennium Suite before and after the match for an enjoyable and entertaining evening. (Report by Patrick Higgins)
The North West League Cup Final was an all-Blackpool affair between Blackpool FC Girls & Ladies and Blackpool Wren Rovers. The wind whistled off the adjoining airfield at Airbus UK in Broughton, making things difficult but Blackpool FC Girls & Ladies adjusted quicker and soon built up a 4-0 lead before half time with goals from Emma Ambrose, Melissa Brown, Danielle Cross and Michaela Barlow. After the break, Blackpool Wren Rovers set about reducing the arrears with a goal from Caroline Wilcock. The Division One North side went close with a shot that hit the bar but couldn't prevent their seaside neighbours from running out 4-1 winners. The League Plate Final had earlier kicked off proceedings as newly crowned Premier Division Champions Chorley faced Southport Birkdale, who finished a creditable mid-table position in their first season in Division One North. Kiery Horne opened the scoring for Chorley after only five minutes but their opponents dug deep until ten minutes into the second half when Victoria Coope scored spectacularly from distance. Southport's heads didn't drop and they deservedly pulled a goal back through Erin Woodhouse. Chorley's experience however proved too much as Natalie Parry and Victoria Coope scored to round off a 4-1 victory which also saw them retain the Plate.
 Coventry City were crowned Birmingham County Cup winners after a narrow 1-0 victory over local rivals Aston Villa in the Final. A single goal from Courtney Sweetman-Kirk at Ray Hall Lane on Sunday was enough for the Sky Blues to claim the cup at the fourth attempt. The breakthrough came ten minutes into the second half as Aston Villa were punished for not making the most of their chances following period of heavy pressure. An intricate piece play from Nicole Dale found Gina Golding, who saw her driven cross poked home by Sweetman-Kirk on the back post and manager Paul Cudby couldn't hide his delight at the final whistle. "It was a really tough game and a tight contest, and it could easily have gone either way," said Cudby. "Thankfully we managed to get our noses in front with a cracking cross from Gina and great desire from Courts to get on the end of it, the pass from Nicole to set the cross was exquisite too. "Villa then threw the kitchen sink at us, but I felt confident in our ability to see the game out, and we almost nicked a second at the end. "Credit to Aston Villa as I thought it was a very good advert for both the County FA and the Women's Premier League." The result gives Cudby's side a boost ahead of Thursday's final league game of the season at home to Villa. The Sky Blues know avoiding defeat will guarantee the side a third place finish and the cup success is sure to give them the momentum. Cudby added: "With only a few days until the final league game between us, the players will need no motivating to go again off of the back of the cup win. "Hopefully we'll keep that belief going, and if we play as well as we did in the final, we'll give ourselves every chance." (Report by David Deakin)
Sheffield FC took the runners-up spot in the Northern Division in their first ever season in the Premier League with a 4-1 victory away to Blackburn Rovers. Helen Mitchell's side went in front through Ellie Gilliatt after just 30 seconds of play and they took a strong grip on the game via strikes either side of half time from Jodie Michalska. Kayleigh Mitchell rounded off the win with the fourth goal to complete a great season for the Yorkshire club, whilst Blackburn - who had excellent runs in both F.A.Women's Cup and Premier League Cup - end the campaign in fourth place. Newly crowned Southern Division Champions Portsmouth also had a good end to their season as they also ran out 4-1 winners over Queen's Park Rangers. Pompey took a first half lead with Leeta Rutherford rose highest to head in from a Lucy Quinn corner and Quinn was also heavily involved as Portsmouth went two ahead midway through the second half, supplying the pass for Gemma Hillier to lob the ball home. Laura Heron - who, along with Lucy Quinn, was playing her final match before going to the United States on a scholarship - slotted home a penalty for the third goal and Charley Wilson added the fourth from close range.
There were goals aplenty on Sunday as teams up and down the country fought to progress to the next round of the Henson Scottish Cup despite far from ideal weather conditions. Teams to progress included Dee Ladies who recorded a fantastic 3-0 away victory over Glasgow City Res and Troon who narrowly defeated Falkirk FC 2-1 in Ayrshire. In a clash of reserve sides, Celtic Res edged out Aberdeen FCL Res 4-3 in the north east, while newly formed Caithness Ladies lost their first ever Scottish Cup tie 13-0 to Hibernian Res in Edinburgh. There were mixed fortunes for sides that made long journeys for their ties as Queen's Park recorded a 3-1 victory over Moray to progress to the second round, while Luthermuir WFC lost out to Paisley Saints 12-0. There were also mixed fortunes for the two East Kilbride sides competing as Kilwinning scored a comfortable 5-1 away victory over EK FC Galaxy while Claremont Ladies progressed with ease following a 14-0 victory over Seton Ladies. The draw for the next round of the Henson Scottish Cup will take place on Wednesday 23 May. (Scottish Women's Football)
Lincoln Ladies 4 Arsenal 3 Lincoln inflicted a second defeat in three matches on Arsenal and swept to the top of their Continental Cup group whilst Arsenal face a crucial last match against Chelsea. Lincoln edged a seven-goal thriller but were behind after just six minutes, when Kim Little netted after Gemma Davison was brought down but Nicki Hobbs saved the initial spot kick. Lincoln were level when Lucy Staniforth whipped in a corner, Sophie Harris parried and Meaghan Sargeant pounced to head home. The hosts were ahead on 30 minutes, this time another Staniforth delivery forcing a own goal. Steph Houghton equalised soon after when getting between two opponents to slide home. Hobbs denied Little brilliantly but the Scottish star then rounded the keeper to put the Gunners 3-2 up. Remi Allen won a penalty and converted herself to tie the scores once again, then Megan Harris won it with a volleyed into the top corner from outside the box. (Report by www.TheFA.com)
 Quedgeley Wanderers fought back from a goal down to beat holders St Nicholas 2-1 in a hard fought Gloucestershire County Women's League Cup Final at Bristol Manor Farm. The trophy was the second picked up by the Gloucester-based side this season, having already won the Division Two title, but the result completed a doubly disappointing day for St Nicholas who also learned that they had been pipped to the league title by Forest of Dean, who had beaten AEK Boco 2-0. St Nicholas went into the game as firm favourites but Quedgeley started off in determined mood and carried the game to their opponents early on. However it took a good block from Sophie O'Neil to deny Becky Rexworthy as she broke into the Quedgeley area. Quedgeley hit back with Hannah Hale finding space in the area and lifting the ball over Georgia Bush but her shot hit the side netting. Leanne Turner then drilled a shot just wide from the edge of the area as her side continued to enjoy a good spell. St Nicholas thought they had broken the deadlock when Rexworthy broke through to score but an offside flag ruled out her strike. However they only had to wait another minute before they could start to celebrate as Charlotte Davis charged down a clearance from Mel Hoad before hitting a delightful 25-yard shot over the head of Donna Turley and into the top corner of the net. However St Nicholas' joy lasted just three minutes as Quedgeley struck back quickly. Rachel Lutman whipped in a corner which could not be cleared and O'Neil laid the ball off for Turner to steer her shot into the corner of the net for the equaliser. The game opened up with chances at both ends and St Nicholas were almost back in front, a cross-cum-shot by Ruby Bagge appeared to be drifting in but Turley pulled off a remarkable save to deny her, clawing the ball on to the post before Hoad cleared. Back came Quedgeley and another dangerous Lutman corner was met by Hale whose looping header landed on the roof of the net whilst at the other end, Bagge went close again with a dipping shot that was inches over. St Nicholas were forced to make a half time substitution with the injured Ava Byrne being replaced by Poppy Coles but they created the first opportunity of the second half as Rexworthy drove into the area before sending her shot just wide of the far post. A Quedgeley breakaway saw Turner slide a good through ball into the path of Naomi Richards who was brought down on the edge of the area by the oncoming Bush. The keeper was yellow carded before Hale stepped up to curl a superb free kick over the wall and into the corner of the net to put Quedgeley in front for the first time. Hale went close to a second goal when she headed just over from a Lutman corner but Quedgeley were starting to find themselves increasing on the defensive as St Nicholas began to push for an equaliser. Driven on by captain Amy Tovey who had an outstanding game at the back, they restricted their opponents to long range efforts by Bagge, Sophie Sweet and Rexworthy, all of which were dealt with by Turley. Tempers were starting to fray and boiled over following a heavy challenge by Emmie Kelly on Bush, resulting in a number of yellow cards being shown. St Nicholas' frustrations continued to grow as they sought to break down the Quedgeley defence. O'Neil made an excellent clearing header from a Bagge corner and Quedgeley were forced to defend a series of corners to hold on to their lead. The game went into a lengthy period of injury time and St Nicholas threw everything forward but Quedgeley would not buckle. A huge goalmouth scramble following a corner ended with Sweet hooking a shot just wide and Bagge went even closer with a free kick that struck the bar but Quedgeley held out for a surprise victory. Quedgeley Wanderers: Donna Turley, Hannah Price, Rachel Lutman, Sophie O'Neil, Nicola Goodman, Leanne Turner, Amy Tovey, Emmie Kelly, Hannah Hale, Naomi Richards (sub Beth Tovey 58mins), Mel Hoad (sub Tekala Williams 77mins (sub Donna-Jo Lewis 90mins)). Subs not used: Becky Clarke, Rebekah Allen. St Nicholas: Georgia Bush, Ava Byrne (sub Poppy Coles 45mins), Leanne Derbyshire, Natalie Coles, Katie Lane, Samantha Hollis, Ruby Bagge, Charlotte Davis, Joanne Granger, Becky Rexworthy, Sophie Sweet.
Charlton Athletic manager Paul Mortimer hopes his team's upcoming friendly against Tottenham Hotspur at The Valley will showcase the girls' talent to a wider audience. The Addicks will face Spurs for the third time this season on Tuesday 15th May (KO 7.15pm) and Mortimer hopes fans will come to check out what women's football, and Charlton in particular, has to offer. He said: "It is an opportunity for people to come and support the female part of Charlton Athletic. So many people talk negatively about women's football but a lot of them haven't actually watched a game. "They can say what they want about women's football after watching us but come and actually observe it, have a look at the girls - they have good techniques and are skillful players. "That is all I want - people to come and watch and go away saying 'boy, Charlton are a good side. I might want to come and watch them again at Thamesmead because they play some good football'. "That is why the performance is more important to me than the result. We are showcasing women's football and we have a duty to perform and show people that women's football is a good spectacle for males and females and kids and everyone to come and watch. "I want us to come away from that game with a smile on our faces, a good result, a very good performance and everyone goes home happy - apart from Spurs!" It will be the first time in Mortimer's five-year tenure that Charlton have played a game at The Valley and, after the girls played at the Walkers Stadium last season, he hopes they will relish this opportunity. "I think it is a celebration of our season and I want the girls to enjoy it as much as they can," he added. "It is a fabulous stadium and I have loved it for years. I just hope the girls can do themselves proud. "We are grateful to the people who organised it - the people at Charlton and mostly our sponsor PHSC plc Chief Executive Stephen King. We are grateful for the opportunity to play there and it should be a good occasion." After winning the Premier League Southern Division last term the women have been a club on the up and have a top half finish within their grasp as well as some good Cup runs, including a London Cup semi final finish where they were knocked out by their forthcoming opponents. Mortimer has been proud of his side's efforts this season, adding: "We have had a great season. If you take games in isolation, there have been disappointments but on the whole I can't complain at all. "It is a very young side, a good side and I am proud of every single one of the girls. I do give them grief, sometimes they deserve it, but I think they have been brilliant this season. "We lost our legs a little bit and that is food for thought but we look forward to next season with great hope. "What they have shown this season is that they are capable of being a very good team next season." Admission to the match is £3 for adults and £1 for Senior Citizens and Under-16's.
Cambridge Women kept hold of the South East Combination League Cup when beating Enfield Town on penalties after the sides had battled out a goalless draw at Arlesey. Enfield started the game well and had the first chance as a Kelly Cooper kick was helped on to Emma Thomas who shot wide and then Claire Pavett headed a Cally Browne free kick to Cambridge keeper Verity Crook. Thomas got away down the right and crossed for Sara Sinclair but Crook blocked the shot. Laura Baker attacked down the Cambridge right and hit a cross the evaded everyone in the centre going out for a throw in. A Pavett corner was sent towards the goal by Kelly Herrett but was cleared to Thomas who sent a measured shot towards the top corner but Crook easily caught it. Laura Browne caused Cooper a moment of worry as she chased down a short back pass and put the keeper under pressure. Sinclair made her way to the corner and pulled the ball back to Thomas who cut in a hit a cross/shot that Leanne Mabey just failed to get a touch to at the far post. Sophie Thompson pounced on a back pass to Cooper and Cooper was relieved to snatch the ball away from the forward. A Pavett cross was cut out at the expense of a corner as Mabey and Sinclair were well placed in the area. A deep cross by Thomas was retrieved by Sinclair who turned and saw her shot blocked by a defender. Thomas attacked down the left and slid a pass inside to Sinclair but a defender managed to stretch to concede a corner which Sinclair stooped to head over the bar unchallenged in the centre. A free kick was cleared to Cambridge's Natalie Richardson who shot high and wide. In the opening minute of the second half Sheree Oliver swung in a corner that Sinclair headed towards goal and Crook caught it under pressure from Beth Lovell. Cambridge immediately switched the play to the other end and Cooper had to save from Thompson and then dive on the loose ball. Thompson almost profited from a Herrett slip but shot over as Cooper came out. Kelly Hughes broke up a Cambridge attack and sent Pavett on who then passed to Mabey and Mabey dragged the ball back to Sinclair who picked out Thomas, Thomas hit a shot over the opposition defence and was unlucky to see it clip the outside of the post with Crook a mere spectator. Hannah Goodchild passed to Baker and received the ball back into her run before firing over Cooper and off the bar. Browne clipped a pass over a Cambridge player to Sinclair whose touch was too heavy allowing the ball to run to Crook. Laura Brown forced Cooper into a rushed clearance and the ball dropped to Baker who was too far out to take advantage of the vacant net. Sinclair won three challenges in quick succession to get away and bore down on goal but shot wide with only Crook in front of her. Crook took the ball off of Thomas' toe as Lovell slid a pass in to the area. Regan Coleman came on for Enfield and her first touch was a cross to the far post where Lovell beat Crook only for a defender to hook the ball off the line. Oliver hit a long shot that Crook watched all the way safely into her hands and Sinclair then saw a shot blocked by Crook. Enfield looked to have won the game with a minute to go as Sinclair won the ball before putting in a pinpoint cross to Oliver who thundered a header back past Crook but it thumped off the post and away. Lovell was called into action in added time to block a shot from Cambridge sub Emma Jenkins. Baker had the first opening of the extra time period but shot wide and then Lovell helped a Sinclair cross on but over the onrushing Coleman. Gooch clipped an Oliver corner on but a defender managed to scramble the ball away for another corner and from the corner Cambridge broke quickly with Enfield being thankful to Herrett who muscled Thompson out of her run as the ball went to Cooper. Enfield had the majority of possession in the second period of added time but Cambridge had the best chances as Cooper misjudged a high ball into the area and was forced to slap the ball away from a Cambridge forward and then Coleman got a vital touch to deny a Cambridge player a touch at the far post with Cooper beaten. Three minutes into added time a cross by Thomas was headed onto a defender by Lovell and after the ball ricocheted around the six yard box it was eventually cleared. And so to the penalty shootout. Cambridge went first and Jenkins shot over, Browne for Enfield, Laura Bright for Cambridge, Oliver for Enfield and Baker for Cambridge all scored. Thomas saw her kick well saved by Crook, Gemma Clare hit the post, Coleman hit a weak shot against Crook's legs and Cooper got a touch to Shannon Garner's effort to see it onto the bar and out. Enfield captain Claire Gooch stepped up with a chance to win the cup but put her effort over the bar. The two keepers took their turn as the shootout entered sudden death with Crook beating Cooper at the foot of the post and then standing up to save Cooper's penalty to start the celebrations. (Report by Michael Bunyan)
Premier Division champions Bay Ladies met runners-up Alphington in the Westward Developments Devon League Cup Final on an excellent playing surface at Tedburn St Mary on one of the hottest Sundays of the year. Both teams had good reason to win the trophy - Bay Ladies were looking for a treble, having already won the League and the Devon Supplementary Cup and Alphington were the Cup holders and looking to win it for a record third consecutive time. Having recently beaten Alphington 8-2 to clinch the league, Bay started as slight favourites, but it was the Alphas who drew first blood as early as the fifth minute. Becky Folds, who was to be a constant threat to the Bay defence all afternoon, latched on to a through ball, outpaced her markers and coolly lobbed the advancing 'keeper from well outside the penalty area. With the wind at their backs and a goal in front, the first half belonged to Alphington. Lola Garcia Sanchez and Gemma Aspinall along with Becky Folds were causing problems for the Bay back line, but were unable to add to their tally. Bay were restricted to long range shots and a number of free kicks from Louisa Stentiford-Crook that were comfortably handled by 'keeper, Ashleigh Brown and her defenders. The second half saw Bay lay seige to the Alphington goal. Stentiford-Crook headed a cross from Lizzie Putt against the bar and Laura Baker had a shot well saved by the keeper. A 30-yard free kick from Stentiford-Crook was magnificently tipped over the bar by Brown and from the resultant corner, Bay had a strong appeal for a penalty waved aside. Putt then hit the post with the keeper beaten. Alphington were restricted to breakaways and Jo Hollingworth had to be alert to prevent Folds doubling the advantage. Other chances were thwarted by last ditch tackles from Adele Rogers and Jo Fawke. Bay applied more pressure but Alphas skipper Sammy Gray and the experience Karen Buck marshalled their troops to keep deny them an equaliser. This spell of pressure brought the only caution of the game as Emily King brought down Gaby Trays in full flight, but the free kick was cleared from the danger area. With the opposition pushing players forward, Alphington caught them on the break once more and this time they made no mistake. Lola Garcia Sanchez outran the chasers from the halfway line to score the goal her performance deserved and put her team 2-0 in front. Bay hit back and reduced the arrears with a penalty from Stentiford-Crook but it was too little, too late and within minutes, Alphington were celebrating their third consecutive Cup win at the end of a well fought Cup Final.
Glasgow City were given a scare as they came from behind to beat Rangers 3-1 and stay three points clear at the top of the Scottish Women's Premier League. Rangers led at half time through a goal from Jen Callaghan but after the break, Joanne Love levelled the scores for City and they went on to take the points with further strikes from Lisa Evans and Emma Fernon. The two nearest challengers to Glasgow City, Hibernian and Forfar Farmington, meanwhile met each other and it was Hibs who emerged as narrow 1-0 winners, thanks to a solitary goal from Kirsty McLaughlin. Forfar remain in third place though as Spartans, the only team which could have overtaken them, were held to a 4-4 draw by Hamilton Academicals. Diana Barry scored twice along with Sarah Ewens and Louise Young for Spartans, whilst on target for the Accies were Sarah Crilly, Cheryl McCulloch, Carolina Richardson and Toni Mason. Celtic recaptured their winning form when beating Hutchison Vale 6-2. Emily Thomson, fresh from making her Scotland debut in midweek, bagged a brace as Hayley Cunningham, with Rhonda Jones and Natalie Ross joining them on the scoresheet. Aberdeen continue to pick up good results in their first season back in the league and they lifted themselves into the top half of the table on the back of a 2-0 success away to FC Kilmarnock. Inverness City claimed their first league victory of the season and lifted themselves out of the bottom three by defeating Falkirk 2-1. Natalie Bodiam and Finella Annand netting the goals for Inverness, with Lisa Sutherland replying.
Chelsea 2 (Lander 1, Susi 48) Liverpool 1 (Gielnik 61) An early goal in each half gave Chelsea all three points in the Continental Cup Group B clash and kept up their hopes of going through but ended Liverpool's chances. Robbie Johnson's side was unchanged from the side that narrowly lost to Arsenal last weekend and they got off to the worst possible start by going behind after just 33 seconds, Sue Lappin fed through Helen Lander and the Chelsea striker made no mistake in slotting past Nicky Davies in the Liverpool goal. That lead could have been doubled on five minutes as a long clearance from Lara Fay was latched on to by Chelsea skipper Dunia Susi but the winger prodded wide from ten yards. Liverpool, to their credit, improved as the half went on and they had their best chance on the quarter hour as Emily Gielnik was afforded time and space by Hannah Keryakoplis' knock down but the Australian Under-20 International volleyed over from eight yards. Chelsea always looked threatening on the break and when Lander was fed through by Sophie Gwilliam she looked certain to score but a fantastic save from Davies kept the visitors in the game. The Reds nearly got a fortuitous equaliser on the stroke of half time as Chelsea centre half Gemma Bonner miscued her clearance onto her own bar but much to her relief, the ball bounced over for a corner. Chelsea, like in the first half, started much the brighter as Susi smashed a right footed strike against the bar from Drew Spence's long ball. It wasn't long though before the lead was doubled as Susi latched onto Ingle's long ball and this time smashed past Davies for 2-0. Liverpool's reply came just after the hour mark as substitute Chloe Jones fed through Gielnik who was calm and composed to slot past Sarah Quantrill and give the visitors hope. That goal gave Liverpool a lift and they started to build real momentum with Keryakoplis doing brilliantly in the area and bending a right foot shot just wide. Jones then went close herself as she volleyed over from the edge of the area and good work from Michelle Evans, but as chances went by the visitors could sense there luck wasn't in. That was confirmed when more good work from Evans led to Katie Brusell being presented with a wonderful opportunity but she couldn't adjust her body to nod home inside the six yard area. (Report by www.TheFA.com)
Everton 1 (Hinnigan 72) Doncaster Rovers Belles 0 A Michelle Hinnigan goal gave Everton their first three points in the Continental Cup and in turn ended Doncaster Rovers Belles' hopes of progression in a one-sided game encounter at the Arriva Stadium. With both sides suffering defeats in their opening group games, the Blues dominated from the start, Toni Duggan forcing two corners in the opening five minutes and the Everton forward again caused problems for the Belles back line when she combined well with Nikita Parris but saw her scuffed shot easily blocked. Doncaster rarely threatened in the first 45 minutes, Alyssa Lagonia firing over from long range proving to be their only real effort. The home side continued to press with Parris and fellow winger Gwennan Harries giving the Doncaster full backs a torrid time but the elusive first goal failed to materialise in a frustrating first half. The game continued very much in the same vein after the break, Parris shooting wide from a narrow angle after Jill Scott's defence-splitting pass. The ever-dangerous Parris continued to torment the Doncaster back line, but Duggan failed to read the winger's flick after some tremendous individual play. With Everton frustrations growing, manager Mo Marley introduced Natasha Dowie and the striker - making her first appearance of the season - was instantly involved when her dangerous centre was well cleared by Belles' sub Shelby Hills. The home side had a decent shout for a penalty when Dowie appeared to have been bundled over by Tanya Oxtoby but referee Natalie Walker waved away the appeals. The breakthrough finally came when Alex Greenwood's purposeful run and cross was partially parried by Doncaster stopper Mary Earps after pressure from Parris, and midfielder Hinnigan was quickest to react and plant the loose ball into the net from inside the six yard box. Everton continued to press, Greenwood again proving dangerous down the left but Parris failed to connect by a matter of inches. Brooke Chaplen - on for the outstanding Parris - was unlucky not to add to the lead when a clever flick from Duggan beat Doncaster's offside trap but Earps was alert to smother the danger and then again to deny Chaplen in injury time, by tipping her effort round the post. (Report by www.TheFA.com)
 Bristol Academy 1 (Yorston 42) Birmingham City 1 (Moore 76) Bristol Academy were denied a second successive victory in their Continental Cup group when a second half goal from Jade Moore ensured that Birmingham City stayed level with them at the top of the table. Birmingham started the game at a fast pace and won a series of corners during the early stages but without really threatening the Academy goal. Indeed it was Academy who carved out the game's first real chance on fourteen minutes when a cross reached Jessica Fishlock at the far post where she chipped the ball back across goal for Ann Marie Heatherson whose downward header brought out a good save from Marie Hourihan. The ball was cleared as far as Jaz Matthews who tried her luck from 25 yards but was just off target. Academy began to carry the game towards their opponents with Fishlock pulling the strings in midfield and Corinne Yorston, on her return to the team from suspension, breaking well down the left. However it was Birmingham who nearly took the lead as Eniola Aluko's ball into the area picked out Rachel Williams who worked her way past Loren Dykes before her shot was cleared off the line by Jemma Rose. Academy hit back with Nikki Watts making an unchallenged run towards the edge of the area before firing a shot over the bar. Jo Potter had a long range effort saved by Siobhan Chamberlain at the other end but Academy's enterprising play was rewarded just before half time when they took the lead. Melissa Lawley did well to get down the right and send in a cross, from which Heatherson's glancing header went beyond the far post to the oncoming Yorston who fired a left foot shot from an acute angle which flew between Hourihan and her near post before finding the far corner of the net. Academy were dealt a blow at that moment with Heatherson being forced off to be replaced by Ellie Curson. It was a half time substitution by Birmingham though, with the introduction of Jade Moore, which gave them fresh impetus at the start of the second half. First of all, Aluko's pass across the edge of the area found Karen Carney whose snap shot brought out a good save from Chamberlain, low to her left. Williams was next to go close as she made a powerful run which took her through on goal but Chamberlain was once again to the rescue, coming off her line to make another excellent stop. Birmingham were looking more purposeful now but were finding it hard to break down a well organised Academy defence in which Rose excelled whilst teenage full backs Matthews and Angharad James both had good games. Yorston went close to a second goal when she fired a shot just over and as Birmingham went back on the attack, Moore forced another good save from Chamberlain. Just as Birmingham's frustrations were beginning to grow, they managed to get themselves back on level terms with fourteen minutes remaining. Carney's corner from the left was not cleared and Moore bundled her shot home from close range, the ball just crossing the line before Alex Windell could clear. Chamberlain made a good smothering save from Williams but neither side could find a way through in the dying minutes and both had to settle for a point which keeps matters in their hands. Bristol Academy: Siobhan Chamberlain, Angharad James, Jaz Matthews, Alex Windell, Corinne Yorston, Jemma Rose, Melissa Lawley (sub Natasha Harding 66mins), Nikki Watts, Ann Marie Heatherson (sub Ellie Curson 43mins), Jessica Fishlock, Loren Dykes. Subs not used: Michelle Green, Rachel Simkin, Alex Culvin, Ellie Isaac. Birmingham City: Marie Hourihan, Chelsea Weston, Rachel Unitt (sub Jade Moore 45mins), Kerys Harrop, Emily Westwood, Laura Bassett, Issy Christiansen, Rachel Williams, Eniola Aluko, Karen Carney, Jo Potter. Subs not used: Maz Ballard, Chrissy Torkildsen, Rebecca Spencer.
 Leicester City Womens Football Club have appointed Stuart Wilson as their new First Team manager. Assisted by Neil Wilson (no relation), the experienced pair prepare for an exciting season with the Foxes. Originally starting their management career at Coventry City, they had three strong seasons finishing second two years running in the Midland Combination - once to Leicester City Women! Birmingham City then called on their experience and had the second most successful season in the club's history in the Premier League. After two seasons, an opportunity arose that was too good to turn down with the management duo moving across the City to Aston Villa. In their first season they won the Northern Division of the Premier League after winning 12 straight league games and added the County Cup to make it a double to remember. After a season out of the game due to the birth of Stuart's first child, the duo return to football management hoping to repeat their winning trait and take Leicester into the National Division. "We are looking forward to getting back on the touch line in a challenging league," says Stuart. "There are probably four or five teams more than capable of winning this league and we will be doing our best to be amongst them. There is a good vibe at Leicester and a professional attitude, backed by Leicester City Football Club. It's great to be back!" Chairman Craig White said: "We are very pleased to have Stuart and Neil on board and everyone at the club welcomes them."
 Saturday saw the FA Girls' Football Festival, supported by Continental Tyres, Sport England and UEFA visit Suffolk FA Grassroots Festival, Trinity Park, Ipswich. More than 300 girls aged seven upwards from 36 grass roots teams from Suffolk and Bedfordshire FA, took part in the free programme led by FA coaches and aimed at encouraging girls to get involved in the game. They were accompanied by Kate Longhurst, FA Women's Super League (FA WSL) from Chelsea Ladies. She interacted with the girls and several Q & A were held to give them an insight into the life of a semi-professional female footballer. Kate Longhurst signed autographs, had photos taken with participants, and took part in the coaching sessions. Activities included the ContiWarmUp programme, skills and drills, matches inside an inflatable pitch, interactive games (speed cage & batak board), competitions, prizes and goodies for all and digital stations to entertain the girls during breaks from playing. Girls also had the chance to pose with the FA WSL trophy. The FA WSL mascot Berry was also in attendance to cheer on the girls and add to the atmosphere. Sue Wells, Girls' & Women's Development Officer for Suffolk FA, said: "This event is a chance to showcase the female game. This was brilliant to bring the FA Girls' Football Festival and that a Women's Super League player like Kate Longhurst could attend. Today inspired loads of girls and raised awareness of the parents and coaches." Kate Longhurst said: "This is great to see so many girls having fun and their enjoyment. There is a lot of interaction and activities. These Festivals are a great initiative from the FA." Tim Bailey, Communications Manager at Continental Tyres added: "It is fantastic to be able to bring the FA Girls' Football Festival to Ipswich for the first time and great to have so many girls taking part. I very much look forward to continued success at the remaining festivals this season." For more information please visit: www.TheFA.com/girlsfootball
Blackburn Rovers' renowned Centre of Excellence is on the look out for football's female stars of the future. The club is holding open trials for girls aged 9-17 at Accrington & Rossendale College throughout June. Over the past few seasons, Blackburn Rovers has become one of the top performing Centres in the country, producing eight players who are now competing on the world stage with England. With highly qualified and experienced coaches, all players are provided with a technical and educational programme designed to support players' needs to reach their full footballing potential. In partnership with the Lancashire FA, Rovers work on behalf of the Football Association to provide and deliver the opportunity for players to progress into regional trials and ultimately the England youth teams. In order for the Centre to continue to develop and grow, Rovers are looking to attract the top talent from local clubs to take part in the Centre of Excellence assessment period. For further information, please contact Rovers' Women and Girl's Development Officer Gemma Donnelly at gdonnelly@rovers.co.uk or visit www.rovers.co.uk/page/COENews/0,,10303~2760292,00.html. Blackburn Rovers Ladies Centre of Excellence will operate subject to being granted the FA Licence for the 2012-13 season.
 Natalie Gutteridge was understandably delighted after her two goals helped Sunderland to a 2-1 victory over Leeds Utd in the Premier League Cup Final, which earned her side the League and Cup 'double'. "It's been a fantastic season and we've worked hard for it all year," the striker admitted to Women's Soccer Scene after the game, "but we're really pleased with how its gone. "We've played Leeds three times this year and all three games have had one goal in them, so we knew it was going to be close - but we've done really well to manage to just win it in the end." Natalie got Sunderland off to the perfect start when she headed them into an eighth minute lead. "It seemed ages when the ball came across until it finally hit the net," she smiled, "but it was brilliant to get on the scoresheet. "We got the goal early and hoped to go on and get some more but we still went in [at half time] one nil up and had something to hold on to." Midway throught the second half, Natalie scored what proved to be a decisive second from a superb cross by Sophie Williams and she paid tribute to the winger's contribution. "Sophie's been doing it all season to be fair, she's got great pace down the wing - I'd love to have a little bit of it. She whipped it in and it was right on my head and I managed to get it in. "I think it settled our nerves a little bit when we scored the second goal but they got a penalty late on. There was only a minute left afterwards and we knew had to keep hold of the ball in the corner and keep it away from our goal and we knew we would hang on in the end." Sophie Williams had an outstanding game on the left wing for the Wearsiders and she revealed afterwards that she had been given a licence to attack by manager Mick Mulhern. "I was getting a lot of joy going down the left wing," she said. "Mick said to me before the game 'express yourself', so I tried to do that - I set up a goal and I'm happy about that." The 21-year-old was pleased with her contribution for the second goal and returned the compliments from her centre forward. "I've been doing that all season and it's always good to have someone like Natalie who can get her head onto crosses and win it every time - you've got to have people like that in the team who can win things for you and Natalie has been brilliant all season." Sophie herself almost added a third late on but was denied by a good save from Julianna Draycott. "It's a bit of a blur to be honest," she said. "I was feeling absolutely shattered but I thought if I could get there first, there was a chance I could get brought down or the ball would end up in the net and I got my foot there but she made a great save." After winning three medals in two seasons, Sophie left no doubts as to her team's incentive for the future. "I want to go out and do it again next season and as much as possible," she replied. "That's what you want in football - medals, cup finals, great days out. Sunderland is like a family and I'm proud to be a part of it and I hope it goes on for as long as possible."
 Watford FC's Female Academy travelled to the University of Bedfordshire on Wednesday to participate in the first ever Ebdon Cup. The purpose of the day was not only to give their female academy players the opportunity to play against other Academy sides in the tournament, but also to have a tour of the University's campus and speak to students and lecturers about courses and the possibility of furthering their education. The Ebdon Cup kicked off in the afternoon, with the Hornets taking on two Chelsea sides, Barnet and Tottenham. Victories against Chelsea 1, Barnet and Spurs were enough to secure the Ebdon Cup for the Golden Girls and end a very successful first season for Watford in the BCS Elite league. Watford had already reached the Quarter Finals of the NCFL League Play-Offs, narrowly losing 3-2 to the eventual winners, Gateshead Academy. Meanwhile Watford Ladies Football Club are pleased to announce their trials for the 2012-13 season. Watford have had a fantastic end to the season and are looking to add talented players to their squad to take strides forward next term. Under the guidance of manager John Salomon, Watford Ladies FC fought hard to ensure their FA Women's Premier League National Division status, finishing the season in seventh place after taking 16 points from their last seven games. If you feel you could add something to the Watford Ladies FC squad then you are invited to attend their open trial nights. Three open trials will be held on Wednesday 6th June, Thursday 7th June and Wednesday 13th June from 7pm-9pm at Watford FC CSE Trust's Cedars Youth & Community Centre, Chicheley Gardens, Harrow on the Hill, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 6QH, Trials will take place on Astroturf and changing facilities will be available. You are advised to bring shin guards and plenty of water. You are advised to attend all three trials to give yourself the best chance of being selected, however if you can't make all three please don't let that put you off registering. A further 'invitation only' trial will be held on Thursday 14th June. All players who are selected for this from the open trials will be notified of the details of this final trial date via e-mail. If you wish to attend the open trials you will need to complete a registration form. To obtain a trial form or if you have any questions about the trials please contact john.salomon@watfordfc.com.
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