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Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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Barclays WSL2

Birmingham City Edge Sheffield United in Thriller to Stay Top

Birmingham City maintained their position at the summit of Barclays WSL2 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over

Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The Blues extended their unbeaten run in a hard-fought encounter, showcasing

resilience and attacking flair.The visitors started strongly, with Neve Herron testing Sheffield’s Katie Keane early on.

Despite Birmingham’s early dominance, clear chances were scarce. Rebecca Holloway came close with a deflected 25-yard strike that grazed the crossbar, while Sheffield’s composed build-up play was thwarted by Birmingham’s resolute defending, led by Shannon Cooke and Herron.

Sheffield grew into the game, with Charlie Devlin’s dangerous cross nearly finding Amy Andrews, only for Lucy Thomas to make a crucial save. The first half ended goalless, with Lily Crosthwaite dragging a late effort wide.Birmingham seized control after the break. A penalty was awarded when Rebecca McKenna was fouled in the box, and substitute Lucy Quinn coolly converted in the 57th minute. Quinn nearly doubled the lead with a fierce long-range strike, only for Keane to produce a stunning save. Christie Harrison-Murray also went close, heading over from Crosthwaite’s cross.

Sheffield equalised late through Joy Ralph, who lifted the ball over Thomas with four minutes remaining. However, Birmingham’s determination shone through in stoppage time. Veatriki Sarri’s pinpoint cross found Crosthwaite, who slotted home the decisive goal. Despite a late injury to Ralph halting play, Birmingham held firm for a 2-1 win, staying atop the table.

Charlton Athletic Maintain Unbeaten Run with Newcastle Victory

Charlton Athletic kept pace with leaders Birmingham City, securing a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at Gateshead International Stadium. Katie Bradley’s second half penalty proved the difference in a disciplined performance from the Addicks.

Newcastle started brightly, peppering Charlton’s box with crosses, but the visitors’ defence stood firm. Lucy Fitzgerald, making her full league debut, nearly broke the deadlock after robbing Aoife Mannion, only for Femke Liefting to deny her. Sophie Whitehouse also made a remarkable save, tipping Mannion’s deflected header onto the bar.

Charlton grew into the game after the interval, with Jodie Hutton and Fitzgerald going close. The breakthrough came just before the hour when Bradley was fouled in the box. She confidently dispatched the penalty into the bottom corner. Despite a late scare when Demi Stokes’ volley hit the crossbar, Charlton’s defence, backed by Whitehouse’s heroics in stoppage time, ensured a clean sheet and three points.

Sunderland and Southampton Share Spoils in Tight Draw

Sunderland and Southampton played out a 1-1 draw on the south coast, with both goals coming in the first half. Katy Watson gave Sunderland an 18th minute lead, calmly slotting past Fran Stenson after a clever flick from Emily Scarr. The Lasses pressed for a second, with Natasha Fenton and Watson testing Stenson, but Southampton levelled in stoppage time through Chloe Peplow, who poked in Jess Simpson’s free kick.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half, with Watson and Katie Kitching threatening for Sunderland, but resolute defending ensured the points were shared.

Nottingham Forest Stage Comeback to Beat Bristol City

Nottingham Forest came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday night. The Robins took the lead through Camila Saez’s header, but their task became tougher when Sophie Ingle was sent off before half time.

Forest capitalised in the second half, with Freya Thomas equalising after a neat move involving Deanne Rose and Aimee Claypole. Three minutes later, former City midfielder Amy Rodgers’ stunning long range strike completed the turnaround. Despite late pressure from the home side, Forest held on for the win.

Durham Denied by Late Crystal Palace Equaliser

Durham Women were left heartbroken as Crystal Palace snatched a 1-1 draw with a last gasp equaliser. A cagey first half saw few chances, with Cat Sheppard and Jessica Shae Yanez making key saves.

Durham took the lead in the second half through Beth Hepple, who headed in Lauren Briggs’ cross. However, in the dying seconds of stoppage time, Elise Hughes converted Justine Vanhaevermaet’s cross to deny Durham victory.

Ipswich Town Claim First WSL2 Win

Ipswich Town celebrated their first Barclays WSL2 victory, edging Portsmouth 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the JobServe Community Stadium. Rianna Dean opened the scoring with a glancing header, but Angelina Nixon’s stunning 25-yard strike levelled matters before half time.

Portsmouth took the lead through Ava Rowbotham’s first time effort, only for Natasha Thomas to head in an immediate equaliser. Paige Peake’s 81st minute penalty secured the win for Ipswich, who survived late pressure to claim three vital points.

Leading goalscorers:

3 - Lily Crosthwaite (Birmingham City);

3 - Beth Hepple (Durham Women);

3 - Emily Scarr (Sunderland);

2 - Mary Bashford (Southampton);

2 - Katie Kitching (Sunderland);

2 - Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace);

2 - Lexi Lloyd-Smith (Bristol City);

2 - Batcheba Louis (Birmingham City);

2 - Simone Magill (Birmingham City);

2 - Jasmine McQuade (Newcastle United);

2 - Veatriki Sarri (Birmingham City);

2 - Justine Vanhaevermaet (Crystal Palace);