Author: Isla Smith

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AMY MERRICKS SHOWS FAITH IN SQUAD AS BIRMINGHAM CITY PREPARE FOR WSL RETURN

Image via @bcfcwomen on instagram

Birmingham City are one of the three clubs entering the WSL this year after being promoted from the second division as champions. The club was a founding member of the FA WSL in 2010 and stayed in the league until their relegation in 2021. However, five years later, they are back, and with an entirely new look too.

Amy Merricks was appointed as head coach in April 2024 and helped the team finish second in the league the following year. Now, in 2026 they just finished the season as FA WSL2 Champions, securing themselves a spot in the WSL, back where they belong.

As expected, the club has had an influx of departures as well as incomings in order to get the squad to where they need to be ahead of the upcoming season. Departures saw Poppy Irvine leave for Norwich City, Michaela Kovacs depart for Brondby, Lily Agg retire from football after successive injuries and take up a managing role at Athlone Town FC, Teagan McGowan sign at Ipswich Town, Christie Harrison Murray make the move to Burnley and  Lucy Quinn join Sheffield United. Adrianna Franch and Shanade Hopcroft have also left the club however their futures are currently unknown, with neither of them having been announced to sign for new clubs so far. The club has also seen the departure of three former loanees, Libby Bance has joined Leicester City on a permanent deal from Brighton, Lotta Lindstrom has departed London City Lionesses for Bristol City and Hannah Silcock has signed for Everton in the WSL.

In terms of incomings, the club kicked off the window with a bang with a double signing from Manchester United. Millie Turner joins after eight years at the club, being a part of the squad since their formation in 2018, she leaves the club after inconsistent game time following injury last season. Turner has also been called up to the England senior team on various occasions so it’s likely this move is partly in hopes to put herself in the best possible position ahead of the Women’s World Cup next summer. The defender is a proven centre back and brings wealths of experience to the backline after playing in the Champions League and winning the FA Cup in 2024. Lisa Naalsund departed Manchester United after three and a half years at the club, and she too experienced inconsistent game time last season. The Norwegian international regularly features for her national team and can play in a variety of roles in the midfield. The Blues currently have a relatively small midfield, so this will prove crucial to the club, particularly in heavy scheduling with cup competitions too. 

It soon became clear that the clubs main focus point of the summer was to strengthen the defence after Jade Rastocle was announced from Montpellier. At just 22 she already has five years of experience in senior football, meaning the club will not have to spend time adjusting her to top flight football unlike most athletes her age. Rastocle started every game in the Premiere Ligue Feminine last season and is a proven centre back, even featuring in the France Under 23’s regularly.

Next came Katie Startup, a 23 year old goal keeper who was most recently signed to Manchester City. Interestingly, this signing is likely to be third choice move, with the shotstopper having not made a competitive footballing appearance since the 2023/24 season. Startup last received regular minutes in the 2019/20 season however is also well known for her work in mental health off of the pitch.

Sophie Baggaley is the clubs most recent addition and is also a goalkeeper, having most recently played for Brighton & Hove Albion. Returning to her childhood club after nine years, the keeper will provide good competition for Lucy Thomas who spent last year as first choice with Birmingham. Baggaley received limited minutes with Brighton last season, being pushed out of the starting spot by Nnadozie after two years, however she occasionally features in England squad’s and may be looking at this move to put her in a better suited position for a potential call up for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Birmingham Cities transfer window has been relatively quiet for a club entering a new league, however it shows the trust that Amy Merricks has in her team, and may work out in favour for the club as the vast majority of players are comfortable playing with each other, and won’t have the issue of compatibility that we often see.

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Brighton & hove Albion hold PSG to tight draw on South Coast

Image via Wing Chong (@thoughtsofawing) for Constancy Sport

It’s set to be an interesting match up today as Brighton & Hove Albion host Paris Saint Germain in a pre-season friendly at the American Express Stadium this afternoon.

Brighton go into today’s game having finished seventh in the league last season but after reaching the FA Cup final at Wembley and strengthening multiple positions over the summer, the Sea Gulls are hoping to have a positive start to the 26/27 campaign.

Meanwhile, PSG finished third in the league last year, were runners up in the Coupe de France and were knocked out of the champions league in the league phase, which by their standards, is sub par. They too have signed a variety of players this summer however have gone for a more youthful outlook on things.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Loeck (GK), Auee, Hayes, Minami, Olislagers, Walti, Joramo, Kirby ©, Murphy, Garcia, Seike

PSG

Starting XI: Kiedryzynek (GK), De Almedia, Karchaoui, Jourde, Chagas, Groenen, Leuchter, Feller, Mbock, Charlier, Olga

Paris Saint Germain kicked off on the South Coast this afternoon through Romee Leuchter, although both sides looked surprisingly even in the opening stages.

PSG soon earned the first corner of the game but Leuchter’s delivery sailed straight into the gloves of Melina Loeck.

Brighton registered their first real chance of the game in the ninth minute, with Kiko Seike applying pressure deep on the right-hand side. PSG’s Naomie Feller however was able to regain possession for the visitors and break through on the counter attack, but her effort flew well over the bar.

PSG looked to have a chance to break the deadlock in the 15th minute with Sakina Karchaoui and Leuchter linking up in front of goal. However, Moeka Minami produced a fantastic block to stop the visitors getting ahead.

The hosts soon won their own first corner of the afternoon, with Marissa Olislagers delivering into a dangerous area. Olivia Garcia was unable to make contact with the cross, however. 

The next real chance of the game came courtesy of a stellar cross from Isabela Chagas, Naomie Feller however missed the target once more.

Moeka Minami provided a huge ball over the top from within her own half in the 35th minute, sending Fran Kirby racing up the pitch, the seagulls looked to be through on goal, the latter however was unable to find her footing though, and the opportunity went begging. 

PSG finally found the opener three minutes later after Sakina Karchoui sent Caitlin Hayes spinning on the left, providing the perfect delivery for Alyssa Charlier to slot the ball home.

38’ GOAL – Alyssa Charlier

Brighton were awarded a free kick in dangerous territory moments before half time. A short pass from Marissa Olislagers found  Fran Kirby, who crossed the ball towards goal, Brighton looked to Caitlin Hayes, whose header sailed into the gloves of Kiedrzynek.

Seconds later, Brighton regained possession from the resulting goal kick and came close once again, with the ball flying within inches of the post. 

With two minutes added time announced, PSG earned a free kick on the edge of the box. Romee Leuchter’s ball looked to be heading straight towards the face of goal, however the host’s wall proved to be the better, standing tall and sending the ball back to the feet of Leuchter and preventing the deficit being doubled.

HALF TIME: BRIGHTON 0-1 PSG

Second half XI:

Brighton: Heeps (GK), Vanegas, Pegram, Symonds, Haley,Cankovic, Rayner, Tvedten, Peskett, Tsunoda, Rule

PSG: Kiedryzynek (GK), De Almedia, Karchaoui, Chagas, Groenen, Leuchter, Feller, Elimbi Gilbert, Ebayilin, Mbock, Morissaint

With a full team of subs from Brighton, the second half was under way. 

Sophie Peskett provided the first chance of the half in the 49th minute, crossing the ball to Madison Haley who was unable to find the target.

An unexpected misplaced pass from the PSG back line gifted Brighton the first corner of the second half. Jelena Cankovic delivered, but her effort failed to cause any real danger. 

A relatively quiet ten minutes meant that the next piece of action was a six way substitution from the visitors at the 60th minute mark with Thiniba Samoura, Paulina Dudek, Tante Diakite, Noemie Fatier, Jade Le Guilly and Marie Estella Lafontaine replaced Elisa De Almeida, Isabela Chagas, Jackie Groenen, Romee Leuchter, Naomie Feller and Griedge Mbock on the field.

Five minutes later, it looked as though PSG were about to find their second of the game. Elimbi Gilbert broke free from Charlie Rule on the wing and pushed high on the pitch, Jelena Cankovic however, denied the visitors once more.

With 20 minutes on the clock, the final hydration break of the game was made and Sakina Karchoui made way for Gabrielle Le Roux

Brighton earned yet another corner in dangerous territory once again once play continued, however Cankovic’s ball was deflected back into the possession of the parisians

After 75 minutes, Jelena Cankovic made way for the gulls’ latest addition, Gabby George, who received a warm welcome from the Albion supporters upon her home debut.

Kiedryznek was put to action soon after, with a double attack from the gulls putting the visitors’ lead under serious pressure.

With five minutes remaining, Sophie Peskett earnt Brighton another free kick on the edge of the box and it was here that the hosts found their first of the game, with Maisie Symonds shooting the ball beyond the keeper and bringing the game level.

85’ GOAL – Maisie Symonds

Four minutes of added time were announced, but Brighton were to deal with a late blow when Bex Rayner was forced off the pitch. Tahirah Heron was introduced as the hosts’ final substitute.

PSG were still searching for a late winner, with Eleanor Heeps forced into a save from a long-range effort in the dying moments. It proved to be the final attempt of the afternoon.

Full time – Brighton & Hove 1-1 Paris Saint Germain

A positive performance from both sides meant that the game ended in a stalemate on the south coast. PSG looked to have the win in the bag for the first 60 minutes however Maisie Symonds free kick provided an extra life from Brighton, who saw the game out at a goal a piece

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BUURMAN WINNER SEES CHELSEA THROUGH TO FA CUP SEMI FINALS

image via @chelseafcw on instagram

Chelsea 

Starting XI: Hampton (GK), Carpenter, Nusken, Cuthbert ©, James, Thompson, Girma, Kerr, Charles, Buchanan, Walsh

Subs: Buurman (60’), Kaptein (72’), Baltimore (72’)

Spurs

Starting XI: Kop (GK), Nilden, Gaupset, England ©, Vinberg, Tandberg, Wijk, Spence, Summanen, Koga, Blackstad

Subs: Morris (71’), Holdt (71’) Gaupset (88’)

It was the quarter final of the FA cup today and Chelsea hosted Tottenham Hotspurs at Kingsmeadow. With a rough past couple of matches for both teams, and Chelsea being knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal, all was to play for.

The teams have met twice already this season, with Chelsea winning both matches by both 1-0 and 2-0.

Chelsea took kick off at Kingsmeadow through Lauren James and started off positively on the ball.

The Lillywhites first chance on goal came through Signe Gaupset who broke free of the Chelsea defence quite early on, Niamh Charles however, was able to dispossess the Norwegian international inside the box.

Chelsea’s first big chance came from a cross by Niamh Charles on the left flank which met the boots of Alyssa Thompson, whose shot was eventually saved by Tottenham’s Lize Kop.

Lize Kop was forced into yet another save in the 11th minute when Lauren James took a shot from outside the box, this then led to Chelsea’s second successive corner.

Chelsea earnt a free kick in dangerous territory the fifteenth minute, and with Lauren James standing over the ball, an opening goal was looking promising. The resulting shot however went just wide of goal.

Another corner came in the 19th minute, courtesy of Lauren James, who took it short to Alyssa Thompson , the USA international’s cross however only went as far as Spurs’ first man.

Chelsea’s next chance came from Lauren James once again, who took another shot on goal in the 24th minute, this however was shot well wide of the cross bar.

The blues earnt a free kick inside their own half due to a penalising foul from Amanda Nilden, who earned herself a yellow card as a result.

Sam Kerr found the opener in the 40th minute with a header off the back of Keira Walsh’s cross.

Half time score: Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs took kick off ahead of the second half through Catinka Tandberg and continued to dominate throughout the opening stages in terms of possession for the opening stages.

The Lillywhites came close to their first shortly later after Kadeisha Buchanan stopped her play after thinking a free kick was due after a shirt pull. However, play continued through former Blue, Bethany England, Hannah Hampton however was first to it, denying the Spurs captain from finding the equaliser.

With a foul on Matilda Vinberg, Tottenham Hotspurs earned themselves a free kick in dangerous territory, and with Evelina Summanen stood over the ball, Chelsea were in for a tricky defensive task. Summanen, decided to go direct on goal, skimming the ball past the gloves of Hannah Hampton and equalising for the Lillywhites.

Sam Kerr came close to putting Chelsea ahead once again after Amanda Nilden misplaced  a back pass, allowing the Australian to get through on goal, her resulting shot however, was put wide.

In the 57th minute Amanda Nilden came close to doubling the score for Spurs however Hannah Hampton showed her skill once again and punched the ball out for a corner.

Just a couple of minutes later, Niamh Charles made way for Veerle Buurman, the former still having her minutes managed after more than three months of injury.

In the 64th minute, Sjoeke Nusken and Ellie Carpenter linked up for what looked like Chelsea’s second, this however was sent just wide of the post by the Australian international.

Before long, Ella Morris took to the field, replacing Hannahb Wijk in her first game back from her ACL injury. This came with Olivia Holdt also replacing Eveliina Summanen. In terms of Chelsea substitutions, it was here that Sandy Baltimore and Wieke Kaptein replaced Sjoeke Nusken and Lauren James.

With both sides looking for the match winner, the following ten minutes were met with end to end action, however neither team were able to find the finishing product.

In the 82nd minute, Wieke Kaptein was able to break through the Tottenham defence and pull off a cross in front of goal, Alyssa Thompson however was unable to meet the ball and produce a finish.

With five minutes on the clock, Veerle Buurman weaved her way through the Spurs defence, taking a left footed shot from the edge of the box and sending the ball to the top right corner, straight past the gloves of Lize Kop.

With three minutes injury time announced and Tottenham looking for their second equaliser, Catinka Tandberg received a promising ball from Olivia Holdt, and struck the ball just wide of the goal, only just missing out on the target.

And with that, the full time whistle was blown, an impressive display from both teams however it was Chelsea who came out victorious, sealing their place in the FA Cup Semi Finals.

Full time: Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

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SEVEN GOAL THRILLER SEES CHELSEA CLINCH THREE POINTS OVER ASTON VILLA

Image via @chelseafcw on Instagram

Chelsea FC:

Starting XI: Hampton (GK), Carpenter, Buurman, Nusken, James, Thompson, Girma, Kaptein, Kerr, Bronze, Walsh © 

Substitutes: Cuthbert (53’), Baltimore (53’) Charles (73′), Potter (90′)

Aston Villa:

Starting XI: Roebuck (GK), Patten ©, Jean Francois, Wilms, Maritz, Hanson, Kendall, Grant, Deslandes, Taylor, Nighswonger

Substitutes: Hijikata (68′), Salmon (75′), D’Angelo (79′)

Chelsea FC hosted their final league game at Kingsmeadow this season earlier today in a bid to secure a spot in the leagues’ top three. The hosts have been in a battle with Manchester United since January for eventual third place in the league but with the recent Manchester derby seeing the North-West painted blue, Sonia Bompastor’s Blue’s are in high hopes for the closing stages of the season.

Last time the sides faced eachother, Chelsea won 3-1 with goals from Aggie Beever-Jones, Keira Walsh and Sam Kerr cancelling out that of Ebony Salmon. The visitors sit in eighth in the league, with just 5 wins this season but with a win, draw and a loss in each of their last three games, the game is an open affair. 

Chelsea took kick off via Lauren James in South London however failed to prove any threat from the whistle, with Lynn Wilms linking up with Chasity Grant to find the opener for Aston Villa less than two minutes in.

A promising spell infront of goal came from Chelsea in the fifth minute, with Lauren James taking aim but beiong blocked by Lynn Wilms and the deflection rolling to Veerle Buurman, who shot just wide of goal.

Throughout the next ten minutes, both sides had equal effort infront of goal, with Chelsea winning the first corner of the game. Here the ball was layed off for Lauren James who shot from the edge of the box, Ellie Roebuck however, beat her antics, safely collecting the ball at the near post. It was from here on that Chelsea found their form, dominating in possession and upping their effortinfront of goal.

Sjoeke Nusken had another promising chance in the 17th minute, with Ellie Roebuck being forced into yet another crucial save.

Sam Kerr continued her stellar form from the Asian Cup and in the 20th minute, she broke free from the Villians defence to slot one past Ellie Roebuck to close the deficit.

Just two minutes later, Chelsea found the back of the net once again, this time from Lauren James, who linked up with Alyssa Thompson on a corner once again to give Chelsea the lead for the first time today.

Chelsea maintained their dominance in the following minutes, with Lauen James claiming the ball on the edge of the box and slotting the ball past the Villa keeper once more. That’s three goals in eight minutes for the current league champions.

Chelsea’s glory didn’t last for long however, with Aston Villa making an effort to close the gap in the 32nd minute, this time through Kirsty Hanson who did just that, making the score 3-2 to the Blues.

Just four minutes later, Villa broke through the Chelsea defence once again, with Kirsty Hanson finding her second and Villa’s third, closing the gap once again.

With a break in play due to a suspected injury on Sjoeke Nusken, both teams took the time to recalibrate, assumingly attempting to erase their defensive woes.

With three minutes added time on the clock, Aston Villa had one final push on goal, this however lead to nothing, with the Blue’s reclaiming possession and earning the final touch of the half.

Half time: Chelsea 3-3 Aston Villa

With the second half underway, Chelsea looked slightly more dominant on the ball. Whilst failing to provide any real threat infront of goal, Alyssa Thompson did win a free kick for the hosts, this however led to nothing with the attempt being blocked.

In the 53rd minute, Erin Cuthbert and Sandy Baltimore took to the field, replacing Wieke Kaptein and Naomi Girma in an attempt to bolster the Blue’s attack from further back on the pitch.

Throughout the next ten minutes, Chelsea began their dominance in possession once again, with the ball rarely leaving Chelsea’s attacking third. Despite Lucy Bronze’s headed attempt on goal, the Blue’s were yet to find a difference maker.

In the 67th minute, Villa made their first substitution of the game, replacing Miri Taylor with Maya Hijikata in her return from the Asian Cup.

Chelsea had a few more promising chances on goal however, despite their best efforts, Ellie Roebuck’s experience was proven best throughout.

Before long, Niamh Charles made her return to the pitch, replacing Alyssa Thompson and taking her first competitive touches in more than three months due to injury.

Just two minutes later, Chastity Grant made way for Ebony Salmon before Ellie Roebuck was also forced off the field through injury, forcing Sabrina D’Angelo to the field.

In the 82nd minute, Chelsea came alive once more, with Sjoeke Nusken linking up with Chelsea’s Australian duo, Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter to produce Chelsea’s fourth and final goal of the game.

The following stages followed much the same from both sides, with Aston Villa trying to equalise once again and Chelsea wanting to guarantee a victory.

For the villains, this meant a rattle of the bar from Kirsty Hanson as well as a missed header from Anna Patten in a desperate bid to squash the deficit once and for all. These both however proved too little too late, with the match finishing 4-3 to the hosts.

Full time: Chelsea 4-3 Aston Villa

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TRUE BLUES STUN AS CHELSEA RETAIN SUBWAY CUP TITLE FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

image via @chelseafcw

Chelsea FC:

Lineups: Hampton (GK), Bronze, Buchanan, Buurman, Baltimore, Walsh, Cuthbert ©, Nusken, James, Rytting Kaneryd, Thompson

Subs: Beever-Jones (46’) Bjorn (62’), Kaptein (67’)

Manchester United:

Lineups: Tullis-Joyce(GK), Le Tissier ©, Lundkvist, Park, Mallard, Terland, Riviere, Naalsund, Janssen, Zigiotti, Wangerheim

Subs: Rolfo(59’), Schuller(59’), Awujo (87’)

Chelsea take on Manchester United today in a bid to win the first domestic silverware of the season. Both teams entered the competition in December where Chelsea faced Liverpool and Manchester United hosted Tottenham Hotspur.

For Chelsea, a 9-1 win meant that they were through to the semi finals with ease, but for Manchester United, a winner from Fridolina Rolfo in the 86th minute meant that they too were through to the semis. Here, the red devils travelled to north London where they beat Arsenal 1-0 with thanks to Elisabeth Terland. The blues were much the same, travelling to the blue side of Manchester and also winning 1-0, a first half goal from Wieke Kaptein being the difference maker.

Chelsea took the kick off in the south west through Lauren James and it was her who won the first corner of the game within the same minute.

Sandy Baltimore, however took the corner short and United were able to disposess Chelsea meaning the reds were on the counter attack. Here Hannah Hampton made her first save of the game, knocking thr ball out for a corner.

With the opening stages looking even on both sides, it was Kadeisha Buchanan who made a crucial tackle to stop Elisabeth Terland from getting through on goal, in her first start in 16 months.

Elisabeth Terland once again had a chance for a shot on goal in the 11th minute, however the ball was taken well wide of the goal in her resulting shot.

Chelsea’s counter attack meant that Lauren James found herself in open space before the fifteenth minute mark, and with an effortless pass from Keira Walsh, the attacker had the chance to shoot on goal, this however went just wide of the cross bar, resulting in a goal kick for the reds.

A mistimed run from Erin Cuthbert in the 19th minute meant that Ellen Wangerheim was allowed through on goal, however, the Sweden international couldnt quite get the shot off, forcing Hannah Hampton into yet another save.

A Manchester United throw-in was met by a shaky touch from Domnique Janssen, allowing Lauren James to collect the ball on the right hand side, shooting directly into the back of the net from outside the 6 yard box.

Manchester United responded accordingly however, with Lisa Naalsund blocking Keira Walsh’s pass and linking up with Julia Zigiotti who passed the ball out to Melvine Malard, the forward’s cross however proved too heavy for her companions, soaring past the goal and out for a Chelsea throw.

At the half way point of the first half, Sandy Baltimore barged Jess park off the ball in a fantastic effort to dispossess the England international inside the box, Chelsea’s counter attack led to a throw in inline with the opposite box.

Just three minutes later, United were on the attack once again, however Dutch youngster Veerle Buurman was able to put in a crucial tackle to switch the ball to the other side of the pitch where the resulting shot was sent just wide of the far post.

Erin Cuthbert found the ball in the 33rd minute after a miscommunication in  the opposition’s defence, and with her quick feet, today’s captain was able to get a shot off from range, this was however shot well wide of goal.

The Chelsea captain once again had an opportunity on goal, running in from range however despite the improvement on her previous attempt, this too what shot over the cross bar.

Just minutes later, Alyssa Thompson found herself 1-on-1 with the United Keeper; however, a touch too much meant that the ball was olayed directly into the gloves of Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Moments before half time, United were on the attack once again, with an accidental nod forward from Buurman which gave Melvine Malard the ball, the Dutch international however, was able to recover the attempted pass to Wangerheim,

With 1 minute added time announced, United had one final bid for an equaliser before the whistle, this however was met by Hannah Hampton who met the ball in the dying stages

Half time: Chelsea 1- 0 Manchester United 

With a switch of sides, Aggie Beever-Jones took to the field in place of Alyssa Thompson ahead of the second half.

Lauren James came close to both hers and Chelsea’s second in the 53rd minute, the ball however her run went out of bounds before she could get her shot off.

Lauren James recieved the first card of the game in the 56th minute due to a dodgy tackle on Julia Zigiotti after being dispossessed by the Sweden international.

Chelsea earned themselves another corner in the 58th minute, Sandy Baltimore finding in which the rebound was sent back into the box, finding the head of Kadeisha Buchanan who headed the ball just wide of goal

Fridolina Rolfo replaced Jayde Riviere and Lea Schuller replaced Ellen Wangerheim in the 59th minute in a bid to find an equaliser for the red devils.

Nathalie Bjorn replaced Kadeisha Buchanan in the 62nd minute, the Swedish internaational making her return from injury after more than three months. This moment however was short lived, with the defender going down on the ball after just 3 minutes and signalling to come off the field just moments later. Wieke Kaptein replaced the defender in the 67th minute.

Lauren James was able to feed the ball into the box in the 70th minute, coming close to the head of Aggie Beever-Jones, Maya Le Tissier got there first however, nodding the ball backwards and forcing Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a high save.

In the 77th minute, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd broke free down the right flank, crossing the ball to Aggie Beever-Jones, the academy graduate was able to chest the ball down and get her boot to it, doubling the defecit infront of the Blues fans.

5 minutes later, Lauren James was through on goal again, with defenders leavingher in yards of space, the England international was able to shoot at goal, however Tullis-Joyce was there to knock the ball out for a corner, this however led to nothing.

In the 86th minute Mamchester United made the final sub of the game, bringing Simi Awujo on in place of Julia Zigiotti.

The substitute earnt the red devils a corner in the final minutes of normal time in a final bid to get a goal, however, even with Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the box, the northern team were unable to find the net.

With 8 minutes of added time on the clock, Lexi Potter replaced Lauren James in the middle, with the youngster taking on a slightly different role to usual.

The 94th minute saw yet another attempt from Manchester United sore above the goal.

Full time: Chelsea 2 – 0 Manchester United

An impressive performance from both teams today, however it was Chelsea who sealed the victory at Ashton Gate, adding to their trophy cabinet once more to retain the title.