 Beth Mead insists that Sunderland's 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Sunday was a crucial result as they bid to maintain their grip on the Premier League title. The 16-year-old goalscoring sensation netted the first goal as the Wearsiders opened up a lead of three points at the top of the National Division and she told Women's Soccer Scene: "It was a massive win for us as we hadn't played Cardiff yet this season and didn't know too much about them. "The weather didn't exactly help but it was a good performance from us in a tough game. There was a very strong wind blowing all game and the ball was moving about - you had to be on your toes all of the time, particularly up front." Recalling her first half goal, Beth said: "Kelly McDougall, who has produced a lot of my assists this season, played a good through ball over the top for me and I managed to finish it off. We had the better of things from then bit it stayed tight until Steph Bannon's late goal gave us a bit of comfort." Beth's goal takes her tally to a remarkable 17 in her first year of senior football and keeps her on course to become the first player since Kim Little to score 20 National Division goals in a season. "I was at the Middlesbrough Centre of Excellence last season and I thought I would have to work hard just to get into the team," she admits. "But Mick [Mulhern] saw some potential in me and decided to give me a chance. "The girls know how I can play and that's a big help for me. I may have been the one scoring the goals but it is the other players who have been making the chances. "I have enjoyed playing with Natalie Gutteridge up front, she is strong and holds the ball up well. We are different players but we complement each other well and it is a good partnership." Sunderland take a break from league action over the next few weeks due to commitments in the Premier League Cup and F.A.Women's Cup but Beth is in no doubt as to where the main focus lies. "The league is the main priority and we are concentrating mainly on that," she says. "We have got a point to prove, to show that we are not a one-season team and we know that people have been watching us closely. There has been pressure on us and we have high expectations ourselves. "I missed out on winning the league last year as I was not old enough to play senior football but a lot of the girls have told me what it was like and we want that feeling again. "We have got three games left in the league and all are away from home. We have to play Aston Villa, Charlton and Cardiff and none of those games are going to be easy, but hopefully we can do it. "Leeds have been close rivals and have got better and younger players this season and gave us two tough games but thankfully we managed to win both." Beth has also been a part of the England Under-17 squad this season and is aiming to help them through to the UEFA Under-17 Championship Finals this summer. "We got knocked out in the second phase last year so we've got something to prove there," she said. "This time we have to play Switzerland, Belgium and Iceland for a place in the Finals. We've got the players to get there, we just need to play to the best of our ability." Sunderland have produced a number of top players in recent years including the likes of Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Carly Telford and Jordan Nobbs amongst others and Beth is one of a few more on the production line. "I want to play at the highest level I can, hopefully for Sunderland," she admits. "Jordan Nobbs was at the Centre of Excellence when I started and I have always looked up to her and followed her career. "Sunderland have the potential to be as good as Arsenal in the future and if we can get into the Super League, we feel we can do well there."
 Each year, every School Sport Partnership in Northamptonshire holds a girls year 5 and 6 district football competition where two teams are then chosen to progress to the County finals. This Thursday saw the Corby, Oundle and Thrapston tournament hosted at Corby Business Academy and nine different Primary school teams entered from across the district. The community in Corby love their football and are always guaranteed good support from the local schools, parents and local clubs. The festival was particularly exciting this year as they were fortunate enough to have Sophie Bradley, of Lincoln Ladies and England, come along to speak to the girls and support the event. Prior to the start of the tournament, all 100 girls gathered in a large lecture room where they got the chance to ask Sophie all sorts of questions. When asked what number shirt she usually plays in, everyone with a number 5 or 6 shirt on became more excited that they shared their shirt number with Sophie! Sophie covered lots of questions from nutrition to how much training she does, how many goals she has scored and how she came to play for England. After the questions, it was time for the girls to show their skills and compete for the District trophy. There were several group matches before the semi finals and final. Sophie went round to meet the teams and encourage them. She was really helpful, giving advice on how to warm up properly for each match, asking teams how they could improve for the next match and praising players when they did well. A couple of local clubs were also in attendance at the event handing out flyers and promoting their clubs. One of these was the recently formed Corby Gems, who achieved their Charter Standard Award at the weekend and are the first female only youth club in Corby. They currently have three girls teams and are looking to develop more teams at younger age groups. Both semi finals went to 'Golden Goal' and then penalties. In the first semi final, every player from Rockingham hit the same post in the same place, unfortunately resulting in them missing out on a final spot while Woodnewton progressed to the final. The other semi final went to sudden death penalties, with the St Patricks goalkeeper saving most kicks but her team was unable to take advantage against Danesholme until the third attempt. It was questionable as to who went more crazy, the players or the staff! In the Final, Sophie picked her player of the tournament, who had been outstanding all afternoon and it was her team, St Patricks who just edged the final 2-1 against Woodnewton but both teams will progress to the County Finals next week. Everyone returned to the lecture hall where the presentations took place. Each player received a goody bag from the Northamptonshire FA and a signed photo of Sophie Bradley. St Patricks and Woodnewton will now represent the district in the County Finals next Friday where in each of the last four years, the winner has come from this district. A big thank you to Matt Pelezok for organising the festival and a huge thanks to Sophie for coming along and enthusing all the girls.
Northern Combination Newcastle Utd turned up the heat at the top of the table, opening up a lead of six points through a 7-0 victory over Wakefield. Stacy Crooks netted a hat-trick for the Magpies and further goals came from Megan Pyper, Alice Stroyan, Steph Eadon and Courtney Lock. Cheadle Heath Nomads moved themselves back into mid-table on the back of a 4-1 win away to Mossley Hill. Jeneyha Webb was on target twice along with Amy Donohue and Tracey Sloane. Liverpool Feds are within one point of the top three following their 1-0 success against Salford Ladies. Midland Combination Leicester City stepped up their title challenge with a 2-1 win away to Northampton Town, which takes them to within two points of the leadership. Kim Walton and Erica Kilby scored the goals to take Leicester up to second place behind leaders Stoke. A win could have taken Copsewood (Coventry) into second but instead they went down 3-2 at home to Loughborough Foxes who are looking well on course for a mid-table finish. Sarah Wentworth netted twice and Row Davies added the decisive goal, while Copsewood's prolific duo of Nicola Foskett and Abiyola Riley replied. Loughborough Students banished any lingering relegation fears as they defeated Curzon Ashton 2-1, Charlotte Blythe and Aimee Perry scoring their goals. South East Combination Lewes kept up the pace at the top of the table as they ran out 4-1 winners away to Cambridge Women. Naomi Cole scored twice with Holly Grogan and Claire Trafford also getting on target to take Lewes seven points clear with six games left to play. Norwich City remain in second but lost ground on the Rooks as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Old Actonians. Jodie Drake netted for Norwich but Chelsea Berlin's reply for Old Actonians earned her side their first point of the season. Enfield Town were also left frustrated as they also drew, 2-2 against Ebbsfleet Utd. Sara Sinclair gave Enfield the lead midway through the first half before Kelly Philpott and Lisa Fulgence put Fleet ahead. Emma Thomas replied to secure a share of the points for Enfield who stay third. Milton Keynes Dons defeated Brentwood Town 3-1 to guarantee their safety whilst their opponents are still locked in a battle for survival. Heather McDonnell gave the Dons an early lead which was cancelled out by Zoe Lipley-Hinton, but McDonnell put her side back in front and Emily Mann secured the points with the third. South West Combination It was a good day for Yeovil Town as they stretched their lead at the top to five points with a 2-0 victory over rivals Gloucester City. Jodi Cornwall and Laura Bray scored the goals to keep their side on course for a swift return to the Premier League. The other two title challengers also met each other and the points were shared as Forest Green Rovers and Havant & Waterlooville battled out a 1-1 draw at Slimbridge. Hawks goalkeeper Yzzy Taylor pulled off two superb saves from Paige Stewart to keep her side on level terms but Forest Green captain Kirsty Richardson looked to have given her side the points when she scored seven minutes from time. Havant were not finished though and Lauren Cheshire netted three minutes later to preserve their unbeaten record this season although they have now drawn five times. Newquay are up into mid-table following their 2-0 win away to University of Portsmouth, which was secured by goals from Annie Richards and Chloe Richards.
East Midlands League In the only Premier Division game to be played on Sunday, Sandiacre Town consolidated themselves in third place with a 5-1 victory over Barlestone St Giles, who remain at the foot of the table. Steel City Wanderers picked up the pace again at the top of Division One North, preserving their four point lead by scoring six without reply against Mansfield Town Res thanks to Sam Hallam, Sarah Smith, Grace Adams, Danielle Harrison, Bex Gregory and an own goal. The Steels' two nearest rivals met each other and it was second placed Nettleham who emerged as 4-2 winners over Grimsby Town. Lincoln Ladies Development meanwhile made up ground on the mid-table positions as they beat West Bridgford by the only goal. Division One South leaders Loughborough Students Res stay two points ahead after they won 6-1 away to Oadby & Wigston Dynamo. Ilkeston Town defeated Barrowby 4-2 to remain in second place, just in front of Radcliffe Olympic Res who were 2-0 victors at Leicester City Fosse. AFC Trinity meanwhile kept themselves firmly in the title race, thanks to a 5-1 victory over Raunds Town. Eastern Region League Arlesey Town strode into the quarter finals of the League Cup with a 5-0 win away to East Thurrock Utd. Sophia Pidgeon was on target twice for the Premier Division leaders along with Mandy Cain, Kirsty Cooper and Katerina Hamplova. Billericay Town narrowly got through a closely contested tie with a 4-3 extra time victory over Peterborough Sports thanks to a Kerry Oldham brace, Lisa Silverton and Steph Polykett. Barking are the other side definitely through to the last eight after they defeated Hutton 4-0. The top two in Division One North did not play but AFC Sudbury were able to move themselves in third place by beating Cambridge Women Res 6-0. Chloe Mills netted twice with one apiece from Natalie Golding, Jodie Sharp, Charlotte Churchman and Kate Baker. Haverhill Rovers lost ground though as they were defeated 5-3 by Ipswich Wanderers whose goals came from Steph Lloyd, Tanya McKew, Charlotte Hayward, Jo Welham and Emma Goldsmith. Taverham continue to improve and they were 4-3 winners away to Bungay Town with Sally Hammerton hitting a hat-trick and Laura Sutton adding the other, while Imogen Williams bagged a hat-trick in reply for the home side. The shock of the day came in Division One South where leaders Colchester Town went down to a 3-2 defeat at home to Leverstock Green, who climb off the bottom as a result. Giselle Subryan netted twice and Jane Rudderham the other for Leverstock. Colchester's reverse has given a chink of light to Haringey Borough who went second and narrowed the gap to seven points by winning 9-1 at Royston Town. Julia Carruthers bagged a four-goal haul, Eleftherta Taladiandy contributed a hat-trick and Michelle Thomas a brace. Jackie Stott and Hayley Graham netted the goals as Sawbridgeworth Town defeated Hoddesdon Owls 2-1 to go third, whilst Baldock Town came away from Hannakins with a 2-0 victory thanks to Eustacia Randles and Fiona Harris. London & South East League League leaders Eastbourne Town went down to their first defeat of the season, beaten 1-0 by AFC Wimbledon. Their advantage was trimmed to ten points by Westfield who won 3-2 against Maidstone Town while third placed Hemel Hempstead edged out Crawley Wasps by the odd goal in eleven. Chichester City, who can catch Eastbourne by winning their games in hand, kept up their challenge by winning 3-1 away to Panthers. The two teams at the foot of the table met each other and it was Wandgas who were 4-0 winners over Boreham Wood. The title race in Division One (London) is now wide open after table toppers Hampstead were beaten 4-2 by in-form Brentford, who move up into second place. Kikk Utd entered the top three on the back of a 3-2 win against Garston. MSA Ladies remain unbeaten and have games in hand but drew once again as they shared a 1-1 scoreline with Kent Magpies. Tottenham Hotspur Res lifted themselves into mid-table courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Knaphill Wanderers. North East League Frankie Waller scored a hat-trick and Angela Carr the other as Hull City defeated Castleford White Rose 4-2 to narrow the gap on Premier Division leaders York City to a single point. Barnsley stayed in touch with the leading sides as a Jess Burton goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Hessle Town. St Francis 2000 are off the bottom after sharing a 2-2 draw with Whitley Bay, Lucy Garrington and Sian Williams netting their goals with Amy O'Brien and Steph Ord replying. Birtley Phoenix stepped up the pace once again in the Northern Division, restoring their thirteen point lead with a 5-1 win against Whitley Bay Res. Nicola Jackson and Victoria Mudd both bagged doubles with Rae Taylor adding the other. Ashleigh Leighton (2), Kimberley Griggs, Jess Hart and Adele Hughes were on the scoresheet as California Ladies defeated Durham City 5-2 and Tynedale were 3-1 victors at Teesside Sport Ladies courtesy of a Michelle Peel brace and Stef Crann. Lepton Highlanders regained the leadership of the Southern Division as an Emma Rutherford goal earned them a 1-0 win at Kirklees. Malet Lambert YC went third with a 2-1 victory away to Bradford City A, Natalie Gray and Ellie Tanser scoring, whilst Debra Slater was on target four times for Wetherby Athletic in their 7-2 success at AFC Preston. Helen Hartley added two and Rachel Carmichael completed the tally. Goole Town and Ossett Albion battled out a 3-3 draw in which Megan Coates, Kassie Thompson and Becky Whitaker netted for Goole, with Ossett responding through a Sam Chamberlain brace and Michelle Holmes. North West League It was a good day for Chorley as they extended their lead at the top of the Premier Division to nine points. They defeated Bolton Wanderers 5-2 whilst second placed Blackpool suffered a 1-0 reverse at Crewe Alexandra. Northwich Vixens consolidated themselves in mid-table by beating Preston North End 2-0 and Chester City moved out of the bottom two following their 2-0 victory over Burnley Girls & Ladies. One match was played in Division One North and it failed to produce any goals, leaders Penrith AFC being held to a 0-0 draw by Carlisle in their Cumbrian local derby. Brazil lifted themselves into third place in Division One South, thanks to a 3-0 victory over Mossley Hill Res. In the other match, AFC Liverpool edged out Liverpool Feds Res by the only goal of the game. South West League Exeter City's title challenge took a knock as they crashed to a 4-1 defeat away to Bristol Ladies Union who rekindled their hopes of a top three place. Sarah White scored twice for Union along with Alicia Hazzard and a Kelly Hill penalty. Frome Town also won 4-1 against Oldland Abbotonians, Saphri Lines hitting a double along with Ella McGregor and Tara Taylor, Leanne Burge replying for Oldland. One match was played in Eastern Division One, Rachel Illingworth bagging a hat-trick as Nailsea Utd defeated Blandford Utd 3-0. Downend Flyers took another step towards a potential League and Cup 'double' as they beat Charlestown 6-0 to reach the quarter finals of the Bristol Soccerworld Cup. Alana Willson scored a hat-trick, Kate Michaels added a brace and Aimee Taylor was also on target. Former winners Falmouth Town crashed out, beaten 4-1 by Poole Town whose goals came from Bev Symes, Fay Hawkins, Emma Hawkins and Sam Gubb. Poole will now be home to Callington Town who defeated Forest Green Rovers Res 3-0 thanks to Katy Sheffield, Sasha Cameron and Kylie Booth. Mel Bristow and Isha Hunt earned Swindon Supermarine a fine 2-1 win at Cleeve West Town to book a home tie with Bridgwater Town, 6-0 victors over Cirencester Town thanks to doubles from Annmarie Moule and Chelsea Pitt, with Vicky Tindall and Devon Rich also on target. Roche progressed to the last eight by winning 4-1 at Dobwalls, strikes from Charlotte Hobbs, Ellie Brown, Stacey Bray and Kayleigh Clemes earning them a tie with Launceston. Southern Region League Shanklin came from behind to beat Aldershot Town 2-1 and move themselves back into fourth place in the table. Nicola Moore put the Shots in front early in the second half but the Isle of Wight side fought back to take the points through Danielle Merryfield and Susan Cullen. Andover New Street meanwhile recorded their first win of the season, a 3-2 success against Woodley Utd. Chesham Utd Res have virtually sealed the runners-up spot in Division One (Northern) following their 7-1 victory over City Belles. Hannah Webb scored a hat-trick and there were doubles from Chantelle O'Grady and Catherine Sole. Beaconsfield SYCOB still have an outside chance of overhauling them and they kept those hopes alive by beating Oxford Utd Res 3-2. Basingstoke Town moved to within a point of the Division One (Southern) title with a 5-4 victory over Reading Ladies. Justine Mosley scored twice, with other goals from Tracy Jones, Samantha Mosley and Katie Randell. Kerry Shiers (2) and Lauren Little gave third placed Boscombe Albion a 3-0 win against Marlow whilst Locks Heath also won 3-0 at Newbury Ladies & Girls thanks to Amy Wakefield's brace and Emma Hebdige. In the Jubilee Cup, Josie Clark scored twice with Jennifer Hoggins and Sophie Veitch adding the others as Banbury Utd defeated Oxford Utd Res 4-0. West Midlands League Solihull Ladies went ten points clear at the top of the Premier Division after they won 1-0 away to Lichfield Diamonds. Hereford Pegasus picked up a 6-3 victory at Bradwell Belles and are now in second place, just ahead of Leamington Lions who beat Stafford Town 2-0. Allscott were 2-0 winners over Kidderminster Harriers and Kingshurst Sporting won for only the second time, 3-1 against Stratford Town. Wyrley Ladies have opened up a three point lead in Division One North after they triumphed 3-0 at Coseley Town. Silverdale meanwhile picked up an important point from a 2-2 draw with Cresswell Wanderers, which lifts them off the bottom at the expense of Prees Raiders who went down 1-0 at home to Port Vale. Chasetown also claimed a valuable point from a 1-1 draw with Cottage Farm Rangers. Malvern Town held on to the leadership of Division One South with a 1-0 victory over Knowle, with Coventry Development moving second after beating Crusaders 1-0. Coventry Sphinx follow on as they inflicted a first defeat of the season on B & WM Police, defeating them 2-1, with Redditch Utd's good run of form taking them into fourth, they were 1-0 winners against Ferndale. FC Reedswood remain in the hunt for two trophies this season and their 3-1 win over Shifnal Harriers has taken them into the semi finals of the Division One South Cup, where they will meet Walsall.
Hampshire retained the South East Counties Championship with a 1-0 victory over Kent at Sevenoaks on Wednesday evening. Although both teams still have a match to play, Vanessa Raynbird's team cannot now be caught. The withdrawal of Surrey mid-season left just three teams in the competition and Hampshire's hard earned victory, on the back of a 3-1 home win over Kent in October, settled matters earlier than in previous seasons. Both sides had strong squads, although Kent had players unavailable owing to England Under-19 training camp call ups. Hants relied on a core of Premier League Portsmouth players and four starters from Combination teams Havant & Waterlooville and University of Portsmouth. Kent's team was made up of players from Charlton Athletic, Gillingham and West Ham. A very even first half, played at a cracking pace, saw Kent dominate the opening exchanges whilst Hampshire forced several corners, with Fiona McMillan going close on three occasions. Kent were able to stretch the visitors defence with early passes to exploit the pace of their attack, whereas Hampshire often shifted the ball to the left where Shelly Cox put over a stream of dangerous crosses. Hampshire's Sadie Blakely was by far the busier of the two keepers and had a faultless match with excellent agility and handling but Hampshire were closest to scoring before the break with a 30-yard shot rebounding off the inside of the post. Although Kent continued to threaten after the restart, their shooting was often wayward and Blakely dealt very well with everything on target. Hampshire got the vital breakthrough when Chloe Ranger was sent clear and finished coolly past the advancing Kelly Cooper just after the hour. Cox almost doubled the lead and Charley Wilson, who had an outstanding match in attack, had a header ruled out for offside. Kent, needing a victory, pushed forward right to the end, prompted by Kim Dixson, but the visitors worked very hard all over the pitch to frustrate them and claim a fine victory where every player.contributed well. Both teams have a final match against Oxfordshire scheduled for the coming months. Kent: Kelly Cooper, Jay Blackie, Jordan Butler, Becky Duggan, Kim Dixson, Amy Russ, Deanna Cooper, Kit Graham, Sarah Jones, Stef Simmons, Jenny Newman, Elisabeta Ejupi, Katie Hardaker, Sarah Jones, Kristina Manktelow, Livvy McGregor, Tracey Duxbury. Hampshire: Sadie Blakely, Lysette Russell, Lauren Cheshire, Laura Oakes, Fiona McMillan, Kirsty McGee, Leeta Rutherford, Shelly Cox, Michelle Niven, Charley Wilson, Chloe Ranger, Lucy Quinn, Justine Mosely, Natasha Angel, Krystal Whyte, Kaylee Schumann-Edwards. (Report by Patrick Higgins)
Swansea City took over the leadership of the Southern Conference in the Welsh Premier Women's League after they defeated Caerphilly Castle 3-0. Jodie Passmore gave the Swans a fourteenth minute lead and Lindsay Morgan quickly doubled their advantage. Morgan wrapped up the points with her second goal early in the second half. In the Northern Conference, Llanidloes and Caernarfon Town fought out a 2-2 draw which moves Llanidloes into second place, three points behind leaders Wrexham. Caernarfon went ahead early on through a Moden Phaenthaisong own goal but after the break, Rhian Townsend and Abi Ingram turned the match around in Llanidloes' favour. With seven minutes remaining, Alison Mummery salvaged a point for Caernarfon by netting the equaliser.
 Durham Wildcats stormed into the Third Round of the F.A.Women's Cup with a stunning 4-1 win away to Sheffield Wednesday. Laura Stockdale, Anna Faux, Gemma Nortcliffe and Elise McLear all netted a goal apiece to help the university side knock out their Northern Combination opponents who reached the last sixteen a year ago. The Wildcats now have a chance to take on a Premier League side as they are at home to Preston North End in the next round. There was better news for Sheffield FC as they progressed smoothly by netting ten without reply against Middlesbrough. Carla Ward gave Sheffield a second minute lead with Jodie Michalska and Ellie Gilliatt adding further goals by the quarter hour. Gilliatt and Michalska again found the net and Kayleigh Mitchell scored twice to end the game as a contest before the break. Kerry Parkin netted the eighth on the hour mark and Ward completed her double before an Amy Beanland cross was turned into her own net by a Middlesbrough defender to round off the scoring. Sheffield will now be away to Portsmouth in the Third Round.
Yeovil Town joint manager Nigel Williams was delighted with his side's 2-0 victory over Gloucester City but insisted there is work yet to be done in their aim to regain Premier League status. Goals from Jodi Cornwall and Laura Bray earned the Glovers the win which takes them five points clear at the top of the South West Combination whilst fellow contenders Forest Green Rovers and Havant & Waterlooville battled out a 1-1 draw. Yeovil were relegated from the Southern Division last season but a run of nine straight wins has put them in the driving seat for a swift return. "It was a hard fought win," Williams said after the game. "We expected a tough contest from a well organised Gloucester side, and that is just what we got. We put in a good performance, took our chances well, and fully deserved the points. Sarah [fellow manager Sarah Lawler] and I were delighted with what we saw on the pitch today, and were delighted with the result, especially bearing in mind the problems we had leading up to match day. "There were a few nerves before the game. We picked up three injuries at training on Thursday, which we kept quiet and therefore did not really put our starting line up on paper until after warm up today. "The game started at a high tempo, and Gloucester put us under a lot of pressure in the first five minutes. However, we held our own and found our feet and discipline. The pitch was not as poor as it normally is and the girls were able to play some great passing football, opening up a couple of good chances in the first period of the game. "Our first goal came from some great work on the right hand side from Laura Bray and her delivery was met by Jodi Cornwall, who finished with a nick over the 'keeper. We settled after that, and both teams put everything into the game. We had to be really focused as we were aware that Gloucester would want revenge after we beat them at their place back in December. You have to admire their team spirit and determination, but I was pleased with our players for their professional display, combatting the opposition well. "In the second half Gloucester came out the same as they had done in the first, piling on the pressure right the way through the field, leaving us little opportunity. I was so proud of our team today. We asked them for patient build up play, and to take every opportunity they could. We created two clear chances, scored two goals, and deservedly came away with three points. "Just before we finished them off with our second goal, a well taken Laura Bray strike, to be fair Gloucester had a few fantastic opportunities to pull level, but the agility of our 'keeper 'Dodge' [Rachel Simkin] prevented near certain goals, following two tremendous reactive saves. "We took a massive step today towards realising our dream of promotion to the Premier League today. We are now five points clear at the top of the league, but our feet are still firmly planted on the ground. We remain focused, taking every game as it comes, determined to realise our goals."
 Lucy May, a referee from Portsmouth, has been specially selected to attend the Dallas Cup Youth Football Tournament in the USA. The Dallas Cup tournament is staged over a seven-day period ending on Easter Sunday and many of the world's premier clubs including Tigres (Mexico), Eintracht Frankfurt, Manchester United, Everton, Paris Saint Germain, Boca Juniors (Argentina), will compete in the tournament. The Football Association has identified this development opportunity and funds a place for eight candidates who are chosen from each of the Regional Referee Development Groups. Ian Blanchard, Senior National Game Referee Manager at the Football Association said: "Many consider the Dallas Cup referee corps to be one of the best for a youth tournament. World Class referees, some of which are FIFA referees with past World Cup appointments, take part in the tournament, providing the opportunity for these referees to operate with a variety of officials. The FA is fully committed to providing improvement opportunities for referees who are involved in the National Referee Development Programme." Lucy said: "When I found out I had been selected for Dallas I was ecstatic. This opportunity has been a stepping stone for so many of our top officials and to be given the opportunity is fantastic and something I will ensure I embrace fully. I am looking forward to it and hope it will help me in my bid for promotion." George McCaffery, a referee coach and group leader, added: "This is a great opportunity for referees to experience the challenges associated with International football whilst also developing their own personality. Being a group member of a prominent tournament referee panel creates a positive learning environment for them." Brian Le Breton, the Hampshire County FA, Referee Development Manager, said: "To be one of only eight referees to be selected by the Football Association to attend this prestigious tournament is a great achievement for Lucy, who has been a referee for only seven years and has been part of the County Referee Development Programme. Her selection is a reflection of the hard work and commitment she has shown in the support of local football. We wish her every success."
 Colchester United Reserves made no mistake in securing promotion to the FA Women's Premier League Reserves Section Southern Division One with a resounding 6-0 win away to Plymouth Ladies Reserves in their final league game. The U's needed a victory in order to put themselves beyond the reach of rivals Queen's Park Rangers and Reading FC Women, to clinch the runners-up spot in Southern Division Two behind title winners Cardiff City. Captain Karissa Rodney led the way with a hat-trick, Lily Mellors added a brace and youngster Sarah Gibbs rounded off the scoring to give Colchester the result they required. The U's can now look forward to locking horns with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Bristol Academy's reserve squads next season.
Lincoln Ladies are pleased to announce the signing of Precious Hamilton from Doncaster Rovers Belles and Meaghan Sergeant from Arsenal. Precious was ever present for the Belles last season and, after a string of impressive performances, has now made the short trip down from local rivals Doncaster to link up with her new team mates. Capped at the England Under-23 level, Hamilton has been a part of teams that have conquered some of the world's best, including arch rivals Germany in 2010. Now she joins a group of players that have their eyes set on silverware next season. Lincoln manager Glen Harris is excited to have captured Hamilton, whom he believes can become a hit with the fans. "It's brilliant to have Precious here," he said. "She's an interesting and exciting player to watch and I think that the fans will enjoy seeing what she can do." Along with Hamilton, Harris brings in Meaghan Sargeant who has spent nearly two years at the Arsenal academy, playing for Arsenal reserves as well as being a regular in the England Under-19 set up. "Meaghan is a tall, strong, quick defender who can play anywhere across the back line and is one of the brightest young prospects in the country," added Harris. "I have seen her develop as a footballer through the centre of excellence programme at Sheffield United and I am delighted that we have signed her for the forthcoming Super League season. "Having recentIy watched her in Holland playing for the Under-19s against France and Holland, she was the stand out player. I know with her working alongside experienced quality England players, her game will develop and I fully expect her to be challenging for a starting place."
The Football Association is proud to announce that Ashton Gate, home of Bristol City FC, will be the venue for the FA Women's Cup 2012 Final. This marks the first ever time the Final has been held in the city of Bristol. Last year, Arsenal beat Bristol Academy 2-0 to lift the trophy for a record eleventh time at the Ricoh Arena in front of nearly 14,000 fans. With the Final taking place in Bristol on Saturday 26 May, it is hoped the game will attract a sell out crowd at Ashton Gate, which has a capacity of over 21,000. The Final will kick-off at 12.15pm and will be screened live on Sky Sports. Guy Price, Chief Executive of Bristol City FC, said: "We are delighted to be hosting The FA Women's Cup Final at Ashton Gate. We know 2012 will be the nation's year of sport and we want to make sure Bristol is a shining light in the national sports calendar. "The match will be the pinnacle of a week of sports in Bristol, which also sees the Olympic Torch Relay and Bristol 10k take place. Hosting the FA Women's Cup Final gives the city a great chance to showcase what sport in Bristol has to offer. "We want to bring as many people together as possible for this event, ensuring local people and communities play a part in what will be a great week of sport for Bristol. "We are very proud to be hosting the match and look forward to putting on a fantastic event at Ashton Gate for the Final." Sue Hough, Chair of The FA Women's Committee, said: "We are delighted to be taking this year's Final to Bristol for the first time. Ashton Gate is a fantastic stadium with great facilities and has a proven track record in hosting matches with the FA. "With Bristol being the home of one of our top women's football clubs, Bristol Academy, we are really hoping that fans, families and teams from across the region, and across the country as a whole, will help us make this a truly memorable occasion in the women's football calendar. "The 2012 Final in May will take place during our second season of the Women's Super League, just ahead of the England Senior Women's vital Euro 2013 Qualifier in June against Holland and then of course, the Olympics in July where Team GB will be represented in the women's football competition for the very first time. 2012 promises to be a fantastic year for the sport." In 2010, Ashton Gate hosted an England Men's Under-21 international friendly against Uzbekistan, which England won 2-0. Tickets go on sale for the Final today costing £5 for adults and £2.50 for children and OAP's, £2.50 for disabled fans (carer goes free) or £10 for a family of four. There is a £1.50 booking fee per transaction. A group discount (minimum 15 people with one adult per 10 children) is available at the cost of £3 for adults and £2 for children. Transaction fee of £3.00. Tickets are on sale from the Bristol City ticket office on 0117 963 0600, online via www.eticketing.co.uk/bristolcityfc and in person from Ashton Gate Stadium.
 Bristol Academy Res 1 Arsenal Res 5 Arsenal Reserves cruised to a comfortable 5-1 victory against Bristol Academy to clinch a place in the FA Women's Premier League Reserve Cup Final against holders Everton Reserves. Three goals in seven minutes either side of half time took the game away from Academy and, although the hosts rallied well, Arsenal added a late goal to secure the win. A strong wind was in Arsenal's favour in the first 45 minutes and they penned Bristol back in their own half for much of the time. Abby Evans in the Academy goal was kept very busy, saving well from Angharad James' near post effort and tipping over a powerful Freda Ayisi free kick inside the first five minutes. A clearance off the line kept the match scoreless but Arsenal were rewarded for a dominant start by another Ayisi thunderbolt from 25 yards which flew in over the keeper to gave the Gunners a 10th minute lead. Tricia Gould, Ayisi then Melissa Lawley all tested Evans.as Arsenal pressed the Vixens high up the pitch, moved the ball fluently and threatened to add to their lead. Academy finally started to string a few passing moves of their own together with Ellie Curson and Laura May Walkley trying to thread balls through a solid looking Arsenal defence. With the wind at their backs after the break and only a one goal deficit, Academy would have been confident but Arsenal scored twice late on to emphasise their superiority in the half. First the impressive Ayisi powered her way into the area and, when Evans made a good block, the ball looped up kindly for Lawley to nod home. Then the pacy winger ran diagonally past three challenges to set up Ayisi, who smashed the ball high past Evans as the Gunners went in three goals to the good. Any hopes of a miracle comeback were immediately ended as poor Academy play in midfield left Lily Agg clear on goal for a crisp finish from ten yards at the near post. With no choice but to attack, Academy finally started to win battles all over the field and put concerted pressure on the Arsenal goal. A long range shot by Ellie Isaac which evaded Scarlett Field in the Gunners goal gave the hosts a lifeline on 57 minutes and they then created a series of chances which might have given them a way back. Curson volleyed over from ten yards on 59 minutes, Field dropped a cross which Academy could not force home and then a clever free kick routine on 75 minutes left two players free beyond the far post and a diving header was cleared off the line by Gunners sub Alexa Passingham. Whilst any of these moments could have sparked a miracle comeback and Academy pushed on at a high tempo, tackled aggressively and played really well, Arsenal always looked dangerous on the counter, with Evans making two further good saves. It was Agg who added to the Gunners margin of victory with another powerful rising shot from 15 yards with a couple of minutes left. The sides had already drawn 1-1 in the League and are due to meet soon in a title showdown. Academy will need to find their best form from the start next time as they showed that they can create chances against very effective and strong opponents. On this occasion, however, the Arsenal attack had already decided the outcome with powerful finishing from Ayisi and Agg. Bristol Academy: Abby Evans, Kirsten Rendell, Georgie Malpas, Ellie Isaac, Georgie Presswell, Rhian Cleverley, Abbey Reynolds, Ashleigh Harris, Laura May Walkley, Ellie Curson, Robyn Pinder. Subs: Ellie Leek, Chloe Tape, Kim Maggs, Rebecca Holloway, Hannah Churchill. Arsenal: Scarlett Field, Angharad James, Meaghan Sargeant, Taylor O'Leary, Leighanne Robe, Hayley Ladd, Melissa Lawley, Bianca Bragg, Freda Ayisi, Lily Agg, Tricia Gould. Subs: Alexa Passingham, Nicole Adams, Meg Ryan, Nicole McPhee, Zoe Cunningham. (Report by Patrick Higgins)
 Sunderland opened up a lead of three points at the top of the National Division after they defeated Cardiff City 2-0. In gusty conditions, the Wearsiders took the lead just after the half hour when Kelly McDougall's through ball released Beth Mead to score her 17th goal of the season. Cardiff goalkeeper Rhian Nokes pulled off a string of good saves to keep her side in the game but Steph Bannon sealed the points with ten minutes remaining when she netted direct from a 30-yard free kick. Charlton Athletic and Barnet met in a clash between two sides in the running for a third place and it is the Addicks who stay two points ahead as the match finished goalless. Hannah Short went close for Barnet early on and Kit Graham had a goal disallowed at the other end whilst after the break, Gemma Bryan and Emma Beckett both struck the woodwork for Charlton as did Cheryl Williams for the Bees. Watford's revival continued and their hopes of staying up still remain intact following their 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Megan Wynne put the Golden Girls ahead on the quarter hour and Sarah Wiltshire added the second before the break. Watford therefore go level on points with Forest but both teams are still four points adrift of safety with match starting to run out.
West Ham Utd took another potential step towards the Southern Division title with a 1-0 victory away to Queen's Park Rangers. A tight London derby was settled in the 77th minute when Lindsey Morgan netted the only goal of the game, taking the Hammers to within one point of leaders Colchester Utd with one match left to play. West Ham now have the same goal difference as Colchester but, having scored ten goals fewer, will need to win their final match against Brighton & Hove Albion in order to overhaul them and put pressure on Portsmouth, whose match at Gillingham was postponed. The other match to survive the weather was the crucial bottom of the table clash between Millwall Lionesses and Keynsham Town and it was the Lionesses who won 2-0, leaving the Somerset side in desperate trouble. Kasia Viggor netted both goals for Millwall, taking herself jointly top of the division's goalscoring charts in the process, to lift her side out of the bottom two at the expense of Queen's Park Rangers and Keynsham, who need to win both of their two remaining games to stand any chance of staying up.
 After an impressive run so far in the County 11-a-side league, Liskeard Girls Under-16s went in to the five-a-side Futsal Championships in good form despite not having much time to practice this format of the game in the run up to the County Championship. The competition was a one-day tournament which would see Liskeard having to get the better of five other teams if they wanted to lift the Cup. The day started with the group stage in which Liskeard's first game was set to be a tough one against Penzance and after an early morning trip down to Camborne, Liskeard hadn't quite woken up for this one and were made to pay for it as they lost their first game. This game however was to be the wake up call the girls needed as they kept a clean sheet and picked up a point against Charlestown Reds and they kept on getting better and better as in the next game they took the lead against tournament favourites Truro Whites, thanks to a great Lisa Pearce strike, but conceded a sucker punch goal in the closing moments to draw the game 1-1. Despite the upturn in performance Liskeard still had it all to do as they needed two wins in their last two games to guarantee a place in the semi finals. With all the pressure on, Liskeard took this moment to play their best football of the day, first beating another Truro team 3-0 with cracking goals from Chloe Williams and Sophie Woodhouse, who dominated the game linking up brilliantly to create amazing goals for each other as they won in style. Liskeard then repeated this feat again with another emphatic victory against Charlestown Yellow with more spectacular goals from Lisa Pearce and Sophie Woodhouse to clinch second spot at the end of the group stages. Liskeard's semi final against Charlestown Reds showed real grit and hard work as Amber Jeffery and Rosie Gibson worked their socks off for the team and it was their hard work which helped Liskeard over the line with a 1-0 win thanks to another Chloe Williams goal. This set up a final against pre-tournament favourites Truro Whites who had won this competition for the previous two seasons. In the opening moments of the final Liskeard had to be very thankful to Beth Spear playing at the back as the lone defender as she cut out many Truro attacks and to Sophie Woodhouse who had gone in goal for the game as she pulled off some outstanding saves to keep Liskeard in the game. Truro's pressure eventually told and they took a 1-0 lead and after a few moments to clear their heads, Liskeard then really started to put the pressure back on Truro. Emily Rogers, playing up front, was putting great pressure on the Truro defence and Liskeard's hard work was rewarded with a penalty as a Truro defender handled inside the area. Lisa Pearce slammed the ball home for Liskeard to put them back on level terms and that is the way it remained until full time. This meant dreaded extra time but after equalising late on in the game, Liskeard's tails were up as they had wave after wave of attack and corner after corner and finally with 14 seconds left to go, Lisa Pearce managed to get to the ball first before the Truro defence and slot the ball in the bottom corner to complete a historical day for Liskeard Girls and to win the County Cup. Liskeard will now progress to the Regional stage of the competition as Cornwall's representative later this year. We are still on the lookout for more talented girls to join our Under-16 team so if you are in year 10 or 11 and would like to join, please phone Ian Woodhouse on (07815) 860630 or for more information on Liskeard Girls FC please log on to www.liskeardgirlsfc.com.
 Dorchester Town are celebrating after clinching the Dorset County Women's League title for the first time in their history last week. The Magpies made sure that they will finish as Champions after they won 3-2 away to Bournemouth, thanks to goals from Abbie Wilson, Clare Bagwell and Lydia Woollard. They followed this up on Sunday with a 5-2 victory over Weymouth Res, one of the teams seeking to finish in the runners-up spot. After Kate O'Rourke had given them a first half lead direct from a corner, Weymouth fought back to level the scores just before half time. However after the break, Becky Smith headed Dorchester back in front and they went on to seal the win with O'Rourke completing her double and Bagwell also finding the net twice. The result means that Dorchester finished off their league season with a nine-match unbeaten run. Landing the title has been a great success for manager Tim Carter, who has been in charge since 2008, and his assistant Darrin Chutter. There have been a number of major contributions on the pitch during the course of the season, most notably from Clare Bagwell who has 33 goals to her name and is the Dorset League's leading scorer. Kate O'Rourke and Becky Smith have also been prolific scorers as well, having netted fourteen times each, and Abbie Wilson has weighed in with seven. Dorchester Town LFC are looking for a sponsor for the 2012-13 season to cover the running costs of the club. Anyone interested in sponsoring the Dorset Women's League Champions can contact manager Tim Carter on (07864) 682539 or e-mail dorchladies_fc@hotmail.co.uk. Dorchester Town's title winning squad: Vicky Wright, Stacey Smith, Bekki Harris, Cherys Stimpson, Rosie Williams, Caroline Hill, Steph Herbert, Clare Bagwell, Kate O'Rourke, Becky Smith, Abbie Wilson, Georgia Blackman, Katie True, Lydia Woollard, Mollie Casey, Nicola Whitehead.
Watford Football Club's Community Sports & Education Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with Benslow Care Homes during the 2011-2012 season. Benslow Care Homes have linked up with Watford Ladies FC as the 'Team Sponsor' for their FA Women's Premier League first team and the reserves who compete in the FA Women's Premier Reserves League Southern Division One. Benslow is a family run business founded in 1982 by lifelong Watford supporters Steve and Sue McQuinn who were born, grew up, married and still live in Hertfordshire. They founded Benslow Management to provide quality care for the elderly and now operate four residential homes for older people, one of which is a nursing home, all providing care for people with dementia based in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Benslow provide over 3,000 hours of care and support every week for its residents with their key objective being to help people retain their independence, accommodate there condition and help them live life to the full. A leading independent provider of residential dementia care, Benslow work in close partnership with local authorities and PCTs, drawing on over 28 years of experience to provide tailor-made service solutions for people living with dementia and their families. Benslow Care Homes Chairman, Steve McQuinn commented: "Like Watford ladies, Benslow Care Homes have recruited the highest quality managers who lead and motivate a strong and dedicated team, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the vulnerable people we care for." Watford manager John Salomon added: "The support of Benslow Care Homes has been absolutely fantastic. They have taken a true interest in what we do and even came along to Northwood Park to support us in our victory over Barnet. ''Sponsorship is key to the sustainability of any female football club, so everyone at Watford FC's Community Sports & Education Trust is very grateful to Benslow Care Homes. Hopefully we can repay their support both on and off the pitch and highlight to the community the excellent care that they provide in their homes.'' For further information on Benslow Care Homes please visit their website, www.benslowcarehomes.co.uk or call them on (01442) 825919. Watford FC's Community Sports & Education Trust would like to extend a great thank you to everyone at Benslow Care Homes for their support of Watford Ladies FC.
The weather again had the final say on Sunday as only one of the three Second Round ties managed to go ahead. That tie was at Blackpool Wren Rovers where the home side hosted Rotherham Utd but an exciting tie ensued with the North West League Division One North pushing their Premier League opponents all the way before finally going down 4-3. Beth Smith netted two of the goals for Rotherham, with Nat Shaw and Carla Baxby also on target. Nikki Berko struck a hat-trick in reply for plucky Blackpool but their Cup run has come to an end. Rotherham therefore have landed the plum tie of the Third Round as they will now be away to Premier League Champions Sunderland. The other two scheduled ties, between Sheffield FC and Middlesbrough as well as Sheffield Wednesday's home game against Durham Wildcats, were both postponed and the teams will attempt to play once again this week.
South West Combination Forest Green Rovers kept their title hopes alive as they ran out 7-0 winners over Southampton Saints in the only Combination match played over the weekend. Katie Cook netted a hat-trick, Charlotte King weighed in with a double and there were further goals from Kirsty Richardson and Samantha Hallsworth to take Forest Green into fourth place.
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