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 Wales were on the receiving end of another narrow defeat as they were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland in their UEFA Women's Championship qualifying group match in Oberdorf. Adrian Tucker's side were missing key players through suspension with Sally Wade, Rhian Nokes, Kala Morgan and Katie Daley being drafted into the starting line-up and Emma Jones taking over the captaincy, but they held out until just before half time, when Lara Dickermann gave them the lead. Hopes of a Welsh fightback were ended fourteen minutes from time as Dickermann scored her second goal from the penalty spot. Cardiff City's Natasha Harding was given her senior debut as a late substitute. Wales conclude their group fixtures on 29 May with a plum match away to World Champions Germany, in Kassel. Wales: Rhian Nokes, Nicola Cousins (sub Natasha Harding 86mins), Natalie Holt, Sally Wade, Emma Jones, Kerrie Manley, Kala Morgan (sub Loren Dykes 45mins), Katie Daley, Michelle Green, Cheryl Foster (sub Jo Edwards 74mins), Gwennan Harries. Subs not used: Lauren Wells, Carla Parfitt, Charlotte Miller, Lauren Townsend. Switzerland: Marisa Brunner, Fransiska Shaerer, Rahel Graf, Marina Keller, Martina Moser, Prisca Steinegger (sub Noemie Beney 66mins), Lara Dickenmann, Vanessa Buerki, Carolin Abbe, Nicole Schaepper (sub Isabelle Meyer 76mins), Desiree Grundbacher. Subs not used: Gaelle Thalmann, Sandra Betschart, Vanessa Bernauer, Ramona Bachmann, Maeva Sarrasin.
 Watford made it seven triumphs in a row as they successfully retained the Hertfordshire County Cup this week by defeating Welwyn Garden City 3-2 after extra time in the Final at the County Ground, Letchworth.After a goalless and tight first half, it was the holders who drew first blood, taking the lead on the hour mark with Jo Rutherford firing home after Heather McDonnell's clever through ball. Less than ten minutes later, the same player doubled the lead after battling her way into the box and past the goalkeeper before bundling the ball home for her 12th goal in the County Cup this season, after scoring a hat-trick in every round in the lead up to the Final. Emma Beckett then blazed over in front of an open goal after Helen Lander's shot had been parried, and Rutherford then missed the chance of yet another hat-trick, just screwing wide from five yards after yet more good work on the wing from McDonnell. With only five minutes left, indecision in the back four let in Welwyn to pull a goal back through Laveena Betts and barely a minute later, Naomi Lyon equalised in similar circumstances to send the game into extra time although there was still time in the 90 minutes for Lander to hit the post from a good position and for Ashlee Hincks to hit the bar from 25 yards. Extra time was a cagey affair, with both teams starting to feel cramp and heavy legs but with the prospect of a penalty shootout looming, Watford found the breakthrough five minutes before the end of extra time. Hincks curled in a free kick from the right hand side and Beckett rose highest to send a looping header into the net over the goalkeeper's head. Of the seven county cup triumphs, Welwyn had certainly ran Watford the closest and deserved many plaudits for making it a pulsating cup final, but ultimately Watford had done enough to keep the trophy for another year, and secure Steve Edwards his first silverware as Reserve Team Manager. Midfielder Danika O'Riordan was awarded player of the match. After the game, Steve Edwards said: "We made hard work of it and at 2-0 up we really should have made the game safe but nerves set in and we had to pick ourselves back up for extra time. All credit to the girls for showing spirit in extra time to dig in for the victory after seeing their two goal lead slip away so quickly and so late in the game. "Credit also must go to Welwyn Garden City who showed they were more than up for it and gave our girls a real game today but I think on the balance of chances created, we did enough to deserve to win and we're happy to be going away with the trophy for another year."
Peter Varney has expressed confidence that the future of the Charlton Athletic women's team is in safe hands despite their relegation from the top flight this season. However, this was exactly what was expected, argues the departing chief executive, who points to great progress being made in the set-up's youth ranks. "The women's team has been relegated but it's actually quite healthy," he said. "The first team understandably always gets the headlines, but in the academy and the centre of excellence below that, we are performing well against the Arsenals and the Chelseas, so it looks good for the future." Only three members of last season's squad that reached the FA Women's Cup Final remained at the club following the extensive summer upheaval that saw funding dramatically reduced and responsibility for the female set-up switch from the football club to the Charlton Community Trust. And while Charlton have been relegated, there have plenty of encouraging signs in the second half of the season. Indeed, by starting in the Southern Division in August, the Addicks are in a better position than had they gone out of existence and had to resume at the bottom tier of the women's game. Added Varney: "The first team left en masse when we withdrew the wage structure and went to other clubs, so it was always going to be a difficult situation to deal with. "The team survived and is still here, though, and the underlying development structure is in good shape." Jason Morgan, acting Chief Executive of the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, added: "Where most would expect cutbacks because of relegation, we have already set a budget for next season reflecting a desire to bounce straight back to the National Division. A reserve team will be introduced and a development officer appointed supporting the girls and women's programme. We will shortly be announcing trial dates for our senior teams. "Paul Mortimer has extended his contract and we are showing signs of stability in only our second season under the Trust. The future looks bright with an exciting crop of young players coming through from the Academy and Centre of Excellence. The intake for next season's Academy at both Canterbury High School and London Leisure College will be the biggest yet. "I cannot stress enough how Paul Mortimer has been such a huge role model and asset to the Girls and Women's programme and would encourage female players to come along and see our set up under his leadership."
Belarus.........1 (Ryzhevich 30) England........6 (J.Scott 1, Williams 6,25,86, Sanderson 43, White 90) A Fara Williams hat-trick kept England on course to qualify for Euro 2009, as they saw off Belarus with ease to take a crucial three points from their visit to Minsk. England were ahead after just 30 seconds as Jill Scott arrived at the near post to power home Rachel Yankey's fine delivery from the left flank. It was a lightning start for the Three Lions as they looked to sign off for the summer in style, with Fara Williams lofting a delightful pass out to the left wing Yankey which she in turn delivered onto the head of Everton's Jill Scott. It was the perfect start as the visitors controlled possession and looked to break in numbers, and it wasn't long before it was 2-0 as Fara Williams drove a terrific free-kick into the top corner. Jill Scott drove at the heart of the Belarus defence before being felled 25 yards from goal. Kelly Smith stood over the ball, but Williams hit the ball with the outside of her right foot and Novikova was once again stranded on her line. After losing two early goals, and already suffering a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Spain just a week ago, Belarus were keen to limit the damage and packed their defence to prevent another heavy defeat. Halfway through the first period and it was 3-0, with Fara Williams getting on the scoresheet again - with another cracking effort from 25 yards out. This time it was in open play as Casey Stoney and Rachel Yankey built an attack before feeding Williams in space through the middle. Williams drove forward and was given the chance to shoot as Belarus backed off, her effort flying into the top corner. Just five minutes later and Belarus had a somewhat fortunate route back into the contest as their captain, Natalya Ryzhevich lofted a deep cross that deceived Siobhan Chamberlain in the England goal and dropped in the top corner. It was a warning for England as they sought to run away with the game, but just on the stroke of half time Lianne Sanderson restored the three-goal advantage with a calmly taken finish inside the six yard box. The second half was more difficult as heavy rain and hailstones made for tough conditions, and Belarus edged ever further towards their own goal. Birthday girl Lindsay Johnson came on, as did Everton teammate Jody Handley and Birmingham's Laura Bassett. Williams completed her hat-trick with another terrific effort from distance, before captain Faye White got on the scoresheet again, heading home from a terrific cross from Arsenal teammate Rachel Yankey. England, five points clear at the top of group one, now have just two remaining qualifiers in their bid to qualify for the European Championship in Finland next year, taking on Czech Republic on 28 September and Spain four days later. Both games are away from home. (www.TheFA.com) Belarus: Sviatlana Novikava, Oksana Shpak, Alesia Baranova (sub Sviatlana Znaidzionova 77mins), Volha Novikava, Natalya Ryzhevich, Irina Kozeeva, Maryna Lis (sub Tatsiana Kiose 68mins), Svetlana Astasheva (sub Volha Manzhuk 61mins), Elena Shevtsova, Alina Vasilyeva, Nina Akhvymuk. Subs not used: Ina Batsianouskaya, Volha Radzko, Alena Buzinova, Sviatlana Ryzhova. England: Siobhan Chamberlain, Alex Scott (sub Lindsay Johnson 45mins), Casey Stoney, Jill Scott, Faye White, Anita Asante, Karen Carney (sub Jody Handley 45mins), Fara Williams, Lianne Sanderson, Kelly Smith (sub Laura Bassett 59mins), Rachel Yankey. Subs not used: Rachel Brown, Sue Smith, Mary Phillip, Rachel Unitt.
 Fulham FC Girls Centre of Excellence will be holding open trials to recruit players for the 2008-09 season to complement the teams existing at Under 10/12/14 and 16 age groups. Fulham FC Community Sports Trust operates a Girls Centre of Excellence on behalf of the FA, which receives support from Fulham FC and Sport England. The aim is to develop the most talented female players and to provide a pathway through to regional talent camps and England youth teams. In recent years Fulham has been successful in developing a number of players to represent their country, including Siobhan Chamberlain, who has been starring in goal in recent internationals. Fulham FC Centre of Excellence has recently been accredited by the FA with the status of 'Excellent', the highest ranking a centre can receive. FA qualified coaches deliver two sessions a week developing the technical, tactical, physiological and social skills of each player. Girls attending the Centre of Excellence have exclusive use of the Fulham FC training ground which has superb indoor, outdoor and medical facilities. Trials for next season's Girls Centre of Excellence will take at Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 6PT. Saturday 7th June 2008 Under-10s Registration 10.30am Trials 11am - 1pm Under-14s Registration 12.15pm Trials 1pm - 4pm Sunday 8th June 2008 Under-16s Registration 12.15pm Trials 1pm - 3pm Under-12s Registration 2.15pm Trials 3pm - 5pm For more information and to attend these trials please contact Beth Curtis on (0208) 336 7573 or e-mail bcurtis@fulhamfc.com.
Joanne Love netted twice as Celtic booked their place in the Unite Scottish FA Cup Final with a 3-2 semi final victory over Aberdeen. Aberdeen, beaten finalists two years ago, got off to a great start when Susan Murray scored with a neat 25-yard lob. However the lead lasted for just five minutes, Celtic quickly levelling the scores through Christie Murray. Joanne Love headed Celtic in front for the first time and the midfielder netted her second goal to send the Hoops into the break with a 3-1 advantage. After the break, Aberdeen hauled themselves back into the game via another well executed lob from Susan Murray and, with play flowing from end to end, both sides had further chances to score. Christie Murray struck the post from Celtic and in the dying minutes, Aberdeen almost sent the game into extra time as Rachel Corsie's free kick was saved by Claire Johnstone but Celtic held out to reach the Final, where they will take on holders Hibernian at McDiarmid Park, Perth on 17th May.
The Dorset County FA are looking to appoint an Under-18 Girls' Representative Manager for season 2008-09. The post will offer the opportunity to manage/coach the Under-18 Girls' Representative Team. For season 2008-09, the team will compete in the South & West Women's Counties Championship; the successful applicant will have responsibility to co-ordinate the trials and identify players for the season, plan and deliver coaching sessions, attend all fixtures and work closely with the Cup and Competitions Manager. You will need a minimum of the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football and have a good understanding of the organisation and structure of football development and women's and girls football specifically. Due to the requirements of this role, successful applicants will undergo a screening process that will include an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. Please note this is a Voluntary Position for which an honoraria will be paid. The closing date will be Friday 6 June 2008 with interviews being held on Tuesday 17 June 2008. To apply for this position, you should submit a CV together with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for this role. All applications must be marked private and confidential and addressed to: Sue Hough, Chief Executive, Dorset County FA, Blandford Close, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset BH15 4BF or alternatively e-mail sue.hough@dorset.com. The Dorset County FA Girls Centre of Excellence Programme are also looking to appoint an Under 16 Head Coach. The post will offer the opportunity to work at an FA Girls Centre of Excellence Programme. The position will commence in June 2008; and will entail training sessions twice a week and a weekly fixture programme on a Saturday against other FA licensed Centre of Excellences. Key skills and experience required: Essential Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football - working towards the Level 3/UEFA B within a maximum three year period. A recognised First Aid Qualification The FA CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check Experience in coaching girls' football An understanding of the current FA Girls Centre of Excellence programme. Have knowledge and understanding of child development and be sensitive to children's needs Willingness to work weekends, evenings and attend in-service events when required Own transport essential Desirable Level 3/UEFA B Coaching Qualification An understanding of Talent Identification An appreciation of Long Term Player Development Attended the FA Youth Coaches Course Knowledge and understanding of working with young players Ability to work in a team environment Understanding of the FA girls & women's player pathway The closing date will be Friday 6 June 2008 with interviews being held on Tuesday 17 June 2008. To apply for this position you should submit a CV together with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for this role. All applications must be marked private and confidential and addressed to: Liz Pill, Centre Director, Dorset County FA, Blandford Close, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset BH15 4BF or alternatively e-mail liz.pill@dorset.com. Dorset County FA are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
 Having been crowned Shropshire League Huddersfield Challenge Cup winners following a 5-0 victory over Bridgnorth Town in the Final last week, newcomers Telford Girls & Ladies go searching for more silverware in the coming weeks. Beth Hughes set Telford on their way to Challenge Cup success with the opening goal before four goals from Debbie Slater cemented the club's first Cup Final success. A good Shropshire County League campaign has seen manager Steve Reeves' side beaten just twice in sixteen league outings and they currently sit three points clear of nearest challengers Whitchurch Alport, With top spot in the league carrying automatic promotion to the West Midlands League and with an important league game looming against second placed rivals Whitchurch Alport this Sunday, Telford will be looking for further success having already beaten their opponents this season but, whatever the result, Telford will remain top by virtual of goal difference. More silverware is on offer when the two sides go head to head seven days later in the League Cup Final, sponsored by www.printme.me.uk, which kicks off at 5pm at Markey Drayton. We asked manager and Club Secretary Steve Reeves, how and why the club was formed. He replied, "How we were formed, what a question (laughs out loud) - we started an under-10s team in 2006-07 season under a boys club, on account of my sister who wanted to play football but not mixed with boys. We managed to attract 14 girls for that season and one of the under-10s had a sister who was 15 at the time, she wanted to play too. Therefore, I took her down to one club, but she didn't like it, and I heard various rumours regarding other clubs, so I didn't take her there either. She then asked if I would start a team for her - so that is how the ladies team really started, and we then decided to create TGLFC as the boys club we were under didn't really support us. We wanted somewhere central for mixed abilities to come, we currently have Under-10s and 12s along with a ladies side and are hoping to have an additional two teams next year with an under-14s and a reserve ladies team. Out of the 27 players, I have signed only six players who used to play for the old Telford team. We are currently working on our new home ground which we hope will be ready for the new season." On Friday night, the club could clinch more silverware when they take on Midland Combination side TNS Ladies in the Shropshire County Cup Final at Shrewsbury Town's New Stadium in what is sure to be a big test and a benchmark for the senior side. Having only started this season, the club has recently been boosted by the news that it has been awarded a Football Foundation grant to further its future development. The club caters for girls from 5 to 16 years old in its youth section and 16+ in their senior ladies team. The 2007-08 season has been a successful first campaign in which the club entered two youth teams into the Shropshire Girls Youth League at under-10 and Under-12 level as well as the seniors. Players in the senior team who wish to further their footballing careers will be able to do so by the club's association with Wolverhampton Wanderers WFC. 2008 sees Telford Girls & Ladies FC holding its first football tournament across two weekends in July while the success of the senior ladies side has also been transferred to its under-10 side who, under the reins of team chief Colleen Anson, finished their league campaign with a 100% record having won all of their ten league games and there is another chance for more success and cup glory for the team on 24 May when they play Wrekin Girls in the Charity Cup Final. (Glenn Lawrence Media, Photo - Steve Reeves).
 Wolves Women are now looking to strengthen their squad for the forthcoming 2008-09 season. If you are 16 or over, have an understanding of the game and already play local club football and have ambition to play at a higher level, or need a new challenge, the club will be holding trials commencing on Tuesday 10th June and Thursday 12th June 2008. To register your interest and for further details please contact Manager David Ball on (07958) 133802 or e-mail sports.therapyclinic@yahoo.co.uk. Wolves Women are also seeking a physio to work with their reserve team for the 2008-09 season. The ideal candidate will be able to attend both home and away fixtures on Sundays. You will ideally hold the F.A Intermediate Treatment and Management of Injuries Certificate, and hold a valid CRB check. This position would suit a physio looking to gain match day experience within a sports club environment. If you feel you fit the candidate profile and would be interested in the experience, please contact Manager David Ball on (07958) 133802 or e-mail your CV to sports.therapyclinic@yahoo.co.uk.
 Blackpool Wren Rovers staged a stunning fightback to complete the League and Cup 'double' in the North West League.In a dramatic Regional Cup Final at Bamber Bridge, Blackpool looked unlikely to achieve the double as they trailed Liverpool Feds 3-0 at half time with goals from Lyndsey Doyle (2) and Natalie Holt. However, after the interval, Blackpool clawed their way back with goals from Debbie Standring, Carly Loughran and Michaela Barlow to take the game into extra time. Barlow, who came on as an early substitute in the first half, made the most of her chance by notching her second and the winner for Blackpool in the second period of extra time. Meanwhile the Regional Plate finalists endured torrential rain but still served up an intriguing treat for the vocal spectators with Chorley edging out Penrith Utd 1-0. Five minutes from time, Janette Rayton put Chorley ahead but Penrith rallied and a goalbound effort looked like sending the final into extra time but it struck the bar and bounced to safety with seconds to go. Photo - www.kipax.com
Sheffield Wednesday LFC will be holding open trials on Sunday 15th and Sunday 22nd June. If players would like to attend, please e-mail me dan.duke@swladiesfc.co.uk for times and places. "We are a progressive club who are always looking to push forward and improve," says Wednesday manager Daniel Duke. "We have a very good set up at Sheffield Wednesday and have a lot of experienced players, but are looking for players to improve our squad as a whole for the coming 2008-09 season in the FA Tesco Women's Premier League."
 Plymouth Argyle won the South West Combination's Ambassador League Cup for the first time by beating AFC Bournemouth 4-1 at Huish Park.The win came as a consolation for Argyle, who are set to finish as runners-up in the league for the second year running, with their lively forward line and midfield - in which Laura Perrett and Becky Atkins impressed - proving to be too strong for Bournemouth on the day. Argyle went in front with a first half goal from Rachel Pitman whose shot went in via a post. Chloe Roberts went close to adding a second just before half with an effort which was narrowly off target. Four minutes after the restart, leading scorer Roberts doubled the advantage as she latched onto a long ball from Katie Middleton to round Rachel Simkin and slot home. Pitman was denied a third goal by a good save from Simkin but Bournemouth were to get themselves back into the game as Michelle Keehan tapped home from close range. However on the hour mark, the two-goal lead was restored as a cross by Nicky Lake slipped through the grasp of Simkin and into the net. Bournemouth lost goalkeeper Simkin with an injury after making a save from Pitman but, with an enthusiastic band of supporters cheering them on, still pressed hard to get back into the game. Plymouth were to have the final say though and good work from Roberts saw her set up a simple chance for Pitman to score her second, deep into injury time. Photo - Plymouth midfielder Laura Perrett heads away from Charlie Lanahan of AFC Bournemouth.
Millwall Lionesses took the runners-up position in the Southern Division with a 2-0 victory away to Keynsham Town. Amy Mason and Angela Kiobel scored the goals which mean that the Lionesses finish in their highest position since they were relegated from the top flight in 2001. Barnet had started the day in second place but their chances were ended as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Newquay, for whom Annie Richards and Leanne Lapham were on target. Portsmouth are all but certain to finish in fourth after they ran out 4-1 winners away to West Ham Utd. A double from Brooke Chaplen, plus goals from Jen Osmond and Fiona McMillan, saw Pompey end the Hammers' run of three straight victories and leapfrog them in the table.
 Arsenal 4 (Smith 53,82, Ludlow 58, Sanderson 60)Leeds Utd 1 (Clarke 69) att: 24,582; at Nottingham Forest F.C. Three goals in a devastating seven-minute spell in the second half took Arsenal towards a convincing victory over Leeds at the City Ground, and in doing so became the first club to win the F.A.Women's Cup Final for three years in succession since Southampton managed the feat in 1973. The Gunners were given a pre-match boost as Julie Fleeting returned to the bench from a broken metatarsal but Leeds were dealt a blow as full back Nicole Emmanuel was ruled out through injury, forcing them to field Steph Houghton in the right back position and Jade Moore came into midfield. Arsenal could have gone ahead as early as the second minute, as Lianne Sanderson released Alex Scott in the area and the full back's shot was cleared off the line by Sophie Bradley. Another good Sanderson pass found Kelly Smith in the area where, after she got past Steph Houghton, she sent in a shot which was blocked by Carly Telford. Arsenal were looking rampant in the early stages and they went even closer as a Scott cross was half cleared by Sophie Walton as far as Scott who crashed a shot against the underside of the bar. Leeds still couldn't get the ball away and Sanderson worked herself some space in the area before Telford denied her with another excellent save. Telford again excelled herself after Houghton was caught in possession by Rachel Yankey and Jayne Ludlow unleashed a dipping shot which was superbly palmed over the bar by the Leeds goalkeeper. Arsenal continued to press and Scott once again broke into the area but Telford blocked her first effort and smothered the rebound. Smith made a driving run towards goal and found Yankey in the area, however the Arsenal winger took just too long over her shot and Alex Culvin was able to recover in time. Karen Carney and Sanderson both fired efforts wide as the one-way traffic continued. Faye White headed over from close range following a good cross by Carney and a poor goal kick from Telford almost let Carney in, however she made amends for her error by blocking the resulting shot with her legs. Ludlow burst into the area to be denied by Katie Holtham's block, Arsenal appealed for handball but play was waved on. Leeds continued to weather the storm and forced a corner three minutes before the break, Sue Smith's inswinging kick being clawed away by Emma Byrne at the near post. Back came Arsenal and a miscued header by Walton was volleyed wide by Sanderson but Leeds managed to cling on to the goalless scoreline at the interval. As the second half began, Leeds won an early corner from which Jess Wright's shot was charged down. However Arsenal picked up the pace once again and a dangerous run from the left by Yankey ended with her clipping the ball into the path of Smith who slid the ball past Telford to make the breakthrough and give her side the lead. Carney made a run towards the area after robbing Walton of the ball but was met with a fine tackle from Bradley and Yankey put the loose ball wide. However Arsenal were to double their advantage as a free kick into the area, taken by Sanderson, was touched past Telford by Ludlow. Moments later and a deflected shot from Sanderson from the edge of the area gave Telford no chance and Arsenal were three ahead. Leeds did not give up and they were rewarded in the 69th minute as Sue Smith latched on to a long ball from Wright and was unlucky to see her deft lob come back off the post, however Jess Clarke had followed up to head the rebound past Byrne for a goal on her 19th birthday and give her side hopes of a fightback. Back came Arsenal and a firm header by Ludlow was headed off the line by Culvin. With Leeds now committed to attack, Scott wasted a glorious chance when she lifted her shot over after being set up by Smith. Julie Fleeting curled a shot just wide after some good work by Gemma Davison but any hopes of a Leeds comeback were ended eight minutes from time after Fleeting battled her way past Wright, her shot came back off the post and left a simple tap-in for Smith. Davison drilled a shot wide as Arsenal tried to crown the win with a fifth goal but Leeds kept going until the final whistle, which signalled Arsenal's celebrations for another success. Arsenal: Emma Byrne, Alex Scott, Mary Phillip, Jayne Ludlow, Anita Asante, Faye White, Karen Carney, Kelly Smith, Lianne Sanderson (sub Julie Fleeting 73mins), Ciara Grant (sub Yvonne Tracy 73mins), Rachel Yankey (sub Gemma Davison 73mins). Subs not used: Rebecca Spencer, Gilly Flaherty. Leeds Utd: Carly Telford, Steph Houghton, Alex Culvin (sub Olivia Thackray 80mins), Sophie Walton, Jess Wright (sub Gemma Bonner 85mins), Sophie Bradley, Jess Clarke, Sue Smith, Amanda Barr, Katie Holtham, Jade Moore (sub Mel Sutcliffe 59mins). Subs not used: Emma Higgins, Ashley Hutton. Photo - www.jamesprickett.co.uk
 A nervy performance in the club's most important game for a long time saw Tottenham Hotspur edge a closely fought encounter 2-1 against Horley Town to give them the three points they needed to secure the London & South East League title.The first half saw Spurs suffer some tentative play, but Rosi Webb struck an upright early on to shake Horley's confidence. The game was played mostly in the visitors' half, but it was only about ten minutes before half time that the deadlock was broken when Clare Singh's through pass was slotted past the keeper by Jessie Richards to settle the nerves. Horley were not just there to make up the numbers and equalised five minutes after the break, going on to hit the bar with two efforts to silence the 200 strong crowd. However, Webb and Richards both had chances to give Spurs the advantage, but missed from close range, leaving it until the 80th minute for Richards to hook home a flicked on corner at the far post to give Tottenham the lead they hung onto to ensure promotion to the South East Combination next season.
Chelmsford City made sure of the Eastern Region League Division One South title following a superb 5-0 win against an Arlesey Town side who were still in the hunt for runners-up spot. City enjoyed the better of the opening period, Lucy Garrett going closest with a well struck free kick which was well saved by the Arlesey keeper. The visitors settled and began to enjoy a spell of possession but could not find a way through as both sides cancelled each other out. With 35 minutes gone, City edged in front from the penalty spot after Laura Brown was felled in the box following a clumsy tackle from behind. Up stepped Michelle Davis to coolly stroke the ball home despite the efforts of the keeper. The second half saw City, not content with sitting on their single goal lead, put early pressure on the Arlesey goal but it wasn't for a quarter of an hour before City eased any tension with a second goal. Good work on the right by Emma Ridings culminated in her squaring the ball across the face of goal where Jasmine Wheeler netted at the far post. Davis was influential in the centre of midfield all afternoon and showed her skill and determination by netting City's third with a well taken goal as the Clarets dazzled the sizeable crowd with intricate, one touch passing football which opened up a tiring Arlesey defence. To their credit, Arlesey always looked dangerous on the break but City's back four looked strong throughout and when they did get a chance on goal, keeper Leanne Topper showed why she is rated as one of the top keepers with a confident display. Firstly she had to back track and claim an attempted lob under her own crossbar and then hold onto a fiercely struck shot. City skipper Ridings rounded off an inspirational performance when her determination in closing down every ball saw her capitalise on an attempted clearance which rebounded kindly and she stroked the ball home for City's fourth. Topper had to be at her best to get down and turn a low drive round her post while moments later at the other end, a moment of sheer brilliance by Davis saw her complete her hat-trick. Finding herself in the box, with her back to goal and surrounded by defenders, she cheekily backheeled the ball past the Town keeper and into the net. The remainder of the match was played out with City putting on a show of skill in front of an already celebrating crowd, the final whistle sounding prompted scenes of celebration with champagne corks popping.
 It was a bright day for West Midlands League Premier Division side Stratford Town, who heralded their first ever appearance at the club's brand new Knights Lane Stadium in the Tiddington district of Stratford Upon Avon by beating relegated Rea Valley Rovers 7-1, with Lisa Bright becoming the first Stratford Town ladies player to record a hat-trick at the new ground, Bright bagging four of Stratford's goals. Jade Craddock opened the scoring on eight minutes before Lisa Slowther's double put the Shakespeare sisters well in control; Rosie Hawker reduced the deficit for Rea Valley before Lisa Bright struck four times, the first coming on 39 minutes before three quickfire second half goals inside seven minutes completed the 7-1 scoreline. Having been made homeless after the football club sold its Mason's Road ground, the Shakespeare Sisters have been playing their football as tenants at the NFU Ground adjacent to its brand new Knights Lane ground. Under the rein of first team boss Mark Bickley, who has led the Sisters to a seventh place finish in his first West Midlands League campaign, Stratford Town enjoy the full support of their male counterparts through Chairman Craig Hughes, who was on hand to witness for himself the ladies' first ever match at Knights Lane. Chairman Craig has been a big supporter over the years of women's football, turning out to watch the team regularly when they took to the hallowed turf at Mason's Road. With a brand new stadium comes the hope the ladies team will be enjoying the same level of support they once attracted at their old Mason's Road headquarters next season. Photo - Lisa Bright (Centre) celebrates one of her goals (Glenn Lawrence Media).
Scotland took another step closer to a potential play-off slot for the UEFA Women's Championship Finals with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Portugal at the Municipal Stadium of Povoa do Varzim. Jennifer Beattie got Scotland off to an early start by heading home a Megan Sneddon corner in the 11th minute and then it was captain courageous, Julie Fleeting, who played despite recovering from a broken metatarsal in her foot, who sealed the victory with a hat-trick of goals in the first half of the game. Her first came on 20 minutes following good combination play between Kim Little and Pauline Hamill, the resultant cross was volleyed past the stranded keeper by the striker. The third Scotland goal came in 25 minutes when a Jo Love pass in behind the Portuguese defenders saw Fleeting one on one with the keeper, the Scotland captain calmly chipped the ball home. Fleeting's final goal was scored from the penalty spot seven minutes before half time and her Arsenal team mate Little was bundled to the ground in the area. Portugal's Edite Fernandes scored a consolation goal just before half time for the home team. Scotland created further good chances in the second half when there were scoring opportunities for Fleeting, Little and Hamill, but the hard work in the first half ensured the Scots victory. Scotland coach Anna Signeul commented after the match: "I really am delighted. It was so important to come here and to secure the three points as it keeps us in contention for one of the play-off slots. We created many really good chances in the first half, and it was really pleasing to see Julie return after injury and to see her grab a hat-trick. The result today is good preparation for our next qualification match against Ukraine later this month.' Scotland: Gemma Fay, Leanne Ross, Shelley Kerr, Ifeoma Dieke, Jennifer Beattie, Natalie Ross (sub Stacey Cook 55mins), Joanne Love, Megan Sneddon, Kim Little, Julie Fleeting (sub Suzabbe Grant 69mins), Pauline Hamill (sub Amanda Burns 76mins). Subs not used: Joanna Hutcheson, Rhonda Jones, Julie Ferguson, Amy McDonald. (www.scottishfa.co.uk)
 Everton recorded two convincing wins in successive days to continue their excellent end of season form.On Saturday, they ran out 4-1 winners away to Watford, Natasha Dowie doing her England prospects no harm at all by scoring a hat-trick against her former club. Ashlee Hincks had earlier been on target for Watford but Toni Duggan rounded off the scoring for Everton in the dying minutes. The result ensured that Bristol Academy would finish in fourth place for the second season in a row. 24 hours later, the Toffees scored six without reply against Cardiff City to stretch their unbeaten run in the league to 14 matches. Dowie opened the scoring with Michelle Hinnigan, Rachel Unitt and Jill Scott adding further goals before half time. Duggan netted for the second game in succession and Michelle Evans wrapped up the victory with the sixth goal. Birmingham City meanwhile ran up their biggest victory of the season, 6-1 against Charlton Athletic. Amy McCann gave the Blues the lead with Maz Gauntlett and Becky Hall also on target before McCann added her second and Heather Scheuber also found the net before half time. Danielle Farmer pulled a goal back for Charlton but Katy Ward rounded off the scoring for Birmingham with a long range effort. Photo - Ouch! Everton's in-form striker Natasha Dowie goes in where it hurts with Watford duo Cori Daniels and Kelly Hughes (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
A youthful Sunderland side rounded off their campaign in third place in the Northern Division by beating Preston North End 2-0. After the first half finished goalless, Sunderland opened the scoring midway through the second half as Steph Bannon's effort was saved by Jenny Horrocks and Natalie Gutteridge pounced to score from the rebound. Sunderland, whose oldest player on the pitch was just 19 years old, made the game safe in injury time as Gutteridge netted her second by powerfully heading home a Jade Clark cross.
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