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 Hope Powell has named the England squad she hopes can retain the Cyprus Cup when they travel to Larnaca later this month.England take on South Africa (24 February), Canada (26 February) and Switzerland (1 March) as they continue their preparations for the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying double header against Austria and Spain. England lifted the trophy last year and 18 members of that squad have been named, including a recall for Rachel Yankey after she missed out on last year's UEFA Women's Championships. England squad:
Arsenal have confirmed the date for their UEFA Women's Champions League quarter final with FCR 2001 Duisburg. The Gunners host the second leg against the current European Champions on Sunday 14 March at Boreham Wood FC, kick off 1.30pm. The first leg in Germany will take place four days earlier.
Holders Glasgow City have been paired with Hibernian in the First Round of the Scottish Women's Premier League Cup. The treble winners will be one of the eight teams in action when the new summer season kicks off on 21 February with a repeat of last season's Final. Former winners Spartans will also be playing, travelling away to Dundee Utd SC. First Round draw: Glasgow City v Hibernian Hamilton Academicals v Forfar Farmington Dundee Utd SC v Spartans Boroughmuir Thistle v Celtic
Third placed Manchester City were dealt a blow as they went down to a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle Utd in the Northern Division. After the first half finished goalless, Becky Grocott put City ahead when she scored from close range but Newcastle were back on terms five minutes later through leading scorer Stacy Crooks. Beth Gardener settled matters when she latched on to a back pass to finish well, twelve minutes from time. Leeds City Vixens moved back into mid-table by winning 3-1 away to Preston North End. Tania Panesar scored twice with Emma Lipman adding the other for the Vixens, Preston replying through a Gemma Watson penalty. In the Southern Division, Keynsham Town leapt into fifth place with a 3-1 victory away to Crystal Palace. After the home side had gone ahead, Polish winger Kat Rusek levelled the scores for Keynsham who quickly went ahead through an Ana Bruni header. Leanne Lapham scored with a shot on the turn to seal the points for Keynsham who were further boosted as striker Charlotte Plumb made her return from a year out with injury as a second half substitute.
Liverpool came within a whisker of eliminating Chelsea from the F.A.Women's Cup but late strikes ensured that the Blues went through to earn themselves a Fifth Round tie with Millwall Lionesses. Katie Williams had put Liverpool ahead ten minutes before half time and this had looked to send the Northern Division leaders on their way to a surprise victory but Dani Buet grabbed an equaliser with just 90 seconds remaining. In extra time, Chelsea captain Casey Stoney settled matters with the winning goal, five minutes from time. Curzon Ashton meanwhile ended the hopes of Liverpool Feds with a 5-0 victory which books them a home tie with Aston Villa. Nicki McLeod scored twice for Curzon and she was joined on the scoresheet by Shelley James, Becky Lee and Emma Lambourne. Yeovil Town made sure the long trip home from Norwich City was a happy one as they ran out 3-1 winners to reach the last sixteen for the first time in their history. Kayleigh Nardiello, Kim Turner and Jemma Tewkesbury scored the goals which mean that Yeovil are the last remaining Combination side in the competition and they have a plum home tie against top flight opponents Nottingham Forest.
 Doncaster Rovers Belles won a tense F.A.Women's Cup tie against Birmingham City at Stratford with a Vicky Exley penalty in the 35th minute to earn a Sixth Round tie away to Arsenal next Sunday. Birmingham lost their captain Kerys Harrop, sent off for the challenge which provoked the spot kick, but remained in contention to the last kick as Belles were unable to convert a number of chances during the second half. The Blues closest effort was an Isabel Christiansen shot from fully 35 yards which hit the bar with Marie Hourihan beaten, but the Belles keeper had to make two other fine saves to ensure the visitors progressed. Hourihan had been called into action in the first minute with a fine double block from Amy McCann as the Blues tore into action. However, Doncaster soon settled and Precious Hamilton swung over a cross from which Rachel Williams' header forced an excellent save from Sue Wood. Chelsea Weston's corner brought a repeat from the same two players. Belles looked dangerous every time the ball was crossed, with Millie Bright or Williams often threatening the Blues central defence of Harrop and Jemma Rose. Williams sent a 20-yard shot just wide on twenty minutes and it was the all-action midfielder who provoked the award of a spot kick on 34 minutes. Chasing a lofted through ball against two defenders, her strength took her past both, only to be challenged in a manner which was deemed a foul by Kerys Harrop, who was seen as the last defender and sent off. Vicky Exley gave the Belles the lead from the resulting penalty and the Blues reorganised with Jemma Connor-Iommi droppng into the back four. The home team found a new determination and created three good chances before the break, a McCann header was well saved, a Connor-Iommi lob just over and a superb first time lobbed drive from Christiansen, similar in style to her last second wonder goal in the Under-17 World Cup, but this time hitting the bar in first half injury time. Doncaster needed to shift the ball around more effectively to take advantage of the extra player and this they did to great effect through much of the second half with skipper Exley increasingly dominating midfield and ex-Blues duo Hamilton and Becky Hall on the wings. A series of well constructed Belles moves saw Exley hit the post and go just wide, Hamilton shoot wide twice and Williams have an effort go narrowly over. Blues were having to push forward, sending on Kerry Bartlett and Chrissy Torkildson to add forward threats. The latter drew another good save from Hourihan and when Dannii Bird rounded the keeper, covering defender Claire Utley was able to clear. Belles always looked capable of adding to their lead, but their finishing was inaccurate, which allowed Blues hope right to the end of the four minutes stoppage time. Christiansen received a booking for dissent and a stern lecture from referee Helen Fulcher to add to two other yellow cards in a match fiercely contested throughout. Birmingham will hope to change their luck in the remaining league matches and regain the County Cup which they failed to win for the first time in many seasons last year. Doncaster meanwhile will need to take more of the chances which their quality approach play creates if they are to defeat Arsenal and reach the semi final next Sunday. Birmingham City: Sue Wood, Sian Larkin, Michelle Hickmott, Jemma Connor-Iommi, Jemma Rose, Kerys Harrop, Mikaela Howell, Isabel Christiansen, Amy McCann, Jo Potter, Dannii Bird. Subs: Naomi Bruton, Callan Barber, Danni Saulter, Chrissy Torkildson, Kerry Bartlett. Doncaster Rovers Belles: Marie Hourihan, Chelsea Weston, Tori Wlliams, Claire Utley, Naomi Chadwick, Rachel Willams, Vicky Exley, Amy Vaughan, Becky Hall, Precious Hamilton, Millie Bright. Subs: Kasia Lipka, Sarah Owen, Emily Simpkins. (Report by Patrick Higgins)
Arsenal edged into the quarter finals of the F.A.Women's Cup with a narrow 3-2 win against Leeds Carnegie. In a match which was the repeat of the 2006 and 2008 Finals, the Gunners went into a first half lead with a goal from Jennifer Beattie. Early in the second half, Ellen White levelled the scores but Jayne Ludlow put Arsenal ahead on the hour mark. Rachel Yankey grabbed what proved to be a decisive third with eleven minutes remaining but Leeds reduced the arrears through Jess Clarke and pressed hard for an equaliser but Arsenal stood firm to take their place in the last eight. Next up for Arsenal will be a home tie against Doncaster Rovers Belles, who came through another closely fought game, winning 1-0 over Birmingham City. The only goal of the game came ten minutes before half time as Rachel Williams was brought down in the area by Blues defender Kerys Harrop, who was shown the red card for the offence. Belles captain Vicky Exley stepped up to score from the resulting penalty (see match report). Everton moved a step closer towards their first Cup Final appearance for five years, scoring seven without reply against Portsmouth. Despite resistance from Pompey, Toni Duggan and Jill Scott sent the Toffees into a two-goal lead at half time and the advantage was doubled early in the second half through Natasha Dowie and Duggan. Fara Williams and Jody Handley added further goals before Duggan completed her hat-trick to round off the scoring. In the quarter finals, Everton will face Blackburn Rovers who ended the hopes of OOH Lincoln with a 1-0 extra time victory. Blackburn striker Katie Anderton had missed a second half penalty during normal time but the goal ace was not to be denied and settled the match by scoring with an overhead kick, with just two minutes left to play. The local derby between West Ham Utd and Barnet lived up to expectations and it was the Bees who progressed to the last eight with a 3-2 win after extra time in a thrilling Cup tie. Barnet twice took the lead through Holly Sandow and Gemma Rudman but West Ham fought back on both occasions with a double from Nina Downham, netting against her former club. With five minutes of extra time left, Claire Thomas put Barnet ahead once more and it proved to be the winner for Tracy Kevins' side, although Becky Merritt missed a late penalty for the Hammers. Revised Sixth Round draw: Curzon Ashton or Aston Villa v Chelsea or Millwall Lionesses Barnet v Yeovil Town or Nottingham Forest Arsenal v Doncaster Rovers Belles Everton v Blackburn Rovers
 Wales manager Adrian Tucker has named his squad for their forthcoming friendly against Northern Ireland.The match is part of their preparations for their World Cup qualifying double header against Belgium and Sweden next month and they will be looking to bounce back from defeats in their last two games away to Czech Republic and Azerbaijan. Bristol Academy goalkeeper Lauren Wells has been recalled to the squad as has Tranmere Rovers youngster Jasmin Dutton. The game is set to be a special one for captain Emma Jones as she is set to become only the third player to reach the 50-cap mark for Wales after Kath Morgan and Cheryl Foster. The match kicks off at 4pm on Wednesday 24 February, at The Oval in Belfast. Wales squad:
 Scotland's all time highest scorer, Julie Fleeting MBE, is set to return to international duty after the birth of her first child.Julie could pull on the dark blue jersey for the first time in 16 months, fitness permitting, at the Cyprus Women's Cup challenge tournament at the end of February. Julie is free to make her Scotland return after the Scottish FA board passed a landmark ruling allowing the Arsenal striker's young daughter to accompany her on national team duty. This is the first time that a member of one of the national squads has requested such dispensation, and now young Ella and a childminder will accompany Julie and the squad as part of a pilot scheme, which will be reviewed after a year. Many leading nations in women's football, including England, the USA and Norway, allow mothers to take their children while representing their country. Julie said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that I'll be available for selection as soon as I'm back to full fitness. There's absolutely no reason why becoming a mother should stand in the way of a sporting career, and I'm delighted that the Scottish FA has made this forward thinking decision. "I hope to be on the plane to Cyprus at the end of the month, but whenever I'm selected, I can't wait to meet up with my team mates again and do everything we can to get Scotland to the next World Cup." Scotland Women's national coach, Anna Signeul, said: "Julie is one of the finest players that Scotland has ever produced, and of course we can't wait to welcome her back into the squad. "When Julie made the request, the Scottish FA considered all of the implications, and I think we've reached a sensible conclusion that suits everyone involved. "Our current crop of players have great spirit and have made an excellent start to the World Cup campaign. Julie is a top player and a big character, and I'm sure that the dressing room will be boosted further by her return." Scotland compete in the Cyprus Women's Cup from 24 February - 3 March 2010. The next World Cup qualifier is away to Georgia on 27 March, with a home match against Bulgaria on 1 April. (www.scottishfa.co.uk)
"I've never seen anyone take their assessment in their pyjamas", my coach laughed as he took in the site of me wearing white jogging pants, a white t-shirt, and long, white soccer socks. He did not make this remark quietly, oh no. The rest of the group laughed along too. Perhaps nervous laughter, signs of anxiety as we waited to do our final coaching assessment. I will 'cut to the chase'. He failed me. During my feedback, I was told that, despite being the best prepared student coach, I had given the incorrect technical instruction to a player and could not pass the course for this reason. It had not totally registered with me at the time, but my coach had knocked my confidence. His 'pyjama' joke was funny. Maybe I would have thought the same thing if I were faced with that vision. But, perhaps it is not the kind of humour that a player needs in front of their peers. Coaches may be the same. On a more recent coaching course that I attended, the importance of 'looking like a coach' was repeatedly emphasised. As a player, there were times when I ran late for training just because I was trying to figure out what I should wear! Now, though it takes me a couple of hours, I organise my wardrobe the night before. I put a lot of thought into what I wear now. I so desperately want to look like I am physically involved in the game. Often people ask whether I am a personal trainer. On many levels it is a compliment, but I want someone to ask, "Are you a player? Do you coach?" No player, or coach, wants to look out of place in a negative way. Or, be at the centre of ridicule because they are not wearing the right colour boots, or whatever. Our game is based on psychology and ego as much as it is on skill and technique. "How do you stop a player from turning the defender?" "How can I improve on my weaker foot?" Those are the questions that the player should have answered for them. Or at least, they should be shown how to explore the answers. Maybe I could not afford to wear anything other than my pyjamas to my, ill-fated, coaching assessment. But, if I were wearing the latest, best clothes, I may have been supremely confident. Would I have been good enough to pass? I will argue that it did me no long-term harm, failing that course. It made me stronger and more determined. As a player, coach and a woman, strength and determination is essential to even the smallest success in our game. You may 'look the part', but you still have to be good enough. Fact. Written by Helen L. Nkwocha, coach & owner of DigSoccer.com ... for the Female Player.
 Watford FC's CSE Trust in partnership with West Herts College is proud to announce the launch a new Female Academy.This exciting programme will give talented female footballers between the ages of 16 and 19 the chance to combine academic studies with practical football experience and compete against other academies in the London and South East region. The Academy will offer players a route from Watford FC's highly successful Centre of Excellence programme and feed in to the club's senior ladies set up at reserve and first team level. By completing the one/two year programme, players will gain the skills required to help them progress to a higher standard of football as well as gain experiences necessary to work with an award winning Community programme. "The launch of the academy provides an excellent opportunity for Watford FC with support from West Herts College to ensure that we, as a club, now have every level of the female game in place," says Rob Clarke, Watford FC Girls & Women's Development Manager. As well as pushing for first team recognition the programme also offers extensive links within the USA providing scholarships opportunities. "The programme also allows the players to gain their coaching qualifications and put them in to good use by ultimately delivering on the many grassroots and elite projects that Watford FC CSE Trust deliver, so feeding their knowledge and experience to the next generation of players." Roger Parker, Head of School Sport, Leisure and Public Services at West Herts College, added: "We are delighted to be working with Watford FC on this project - it's an exciting and innovative addition to the courses West Herts College can offer in sports. "We know Watford FC's pedigree and reputation of developing talented female footballers and with the support of the College, I'm sure we can continue to be the front runners in the female game." Keen individuals can find out more about Watford FC's CSE Trust Female Academy by contacting West Herts College for a prospectus and an application form on (01923) 812345 or contact Rob Clarke on (01923) 496256 for further details.
 Coventry City's latest signing might not make any headlines on the pitch but is already having a massive impact off it.Former Aston Villa manager and current Head Coach of England Colleges Women's national team, Rob Williams, has joined Paul Cudby's staff as a first team coach. Williams will be working with several familiar faces having already coached four City players who made the 2009 England Colleges squad. "It makes for a smooth transition coming in and already knowing a fair few of the girls," stated Williams. "I know Emily (Hanson) very well having worked closely with her last season." The hard working forward was named England Colleges' player of the year in 2009 after scoring in all five games and has been further rewarded this season after becoming the second Coventry player to be named captain of the representative squad after Helen Dermody had the honour bestowed upon her in 2008. "She leads by example and gives no quarter," said Williams of his captain. "She's not the most vocal of players but her work rate and consistently good performances have helped us to some great results." Hanson's form for the Sky Blues has been impressive of late, scoring in each of City's last four games with seven in the past eight overall. "It's a great honour to Captain the England College's team this year," beamed a proud Emily. "I can't wait to get out there, we've got some good fixtures starting this week in Telford vs Australia Schools". Emily will be joined in the squad by her City strike partner Robyn James. The pair, both students at Birmingham Metropolitan College, have combined for 17 goals this season, firing the Sky Blues to the top of the Midland Combination. "We've had a great first half to the season," acknowledged Emily, "I feel like the past few weeks have been my best so far and playing in such a great team gives me confidence that this will be our year." Williams concurs: "At the start of the season, from the outside looking in, it looked like Coventry were clearly the class of the division. Sporting Club Albion have kept the pressure on though and our run in will be very difficult, but I am confident that we can take that final step. There are a lot of girls here that are more than capable of playing at a higher level." Coventry resume their promotion campaign away to Radcliffe Olympic this weekend.
 The FA of Wales has announced that Wales' FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying match against Sweden will take place at Airbus UK Broughton FC on 31st March. The kick off time will be 7pm and admission is free. The Swedish team, top seeded in Group Eight, has so far played three and won three in this competition and reached the quarter final stage in last year's European Championships. Wales meanwhile will be looking to build on their last competitive home match, a fine 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic at Llanelli back in September. Prior to this match, Wales will play Northern Ireland in a friendly international on 24th February in Belfast and Belgium in another World Cup qualifying match on 28th March, also away from home.
Andover New Street manager Trev Knight was full of praise for his players following their 2-0 defeat by Portsmouth in the quarter finals of the Hampshire County Challenge Cup. The Hampshire County League title hopefuls gave a very good account of themselves against their Premier League opponents and Knight said after the game: "It's not often I am stuck for words, but tonight there really are few words that can honestly sum up how proud I am of my girls tonight! "We could so easily have crumbled, especially after conceding a very quick goal but we dug deep and worked hard. "The pace of the game was electric and something for us to think about moving forward, but the second half was nothing short of a perfect performance. The girls gave everything plus more, attacked, defended and never looked to be four leagues below their opposition. "We produced as individuals and as a team and our fitness was exceptional. Now we have to concentrate on the league game against Christchurch next Sunday and continue pushing for promotion." Kim Hier opened the scoring for Portsmouth in the ninth minute when latching on to a through ball from Kirsty McGee and Molly Clark added the second on the half hour with a strike from the edge of the area.
Northern Combination Rochdale took advantage of their rivals not having a game to notch up a 3-1 victory away to Salford Ladies which takes them four points clear at the top of the Northern Combination. Dale trailed 1-0 at half time and goalkeeper Becky Brown made two fine saves to prevent them from going further behind. After the break, Rochdale managed to turn things around with Anna Renken equalising on the hour before Holly Newman struck twice, firstly with a 30-yard strike and late on via an angled shot. Bradford City meanwhile leapt back into the top half of the table, courtesy of a 6-1 success at Scunthorpe Utd. The home side took the lead in the opening minutes but an own goal soon levelled matters and Bryony Wraith put Bradford ahead shortly before half time. Whitney Taiwo increased the advantage early in the second half, before Mel Garside netted twice and Kerrie Zserdicky rounded off the scoring. South East Combination Lewes are back in the top three following a narrow 3-2 victory over Northampton Town. Charlotte Bennett, Claire Trafford and Kirstie Spice were all on target for the Sussex side. In the other game to be played, Ebbsfleet Utd picked up only their second point of the season when sharing a 1-1 draw with Cambridge Women. * No matches were played in the Midland Combination and South West Combination on Sunday.
East Midlands League Loughborough Students ran out 5-0 winners out Peterborough Azure and lifted themselves into second place in the Premier Division, one point behind leaders Clifton and with two games in hand. Gedling Town are in fifth but only one more point adrift following their 5-2 victory over Shepshed Dynamo, whilst Sandiacre Town kept up their improving form with a 3-0 success at Heather St Johns. Division One North leaders Retford Utd got back to winning ways, their 4-2 win at Sparta Nottingham taking them eleven points clear from Grimsby Town, who were beaten 3-2 by Steel City Wanderers. Rise Park's 9-2 victory over Lenton Athletic has taken them into fourth, just ahead of Arnold Town who defeated Linby CW 3-1. Huncote S & SC picked up a 2-1 win away to Sleaford Town which lifts them into second place in Division One South. Nuneaton Town and Raunds Town battled out a 1-1 draw whilst Asfordby Amateurs picked up their second win in three games, 1-0 against Barrowby. Eastern Region League Kettering Town moved into second place in Division One North and within five points of the leadership, with three games in hand, after they defeated Ipswich Wanderers 2-0 with goals from Kelly Rust and Lucy Piggott. The only other game to survive the weather was in Division One South and it saw Brentwood Town go third by beating Leighton Linslade 4-0. Kerri Thomas, Lucy Faraday, Nicole Manning and Danielle Butler were all on target for Brentwood. London & South East League Maidstone Town moved into the top three in the Premier Division as they ran out 4-1 winners away to Wingate & Finchley. In the other game, Wandgas maintained their climb towards mid-table security by beating Crawley Wasps 2-0. North East League The North East League was again very badly affected by the weather with only two of the scheduled fixtures being completed, both of which were in the Southern Division. Beverley Town won 1-0 away to Wakefield Res, a result which takes them into third place, whilst Keighley moved further away from the bottom two places with a 10-1 success over Harrogate Railway. North West League With all of their other rivals not in action, Mossley Hill took advantage by beating Preston North End 1-0 and, in doing so, stretched their lead at the top of the Premier Division to six points. In the solitary match to go ahead in Division One North, Morecambe ran out 5-1 winners away to Blackpool Wren Rovers Res and the result takes the division's only unbeaten team to within two points of the joint leaders. There was also only one game played in Division One South but again it affected the top positions. Leaders Liverpool Feds Res have edged a further point ahead after they battled out a 1-1 draw with fourth placed Winsford. South West League Keynsham Town Development recorded a 2-0 win away to Yeovil Town Res in the Second Round of the Bristol Soccerworld Cup. Torpoint Athletic are also through to the last eight after winning an entertaining affair 6-3 at Downend Flyers. Cleeve West Town meanwhile progressed to the quarter finals by scoring seven without reply against Swindon Town Res. Saltash Utd stepped up their title challenge in the Premier Division with a 4-0 victory over Weymouth. Julie Hewitt scored twice, with Coral Smith and Kim Eke adding the others for the Ashes who remain unbeaten and are five points off the pace in fourth. Bristol Ladies Union meanwhile lifted themselves off the bottom, courtesy of a 4-2 success at Poole Town. One match was played in the Eastern Division and it saw Cirencester Town extend their lead at the top to five points with a 5-0 win away to Winscombe Res. Southern Region League Shanklin climbed four places in the Premier Division table to fifth with a 2-0 victory over MK Wanderers in the only game to beat the weather. Only a single match managed to go ahead in Division One, Southampton Women winning their local derby 2-0 against Southampton Saints Res to keep up their good run of results, which takes them into second place. West Midlands League One game was played in the Premier Division on Sunday and it produced a good result for leaders Solihull Ladies as second placed Worcester City went down to a 1-0 defeat at home to Bradwell Belles. However the result of the day arguably went to Rugeley Ladies in Division One North. The Staffordshire had been beaten in each of their opening eight league games but they got off the mark on the weekend with a fine 2-1 victory over fourth placed Bedworth Utd. Birmingham Athletic strengthened their position at the top of Division One South, going seven points clear with a 4-2 win away to Knowle. Leamington Lions meanwhile stepped up their challenge and went fourth by beating Redditch Utd 3-0.
It is with deep regret that Sheffield Wednesday have to announce the departure of their manager Andy Burgess. Andy, who joined the club a short while ago, has had to leave due to major work and personal changes over the last four weeks. Chairman Jeff Maslin stated: "To lose someone of Andy's professionalism, integrity and enthusiasm is without doubt a big blow to the club. When I asked Andy to join the club, things were different on the work and personal front, but obviously with Andy, a professional footballer, changing club and having started a family, with Max arriving at the beginning of January he cannot offer the time and commitment that is needed to manage a club like Sheffield Wednesday. "Andy's honesty in not being able to commit 100% is an absolute credit to his professionalism - something that he has shown throughout his short time with us. "The club wishes him all the luck in the future and I am sure he will catch up with us every now and then." Andy Burgess commented: "It is with much regret and disappointment that I have felt it necessary to call time on my managerial career with Sheffield Wednesday Women. "The plan from the start was to lead the club clear of relegation, then take them onto the next level - unfortunately for me that will now be in the hands of someone else but they are inheriting a very good job, with fantastic people who made my short stay there a pleasure. The Club have a tough end to the season, and I shall be watching with interest. "Finally, my thanks go to the Chairman, Jeff Maslin, for giving me the opportunity in the first place to work at the Club." A replacement manager will be announced by the club shortly.
Arsenal Ladies are now in their second year of a blossoming relationship with the University of Hertfordshire. Players from Arsenal Ladies, who study full time at the University of Hertfordshire, have played a key role in helping the University win back to back British University Colleges and Sport Premier League South Football titles. The University Squad lost only two games and added the 2009-10 title to their 2008-09 triumph with a convincing away win at Portsmouth in the last league game of the season. This is the second time the University has won the league since they and Arsenal established their female football partnership back in 2008. The team scored 50 goals and conceded only 12 as they clinched the title with Arsenal first team players Kim Little, Natalie Ross, Niamh Fahey and Jennifer Beattie featuring alongside Academy stars Sarah Quantrill, Cally Rowell and Lily Bilson. The University football partnership is part of the player and educational pathway at Arsenal Ladies which, along with the Arsenal Academy, offers elite playing opportunities and a quality education to females aged 16 upwards.
 For the second week running, Havant & Waterlooville made the headlines in the FA Women's Cup sponsored by E.ON.Having knocked out Cardiff City 2-1 thanks to an injury time goal, they showed that their Third Round success was no fluke as they gave six times winners Doncaster Rovers Belles plenty to think about for much of their Fourth Round tie and while the Hawks returned to Hampshire beaten 6-1, they could at least reflect that they had opened the scoring and enjoyed that advantage for 20 minutes, while the final score owed much to three late goals for the hosts. In contrast to another spate of postponements nationally caused by the return of icy cold weather, Keepmoat Stadium pitch number 2 was playable and, for a change, free from the windy conditions which more often than not are an unwanted feature of games at Doncaster. Indeed, the only aspect of the conditions to cause any problems was the bright sunshine causing players to use their arms to block out the sun. Havant began brightly with an attack which came to nothing, but it showed that they had not come to just sit back and defend. They did have a couple of early let offs as first Paige Eli struck a post with Hawks keeper Sadie Blakely relieved and then Millie Bright clipped the bar from eight yards when it seemed certain she would score. Charley Wilson, whose goal clinched victory at Cardiff in the previous round, put Havant in front on 19 minutes. A corner from the left caused confusion in the goalmouth and with neither Chelsea Weston nor Marie Hourihan on the goalline able to clear, Wilson got the decisive touch to turn the ball over the line. Not quite the good old fashioned scrimmage which graced match reports from early 20th century games, but certainly an untidy one for Belles to concede. Whereas a week earlier Cardiff barely had any time to reply, here Belles had just over three quarters of the game to avoid a shock exit for the second successive season. For, a year ago on the same pitch and with the same referee, they had fallen behind to a goal at a similar time at the same end of the pitch which proved enough for Millwall Lionesses. With half time fast approaching, Hawks still held the advantage and had they managed to go into the interval ahead, then who knows what might have happened. However, Belles skipper Vicky Exley levelled the scores with a low shot inside Blakely's left post on 40 minutes and Bright converted a low ball in from Precious Hamilton just before the break to transform the whole aspect of the tie. Early in the second half, substitute Tori Williams' looping header at a corner gave the Belles a two-goal cushion. Lizzie Laws, Hawks' first scorer at Cardiff, forced Hourihan into tipping over a long range free kick as Havant sought the goal to reduce the arrears and give them a chance of forcing extra time. However, Belles' extra fitness paid off in the last quarter. Hamilton made it 4-1, Weston added the fifth with a shot which went in off the post and with the Havant supporters urging the Hawks to get a goal to match the men at Liverpool, where Hawks had led 1-0 and 2-1 of their eventual 5-2 defeat two years ago, it was a Havant player who got the final touch for the game's last goal, but unfortunately it was to turn the ball into her own net. The scoreline was harsh on The Hawks but, like their male counterparts, Havant & Waterlooville's cup exploits will certainly form a noteworthy chapter in a review of the season's competition. Doncaster Rovers Belles: Marie Hourihan, Chelsea Weston, Danielle Cox, Rachel Williams, Claire Utley, Amy Vaughan. Naomi Chadwick, Vicky Exley, millie Bright, Precious Hamilton, Precious Hamilton. Subs: Emily Simpson, Kezia Lipka, Emma Johnson, Tori Williams, Charlotte Bennett. Havant & Waterlooville: Sadie Blakely, Charlotte Brown, Lauren Cheshire, Lizzie Laws, Sabrina Morriss, Laura Oakes, Jenna Fowlie, Jodie Prince, Jenna Dunster, Charley Wilson, Leeta Rutherford. Subs: Stacie Murray, Sam Stone, Chloe Ranger, Chantelle Clark, Yzzy Taylor. (Report by Julian Barker)
 The England Under-23 squad will be taking part in a four-nation tournament with the United States, Spain and Norway in La Manga from 19-27 February.Head Coach Brent Hills has named an 18-player squad for the tournament which includes four who have been capped at senior level. England Under-23 squad:
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