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 Blackburn Rovers picked up the Lancashire County Cup for the sixth time in seven seasons after beating Salford Ladies 4-1 after extra time in the Final at Leyland.However they needed to come from behind after Northern Combination high fliers Salford took a surprise tenth minute lead through a 25-yard dipping volley from Chelsea Scholes. Blackburn were back on level terms shortly afterwards though as Katie Anderton broke into the box to slide the ball home. The Premier League side then pressed hard to get a second goal with Anderton hitting the post and Nikki Twohig and Lynda Shepherd both went close with headers. After the break, Anderton shot wide when through on goal in the opening minute and Twohig fired over the bar. As Blackburn pressed, Salford dug in deep to hold out and take the game into extra time despite Amy Kane going close late on with a long range effort which was inches over the bar. Blackburn finally made the breakthrough ten minutes into the extra period with substitute Nicole Foster converting a Fran Sullivan cross from close range. With Salford tiring, Blackburn took a firm grip on the game as Foster - who was making her first team debut - was on hand to score her second goal from Anderton's cross and in the final minute of the match, Anderton was again the provider as she set up Danielle Sheen to score the fourth goal.
 The Oxford United Football & Education Girls Academy is now recruiting for their 2010-11 intake, starting in September 10. 2008 saw the launch of the girls' Oxford United Football & Education Academy. The academic programme each student follows will allow them to develop their ability as a football player, whilst acquiring valuable knowledge and skills through educational courses. The educational courses we provide are the Btec First in Sport (Equivalent to 4 x GCSE's) and the Btec National Diploma (Equivalent to 3 x A Levels). On top of this you will achieve your FA Level 1 and 2 coaching certificate, FA Basic Treatment of Injuries, Community Sports Leaders Award and Higher Sports Leaders Award. Members of the Academy also have the opportunity to be selected for the Oxford United ladies first team. The Academy will provide the most up to date, comprehensive and high quality training for those wishing to break into the sport industry. The benefits include: • Daily individual coaching & team coaching by UEFA Qualified Coaches • Organized fixtures against local and national opposition (British Colleges Sports League against teams such as Arsenal and Chelsea) • Nationally recognized qualifications that can lead directly to employment or further study on University degree programmes Study and Qualifications gained at the Academy can also lead to opportunities in the following fields: • Professional sports person • Coaching • Sports Therapy • Fitness Industry • Leisure Management • Teaching • Higher Education • Overseas Scholarships Part funded accommodation with local families is also available for any successful applicants living outside Oxfordshire. If you are interested in applying to the Academy, please e-mail Matthew Brandish at Mbrandish@oufc.co.uk for an application booklet.
 Scotland Under-19 coach Shelley Kerr has named an 18-player squad for the Elite Round of the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship.Group Five will be hosted by Holland, with the winner joining hosts FYR Macedonia and the first placed teams from the five other groups at the Finals from 24 May - 5 June. The runner-up with the best record will also secure a place at the Finals. Scotland take on Denmark in their opening game on 27 March, before facing the hosts two days later and finishing up on 1 April against Finland. Scotland Under-19 squad:
 On a very cold, wet and windy night in Holland, England Under-15 shared a thrilling 3-3 draw with their hosts in which they played well and could quite easily have won the game. England made a bright start and were in control during the early part of the match after taking a 14th minute lead through Paige Williams' 25 yard free kick. However, the Dutch hit back two minutes later from a similar situation, with a 35-yard set piece shot giving goalkeeper Leah Fish no chance. The Dutch then took the lead just before the half hour mark, following a good move on the right and a neat turn and finish in the area from the home striker. This time it was England's turn to hit back quickly though, as Holland failed to clear a corner and Hollie Kelsh shot home to see the teams go in level at the break. The second half saw England enjoy the better of the play, only for a final ball to prove elusive. They eventually found their range though, as Holly Crosby split the defence to find Beth Mead in the area and she coolly rounded the goalkeeper to slip the ball home. England were looking good for their lead but were unfortunate to concede from another long range free kick deep into added time, as the ball found its way just under the bar with Fish again having no chance in what was a cruel finish to the game. England play Holland again on Wednesday afternoon. England Under-15: Leah Fish, Aoife Mannion, Marie Buckley (sub Billie Brooks 63mins) (sub Sam McGarry 73mins), Lauren Haynes, Molly Cawthorn, Paige Williams, Jenna Dear (sub Carla Humphrey 66mins), Holly Crosby, Beth Mead, Katie Zelem (sub Lucy Whipp 55mins), Hollie Kelsh (sub Kiera Walsh 55mins). Subs not used: Molly Bartrip, Amy Mullett. (www.TheFA.com)
 Gillingham booked their place in the South East Combination League Cup Final after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Enfield Town at the weekend.It is their first final appearance for eight years and shows just how far the side have come under the guidance of Ian Varley. He couldn't have done it without his players of course and once again this weekend, Ashlee Hincks and Danni Farmer got a goal each but the star of the show was Vicky Ashton-Jones who bagged an important brace. It was just last season that the Gills went out at the semi final stage at the hands of Enfield, so it is all the more pleasing for the Gills to go one step further this season, and gain some revenge over their opponents as well. Manager Ian Varley shuffled his pack slightly from the side that beat Ashford in the Kent Cup last time out. Kelly Herrett came back into the centre of defence as Rachel Ahern pushed up from defence to midfield as Natalie Crinean missed out through injury. The Gills were very much the favourites for this game, and they took the lead in the 12th minute when captain Becky Lyon played one of her trade mark pinpoint balls out of the defence. Ashlee Hincks latched onto it and raced clear of the Enfield defence before finding Vicky Ashton-Jones who finished the move with a great left foot shot in off the post. Just eight minutes later and Enfield found themselves on level terms after a Sara Sinclair shot was parried away by Katie Duffy. Unfortunately for the Gills stopper the shot was palmed into the path of Emma Thomas who gratefully slotted home. The Gills were struggling to get out of second gear and assert themselves on the game, perhaps due to the fact that for the first time in many years they were favourites to win the game. In the 25th minute, Ashton-Jones nearly got her second goal of the game when she raced through and attempted to lob the Enfield keeper, only to see her effort crash off the bar. This seemed to spur the Gills into life as just five minutes later and the away side made it 2-1 when Ashlee Hincks found the back of the net. Deanna Cooper, who has been a revelation this season, won the ball wide on the left where she found herself playing due to the injury to striker Natalie Crinean. Once she won the ball off of Enfield she whipped in a cross that found Hincks unmarked just inside the Enfield area, and she rifled home a shot with her left foot. That was the way it stayed for the rest of the first half, and the Gills were the happier of the two sided heading into half time with a slender lead. Manager Ian Varley made a few positional changes in the second half and a devastating ten minute spell effectively sealed Gillingham a spot in the Cup Final. In the 49th minute Ashlee Hincks, who found herself playing the lone striker role, raced forward and played a great ball through to Ashton-Jones who had too much pace for the Enfield defence and she calmly slotted home a well timed effort into the corner of the net for 3-1. Two minutes later and the result was put beyond any doubt when Cooper once again was the architect after more good work. She found Hincks and the ball was deflected in the air and Danni Farmer sprung into action. Not to be left out of the scoring, the attacking midfielder slid in and expertly swept the ball into the back of the net for her 15th goal of the season. After that the game was over as a spectacle as Enfield had failed to test the Gills back line for most of the afternoon. The Gills had the belief that they were going to secure a spot in their first cup final for eight years and their performance on the afternoon, just underlined that fact. It was all in all a comfortable passage into the Final for Ian Varley's side and the players can be proud of their commitment and performances in all they have so far achieved this season. The Gills will face Norwich City in the Final - a team that they will have to play three times in the coming months with both the League title and the League Cup up for grabs. (Report by Chris Dicketts)
Arsenal bowed out of the UEFA Women's Champions League to FCR 2001 Duisburg on a 4-1 aggregate score after a 2-0 defeat in the second leg at Bishop's Stortford on Sunday. The English champions battled hard but were well beaten by a hugely impressive Duisburg, holders of the UEFA Women's Cup, forerunner of this year's new look competition. The visitors, backed by 150 travelling fans who supported their team with non stop chanting, drums and air raid siren, were rarely troubled by the Gunners who sorely missed Julie Fleeting and the suspended Kim Little. Ursula Holl in the visitors goal did not have a difficult save to make until late in the second half when she blocked a close range effort from substitute Lauren Bruton, who was deemed offside in any case. After a 2-1 defeat in the first leg, Arsenal were in a good position as long as they did not concede and Duisburg sought to put the tie beyond the Gunners straight away. Emma Byrne had to be at her best on four occasions in the first fifteen minutes to keep the scoresheet blank as Simone Laudehr and Inke Grings cut through the Arsenal defence with pace and quick interpassing, fed by the impressive midfield of Dutch international and ex-Bristol Rovers midfielder Annemeike Kiesel-Griffioen, Belgian international Femke Maes and Jennifer Oster on the right. Byrne's best save was an athletic leap to claw away a goalbound header from Grings on 13 minutes but she also needed to be quick off her line on three occasions to foil German attackers who had outpaced the Gunners defence. With Danielle Carter isolated up front in the early exchanges, Arsenal were unable to disturb the Duisburg central defence at all and, hard as Rachel Yankey and Gemma Davison were working, they could not break free of the impressive Alexandra Popp and Luisa Wensing at full back. However the Gunners shackled the German attack more effectively as the half wore on, with only a Grings miss from a Linda Bresonik free kick worrying Byrne. Davison beat two defenders to fire a shot straight at Holl on 38 minutes which was Arsenal's first effort on goal. Duisburg were again quickly out of the blocks on the restart and this time they made it count. After Gilly Flaherty had been booked for fouling Grings as she went through on goal, the German World Player of the Year finalist took her revenge a minute later by feeding the unmarked Oster on the right, who fired low across the diving Byrne on 49 minutes. Arsenal now needed two goals to force extra time and they pushed forward with Jennifer Beattie coming more into the game as support for Carter and Davison making several trademark runs into dangerous areas. Duisburg were always threatening due to their pace up front and the Gunners back four had to be alert throughout and Byrne making another fine save from a Laudehr shot on 70 minutes. Lauren Bruton replaced Yankey and impressed with her pace and control, being foiled only by a Bresonik tackle when five yards out and a brave Holl save as Arsenal pressed for a way back into the tie. However, Duisburg wrapped up the match when a back pass put Emma Byrne in trouble on 89 minutes and her half clearance was turned in by substitute Marina Himmighofen despite Faye White's brave attempt to clear off the line, which forced her to leave the field injured. Duisburg were good value for their win, with their greater experience and firepower proving decisive against an Arsenal who gave a brave showing in both legs and were always competitive against arguably the best club side in Europe at the moment. Arsenal: Emma Byrne, Corinne Yorston, Gilly Flaherty, Faye White, Niamh Fahey, Jayne Ludlow, Jennifer Beattie, Ciara Grant, Gemma Davison, Rachel Yankey, Danielle Carter. Subs: Becky Spencer, Naomi Cole, Lauren Bruton, Yvonne Tracy, Helen Lander, Abbie Prosser. FCR 2001 Duisburg: Ursula Holl, Luisa Wensing, Annike Krahn, Linda Bresonik, Alexandra Popp, Maria Hegering, Annemeike Kiesel-Griffioen, Jennifer Oster, Femke Maes, Inke Grings, Simone Laudehr. Subs: Christina Bellinghoven, Anne van Bonn. Marith Priessen. Turid Knaak, Hasret Kayikci, Marina Himmighofen, Irini Ioannidou. (Report by Patrick Higgins)
Everton are through to the F.A.Women's Cup Final for the first time in five years but were given a hard time by a battling Barnet side at Southport. The Southern Division side gave a good account of themselves in the first half and could have taken the lead when Cheryl Williams hit the bar. The Toffees made the breakthrough two minutes into the second half when Natasha Dowie took advantage of a defensive mix-up to fire her side in front. Everton finally made the game safe with four minutes remaining, Fara Williams scoring the second half via an overhead kick. Mo Marley's side must now wait until Sunday 4th April to find out who their opponents in the Final - on 3rd May at Nottingham Forest FC - will be as Chelsea take on Arsenal on that date at Staines Town FC.
National Division leaders Sunderland, playing their first league match for three months, went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Doncaster Rovers Belles. The first half ended goalless and it wasn't until the last fifteen minutes that the goals finally came. Two well taken goals from Rachel Williams proved to be enough to give victory for the Belles, despite Sunderland captain Steph Bannon pulling one back in injury time. A disappointing day for the Wearsiders was completed as Bannon was shown a red card following a scuffle after her goal. Chelsea kept up their good run of form by running out 4-1 winners over Blackburn Rovers, a result which takes them into third place. Claire Rafferty celebrated her England call up by giving the Blues a first half lead which was cancelled out just before the interval by an own goal from Sophie Perry. However after the break, Rebecca Jane put Chelsea back in front and they went on to seal the victory with two goals from in-form Dunia Susi. Millwall Lionesses are looking set for a mid-table finish as they won 4-2 against Watford, whose worrying run continues. Emma Whitter put Millwall in front after eight minutes and Victoria Boardman added a second just ahead of half time, but Watford hit back to quickly level the scores after the break through Kate Longhurst and Charlotte Nicholson. The game looked to be heading for a draw until Millwall struck twice in the dying minutes with goals from Dionne Lennon and Meghan McKeag.
Liverpool's 13-match winning run in the Northern Division was brought to a halt as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Manchester City. Lauren Beckford gave City a first half lead which was increased after the break by in-form striker Charlotte Farrell. Kelly Jones gave the Reds renewed hope as she halved the arrears midway through the second half but City held on for an excellent victory. Liverpool stay eight points clear of Leicester City, who did not play, with OOH Lincoln a further point behind after they won 3-0 away to Preston North End. Megan Harris put the Lady Imps ahead after seven minutes, with Randi Johns and Stacey Aisthorpe adding further goals in the second half. Two second half goals gave Newcastle Utd a 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, which keeps the Magpies in fifth and Wednesday in the bottom two. Kelly Ridley opened the scoring in the first minute of the second half and Steph Ord netted the second, just after the hour mark. Leeds City Vixens consolidated themselves in the top half of the table by beating Luton Town 3-1. Natalie Haigh gave the Yorkshire side the lead five minutes before half time and, after Michelle Byrne had equalised for Luton on the hour, Emma Lipman netted twice to give the Vixens the spoils. Curzon Ashton moved out of the bottom three, thanks to a vital 2-1 win away to Derby County. The home side had gone in front through Emma Allen just before half time, but second half strikes from Nicki McLeod and Jodie Redgrave saw Curzon take the points.
 While Barnet were involved in the semi finals of the F.A.Women's Cup, Reading FC Women trimmed their lead in the Southern Division to three points with a 5-0 victory away to Crystal Palace.Melissa Fletcher gave the Royals a fifth minute lead and Natasha Caswell netted twice, one from the penalty spot, ahead of the interval. Francesca Kirby rounded off the victory for Reading with two second half goals, scored in a five-minute spell. Portsmouth are back in third place after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Charlton Athletic. Kirsty McGee's goal midway through the first half had looked to have been enough to send Pompey on the way to another victory but they were pegged back by an equaliser from Toni Alden, three minutes from time. Brighton & Hove Albion kept up their unbeaten run and were winners over Cardiff City for the second time in three weeks. First half goals from Vicky Vickery and Amy Found gave the Seagulls a 2-1 victory, despite Ellie Davies pulling a goal back for Cardiff with twenty minutes remaining. Keynsham Town won an entertaining match 3-1 against Colchester Utd to keep their slim hopes alive. Leanne Lapham gave them an early lead which was doubled ten minutes before half time by Kayleigh Sage. Lapham scored her second after the break and was unlucky not to complete her hat-trick when her header struck the bar. Colchester scored a late consolation through Lily Mellors, who also hit the post with a header. WFC Fulham picked up a valuable point when sharing a goalless draw with Queen's Park Rangers in their local derby. However the Whites are still marooned in the bottom two by seven points whilst Rangers stay just below mid-table.
 Douglas Royal's Isle of Man League title ambitions went for a burden last Sunday after Corinthians' striker Jade Burden netted in a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over their neighbours - and witnessed a footballing power shift. Should Corinthians beat Gymnasium in their remaining league match, they will clinch their first ever Division One crown. Corinthians made inroads early on, gaps were found in the Royal defence with alarming ease with Burden proving a real handful, driving a shot wide, but it was the current champions who came closest, Vicky Worthington's header hitting the post. With 14 minutes played, Royal struck first, Sarah Breen's dinked through ball exposed the hosts' back line and Donna Shimmin swept her effort home. Undeterred, Corinthians levelled ten minutes later. Anna Dillon, who was busy throughout, unleashed a perfectly weighted crossfield pass falling to the feet of Burden, who drove her shot into the bottom left corner. Yet Royal should have restored their lead a minute after kick off when Bekki Cole was fouled in the penalty area, but the resulting spot kick taken by Karen Faragher hit the post. Corinthians went on the offensive again, taking the lead for the first time. Dillon's tireless, weaving run resulted in a corner, Lauren Christian's kick finding Sarah O'Reilly, whose header crossed the line although goalkeeper Kerri Williams did get both hands onto it. Just before the interval, they extended their lead further when Burden's powerful run beat Kym Hicklin for pace to score. Royal reverted to 3-4-3 after the break and paid immediate dividends following a spell of pressure. Cole's corner resulted in a bout of footballing pinball in the six yard box, Shimmin having the final say to make it 3-2. Corinthians should have extended their lead further after Dillon was tripped by Andrea Lace and Chris Taggart awarded another penalty, but this time O'Reilly's effort struck the crossbar. However, Burden completed her hat-trick after receiving Sarah Kerford's diagonal pass, guiding it past the advancing Williams and into the back of the net. Corinthians should have finished with a higher scoreline, a penalty appeal was turned down following a foul on Dillon, Kerford missed from close range at the far post and Faragher should have been sent off after committing a professional foul on Burden but advantage was played. Royal's best chances were a Hicklin headed effort over the bar and Shimmin denied by a superb one handed save by Ozga to see Corinthians move into pole position. Corinthians: Rose Ozga, Lynette Corran (sub Paula Beck 82mins), Natalie Johnson, Sarah O'Reilly, Rachel Quirk, Amy Speed, Leanne Prescott, Anna Dillon, Jade Burden, Sarah Kerford, Lauren Christian (sub Jane Bottomley 67mins). Sub not used: Michelle Beck. Douglas Royal: Kerri Williams, Andrea Lace, Tracey Craige (sub Zoe Hawley 60mins), Leanne Ashe, Sarah Breen, Bekki Cole, Kym Hicklin, Donna Shimmin, Ceri Purvis, Karen Faragher (sub Sam Jordan 88mins), Vicky Worthington (sub Paula Brunswick 82mins). Laxey stoked up their Division Two title ambitions by defeating Colby 10-0. Leading 5-0 at the break, Sarah Houghton (3), Becky Samson (3), Becky Kirk (2), Shelley Simpson and Jane Irvine were on the target for the Miners. In the FA Cup, Peel qualified to the next round by defeating DHSOB 1-0, the only goal came in the first half from a Emily Kingett deflected strike. (Report by Paul Hatton)
 Spartans are the opening day leaders following the first round of fixtures in the Scottish Women's Premier League's new summer season.Scotland international Hayley Lauder was on target twice as the Edinburgh side ran out 6-0 winners over Inverness LFC. Diana Barry, Claire Crosbie, Pauline Hamill and Julie Melrose completed the scoring for Shelley Kerr's side. Glasgow City began the defence of their title by beating Forfar Farmington 5-0. Lisa Evans opened the scoring for City on the half hour and Emma Fernon added the second early in the second half, before 17-year-old midfielder Emma Mitchell hit a hat-trick. Last season's runners-up Celtic have also started well, scoring five without reply away to Dundee Utd SC. Suzanne Grant netted a double and there was one apiece from Joanne Love, Julie Ferguson and Karen McInally. Hibernian made a winning start, 3-0 away to Boroughmuir Thistle. Joelle Murray bagged a double, with Hollie Thomson adding the other. FC Kilmarnock gained revenge for their Premier League Cup defeat at the hands of Aberdeen seven days earlier by defeating them 2-0 in their league meeting, with Claire Docherty scoring both goals. Rangers were narrow 2-1 victors over Hamilton Academicals, Jayne Sommerville and Lana McClelland were on the scoresheet for them with the Accies replying through Lyndsey Hogg.
Daisy Goldsmith, who turned 14 years old on the 10th March, has become the youngest referee out of 730 registered referees in Somerset and this would also make her the youngest in the country. Daisy, whose uncle was a referee, was really keen to follow in his footsteps and contacted the Somerset FA to see when she could start training. Keith Buller (Referees Development Officer) allowed Daisy to start her training prior to her 14th birthday on the understanding that she wouldn't be allowed to referee until her birthday. Daisy said: "I got into football when I was ten and moved from an all-girls school to a primary school. Then I decided to take up refereeing because I thought it would develop my all-round understanding of the game and make me a better player. My friends are fine with it because they know I am sporty. In fact some are proud of me." Somerset has seen an increase of females interested in becoming referees and with the new introduction of the female referee pathway where females can progress all the way the FIFA list by doing female football only. (Source: www.somersetfa.com)
 England Head Coach, Hope Powell, has named her squad for the upcoming FIFA Women's 2011 World Cup qualifying double header against Austria and Spain on 25 March and 1 April respectively.There are familiar faces throughout the squad though Hope has called up Chelsea full back, Claire Rafferty, and Leeds Carnegie forward, Ellen White, for the first time after they impressed at a training camp in La Manga in January. They also travelled to Spain with the Under-23s last month. "I think both players can bring something to the squad," said Powell, of the two new inclusions. "As a naturally left footed player, Claire gives us another option at left back and Ellen has been doing well at Leeds Carnegie this season. "I'm pleased that I've been able to call them up because both girls deserve their chance, but, in saying that, there were a few Under-23s that did really well in January that I wouldn't hesitate to call upon if there were injuries." First up is Austria, who have only won one of their opening three qualifiers, against Malta, but their two defeats did come at the hands of Spain who currently top Group 5 with four wins from four and Hope is well aware of the size of the task ahead. "Austria are clearly growing in confidence, but I think they will come to Loftus Road and sit back, which they have tended to do historically. "In saying that, their attitude might be that they've got nothing to lose, because they've lost twice to Spain already and you need to top the group to progress to the play-off, so they might come out with a little more fight and try and take the game to us, which could work in our favour because the game will open up a bit. Either way, we're expecting a tough game. "Spain will be another difficult game because they have got some really talented players who we will have to be mindful of. They might have a point to prove as our second half comeback two years ago ultimately cost them a place at the Euros. "We will have to be at our best to get the win." England squad:
Portsmouth retained the Hampshire County Challenge Cup with a 3-0 victory over Havant & Waterlooville in the Final. After Gemma Hillier had a goal disallowed in the opening minutes, Pompey went ahead in the 17th minute as captain Kirsty McGee headed in from a Cassie Thorp corner. Hawks goalkeeper Sadie Blakeley made saves from Hillier and Justine Lorton to help keep her side in the match going into the interval. After the break, Portsmouth increased their lead when Thorp made a good run down the left, evading a couple of challenges before sliding the ball across goal for Hillier to score from close range. Blakeley made another good save from Zoe Nash but Havant did not give up and pressed hard to try and get themselves back into the game. Sam Stone and Lizzie Laws both forced saves from Pompey goalkeeper Louise Worsfold. However it was Portsmouth who rounded off the win in the dying minutes with a third goal, Lorton heading home from a corner.
 Keynsham Town are one step away from retaining the Somerset County Cup after beating Larkhall Athletic 5-2 in their semi final.Keynsham took a two-goal lead through Kat Rusek and Kayleigh Sage but Larkhall pulled a goal back through Emily Harrington and were then awarded a penalty when Keynsham goalkeeper Sarah Bell fouled Nicki O'Connell as she was poised to score. Bell was perhaps fortunate not to be red carded for the offence but Kelly Cripps stepped up to level the scores from the spot. With Cripps in outstanding form in midfield and captain Charlene Rooney marshalling the defence well, Larkhall hung on to keep themselves in the game against their Premier League opponents. It wasn't until the last fifteen minutes that Larkhall's resistance was finally broken by Keynsham, who grew stronger during the later stages of the match. Leanne Lapham headed Keynsham back in front from Brianna Oeser's cross and Ana Bruni burst through to produce an excellent finish for the fourth, before Lapham put the result beyond doubt with her second goal. Keynsham will therefore play Yeovil Town in what should be an eagerly anticipated Final, venue and date is yet to be confirmed.
Northern Combination Two of the main title challengers met each other on Sunday, leaders Rochdale battling out a 1-1 draw with Liverpool Feds. Sarah Buffel was on target for Dale with a 25-yard strike. Middlesbrough reduced Rochdale's lead to five points, thanks to a 2-1 victory over Wakefield. Stockport County came away from Scunthorpe Utd with a 3-2 success, which takes them into fifth place. Nikki Daniels bagged a double for County, with Nat Thomas grabbing the other. Midland Combination With nearest rivals Sporting Club Albion not having a game, Coventry City took the opportunity to go ten points clear at the top with a 4-0 victory away to Stoke City. The Sky Blues went two ahead through an own goal either side of half time, before fine strikes from Emily Hanson and Helen Dermody sealed the points for the league leaders. Rotherham Utd meanwhile kept up their hopes of a top three finish by running out 6-1 winners over Loughborough Foxes, who remain in the bottom two. Helen Lynskey bagged a four-goal haul with Amy Pollock and an own goal making up the tally. Leicester City picked up a vital point when sharing a goalless draw with mid-table Copsewood (Coventry). South East Combination Norwich City have had a good week by recording two victories which have lifted them into third place and kept their title hopes alive. On Sunday they picked up a 1-0 win away to Lewes and followed this up in midweek by beating Cambridge Women 2-0. Tottenham Hotspur boosted their hopes of a top half finish as they defeated Milton Keynes Dons 3-0. Vanessa Storey was on target twice for Spurs, with Sam Pittuck adding the other from the penalty spot. Cambridge Women had moved out of the bottom two places on Sunday, climbing above Ipswich Town by beating them 2-1. Ebbsfleet Utd recorded their first league victory of the season, a 2-1 success against Northampton Town. After the Cobblers had taken a first half lead, Fleet hit back after the break to take the points with goals from Kelly Philpott and Jay Blackie. South West Combination A tight battle for the title continues to hot up as only three points now cover the top four teams. Yeovil Town, who have dropped the least points at the moment, defeated leaders Newquay 2-1 to leave themselves handily placed in fourth place. Jemma Tewkesbury netted both for the Glovers. Chesham Utd moved into second place, their highest of the season to date, thanks to a 2-0 victory away to Plymouth Argyle, courtesy of a brace of goals from Kat Bowers. Forest Green Rovers closed in on the top half places by winning 3-1 away to Cullompton Rangers. Kirsty Richardson was on target twice, one from the penalty spot, and she was joined on the scoresheet by Laura Bray.
East Midlands League Loughborough Students are into the quarter finals of the League Cup, thanks to a 5-0 win away to Market Warsop. Rolls Royce Leisure edged out Gedling Town 2-1 and the other all-Premier Division tie was won by Clifton, 3-1 at Heather St Johns. Two teams from outside the Premier Division are in the last eight - Steel City Wanderers, who defeated Arnold Town 4-1 and Daventry Town, 7-1 winners away to Raunds Town. Corby S & L came through a tricky tie at Rise Park with a 3-2 victory after extra time, whilst Sandiacre Town triumphed 4-1 at Sleaford Town and Friar Lane & Epworth beat Grimsby Town 5-1. In the First Round of the League Plate, Huncote S & SC were narrow 2-1 winners over Long Eaton Utd in the battle between two of Division One South's high fliers. Barrowby came away from Nuneaton Town with a 1-0 victory whilst Hinckley Utd and Kingsthorpe recorded wins over Allestree and West Bridgford respectively. Linby CW put an awkward league season behind them to beat Lenton Athletic 7-1. Eastern Region League Barking remain in the Premier Division hunt and kept their hopes up with a fine 7-1 victory over Hethersett Athletic. Vicky Bruce and Liane Prior bagged doubles for the Essex side, along with Samantha Chase, Hayley Piggott and an own goal. Braintree Town dealt a blow to Haringey Borough as well as boosting themselves by beating them 2-1 thanks to Paula Drane and Chloe Argent. Emma Ridings netted five times and Sarah Jolly added four as Chelmsford City defeated hapless Taverham 15-0. Despite only just moving out of the bottom three, Woodbridge Town can still have a say by winning their games in hand and a 1-0 win at West Lynn, Sarah Lloyd scoring, kept them in contention. Norwich City Res have hit top spot in Division One North after Katrina Carman gave them a 1-0 victory over Haverhill Rovers. Kettering Town maintained their challenge by beating Histon Hornets 4-1, Charlotte Penny scoring a hat-trick and Simone Cook the other, whilst doubles from Sheryl Nokes and Sophie Alexander plus a Lauren Richardson strike gave Ipswich Wanderers an important 5-1 success at Cambridge Women Res. Division One South leaders Arlesey Town were dealt a blow as they went down to a 3-0 defeat away to second placed Hannakins, for whom Kierra Gabriel (2) and Pru Buckley were on target. Billericay Town moved into third as Kerry Oldham gave them a 1-0 win at Sawbridgeworth Town. AFC Kempston Rovers defeated Royston Town 2-0 thanks to Sally Dayus and Nina Brown, whilst Joanne Corbett hit a hat-trick for Whitwell in their 7-0 victory over Leighton Linslade. London & South East League Panthers stay five points clear in the Premier Division despite suffering a 3-0 reverse away to fourth placed Littlehampton Town, who stepped up their own title challenge as a result as did Maidstone Town with a 1-0 success at Crawley Wasps. Horley Town had started the day at the foot of the table but lifted themselves up three places by picking up maximum points from their double header with Wingate & Finchley. Hemel Hempstead moved themselves into the top half of the Division One (London) table with a 7-2 victory over Enfield Town Res. Tower Hamlets meanwhile boosted their hopes of moving out of the bottom two as they picked up three vital points in a 2-0 win against Brentford. North East League Whitley Bay have opened up a six point gap at the top of the Premier Division after winning their top of the table clash 3-0 against Barnsley, goals coming from Sarah Coleman, Jo Suddes and Kirsty Hunter. Hull City took the chance to go into second place by beating Guiseley 3-0. Huddersfield Town came away from Peterlee Town with a 2-0 victory whilst St Francis 2000 and Sheffield FC finished level at 1-1. Durham City returned to winning ways in the Northern Division, their 5-1 victory over Birtley Town keeping them three points ahead of Scarborough, who won 4-1 at Lumley. The game between the two sides at the bottom of the table turned out to be a thriller, Brandon Ladies edging out Cramlington Juniors by the odd goal in eleven. With the top two not playing in the Southern Division, Sheffield Utd Junior Blades caught up ground by scoring six without reply past Tadcaster Magnets. AFC Preston were 5-3 winners over Wetherby Athletic while Wakefield Res and Bradford City A shared four goals. North West League Mossley Hill are closing in on the Premier Division title following their 6-0 win at Windscale, which keeps them eleven points ahead of Chester City who scored nine without reply at Wigan Ladies. Chorley and Fletcher Moss Rangers kept their fading hopes alive by recording emphatic victories over Leigh RMI and AFC Urmston Meadowside respectively. Preston North End defeated Bury Girls & Ladies 5-0 and Burnley Girls were 3-2 winners at Bolton Wanderers, making it a clean sweep of victories for the top six. Brazil continue to set the pace in Division One North, their 3-1 success at Bolton Lads & Girls keeping them two points in front of Penrith AFC who inflicted a first defeat of the season on Morecambe, beating them 4-2. Wigan Athletic kept their hopes alive by defeating Springfields (Preston) 1-0. Blackpool Wren Rovers Res won 5-2 away to Bolton Ambassadors and Warrington Town claimed a 3-1 victory at Burscough. Denton Town ran out 6-1 winners over Birkenhead to narrow the gap on the top two in Division One South. Manchester Stingers follow on after notching up two large wins in a double header with Airbus UK. Buxton defeated Macclesfield Town 2-0 to boost their chances of a top half finish. South West League Keynsham Town Development are the second team who have reached the semi finals of the Bristol Soccerworld Cup, thanks to a 10-1 quarter final victory against a depleted Forest Green Rovers Res which included hat-tricks from Aimee Clark and Amy Davis. Falmouth Town meanwhile won their Second Round tie 3-0 over Swindon Spitfires, with goals from Sarah Winn, Sasha Sparkes and Katie Barker whilst Marjons Old Suttonians came away from Launceston with a 2-1 victory thanks to a Lauren Wallinger double. In the Premier Division, leaders Frome Town crashed to a 6-2 defeat at home to in-form Bristol Ladies Union. Gloucester City moved into second place by winning 6-0 at Taunton Town, Helen Wood and Leanne Gosling both hitting doubles with Nicky Glanville and Jaz Morris also on target. Saltash Utd maintained their unbeaten record but only just, coming from two behind to draw 2-2 with Oldland Abbotonians. Vicky Mundy and Kirsty Mitchell had put Oldland two ahead, before Emma Pemberton pulled a goal back and Julie Hewitt rescued a point for the Ashes, deep into injury time. Stoke Lane Athletic and Weymouth also shared four goals, whilst Cheltenham Town were 3-1 victors over Poole Town with Natalie Berry, Charlie Griffin and Nicole Robinson on the scoresheet. Eastern Division table toppers Cirencester Town were held to a 4-4 draw by Nailsea Utd despite goals from Lucy Vickers (2), Elle Maynards and Chyna Collings. Bishop's Lydeard kept their hopes alive with a 3-1 win away to Downend Flyers, Tash Bratton and Roise Hooper netting their goals with Kate Michaels replying. Yeovil Town Res won 3-0 at Totnes & Dartington SC to close the gap on Western Division leaders Falmouth Town to six points. Newquay Res are a further point adrift after beating Roche 8-1. Plymouth Argyle Res returned to winning ways with a 4-0 success against Bude Town. Southern Region League Southampton Saints power on at the top of the Premier Division, their 2-1 win at Slough taking them a huge eleven points clear. Oxford Utd meanwhile beat Aldershot Town 2-1 to go level on points with second placed Maidenhead Utd, who did not play. Bracknell Town and Shanklin battled out a 3-3 draw whilst Wycombe Wanderers picked up two wins in their double header with MK Wanderers. In Division One, Southampton Women defeated previously unbeaten Basingstoke Town 2-1 to go to within one point of table toppers Woodley Saints. Chesham Utd Res are in fourth after winning 2-1 at Southampton Saints Res. Reading Girls beat Berinsfield 2-1 to pick up three important points as did Banbury Utd with a 1-0 victory over Reading Ladies, which lifts them off the bottom. West Midlands League The Premier Division Cup Final will be an eagerly anticipated affair between two of the main title contenders. Solihull Ladies scored eight without reply past Hereford Phoenix and they will play Worcester City, who won 3-0 at Lichfield Diamonds. Coseley Town made it through to the Division One North Cup Final by beating Cottage Farm Rangers and their opponents will be Wyrley Juniors, who scored seven without reply against Bridgnorth Spartans. Stratford Town took the chance to step up their title challenge in the Premier Division, their 3-1 victory over Bradwell Belles takes them level on points with leaders Solihull Ladies. Form team Allscott won 4-0 away to Kidsgrove to go fifth, just ahead of Coleshill Town who beat Hereford Pegasus by the odd goal in five. Cannock defeated Kidderminster Harriers 5-1 to claim three valuable points which take them out of the bottom two. In Division One North, Willenhall Town took a three point lead at the top with a 5-1 victory over Tamworth Lionesses. Bedworth Utd and Withymoor finished level at 2-2 and FC Reedswood were narrow 2-1 winners at Rugeley Ladies. Leamington Lions ran out 6-0 winners over Redditch Utd in the semi finals of the Division One South Cup and they now play Coventry City Development, who won the other semi final 3-1 against Rea Valley. Dudley Utd stepped up their title challenge in Division One South by winning 4-1 away to leaders Birmingham Athletic, cutting the gap to four points in the process. Walsall were 2-0 victors at Knowle but Marston Green claimed a fine first victory of the season, 3-1 against third placed Fairfield Villa.
Arsenal's UEFA Women's Champions League hopes are still very much alive after they were beaten 2-1 by FCR Duisburg in the first leg of their quarter final. Laura Harvey's team had fallen two goals behind but an own goal gave them a crucial strike and a real chance when they take on the reigning European Champions in the second leg at Bishop's Stortford on Sunday. Star striker Inka Grings almost gave Duisburg an early lead when her lob hit the bar but the Euro 2009 Golden Boot winner did put the home side in front in the 24th minute, from the penalty spot after a handball offence against Kim Little. Four minutes into the second half, a low cross from the left picked out Marina Hegering who finished clinically to double the German side's advantage. However Arsenal rallied from this point and, shortly after Gemma Davison went close, they were given a lifeline as a free kick taken by Little was turned into her own net by Grings to give the Gunners a precious away goal. The second leg at Bishop's Stortford on Sunday - Mother's Day - kicks off at 1pm and admission is £3 for adults and £1.50 for Under-16s and concessions. Mothers get in FREE! (if accompanied by their paying children)
 Wales manager Adrian Tucker has named his squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying group double header with Belgium and Sweden.Wales play Belgium on Sunday 28 March at Stadium Fallon in Brussels (3pm GMT) before returning home to take on Sweden on 31st March at The Airfield, Airbus UK Broughton FC (7pm). Entrance to the Sweden match is free of charge. Jasmin Dutton and Sophie Ingle, who made their full debuts in the recent friendly with Northern Ireland, keep their places in the squad as does full back Erin Vaughan. Wales squad:
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