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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:
Scotland Under-17 held hosts Northern Ireland to a draw on Tuesday night in the first game of an international challenge match double header. Coach Ann-Helen Grahm handed debuts to goalkeeper Megan Cunningham and her Celtic team mates Kirstin McGuire and Indi Cowie, the latter making her mark by bagging Scotland's second goal. Scotland produced some good attacking football in the first half, and took an early lead through Arsenal's Emily Thomson. The young striker showed both pace and composure as she got onto the end of a long pass to round the goalkeeper under pressure from a Northern Ireland defender. Indi Cowie doubled Scotland's lead shortly after. The debutant picked up a neat ball from Rangers' Lana Cleland and beat the goalkeeper with a well placed shot. Scotland were beginning to give away possession, and Northern Ireland pulled one back just three minutes later through Rachel Laverty, to go into the break 2-1 down. The hosts kept up the momentum and Lauran Wade grabbed an equaliser seven minutes into the second half, after a good cross to the front post eluded the Scotland defence. As the game drew to a close Cunningham kept Scotland level, pulling off a great save after going one-on-one with an advancing Irish forward. Hibernian's Claire Emslie had a great chance to put Scotland into the lead again in the dying seconds, but put the ball wide. Ann-Helen Grahm said after the game: "I was pleased with the performance, particularly in the first half. We showed some good movement and variation of play, but we did start to give away possession a bit cheaply, and let Northern Ireland back into the game. Overall it was a decent start to the double header, and it was good to see so many new faces settling into the side." (www.scottishfa.co.uk)
Recently, it has been snowing everywhere, everyday, or raining everywhere, everyday. It has been quite daft and not at all funny because games have been cancelled, postponed or abandoned. Not a problem, just play FIFA! I have now successfully managed to get my fictitious Barnet FC team into the Premiership and Europe. FIFA is great. But, it does not beat the real thing. A lot of teams have not played for such a long time. The enforced break has interrupted the flow of the season, our concentration and focus has probably suffered greatly, and of course our fitness. This has not just affected the female game, I know. Actually, I disagree with my last statement. I suspect that our game has been more affected than most. One of the teams that I coach had a game cancelled due to the condition of the field, only to find that the boys' section of the club had played their match. Their games were to be played side by side, and' the condition of the field appeared the same. It was not clear why the girls' game had been cancelled. Following this, a couple of weeks had passed, still no games. Oh dear, all over the cyber-globe, there were cyber-tears shed. The girls' team were due to play a cup semi final, only to have their game cancelled, again, due to the field being unsuitable. However, the field may have been suitable if the club had not permitted a team of supporters to play a game there the day before. Maybe some do not question these decisions by the 'powers that be'. However, if we did probe we may not like what we find. Not hasty decisions, but biased decisions. Now, we have to start all over again, getting mentally enthused to play, having not kicked a ball in anger for weeks. Some will have to play the dreaded 'double headers', others will endure a longer season, dragging on maybe until the end of time. I jest. A positive note to end on, we have lots of tournaments to look forward to. Very soon it will be time to return to our beloved moulded boots. By Helen L. Nkwocha, Coach & Founder of DigSoccer.com
Gillingham midfielder Deanna Cooper has won a prestigious award for her hard work and dedication to sport. 16-year-old Deanna had been nominated for the Young Sports Personality of the Year award by the Kent Regional News Group, however, unknown to all, there was an even more special award, for which everyone nominated across all the different groups was in contention, this was the Kent Regional News & Media Editor's Award, which was nominated by the Senior Sports Editor Tony Rickson. Donna, who has moved up from the Centre of Excellence where she won several caps for England at Under-17 level, joined the Gills despite strong interest from clubs in a higher division. She has been a pivotal player in their midfield and has set up many goals in her 16 appearances, as well as becoming the first Gillingham Ladies player to represent England when she started against Iceland for the Under-17s recently. Not only is Deanna a rising star in football, she also excels at cricket where she plays for Kent, winners of the County Championship which led to her having the honour of visiting Buckingham Palace in order to collect her medal from the Duke of Edinburgh. She is also a regular in the England under-17 set up at cricket. She often takes cricket training in the morning, then makes the mad dash to play for the Gills in the afternoon but still puts in a player of the match performance. The award is a reward for her true dedication to sport and for the hard work and support given to her by her family.
 Dunia Susi generously paid tribute to opponents Aston Villa after Chelsea defeated them 4-3 to reach the semi finals of the F.A.Women's Cup on Sunday.The England international was twice on the scoresheet as the Blues made it through to the last four for the second year in succession but she admitted that they had to work extremely hard for the victory, which earns them a tie with holders Arsenal. "We are delighted to be through to the semi final," she said. "Villa is a tough place to come to and they gave us an extremely hard game. "Every time we got our noses in front they kept coming back. We are really happy to be through to the semis and it was pleasing for me to grab a couple of goals as well. "We now have Arsenal in the semi finals to look forward to and we'll be doing our utmost to reach the Final in May."
 Colchester United secured their third consecutive Essex County Cup Final appearance with an impressive 2-0 victory away to fellow Women's Premier League Southern Division side West Ham United. With the tie having been postponed the previous two weekends, both sides entered the game short of match sharpness but it was Colchester who showed no ill effects from the lay off taking the game to their hosts and dominating the first half hour of play. It was as early as the 10th minute that Colchester took the lead. Flo Gamby's flicked header running into the pass of Helen Bass who coolly lobbed her finish into the back of the Hammers' net. Just eight minutes later, after continued Colchester pressure, Bass doubled the lead, Maegan Doyle this time the provider her slide rule through ball giving Bass the opportunity to calmly slot past home keeper Sophie Bishop. By half time the tie could have been over as Colchester posed all kinds of problems from both open play and set pieces. U's captain Hannah Porter was twice unfortunate not to add to the lead, first a well worked free kick ending in Porter heading an Alex Shepherd delivery against the crossbar and then just before the interval Porter headed home a Paige Chappell set piece only to be denied by the assistant referee's flag for offside. In the second half West Ham came out with renewed purpose and enjoyed more possession than in the first period but a well organized and determined Colchester denied them any real clear cut opportunities with Porter and youngster Amelia Southgate particularly impressive in the heart of defence. U's keeper Nikita Runnacles was called upon only once to block a Nina Downham shot from close range. At the other end, Doyle and Bass always looked capable of adding to the lead while the youthful Colchester midfield quartet of Gamby, Hayley West, Lilly Mellors and Kat Parnell worked tirelessly to deny the home side time and space. There was nothing in the way of nervous closing minutes for Colchester as they closed out a thoroughly professional performance to seal their place in the final where they will meet close neighbours Braintree Town of the Eastern Region League on April 8th, 7.45pm kick off at Great Wakering Rovers FC.
Northop Hall have reached the Final of the FA of Wales Under-16 Girls Cup after a 2-1 extra time victory over Crickhowell Panthers in a thrilling semi final. On an excellent playing surface at Newtown, Northop Hall took an early first half lead through a well taken finish from Sydney Hinchcliffe, this goal had looked to be enough to send them through until four minutes from time, when Crickhowell equalised from a penalty which had been disputed by their opponents. The game went into extra time and Northop Hall went back in front two minutes after the restart, Laura Pennington finishing off a good move with a powerful strike after evading her marker in the area. However they needed to withstand pressure from Crickhowell with goalkeeper Abbie pulling off a triple save and a goalmouth scramble almost brought an equaliser. In the Final, Northop Hall will play Mardy Tigers who were 10-0 winners over Prestatyn Town in the other semi final.
 Arsenal regained the Premier League Reserve Section League Cup in emphatic style with a 9-0 victory over Everton in the Final at Nantwich Town F.C.The Gunners took a 25th minute lead through Lauren Bruton and Ashleigh Goddard extended their advantage just after the half hour. Bruton added a third from the penalty spot and Jennifer Beattie also found the net ahead of half time. Arsenal put the match beyond any further doubt after the break with four goals in an eleven minute spell. Bruton completed her hat-trick ten minutes after the restart before an own goal, Beattie and Goddard scored once again. Goddard rounded off a great day for her side as she netted her hat-trick goal with sixteen minutes remaining to finish off the scoring.
Queen's Park Rangers are through to the Final of the Middlesex Women's Senior Cup after defeating Enfield Town 2-0 in a hard fought semi final. This season is Rangers' first appearance in the competition after a four year absence, during which time all their efforts were focused on gaining promotion to the FA Women's Premier League which they achieved at the end of last season. Rangers went through courtesy of goals by strikers Rebecca Kane and Beth Curtis. They now await the winners of the other semi final tie which is between Old Actonians and Barnet, the latter of whom has just progressed through to the semi finals of the FA Women's Cup where they will meet Everton - who were victors over QPR in the Fourth Round. Manager Martino Chevannes told Women's Soccer Scene: "Although our main focus this season has been on the league and to maintain our Premier League status, it is a great achievement for both the players and the club to reach a Cup Final in a game in which our victory was thoroughly deserved. "Our league campaign this season has been severely disrupted and somewhat difficult as a result of long term injuries sustained this season to no fewer than seven regular first team players, but we have had to cope with it as best we can with players from both our reserves and third team filling the void and doing a good job in the process, which is a credit to them and in turn has aided their development as players. "Between now and the 7th April - when the Final is scheduled to take place - all talk about the Final is on the back burner as our priority and focus will be firmly on our forthcoming league games and increasing our points total."
Barnet clinched an F.A.Women's Cup semi final berth for the first time in their history with a 3-2 victory over National Division side Nottingham Forest at Hanwell on Sunday. They earned the right to meet Everton at Southport FC next Sunday with two Holly Sandow goals and a Claire Thomas header. Forest, who twice came from behind, were undone by defensive errors but their Southern Division opponents deserved their victory in an exciting match. Both teams started nervously with no real pattern emerging in the first twenty minutes. A Reanne Thomas cross caused a moment of concern for the Bees defence but the first goal came the way of the home team on 20 minutes. Cheryl Williams lofted in a left foot cross which Claire Wallhead was not able to catch or punch and the ball dropped for Sandow to bundle in from two yards. Barnet continued to have the slight edge, largely through Stacey Sowden and Sandow pressuring the Forest defence with intelligent runs. From a Danielle Murphy through ball, Sowden pulled a cross back which was half cleared by a diving Wallhead and Thomas had a goalbound shot well blocked by a defender. The Forest attack was well contained by the Bees defence, despite having an equal share of the possession and a Lauren Cresswell cross onto the roof of the net was their only real threat before the break. The visitors took only one minute to test Cherie Rowlands on the restart as Laura Coombs was through on goal, but her lofted shot was tipped to safety by the Barnet keeper. The visitors continued to press, with an Andi Bell cross putting Rowlands in trouble on 52 minutes and the Forest pressure paid off six minutes later. Lyndsey Cunningham broke free on the right and put in an excellent low pass for Coombs to finish from eight yards at the second attempt. Back came Barnet and a far post corner was met by Thomas on 62 minutes to restore the lead. Forest nearly equalised when a Bell cross was blasted over the bar from five yards. Barnet almost went further ahead when Sandow had a dangerous cross palmed over the bar and then flicked a header inches wide from a Williams cross. These near misses looked costly when Gemma Rudman inadvertently diverted a corner into her own net with 15 minutes left to make it 2-2. However, Sandow''s persistence was to win the day on 78 minutes when she chased down a through ball which keeper Wallhead failed to collect, presenting her with an open goal and the former Penzance and Bath City striker made no mistake. Forest very nearly equalised for a third time when a clever Suzanne Davies through pass gave Forest an opening but Rowlands pulled off a fine save low to her left. Barnet played out the final ten minutes very calmly, with Katie Holmes outstanding in midfield, but in truth every player had performed with great concentration and determination over the whole ninety minutes to seal the win. Barnet, clear leaders of the Southern Division, will be hoping to perform far better than the heavy defeat suffered last time they took on Everton in the F.A.Women's Cup. Forest meanwhile need to put this disappointment behind them to gain points to retain their top flight status. Both clubs also have Super League applications in place and might well meet in league action next year. Barnet: Cherie Rowlands, Alison Read, Zoe Lance, Katie Holmes, Leanne Reidy, Gemma Rudman, Holly Sandow, Danielle Murphy, Stacey Sowden, Claire Thomas, Cheryl Williams. Subs: Cally Browne, Katie O'Leary, Emma Davies. Nottingham Forest: Claire Wallhead, Lyndsey Cunningham, Beth Bailey, Lauren Cresswell, Andi Bell, Reanne Thomas, Laura Coombs, Catherine Lawson, Cat Stainthorpe, Chloe Foster, Suzanne Davies. Subs: Levi Penny, Danielle Duffy, Carla Tompkins, Lauren Howard, Jenny Foster. (Report by Patrick Higgins)
Chelsea made it through to the semi finals of the F.A.Women's Cup for the second year in a row but were pushed all the way in their 4-3 extra time victory over Aston Villa. England international Dunia Susi gave the Blues a 20th minute lead which was cancelled out on the half hour by Carly Davies, before Susi netted her second to send Chelsea into half time with a 2-1 lead. Davies replied once again, midway through the second half, to send the match into extra time. Chelsea went back in front just a minute into the extra period through a penalty from Leanne Champ but Villa once again fought back and Emma Follis equalised five minutes later. Villa's resistance was finally ended in the second period as Chelsea were awarded another penalty, this time Champ's kick was saved before Rebecca Jane followed up to slot home the rebound for the winning goal. Chelsea, who have reached their fourth major semi final in two seasons, face Cup holders Arsenal in the last four.
Arsenal are within one point of the leadership in the National Division following their 4-1 win against Blackburn Rovers. The score was level at 1-1 going into the interval after what had been an eventful first half for Blackburn's Rhiannan Roberts, who gave Arsenal the lead through an own goal before making amends by scoring the equaliser herself in injury time. The Gunners went back in front on the hour mark through Gemma Davison and they went on to secure the points with further goals from Danielle Carter and Jayne Ludlow, to put them in good stead before their UEFA Champions League quarter final with Duisburg this week. Leeds Carnegie moved into third place, their highest position of the season to date, thanks to a 4-0 victory over Bristol Academy. However the scoreline did not reflect a game in which Academy had stayed on level terms until the final 13 minutes, when their resistance was broken through a Sue Smith penalty. Rachel Daly added a second moments later and Carla Cantrell struck twice in injury time, meaning that she has scored six times against Academy this season. Everton kept up their challenge by winning 4-0 away to Watford. Gwennan Harries put them in front ten minutes before half time and Natasha Dowie doubled their lead shortly afterwards. Harries scored her second in the opening minute of the second half, with Jill Scott also getting on the scoresheet. Birmingham City halted their bad run with an important 1-0 victory against Millwall Lionesses, which takes them out of the bottom three. Isobel Christiansen settled matters with the only goal of the game in the 36th minute.
Leicester City narrowed the gap on Northern Division leaders Liverpool to eight points after beating Manchester City 4-3 in a pulsating match. The Foxes raced into a two-goal lead through a fine chipped goal from Hannah Smith and a Vicky Gallagher header and, although Charlotte Farrell reduced the arrears via a powerful free kick, Gallagher added a second ahead of the interval. Leicester looked to be in an unassailable position as Natasha Meade scored with a 35-yard strike but Man City were far from finished. Farrell hit two more stunning free kicks to complete her hat-trick - a rare one as all were from free kicks - but her efforts were to be in vain as Leicester held out for three valuable points. There were even more goals on show at Preston North End, where the home side claimed a 9-3 win against Newcastle Utd. Gemma Watson and Hannah Bailey put Preston two ahead inside the opening quarter hour, with Victoria Charnley adding a third. Watson netted her second goal before Beth Gardner pulled a goal back for Newcastle just before the break. Watson completed her hat-trick six minutes into the second half, taking her tally for the season to 11, with Sam Cadwallader and Alison Taberner also finding the net before Rachel Furness scored a second for the Magpies. Cadwallader and Bailey both completed doubles to round off an amazing result for Preston, despite Melanie Reay netting a late consolation in reply.
Cardiff City got back to winning ways in the Southern Division with a 4-0 victory over WFC Fulham. Danielle Broadhurst opened the scoring for the South Wales side who quickly added a second through Terri Beddows. After the break, Beddows completed her double before Nicola Cousins rounded off the scoring, fifteen minutes from time. Cardiff remain in fifth but are just two points off second place, whilst Fulham stay rooted in the bottom two.
Inverness are through to the semi finals of the Scottish Women's Premier League Cup after beating Hamilton Academicals 3-1. Leanne Calder was on target twice for Inverness whose other goal came from Lisa MacKenzie, with Nicky Grant grabbing a consolation for the Accies. The other team definitely in the last four are Aberdeen, who booked their place with a 4-0 victory away to FC Kilmarnock. Holders Glasgow City defeated Hibernian 2-0 to reach the quarter finals in a repeat of last year's Final. The first half ended goalless with City twice hitting the woodwork through Suzanne Lappin and Jane Ross and Hibs goalkeeper Shannon Lynn was in excellent form. City broke the deadlock after the break when Leanne Ross gave them the lead from the penalty spot and Katharina Lindner added the second late on with a 20-yard strike. Glasgow City's opponents in the quarter finals will be Celtic, who progressed to the last eight by winning 3-1 away to Boroughmuir Thistle. Suzanne Grant netted twice, with Jo Love adding the other for the Hoops The closest game of the day was at Dundee Utd SC where visitors Spartans emerged as 4-3 winners after extra time. Diana Barry (2), Pauline Hamill and Claire Crosbie scored the goals for the Edinburgh side, with United replying through Laurie Denney, Aimee Godfrey and Debbie Johnston. Spartans now play Rangers in the last eight.
 Plans are well under way for the third Lois Russell (all-female) Football Tournament, to be held on 5th and 6th June. Previous entrants will know that this is a tournament with a difference, not least because it has a real feel good factor to it. The inspiration to put on a top quality ladies/girls football tournament came as a result of a tragic event. Lois Russell was a young girl who had a real zest for life. As an exceptionally talented sportswoman, she held the title of British Champion in her field. Sadly, Lois lost her life in a tragic accident on 30th January 2008. What became apparent to us was that there was a big hole in the market for quality female 5/6-a-side tournaments. There are some, and they deserve credit, but they are few and far between. Last year the tournament was fully subscribed in every category, and the feedback from managers and players was extremely positive. A substantial sum of the money we raise is donated to two Charities that are very personal to Lois' family. Those charities are Daisy's Dream and Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary. We are also extremely lucky to be able to hold the event at Reading Town Football Club. Their facilities are first class, and we can offer teams a 'proper' football pitch, roped off to spectators, with all the extras you'd expect from an established club. We repay their generosity by donating part of our profit to the club. Reading Town have had an excellent season, resulting in promotion and the money we donate helps with their continued success. If you'd like to support this event, you can find more information and download an entry form at www.loisrusselltournament.giving.officelive.com or you can e-mail Debra Davis at debra9933@hotmail.com.
 Watford Ladies have released details of their six-a-side tournament which will take place on Saturday 19th June 2010.As previously, they will run competitions for all age groups from Under-9s through to Under-16s and Ladies Open Age. Last year, they had a great day with more than 90 teams attending across the day. Book by 31st March to avoid disappointment and to get the early booking rate. For the club's tournament page and application details go to www.watfordladiesfc.com/tournament.php. Any tournament correspondence should be directed to: watfordladiestournament@fsmail.net.
 Faye White believes that victory in their final Cyprus Cup match against Italy has set England up nicely for their World Cup qualifying double header with Austria and Spain later this month.The England captain sealed the win with an injury time strike from the edge of the area - her ninth for her country - and it also silenced some teasing from her team mates, as she told Tony Leighton and TheFA.com afterwards. She said: "My team mates were taking the mickey out of me the other day because I was shooting for goal all the time - but it obviously paid off! Everyone was so surprised though, because I'm not expected to score goals like that. "We were more pleased with the result than the performance, although we were a lot more fluid as a team than we had been in our three group games and it was good to end the tournament on a winning note. "The Austria game will be a good one for us to get back into a competitive environment with points at stake. We'll be expected to win and we'll be looking to do that with hopefully a few goals. "That would put us in good stead for Spain because that's going to be a real toughie. We had two really hard games against them in our qualifying group for Euro 2009 and we can definitely expect the same this time. "We play them away in June, when the very hot conditions will suit them perfectly, so winning the home game is crucial. It will be difficult, but we are certainly capable of doing it and the aim will be to keep up our 100 per cent qualifying record."
 Hayley Lauder savoured her senior international debut for Scotland and has set her sights on winning a regular place in the squad in the future.The highly rated 19-year-old Spartans midfielder made her first appearance as a second half substitute during the 2-0 defeat against Italy and, in an exclusive video interview for www.scottishfa.co.uk, she reflected on a memorable day. "It was brilliant," smiled Hayley. "It was a great feeling but bittersweet as well because we lost, but it was fantastic just to get on and get a chance against one of the top teams in the world. "I hope to get in the squad for the (World Cup) qualifiers but, one thing at a time, it's just good to get involved for now." (You can watch the full interview with Hayley Lauder by visiting www.scottishfa.co.uk)
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