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UEFA Women’s Champions League

Arsenal and Celtic a step closer towards earning a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League this season after both recorded victories in their First Qualifying Round semi finals.

Arsenal met Rangers at Boreham Wood and, following the Gunners’ exit at this stage a year ago, they were in no mood for any slip ups this time. Caitlin Foord headed them in front from Mariona Caldentey’s cross in the sixteenth minute and she made it two just before the hour, curling a shot in from the edge of the area. Before Rangers could recover, they were three behind through a firm strike by Alessia Russo and ten minutes later, Foord completed her hat-trick when she volleyed home a Katie McCabe cross at the far post. Kim Little increased their lead when she slotted home the resulting penalty after Nicola Docherty was penalised for a foul on McCabe in the area and as the game went into injury time, Foord rounded off a great personal performance as she scored her fourth, following a goalmouth scramble, to round off a 6-0 win.  

Arsenal’s opponents in the Final on Saturday will be Rosenborg of Norway, who got past Atletico Madrid on penalties after the teams shared a 2-2 draw. Goalkeeper Rugile Rulyte was the heroine for Rosenborg, saving two kicks during the shootout.  

Celtic meanwhile took on Finnish side KuPS Kuopio in Lithuania and found themselves a goal behind when Roosa Ariyo scored in the eighteenth minute. The introduction of Saoirse Noonan as a substitute just after the hour mark proved to be a turning point in the match, firstly levelling the scores within a minute of her coming on. The game remained in the balance and went into extra time but a minute after the start of the extra period, Noonan struck again to put Celtic in front for the first time and just six minutes later, the former Durham Women striker completed her hat-trick and put the seal on a fine 3-1 victory for the Ghirls.

Next up for Celtic, in their Qualifying Round Final, will be group hosts FC Gintra who were 5-0 winners over Moldovan opponents Anenii Noi, including a hat-trick from striker Sphumelele Shamase.

Peamount Utd also progressed, goals from Ellen Dolan and substitute Kerri Letmon giving them a 2-1 extra time victory against Dinamo-BSUPC and they will be up against Croatian side Osijek. However, Cardiff City Women had faced a tough task against Dutch champions FC Twente at their home ground in Enschede and this proved to be the case, Kayleigh Van Dooren’s two early goals setting up a strong Twente outfit for a 7-0 victory, she was joined on the scoresheet by Sophie Te Brake, Anna Knol, Amanda Andradottir, Suus Verdaasdonk and Jaimy Ravensbergen.

Twente therefore go through to play Valur Reykjavik of Iceland in the Final whilst Cardiff play Macedonian side Ljuboten.  

Smith oversaw promotion to the top tier of women’s football in 2023 and guided the Club throughout the Women’s Super League campaign, which saw record-breaking crowds attracted to Ashton Gate.

Gavin Marshall, Chair of Bristol City Women, said: “It is hard to put into words how much Lauren has given to Bristol City over the years.

“I thank her for her tireless hard work and commitment to the development of City Women, we are sad to see her go. The club is proud of the part it has played in Lauren’s development as a Coach and take this opportunity to wish her the very best for her future.

“Lauren will always be welcome back at Ashton Gate and will be missed by the staff and players.”

Lauren Smith said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I leave the club, a club that means so much to me, but the time is right for me to explore new opportunities.

“I want to thank all the staff and players that I have worked with over the years for their support and hard work on and off the pitch. I will always keep a keen eye on how City are doing and wish everyone well for the coming season.”

Loren Dykes will take on the role of Interim Head Coach while the Club begins its search for the best candidate to lead its talented squad for the upcoming Women’s Championship campaign.

(Courtesy of bcfc.co.uk)