A limpid, disinterested Birmingham were given the runaround by Liverpool in a game in which it was difficult to tell which team started bottom of the league with only two points from nine matches (read more).
Birmingham City Ladies have today signed England under-19 right-back Sian Larkin from National Division rivals Chelsea. Larkin can play in midfield or defence and has risen up through the England ranks at U17 and U19 level. She was part of the successful U19s European Championship team. The 19-year-old signed from Arsenal in 2007 and is available for Sunday’s home game against Liverpool at Redditch United’s Valley Stadium (ko 2pm).
By Mark Farnell
One moment’s lack of concentration was all that separated the sides in an evenly fought contest played at Stratford Town.
Blues withstood their hosts in the early exchanges and a Sally Stanton shot for the hosts was well saved on 35 minutes by England keeper Siobhan Chamberlain.
Moments later former Blue Eni Aluko looked to be through on goal before being closed down by Michelle Hickmott.
A Heather Scheuber cross shot was tipped over for a corner and at the other end England ace Leanne Sanderson’s shot was well saved by Sue Wood in the Birmingham
goal.
The Chelsea breakthrough finally came on 40 minutes when a careless pass was intercepted by Brooke Chaplen just outside the area. She fed the ball through to Aluko who shot low into the right-hand corner.
Birmingham chased an equaliser and Amy McCann was almost through on goal before being stopped by a crucial tackle.
The second half began with intense pressure from big-spending Chesea.
Free kicks were conceded by both teams but Blues began to fight back and Katy Ward was replaced by Milly Durrant whose fresh legs on a warm day upped
the tempo.
Chelsea remained a threat and only good work from Faye Cardin and a good save from Wood from the resultant corner prevented a Chelsea second.
A Durrant pass found McCann but her shot lacked the power to beat the outstretched arm of Chamberlain.
Welsh forward Durrant and Blues sub Keeley Lowe kept up the pressure late on but failed to find a way through.
Teams, BCLFC: Sue Wood; Faye Cardin, Kerys Harrop, Jenni Foster, Michelle Hickmott; Katy Ward, Heather Scheuber, Sally Stanton, Maz Gauntlett; Amy McCann, Becky Hall. Subs: Keeley Lowe, Chloe Foster (unused), Milly Durrant, Kate Moran.
Chelsea: Chamberlain, Stoney, Davies, Asante, Perry, Chaplen, Smith, Buet, Rafferty, Sanderson, Aluko. Subs: Owen, Susi.
It was mixed fortunes for our teams today with the First Team loosing at home to Chelsea 1-0. The goalwas scored in the 42nd minute by ex Birminghgam player Eni Aluko.
The Reserves got back to winning ways though with a 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday
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Due to Doncasters League cup game being postponed yesterday our game with them next Sunday (12th October 2008) has had to be postponed. Their game against Nottinhgham Forest takes priority.
Reserves result. Sunderland 4 Birmingham Reserves 0. The Reserves next game is against Sheffield Wenesday on Sunday 12th October 2008 at Holyfields 2:00pm kick off.
BCLFC are seeking volunteers to help out on home match days. They are fun (and recently very exciting!) events to be part of and if you could give some time to help on the Gate or in the Kitchen, that would be wonderful. We are also looking for a PA Announcer and a Match Day Manager - would you like to try these roles? The matches are at Redditch United FC and there are around two per month for the next few months (see fixtures). Anyone volunteering would receive free entry to matches and the opportunity to work with a great team. Please contact us if you would like more information or a discussion on the possibilities and we very much look forward to hearing from you!
It took a moment of genius from Birmingham’s Sally Stanton to settle an evenly-matched encounter in the hosts’ favour (read more).
The first team got back to winning ways today with a 3-2 home win against Watford Ladies (Report to follow).
Unfortunately the Reserves went out in the First Round of the League Cup to Bristol City Ladies Reserves 3-0.
The FA Board today released a press statement regarding three significant initiatives in principle for women’s football. This can be seen by following the link below.http://www.thefa.com/Womens/PremierLeague/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2008/09/FAWPL_BoardBacking.htm
