Liverpool Ladies 10
vs Bristol Academy
FA Women’s Super League Sunday 29th September 2013 Kick off 2pm
TIT
ER D I EC D E L
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Manager’s notes Captain’s column Girls’ tournament preview Meet the squad Bristol Academy Tats targets title flourish Match report - Everton Ladies LFC Foundation Puzzle pages Katrin Omarsdottir interview Ladies appoint new G.M. Mighty Red In My Life - Nicole Rolser Facts and stats Today’s teams
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www.liverpoolladiesfc.com Liverpool Ladies – FA WSL Team @LFCLadies
Club Contacts: Secretary Colin Charlton charltoncolin7@hotmail.co.uk
Marketing Pam Brown pam.brown@liverpoolfc.com
Programme editorial ProgrammeMaster liverpoolladies@programmemaster.com
Public Relations Dee Kundra dee.kundra@liverpoolfc.com
Centre of Excellence Kevin Quigley kevin.quigley@live.co.uk
Programme Design Andrew Dawson www.andrewdawson.tv
Liverpool Ladies F.C.
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MANAGER
MANAGER’S NOTES MATT BEARD
GOOD EVENING and welcome to Halton Stadium for the game that will decide the destination of the WSL title. We started 2013 hoping to enjoy success, now we are in a position where we can make that a reality. To do so will require more of the effort and hard work that has seen us top the table for the majority of the season. While we’ve been in that position most people have mentioned Arsenal as our rivals for the trophy. Today’s opponents, Bristol Academy, haven’t been talked about as title contenders until recently. That’s allowed them to quietly get on with the task of winning games, something they’ve done on a consistent basis. Their impressive form hasn’t surprised me at all. Since the Super League began in 2011 they’ve continued to improve and progress. Their group has grown together, while a lot of other sides – including us – have changed personnel.
Sometimes games like this can be dull affairs. I don’t expect that to be the case. Only three points will be good enough for Bristol. A point would see us become champions but setting out to play for a draw is always dangerous. That’s why we’ll be trying to win. It should mean an open contest, similar to our 4-3 win in the corresponding away fixture. Understandably, season-defining situations such as this can create nerves. I think we have so much experience in our squad that we’ll be able to handle it. Rachael Laws won titles at Sunderland; Whitney Engen had success in America. Corina Schroder picked up the German championship and the Champions League. Becky Easton has a league winner’s medal and Natasha Dowie and Fara Williams have both won the FA Cup so they all know exactly what to do. The atmosphere around our squad has always been positive. We’ve learned from the few setbacks we’ve had. There is no doubting the ability of the players and when they compliment that with hard work we are formidable. In that sense our last three wins have been particularly pleasing. Birmingham City, Doncaster and Everton are very tough sides to play against. We defeated them thanks to solid team performances. Now we need something similar again today. Bristol are bringing a large contingent of fans and I’m sure our supporters will also turn up in big numbers. Ideally, we’d like to recreate the Kop at the Halton Stadium. Such backing would give the girls a boost as they bid to become champions. Thank you for your support, and enjoy the game. Matt. Liverpool Ladies
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CApTAIN
CAPTAIN’S COLUMN GEMMA BONNER
GOOD AFTERNOON and welcome to today’s game against Bristol Academy. For us to go into this fixture with a chance of winning the league is a testament to all the hard work put in by everybody connected with the club both on and off the pitch. It has been a huge turnaround from the past couple of years when Liverpool Ladies struggled to compete but the way everyone has gone about it has been a credit to them and the club the backroom staff put in a tremendous amount of work that largely goes unnoticed. Matt has done an excellent job in recruiting the right players most of them were relatively unknown in the English game when they came in at the start of the season and people thought it would take time to build a team capable of competing at the top of the league. But the squad gelled very quickly and it will mean everything to us if we can finish what we have worked so hard to achieve this afternoon. We know that will be tough against Bristol Academy, who have also had a brilliant season and like us, no one would have predicted they would have gone into the final game with a chance of winning the title. If anyone needed an illustration of Bristol’s never say die attitude it came in their last game at Doncaster when they were 3-0 down at half-time but still won 4-3. I’m sure their fans will travel here in their numbers and Bristol will clearly be wanting to win the title too but hopefully we will be able to match them
in the physical side of the game and our football will help us come out on top. It has been a strange week leading up to the game with quite a few of the girls being away on international duty. Ideally we would have spent the week training with the team but going away with the national team is always a great honour. I spent the week with the England squad alongside Fara, Lucy and Tash. The squad has also included Bristol goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain but, to be honest, we have tried not to mention today’s game! Whatever happens today, we have had a great season and we can look forward to the prospect of playing UEFA Champions League football next year which is a great achievement for the club. That said, our aim is to make sure we finish the season with some silverware. Although a draw would be enough for us to win the league, we will be going all out for the win. Playing for a draw is a dangerous trap to fall into and by scoring 44 goals this season, I think we’ve shown that we like to attack. It is an exciting last day in prospect but we have to keep our focus and concentrate on ending the season with one last good performance which will hopefully be enough to get us that win. Finally, I would like to thank our fantastic supporters for all your backing. The way you have got behind us all season has been brilliant and it means such a lot to the team. I’m sure you will all be out in force again this afternoon and hopefully we can reward that support by getting our hands on the trophy.
Gemma
Liverpool Ladies
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GIRLS READY FOR FINALS DAY THROUGHOUT the season, Liverpool Ladies has hosted a prestigious Girls’ Football Tournament for Under 10s and Under 12s before first-team matches. The competition reaches a conclusion today with matches being staged ahead of the Reds’ final home game of the season. The event started with 16 teams in each age group and has now been whittled down to just four in the two sections. In the Under 10s section, St Anne’s Rovers, Peninsular Stars, Brazil Girls and Crosfields Pumas will battle it out for glory. Meanwhile, the quartet hoping to lift the Under 12s trophy are Brazil, Crewe and Nantwich, Halton and TMS. Each team will also nominate four penalty takers to take part in a half-time penalty shoot-out with the winners receiving a football signed by the Liverpool Ladies squad. Liverpool Ladies FC would like to thank all those who took part throughout the season.
The full schedule of games is as follows: Under 10s 11.45am – noon St Anne’s Rovers v Peninsular Stars Brazil Girls v Crosfields Pumas 12.05pm – 12.20pm St Anne’s Rovers v Brazil Girls Peninsular Stars v Crosfields Pumas 12.25pm – 12.40pm Peninsular Stars v Brazil Girls St Anne’s Rovers v Crosfields Pumas
MEET THE REDS...
Under 12s 11.45am – noon Brazil v Halton TMS v Crewe & Nantwich 12.05pm – 12.20pm Brazil v TMS Halton v Crewe & Nantwich 12.25pm – 12.40pm TMS v Halton Brazil v Crewe & Nantwich
• Brazil Girls
• Crewe & Nantwich
• Crosfield Pumas
• Halton Girls
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LADIES SHORTS: TROPHY PRESENTATION
The FA WSL trophy and medals will be presented after today’s fixture by Sue Hough, chair of the FA’s women’s committee, and Tessa Hayward, FA Women’s leagues manager. Full details will be announced over the public address system.
• Oxton Ladies
• Peninsula Stars
REDS IN EUROPE!
Liverpool Ladies have secured UEFA Champions League qualification for next year after Arsenal Ladies were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player. Arsenal Ladies FC were charged under FA WSL League Rule 8P(i). The charge relates to Katie Chapman, who appeared as a substitute for Arsenal FC during their FA WSL match here at Halton Stadium against Liverpool on Saturday 3 August. The League Management Committee ordered that the three points gained from the Gunners’ game be deducted from the club’s total as result of this breach. Arsenal Ladies FC have confirmed they do not intend to appeal the League Management Committee decision.
DOWIE ON TARGET
Natasha Dowie marked her return to the England set-up with a goal as the Three Lionesses began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 6-0 defeat of Belarus. Dowie scored England’s fifth after coming on as a substitute before teeing up Eni Aluko for the sixth. Reds team-mates Lucy Bronze and Fara Williams started the game.
A GEM OF A GOAL! • St. Anne’s Rovers
Congratulations to captain Gemma Bonner whose stunning strike in the fixture at Bristol Academy last month was voted as the FA WSL’s Continental Goal of the Month for August.
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
• TMS
There is plenty for Liverpool Ladies fans to read about in the new issue of the official Liverpool FC Magazine. Amanda Da Costa reveals how the film that inspired the Reds’ preparation for the Everton match in her latest column, while Nicole Rolser and Corina Schroder talk about halcyon days for German football in both the men’s and ladies’ games.
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FIRsT TIEAM sQUAD
MEET THE REDS... 1 Danielle Gibbons
2 Samantha Chappell
GOALKEEPER • 31/07/91 CHORLEY
DEFENDER • 24/03/92 WARRINGTON
The former Preston North End keeper signed from Preston in 2011. Has played for England at U-19 level.
Right-back who joined the Reds from Everton. She has represented England at U-19 level.
3 Whitney Engen
4 Fara Williams
5 Gemma Bonner
6 Lucy Bronze
DEFENDER • 28/11/87 TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA USA
MIDFIELDER • 25/01/84 LONDON
DEFENDER • 13/07/91 LEEDS
DEFENDER • 28/10/91 BERWICK UPON TWEED
Rated by boss Matt Beard as one of the best defenders in the world, Whitney is a USA international. Has previously played for various US clubs and Swedish side Tyreso FF.
Vastly experienced midfielder who has won more than 100 caps for England. After starting at Chelsea and Charlton, she spent a decade at Everton before joining the Reds in the winter.
Team captain and a commanding centre-back who played under Matt Beard at Chelsea after starting with hometown club Leeds United. She is also skipper of England U-23s.
A winter signing from Everton, Lucy is an England U-23 international who can play in either full-back role. Has also played for Sunderland and North Carolina Tar Heels.
7 KATE LONGHURST
8 Katrin Omarsdottir MIDFIELDER • 27/06/87 HAMBURG, GERMANY
9 Natasha Dowie
10 Louise Fors
FORWARD • 02/05/89 CHELMSFORD
Former Colchester, Watford and Millwall striker signed from Chelsea during the summer window. She has represented England at U15s, U17s, U19s and U23s.
Icelandic international, recruited this winter from Kristianstads DFF. She attended the University of California and has also played for US sides California Golden Bears and Orange County Waves.
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FORWARD • 30/06/88 ABU DHABI, UAE
MIDFIELDER • 23/10/89 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
England striker who joined from Everton in November 2012. Has previously played with Watford, Fulham and Charlton.
Swedish international Louise joined from Western Sydney Wanderers in February. Played in Spain with Espanyol as well as Swedish sides Hammarby IF, AIK and Linkoping.
11 Nicole RoLSer
12 Becky Easton
13 Amanda Da Costa
14 ELLIE STEWART
MIDFIELDER • 07/02/92 OCHSENHAUSEN, GERMANY
DEFENDER • 16/04/74 BIRKENHEAD
DEFENDER / MIDFIELD • 07/10/89 SOMERS, NEW YORK, USA
DEFENDER • 02/11/96 ENGLAND
An Under-23 German international, Nicole is a pacy winger who has previously played for VfL Sindelfingen and SC 07 Bad Neuenahr.
An experienced defender who signed from Everton this winter. Has also played for Doncaster Rovers Belles. Becky has won 44 senior England caps.
Versatile player, known for her work-rate and technical skills, Amanda joined the Reds from Boston Breakers. She has also played for US teams Washington Freedom and MagicJack.
Former Everton defender who joined the Reds during the summer window. She has represented England at U17s level and has been called up into recent U19s squads.
15 Jess Holbrook
17 Caroline Charlton
19 Corina Schroder
20 KATIE ZELEM
MIDFIELDER • 01/08/92 ASHTON UNDER LYNE
DEFENDER • 09/10/89 LIVERPOOL
DEFENDER • 15/08/86 DINGDEN, GERMANY
MIDFIELDER • 20/01/96 ENGLAND
An exciting player who signed from Leeds in February. Has also played for Everton and appeared in UEFA Women’s Champions League games for the Blues.
A versatile defender who joined the club back in 2007 having previously played for Macclesfield Town. She lists scoring in front of the Kop as a career highlight.
A talented left-back who signed from SC 07 Bad Neuenahr. Her honours include winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the German League twice and the German Cup.
Teenager who joined the club during the summer after spending nine years with Manchester United Ladies. Another England youth international.
21 SARAH GREGORIUS
22 Sophia Riccio
23 RACHAEL LAWS
24 Sarah Quantrill
FORWARD • 06/08.87 NEW ZEALAND
DEFENDER • 15/10/91 LIVERPOOL
GOALKEEPER • 05/11/90 HEBBURN
GOALKEEPER • 27/07/90 NORWICH
New Zealand international striker who joined during the summer from German club SC 07 Bad Neuenahr. Has more than 40 caps for the ‘Football Ferns’.
A left-back or centre-back who has come through the club’s youth system. She was formerly reserve team captain before joining the senior squad last season.
England Under-23s goalkeeper who joined on an emergency loan from Sunderland Ladies before making the move permanent this summer.
A new signing this year, Sarah has previously appeared for Norwich City, Arsenal and Chelsea. She was an FA Women’s Cup winner with the Gunners in 2009.
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OPPOsITION
ALL ABOUT BRISTOL GET THE LOWDOWN ON TODAY’S OPPOSITION… BRISTOL ACADEMY
BRISTOL ACADEMY go into this afternoon’s game knowing victory will see them crowned FA WSL champions. Home ground: Stoke Gifford Stadium Nickname: The Vixens Captain: Corinne Yorston Manager: Mark Sampson Honours: FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division winners 2002/03 South West Combination Women’s Football League winners 2000/01 Gloucestershire FA Women’s Challenge Cup winners 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007
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That scenario seemed unlikely at half-time of their previous league outing at Doncaster Belles a fortnight ago. Bristol trailed 3-0 and their title hopes were hanging by a thread. But an incredible second-half fightback saw them draw level through top scorer Natalia Pablos Sanchon and Ann-Marie Heatherson. Sanchon then scored a dramatic winner to complete her hat-trick just a minute from time. After the game, manager Mark Sampson was understandably thrilled with his players’ fighting qualities which have now secured a top two finish. “It was an absolutely incredible second half. As a group they decided they wanted to give it a go and they were absolutely amazing. It was a great game for the neutral and for the league.We are just so proud of the players. “To take it to the last game, for a club like us, is tremendous. The players were down and out at half-time. This was our fifth game in 14 days and we were patching them up to get them on the pitch. “We were three-nil down at half-time with no energy and injuries galore, but write this team off at your peril!” Bristol have lost only twice this season, both at home. They were edged out 3-2 by Arsenal in May before being beaten by Gemma Bonner’s spectacular long-range strike which gave Liverpool a 4-3 win at the Stoke Gifford Stadium last month. Sampson added: “Whatever happens next, we’re champions already in my eyes. I’m glad the players have got a chance to go to Liverpool and give it their best shot.” Bristol have organised special coach travel for their supporters to today’s game. As the Vixens will be playing in their blue away kit, the club also urged fans to re-form the Smurf Army and wear as much blue as possible! Sampson added: “The story of the club is a fairy tale that seems to keep going! We have a young group who still have so much more to give, I believe in them. If the players are patient enough and stick together we can develop this team into a big team. I hope we can take many supporters to Liverpool to showcase our club as the family club we are all proud to be part of.”
NATALIA PABLOS SANCHON Bristol’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in all competitions, the Spaniard’s hat-trick at Doncaster a fortnight ago - which included a last minute winner - set up today’s title-decider. Until joining the club earlier this year, Natalia was the captain of Rayo Vallecano women’s team, where she had played since the club’s foundation in 2000. With Rayo, Natalia won three Leagues and one national Cup.She was top scorer in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons with 24 and 29 goals respectively and scored over 300 goals for Rayo in her career, including almost 200 in the league. Natalia won the 2004 U19s European Championships with Spain and was briefly a senior international in a 2007 World Cup qualifier against Finland and then the first two matches of 2009 Euro qualifying. On joining Bristol she said: “Laura (Del Rio) told me great things about the club so I will be doing my very best to help the team. I feel privileged to play in Bristol and in the English Super League.”
TWO TO WATCH: Experienced defender and captain, Corinne is in her second spell at the club after leaving in 2009 to join FA WSL rivals Arsenal Ladies.
She started her career at Southampton Saints in 2003 before moving to Fulham Ladies for the start of the 2003/04 season. In 2003 she made her England senior debut against Germany. Two years later, Corinne joined Bristol Academy and was captain for three seasons. In May 2009, she was also one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by the FA. Since returning to Bristol, Corinne has led the side to the FA Women’s Cup final against Arsenal at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena and also had the experience of playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Russian side FC Energiya Voronezh. She studied for an MPhil at the FA’s Women’s Development Centre at Loughborough University.
CORINNE YORSTON Liverpool Ladies
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TITLE RACE
TATS TARGETS FINAL FLOURISH THE FA WSL’S top scorer has enjoyed a fine season but hopes to give it the perfect ending by helping the Reds secure the title this afternoon. Natasha Dowie has scored 13 times in as many league games so far and helped herself to a second hat-trick of the season in the Reds’ last outing – the 4-2 derby defeat of Everton. That victory set-up today’s titledecider. A draw or victory and Liverpool will be champions; a defeat and Bristol Academy will take the crown. “It was a perfect night against Everton,” said Dowie. “We knew it would be a really hard game and they showed how much they were up for it. I know they don’t really want us to win this title but for the girls to dig in and show the winning mentality we’ve got was great.“ Natasha admits there will be a few nerves before today’s game but says the mentality of the team has been strong all season. “We know what we’ve got to do in the last game. It’s going to be a bit of a nervewracking match but we want to get the three points against Bristol. “There is pressure but the gaffer’s been telling us that nothing’s changed. We knew we had to keep winning our games even when other teams maybe had it in their hands. We knew we had to keep picking up points. The game is at home and with the team and the talent that we’ve got, I just really hope we can go on and get the three points. “Bristol will come here and they’ve had a great season themselves and will be wanting to win the title as well. They know that they must win the game so it’s going to be a great match for the neutral.”
The four top scorers in the FA WSL will be on show today with Dowie (13) being followed by teammates Nicole Rolser (10) and Louise Fors (7) with Bristol’s Natalia Pablos Sanchon (9) also towards the top of the charts. “Nici (Rolser) and Lollo (Fors) and I keep bantering and I was telling them: ‘I’m going to keep shooting – I’m not passing to you!’ We keep joking around and it was nice that going into the Everton game the top three in the scoring charts were me, Nici and Lollo. The team spirit here is brilliant. I’ve been top goalscorer at most clubs I’ve been at but to be at the top of the FA WSL charts is fantastic. “For a striker it’s all about confidence. You want to be scoring goals and the all round quality here is great. For a centreforward to have players with the delivery of Nici and Lolllo…well they make it easy for me.” And the icing on the cake would come if Liverpool Ladies become champions come ten to four this afternoon. “I can’t wait. There was a great crowd and atmosphere for the Everton game the other week but this could be even bigger. “I’m pleased with how the season’s gone but I want to win the title more than anything. That’s my main aim and that’s true of all the other girls too.” with 180 minutes’ football still to play.
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MATCH REPORT
TATS THE WAY TO DO IT! Liverpool Ladies 4 - Everton Ladies 2 FA WSL • Thursday 12th September 2013
NATASHA DOWIE’S hat-trick and a Gemma Bonner header proved enough to decide the Merseyside derby in Liverpool’s favour and move the Reds a step closer to the FA WSL title. Everton had gone ahead early on through Nikita Parris but by the half-hour mark the home team were in front thanks to two Dowie efforts. However, a stunning Parris lob on the stroke of half-time made it 2-2. After the turnaround it was the Reds in control, with Bonner putting them in front before Dowie sealed the victory late on. Manager Matt Beard was delighted with the performance. “Going behind could have
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been a blow, but we responded brilliantly,” he said. “It’s something we’ve done very well this season, although we’d rather not concede the first goal.” Just four minutes had elapsed when Everton took the lead. Jill Scott weaved her way to the by-line and her cutback allowed Parris to find the net. The Toffees’ celebrations were cut short though when Dowie eluded the offside trap just 90 seconds later to latch onto Louise Fors’ pinpoint pass and lob Rachel BrownFinnis. Liverpool went ahead after half-an-hour with a sweeping move ending with Dowie sliding in to convert Corina Schroder’s inviting cross.
But Everton stunned the Reds when Parris floated a brilliant effort over Rachael Laws from 40-yards to make it 2-2. Suddenly the visitors were in the ascendancy and Scott’s header looked like putting them ahead only for it to go just over. After the break the Reds took command and finally settled their nerves when Fara Williams deep corner was powerfully headed home at the back post by captain Bonner. And Dowie wrapped up the points by taking her FA WSL tally to 13 in as many games when she found space to head home an excellent cross from Rolser with five minutes remaining. Liverpool: Laws; Bronze, Bonner (c), Engen, Schroder (Easton 87); Fors (Gregorius 72), Omarsdottir, Williams, Da Costa, Rolser (Longhurst 88); Dowie. Unused subs: Quantrill, Holbrook, Stewart, Zelem
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COMMUNITY
LFC Foundation goes back to school
AFTER THE BUSY SUMMER MONTHS, the Liverpool FC Foundation is going back to school with a host of new coaching programmes that are starting in over 40 schools across Merseyside. Delivered by the LFC community coaches, the programmes use the pull of the LFC badge to help young people improve their life skills through football-based activities. One of the main aims of the programmes is to develop young school pupils’ fundamental skills such as agility, balance and coordination, which are integral for success and enjoyment of all sports. The coaches will deliver after school clubs called ‘The Liverpool Way’ and they will run local school leagues and tournaments, with one lucky school going on to represent LFC at the Premier League School Tournament finals in May 2014. Young people at non-participating schools don’t have to miss out on all of the fun, as the Foundation will be setting up community football coaching sessions across Merseyside, which are aimed at four to 19 year-olds. This includes the LFC Young Warriors development programme, which offers a pathway to the Academy for talented four to six year-olds. Young female football hopefuls will also be able to take advantage of the further development of girls and women’s football coaching in the area, with the Liverpool Ladies first team getting involved in the action. The players will be coaching on the programme and will be hoping to inspire the next generation of women footballers.
• Kids going through their paces at a LFC Foundation football coaching session Mark Haig from Liverpool FC Foundation, said: “The start of the new school term is an exciting time for us here at the Foundation. Our coaches are able to go out into the community and help to drive positive change in young people. “These new partnerships with at least 40 schools from across the area will allow us to reach out to as many people as possible here in Merseyside.” • Follow us on Twitter @LFCFoundation Liverpool Ladies
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FUN TIME WITH
L O R E N D Y K E S
G D A C O S T A W Q
R N O T S R O Y F B
E Z N O R B Y C U L
G U E Q E L F J T O
O I N B H V R W O I
R U G P T Y C T H R
I K E K A V E G A L
U W N R E S L O R E
S J W Y H D P G G D
< REDS & BLUES Can you find the following 10 names in our match day word search?
YORSTON LORENDYKES DELRIO HEATHERSON KEKAVEGA ENGEN DACOSTA GREGORIUS ROLSER LUCYBRONZE
Which one of our trio isn’t being completely honest?!
LUCY “I made my debut for the England senior team in June” 20
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WHITNEY “I was born in California”
GEMMA “I was born in Sheffield and won the League Cup with Sheffield United Ladies”
THE NUMBERS GAME
KATRIN OMARSDOTTIR
2 8 9 19
Teams in the USA – California Golden Bears and Orange County Waves Her Liverpool Ladies squad number International goals for Iceland
Appearances for Liverpool Ladies this season
MIGHTY RED’S FIENDISH FIVE! 1 Who is the vice-captain of Liverpool Ladies? 2 Where was Natasha Dowie born? 3 Which other club did Rachael Laws join the Reds from this season?? 4
True or false? Sarah Gregorius made her full New Zealand debut in a 14-0 win for the team?
5
How many league goals have the Reds conceded in their 13 games this season – a) 17 b) 18 or c) 19?
RED HERRING: Gemma Bonner – she was born in Leeds and won the League Cup in 2010. MIGHTY REDS FIENDISH FIVE: 1 Amanda Da Costa; 2 Abu Dhabi; 3 Sunderland; 4 True – v Vanuatu; 5 c) 19.
HOW DID YOU DO? Liverpool Ladies
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PLAYER FOCUs
KATRIN aiming to finish season on a high Reds’ Icelandic midfield pivot hoping season finale will have a silver lining...
It’s all come down to the final game!
Was it a relief to win the derby in your last game?
Yes, it’s been an exciting season, and it´s always exciting to play in a game like this.
It’s always pleasant when you get the job done. Playing in derbies is always fun so I guess it gives it a little extra joy when you win those games.
What is the feeling in the camp? Everyone’s excited. We’re all competitors and want to win every game we play. We will approach this game like any other.
Did you keep an eye on Bristol’s game against Doncaster? There were some texts going around when Donnie were winning 3-0. However, Bristol is a strong team and has a good mentality so I wasn’t surprised to see them win. It certainly makes today’s game more exciting.
What do you think has been the secret behind the team’s success this season? I think it’s a combination of trust, a winning mentality, and every player taking responsibility for their role in the team.
What has been your highlight so far? I wouldn’t be able to pick out one thing. There have been times in games where the team has played really good football and I really enjoy that.
How have you found it personally? English teams are good at pressuring so it’s been an adjustment for me because you got less time on the ball. I feel like this has been a learning season for me, and showed me what things I can improve on for next year.
“
Everyone’s excited. We’re all competitors and want to win every game we play. 22
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”
You played in America too, how has the FA WSL compared? The game is more physical over there and they’ve got some great athletes, while here in England the game is more tactical and players are more technical.
You have just been away with Iceland. Has the timing of the international break before this title-decider been a welcome or frustrating distraction? It’s definitely not the best timing, and it would have been nice to have this game closer the our last one, but everyone’s going through it so it is what it is.
The reverse fixture at Bristol ebbed and flowed. What are you expecting today? I’m expecting another really tough game. Bristol are a good team and we need to be at our best today.
Of course, you scored a stunning goal in the 4-3 win at Bristol? Yes, it was a good goal. I haven´t been scoring many goals so I´m glad I got that one in.
Some of the girls told us you are a gifted guitarist and that they tried to talk you into auditioning for X-Factor! They´re funny. At times I like playing the guitar and singing along, but it’s for entertainment purposes only and it’s good for the soul as well.
Finally the team has enjoyed good support this season. How important will the crowd be today? It always gives you a little extra when you have got a good crowd behind you. They play a crucial role in games like these so I hope they will be loud and proud today. Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
23
sTAff FOCUs
LADIES APPOINT NEW G.M. EARLIER THIS MONTH, LIVERPOOL LADIES APPOINTED A NEW GENERAL MANAGER. HERE WE INTRODUCE ANGELA ROBERTS
How did you become interested in football?
I’m originally from North Wales and my interest started at my home club, Porthmadog. My dad was the sponge man there and on a matchday I would watch the games with him. Then I started to help out as an administrator at the club’s Academy before working on their domestic licence for the League of Wales.
You then worked for the Welsh FA? I think my experience there as a keen volunteer at Porthmadog enabled me to get a position with the Welsh FA. I worked with the women’s national teams - the senior and Under 19s teams and for a while the Under 17s as well. I really enjoyed my time with Wales. I got to travel around Europe and work with some great players and coaches. I just felt that I wanted a different challenge and I’m delighted to be working in club football at Liverpool Ladies.
What attracted you to the role?
Seeing that Liverpool had brought the team in-house was attractive and the fact that the team has been doing well was another aspect to it and I saw it as another avenue to develop myself. I’ve been here three weeks and I feel settled already. Everybody’s been really friendly, the staff have made me very welcome and I feel a part of the team already. Now I’m looking forward to spending more time in Liverpool and getting to know the city better.
What are your aims in your new role?
I want Matt (Beard) to be able to focus on the football side of the team and I will take care of things off the pitch. I believe there is scope to develop our support and we already have a great group of loyal and vocal fans and I think we can 24
Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
expand that to get more of a crowd to support the girls. I will also be working on marketing the games and promoting Liverpool Ladies as being part of the ‘one club’ ethos along with the men’s team and the Academy teams. One of the main benefits of coming in-house is being able to tap into the club’s marketing and PR departments and being part of the Liverpool brand.
Today marks the last game of the season. What will your focus be on during the next few months? The main activity will be looking towards next season. We’re looking to get the players back in in January to start to re-focus. Next year is going to be a bigger challenge as we will have the domestic season and then the Champions League. The main aim is to make sure the team has the best preparation that they can. We’ll be putting a plan in place for the training and facilities as well as planning friendlies and developing things off the pitch with regards to the marketing and promotion of the games.
Playing in the Champions League next season will be a great experience for the club?
It’s a fantastic opportunity for us and we’re really looking forward to hosting those games and those teams in and around Liverpool. It’s always a big achievement for the men’s teams to be involved in the Champions League and that’s very much the case for us as well. With it coming at the end of the season, we have a lot of time to prepare and get focused for it but it is a long wait and we’ll be chomping at the bit for it. I was lucky enough to watch this year’s Champions League final at Stamford Bridge with some of the Welsh FA coaches and players and it was a great event, not just the game of football itself but there was also
a lot happening around it. Wolfsburg defeated Lyon to take the title for the first time which also shows that teams are becoming more competitive throughout Europe. It isn’t the same name on the trophy every year which is fantastic for the game and that can be said as well of the FA Women’s Super League this season too. Arsenal have been quite prominent for many years and it’s great that there are two new names battling for that title this afternoon.
Next season will also see an expanded format?
It is another example of how competitive women’s football is becoming in England that the FA has identified the need for a second division. Promotion and relegation will give another aspect to the league. Standards are rising across the board not just within that Super League tier of the top eight teams. The interest has increased substantially. In my first few weeks here there have been a lot of requests for interviews with Matt and the players and asking them to attend various events. We have to manage that but it’s a nice problem to have. It will be a while before the interest is at the same level as the men but we’re definitely taking steps in the right direction.
And as for this season, we couldn’t have asked for a more thrilling conclusion?
It is extremely exciting. It’s been hard not to get caught up in the build-up but the team and staff need to stay focused and do what they’ve done all season. We’re all really excited about this match but regardless of what happens today, the players, the coaching staff and the manager can be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved this season. To go from a bottom two team in the last two seasons to be challenging for the title and gaining a European place is fantastic and I’m delighted to be part of that team. There is a really good buzz about the team and you can tell that they work very hard for each other. Whatever happens today, they can be really proud of what they’ve achieved.
Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
25
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... HERE COMES
MIGHTY RED WALKS ON! BACK TO SCHOOL with a sponsored walk, it’s a great way to start the term.
The best thing so far about being back at school was the Mighty March we did with St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School. All of my friends got the chance to do a sponsored walk around the school field, trying to go round as many times as we could. They even let me ring the bell to start it off! We had so much fun singing, jumping and stomping on our way round; I even did a whole lap of the field backwards. The money raised will go to the Liverpool FC Foundation, helping make a positive difference to our community. Can’t wait for my next school visit.
• Find out more about what Mighty Red is up to by visiting www.liverpoolfc.com/kopkids
Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
27
PLAYER FOCUs
IN MY LIFE NICOLE ROLSER
Is it different playing in the UK for Liverpool after playing in the Bundesliga?
I played in a smaller club in Germany so I think the only thing I can say is that English teams are generally more professional. The games are a bit different because in Germany they focus more on the athletic side whereas here it is more technical but overall it’s pretty much the same.
What made you want to play football? When did you start?
I started when I was six-years-old and I used to play with boys at first. My sister is two years older and she plays as well.
What is the BEst game that you’ve played in so far?
That’s a difficult one. My favourite tournament was when I played with the German national team at the UEFA Under 17s Championships in 2009. We had a great tournament and reached the final where we played against Spain in Nyon. We won the final 7-0 which was a great moment.
What about your favourite goal?
The one I remember most was when I scored in my debut game in the Bundesliga. Fortunately I have also been able to score a good number for Liverpool this season which has been very pleasing.
What is it like living in England after being in Germany all your life?
It’s very similar - it’s only the language and the food that are different!
What is your favourite shirt number?
I like the numbers 9, 11 and 7; I’ve worn them all since I was young.
Where would you most like to visit?
I would love to go to Canada. It’s just so different to Germany and I’ve heard so many good things about the place that I’d really like to go there.
Who is the funniest member in the squad?
Fara Williams, because she just does what she wants and that’s really funny to me!
Do you have any hobbies?
Like all girls I love going shopping! I also like playing tennis, listening to music and doing a little cooking.
What kind of music do you like?
I like Rihanna, but I don’t really have favourite musicians or bands. I generally enjoy most of the songs in the charts.
If you weren’t playing football what do you think you would be doing? I’d like to think I’d be working in a high position in an office. I am doing a distance learning course here in business administration which is linked to a university back in Germany.
When are you most happy? When I’m at home with my family and friends. I enjoy it in Liverpool but it’s nice to be able to Skype my family and the flight home is only an hour-and-a-half.
SEASON STATS 2013 FA WSL FIXTURES 2013
(Home games at Halton Stadium in CAPS, cup fixtures denoted in brackets)
Date
Opponent
Result
March 17
Aston Villa (FAC 5)
Williams 3, Fors (pen), Dowie
5-0
March 23
EVERTON (CC)
1-1
Sunderland (FAC 6)
2-1
Lincoln Ladies
1-0
March 31
April 14
Fors (pen)
Fenlon-Billson, Omarsdottir
Dowie
April 28
ARSENAL LADIES (FAC SF)
May 04
Dowie
1-2
Dowie
DONCASTER RB (CC)
1-0
May 07
Arsenal Ladies
4-0
May 12
Da Costa 2, Dowie, Fors
(substitute appearances in brackets, ** no longer with club)
FA WSL CONT CUP FA CUP App Goals App Goals App Goals
1 Danielle Gibbons 0 0 0 0 0 0
GAMES & GOALS 2013
2 Samantha Chappell 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Whitney Engen
12
1
4 0
3 0
4 Fara Williams
13
3
4
1
3 3
5 Gemma Bonner
12
3
4 0
3 0
6 Lucy Bronze
12(1) 1 3(1) 0 0 0
7 Katie Longhurst
0(7) 1 0 0 0 0
8 Katrin Omarsdottir
10(2) 1
9 Natasha Dowie
13
13
4
4 3 2
10 Louise Fors
13
7
4
1
3 1
11 Nicole Rolser
13
10
4
1
3 0 3 0
3(1) 0 2(1) 1
Engen
Chelsea Ladies
1-2
12 Becky Easton
3(6) 0 1(1) 0
May 19
Chelsea (CC)
4-0
13 Amanda Da Costa
13
2
4 0
2 0
14 Ellie Stewart
0
0 0 0
0 0
LINCOLN LADIES
3-2
15 Jess Holbrook
3(4) 0
17 Caroline Charlton
0 0 0 0 0 0
May 29
June 4
Dowie 2, Rolser, Williams Dowie, Horwood (OG), Fors
Rolser, Fors, Schroder, Dowie
Everton Ladies
4-1
June 8
BIRMINGHAM CITY
4-1
Rolser 2, Bronze, Dowie
Aug 3
ARSENAL LADIES
0-3
LINCOLN LADIES (CC)
1-1
Aug 7
Aug 10
Aug 17
Aug 24
Sept 1
Dowie
Bristol Academy
4-3
CHELSEA LADIES
4-3
Fors (pen), Rolser, Omarsdottir, Bonner Williams, Dowie, Rolser 2
Doncaster
9-0
Dowie 3 (1 pen), Williams 2, Bonner, Fors (pen), Rolser, Longhurst
0(1) 0 1(1) 0
19 Corina Schroder
13 0
4 0 1(1) 0
20 Katie Zelem
0
0
0
0
0
0
21 Sarah Gregorius
0(5) 0
1
0
0
0
22 Sophia Riccio
0(2) 0 0(2) 0 0 0
23 Rachael Laws
7(1) 0
1 0 0 0
24 Sarah Quantrill
6
0
3
0
** Katie Brusell 0 0
0
0 0(1) 0
3
0
** Hannah Keryakoplis 0(1) 0
0
0
0
** Michelle Evans
0
0
1(1) 0
0
0
0
** Lillie Fenlon-Billson 0(6) 0 0(3) 0 1(2) 1
Rolser 3, Fors
Birmingham City
4-2
FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
Sept 4
DONCASTER RB
2-0
P W D L F A Pts
EVERTON LADIES
4-2
Liverpool Ladies
13 11 0
2
44 19 33
Bristol Academy
13 10 1
2
30 18 31
Arsenal Ladies
13 9
3 1
Everton Ladies
13 4
3
6
22 18 15
Birmingham City
13 4 3
6
13 21 15
Chelsea Ladies
13 3 1
9
20 25 10
Lincoln Ladies
13 1
4
8
8
15 7
Doncaster Rovers Belles 13 1
3
9
9
39 6
Sept 12
Dowie, Fors
Dowie 3, Bonner
Sept 29
BRISTOL ACADEMY (2pm)
FA WSL LEADING SCORERS Natasha Dowie Nicole Rolser Natalia Pablos Sanchon Louise Fors
13 10 9 7
All statistics correct up to and including 15.09.2013
30
Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
29 10 27*
* Arsenal deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player
a4famfun.pdf
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Liverpool Ladies
Bristol Academy
Manager: Matt Beard
Manager: Mark Sampson
Danielle Gibbons
1
Siobhan Chamberlain
2
Loren Dykes
1
2
Samantha Chappell
3
Whitney Engen
3
Corinne Yorston
4
Fara Williams
4
Jasmine Matthews
5
Grace McCatty
6
Keka
7
Natalia Pablos Sanchon
8
Alex Windell
9
Ann-Marie Heatherson
10
Gwen Harries
11
Ellie Curson
12
Georgia Evans
13
Laura Del Rio
15
Nikki Watts
16
Angharad James
17
Lauren Haynes
18
Rachel Hignett
19
Jemma Rose
20
Natasha Harding
5
Gemma Bonner (c)
6
Lucy Bronze
7
Kate Longhurst
8
Katrin Omarsdottir
9
Natasha Dowie
10
Louise Fors
11
Nicole Rolser
12
Becky Easton
13
Amanda Da Costa
14
Ellie Stewart
15
Jess Holbrook
17
Caroline Charlton
19
Corina Schroder
20
Katie Zelem
21
Sarah Gregorius
21
Rhian Cleverly
22
Sophia Riccio
22
Ellie Leek
23
Rachael Laws
23
Laura-May Walkley
Sarah Quantrill
37
Lucy Staniforth
24
MATCH OFFICIALS
MASCOTS
Referee:
Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mascots will be the winners of the U10s and U12s Tournament Finals
Richard Wigglesworth
Assistant Referee: Richard Wild Assistant Referee: Duncan Carratt Fourth Official:
Michael Denton