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Manager’s notes
News Everton match report Captain’s column Sunderland match report Meet the squad Doncaster Rovers Belles Lucy Bronze interview Arsenal match report LFC Foundation Lincoln match report Mighty Red Puzzle pages Top tweets Gemma Bonner interview
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Facts and stats Today’s teams
FOLLOW THE LADIES AT: Web
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
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THE FA WOMEN’S CUP FINAL 2013 ARSENAL v BRISTOL ACADEMY Keepmoat Stadium Home of Doncaster Rovers FC Sunday 26th May 2013 Kick off 3pm For tickets please call 01302 762 576 or visit www.keepmoatstadium.com Tickets start at £6 for adults and £3 for children Free interactive fan zone for 5–17 year olds from 1pm, brought to you by Continental Tyres
023FA_WFAC_Liverpool A5 Advert AW.indd 1
01/05/2013 21:08
MANAGER
MANAGER’S NOTES
GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO HALTON STADIUM FOR OUR SECOND HOME GAME OF THE SEASON. I would like to extend a warm welcome to John Buckley and his Doncaster team and their officials and supporters who have travelled to be with us tonight. Last Friday’s game against Arsenal in the semi-final of the FA Women’s Cup was a close one but ultimately we paid the price for conceding goals which were poor by our standards. We had to learn the hard way that if you give away possession cheaply against the top teams, you will be punished. Having said that we gave a good show and enjoyed more possession than Arsenal and not many teams can say that when they play against them. Considering we are a new group we can’t be too disappointed and I consider that game to have been our first real test of the season. Sometimes you can learn a lot more from a defeat than a win and I think that will be one of those occasions. I’m sure we will bounce back in the right way. The girls coped well with the experience of playing at Anfield and they have already shown me that they are a strong group mentally. There are some real winners in our dressing room and while we are disappointed we didn’t progress to the final, I think we will have all learned a lot from the occasion. Tonight we are back in Continental Cup action having drawn our first game in the competition against Everton. I saw Doncaster draw 1-1 with Chelsea in the same tournament last Sunday evening and they showed that they are a talented young team and I am expecting tonight’s match will be played at a high-tempo. Doncaster will have been disappointed to learn that they have been placed in the FA WSL 2 for next season and I’m disappointed for them because they are a good
young side with excellent facilities. I’m sure they will be extra motivated to perform well this season as a result of that decision and we will have to make sure we are fully prepared to meet the challenge ahead. With both games in our Continental Cup group having finished in 1-1 draws, we know that we can put ourselves in a strong position if we can get a victory tonight. Overall, I am pleased with the progress that we have made so far. We always knew that it would take time but in many ways I think we’re ahead of where I thought we would be at this stage and our run in the FA Cup has allowed us to have a look at a couple of things. I have been to quite a few games this season and from what I’ve seen I’m sure we can reach our objectives and potentially exceed them. We are learning from each performance and hopefully we will be able to reflect on a win tonight.
Thank you for your support, Matt.
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The G
ll
s’ Footba irl
Tonight’s games: 5.15pm-5.30pm:
U-10s: Peninsular Stars v Maghull B AFC Urmston v Brazil Girls U-12s: Crewe and Nantwich v Vulcan Oxton Ladies v Town Green 5.35pm – 5.50pm:
THE PRESTIGIOUS Girls’ Football Tournament for Under-10 and Under-12 girls kicked off at Halton Stadium at our last Continental Cup match against Everton in March. There are 16 clubs in each age group, with rounds played prior to Liverpool Ladies’ home games (4 QFs, 2 SFs and a final). Squads in the seven-a-side tournament are comprised of 10 players each. On each tournament day a league of 4 teams will play each other, each team having 3 matches of 15 minutes duration. Winners and runners up will qualify for the next round. The winning side for each age group will be mascots for the main match. Each team will nominate 4 penalty takers to take part in a half-time penalty shoot-out and the winner will receive a football autographed by the Liverpool Ladies players.
66 Liverpool LiverpoolLadies Ladies The TheFA FAWSL WSL
U-10s: Peninsular Stars v AFC Urmston Maghull B v Brazil Girls U-12s: Crewe and Nantwich v Oxton Ladies Vulcan v Town Green 5.55pm-6.10pm:
U-10s: Brazil Girls v Peninsular Stars AFC Urmston v Maghull B U-12s: Town Green v Crewe and Nantwich Oxton Ladies v Vulcan The results from the games played on 23 March were: U10s quarter-final 1: Maghull 0 - Davenham FC 2 ; Oxton Ladies 2 - Davenham FC 1; Oxton Ladies 0 - Maghull 0 Winners Oxton Ladies qualify for semi-final 1 on 8 June; Runners-up Davenham FC qualify for semi-final 2 on 17 August. Oxton Ladies won the half-time penalty shoot-out. U12s quarter-final 2: Parkdale JFC 0 - Halton Girls 0; Hesketh 0 - The Manor Club 1; Parkdale JFC 1 - Hesketh 0; Halton Girls 0 - The Manor Club 1; Parkdale JFC 0 - The Manor Club 2;Halton Girls 1 - Hesketh 0 Winners The Manor Club qualify for semi-final 1 on 8 June; Runners-up Halton Girls qualify for semi-final 2 on 17 August. Parkdale JFC won the half-time penalty shoot-out.
MATCH REPORT
DERBY DRAW in the SNOW Liverpool Ladies 1 - Everton Ladies 1 FA WSL Continental Cup • Saturday 23rd March 2013
NATASHA DOWIE was disappointed not to register a win over her former colleagues as the Merseyside derby finished all square. The centre-forward, who was playing against Everton for the first time since joining local rivals Liverpool back in November, earned the spot-kick which saw Louise Fors put the hosts ahead 14 minutes from full time, only for Nikita Parris to nod in a late Everton equaliser. Dowie said: “We felt we could win the game and that was our ambition. A draw was probably a fair result as both sides had a few chances. It might be a good thing for us as it shows how tough this division will be. “We’re a very new team and tonight will have demonstrated to everyone exactly how difficult this league is. It was probably an eye-opener for some of the girls.” Dowie’s battle with goalkeeper Rachel Brown was one of the key tussles on a
sub-zero evening. In both halves the shotstopper produced fine blocks to deny the striker from close range. But when the breakthrough eventually arrived on 76 minutes it was due to Dowie’s persistence, as she chased down a short backpass before Brown upended her. Referee Sian Massey consulted the linesman before pointing to the spot. Despite the delay Fors remained composed before slotting home. But Everton showed their fighting qualities as they grabbed an equaliser on 87 minutes. Michelle Hinnigan floated in a free-kick and it was Parris who climbed the highest to plant a cushioned header in to the net from close range. Liverpool: Quantrill; Bronze (Easton 22), Bonner (c), Engen, Schroder; Rolser, Omarsdottir, Williams, Da Costa (Fenlon-Billson 73), Fors; Dowie.
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CApTAIN
CAPTAIN’S COLUMN
Playing under the floodlights; walking out at Anfield to the tune of You’ll Never Walk Alone; more than 2000 people cheering you on, everything was set up last week for a great night against Arsenal. Unfortunately our performance was below the standards we know we are capable of reaching. Arsenal were the better side and deserved to win and we wish them all the best for the final. Despite the setback, it’s one we can all learn from. Playing at Anfield was an amazing experience. It also brings an added pressure and next time we play there, we’ll be wiser for it. It’s important to remember that this is a new team. It always takes a little while for everything to settle down. The players spend a lot of time together in terms of training and socially too. We’re all getting to know one another really well and the spirit is getting better every week. The challenge of making Liverpool one of the most competitive ladies’ teams in England is very exciting. As with any level of football, there are always disappointments – like the defeat against Arsenal. It’s how you react to those setbacks that ultimately makes or breaks you. There has been a lot of investment into the foundations of the club. Everything is in place for us to go out every day, train and become stronger both individually and as a group. But we’ve got to be realistic with our goals. In pre-season, we weren’t tested a great deal. The development will come with every passing league fixture. Doncaster will be a difficult game. They have been an established club for a number of years and have a young team, managing to draw with Chelsea last week, will give 8
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“Playing at Anfield was an amazing experience... next time we play there, we’ll be wiser for it ” them confidence coming into our game. Although a young squad they still have a good amount of international experience so I’m sure they’ll cause a lot of teams a few problems this season so we are expecting a tough game. Don’t forget you can keep up to date throughout the season by following us on Twitter @LFCladies. Thank you all for your support and enjoy the game.
Gemma
MATCH REPORT
KATRIN GRABS LATE WINNER Sunderland Ladies 1 - Liverpool Ladies 2 FA Women’s Cup quarter final • Sunday 31st March 2013
A LATE GOAL from Katrin Omarsdottir booked Liverpool Ladies’ place in the final four of this season’s FA Women’s Cup. FA Women’s Premier League leaders Sunderland proved tough opposition in blustery conditions at Hetton-le-Hole. Matt Beard’s side calmed any nerves with a fine goal after eight minutes Louise Fors laid the ball into the path of Lillie FenlonBillson, who fired home a screamer from 25-yards out. In the second period Sunderland enjoyed having the strong wind at their backs and they levelled when Sarah Quantrill parried a shot from Keira Ramshaw but Beth Mead bundled home the rebound. Both teams pressed hard for a winner with Fara Williams forcing a diving save from home keeper Rachael Laws while Sunderland struck the Liverpool post with 17 minutes remaining.
It looked like the game would require extra-time to separate the two sides but the Reds snatched a late winner when Sunderland failed to clear a corner. The ball ricocheted off Natasha Dowie and substitute Omarsdottir crashed home a volley which proved decisive. Matt Beard said: “The game showed how important it is for us to play as a unit. We dominated the first half without really hurting them and didn’t work hard enough to stop them from putting together good attacks. That gave them some confidence for the second half, and once Sunderland equalised, we showed fantastic character and fully deserved to go on and win it in the end.” Liverpool: Quantrill; Easton, Engen, Bonner (c), Evans; Rolser, Fenlon-Billson (Brusell 73), Holbrook (Omarsdottir 56), Williams, Fors; Dowie.
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FIRsT TIEAM sQUAD
MEET THE REDS
HERE’S OUR FIRST TEAM SQUAD FOR THE NEW SEASON... 1 Danielle Gibbons
24 Sarah Quantrill
GOALKEEPER • 31/07/91 CHORLEY
GOALKEEPER • 27/07/90 NORWICH
The former Preston North End keeper signed from Preston in 2011. Has played for England at U-19 level.
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.
5 Gemma Bonner
17 Caroline Charlton
6 Lucy Bronze
22 Sophia Riccio
DEFENDER • 13/07/91 LEEDS
DEFENDER • 09/10/89 LIVERPOOL
DEFENDER • 28/10/91 BERWICK UPON TWEED
DEFENDER • 15/10/91 LIVERPOOL
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 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 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.
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.
3 Whitney Engen
2 Samantha Chappell
12 Becky Easton
19 Corina Schroder
DEFENDER • 28/11/87 TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA USA
DEFENDER • 24/03/92 WARRINGTON
DEFENDER • 16/06/74 BIRKENHEAD
DEFENDER • 15/08/86 DINGDEN, GERMANY
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.
Right-back who joined the Reds from Everton. She has represented England at U-19 level.
An experienced defender who signed from Everton this winter. Has also played for Doncaster Rovers Belles. Becky has won 44 senior England caps.
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.
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13 Amanda Da Costa
16 Lizzie Ince
4 Fara Williams
DEFENDER / MIDFIELD • 07/10/89 SOMERS, NEW YORK, USA
MIDFIELDER • 17/09/94 BURY
MIDFIELDER • 25/01/84 LONDON
MIDFIELDER • 01/08/92 ASHTON UNDER LYNE
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.
Lizzie is a former England youth international signed from Blackburn Rovers during the summer transfer window in 2012.
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.
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.
7 Katie Brusell
14 Michelle Evans
10 Louise Fors
11 Nicole RoLSer
MIDFIELDER • 09/01/88 MANCHESTER
MIDFIELDER • 18/07/87 CHESTER
MIDFIELDER • 23/10/89 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
MIDFIELDER • 07/02/92 OCHSENHAUSEN, GERMANY
An attacking midfielder, Katie has also played for Stockport County, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City. She has represented England at U-19s and U-17s levels.
Signed from neighbours Everton in 2010. She is another member of the squad to have represented England at youth level. Has also appeared in the colours of Tranmere Rovers.
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.
An Under-23 German international, Nicole is a pacy winger who has previously played for VfL Sindelfingen and SC 07 Bad Neuenahr.
8 Katrin Omarsdottir
18 Lillie Fenlon-Billson
20 Hannah Keryakoplis
9 Natasha Dowie
MIDFIELDER • 27/06/87 HAMBURG, GERMANY
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.
15 Jess Holbrook
MIDFIELD / FORWARD • 19/07/91 TOOTING, LONDON
FORWARD • 01/02/94 PENYFFORDD, WALES
Joined from Doncaster Rovers Belles during the summer 2012 transfer window having also played for Arsenal, Watford and Bristol Academy. Has played for Ireland at U-19s level.
A Welsh international who moved up from the reserve squad last season. Has also played for Tranmere Rovers.
FORWARD • 30/06/88 ABU DHABI, UAE
England striker who joined from Everton in November 2012. Has previously played with Watford, Fulham and Charlton.
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OPPOsITION
ALL ABOUT DONCASTER GET THE LOWDOWN ON TODAY’S OPPOSITION… DONCASTER ROVERS BELLES
THE CLUB was originally formed in 1969 as the Belle Vue Belles by young women who were selling draw tickets on the terraces at Doncaster Rovers. They started out by playing local small-sided games
Home ground: Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Nickname: The Rovers, The Belles Captain: Leandra Little Manager: John Buckley Honours: FA Women’s Premier League winners: 1991/92, 1993/94 runners-up: 1992/93, 2002/03 FA Women’s Cup winners: 1983, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994 runners-up: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1993, 2000, 2002 FA Women’s Premier League Cup runners-up: 1994, 1996, 2009 FA Women’s Community Shield runners-up: 2001, 2003
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but within a short period of time they found themselves venturing outside of Doncaster, where the Belle Vue part of the name had no meaning. In 1971 the club changed their name and became known as the Doncaster Belles. Since then they have become a major face in the women’s game in this country. In March 2009, Belles were named as one of the eight members of the inaugural FA Women’s Super League due to start in March 2011. The club has finished seventh in each of the first two seasons of the Super League. Pre-season signings include ex-Red Cheryl Foster, defender Emma Thomson and goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs. The team has been managed by ex-pro John Buckley since 2003. John made over 350 appearances for various clubs both sides of the border operating as a tricky winger in a career that took in Celtic, Partick Thistle, Doncaster Rovers, Leeds United, Rotherham United and Scunthorpe. The Belles have had • Ex-Red a tough start to the Cheryl Foster season, bowing out of the FA Women’s Cup to Bristol Academy before slumping to a 4-0 home defeat at the ands of Chelsea Ladies in their FA WSL opener. However they showed their young sides produced an excellent display last Sunday to draw their first game in this competition, holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.
LEANDRA LITTLE Torbay-born Leandra is the Belles club captain.
The no.4 signed for Rovers Belles from FA WSL rivals Lincoln Ladies in December 2011. The ex-England basketball player, came back into football in 2007 and was outstanding in defence for Lincoln as they chased promotion from the FA Northern Division. The talented defender went on to have an excellent first season for Lincoln in the FA WSL winning their 2011 manager’s Player of the Year Award.
The Liverpool-born midfielder is one of the most recognisable faces in the women’s game.
She joined the Rovers Belles in December 2011 from FA WSL rivals Lincoln Ladies. The tricky winger had spent the FA WSL inaugural season at Lincoln following the failure of Leeds’ FA Women’s Super League bid. Sue had been instrumental at Leeds over a number of years helping them to lift the FA Women’s Premier League Cup with a win over Everton in February 2011. She played for Tranmere Rovers as a teenager, before joining Leeds United in the summer of 2002. She went on to become one of the most capped female England players with 92 caps and has scored an impressive 16 goals for her country. Off the field, she has a budding media career where she regularly works for BBC Sport. In 2010, she appeared alongside Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney in his Sky 1 show ‘Street Striker.
SUE SMITH
TWO TO WATCH:
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PLAYER FOCUs
LUCY TARGETS BELLES TRIUMPH LIVERPOOL LADIES DEFENDER LUCY BRONZE BELIEVES THE REDS MUST SECURE VICTORY THIS EVENING IF THEY WANT TO PROGRESS TO THE NEXT PHASE OF THE CONTINENTAL CUP
THE TEAM were held to a 1-1 draw by Lucy’s former club Everton in their previous match here at Halton and the right-back feels they need to build on that result tonight.
“Because we drew the Everton game I feel we have to win the next two games if we want to progress in this competition,” she says. “Like any other team, we want to try and challenge for the cups. A draw against Everton was a good result to get in our first competitive game against another Women’s Super League team and a really good side too. It was also good to get that game out of the way having had a steady start and now we can really push on and if we can win the next couple of games we can make sure we get through.”
Liverpool visit Chelsea in their final group game in a fortnight’s time and Lucy says they must travel to Tooting and Mitcham for that fixture having secured maximum points tonight. “Doncaster have had a couple of defeats so far but they also drew last weekend against Chelsea. They’ve got good players including Millie Bright up front who is very strong. They’re quite a young squad and I think that’s why it’s taking them a while to gel together, a bit like us with having a lot of foreign players. It just takes a while to gel and there’s a bit of inexperience in their team but they’re definitely a good side and will be hard to break down like all the Super League teams.” Lucy picked up an injury in that game against Everton back in March but is now fully fit and raring to be part of a defensive unit she feels is very strong.
“I feel that with each game it’s starting to click more and more” “I can play at right-back or centre-back - when I’ve play for England’s age group teams, they like to play me centre-back which I don’t mind. I enjoy either position but I like right-back because I get to run around a lot! “We have a really good centre-back partnership in Gemma Bonner and Whitney Engen. I am on the same university course at Leeds as Gemma and I played with Whitney for a year in North 14
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Carolina and she was one of the people who persuaded me to join Liverpool. They’re both really good players and have their own way of playing but have gelled together well. What one maybe lacks a bit, the other makes up for and they both balance each other out. I think that’s really important to have at the back. “Corina Schroder also enjoys pushing forward from left-back and joining in the play and that’s what you want from your full-backs. We want Liverpool to play good attacking football where we can all play and pass the ball around.” Lucy believes there have been clear
signs of progress with every passing fixture. “I feel that with each game it’s starting to click more and more. Because we train so much together, there’s a really good understanding. It’s just about making things second nature to everyone now. “Matt has said you can see the improvement and there are 10-minute spells where everything has come together. It’s taken a while for it to gel but it will - maybe a few games down the line. “We’re still building on it and working on it in training which is a good thing but when it does click, we will keep going to try and improve even more.”
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MATCH REPORT
PIPPED AT THE POST Liverpool Ladies 1 - Arsenal Ladies 2 FA WSL Continental Cup • Saturday 26th April 2013
LIVERPOOL LADIES were eliminated from the FA Women’s Cup after a narrow 2-1 semi-final at Anfield. Arsenal will now face Bristol Academy in the final at the Keepmoat Stadium later this month. The best chance of a fiercely contested opening fell to Katrin Omarsdottir in the 13th minute. Nicole Rolser whipped in an inviting cross but Omarsdottir, she failed to make enough contact as the ball was glanced wide of the far post. The Reds rued that missed opportunity when the Gunners broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Ellen White beat Sarah Quantrill to a throughball and prodded the ball into the net. White hit the woodwork and forced further saves from Quantrill before Liverpool levelled on the stroke of half-time. Louise Fors curled a dangerous cross towards the six-yard box that Dowie headed into the net to the delight of the Kop.
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Arsenal regained the lead in the 53rd minute. A ball was lifted over Liverpool’s rearguard and Kim Little collected it before drilling a shot into the far corner of the net. The Reds fought hard for an equaliser in the final half-hour with Rolser coming closest to finding it. In the end however, a valiant attempt from the team just came up short. Liverpool: Quantrill; Engen, Williams, Bonner (c), Bronze, Omarsdottir, Dowie, Fors (Billson 79), Rolser, Easton (Schroder 61), Da Costa.
Natasha Dowie 9
COMMUNITY
MIGHTY BUSY!
YOU MAY HAVE SEEN recently Liverpool FC’s mascot, Mighty Red, entertaining kids in Anfield’s Family Park on match days, at LFC Ladies girls’ competitions or delivering presents to children at Alder Hey hospital - and there is lots more that Mighty gets up to. Mighty Red is a fun loving eight-yearold Liverbird who can be a little cheeky at times. He is full of energy and has been busy helping Liverpool FC Foundation deliver inspiring work in the community. The Foundation works in partnership with three schools in Anfield - All Saints Catholic Primary, Anfield Infants and Anfield Juniors, with the aim of engaging with young people to develop life skills and have a positive impact in the their school attendance, attainment, health, wellbeing and confidence. Working closely with Mighty Red on the new attendance and punctuality scheme, Liverpool FC Foundation has helped the schools significantly increase levels of attendance.
At the start of the term pupils were given a ‘season ticket’ sticker book to monitor their attendance. In recognition for their daily attendance children are given LFC stickers, which at the end of term can be redeemed for football-themed prizes. Mighty also makes surprise visits to the school fortnightly and an awards assembly is being held at the end of term to reward children for 100 percent attendance, with Mighty being the special guest. Jeremy Barnes, head teacher of All Saints Primary School, said: “We are extremely positive about our relationship and the great work that Liverpool FC Foundation is doing in our school. “The power of the LFC badge is a powerful facilitator in helping kids improve their life skills and having Mighty Red here on a regular basis has really increased attendance levels and improved motivation for the children.” • Follow the Foundation on Twitter @LFCFoundation Liverpool Ladies
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Search. Turn up. Play.
Girls, this one’s for you. No pressure – just a fun kickabout with your mates
To find out more,
search for ‘Just Play’ online.
MATCH REPORT
DOWIE SCORES EARLY AT SINCIL Lincoln Ladies 0 - Liverpool Ladies 1 FA Women’s Super League • Sunday 14th April 2013
THE REDS made a winning start to the new league campaign as an early header from Natasha Dowie settled the outcome at Sincil Bank. On a windy afternoon, Liverpool Ladies dominated the first half and saw their defence on top in the second. The all-important goal came after seven minutes when Dowie headed home an inviting cross from Fara Williams. Matt Beard’s side continued on the front foot and Williams went close before Lincoln’s England international goalkeeper Karen Bardsley saved well to thwart Nicole Rolser. Dowie then went within a whisker of doubling her tally when a shot crashed against the upright.
After the break, the Reds were forced back as Lincoln attacked with the wind at their backs. An indication of the conditions came when Williams struggled to take a corner as the ball would not stay in the arc! Lucy Bronze, a half-time substitute for the injured Corina Schroder, joined Whitney Engen, Becky Easton and captain Gemma Bonner in marshalling a strong display from the back-line to keep their hosts at bay. In the end, Lincoln were not able to carve out much in the way of clear-cut opportunities and Liverpool Ladies were good value for the three points. Liverpool: Quantrill; Easton, Engen, Bonner (c), Schroder (Bronze 46); Rolser (Fenlon-Billson 72), Omarsdottir, Williams, Da Costa, Fors (Holbrook 79), Dowie.
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... HERE COMES
Mighty Red, the Official LFC Mascot, has been given a helping hand in his ongoing work throughout the community following a very special donation by Liverpool FC partner Chevrolet. As you can see from the picture on the right, he could barely contain his excitement when he collected the keys for his brand new Mighty Mobile from the Chevrolet dealership in Liverpool on Monday. The green Orlando 2 litre LT Manual, which has been designed specifically for Mighty, will be driven by the eightyear-old’s friends from Anfield and will allow him to conduct his community tasks quicker and easier than ever. The vehicle and its ample-size boot will give Mighty plenty of room to transport the football equipment and kit, water supplies and photo cards for his fans that accompany the mascot to each event he attends. Mighty said: “The Mighty Mobile fits perfectly with my style! I cannot wait to take it out to all my friends in the community. I hope it makes everyone as happy as it’s made me!” The flexibility and versatility provided by the seven-seater Chevrolet Orlando are ideal aids for Mighty’s day-to-day activity, while the car also sets the highest of safety standards.
Emma Careless, mascot co-ordinator, added: “Mighty has been looking forward to it; he heard a long time ago that he was getting this vehicle. He’s in and around the community so much that it will help him a lot. “The children are so responsive to everything that he does – he reinforces messages to them and helps them learn new things every day. Every time Mighty makes an appearance, they scream and shout. So I’m sure that seeing this down the road is going to brighten up their day.”
• Find our more about what Mighty Red is up to by visiting www.liverpoolfc.com/kopkids Liverpool Ladies
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FUN TIME WITH
C B E L L E S L D A
Q U A N T R I L L S
S H N O A H T I D O
H R I N P S I T C W
L I Z Z I E I N C E
H T I M S N E R N R
D E R Y T H G I M B
A T S O C A D H N Y
S M A I L L I W A A
H T R O W S G I S M
< REDS & BELLES Can you find the following 10 names in our match day word search?
DACOSTA LIZZIEINCE MIGHTYRED QUANTRILL WILLIAMS BELLES CUNNINGHAM SIGSWORTH SMITH SOWERBY
Which one of our trio isn’t being completely honest?!
FARA “I scored a hat-trick in our opening game at Aston Villa” 24
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LOUISE “I scored penalties in our first two games of the season”
SARAH “I saved a penalty in the Continental Cup game against Everton”
THE NUMBERS GAME
NATASHA DOWIE
9 2
Natasha’s LFC squad number Goals scored against Arsenal for Everton in the 2010 FA Women’s Cup final
2009
The year she made her full international debut for England against Turkey
5
caps won for England Under-23s
MIGHTY RED’S FIENDISH FIVE! 1 What nationality is Liverpool Ladies winger Nicole Rolser? 2 Which member of the squad first played for Liverpool Ladies in the 1990s? 3 From which club did the Reds sign Lucy Bronze? 4 Who was the first player to score against the Reds this season? 5 At which club did Liverpool Ladies play their home games last season?
HOW DID YOU DO?
RED HERRING Sarah Quantrill – she did not save a penalty against Everton. MIGHTY REDS FIENDISH FIVE 1 German; 2 Becky Easton; 3 Everton; 4 Nikita Parris; 5 Skelmersdale
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The UEFA Women’s Champions League Final is coming to London. See the biggest event in European women’s club football with all the family when the top two clubs in Europe face each other at Stamford Bridge. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the best women’s football club in Europe be crowned winners of the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final 2013. Buy tickets now at: www.chelseafc.com/uefawomensfinal
Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge Stadium, London Thursday 23 May 2013 Kick Off 19.30h Tickets from £5 at www.chelseafc.com/uefawomensfinal Ticket Prices Adult......................................... £10.00 Children (under 18).................... £5.00 Seniors (over 65)........................ £5.00 Nearest Station:
Fulham Broadway
For more information visit: / womenschampionsleague
Follow us on: facebook.com/uefawomenschampionsleague send your #UWCLfinal message to @UEFAcom
TOP TWEETS
What theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been saying in the Twittersphere!
FOLLOW US @LFCLadies CAROLINE CHARLTON @cazcharlton17
AMANDA DACOSTA @ADacosta13
LFC LADIES @LFCladies
LOUISE FORS @LolloFors
Get making plans to watch us at Anfield this Friday against Arsenal. It will be an amazing match! Come and support us, tickets are cheap as.
Liverpool Ladies secure place in top flight for 2014. Donny miss out, Man City added, Lincoln renamed Notts County.
GEMMA BONNER @gembon23
Soo close to 2000 followers! ... Only 13 away!
LFC LADIES @LFCladies
First Anfield, now Emirates. Ladies have been invited to play their league game at Emirates.
WATCH YOUR 5TH GAME FOR FREE!
Cheers to everyone who watched us from the kop tonight. Not the result we wanted but looking to press on.
thanks :) it was amazing.. Thanks for your support!!
KATIE BRUSELL @Katie_b_7
Gutted we lost but made up that a young girl had my name and number on the back of her liverpool shirt at the game! made my night!
GEMMA BONNER @gembon23
Interesting to see the announcements of the teams joining the Super League! Gutted that my old club havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t made it!
Liverpool Ladies are rewarding loyal supporters with the opportunity to see a free home game with the new loyalty card. If you see four Liverpool Ladies matches at the Halton Stadium you will get a fifth match free as long as you have your card stamped when you pay to enter. The offer is valid for matches at Halton Stadium until 30 September 2013 and the free match admits one person only. The cards will be distributed at the turnstiles.
Attend 4 home matche s
and get the 5th FREE!
Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
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PLAYER FOCUs
IN MY LIFE GEMMA BONNER
FAVOURITE GAME? I’d say beating Arsenal in the semi-final of the FA Cup with Chelsea last year is the highlight of my career so far. We’d played them a few days before in the league and lost 3-1. It wasn’t a good day and because of that they were big favourites for the cup match. Nobody really expected us to win. But as a group we knew we had a chance if we played to our potential. Arsenal are a top team so to beat them meant a lot. It felt like we’d defied quite a few people.
MUSIC? I usually listen to whatever is in the charts. I wouldn’t say I have any favourite band or artist. There are loads of different types of music in my car.
SHIRT NUMBER? I don’t mind what number I wear. There’s no particular reason or superstition for why I have [number] five. I had it at Chelsea and have ended up with it again here. I think it’s just because I’m a centre-back.
? FAVOURITE HOLIDAY
I went on a week-long cruise around the Mediterranean - it was brilliant. The weather was great and it was very relaxing. I’d love to do it again
LAST CONCERT? It was Bruce Springsteen at the Etihad in Manchester. My dad’s a massive fan of his and wanted me to go along with him. I enjoyed it. My dad drives me to a lot of football matches and training so I have to keep him happy.
HOBBIES? Shopping is obviously a big one. Because I spend so much time training or playing I also enjoy just spending time with my family and friends. I’m not sure if it’s a hobby, but it’s what I like doing. 28
Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
ON NATASHA DOWIE W MIC CO R FO FF -O KE A BA ? RELIEF. CAN YOU COOK I can. But whether I can cook well is another question. I’d say I’m average, probably a 7 or 8 out of 10. My speciality is pasta, or chicken and pasta, which is a typical footballer’s meal. Or chicken fajitas - I can do those too.
SMARTEST TEAM-M
ATE?
Caroline Charlton is studying to be a doctor - got to be pretty clever to do that!
BE IF YOU WHAT WOULD YOU ER? LL BA WEREN’T A FOOT I really don’t have an idea what else I would do instead of playing football. Something in sport is what I’d prefer because I’m active and like keeping fit.
FIRST JOB? I’ve not had a proper job yet. Football is my only job so far. I’m working on getting a sports massage qualification. Hopefully I can do something with that after I finish university.
FUNNIEST TEAM-MAT
E?
The American girls, Amanda Da Costa and Whitney Engen, are crazy so it has to be one of them. I’d probably say Amanda.
WHICH TEAM-MATE WOULD FARE BEST ON X-FACTOR? Lillie Billson was doing a video interview recently and was asked to sing a song. It was really entertaining so I’ll have to pick her.
AND THE WORST? Probably Tash Dowie. She’s always trying to sing but I’m not sure she actually can.
Y MORE? Who NEEDS TO STUD [Laughs] I’m not sure Hannah Keryakoplis has any GCSEs.
INTERNATIONAL MIX
?
We have lots of players from different countries such as Iceland, Germany, Sweden and America. The first squad get together was very interesting. It’s great to hear about where others are from and what those countries and cultures are like. The German girls, Nicole Rolser and Corina Schroder, are lively. Their language has improved a lot already, although they’ve only been here for a short time. And the Icelandic girl, Katrin Omarsdottir, sometimes corrects other people’s English because hers is perfect. The group is gelling well. Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
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SEASON STATS 2013 FA WSL FIXTURES 2013 (Home games at Halton Stadium in CAPS, cup fixtures denoted in brackets)
Date
Opponent
Result
Scorer/s
March 17
Aston Villa (FAC 5)
5-0
Williams 3, Fors (pen), Dowie
March 23
EVERTON (CC)
1-1
Fors (pen)
March 31
Sunderland (FAC 6)
2-1
Fenlon-Billson, Omarsdottir
April 14
Lincoln Ladies
1-0
Dowie
April 28
ARSENAL LADIES (FAC SF)
1-2
Dowie
May 04
DONCASTER RB (CC)
May 07
Arsenal
May 12
Chelsea Ladies
May 15
Doncaster RB
May 19
Chelsea (CC)
May 29
LINCOLN LADIES
June 4
Everton Ladies
June 8
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Aug 10
Bristol Academy
Aug 17
CHELSEA LADIES
Aug 28
EVERTON LADIES
Sept 1
Birmingham City
Sept 4
DONCASTER RB
Sept 15
BRISTOL ACADEMY
GAMES & GOALS 2013 (substitute appearances in brackets)
FA WSL CONT CUP FA CUP App Goals App Goals App Goals
1 Danielle Gibbons 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Becky Easton
1 0 0(1) 0
3 0
2 Samantha Chappell 0 0 0 0 0 0
13 Amanda Da Costa
1 0
2 0
3 Whitney Engen
1 0
1 0
3 0
14 Michelle Evans
0
4 Fara Williams
1 0
1 0
3 3
15 Jess Holbrook
0(1) 0 0 0 1(1) 0
5 Gemma Bonner
1 0
1 0
3 0
16 Lizzie Ince
0
17 Caroline Charlton
0 0 0 0 0 0
FA WSL CONT CUP FA CUP App Goals App Goals App Goals
6 Lucy Bronze 0(1) 0
1 0 0 0
1 0
0 0 0 1(1) 0
0
0
0
0
0
7 Katie Brusell 0 0 0 0 0(1) 0
18 Lillie Fenlon-Billson 0(1) 0 0(1) 0 1(2) 1
8 Katrin Omarsdottir
1 0
1 0
2(1) 1
19 Corina Schroder
9 Natasha Dowie
1
1
1 0
3
20 Hannah Keryakoplis 0
0
10 Louise Fors
1
0
1
1
3 1
22 Sophia Riccio
0
0 0 0 0 0
11 Nicole Rolser
1 0
1 0
3 0
24 Sarah Quantrill
1
0
2
(substitute appearances in brackets) Correct up to and including 26.04.2013
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Liverpool Ladies
The FA WSL
1 0
1 0 1(1) 0 0
1
0
0
0
130
0
Liverpool Ladies
Doncaster Rovers Belles
Manager: Matt Beard
Manager: John Buckley
1
Danielle Gibbons
1
Nicola Hobbs
2
Samantha Chappell
2
Lyndsey Cunningham
3
Whitney Engen
3
Naomi Chadwick
4
Fara Williams
4
Leandra Little
5
Gemma Bonner
5
Jessica Sigsworth
6
Lucy Bronze
6
Kasia Lipka
7
Katie Brusell
7
Emma Thomson
8
Katrin Omarsdottir
8
Sue Smith
9
Natasha Dowie
9
Cheryl Foster
10
Louise Fors
10
Millie Bright
11
Nicole Rolser
11
Bethany England
12
Becky Easton
12
Nicola Emery
13
Amanda Da Costa
14
Lucy Sowerby
14
Michelle Evans
15
Victoria Williams
15
Jess Holbrook
16
Ashleigh Mills
16
Lizzie Ince
17
Carla Tomkins
17
Caroline Charlton
18
Jemma Purfield
18
Lillie Fenlon-Billson
22
Emma Higgins
19
Corina Schroder
20
Hannah Keryakoplis
22
Sophia Riccio
24
Sarah Quantrill
MATCH OFFICIALS
MASCOTS
Referee: Robert Goodwin-Davey Assistant Referee: Joseph Perselli Assistant Referee: Nigel Freelove Fourth Official: John Walton
The Liverpool mascots will be the winners of the pre-match Under 10s tournament. The Doncaster mascots will be the winners of the Under 12s matches.