Luke Judge

Bristol Academy WFC overcame a well organised and tenacious Millwall to gain a place in the FA Cup semi-final – and are now only 90 minutes away from a Champions League place.

Bristol Academy knew that their opponents, Millwall would be a stern test in only their second competitive fixture since their acceptance into the new FA Women’s Super League, however a late first half goal from Jess Fishlock sent Bristol Academy through to the Semi Finals of the FA Women’s Cup after beating Millwall 2 – 1 at Beckenham Town FC.

Millwall started the better team in the game and took an early lead when Bristol failed to clear a Millwall corner and a goalmouth scramble resulted in Lindsey Morgan forcing the ball over the line.

Bristol started to get back in the game creating a few chances but were unable to beat the Millwall offside trap. After half hour a Corrine Yorston long range free kick delivered into the box found the head of Helen Bleazard who headed the ball over the Lionesses keeper Cole.

Shortly after the away team took the lead when ex Millwall striker Ann-Marie Heatherson’s clever through pass found strike partner Jess Fishlock who slotted the ball neatly into the bottom corner to send the away team 2 – 1 up at the break.

The second half was a scrappy affair with neither team producing any clear cut chances however Bristol felt hard done by when Heatherson was fouled in the Millwall penalty area and Fishlock picked up the loose ball and scored with a neat finish, however the referee brought play back bizarrely for a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.

The game settled into a midfield battle, with both teams giving no quarter. with 20 minutes left, Dutch International, Anouk Hoogendijk was brought into the game and with her first touch broke through the back four from midfield only to have her placed shot saved by the Millwall keeper. in injury time at the end of the game the hosts forced a free kick inside the Bristol half after a goalmouth scramble Katie Longhurst fired high and wide when ideally placed in the Bristol penalty area.

This was always going to be a tough game but the Vixens were up to the task putting in a professional, hard fought win. the FA Cup this year will see both the finalists compete in the 11/12 Champions League, therefore the semi final takes on even more importance. Bristol Academy will join Liverpool, Barnet and favourites Arsenal in the draw on Monday 28th.

Bristol: Chamberlain, Windell (McCatty 60) , Culvin, Rose (Jones 85), Yorston (c), Bleazard, Dykes (70), Daley, Green, Fishlock, Heatherson Unused Subs: Billson, Clark

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bristol Rovers lionesses, offside trap

South Park 0 Farleigh Rovers 3 – Combined Counties League, Division One

Combined Counties League

Reigate is a historic market town in Surrey at the foot of the North Downs, and in the London commuter belt. It is one of the main constituents of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead. Reigate and the adjacent town of Redhill form a single urban area. South Park is a residential area of the Borough. It lies to the south of Reigate Priory Park and to the west of Woodhatch.
The only building within the confines of the football ground is that housing the changing facilities. However this relatively new structure looks very impressive and also houses at one end, a decent sized cafeteria with seating. At present, covered spectator facilities are restricted to the area immediately in front of this building which benefits from a roof overhang. I would suggest that this would be adequate the amount of spectators at most matches in this league. I was told that in the close season, work would begin on a covered seated stand. This would assist South Park to progress to a higher level and I am sure that they have ambition to do so.
South Park FC is a progressive, friendly club and with the ground improvements planned, the members are clearly ambitious. This coupled with the magnificent scenery in the locality make the club an attractive place to visit. I enjoyed my brief visit and would recommend it to neutrals. £3-50 for 90 minutes and a match programme (at Upton Park that will only get you the match programme! – Ed).Programme: 50p
Tea: 60p
Fare: £8-45 (All Zone Travelcard £5-00 + Day Return Zone 6 - Reigate £3-45. Both with Goldcard discount)

bristol Rovers attractive place, spectator facilities