Monday 21 July 2014 14:17, UK
Birmingham City's Jo Potter netted the only goal of their game against Notts County to help Blues maintain their lead at the top of the FA Women’s Super League 1.
Notts County, who were fined by the FA this week for not fulfilling a fixture against Bristol Academy WFC on June 29, started the game well but the best chance of the half fell to City’s Hannah Keryakoplis in first-half stoppage time.
The league leaders took the lead on 48 minutes when Potter’s corner beat Carly Telford. County pushed for an equaliser but failed to create any goal scoring chances as Birmingham’s defence stood firm.
Birmingham are now without a game until late August, in which time both Chelsea, who they lead by three points, and Liverpool, who they lead by five, play twice.
Birmingham manager David Parker said: “There was not a lot to choose between the teams in a tight game. That little bit of quality from Jo has won it for us. This is a great win for us. We are working very hard as a team and are delighted to be top of the League.”
“Chelsea have a world-class eleven and Liverpool are full-time so they will be right up there. We expect to come out of our break chasing them two so it will be a different mentality for us, but there is no reason why we cannot win the League.”
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes praised her side after Jackie Groenen came off the bench to grab a last-gasp winner against Manchester City in The FA Women's Super League.
Natasha Flint had put the visitors in front but Katie Chapman’s header levelled matters before Groenen settled the tie. Sunday's victory keeps Chelsea, who now prepare for the visit of Bristol Academy, second in the FA WSL 1.
Hayes said: “I thought we had enough quality, not in terms of finishing, but in terms of chances created and quality to win the game.
“I’m delighted for Jackie who came on and made an impact and got the winner at the end, because it shows the depth and quality that we have in our squad.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal clinched a late win thanks to Alex Scott's 84th-minute strike against bottom side Everton. Scott’s follow-up strike from Michelle Hinnigan’s saved penalty was enough for the Gunners who now prepare to take on Notts County.
Champions Liverpool were comfortable winners with a 3-1 victory at Bristol Academy. Goals from Gemma Davidson, Katrin Omarsdottir and Gemma Bonner put the Reds in charge before Bristol, who had Jemma Rose sent off, grabbed a late consolation through Natasha Harding.
Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who is looking forward to the next fixture against Manchester City, said: “That was our best performance of the season so far – I thought we were terrific.”
