Cclay

Fair enough ... but they didn't deny us space. As said above,, there was plenty of space. We just didn't pass into it, as every team we face seems to be able to do (make simple passes to a player in space to quickly move the ball upfield).

Pretty much the same issues: not having anyone that can run at a defence from the front and every team, even the bad ones, passing around us with ease. That said, the goal was a fluke and should have been put over the bar / saved.

Let's hope Amy Andrews (who never looked like scoring for us, even by accident), who's in their team, doesn't do the obvious.

She is definately slow, but accurate and a good turner in the box. I'm surprised she passed it, as well. She usually shoots. We tried our hardest to give them a draw in the second half.

I can see this passing around / out from defence being exciting for both good and bad reasons this year. Forest are passing it well and Rose is a constant threat, but when we string together a few quick passes you fear for them. As the commentator said, 'quick transition'.

Their website says 3-4-3 but it seems quite fluid. Both our wingers seem to be dropping back to help out.

Arsenal showing what will happen in the WSL if we don't upgrade players. They are 4-1 up against LCL, who comprehensively beat us to promotion last year. LCL have changed their whole team (16 players - I think only one of their starters today played a significant role last year), just set a record for a WSL transfer, and have used Michelle Kang's know-how and multi-club links / ownwership to recruit a damn good team. They dominated Arsenal in the opening exchanges but are still 4-1 down. It's an unfortunate illustration of the different standard of the top couple of teams in the WSL (Manchester City keep coming up short against Chelsea too, again, illustrating the dominance of the top couple).

Freya Gregory and Beth Lumsden are really the only ones really safe from last year (Beth deservedly so). That's some change.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorja_Fox_(footballer)?useskin=vector

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/35730/12976139/jorja-fox-chelsea-defender-finding-strength-after-acl-heartbreak

London City Lionesses showing what is needed with the step-up to WSL1. Hint: replacing just about everyone that got them there. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/sep/01/womens-super-league-2025-26-previews-no-8-london-city-lionesses

As above:

A possible 'first team' is definitely better, not that that team has played together at any point. Who knows? It was said, during today's watch along, that they were hoping for a couple more. Who knows? As you said, the league starts next week.

... and young as well. It's an area we had to strengthen in if we aim to be promoted. I see Hayles has got the number 9 shirt, so it looks like they'll alternate or one will play deeper. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oona_Sevenius?useskin=vector

Doesn't seem, despite the video, that she scores many goals but it highlights her playing style.

Interesting bit in there about US teams relying on athleticism and strength, which I'd agree with. It's why, traditionally, they won the World Cup and England used to struggle with them. A lot of world teams have now figured a way around this. Will be interesting to see her try to inject a bit of skill.

I presume she's going to get it filled in. It looks a tad ... unfinished.