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      Sam Kerr nets hat-trick as Blues beat West Ham in first game of season in front of home fans

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      EMMA HAYES hailed “selfless” Sam Kerr for giving Chelsea’s fans a winning welcome home by grabbing a hat-trick against West Ham.
      But the Blues were given a second-half fright with an own goal and a Rachel Daly strike before dispatching the Hammers.

      Sam Kerr was on fire for Chelsea – who are now three points behind leaders Manchester United after beating West HamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The 3-2 result left Hayes’s players 27 games undefeated in the top-flight.
      And it leaves the Hammers – who played their first game under interim boss Billy Stewart – third from bottom.
      Hayes said: “Sam is a great player and one that always puts the team ahead of herself. 
      “We have been working hard with her behind the scenes to make sure that Sam recognises when to be selfish and when to be selfless. 

      “I could say the same about the other forwards and I give real credit to Beth (England) and Fran (Kirby) too for Sam’s hat-trick.”
      The derby encounter was the first game Chelsea played in front of their home crowd since the Covid crisis curtailed the 2019-20 season. 

      Fran Kirby (left) made her long-awaited return after recovering from an ankle injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blues fans returned to Kingsmeadow for the first time since February Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Hayes paid tribute to Blues fans for giving her side “momentum” and cheering Fran Kirby’s return following an ankle injury. 
      Hayes added: “For me, there was no coincidence in the momentum. Hearing the crowd drove the team. 

      “Fran has waited for this for a while and has been desperate to see the fans. For her it is another big milestone.”
      West Ham started positively with two corners and a dangerous Daly free-kick causing problems in the opening ten minutes. 
      But it was the champs who netted first with Fran Kirby feeding a neat low cross to Sam Kerr for Chelsea’s 15th-minute opener. 
      However the gutsy Hammers refused to be bowed. 
      And they should have snatched an equaliser two minutes later with Daly forcing a superb shot block from Ann Katrin-Berger.
      It was only two minutes into the second-half when Birthday girl Daly levelled proceedings with a tap-in following a dazzling run and cross from Adriana Leon. 

      Rachel Daly (left) netted the first of West Ham’s two goals Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And it looked as if the game was put to bed when Kerr netted twice in the final 35 minutes to extend title-holders lead to 3-1. 
      However, Magdalena Eriksson’s deflection saw the Hammers reduce the deficit before their defeat.
      Stewart said: “To still be in with a chance of getting a goal against Chelsea with the last kick of the game shows a massive, massive plus for this club.”

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      Rehanne Skinner toasts debut as Tottenham boss after club’s first win of season over Brighton with Alex Morgan scoring

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      REHANNE SKINNER toasted her opening day on the job as Tottenham bagged their FIRST win of the season – with Alex Morgan scoring her first goal for Spurs.
      Phil Neville’s former England No2 replaced Juan Amoros and Karen Hills as head coach after the popular duo were axed two weeks ago – and it seems it has already paid off.

      Tottenham won their first game of the season on new boss Rehanne Skinner’s debutCredit: Reuters

      After the final whistle the North Londoners applauded the fans who had been allowed into the groundCredit: Rex Features

      Kerys Harrop’s mouth-watering free kick had put the host’s ahead before Inessa Kaagman’s spot-kick pulled one back.
      Angela Addison doubled the home side’s lead before USA World Cup winner Morgan wrapped things up with her first Spurs goal since her loan move from Orlando Pride in September.
      Skinner said: “It couldn’t have gone better! I really enjoyed it.
      “This is something I’ve been looking forward to, and game day is the best day of the week so for me it felt really comfortable and relaxed.

      “All the work we’ve put in I was confident with. This has moved us in a direction we wanted to move in.
      “Alex has obviously been building her time on the pitch for the last couple of months.
      “She’s getting more and more back to where she wants to be and it’s going to take little bits of time and opportunities like today will help to get her back quicker.”
      The opener all started with Morgan who cleverly won a dubious free-kick on the edge of the area after a light shove from Victoria Williams.

      Kerys Harrop stood over it and sent an exquisite strike dipping and curling into the top corner on 11 minutes.
      But tempers flared when Alanna Kennedy’s reckless high boot on Aileen Whelan prompted referee Emily Heaslip to point to the spot.

      Alex Morgan slammed home a penalty for her first Spurs goal, after missing the decisive one against Arsenal in the League cupCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A limited number of fans were allowed into Spurs’ ground, The Hive Credit: PA:Press Association

      Kaagman fired home the equaliser before Kennedy nearly redeemed herself after cracking a peach of a free-kick agonizingly wide.
      Addison turned out to be the hero after her twinkle toes twisted inside and out of two Brighton defenders as well as keeper Megan Walsh to slot home on the 63rd minute.
      Hope Powell’s side hit back strongly with Kaagman rattling the woodwork from distance.
      But the North Londoners cranked up the pressure and Ria Percivel was clattered to the floor by Williams with Heaslip once again pointing to the spot in the dying moments.
      Morgan bravely stepped up after missing the decisive penalty against Arsenal in the League Cup a couple of weeks ago.
      Seagulls chief Hope Powell said: “Credit must go to Tottenham they really came at us I think it was competitive, but Spurs were the better team and the result reflects that. We lacked quality on the ball.”

      Angela Addison was the hero after doubling the host’s lead with a scintillating runCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Inessa Kaagman fired home Brighton’s equaliser from the spotCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Man Utd’s Casey Stoney calls for research in risk of heading in women’s game while Hope Powell backs concussion subs

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      CASEY STONEY says she “cannot ignore” frightening links between heading the ball and dementia in later life now that she is a mum of three.
      The former Arsenal skipper, 38, revealed she would be willing to take part in a study on the risks of heading on the brain health of ex-female pros.

      Casey Stoney spent seven-years at Arsenal during her playing careerCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Experts suggest female athletes heading the ball could be in greater danger of developing dementiaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Experts have suggested that female players could be at a greater risk of developing dementia in later life.
      But Stoney, who enjoyed a 20-year playing career and made 130 England appearances, has never been approached to take part in any research on the issue.
      The Red Devils boss said: “I headed the ball a lot (as a player), an awful lot and sometimes not very well, so it hurt, to be honest.
      “I’d be really open to being involved in any research because I think it’s so important that we’re open to that.

      “You can’t ignore it, you have to think about it, and I’ve got three children as well. 
      “You do read about what happens, and people seem to be getting younger now that have come out of football and picked up dementia, and sometimes it’s fatal – it’s not a nice read.
      “So of course you start thinking about yourself.  
      “I would be more than happy to be part of any research to make sure we can protect players in the future.”

      The Manchester United boss is among four WSL gaffers backing the introduction of concussion subs following Raul Jimenez’s horror head injury. 

      Raul Jimenez was hospitalised with a fractured skull after a horror clash with David LuizCredit: Reuters

      Brighton boss Hope Powell has backed the introduction of concussion subs in the WSL Credit: Rex Features

      Brighton chief Hope Powell, Arsenal manager Joe Montemurro and Bristol City head coach Tanya Oxtoby say they would welcome the trial of additional subs to cover for concussed players in the top-flight.
      Oxtoby, 38, who suffered concussions during her playing days, believes additional subs could offer coaches more flexibility.
      She said: “I had two or three concussions when I played and it’s horrendous. 
      “I think to give the managers and the club that opportunity to be able to manage that a little bit better – I’m all for that in whatever format that looks like.”
      Trials of concussions subs are expected to get underway in the Women’s FA Cup if they are given the go ahead by the International FA Board on December 16.
      Stoney added: “I don’t understand why a male player would be more important than a female player in terms of player safety.”
      The United chief joked: “We get the good trials [in the women’s game], we get VAR at the World Cup, so why don’t we get something that would actually benefit players?”
      Brain injury charity, Headway, who have been lobbying football authorities to take action, say more study is needed on the impact of head injuries on sportswomen.  
      Chief Peter McCabe said: “Research suggests that females may be more susceptible to concussion than males and may take longer to recover.
      “This is an important area of research as it is vital we have a better understanding of the nature and reasons for any such differences.” 
      Seagulls gaffer, Powell, revealed one of her players had recently been knocked out, so she is eager to see the trials commence.
      The ex-Lionesses boss, 53, said: “If they need to trial it, they need to test it, whatever they need to do to safeguard the player is fine by me.”

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      Bristol boss Tanya Oxtoby back for Reading WSL clash after ‘scary’ Covid-19 absence

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      TANYA OXTOBY says she is pleased to be “back on her feet” and back in the dug-out after being out of action with Covid-19. 
      And the Bristol City boss, 38, shared a heartfelt message for the families of the victims of a chemical tank explosion in Avonmouth.

      Tanya Oxtoby’s team take on Reading in their seventh WSL fixture of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The blast at the Wessex Water Site, located nine miles from the Robins old Stoke Gifford home ground, claimed the lives of four people. 
      Oxtoby said: “It has been big news around here and our thoughts are with the families of those people 
      “If there is anything we can do to support as a football club we would love to help.”
      Bristol City, who are searching for the first WSL win this term, will head to Reading for the first of their three league fixtures to be played in seven days. 

      And the clash with the Royals will be Oxtoby’s first match back following a spell in isolation in line with Covid-19 protocols.
      Last month, SunSport reported the Robins were forced to cancel a training session following a rise of coronavirus cases near their North Bristol site.
      Oxtoby said: ‘I’d be kidding myself if I said I feel absolutely brilliant but definitely loads better than what I was. 
      “It was quite a scary couple of weeks if I am honest and it puts football and the things that are going on into perspective. 

      Oxtoby hopes Bristol City can replicate their Conti Cup form in the leagueCredit: Rex Features
      “My good wishes are with everybody who is going through it. 
      “I’m really thankful to all the staff and players.
      “I thought they were exceptional in that period where I wasn’t around and everyone pulled together.” 
      Bristol City, who have enjoyed good results in the group stages of the league cup, have picked up just a point from their first six WSL games this season. 
      The run of losses has left the Robins rooted to the bottom of the table.
      However Oxtoby – who is contending with injuries to several senior players including Jas Matthews, Chloe Logarzo and Aimee Palmer – hopes her players can take inspiration from their Conti Cup run. 
      The team finished top of their group after triumphing in three round-robin fixtures.

      Bristol City’s opponents Reading are seventh in the table after holding Tottenham to a drawCredit: Alamy Live News

      She added: “We have to try and get points on the board and sometimes that’s not pretty in the league, but when you look at us play in the cup competition you see a real flavour of what we want to do long term in terms of our patterns of play and our movement off the ball.
      “So it’s been good, because we’ve had a great balance which is nice.
      “I think the players have really enjoyed it, and the cup competition now gives us a lot of confidence going into the league.”
      “We’re in a quarter-final which is amazing for this club.
      “The shackles are off a little bit and the players can go out and express themselves.”

      Bristol City hope to pick their first win after a difficult run against the WSL’s top fiveCredit: Rex Features More

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      Charlton women’s footballer is axed after she’s filmed ‘inhaling from balloon’ and ‘swigging champagne while driving’

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      MADELENE WRIGHT has been axed by Charlton Women after she was reportedly seen inhaling from a balloon at a party and swigging champagne while at the wheel of her Range Rover.
      The controversial videos recently uploaded to Snapchat were first revealed by the Daily Star.

      Madelene Wright has been let go by Charlton Women after controversial clips were posted on SnapchatCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

      The ex-Millwall ace was reportedly seen ‘swigging champagne’ at the wheel of her Range RoverCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

      Former Charlton star Wright in action

      It is understood that in the clips the 22-year-old can be seen at a party with friends, where a number of people were inhaling from balloons.
      A second video allegedly shows the Ex-Millwall ace drinking champagne while driving her luxury Range Rover.
      After the clips were shared on social media, Charlton Athletic confirmed that Wright’s registration had been cancelled and that she will no longer play for the Championship side.
      A spokesperson for the Addicks told SunSport: “The club were made aware of the video and quickly investigated the incident.

      “As a club we are disappointed with the behaviour which doesn’t represent the standards the team upholds.
      “The player is remorseful and has now left the club.
      “The club would like to make clear that although the behavior is not acceptable, the players welfare remains important to us and she will still have access to the club’s support channels if needed.”
      Maddie was also investigated by former club Millwall in October last year after she filmed from the backseat while the driver puts a dog’s paws on the steering wheel.

      Joshua Harris of road safety charity, Brake, told Sun Sport: “Driving and alcohol simply do not mix.
      “When you’re behind the wheel you’re in charge of a potentially lethal weapon which requires full concentration and zero impairment to do so safely.
      “We urge all drivers to never drink any amount of alcohol and drive – and certainly never do both at the same time.”

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      Charlton Women’s footballer let go after filmed ‘inhaling from balloon at party’ and ‘swigging champagne while driving’

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      MADELENE WRIGHT has been let go by Charlton Women after she was reportedly seen inhaling from a balloon at a party and swigging champagne while at the wheel of her Range Rover.
      The controversial videos recently uploaded to Snapchat were first viewed by the Daily Star.

      Madelene Wright has been let go by Charlton Women after controversial clips were posted on SnapchatCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

      The ex-Millwall ace was reportedly seen ‘swigging champagne’ at the wheel of her Range RoverCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

      It is understood that in the clips the 22-year-old can be seen at a party with friends, where a number of people were inhaling from balloons.
      A second video allegedly shows the Ex-Millwall ace drinking champagne while driving her luxury Range Rover.
      After the clips were shared on social media, Charlton Athletic confirmed that Wright’s registration had been cancelled and that she will no longer play for the Championship side.
      A spokesperson for the Addicks told SunSport: “The club were made aware of the video and quickly investigated the incident.

      “As a club we are disappointed with the behaviour which doesn’t represent the standards the team upholds.
      “The player is remorseful and has now left the club.
      “The club would like to make clear that although the behavior is not acceptable, the players welfare remains important to us and she will still have access to the club’s support channels if needed.”
      Maddie was also investigated by former club Millwall in October last year after she filmed from the backseat while a dog drove the car she was in.

      Joshua Harris of road safety charity, Brake, told Sun Sport: “Driving and alcohol simply do not mix.
      “When you’re behind the wheel you’re in charge of a potentially lethal weapon which requires full concentration and zero impairment to do so safely.
      “We urge all drivers to never drink any amount of alcohol and drive – and certainly never do both at the same time.”

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      Man Utd boss Casey Stoney hails Rainbow Laces campaign after revealing sport ‘saved her life’

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      CASEY STONEY has hailed the Rainbow Laces campaign after revealing football “saved her life”.
      The Manchester United boss first spoke openly about being gay in 2014 and now has three children with her partner Megan Harris, who she played with at Lincoln.

      Casey Stoney says the Rainbow Laces campaign has hugely impacted her life

      Stoney’s Red Devils will wear rainbow laces for the next two weekends – to press home the WSL’s commitment to diversity in its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.
      The former Arsenal skipper, 38, believes the campaign has had a huge impact on her own life as an openly gay footballer.
      She said: “I won’t hide away from that. I think there were times in my life where sport probably saved my life to be honest.
      “You can struggle with sexuality. Living online now is probably even more difficult as a gay person because of the amount people can say to you and the things you can read.

      “Being able to come away from technology, play sports and just be yourself and be valued for what you do as a person and as your job, I think is key.”
      Stoney has 116 caps for her country and also captained Great Britain.
      And by publicly coming out, she became the most high-profile active gay footballer in England at the time.
      She continued: “It’s about visibility and awareness isn’t it.

      It should be about normalising that love is love.
      Casey Stoney

      “I don’t hide away from the fact it massively impacts on my life and has done for many years.
      “Campaigns like this – I hate the word acceptance because it shouldn’t be about acceptance.
      “It should be about normalising that love is love.
      “It shouldn’t be anything other than that or viewed in that way. Campaigns like these are about visibility and raising awareness and it’s important.”
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      Tottenham bring women’s side in-house to men’s Hotspur Way training base full-time

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      TOTTENHAM have allowed the women’s side to train at the men’s Hotspur Way base on a full-time basis for the first time ever.
      They were using the Enfield hub one day a week and spent the rest of their time at The Hive in Barnet.

      New Spurs boss Rehanne Skinner says moving the women’s side in-house shows a huge “statement of intent”

      Alex Morgan signed for Tottenham on a short-term deal until December

      But now they are in-house using the luxury North London training facilities with Jose Mourinho’s side on a full-time basis.
      Phil Neville’s former England No.2 , Rehanne Skinner, replaced Juan Amoros and Karen Hills as Spurs boss after the duo were axed two weeks ago.
      In her first press conference in the top job, she said: “We are now training here at the training ground which is a great statement,
      “It provides us with unbelievable facilities to start raising the standards that we are looking to achieve.

      “The club were very aware that the facilities the players needed, needed to evolve so it obviously shows their interest in the women’s team.
      “They felt it was the right time to make that move. It was already something that was happening.
      “That made a statement to me about the intent that was around, looking after the women’s team and incorporating them so that’s been a real positive step for everybody.”
      There are 15 grass pitches across the site including four dedicated solely for the men’s first team.

      There is also a two-storey training centre with medical facilities, swimming hydrotherapy pool, fitness centre, changing rooms and a media centre.
      Skinner added: “We have facilities in and around the lodge and the training pitches that we utilise,
      “So we have everything around the players that we need to create a high-performance environment.
      “It’s now on our doorstep. We have been trying to maximise the use in that and trying to frame things in the last week.
      “It’s a learning curve for us at the moment but the stuff we have access to now is unbelievable and the players are ecstatic about being in this environment, which is great.”
      Spurs already made waves with the stellar summer signing of World Cup winner Morgan in September.
      They turn their attention to hosting Brighton on Sunday with a limited capacity of fans permitted back into the ground.

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