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      Manchester United ace Williams opens up on FA Cup and title hopes and scoring at Old Trafford

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      RACHEL WILLIAMS plans to live in the moment if she nets against West Ham today at Old Trafford. The Manchester United ace was among the scorers the last time the title chasers played at the Theatre of Dreams in the WSL.
      Rachel Williams netted during Manchester United’s 5-0 defeat of Aston Villa at Old Trafford in DecemberCredit: PA
      A win today for Marc Skinner’s Red Devils would see them go top of the table before Chelsea’s trip to Manchester on SundayCredit: Getty
      West Ham are looking to pick up their first win in the league since beating Tottenham 2-0 in DecemberCredit: Getty
      Williams entered the fray in the 85th-minute of a clash with Aston Villa.
      It took the tenacious forward just eight more to find the back of the net for Marc Skinner’s side during their 5-0 win. 
      Williams, 35, said: “I was just sitting there and kept looking at the manager hoping he would give me the nod to come on. 
      “Then when I came on I just thought ‘go on the pitch and do what I’ve done best throughout my career’.
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      “To score at Old Trafford is a ground to tick off the list. 
      “I’ve played at a few (big grounds) now, and I don’t think I even celebrated to be honest.
      “I should have gone a bit more mad, ran to the fans – so if I get my chance again in the game against West Ham
      “I’m definitely going to live in the moment”
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      Williams, who joined United from Tottenham last July, is aiding her team’s pursuit of their first WSL crown. 
      The Red Devils are second and two points behind Chelsea in the WSL with the Blues carrying a game in hand. 
      Defeat of the Irons during Women’s Football Weekend would see them keep pace with their title rivals. 
      The duel at Old Trafford is among the top-flight WSL games being played at bigger stadiums this weekend with the aim of attracting bigger crowds.
      On being in a battle for the WSL title, the versatile forward added: “I’ve been in it twice before but it wasn’t at the level it was like now.
      “You take each game as it comes. You can only control what’s in your hands.
      “Get your job done, that’s ticked off. Everything else you can’t control, you can just hope. 
      “It won’t be an easy run with where the game’s at. 
      “I will keep my head down and where we end up is where we deserve to be.”
      Williams, who is the WSL’s first Golden Boot winner, is no stranger to winning trophies including an FA Cup with Birmingham City in 2012.  
      Whilst sat at Wembley watching last May’s men’s and women’s finals she made herself a promise to reach one with United.   
      Last Sunday saw the team make history, knocking out Lewes to enter the contest’s semis for the first time.
      And Williams, who has juggled her career with running a plastering business, hopes United can dispatch Brighton at this stage in April. 
      She added: “I love the FA Cup and I went to the men’s and women’s finals last year. 
      “I sat there and thought ‘next year, I’m going to be in this final.’ I just wanted to be in another final. 
      “No matter how I do it, I will do all I can to give myself the best chance to be there. 
      “Now to be in the semi-final and one step closer – and do that in the United shirt in my first season – for me I’m already happy.  
      “United have never been in the final.
      “Every day I’m looking forward to what we do and seeing what people are achieving here. Hopefully we’ll get there.”
      Williams is among the veteran stars of the WSL having played in the league since its inception in 2011. 
      Williams has netted three goals in ten top tier appearances for the Red Devils this seasonCredit: Getty
      At club level the forward has played for Doncaster Rovers Belles, Birmingham, Chelsea and Notts County Ladies as well as Leicester, Tottenham and now United. 
      Her 18-year career has also seen her make 13 senior England appearances as well being part of the Team GB squad at the 2012 Olympics. 
      This term Williams is aiding the Red Devils’ pursuit to play for the Champions League as well their push for the WSL title. 
      The WSL star recalls balancing her plastering job with playing in the contest with Birmingham in 2012. 
      She added: “It was weird back then working (as a plasterer) and then having to play in the Champions League. For United it would be massive. 
      “It is one of the aims a lot of people want to achieve this year.
      “To get that experience with this team – it’s not a guarantee – it’s in our control and we want to get there. 
      Williams hopes to help United reach this year’s FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
      “It will be so much more heightened than it was back then.
      “When I was in it with Birmingham I didn’t really understand it and it was just another game.
      “But with the importance of it now, and that it can also be a dream to play in the Champions League game.
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      “For us we just have to stay on track for that.”  More

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      Everton 1 Liverpool 1: Stengel’s strike cancels out George’s wonder goal as rivals share derby spoils

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      MATT BEARD was left bemused after Liverpool saw a goal chalked off as they denied Everton a win at Goodison Park.Katie Stengel made it even-stevens with her leveller securing a 1-1 draw from the dramatic Merseyside derby. 
      Everton captain Gabby George netted at Goodison Park on her 100th appearance for the ToffeesCredit: Getty
      Katie Stengel equalised for the Reds in the first half of an energetic Merseyside duelCredit: Getty
      The game finished 1-1 after 97 minutes with Everton facing Tottenham nextCredit: Getty
      However the Reds were baffled by Leighanne Robe’s goal being disallowed for an alleged infringement on Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.  
      Liverpool boss Matt Beard told Sky Sports: “We should have won the game. 
      “I saw the disallowed goal and I can’t believe it to be perfectly honest, it’s crazy. 
      “We had enough chances tonight to get the win anyway. That’s another decision that has cost us three points.
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      “I thought we created numerous chances, we just lacked composure in the final third.
      “We frustrated Everton, but they put their bodies on the line. Courtney Brosnan was their best player by a country mile.”
      Close to the half hour mark the hosts took the lead in the derby at attended by a record 22,161-strong crowd. 
      Skipper Gabrielle George struck on her 100th Toffees appearance with her angled 27th-minute cross sailing over goalkeeper Rachael Laws. 
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      But the visitors upped the ante in attack with Yana Daniels slotting an effort inches wide after Missy Bo Kearn’s sliced pass in the 36th minute. 
      The Reds later levelled with Stengel’s quick turn and whipped in a 40th-minute finish after Taylor Lewis drilled the ball into her path. 
      And Rikke Sevecke fired a shot over for the hosts after pouncing on Laws’ punched clearance from a 44th-minute cross. 
      Liverpool cranked the pressure in the second spell.
      But they were left bemused after Robe’s goal was disallowed for an alleged Ceri Holland foul on Brosnan with 39 minutes left.   
      Stengel saw a shot deflected over the crossbar by Megan Finnegan after a classy cut back from substitute Shanice van de Sanden. 
      And the hosts saw Jess Park’s curled finish chalked off due to the forward’s handball. 
      Liverpool had some big chances late on in a frantic finish to the game.  
      Brosnan made a goalmouth clearance in the second minute of injury time with Stengel looking to poke home
      Matt Beard’s side will be targeting an away win when they visit West Ham after the international breakCredit: Getty
      And the Toffees stopper palmed Holland’s curved shot around the post in the 97th minute. 
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      The draw denied Liverpool for their first away victory this season with Everton now winless in four games.
      Toffees boss, Brian Sorensen, whose team will play Tottenham next told Sky Sports: “We need to have composure making sure we play the chances as big as we can, instead of being a bit too eager to get the cross in or finish from distance.” More

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      Hayes hails Chelsea ‘wise heads’ as Reiten and Cuthbert shine in win against Lyon in the Champions League

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      EMMA HAYES praised Chelsea for delivering under pressure after their gritty 1-0 away win against Lyon.Her side suffered an injury blow with Millie Bright set for a scan after hobbling off during the Champions League quarters clash.
      Guro Reiten’s classy curled finish helped Chelsea defeat Lyon in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      Erin Cuthbert nutmegged Damaris Egurrola before providing an assist for Reiten at the Groupama StadiumCredit: Getty
      Millie Bright came off in the first half of the Blues’ clash Lyon after sustaining an injuryCredit: Getty
      But Guro Reiten’s stunning strike after Erin Cuthbert’s tenacious assist saw the Blues claim a first-leg victory before their return game at Stamford Bridge. 
      Hayes said: “Erin hasn’t played since Continental Cup final. She had a hamstring injury.
      “She’s only been back in training on Monday with the team so I didn’t really know how her legs would be, but she’s got the heart of a lion
      “She delivered the job we were looking for.
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      “I’m used to seeing that from Erin, putting Guro in the position (to score). 
      “I said to Guro, ‘what a fabulous right foot you’ve got’. Maybe you could use it a little more often.”
      It remains to be seen whether Bright will be fit for the second leg as well as Chelsea’s WSL clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
      The Blues’ vice-skipper made a 44th-minute exit after clutching her knee following a duel for the ball. 
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      And it could leave England sweating on the centre-back’s fitness with the Lionesses facing Brazil and Australia in April. 
      Hayes added: “Millie will have a scan on Thursday. I know she couldn’t carry on.”
      Lyon had the most shots in the first half an hour capitalising on some misplaced passes from the visitors.
      Eugenie Le Sommer fired wide after an 11th-minute flick on with Lindsey Horan’s shot prompting a save from Ann-Katrin moments later.
      But it was Chelsea who took the lead with Cuthbert nutmegging Damaris Egurrola before a reverse pass to Reiten.
      The Blues winger made no mistake curling in a stunning 28th-minute top corner shot past Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
      Hayes’ side came close to doubling their advantage with Lauren James hitting the post shortly after.
      The second spell saw the Blues soak up pressure with Magda Eriksson heading away Horan’s 53rd minute header.
      Cuthbert nearly scored moments later with her firm strike forcing a save from Endler.
      Chelsea almost conceded after giving the ball away to Delphine Cascarino who hit the woodwork with 28 minutes of normal time left.
      And Ann-Katrin Berger prevented a leveller claiming the ball following Sara Dabritz’s header. 
      The visitors held out to seal a result that puts them a step closer to a semi-finals spot.
      Hayes added: “The pressure situations are moments that reveal your character, your wisdom, your knowledge and your experience. 
      Chelsea face Lyon at Stamford Bridge on Thursday 30 March in a second-leg of their Champions League quarter-final tieCredit: Getty
      “I think the team delivered those characteristics under pressure. 
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      “I also believe if you build consistency in your habits every day, then every day is a Champions League game
      “We’ve become accustomed to the competition and we played with a wise head.” More

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      ‘It’s a problem that not every game has the same level of technology’, says Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall

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      JONAS EIDEVALL criticised the irregular use of goal line technology in the Women’s Champions League after Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich.The Gunners saw some solid calls for penalties dismissed in the first leg of their quarter-final clash with the German giants. 
      Jonas Eidevall said Arsenal had two “clear and obvious penalty situations” in their match against Bayern at the Allianz ArenaCredit: Getty
      The visitors saw a couple of efforts cleared off the line in their clash with German clubCredit: Getty
      The Gunners hope to bounce back at the Emirates in the second leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty
      Video assistant referees are deployed in the contest at this stage, but the choice to use goal line technology is optional. 
      And Eidevall, whose Gunners play Bayern at the Emirates next Wednesday says goal line technology was not in use in the match at the Allianz Arena. 
      The Arsenal boss said: “When we look at this competition and we’re thinking about taking the next step for it, it highlights a couple of issues. 
      “One is that VAR is only introduced in the quarter-finals.
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      “I don’t know if that VAR referee (for this game) has ever used VAR before. 
      “Secondly, goal line technology is something you can use at this stage of the competition just like the group stages, but it’s not compulsory.”
      Lea Schuller’s goal proved to be the decisive finish in the game.
      A towering 39th-minute header from the German side’s top scorer sealed a win that saw them maintain unbeaten run at home this term.
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      However the Gunners saw their spot-kick appeals in both halves come to nothing. 
      The first occurred after Caitlin Foord’s eighth-minute shot struck the arm of Bayern defender Glodis Perla Viggosdottir. 
      The visitors had two further appeals for a potential 63rd-minute shirt pull on Rafaelle Souza and goalkeeper Maria-Luisa Grohs picking up a back pass from a team-mate.
      And there were questions concerning no deployment of goal line technology in the match with Stina Blackstenius’ second-half header cleared off the line.
      Eidevall added: “Part of me is proud because the performance was really strong coming here to Allianz Arena. 
      “Part of me is disappointed with the result that we couldn’t be more efficient with our chances. 
      “And part of me is angry because VAR was not working in the Arena tonight as there were clear and obvious penalty situations – two of them – and I think that’s unacceptable.
      “Tonight goal line technology was not in use. 
      “When we go to the Emirates next week, Arsenal choose to pay for goal line technology because we think that’s the right thing to do to ensure a fair competition. 
      “I think it’s a problem for the competition that not every game has the same level of technology in helping officials take the right decisions.”
      Arsenal were unfortunate to come away goalless from the game in Munich. 
      After their hosts had the upper hand in the first half, the visitors dominated the game’s second spell.
      Among their closest chances was a 55th-minute rifled Foord effort prompting a diving save from Grohs. 
      Frida Maanum came close to scoring in the second half with a late strike hitting the side of the netCredit: EPA
      Eidevall added: “The players were brilliant. they were really brave on the ball and displayed Arsenal in a really good way in the second half.
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      “We should be proud of that, but we are disappointed with the result
      “We’re going to try and do everything in our power to turn this result around next week.” More

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      Eriksson opens up on Nordic Euros hope and hunger for a trophy treble with Chelsea after Conti Cup loss

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      TO lift a Euros trophy on home soil would be a ‘dream come true’ for Magda Eriksson. The Chelsea captain and Sweden centre-back is backing a bid that could see her country make history as one of four co-hosts of the tournament in 2025.
      Magda Eriksson is championing a bid for Sweden to co-host the 2025 Women’s Euros along with Denmark, Finland and NorwayCredit: Getty
      The Chelsea captain says the Blues are hungry to triumph in Europe in addition to the WSL and FA Cup this termCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes’ side will face Lyon in a Champions League quarter-final tie on WednesdayCredit: PA
      Along with Blues and Denmark ace Pernille Harder, Eriksson is supporting a push for the Euros to be held in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
      The bid is being backed football chiefs and governments representing the four countries.
      If successful it would see the Euros take place in four countries for the first time ever in two years’ time.  
      Eriksson told SunSport: “On a personal level I would love to experience (playing in a home Euros).
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      “I didn’t get the chance to play last time (when Sweden hosted in 2013) as I was too young.
      “To play in a joint one hosted by Scandinavian nations would be an amazing opportunity.
      “It would also be a cool statement because there are some great shared values that we have and Pernille and I of course represent Sweden and Denmark in this way.
      “It feels really natural and nice for us to be able to help out.”
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      Sweden, who won the first Women’s Euros back in 1984, have been a force on the international stage for almost four decades.
      In that time they have reached a World Cup final, four European Championship finals and won silver medals at two Olympics games.
      Last summer Eriksson and her team-mates reached the Euros semis where they were beaten by the Lionesses who went on to lift the trophy at Wembley.  
      The WSL star, who has 93 senior international caps, admits to feeling envious of England’s experience of winning the contest on home soil.
      She added: “We all felt the joy of the Lionesses.
      “We all felt a bit jealous of it, because it must be an amazing feeling winning a Euros and doing it on home ground in front of your home fans.
      “It would be a dream come true and definitely something that would motivate me to work even harder to be as fit and sharp as possible.”
      At club level, Eriksson and Chelsea return to action in Europe tomorrow facing Lyon in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
      Ada Hegerberg returned to training for Lyon this month after being sidelined by a leg injuryCredit: AP
      The match comes three months after the Blues brushed Paris Saint-Germain aside in a 3-0 group stage win at Stamford Bridge.
      Their trip to the Groupama Stadium will see them play Lyon for the first time in the tournament since losing a semis duel in April 2019.
      It also comes six months after the French league leaders, who were hit by a swathe of injuries early this term, fell to a 5-1 group stage loss to Arsenal.
      Eriksson added: “We’re hungrier now especially after losing the Conti Cup final.
      “We’re really hungry for all three (trophies) left and that is where our mindset is.
      “Lyon are a powerhouse. I think we sometimes forget how much they have achieved as a club because of the focus on Barcelona in recent years.
      “They have a hugely experienced team with really good players. It’s going to be an extremely tough game across the two legs.”
      While Lyon are without midfield aces Amandine Henry and Catarina Macario and centre-back Griedge Mbock they have been boosted by the return of defender Ellie Carpenter.
      And star striker Ada Hegerberg returned to training earlier this month being sidelined following a leg knock last September.
      Eriksson said: “We’re going to have to be on it and I feel we’ve learned a lot this year.
      “I’m hoping we can take every learning we’ve had from playing PSG and losing to Arsenal recently and apply them in this period we’re going into now
      “It’s going to be an extremely hectic period with a lot of tough games.
      “I feel like we’re really prepared for it and we can use the experience that we have.
      “It’s not like Lyon are the only experienced team nowadays. 
      “We’ve also gained a lot of experience over the years which I hope we can apply.”
      Champions League aside, Eriksson hopes players in the women’s game will continue to use their platform to battle for equality on and off the pitch.
      This month 150 national team players signed a letter which Fifpro sent to Fifa calling for equal prize money for the Women’s World Cup.
      Last week Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the prize pot for the 2027 tournament would match the money awarded in the men’s contest.
      Eriksson added: “It’s a huge step in the right direction.  
      “I hope we can have the same dialogue with Uefa for the future, especially considering how successful the Euros in England were.
      Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Lyon to a ninth Champions League trophy following their tournament win last yearCredit: Getty
      “I hope we keep driving standards and pushing for issues we feel are important for us and using our platforms the way we have been.
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      “I really hope that’s something that won’t go away.
      “It’s is part of the DNA of women’s football that makes it unique.” More

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      Eidevall says Arsenal should not fear Bayern Munich’s solid home record as Gunners eye Champions League semis spot

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      JONAS EIDEVALL insists Arsenal must not fear Bayern Munich’s formidable home form in their Champions League duel. The head coach, 40, feels the Gunners are in ‘a good place’ following recent wins including their Conti Cup triumph against Chelsea.
      Jonas Eidevall hopes to guide Arsenal to Champions League semi-finals this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Gunners face a stern test in their clash with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena at 5:45 pm on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Their opponents are second in Germany’s top-flight after winning 13 of the 15 games they have played so far this termCredit: Reuters
      Tuesday evening sees Arsenal back in action in Europe when they visit Bayern in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
      The German side have been in scintillating form with 12 wins from their last 13 matches across all competitions.
      Results include a 3-1 group stage home defeat of Barcelona last December.
      The Gunners chief said: “Our performance against Liverpool and Reading has shown that we’re a team in a good place right now.
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      “With the preparation here for Bayern Munich and the preparation lately, I have had a feeling of sharing less information with the players because I’m more assured that we know what to do in those situations.
      “Let’s hope that it’s a good sign or not sign a false security, but I choose to believe in the first.”
      On Saturday Eidevall watched Bayern in action in Germany’s top tier when the team visited Koln who are second from bottom.
      Alexander Straus’s aces thrashed their opponents 5-0 with all their goals scored in the first half and winger Klara Buhl netting twice in 15 minutes.
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      Eidevall, whose side whose side clinched an away win and draw against Lyon and Juventus, added: “They were very dominant and they won very well deservedly. 
      “It’s never easy to be that dominant against an opponent so we know we’re going to play against a good team, but we’re also a good team. 
      “There are a lot of similarities in the way that both teams play so I think it’s an exciting match-up from that perspective as well.
      “We have respect for that (in terms of Bayern’s home record) but we shouldn’t fear it.
      “We’ve been playing teams that have had great home records this season in the Champions League to be fair.
      “Lyon and Juventus, are two teams that have excellent home records in the Champions League.
      “We managed to draw in Turin and we won against Lyon.”
      Arsenal’s duel with Bayern at the Allianz Arena comes four days after the club sealed a surprise swoop for Jodie Taylor.
      The veteran striker has joined the WSL side until the end of this season following her spell as a Gunner from March 2016 to November 2017.
      The club have also triggered their option to extend Manuela Zinsberger’s contract.
      The goalkeeper, 27, who joined the club in 2019 after a five-year Bayern spell, will remain with the side until the end of next season.
      The Gunners hope to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since March 2013.
      Manuela Zinsberger says winning the Champions League with Arsenal would mean the world to herCredit: Getty
      Triumph in the tournament would see them become the first English club to win the trophy twice.
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      The Austria shot stopper said: “If we could win the Champions League, it would mean the world.
      “I guess I would be speechless and just happy.” More

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      Skinner hopes Manchester United can avoid a ‘banana skin’ moment in their FA Cup clash with Lewes

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      MARC SKINNER insists Manchester United need to be at their best to avoid a ‘banana skin’ moment against Lewes later. The Red Devils visit the Dripping Pan this lunchtime for a quarter-final clash with Scott Booth’s side who are seventh in the second tier. 
      Marc Skinner says Lewes can expect Man United to be at ‘their very best’ in their FA Cup quarters clashCredit: Getty
      The second tier Rooks are the lowest ranked side left in the competitionCredit: Getty
      Skinner said: “From watching their players play back (you can see) they’re trying to play some really effective football,
      “If we’re not at the very best of our game, then the banana skin potential comes up.
      “We won’t take them lightly and they should expect the very best of us.
      “For us it’s about avoiding that by being very good at what we do.”
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      Lewes’ home clash with the Red Devils comes five days after the Championship outfit’s call for equal FA Cup prize money. 
      Their players signed an open letter addressed to Karen Carney who is leading a government-backed review of the women’s game.
      So far their women’s side have received £45,000 for their cup progress.
      Men’s sides who reach this stage receive £450,000. 
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      And it has been reported the club will receive no fees for their game being broadcast by the BBC.
      This in contrast to the £200,000 paid to men’s teams when their quarter-final games are shown on TV. 
      Of Lewes’ equal pay call Skinner said: “I think we can never change anything unless we raise the issues that we’re going through. 
      “I don’t honestly know the funding mechanisms (for broadcast fees) and why those decisions are made, so it would be foolish of me to say anything on that.
      “I support the growth of women’s football and Lewes’ message in terms of how we can continue to grow and the speed at which we’re growing. 
      “I commend all of the women at Lewes and everybody who is fighting hard behind the scenes to work for equality and equity because we’re part of that 
      “I feel we’re growing but we should always keep looking at that. 
      Scott Booth’s players will face Sheffield United in the Championship next following their clash with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      “Are there ways we can add more money and are there ways we can add more funding to it?”
      Skinner’s side will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Chelsea last time out by progressing to the FA Cup’s semi-finals stage. 
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      The United boss added: “The players are already hungry and waiting to pounce on any opportunity they get. The energy they have is really good.”
      Lewes vs Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup can be watched live on BBC iPlayer at 12:30pm today More

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      ‘It was huge for us’, says Bethany England after pivotal Tottenham win before derby clash with Arsenal

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      BETHANY ENGLAND admits it was a relief to deliver “a bit of magic” to help Tottenham end a run of nine losses on the bounce. The hotshot’s wonder strike saw her side claim maximum points with a 1-0 defeat of Leicester ten days before their duel with Arsenal. 
      Bethany England’s stunning strike proved be decisive for Tottenham as they sealed their first win in the WSL this yearCredit: Getty
      Vicky Jepson and her players leapfrogged Reading to go tenth before their home clash with ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Spurs 1-0 win saw them claim their first win in the top tier since their 8-0 defeat of Brighton on October 30Credit: Getty
      It also led Spurs, with interim gaffer Vicky Jepson in charge, to pick up a first win in the league since October 30 and following the sacking of Rehanne Skinner on Monday.
      And the morale-boosting victory on Wednesday saw the Londoners open up a five point gap on the rock-bottom Foxes who play Aston Villa next.
      England admitted: “I wouldn’t say it was the best goal I’ve scored but I would say it is one of the most important.
      “It was huge for us as we needed a bit of magic and I am so proud I was able to bring that.
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      “I honestly wouldn’t have cared how that ball went into the back of the net because we just needed it so badly.
      “There was composure once we did go ahead  to settle the game. We handled that very well. 
      “I could not be prouder of the team and also the fans who got behind us and turned up in the rubbish weather because we needed that after the last few days that we’ve had.”
      Before the match, Jepson spoke of her players wanting to put things right following a string of losses dating back 
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      The Foxes threatened early in a scrappy opening half, with Hannah Cain’s cross claimed by keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela.
      From then on, the most of the best attacking chances fell to the hosts, with Rosella Ayane impressing on the flank.
      The forward whipped in a dangerous cross that fizzed past the post near the half-hour mark.
      And Drew Spence almost put England through but the striker was offside, before Eveliina Summanen headed wide on the stroke of half-time.
      Leicester will hope to bounce back from a second loss in their past four games when they visit Aston Villa on March 26Credit: Getty
      Leicester went close to scoring with loan ace Ruby Mace striking the woodwork shortly moments before England’s opener. 
      But the deadlock was broken in the 65th minute as Ayane teed up the striker  to curl in a superb top corner shot from 18 yards out.
      The result saw Tottenham leapfrog Reading to go ninth ahead of the north London derby next weekend. More