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    Coventry United Ladies rescued from collapse following energy firm owner’s late deal with club

    COVENTRY UNITED have been saved from folding after a late agreement was arranged to prevent the club’s collapse.The Women’s Championship side were rescued from liquidation on Tuesday following the intervention of businessman Lewis Taylor.
    Coventry United have been saved from voluntary liquidation following a late deal agreed with businessman Lewis TaylorCredit: Getty
    Accountancy firm BK Plus were overseeing the voluntary liquidation of the club following an announcement made on its official website two days before Christmas.
    According to reports, the procedure was due to be completed on January 4, but the accountants were instructed to halt proceedings early on Tuesday evening.
    And BBC Sport reports a deal with Taylor, the managing director of utility company Energy Angel, was struck to protect Coventry’s future.
    Taylor told the BBC: “The existing shareholders didn’t liquidate – that was the deadline we all needed to reach agreement on,” he added.
    “Everyone in the virtual room wanted to save the club so, by about one minute to five – and five o’clock was the point where the club would’ve been put into liquidation – we all had the thumbs up.”
    “I always wanted to get involved and it made absolute sense to make something work.
    “Solicitors have now got to draw up contracts between the two parties so it’s on us now to come up with a sales contract as quickly as possible.
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    “And then on day one, we can get cash to the players and anyone else we owe money to.”
    Taylor, who founded Energy Angels in 2006, is reported to have invested around £200,000 to £250,000 in the West Midlands outfit.
    And a Crowdfunder set up by fundraiser and Coventry resident Michael Mogan MBE has raised more than £14,000 for the Women’s Championship side
    It is reported thirty Coventry United players and staff were due to have their contracts with the club ended.
    This week Taylor, whose company sponsors third-tier team Wolves Women, is reported to have had upbeat talks with team boss Jay Bradford and her players.
    And it is thought the energy firm owner is aiming to complete a takeover within a week.
    Taylor told Sky Sports: “We will shore the situation up very quickly and get the players paid for a start.”
    Coventry were due to play Bristol in the Women’s Championship on Sunday More

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    Treble-winning Blues chief says OBE for Chelsea’s successes on the pitch came as a ‘huge shock’

    Emma Hayes described her journey with Chelsea as an ‘unbelievable ride’ after being awarded an OBE for her services to football.The Kingsmeadow boss was among a number of sports figures included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
    Emma Hayes’ OBE comes following Chelsea winning a domestic treble in 2021Credit: PA
    The gong for the Blues manager comes five years on from her being made an MBE.
    And it caps a trophy-winning year for Hayes whose team sealed a domestic treble in December after their 3-0 triumph over Arsenal in the delayed Women’s FA Cup final.
    The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “It was a huge shock to hear I had been awarded an OBE.
    “It’s been an unbelievable ride so far, transforming from an amateur outfit to one of the top five clubs in Europe and I hope we’ve helped to pave the way for future generations to come.
    “I couldn’t have done it without the support, and I will be forever grateful to each and every one of them.
    “It’s an unbelievable honour for me and my family and a privilege I take very seriously.
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    “I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me across my career.
    “I am fortunate and extremely lucky to have represented a fantastic football club and an amazing group of people over these past ten years.”
    Hayes’ OBE came in a year that saw Chelsea claim their fourth WSL crown and a second Conti Cup in addition to their third FA Cup.
    And the club reached their first-ever Champions League final before being beaten by 4-0 Catalan giants Barcelona.
    The Blues also went on a 33-game unbeaten run in the WSL breaking the previous record set by Manchester City in 2017 of 32 matches without a loss.
    Their run, which was ended by a home loss to Brighton, saw Hayes named as Barclays WSL Manager of the Season in May.
    Former Lionesses captain Sheila Parker was honoured for her services to footballCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    And this came two months before the Camden-born coach, who took charge of Chelsea in 2012, signed a new deal to extend her reign.
    Other football figures honoured include Sheila Parker who skippered England Women’s team in their official match in 1972.
    The former Preston centre-back, 74, who led the team to a 3-2 win against Scotland that year, has been made an MBE for her services to football and charities.
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    Jamaica ace Shaw relishes tough Man City test and going the ‘extra mile’ for young footballers in the Caribbean

    KHADIJA SHAW hopes her rise to the top of the game will inspire young players in the Caribbean to chase their football dreams.The Jamaica star – who turns 25 in January – has been reflecting on her journey in the sport including her high-profile summer switch to Manchester City.
    Khadija Shaw reckons being patient with efforts on the pitch will help her progress at Manchester CityCredit: Rex
    The striker grabbed headlines after sealing a June transfer to the Academy Stadium on a three-year deal after two seasons with French side Bordeaux.
    And the forward, 24, whose team play Brighton in their first game of 2022, is proud to have young footballers in her country looking up to her and Man City’s Prem star Raheem Sterling.
    Shaw, who goes by the nickname Bunny, told Fifa.com: “I was once in their shoes, so I know what it feels like looking up to someone like, for example, Raheem Sterling. It means a lot to me, and it helps me also.
    “Some days when I don’t feel like I can give or go that extra mile, I just think about all the other players back home.
    “It helps me get out of bed sometimes in the morning to go out and work hard.”
    Shaw’s Man City side experienced a tough run in the first part of this term losing four of their first nine games.
    The club, who endured their worst ever start to a WSL season, have been battling with injury issues with 10 players out of action back in September.
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    And Shaw contended with a foot problem that saw her miss City’s wins against Durham in the Conti Cup and Leicester in the league in November.
    However, an upturn in form has seen the team win their last two top tier games before Covid cases led to their final match of the year against Reading being postponed.
    Before then Shaw has enjoyed some decent performances on the pitch, notching up two goals and one assist in seven WSL appearances.
    And the Jamaica forward, who netted 22 times in 20 games for Bordeaux last term, relishes testing her skills in a squad that includes 20 senior internationals.
    The City ace added: “For me to be here at Manchester City, that alone speaks for itself. I’m enjoying it and I’m just going to continue to improve.
    “I’m adjusting to new coaching, new playing, the club, the players.
    “One of the biggest things for me is to be patient with myself, trust my instincts and what I’m good at and just continue to focus on that.
    Man City are looking to climb up the WSL table following the team’s second-place finish last seasonCredit: Getty
    “In terms of the team, it’s an incredible group of players that push you day-in and day-out, so I definitely think I’m getting tested throughout training.”
    Shaw and her Jamaica team made history when they became the first-ever Caribbean country to win a place in a Women’s World Cup tournament.
    And their squad, currently ranked the 51st best side in the world, was the youngest to compete in the tournament in France in 2019.
    While three defeats saw the Reggae Girlz crash out in the group stage that year, Shaw is confident of the team improving as they bid to qualify for the 2023 contest.
    And the side, who play Bermuda in February in the first of four qualifiers for the 2022 Concacaf Women’s Championship, have won and drawn two of their last three international friendlies.
    Shaw and her Jamaica team-mates are aiming to qualify for the 2022 Concacaf Championship and the 2023 World CupCredit: Getty
    Shaw said: “After the World Cup we sat down and spoke with the (Jamaica Football) federation and gave our points about what we took from the experience.
    “It’s definitely improving, and I know it takes time. As a team, we know that. It’s just a matter of seeing the progress, as patient as we are as well.
    “We’re all young. With the experience and having camps and the building of the chemistry within the team, we can definitely continue to improve.”
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    ‘Gutted’ Coventry United captain Wilkinson pleas for help for team-mates’ ‘livelihoods’ after club enters liquidation

    KATIE WILKINSON ‘is praying’ football chiefs can help Coventry United Ladies players and staff following the collapse of the Women’s Championship side. Accountants are overseeing the ‘voluntary liquidation’ of the club with their squad and employees left without jobs TWO days before Christmas.
    Coventry United Ladies have gone into voluntary liquidation despite turning professional at the start of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Coventry players were left shocked by the news of the collapse of the Women’s Championship club
    This is despite the club becoming a professional outfit at the start of this season and giving players full-time contracts.
    A statement on club’s website said: “With regret, the board of directors have instructed BK Plus Limited to assist with placing the company/club into creditors voluntary liquidation.”
    The news is reported to have shocked Coventry players and backroom staff with several with many expressing their dismay on social media platforms.
    And The Telegraph reports players and staff were only informed of the club’s predicament earlier today.
    Squad personnel and the team’s other employees are reported to have been released.
    In a post shared via her Twitter account, Wilkinson, 26, wrote: “I’m truly lost for words and absolutely gutted and heartbroken for this group of players and staff.
    “We had absolutely no indication that the club was in such financial difficulty.
    “It just feels so cruel that at what should be one of the happiest times of the year, our livelihoods, our financial security and our club has been taken away from us just two days before Christmas.”
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    Wilkinson, who is a two-time Women’s Championship golden boot winner, joined Coventry on a two-year deal in July this year following a two-term stint at Sheffield United
    The forward, who began her senior career at Birmingham in 2013, played for Blues, Aston Villa and London Bees previously.
    In her tweet, the Cov United striker added: “What’s hard to swallow right now, is that I know many of my team-mates have sacrificed amazing jobs, careers, homes, families and more to become full-time professional footballers for Coventry United.
    “I just hope and pray the FA, the PFA, clubs, players and fans within our amazing football community can come together and support my team-mates in finding new clubs to play the game they love.”
    Coventry became a professional side after business officials Steve Quinlan, Darren Landon and Paul Marsh bought a 49 per cent stake in the club.
    The trio own cleaning and hygiene products firm Mirius which is based in the city.
    The Midlands outfit were established in 1991 and moved to Butts Park Arena in 2015 – the home of Coventry’s rugby union side.
    And last term the team won their fight to avoid relegation from the Championship after finishing five points above bottom-placed London Bees.
    Coventry United Ladies entering voluntary liquidation has left its players, staff and other figures across the women’s game stunned.

    The club’s goalkeeper and Wales international Olivia Clark described the situation as ‘heartbreaking’.
    In a comment published on her Twitter page, Clark said: “I have no words.
    “To come into work and to find out that you no longer have the job that you’ve always dreamed of is heartbreaking.
    “Thanks for making me a professional footballer and for the best two seasons.
    “The best group of girls you could ask for, Red and Green forever.”
    Coventry United Ladies’ liquidation comes just eight days on from their Conti Cup clash with TottenhamCredit: Getty
    And Tottenham boss Rehanne Skinner was disheartened to see the problems facing Coventry just eight days after her side’s 3-2 defeat of the team in the Conti Cup.
    In a tweet, Skinner wrote: So disappointing to see the situation at Coventry Utd Women. We were just there Weds last week.
    “Dedicated players and staff trying to drive the game forward, now hit with this before Christmas.
    “Shouldn’t still be in a position where teams can disappear overnight, feel for all involved.”
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    Russia ace Abdullina becomes newest Chelsea signing as Emma Hayes boosts defensive ranks with Blues chasing WSL title

    CHELSEA have strengthened their defensive options with the signing of Russia star Alsu Abdullina.The left-back, 20, joins the Blues on a two-year deal following a one-season spell with Russian Super Cup Winners Lokomotiv Moscow.
    Alsu Abdullina has become the second defensive player to sign for Chelsea this year
    The contract for the defender – who already has 30 senior international caps – will run until June 2024.
    And the player is expected to link up with the WSL giants in the New Year.
    On her Kingsmeadow move, Alsu said: “This is a big change in my life, a new challenge.
    “I am very proud to be part of this team, which has so many great players.
    “I want to continue to develop as a player and progress in London.
    ‘I want to help the team to win as many trophies as possible. I am so happy to join Chelsea.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Alsu is thought to be the first women’s player from Russia to make the move to England’s top-flight.
    The defender began her senior career at Chertanovo in 2017 before a 2020 move to rivals Lokomotiv – for whom she scored six goals in 36 appearances.
    The full-back started out in Chernatovo’s academy at the age of 14 before going on to make her first-team debut three years later.
    And the starlet went on to win a bronze medal with the club in Russia’s Women’s Football Championship.
    Alsu, who is considered adept at playing in other left-sided positions, made her senior international debut for her country in 2017.
    Since then, she has scored three goals and featured for Russia in qualifying matches for the 2022 Euros and 2023 World Cup.
    Of her newest signing, Blues boss Emma Hayes: “Alsu is a very good young player who has accumulated a lot of club and national appearances for her age, including winning the league a number of times with Lokomotiv.
    “Alsu is a versatile player who can play any position on the left, adding more depth to the squad.
    “We look forward to seeing how she develops in our environment over the next couple of years.”
    Alsu helped her old side Lokomotiv to win Russia’s Super Cup earlier this year. 
    And the starlet has become the second defensive player to join Chelsea this year following their swoop for Netherlands starlet Aniek Nouwen in May.
    Emma Hayes has strengthened her left-flank choices with Abdullina joining her squadCredit: Reuters
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    Arsenal draw Wolfsburg in Champions League quarter-finals with winners facing tricky Barcelona or Real Madrid duel

    ARSENAL will battle it out with Wolfsburg for a spot in the Champions League semis this term.And the quarter-final duel with the team that trounced Chelsea could see the Gunners face their former striker Jill Roord.
    Arsenal will play German giants Wolfsburg in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: Pacific Coast News
    The two-legged tie could see ex-Gunner Jill Roord take on her former Meadow Park team-matesCredit: Rex
    The first leg of the knockout tie between the WSL leaders and the German giants will take place at Arsenal’s home on March 22 or 23 next year.
    And the away leg between the rivals is due to be held on March 30 or 31.
    Arsenal, who are currently the only English side to have won a Champions League title, have lost four of their most recent encounters with Wolfsburg.
    The German team, who won the title three times, knocked the Gunners out of the 2012-13 contest before going on to win it.
    The victors of the duel between Jonas Eidevall’s side and the Women’s Bundesliga leaders will face Barcelona or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
    Before then the Catalan giants will go head-to-head to with domestic rivals Real for a place in the Champions League final eight.
    And the Johan Cruyff Stadium club have already beaten Madrid once this term, in a 3-1 away win in Spain’s top tier.
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    Barca, who won last term’s trophy, trounced the Gunners twice in the group stages this season with 4-1 and 4-0 victories.
    Arsenal’s other potential semi-final opponent Real are playing in the tournament for the first time this term.
    And the Spanish side pulled off a shock earlier this term when they knocked Manchester City out in the qualifying rounds
    The Gunners reached the quarters of this term’s contest despite being thrashed by Hoffenheim in a 4-1 defeat on the road – their final group game encounter this season.
    A semis clash with Barcelona could be on the cards for Arsenal if they knock Wolfsburg out of the contestCredit: Getty
    And they will be the only side representing the WSL following Chelsea’s group-stage exit after a 4-0 loss to Wolfsburg.
    Other teams vying for a semi-final spot include Bayern Munich, Juventus, Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain.
    Juve, who are managed by ex-Gunners chief Joe Montemurro, are facing a tough quarters fight with seven-time contest winners Lyon.
    The victors of that tie will go up against French champions PSG or German title-holders Bayern Munich.
    Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final Draw
    Arsenal vs Wolfsburg
    Barcelona vs Real Madrid
    Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain
    Juventus vs Lyon

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    Bedford ‘buzzing’ after Leicester’s first win in WSL and Tottenham knock Man United off third spot

    LYDIA BEDFORD praised her players for riding a storm on their way to a 2-0 defeat of Birmingham and a precious first win in the top tier. A powerful Sam Tierney header was among the goals that helped the Foxes jump from rock bottom in their battle for WSL survival.
    Leicester picked up their first win and points in the WSL after nine straight defeatsCredit: Rex
    Bedford hopes the result will give her side a boost in their bid to avoid relegationCredit: Getty
    The result saw Bedford notch up her first victory from her second WSL game at the helm.
    The Foxes boss said: “It’s a massive relief and I’m really buzzing for the girls
    “It was a great team effort keeping a clean sheet and putting that performance in across nine minutes. I’m so proud of them.
    “The second half of the season is going to be critical for us.
    “The girls have got to remember that, but the three points makes a massive difference to our journey
    “Hopefully the belief that it will create over Christmas and the mentality for the girls coming back in January will help us to jumpstart the New Year
    The hosts took the lead with Sophie Howard’s curled effort in the 18th minute.
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    And they came close to doubling their advantage moments later when Natasha Flint set up Jess Sigsworth who sent her strike narrowly wide.
    The visitors had a decent chance to level when Libby Smith teed up Jade Pennock before the winger sent the ball over the crossbar.
    Leicester doubled their lead in the second half with Molly Pike’s corner finding Tierney with the defender heading in her first top-flight goal in the 74th minute.
    They shut out their rivals to secure the victory with a trip to Reading up next in the New Year.
    The defeat for Birmingham leaves Darren Carter’s side in the drop zone before Christmas and a daunting January duel with leaders Arsenal.
    Elsewhere Tottenham regained their grip on the WSL’s coveted third spot with a narrow home defeat of Everton.
    Jessica Naz’s second-half shot helped Spurs nab a 1-0 win and a two-point advantage over Manchester United.
    Jessica Naz was on target for Tottenham as they moved back to third in the leagueCredit: Prime Media
    And Rehanne Skinner wants her players to maintain momentum for the rest of the season.
    The Tottenham boss said: “You have to be consistent in this league otherwise you don’t get anything out of it
    “Last year for us was very different us. This year we’ve only had two games where we’ve not been at the races at all.
    “We showed a great amount of resilience and character to get points out of this match.”
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    Man Utd 5 Aston Villa 0: Skinner praises ‘hunger’ as Red Devils turn up heat on rivals in race for Champions League spot

    MARC SKINNER hailed his players’ hunger after Manchester United demolished Aston Villa in a 5-0 drubbing.An Ella Toone brace was among the goals that helped the club pile pressure on their Champions League chasing rivals.
    Ella Toone and her team-mates moved to fourth in the WSL ahead of ChristmasCredit: Rex
    Man United will travel to West Ham for their first league game in JanuaryCredit: Rex
    The result saw them momentarily leap to third before Tottenham snatched a 1-0 home win against Everton.
    And United opened up a three-point gap on Brighton – and five points on Man City – with both teams having a game in hand.
    Skinner said: “I’ve just said to the players, Merry expletive Christmas! The players are hungry to counter, hungry to set traps.
    “We create momentum throughout the season – we have players of real quality here, long may we continue to invest in that.
    “I can’t ask more of the players. I said to (the players) at the end we’ve given absolutely everything, that’s all I ask.”
    Toone’s goals in each half saw her take her WSL tally to three in nine appearances this term.
    Skinner added: “Ella has that quality and it’s my job to keep pushing her and seeing what ceilings she can break.
    “She has great tenacity, great qualities with the ball. She’s going to be wonderful for Manchester United and for England.”
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    The clash at Leigh Park Village was one of only three games to go ahead on Sunday with coronavirus issues seeing three fixtures axed. 
    And the home side were without full-backs Ona Battle and Hannah Blundell with both testing positive for Covid.
    Villa had a couple of decent forays forward in the opening minutes with Maz Pacheco almost reaching Emily Gielnik in their rivals’ box.
    But Man Utd began to dominate possession and went ahead around the eighth minute with a Vilde Boe Risa teeing up Toone for her swept-in goal.
    And they went on to double their lead around the quarter hour mark with skipper Katie Zelem netting from the spot, after Hampton was adjudged to have fouled Hayley Ladd in the box.
    Villa thought they had a penalty themselves moments later with Remi Allen appealing for handball against Zelem after Chaney Boye-Hlorkah’s ball into the penalty area.
    But their calls were dismissed by referee Rebecca Welch.
    The visitors looked to cause problems with a corner around the half-hour mark with Maz Pacheco’s dangerous ball into the box.
    Aston Villa’s last win in the WSL was against Birmingham in NovemberCredit: Zuma Press
    Carla Ward’s team will take on Everton in their first game back after the Christmas breakCredit: Reuters
    But they were unable to take advantage with keeper Mary Earps deemed to have been fouled.
    The Red Devils – who had the bulk of possession – went close to getting a third after the half-hour mark with Ladd’s shot deflected wide.
    And Alessia Russio saw her effort superbly cleared off the line with Carla Ward’s side battling to keep the score line 2-0.
    However, the second spell saw United go three up in the 50th minute with Lucy Staniforth’s curled effort.
    And Villa’s problems were compounded with Hampton coming off with just under half an hour remaining following the effects of a first-half injury.
    United heaped more pressure on their rivals going 4-0 up as Kirsty Hanson danced past her markers to set up Martha Thomas in the 73rd minute.
    And Toone wrapped up the win by knocking in a rebound following Elisha N’Dow’s clearance of Alessia Russo’s cross.
    It leaves the Villans, who face Everton in the New Year, without a point from their last three games.
    Villa boss Ward said: “After Christmas, we need to reassess the system we play and how we’re going to play, because quite honestly, recently, we’ve come unstuck a little bit.
    “We have to go back to basics, we have to get that right.”
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