Women’s Super League

NATASHA HARDING is backing Ryan Reynolds’ and Rob McElhenney’s decision to invest in women’s football as part of their Wrexham ownership. 
And the Reading star reckons the Hollywood duos’ plans to splash some cash on the sport in north Wales could help unearth hidden talent. 

Natasha Harding believes Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of Wrexham could benefit women’s footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover of WrexhamCredit: Twitter @VancityReynolds

Harding, 31, who is part of a 26-player squad taking part in a Wales training camp, was reacting to news of the stars’ intentions to spend £50,000 on a women’s football.
It comes days after the Deadpool actor and the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star took full control of the National League outfit from the Wrexham Supporters Trust. 
In a Twitter post Harding, who has 86 Wales international caps, said: “This is so important!!! We have so many hidden gems in places all over and especially in north wales! 
“My early years in the senior (international) team was filled with talented football players from North Wales.” 

Reynolds and McElhenney – who have renamed their Twitter accounts ‘Wryan’ and ‘Wrob’ – are making a £2million investment in Wrexham AFC.

This is so important!!! We have so many hidden gems in places all over and especially in north wales! My early years in the senior team was filled with talented football players from North Wales. #DaIawn https://t.co/cxVLwF1hde
— Natasha harding (@tashharding09) February 14, 2021

The club, who are seventh in the fifth tier of the men’s game, has been supporting girls and women’s football projects as part of its work with The Racehorse Community Foundation. 
This includes the running of Wrexham Women’s football side who currently play in Division Two of the North Wales Women’s Football League. 
And the team, established in 2003, were founding members of the Welsh Premier Women’s Football League, the top division of the game in Wales. 

Gemma Owens, head of female football at Wrexham’s Racehorse Community Foundation told BBC Sport: “Both Ryan and Rob and their representatives are recognising that women’s football and girl’s football is a growing sport in this country and in north Wales particularly. 
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Wrexham’s men side are currently seventh in the National LeagueCredit: Rex Features

“The participation is increasing quite significantly. For them to recognise that is huge in itself.
“The fact that they are recognising that is going to go such a long way and for us to help continue to grow the game here.
“It’s going to be huge for the wider area and women’s football in north Wales generally.”

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star McElhenney and co-owner Reynolds are investing £50,000 in women’s football in WrexhamCredit: Twitter @RMcElhenney
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LUCY BRONZE volleyed a hole into Manchester United’s title hopes with the Red Devils suffering their second loss on the bounce.     
The England ace’s strike – and an Eric Cantona-style chip from Caroline Weir – helped consign the visitors to a 3-0 defeat. 

Lucy Bronze opened the scoring for Manchester City netting her first goal since NovemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Manchester City leapfrogged Man United into second spotCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And a first-half injury to Leah Galton compounded a luckless night for United with Tobin Heath, Lauren James and Alessia Russo all currently out of action. 
Red Devils boss Casey Stoney said: “It’s bitterly disappointing to come here and concede three preventable goals in my opinion and not create much.
“We need to learn very quickly that if you don’t get the basics right at this level you’re going to get punished.
“We were turned over far too easy at times, we played in the wrong areas and made the wrong decisions on the ball, so we’ve got a lot to learn.”

The derby duel started off as a cagey affair before the hosts threatened with a Chloe Kelly cross cleared by Amy Turner in the 15th minute. 
But United countered moments later with Ella Toone delivering a perfect long ball to Jackie Groenen, who put through Leah Galton before her pass to Christen Press was hoofed out of danger. 
But it was City who would prove the more ruthless in attack with United being undone by a set-piece for the third time in two games.
And it was Bronze – yet to score since November – burying her volley after a corner to put the hosts ahead ten minutes before the half-hour mark. 

Man United forward Leah Galton was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But the Red Devils refused to be overawed.
And they threatened through Haylee Ladd’s half-volley close to half-time and Christen’s Press low drive early in the second half after a mazy run past Steph Houghton. 
But any chances of the visitors getting a foothold in the game were buried courtesy of Lauren Hemp smashing in City’s second with 20 minutes of normal time remaining. 
And Caroline Weir notched up the title-chasers’ third with a delightful spin and chip close to the final whistle.
Man City gaffer Gareth Taylor said: “We certainly rate Caroline. She’s a top, top player. 
“She has top ability, and hopefully now with the way we are playing we are giving her even more of a platform to showcase her talent. 
“And we were saying that last week after Ellen White’s, Chloe Kelly’s and Lauren Hemp’s performances. 
“All of the players are really working hard and buying into the team culture we want to achieve.” 
The result saw Taylor’s players leapfrog the Red Devils into second spot with City carrying a game in hand.
And it leaves them just two points behind champions Chelsea who take on Bristol City ahead of the international break.
However, Taylor refused to get carried away with the win and believes there could be more twists and turns in the battle for the title. 

Caroline Weir wrapped up Man City’s win with a stunning chipCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Taylor said: “We’ve seen with some of the results this season that if you don’t turn up, and you’re not really at it – and sometimes when you do play decent football but don’t score goals – you’re always leaving yourself vulnerable to that potential loss. 
“I don’t think anyone could have really seen those results we saw last weekend. 
“We are just going to try to keep the focus on ourselves.” 

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SOPHIE INGLE is extending her Chelsea career after signing a new contract that will keep her at the club up to 2023.
And the Blues centurion praised Emma Hayes for pushing the champs to the top following their FA Cup heartbreak in 2012. 

Sophie Ingle’s new contract with Chelsea will run until 2023Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Ingle, Sam Kerr and their team-mates play Bristol City nextCredit: Reuters

Ingle, 29, is likely to be part of the Chelsea squad heading to her former club Bristol City fresh off the back of their convincing 3-0 win against Arsenal.
The midfield ace who played for Chelsea in the 2012-13 season, enjoyed a four-year stint at the Robins and Liverpool before returning to the Blues in 2018.
And the midfielder hailed her club’s emergence as the WSL’s topdogs following their four-year spell as a semi-pro outfit in the league up to 2015. 
Ingle said: “When I was first here many years ago, we were semi-professional. 

“I used to drive here two or three times a week to train here in the evenings and then come up on the weekend to play.
“We didn’t have the facilities we have now. Since Emma has come in she has been pushing year after year to progress this football club and this women’s team.
“She has done that with the signings she has made, and she’s been pushing for things off the pitch as well as on the pitch.
“Credit to all the girls too, it helps when we win trophies and the club will give back and that’s been really important.”

Ingle, who won an FA Cup, a league title and a league cup trophy with Chelsea in 2020, has played 13 times for the club this term. 

Matt Beard and the Robins are battling to avoid relegation this termCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And the midfield ace, who has 103 Wales caps, made 40 appearances for the club since her return three years ago. 
The Blues, who have a two point lead at the top of the table will be after maximum points when they take on Matt Beard’s Robins who are bottom. 
And the interim Bristol boss, who led Chelsea to their first FA Cup final in 2012 – where they lost to Birmingham- is looking to leapfrog his old club West Ham.
The Irons are currently eleventh and just two points ahead of the Robins following their loss to Brighton.
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SAM MEWIS and Demi Stokes could be set to miss Manchester City’s clash with Manchester United due to injuries. 
And Gareth Taylor has brushed off Casey Stoney’s view that his side’s success is fuelled by their transfer kitty.

Demi Stokes could miss Manchester City’s clash with Man United due to a knee problemCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

Sam Mewis could also be a doubt for the derby due to ankle issuesCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

The City gaffer was speaking ahead of the second WSL derby of the season between the title rivals. 
And his highly-rated duo have not been in action for their club this year due to an ankle issue for Mewis, and knee problems for Stokes.
Taylor, 47, said: “We’re uncertain whether Sam and Demi are going to  make the squad. It might come a little bit too soon for them.
“But we’re happy with where we’re at as we’ve not picked up any additional (injuries) since Arsenal. 

“We had a bit of extra help, at Arsenal at the weekend, in terms of our bench looking a little bit stronger than it has been recently, with Esme (Morgan) and Janine (Beckie) and Jess returning. 
“We also need to look at the bigger picture as we have a heavy schedule after the international break. 
“And that’s when it’s going to be vital to get the majority of people in the squad really fit so we can be competitive in all competitions we’ll be in.”
City, who are third and two points behind the Red Devils, head into the encounter with a game in hand. 

And their squad has been boosted by the January arrival of World Cup winner Abby Dahlkemper following August swoops for her US team-mates Mewis and Rosie Lavelle.  

The last WSL derby between Man City and United ended as a 2-2 drawCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

When asked what changed for City since Taylor’s arrival this term, Casey Stoney cited the team’s stellar US signings and swoops for England stars Lucy Bronze and Chloe Kelly.
And the United boss also praised the influence of Taylor’s predecessor Nick Cushing. 
Stoney, 38, said: “I think when you can make those sort of signings, and you’ve got that sort of budget, it does make a huge impact. 
“You’ve got the world’s best player in your backline. 
“But having said that, I thought Nick Cushing was exceptional. I can’t speak highly enough of him as a tactician and the way he got that team and grew it.”
Taylor, however, shut down suggestions that City’s recent success is largely down to their transfer budget. 
Taylor said: “I think it’s sort of an easy way out to say it’s about budgets. 
“This is hard work. We put a lot of work in, we put a lot of effort in, and that includes a hell of a lot of people here at the club. 
“And like I say, we’re seeing some good moments and not so good moments. 
“There is a lot of hard work behind the scenes going on.” 
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A win for Gareth Taylor’s team would see them leapfrog the Red Devils to go secondCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A win for City would see them go above United in the table ahead of the international break. 
And a victory for United would see them cut Chelsea’s lead at the top to two points with the champs up against Bristol City next.
The last encounter between the Manchester giants ended in a 2-2 draw with United mounting a second-half fightback after conceding two first-half goals at home.
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SIOBHAN CHAMBERLAIN has praised Manchester United boss Casey Stoney for turning the club into WSL title contenders.
And the ex-United keeper reckons Stoney’s development of young starlets in her side has been instrumental in the team’s ascent this season.

Chamberlain thinks Stoney deserves praise for making United title contenders this termCredit: PA:Press Association

Chamberlain believes Stoney has brought the best out of the young rising stars in her teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Chamberlain reckons United does not have the squad depth enjoyed by their title rivals.
And the former England Women’s keeper believes the club’s title assault has surprised some within the game.
Chamberlain, 37, told the Press Association: “It’s definitely happened a lot quicker than I think a lot of people would have expected.
“I don’t think people would have necessarily thought they’d be competing for the title this season.

“You look at Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City – the strength in depth they have is probably better than Manchester United.
“But what United have done well is use the squad they’ve got and developed them.
“Casey has developed those players – young players who probably weren’t recognised as much as they are now.
“She’s developed them into quality players who are performing week in, week out, and that’s one of the biggest things, the consistency of performance that you’ve seen from Manchester United this season.”

Despite her optimism, Chamberlain feels that the WSL trophy will be out of the Red Devils’ hands this season, due to the absence of star forward Tobin Heath.
The World Cup winner, 32, has been pivotal to United’s success this term, scoring four goals in just eight games.
But the USA ace is currently out of action with an ankle injury.
Chamberlain said: “I think she (Tobin Heath) has been outstanding. You saw when City were 2-0 up the way she invigorated that team and drove them on. I think she’s a huge miss for them.
“I think if United had Tobin Heath and Alessia Russo, they are two players that could give them that cutting edge to help them win the league.
“Without them, I’m not sure they necessarily have the strength in depth.”
Chamberlain is confident her former club will finish in the top three and secure Champions League qualification ahead of next season.
The former England stopper added: “I think they will definitely be up there in that top three, and if they get that, I’m sure they will be delighted.”
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Chamberlain reckons Tobin Heath’s absence through injury could affect United’s title chancesCredit: PA:Press Association
Chamberlain became a part of the club’s history when she was named in their first-ever women’s team in 2018.
She and Stoney had previously worked together in England’s national team before reuniting at the Red Devils.
But she missed the 2019/20 season after falling pregnant and although she expressed her desire to return, she terminated her contract by mutual consent in July 2020.
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