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      Ex-Chelsea star Claire Rafferty reckons it’s ‘best time’ for Blues to lift Champions League trophy

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      CHELSEA legend Claire Rafferty thinks that this is the best time ever for her former side to win the Champions League.
      Rafferty, 32, believes this is the best squad the Blues have assembled over the years.

      Rafferty believes this is the Blues best chance to win the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That along with the fact that they’ve been in great form recently puts them in pole position, according to Rafferty.
      Their main European rivals, last year’s winners Lyon, and Wolfsburg have been in stuttering from in contrast to the Blues.
      When asked if Chelsea can achieve Champions League glory, she told SunSport: “I think now’s the best time ever, this is the best squad that Chelsea have ever had.
      “If you look at the competition, it’s probably the best time to play the likes of Lyon and Wolfsburg based on the form that Chelsea have been in been and also the momentum that they’ve picked up.

      “There’s a few small cracks forming in these top teams, that’s just my opinion.”
      Chelsea have never won the Women’s Champions League.
      Arsenal are the only English side to have won the tournament, defeating Umea 1-0 over two legs in April 2007.
      Rafferty continued: “I think it’s all about the mental side of the game, and the attention to detail, and that tactical investment from the squad.

      The ex defender played over a 100 games for the club and picked up three FA Cup trophiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “And those are the reasons why, for the first time ever, I can say I believe that this team can go on and win the Champions League.”
      The West Londoners face Atletico Madrid for a second round of 16 tie on Wednesday.
      They go into the match as favourites after an emphatic 2-0 victory over the Spanish giants last week with just ten players.
      Emma Hayes side managed to reach the semi-finals in 2018 and 2019, but haven’t been able get past that hurdle.
      Rafferty, who is now commercial director at the club, and non-executive director at Lewes FC, had a glittering career while at Chelsea, making over a 100 appearances and winning several trophies, including three FA Cups.
      BT Sport has live coverage of Chelsea Women v Atlético Madrid Women in their round of 16 second leg fixture in the UEFA Women’s Champions League from 12.15pm on Wednesday 10th March on BT Sport 2.

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      Women good enough to be in football and not as a ‘tick box’ says Prem ref Massey-Ellis

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      SIAN MASSEY-ELLIS has brushed off suggestions that women are ‘out of their depth in the world of football’. 
      And the Premier League assistant ref opened up on fears of her career on the pitch ending early after giving birth to her first child. 

      Sian Massey-Ellis says the perception’ that women don’t understand the offside rule is always thereCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Massey-Ellis was speaking to the Prem’s website about negative stereotypes she encountered over the course of her 11-year stint as an assistant referee.
      And her reflections come months after a Women in Football survey found that 66 per cent of women working in the sport experienced sexism, but only 12 per cent of incidents were reported. 
      Massey-Ellis, 35, said: “The challenge of the perception that we don’t know what we’re doing – it’s always been there. 
      “It’s always been, ‘Women don’t know the offside rule. Women don’t know what football’s about so they shouldn’t be involved’.

      “That’s the stereotype I would want to challenge -that we are good enough to be there and if we’re there, we’re not there as a tick-box. 
      “For me, I’ve come through exactly the same pathway and exactly the same tests and challenges as male referees.” 
      Massey-Ellis has been working in the top tier of men’s football since December 2010. 
      And the Coventry-born PE teacher made football history when she became the first English woman to officiate in a men’s match in Europe in October 2019.

      Massey-Ellis took charge of a Europa League clash between PSV Eindhoven and Austrian club Linzer ASK alongside referee Chris Kavanagh, fellow assistant Dan Cook and fourth official Peter Bankes.
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      Massey-Ellis says women are not in football just to tick a boxCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun

      And the former WSL ref, whose husband Robert also works as a match official, defied her doctor’s orders to return to action after giving birth to daughter Harriet in 2016. 
      Massey-Ellis added: “Coming back from having a baby was really difficult. 
      “The doctors told me I wouldn’t be able to return to refereeing, that I wouldn’t be able to do the fitness work again.
      “It was probably the biggest moment in my life where I actually thought, ‘Oh my goodness, I don’t know if I’ve lost my career’.
      “They (the FA and The Professional Game Match Officials) gave me the opportunity to come back step by step. 
      “I did go back through the leagues again and that was what I needed, that support.”
      Massey-Ellis, who refereed a Women’s Premier League Cup final game between Leeds and Everton in 2010, is encouraging more women and girls to get into match officiating.
      And the school tutor says this is a goal she wants to pursue when she eventually retires.

      Massey-Ellis wants to see more women take up refereeing in the gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Massey-Ellis added: “I want to be able to support other referees coming through. 
      “I always say that once I’ve finished my career I want to be making sure we’ve got the next generation of referees and sportswomen coming through.
      “It’s really important we create an atmosphere where they feel safe, an environment where they feel safe.
      “When I said, ‘Can I be a referee?’, that shouldn’t be a question any other female has to ask any more.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Stoney unaware of FA Cup draw until reveal of Man United’s potential fourth-round opponent

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      CASEY STONEY says she was “out of the loop” on the Women’s FA Cup draw until after Man United’s fourth-round opponents were announced.
      And the Red Devils gaffer believes the contest’s return and finals being aired on national television will be massive for the women’s game.

      Stoney is unhappy that the draw for the FA Cup was made without her knowledgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Stoney was speaking days discovering who her players may face when WSL sides join the contest in the fourth-round in April.
      Ties had been put on ice in January due to the coronavirus lockdown with the competition’s first three rounds being classed as ‘non-elite’ sport. 
      On the FA Cup’s resumption, Stoney said: “I didn’t even know there was a draw, let’s put it that way.
      “So that was interesting that was done without the knowledge of the clubs.

      “Obviously, we’ve drawn teams that aren’t even currently training.
      “So, that fixture will only go ahead if those teams are tested and those grounds are Covid safe otherwise it will have to be reversed.
      “It’s obviously a big day in the women’s calendar. But the safety of my players is always my priority.
      “I just would have liked to know there was actually a draw going ahead.

      “We should never be out of the loop when we’re having fixtures made or draws put in.
      “So yeah, I’d like a little bit more transparency on that next time.”
      The FA Cup’s first round will resume on March 31, with the second and third rounds taking place on April 4, and April 11.

      Stoney stressed her United team will not feature in the tie if grounds are not made Covid safeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Stoney wants FA Cup to be well-structuredCredit: Reuters

      And fourth-round games are set to go ahead on April 18.
      Sheffield United, who are third in the Women’s Championship, are one of four teams the Red Devils could play in April.
      The three other teams are Burnley, Fylde and Sunderland who ply their trade in the third tier of the women’s game.
      The final of the tournament will be held at Wembley next season with the FA due to confirm a date for the match at a later stage.
      And the Cup final clash is set to be aired on the BBC.
      The Red Devils boss added: “I think the FA Cup is huge for the women’s game, with the fact that the finals at Wembley and televised live, so I can understand them wanting it to go ahead.
      “I understand commercially why there’s a need for it to go ahead.
      “I think it needs to be structured very well now in terms of when those games are and not to front-load the start of next season after a massive tournament.
      “So it does raise a few concerns for me, but I do understand why the FA want the cup to go ahead.”

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      Kirsty Hanson hails ‘honest’ boss Casey Stoney as reason she has stayed loyal to Man Utd

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      KIRSTY HANSON has become part of the furniture at Manchester United.
      Both her and the club have come a long way since the women’s side was built from total scratch in 2018. 

      Kirsty Hanson is just one of seven former academy aces to return to Manchester United after the club reformed its women’s side in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Man Utd celebrated their promotion to the Women’s Super League in 2019

      United finally applied for a licence after a 13-year hiatus amid criticism for their absence at the top of the WSL. 
      Manager Casey Stoney then had just ten days to create a team – and Hanson was one of the first people she turned to. 
      The Halifax-born, 22-year-old, revealed: “I was over the moon when I found out that Manchester United were creating a women’s side as I had been waiting years for that moment to come.
      “The club means so much to me as I have grown up as a United fan, played in the girls’ academy,

      “And I’m now part of the senior side competing in one of the most competitive leagues in the women’s game, which is a dream come true. 
      “I’m proud of the way the club has developed over the last few years and I feel like I’m improving as a player every single day.
      “That’s down to the excellent environment we have here.” 
      The Scotland star stayed loyal to her childhood club, despite the senior women’s team being booted out in 2005.

      Hanson is just one of seven former academy players to return to the Red Devils, and she credits straight talking boss Stoney for the reason she returned.
      She continued: “Casey is a legend.
      “She is a very motivational manager and likes to get involved in the training sessions, which is something you don’t always see. 
      “Most importantly, she is honest and this is something that I prefer. 
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      Hanson credits boss Casey Stoney for the reason she returned to the clubCredit: PA:Press Association

      The Red Devils stormed to the Championship title in the 2018/19 season, with 18 wins in 20 gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I’d rather be told if I needed to improve a part of my game instead of being told I’m doing good when I’m actually not.
      It has helped me massively as a younger player.”
      The journey since then has been nothing short of meteoric and the miraculous rise in just two years has United within touching distance of the champions Chelsea. 
      They are also on the verge of bringing Champions League football to Leigh Sports Village, in a tiny corner of Greater Manchester next season. 
      Hanson reckons the Red Devils are more than capable of springing a surprise in the title race.
      She added: “We would absolutely love to win the league and believe we have the quality to do so, but the Champions League spot is what we are really aiming for. 
      “Champions League football would mean a lot to me and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do at some point in my career. 
      “I’ve already got my name out there playing with Manchester United and Scotland, 
      “But now I want to test myself against some of the biggest teams around the world and hopefully, that’ll bring the best out of me as well.” 

      Hanson bagged her first senior international call-up with ScotlandCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      The growth and ambition of United helped tempt World Cup-winning United States superstars Tobin Heath and Christian Press to the club this season.
      On their arrival the duo’s shirt sales outstripped EVERY player in the men’s squad in the first three days of their release.
      Hanson said: “They are really athletic, fast, technically brilliant and very enthusiastic which is something you don’t see very often with the English players.  
      “They’re always positive, even when we are losing and are always encouraging us and tell us to be positive as we know what we are capable of. 
      “Some of the strikes they come up with in training and games are unbelievable and it’s excellent to train and play alongside them. 
      The 22-year-old’s impressive performances have earned Hanson Player of The Month recognition from non-other than Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
      She has also bagged her first senior international call-up with Scotland and most recently a new three-year contract with United until 2024. 
      Hanson added: “I wasn’t expecting that long of a contract to be honest, as there are players above me that are doing better than me,
      “But I think it’s just about learning from them and showing the manager I can be as good as them one day.”

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      Bristol City manager Beard hopeful of Salmon’s England progress and reckons ‘tough game’ pressure is on rivals

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      MATT BEARD thinks Ebony Salmon’s “raw talent” could see the Lionesses starlet excel on the international stage. 
      And the Bristol City boss reckons his relegation rivals will be feeling the heat with tricky clashes facing West Ham and Aston Villa.

      Matt Beard thinks Bristol City have an advantage with their game against Reading taking place after their rivals’ matchesCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      The Robins are looking to pick up their second win in the Women’s Super League this seasonCredit: Rex Features

      Beard was speaking ahead of the Robins’ match with Reading which takes place a day after the Hammers host Arsenal, and Villa’s trip to Manchester United. 
      And the interim Robins boss believes the result against the Royals will not be vital to City’s top-flight survival despite them being bottom. 
      Beard, 43, said: “We know we need to pick points up because we’ve only got eight games left. 
      “But it’s not vital in the sense that if we don’t get anything out of it that it puts us in a lot of trouble.

      “There are a lot of tough games for the teams in and around us so we’ll be in a better position, knowing what’s going to happen on Sunday going into that game on Monday. 
      “I think for us psychologically it’s a benefit. And I think if you look at the results from last weekend in some of the catch-up games, obviously everyone around us played an extra game and nobody got any points”.
      Bristol City, who are 12th, have played one game more than Villa and West Ham who are tenth and eleventh. 
      Their clash with the Royals comes almost two weeks after Robins ace Salmon made her senior England debut in the Lionesses 6-0 drubbing of Northern Ireland. 

      Ebony Salmon will return to action for Bristol City after making her senior England debutCredit: PA:Press Association

      And the former United striker, 20, who left the Red Devils for the South West in 2019, is thought to have made a good impression on England Women’s coaching staff. 
      Beard added: “The thing with Ebony is she’s such a raw talent with her pace and power.
      “[England’s staff] wanted to know whether I felt she was ready. 
      “And of course I let them know that she could play not just down the middle but also wide. 
      “We’re putting a plan in place for her to make sure that she continues to be considered. But the feedback I have had is that she has done well.”
      A Conti Cup final date with Chelsea is up next for his side after they host Reading. 
      The clash at the home of Watford will be the first league cup final for the Robins in their 23-year history. 

      Salmon and her Robins team-mates are due to play Chelsea in the Conti Cup finalCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
      And it is a match Salmon, who has scored five times in 14 league games, is aiming to give her all in alongside her team-mates.
      Salmon said: “The results that we’ve got in the Conti Cup have given us the confidence and momentum that we needed to go and push on in the league which we’ve been doing recently.  
      “We’ve got a few results and we’ve picked up points. I think, for us, just the opportunity of taking part in a cup final is going to be huge. 
      “And I think the confidence and just the experience of that is really going to help us in our push to stay in the league.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Man Utd boss Casey Stoney wants the Red Devils to view Aston Villa clash like a ‘cup final’

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      CASEY STONEY wants her Manchester United aces to treat their WSL match against Aston Villa like a cup final.
      The Red Devils are desperate to get back to winning ways after losing two games back-to-back, including a 3-0 defeat to rivals Man City, in the league.

      Man Utd boss Casey Stoney believes Aston Villa will be ‘hard to break down’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Stoney knows a win is vital for her side in their pursuit of a Champions League spot with the WSL’s top three teams able to qualify for the tournament next term.
      And the team – who are third – face a tricky trip to Arsenal after they host Villa who are two places above the league’s drop zone.
      Stoney, 38, said: “Every game is a cup final for us now, you know every game is a must win, we know that in terms of our league position.
      “Hopefully we can have a good performance on Sunday, take three points and build confidence going into the Arsenal game.”

      Stoney, who has been at the United helm since June 2018, reckons Villa will not be pushovers, especially with Marcus Bignot in the dugout alongside Gemma Davies.
      The Red Devils gaffer added: “They’re a very organised, hard to break down team. Obviously I know Marcus Bignot’s teams of the past.
      “I thought Gemma was doing a reasonably decent job from what she’d done, and obviously he’s gone in there and organised them.
      “So yeah, it’s going to be a game where we’re going to have to be very good defensively on transition, but also make sure we use the ball very well and be patient.”

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      United have been blighted by injuries in recent weeksCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
      There have been some suggestions that United’s recent losses are partly due to a spate of injuries with Leah Galton, Tobin Heath and Lauren James currently out of action
      But Stoney has refused to use this as an excuse for the team losing three of their last five games in January and February.
      Stoney said: “I can’t hide away from the fact that we’ve had a lot of really important injuries a crucial times in the terms of the opposition that we’re playing against.
      “But I won’t ever make injuries an excuse, it’s a window of opportunity for somebody else when some-one gets an injury.
      “It’s about those players now making sure that those that are injured, you know, don’t suffer in terms of missing out on a Champions League qualification.
      “It’s about a squad effort, that’s why we’ve got squads.”

      After United’s loss to City, the WSL was paused for the international break, which Stoney welcomed, saying that her squad “needed it.”
      Stoney added: “I think players needed it mentally to go to a different environment also those who were left to have a rest.
      “I think they’ve come back in a really good space, it’s even a positive place so hopefully we can pick up with a win this weekend and that will boost confidence again.”
      United will be boosted by the fact that international stars Christen Press and Ivana Fuso will be in the squad for the Villa game, and Stoney says they both are available to start.
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      Man United are currently six points ahead of Arsenal who have a game in handCredit: Focus Images

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      Leicester boss Morgan hopes Foxes avoid getting stung by London Bees and hails Women’s FA Cup return

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      JONATHAN MORGAN wants Leicester to be ruthless with struggling London City a week ahead of their promotion duel with Durham. 
      And the Foxes gaffer is targeting a win against Liverpool in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup with the competition’s return in March and April.

      Jonathan Morgan wants Leicester City to ”dispatch” London BeesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Leicester hope to pick up their twelfth win in the Women’s Championship when they host the BeesCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Leicester, who are in pole position in the Women’s Championship, are looking to pick up their tenth win on the bounce since drawing with Durham in October. 
      And they face a Bees side who are second from bottom and battling to avoid the drop having collected just two points in seven games since December. 
      Morgan said: “I know they’re struggling at the other end of the table, but that’s probably more dangerous for us because they’ve got everything to fight for, they’re looking for survival. 
      “We’re not going to take them lightly. But at the same time, we also know that we have to be professional and efficient and dispatch them this weekend. 

      “I’m sure London Bees are going to be set up strong and ready to defend. 
      “I’ve made it no secret to the girls that I want us to be ruthless this weekend as  it could come down to goal difference this season. That’s the reality. 
      “At the minute we’re boasting eight more goals than Durham. 
      “But if there are more opportunities for us to score more goals, we want to take full advantage of that. 

      London Bees are hoping to pick up their first win in the Women’s Championship this yearCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Morgan was speaking a day after football chiefs announced the return of the Women’s FA Cup.
      The competition was halted in January due to the coronavirus lockdown with its first three rounds being classed as ‘non-elite’ sport. 
      Outstanding first round fixtures will be played on March 31 followed by second round games from April 4
      And the third round – which takes place on April 11 – will be followed seven days later by the fourth which will see Leicester take on former WSL giants Liverpool. 
      The Foxes, who were knocked out by Man City in the quarter-finals of last term’s contest, aim to defeat the Reds who have reached the finals three times. 
      Morgan added: “It’s been a very difficult year for everybody and it’s been a very difficult year, I guess for the FA to fit things in. 
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      The Women’s FA Cup will resume in March following the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictionsCredit: Reuters
      “It’s fantastic they found a way to get the FA Cup completed. 
      “We just hope we can make it three wins out of three against Liverpool this season and progress into the next round. 
      “It’s another opportunity for the players to get into the game under their belt and for us to progress in another tournament.”
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      Chelsea 2 Atletico Madrid 0: Top stopper Berger helps Blues beat Atletico after Ingle sees red

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      ANN-KATRIN BERGER saved TWO penalties in Chelsea’s dramatic Champions League clash win over Atletico Madrid. 
      And goals from Maren Mjelde and Fran Kirby helped the 10-player Blues turn their nightmare start into a victorious 2-0 dream finish.  

      Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero as she saved two Atletico Madrid penaltiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Berger’s goalkeeping heroics helped Chelsea seal a 2-0 win at homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Prior to kick-off, Emma Hayes said the clash between her WSL aces and their visitors would be the tie of round 16.
      And it proved to be the case for Chelsea who were missing skipper Magda Eriksson due to injury and who saw Sophie Ingle given her marching orders.
      But hero Berger helped her team bounce back after they went down to 10 players helping them grab a vital win ahead of the second leg. 
      Blues boss Emma Hayes said: “Goalkeepers don’t get spoken about enough. Two penalties, two saves, a kick on the head, I thought her overall performance was outstanding. 

      “She’s the best shot-stopper in the league, everyone in my squad says she’s extremely difficult to beat. 
      “Let’s give her the credit tonight, she was absolutely brilliant.
      “You go to work every day to prepare your team for games and you also have to prepare your teams for unexpected moments,
      “That’s whether you’re going down to 10 players, conceding a penalty, making some changes that are not necessarily the ones you’d expect to make at that time of the game.

      Chelsea were reduced to ten players after Sophie Ingle was sent off in the first-halfCredit: PA:Press Association
      “I think there are three words – discipline, structure, game management.
      “They are the three things that this team is built around, but I have a group of leaders that cope with difficult moments.
      “You’re talking about our captain not being on the pitch today, throughout the spine of the team, in fact all over, it was a wonderful performance of doing the right things at the right time.”
      In a cagey first ten minutes, the Blues had a few decent chances to open the scoring. 
      First with Ji So-yun shooting wide following Millie Bright’s delightful fourth-minute pass.
      And then in the tenth minute with Pernille Harder forcing ex-Blues stopper Hedvig Lindahl to tip the ball over the bar. 

      Fran Kirby scored Chelsea’s second goal in the second-halfCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But Chelsea’s assured start suffered a huge blow with Sophie Ingle seeing red moments later.
      The Wales star conceded a penalty after appearing to catch the ankle of Atletico’s Rasheedat Ajibade 
      And it was Berger who came to Chelsea’s rescue, keeping out Deyna Castellanos’ 13th-minute penalty. 
      The red card forced the WSL champs to bring on Niamh Charles for Beth England and change to a 4-4-1 formation. 
      But their opponents – who knocked out Man City in round 16 of the contest last season – failed to make the most of their extra player advantage. 
      They would be punished for their lack of attacking ambition when they conceded a penalty in the 57th minute. 

      And it was Maren Mjelde who stepped up to convert, smashing the ball past an outstretched Lindahl.  
      The Blues went on to extend their lead seven minutes later, with Fran Kirby netting less than a minute after hitting the post. 
      Atletico would have another chance to score through a second penalty after Berger brought down Brazil ace Ludmila. 
      But the Germany stopper was the hero once again saving another spot-kick in the 79th minute. 
      It was enough to help Chelsea seal a 2-0 win ahead of a mouthwatering second leg in Monza in Italy. 

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