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      FA cuts WSL refs to core group to improve standards as Brighton player was handed TWO yellows but wasn’t sent off

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      THE FA has cut the number of Women’s Super League referees down to a specialised core group in a bid to improve standards amid increased flak.
      Referee Lucy Oliver came under fire on Sunday after handing out TWO yellows to the same Brighton player without sending them off.

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      Lucy Oliver handed out two yellow cards to the same player without sending them offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Brighton’s Kayleigh Green (right) was cautioned twice during the Seagull’s 2-2 draw with EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Oliver, the wife of Premier League ref Michael, cautioned Brighton forward Kayleigh Green twice during their 2-2 draw with Everton.
      Toffees boss, Willie Kirk, told the BBC: “For a player to be booked twice and still be on the pitch is baffling. I think it’s only happened once in my lifetime.
      “Everybody knew about it. The player knew. She was not wanting to go near the referee.
      “Could the referee have done better? Yes. It’s frustrating the referee made that mistake.”

      On Monday, the FA launched “Inspiring Positive Change” – a new women’s and girls’ four-year football strategy.
      The plan outlines the aims to create “a pool of committed match officials delivering world-class performances within the women’s top-flight.”
      The FA hopes its new strategy will “increase club satisfaction” in the top two divisions in the women’s game.
      WSL clubs have often been left frustrated about the standard of officiating in the division.

      Manchester United boss Casey Stoney has led the calls for full-time officials in the professional top-flight, where refs are currently part-time.
      Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA Director of Women’s Football, admitted the new core group of referees will still not be professional, but that the issue remains a long-term aim.
      She said: “Ultimately that will be where we get to but I don’t know what the time frame is.
      “I think the people that we’ve got now, our top eight FIFA nominated women, will not be going full-time,
      “But certainly through the scholarship programme, they will have significantly more time to focus on training and development than they’ve had in the past.
      “Their lifestyles are very different. I’ve met them on a number of occasions and some are full-time mums, some have full-time jobs which are good jobs that they enjoy.
      “We used to have a really large number of referees working Super League and Championship, we’ve narrowed that down to be a core group that we can put a lot more energy and effort into.
      “I think it’s a bit unfair on them to say they’re lagging behind. They’re working just as hard as everybody else and they’re putting as much effort in.
      “And to be fair Premier League referees are full time and they still get just as much criticism. It’s just a tough job, isn’t it? The end of the day, refereeing is a tough, tough gig.”

      It isn’t bizarre, it’s absolutely abysmal and the referee should be reprimanded for this.Women’s officiating is not fit for purpose and really needs and overhaul. The officials at this level need to be to a higher quality than this. https://t.co/aBWTxA3x39
      — Kay (@kaybhafc90) October 19, 2020

      Campbell revealed the FA will now provide WSL and Championship referees with a coach to sit alongside the “match official evaluation scheme”.
      The evaluation training was introduced into the women’s top-flight last year and is also used in the Premier League.
      She added: “They (the referees) are under scrutiny. They are learning. They are an incredibly committed group of women.
      “I have had the privilege of spending time with them. Everybody will make mistakes at times. They are learning from those.
      “We are absolutely 100% committed to backing and supporting them as we move forward.”

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      Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema smashes WSL all-time scoring record with hat-trick against Tottenham

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA smashed the all-time scoring record for the Women’s Super League after hitingt a hat-trick against Tottenham.
      The strike sensation took her tally to 52 goals in just 50 appearances.

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      Vivianne Miedema broke the all-time goal scoring record with 52 goals in 50 appearances Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The Dutch striker hit a hat-trick against Tottenham at BorehamwoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      She stormed past the former record-holder, Nikita Parris, who found the net 49 times in 110 matches for Manchester City and Everton.
      It took less than ten minutes for the 24-year-old to reach the half century, after she broke free and pounced on a through ball to slide a shot beyond Becky Spencer.
      Fans have branded Miedema “ice-cold” in the past for not celebrating her goals – but there was no stopping the Dutch ace cracking a smile on Sunday.
      She coolly hit a first-half hat-trick before making way for Lotte Wubben-Moy on 63 minutes.

      Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro said: “We see from a football perspective week by week the contribution Viv makes as a footballer, but I’m blessed and lucky to be a part of her everyday scenario.
      “She is an amazing person for the team and I’m blessed to have 23 players that work for each other.
      “Viv is a part of that, off the ball she is also an amazing person.

      “She wants to get better and challenge herself. I’m enjoying working with her, and as long as Viv is smiling we will keep seeing a better Viv.”

      It was Katie McCabe who got Arsenal on their way, sending a stunning fourth minute free-kick dipping and curling into the top corner.
      It was a goal that would have seen Gunners fans’ jaws hit the deck, had they been allowed into Borehamwood.
      Very quickly the hosts established a dominance, they just needed another sniff on goal – that arrived from deadly Dutch striker Miedema who fired home.
      But the visitors took the fight straight back to Arsenal.
      And it took a world-class save from a leaping Manuela Zinsberger to tip a rocket from Rianna Dean over the bar.
      The Gunners hit back again with Leah Williamson whipping a peach of a pass to Caitlin Foord who kept a cool head to tuck home.
      But there was still time for Miedema to inflict more damage before the break.
      The strike sensation was in acres of space as she latched on to a clever free-kick from McCabe and rifled into the roof of the net.
      And she hit her hat-trick with a cool tap in, thanks to a slicing pass from Foord across the face of goal just before half-time.
      Spurs were handed a life-line when referee Abigail Byrne pointed to the spot as Lucia Leon was mowed down by McCabe.
      But they were handed a cruel blow when Zinsberger turned Dean’s penalty away.

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      Hero keeper Manuela Zinsberger saved Rianna Dean’s penalty Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Spurs haven’t won a single league game so far this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Arsenal clicked through the gears again and got a 64th minute reward as Foord’s low cross deflected off Ashleigh Neville and looped beyond Spencer to make it a rout.
      Tottenham weren’t going down with a whimper and they nabbed a late consolation as a corner was whipped to Leon who rose highest to nod home.
      USA superstar Alex Morgan was once again forced to wait for her debut.
      She wrote on Twitter: “A small setback is keeping me from doing what I love. Can’t wait to get on the field with this team in the next few weeks. Literally can’t wait. ”
      Spurs boss Juan Amoros said: “The first half was really negative, defensively, tactically technically we were poor – bad in every aspect but it’s credit to Arsenal. The second half there were many more positives.”

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      Abbie McManus jokes her Man Utd-mad dad is finally wearing her name on his shirt after her switch from rivals City

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      ABBIE MCMANUS revealed her Manchester United-mad dad is finally wearing her name on the back of his shirt with pride, after she switched from rivals City last year.
      The 27-year-old England international is a Red Devils supporter but spent 12 YEARS in the blue half of Manchester.

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      Abbie McManus arrived at United ahead of the 2019/20 season

      The Lionesses star made the cross-city move from the Etihad Campus to the Leigh Sports Village in a bid to cement her role as centre-half ahead of the 2019/20 season.

      Former City boss Nick Cushing had preferred to play her as a right-back, but McManus didn’t always have the option to join United.
      And she admitted it was ‘about time’ her childhood club formed a women’s team in 2018 after a 13-year hiatus.
      Ahead of the Red Devils’ trip to West Ham, she told SunSport: “Obviously, coming from the blue side, my move definitely cheered my dad up.

      “He can finally wear a McManus shirt, with the right colour red, on his back and be proud of it.
      “I think it is about time that big clubs like Manchester United put a lot into the women’s game. They definitely knew that they had to do that sooner or later.

      “I know they were getting a little bit of stick in the press. But they’ve now stuck to the word and we’re going in the right direction.
      “For me there’s no looking back now, we’re going we’re going one way and that’s always forward and to be a part of that, as a player, it’s special,

      “Especially wearing the Manchester United badge, it’s close to home. I’ve always been a fan as a little girl.”
      United have enjoyed a meteoric rise and remain unbeaten in the league so far this term, only their second season in the top-flight.
      McManus added: “I hope that a lot of other clubs follow in the right direction, and hopefully little girls are all looking up to us now and want to be a part of it.
      “It’s going to bring up better talent. The girls are going to get better and better.
      “More people will watch if it’s better football to watch, and it really excites me as a player.”
      England superstar Alex Greenwood was branded a “snake” by some fans for switching allegiances from United to City in September.

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      Phil Neville says ‘someone had to suffer’ after axing veteran forward Toni Duggan from extended England squad

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      PHIL NEVILLE admitted “someone had to suffer” after axing veteran forward Toni Duggan from his extended 28-player squad ahead of England’s friendly with Germany next week.
      The Atletico Madrid winger, 29, is said to be gutted at the snub, having been one of Neville’s core players when he took over at the start of 2018.  

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      Atletico Madrid ace Toni Duggan has been left out of Phil Neville’s England squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Duggan played in all of the former Manchester United ace’s first 17 matches in when he took the top job.
      But she has since struggled to cement a place in the national side in recent years amid her return from injury. 
      She last scored in an England shirt during World Cup qualifying in August 2018, and only managed two substitute appearances and one start at the SheBelieves Cup in March.
      Since that tournament Neville admits his head has been turned by a number of the whizkids coming through the ranks.

      He said: “I called her (Duggan) yesterday and she was obviously disappointed. That’s her mentality and her character. She is a winner.
      “It’s one of the things that struck me straight away when I came into this job that there was a girl there who had that real winning mentality.
      “Unfortunately, in this period, because the kick off in Spain was only two weeks ago and she has only had two games.
      “She missed the last camp because of Covid restrictions and other players have been playing really well and have really upped their game.

      “They have gone to a level that is really impressive and they have earned that right to come into the squad. Somebody has to suffer.

      “What I will say is Toni is still a big part of what we want to do, she has always been a big part of what we want to do.
      “But we are in a situation where the competition for places is as fierce as it has ever been.”
      Youngsters Millie Turner, Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles and Ella Toone receive their second senior call-up having impressed Neville during last month’s training camp at St Georges Park.
      The Lionesses boss added: “It is the start of a new journey. The pandemic period makes it feel like a fresh start and we have a new manager coming in in 12 months.
      “There is an evolution. The next three years will be really exciting, the Olympics, then going into the Euros and the next World Cup.
      “There are new players in the squad. Since September, we spoke about a fresh start and the start of a new journey and building something that is even more exciting that what we have had other the last five or ten years.
      “I think in sport and life, you’ve got to keep evolving,  we can’t just think about what we have achieved in the past, I want new things and I want to look forward to the next three years.
      “The world has changed, women’s football has changed and I want us to embrace it and take that leap forward.”
      England will play their first game since March when they head to Wiesbaden, Germany to face Europe’s top dogs on October 27.

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      Vivianne Miedema’s double helps Arsenal star equal Nikita Parris’s WSL top scorer record

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA equalled the all-time WSL top-scorer record as Arsenal clinically snuffed out Brighton.
      Her brace helped the Gunners leapfrog Manchester United at the top of the table.

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      Vivianne Miedema, right, is now one goal away from becoming the Women’s Super League’s all-time top scorerCredit: Rex Features

      Dutch ace Miedema, 24, reached a staggering tally of 49 goals in 49 games to share the record with England forward Nikita Parris.
      Joe Montemurro’s side were ruthless in attack for much of the game netting five times against the home side.
      And the Arsenal boss was full of praise for Miedema, who also delivered a deadly cross for Lotte Wubben-Moy to score on her Gunners debut.

      Montemurro said: “It’s an absolute privilege to coach her as player.
      “I’m so proud to be part of her development and we can always tick off the box in terms of her finishing and scoring goals.
      “But the amount of work she does off the ball and knowing when to trigger the press is a true mark of a great player.”
      “She is a phenomenal girl and we are all proud of her as the family we are at Arsenal.

      “I urge people – if they get the opportunity to come and see our games in future – to watch the work she does off the ball.”

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      Miedema’s brace helped Arsenal move back to pole position in the leagueCredit: PA:Press Association
      Brighton began confidently with Denise O’Sullivan curving an effort narrowly wide.
      But Arsenal opened in the tenth minute, with Miedema beating Megan Walsh with a low shot.
      Goals from Danielle van de Donk and Jen Beattie saw the visitors extend their lead.
      And a header from Wubben-Moy and the second Miedema strike wrapped up the 5-0 win for the Gunners who maintained their hundred per cent win record.

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      Miedema, left, also set up a debut goal for Arsenal’s newest signing Lotte Wubben-MoyCredit: PA:Press Association

      But it was Arsenal who opened the scoring in the tenth minute with Miedema beating Megan Walsh with a low at the near post.
      Goals from Danielle Van de Donk and Jen Beattie in the 36th and 48th minutes saw the Gunners extend their lead.
      And second Miedema strike and header from Wubben-Moy wrapped up the win for the league leaders.

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      Chelsea 3 Man City 1: Mjelde, Kerr and Kirby on target as reigning champs make statement to WSL rivals

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      EMMA HAYES hailed ‘hound-dog’ Erin Cuthbert for silencing former Lyon superstar Lucy Bronze in a three-goal blast over Manchester City.
      The high-flying Blues equalled their longest ever unbeaten run of 25 top-flight games, thanks to goals from Maren Mjelde, Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby, to remind their rivals why they are holding the WSL crown.

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      Sam Kerr scored her third goal in four games

      Scottish international Cuthbert was the star of the show after making Bronze look like a bust at right-back as she repeatedly broke free to set up chances – including Kirby’s cool tap in.
      Hayes said: “You tell me another footballer in the world like Erin, 
      “I don’t know what she eats for breakfast but she’s like a hound dog, a permanent pest, constantly driving her heels – and we’re talking about a world class player in Lucy Bronze. 
      “What a performance from our little Scot. I love that human, I love that player because she’s prepared to do all the s****y jobs and she does it at the top level. ”

      The hosts breakthrough came after referee Rebecca Welch pointed to the spot as the ball appeared to have struck a leaping Demi Stokes on the top of the arm.
      Yet it came in a storm of controversy as the replay showed the ball actually hit her hip.
      Cue mayhem on the Citizens’ bench – as Ellen White was also wrongly booked before Stokes was handed a yellow.
      Ice-cool Norwegian midfielder Mjelde stepped up and made no mistake as she hammered home her 36th minute penalty.

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      Maren Mjelde opened the scoring from the penalty spot

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      Fran Kirby restored the Blues’ advantage in the 79th minute
      It was Hayes’ side who again carved out the best chances after the break. 
      Kirby broke free and whipped in an inch-perfect cross to Kerr who rose highest – but tipped a header just over the bar.
      It was only a matter of time before the Australian strike sensation got her breakthrough as she kept a cool head to slot home on 57 minutes thanks to another peach of a pass from Kirby.
      It was Kerr’s third goal in four league games, as she delivered the best possible riposte to the Twitter trolls who had been claiming she had been firing blanks since her high-profile transfer last November.
      But against the odds City were handed a desperate lifeline when Caroline Weir’s cross struck Millie Bright’s arm – with Welch pointing to the spot again.
      England winger Chloe Kelly stepped up and slammed it in with 15 minutes to go.
      But the hosts instantly hit back with Cuthbert causing a major headache for the normally pristine Bronze down the right flank.
      The Scottish international set up Kirby with a cute through ball and the England striker’s twinkle toes twisted inside and out before tucking home to wrap things up.

      On the controversial penalty, City boss Gareth Taylor said: “I didn’t see much of the penalty, I’ve heard it’s a shocker.
      “It is what it is, the yellow card for Ellen White is frustrating, the Chelsea player was already on a yellow when they gave away the penalty but didn’t get a second.
      “We just need to focus on ourselves and not make excuses. The frustration is there. This won’t define our season.” 
      Hayes added: “This is football you can’t lift your arms, and we don’t know how to teach defenders how to defend!
      “I thought the officials were excellent today, they stayed with the pace of the game, the people in the middle had a great game.”

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      Hope Powell expects Brighton to face fully-firing Arsenal despite talk of Gunners form dip

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      HOPE POWELL brushed off suggestions of a dip in form for Arsenal ahead of Brighton’s WSL clash with the North London side today.
      And the Seagulls boss warned her players are in for a “tough game” against the Gunners, who were clobbered 4-1 by Chelsea in a league cup match on Wednesday.

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      Hope Powell reckons Brighton will be up against a lethal Arsenal side Credit: Rex Features

      Arsenal and Brighton face off for the first time this term with the North London club having won three previous league encounters with the Seagulls by 4-0 margins.
      And Powell, 53, wants her players switched on to their opponents’ “lethal” tactics as they hunt for their first WSL win against them.
      The Brighton coach said: “They move the ball very, very quickly and it’s in those minutes when you switch off that they are lethal.

      “From minute one to minute 90 we have to make sure the players are focused and working for each other.
      “I think the result against Man City proved that if everybody does their job and they’re equal to the challenge, it gives us a real chance.”
      Powell, whose players snatched a point from Manchester City earlier this season was named September’s Barclays WSL Manager of the Month with Arsenal’s Jill Roord collecting the player’s prize.
      And the Seagulls gaffer – who picked up four points from her first three fixtures this term – praised her staff and players for her accolade.

      Powell added: “I think it highlights the progression we’ve made. The fact that we are starting to compete against those so-called bigger clubs is a bit of a confidence booster for everybody.”
      Meanwhile, Gunners chief Joe Montemurro expects his team to face “a difficult game” this afternoon.

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      The Gunners will be without the services of in-form striker Jill Roord who is currently injured Credit: Rex Features

      His side dropped to second in the women’s top-flight following Manchester United’s 1-0 win against Tottenham on Saturday.
      The Arsenal boss said: “Brighton have always been very well organised and have some moments that can unlock you.
      “We hope to be ready for them in the best way possible.”

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      Spurs 0 Man Utd 1: Millie Turner’s header sends Red Devils to top of WSL for first time EVER as Alex Morgan watches on

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      MANCHESTER UNITED won ugly over Tottenham thanks to a decisive header by Millie Turner to send the Red Devils to the top of the WSL for the first time in their history.
      Of course they have played one more game than their rivals, but Casey Stoney has only had TWO-years to build a title-chasing side since the club was reformed after a 13-year hiatus.

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      Millie Turner’s header helped Man United reach the WSL’s top spot for the first time in their historyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      They had to wait 67-minutes to get the breakthrough in north London – but it was enough to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
      Spurs stay rooted in mid-table as star-signing Alex Morgan was again forced to wait for her long-awaited debut.
      United lost 3-1 to Liverpool in the League Cup last time out and perfectionist boss Stoney said: “I’m never satisfied, I want to win more comfortably, with better performances, we’re still building.

      “It has been a tough week emotionally and physically, the players aren’t even allowed out, so that takes its toll,
      “But I’ve put a ban on my players from watching football now so they can refresh on their time off!
      “I’m pleased for Millie, she knows better than anyone she was poor last time out against Liverpool, but she reacted brilliantly.”
      The visitors had the first sniff when Christen Press provided an inch-perfect cross to her USA compatriot Tobin Heath who flashed a header agonisingly wide of the left-post.

      But the hosts hit back strongly and Rosella Ayane broke free twice in front of Mary Earps’ goal, unleashing a fierce drive inches from the post on both occasions.

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      Turner (left) and her team-mates battled their way to a win following a league cup match loss to Liverpool this weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Man United will face West Ham in their next WSL fixtureCredit: Rex Features
      After the break Becky Spencer shirked her duties and almost gifted United the lead when she scuppered her clearance – but no one was there to make the crucial touch.
      Slowly, surely, steadily, United first established a foothold, then a gradual dominance. They just needed another sniff of goal.
      That arrived when Heath drilled in a corner that brought a great reaction from Turner who was loitering in the area to bury a header for her first goal since April.

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      Tottenham’s star signing Alex Morgan (left) watched United defeat her team 3-1Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Siri Worm nearly clawed one back for Spurs after sending a free-kick curling and dipping just wide.
      Spurs boss Juan Amoros said: “I’m truly gutted for the players and the fans, we really deserved at least a point if we had taken those chances at the start.
      “The performances from us are very good, we are playing some of the top teams, we know they are very good and we need to be at our best.“At the moment we are not clinical enough but I’m very positive with this group of players.”

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