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      Newcastle’s Sharna Wilson says her FA Cup screamer left her lost for words after Magpies reach third round

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      SHARNA WILSON admits she was left stunned by the ‘worldy’ wonder goal she netted to help Newcastle keep their Women’s FA Cup hopes alive. The defender scored the winner as the Magpies fought from 1-0 down to seal a 2-1 second round in front of a crowd of 28,565 at St James’ Park.
      Newcastle United have booked their spot in the third of the Women’s FA Cup after dispatching in front of a record crowd at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
      Sharna Wilkinson was on target with the second of Newcastle thumping finishesCredit: Getty
      Spectator numbers saw the club establish a new record for the largest attendance at a Women’s FA Cup game outside of the contest final. 
      And it also led the Magpies to set a new record for the biggest crowd to ever watch a women’s football game at St James’ Park. 
      Wilson, who was subbed on in the second half, told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Watching from the sidelines, it’s one of those ones that once an (opposing) team scores here the mood goes down.
      “But then you know that everyone in the crowd is just going to lift everyone back up, and especially in our dressing room. 
      “No one is going to give up and everyone has each other’s backs, especially people coming on.
      “And I think everyone of those players who didn’t come on (the pitch) have made an impact. 

      “I’m just really glad that I came on and we gave it that little bit of an extra push.
      “We’ve been in situations before when we have been like one-nil down, two-nil down and we’ve come back from it. 
      “The game is never lost until the final whistle goes so we just keep pushing and kind of showing character but that’s what’s instilled in us to do.”
      Emily Pierrepont opened the scoring with a thumping effort from just outside the 18-yard box in the 15th minute before Georgie Gibson levelled with her 30-yard strike in the 68th minute. 
      And Wilson sealed the win for her side with a spectacular effort from distance with the ball bouncing off the post into the net. 
      Of her stunning strike, Wilson added: “I took it (the shot) because I could see she (the goalkeeper) was off her line and it went in and so it paid off.
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      “A couple of my coaches were in the crowd, and one of them properly said just shoot and score a worldy and that was pretty good advice”.
      The victory saw Newcastle enter the pot for the contest’s third round fixtures.
      The draw will be conducted live on talkSPORT on Monday (28 November) at 7:00 pm.
      Georgia Gibson equalised for the hosts with her long range effort in the second spellCredit: Getty More

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      Langley reflects on FA Cup memories and shovelling snow before win at Salford as Newcastle Women prepare for Barnsley

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      LAST November Becky Langley cleared snow off a pitch with her players to ensure their second round FA Cup away clash with Salford City went ahead. On Sunday her Newcastle United Women’s side will battle Barnsley for a third round spot in the far different setting of St James’ Park.
      Becky Langley hopes to steer her side to the Women’s FA Cup third round with the draw taking place on December 11Credit: Getty
      Katie Barker was among the scorers when Newcastle United Women beat Alnwick Town at St James’ Park in MayCredit: Getty
      A crowd of more than 25,000 – which would be a record number for a women’s game at the stadium – is expected to turn out to watch the club’s bid to keep their FA Cup dreams alive. 
      Last year a 4-0 drubbing of Salford saw the Magpies book a third round tie with Chorley before progressing to the fourth round where they lost 1-0 to Ipswich Town
      Langley, 27, whose team play in the women’s game’s fourth tier, told NUFC TV: “The FA Cup has always been a competition we’ve had great memories from. 
      “Last season we played at Salford City men’s ground and we were shovelling the snow off the pitch to make sure that the fixture actually went ahead.
      “And a couple of weeks ago we played Hull away with brilliant memories of watching 17-year-old Becky Ferguson score the winning goal in extra time, that got us through to this round.
      “We want to make sure that we get through this round.”
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      The Magpies’ 2:00 pm fixture could see them surpass the previous fan attendance record they set for a Newcastle women’s game in May this year. 
      Back then a crowd of 22,134 turned up to see Langley’s side beat Alnwick Town 4-0 in an FA Women’s National League encounter. 
      The match, which saw Langley become the first boss to oversee a Magpies women’s side at St James’ Park, was attended by club co-owner Amanda Staveley, 49, and Prem team chief Eddie Howe. 
      And among the supporters watching was midfielder Freya Bailes who skippers Durham University’s side and joined the Magpies this July. 
      Of her memories of that day, Bailes said: “When I got off the train at Newcastle I thought there were a lot of people wearing shirts.  
      “The closer I got to the stadium, the more I realised everyone was going. 
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      “I felt a bit emotional just because of playing football for so long so I can’t imagine what the feeling will be like on Sunday when I pull the shirt on. 
      “It will definitely be the highlight of my career so far. 
      “I’ve been in the FA Cup before and played at some big stadiums but I am expecting more fans there on Sunday than ever before.
      “As a childhood fan coming up to St. James’ once or twice a year, as the highlight of our family trip, it’s going to be surreal. 
      “It’s been a moment that I’ve spoken about with Becky for so long, something that really made me want to sign (for the club).”
      Langley’s team, who officially became part of Newcastle in August, are targeting promotion to the third tierCredit: Getty
      The last clash between Newcastle and Barnsley saw the former seal a 1-0 win in the Women’s National League. 
      And Barnsley are currently three points behind their opponents in the fourth tier with a game in hand having played eight matches in the division so far this season. 
      Langley, whose side are battling for promotion, are currently third in Division North of the National Women’s League. 
      This August the team, who had previously been independent and backed by Newcastle United’s Foundation, officially became a part of the club. 
      The move was completed as part of a formal restructuring which includes the establishment of a development squad. 
      And in April Langley spoke of her hope of one day seeing the team compete in the WSL.
      Last season Newcastle reached the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup’sCredit: Getty
      She told The i : “My ultimate aim is to take Newcastle competing into the WSL.
      “But we can’t buy our way into that league, it has to be done the right way. We need the right staff, the right players.”
      In the past year Newcastle has been the focus of ‘sportswashing’ accusations from human rights bodies including Amnesty following a Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of the club last October. 
      The £305million takeover which involved the Middle Eastern nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) led to the PIF owning an 80 per cent in the club. 
      Last month Amnesty was reported to have renewed its accusations. 
      And in August their spokesman Felix Jakens claimed Saudi Arabia’s investment in sport was an “attempt to switch the focus away” from human rights concerns in the country including the rights of women. 
      Last October Staveley, who insists the club aims to be ‘welcoming and inclusive to all’, said Newcastle was ‘wholeheartedly committed to women’s and girls football’ and helping its women’s team to grow.  
      Langley insists backing for her team has made their set-up become more professional. 
      The Magpies boss said: “Last year we were operated in a kind of grassroots style.
      “When the owners came on board they started to professionalise a couple of things but it was doing it with a serious approach so that it felt right. 
      Langley’s team will face Merseyrail and Leeds United in their last two games before the end of this yearCredit: Getty
      “Now we’ve gone into this season with a much more professional feel about everything.
      “We’ve been given extra training sessions, we’ve got extra for facilities provision and we’ve got more professional staff on board to help everything with the girls’ game.
      “And now we’re in a position where we can really kick off this season, push to win the league and push to get through to the next round of the FA Cup.” More

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      Juventus 1 Arsenal 1: Miedema nets as Gunners stay top of Champions League group by denying Juve a win in Turin

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      JONAS EIDEVALL praised Vivianne Miedema’s fighting spirit after Arsenal survived a scare against Joe Montemurro’s Juventus. Just as it looked as if the Gunners’ were in for another unfortunate night after their loss Manchester United, the striker netted to seal a 1-1 draw. 
      Vivianne Miedema ensured Arsenal shared the spoils with Juventus in their third Champions League Group C gameCredit: Getty
      The Arsenal striker netted a 61st-minute equaliser against JuveCredit: Getty
      Miedema’s second-half equaliser saw the WSL’s all-time top scorer net for the first time since bagging a brace against Tottenham at the Emirates in September. 
      Her goal on Thursday night came three weeks after she was granted time off for rest by club and country before the Gunners’ 4-0 defeat of Leicester on November 6. 
      The Netherlands star was also absent from her nation’s 2-0 and 4-0 friendly defeats of Denmark and Costa Rica. 
      Of Miedema being given time off for a recharge, Arsenal chief Eidevall said: “I think it’s always (about) striking the balance with freshness and having continuity in the training and playing.
      “You obviously need to strike that balance.”
      On the Arsenal ace’s first goal in the Champions League group stages, Eidevall added: “I’m very pleased with her goal. 
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      “You could see that Viv was really fighting hard today together with the team on the pitch and that’s what we need. 
      “You could see in tough moments in the game, where we kept thinking positively, we kept thinking about the next action, we kept thinking team first and that was really pleasing to see.”
      Arsenal, who have been battling with injuries with skipper Kim Little and Beth Mead, among their key players crocked, had the majority of shots on target.
      Stina Blackstenius was through on goal twice in the first half forcing a top drawer block from former Gunners goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the 38th minute. 
      And Caitlin Foord forced another last ditch save earning a corner in the opening moments in the second half.
      But Eidevall’s side were caught with a counter-attacking sucker punch with Juve taking the lead at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
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      And they did so with a clinical finish from Miedema’s Netherlands team-mate Lineth Beereynsteyn who was put through by Cristiana Girelli. 
      But Arsenal, eager to ensure they did not fall to a second match loss in five days, hit back in the 61st minute. 
      Frida Maanum’s corner-kick found Miedema who headed home before Peyraud-Magnin denied Foord a dramatic late winner.
      The 1-1 finish ensures Arsenal remain top of Group C before their December 7 clash with Juve at the Emirates. 
      And it denied former Gunners’ boss Montemurro the chance to get one over his old club who hope to return to winning ways in the WSL against Everton next Saturday.
      Lineth Beerensteyn put Juventus 1-0 up in the 52nd minuteCredit: Getty More

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      Katie McCabe says Beth Mead injury is ‘a massive loss’ for Arsenal and pays tribute to former boss Joe Montemurro

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      KATIE MCCABE says Arsenal will do their utmost to support Beth Mead after admitting it was ‘devastating to see her sustain an ACL injury. The Gunners forward, 27 is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering damage to a knee ligament last Saturday. 
      Katie McCabe says Arsenal’s players are rallying around Beth Mead following her anterior cruciate ligament injuryCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are yet to confirm how long Mead will be sidelined as a result of her ACL injuryCredit: Reuters
      The WSL star, who won the Euros Golden Boot after helping the Lionesses win the tournament in July, was forced off by injury during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates. 
      Her club, who play Juventus in Italy tonight, will also be without skipper Kim Little and forward Lina Hurtig. 
      The duo are also sidelined due to injuries along with defenders Leah Williamson and Rafaelle.
      The centre-backs are currently working their way back to fitness. 
      The Gunners hope to complete a hat-trick of Group D wins in their third Champions League group stage game.
      McCabe, 27, told reporters: “It’s devastating for (Beth) coming off the pitch with an injury like that. She’s been so important for us over the last few years. 
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      “The high she was on at the minute in terms of her personal achievements, having such a good Euros and a great start to the season for us.”
      Mead, who netted six goals at the Euros and finished as the WSL’s third highest scorer last season, has made an impressive start to this term. 
      The Arsenal star notched up three goals and four assists in seven top-flight appearances and a brace during the Gunners’ 5-1 demolition of Lyon in October.
      McCabe added: “She’s going to be a massive loss, but we’ve got a fantastic medical team at the club and they’ll be doing their utmost to try and get her back (to full fitness).
      “Beth has got great support in our team and we’ll be rallying around her for sure.”
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      Arsenal’s game against Juve will see the club’s players go up against former boss Joe Montemurro, 53, for the first time since he left the Gunners at the end of the 2020-21 season. 
      Since then the Australia-born head coach guided his side to a trophy treble with the club winning a Serie A title, the Italian Cup and the Italian Women’s Super Cup last season. 
      Juve, who reached the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League, are currently unbeaten across all competitions this term. 
      Under Montemurro they have gone eight games unbeaten at home in Europe this season.
      McCabe has made 100 appearances for the Gunners since her 2015 move from Irish side Shelbourne.
      And she credits her former Arsenal boss for believing in her talent during her early years at the club. 
      The Republic of Ireland star had at one stage considered leaving the WSL title chasers after a 2017 loan spell at Glasgow City. 
      However the Gunners offered her a contract extension and the versatile winger has flourished ever since. 
      Arsenal’s players are due take on a Juventus side managed by their former boss Joe MontemurroCredit: Getty
      McCabe added: “I’m looking forward to seeing him because I’ve not seen him in a while. 
      “I’ve got the utmost respect for Joe and how he helped me grow as a player within the Arsenal set-up when I came back from loan. 
      “He’s a big, big part of my career.” More

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      Emma Hayes praises Cuthbert’s commitment after Chelsea thwart Real Madrid in Europe before WSL duel with Leicester

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      ERIN CUTHBERT may not like it when fans say she ‘only scores bangers’. But her stunning effort helped Chelsea stay top of their Champions League group by overcoming a stubborn Real Madrid side.  
      Erin Cuthbert has notched up one goal and one assist in two Champions League appearances this termCredit: Getty
      Sophie Ingle opened the scoring for Chelsea as the Blues netted twice against Real Madrid at KingsmeadowCredit: Alamy
      It was a hardfought 2-0 result in a game at the WSL leaders’ Kingsmeadow home that until the 67th minute looked on course to end as a stalemate. 
      That was until Sophie Ingle broke the deadlock for the hosts before Cuthbert put the win beyond doubt with a Champions League goal of the season contender. 
      And Hayes believes the Scotland star’s strike is a fine example of her commitment to Chelsea’s cause with her side chasing their first trophy win in the tournament.
      Hayes, 46, whose aces take on Madrid in Spain next month, said: “I don’t think there was a blade of grass she didn’t cover. She was outstanding. 
      “There was a tenacity to her performance that we’ve all come to expect, but by signing her contract, for me that confirms her commitment to the club.”
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      Chelsea went close to opening the scoring in the first half with Niamh Charles’ cross causing problems for Madrid keeper Misa Rodriguez. 
      Just as it looked as if the duel would end as a scoreless draw, Ingle sparked fresh life into the game powering home a 67th-minute header following Cuthbert’s delivery and Millie Bright’s flick-on.
      And the Scotland ace doubled the Blues lead from the right touchline with her strike flying over Madrid keeper Rodriguez and into the back of the net.
      It was a hell of a finish that saw the WSL leaders, who play Leicester on December 3, notch up their first win against a Spanish club after seven attempts. 
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      And Hayes, who strengthened her ranks with some impressive summer signings including ex-Lyon centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan, believes this is the best team she has managed to date. 
      The Chelsea chief added: “I thought two years ago we had a decent amount of experience, but this team is on another level.
      “I’ve said it before, this is the best team I’ve had.”
      Emma Hayes and her Blues will play Leicester City in the top tier before a December 8 clash with Madrid in SpainCredit: PA More

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      Millie Bright relishes Real Madrid battle and backs calls for more away ends in the Women’s Super League

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      MILLIE BRIGHT hopes to see more away ends in the women’s top tier following the intense atmosphere at Chelsea’s last game in Europe.And the Blues vice-captain, 29, is relishing taking on Caroline Weir for the first time since the Scotland star’s July move to Real Madrid.
      Millie Bright says away sections in women’s football are important for momentum in the gameCredit: Getty
      The fans of Albanian side Vllaznia created a raucous atmosphere when their team took on Chelsea at Kingsmeadow in OctoberCredit: Getty
      Tonight Chelsea will play their first Group A game against Real Madrid whose squad includes Caroline WeirCredit: Alamy
      Bright was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s first-ever Women’s Champions League group stage clash with Madrid this evening.
      The Group A game at Kingsmeadow comes four weeks after the Blues trounced Albania side Vllaznia 8-0 at the ground.
      Despite the score their opponents’ enthusiastic away fans provided raucous support throughout the encounter.
      The Albanian club’s fans had been allocated a section behind a goal at the Blues’ fortress which their supporters had pretty much filled.
      Bright said: “I think every player will agree that we want that in the women’s game.
      “It’s intense, but that’s what you want games to be like.
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      “It can change the game and can sway momentum for or against.
      “The fans enjoy it, and it shows what football in Europe is all about and we want to bring that to the WSL as well.”
      Uefa’s Women’s Champions League regulations stipulate that clubs competing in the competition should ‘make at least five per cent of the total capacity of their stadium available exclusively to visiting supporters in a segregated, safe area’.
      However, in the women’s domestic game in England, separate sections for away fans are not offered by all clubs.
      Some away visitors have had to set up accounts on the websites of the home teams their clubs are playing in order to buy tickets.
      And some visiting supporters have found themselves sitting with home fans rather than having the option of a designated section.
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      It is an issue that a number of supporters groups, including Manchester United Women’s Supporters Club, hope to see addressed with the introduction of away ends.
      On Saturday more than 1,000 Red Devils supporters were clustered in a section of the Emirates cheering their team’s 3-2 defeat of Arsenal in the league.
      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes and Ian Wright are among the leading figures in the sport who back the idea of away sections at WSL games.
      Hayes, 46, said: “It’s probably the thing I’ve screamed for the most, I’ve wanted the most.
      “I’ve always felt we have to separate into certain sections, it creates atmosphere. For fan safety, it has to be that.
      “Watching the Man Utd-vs-Arsenal game and seeing the Man Utd fans there in their numbers; this is what has to happen going forward.
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      “Everything that’s happening is a notch up from where the game has been.
      “I think that inevitably this time next year it won’t be a conversation we’re having because I imagine those things will be in place.”
      This evening will see Chelsea take on Real Madrid for the first time ever in the Champions League.
      The Liga F giants, currently third in Spain’s top tier, have lost just once in 12 games across all competitions this season when they fell to a 4-0 home defeat against Barcelona this month.
      Everybody knows Caroline’s technical ability and the magic that she can perform, but we’re just focusing on ourselves.Millie Bright on Caroline Weir
      Tonight’s game will see Weir, 27, in action against Chelsea for the first time since the Blues beat her former side Man City in the FA Cup final in May.
      Bright added: “She’s a wonderful player and she’s gone to a new level since she has been out there
      “Everybody knows her technical ability and the magic that she can perform, but equally, we’re just focusing on ourselves.
      “We know Real Madrid’s threats but equally, we know us and we’re just ready for the game.
      Weir has notched up four goals and three assists in seven games for Real Madrid in Spain’s top divisionCredit: Alamy
      “We’re expecting them to be aggressive with great energy and an attacking presence.
      “We’ve got to be switched on defensively. It’s going to be an interesting game.
      “I think it’s going to be a feisty (game) and certainly one that we’re ready for.”
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      Arsenal star Beth Mead sustains knee injury eight months before World Cup in huge blow for club and Lionesses

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      BETH MEAD has suffered the cruellest of blows before next year’s World Cup with Arsenal confirming the forward has ruptured her knee ligament. The Gunners revealed Mead sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage during their 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates on Saturday.
      Beth Mead suffered a knee injury during the second half of Arsenal’s top-tier clash with Man United at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      It is currently unclear as to how long the Arsenal ace will be sidelined following her ACL injuryCredit: Getty
      Mead, 27, was pictured sitting on the pitch and clutching her right leg toward the closing stages of the evening clash.
      The Arsenal and England ace, who was one of the Lionesses’ top performers at this year’s Euros, is expected to see a surgeon in the coming days.
      A timeframe as to how long Mead is expected to be out of action for club and country is yet to be confirmed.
      But the Gunners and England will hope the player can make a recovery before next year’s World Cup with the WSL star among the key figures in the national squad.
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      In a statement published on their website this afternoon, the Gunners said: “Beth is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
      “She will see a surgeon in the coming days, after which further details on timescales will be established.
      “Everyone at the club will now be supporting Beth and working hard to get her back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
      Mead, who has 50 senior Lionesses caps, played a significant role in England’s charge to European Championship glory
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      The Lioness finished as the tournament’s joint-top scorer in July following England’s 2-1 defeat of Germany in the final at Wembley.
      The Yorkshire-born forward, who won the contest’s Golden Boot after notching up six goals and five assists, finished as the runner-up for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or award.
      And last October the Gunners ace became the first woman in history to score a hat-trick at Wembley for England during their 4-0 demolition of Northern Ireland.
      Mead’s injury absence is another major fitness blow for Arsenal who also have skipper Kim Little out of action due to a knee problem.
      The Gunners are set for a reunion with former boss Joe Montemurro when they play Juventus on Thursday.
      In addition to Mead being sidelined the club are also without the services of Lina Hurtig and central defensive duo Leah Williamson and Rafaelle.
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      News of Mead’s ACL injury was greeted with dismay from Gunners and England fans on social media with many wishing the forward a speedy recovery.
      Some of the Arsenal star’s team-mates, who include defender Steph Catley, have posted messages of support for her via their Twitter accounts. More

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      ‘It’s taken a long time for players to get paid maternity leave. I’m happy this is now in place’, says Katie Chapman

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      KATIE CHAPMAN hopes WSL duels pull in more spectators during the pause in Premier League action for the World Cup.And the former Chelsea captain is pleased players can now receive 14 weeks full paid maternity leave – a right she believes was long overdue.
      Katie Chapman, who is a mother of three, is pleased WSL players now have a right to paid maternity leaveCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The new rules on maternity pay came into force at the start of this season.
      Everton ace Toni Duggan became the first English player in the top tier to officially take maternity leave this term.
      After 14 weeks WSL and Women’s Championship pros are entitled to a statutory wage
      Prior to the rule change, maternity pay was offered at the discretion of clubs leading some players and managers in the game to call for its introduction.
      Chapman, who has three sons aged 19, 14, and nine, said: “I’m happy we have this in place right now because it’s important.
      “A lot of female players suffer ACL injuries, and we are happy to help them with rehab.
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       “Why would we not support them in that situation (when they have a child)?
      “I had my first child in 2003 and back then, there wasn’t a lot of support within that.
      “It’s taken a long time to get to the point to even have maternity (leave) evolved into contracts.
      “As women (and football players) we have rights to have children and have maternity leave and to be paid during this period”
      Being brought up by a mother who played at the highest levels of club football as well as making 94 England appearances has seen Chapman’s sons develop huge respect for the women’s game.
      The former Blues midfield star added: “Having three boys and being a female playing football, my kids go to football, and they train and play with girls, and they don’t bat eyelid.
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      “There is not an issue with a girl or a woman playing football and I’m so proud of that.”
      This afternoon the Blues host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge with a few of Graham Potter’s Prem players away on World Cup duty.
      A crowd of around 40,000 are expected – a far cry from the numbers that watched the first Chelsea Women’s game played at the stadium in October 2016.
      Back then Chapman and her team-mates lost 3-0 to Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
      Chapman, who skippered Chelsea to their first WSL title in 2015, said: “I remember that game well as Wolfsburg were the bane of my life back then, but it was great to play at Stamford Bridge
      “The crowd that day wasn’t that great in terms of size. I think it was something like 3,700, but it was great for us to be there.”
      Chapman is keen to see more WSL duels played at bigger stadiumsCredit: PA:Press Association
      On the Blues duel with Spurs Chapman, who made 61 appearances for Emma Hayes’ side in a four-year spell, added: “Everyone loves a London derby.
      “It’s a great match to be played at Stamford Bridge and I believe it’s a sell-out which will be amazing for the women’s game.
      “The smaller grounds we’ve used are more intimate, but we are starting to fill those stadiums now.
      “Hopefully we can keep pushing forward and keep playing more games in the bigger stadiums and we can get the crowds in.
      “We should take the opportunity within this World Cup as well with the timing of it during the domestic season.”
      Blues heroine Chapman, who began her senior playing career at Millwall Lionesses in 1996, skippered Chelsea to two FA Cup wins in addition to a league title.
      Chelsea could go top of the table if they beat Rehanne Skinner’s Tottenham sideCredit: PA
      A glittering club career that led the midfield powerhouse to play for Arsenal, Fulham, and Charlton as well as Millwall winning 28 domestic trophies.
      These include a Champions League crown during a four-year Gunners spell and four league titles. 
      Honours that saw the former WSL player inducted into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame in October alongside former Blues team-mates Eniola Aluko and Karen Carney.
      This afternoon Chapman’s former club aim to leapfrog Arsenal and Manchester United in the top flight.
      A win for the Blues in their clash with Tottenham, which kicks off at 1:00 pm, would see go top of the table
      The game will be Emma Hayes’ first match in the dugout for Chelsea following the Blues’ boss undergoing an emergency hysterectomy last month.
      The title-holders notched up six wins across all competitions in Hayes’ absence with their victories overseen by assistant Denise Reddy and general manager Paul Green
      These include gritty away defeats of United in the WSL and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
      Emma Hayes will be back in the dugout for Chelsea when they take on Spurs at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Chapman said: “Emma is a big person at Chelsea and I’m sure she has been missing in the club since she has been away,
      “But it shows how well she prepared herself for her not to be there for them to run the show.
      “They’ve got the results they needed from this period, and to have her back I’m sure would be an extra boost.” More