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    Manchester City and England heroine Karen Bardsley brings curtain down on 20-year playing career

    KAREN BARDSLEY is hanging up her boots to bring an end to a silverware-laden football career spanning two decades.The US-born England international goalkeeper, who won eight trophies with WSL giants Manchester City, announced her retirement on Monday.
    Karen Bardsley, 37, will retire after an illustrious career for Man City and EnglandCredit: Reuters
    The veteran shot-stopper, who has 82 senior England caps, played for the Lionesses at three World Cup tournaments and two European Championships.
    Bardsley, 37, has seen her match start chances hampered after sustaining a hamstring injury.
    Her last appearance for the Citizens, who are currently fourth in the WSL, was in a 7-0 drubbing of Aston Villa back in January last year.
    On her decision to retire, Bardsley said: “As sad and strange as it is to be stepping away from something I’ve committed my entire young adult life to, ultimately, it’s something I feel really proud of.
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    “I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I’ve left no stone unturned, and I have no regrets about how I’ve applied myself and what I’ve achieved.
    “I feel incredibly proud of my career, but ultimately I’m really excited about the next steps and what is to come in the future.
    “I’m just very much looking forward to giving back to the football community in many other ways.
    “It was obviously a pretty tough decision for me to make, but after a lot of deliberation and unfortunately being away from the pitch for quite a while now due to injury, it just felt like it was the right moment.”
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SIXTEEN team accumulator after late Zaha winner
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    Bardsley, who was born in California to parents from Manchester, played an influential role in the Citizens’ emergence as a dominant force.
    The shot-stopper helped the club to a treble trophy win in 2017 and a cup double in the 2018-2019 season.
    Trophy wins include a WSL title, three FA Cups and four league cups including a 2019 Continental Tyres Cup final defeat of Arsenal following a penalty shootout
    The City ace played in four games for Hope Powell’s Great Britain side at the London 2012 Olympics.
    City boss Gareth Taylor says Bardsley has left an ‘undeniable mark on women’s football’
    And she featured for England up to the quarter-final stage of the 2019 World Cup before a torn hamstring forced her out of action.
    It was an injury that led the WSL heroine to question her playing future.
    Last April, reflecting on her injury, Bardsley told Sky Sports: “Basically, I tore the hamstring tendon off the bone at the end of the first half against Norway at the World Cup in 2019.
    Although injury has limited Karen’s appearances on the pitch during my time in charge, she has remained an integral member of our team and has made a real difference behind the scene. Gareth Taylor – Manchester City head coach
    “I knew something was wrong as it all felt a bit loose, but I think adrenaline kept me going,” 
    “I don’t think I understood how bad it was at the time, it was probably because I managed to finish the game.
    “A few months later I had surgery and from that point onwards it was a 15-month recovery.
    “The surgery was more invasive than I realised.
    “I got a fresh perspective about what it’s like to be out of the game and think about what I want from women’s football.
    “Do I still love it? Do I still want to play?”
    Last year Bardsley, who began her career with US college football side Cal State Fullerton Titans, was included in the Team GB squad for the Tokyo Olympics.
    But an injury led to her withdrawing from the group ahead of the start of the tournament.
    Bardsley played in goal for England up to the quarter-stage of the 2019 Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
    Of her career, Man City boss Gareth Taylor, 49, said: “Karen has left an undeniable mark on women’s football.
    “I believe that her playing career is just the start of the overall impact she will make.
    “Although injury has limited her appearances on the pitch during my time in charge, she has remained an integral member of our team and has made a real difference behind the scenes.
    “She deserves all the plaudits that she receives, and I would like to wish her the very best for the future and the next step of her journey.” More

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    Manchester City 7 Brighton 2: Shaw bags four as Taylor’s City slickers brush Brighton aside in a nine-goal encounter

    KHADIJA ‘BUNNY’ SHAW netted four times as Manchester City moved up to third with a ruthless 7-2 drubbing of Brighton.The Jamaica ace was in lethal scoring form with Lauren Hemp also on target on her 100th Citizens’ appearance. 
    Khadija Shaw scored twice in both halves for Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
    Lauren Hemp and Caroline Weir were both on target for City at the Academy StadiumCredit: Reuters
    City have now scored 34 times in seven league games against Albion. 
    The nine-goal thriller saw them leapfrog neighbours Manchester United into a Champions League spot for the first time this term.
    Shaw said: “We found ourselves in a difficult position at the beginning of the season, so we know it was going to take hard work and consistency.
    “This year started off great for us and we’ll just keep building on it and stick together as a team.”

    The match saw Hemp and Shaw notch up their 18th goals across all competitions this term.
    City boss Gareth Taylor said: “Bunny is a really good finisher and it’s just about her believing in herself a bit more.
    “She’s had a very good season and the levels for her to move up are huge.
    “Coming from a different league and into a different country, there’s that adaptation period.
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    “Hopefully the result today will give her a little bit more confidence.”
    Brighton had a nightmare start with Shaw firing the hosts ahead in the third minute following Demi Stokes’ probing run and pass.
    The home side, who had 11 shots on target, doubled their lead in the 12th minute shortly after Hemp fizzed an effort wide.
    And it was Shaw again, firing beyond Megan Walsh on the edge of the six-yard box after a pass from Lucy Bronze
    Then Caroline Weir poked home at close range minutes later.  
    Julia Zigiotti netted Albion’s second goal close to halftimeCredit: Reuters
    But Brighton mounted a first-half fightback which saw them net twice before half-time.
    First from the spot after Lee Geum-min was fouled by Keira Walsh with Inessa Kaagman powering the ball home in the 21st minute.
    And then from Julia Zigiotti sweeping the ball beyond Ellie Roebuck following a cross.
    The second spell saw Brighton attempt to build on their comeback with Zigiotti forcing a fingertip save from Roebuck in the six-yard box.
    Shaw was in clinical form helping her side move up to third ahead of their game against BirminghamCredit: Reuters
    But City blew their rivals away from then on with Keira Walsh teeing Shaw up for a hat-trick in the 61st minute.
    And the Jamaica striker made it 5-2 after combining with Hemp to bury her fourth.
    Her team-mates refused to let up with Alex Greenwood nodding home from a corner after evading her marker.
    And Lauren Hemp made it 7-2 walloping home from a tight angle to round off a hefty City victory and a tough afternoon for Albion.
    Hope Powell will be looking for a response from Brighton when they play Everton in their final game of the seasonCredit: Reuters
    Seagulls boss Hope Powell said: “It was a tough day at the office.
    “The quality they possess, we couldn’t really manage our attitude and effort was really good, and it should have been 3-3 (at one point).
    “But credit to Man City, it was just too much for us today.  More

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    Taylor unfazed by transfer gossip with Manchester City focused on top three push

    GARETH TAYLOR says transfer rumours will not be a distraction for Manchester City as they target a cup double and a Champions League spot.And the Citizens may see Jess Park return before their FA Cup final in May with the forward progressing well after picking up a calf injury.
    Gareth Taylor’s side will be targeting wins in their final three WSL games this termCredit: Getty
    Taylor, 49, whose side host Brighton on Saturday, was speaking following reported rumours from Spain of alleged Real Madrid interest in Caroline Weir.
    The Scotland star, who joined City from Liverpool in 2018, signed a two-year contract extension back in January 2020.
    And the forward has netted 21 goals in 70 top-flight games so far for the club.
    On whether transfer speculation has been a distraction, City boss Taylor said: “For us, it’s just (about) realigning the focus as it’s just hearsay and rumours.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Football Stories .css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BAL ACHE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Watch Aguero and Balotelli’s stunned reaction to Benzema double against Man City
    “We’re all professionals and we crack on with things. We have a job to do, and we will give it our best.”
    City, who are fourth, are looking to capitalise on Manchester United dropping points last weekend in the race to finish third.
    The Citizens currently have a game in hand on their neighbours
    And they are targeting their sixth win in seven WSL games against Hope Powell’s Seagulls.
    Victory would see them pick up an eleventh straight win across all competitions since a 1-0 loss away at Chelsea in early February.
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    Taylor added: “The consistency we’ve shown and the lack of goals we’ve given away (compared) to where we were earlier in the season has been remarkable really.
    “And that takes perseverance, character and availability of players. It’s nothing but positive for me.
    “We had difficult moments – there’s no doubt about that.
    “But we knew when we had a more improved pool to choose from, it would allow us to do what we’ve done and be really consistent.
    “It’s important to analyse and see what we could have done better at the start – on and off the pitch. It’s part of our make-up to try and be better.
    “We’re in a good position now and regardless of what happens, there’s still a lot to be done and that’s great in terms of looking to improve.”
    Manchester City will play Birmingham and Reading after their home game against BrightonCredit: Getty
    City will also be targeting a cup double triumph over Chelsea having beaten the Blues in this term’s Conti Cup final.
    And the club could see Jess Park return with the starlet working her way back from a calf issue, with Vicky Losada also targeting recovery from injury.
    On whether the duo could return this season, Taylor said: “Maybe Jess might be slightly ahead.
    “She’s come back looking quite good from a calf injury so we may get to see her before the (FA) Cup final.
    “Vicky’s (knee injury) is niggly and the smallest twist can give discomfort. They are difficult ones to come back from
    “She has been working hard. It’ll be touch-and-go but she’s given herself the best chance to get back.”
    Brighton could be set to surpass the total of 27 points they achieved in the league last seasonCredit: PA
    Brighton, currently seventh, are looking to bounce back from a 3-1 home loss to Birmingham.
    And Powell, 55, wants her side to push for a strong finish this season with the team three points away from beating their points total last term. 
    The Albion boss said: “The ambition is to try and do better than we did last season and for me better means more consistency in our performance.” More

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    WSL ace Asante pays tribute to injured Villa captain Allen and prepares to skipper side in final games before retirement

    ANITA ASANTE paid a touching tribute to injured team-mate Remi Allen ahead of her last two games before retirement.The veteran centre-back will captain Aston Villa against Arsenal and Birmingham before calling time on a career spanning nearly two decades.
    Anita Asante will wear the captain’s armband for Aston Villa in their last two games of the WSL seasonCredit: PA
    Remi Allen will miss Villa’s games against Arsenal and Birmingham due to an ACL injuryCredit: Getty
    Carla Ward’s side will be without the services of Allen, 31, with the midfield ace sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
    And the Villa player, who has scored five times in 22 appearances this term, will miss her side’s last two games of the season.
    In a post shared via her Twitter account, Asante said it was “an honour” to be leading her team-mates in their last two games this term.
    And she dedicated her captaincy to Allen who replied by describing the tribute as a “class act”.
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    Asante, 44 appearances across all competitions for Villa netting twice after joining in the summer of 2020.
    And club boss Carla Ward revealed she tried to persuade the defender to stay on for another term when she learned of her plans to retire.
    Ward also hopes to keep the former Lionesses centre-back at the club in some capacity.
    Ward said: “A couple of weeks ago I said: ‘look, have you fully decided, what are you doing?’ She said: ‘yeah, I can finish on a high this way’.
    “She is an outstanding human being and I want to keep her here next season.
    “In what capacity, I don’t know, but I’d love to keep her here because she’s an absolute joy to be around.”
    Earlier this week Asante spoke to BBC Sport about her hopes of becoming a coach.
    And she dreams of one day managing her former club Arsenal with whom she won the Champions League 15 years ago this month.
    On Asante’s coaching ambitions, Ward added: “She has an unbelievable amount of knowledge.
    Carla Ward will be hoping to surprise Arsenal after claiming a point against Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
    “She has also got an unbelievable sense of humility and a way that draws people in from the way that she is as a human being.
    “That’s really valuable as a coach because she could walk into a room, and everybody would stop and listen.
    “How she can then translate that as a coach is that it’s naturally a lot easier to coach people who initially respect you.” More

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    Hayes says learning from 2014 title race loss helped push Chelsea forward with Blues chasing a fifth WSL crown

    EMMA HAYES reckons tough memories of Chelsea’s 2014 title race heartbreak provided learning to help her drive the team forward.And the Kingsmeadow chief wants her side to remain humble as the club battles for a fifth WSL crown.
    Emma Hayes wants Chelsea to stick to their game plan in the final stretch of their title race with ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    Ahead of Chelsea’s duel with Tottenham, Hayes, 45, reflected on the feelings that followed a dramatic battle for the WSL title six years ago.
    Like this term’s chase between the Blues and Arsenal, the fight to be the top-flight’s top dogs went to the wire in October 2014.
    Back then Hayes’ aces were in a three-way battle with Birmingham City and Matt Beard’s Liverpool.
    And on October 12 – the last day of the season – just three points separated third-placed Reds from leaders Chelsea with Birmingham second and two points behind.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ABSOLUTE TUCH .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}How Chelsea could line up against Man Utd as three key players could return
    But a win for Liverpool against Bristol combined with a Birmingham draw and a Blues’ loss to Manchester City, saw a dramatic Reds title triumph on goal difference.
    Hayes said: “I have horrible memories of that situation, but it’s probably a little bit like that feeling when I got sacked (from Chicago Red Stars).
    “Once you lose something from that position and you get it again, you don’t worry about it the same way.
    “Is it a memory now? I would say it’s learning. I learned so much from that situation and that learning has taken me forward.
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    “I don’t stress the way I once did. To be in a position to compete is what I want.”
    Chelsea’s home game against Tottenham on Thursday comes four days after their trip to Spurs with the team overcoming a red card to win 3-1.
    But with two huge final matches against league strugglers Birmingham and top three chasers Manchester United, Hayes wants her side to remain diligent.
    The Kingsmeadow chief added: “We need to remain humble in what we’re doing and make sure we apply ourselves in the best possible way.
    Tottenham travel to Kingsmeadow in hope of claiming their first win or draw against Chelsea in the WSLCredit: Getty
    “At this stage of the season getting over the line requires detail, diligence and application of the game plan.
    “I’ve got to make sure I enforce that as much as possible because as much as it was a great win at the weekend, it was just a win.
    “I’m a stickler for not looking too far ahead because that is what I’ve learned (from past experiences).
    “How everybody (in the team) is doing now is the only thing that matters to me and keeping my feet on the floor.”
    Tottenham hope to bounce back from their third loss on the bounce ahead of a trip to Everton and an Emirates clash with Arsenal.
    And Rehanne Skinner’s squad were boosted by Becky Spencer signing a new deal to stay with the club until 2024. 
    The Jamaica goalkeeper, 31, has kept four clean sheets in nine WSL games played this term.
    Becky Spencer is one of four Tottenham players who have signed a new deal with the club this monthCredit: Getty
    Spencer said: “It was a no-brainer for me (to sign) with the direction the club is going in.
    “The staff, players and fans have been amazing.”
    Spencer’s new contract follows fresh deals for three of her Spurs team-mates.
    Ashleigh Neville, Kit Graham and club captain Shelina Zadorsky have all extended their stay.
    And Canada centre-back Zadorsky is due to make her 50th Tottenham appearance on Thursday. More