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Post by ripper on Jun 15, 2015 16:39:23 GMT
She played for Brindley Heath, a community team here on the edge of Cannock Chase. I don't think there was an organised league; rather, they would play against any other women's team from surrounding areas in one-off matches. I am not sure exactly but she probably played from around 1950 to 1958 give or take a couple of years, and was a centre-back.
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Post by dem on Jun 15, 2015 19:56:55 GMT
She played for Brindley Heath, a community team here on the edge of Cannock Chase. I don't think there was an organised league; rather, they would play against any other women's team from surrounding areas in one-off matches. I am not sure exactly but she probably played from around 1950 to 1958 give or take a couple of years, and was a centre-back. Your mum's generation were the true pioneer's, Rip! There wouldn't have been any regional leagues at the time as the stuffed shirts at the FA effectively outlawed the women's game in 1921, and the ban stood for fifty years. As a kid, I caught a few women's games at the theatre of screams (i.e., Wealdstone FC's unhallowed Lower Mead Stadium), but am not sure whether there was any kind of tournament involved. The pitch was that classic '70's combo of mud, sand and the bones of our midfield enforcer's victims, and to stand still in the penalty area was to be sucked down in the quagmire. I bet it was miles more fun than playing on plastic. I think one of the teams were affiliated to Corinthian Casuals as they wore the distinctive, sick-making chocolate and pink halved shirts. In related news, Anthea "Give us a twirl" Redfearn, Bruce Forsyth's significant other of the day, once kicked off a testimonial for one of our crocked players. I'm sure you can imagine the nature of the "encouragement" she received from the terraces. Anyway, the world cup. Chances are we might see a goal avalanche in next 24 hours, at least, in group B, where Thialand could still finish top if they beat Germany (it is a big ask!) If kamikaze defending is your thing, Ivory Coast have shipped 13 in two matches which is nearly as impressive as Ecuador (16), and are praying even now that the Norwegians leave their shooting boots back at the hotel and play in flippers instead. Both games kick off 21.00 BST, and the Ivorians are out whatever tonight's results. After midnight, it is the turn of Group A. Netherlands need at least a point against Canadull to qualify, and nothing but a win will be good enough for the Kiwi's versus China. More I think of it, two 0-0 draws seems the likeliest outcome from the thrill-free zone. |
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Post by Craig Herbertson on Jun 16, 2015 7:58:26 GMT
She played for Brindley Heath, a community team here on the edge of Cannock Chase. I don't think there was an organised league; rather, they would play against any other women's team from surrounding areas in one-off matches. I am not sure exactly but she probably played from around 1950 to 1958 give or take a couple of years, and was a centre-back. Your mum's generation were the true pioneer's, Rip! There wouldn't have been any regional leagues at the time as the stuffed shirts at the FA effectively outlawed the women's game in 1921, and the ban stood for fifty years. As a kid, I caught a few women's games at the theatre of screams (i.e., Wealdstone FC's unhallowed Lower Mead Stadium), but am not sure whether there was any kind of tournament involved. The pitch was that classic '70's combo of mud, sand and the bones of our midfield enforcer's victims, and to stand still in the penalty area was to be sucked down in the quagmire. I bet it was miles more fun than playing on plastic. I think one of the teams were affiliated to Corinthian Casuals as they wore the distinctive, sick-making chocolate and pink halved shirts. In related news, Anthea "Give us a twirl" Redfearn, Bruce Forsyth's significant other of the day, once kicked off a testimonial for one of our crocked players. I'm sure you can imagine the nature of the "encouragement" she received from the terraces. Anyway, the world cup. Chances are we might see a goal avalanche in next 24 hours, at least, in group B, where Thialand could still finish top if they beat Germany (it is a big ask!) If kamikaze defending is your thing, Ivory Coast have shipped 13 in two matches which is nearly as impressive as Ecuador (16), and are praying even now that the Norwegians leave their shooting boots back at the hotel and play in flippers instead. Both games kick off 21.00 BST, and the Ivorians are out whatever tonight's results. After midnight, it is the turn of Group A. Netherlands need at least a point against Canadull to qualify, and nothing but a win will be good enough for the Kiwi's versus China. More I think of it, two 0-0 draws seems the likeliest outcome from the thrill-free zone. Pioneer. I can make the usual Blackpool postcard jokes about this but I really admire these women. I was out yesterday watching my thirteen year old daughter playing for her local team, who just won the league, made possible through the bravery of these women. |
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Post by dem on Jun 16, 2015 11:05:01 GMT
Pioneer. I can make the usual Blackpool postcard jokes about this but I really admire these women. I was out yesterday watching my thirteen year old daughter playing for her local team, who just won the league, made possible through the bravery of these women. One thing is for sure, it has been one uphill struggle for acceptance. The early history of the women's game is relatively well documented, but I'm not sure that's the case with the wilderness years. Should imagine there's a very interesting book to be had from the subject. Dem's predict-a-score service - it's the one they're all talking about!, etc. - was a little bit right! Both group A matches ended in draws - Canada 1 Holland 1, China 2 New Zealand 2 - meaning the hosts top the group, Kiwi's take an early plane and the Dutch hope four points will be enough to secure one of the four best third place spots. Germany duly did for Thailand who put in a valiant display, and a 0-4 reverse to the super fräuleins is no disgrace. It remains to be seen whether their 3 points will be enough to see them make the cut for the last 16. Having no need to go crazy, Norway did enough to see off the shell-shocked Ivorians 3-1. Four very attractive fixtures tonight/ early hours of tomorrow. In The group of death, Sweden and Australia look well matched. After successive draws, Big Zlat's countrywomen now need a win, whereas a point will do for the sisters of St. Kylie. Nigeria, who contested a 3-3 thriller with the Swedes before going down 0-2 to Aus, face their toughest test to date versus tournament favourites America. Over in Group D, the Switzerland - Cameroon clash has game-of-the-day potential. You have to worry for the porous Ecuador defence - they've leaked 16 in two games - against World Champs Japan! All eyes on tiny Angie Ponce, the Amarillos's never say die own-goal machine, as she continues her quest for the golden boot. |
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Post by dem on Jun 17, 2015 7:45:12 GMT
"They are a typical South American team. They will be flamboyant, they will be in your faces, they will kick and foul you, they will break up play and frustrate you. That's their gameplan." Karen Carney predicts that Wednesday's encounter with shock group leaders Columbia will not be pretty, though on the evidence of two recent high profile Super League scraps, Karen Bardsley and Jill Scott are unlikely to be intimidated! A draw will be enough to see England progress as one of the best third place teams, but, depending on the outcome of France Vs. Mexico, a win could see them top the group. Last night/ this morning's action saw USA, Australia, Cameroon and Japan progress to the last sixteen, leaving Sweden and Switzerland sweating on today's results. Sadly, Nigeria and Ecuador have left the tournament. Group cIt's three draws on the bounce for the star-studded Swedes, but will that be enough to claim a best third place spot? No such worries for the Aussies, who took an early lead when Lisa De Vanna profited from Laura Alleway's long punt down the middle to cooly slot home. Stung into action, Caroline Seger & Co., laid siege to the Matilda's goal, levelling ten minutes later through a classy individual effort from Sofia Jakobsson, but, despite having the better of the chances, couldn't nab that crucial winner. An Abby Wambach volley on the stroke of half-time was enough for the USA to send Nigeria packing before a 50,000 + crowd. The Super Eagles' Sarah NNodim saw red for a possibly deliberately mistimed tackle, but we've seen far worse go unpunished in previous games (Camille Abily, kindly keep your elbows to yourself!). Group dAngie Ponce was cruelly denied a third own goal of the tournament when her net-bound attempted clearance thundered off Yuki Ogimi's knee and in off the underside of the crossbar to give Japan their winner. But this was a tremendous rearguard display by the yellows, whose keeper, Shirley Berruz, pulled off two marvellous saves to keep the reigning world champs from inflicting further damage. Ecuador coach, Vanessa Arauz, was justly proud of her team's performance. "Despite the two previous routs we suffered, we showed why we deserved to be here. We earned our qualification and we have defended the honour of our country. We'll take this experience and continue to develop women's football in Ecuador." I hope we see them again in four years time. Cameroon are a robust, ultra physical side, but they can also play a good attacking game, and in Aboudi Onguene they have one of the flair players of the tournament. Switzerland went ahead through Ana Maria Crnogorcevic on 24 minutes and would have had qualification in the bag by half-time had they not squandered a number of decent chances. It was a different story after the break. Cameroon came out firing on all cylinders and were level inside two minutes with a scorcher from Onguene, who then set up sub Madeleine Ngono Mani for the winner after a dazzling dribble down the flank. PS Hey pulphack! It had to be, didn't it? Orient's first game of the 2015-16 season, Barnet at home on Sat 8th August. Return fixture at The Hive is Sat. 9th April next year. Might go to that one! |
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Post by ripper on Jun 17, 2015 8:12:52 GMT
I hope that the TV and radio coverage of the Women's World Cup leads to the sport having a higher profile in years to come in terms of more games being televised on a regular basis. Probably a decade or more ago women's football was looked upon as a novelty by many, perhaps most, fans, but I think that is gradually changing. I think it is crucial for the FA to maintain the momentum to women's football that televised competitions such as the one now taking place provides, so that it becomes much more a part of mainstream sports coverage on a regular basis. I have heard criticism that the women's game is not so intense as that played by their male counterparts but I have to say that on the evidence of this World Cup there are few if any shrinking violets in those teams and they are prepared to mix it as much as in the men's game.
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Post by dem on Jun 18, 2015 6:49:39 GMT
Group F
A second gritty win on the bounce versus South American opposition saw England progress as group runners up to face Norway in the last sixteen. A poachers finish by Karen 'The Wizard' Carney and a penalty by Fara 'The Ice Maiden' Williams saw the Lionesses in control at the break, but with total star Lady Andrade demonstrating her full repertoire of dark arts and silky skills, the second half proved a nerve-shredding affair, commentator Jonathan Pearce brinking on spontaneous combustion until Karen 'The Destroyer' Bardsley calmed the nerves by wiping out Carolina Arias with her best (albeit unintentional) Harald Schumacher impersonation. Happily, Ms. Arias recovered sufficiently to level things up with a challenge on Steph Houghton so late it won't arrive until the semi-finals. If the feared bloodbath never materialised, still this was a "keenly contested" encounter, and a Columbia Vs Cameroon clash would be something to see. Again England conceded in injury time (a delicious Lady Andrade lob) but had only to cling on a few seconds before the ref blew time.
After the slip-up versus Columbia that rocked the football world to its very foundations, it was back to winning ways fro the French who put the Mexican senoritas firmy in their place with a 5-0 drubbing, England's nemesis Eugenie Le Sommer bagging two. To round off a perfect evening for Les Bleu's, Amandine Henry staked her claim for goal of the tournament with a swerving 25 yard smasher.
Group E
The samba vampires made it three wins from three with a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica thanks to a late goal by Raquel Fernandes who earned a crafty boob fondle from strike partner Rosana for her troubles. A truly inspired display by keeper Dinnia Diaz wasn't enough to save the besieged Tico's, whose two fine draws ultimately counted for nothing.
Spain blew a half-time lead to fold versus impressive South Korean, whose winner owed everything to an unfortunate goalkeeping error, luckless Ainhoa 'Big Shorts' Tirapu watching in dismay as defender Kim Soo-yun's mis-hit cross ballooned over her head and into the net. Exit the Iberians in floods of tears, a measly point all they have to show for a wretched campaign.
Last 16
Best third places have now been confirmed. Four points were enough to see Columbia and Netherlands progress to face USA and Japan respectively. Draw specialists Sweden scraped through by the hem of their shorts, but face a tough test versus Germany. Switzerland have their 10-1 mauling of Ecuador to thank for edging out the physically tiny Thai's who likewise finished on three points - from a way tougher group - and can consider themselves a little unfortunate that their terrific performances versus overwhelming odds go unrewarded.
That juicy second stage line-up in full
Germany vs. Sweden (Sat 20th)
China vs. Cameroon (Sat 20th)
Brazil vs. Australia (Sun 21st)
France vs. South Korea (Sun 21st)
Canada vs. Switzerland (Sun 21st)
Norway vs. England (Mon 22nd)
USA vs. Columbia (Mon 22nd)
Japan vs. Netherlands (Tue 23rd)
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Post by ripper on Jun 18, 2015 8:35:42 GMT
Letting in that very late goal was disappointing, and that's two on the trot now. So far, it hasn't mattered but in the knock-out stages they will have to be very careful. Colombia's fixture against the USA shows how important it was to finish second, as USA are highly fancied. Listening to the R5 commentary it was stated that the attendance was around 8,000-10,000 in a 50,000 capacity stadium, so a little disappointing. Also, according to the pundit there is a panini sticker album for the competition, which shows that it is gaining more prominence. Finally, the commentator--Ian Brown--said that one of the USA players had a salary and sponsorship deal worth £1.9m per year, which was pretty impressive, I thought.
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Post by ripper on Jun 18, 2015 9:32:50 GMT
The American player earning £1.9m per year is Alex Morgan. According to the BBC, leading English players are on around £65.000 per year, though sponsorships etc are still fairly new over here compared to the USA. I really hope that this World Cup will encourage young girls to take up the game in a similar manner to how it has taken off in the USA.
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Post by dem on Jun 19, 2015 6:43:12 GMT
 Grudge match! The Norwegian media up the anteThe football world was shaken to its very foundations again today with publication of this inflammatory item in the Norwegian sports press. Clearly the Scandinavian soccer sorceresses fancy their chances! Perhaps we might remind you, Mr & Mrs VG Sporten that, according to the FIFA rankings, OUR GIRLS are ceded the SIXTH best team in the WHOLE WORLD, unlike you, who are only a PITIFUL ELEVENTH! So enough of your Maren 'The Net-buster' Mjelde, your bewitching ball control and 100 mph counter attacking flair, already! Do your worst! We look forward to giving your little madams the trouncing they deserve! |
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Post by pulphack on Jun 19, 2015 22:38:22 GMT
Slight derail for the men's game - Dem, the O's have Barnet first game, Dagenham & Redbridge away the second week... we should do Barnet, it'll make a change from scaring aged book buyers in a grotty basement...
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Post by dem on Jun 20, 2015 6:54:31 GMT
Slight derail for the men's game - Dem, the O's have Barnet first game, Dagenham & Redbridge away the second week... we should do Barnet, it'll make a change from scaring aged book buyers in a grotty basement... Getting the glamour fixtures out of the way early - that old trick! Not sure if it's still the case, but there used to be a brill second-hand bookshop, Two Jays of Edgware, not fifteen minutes walk from The Hive, so there's even a possibility of a combined Football - paperback plunder. Might model the new, hideous pinstriped Wealdstone shirt for the occasion if I'm feeling suicidal. In the meantime, the Swedish draw specialists are up against the formidable German's tonight in the first of the women's world cup's knock out matches. Cameroon Vs. China follows shortly after midnight. |
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Post by pulphack on Jun 21, 2015 16:17:47 GMT
Saw my first game of the world cup last night, and I would concur with Rip that there are few shrinking violets in the women's game now, and that skill levels are catching up at a rate that is fast compared to development of the men's game - I base this purely on having seen the Belles several times about a decade ago compared to now, which is admittedly like comparing Aston Villa to Brazil, but I think my point still stands. I would also echo what Dem and Craig have said about your mum being a pioneer. Without women like her, there would be no women's game in this country now: when I was a kid, my next door neighbours had a daughter who played for Spurs ladies (I'm talking about 1970-2, as she got married and moved away about '72-3). She was looked on as odd. When we had playground footy at junior school around then, the few girls who were interested weren't allowed to play, especially when one of them did and was better than a lot of us. Who said the '70's were all good? As for your daughter, Craig - about a decade back I still played park football with a motley bunch of punks and idiots, and one of us - Belfast Eric (to differentiate himself from French Eric - we also had a Fat Danny, a Joe-Dan, and an East Ham Dan - who actually came from Peterborough, apparently) - was married to a German woman and commuted between London and Berlin, where his step-daughter played for her school team. She went on to become a referee and reffed in Eire, where she went to Uni. I recall that the German girl's game was organised far better than those idiots at the FA could manage, even then.
Meanwhile, back in the cretinous world of League Two - consider the Hive marked off on the fixture list, Dem - hoofball League Two style and the chance to pick up some paperbacks? Saturday heaven, innit?
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Post by dem on Jun 21, 2015 18:03:11 GMT
She went on to become a referee and reffed in Eire, where she went to Uni. I recall that the German girl's game was organised far better than those idiots at the FA could manage, even then. There may be more to come from Japan, but with USA struggling to live up to the hype, Germany have often looked light years ahead of the competition, the honourable exception being (ulp!) Norway who survived the worst of the now familiar first half onslaught to eventually hold them quite comfortably. Having said that, a better balanced team than Sweden might have caused them some grief yesterday. As it was .... Germany 4 Sweden 1: The sirens in blue and yellow ran Die Nationalelf close on home soil at Euro 13, but they've not travelled well, talisman Lotta Schelin in particular looking out of sorts on the unpopular melty plastic pitches. The Germans may be the most accomplished team in the tournament, but their faces were no less red than their opponents after a manic first half high on pantomime defending, serial sitter-missing, and a dive so scandalous it had even the overtly polite Canadian neutrals - 'Go both teams Go!'- booing them from the pitch. Not that they cared with the win already good as in the bag. Anja Mittag put her side ahead with a supernatural banana shot that seemed to glide past the keeper in slow motion, then blotted her copybook to gain a blatantly unfair spot kick for Celia Sasic to tuck confidently home. Sasis struck again soon after the break and, while the Swedes belatedly got their game together, a classy bullet-header from Linda 'Spring-heeled' Sembrant proved too little too late. In truth, at times it looked like Xena: Warrior Princess versus Sweet Gwendoline out there, and the devilishly disciplined Deutsch progress to meet, and likely beat, the winners of France - South Korea in the quarter finals. Let's hope there are still some shocks in store, otherwise we might just as well hand Silvia Neid's juggernauts the trophy and have done with it. Cameroon 0 China 1: Only caught the first half. Despite conceding early, Cameroon were looking the better side and carved out plenty of chances, but all of them squandered, messing up the enticing prospect of a cat-fight with Columbia in the last eight! This evenings action sees Brazil take on Australia (currently 0-0 at HT), France versus South Korea, and, in the after midnight slot, hosts Canada hoping to hit some form against a recently toughed up and struggling Switzerland. But it's tomorrows double-bill I'm most looking forward to .... Meanwhile, back in the cretinous world of League Two - consider the Hive marked off on the fixture list, Dem - hoofball League Two style and the chance to pick up some paperbacks? Saturday heaven, innit? It's impossible for me to plan three days ahead, but will definitely try make time for this. When next I'm back that way will check if 'Two Jays' (the legendary Driff's #1 bookshop back in the day) is still with us in some shape or form. |
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Post by dem on Jun 22, 2015 10:22:11 GMT
 Emilie Haavi learns that FIFA have rejected the girls' revolutionary ideas for improving the women's game. Along with Lady Andrade's sparkly performances for Columbia, my joint #1 highlight of the Women's World Cup to date. An endearing mockumentary from England's opponents this evening. Dokument Ramm: Erkjennelsen // Norwegian women's national squad admit: We suck at football! Australia 1 Brazil 0: Only caught the last twenty minutes, but first half reportedly uneventful. Brazil's Geoffrey Hughes lookalike manager cut a forlorn figure as his girls failed to sparkle and their shoot on sight policy for once failed them, threatening serious structural damage to the floodlights and, in the case of Andressa's viciously miscued volley, a corner flag . Sub Kyah Simon prodded home a rebound ten minutes from time to bag a famous victory for the Aussies. Brazil phenomenon Marta's frustration was evident in a wild lunge to earn a yellow card which, in view of the disturbing leniency of the referees toward the big names, is quite an achievement. France 3 South Korea 0: Pretty much done and dusted in eight minutes, France already two goals to the good and threatening a rout. Korean goalie Kim then wiped out in collision with own player leading to lengthy delay while magic sponge applied to her damaged face. Les Bleus seriously back on track after wake up call versus Columbia and look "a real handful". Canada 1 Switzerland 0: No reflection on the entertainment on offer, but I flaked out shortly after the goal and have no idea how the Swiss responded - they'd looked OK up 'til then. Canada less boring than they were in qualifying. Big crowd brought the noise. This evening, it gets proper! |
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