WOLVES IN DETAIL
The Results 2000 onwards
Wolves Women player appearances and goals 2016-2017
League
WFA Cup
League Cup
B'ham C Cup
player
Jenni Anslow
Sam Berry
Vicky Brackenbury
Jodie Bragan
Mai Butler
Emma Cross
Jade Cross
Jess Davis
Chloe Evans
Lucy Gardner
Sophie Glenny
Clare Hakeman
Rosie Hargreaves
Lucy Heaselgrave
Jade Hewitt
Kim Holden
Hattie James
Hannah Johnson
Molly Jones
Toran Kelly
Nikki Lal
Anna Lock
Dominique Luke
Laura McQuilken
Ruby Meeson
Esme Moran
Anna Perks
Amber Quick
Sophie Richards
Kate Webb
Andrea Whetton
Natalie Widdal
Opponents
apps
20+1
2+2
15
7+4
8
19+1
22
4+2
3
10
8
12+3
3+8
2+1
6+7
0+4
0+1
0+3
0+3
12
12+5
0+4
2+4
16+1
21+1
4+3
1
18+3
15+2
gls
4
4
2
2
2
16
1
3
1
2
2
3
9
4
1
1
apps
4
4
4
4
1
3
1
4
0+3
0+1
2+2
0+1
1+2
3
4
0+2
1
2
4
1
gls
2
3
2
1
1
1
1
apps
3
3
2+1
3
1
2
1
3
0+2
1+1
0+1
0+1
1+1
2+1
2
3
1
3
2
gls
1
1
1
1
1
apps
4
2
4
4
0+1
1
2
3
1
0+1
2+2
4
0+1
0+2
1
3
1+2
1+3
0+3
1
2+1
1+2
2
3+1
2
gls
1
7
5
2
1
1
1
2
Season
apps
31+1
5+2
21
7+4
8
29+2
33
5+2
4+1
16
12
22
1
0+1
5+15
2+2
13+10
0+6
0+1
0+1
1+8
1+3
19+1
19+8
1+9
2+7
20+1
28+2
7+5
3
28+4
20+2
gls
8
0
7
2
2
2
25
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
6
0
0
0
1
0
1
3
0
3
5
11
0
0
6
4
1
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 17th July 2016
Friendly
Bentley Leisure Pavilion
Wolves Women 2 (J Cross, McQuilken)
Nottingham Forest Ladies 0
Wolves;
Albion;
Goals-Log;
Unknown
Unknown
?mins (1-0) J Cross, ?mins (2-0) McQuilken, HT 2 - 0, FT 2 - 0
no programme issued
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Thursday 21st July 2016
Friendly
City of Wolverhampton College, Wellington Road Campus
Wolves Women 2 (Widdal, Holden)
Wrockwardine Wood Ladies 0
Wolves squad;
Wood;
Goals-Log;
Gardiner, Evans, Luke, J Davis, Hakeman, Whetton, McQuilken, Perks, Lal, James, Johnson, Lock, Brackenbury
unknown
unknown
no programme issued
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Thursday 28th July 2016
Friendly
City of Wolverhampton College, Wellington Road Campus
Wolves Women 2 (Lal, McQuilken)
West Bromwich Albion Ladies 4 (unknown)
Wolves;
Albion;
Goals-Log;
unknown
unknown
?mins (0-1) unknown, ?min (0-2) unknown, ?mins (1-2) Lal, ?mins (1-3) unknown, HT 1 - 3, ?mins (2-3) McQuilken, ?mins (2-4) unknown, FT 2 - 4
no programme issued
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 7th August 2016
Friendly
Bentley Leisure Pavilion
Wolves Women 3 (Lal 2, Perks)
Crewe Alexandra Ladies 1 (Harrison)
Wolves Squad;
Alex;
Goals-Log;
Evans, James, J Cross, Lal, Meeson, Quick, Johnson, McQuilken, Brackenbury, Richards, Whetton, Perks, Widdal, lock
unknown
?mins (0-1) Harrison, HT 0 - 1, ?mins (1-1) Lal, ?mins (2-1) Perks, ?mins (3-1) Lal, FT 3 - 1
no programme issued
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 28th August 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Roundswood Sports Pavilion
35
Rotherham United Ladies 2 (Pollock, Ross)
Wolves Women 3 (Whetton, J Cross, Anslow)
Millers;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Jary, Ryan (Saxon 70), Fairfax, White, Wilson, Ross, Drayton (Kimpton 85), Pollock, Wild, Shaw, Carter, unused sub; Elsworth
Gardner, E Cross, Anslow, McQuilken (Lock 86), Brackenbury, Widdal, Whetton (Lal 76), Richards, J Cross, Quick, Holden (Johnson 44), unused subs; none
3mins (1-0) Pollock, 17mins (2-0) Ross, 28mins (2-1) Whetton, HT 2 - 1, 48mins (2-2) J Cross, 82mins (2-3) Anslow, FT 2 - 3
no programme issued
Match Report
Jen Anslow’s late goal helped Wolves Women back from 2-0 down to an impressive 3-2 away victory over Rotherham Ladies in their first game of the new season.
Wolves were on the back foot from the start, with Rotherham opening the scoring in just the third minute. The ball was played long into Amy Pollock who found herself one on one with Wolves’ keeper Lucy Gardner, and slotted home to put the hosts ahead. As Wolves pushed for an equaliser they were caught again, this time after the ball was played through from Pollock to Ross. She beat the keeper to place the ball in the bottom left-hand corner of the net and double Rotherham’s lead.
Undeterred, Wolves pushed on to get themselves back into the game, creating several chances. A mistake by the Rotherham keeper in the 25th minute let Jade Cross get a shot off, but the keeper recovered to make the save. Three minutes later, however, Wolves were able to pull a goal back, after a cross into the box found new signing Andrea Whetton, who headed home into the far right of the net to make it 2-1. The visitors were now having more of the play, with the chances coming thick and fast as they tried to find the equaliser, but they were unable to make the breakthrough and the half finished with Rotherham ahead.
Wolves started the second half in the same vein, and finally capitalised in the 48th minute, after the ball was played long into Jade Cross, who took it into the box and scored one on one past the keeper to bring the score level. Rotherham were struggling to create any chances, with Wolves now dominating the game. In the 66th minute Laura McQuilkin’s corner caused trouble in the Rotherham box but it was cleared by the keeper.
It was in the last 10 minutes of the game that Wolves began to show their class and dominance. They were finally rewarded in the 82nd minute as Anslow shot straight past the keeper from outside the box to give the visitors a deserved lead. Rotherham looked to get back into the game late on but Wolves were able to hold on for a vital three points.
Manager Steve Cullis was delighted with the fight back: "The girls showed great character in what I thought was a deserved win. In the first 20 minutes we were slow off the mark, but once we got going we did well and I was really pleased with what they achieved.” Cullis also praised Jade Cross and her determination throughout the game: "Last season was fantastic for Jade, being top goal scorer. She's naturally the person we look for to get the ball into the back of the net. “She missed a couple of chances early on, but the good thing with Jade is that she doesn't let it affect her. She said in the changing room at half time that she would make amends, and low and behold, 3 minutes in, she put the ball in the net for 2-2 and I couldn't ask for any more."
Cullis also praised new signings Andrea Whetton and Victoria Brackenbury: "The players we’ve brought in have really added a depth to the squad. We now have so many variables and the pleasing thing for me is that the team can play in a variety of positions, and we have options on the bench which is fantastic. “All in all I’m really pleased with the squad today. Competition is going to be tough; it’s going to be a difficult challenge to pick 16 players each week but that's why we love the game".
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 4th September 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Paycare Ground, Bentley Leisure Pavilion, Darlaston
50
Wolves Women 3 (Whetton, Anslow(pen), James)
Radcliffe Olympic Ladies 2 (Robinson 2)
Wolves;
Olympic;
Goals-Log;
Gardner, Hakeman (E Cross 56), Anslow, McQuilken (Hewitt 75)), Brackenbury, Widdal, Whetton, Richards (Luke 56), J Cross, Quick, James, unused subs; Lock, Davis
S Turner, Bailey, L Turner (Evans 85), Shaw, Marshall, Ramadan (Harford 66), Webster, Jones, Kempski (Smyth 80), D Saulter, Robinson, unused subs; none
9mins (0-1) Robinson, HT 0 - 1, 59mins (1-1) Whetton, 68mins (1-2) Robinson, 81mins (2-2) Anslow (penalty), 83mins (3-2) James, FT 3 - 2
Match Report
Wolves Women were the comeback heroes for their second game running - this time in the League Cup as they came from behind twice to beat visitors Radcliffe Olympic 3-2 at Darlaston Town's Bentley ground.
Radcliffe had the upper hand from the start, dominating play in the early stages, with Wolves struggling to get into the game. The visitors could have been ahead in the fifth minute, but captain Widdal cleared off the line. Their persistence paid off though, and Nat Robinson broke the deadlock, catching Wolves on the break from their first attack of the game to put Radcliffe in front.
After 20 minutes Wolves started to put some passes together to get back into the game. Their best spell of possession ended with Laura McQuilkin slicing wide from outside the area. Then in the 25th minute Jen Anslow turned a defender on the edge of the area but shot over.
Lucy Webster nearly extended Radcliffe’s lead just two minutes later with a floated effort from an acute angle which bounced back off the crossbar.
And Widdal came to the rescue again in the 37th minute, intercepting a shot on goal from Laura Turner.
Wolves had a couple of chances just before the break, with Andrea Whetton mis-cuing from a tight angle after quick build-up play and a whipped-in cross from the left, before Anslow's free-kick was just out of reach of Brackenbury's run into the box. Wolves were still finding it hard to get any shots on goal and the half finished with the visitors ahead.
The second half saw the game open up more, but it was Radcliffe who had the first chance as former Wolves player Beth Bailey fired her free-kick over the bar. Then it was Anslow's turn to whip in a low corner from the right, but Amber Quick couldn't quite connect and it was gathered by the 'keeper.
Anslow made a vital interception in the 54th minute from a deep cross, heading back to Gardner in the Wolves goal with Radcliffe's Lucy Webster waiting to pull the trigger.
After a successful comeback from injury, Claire Hakeman made way for Emma Cross in the 57th minute, while Dominique Luke replaced Sophie Richards in midfield. As Wolves pressed, Jade Cross forced a defensive header which landed at the feet of Whetton for her to shoot into the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the area to make it 1-1.
Wolves found themselves behind again just nine minutes later though, as Robinson scored her second with a looping free-kick into the top corner.
Manager Steve Cullis made his final substitution in the 74th minute as the rain started, bringing on Jade Hewitt for McQuilkin. And it was Hewitt who was brought down in the box for a penalty which Anslow duly converted to level the scores again. With the clock ticking down Hattie James clinched the winner for Wolves in the 83rd minute, looping the ball over a defender after the keeper had saved a Jade Cross shot. It was a battle to the end, with Emma Cross clearing off the line in the last minute, but Wolves held on for another impressive win which sees them progress to the first round proper of the League Cup.
Manager Cullis said: "I was really proud of the girls again today - an outstanding performance showing fantastic desire and character to fight back from behind for the second game running."
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 11th September 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
Wolverhampton Wanderers Women P
Loughborough Students Ladies P
Match Postponed as opposition were unable to raise a team
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Wednesday 14th September 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
The Vale Stadium, Castle Vale
40
Birmingham & West Midlands Ladies 1 (Painter)
Wolves Women 3 (Brackenbury, Widdal, Quick)
Millers;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Fisher, Sievwright, Pritchard, Gimson, Eastwood, Buckmire, Dunger, Jennings (Lang 75), Price (Fitgerald 65), Horne (Painter 60), Morris
Gardner, E Cross, Anslow (Hakeman 82), Richards, Brackenbury, Widdal, Whetton, McQuilken (Davis 72), J Cross, Quick, James (Perks 72), unused subs; Hewitt, James
20mins (0-1) Brackenbury, HT 0 - 1, 49mins (0-2) Widdal, 66mins (1-2) Painter, 90+5mins Quick, FT 1 - 3
no programme issued
Match Report
Wolves Women made it two wins out of two in the league with a 3-1 victory over Birmingham and West Midlands Ladies under floodlights at Vale Stadium.
Wolves were quick off the mark with a succession of chances, the best one coming in the ninth minute when Amber Quick headed over the bar from a corner. The game then slowed down in pace, but Wolves drew first blood in the 20th minute, as Laura McQuilkin’s corner was fumbled by the keeper and Vicky Brackenbury took advantage to put the visitors ahead.
Wolves were looking for a second and had a great chance just four minutes later as Jen Anslow’s pinpoint pass was narrowly volleyed over the bar by Jade Cross. Wolves came close again in the 38th minute when a one-two between Cross and Quick ended with Quick’s shot being saved by the keeper.
Steve Cullis’s side’s failure to convert their early chances meant they finished the first half 1-0 up.
Wolves started the second half as they’d left off, and their persistence paid off in the 48th minute from a McQuilkin corner. There was a goalmouth scramble as the ball came in and Natalie Widdal’s header was adjudged to have crossed the line to give Wolves their second goal of the game.
Birmingham& West Midlands rallied, trying to get back into it, but were unable to create any concrete chances and get past the Wolves defence. Wolves were looking to kill the game off, with Anslow and Jade Cross both spurning chances, but it was the hosts who capitalised as Wolves failed to defend a corner in the 71st minute and Emily Painter’s header got Birmingham& West Midlands on the scoresheet.
The game started getting feisty with Birmingham & West Midlands searching for an equaliser, but Wolves were steadfast in their resolve and were rewarded in the fifth minute of stoppage time after another good link up between Jade Cross and Quick saw the latter shoot home to make it 3-1 and seal the game for Wolves.
Manager Cullis said: "Overall I was pleased with the result, but disappointed that we didn't put the game to bed early on. “We had several good chances and regretted not taking them when we had to battle to maintain our lead once they'd scored. "We showed good character and resolve though, and were well disciplined and got the final goal out of pure desire. "I have to praise Jade Cross. Although she didn't score herself, her contribution off the ball was fantastic. And Sophie Richards was outstanding in midfield. "Overall I'm pleased with the performance which gives us lots of confidence going into the next game."
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 18th September 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
52
Wolves Women 0
The New Saints Ladies 3 (Ridge 2, Canlett(pen))
Wolves;
Saints;
Goals-Log;
Gardner, Whetton (James 65), E Cross, Perks, Brackenbury, Widdal, McQuilken, Richards (Hakeman 34), J Cross, Hewitt (Davis 59), Quick, unused sub; Holden
Evans, Yates, Garnham, Anderson, Canlett, Edwards (Walford 68), Jones (Burke 65), Lewis, Ridge, Arrowsmith (Wilkinson 9), Roden
HT 0 - 0, 46mins (0-1) Ridge, 54mins (0-2) Canlett (penalty), 64mins (0-3) Ridge, FT 0 - 3
Match Report
Wolves Women suffered their first league defeat of the season at their Hednesford Town ground after a second half meltdown which saw them concede three goals in the space of 20 minutes.
Wolves were slow to get into the game with their first chance not coming until the 15th minute as Jade Cross’s shot from the edge of the box was comfortably saved by the keeper. The New Saints started to put pressure on their hosts and in the 22nd minute sent in a long range shot from 30 yards out which forced a fantastic save from Lucy Gardner in the Wolves goal, pushing the ball onto the post.
Wolves started to create chances of their own, most notably in the 28th minute when the ball was played into Amber Quick who found herself one on one with the keeper, but her shot was saved. Laura McQuilkin came close five minutes later as her speculative cross hit the crossbar, but neither side could make the breakthrough and the half finished goalless.
The New Saints wasted no time in the second half in getting on the scoresheet, as Emily Ridge got behind the Wolves back line and found herself one on one with Gardner in the Wolves goal, chipping the ball in to put the visitors ahead. Wolves were trying to find the equaliser but were unable to create any clear cut chances. They suffered a further blow in the 54th minute when they gave away a penalty and Charlotte Canlett slotted home to make it 2-0 to the visitors.
Wolves were then fighting hard to get themselves back into the game, trying to find the comeback spirit which they had shown to good effect in previous games. Laura McQuilkin’s free-kick led to a goalmouth scramble, but Wolves weren’t able to capitalise. Their miserable day was completed when an intercepted backpass was picked up by Ridge, who rounded the keeper to score her second and a third goal for TNS, condemning Wolves to their first defeat of the season.
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 25th September 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
62
Wolves Women 5 (J Cross 2, Brackenbury, Whetton, Quick)
Leicester City Ladies 0
Wolves;
Saints;
Goals-Log;
Gardner, Hakeman (Lock 77), E Cross (Anslow 77), Perks, Brackenbury, Whetton, Holden (Hewitt 66), Luke, J Cross, Quick, Davis, unused sub; Widdal
Aragosa, Burbidge (Hutchings 46 (Footman 75)), Catell, Colange Lo, Czekaj, Ikeda (Bugajska 40), Janicka, Maslen, Milner, Walton, Whalley
42mins (1-0) J Cross, HT 1 - 0, 61mins (2-0) Brackenbury, 65mins (3-0) J Cross, 71mins (4-0) Whetton, 90+1mins (5-0) Quick, FT 5 - 0
Match Report
There were celebrations all round as Wolves Women bounced back empathically from last week’s 3-0 defeat with a dominating 5-0 victory over Leicester City Ladies, and twin team mates Jade and Emma Cross enjoyed their 21st birthday.
Wolves started well, pressing right from the start, with their first shot from Emma Cross in the seventh minute just going wide. An Amber Quick effort from a corner was cleared, only for the ball to land at the feet of Jade Cross, whose shot was deflected wide.
Wolves kept up the pressure throughout the first half but were unable to get on the score sheet until the 42nd minute after a shot by Dominique Luke was well saved by the keeper. Quick collected the rebound, but as she turned in the box she was tripped by the defender, and Wolves were awarded a penalty which Jade Cross duly converted to put the home side ahead at the break.
Leicester came out fighting at the start of the second half and their first attempt went just wide. Ten minutes later Wolves’ keeper Lucy Gardner was forced to make her first save of the game, as Colangelo shot from the edge of the box. Wolves responded just minutes later after a scuffed shot from Andrea Whetton reached Victoria Brackenbury, who took the chance from two yards out to make it 2-0.
Wolves were now on a roll, and added another just five minutes later after the ball was played through to Jade Cross, who ran into the box and beat the keeper for her second of the game and Wolves’ third. Wolves added a fourth in the 71st minute after substitute Jade Hewitt played the ball into Whetton whose shot from the edge of the box couldn’t be held by the keeper and slipped through into the net.
The day then went from bad to worse for Leicester as in the 79th minute a serious injury forced off Keeleigh Hutchings, leaving them to see out the game with only 10 players as all their subs had been used. Wolves’ fifth goal came in added time after the ball was played through by Jade Cross to Quick, whose first shot was initially saved by the keeper before converting the rebound to seal an impressive 5-0 victory.
Manager Steve Cullis said: "It was really important to bounce back today. “Everyone at the game last week knew we underperformed; the standard just wasn't good enough, but today as a team our focus was that we had to improve on what we did last week and obviously we did that tenfold today.
"We had faith in the team, we've been there and done it many times last season, so I've got more than enough faith in that team to produce when it really matters. "The pleasing thing was we created a lot more chances than last week, so for me it was just a matter of time, of getting our quality players on the ball in the right areas and punishing their mistakes." Cullis also praised birthday girl Jade Cross. He added: "Jade did brilliantly today. “She’s been a bit short on confidence lately but credit to her, today she stepped up. “She dispatched the penalty expertly, she runs the line really well, and she's so effective with the team. “Whether that be as a goalscorer or with her creative energy, she provides a massive boost for the team.”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 2nd October 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
50
Wolves Women 6 (Davis, McQuilken, Quick, J Cross 3)
Solihull Ladies 1 (Dickinson)
Wolves;
Solihull:;
Goals-Log;
Gardner, Hakeman (Lock 75), Anslow, Luke, Perks, Brackenbury, Whetton, Quick, J Cross, McQuilken (Hewitt 75), Davis (James 56), unused sub, E Cross
Sarah Parkes, Hargreaves, Taylor, Salter, Courtney (Shannonn Parkes 75), Dickinson, Pointon, White, Grieve, Hughes, Jones, unused sub; Rushen
11mins (1-0) Davis, 25mins (2-0) McQuilken, 31mins (3-0) Quick, 41mins Jones (Solihull), misses penalty over bar, HT 3 - 0, 56mins (4-0) J Cross, 66mins (5-0) J Cross, 70mins (5-1) Dickinson, 90+2mins (6-1) J Cross, FT 6 - 1
Match Report
A comfortable 6-1 win over Solihull Ladies, including a hat-trick for Jade Cross, secured second place in the table for Wolves Women at a sunny Hednesford Town.
Despite Wolves’ dominance of the game, it was Solihull who got the first chance from a corner in the fifth minute. Wolves’ keeper Gardner could only push the ball wide, and it fell to former Wolves player Layla Salter whose shot missed the target. Wolves got straight back into the game though, and in the 11th minute Laura McQuilkin’s through ball found Jess Davis, who beat the offside trap, rounded the keeper, and shot into an empty net to put the home side ahead.
Wolves could have added a second in the 19th minute after Cross played the ball through to Amber Quick, but Quick lost her footing and her shot went over the bar. Solihull then came close just a minute later, but Tanya Dickinson’s shot from the edge of the area missed the target. Wolves doubled their lead in the 25th minute as Cross beat the defender and laid the ball off to McQuilkin who finished in the bottom corner of the net.
Wolves were now on a roll, and added a third in the 31st minute with two stunning passes – a fantastic long range ball out to the wing from Dominique Luke to find Andrea Whetton, whose cross was met by Quick and duly despatched. Solihull had a chance to get back into the game in the 40th minute, after Vicky Brackenbury handled in the area, but the resulting penalty was fired over by Georgia Jones, and Wolves went into the break 3-0 up.
The home side continued to control the game in the second half, and in the 50th minute a stunning cross from Jen Anslow evaded the Solihull keeper, but Whetton could not react quickly enough to get a clean contact, and her shot went wide. Wolves then added a fourth six minutes later as Quick played the ball through to Cross, who slotted past the keeper into the left-hand corner of the goal.
Cross got her second in the 67th minute, latching onto a through ball to beat the keeper and make it 5-0 to the home side. Solihull got a consolation goal in the 70th minute, as Dickinson was quick to capitalise after a game of pinball in the Wolves box. But Wolves weren’t finished yet, and in stoppage time substitute Jade Hewitt played in Cross, who dinked the ball over the keeper for her hat-trick, making the final score 6-1.
Manager Steve Cullis said: "We fully deserved the win today. We were the best team on the pitch, and the players had a really good appetite and desire, both in and out of possession. "We pride ourselves on being a team which wants to keep clean sheets. We were annoyed to concede the goal, but it was well taken, and I think our back four today was exceptional. "We have gone into every game confident, especially when we have played at home and played well previously, so for me the message is going to be, go with more of the same. “Go and be really creative with the ball, enjoy having possession, work hard, and if we do that, hopefully we will get the right result."
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Wednesday 5th October 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
75
Wolves Women 5 (McQuilken, Perks, J Cross, Luke, Brackenbury)
Birmingham & West Midlands Ladies 2 (McDonagh, Pritchard)
Wolves;
B'ham:;
Goals-Log;
Gardner, E Cross, Anslow, Luke, Brackenbury, Perks, Whetton (Hakeman 75), Quick, J Cross, McQuilken (Holden 81), Davis (James 85), unused subs; Hewitt, Lock
Fisher, Sievwright, Pritchard, Gimson, Eastwood, Buckmire, Belcher, Jennings, Price (Horne 75), McDonagh (Fitzgerald 70), Painter (Kennesha 80), unused subs; Lang, Gough
7mins (0-1) McDonagh, 21mins (0-2) Pritchard, HT 0 - 2, 48mins (1-2) McQuilken, 52mins 92-2) Perks, 54mins (3-2) J Cross, 75mins (4-2) Luke, 90mins (5-2) Brackenbury, FT 5 - 2
Match Report
Wolves Women fought back from a 2-0 deficit at the break to record an impressive 5-2 victory over Birmingham & West Midlands Ladies under floodlights at Keys Park on Wednesday night.
Wolves got off to a slow start and saw Birmingham & West Midlands take advantage in just the seventh minute, when a fantastic shot from outside the box by Jodie McDonagh managed to loop over keeper Lucy Gardner and into the goal. Wolves were struggling to create chances, but did manage a couple in quick succession, with McQuilkin shooting over the bar before Amber Quick’s shot was well held by the keeper.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 21st minute after catching Wolves on the counter attack. Their first shot came back off the post, before the next shot was parried by Gardner in the Wolves’ goal, but the ball fell into the path of Annie Pritchard who duly despatched it to make it 2-0 to Birmingham & West Midlands. Wolves were then trying to pull themselves back into the game, but didn't create a clear cut chance until the 44th minute, after the ball was played by Emma Cross into her sister Jade, whose shot went over the bar, leaving the hosts 2-0 down at the break.
Wolves came out fighting at the start of the second half and took just two minutes to get on the scoresheet. A lovely ball from Dom Luke found Andrea Whetton, whose pinpoint cross was met by McQuilkin to finish in the bottom corner. Wolves now had their tails up, looking to get the equaliser, and they managed to do that only five minutes later when Jen Anslow’s perfect corner ball was met by captain Anna Perks whose header nestled in the back of the net.
Wolves then pushed on against a deflated Birmingham side and took the lead just a minute later with a fine finish from Jade Cross, making it 3-2. Having scored three goals in the space of six minutes Wolves were now on the rampage, with crosses coming in from every angle, and in the 75th minute Luke’s stunning shot from outside the box beat the keeper to put Wolves in clear control of the game.
Manager Steve Cullis made a string of substitutions, with Hakeman, Holden and James entering the fray. The home side weren’t finished yet and another corner from Anslow in the 89th minute was finished by Vicky Brackenbury to add to the visitors’ misery and seal another comeback win for Wolves.
Cullis said: “Credit to the girls, what an absolutely fantastic performance in the second half. I couldn’t be any more proud of the players today.”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 9th October 2016
SSE WFA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round
Holywell Park, Loughborough University
Loughborough Foxes Ladies 2 (Pilling, Chambers(pen))
Wolves Women 3 (Anslow, Brackenbury, Perks)
Foxes;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Hannabuss, Eastham, Sugarman, Simes (Moore 70), Bramley, Young, Chandarana (Tugby 60), Chambers, Cooper, Steele, Pilling, unused subs; none
Gardner, Hakeman (Hewitt 75), Anslow, Luke, Perks, Brackenbury, Whetton, E Cross, J Cross, McQuilken, James (Holden), unused subs, none
5mins (0-1) Anslow, 6mins (1-1) Pilling, 21mins (1-2) Brackenbury, 28mins (1-3) Perks, HT 1 - 3, 86mins (2-3) Chambers (penalty), FT 2 - 3
no programme issued
Match Report
League leaders Loughborough Foxes fell to their first defeat of the season at the hands of an impressive Wolves side, who now progress to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup. The match, played at Loughborough University Stadium, saw Wolves come out 3-2 winners from a hard fought tie.
Wolves started the game the strongest and were able to get a quick goal after five minutes when Jen Anslow's free kick from the edge of the box eluded everyone and went straight into the net to put the visitors ahead. Loughborough however came straight back into the game with an equaliser just a minute later, beating Lucy Gardner in the Wolves goal.
Jade Cross came close in the 8th minute, but her shot was stopped by the keeper. Wolves' relentless attack finally paid dividends in the 21st minute from another Anslow free-kick. The ball came back off the post and, after a goal mouth scramble, fell to Vicky Brackenbury who tapped it home against her former club to put Wolves ahead again. The visitors continued to pile on the pressure, and seven minutes later they scored their third when captain Anna Perks headed in from a corner, giving them a two goal cushion at the break.
The second half saw Loughborough Foxes find some of the spirit which has seen them unbeaten so far this season, creating a host of chances. In the 48th minute they hit the crossbar, but their shot from the rebound was saved by Gardner. They came close in the 61st minute, heading onto the post from a corner.
Wolves were steadfast in defence, but Loughborough got the breakthrough in 86th minute when they were awarded a penalty and converted to make it 3-2 The final few minutes were a tense affair, but Wolves were able to secure the win to progress to the next round.
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Sunday 16th October 2016
FA Women's Premier League Cup 2nd Round
Keys Park, Hednesford
76
Wolves Women 2 (Perks, Quick)
Brighouse Town Ladies 2 (Redgrave)
after extra time - Wolves won 4-2 on penalties
Wolves;
Town:
Goals-Log;
Gardner, Hakeman (Johnson 84), Anslow, E Cross, Perks, Brackenbury, Whetton, Quick, J Cross, McQuilken (Hewitt 108), Davis (James 46), unused sub; Lock
Jones, Bamforth, James, Ayub, McGill, Dobson (Allison), Proud (Doyle), Starkie, Brown, Cass, Redgrave, unused sub; Senior
20mins (1-0) Perks, HT 1 - 0, 47mins (1-1) Redgrave, 54mins (2-1) Quick, 62mins (2-2) Redgrave, FT 2 - 2, ETHT 2 - 2, ETFT 2 - 2
penalties: Anslow - scored (1-0), Cass - scored (1-1), J Cross - missed (1-1) Doyle - scored (1-2), Perks - scored (2-2), Redgrave - saved (2-2), Brackenbury - scored (3-2), Ayub - missed (3-2), Gardner - scored (4-2)
Match Report
Keeper Lucy Gardner played a pivotal role in an entertaining cup tie at a sunny Keys Park which saw Wolves Women progress to the 3rd round of the FA Women’s Premier League Cup after extra time and penalties.
The first clear chance of the game fell to Brighouse in the fifth minute, with Jodie Redgrave heading against the post from a cross on their right. Wolves’ first chance came six minutes later from a Jen Anslow corner, with the ball falling to Laura McQuilkin, but her shot was blocked.
Captain Anna Perks then came close for Wolves, before Emily Starkey fired over the bar for the visitors. It was Wolves who drew first blood in the 20th minute, as Perks rose to head powerfully into the corner from a perfectly delivered Anslow free-kick putting the home side 1-0 up.
Brighouse tried to respond immediately, but Gardner saved Redgrave’s powerful effort with her legs. In the 41st minute another floated free-kick from Anslow just evaded the head of Vicky Brackenbury and McQuilkin couldn’t quite connect cleanly, sending her shot wide. Wolves had a narrow escape with the last kick of the first half as Danielle Brown hit the bar from close range as the whistle blew, but the home side went into the break one goal up.
Wolves were quick out of the blocks at the start of the second half – literally - as Amber Quick chipped the keeper, only to be denied by the post. Brighouse hit back in the 47th minute, with Redgrave lifting the ball over advancing keeper Gardner on the counter attack to make it 1-1.
Wolves pushed on in an effort to regain the advantage and two minutes later substitute Hattie James ran into the box and squared the ball to Quick, but her shot was straight at the keeper. Wolves then had another chance in the 51st minute after good play again between James and Quick, but they couldn’t find enough space. Quick then laid the ball back to McQuilkin, but her shot was too high.
The home side’s pressure finally paid off in the 54th minute after persistence by Jade Cross, playing the ball to Quick, whose shot was deflected in to make it 2-1 to Wolves. Brighouse were back on terms in the 62nd minute after a defensive mix up allowed Redgrave to stab the ball into an empty net. The game then became very tense as both teams fought hard to get ahead, with Wolves looking the more likely to score, and Anslow and James both coming close.
In the 85th minute Brighouse had a great chance to win the game after the ball was played through to Redgrave, but she was denied by a fantastic save from Gardner in the Wolves goal, forcing the game into extra time. Both sides struggled to create many clearcut chances in search of a winner, although Brighouse came closest with a fine opportunity near the end of extra time, but Gardner made another crucial stop to send the game to penalties.
Anslow converted the first for Wolves before Cass levelled for Brighouse. Then Jade Cross hit the post and went wide with her penalty before Doyle scored hers, putting Brighouse ahead. Captain Perks smashed the ball into the back of the net off the bar to make it 2-2, and then a great save from Gardner denied Redgrave. Vicky Brackenbury was next to step up for Wolves, and she scored to make it 3-2. Ayub struck her shot over the bar for Brighouse, which meant that keeper Gardner turned penalty-taker to score a fourth for Wolves and see them through 4-2.
Head Coach Tim Dudding praised Gardner’s performance. He said: "It's a credit to Lucy’s character that she went from potentially making a mistake to saving her team from two goal-scoring opportunities, and then going on to score the penalty which won us the game. That's real character and that's the culture we’re trying to build.”
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Sunday 23rd October 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
130
Wolves Women 3 (Brackenbury, Quick, Whetton)
Sporting Khalsa Women 0
Wolves;
Khalsa:
Goals-Log;
Gardner, Hakeman (Johnson 73), Anslow, Luke, Perks, Brackenbury (Widdal 82), E Cross, Quick, J Cross, Whetton, James (Hewitt 82), unused subs; none
T Parkes (Kelly 12), Ball, Glover, Coldicott (Nardone 64), Wilton, Knight, S Parkes, Stirrup, L Walker, Bragan, E Walker, unused subs; none
42mins (1-0) Brackenbury, HT 1 - 0, 59mins (2-0) Quick, 70mins (3-0) Whetton, FT 3 - 0
Match Report
Tim Dudding's first league game in charge ended with a comfortable victory for Wolves Women against local rivals, Sporting Khalsa Women, at a sunny Keys Park.
Wolves Women had the first chance to take the lead in the first minute after the ball was played into Jade Cross in the box who took a touch and hit it but shot straight at the keeper. Wolves’ next chances came in the 5th and 6th minutes, and on both occasions a ball was played to the back post but was headed wide.
In the 9th minute Sporting Khalsa’s 'keeper, Toni Parkes, collided with a post and was carried off and replaced by Toran Kelly. Two minutes later Claire Hakeman’s cross-turned-shot surprised everyone by nearly going in the back of the Khalsa net. Wolves continued to control the game, however, their next real chance to score was not until the 24th minute when the ball was played into Jade Cross, who squared it to Andrea Whetton in the box who saw her shot deflected away from goal by a defender.
Whetton was once again in the thick of things in 35th minute when a ball found her in the box but she was unable to do anything with it. The ball ended up at the feet of Dominque Luke who shot wide from the edge of the box. Three minutes from the end of the first half Wolves’ fans finally had something to cheer about when a Jen Anslow corner led to a goalmouth scramble that Vicky Brackenbury shot into the net. 1-0.
During the half time interval Wolves Women & Girls FC completed their celebration of FA Girls Week with a pitch display by their RTC teams (U10s, U12s, U14s, U16s). After play resumed, Wolves tried to carry on from where they had left off, when in 47th minute a ball played to Anna Perks after a scramble from a corner, found Whetton on the edge of the box who crossed the ball in but Brackenbury was unable to get on to it.
Sporting Khalsa Women had their first clear chance of the game in the 55th minute when a shot by Chloe Coldicott was hit straight at Wolves keeper Lucy Gardner. Three minutes later Wolves increased their lead after a well worked move by Jade Cross on the line resulted in the ball finding Amber Quick in the box and which she coolly slotted passed Khalsa’s keeper. 2-0.
Pressing forward, Sporting Khalsa won a free kick in 61st minute, which Kyrie Ball looped over the players, and seemed to be going in but struck the crossbar instead. Eight minutes later Wolves got a third when Quick turned provider for Whetton to score from the centre of the box. Wolves maintained their dominance for the remainder of the match.
Post match Tim Dudding tweeted, “A professional and well executed performance from the ladies today. Promising signs”
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Sunday 30th October 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Holywell Park, Loughborough University
37
Loughborough Foxes Ladies 1 (Pilling)
Wolves Women 2 (J Cross, Quick)
Foxes;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Hannabuss, Eastham, Sugarman, Simes (Davies 60), Bramley, Young, Tugby, Chambers, Moore, Steele (Cooper 70), Pilling, unused subs; none
James, E Cross, Anslow, Luke, Perks, Brackenbury, Whetton (Johnson 68), Widdal, J Cross, Quick, Davis (Hewitt 82), unused subs, none
19mins (0-1) J Cross, 21mins (0-2) Quick, HT 0 - 2, 55mins (1-2) Pilling, FT 1 - 2
no programme issued
Match Report
Goals from Jade Cross and Amber Quick ended Loughborough Foxes’ unbeaten league run with a 2-1 victory, putting Wolves Women joint top of the table, and making them the only side to beat the Foxes this season – in both league and cup.
Wolves started the game strongly and created a chance within the 1st minute from a free kick by Jen Anslow on the edge of the box, but the ball went just over the bar. Anslow had another free kick in the ninth minute, but her shot was straight at the keeper.
Loughborough, trying to get back into the game, thought they had scored in the 13th minute after a shot from the edge of the box went in, only to be denied by the referee who pulled it back for a handball. Loughborough had another chance two minutes later but the shot was straight at Hattie James in the Wolves goal.
Wolves broke the deadlock in the 19th minute after Quick cut inside and into the box from wide to set up Jade Cross, who slotted past the keeper. Just two minutes later Wolves doubled their lead with a fine solo effort from Quick, who ran into the box and finished to the left of the keeper. Wolves came close again in the 23rd minute, but Perks’ header was over the bar from a corner.
Loughborough created a chance of their own in the 32nd minute, but their free-kick was also over the bar. Loughborough had their best chance to get into the game only four minutes later after a shot from outside the area hit the crossbar and ricochet off James’ head in the Wolves goal, but nothing more came of the resulting attack and the first half finished with the visitors two goals to the good.
The second half saw Loughborough come out fighting, piling on the pressure. It paid off in the 51st minute as Emma Pilling ran to the edge of the box and took a shot, which was too powerful for James, pulling a vital goal back for the home side. Loughborough were then looking for an equaliser and created a host of chances, determined to try and hang on to their undefeated record, but Wolves’ dogged defence denied them, with James making a couple of excellent saves, and the game finished 2-1 to the visitors.
Head Coach Tim Dudding said: “It was another wholehearted performance from Wolves Women today; 100% from minute one to 90, and another three points. “It’s about the willingness to do the unattractive work that makes the players a cut above the rest.”
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Sunday 6th November 2016
FA Women's Premier League Cup 3rd Round
Dales Lane, Rushall
100
West Bromwich Albion Women 1 (Dugmore(pen))
Wolves Women 0
Baggies;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Thomas, Highman, Wright, Fellows (Holmes 106), Darby, Hull, Stamps (Dicken 50), Stewart, Cottam, Warner (Mitcham 56), Dugmore, unused subs; Bate, Robinson
Glenny, Hakeman, Anslow, Luke, Perks, Brackenbury, E Cross, Widdal, J Cross, Quick (McQuilken 80), Whetton (Lal 84), unused subs; James, Hewitt, Johnson
HT 0 - 0, FT 0 - 0, 98mins (1-0) Dugmore, ETHT 1 - 0, ETFT 1 - 0
4 page issue - 210 x 150 in size - cost unknown
Match Report
Wolves were knocked out of the FA Women's Premier League Cup after a penalty in extra time from Leigh Dugmore sealed the Black Country derby for Albion at their Rushall Olympic ground.
Wolves started slowly and Albion created the first chance of the game in the 7th minute as a miss-hit shot was straight at Sophie Glenny, making her debut in the Wolves goal. Albion were close again just a minute later as Darby unleashed a free kick on the edge of the box, which went just wide.
Wolves’ first chance came in the 15th minute as Anna Perks’s shot went over the bar. Then it was Albion’s chance, Dugmore’s header coming back off the woodwork before she sent a long range effort straight at Glenny.
In the 32nd minute former Wolves player Louise Fellows’ shot was deflected off her team-mate Dugmore to go wide.
Albion continued to press with Warner and Stamps both coming close, but the half finished goalless.
Albion started the second half where they left off, and in the 46th minute a header by Dugmore was parried onto the post by Glenny. Wolves then had a great chance in the 50th minute after Jade Cross ran into the box, but slipped as she was preparing to take the shot, sending the ball wide. Albion came close just three minutes later as Dugmore tried to poke the ball home from close range, but it was cleared off the line by Claire Hakeman.
Albion had another chance in the 58th minute as Darby headed wide from a free kick. Ten minutes later Wolves’ Jade Cross took a shot from the edge of the box, but it was well-held by the keeper. In the 74th minute a corner from Jen Anslow found Vicky Brackenbury, but her header went wide.
Albion pushed hard, with a barrage of chances as the game approached the 90th minute mark, but Wolves defended valiantly, forcing the game into extra time.
Albion had the first chance of extra time in the 92nd minute after a cross by Amy Dicken went just wide of the post. The breakthrough came in the 98th minute as Albion were awarded a penalty after Stewart’s shot hit a Wolves’ hand. Dugmore made no mistake from the spot, putting the hosts ahead.
Wolves pushed hard to get back into the game, with Anslow, Jade Cross and Dominique Luke all coming close, but Thomas defended her goal well.
With the visitors piling on the pressure, substitute Nikki Lal, also making her senior debut for Wolves, made a great run into the box to meet a cross, but her header went over the bar. Despite Wolves’ best efforts, they could not find the equaliser, and Albion took the spoils in the Black Country derby, moving into the next round of the League Cup.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "We can't take away from our players and the effort they've put in today - I thought they were absolutely phenomenal. “To lose one-nil in added time as the result of a harsh penalty decision is very hard on the team who performed extremely well. Dudding also praised goalkeeper Sophie Glenny who was making her debut: "Sophie has a good background in girls’ and women's football and she proved her quality today, saving what could have been several goals,” he added. “And twins Jade and Emma Cross have been fantastic. “Emma has just won our Player of the Month Award, and deservedly so. “I've played her at centre back, played her at right wing, and tried to use her versatility. “Meanwhile Jade is a goalscorer and gets us the results, so both players are crucial to our squad.”
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Sunday 13th November 2016
SSE WFA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
Aspray Arena, Willenhall
Sporting Khalsa Women 2 (Bragan, L Walker)
Wolves Women 4 (Widdal, Quick, McQuilken, Brackenbury)
(after extra time)
Khalsa;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
T Parkes, Ball (Coldicott 75), Glover, Arrowsmith, Wilton, Lewis (E Walker 46), Kidd, Stirrup, Cassin, Bragan, Slade (L Walker 50), unused subs; none
Gardner, Hakeman (James 78), Anslow, Luke, Widdal, Brackenbury, E Cross, Quick, J Cross, McQuilken (Johnson 109), Whetton (Lal 74), unused subs; Perks, Richards
45mins (0-1) Quick, HT 0 - 1, 81mins (1-1) Bragan, 89mins (2-1) L Walker, 90+4mins (2-2) Quick, FT 2 - 2, ETHT 2 - 2,, 107mins (2-3) McQuilken, 113mins (2-4) Brackenbury, ETFT 2 - 4
no programme issued
Match Report
Wolves Women beat Sporting Khalsa to advance to the First Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup in a thrilling encounter at the Aspray Arena, which saw both sides ahead during the course of the game before Wolves finally took the spoils after extra time.
Wolves started the stronger of the two sides, with Andrea Whetton having the first chance in the 12th minute, but her shot was straight at Parkes in the Khalsa goal. Jade Cross shot wide just three minutes later, and then came close again after Parkes’s poor clearance landed at her feet. She chipped the ball, but Parkes recovered well to save the shot.
Wolves continued to dominate, with chances for Natalie Widdal and twin strikers Emma and Jade Cross, but none of them were able to convert. Finally their persistence paid off just a minute before the break, as Laura McQuilkin’s corner was flicked on by Amber Quick for Widdal to duly convert and put Wolves ahead.
The second half saw a revitalised Sporting Khalsa side come out fighting. They put Wolves under pressure and had the majority of the ball, but were unable to convert their chances. Wolves had a chance of their own in the 59th minute, but keeper Parkes managed to stop Jade Cross’s shot with her leg.
Wolves were now coming back into the ascendency, with Dom Luke playing her usual strong midfield role. Both Jade and Emma Cross came close again, but it was Khalsa who made the breakthrough to equalise in the 81st minute after Jodie Bragan was given space 20 yards out and fired past Lucy Gardner in the Wolves goal to make it 1-1.
Khalsa could have gone ahead in the 86th minute, but Gardner made the save from Lauren Walker. Then it was Wolves’ turn just a minute later as Nikki Lal’s shot thundered off the post. With full-time approaching it was Khalsa who made the breakthrough in the 89th minute as Walker gave the home side the lead.
Wolves weren’t giving up, and piled on the pressure looking for an equaliser. They thought they had it when McQuilkin volleyed the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the box. Still unshaken, Wolves continued to press and their persistence finally paid off in the fourth minute of stoppage time after a goalmouth scramble saw the ball fall to McQuilkin. Her shot was cleared only as far as Quick, who tapped home to make it 2-2 and take the game into extra time.
With spirits high, Wolves had the best of the chances in extra time, and in the 107th minute Jade Cross unselfishly squared the ball to McQuilkin to put the visitors ahead for the second time in the game. Wolves sealed the win just four minutes later as Victoria Brackenbury headed home from Jen Anslow’s corner to make it 4-2 and confirm their progression to the FA Cup First Round Proper.
Head Coach Tim Dudding said: “We showed incredible resilience today; from being 2-1 down on 91 minutes to going on to win the game. “It wasn’t a performance to celebrate by any means, but at least we’re in the hat for the next round.”
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Sunday 20th November 2016
Birmingham FA County Cup 2nd Round
Paycare Ground, Bentley Leisure Pavilion, Darlaston
Wolverhampton Wanderers Women P
Coundon Court Ladies P
Match Postponed due to a Waterlogged Pitch
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 27th November 2016
Birmingham FA County Cup 2nd Round
Keys Park, Hednesford
Wolves Women 8 (Widdal 2, J Cross 3, Hewitt 2, James)
Coundon Court Ladies 1 (Jagielska)
Wolves;
Court;
Goals-Log;
Meeson, Lock (Jones), Anslow, Luke, Brackenbury, Widdal, E Cross, Quick (Richards), J Cross (McQuilken), Hewitt, James (Whetton)
unknown
6mins (1-0) Widdal, 24mins (2-0) Widdal, 37mins (3-0) J Cross, 44mins (4-0) J Cross, HT 4 - 0, 47mins (5-0) James, 50mins (6-0) J Cross, 59mins (7-0) Hewitt, 61mins (7-1) Jagielska, 77mins (8-1) Hewitt, FT 8 - 1
Match Report
A hat-trick for Jade Cross helped Wolves Women to an impressive 8-1 victory over Coundon Court Ladies at Hednesford Town, seeing them progress to the third round of the Birmingham County Cup. It rounded off an excellent week for Cross, who attended the FA Women’s Football Awards at Wembley Stadium to collect her prize for being the top goalscorer in the FA Women’s Premier League Midlands Division One last season with an impressive 25 goals.
It was Captain Natalie Widdal who was first on the score sheet in just the sixth minute, tapping home a rebound after a mini scramble from a corner.
Wolves could have had a second in the 10th minute after some good play between Amber Quick, Jade Hewitt and Jade Cross to set up Quick in the box, but her shot was straight at the keeper.. The hosts were pressing hard, with Dom Luke and Widdal both coming close, and in the 24th minute their pressure paid off as Widdal headed home from a Jen Anslow corner to make it 2-0.
Wolves then added a third in the 37th minute after Luke played a great ball into Anslow, who ran past the defender and drilled low across the goal for a Jade Cross tap in.. Wolves’ fourth goal saw the Cross twins combine well down the right hand side, before Emma found Jade for another simple tap in, making it 4-0 at the break.
It took just two minutes of the second half for Wolves to add their fifth goal, as a fizzing volleyed cross from Hewitt was headed in off the post by Hattie James. Jade Cross completed her hat-trick in the 50th minute with a simple strike from 12 yards out to make it 6-0. Then Hewitt made it seven in the 59th minute, volleying home from Jen Anslow’s precise cross.
Coundon Court got a consolation goal in the 61st minute after the ball was played through into Weronika Jagielska, who slotted it past the keeper to make it 7-1. But Wolves weren’t finished yet, and Hewitt added an eighth in the 77th minute as she rifled high into the net from close range to complete the convincing victory.
Wolves Head Coach Tim Dudding was pleased with the result. He said: "It was another well worked performance today. If you work hard enough you’ll get the results, and they put in the hard work from the first minute to the ninetieth minute. “I was particularly pleased to see our Under 18 players Ruby Meeson, Anna Lock and Molly Jones come in and do so well. “We’re looking for development throughout the club and they certainly showed that today.”
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Sunday 4th December 2016
SSE WFA Cup 1st Round
Keys Park, Hednesford
30
Wolves Women 4 (Anslow, J Cross 2, Brackenbury)
Solihull Ladies 0
Wolves;
Solihull:;
Goals-Log;
Glenny, Hakeman (Meeson 68), Anslow, Luke, Brackenbury, E Cross, James, Quick, J Cross, McQuilken (Hewitt 77), Whetton (Lal 82), unused subs; Lock, Richards
Sarah Parkes, Hargreaves, Unitt, Salter (Courtney 65), Brown, Dickinson, Jones (Chivers 80), White, Grieve, Davies, Martin, unused subs; Bovan, Plumb
24mins (1-0) Anslow, 26mins (2-0) J Cross, HT 2 - 0, 47mins (3-0) Brackenbury, 65mins (4-0) J Cross, FT 4 - 0
Match Report
Wolves Women recorded an impressive 4-0 victory over Solihull Ladies to progress to the Second Round of the Women’s FA Cup at a sunny Hednesford Town.
Wolves started the stronger of the two sides and created their first chance in the eighth minute, after a corner was cleared and fell to Dom Luke whose shot from 15 yards out was just wide. Solihull’s first chance came in the 11th minute, as Georgia Jones sent her shot straight at Sophie Glenny in the Wolves goal.
Then it was Wolves’ turn in the 15th minute, with some good football around the edge of the area which found Laura McQuilkin, but her shot was wide from 20 yards out. Wolves made their pressure pay in the 23rd minute as Jen Anslow’s corner spectacularly evaded everyone and swung straight into the net to make it 1-0.
Just three minutes later Wolves doubled their lead as Jade Cross beat the offside trap to round the keeper and place the ball into an empty net. Wolves could have made it three in the 34th minute after great work between Anslow and Whetton down the left found Luke 25 yards out, but her shot went over the bar and the half finished with a 2-0 advantage.
It took just three minutes of the second half for Wolves to add their third. Vicky Brackenbury fired into the bottom corner after the keeper failed to hold a cross in from Anslow. Solihull enjoyed a period of possession, but Wolves stayed strong at the back.
Wolves then added a fourth goal in the 66th minute after a cross was cleared, but only as far as Jade Cross, who took a touch before slotting past the keeper. McQuilkin and Brackenbury both came close in the final stages of the game, but it ended 4-0 to Wolves to see them into the second round of the FA Cup.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "It was a very well-deserved, clinical win today. “It's a credit to the players that we can change our defence, bring in a new goalkeeper and still have the same consistency throughout the team. “They were four very well worked goals and they capped a very good performance.”
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Venue;
Attendance:
Sunday 18th December 2016
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Aspray Arena, Willenhall
40
Sporting Khalsa Women 0
Wolves Women 2 (Anslow, J Cross)
Khalsa;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
T Parkes, Ball, Speck, Arrowsmith, Wilton, Lewis, E Walker (Kidd 70), Stirrup, Cassin (L Walker 46), Bragan, Knight (Glover 60), unused subs; Slade
Glenny, Hakeman (Meeson 90), Anslow, Luke, Brackenbury, E Cross, Whetton, Quick, J Cross, McQuilken (Lal 68), James (Johnson 88), unused subs; Webb, Hewitt
7mins (0-1) Anslow, HT 0 - 1, 89mins (0-2) J Cross, FT 0 - 2
no programme issued
Match Report
Goals from Andrea Whetton and Jade Cross sealed victory for Wolves Women in a local derby against Sporting Khalsa Women at the Aspray Arena.
Wolves’ first chance came in just the second minute of the game as Laura McQuilkin’s corner found Vicky Brackenbury, but her diving header went wide.
Wolves did get on the scoresheet just five minutes later as Whetton fired home the rebound from a blocked Jade Cross shot to make it 1-0 to Wolves. In the 12th minute Jen Anslow’s free kick from 25 yards out went just wide. Then it was Jade Cross’s turn as she broke away down the left, but her shot missed the post from an acute angle.
Wolves continued to press, with McQuilkin shooting over the bar from close range. Khalsa then started to put up a fight, with a midfield battle ensuing, but Wolves stood firm and went into the break a goal up.
In the 53rd minute it was Jade Cross on the ball again, this time down the left, fizzing an inviting cross in, but it was just too far ahead of McQuilkin. Wolves had a lucky escape in the 55th minute after Khalsa had the ball in the back of the net after a shot rebounded off the crossbar, but the goal was ruled offside.
Wolves then came close, this time with Dom Luke as she powered into the box, but her shot was saved low down by the keeper. In the 77th minute Wolves caught Khalsa on the break from a corner. Hattie James laid the ball back for Jen Anslow, whose shot was just wide from the edge of the area.
Khalsa were pushing on, trying to find an equaliser, but leaving themselves a little exposed at the back. Wolves came close to taking advantage in the 86th minute after great work from Claire Hakeman, who found herself in the penalty area, and teed up James, but her shot was saved again by the keeper. Wolves’ pressure finally paid off in the 89th minute with some great wing play by substitute Nikki Lal. She teed up Anslow, whose shot was parried by the keeper, and Jade Cross came running in to convert the rebound and seal the victory for Wolves.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "Today’s result shows our character. We started well with an early goal, We managed the game in-between and we ended with a goal. “We could have helped ourselves massively by getting a couple in the middle of the game and that wasn't beyond us, but we went and did our job, we got the three points, we've got another clean sheet and two goals in the bag. 2016 for Wolves Women was summed up in 90 minutes today: a mixture of graft, talent, fight and togetherness, which brought about a valuable away win. Let’s continue onward and upward in 2017!”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 8th January 2017
SSE WFA Cup 2nd Round
Greenwich Avenue, Basford United
Nottingham Forest Ladies 4 (Broad, Bell 2(2 pens), Lowder)
Wolves Women 0
Forest;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Aguirre, Harkin, Walters (Kennaugh 73), Griffin, McLoughlin, Fugler, McKenzie, Beaver, Broad (Thompson 79), Lowder (O’Neill 78), Bell, unused sub; Kemp, Gladwin
Gardner, Hakeman (Meeson 58), Anslow, Richards (James 28), Brackenbury, E Cross, Whetton, McQuilken (Hewitt 75), J Cross, Evans, Lal, unused subs; Perks, Widdal
3mins (1-0) Broad, 11mins (2-0) Bell (penalty), 25mins (3-0) Lowder, HT 3 – 0, 62mins (4-0) Bell (penalty), FT 4 – 0
details unknown
Match Report
Wolves Women were knocked out of the Second Round Proper of the Women's FA Cup in a 4-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest Ladies who play one division above them in the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division.
Home side Forest started the stronger of the two sides and got on the score sheet in just the third minute after the ball was played into Charlotte Broad in the box who managed to beat the defensive line to slot the ball past Gardner in the Wolves goal. Forest doubled their lead just eight minutes later as they were awarded a penalty when Claire Hakeman was adjudged to have fouled in the box, and Andi Bell duly converted.
Forest had their tails up and piled on the pressure, making it three in the 17th minute as Katie Lowder ran from the wing, cut into the box and shot past Gardner into the bottom left corner. Manager Tim Dudding changed the formation and Wolves started to come into the game, finding their first opportunity in the 34th minute from a free kick by Jen Anslow from 20 yards out which went just wide of the goal.
Just before half time Wolves’ Lal was brought down on the edge of the box, and Laura McQuilkin came close as her free kick skimmed the bar, but the half finished with Forest 3-0 up.
The second half saw Wolves push on looking for a goal, but Forest held firm. In the 61st minute Wolves were undone by another penalty which was awarded after a challenge by Vicky Brackenbury, and Bell stepped up for her second and Forest’s fourth. With the game all but over Wolves battled on, with youngsters Lal, Evans and Meeson all impressing for the senior side, but Forest progressed to the Third Round with a 4-0 win.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "We weren't at our best today. “Letting 17 minutes and two penalty decisions define us was not a good move, but we look to go again. “Football never ceases to amaze me. We constantly look to improve and we will get there as long as we are willing to make the necessary changes. “What was positive today was to see three Under 18 players in the squad; it was a great opportunity for them to learn and grow."
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 15th January 2017
Birmingham FA County Cup 3rd Round
Keys Park, Hednesford
Wolverhampton Wanderers Women P
University of Warwick Ladies P
Match Postponed due to a Frozen Pitch
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 22nd January 2017
Birmingham FA County Cup 3rd Round
Keys Park, Hednesford
Wolves Women 7 (J Cross 2, Hewitt 3(1 pen), Lal, Moran)
University of Warwick Ladies 0
Wolves;
Students;
Goals-Log;
Glenny, Hakeman, Anslow, E Cross, Webb, Brackenbury (Meeson 64), Hargreaves (McQuilken 46), Whetton (Moran 46), J Cross (Hargreaves 79), Hewitt, James (Lal 25), (James 33), (Lal 64), unused sub; Gardner - rolling subs
unknown
11mins (1-0) J Cross, 19mins (2-0) Hewitt (penalty), HT 2 - 0, 56mins (3-0) J Cross, 74mins (4-0) Hewitt, 75mins (5-0) Hewitt, 79mins (6-0) Lal, 85mins (7-0) Moran, FT 7 - 0
Match Report
Wolves Women booked themselves a place in the Quarter Final of the Birmingham County Cup with a convincing 7-0 win over The University of Warwick at Hednesford Town. The game had a special significance as the club held a minute’s silence in honour of Wolves Vice President Rachael Heyhoe Flint before kick-off. Rachael was a huge support to Wolves Girls and Women over many years, serving on the board of directors and laying the foundations for the club to be brought into the fold at Wolverhampton Wanderers as it is today.
After an impeccably-observed silence, the home side got straight down to business, and were on the attack from the kick-off, with Jen Anslow hitting a cross into the box in only the second minute, but it went straight to the keeper. Wolves kept up the pressure, and it paid off in the 11th minute after Vicky Brackenbury's header from a corner was cleared off the line and Jade Cross poked the ball into the net to take the lead.
Just three minutes later debutante Rosie Hargreaves was inches away from connecting with a teasing Anslow cross. Wolves were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute as Anslow was tripped in the box, and Jade Hewitt converted into the bottom corner of the net to make it 2-0.
The chances kept coming, with Brackenbury firing over the bar from close range before Emma Cross took a shot from 18 yards, but it was held by the keeper. Wolves’ keeper Sophie Glenny was called into action in the 28th minute after a sloppy pass in the defence sent Beganovic on her way, but Glenny saved at her feet.
Skipper Hakeman made a rare foray into the box in the 38th minute, but her effort was too high. Just a minute later Hewitt thought she had scrambled the ball over the line from an Anslow corner, but it was cleared in time according to the referee. With Wolves still on top, the half finished 2-0.
The second half saw another debutante - Esme Moran straight into the action. She sent the ball into the box, but it was just too close to the keeper for Cross to get on the end of it. Wolves found a third goal in the 56th minute on the counter-attack, when Jade Cross was played through, and slid the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner.
Wolves were now dominating, with the youngsters playing a key role. Nikki Lal and Moran were both denied by the keeper before Ruby Meeson found Hewitt in the box, who had time to place the ball into the net for her second goal of the game and Wolves’ fourth.
Just four minutes later Hewitt completed her hat trick as her deflected shot looped over the keeper to make it 5-0. Wolves immediately added their sixth goal as Lal ran into the box and converted past the keeper. Wolves’ youngsters combined brilliantly in the 85th minute as Hargreaves found Moran to make it seven and round off an impressive performance.
Their win earns them a quarter final tie away at Bedworth United on Sunday 19th February. Manager Tim Dudding said: "I was delighted with the young players who performed really well today, and all made an impact. "I think it's really important to give them experience in this sort of environment, so that they can go out and show us what they can do. “It can be intimidating to come into the senior side and go out and play the way they did - great credit to the squad, demonstrating the art of balancing both youth and experience.”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance:
Sunday 29th January 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Beech Grove, Foxen Manor, Four Crosses FC
66
The New Saints Ladies 0
Wolves Women 1 (J Cross)
Saints;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Morgan, Davies, Taylor, Huntbach, Canlett, Edwards, Jones (Walford 70), Lewis, Ridge, Wilkinson (Garnham 49), Morris (Roden 81)
Glenny, Hakeman (Moran 87), Anslow, Luke, E Cross, Brackenbury, Whetton (Meeson 78), Quick, J Cross, Perks, Hewitt (James 69), unused subs; McQuilken, Richards
HT 0 - 0, 65mins (0-1) J Cross, FT 0 - 1
no programme issued
Match Report
Jade Cross's second half goal secured victory for Wolves Women against TNS Ladies on a heavy pitch at Foxen Manor.
In their first league game of the year, Wolves shot out of the blocks, almost scoring inside the first minute as Jade Cross picked up an early ball from Amber Quick, but her shot was narrowly wide. Just two minutes later it was TNS’s turn, but Wolves’ keeper Sophie Glenny made a great save at the feet of the opposing striker.
The pitch conditions were proving difficult for both teams, with players regularly losing their footing on the muddy ground. Wolves were having a great spell of pressure, with shots from Hewitt, Luke and Cross all just failing to hit the target.
Then, on the half hour mark, TNS’s Sophie Edwards unleashed a powerful 30 yard shot at goal, which went just inches wide. Anna Perks sent a great ball through to Cross, who nicked it off the keeper and had the goal at her mercy, but the pitch saved the day as she slipped. Whetton picked up an excellent ball from Hewitt, and her shot was saved by the TNS keeper, who tipped it over the bar. After a tough first half battle the sides went into the break goalless, but with Wolves having the edge.
The battle continued after the break and it was TNS who won an early corner which caused trouble in the Wolves box, but they managed to clear. Then it was Wolves’ turn, as Jade Cross beat the defenders and shot from a narrow angle, but the ball went just over the bar. Wolves had a lucky escape in the 63rd minute after Emily Ridge rounded Glenny in the Wolves goal and took a shot, but the ball got stuck in the mud and Wolves were able to clear.
In the 65th minute Perks played a wonderful ball to Jade Cross, who rounded the keeper before finishing perfectly to break the deadlock. TNS were spurred on, trying to find an equaliser, and would have done so in the 70th minute, but for an unbelievable acrobatic save from Glenny to keep the score at 1-0 to Wolves.
Wolves almost got themselves a second late on in the game after Cross was able to find Quick in the box, but her shot went just went wide. With 90 minutes on the clock, TNS were still pressing hard, and saw a shot from 20 yards out go past the post. Wolves stood firm and managed to see the game out to take all three points.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "It was a hard fought battle, with players digging deep to win in spite of the harsh conditions. “But that's one thing guaranteed with the players and staff associated with this club, that we will battle and aim to give 100%. “We come away with three points, and look to go again, improving in every which way possible to allow us to move forward.”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 5th February 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
35
Wolves Women 4 (J Cross, OG, Perks, James)
Steel City Wanderers Ladies 0
Wolves;
Wanderers Squad:
Goals-Log;
Glenny, Hakeman (Whetton 75), Anslow, Perks, Widdal, Brackenbury, Bragan, Quick, J Cross (Kelly 75), McQuilken (James 63), E Cross, unused subs; Richards, Webb
Beresford (Brown 12), Bratton, Holdsworth, Kenyon, Ledger, Mawhood, Middleton, Smith (Wright 60), Strong, Timmins, Unwin
9mins (1-0) J Cross, 15mins (2-0) Own Goal, HT 2 - 0, 50mins (3-0) Perks, 76mins (4-0) James, FT 4 - 0
Match Report
Wolves Women continued their winning run in their first home league game of 2017 with a 4-0 victory against Steel City Wanderers at Hednesford Town, which moves them into second place in the table.
Wolves got off to a flying start with a chance in the first minute after Jade Cross’s ball found new signing Jodie Bragan, but her header went over the bar.
Anslow came close just two minutes later, but her shot from twenty yards out was straight at the keeper. Wolves’ early pressure paid off in the ninth minute as Jade Cross got on the end of a fantastic through ball from Anslow, beat the defender, and slipped it past the oncoming keeper to put the home side ahead.
Wolves doubled their lead just six minutes later as Cross’s whipped-in ball was unavoidably put into the back of the net by the Steel City defender.
Wolves always looked threatening, and had a great chance in the 20th minute after a corner from McQuilkin found Brackenbury, but her header was cleared off the line. The chances were coming thick and fast, with Bragan and McQuilkin both coming close, but the first half ended 2-0 to Wolves.
After the break Wolves started as they had left off, and added a third goal five minutes into the half. A corner was prodded home by Anna Perks after a scramble in the box to bring her first goal since returning from injury. Steel City Wanderers started to press, and had a chance in the 58th minute, but a fantastic save from Sophie Glenny tipped the ball away to deny them a goal. Wolves’ defence found themselves under pressure after a poor kick out from Glenny, but staunch defending from Hakeman denied them their opportunity to capitalise.
Wolves finished off the game in the 76th minute after substitute Hattie James converted a shot from just outside the box to make it 4-0. Steel City didn’t give up right to the end, but Wolves managed to keep them at bay and held out for a clean sheet and a victory.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "I thought it was another clinical performance from the ladies today – true class and professionalism to get the three points.
“We had a gameplan and executed it efficiently, with three different goalscorers and a clean sheet. “We take each game at a time and with the healthy, hungry players we have available, we are consistently focussed on three points. “I’m really pleased with how our new players have performed today.
“Jodie Bragan is a great player who’s played for me before at West Brom and she stood out today with what she did on the pitch. “She'll find her feet, and will get goals – she is a great player and a great addition to the squad. “Toran Kelly equally so; great quality and I thought when she came on she did really well. “Both players performed well and their qualities will further strengthen our squad".
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 12th February 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Grange Park, long Eaton
Long Eaton United Ladies P
Wolverhampton Wanderers Women P
Match Postponed due to a Waterlogged Pitch
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 22nd February 2017
Birmingham County Cup Quarter-Final
The Oval Bedworth
Bedworth United Ladies 1 (unknown)
Wolves Women 4 (Anslow, Whetton, james, J Cross)
Greenbacks;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
unknown
Gardner, Hakeman, Anslow, Luke (Messon 81), Webb (Evans 65), E Cross, James (Lal 75), Richards (Hewett 60), J Cross, Quick (Moran 70), Whetton
21mins (0-1) Anslow, 25mins (0-2) Whetton, 43mins (0-3) James, HT 0 - 3, 48mins (0-4) J Cross, 75mins (1-4) unknown, FT 1 - 4
no programme issued
Match Report
Wolves Women advanced to the Semi-Final of the Birmingham County Cup with a 4-1 victory over Bedworth United Ladies at the Oval.
Wolves started the game the stronger of the two sides and made this pay with a goal from Jen Anslow in the 21ist minute. Andrea Whetton doubled the score just four minutes later, breaking her goal drought to make it 2-0 to the visitors. Wolves rounded off the first half with a third goal in the 43rd minute as Hattie James notched her second in two games.
Wolves’ dominance continued with a goal in just the third minute of the second half as Jade Cross added to her tally for the season. Although Bedworth scored a consolation goal, Wolves continued to control the game, with youngsters Chloe Evans, Esme Moran and Ruby Meeson all coming on and contributing to a fine win.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "It was a clinical and well executed performance from the ladies today. “We came with a specific game plan to progress through to the semi-finals, and they pulled through showing their quality on the pitch. "There were periods through the game in which our performance wasn't up to scratch, but we managed the game effectively enough to win. "We look to take one game at a time and we'll be keeping an eye on the draw to see who we’ll face in the semi-finals."
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 26th February 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
Wolverhampton Wanderers Women P
Loughborough Foxes Ladies P
Match Postponed due to a Waterlogged Pitch
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 12th March 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Field Lane, Hampton FC
Solihull Ladies 0
Wolves Women 0
Solihull;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Woolley, Courtney, Hargreaves, Grieve, Unitt, Harmison, White, Taylor (Jones 50), Dickinson, Gutteridge (Howard 72), Davies, unused sub; Bovan
Evans, Hakeman, Anslow, Luke (McQuilken 76), Perks, Widdal, Whetton (Bragan 71), Quick, J Cross, Hewitt (Richards 46), E Cross, unused subs; James, Webb
HT 0 - 0, FT 0 - 0
details unknown
Match Report
It was a frustrating day for Wolves Women as they were held to a goalless draw by a determined Solihull Ladies side at Hampton FC.
With the sides testing each other, it took until the 14th minute for the first real chance of the game which fell to Solihull, but the shot from outside the box went wide. hey had another opportunity from a corner 10 minutes later, but it was well saved by Chloe Evans in the Wolves’ goal.
Wolves’ first real chance came in the 32nd minute with a free kick from Jen Anslow 20 yards out, but her shot went just over the bar. With half time approaching Emma Cross sent a ball into the area, which Andrea Whetton headed straight at the keeper and the half finished goalless.
Manager Tim Dudding made a change at the break, with Jade Hewitt making way for Sophie Richards as the visitors looked to get on the scoresheet. It was Solihull though who had the first chance of the second half in the 48th minute after a corner ball hit the post, but Wolves managed to clear from a goalmouth scramble. Solihull continued to press, with Claire Hakeman forced to clear off the line in the 54th minute before keeper Evans found herself one-on-one with an advancing striker, only for the shot to go wide.
With the game ebbing to and fro, now it was Wolves’ turn to put on the pressure and in the 76th minute Hakeman’s through ball found Jade Cross who chipped the defender, but her volleyed shot skimmed the bar. With Wolves chasing the three points, a Jen Anslow corner caused confusion in the Solihull box, but the ball was scrambled clear, and both sides had to settle for a hard-earned draw.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “It was a frustrating day for us today against a very organised and determined team. “We didn’t play to the best of our ability and our substandard performance left us disappointed in coming away with only a point. “We look to re-evaluate, regroup and improve as we prepare for next week’s cup game. Learning and improving is everything.”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 19th March 2017
Birmingham FA County Cup Semi-Final
Keys Park, Hednesford
Wolves Women 1 (J Cross 2)
Coventry United Ladies 2 (Formaston, Hughes)
Wolves;
United;
Goals-Log;
Glenny, Hakeman, Anslow (Meeson 65), Luke (Richards 75), Widdal, E Cross, Whetton, Perks (Hewitt 75), J Cross, McQuilken (Quick 60), James (Moran 70), roll on/roll off subs
Wood, Torkildsen, Buck (Neville), Lynch Miles (Buck), Barber (Formaston), Brook, Formaston (Cooper 58), Smith (Dermody), Ryder (Gauntlett), Hughes (Murphy), roll on/roll off subs
HT 0 - 0, 56mins (0-1) Formaston, 63mins (0-2) Hughes, 82mins (1-2) J Cross, FT 1 - 2
Match Report
Wolves Women put up a good fight but fell to a 2-1 defeat to Coventry United in an entertaining Birmingham County Cup Semi-Final at Keys Park.
This was always going to be a tough game, with Coventry playing one division above Wolves in the FA Women’ Premier League Southern Division, but Wolves started well. Jen Anslow floated in a free-kick in the fourth minute, but it was just too far ahead of Anna Perks. Just a minute later Coventry came close with a set piece of their own, as Ali Hall’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by Anslow.
Coventry almost gifted Wolves the lead in the ninth minute when a weak backpass from Lynch was picked up by Jade Cross, but the keeper stood tall to make the save. Then in the 17th minute it was Coventry again coming close with Miles heading a corner ball straight at Sophie Glenny in the Wolves goal.
Tables turned again just three minutes later as Jade Cross turned on the speed to beat two Coventry players down the right wing, but her cross into the box was found easily by the keeper. In the 26th minute a diagonal ball from Coventry’s Brook found Amber Hughes in the Wolves box, but she couldn’t get a shot away thanks to a great tackle from Claire Hakeman. A poor clearance from Coventry’s keeper just a minute later almost gave Wolves the lead, but she managed to recover, and the half finished goalless with both teams standing firm.
The second half saw Wolves manager Tim Dudding bring on Amber Quick in the 56th minute to join the midfield battle. Coventry were putting on the pressure, with a host of chances before they finally made the breakthrough in the 60th minute thanks to a Jade Brook tap in from a well-worked set piece. Nine minutes later Wolves keeper Glenny came off second best when Amber Hughes won the ball in the area and slotted it into an empty net to make it 2-0 to the visitors.
Jade Cross hadn’t given up for Wolves, getting free down the right in the 80th minute, but no one could connect with her cross. Just three minutes later she tried the same move again, this time taking the shot herself from the edge of the area, and on this occasion the keeper was unable to make the save, pulling a goal back for Wolves and giving them fresh impetus. Wolves piled on the pressure, but despite their valiant attempts they couldn’t find an equaliser to take the game into extra time, sending Coventry into the final.
Wolves Manager Tim Dudding said: “I'm completely proud of the team today. We battled hard and proved our worth in every area of the pitch, matching Coventry for large parts of the game. “All credit goes to the players for their resilience and determination to play effective football throughout, and it was great to see two of our Under 18s playing their part too.”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 26th March 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
86
Wolves Women 1 (J Cross)
Loughborough Students Women 1 (Pearson)
Wolves;
Students:
Goals-Log;
Glenny, E Cross, Anslow, Richards (Quick 69), Widdall, Webb, Bragan (James 59), Perks, J Cross, Berry (McQuilken 56), Whetton, unused subs; Meeson, Hewitt
Pruett, Gonzalez, Stanley, North, Ruscoe, Betteridge, Frith-Salem, Hyner, Spokes, Morton, Pearson, unued subs; none
HT 0 - 0, 79mins (1-0) J Cross, 88mins (1-1) Pearson, FT 1 - 1
Match Report
Wolves Women were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom side Loughborough Students in a frustrating afternoon at Keys Park. After losing out to Coventry United last weekend in the semi-final of the Birmingham County Cup, they were looking for a good result in the league, but were left disappointed.
Wolves’ first real chance of the game came in the seventh minute as Natalie Widdal chipped the ball in behind the Loughborough defence to Sam Berry, playing her first game since returning to the club, but her shot went wide. They were close again just three minutes later as Jen Anslow floated in a free kick to Widdal, but her header from close range went over the bar.
Wolves were dominating possession but couldn’t make the breakthrough, and it took until the 24th minute for their next chance as Anslow’s corner found Widdal again, but her header was cleared by the defence. Then Anslow threatened down the left, sending her cross into the box which could only be cleared as far as Andrea Whetton, whose shot was straight at the keeper.
Wolves were struggling to get past the valiant Loughborough defence, and didn't create another chance until the 45th minute after another corner from Anslow found Anna Perks, but her header was also cleared, and the half finished goalless.
Wolves came out fighting, and in the 49th minute Whetton found room to cross from the right hand side, but the ball eluded everyone and drifted wide. Wolves had a great chance four minutes later after a long throw by Anslow found Jade Cross in the box, who in turn laid it back to Berry, but her shot was blocked.
Loughborough’s first chance of the game came in the 55th minute as former Wolves player Emily North almost found the net when her shot smacked against the bar. Wolves picked up the pace and had a great chance in the 58th minute after a long range shot from Anslow rebounded off the post to Jade Cross six yards out, but her shot was too high.
In the 65th minute Jade Cross found space on the right and laid the ball back to substitute Laura McQuilkin whose curling shot from 20 yards was saved by the keeper. Then McQuilkin found space in the box after a Jade Cross flick on, but her touch was heavy and the keeper gathered. Wolves continued to press and two minutes later Cross turned her marker in the box but her shot was blocked.
Finally, in the 79th minute Wolves made the breakthrough after a long ball from Widdal found Jade Cross, who finished beautifully with the edge of her right foot from 18 yards out. But Loughborough fought back, pressing hard until they found an equaliser from a corner in the 88th minute as Grace Pearson tapped it in. With the clock ticking down Wolves pushed on, trying hard to regain the lead, but it wasn’t to be and the game finished in stalemate.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "It was a disappointing result today. Credit to Loughborough they were dogged and determined. From our point of view there were errors and complacencies which meant the result didn't go our way, and we have to look at ourselves and say that's not good enough. “It’s one of those things that happen in football and can absolutely ruin you sometimes, but we’ll pick ourselves up and go again."
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 2nd April 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
30
Wolves Women 3 (Butler, J Cross, Quick)
Radcliffe Olympic Ladies 2 (Evans, Jones)
Wolves;
Olympic:
Goals-Log;
Glenny, Hakeman (Meeson 10), Anslow, Luke, Butler, Widdal, Whetton (Bragan 75), Quick, J Cross, McQuilken (Berry 70), E Cross, unused subs; Moran, Richards
Nishioka, Bailey, L Turner, Shaw, Plummer, Liburd (Ramadan 60), Tebbutt, Jones, Kempski, Cantrell, Evans, unesed subs; none
22mins (0-1) Evans, 41mins (1-1) Butler, HT 1 - , 52mins (2-1) J Cross, 70mins (3-1) Quick, 80mins (3-2) Jones, FT 3 - 2
Match Report
Wolves Women bounced back from last week’s disappointing draw with a 3-2 victory over Radcliffe Olympic at a sunny Hednesford Town.
Wolves’ first chance came in the 5th minute with a corner from Jen Anslow which hit the crossbar and the ball was scrambled away. Six minutes later Anslow fired in a cross from the left, but Andrea Whetton’s shot was deflected over the bar.
It was Radcliffe who made the breakthrough though in the 22nd minute as keeper Sophie Glenny struggled to hold on to a long range effort from Beth Bailey, and Ashleigh Evans capitalised to put the visitors ahead. Wolves continued to press and almost had a goal gifted to them in the 25th minute after a sliced back pass by Radcliffe hit the bar, but they managed to get it away to preserve their lead. In the 33rd minute a free-kick from Anslow was deflected off the wall and the keeper caught it at the second attempt.
Finally in the 42nd minute the pressure paid off for Wolves as Anslow’s free-kick found Mai Butler who headed in from six yards to score her debut goal for the club, making it 1-1. Wolves could have gone in front just before the break as Dom Luke unleashed a trademark missile from 25 yards which went just wide, and the half finished in stalemate.
Wolves started the second half as they ended the first, on the front foot, and in the 53rd minute their persistence paid off as the Cross twins combined. Emma’s through ball to Jade found her one-on-one with the keeper and there was no mistake from the club’s top scorer to put Wolves ahead. Radcliffe never gave up, and almost equalised in the 59th minute with an inswinging corner, but keeper Glenny pushed the ball away under pressure.
Wolves then went straight down the other end, and Laura McQuilkin saw her shot go just over the bar. The continuous pressure from Wolves eventually paid off in the 71st minute when Amber Quick timed her run to perfection, and her looping header beat the keeper to make it 3-1.
Manager Tim Dudding then rang the changes, with Sam Berry replacing the tireless Laura McQuilkin and Whetton making way for Jodie Bragan. Wolves were piling on the pressure, with shots from Emma Cross, Jade Cross and Natalie Widdal all testing the keeper. Radcliffe managed a consolation goal with the last kick of the game after a cross found Brogan Jones who slotted it into the net to make the final score 3-2 to Wolves.
Wolves manager Tim Dudding said: "It was an important win today and a fine example of resilience, character and determination. “We battled through difficult periods of the game and were clinical when it mattered to take the three points. “We look to carry this momentum forward into our remaining fixtures in an attempt to play in a way that justifies our abilities.”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 9th April 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
30
Wolves Women 1 (Anslow)
Long Eaton United Ladies 0
Wolves;
Blues:
Goals-Log;
Glenny, E Cross, Anslow, Luke, Butler, Widdal, James (Hewitt 87), Quick, J Cross, Bragan (Berry 68), Whetton (Richards 77), unused subs; Glenny, Webb, Kelly
Arder, Hart, Robinson, Clarke, Sears (Wells 62), Kellogg, Dixon, Badach, Rowson, Pashley, Moulton, unused subs; none
11mins (1-0) Anslow, HT 1 - 0, FT 1 - 0
Match Report
Jen Anslow's goal separated the two sides as Wolves Women secured victory against Long Eaton United in glorious sunshine at Hednesford Town.
Wolves were looking to build on last week's win over Radcliffe Olympic and scored with their first chance of the game in the 11th minute after a free kick on the right by Jen Anslow was misjudged by the keeper and went into the net. They could have had a second just four minutes later after Jade Cross and Anslow combined well on the left, but Anslow's cross was just too high for Hattie James. Then a through ball to Amber Quick caught Long Eaton on the counter, but her left footed shot was saved low down by the keeper.
Wolves then had a flurry of chances, with Jodie Bragan, Jade Cross and Natalie Widdal all coming close within the space of 10 minutes, but they were unable to find the back of the net. In the 30th minute a misjudged pass in the Wolves back line nearly let in Laura Sears for Long Eaton, but her touch was too strong and Gardner gathered.
Anslow almost made it 2 in the 40th minute with an in-swinging corner which hit the bar, so it remained 1-0 to Wolves at the break.
Wolves' search for a second goal continued and in the 52nd minute it was Quick's turn to send in a low cross from the right, but Jade Cross's shot was well saved. In the 62nd minute Anslow sent in a high inviting corner ball, but Natalie Widdal's looping header hit the top of the bar. Despite their pressure, that elusive second goal never came for Wolves, but they kept a clean sheet and secured the all-important 3 points.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "Credit to the players on their performance; a determined effort that secured the points. "We displayed the necessary characteristics to see the game through, but are aware of the adaptations needed to improve our game. "We need to look to take our chances as and when they arise to achieve results that justify our endeavour! We go again".
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Sunday 16th April 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Grange Park, Long Eaton
Long Eaton United Ladies 1 (Badach)
Wolves Women 0
Blues;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Arber, Hart, Robinson, Clarke, Sears, Kellogg, Dixon, Badach, Rowson, Pashley, Wells (Campbell 78), unused sub; Kingham
Gardner, E Cross, Anslow, Perks, Butler, Widdal, Berry (McQuilken 60), Quick, J Cross, Bragan (Moran 21), Whetton, unused subs; Davies, Hewitt, Kelly
39mins (1-0) Badach, HT 1 - 0, FT 1 - 0
details unknown
Match Report
After beating Long Eaton Ladies 1-0 at home last Sunday, Wolves were hoping to repeat their success in the reverse fixture, but despite their best efforts, it was not to be and they fell to only their second defeat of the season at Grange Park.
Despite a dominant start from Wolves, they failed to convert their chances, with several players coming close but unable to make the breakthrough.
Long Eaton made them pay in the 44th minute after a twenty yard shot from Portia Badach went past Gardner in the Wolves goal to give the home side the lead at the break.
Wolves put on the pressure in the second half, but Long Eaton held firm, working hard in defence against a strong Wolves side. It made for an entertaining game, but left Wolves frustrated.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “Football is a funny game. We had complete domination, 18 attempts on goal, commitment to the very end, but no three points. Lesson learned.” Captain Anna Perks said: “I’m absolutely gutted after today’s game. We gave everything, but it just wasn’t our day. Roll on next week!”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 23rd April 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
40
Wolves Women 4 (Moran, Butler, Anslow, James)
Rotherham United Ladies 1 (Shaw)
Wolves;
Millers:
Goals-Log;
Evans, McQuilken (James 72), Anslow, Luke (Richards 17), Butler, Widdal, Moran, Perks, J Cross, Quick (Hewitt 79), E Cross, unused subs; Berry, Bragan
Wild, Saxon, Fairfax, Corke, Williams, Lindores, McCreadie, Gallagher-Wishart, Cooper, Shaw, Carter, unused subs; none
16mins (1-0) Moran, 44mins (1-1) Shaw, HT 1 - 1, 66mins (2-1) Butler, 76mins (3-1) Anslow, 88mins (4-1) james, FT 4 - 1
Match Report
Wolves Women returned to winning ways after last week’s defeat with a convincing 4-1 victory over Rotherham United Ladies at a sunny Hednesford Town.
Rotherham started well and had the first chance in the third minute after a rare slip from Dom Luke let Wishart take a shot at goal from 18 yards, but it was pushed wide by Chloe Evans in the Wolves goal. Wolves’ first chance came in the ninth minute as Emma Cross fired a ball into the box from the left wing. Amber Quick laid it back to Jade Cross whose shot from 12 yards was over the bar.
In the 14th minute Esme Moran’s ball was deflected into the path of Jade Cross, but her shot on the turn was just wide. Wolves made their pressure pay two minutes later when a scramble in the box resulted in a foul on Luke, but Moran wasn’t waiting for the penalty appeal, and curled the ball into the net to put the home side ahead in her first senior start.
Wolves were having a good spell, with shots from Anslow, Quick and Jade Cross all coming close, but it was Rotherham who made it onto the scoresheet with an equaliser against the run of play after a misplaced pass found Natalie Shaw who slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 1-1 just before the break.
Wolves started the second half well, with chances going begging for several players before Mai Butler finally made the breakthrough in the 66th minute, heading home from a Laura McQuilkin corner to re-take the lead. Manager Tim Dudding rang the changes in the 72nd minute with McQuilkin making way for Hattie James.
In the 76th minute Wolves were awarded a free kick on the right wing and Anslow floated her ball straight over the keeper to make it 3-1. Rotherham could have got one back in the 86th minute, but Shaw’s shot was deflected wide. Things went from bad to worse from Rotherham in the 88th minute after a James cross was headed into her own net by Nicole Cooper to round off a convincing 4-1 win for Wolves.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “It was a good performance all round. We dominated from start to finish and looked clinical, digging deep when we needed to. “It was a great game for Esme Moran as we look to bring some of the Under 18s into the squad. A brilliant debut goal for her at this level will give her plenty of confidence.”
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Wednesday 26th April 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Keys Park, Hednesford
150
Wolves Women 3 (Perks, Bragan 2)
Loughborough Foxes Ladies 2 (Cooper, Eastham)
Wolves;
Foxes:
Goals-Log;
Evans, McQuilken, Anslow, erks, Brackenbury (Widdal 59), E Cross, Bragan, Butler, J Cross, Quick, Whetton (Moran 65), unused subs; Richards, Hakeman
Bromley, Collins (Eatsham 75), Matlock, Bartle, Bramley, Young, Knight (Rogers 55), Chambers, Cooper, Steele, Pilling (Tugby 64) unused subs; Simes, Sugarman
8mins (1-0) Perks, 20mins (1-1) Cooper, 36mins (2-1) Bragan, HT 2 - 1, 52mins (3-1) Bragan, 80mins (3-2) Eatsham, FT 3 - 2
Match Report
Wolves Women’s last home game of the season provided a thrilling 3-2 victory over league leaders Loughborough Foxes under floodlights at Keys Park.
Wolves started well and had the first chance of the game in the only the second minute after a cross found Amber Quick in the box, but her header went wide. Loughborough then tested keeper Chloe Evans from a corner, but she cleared.
Wolves made their early pressure pay in the eighth minute as Captain Anna Perks headed home from a Jen Anslow corner to make it 1-0. Quick came close again just 5 minutes later before Loughborough’s shot went wide after a deflection in the box.
With play going from end to end Loughborough got the equaliser in the 17th minute as Cooper slotted the ball past the oncoming Evans, colliding with her as the ball trickled into the net. Wolves were pressing hard but a succession of corners came to nothing with Loughborough defending well. Loughborough then had a couple of chances of their own, but their shots were wide of the target.
Wolves’ hard work paid off in the 36th minute as they regained their lead from a Jodie Bragan header, making it 2-1 at the break.
Wolves started the second half on the front foot and their first chance came just a minute in as Mai Butler’s long range shot was stopped by the keeper.
It didn’t take long though to score another as Bragan, pictured, headed in her second, and Wolves’ third, from a Laura McQuilkin corner.
Loughborough started to apply the pressure, and had a great chance in the 70th minute after a long range shot was saved by Evans and the resulting corner was cleared away. Wolves were doing well, keeping most of the possession and looking to add another, but Loughborough were trying hard to get back into the game.
Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute as Eastham’s shot went over the top of Evans and into the net, making it 3-2 to set up a nervy finale. Wolves had a penalty appeal waved away in the 85th minute before a shot from Jade Cross which was saved by the keeper. With Loughborough pressing Wolves maintained their composure and stood firm to record an impressive victory in a thrilling game.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "It was a game we looked like winning from start to finish. We played some really impressive football and commanded the game, relying on our strength and depth when required. "All credit goes to the girls who executed a specific game plan against a hard working Foxes side. "We now aim to do what we can in taking maximum points from our remaining four games away from home which will be a tough task, but with the fantastic support we have we know that maximum points is possible."
With only one team securing promotion, the Foxes still have the upper hand. If both teams win all their remaining games Wolves would still be one point behind, so must rely on a slip up from their rivals.
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 30th April 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Reacreaton Ground, Radcliffe
34
Radcliffe Olympic Ladies 0
Wolves Women 2 (Moran, J Cross)
Olympic;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Lewis, Bailey, L Turner, Shaw, Plummer, Liburd (D Saulter 46), Tebbutt, Ramadan, Kempski, Cantrell, Evans, unused subs; none
Gardner, Hakeman (Meeson 81), Anslow, Quick, Brackenbury, Widdal, Bragan (E Cross 60), Perks, J Cross, McQuilken (Whetton 60), Moran, unused subs; Webb, Evans
HT 0 - 0, 82mins (0-1) Moran, 90mins (0-2) J Cross, FT 0 - 2
details unknown
Match Report
Wolves left it late but scored two goals in the last ten minutes against Radcliffe Olympic to keep up the pressure on league leaders Loughborough Foxes.
Wolves started well with a corner from Jen Anslow in the fourth minute which was headed clear, followed by a good chance a minute later after a throw-in found Esme Moran whose shot on the volley went wide. Moran was kept busy at the other end too, clearing a Radcliffe free-kick in the eighth minute.
Jodie Bragan came close in the 11th minute, putting pressure on the defence with a strike at goal, but was unable to get anything clean on it and the ball went over the bar. Moran could have capitalised on a mistake from the Radcliffe keeper just two minutes later, picking up the ball from a poor clearance, but her shot went just wide.
Wolves were creating plenty of chances, with Anslow hitting the upright from a corner and forcing a save from a free kick, while Moran sent another effort just over the bar. Claire Hakeman was also called into action in the Wolves’ defence, clearing from a corner, but despite Wolves dominating, the first half finished goalless.
The second half saw the teams cancelling each other out until the 59th minute, when good work by Moran and Jade Cross found Bragan but her shot went just wide of the post. Radcliffe sent a shot over the bar in the 63rd minute before Manager Tim Dudding rang the changes with Bragan and McQuilkin making way for Andrea Whetton and Emma Cross.
With the clock ticking down Wolves continued to press, with Jade Cross, Amber Quick and Anslow all coming close. Their pressure finally paid off in the 82nd minute after a turn and shot on the edge of the box by Emma Cross found Moran who tapped it into the net to give Wolves a deserved lead. They consolidated their win in the 90th minute as Jade Cross shot from just inside the box to seal the points.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “It was another heart-felt performance from the ladies to secure three points and a clean sheet - it’s always pleasing to take maximum points from difficult situations. Credit to Radcliffe today for their grit and determination. “We look to use this win to kick on to our remaining three away games. “All the players look to play their part in taking maximum points.”
The result leaves Wolves just one point behind title rivals Loughborough Foxes, but with only one side promoted Wolves must win all three of their remaining games and hope that Loughborough slip up. Having beaten Loughborough at home last week they will certainly be pushing them all the way as the season heads to a dramatic climax
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 7th May 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
St George's Park, Thornecliffe
43
Steel City Wanderers Ladies 1 (Middleton)
Wolves Women 5 (Quick 3, J Cross 2)
Wanderers Squad;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Beresford, Bratton, Darkoah (Webster 68), Doyle, Holdsworth (Vandersluis 77), Ledger, Mawhood, Middleton, Smith, Strong (Pike 77), Unwin, unused subs; none
Glenny, Hakeman (Hewitt 73), Anslow, Perks, Brackenbury (McQuilken 43), Widdal, Whetton (Bragan 77), Butler, J Cross, Quick, E Cross, unused subs; Gardner, James
1min (0-1) Quick, 15mins (0-2) Quick, 22mins (0-3) J Cross, 38mins (0-4) Quick, 44mins (1-4) Middleton, HT 1 - 4 , 53mins (1-5) J Cross, FT 1 - 5
details unknown
Match Report
Wolves Women continued their pursuit of promotion with an impressive 5-1 away victory over Steel City Wanderers at Sheffield’s St. George’s Park.
Needing three wins from their final three games, Wolves got off to the best possible start with a goal in the first minute as Jade Cross set up Amber Quick whose shot beat the keeper. Wolves kept up the pressure with a corner from Jen Anslow in the seventh minute which was saved by the keeper, and another Anslow cross two minutes later which found Quick, but her shot was saved.
The shots kept coming, with another well-taken corner from Anslow cleared by Steel City and a shot from captain Anna Perks going just over the bar. Finally in the 15th minute a repeat of the first goal saw Jade Cross find Quick, who converted to make it 2-0 to the visitors. Steel City’s first effort on goal came in the 20th minute but was easily dealt with by Sophie Glenny in the Wolves goal.
Wolves went straight back onto the attack and Anslow’s through ball this time found Jade Cross who finished in style for Wolves’ third. The chances kept coming and Quick completed her hat trick in the 38th minute with yet another ball from Anslow to make it 4-0. With half time approaching play was held up for an injury to Wolves defender Vicky Brackenbury who was forced off for treatment, with Laura McQuilkin taking her place. The resulting free-kick saw Steel City grab a goal back on the stroke of half time.
The second half saw an early chance for Steel City, catching Wolves on the break in the 49th minute, but the shot was wide of the post. Wolves struck back with their fifth goal in the 53rd minute, this time Laura McQuilkin the provider for Jade Cross’s second.
There were more chances for Wolves, with Jade Cross, Natalie Widdal and Andrea Whetton all coming close before a header from Perks hit the upright in the 65th minute. With another match to play on Thursday, manager Tim Dudding brought on some fresh legs, and Wolves continued to press, with chances coming right up to the final whistle as Anslow’s free-kick from 90th minute sent the ball crashing off the crossbar.
Dudding said: “It was another brilliant performance today. I thought we were so clinical in everything we did – with three goals from our first three shots on target. “To be 4-0 up and controlling the game was a great place for us to be, and it’s something we’ve failed to do in so many other games this season.
“We were a bit disappointed to concede a goal before half time but we came out in the second half ready to go again. “I thought Amber Quick was phenomenal today scoring her hat trick. She’s really come into her own in the last few games and it’s a pleasure to see her play so well. “The whole team dug deep and that’s why we came away head and shoulders above Steel City today.”
*With only one team promoted the result leaves Wolves just one point behind title rivals Loughborough Foxes with a game in hand. Wins in their final two games away at Loughborough Students on Thursday and at Leicester City Ladies on Sunday would see them clinch the title.
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Thursday 11th May 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Holywell Park
30
Loughborough Students Women 0
Wolves Women 3 (Anslow, James, E Cross)
Students;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Pruett, Gonzalez, Stanley, North (Murphy 70), Ruscoe, Betteridge, Frith-Salem, Hyner, Spokes, Gibson, Colledge (Hopkins 46), unused subs; Buckley, Stevens, Watt
Glenny, Hakeman (McQuilken 65), Anslow, Perks, Butler, Widdal, E Cross (Whetton 60), Bragan, J Cross (Lal 60), Quick, James, unused subs; Richards, Webb
34mins (0-1) Anslow, HT 0 - 1, 56mins (0-2) James, 58mins (0-3), E Cross, FT 0 - 3
details unknown
Match Report
Wolves Women moved top of the table before Sunday's final game of the season with an impressive 3-0 win over Loughborough Students at Holywell Park.
Wolves started well, but found themselves defending a free kick in the fourth minute which was headed to safety by captain Anna Perks. The first corner of the game went to Wolves in the eighth minute but Loughborough defended well. In the 13th minute Loughborough put Wolves under pressure with a quick breakaway, but it came to nothing as Wolves cleared their lines.
Just two minutes later Emma Cross had the first shot on target but it was well held by the Loughborough keeper. Then it was Jodie Bragan's turn to break through on goal after some lovely passing play from Wolves, but her shot was denied.
Wolves were starting to apply the pressure with Jen Anslow coming close from a free kick and then shooting into the side netting. She made no mistake in the 34th minute though as her free kick bounced back off the wall only to land at her feet, and she despatched it into the net to put Wolves ahead. Jade Cross could have doubled the lead just two minutes later but her shot went just wide and Wolves went into the break 1-0 up.
The second half saw Wolves straight onto the attack with Widdal heading wide in the 46th minute. Then Jade Cross came close, picking up a lovely through ball from Perks and trying to chip the keeper, but her ball landed on top of the net.
With Wolves having all the play, Widdal and Perks both headed wide from corners. Then in the 56th minute Emma Cross's superb ball in was headed home by Hattie James to make it 2-0 to Wolves. Loughborough almost pulled one back a minute later from a corner, but Wolves' defence held firm.
Then it was Wolves' turn to break away as Anslow whipped the ball in from the left and Player of the Season Emma Cross finished in style for Wolves' third. Manager Tim Dudding then made some changes with the Cross twins making way for Nikki Lal and Andrea Whetton.
Loughborough hadn't given up though and in the 59th minute keeper Glenny pulled off a world class save, having to change direction quickly and just managing to tip the ball over the bar with her left hand. She was called into action again just three minutes later with another fine save. Dudding made his final substitution with Laura McQuilkin replacing Claire Hakemen and in the 68th minute Wolves were on the attack again with Lal shooting just over from McQuilkin's corner.
As Wolves pressed, a foul on Perks resulted in her having to leave the field with an injury, leaving Wolves down to ten players for the last 15 minutes, having made all three substitutions. Wolves battled well and held firm to keep a clean sheet and get the all-important win which puts them at the top of the table, two points clear of title rivals Loughborough Foxes. With only one team promoted it's all down to the last game of the season this Sunday with Wolves away at Leicester City Ladies and Foxes at Sporting Khalsa. With Foxes' better goal difference Wolves must win their game to guarantee promotion.
Manager Tim Dudding said: "I was really proud of the girls tonight. They showed character, grit and determination. They dug deep when they needed to, particularly in the last 15 minutes with only ten players. They were professional, did the job and saw the game out. It was great to see Emma Cross get on the score sheet after she was named Player of the Season at Wolves’ End of Season awards this week. "Now we'll take Sunday's game as we have all the others - one game at a time."
Date;
Competition;
Venue;
Attendance;
Sunday 14th May 2017
FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One
Linwood Playing Fields
140
Leicester City Ladies 0
Wolves Women 1 (E Cross)
Foxes Squad;
Wolves;
Goals-Log;
Aragosa (Richards 65), Bateman, Bugajska, Burbidge (Milner 80), Cattrell, Colange Lo, Hills, Janicka, Kilby, Maslen, Walton, unused subs; Pickering, Sheridan, Townsend
Glenny, Hakeman (Hewitt 86), Anslow, Butler, Brackenbury, Widdal, Whetton (Moran 76), Quick, J Cross, McQuilken (Bragan 61)< E Cross, unused subs; Gardener, James, Meeson
HT 0 - 0, 50mins (0-1) E Cross, FT 0 - 1
details unknown
Match Report
Wolves Women clinched the FA Women’s Premier League Midlands Division One title thanks to a nervy 1-0 victory over Leicester City Ladies. With Loughborough Foxes topping the table for most of the season, Wolves finally took their place last Thursday evening, beating Loughborough Students 3-0 at the expense of captain Anna Perks, who broke her collarbone as the result of a tackle. So Wolves went into this final game two points clear at the top of the table, knowing that a win would guarantee promotion, while Foxes were hoping that Wanderers would slip up.
Wolves started well with stand-in captain Vicky Brackenbury heading just over from a Jen Anslow corner in the first minute before Laura McQuilkin sent a shot just wide of the goal. It wasn’t all Wolves though, with Leicester themselves looking to avoid relegation and putting up a strong fight.
Wolves were doing well from set pieces, with Anslow and Emma Cross both causing problems. In the 29th minute Jade Cross came close with a shot which went just over the bar. Then Leicester had a great chance just three minutes later after Claire Hakeman cleared with a diving header, and the resulting corner was saved well by Sophie Glenny in the Wolves goal. As half time approached Wolves were battling hard, with Jade Cross involved in a goalmouth scramble and Anslow sending a free-kick just over the bar, but they couldn’t make the breakthrough and it remained goalless at the break.
Wolves were straight out of the blocks at the start of the second half and their pressure finally paid off in the 48th minute. McQuilkin’s long-range shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced out to Emma Cross who tapped it over the line to give Wolves the lead. Wolves were trying hard to get a second goal, with Amber Quick, Jade Cross and Natalie Widdal all coming close. Leicester had their chances too, with a couple of free-kicks and corners, and Glenny was called into action again to tip a shot over the bar.
In a tense finale substitutes Moran and Bragan both came close for Wolves before Amber Quick’s shot was saved by the keeper in the 89th minute. Leicester forced two more saves from Glenny in stoppage time, but Wolves held firm to record a necessary victory with rivals Loughborough Foxes also securing three points.
The result sees Wolves promoted as champions back to the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “It’s an incredible feeling, and one that’s been a long time coming. “We’ve worked so hard over the season, and we’ve had to dig deep in some incredibly difficult times, but we’ve come out on top – as champions!
Captain Anna Perks said: “I’m so proud to have captained such a fantastic squad of girls. The strength and depth of our squad has been a major factor to the season’s success, as even with injuries the team has not suffered. We are now looking forward to a good rest and then putting the hard work in for next season in the Northern Premier League!”
Sat 5th April 1947
Wolves Res. v Preston North End Res.
details unknown
Mon 7th April 1947
Wolves Res. v Derby County Res.
details unknown
Sat 19th April 1947
Wolves Res. v Liverpool Res.
details unknown
Fri 26th March 1948
Wolves Res. v Barnsley Res.
details unknown
Sat 3rd April 1948
Wolves Res. v Preston North End Res.
details unknown
Sat 17th April 1948
Wolves Res. v Manchester United Res.
details unknown