News and Results 22/08/22 (Holland, James, E Jones, R Roberts, Rossiter, Ward

Gemma Grainger believes that Angharad James’ move to Tottenham will benefit her as a player because it’s what she needs to make her happy. It’s always great to see an acknowledgement of the importance of a footballer’s mental health.

FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division

Ipswich Town 0-3 Portsmouth

Portsmouth have been something of a bogey team for Ipswich and the trend continued on the opening game of the new season as Ipswich claimed an emphatic win.

Ipswich were certainly – and understandably - affected by two injuries in the first half. Both players went to hospital and it was after this that Portsmouth really became dominant. They scored their first goal shortly before half-time and very nearly doubled their lead minutes later. Ipswich almost equalised from a free kick early in the second half, but it wasn’t to be and two more goals from Portsmouth sealed the result.

Emma Jones played almost the full match for Portsmouth, substituted only in stoppage time. She was involved in many of the attacks, causing havoc with her set pieces, and had an attempt on goal herself.

Watford 3-2 Gillingham

Helen Ward opened the scoring for Watford with an 18^th-minute lob, but it didn’t take long for Gillingham to find an equaliser. Five minutes later, Helen was close again and a very good save was needed to prevent her from putting Watford back in the lead. The save could have been costly as it was Gillingham who were ahead at the break after a goal in the 45^th minute. But the match wasn’t over – and neither was the first half. Watford were back level two minutes into stoppage time.

Helen was substituted shortly after the hour mark and Watford didn’t let the absence of their captain deter them. They were almost immediately back in the lead, bringing the score to 3-2. Watford had other chances, but there were no more goals and the home side finished as the winners. Annie Rossiter, who started alongside Helen, came close to a debut goal, but her attempt was saved.

Liverpool 5-0 West Ham (friendly)

A team’s performance in pre-season friendlies isn’t always an accurate indicator of how successful their season will be, but Liverpool certainly looked very strong when they played against West Ham.

Liverpool looked like the better side from the start, though West Ham didn't play badly. Even after Liverpool’s first goal, West Ham were very much still in the game, with both teams creating chances. Liverpool doubled their lead early in the second half and then made a double substitution which really was a game changer. Substitute Leanne Kiernan won a penalty, which was saved, but she had the presence of mind to put the rebound in the back of the net. She went on to score two more goals, one of which was set up by Ceri Hollland, who took the ball to the left by-line and then centred it for her teammate with perfect timing.

Ceri completed the 90 minutes for Liverpool, while Rhiannon Roberts played the first half.

Highlights of this match can be watched on West Ham United’s YouTube channel.