Wasps’ FA Cup showdown with Arsenal highlights gulf in women’s game

Part two of Sent Her Forward’s preview of women’s football’s big day out in Crawley

Faye Rabson and Sian Heather celebrate a goal against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the 2018/19 season (Photo: Ben Davidson)

Faye Rabson (left) has been a regular scorer for Wasps over the years but now shares the goals with the likes of Sian Heather (Photo: Ben Davidson)

When Crawley Wasps entered this season’s Women’s FA Cup competition, thoughts were on a little run that would perhaps get their name more widely known as they continued their remarkable journey towards the big time. Continue reading

Wasps prefer home comforts to cash bonanza for Arsenal tie

Part one of an in-depth look at preparations for a massive day for women’s football in Sussex

Oakwood FC's ground in Crawley (Photo: Sent Her Forward)

Parking at Oakwood FC is limited

Crawley Wasps have rejected the chance to cash in on the biggest day in their history by making their Women’s FA Cup tie against Arsenal a potential money-spinner at Crawley Town after players and officials insisted they wanted to take on the Super League giants on their own turf. Continue reading

High-flying pair braced for new battle of Sussex

Crawley Wasps v Chichester City, Woodside Road, Worthing, Sunday, December 9, 1pm

Jade Widdows scores her first goal against Crawley Wasps, July 31 2016 (Photo: John Holden)

Jade Widdows scored a stunning flying header when Chichester City visited Crawley Wasps for a friendly in 2016 (Photo: John Holden)

It’s a good time for women’s football in Sussex.

Brighton are plying their trade in the top division of the English game, while Lewes have stepped up to the second level, where they are gradually adjusting to life.

Looking to catch them up, Chichester City and Crawley Wasps are enjoying unprecedented success in the two tiers below. Continue reading

Brighton start Super League adventure without Hope but with plenty of optimism

Sent Her Forward 2017 preview: Part two – Brighton

Ini Umotong, Brighton, July 10 2017 (Photo: Stuart Butcher/BHAFC)

Brighton pulled off a coup with the signing of Nigeria international striker Ini Umotong (Photo: Stuart Butcher/BHAFC)

It’s here at last. Brighton finally make their Super League bow, almost 18 months after clinching their place with a play-off victory over Sporting Club Albion after winning the Premier League Southern title.
Continue reading

Super League teams stock up for another voyage into the unknown

Sent Her Forward 2017-18 preview: Part one – The pick of FAWSL 2

Watford players at their ;pre-season friendly against Coventry United, 2017 (Photo: Neale Blackburn)

Like so many WSL 2 clubs, Watford have brought in a host of new faces (Photo: Neale Blackburn)

Two Super League debutants join the second tier of England’s élite set-up for what promises to be a historic – and fascinating – season. Continue reading

Sussex County League ensures that goals no longer make such a difference

Sent Her Forward Sussex grassroots preview

Jade Gardiner shoots during Haywards Heath & Wivelsfield's game at Crawley Wasps Reserves, Oct 3 2015 (Photo: Dave Burt)

Too many goals are driving out the weaker teams, according to the Sussex County League (Photo: Dave Burt)

The Sussex County League has scrapped goal difference this season, leaving continental-style head-to-head statistics to determine the positions of sides level on points. Continue reading

Stakes higher than ever as Premier League clubs invest in chance of glory

Chichester City celebrate winning promotion/Lewes promotional pic (Photos: caroline Henry-Evans/James Boyes)

Cbichester City join the Premier League elite where they will be competing against a Lewes side now paying their women the same as their men (Photos: Caroline Henry-Evans/James Boyes)

Love it or fear its consequences, the Super League has ignited a change in women’s domestic football, forcing standards among the genuine challengers in the Premier League to rise inexorably. Continue reading

Brighton determined to avoid another Gander Green banana skin

AFC Wimbledon celebrate winning the L&SEWF League title

AFC Wimbledon clinched promotion to the Premier League a year ago this month in an unbeaten campaign

Brighton play their first competitive match as a Super League team when they visit the home of FA Cup giant-killers Sutton United to take on AFC Wimbledon in the women’s version of the tournament on Sunday. Continue reading

Shrinking league won’t stifle ambitious clubs

Sent Her Forward Premier League season preview

Gemma Shepherd, Kit Graham and Avilla Bergin, Charlton Athletic, July 2016

With new signing Avilla Bergin joining Gemma Shepherd and Kit Graham at Charlton, goals should not be a problem as they bid to go one better in the new campaign (Photo: Charlton Athletic WFC)

The launch of another season in the Premier League Southern has been overshadowed by the withdrawal of Forest Green Rovers because of their struggle to provide a competitive squad. Continue reading

Underdogs become play-off favourites in the battle of the Albions

Sent Her Forward previews the game that could make or break champions’ seasons

Brighton and Sporting Club Albion celebrate winning their respective Premier Leagues, 2016 (Photos: Geoff Penn/BHA/SCA)

Brighton and Sporting Club Albion each won their leagues with points to spare (Photos: Geoff Penn/BHA)

For a second time, the cream of England’s Women’s Premier League footballers will do battle for a chance to join the game’s élite in the Super League. Continue reading