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 (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.

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

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.

High-flying pair braced for new battle of Sussex

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

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.

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

Sent Her Forward 2017 preview: Part two – Brighton

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.

Super League teams stock up for another voyage into the unknown

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

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.

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

Sent Her Forward Sussex grassroots preview

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.

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

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.