FA Women’s Super League returns this evening

Monday 14 Apr 2014
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The FA Women’s Super League (WSL) is back this week for its biggest season to date.

For the first time there will be a second division, FA WSL 2, and 10 new clubs, along with promotion and relegation between tiers. All 18 FA WSL clubs will compete in the expanded FA WSL Continental Cup, which begins on 30 April.

Tonight, Oxford United take on London Bees in the FA WSL 2 season opener, at Abingdon United FC. FA WSL 1 gets underway on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Last year the FA WSL culminated in a dramatic finish when Liverpool Ladies pipped Bristol Academy to the title on the final day of the season, with a 2 – 0 win.

England’s Gemma Bonner captained Liverpool Ladies during their title winning 2013 campaign. She said: “Winning the WSL last season was one of the best things you could wish for as a footballer and it’s something that the whole team wants to achieve again this season.

“No one wants to be in the relegation places and every team will want to get off to a good start, so we know our first game against Man City will be a tough one.

“The title is ours to defend. Teams know more about us now and they will all be looking to up their games against us. We’re determined to do well, we’re confident in our ability and can’t wait to get the season started.”

Kelly Simmons, director of national game and women’s football at the FA, said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for the women’s game. The establishment of a second division really demonstrates just what appetite there is from both clubs and supporters for a thriving, entertaining and successful league.”

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