The Battle to The Top: WSL2 the Conclusion

However, it is still ALL to play for with the champions yet to be cowned and the top two sat on the same number of points. Even further down the table, where finishing positions are mostly secure, it promises to be a feisty conclusion to the WSL2.

Tussle for the Title

The two promoted teams are seemingly the only sides with something left to play for but a glance at the record of a ruthless season indicates that opponents should never be counted out.

Yeovil Town’s Jamie Sherwood and Bristol City’s Willie Kirk spoke to SheKicks about promotion, the final fixture and the their clubs’ future of in the top flight.

Yeovil Town FC Ladies v Sheffield FC Ladies

As it stands, Yeovil are in pole position, with a very positive goal difference of +22 but any loss of points would hand title rivals Bristol City a prime opportunity to steal the trophy from under their noses.

Lady Glovers’ Head Coach Jamie Sherwood is very much focused, and despite the club having already won their bid for top flight football he said, “it’s not something that I have looked at and I know my players and staff have not allowed themselves to think about it [promotion] as we still have goals to achieve.”

However, when quizzed about his initial thoughts about life in the WSL1 he admitted,“it will be tough! We will have to learn quickly and we have some work to do both on and off the pitch, but I can assure you that the club will embrace the challenge and be determined to be on the front foot.”

The last time these two teams met there was a hard fought draw, Yeovil’s signing Lucy Quinn hit home a late equaliser on her debut. The pervious outcome suggests that the match on Sunday will not be a stroll in the park and in-form Sheffield can be content on a solid debut WSL season  – but at least it will be played at Huish Park.

Sherwood believes that having the final fixture at home will give his side the edge.
“Everybody could see last week how important our fans are and how they can make a difference. I’m sure this weekend will be no different.

“They are our 12th/13th and sometimes 14th player encouraging us to deliver the result. The girls respond to that in such a positive way I feel that we do have the advantage over Bristol in that respect.”

The opposition come into the match with a sealed fifth place position but also with experience in away days. Having only lost two games away from home and on a current three games undefeated, it is unlikely that Zoe Johnson’s side will go down without a fight. 

Sheffield’s Captain Carla Ward has demonstrated why she wears the armband in the last two games, acting as the catalyst for her team’s strong finish by scoring and generally dictating the flow of play.

Oxford United Ladies v Bristol City Women

The Vixens arguably have the easier test in facing a team sat lower down in the table but the Bristol side are not opening the champagne early, despite Claire Emslie’s heroics against Everton.
 

Their training resumed as normal throughout the week in preparation for their final game against Oxford United. Bristol City Coach Willie Kirk detailed the preparation his players have undergone for the upcoming weekend and hinted at his expectations at how the contest will go:

“We have obviously focused on attack more than defence. It may go to goal difference and we need to put as much pressure on Yeovil as possible, and the only way to do that is to score goals.”

The home side have mustered three home wins but are unable to climb higher than their ninth place position, unless Millwall lose and Oxford United beat Bristol with a 12 goal advantage. The last time the teams met Bristol City asserted themselves with a 4-1 win.

Kirk is wise enough not to write off the opposition by describing their attacking preparation as, “not disrespectful to Oxford United,” adding that, “we are well aware of the threat they can cause to us.”

With only one game left Bristol City are already looking to the future. “It’s almost a perfect time to be a promoted club because of the ‘Spring Series’,” says Kirk. “This will allow us to test ourselves at a higher level without the pressure of needing points.

“We will add one or two players with proven WSL1 experience, and we shall continue to develop the young players already at the club.”

Regardless of the outcome on the day, their success will be suitably celebrated says Kirk. “We have a couple of things arranged on the Sunday evening and then a black tie, end of season event.”

Elsewhere in the WSL2

When the clock strikes two in the afternoon and the WSL2 kicks off for the last time this season, Aston Villa Ladies FC will entertain bottom place Watford Ladies. The visitors cannot move their position and have already surpassed their points tally of five from last year, yet Villa have the opportunity to move past London Bees and into sixth place.

London Bees will attempt to secure their position after an improved season. They have the home advantage against Everton, whose promotion hopes were dramatically dashed last weekend by Bristol City keeper Claire Leach, who saved a 96 minute penalty.

The last time the two sides went head-to-head the Toffees registered a resounding 5-1 victory. However, the Bees have been potentially the most improved across season – going from losing 9-0 to Durham at home to a shock victory over former WSL1 Champions, Chelsea, in the Conti Cup.
 

Up north, Durham Women FC host Millwall Lionesses, a fixture that was played in South-East London not too long ago and resulted in a narrow victory for the Wildcats. At the time Durham were still in contention for a place in the WSL1 but after their biggest ever WSL win last weekend (6-1) at Watford, and the Lionesses’ battling draw with Villa, they’re both sure to want to end the season with a roar rather than a whimper. 

(Images: FA via Getty Images)