Latest news from the women’s game
Big task for Leeds – Boanas takes up Estonia post
Leeds Carnegie have been given the mammoth task of trying to end Arsenal’s long unbeaten record when the sides meet in the quarter final of the FA Women’s Cup.
In a repeat of last year’s final, which Arsenal won 4-1, Leeds travel to Boreham Wood on February 22 to face the red-hot favourites and a team crammed full of internationals.
The rest of the draw sees the winner of Derby County v Chelsea hosting Lincoln Ladies whilst Mo Marley's Everton will travel to either Millwall Lionesses or Blackburn Rovers. The final tie will see Sunderland take on either Bristol Academy or Birmingham City.
The Fifth Round replays will be settled this weekend on 1 February…
Keith Boanas
Potential quarter finalists Millwall Lionesses will have to advance into the last eight without their managerial team of Keith Boanas and Pete McGovern who have been head-hunted by Estonia to overhaul the women’s game.
Estonia have been chasing them for over a year to run their national ladies team on a part-time basis.
However, Boanas could not turn down a renewed offer by the Estonian FA which gives them a full-time position, as well as full control over the development of women’s football in Estonia.
With the approval of the committee, Boanas has arranged for Matt Beard to take on the job of the first team manager. Beard was his number two at Charlton for three years and was short-listed for the Lionesses job last time around. Training will be taken by Beard, with help from Millwall Community Scheme coaching staff. ..
Staying with cup football and Scunthorpe United’s Glanford Park venue has been chosen to host this year’s FA Women’s Premier League Cup final.
Arsenal, who suffered a surprise defeat to Everton in last year’s final, meet Doncaster Rovers Belles, who are making their first League Cup final appearance since 1996, meet on February 26th.
It is Arsenal’s fifth consecutive final appearance and they will be looking to add to their tally of eight victories in this tournament…