Christmas is upon us and it is the time of year where family start asking what you would like to receive on Christmas day. Players it is time to start thinking about replacing those items you wear every training session that are starting to fall apart, family members of players why not treat the player to something that is going to help them not just this current season but future seasons too. Today's post is one packed full of ideas from stocking fillers to those more expensive items the player might be holding off buying. Finding the right gift can be hard work but for a player who spends most of their days doing something football related you can't go wrong with these ideas...

Shin pads

Shin pads aren't always the first thing you think of when sending someone a gift however, it is one that most players would probably be grateful for as their current ones might be years old and starting to stink. There are plenty of options out there for every price point when it comes to shin pads but why not do something a bit more personal for the player and surprise them with some personalized shin pads? They could simply be there name & number or even have some of their favourite pictures on them, it just makes the gift that little bit more unique.

Calendar for fixtures

Now this is one that is not only great for the player but the rest of the family too as it can be hung for everyone to see. Having a calendar hung with all the fixtures and training sessions on just means there is no confusion leading to double booking or even turning up at the wrong place at the wrong time. If there are multiple players in the family why not get a family calendar with multiple columns for each player broken into times so there is no confusion over where everyone is meant to be and lifts can be arranged if needed so no one misses out on game day.

Grip Socks

Grip socks have really taken over in the world of football and the majority of players these days are seen wearing them with sock sleeves or the feet of their club socks cut out. They stop your feet sliding around in your boot and just provide a fit that a club sock might not, I know I personally prefer grip socks over normal ones as I just feel that bit more secure. These would be the perfect stocking filler for any player and if you check out GripSockz and use the code EDGEOFTHEAREA20 you can get some money off your order.

Team merchandise

Most teams these days have their own merchandise so why not get the player kitted out in their clubs colours whether it is for day to day wear, training or pre-match. Typically clubs offer hats, t-shirts and hoodies so why not see what the club offers and pick up a few pieces for the player. Not only are you helping the player represent their club you will also be helping the club as the funds will no doubt go to them.

Training wear

If the player doesn't have a specific training kit they have to wear a nice shirt and shorts set might help them head into the second half of the season with a bit more confidence. Alternatively if the player heads to the gym outside of football training a nice set for this will come in handy and just give them something different to wear rather than wearing the clubs training kit every session.

Massage gun

Now this is a great idea especially for us older players who might ache the day after games or training sessions however, it would also be great for those constantly training. There is nothing worse than waking up with your legs aching when you know you are going to be training again the next day. A massage gun can be used post game/training session to loosen those muscles and try reduce the intensity of the aches and pains. Massage guns used to to cost an absolute fortune but these days you can pick them up at various prices.

Care package

A little care package would be nice especially if a player is out injured. It could be filled with treats, books or things to simply help pass the time on the sidelines until they are recovered, a little basket filled with all the players favourite things would be sure to brighten up their Christmas. For those still playing it could be filled with novelty but useful bits such as plasters, deep heat, hand warmers and hot drinks sachets just for them to keep in their bag throughout the remainder of the season.

Medical supplies

If you don't fancy going down the care package routine and fancy some stocking fillers for the player when not pick them up some medical supplies that they can keep to hand seen as knocks are part and parcel of the game. There are a few different bits that any player would be happy to be stocked up on such as heat packs, deep heat, deep freeze, plasters of all kinds and even bandages, if the player usually has energy gels in a game these could also be used as a stocking filler.

Boot buddy

There is nothing worse than muddy boots so a Boot Buddy or any other boot cleaner would definitely help out any player you are purchasing for. Here in the UK you never seem to be able to escape the mud and if left it just makes a real mess of your boots which are too expensive to get ruined these days. The Boot Buddy is a really inexpensive gift that can make cleaning those boots a whole lot easier than using the standard products. This is definitely going onto my own Christmas wish list.

Boot bag or Kit bag

All these new items need somewhere to live so why not treat the player to a new boot bag or kit bag that is big enough to store everything in. Again you can possibly get a team bag or Nike & Miss Kick have some great options to cover all basis. These will vary in price so it depends what type you are after but a new bag for the new year would be great for the player heading into the second half of the season as it isn't always something the player would think of upgrading themselves.

New boots

Possibly the most obvious gift idea is a pair of new boots to go into the second half of the season with a nice fresh pair. Boots have definitely shot up in price but you can find them at a mixture price points so there is something for every budget. What player doesn't want to open a fresh pair of boots at Christmas? Just make sure you know what surface they are needed for.

So there you have it that is our women's football player gift guide, check back next week to see our fans gift guide with plenty of ideas for those who love to spend their time watching the game. There are plenty of options to treat the footballer in your life to at various price points whether it is a stocking filler or a main gift there is something for everyone. If you play football what would you love to receive this Christmas?

Here we are back with another 'In conversation piece' but this time it is a little bit more special as it is with our first full professional footballer and it is a player we have enjoyed watching in the WSL. Just before the start of this season we were given the amazing opportunity to sit down and have a chat with Everton's Emily Ramsey. 

In the chat we got to know more about her experiences growing up and being a part of some of the big clubs from a young age. It was great to get to know about a player who has a lot of potential in the future and is putting in some great performances even at a young age. Ramsey is only 23 years old but has already played and trained along side some brilliant players whilst also seeing first hand how the women's game has developed since she first signed a professional contract. So here is how our chat with Emily Ramsey went...

EOTA : What made you want to be a keeper in first place, it's obviously not many peoples 1st pick for positions?

ER : Yeah I always just had a love for it from when I was really young and I used to play with my dad & my brother. I used to play with like the little sponge ball when I was tiny (about 4 or 5). 

When I decided I wanted to play for a team so went down to the one my brother used to play for (Deans),  it was a boys team who were a year old than me and they basically said I couldn't play unless I went in goal. I already kind of liked it so I thought OK why not I'll give it a shot & loved it. I was in net again the next year and then year after I went to United as a 'keeper and literally never looked back.

EOTA : So typical case back then of the only way of being on the boys team?

ER : Yeah shoved in because I am a girl but it worked out though

EOTA : With Mary Earps being in the news more often do you think it is going to spur more girls on to start taking that path of being a 'keeper?

ER : Yeah definitely I think Mary's been a massive role model for me and a lot of young 'keepers. I think we've really seen it over the past couple of years with the success shes had with the lionesses and with United you really see people coming down to games with an Earps shirt on and as a 'keeper its rare that happens, your family might wear a goalie shirt but they are normally the only ones. 

But I think that its really inspiring to see that Mary's really caught the attention of young girls and she is going to bring a next generation through that are going to want to be goalkeepers. Like I just said about me it was more I got shoved in net and found out that I loved it, it wasn't a decision on I am going to be a goalkeeper and my role models were all male and I think it is just really inspiring for those young girls to have role models like Mary and the other keepers coming through that they can look up to and try follow in the foot steps of. 

EOTA : Obviously you've been at big clubs like United and under great 'keepers like Earps & now Brosnan what sort of things do they teach you?

ER : I think it is really important for me like especially throughout my career to take little things from everyone that I have worked with and just sort of be a sponge and soak up information. Obviously it is important the coaches you work with too, I've worked with a lot of really good goalkeeper coaches and taken a lot from them and I sort of found my own style from blending different things and trying different things . 

The first big goalkeeper I worked with was Siobhan Chamberlain and I learnt a lot from her, a lot of things that worked for me and a lot that didn't, its sort of a trial and error process. Then obviously working with Mary under Wilko (who is the goalkeeper coach at United), he is brilliant. Then you find out other things too, like as a goalkeeper everyone is different with different styles, I have a different physique to some 'keepers so what works for Mary might not work for me but just sort of watching things in training more than anything asking questions, I am not afraid to ask questions in training but I think just when you are rotated out and just watching seeing what they do and trying it for yourself helps. Same with Courtney now I think we are very open and honest in training with our discussions of well I did this and it worked for me and in this situation this is what helped me to make that save etc... and I think that's whats really put us both in a good position of last season of both playing well and getting the success because we were so open in terms of how we were going to improve.

EOTA : Obviously there is always talk of the goalkeeper union, that must be like a little pact you've got going on?

ER : Yeah it is true like you spend every day as a small group of people they may just be 3 or 4 of you every single day on the training pitch and you've got to learn how that dynamic works and I think it creates this little bubble of we are friends, yeah we are competing against each other but we are also friends and we are going to find out what makes the environment so successful, how we can improve it and how we can keep that intensity in a session. So you've got to get on with your 'keepers and look out for your 'keepers and I think that is really important. I have trained on my own before and it is rubbish so its important to have those people around you.

EOTA : You've signed now for Everton full time what were the thoughts behind that leaving United and moving across?

ER : I wanted to play, I think realistically looking at United with Mary I wasn't going to get the opportunities I wanted so I knew from last season that wasn't maybe the path I wanted to go down. Then obviously I had a really enjoyable year last year with Everton, played a good amount and was hoping for more but unfortunately I got an injury. But I think I really found a level within myself that I was happy with and I was performing well. I got called up to England and I felt happy in the environment too, it's such a welcoming club and with the new manager the ambition of the club is really good and I just felt that the direction we were moving in off the back of last season into this season was just really positive and I wanted to be a part of it and try for this season to be more successful. 

EOTA : Obviously Everton have had a dip in recent seasons but are starting to rise back up again what do you think your addition can bring to the club?

ER : Yeah obviously a couple of years ago they had their struggles with a lot of different managers and the squad didn't seem so settled but coming in last year like we have a great environment and we are always learning & looking to improve. We obviously have the new direction of Brian Sorensen as well so it has been really positive for us and I think looking at this year its only going to go up the direction of the club, plus we've got good signings in. I was here last year so its been easy for me to in bed into it but all of the girls we've brought in have really fit in to the group well and are really good footballers but more importantly they are really good people and its only going to help our team environment. 

EOTA : You mentioned earlier about football inspirations and that they were really all male so who was your biggest footballing inspiration?

ER : It was Edwin Van der Sar, that was like my era. Growing up I loved football and as a young kid I was football mad. My family are all massive United fans so I was watching United and that is when Van der Sar was in net and he was just unreal. I remember my cousin got me a United shirt for my birthday and it was the Van der Sar shirt, the blue goalie one with white across and Van der Sar on the back. I loved it so much that I didn't take it off for like 2 weeks, I used to sleep in it and everything. I loved it because I had never had my own United shirt before either, I always just got hand me downs off my brothers and sister so I just thought it was the best thing ever. So Van der Sar was a massive one for me. I was just moving to United at the time, I was a 'keeper and I just looked up to him so much he was incredible. 

EOTA : So if you had to pick from the women's game as well do you have any inspirations from there?

ER : I think the first 'keeper I ever saw from women's football and thought WOW was Hope Solo, I remember the first world cup I ever watched was the one in Canada. Then around that same time was KB (Karen Bardsley),  as well as Shiv (Siobhan Chamberlain), who obviously I used to see and look up to and then I got the chance to play with her. But I would say first is Hope Solo but then probably KB then Shiv. 

I was still young when I got to work with Siobhan and then I got to play with Mary (Earps) and those players I will always say have a big impact on my career but from being younger and seeing it i would prob's say KB (Bardsley) is also a big inspiration.

EOTA : The women's game is not really full time at all levels yet so if wasn't in top flight and was in a lower level semi pro team with a job what do you think you would be doing?

ER : As a job on the side? I think I would probably be working in the police, because that is what both my parents did, they used to work in like CSI forensic science stuff and I always found it really interesting. So I reckon I would probably just have followed in their footsteps and gone down that path which still sounds like a pretty good job to be fair. I am glad I just don't have to explore those options right now. 

EOTA : So last question the WSL now has designated away ends. What do you think it will mean having those fans behind you if they get behind the goals each away day?

ER : I think its a really big step actually in terms of creating that fan culture in women's football. I think we've had a lot of progress with the Lionesses as it has inspired a lot of kids so you get a lot of families coming to games. But I also think that some clubs like Everton are really good too at leading the way at bringing almost the same environment as at men's football and bringing it to the women's game. The chants, competition and rivalry you see at Walton Hall Park are great... there's chants there's football songs and just enthusiasm from the fans and I think that is a big step for women's football to take as its a family sport like 'what a good day out' which is great because we get to inspire the girls but also for us on the pitch if you feel that passion from the fans it gives you something else.

I remember the first derby last year at Anfield, the Everton fans you could hear all game louder than the Liverpool fans and we went on & played great and performed on the pitch with the backing of them fans. I think it is something United are good at too with their fans, Arsenal are good too and I think it is going to create a better atmosphere for even away games as we will go to away games and you will get stick from the home fans or hear your fans backing you in a tough moment and i think its just something that for me is really exciting if women's football can develop that.

EOTA : Like you say it should pick up that atmosphere we've been to games in the past when it has more or less been silent, you can hear the players more than fans

ER : Its cos your a city fan (after seeing the signed shirts in the back ground) 

EOTA : Believe it or not its not actually City, we have United season tickets and watch anyone really (laughing) 

ER : OK I can't say anything about that then can i (whilst laughing ). The dedicated areas definitely help with the atmosphere though as it just makes the fans louder.

We then ended the conversation with a little game of this or that for a little bit of fun and this is how it went...

EOTA : Save a last minute penalty or go up and score a last minute goal?

ER : (After a bit of thinking) er penalty, last minute save. 

EOTA: Night game or early game?

ER : Early game, I don't like waiting around. 

EOTA : This seasons Everton home or away kit?

ER : Home the away outfield I am not a fan of.

EOTA : Finally plain gloves or bright gloves?

ER : Bright, I like to see my hands and feel like I look good. All whites the best though. 

So there you have it that is our conversation with Everton's Emily Ramsey, granted we have seen since this interview took place a mixed bag of fortune for Everton with them only just really starting to find their feet in the season however, we are looking forward to seeing how the rest of the 23/24 season progresses for both Emily and the club. 

Thank you to Emily Ramsey & Everton for making this chat possible, who would have thought 4 years ago when this site first started we would be getting to chat to players from the English top flight? Who would you like to see us chat to next?

Aston Villa 0 - 6 Chelsea

Villa's poor start to the season continued on Saturday when they were knocked for six by Chelsea. Villa started the game strong but once Chelsea's first goal went in it was a case of not being able to contain them and Chelsea weren't holding back. Chelsea had 6 different goal scorers in total including captain Millie Bright who scored the first goal on her 250th appearance for the club. It was nice to see a mixture of scorers for the team however, something needs to change at Villa 5 games and 0 points is not what anyone expected to see.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Manchester City

Arsenal got a late winner in their big clash against Manchester City to bring them level on points with City at the end of week 5. Arsenal took the lead through Catley however, City pulled a goal back when Kelly found the back of the net. Arsenal took home all 3 points after a late goal from Blackstenius. Arsenal may have taken home all 3 points but the standout performer for us was City's young 'keeper Keating who saved a Little penalty and overall put in a fantastic performance, she is certainly going to be one to watch as at a young age she is already doing really well.

Tottenham 1 -1 Everton

I think it is safe to say Tottenham are doing really well this season even with captain England out through injury. Manchester United loanee Grace Clinton found herself on the score sheet for Tottenham once more and it looked like Spurs were going to hold on for all 3 points but a penalty converted by Galli in the 85th minute for Everton saw the points shared. The draw sees Tottenham sat 3rd on goal difference, which I don't think many of us expected and Everton's point sees them moving a bit further from the drop zone.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Leicester 

Liverpool got back to winning ways with a victory over Leicester. Lawley gave Liverpool the lead in the 48th minute but Leicester found themselves level in the 57th minute through a Goodwin equalizer. Liverpool finally retook the lead in the 84th minute through Hobinger and managed to hold the lead for the remainder of the game. The win leaves Liverpool in 4th on goal difference again a position I don't think many of us fans expected to see them in.

West Ham 2 - 3 Bristol City

An influx of goals within the first half and an early one in the second half saw Bristol City finally get their first points of their return to the top flight. West Ham took the lead in the 27th minute through a Asseyi penalty but in the 32nd minuted Bristol drew level with a goal from Thestrup. In the 37th minute Florence Powell got Bristol's second goal and it looked like they were going into the break in the lead until in the 3rd minute of first half added time West Ham brought the scoreline level once more with a goal from Ueki. The score didn't stay level for long though as in the 55th minute Aspin put Bristol back in front once more. They managed to see the game out at 3-2 and the points move them away from the drop zone and will no doubt give them a confidence boost going into next weekends round of games.

Brighton 2 - 2 Manchester United

The final game of the weekend definitely had you on the edge of your seats. Manchester United just didn't look like their usual selves from the get go and Brighton weren't sitting back for this game. Sloppy play from United led to plenty of Brighton chances and they finally capitalised on them in the 30th minute when Terland gave Brighton the lead. United just didn't look like they were going to get back into the game but a spectacular Toone strike brought the score line level in the 78th minute. Both teams kept on pushing for a winner and it looked like Brighton had got it when Bergsvand headed the ball home in the 89th minute. It looked like all 3 points were staying with Brighton however, when the official held up the board for added time United seemed to kick things into gear a bit. It all looked over and done with until a brilliant corner found Williams in the 98th minute and she brought United level once more. Points might have been shared on the day but you can't help but think Brighton deserved all 3 points and United were just lucky.

Match week 5 was certainly a great one and it was nice to have the league back after the International break. This week though we are treated to both Continental cup action and League action with two trips to the Leigh Sports Village for us. It is bound to be another great week for women's football. 

What was your favourite game this weekend?

On Sunday we were back at the Leigh Sports Village to see Manchester United take on Leicester City in what we hoped would be an entertaining game of football due to Leicester trying to hold onto their unbeaten run and United trying to bounce back from their last league game where Arsenal secured a late draw. In all honesty though we came away from the game a little disappointed, the game felt scrappy and the freezing weather didn't help the cause as the game finished in a 1-1 draw. 

A good result for Leicester as they remain unbeaten but the draw meant United have dropped 2 more valuable points as we know just how tight it can be at the top of the table from the start of the season to the final day.

United went into the game having made a few changes which saw the likes of Galton & Toone dropped to the bench and before the kick off you couldn't help but wondering if that was done with Wednesday nights Champions League second leg in mind. United started the game quite well with a good chance in the opening minutes when Parris played the ball to Garcia but there was a little too much on the ball and Leicester were able to reset from the 'keeper and push for an attack of their own. Possibly the worst part of the game came in the 6th minute when United's George went into to defend the ball but ended up going down with a scream of pain, we were sat at the opposite end of the stadium and heard the scream which when you know a player has a history of knee injuries gets you worrying. After a lengthy stoppage George was helped off the pitch by the physios but it didn't look good, it has since been confirmed that she has in fact suffered an ACL injury, not what United wanted this season and especially not so early on in the game.

With George going off injured Skinner was forced into an early change and we saw Riviere enter the game. The change didn't seem to effect United too much as they continued to pile the pressure on Leicester who were looking really unsettled at the back with the strong press from United, Leicester ended up kicking the ball out of play or giving the ball straight back to United. Leicester did end up having a chance of their own in the 19th minute when they caught United against the run of play they just couldn't make the final connection and they were back to defending.

United were soon back on the front foot with possession and a great bit of link up play between Blundell, Miyazawa & Malard saw the ball find its way through to Parris who got the shot off which was easily saved by the Leicester 'keeper. Parris found herself through on goal not long after however, this time it was sent behind for a corner. Zelem was next up to take a shot but again the Leicester 'keeper had this covered as she parried the ball away. The pressure really was on Leicester with shot after shot coming from United but for some reason United just couldn't find the back of the net no matter how hard they tried. Miyawaza definitely had the best chance of the half when he shot ended up rattling the underside of the crossbar, we don't think anyone understood how it didn't actually go in the goal, Garcia tried to get on the rebound but the ball ended up over the bar.

The game really was scrappy from both sides throughout the first half and there were moments where you couldn't help but feel that Leicester were playing the referee a bit with come tactic time wasting, players just seemed to be dropping for the sake of it and the referee let it go on for far too long which got the crowd riled up. Throughout the whole of the first half it seemed as though the referee was all for Leicester as all decisions seemed to be going in their favour and nothing in United's.

Leicester started the second half with a triple change in the hopes of changing the direction of the game and it worked in the early stages of the second period as the first chance went Leicester's way but Riviere managed to get the ball cleared away. They were certainly putting the pressure on United as it took them a while to settle back down and get back into the game. United eventually started to grow back into the game and it seemed that this time the referee had found his cards as there were two quick yellow cards given to Leicester players one for kicking the ball away and one for a challenge on Parris in a position that lead to a chance for United but Zelem's free kick found its way over the crossbar.

Skinner obviously saw that something needed to change as he brought Williams, Galton & Toone into the game. The changes didn't have an instant impact as he may have hoped though as not long after the substitutions United gave away a free kick in a dangerous position which Leicester capitalized on and the ball in found an unmarked Whelan who found the back of the net to give Leicester a 60th minute lead. Earps was absolutely furious with the goal as Whelan should definitely have been marked, but should the free kick have been given in the first place? We aren't too sure as there wasn't much in the challenge in the first place but either way United's defence should have been much better. No doubt Earps was also furious due to this goal meaning that her 100th appearance wasn't ending with a clean sheet like she would have hoped.

United knew they needed to get themselves back into the game quickly but things just weren't going their way until Galton's chance was turned behind for a corner. In the 67th minute United drew the scoreline level as a brilliant corner found Le Tissier who found the back of the net, finally United managed to convert one of their chances and the scoreline was at 1-1.

The goal certainly fired up the crowd but it was Leicester who followed up the United goal with an attack of their own which saw a big save from Earps. The game was more or less end to end at this point with both teams trying to find a winner. We even saw Evans come on for United to make her debut and replace earlier substitute Riviere who seemed to be suffering with cramp. Galton's introduction to the game seemed to help United out a bit as she was putting some great balls into the box, one in the second half saw Parris through on goal but what looked like a nasty challenge from our end saw Parris and two Leicester players on the floor for a period of time. Once that stoppage was over it was a case of trying to get momentum back into the game and United got another chance but Blundell's shot was straight at the 'keeper. You would have thought United would really pile the pressure on Leicester as they had the majority of possession however, there was no really urgency to attack and they spent more time passing the ball backwards and playing each other into trouble. There were 7 minutes added onto the second half and United left it until the end of those 7 minutes to really start to attack once more, there were a run of late corners and a late free kick in a good position but before anyone could get on the end of it the flag was up for offside and United's last chance of the game had gone with them having to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The whole game was a physical one from both sides and that is what won United the ball back plenty of times however, they just had no end product for the majority of the game, the scoreline could have been totally different if they had actually taken their chances like they usually would. You really can't take away from Leicester's performance either, they really held their own against United and put them to the test, something which hasn't happened so much in previous seasons. It is going to be interesting to see how long Leicester can keep up with these performances for as they are a whole new team to watch.

The game was certainly not the best to watch but a point is a point at the end of the day. Next up United are back in Champions League action against PSG before a return to the WSL at the weekend against Everton.

On Tuesday night Manchester United made history as they took part in their first ever UEFA Women's Champions League game.

United entered the competition in the second round thanks to their second place finish last season, meaning they had a two leg game against tough competition to continue their first experience of European football. They ended up being drawn against a tough PSG side but with the home advantage in the first leg we really saw that United passion to help spur on the players to put in a great performance so they went to Paris next Wednesday with a great chance of progressing to the next round.

As the game got under way you couldn't help but feel United were going to be outmatched by the French side and that maybe nerves were surrounding the United starting 11, this became obvious very quickly as a great PSG attack left Turner have to clear the ball off her line in the first minute, an opportunity that would usually have been stopped early on in the United midfield but this time they looked unsettled. The PSG press continued and after a challenge on Turner by the halfway, which could quite easily and probably should have been a foul, PSG took advantage of the United defence sitting high up the pitch and went on a fantastic counter attack which looked like we were going to see PSG take an early lead however, Earps pulled off a fantastic save to keep it 0-0.

PSG were really piling on the pressure in the first half especially in the early stages but they just couldn't get that back of the goal thanks to some great United defending and some great Earps saves. PSG's Karchaoui really was causing some problems for United's right hand side but ultimately all hers runs and crosses just didn't achieve that end product and United didn't crack under the pressure. With all the pressure piling on United's defence a break in play saw them be able to reset and just calm down a little bit but unfortunately the break in play saw PSG lose defender Jean-Francois who had to be stretchered off with an injury. Luckily for us fans though this saw the introduction of Australian Clare Hunt for her PSG debut and with just 17 minutes on the clock we were going to see how she slotted into the PSG back line and it looked like she had been playing with them a long time as she settled into the game well.

United definitely took that break in play to calm there nerves as they reset with a bit more stability and were moving the ball around much better. They kept PSG in their own half for a while and a brilliant press from Galton saw Garica through 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper who just beat Garcia to the ball in the end. This was probable the best chance for United but the press got better and at one point due to a Garcia press we ended up seeing Hunt in the advertising boards as Garcia well and truly forced her off the pitch. That was more or less the tale of the first half, a few good presses from United and PSG catching them on the break but unable to convert their chances.

Before the second half restarted United made their first substitution of the game which saw Geyse enter the pitch to replace Riviere. This was certainly an impact substitution as United immediately found themselves in a much better than the first half. Geyse and Garcia were linking up brilliantly and it wasn't long before they found themselves through on goal unfortunately though Geyse's shot found its way over the bar. The start of the second half was a stark contrast to the first half though with United piling on the pressure rather than PSG. In the 53rd minute though PSG did what United couldn't do in the first half and a great ball over the top from Baltimore lead to Chawinga being 1 on 1 with Earps, Chawinga made the most of the opportunity and PSG found themselves 1-0 up even if the goal did come against the run of play. PSG them maybe turned their attention to the second leg as they took Martens off and put Katoto on, another player who had the potential to add another goal to their tally if the right balls were played through.

United didn't let the PSG goal get their heads down though they kept on with some great midfield play and some even better ball through to Geyse but it was in fact Galton who had the best chance in this block of play but unfortunately the ball crept around the wrong side of the post. Skinner decided to make a few more changes in the 66th minute with Malard & Miyazawa coming on and Naalsund & Garcia coming on. Just like the introduction of Geyse, we saw these two substitutions come on and make an instant impact. They helped pile even more pressure on PSG & their fresh legs were causing issues for the PSG back line. 

The pressure was really piling on PSG and we saw United getting into some brilliant positions on the pitch which were now being converted to corners rather than just wasted chances. Just 4 minutes after the introduction of Malard we saw a fantastic corner whipped into the box from Zelem which found Turner perfectly,  Turner was able to find Malard who scored United's first ever European goal and bring them back into the game with the scoreline now at 1-1. This really got the fans going and the atmosphere which had already been great just seemed to grow and the fans were really spurring on United which worked as they just kept on piling on the pressure and were being awarded corner after corner. There were even two late penalty claims for United which unfortunately didn't go their way, when any other night they may have been awarded. The game just seemed to be going all United's way after the equalizer but unfortunately it wasn't enough and the teams are going into the second leg at 1-1.

Most people may not have expected the scoreline to finish as it did and to be honest in the opening 10 minutes and for the majority of the first half we thought it could all possibly be over before it got started for United but Skinner got his tactics spot on and United have come away with a well deserved draw but you can't help but feel they were very unlucky not to be going to Paris with a winning advantage. You could tell that the United subs pace was frustrating the tiring PSG team but those players who came on for United help settle the nerves for those who started. You can't take away from the United defence though as they had a great game in keeping the scoreline down even during some fantastic PSG attacks which could have easily found the back of the net, Le Tissier & Turner found themselves under a lot of pressure but they seemed to be able to get the team out of danger and this certainly frustrated PSG.

It really is all to play for now in the second leg on Wednesday evening, who will be progressing further in the competition? Will PSG's previous European experiences help them or will all the nerves from United have settled? We will find out on Wednesday evening in what is bound to be a brilliant game.

We certainly enjoyed our first UWCL game so let's hope there are plenty more to come...

Friday night saw the first big match up of the season as Arsenal traveled to Leigh to face Manchester United. Arsenal were looking to bounce back from an opening day defeat to Liverpool and United were looking to continue on from their opening day victory at Aston Villa. This was a very big game so early on in the season as we all know any points the big 4 teams drop are crucial in the Champions League spot fight so any result so early in the season could see either side ahead in the race for Europe next season. 

The game got underway at a fast speed with the majority of the opening ten minutes being end to end however, Arsenal took an early lead through Blackstenius in the 14th minute. Arsenal had been testing the United back line in the run up to this but for the goal they just could match the pace of the Arsenal forward and she found the back of net from a great piece of attacking play. United didn't let going a goal down get to them though and they soon picked up pace and begun to attack the Arsenal back line with some fantastic through balls and balls over the top. In the 27th minute the pushing finally paid off and a fantastic press from Galton saw a miss kick from Arsenal's 'keeper D'Angelo and Galton got in behind to slot the ball home bringing the scores level and this is how it would stay for the first half with the teams going into the break with the scoreline being 1-1.

Refereeing has been under the spotlight this weekend and it was no different in the United Arsenal match with some very questionable decisions called in the first half especially when it came to challenges on United's summer signing Geyse, she was constantly put under very strong challenges which any other day may have been considered a foul. The first half also saw the United faithful booing ex-player Russo after her summer switch to North London, in fact the boos didn't stop all game with the noise levels rising every time she touched the ball.

United came out for the second half with a fire in their belly and a point to prove, a strong start and lots of pressure really caused issues for Arsenal but united were just struggling to get that final ball through even though Garcia & Geyse were making some fantastic runs down the right. Arsenal were the first team to make some changes and they were definitely needed as United were putting them under a lot of pressure. We saw Codina, goal scorer Blackstenius and Pelova exit the pitch and McCabe, Foord and Maanum enter in the hopes of taking some pressure off themselves and putting pressure back on United. Once the subs were made Catley stepped up to a close range free kick which didn't put any pressure on Earps. 

Up until this point there had been no cards dished out for Arsenal but after just 3 minutes on the pitch McCabe stayed true to form and picked up a yellow card for a silly challenge, this yellow was closely followed by one for Foord which was yet another silly challenge and manager Eidevall soon found himself in the book alongside his players. It is safe to say these substitutions helped the game heat up a bit with challenges being put in and they also helped with the attacking essence for Arsenal too as Earps was call into action in the 66th & 67th minutes to pull off some brilliant saves to keep United in the game.

The sudden pressure from Arsenal may have been a factor in United making their substitutions not long after or it could possibly have been Skinner considering their upcoming PSG clash either way we saw Williams come on to replace Geyse who was definitely tiring after some great runs. Not long after Williams introduction we saw Miyazawa & Marad come onto the pitch in place of Toone & Garcia, again could Tuesday have been on Skinner's mind. 

As the game continued Arsenal took advantage of United settling into a rhythm after making the changes and they piled on the pressure which saw Russo fire a shot which rattled the cross bar and quite honestly we still aren't sure how it didn't go in. United didn't let the pressure get to them though and not long after Russo's shot a fantastic build up of play from United saw Miyazawa nod the ball through to Malard who opened her United goal scoring account to get Untied a 2-1 lead.

After the goal Arsenal made a few more substitutions which saw Beattie replaced by Wubben-Moy and then Maritz replaced by Lacasse. The substitutions definitely helped Arsenal push for an equalizer with some great build up play through to Maanum who slotted the ball home however, she had luckily for United just mistimed her run and found herself in an offside position meaning the score stayed 2-1 to United. Blundell then made a fantastic run down the right for United and Malard was unlucky not to get a touch on the ball in the box as any connection would have surely wrapped the game up for United. Arsenal kept on applying though and the away fans definitely got behind them as the 4th official put up the board to signal a questionable 6 minutes added time. It felt like United had done just enough to secure all 3 points but in the 93rd minute Lacasse brought the goals level with a fantastic strike right into the top corner which Earps had no chance of ever getting to.

The game ended 2-2 and the United fans could very easily feel hard done by due to conceding in the questionable added time but one point against one of the top 4 teams is certainly better than none. The 96 minutes played definitely showed us that Arsenal have room for improvement and the best is yet to come for them once the team is settled and those injured players start to filter back into the first team set up. It also showed us that yet again United are a team who can challenge for that top spot and that even with Russo gone they can find a way to pick up the points, it didn't look like the team missed her at all and Garcia really filled the void with some brilliant runs whilst Geyse also looks like a great replacement, she looks like she could be a key player in the squad and really help get results once she is fully settled. 

Off the pitch this was our first game witnessing the dedicated away end and we can 100% agree that this is a fantastic addition to the WSL as the atmosphere was a whole lot better than it has been in the past with chants heard from both sides. There was also the very vocal and visual protests from the United fans to get rid of the Glazer's something we think we will see more of as the season progresses. It was also great to see a record attendance of 8,312 to say the game was originally scheduled for a Sunday lunch time but then was changed to a Friday evening to suit the TV cameras. With the atmosphere being as good as it was and the team putting in a brilliant performance it has made us all the more excited to be heading back to the LSV to watch United in their first ever Champions League game against PSG which is bound to be fantastic.

Our player of the match from Friday though has to go to Lucia Garcia, she had an absolutely brilliant game right up until the moment she was substituted. I think there is a possibility she was only replaced with the Champions League game in mind as she could play a key part in troubling that PSG defence just like she did the Arsenal one on Friday. Her pace is going to be a real asset for the team this season and I am sure we will see her on the score sheet plenty of times too.

We have certainly got that football bug back and we are really looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season holds for United as they definitely have a lot of potential. As for Arsenal once the team has gelled there could be some redeeming performances from them throughout the rest of the season.