Women's football round-up: Aston Villa secure Super League survival
Aston Villa have secured their place in the 2025/26 Women’s Super League season, despite their match against Arsenal being delayed until Wednesday (6pm), writes Dan Hickey.
At the foot of the table, Crystal Palace lost 7-1 to a ruthless West Ham United side, leaving Palace seven points adrift of safety with two games to play. They occupy the only relegation place in the WSL.
Villa could face Birmingham City next season, as Blues are two points behind Women’s Championship leaders – and next week’s opponents – London City Lionesses, after both sides drew 1-1 at the weekend.
Blues were at Newcastle United, where Simone Magill headed the title-chasers ahead, before Rachel Furness equalised on 56 minutes.
The result means Birmingham missed out on a chance to go level with first-placed Lionesses, however, the London side’s draw with Durham means they also missed out on the chance to wrap up the title before the final match week.
Manager Amy Merricks said: “I think our quality really shone in moments, certainly when we managed to break away at start of that second half and then there was moments where we just needed a bit more composure, be compact first.
“But ultimately, look, we battled. We came here to battle, and we'll be ready to battle again next weekend. We're ready to give it everything.”
Sporting Khalsa’s impressive run of form came to an abrupt end on Sunday, as they lost to Burnley 7-0 in the National League North.
They dropped to 10th in the division after Derby County beat bottom-side Stourbridge 4-0, while West Brom lost to champions Nottingham Forest 7-2, despite Phoebe Warner taking an early lead for the Baggies and Marli Rhodes adding.
Kidderminster Harriers lifted the Worcestershire FA Sunday Cup after defeating Worcester City Reserves 6-0 in the final.
Millie Rogers bagged a brace, being joined on the scoresheet by Amber Lawrence, Mia Badland, Phoebe Hill and Alex Nicklin.
Harriers are four points behind league-leaders Lye Town in the West Midlands League Premier Division with two games in hand. Lye defeated Shrewsbury Town 2-1.
Halesowen Town are third in Division One South after a 5-1 win at Bromsgrove Sporting thanks to goals from Lucy Stephens, Paige Leonard, Natasha Bailey, Caroline Springer and Bethney Taylor.
Hednesford Town extended their unbeaten season to 14 games with a 3-0 win against second-placed AFC Telford United. Goals came from Leigh Dugmore, Rach Cumberledge and Amelia Lightfoot.
