Barclays WSL2 Matchday 16 Preview
A packed weekend of BWSL2 action arrives on Sunday 15th February and the stakes couldn’t be higher. League leaders Charlton, riding an extraordinary 25-game league unbeaten run, look to push further clear, while Birmingham, Bristol City and Crystal Palace all have designs on automatic promotion.
At the other end, a clutch of six-pointers and relegation scraps mean every point is precious for the likes of Ipswich, Portsmouth and Sheffield United. Below we preview each tie and pick out the players, storylines and tactical battles that could decide a pivotal weekend in the BWSL2 season.
Charlton Athletic vs Durham
Sunday 15th February, The Valley, 12:00pm
With eight league games remaining and automatic promotion in sight, league leaders Charlton Athletic, on an extraordinary 25-game league unbeaten run, head to The Valley determined to stretch their advantage at the top of the BWSL2 table.
The Addicks sit four points clear after second-place Birmingham City slipped up last weekend, conceding a stunning 98th-minute free-kick to draw 1-1 with Durham at Maiden Castle. Adam Furness’ Wildcats will be looking to cause problems for a promotion-chasing side for a second successive weekend, heading into the fixture following back-to-back positive results in the league.
Last time out for Karen Hill’s Charlton, Lucy Fitzgerald’s first-half brace secured three crucial points against Nottingham Forest. Despite Forest controlling possession and registering more shots, Charlton were clinical in front of goal and disciplined at the back, traits they will want to reproduce against Durham.
Furness’ side, meanwhile, occupy ninth and lie only four points clear of struggling Ipswich Town and Portsmouth. A win on Sunday would ease any relegation anxieties and could even see Durham look upward: eight-placed Sunderland lie just one point ahead, with seventh-placed Nottingham Forest four points in front.
Head-to-head history between the sides favours Charlton: six wins from eight meetings, Durham’s lone success coming in the first competitive clash between the sides back in September 2021. In the reverse fixture this season, Durham’s top-scorer Beth Hepple opened the scoring in the first half with her 100th goal for the club, before Gillian Kenney and Lucy Fitzgerald struck late to complete a dramatic turnaround.
Left-winger Jodie Hutton, eyeing a third career promotion to the WSL, leads Charlton for goal contributions this campaign and could prove key in stretching the Wildcats’ defence on Sunday. For Durham, forward Angela Addison returns to Charlton with a point to prove, having spent two years with the Addicks between 2022 and 2024.
With promotion ambitions and crucial breathing room both at stake, expect a hard-fought, high-stakes contest at The Valley.
Bristol City vs Southampton
Sunday 15th February, Ashton Gate Stadium, 2:00pm
Bristol City host Southampton at Ashton Gate in a clash that could have real consequences for the top end of the table. City sit third and remain firmly in the promotion conversation, currently occupying a promotion play-off spot, while Southampton, just outside the playoff places, can close the gap on promotion contenders with three points.
The Robins head into the game the fresher side in league form, having been on a strong run before last weekend’s 2–1 setback to Crystal Palace. Lexi Lloyd-Smith had given the City an early lead, but Abbie Larkin and Ashleigh Weerden turned the tie in Palace’s favour. Despite that reversal, City trail second-placed Birmingham City, who have played a game more, by only three points, so a win on Sunday would put serious pressure on the two sides in automatic promotion spots. Firepower in front of goal from Rio Hardy and Lloyd-Smith, who are tied at the top of the league’s goalscoring charts, could make the difference.
Southampton arrive off the back of a narrow 2–1 defeat to Newcastle, a game settled by a Jordan Nobbs brace, before substitute Tegan McGowan pulled one back late on. However, the Saints go into Sunday’s match with genuine attacking threat, led by Ellie Brazil, who tops their goalscoring charts, while Jess Simpson and Tara Bourne have impacted heavily from defence. Simpson, on loan from BWSL side Manchester United, has scored four and assisted three in the league, an impressive tally from full-back. Bourne, a ball-playing centre-back, meanwhile, leads the team for assists this season with four.
Recent meetings between the clubs have favoured Bristol City. The Robins are unbeaten in four against Southampton, having won the last meeting between the sides in January, a dramatic FA Cup fourth-round tie that saw Emily Syme, introduced at half-time, strike twice, winning the game in extra-time following Michaela McAlonie’s first-half opener for the Saints. The reverse league fixture, played in September, also went City’s way, as Lloyd-Smith’s last-gasp strike saw the Robins leave Southampton with three points.
Keep an eye on City’s creative spine, where Sophie Ingle and Arsenal loanee Jessie Gale have been central to the Robins’ attacking threat in recent weeks. Gale scored three times in her first month at the club after arriving on loan, while Welsh international Ingle recorded two assists in January, both for Gale. As a result, the pair were nominated for the BWSL2 Player of the Month award and will be keen to carry that form into Sunday’s contest.
Managers Charlotte Healy and Simon Parker will both look for tactical tweaks, but this one looks destined to be settled by the fine margins. One moment of quality from a key player or a late, decisive touch could be enough to tip the balance.
Ipswich Town vs Sheffield United
Sunday 15th February, JobServe Community Stadium, 2:00pm
Sunday’s clash at the JobServe Community Stadium carries all the hallmarks of a relegation six-pointer. Ipswich sit 11th in the BWSL2 table and are only outside the drop zone on goal difference, while Sheffield United occupy 10th. A win here would be vital for either side as they try to open up breathing room in a congested lower half. The Tractor Girls also hold a game in hand on bottom side Portsmouth, making three points at home especially valuable for the Tractor Girls as they fight to climb clear of danger.
Town arrive in good spirits after a much-needed 2–1 victory over Portsmouth last weekend, only their second league win of the season. Rianna Dean broke the deadlock late in an otherwise even first half and Sophie Peskett put the result beyond doubt with an 81st-minute finish. A stoppage-time Portsmouth consolation did little to dampen the mood. That result should give Ipswich momentum and belief, and the confidence from getting over that hurdle could be decisive if the game becomes a tight, tense affair.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, had their most recent fixture postponed but will take heart from the point they earned the week prior at unbeaten leaders Charlton, when Amy Andrews’ header put the Blades ahead before Charlton levelled. United are still searching for a first league win since November, but remain a threat. Charlie Devlin and Amy Andrews have been the team’s primary attacking outlets this term, and both players have the quality to change a game in an instant.
Head-to-head history favours the Blades, who have won both previous meetings between the sides. In the reverse league fixture in September, United built a 3–0 lead, only for Rianna Dean to spark a late Ipswich rally with two second-half goals, while a recent Adobe Women’s FA Cup tie was settled by a Charlie Devlin brace. That familiarity gives United cause for confidence, but Ipswich’s recent victory and Dean’s goalscoring touch make Town a dangerous opponent at home.
Tactically, expect a physical contest where defensive organisation, second balls and set-pieces will matter as much as attacking intent. Ipswich will look to feed Dean and Peskett in transitions, while United are likely to probe through Devlin and Andrews and try to exploit any gaps left by an Ipswich side eager to press forward in search of back-to-back wins under caretaker boss David Wright.
Newcastle United vs Portsmouth
Sunday 15th February, Gateshead International Stadium, 2:00pm
Newcastle United host Portsmouth at Gateshead International Stadium in a meeting of two sides with very different objectives, but with plenty at stake at both ends of the table. The Magpies continue to push towards the upper end, currently occupying fifth spot and will see this as an opportunity to build momentum, while Portsmouth arrive desperate for points as they try to climb off the bottom of the table and away from trouble.
Tanya Oxtoby’s Newcastle head into the fixture on the back of a 2–1 win at Southampton, where Jordan Nobbs struck twice to secure all three points, including a lightning-quick opener, the first goal of the BWSL2 season so far, that set the tone early. Her influence from midfield has been vital throughout the season, with Nobbs contributing heavily in both goals and creativity, while forward Emily Murphy has also provided a reliable cutting edge, matching her as one of the side’s leading scorers with four league goals.
Portsmouth travel north after a difficult afternoon last weekend, when they were beaten 2–1 by Ipswich in a crucial relegation clash that left them rooted to the bottom of the table. Megan Hornby pulled one back deep into stoppage time, but it proved only a consolation. Hornby has still been a bright spot for Pompey this season, leading the side’s scoring charts with six league goals and providing their main threat in the final third.
Recent meetings between the sides have generally favoured Newcastle, who hold a strong head-to-head record and have come out on top in all three previous encounters, though the margins have often been tight. In the reverse fixture before Christmas, Nobbs opened the scoring before Jessie Gale, now of Bristol City, got Jay Sadler’s side back on level terms. A dramatic late own goal sealed a 2-1 victory for the Magpies.
There is also an added narrative in the Newcastle ranks, with Beth Lumsden set to face her former club. The winger joined the Magpies from Portsmouth in January 2024 after playing a key role in Pompey’s promotion push earlier that season, and her direct running and eye for goal have since made her an important attacking outlet on Tyneside.
With Newcastle chasing points to close the gap on the promotion spots and Portsmouth fighting to lift themselves off the foot of the table, the stakes on both sides should produce a competitive and hard-fought contest.
Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest
Sunday 15th February, Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground, 2:00pm
Sunderland welcome Nottingham Forest in a tightly poised mid-table clash where three points could significantly shape the picture beneath the promotion contenders. Forest sit seventh on 19 points, while Sunderland are eighth on 15 with two games in hand, meaning a home win would allow the Black Cats to close the gap and strengthen their push up the table.
Sunderland’s season has been marked by moments of real promise mixed with inconsistency. Strong cup performances and important league wins, most recently over Southampton and Ipswich, have shown what they are capable of, particularly when they can play on the front foot. Emily Scarr has been central to much of their attacking output this term, leading the side for goal contributions and providing a focal point in forward areas. With home advantage, Melanie Reay’s side will be hoping to use their energy and intensity to dictate the tempo.
Forest, meanwhile, arrive as one of the division’s most interesting sides following a significant January rebuild that saw seven new players come through the door, including several players with BWSL experience. The additions have given them added depth and competition across the pitch, and they will be looking for those changes to translate into more consistent performances during the run-in.
The reverse fixture earlier in the season went Forest’s way in a 3–1 win, a result that will give the visitors confidence heading into Sunday’s meeting. A Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah brace and an Aimme Claypole goal were enough to secure the points for the Reds, despite Scarr pulling one back for Sunderland.
Carly Davies’ side have shown they can be dangerous going forward when they find rhythm in the final third, while Sunderland will feel this is a good opportunity to respond on home soil and close the points gap.
With both teams sitting in the middle of a congested table and still looking upwards, this has the feel of a game that could quietly carry importance over the coming weeks. A Sunderland win would tighten the pack and bring them closer to Forest, while another three points for the visitors would help solidify their position and build momentum following their January overhaul.
Birmingham City vs Crystal Palace
Monday 16th February, St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, 7:00pm
Crystal Palace travel to take on Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Monday in a top-four showdown that could shape the promotion race as the season enters a crucial stretch. The Blues sit second, five points behind leaders Charlton and three clear of third-placed Bristol City with a game in hand, while Palace are fourth, just a point shy of the Robins and firmly in the hunt for an automatic place.
The Eagles arrive full of confidence after a 2–1 victory over Bristol City last weekend, a result that continued a strong start to the year for Jo Potter’s side. Abbie Larkin has been central to that momentum, leading the line with real sharpness and sitting as Palace’s top scorer with six league goals.
Birmingham, meanwhile, will be eager to respond after being held to a 1–1 draw by Durham at Maiden Castle last Sunday, where January signing Wilma Leidhammar had put the Blues ahead before a gutting late equaliser denied them all three points. That result ended a brilliant run of form, with Birmingham having won five in a row in all competitions beforehand, netting 24 goals in the process.
Individually, there is plenty of quality on both sides. Veatriki Sarri has been a standout performer for Birmingham and leads the BWSL2 scoring charts with seven league goals, while wide player Lily Crosthwaite’s recent standout displays earned her a BWSL2 January Player of the Month nomination. Palace captain Aimee Everett, who became the second-ever player in Crystal Palace Women's professional history to reach 100 appearances for the club last weekend, also received a nomination after a series of influential midfield performances, adding further intrigue to a contest packed with talent.
Recent head-to-head meetings have been closely fought overall, though Palace will take confidence from December’s reverse fixture, when they ran out convincing 3–0 winners thanks to goals from Molly-Mae Sharpe, Annabel Blanchard and Shanade Hopcroft. Hopcroft, now a Birmingham City player after departing Palace in January, could face her former side on Sunday.
With both sides firmly in the promotion picture and separated by only fine margins, Monday’s meeting has all the ingredients of a high-quality encounter where the outcome could have a significant impact on the top end of the table.