Barclays WSL2 Matchday 21 Preview
Penultimate weekend in the BWSL2
Just two games remain. After months of twists, momentum swings and late drama, the Barclays WSL2 season has reached its defining moment, and the penultimate weekend could shape everything.
At the top, the title race remains finely poised, with Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic locked level on points, while Crystal Palace continue to apply pressure just behind. This weekend, their paths could take very different turns, with crucial fixtures against Ipswich Town Women, Sunderland Women and Southampton Women all carrying huge implications for promotion.
At the other end, the fight for survival is just as intense. Durham and Sheffield United go head-to-head in a fixture that could prove pivotal, while Portsmouth face a must-win clash against Nottingham Forest Women as they try to keep their survival hopes alive.
Elsewhere, there is still plenty riding on games in the middle of the table. Newcastle United must beat Bristol City to keep their fading promotion hopes alive, adding another layer of pressure to an already high-stakes weekend.
Below, we take an in-depth look ahead to the penultimate round of fixtures in the BWSL2 campaign.
Durham vs Sheffield United
Sunday 26th April, Maiden Castle, 2pm
Durham return to Maiden Castle knowing exactly what is at stake. With just a handful of games remaining, Neil Redfearn’s side are locked in a relegation battle, sitting 10th and only two points above bottom side Portsmouth. Survival, rather than style, is the priority now, and every point matters at this stage of the season.
Sheffield United arrive in a slightly stronger position. A win here could see them further consolidate their position above the bottom three and close the gap on eighth-place Sunderland.
The Wildcats can draw real encouragement from their final outing before the international break, where they showed resilience and composure to rescue a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bristol City. Beth Hepple’s stoppage-time penalty secured a vital point, while Hannah Blake’s earlier strike had laid the platform for a determined display. More than just the result, it was a performance that highlighted Durham’s ability to stay competitive under pressure and deliver when it matters.
There is little history between the sides, but what exists favours the Blades. They have won both previous meetings, including a 3-2 victory in the reverse league fixture earlier this season, where an Amy Andrews’ brace and a Charlie Devlin strike proved decisive. Devlin also struck twice when the sides met in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in January, showing United’s ability to edge tight contests between the two.
Much could again hinge on the influence of key attacking figures. Hepple remains Durham’s focal point and is currently the division’s joint-top scorer with eight league goals, while United’s Andrews is also among the league’s top-scorers, meaning both sides possess a player capable of deciding the game in a single moment. That individual quality could be crucial in what is likely to be a closely fought affair.
Statistically, there is little to separate the two sides. The Blades have struggled for goals all season, averaging just one per game, while Durham are only marginally better at 1.2. Defensively, both teams concede at a similar rate, around 1.7 goals per match, which suggests vulnerabilities at the back could be exposed under pressure. Clean sheets have also been rare, with Durham managing three and United just one across the league campaign.
There are also personal narratives woven into the fixture. Andrews and Lucy Watson could both face their former club, while interim Durham boss Redfearn himself comes up against the side he previously managed between 2020 and 2022.
Everything points towards a tense encounter between two evenly matched sides. Both know that three points would represent a huge step towards safety and ease pressure heading into the final day. With so little separating them, this has all the ingredients of a nervy, finely balanced contest where a single moment could prove decisive.
Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town
Sunday 26th April, St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, 2pm
The stakes could hardly be higher at St Andrew’s this weekend, as Birmingham City continue their push for the BWSL2 title against an Ipswich Town side fighting for survival. With just one game remaining following this one, this fixture carries huge significance at both ends of the table.
City sit top of the league on goal difference, currently level on points with Charlton Athletic and with Crystal Palace just three points behind in third. It leaves no margin for error. A win here would be a major step towards the title and put them in a commanding position heading into the final day, but anything less could immediately shift the balance in what remains a tightly contested race.
Ipswich Town, meanwhile, arrive with a very different objective. For David Wright’s side, the focus is simple: find a result and pull clear of danger. A positive result here would not only boost their survival hopes but also ease pressure heading into the final day next weekend.
City’s last league outing, nearly a month ago, delivered exactly the kind of moment that defines title challenges. A stoppage-time winner from Lily Crosthwaite secured a crucial victory and lifted Amy Merricks’ side to the top of the table. It was another example of a team capable of delivering under pressure, and they will be looking to carry that momentum into this fixture.
Ipswich will know the scale of the task awaiting them at St Andrew’s. The reverse fixture in October offered a stark illustration of the gap between the sides on that day, as City ran out emphatic 4-0 winners. They dominated possession, created chances at will and showed their attacking depth, with four different players on the scoresheet. The Tractor Girls will need a significantly improved performance this time around if they are to compete.
Key individuals could again prove decisive. Crosthwaite has been central to City’s success, not only matching the league’s top scorers with eight goals but also contributing creatively, with six assists highlighting her all-round influence. The 22-year-old has registered more contributions than any other player in the BWSL2 this campaign. Veatriki Sarri, just one goal behind Crosthwaite, adds further attacking threat, while the consistency of Rebecca Holloway at the back has provided a strong defensive foundation throughout the campaign, having started all 20 league matches.
For Town, Sophie Peskett remains their standout attacking outlet, leading the side for goal contributions this season. If the Tractor Girls are to get anything from this game, her ability to create and capitalise on moments will be crucial. Defensively, they will also need strong performances across the back line to withstand what is likely to be sustained pressure.
The statistical contrast between the sides underlines the challenge facing the visitors. City are the league’s most prolific attacking team, averaging 2.2 goals per game, while also boasting one of the strongest defensive records. They dominate possession, averaging 58.7 per cent of the ball, have created the most big chances in the division and average more shots on target (6.7) than any other side in the league. Ipswich, by comparison, rank at the bottom across many attacking metrics, averaging less than a goal per game (0.9), the worst rate in the league, and creating the fewest chances, while also seeing less of the ball than any other team in the league (40 per cent on average).
All of that suggests a game where City are likely to control possession and territory, probing for openings, while Ipswich may need to stay compact, defend resolutely and look to strike on the break. The pressure, though, sits with the hosts. With the title within reach, they must deliver. For Ipswich, it is about resilience, belief and taking any opportunity that comes their way.
It sets up a classic end-of-season contrast: one side chasing glory, the other fighting for survival, with everything still hanging in the balance.
Bristol City vs Newcastle United
Sunday 26th April, Ashton Gate, 2pm
There is a clear contrast in motivation heading into this one at Ashton Gate. For Bristol City, the promotion race is now out of reach, but there is still pride and positioning to play for. For Newcastle United, a promotion play-off spot is still a possibility. With the season nearing its conclusion, the two sides arrive with very different stakes riding on the outcome.
Charlotte Healy’s City sit sixth and can no longer be promoted, trailing the play-off places by seven points with only two games remaining. While they can no longer break into the top three, there is still plenty to play for in terms of pride and finishing position. A strong end to the campaign would offer encouragement and momentum heading into next season.
Newcastle United, however, are still clinging to their promotion hopes. Tanya Oxtoby’s side sit fourth, five points behind third-place Crystal Palace, meaning anything less than a win here would end their chances of reaching the play-offs. Even with three points, they will need to be perfect in their final fixture of the season too, and rely on results elsewhere going their way. There is also pressure from below, with Southampton and Bristol City both within two points, adding another layer of significance to this contest.
Both sides were involved in late drama before the international break. The Robins saw their promotion hopes officially ended by a stoppage-time penalty in a 2-2 draw away at Durham. Goals from Gemma Lawley and Mari Ward had put them in a strong position, while Emily Syme impressed with two assists, but they were unable to hold on when it mattered most.
The Magpies experienced a similarly dramatic finish, salvaging a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Jordan Nobbs. It was a point that kept their promotion hopes alive, but one that felt like a missed opportunity given their dominance, having controlled possession and had more shots.
Recent meetings between the sides suggest this could be another closely fought encounter. The teams have met three times previously, with one win each and a draw. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 2-2, with Oona Sevenius opening the scoring before a brace from Rio Hardy turned the game in City’s favour, only for a late equaliser to ensure the points were shared. That balance reflects how little there has been between them.
There is quality in attack on both sides. Newcastle will look to Emily Murphy and Nobbs, who lead their scoring charts with six league goals each, while Nobbs’ overall contribution of 11 goal involvements underlines her importance at this stage of the season. At the back, Aoife Mannion has been ever-present, offering consistency and leadership having played every single league minute for United this season.
City, though, arguably carry greater attacking depth. Hardy and Lexi Lloyd-Smith are two of the league’s joint-top scorers with eight goals apiece, while Jessie Gale adds further threat with seven. Syme’s creativity from midfield has also been key, with seven assists highlighting her ability to unlock defences.
Statistically, the match-up is an intriguing one. City are one of the division’s most potent attacking sides, averaging over two goals per game and ranking among the league’s top teams for big chances created. Oxtoby’s side, by contrast, are more defensively solid, conceding just 1.1 goals per game, but have struggled to create chances at the same rate, ranking 10th in the league for big chances created this season, an issue that has occasionally limited their ability to turn control into results.
With United needing to chase the game and the Robins free from the pressure of expectation, the dynamic could be fascinating. The visitors may have to take risks in search of three points, while the hosts have the attacking quality to exploit any space left behind.
It all points towards an open, competitive encounter. The Magpies have everything to gain and everything to lose, while City have the chance to play with freedom and show what they are capable of against one of the division’s promotion contenders.
Portsmouth vs Nottingham Forest
Sunday 26th April, Fratton Park, 2pm
For Portsmouth, there is no margin for error. Sitting bottom of the BWSL2 table, Sunday’s clash at Fratton Park carries real urgency as they look to keep their survival hopes alive. Every point is now critical, and anything less than a positive result would leave Jay Sadler’s side with a mountain to climb heading into the final day.
Nottingham Forest, by contrast, arrive in a far more comfortable position. The Reds sit seventh, safely clear of the relegation battle and with little pressure on their shoulders. Their focus will be on finishing the campaign strongly and climbing as high as possible, but they do so without the same weight of consequence hanging over them.
Pompey head into the fixture off the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Sunderland before the international break. Falling behind early, they struggled to impose themselves on the game and were unable to find a response. The hosts will know they need more cutting edge in front of goal if they are to turn performances into points.
The Reds, meanwhile, took a point from their final outing before the break in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. Alana Murphy’s first-half goal had put them in control, and for long spells they looked set to see the game out, only to be denied by a dramatic late equaliser. Even so, it was another solid display that underlined their ability to stay competitive against strong opposition.
The reverse fixture earlier this season offers a clear reference point and a warning for the hosts. Forest ran out convincing 4-1 winners on that occasion, dominating possession and creating chances at will. Four different players found the net, including Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah and Aimee Claypole, in a performance that showcased their attacking variety and control in possession.
For Portsmouth, Meg Hornby remains their main source of goals, leading the side with seven this season and capable of making an impact in key moments. At the other end, Hannah Coan has been ever-present, playing every minute of their league campaign and providing some much-needed consistency in defence.
Forest have their own threats going forward. Boye-Hlorkah has also struck seven times this season, while Claypole continues to offer a dynamic presence in attack. With multiple outlets in the final third, the visitors have shown they can find goals from a range of different sources, making them difficult to contain.
The underlying numbers reinforce the expected pattern of the game. Forest are one of the strongest possession sides in the division, averaging nearly 60 per cent of the ball, and also rank among the best for shots on target per match. Portsmouth, by contrast, tend to see less of the ball, averaging 41.4 per cent, and have struggled both defensively and in attack, conceding more goals per game (2.3) than any other side and creating fewer clear-cut chances.
All signs point towards Forest controlling possession and territory, while Portsmouth will need to stay compact, disciplined and clinical when opportunities arise. But with survival on the line, desperation can often bring a different edge.
It sets up an intriguing dynamic: one side playing with freedom, the other playing with everything at stake. For Portsmouth, it is about keeping their hopes alive. For Forest, it is about ensuring they finish the season on a high and potentially playing the role of spoiler in the process.
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace
Sunday 26th April, Stadium of Light, 2pm
There is a familiar end-of-season contrast at the Stadium of Light this weekend. Sunderland, like Nottingham Forest, sit comfortably in midtable with little immediate pressure, while Crystal Palace arrive with everything still on the line in the promotion race.
Melanie Reay’s side occupy eighth place, three points behind Forest above, and will be looking to finish the campaign strongly and build momentum heading into next season. With safety already secured, the Black Cats can approach the game with a degree of freedom, but they will still be keen to test themselves against one of the division’s top sides.
For Palace, the stakes are far greater. Jo Potter’s side sit third in the promotion play-off spot and know that a win here would guarantee them a place in the play-offs at a minimum. Beyond that, there is still the possibility of more. They trail both Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic by just three points, meaning a victory, combined with results elsewhere, could even lift them into an automatic promotion place. With so little separating the top three, every moment now carries added significance.
The Eagles arrive in outstanding form, unbeaten in their last six league games and winning five of them. Their most recent outing saw them edge past Ipswich Town 1-0, with Kirsty Howat finishing from a cleverly worked move involving Ashleigh Weerden. It was another controlled, composed performance that underlined their ability to manage tight games, an increasingly valuable trait at this stage of the season.
Sunderland, meanwhile, were on the wrong end of late drama in their last match before the break, falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat against league leaders Birmingham City. Reay’s side competed well for long periods and looked set to take a point before conceding a stoppage-time winner, a result that will have been frustrating but also indicative of their ability to stay competitive against the division’s strongest teams.
There is limited history between the sides, but their only previous meeting earlier this season was a tight affair. The reverse fixture ended 1-1 after a frantic start, with Katy Watson opening the scoring before Howat responded soon after. Palace controlled possession that day, but Sunderland showed they could match them in key moments, a pattern that could repeat itself here.
Palace’s attacking quality remains one of their biggest strengths. Weerden leads the league for assists with nine and has also contributed four goals, making her one of the most influential players in the division. Abbie Larkin has been clinical, as one of the league’s joint-top scorers with eight goals, while Howat adds further cutting edge in the final third. Between them, they give Palace multiple ways to break games open.
Sunderland, though, have threats of their own. Watson has been a consistent outlet, contributing seven goal involvements this season, while Emily Scarr leads the side with six league goals. If the Black Cats are to get anything from the game, they will need those attacking players to be sharp and decisive.
The numbers point towards a game where Palace are likely to take control of both the ball and the tempo. They rank fourth in the league for goals per match (1.8) and goals conceded (1.2), while also averaging 55.7 per cent possession, underlining their ability to dominate territory and dictate play. Sunderland’s figures are more modest, ranking seventh for both goals scored (1.3 per game) and goals conceded (1.6), while averaging just 44.2 per cent possession. That suggests the hosts may spend long periods without the ball, relying on organisation, defensive discipline and moments of transition to stay competitive.
There is also an added edge with several players facing former clubs, including Shanade Hopcroft, Hayley Ladd and Chloe Arthur, adding another layer of intrigue to an already significant fixture.
Ultimately, this is a game shaped by contrasting pressures. Sunderland can play with relative freedom, but Palace must deliver. With promotion within reach, the visitors will be expected to take control, but as Sunderland showed in the reverse fixture, they are more than capable of making life difficult.
Southampton vs Charlton Athletic
Sunday 26th April, Silverlake Stadium, 4pm
Southampton welcome Charlton Athletic to the Silverlake Stadium in a fixture where the pressure sits almost entirely with the visitors. Simon Parker’s Saints are now out of the promotion race, sitting fifth and seven points adrift of the play-off places with only two games remaining. While there is still the possibility of climbing into fourth, the urgency has eased slightly, shifting the focus towards finishing the season strongly and building momentum.
For Charlton, the situation could hardly be more different. Karen Hills’ side are locked in a title race, level on points with Birmingham City at the top and separated only by goal difference. Every game now carries huge weight. A win here would keep their title hopes alive and could even see them move into first place depending on results elsewhere. With Crystal Palace just three points behind in third, the Addicks also know that securing automatic promotion remains within reach, but only if they continue to pick up points.
Southampton head into the game in a confident mood after an emphatic 5-2 win over Sheffield United before the international break. The scoreline was boosted by a late surge, but it still reflected a side capable of producing real attacking quality. Jess Simpson, Michaela McAlonie and Aimee Palmer were all on the scoresheet, while Mary Bashford’s brace underlined her growing importance in the final third. It was a performance full of energy and clinical finishing, even if the stakes were ultimately reduced by results elsewhere.
Charlton, meanwhile, arrive looking to respond after a damaging 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace before the break. It was a result that knocked them off the top of the table and extended a slightly inconsistent run at a crucial stage of the season. Amalie Thestrup and Emma Bissell both found the net, but defensively, the Addicks were unable to hold on, something they will be keen to correct given how important their defensive solidity has been throughout the campaign.
History favours the visitors. The Addicks have won three of the four previous meetings between the sides, including both encounters this season. The most recent came in the Subway League Cup in November, when Southampton led through Ellie Brazil before late goals from Charlotte Newsham and Jodie Hutton turned the game on its head in dramatic fashion. That ability to find decisive moments late on has been a hallmark of Charlton’s season and could prove crucial again.
There is quality on both sides in the final third. Bashford leads Southampton’s scoring charts with seven league goals, while Brazil is close behind with six and remains a constant threat with her movement and experience. Simpson has also contributed heavily from defence, highlighting the Saints’ ability to create goals from different areas. For Hills’ side, Hutton and Lucy Fitzgerald lead the way creatively with seven goal contributions each, while Thestrup continues to provide a focal point in attack.
The statistics paint an interesting picture of Charlton’s success. They boast the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 0.9 goals per game and keeping eight clean sheets, more than any other side. Yet they do not tend dominate possession, averaging just 40.5 per cent, the second lowest in the division. Instead, their success has been built on organisation, efficiency and the ability to take key chances when they arise. Southampton, by contrast, tend to be more expansive, which could make for an intriguing stylistic clash.
There is also a personal edge to the fixture, with Saints players Brazil and Bashford potentially facing their former club, adding an extra layer of motivation.
All of that points towards a contest shaped by contrasting pressures and styles. Southampton can play with a degree of freedom, looking to express themselves and finish strongly, while Charlton must balance that with the need to grind out a result that keeps their title ambitions alive. In a game where one side has less to lose and the other cannot afford a slip, the tension is likely to build with every passing minute.
