There was plenty of football this week as the first round of the WSL Continental Cup took place.

There was plenty for the fans up and down the country to enjoy, including one huge shock.

London Bees 3-3 Chelsea (AET) - Bees win 4-2 on penalties

London Bees caused a huge shock in the first round after they dramatically knocked reigning WSL 1 champions, Chelsea. There were a few changes from the team that won in midweek against Sunderland with Alessia Russo and Fran Kitching making their debuts in this game.

It took Chelsea eight minutes to score and it was a stunning strike from Beth England. However, the Bees scored in the second half to equalise. Popadinova‘s shot was saved by Kitching but unfortunately it rebounded off of Gilly Flaherty and went in.

It went sour for Chelsea after Niamh Fahey was sent off and Bees stung again with Jo Wilson putting them in front.

They were on the verge of a huge win but Millie Bright scored to keep Chelsea in the game. The Blues drew first blood in extra time as England headed Chelsea in front. Just a few minutes from time, London Bees equalised to take it to penalties.

The Bees went on to win it 4-2 on penalties and are now only one of two WSL 2 sides left in the competition.

Aston Villa 0-8 Manchester City

Manchester City showed their dominance and quality in an 8-0 thumping of Aston Villa. There were many changes made to the team that drew against Liverpool twice in the league. Marie Hourihan, Keira Walsh and Nikita Parris started in place of Karen Bardsley, Jennifer Beattie and Toni Duggan.

Megan Campbell and Tessel Middag also started for the first time ahead of Abbie McManus and Daphne Corboz. Parris was the star of the show on the day with a hat-trick, closely followed by Jane Ross with two. Middag, Corboz and Scott all got goals too, to ensure another impressive win and a place in the quarter finals.

Everton 0-1 Liverpool

This game had added interest as it was a Merseyside derby. Both teams share the same stadium but are of course in different leagues so don’t normally get to meet. Liverpool narrowly won after Emma Lundh headed it towards goal and Everton’s Danielle Turner got the final touch.

No love lost. | Image credit: Images via Andrew Powell/ Getty Images
No love lost. | Image credit: Images via Andrew Powell/ Getty Images

Reading 1-3 Arsenal

Arsenal have beaten Reading before in the league and won once again. It was a tight affair with end to end football in the first half. Mary Earps' spectacular saves kept Reading in it. Vicky Losada scored Arsenal’s first not long after the restart. Fara Williams scored a brace to ensure the win whilst Emma Follis got a consolation goal for the Royals.

Sheffield 2-0 Bristol City

Despite only being promoted into WSL 2 this season, Sheffield are settling in well. They beat Bristol City, a team determined to get back to WSL 1, 2-0. Jodie Michalska and Chelsea Flanagan got the crucial goals which both came in the second half.

Doncaster 2-1 Sunderland

Doncaster managed to get a crucial win against their relegation rivals Sunderland. The Belles took the lead in the 21st minute through Leandra Little, only for Sunderland to equalise in the second period. Sadly for them, Lauren Cresswell, who assisted the first goal, scored to put the Belles through.

Doncaster travel to Sunderland on Saturday and this win may have decided which way the relegation battle will go.

Oxford United 0-2 Birmingham

Birmingham are through to the quarter finals after a good win over WSL 2 side Oxford United. Oxford’s new loan signing Laura Rafferty made her debut but it wasn’t to be. Birmingham’s recent signing Andrine Hergerberg put them ahead from the penalty spot and Melissa Lawley’s goal wrapped up a move up to the next round.

Yeovil 1-3 Notts County

Despite being top of WSL 2 and in with a real shout of being promoted this season, Yeovil were unable to beat Notts County and were defeated 3-1. Nadia Lawrence’s goal was the only one for the hosts but an Ellen White brace and Fern Whelan goal ensured a quarter final spot for the Lady Pies.

Jo Potter and Jade Moore made their debuts in this game too and will hope they will get some decent game time in the league.

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