Women's football round-up: Aston Villa boss 'scared' of relegation
Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo admits she is just as scared as the players about the prospect of relegation from the Women's Super League, writes Rajan Singh.
Villa's 4-0 loss to Manchester United has left them just one point above the WSL relegation spot.
Arroyo has got five games to secure the club’s survival for next season - with trips to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur up next.
The former Real Sociedad manager, who was appointed in January, said: “I want to stay in this country, I want to stay in this league and in this club. I want to do my best.
"I am finding it frustrating because I want the players to be brave and it's not the best moment for them to be brave. It's good to talk about that because I am just as scared as they are. I don't want to be the manager of a relegated team.
"But the reality is a possibility if we don't do our jobs. We are in the same boat so we need to row harder, faster and stronger to make it. I really believe we will make it."
Villa found themselves 3-0 down by half-time with striker Elisabeth Terland scoring a brace and Grace Clinton scoring from range, before defender Lucy Parker extended the lead midway through the second half.
League leaders Birmingham City slipped up in the Women’s Championship with their goalless draw against Charlton, presenting London City with the opportunity to overtake them if they win their game in hand.
Elsewhere, in the National League Northern Premier Division, second-bottom Stourbridge's struggles continued, as they lost 5-0 at home to Rugby Borough to slip 10 points adrift of safety with just 12 more to play for.
That is because Sporting Khalsa increased that gap to double figures with a 1-1 draw against Hull City, with Layla Kennerley’s equalising goal putting Khalsa on the verge of survival.
In the West Midlands League Premier Division, Kidderminster Harriers came from behind to beat Lye Town 2-1 and replace their opponents at the summit.
Goals from Mill Rogers and Imogen Poile put Harriers two points clear, with the club also having a game in hand and boasting a superior goal difference.
Walsall continued to progress up the West Midlands League Division One North, with their 3-0 home win against Rugby Town moving them above fourth-placed Hednesford Town and level on points with second-place Lichfield City.
Mia Fellows scored a brace, while Imogen Papworth also got herself among the goals.
