Women’s football round-up: Harviken fires Aston Villa to derby glory

Mathilde Harviken fired Aston Villa to victory over rivals Birmingham City in their first Women’s Super League derby in more than four years.

The sides met for the first time since May 2022, with Villa claiming the bragging rights and securing their third WSL win of the season.

Harviken headed home from close range in the 76th minute while Birmingham were temporarily down to 10 players, with defender Neve Herron off the pitch receiving treatment.

Villa also finished with 10 players after Oceane Deslandes received two yellow cards within 47 seconds in stoppage time. But they held on to secure the derby triumph and leave Birmingham 13th.

Wolves reached double figures in the WSL 2 in style with a 4-2 victory over bottom side Durham.

Amber Hughes starred with two goals and an assist as Wolves took their points tally to 10 and returned to winning ways.

Kidderminster Harriers bowed out of the Women’s FA Cup after suffering a 5-1 home defeat to Chester-le-Street Town.

Phoebe Hill had drawn Harriers level in the first half, but they conceded four times after the break to exit the competition at the second-round stage.

Elsewhere, Lye Town were trailing 3-1 at half-time against Peterborough United when the game was abandoned due to bad weather.

West Midlands League Premier leaders Hednesford Town continued their impressive run with a 6-0 home thrashing of Knowle.

The victory was Hednesford’s sixth consecutive league win, keeping them top of the table with a five-point advantage over Redditch Borough, who have two games in hand.

Redditch strengthened their position with a 5-0 victory over Stourbridge, who remain just above the relegation zone with only two wins to their name this season.

Lichfield City progressed in the Staffordshire Women’s Challenge Vase with a 4-0 victory over Stone Old Alleynians, while Chasetown exited the competition after losing 4-0 to Port Vale.

Mia Benton scored four times, including a second-half hat-trick, as Lane Head beat Port Vale Reserves to progress. Olivia Hayward was also on target in the away cup victory.

Athena Simpson produced a superb 25-yard lob to help Walsall secure a 3-2 victory over Rugby Town.

Mia Fellows also netted twice as the Saddlers extended their unbeaten start to four matches in West Midlands Division One North.

Halesowen Town maintained their perfect start to the West Midlands Division One South season with a commanding 6-0 victory at Redditch United. The Yeltz have now won all seven of their league matches.