Birmingham City women: Szperkowska steps up, three awards and an advantage
Birmingham City Women have taken control of the Championship title race again with five games of the season to play.
Amy Merricks’ side defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-0 last weekend to make it three straight wins – and clean sheets – and extended their lead at the top of the table in the process.
London City Lionesses’ failure to beat Charlton Athletic saw Blues pull three points clear of second-place, meaning their fate now rests in their own hands. London City have a game in hand on Blues but the league leaders have a superior goal difference.
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The title race is tantalisingly poised and the two teams meet on the final day of the season. It has been confirmed St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park will host Blues’ showdown with London City on May 4 (2pm kick-off) and supporters are being encouraged to get behind the team in their quest to regain Super League status.
Szperkowska steps up
Polish goalkeeper Oliwia Szperkowska has ignited her Blues career with three straight clean sheets in wins over Sunderland, Sheffield United and Blackburn.
Szperkowska, who joined Blues on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in September, stepped in at Sunderland following an injury to number one Lucy Thomas. Thomas has since undergone surgery and won’t play again this season.
Blues have recalled Charlotte Clarke from her loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers to provide back-up to Szperkowska.
Merricks lands manager of the month
Blues head coach Merricks has been recognised for her team’s perfect February with the manager of the month award. Merricks has claimed the award for the second time having also won it in October.
Cooke earns recognition too
It’s a clean sweep of the February awards for Blues after Shannon Cooke won player of the month and goal of the month in the Championship.
West Ham loanee Cooke, a centre-back by trade, has made the dream start to life at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park to help Blues to successive victories and clean sheets.
But she caught the eye with a sensational goal to clinch Blues’ 1-0 win over Sheffield United three weeks ago. That 40-yard strike has earned Cooke the goal of the month accolade.
