BLUE'S 2ND-HALF COMEBACK IS NOT ENOUGH.

Today I am making my way to the birthplace of 'The Bard', Stratford-upon-Avon. I am taking in the game in the Women's Super League between the home team, Birmingham City and Arsenal.

The weather is mainly sunny interspersed with clouds and not oppressively hot and humid. I have arrived at Stratford's rail station at 1:10 pm and it takes me about 35 minutes walking at a brisk pace to get to the DCS Stadium which Birmingham lease off Stratford Town. It's situated in the village of Tiddington, about 1 mile away from the town. Although it's a Sunday, there are still plenty of tourists around.

So I've made it to the ground with just enough time for a cuppa before the game starts at 2pm.

Arsenal soon take the lead. In the 7th minute, they have a corner and their English international centre-back, Steph Houghton rises up well to head home at the far post.

The Blues are struggling to stem the attacks from this powerful Arsenal team who fail to convert several chances. They aren't to be denied for long though and score their second in the 20th minute.

A powerful free kick from Houghton comes back off a post, the rebound is struck against the bar and eventually the ball is crossed for White to head in off the post. 

20 minutes later it looks all over for Birmingham as Arsenal's Davison is left unmarked to stroke the ball home for goal number 3. When half-time arrives I can't see The Blues making a comeback.

Of course I'm wrong as a rejuvenated Birmingham team come out fighting and press strongly. After just 2 minutes Coral Haines strikes the bar with a great shot. About 8 minutes later they score through a deflected shot.

The Blues are having much of the attacking play now and go close to scoring on several occasions but some good, sometimes desperate defending from Arsenal keep them at bay.

It's an absorbing contest now and Arsenal are still dangerous on the counter-attack.

2 experienced International players come on as substitutes. Rachel Williams for Birmingham and later Rachel Yankey for Arsenal. Both have chances too but fail to convert them.

In injury time, Arsenal's young forward Davies, has a shot blocked by Blues keeper Penney.

  (Penney, the Birmingham keeper hangs on to the ball under pressure)

So Arsenal are worthy winners thanks to their great 1st-half performance and look to have a good chance to be crowned champions again in a few weeks time. Birmingham can take heart from a worthy 2nd-half fight back and from a good sized crowd of 561 today.