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The Gulf Weekly Arsenal Soccer School Ladies League kick-started its eighth season last Wednesday and for the first time, it will have two divisions.
The Arsenal Ladies, Joga TFA, Eastern Flames and Arsenal U21 make up the top tier while Arsenal Gunners, RCSI, Seef Dental and Arsenal U18 are in Division 2.
Deena Rahman, Bahrain national team player and the school’s senior coach, said: “We are excited to have two divisions this season so everyone has something to play for whether its league champions, promotion or fighting relegation.
“It also gives a level playing field for the ability of teams and we are expecting some entertaining encounters in both divisions.
“Each team will play each other three times over the course of the season, with one team being relegated and promoted for season nine.
“Arsenal is also happy to be giving opportunities to some of the young developing players to experience the league in Division 2.”
Opening the season were champions Arsenal Ladies against their younger counterparts, Arsenal Under21. While the scoreline made the game look one-sided, it was anything but. The younger team gave everything but failed to convert their chances.
The Ladies were clinical in front of the goal, scoring thrice in each half, winning 6-1. Three goals were secured by Reema Al Qassab, one from the returning Tamara Kawash, a fine header from Sam Rule and a great finish from Wed Al Jowder while Hayley Kunde reduced the margin.
In the other top flight between Eastern Flames and Joga TFA. Joga scored in the last minute of the first half. The Flames equalised early in the second but to no avail as Joga scored five more goals.
Alaa Al Dirazi scored four goals while Ashwa Ebrahim and Sara Al Aaali had one each. The Flames goalscorer was Leah Montenegro.
The second division game between Seef Dental and Arsenal Gunners saw the former win 3-1. Sandra Diaz Santos fired home an early goal, only for debutant Natalie Schultz to level for the Gunners with a long range effort.
Despite pressure upfront by Kia Hanahoe, the Gunners could not add to their tally. The Dental team added two more goals, both from May Haji, to seal the points and top the table after the opening game.
Tonight at 6.50pm, in Division 2, Seef Dental take on Arsenal U18’s and in Division 1 Arsenal Ladies clash with Joga TFA.
