Shaw gives Slough a special treat

Slough, the Women's Premier League leaders who visit Doncaster tomorrow, were introduced to a bold innovation by their coach, John Shaw, this week - the presence of a masseur before their training session, writes Bill Colwill.

Shaw said yesterday: "It should ease the way with bruises and slight strains from the previous weekend." With newly recruited internationals Lucy Cope and Sarah Kelleher still unavailable and the Olympian Anna Bennett injured, he expects an unchanged side for the trip north.

The defending champions, Hightown, who had their game against Ipswich last weekend postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, have a busy weekend ahead. They travel to play Balsam Leicester tomorrow and then receive Ipswich for the rearranged game on Sunday.

There were disappointing performances from both Scotland and Wales in the men's World Cup qualifiers in Sicily. Wales, three goals down to China after 46 minutes, fought back but still lost 3-2. Poland, reduced to nine men at one point, beat Scotland 2-0.