Monthly Archives: August 2016

The Round-Up – ERWFL 28/08/16

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sunday 28th Aug

    ERWFL Premier Division

The ERWFL started its season last Sunday with a new look, 12 sides contesting the Premier Division with a single Division One of 11 sides below. A full programme of fixtures in the Premier Division this Sunday.

Bedford Ladies are setting the early pace at the top, relegated from the FAWPL South East Division one their appears to be no relegation hang over have hit the ground running scoring 7 goals at home on the opening day beating Histon Ladies 7-3, they were on the road this Sunday taking on newly promoted, Royston Town Ladies. Rattled in 7 goals for the 2nd game in a row, Natasha Fensome and Kaiya Gunn both scoring a brace amongst the goal scorers as they show great form at the start of the season. Gemma Croucher and Stephanie Hicks the goal scorers for Royston Town Ladies who are without a point from their opening 2 games.

Bedford Ladies aren’t the only side in the Premier Division showing great form at the start of the season, Haringey Borough Women had a good opening day result away to one of the title favourites Billericay Town Ladies beating them 4-1. At home for the 1st time this season on Sunday were taking on Brentwood Town Ladies. Jessica Appeagyei and Julia Carruthers were amongst the goals last Sunday continued their goal scoring form at home with Appeagyei netting a hat-trick and Carruthers picking up a brace for the 2nd successive game to beat Brentwood 5-1. Bobbi Cubberley on target for the visitors.

sa-wells  Keeping pace with leaders, Bedford and 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women are Norfolk side Acle United Ladies. A 5-2 win on the road against AFC Dunstable Ladies on the opening day were on their travels this Sunday too a trip to Suffolk to play AFC Sudbury Ladies who had also won on the opening day. A positive start to the game for the visiting side with Jody Wells ( pictured right) keeping her feet inside the box to evade the on rushing, Penny Everett in the Sudbury goal to go after the ball and send it into an empty net. Acle captain, Rebecca Burton made it 2-0 bundling the ball home following good work in the midfield from Alice Ladbrooke to win the ball set up the attack. Sudbury with a few 1st team regulars out weren’t at their best however got a life line late in the 1st half the referee seeing a push in the box from a corner, awarding a penalty which was dispatched coolly by Charlene Roach.

sa-roach  Acle applied more pressure on the Sudbury back line at the start of the 2nd half however it was the home side who were to score getting it back to 2-2 awarded a free-kick just outside the area left of goal. Roach (pictured left) over the ball went for goal sending it in high awkward dipping late Acle goalkeeper, Joanne Hooper couldn’t keep it out. With players beginning to tire in the 2nd half Acle retook the lead from a corner Wells initial delivery to the far post headed away she was given the ball again with players trying to clear the area sent the ball back in towards the far post with Burton on hand to turn the ball over the line for her 2nd of the game. Wells added her 2nd of the game and Acle’s 4th late on time and space to shoot from distance rifling the ball home. Final score 4-2 to Acle you can read the match report in full on this website or by clicking on the link below to take you to the Supporting Women’s Football Blog. 

AFC Sudbury Ladies 2-4 Acle United Ladies – Match Report

Colchester Town Ladies sat out the opening weekend of the season, playing their 1st match of the campaign this Sunday on the road taking on Great Wakering Rovers Ladies who had started the season with a 1-1 against Brentwood Town Ladies. Winning the ERWFL League Cup last season, Colchester have seen alot of change over the close season coach Rosi Webb moving to Billericay Town Ladies, several of the clubs senior players have also moved on to sign for new clubs with captain Alexandra Brewis-Shephard retiring. Joe Sheehan is the new manager in charge with a rebuilding job to do. An inexperienced squad fielded a side of teenagers all bar on at the weekend. Started the season with a victory with Nancy Butler and Miagh Downey scoring in a 2-1 win.

An early kick-off this Sunday for AFC Dunstable Ladies at Creasey Park taking on newly promoted Writtle Ladies playing their 1st league match at this level. Have been an unstoppable force in their rise up the leagues losing just the one game in 3 seasons. AFC Dunstable were looking to recover from a 5-2 opening day defeat against Acle United. Amber Pearson top scorer for Dunstable last season with 18 goals got her account started this season scoring on the half hour mark, Courtney Clarke netting for Writtle in the 1st half too to see the scores level at half-time. The winning goal came 5 minutes from time substitute Stephanie Chandler hitting the goal for Dunstable to see them get their 1st 3 point haul on the table.

Dropping points on the opening day wasn’t the plan for Billericay Town Ladies, were looking to bounce back as they travelled to Cambridgeshire to take on Histon Ladies at the Glassworld Stadium. The visitors taking all 3 points in a 3-2 win, a brace from Paris Smith plus a goal for Charlotte Hopwood. Alison Wright and Kate Saunders on target for Histon Ladies.

ERWFL Division One

Has been a staggered start to the season in ERWFL Division One 11 teams contesting the single division in 2016/17, 6 of those sides played on the opening weekend with Silver End United Ladies winning big beating Hoddesdon Town Ladies 7-1 to lead the table. 4 more sides got their season started this Sunday whilst, Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies have to wait another week to get their campaign underway.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Norfolk Champions last season had started the season with a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. At home at King’s Head Meadow for their 1st home match of the season were welcoming Hertfordshire side, Colney Heath Ladies to Norfolk as they began their league season. Was a tough start of the visitors who found themselves up against a Wymondham side in fine goal scoring form. Gemma Sanders was the scorer of Wymondham’s 1st ever goal at this level last Sunday, set the ball rolling this Sunday to striking home on 6 minutes. Had to wait till the stroke of half-time to add a 2nd Brooke Cheal-Ferris on target. 

Alice Collins with a double on early in the 2nd half on 50 and 55 minutes made it 4-0. Amber Cantwell making it 5-0 with 74 minutes played no let up from the home side new signing Summer Moor joining from Long Stratton scoring her 1st competitive goal for the club with 3 minutes left on the clock, Kayleigh Holloway making it 7-0 at the death. The result coupled with no game for Silver End United sees Wymondham at the top of the table.

  Goals were the order of the weekend in ERWFL Division One in both of the other games taking place too. Hertford Town Ladies, Beds & Herts Women’s Division One Champions last season had started well with an opening day home win over Stevenage Ladies Reserves. Were on the road this Sunday taking on Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership Champions, Cambridge City Ladies starting their league campaign. With a strong youth set-up the young side had risen rapidly together as a team through the leagues winning the league crown in their 1st season playing in an adult league. Opted for promotion to the regional set-up knowing they would be losing several players from the squad going off to university. Prepared to promote from the U16 side have had a busy close season alot of new faces joining the side so much so they are entering a Development side in the Cambridgeshire Championship South this season. 

 The game was goalless at half-time, Cambridge City coming out the stronger 2nd half a side featuring 6 new signings plus 2 more on the bench one of those, Sarah Mosley previously with Cambridge United WFC Reserves scoring on her competitive debut. Two goals each for Carla Penny and Grace Stanley seeing Cambridge City start with a 5-0 win. 

Plenty of goals in the final match in this weeks ERWFL Round-Up with Offley & Stopsley Ladies and Hutton Ladies beginning their season. At the Offley Recreation Centre the goals were in abundance but after the dust had settled after the final whistle the points were shared the two sides contesting a 3-3 draw. Rianne Townsend-Brown scoring twice for Offley & Stopsley with Charlotte Poynter also bagging herself a goal. 3 goal scorers for Hutton Ladies with Kate Lowen, Amy Crumpley and Jessica Tuffen the players on target.

  Very early days in the league think it will take a little while to settle down but I suspect there are going to be plenty of interesting games and results along the way.

The Round-Up – FAWPL 28/08/16

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 28th August

Welcome to the 2nd edition of the new 2016/17 new look Round-Up featuring all of the women’s football action in the aforementioned leagues above. Broken down into more concise league categories now we start with the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One Divisions.

 FAWPL Southern Division

   This weekend saw all the sides playing in the FAWPL across the country hold a minutes silence before their matches in honour of Portsmouth FC Ladies President, Dave Coyle who passed away after a long battle with cancer earlier in the week. Been involved with the club for over 25 years and a well respected figure within the women’s game.

   Charlton Athletic Women lead the way in the FAWPL Southern Division after the weekends results having started with an opening day win at home beating newly promoted Swindon Town Ladies 4-0 were at Sporting Club Thamesmead again this Sunday playing C&K Basildon Ladies who themselves had started with an opening day victory beating Portsmouth FC Ladies 2-0.

shepherdThe visitors were soon behind with Charlton opening the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, Gemma Shepherd. Katie Flack doubling the advantage 10 minutes later. 2-0 the score at half-time Kit Graham scored Charlton’s 3rd early in the 2nd half. 3 more goals followed for the home side with Charley Clifford getting on the scoresheet on 64 minutes before Shepherd (pictured left) went on to score her 1st hat-trick of the season netting in the 70th and 78th minutes to complete a comprehensive victory that sees Charlton top of the table 2 wins from 2 scoring 10 goals without reply. 

 

Lewes Ladies were the leaders after the opening day results with a fantastic 7-2 win at The Dripping Pan over West Ham United Ladies. At home again for their 2nd league match of the season were taking on Cardiff City Ladies who were playing their opening match of the season. A good win to start the season Lewes knew they would face a sterner test against Cardiff the Welsh side once again amongst the title favourites. A goalless 1st half, Lewes started strongly 2nd half putting the Cardiff back line under pressure without finding the break through went a goal down as Cardiff took the lead through Kerry Bartlett. Lewes kept attacking finding an equalising goal with 15 minutes to play, Katie McIntyre with the strike to beat Cardiff goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan the final score 1-1 Lewes drop to 2nd in the table.

Crystal Palace Ladies newly promoted to the FAWPL Southern Division after winning the South East Division One title with ease and an unbeaten record began life in the higher tier with a 1-1 draw at home last Sunday against Coventry United Ladies. Were on the road this Sunday travelling to Uxbridge FC’s, Honeycroft Stadium to play Queens Park Rangers Ladies who were beginning their league campaign this weekend. QPR manager, Martino Chevannes with a new look squad to begin the season with many from last season moving on. A tough battle played at a fast pace the score 0-0 at half-time Crystal Palace creating but not converting their chances. The visitors found the back of the net late in the 2nd half 18-year-old Leanne Bell scoring with less than 10 minutes left, her strike enough to see Crystal Palace secure their 1st 3 points in the FAWPL Southern Division see them up to 3rd in the table. 

Another side getting their league season underway this Sunday were Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were taking on Swindon Town Ladies newly promoted to the league as FAWPL South West Division One Champions who had started their season with a tough away trip to play Charlton Athletic Women losing the game 4-0 faced another tough away journey to Brimsdown FC. Tottenham dominated the 1st half however the lead was just by a single goal at the break, Bianca Baptiste scoring on the half hour mark. Swindon got themselves back on level terms as Georgia Walters turned a rebound off the crossbar home on 64 minutes. Tottenham continued to press retaking the lead inside the last 15 minutes before going on to score twice more to win 4-1, new signing Nikita Whinnett formerly with Charlton Athletic Women getting her 1st competitive goal for the club sandwiched between a Wendy Martin brace.

An emotional day for Portsmouth FC Ladies playing their 1st league match at home of the season with the sad news that club President, Dave Coyle had passed away, 25 years with the club after a long battle with cancer. Were taking on West Ham United Ladies who had started the season with a heavy defeat away to Lewes. Portsmouth losing on the opening day themselves got off to a fantastic start, Sarah Kempston firing them ahead on 6 minutes. Went on to dominate the 1st half former West Ham United Ladies player, Emma Sherwood putting them 2-0 up on 22 minutes. Kempston added her 2nd of the match closing in on the half hour mark to see Portsmouth lead 3-0 at half-time. West Ham managed to pull a goal back 15 minutes into the 2nd half, Chloe Burr with the goal, Portsmouth going on to win 3-1 to collect their 1st 3 points of the season.

FAWPL South East Division One

  5 matches in the FAWPL South East Division One this Sunday and it’s all change at the top with opening day leaders Norwich City Ladies not in action, drop down to 4th in the fledgling table with Gillingham FC Ladies taking over top spot. 

Runners-up last season and amongst the favourites to take the title this time around, Gillingham were playing their 1st competitive match of the season at their new home the Corinthians Sports Club taking on another of the title contenders Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Got off to a fantastic start with April Bowers giving them the lead in the 5th minute. Amy Taylor doubling the advantage as the game closed in on the half hour mark. Captain, Lauren Williams making it 3-0 4 minutes before half-time to give Gillingham a comfortable lead at half-time. Milton Keynes Dons pulled a goal back in the 2nd half to see the game finish 3-1. 

Enfield Town Ladies looked to be heading to the top of the FAWPL South East Division One table away from home taking on Ipswich Town Ladies, their captain Regan Coleman having given them the lead 2 minutes before half-time at Felixstowe & Walton FC, but they were denied making it 2 wins from 2 in their opening matches as Ipswich were awarded a penalty deep into time added on at the end of the game. Molly Hall stepping up to take and bury the penalty into the back of the net to earn the home side their 1st point of the season. Coming away with a point Enfield are up to 2nd.

  A 1-1 draw with Gillingham FC Ladies on the opening day of the season, Luton Town Ladies were in contention for the title themselves for a large part of last season, will be aiming to do so again this time around and like Gillingham got their 1st win of the season this Sunday. Away from home taking on Actonians Ladies a single goal enough to take all 3 points with Michelle Byrne the player on target in the 2nd half to put Luton into 3rd spot.  

Denham United Ladies suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies on the opening day. Back at the Middlesex Stadium for another home game were taking on newly promoted ERWFL Premier Division Champions, Stevenage Ladies, who lost narrowly on the opening day themselves going down 2-1 at home to Enfield Town Ladies. Suffered a heavier defeat this time around as Denham got their 1st 3 point haul on the board,  winning the match 5-0 with Lauren Cox and Alissa Down both scoring 2 goals each the 5th scored by Annie Hewitt.

Cambridge United WFC also picked up their 1st 3 points of the season having suffered an opening day loss, at home were playing Lowestoft Town Ladies. Nicole Perschky scored late in the 1st half to give Cambridge the 1st half lead. Went on to double the advantage early in the 2nd half with Becky Taylor on target to win the match 2-0. Lowestoft with Stevenage yet to pick up a point. Early days mind, just Norwich and AFC Wimbledon Ladies have a 100% win record in the league both winning on the opening day. Could take some time for the league to settle down.

The action next weekend in the FAWPL turns to the Preliminary Round of the FAWPL Cup and Plate to see which competition each club will be contesting for.

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Ladies v Acle United Ladies

The women’s football action at the weekend came from the ERWFL Premier Division on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog a trip to the Wardale Williams Stadium to watch AFC Sudbury Ladies play Acle United Ladies.

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Ladies v Acle United Ladies

 

  The women’s football action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday comes from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division a trip to Suffolk to watch AFC Sudbury Ladies play Acle United Ladies. 

  The ERWFL season kicked off last Sunday and both sides got off to a great start recording opening day wins. Suffolk side, AFC Sudbury Ladies enter their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division finished 3rd in their debut season at this level a position they held for most of the campaign. Will be hoping to push on challenge for the top 2 this time around have added to their squad bringing in Penny Everett and Megan Partridge who were with the now folded Long Melford Ladies last season. Started the season with an opening day victory at home, Sasha Diston scoring the goal as Sudbury beat newly promoted Royston Town Ladies 1-0.

  Acle United Ladies are beginning their 3rd season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division and the side from Norfolk having been at the wrong end of the table for the past two seasons are confident of better things this time around. The club has seen a change of coach and several new players joining the club during last seasons campaign coupled with fixture pile up due to early season postponements that never let the club gain any momentum on the field. The close season has seen a few more additions to the squad which got the season off to a great start last weekend winning 5-2 on the road against AFC Dunstable Ladies.

  Although AFC Sudbury Ladies have featured in match reports on the SWF Blog before this is the 1st time I’ve seen them play at home. Are very much an integral part of the men’s club, play at the Wardale Williams Stadium on the outskirts of Sudbury. A state of the art 3G pitch with a large newly built clubhouse and stand on one side of the ground, refreshments hot and cold available. A covered terraced stand between the dugouts on the opposite side of the pitch with covered standing areas behind both goals. Still warm and sunny as we near the end of August, several dark clouds around with the chance of a heavy shower during the match.

  AFC Sudbury Ladies starting XI – Penny Everett, Holly Harrison, Charlotte Churchman, Rebecca Thrower, Sasha Diston (C), Phoebe Guiver, Hayley Turner, Charlene Roach, Sophie Jeffery, Mia Etheridge & Megan Partridge.
  subs – Stacey Teager, Georgia Lindon & Natalie Golding

  Acle United Ladies starting XI – Joanne Hooper, Anna Larkins, Luka Goodchild, Chloe Shields, Kate Pasque, Alice Ladbrooke, Amber Rowland, Rose Glendinning, Shannon Dade, Rebecca Burton (C) & Jody Wells.

  subs – Leah McGuire. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)
  Sudbury kick off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts were without a few 1st team regulars unavailable for the game. Joanne Hooper, Acle’s player/assistant coach can and has played in a number of positions for the side, today was in between the sticks keeping goal. Acle were wearing their new away kit red and white vertical striped shirts, white shorts with red and white hooped socks. 
  Straight from the kick off, Sudbury play the ball up the right channel with Hayley Turner giving chase to the ball, Acle’s, Chloe Shields comes across to tackle and win the ball on the edge of the box putting the ball out for a throw. Receiving the ball from the throw in, Sudbury’s Holly Harrison sweeps a high ball up into the Acle six yard box, Hooper sees it safely into her gloves. Playing the ball out quickly from the back, Anna Larkins on the right passes the ball on for Shannon Dade ahead of her attacking down the wing takes on the shot as she reaches to top of the box, hits the ball hard and low towards the near post, Penny Everett in goal for Sudbury has the angle covered, gathers the ball into her body.
AFC Sudbury Ladies, Holly Harrison

  Early pressure from the visiting side, winning the ball at the back get it up top through the middle quickly, Alice Ladbrooke playing the ball into striker, Jody Wells feet, back to goal 25 yards out looks to flick it over the top of the Sudbury defence with Dade making a run in behind to the right, Everett has seen the threat and coming off her line early clears the ball as it enters the area. Acle regain the ball and coming forwards win a free kick 30 yards from goal, Amber Rowland over the ball sends it long into the box towards the far post. Rebecca Thrower defending for Sudbury does well to stop Acle midfielder, Rose Glendinning get in round behind her concedes the corner. The set-piece goes long beyond the far post Ladbrooke gets up to head the ball, turns her effort behind for a goal kick.

Defender, Rebecca Thrower clears the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies
AFC Sudbury Ladies captain
Sasha Diston
  An end to end start to the game both sides looking to break quickly on the counter attack, Glendinning carries the ball with her through the middle of the park looks to put, Rebecca Burton the Acle captain through on goal, a good run, Sudbury’s Charlotte Churchman gets across her path just in time to push the ball wide and clear. Sudbury attack up the left side of the pitch the ball played into Sophie Jeffery her diagonal pass through the middle almost has Turner clear to attack the Acle goal, with Hooper rushing out it’s Kate Pasque who nips in ahead of Turner to intercept. Phoebe Guiver comes on for Sudbury.
  There are a few fouls being committed both sides getting a little physical, Sudbury in particular not happy with some of the refereeing decisions. Free kicks being given away, Sudbury are awarded one in the middle of the Acle half a chance for Charlene Roach to test out Hooper in goal gets the shot on target but not enough height to trouble the keeper. Another free kick to Sudbury on the left top of the area is played in towards the far post plenty of bodies there to attack it, it’s an Acle head that gets it cleared out of the box.
  GOAL! 22 minutes played and the visitors take the lead. With possession on the right bringing the ball into the Sudbury half, Acle win a throw in the ball is put into Glendinning who plays a great ball forwards for Wells to turn onto and run at the Sudbury box, Everett comes racing out to slide in at the strikers feet, spills the ball escaping her rolling to the right, Wells having kept her feet goes after it and turns the ball into the empty net beyond 0-1.
 
Acle United Ladies, Jody Wells
  Sudbury are awarded another free kick inside the Acle half with no advantage coming as they press bodies forwards. To the right of the box 30 yards out defenders come up from the back as Roach plays the ball diagonally to the far post, Acle head the initial ball clear out to the left Sudbury close it down and regain possession an early cross into the box, Diston is still forwards in the area connects with her head 12 yards out places the ball wide of the near post. Sudbury continue to put the Acle back line under pressure keeping possession around their 18 yard box, Megan Partridge unable to find a way through with the ball left side plays it across to the right with Harrison having gotten forwards looking to hit it 1st time, can’t keep her strike down.
  GOAL! Acle are attacking down the right the ball is flung into the area, Thrower gets across Wells to clear the ball, Ladbrooke reacts sharply coming forwards to intercept the ball fired into the box, Wells turns the ball across the six yard box an awkward ball for the defence to deal with facing their own goal, Everett comes for it with Burton closing her down doesn’t gather cleanly as Burton challenges and manages to turn the ball over the line 0-2.
Rebecca Burton scores Acle
 United  Ladies 2nd goal
 
 
   Dade bringing the ball on down the right wing for Acle takes on the early shot, angling in low towards the near post, Everett is across and in place to make the save. The foul count is clocking up against Rowland as she gets a final warning from the referee. Hooper commits early to coming out to the edge of her area sliding in to claim the ball as Partridge tries to play Turner in over the top. A free kick for Acle inside the Sudbury half Larkins plays the ball long to the far post from the right, Everett jumping up amongst the players around her to lay claim to the ball. Acle make a change Leah McGuire coming on for Rowland. 
  Mia Etheridge steals in to win the ball off the Acle defence and run in behind down the right squares a good ball along the six yard box, no one attacking the near post, Hooper is able to throw herself forwards and get hold of the ball. Time running out 1st half to get themselves back into the match Partridge is flagged offside in the Acle box as she squeezes a shot past the on rushing Hooper. Luka Goodchild is left hurt on the floor as she loses the ball inside the Sudbury half, Etheridge dispossessing her races forwards down the right wing, Pasque covers the ground to get across to challenge plays the ball out for the corner kick.
  GOAL! Little time left to play in the 1st half the corner on the right is sent long towards the far post area goes over everyone, the referee blows his whistle and points to the penalty spot having spotted a push. Acle protest and Pasque gets yellow carded for dissent. Up steps Roach to take the penalty kick for Sudbury, puts plenty of power behind the ball Hooper guesses right, diving to her left the ball is wide of her and nestles into the corner of the goal 1-2.
 
Charlene Roach scores from the penalty spot late in the 1st half for AFC Sudbury Ladies
Half-time AFC Sudbury Ladies 1-2 Acle United Ladies
  A goal right on the stroke of half-time has gotten Sudbury back into the game having gone 2-0 down. Acle having the better of the attacking play for a good percentage of the half going ahead midway through the 1st half then doubling their lead looking comfortable at the back until conceding the late penalty, Sudbury haven’t been at their best the goal back giving them a much needed lift. 

  Acle to get the 2nd half under way as Sudbury start the 2nd half with striker Stacey Teager who scored 16 goals last season on the pitch replacing Turner. Georgia Lindon is also on for Jeffery. McGuire has dropped into the defence for Acle with Pasque taking on a midfield role. Sudbury look to get Teager in on the action right from the start winning the ball the pass is played out to her making a run to the right of the box, Shields comes across and tackles well inside the box to win the ball. 

Charlene Roach and Kate Pasque battle for control of the ball

  Goodchild carries the ball out from the back for Acle on the left plays the pass up to Ladbrooke her crossfield pass looks to pick out Dade breaking forwards down the right trying to get into the box, Churchman staying on her shoulder puts in a well timed tackle to win the ball her clearance from the back is intercepted by Acle, Larkins having come forwards on the right to offer support for Dade takes the ball down the line sends a low cross racing along the top of the six yard box, Everett gets down quickly to smother the ball before it can reach Burton at the far post.

Acle United Ladies, Luka Goodchild

  Everett is well placed in her goal with Acle counter attacking the ball up the left is lifted up into the middle with Wells running into the area right of goal strikes the ball 1st time angling it in towards goal, Everett makes the save confidently taking the ball into her body. A busy spell for the Sudbury keeper with Acle stretching play, Dade finding space to run into on the right her cross is towards the near post, Everett is 1st to the ball. Burton controls a long pass sent up through the middle 20 yards out back to goal lays it back into the path of Wells, running onto the ball looks to curl her shot back in is straight into Everett’s gloves.

  GOAL! Having been under a little pressure at the start of the 2nd half Sudbury get themselves back on level terms. Attacking the ball is lifted up into the Acle area, Teager goes after it as the ball runs to the byline on the left, has support from Guiver lays the ball back to her, is clipped just outside the box, staying on her feet gets inside sees her shot blocked at close range, the referee blows up and awards the home side the free kick outside the area. Roach is over the set piece goes for goal getting plenty of lift on the ball on target drops late an awkward one for Hooper to try and deal with on her line, can’t keep it out and Sudbury equalise2-2 Roach with her 2nd of the match.

Charlene Roach sends her perfectly weighted free-kick in towards goal to score her 2nd of the game

  Acle have good possession of the ball on the right, Larkins able to support Dade on the wing, both get the opportunity to cross into the box, both times the ball is sent in near post with Everett 1st to the ball. Sudbury are getting some joy out wide themselves as the game starts to get stretched players tiring, Etheridge is played in on the wing running with the ball into space fires a low cross into the box with Partridge making a run into the area connecting with the ball sends her shot wide across goal.

  Etheridge runs onto the ball put out to the right again and taking it forwards lifts her cross up into the six yard box with Teager attacking the near post, lifting her leg can’t quite bring the ball down for a shot but improvises well preventing the defender behind her heading it clear hooks it over her with the outside of her boot looping up is straight into Hooper who catches the ball. 

Alice Ladbrooke wins the ball back for Acle United Ladies

  Pressing forwards with the ball Glendinning has Ladbrooke ahead of her in front of the Sudbury box links up with Larkins and Dade the trio in front of the D, crosses to Dade right with Larkins in between the pair, giving Larkins the ball she looks to pass back to Ladbrooke goes for the shot is blocked at close quarters by Diston the rebound back with Larkins she takes it on into the area, Thrower gets back on her to put in the challenge as Larkins shoots pulls the ball wide across the goal face. Pasque is off for Acle with Rowland returning to the action.

  GOAL! Wells sees a shot blocked the ball spinning behind for a corner kick on the right. It’s Wells to take the set-piece the delivery long to the far post. A Sudbury head gets the ball away sent high up towards the edge of the area dropping, is an awkward ball to get under control even as Sudbury look to push up out of their area, Acle win the ball back push it out to Wells over on the right from a higher position sends the ball back into the box far post area again, Burton turns and spinning back in gets her foot over the ball and scores her 2nd of the match 2-3.

A brace for Acle United Ladies captain, Rebecca Burton

 Dade comes off for Acle with Pasque coming back on. Sudbury press forwards looking to get back into the match a powerful run on the right wing from Etheridge getting down the line squares the ball into the middle, running back the ball strikes the 1st defender inside the box, taking alot of pace of the ball deflects through to Teager beyond running onto the ball strikes it 1st time drills the shot wide.

Acle United Ladies, Rose Glendinning looks to get away from
Sudbury pair Megan Partridge & Charlene Roach

  Glendinning tries her luck from distance running with the ball before pulling the trigger 25 yards out, the ball bouncing through into Everett. A double change for Sudbury with Jeffery and Turner returning to the action replacing Lindon and Roach. Partridge lines up a shot from 35 yards out a powerful drive is blocked by McGuire on the edge of her area. Players are tiring on both sides as the game moves into the final stages. 

 GOAL! Wells is in space some 30 yards or so out from goal as the ball is rolled into her, has time and space to line up a shot gets plenty of pace behind the ball as she fires it across the diving Everett into the back of the net to score her 2nd goal of the game and put Acle 4-2 up.
  
  Acle get the ball up into Burton, Pasque looks to get ahead of everyone gt into the box to receive the pass, Burton tries to play her in Everett coming out can get hold of the ball 1st set up a counter attack the ball up the field quickly played into Etheridge bursting clear to attack the Acle box shoots from outside the area as she sees Hooper rushing out to close her down fires a fierce shot past the keeper across the area, strikes the base of the far post cannoning back out across the six yard box, the Acle defence are 1st to it launch the ball clear.

Mia Etheridge running onto the ball for AFC Sudbury Ladies

  Into added time, Sudbury push players on looking to put the Acle back line under pressure Partridge gets the ball in behind with Teager running onto it clear of the defence taking it to the edge of the box Hooper is charging out to meet her sliding in Teager shoots, Hooper gets something on the ball takes the sting out of the shot as it gets past her by then her defence has got back round on the cover to clear the ball as the referee blows the final whistle.

Full-time AFC Sudbury Ladies 2-4 Acle United Ladies

  A 4-2 victory for Acle sees them start the season with 2 wins out of 2 3rd in the table behind leaders Bedford Ladies and Haringey Borough Women who have started the season in similar fashion. A solid team performance getting themselves into a 2-0 lead. A physical match both sides battling hard to win the ball, some decisions baffling both sides, Sudbury will be the 1st to admit they weren’t at their best today, did well to get themselves back into the game however, tiring towards the end Acle retook the lead with Wells securing victory late on. Long way to go yet but already the ERWFL Premier Division is shaping up nicely and both Acle and Sudbury will be hoping they can be in the title race come the end of the season.r
  My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today, best of luck to both for the rest of the season. 

The Round-Up – ERWFL New Season

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sun 21st August

A new season of East Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) began this Sunday with a new look to the league layout. 12 teams contesting the ERWFL Premier Division this season all hoping to follow Stevenage Ladies and achieve promotion to the FAWPL. However, below are gone the 2 Division One’s, East and West last season to be replaced with a single Division One which was to also have 12 teams competing in it this season with a few new sides promoted from the county leagues below. Very sadly it is down to 11, with Hullbridge Sports Ladies from Essex pulling out, folding after 2 very successful seasons having won 2 successive promotions wish everyone at the club the very best going into the future.

ERWFL Premier Division

   Was a torrid season for Bedford Ladies last time out finishing bottom of the FAWPL South East Division One relegated after a 2 season stay. Hoping for better fortunes as they start the new season in the ERWFL Premier Division, Suzie Darby takes over the captains armband with last seasons captain, Rebecca Vass joining Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. After a season at local rivals Luton Town Ladies, Natasha Fensome has rejoined the club as they began their season at home against, Histon Ladies who were formerly, Great Shelford Ladies. Bedford hit Histon for 7 as they took the 3 points to see them top of the league after the opening day. Fensome the 1st player on Women’s Football East this season to have a hat-trick recorded against her name scoring 3 with captain Darby along with another new signing Hannah Bodily scoring a goal a piece, substitute Chelcie Alleyne bagging a brace in a 7-3 victory. Sophie Hopkin scored for Histon along with Jordanne Sillitoe who started on the bench coming on to net 2 goals.

Also recording an opening day win were Norfolk side, Acle United Ladies travelling to AFC Dunstable Ladies on the opening day. The home side had a tremendous run of form towards the back end of last season and had the early lead against Acle who aren’t always the best starters to a match. Acle fought their way back into the game and on 20 minutes drew level, Grace Birchall scoring on her debut for the club, got even better 5 minute later as she scored again to give Acle the lead a missed penalty from Dunstable saw Acle hold a 2-1 advantage at the break. 10 minutes into the 2nd half Megan Cletheroe extended Acle’s lead. Dunstable were to pull a goal back before Acle went on to win 5-2, Jody Wells netting on 70 minutes, Alice Ladbrook on 80 to seal the win.

Billericay Town Ladies have been perennial runners-up in the ERWFL Premier Division over the last few seasons and will once again be amongst the favourites to chase down the title having strengthened their squad over the close season. Didn’t have the start to the season they were looking for as they lost at home to Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. The visitors with a young squad had some up and down results last season, but pulled off a surprise or two along the way. Beat Billericay 4-1 with goals from Jessica Appeagyei and Anele Komani, aswell as a brace from Julia Carruthers to sit 3rd in the table after the opening round of results. Lucy Wyatt on target for Billericay.

AFC Sudbury Ladies finished in 3rd place last season their 1st in the ERWFL Premier Division and will be hoping to be amongst the title chasers this season too. Started with a home match on Sunday taking on newly promoted Royston Town Ladies. A single goal was enough to secure the 3 points and it was scored by Sudbury’s, Sasha Diston. In the other opening day fixture in the Premier Division it was a local derby between Great Wakering Rovers Ladies and Brentwood Town Ladies. Both sides are still on the look out for additional players to bolster their squads for the new season. Visitors, Brentwood held the advantage at half-time leading 1-0 with Carla Rose the clubs assistant manager scoring the goal. Great Wakering battled hard to keep in the match pulling the scores level to earn a point in a 1-1 draw. Colchester Town Ladies and newly promoted Writtle Ladies sat the weekend out.

ERWFL Division One

With the loss of Hullbridge Sports Ladies, 11 sides will compete in ERWFL Division One this season. A few sides from last season have folded, West Billericay Ladies gone before the season finish have been joined by Sawbridgeworth Town WFC, Bury Town Ladies and Long Melford Ladies, plenty of talented players amongst those sides will see most pop up with a new club this season. This league is the setting stone from the county league set-up and the new faces include the Champions of Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Beds & Herts, Wymondham Town Ladies, Cambridge City Ladies and Hertford Town Ladies respectfully, all of whom have also started up a reserve/development side this season too.

cs7  6 sides in action on the opening weekend and Silver End United Ladies surged to the top of the table the Essex side recorded a 7-1 win at home against Hertfordshire side, Hoddesdon Town Ladies. Rebecca Hollocks, (pictured left) Silver End United’s captain starts her season with a hat-trick. Lynsey Bowmen adding a brace with Rebekah Henderson and Jodie Osbourne scoring a goal a piece. Megan Davies on target with a late consolation goal for Hoddesdon Town Ladies who have seen some upheaval over the close season with manager Reece Buck joining the coaching staff at Stevenage Ladies taking a few of Hoddesdon’s senior players with him. New manager Andy O’Neill taking charge of a new look side for the season.

Hertford Town Ladies have enjoyed successive league titles in the Beds & Herts Women Football League and now begin life in the Regional set-up planning to continue their recent success. Started with a home game against Stevenage Ladies Reserves and got life at a higher level off to a great start winning the game 4-2, Lisa Kline on target scoring an opening day hat-trick plus a goal from Laveena Betts. Daniela Martucci joining Stevenage from Hoddesdon scoring both of their goals. 

The 3rd game on the opening day in Division One also saw a win for the home side with Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, hosting Norfolk Champions, Wymondham Town Ladies. Michelle Taylor-Allum bagging a brace to see Ipswich Wanderers lead 2-0 at half-time. Wymondham got it back to 2-1 in the 2nd half, Gemma Sanders netting the goal on 68 minutes, not enough as Ipswich Wanderers won their 1st 3 points of the season. Cambridge City, Colney Heath Ladies, Hutton Ladies and Offley & Stopsley Women all join the action this coming Sunday. Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies not getting their season going until Sept 4th.

That concludes the 1st ERWFL Round-Up of the season still very early doors and both the Premier Division and Division One will take a while to settle see who will emerge as the contenders for the title race, could well be a surprise name or two amongst them, and all of it will be covered on Women’s Football East.

 

 

The Round-Up – FAWPL New Season

 The Round-Up 

FAWPL Sun 21st August

Welcome to the new season and with it a new look to The Round-Up. A change of format for the 2016/17 season as we drop The Tuesday Round-Up covering every match played over the weekend from all of the leagues above, instead a smaller more compact and personal Round-Up featuring the leagues that matter to you. Do not worry you will still see every game covered across the East just in a smaller package 7 Round-Ups a week when the whole region gets into swing instead of one. This one starts with covering the action from Sunday August 21st across the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One Divisions their season kicking-off this weekend.

FAWPL Southern Division

Lewes Ladies are the side sitting proudly at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division after the opening round of fixtures this Sunday. At home at The Dripping Pan hosting West Ham United Ladies with former Brighton & Hove Albion WFC manager, James Marrs now in charge. The visitors looked to be in full control of the match as they stormed into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes, Katie Bottom and Whitney Locke with the goals. Danielle Lane pulled it back to 2-1 for Lewes on 21 minutes before Rachel Palmer found the back of the net from a free-kick outside the box. Game on a complete turn around as Kim Stenning struck to give Lewes a 3-2 lead, Palmer with her 2nd goal just before the half-time whistle a 4-2 lead for Lewes. The home side went on to extend their advantage in the 2nd half with Kelly Newton scoring on 48 minutes with both Lane and Stenning finding the back of the net for a 2nd time to see Lewes who spent most of last season in the bottom half of the Southern Division table, top looking down at the rest.

The FAWPL Southern Division could have a number of possible title contenders this season and one of the  favorites for the title are Charlton Athletic WFC, runners-up last season starting their campaign this season at home to newly promoted, Swindon Town Ladies. A convincing 4-0 win sees them pick up there 1st 3 points 2 goals scored in each half. Katie Flack getting there season rolling on 11 minutes, wasn’t long before striker Gemma Shepherd got in on the scoring opening her seasons tally on 17 minutes, forming a formidable attacking partnership with Kit Graham she had to wait until 9 minutes into the 2nd half to score her 1st goal of the season with Charley Clifford adding the 4th goal 20 minutes from time.

  Joining Lewes and Charlton with an opening day win in the Southern Division are, C&K Basildon Ladies as they begin their 2nd season in the league were at home at Canvey Island FC playing Portsmouth FC Women with Craig Taylor now managing the 1st team. Zoe Rushen is C&K Basildon Ladies new captain following the retirement of long serving Claire Lacey. Rushen got her clubs season started scoring to give them the lead at half-time, however it wasn’t until 3 minutes from time the 3 points were sealed Lily Mellors with the goal late on to see C&K Basildon earn the win final score 2-0.

 cc-bryan3 One more game at the weekend at the Bromley Arena as the other newly promoted side to the league, Crystal Palace Ladies took on last seasons FAWPL League Plate Winners, Coventry United Ladies. Unbeaten as they won the FAWPL South East Division One title last season, Crystal Palace Ladies got off to a flying start taking control of the game early on Gemma Bryan  (pictured right) was on hand to steer a Rochelle Shakes cross home inside opening 20 minutes. Slow to get started the visitors picked things up late in the 2nd half, Samantha Smith getting forwards from midfield to head home a Gina Burton cross on 37 minutes. 1-1 the score at half-time.

cc-smith  Coventry United Ladies had an opportunity early in the 2nd half to take the lead from the penalty spot  as Crystal Palace goalkeeper Chanelle Yardley brought down Alison Hall as she came to the edge of her area to clear the ball. Yardley made amends saving the spot kick guessing right diving to her right to grab hold of Marie Gauntlett’s shot. A spell of dominance followed for Crystal Palace in which they were to score again to take the lead, Bryan racing clear of the Coventry United defence to send the ball in off the post from outside the box. 20 minutes left and Smith was to add her 2nd goal of the game too taking aim from 30 yards out sending the ball arrowing into the top corner. That was to be the final score 2-2 the points shared on the opening day. This was were the Supporting Women’s Football Blog began the season and the full match report can be found on this website or by clicking on the link below

Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

3 sides in the Southern Division sat the opening weekend out, Queens Park Rangers Ladies and Tottenham Hotspur Ladies along with Cardiff City Ladies who were due to play Forest Green Rovers Ladies who have sadly taken the tough decision to pull out of the league having lost alot of senior 1st team players and not wanting to expose a young squad to such a high level of football, wish the everyone involved at the club all the best for the future and hope to see them back soon.

FAWPL South East Division One

Was a full fixture list in the FAWPL South East Division One to start the opening weekend. Several sides in contention for the title and promotion in this league this season, no overall clear favourite and could well be a dark horse too. No easy game that is for certain. We’ll start with a local derby as Norwich City Ladies travelled over the Suffolk border to play Lowestoft Town Ladies at Crown Meadow. Chelsea Garrett got the visitors off to a fantastic start scoring on 7 minutes 2-0 was the score at the break Ebony Wiseman on target on 38 minutes. Norwich hammered home there advantage early on the 2nd half Ellen Swift with 2 goals on 50 and 58 minutes to make it 4-0. Lowestoft captain, Hannah Waters pulled a goal back for the home side with 20 minutes left. Norwich making it 5-1 in injury time with substitute Millie Bales bagging the goal. The +4 goal advantage seeing Norwich top of the league.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies have strengthened their squad over the summer have a new 1st team manager too, James Honeyman. Started with an away trip to Denham United Ladies and got their season off to the perfect start taking all 3 points with a 3-0 win the goal scorers Leah Cudone, Kerry Newman and Charly Wright. Ipswich Town Ladies scored 3 goals on the opening day of the season too and still didn’t anything from the game as they travelled to one of the two sides newly promoted to the league, AFC Wimbledon Ladies. Natasha Thomas got Ipswich off to a great start scoring on 2 minutes held the lead for over half an hour before Wimbledon got themselves back level Laura Low scoring in the 35th minute 1-1 at half-time it as a crazy start to the 2nd half a minute on the clock Sian Wylie put Wimbledon into the lead. Ipswich responded immediately, Hollie Clement striking from distance to make it 2-2, 3 minutes later and Wimbledon  were back in front Jess Trimnell with the goal went on to add another on 75 to put Wimbledon 4-2 ahead. Samantha Walker scored on her debut for Ipswich with 5 minutes left however Wimbledon held on to record an opening day win playing their 1st FAWPL match.

 Stevenage Ladies are the other newly promoted side to the league were at home on the opening weekend taking on Enfield Town Ladies both sides with a new manager at the start of the season, Gary Bailey taking over at Stevenage with Marc Nurse formerly of West Ham United Ladies taking over the reigns at Enfield Town. It was the visitors who came away with the 3 points, Elizabeth Kent and Ellie Taladiana with the goals. Stevenage missed an opportunity to score from the penalty spot before, Rebecca Scola a 2nd half substitute scored late on for Stevenage Ladies having joined the club from Hoddesdon Town Ladies. Final score 2-1 to Enfield.

  2-1 was the winning margin for Actonians Ladies too, away from home taking on Cambridge United WFC at their new home for the 2016/17 season Mildenhall Town FC.  Cambridge started the brighter but were to fall behind as Actonians found the back of the net from a set-piece. Becky Taylor drew the scores back to 1-1 before the break scoring from a corner. The game was to see a long delay at half-time due to an injury to Actonians player Anais Escalona an ambulance called a stoppage off over an hour saw play resume at 4pm, Actonians going on to score the winning goal 7 minutes from time Jessica Byrne and Carla Williams the players on target for Actonians. Women’s Football East wishes Anais Escalona all the best and hope she makes a speedy and full recovery. One more game from the South East Division One between two of the sides who will be looking to chase down the title this season with Luton Town Ladies hosting Gillingham FC Ladies. After a goalless 1st half Luton were to get their noses in front at the start of the 2nd half, Dionne Manning making her debut for the club scoring the goal. The lead wasn’t to last long Gillingham equalising on 56 minutes, Felicity Gibbons having returned to the club after a spell with Brighton and WSL side Millwall Lionesses finding the back of the net. 1-1 the final score the points shared.  

Updated league tables, fixtures and results can be found throughout the site the new season has begun in earnest.

 

 

Match Report – Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

1st match of the new season from the Supporting Women’s Football Blog

New Season – Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

 
 The new season is here! The FA Women’s Premier League campaign get’s underway this Sunday and the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is starting with a trip south to watch newly promoted Crystal Palace Ladies as they welcome Coventry United Ladies to Bromley FC.

   Crystal Palace Ladies are the ‘Invincibles’ having won promotion from the FAWPL South East Division One last season with an unbeaten record, winning 20 of there 22 matches in the league. Enjoy a strong relationship with the men’s club and are looking to make progress. Have done well to keep hold of players that brought them success last season and manager Dean Davenport has added players too, some with WSL experience, Megan Goss and Ciara Sherwood joining from Millwall Lionesses. Ellie Bailes joins from Charlton Athletic Women. Ex-Fulham goalkeeper, Lauren Allen has also signed for the club. Will be looking to make an immediate impact upon the league.

  Their 1st opponents in the FAWPL Southern Division, are Coventry United Ladies have won the league as recently as 2014 no play-off game for the FAWSL that year, switched to the Northern Division the following season finishing runners-up behind Sheffield FC Ladies. Back in the Southern Division last campaign were amongst the chasing pack that could do nothing to stop Brighton & Hove Albion WFC’s charge to the title. Finishing 4th they did have success last season winning the FAWPL League Plate. Will be amongst the favorites to challenge for the title again this season.

  Bromley Arena is the venue for today’s FAWPL season opener, home of Bromley FC, the non-league ground is a mixture of old and new look stands with the main one seated and covered down one side of the pitch housing the clubhouse and bar plus food facilities. The older stands surrounding the other 3 sides of the ground are a mixture off classic terracing and some seating behind one goal a good sized stadium surrounding a large pitch which looked as it should perfect at the start of the season, good grass cover and flat. Great weather to start the season too very warm and sunny, some dark clouds about that might hint at a spot of rain or two but a strong breeze was helping to blow them through.

  Crystal Palace Ladies starting XI – Chanelle Yardley, Pamela McRoberts, Katy Morris, Freya Holdaway (C), Leesa Haydock, Ciara Sherwood, Ellie Bailes, Megan Goss, Alma Donohoe, Rochelle Shakes & Gemma Bryan.
  subs – Lauren Allen, Leanne Bell, Abigail Igbavboa, Francesca Ali & Tia Foreman.

  Coventry United Ladies starting XI – Susan Wood, Gina Burton, Nikki Miles, Natasha Lynch (C) Alexandra Buck, Laura Cooper, Jade Brook, Stephanie Smith, Amber Hughes, Marie Gauntlett & Alison Hall

  subs – Helen Dermody, Sami Ryder, Olivia Dougherty, Ellie White, Kathryn Pagan & Christina Torkildsen.

    It’s the visitors, Coventry to get the game underway, wearing an all green away kit with Crystal Palace lined up opposite wearing red and blue shirts, with blue shorts and socks with a red vertical stripe down the sides. The home side close down the ball right from the start winning it push towards the Coventry area, defender Alex Buck steps up to tackle and play the ball out for a throw on the right. From the right the ball is lifted up towards the area this time Coventry captain Natasha Lynch headers clear, Nikki Miles looks to break from the back up the left but running out of room can’t turn her cross back into the six yard box.

  Getting forwards from the back too, Crystal Palace’s Pamela McRoberts on the right brings the ball on before playing a high ball across the top of the area, looking for striker Gemma Bryan comes at her quickly trying to adjust leaning back to get power on her header turns it towards goal the looping ball drops into the gloves of goalkeeper, Susan Wood. Is a pacy start to the game from both sides working hard to quickly close their opponents down on the ball. 

Rochelle Shakes holding the ball up in attack for Crystal Place Ladies

  Stephanie Smith brings the ball forwards for Coventry drifting towards the right plays the pass up the line into the area for Alison Hall to go after. Crystal Palace captain, Freya Holdaway gets across in front of her does well to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal-kick. Megan Goss receiving the ball turns well and plays the pass forwards into Bryan with room to run into on the left only a good tackle from Buck putting the ball out for a throw steps her breaking into the area. Bryan has the ball at her feet again on the left soon after charging towards the byline cuts back inside the area superbly to deceive her marker and takes on the shot from an acute angle sending the ball wide across the face of goal.

   10 minutes played and the early pressure is with Crystal Palace, have Coventry pushed back defending the top of their area, closing down the ball the midfielders looking to win it create an opportunity, Ciara Sherwood almost does just that as she latches onto the ball just outside the box left of the D hitting it sweetly on the volley, Wood shifts across to try and get to it does need to as it flashes just past the post striking the advertising boards behind the goal. 

Crystal Palace Ladies, Ciara Sherwood

  Coventry’s Miles is getting some joy on the left side providing and outlet when the visitors and get the ball released from the back, taking it on up to the top of the area squares the ball into the middle, Leesa Haydock heads the ball clear, Coventry’s Smith looks to lift it over the defence into the area for Hall, goalkeeper Chanelle Yardley gets to it 1st. Miles comes again this time Hall looks to break out early providing a passing option, Holdaway reading it just about gets her foot on the ball to intercept. For a 3rd time Miles is available for the ball in quick succession as Jade Brook passes from the centre of midfield to send her away up the left wing into the box cuts the cross back towards goal too close to the near post Yardley has the angle covered and goes down to gather the ball.

  GOAL! Crystal Palace take the lead as the game closes in on the 20 minute mark. It comes from a Coventry throw deep in their half on the right side, Rochelle Shakes is quick to put pressure on the receiver winning the ball and fires the ball along the ground into the area with Bryan free just inside the box, good control hits the shot on the turn sending it flying across the diving keeper and into the back of the net 1-0.

Gemma Bryan scorer of the opening goal for Crystal Palace Ladies


  Bryan is causing the Coventry defence all sorts of problems attacking down the left looks to get onto the end of a long ball from the back, Gina Burton gets to it first to put the ball out for a corner kick. Coming to nothing, Crystal Palace appeal for a penalty as Bryan ends up on the deck as she charges into the box, nothing given by the referee. Up the other end Holdaway and Haydock are clearing up thing’s with the Coventry attack having little opportunity to get in behind them. 

  A chance for Coventry to get players forwards as Ellie Bailes brings brook down as she closes down on the area on the left the free kick just outside the box, Laura Cooper over it. sends a great delivery on towards the far post players running in to attack it Hall amongst those gets a touch the ball strikes the post before Crystal Palace scramble it clear. Better from Coventry after conceding the goal go forwards with more pace and purpose, Hall forces Crystal Palace into conceding a corner kick on the left. A great ball sent invitingly into the six yard box is headed down into the ground by Lynch unmarked in the centre bouncing through bodies is blocked on the line saved by Yardley pushed out, Lynch gets another chance to go for goal puts the ball over the crossbar.

Coventry United Ladies captain, Natasha Lynch sees her header cleared on the line

  Marie Gauntlett and Amber Hughes link up as they attack down the left flank exchanging passes as they try the work the ball into position for a cross win Coventry another corner kick. The set-piece is almost spilt by Yardley as she comes to claim it near post but reaching out behind her as she falls somehow keeps hold of it as Gauntlett closes in. Alma Donohoe on the left plays a great ball into the area for Goss who has got herself into a central position, good control to bring it down on her 1st touch, Miles gets back to defend nudging Goss off the ball and getting it away from the area. 

  GOAL! A contrasting game since Crystal Place took the lead on top during the opening 25 minutes have been forced back in the last 10 minutes as Coventry look to fight their way back onto level terms, do so on the 37th minute Comes from a well worked move good build up the ball played across the midfield before being passed on to the advancing Burton on the right sends the ball into the area along the six yard box, Smith jumps up to meet the ball with her head knocking it down back across the keeper and in 1-1.
 
 Crystal Palace go on the offensive straight from the restart the ball into the Coventry half with urgency, played on the diagonal from the left with Shakes making a run into the area goes to strike it on the volley, connects but under challenge smashes the shot into the side netting. Coventry go forwards themselves Miles getting the better of McRoberts as she goes on the move on the left takes the ball on Hughes comes towards her to offer the close passing option gets it on the corner of the box goes for goal the strike over the bar at the near post. 
Coventry United Ladies, Marie Gauntlett with Pamela McRoberts
  Late into the 1st half Bryan reacts sharply to a lazy Coventry back pass to the goalkeeper getting in behind looking to take a touch as she closes in on the box, Lynch gets back to put in a well timed tackle to take the ball away from her. Into injury time Crystal Palace with one last attack Donohoe on the left sweeps a cross into the box with Shakes the target running in on goal looks to hit it on the volley turn it wide across the keeper, is also wide of the goal.

Half-time Crystal Palace Ladies 1-1 Coventry United Ladies

  An entertaining and lively start to the FAWPL season at Bromley FC, newly promoted Crystal Palace starting the far better of the two sides capitalising by getting the goal. Coventry had to ride out a storm at the start improving late in the half after going a goal down pushing the host back and creating a few chances of their own bringing the scores level. The game very much evenly poised for the 2nd half. 

   A half-time substitution for Crystal Place as they kick off the 2nd half with Leanne Bell on the field replacing Goss. An early foray up the field for McRoberts making a move to get into the box as Bryan comes out wide right holds the ball up attempts to lay the ball into the full-back inside the box, Hughes has tracked back with her and tackling gets her foot on the ball. Substitute, Bell on the right side herself is allowed to travel a long way with the ball reaching the top corner of the area takes on the strike, plenty of pace on the ball, Wood covering her post is right behind it.

Leesa Haydock takes control of the ball at the back for Crystal Palace Ladies

   A good start to the 2nd half from Crystal Palace, Bryan runs at the Coventry defence winning the ball high up the pitch goes forwards has support with her from Shakes as she enters the box looks to set her up, her 1st time strike is blocked, the rebound falls to Sherwood deeper who also sees her effort blocked the ball eventually running out behind for a corner kick on the left. A good delivery played along the six yard box, Holdaway heads the ball into the back of the net, but not before the referee spots an infringement blows up for the foul.

   Penalty! Crystal Palace’s bright start to the 2nd half is almost undone as they concede a penalty. Attacking down the right wing the ball is played forwards for Hall to chase down is just inside the area wide right as goalkeeper Yardley comes racing out to kick clear and despite getting to the ball 1st her follow through brings down Hall the referee points to the spot. Gauntlett steps up to take looking to lift the ball up to the keepers left, Yardley guesses the right way and throwing herself across gets two big hands on the ball to make the save.

Chanelle Yardley saves Marie Gauntlett’s penalty kick

 Pressurising the Coventry back-line, Bryan gets hold of the ball and stealing in behind has a run at goal pulls the trigger from inside the D the strike off target. Coventry win a corner on the right Hughes makes a run from the top of the area to receive the ball from the taker playing it back to her, receives the return pass inside the box right corner turns and shoots the shot flying over the crossbar.

  1st change for Coventry as Hall is replaced by Helen Dermody. The visitors win a free kick inside the Crystal Place half a chance for Cooper to play the ball long up into the box sends it out towards the far post, Yardley comes to clear it, misses clattering into her own defender as Miles connects with her head drills the effort wide. 2nd change for Coventry with Christina Torkildsen coming on to replace Burton with a little over 20 minutes left to play. Good spell from the visitors, Smith bringing the ball on holds up well outside the Crystal Place box left side as Miles makes a run down the line, Smith with the pass plays her into the area, Yardley rushing out to meet her saves well at her feet.
  GOAL! Crystal Palace retake the lead as Bryan scores her 2nd of the match, latching onto a Shakes flick on as the ball is played long from the back, Bryan is in behind played through on goal, shoots from outside the box right of the D power and pace on the ball to drill is past Wood, strikes the base of the far post back spin seeing it roll over the goal-line 2-1.
 
An opening day brace for Crystal Palace Ladies, Gemma Bryan
  Crystal Palace make a 2nd change straight after the goal bringing on Abigail Igbavboa for Bailes. Coventry look to respond attacking down the right Hughes drives forwards whips the ball into the box, Dermody coming towards it looks to hit it 1st time but under challenge can’t get enough on the ball. End to end, Bell has the ball wide right for Crystal Place pushing forwards turns inside is tackled well by Buck. A heavy challenge on Shakes by Lynch as she powers her way forwards sees a free-kick given away right on the edge of the area a balls width outside right of the D it’s Igbavboa over the ball, goes for goal the strike over the top.
   GOAL! Once again Coventry come back from a goal down to equalise, a goal out of nothing and like Bryan from Crystal Palace it’s a 2nd goal of the match for Smith. Has possession of the ball some 30 yards out left side in front of the area a snap shot goes for goal sends the ball flying into the top corner, little chance of Yardley diving at it can do stop it as it brushes her fingertips and goes in 2-2.
 
Stephanie Smith controlling the ball with 2 goals for Coventry United Ladies
  Sets up an intriguing final 10 minutes of play. Torkildsen bursts forwards down the right for Coventry puts a good crossfield pass out to Smith on the left in front of the box, looks to play in Dermody ahead of her, she is unfortunate to slip as she goes to strike the ball on the edge of the area the attempt rolling tamely through to Yardley. 3rd change for Crystal Palace, Fran Ali coming on to replace Haydock.
  Attacking down the left side for Coventry as the game moves into the final minutes of normal time, Gauntlett rolls the ball into Dermody inside the box, she plays it across with Hughes behind her, sees her attempt at goal closed down the ball is won back as Crystal Place look to counter attack, Brook takes on the shot from distance looks to be heading top corner once again this time though Yardley has time to get across and pluck it down.
 
Coventry’s Jade Brook and Crystal Palace’s Ellie Bailes battle for the ball
  Into injury time Holdaway picks up a yellow card after fouling Hughes, a chance for Cooper to put the ball into the box, Smith is there to attack it far post sends her header wide of goal. Coventry very nearly win it at the death as rare moment of carelessness at the back sees Brook steal in to take the ball charging in behind left of goal shoots hitting the ball along the ground, Yardley dives to her right makes a great save turning the ball behind for the corner kick. Claims the set-piece as it comes in the referee blows the final whistle.
Full time Crystal Palace Ladies 2-2 Coventry United Ladies

 The points shared on the opening day fixture an entertaining match to watch from a neutrals perspective. A positive start to life at a higher level for Crystal Palace dominated the game for a good portion of both halves, scoring when they were on top too. Coventry were a little slow to get going 1st half but fought their way back into the game equalising twice after going behind. 
  A good day out at Bromley, my thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Women’s Football East to Sponsor Cambridge Utd WFC Duo

  Women’s Football East is pleased to announce that it is to sponsor Cambridge United WFC duo Emma Jenkins and Paige Logie for the upcoming 2016/17 season.

  It extends player sponsorship with the FAWPL South East Division One side into a 4th season since becoming involved with the club with Women’s Football East, coming after its sister site the Supporting Women’s Football Blog before. As founder of both and a keen supporter of the women’s game I have sponsored women’s football players for 5 seasons now and am pleased to continue to offer support in this way. Believe it is a positive and rewarding thing to do to show support and help a club and its individual players.

 This season Women’s Football East will be sponsoring two players from Cambridge United WFC, Emma Jenkins and Paige Logie.

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Sponsored Emma Jenkins last season too and am pleased to be able to do so again. An attack minded full-back with plenty of pace, likes to get forwards be involved when Cambridge attack. Marks well tracking back and doesn’t make it easy for anyone to get past her. 

 

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 Striker Paige Logie joined Cambridge United WFC last season scoring 7 goals in 11 appearances which went along way to helping the club to achieve a record points haul and finish in the league. Strong on and off the ball often the foil through the middle of the attack.

 

 

 

Cambridge United WFC are looking to build on last seasons superb finish and get up amongst the promotion chasers and both players will be influential in helping them achieve that goal. Best of luck to Emma and Paige for the upcoming season.