Monthly Archives: October 2016

The Round-Up – Suffolk Women’s Division 09/10/16

The Round-Up

Suffolk Women’s Division – Sunday 9th October

A full list of fixtures in the Suffolk Women’s Division at last at the start of the season with 8 of the 9 sides in competition at the weekend. Leaders Ipswich Town Ladies Development the side not in action.

That meant that Walsham Le Willows Ladies level on point with Ipswich with 2 wins from 2 to start the season moved 3 points clear at the top on Sunday maintaining their 100% winning start to the season with a convincing win away from home against Ipswich Phoenix Ladies. Laura Brame opening her goal scoring account for the season with 4 goals for Walsham. Gemma Carter extended her goals tally to 8 in 3 matches with her 2nd hat-trick of the season too. Shelly Cocksedge, Zoe Klimcke and Kirsty Pollard all scoring too in a 10-0 win.

Laura Brame with 4 goals for Walsham Le Willows Ladies

Laura Brame with 4 goals for Walsham Le Willows Ladies

Brantham Athletic Ladies move onto 6 points in 3rd place in the table with their 2nd win of the season away from home playing Copleston Ladies neither side playing a competitive game since the opening day of the season a month ago. A heavy defeat on the opening day Copleston have been working hard in friendlies to improve. Brantham have plenty of goalscorers in their side Lucy Dunnett, Jo Hazelton and Jade Horne signed from Copleston all getting a goal with Kirsten Hutchings and Danielle Harvey starting on the bench also on target, Harvey returning to action after a long spell out with injury. Elysia Young getting on the scoresheet for Copleston as Brantham win 5-1.

Witnesham Wasps Ladies were playing their 2nd league match of the season on Sunday had lost on the opening day a month ago against Ipswich Town Ladies Development. Were in action last Sunday winning in the 1st Round of the League Cup. Took that win into this Sunday an away trip to Leiston St Margarets Ladies. 2 goals scored in each half saw Witnesham win comfortably 4-0, Jenna Liverpool netting a brace with Lauren Jacobs and Caitlin Howe also on target for their 1st 3 point haul of the season.

Another side recovering from an opening game loss are East Bergholt United a few ex-Long Melford Ladies players in their squad now were at home taking on Bacton United Ladies who had lost on the opening day of the season going down 7-0 to Brantham. East Bergholt were the early season pace setters last season and got their 1st 3 points at the weekend winning the match 3-0. Have no details on the goalscorers.

 

The Round-Up – FAWPL 09/10/16

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 9th October

A shorter edition of the FAWPL Round-Up this week with all of the FAWPL Division One side in action in the FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying it’s just the Southern Division action to bring you on a weekend where Charlton Athletic Women returned to the top of the table.

FAWPL Southern Division

With 11 sides contesting the FAWPL Southern Division this season due to Forest Green Rovers Ladies late withdrawal, there is a side that will sit out the weekends fixtures. This Sunday it happened to be leaders Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and the chasing pack took full advantage with teams beginning with the letter C dominating the top half of the table as Tottenham are pushed down to 4th!

Charlton Athletic Women were the early season pace setters, return to the top of the table this Sunday going a point clear following a narrow home win over Lewes Ladies. Got off to a fantastic start at Thamesmead, captain Kimberly Dixson putting Charlton ahead inside the opening 5 minutes. Avilla Bergin doubling the lead midway through the 1st half. Lewes came back into the match 2nd half pulling a goal back 10 minutes in Georgia Bridges with the goal couldn’t find another as Charlton held on for the win. Lewes continue to slide down the table their 4 points coming from their opening 2 league matches have now lost 5 in a row.

Coventry United are another side in the FAWPL Southern Division who have led the table recently, climb back up into 2nd spot with a convincing home win against bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Stephanie Smith getting the ball rolling with a goal on 6 minutes, 2 more goals followed midway through the 1st half to put Coventry 3-0 up at the break, Ashleigh Neville on 20 minutes with Courtney Murphy adding a goal 2 minutes later. More of the same from Coventry 2nd half Alison Hall netting 4 goals in 4 minutes on 60 and 64 to put the result beyond any doubt. 

Cardiff City Ladies continue to move up the table the Welsh side now up to 3rd like Tottenham in 4th and Coventry in 2nd are undefeated. Were at home on Sunday looking to follow up a midweek 4-0 away win over Swindon Town Ladies with 3 more points against West Ham United Ladies who themselves had picked up their 1st win of the season 1-0 away from home against local rivals C&K Basildon Ladies. Cori Williams giving Cardiff the lead on 13 minutes. Held onto the advantage at half-time. West Ham having brought a few new faces in that have served under manager James Marrs recently are looking stronger. Couldn’t find an equaliser against Cardiff, Chloe Chivers putting the home side further ahead before Michelle Green made sure of the 3 points scoring from a turn and hit 20 yards out to see the result end 3-0.

Off the field has been another turbulent week for West Ham United Ladies after chairman Stephen Hunt Jnr reported the mens club to the FA alleging sex discrimination against the Ladies side. That prompted the man’s club to react as they bring the Ladies side under the clubs banner, which should bring better support in the long run strengthen the Ladies club going forwards.

Battle of the newly promoted sides on Sunday as Swindon Town Ladies and Crystal Palace Ladies met for the 1st time in the league. Both having different fortunes at the start of life in the higher tier of women’s football. A single goal settled the match and it was late late heartbreak for Swindon Town as Ellie Bailes scored for Crystal Palace Ladies deep into injury time to take the 3 points.

Portsmouth FC Ladies in mid-table won in midweek taking the 3 points away from home at local rivals Lewes Ladies. Looking to build on that performance at home playing C&K Basildon Ladies, they were put on the back foot right from the start Sara Sinclair scoring in the 2nd minute for the visitors. Chances for both sides 1st half, Basildon added a 2nd goal late in the 1st half to take a 2-0 lead into the dressing room. The fightback looked on 2nd half for Portsmouth when 55th minute substitute Samantha Qualye pulled a goal back 5 minutes after coming on. Pushing for the equaliser they couldn’t find it, Basildon going further ahead deep into injury time Stacey Little with the goal in the 96th minute to see the Essex side leave the South Coast with the 3 points.

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Peterborough Northern Star Ladies

This Sunday’s action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog came from the FA Women’s Cup. 64 ties across the country in 3rd Round Qualifying. Travelled down to Cambridgeshire to the Glassworld Stadium to watch Histon Ladies take on Peterborough Northern Star Ladies for a place in the next round.

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Peterborough Northern Star Ladies

 
It’s another FA Women’s Cup weekend plenty of mouth watering ties out there in 3rd Round Qualifying as the FAWPL Division One sides enter the competition, 64 games in all. This Sunday the Supporting Women’s Football Blog travels to the Glassworld Stadium to watch Histon Ladies v Peterborough Northern Star Ladies.

  Histon Ladies are a new name to women’s football this season however they are an established club in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) playing in the Premier Division previously known as Great Shelford Ladies they are one of the leading women’s football sides in Cambridgeshire. Merging with Histon FC to better strengthen the future longevity of the club as Histon have a girls youth set-up that can now progress into women’s football within the club.Play their home matches at the Glassworld Stadium in Histon just off the A14 north of Cambridge. Were away to Northamptonshire side Moulton Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup won the game 5-2 to set up a home tie against Peterborough Northern Star Ladies.

  Peterborough Northern Star Ladies having been relegated from FAWPL Midlands Division One last season are back in the East Midlands Region Women’s Football League (EMWFL) playing in the Premier Division are looking to bounce back up at the 1st attempt have started the season well 2nd in the table from 4 wins out of 4. Today’s away trip their 1st action in this season’s FA Women’s Cup after they were awarded a walk over in the previous round.

  Histon FC’s, Glassworld Stadium the venue for today’s match, a good sized stadium with a large main stand housing the bar over looking one side of the pitch plenty of covered seating, with covered areas running along all sides of the pitch. A large pitch, not the flattest a good covering of grass. A few dark clouds overhead threatening rain later in the afternoon at kick-off the ground was bathed in warm sunshine.

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Helen Slipper, Abigail Davies, Lucy Julian, Claire Andrews, Alison Wright, Clare Creek, Sophie Lanham, Katie Saunders (C), Sophie Ugur, Jordanne Sillitoe & Sophie Hopkin.
 subs – Stacey Roper, Charlotte Westrope & Amanda Binge.

 Peterborough Northern Star Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Jodie Bartle (C), Larissa Frederick, Samara Iredale, Deva Rawlings, Chanade Henderson, Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse, Katie Steward, Donna Nicholls, Cassie Steward & Vicky Gallagher.

 subs –



   Due to a good number of their players being unable for the fixture Peterborough North Star Ladies had the bare 11 available today. It’s the visitors to kick-off the 1st half of this FA Women’s Cup tie, wearing white shirts, red shorts and socks with Histon lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. The sun bright when is comes out from behind the clouds posing a potential problem for the Peterborough defence. Win the ball at the back and play it forwards quickly sending a pass long to Cassie Steward peeling out into space on the right, flashes a cross into the Histon area goes long gathered by Donna Nicholls on the left outside the box rolls it inside for Vicky Gallagher her shot is deflected behind for the 1st corner of the game.

   Good start by Peterborough, Cassie Steward moving across the front of the Histon area looking to receive the ball, moves to the left as Chanade Henderson plays the ball forwards, turning inside as she reaches the top of the area Steward attempts to roll the ball across into Gallagher, Histon centre back Claire Andrews makes a timely interception. The home side are awarded a free-kick on halfway left side the ball played up the line is helped on coming into Jordanne Sillitoe outside the Peterborough box left corner hits the shot on the turn, is blocked at close quarters.

  Sophie Ugur on the left side of attack for Histon wins the ball inside her half and brings it forwards, travelling down the line, Peterborough captain, Jodie Bartle looks to push her wide, Ugur manages to check her run turn inside bearing down on the area closely marked tries to play the ball in behind for Sillitoe coming into the area from the right side, the pass is too close to goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson who has moved off her line and gathers. 

Histon Ladies, Sophie Ugur

  Both sides looking to release their attacking players early, Peterborough win a throw on the right as the ball is lifted up into the Histon box. Coming down the line the ball is lifted into the area by Katie Steward, Alison Wright at the back for Histon hooks the ball away to safety. Pushing into the Peterborough half the ball pings around between the midfield players before Sophie Lanham gets her foot on the ball very nearly releases Sophie Hopkin in round the back of the visitors defence, Samara Iredale stretching gets in the path of the ball.

  Breaking up a Peterborough attack, Lucy Julian clears the ball long, the attempted header to clear it at the back for the visitors only succeeds in glancing it on with Sillitoe capitalising racing in behind to bear down on the area. The Peterborough defence recovers well to make up the ground pressure Sillitoe as she reaches the D right side manages to get a shot away, lacking pace it nevertheless beats the advancing Hudson, turns to see the ball roll a foot wide of the post.

  Peterborough push forwards, ex-Lynn Ladies player Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse in the middle battling to win possession of the ball in the middle pushes the ball on for Cassie Steward is tackled outside the box by Claire Creek as she lines up a shot from outside the box. Gallagher has a pop at goal from distance as a clearance runs back to her 40 yards out left side the ball turning away from the target out for a goal-kick. The ball is won back by the visitors from the goal-kick Hopkins-Duckhouse out to Katie Steward on the right squares a cross into the six yard box turned behind for a corner. The corner is cleared near post outside the area Histon give away a free-kick.

Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse on the ball for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies

 In front of the D, a good position to shoot from, Gallagher is over the ball for Peterborough, lifts the ball around the wall sending it in on target comes at goalkeeper Katie Slipper at chest height makes the save pushing the ball away to her left conceding a throw. Peterborough are seeing more of the ball as the 1st half reaches the midway point, Larissa Frederick breaks up a Histon attack on the right plays the ball into Henderson in the middle lays it back to Iredale who plays the ball long up field to Cassie Steward moving into space on the right side, takes the ball on into the area shoots as Slipper starts to come the keeper makes the save the ball blocked deflected behind for the corner kick. the corner from the right is fizzed in low towards Bartle moving towards it top of the area, hits the shot as it runs onto her boot turns it towards goal lands in the side netting. 

  Hopkins-Duckhouse gets the ball out to Gallagher on the left side the striker driving up the line with the ball turns in field reaching the edge of the area pulls the trigger shooting near post, Slipper gets down in an attempt to stop it, a loud thump as the ball cannons off the base of the post. Gallagher is then caught offside as Frederick sends the ball out of the back as she tackles Sillitoe. Lanham in midfield for Histon sends the ball over the top putting Hopkin in behind, Bartle gets back with her shoulder to shoulder as they reach to top of the area the defender getting a toe on the ball to push it back to her keeper. 

 Deva Rawlings brings the ball on through the middle for Peterborough plays in on for Henderson who looks to put Cassie Steward through on goal, Wright closes her down tackling to put the ball out for a throw on the right. Lanham looks to release Ugur on the left side for Histon into the visitors half Bartle gets across to make the tackle upends Ugur, gets enough of the ball however in runs long out for a corner kick. Histon captain, Katie Saunders to take the corner kick a good delivery flashed across the Peterborough six yard box, Sillitoe rising far post can’t get anything on the ball. 

Peterborough’s Deva Rawlings with Histon’s Katie Saunders

  Counter attack from Peterborough the ball played up to Henderson on the halfway line on the left side holds the ball up well as her teammates bomb forwards, pushing in field plays the ball central to Gallagher she helps it on for Katie Steward to her right 25 yards out right of goal Steward goes for goal hitting an vicious ball in swerves in the air slightly taking it away from Slipper diving across her goal, smashes against the post and rebounds across the six yard box, Gallagher coming in on the follow up can’t get a touch on the ball as it flies across her, Abigail Davies sends it clear of the Histon area.

 

  Saunders plays the ball forwards for Histon, Hopkin up top gives chase is pushed wide as she retains possession of the ball taking it into the left corner has Ugur available up the line passing the ball to her looks to travel inside with the ball, is brought down the free-kick given away. Lanham over the set-piece 25 yards out to the left of the box, gets the ball up into the air on target, Hudson shifting across her goal is able to get behind the shot and gather into her body.

Sophie Lanham sends watches her free-kick fly in towards the Peterborough goal.

  Peterborough have Henderson on the ball the middle holds the ball up back to goal before turn cleverly and threading the ball in behind for Gallagher to run onto unleashes a shot early outside the box left of the D, comes at Slipper quickly a good reactive save with her feet to stop the shot is deflected back out of the area into the D with Cassie Steward running onto it, intending to hit it hard, does so, Wright throwing herself in front of the attacker blocks the shot sending it out for a throw on the right as the game moves into 1st half injury time.

 GOAL! From the throw-in Peterborough take the lead netting right on the stroke of half-time. Cassie and Katie Steward combine on that side of the pitch to work the ball on down the right wing the cross is fired into the six yard box running in with pace along the ground, Gallagher is well positioned in the middle leaning back as the ball runs onto her boot turns it into the back of the net to give the visitors the lead 0-1.

Half-time Histon Ladies 0-1 Peterborough Northern Star Ladies
 Right on the stroke of half-time Peterborough get themselves in front, have had the better of the attack, striking the woodwork twice. The goal a blow for Histon late in the 1st half denting the confidence having battled to keep it to 0-0 for so long. A narrow advantage at the break the next goal could well be a crucial one. Histon, once Creek emerges from the tunnel have kick-off 2nd half looking to get back on level terms.
 An early counter 2nd half for Peterborough as they win possession of the ball in the middle, Rawlings on for Cassie Steward who has made a run to get clear of the Histon defence right of goal, bearing down on the box is closed down, shoots as she is challenged falling back doesn’t get much power behind the shot runs safely through to Slipper inside her six yard box. 
 Sillitoe is fouled on the right as she takes the ball on inside the Peterborough half. Saunders on the ball sends it long into the box aiming near post the attempted defensive clearance sends the ball on across the six yard box Iredale rises far side to head the ball out of the area, falls to Ugur outside the box attempts to flight the ball back in her effort lands on the roof of the net.
  A powerful run on the ball down the right for Peterborough’s Katie Steward sends it on for Cassie Steward who whips a curling cross into the Histon area, Wright just about gets something on the ball backpedalling with Gallagher coming in central, runs on across the area, Davies tries to push it further wide, runs to Nicholls left side in the box, hits the shot in towards goal, Davies blocks it the ball spinning wide across the face of goal for a corner kick. The corner from the right side is played in deep to the top of the area, Iredale gets up well to head the ball on target bouncing down is knocked away from goal by Hopkins-Duckhouse inside the six yard box in front of the keeper as she attempts to help it on into the back of the net.
Katie Steward battles with Histon’s Sophie Ugur for the ball
  The ball is played up the right side by Davies at the back for Histon looking to pick out Sillitoe on the wing, Frederick gets across her to play the ball out for the throw, take quickly the ball is played inside into Sillitoe outside the box on the right, flicks the ball up and hits the shot on the turn lifting the ball up into the air lands on the roof of the net. 
Histon Ladies, Jordanne Sillitoe with, Peterborough’s Larissa Frederick
  Rawlings on the ball for Peterborough passes on to Hopkins-Duckhouse, breaking forwards with pace she sends the ball forwards into the area on for Gallagher central, the challenge comes in as much of the Peterborough striker is caught as the ball as it is pushed wide, the advantage to the visitors with Katie Steward latching onto the ball, drills a shot in towards goal from 12 yards runs wide of the near post.
  Peterborough are starting to dominate pushing players forwards putting the Histon back line under pressure. The ball finds its way out to Nicholls on the left pushes on into the box Davies closing her down manages to push her wide getting into the six yard box, Nicholls squeezes a shot away the ball in low towards the near post, Slipper down sharply looks for a moment the ball might sneak in past her however the goalkeeper has done enough to kill the balls pace with her initial save, grabs it from going over the line. Katie Steward attacking on the right cuts inside into the box lets fly with a rasping effort on the angle, Slipper covering her near post makes the save pushing the ball behind for the corner. A good delivery from the set-piece on the right the ball headed on by Iredale near post is nodded down by Henderson far post to Nicholls outside the area takes the ball into the middle letting loose a shot inside the D, coming through bodies Slipper is in the right place to see the shot gathers it into her body.
  GOAL! Busy start to the 2nd half just a quarter of an hour played, the 2nd goal of the game comes as Peterborough building the momentum double their advantage. The visitors push players into the box for a corner on the right side the delivery is in towards the top of the area the ball helped on for Nicholls in a central position moves the ball on into the D before unleashing a strike, her effort smashing down off the crossbar into the six yard box, the only player to react is Hopkins-Duckhouse right side inside the six yard box, puts her shot straight at Slipper the keeper parrying the ball down, giving Hopkins-Duckhouse another stab a goal send the ball across the keeper this time into the back of the net for her 1st goal for the club 0-2.
 
Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse nets Peterborough’s 2nd goal
  Histon respond with a double change midfielders Lanham and Creek coming off to be replaced by Stacey Roper and Charlotte Westrope. Henderson and Nicholls combine in attack for Peterborough as the ball is worked out to the left, Henderson helping it on for Nicholls on the wing, brings the ball inside into the area, Davies on her giving no room for a shot or turn Nicholls lays the ball back out of the area to Henderson takes on the 1st time shot, lifts the ball up over the crossbar.
 GOAL! 5 minutes after going 2 up Peterborough extend their lead, putting pressure on the goal-kick as they have for much of the 2nd half the ball is won by Henderson with Gallagher already on the move to get in behind the Histon defence into the box Henderson plays the ball into her run, Slipper already on the move to close her down slides in, Gallagher coolly takes the ball around her to the right and taking a stride forwards sends the ball into the empty net beyond 0-3.
  GOAL! No sooner have they taken a 3-0 lead Peterborough go on to add a 4th goal. Pushing right from the restart forcing Histon to give the ball away inside their own half have the home side stretched as the ball is played forwards into Nicholls, Gallagher moves out to the left wing looking for the pass taking up the space Nicholls was heading for the winger gives her the ball and turns back inside looking to get into the area as Gallagher takes the ball down the line cuts the cross back into the box, stretching Wright almost gets it away, runs on for Nicholls far post outside the six yard box gets her foot up over the ball to turn it over the line to score 0-4.
 
  3 goals in 7 minutes have totally altered the game Peterborough getting on top and getting the goals, Histon look shell-shocked losing their shape in danger of conceding more as Henderson carries the ball through the centre of midfield plays the ball out to Cassie Steward moving right into the box hits the shot on the run plants the ball into the side netting. Henderson on the ball in the middle again plays the ball into the area for Gallagher drifting free on the left of the six yard box drags her shot wide across the face of goal. 
  GOAL! A devastating spell from the visitors to take a firm grip on this FA Women’s Cup tie as they go on to score again a 4th goal in an 11 minute burst. Rawlings bringing the ball on plays it forwards for Katie Steward her pass inside to Cassie Steward she goes for the shot from outside the box. Coming in low Slipper diving to her left manages to get a glove on the ball push it wide, running across goal, Nicholls is free that side running onto the ball inside the six yard box buries it into the roof of the net to make it 0-5.
 
  Roper comes deep to to receive the ball for Histon, holding it up well gets it out to the right for Sillitoe, manages to evade Frederick’s tackle taking the ball on rushes her shot from outside the box the ball swinging wide of goal. Histon make a change at the back, Wright has collected a series of knocks to her ankle is replaced by Amanda Binge. I retreat to the cover of the stands as a heavy sprawl of rain blows across the pitch. Henderson sees the ball into her feet inside the box from Hopkins-Duckhouse for Peterborough holding it up lays it into the D for Gallagher, falling back as she hits the shot her effort runs wide of the target.
 

Abigail Davies gets the ball clear
for Histon Ladies

Cassie Steward stands with her hands on her hips inside the Histon box bemused as her attempt to lob the keeper from inside the box as the ball is sent over the top results with her effort smashing against the crossbar coming down in the area the home defence clear it. Henderson taking the ball down the right wing for Peterborough is pushed down into the corner, escapes her marker to shift the ball inside, curling a cross into the six yard box Slipper takes the catch, not distracted by Katie Steward running across her.

  A little bit of pushing and shoving and a few words said out of turn sees the referee get his book out late on handing out a yellow card to Peterborough’s Frederick and Nicholls. Roper for Histon also receives a yellow. The free-kick is with Histon inside the Peterborough half on the right side. The ball played long into the box by Saunders is headed away by Iredale. Late counter by the visitors as they push players forwards, Cassie Steward onto the ball inside the box shoots an excellent save from Slipper at pointblank range. The ball spinning to the right Katie Steward to put back in Slipper saves again is fouled this time, no time left the referee blows the final whistle.
Full-time Histon Ladies 0-5 Peterborough Northern Star Ladies
  Peterborough Northern Star Ladies win the tie 0-5 and advance in the FA Women’s Cup going into the hat for Monday’s 4th Round Qualifying draw. A dominant 2nd half display getting on top of Histon and scoring 4 goals in a 11 minute spell to dominate the scoreline. Ultimately created far more chances getting the goals in the 2nd half. Histon battled hard to keep the scoreline down 0-1 behind at half-time had a couple of half chances to level thing’s up early in the 2nd half but were undone in the final half hour.
  My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today. Best of luck to Peterborough Northern Star Ladies in the next round. 

  *UPDATE* The draw for 4th Round Qualifying has been made and Peterborough Northern Star Ladies will be away to Kettering Town Ladies – tie scheduled for Sunday 13th November.

Match Report – Ipswich Town Ladies v Lowestoft Town Ladies

Midweek football action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog from the FAWPL South East Division One, a local derby between Suffolk sides, Ipswich Town Ladies and Lowestoft Town Ladies. The reverse fixture in September saw Ipswich win the game 3-2 in the last minute of the game… lightening doesn’t strike twice does it? 

Match Report – Ipswich Town Ladies v Lowestoft Town Ladies

 
 A midweek trip down the A14 to catch another game in FAWPL South East Division One this evening a Suffolk derby with Ipswich Town Ladies hosting Lowestoft Town Ladies under the lights.

  The two sides met just under a month ago in the reverse midweek fixture at Crown Meadow under the lights Ipswich held a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time. Lowestoft coming back into it with 2 goals in 2 minutes from Aimee Durrant early 2nd half to go in front were pegged back to 2-2 before Natasha Thomas popped up with a 90th minute winner to see Ipswich win 3-2.

  Plenty of changes to the playing personal in both sides over the last 12 months. Lowestoft rebuilding with a young squad, retained their FAWPL South East Division One status this season. A rapidly improving league no easy games they have battled to get the results without always getting the rub of the green. One league win under their belts to date a 3-0 home win against Enfield Town Ladies, who they meet again in the FA Women’s Cup this coming Sunday.

 Ipswich Town Ladies have had such an influx of players over the close season they have been able to start up a Development side to assist the 1st team, competing in the Suffolk Women’s Division this season. Have recovered from a slow start in the FAWPL South East Division One to pick up the results and points to get them in amongst the leading pack, results this weekend going against them losing out on 3 points to drop out of the top half of the table. 

  Ipswich Town Ladies play their home fixtures at Felixstowe & Walton United FC’s, Goldstar Ground. Not too far off the A14 set in a residential area on the outskirts the carpark leads to the clubhouse and bar that over looks the cricket field with the football pitch off to the right. Surrounded by trees the pitch looked in great condition freshly cut, is a good size relatively flat a good playing surface a dry night but a little chilly with a strong breeze blowing across the pitch. Choose to stand between the dugouts making sure I wasn’t under one of the apple trees dotted around, just in case.

  Ipswich Town Ladies starting XI – Teodora Kodova, Beth Welton, Sophie Welton, Aimee Harrison (C), Lindsey Cooper, Sian Fagg, Amy Howlett, Natasha Thomas, Roxanne Small, Hollie Clement & Jade Henry.
  subs – Cassie Craddock, Jennifer Gray, Georgie Morton, Joyce Mlambo & Jacqueline Ball.

  Lowestoft Town Ladies starting XI – Eilish Brogan, Lyndsey Adams, Charnelle Riggall, Eleanor Froud, Abbie Everson, Broghan Scully, Millie Davies, Gemma Moore, Aimee Durrant, Molly Hall & Hannah Waters (C).

  subs – Megan Bamber, Selina Rowland & Paige Nash.

  It’s Lowestoft to get the 1st half underway, wearing white shirts and socks with blue shorts. Ipswich lined up opposite wearing an all blue kit. Roxanne Small closes the ball down in midfield winning possession looks to send the ball out to the left for Hollie Clement to chase, Lowestoft’s Lyndsey Adams gets across her to put the ball out for a throw. The ball is sent long down the line as Lowestoft press forwards, a bit frantic at the start the ball played long to test the Ipswich defence can’t get it clear Lowestoft with possession around the box.

  GOAL! Ipswich get up the other end with a fast paced counter attack and take the lead in the 3rd minute. The ball cleared from the back into Amy Howlett in the middle her though ball picks out Natasha Thomas breaking in behind the Lowestoft defence right side out pacing the defence carries the ball into the box, closing down on goal, hits the shot towards goal a powerful drive that flies in over goalkeeper, Eilish Brogan into the back of the net 1-0.

  Lowestoft look for an immediate response the ball played out to Gemma Moore on the right wing, getting down the line tries to turn inside towards box, full back Beth Wilson slides in to win the ball once, then twice the resulting clearance is cleared up towards Lowestoft’s Millie Davies in front of the centre circle, leaning back as she meets the ball looks to steer it towards the goal, on target it drops straight into the gloves of Ipswich goalkeeper, Teodora Kodova. 

  Striker Molly Hall recently signed by Lowestoft from Ipswich comes deep to receive the ball, turns and looks to thread it in behind the home defence for captain Hannah Waters leading the line to chase, Ipswich centre back Lindsey Cooper comes across to lung in and clear the ball out for a throw on the right. Thomas running forwards with the ball from midfield tries to pick out striker Jade Henry up top, Brogan comes to the edge of her area to gather the ball. Brogan comes rushing out again moments later to slide in at Henry’s feet as a deflection 30 yards out spins in behind the visitors defence.

  Howlett on the ball in the centre of midfield passes forwards through the middle for Henry making the run to get into the area, Lowestoft centre back Eleanor Froud closes her down and slides in to put the ball out to the right. Ipswich win a free kick in a dangerous position wide on the right outside the box, Clement over the set-piece a good delivery into the area, Hall gets her head on the ball clears it out of the box to the left Sian Fagg picks it up 25 yards out shoots the ball bouncing inside the six yard box before running wide of the far post.

  Waters moves across the pitch to the right side to receive the ball moves inside towards the area, holds the ball up waiting for support, lays it back to Moore arriving at the top of the area, looks to curl an cross into the six yard box, to close to the keeper, Kodova is able to claim the ball. The game is end to end Ipswich break the ball played onto Howlett drifting right looks to send the ball on down the line for Small, her cross is cut out by Aimee Everson the corner conceded. Played in from the right the ball goes long to the far post is knocked back out towards the top of the area, comes to Fagg her touch is a little heavy allows Lowestoft to converge on her clear the ball.

  Aimee Durrant receives the ball from Davies goes on a run down the left side, good control to cut back inside looks to fir a cross in along the top of the Ipswich area the ball flies across in between Hall and Davies neither able to get onto the end of it. Waters gets herself in behind the Ipswich defence as the ball is headed on from a goal kick, closing the area down, Kodova comes rushing out to the edge of her box, Waters looks to lift the ball past her with the outside if her right boot, the goalkeeper makes a great save with her foot clearing the all out to her left. 

  Lowestoft have the ball on the right Adams on for Moore her cross into the box is cut out by Ipswich captain Aimee Harrison cleared out of the area the referee spots a handball awards Lowestoft the free kick 30 yards from goal. Right of the goal it’s Moore over the ball, looks to curl a ball into the top corner, lands on the roof of the net. Ipswich press forwards players committed to the attack Lowestoft win the ball, Everson sends the ball up field, is helped on through with Waters again breaking in behind. Taking the ball into the area Kodova comes rushing out to meet her, sliding in as Waters looks to push it past her, the pair collide, the ball spins away, Durrant up with play gets hold of the ball as the Ipswich defence get back to cover the goal, playing the ball around the prone keeper, Waters up on her feet is given the ball shoots her shot is blocked on the line, play eventually stopped as Kodova needs treatment. 

  A quickly taken free-kick inside the Lowestoft half sees Henry get into the box to the right of goal, looks to send her shot across the keeper, Brogan gets down smartly to make the save push the ball wide of her goal. Ipswich’s turn to see a free-kick land on the roof of the opponents net, given one 35 yards out left side, Clement is the player who tries her luck from distance. A few refereeing decisions are baffling both sides. Ipswich get a free-kick inside the Lowestoft half in front of the centre circle the ball is played up into the box, Cooper up from the back gets up to head the ball down into the area, comes to Henry, gets the ball trapped under her feet is closed down before she can get a shot away cleared out to the right Thomas gets onto the ball whips a cross in along the front of goal, comes to Howlett at the far post a yard out puts her header up over the bar onto the roof of the net.

  Lowestoft are hit on the counter Ipswich getting players up into their half quickly the ball is rolled out to Small on the right side takes it on up the line, squares the ball into the area with Howlett getting up with play seeing the ball into her feet rolls her marker to take the ball into the area right of goal pulls the trigger, Broghan Scully has covered the ground, throws herself in the path of the shot deflecting it away for a corner. 

Half-time Ipswich Town Ladies 1-0 Lowestoft Town Ladies

  A busy 1st 45 minutes sees Ipswich with the narrow advantage just as they did in the reverse fixture. Thomas with the goal early in the game, both sides having chances. Saves from both keepers. The ball moving from one attack to the next. Lowestoft getting in behind on a couple of occasions without capitalising. Lowestoft stay out on the field at half-time to work on a few things. Ipswich get the 2nd half underway. 
  Thomas is a player who likes to get the ball at her feet and run at players does so early 2nd half taking the ball out to the right side looks to jink her way past 4 Lowestoft players as she closes in on the area turning inside as she does so runs out of room the ball closed down gets deflected across the area, Brogan needing to get down to smother it with Clement coming in from the left side.
  Small receiving the ball from Howlett in the right dribbles the ball towards the top of the area her cross is cleared out of the area falls to Cooper over the half way line looks to open her body lift the ball back in towards the area is gathered by Brogan in the Lowestoft goal. Moore making ground on the right for Lowestoft is fouled the free-kick to the right outside the area, Moore tries again to place it top corner, same result onto the roof of the net.
  Charnelle Riggall brings the ball out from the back for Lowestoft plays it on up the line for Moore ahead of her. Waters comes across to receive the pass, looks to play a 1, 2 with Moore the latter’s cross cut out by Welton. Lowestoft are preparing a substitute delay it as they have a corner kick to defend. The ball in from the right is met by Henry near side her touch takes it up towards the D, Fagg is there the ball coming at her at an awkward height tries to get a shot away slices the shot away from goal, takes a touch off a Lowestoft body on the way through another corner given. Comes in deeper this time, Froud clears, the substitution can be made, Selina Rowland who scored 28 goals for Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies last season coming on for Davies in midfield.
  The referee continues to bemuse both benches not agreeing with some of the decisions being made. Ipswich have a free-kick some 45 yards out from goal the ball is sent up towards the D, Thomas inside it gets up well to head the ball down into the area, skips up off the grass into Brogan’s gloves before anyone can pounce on it.  
  Froud getting forwards to clear the ball ends up sending a great pass forwards for Waters to run in behind the Ipswich defence on the right turning towards the area look to drill a cross into the six yard box, is cut out by Cooper rolls back to Waters has another go looking to roll it onto the penalty spot, Cooper gets to it again but only succeeds in pushing it out off the area towards Rowland rushing in connects with the ball a rising shot the ball is blocked by the Ipswich defence appeals for handball, nothing given.
  A free-kick for Ipswich inside the Lowestoft half, Harrison plays it up into the area picking out her centre back partner, Cooper, gets up to head the ball knocking it down can’t direct it on target runs wide for the goal kick. Ipswich make a change with Georgie Morton coming on for Clement. Bringing the ball on in midfield for Lowestoft, Rowland passes the ball out to Moore on the right pushing out fires a cross with plenty of pace behind it into the box runs across the six yard box cleared out of the area, Durrant wins the race with Beth Welton to get to the ball 1st blasts a shot back in flies across the area wide at the far post.
    GOAL! The game is stretched Ipswich get the ball into Fagg in the middle is played out to Small on the right linking up with Howlett getting ahead of her on the wing. Taking the ball inside as she closes in on the byline Howlett unleashes a shot from an acute angle the ball flying over Brogan kisses the crossbar and drops down into the six yard box, Thomas having burst forwards from the middle is their unmarked to get her head down to nod the ball into the empty net 2-0. 
 
 Lowestoft go forwards from the restart the ball into Riggall played on for Moore up the right plays it inside to Hall outside the ox looks to curl a shot in, comes in too close to Kodova the keeper gathering the ball into her body. That’s Hall’s last action of the game as she is substituted, Lowestoft bringing on ex-Colchester Town Ladies player, Megan Bamber. She takes up position on the left with Durrant moving into the middle to support Waters. 
  More joy down the right wing brings Ipswich a corner the ball whipped in near post is helped on by Cooper into the middle, Everson clears behind for a 2nd corner. A poor on is cleared at the near post however Thomas gets back on the ball regains possession looks to curl a shot in skims the top of the crossbar as it goes over. Another substitution for Ipswich Jacqueline Ball comes on replacing Beth Welton. Scully gets the ball up through the middle into Waters peeling away to the right takes the ball into the area tries to place her shot around the keeper, Kodova down quickly makes a comfortable save.
   Pushing on down the right Small rolls the ball inside for Henry who turns and shoots from outside the box, the ball racing wide of the near post. Pressure from Ipswich as the game moves into the final 5 minutes, Henry helps the ball on into the box from the right side dropping down in the six yard box, Brogan is under pressure from Morton, the substitute lifting a boot hooks the ball away from the keeper the ball in air Morton ends up on the ground as the keeper claims it then boots the ball long out of her area, more than one Ipswich player is appealing for a penalty.
 
  GOAL! Lowestoft play on the ball cleared up to the right side into the final 3rd is with Moore on the touchline lifts the ball inside towards the top of the area, Durrant is there connects with the ball getting her foot under the ball to whip it up and over the keeper into the back of the net to set up a tense finish to the Suffolk derby2-1.
 
  Ipswich make a 3rd change Jennifer Gray replacing Small. Lowestoft press looking for another goal, the ball into Rowland holds it up back to goal before releasing Moore on the right her cross is deflected behind for a corner kick on the right. The ball is fizzed in with pace towards the top of the area, Froud can’t do much with it except play it back to Moore, she is closed down a throw awarded, Rowland offering support down the line wins her side another corner.
 
  GOAL! Little left of the 90 minutes the corner is fired in towards the penalty spot does get much height missing the Ipswich defender in front of her the ball comes at Everson quickly a deflection off her knee, sees the ball run out of the area, sets up Durrant perfectly connects with the ball outside the box her shot arrowing into the top corner, she wheels away in celebration but is quickly swamped by her teammates 2-2.

  GOAL! Saw this happen on Sunday and for the 2nd game in a row it happens again no sooner has one side gotten level they go and concede straight away. Ipswich do it to Lowestoft again get up the other end and score a last gaps winner. The ball is with Thomas after the restart taking the ball to the right gets her head down and drives forwards into the box hits the shot on the angle comes at Brogan quickly gets something on the ball but can only parry it across the six yard box, both Gray and Morton are their the latter bundling the ball past the keeper into the back of the net as she is swarmed on by her joyous teammates 3-2.

 
  Little time left for Lowestoft to respond as Ipswich see it out to celebrate what had looked a comfortable win. 
Full-time Ipswich Town Ladies 3-2 Lowestoft Town Ladies

  Hardly the way Ipswich had expected to pick up the 3 points to move back into the top half of the FAWPL South East Division One table. Looked comfortable for their 2-0 lead, Lowestoft were creating chances but the defence was dealing with it well. If you keep going however the chances will lead to something and with 5 minutes to go Durrant netting twice had got Lowestoft back into the game only for the heartbreak of conceding an injury time winner. A crushing blow for one side, a moment of huge joy for the other. 
  An entertaining and fast paced game, played in good spirits for a derby good to watch. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details tonight.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 02/10/16

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 2nd October

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

A different look to The Round-Up in Cambridgeshire this week with there being a new format to the counties Women’s League Cup. Instead of it being a straight knock-out competition in the early stage it is instead being held in a group format with the winners from each progressing to the quarter-finals. That means 8 groups A-H with 3 or 4 sides competing each with 1 Premiership side except F which has 2, and a combination of Championship North or South sides based on geographical location. Each team to play the other once. This weekend saw the 1st Round of fixtures being played.

Group A – ICA Sports Ladies, Wisbech St Marys Ladies & Hungate Rovers Ladies

In Group A the 1st game saw Championship North side Hungate Rovers Ladies hosting Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies. Megan Purnell and Zoe Leddy were on target for the high league opposition to see them take the 3 points.

 Group B – Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Greta Paxton Ladies & Cambridge City Ladies Development

A bit of city rivalry in Group B at the weekend with Cambridge City Ladies new Development side playing in the Championship South hosting Cambridge United WFC Reserves. The Premiership side winning the 3 points edging the result with a 2-1 victory Lauren Gibson and Faith Hewitt with the goals. Charlotte Gillies with the goal for Cambridge City Ladies Development.

Group C – Cambridge University Women, Orton Rangers Ladies, St Ives Rangers Ladies & Riverside Rovers Reserves.

  Cambridge University Women being as their name suggests a university side are only just back together to begin pre-season training haven’t started in the league yet playing in Premiership, started their season in the league cup a home fixture against Riverside Rovers Reserves of the Championship South. Cambridge University despite only just being back into competitive football earned their 1st 3 points of the campaign winning 2-1 to top the group early on with goals from Taylor Lynn-Jones and Xelia Mendes-Jones. Amy Magnus with the goal for Riverside Rovers Reserves.

Group D – Netherton United Ladies, Ketton Ladies, Spalding United Ladies & Wisbech Town Ladies.

 Premiership side Netherton United Ladies began their Women’s League Cup group campaign in emphatic fashion recording a big result at home to Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies on Sunday. Yasmin Green netting a hat-trick for the Peterborough based side. Alice MacNichol scoring a brace, with a goal each for Emily Johnson, Jenna Nairn, Georgina Parrett, Megan Strickland and Sian Gamble as they reach a double figure scoreline winning 10-1.

 Group E Bar Hill Ladies, Milton Ladies, Cambridge Rangers & Netherton United Ladies Reserves.

In Group E, Premiership side Bar Hill Ladies were at home taking on Championship South, Milton Ladies this Sunday. Won the game comfortably thanks to a hat-trick from Anna Jephson along with a brace scored by Laura Spaxman along with a goal each for Claire Radford and Lucy Goddard, 7-0 the final score.

Group F – Newmarket Town Ladies, St Ives Town Ladies, Fulbourn Bluebirds & Isleham United Ladies.

The group with 2 premiership sides in both Newmarket Town Ladies and St Ives Town Ladies began their league cup campaign this Sunday. Newmarket Town were away to Fulbourn Bluebirds from the Championship South. Joeli Kirby the pick of the goalscorers netting a hat-trick. Abbi Griffin hit the back of the net twice, with Nadine Basson, Lauren Deller, Honor Freeman and Molly Agnew all contributing to the goals tally in a 9-0 win.

St Ives Town Ladies were at home taking on Championship South side Isleham United Ladies in their 1st match in the group stages. Hannah Seymour-Shove scoring twice for the Premiership newcomers with a goal each for Jade Carpenter and Sasha Smith in a 4-0 win.

 Group G – Bourne Ladies, Boston United Ladies, Swineshead Institute Ladies & Thurlby Tigers.

 Bourne Ladies had only just started their league campaign last weekend, newly promoted as Championship North Champions it was a debut in the Premiership to forget a 10-0 defeat away to Cambridge United WFC Reserves. Starting their league cup campaign at home to Championship North newcomers, Thurbly Tigers turned thing’s completely around going well beyond double figures as they recorded a 16-0 win.

 Group H – Park Ladies, March Town United Ladies, P&L Motors Diamonds & Newmarket Town Reserves.

  The only group that sees a mixture of teams from all 3 divisions. Park Ladies newly promoted to the Premiership as Championship South Champions were the only side to lose out on the opening round of group games at home taking on Championship North side March Town United Ladies the visitors won the game 5-2 with 4 goals scored by Louise Barbour. Emma Searle scoring too to win the 3 points.

In the other game in Group H, it was Championship South versus Championship North with Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves taking on P&L Motors Diamonds the visiting side joining March Town United on 3 points with a 3-1 win.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts Women’s Football League 02/10/16

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts Women’s Football League – Sunday 2nd October

Held off from doing The Round-Up for the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League early on as it has been a patchy start to the season fixture wise across the 3 divisions, finally as we begin October the fixture lists begin to fill out as more sides get their season kicked off at last.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

In Beds & Herts Women’s Division, Sharnbrook WFC have been setting the early pace promoted as Division Two Champions had started the season with 2 wins before being held to a draw by fellow promoted side Houghton Athletic Ladies last weekend. That allowed 2nd placed Sandy Ladies to close the gap to a point going into this Sunday’s 2nd versus 1st encounter. 2 wins from 2 for Sandy Ladies so far scoring 5 in both games. Amber Williams scored a brace plus a goal each for Harriet Ford and Chloe Reeves as Sandy Ladies go above Sharnbrook WFC to lead the table with a 4-2 win, Tracy Hutchinson 1st half and Gemma Franklin 2nd half with the goals for Sharnbrook.

Bishops Stortford Ladies and Hitchin Town Ladies the latter newly promoted to Division One this season finally got their league campaign started at the weekend. Both had faced each other just 7 days before in the 1st Round of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, Hitchin Town Ladies the home side exiting the competition as Bishops Stortford beat them 5-1. Now meeting in the league Bishops Stortford Ladies were at home at Harvest Moon, a closer game edged the win by 2 goals to 1 Kathryn Stanley (pictured) and Samantha Tant with the goals. Kayleigh Saunders with Hitchin Town Ladies 1 goal in Division One.

Garston Ladies lost out to Sharnbrook WFC at home on the opening day of the season back on 11th September had to wait a bit to play their next competitive fixture an away fixture against Letchworth Garden City Ladies, a single goal settling it for Garston picking up their 1st 3 points of the season courtesy of a goal scored by Emma Trill.

Houghton Athletic Ladies have started the season well promoted as runners-up in Division Two last season have 4 points from their opening 2 league matches. Were away to Sherrardswood Ladies at the weekend who they had knocked out of the FA Women’s Cup in 2nd Round Qualifying. Sherrardswood had started the season with an opening day defeat to Sandy Ladies, goals from Laura Cousins in the 1st half followed by 2 more from Laure Marris and Katy Jones saw them get their 1st 3 points of the season winning 3-1. Ciara Craig with the goal for Houghton Athletic Ladies.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

Three league matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two on Sunday with leaders Garston Ladies FC 96 making it 3 wins from 3 to continue their perfect start to the season. At home they were leading bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets 2-0 at the break before going on to win the game 4-1. 4 different goalscorers, Hannah Burt, Leah Crocket, Leanne Hunt and Jade Roberts helping them to the 3 points. Charlotte Demman on target for Woburn & Wavendon.

 2nd placed Flitwick Ladies have started life in Division Two well following relegation last season. Recovering well from an opening day loss at home to Garston, to win their next 2 league matches were at home this Sunday hosting Evergreen Ladies who finally had a league game the Division Three runners-up playing their 1st game in Division Two. Rebecca Freeman scoring 2 goals for the visitors as they won a point in the game, Flitwick scoring twice too to see the game end 2-2, Faye Moxon and Laura Scott from the penalty spot with the goals.

Panshanger Ladies were also promoted from Division Three to play in Division Two this season, had started the season with 2 away defeats were at home for the 1st time this season at the Moneyhole Playing Fields playing Watton Ladies at the weekend. Started well Ellie Burke putting them in front inside 10 minutes, Chemise Huitson adding a 2nd goal on 22 minutes that the lead at half-time. Huitson added another goal early in the 2nd half to make it 3-0. Watton pulled a goal back but this didn’t dent Panshanger’s confidence going on to score a 4th goal, Patience Ndlovu with her 1st for the club. Huitson went on to score her hat-trick. Watton pulling a goal back late on the final score 5-2 sees Panshanger up to 5th in the table.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

Still sides yet to get off the mark in Beds & Herts Division Three, two that did at the weekend with mixed fortunes. Hertford Town Ladies have a new Reserves side this season the 1st team promoted to the Eastern Region Women’s Football League the Reserve side has had to wait to get going. A fixture at last away to Shefford Town & Campton Ladies who had started the season with a 2-2 against Hatfield Town Ladies remain unbeaten both sides collecting a point in what is a rarity in women’s football a 0-0 draw.

 A totally different story in the final match to being you in the Beds & Herts Round-Up, 12 goals in this game with Crawley Green Ladies playing their 1st league game of the season hosting Evergreen Eagles. A tough season for the visitors last season relegated from Division Two started with a win in Division Three 6-3 at home to new side Wheathamsted Ladies. Held a 5-2 lead against Crawley Green at half time but the hosts came back into it scoring 3 more goals to get 5 themselves not enough to take anything from the match however as Evergreen Eagles added 2 more goals 2nd half to win it 7-5. Christie Brewer with a hat-trick plus a brace for Samantha Talks with a goal each for Rebecca Corcoran and Amber Charlton the scorers for Evergreen Eagles. Jessica McNamara scoring a hat-trick for Crawley Green Ladies with Nina Service and Yasmin Wacey also on target.

The Round-Up – Essex 02/10/16

The Round-Up

Essex- Sunday 2nd  October

Essex Women’s Premier Division

A full programme of fixtures in the Essex Women’s Premier Division at the start of October and Lawford Ladies continue to set the pace in the league topping the table with 4 wins out of 4. Were on the road on Sunday taking on Hutton Ladies Reserves scoring 6 goals without reply to move onto 12 points.

In 2nd place in the league table also with a 100% winning start to the season are Chelmsford City Ladies a game behind Lawford they made it 3 wins from 3 on Sunday although it too a last minute winner to secure all 3 points away to Alresford Colne Rangers the newly promoted side holding Chelmsford City 2-2 until the closing stages to lose out late on, 2 goals from Jessica Loble along with a goal from Sarah Jolly seeing Chelmsford City to victory.

 3rd placed Eastern Avenue were at home at the weekend hosting last season’s Division One Champions, Harlow Town Ladies playing just their 2nd league match of the season. That a 14-0 demolition of Chigwell Ladies on the opening day. Was quite so one sided this Sunday, Harlow Town winning for the 2nd time to move onto 6 points with a 4-2 victory.

   Runwell Sports Ladies had started the season with a draw and a loss, picked up their 1st 3 point haul of the season on Sunday to climb up to 5th with a large win at home against Walden Ladies who go bottom of the table. Scoring double figure Runwell Sports Ladies beat Walden 10-1 to move up the table.

Wickford Town Ladies got their 1st point on the board since getting promoted to the Premier Division this season an away trip to 6th placed Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. A high scoring game both sides netting 4 goals, 8 different goalscorers the points shared in a 4-4 draw. Charlee Twigg and Claire Campbell with 2 of the Wickford Town Ladies goals.

 Was another high scoring draw in the other match in the Premier Division this Sunday with newly promoted Chigwell Ladies away to Collier Row Tigers the 7th and 8th placed sides in the league contesting a 3-3 draw.

Essex Women’s Division One

A bit of bad news to start The Round-Up in Essex Women’s Division One as sadly Valley Green Ladies have withdrawn from the league due to a lack of players. Wish everyone connected with the club all the best going forwards.

  5 matches played in the league this Sunday and leaders Corringham Cosmos continue at the start of October as they ended September with a 100% win record in the league. 4 wins from 4 now after an away trip to FC Clacton Ladies, winning the contest 8-2 to move onto 12 points at the top.

(photo credit - Frontiers Ladies)

(photo credit – Frontiers Ladies)

  A game behind Corringham Cosmos in the Division One table 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies move onto 9 points as they keep up their 100% winning start to the season. Away to Collier Row Athletic at the weekend. The visitors taking a little time to get into their stride took the lead on 27 minutes Kay Foy (pictured) scoring from a corner. 2-0 the half-time lead for Frontiers with Foy netting her 2nd goal on 34 minutes. 2nd half Frontiers were the stronger side going on to increase the lead as the game approached the hour mark Hayley King the player on target. 5 minutes later Sharon Ferguson made it 4-0 to Frontiers with Kelly Holsworth firing home a 35 yard free-kick with 5 minutes left to wrap up the 3 points with a 5-0 win.

 

 

Harlow Town Ladies Reserves also win for the 3rd time this season moving onto 9 points in 3rd place in the Division One table with a comfortable 8-0 win away from home against Southend Town Ladies.

  Hatfield Peveral Ladies move up the Division One table into 4th spot having started the season late were playing just their 2nd league match having won their opening game last Sunday made it 2 from 2 at home against Benfleet Villa Ladies this Sunday, Christa Osman scoring a 1st half hat-trick to put them in control of the match. Megan Warner added a 4th goal for Hatfield Peveral with 20 minutes left on the clock, Osman scoring a 4th goal 5 minutes see the 3 points in the bag, final score 5-0.

 Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves move up the Division One table too, as they win for the 2nd successive league game, having started the season with 2 defeats. Were playing away from home at the weekend taking on Wickford Town Ladies new Reserves side, who despite scoring 3 goals too nothing from the game as the visitors replied with 6 goals, Kayla-Marie Everett on target with 4 goals plus a goal a piece for Ayo Okunuga and Niki Medici seeing Chelmsford City win the 3 points.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 02/10/16

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 2nd October

Norfolk Women’s Division One

New leaders at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One after the weekends results with North Walsham Angels climbing above Thorpe United Ladies on goals scored after a big win away from home. Were taking on fellow newly promoted side, Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies at Walmer Road. Were 6-0 in front by half-time going on to rack up a double figure scoreline. No surprise to see striker Luci Middleton amongst the goals netting 4 this Sunday her tally 12 goals from 4 games played so far. Sister Hope Middleton has 6 goals from 4 matches too after she came off the bench to score a brace. Emma Allsopp, Alice Wardle, Rachel Bussey and Alicia Lacey with a goal each for North Walsham final score 10-0.

Thorpe United Ladies continue their 100% winning start to the season 3 wins from 3 having seen last weekends game against Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies called off were on the road this weekend taking on Bungay Town Ladies at Maltings Meadow, had control of the game by half-time with a 3-0 lead going on to score 3 more goals 2nd half, captain Rebekah Lake with a hat-trick, with goals too from Sharnie Boast and Cecelia Liu both making her 1st starts of the season with Charlotte Groves also getting a goal. Bungay Town pulled a goal back in the 2nd half, Lauren Purling netting it final score 6-1.

Brandon Town Ladies got their 1st league win of the season under their belts last weekend at home to Bungay Town Ladies. Started October with an away trip to Clipbush Park to play Fakenham Town Ladies. Held a narrow 1-0 lead at half-time. Brandon Town Ladies going on to take the 3 points winning the game 3-1, 3 different goalscorers, Billie Nolan, Ruby Robertson and Millie Bales. Amy Bambridge scoring the 2nd half goal for Fakenham Town Ladies.

lw8   Same for Kings Lynn Town Ladies recovering from a heavy opening day defeat, recorded their 1st league victory and 3 points last Sunday beating North Walsham Angels Ladies away from home, were on home turf this weekend at the Riverlane Playing Fields taking on Aylsham FC Ladies. Captain Shelley Woods (pictured) scored a hat-trick in the game with Jordan Turner adding a brace. Rebecca Russell also with a goal to her name in a 6-1 win to see Kings Lynn Town Ladies up to 4th in the table. Sophie Burr-Walpole scoring in the 1st half for Aylsham FC Ladies.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Two matches in Norfolk Women’s Division Two this Sunday, Sprowston Ladies having sat last weekend out rejoin Gorleston FC Ladies on 9 points at the top of the table as they continue with their 100% winning start to the season 3 from 3 were at home to Stalham Town Ladies winning the match 2-0. 

  Long Stratton Ladies climb up to 3rd in the table as they win for the successive game following a 2-1 away win against Stalham Town Ladies to pick up their 1st 3 points of the season last Sunday were at home against Bohemians Ladies this Sunday, edged the win 2-1 again with goals from Charlie Head and Emily Watts to move onto 6 points. Ellie Blaxell with the goal for Bohemians Ladies.   

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Two games also in Norfolk Women’s Division Three at the weekend. Wymondham Town Ladies  new reserves side hadn’t been in action since the opening day 4-0 home win over Freethorpe Ladies. Travelled to play Toftwood United Ladies this Sunday have a strong squad this season wymondham-hammertonswith some of the players who helped to win the Norfolk Division One title not wanting to or able to commit to the extra travelling the 1st team has to do now it has been promoted to the Eastern Region Women’s Football League. That strength in depth proved too much for Toftwood as Sally Hammerton (pictured) getting her 1st competitive minutes under her belt netted 4 goals. Gemma Hamilton scoring a hat-trick to add to the 2 goals she scored against Freethorpe. Kelly Ayers netting a brace also with Laura Nicholls adding a goal to the scoreline a 10-1 victory, Katie Hart scoring the consolation for Toftwood United Ladies.

 

Tavern Ladies had started the season with 2 derby game draws against Toftwood United Ladies. At home for the 3rd successive league game the Dereham based side were taking on Cromer Town Ladies this weekend. Rianna Scott scoring a hat-trick with Natalie Merry and Lucy Kean both scoring to see Tavern build on the 2 draws with their 1st win of the season the 3 points seeing them up to 3rd in the table.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 02/10/16

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sunday 2nd October

A full fixture list across the two ERWFL Divisions this weekend with some unexpected results as the Premier Division leading pair are finally stopped in their tracks. 

ERWFL Premier Division

Both Bedford Ladies and Haringey Borough Women have begun the season fantastically well winning all 5 of their opening league fixtures, seemed their was no stopping them so it’s a surprise to see both drop their 1st points of the season in the 1st weekend of October.

 Haringey Borough Women were at home taking on newly promoted side Royston Town Ladies who have picked their 1st 3 points in the league in their last league game after starting with 3 straight defeats. A tough trip to the league leaders on Sunday however they came away with a confidence boosting result winning the game by a single goal to take the 3 points, Stephanie Hicks with the goal to her name. Haringey Borough Women losing their 100% record.

Bedford Ladies having made it 5 wins from 5 too also drop their 1st points of the season, although they hold onto their unbeaten record go top of the table by a single point after being held to a draw away to Billericay Town Ladies. The final score 2-2, Billericay Town Ladies goals coming courtesy of Frances Murphy and Sophie Whiting. Kaiya Gunn and Eden Kibron on target for Bedford Ladies.

Points dropped for the leading pair, gave an opportunity for the chasing sides to take advantage and close the gap. 3rd placed Acle United Ladies did just that as they won to move level on points with Haringey Borough Women. A long away trip to play bottom side Great Wakering Rovers Ladies a brace from Amber Rowland plus a goal for Jody Wells saw them take the points in a 3-1 win.

Wasn’t to be the case for 4th placed AFC Sudbury Ladies as they lost out on the road at Brentwood Town Ladies who pick up their 2nd league win of the season. Leah Cowan scoring both the Essex sides goals in a narrow 2-1 win to climb up to 6th in the table. Rebecca Thrower scoring AFC Sudbury Ladies goal.

AFC Dunstable Ladies stay 5th in the table after they were held to a 3-3 draw away to Colchester Town Ladies, who despite rescuing a point late on slip to 2nd bottom in the Premier Division table. Charlotte South handed Dunstable the lead on the half hour mark. Maigh Downey scoring for Colchester 7 minutes later to see the sides go into the changing room level at half-time. Nancy Butler giving Colchester the lead within a minute of the 2nd half starting. 2 goals in 4 minutes on 61 and 65 minutes saw Dunstable go level then take a 3-2 lead Bethany Stanton and Danielle Carty with the goals. Colchester pressed on looking for a goal were rewarded late into the game Chloe Dunn scoring a minute into injury time to secure a point.

Drop a place in the table as Histon Ladies win for the 2nd time this season to pull away from the foot of the table. At home at the Glassworld Stadium were playing Writtle Ladies who took the lead after a goalless 1st half hour, Sophie Vale netting the goal on 35 minutes. The lead lasted just 3 minutes with Sophie Lanham scoring for Histon Ladies to see the sides level at half-time. Vale was to put Writtle back into the lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Histon came back into the game and with 2 goals in 3 minutes went in front. Sophie Hopkin with the leveller on 62 minutes was quickly followed by a goal from Alison Wright to make it 3-2. Histon going on to win the game.

ERWFL Division One

100% win records may have been lost in the ERWFL Premier Division at the weekend, but in Division One, leaders Cambridge City Ladies maintain there 100% winning start to the season making it 5 wins from 5 on Sunday, although they left it very very late to take the 3 points away to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. Goals from Georgia Fraser for Little Thurrock and Rachel Pearce for Cambridge City saw the scores level at half-time. 2nd half it remained locked at 1-1, Little Thurrock looking like they might take the 1st points off the leader this season lost out late on in the 90th Cambridge City going on to win 2-1 with an own goal to maintain their 100% record.

Wymondham Town Ladies keep up the pressure on the leaders in Division One ready to pounce if they should drop points, 2 the gap as they win for the 4th time this season to move onto 13 points. An away trip to Essex to play Silver End United Ladies. The scores level at 1-1 at half-time, Lynsey Bowman scoring for Silver End United, Laura Wiseman on target for Wymondham Town. Wiseman netted her 2nd goal of the game for Wymondham Town a minute into the 2nd half. Silver End United levelling it again Jodie Osborne making it 2-2 like the Little Thurrock/Cambridge City match it looked to be heading for a draw until the last minute. Wymondham Town were awarded a penalty kick. Amber Cantwell lifting the spot kick into the back of the net to see the visitors leave Essex with 3 more points.

Wymondham Town Ladies, Amber Cantwell

Wymondham Town Ladies, Amber Cantwell

3rd placed Offley & Stopsley Ladies got back to winning ways on Sunday after losing to Cambridge City Ladies last weekend. Were playing Stevenage Ladies Reserves. Picked up the 3 points with a comfortable 5-0 win Giselle Randall with a brace. Rianne Townsend-Brown, Camille Stephens and Rachael Lewis with the other 3 goals to move Offley & Stopsley onto 11 points.

A 2nd successive win in the ERWFL Division One sees Hutton Ladies propelled up the table into 4th place. A big home win at the weekend against newly promoted Hertford Town Ladies. Rianne Dimmock scoring a hat-trick. A brace too for Keely Walker with a goal a piece for Laura Allen, Amy Crumpler and Kristi McLeavy in an 8-2 win. Freya Rampley netting 1st half for Hertford Town Ladies, Kerry Oldham 2nd half haven’t won since the opening day of the season.

In the final game to cover in the ERWFL in Division One, 5th placed Colney Heath Ladies came from behind away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies on Sunday to win for their 3rd successive league game. Michelle Allum-Taylor had given the home side a 1-0 lead at half-time. Holly Sheridan levelling things up early for the visitors in the 2nd half before going on to score the winning goal and see Colney Heath win 2-1.

 

The Round-Up – FAWPL Southern & South East Division One 02/10/16

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 2nd October

A full fixture list in both the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One this weekend and 2016 moves into October. A new leader in the Southern Division as the race for top spot hots up. In South East Division one there were plenty of goals scored 5 of the 6 results seeing the the winning side sco

FAWPL Southern Division

Coventry United Ladies take over at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division courtesy of goals scored over Tottenham Hotspur Ladies as they started October with a win at home against newly promoted Swindon Town Ladies. It wasn’t until late in the 1st half that the deadlock was broken, Jade Brook finding the target on the 40th minute to send Coventry United Ladies into the lead. Alison Hall struck soon afterwards netting on the 43rd minute to put them 2-0 at half-time. Swindon Town Ladies are adjusting to life in the higher division and aren’t easy to break down, pulled a goal back with 15 minutes left, Samantha Hallsworth getting her name on the scoresheet. Couldn’t find another Coventry with 4 straight league wins in the league following an opening day draw move to the top of the table.

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Coventry United Ladies, Jade Brook, pictured here in action against Crystal Palace opened the scoring on Sunday

That is because previous pace setters, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies drop their 1st points of the season after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to C&K Basildon Ladies. The visitors held the advantage at the break, Lily Mellors with the goal inside the opening 15 minutes. Pushing for an equaliser Tottenham found it hard to break down the opposition until the 63rd minute, Riana Soobadoo hitting the ball from distance a low drive that found it’s way into the bottom corner. Stay unbeaten at the start of the season matching Coventry’s record edged off top spot by goals scored.

Charlton Athletic Women are without prolific striker Gemma Shepherd who requires a hip operation to get her back to fitness and playing the game she loves. Has recently set up a Go Fund Me page in order to help raise the £5000 needed for the operation and if you wish to offer a donation you can do so by clicking on the link below.

https://www.gofundme.com/gemsheps

Without Shepherd, 3rd placed Charlton were away this weekend taking on West Ham United Ladies. A goal on 10 minutes from Kit Graham put the visitors in front, held the narrow advantage at half-time, Graham going on to score her 2nd goal in the 2nd half on the 68th minute to see Charlton win 2-0 and join the leading pair on 13 points at the top.

Crystal Palace Ladies continue to enjoy a good start to life in the FAWPL Southern Division since promotion last season in 4th place they were at home at Bromley FC on Sunday taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies who have bolstered their squad with a busy month coming up by signing Brighton trio, Charley Boswell, Lisa Fulgence and Kate Natkiel on loan. The latter starting with Boswell and Fulgence on the bench. Crystal Palace took an early lead Gemma Bryan scoring inside 2 minutes to put them ahead. Extended their lead with 5 minutes to go in the 2nd half Rochelle Shakes with the strike. Couldn’t break the visitors down 2nd half 2-0 the lead until late in the game Portsmouth pulling a goal back in the 90th minute, Sarah Kempson’s goal not enough to get anything from the match, Crystal Palace taking the 3 points putting them 2 points behind the leading trio.

Chasing them all hard with an unbeaten record in the league are Cardiff City Ladies the Welsh side travelling to The Honeycroft on Sunday to play bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies still looking for their 1st goal and point of the season. Cardiff City took the lead late in the 2nd half a goal from Cori Williams the advantage at half-time. 2nd half brought some good news fr Queens Park Rangers as they welcomed their captain Elly Maggs back to the action after an injury lay-off coming on as a half-time substitute, that was followed by Alexandra Nord scoring their 1st league goal of the season levelling thing’s up on 49 minutes. Cardiff City came back to finish the 2nd half strongly Kerry Bartlett scoring to put them back into the lead with 20 minutes left. Barlett then went on to complete her hat-trick see Cardiff City win 4-1 to move onto 10 points from 4 played in 5th spot in the table. 

FAWPL South East Division One

 High scoring wins for all of the sides currently in the top half of the FAWPL South East Division One table. AFC Wimbledon Ladies continue their excellent start to the season the newly promoted side making it 6 wins from 6 with a home win on Sunday against fellow promoted side Stevenage Ladies. A strong 1st half display saw them leading 3-0, Emma Keady setting the ball rolling on 12 minutes. Kelly-Jade Whelan and Hannah Searle both adding to the scoresheet on 35 and 40 minutes. Laura Low adding a 4th goal 15 minutes into the 2nd half saw them in 4-0.

Elsewhere it was carnage in front of goal with the rest of the games seeing at least 5 goals scored that the winning tally in all the games. 2nd placed Cambridge United WFC 3 points behind AFC Wimbledon ladies were on the road on Sunday playing Denham United Ladies. New signing Rosie Kmita strike on 4 minutes found the back of the net to give Cambridge the early lead. It wasn’t to last long as Chantelle Lawrence levelled it up with a long range drive just 3 minutes later. 1-1 the score at the break, Cambridge were to turn it on 2nd half with a dominant display retaking the lead just 2 minutes in as they were awarded a spot kick, captain Laura Bright scoring from the penalty. Nicole Perschky made it 3-1 on the 60th minute. 2 more goals coming in the final 10 minutes Emma Jenkins and Dawn Mallett with the goals.

Luton Town Ladies followed up a 2-1 midweek  win at Kenilworth Road under the lights against Milton Keynes Dons Ladies with a convincing win away to Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday to move into 3rd spot in the South East Division One table. Jess McKay opening the scoring in the 1st half, Joanna Rutherford adding 2 more goals before half-time. McKay added another goal to her total in the 2nd half. The final score 5-0 to the visiting side the last goal of the afternoon courtesy of 16 year old Jodie Southby making her 1st start for the club.

I was at North Greenford United FC on Sunday covering the South East Division One game between Actonians Ladies & Norwich City Ladies for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and I was treated to a 9 goal thriller. Not that you’d have predicted that at half-time as the home side went into the dressing room with a 4-1 lead, came back despite Norwich City taking an early lead, Natasha Snelling lining up a shot from the wing to dip under the bar to take the lead. Carla Williams got Actonians back on level turns putting a 25 yard shot home across the keeper. Sinthujah Sooriyakumar with the held of a deflection into the net off a Norwich City defender gave the home side the lead. On top for a large spell in the 1st half 2 more goals followed, Hannah Olofsson allowed time and space to shoot from outside the area and Katrina Marshalleck with the goals.

Action from Sunday's game, Melissa Jung on the attack for Actonians Ladies against Norwich City Ladies

Action from Sunday’s game, Melissa Jung on the attack for Actonians Ladies against Norwich City Ladies

  A totally different 2nd half Norwich City coming onto Actonians inside there own half fought their way back into the game. Chelsea Garrett pulling it back to 4-2 as the ball is fed into her run into the box. Paige Shorten made it 4-3 over a free kick inside the Actonians half her ball lifted up into the area, skipping up unexpectedly high off the surface to fly up over goalkeeper Naomi Swift and into the back of the net. The comeback complete as Kyla Love comes forwards with the ball for Norwich lets fly from distance her shot in glanced across the six yard box by a defender wrong-footing the goalkeeper and going into the back of the net. The celebrations were shot lived however as Actonians came straight back into it scoring off the restart to regain the lead, the ball into Williams turns and lobs the advancing keeper the ball bouncing into the back of the net beyond, 5-4 the final score Actonians move up to 4th in the table. The whole match report can be viewed by clicking on the link below. 

Actonians ladies v Norwich City Ladies 02/10/16

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies climb up to 5th in the table recovering from their midweek loss away to Luton to win at home on Sunday, dump Ipswich Town Ladies out of the top half in the process the Suffolk side making the trip to Newport Pagnell FC at the weekend. Heather McDonnell giving Milton Keynes Dons Ladies the lead on the 22nd minute Leah Cudone doubled the advantage 4 minutes later. Jade Henry pulled a goal back late in the 1st half to close the advantage to 2-1 at half-time. A good start to the 2nd half for the visitors with Roxanne Small on target just 2 minutes into the 2nd half to level thing’s up at 2-2. Ipswich Town Ladies then got themselves into the lead Hollie Clement on target to make it 3-2. The lead didn’t last long Milton Keynes Dons awarded a penalty kick McDonnell stepping up to score her 2nd of the match. Into the last 5 minutes and the home side score again McDonnell completing her hat-trick on the 85th minute, Hannah Barrett added another goal a minute later to see Milton Keynes Dons win 5-3.

Gillingham FC Ladies the other side this weekend to win scoring 5 goals along the way continue their unbeaten start to the season, were at home playing Lowestoft Town Ladies. Felicity Gibbons broke the deadlock for Gillingham scoring on 28 minutes the lead 2-o at half-time thanks to an own goal. Gibbons added her 2nd of the game 2 minutes into the 2nd half. Lowestoft Town pulled a goal back 3 minutes later captain Hannah Waters making it 3-1. Gillingham pulling further into the lead as the game moved into the final 10 minutes 2nd half substitute Kallie Balfour scoring 2 goals on 81 minutes and in injury time to seal a 5-1 victory.