Monthly Archives: March 2017

The Round-Up – Norfolk 26/03/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 26th March

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Just the two matches played in Norfolk this weekend, with no action there was a game in both the Division’s below. In Division Two, Stalham Town Ladies have found a rich vein of form unbeaten now in 5 league games winning the last 4 in a row the latest victory coming away from home this Sunday as the 3rd placed side travelled to Manor Road to play 2nd placed Long Stratton Ladies. A brace from Amber Mayhew along with a goal each for Millie Cursons and new signing Vicki Lubbock joining from Briston Wanderers seeing Stalham Tow win the game 4-1 toe 3 points moving them into 2nd place above Long Stratton on goal difference their goal scored by Sophie Rose.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

In Division Three it was 3rd versus 4th as Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves hosted Tavern Ladies, both sides with games in hand on leaders East Coast Ladies it was Wymondham who held the advantage early on going 2-0 up inside the opening 20 minutes with goals from Hannah Claughton and Sally Hammerton. Tavern got it back to 2-1 before half-time Rianna Stott with the goal. 2nd half and Stott found the back of the net for a 2nd time to equalise for Tavern and see the sides share the points. Both still in the hunt for the title face each other again in two weeks in what will be a crucial match in determining where the title might head.

The Round-Up – Suffolk 26/03/17

The Round-Up

Suffolk Women’s Division – Sunday 26th March

  Two league matches played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday neither featuring any of the top 3 sides. 4th placed East Bergholt United missed out on the opportunity to climb above Brantham Athletic Ladies into 3rd spot after they were beaten away from home by 5th placed Bacton United Ladies. Cara Savage scored for the visitors in the 2nd half, Bacton United winning the game 3-1.

Elysia Young scored a brace for Copleston Ladies at home to bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies on Sunday, there were also goals for Sophie Crane, Roxanne Middle, Jemma Wessels and Hollie Akers in a 6-0 victory.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 26/03/17

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – Sunday 26th March

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

The top two weren’t in league action this Sunday, 3rd placed Sherrardswood Ladies had the chance to join joint leaders St Albans Ladies and Sandy Ladies on 30 points as they travelled to play 4th placed Garston Ladies instead as has often been the case this season the results sees the sides bunch up again as Garston Ladies edged the win to take all 3 points. 2nd half goals from Laura Cousins and Manjinder Atwal for Sherrardswood not enough as they were beaten 3-2 by Garston. Kelly Kirwan netting a brace with Bobbi Rhodes also finding the back of the net. Moves Garston onto 24 points 6 points behind the leading pair with 5 games left to play.

Also moving on to 24 points in 5th are Bishops Stortford Ladies who have 6 games left to play in the league. Were away to the side that had knocked them out of the league cup semi-final last Sunday, Houghton Athletic Ladies the home side scoring twice with Charlotte Cook and Jodie Patterson getting the goals. Brooke White scored twice for Bishops Stortford. Kathryn Stanley and Natasha Coppin also on target in a 4-2 victory. 6 points between the top 5 sides going to be a few twists and turns yet in the race for the title.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

 Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two leaders Watton Ladies are now 1 win away from becoming league champions. Were at home this Sunday playing 2nd bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets, Samantha Edgar took her goals tally for the season to 12 with a brace in the match. Kerry-Anne Paul scoring her 1st of the season too with top scorer Francesca Smithers also on target for her 30th goal of the season in a 4-2 win. Alexandra Miller and Annelie Ramsey scoring for Woburn. 2 points clear at the top on 26, Watton can still be caught by 5th placed Garston Ladies FC 96 and 6th placed Royston Town Ladies Reserves who both have games in hand however victory away to Royston Town this Sunday for Watton will see them take the title.

Flitwick Ladies climbed into 2nd spot in the Division Two table ending their campaign on 24 points as they won away from home against bottom side Evergreen Ladies on Sunday. Faye Moxon, Flitwick’s top scorer this season with 9 scoring along with a goal for Henny Horsler to win 2-0. Final position is all important in the leagues as they are adjusted for the new season and may yet be promoted.

The Chris Renshaw Trophy

 A new secondary cup competition added to the Beds & Herts leagues this season kicked-off this weekend, The Chris Renshaw Trophy. 15 sides entered into the 1st Round. Sandy Ladies given a bye to the quarter finals. St Albans Ladies and Evergreen Eagles were both awarded home wins to also progress. Shefford Town & Campton Ladies will face Flitwick Ladies in the 1st Round this coming Sunday. That left four 1st Round ties played on Sunday.

  Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three side Wheathamstead Ladies were away to Letchworth Garden City Eagles in the 1st Round took their Division One opponents all the way to penalties before eventually being knocked out. Both sides scoring twice in the 90 to see it end 2-2 Emily Jamieson and Ellie Watson scoring for Letchworth, Jenna Wynne and Shauna Smith with Wheathamstead’s goals. Letchworth winning the penalty shootout 3-2 to progress.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side, Sharnbrook WFC are safely through to the quarter finals to with a comfortable home win against Division Two side Garston Ladies FC 96 this Sunday. Sian Cunningham opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Charlotte Mullins added a 2nd 4 minutes later. The rest of Sharnbrook’s goals coming 2nd half, Emma Butler ad Claire Smith both scoring a brace with Mullins also adding a 2nd goal to her name in a 7-1 win. Holly Jury scoring the goal for Garston.

 An all Division Two clash in the 1st Round between Hitchin Belles and Panshanger Ladies who have both completed their league campaign, looking to extend their season with a cup win it was home side Hitchin who opened the scoring. Panshanger drew level in 1st half injury time going on to take the lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Hitchin came back to level it at 2-2 before taking the lead late on grabbing another to win the game 4-2 a Panshanger pushed for a goal Chemise Huitson ending her campaign with 22 goals with the 1st half goal for Panshanger, Ellie Burke with her 10th goal of the season scoring in the 2nd half. Shannon Page scoring a brace in the game for Hitchin Belles moves onto 24 goals for the season.

In the other 1st Round tie played it was an all Division Three match up with leaders Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues away to Potters Bar United Ladies. Goals from Madison Drewett, Amy Gibbins, Carrie Mancini and Lauren Stewart seeing the visitors progress into the quarter finals with a 4-0 win.

The quarter finals of The Chris Renshaw Trophy are scheduled to be played Sunday 9th April and are as follows;-

Hitchin Belles v St Albans Ladies

Sandy Ladies v Letchworth Garden City Eagles

Shefford Town & Campton Ladies or Flitwick Ladies v Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues

Evergreen Eagles v Sharnbrook WFC

 

The Round-Up – Essex 26/03/17

The Round-Up

Essex – Sunday 26th March

Essex Women’s Premier Division

 Harlow Town Ladies are very close now to claiming their 2nd successive league title as they continued their 100% winning record at the top of the Essex Women’s Premier Division. 17 straight wins this season now the latest at home to 4th placed Chelmsford City Ladies although they were pushed all the way in a 7 goal thriller, goals from Lisa Overall, Shannon Hughes and Tyler Christou weren’t enough for Chelmsford City to take anything away from the match Harlow Town winning 4-3 to move onto 51 points. 2nd placed Lawford Ladies are 1 points back with 2 games in hand could reach 55 points winning their remaining games with 3 points to be added to their total having been awarded a win another victory will be enough for Harlow Town Ladies to be crowned Champions. They will certainly be aiming to keep their 100% record in tact for the whole season.

 Lawford Ladies 2nd in the Premier Division were away to 3rd placed Runwell Sports Ladies this Sunday picked up the 3 points winning the game 3-1 to move 3 points clear of Runwell Sports who scored through Samantha Delves and Chelmsford City Ladies in 4th, have 3 games in hand on both sides.

Collier Row Tigers move back above Eastern Avenue who weren’t in action at the weekend into 5th place in the Premier Division table winning 5-2 at home against 7th placed Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Jo Smeaton with both the visitors goals.

 A 2nd successive win at home in the league sees Hutton Ladies reserves climb out of the Premier Division’s bottom two places into 10th leapfrogging Alresford Colne Rangers who they were playing winning the game 4-1 to boost their chances of avoiding the drop having been in the bottom 2 places up until Sunday’s result.

Essex Women’s Division One

In Essex Women’s Division One their was just the one league game played at the weekend a big win away from home for 2nd placed, Frontiers Ladies against 2nd bottom side Benfleet Villa Ladies. Both Sharon Ferguson and Kay Foy scoring 7 goals each in the match. Jill Bartholomew also netting a brace with a goal each for Claire Davidson and Freya Liiv to see Frontiers win 18-0 the huge score seeing them go top of the table over Corringham Cosmos as they overhaul them on goal difference with 12 wins from 12 in the league plus a game in hand.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 26/03/17

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 26th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

  This season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final will be contested between Netherton United Ladies and Cambridge United WFC Reserves. The semi-finals of the competition were played a neutral venues this Sunday. Both featuring sides from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. Netherton United Ladies 2nd in the league were playing 5th placed Bar Hill Ladies at Fulbourn. An own goal putting Netherton 1-0 up inside the opening 5 minutes of the tie. Goals from Emily Johnson and Yasmin Green seeing Netherton leading the semi-final 3-0 at the break. An early goal in the 2nd half from Natalie Gaches putting Netherton in control of the game 4-0, captain Megan Parrett made it 5-0 midway through the 2nd half to see Netherton United Ladies reach the League Cup Final. Read Netherton United Ladies report from the game by clicking on the link below.

Netherton United Ladies 5-0 Bar Hill Ladies

 Also at Fulbourn on the adjacent pitch the other Cambridgeshire League Cup Final was taking place with Cambridge United WFC Reserves aiming to reach their 4th successive final taking on St Ives Town Ladies aiming to reach their 1st formed just 2 seasons ago. After the 90 minutes it was Cambridge United who were celebrating winning the game 2-0 with goals from Ebony Rule and Carolyn Sarafain. 

*UPDATE* the date and tie of this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final has been announced Netherton United Ladies will play Cambridge United WFC Reserves on Friday 21st April at Histon FC kick-off 7:30pm. 

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

 One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday with bottom side Park Ladies hosting Cambridge University Women. Amy Newell scoring for Park Ladies in the 1st half the home side trailing 2-1 at half-time. Different story 2nd half Cambridge University finding the back of the net regularly to comfortably take all 3 points move them up to 4th in the Premiership table. Amanda Wainwright scoring 4 goals. Nina Coyle with a brace along with a goal each for Taylor Lynn-Jones, Rebecca Graves and Ceylon Hickman.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

One of the 2 semi-finals in this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup was also played this Sunday and with the clocks going forwards it was an early start for Cambridge Rangers at home to Championship South leaders, Cambridge City Ladies Development an 11am kick-off. Megan Tonks scored a hat-trick in the tie with Cambridge City going on to win the game 7-1 to reach a cup final in their 1st season. Izzy Broadbent, Rachel Littlewood and Amy Ozakpinar with the other goals. Wisbech Town Ladies and Cambridge United WFC Reserves contest the other semi-final this coming Sunday. 

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

It was to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North that the Supporting Women’s Football Blog’s latest match report came from, unbeaten league leaders, March Town United Ladies hosting Wisbech Town Ladies in a local derby the visitors finding some form coming into the game 3 successive league wins lifting them up into 3rd spot in the table. A competitve derby match Wisbech Town started well pressuring March for the ball, awarded a free-kick midway through the 1st half it was a great strike from Wisbech captain, Emily Stephenson to send the ball arrowing towards goal over the keeper and in to give the visitors the lead. 

1-0 the advantage to Wisbech at the break the 2nd half was fought with the same intensity as the 1st March having the numbers on the bench to rotate players pushed for an equaliser were finding the Wisbech defence a tough nut to crack eventually found an opening midfielder Georgia Brown (pictured) having made some good attacking runs for March broke from midfield receiving a lay off burst into the box taking the shot the ball smashed down off the crossbar landing in the six yard box Brown following up reached it first putting the ball past the keepers outstretched leg to make it 1-1 the final score the points shared keeping March’s unbeaten run in tact also enough to put Wisbech into 2nd spot. The SWF Blog match report can be seen by clicking on the link below.

March Town United Ladies 1-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

 Also on the move in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North are Boston United Ladies climbing from 7th spot to 4th winning at home against Wisbech St Mary Ladies this weekend. New signing Tracey Duxbury-Mead a real threat in front of goal scoring a brace in her 2nd game for the club. Demi Barai also hit a brace in the match. Bethany Britton and Victoria Bradford were also on target with a goal each in a 6-1 win. Lauren Laws with the goal for the visitors.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South this Sunday and with their home ground being hijacked for this weekend’s League Cup semi-finals, Fulbourn Bluebirds were away to the leagues bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies. Marie Stubbings netted a hat-trick in the match with Abigail Dowell-McGrillan also on target with a brace. Carrie Cole scoring too in a 6-0 away win that lifts Fulbourn up into 4th place in the league table. 

The Round-Up – ERWFL 26/03/17

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sunday 26th March

ERWFL Premier Division

It’s the time of year where you have to get the calculator out and work out all the different scenario’s a points needed to win a league title and several league across Women’s Football East are shaping up to be in from a grandstand finish, none other than the ERWFL Premier Division. Bedford Ladies and Haringey Borough Women have had fantastic season’s sharing the lead between them unbeaten for a long spell at the start of the season. The two sides faced each other this Sunday in what was table toppers Bedford Ladies final game of the season. The game ending in a goalless draw the points shared, Bedford end their league campaign on 40 points Haringey Borough are 3 points back on 37 however they have two games left to play if they were to draw both Bedford Ladies might yet win the title all they can do now however is watch and see how it all unfolds.

One more side is in the race for the ERWFL Premier Division title and they kept their bid on track with a good away win on Sunday. 5th placed Norfolk side, Acle United Ladies travelled to Essex at the weekend to play Billericay Town Ladies level on points going into the match. Megan Todd (pictured) put Acle into the lead midway through the 1st half, Lauren Bullard doubling the visitors advantage striking the ball home in the 40th minute. Acle capitalised on their lead taking control of the game early in the 2nd half striker Jody Wells making it 3-0 on 47 minutes Todd added a 2nd goal to make it 4-0 a minute later. Billericay Town grabbed a late consolation goal, Acle winning 4-1. You can read the clubs match report from the day by clicking on the link below.

Billericay Town Ladies 1-4 Acle United Ladies

Acle United Ladies have 5 games left to play win them all and they can pip Haringey Borough Women to the title. Haringey have two games left they win both then they will take the title, they play Acle United in what is both sides final league game of the season. A league cup semi-final for Haringey Borough Women too! April will be a huge month for both clubs.

Two of Acle United’s remaining league games are against Royston Town Ladies which won’t be easy, this Sunday they played the reverse fixture with Writtle Ladies having drawn 3-3 with them at home this weekend. Travelling to Essex this time around Royston Town led at half-time thanks to a goal from Andrea Wright. Once again however the points were shared as Writtle came back to equalise 2nd half Leanne Stubbings making it 1-1.

ERWFL Division One

It was 1st versus 3rd in ERWFL Division One on Sunday as leaders Cambridge City Ladies travelled to Norfolk to play County Cup Finalists, Wymondham Town Ladies at Kings Head Meadow. Charlotte Gillies gave Cambridge City Ladies a 1-0 lead at half-time. Wymondham Town responded 2nd half with Gemma Sanders equalising for the hosts to see the points shared Cambridge City’s 1st draw of the campaign. 

2 points dropped by Cambridge City saw Colney Heath Ladies take full advantage and go 2 points clear at the top of the table for the 1st time this season. Were away to 4th placed Stevenage Ladies Reserves in their penultimate league match of the season. Hot shot, Holly Sheridan put Colney Heath into the lead in the 1st half, Stevenage equalised before Sheridan put the visitors into the lead for a 2nd time, captain Sophie Joseph scoring late in the 1st half to see Colney Heath Ladies lead 3-1 at half-time. Stevenage pulled it back to 3-2 after the restart. Sheridan brought up her hat-trick and 25th goal of the campaign to make it 4-2, Victoria Allen with her 1st of the season seeing Colney Heath Ladies win 5-2. Hannah Marshall and Emily Scofield with the goals for Stevenage. A League Plate semi-final to come for Colney Heath Ladies before they play Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home in their final game the maths says they can no longer be caught and 2nd place minimum is guaranteed and 2 sides should be promoted, Cambridge City Ladies have 5 games in hand you would expect them to be overtaken still you never know. Well done to Colney Heath Ladies 

A good result away from home for Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday in Division One travelling to neighbouring Bedfordshire to play 4th placed Offley & Stopsley Women a hat-trick from Meike Gierig saw them take all 3 points home with them winning the game 3-2 their penultimate of the season after a shaky start to life in the ERWFL have found their feet and could yet climb a couple of places up the table.

8th placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies were looking for their 4th straight win in the league as they travelled up into Suffolk to play Ipswich Wanderers Ladies in 9th a good run at the end of the season it was brought to an end as Ipswich Wanderers took all 3 points with a 3-0 victory a goal from captain Tarnya McKew along with a double for Kimberly Rex sealing the victory.

 

The Round-Up – FAWPL 26/03/17

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 26th March

FAWPL Southern Division

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies long unbeaten league and cup run was brought to a crashing end in the FA Women’s Cup knocked out in the 5th Round by Arsenal Ladies. The FAWPL Southern Division leaders still have plenty to play for however gunning for the league and into 3 Cup Finals. Back to league action this Sunday at home at Cheshunt FC taking on 5th placed Crystal Palace Ladies it was the away side that got off to the better start hitting Tottenham on the counter to take the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Gemma Bryan with her 22nd goal of the season. 

 Tottenham got it back to 1-1 just before half-time as Bianca Baptiste was played through on goal to score taking her goals tally to 18 for the season. Tottenham went on to find the winning goal in the 2nd half to take all 3 points, Wendy Martin with her 19th of the season heading the ball home from a Jenna Schillaci free-kick in the 78th minute the win keeping Tottenham 3 points clear at the top.

Charlton Athletic Women were denied all 3 points as they conceded a last minute equaliser on the road at the weekend. A big game as 2nd placed Charlton travelled to Pack Meadow to play 4th placed Coventry United Ladies. Avilla Bergin giving the visitors the lead in the 12th minute as she was played through into the box to score. Charlton created further chances but Coventry United have the 2nd best defensive record in the league behind Tottenham. Pushing for an equaliser late in the 2nd half pressuring the ball outside the Charlton box Jade Brook was played in and shot from the right sending the ball across the keeper to make it 1-1 see the points shared.

 A draw for Charlton sees them drop to 3rd in the Southern Division table overhauled by Cardiff City Ladies who won convincingly away from home on Sunday travelling to the South Coast to play Portsmouth FC Ladies a brace each for Kerry Bartlett and Chloe Chivers along with a goal for Laura Williams saw them lead 5-0, Portsmouth pulling a goal back in the final minute through Samantha Quayle to see game end 5-1.

3 wins on the bounce now for Lewes Ladies in league and cup a successive home league win this Sunday lifting them back up into the top half of the Southern Division table. Were taking on the side immediately above them C&K Basildon Ladies at The Dripping Pan. Georgia Bridges headed home from a corner to give Lewes the lead inside the opening 5 minutes. The home side leading 2-0 at half-time as Sian Heather slid the ball pas Basildon goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles. Lewes going on to saw a 3rd goal with 5 minutes left on the clock winning a corner another great delivery Bridges causing problems for the Basildon defence inside the box adding the 2nd goal of the match the 3 points taking Lewes up into 6th place.

FAWPL South East Division One

A late goal from Hannah Barrett saw 2nd placed Milton Keynes Dons Ladies win all 3 points at home to Lowestoft Town Ladies at the weekend. Finding their opponents tough to break down the winning goal came with 5 minutes left on the clock the single goal enough to see all 3 points won Milton Keynes closing the gap on leaders Gillingham FC Ladies down to 2 points. Lowestoft Town Ladies have named a new manager with Josh Miller taking over the role combining it with his role a Academy Community Manager at Lowestoft Town FC after Ricky Graves stepped down from the role after struggling to balance it with work and other commitments having previously been joint manager.

Was an even later goal that rescued a point away from home for 3rd placed AFC Wimbledon Ladies. Taking on 6th placed Luton Town Ladies unbeaten in 4 matches at the Stockwood Park Athletics Stadium, Luton could have joined 4th placed Cambridge United WFC on points with a win, took the lead in the 1st half Erica Byron with the goal. Were leading 1-0 all the way through the 2nd half when deep into the 4th minute of injury time the visitors grabbed a goal, Kelly-Jade Whelan putting the ball into the back of the net to see AFC Wimbledon take a share of the points.

  The points were shared elsewhere too as 4th placed Cambridge United WFC travelled to play 5th placed Actonians Ladies at North Greenford United FC. The two side contesting a goalless 1st half it was Cambridge United WFC who went on to take the lead in the 2nd half Laura Mills with her 9th of the season putting the visitors in front. Actonians were them awarded a penalty kick, Alessandra Barreca with her 10th of the season scoring from the spot kick to make it 1-1 the final score.

 At Plantation Park, Norwich City Ladies were hosting Ipswich Town Ladies in the East Anglian derby, always a hotly fought contest, Norwich bottom of the table need to pick up every point they can get between now and the end of the season fell behind however as Hollie Clement scored to give Ipswich the lead. Midway through the 2nd half Kyla Love found the back of the net to put Norwich back on level terms. Ipswich created chances to regain the lead in the 2nd half however couldn’t convert their chances the points shared enough to lift Norwich off the bottom over Lowestoft Town.

Both sides were delivered a blow in their battle for survival as fellow relegation candidates Stevenage Ladies gave themselves a massive boost with a 4-1 win at home to Denham United Ladies on Sunday. Captain, Donna McGuigan scoring a brace in the game with a goal each for Rosy Woodhams and Kristina O’Connell to see them move onto 12 points and open up a 6 point gap between themselves and the bottom two.

Match Report – March Town United Ladies v Wisbech Town Ladies

A look at a new league this weekend on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog covered on Women’s Football East, the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South a trip to the GER Sportsground to watch unbeaten league leaders march Town United Ladies play a local derby match against 3rd placed and in form Wisbech Town Ladies.

Match Report – March Town United Ladies v Wisbech Town Ladies

 
   The Supporting Women’s Football Blog has covered plenty of teams a different leagues across the country in the past 3 and half years, today it was time to take a look at a new league not covered before which is surprising with it being so close to home, the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North to watch the league leaders unbeaten March Town United Ladies take on 3rd place and in form Wisbech Town Ladies.

  There are two Championship leagues in Cambridgeshire the North and the South that feed into the Premiership above. The Championship North is not only made up with sides in the northern part of Cambridgeshire but also sides in southern Lincolnshire such as Swineshead Institute Ladies and Boston United Ladies. Is a competitive league with the sides below March Town United Ladies all taking points off each other with just 5 points between 2nd and 7th.

 March Town United Ladies are into their 4th season as a team have played in both the North and the South Leagues did see them play a long time ago getting on for 3 seasons now when they were in the South League away to Cambridge Rangers back in the early days of the SWF Blog when I didn’t cover a match as extensively as I do now. Have grown as a side. Finishing 2nd in the Championship North last season are going strong this season leading the table for most of the season 7 straight wins at in the league before they were held to a 1-1 at home to Wisbech St Mary Ladies last weekend. Lead the Championship table by 4 points. Another local derby match today at home as they host Wisbech Town Ladies.

    Wisbech Town Ladies come into today’s match in great form having won 4 successive games in league and cup. 9 points from that ru taking them all the way up from 7th into 3rd. Have also reached the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitiation Cup for the 2nd successive season having reached the final last time around. Today they travel with just the bare 11 however having several players unavailable fo various reasons.

  The venue for today’s game the GER Sportsground, home of March Town FC known as The Hares. An old ground that boasts the 2nd oldest wooden stand in the country. Painted blue the main stand is set a little back from the pitch however this is because the ground also hosted cricket cycling and greyhound racing up until 1960. The ground has a new clubhouse that houses a bar and kitchen along with the changing rooms. Tea and coffee also available. The pitch itself is a good size pretty firm the clocks went forwards this weekend everyone lost an hour in bed but at last it looked like spring was here bright and sunny nice to see able to take the coat off for the 1st time this year.

 March Town United Ladies starting XI – Tori Sharpe, Sydney Davies, Claire Newton, Emma Searle, Kayleigh Churchyard, Jade Pointer (C), Georgia Brown, Adele Munday, Shannon Kelly, Emma Frost & Livvi Hodges
 subs – Ella Nutter, Sue Bedwell-Byatt, Laura Coe, Gemma Ramsey & Paige Bedwell-Mann

 Wisbech Town Ladies starting XI – Abbi Venni, Amy Hepting, Chloe Minall, Kaylie Swinden, Emily Stephenson (C), Polly Norman, Rachael Simpson, Shushannah Feast, Annie Rooks, Zoe Tyhurst & Sophie Gutteridge.

 subs – 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A switch of ends before kick-off Wisbech opting to have the sun a their backs 1st half. It’s March to get the game underway wearing yellow shirts with a black band across the top and shoulders, black shorts and socks. Wisbech lined up opposite wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The visitors press the ball early keeping March pinned back in their own half striker Sophie Gutteridge, Wisbech’s top scorer so far this season with 20 goals closing down the defence getting her side a throw on the right the ball is crossed along the face of the area, with Gutteridge running onto it left of the D gets a shot away but never in control of the ball it rolls wide of the far post.
Wisbech Town Ladies striker
Sophie Gutteridge has scored 20
goals so far this season
   A good start from Wisbech, won’t let March get out of their half winning a throw in on the left the ball is given to Annie Rooks good hold up play before twisting away from her marker playing the ball in across the face of the area with Shushannah Feast in a central position the bounce of the ball doesn’t favour a left foot volley adjusting to strike with her right foot the shot is pulled wide of the far post.
  Getting the ball played into her feet on the right for March, Adele Munday drives forwards down the line, Wisbech left back, Chloe Minall gets across her tackling to put the ball out for the throw. Another attack for March the ball played long through the middle, Livvi Hodges with 3 goals in her last 3 league games is after it, Wisbech captain Emily Stephenson gets back with her to throw a leg out and put the ball out for another throw. March work the ball into midfielder Georgia Brown left side comes in field looks for the long diagonal ball in towards the box aiming for Hodges far post the ball is just over her head, beyond her Munday latches onto the ball but is halted by the offside flag.
 A good tackle from March’s Emma Searle at the back to thwart Wisbech’s Gutteridge as she threatens to run clear through the middle, the ball out for a throw taken quickly March counter the ball into captain Jade Pointer into midfield plays it on over halfway into space left side with Emma Frost beating the offside trap and running clear heads for the Wisbech box 25 yards out with Stephenson closing the ground lets fly with a shot a swerving ball, goalkeeper Abbie Venni, celebrating her 18th birthday in the week, having initially started to go one way adjusts her body well to stop the ball slipping past her deflects it away for the corner kick. 
An ever present this season, March Town United Ladies, Emma Searle
 Played in from the left side whipped in with vicious pace the corner kick flies over Venni is heading straight into the net is blocked on the line by Wisbech midfielder Rachael Simpson chesting the ball down before clearing, March go up claiming it had crossed the line the appeals are waved away play goes on, I’m on the halfway line got a picture but no goal line technology in this league.
Wisbech Town Ladies, Rachael Simpson stops March’s corner kick going over the line
 Both sides are using the width of the pitch, Hodges with space to run into on the right is closed down by Minall can’t squeeze her cross into the area, up the other end Feast with a surging run on the left with the ball fires a vicious cross into the box looking for Rooks running in, Searle gets their 1st slices her clearance high into the air. A good contest developing in the middle of the pitch plenty of energy from both sides.
  GOAL! The deadlock is broken midway through the 1st half Wisbech are awarded a free kick inside the March half left side a good way from goal close to 40 yards Stephenson goes across to take it as players go forwards line up across the top of the March area. Is a sweet strike by Stephenson as soon as it is flight you can tell it’s a great ball plenty of pace the ball flies towards goal a difficult one for keeper Tori Sharpe with runners closing on her the ball flies over her dipping late under the bar to make it 0-1.
 
Wisbech Town Ladies captain, Emily Stephenson
opens the scoring with a superb free-kick
  The ball is closed down inside the Wisbech half pinging around between feet eventually falls to March’s Shannon Kelly 35 yards out connects with the ball on the half volley sending a looping shot in towards goal Venni has time to set herself catch the ball inside her six yard box. March make a change Ella Nutter recently signed from St Ives Rangers Ladies coming on for Frost up front. Simpson has gotten forwards for Wisbech the ball is played into her at the top of the area back to goal she rolls it into Zoe Tyhurst moving central looks to bring the ball under control shift it inside to shot is closed down by March’s Claire Newton the chance gone.
  Hodges is played through on goal by Nutter as March break with purpose taking the ball right clear of the Wisbech defence Hodges pulls the trigger from 20 yards blasts her shot wide of goal. Nutter getting forwards herself on the left is brought down by Wisbech’s Amy Hepting. Searle over the free-kick looks to play the ball in towards the near post runners breaking from the top of the box Venni is distracted sees the ball safely into her gloves. Venni is quickly out of her box soon after to clear the danger as a favourable deflection at the beck sees Nutter race in behind the Wisbech defence can’t reach the ball before the goalkeeper does.
March Town United Ladies, Jade Pointer with Wisbech’s Rachael Simpson

  March make a 2nd change with Churchyard coming off at left back for Paige Bedwell-Mann a former Wisbech Town player. Brown with a powerful midfield run takes the ball on for March rolling it into the path of Hodges ahead of her, Minall gets on her shoulder prevents the striker getting a shot away as they enter the box marshalling the ball into Venni’s gloves as she comes sliding in to gather. The Wisbech defence giving very little away at the back, Brown finding room to get forwards for March lays the pass out to Nutter drifting into space wide left, Hepting gets back on her to close her down, Nutter keeps possession shifts the ball half a yard room to play the ball int Kelly breaking into a central position, Kaylie Swinden gets across her sees the ball back into her keeper.

Wisbech Town Ladies,
Chloe Minall
  Into the closing minutes of the 1st half March pushing players on the ball from Pointer finds Brown taking it on has Hodges in front of her looking to get into the box on the right side picking her out with the through ball plays it across to Nutter on the penalty spot, shifts the ball between her feet to avoid the sliding challenge before sending the ball in towards goal, lacking pace the low shot is straight at Venni and gathered cleanly.  
  A 1st half injury time corner for March taken on the right the ball played in towards the top of the area, is won by Wisbech the counter attack on the ball launched up field for Gutteridge to go after, Bedwell-Mann is the last defender has to win the ball and does very well under pressure to nullify the danger. March with one last attack in the 1st half the ball rolled into Nutter looks to send Hodges through on goal, again it’s Stephenson who gets across to win the ball before the attacker can get in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper.
  
Half-time March Town United Ladies 0-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

 A 1-0 lead for Wisbech at half-time in a hotly contested derby without the niggle and arguing off the ball. Played at a good tempo few clear cut chances a great delivery from a set-piece the difference between the sides. Wisbech with a good 1st half have done well to limit the threat from march’s attacks their defenders quickly moving in to close down the threat haven’t let very little get in behind. March’s defence too to their credit have prevented Wisbech getting into too many shooting positions albeit defending a deeper line restricting the space in wide areas. An intriguing 1st half a narrow lead all to play for 2nd half.
  Wisbech to get the 2nd half underway, Newton at the back wins the ball for March as it is played forwards sends her clearance back up through the middle, Hodges latching onto the ball 30 yards out has Nutter on the move to her left slides the ball into her run, taking the ball into the area the shot comes in low towards the near post, Venni going to ground makes the save.

Wisbech Town Ladies, Polly Norman with March’s Shannon Kelly

  Norman plays the ball into Feast on the left a clever turn gets the attacker in behind the March defence taking the ball down the wing squares the cross in towards the penalty spot Searle wins the cross getting the ball out of the area for March. Attacking the home side win a corner kick the 1st effort played in from the right is defended at the near post a 2nd corner awarded this one is played deeper in towards the top of the area the knock down out of the box is met by Nutter on the half volley 20 yards out her shot looping up into the air, Venni back on her goal-line sees the ball land on the roof of the net.

 
Annie Rooks on the ball for Wisbech Town Ladies

  Bringing the ball forwards on the left Bedwell-Mann fizzes a ball in towards goal from 25 yards out straight at Venni the ball momentarily pops out of the goalkeepers gloves, she reacts quickly to pull the ball into her body as Hodges coming in throws a leg at the ball. The game continues to be end to end both sides attacking, Tyhurst away into the left channel, sends a long cross into the area, is dealt with by Bedwell-Mann, counter attacking the ball played into Pointer is helped forwards Hodges gives chase can’t reach it before Stephenson can come across and clear the ball for a throw.

 Gutteridge is put through up top for Wisbech gets ahead of Newton as they close in on the box right side of goal, Gutteridge shoots her low strike saved by Sharpe getting down at her near post. Another counter attack from March, Brown through for Hodges in the middle bearing down on the box, Stephenson across to close her down even as Venni comes off her line Hodges squeezes the ball past both her attempt running wide of goal. Feast has the ball 30 yards out from goal opening up her body strikes it goalwards is straight at Sharpe who takes the ball cleanly into her body. 

Shushannah Feast attacking for Wisbech Town Ladies

  A double change for March, Frost returning to the action replacing Hodges, Gemma Ramsey comes on in midfield for Pointer. Kelly pushed further forwards now gets onto the ball shoulder to shoulder with Stephenson into the box closing down on the keeper all 3 go to ground in an attempt to win the ball, Kelly sends the ball on Venni makes the save the save blocking the ball it rolls loose across the six yard box, no other March players in the area the Wisbech defence can clear it.

 Mid-way through the 2nd half Bedwell-Mann switches over to right back as Davies comes off with Churchyard coming back on for March. Winning a free-kick inside the centre circle March send players forwards a good ball played in by Searle drops into the area with Nutter timing her break perfectly on the end of it left of goal shoots early a low drive in towards the near post, Venni is down smartly to make the save.

March Town United Ladies, Ella Nutter

  A chance for Wisbech to send players forwards as they are awarded a free-kick wide on the right inside their opponents half the ball played in by Stephenson his headed on into the area by Simpson, Gutteridge is clear on the end of it slots the ball past the keeper, however the celebrations are cut short by the offside flag. More changes for March, Ramsey and Nutter off, Hodges returning with Sue Bedwell-Byatt another ex-Wisbech player also coming on.

  Rooks bringing the ball on through the middle sends the ball into Gutteridge’s feet inside the D back to goal turns and shoots marked closely the ball is blocked, comes back to Gutteridge on her left gets a 2nd shot away this one off target rolls wide of the post. Pointer is back on the field for March as Wisbech successfully defend a corner kick. Munday brings the ball on through the middle of the park for March looks to send Hodges through in behind, Venni reacts quickly on the move early slides into claim the ball at the top of her area before Hodges can take it round her.
  GOAL! A little over 10 minutes left on the clock and March get themselves back on level terms pushing players on in search of the equaliser it’d Brown breaking from midfield who latches onto a lay off on the left side space before lets fly from the top of the area the ball flies over Venni smashes down off the crossbar into the six yard box, Brown following up reaches it 1st stabbing the ball past the keeper who throws her leg at the ball but doesn’t reach it as it nestles in the back of the net 1-1.

Midfielder Georgia Brown scores the equaliser
for March Town United Ladies

  Laura Coe comes off the bench for March to replace Bedwell-Byatt as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Munday strong on the ball through the middle sends the pass on for Coe ahead of her the 16 year old playing her 1st season of women’s football heads for the box, Swinden coming across forces her left into Hepting who tackles and wins the ball. March able to rotate their subs are seeing more of the ball in the latter stages of the match, still it’s the Wisbech defence quickest to the final ball as they have been all game. Pointer is down struggling with an injury in the middle for March. Stephenson takes the opportunity to rally her side. Pointer can’t continue and his helped off the pitch.

   On the attack as the game moves into injury time Frost is put through left side shooting from outside the box her effort is held by Venni. March push bodies on in search of a late winner, Munday rolling it through for Hodges top of the area, Venni comes rushing out to close her down and prevent the shot.

 
Full time March Town United Ladies 1-1 Wisbech Town Ladies

 1-1 the final score the points shared, March remain unbeaten in the league with a 2nd half equaliser from Georgia Brown to extend their lead to 5 points at the top. An unstoppable 1st half free-kick from Emily Stephenson seeing Wisbech go in front defended well all game giving very little opportunity for March’s attackers take home a share of the points which is enough to lift them into 2nd spot over Ketton Ladies on goal difference
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  Today’s SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Wisbech Town Ladies captain, Emily Stephenson. With a excellent free-kick to open the scoring, nothing was getting past her at the back today a solid defensive display from the whole defence.
  My thanks to March Town United for their hospitality today and to both sides for their superb team-sheets today very much appreciated a nice touch to have a little info about each player. Best of luck to both for the rest of the season.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – Sunday 19th March

Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup

This Sunday saw the semi-finals of the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup being held and saw two contrasting ties played. In the all Division One tie Bishops Stortford Ladies were hosting Houghton Athletic Ladies the two sides going all the way goalless after the 90 minutes the game headed into extra-time and was just 5 minutes away from penalties when the stale-mate was broken Shakeela Hussian finding the back of the net to send Houghton Athletic Ladies into the final of the league Cup for the 1st time. 

 A 7 goal thriller in contrast in the other League Cup semi-final with Hitchin Town Ladies from Division One hosting Division Two leaders, Watton Ladies both looking to reach the League Cup for the 1st time. Watton Ladies in good form going for promotion took the lead in the semi-final, Hitchin Town coming back to level before half-time. In the 2nd half Watton scored twice to go 3-1 up Hitchin Town pulling it back to 2-3 before conceding a 4th goal. Pulling it back to 3-4, Watton Ladies held on for the win to reach the League Cup Final.

The League Cup Final between Houghton Athletic Ladies and Watton Ladies is scheduled to be played Sunday 7th May at AFC Kempston Rovers, best of luck to both sides.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

St Albans Ladies continue to lead Beds & Herts Women’s Division One ahead of 2nd placed Sandy Ladies on goal difference with a 4-0 home win against Letchworth Garden City Eagles on Sunday. Sophie Monahan took her goals tally to the season to 9 from 12 appearances with a brace in the game. with Sophie Lawrence and Holly Rossington both scoring their 2nd goal of the season. One league game left for St Albans away to Hitchin Town on the 23rd April those below them all have games in hand how crucial a game it will be will become apparent in the coming weeks.

 Sandy Ladies put a dent in Garston Ladies own title hopes as they beat the 4th placed side at home this Sunday to keep neck on neck with St Albans Ladies at the top of Division One. Amber Williams bagged herself a brace to move into double figure for goals scored this season from 13 appearances. Chloe Reeves also scoring in the game to take her onto 9 for the season. 3-1 the winning score for Sandy, Jane Hales on target for Garston Ladies. 

  3rd placed Sherrardswood Ladies keep pace with the leading pair winning away from home to keep the gap to 3 points have games in hand on both those above. Were away at the weekend playing Sharnbrook WFC, 2 early goals in the game Francesca Novelli putting Sherrardswood 1-0 up in the 3rd minute. Sian Cunningham scoring for Sharnbrook just 2 minutes later to make it 1-1 where the scores remained until half-time. Sherrardswood scoring the winning goal mid-way through the 2nd half awarded a penalty, Laurie Marris stepping up to take the spot kick and putting the ball into the back of the net for her 15th goal of the season.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two 

Hitchin Belles were playing their final league game of the season at home against Flitwick Ladies on Sunday who had dropped down the table after leading the way early on with just 2 points from their last 5 league games. A good run of form had seen Hitchin Belles go top of the Division Two table for a spell too. Ended their league campaign with a defeat however as Flitwick won the match 2-0 with both goals scored by Faye Moxon the win lifting Flitwick up to 3rd in the Division Two table.

 Both the bottom sides continue to pick up points towards the later end of the season, bottom side Evergreen Ladies close the gap on Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues to just a point with a good win away from home against Royston Town Ladies Reserves. The final score 2-0 to the visitors

Woburn  Wavendon Lionesses Clarets were at home n Sunday taking on Garston Ladies FC 96 who are often involved in a high scoring game. In 5th place Garston had a game in hand on leaders Watton with a 6 point gap to close. Captain, Jade Roberts scored twice for Garston in the game with Holly Jury also scoring to make it 3 wasn’t enough in the end to take all 3 points as unbeaten in the league in 3 games picking up 7 points from 9 scored 3 aswell to earn a share of the points with Charlotte Demmon scoring in the 1st half and Lauren Revell scoring twice at either end of the 2nd half.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three 2nd placed Evergreen Eagles were away to Shefford Town & Campton Ladies on Sunday close the gap to league leaders Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues to 3 points courtesy of a 3-0 victory Samantha Takis moving onto 12 goals from 10 appearances with a brace with Samantha Feeney also getting on the scoresheet.

A 3rd successive league win propels Wheathamstead Ladies up into 3rd place in the table and having won 7-0 at home last Sunday against Potters Bar United Ladies they repeat the feat again this Sunday away to Crawley Green Ladies. Sophia Pidgeon moving into double figures scoring a hat-trick. Libby Quinn netting herself a brace as well as Sabrina Monastero, one of her 2 goals coming from the penalty spot.

The Round-Up – Essex 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Essex – Sunday 19th March

Essex Women’s Premier Division

It has all bunched up behind leaders Harlow Town Ladies in the Essex Women’s Premier Division with the 2nd and 3rd placed sides defeated at the weekend the results seeing the sides 2nd to 4th now all level on 31 points. Lawford Ladies were playing away on Sunday against Eastern Avenue a single goal scored by Liane Prior seeing Eastern Avenue win the 3 points and move back up to 5th in the Premier Division table. 

Runwell Sports Ladies were away from home at the weekend 4th in the table playing 3rd placed Chelmsford City Ladies 3 points a ahead of them. Chelmsford City took the lead in the game with Mia Brisley putting them 1-0 up. Runwell Sports Ladies came back however scoring twice through Rachel Selfe and Sophie Olley to win the game 2-1 the win lifting Runwell Sports into 3 spot in the Premier Division table.

9th placed Chigwell Ladies picked up a good 3 points winning at home on Sunday to pull them further away from the bottom sides in the Premier Division as they beat 7th placed Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies 2-1.

Also a good result for Hutton Ladies Reserves at the bottom of the table as they beat fellow strugglers Walden Ladies see them switch places at the bottom. At home Hayley Critchell was on target with 2 goals, with Ebony Moore also getting a goal along with and own goal to see the 3 points won with a 4-0 victory.

Essex Women’s League Cup 

 One more tie to be played in the Essex Women’s League Cup quarter finals. An all Division One tie the top 2 in the league meeting for the 1st time this season with league leaders Corringham Cosmos travelling to Frontiers Ladies who were fresh from winning the Essex Women’s Trophy Final last weekend. Frontiers took the lead in the 20th minute, Kelly Holsworth with her 15th goal of the season scoring from a free-kick. Corringham came back to level 5 minutes before half-time scoring from the penalty spot. Another match having to cope with windy conditions Corringham took the lead in the 2nd half awarded a 2nd penalty and putting it away to make it 2-1 added another goal from a corner to win the match 3-1 and reached the semi-finals where they will be away to Chigwell Ladies. Lawford Ladies will be at home to Collier Row Tigers in the other semi-final both scheduled to be played Sunday 9th April.

Essex Women’s Division One

 In Essex Women’s Division One there were two league games played at the weekend. Collier Row Athletic are up to 3rd place in the table moving up 2 places from 5th after winning 2-0 at home against Wickford Town Ladies Reserves. 

  Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves in 7th close the gap to the mid-table sides with a 4-1 win away to Benfleet Villa Ladies this Sunday. Kayla-Marie Everett netting a brace in the game, Emma Sharpe and Fern Elder also finding the back of the net.