Monthly Archives: May 2017

The Round-Up – Norfolk 07/05/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 7th May

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Two games played in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday and leaders Thorpe United Ladies now have to league title almost within their grasp with 2 games left to play are now 10 points clear of 3rd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies who have 4 left to play one more win for Thorpe United Ladies with see them clinch the title. 

Thorpe United Ladies were away this Sunday taking on 2nd bottom side Fakenham Town Ladies, a hat-trick from captain Rebekah Lake along with a brace for Shanice Sutton helping them to a 7-1 win, Bethan Sommerfield and Vivian Moyo with the other goals. Sam King with the goal for Fakenham Town Ladies.

  3 successive defeats in April in Division One had seen North Walsham Angels Ladies drop out of the top half of the table for the 1st time this season. In 5th began May with a home game against bottom side Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. Having conceded 13 goals in those 3 games in April, hit back with a huge winning scoreline with striker Luci Middleton netting a double hat-trick in the game, Alicia Lacey got a brace and there were goals to for, Lauren Yarham, Megan Champion, Abbie Storey, Sian Wager, Vicky Hudson & Robyn Johnston in a 14-0 win, the 3 points moving them to within a point of 4th placed Brandon Town Ladies with 2 games in hand.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

   Gorleston FC Ladies had long ago wrapped up the Norfolk Women’s Division Two title winning 12 straight games as their rivals took points off each other below. Have now lost 2 successive matches defeat to Sprowston Ladies seeing the Norwich based side secure 2nd place in the league table. Gorleston were away to Stalham Town Ladies this Sunday. Despite a brace fro top scorer Bethany Turner along with another from Samantha Hunn, Gorleston went down to a 5-3 defeat. Stalham Town Ladies end up on 23 points for the season in 3rd spot a healthy advantage on goal difference to Long Stratton Ladies in 4th who have one game left to play.

  That game at home to Gorleston FC Ladies in a fortnight, a point or better would see Long Stratton Ladies pip Stalham Town Ladies to 3rd spot. This Sunday they were away to bottom side Bohemians Ladies. Leading 3-0 at half-time Long Stratton went on to win the game 4-1 their goals scored by Sophie Christensen, Leonie Daulby, Jennifer Head & Summer Moore. Helen Quinn with Bohemians Ladies goal.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Wymondham Town Ladies played out their fixtures this Sunday finishing top of the table beating their closest rivals to the title Tavern Ladies beating the Dereham side to see them lose their unbeaten tag. Wymondham Town with a 2-1 lead at half-time went on to make it 3-1 2nd half. Tavern were to pull another goal back late on however they they gave away a penalty too and Wymondham Town dispatched it to win the game 4-2 there goals scored by Emily Fusco, Hannah Johnson, Amber Cantwell and Natalie Woods. Jordan Head and Rianna Scott scoring for Tavern Ladies. Despite the defeat Tavern remain favourites for the Division Three title awarded home and away wins against bottom side Cromer Town Ladies are now within a point of Wymondham Town Host Freethorpe Ladies in their final game of the season this Sunday a win would see them become champions.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 07/05/17

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – Sunday 7th May

It was the final day of the season in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League and with the leagues all done and dusted last Sunday the venue was AFC Kempston Rovers FC for this season’s Cup Finals. Two competitions this year the League Cup which was to be contested by Watton Ladies & Houghton Athletic Ladies along with the newly named secondary cup competition The Chris Renshaw Trophy. The 1st final to be contested by Sandy Ladies & Sharnbrook WFC. Both games were covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the match report from both finals can be read below.

Beds & Herts – The Chris Renshaw Trophy

Cup Final Report – Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC

 
  The end of the season in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League this Sunday the league all done and dusted ends with a cup final double at AFC Kempston Rovers FC, the League Cup Final to come but 1st off a new competition, The Chris Renshaw Trophy. The final two Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC.

  Named in memory of Chris Renshaw a former member of the Beds & Herts Women’s Football Committee and the ERWFL beyond who gave so much to support the game before his passing this competition named in his honour, a secondary competition with the sides knocked out of the League Cup itself before the quarter final stage being entered.

  It’s a while ago now in the history of the blog but Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC was my 1st experience of women’s football in the county leagues. Not that they were the clubs I had intended seeing that Sunday, stuck in traffic and no chance of getting to my game I rolled past the sign for Sandy and determined I was going to get a match in turned left. Arrived 15 minutes before kick-off and the 2 sides couldn’t have been any more helpful to me. Nice to see them once again and give them a little more respect as they contest the 1st ever final for The Chris Renshaw Trophy.

  A change of management for both since that game, Sandy Ladies have had a very strong season in what was a highly competitve Division One this season have led the table for most of the campaign entering the final weekend were 3 points clear of both 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies and 3rd placed Bishops Stortford Ladies who they faced just a week ago. Heart ache in the end as Sandy Ladies were beaten 4-2 ending up in 3rd on goal difference, Bishops Stortford Ladies pipping Sherrardswood Ladies to the title by a single goal! The Chris Renshaw Trophy an opportunity for Sandy Ladies to end the season with some silverware.

   Sharnbrook WFC were relegated that season, but under new management bounced back at the 1st attempt winning the Division Two title. Had a strong start to the season upon their return to Division One getting games in where others didn’t, injuries took a toll and lack of action saw them drop down the table as others got into their stride. Eventually finishing 7th, like Sandy have a great opportunity to end the season lifting a piece of silverware.

  Road to the Final
 
   Sandy Ladies were handed a Bye in the 1st Round of the competition progressing to the quarter-finals where they were drawn at home to fellow Division One side Letchworth Garden City Eagles won the match 2-1 to reach the semi-finals with an away trip to St Albans Ladies also from Division One both in title contention at the time it was a close game chances for both sides a single goal winning the game Chloe Reeves scoring it for Sandy Ladies to see them into the final. 
  Sharnbrook WFC were at home in the 1st Round taking on Division Two side Garston Ladies FC 96 progressed to the quarter finals with a comfortable 7-1 win. An away trip to Division Three side Evergreen Eagles, Sharnbrook WFC booked their place in the semi-finals with a 5-2 win. Away again took on Division Two side Flitwick Ladies winning the game to reach the final of the competition.
  The venue for today’s Finals, AFC Kempston Rovers FC in Bedfordshire, south west of Bedford itself. A large clubhouse with bar and refreshments booth on one side of the ground housing the changing rooms. A seated area along with terracing beside a wide pitch fairly firm and dry as are most pitches in the region after an unusually dry April. All weather training pitches on the opposite side. A hot and sunny afternoon little cloud around the breeze warm a good start to May.

  Sandy Ladies starting XI – Amie Fage, Alicia Cobb, Meghan Roles, Pearl Houghton, Faye Prout, Kayleigh Bennett, Harriet Ford, Claire Ashwell, Katie Seldon (C), Kirstie Gavin & Chloe Reeves.
  subs – Kirsty Bates, Grace Lavelle, Lauren Bullen, Abigail Stock & Kerrie Knight.

  Sharnbrook WFC starting XI – Summer Ronayne, Sarah Fuller, Mel Harradine, Gemma Franklin, Laura Strange (C), Tracy Hutchinson, Claire Smith, Emily Clark, Charlie Mullins, Sian Cunningham & Emma Butler.

  subs – Becky Dadd Scarlett Betts, Haley Traette-Reynolds, Chantelle Harris, Jackie Dadd & Helen Spalding.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 An injury blow for Sandy before today’s final with top scorer Amber Williams out injured on 13 for the season she is one ahead of Chloe Reeves leading the line today. It’s Sharnbrook to get the 1st half underway wearing their away colours, yellow shirts with blue shorts and socks with Sandy lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white across the chest and sleeves, red shorts and socks. An early chance for Sharnbrook the ball played out to Charlie Mullins on the left side plays the ball inside looking to thread the ball in behind as Mullins runs forwards takes a favourable slice in behind off a defender Mullins latches onto it on the edge of the area doesn’t get a firm connection the ball runs straight along the ground into goalkeeper Amie Fage’s gloves.
  Sandy press forwards on the left the ball played inside  helped on to Claire Ashwell on the left wins Sandy a throw in, Sharnbrook win the ball send it up field, Pearl Houghton collects at the back for Sandy plays it on for Ashwell on the right side she sends a long diagonal ball up into the area with striker Chloe Reeves looking to get on the end of the pass, does so but is halted in her attack by the offside flag. 

  Sian Cunningham is finding some space on the right for Sharnbrook, captain Katie Seldon picks her out taking the ball up the line her cross is easily gathered by Fage at her near post. Kirstie Gavin links up with Ashwell on the right side from a throw in moving forwards Gavin cuts the ball back for Ashwell to send forwards up towards Reeves centrally positioned back to goal outside the box looks to head the ball on and get in behind the Sharnbrook defence, marking her captain Laura Strange has backed off reading the strikers intention giving her the room she needs to reach the ball 1st and clear. 
 An early change for Sharnbrook an injury to Cunningham, she comes off, Chantelle Harris comes on. From a free-kick on halfway Sharnbrook’s Emma Butler chases the ball up the left has support from Mullins knocks the ball on as she goes past her closely marked by Sandy’s Alicia Cobb, Mullins turned back as she reached the top of the area plays the ball back into Butler taking it inside looks to pull the trigger, her shot from outside the box is charged down by Sandy’s Faye Prout. 

Emma Butler on the attack for Sharnbrook WFC
  Off a throw in on the left Butler and Mullins combine again this time Mullins playing the ball up the line for Butler squares the ball across the six yard box, Prout is there to cut the cross out. Attacking up the right for Sharnbrook, Tracy Hutchinson sees her cross claimed by Fage at her near post. Sharnbrook give away a free-kick inside their own half wide right, Kayleigh Bennett to take her ball up towards the area is deflected into Gavin’s path strikes it early looping up into the box right of goal, Sharnbrook keeper, Summer Ronayne comes for it doesn’t take her eye of the ball despite runners from Sandy closing in takes the catch cleanly.

Kirstie Gavin bringing the ball down for Sandy Ladies
  Harriet Ford coming on for Sandy plays the ball into Gavin moving left side outside the Sharnbrook box shifting the ball between her feet takes a shot the strike closed down and blocked by Sharnbrook’s Mel Harradine. Sandy retaining possession inside the Sharnbrook half as the game moves into the 20th minute. Butler latches onto a miscued goalkick from Fage, takes it on into the box, Prout on her shoulder, Fage recovers well slides in to save the ball at the strikers feet. 
  Attacking down the left Sandy fire the ball into Reeves 25 yards out back to goal brings it down superbly rolling her marker and getting a shot away, comes in quickly towards the near post, Ronayne has it covered gloves the head height ball down and gathers. Sharnbrook make a 2nd change taking of Richardson bring on Haley Traette-Reynolds. Reeves pressuring the ball up top wins Sandy a corner kick taken short up to Reeves outside the box on the right plays it in for Gavin inside the D, goes to barge her way through into the box 2 defenders all converge on her no way past.

Sharnbrook WFC’s Gemma Franklin with Sandy’s Harriet Ford
  Ford does well in the middle seeing the ball into her body turns and sends Gavin away down the left, taking the ball into the box looks to stab it past Ronayne as she starts to come the Sharnbrook keeper makes a great save with her foot. Sandy make a change Ashwell comes off, Kirsty Bates enters the game. Moving into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half a hot afternoon a wide pitch Sandy are seeing more of the ball win a corner on the left the ball an in swinger comes in centrally, Ronayne calls for it the ball pops out of her gloves she recovers smartly to claim the ball at the 2nd attempt. 
 GOAL! Sandy take the lead late in the 1st half the ball form the left rolled into Reeves 30 yards out controls well holding of her marker, Gavin furthest forwards moves to her right top of the D, Reeves turning picks her out, Gavin has room in behind, Ronayne comes rushing out to the edge of the area in an attempt to stop her shot, Gavin’s strike is almost stopped by the keeper but instead is deflected on behind into the goal beyond 1-0. 

Kirstie Gavin with the opening goal in the final
  Harris defends well from a corner kick heading the ball clear of her area for Sharnbrook. Harris getting up field wins a corner for Sharnbrook as the 1st half moves into the final minute. A good delivery Houghton heads it away from the six yard box falling for Strange back peddling at the top of the area she lift her leg attempting to wrap her foot around the ball connects her effort is charged down by the onrushing Sandy defence. Sharnbrook push forwards for one last attack in the 1st half Mullins on the ball left side sends a diagonal ball up towards the penalty spot but Gemma Franklin furthest forwards for Sharnbrook can’t get her head on the ball before Fage can claim it.
Half-time Sandy Ladies 1-0 Sharnbrook WFC

  A narrow advantage for Sandy Ladies as the 2 sides leave the field for half-time a 1st half of few chances, Sandy have had more of the ball particularly at the end of the half pushing on Reeves always on to receive the ball, well supported by Gavin up top. Neither goalkeeper overly worked Sharnbrook defending well the ball not sticking further forwards. 1 goal in it however all to play for 2nd half. Sandy to get it under way. Sharnbrook move in on the ball quickly turn play around, Butler is flagged offside as she gets in behind into the area from the left. 

  Traette-Reynolds gets hold of the ball for Sharnbrook left side outside the box, twists and turns looking for a way in, Butler makes a run inside through the middle, Traette-Reynolds tries to pick her out goalkeeper Fage coming off her goal line can get to it first. Sandy get forwards up the right Ford sending the ball up the line getting a throw in players moving up the pitch level with the top of the area the ball is played into the feet of Seldon right corner sends a shot in towards goal dipping Ronayne getting down to meet it makes the save.

Haley Traette-Reynolds getting the ball under her control. 

  Fuller defends for Sharnbrook as the ball is played up the line Gavin looking to get hold of it on the left winning the ball the defender clears up into the centre of midfield the ball helped on to Traette-Reynolds breaking down the left side a powerful to take her into the box her shot is blocked by Cobb deflected beyond her runs straight into her keepers gloves. A fast start to the 2nd half Bennett in the middle for Sandy has the ball cleared from her defence into her sends it long with Reeves looking to get in behind is away, Ronayne is on the move too gets the the ball just outside her area to kick clear before the striker reach it. 

Chloe Reeves looks to get away from Sharnbrook WFC captain Laura Strange

  Sharnbrook get the ball up the other end slotted through the middle into Butler plays an early pass out to Mullins peeling in behind on the left into the box with the ball takes on the shot, Fage across to cover her near post takes the ball into her body dropping low. Sandy make a change bringing off Seldon, Grace Lavelle coming on. Traette-Reynolds wins Sharnbrook a corner kick on the right the ball is swung in near post Sandy’s Meghan Roles gets her head on the ball to clear, Emily Clark getting hold of the ball outside the box looks to send it back in her volley flies wide. Sharnbrook make a change up top Butler comes off with Cunningham coming back on. 

Sarah Fuller with the defensive header for Sharnbrook WFC

  Sandy break getting the ball into space on the left for Lavelle to run into drives all the way into the box closing in on the six yard box looks to use the outside of her boot to square the ball into the centre for Reeves, Sharnbrook’s Harradine cuts the ball out runs back to Lavelle strikes it 1st time the rising ball striking the side netting. Good running from Traette-Reynolds down the right wing getting in behind the Sandy defence sends a cross into the middle too close to the keeper Fage catches before Mullins coming in from the left can reach it. 

Grace Lavelle brings the ball forwards for Sandy Ladies

 Bates gets on the ball for Sandy taking it forwards has Lavelle aiming to get into the area lifts the ball over the top, lands of Lavelle’s shoulder as she is tracked into the box dropping to her right loses sight of it momentarily giving the Sharnbrook defence a chance to recover it and clear. A free-kick for Sharnbrook as Traette-Reynolds is brought down on the right inside the Sandy half the ball is send long up to her inside the bo, ducking under the ball, Cunningham has made the run in behind the angle against her strikes the ball on the half volley a good effort however the ball screws away from goal.

  Changes for both sides Lauren Bullen on for Sandy replacing Gavin. Jackie Dadd on for Sharnbrook in place of Betts. Sandy are finding a little bit more energy getting forwards now Bullen with a central run is stopped by Clark. Reeves picks up the ball from the right time and space 30 yards out sends her shot over the bar. Roles comes off for Sandy, Kerrie Knight coming on as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. Traette-Reynolds is substituted for Sharnbrook, Smith going back on soon after Helen Spalding comes on to replace Strange. 

  GOAL! Sandy double their lead the ball from Ford into Bullen sees her drive on towards the area 25 yards out hits a powerful shot in towards goal, Ronayne saves it with her foot deflecting the all away to her right, retrieved on the byline by Reeves is sent back in towards the near post area inside the six yard box Bullen is their following up and turned the ball past the keeper blasting the ball into the back of the net 2-0 her 1st goal for the club too.

Lauren Bullen scores to makes it 2-0 for Sandy Ladies

  Bates comes off for Sandy Abigail Stock coming on with less than 10 minutes left. Ashwell returns to the action after Houghton takes a knock at the back. Ford and Reeves are rested too, Gavin and Seldon back on Seldon blocking a strike from outside the box by Mullins as Cunningham gets the ball into her from the right. Sharnbrook push forwards late on Mullins putting a shot wide across the face of goal a she is slide in left side into the box. 

  Sandy have dropped deep late on despite the 2-0 lead inviting Sharnbrook onto then, Prout intercepting a ball played forwards by Franklin. Pushing up are caught on the counter as trying to clear the ball it in deflected in behind Cunningham after it clear to run at goal, Fage racing out to the top of her area saves well with her legs. Despite the late pressure from Sharnbrook, Sandy hold on and celebrate winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy at the final whistle.

Full time Sandy Ladies 2-0 Sharnbrook WFC

  Hot out there a great effort from both sides Sandy claiming the win leading by a single goal at the break created the better chances not making the result safe until the latter stages of the match end their season on a high with a 3rd place finish and silverware. Sharnbrook had their opportunities but not clinical didn’t convert them.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

 
A solid defensive display from Sandy Ladies in today’s final and Faye Prout is narrowly beaten to the SWF Blog – Player of the Match by fellow centreback Pearl Houghton good positioning making some important interceptions and cutting out through balls winning more than her fair share of tackles too.
  Congratulations to Sandy Ladies on winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy Final.
The Chris Renshaw Trophy Winners, Sandy Ladies
  My thanks to both clubs for helping me out with the teams today very much appreciated.

Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final

Cup Final Report – Watton Ladies v Houghton Athletic Ladies

 
 Onto the 2nd of today’s Beds & Herts Finals game, the Women’s League Cup with Watton Ladies or Houghton Athletic Ladies looking to win the trophy for the 1st time this afternoon.

  For Watton Ladies based at Watton at Stone in Hertfordshire this is an opportunity to win a league and cup double having already won the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two title to earn promotion back to Division One after a two season absence finishing 8 points clear of what was proving to be a competitive league. Have scored plenty of goals this season with Frankie Smithers way out in front as top scorer netting 32 goals so far.

  Joining the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League in the 2014/15 season Houghton Athletic Ladies based in Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire have been on the rise since 2 successive promotions to reach Division One finishing 6th in the table have reached their 1st ever final. Emma Hawkes and Ciara Craig are the clubs top scorers this season with 10 goals each. Most of the players have come through the youth side progressing into women’s football.

Road to the Final
 
Watton Ladies began their league cup campaign away to fellow Division Two side Flitwick Ladies in the 1st Round winning the tie 3-1 to advance to the 2nd Round where again they were drawn away to another Division Two side Hitchin Belles plenty of goals scored in this one Hitchin Belles scoring 4, Watton going on to win the game 7-4. Another away trip in the quarter finals and again it was Division Two opposition, Evergreen Ladies. Watton Ladies winning 3-1 to reach the semi-finals were they were on the road for the 4th successive tie this time up against Division One side Hitchin Town Ladies coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller winning the game 4-3 to reach the final of the League Cup.
  Houghton Athletic Ladies started their league cup campaign at home in the 1st Round taking on Division Three newcomers Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues a 3-0 victory seeing them safely into the 2nd Round. At home against Sharnbrook WFC who had come up with them to Division One this season a good result winning 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals. Drawn away to Division Two side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets it was a close game a narrow win for Houghton Athletic Ladies going through to the semi-finals with a 4-3 win. A tough test in the semi-finals drawn away to fellow Division One side Bishops Stortford Ladies who would go on to win the title. The game going all the way to extra-time 0-0 after 90 minutes. Shakeela Hussain scoring the goal that sent Houghton Athletic Ladies into today’s League Cup Final.
  Refuelled with a fish finger bap during the break between matches. If anything it’s gotten warmer as the afternoon moves on difficult conditions for both sides to play in hot and dusty out on the pitch. A good crowd building for the game. 

  Watton Ladies starting XI – Dionne Batchelor, Zoe Hammick, Zoe Garvey, Heidi Nash (C) Kerry-Anne Paul, Beth Willing, Lizzie Dowton, Emma Carter, Sammy Edgar, Chloe Jones & Frankie Smithers.
  subs – Codie Page, Kirsty Richardson, Mollie Rouse, Chloe Hazelwood, Heather Dean, Bethan Love & Gemma Penny. 

  Houghton Athletic Ladies starting XI – Sophie Wicks, Jodie Patterson, Georgia Casey, Emily Peat, Emily Fearn (C), Rachel Spendelow, Sinead Borsah, Shakeela Hussain, Ciara Craig, Holly Thompson & Charlotte Ross.

  subs –  Kelly Rees, Charlotte Cook, Louise Spendelow, Victoria Peck. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s Watton to get the League Cup Final started taking kick-off wearing yellow shirts with black shorts and socks. Houghton lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves and across the top of the chest, blue shorts and socks. Houghton are straight out of the blocks pressing Watton on the ball in the centre of midfield, Rachel Spendelow getting the ball out to the right Houghton have a free-kick the ball send long up into the box runners peeling in behind goalkeeper Dionne Batchelor is well placed to catch the ball. 
  Holly Thompson taking the ball out to the right for Houghton wins her side a corner kick and inswinging delivery, Kerry-Anne Paul heads the ball away for Watton, Sammy Edgar on for Frankie Smithers up top looking to find space on the right is tackled the ball away for a throw-in. Zoe Garvey comes forwards from right back to take it for Watton has a big throw n her tries to pick out Chloe Jones positioned just inside the area on the right, jumps the ball over her Smithers trying to get there, Spendelow falling back as the ball drops to her kicks it away. 
  Launching a quick counter attack the ball put up through the middle Ciara Craig is away getting onto the ball, Batchelor comes charging out of her area to meet her blocks the ball with her hands as Craig tries to lift it beyond her, the referee blows up a decision to be made a clear goal scoring chance denied? Batchelor is well out of her area, defenders were recovering both sides, early in the game the goalkeeper is shown a yellow card an indirect free kick for Houghton. The set-piece rolled into Shakeela Hussain shoots high on target, Batchelor gets her gloves up to make the save the ball dropping down into the six yard box is cleared off the line a nervous start from Watton.
   Watton’s Beth Willing pressuring the ball high up the field on the right gets in behind Houghton’s Jodie Patterson looking to run on with the ball the defender gets back on her to tackle and put the ball out for the throw. Houghton win the ball put into the box on for Sinead Borsah passes it out to Thompson moving out to the right wing the ball is cut back in towards the corner of the area with Craig on the move Emma Carter intercepts and clears for Watton. 
  Smithers taking the ball out to the left channel as Jones heads it on for her cutting back inside crosses from the edge of the box just beyond Carter inside the area, retrieves it back to goal forced the other way, Jones tries to support they try the give and go doesn’t quite come off. A frustrating start for Watton a few arguments between players. Houghton come on through the middle, Borsah inside the box getting the ball played into her from the right by Thompson lays it back out to Hussain all of 25 yards out strikes the ball early her effort sailing over the crossbar.
 
Houghton Athletic Ladies, Sinead Borsah
  Edgar looks to get on the ball for Watton in the middle bringing it on looks to play it over the top for Willing ahead of her, Emily Fearn Houghton’s captain gets her head on the ball to stop the attack. Garvey carries the ball down the right for Watton fires a diagonal ball low in towards the box, Fearn cuts it out deflected in behind goalkeeper Sophie Wicks comes across diving to claim the ball stopping it going behind for the corner as Smithers closes her down. Houghton make a change bringing off Ross sending on Louise Spendelow, Rachel’s twin sister.
Watton Ladies, Frankie Smithers with Houghton’s Louise Spendelow
  Houghton maintain their great start to the game pressing forwards Craig puts the ball into Hussain left of the D outside the box sends a low shot in towards goal runs narrowly wide of the near post. Willing charges down the ball for Watton inside the Houghton half moving left down the line cuts inside looks to fire the ball across the 18 yard box with Jones coming in, Borsah tracking back wins it for Houghton launches a counter attack the ball up into Hussain making the run through the middle, Zoe Hammick gets back on the attacker tackling to win the ball. Half an hour of the 1st half played the referee calls for a drinks break is very hot out there and dusty. 
 

Sammy Edgar

Houghton win a throw deep on the right from the restart played inside to Rachel Spendelow she sends a high ball looping up into the box far post with Hussain closing in Batchelor keeps her eye on the ball makes a good claim. Edgar comes out with the ball from a 50/50 challenge bringing it on rolls the pass on for Smithers strikes the ball from outside the area along the ground, Wicks gets down to her left makes a good stop even as the ball bobbles up before her.

A free-kick for Watton won on the left inside the Houghton half the ball lofted up into the area, Fearn headers it clear unchallenged. 38 minutes of the 1st half played. Garvey with the throw in on the right for Watton puts it into Edgar right corner of the box, tries to lay it off for Jones who in return looks to put it in behind with Edgar spinning off her marker the ball is cut out cleared back to Garvey on the right her cross goes long towards the far post, Lizzie Dowton can’t bring it down under her control quick enough before being closed down.
    GOAL! As with the earlier final the opening goal comes late in the 1st half, Houghton having been the better side take the lead the ball cleared at the back up to Craig breaking in behind over the halfway line knocking the ball on Batchelor has come rushing out of her area whenever Houghton play the ball in behind her defence. Comes running out to close Craig down, getting her shot away early Craig lobs the advancing keeper the ball bouncing its way into the empty net beyond 0-1.

Ciara Craig gives Houghton Athletic
Ladies the lead




 A double switch for Houghton, Hussain and Thompson off, Ross comes back on along with Charlotte Cook. Smithers closing the ball down for Watton pressures Houghton into giving away a corner kick, a good delivery into the far post Jones gets up to head the up, looping into the air, Wicks catches it cleanly as it falls. Edgar latches onto a defensive clearance 30 yards out splitting the Houghton centrebacks puts the ball into Smithers moving to the right inside the area is falling as the ball runs across her gets a shot away but not in control of the ball it swerves away from the near post behind for the goal kick. 

  Into stoppage time in the 1st half Houghton have a corner kick as Dowton cuts out a cross, taken from the right, Edgar near side headers the ball over for another corner, this one cleared Watton try to break the ball is won back by Houghton, Emily Peat with Craig link up the ball sent on up into the area, Batchelor gets down to smother the ball.

Half-time Watton Ladies 0-1 Houghton Athletic Ladies

 The second final of the day sees one side leading the other by a single goal the advantage to Houghton after a strong 1st half performance pressing Watton early taking advantage of their nervous start without finding an early goal creating chances and getting players forwards. Craig getting the break through late in the half. Watton have had a few half chances but for the larger part of the 1st half have found themselves on the back foot passes going astray but with just a single goal in it are far from out of the final.
  Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half Gemma Penny on for Watton, Fearn off for Houghton, Houghton get the 2nd half underway getting forwards the ball into Hussain outside the area left side rolls it across for Rachel Spendelow running onto the ball 20 yards out blasts a shot in towards goal, Batchelor with a good save getting her gloves up to deflect the ball away to her right Cook running onto it blazes her strike over the bar.
 Houghton attack the ball with Craig left side takes it into the box before firing a cross in towards Rachel Spendelow can’t quite get there, Peat beyond her brings the ball down puts her foot trough the shot deflects off Dowton spinning away for a corner kick. Louise Spendelow to put into the area, Paul gets it away for Watton. Getting up field for Houghton, Louise Spendelow wins a corner the ball played in towards the near post Watton captain Heidi Nash heads the ball clear from danger. Just wide from Craig shooting from outside the box left side a Peat plays the ball into her, with the keeper rushing out to meet her gets the ball past her rolls narrowly wide of the far post. 
Watton Ladies captain Heidi Nash
  Another opportunity for Craig a minute later as she latches onto a defensive clearance 30 yards out shifts the ball onto her right foot puts her strike over the crossbar. Houghton make a change Fearn going back on with Rachel Spendelow coming off. 
 GOAL! Houghton double their lead capitalising on their good start to the 2nd half attacking down the left wing the shot/cross is fired into the six yard box Batchelor gets down to it makes the stop hasn’t got the ball however pushing it across the face of goal Craig is the nearest and buries the ball into the back of the net 0-2. 23 minutes left on the clock.

Ciara Craig with her 2nd of the game for Houghton Athletic Ladies

  Has been all Houghton 2nd have dominating the ball Watton can’t find their attackers. Edgar has been fired up all game for Watton winning the ball surges forwards through the middle, Borsah goes with her putting in a good tackle to win the ball just as Edgar thinks about shooting. Peat pulls up holding the top of her leg as she looks to run in behind on the right, the referee calls the trainer on and signals a drinks break. Play resumes a double switch for Houghton Peat and Borsah off, Cook and Rachel Spendelow return to the pitch.

  Ross brings the ball out from the back for Houghton no one comes to challenge so she carries it over half way riding the tackle when it does finally come in goes on getting closed down let’s loose a shot from 25 yards out the ball curling away from goal. A triple change for Watton, Garvey, Nash and Penny coming off, Kirsty Richardson, Chloe Hazelwood and Heather Dean on.

  A throw for Watton on the left inside the Houghton half, into Edgar falls under challenge but spinning  gets the ball into Smithers plays it on for Dowton moving centrally to the top of the area, Cook gets across her to take the ball off her toes out to the right Watton in it fire a high ball in towards the far post Wicks takes it down confidently. Wicks is hurt moments later sliding in to deny Smithers as the striker is played in from the right wing. Treatment needed by Wicks is up and okay to play on as Kelly Rees is sent out to get warmed up just in case. 

  Borsah does come back on replacing Thompson with less than 10 minutes of the game left. The substitute gets hold of the ball going forwards plays it on for Cook on the left sends a cross in high near post, Batchelor plucks it down out of the air. Borsah on the ball again passes to Craig running ahead of her moving right of goal shoots from outside the area her strike running wide of the far post. Mollie Rouse comes on for Watton Ladies replacing Jones. 

Houghton’s Sinead Borsah holding off Watton’s Edgar

  A good effort from Rachel Spendelow from outside the box right of the D 20 yards out as the ball is deflected into her path from a Borsah cross on the right leaning back into her shot the rising ball looks to be heading for the top corner veers sharply late on taking it wide of goal. Good work from Rachel Spendelow in the middle getting hold of the ball takes it out to the right Cook in space on the right Spendelow plays it on for her to go after getting hold of it fires the ball into Craig inside the area near post strikes it 1st time Dowton throwing herself at it making the block taking the ball behind for the corner kick. 

 
 GOAL! The corner kick is played in high, Rouse getting up for Watton can only head the ball on towards the far post, dropping into the keepers gloves Batchelor under pressure from Rachel Spendelow spills it, the Houghton midfielder reacting quickest stabs the ball past the keeper and into the goal beyond to extend Houghton’s lead in the 90th minute 0-3.

Rachel Spendelow scores Houghton’s 3rd goal late on

  A bit of injury time to be played Houghton maintain their dominance, Watton can’t get hold of the ball Cook plays the ball into Craig outside the box, Making room for a strike, Hazelwood gets across to put in the challenge. The ball played up to Watton’s Smithers by Dean the striker shoots from outside the box Wicks saving at her near post. Dean is down and has to come off Carter going back on. Another powerful run wide right from Smithers drives her shot into the side netting.

 Houghton get hold of the ball Rachel Spendelow on for Victoria Peck central has Cook cutting into the area from the right playing the ball into her feet lays it inside for Thompson 8 yards out turns and shoots placing her attempt wide of the far post. One final chance for Watton to pull a goal back a great ball from Edgar up into Smithers right inside the area fires a shot across the goal, Richardson racing in far post can’t quite reach it as it runs wide. The final whistle blows and Houghton Athletic Ladies celebrate winning their 1st final.

Full time Watton Ladies 0-3 Houghton Athletic Ladies

   In the end a dominant display from Houghton Athletic Ladies, pressing from the start maintained that energy throughout moving the ball quickly, rotating their substitutes regularly on a hit afternoon. Frustrated Watton early on and they never found their rhythm throughout the game had little opportunity to attack 2nd half Houghton adding to the goal they scored in the 1st half going on to win 3-0.  
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final goes to Houghton Athletic Ladies midfielder Rachel Spendelow a superb all round performance, working hard to win the ball in the middle disrupt and frustrate Watton get others into the attack getting forwards herself and capping it all off with a goal.
Houghton Athletic Ladies celebrate winning the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup
 Congratulations to Houghton Athletic Ladies upon winning today’s Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final.
  Commiserations to Watton Ladies but they still had something to celebrate as they collected their awards for winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two League title. Congratulation’s to Watton on becoming league Champions.
Watton Ladies celebrating winning the Division Two title
 A great day out at AFC Kempston Rovers FC, my thanks again to both clubs with the team details and to all the BHWGFL committee members today for their assistance.

The Round-Up – Essex 30/04/17

The Round-Up

Essex – Sunday 30th April

Essex Women’s Premier Division

5 games played across the 2 divisions in Essex this Sunday, 2 of them in the Essex Women’s Premier Division. 4th placed Runwell Sports Ladies were paying their last game of the season have been strong in the league holding that position for much of the campaign. Ended the season on a high with a big away win against bottom side Walden Ladies. Samantha Delves scoring a hat-trick in the match, Sophie Olley with a brace, Rachel Selfe and Grace Nightingale both celebrating a goal each in a 7-0 win.

In the other match played in the Premier Division this Sunday, Eastern Avenue in 6th place won away to Wickford Town Ladies 2-1. Have 4 games left to play and could yet chase down 4th placed Runwell Sports Ladies the gap 7 points.

Harlow Town Ladies already crowned Champions looking to end the season with another 100% winning record are likely to be awarded the 3 points after opponents Lawford Ladies couldn’t raise a side in what was to be Harlow Town’s final league match. A fantastic achievement as they leave the County league behind and set their sights on the ERWFL next season.. you have been warned. Similar for 3rd placed Chelmsford City Ladies after their opponents Chigwell Ladies were also unable to field a team this weekend.

Essex Women’s Division One

  At the top of Essex Women’s Division One, Frontiers Ladies and Corringham Cosmos both new sides to the league this season have secured the promotion spots all that remains is to see who will win the title. The sides hadn’t met yet this season until this Sunday. Leading the table by 3 points Frontiers with 14 wins out of 14 so far were at home a win would put them 6 points clear with 3 to play, a win for Corringham Cosmos would put the sides level on points and see Frontiers beaten for the 1st time in the league this season.

Always going to be a close contest Frontiers took the lead early in the 1st half Kelly Holsworth with a strike from 35 yards flying over the keeper and into the back of the net. Further chances followed Sharon Ferguson seeing her strike from 25 yards come back of the post. A narrow lead for Frontiers at half-time. Corringham levelled the scores 15 minutes into the 2nd half striker Chloe Sams with the goal. Both sides looking for a winner it came in the final 10 minutes after a delay due to a head clash that saw Frontiers Emma Parker needing hospital treatment after the match. It was the home side celebrating as Kay Foy sent a Freya Liiv cross into the back of the net. 4 points from their final 3 games will see Frontiers win the league title.

 Another new sides to the league this season Collier Row Athletic are enjoying a good season in 3rd place were playing their penultimate league game of the season at home to bottom side Waltham Forest Ladies. A hat-trick each for Daisy Chapman and Shania Mogridge for Collier Row Athletic along with a brace for Jordan Whitlock. Emily Dempsey, Cheyenne Denny-Walker Jessica Mortimer and Amara Drummond all grabbing themselves a goal too in an emphatic 12-0 win.

Harlow Town Ladies won their penultimate league game away from home 2-0 against Chelmsford City Ladies in 7th. Takes their winning streak in the league to 6 matches great form as the season draws to a close. 

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 30/04/17

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 30th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Cambridge United WFC Reserves have achieved an amazing treble as they won at the weekend to wrap up the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership title. Having won in midweek away to fellow title contenders Newmarket Town Ladies 3-1 knew one more win would secure the league to add to the Junior Invitation Cup and League Cup already in the bank. Were at home to another potential title hopeful and often close rival Cambridge University Women. Goals from Lauren Gibson and Ebony Rule taking the strike duo onto 18 & 19 goals respectfully along with a goal from Faith Hewitt seeing Cambridge United WFC Reserves to a 3-0 win. 

Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC Reserves on their fantastic achievement.

  That midweek loss to Cambridge United WFC Reserves dealt a hammer blow to Newmarket Town Ladies own title hopes needing their rivals to drop points now it was vital they picked up maximum points from their final games. Were at home this Sunday taking on St Ives Town Ladies. A result that could have gone either way a single goal settled the game and it was St Ives Town Ladies leaving the Ridgeons Stadium with the win, Hannah Seymour Shove scoring the winning goal.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

With league leaders March Town United Ladies not in action this Sunday it was a chance for their closest rival 2nd placed Swineshead Institute Ladies to close the gap to 3 points as they travelled to place 2nd bottom side Hungate Rovers Ladies. But despite a goal for Ellie Spendlow, Swineshead became unstuck suffering defeat as Hungate Rovers won the game 3-1 to record just their 3rd league win of the season.

That loss saw Wisbech Town Ladies take advantage and climb above them into 2nd spot as they were taking on local rivals Wisbech St Mary Ladies for the 2nd successive weekend winning at home last Sunday made it a double win taking all 3 points in the away fixture Sophie Gutteridge scoring all of their goals in a 4-1 victory. With one game left to play however Wisbech Town Ladies can’t catch March United Ladies.

6th placed Boston United Ladies and 5th placed Ketton Ladies were both awarded a home win at the weekend. One more game from the Championship North to bring you played this Tuesday P&L Diamonds hosting Ketton Ladies, plenty of goals in this one, 4 goals for Courtney Coles, a brace for Emma Pollard with a goal each for Katie Steward, Courtney Hammond and Georgia Clarke seeing P&L Motors Diamonds take the 3 points with a 9-3 win.

That result leaves only one side who can catch March Town United Ladies now, Swineshead Institute Ladies in 3rd they are away to Boston United Ladies on Thursday night. Loose it and March Town United will need just a point from their final 3 games, should they win March Town United need 4 points to see them become league champions.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

The league title in the Cambridgeshire Championship South has already been settled, Cambridge City Ladies Development taking the title. Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves are now confirmed as runners-up after results went their way at the weekend. The only side who could catch them Milton Ladies at home to 2nd bottom Cambridge Rangers. Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks took her seasons goals tally to 32 with a brace but it wasn’t enough to secure the 3 points as Cambridge Rangers found the back of the net at the other end to take home a good point. Milton dropping to 4th with Fulbourn Bluebirds getting awarded a home win against bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies in their final fixture. 

5th placed Riverside Reserves were at home to Isleham United Ladies in their penultimate league game. Amy Magnus and Hannah Stubbs both netting a brace in the game with a goal each for Clare Knibbs and Jess Hill seeing the home side win 6-1. Louisa Harwood with the goal for Isleham United Ladies who finish 6th.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 30/04/17

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – Sunday 30th April

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

The final day of the league in the Beds & Herts Women’s football season at the Division One title had come down the the final day, has been competitive all season, this Sunday 3 sides could all clinch the league. Sandy Ladies leading for much of the season going top following a midweek win against Sharnbrook WFC 3 points clear of 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies and 3rd placed Bishops Stortford Ladies both however with a superior goal difference it couldn’t have ended any closer.

 Sherrardswood Ladies were hosting Sharnbrook WFC, Laura Cousins breaking the deadlock on the 30th minute for the home side won the 3 points by a single goal. Sandy Ladies were hosting Bishops Stortford knowing a point would be enough to see them finish top of the table. Scored twice Harriet Ford and Chloe Reeves on target for Sandy. Bishops Stortford hadn’t led all season, peaked at the right moment, a brace from top scorer Kathryn Stanley along with goals for Rosee Golding and Brooke White seeing them with the game 4-2 and take the title by a single goal finishing top above Sherrardswood to become Champions.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One Champions Bishops Stortford Ladies (picture source Bishops Stortford Ladies)

Congratulations to Bishops Stortford Ladies on winning the league.

 One more game from Division One on Sunday with St Albans Ladies having secured a 4th place finishing ending with a big home win against bottom side Hitchin Town Ladies. The sides level at the break drawing 1-1 St Albans went on to win 6-2 in the 2nd half. Both Katie Grehan and Megan Samuels scoring a brace with a goal each for Ellie Lovelock and Katherine Hatton. Emma Chaffey and Natalie Thompson getting the goals for Hitchin Town Ladies.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

Two games to end the season in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two where Watton Ladies have won the title. 4th placed Garston Ladies FC 96 could have secured a 3rd place finish with a win in their final league match away to Royston Town Ladies Reserves. as it was the home side ended the season with 3 more points to take them above Hitchin Belles with a narrow 2-1 win goals from Anne Chambers and Bethany Sturridge seeing them to victory, Holly Jury scoring for Garston Ladies FC 96.

  Bottom of the league Evergreen Ladies ended their season with a good result away to closest rivals in the table Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets top scorers Natalie Maher with a brace along with a goal for Rebecca Freeman seeing Evergreen Ladies win 3-0.

  One more weekend of fixtures to come this Sunday 7th May a cup double, Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC in the newly created competition The Chris Renshaw Trophy kicking off at 1:00pm at AFC Kempston Rovers FC, then onto the League Cup at 4:00pm being contested this season between Watton Ladies and Houghton Athletic Ladies. Will be covering both games for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and you’ll see how both games went in next weeks Round-Up best of luck to all the finalists.

The Round-Up – Suffolk 30/04/17

The Round-Up

Suffolk Women’s Division – Sunday 30th April

The final day of the league season on Suffolk this Sunday all league positions decided last weekend the only thing to remain was whether new League Champions, Ipswich Town Ladies Development could go the entire season unbeaten. At home taking on East Bergholt United Ladies who had secured a 3rd placed finish. Ipswich Town found themselves trailing 1-0 at half-time with Jodie Sharp netting for East Bergholt. A frustrating afternoon for Ipswich Town they found an equalising goal in the 2nd half to take a point from the match, Jennifer Purbrook scoring. The result sees Ipswich Town end their 1st season unbeaten with 12 wins and 2 draws. Face East Bergholt United Ladies again on Thursday night replacing Bacton United Ladies who were disqualified, in the Suffolk Women’s League Cup Final at Woodbridge Town FC.

  2nd placed Walsham Le Willows Ladies ended the season with a draw at home to 5th placed Bacton United Ladies coming back in the 2nd half from 2-1 down to draw 2-2. A brace for Eleanor Catchpole seeing Bacton United Ladies lead at the break, goals from Gemma Carter and Norma Locker seeing Walsham Le Willows earn a point.

  Copleston Ladies ended a difficult season on a high last season’s Champions winning well away from home against Leiston St Margarets Ladies goals from Jemma Wessels and Elysia Young along with a brace for Sophie Crane seeing Copleston win 4-0.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 30/04/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 30th April

A slightly different Round-Up for Norfolk this week, just the 3 games played over the weekend all of them Cup Finals! Starting with the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final on Friday night with defending cup holders, Thorpe United Ladies up against Wymondham Town Ladies appearing in their 1st ever County Cup Final. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog was there to cover that game then onto Sunday for the Leagues own finals day at Plantation Park 3 finals played in total the SWF Blog covering 2 the Ladies League Plate Final between King’s Lynn Town Ladies & Sprowston Ladies followed by the League Cup Final with Bungay Town Ladies taking on Thorpe United Ladies playing again less than 48 hours after their County Cup game. As all 3 finals will be published here anyway I figured I’d make it a Round-Up special.

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

First published Friday 28th April

Cup Final Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

 

  For the 2nd Friday in row the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is covering another final under the lights, this time at The FDC Field of Dreams to watch the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final between Wymondham Town Ladies and Thorpe United Ladies the current holders of the trophy.

  Two sides that have featured regularly on the SWF Blog since it began featuring on the post match reports after it’s launch in 2013. In that time Thorpe United have always been a force in the women’s game in Norfolk. Regular visitors to The FDC too having appeared in 4 of the last 5 finals, finally winning the trophy after 3 losses the last in the 2014/15 season losing on penalties to Acle United Ladies. Last season it was an all Norfolk Women’s Division One clash with Thorpe United playing Aylsham FC Ladies a 2-0 victory final seeing them collect winners medals and lift the trophy. 

  Ahead in the Norfolk Division One table this season, have the possibility of claiming a treble this season as not only have Thorpe United reached the final of the County Cup but also the League Cup, a good test for Martin Francis’ squad however as the finals are less than 48 hours apart with the League Cup on Sunday afternoon. 

  Wymondham Town Ladies have come a long way to in that time, progressing each season, Manager Alex Guy seeing them to League Cup success in 2015, went on to win the Norfolk Division One title the next season and take promotion to the Eastern Regional Women’s Football League (ERWFL) building a squad to compete at a higher level a successful campaign saw Wymondham Town clinch 3rd spot in Division One aswell as reach the semi-finals of the League Cup where they were knocked out by Haringey Borough Women who would go onto become the ERWFL Premier Division Champions. Have reached the final of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history, looking to end the season with silverware.

Road to the Final

   Both sides with a bye in the 1st Round of the County Cup this season. neither was to kick a ball in the 2nd Round either as both were awarded the away win against lower league opponents. Thorpe have  seen an unusual amount of games called off against them this season and as it was progressed all the way to the semi-finals without kicking a ball awarded the win in the quarter finals with their opponents unable to field a team. 
  Wymondham were drawn at home to Norfolk Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies breezed into the semi-finals with a 7-1 victory. Onto the semi-finals a repeat of last season’s final for Thorpe as they were drawn at home to Aylsham FC Ladies the score the same as in that final a 2-0 win for Thorpe making it a 5th County Cup final appearance. A clash between the two ERWFL sides in the other semi-final with Wymondham away to Acle United Ladies playing in the league above them challenging for the Premier Division title. 1-0 down at half-time, Wymondham came back with a strong 2nd half performance to get themselves into a 4-1 lead before Acle United found a goal late on 4-2 the final score Wymondham reaching the final of the County Cup for the 1st time in their history.
  The Football Development Centre (FDC) in Bowthorpe on the outskirts of Norwich the venue for tonight’s final the sun setting over the pitch opposite the small mainstand as the teams warmed up. A good sized pitch in good condition plenty of people coming in to watch what should be an intriguing final. Changeable weather all week was nice and dry after a warm today for the match. Modern technology being embraced by Norfolk FA as a flying drone buzzed over head as the two sides walked out for the opening presentations.
Buzzing above the pitch, Norfolk FA’s drone capturing the opening presentation from a new angle
  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Chelsea Clarke, Gemma Sanders, Rachel Cossey (C), Amber Cantwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Nicholls, Alice Collins & Laura Wiseman.

  subs – Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Lily Ray & Ella Swift.

Wymondham Town Ladies

  Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Bethan Sommerfield, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Lisa-Marie Riches, Lauren Kett, Alice Ford, Jade Powell, Shanice Sutton, Vivian Moyo, Laura Hedtke & Rebekah Lake (C)
  subs – Nicole Read, Chelsea Clark & Edie Wright.

 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Thorpe United Ladies
    Wymondham to take the kick-off 1st half wearing red shirts and black shorts with black and red hooped socks with Thorpe lined up opposite in their away colours luminous green shirts with black across the top of the chest and sleeves. Black shorts and socks. Wymondham play the ball out to the right as they attack right from the off, Laura Nicholls that side taking the all down the line before firing a cross into the box, too close to the goalkeeper, Cara Anderson claims for Thorpe.
  Building from the back Thorpe play the ball into Alice Ford in the middle on for Shanice Sutton on the left the ball at her feet looks to run at the Wymondham defence coming inside is tackled by Leah Newcombe before she can fashion a shot outside the box. Wymondham waste no time in getting the ball forwards targeting ex-Thorpe striker, Laura Wiseman who is Wymondham’s top scorer with 20 goals this season making a run through the centre, Lauren Kett steps up from the defence to intercept the ball. 
  A positive start from both sides, Thorpe in particular looking to close the ball down early on squeeze the Wymondham defence. Playing up front for Thorpe Laura Hedtke sees the ball into her feet from the midfield holding it up well outside the box left of goal, tries to turn inside, closely marked by Newcombe the defence puts her foot in to win the ball. Another opportunity for Hedtke as Thorpe are awarded a free-kick on halfway the ball fired up into the box, the striker brings down well looks to turn and shot finds the room top of the area putting it low, Wymondham goalkeeper, Ashleigh O’Callaghan gets down to her right to make the save.
Wymondham’s Leah Newcombe headers the ball clear before Thorpe’s
Laura Hedtke can get in behind.
  Thorpe are building momentum, Lisa-Marie Riches wins the ball at the back as Wiseman looks to knock the ball in behind played up to Sutton halfway has Rebekah Lake, Thorpe’s captain available for the ball ahead of her plays the pass, Lake has Hedtke to her left threads the ball into her run as she comes into the box from the left channel shoots on the angle Anderson hols onto the ball at her near post. 
  Another free-kick for Thorpe sent up into the area, players attack the ball, Bethany Fretwell heading it out of the area for Wymondham, Vivian Moyo closing down outside the box for Thorpe 25 yards out plays it out to Sutton left side top corner of the area puts the cross in finds Lake near post puts the ball straight into Anderson from close range the keeper holding onto the ball. Just wide from Lake as the striker gets in behind the ball dropping over her shoulder as she enters the box, won’t drop quick enough as O’Callaghan comes to close her down, Fretwell on her shoulder Lake manages to connect with the ball knocking it past the keeper but also wide of goal.
  Wymondham have for the most part been looking to get the ball into Wiseman in the early stages up top, the striker finds a space in behind on the right into the box one on one with the keeper as Anderson starts to come shoots, the keeper palming the ball behind making the save. Playing into towards the near post the flick on catches a Thorpe defender in the face and the referee stops play so she can receive treatment. 
  Thorpe get the ball up the other end quickly as play resumes Moyo linking up with Lake moving into space on the right winning a corner kick on that side the high ball into the box is headed clear by Fretwell. Wymondham are struggling to get their attacking players on the ball, Amber Cantwell coming back to help the defence win the ball has it outside her own area looks to carry it forwards, Thorpe move in quickly to stop her, Jade Powell winning the ball. 20 minutes played and Thorpe are looking the most likely to open the scoring.
  Powell with a shot from 30 yards for Thorpe as she receives it from Hedtke after more good hold up play inside the box back to goal sees the midfielder free rolls the ball back out to her Powell hitting the ball 1st time her effort has the pace but isn’t on target. A great ball from Kett at the back for Sutton off the shoulder of the last defender left side for Thorpe shoots from outside the box her effort wide of the near post. Thorpe have identified Cantwell as Wymondham’s main threat and she fouled inside her own half.
 GOAL! 25 minutes played and the deadlock is broken. The ball from the free-kick is cleared and Thorpe play it up field quickly, Lake is an extremely difficult player to mark, diminutive and pacey always looking for space whenever her side win the ball, central as the ball comes to her 25 yards out peels off her marker moving right taking the ball on a touch turns back inside and curls a 20 yard shot across the keeper and into the back of the net 0-1.
 
Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake opening the scoring
  Wymondham look for an immediate response from the restart the ball by captain Rachel Cossey out to Gemma Sanders on the right driving on her cross/shot flies into the side netting. A couple of refereeing decisions leave the Thorpe supporters bemused as they go against their side. Wiseman brings the ball down onto her chest has Kayleigh Holloway looking to go on the left side gets the ball into her feet taking it on, Thorpe right back Bethan Sommerfield gets back on her sliding in to put the ball out for the throw. 
   Over the top from Thorpe, Lake after it, O’Callaghan out quickly to the edge of her box to win the race scoop the ball out, then gives the ball away with a misplaced ball out of her area straight at Lake, right side knocks in on into the box, shaping to shoot Fretwell covers the ground throwing herself into the challenge to take the ball away from the striker for the corner kick. Fretwell is on hand from the corner to clear as Hedtke looks to knock it on.
  Wiseman almost in behind as Cossey puts the ball into her feet, top of the area, between Kett and the on rushing Anderson the striker is squeezed of the ball. Moyo doing well on the right for Thorpe finds room is played in behind taking the ball down the channel fires a cross into the area just evades Hedtke on the penalty spot.
  Sanders with the ball 20 yards out right has Alice Collins on the overlap sends the ball into her run taking the ball on squares it across the six yard box evading Anderson at her near post is cleared by Summerfield. Wymondham keep possession in the final 3rd win a free-kick wide right players come forwards from the back a great ball into the box Fretwell rising centrally sees her head directed across goal run narrowly wide. A change for Wymondham as they bring off Nicholls send on Lily Ray.
  Moyo and Lake look to combine down the left, Chelsea Clarke closes Lake down tackling  the ball out for a throw, played back to Summerfield the defender plays the ball up into the box long Sutton attempts to bring it down manages to knock it forwards trying to put it across the six yard box is charged down spinning away for the corner. Ford gets up near post to try and reach it doesn’t connect the ball bouncing safely across the six yard box. 
  Lake forces a great save from O’Callaghan as she rolls her marker top of the box pulls the trigger the keeper down smartly. Powell is booked as she up ends Cantwell trying to carry the ball away from her area. Into 1st half stoppage time Wymondham come forwards Wiseman making a run centre to left the ball dropped into her run has space charging into the box unleashes a shot the ball rising Anderson takes it well at head height. Holloway takes the ball on down the left getting inside Summerfield the defender recovering makes the challenge as Holloway enters the box the ball back to Anderson.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-1 Thorpe United Ladies

  Thorpe good value for their lead at half-time have pressed the ball well and created more chances Lake putting them ahead midway through the 1st half. A below par 1st half from Wymondham haven’t been able to find any rhythm. At 1-0 down they are far from out of the game, need a much improved 2nd half however more than capable of turning thing’s around.
  A change for Wymondham at half-time Collins taken off Nicholls back on as Thorpe get the 2nd half underway. The ball is won in the middle by Wymondham passes out to Wiseman carrying it down the right wing, squares a pacey cross in towards the near post inside the six yard box missed by a defender comes at Nicholls quickly behind her, gets her foot on the ball leaning back sends her shot up over the bar.
Wymondham’s Chelsea Clarke getting up to
challenge Lake for the ball
  A good start to the 2nd half from Wymondham, Sanders right getting forwards linking with Nicholls the cross is long to the far side of the area, Holloway can’t get it under her control before Summerfield closes her down. Sanders on the move down the right looks to get in behind, Olivia Mungham-Gray up well to head the ball to safety. Cantwell is brought down in a dangerous position outside the box right of the D, with Holloway who runs over the ball Cantwell strikes the ball wide across goal, has to be retaken however as the wall moved before the ball was struck albeit because of Holloway’s dummy. Cantwell clips the 2nd delivery up in towards the far post runners closing in but no one can reach it.

 

Wymondham Town Ladies captain
Rachel Cossey

 Cantwell charges down Hedtke 25 yards out up the other end as she looks to shoot having been played in by Powell. Mungham-Gray wins the race with Sanders for the ball down the right as the ball is put down the line diving in the defender gives away the corner. A good delivery to the far post Cossey gets her head on the ball places the ball wide of the post. Holloway wide on the left puts a high ball into the Thorpe area a good jump from Wiseman her attempt goes wide of the goal.

  Midway through the 2nd half Wymondham creating a few chances but the Thorpe defence holding firm, few opportunities up the other end but always ready to counter. Sutton is struggling a bit with a knock needs treatment but carries on. A great tackle from inside the box from Kett to deny Sanders as she gets inside from the right. Cantwell takes the resulting corner, Fretwell doesn’t get the connection with her head coming for the ball cleared back out to Cantwell right looks to meet the ball on the volley puts the ball behind goal.
  The ball is pinging around between feet outside the Thorpe box as sides try to get possession a fortunate deflection sends the ball through in behind Sanders quickest to react knocks the ball on towards the area, Anderson comes rushing out, just gets there 1st to kick the ball away, is caught by Sanders throwing herself at the ball in a desperate attempt to reach it 1st. A painful knock but Anderson is okay to continue. Wymondham keep the ball inside the Thorpe half a throw in right played into the box Powell challenges Cantwell for the ball in the area runs outside towards Fretwell 20 yards out opens her body for the shot can’t get it on target.
   Half an hour of the 2nd half gone 15 more minutes plus stoppage time for Wymondham to find a leveller. A corner from the right for Thorpe the initial delivery poor comes back to the taker lifted high into the six yard box 3 green shirts attack the ball, Kett gets her head on the ball knocking the ball down a superb close range save from O’Callaghan goes out wide left fired back in a scramble in front of the six yard box the referee spots an infringement Thorpe get the free-kick.
 Holloway was tries away down the left, has be well attended to by Summerfield all game the defender stopping her getting inside with support from Moyo who clears the ball up the pitch. The game entering the final 5 minutes of regular time Thorpe make their 1st change, Sutton brought off Edie Wright coming on. Soon after another change is made Lake off, on comes Chelsea Clark as they look to keep hold of their narrow advantage in the closing stages. The substitutes link up well either side of Moyo now playing through the middle, Wright left outside the area across to Moyo helps it on for Clark right side she shoots puts the ball wide. 6 minutes of added on time to play.
 GOAL! Encouraged by the extra few minutes Wymondham push on trying to get the ball forwards is lost and sent forwards Moyo running onto the ball 30 yards out takes it around the last defender getting in behind shifts it before sending the ball past the advancing keeper into the back of the net to double Thorpe’s lead with minutes left 0-2.
 
  Wymondham pile everyone forwards as the game restarts a painful blow to the ankle for defender Ray she limps off the pitch Wymondham send Ella Swift on, clearing the ball from the area Powell onto it looks to bring the ball away for Thorpe, Cantwell with the strong challenge wins the ball plays it out to Holloway shoots puts her strike wide across the goal. No time left for another attack the final whistle blows and Thorpe United Ladies celebrate defending the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 0-2 Thorpe United Ladies

   A competitive final played in front of 272 spectators, Thorpe by far the better side in the 1st half getting the lead just the one goal however the game was far from over, Wymondham improved 2nd half just couldn’t put that all important chance away, hit on the counter late in injury time Moyo securing the result the Thorpe defence particularly strong. 
  

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  She was the Norfolk FA’s player of the match too the SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Thorpe United defender Lauren Kett a fantastic effort Wymondham finding no room through the middle made some vital challenges and interceptions almost scored up the other end too.
Thorpe United Ladies 2016/17 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners
  Congratulations to Thorpe United Ladies on retaining the County Cup. One final down one to go Sunday afternoon at Plantation Park playing Bungay Town Ladies for the Norfolk Ladies League Cup 3pm kick-off little time to recover but much easier when you’ve got the win under your belt.
  My thanks to Norfolk FA and The FDC staff for their help tonight.

Norfolk Ladies League Plate

First published Sunday 30th April

Cup Final Report – King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Sprowston Ladies

 

  The cup finals keep coming in Norfolk this weekend with a double this Sunday, form the Norfolk Women’s & Girls Football League (NWGFL) hosting their senior finals day at Norwich United FC’s Plantation Park. The first of those finals the Ladies Plate Final this year being contested by King’s Lynn Town Ladies & Sprowston Ladies.

  The Ladies Plate is a new competition introduced by the NWGFL last season the sides entering that didn’t reach the last eight of the League Cup. North Walsham Angels Ladies beating Red Rose Ladies 4-0 to win their 1st ever trophy in last season’s final.

  An all Division Two final back then, it’s Division One versus Division Two this time around with King’s Lynn Town Ladies improving year on year since joining the NWGFL 3 seasons ago the previous 2 as Lynn Ladies a merger with King’s Lynn Town FC in the summer are currently 2nd in the Division One table challenging leaders Thorpe United Ladies for the title. This is the first final the club has reached since joining the league.

  A good run of form for Sprowston Ladies going into today’s Plate Final currently 2nd in Division Two after a 5 game unbeaten run in league and cup 4 wins from 5 played. A strong youth setup at the club many of the players involved today have come through the clubs youth sides to play for the 1st team 

Road to the Final
 
 Both sides playing in the 1st Round of the competition, King’s Lynn Town were away to Division Three side, Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves a resounding 8-0 win seeing King’s Lynn Town through to the quarter-finals. Made headlines in the next round as they scored a whopping 31 goals at home against Cromer Town Ladies also from Division Three top of the table the with Cromer bottom of Division Three. Were awarded an away win in the semi-finals after opponents Briston Wanderers Ladies fell foul of the rule that all players must have played 5 league games before competing in a semi-final with just 8 league games played the club had to withdraw.
  
   Sprowston started their run to the Plate final with an all Division Two clash in the 1st Round at home to Long Stratton Ladies, the away side finding the back of the net for 3 goals, Sprowston hot double that up the other ended winning 6-3 to advance to the quarter-finals where they were at home once again taking on higher league opposition, Fakenham Town Ladies from Division One a narrow 2-1 putting them through to the semi-finals where they face a tricky looking tie away to Division Three side Tavern Ladies amongst the title challengers in that league. This game was right at the start of Sprowston’s 5 game unbeaten run and a 4-0 result saw them into the final.
  Plantation Park the venue for all 3 of today’s finals the Plate and Cup both on the main pitch, the Ladies 7’s Final between Morley Ladies & Costessey Sports FC being played in the practise pitch behind the mainstand. The clubhouse and bar overlooking the pitch refreshments available too. A large pitch plenty of width does slope a little, can be prone to being waterlogged but with a lack of the wet stuff lately was surprisingly firm underfoot dusty on patches. A dry day unless you happened to be behind the dugouts where the framer next door had positioned his water irrigator a little to close. Warm but with a strong breeze blowing from one goalmouth to the other which might have an influence in both games.  
 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Louise Coggles, Viktorija Burkauskaite, Amy Gillon, Albany Hodgson, Emma Woods, Millie Hopkisson, Jade Kelly, Oksana Imanalijeva, Becky Russell, Shelley Woods (C) & Josie Turner.
 subs – Millie Wilson, Winona Lee & Natalie Bunton
 
 Sprowston Ladies starting XI – Eloise Leach, Paige Barnard, Calista Tink, Abby Hutchin, Georgia Potter, Lois Irving (C), Rebecca Kirby, Nicole Smith, Kerry Mortlock, Rebecca Russell & Victoria Leyer.
 subs – Laura Jenkins, Rosie Wickenden & Ria Drake. 
 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Sprowston to kick-off the Plate Final 1st half wearing orange shirts with black sleeves, black shorts with orange stripes either side and black socks with King’s Lynn wearing red shirts for today’s final along with black shorts and red socks. King’s Lynn press the ball straight away getting hold of it spreading play out to the right win a corner the ball lifted high into the box, Sprowston’s Rebecca Kirby gets her head on the ball knocking it up into the air, goalkeeper Eloise Leach comes and claims the ball. 
  Paige Barnard looks to carry the ball out from right back for Sprowston sends it on down the wing for Kirby to go after taking it down the line King’s Lynn left back Viktorija Burkauskaite gets back on her initially tackling and taking the ball from Kirby she get’s back on it to put a cross into the area, the ball won and cleared by Albany Hodgson. A fairly open start to the game neither side able to fashion a shooting chance in the opening 5 minutes.
Sprowston Ladies, Paige Barnard
  Josie Turner up front for King’s Lynn presses the ball as it is played out wide into the right corner wins a corner kick, takes it herself the ball put in towards the top of the area is met by Lithuanian International, Oksana Imanalijeva right of goal hits the shot as the ball comes into her feet puts the strike wide of goal. Imanalijeva with a powerful run coming inside from the right as the ball is rolled into her path by Millie Hopkisson dives towards the box getting closed down gets a shot away from outside the box, doesn’t have the pace on it to trouble Leach in the Sprowston goal.
  King’s Lynn are beginning to build a little momentum Becky Russell coming on with the ball moves out to the right puts a cross in, Sprowston’s Calista Tink stretched her leg to intercept turn behind for the corner. Cleared at the near post, Imanalijeva retrieves looks to go down the wing gets a throw, Sprowston captain Lois Irving wins the ball as it is lifted up into the top of the area.
  GOAL! Penalty! In the 15th minute Imanalijeva links up with Jade Kelly as the ball moves over the halfway line on the right exchanging passes Imanalijeva looks to get into the box, Sprowston’s Nicole Smith slides in attempting to win the ball catches the attack the foul just inside the box referee Paul Gibson points to the penalty spot. Turner to take it a powerful hit rising to the keepers right past her and into the back of the net 1-0.
 
Josie Turner puts King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-0 up from the penalty spot.
 
 A free-kick for King’s Lynn just inside their own half Hodgson to sent the ball up towards the top of the area, inside the D, Sprowston get the ball away King’s Lynn so have it back spread play to the left Imanalijeva taking it on fires a vicious cross along the top of the six yard line, King’s Lynn captain Shelley Woods it there far post turns the ball goalwards, Leach makes a fantastic save with her legs reacting sharply.
  GOAL! King’s Lynn don’t take long to double their lead writing notes from the previous move look up to see Imanalijeva move in on the ball right side top of the area as Sprowston lose it, the ball is sent it across the box past the stranded keeper with Turner giving chase it finds the bottom corner 2-0 the goal goes to Imanalijeva.
  Scoring 2 quickfire goals the Division One side are threatening to overwhelm their lower league opponents. Russell with Imanalijeva bring the ball in the slide rule ball picking out Turner making a run through the middle, reaching the top of the area, Barnard gets across her in the nick of time to put the the block deflect Turner’s shot away for a corner kick.
Becky Russell playing the ball on for King’s Lynn Town Ladies
   Kirby gets forwards for Sprowston on the right getting a throw deep in King’s Lynn territory put into the feet of Rebecca Russell on the edge of the area good footwork to hold off her marker turns inside on the byline fires a ball into the centre cleared by Amy Gillon her clearance is picked up by Barnard outside the area right corner looks to play the ball back in this time it is claimed by goalkeeper Louise Coggles.
  GOAL! 22 minutes played and King’s Lynn have a 3rd goal a great run from Becky Russell on the ball pushing towards the right corner of the Sprowston box squares the ball along the front of the area into Shelley Woods left of the D, sees the ball into her feet shifts it a yard to evade her marker open up the opportunity for a shot puts her foot through the ball sending it sailing past the keeper into the goal beyond 3-0. 
 
  A change for Sprowston Ria Drake on for Georgia Potter. Sprowston get the ball up field Smith on for with a great ball on for Rebecca Russell left side support from Victoria Leyer, Russell is brought down just outside the box, gets up to take the free-kick, floating the ball in towards the near post with runners coming in Coggles has the post covered gathers the ball as it pops out of her gloves. 
 
  Burkauskaite wins the ball from Kirby plays it up the line with Shelley Woods already on the move, left side she is squeezed off the ball 25 yards out the deflection taking it infield is picked up by Turner has Becky Russell to her right getting forwards lays the ball into her run shoots as it comes on to her Leach can see it wide of her left post. Russell get’s fouled wide on the right for King’s Lynn the ball is fired into the area players forwards cleared the ball comes back to the taker sent back in again, Leach dives low to her right to push the ball away before being cleared by her defence. 
Abby Hutchin looking to get forwards for Sprowston Ladies
  Sprowston with an opportunity to break the ball send on for Leyer on the left side getting in behind the King’s Lynn defence, Coggles starts to come then back pedals as Leyer shifts the ball inside rather than shooting getting more central the striker shoots puts the ball straight at Coggles who scooped the ball up into her gloves. Hutchin over on the right for Sprowston now gets hold of the ball takes it down the wing no cross on keeps possession turning back has Barnard up with play ready to receive the ball curls the cross into the box, King’s Lynn can’t clear comes to Smith arriving late stretching for the ball on the edge of the six yard box lifts the ball up over the bar. 
  Potter returns to the action for Sprowston replacing Mortlock at the back. Irving steps across Kelly to win the ball 20 yards out as the midfielder tries to drive on with it through the middle. The last action of the 1st half King’s Lynn returning to the dressing room with a comfortable lead.
  

Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 0-0 Sprowston Ladies

    3-0 the lead for King’s Lynn Town Ladies at the break, getting an early penalty soon doubling the advantage before getting 3rd, and have yet to fire on all cylinders. The last thing Sprowston wanted was to concede early the 2nd ad 3rd goals putting them on the back foot have defended well on the whole Leach with 2 important saves. Have alot to do to get back into the match, can they keep King’s Lynn from extending their lead 2nd half.
  King’s Lynn to kick-off the 2nd half the strong breeze picking up despite the bright sunshine. Natalie Bunton on for King’s Lynn replacing Turner at the start of the 2nd half. Leach comes racing out of her area as Irving tries to shield the ball back into her to kick clear knocking it along the ground instead the keeper ends up halfway in her half before getting it away before rapidly getting back into her area. King’s Lynn don’t capitalise. 
 A spell of possession for King’s Lynn in the final 3rd ball lifted forwards dealt with by Tink and then Irving at the back. Eventually break the ball up the middle for Rebecca Russell to run onto goes for the shot all of 30 yards out her effort drifting wide of goal. Drake intercepts the ball at the back for Sprowston as Kelly looks to carry it on after being played in through the middle. King’s Lynn make a change with Winona Lee coming on for Becky Russell going into the right back position. 
 King’s Lynn work the ball up the left Shelley Woods pushing on with the ball to get into the box has Hopkisson inside her puts the ball into her feet near the penalty spot is crowded off the ball before she can gets it back out of the area Kelly tries to head the ball back in on target is long way out the ball bounces wide. 
King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Jade Kelly
  A good move from Sprowston down the right wing brings a corner players up from the back the delivery put into a central position at the top of the area, a scramble for the ball on the deck, 1st Tink then Kirby see shots blocked a close quarters before Tink squeezes a ball through the bodies rolls onto the base of the post cleared out to the left put back into the top of the box Leyer onto it 20 yards out screws her shot wide.
   
  Open game 2nd half Sprowston willing to go for it not defend for their lives, are keeping the ball better 2nd half. Play is brought back on the right as Sprowston have no advantage Barnard over the ball sends in up into the area, Shelley Woods heads it clear coming back to Barnard sends another high ball into the area Coggles under it claims without being challenged. Russell and Turner return the the action for King’s Lynn, Turner is quickly on the ball springing into action as Sprowston hesitate at the back running in behind, she is caught by both Tink and Drake, the 3 come together the ball rebounding back out to Imanalijeva outside the box right of goal fires a low drive in, Leach is behind it all the way.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Beck Russell
  Irving in the right play to clear Imanalijeva’s ball into the box from the right, comes right back at the attacker slices her 1st time hit away from the top corner. A powerful run from Hutchin inside from the right for Sprowston has Leyer on the move ahead of her rolls the ball into her striking it from the top of the area puts the ball wide. Another top draw save from Leach in the Sprowston goal, King’s Lynn play the ball central up into the box Turner controls well back to goal bringing the ball into her body then turning to shot, Leach palms the rising ball up over her goal to land on the roof of the net.
Sprowston Ladies, Victoria Leyer
  Sprowston are getting some confidence they can pull a go back are going for it play left squared across the face of the area, Leyer inside the D strikes the shot early the ball racing wide across goal. Millie Wilson comes on for King’s Lynn replacing Gillon. Another shot from distance for Leyer the ball, taking a deflection pushing it wide of goal for a corner on the right a poor one Sprowston have the goal kick.
 GOAL! Pushing on Kelly closes Barnard down on the ball winning it is in behind, left of the area plays the pass through to Turner in behind, the ball running onto her strokes it on under the diving Leach into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game.
Eloise Leach, Sprowston Ladies
goalkeeper with some excellent saves
in the Plate Final
  Sprowston almost hit back with an instant response winning a free-kick after a high foot halfway inside the half to the left, Rebecca Russell looks to go for goal a little bit of wind assistance the ball comes straight in threatening to dip late Coggles gets her gloves up knocking the ball on to crossbar it spins away for a corner kick. Sprowston make a change before the corner is taken Irving coming off, Rosie Wickenden coming on the no 10 runs to join her team mates inside the box, the corner is taken the substitute comes towards the ball dropping near post 10 yards out looks to hit the ball on the volley her effort turned 90 degrees isn’t far wide. 
  Into the final 5 minutes King’s Lynn work to keep possession inside the Sprowston half the ball finds Hopkisson inside the D, shifting it to her right whistles over the crossbar. Leach has performed excellently in goal for Sprowston today a natural shot stopper makes a great double save in the closing minute, Hopkisson playing the ball into Imanalijeva right side the attacker turns inside into the area shoots across goal aiming far post, Leach diving to her left stops the ball isn’t clear Turner running in on the follow up looks to smash the ball home Leach grounded throws herself into the block the ball away for a corner. Cleared King’s Lynn celebrate winning the Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final their 1st piece of silverware. 

Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 0-0 Sprowston Ladies

  Not their best performance but King’s Lynn did enough had the movement to keep possession, Russell and Imanalijeva working the ball well. Took the early lead followed it up with 2 more goals, Sprowston on the back foot did well to not fold dug in and gave a good account of themselves 2nd half might have found a goal, King’s Lynn getting a 4th late on to win the final and take home the Plate trophy.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Norfolk Ladies League Plate Final is King’s Lynn Town Ladies Becky Russell, a good performance making good runs on and off the ball, drifting wide an excellent range of passing.
Captain Shelley Woods holding aloft the Plate trophy for her joyous team mates
  Congratulations to King’s Lynn Town Ladies on winning their 1st ever trophy. Saw the celebrations were well underway in King’s Lynn tonight, no shopping trolley is safe. 
  Thanks to both clubs for there help with today’s teams.

Norfolk Ladies League Cup

First published Sunday 30th April

Cup Final Report – Bungay Town Ladies v Thorpe United Ladies

 

  On to the 2nd Final of the day at Plantation Park the Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final with Thorpe United Ladies who successfully defended the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final on Friday night back in action looking to make it a cup double taking on Bungay Town Ladies.

   This season’s League Cup Final contested by the sides 1st and 3rd in the league both in great form in 2017. Bungay Town Ladies after a slow start hit the ground running after the New Year, winning 8 straight league games to leap up the table get onto the tails of the leading pair, beating Thorpe United Ladies 4-1 at home to end their 100% winning start to the season in that spell, 10 games unbeaten in all before the run was ended with a 1-0 loss away to Aylsham FC Ladies, who won the League Cup last season. This is Bungay Town Ladies 1st appearance in a Cup Final.

  Thorpe United Ladies started the season very well under new manager Martin Francis won their opening 12 games in both league and cup, nine straight wins in the league the coming to an end as mentioned above in February when they were beaten by Bungay Town Ladies. Looking strong in the league despite a couple of losses have a 7 point lead at the top from King’s Lynn Town Ladies. 

  A possible treble on the cards, claimed the 1st silverware of the season successfully retaining the Norfolk Women’s County Cup beating Wymondham Town Ladies 2-0. That final as you will know was just two nights ago on Friday, unfortunate scheduling, a quick turn around and recovery for Thorpe United however with one trophy successfully defended they will be in confident mood of claiming another. 

Road to the Final

 Bungay Town Ladies were at home in the 1st Round of the League Cup hosting Sprowston Ladies back in October a comfortable 6-0 win over the Division Two side seeing them progress into the 2nd Round where they were away to another Division Two side, Bohemians Ladies. A 5-1 win putting them into the quarter-finals, after that Bungay Town didn’t kick a ball, despite wanting to as they were awarded a home win against East Coast Ladies before advancing through to the final as opponents Brandon Town Ladies fell foul to the same rule that had seen Briston Wanderers Ladies withdraw from the semi-finals of the Plate. Having beaten Thorpe United once this season Bungay Town will be hoping to so do again this afternoon to win the League Cup.
  Was also 6 goals at home to Division Two opposition in the 1st Round for Thorpe United in the League Cup as they dispatched Long Stratton Ladies 6-1 to reach the 2nd Round. There they faced a tough test away to fellow Division One side King’s Lynn Town Ladies went on to win the match 5-1 to reach the quarter finals. Another fellow Division One side to play another tricky tie drawn at home to North Walsham Angels Ladies, Thorpe won the game 4-1 to progress into the semi-finals. At home to runaway Division Two Champions Gorleston FC Ladies. A single goal in the 1st half saw Thorpe United set up their 2nd final date of the season. 
  An hours turnaround between games had to dash off find a new memory card for the camera the one in place flashing up as corrupt just what I didn’t need but made it back just in time for kick-off. The strong breeze still in place, plenty of people there to watch the final as the 2 sides walked out onto the pitch.
 
 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Ruth Smart, Kelly Collins (C), Hannah Jones, Charlotte Power, Jessica Keeling, Teodora Ilie, Ella Hindley, Laura Holden, Lauren Purling, Nicky Hazell & Lacey Andrews.
 subs – Emily leach, Beccy Goffin & Stefanie Cool.
 
 Thorpe United Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Bethan Sommerfield, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Lisa-Marie Riches, Lauren Kett, Alice Ford, Jade Powell, Vivian Moyo, Edie Wright, Laura Hedtke & Rebekah Lake (C).
 subs – Nicole Read, Chelsea Clark & Shanice Sutton.
 

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Thorpe to take the kick-off 1st half in the League Cup Final, back to wearing their usual home colours dark pink shirts with black shorts and socks. Bungay wearing light blue shirts with black shorts and socks. Goalkeeper Ruth Smart with an early touch of the ball as she claims it inside her area for Bungay as Thorpe captain Rebekah Lake looks to work her way into the box straight from kick-off. A slow start to the game both sides looking to get the ball out wide defences dealing with it.
  An opportunity for Thorpe to bring players forwards as they are awarded a free-kick outside the box on the right as Laura Hedtke is fouled. The ball played in near side centre back Lauren Kett gets her head on the ball directs her effort wide of the Bungay goal. Alice Ford with a good tackle wins the ball for Thorpe in the centre of midfield moving forwards attempts to side the ball through the middle for Lake, Bungay’s Jessica Keeling cuts out the ball outside her area. The ball is launched up field Bungay striker Lacey Andrews is away in behind for a moment as goalkeeper Cara Anderson starts to come, Kett recovers the ground and gets across her prevents any meaningful shot coming in. 
  Ford closing the ball down on halfway plays the pass out to Edie Wright on the left wing back to goal 25 yard out rolls her marker turning inside sends a looping ball high into the area Smart keeps her eye on the ball but sees it land safely on the roof of her net. Bungay are working hard at the back to keep someone on Lake prevent her making the runs into gaps to receive the ball. Laura Holden breaks from midfield for Bungay moving right, Olivia Mungham-Gray getting back on her does enough to put her off as she shoots the ball safely into Anderson’s gloves.
  Hedtke and Lake getting hold of the ball link up in the right corner before the ball is played long across the area met by Wright inside the D, looks to open up her body curl the ball into the top corner, bends sharply flying straight into Smart the keeper claiming the ball. An intriguing contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree little opportunity to get in behind. Andrews flagged offside on a couple of occasions for Bungay. Ford and Jade Powell combine winning ball in the middle, Powell trying her luck with the strong breeze at her back 30 yards out her pacey dipping effort doesn’t drop far wide of goal.
   Ford also has a go from distance shortly area not the same pace on her shot as Powell,s bounces through to the keeper. A free-kick for Thorpe on half-way Kett over it flights the ball into the middle of the area, Moyo has made the run, doesn’t get the touch as it runs through to Smart. Moyo with a chance as Thorpe break their clearance finding Hedtke turns plays the ball into Moyo making the run on the right knocks the ball on towards the box, Smart comes rushing out Moyo gets the ball past the advancing keeper sees her attempt run narrowly wide of goal. 
Thorpe United Ladies, Alice Ford with Bungay’s Lacey Andrews
  A change for Thorpe, Wright coming off, Shanice Sutton coming on. Bungay also make a change Stefanie Cool coming on for Nicky Hazell. Bethan Sommerfield gets up the field for Thorpe on the right supporting Lake the ball given back to her sent into the area, headed away by Keeling. Thorpe with more of the ball 1st half chances limited Bungay deep not alot of room in behind shots coming in from distance.
  Bungay launch a counter attack the ball with Lauren Purling as she gets forwards with support from Holden as Andrews plays it on, left side coming into the area the shot is past the onrushing Anderson running along the ground the ball goes out wide at the far post. Bungay make another change Teodora Ilie coming off Emily Leach coming on. Ella Hindley lifts the ball over the top of the Thorpe, Andrews after it, Kett recovers well getting back on the striker forcing her out wide left concedes the corner kick. The high ball into the box cleared by Lisa-Marie Riches away for a throw opposite side. 
Bungay Town Ladies, Lauren Purling
  From the throw in the ball from Holden is played into Leach central, tries to power her way through the middle of the Thorpe defence 20 yards out the ball is lost, looking to get Sutton away on the left she is fouled on halfway, the set-piece sent up towards the top of the area is cleared by Bungay’s Charlotte Power.  
 GOAL! 2 minutes of normal time left in the 1st half and the deadlock is broken, Bungay have worked hard all game to limit Lake’s movement in  front of goal she finds away through however to score. The ball played up field into Moyo brings it don on her chest well Lake making her move to get into the area, Moyo sends the ball on up into the area, Lake brings it down with a glance off her shoulder taking it away to the right evading the Bungay defence fires her shot across the keeper and into the far corner 0-1.

Thorpe United Ladies captain, Rebekah Lake

  A strong end to the half for Thorpe, Hedtke bringing the ball into her body turning inside 25 yards out from the left shifts it between her feet to get room for a strike a tame effort in the ed runs through to Smart. Sutton looks to get in behind on the left wing, Hannah Jones back n her slides in to win the ball.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 0-1 Thorpe United Ladies

 As with the County Cup Final on Friday, Thorpe hold a narrow 1-0 lead going into the dressing room at half-time. A different game however have put a lot of energy into the 1st half without getting in behind so much as Bungay are prepared to sit invite them on. Have stifled Lake to a degree although she found a way through to score. Haven’t had much luck up the other end against the breeze stay out on the pitch during the break.
  Having been in the mainstand 3 the Plate Final and 1st half of the League Cup Final decide to head round to the opposite side of the pitch to get a better feel for the breeze that blowing across the pitch is strong and clearly having an influence on play aiding the ball one way, sapping energy the other. It’s Bungay to kick-ff the 2nd half. Thorpe win the ball Ford on for Sutton breaking on the left coming inside evades Keeling, but is stopped by Power beyond as she tries to enter the box.
  GOAL! The scores are levelled Bungay getting the equaliser early in the 2nd half the ball is played into Leach inside the Thorpe half top of the centre circle, goes for goal looks a dangerous ball the moment it leaves her foot up into the area caught by the breeze Anderson back on her line is in trouble as it drops dipping late sneaking under the crossbar and in 1-1.
 
A long range strike from Emily
Leach puts Bungay Town Ladies
back on level terms
 
 
  Lake comes to receive the ball 30 yards out helps it on to her left with Moyo on the move up the right wing carries the ball into the area pulls the trigger her strike taking a deflection off Power turned wide of goal for the corner kick. A high ball in from the right Kett gets up headers the ball on across goal, Purling is able to clear it far side. Riches does well at the back sliding in to intercept the ball in front of Andrews as Holden attempts to thread the ball into her in a central position inside the D. 
  Lake onto the ball inside the box right plays it back outside to Powell looks to play in in high for Sutton coming in far post, Leach back for Bungay gets her head on the ball to clear. Cool looks to get onto the diagonal ball send right to left, reaching it 1st sends it on into the area, Purling has covered a lot of ground on the right to get into the box, can’t get to the ball before Anderson claims it.

 GOAL! Good work from Purling on the right closing the ball down winning it and in behind whipping a low ball in across the top of the area left of the D, Andrews doesn’t quite take it in her stride however it hits the defender tracking back with her comes back into her feet a s the goalkeeper starts to come, Kett lunging in to try and take the ball away from the strikers feet Andrews ends up on the floor the ball squeezing past Anderson rolls into the back of the empty net beyond. 2-1 Bungay take the lead with a little over 15 minutes played in the 2nd half.

 

Bungay Town Ladies,
Lacey Andrews

Thorpe look to freshen things up make an immediate change, Powell comes off, Chelsea Clark on goes out to the right Hedtke coming more central. Purling is left in a heap on the floor as she and Ford clash heads in the centre of the pitch, both are okay after a spell of treatment. Andrews with space on the right to run into sends a high ball into the box, Ford is back to head clear for Thorpe. Sommerfield clears the ball as Holden looks to pick out Cool with a long diagonal ball as she comes inside from the left. 

  Holden brings the ball on for Bungay looks to put the ball into Andrews moving into the right channel, Mungham-Gray closing her down to tackle and clear the ball. A little ragged from Thorpe now their energy levels dropping Collins comes off for Bungay with Beccy Goffin entering the field. Cool peeling off the Thorpe defence runs onto Andrews diagonal ball closing in on the area shoots a comfortable gather for Anderson at her near post. 

 A free-kick for Bungay wide on the right inside the Thorpe half each over the ball looks to put it on target another difficult ball for Anderson to deal with back on her line gets her gloves up does well to bring it down safely. Wright comes back on for Thorpe replacing Hedtke as they look to find a goal to get them back into the match. Lake on the ball gets her head down drives forwards has Sutton left looking to get in behind the Bungay defence into the box Lake tries to pick her out, too close to Smart the goalkeeper can get there first.

Shanice Sutton challenges Lauren Purling for the ball

  Moyo with a good take down on the right side plays the ball on for Lake charging up towards the top of the area, Smart comes racing out to meet her as she enters the area Lake getting the ball past the keeper but not on target, Power back on the ball to launch it clear. A double change for Bungay Cool and Holden the players coming off, Hazell and Ilie back on. Ford with a determined run forwards shoots from all of 30 yards out no pace on the ball Smart able to claim.

 

  Another clash of heads between Moyo and Hindley this time, the Bungay midfielder coming off the worse comes off holding her bleeding nose. Holden barely rested coming back on. Purling collects a ball in the guts leaving her grounded again. A fair bit of injury time to come. Good work from Holden taking the ball from a central position out to the right before turning back inside an firing a cross along the top of the Thorpe area runs into Ilie looks to curl a shot into the top corner instead puts it into Anderson. 

  Thorpe are throwing players forwards going for broke as the game moves into stoppage time risk the counter Bungay break the ball from Jones into Holden on for Hazell coming in towards the box from the left Anderson comes racing out to the edge of her area gets her gloves up to block the ball as Hazell looks to lift it past her contact outside the box Anderson goes down holding her face, another few minutes to be added. One last throw of the dice for Thorpe everyone up as they win a free-kick wide right Kett up into the area landing inside the area Jones can see it out shielding it from Ford as the final whistle blows and Bungay Town Ladies win the Norfolk Ladies League Cup.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 0-0 Thorpe United Ladies

 A game too far for Thorpe in the end 2 finals in the space of 48 hours the joy off winning the County Cup tempered by defeat in the League Cup Final. A fantastic achievement none the less to reach both finals. Bungay doing well to keep Thorpe’s chances limited 1st half conceding a goal late on found an immediate response 2nd half working hard to close the ball found another on the counter attack wasn’t a pretty goal but Andrews did enough to put the ball over the line Bungay holding on to the lead to claim the victory.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match

  The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final goes to Lauren Purling an energetic display working hard to close the ball down especially 2nd half getting back to help defend when needed set up the winning goal.
  Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning this season’s Norfolk Ladies League Cup Final.
Norfolk Ladies League Cup Winners, Bungay Town Ladies
  Also congratulations to Costessey Sports who won the Ladies 7’s League Cup Final beating Morley Ladies 2-0.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams and to the committee members of the NWGFL for all their assistance and putting on a great finals day

The Round-Up – FAWPL 30/04/17

  The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 30th April

FAWPL Southern Division

   Tottenham Hotspur Ladies clinched the FAWPL Southern Division title back on the 19th April at White Hart Lane in front of over 2000 fans, the team on a long unbeaten run achieving their ultimate goal, since then however perhaps with so much put into that run they have lost their last 3 matches in a row, twice to Charlton Athletic Women last weekend in the league and then 48 hours later in the final of the Capital Women’s Cup, Charlton Athletic retaining the trophy with a 2-1 win.

  This weekend Tottenham were on the road making the trip to Wales to play 4th placed Cardiff City Ladies one of 3 sides vying for the runners-up position in the league. Cardiff started well going on to take the lead in the 22nd minute Tottenham putting through their own net. Cori Williams doubling Cardiff’s lead 6 minutes before half-time. The lead was further extended in the 2nd half with Emily Allen making it 3-0 in the 63rd minute. Cardiff were reduced to 10 with 15 minutes left Hope Suominen picking up a 2nd yellow card. Despite this it was the home side who found the back of the net for a 4th goal Chloe Chivers scoring in the final minute.

  3 wins on the bounce have propelled Coventry Unite up from 4th into 2nd spot in the FAWPL Southern Division table, following a 3-1 away to at Swindon Town Ladies in midweek, Coventry headed down to the South Coast to play Lewes Ladies this weekend, the final game of the season at the Dripping Pan for the FAWPL Plate winners. Stephanie Smith (pictured) scored the only goal of the game to see Coventry United Ladies take home the 3 points. Away to Cardiff City Ladies this coming weekend in what could very well be a playoff game for 2nd spot a win for Coventry would virtually seal the position.

   Crystal Palace Ladies have secured 5th position in the FAWPL Southern Division since winning promotion to the league last season. Were at home in their penultimate game of the season taking on Portsmouth FC Ladies. Rosie Payne got them off to a good start scoring in the opening 10 minutes. Rochelle Shakes doubled the lead a few minutes later. Two late goals at the end of the 1st half from Gemma Bryan and Payne with her 2nd of the match in stoppage time saw Crystal Palace in control of the game. Gemma Bryan added her 2nd of the game 3 minutes into the 2nd half with Ellie Bailes and Darcey Charlesworth scoring late on to seal a 7-0 victory. Crystal Palace suffered an injury blow however with Francesca Ali fracturing her tibia and dislocating her ankle in the game a long spell on the sidelines to come, Women’s Football east wishes her a full and speedy recovery and hope to see her back in action soon.

   Queens Park Rangers Ladies hopes of survival in the FAWPL Southern Division took another blow in Sunday as they were beaten at home by C&K Basildon Ladies on Sunday. Zoe Rushen C&K Basildon’s captain put the visitors into the lead in the 8th minute. Hannah Porter doubling the lead 6 minutes later scoring from a free-kick. Jenny Critchley pulled a goal back for QPR 20 minutes into the 2nd half. Basildon responded quickly Angela Addison putting them 3-1 ahead. Rushen was then shown a straight red card for a challenge on QPR goalkeeper after lengthy treatment the goalkeeper was stretched off unable to return, Critchley doning the gloves for the 2nd half. A 4th goal coming for Basildon with 12 minutes left Jay Blackie finding the back of the net the 4-1 win taking Basildon back above Lewes into 6th. 

FAWPL South East Division One

Gillingham FC Ladies are the FAWPL South East Division One Champions returning to the Southern Division after a 2 season absence. Unbeaten in 19 games in the league needed a point from their final home game of the season hosting Norwich City Ladies struggling for numbers on the day just 9 making the trip down to Kent. Gillingham are a handful with 11 players on the pick it wasn’t long before they breached their opponents defences Charlotte Gurr scoring in the 5th and 9th minute went on to complete her hat-trick in the 22nd minute. Felicity Gibbons then got in on the goal scoring act hitting 2 goals before half-time sandwiched in between a goal for Jenny Newman.

It only got worse for Norwich as injuries forced them down to 7, an own goal and an April Bowers goal extended Gillingham’s lead early in the 2nd half. Gibbons going on to complete her hat-trick, both she and Gurr scored a 4th goal a piece, Newman scoring again with Bethany Nugent also on the scoresheet in a thumping 13-0 win. League Champions with 2 left to play can they follow Crystal Palace Ladies achievement last season and end the campaign unbeaten? Congratulations to Gillingham FC Ladies on their title success.

It was also a double figure score for AFC Wimbledon Ladies at home to another side struggling at the bottom of the league. Lowestoft Town Ladies the visitors too with the bare 11. Katie Stanley scoring in the 2nd minute for Wimbledon. Laura Low hitting a 5 minute brace on the 10th and 15th minute the lead 4-0 at the break with Rebecca Sargent scoring midway through the 1st half. Low got her hat-trick 3 minutes into the 2nd half. Stanley getting to more for her hat-trick with captain Jess Trimnell finding the back of the goal twice in 2 minutes in the last 10 minutes the final score 10-0. The win taking Wimbledon up into 2nd spot in the table.

A set-back for one of their rivals looking to clinch 2nd place always a tough game as Cambridge United WFC travelled to Luton Town Ladies in 6th at the weekend. Joanne Rutherford giving Luton the lead in the 37th minute. Cambridge hit back 4 minutes later Emma Jenkins levelling the scores 1-1 at half-time. Luton scored twice in the 1st 10 minutes of the 2nd half with Jodie Bellinger and Erica Byron on target. Asia Brown scoring her 1st goal for the club in the last 2 minutes of the game. Cambridge pulling on back in the closing stages Evie Gallop putting the ball into the back of the net from close range.

  Remains a 3 way tussle for 2nd spot Cambridge dropping to 3rd on goal difference behind Wimbledon have 2 games in hand. Milton Keynes Dons a point further back in 4th. Luton in 6th go level on points with 5th placed Actonians Ladies who were held at home on Sunday to a 0-0 draw with Stevenage Ladies the point moving Stevenage a little closer to safety.