Monthly Archives: May 2023

Match Report Special – Kick Cancer Cup 2023

Thursday 25th May

Kick Cancer Cup 2023

One last game to end the season and it will be a memorable one as the footballing community comes together for one last time for the last Kick Cancer Cup, held in memory of two special women whose lives were taken for too soon by cancer, Samantha Issacson and Charlene Martin.

  The 6th and last Kick Cancer Cup being played between the Sam’s XI and Charlene’s XI squads at the Westwood Road Stadium home of St Ives Town FC’s men’s and women’s sides. 

  The Kick Cancer Cup has raised over £50,000 for charity over the 5 season’s it has been held prior to this evenings event. Samantha Issacson was just 25 years old when she was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2014. With the help of family and friends set up the Kick Cancer Cup to help raise funds for charities close to her heart as she began her tough battle with the decease, continued playing throughout for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds (many of her old teammates coming together once again this evening to play in her memory) Outfield or in goal lived life to the full, traditionally the Kick Cancer Cup between Sam’s squad and an S-Tech Cambridgeshire Women’s League representative squad, played at Histon FC a special occasion raising vital funds. After a long battle with cancer Sam very sadly passed away in 2021. Sam wanted their to be one more Kick Cancer Cup and everyone has come together to make it happen.

Samantha Isaacson keeping goal at the Kick Cancer Cup 2018

 Charlene Martin was to tragically lose her own battle with bowel cancer in February 202 after a three year battle with bowel cancer herself. Had played in previous Kick Cancer Cup’s with Sam Issacson and was a much loved member of the St Ives Town and wider football community. One of the original members if the St Ives Town Ladies football club that was to burst onto the women’s football scene in Cambridgeshire and become an integral part of the club as a whole. As the @bowelcancerballer helped to raise awareness of the decease as she highlighted her own battle with cancer.

Charlene Martin one of the founding players at St Ives Town Ladies.

 Cancer will affect us all at some point in our lifetimes either directly or indirectly and this evening we come together at St Ives Town to play and watch a football match in their memory but also to enjoy the occasion as they would have wanted.

  A brand new artificial pitch for St Ives Town FC these days a good size nice and flat… but I kind of miss it rising up in one corner like it used too with the old grass pitch The clubhouse overlooking one side of the pitch 3 small seated and covered stands opposite. The bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot food and drinks. A cake stall selling homemade cakes (very nice too) and a raffle selling out of tickets that offered lots of wonderful prizes, all for a good cause the Arthur Rank Hospice. 

SAM’S XI squad – Michelle McCormack (C), Liz Pamplin, Emma Da Costa, Dominika Szary, Emma Roberts, Jenna Hulme, Charlotte Taylor, Ebony Crook, Emma Clark, Jess Anderson, Joeli Kirby, Katie Chaudhry, Kayleigh Whitehead, Kirstie Smith, Krissie Taylor, Laura Mills, Stacey Fullicks, Marie Stubbings, Naomi Weir, Nat Powell-Wells, Liv Ashby, Rosie Boynes, Seema Grewal, Stacey Taylor, Tash Applegate, Vicky Houchin, Kate Taylor, Holly Hayes, Abi Molloy, Emily Ingle & Connie De Martino.

 Management team – Vicky Neal & Jade Bell.

Sam’s XI squad (photo credit Edward Payne)

 

 CHARLENE’S XI squad – Caitlin McGeown (C), Kira Markwell, Georgia Stancombe, Mollie Berryman, Sascha Smith, Emily Stephenson, Molly Flack, Sophie Marjoram, Kellie Dixon, Caitlin Jarman, Koren Evans, Sophie Crook, Niamh Sutherland, Sasha Smith, Katie Stancombe, Cherish Sibanda, Steph Ransome, Georgia Astley, Jade Carpenter & Ruth Fox.

 Management team – Neil Martin & Darren Marjoram.

Charlene’s XI squad (photo credit Edward Payne)

 

 A minutes applause held for both Sam and Charlene prior to kick off. A charity game a special occasion will dispense with the traditional match report format the over 50 players, current, sort of retired and retired coming together across both squads the game split into 3, 30 minute halves giving all a chance to play sub will be numerous and I’m not going to keep track of them all but will do my best. Special shirts make for the occasion, the Sam’s XI squad wearing pink coloured shirts, Charlene’s XI squad wearing sky blue, black and white shirts with vibes to St Ives from which all of the squad are current or have previously played.

A minutes applause enjoyed before kick-off

 St Ives Mayor, Phil Pope leading the two sides out onto the pitch on a pleasant sunny evening. Caitlin McGeown, Charlene Martin’s daughter captaining the Charlene’s XI squad with her father Neil managing along side Darren Marjoram to get the Kick Cancer Cup 2023 underway, the ball rolled back into the middle then defence, fired forwards up to the left, Sarah Bodger in the back line for Sam’s XI volleying the ball clear.

Charlene’s XI captain, Caitlin McGeown

  The ball knocked back and forth between defences as both sides launch it forwards in the early exchanges, Charlene’s XI attack left the ball crossed into the top of the area, Bodger again in to clear for Sam’s XI. Michelle McCormack captaining the Sam’s XI squad bringing the ball on from the back moving left sends the ball on down the line for Katie Chaudhry, Katie Stancombe getting across to challenge for Charlene’s XI forwards into Niamh Sutherland looks to play it right for Caitlin Jarman pushing on, Emma Roberts tackling for Sam’s XI at full back.

 McCormack taking the ball on for Sam’s XI from the back linking with Ebony Crook pulling wide left goes on, Molly Flack getting across her path at the back for Charlene’s XI to see the ball back to goalkeeper Kira Markwell to clear. Liz Pamplin with 500 appearances for Cambridge United WFC before retiring in goal for Sam’s XI in the 1st period getting her gloves up to block at close range on Katie Stancombe’s shot as she moves in to attack the goal from the right following in on Caitlin Jarman’s free-kick fired in from deep on the right for Charlene’s XI.

Liz Pamplin out to close Katie Stancombe down as she runs through to attack the goal (photo credit Edward Payne)

 Jarman bursting on for Charlene’s XI on the right, Roberts closing on to tackle well for Sam’s XI. Chaudhry fed on by Roberts down the left for Sam’s XI threading a low pass into the D for Crook to attack, Flack again across the attack to put the ball into Markwell to launch clear. Ruth Fox clipping a pass out to Jarman racing on right flank her cross from the corner fizzed in near post claimed by Pamplin. 

  I’ve seen most of these players in action over the years and the memory banks are kicking in a bit got a few duplicate numbers out there but thankfully no twins to deal with cause they can be a real challenge, but I have my ways of telling them apart (and that’s not going to be revealed on here) Emma Clark for Sam’s XI defending on Fox to see the ball back for Pamplin to clear. Emily Ingle with the ball central for Sam’s XI has Marie Stubbings making a run inside from the right, plays the ball into her, Sasha Smith lunging in to tackle for Charlene’s XI right of the D winning the ball.

  Sutherland sending the ball into Fox top of the D shifts to the left making room to shoot the attempt pulled wide of Pamplin’s left post. McCormack getting forwards well for Sam’s XI into the left channel with a chip at goal from 20 yards out the ball dropping wide of the left post. Roberts winning the ball at the back for Sam’s XI forwards for Crook up the line inside to Stubbings, Georgia Stancombe closing in to get across the attack to see the ball safely back to Markwell to clear.

Molly Flack (photo credit Edward Payne)

  GOAL! Sutherland with the ball through the middle for Charlene’s XI sends the pass out to the right for Jarman getting on up the wing her cross fired in near side as Fox runs in to attack the goal, Bodger with her putting her under pressure the ball striking the defender deflected past Pamplin inside the post for Charlene’s XI to take the lead 0-1.

  Changes for both Emma Da Costa, who can operate either outfield or in goal, Naomi Weir and Kirstie Taylor coming on for Sam’s XI. Emily Stephenson on in defence for Charlene’s XI. Choudhry taking the ball on left for Sam’s XI pushing it into Crook corner of the area, strikes a curled attempt over Markwell’s crossbar.

  Charlene’s XI are the younger side and showing more energy bursting forwards well with pace, Georgia Stancombe defending well shielding the ball at the back. Breaking on with numbers up Fox and Katie Stancombe combining as Pamplin comes to close down top of her box the flag raised halting the attack. McCormack bringing the ball on for Sam’s XI left into the top of the area, Georgia Stancombe winning it back for Charlene’s XI.

 GOAL! Charlene’s XI attacking through the middle, Sutherland with Katie Stancombe into Fox inside the D evading tackles comes left of goal to shoot low firing the ball hard past the diving Pamplin to double the lead 0-2.

Ruth Fox (photo credit Edward Payne)

  Fox after the ball into the box with Katie Stancombe getting on to support, Bodger lunging in to tackle for Sam’s Xi. Caitlin McGeown moving on with the ball up the right for Charlene’s XI forwards for Fox into the corner closed down nips back in to steal the ball back winning a corner kick. Taken short before being whipped into the area claimed well by Markwell. Jarman getting on right side for Charlene’s XI, Fox coming to for the ball look to play a one two, Taylor getting a foot in to reclaim the ball for Sam’s XI.

 Fox taking the ball into the box on the right whipping a low strike in towards goal, taken well by Pamplin down to gather at the near post. Jarman again on the right inside for Katie Stancombe curls a shot in towards goal taken cleanly by Pamplin. The 1st 3rd almost up Sam’s XI win a throw high on the left Choudhry dropping the ball into McCormack sends the pass down the line for Crook in the corner left to cross into the six yard box met by Da Costa her touch deflecting the ball wide of the near post.

  The 1st 3rd up Charlene’s XI leading 2-0 a quick turn around with Sam’s XI ringing the changes, Da Costa donning the keepers gloves now, getting the 2nd 30 underway Joeli Kirby playing the ball out to right, cut out by Cherish Sibanda. Mollie Berryman for Charlene’s XI out to the right for McGeown her cross into the top of the area cut out by Holly Hayes for Sam’s XI. Fox lively up top for Charlene’s XI linking with Berryman on the right the cross in along the face of goal deflected behind for a corner kick.

Sam’s XI captain, Michelle McCormack

  Charlene’s XI lively in the final 3rd at the start of the 2nd period, Marjoram to Jade Carpenter tracking inside from the right feeds the ball across the top of the area into Fox left of the D her shot struck low wide of the left post. 

Caitlin McGeown (photo credit Edward Payne)

  Laura Mills leading the attack for Sam’s XI now the ball rolled into her from the right takes it on into the box striking hard at the near post, Markwell making a superb save getting down to her left to knock the ball behind for a corner kick. Players up into the area for Sam’s XI a great delivery swung in central Szary rising to meet it top of the six yard box plants her header straight at Markwell who grabs hold of the ball to save. 

Jess Anderson tackling well for Sam’s XI at the back as Fox looks to take the ball on into the box from the left channel. The ball given away at the back Sam’s XI inviting pressure at the back, Hayes getting back on Carpenter to put in the tackle as she drives for the box. First saw Stacey Fullicks playing for Netherton has gone on to into a refereeing career a successful one too amongst elite in the country, still retains that completive edge with the ball at her feet for Sam’s XI sending the pass on for Taylor right her ball into Mills cut out top of the D by Stephenson for Charlene’s XI.

(photo credit Edward Payne)

 GOAL! Charlene’s XI extend the lead the ball played into Fox 20 yards out central moves to her left to turn to shoot angling a strike in towards goal up over the keeper to make it 0-3. 

Ruth Fox scoring Charlene’s XI’s 3rd goal (photo credit Edward Payne)

 Sam’s XI winning a corner on the left, swung in near side, Charlene’s XI defending but have a player down in the box a break in play. Charlene’s XI pressing forwards better putting the Sm’s XI defence under a little pressure, Taylor winning the ball on for Mills right side on for Szary attempts to lay it o for Fullicks top of the D, Berryman defending for Charlene’s XI the ball out for a corner on the right. Flung in near side Fullicks up to attack the ball knocked down into the six yard box comes out to Mills at the far post with the outside of her boot turns the shot wide.

 Fullicks coming on with the ball into the channel looking to link up with Mills in attack, no way through as the Charlene’s XI defence track back well to see the ball back into Markwell to clear. Da Costa out to the right of her six yard box diving down to save at the feet of Dixon as she steals into attack the ball right of goal for Charlene’s XI as the ball is lost top of the area. Fullicks winning the ball back central for Sam’s XI 30 yards out rolling it into the path of Clark 20 yards out her strike fire into the keeper. 

Jess Anderson (photo credit Edward Payne)

Carpenter with a strike from outside the box for Charlene’s XI, Da Costa down to beat it away, Dixon racing in can’t get to the loose ball before Da Costa is able to claim it. Fullicks bringing the ball down as it drops over her left shoulder moves forwards, McGeown defending to see the ball out for a corner on the left. The corner swept into the six yard box the ball taken off the head of Clark as she stoops to drive the header home. Szary with the ball out left for Sam’s XI fired into Fullicks right of the D intercepted by Astley at the back for Charlene’s XI.

  Connie De Martino sending the ball on for Sam’s XI as they break through the middle out to Mills her cross into the area pushed away to the left by Markwell taking it out of Clark’s path central, Szary racing in to follow up top of the area, McGeown in to charge her down. Sam’s XI on the counter Mills racing on with the ball right squaring it across the box into Clark, volley’s over.  

 Sam’s XI with a couple of  chances towards the end of the 2nd 3rd to get back into the game, on more 30 minute period to go the changes rung once again with Szary another who can operate outfield and in goal donning the gloves for Sam’s XI. Charlene’s XI to get the final 30 minutes underway the ball out to the right lifted forwards won back by Bodger for Sam’s XI. 

Laura Mills (photo credit Edward Payne)

 

 Sam’s XI pressing on the left to win a corner players up the delivery in near post Markwell in amongst bodies to push behind for a 2nd corner. Once again fired into a crowded near post area knocked on cross the six yard box, McCormack free to strike the ball on the volley as she spins to attack the ball loops up and in towards goal, Markwell behind it her arms up to claim the dropping ball. Sam’s XI pressing up into the box Crook left of goal stabbing a shot wide of the left post.

  Fox back on for Charlene’s XI attacking the right channel taking the ball on into the box, Bodger across to tackle for Sam’s XI. Fullicks taking the ball on through the middle for Sam’s XI playing the pass out to Stubbings right swinging a cross into the six yard box the 1st time shot chipped into the keeper. Charlene’s XI on through the middle Berryman for Fox shooting from 20 yards out the ball gloves down into the ground and claimed by Szary.

 Carpenter with a 35 yard strike sent over the bar. Markwell with a show stopping save for Charlene’s XI as Stubbings racing to the by-line right side whips in a dangerous ball for Grewal to turn goalwards from close range, central, Markwell instinctively throwing a hand out to her left to save the ball deflecting it behind past the post for a corner kick. Sam’s XI going for it 3 goals down need something, McCormack on for Fullicks right on the angle sends a shot wide across the goal.

Kira Markwell (photo credit Edward Payne)

 Markwell getting out to claim the ball taking it off the head of Grewal as the ball is squared into the six yard box rom the right. Multiple changes for Sam’s Xi as they push on in the 2nd period. Charlene’s XI defending the top of their area counter on the right the ball lifted into Fox peeling wide takes the ball down charging into the area before striking the ball low on the angle fired in near post Szary with an excellent save diving forwards full stretch to get a glove on the ball turn it wide across goal, has she done enough to keep it out? Just! The ball running narrowly wide of her far post for the corner.

Dominika Szary equally adapt outfield as in goal (photo credit Edward Payne)

 Anderson defending for Sam’s XI as the ball comes on left side into the box. Into the final 15 minutes the changes coming thick and fast loosing track of how many players are on the pitch have a Teddy Bear mascot to contend with too looking to get involved in the action. Markwell coming off for Charlene’s XI, Marjoram in between the sticks. Sam’s XI with a corner on the left headed on across goal Roberts to Mills out wide the cross back in central turned over from close range.

  Sam’s XI pressing late into the game as they search for a goal crossed into close to goal cleared off the line as the ball is missed by the keeper out to the right Mills volleying over. Fullicks out to Mills on the right fires a cross looping into the six yard box met by Ingle volleys her strike over the bar. McCormack blasting a 35 yard strike over the bar Sam’s XI throwing the kitchen sink forwards late on. Choudhry taking the ball to the right sending a cross in central Stubbings racing in on goal flashing her first time effort over the top.

(photo credit Edward Payne)

  Chances mounting for Sam’s XI, just won’t go in as Mills getting free wide right slices a shot wide. Into the final minutes. Sam’s XI winning a free-kick corner of the area on the right Ingle on the ball fired in across the face of goal attacked far post but deflected behind for a corner. An inswinging ball knocked down near side in towards goal the ball defended cleared off the line. Sam’s XI throwing everything forwards at the end but can find no way through as Charlene’s XI defend their box scrambling the ball clear. 

  Time up the final whistle blows and despite the chances mounting Sam’s XI can’t find a goal as Charlene’s XI hold out to win the game 3-0 to win the Kick Cancer Cup. 

Charlene’s XI winners of the 6th Kick Cancer Cup (photo credit Edward Payne)

An entertaining game enjoyed by a crowd of 320 raising a good amount for charity. Plenty of thank yous to be applauded at the end before the presentation of the trophy none more so than for Sam and Charlene, a fitting occasion to remember them by.

 Well done to everyone involved especially Sam’s best friend, Vicky Neal who made sure her request was fulfilled and to everyone who played their part to help, the Kick Cancer Cup committee, St Ives Town for hosting the event and to all the players and attendees to special night no doubt. Thanks to Vicky Neal for the help with the squads, and to Edward Payne for allowing me to use some of his pictures too. 

By Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 21st May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Moving onto this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final, played this season between two sides vying for runners up spot in the league as they meet in two crunch games at the end of the season, first in the cup with Stevenage FC Women taking on Luton Town Ladies. The Hertfordshire County Cup Champions playing the Bedfordshire County Cup Champions a little bit of neighbourly county rivalry to add the the mix.

The ERWFL League Cup the regional league senior cup competition with the Division One North and South sides contesting the 1st two rounds with 4 going on to join the 12 Premier Division clubs in the 3rd round.

This afternoon’s prize

The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football, often competitive with a high level of talent on show. A tough league to get out of with only the winners guaranteed promotion to the FAWNL above. AFC Sudbury Women achieving that dream this season with a tremendous campaign to secure back to back promotions. Both Stevenage an Luton have tasted life in the FAWNL and the aim is to get back there themselves both amongst the title challengers this season but just missing out.

Stevenage FC Women relegated from the FAWNL last season, when there were 4 sides to be relegated following the FA’s re adjustment of the leagues following the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. Harsh were close to hanging on to their league status, amongst the favourites to bounce straight back retaining a good portion of their squad under coach Fadi Mazloum in the top two for much of the season as the race for the title heated up with more sides emerging as strong contenders, Mazloum stepping down as head coach, assistant David Perry taking on the role on an interim basis guiding Stevenage to a fifth Hertfordshire County Cup win now given the role on a permanent basis. Amy Makewell Stevenage’s top scorer this season with 15 goals.

Luton Town Ladies themselves enjoying a long spell in the 4th tier before being relegated from the FAWNL were aiming to bounce straight back but Covid got in the way building a strong squad ready to mount a new promotion push were top of the league winning their opening 8 games only to see a points adjustment as Harlow Town Ladies withdrew from the league drop them back amongst the other challengers some competitive tussles at the top of the table have two games left to play one huge one against Stevenage at Barton Rovers this coming Thursday with the winner virtually  gaurenteed runners up spot. Will be smarting from their other league encounter with Stevenage leading 1-0 going onto the closing stages Stevenage came back to score a winner at the death to take all three points. Captain Jess McKay and Elizabeth Sanders are joint top scorers each with 17 goals to their name, with Leyah Maddix all into double figures on 11.

  Road to the Final

  As I said the Premier Division Clubs entering in the 3rd round joined by the 4 Division One sides to progress from rounds 1 and 2 of the competition. Stevenage away to ERWFL Division One South leaders Barking FC Women in the 3rd Round. Emily Schofield scoring a 2nd half brace with Rosy Wodhams also getting a goal in the 1st half for Stevenage and goal for Amy Makewell early in the 2nd period securing a 4-1 win. Luton at home to Bedfordshire rivals and fellow Premier Division side Bedford Ladies, the pair often vying for the County Cup, Luton were the dominant side on this occasion, Elizabeth Sanders with a brace and a goal apiece for Jess McKay and Fiona Constable sealing a 4-0 win.

Stevenage away again in the quarter finals taking on Hertfordshire rivals Royston Tow Women who they would also beat in this season’s County Cup final. Tilly Fidler getting Stevenage off to a great start scoring in the 2nd minute, Nicole Farmer adding a 2nd late in the half, Royston scoring twice themselves, another goal from Fidler plus one from captain Lucy Webster seeing Stevenage into the last 4 with a 4-2 win. Luton hosting Colney Heath Ladies in their quarter final tie, the game though abandoned through an injury to a Colney Heath player rescheduled for a later date Luton leading 1-0 at the break going on to win 4-1 in the 2nd half with goals from Sanders, McKay, Tanya Blacksley and Tsaianne Leander.

A tough semi-final line-up with the Premier Division top 4 into the semi-finals, Both newly promoted sides Needham Market Women and AFC Sudbury Women doing very well. Stevenage travelling to Suffolk to play Needham Market. Amy Makewell from the spot to fire Stevenage into a 9th minute lead were to give away a penalty to see Lina Nagib equalise for Needham Market then hit another spot kick to put Needham Market in front. Becky Shephard striking in injury time to see it all square 2-2 at the break. A competitive 2nd half Rosy Wodhams curling in a strike to put Stevenage 3-2 ahead with 20 minutes left and secure their place in the League Cup Final. Luton at home to AFC Sudbury Women in their quarter final tie goals from Tsaianne Leander and Shanice Lewis the difference for Luton as they won through to the final.

A break to edit some pictures from the earlier game time to get back into The New Croft and refuel a cheeseburger ordered and get ready for the 2nd game of the day. The cloud cover hanging around, the supporters gathering the general consensus being for a close and physical match. Paving around the pitch with a small seated stand on one side beside the main building opposite the new dugouts.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Hannah Nesbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Nicole Farmer, Vicky Neal, Erin Price, Hannah Bodily, Rosy Wodhams, Amy Gooderham, Kelsey Millen & Amy Makewell. Subs – Grace Brooks, Jodie Bellinger, Becky Shephard, Emily Schofield & Tilly Fidler.

Luton Town Ladies

 Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Angelika Kopec-Knurec, Lilac Wilson, Adrienne Milton, Tanya Blacksley Elly Wade, Andie Dickens, Elizabeth Sanders, Ellie Sargeant, Fiona Constable, Jess McKay (C) & Shanice Lewis. Subs – Nancy Tucker, Hannah Major, Leyah Maddix, Maria Taylor & Shakeela Hussain.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Stevenage to get this season’s WERFL League Cup Final underway kicking-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts fading to black with red shorts and white socks. Luton lined up opposite wearing orange shirts and socks with dark blue shorts. The ball played back to Erin Price in midfield out to captain Lucy Webster on the right Luton rushing in to close the ball down out of play for a throw in. Stevenage looking to get the back on down the right for Kesley Millen, Ellie Sargeant moving to close her down clearing the ball.

  Price getting the ball back into goalkeeper Mia O’Brien to clear as Luton’s Fiona Constable left lifts the ball up to Shanice Lewis in attack. Lilac Wilson getting across to the left to tackle Amy Gooderham on the left as she looks to get a throw under control. Luton captain, Jess McKay picking the ball up through the middle travelling strikes the ball from 30 yards out her low ball straight into O’Brien to claim. 

Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham with Luton’s Adrienne Milton

  McKay winning the ball in the middle lifting it into the right channel, cut out but Hannah Nebbitt for Stevenage played forwards for Gooderham through the middle, closed down the ball regain by Rosy Wodhams as Stevenage push on tries to get it back into Gooderham left, Adrienne Milton defending for Luton back up the line Nebbitt closing down to knock the ball on into Gooderham left of the D 20 yards out curls a strike over the Luton crossbar. 

 

Elizabeth Sanders getting in to win the ball for Luton right side back for Milton put inside for Andie Dickens play spread into the left channel Constable with a low shot running in towards goal safely gathered by O’Brien. Gooderham looking to travel left on the ball for Stevenage a crossfield pass put out to Millen tracking on right side, Wilson getting in to steal the ball put it back for goalkeeper Angelika Kopec-Knurec to clear. A fast paced start to the game Luton rushing on to close Stevenage down win the ball get it into McKay and Lewis up top.

Andie Dickens

 

 Kopec-Knurec out to the top of her area to gather the ball before Millen can get to the pass on the right as Webster drives on with the ball through the middle for Stevenage. Luton very vocal encouraging one another to get into the opposition. Sanders getting about the park looking to win the ball puts it out to Sargeant on the left, Webster winning the header to clear. Luton from a throw on the left inside the Stevenage half to Lewis right of the area knocks it down to the top of the area right of the D for Dickens to run onto her 1st time strikes swerving through the area as it sails wide of the right post. 

Vicky Neal

 Sanders looking to plough her way through the middle going shoulder to shoulder with Stevenage centre back Vicky Neal heading for the box Neal does well holding her up, getting the free-kick. Wodhams threading the ball forwards into the left channel for Makewell making a move out to the flank deep, Milton putting in the challenge the ball out for a throw. Nebbitt getting forwards to support Gooderham as Stevenage attack on the left the ball held up well fed inside to Makewell left corner of the area, holding off a defender plays the ball across the top of the area Wodhams leaving in to Hannah Bodily to run onto a strike beyond her the shot blocked by Luton’s Elly Wade out behind for a corner. 

Elly Wade

  In low towards the near post Kopec-Knurec down well to grab it Luton look to counter the ball with Milton on the right lifted on for Lewis going through the middle won by Nicole Farmer for Stevenage. A tense encounter the two sets of players into each other Luton looking to close the ball down. Nebbitt on the left outside the box turns on the ball to cross in central, Makewell seeing her shot charged down deflected out for Constable to clear. Bodily on for Wodhams central Stevenage send it on for Makewell inside the area, Wade blocking her shot the ball deflected behind for the corner.

  The ball angle in under the crossbar Kopec-Knurec up well to get a fist on the ball turn it wide out the left side for another corner. Cleared straight bac to the corner taker tries to hit it back in across goal on the volley goes behind. Webster picking the ball up for Stevenage driving on through the middle going all the way as she exchanges a one two with Wodhams, arriving top of the area, Wade in to close her down. Wodhams sending a great ball into Gooderham on the left, Milton getting in to defend well for Luton. 

Luton goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec-Knurec

Luton sending players up from the back as they win a free-kick inside the Stevenage half to the right of the centre circle, Wilson on the ball played in deep to the far post Wade knocking the ball down into the keeper. 

 GOAL! Constable up on the left playing the ball into Lewis laying it into Mckay driving on central central taking the ball on into the right of the D before getting her foot over the ball to smash a powerful strike past the keeper to put Luton into the lead midway through the 1st half 0-1.

Jess McKay putting Luton into the lead

  Stevenage looking for a quick response out to Nebbitt forwards on the left putting the ball on for Gooderham takes the ball down into the corner turning inside moving into the box  her low cross put straight at the keeper. Bodily getting the ball out to Millen on the right for Stevenage coming to the top of the area squares a cross in near side for Makewell, Tanya Blacksley in to close her down for Luton as she goes to shoot.

Tanya Blacksley

  Wade bringing down Wodhams inside the box as she looks to turn on the ball played into her from the right, the referee pointing to the spot, Penalty! Makewell on the ball goes for power looking to place it top corner, instead misses sending it over the bar. 

  Blacksley in again to put in the block on Makewell right of the area as she looks to turn and shoot the ball coming into her off a throw. Luton looking to break from a Stevenage corner the ball right put on for McKay attempt to head it on for Lewis racing on left channel, Farmer intercepting for Stevenage. Farmer in again to cut the ball out stepping out to head the ball away as Sanders right turns to play the ball in along the top of the area. 

 Luton closing the ball down in the middle well, Sargeant then Dickens playing the ball out to Lewis top right corner outside the box puts a shot in across goal narrowly wide of the far post. Lewis across to the left to press the ball high putting it back to McKay 20 yards out to blast goalwards, O’Brien down to save pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left. Wade knocking the ball on near side, the free-kick given away as Sanders fouls Nebbitt going for the ball. Neal winning the ball well against Luton’s Sanders as the ball lifted on for her. 

  Sanders covering alot of ground for Luton getting across the pitch to close the ball down on the right has Milton bursting on past her given the ball, Milton sends a cross in low across the top of the Stevenage area cut out by Price. The ball on Luton’s left rolled inside for McKay 25 yards out sees it across her body turning to strike sends the ball over the crossbar. 

  Stevenage come left themselves Nebbitt getting ahead of Gooderham as she plays the ball on into the full back using the outside of her boot to deliver a cross into the top of the six yard box, behind Millen closing in central lays it out to the onrushing Wodhams to strike on the run from 10 yards out the ball crashing into the base of the right post and out for a goal kick. Sargeant down over on the far side with an injury for Luton the trainer on to administer treatment is back to her feet able to play on as plays come over to the benches to take on fluids.

Stevenage’s Amy Makewell

  Into the closing stages of the first half Stevenage with a free-kick right of the circle players up from the back as the ball in dropped into the area, Milton in to take the ball off the head of Neal to clear for a corner kick. Into the mix Price looking to attack it, Luton defending well close to goal to win a goal kick as the ball is turned wide far side. Sanders fouling Farmer as the Luton midfielder looks to take the ball on left channel, Luton not amused with the decision.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Luton Town Ladies

  A highly committed tussle Luton working hard to close Stevenage down get hold of the ball, players winning their individual battles, Sanders looking to get on with McKay and Lewis in the attack making some good runs, McKay driving on to open the scoring mid way through the first half. Stevenage have had chances to equalise missing a penalty and striking the post, a close game as everyone predicted a single goal in it all to play for in the 2nd half. 

  Doesn’t appear to be any changes as the sides come back out for the start of the 2nd half, Stevenage looking to get at Luton as their opponents get the 2nd half underway. Stevenage almost undone straight away as Dickens closes the ball down put forwards for McKay breaking in into the right channel wide of the D going shoulder to shoulder with Neal holding off the defender to shot sending it past the on rushing O’Brien the ball crashing against the post deflected out across the goal loose, Farmer able to get there first to launch clear. 

  Milton pressing on down Luton’s right, Nebbitt in to challenge for Stevenage. A concern for Stevenage Wodhams hurt in the build up, has been a strong player for Stevenage in recent game unable to continue Stevenage forced into a change bringing on Becky Shephard. Sanders disrupting the Stevenage midfield closing players down. Milton tackling Gooderham the ball back into the middle of the park Sanders in to win it back for Luton on for Dickens puts it into McKay pulling right 25 yards out sends a shoot up to land on the roof of the net. 

 GOAL! Luton surge forwards Constable away on the left down towards the top of the area wide to flash a cross in central, attacked by Sanders, Price in to close her down the ball ricocheting off the pair out to Lewis free to the right of goal reacts quickly the ball into her feet digs out the shot lifting it rising into the top corner to double Luton’s lead 0-2. 

Shanice Lewis doubling Luton’s lead

Luton building on a strong opening to the 2nd half to score a 2nd goal, a further set back for Stevenage as they look to rally coming left the ball from deep cross to Gooderham breaking into the box from the right Kopec-Knurec out well to close her down sliding in to save at her feet. Intense as Luton go to close the ball down no quarter given the bench vocal encouraging Luton to get after the ball, Dickens and Sanders strong in the middle. Sanders getting back to challenge Millen as Webster bombs on through the middle Millen putting the ball in as Webster enters the D, Wade close putting in the blocking tackle. 

Lucy Webster

  Shephard on for Makewell central as Stevenage look to add some urgency to their play, lifted on for Gooderham on the left, Luton hold thier line catching her offside. Dickens sending the ball out to Constable on the left curls a cross in to the top of the area won by Stevenage’s Price. Stevenage making a double change bringing off Makewell and Gooderham for Emily Schofield and Tilly Fidler in attack. Stevenage with a throw high on the right the cross long charged down by Sargeant cleared Luton threaten to break, Lewis looking to get away through the middle, Price getting back on her defending well for Stevenage. 

Elizabeth Sanders

Luton come right Sanders up with Lewis the cross into the top of the area won by Bodily. Stevenage struggling to clear the ball as Luton push up on their box half cleared to the left falling to Constable hits it wide on the half volley. Lewis taking the ball out to right on for Sanders wide to lift a cross into the box, Neal winning the ball up against McKay, then gets fouled trying to play it out. 

  Wade getting in the way of everything inside the box up the other end as Stevenage attempt to find a way through on goal. Millen tracking back hurt as her goes to defend for Stevenage. Another double change made with Millen coming off along with Nebbitt, Grace Brooks on at left bac with Jodie Bellinger on to attack on the right with a little over 20 minutes left to play. A few tempers flaring is an intense contest. 

 Luton getting a free-kick out wide Constable to put a dangerous ball into the six yard box central in front of the keeper, O’Brien beating it down as she goes down the ball loose Neal doing brilliantly as she gets in to protect the keeper letting the ball roll across her body as Lewis closes her down. O’Brien stays down after but is okay after treatment. Luton looking strong on their right Milton getting on to support Sanders as she pulls wide the cross flashed into the area cut out by Neal away for a throw in. 

Erin Price with Shanice Lewis

  Into Mckay wide smashes a hard shot across the face of goal, Sanders closing in far post stretching can’t quite get there to divert it home. Luton with a strong spell Stevenage struggling for an answer. Another free-kick for Luton put in from wide cleared by Price, no break on however as Dickens gets the ball back for Luton to keep the pressure on. Sargeant with a turn and swing from distance dragged wide of the left post. 

Hannah Bodily

 Stevenage frustrated trying to lift it as they look to get themselves back into the game. Luton hungry for the ball determined to close it down. McKay with a wild strike over from the angle.  

 GOAL! Stevenage with a diagonal ball up into the top of the area for Schofield left of the D, looking to see it down take inside to shoot is fouled by the on rushing keeper. Penalty! Kopec-Knurec shown the yellow card. Grace Brooks over Stevenage’s 2nd penalty hits it to the keepers left Kopec-Knurec going the right way getting something on the ball but too much power behind the ball to keep it out Stevenage with a goal back in the 77th minute 1-2.

Grace Brooks scoring from the spot

  Sargeant picking up a yellow card for Luton. Sanders driving on down the right firing a cross in along the face of goal neither Dickens nor Lewis chasing in can get a touch. Webster at the back on for Shephard left lifts a diagonal ball up towards Fidler top of the  turns to put her strike wide past the right post 

Luton making a double change bringing on Hannah Major and Maria Taylor for Sanders and Wilson. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular play opening up as Stevenage look to press on leaving opportunities to exploit at the back as they have to gamble. Luton digging in Constable looking to relieve the pressure on the eft taking the ball on Farmer getting it back for Stevenage inside for Bodily looks for Schofield, Wade defending for Luton then wins the ball for a 2nd time a Shephard plays it back in from the left.

  Bellinger fouled on halfway to the right Farmer putting the free-kick inside, Taylor defending for Luton lifted forwards for Lewis in attack, Farmer getting back on her just about winning the ball. Tense Lewis taking the ball into the corner looking to eat up time into injury time Makewell back on for Stevenage an extra attacker bringing of Webster in defence. Leyah Maddix on for Luton replacing Lewis up top. Everybody sent up for Stevenage bar the keeper Luton defending their box, Wade strong, Dickens back too. 

Jodie Bellinger with Fiona Constable

 Stevenage with a free-kick out on the left into Price helps it out to the right with Farmer up joining Bellinger given the ball cuts inside Blacksley blocking for Luton they get on the counter attack the ball Maddix running on with the ball through the middle Neal in to charge her down well, McKay out the loose ball to the right shooting over. 

 Sargeant out to Maddix on the left goes into the corner before being fouled, the Luton free-kick cleared by Neal, then Dickens with a high boot giving the free-kick away top of the area. Wade cutting out a ball fed into Fidler up top. Stevenage with one last chance to push everyone up winning a free kick left of the circle played long goes through every one out wide for a goal kick. 

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-2 Luton Town Ladies

  Luton Town Ladies celebrate winning a cup double adding the ERWFL League Cup to their Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup success. A strong combative performance to get in to win the ball through out showing great energy to get amongst Stevenage leading by a single goal at the break were strong at the start of the 2nd half hitting the post before doubling their leaf. Stevenage struggling for an answer at times getting a goal back from the penalty spot to set up a tense final 10 minutes however Luton were determine in defence holding on giving nothing away to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day again another difficult choice to make several strong contenders. Stevenage’s Amy Gooderham getting on well down the right creating opportunities linked up well with Hannah Nebbitt coming forwards. Vicky Neal putting in some vital tackles. Rosy Wodhams looking to get forwards into some good positions before coming off injured. For Luton, Elly Wade was superb at the back winning the ball, and getting out to block. Andie Dickens solid in the middle winning the ball preventing the midfield getting on, in turn allowing Elizabeth Sanders to get on put herself about wining the ball and making some excellent runs into the channels. The award though goes to full back Adrienne Milton had a excellent game at right back getting in to win the ball and winning her tackles. 

Luton Town Ladies 2022/23 ERWFL League Cup winners

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup Final.

 Another enjoyable day at Haverhill for the ERWFL Finals Day, rarely does the league disappoint with action, alot of talent on show. An entertaining game, tense tight as predicted, Luton joyous to emerge as victors. My thanks to Daniel Forde an Chris Abbott from the ERWFL committee for their help today… one game left and the season’s one.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Hutton Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 21st May

ERWFL League Plate Final

 The season drawing to a close soon time for a rest after a busy season but first there’s a another cup final double to cover this time from the ERWFL, holding their finals day at The New Croft home of Haverhill Rovers FC. Kicking off proceeding the League Plate final an 11am kick-of with two previous winners of the competition meeting Hutton Ladies and Newmarket Town Women.

The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid the next set up from the county divisions two Division One’s based on geography, North and South aiming for a full compliment of 12 teams in each leading to a 12 strong Premier Division and promotion to the FAWNL. With two cup competitions the League Cup and League Plate the latter between the Division One clubs knocked out in rounds 1 an 2 of the League Cup. 

This morning’s prize

 Hutton Ladies finishing as runners up this season in ERWFL Division One South behind runaway Champions Barking FC Women. Winning the League Plate in two successive occasions in 2017 & 2018. Has been quite a while since I’ve seen the Essex side in action before Covid, along with several clubs I’ve yet to get reacquainted with. One of the longest established sides in the ERWFL managed by Dennis Hindley previous with the Reserves these days have come good at the end of the season to record 5 straight wins in the league to overhaul Billericay Town Women Development to 2nd in the table. Victoria Kinsman back amongst the goals top scorer with 27 goals from 17 appearances. Lucy Critchell netting 9 goals from the 9 games she’s appeared in. Backed up by a Reserves side playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division a step below.

  Newmarket Town Women winning the ERWFL League Plate in 2019 joining the ERWFL the season before beating Histon Ladies 3-2. Playing in ERWFL Division One North, have had an indifferent season in the league as had the whole league itself short on numbers and losing a further along the way the sides playing each other 3 times as a result. Two defeats to start the season got back in amongst it with a 3 game winning streak, bringing through a number of young players have been inconsistent ever since ending up with a 5th placed finish have saved their best form for the cup getting into the Plate final and a chance to contest for silverware at the end of the season. Like Hutton backed up by a Development team and a strong youth set-up with a number of sides competing. Lidiya Mykhaylechko, Newmarket’s top scorer with 10 goals. Abbie Corbyn signed from Thetford Town Ladies at the start of the season on 9 for the campaign with Katie Speirs and Olivia Bradley scoring 7 and 8 respectfully. 

Road to the Final

  Hutton Ladies drawn at home to Division One North side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses in the 1st Round of the League Plate, the sides all square sharing 6 goals in a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes, Hutton were to come out on top in extra time with 4-3 win. Victoria Kinsman netting a hat-trick with Lucy Critchell also on the scoresheet. No such drama for Newmarket Town Women recieving a bye in the 1st Round to advance to the quarter finals.

Hutton Ladies with a tough draw at home in the quarter finals taking on Division One North leaders, AFC Dunstable Ladies. A close game a single goal was to settle the tie Isobel Boyd finding the back of the net for Hutton to send them through to the last 4. Newmarket Town Women away to AFC Sudbury Women Reserves newly promoted to Division One South a late kick-off featuring in a double header with the first team the sides were to slug out a goalless 90 minutes and with extra-time yielding no break through the game was settled from the penalty spot Newmarket emerging victorious 3-1 in the shootout to reach the final 4.

Hutton Ladies having home advantage once again in the semi-finals as they were drawn against Yaxley Phoenix Ladies themselves newly promoted to Division One North. The pair sharing a 9 goals thriller! Yaxley Phoenix on the scoresheet for 4 goals, Hutton edging the tie to progress to their 3rd Plate final winning it 5-4 with goals from Victoria Kinsman, Lucy Critchell, Chloe Woolaway, Hayley Critchell and Isobel Boyd. Newmarket Town Women drawn away to fellow Division One North side St Ives Town Ladies the pair have shared some great encounters in recent season this time it was Newmarket’s day as they put 4 goals past them to advance into the Final with 4-1 victory. Holly Dryland, Niamh Bridgeman, Antonia Smith and Katie Walker all bagging a goal.

The New Croft the venue for today’s ERWFL Finals Day, home to Haverhill Rovers FC and until recently had a women’s team in the ERWFL themselves but feeling poorly treated by the club have since disbanded, Haverhill Rovers nonetheless reaffirming it’s commit to having a women side representing the club will watch develops eagerly. The main complex between the main grass pitch and artificial pitch beyond. New dugouts added to the pitch since my last visit looking very smart. The bar and kitchen open for finals day serving burgers and chips. The morning bright and sunny although there was a chilly breeze blowing to and cloud cover would develop later in the day nevertheless great conditions for playing football. The grass pitch in good condition with the odd dip that will need attention once the seasons over.

Hutton Ladies

 Hutton Ladies starting XI – Krissie Glover, Kelly Roberts, Rianne Dimmock, Kirsty Knight, Chloe Woolaway, Abigail Fry, Katy Edwards, Isobel Crichton, Hayley Critchell, Lucy Critchell & Victoria Kinsman. Subs – Lauren Knight, Isobel Boyd & Danielle Hindley.

Newmarket Town Women

 Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Grace Joslin, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Lydia Mason, Liv Caffarelli (C), Chloe Slater, Katie Hayes, Faith Entwistle, Abbie Corbyn, Katie Walker & Lidiya Mykhaylechko. Subs – Antonia Smith, Liv Bradley, Sophie Yorko, Millie O’Dwyer & Katie Spiers.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Hutton to kick-off the Plate final wearing red coloured shirts with white trim, red shorts and red and white hooped socks, Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into Katy Edwards in midfield lifted out to the right for Lucy Critchell, Kara Wayman and Abbie Corbyn closing her down for Newmarket. Comes back into the middle laid forwards into the D, Newmarket captain, Liv Caffarelli heading the ball clear.

  Newmarket build on the left Corbyn bringing the ball on put in central helped onto into the right channel laid back to Katie Walker 25 yards out lines up a shot rifled in the ball coming back down off the crossbar, Krissie Glover in goal captaining Hutton getting hold of the ball as players rush in on the follow up. Newmarket making a positive start to the game Chloe Slater clipping the ball long out to the right with Katie Hayes getting forwards Hayley Critchell tackling for Hutton, Walker onto the ball to cross in top of the area cut out by Chloe Woolaway for Hutton. 

Hutton’s Katy Edwards

Edwards getting hold of the ball in the middle for Hutton lifting it forwards for Isobel Crichton running in behind the defence, goalkeeper Grace Joslin quickly out to the top of her area to claim the ball. Hutton attack on the left the ball into Lucy Critchell central back to goal turns inside the get a shot away straight into the keeper. Newmarket bring the ball on through the middle on for Walker to thread a low pass out into the left channel for Corbyn to attack, Kelly Roberts going with her the defender doing well to play the ball of Corbyn behind for the goal kick. 

Kelly Roberts with Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn

 GOAL! Victoria Kinsman rising in the centre to win the header knocking the ball forwards for Lucy Critchell racing through the middle driving for the box shifts out to the left prodding it on for Hayley Critchell to the left corner of the area, she pulls the trigger angling a low drive across the face of goal into the bottom corner to give Hutton the lead 1-0.

Hayley Critchell congratulated by her teammates after scoring the opening goal for Hutton

  Hutton taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes attack on the right winning a corner kick. The ball played in along the six yard box coming out to Woolaway at the far post her shot blocked by Holly Dryland defending the post for Newmarket, looking to clear there area the ball is clipped back in for Kinsman attacking to the left of the goal, Joslin rushing out to put in the blocking save on the striker. 

  Newmarket win the ball at the back Lydia Mason into Faith Entwistle the ball played out to the left for Corbyn Hutton giving a foul away in a dangerous position outside the area to the left side of the area. Hayes over the ball curls it around the wall and fires her strike against the bar!

GOAL! Moments after Newmarket strike the bar for the 2nd time they are hit on the counter as Hutton win the ball back on the right Lucy Critchell and Crichton exchanging passes before Critchell picks out Edwards central to lay the ball out wide to Hayley Critchell, sweeping a cross into the six yard box Kinsman stealing in adjusts her body to meet the ball with her head and drive the ball past the keeper to double the lead 2-0. 

Victoria Kinsman scorer of Hutton’s 2nd goal

  A blow for Newmarket coming so close one end then conceding have the ball central Walker lifting in on for Lidiya Mykhaylechko to chase too much on the ball however Glover can see it out for a goal kick. Kinsman moving across the Newmarket back line to find an opening stealing in clear on the right whips a cross into the six yard box, Lucy Critchell making a central run can’t quite get there. 

 Hutton coming on left side Kinsman across to support Hayley Critchell winning a throw in the corner, Dryland doing well in defence to regain possession for Newmarket. Another ball threaded onto the left channel for Corbyn to bear down on, Glover out quickly to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Corbyn and Roberts chasing for the ball on the right, Roberts looking to see it out for a throw holding Corbyn off the winger keeping it as even as Roberts picks it up expecting the throw, dismayed when she gives away a free kick instead for handling the ball. The free-kick in the corner flashed in across the far post Chloe Staler attacking not quite able to get a touch. 

Abbie Corbyn keeping the ball in play even as Kelly Roberts thinks it’s out.

 Entwistle rushing in to make the blocking tackle inside the Hutton half comes on with the ball for Newmarket laying it out to Hayes right of the box pulls the trigger from 20 yards, Rianne Dimmock getting in the way to blocks feeling the full effect of Hayes’ strike, down for a moment but up okay to play on. 

 Edwards with room to play the ball on in midfield for Hutton Kinsman and Lucy Critchell with good movement ahead of her. Hayley Critchell picked out on the left, Dryland winning the challenge for Newmarket. Corbyn fouled on halfway the ball played forwards to the top of the Hutton area cleared by Kirsty Knight into Edwards on for Abigail Fry tackled by Slater. 

GOAL! Kinsman onto the ball inside the Newmarket half turning to lay it out to Lucy Critchell running into the right channel getting past Kara Wayman running into the box, Wayman attempts to get back at her lunging in attempting to win the ball only succeeds in taking out the player… Penalty! Kinsman with the ball placing it on the spot moves back and running in strikes the ball hard to the right of goal to score 3-0.

Kinsman scoring from the spot to make it 3

 Hutton going into a 3 goal lead midway through the 1st half getting on top on the Plate Final. Hayes sending the ball from the right across the area looking for Corbyn far side cut out by Woolaway deflected out to the left retrieved by Corbyn dribbles the ball back into box left side firing a cross in close to the near post again cut out by Woolaway away for a corner kick.

  The ball into the six yard box won by Hutton coming out of the area look to break, The threat neutralised by referee Charlotte Hindmarch inadvertently getting in the way of the ball outside the area, play brought back for a drop ball to Hutton. Hayes coming inside linking up with Entwistle the ball out to Corbyn left, Roberts getting in to close her down. Newmarket getting on well enough down the flanks Hayes winning a throw deep, Dimmock with the defending playing the ball back for Glover, Mykhaylechko running in to close her down pulling out knowing she can’t get there.

  The ball clear to the left regained by Dryland on for Hayes crossed in from deep, intercepted by Woolaway. Hutton dangerous on the counter running away into the channels Lucy Critchell on the right 20 yards out with a strike swerving high past the right post. Hutton making a change bringing of Hayley Critchell on the left to be replaced by Danielle Hindley. 

Chloe Slater

  Hindley straight into the action onto the ball central carrying it out into the left corner Dryland in on her to concede the corner. Swung in towards the near post, Dryland again rising to head the ball clear. The game opening up as Hindley drives on left for Hutton, Dryland in to make the blocking challenge the ball cleared out to Corbyn on the left, has Wayman going past her on the overlap the ball played on for her, Woolaway out to close her down.

  Edwards picking out Kinsman outside the area left of the Newmarket going shifting the ball inside, shapes to shoot even as Joslin comes racing out to close her down the ball struck past the keeper, but alos wide of the far post. Edwards closing down the ball in the middle puts it on for Hindley on the left passes inside to Kinsman outside the box trapping the ball in her feet looks to shift inside to shoot, Mason in to block, the ball cleared by Slater. 

Hutton with a 2nd change bringing off Crichton replaced by Isobel Boyd. The ball played long into the right channel for Boyd, Wayman across her seeing the ball back to Joslin to clear. Edwards taking on the strike from distance straight into Joslin. Newmarket making a double change bringing on Sophia Yorko and Antonia Smith for Mason and Entwistle. Yorko straight into defend putting in the tackle on Kinsman as she bursts on right side. 

GOAL! Newmarket pull a goal back pressing Hutton on the ball in the final 3rd Smith closing down lifting it high into the D for Mykhaylechko to attack, Glover rushing out t close her down making the blocking save at the top of her area the ball deflected out to the right, knocked back into the area behind the stranded keeper by Slater into Mykhaylechko to send the ball into the empty net beyond 3-1. 

Lidiya Mykhaylechko pulling a goal back for Newmarket

  Smith getting into close the ball down for Newmarket press Hutton inside their half fed on Mykhaylechko is caught offside. Hayes on the right sending the ball on for Mykhaylechko to give chase too much though Glover coming to clear it. Corbyn battling with Roberts for the ball left sends in on for Wayman running past her to take the ball on into the area left closing in on the near post fires in a low shot Glover covering her post, seeing the ball safely into her gloves. 

  Just the single minute of stoppage time to be played, time for Hutton to mount one last attack Lucy Critchell playing the ball out to Hindley on the left down the line sends it inside for Kinsman coming out to receive the ball, Dryland getting her foot in to take the ball away from her.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 3-1 Newmarket Town Women

   Hutton taking a 3-1 lead into the break as the sides head back into the changing rooms. Newmarket starting brightly rattling the crossbar in the opening minute pushing on Hutton breaking away to find the opening goal inside 10 minutes. Making some good forward runs Newmarket were again to strike the woodwork before conceding a 2nd almost immediately after Hutton going 2-0 up added a 3rd from the penalty spot midway through the 2nd half. Comfortable Newmarket making changing paying off almost instantly as Smith closed the ball down to set up Mykhaylechko to score pull it back to 3-1 give Newmarket something as they look to find a way back into the game in the 2nd half. 

Victoria Kinsman with Newmarket captain Liv Caffarelli

  No changes for either side as Newmarket get the 2nd half underway the ball out to Dryland on the right looks to get forwards support Hayes, Dimmock defending for Hutton. Newmarket press the ball on the right early on winning a throw high put on for Hayes her cross along the face of goal Walker jumping to attack far post can’t quite reach it.

Holly Dryland defending against Hutton’s Danielle Hindley

 Newmarket’s Slater sending a diagonal ball into Hayes 20 yards out on the right of the area controlling the ball shifts into the area getting a half yard on her marker to unleash a shot, cut in low Glover going one way saves brilliantly with her legs knocking the ball away to the right. 

Krissie Glover saving Katie Hayes shot with her legs

Hutton’s captain and goalkeeper, Krissie Glover

  Hutton look to get the ball down into the Newmarket half out on the left Dryland defending knocking the ball out for a throw deep, dropped into Kinsman’s feet outside the box left turns sending a cross into the six yard box Boyd closing in right post knocking the shot wide past the left post. 

  Smith regaining possession well for Newmarket in the middle sending it on for Hayes on the right wing coming back inside to shot from 25 yards out on the move over hits it sending the ball wide of the far post. A miscue at the back on the left sees Lucy Critchell steal onto a short pass and cut inside to run for the box, Slater getting back on her diving in to win the ball top of the area for Newmarket. Dryland taking the ball on up the right for Newmarket on for Hayes lifts it across the pitch to Corbyn trying to get away on the left, Roberts just about getting her foot in to knock the ball out of her path.

Abbie Corbyn

  Newmarket lively looking better now getting forwards, Hutton patient with the experience in attack to counter. Hindley coming on left sweeping a ball into the area cut out well by Yorko. Smith with Walker in the middle winning the ball for Newmarket lifted out to Hayes on the right drives forwards, Dimmock closing to challenge for Hutton. Lucy Critchell bringing the ball on into the left channel for Hutton Hindley with her the ball taken on forwards for Kinsman tracking down to the by-line before turning to cross the ball cleared by Caffarelli. 

Lucy Critchell

  Kinsman getting into space on the left playing the ball into Hindley getting up the pitch to send a waist high cross racing trough the top of the six yard box Lucy Critchell throwing a leg up and only get a glancing touch taking it on wide of the right post. Hayes and Corbyn swapping wings for Newmarket, as Fry gets the ball on for Hutton out to the left on for Hindley winning a corner. The inswinging delivery sent in across the face of goal Roberts looking to get her head on it needed a shout from Kinsman coming in ready to power the ball home beyond her as it runs out of play far side for a goal kick.

  GOAL! One chance goes begging it isn’t long before Hutton regain the ball high on the right lifting a deep cross into the area Hindley inside the box left of goal, Dryland and Slater going to clear the ball get in each others way, allowing the attacker to steal in to take the ball beyond them and send t wide across Joslin into far side of the net 4-1.

  Hutton restoring a 3 goal cushion with another corner kick on the right put in high Newmarket clear the ball back out to the right sent back into the area from deep falling for Kinsman central getting her foot over the ball to shoot drags it wide of the left post. Hutton making another change bringing on Lauren Knight for Fry. Hindley taking the ball inside from the left firing it into Lucy Critchell outside the D powering forwards Walker tracking back to challenge the shot under challenge coming in low as Joslin gets down to see it into her gloves, saves with her face instead as the ball hit a divot and skips up before her before she knows anything about it luckily deflected away behind for a corner kick. The corner played long to the far post Dryland covering clears for Newmarket. 

Katie Walker

  Dryland picking up a slight injury coming off for Newmarket at the back with Katie Spiers coming on to join the attack. Newmarket pressing hit on the break Edwards on for Hindley through the middle out to Kinsman pulling wide left inside the box fires a cross in towards the far post Lucy Critchell making a run to get onto the end of it, Joslin down well to get hold of the ball to deny the chance. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Grace Joslin

  Smith into Mykhaylechko through the middle out to Corbyn right side Dimmock stepping in to tackle for Hutton at the back. Walker with a strike from distance for Newmarket landing on the roof of the net. Both teams battling for possession Newmarket pressing up looking for a goal, Hutton ready to break with gaps to exploit at the back. Kinsman lifting in on for Hindley through the middle, Caffarelli coming to close her down clear even as the flag goes up for offside. 

Katie Hayes

  A frantic spell as neither sides gets any meaningful possession, Hayes fouled on the left the ball to be put into the area from deep in high knocked down into Mykhaylechko lays it back for Spiers to strike from range fired wide of the left post. Hutton making changes bringing off Roberts off with Hayley Critchell back on Hindley going over to the right. Slater defends against Kinsman as the Hutton striker drives on with the ball right of the D. Newmarket pressing the ball around the Hutton penalty area, Spiers looking for an opening the door closed in front of her by Knight put out t Hayes on the left her cross swept in caught by Glover.

  Newmarket bring off Caffarelli send on Millie O’Dwyer with the clock starting to run down, Yorko clipping the ball forwards the keeper can come and gather before Corbyn can attack it. Yorko then throwing herself down in front of Kinsman to block her strike as she shifts right across the D. Woolaway getting on down the left now up with Hayley Critchell, Corbyn coming back to defend sliding in to put the ball out for a throw. The throw into Edwards top left corner of the area turns to pick out Kinsman central her low strike straight at the keeper back on her line. 

 Hutton bring Lucy Critchell off late in the game bring Crichton back on. Hindley at the back now seeing the ball back to the keeper to clear as Walker looks to put Corbyn on though to attack. Woolaway getting into the box on the left inside the six yard box Yorko across her trying to defend Joslin coming sliding down to claim the ball, Hutton appeal for a pass back, the decision given Hutton getting a in directed free-kick inside the six yard box left of the goal. A wall covering the near post Boyd plays it to Woolaway to strike a powerful right foot shot over the bar. 

  Newmarket continue to throw the ball forwards looking for a way through Hutton though are an experienced side a keeping things tight through the middle. Kinsman bursting onto the ball right channel stroking a shot over with the game moving into injury time. Newmarket putting a low cross in from the left taken by Glover, Yorko charging down the ball as Hutton counter left. Joslin coming to claim top of her area as Hutton break in the closing seconds. 

Full time Hutton Ladies 4-1 Newmarket Town Women

  Hutton Ladies win the ERWFL League Plate for a 3rd time. Leading 3-1 at the break. Newmarket looking to build on scoring late in the first half pressed well at the start of the 2nd period Glover making a great save. Hutton patient waiting for the chance to score a 4th goal and from there had control of the game could get players up behind the ball, Newmarket finding on way though. Hutton’s using their experience well. Newmarket will rue their luck first half striking the bar twice Hutton taking thier chances getting a 3rd goal from the penalty spot. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the day. A few performances to mention first, for Newmarket Holly Dryland well at left back winning a number of tackles and defending set-pieces well. Katie Hayes driving on right side getting the ball into some dangerous areas. Antonia Smith making an impact coming into the middle. For Hutton the defence was solid giving little away. Katy Edwards in control of the midfield for much of the first half getting free to spread ball into the wide players. Lucy Critchell superb running the channels and getting into some good attacking positions. The award for me though goes to Victoria Kinsman strong in the air winning the ball setting up the first goal, scoring twice and getting into some fantastic positions moving about the Newmarket back line hard to mark though out.

Hutton Ladies 2022/23 ERWFL League Plate winners

 Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning today’s ERWFL League Plate and making it a 3rd win overall.

  An exciting appetiser for the main event this afternoon, an entertaining contest as you’d expect from the ERWFL, my thanks to both sides for their help today along with Daniel Forde from the ERWFL for the team details, time for some foo then onto the next one…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Norwich City Women

Friday 19th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by Harrod Sport

Ending a busy week watching women’s football with another County Cup Final this time from Norfolk a trip to Carrow Road home of Norwich City FC to watch Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Norwich City Women play for the Women’s Cup sponsored by Harrod Sport. 

Set to be a record crowd for this evening’s event, Mulbarton Belles Ladies reaching their 3rd consecutive county cup final, Norwich City Women dominating the competition in it’s early years looking to win the cup for the 7th time.

This evening’s prize

  Mulbarton Belles Ladies formed just 3 season’s ago had played just 7 competitive games to reach their first county cup final back in 2021 that at the FDC against Norwich the County Cup returning after the upheaval caused by the Covid pandemic. Norwich with an early goal leading 3-0 at the break going on to win 7-0. The pair meeting again in last years competition drawn together at The Nest in the quarter finals, Mulbarton causing an upset knocking Norwich out on penalties after 2-2 draw. Going on to face an all conquering Wymondham Town Ladies in the final back at Carrow Road losing 2-0. Into the final once again Mulbarton face a different Norwich side this time around.

  Mulbarton Belles Ladies have had another successful season a busy end to the campaign, in fact much to their chagrin have a league game on Sunday away to Caister FC Ladies despite playing on Friday evening. That said they’ve got the job done in successfully defending their Division One title won for the 2nd year in a row and have made it a league and cup double by winning the League Plate last Sunday, with a 6-0 over their new Development team. The club continuing to grow with ambitions to test themselves at a higher level, fully embraced by Mulbarton Wanderers FC with the bulk of the old Thorpe United Ladies first team following manager Martin Francis to the club. Captain Rebekah Lake their talisman in attack o often amongst the goals has 25 for the season with both Sophie Jermy and Francesca Catchpole on 15.

  Norwich City Women now under the wing of Norwich City FC with the club taking on the day to day running of the club, ex-WSL player Flo Allen coming in as General Manager, the women’s side enjoying better support, coverage and sponsorship as they look to win promotion from the 4th tier where they had languished towards the wrong end of the table. Have had a marvellous season pushing the leaders for a while eventually clinching a 4th placed finish. A dream come true for the squad as Norwich City Women finally got their opportunity to play at Carrow Road in front of a record breaking crowd of over 7,000 winning against Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women. Defender, Ceri Flye has arguably been one of the best signings in the league too, coming in form Cambridge City Ladies ha been a consist performer at the back for Norwich. Also bringing in midfield duo Rebecca Russell and Katie Knights from Wymondham’s treble winning side, Knights becoming a fans favourite. Natasha Snelling top scorer with 14 goals this campaign. Will be manager Shaun Howes last game in charge of the women’s team as he steps down from the role at the end of the season.

Road to the Final

  Norwich City Women amongst the seeded teams in the County Cup along with Wroxham Women and King’s Lynn. Cup holders Wymondham should have been there too but very sadly after their historic season were to fold. Mulbarton beginning their county cup campaign away to fellow Division One side Caister FC Ladies, hitting the ground running Mulbarton went on to rack up a double figure win with both Rebekah Lake and Ellie Hunter netting a hat-trick. Eloise Peek scoring twice with goas from Molly Ryan, Lucy Lincoln and Francesca Catchpole in an 11-1 win.

  Progress to then for Mulbarton all the way to the quarter finals, a bye in the 2nd Round and an A-W awarded in the 3rd Round. Were at home to another Division One side in the quarter finals taking on Thetford Town Ladies, Rebekah Lake once again amongst the goals with a brace, Emma Farmer and Francesca Catchpole also on target in a 4-0 win. Norwich drawn at home to King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the quarter finals struggling in the ERWFL Premier Division, Norwich took a 1-0 lead into the break courtesy of Ellie Smith. Katie Knights doubling the lead on the hour before Norwich rattled in 3 more goals at the end with Ella Gambell making it 3-0. Megan Todd with a late late brace 5-0 the final score.

  Two tier 7 sides into the county cup semi-finals, Mulbarton at home taking on ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham Women. Had to dig in at times Wroxham unable to find a goal however with Molly Ryan striking to put Mulbarton into the lead proved to be the difference at Mulbarton held out to reach their 3rd successive final. Norwich at home to then Division One leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women, again proved to be stubborn opposition with Ellie Smith’s 10 minute goal the difference right up till the final 20 minutes, Freya Symonds making it 2-0 before another strong finish seeing 3 more goals rattled in with both Smith and Symonds netting again along with Olivia Cook 5-0 the winning margin as Norwich won through to a final at Carrow Road for the first time.

Carrow Road the venue once again for the Women’s County Cup Final the Geoffrey Watling Stand housing the supports overlooking the dugouts. The pitch a carpet as you’d expect offering plenty of width. The two sides out early to have a wander on the pitch, take it all in Mulbarton once again in the home dressing room. Up in the press box once again getting a great view of the action not in my usual spot with a pigeon (who are notoriously poor nest builders) situated on one of the security cameras above. Another warm and sunny day the weather set fair for the final with the crowd building nicely. 

Mulbarton Belles Ladies

 Mulbarton Belles Ladies starting XI – Jo Hooper, Melissa Belsey, Olivia Smith, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Alice Smith, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Sophie Jermy, Molly Ryan & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Olivia Mungham-Grey, Aneliese Smith, Francesca Catchpole, Alice Ladbrooke & Emma Farmer.

Norwich City Women

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Alice Parker, Anna Larkins (C), Ceri Flye, Mary Croft, Rebecca Russell, Katie Knights, Ellie Smith, Megan Todd, Kathryn Stanley & Natasha Snelling. Subs – Millie Daviss, Freya Symonds, Ella Gambell, Olivia Cook & Eloise Morgan.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Norfolk FA doing a great job to put on a showpiece event for their county Cup finals, the two sides walking out with their mascots lining up before the crowd, posing for squad pictures before joining together in front of the Norfolk and Waveney Mind charity banner, during Mental Health Awareness week.

  Jo Hooper in goal for Mulbarton with first choice keeper Cara Anderson struggling with a foot injury unable to play. Hooper goalkeeper for Mulbarton’s double winning 7’s side. Mulbarton with a bust schedule playing 5 times in the past fortnight, whereas Norwich a 19 day break since their season ended. A minutes applause before kick-off in appreciation to all those who have passed in the Norfolk footballing community. Mulbarton to get the 2023 final underway wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. Norwich lined up in their traditional yellow and green. The ball played long out to the right with Molly Ryan the target, Norwich full back Alice Parker can see the ball out safely for a throw.

Alice Parker

  Norwich get on the attack the ball fed into Ellie Smith moving left spins inside to lift wide to Megan Todd getting on down the right, held up by Mulbarton’s Olivia Smith lays the ball back to captain Anna Larkins getting forwards from right back to swing a deep cross into the are, the ball caught cleanly by Jo Hooper in the Mulbarton goal. Parker on the left inside for Rebecca Russell, prodded on for Ellie Smith, driving for the box tackled by Mulbarton centre back, Megan Belsey. Parker down after the attack a cause for concern, but after treatment is up back on her feet.

  Alice Smith clipping a long ball forwards aiming for captain Rebekah Lake in attack, Ceri Flye winning the ball for Norwich at the back headed on for Russell in midfielder opens up her body to thread the ball on into the area, Hooper with the call coming out behind her defence to claim the ball. Parker getting forwards on the left well for Norwich pushing Mulbarton back her cross cut out by Megan Belsey in the box, back out to Parker, Ryan closing her down the ball gone for a throw. 

Megan Belsey

 Parker pushing on down the left, Melissa Belsey coming to close her down tackling to win the back for Mulbarton, cleared don’t keep in for long with Ellie Smith snapping ack to regain possession for Norwich. Megan Todd taking over on the right bringing the ball inside, Oliva Smith and Lucy Lincoln blocking the shooting opportunity, knocked back to Russell to put low into the box, right side as Ellie Smith looks to steal in behind, a little too much on the ball runs out of play. 

  Megan Belsey helping her twin sister Melissa out as Parker bursts on form the left looking to force her way into the box. Laura Hedtke bringing down Ellie Smith as she drives on central the free-kick given to the left of the circle, flighted into the near post area, Hooper getting up well to catch the ball. Ryan trying to get forwards on the right when she can to support Lake in attack, Alice Smith sending a diagonal pass out into the wing, Mary Croft another ex-Wymondham player joining Norwich this season across from centre back to clear for a throw. The throw back to Melissa Belsey plays a high ball in from the right towards the top of the box won by Flye falls to Ellie Smith turns looking to spring a counter attack, runs into Alice Smith. 

  Norwich pushing on Mulbarton camped in their box as Todd right side lays it back to Russell her low strike in through bodies cross the keeper, batted down by Hooper loose for a moment the defence rush to scramble it clear. Mulbarton penned back, Norwich coming on at will at time the full backs able to overload the flanks. Russell coming across to the left overlapping Parker to whip a dangerous ball into the area, Sophie Jermy up well against Natasha Snelling to win the ball. 

Ellie Smith looing to turn Mulbatorn's Alice Smith

 Pressing down the right Norwich win a corner, put in near side defended knocked behind for a 2nd corner, in higher this time near side met by Kathryn Stanley urns her header wide of the post. A frantic opening 15 minutes Norwich setting their stall out early pushing players on looking to score a high ball into the box from the right sees Stanley send her header over at the far post. Russell putting the ball on for Ellie Smith left channel has Stanley inside the area, the ball onto her feet moves inside, Melissa Belsey with the blocking tackle the ball cleared out to the left a strike rattled in from distance wide past the left post.

  Norwich break on the left Parker racing forwards with the ball, Ellie Smith tracking out into the wing taking the ball on down the line, using the outside of her boot to wrong foot her marker sending a cross in dangerously across goal, Hooper with an instinctive arm gloving the ball behind the onrushing Snelling then getting down to smother the loose ball. The pace of the game in relentless Norwich going for it Mulbarton with few opportunities to get forwards under the cosh, Ryan up with Lake on the right exchange passes with Ryan heading for the by-line, Croft pressing the cross sent behind.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Jo Hooper

  The ball cleared by the Norwich defence falls to Hedtke lining up a strike from distance, Ellie Smith rushing in to charge the ball for Norwich. Stanley and Ellie Smith combining for Norwich in the final third the ball out to Snelling corner of the area her shot on the angle to the near post claimed by Hooper. A free-kick for Mulbarton on half way the ball towards Ryan right of the area looks to head it down across the D into Lake, Croft getting to the ball to clear for Norwich. Russell intercepting the ball for Norwich putting it through for Ellie Smith into the left channel, Megan Belsey in to block top of the area. 

Melissa Belsey

  Larkins putting the cross in form deep on the right sees the ball deflected across the six yard box, Melissa Belsey under pressure from Ellie Smith clearing the ball. Stanley left 25 yards out sending a shoot away fired wide past the far post. Norwich quickly back onto the ball Knights out to Parker bombing on down the left her cross lifted in across the face of goal Todd rising to head the ball looks a certain goal the crowd up but dismayed as it crashes against the bar. Melissa Belsey deflecting the ball behind for a Norwich corner as Parker and Snelling come to the by-line trying to work the ball into the box.

  Players forwards from the back as the corner is fired into the six yard box Flye attacking it, Hooper with the faintest of touches knocking it down into the floor, players scrambling to get to the ball Todd puts it wide taking a knick off a defender for a corner on the right. Flye with her head in her hands with a great chance to open her Norwich account.

 The 2nd corner put high into the area headed out dropping to Stanley her shrike is charged down by Hedtke. The ball put straight back into the area sees Flye bursting in clear in front of goal one on one with the keeper, Hooper down making a blocking save the ball running on behind her as Flye hurdles the keeper looking to get to the ball, so close but can’t wrap her boot around it as it trickles narrowly wide of the post. 

  Alice Smith brings down Stanley conceding a free-kick in an inviting position central 30 yards out. Russell over the ball curls her effort past the wall in on goal but lacks the height or pace to trouble the keeper as Hooper comes across her goal to take it on the bounce. Lake coming deep to win the ball gets on the move through the middle, Ellie Smith quick to close her down tackle and set off another Norwich counter the ball finding Todd running on down the right her cross whipped into the area through everybody. 

Megan Todd

  At times Norwich have everyone bar the keeper inside the Mulbarton half, Flye joining the action bringing the ball on, Mulbarton with everyone bar lake back to defend their area scrapping to hold on. Hunter lunging in to deny Parker as she turns infield. Melissa Belsey out to tackle Parker before she is tripped by Ryan giving away the free-kick wide of the area 25 out, Parker over it herself striking the ball over.

  Remains goalless after half and hour despite Norwich’s onslaught, overloading the wide area Larkins on for Todd her cross in towards Ellie Smith outside six yard box, Megan Belsey winning the challenge. Ellie Smith getting across the pitch popping up on the left and right over with Todd on the right the pair exchanging passes up the line before Todd tees up Russell central 20 yards out smashes her shot over. 

Natasha Snelling with Mulbarton’s Molly Ryan

  Knights bringing the ball in central for Norwich picks out Todd inside the left channel going one way turns back to send a cross into the far post dropping, Snelling racing in meeting it on the volley sends the attempt over. Norwich all over Mulbarton, Lincoln in to block Todd as she comes inside form the right. A high ball put into the box from 25 yards out dropping to Ellie Smith right of goal, Megan Belsey blocking her shot the deflect the ball away for a corner. The corner goes long retrieved by Croft on the left down to Snelling on the by-line fires the cross into the six yard box Todd powering a header down towards goal at the far post, Hooper with a magnificent save diving to her left to push the ball wide.

 A rare attack for Mulbarton as Jermy breaks from a corner putting the ball on for Alice Smith the midfielder looking to send Lake through to attack, Bryony Williams largely a spectator for the first half racing out to the top of her area to clear the ball. Melissa Belsey doing well inside her six yard box defending on Snelling as the ball comes into her from deep. Hooper catching a deflected shot from Todd as she pulls the trigger following a run across the area. 

Kathryn Stanley

 Flye at the back defending a cross from Melissa Belsey from the right, Norwich springing a counter attack, Knights to Todd right her cross flashed in across the face of goal out to the left gathered by Stanley on the left up the line to Parker plays the ball in towards Ellie Smith 10 yards out, down to meet the ball attempts to place a cushioned header inside the near post a good attempt but wide.

 Norwich with a corner on the right as the 1st half moves into stoppage time, in close to Hooper knocked out to the left Croft back to Knights her cross in cleared by Hedtke. Parker left flashing a cross into the box towards Snelling, Melissa Belsey in to block. The half ending with Hooper claiming another curling shot from outside the box. Mulbarton with their backs to the wall going in level with Norwich at the break.

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 0-0 Norwich City Women

  Quite how is another matter Norwich have been relentless going forwards creating chance after chance, the Mulbarton defence with an epic first half performance along with Hooper in goal. Norwich able to pour players forwards have been camped in the Mulbarton half and will be in the changing room wondering how they’re not in front. Penned back however Mulbarton have been able to offer nothing in attack Lake an isolated figure up top a big ask to keep it up 2nd half. 

 Norwich making a double change at half-time bringing on Freya Symonds and Ella Gambell to replace Todd and Stanley on the flanks. Norwich to get the 2nd half underway the ball lifted out to the right for Symonds, Olivia Smith defending for Mulbarton out for a throw, Norwich push up the throw into Ellie Smith back to Symonds tries to get in back into Smith heading for the by-line Mulbarton turn it behind for a corner.

 GOAL! Larkins to send the corner into the mix across the Mulbarton goal Flye getting her foot up to turn the ball through the defence into the back of the net finally open her Norwich account 1-0 mobbed by her joyous teammates before running over to the bench to celebrate.

Ceri Flye coming over to the bench to celebrate scoring her first Norwich goal

  The break through coming at the start of the 2nd half Norwich getting the goal they had been hunting for the Mulbarton resistance finally broken. Mulbarton respond by getting straight on the attack Jermy putting the ball out to Ryan on the right turns inside top of the area to strike the shot runs wide past the far post. Mulbarton press up a throw won high on the right, Croft defending seeing the ball out for a corner kick. Taken short up the line the shot curled in to the far post cleared by Knights.

  Getting their goal Norwich have settled back into a regular shape no longer pouring players on Symonds on the right finding Ellie Smith down in the corner shifting the ball inside bursts into the area tracking across the goal, from distance appears to be pulled down the crowd certainly think so however little signs of an appeal form Norwich as referee signals play on. Ellie Smith cutting into the box winning a corner for Norwich on the right the initial ball defended by Lincoln comes back to the corner taker for a 2nd attempt at the cross long past the far post Gambell headers over.

   An injury concern for Mulbarton, Melissa Belsey down inside the box, needing treatment looks uncomfortable as she rises to her feet. Ellie Smith surging on to the by-line right, Lincoln getting hold of the ball to clear for Mulbarton. The Norwich crowd giving the Mulbarton subs some grief as they warm up. Belsey can’t continue needs to come off, Mulbarton bringing on Emma Farmer at left back. Megan Belsey clearing on the line as Ellie Smith stealing onto the ball inside the box drives to the by-line wide right to shoot. Norwich making a change bringing Eloise Morgan.

Ellie Smith

  Straight into the action defending on the Jermy in the corner left as Mulbarton win a throw the ball off Jermy for a goal kick. With Norwich sitting back after scoring Mulbarton can get players on to support the attacks Alice Smith on for Lake outside the box to the right knocks it down into Jermy central, coming inside turns down the opportunity to strike the ball instead attempting to dink it into  Lake’s path as she moves towards goal herself the ball snatched up by Williams. An injury concern for Norwich now with Croft down inside the box. Smith lifting the ball into Gambell breaking on down the left her cross whipped into the box claimed well by Hooper. Croft can’t play on, taken off Norwich send on club captain, Millie Daviss only recently returned to the squad after a long injury lay off.

Club captain, Millie Daviss

  Gambell nipping into the box after the ball after a mis cue from Farmer, luckily Lincoln able to get to it first to clear. Knights finding room in the middle plays the ball into Symonds 20 out right of the area fires her shot wide across goal. Ellie Smith continues to pop up all over the place darting to the left looking for Gambell, played on, Farmer getting back at her well for Mulbarton. Olivia Smith on the opposite side tackling Symonds as Larkins lifts the ball on. Snelling onto the ball for Norwich left inside the area puts the cross in low to the far post Symonds onto it looks to be in the clear shooting on the angle drags the effort wide across the face of goal.

GOAL! 70 minutes on the clock Norwich pounce for their 2nd goal Ellie Smith top of the area playing a one two with Symonds inside the area right of goal on the angle sends the ball racing across goal out to the far side on a plate for Knights running in unchallenged  to smash the ball home from close range wheeling away in joy runs over to manager Shaun Howes to celebrate 0-2

Katie Knights doubling Norwich’s lead

  Doubling the lead Norwich looking comfortable as Flye sends the ball into Symonds on the right her cross squared into the box cut out by Megan Belsey. Hunter bringing the ball on for Mulbarton on for Alice Smith looks up to pass as Lake spins away into the left channel, Flye seeing the pass all the way intercepting bringing the ball down off her chest. Megan Belsey getting her head on the ball to win it against Snelling inside the six yard box as Symonds delivers the cross from the right. Norwich taking Snelling off bringing on Olivia Cook.

Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake

 Knights with the ball out to Symonds wide right her cross in taken well by Hooper rising to claim with two runners bearing down on her. Gambell moving with the ball left to right winning Norwich a corner. Flye again attacking it inside the box, defended knocked outside, Morgan running onto the shot hitting it from all of 35 yards drilled wide of the right post. Norwich press through the right channel Ellie Smith tacking the ball on tackled by Olivia Smith outside the box.

  Lake seeing the ball across her turns to drive into the left channel threatening to get away from Flye the defender sticks out a foot to take the ball away from her out for a throw. Olivia Smith in to tackle Symonds on the right the ball cleared Morgan soon winning it back for Norwich into the final 15 minutes players tiring alot of effort put in. Olivia Smith being kept on her toes by Symonds winning the ball cleared into the middle helped on to Ryan on the right, Flye across to tackle halting the attack. 

Freya Symonds

  A double change for both sides Stanley and Russell back on for Norwich replacing Ellie Smith and Knights. Mulbarton bringing of Hedtke and Hunter sending on Francesca Catchpole and Alice Ladbrooke with the game heading into the final 5 minutes of regular play. Gambell up with Morgan right winning a corner the ball flashing in across goal very nearly deflected into the net for an own goal, Hopper getting a hand to the ball to save turn wide for another corner. Put in from the left cleared out central picked up by Parker taking the ball right turns to shoot on the angle fired over the bar. 

 

 Mulbarton with another double change bringing on Olivia Mungham-Grey and Aneliese Smith replacing Ryan and Olivia Smith. Catchpole joining Lake in the attack looking to get on with the ball, Flye on half way coming to close her down. The ball into Lake right outside the box sends it inside to Catchpole tracking in central moving inside looking to shoot, Daviss throws herself in to block the ball. Jermy blocking up the other end inside the box as Gambell looks to get onto the end of Symonds cross from the right. Parker coming off for Norwich, Todd back on as 8 minutes of additional time are signalled.

  Daviss putting the ball into Gambell in the left channel driving forwards can’t force her way through on goal. The game stretched Mulbarton giving it a go late on Flye out to force Lake wide clear the ball Norwich counter the ball up through the middle Hopper out of her box to clear. 

GOAL! Mulbarton losing possession from a free-kick the ball sent out to Symonds away on the right wing players breaking forwards to get into the box the cross comes in along the face of goal Cook arriving to turn it into the back of the net to seal the win 0-3. 

Olivia Cook scoring for Norwich (photo credit Norwich City Women)

 Cook up with Symonds on the right in attack, Mungham-Grey winning the ball for Mulbarton cleared, Catchpole giving away a cynical foul to earn herself a yellow card. The free-kick right of the circle into the top of the area cleared by Lincoln falls to Russell central her strike from range isn’t too far over the bar. Cook striking across the ball from the top of the area right side, Hooper getting her gloves to the ball, barely manages to claim it.

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 0-3 Norwich City Women

  Norwich City Women win their 7th Norfolk Women’s County Cup, a victory for Shaun Howes in his final game in charge in front of a county cup record crowd of 2690 at Carrow Road too. After a relentless first half where they did everything but score, Norwich struck early in the 2nd half from a corner with Ceri Flye netting her 1st goal for the club to put them into the lead. Mulbarton’s stubborn resistance finally broken they continued to work hard in defence to keep the score down, with Norwich settling back a little Mulbarton had a few opportunities to get forwards the 2nd goal coming with 20 minutes left Norwich in control settling the game in stoppage time with a 3rd goal from Olivia Cook. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, can hardly go against the popular opinion on this one but first to mention a few of the stand out performers. Credit to the entire Mulbarton side for a battling defensive display particularly the defence, Lucy Lincoln, Olivia Smith at left back and a phenomenal display from the Belsey twins Megan and Melissa winning the ball, coming to block and dealing with the intensity of the game. Ceri Flye getting that all important first goal for Norwich excellent in defence too. Alice Parker getting on up the left to support the attack. Katie Knights with some great passes scoring too. Megan Todd attacking from the right getting into some good positions. Freya Symonds taking over on the right doing a great job too 2nd half, Ellie Smith was just everywhere causing no end of problems with her movement getting into some fantastic positions. The award tough goes to Mulbarton goalkeeper Jo Hooper. A magnificent performance goalkeeping inside a packed box with players in close giving you little tie to react pulled of some wonderful saves.

Mulbarton with a battling display in good spirits after the game

 Congratulations to Norwich City Women on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup will mean so much more to win it at Carrow Road.

The Norwich players giving manager Shaun Howes a guard of honour in his final game in charge

Norwich City Women 2022/23 Norfolk Women’s County Cup Winners

  The 4th game in 4 nights over 18,000 words written, two county cup finals both featuring a 7th tier side, who did themselves proud. Two contrasting grassroots league games two but enjoyed them all as happy standing at the side of a playing field pitch as I am up in the press box of a Championship stadium. Norfolk FA putting on another great occasion, my thanks for all their help and for allowing me to cover the game. An evening off now before we do it all again on Sunday with another cup final double bill… season’s almost done.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thorpe St Andrew Women v Aylsham FC Women

Thursday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Staying in Norfolk for some more midweek league action this Thursday evening with a trip along the A47 to watch a game from Norfolk Women’s Division Two with Thorpe St Andrew Women hosting leader leaders Aylsham FC Women, a win for the visitors will see them crowned Champion in their debut season.

  Aylsham FC Women emerging out on top of what has been a competitive tussle at the top end of a 12 strong league. With it looking an open fight between 6 sides entering the new year, one side lost as Gorleston FC Ladies were to fold, North Walsham Angels Ladies mounting a late charge to get amongst the mix, along side KLSC FC Women, Mulbarton Belles Ladies new Development side and Thorpe St Andrew Women.

  Haven’t seen Thorpe St Andrew Women for a good while, in fact back then they were still Thorpe United Ladies, one of the leading sides in the Norfolk Women’s Football league for many years. Playing at the Thorpe Recreation Ground on Laundry Lane. A falling out with the previous management regime saw the entire first team go with manager Martin Frances to form Mulbarton Belles Ladies. That left the Development team to become the senior team. A tough campaign last time out with Tony Allen taking on the coaching of the team placed in strong Division One, would have preferred to have been in Division Two.

 An inexperienced squad were to struggle with some big losses along side North Walsham Angels Ladies who were in a similar position the latter losing several experienced players as a result, Thorpe St Andrew dug deep however and sticking together worked hard week in week out to improve the signs there as the season drew to a close for a brighter future. Now back in Division Two despite losing their opening two fixtures were to go on a run of 8 matches unbeaten winning 6 to put themselves in amongst the mix at the top end of the table, becoming a side used to winning games instead of one accustomed to defeat, have dropped away at the end but will almost certain cement a top 5 finish. Abi Simmons top scorer netting 28 goals so far this season with both Bex Sutton and Poppy Le Beau reaching double figures. Thorpe a club that has always had a strong youth set-up with teams from U10s up adult.

  A phenomenal debut season for Aylsham FC Women, ex-Norwich City Women coach Steve Kenny bringing women’s football back to Aylsham, building a strong squad with some ex-Norwich City Reserves players including Jordan Arnoup, along with some ex-Stalham players, Charlotte Crane and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Looked a strong squad on paper and has proved to be the case starting with a romping 17-0 home win have continued to pile on the goals scoring a staggering 113 in the 19 games played to date averaging 5.6 goals a game while conceding just 8 at the other end.

  Behind in there fixtures laid in wait for the sides battling above winning 7 in a row while conceding just the 1 goal were to have a mini wobble towards the end of February beginning of March with 1-0 defeat to Mulbarton and an in form North Walsham Angels Ladies side before returning to winning ways and banging in the goal once more. Captain, Jordan Arnoup playing most of the time at centre back the league’s top scorer finding the back of the net with 38 goals from 21 appearances. Hannah Claughton too amongst the goals scoring 21 from her 21 games with Sophie Lubbock dual signed with Fakenham Town Ladies weighing in with 16 goals from just 5 appearances. 10 wins in a row propelling Aylsham to the top of the table promotion to Division one already secured a win in their final game of the season with see them become Champions although a draw would undoubtedly do it with their superior goal difference over KLSC FC Women who still have two to play.

The Thorpe Recreation Ground the home of all the Thorpe St Andrew sides. Boasting a number of full sized grass pitches sloping up from the clubhouse, with the bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot and cold drinks. Thorpe using one of the upper pitches this evening a start contrast to last evenings game in Suffolk this pitch huge in comparison one extreme to the other long and wide, sloping from one side to the other. A full 90 minute game planned a brighter day with little cloud starting to cool down noticeably as the sun drops.

Thorpe St Andrew Women

Thorpe St Andrew Women starting XI – Natalie Cloney, Libby Eglington, Sienna Moore, Emma Clarke, Sarah Rooke, Chloe Musson (C), Jen Brown, Bex Sutton, Natasha Frankland, Tabbi Mileham & Poppy Le Beau. Subs – Hannah Artis, Georgie Rumney, Abi Simmons, Olivia Pollard & Emily Warnes.

Aylsham FC Women

 Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Yaz Wolford, Ellie Cleaver, Abbie Butcher, Jordan Arnoup (C), Charlotte Crane, Georgie Bobbin, Flo Simpkin, Sophie-Jane O’Connor, Hannah Claughton, Rhiannon Dack & Carly Allum. Subs – Hannah Lock, Cayla Brown, Sophie Lubbock & Vicki Lubbock.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A midweek fixture Aylsham having a few of their dual signed players available, with Yaz Wolford in goal also with King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the ERWFL Premier Division. Along with the Lubbock twins, Sophie and Vicki available with Fakenham Town Ladies excellent debut season in ERWFL Division One North now finished on the bench. It’s the visitors to get the game underway wearing orange coloured shirts and socks with blue shorts. Thorpe lined up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. Played back into Charlotte Crane at the back lifted out to the right Ellie Cleaver on for Rhiannon Dack, closed down by Thorpe’s Tabbi Mileham, Dack snapping back at Mileham as she looks to travel on the flank.

  Georgie Bobbin in with a strong challenge to win the ball in the middle for Aylsham lifted up to Carly Allum in attack central, hooks the ball out to Dack racing on right side pulling wider as she moves into the area gets a shot away Thorpe goalkeeper, Hannah Cloney claiming it at her near post. Plenty of space on the pitch to exploit, Bex Sutton turning on the ball central for Thorpe lifting it forwards for Poppy Le Beau in attack making a run towards the box, Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup chasing lunging in to tackle taking the ball away from Le Beau out of play for a corner on the left. 

Georgie Bobbin tacking to win the ball for Aylsham off Thorpe’s Emma Clarke

  An inswinging back curled in central dropping amongst a cluster of players, knocked out towards the penalty spot straight to Le Beau, fires a shot back in low, blocked on the line by Walford deflected out to the left cleared for a Thorpe throw. Thorpe looking to press at the start Mileham sending a cross from the throw into the area, Walford getting hold of it with Natasha Frankland closing in. 

 

 Bobbin robust in the middle for Aylsham, fouling Sarah Rooke in the middle, a free kick to Thorpe top of the circle players forwards the ball dropped over Le Beau going out attack it, Aylsham scrambling it clear to the left for the throw. Is a tendency for players to cluster at this level get drawn to the ball, however not this evening players a spread, Thorpe’s home afterall and Hannah Claughton and Dack are staying out on flanks left and right for Aylsham offering good passing options, Flo Simpkin picking out Claughton on the left as Bobbin closes the ball down in the middle, racing on to the by-line Sienna Moore holding her up well getting in the challenge to prevent the cross.

  Sutton knocking Bobbin off the ball conceding a free-kick outside the box to the left 25 yards out. Arnoup, coming forwards to take the set-piece, smashes her shot into the wall, rebounding inside central Arnoup moving to strike it 1st time gets too much on it sending the ball high over the bar. Aylsham getting oy on the wings the ball forwards form Abbie Butcher for Claughton on the left pace to take the ball on turning inside the shoot on the angle her driven effort striking the base of the near post.

Thorpe’s Bex Sutton

 Thorpe get the ball into Jen Brown on the right playing it inside for Sutton, lifted up to Le beau in attack, Crane in to close her down for Aylsham at the back. Sophie-Jayne O’Connor coming on with the ball central for Aylsham looks to send Carly Allum away as she moves into the left channel, the offside flag halting her attack. Thorpe too using the flanks well Sutton out to Mileham left shifts the ball between her feet looking to kick on, Cleaver getting her foot in to regain possession for Aylsham. Thorpe making a change, Brown coming off on comes Georgie Rumney goes into the back line.

Aylsham’s Ellie Cleaver with Thorpe’s Tabbi Mileham

 Simpkin with O’Connor in the middle for Aylsham the diagonal ball putting Dack away on the right reaching to top of the area pulls the trigger her shot pulled wide of the near post. 15 minutes played Mileham attacking on Thorpe’s left stabbed forwards into Le Beau outside the area left closely marked by Crane can’t turn inside lays it back to Mileham to strike from distance the shot wide of the near post. Olivia Pollard also on for Thorpe. 

  Pressure on the ball high on the left from Thorpe, Frankland with Mileham the latter stealing onto the ball to take it on into the area across the top of the six yard box Arnoup rushing in to close the ball down sending it clear with a blocking tackle. Certainly competitive both sides closing the ball down Thorpe encouraged getting some joy in the final third, Aylsham turning play around Arnoup forwards to O’Connor picking out Allum in the left channel, Thorpe captain Chloe Musson into close her down win the ball. 

Sophie-Jayne O’Connor bringing the ball on for Aylsham

  Aylsham winning a corner on the right an inswinging delivery high across goal, Allum rising can’t quite get her head on the ball. Dack finding space out on the right for Aylsham put on by Cleaver taking the ball on down the line fizzes a cross in close to the near post snatched up by Cloney in the Thorpe goal. Emma Clarke advancing through the middle for Thorpe sending the pass on for Le Beau in attack, Arnoup getting hold of the ball hooking it clear. 

Libby Eglington defending for Thorpe on Dack as she takes the ball on right the fullback forcing her wide before challenging. Thorpe winning a free-kick central out to Mileham left chests the ball into the path of Rooke running on into the left channel the ball crossed into the box Le Beau laying it back for Clarke who shoots wide. 

Thorpe’s Natasha Frankland with Aylsham’s Flo Simpkin

GOAL! Aylsham break down the left wing Claughton taking the ball on bursting inside smashing the ball in towards the near post, deflected through bodies across goal runs out to Dack racing in far post to smash the ball high into the back of the net 0-1. 

Rhiannon Dack opening the scoring for Aylsham with Thorpe captain Chloe Musson

The break through for Aylsham coming in the 20th minute. A blow for Thorpe, Sutton trying her luck from range her effort not trouble Walford. Musson on for Le Beau in the middle lift the ball out to Mileham up on the left taking the ball inside, Cleaver charging her shot down outside the area. The Thorpe bench unhappy with some of the decisions being given some robust challenges out there. Make a change bringing on Emily Warnes. Rumney doing well at the back defending on Allum as she tries to get into the box from the left the ball put out for a corner

 GOAL! Simpkins corner in low to the near post covered by a defender the ball out to the left Claughton looking to get hold of the ball a push on her spotted by the referee points to the spot Penalty! Arnoup, Aylsham’s penalty taker runs up strikes the ball low and fast into the bottom right corner to score her 39th goal of the season 0-2. Wheels away in celebration doing a Chloe Kelly whipping her shirt off and sports bra beneath running across to celebrate with manager Steve Kenny.

Jordan Arnoup scoring from the penalty spot for Aylsham

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup

  Rules are rules receives a yellow card as she retrieves her shirt. Aylsham 2 goals to the good look to press the advantage Simpkin stealing through into the right channel laying the ball on for Dack out wide driving to the by-line the cross/shot racing across the face of the goal. Thorpe making a change in attack bringing off Le Beau sending on top scorer, Abi Simmons. Thorpe disappointed having made a good start to the game now 2 goals behind. Musson intercepting as Allum looks to put Claughton away on the left. 

 Aylsham making a double switch sending on Sophie and Vicki Lubbock replacing Bobbin and Simpkin. Aylsham getting on top pressing the ball high on the right before Sophie Lubbock sends a shot wide. O’Connor feeding the ball on for Sophie Lubbock driving into the right channel, Moore on her shoulder pushing her wide getting a foot on the ball to send it out for a corner. Taken short gives Sutton time to race out of the area and charge the ball down deflected out for a 2nd corner. The delivery flashed in across goal gathered by O’Connor far side her low ball back in grabbed by the keeper.

  Simmons played in through the middle as Thorpe catch Aylsham with a high line the ball running on Walford already at the top of the area stays big patient waiting to claim it even as Simmons charges on the ball skipping up off the keeper, Walford keeping her eye on the ball to take it down into her gloves. Sutton lifting the ball out to the left possession regained for Aylsham by Abbie Butcher on the left inside for Arnoup to play into the middle. 

 GOAL! Aylsham moving the ball around played left into Allum she lays it on for Sophie Lubbock to attack the box left of the area on the run sees the keeper off her line and lobs her from 30 yards out to send the ball over her to run on into the back of the net 0-3.

Sophie Lubbock with Aylsham’s 3rd with Thorpe defender Sarah Rooke

 The visitors with a comfortable lead now, Thorpe needing to settle down, Mileham back helping in defence battling with Vicki Lubbock for possession of the ball. Thorpe winning a free-kick inside the Aylsham half Sutton playing it into Mileham taking the ball on into the left corner before lifting a cross into the area, Sutton central heading the ball up towards goal Walford back on her line under it to claim safely.

Vicki Lubbock

  Another change for Aylsham with O’Connor coming off replaced by Cayla Brown as the first half moves into stoppage time. Rooke defending in the box as Vicki Lubbock looks to turn to attack the ball cleared for a throw. 

Half-time Thorpe St Andrew Women 0-3 Aylsham FC Women

After a fairly even opening 20 minutes Aylsham broke to open the scoring and added a 2nd and 3rd goal at regular intervals to secure a strong lead going into the 2nd half. Using the width well, Claughton and Dack staying out wide driving forwards. Thorpe frustrated making a positive start creating a few opportunities pressing Aylsham’s defence frustrated with a few decisions the 2nd goal unsettling them Aylsham taking advantage finishing the half strong. Almost there defending a 3 goal lead, manager Steve Kenny not wanting an complacency to set in as the sides return to the pitch after a quick turn around.

No changes for Aylsham as the sun begins to set the air getting decidedly chilly the big coat still needed. Thorpe bringing on Hannah Artis to get the 2nd half underway the ball back to Musson out to Eglington on the left, Claughton getting in to close the ball down rolled inside for Vicki Lubbock, Rumney in to tackle for Thorpe the ball cleared to the right. 

Sarah Rooke

  Dack taking the ball on up the right wing sending in a low cross to the near post, Cloney covering the angle snatching the ball up into her gloves. Brown with a strong challenge on Sutton in the middle. Thorpe winning a throw deep on the right Rooke up with Simmons the ball played into the top of the area Simmons into challenge for the ball, Thorpe appealing for a foul incensed when the decision goes the other way. 

 Get the decision as Aylsham mount an attack through the middle Sophie Lubbock taking the ball on sending it on for her sister Vicki top of the area the ball striking her arm as she looks to see it down. Warnes getting hold of the ball on the right for Thorpe looking to get forwards keeping Butcher busy at left back for Aylsham the defender closing Warnes down winning the ball as she looks to skip inside.

Aylsham’s Abbie Butcher

  Sophie Lubbock moving inside with the ball off a throw up on Aylsham’s left feeds it on into for Vicki Lubbock inside the D, Artis tackling well putting the ball back to her keeper to clear. Cloney then racing out of her area to clear as Dack sends Vicki Lubbock through on the right channel. Allum with the ball central for the visitors putting the ball on for Vicki Lubbock again making a right channel run 20 yards out puts a lobbed effort narrowly wide of the far post. 

Libby Eglington with Hannah Claughton

 Rumney getting her boot up well to intercept and a diagonal ball if lifted forwards from the right. Aylsham pressing at the start of the 2nd half Claughton shifting the ball between her feet getting on the move up the left squaring a cross into the area, Rooke cutting it out for Thorpe behind for the corner. Defending one corner Thorpe get themselves a corner of there own won on the left played in near side knocked on across goal, Warnes not quite able to get there as she charges in at the far post. 

  Thorpe winning the ball on the left Frankland inside for Simmons puts Warnes in central running on is tackled by Claughton, the visitors on the counter up towards Vicki Lubbock, Moore getting back at her to defend for Thorpe. The game opening up Sutton with time on the ball through the middle picking out Warnes on the right with a long range pass, taking it to the by-line tracked by Butcher can’t keep the cross in play.

Hannah Claughton

  Claughton pressing on the left putting the cross into the box for Vicki Lubbock, Rooke close in to knick the ball off her feet. The ball cleared into the middle Brown winning it back for Aylsham out to Claughton left up the line flashing a cross in close to goal, Cloney claiming the ball. Musson out to Sutton up on the right with Warnes wide they exchange passes before Sutton corner of the area sends it into the box with Mileham breaking in central to attack it her stooping header knocked down into the six yard box, straight at Arnoup falling back Aylsham captain blocking with her legs scrambling the ball away to safety.

  End to end as both sides look for a goal Claughton free to attack up the left sending a cross into the box defended dropping to the right of goal, Dack rushing onto it fizzing a shot on the angle over. Dack being brought off then with Simpkin coming back on with an hour played. Both sides putting in some strong tackles Warnes diving in on Butcher. Arnoup fouling Sutton, risky when already on a yellow. Aylsham changing their goalkeeper, Walford coming off, Hannah Lock coming on. 

 A delay as Sutton receives treatment is okay to play on. Le Beau coming back on for Thorpe. The hosts remain unhappy with the referee feeling they are not getting the decisions, press high on Aylsham’s box, Warnes right in central, Simmons looking to turn tackled by Brown. Aylsham come right Cleaver getting forwards to support Simpkin, Musson coming in to close her down cutting out the pass. Le Beau pulling left for Thorpe on down the line her cross into the box cut out by Arnoup. 

  Brown into defend on Warnes as she gets hold of the ball central looks to move right. A lively contest Thorpe pressing on looking for a goal to get themselves back into the game. Claughton brought down by Moore on the left as she gets on the move with the ball on the left. The set-piece sent up into the box defended by Moore for Thorpe out to the left cleared by Frankland. Aylsham getting the ball back on the right moving forwards the cross lifted into the area Allum with the deft header knocking it on to Vicki Lubbock left of goal, Moore defending well against the attacker getting hold of the ball to clear.

Thorpe’s Georgie Rumney

  Bobbin and O’Connor back on for Aylsham with Cleaver and Allum coming off the switch seeing Arnoup move up top to join the attack with a little under 20 minutes to play. Claughton surging on with the ball left side inside for Sophie Lubbock attempting to pick out Arnoup inside the D, closed down by Rooke. Butcher with a timely tackle to stop Warnes getting away on the right. O’Connor in the back line now cutting out Frankland’s cross from the left played into Le Beau.

  A close call as Arnoup as flagged offside with Simpkin playing the ball on. Claughton coming off for Aylsham with Dack returning to the action. Bobbin with a rash challenge barging into Frankland, lucky to get away with no card. Simmons linking up with Warnes on the right the cross cleared by Bobbin. Into the final 10 minutes the game a little ragged as Butcher breaks on up the left feeding the ball on for Dack her cross into the area cut out by Eglington for Thorpe.

Cayla Brown

 Bobbin with a fantastic ball forwards releasing both the Lubbock twins to attack, Sophie central taking it on into the box unselfish looking to lay it out wide to Arnoup up on the right screws her shot wide. Aylsham winning a corner on the left load the six yard box the ball swung in close to goal rebounding off players drops to Vicki Lubbock her shot blocked. Bobbin with another robust tackle on Warnes this time gets a yellow emotions running a little high. Artis coming off for Thorpe with Mileham back on.

 Bobbin with another strong tackle bringing down Warnes again, Frankland to play in towards the area Butcher defending seeing the ball out for a late Thorpe corner. Aylsham bringing off Bobbin before she is sent off, emotions high Aylsham on the cusp of winning the title need to remain calm. The corner in close to the near post Butcher turning it behind for a 2nd corner as the game moves into stoppage time. Thorpe continue to push forwards Aylsham keeping it tight ready to counter Vicki Lubbock into the left channel sending a cross through the six yard box, Arnoup throwing herself at the ball right of goal can’t get a touch. The final whistle blows and Aylsham have done it they are CHAMPIONS.

Full time Thorpe St Andrew Women 0-3 Aylsham FC Women

  Emotions running high towards the end as Aylsham closed in on the end to a magnificent debut season in Norfolk Women’s Division Two winning their final game of the season to claim the title. Scoring 116 goals along the way while conceding just 8. Getting on top in the first half after a competitive opening 20 minutes scoring at regular intervals after that to control the game at half time. Thorpe continued to ask questions 2nd half pushing on but couldn’t find that final ball, Aylsham having a little extra quality, determined in defence getting forwards well especially on the flanks.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto another Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several stand out performances and as tempted as I am not to single out an individual player, I am not going to break my own rules. For Thorpe, Tabbi Mileham did well out on the left getting hold of the ball and looking to get it inside for Le Beau in attack. Georgie Rumsey making some vital tackles at the back as did Sarah Rooke. Bex Sutton in the middle with a good range of passing looking to get the forward players through on goal. Aylsham with a strong team performance from back to front. Captain Jordan Arnoup winning the ball at the back well. Carly Allum making some great runs into the channels getting back to win her fair share of the ball, Cayla Brown coming on showing a determination to win the ball. The Lubbock twins, Sophie and Vicki linking up well together through the middle. Out on the flanks Aylsham carried to biggest threat, Rhiannon Dack getting forwards well on the right, scoring the opening goal, the award goes to her opposite number Hannah Claughton some fantastic runs on the ball on the left driving forwards causing Thorpe problems throughout.

Aylsham enjoying the celebrations at the end with flares and champagne most off it spilt mind with a good share being worn by the squad almost got caught in the charge to escape a soaking at the end but great to see a team celebrating. Congratulations to Aylsham FC Women of becoming Champions of Norfolk Women’s Division Two.

Captain Jordan Arnoup taking a moment to let it all sink in has had a tremendous season

Three midweek games done one more to go, off to Carrow Road this Friday for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final. My thanks to both clubs for this assistance with the team details and great to catch up with Thorpe at last and have a chat with a few footballing friends.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Brettvale Ladies v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Wednesday 17th May

Suffolk Women’s Premier Division

 Heading back into Suffolk this Wednesday evening to take in some action from the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division with Brettvale Ladies finishing their campaign at home to Brantham Athletic Ladies.

The Suffolk Women’s County League the smallest in terms of numbers across the East for a long time featuring just one Division, growth happening like the rest of the region within the women’s game particularly at youth level saw the single league split into 2 last season to better accommodate sides and ability. With sides dropping out and moving up numbers have been reduced in the Premier Division to 7 overall. A decision made late on for the sides to play each other 3 times has seen the season extended all the way to the end of May with some sides putting in midweek fixtures to ensure thing’s get done, thus a great opportunity to get in some league action where normally I’d struggle.

Brettvale Ladies formed 5 season’s ago building a squad around a core of experienced players from the old Ipswich Wanderers Ladies side that used to play in the ERWFL. A solid debut season were to reach the final of the County Cup in the Covid hit season that followed eventually losing to Ipswich Town Women. Strong pushing at the top end of the table won the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division last season. Likely to finish as runners-up this time round, a great achievement in itself when you bare in mind how badly the side has been affected by injuries this season, several long term too. The most recent top scorers Tarnya McKew, damaging her achilles, her goals will be a huge miss for Brettvale having netted 16 this season. There final game of the season this evening will be glad to get the season done rest up and prepare for a new campaign hopefully see some players recover for the new season especially with a few of their senior players preparing to retire. Struggling for numbers have just the 10 available this evening but want to fulfil the fixture complete their fixtures. Players needed to fill gaps their goalkeeper hurting her wrist out too, captain Claire Turnbull donning the gloves. Formed a new U13s girls team this season another positive step building for the future.

Brantham Athletic Ladies very close to not starting the season at all, the longest established club in the Suffolk Women’s Football league struggling for numbers with injuries and unavailability too playing their part. Have turned thing’s around however bringing in Daniel Claxton to coach the side have been working hard on fitness and getting the best out of the players they have, moral improving drastically and that is certainly noticeable in the games I’ve seen. There best form saved for the League Cup going all the way to the final, knocking out Brettvale on the way. Have pulled away from the bottom of the table, this evening possibly their last fixture of the season too with their opponents unlikely to fulfil the fixture. A good mixture of young talent and experienced players within the squad have a few out themselves this evening still able to name a squad of 13. Like Brettvale have an U13s side aswell as a side playing in the U14s league.

Brettvale playing their football in Raydon just off the A12 south of Ipswich at King Georges Playing Fields. A pavilion and clubhouse in one corner of the ground housing the changing rooms and community bar. Room for several grass pitches the players and coaches setting up the pitch before kick-off. Stark contrast to last evenings game held at Colchester United FC just up the road, but a reminder that the women’s football pyramid isn’t all that big, the FAWSL just 6 promotions away (it’s a big just mind). Still I love these kinds of games both sides in good spirits before kick off the sun bright setting behind one goal. A narrow pitch not overly big.

Brettvale Ladies

Brettvale Ladies starting XI – Claire Turnbull (C), Rachel White, Lois Gooderham, Deban Howlett, Danielle Lynch, Bethany Bennett, Jess Gill, Sophie White, Amy Parton & Georgia Lindon.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

 Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Connie Madley, Jess Prime, Katie Lovekin, Shanice Leeks, Shannan Hill, Harriet Young, Lucy Dunnett (C), Sophie Crabtree, Amee Berry, Shannon Giles & Chloe Wilson. Subs – Georgia Long & Freya Gudgeon.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A 7pm kick-off with no floodlights two halves of 40 minutes agreed before the game with a short turn around in between the ensure the game is completed before the light fades. Brantham to kick-off the first half wearing an all claret coloured away kit with Brettvale in their home colours blue shirts fading to sky blue with navy shorts and sky blue socks. The ball played back to captain, Lucy Dunnett , put back to Katie Lovekin on the left, Brettvale rush on to close the defence down the ball hastily cleared for a throw, coming inside the ball played long out to Amee Berry attacking on the left for Brantham, Danielle Lynch across to close her down for Brettvale.

Brettvale captain Claire Turnbull, deputising in goal this evening

 

  Harriet Young getting forwards for Brantham on the left taking the ball on from a throw in sending in on through the Brettvale defence for Chloe Wilson running in left of goal, shoots sending the ball in across the goal, captain Claire Turnbull getting a glove on the ball to turn it away to the right. Jess Gill pushing on down the right for Brettvale wins her side a corner kick. Swung in towards the top of the area, controlled by Berry who looks to travel with the ball Brantham threatening to break, Rachel White in to challenge for Brettvale on halfway. 

Brantham’s Harriet Young

 Brettvale looking to be positive despite their player disadvantage getting another corner on the right, a good delivery into the ox, headed clear by Young for Brantham. Amy Parton with the diagonal ball for Brettvale into Lois Gooderham attacking down the right, knocks the ball on Dunnett lunging in to win the ball back for Brantham. The visitors combine well through the middle Berry into Young sends it forwards for Wilson racing through the defence after the ball Turnbull coming to clear an outfield player by instinct and is often the case kicks clear rather than picking it up.

  Dunnett with a great pass in her locker sends a diagonal ball out to the right for Sophie Crabtree pulling off the Brettvale defence, the line held she is flagged offside. Deban Howlett tackling Wilson as she picks up the ball 30 yards out looks to head into the left channel. Georgia Lindon and Gooderham look to combine down the left in attack for Brettvale, Lindon 25 out putting the ball into Gooderham wide on the touchline her return pass squared back inside to Lindon left of the D, Shannan Hill doing the defending for Brantham preventing the attacker from turning to shoot.

  Berry fouled on half way as she looks to attack for Brantham, Brettvale back to defend their box with Dunnett over the set-piece, floated in to the top of the area won by Parton and cleared. Jess Prime coming on up the left for Brantham forwards into Berry, Lynch tacking the ball gone for a throw. Prime with a long throw, Howlett in to win it for Brettvale. Level with the top of the area the ball dropped into Wilson, turns well to shoot pulls her effort wide of the far post, Crabtree racing in to try and deflect it goalwards can’t keep the ball in play.

Brantham’s Jess Prime

  A lively 10 minutes all action, no one allowed time on the ball, Brantham getting a throw high on the left dropped into Berry edge of the box lays it back up to Dunnett top corner to cross in central, Young coming onto the ball 25 yards out hitting a strike straight at the keeper, Turnbull bringing it down playing the ball out to the right, Brettvale threatening to break as Lindon races away down the wing, Hill getting back on her tracking the attacker all the way doing well to win a goal kick for her side. 

 Lynch coming to tackle Berry as the Brantham midfielder drives on with the ball. Young again playing a good ball through to Wilson breaking through the defence, Turnbull once again rushing out to kick the ball clear inside her area. Danger for Brettvale as they concede a free-kick outside their box to the left corner of the area, Dunnett over the ball doesn’t get the connection she wanted frustrated as she sends the shot over the bar. 15 minutes played.

GOAL! The break through coming for Brantham in the 15th minute Wilson threatening to run clear to attack the goal on a couple of occasions is put through by Hill as play is congested in the middle of the park, taking the ball to the top of the area before striking it on the run sending a rising shot over the keeper into the top right corner 0-1.

Chloe Wilson opening the scoring for Brantham

  Howlett defending at the back for Brettvale getting in to tackle Crabtree and she and Wilson attempt to break in behind. Play rushed players drawn to the ball no time to settle. Berry unhappy again as she is barged over in the middle. Dunnett again on the dead ball lifting it over the defence, to the right the flag already up as Crabtree goes to strike the ball across goal. Shannon Giles with a shot put wide of the right post for Brantham from 25 yards out as Crabtree puts the ball back to her.

Deban Howlett winning the ball against Chloe Wilson

  20 minutes played the game ticking along at a fast pace Prime getting forwards on the left getting a throw high, looks for Dunnett the return pass put out for another throw in the corner, Young taking over long throw duties, high into the box, Parton doing the defending for Brettvale. Wilson with another attempt from distance struck over. Berry on the move with the ball up the eft for Brantham, Bethany Bennett getting back on her for Brettvale shoulder to shoulder getting a foot on the ball to take it behind for the corner kick. An inswinging ball from Dunnett headed confidently clear by Howlett. 

Brantham’s Amee Berry with Brettvale’s Bethany Bennett

  Howlett strong again in defence winning the ball as Giles out on the left fires the ball into Wilson inside the D. Howlett then racing out to charge down Berry charging down her cross to the left. Lindon pulling away to the right for Brettvale in attack, Prime in to close her down getting the ball bac to goalkeeper Connie Madley to clear. Brettvale winning a free-kick wide on the right inside the Brantham half Howlett to deliver into the box with players going forwards, flighted in across the face for goal Parton central almost getting their a faint touch the ball cleared. The referee having words with a few players mainly Brantham’s voicing their complaints, Young putting herself about on the middle. Brettvale keeping the pressure on up top winning a corner on the left flashed in near post missed by Madley races on across the face of goal, no one there to attack it Parton retrieving far side her cross back into the box cut out by Hill.

  Lindon seeing the ball across her 25 yards out spins away to the right heading for the area, Hill lunging in to block for Brantham. Brettvale send a long diagonal ball into the box right of goal, Hill looking to clear it smashes the ball straight into the on rushing Lindon, could have gone anywhere deflected towards goal is straight at Madley who gets hold of the ball. The grass a little long Lindon slipping as she goes to pull the trigger from 35 yards out sees the ball screwed wide of target.

Georgia Lindon on the attack for Brettvale

 Howlett busy in defence for Brettvale as Young linking up with Dunnett comes on through the middle. Dunnett moving right up the field with Wilson and Crabtree, the ball laid forwards Howlett getting across Crabtree to see the ball out for a goal kick. Young hooking the ball forwards for Brantham, Howlett getting in between Wilson and Crabtree to out her head on the ball. Brettvale doing well enough with 10 players, The defence holding a good line not exposing Turnbull in goal beyond, Brantham a little frustrated the final ball not quite coming off. 

 Berry in space for Brantham 30 yards out has Dunnett on the move to the left, up the line cuts back onto her right foot to curl a looping shot in towards goal over Turnbull the ball smashes against the crossbar and out to the right. The first half drawing to a close Brantham coming close to a 2nd goal attack overloading the right Dunnett threading the ball through for Crabtree staying on side this time into the box shoots on the angle the shot put straight at Turnbull who gets down to get hold of the ball. Crabtree with seconds to spare wriggling free of the Brettvale defence to chase after the ball, Turnbull out to the top of her area to kick clear.

Half-time Brettvale Ladies 0-1 Brantham Athletic Ladies

  Brantham with the advantage at the break leading by a single goal, Chloe Wilson’s 15th minute strike the difference. Lucy Dunnett coming closest to adding a 2nd crashing the ball into the crossbar from a curled effort from wide. Brettvale on the whole coping well with the players disadvantage, Wilson breaking through early in the game but have dealt with the threat better since. Brantham too containing their opponents at the back, Lindon getting about in attack Hill and Prime both tracking her to defend. 

Changes for Brantham at the break with Georgia Long coming on for Prime at the back and Freya Gudgeon on for Crabtree on the right. A quick turn around the sun setting with Brettvale to get the 2nd half underway, the ball played out for Gill attacking on the right, Hill defending for Brantham. Brettvale pressing on at the start of the 2nd half winning a throw out on the right in across the top of the area Leeks clearing for Brantham. 

 Brettvale pushing up on the right Parton into Gooderham inside for Lindon, Hill in to win the ball back for Brantham. A good battle developing between Brettvale’s Gill and Brantham’s Young the latter fouling Gill giving away the free-kick inside the Brantham half. 35 yards out Howlett mashing the ball into the Brantham wall. Young counters lifting the ball over the top for Wilson taking it down away to the left of the box, Turnbull coming to close her down blocking the ball loose as the defence race back Wilson closed down before she can attempt a strike. 

 Lindon racing clear on the right into the box for Brettvale after the ball, Madley rushing out to close her down blocking to knock the ball back against the attacker to spin out for a goal kick. Sophie White looking to bring the ball on left for Brettvale gets her ankle caught on the turf rolling it goes down in discomfort a pause in play as she is assessed not looking good not being risked taken off Brettvale down to 9 players. 

 Howlett intercepting at the back as Hill sends the ball up to Wilson in attack. Gill tracking back to close the ball down for Brettvale as Young puts it on through the middle. Lindon offside for Brettvale as she is fed through on the right. Gooderham playing the ball into Gill outside the, Young in close a hand ball spotted Brettvale winning a free-kick in a dangerous position. Gill over the ball fires the ball in around the wall dipping in front of Madley the keeper pushing the ball away to the left Brettvale after it put back to Lindon left corner who sends her strike wide of the far post.

Brettvale’s Deban Howlett

  Long putting the ball forwards on the left for Berry to play Wilson through to attack racing on for the corner of the area, the Brantham attacker shoots putting her effort wide across Turnbull’s goal. Gill with a long range punt for Brettvale 40 yards out dropping wide of the left post. Lindon getting back at Hill inside the box to wrestle the ball back feeds it back for Gill central to strike from 25 yards out her effort straight at the keeper. 

Danielle Lynch clearing for Brettvale

 Brettvale coping well with have two less players getting after the ball, Howlett and Lynch winning the ball. Dunnett moving into an advanced position on the right clipping a shot in towards goal, dipping in front of Turnbull saves well with her legs, deflecting the ball away from goal. Brantham look to make changes Prime and Crabtree back on, Lovekin and Leeks coming off. Bennett charging down Wilson as she drives for goal into the left channel. Turnbull cheered by her teammates as she catches a long range strike fired into her from the left. 

  Dunnett over a dead ball on the left 40 yards out the ball brushing the crossbar on it’s way over. 20 minutes left to play the score remains 0-1. Long getting the challenge on a Gill looks to take the ball on through the middle for Brettvale. Dunnett picking out Gudgeon getting away on the right for Brantham, Gooderham getting across to tackle for Brettvale. A throw for Brantham high on the right.

GOAL! Taken quickly dropped into Dunnett outside the box turns and strikes the ball curling a fine strike across the keeper into the top corner to double the lead 0-2.

Lucy Dunnett with a superb strike to put Brantham 2 up

  More injury concerns for Brettvale as Gooderham is hurt in a 50?50 challenge on the ball hurting her ankle. Time taken no risks wanting to be taken Gooderham tentatively putting weight on it carrying on for now. Brantham with a corner on the right the ball swung in central cleared by Gill who then rushes out to charge down Giles as she lines up a strike from outside the box. 

Brantham’s Shannon Giles

 Crabtree picking out Gudgeon getting clear on the right swings a cross into the box, Howlett defending against Wilson the ball out to the right, Berry shooting from the angle, Turnbull claiming the ball at her near post. The game played in good spirits Brettvale giving it a go winning a free kick wide on the right. Dunnett going to defend heading the ball on across her area, thankfully no one from Brettvale free that side to attack it. 

 Gill coming through the middle for Brettvale looking to fed it through for Lindon, Prime cutting it out. Lindon pulling right looking to take the ball on it the box is again thwarted by Hill lunging in to tackle. The game moving into the final 8 minutes Giles on the move with the ball through the middle for Brantham picks out Gudgeon breaking away on the right her early shot struck wide of the near post. 

Brantham’s Shannan Hill

  Bennett in to win the ball well for Brettvale high on the left lifts in on into the box for Lindon running though on goal the ball skipping up before her hits it on the volley annoyed with herself as the ball goes over the bar. Brettvale attacking out wide right the ball inside for Lynch from distance catches the ball sweetly sending a superb strike over the keeper crashes down off the crossbar! Brettvale giving it a go in the closing stages. 

Danielle Lynch sending a long range strike in crash down off the bar

  Gill taking the ball on right side up the line into the corner cuts it back into the area coming to Lindon inside the box goes to strike the ball across the keeper her shot crashing against the far post out to the left. 2 minutes left to play Brettvale hitting the woodwork twice in close succession. Gill’s frustrations getting the better of her as she is shown a yellow late on for a push in the back.

 Dunnett over the set-piece long to Crabtree right knocked inside for Giles, Howlett out to put in the blocking tackle top of the D rebounds back to Dunnett who drags her shot wide of the left post from 30 yards. 

Full time Brettvale Ladies 0-2 Brantham Athletic Ladies

 Brantham winning the 3 points to end their season on a positive note coming up against a stubborn Brettvale down to 9 players in the 2nd half, got the job done scoring a 2nd goal rode their luck a little bit late on, Dunnett with a superb finish to double their lead will be encouraged by performances in the 2nd half of the campaign as they prepare for the new season. Brettvale knowing they’d be up against it ending the season in good spirits nonetheless starting with 10, then down to 9 early in the 2nd half battled well, creating chances with the woodwork struck twice at the death. Time to rest and get some of their injured players back for the new season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As is sometimes the case you have an idea before the game in written up who it will be but the notes often bring someone else to the fore. Several good performances to note of course, Brettvale battling with 10 then down to 9 putting in a shift. Deban Howlett standing out in defence winning the ball and getting about to defend the back line. Jess Gill getting about the park looking to win the ball get forwards and doing her fair share of defending too. For Brantham, Harriet Young put herself about in midfield get the ball into the attackers. Chloe Wilson making some great runs through the middle took her goal well. Jess Prime at the back with some great tackles. Shannan Hill excellent at the back too getting across the defence to win the ball putting in some great tackles. The award though goes to the captain Lucy Dunnett. Her range of passing excellent finding players in attack and from set-pieces, hitting the woodwork twice herself always a threat if allowed a strike from distance as the 2nd goal proved.

  Good to see both sides in action at the close of their season’s an entertaining contest both sides in good spirits my thanks to both for their help with the team details, sending my best wishes to the injured players. Getting to explore the back roads of Suffolk with the A12 being closed think the car will be glad when the season’s over…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Needham Market Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Tuesday 16th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by MH Goals 

 A Tuesday evening trip down the A12 to Colchester United FC’s JobServe Stadium to watch the final of this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup sponsored by MH Goals. Needham Market Women reaching their 4th final in 5 years taking on Bungay Town Ladies reaching the final for the first time in their history.

 A huge gap between the clubs, Needham market overwhelming favourites with a strong debut season playing in the ERWFL Premier Division, Bungay Town Ladies two leagues further down the pyramid playing in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

This evening’s prize

  The competition dominated by Ipswich Town Women since the Suffolk and Norfolk County Cups became separate competitions in 2010. Having featured in 9 of the last 11 finals victorious in all including a 7 game streak before withdrawing from the competition as their excellent growth saw the club reach the 3rd tier of the women’s game in 2021. AFC Sudbury Ladies the only other side to have won the competition in that time. The 2022 final held between a new AFC Sudbury Women’s side and Needham Market Women both emerging as leading clubs within Suffolk enjoying a rapid growth, Sudbury coming on top to beat Needham Market 3-1to complete a treble that season.

  Needham Market Women growing rapidly since they burst onto the scene 5 season’s ago, reaching the County Cup final in their debut season, have since gone on to appear in two more finals while reaching the last 4 in the other. Back to back finals against Ipswich and AFC Sudbury will be aiming to go all the way this time around. Rising through the women’s football pyramid achieving promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division last season, have had a strong debut season in the 5th tier, proving to be a competitive force in an already strong league, talked about as potential title challengers, are on course for a top 4 finish currently 3rd in the table. The women’s set-up part of the academy at Needham Market with a Development side playing in the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division. Striker Molly Hall their top scorer netting 16 goals so far this season, Lois Balfour scoring 13 with Lina Nagib and Eva Hubbard both on 9.

  Bungay Town Ladies making history reaching the County Cup Final for the first time in their history. A long established club playing in step 7 of the women’s football pyramid, competing in Norfolk Women’s Division One under Graham Purling, have produced several quality and talented players that have gone on to achieve success at a higher level. With Purling leaving the women’s side a turbulent spell followed with the side struggling a bit losing players. Darren Renwick heading up a new management team for this season Bungay have bounced back well building a squad with a great blend of experience and youth, competitive haven’t always been helped with injuries and again have a few carrying knocks on the bench, there fine cup run cementing their return to challenge at the top end of the table. Lauren Goulder top scorer so far this season with 13 goals. Selina Rowland finding the back of the net for 10 goals while new signing Zoe Cossey has 6 goals from 6 appearances.

Road to the Final

  A bye for Bungay Town Ladies in the 1st Round of the County Cup, Needham Market Women were drawn away to Suffolk Women’s Championship side, Leiston St Margarets Ladies. 3 League between the sides Needham Market were too strong as they piled on the goals with Molly Hall, Ellie Rossiter and Paige Wakefield all scoring hat-tricks in a 15-0 win with both Lina Nagib and Charlotte McGrath scoring a brace each a goal each too for Lois Balfour and Abbie Fisher.

  No seeding in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup and therefore the potential for the big guns to get drawn together in the early round, exactly what happened in the 2nd Round as we saw last season’s finalists and the two competition favourites drawn together Needham Market hosting AFC Sudbury Women, headed over to Bloomfields that afternoon and was treated to a classic. Sudbury opening the scoring on 20 minutes with Holly Kennard on target the visitors looking strong, Needham Market nevertheless got themselves back on level terms through Jo Brawn. Evie Creaton putting Sudbury back into the lead before Brawn again equalised for Needham Market. Creaton with 2nd goal late in the 1st half to see Sudbury lead 3-2. A different story 2nd half as Needham Market soon got on the front foot Paige Wakefield scoring a thunderbolt to fire them level for a 3rd time. Ellie Rossiter put in on goal to put Needham Market into the lead, Molly Hall securing the win with a 40 yard lob at the death. Bungay progressing with ease to drawn away to Championship bottom side Halesworth Town Women winning the match 7-0.

  Into the quarter finals, Needham Market drawn away to play Beccles Town Ladies struggling for results in Norfolk Women’s Division One. Goals through the side Needham Market were leading 3-0 at half-time before going onto win the game 7-0 with Hall again netting a hat-trick. Jodie Sharp bagging herself a brace with Eva Hubbard, Lois Balfour and Nicole Pannifer all getting on the scoresheet. Bungay drawn away to Ipswich Vale Exiles Ladies who would go on to win the Suffolk Women’s Championship in their debut season in women’s football. Selina Rowland on fire that day the attacking midfielder scoring 4 goals with Lauren Goulder finding the back of the net for 2 more in a 6-1 victory.

  Neutral venues for the semi-finals in Suffolk, Needham Market taking on East Bergholt United Ladies from the league below at Ipswich Wanderers FC. Needham Market again amongst the goals with Lina Nagib and Jodie Sharp both netting 2 goals, Molly Hall and Mia Etheridge with a goal apiece as they reached a 3rd successive final with a 6-1 win. Had to wait to see who their opponents would be with the other semi-final falling foul to the elements delayed with Bungay taking on Suffolk Premier Division Champions, Brettvale Ladies themselves reaching the County Cup Final 3 seasons ago. Played at Walsham le Willows, goals from Zoe Cossey and Selina Rowland saw Bungay make history as won 2-0 to reach the final.

  The JobServe Community Stadium, home of League Two side, Colchester United FC, once again hosting the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final, a popular stadium for the women’s game with Essex FA also holding their women’s county cup final here and it has of course hosted the Lionesses in the past. A great experience for the players the main stand behind the tunnel and dugout being used. Needham Market bringing some noise with them with a drummer looking to liven up the crowd. A pleasant day the evening warm with the two sides out on the pitch warming up, dry with no rain forecast.

Needham Market Women

Needham Market Women starting XI – Daisie Gibbs, Nicole Pannifer, Eva Hubbard, Laura Bloomfield, Ele Catchpole, Paige Wakefield, Mia Etheridge, Lina Nagib, Ellie Rossiter, Lois Balfour (C) & Molly Hall. Subs – Charlotte McGrath, Jo Brawn, Jodie Sharp, Poppy Nunn & Niamh Thomas.

Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Maddie Flatman, Porsha Renwick, Erin Galer, Ruby Roos, Ciera Flatt, Charnelle Riggall (C), Gemma Foster, Selina Rowland, Lucy Hood, Zoe Cossey & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Lyndsey Adams, Lauren Purling, Sofia Serghiou, Poppy Fenn & Amber Leeks.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Needham Market without goalkeeper Daniele Clarke for much of the season out with an Achilles injury. Midfielder Abbie Fisher also a long term casualty with an ACL tear. Daisy Gibbs joining the squad doing well in place of Clarke in goal in her first season in adult football. Bungay picking up a couple of knocks at the weekend in their 3-3 draw away to Caister FC Ladies, Lauren Purling and defender Lyndsey Adams hamstring and ankle respectfully amongst the substitutes. Suffolk FA and the staff at Colchester putting on a show with the teams led out flagbearers either side, lined up and introduced to the guests of honour, Matt Harrod of sponsors MH Goals and Kirsty Smith, Suffolk FA’s Football Development Officer. Both squad getting a picture with the cup before the game… only one will be lifting it though.

  Needham Market wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts to get the first half underway with Bungay (also known as The Black Dogs) lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Wakefield in midfield put back to the defence, Needham Market keeping possession early on playing the ball across the back patient, across to the left played on for captain, Lois Balfour breaking on down the touch line sends the ball inside for Lina Nagib 20 yards out connects with the shot fired in towards goal coming straight at Bungay goalkeeper Maddie Flatman at a comfortable height brought down and claimed.

  Bungay winning a free-kick on halfway, don’t commit too many players forwards as the ball it launched up towards the top of the area, Mia Etheridge heading the ball clear for Needham Market push forwards a great diagonal ball releasing Ellie Rossiter to race in clear on the right side, pace travelling inside to the corner of the area pulls her shot wide past the far post. Eva Hubbard pushing up on the left attempting to play a long range pass into the attacks the ball won by Bungay central defender, Ceira Flatt. 

Bungay defender, Ceira Flatt

  Selina Roland bringing the ball on through the middle for Bungay has captain Charnelle Riggall ahead of her the ball rolled into her feet looks to hold off Nagib as she turns inside 25 yards out, Nagib getting a foot on the ball to win the ball. Zoe Cossey having been at Ipswich herself has played with several of the Needham market players previously with the club, picking up the ball 30 yards out drives forwards, stopped by Ele Catchpole at the back for Needham Market. Rossiter showing good pace out on the right a ready outlet as Needham Market look to get in behind the Bungay defence a cross from the right cleared by Gemma Foster.

  Hubbard coming into the midfield onto the ball has a go from 30 yards out sent over the crossbar. Needham Market slow in their build up happy to move the ball about a large pitch the ball being stroked from left to right. Attacking down the flanks a cross coming into the box from the left cleared by Ruby Roos for Bungay. 

 Needham Market push on through the middle Etheridge laying the ball out to Rossiter wide right, held up by Bungay’s Erin Galer, rolls it back up the line for Nicole Pannifer send back in central for Wakefield forwards into Etheridge top of the D puts it through for Rossiter to attack inside the box, Flatt blocking, the ball cleared out to the left of the area the shot from distance struck over. 10 minutes played Needham Market probing creating a few chances in front of goal, Bungay working hard to close them down the ball being sprayed about the pitch, Balfour attempting to slide Rossiter through from the right, but the flag goes up against her.

  Moments later Balfour succeeds in sending Molly Hall clear of the defence central after the ball, Flatman though rushing out to the top of her area getting to the ball first launching it clear. The pace of the game controlled by Needham Market with possession of the ball, Etheridge from the left curling a cross onto the roof of the net. Rossiter bursting on down the right to get after a long diagonal ball into the corner from the by-line sends a cross in near side Hall helping it on into Nagib on the penalty spot places her shot straight at the keeper.

Lina Nagib on the attack for Needham Market

  The Bungay defence back inside their box defending a Balfour’s high ball from the right drops for Nagib left, held up well by Roos inside the box, Hubbard running on to support, Roos stretching for the ball does well to the clear. Cossey looking to hold the ball up up top for Bungay closely marked turn her defender can turn to attack Needham Market regaining possession out to Rossiter on the right races on her cross squared into the area cleared by Roos.

  Rowland putting the ball into Cossey 30 yards out again closely marked this time however wriggles free turning right to pull the trigger, the shot clipped in towards goal, straight at Gibbs, gets down it claim it. Bungay finding a little joy in the middle as Foster puts the ball on for Rowland to fire forwards into Cossey, free 20 yards out looks to move inside before dragging the ball back with her left foot to turn and strike with her right a rising effort, again Gibbs it behind brings the shot down safely.

Molly Hall challenging for the ball on Bungay’s Selina Rowland

  A couple for chances for Bungay giving them encouragement with 20 minutes on the clock. Flatt making a timely interception at the back as Hubbard coming inside form the left looks to send the ball into Etheridge pulling into the right channel. Needham Market strong on the left the ball from Nagib into Balfour near post attempts to lay it back out into the middle of the box, Galer getting a boot on it to clear for Bungay. 

Erin Galer getting to the ball before Ellie Rossiter

 Flatman with a great save diving down to glance the ball wide of her left post as Pannifer strikes the ball in low and fast from 30 yards out, a corner for Needham Market. Flung into the mix in front of goal, a foul spotted by referee Tom Ling as Galer goes down. Hubbard getting on well with the ball for Needham Market left side flashing a cross wide across the face of goal. Roos again dealing with a ball lifted into the area from deep.

 GOAL! Needham Market have been knocking the break through finally coming in the 25th minute as they open the scoring, Wakefield in the middle playing a great ball through for Etheridge breaking on into the right channel in behind the defence into the box closing in on the six yard box fires her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner wheeling away in celebration 1-0.

Mia Etheridge celebrates after opening the scoring for Needham Market (photo credit Hannah Parnell)

 Bungay give the ball away from the restart Rossiter surging away with it on the right threatening to go all the way the Bungay defence recovering well the ball fed inside cut by Roos played back into Flatman to kick clear. Bungay falling behind looking to push on Riggall winning the ball in the middle up into Goulder shifts it inside for Cossey, Laura Bloomfield in to clear it for Needham Market at the back. Etheridge making some great forward runs for Needham Market into the right channel taking the ball all the way to the by-line before cutting a ball back across the face of goal, Balfour in at the far post the flag raised against her Flatman claims.

  Bungay continue to close down the ball in the middle, Needham Market though keeping the pitch wide Rossiter fed the ball on the right taking it on sends a cross flashing through the six yard box out to the left retrieved by Hubbard fired a stinging ball in to the near post, Etheridge there but coming at her fast can get an instinctive touch turns the ball wide. Half an hour played Needham Market pushing on down the flanks, Rossiter into the corner held up by Galer shifts the ball back up the line to wrap her foot around the cross in central Roos intercepts charged down going behind for the corner. A inswinging delivery put in high at the near post Flatman up well to get a glove on the ball glove it on across the box her defence clearing. 

  Rossiter away on the right for Needham Market sending another inviting ball across the face of the Bungay goal, Balfour coming onto it turns it over from close range at the far post. Riggall and Rowland scrapping for possession in the middle for Bungay on for Cossey, is bundled over. Rowland with a turn and hit from 30 yards out striking the ball on target, Gibbs seeing it all the way across her goal to catch the dropping ball. Etheridge with another dynamic run through the left channel getting onto the pass from Wakefield, running on Roos on her shoulder pressing her gets a low shot away but not troubling Flatman, down low to claim.

Bungay goalkeeper, Maddie Flatman

  Nagib getting the ball into her feet left corner of the area takes it on, Porsha Renwick stepping in to tackle for Bungay. The Bungay defence under pressure but battling to keep the score down Hubbard away on the left the cross long into the six yard box Hall rising at the far post not quite able to get her head to it drops into Rossiter wide right on the angle drives the ball into the side netting baking a knick off a defender corner awarded. 

Zoe Cossey holding off Mia Etheridge

 Riggall putting the ball into Cossey in attack turns sending it on for Goulder, caught a little flat footed, gives Gibbs time to come out to the top of her area and claim the ball. The game heading into stoppage time just a minute to be played, Catchpole putting the ball on for Wakefield in the middle picks out Balfour left of the area 20 yards out lays it into Nagib on the flanks her cross into the near post won by Flatt for Bungay. Bungay with one last crack at goal as they win a free-kick inside the Needham Market half cleared back to Riggall has a go from distance the ball high over the crossbar.

Half-time Needham market Women 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  Needham Market leading by a single Mia Ethridge goal at the break. Creating chances could and maybe should have been more, manager Warren Lewis-Claxton not looking overly happy as they head into the changing room. No doubt in control of the game moving the ball well if anything Needham Market have been wasteful in front of goal, getting forwards well lacking a clinical edge and no doubt will be looking to change that in the 2nd half. Bungay despite trailing will be pleased with how the first half has gone working hard to close the ball down stretched with Needham Market getting the ball across the park have defended well Flatman making a great save. while creating a few opportunities of their own.

 No changes for either side at the break Bungay to kick-off the and half played back into Rowland lifts it forwards into Cossey, Catchpole in to defend for Needham Market. Bloomfield getting back to defend on Goulder in attack as the defender is sold short on the pass at the back as the striker looks to take the ball forwards. 

Laura Bloomfield

 Nagib out left on the move with the ball for Needham Market on for Balfour to cross into the near post Hall the target, Roos into challenge clearing the ball for Bungay. 

 GOAL! Needham Market pressing forwards attacking down the left Rossiter sending the cross into the six yard box Hall rising in the middle connecting with the header her attempt crashing down off the crossbar bouncing on the line scrambled clear out to the right, players rushing on Pannifer latching onto the ball bursting into the area and smashing a shot on the angle low and hard past the keeper 2-0.

Nicole Pannifer striking home Needham market’s 2nd goal (photo credit Ben Pooley)

 Needham Market finding their clinical edge just 2 minutes into the 2nd half to double their lead. Pannifer getting forwards on the right now laying the ball forwards for Hall top of the area, Roos in on her close to defend, Wakefield looking to take on the loose ball 25 yards out, Riggall tracking back on her with a great tackle for Bungay  as they look to get the ball forwards themselves.

Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall

 GOAL! Won at the back Needham Market are quick to turn play around and hit Bungay on the counter attack the defence pressed high, Wakefield plays a superb pass in behind for Hubbard racing away to the left, taking it on into the box, strikes the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner 3-0.

Eva Hubbard scoring Needham Market’s 3rd goal

Eva Hubbard

  Bungay undone by two quickfire goals at the start of the 2nd half, make a change bringing off Renwick with Poppy Fenn coming on. Rowland finding Goulder in the left channel for Bungay 25 yards out attempts to lift the ball across he area to Cossey on the right, Hubbard defending for Needham Market 

 GOAL! Needham Market hit Bungay on the counter again another great through ball seeing Nagib clear in behind on the left this time comes infield with the ball looking for an opening as she moves across the D, strikes the ball in towards the left post rising the ball smashes against the inside of the post and is deflected across goal o land inside the net on the right 4-0.

Lina Nagib’s shot in off the post to make it 4

  3 quick goals in an 8 minute burst at the start of the 2nd half seeing Needham Market blow Bungay away making up for the chances wasted in the first half a clinical start to the 2nd period seeing the ball buried into the back of the net with venom. How will Bungay respond will no doubt be shell shocked need to steady the ship as Needham Market come again down the left flank Nagib though offside as she goes to attack the cross at the far post colliding with the keeper, Flatman stays down needing treatment, both sets of players coming over to the benches to take on fluids. 

Needham Market captain, Lois Balfour

  Cossey stealing in on the ball central, drives forwards letting fly from 20 yards out her shot swerving away to the left coming at Gibbs at a comfortable height, wraps her gloves around the ball. 

 GOAL! Needham Market extending the score line in the 58th minute as Rossiter is sent clear on the right to take the ball on into the box closing in on goal strikes it hard on the angle to drive the ball home 5-0.

Ellie Rossiter through to score Needham Market’s 5th goal (photo credit Ben Pooley)

Bungay on the ropes pushed back, Flatt in to close down Ethridge as she looks to charge into the box with the ball on the left out for a throw in. Hubbard taking the ball on from Nagib left taking it down the line into the box attempting to cut it back up to Nagib, Rowland back to tackle for Bungay. A double change for Needham Market Charlotte McGrath and Poppy Nunn coming on with Wakefield and Hubbard coming off. 

  Needham Market pressing in the final 3rd the ball into Nagib in the left channel powers on with the ball cutting inside to shoot the ball angled in cross the keeper, Flatman saving pushing the ball out to the right. Etheridge playing the ball out to Nunn on the left drives on, Fenn on her shoulder putting her under pressure as she enters the box her strike put into the side netting. A triple switch for Needham Market with 22 minutes left to play, Nagib, Rossiter and Hall coming off, Niamh Thomas, Jodie Sharp and Jo Brawn coming on. 

Bungay defender, Ruby Roos

Needham Market winning a free-kick the ball played out to the right, Etheridge bursting on with the ball shooting on the angle the ball into held by Flatman at her near post. Bungay making a change bring on Lauren Purling for Hood. Etheridge pulling right coming inside top of the area, Foster closing her down has Pannifer racing on wide playing the ball out to her the cross in from deep claimed by the keeper. 

  Bungay feed the ball into Goulder getting half a yard on the Needham Market defence central pushing for the area hesitates not getting a shot away as Catchpole gets back on her to lunge in with a leg to tackle take the ball away to the left and clear. Needham Market with a corner on the right put into the mix headed out of the area by Roos who then blocks the follow up strike from range. Catchpole playing the ball forwards for Nunn running away on the left her cross in chested down by Roos and cleared.

  Bungay regrouping well after Needham market’s onslaught at the start of the 2nd half bring off Rowland, sending on Sophia Serghiou. Brawn sends Nunn away on the left as she races past her on the overlap getting down to the by-line to flash a cross into the box in at Balfour quickly does well to lay it back for Sharp racing in to attack her shot fired straight at the keeper high, Flatman instinctive getting her arms up to knock it down into the ground and grab up into her body. A free-kick for Needham Market out wide on the right, McGrath down with an injury can’t continue, Nagib sent back on. 

 GOAL! Needham Market add a 6th goal from the resulting free-kick the ball lifted in long across the face of goal red shirts rushing in to attack it Etheridge getting the telling touch to flick it on into the corner of the net 6-0.

Mia Etheridge scoring Needham Market’s 6th

  Into the final 7 minutes, Catchpole on for Brawn left turns to attack, Fenn getting back on her to challenge for Bungay. Bungay making another change bringing off Foster for Amber Leeks, playing outfield is an experienced goalkeeper in her own rights and interestingly played in goal for Needham Market in their first County Cup final appearance. Needham Market pushing on in attack Bungay tiring continue to work hard, Fenn stopping Nagib getting away on the left. 

Bungay attacker, Lauren Goulder

 Riggall getting the ball into Purling on for Goulder up top lays the ball out wide right for Fenn to lift a high ball into the far post, Gibbs seeing it safely into her gloves as Leeks closes in. Cossey very nearly pulling a goal back for Bungay late in the game as Goulder hooks the ball on for her to race onto central, a strong run before striking a low shot to Gibbs’ left, the keeper scrambling across her goal the ball though narrowly wide of the post. 

 Into the closing stages Nagib curling a shot wide of the right post as she comes inside form the left. Sharp trying her luck from range as the game moves into stoppage time. Brawn on the ball 25 yards out left of goal curling a shot wide of the far post. Nunn flagged offside as Catchpole sends the ball on from the back. Cossey seeing the ball into feet turns and drives for the Needham Market box right of the D, the defence has seen enough as 4 players converge to close her down. Brawn with one last effort flagged offside in the D as she strikes the ball from the right on the volley wide. Needham Market celebrate as they win their 1st County Cup.

Full time Needham Market Women 6-0 Bungay Town Ladies

  A 3 goal burst at the start of the 2nd half blowing Bungay out of the water, clinical in front of goal taking their chances, in control of the game throughout getting forwards well using the width spreading play. Adding a 5th and 6th goal to secure their 1st County Cup win and will be hungry for more. Bungay can certainly be proud of themselves working hard conceding just a single goal in the first half. The defence under pressure putting in some great blocks and tackles. The opening to the 2nd half putting them on the back foot but regrouped doing what they could to get forwards creating a couple of good opportunities.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A strong performance for Needham Market in attack a battling performance from Bungay in defence. Goalkeeper Maddie Flatman with a couple for good saves and positioning to frustrate Needham market in the 1st half. Ciera Flatt and Ruby Roos doing well at centre back winning the ball and putting in the blocks. Zoe Cossey in attack doing what she could with limited possession to turn and attack the defence. For Needham Market , Eva Hubbard got forwards well to support the attack and set up players, taking her goal well. As did Ellie Rossiter out on the right her pace causing Bungay issues all game a ready outlet going forwards. Paige Wakefield finding her range in midfield with some great assistants. The award goes to Mia Etheridge, opening the scoring made some fantastic runs into the channels, getting about the pitch winning the ball.

Needham Market Women 2022/23 Suffolk Women’s County Cup Winners

 Congratulations to Needham Market Women on winning this season’s and their 1st Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

  Another enjoyable final held at the JobServe Community Stadium, my thanks to Suffolk FA for their help and hospitality this evening put on a great event. Thanks to for photographers Hannah Parnell and Ben Pooley for the additional pictures used. The drive home not so much fun with the A12 being closed yet again, but got home safely, back into Suffolk again on Wednesday for some action from the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division a busy end to the season but wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women v UEA FC Women

Sunday 14th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Time for a quick bite to eat before moving onto the 2nd of today’s finals the Norfolk Women’s League Cup being contested by Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women and UEA FC Women.

 The third of three women’s finals taking place today with the League Plate and 7’s League Cup Finals earlier now onto the senior cup competition, the 11’s League Cup, the cloud lifting with some welcome sunshine warming things up.

This afternoon’s prize

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women victorious in the League Plate Final last season going all the way this time around looking to lift the League Cup, hoping to win some silverware to end what has been a successful season, pipped to the Division One title by Mulbarton Belles Ladies despite leading the way for much of the season two games against their main rivals to end the season proving the difference. Ambitions to test the squad at a higher level have applied for regional football along with Mulbarton and based on my knowledge of the 6th tier both would certainly be a competitive force. Shanice Sutton the top scorer for Dussindale & Hellesdon and 2nd highest scorer in the league netting 32 goals so far from 18 appearances with Vitoria Leyer on target 17 times from 13 games played. Plenty of goals from the rest of the squad too with Dussindale & Hellesdon averaging 4.6 goals scored per game throughout the season.

  UEA (University of East Anglia) FC Women re establishing their women’s side last season, with a strong campaign in Division Two finishing runners-up behind Caister FC Ladies to earn promotion to Division One. Hit the ground running this season winning 5 of their opening 6 league games showing great form also knocking Mulbarton Belles Ladies out of the League Cup. Have been hampered by injuries and availability at times since and the 2nd half of the season has proved a challenge have slipped down the table after a run of 9 straight defeats in the league. Have fought hard to turn thing’s around saving their best results for the cup and with 2 league games left after today’s final will be aiming to finish the season on a high. Ella Burnley their leading goal scorer firing home 12 goals so far this season from 19 games, with Freya Fuller one behind on 11 from the 12 games she has featured in.

Road to the Final

  Dussindale & Hellesdon receiving a home win in the first round of the competition over Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development. UEA drawn away to Division Two side, FC Viking & Valkyries Women, proving too strong for their opponents racking up a 7-0 score line to progress into the 2nd Round.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon again progressing without kicking a ball as they were awarded the away win over Division Two side Gorleston FC Ladies who were soon to sadly fold. UEA handed a tough tie away to one of the cup favourites Mulbarton, 1st half goals from Ella Burnley and Rachel Lawrence proving to be enough as UEA worked hard in the 2nd half to keep Mulbarton from coming back winning 2-1.  

  Into the last 8 and Dussindale & Hellesdon were away to fellow Division One side long Stratton Women for the 2nd successive Sunday in cup competitions a 3-0 win on a cold January day to see them advance in the County Cup have enjoyed so entertaining games with Long Stratton and this one proving no different, Chelsea Brister and Shanice Sutton on target in the first half to see Dussindale & Hellesdon leading 2-1 at half-time, Long Stratton coming back to equalise to make it 2-2 send the tie into extra-time the hosted then seeing Sam Walker sent off with Dussindale & Hellesdon taking full advantage of the player advantage with Sutton going on to score twice, get a hat-trick with Georgina Belton adding on at the death to see them through to the last 4 5-2. UEA away to Bungay Town Ladies, Ella Burnley scoring twice in the first half doing the damage to see UEA 2-0 up after a strong half, Bungay improving in the 2nd period but could find no way through a stubborn UEA defence as the visitors booked their place in the semi-finals.

  A strong line up in the last 4, Dussindale & Hellesdon at home to Caister FC Ladies the two meeting in last season’s League Plate final, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning 6-0, proved to be a potent in front of goal this time around too, Victoria Leyer getting them off to a flying start scoring in the 1st minute adding a 2nd in the 2nd minute, Caister pulling a goal back to make it 2-1 at the break. Leyer going onto complete her hat-trick early in the 2nd period. A strong finish seeing 3 more goals added in the final 20 minutes with Georgina Belton, Betty Booker and Tallulah Bell all on target in a 6-1 win. UEA at home to Thetford Town Ladies were leading 1-0 in the match before the visitors came back with a devastating spell in the 2nd half to win the game 3-1… however ultimately Thetford much to their disappointment were adjudged to have fielded an ineligible player seeing the semi-final being replayed. No less drama 2nd time around, Mia Bambury and Kamile Omelevlclute scoring for Thetford, Ella Burnley and Cassandra Piejko scoring for UEA to send the tie into extra-time and then penalties, UEA edging a tense shootout 7-6 to reach the League Cup Final.

  Aylsham FC’s Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL Finals Days for the 2nd successive season. The large clubhouse newly build surrounded by numerous grass pitches the main pitch with a barrier all round, the BBQ in full swing now helped myself to a cheeseburger and portion of chips from the kitchen, much needed fuel before sitting up for the 2nd final of the day. The cloud burnt off now bright sunshine getting warm as the spectators arrived.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Siesha Humphries, Calista Tink (C), Georgina Belton, Abbi Nobbs, Chloe Shipman, Abby Hutchin, Chelsea Brister, Shanice Sutton & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Kari Kowalczyk, Hanna Coombe, Amee Kennett & Phoebe Green. 

UEA FC Women

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Anoushka Williamson, Tasha Harvey, Madeline Pitt, Lucy Gooding (C), Olivia Seeley, Amber Long, Freya Standing, Freya Fuller, Chloe Neate, Cassandra Piejko & Ella Burnley Subs – Lilly Brewer, Mia Everett, Tegan Collier, Prini Woods & Charlotte Stelmaszyk.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Both sides with a few missing through injury, Georgina Belton dropping into the defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon while UEA have 5 or 6 likely starters side-lined through injury, have been hard pressed to name a regular starting XI all season. Nevertheless both have a large squad with players ready to step in. This mornings officials back for the League Cup Final, Craig Day running the line in the 1st game in the centre now with Ryan Starkey and David Fairhurst running the lines. 

 UEA to get the League Cup Final underway kicking off the first half wearing an all navy kit with yellow trim on the shirts, Dussindale & Hellesdon opposite lined up in their claret coloured kit. The ball played back comes to Olivia Seeley on the left played up to Cassandra Piejko knocked inside for Amber Long as UEA look to push through the centre played up to Ella Burnley in attack holds the ball up before rolling it back into Freya Standing a free-kick given away halting the attack.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon get hold of the ball in the middle Chloe Shipman playing it forwards into Victoria Leyer in attack sends the short ball out to Shanice Sutton on the right corner of the UEA box gets a shot away on the angle, straight at UEA goalkeeper, Anoushka Williamson, saves comfortably. Both sides into each other from the start closing one another down, no time allowed on the ball, Leyer taking the ball on across the top of the area 20 yards out for Dussindale & Hellesdon, tracked well by Standing who lunges in to tackle wins the ball.

Shanice Sutton

  Dussindale & Hellesdon come left Siesha Humphries putting the ball on for Chelsea Brister, quickly closed down by Tasha Harvey, Leyer taking on the loose ball before too being closed down outside the box by Madeline Pitt. Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing on at the start of the game the front three pressing UEA back into their box the ball rolled inside from the left coming to Sutton some 30 yards out pulls the trigger sending a shot wide of the right post. Seeley looking to take the ball on up the left for UEA sees her cross cut out by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rachel Bussey.

UEA’s Olivia Seeley

 GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon capitalising on their positive start to the game by taking the lead n the 6th minute, attacking on the left Brister lifting the ball into the box, cleared by Harvey play congested inside the area the ball regained by Dussindale & Hellesdon lifted back inside for Leyer to attack left of the goal six yards out strong to hold off her marker turns getting her foot up to the ball to send it wide of the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

Victoria Leyer opens the scoring for Dussindale & Hellesdon

  UEA conceding an early goal look to rally straight away Standing putting the ball out to the right for Freya Fuller, driving on looks to take on the full back, however can’t keep the ball in play goes out for a goal kick. UEA winning a free-kick with a handball spotted on halfway players up into the box the delivery long to the far post, captain Calista Tink heading clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Shipman with the ball setting off through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Long with the challenge for UEA.

Chloe Shipman

  Sutton tussling with the UEA defence for the ball top of the area, outnumbers but looking to get hold of the ball, ultimately frustrated giving away the free-kick as Fuller looks to take the ball out to the left. Fuller with a strong run on the ball left side for UEA tracking inside laying it forwards towards the area, Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole out well to the top of her box to claim the ball. Neither side able to play much flowing football as they both continue to rush in to close the ball down, scrappy at times, UEA captain Lucy Gooding in the back line intercepting a through ball intended for Leyer.

Shanice Sutton battling with the UEA defence

  Leyer coming inside form the left on the ball shooting off target from 25 yards out. Gooding with the clearance at the back a long ball finding Chloe Neate out wide right, turns on the ball looking to drive on, Humphries quickly into her to tackle regain possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Pitt getting up on the right with Neate UEA forcing a corner kick. Lifted in near side, attacked by Fuller can only direct her header behind for a goal kick.

  Pitt bringing down Shipman in midfield sees the UEA player picking up an early yellow card. Brister over the set-piece left of the circle, tries her luck a good hit sending her shot narrowly over the crossbar. A lively contest UEA looking to get the ball out to Neate and Fuller on the flanks run at the Dussindale & Hellesdon full backs, Long finding Neate on the right opts to shoot on the angle a low drive into towards the near post from 25 yards out not troubling Cole.  

  Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking on the left winning a throw lifted into the box for Sutton, Harvey getting across her to defend for UEA. The game frantic in terms of pace at time as the ball is exchanged between the sides Dussindale & Hellesdon turning play around to attack left channel with Sutton on the move with Brister, Humphries bombing on on the over laps the ball rolled on down the line, Pitt out to her to clear the ball for the throw. Alot of energy being expanded both sides into each other a few rash challenges, thing’s need to settle down.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon look to make a double change, bringing off Sutton and Humphries and sending on Kari Kowalczyk and Amee Kennett. UEA making a change too, Prini Woods coming on replacing Long. UEA attacking up on their right the ball squared into Burnley inside the area near side, Tink sliding in to make the tackle coming off the defender for a corner kick. The delivery headed back out to the taker wide the cross/shot back in wide at the near post.

  Abbi Nobbs and Shipman working hard in the middle to win possession back for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Nobbs fouled by Standing as she looks to link up with Abby Hutchin making a break through the middle. The game stretched as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter Kowalczyk on the left putting the ball inside for Leyer in attack, put back into Hutchin out to Bussey advanced on the right her cross lifted into the area cut out by Gooding. As quickly as Dussindale & Hellesdon can spring an attack they are equally adapt at regrouping at the back the midfielders tracking back well, Shipman covering alot of ground. 

Rachel Bussey

 Pitt blocking Leyer as he picks the ball up on the left outside the area looks to turn and shoot. UEA springing a counter attack, Gooding with a great pass on her picking out Burnley getting hold of the ball 30 yards out and turning to strike the ball racing wide of the left post. Another double switch with Brister and Nobbs coming off for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Phoebe Green and Hannah Coombes entering the game late in the first half. 

  Williamson with a magnificent save for UEA off Leyer as she latches onto a clearance, shooting low across the keeper, Williamson down sharply low to to throw out an arm glove the ball wide for a corner. The set-piece lifted into a packed area cleared by the UEA defence. Gooding in on Kowalczyk to win the ball top of the area left as Bussey puts the diagonal ball into her. Fuller pressing on the right for UEA the cross swept into the area cleared by Tink back out to the right a corner won, Harvey coming towards the corner hear side helping it on across goal no one able to reach it. 

UEA goalkeeper, Anoushka Williamson

Both sides continue to niggle at each other no quarter given, Shipman running to close down Pitt as she attempts to get forwards. UEA winning a free-kick wide on the right out in deep from Harvey, headed clear by Belton back out to the right the  looping ball back into the area landing on the roof of the net. Belton picking up a yellow card for Dussindale & Hellesdon as she brings down Burnley taking a run at the defence. Neate on the ball lifted forwards into the area Dussindale & Hellesdon clearing as the half-time whistle blows. 

Madeline Pitt

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 1-0 UEA FC Women

 Certainly a competitive 1st half both sides working hard to close the other down, little time for anyone on the ball. Victoria’s Leyer’s 6th minute goal the difference between the sides at the break. Dussindale & Hellesdon starting well pressing the UEA defence back, the game beginning to open up as the ball was closed down, UEA getting the ball out wide often end to end in nature as Dussindale & Hellesdon counter well creating chances Leyer seeing a shot saved late in the first half UEA getting into some good positions but as yet to really test the keeper, 1 goal in it however still very much to play for.

 Really warm now as both side return for the 2nd half, Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the game restarted the ball rolled back to Tink in defence out to Bussey moving forwards on the right, plays the ball long looking for Leyer Gooding winning it for UEA. The ball played into Burnley in midfield lifts it out to Neate breaking on down the right her cross cut back into the D, cleared by Coombe for Dussindale & Hellesdon. 

 Coombe then picking up a yellow card for a high boot on Standing. Fuller getting hold of the ball in the middle for UEA driving on into the Dussindale & Hellesdon half encouraged to shoot’ lets fly from 25 yards out blasts the ball wide of the left post. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a corner out on the right players up from the back, Tink coming to head the ball near side picking up an head injury play stopped immediately for the trainer to come on administer treatment, Tink is okay and able to play on.

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Calista Tink

 A lively start to the 2nd half, Woods up into Fuller edge of the box looks to turn closely marked by Belton the defender getting a foot in to take the ball. Kowalczyk bursting on with the ball left side for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Neate tracking back on her to challenge as Gooding comes across to clear the ball. Quite intense you feel Dussindale & Hellesdon need another goal to try and settle the game down, UEA pressing well. Belton under pressure as Burnley links up with Standing through the middle, deals with the threat to clear the ball.

Kari Kowalczyk

  Kowalczyk bringing the ball inside linking up with Leyer in attack the Dussindale and Hellesdon striker pulling right to shoot 25 yards out her effort dipping in front of the keeper caught by Williamson on the bounce. Tink throwing herself in to block Burnley as she lines up a strike left side of the D. Coombe spraying the pass out for Green racing on up the line right wing her cross dipping into the near post met by Leyer on the volley turned over at close range.

  Fuller bringing the ball on for UEA out to Neate on the right, Bussey tackling for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Belton clearing for the throw in the corner. UEA pressure the ball inside the box to Standing comes back to Woods top of the area is rapidly closed down. Dussindale & Hellesdon bringing Humpies back on for Kennett. Neate advancing on the right for UEA her cross coming into Burnley inside the box, Belton challenging for Dussindale & Hellesdon the ball out for a throw in the corner. Pressure from UEA on the right appeals for handball the decision finally given a free-kick wide above the area, played into the area cleared back to Neate the free-kick taker, goes down after a challenge with Kowalczyk struggling can’t continue is brought off with Mia Everett coming on.

UEA’s Freya Fuller

  Green flying up the right into the corner for Dussindale & Hellesdon cutting a cross back into the area, Williamson just about getting there before Leyer. Dussindale & Hellesdon press the ball high up the pitch winning a free-kick outside the box to the right of goal in the 66th minute.

  GOAL! Coombe over the dead ball 20 plus yards out from goal players up from the back the ball struck low driven in towards the far corner, Belton running in getting the telling touch to send the ball home to double Dussindale & Hellesdon’s lead 2-0.

Georgina Belton (16) in to score Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 2nd goal

Georgina Belton

  Gooding across to put in the blocking tackle on Leyer left outside the area as she receives the ball from Green advancing up the wing. Dussindale bringing of Kowalczyk bringing Brister back on on the left of attack.

 GOAL! UEA with a quick reply to falling 2 goals behind coming right back to pull a goal back with Fuller driving on with the ball left channel to the edge off the area playing it into Burnley central inside the D shows great skill and close ball control as she shifts the the ball between her feet on the turn before lashing a shot past the keeper inside the left post 2-1. 

Ella Burnley with a great strike to pull a goal back for UEA

  Game on with 20 minutes left to play UEA getting it back to a single goal. Dussindale & Hellesdon win the ball in the middle Hutchin getting hold of it powering her way forwards eventually stopped as 3 UEA players converge on her, Leyer taking on the loose ball out right top of the box in low pushed wide by the keeper.

UEA’s Chloe Neate with Abby Hutchin

  Another player down for UEA, Piejko retuning to the action. Nobbs back on for Coombe. The game intense as Dussindale & Hellesdon press on with the ball Humphries picking the ball up central driving towards the area, Pitt closing her down coming together both go down outside the D, UEA incredulous as the free-kick goes against them, furious feeling it should have gone the other way!

  GOAL! Nobbs over the set-piece for Dussindale & Hellesdon in a very dangerous position central 20 yards out, catches her strike beautifully the lift the ball up over the wall and looping down over the keeper into the back of the net 3-1.

Abbi Nobbs scores from the free-kick to make it 3-1

  UEA seething, furious at the decision to award the free-kick in the first place falling 3-1 behind as a result of it being given vent their opinions, their woes further increased as Piejko is sent off for decent after being asked to repeat her original comment, UEA down to 10, worse still as Burnley with an outburst is shown a yellow card and sin binned for 10 minutes. UEA down to 9! The game turned on a sixpence.

 Belton looking to exploit the player advantage sweeping a diagonal ball up to Brister on the left, striking the ball from distance sees it race wide of the far post. Sutton back on for Dussindale & Hellesdon replacing Leyer. Dussindale & Hellesdon able to come on as UEA try to claim themselves down, Green volleying over at the far post as Brister sweeps in  cross from deep on the left. Shipman with a shot driven in on the angle Williamson taking it into her midriff.

Chelsea Brister

  GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon all over UEA now as they press on Green breaking into the area on the ball, Gooding nibbling at her with the challenge, Green staying on her feet to strike the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner. 4-1.

Phoebe Green congratulated by her teammates after scoring Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 4th

 Hard work for UEA now, Dussindale & Hellesdon with a double switch taking off Humphries and Bussey on come Kennett and Kowalczyk. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular time Fuller off for UEA, Tegan Collier on as they look to hold Dussindale & Hellesdon back. Standing back to defend on Hutchin as she gets the ball fed into her feet from the left.

 GOAL! Hutchin with a wonderful strike from distance to bring up Dussindale & Hellesdon’s fifth goal. All of 30 yards out to the right of the area connects with the shot to curl the ball into the top left corner to score a beauty 5-1. 

 Burnley back on for UEA as Dussindale & Hellesdon press on through the middle Shipman into Sutton holding off a defender as she breaks into the area gets a shot away the keeper holding onto the ball. Burnley looking to break through the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence stopped by the offside flag. The game deep into stoppage time Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick out wide on the left the ball flung in towards the far post headed clear by UEA as the final whistle blows. 

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 5-1 UEA FC Women

  Dussindale & Hellesdon winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final 5-1. The score line not reflection the balance of the game, a controversial free-kick with 0 minutes to go altering the course of the game Dussindale & Hellesdon scoring from it to go 3-1 ahead pushed all the way by UEA until then an intense game boiling over UEA furious with the decision getting two players sent off, Dussindale & Hellesdon taking advantage to score two more goals to settle what could well have been a nervy end to the game. A battling performance from both sides closing each other down with little time on the ball for anyone played at a high tempo. Dussindale & Hellesdon leading by a single goal at the break a close contest, needed a 2nd goal getting it UEA came straight back to make it 2-1 with 20 minutes to go. A huge effort from UEA played their part in the final made Dussindale & Hellesdon work for the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again another tough one with several contenders on both sides to mention. For UEA, Madeline Pitt making some great tackles at the back, Captain Lucy Gooding reading the game well getting in position to intercept and win the ball, her long range passes useful for the counter. Freya Standing and Prini Woods getting after the ball in the middle while Freya Fuller was outstanding making several strong runs through the middle and out wide. For Dussindale & Hellesdon Georgina Belton had a great match at the back in defence winning the ball and preventing the attackers turning. Victoria Leyer up top taking the ball on getting into some great positions inside the box opening the scoring. The award though goes to Chloe Shipman, bossed the midfield getting about the pitch to win the ball, making some useful runs forwards. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women 2022/23 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

 Congratulations to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Cup

 An enjoyable day at Youngs Park watch the League Plate and Cup Finals my thanks to everyone for their help today two entertaining games. Plenty of football action still to come a busy week ahead before the excitements all over…

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development v Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

Sunday 14th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

On the road early this Sunday heading to Aylsham for this season’s Norfolk Women’s Finals Day. Three finals taking place featuring the 11 aside League Plate and Cup Finals along with the ever popular 7 aside League Cup Final. The League Plate kicking the day off with a 10:30am kick-off between an all Mulbarton final as the 1st team take on their new Development side reaching a cup final in their debut season.

The League Plate the leagues secondary competition with the sides knocked out in the early rounds of the league cup entering the plate competition.

This morning’s prize

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st team with a busy end to the season crowned Division One Champions for the 2nd successive season following a 4-1 win at Bungay Town Ladies in midweek are looking to make it a league and cup double this weekend with another huge final to look forwards to on Friday as they take on Norwich City Women at Carrow Road in their County Cup Final appearance in a row. That sums up their history in a nutshell as Mulbarton Belles Ladies are only into their 3rd season as a club the bulk of the quad following manager Martin Francis to Mulbarton having previously been with Thorpe United.

The women’s side fully embraced by Mulbarton Wanderers FC becoming an integral part of the club reaching the county cup final in their debut season going on to become Division One Champions last year along with reaching the League Cup and County Cup Finals. Have continued to grow their 7 aside team winning the Division One title in their respective league also into this season’s League Cup final taking on Division Two Champions, Taverham Ladies FC. Coming out on top in two huge games against Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers FC Women in the league to overhaul their main rivals to reclaim their Division One title.

Reaching the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup too has been another history making season with only one loss in the NWGFL against UEA FC Women seeing them exit the League Cup to enter the League Plate. Are unbeaten in the league with 15 wins and 2 draws. Captain Rebekah Lake their talisman up top in attack one of the leading strikers in the county netting 21 goals this season. Francesca Catchpole with a prolific spell in front of goal for Mulbarton before joining Wroxham weighing in with 15 goals with Sophie Jermy netting a hat-trick in the 4-1 title winning victory in midweek now on 14 for the season.

Growing rapidly with more players joining the club not only has a 7 aside team been established but also a new Development team this season. Managed by Cara Skinner have enjoyed a strong debut season in NWGFL Division Two, amongst the pack pushing for the title playing out there fixtures currently sit 2nd in the table the sides immediately below with games to play may drop a place in the final standings. That league form carrying into the cup competitions. Lucy Kean top scorer for the Development side netting 21 goals from 20 appearances while Charlotte Groves has 13 goals from 16 games.

Road to the Final

 Both Mulbarton sides progressing without kicking a ball in the 1st Round of the Plate competition, through to the quarter finals the Development at home drawn against Division One side Beccles Town Ladies. A hat-trick from Charlotte Groves proving to be the difference with the Development side edging the result 3-2 to reach the last 4. Mulbarton’s 1st team away to Stalham Town Ladies bottom of Division One, Molly Ryan netting a hat-trick in the match along with a brace for Francesca Catchpole in a 7-1 victory with Ellie Hunter and Olivia Smith also on the score sheet.

The development side away to another side going strong in Division Two, Thorpe St Andrew Women in the semi-finals. Lucy Kean putting the Development side into the lead early in the 2nd half with Ella Cattermole doubling the lead before Thorpe pulled a goal back, Rosie McNarry making it 3-1 with 10 minutes to play securing the Development’s place in the Plate final. The 1st team at home to Division Two side, North Walsham Angels Ladies in the last 4, Sophie Jermy bagging herself a hat-trick as the hosts ran out comfortable 6-0 winners to reach the final with Rebekah Lake, Ellie Hunter and Molly Ryan all getting a goal.

Aylsham FC’s, Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL Finals day for the 2nd successive year, a weekend of finals held at the ground with the youth team finals held the day before. Aylsham themselves re establishing a women’s side this season just a win away from securing the Division Two title in their first season together, with youth sides at U7’s & U11’s too. The newly build clubhouse and changing room’s over looking the numerous grass pitches with the main pitch beside the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drinks. A somewhat murky start to the day thick cloud overhead keeping thing’s dull and damp under foot the pitch moist, forecast it for it to burn off get out brighter later in the day.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development

Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Meg Anderton, Jessica Clegg, Stephanie Leek, Natasha Williams (C), Nicole Read, Rosie McNarry, Charlotte Groves, Ella Cattermole, Amy Coaker & Lucy Kean. Subs – Kiera Barrowcliffe, Maria Sosnina & Amber Ovens.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st team

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st starting XI – Cara Anderson, Aneliese Smith, Melissa Belsey, Lucy Lincoln, Megan Belsey, Alice Smith, Ellie Hunter, Laura Hedtke, Sophie Jermy, Emma Farmer & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Olivia Mungham-Grey, Olivia Smith & Molly Ryan.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  With all 3 Mulbarton sides in action at the same time (the 7’s kicking off before the end of the Plate final both sides have three available on the bench. Typically I write Mul in my notes but that’s not going to work today so from now on so as not to confuse you or me I will refer to the sides as the Development and 1st’s. The Development side in the home changing room wearing Mulbarton’s home colours, blue and black vertical striped shirts, with blue shorts and socks. The 1st’s wearing their away strip, turquoise coloured shirts with grey coloured shorts and socks. The 1st’s to get the game underway played back into Laura Hedtke in midfield back to Melissa Belsey at right back sends the ball across the defence for Aneliese Smith to send up the left for Ellie Hunter to attack down the flank, Natasha Williams captaining the Development side coming across to defend the ball cleared for a throw.

   Both sides getting after each other in the middle in the early exchanges the ball out of play, cleared at the back the 1st’s send the ball out to the right with Emma Farmer bringing it on cutting inside to make a run across the top of the area, laying it into the box for captain, Rebekah Lake right of goal held up lays it back to Hedtke coming on to strike on the angle from 25 yards out sends her shot over the bar.

Emma Farmer

  Alice Smith winning possession in the midfield for the 1st’s lifting the ball over the top dropping into the box with Lake giving chase, goalkeeper Kirstie Andrews wanting to see the ball out of play but pressed by Lake clears for a throw to the left. Sophie Jermy picking up the ball for the 1st’s out on the left surging inside heading towards the area is tackled by the Development’s Stephanie Leek. Hunter and Jermy combine coming forwards on the left for the 1st’s, Jermy forced inside putting the ball into Alice Smith central who plays the ball out to the right for Melissa Belsey bursting forwards from full back puts her cross back to Farmer top of the area right of goal who then curls a cross into towards the far post Hedtke stealing in volleying over from close range.

  Lucy Lincoln defending at the back for the 1st’s as Charlotte Groves makes a midfield run linking up with Lucy Kean in attack looking to go on, Lincoln gets her foot in to tackle running back towards her area. 

Lucy Kean

 GOAL! The deadlock broken inside the opening 7 minutes, the 1st’s feeding the ball into Jermy on the left is allowed to travel cutting inside pulls the trigger from 25 yards out to smash a shot past the keeper into the right side of the goal 0-1.

Sophie Jermy with the opening strike

  The 1st’s getting players on from midfield well Alice Smith with space to pick a pass in the middle clipping a diagonal ball n towards the left corner of the area, Hedtke making the run to get onto the end of it, Leek doing well to clear for the Development side. Groves bringing the ball on through the middle for the Development side put forwards into Kean in attack looks to turn but closely marked by Lincoln instead shifts the ball out to the right flank with Amy Coaker getting into an advanced position squaring a cross in towards the near side, Kean wriggling free to attack it turning it towards goal but plucked up into her gloves safely by goalkeeper, Cara Anderson.

Amy Coaker

  A free-kick for the Development side on halfway, Nicole Read to play the ball long up towards the top of the area won by Lincoln headed clear. The Development side pushed back into their area, Williams defending sending the ball long up to the right, Lincoln intercepting for the 1st’s the ball coming straight back. A throw high on the left for the Development side dropped into Kean not able to turn and strike on the angle plays it into the path of Ella Cattermole coming across her instead is charged down as she goes to strike the ball from outside the box.

Development side captain, Natasha Williams

 Groves looking to make thing’s happen attacking through the middle for the Development side looking to release Rosie McNarry out on the left of attack, Anderson however is quickly out to the corner of her area to claim the ball for the 1st’s. Farmer over on the left in attack for the 1st’s now breaking forwards with Hedtke as the diagonal ball comes floating in towards the top of the box, Williams getting there first to win the header send the ball clear.

  Lake coming for the ball in the middle bursting forwards a strong run, halted by Williams as she comes to close her down. Ken linking up with Cattermole through the middle lifting the ball out to Coaker attacking on the right a heavy tough giving Lincoln the half yard to get onto the ball and clear. Hunter coming into the middle spinning to play the ball forwards with Lake making the run into the right channel, Jessica Clegg with a vital interception for the Development side. 

Jessica Clegg

 Megan Belsey winning the header top of her area as Coaker sends in a cross from deep on the right. A change for the Development side with Amber Ovens coming on for McNarry. Groves pushing up playing a one two with Kean through the middle, Lincoln reading it pulling away to get into the path of the ball and send clear. Several pauses for undone laces the game being played in good spirits Mulbarton is a tight knit and united outfit. The 1st’s burst on through the middle Lake on the move up top Hedtke lifts the ball forwards dropping left of the D, Andrews comes down in front of Lake to save doesn’t get hold of the ball however loose to the left Lake after it the defence racing back, the shot delayed giving Andrews the time she needs to regain her angle and get behind the ball sent towards her goal and claim.

  Melissa Belsey taking the ball on for the 1st’s on the right sends it on to Lake down the wing then breaks into the box herself Lake picking the full back out with her cross, sends a looping header in towards goal from the top of the area, Andrews catching it high. The 1st’s getting players forwards well Jermy linking up with Lake on the right top of the area, Hedtke getting on to join the action sending a forwards pass into the area with Lake breaking in behind however she is halted by the raised flag, offside.

 25 minutes played and the 1st’s continue to show good movement in attack, players moving across the final 3rd keeping the Development side from committing too many players forwards. Still some good battles out there, Groves always hard to shake off the ball once she gets on a run. Melissa Belsey bringing her down on the left on halfway. Groves looking to link up with Kean in attack again attempt the one two with Kean pulling right forwards into the box for Groves, Lincoln getting across to shield the ball claimed by Anderson.

Charlotte Groves

 Clegg doing well at the back against Lake as Alice Smith lifts another inviting ball forwards into the box for the 1st’s. Melissa Belsey with a strong challenge at the back to win the ball for the 1st’s sending the ball on for lake out into the right, player streaming forwards to get into the box, Lake’s low cross cut out by Read, deflected out towards the top right of the area with Hunter latching onto it for the 1st curling a looping effort up towards the left corner the strike cannoning back down into the area left off the crossbar…

Ellie Hunter

  GOAL! … the shot is struck on the angle back towards goal, blocked… appeals for handball, referee Ryan Starkey pointing to the spot, Penalty! Hedtke placing the ball on the spot runs up to strike the ball a powerful hit sending the keeper to wrong way to hit the back of the net and make it 0-2.

Laura Hedtke makes it 2-0 from the penalty spot

Laura Hedtke

  15 minutes left on the clock in the 1st half Mulbarton’s 1st team doubling their advantage. Coaker coming forwards with the ball central for the Development side picking out Ovens with the pass on the right, Aneliese Smith lunging in to win the tackle for the 1st team. Melissa Belsey right on for Lake to attack on the right her sweeping ball into the box headed clear by Williams. The Development side’s captain winning her fair share of headers inside the box with Lake pulling wide to cross. Coaker with Ovens out on the right getting the Development side a corner. Lifted in near post Anderson comes amongst bodies to get a fist on the ball send it clear to the right. 

Alice Smith

 The 1st’s making a triple switch bringing of Aneliese Smith, Jermy and Melissa Belsey bringing on Olivia Smith, Olivia Mungham-Grey and Molly Ryan. Groves back to defend a throw deep on the right cutting out the ball sending it behind for a corner as Lake turns to attack the area. The ball flung into the mix headed clear. 

Molly Ryan

  Groves high up the pitch getting in the tackle to win the ball, sets off, Lincoln with a timely tackle to toe the ball away from the midfielder or she’d be through to attack the box beyond. Time ticking down in the first half the Development side battling hard to defend but often pushed back can’t get players up quick enough to support Kean in attack, seeing the ball come straight back. Hunter in the middle on for Lake ahead of her lays the pass out to Ryan to the right bursts on into the box Ryan playing the ball into her shooting for the left side across the keeper, Andrews getting down smartly to make a superb save push the ball away then back up quickly to save again with her feet beating the ball away as Lake goes after the loose ball. 

Goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews

The Development side winning a corner on the left the ball fired in low across the six yard box knocked back in central falling to Groves can’t get a shot away before being closed down the 1st team defence scrambling the ball clear.

GOAL! Into stoppage time in the first half and a sucker punch for the Development side as they are hit on the counter attack Hedtke bringing the ball on from the middle left side laying it forwards into Lake racing on the keeper rushing out to close her down, Lake top corner lobs it over the keeper with the outside of her boot to send it racing on into the empty net 0-3.

1st’s captain, Rebekah Lake

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development 0-3 Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

  A late late goal in the first half seeing Mulbarton’s 1st team take a 3-0 lead into the break. A strong first half scoring an early goal getting forwards well pushing the Development teams defence back. Adding a 2nd from the penalty spot midway through the half then a 3rd late on to put themselves into a strong position going into the 2nd half. The Development side working hard at the back with some good defending and saves from Andrews getting the ball into their attackers hasn’t been easy, Groves with her driving runs looking the most likely to make something happen. 

Both sides making changes at the break with Jermy back on for the 1st’s replacing Alice Smith, McNarry and Maria Sosnina on for the Development side who get the 2nd half underway the ball launched forwards at the start looking for Kean pushing on however is long for a goal kick. The Development side looking to start the 2nd half on the front foot Groves looking to play the ball on for McNarry as she get’s past Lincoln, the ball put inside cut out by Olivia Smith. 

  Read with a coming together with Hedtke leaves the midfielder down for a moment needing a little time to recover, still played in good spirits if competitive. McNarry winning the ball for the Development side putting it on for Groves central as she makes the run right channel to break into the area, Groves playing the ball into her, Megan Belsey in the make the blocking tackle as she goes to shoot the defender then clearing the loose ball. 

Megan Belsey

  GOAL! The Development side looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half quickly find themselves trailing by a 4th goal, the 1st’s with the ball in midfield lifting it out to the right with Ryan bursting forwards driving a low cross into the box, near side, Lake stealing in near post to strike the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner for her 2nd of the match 0-4. 

Rebekah Lake

  Anderton with a strike from all of 30 yards for the Development side over the crossbar as the ball is laid back into from Groves. The Development side with a substitution bring Cattermole back on for Read. Lake flagged offside as Hunter’s pass into Farmer wide left see a cross launched in towards the far post. Anderton up on the left combining with Sosnina, the ball into the area won by Lincoln.

  Andrews out smartly to claim the ball to the right of her area before Farmer can reach Hedtke’s crossfield ball. The 1st’s with a triple switch as they bring Alice Smith, Melissa Belsey and Aneliese Smith back on for Hunter, Hedtke and Megan Belsey. Game strategy with Friday’s County Cup Final in mind. Ryan driving a shot wide across goal from a throw high on the right. Framer playing the ball up into Lake in attack, Clegg defending for the Development side…

 GOAL! … players up the field the 1st win possession back quickly the pass played into the area for Lake racing in clear left wide of goal to shoot on the acute angle to send the ball across the goal into the net on the right for her hat-trick. 0-5.

A cup final hat-trick for Rebekah Lake

  The 1st team getting themselves into a 5 goal lead early in the 2nd half, captain Rebekah Lake bagging herself a cup final hat-trick. The Development side making a change bringing off Anderton for Read, soon after Leek picks up a head injury and is taken off to be replaced by Coaker. Ryan taking the ball on for the 1st team moving left pushed on for Farmer racing towards the area left side, Andrews out to close the angle making a fantastic save with her legs as she goes to shoot the ball out for a throw deep on the left. From the dead ball the cross flashed into the six yard box across goal Aneliese Smith attacking it far post sending the ball over from close range.

Aneliese Smith

   Read blocking Ryan’s shot as the attacker looks to force her way into the box. The 1st team in control of the game now pressing their opponents in the final 3rd the cross coming in Lake attacking it close in at the right post frustrated but smiling as her attempted shot doesn’t come of instead goes narrowly wide. 

  Lake turning provider peeling out to the right to fire a cross into the six yard box, Ryan meeting it, Andrews again saving brilliantly with her feet. Read off again with Anderton back on for the Development side. Ovens sending the ball on for Groves as the Development side attempt to break, Jermy tracking back to defend. 

  GOAL! The game stretched as the Development team tire and push players on looking for an opening, the ball won in the middle played out wide for Aneliese Smith on the right wing taking it in shoots on the angle a vicious strike in low towards the near post, Andrews down covering the angle, getting her gloves on the ball but only succeeds in pushing it across her goal and straight into the path of Lake to stroke the ball home for her 4th of the match 0-6.

A 4th goal for Rebekah Lake

  The game open now the 1st team coming on at will finding space out wide Alice Smith picking out Aneliese Smith getting up on the right sends the ball inside for Lake 20 out to lay back for Alice Smith to take on the strike from 25 yards out, put in on target saved by Andrews right behind bringing the ball down and claiming. 

  Jermy into Lake out on the left sending a cross in central from deep, Ryan latching onto the ball to cut past the defence and shoot, left of the D, Andrews diving he ball though racing wide of her left post. The Development side struggling to find any rhythm, Groves continues to get onto the ball but frustratingly can’t get it into her teammates as Alice Smith, Lincoln and Melissa Belsey all close her down. McNarry winning the ball back right putting it forwards, Olivia Smith there to reclaim before Kean can get across to it. Sosnina out on the left bringing the ball down plays it into the area , Lincoln in to clear for the 1st team. 

Maria Sosnina

  Andrews rushing out to slide in and claim at the feet of Aneliese Smith on the right as she runs in behind the defence. The game moving into the final 10 minutes the 1st’s winning a throw deep in the corner on the right put into Jermy near side a turn and volley sent over from 10 yards out. Despite the score line everyone is playing with a smile on their face good banter being exchanged. 

 Coaker coming off for the Development side, Ovens back on, Farmer on the left flashing a cross along the face of goal, Aneliese Smith sending it over, but play halted by the raised flag. Lincoln has done as much as anyone to frustrate the Development sides attacking efforts during the match getting in to tackle more than one driving run from Groves through the middle. 

Amber Ovens

  Ovens attacking with the ball into the right corner for the Development side laid back to Cattermole top of the box right her cross in cut out by Jermy, the 1st’s launching a counter attack racing up the pitch the ball out to Aneliese Smith on the right inside the box for Jermy to attack a swing and a miss as two sliding challenges come in. Game end to end as the Development side look to break the game stretched.

  Ryan sending the ball inside for Aneliese Smith inside 20 yards out from the right takes on the shot a high ball lifted in towards goal, taken by Andrews on the bounce. Into the closing moments McNarry breaking into the box for the Development side the ball is lifted over the top, Lincoln holding her off as Anderson calls loudly and rushes out to claim the ball. 

Rosie McNarry

 The game into the dying second lifted forwards by the 1st’s cleared by Williams as the final whistle blows and the 1st team celebrate winning a league and cup double. 

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies Development 0-6 Mulbarton Belles Ladies 1st

  Mulbarton’s 1st team with a strong performance to win the Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final, Sophie Jermy scoring inside the opening 7 minutes with a 2nd added from the penalty spot by Laura Hedtke was a real blow for the Development side to concede a 3rd so late in the first half. Andrews with a number of crucial saves while the defence worked tirelessly. Looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half the Development side soon found themselves 4 goals down with 1st’s captain Rebekah Lake netting her 2nd and soon after her 3rd of the game. In control of the game now the 1st’s pressed on looking a threat in attack, a 6th goal coming as Lake got onto the end of a saved strike from Aneliese Smith to add her 4th of the game and the 1st teams 6th. A heavy loss for the Development side in the end but it mustn’t distract from the an excellent debut season reaching a cup final while challenging week in week out at the top end of their league and great to see both sides united after the game.

A league and cup double for Mulbarton’s 1st team as they gear up for their 3rd successive County Cup Final appearance on Friday as they take on Norwich City Women at Carrow Road. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several strong performances out there but as always only one winner. For the Development side the defence worked hard throughout making a number of vital interceptions and tackles none more so than captain, Natasha Williams. Goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews pulling off a number of fantastic saves. Charlotte Groves getting about in midfield looking to take the ball on force play and ring others into the attack. For the 1st’s Lucy Lincoln was immense at the back reading the game well, making alot of interceptions and winning the ball with her head. Sophie Jermy covering the ground getting on with the ball and tracking back to defend opening the scoring with a wonderful strike. The award though goes to captain Rebekah Lake scoring 4 goals in the final, getting into some great positions inside and outside the box pulling wide for the ball never still. 

 This is a Mulbarton centric report s o here is the best time to give a shout out to their 7’s side who were also victorious in their Cup Final today. Alice Ladbrooke with the only goal of the game seeing them beat Taverham Ladies FC, with goalkeeper Jo Hooper named player of the match.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 7’s with a League and Cup double of their own

Congratulations to Mulbarton Belles Ladies 7’s on winning today’s League Cup final.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies 2022/23 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

Champions of Norfolk Women’s Division One

Congratulation’s too, too Mulbarton Belles Ladies on winning today’s League Plate Final and for becoming Division One Champions for the 2nd successive season.

 An enjoyable first game at today’s Norfolk Women’s Finals day, thanks to the NWGFL committee and teams for their help this morning a quick turn around and some food needed before this afternoon’s League Cup final.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cardea FC Ladies v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 10th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

sponsored by the Alan Boswell Group

A trip over to St Neots this Wednesday evening for the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup, to be contested by the two sides vying for the title in Division One, Cardea FC Ladies and Histon Ladies. 

  The pair battling for the title in the Cambridgeshire Women’s league top division. Histon Ladies on top for much of the campaign with Cardea FC Ladies behind with their fixtures, have caught their rivals up now and after drawing 1-1 at Histon back in February. Cardea FC Ladies winning 4-2 at home against Histon 10 days ago are now 3 points clear at the top with both having 2 matches left to play.

This evening’s prize

  Cardea FC Ladies reaching their 2nd cup final of the season aiming to repeat the success of their first ever cup final a month ago in the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup a wonderful strike from captain Laura Rudd after just 50 seconds the difference as they turned in a strong performance against St Ives Town Ladies to win the trophy in 2nd season. A league and cup treble on the cards have been steadily improving rising to challenge at the top of the Cambridgeshire County Women’s league with ambitions to move up into regional football next season. Building a strong squad bringing in some experienced players including Emma Pollard with vast experience playing at a higher level with Peterborough Northern Star Ladies has been prolific in front of goal for Cardea, scoring an incredible 54 goals so far this season from just 19 appearances. 

 Histon Ladies have endured a couple of tough season’s since dropping out of the ERWFL, but have very much turned thing’s around this season with the appointment of Keven Jacklin as 1st team manager. A wealth of experience working with Cambridge City Ladies, chairman at one time as has brought in a few ex-Cambridge City players to bolster the strong core of players already within the club. Hit the ground running with straight wins to top the league a position held until recently after being overhauled by Cardea FC Ladies and will now need their opponents to drop points in their final 2 fixtures to have any chance of regaining top spot. Carla Penny one of the ex-Cambridge City contingent joining Kevin Jacklin at Histon, scoring alot of goals in City colours has continued that form in the red of Histon, scoring 22 in 18 appearances. Amie Fullwood another ex-City player weighing in with 12 goals with Sophie Hopkin also getting to double figures. Like Cardea are keen to get back playing regional football.

Road to the Final  

  Byes into the 2nd Round for both sides, Cardea FC Ladies entered the competition away to Division Three side Manea Sirens LFC. Cardea racking up a massive score line winning 18-0! With Emma Pollard netting 5 goals, captain Laura Rudd hitting 4 into the back of the net. With Georgie Elsom and Courtney Coles scoring 3 and 2 respectfully with a goal apiece for Charlotte Moffat, Brooke Ware, Sofia Aragosa and Olivia Smith. Histon Ladies too drawn at home to Division Three opposition getting the home win over Deeping United Ladies. 

  Into the 3rd Round, Cardea FC Ladies facing tough opposition in Division Two newcomers Peterborough Sports Ladies who would go on to win the league. Cardea though win plenty of goal scorers in their ranks as Pollard netted herself a brace with Aragosa, Rudd, Ware and Elsom all on target for a goal each in a 6-1 win. Histon at home to fellow Division One side, Leverington Sports Ladies and although it would prove a different story in the league a month later Histon with a dominant display to win through to the quarter finals with an 8-1 victory. Carla Penny scoring 4 goals, with a goal each for Sophie Hopkin, Katie Levitt, Kirsty Geal and Amie Fullwood.

  The quarter finals saw Cardea draw away to Eaton Socon Ladies making a strong showing in their debut season in Division One pushing hard in 3rd spot. It was Pollard inflicting the damage once again as she scored a hat-trick to secure a 3-1 win for her side. Histon progressing to the last 4 without kicking a ball as they were once again awarded the home win this time against Cambridge City Ladies Development 

  Cardea away from home in the semi-finals taking on another Division One side Fulbourn Bluebirds Institute. Fulbourn possessing a strong goal threat themselves were to get on the scoresheet twice, but as before Pollard was amongst the goals netting another hat-trick with Moffat also scoring to see Cardea into the final with a 4-2 win. Histon at home playing Division Two side Huntingdon Town Ladies in the last 4. goals from Penny, Levitt, Hopkin and Fullwood seeing them into the final winning 4-0.

 St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium hosting this evening’s League Cup final, no stranger to women’s football as it also serves as the home for Cambridge United WFC and their Development side in the FAWNL. The main grass pitched stadium with a 3G facility beside. The bar and clubhouse beside the main seated stand on on side with covered viewing behind both goals. The grass pitch looking good as it has all season. Several heavy down pours across the region in the hours leading up to this evenings game, the pitch passing a 5pm inspection. Standing water in places would be a slick surface, favouring the sliding challenge, with hopefully no more rain falling. 

Cardea FC Ladies

Cardea FC Ladies starting XI – Poppy Halstead, Laura Ramsaran, Fiona Plumb, Sofia Aragosa, Brooke Ware, Maisie Homden, Laura Rudd (C), Olivia Smith, Georgie Elsom, Courtney Coles & Emma Pollard. Subs – Titch Abraham, Leah Barnes, Mia Newman & Charlotte Moffat.

Histon Ladies

Histon Ladies starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Abi Laughlin, Katie Levitt, Ellie Churchill, Laura Leyland, Rachel Pearce, Sophie Hopkin, Emma Todd, Kirsty Geal, Carla Penny (C) & Amie Fullwood. Subs – Freya Goddard, Esther McTrusty, Shannon Chandler, Ellie Laughlin & Shannon Shaw.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

    Carla Penny captaining Histon, lining up with Cardea captain Laura Rudd with this evening’s referee Nicoleta Bria who is amongst growing list of female officials within the county to go on to officiate in the Women’s Championship and beyond. Histon to get the League Cup final underway kicking-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Cardea lined up opposite wearing navy coloured shirts with blue sleeves, navy shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence put out to the right for Emma Todd to attack, Maisie Homden seeing it out for a throw for Cardea.

  Cardea get after the ball on their right pushed forwards into Brooke Ware looks to send it up the line for Emma Pollard, racing forwards sees her cross blocked by Histon’s Katie Levitt the ball out for the throw to Cardea in the corner. From the throw Pollard sees the ball into her feet and turning to attack strikes the ball goalwards from a tight angle, Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard getting down sharply at her near post the save beating the ball wide across her six yard box before being cleared behind for the corner kick. The inswinging delivery flying into the side netting.

Cardea’s Brooke Ware with Histon’s Kirsty Geal

  Histon surge forwards the ball fed on through the middle, Rachel Pearce laying the ball into Amie Fullwood attacking the right channel, Todd showing a rapid turn of pace to take herself in behind the Cardea defence as Fullwood rolls the ball into her path right of the D, Cardea goalkeeper, Poppy Halstead getting out to the edge of her area rapidly sliding in to claim the ball at Todd’s feet. 

Histon striker, Amie Fullwood

 Both sides looking to get after the ball in the opening exchanges, Cardea captain Laura Rudd sending the ball on for Pollard looking to pull off the defence left of goal, Laura Leyland getting her foot in to intercept the pass, clear for Histon in defence. Histon on the move left side Levitt on for Kirsty Geal out wide, pace taking the ball forwards fires a stinging drive in towards Cardea’s near post from outside the box, Halstead down sharply stretching to claim the ball with Todd closing in.

  Is competitive in the middle, Courtney Coles for Cardea battling for possession with Histon’s Sophie Hopkin. The ball put on down the line right side for Todd presses forwards, Maisie Homden getting back at her well for Cardea to defend in the corner prevent the cross coming in. Pearce getting free in the middle taking the ball forwards a clever pass into Carla Penny as she makes a run across the top of the D moving to the right, chipping the ball over the top of the defence into the area, Halstead rushing out the first to the ball.

Cardea defender, Maisie Homden

  Histon looking lively winning the ball in midfield Pearce with options left and right in Geal and Todd with Penny drifting across the defence. Leyland winning the ball at the back for Histon as Cardea attempt to release Pollard up top her clear needing to be intercepted by Homden stretching with Todd running on. Patches of standing water on the pitch, one found by Abi Laughlin as she throws herself into a sliding challenge. 

Abi Laughlin

Rudd turning on the ball on for Georgie Elsom on the left forwards into Pollard up the wing her crossfield ball, cut out and cleared by Leyland for the throw in. Histon pressing players on well a throw won high on the left into Penny plays the ball inside of Pearce who in turn lays it out to the left for Levitt bursting forwards has Geal ahead of her looking to break into the box, receiving the pass, Sofia Aragosa, closing her down challenging to win the ball. 

Laughlin sending the ball on right side for Todd hurtling forwards on the right her cross from deep swept into the area cut out by Laura Ramsaran cleared out of the area, the shot struck from distance charged down by Elsom. Histon winning the ball looking to take the game to Cardea, Laughlin going past Todd on the overlap right side, Olivia Smith tracking back on her to defend for Cardea the ball put out of play for the corner on the right. The delivery whipped in across goal threating to creep under the crossbar Halstead up well to glove it away to the far post dropping Histon lash a shot in towards goal rising central, Halstead with an excellent reactive save getting her arm up to knock the ball up over the bar.

  Pressure building from Histon the corner played in from the left inswinging central Rudd up before the keeper heading it down towards the top of the area Hopkin latching onto the shot inside the box for Histon, smashed over the bar! 

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

  Halstead the busier of the two keepers out quickly to the right corner of her box to slide in and claim as Levitt looks to put Geal in behind on the wing after Elie Churchill wins the ball at the back. Todd moving into a central position looking to put Fullwood in to attack right of the D, taking the ball on into the box wide of goal fires a low cross into Penny outside the near post, turns as she shoots the ball struck over. 

Histon captain, Carla Penny

  Histon applying the pressure looking a threat on the right Homden exposed as Todd is played in down the line the Cardea defender doing well getting back on her nevertheless as Smith gets back to help her out the ball cleared for a throw. Pearce into Hopkin central finds Todd with the pass on the right her early cross into the box won by Cardea’s Aragosa. Pearce with time on the ball for Histon central putting the ball into Levitt’s path on the left storming forwards looks to play in Geal, Brooke Ware challenging to prevent the cross for Cardea.

Histon’s Emma Todd with Cardea’s Maisie Homden

  Pushing Cardea back, making it difficult for their opponent to get the ball into Pollard up top Histon continue to press, Hopkin into Fullwood, Penny moving across her wanting the ball, Fiona Plumb tackling for Cardea. Pollard coming into midfield for the ball taking it on central a driving run forwards, Pearce back on her lunging in to tackle get the ball for Histon who quickly turn play around the ball out to Todd right side squared inside for Fullwood 25 yards out rolls it central for Pearce to strike the ball, her shot straight at Halstead the keeper holding onto the ball.

Cardea captain, Laura Rudd

 

  Midway through the first half Cardea looking to up the tempo, Plumb out to Rudd left side, has been closely marked by Histon, Laughlin preventing her turning on the ball, payed inside for Coles attempts to lift the ball over the defence for Pollard bursting in behind, Leyland the tallest of the defends in the way getting her head onto the ball to clear. Histon having the better of the first half coming on with the ball. The pitch slick the challenges coming in the ball cleared out of the ground on several occasions. Penny up with Todd on the right, Rudd getting back to tackle, finds Coles up the left wing sends the ball on for Pollard, again Leyland intercepts. 

Histon defender, Laura Leyland

  Todd with the ball on the right 30 yards out stabs it into Hopkin inside the area right of goal, fires the ball across the six yard box with Geal racing in far post, hit goalwards, Halstead with a great low save across her goal mouth quickly. Aragosa fouling Geal out wide left the free-kick awarded. Cardea making a change before it’s taken Leah Barnes on for Coles. Pearce to lift the ball into the box central headed clear by Ramsaran. Histon with a short corner on the left put into the area by Geal, won by Aragosa for Cardea headed out to the left, the ball returned claimed by Halstead.

Plenty of water laying on the pitch, Sofia Aragosa wringing out her shorts

  Aragosa fouled outside the box as she attempts to keep in at her feet under pressure from Penny, the Cardea defence under the most pressure Pollard looking to provide the relief when she can take the ball on out on the right up with Ware the ball struck in viciously on the angle, Blanchard reacting well saving with her feet knocking the ball out towards the top of the area very nearly into the path of Barnes storming into the box.

Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard

  Histon making their first change bringing on Shannon Shaw for Geal in attack. Histon launching a rapid counter attack Todd on the ball full of pace down the right, Fullwood and Shaw bursting into the box as Todd sends her cross in behind the two attackers comes to Penny inside the D, digs the ball out of her feet hit towards goal lacks the power to trouble Halstead as she catches the ball. Homden getting back on Todd as she threatens to get away on the right support from Shaw before the free-kick is given away. Wide right from a deep position Pearce to curl a high ball in central, Halstead keeping her eyes on the dropping ball not distracted by the runner jumping across her takes the ball down cleanly.

  Barnes fouling Penny inside the Cardea half, top of the circle. Players up into the box as Pearce delivers the ball in high, Plumb getting her head on the ball knocked down off Penny challenging the attacker striking the ball wide of the left post. Histon with another change bringing Hopkin off on comes, Freya Goddard. Elsom attempting to pick out Pollard on the right, Levitt sliding in to put the ball away for the throw. 

Histon’s Katie Levitt

 Homden caught by Saw as she slides in to challenge of the ball on the right. Half-time fast approaching Cardea opt to bring the defender off for further assessment send on Mia Newman at the back. Penny up on the right slides the ball into the box for Shaw to attack right side pushed to the by-line no room for the cross lands in the side netting. Into stoppage time Plumb finding a bit of room central for Cardea lifting the pass out for Smith to attack out left, Goddard closing her down to clear the ball out of play. 

Half-time Cardea FC Ladies 0-0 Histon Ladies

  Goalless at the break, Histon with a strong first half performance getting in to win the ball high put the Cardea defence under pressure forced back, using the width well, Geal and Todd getting on down the line creating a number chances, Poppy Halstead with some great saves to keep the stalemate. Frustrated not to be in the lead. Chances for Cardea limited up top losing the ball in the middle haven’t been able to link up with Pollard up top at all this in turn allowing Histon’s full backs to come on alot to think about as the teams head into the changing rooms at half-time.

 Histon bringing on Esther McTrusty at the start of the 2nd half replacing Laughlin. Cardea unchanged from the side that finished the first half as they get the 2nd half underway the floodlights taking full effect now the ball rolled back into the defence played back to the keeper, launches it forwards with Pollard on the move into the right channel, Churchill winning the ball for Histon. 

Histon’s Esther McTrusty

 Cardea snapping at the ball in midfield, Smith into Pollard taking the ball on right channel pace letting fly from all of 35 yards out dipping in front of Blanchard at her near post the keeper with a good save diving to push the ball behind for the corner on the right. Cardea looking to get on the front foot at the start of the 2nd half the corner defended at the near post falls to Barnes at the top of the area struck first time riding back in towards goal Blanchard behind with a confident save.

Cardea’s Leah Barnes

   Cardea with a different approach to the 2nd half looking to get into the ball high in the middle feed it into Pollard in attack to run at the defence. Histon though ready to spring the counter the diagonal ball finding Todd wide right driving on, tackled by Newman. Blanchard comes rushing out to the corner of her area to close Pollard down as the is sent on by Elsom into her path left channel, the keeper just about getting there getting something on the ball to prevent Pollard racing in on goal, cleared for a throw on the left.

Histon midfielder, Rachel Pearce

  McTrusty on with Pearce in the middle for Histon out to Penny drifting left played forwards for Shaw to attack, Ramsaran winning the challenge for Cardea. The game more open now Elsom winning the ball well for Cardea a little deeper now out to Ware on the right breaking on looking to put Pollard through, the pass not quite finding it’s mark. A throw won out on the left for Cardea high up the pitch. played into Pollard left outside the box, turns inside the move across the D, McTrusty staying on her, Pollard getting the few inches she needs to turn and strike the ball 25 yards out, flashed in towards goal Blanchard beaten the ball cannoning off the cross bar and over. 

Georgie Elsom

  Certainly competitive both sides giving fouls away, McTrusty with a clumsy challenge on Rudd. The free-kick inside the Histon half played long to the far post area by Elsom, Blanchard getting up to punch the ball away. Geal coming back on for Histon as Cardea win a corner on the right the ball played in towards, Barnes top of the area, closed down quickly by Histon the ball won back look to get on the break put forwards into Todd, Ramsaran getting in a timely tackle to prevent her stealing in behind.

   Ware picking up a yellow card as she commits the foul wide on the left as Histon attack. Pearce to send the ball in cleared by Ramsaran at the near post. Pollard looking to put the ball on for Elsom as Cardea attack, McTrusty winning the tackle for Histon launching a counter attack out for Shaw attacking the left channel wins her side a corner kick. Put in low near side turned behind for a 2nd corner on the hour.

 GOAL! Blocking a shot from the top of the area as they defend the corner Cardea hit Histon on the break the ball sent forwards into Pollard making a central run bursting towards the area clear of the defence, Blanchard comes rushing out to the top of her area to close the angle, Pollard shooting early firing the ball past the keeper to find the empty goal beyond 1-0.

Emma Pollard firing home the opening goal for Cardea on the hour

  Cardea taking the lead capitalising on their positive start to the 2nd half, Pollard mobbed by her celebrating teammates. A blow for Histon look for a quick response the ball fired into Penny’s feet holding it up right of the D lays it wide for Todd to left a curling cross in towards the far post, Shaw stooping to head the ball powers it back across the six yard box narrowly wide of the right post. Titch Abraham on for Cardea taking up a position on the left. 

  McTrusty up on the right for Histon with Todd played infield to Penny who in turn clips the ball out to Shaw wide left, knocking it forwards, Ramsaran defending for Cardea. The game open now Histon keeping players up forcing the Cardea defence to defend deep however there are spaces at the back for Pollard to exploit, Elsom finding her with the pass on the right, Leyland getting out to her to tackle send the ball out for the throw. 

Laura Leyland

Abraham with a long throw in her locker out left lifted in towards the area, Leyland winning the header to clear for Histon. Out left for another throw Abraham dropping the ball into Elsom, puts it back into Abraham moving inside, stabs the ball into the area, no one gambling, Blanchard claiming it unchallenged. Abraham winning a corner of her next long throw on the left the ball curled into the six yard box won by Churchill for Histon. Headed behind for a 2nd corner. Whipped in high beyond the far post headed wide. 

Cardea’s Titch Abraham

  Histon come on with the ball McTrusty sending the pass into Fullwood up top laid back for Pearce advancing, prods it on looking for Shaw cutting in from the left, the pass cut out by Aragosa. Midway through the 2nd half Cardea continue to defend their box inviting pressure but ready to spring the counter Pollard lurking with intent. McTrusty brought down by Rudd as she takes the ball on wide right. Pearce over the dead ball players forwards from the back the ball dropped in central scrambled clear to the top of the of the D the pass fed low into the right side Leyland shooting on the angle six yards out, Halstead down sharply at her near post saving the ball.

Cardea goalkeeper, Poppy Halstead

  Elsom putting the ball on for Pollard out on the right from distance attempts to lob the keeper, doesn’t get her angles right the ball over. Shannon Chandler coming on at right back for Histon.  Cardea making another change too bringing on Charlotte Moffat for Smith. Cardea winning a throw high on the right

 GOAL! An immediate impact for the substitute as the ball is played into Moffat wide of goal, on the angle sends her shot in looping up over the keeper to drop into the goal beyond 2-0.

Charlotte Moffat making am immediate impact from the substitutes bench to make it 2-0

  A further blow for Histon as they press the ball high out to Shaw left the ball fizzed into the area, beat down by Halstead the Cardea defence working hard to keep their opponents at bay. Cardea straight on the counter the ball into midfield put on for Pollard moving to the left, Chandler tracking back with her defending inside the box as Todd gets back to clear the ball. The game end to end as Histon send players on to attack, Pearce finding Shaw on the left her angled shot in low Halstead down smartly to save pushing the ball wide across her goal. 

Histon attacker, Shannon Shaw

  Halstead coming in amongst a crowd at the near post from a Histon corner to knock the ball behind for a 2nd corner on the right. An inswinging ball the six yard box loaded, Cardea knock the ball down out towards the top of the area the shot flashed back in Halstead somehow behind it saving on the line. Histon bringing Hopkin back on with the clock ticking down. Pressing late on Cardea back defending their box determined in defence bodies in to block. 

Cardea’s Fiona Plumb

  A free-kick won wide on the right with 5 minutes left to play Rudd shown a card. Played in near post knocked down towards the top of the area, Cardea look to clear the six yard box the ball played back in wide right of goal, Halstead out to clear the ball on the by-line. Leyland putting the ball forwards into Hopkin back to goal top of the D, marked by Abraham can’t turn to release the ball. Cardea break right side Ware on the move with the ball up ended by Leyland eating up time winning the free-kick, Homden comes back on replacing Elsom. The game moving into stoppage time.

 Histon regain possession through the middle into Shaw, plays the ball out to Hopkin wide left her inswinging cross defended at the back by Newman for Cardea. Leyland shown a yellow card bringing down Pollard as she looks to burst forwards late on, right of the circle the ball lifted in towards the top of the area, defended as the final whistle blows Cardea cheer in jubilation as they come together to celebrate winning a cup double.

Full time Cardea FC Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

  Cardea winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final to go with the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final won last month. Making adjustments in the 2nd half to better get hold of the ball higher up the pitch 2nd half began the 2nd period strongly winning the ball and getting it on into Pollard up top, hitting the cross bar before being put through central on the hour to put the ball past the on rushing keeper to score. With Histon pushing on looking for a reply the game opened up Charlotte Moffat making an immediate impact from the bench to score Cardea’s 2nd goal. Histon continued to create chances and were frustrated by Halstead in goal on a number of occasions. Arguably the better side, certainly first half however Cardea played to their strengths working extremely hard in defence, determined and tenacious to defend their box. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A good contest between the top two sides in the league. Several strong contenders to mention for both sides. Histon will be frustrated they couldn’t find a goal. Emma Todd playing well out on the right in attack getting forwards into some good positions putting the Cardea defence on the back foot. Carla Penny with some good movement in the final 3rd getting into some great positions to shoot. Rachel Pearce with some great passing in midfield spreading play across the pitch. Laura Leyland winning the ball at the back. For Cardea the whole defence as in the Hunts final was superb working hard to defend win the ball and block soaking up alot of pressure from Histon. Georgie Elsom playing a little deeper 2nd half winning the ball finding Emma Pollard in attack, took her goal well making some forceful runs and looking to be available for the pass throughout. The award goes as it did in the Hunts final to goalkeeper Poppy Halstead, hard to believe she’s only 16 years old, commands her area well making a number of quality saves to thwart Histon keeping it goalless at the break pulled off a number of crucial saves in the 2nd half too.

Cardea FC Ladies , 2022/23 Cambridgeshire Women’s league Cup winners

Congratulations to Cardea FC Ladies on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

  Another entertaining final from Cambridgeshire this evening, well contested between to two strongest teams in the league. My thanks go to Chris Abbott and his team and Cambs FA for all their help and too both sides for their assistance in providing me with the team line ups.

by Darren Gilham