Category Archives: Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three

Match Report – Isleham United Ladies v Ely City Women

Sunday 10th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three

Well in to the business end of the season now with the leagues and title challengers well placed. Some huge games coming over the next few weeks to determine the cause, taking in a top of the table clash from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three this Sunday afternoon, with leaders Isleham United Ladies taking on 2nd placed Ely City Women.

  Isleham 4 points clear of Ely at the top with 5 matches to play. Well positioned to battle for top spot, that not quite in their hands with 3rd placed South Lincolnshire Swifts having 5 games in hand 8 points back, will need a few favours from the opposition, but can only look after their on house some bug matches to come.

  Isleham United Ladies looking to bounce back at the first attempt after suffering relegation from Division Two last season enduring a tough campaign winning just 3 of their 18 games. One of the longest established clubs within the Cambridgeshire Women’s set-up, have returned with a vengeance this season after initially drawing their opening two matches went on a run of 5 straight wins to power there way up the Division Three standings back to back defeats either side of the New Year stalling that charge slightly got back to winning ways taking maximum points from their last 4 to go top. Young players joining an established crop of experienced players have all been amongst the goals, Kaitlin Elsey top scorer netting 23v goals from 15 matches with Evie jakes and Georgia Blackaby on 9 a piece while Amelia Thompson has found the back of the net for 8 goals. 

  Ely City FC have been supporting women’s football in Cambridgeshire for a number of years their Demcom Stadium the home ground for both of Cambridge’s big guns, United and City’s woman’s sides, before the club’s natural progression to form it’s own senior women’s football side last season. No doubt a tough opening campaign struggling for results finishing 2nd bottom but got through it with a much healthier 2nd campaign in the league. Despite starting with a loss 3 straight wins got them going in the right direction new faces joining the squad. Has been a change of management, was player Natasha Lane stepping up from assistant to lead the management team working along side experienced coaches within club. A run of 5 straight wins seeing Ely climb into 2nd spot definitely in the title mix, will need a lot to go there way to claim top spot but will certainly help to decide in which direction it heads. Goal throughout the side, Danni Youngs top scorer with 11 goals, Kelly Docwra joining from Willingham Wolves on target for 9 goals so far with Bella Pillow scoring 6 from 6.

  Isleham United Ladies playing today’s match at nearby Mildenhall and The Hub a new build leisure complex on the outskirts of the town. Making use of there 3G pitch, probably just as well with the rain that I hadn’t planned on lasting so long into the afternoon continuing unabated. There usual home the Isleham Recreation Ground likely to be water-logged as were several games in the finish, some even abandoned at half-time. A caged £g with viewing on one side a useful facility for clubs to have access too. Viewing for spectators on one side no cover though. Rain pouring going to be a challenge writing a report, thankfully no wind so the umbrella can be tucked down the coat leaving the hands free for the notepad and camera. 

Isleham United Ladies

Isleham United Ladies starting XI – Rebecca Finch, Michela Edwards, Jodie Copping, Kayleigh Pearson, Evie Luker, Shona Kelly, Laura McAllister (C), Erin Clarke, Chloe Dunn, Georgia Blackaby & Amelia Thompson. Subs – Evie Jakes, Kaitlin Elsey, Laura Todd Zoe Middleton.

Ely City Women

 Ely City Women starting XI – Tiff Toynton, Anna Petrova, Kerry Dyer, Vicky Bailey, Kaci Gibson, Amy Lloyd (C), Sammi Miles, Natasha Lane, Danni Youngs, Kelly Docwra & Bella Pillow. Subs – Harriet Ford, Christina King, Alice Creswick, Amanda Beavis & Carlene Bunton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s the way side Ely to get the match underway kicking off the first half wearing, red shirts with maroon sleeves, black shorts and red socks with Isleham lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Danni Youngs who send it into her defence, Isleham quick out of the blocks rushing to close down the ball, Amelia Thompson causing the Ely backline to hastily clear out to the right the ball out of play for a throw.

   Ely win the ball in the middle Sammi Miles for Kelly Docwra in the right channel lays it out wide for Youngs on the move down the wing squares a cross low into the Isleham area, cut out and cleared by Jodie Copping. Almost a mistake at the back for Ely as Anna Petrova under pressure from Thompson with goalkeeper Tiff Toynton coming to the top of her area, too close the ball taken wide into the box, scrambled away before Thompson can stretch to snatch it. A lively start the rain falling steadily the ball pinging about players getting drawn over to the ball play compact on the left space to exploit if the wingers are prepared to pull into it. 

Bella Pillow attacking for Ely

  Bella Pillow leading the attack for Ely getting the ball into her feet and drives towards the Isleham area, tracking back wit her defender Evie Luker who puts in a well timed challenge inside the D to regain possession. Georgia Blackaby keeping wide on the left for Isleham the ball played into her by Shona Kelly carries it forwards with pace sweeping a low cross into the Ely box, intercepted by Vicky Bailey. Isleham pressing in the final third numbers on the left the ball coming through to the centre sees a shot struck over the bar.

Isleham’s Georgia Blackaby

  Blackaby a threat on the left getting free of her marker driving for the by-line Toynton has come rushing out to close her down as Blackaby plays the ball back up to Thompson positioned right corner with the keeper out of position looks for the early strike smashes her shot wide at the near post.

  Play mostly confined to the far side of the pitch Isleham pressing the attack down the left flank, Ely competing for the ball looking to find Youngs attacking the other way on the right. Chloe Dunn over on Isleham’s right has been patient not getting drawn in too close ready when the ball comes springing out to her on the right to knock it forwards and power her way forwards, Petrova pushing hard to catch up with her making the blocking tackle as they reach the box the ball deflected off hr behind for the 1st corner of the game. 

 Whipped into the box from the right knocked down into the mix, Pillow down as Docwra scrambles the ball clear. A pause in play Pillow up okay to play on. Michela Edwards and Copping combining in defence to thwart an Ely attack on the right the ball lifted on for Thompson up to looking to get the ball under control 20 yards out won’t drop for her before the Ely defence converge to close her down.

   A drop ball for the referee as the ball hits the wire running across the centre of the pitch carrying the netting to divide the 3G pitch into two smaller ones. Captain Laura McAllister putting her foot in to win the ball for Isleham in the middle the ball clipped diagonal out to the right for Dunn, a vital interception from Petrova or she would have been free to run in behind.

Evie Luker battling for possession with Sammi Miles

 A loose goal-kick going straight to Ely on the right the ball swung back into the area, Luker needing to deal with it screws her volley wide for a throw for Ely deep on the left Ely pressing players on the ball comes back to Kaci Gibson to cross in central 25 yards out, Ely’s player manager Natasha Lane striking the ball on her right foot from outside the D angling low for the inside of the right post, Isleham goalkeeper Rebecca Finch down sharply getting something on it to deflect the ball behind for the corner kick. 

Ely’s player manager, Natasha Lane

  The corner played in from the right, captain Amy Lloyd jumping near side just under it as it drops central, Kayleigh Pearson launching it clear. Ely encouraged getting some joy now play has opened up and both sides are starting to use the entire width of the pitch. Pillow with Youngs through the middle placing the Isleham defence under pressure, Pearson back to goal 20 out can’t risk playing it back to her keeper, slides it inside for Copping who turns well to evade Youngs and send the ball out to the left.

  Pouring down, and not likely to let up anytime soon Youngs with the ball attacking on the right for Ely, squares it inside for Miles 20 yards out right of the D, lays it off for Lloyd running on her 25 yard strike whistling over the bar. The wire ropes at it again another drop ball as an attack is halted. Docwra playing the ball into Lane to hit from range her effort fired straight at the keeper.

  GOAL! 27 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken. Blackaby remains Isleham’s chief threat out on the left the ball fed into her feet knocks the ball on, Toynton again comes rushing out to the edge of her area looking to reach the ball, Blackaby getting to it first however stabbing the ball past the keeper the ball on it’s way towards goal will it have the pace to get their before the back tracking Ely defence can clear, Thompson through running in towards goal to making sure they don’t get the chance as she smashes it home to put Isleham into the lead. 1-0.

Amelia Thompson fires Isleham into the lead.

  Ely behind Lloyd playing the ball out to Docwra pulling right has support with Miles coming forwards the inside ball played Miles whipping a cross into the area, Luker behind it to clear for Isleham. Despite the weather (or maybe because of it) both sides playing at a good tempo the ball not settling for long Lloyd opening up her body to thread a pass into Pillow up top, Copping getting hold of it for Isleham instead. Miles with a high hooked ball in towards goal as it comes into her from the right top of the D, dropping his Finch concerned bounces down and for a second no ones sure if it crept under the crossbar or over but the goal-kick is signalled, who have been a few hearts in mouths there.

Ely’s Sammi Miles

    Youngs pressing on the left enjoying a good tussle with Edwards, the ball lifted into the box, Youngs stealing in to attack it as Finch moves to the ball the pair with a heavy collision the keeper coming off worse. Concern for a minute as she receives treatment but thankfully up okay the game resuming with a corner kick to Ely. Another delivery swung into the mix, Isleham’s defence standing firm the ball headed clear.

Isleham midfielder, Erin Clarke

  Kelly bringing the ball on for Isleham lifting it on for Blackaby racing on left side all the way to the by-line, Dyer catching up with her for Ely does well to get a tackle in send the ball out for a throw. Isleham pushing up Erin Clarke laying the ball into Thompson 20 yards out, Lloyd lunging in to knock it away from her the visitors looking to counter, Miles up with Youngs on her inside on the right puts it into her, Youngs’ shot charged down.

Kerry Dyer clearing the ball for Ely

  Dunn and Blackaby switching flanks for Isleham looking to run at Petrova. Play with Ely however as they win a free-kick outside the Isleham area on the right, Docwra sending a curling delivery in across the top of the six yard box, Finch with an unorthodox save with her legs hooking the ball away, effective nonetheless. Ely win the ball back quickly fired up to the attackers Pillow and Youngs make the same run right channel impeded each other giving Copping  the opportunity to win the ball.

   Play switched instantly Isleham sending it on up to Blackaby and Thompson attacking through the middle, Toynton has comes all the way to the top of the area looking to reach the ball first can’t and is in trouble back peddling as Thompson lays it into Blackaby to strike right inside the D, low, Toynton recovers with a fantastic save getting a glove on the ball doing enough to deflect it wide past her left post for the corner. Some good corner deliveries from both sides Isleham’s this time whipped into the six yard box Ely struggle to scramble clear before a shot from the top of the area is fired wide. 

Ely goalkeeper, Tiff Toynton

  The game open at times Ely rushing forwards Youngs right channel has Docwra running into the left channel slides the ball into he path takes it on, Copping getting back at her tangling with Docwra the ball deflecting off the defender running behind for the corner. Docwra takes a quick corner with miles coming for the short one on the left sweeps a curling cross in towards goal, Finch having little time to react beating it down as she falls back the ball loose, Pillow looking to latching onto it but has to round Pearson to do that and the defenders not having it as Finch snatches the ball into her gloves.

  The first half drawing to a close Isleham getting up on the left winning a corner kick. The set-piece whipped into the crowd at the near post turned wide a goal-kick signalled. Dunn with the ball wide on Isleham’s  left squares a cross into the box, cut out by Bailey rebounds back to Dunn who blasts a show over from the angle. Isleham finishing the half strong getting bodies up the pitch keeping possession on the left before the ball comes in central to Luker 25 yards out, seeing an opportunity to shoot, her attempt is charged down. 

  Dunn looking to race on down the left get past Dyer the full back though sticking a foot out to send it behind for the corner. Again swung in near post this time though Toynton is free unopposed to catch it into her mid-riff. One last attack for Ely a corner won on the right Docwra playing it into Pillow right side knocks it goal wards, Luker coming off the back post there to intercept and clear.

Half-time Isleham United Ladies 1-0 Ely City Women

Both sides staying out at the break, want to get on with it

  Amelia Thompson’s first half strike the difference between the sides as the half-time whistle blows, didn’t think the teams would want to head back to the changing rooms being drenched already and bot stay out on the pitch for a shorter interval, keen to get going again. can’t say I blame them. No let up in the rain. Both sides making good attacking runs down the flanks, Blackaby on the left effective for Isleham, Youngs on the right for Ely both keeper forced into making a save. Played at a good tempo chances created very much all to play for in the 2nd period. 

  Play resumes with Isleham getting the 2nd half started. Ely making a change at the start of the 2nd half with Harriet ford coming on replacing Pillow. Miles moving left with Youngs pushed up with Docwra in attack. The ball played immediately into traffic as Ely move to close it down, Kelly getting hold of it for Isleham putting it out to Blackaby back on the left flank drives on Dyer close on her challenging the ball going out for a corner kick. Swung into the mix bailey clearance goes to Edwards top left of the area inside for Kelly central top of the D, her shot taking a nick to deflect it over the crossbar.

Danni Youngs pushed up in attack with Kelly Docwra for Ely in the 2nd half

  Ely counter on the right Lane lifting the ball on for Docwra pulling wide right, crosses early sending the ball in behind the Isleham defence into the box just beyond Youngs making a far post run, looks to retrieve it with Finch also giving chase the keeper diving onto the ball. Kelly has threatened to unlock the Ely defence with a killer pass or two in the game and nearly succeeds again as she spots Thompson pulling into the right channel, through but for a vital interception from Gibson. 

Isleham’s Shona Kelly

  Pearson clearing for a corner kick with Youngs and Docwra looking to hunt the ball down in attack. Out on the left played in near side Copping dealing with it for the hosts. Miles into Youngs 25 yards out left of the D, turns on the ball and shoots over. Ely enjoying a strong spell getting hold of the ball high up the pitch stretching the Isleham backline the cross from the left running into Lane central 25 yards out putting her foot through the ball the keeper beaten as the ball smashes down off the crossbar. 

Natasha Lane and Michela Edwards fighting for possession

  Isleham making their first change bringing on Kaitlin Elsey to replace Dunn out on the right. That pesky rope wire across the centre of the pitch intercepts the ball once again another drop ball. Kelly long from Blackaby on the left is keeping Dyer busy the pair having a good contest the defender staying on her to see Blackaby’s pass go astray. 

Georgia Blackaby

  Coming through the middle Ford on for Youngs up to Docwra outside the D, can’t get the ball down to hit cleanly, Finch diving puts it wide for the corner kick. Ely’s corner’s causing a few issues whipped into the mix with pace, Copping clearing this time. The visitors winning a few kick wide 25 yards out right of goal driven in low Finch stopping it with her legs, Copping getting hold of the loose ball hacking it clear.

   The centre wire rope getting involved again, both sides finding it. Edwards coming on a bit more on the left to give Blackaby some support going forwards into an advanced position lays a diagonal ball into the far post with Thompson making a good run, Gibson though has time to see it and set herself to clear. Lloyd giving away a foul on Clarke who is knocked over, Edwards adding insult to injury by accident blasting the ball into her stricken teammate. Clarke’s a bit dazed but into prepared to let it slow her down. The set-piece cleared by Ely.

  GOAL! The pressure Youngs and Docwra have be applying on the Isleham back line paying dividends as Docwra puts Copping in possession of the ball the back pass to risky is hesitates lacking a save options as Docwra steals in to take the ball away from her right of goal skip to the by-line and fired a low dipping  ball in across the keeper with Youngs dropping to head the ball over the line beyond 1-1.

Danni Youngs heads home Kelly Docwra’s cross to level the scores for Ely.

  Ely back on level terms with an hour played. Toynton not one to stay back on her line will come racing out off her box to clear if she can. Gets there ahead of Thompson and Blackaby on a couple of occasions. Almost caught out as her clearance is latched onto by Kelly, the Isleham midfielder having a go from range her effort dropping wide of the open goal. Kelly busy getting up the other end to slide in defend against Youngs as Docwra attempts to slide the ball on. 

  Isleham frustrated at conceding upping the ante the ball clipped into Thompson stealing into the box right of goal strikes the ball down towards goal, Toynton reacting smartly diving to beat it down towards the left post, loose, Blackaby’s eyes light up as she comes steaming in Dyer can’t get there she connects the ball mashed wide of the upright, Blackaby down throws her hands up in disbelief the opportunity missed.

Georgia Blackaby throws her hands up in frustration having put the shot wide

 Lane on the left sends a high ball in towards Youngs attacking top left of the D, can’t quite get it down under control just evades her as Luker comes back at her to clear. Into midfield McAllister with Kelly looking to play Thompson in up to, Bailey doing the intercepting this time.

Captain Laura McAllister back to help the defence for Isleham

 You guessed it they’ve somehow managed to find that wire rope again another build up thwarted. Ford turning on the ball central into Lane up on the right, Docwra ahead of her played into her feet turns, Edwards close on her to tackle for Isleham.

Ely’s Kelly Docwra

  GOAL! Isleham mount an attack sending the ball on left side Thompson sending Blackaby clear on the left wing Toynton starts to come to close the angle the cross/shot put into the area a deflection off  the keeper sends the ball on though to the far post Elsey closing on to direct the ball into the back of the net to see, Isleham retake the lead… after a brief consultation with the linesman, the referee deciding the goal stands 2-1.

  Isleham ringing the changes, Dunn coming back on along with Zoe Middleton and Evie Jakes going up top to replace Thompson, Middleton into the back line for Luker, Clarke also off. Ely winning a corner cut out near side by Blackaby who looks to chase the ball out of the box launch a counter Gibson standing her ground to halt her progress. 

  Finch with a brave blocking save to deny Docwra as the attacker bursts into the box from the left channel, hits the shot into the keeper at close range as she makes herself big in front of her. Edwards carrying the ball out for Isleham, left sending the diagonal ball into Jakes central, caught a little flat footed, just gives Toynton the time to come out of her area to clear having committed to her action. 

  Isleham having gotten ahead and made changes looking to add more energy to their game, Edwards coming inside laying the ball back out to Blackaby wide on the left from the angle 25 yards out looks to curl a shot into the top corner, fired wide of the upright. Lane out on the right clipping a looping ball into the area looking for Ford running in near side, can’t get it down under control before Copping can close her down to challenge and hook clear.

Ely’s Harriet Ford

  The game ebbing and flowing Ely with a good spell at the start of the 2nd half to draw level, Isleham fighting back to retake the lead, pushing on, Jakes putting the ball out to Elsey on the right wing, Petrova seeing it out for a throw. Isleham working the ball inside back to Jakes, Gibson tackling to get Ely back in possession. 

  Ford pushing up to join the Ely attack central with Docwra play the one two, however cant find a way past Copping. Blackaby comes off for Isleham as they send on Laura Todd with the game moving into the final 10 minutes. Toynton coming out to the top of her area, makes a confident catch as the ball is launched forwards for Jakes to attack. Ely up on the left looking to put pressure on the ball Youngs with Docwra wide the ball worked into the area from the by-line, Ford attacking it near post sees her attempt blocked. Ely keep pressing the ball to win a corner on the right.

  GOAL! Have been some great deliveries from corners and this is one of the best swung in central from Docwra, met cleanly by Lloyd unmarked to drill her header into the back of the net put Ely back on level terms for the 2nd time in the game 2-2.

Ely captain Amy Lloyd powers home the header to equalise for Ely

  Isleham pegged back for the 2nd time in the match attack on the right McAllister out to Elsey, cuts inside, tackled by Gibson. The game really open one minute Isleham are on the attack the next the momentum swings in Ely’s favour as the visitors come right Lane’s cross into the box sliced by the defender straight into Docwra’s path 10 yards out, fires her strike over the bar.

Isleham’s Laura Todd

  Todd giving Dyer a new threat to deal with on the right, the full back getting in her tackle as Todd looks to get her head down power into the channel. Bailey stepping in to cut the ball out at the back for Ely. Into the closing moments of the match Ely on the attack the ball from lane into Lloyd played in central to Docwra 30 yards out goes for goal her shot put straight at the keeper. The final whistle blows the points are shared. The teams wasting no time in exiting the pitch and getting into the warm, dry changing rooms.   

Full time Isleham United Ladies 2-2 Ely City Women

  An entertaining contest despite the weather. As a neutral was an enjoyable watch played in a great spirit no tension between the sides. Lively, players soaked through, loving it or mad, you can decide. Isleham taking the lead in the first half. Both sides forcing the keeper into a save. Ely making a change at the break started the 2nd half well pressing the Isleham defence forcing an error to see them level the scores. Isleham came back well to retake the lead and making changes of their own had opportunities to extend the lead. Ely never gave in however and came back for a 2nd time to level the scores late on. Both might feel they could have gotten a better result but as a neutral observer I think the draw id the fair result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the match award. It’s a really tough one to single out one individual today, so the award is going to the wire rope instead, held a great line throughout the game and made plenty of interceptions… just kidding. A few performances of note, for Isleham the defence all made vital tackles, Jodie Copping and Michela Edwards in particular the latter also getting on well to help in attack in the 2nd half. Shona Kelly strong in the middle getting about the pitch making tackles winning the ball and showed a good range of passing that on another day would have seen one of her attackers through on goal. Kelly Docwra leading the line for Ely making some excellent runs putting the Isleham defence under pressure through setting up both goals. Again the Ely defence all made vital challenges, Kerry Dyer had her hands full with Blackaby for most of the game, stuck to her task well winning her fair share of the ball. Danni Youngs a real threat whether out on the right in the first half or more central in the 2nd driving on getting into the box, getting Ely back on level terms. She ran herself into the ground however and getting the award today is Isleham’s Georgia Blackaby carried the threat for Isleham in the 1st half, Dyer making her work for it no doubt always available, whether down the line or cutting inside to set up others unlucky not to score. 

  Despite a miserable afternoon weather wise it was still an enjoyable game from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three. Haven’t seen Isleham for a long long time so great to catch up and great to see Ely too. Will be an interesting title run in will certainly be an interested observer. My thanks to both sides for all their help today very much appreciated.  

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Manea Sirens LFC v Deeping United Ladies

Sunday 10th December

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three

 The featured football action on Women’s Football East comes from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three, a trip to Manea to watch Manea Siren LFC play Deeping United Ladies.

Women’s football in Cambridgeshire going strong with 32 sides currently competing across 3 divisions. A strong 10 team Premiership with 12 in Division 2 and 10 in Division Three, the sides in the lower divisions no longer split into a North and South section but playing across the whole county and beyond. Reaching the end of 2023 the league challengers emerging to press top spot. 

  Manea situated in the heart of the Cambridgeshire fens to the north east of the county between March and Chatteris (both with strong women’s football teams themselves along with Park Ladies in Wimblington) the Division Three side improving year on year since joining the league 3 season’s ago. Their debut season tough finishing bottom of the pile with just a single point on the board. Warren Fenwick coming in as part of the new coaching team to take Manea forwards into the new season saw a vast improvement in performances and results finishing 7th with a positive outlook to take into this season.

  Have seen an influx of players too, with a fair bit of playing experience amongst them with talk of a Development team in the future. Playing 6 league matches so far has been a mixed set of results with 3 wins and 3 losses the later against the top three sides, currently 5th in the table with a belief that the club can challenge for a top 4 finish if not better. A strong run in the county cup to date beating two sides a league higher in the previous rounds including a good 1-0 win against high flying Waterbeach Colts WFC, will play Cambridge United WFC’s new U18s side in the new year in the next round. Kyra Portugal is an attacker with a vast amount of experience playing in the Cambridgeshire leagues and is leading the goal scoring charts this time around netting 7 goals to date. A win today will lift Manea u to 4th.

  Has been a couple of season’s now since I last saw Deeping United Ladies play, and that just half a match with the game abandoned at half-time due to an unfortunate injury to Deeping’s Ellie Barnes-Brown. The most northly of the clubs represented by Women’s Football East, situated in South Lincolnshire the club has seen a lot of changes in both coaching and playing personnel since the last time I saw them play with just 4 players remaining from the game I watched back in 2021. One of those, Katie Clarke now manging the side. 

 Has been a tough start to the new season despite and opening day win, Deeping have been on the wrong end of some heavy defeats a torrid run of 4 straight loses ending with a much needed 7-1 away win against league new comers Mepal and Sutton Rangers, to lift the side up into 7th a close 2-1 lose to league leaders South Lincolnshire Swifts last time out, have a squad with a good blend of experience and youth having seen a number of their U16s step up into the women’s side. Evie Porch and Lauren Wyer top scorers netting 3 goals each. A positive result today will see Deeping push right up on the sides in the top half of the table.

  Manea Sirens LFC play their home games at the SM Guy Playing Fields in Manea. However with heavy rain falling the day before and more arriving before kick-off, making the grass pitch unplayable the gathered teams inside the pavilion waiting for the referee’s approval had booked a 3G pitch in case the pitch became unplayable at the nearby Chatteris Leisure Centre. A short trip to Chatteris, the rain falling steadily was going to be a wet start to the match at least with the waterproofs on and the not so easy juggling act between trying to wield and umbrella, notepad and camera. The 3G pitch behind the leisure centre a valuable asset and one the FA is keen to see more of available to the women’s game. Open to the elements with a low fence all round enabling a good view, the players out for a short warm-up before the match got underway with the light already gloomy from the heavy cloud. Nevertheless we had a game on…

Manea Sirens LFC

Manea Sirens LFC starting XI – Tiff Miller, Courtney Wales, Chloe (Ginge) Brown, Chloe Cook, Adele McKew, Charlotte Day (C), Christine Heslop, Lindsay Gardiner, Erin Rimmer, Stacey Graham & Kyra Portugal. Subs – Dannii Green, Tabitha Willis, Beth Skeggs, Lauren Barnes & Ella Nutter.

Deeping United Ladies

 Deeping United Ladies starting XI – Vicki France, Hayley Baldock, Caitlin Walker (C), Rachel Dudley, Niamh Wray, Lorna Hall, Annie Spriggs, Melissa Guest, Caitlin Burke, Grace Wilson & Lauren Wyer. Subs – Nicole Pearce, Lucy Lyon & Maddie Hill.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  It’s Manea to kick-off the 1st half wearing teals colours shirts with navy blue and white on the sleeves and shoulders, navy blue shorts and socks. Deeping lined up opposite wearing navy blue shirts with red trim on the shoulders, grey coloured shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Chloe Cook in defence, played back into the middle, Deeping’s Annie Spriggs moving in fast to close the ball down send the cross field ball out to the right the ball played down the right lifted into the area for Grace Wilson to attack, Manea goalkeeper Tiff Miller gathering the ball into her body.

  The inclement weather along the late change of venue seeing an unsettled start to the game the passes rushed the ball slick on the wet surface. Courtney Wales taking the ball forwards on the right for Manea fed inside for Christine Heslop making a central run, is tackled by Deeping’s Rachel Dudley outside the D. Deeping winning the ball at the back playing it quickly into Spriggs in the middle spots Wilson pulling into space in the left channel, the pass lifted into her path she strikes the ball from outside the area firing it straight at Miller who makes a comfortable save.

Manea’s Courtney Wales

  Spriggs finding room in the middle for Deeping having options going forwards with players bombing down the flanks goes to the right, the shot on the angle collected by Miller down low at her near post. Deeping making an early switch bringing off Niamh Wray, Lucy Lyon coming on. 

 GOAL! No sooner have Deeping made the change then, Manea score building through the middle players pushing up around the box, captain Charlotte Day carrying the ball forwards playing it out to Lindsey Gardiner left of the D, to strike a low shot in past the advancing keeper to find the back of the net 1-0. 

Lindsay Gardiner opens the scoring for Manea Sirens LFC

 Deeping look to get the ball out to Wilson pulling off to the left, looking to take the ball on, Wales moves in to close her down regains possession for the hosts. Day playing the ball forwards onto Kyra Portugal 25 yards out to the left of the box, her shot from range racing past the near post. Deeping keeper, Vicki France the busier early on called into action to make a smart save with her feet as Portugal drives in another shot from outside the box. 

 Lorna Hall winning the ball in the middle of the park for Deeping linking up with Spriggs the ball put out to the right, Guest putting it inside for Lauren Wyer up top, Adele McKew at the back for Manea closing her down inside the D to win the ball back. The notepad pages are pretty dog eared by the wet weather, not the greatest weather for watching a football game still the players are getting on with thing’s the ball being moved about quickly, Deeping looking to get down the wings, Chloe brown defending at left back for Manea the ball cleared up the line for Gardiner to attack for the hosts, Deeping captain Caitlin Walker coming out to challenge for the ball, into Spriggs gets the ball forwards quickly for the attackers to chase down, McKew clearing for Manea.

Deeping United ladies midfielder, Annie Spriggs

 GOAL! Deeping breaking up a Manea attack get down the other end quickly to equalise, Dudley with the ball forwards into the path of Wyer as she breaks clear through the middle to burst into the area and send the ball past Miller before she can get down to stop it 1-1. 

Lauren Wyer breaking forwards to equalise for Deeping

  Manea win the ball in the middle, Heslop on for Day taking the ball wide into space on the right before squaring a cross into the penalty spot, Walker intercepting it for the visitors, France out to the right of her goal to prevent the ball running behind for a corner. A lively game Deeping getting hold of the ball prepared to break forwards working well to unsettle Manea making for an open game neither side keeping the ball for long. Guest winning the ball on the right for Deeping pushing on into the box, Miller advancing to close down the angle clear the ball.

  Stacey Graham seeing the ball rolled into her path as she makes a move into the right channel drives on into the area chasing down the angle at the near post, shoots, France on her post, it’s Dudley tracking back who runs across her putting in the block. Brown forwards to the right for Manea picks out Rimmer wide on the right, her cross lifted into the six yard box claimed well by France, however play is halted by the offside flag. Deeping’s youngster’s getting about the pitch looking to link up up top, Wyer, on for Guest on the right driving on with the ball, Brown tackling to see the ball out for a throw.

 GOAL! Deeping with players up around the Manea box for the throw pressing the defence Hall sliding a pacy ball along the top of the area into Lyon positioned right of the D, puts her foot through the ball the pace on the ball enough to evade Miller as she drops down to save, the ball squirming under her body to roll on into the back of the net to see Deeping take the lead 1-2.

 20 minutes played the match action a welcome distraction from the weather, trying to keep the umbrella under control, while trying to keep both the notepad and camera dry (ish) is. Manea stung from conceding get straight on the attack from the restart Day picking out Rimmer breaking away on the right turning into the area, France rushing out to close her down, making the blocking save as Rimmer goes to shoot the ball rebounding behind for a corner kick. Goes long through the six yard box, Gardiner putting it back into the mix, Deeping scramble into their tackles eventually seeing the ball run out for a goal kick.

GOAL! It’s an error from the resulting goal kick that leads to Deeping conceding an unfortunate equaliser, France’s loose kick going straight to Portugal’s feet as she stands right of the D, doesn’t miss the opportunity quickly sorting out her feet to send the ball back across the keeper to find the bottom corner 2-2. 

Kyra Portugal intercepting the goal kick to fire Manea back onto level terms

  Day making some strong runs through the middle for Manea the ball played into her from Gardiner on the left is through into the box, France out to slide in and save isn’t to know the flag is up against her, a very close call. Manea looking to up their game Day linking up with Heslop, Portugal pulling out to the left seeing the ball into her feet, striking an angled ball in towards goal from all of 25 yards out France seeing it safely bounce wide of her far post. 

GOAL! Having gotten themselves quickly back on level terms Manea hit Deeping on the counter attack to retake the lead the ball won at the back carried forwards before being launched on for Graham up top right of the D, 25 yards out to press on towards the area before clipping it into the area for Portugal left of goal to strike over the keeper to score her 2nd goal of the game 3-2.

Two goals in quick succession for Manea’s Kyra Portugal

  Manea back in front rallying themselves looking for a strong finish to the first half, Spriggs with other ideas as she steals the ball in the middle lifts it on for Wyer up top, Cook getting across her shielding the ball well back to her keeper to collect inside the box. Cook then on a free-kick for Manea launched up into the area helped on for Portugal left of goal her snatched shot put straight into the keeper. 

  Spriggs coming off for Deeping with Wilson returning to the action having come off for a brief respite earlier. Wilson straight into the action breaking up a Manea attack on the left as Heslop picks out Gardiner on the left. Day with a good first touch getting Manea going forwards making some useful runs, picking out Rimmer on the right, Dudley coming across to defend winning her challenge for Deeping. A corner conceded is a teasing ball lifted in over the keeper at the near post, no one there to attack it as it drops at the far post. Manea with a change bringing , Rimmer off sending Lauren Barnes on. 

  Hall opening up her body to lay the ball into Lyon out on the left she threads the ball forwards into Wilson up top, Cook tackling for Manea outside the area to clear the danger. Spriggs returning to the field for Deeping, replacing Hall in the middle. A good call from France as the keeper is quickly out of her area to clear the threat as Graham is put clear through the middle for the hosts. 

 Walker in to regain possession at the back for Deeping setting up a rapid counter the ball helped on through the middle put into Wilson’s path as she peels into the left channel getting a half yard on her marker to knock the ball on into the area her touch just a little too heavy giving Miller the opportunity to get down to lay claim to the ball. Wales powering forwards on the right lays the ball on for Barnes ahead of her, the early cross low into the area cut out by Walker tracking back, deflected on France unable to put her gloves on the ball does well to kick the ball clear under pressure from Graham.

Deeping’s Rachel Dudley with Manea’s Erin Rimmer

 Is a lively game end to end Wales bringing the ball on on the right for Manea threading it into Portugal 25 yards out to the left of the D, looks to pick out her fellow attacker Graham to her right placing the ball into her feet as she breaks in behind the Deeping defence into the box, the flag going up just as she rifles the ball across the keeper into the back of the net, not sure about that one very tight.

  Miller out quickly to slide in lay claim to the ball top of her area as Deeping break up play on the right look to thread the ball inside to Wyer making a run forwards right of the D. Dudley moving out to the right to defend against Barnes as she is played in on the wing for Manea the ball out for a throw level with the area dropped into Portugal who turns to lift a cross into the area cut out by Dudley, Manea press sending a cross through to the left of the area where a strike from 20 yards out is fired wide right on the stroke of half-time.

Half-time Manea Sirens LFC 3-2 Deeping United Ladies

 A lively first half played in terrible conditions the rain finally starting to ease towards the end of the first half. The game often end to end, Deeping working hard to win the ball, doing a god job unsettling Manea putting the ball out wide. Manea in response getting joy playing through the middle, Day in particular with some good runs. The hosts getting the early lead failed to build on it as Deeping fought back to level the scores then take the lead themselves. An error leading to Manea quickly restoring parity then they themselves were quick to retake the lead. The game remaining open however neither side with a dominant spell, the weather settling down will see if thing’s change 2nd half.

  Deeping staying out on the field a quick turn around the 3G without floodlights and the risk of losing the light on an already gloomy day. Manea back into the changing rooms to warm up. Myself too made a flask of coffee (I drink too much coffee) expecting the be soaked through by now pleased the rain has eased at last. Difficult to keep up with the changes with roll on roll off substitutes as Manea return, Deeping ready to get things underway for the 2nd period.

Deeping’s Melissa Guest battling for possession with Manea’s Christine Heslop

  Portugal tackling Niamh Wray to win her side a throw on the left, knocked inside, Walker tackling to win the ball for Deeping lifting it on into the middle the ball fed on for Wyer bursting through the middle into the area strikes the shot goal wards waist high, Miller back peddling towards her goal seeing the ball fired straight at her throws her gloves up to save , the ball almost squirming loose as she falls back, but adjusts well to get a strong grip on the ball.

  Day spreading the ass out to Gardiner in space on the left for Manea, threads it into the feet of Portugal tracking into the area left of the D, powering forwards closing in on the six yard box strikes the shot hard, France closing the angle making the blocking save. Manea looking to press the attack at the start of the 2nd half, Heslop with day in the middle, Gardiner ahead of them laying the ball out to Graham surging into the right channel, France reacts well, out of her six yard box quickly got slide in and lay claim to the ball before the striker can pounce.

Deeping goalkeeper, Vicki France

  Spriggs with a good pass in her arsenal looking to make thing’s happen in attack for Deeping as she threads a great ball through to Wyer up top 25 yards out, is however caught a little flat footed, giving Cook the vital head start to get back onto the ball and put it away to safety. Walker making several vital tackles and interceptions at the back for Deeping as Manea look to up their game push players on in attack, France comes out to clear well again for the visitors as a deflected ball threatens to fall to Gardiner free to the left of the D.

  For all their pressing Manea risk getting hit on the counter by Deeping’s young attackers as they race on into space, Wyer on the angle right of goal firing a shot in, held well by Miller.

GOAL! Deeping winning a free kick out wide on the left inside the Manea half, Spriggs over it as players line up around the box, the delivery put in to the near post area causing chaos with Guest capitalising to stooping to attack the ball knocking it straight at the keeper, Miller throwing her gloves up unable to get enough on the ball as it evades her to deflect on into the goal beyond, Deeping equalise 3-3.

Melissa Guest knocking the ball goal wards to score for Deeping

  Deeping back on level terms 14 minutes into the 2nd half, Manea push forwards on their right Wales breaking on laying the ball on for Graham taking it all the way to the by-line before squeezing a shot in wide across the face of the Deeping goal. Graham racing forwards giving chase to a ball threaded on into the box from midfield to the right of goal. France alert to the danger all game out quickly to slice in and get hold of the ball at the strikers feet.

  Baldock does well at the back for Deeping with the defence stretched to get across to press Graham as she drives on into the right channel sees her shot put straight into the keepers gloves. The management team trying to get Manea to calm down attacks are fast paced not giving time for others to get forwards in support. Pushing up on the right Manea win a set piece out wide players come up from the back. 

GOAL! Deeping over commit on the right as they look to try and defend the ball leaving Manea with players free inside the box as the cross is driven in with pace towards the penalty spot McKew getting hold of the ball in front of the keeper to send it wide of her into the back of the net to put Manea back into the lead 4-3.

Adele McKew celebrates as she puts Manea back into the lead (apologies for the out of focus teammate)

 Changes for Manea with Ella Nutter coming on for Graham, Rimmer back on for Gardiner to the left of attack. Wilson back on the pitch for Deeping.

GOAL! Managers love it when a sub makes an immediate impact and Nutter certainly does that for Manea as they press forwards on the right, the cross lifted in across the D 20 yards out, falls to Nutter who catches it sweetly with her left foot to score a blinder, the ball clipped up to loop high over the stranded keeper and drop under the crossbar into the back of the net 5-3.

Substitute Ella Nutter with a superb strike to put Manea 5-3 up

 Manea getting themselves a 2 goal cushion in a topsy turvy game with 20 minutes played in the 2nd half. Manea with their tails up looking to press the advantage Rimmer out wide left free picked out with the pass to power her way into the area bearing down on goal looks to send her shot across the keeper in off the far post, France making a brilliant save getting a vital glove on the ball to deflect it beyond the post for a corner kick. The corner an in swinger to the near post, France is well positioned to call and claim the ball high.

  Manea starting to assert themselves on the game, the 2 goal lead giving them confidence to push on, Barnes out wide right sweeping a low cross into the six yard box, claimed by France. Rimmer free on the left advancing forwards for Manea squaring a ball into the near post for the advancing Nutter, Walker in close attention defending well for Deeping. The visitors with a change, bringing Baldock off sending Lyon back on.

  Manea pushing forwards the cross from the right finding Day rushing in to attack the far post her low strike saved by France as she dives the ball squeezing under her away for a corner kick. Tabitha Willis coming on for Manea in place of Heslop. Manea looking strong Portugal to the right 25 yards out putting the ball across the area to Rimmer inside the box fires her cross in to Nutter central, Walker closing in to tackle well for Deeping. 

Manea captain, Charlotte Day

 Portugal firing over from six yards out at the far post as the cross is whipped into the area off a throw from the right. Deeping still looking to hit Manea on the counter feed the ball on for Guest running clear into space on the right fires a pacy ball into the box, comes onto Lyon making a central run quickly trying to hit it first time screws her shot wide past the far post.

  Deeping ringing the changes with Pearce, Niamh Wray and Lyon off, Baldock, Wyer and  Hall back into the action for the final 14 minutes. Cook coming off at the back for Manea, Dannii Green comes on. Day from 25 yards out slicing her first time shot wide as the cross is fired into her from deep on the left. Green coming across to clear the ball as Deeping lift it forwards into the area. Deeping pressing the throw high on the left, Guest crossing for Wyer at the near post, Green there to block for Manea. 

 Deeping’s subs bringing renewed energy onto the field pushing on up the right Guest combines with Hall before a cross is fired into the box, can’t quite find Wyer at the near post. McKew out to defend as Guest is played in up the right for Deeping. Portugal taking the ball inside from the right corner of the area slips as she goes to shoot. Manea looking to keep the ball alive, Lyon cutting the pass of right for Deeping.

 Portugal coming off soon after with Graham sent back on in attack as the game moves into the final 3 minutes. Rimmer latching onto the ball left of the D, twists and turns on the ball as she looks to make her way towards goal, Walker getting back at her to put the ball out for a corner kick. The corner defended at the near post by France the keeper conceding a 2nd corner kick. Manea press players up into the area as the ball is flashed in near post deflects across goal loose inside the six yard box everyone rushing at it, Deeping’s defence scrambling it clear before anyone from Manea can get a stab at it.

Full time Manea Sirens LFC 5-3 Deeping United Ladies

  The final whistle blows the light fading fast as the teams shake hands Manea clinching a 5-3 win to claim the 3 points to lift them up a place into fourth, there last action of 2023. End on a high with plenty to look forwards too in 2024. Falling behind in the first half after taking an early lead responded well to come back to not only level by retake the lead going into the break. Started the 2nd half on the front foot looking to extend their lead but Deeping’s defence and goalkeeper battled well, the visitors coming back to level make it 3-3 before Manea found the extra burst pushing players on to get back in front and then get that vital  goal cushion to take the game beyond Deeping who were never out of the game applying good press in the first half fought hard can take plenty from the game with a home game against Ely City Women to finish their year next weekend. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A lively match played at a pacy tempo despite the awful condition’s especially in the first half had a clear winner in mind leaving the ground and the soggy notes have only confirmed that. Several performances of note to mention, firstly for Deeping United Ladies, captain Caitlin Walker making several vital tackles at the back as Manea sought to burst forwards through the middle. Goalkeeper, Vicki France reading the game well ahead of her getting out to ball well making some good saves. Annie Spriggs in midfield with a good range of passes finding space to get Deeping going forwards. For Manea, Lindsay Gardiner and Erin Rimmer got forwards well out on the flanks as the midfield sought to break through the middle. Kyra Portugal pulling into the channels finding some good positions for herself to shoot and bring others into the game scoring twice. The award today though goes to their captain Charlotte Day. A strong performance in midfield her first touch often setting her side on the attack, Day herself carrying the ball forwards well with a number of surging runs through the middle.

  Got to see Manea at last having been trying to get to a game for the past couple of months. Not quite at home but I did get there, credit to both sides for agreeing to the switch of venues to get the game on and putting up with the awful conditions. Having followed Manea from their early struggles to the improvement made last season to this is a pleasure to see the sides development. Great to catch up with Deeping too, been a turbulent period since I last saw them in action but look in good shape now and hopefully can enjoy a stable spell and progress. Apologies for the quality of the pictures, the camera’s not build for a monsoon but I’ve watched women’s football in worse conditions, must be mad. Thanks to both sides for all their help with the team line-ups today as always greatly appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Deeping United Ladies v Burwell Tigers Ladies

Sunday 26th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three

 Love to travel up and down the leagues across the East to do my bit to help promote the game feature as many sides as I can on Women’s Football East. Today’s game coming from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three with a look at two sides I haven’t seen in action before with Deeping United Ladies taking on Burwell Tigers Ladies. 

   Cambridgeshire was the only county league ( in fact of any league across the East) to press on with their season last time out as the COVID pandemic saw a 3rd lockdown that wasn’t lifted until the end of March. Was a monumental effort by all to get the league season completed. Were the first league too to get there league structure in place for the start of the 21/22 season a slight change, still 3 divisions but no longer a Premiership with a Championship North & South below, instead Division’s One, Two & Three. The former format favouring location over ability the sides now set out hopefully to better reflect there ability which will in turn aid development of a club. Of course new sides entering can vary in terms of strength.

  The season just a fortnight old the 10 strong Division Three has barely got going with half the sides having played 2 matches very early days. It’s today’s visitors, Burwell Tigers who are setting the pace early on with 2 wins from 2. 

  Today’s hosts Deeping United Ladies started the season with a 4-0 loss at home to newcomers, Peterborough United Foundation, bounced back well however to turn the result around winning 4-0 away to another new sides Willingham Wolves Ladies last weekend to climb up to 5th. Hannah Chapman on target to score a hat-trick, has been the clubs leading goal scorer since Deeping United joined the league in 2019. COVID seeing their debut season null & voided, withdrew from the competition after the season resumed in March last time out, good to see them return for the 2021/22 campaign their ambition to challenge for the top three. Are the most Northerly club within the area covered by Women’s Football East just over the border in Lincolnshire.

Burwell Tigers Ladies situated north of Newmarket to the north east of Cambridge begin their 5th season together. Have had it tough since joining the league finishing bottom twice in a row in their 1st two seasons. Signs they were improving in the season’s affected by the COVID pandemic and have made an excellent start to the 2021/22 campaign with 2 straight wins to set the early pace at the top. Both 2-1 wins home and away against new comers Chatteris and Cambourne who have both recruited players with experience in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. Like Deeping with the new league format will be aiming to push on up the table.

The venue for today’s game the village of Baston the match being played on Brudenell Playing Fields as a pose to Deeping United Ladies usual home ground Deeping Rugby Club. Would have headed there had I not seen the club’s tweet regarding today’s game. Burwell didn’t however and did head to the Rugby Club, thankfully they were contacted and arrived in due course. Was a hot and muggy late September day little rain this week the pitch looked firm and very uneven, the goalmouths in particular showing plenty of wear and tear.

Today’s squad for Deeping United Ladies (photo credit Deeping United Ladies)

 Deeping United Ladies starting XI – Lauren Miller, Katy Fowkes, Ellie Barnes-Brown, Katie Clarke, Karen Wayman, Gemma Johnson, Holly Fasulo, Caroline Sutherland (C), Grace Sipson, Lauren Wyer & Lilia Gosden. Sub – Sophie Wallace.

 Burwell Tigers Ladies starting XI – Hannah Dewey, Jess Davenport, Rachel Moore, Yas Ryles, Abi Scott, Nat Eddison (C), Elisa Heinamaa, Megan Mead, Sarah Bentley, Sam Freeman-Porter & Kerry Dyer. Subs – Tilly Jones & Lauren Wilkinson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Up to a half dozen players missing for Deeping including last weekends hat-trick hero, Chapman with the squad stretched only one named on the bench. Burwell able to name two substitutes. A change of ends before kick-off, the sun high over one end of the playing fields a factor, Deeping goalkeeper Lauren Miller facing it as the hosts prepare to take the kick-off 1st half wearing an all grey kit. Burwell opposite wearing orange shirts and socks with black shorts. A hot day a drinks break agreed upon during the half the game gets underway.

The middle of the park in congested straight away as Burwell close the ball down, tackles flying in the ball popping around as both sides look to get it under control, Elisa Heinamaa finding a pocket of space turning to send a long diagonal pass out to the right wing as Megan Mead moves forwards taking the ball on whips an early ball in towards the near post, Kerry Dyer making a move towards it as Miller comes rushing out of her six yard box to lay claim to the all for Deeping. 

    Early joy on the right in attack for Burwell as Heinamaa once again picks out Mead the ball at her feet is allowed to travel unchallenged into the area, shoots on the angle before Miller can set herself her shot evading the keeper is place wide beyond the far post. Deeping captain Caroline Sutherland plays a clipped ball out to the right for Grace Sipson to chase latching onto the ball checks inside before laying a cross in square 25 yards out  her target Holly Fasulo in the centre, Burwell keeper Hannah Dewey alert to the danger out of her area rapidly to get her foot through the ball launch upfield for the visitors. 

Hannah Dewey clearing the ball for Burwell

 Right from the start Burwell are playing a high back line their defence pushed right up with their midfield making it very congested in the middle the ball bouncing around Burwell coming away with it looking for width on the left Mead winning a throw high up, support from Heinamaa a cross driven in cut out by Deeping’s, Katy Fowkes. Burwell’s captain, Nat Eddison winning the ball central on for Dyer in attack into the left channel, Ellie Barnes-Brown closing her down putting in a good challenge to regain possession. 

Burwell captain, Nat Eddison with Deeping’s Holly Fasulo

 Sam Freeman-Porter gathering the ball into her feet on the left for Burwell drives on sending the pass inside for Dyer to take forwards in behind the full back, Katie Clarke is round on the cover at centre back superbly for Deeping to intercept. Breaking in behind the Burwell back line is proving a challenge for Deeping, space to exploit behind if they do so, Karen Wayman and Fasulo look to combine through the centre, Yas Ryles defending well for the visitors. Is a good battle in the middle of the park between Heinamaa and Sutherland, Deeping’s captain clipping the ball out to the right hoping to set Sipson away, goes on the attack, Sutherland’s opposite number, Eddison tacking back to lunge in to take the ball away from Sipson’s feet. 

   Burwell with their higher starting position are able to get bodies up to join the attack quicker pressure the final 3rd, Freeman-Porter left squaring in into the D for Heinamaa, shifting the ball between her feet opens up her right side to take on the shot sends the ball angling wide of the post. Mead looks to have gotten away on the right almost into the area after the ball, Miller comes racing out to meet her sliding in just about beats the attacker to the ball to clear the threat. Is hot out there both sides are putting alot into the game already Mead up the right a looping cross into the box Dyer stooping into the header can’t direct it on target.

Elisa Heinamaa getting hold of the ball for Burwell

  Clarke making a vital interception at the back for Deeping. So too up the other end as Abi Scott prevents Deeping’s Lilia Gosden getting past her in the middle off a Wayman through ball. Defences on top at the moment as Clarke does well again getting across Mead in attack to shield the ball inside the box nudge it back for Miller to clear.

  Freeman-Porter takes the ball on up the left held up checks back has support from Heinamaa behind her 18 yards out rolls it into the middle for Eddison seeing in across her body lines up a shot, the ball charged down an arm spotted in the process the referee awarding a free kick outside the D central. Mead over the set piece is disappointed as she sends the ball high over the bar. 

  Fowkes does well in defence as Dyer gathers the ball into her feet and drives forwards into the right channel the deflected ball cleaned up by Clarke round on the cover once more. Heinamaa is getting into space further forwards influencing thing’s in the final 3rd makes a right channel run pressing in Clarke comes to close her down getting across her well giving her time to play the ball safely back to her keeper. Miller makes a brave save diving in at the feet of Freeman-Porter as she looks to have broken in behind off a diagonal ball played in from the right but it wasn’t necessary as the offside flag is up against her. 

Burwell’s Sam Freeman-Porter

 Barnes-Brown with a solid tackle on Freeman-Porter as the pair come together on the left. Scott comes out to close Sipson down right side as the attacker looks to break in behind on the right. Eddison getting on the ball central battles her way forwards holding of challenges before unleashing a shot from all of 25 yards out the ball placed straight into Miller’s gloves. Soon after a much needed drinks break is called.

Half-way through the 1st half, Burwell have had the bulk of the pressure in the final 3rd playing a high line keeping it tight in the middle have been able to get on the front foot quicker without really testing Miller in goal. Deeping have put in a shift at the back, knowing their opponents are playing a high line just haven’t found a gap in it yet. A change for Deeping as play resumes with Gemma Johnson off, Sophie Wallace coming into the defence. 

 Whatever plan the hosts had come up with as play resumes suffers a blow as Wayman pulls up in the middle, holding her calf is forced to hobble off the pitch with Johnson put straight back on into the middle. The game scrappy after the restart Burwell winning a succession of throws out on the right. Lauren Wilkinson has come on for the visitors looks like it’s Dyer off in attack with Freeman-Porter pushed on. 

  Sipson looks the most likely to unlock the Burwell defence on the right takes the ball into her feet driving forwards carrying it in behind Gosden with a near post run as Deeping stretch the Burwell defence for the 1st time the cross angled in though too close to the keeper Dewey down to gather the ball into her arms. 

  Fowkes with a dinked ball over the top that sees both Gosden and Lauren Wyer burst clear for Deeping, Dewey though  with a good starting position comes racing out of her area to put her foot through the ball. Mead over on the right moving forwards sends a looping ball into the box, Clarke meeting it with her head to put away for a throw in. Burwell getting players up into the area as the cross is worked into the area near side, Sutherland tracking back with Heinamaa, doing well defensively the ball loose in the area though a shot stabbed in across goal, Miller down to smother at at the far post. 

  Deeping press the ball in the middle closing down well before releasing it out to the right, Sipson latching onto it races away with the ball space ahead of her travels with the ball before whipping a squared ball in along the top of the area, is just behind both Gosden and Wyer. Burwell straight from Dewey’s kick out from the box winning a corner as Freeman-Porter gets onto the end of the bouncing ball right side goes to cross the ball, Fowkes blocking it deflected behind for the 1st corner of the game. Miller makes the call coming to punch the ball away before her near post.

   Eddison gets up on the right offering Freeman-Porter support both seeing a cross blacked by Clarke and Wallace respectfully before winning a corner kick. Play remains congested in the middle it’s a energy sapping day but neither side is willing to concede the ball. Scott looks to be outnumbered at the back as Deeping look to cut a path through the defence but the defender comes out on top carrying the ball clear and laying it on for Freeman-Porter. 

Abi Scott winning the ball in defence for Burwell

  The ball out to the right Freeman-Porter pressing on into the area clips the ball up into the six yard box, is just over Heinamaa jumping central, falls to Wilkinson beyond the far post lays it outside to Eddison top of the D, opens her body to shoot her effort charged down, Fowkes clearing the ball behind for a corner kick which Deeping defend at the near post. Burwell are starting to apply more pressure in the final 3rd Heinamaa getting up to support the attack more, the ball out to the left the midfielder going into the corner looking to find her way round the defence, that is when, Barnes-Brown dives in attempting to take the ball away from her, catches her foot in the turf and immediately cries out in agony – play stopped straight away.

  Isn’t pleasant Barnes-Brown is clearly in trouble not nice to see and a lengthy stoppage ensues at the end of the 1st half as she recieves treatment…. players from both sides sent for drinks the delay lengthening soon turning into an abandonment. Not a nice way to see a match finish but it does happen and twice in the same league it appears today with the game between Chatteris and Cambourne also abandoned. Players health though has to come first though and I certainly wish both the Cambourne player and Ellie Barnes-Brown all the best.

Half-time Deeping United Ladies A-A Burwell Tigers Ladies

  A match abandoned the 1st time in 443 matches it’s happened during a game covered by Women’s Football East. It sadly does happen though. Still I feel both sides should get some sort of report if not a whole one. Was shaping up to be a close contest and would have been interesting to see how it would have gone. Might well have to try and see the rematch.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match have enough of a picture of the game to pick one out although I dare say other contenders would have shown themselves over the 90 minutes based of the 40 plus I did see, Both Nat Eddison and Elisa Heinamaa were strong in the middle for Burwell as was Sam Freeman-Porter in attack. For Deeping, Grace Sipson carried a strong threat on the right whilst Caroline Sutherland was making sure Heinamaa wasn’t getting an easy ride. The award though goes to Deeping defender, Katie Clarke made several vital tackles and interceptions whilst getting round on the cover well to support her teammates.

  Was an enjoyable trip up the A15 today even if the game had a sad outcome, was a good contest between two committed sides. My thanks go to the management of both clubs for their support today in getting me the team details, the reports don’t work without them and it’s always appreciated.

by Darren Gilham