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Match Report – Hertford Town Ladies v Bishops Stortford Ladies

Sunday 27th January

ERWFL Division One

Back to the football after having weeks rest, a trip down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a game I’ve had pencilled in the diary for a while from ERWFL Division One, Hertford Town Ladies v Bishops Stortford Ladies.

  The Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) having two divisions steps 5 & 6 of the women’s football pyramid. 12 teams contesting the Premier Division, 12 teams contesting Division One, back to a single division this season having been split North & South last season. Started with 13 the league has sadly lost Ipswich Wanderers Ladies due to lack of numbers, sadly a feature that is affecting women’s football across the board right now.

   Today’s sides at the wrong end of the table Hertford currently the bottom side, Bishops Stortford 10th. Followed each other into the ERWFL winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Division One title, Hertford in 2015/16, Bishops Stortford the following season. Two sides that rose rapidly through the county leagues have hit the buffers somewhat since joining the ERWFL

Hertford showing signs they are starting to turn the corner, Danny Barley taking over as manager towards the end of last season. Have a new home venue Wodson Park Sports Centre. A multi-sports complex next to Ware FC. Looks a impress partner to become associated with and plans are afoot for Hertford to be renamed in time for the new season. Have a grass pitch surrounded by a running track and access to a 3G pitch too. Had suffered due to lack of numbers have addressed that balance a new crop of players coming in to bolster the squad Rhianna Patmore, Chloe Ring, Georgia Turville, Megan Sende and Dempsey Favell amongst the new arrivals. Got their 1st league point on the board last Sunday a very good result a 1-1 with unbeaten St Ives Town Ladies at home.

  Bishops Stortford are struggling for committed players right now and are continuing to fulfil fixtures despite not being able to always field a starting XI, injury adding to that too. Just the 10 last week away to Newmarket Town Ladies, a commendable performance taking the lead but eventually lost 4-1. Together from youth level and successful they rose all the way through the age levels into women’s football, there as can often happen with a youth side climbing into women’s football there are loses to university. Since then Bishops Stortford have struggled to get results 3 points on the board so far. 

  It’s a windy one and very chilly with it, the hats on for the first time this season and I’ve brought the umbrella but how I’m going to hold it down if it does start raining I don’b know gloomy and overcast. Fingers crossed the rain stays away. The main pitch deemed too wet due to the overnight rain the game to be played the 3G pitch, a good size room for spectators down one side. The Sports Park offering the usual facilities. 

Hertford Town Ladies starting XI – Ellie Morris, Zoe Garvey, Megan Sende, Rhianna Patmore, Christie Seakens (C), Lauren Barnard, Georgia Turville, Chloe Ring, Olivia Worsfold, Katie Williams & Donna Watts. Subs – Nicola Davey, Karen Staples, Carly Snell, Dempsey Favell & Clare Pavett.

Bishops Stortford Ladies starting XI – Teigan McHale, Matilda Attridge, Rebecca Bull, Chloe Haken, Samantha McComish, Brogan McHale (C), Heather Martin, Poppy Kelly & Hollie Tate.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  As you can see from above straight away the visitors are at a huge disadvantage, arriving late not much time to prepare have just the 8 to take to the field with one on the way. Hertford with their new additions have twice the number available. The 3G pitch on a elevated position the hollowing wind is assured to play a huge part in the game a to some regards be something of a leveller. Bishops Stortford to get the game underway wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts blue shorts and socks with Hertford lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts with a navy band across the front, navy shorts and socks.

  Bishops Stortford playing into the wind first half, Brogan McHale playing the diagonal ball out to Poppy Kelly attacking right drives at the Hertford defence, Megan Sende standing her ground putting the tackle in at left back. Bishops Stortford quick to close down Matilda Attridge into win the ball onto McHale, a great pass long to the right for Kelly crosses early, won by Rhianna Patmore at the back for Hertford. Kelly lively early on gets her head down prepared to run at players wins a throw in. Play across to the left side the pass inside to McHale given time shapes to shoot 30 yards out the ball wide of the upright. 

Bishops Stortford Ladies, Matilda Attridge with Hertford’s Zoe Garvey

 The wind at Hertford’s back isn’t necessarily helping forwards balls for the attackers running on difficult to chase down aiding the Bishops Stortford defence. Chloe Haken blocking a ball inside box for Bishops Stortford sees Hertford with a corner right side the ball crossed into toward the near post high for Donna Watts to try and bring down and turn and shoot, won’t come down Bishops Stortford see the threat away. Hertford unsure where best to exploit their opponents lack of numbers possession football very difficult with the wind press Bishops Stortford into their own half the 8 doing well enough in the opening exchanges. 

Hertford Town Ladies, Donna Watts bringing the ball down

  Balls that are played in behind would create problems on another day but the wind again makes these balls difficult to run down. Heather Martin coming back to win the ball for Bishops Stortford as Zoe Garvey brings the ball on from the back on the right for Hertford. Hertford come close to opening the scoring the ball fired in low across goal, Teigan McHale wearing the gloves today making a smart save with her leg at the near post of Chloe Ring, the ball loping up comes at Katie Williams quickly gets a touch the ball falling wide of the post. 

GOAL! The hosts open the scoring launch an effective counter attack, Lauren Barnard carrying the all on through the middle a threaded ball through to Watts moving right into the area McHale coming out to close the angle the striker shoots McHale saving with her legs going to ground, the rebound coming straight to Ring following Watts into the box from the right sends the ball back in across the empty goal and I think the ball is over the line at the far post even though Williams sliding in makes sure 1-0.

Hertford Town Ladies, Chloe Ring looking to keep the ball in play

Hertford look to press the advantage Olivia Worsfold puts a low ball in from an the right intercepted by Haken. Ring getting into the area twists and turns wins a corner the ball in from the right cleared out of the box falls to Garvey 25 yards out tries to lift it in over the goalkeeper, drops short into her arms. Worsfold sees a pass wide left into her feet left of the D turns into a shot the low ball running straight to McHale to claim low. A change for Hertford Georgia Turville off on comes Carly Snell.

Bishops Stortford Ladies, Brogan McHale

  Bishops Stortford defending for the majority in their own half have the ability to hit on the counter do just that the ball won the pass played early for Kelly bursting away on the right is clear goalkeeper Ellie Morris comes running out of her area to close her down, Kelly gets her shot away beating the keeper the ball heading for the goal beyond strikes the base of the near post. Calls for a foul as McHale is brought down outside the Hertford area, none given Hertford counter, the through ball for Ring clear right side Teigan McHale coming to close the angle Ring shoots the keeper getting her leg in the way of the ball sees it spin away across the face of the six yards box Watts getting a touch the ball spins away from goal wide. 

Samantha McComish heads the ball clear for Bishops Stortford

  Up the other end Broghan McHale is still down needs treatment, the wind is really hollowing now is bitterly cold. A few strong challenges coming in Kelly bundled off the ball. Hertford attack as Christie Seakins brings the ball forwards Worsfold looking to combine with Watts up top the wind ruining the move. Hollie Tate arrives Bishops Stortford have 9 on the field. A flowing attack from Hertford’s attacks Watts with it right 20 yards out plays it inside for Worsfold inside the D she lets it run on for Williams coming in left side hits a fierce shot in on the angle McHale making a great one handed save to palm the rising ball behind for the corner. Broghan McHale off for repairs has a bloody knee, vaseline applied she’d back on. 

 GOAL! The lead is doubled, from the set-piece the delivery good from the corner falls to Williams far post shapes to shot is blocked at pointblank range the ball spinning away to the to left hand corner of the area straight to Snell catches it well lashing the ball into the back of the net 2-0.

Hertford Town Ladies, Carly Snell

  A committed performance from Bishops Stortford’s 9 players are getting a few knocks for their efforts, Rebecca Bull the latest needing treatment. Hertford are enjoying the majority of the possession but no one is being afforded any time on the ball. Samantha McComish breaking up a Hertford attack. McHale combining with Kelly up front the latter forcing her way through in behind left the ball squared into Haken can’t turn as she is quickly closed down inside the D. Calls for a penalty as Snell appeared to be body checked inside the area but the appeals are waved away. 

Half-time Hertford Town Ladies 2-0 Bishops Stortford Ladies

  The half-time whistle blows and Hertford head into the changing rooms leading the game 2-0. Not good conditions for playing football the wind playing a huge part, have gotten the goals putting themselves into a good position to build on 2nd half know the wind will be against them 2nd half should see the through balls hold up better. Have the player advantage to which will be a factor as their opponents begin to tire. Bishops Stortford for their part have done very well a shortage of numbers everyone needed to step up to the plate and has, in their own half for much of the game came close to getting a goal themselves, pressed well and wind will be in their favour 2nd half.

Changes at half-time with Nicola Davey and Dempsey Favell on the field for Hertford at the start of the 2nd period the hosts to get us underway. A little lull in the wind but it won’t last long. Bishops Stortford win the ball come away on the left a driving run first by Kelly then picked up by McHale she is dispossessed outside the area the ball though coming to Martin, she has a shot 20 yards out the ball held by Morris in the Hertford goal. Tate is fouled going forwards McHale encouraged to have a go from 30 yards out the ball deflected wide for the corner. The visitors making an encouraging start to the 2nd half. 

Poppy Kelly on the attack for Bishops Stortford

  Hertford build on the right side a Ring pushing on in behind sends a cross in along the face of goal Williams arriving far side heads the ball wide. Favell with a great low ball through for Worsfold to go after bursting into the right channel, McHale comes early racing in intercept just gets there for the attacker, momentum keeps to keeper coming on gets a 2nd blocking tackle in as Ring is right behind Worsfold. The hosts starting to get a hold of the game push Bishops Stortford back into their own half once more. The visitors making she last gasp blocking tackles in and around their area, Bull, Attridge and Haken all called in to action. 

  GOAL! Hertford extend their lead a goal started ad finished by Worsfold the ball with her left side over halfway combines well with Favell breaking forwards the diagonal ball inside to her feet, Worsfold running on into the box receiving the return ball opens up her body to curl a low shot in McHale gets something in it but Worsfold gets a 2nd bite and makes no mistake 3-0.

Olivia Worsfold looking to win the ball for Hertford

  Kelly carries a real threat with the ball at her feet for Bishops Stortford attacks right is stopped by Seakens outside her box the ball played on for Favell a flowing attack she turns the ball on into the area for Worsfold peeling into space between the defence shots McHale going to ground making another good save with her legs. Williams comes off for Hertford on come Clare Pavett. The hosts have Bishops Stortford penned into the final 3rd, the wind holding the ball up in the air as Snell lifts in on for Worsfold left side she gets it up across the six yards box Ring racing in sees her shot charged down. Sende with the ball looks to get in past Worsfold on the left Bull sliding in wins the ball. Ring comes off for Hertford on in her place Karen Staples. 

  Favell plays the ball on for Pavett left side her cross inside to Worsfold central lets it run on for Snell she unleashes a shot 25 yards out, gathered by McHale. The light is starting to fade and the wind is getting stronger, won’t sit on the corner spot for Martin.

 GOAL! That though is the cue for someone to hold the ball still for the kick taker as Bishops Stortford are awarded a free kick all of 40 yards from goal the win at her back Bull over it has a go McHale laying beside the ball an outstretched finger holding it still, works as Bull catches it well the shot on target looping up and with the wind adding to the pace is over Morris before she can adjust 3-1.

Rebecca Bull with the goal for Bishops Stortford

Hertford continue to push players on Staples drifting out to the right sends in a cross/shot from the angle looping down at the near post a difficult on for McHale to deal with gets a glove to it turning it behind for the corner. The corner headed over by Davey. Into the last 10 minutes Bishops Stortford get some joy wide right winning a corner a great ball in across the six yard box by Martin isn’t attacked. 

Hertford Town Ladies, Nicola Davey

 Broghan McHale onto a loose kick out from the keeper sends a shot back in low left of the D, Morris setting herself has it covered. A free-kick wide on the right for Hertford the ball driven into the area with pace Favell gets a bullet header on it central, Teigan McHale with a fantastic one handed save especially as her body shape is taking her the wrong way. 

  GOAL! Space opening up late in the game the light fading fast Hertford attack right Davey on for Favell, good hold up play 20 yards out turns her marker to get inside drives a cross into Staples in space to the right of goal, she smashes a shot in towards goal defenders racing across to block it takes a nick and that carries it past the keeper and in 4-1. 

  Not long left Hertford finish strong Favell on for Snell right side shoots from the angle the ball skipping up of the surface claimed by the keeper. 

Full time Hertford Town Ladies 4-1 Bishops Stortford Ladies

  4-1 to Hertford Town Ladies they win their first league game of the season 4 points from the last two games taking them off the bottom of the table. A promising start to 2019 as they look to rebuild and become a force in the league. Exceptionally difficult conditions today the wind just meant there was no opportunity to get the ball down and play which would have tired their opponents out quicker, always hard to against a side without 11 on the field they will work all the harder simply because they know the have to. Patience usually paying off though.

  Full credit to Bishops Stortford a great effort from start to finish, 4-1 perhaps a little harsh one them, to start with 8 and keep their opponents from scoring a hat full of goals. The wind in their case suited them today the ball not going to stick to anyone. Great commitment shown and I’ve heard nothing but praise before seeing it for myself. If they can just get a few more committed to the cause they have got a fantastic core of talent to build with.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A tough day for playing football no doubt that wind just awful. Credit to Bishops Stortford for the work rate through out the side. For Hertford Carly Snell made a impact upon coming on scoring the 2nd goal, Dempsey Favell too influential in the 2nd half finding pockets of space bringing others into play.  Today’s award however goes to Olivia Worsfold, her link up play excellent and always looking for opportunities up front for herself and others, the wind in her favour 2nd half she got herself into some good attacking positions and scored too.

  Good job I love what I do, it was bitterly cold out there today that wind simply the worst cut right through you, glad to be in the warm this evening. Enjoyed it though I can never predict what I’m going to get and glad I don’t. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today much appreciated.

Match Report – Bishops Stortford Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

A Women’s FA Cup double on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this weekend 2 ties from 2nd Round Qualifying with the 1st of 80 ties being played on Saturday night. A special occasion for Bishops Stortford Ladies playing at the men’s club, ProKit (UK) Stadium. Their opponents for the tie Bungay Town Ladies. Match report below.

Match Report – Bishops Stortford Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

 
  Football from the Women’s FA Cup on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, some 80 ties drawn for 2nd Round Qualifying of this season’s competition with a total of 254 clubs being accepted in total to compete. This weekends action get’s started on Saturday an evening kick-off for Bishops Stortford Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies, the venue for the tie, Bishops Stortford Community FC’s, ProKit (UK) Stadium.

  Bishops Stortford Ladies are new entrants to the Women’s FA Cup this season which sees an increased prize fund for all rounds this year, still a pale drop in the ocean but progress nevertheless £450 for the winning side and of course the ultimate prize is a final at Wembley Stadium. Compete in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One having been promoted rapidly through the 3 divisions since the current set-up was formed 5 years ago. Finished 4th in the league last season. Have a strong youth set-up with teams from U12 through to U18 competing several of their starting line-up tonight having been with the club all the way through the youth sides.

  An exciting opportunity for the ladies side to play at the men’s ProKit (UK) Stadium, Bishops Stortford Community FC compete in the Conference South. The season has barely started in the Beds & Herts Women’s League and Bishops Stortford Ladies didn’t play in the opening round of fixtures tonight’s Women’s FA Cup tie being their 1st competitive game of the season. 

  Bungay Town Ladies are the visitors today this their 3rd year in the Women’s FA Cup after a 2 season absence are looking for advance in the competition for the 1st time. Competing in Norfolk Women’s Division One an established side in the league played their 1st league game of the season last weekend. With strong support form the men’s club that run a number of youth teams for both boys and girls. 

  From a personal point of view running Women’s Football East, I’m always intrigued to see how the various leagues across the region match up and the Women’s FA Cup provides a great opportunity to see sides comes together in competition. The FA Cup whether it’s the men’s or women’s game captures the imagination players and fans alike.

  Bishops Stortford Community FC’s ProKit (UK) Stadium is just off the M11 behind the Birchanger Motorway Services a regular stop off for myself on the way home from London after a women’s football game to write up a match report. The stadium is at the end of an industrial estate on the way into Bishops Stortford itself. A large carpark the stadium boasts great facilities a large bar and clubhouse, refreshment booths for hot food and drink a good sized main stand overlooking the dugouts. a smaller seated stand far side. A quality playing surface nice and flat, plenty of grass cover both sides looking forwards to playing on it. Well summer has come to an end had to happen sometime had a long run the heavy rain on Friday bringing in an autumn feel to the evening cool with a misty drizzle blowing across the pitch as the two sides walked out of the tunnel. 

  Bishops Stortford Ladies starting XI – Sophie Parslow, Sophie Cook, Louise Crocker, Natasha Atkinson, Chloe Haken (C), Megan Kenny, Jess Croney, Yasmin Smith, Samantha Tant, Brogan McHale & Kathryn Stanley.
  subs – Jess Mace, Andreia Messias, Lauren Maynard, Natasha Coppin & Ashley Johnston

  Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Ruth Smart, Kelly Collins (C), Lois Nethersell-Webb, Charlotte Power, Annie Piper, Ella Hindley, Inna Marx, Rebecca Carver, Lauren Purling, Emily Leach & Lacey Andrews.

  subs – Emily Coe, Sian Carter, Megan Vincent, Nicola Hazel & Jordan Duke.

  Two sides who are used to playing roll on roll of substitutes in their respective county leagues the rules change in the Women’s FA Cup, 5 substitutes can be named on the bench of which only 3 can be used. Bishops Stortford to get this 2nd Round Qualifying tie underway taking kick-off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks with Bungay lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts, black shorts and socks. 

*Team captains Kelly Collins & Chloe Haken with tonight’s officials

    An early ball from midfielder Megan Kenny for Bishops Stortford out to Yasmin Smith attacking down the left wing looks to knock the ball on down the line, Bungay captain, Kelly Collins at right back gets across her to make the tackle put the ball out for a throw. Winning the ball back in their own half Bungay play the ball long up to striker Lacey Andrews on half way spins away to the right same result as Lauren Crocker puts the tackle in conceding the throw, taken quickly Bungay’s Lauren Purling takes the ball down the the wing before whipping a high cross into the Bishops Stortford six yard box, goalkeeper Sophie Parslow palms the ball down cleanly the sets up a quick counter kicking the ball long out of her area helped in in the middle striker Brogan McHale latches onto the ball driving forwards shoots early from outside the box, Bungay goalkeeper, Ruth Smart gathers the shot.

  A spell of possession on the right inside the Bungay half for Bishops Stortford brings them the 1st corner of the match. The ball is lifted high in towards the near post, helped on falls to captain Sophie Haken waiting far post looks to hit the ball back across the goal face, her shot blocked the rebound runs to Crocker top of the area she shoots same result, Bungay block. Samantha Tant receives the ball on the right wing drives towards the top of the area before spinning wide again to avoid a tackle down the line wins a corner. A strong punch from Smart this time coming through bodies at the near post to clear for Bungay.

   Bishops Stortford doing well early on, have a free kick on half way, Smith over the ball sends it up towards the Bungay box, Inna Marx heads the ball away for Bungay, Smith with another opportunity to swing the ball into the area comes in high, McHale tries to bring it under control, before she can is closed down by the visitors defence. Breaking up the left side Rebecca Carver sends the ball on down the wig for Andrews strong running to get into the area with the ball slips on the slick surface as she goes to shoot.

  The game is starting to even out a little more, Bungay finding room for their midfielders, Marx and Ella Hindley to get on the ball spread the play with Andrews moving all the way across the back line, Marx sending her away on the left, Natasha Atkinson gets back to pressure her run, Purling coming across to the near post to support the corner is conceded. Bungay have two opportunities to play the ball into the area from the corner the 1st cleared for a 2nd corner, this one drops amongst the bodies congregating near post the ball is turned wide of the post, a goal kick is awarded.

 GOAL! The visitors take the lead on the 20th minute. Purling running with the ball down the right wing plays the ball into Andrews inside the box right of goal brings the ball down, quickly closed down to way to turn and release a shot instead plays the ball across the area with Carver free just outside the area, hits a low strike with pace towards goal zipping along the wet surface, Parslow sees it late her dive in vain as the ball rolls in at the near post 0-1.

*Rebecca Carver with the opening goal for Bungay Town Ladies



  Corner for Bishops Stortford soon after the restart the ball is played up towards the face of the box too high for Crocker, Atkinson beyond her can’t control, but manages to help it on for Haken stretching for the ball sends a high ball wide across the face of goal. End to end no sooner has Purling reaching the byline on the right for Bungay put her cross behind goal then then the home side break, Kathryn Stanley getting hold of the ball and passing it out to the left with Smith looking to get in behind, Bungay’s Charlotte Power getting across to play the ball out for the throw. 

  Power in the middle at centre back is on hand twice in quick succession as Stanley coming a little deeper to receive the ball tries to put McHale in through the middle, Power intercepting on both occasions. It’s Power’s centre back partner, Annie Piper who gets across to deal with Stanley then as she picks up the ball from Jess Croney and turning drives into the box on the left. Bungay pushing towards the Bishops Stortford box lose the ball Atkinson clearing it along way up field, Smith after it gets away down the left into the box hits the ball hard across the six yard box, her cross/shot going wide McHale racing in far post unable to turn it home. McHale with a shot from 25 yards out in a central position the ball played through the middle from a goal kick, turns and unleashes the shot the ball screws away from goal. 

*Bungay Town Ladies, Charlotte Power

  Marx over a free kick wide on the right for Bungay plays it up towards the box headed clear, Hindley wins it back passes to Purling on the right sends her cross high into the area far post Andrews hooks it back into the middle, Emily leach back to goal looks to bring the ball down, Sophie Cook closes her down, tackling to send the ball clear of the box. Croney plays the ball up to Stanley putting her clear on the left, charging towards the box checks her run coming inside to shoot, looks to curl the ball into the top corner, not enough height on the ball is taken cleanly by Smart.

  Both sides using the full width of the pitch enjoying to slick surface the ball moving from one end to the other, McHale has been back helping her defence, breaks forwards now a burst of pace seeing her get ahead of the Bungay defence lets fly from outside the box the ball runs wide of goal. Bungay get up the other end see a goal chalked off for offside, Lois Nethersell-Webb playing it on up the left for Carver the ball whipped in across the six yard box is turned in won’t count. 

  Marx is over another Bungay free kick inside the Bishops Stortford half plays the ball in from the right, cleared from the area, Hindley rolls it back to Marx tries again plays the ball towards the far post area, Leach is their headers the ball but can’t direct it on target. Bishops Stortford attack down the right as the 1st half draws to a close , McHale and Tant link up the latter tries to play Stanley through into the box, Power cuts out the pass her clearance going to Cook, sends a diagonal ball into the area with Smith looking to get in behind everyone, Smart is able to claim it before she can reach it.

Half-time Bishops Stortford Ladies 0-1 Bungay Town Ladies

  A narrow advantage to Bungay at the break, has been a fast paced 1st half both sides working the ball up the wings using the whole pitch with neither overly testing the opponents goal. A lot of energy has been put in the 1st 45 minutes. One goal in it still all to play for 2nd half. No chances at the start of the 2nd half Bungay to kick-off.
 Early opportunity for Andrews to have a strike on goal, the ball played into her in a central position from the right, given time to turn hits the strike from 30 yards out runs wide across the area. Parslow reacts sharply inside her box with Bungay pressing on the right Purling lifts the ball up into the area, Andrews after it the keeper drops to smother the ball right side of her. Bungay win a corner on the right, goes long to Andrews drives the ball in towards goal is cleared back out to Marx puts the ball back in to the near post comes to Leach catches her a little flat footed prods the ball wide.

*Lacey Andrews attacking for Bungay Town Ladies

   Bungay applying alot of pressure at the start of the 2nd half are camped in the Bishops Stortford half on the right have a throw the ball with Marx passes to Andrews outside the area to the right of goal, unleashes a shot blasts the ball wide. Purling takes the ball down the right, cutting it back inside, Andrews that side inside the box misses her kick the ball runs on through to Carver left of the D outside the box this time her shot fizzed in low is the wrong side of the post. 

  Carver receiving the ball from Nethersell-Webb carries it down the left before squaring across the top of the area looking to pick out Andrews, the Bishops Stortford defence cut it out the clearance rolls straight into Leach 25 yards out central shifts the ball then shoots the ball going a foot over the crossbar. A chance to relief the pressure for Bishops Stortford as they have a free kick on half-way, Croney to put the ball up towards the area, Piper heads clear, the ball is sent on up to Andrews through the middle goes on her own lets fly from 25 yards out the shot racing wide past the right post.
  Andrews is proving a real handful for the Bishops Stortford defence to deal with moving all over the place to receive the ball, tries to take the ball on down the left, Atkinson gets across tackles well to regain the ball then is fouled by Andrews as she goes to clear it. Hesitation at the back presents a chance for McHale as she robs Marx of the ball attempting a shot pass to Nethersell-Webb getting in behind the defense into the box right flashes her shot wide across the six yard box. 
  Picking up the ball in the middle, Stanley with a clever twist, looks to have gotten away from Power at the back charging towards the box through the middle, Smart comes to close her down, Power recovers well to lunge in and push the ball way from the striker with her right boot playing it behind for corner. From the right 2 corners are put behind by Bungay at the near post the 3rd one going long runs to McHale top of the area, the ball is taken off her toe just as she goes to hit the shot.
  Tant gives Stanley the ball on the left inside the Bungay half, the Bishops Stortford attacker taking on the Bungay defence drives inside in towards the D runs it on to McHale as she is closed down, under challenge McHale squeezes a shot away the ball is blocked the rebound back with McHale, lifts the ball up across the area towards Tant at the far post six yards out headers the ball over the bar. Bishops Stortford make their 1st change Ashley Johnston coming on for Cook.
  GOAL! Bungay hit Bishops Stortford on the counter attack the ball played long towards Andrews moving into the box from the right, Parslow comes rushing out towards the attacker, Andrews goes wide then sends her shot in low across the advancing keeper and into the back of the net 0-2.
 
Lacey Andrews
 
 
  Andrews with another opportunity to attack a forwards pass as Marx and Carver link up the ball up the left Andrews closed down as she reaches the top of the area gets a shot away with the outside of her boot gets the shot on target, Parslow palms it down and gathers in the centre of her goal. Marx tackles to win the ball in the middle stabs it forwards into Leach holds it up well central to goal, turns and squeezes a shot away, Parslow throws herself to her left, the ball runs narrowly wide. 
  Crocker gets forwards from the back for Bishops Stortford plays the ball long into the box left side with Tant making the run hits her on the back, dropping down into the area, Tant goes after it inside, her shot charged down as Nethersell-Webb comes across quickly to block. Natasha Coppin comes on for Bishops Stortford replacing Kenny. The substitute given the ball wide left in attack whips a cross in towards the near post, Stanley can’t bring it down under control before Piper tackles to win possession back for Bungay. Not long after piper indicates she needs to be subbed, Bungay send on Sian Carter. 
Kathryn Stanley

 GOAL! Into the last 10 minutes and Bishops Stortford set up a tense finish to this Women’s FA Cup tie as they pull a goal back. Croney with the ball in the middle passes to Stanley ahead of her has the legs to beat Nethersell-Webb racing towards the edge of the area shots sending the ball up and over the keeper into the back of the net 1-2.


  The goal has lifted Bishops Stortford they press on the left, force Bungay back the visitors pull everyone back to defend their advantage with less than 5 minutes left.

 GOAL! The visitors relieve the pressure get the ball out into the centre then send it long into the left for Andrews to chase, Haken goes with her tries to marshal the ball out for the goal kick, Andrews gets round her getting her toe on the ball back up the line fires the ball in towards the top of the area, Leach is there picks up the ball strong as she drives into the area, 3 defenders ahead of her blasts a shot in deflects to the left rolling favourably for Andrews coming inside, opens up her body to curl the ball in towards goal looping over the keeper and in 1-3.

 Not much time left in the game Bishops Stortford press forwards win a corner on the right, played long to Crocker outside the box can’t keep her long range shot down. Andrews after a hat-trick spins and hits a shot central 20 yards out, Crocker blocks it at the back the ball spinning away for the corner. Played in high at the near post Leach rises her glancing header sends the ball on, Johnston gets her head on it behind plays the ball to her goalkeeper. No more time left the referee blows the final whistle and Bungay Town Ladies celebrate the win.
Full-time Bishops Stortford Ladies 1-3 Bungay Town Ladies

  An entertaining Women’s FA Cup tie watched by a decent sized crowd of around 150. Saw a fast paced game both sides enjoying the playing surface. An even 1st half Bungay edging it came out the stronger 2nd half stretching Bishops Stortford, Andrews up top moving all across the back line hard to mark a constant outlet for Bungay. The home side pulling it back to 2-1 late on setting up a tense finish before Bungay restored their 2 goal cushion, the magic of the cup. 
  My thanks to everyone at Bishops Stortford Football Club for their help today hopefully the ladies will get to play more games there in the future. Thanks to Graham Purling to for helping me with Bungay’s squad details. Best of luck Bungay Town Ladies in the next round.

*additional photo’s courtesy of Ashleigh from Bungay Town Ladies.

*Update* The draw for 3rd Round Qualifying has now been made and Bungay Town Ladies will be at home to Acle United Ladies. The game scheduled to be played Sunday 9th October.