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Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 27th August

FAWNL Cup Determining Round

 Sadly it wasn’t to be for our Lionesses, losing 1-0 to Spain in last Sunday’s Women’s World Cup Final. Nevertheless they have inspired the nation and the future most definitely looks bright for the game across the nation. 

  Back on my travels this weekend to take in a game from the now traditional Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, the sides representing tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid drawn together with the winning sides going on to contest the League Cup itself with the losing teams going into the League Plate competition. Cambridge United WFC getting their season underway at home taking on fellow Division One South side, Norwich City Women.

 The FAWNL gets stronger season upon season as the talent base grows and the clubs competing in it are needing to grow too. Cambridge United WFC and Norwich City Women both long established at this level are now enjoying closer ties with their respective men’s clubs to enable players to enjoy better facilities and support along with enhancing the player development pathways and ultimately challenge for the league title itself.

 Cambridge United WFC establishing a women’s board within Cambridge United FC itself, benefitting from playing a number of games at the League One sides Abbey Stadium. Regaining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup as well as the Development side winning last season’s Junior Invitation Cup the club has been busy recruiting new faces over the close season adding depth to squad. Midfielder, Fran Steele joins having been with local rivals Cambridge City Ladies previously vastly experienced a strong presence in the middle of the park. Also joining from City is defender Bronwyn Mulheron recovered now after suffering a dislocated knee last season.

 Zoe Wood (formerly Cross) an ex-England youth international comes back into football with Cambridge after most recently featuring for Lewes in the Championship. Another defender joining with plenty of experience is Jess Morley who has spent the last couple of seasons with Wroxham FC Women in the ERWFL Premier Division. Mistie Fox-Barker is another defensive option joining the squad having been with Royston Town Women in the ERWFL Premier Division. Brooke Cheal-Ferris again adds good playing experience to the squad with Wymondham Town Ladies amongst her previous clubs. While in attack striker Annie Posnett will be looking to make an impact having finished joint top scorer with St Ives Town Ladies in ERWFL Division One North last season. Sophie Marjoram comes in to provide cover and competition for goalkeeper Lauren Webb. With three players stepping up into the 1st team squad from the Development side, Serena Cobb, Beatrice Rogers and Eleanor Townsend.

Norwich City Women now fully integrated with Norwich City FC itself with ex-Bristol City WFC player Flo Allen joining as General Manager. The women’s side at long last getting the opportunity to play at Carrow Road in front of a record breaking crowd with more matches planned there for next season including their league match against Cambridge United WFC in a fortnights time. Also won the Norfolk Women’s County Cup in front of a record crowd for that competition at Carrow Road last season. That game manager, Shaun Howes last in charge for the club. Martin Herdman form the North East gaining plenty of experience in England and abroad chosen to take on the role as Norwich look to push on from a resurgent campaign last time out that saw the squad pressing the top two for much of the season.

 Having retained a strong core with a good blend of youth and experience Norwich have like Cambridge been busy during the close season bringing in new faces, most notably goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill who played an important role in East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town Women’s title challenging campaigns in tier 3 most recently with lots of experience playing at a higher level having been with Norwich several season’s back. Another coming in from Ipswich is U21s player Lauren Hailes. Winger Rachel Lawrence who was at Leicester City for 8 seasons joins from Peterborough United Women. Hope Strauss is another strong addition to the squad the defender most recently with Loughborough Lightning. Striker Shannon Shaw joins Norwich having played for Cambridge City Ladies along with full back Lauren Tomlinson who is now doubt fed up with me mentioning she has one of the longest throws in the women’s game. Norwich opening their season with a late goal in a 2-1 win away to Division One South East newcomers AFC Sudbury Women.

St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus Stadium serving as Cambridge United WFC’s regular home for the past couple of season’s, the main grass pitched stadium along side a artificial playing surface beyond. Situated within an ever growing residential development on the outskirts of St Neots with huge potential to grow the fanbase of both Cambridge United’s women’s sides and St Neots Town FC itself. The grass pitch looking perfect at the start of the new season lush and green the main covered stand running along one side of the ground with the changing rooms and clubhouse and bar beneath. Covered terracing behind both goals too. Another overcast but warm afternoon with the threat of an odd down pour forecast during the match.

Cambridge United WFC

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Natasha Collins, Rachel Kosky, Abbie Jackson, Beatrice Rodgers, Gisella Otten (C), Fran Steele, Alysha Stojko-Down, Zoe Wood, Ruth Fox & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Mayzee Seymour, Jess Morley, Harley Jean-Simpson, Sydnie Naylor & Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris.

Norwich City Women

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Alice Parker, Lauren Tomlinson, Ceri Flye, Anna Larkins (C), Katie Knights, Eloise Morran, Megan Todd, Freya Symonds, Olivia Cook & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Millie Daviss, Jodie Drake, Natasha Snelling Hope Strauss & Rachel Lawrence.

Norwich to kick off this afternoon’s cup action wearing the clubs all purple third kit with Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into Ceri Flye in defence puts the pass out to the right to be launched up the wing, Natasha Collins getting her head on the ball to clear for Cambridge.

Norwich rush in to close the ball down in the middle of the park as Alysha Stojko-Down squeezes a ball out to Zoe Wood on the left wing, looking to take it on, Megan Todd tracking back for Norwich to dispossess her. The visitors getting into Cambridge early looking to win the ball high, the ball lifted over the top into the right channel with Freya Symonds chasing the ball down before putting a low ball in across goal, Cambridge goalkeeper down quickly to get hold of the ball with Shannon Shaw chasing in far post.

  The ball hotly contested in midfield Fran Steele coming up to Alysha Stojko-Down as she battles for possession, fouled Cambridge take the free-kick quickly played out to Wood on the left turns inside before sending an ambitious pass out to the right looking for the run of Ruth Fox, Norwich win it back Alice parker sending it on up the left for Lauren Tomlinson to take on down the line sending a cross in central the ball cleared by Cambridge defender, Abbie Jackson.

Abbie Jackson clearing the ball for Cambridge

  Katie Knights and Eloise Morran pressing the ball inside the Cambridge half a good contest developing between Knights and Steele a free-kick given away out deep on the right players up to the top of the area as Parker floats the ball high into the box, appeals as a Norwich player goes down, but waved away. Norwich spreading the ball about the pitch going left to right looking to stretch Cambridge inside their own half. Olivia Cook racing into the left channel with the ball is tracked well by Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers the defender getting a toe on the ball to take it out for a throw in the corner. 

Norwich midfielder Katie Knights

  GOAL! The opening goal comes as Norwich exploit the space left on their right as Rachel Kosky looks to get on in support of Wood up the left the ball taken on into the gap open on the right by Todd. crossed into the box, not dealt with Larkins sending it back in for Shaw who turns to slot it past the keeper at close range to score her first Norwich goal 0-1.

Shannon Shaw opening her account for Norwich

  Cambridge falling behind inside the opening 10 minutes looking for a response press the ball Stojko-Down into Wood, closed down by Larkins. Getting hold of the ball on halfway Todd with a powerful run driving into the middle, on towards the box eventually challenged by Rodgers, the hosts attempt to counter the ball played out to Kosky advancing on the left forwards for Sarah Wiltshire coming out to the left, Flye racing across to lunge in take the ball off her for the throw in.

Norwich captain, Anna Larkins

  Tomlinson getting on well for Norwich on the left dinking a deft ball over the top for Olivia Cook in attack for Norwich coming central, Jackson does well to get back on her to get a foot in take the ball away from her before she can attempt a strike. Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten with a good turn on the ball sending a great pass forwards into Wiltshire 25 yards out from goal, bringing the ball down she turns and shoots the strike held comfortably by Bryony Williams in the Norwich goal. 

Cambridge striker, Sarah Wiltshire

  The heavens open up for a brief but steady shower as Norwich continues to get after the ball put Cambridge under pressure the hosts guilty of giving the ball away a little disjointed at the back Norwich prepared to bring players on, Wood and Kosky looking to combine on the left wing for Cambridge the ball sent on for Wiltshire pulling out wide but as before Flye goes out with her to snuff out the ball. 

Knights with Morran in the middle for Norwich playing the ball on for Shaw and Cook up top moving to the right corner of the area exchange passes before sending a dangerous cross racing across the top of the six yard box, Symonds racing in far post not quite able to reach it to deflect it home. Wood taking the ball inside lifts the pass out t Fox on the right gets her head on the ball to push it up for Wiltshire closing down the right channel looking to get the ball under control take it on into the area, Flye gets across her to win the ball back for Norwich.

Cambridge’s Zoe Wood with Norwich’s Freya Symonds

  No advantage play brought back for the free-kick on half way after Todd pulls Wood’s shirt, Jackson to send the ball forwards Norwich win the header, the game competitive with Norwich getting numbers forwards better pressuring Cambridge into some rushed passes presenting the ball back to their opponents. Knights with the pass to release Tomlinson on the left delivers a high cross into the near post, plucked down well by Webb. 

 Cambridge trying to get the ball into their attacking players a pass fed on for Wiltshire in attack right side looks to flick it over her shoulder spin in behind her marker, Flye though reads it giving herself room to stretch a leg out knock the ball out of Wiltshire’s path. Morran winning the ball from Wood in the middle lifts it forwards into Shaw, looking to chase it down Rodgers going with her the defender getting a toe on the ball to take it out for a throw in the corner. Cambridge struggle to get the ball out of their area as Norwich push numbers on flashed in from the left, Cook throws a leg out inside the six yard box, can’t quite connect.

Norwich’s Eloise Morran

  Norwich winning the ball inside the Cambridge half Symonds central releasing Todd on the right taking the ball on Symonds making a run inside the box to the near post Todd cross just behind her still manages to play it back for Knights positioned top of the area to the right of the D stabs her effort wide. Fox has had to be patient on the right old position ready to receive the ball, fed on well by Collins the attacker drives on for the by-line looking to cross Parker getting back on her defending the ball coming off Fox for the goal kick. 

Jackson with a strong tackle at the back for Cambridge to beat Shaw to the ball after Cambridge lose the ball in the middle, the game scrappy and feisty at times Norwich frustrating Cambridge with some good duels all over the park. Wood latching onto a clearance from Williams shifting inside from 30 yards out to shoot can only pick out the goalkeeper with her effort. 

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten

  Cambridge getting players forwards better pushing on the right Fox winning her side a corner players coming forwards the delivery over Jackson at the near post cleared back out of the area to the right, Steele latching onto the shot hit hard, Shaw in the way more than anything else making the block, will feel that one.

 Cambridge caught out in possession high up the pitch Norwich quick to turn play around the ball fired forwards into Shaw looking to run in behind the defence, Jackson just getting there ahead of her to toe the ball back into the box for Webb to clear. Flye is reading the game excellently at the back for Norwich getting into some great positions to win the ball strong as she gets ahead of Wiltshire to win the ball as Wood and Kosky look to link on the left.

  GOAL! And from that attack Flye leads the charge to set Norwich on their way to double the lead taking the ball on all the way to halfway the centre back sends the ball through for Cook racing into the gap open on the right and swings a low and fast cross into the six yard box for Shaw to drive onto and send home for her 2nd of the match 0-2.

A 1st half brace for Norwich’s Shannon Shaw

 Norwich doubling their lead late in the first half exploiting the space left at the back by Cambridge. The hosts battling for the ball in the middle Steele on for Stojko-Down plays the pass out to the right for Fox looking to combine with Wiltshire, Parker does well at the back to knock the ball out of play for a throw. 

Alice Parker

  Norwich comfortable at the back the ball out to Larkins on the right brings it on lifting the ball on for Cook central looking to charge forwards to attack, Rodgers has half a yard on the attacker vital as she stretches for the ball getting it back to her keeper. Otten winning the ball for Cambridge played on for Stojko-Down out to Fox wide right up the line sends it inside for Wilshire to strike on the angle in low saved by Williams.

   Cambridge applying a little pressure back on Fox combining with Wiltshire as they look to chase down the keeper as Williams looks to clear a back pass cleared straight to Collins the full back looks to shoot from distance as defenders rush back into the area, the shot though put straight into Williams who has quick recovered her positioning. 

Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers

  Steele threading the ball through the middle into Stojko-Down outside the area is tackled by Morran before she can adjust to shoot. Cambridge pressing late in the half getting players on Norwich ready to spring the counter.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-2 Norwich City Women

 Norwich leading 2 nil at the break, and good value for it too getting on the front foot committing players forwards have pressed Cambridge high leading to some unforced errors and have exploited the space left exposed at the back to full advantage scoring both goals spreading play while not allowing themselves to be exposed at the other end. The visitors with a competitive 90 minutes under their belts looking to have settled quickly under their new manager. Cambridge with several new signings looking a little disjointed in the first half have work to do if they are to turn the game around second half.

 Neither side making a change at the break as Cambridge get the 2nd period underway the ball played back into the defence Norwich rush forwards to put the ball under pressure straight away leading to the ball being given away, Shaw puling out wide right whipping a cross into the near post, Otten back to head clear for Cambridge. 

Olivia Cook moving in to challenge Cambridge’s Beatrice Rodgers

 The visitors with a high tempo start to the 2nd half won by Knights inside the Cambridge half on for Symonds taking it on into the left channel plays it forwards into Shaw pulling left of goal smashes in an angled drive low to the near post, Webb down smartly to make the save turn the ball behind for the corner kick. Whipped in high from the left, Webb does well to get a glancing fist on the ball take it away to the left, the ball is returned with interest smashing down off the ball before being scrabbled out of the box, Morran onto it left of the D 20 yards does get a clean connection the ball angling wide of the right post caught by Webb.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  Kosky advancing with the ball down the left for Cambridge playing it inside for Wiltshire outside the D, turns but Parker is there to stretch a leg out take the ball from her. Parker’s turn to bring the ball out of defence for Norwich finding Symonds well as she makes a run into the right channel, Jackson defending well up against her for Cambridge. Tomlinson races on down Norwich’s left after winning the ball high her cross snuffed out by Rodgers.

  Cambridge looking to get forwards risk the counter as Parker gets hold of the ball for Norwich finds Symonds on the move wide left whips a cross out to Cook on the right puts in infield for Todd who in turn finds Knights inside the D, Rodgers quickly in to close her down prevent the shot for Cambridge. Stojko-Down sending the ball through to Wiltshire and Fox up top looking to link up get in behind Flye gets in to tackle wins the ball back well for Norwich.

Ceri Flye bringing the ball on from the back for Norwich

 Both sides making their first change with 10 minutes of the 2nd half played, Cambridge bringing on new sighing Jess Morley for her debut after Rodgers picks up a knock at the back. Norwich bringing on Natasha Snelling to replace Cook in attack. Norwich pushing up getting a throw high on the left cleared by the Cambridge defence, the visitors quickly have it back with Symonds strong on the left driving into the corner sending a low ball into the box Webb down to claim it.

  GOAL! Snelling making an instant impact from the bench as she scores Norwich’s 3rd. The visitors on the attack on the left with Tomlinson powering on with the ball sending a cross into the six yard box Shaw going for it close on the keeper not quite getting there instead deflecting the ball wide into Snelling’s path to smash home at the far post 0-3.

Natasha Snelling making an instant impact coming off the bench to score Norwich’s 3rd and her 1st of the season.

 Norwich making a change straight after the third goal bringing off Tomlinson and sending on another of their new signings, Hope Strauss. A hammer blow for Cambridge as they look to get themselves back into the match now with a mountain to climb pressing on a caught on the counter with Parker sending the ball long on the left for Shaw to attack, Morley needing to get across to slide in take the ball out for the throw. 

  The cross claimed by Webb off the throw, Norwich make another change bringing off Shaw in attack as they bring on another of their new signings Rachel Lawrence. Norwich on top pressing on in attack the ball whipped into the box from the left, Webb going to claim it getting the decision as she is caught by Todd sticking a leg out trying to reach the ball. Cambridge making another change as they bring off Otten to be replaced by Mayzee Seymour. 

 

  Symonds getting forwards well from the middle for Norwich bursting into the left channel flashing a cross in near post Kosky racing across to head the ball away to safety. Stojko-Down staggered as she is shown a yellow card having been on the receiving end of a number of strong challenges throughout the game. Parker follows close behind as she goes into the referees book. Norwich make a change bringing off 16-year-old Morran to be replaced by Millie Daviss. 

Norwich’s Hope Strauss

 Cambridge winning a free-kick deep on the right, Jackson to send it in Stojko-Down with the lay back into Wood to dink over the top into the area for Wilshire to attack, Williams though out well to gab hold of the ball first. Norwich finding pockets of space out wide Lawrence attacking left sending a ball into the box met near side by Knights her shot saved well by Webb getting down to the floor quickly to smother.

  Norwich looking sharp as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Cambridge making a change bringing on another of their new signings Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris for Collins. Daviss blasts wide after winning a tackle on Stojko-Down. The visitors making another change bringing in bringing on Jodie Drake to replace Symonds. Wiltshire has been closely marked up top throughout for Cambridge always looking for an opportunity however pulls away to the left breaking into the channel with the ball at her feet is frustrated as she is adjudged to have fouled Flye as she closes her down to try and regain possession.

  Norwich’s turn to get a little sloppy in possession late in the game Cambridge pressing looking to get something from the game Wood winning a free kick high on the left inside her opponents half more or less a corner players up the ball instead played short to Wood outside the box to the left blasted a shot in towards goal stings the goalkeepers hands Williams reacting sharply gloving the ball up into the air, Todd beside her with a strong headed clearance. 

  Cambridge attacking right Wiltshire on with the ball into Seymour played back into the middle for Wood, Knights sliding in to tackle win the ball back.

  GOAL! With Cambridge committing players forwards they are caught on the counter the ball given away played through the middle on for Lawrence breaking through the middle to attack the box the defence back peddling puts the ball out to Drake bursting on right of the area to hit a low drive across the keeper and into the bottom corner 0-4.

Jodie Drake blasting home Norwich’s 4th

  7 minutes of regular time left Norwich in control of the tie Cambridge hurting looking for a reply Fox strong to get the ball down on the right sending a cross into the area cleared by Flye for Norwich. 

  GOAL! 4 quickly becomes 5, Drake getting onto the ball in the middle for Norwich sending a fantastic ball on to pick out Lawrence breaking clear wide on the left bursting forwards fires a vicious cross into the six yard box giving Webb no chance as Snelling comes sliding in turn the ball over the line for her 2nd of the game 0-5.

2 goals for Natasha Snelling

  Norwich break to send the back home for what they think is a 6th goal with Snelling playing the ball out to Todd right before she breaks into the box Todd sends the cross in to the near post Snelling throwing herself at it to volley the ball high into the net but she’s denied a hat-trick by a raised offside flag. Cambridge get onto the ball central played on for Seymour up top to attack the area in a race with Flye as Williams comes rushing out the keeper colliding with the pair nevertheless laying claim the the ball.

Norwich goalkeeper Bryony Williams claiming the ball after rushing out to close down Mayzee Seymour and Ceri Flye

  Cambridge fighting to the end Stojko-Down on for Wiltshire tries to knock it down for Fox rushing on behind her central but the move doesn’t quite come off. Wood advancing on the left whipping a high ball into the area Williams confidently claiming it. Norwich ready to pounce in attack as Cambridge lose the ball lifted on for Snelling outside the area left of the D drags her shot wide of the near post. The visitors determined to keep a clean sheet as the game moves into the dying seconds Williams rushing out of her area to clear a hopeful ball over the top.  

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-5 Norwich City Women

  Norwich through to the League Cup proper with a convincing 5-0 win over Cambridge who now go into the League Plate competition. A strong performance from Norwich, coach Martin Herdman must be pleased with his sides performance, asked for attacking flowing football and they certainly delivered today getting after the ball committing players forwards and in turn forcing errors from their opponents while remaining solid at the back. A few thing’s to work on so he can keep the squad on the ground but a pleasing start. Cambridge with plenty to work on when they return to the training pitch, a disappointing loss but overall not the end of the world several new faces to bed it and manager Darren Marjoram hasn’t had a full squad to work with during pre-season will take a little time for everyone to gel, but will be looking for a response heading into their league campaign.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and unlike last time out this one is a tough one with several contenders. A few performances to mention. A difficult day for Cambridge however under pressure at times defenders Beatrice Rodgers and Abbie Jackson put in a number of vital tackles. Zoe Wood looked to make thing’s happen with the ball at her feet, with Alysha Stojko-Down playing some good balls on into the attackers. Norwich were strong all over the park, Freya Symonds got about the pitch well getting into some great positions to receive and take the ball on. Likewise Katie Knights and Eloise Morran were strong in the middle. Natasha Snelling with an instant impact from the bench coming on to score a brace. Alice Parker and Ceri Flye strong in defence. The line led well by Olivia Cook and Shannon Shaw who narrowly clinches it for me from the off getting after the Cambridge defence opening her Norwich account with a 1st half brace that set Norwich on the path to victory, provided great runs throughout. 

  An exciting encounter form the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup, provides plenty of drama without ultimately giving much away to the outcome of either competition now it begins in earnest and both sides will want to do well. A good day out at St Neots getting used to the new car and it will be clocking up plenty of miles. Thanks to both teams for their help today and good luck with the competition going forwards.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Tuesday 25th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

sponsored by the Alan Boswell Group

A trip into Cambridgeshire this Tuesday evening to watch the final of the Women’s Invitation Cup being played at Cambridge United FC’s Abbey Stadium. Once again an all Cambridge affair with Cambridge United WFC back in the competition playing Cambridge City Ladies the current cup holders.

  The FAWNL South East Division One sides the highest league based sides in the county have dominated the Invitation Cup in recent season’s enjoying a healthy rivalry with Cambridge City making a rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid to join United in the 4th tier of the women’s game. 

This evening’s prize

Cambridge United WFC re-joining the Invitation Cup competition after a season away competing in the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup. Playing their home games at St Neots Town FC, Laura Mitchell scoring a late winner to see them beat St Ives Town Ladies to lift the cup. Mitchell one of several players to move on over the close season with the club seeing alot a changes to the squad as they began a new and stronger relation with Cambridge United FC, the League One club setting up a women’s board with closer ties men’s club which has included a number of games being played at The Abbey Stadium this season with their final league game against Actonians Ladies being held their this coming Sunday.

  With several new faces coming in and injury set backs to others Cambridge United WFC haven’t found the consistency they would have liked and after a promising start have struggled to get points on the board on a regular basis. Down in 8th place never in danger of being pulled into the drop zone (no non- existent with the sad withdrawal of two sides) A late late winner from Sarah Wiltshire, away to Chesham United Ladies in their penultimate league fixture seeing United set up what could be a positive end to the campaign with a cup final this evening and league finale at The Abbey Stadium. Sarah Wiltshire the clubs marque signing over the close season, with a wealth of experience playing at this level is well clear in the goal scoring charts netting 16 from 20 appearances. Aiming to make it a double in the county cup competitions with their Development side winning the Junior Invitation Cup 10 days ago.

 Cambridge City Ladies too enduring a tough season currently bottom of FAWNL South East Division One although with two sides gone no threat of relegation. Just the one league win all season that coming all the way back on the opening day. A further point gained ironically at The Abbey Stadium in their league fixture with United earlier in the year. Still have a chance of getting off the bottom of the table with their final league game away to Chesham United Ladies who themselves have struggled for points just 2 above. Beating, Newmarket Town Women 5-1 in last season’s final to win the Invitation Cup.

  Alot of changes at the club under a new management team has seen alot of player departures the side vastly changed from that which secured victory on the opening day. The club has always had a strong youth policy and set-up with young talent always coming through the 1st team well backed up by an U23s side and Development team. Several young players have found themselves promoted to the first team and have risen to the challenge. One of those attacker Sophie Billing who has scored 32 goals in 11 appearances for Cambridge City’s U18s side currently top of the U18 league in Cambridgeshire with a 10% record. Becca Stephenson top scoring for the first team with 6 goals. Have had terrible luck with injuries too most recently losing experienced defender Bronwyn Mulheron who dislocated her knee playing against league champions Hashtag United Women. Like United a good opportunity to end a difficult season on a positive note.

Road to the Final

  Both sides entering the competition at the 2nd Round stage, Cambridge United progressing without kicking a ball awarded the A-w win over Park Ladies who would go on to reach the Junior Invitation Cup Final eventually beaten by United’s Development side. Cambridge City away to Cambridgeshire Division Two side March Town United Ladies. A grace Stanley hat-trick, along with a brace for Shannon Shaw with a goal each for Karly Tolentino, Lauren Tomlinson and Becca Stephenson securing a 9-0 win.

  Into the quarter finals, United away to Cambridgeshire Division One side Leverington Sports Ladies. City at home were also taking on Cambridgeshire Division One opposition in Cambridge Rangers WFC. Emphatic score lines for both with United scoring 7 without reply. City going one better netting 8 without conceding.

Into the semi-finals United and City kept apart in the draw, United hosting last season’s finalists Newmarket Town Women, a first half brace for both Francesca Partridge and Sarah Wiltshire seeing United leading 4-0 at the break before going on to win 6-0 with Wiltshire getting her hat-trick. City away to Division one side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, a brace each for Ellie Cullum and Becca Stephenson with a goal too for Rose Sparrow seeing City into the final courtesy of a 5-1 victory.

The Abbey Stadium once again hosting the Women’s Invitation Cup, the League One ground the grass pitch immaculate, the sun bright with a little heat left in it setting over the terraced stand opposite the main stand. Filling up nicely for the final. Hot and cold food and drink available. Was in a bit of a rush and wanting a cup of tea, decided to try one of the gourmet burgers, can highly recommend was very nice.

Cambridge United WFC

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abi Davies, Carrie Bennett, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Harley-Jean Simpson, Ruth Fox, Francesca Partridge & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Jorja Badcock, Serena Cobb, Natasha Collins, Libby Fraser & Niamh Day. 

Cambridge City Ladies

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Lexi Pryke, Jess Fitzpatrick, Amy Reed, Millie Struthers, Rosie Mead, Ellen Marson, Rose Sparrow, Jess Wood, Becca Stephenson & Haile Richards. Subs – Olivia White, Sophie Billing, Sarah Payne, Jennifer Moore & Olivia Briffa.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Several players missing through injury and unavailability for both sides with 6 1st team regulars out for United, defender Rachel Kosky turning her ankle at the weekend the latest casualty. That sees United calling on their Junior Invitation Cup winning side with, Niamh Day, Libby Fraser, Serena Cobb and Jorja Badcock named on the bench along with Natasha Collins returning from injury. City likewise losing players to injury with several of their experienced players side lined, a young squad named with most U20. It’s United to get the 202223 Invitation Cup final underway kicking off the 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks with City lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The ball played back to Sammy Edgar in midfield out to Carrie Bennett at left back City rushing on to press the ball forcing united to play the ball all the way back to goalkeeper Lauren Webb to clear.

United attack down the right flank the ball fed on for Ruth Fox down in the corner turns to dig a cross out into the area dropping for Francesca Partridge in the clear top of the six yard box sees the ball down and shapes to shoot, City goalkeeper and captain Sarah Hudson coming in to make the blocking save at close range getting something on the ball is deflected off her behind rolling for the bottom corner, Millie Struthers getting back clearing the ball off the line. United coming close in the opening couple of minutes.

Ruth Fox (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Abi Davies with the ball on to Fox right side played the ball inside finding Harley-Jean Simpson central 20 yard out lifts the ball into the box for Sarah Wiltshire whose first time shot is straight at Hudson. United making a positive start getting the ball into the City half Wiltshire sending the ball out to Partridge wide left she attempts the return pass finding Wiltshire breaking into the box however the offside flag curtails a goal scoring opportunity. Pressing the ball in midfield, Sammy Edgar lifts a pass out to Partridge pulling wide left, Jess Fitzpatrick getting back at her tackling for City.

Wiltshire running away with the ball at her feet on the left cutting inside her marker to get into the area right corner, Hudson racing out to clear the ball, cleared as she and Wiltshire collide, some think it’s a penalty, but the free-kick goes the other way with Wiltshire the one who catches Hudson on her follow through trying to get the ball. Hudson down for a moment but is okay to play on.

Cambridge City Ladies Lexi Pryke with Cambridge United’s Sarah Wiltshire (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Rose Sparrow taking the ball on through the middle for City lifting it into Haile Richards in attack back to goal 25 yards out holding it up well before rolling it back to the advancing Sparrow to strike goalwards from distance, United goalkeeper, Lauren Webb catching confidently. The ball with Edgar in midfield United’s attackers race forwards, Edgar attempting the placed pass in behind, a vital interception by Fitzpatrick. City win a free-kick on halfway to the left the ball send long up into the United area cleared out to the left, Lexi Pryke getting hold of it 25 yards out struck wide across goal.

Fitzpatrick getting back at Wiltshire on United’s left to challenge and clear the ball as she looks to drive into the area. United seeing more of the ball playing the ball across the pitch. United winning a free-kick deep inside the City half to the left, Wiltshire launching the ball in towards the top of the area headed out to the right, Fox after it with a turn and hit from 20 yards out pulled wide of the right post. United’s attackers lively Wiltshire moving across the line finding Fox on the right her cross lifted into the six yard box, Hudson up to claim with Partridge closing in.

Simpson up with Partridge on the left wins a corner as her cross is deflected behind of a City defender. Taken by Wiltshire on the left, swung in near post cleared back out to her by Fitzpatrick, moving up the line for a better angle hits a curling shot wide past the far post. Richards coming into midfield getting the ball off Jess Wood advancing right, holding off Carri Bennett sends the pass wide for Wood racing down the right, Lauren Rouse getting across to win the ball clear it for a throw.

Harley-Jean Simpson (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Richards strong holding up the ball turns and drives forwards for City central before being brought down 35 yards out winning the set-piece. The ball floated into the area attacked far post nodded down towards goal, Webb down to her left sharply the ball turned behind for the corner. Swept in long across the face of goal beat away at the far post, United look to get on the counter Wiltshire carrying the ball away left side, Simpson up with her the pass into her Struthers cutting out the return pass intended for Wiltshire.

City settling down now after United’s strong start getting in to win the ball, players spread out at times, picking the final pass tricky. United captain, Gisela Otten playing the ball on for United’s attackers, Wiltshire sending out out to Partridge left of the D 20 yards out, has more time that she realises, taking the shot her effort pulled wide of the near post. Wood taking the ball on down City’s right, Rouse going with her sliding in to win the ball back for United.

Cambridge United WFC captain, Gisela Otten with Cambridge City’s Rosie Mead (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Simpson bringing the ball on for United running into the left channel pushed out to Partridge wide, looking to open up her body thread the low diagonal ball into Wiltshire’s path outside the D, Struthers in the way intercepting to play it back into her keeper to clear. United attacking on the left Bennett advanced up with Partridge winning a throw high, dropped into Wiltshire’s feet coming back off the by-line to wrap her foot around the cross fired into the six yard box, Pryke clearing for City.

Wiltshire with alot of running with the ball taking it on for Edgar in midfield racing forwards tackled by City’s Rosie Mead. Davies on the right coming on with the ball for United playing a diagonal ball across to Partridge out left side dragging it down ahead of her sweeps a long pass out to Fox looking to get into the box from the right, Pryke cutting the ball out for City.

Ellen Marson linking up with Mead in the middle the ball clipped out out Becca Stephenson out on the left flank, taking the ball on down the line, Davies getting back at her to tackle for United. Partridge picked out on the left by the diagonal pass bringing the ball down sends a cross into the six yard box from 25 yards out Wiltshire surging in throwing up a boot getting to the ball before the keeper prods the ball wide of the left post.

Cambridge United’s Abi Davies( photo credit Ben Phillips)

Davies combining with Fox on the right lifting a cross into the City area, headed clear by Amy Reed. United continue to knock on the door with 35 minutes played Wiltshire with a shot on goal from 25 yards out left of the D, held by Hudson. Rouse bringing the ball up from the back for United into the City half right channel out to Wiltshire near the top right corner, the ball at her feet turns inside to shoot, her attempt straight forwards for the keeper, Hudson taking it high.

Edgar showing great passing ability as she tries again to clip a long ball into Partridge pulling away left, Fitzpatrick stabbing a foot out to take the ball away from her. United regain possession quickly inside the City half Simpson lively after the ball.

GOAL! Players getting up the pitch Bennett fed the ball on the left taking it to the by-line checking back to burst into the area before smashing a cross into the six yard box, Wiltshire pouncing to send the ball past the keeper central to opening the scoring in the 40th minute 1-0.

Sarah Wiltshire with the opening goal for Cambridge United WFC (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Edgar playing the pass forwards into Wiltshire left of the D 25 yards out, Bennett rushing on up the line in support, City racing back to defend, Sparrow getting there to regain possession before Bennett can get in behind. United lively at the end of the half coming on at will right side the ball lifted into the area Reed’s clearance dropping for Simpson 25 yards out central shifts the ball between her feet before placing her shot straight at the keeper.

Wiltshire flagged offside as she breaks in between the City centre backs looking to get onto the end of another Edgar pass. City making a change bring Sophie Billing on for Wood. Wiltshire is brought down on the right outside the box as she looks to take the ball on from Fox. The set-piece sent over. Wiltshire taking the ball on left played on by Partridge, held up by Fitzpatrick sends it back to Simpson 30 yards out drags the ball inside before shooting, no power on the strike caught by Hudson. A double change coming for City late in the first half with Sarah Payne and Jennifer Moore coming on for Marson and Sparrow. Time for one last United attack from the right the ball landing in the side netting.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  United with a strong 1st half performance seeing more of the ball getting forwards well with numbers putting the City back line under pressure, an early effort cleared off the line. Opportunities created the dead lock finally broken in the 40th minute. Sarah Wiltshire’s goal the difference between the sides at the break. City have worked hard to fight for the ball having little opportunity to test the defence at the other end one chance turned wide by the keeper off a set-piece. At one nil however remain very much in the final and one chance could put them back on level terms, question is can they keep United out at the other end.

City making another change at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Olivia White for Struthers. United unchanged with City having the kick-off 2nd half the ball played back into the middle before being put out to White on the left, Davies getting back at her to challenge for the ball. City looking to make a fast start 2nd half pressing United on the ball a shot from distance dragged wide from the right. Payne winning the ball forwards into Richards, closely marked by Jackson.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

Payne with the ball turning central to send the pass out to Stephenson on the right threads it through to Richards breaking into the area from the right, tracked all the way to the by-line running out of room back heels the ball back into the area, no one arriving to attack it. An open start to the 2nd half City making a few tactical switches United needing time to adjust too. Stephenson taking the ball on over halfway right laying the pass forwards for Richards bursting clear right channel, Webb racing out of her area to clear just about getting there first. United regroup the ball won by Edgar in midfield on to Wiltshire her diagonal ball looking for Partridge pulling into the area left, Fitzpatrick winning it for City

GOAL!  United regaining momentum push players forwards keeping possession out on the left the ball put inside to Edgar outside the box, puts her foot through the ball, powering a wonderful strike into the top corner across the keeper to double the lead 2-0.

Sammy Edgar scoring for Cambridge United WFC (photo credit Ben Phillips)

United 2-0 inside the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half a blow for City as they look to start the half on the front foot. Edgar carded moments after scoring with an over zealous tackle on City’s Reed as she brings the ball out from the back. Simpson playing the ball out to Bennett running on down the left flank, tackled by Fitzpatrick. Stephenson attacking out on the right for City her cross squared into the D, looking for Richards, Davies nipping in to clear for United.

Fox on the right seeing the ball down well flicking in on cleverly behind the defence after it heading it on, not quite under control as Reed stretches a leg to clear. Wiltshire taking the ball on across the top of the City area tripped winning a free-kick in a dangerous position right of the D. Over the free-kick smashes a low strike past the wall looking for the inside if the left post, Hudson with a fantastic save getting down to push the ball away behind for the corner to the left.

City certainly competing better 2nd half the ball being closed down in the middle a few tackles coming in free-kicks given away. Stephenson getting hold of a long pass floated into the D back to goal turns to her left taking the ball inside, Jackson close in staying on her to put in a well timed tackle to win the ball back for United. Reed defending at the other end inside her box heading the ball clear with Wiltshire closing in following Otten’s hooked clearance upfield.

GOAL! City win a corner out of nothing on the right as the ball runs behind following a challenge up field, an opportunity to get players into the box. A high ball looped down into the six yard box, Pryke running in jumping well to power her header in of a United defender over the keeper pulling a goal back on the hour. 2-1.

Game on United look for a quick response Simpson’s diagonal ball out to the left Partridge caught offside. Fox shoved in the back United winning a free-kick out on the right the ball in from Davies long to the far post a looping attempt put long past the far post retrieved on the right wide on the angle a high ball back in threatening to drop under Hudson’s crossbar the goalkeeper claiming it above her head.

Simpson getting hold of the ball left brought down outside the box presenting United with another set-piece. Wiltshire firing the ball in towards the near post on the angle, Hudson coming claiming well. United making their first switch bringing off Fox in attack sending on Niamh Day. City winning a throw high on the left, the ball played into Billing the attacker turning knocking the ball into the box, slightly over hit, Webb rushing out to close her down dive at her feet, Billing jumping in rashly catching Webb. A free-kick for United Webb needing a few moments to recover is okay to play on. 

  Wiltshire putting the City defence under pressure capitalising on a mis-cue to latch onto the ball and take it on into the area right of goal, never quite having it under control, screws her shot wide at the near post as Reed gets back to challenge. The competitiveness gone up a notch City with their tails up having pulled a goal back a few nerves showing from United. City winning a free-kick on half way the ball lifted up to the top of the area initially headed clear by Jackson, the shot struck from distance wide of the left post.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

   City push on left side with Billing finding Stephenson out wide, checking back inside 25 out, rolls the ball inside for Moore who in turn puts it into Mead’s path hitting the shot from all of 30 yard out the effort blasted wide. City making a switch bringing Billing off with Wood returning to the field. Payne playing the ball forwards into Richards inside the D, Jackson in to block her attempt at goal the ball rebounding away. Rouse feeling her knee goes down requiring treatment both sides going to their benches to take on fluids and instructions with a little over 15 minutes left to play.

  United on the ball a great diagonal pass picking out Partridge bursting into the box from the left, Hudson rushing out to close her down, Partridge getting her foot up to lob the ball over the keeper, Reed racing back towards goal clearing the ball off the line.  City making a double change bringing on Olivia Briffa and Sparrow for Reed and White. United also making a substitution, Partridge coming off, Fox returning to the field to the left of attack. 

  City winning a free-kick wide left push players up into the box the ball fed into the six yard box, Webb up to punch the ball clear, falls to Stephenson right of the D, her strike charged down, Payne onto the ball to strike from distance Webb behind it plucking the ball down comfortably. United giving free-kicks away late in the game encouraging City to push players up, Pryke to play the ball forwards form the top of the centre circle knocked back out of the area straight to Stephenson, Simpson racing out to close her down for United. The 90 minutes almost up 4 minute of added time to be played.

  City getting another free-kick inside the United half 30 yards out Pryke again over the ball central, takes on the shot curling the ball towards the right post, Webb diving to save send the ball behind for a corner kick. Swung into the mix inside the six yard box, Edgar getting behind the ball to scramble it clear, City pressing the ball eventually out for a goal kick. 

  United get the ball away into the City half on the left a corner won, taken short they look to keep it there run down the clock. City sending the ball away up the right winning a throw high, played across to Sparrow out on the left her cross flung into the box, cleared by Fox. 

 GOAL! United break the ball sent forwards into Day’s path as she races forwards on the right wing taking the ball on towards the box produces a wonderful strike to send the ball looping across the keeper to land in side the goal at the far post! Day wheeling away with her arms wide in celebration in front of the fans the 3rd goal surely winning the game for United 3-1.

Niamh Day securing the win for United at the death (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  Little time left United making a change bringing on Natasha Collins for Davies to see out the closing seconds, no time for City to get another attack in as the final whistle blows.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 3-1 Cambridge City Ladies

  Cambridge United WFC winning the Invitation Cup final 3-1. With the bulk of the chances making a positive start to the game, goal line clearances and goalkeeping saves keeping United out 1st half until Carrie Bennett cut into the area from the left to send the ball across goal for Sarah Wiltshire to score. 1-0 at the break City making changes starting the 2nd half well before conceding a 2nd goal. Kept plugging away getting a goal back on the hour as Lexi Pryke headed the ball home, very much game on then as City grew in confidence and United became a little nervous giving away free-kicks, had more chances however to score riding out some late City pressure to break away and score a 3rd clinching goal in the dying moments of the match. A valiant effort from Cambridge City’s youngsters may well have been thrown in at the deep end, but will have gained valuable experience and have performed well, certainly in the games I’ve seen they never give up and wins have to be earned one last effort needed away to Chesham on Sunday to see if they can get the win needed to get themselves off the bottom of the table. Cambridge United with one last game at The Abbey Stadium to come this Sunday taking on 4th placed Actonians Ladies, winning the cup will be up for the match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. The Cambridge derby in whatever format always a committed affair with both sides giving it there all. Several players out for both. Cambridge City’s young side battled throughout giving United something to think about 2nd half. Sarah Hudson in goal with some vital saves. Jess Fitzpatrick with a good performance at right back, with some well timed tackling and interceptions. Harley-Jean Simpson with some great ball control and runs in the final third. Francesca Partridge and Ruth Fox providing great outlets on the flanks in attack linking up with Sarah Wiltshire who herself made some excellent runs and created goal scoring chances opening the scoring. The award goes to midfielder Sammy Edgar was strong on the ball showing a great range of passing and getting stuck in to win the ball back, a fantastic strike for United’s 2nd goal. First saw her playing for Watton Ladies in Beds & Herts Division Two has risen up through the pyramid into regional football, this season her first at tier 4 wanting to test herself at a higher level has been a consistent performer for United, rising to the occasion. 

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

Cambridge United WFC 2022/23 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning the 2022/23 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

 An enjoyable evening at The Abbey Stadium with the crowd seeing another entertaining and commit encounter between City and United. My thanks to both sides for the team details and to the staff at the ground and Cambs FA for their help and to Ben Phillips for the additional pictures used in the report.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Wednesday 22nd February

FAWNL South East Division One

 Midweek football action from The Abbey Stadium this Wednesday evening with a game from FAWNL South East Division One the Cambridge derby with Cambridge United WFC hosting Cambridge City Ladies.

One time together the Cambridge Women breaking away from City to become an established club in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid merging with Cambridge United FC with the link between the clubs male and female sides becoming closer with a new women’s board at the start of the season. Cambridge City building on their strong youth set-up to rise rapidly through the pyramid themselves to join their local rivals in South East Division One.

A healthy rivalry exists between the two, a local derby always bringing with it an extra bit of spice into any league campaign. City often a thorn in United’s side over the past few season’s United have had the upper hand so far this campaign beating City both in league and cup competitions.

Cambridge United WFC now fully integrated with Cambridge United FC, with a new women’s board and better youth development through the centre of excellence. Playing a number of matches at The Abbey Stadium this season including this evenings derby, have games against London Seaward FC and Actonians Ladies to come. Currently 7th in the FAWNL South East Division One table have lost ground on the top six over recent games and will want to improve their points tally get back amongst it. Several players coming and going over the close season with Sarah Wiltshire the marquee signing with lots of experience playing in the FAWNL the striker netting 15 goals so far this season. New players joining all the time as they look to build a strong competitive squad one of those ex-City player Bella Simmons who was at United before enjoying a successful spell with their local rivals. Hitting the ground running with 2 goals in 4 matches plus player of the match displays.

  Cambridge City Ladies themselves appear to be in something of a transitional phase with several changes to the management team and playing personnel over the past months. The club build on a strong youth set-up that still remains the foundation with plenty of young talent coming through. Of late though have lost several senior players including Simmons and top scorer Grace Stanley moving to QPR. Young players pushed up to meet the challenge of playing in the FAWNL, have added Eva Hubbard, ex Ipswich captain, Sarah Payne formerly with Harlow Town Ladies and striker Haile Richards from Biggleswade as they look to get away from the bottom of the table with just one win on the board before this evenings game lay 2nd bottom. Although bottom side Hounslow Women are struggling to fin a side let alone a win you don’t want to e in that position. Far from ideal preparations for the match to with City travelling to Hounslow on Sunday only to find their opponents couldn’t field a team!

   This evening seeing a tribute to Cambridge United WFC’s, Kayleigh-Anne Burt. Retiring from football after playing for the club for17 years, coming through the centre of excellence at 16 with 300 appearances going on to become club captain, winning several county cups along the way. The defender a much loved member of the club. From a personal point of view, one of my favourite players have enjoyed watching her play. From my early days of coming to watch Cambridge Women made me feel welcome and always helpful and approachable. A leader on and off the field loyal to the club, a true legend. Wishing Kayleigh all the best for for whatever comes after football. Enjoy your footballing retirement.

Kayleigh-Anne Burt retiring after 17 years playing for Cambridge United WFC

Tonight’s derby match one of a number of Cambridge United WFC matches to be played at The Abbey Stadium as they look to get more people watching the woman’s team showcase women’s football within the county and beyond. A League One stadium with a fantastic playing surface. The main stand open with hot food and drinks available. The weather remain unusually mild and pleasant for February, dry and still.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Mayzee Seymour, Carrie Bennett, Rachel Kosky, Lauren Rouse, Sammy Edgar, Gisela Otten (C), Sydnie Naylor, Ella Mardon, Francesca Partridge & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Abbi Griffin, Abi Davies, Abbie Jackson, Libby Fraser, Kaylen Gerkey.

Cambridge City Ladies

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Emily Struthers, Amy Reed, Bronwyn Mulheron, Fran Steele, Paige Gardiner, Erin Davies, Rebecca Stephenson, Jess Fitzpatrick, Eva Hubbard & Haile Richards. Subs – Sarah Payne, Ellen Marson, Rose Sparrow, Alexandra Pryke & Sophie Billing.

United losing Bella Simmons and midfielder Alysha Stojko-Down due to injuries picked up in the weekends friendly match in preparation for tonight’s match. Both ides with 5 available on the bench. It’s City to kick-off the first half wearing white shirts with back shorts and black and white hooped socks. United lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played long out to the left side for Eva Hubbard seen safely out of play by United’s Mayzee Seymour.

City work the ball inside from the throw in the diagonal pass put long into the box for attacker Haile Richards right side heads into the corner played up the line for Amy Reed drives towards the right corner of the area a strong challenge from defender Rachel Kosky for United seeing the attack quelled the ball cleared.

Rachel Kosky (photo credit Sean Doyle)

City with a free-kick wide left an early opportunity to send players forwards attacked left of the D, deflected towards goal, goalkeeper Lauren Webb right behind it to claim safely. Kosky with a long range pass forwards from the back looking for Francesca Partridge on the left side, intercepted by City’s Emily Struthers at the back. United rush in to close the ball down in the middle of the park played on by Sammy Edgar to Partridge has full back Carrie Bennett racing on to support the ball rolled into her path crosses it in towards the top of the area central headed clear by City’s Fran Steele.

Women’s Football East sponsored player, Francesca Partridge (photo credit Sean Doyle)

United looking to get the ball moving rapidly take the game to their opponents Kosky forwards for Edgar looking for Partridge making a left channel run. Struthers getting their first to cut out the ball. Partridge with good footwork to get inside her marker on the left, has Sarah Wiltshire coming across as she turns infield finds her with the pass Wiltshire heading for the area held up, United get numbers up to press the ball back to Partridge left her cross claimed by City goalkeeper and captain, Sarah Hudson.

Certainly has a derby feel with United working to close the ball down keep possession in City’s half of the pitch Wiltshire running at the defence, both Steele and Bronwyn Mulheron putting tackles in to deny her an opportunity to shoot. Cleared from the back into Jessie Fitzpatrick central City mount an attack played on for Richards up top turns playing it out right to Reed racing up the pitch, her cross squared back across the top of the area intercepted and cleared by Edgar for United.

Bronwyn Mulheron tackling United’s Francesca Partridge (photo credit Sean Doyle)

United seeing more of the ball in the early exchanges but City are working hard at the back prevent anyone getting in behind. Steele with a vital touch to head the bouncing ball out of the marauding Wiltshire’s path at the top of the box as she attempts to run onto a well placed ball clipped on from the middle. Fitzpatrick taking the ball right for City getting on before sending a cross into the United box, won by centre back, Lauren Rouse.

Bennett finding space to run into on the left giving good support to Partridge looks to play the diagonal ball forwards into Wiltshire as the United striker, Hudson alert to the threat out of her six yard box to get to the flight of the ball first. United pressing on Sydnie Naylor combining with Ella Marden on the right, Hubbard breaking up play for City. United captain Gisela Otten closing the ball down to keep the pressure on City on for Naylor lifted on for Wiltshire, Hudson again out to the top of her area early to grab the ball.

Sydnie Naylor on the attack (photo credit Sean Doyle)

United looking to dictate a high tempo the full backs able to get on keep City pushed back inside their own half. Wiltshire dispossessed, City try to mount a quick counter on for Fitzpatrick through the middle into Richards, Rouse quickly into her to tackle prevent the potential attack. Wiltshire getting her own back moments later stealing the ball off Steele at the back 20 yards out knocking it on into the area, racing after it, Hudson advancing to the ball throwing herself down to slide in bravely at the attackers feet getting her body behind the ball to save.

Wiltshire always lively up top moving about the back line a willing runner and outlet for the forwards pass, Partridge attempts to pick her out with  diagonal ball, Steele winning it for City. United with a free-kick inside the City half to the right players up lined up across the top of the rea fired in, Otten seeing it into her feet 20 yards out with the turn and volley deflected through bodies into the six yard box. Wiltshire after it but can’t quite get to the ball as it skips up in front of Hudson and is caught.

Cambridge City’s Fran Steele

United advance left a throw won Bennett into Wiltshire drags the ball inside lining up a strike from 25 yards out rising is straight to Hudson and claimed by the goalkeeper. 20 minutes played United pressing the advantage Wiltshire collecting the ball from a deeper position lifting it on for Naylor racing on through the middle, City get back en masse to deny her a route through towards goal.

GOAL! United maintain the pressure in midfield as City attempt to clear their lines, Wiltshire sharp pulling off to the right inside the box as the ball is won back and lifted forwards seeing it drop over her smashes it past the keeper into the back of the net to score the opening goal 1-0.

Sarah Wiltshire on target for the opening goal for United (photo credit Sean Doyle)

United leading 1-0 (photo credit Sean Doyle)

16 goals from 16 games for Wilshire now putting United into a deserved lead the hosts coming onto City. Mulheron getting a foot in in the nick of time on Partridge as United break through the middle, the ball running away for a corner kick. The delivery into a busy six yard box headed away to the right, before play is stopped by a raised flag.

Kosky getting her foot in to deny Richards up top for City as she attempts to see the ball roll across her body and turn from a Hubbard pass from the left. Richards and Fitzpatrick combining as the pair come on for City right channel, Bennett defending for United. Erin Davies frustrated in the centre of midfield for City with a good tackle to get the ball forwards into Fitzpatrick, her threaded pass forwards unable to find Richards up top. A few fouls being given away by City as they look to get themselves going.

Mulheron getting back well on Wiltshire to defend for City as the United striker takes the ball off Marden on the right and turns inside making a run for the box. Kosky allowed time on the ball at the back able to pick a pass goes long with Wiltshire pulling off the defence, too much on it however Hudson taking it safely. Steele cuts the ball out at the back as Wiltshire drifting over to the left looks to find Partridge through the middle, the clearance as has been often the case quickly coming back with Edgar, Naylor and Otten in this case winning the ball back for United.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

Bennett bombing on left side her pass on catching Partridge offside. Otten central out to Marden on the right has support from Wiltshire the pass inside, shifts to go one way checking back inside Mulheron adjusting to get her foot in to take the ball away from her. Hubbard drifting into a central position with a telling pass forwards for City cutting the United defence open Richards running on, Webb though sharp to respond out quickly to the top of the area to lay claim to the ball.

Cambridge United captain, Gisela Otten (photo credit Sean Doyle)

City battling for possession Davies with the ball long on the diagonal to Richards making a run into the area, Kosky getting across her the defender shielding the ball out for goal kick. United with the ball high on the left Bennett up with Partridge and Wiltshire playing a short triangle the ball coming to Wilshire outside the box left of the D, Davies tracking back from midfield getting the  block in to deny the shot.

City with a few encouraging signs towards the latter stages of the first half the ball played into Richards feet 20 odd yards out central does well to roll her marker shift the ball right and turn onto the shot a vicious drive on target low comes onto Webb quickly improvises well with a fantastic save with her shins as she falls back to deflect the ball away to the right. Pressure from Partridge sees the ball lost on the City right picks out Naylor central forwards to Wilshire, Fitzpatrick with the challenge for City.

Cambridge City captain Sarah Hudson sliding in to deny Sarah Wiltshire in the 1st half (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  United with the lead at half-time Sarah Wiltshire’s 16th goal of the season the difference between the sides scoring in the 20th minute. A dominant first half from the hosts with City sitting back soaking up alot of pressure. Have battled well to keep their opponents chances limited with Wiltshire getting on clear chance in behind the defence to score. City have been frustrated but showed signs towards the end of the first half that they are far from out of the game and with the lead just a single goal the result is far from certain.

No changes for either side at the break with United to get the 2nd half underway in front of a crowd of 371. The ball played back into midfield, City straight in the close the ball down the action frantic at the start as the ball in hustled all over the pitch. City working the ball across the pitch out to the right claimed by Wedd in the United goal.

Partridge on through the middle with a good touch to send the ball on towards the box, Hudson out well to clear. City get the ball on through the middle Hubbard more central on for Richards a race with Rouse towards the box the United defender getting to the ball to clear. Bennett still getting forwards on the left for United on for Wilshire, Reed coming back at her to win the ball back for City. A much more even start to the 2nd half City getting into United higher up the pitch to disrupt play a little bitty at times with passes being forced and possession lost.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

United have a break on Wiltshire moving right on for Naylor, Mulheron stretching to make the challenge getting hold of the ball. Richards frustrated as she gives away a foul kicking the ball away, a word from the referee. City getting into United higher up the pitch is seeing the passes forwards into Wiltshire restricted. Hubbard linking with Davies in the middle on for Richards, Kosky getting in close to challenge for United.

Stephenson out left for City seeing the ball into her feet back to goal spins off her marker well to check inside the pass for Richards intercepted by Edgar for United. Stephenson with another clever turn this time frustrated as the flag goes up against her. Edgar coming forwards with the ball at her feet right channel on for Wiltshire making a run down the line checking back on the by-line up towards the corner of the area getting a looping shot away looking for the top corner drops into Hudson’s waiting gloves.

Haile Richards with Rachel Kosky (photo credit Sean Doyle)

City much improved with Hubbard in with Davies allowing the visitors number 8 more time to pick a pass give the attacking plyers something to run onto. United under a bit of pressure now themselves at the back. Richards on the run with the ball right side bundled over City with the free-kick 35 yards out, Hubbard over it an ambitious effort going for goal, out straight at Webb the goalkeeper untroubled.

Erin Davies (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Edgar fouled coming forwards for United inside the City half. Naylor playing the ball low in towards the top of the area Wiltshire putting it across the D, City scramble it clear. City with a set-piece launched into the box, a firm header from Kosky to clear for United. Bennett left up to Partridge attempting to flick it on behind and run onto the ball gives herself too much to do as Hudson rushes out to claim the ball. City making their first change bringing on 16-year-old Sophie Billing for her first team debut, for Struthers going up top sees a shift of personnel, City feeling they’re right back in the game.

Kosky pushing up on Richards the striker doing well to drag the ball wide and spin in behind feeding the pass on for Billing up top clear to attack, Webb out to get to the ball top of her area. Billing combining with Stephenson in attack on the left, Seymour seeing it out for the throw, the cross played into the top of the area hooked clear by Edgar. Steele appears to have picked up a knock for City coming off to be assessed.

GOAL! City with a strong start to the 2nd half get themselves back on level terms with a top quality finish from Hubbard from all of 30 yards out. Gardiner forwards to Stephenson on the left comes inside playing the pass into Hubbard central, sees the opportunity making great contact with the ball sending it up towards goal Webb back on her line can’t get a touch as it dips under the bar to make it 1-1.

Eva Hubbard striking the ball to make it 1 all for Cambridge City (photo credit Sean Doyle)

City celebrate their equaliser (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Steele has come off replaced by Ellen Marson. City full of confidence now pressing the ball winning a free-kick on the left as Stephenson is bundled over. 30 yards out Hubbard to flight it in towards the top of the area Richards stretching for it can’t get enough of a touch to knock it past the defence United clear. United with a double change on the right bringing off Seymour and Marden for Abi Davies and Abbie Jackson. City too making another change bringing on Sarah Payne for Gardiner.

City winning a corner on the left players up as the ball is flung in across the six yard box, Webb up well amongst the crowd to glove the ball away to drop behind to the right for another corner. Put in near side Fitzpatrick attempting to knock it in towards the near post too many bodies to get through cleared.

Lauren Webb gloving the ball away

City looking energized now up for it as the crowd try to gee up United with a little over 15 minutes left to play. Richards gathering the ball right of Reed turning for goal 30 yards out clattered over winning the set-piece. Over it herself goes for goal the attempt straight at Webb held. United aren’t finding it as easy to get the balls into their attackers 2nd half with City more competitive in the middle Hubbard and Davies pressing the ball finding Stephenson out left Richards with support from Billing moving about to get onto the ball.

Abi Davies with Rebecca Stephenson (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Richards game done however as she comes off for Alexandra Pryke late in the game. Davies with a shot from distance off a eft side throw for City on target but straight at Webb. United making a change Kosky off at the back replaced by new signing Kaylen Gerkey. Naylor coming through the middle for United a powerful run riding a challenge driving threaded into the area for Wiltshire moving left on into the six yard box rapidly losing room for a shot gets an angled ball in low but taken by Hudson.

City finishing the game the stronger pressing the ball not giving United any time fighting to keep what they’ve got at the end Jackson cutting out Payne pass on for Billing outside the box.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Cambridge City Ladies

  All over and the points are shared. A game of two halves literally. United the better side in the first half getting into City pushing on and spreading the ball about the park controlling the middle taking a deserved lead. City battled hard to keep them at bay not wanting to expose any gaps in behind conceding were encouraging signs towards the end of the first half. A few tweaks to positioning a a much improved 2nd half on the front foot competing for the ball in the middle while limiting United passes into their forwards a more even contest did feel another United goal might kill it off but it didn’t come and City found the equaliser through a wonderful finish from Eva Hubbard, giving them renewed energy and confidence might well have gone either way at the end after that. Will meet again this season in the upcoming Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final, City the current holders. United back in the competition after a year out where they went on to win the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Cup, on the basis to this evenings game a mouthing game awaits.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. No easy one this with several contenders putting themselves forwards. Carrie Bennett had an excellent game out on the left for United relishing a derby got herself about the park, putting in a number of tackles. Rachel Kosky too at the back with a several key challenges and interceptions, showing a good range of passing. Sarah Wiltshire’s movement causing City’s defence problems especially first half as she moved across the back line looking to create openings and receive the ball, took her goal well. For City, Fran Steele was strong at the back getting in to win the ball and clear threats. Haile Richards impressed up top working hard running into the channels and linking up play. Although Erin Davies was a frustrated figure in the first half the 2nd half adjustments saw her have more influence in the middle and won her fair share of the ball. Tonight’s award though goes to Cambridge City’s Eva Hubbard was a sublime finish to get City back on level terms. Working hard for the team both tracking back to defend and get forwards moving more central 2nd half to get amongst the midfield.

 Another enjoyable evening at The Abbey Stadium, my tanks to both teams for this assistance tonight and my thanks to Sean Doyle for using his pictures in the report. A great advert for football in Cambridge long my the rivalry continue. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

 Sunday 8th January

FAWNL South East Division One

 Wishing you all a Happy New Year! A huge personal milestone to kick-off 2023 with this report being the 500th! Come along way from what was initially just a go at trying something new as I looked to continue my coverage of woman’s football following the folding of my WSL team Lincoln Ladies. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog eventually growing into Women’s Football East as I felt all of the teams across all leagues in the region deserved and needed more coverage. Hopefully have played a part in that and there’s plenty more games let to cover.

Today’s game comes from FAWNL South East Division One a trip to St Neots Town FC to watch Cambridge United WFC take on newly promoted Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women.

Both sides with a comfortable firs half of the season placed in mid-table looking to push on up the table in 2023. The 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid getting ever stronger, but with the sad demise of Wymondham Town Ladies leaving the league a side down it highlights how fragile that growth remains and the hard work clubs have to do to play at this level.

Cambridge United WFC now a long established club at this level growing strong links now with their respective men’s side with 4 games to be played at The Abbey Stadium throughout this season. A stark assessment of the squad taking place at the end of last season seeing some players moving on Cambridge United have steadily been recruiting looking for the right players to build the side going forwards with Sarah Wiltshire the stellar sighing during the summer has weighed in with 15 goals so far top scorer from 11 appearances. Francesca Partridge another new addition to the attack scoring 6 to date. 

  Defender Abbie Jackson coming in from Ipswich Town Women before Christmas, Cambridge have continue to recruit building a large squad with Sydnie Naylor joining having had playing experience with Arsenal and Notts Forest. Another 2 new addition announced before today’s match too with defender Mayzee Seymour coming in from Harlow and Bella Simmons re-joining the club after spells away with Royston Town Women and rivals Cambridge City Ladies. 11 points from 8 played will be aiming to push into the top 5.

  Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women are newly promoted to the FAWNL for the first time in their history having won the London and South East Regional Premier Division like the ERWFL an extremely tough league to get out of. That said Ashford made it look easy last season winning all but 2 of their 20 league games and those ending in a draw. Have several familiar names in the side with experience at this level having played for Denham United Ladies, most notably Alissa Down who captains the side. Ashley Cheatley top scorer for the Middlesex side so far this season netting 13 goals from 12 appearances with Alissa Down on 7 from 12 played. Collecting 10 points from their opening 8 matches are well clear of the bottom two just a point behind today’s opponents and well placed to challenge for the top 5 themselves. The points shared between the sides when Cambridge United visited Ashford at the beginning of the season the game ending 3-3.

 St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s league encounter the grass pitch looking in great condition with a 4G pitch situated behind the main stadium. Viewing all round with covered terraces both ends and a seated stand housing the changing rooms and clubhouse beneath. The wind fairly blustery prior to kick-off dull and overcast a strong down pour coming minutes before kick-off retreated to the stands to take my notes, as it was the rain would stop the instant the players walked out onto the pitch taking the windy weather with it. The sun even poking through for a moment.

Cambridge United WFC  starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abbi Griffin, Abi Davies, Abbie Jackson, Rachel Kosky, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Sydnie Naylor, Ella Marden, Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Alysha Stojko-Down, Francesca Partridge, Libby Fraser & Mayzee Seymour.

Cambridge United WFC

Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women starting XI – Sophie Shults, Ellen Clarabut, Jade Johnson, Hannah Duncan, Laura Huse, Aimee Durn, Alissa Down (C), Kayleigh Currivan, Millie Constantine, Elizabeth O’Callaghan & Ashley Cheatley. Subs – Eman Kassem & Ellie Luscombe.

Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

  Bella Simmons is in the starting line-up for Cambridge today with the other new signing Mayzee Seymour on the bench, Abbi Griffin a late change to the starting line-up coming in for Carrie Bennett at left back. Ashford travelling up from Middlesex with 5 players unavailable naming just the 2 on their bench. Having left the pitch after the warm-up to some pretty unsavoury weather the players return to bright sunshine prompting a change of ends with Ashford switching ends to put the sun in Cambridge’s faces in the first half (not that it was going to last long) Cambridge to get the game underway wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Ashford also known as The Tangerines in their away kit to day a very nice looking all purple affair. 

 The ball played back to the defend, Ashford rush forwards to close down pressure the ball centre backs Rachel Kosky and Abbie Jackson manoeuvring the ball out for Cambridge into midfielder Sammy Edgar who sends it long to the right for Ella Marden, Ellen Clarabut heading it away for Ashford. The visitors bring the ball on up their left the diagonal ball into the box intercepted by Cambridge’s Jackson cleared away to the right. The recent rain making the pitch slick the ball skipping on players sliding in. Ashford presenting a solid back line with the midfield close not allowing Cambridge any space to exploit through the middle.

Cambridge United WFC defender, Abbie Jackson

   Cambridge look to get the ball out wide Abi Davies passing it on for Marden on the right wing presses forwards breaking into the area holding off her challenger closing in on the near post pulls the trigger, Ashford goalkeeper Sophie Shults down smartly to save push the ball wide across her six yard box, Bella Simmons retrieving the ball beyond the far post turns back inside see’s her shot blocked by centre back Laura Huse the rebound straight to Sarah Wiltshire her first time shot similarly blocked by Hannah Duncan. 

  Coming on with the ball through the middle Ashford captain Alissa Down opens up her body attempting to thread the ball through to Ashley Cheatley in attack, Jackson with a timely interception for Cambridge. Ashford sitting back a little allowing Cambridge time on the ball at the back a clever pass from Davies brought down well by Wiltshire in attack  she flicks it over the top on the right for Marden to attack can’t quite get to it before the ball runs out of play. 

Cambridge’s Sarah Wiltshire

  Marden with a strike from 25 yards out coming in from the right wing fired straight at the Ashford keeper. Shults untroubled. Sydnie Naylor looking sharp on the ball in the middle for Cambridge moving left to combine with Simmons, the forwards pass, cut out for Ashford’s Huse. The defender hurt is down needing treatment after assessment is allowed back on. Cambridge applying some pressure now as Naylor comes on with the ball well plays it on for Wiltshire 20 yards out left of the D is forced out wide the keeper initially coming towards her back peddling as Wiltshire wriggles free of her marker to play the ball back across the top of the box for Naylor positioned inside her strike rising Shults is back in position to catch it cleanly.

Cambridge’s Sydnie Naylor up against Ashford captain Alissa Down

  No advantage for Ashford as referee Richard Fullicks brings play back for the set-piece a free kick some 35 yards out, Down on the ball plays a teasing ball in across the far post, no one there to attack it. Cambridge get caught on possession as they play it between themselves at the back Kayleigh Currivan stealing it then threading a pass into Millie Constantine pulling away right of the D to shoot, Lauren Webb shuffling across her goal though has it covered seeing it safely wide of her right post.

   Jackson finds Simmons out wide on the left on half way, turns pulling neatly away from her marker on the ball to run in behind and send the low pass into Wiltshire central, carries the ball wide left into the area before cutting back inside to scoop a lobbed shot up over the keeper, the ball landing on the roof of the net. Ashford are a little slow to close Cambridge down as the defenders look to get the ball into the midfield with Edgar, Naylor and captain Gisela Otten attempting to speed things up get the ball into Wiltshire to run at the visitors defence. 

Cambridge’s Bella Simmons

  A late flag see’s Simmons waved offside, as Wiltshire lifts the ball in to the middle from the right wing, Shults rushing out to save bravely at her feet unaware of the raised flag. The goalkeeper down for a moment able to play on. Jade Johnson bringing the ball on for Ashford on the right passing it forwards for Constantine the ball cut out by Griffin for Cambridge. Constantine getting involved in the action in a central position with a clever turn on the ball 25 yards out looking to find Elizabeth O’Callaghan in the box as she breaks inside from the left, Kosky with a fine headed clearance for the hosts.

Ashford’s Millie Constantine

   The game settling down Ashford’s attackers looking to press Cambridge’s defenders as they linger on the ball at the back now force an error win a free-kick just outside the box to the left of the D. Down is something of a dead ball specialist over the free-kick a packed penalty box ahead of her strikes the ball well low and hard through bodies Webb would have seen it late but close to her adjusts quickly to get down to make the save with 20 minutes gone.

Down’s free-kick saved by Lauren Webb

  GOAL! Having had a free-kick moments before Cambridge have players up as they get the ball out to Simmons on the left inside the area has support with Wiltshire plays the ball back into her the Cambridge number 7 taking the ball across the top of the area looking for an opening, well tracked instead sees Otten free to attack the ball central lays it into her path, Cambridge’s captain running in to strike the ball 20 yards out rising with a bit of swerve Shults may well have got the faintest of touches as she throws herself up at it the ball cannoning down into the six yard box off the crossbar, players rushing for it, Naylor first to arrive smashing the ball into the back of the net to score 1-0.

Sydnie Naylor opens the scoring for Cambridge

  Ashford looking for a quick response from the restart as Cheatley gets on the move with the ball through the middle attempting to release Constantine into the box from the right side the pass a little to heavy Webb able to claim. Ashford battling for possession in the middle Aimee Durn breaking clear 25 yards out, Jackson reading her intent rushing out to charge her strike down the ball deflected up into the air over Jackson into the box, scrambled away at the far post for a corner kick. Down to take an inswinging delivery to the far post Duncan under it sends her header up over the crossbar. 

Ashford defender, Hannah Duncan

 

  The Cambridge goal livening Ashford up as they look to better compete for the ball Naylor escaping with it to the left for Cambridge sends it on for Wiltshire pulling into the channel turning inside with the ball pulling the trigger from 20 out can only pick out Shults in the Ashford goal. More good footwork from Constantine as she comes away with the ball in the middle support from Durn the ball lifted into the box as Cheatley bursts forwards can’t quite take it before it runs out of play. Marden moving inside from the right feeding the ball across the area 20 yards out for Wiltshire her effort sliced runs narrowly wide of the far post. 

  Ashford win a corner on the left players coming up from the back with 15 minutes left in the first period, Down with another inswinging delivery beyond the far post turned back across goal inside the six yard box attacked, Kosky throwing her body up to block the ball deflected away for another corner.

 GOAL! Ashford have looked a threat from set-pieces and from the 2nd corner they score another potent delivery from Down this time her inswinging ball in low at the near post wrong foots Webb, the Cambridge goalkeeper unable to adjust as she struggles to keep it from crossing the line, Ashford equalise the players rushing to Down to celebrate 1-1.

Alissa Down with Bella Simmons

  Cheatley with a strike from outside the box for Ashford left of the D swerves wide of the far post. Durn seeing the ball into her feet central goes on for Ashford not closed down pulls the trigger her strike from distance racing wide of the far post. The visitors on the front foot in the latter stages of the 1st half. Getting a little ragged in the middle a few late challenges coming in. Otten with the ball for Cambridge into Naylor going forwards with Wiltshire plays it out to Simmons wide left into the area attempts to get a shot away off the outside of her right boot, the ball cut out by the back tracking Huse behind for a corner kick. 

Ashford attacker, Ashley Cheatley

 Ashford with plenty back for the corner clear as the ball is played in to the top of the area. Edgar with a great times pass forwards for Cambridge to Wiltshire in attack carrying it forwards Huse gets on her shoulder to defend see the ball back to her keeper. Johnson needed in defence too to deal with the threat of Wiltshire as the Cambridge striker evades a tackle on the top of the area comes left. 

 Ashford with a free-kick wide on the right as Otten pulls down Cheatley. Down to play it in a dangerous cross in through the six yard box, met by Huse at the far post headed home however it won’t count as the offside flag is raised against her a close call. Another free-kick for Ashford this one 30 yards out to the left, Down goes for it this time her shot rising over the bar. Into stoppage time Cambridge on the attack the ball into Wiltshire 20 out finds Simmons wide left to the by-line cuts it back up to Edgar to play across the area into Marden right corner, Down back to put in the tackle before she can get a shot away.

Ashford midfielder, Aimee Durn

  Edgar with a crisp pass into Wiltshire racing forwards in attack her touch sending the ball out to the left, tempting Shults to come for it, Wiltshire winning the race however, the goalkeeper caught out of position as players rush back to defend the goal the angle against Wiltshire shifts it between her feet to create a better one, not much to aim at Shults back to cover her near post Wiltshire looks to place it no power the goalkeeper can claim it.   

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

 An intriguing first half, a bright start from Cambridge allowed the ball, a cautious start from Ashford allowing their opponents to come on kept a solid shape  slow to close Cambridge breaking the dead lock in the 20th minute taking the lead woke Ashford up as they looked strong in reply getting set-pieces to trouble the hosts finding the equaliser from one. Both creating other opportunities Cambridge closest to getting a 2nd level at the break set up perfectly for the 2nd half.

  The weather remains settled the suns brief appearance over the clouds returning. Ashford to get the 2nd half underway neither side with a change. Down with the ball her pass forwards into Cheatley is tackled by Edgar. Ashford get the ball into Cheatley as she breaks into the box on the right, Jackson defending the ball off Cheatley for a goalkick. 

  Marden with the ball at her feet on the right for Cambridge turns infield 25 out lifts a diagonal ball into the area is over Wiltshire falls to Simmons breaking in behind at the far post the flag up denying her a shot. Durn is brought down 25 yards out giving the visitors another free-kick to the right of the D. Down’s shot striking the Cambridge wall deflected up and behind for a corner on the left. The delivery swung in across goal, Jackson up decisively at the far post to head the ball clear for Cambridge. 

Abbie Jackson heading clear for Cambridge

  Ashford making a lively start to the 2nd half a more open game. Naylor controlling the ball well moves wide picking out Simmons on the left flank can’t find Wiltshire with her lay off. Naylor with a good win taking the ball high on the right forwards for Wiltshire wide of the area the angle acute can only send her shot across the face of goal. Ashford with a throw on the right Cambridge looking to defend it, won by Otten her well struck clearance catching teammate Davies on the side of the head knocking her to the ground. Play stopped, Davies needing a few moments to get her bearing is made of tough stuff however and able to play on.

Gisela Otten about to knock out her own teammate

  Both sides looking to get the ball moving faster in the final 3rd Wiltshire moving about the defence coming right has Simmons over on that side with her as she sends the ball on Simmons in a race to the box with Duncan the central defender doing enough to get a touch on the ball take it away from the attacker allowing her keeper to claim. Wiltshire does well to spin off the defence break into the area left of the D, swings her foot through the ball looks certain to score, not sure if Shults got a touch on the ball as she throws herself down, the ball runs wide however and a goal kick is given. 

 Cambridge turning the screw as they look to retake the lead the Ashford defence starting to tire. Cheatley in attack however retaining a good turn of pace breaking towards the box forcing a block from both Jackson and Kosky before the ball is cleared to safety. Naylor into Simmons left plays in on for Wiltshire a fraction ahead of the defence, shoots from the left of the D her effort brushing the side netting. Cambridge making the first change of the game bringing off Naylor in midfield, replacing her with Alysha Stojko-Down.

Cambridge’s Ella Marden

Stojko-Down straight into the action with a diagonal ball for Marden to chest down bringing her inside 20 yards out then strikes the ball on the volley goalwards attempting to chip the keeper a fine attempt but an equally good pluck down from Shults. Marden with the ball out on the right squaring it into the six yard box for Wiltshire won’t sit for the attacker as both Huse and Duncan get a blocking tackle in to deny a clear shot. Shults down needing treatment in the Ashford goal, the bench calling the rest of the players over for instruction with 20 minutes left to play.

Ashford defender, Laura Huse

  Both full backs are tiring for Ashford, Johnson stretching to make the challenge, does well to deflect the ball off Simmons for a goalkick as she attempts to break on the left. Cambridge with the momentum getting the ball into her attackers, Currivan with Down winning it back on for Constantine up with Durn and O’Callaghan on the right the shot struck from outside the box over. The visitors regrouping to battle for possession higher up the pitch Down out to Johnson on the right Down breaking forwards right of the area Johnson picking her out with the pass cuts back inside to shoot, her strike knocking another Cambridge defender to the ground, but again up and okay.

Ashford’s Jade Johnson

  Marden has picked up an injury for Cambridge needs to come off Francesca Partridge on to join the Cambridge attack. Cambridge win a free-kick out wide on the right inside the Ashford half an opportunity for players to come forwards from the back Wiltshire to play it in superb flighted towards the far post Kosky bursting from the pack up to head it, a glancing header sent wide wouldn’t have known it but her fellow centre back Jackson beyond would have had the better chance. 

 

  Another chance for Cambridge moments later as the hosts feed the ball through the middle into Simmons in attack going forwards rides a challenge to get into the area before pulling the trigger Shults down smartly making an excellent save to turn the ball wide of her left post for a corner kick. 

 GOAL! Cambridge with plenty up for the corner looking to press the advantage, the ball fired into the area Ashford get it clear out to Cheatley holding position halfway left side sees the ball into her feet and turns the counter is on as she races forwards Cambridge’s defenders frantically racing back as Cheatley turns inside getting past one inside to send the ball out to O’Callaghan right in the clear, Webb makes the call to come out to the top of her area and try and close the attacker down can’t get down in time as O’Callaghan slots the ball under her to send it through into the open goal beyond 1-2.

Elizabeth O’Callaghan firing Ashford into the lead

  15 minutes left to play and Ashford having been under some pressure from Cambridge find themselves in front with a superb break from a corner. Cambridge get after the ball from the restart looking for a quick reply, Wiltshire winning a corner on the right. Played into the area headed out to the left retrieved by Simmons her strike back in blocked at the near post. Simmons over on the right now sending the pass inside for Wiltshire 25 yards out moves across the area looking to curl a left for shot into the top corner sails wide of the post. 

  Huse with an interception at the back for Ashford as Davies attempts to play a diagonal pass into Partridge. Simmons inside form the right with the turn on the ball top of the box to clip a cross into Wiltshire attacking the six yard box the flag raised even before Wiltshire buries her header into the back of the net, no goal. Davies breaking up the pitch on the right for Cambridge sending a dangerous cross into the six yard box, Johnson rising at the far post to head clear for Ashford. Duncan in to close Wiltshire down as she attempts to get onto a Davies pass. 

Ashford with their first change late in the game Constantine comes off with Ellie Luscombe coming on. A much needed injection of pace Luscombe after the ball inside to Durn tackled by Otten into Stojko-Down on for Simmons right her cross cut out by Huse inside the six yard box. Cheatley alert to any chance Ashford have to counter, finding the ball at her feet 30 yards out moves inside before shooting putting the ball straight at Webb.

 Simmons winning Cambridge a late corner on the right before it’s taken a change for Ashford, Clarabut struggling needs to come off on comes Eman Kassem. The corner into the mix the header powers over the crossbar. Ashford working hard to defend their own goal alert whenever a counter in on to relieve the pressure breaking forwards Down into Cheatley across the top of the area her shot drilled wide. Davies coming off for Cambridge with Seymour on for her debut at right back. Down shown a yellow card for Ashford late in the game.

A free-kick to Cambridge left side flighted into the near post area, Shults up amongst bodies getting her fist n the ball knocked down the keeper is grounded as Cambridge attempt to get a shot in along the ground Shults able to snatch it into her midriff. 

 Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-2 Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women

  A battling performance from Ashford sees them come away with the 3 points and their first win of 2023. The result seeing Ashford climb 3 places to move up to 5th in the FAWNL South East Division One table. Level at the break Cambridge looked to be turning the screw 2nd half getting forwards well creating chances coming close to taking the lead themselves before being hit with a sucker punch a break form their own corner, taken well by Ashford to take the lead themselves with 15 minutes left to play. On another day might well have been 2-1 the other way but that’s football you take your chances Ashford working hard throughout had to dig in as a team at times and their defence was superb. Cambridge will be disappointed had the chances to win the game themselves just weren’t taken on the day.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of 2023. It’s not often they’re easy and today is not exception some fine performances all round. Firstly for Cambridge, Sarah Wiltshire did everything she could to get a goal with some great runs and movement on and off the ball. Bella Simmons was impressive on her return to Cambridge United lively on the flank looking to combine with Wiltshire create chances. So too Sydnie Naylor in midfield good control and movement throughout. Ashford with a hard working team performance had to dig in at the back at times. Alissa Down dangerous on the ball be it in play or dead. Sophie Shults strong in goal with a couple of crucial saves, the centre backs superb too. Hannah Duncan with several strong challenges and well timed interceptions is just edged out by fellow defender, Laura Huse, again work hard throughout tacking and winning the ball when called upon.

 That’s it then the 500th match report written and as exciting as the first. Been doing it for a while now and it’s knowing that every game is different that makes it so special after all I only write the words it’s the players who make the content. 500 down and plenty more to come still lots of teams I want to see in action. Another enjoyable game good to get the new year started my thanks to both teams for their help today.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Sunday 6th November

FAWNL Plate 

 Beginning November with a trip to St Neots Town FC to watch Cambridgeshire rivals, Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Ladies as they meet in the 1st Round of this season’s FAWNL League Plate competition.

With both sides making an early exit from this season’s FA Women’s Cup the FAWNL Plate competition represents another great opportunity for a cup run. A Determining Round played between all the sides in the 6 FAWNL Divisions with the winners going on to contest the League Cup the rest entering the League Plate Competition. Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Ladies drawn together in the 1st Round. Both playing in FAWNL South East Division One brings another Cambridgeshire derby match to contest.

  Cambridge United WFC win the upper hand so far in the derbies this season with a 2-0 away to City back in August bringing them their 1st 3 point haul of the season with new signing Sarah Wiltshire netting both goals. Currently 6th in the South East Division One table. The new season beginning with the women’s side forming closer ties with Cambridge United FC a women’s board created along with a stronger youth pathway to develop players for the 1st team. The squad with a few new faces this season, with Francesca Partridge (sponsored by Women’s Football East) coming in along side Sarah Wiltshire has 3 goals so far this season with Wiltshire on 5. Midfielder Sammy Edgar also joining from Royston Town Women with a few stepping up from the Development squad. Defender Abbie Jackson the most recent signing joining from Ipswich Town Women.

  Cambridge City Ladies already have a strong youth set-up, very much the foundations on which the club was built the women’s side rising rapidly through the women’s football pyramid to eventually join United in the 4th tier. That status under threat towards the end of last season but a strong performance and win at St Neots against United going a long way to securing their status in the FAWNL for a 4th successive season. The management team seeing an overhaul over the summer with Rob Coles coming in as manager with 1st team coach Darren Fairbrass. A few players moving on have once again been able to bring players up through the pathway also running a Reserves and Development side. Have struggled to get points on the board this season, with just the one league win that coming way back on the opening day at home to QPR. A late goal seeing them exit the FA Women’s Cup last Sunday. Grace Stanley always prolific in front of goal leading the goal scoring charts with 6 to her name.

  That cup game seeing this tie delayed by a week, originally scheduled to be played at The Abbey Stadium the tie reverting back to Cambridge United WFC’s regular home at St Neots Town FC. The Premier Plus Stadium situated in an ever growing housing development leading into St Neots. Really wasn’t sure if the game was going to be on at all heavy rain sweeping up from the South hitting the East overnight seeing a good portion of games called off and leaving Norfolk in heavy rain that brought traffic to a standstill on the A14 was not optimistic, however reaching Cambridge itself the rain clear and blue sky could be seen in the direction I was heading. St Neots not seeing as much rainfall the grass pitch looking immaculate. Rain likely before kick-off. Viewing around with covered terracing behind each goal and a covered mainstand. The bar open serving hot a cold drink. Serving a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marsh mellows that was proving very popular.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abi Davies, Carrie Bennett, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Alysha Stojko-Down, Ella Marden, Francesca Partridge & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Abbi Griffin, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Grace Waygood, Albany Hodgson & Libby Fraser.

Cambridge City Ladies

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Ellen Marson, Jess Fitzpatrick, Amy Reed, Bronwyn Mulheron, Ellie Cullum, Fran Steele, Paige Gardiner, Becca Stephenson, Bella Simmons & Grace Stanley. Subs – Karly Tolentino, Lauren Tomlinson & Shannon Shaw.

  With the rain beginning to fall I took the decision to abandon my usual viewing area by the dugouts and retreat into the stands, which is sometimes a gamble in itself at St Neots as the rain can blow in anyway. Thankfully not this time, the teams coming out on to the pitch. United wearing amber coloured shirts with black short and socks with City wearing white shirts and black shorts with black and white hooped socks. It’s the visitors to get the cup tie underway City kicking off the 1st half the ball played out to right back Ellen Marson lifted back into the middle won by United centre back Lauren Rouse the ball lifted out to Francesca Partridge on the left of attack, Marson in to win the ball.

Cambridge City Ladies, Ellen Marson

  GOAL! United with the ball at the back Rouse on for Abi Davies coming on right side plays the ball central, the pass forwards then clipped on through the middle dropping between City’s centre backs 20 yards out, Sarah Wiltshire nipping in beating the offside trap to latch onto the ball and takes on the early shot catching to ball perfect to send on arrowing over the keeper into the back of the net 1-0. 

Sarah Wiltshire with the early goal for Cambridge United WFC

 The perfect start for the hosts opening the scoring inside the opening couple of minutes. The ball being closed down in the middle United’s midfielders, Alysha Stojko-Down, Sammy Edgar and captain Gisela Otten all pressing. Stojko-Down advancing with Ella Marden on the right exchanging passes Stojko-Down playing it back to Otten who sends it on for Marden bursting on down the flank turning inside 25 yards out her diagonal ball fire towards the City box cut out by centre back Bronwyn Mulheron.

Cambridge United WFC’s Ella Marden

  Fran Steele on the ball for City central forwards into attacker Grace Stanley she lifts the ball out to the right into the path of Becca Stephenson racing on, sees her side win a corner kick. Played long goes over everyone inside the six yard box no one at the far post as United clear. United lively looking to get the ball into Wiltshire ready to pull off the City defence get in behind one pass seeing her almost through, City captain and goalkeeper Sarah Hudson rapidly off her line to slide in get her gloves in the ball a fraction ahead of the United attacker. 

Becca Stephenson on the ball for Cambridge City Ladies

  Marson with the ball on the right for City sends the pass long up the line for Stephenson to chase the winger latching onto it getting down the line before smashing a shot in towards goal. United goalkeeper, Lauren Webb with a smart save getting down to block the ball with her body, isn’t cleared though deflected past her running towards goal, Abbie Jackson racing back to clear the ball off the line. United get away on the right Ella Marden taking the ball on checks inside before trying her luck from distance her effort looping over. 

Cambridge United WFC goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  City hold their line well to catch Wilshire offside as the ball is won back in the middle. Steele looks to find Stephenson on the right with a diagonal pass, intercepted by United full back Carrie Bennett. The rain beginning to fall heavily now with 15 minutes on the clock. Stephenson looking a threat on the right for City as they come forwards winning a free-kick 30 yards out. The ball struck in low cleared by United’s defence. Some committed tackles in the middle, Ellie Cullum feeling the full force of one for City. 

United’s Abi Davies with City’s Bella Simmons

 Wiltshire bringing the ball on through the middle for United sends it out to Partridge on the left continuing her run forwards into the box. Partridge holding it up as Stojko-Down advances the pass inside the midfielder playing it into Wiltshire heavily marked looked to lay it back to Stojko-Down, Cullum challenging to win the ball back for the visitors. Steele with the ball in the middle out to Stephenson on the right attacking fires a cross along the top of the United area looking for Stanley, Rouse sticking out a leg to cut the ball out clear for United. 

  United coming on well with the ball Otten from the back on for Wiltshire who releases Marden on the right to take the ball on before delivering a long diagonal cross into the box aiming for Partridge getting in at the far post rising can’t quite get her head to the ball as it runs out of play. 

  GOAL! Edgar winning the ball for United coming on left side playing it on for Wilshire pulling wide tracking inside top of the area curls in a cross to the far post looking for Partridge, Amy Reed getting to it first for City her clearance to the top of the area dropping straight to Wiltshire her run taking her into the area she hits it 1st time sending a looping shot over the keeper into the top corner to double United’s lead 2-0.

A 2nd superb strike from Sarah Wiltshire

  Midway through the 2nd half United with a 2 goal lead coming on well, Partridge on the left winning a corner. The delivery in near side turned behind for a 2nd corner. The 2nd corner a dangerous in swinger evading everyone at the near post is headed clear off the line not sure the defender knew too much about it but a great reaction nonetheless. Bella Simmons wriggling clear with the ball on the left into the corner sending a cross into the six yard box comfortably claimed by Webb.

   Mulheron sliding in to win the ball against Edgar as she looks to link up with Wiltshire in attack. City on the counter attack the ball played low through to Stanley pulling away right of the D looking to turn and shoot, Webb alert rushing out to close the angle making the blocking save batting the away to her right before being cleared for a corner kick. 

  An intriguing tie United with the better chances seeing more of the ball, City though with glimpses that they can pull a goal back. Marden attacking on the right with the ball for United, putting it back inside for Otten as she gets up in support opens up her body to lay the pass forwards aiming for Wiltshire inside the box, cut out well be Mulheron turned out to the left Edgar running onto the ball 25 yards out sends her strike over.

Cambridge United WFC midfielder, Sammy Edgar

  The rain beginning to ease up, as City bring the ball on Gardiner on for Stanley, Jackson intercepting for United. Gardiner coming left on for Simmons is held up by Davies with Marden getting bac to help City forced to play the ball all the way back to their defence. Stephenson the most likely outlet for City with some strong running on the right flank played in her cross into the box over Simmons who has come into a central position. Stephenson in again moment later as City hit United with a rapid counter attack on the angle sends her shot into the side netting. 

Cambridge City Ladies, Paige Gardiner

  Simmons turning on the ball left side finds Stanley coming into the left channel, Jackson going with her the defence pushing the striker wide Stanley nevertheless getting a shot away dragged behind. United over commit in attack as the game suddenly opens up Steele getting the ball out to Simmons on the left drives inside towards the box, Rouse standing her up charging down the ball. Stephenson bringing City a corner out on the right. An in swinger into the near post Webb up amongst the crowd to get her fists to the ball beat it down and away. 

  Wiltshire carrying the ball on shifting it to Partridge 25 yards out on the left, Reed into her can’t get the ball around the defender. Otten with a good challenge lays the ball on for Wiltshire who releases a strike from distance, on target held comfortably by Hudson. City breaking with pace the ball long for Stephenson right her cross into the ox running out to Simmons closing in left Webb running across wanting to see it run out of play taking no chances drops down to get her gloves firmly around the ball. The clock running down the skies decidedly gloomy several people are retreating to the bar to get their hands on a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marsh mellows.

  The 1st half moving into stoppage time Wiltshire is brought down by Gardiner some 30 plus yards out centrally. Wiltshire herself over the set-piece the shot taken on. Hudson behind it all the way. United ending the half strong with Partridge bringing the ball on left side, has Wiltshire ahead of her sends the pass on Wiltshire in the corner turning into the box to fire a cross into Marden at the far post inside the six yard box locked in a tussle with the defence as they scramble to hit the ball caught between feet skips up for Otten I think getting u in support to smash a shot goalwards, Hudson throwing herself  down t make the blocking save at close range the deflected ball coming back to Stojko-Down ten yards out to strike rising her shot cannons down off the cross bar!

Alysha Stojko-Down

  A late free-kick for United 25 yards out to the right of the D, Wiltshire curling a shot wide. City with a free kick of their own in the dying seconds top of the centre circle. Steele nevertheless taking on the shot hit well but over.

  Half-time Cambridge United WFC 2-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  United going into the break leading the tie 2-0. Sarah Wiltshire with an early opportunity put through on goal shooting early to send the ball past the keeper. Wiltshire then doubling the lead midway through the 1st half curling a great shot into the top corner. United with by far the better chances almost getting at 3rd at the end of the half Stojko-Down hitting the bar. The hosts strong in the middle pressing the ball well getting forwards. City with their chances however, getting into good positions Webb making a couple of crucial stops to ensure the hosts goal remains intact. 2-0 the lead more often than not the next goal proves crucial City far from out of it will want to have more of the ball in the final 3rd 2nd half while limited United’s chances at the other end.

  With the rain having passed and the forecast predicting none for a bit retreated from the stands to move back to my usual vantage point over on the far side of the pitch, especially with the Sun making an appearance now low in the sky straight into the stand, at my back now may well pose a few issues for United now defending that end of the pitch. City making a change at the start of the 2nd half Karly Tolentino coming on in attack replacing Ellie Cullum. United to get the 2nd half underway the ball out to the left City pressing quick to regain possession fired into Tolentino pulling away right of the D, Jackson nipping in to clear for United.

  City pressing players up in attack at the start of the 2nd half look to have 4 up as they move in to close the ball down, crossed in from the right into Simmons can’t dig the ball out of her feet before being closed down. United clear the ball forwards to Marden breaking away on the right taking the ball on lays the cross back into the top of the area for Wiltshire, Mulheron moving in to close her down, Wiltshire drags her shot wide of the left post. 

Cambridge City defender, Bronwyn Mulheron

  City looking to take the game to United early on find an early goal at the start of the 2nd half the ball fed through into Tolentino right of the D clear to shoot, Webb rushes out to the top of her area getting down sharply throwing out an arm to her right to glove Tolentino’s shot away to the left. Marden picking up a yellow card as she pulls Fitzpatrick’s shirt as the full back looks to get up the pitch with the ball. City putting United under a bit of pressure at the start of the 2nd half looking to get into them higher up the pitch. 

  Wiltshire with great movement throughout the 1st half coming deep for the ball is brought down on halfway. Stojko-Down coming on with the ball though the middle into Wiltshire coming inside with Partridge to curl a shot in from distance, Hudson throwing herself across her goal making a superb save to glove the ball away for a corner kick. The set-piece played in near side headed clear. Reed close in on Wiltshire preventing the attacker pulling off her with the ball. Stanley with a lay off for Gardiner to strike 20 yards out her effort blocked. 

Cambridge United WFC defender, Lauren Rouse

  City looking to build on their strong start to the 2nd half making a double change bringing off Gardiner and Simmons sending on Shannon Shaw and Lauren Tomlinson. Becca Stephenson moving into a central position. Tomlinson on the left is clipped as she looks to get the ball moving no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Tomlinson over it wide strikes a ball into the area goes through everyone catching Webb out as the keeper throws herself across her goal had the far post covered the ball bouncing wide. 

Lauren Tomlinson with United’s Ella Marden

Cambridge City Ladies Lauren Tomlinson

  Marden is onside on the right taking the ball down the wing turns inside towards the box running into Fitzpatrick the ball running on into the area, Wiltshire eased aside by Mulheron sent tumbling as the defender clears United appealing nothing doing. United make their first change of the game seeing a switch of personnel with Partridge coming off for Abbi Griffin who drops in at right back with Davies pushed on, Marden going out to the left. The ball played over the top for Wiltshire can’t bring the ball down into her stride as she enters the box.

 GOAL! United on the attack left side winning a corner, players coming up the delivery lifted in towards the near post Hudson up well amongst bodies to beat the ball away back out out t the left where it his picked up by corner taker Wiltshire, plays rush out of the box looking to close her down the shot flashed in low to the near post Hudson down sharply to save gloving the ball up across goal and straight into Otten who has remained up unopposed, the ball deflected off the United captain into the back of the net 3-0.

Captain Gisela Otten scores Cambridge United WFC’s 3rd goal

  20 minutes gone in the 2nd half United extending their lead City get on the attack win a free-kick out on the right wide players up into the box, the delivery put in near side, Stanley up with Mulheron the header turned goalwards coming at Webb quickly the United goalkeeper with another fine save flashing out an arm to deflect the ball away to the left a shot smashed back in coming back off the bar.

Cambridge United WFC’s Abbi Griffin

  The game opening up City committing players on exposing gaps on their flanks can’t be helped as they look for a goal, United looking to take advantage. Tomlinson battling for possession on the left Steele across in support, on for Stephenson, Rouse defending. Steele getting hold of the ball for City lifting a pass on for Shaw pulling into the right channel, just too much on the ball. Jackson winning the ball at the back for United bringing it on over halfway before being brought down. 

Cambridge United WFC defender, Abbie Jackson

  Davies advanced for United with the ball travelling into the area lacking support as Tomlinson gets back on her a good tussle between the pair Tomlinson seeing the ball away for a throw.  City attack right the cross inside Tolentino with the header on across to the left Stephenson onto the ball Griffin and Rouse defending for United. Steele hauls down Wiltshire 25 yards out in a central position the free-kick given United making a change before it is taken Davies coming off for Libby Fraser. Wiltshire on the set-piece goes for goal the ball bouncing harmlessly through to Hudson. 

Cambridge City Ladies midfielder Fran Steele

  A free-kick to City in the middle Steele short to Reed gets the return ball uses it well clipping a good diagonal ball into Stanley 25 yards out left of the D turns into the shot getting her foot over the ball to sent it in towards goal, Webb moving rapidly across her goal with another excellent save to get down to tip the ball wide for a corner. The game moving into the final 5 minutes of regular play. Rouse fouling Stephenson high up the pitch on the left, play brought back with no advantage for Tomlinson as she goes after the loose ball. Taken left of the centre circle lifted in towards the near post attacked by Mulheron, Her header on target, Webb throwing herself up making another great save to tip the ball over the crossbar. The resulting corner curled into the side netting.

Becca Stephenson

  The clock ticking down United make a triple switch bringing of Edgar, Otten and Rouse sending on Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Grace Waygood and Albany Hodgson all three defenders United aiming to keep the clean sheet intact. Steele lifting the ball on through the middle looking for Tolentino, Jackson cutting the pass out for United. 

Cambridge United WFC’s Libby Fraser

  GOAL! Into stoppage time United with the ball Hodgson on for Fraser to bring on right has Wiltshire out wide playing the ball to her Wiltshire sending it back inside to Fraser 30 plus yards out sees an opening pulls the trigger catches the ball well hit hard into towards goal looping up and over Hudson as she throws herself out to try and save it the ball finding the top corner for Fraser to open her season’s account with a superb strike at the death 4-0.

Libby Fraser celebrating after the final whistle

Full time Cambridge United WFC 4-0 Cambridge City Ladies

  Full time and it’s United celebrating scoring 4 goals and a clean sheet against their Cambridge rivals as they advance in the FAWNL League Plate. Making a superb start to the game with Wiltshire scoring a well taken early opener adding another superb strike midway through the 1st half. Further chances created closing the ball down well in midfield. City’s chances limited in the 1st half nevertheless forced Webb into making a couple of saves. A change for City at he start of the 2nd half as they looked to make a fast start pull a goal back applying some pressure making further changes were frustrated as United went on to add a 3rd midway through the 2nd half. The game opening up United lively throughout, City continued to be frustrated had chances were thwarted by Webb in the United goal with a number of quality saves before Libby Fraser put the icing on the cake with a superb strike for the hosts 4th goal late in stoppage time.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

   Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, tough in some regards but easy in others. Performances of note to mention firstly for Cambridge City. Becca Stephenson carried a real threat on the right in the first half a constant outlet with some strong running. Fran Steele working hard in midfield throughout battling for the ball with a great range of passing. Lauren Tomlinson adding some passion to the game coming on 2nd half. United with a solid all round team performance the centre backs reading the game well. The midfield strong Sammy Edgar, and Alysha Stojko-Down particularly captain Gisela Otten. Sarah Wiltshire up top leading the attack with great movement making herself available getting into great positions with two well taken goals. Today’s award though goes to Cambridge United goalkeeper Lauren Webb was a strong performance in front of goal, thwarting City on a number of occasions pulling off some excellent saves to ensure the clean sheet.

Another intriguing Cambridgeshire derby, a healthy rivalry between the sides played largely in good spirits glad it beat the weather Good to catch up with a few familiar faces today my thanks to both sides for the team details, always appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

Weds 31st August

FAWNL South East Division One

No sooner has the match report been written up for the 1st of this weeks derby double from FAWNL South East Division One it’s onto my 2nd. Cambridgeshire this time with Cambridge City Ladies hosting rivals Cambridge United WFC.

  Often a hotly contested affair since Cambridge City Ladies achieved promotion to reach the FAWNL three season’s ago. The two clubs originally one with Cambridge United WFC starting as Cambridge Women breaking away from City. Cambridge City bouncing back strongly with a robust youth set-up to see their women’s side rise rapidly through the leagues to reach the 4th tier.

  Their 1st two season’s in FAWNL South East Division One affected by the Covid pandemic, Cambridge City looked comfortable in the league season, flirting with the danger of dropping into the relegation zone late on. Led to some managerial departures the club digging itself out of a hole to become safe a late season derby win against United going a long way to seeing them finished above their rivals in the table. A reshuffle within the club over the summer including the 1st team management team now fronted up by Rob Coles and Darren Fairbrass.

  A few players departing have retained a large chunk of their squad from last season and with a good back up of youth coming through to the women’s team have made half a dozen new signings bringing Becca Stephenson a former, Harlow and Billericay player. Ellen Marson joins from Peterborough United. Oliva White and Lexie Pryke formerly Ipswich youth players. Goalkeeper Ellie Sarter, from AFC Leyton a former Watford women youth player. Jenny Moore joining in the summer having previously been with QPR and Spurs. A great win on the opening day of the season at home to QPR Women. Grace Stanley the clubs top scorer last season getting her campaign off to a flying start netting a hat-trick with Bella Simmons also celebrating a goal in a 4-2 win. 

  Cambridge United WFC losing on the opening day of the season beginning at the Abbey Stadium with a 4-1 loss to early pacesetters, Norwich City Women, cheered on by a crowd of 648. The women’s side now enjoying closer ties with Cambridge United FC, a new women’s board established at the League One club with 4 games planned at the Abbey Stadium throughout the season. A disappointing run towards the end of last season putting a dampener on the season and has led to some player departures over the summer, development players coming through ready to challenge for places in the senior team.

  Cambridge United have brought in a few new signing over the summer and continue their search for players they feel will enhance the team. Sarah Wiltshire joining the club after a previous spell on loan, is vastly experienced having starred for Yeovil, Watford and Spurs in recent seasons carrying a huge threat in attack. Francesca Partridge also coming in the attacker with Northampton previously opening her account for the club with a stunning strike on the opening day. Sammy Edgar is a tough tackling midfielder joining from Royston Town Women and has a good range of passing in her artillery. Nikolett Szabo also joining the goalkeeper providing good back-up for Lauren Webb. Away to newly promoted Ashford Town Women at the weekend United found themselves trailing 3-1 before battling back to earn a 3-3 draw with Alysha Stojko-Down scoring a brace to open her season’s account. 

  Ely City FC’s Demcon Stadium the venue for this evening’s derby contest the football club surrounded by a number of other sporting facilities and a large restaurant and cinema complex built besides off the A10. Spent the past 2 and a half hours in the carpark typing out last evening’s report. In need of food and a portion off chips and a cup of tea was sorely needed. The bar open too, the large grass pitch offering viewing on all sides. The seated stand situated above the changing rooms. A familiar ground for United too having played here for a number of seasons themselves. Cambridge City Ladies temporary home as the await the completion of the new stadium at Sawston. Another dry evening a little chill starting to creep into the evening but otherwise pleasant. 

Cambridge City Ladies

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Lauren Sander, Jess Fitzpatrick, Bronwyn Mulheron, Millie Struthers, Fran Steele, Erin Davies, Jenny Moore, Karly Tolentino, Bella Simmons & Grace Stanley Subs – Ellen Marson, Becca Stephenson, Charlotte Gillies, Hannah Bodily & Paige Gardener.

Cambridge United WFC

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abbi Griffin, Abi Davies, Grace Waygood, Lauren Rouse, Gisela Otten, Sammy Edgar, Alysha Stojko-Down, Sarah Wiltshire, Ruth Fox & Francesca Partridge. Subs – Nikolett Szabo, Elsie Barker, Daisy McGregor, Albany Hodgson & Ella Marden.

United captain, Gisela Otten with City captain, Sarah Hudson

As is the norm for these derby games both sides are now City and United. Jenny Moore in the starting line-up for City with two more of their new signings Ellen Marson and Becca Stephenson on the bench. United’s new signings, Sarah Wiltshire, Francesca Partridge and Sammy Edgar all starting with Szabo on the bench. It’s City to kick-off the 1st half with the floodlights starting to take effect wearing white shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. United lined up opposite in their away kit of all sky blue. Played back to Erin Davies in midfield puts the ball out to left back Laure Sander, United rushing on to press the ball City get it out to the right side looking to put the ball on for Bella Simmons looking to get in behind, Abbi Griffin intercepting the pass at right back for United.

United with a fast start to the game getting after City in possession forced into rushed passes the ball given away put over the top for Sarah Wiltshire to chase, Millie Struthers at centre back defending for City the ball going for an early corner. Played in across the six yard box, Bronwyn Mulheron rising highest for City to head the ball on across the box out for a corner on the right. Another inviting delivery in across the six yard box Francesca Partridge getting up just under it, drops to Grace Waygood beyond the far post, the United defender firing her strike over.

  GOAL! United pressing the ball in the middle captain Gisela Otten to Sammy Edgar plays the pass forwards through the middle, a great ball dropping in front of the D to the right, a wicked back spin on the bounce wrong footing Sanders going with the run of Wiltshire the attacker reading it well to turn onto the ball knock it out to the left into the box before striking in a venomous shot on the angle across the keeper to score her 1st goal of the season for Cambridge 0-1.

Sarah Wiltshire with the opening goal for Cambridge United

  4 minutes played the perfect start for the away side in a derby match. United lively getting after City, something their opponents have often done to them. Davies creating a bit of room for herself in the middle for City looking to put Simmons through on the left wing again, Griffin cutting the pass out again. Alysha Stojko-Down looking to thread a pass through the middle for Partridge, Mulheron winning it back for City. The hosts looking to go right the pass sent on for Karly Tolentino on the wing cutting inside to shoot on the angle driven in near post, comes at Lauren Webb fast covering her near post gets down to make the blocking save before scrambling up to get her gloves on the loose ball.

  Simmons likewise on the left for City looking to find a way in behind is found by Fran Steeles through ball, Webb though getting across to take the ball before she can capitalise. United continue to press determined not to let City settle on the ball. Mulheron with a vital interception getting her foot up to bring the ball down as Edgar attempts to send Wiltshire attacking through the middle on goal. A free-kick awarded to United on the right 25 yards out, players up as Griffin sends an inviting ball into the area across goal, Partridge after it but the flag immediately goes up offside. 

United’s Ruth Fox with City’s Jenny Moore

  United’s Griffin sending the pass forwards for Partridge in the centre, Ruth Fox having drifted in from the right going with her the pair look to overwhelm, full back Jess Fitzpatrick as she squares up to both attackers doing well to get her foot in to knock the ball away across the top of the D, Stojko-Down having gotten into an advanced position latching onto the ball sending her strike wide from 25 yards out. 

Cambridge United’s Alysha Stojko-Down

  With United getting at City they visitors push up there defence at times finding little joy through the middle with United’s Waygood and Lauren Rouse winning the ball well City look to the flanks Simmons ready to go on the left is picked out Webb rushing out to the top of her box to try and intercept Simmons gets there first to take the ball past the keeper, down to the by-line cutting back to shoot the angle acute but on target looks to be creeping inside the near post but for a brilliant last ditch sliding tackle from left back Abi Davies lunging in to take it wide for a corner kick. 

Cambridge City’s Bella Simmons

  City are finding it difficult to break United up through the middle but Simmons and Tolentino are getting joy on the wings and look a threat. A throw won high on the left worked on into the box for Davies trying to get it down can’t make it count as United close in to defend. Webb alert to come and claim as United are caught high up the pitch with Simmons breaking in behind left. 20 minutes gone in the 1st half United with the brighter start, City getting to grips with their opponents game plan looking to adjust theirs winning a free-kick outside the box to the left despite strong protests from United. The ball in striking the wall cleared up to Partridge can’t dig it out of her feet get away before being tackled by Fitzpatrick. 

 Tolentino on the ball for City down in the right corner lifts a cross into the box for Grace Stanley to hit on the volley, Webb back on her line getting her gloves up to save bring the ball down safely. Jenny Moore on the left taking the ball on from a throw in playing it on for Stanley pulling into the left channel taking on the shot arrowing in, Rouse getting her head on the ball knocking it up into the air, Webb claiming it beyond her. 

  Mulheron is shown a yellow card as she cynically pulls down Partridge as the striker looks to get away from her to the right of the area. Partridge taking a blow as she went down needing treatment but is okay to continue. Wiltshire going for goal from the set-piece angled in goalkeeper and City captain, Sarah Hudson with a comfortable save. Wiltshire tracking back to harry the ball nicks it played into Stojko-Down who looks to release Partridge through the middle, caught a little flat footed Partridge can’t capitalise inside the D. 

Cambridge City midfielder, Erin Davies

  Another good opportunity for City as they get players forwards from midfield to overload the box as Tolentino out on the right draws players to her before sending a great cross into the six yard box Steele rising unchecked powers her header back across Webb’s goal, bounces wide of the post. Stojko-Down with a brilliant pass finding Wiltshire pulling in behind inside the City box right of goal comes back inside looking to put her shot over the keeper the ball landing on the roof of Hudson’s net. 

  Waygood blocking for United top of her area, the rebound loose in the middle struck goalwards, Webb back on her goal line right behind it. Webb then pulling off a fantastic save off a Tolentino strike as she gets hold of the ball on the right drills a shot in, Webb falling back to tip the ball wide behind for a corner. Put in from the left the ball defended at the near post. City beginning to find a little momentum towards the end of the 1st half. 

Cambridge United goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  United responding with Fox getting forwards on the right cutting the ball inside to Stojko-Down 20 yards out pivoting onto the shot blasting it goalwards takes a wicked deflection of the defender as the block is put in forcing Hudson into a smart save getting down to smother the ball on her goal line. Little time left in the 1st half United continuing to battle of possession, Otten, Edgar and Stojko-Down all after the ball the latter brought down by Davies going on the advantage played as Wiltshire gets hold of the loose ball pulling the trigger from 25 yards her shot straight at Hudson. Griffin getting forwards on the right with Fox playing a cross into the area Partridge going for the header can’t quite get there.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 0-1 Cambridge United WFC

  A fast start to the game from United getting after City to score an early goal. Sarah Wiltshire’s strike in the 4th minute the difference between the sides at half-time. Have looked to hustle City in possession all game. The home side finding little joy through the middle. Have looked dangerous on both flanks with Simmons and Tolentino looking to make something happen and have come close to equalising on a few ocassions, Webb making a couple of good saves to ensure United didn’t concede. 1-0 the score a narrow advantage City far from out of it.

 

No changes for either side at the break United to get the 2nd half underway. Otten putting the ball on for Stojko-Down getting up with Wiltshire on the left getting a throw, looking to work an opening outside the box, Steele into block the ball, deflected on to the keeper. Moore going down as she release the ball looks in some discomfort as City get on the attack Stanley dispossessed by Davies. Moments later Stanley is caught marginally offside as the ball from Simmons is rolls into her left channel.

Cambridge United attacker, Francesca Partridge

Partridge coming over to the left side sees the ball into her feet before moving inside to lift a great pass on for Wiltshire racing on through the middle scissor kicks the dropping ball goalwards from outside the D, sending it narrowly over the bar. Not as intense a start to the 2nd half as the first both sides guilty of being a little sloppy on the ball. Edgar getting free in midfield with a great pass forwards for Stojko-Down who in turn finds Wiltshire pulling out right, Fox up with her, the shot on the angle claimed well by Hudson in the City goal.

Cambridge City’s Fran Steele

City making a change Moore the player coming off replaced by Paige Gardiner with 10 minutes gone in the 2nd half having pulled up a few minutes previously. Partridge clattered into as she looks to get the ball down inside the centre circle. Waygood across to block as City find Tolentino on the right. Certainly feel that United need to find another goal to settle thing’s down, Davies with a clever through ball for Stanley breaking into the area, Waygood doing well in defence pushing her wide giving Webb the opportunity to get out to lay claim to the ball.

Grace Waygood

Edgar down in pain as she collects some City studs on her ankle as she and Stojko-Down close down to prevent Gardiner breaking the long pass up to Stanley, Waygood up against her to win the ball. Edgar left hobbling is up and getting back into position to try and run it off. Having down it once in the 1st half City manage to overload the six yard box breaking forwards in numbers 3 players lining up in front of Webb’s goal as Tolentino manages to lift a cross in from the by-line met at the far post but turned wide. Davies in the middle looking to pick out Tolentino, Edgar tracking back on the wide player winning the ball for United.

Cambridge United’s Sammy Edgar

Pressing City win a corner on the left played into the box inadvertently knocked on to the far post comes down for Stanley who fires her volley wide. Wiltshire all over the place in the final 3rd for United chasing after the ball not letting City’s defence have a moments rest. Tolentino carrying City’s threat in attack looking a constant threat is fouled out wide a free-kick to the hosts. Fizzed in across the top of the box the shot struck racing through bodies low on goal, Griffin on the back post there to make the goal saving block.

Karly Tolentino

Partridge having been brought down on a couple of ocassions carrying a knock does well to hook the ball on for Wiltshire attack the pair exchanging passes with Otten getting forwards to offer support the midfielder brought down United with a free-kick 30 yards out. Wiltshire taking on the shot is a comfortable catch for Hudson. Partridge being substituted for United midway through the 2nd half with Ella Marden coming on.

GOAL! United get the 2nd goal they were looking for coming from a ball winning tackle from Waygood at the back, the visitors setting up a quick counter getting the ball up the pitch for Wiltshire running on right channel getting her head on the ball before it can be cleared taking it past the defence into the box wide of goal to smash her shot wide of the advancing keeper into the bottom corner 0-2.

Webb needing to come out to the top corner of her area to get hold of the ball as City look to release Tolentino on the right. Straight away United look to adjust things getting everyone behind the ball with Wiltshire now the lone attacker. City respond with a double change bringing on Becca Stephenson and Charlotte Gillies for Davies and Sanders. City winning a corner on the left the box packed the delivery cleared at the near post, Gardiner getting hold of the ball a rash tackle upending her 30 yards out. Stanley on the set-piece hits the United wall.

Wiltshire harries the defence her pressure allowing Fox to steal onto a loose pass run on towards the City box, Marden coming round on the left, Fox finding her in the box her left footed shot on the angle, Hudson down sharply on her goal line to save. Tolentino and Steele coming off for City with a little over 10 minutes left to play with Ellen Marson and Hannah Bodily coming on the hosts look for a way back into the game.

United working hard as a unit to keep City at bay, Wiltshire tireless up front. Fox on the right the crossed ball into Marden outside the D, a clever ball as she attempts to dink it over the defence into Wiltshire’s path as she break right of goal, just runs out of room to get hold of the ball before in runs out of play. City are finding thing’s frustrating United proving hard to expose as they get players behind the ball Rouse and Waygood having been coached by manager Darren Marjoram prior to the match about not letting anything go over them have won pretty much everything thrown at them.

Wiltshire taking the ball into the corner as the game moves into stoppage time has little support but is running down the clock. City looking to push up Marden getting up to help Wiltshire on the left as a high ball is played to her controlled on the by-line, Wiltshire slips inside to shoot the ball deflected wide for a corner. Keeping it in the corner, City wrestle the ball back attempt to break in number the ball lifted on Waygood winning the header, comes back to Marson in midfield launches a hopeful ball forwards into the box claimed by Webb.

Defender Albany Hodgson coming on to bolster the midfield in the dying minutes with Fox coming off. City going for it a corner won right side fired into the box, Gardiner slipping as she goes to strike the ball right of near post, Edgar cutting it out cleared to the right, Bodily getting hold of it cutting inside to blast her shot against the upright the rebound sent over!

Full time Cambridge City Ladies 0-2 Cambridge United WFC

  Late drama but no reply for Cambridge City as they are beaten 2-0 by Cambridge United who claim their first win of the season to climb to 4th in the fledgling South East Division One table. Making a fast start to the game getting after their opponents on the ball, getting early joy with Sarah Wiltshire striking in the 4th minute to put them in front. Sticking to their game plan giving nothing away through the middle City adapting getting some joy on the flanks with Simmons and particularly Tolentino on the right Lauren Webb making a couple of vital saves Abi Davies clearing one off the line. At 1-0 City were always in it and you felt United needed that 2nd goal, came midway through the 2nd half with Wiltshire’s movement causing City’s defence problems getting in behind to nab her brace. Everyone behind the ball after that battling for the clean sheet, the post coming to the rescue at the death.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several performances of note and a tough one to call in some regards easy in other. For City, Erin Davies produced some good passes to release both wide players. Bella Simmons looking to get behind on the left create opportunities and Karly Tolentino was brilliant on the right if City were going to score she was the most likely carving out some great chances. For United it was a dogged performance with a well worked game plan. City getting nothing through the middle with Lauren Rouse and Grace Waygood superb in defence. Sammy Edgar with some quality passes setting up Wiltshire for the opening goal. Alysha Stojko-Down providing a good link between midfield and attack winning her fair share of tackles. The award though goes to the scorer of both United goals Sarah Wiltshire. Both well took, her energy up front along with movement to hustle the defence on the ball a constant menace working hard on her own towards the end up front to ensure United got the 3 points.

  Another enjoyable evening at the Demcom Stadium for my 2nd derby of the week but boy am I tired now. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams. Now to decide where I’m going at the weekend the games coming thick and fast now. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

FAWNL South East Division One

Sunday 21st August

Great to be back for another season covering women’s football across the East of England and what a summer it has already been for the game in this country with our Lionesses becoming Champions of Europe! Winning the competition in style with record breaking attendances beating some of the best along the way. Sure everyone has been walking a little taller in training since  and can’t wait for the season to begin. Whatever the legacy from this tournament success might be it’s sure to lead to more coverage, more fans and girls inspired to take up the game, hopefully more funding and sponsorship too as people see the potential for the games growth going forwards.

England’s Lionesses, winning this summer’s UEFA Women’s European Championships

  Excited for the new season to begin the FAWNL and ERWFL competitions kicking off this Sunday. Beginning my season with a trip to the Abbey Stadium to watch Cambridge United WFC play Norwich City Women in their opening fixture in FAWNL South East Division One. 

  The stalwarts of the league being the only two sides to consistently feature in the 4th tier since the FAWNL was created back in the 2014/15 season. With the formation of the Barclays WSL and the Championship the top 4 tiers of the woman’s pyramid are getting stronger and stronger with each passing season and the demands on clubs to remain competitive grow year on year. Clubs forming closer ties with their respective men’s sides has helped in that growth and today’s opponents have both recently seen their relationship with their men’s club strengthen.

  Cambridge United WFC having established a new women’s board with League One, Cambridge United FC, chaired by Jenny Horfield. This further strengthens the women’s side to the main club and it’s youth section growing as it becomes one of the FA’s new girls emerging talent centres. Intelligent Membranes coming in to sponsor the women’s team shirts the women’s side will benefit from closer ties and resources as it looks to push on up the pyramid.  Staging 4 matches at the Abbey Stadium this season.

  Darren Marjoram joining 1st team coach Ben Yeomans last season as manager, Cambridge United WFC made a solid start to the campaign into the top half and looking to press for a top 4 finish, a disappointing final 3rd to the campaign however saw the club take just one point from their last 7 games that ultimately saw them finish 8th just outside the drop zone. That led to some frank discussions within the club and several players moving on. Youth players ready to step up from the development squad with a few new faces joining. The head line signing being, Sarah Wiltshire, previously on loan at Cambridge United has had playing spells with Man City, Yeovil, Watford and Tottenham, bringing experience and goal scoring ability to the club. Also joining in attack Francesca Partridge previously with Northampton Town Women and midfielder Sammy Edgar who joins from last season’s ERWFL runners up, Royston Town Women.  Ruth Fox top scorer last season netting 14 goals.

  Likewise for Norwich City Women their day to day management is now in house with Championship side Norwich City FC as Norfolk’s leading football club looks to better support it’s women’s side. Bringing in ex-WSL player, Flo Allen as general manager. Thing’s are beginning to move in the right direction for the club after a number of difficult season’s struggling at the bottom of the FAWNL South East Division One table. Moving to The Nest on the northern outskirts of the city to play their home matches taking advantage of a state of the art facility.

 Norwich City Women looked dead and buried last season firmly inside the drop zone with 4 sides going down with 5 games to play. A heavy defeat to start the season against the eventual champions Billericay Town Women, Norwich struggled for points all through the campaign then came the turn around digging deep as a squad Norwich produced a sensational finish winning 4 of their final 5 games to haul themselves out of the bottom four to clinch 7th spot in the table. Have strengthened their squad over the summer bringing in 8 new faces, returning players, Rosie George, Alice Parker and goalkeeper Hope Armstrong. Midfielders, Katie Knights and Rebecca Russell joining from fellow Norfolk side and last season’s ERWFL Champions, Wymondham Town Ladies. Defender, Ceri Flye is a strong addition at the back joining from Cambridge City Ladies, along with Naomi Cooper from Wroxham Women and forward Liv Cook from Waveney. 

The Abbey Stadium pitch

As mentioned the Abbey Stadium hosting 4 games for the women’s side this season as the club looks to promote the side. 3 league clashes with Norwich first up followed by local rivals Cambridge City and Actonians Ladies plus a cup match to be announced. The main stand open for the game with the bar area open beneath plus hot food being served. A good atmosphere building the home crowd getting behind the team with Norwich bringing several supporters. The grass pitch in perfect condition lush and green at the start of the season. The weather too  dry and bright, not as hot as in recent weekends favouring playing conditions.

Cambridge United WFC

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Abbi Griffin, Ella Marden, Lauren Rouse, Grace Waygood, Gisella Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Alysha Stojko-Down, Ruth Fox, Sarah Wiltshire & Francesca Partridge. Subs – Abi Davies, Albany Hodgson, Niamh Day, Libby Fraser & Sunny McGregor.

Norwich City Women

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Anna Larkins (C), Alice Parker, Ceri Flye, Chardonnay Johnston, Katie Knights, Rebecca Russell, Ellie Smith, Megan Todd, Natasha Snelling & Freya Symonds. Subs – Summer Ward, Kathryn Stanley, Naomi Cooper, Leilah Gooding & Olivia Cook.

Like to be closer to the action but headed up to the press box for this one to get a better view of the pitch. Sarah Wiltshire, Sammy Edgar and Francesca Partridge all making their competitive starts for Cambridge. Ceri Flye, Katie Knights and Rebecca Russell in the starting XI for Norwich. Norwich to have the kick-off 1st half wearing their 3rd choice kit which I was wondering how to describe but the club has done it for me listed a xenon pink and blue shirt with xenon blue shorts and socks, xenon being obtained by the distillation of liquid air so I’d be inclined to shift towards pastel, still it looks pretty cool. Cambridge lined up opposite in their traditional amber shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball sent long out to Freya Symonds moving left Abbi Griffin defending at right back for Cambridge cleared up to Wiltshire in attack.

Abbi Griffin playing out from the back for Cambridge

Norwich quick to close down the early exchanges frantic the ball put on for Megan Todd out on the right off attack, Ellie Smith coming over to support the pair winning Norwich a series of throws as they look to gain ground on the flank. Cambridge regaining possession on the middle the ball lifted on for Wiltshire on the move left wing, helps it on for Partridge in attack, Norwich captain Anna Larkins close in defending the ball out for a throw. Smith likes to get hold of the ball from midfield and drive forwards with it, bursting forwards into the area left of the D holding off a defender closing in on the six yard box, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb coming to meet her sliding in to claim the ball at her feet

Ellie Smith on the attack for Norwich

  Could do with some ball boys over on the far side of the pitch as the match ball disappears into the stand for a throw. From the resulting throw Norwich are awarded a free-kick on the left. Rebecca Russell over it for the visitors a good dead ball specialist during her time at Wymondham whips in an angled ball towards the far post goes through everyone out for a goal kick however play is brought back for a raised offside flag. Webb has to be alert inside her box with Norwich looking to close the ball down quickly inside the Cambridge half Alice Parker on the right sending it on for Freya Symonds stealing in between the centre backs, Webb rushing out seeing the threat sliding in to save at the strikers feet.

Norwich’s Freya Symonds with Cambridge’s Sarah Wiltshire

   Norwich certainly looking to pressure Cambridge on the ball force errors, nipping in to regain possession from a throw right side Smith brings the ball under control turns in field squaring it to Russell 25 yards out top of the D, she lays it forwards into the area for Natasha Snelling looking to break in behind the pass a little heavy out for a goal kick. Numbers up to close the ball down Norwich quickly regain possession as Cambridge look to break on through the middle Russell lining up a shot from outside the box left of the D racing low towards the bottom corner, Webb down smartly to save. Smith is proving a nuisance for the Cambridge defence as she looks to power forwards with the ball, Ella Marden at left back getting the tackle in to take the ball away from her as she turns inside. 

Cambridge’s Ella Marden

  Cambridge taking their time to find their rhythm having made a nervous start, looking for Fox and Wiltshire out on the flanks in attack the ball comes left for Wiltshire pushed on for Partridge who uses her body well to hold up the ball playing it back to her captain Gisella Otten in the middle before spinning in behind, Otten looking to thread the pass into her plays it too straight allowing Bryony Williams to collect unopposed inside the Norwich box. Katie Knights for Norwich and Sammy Edgar for Cambridge are too uncompromising ball winning midfielders a competitive tussle forming in the middle of the park. Edgar putting a strong tackle in on Smith as she attempts to drive on with the ball once more Smith winning the free-kick in front of the centre circle.

Cambridge captain, Gisella Otten

 Chardonnay Johnston to play the ball short to Smith pulling to the right in space sending an angled cross in to be attacked beyond the far post Symonds with a glancing header the ball wide. Cambridge coming back at Norwich better now as they look to push bodies forwards hustle possession in Norwich’s half. Edgar in strong to win the ball taking it forwards towards the edge of the area left of the D plays in inside to Partridge top of the D, can’t quite take it in her stride as she looks to see the ball across her and shoot. Smith’s driving runs with the ball a constant danger have the Cambridge defence back peddling almost succeeds in sending the pass on for Snelling, Webb though alert to the danger again out quickly to lay claim to the ball.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb getting hold of the ball

  Fox out on the right takes the ball off Johnston at the back and races on down the flank putting an early looped cross into the six yard box, is just over Wiltshire who has drifted in to the near post area.

  GOAL! No sooner have Norwich almost carved out a chance one end then Cambridge get up the other end and open the scoring. Webb quick to realise the ball helped on up to Partridge positioned right of the D some 25 yards out not closed down turns on the ball and catches the strike superbly to smash the ball home for her first Cambridge goal 1-0.

Francesca Partridge celebrating scoring her 1st Cambridge goal!

  Closing on on 20 minutes played the deadlock broke a fantastic strike from Francesca Partridge. Norwich get straight on the attack from the restart Cambridge caught napping as Tod steals clear on the right into the box wide of goal closing in on the by-line sends a cross in Webb down to claim. Knights busy in the centre getting her challenges in winning the ball for Norwich her diagonal pass finding Symonds in the right channel, shifts inside shaping to shoot, Otten throwing herself in harms way to block it. Alysha Stojko-Down on with the ball for Cambridge out to Wiltshire on the left squares it into Partridge, Knights tracking back to defend for Norwich.

Norwich midfielder, Katie Knights

   Parker is down needing treatment a chance for both sides to take on fluids an even contest now after a bright start from Norwich. Larkins travelling on with the ball in space for Norwich playing a great diagonal pass into the area for Snelling to bring down left of the goal, Webb coming to close looks to chip it on, Webb getting the faintest of touches falls straight to Smith central the flag up against her before she can unleash her shot. Cambridge feed the ball up the line left for Partridge is fouled by Knights winning a free kick 30 yards out. Wiltshire over the ball takes the shot on her effort over the goal. 

  GOAL! Norwich have possession in the middle a speculative pass played forwards, Waygood goes to cut it out for Cambridge sliding onto the ball is a miscue as the ball deflects off her foot in behind left straight for Symonds racing in taking the ball on into the area Webb coming looks to strike the shot high over her Webb getting her gloves up getting something on the ball but unfortunately straight down into path of Snelling running in central to tap the ball home for six yards for her 1st goal of the season 1-1.

Natasha Snelling equalises for Norwich

  Cambridge advance down the left from the restart Wiltshire winning the hosts their first corner of the game. Wiltshire to play it into the area goes long beyond the far post Fox their to meet it inside the six yard box a good header down towards goal, Williams in goal down sharply to make the blocking save the ball turned away to the left retrieved by Wiltshire angles the ball back in towards goal, Williams back on her feet claiming it. Both sides looking to add to the score line Norwich finding Todd wide right shifts inside her cross fizzed in cut out Smith latching onto the rebound outside the box smashing it goalwards, Waygood with the block.

Ruth Fox connects with the header for Cambridge

  Smith brought own on the right a free-kick for Norwich 35 yards out, Russell over it the cross into the far post through everyone. Waygood showing a good turn of pace at the back to recover get back on Snelling clear for a throw as she is played in on the right channel for Norwich. Griffin with a diagonal pass long looking for Wiltshire wide left, Ceri Flye winning the header for Norwich at the back. Competitive in the middle a few challenges flying in Norwich finding Symonds left outside the area playing it into Snelling finds room to squeeze a shot away her stabbed effort blocked by Lauren Rouse. 

Laruen Rouse holding off Norwich’s Natasha Snelling

  Into stoppage time at the end of a lively first half the ball fed into Symonds from the left controls well shifting it twice between her feet inside the area as the Cambridge defence close her down, nevertheless gets a shot away threatening to creep into the bottom corner Webb wrongfooted initially scrambling back to throw herself at the ball palm it away to safety. Norwich finishing the half strong Russell’s free kick bringing a corner Cambridge heading clear as the half draws to a close.  

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Norwich City Women

  Honours even at the end of the first half the sides drawing 1-1. Norwich starting the brighter putting Cambridge under pressure forcing errors the hosts looking nervous taking a little time to settle into the game the visitors with chances to open the scoring before Francesca Partridge scored in the 18th minute with a superb strike to give Cambridge the lead. Norwich kept going a mix up at the back leading to them scoring the equalising goal past the half hour. Cambridge forcing a top class save from Williams unlucky not to be leading at the break. All to play for 2nd half.

Norwich’s Rebecca Russell

  An injury for Symonds in the first half she is replaced by Kathryn Stanley. Cambridge unchanged getting the 2nd half underway, Otten sending it long to the left for Wiltshire, Larkins defending, both Otten and Edgar snapping in to win the ball keep the momentum with the hosts as they look to make a fast start to the 2nd half the Norwich defence getting in their blocks standing firm, Intent from Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half Edgar rushing in to win the ball out to Fox on the right turns inside tackled by Johnston. 

Norwich captain, Anna Larkins

 Cambridge attacking Fox on the ball wins the hosts a corner out on the right played in beyond the far post Edgar getting her head on the ball her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. Norwich riding out the early Cambridge storm the game settling down into a more even contest both sides vying for the ball. The visitors with a throw on the right half way inside the Cambridge half Smith bringing it down turning inside shaping to curl a shot in towards goal, is an unfortunately block from Todd in front of her to deflect the ball away for a goal kick.

Norwich’s Alice Parker with Cambridge’s Ruth Fox

  Cambridge inviting a bit of pressure as Norwich are strong out of possession looking to hustle players into rushing passes making errors. Flye across to defend on Wiltshire as Marden looks to lift the ball on up the flank. Fox on the right spins off her marker well getting in behind on the wing lifting a cross into the area Johnston up to head the ball away at the near post conceding a corner. Played in long knocked back in Edgar attacking it deflected behind for another corner. The in swinger snatched down well by Williams.

Norwich goalkeeper, Bryony Williams

  Todd looks to bring the ball down out left as the clearance is lifted up to her Rouse getting a foot in t take the ball away conceding a corner kick played in from the left across the six yard box Snelling stretching beyond the six yard box sends the ball wide. 

Norwich’s Megan Todd

  GOAL! Past the hour mark Norwich have been getting plenty forwards in attack and over whelm the right side Larkins up with Stanley driving on to the by line into the box cuts the cross back into the top of the six yard box players lining up to meet it comes to Snelling to stab home for her 2nd of the game to put the visitors into the lead 1-2.

Natasha Snelling celebrates after she puts Norwich into the lead

  Cambridge suffering a blow trailing at home look to get on down the right Griffin up with Fox, Parker defending the out for a goal kick. Norwich’s Smith gets hold of the ball in the final third 25 yards out central the pass short inti Stanley right of the D, plays in inside the area to Snelling ahead of her closed down the ball back with Stanley sees Larkins racing forwards wide left picking her out the full back striking her shot over on the angle. Norwich looking strong getting players forwards  forcing Norwich back making it difficult for them to find their own attacking players.

   Marden picking up a knock Cambridge making a change at the back with Albany Hodgson coming on. Norwich winning a corner on the right a good ball into the six yard box dealt with well by Edgar at the near post with a good header for Cambridge. Griffin out from the back on for Partridge in attack, free for a moment a good turn of pace form Flye to get across and clear the ball for a throw. The ball never still for long particularly in the middle pinging back and forth Cambridge have the break Wiltshire central laying it off to Partridge drifting right, shapes to shoot Johnston throwing herself into the block to deny her from 20 yards out.

Chardonnay Johnston defending for Norwich

   A free -kick for Cambridge wide right 30 or so yards out Wiltshire takes on the shot a dangerous ball in dropping late has Williams needing to pluck it down to safety back on her goal line. 

  GOAL! Into the final 15 minutes , Griffin is left in a heap as she is dispossessed half way inside the Cambridge half on the right, Smith racing on with the ball down the channel taking it inside the box closing in on goal blasting a shot at Webb the keeper down spreading herself to make the save the ball not under control deflects up and into Smith to collect on the rebound and turn home at the 2nd attempt 1-3.

Ellie Smith making the block on Fox scoring Norwich’s 3rd goal

  Worse for Cambridge, Griffin hurt from the initial challenge that led to the goal can’t continue a 2nd change enforced with Abi Davies on. Edgar with a talking too from the referee after another robust tackle. Norwich from the resulting free-kick 30 yards out Russell putting her effort over the bar. Time ticking down for Cambridge to get themselves back into the match with a free kick top of the circle. Wiltshire decides to have a pop at goal, is close by Williams can see it safely onto the roof of her net. 

 Norwich making their 2nd change of the game with Smith the player coming off to be replaced by Liv Cook. Stojko-Down heads the ball on for Partridge inside the box, Johnston and Flye closing her down wins her side a corner. Played in from the right to the far post is turned wide. Stojko-Down comes off for Cambridge, on comes Sunny McGregor for the closing stages with time running out for Cambridge to find a goal.

  GOAL! One minute of regular time left on the clock and the back of the net is found one last time as Norwich break up a Cambridge attack the ball into full back Larkins on the right looks to send it long is a brilliant ball up into the box with substitute Liv Cook pulling in behind at the near post looking to see it drop over her shoulder and shoot, before she can she is brought down by Hodgson the referee pointing to the spot penalty! Snelling on a hat-trick placing the ball on the spot makes no mistake sending the keeper the wrong way placing the ball centrally lifting it into the back of the net 1-4. 

Natasha Snelling scores from the penalty spot to complete her hat-trick

  Snelling’s last action of the game as she comes off to be replaced by Leilah Gooding. Stoppage time being played. Cambridge find Partridge pulling away left of the D her attempted a lob defending the ball falling to Wiltshire 30 yards out her strike from distance held by the keeper. Another change for Cambridge with Niamh Day on for Fox. Edgar picking up a late yellow card as thing’s get heated in the circle between her, Knights and Russell. Todd wins a corner for Norwich defended Webb sending the ball long for Partridge in attack a shot from the edge of the box is cleanly caught by Williams.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-4 Norwich City Women

  Norwich starting their campaign with a win on the opening day. A confidence boosting result with a strong 2nd half to claim victory. A competitive contest the visitors making a good start to the game taking the game to Cambridge before the hosts settled and went on to open the scoring. A mistake leading to the equaliser Cambridge nevertheless with chances to lead at half-time started the 2nd half with intent but after riding that out Norwich looked strong taking the game to their opponents getting players forwards pressing the ball taking the lead on the hour adding a 3rd with less than 15 minutes left. Cambridge pushing on searching for a reply, conceding a late penalty to see Natasha Snelling claim her hat-trick. The final score maybe a little harsh on Cambridge, Norwich playing well for the 3 points, will be alot happier than they were this time last season for sure.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. Sometimes they are easy but most of the time it’s a tough decision. Players to mention from both sides, starting with Cambridge, Sarah Wiltshire working hard up front to run the channel make herself available press the defence on the ball. Francesca Partridge making a solid debut, please to say Women’s Football East is sponsoring her for the season. Showed good presence up top and scored a fantastic goal. For Norwich, Ceri Flye made an impressive debut in defence with a number of well timed tackles good positioning throughout. Katie Knights was busy in the middle breaking up play and Ellie Smith always impresses whenever I see her in action a strong runner on the ball her driving runs form the middle had Cambridge on the back foot constantly. Today’s award goes to their hat-trick scorer,  Natasha Snelling. Took her goals well with some great runs during the match to get into the box and bring her teammates into play.

  Great to start a new season, an enjoyable afternoon at the Abbey Stadium a good crowd of 64 in attendance that showed their appreciation to Cambridge despite the result. Squad lists after the saviour to a match report writer but I appreciate getting the team sheets nonetheless. Looking forwards t the season ahead, actually have the next months games planned already but I’m not jinxing it by telling anyone what they are. It’s good to be back.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Cambridge City Ladies

Sunday 24th April

FAWNL South East Division One

 Derby day this Sunday on Women’s Football East with a trip to St Neots FC to watch Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Ladies lock horns in FAWNL South East Division One.

 A game of huge importance now played at the end of the season the penultimate for both, delayed from earlier in the season, Cambridge United WFC in 7th spot are safe, their local rivals however are not with Cambridge City Ladies in real danger of getting relegated as other results last weekend confirmed it is now between them and 11th placed Enfield Town Ladies for the final relegation spot.

Bottom of the FAWNL South East Division One table

Heavy rain seeing the original midweek date for the derby match called off late on, the game rearranged for this weekend, Cambridge United WFC in 7th spot in the FAWNL South East Division One table were looking over their shoulders themselves in recent matches as an inconsistent run of results saw the club lose ground in what had been a strong position for a top 4 finish. Just one point collected in their last 5 matches taking the gloss off a promising season. No goals scored in the last 4 either, that drought finally ending in the 91st minute of the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final were a goal from Laura Mitchell saw the club lift the trophy in its inaugural season. 2 games left to play today and away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies next Sunday could yet see the club secure a top 6 finish.

Cambridge City Ladies haven’t been in the bottom 4 all season yet they are in danger of dropping into it right at the death. With Norwich City Women securing safety with a run of 4 straight wins including home and away against Cambridge City, the final spot is now between the and Enfield Town Ladies, with Kent Football United, Harlow Town Ladies and Stevenage FC Women already down. Is very unfortunate that the league will see 4 sides relegated this season as the FA look to get the leagues all back to 12 for next season following the aftermath of the Covid hit seasons. Cambridge City Ladies results deserting them just like United at the sharp end of the season with 4 straight defeats to push them down to 9th, 2 points in their final 3 games will be enough with 23 points, Enfield Town Ladies in 11th have 21 and 1 game left away to Kent Football United next weekend. A win for Cambridge City today and it’s all over they will be safe and send Enfield down. Like United have lifted silverware this season retaining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

St Neots FC, Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s game, the grass pitch looking immaculate. The clubhouse beside the main seated stand open serving hot and cold drinks. The weather perfect for a game of football, warm and sunny with a little cloud cover.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Anna Re, Abbi Griffin, Grace Waygood, Rachel Kosky, Laura Baker (C), Gisela Otten, Alysha Stojko-Down, Laura Mitchell, Ella Marden & Ruth Fox. Subs – Lauren Rouse, Faith Hewitt, Emma Jenkins, Nicole Emmings & Libby Fraser.

Cambridge City Ladies

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Amy Reed, Lauren Tomlinson, Bronwyn Mulheron, Ceri Flye, Frances Steele, Ellie Cullum, Bella Simmons, Karly Tolentino, Erin Davies & Grace Stanley. Subs – Hannah Bodily, Charlotte Gillies, Bella Ely, Jess Evans & Shannon Shaw.

Rumours of a bust up in the City camp prior to today’s crucial game, ex-United player, Bella Simmons along with Frances Steele in the starting line-up having hardly featured for the 1st team so far this season. United have been having to juggle their squad alot of late due to illness and injury welcome back captain, Laura Baker after missing recent games. City to kick-off the first half wearing  white shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and black and white hooped socks. United lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into the defence, United captain, Laura Baker is quick to close the ball down as City look to go left the ball out for a throw in.

  GOAL! The perfect start to any derby game with a goal inside the opening couple of minutes, goes the way of the visitors Amy Reed on the ball at right back lifting it on up the wing for Karly Tolentino running in behind the defence, wrapping her foot around the ball sends a looping cross in towards the back post, Erin Davies under it knocking the ball up into the middle, dropping isn’t dealt with by the United centre backs as top scorer Grace Stanley in between sends the ball into the back of the net 0-1.

Grace Stanley congratulated after opening the scoring for Cambridge City

  The perfect start to a must win game for City going a long way to settle any pre-match nerves. The visitors with a bright start are quick to win the ball back from the restart move left winning a corner kick. The ball angled in cleared at the near post back with the corner taken crossed in claimed by Unite goalkeeper, Lauren Webb. City captain, goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson with a good long kick out from the back seeing Stanley stealing in behind into the right channel, Webb out to the top of her area to gather. 

  City hustling the ball moving in quick to close it down all over the pitch Bronwyn Mulheron winning it at the back. Frances Steele in the middle forwards for Stanley right of goal moving into the box shifting inside onto her left foot, strikes a curling shot in across goal, Webb diving to her right making a good save pushing the ball away from goal. City close down preventing United getting out a shot fired in from distance on the left brushing the side netting. A strong start from City, Bella Simmons pressing well against Ella Marden on the left her right on for Stanley, Abbi Griffin getting the tackle in to take the ball away from her. 

Cambridge United’s Ella Marden

 United not settled at all slow to get out when they have the ball, Baker looking to spread play right with Laura Mitchell on the move her cross into the box only finding the head of Mulheron to clear. City’s closing down forces an error as defender Grace Waygood is caught in possession onside her own box by Tolentino who moves inside to strike her shot up over the crossbar. City taking the game to United Steele cutting out  Ella Marden’s pass as she looks for Ruth Fox in attack. Griffin with a great crossfield ball for Anna Re advancing on the right is stopped by City’s Lauren Tomlinson. 

Cambridge City Ladies, Lauren Tomlinson

   Ellie Cullum links up with Erin Davies in the centre of midfield moving forwards the shot from 20 yards out struck wide of the post. Fox to the right of goal seeing the ball into her feet well putting in inside for Alysha Stojko-Down 20 yards out top of the D, takes on the shot the ball angling away from the left post. United coming away with the ball in the middle up to Fox left channel peels off her marker well taking the ball up the line, Ceri Flye getting back at her well to defend send the ball out for a throw in. 

 City break well the ball on for Tolentino right angles a diagonal ball into the box far post area, between them Rachel Kosky and Re deal with the threat for United. Certainly City look up for it, United sluggish have yet to find any rhythm. Simmons picking the ball up from deep allowed to travel letting fly from all of 35 yards out, the shot no trouble for Webb. Stojko-Down on the ball left side has Fox in support ahead of her, takes the ball on towards the City box has Mitchell to the right of the D plays the ball into her continuing her run into the area left side, Mitchell laying the ball through to her, Fox from close range blasts the ball goalwards, Hudson down in front of her with a strong save sending the ball away for a corner kick. 

Sarah Hudson with the save to stop Cambridge United equalising

  A better spell from United as they look to get the ball into the feet of their attacking players. Fox lifting another effort over from inside the box left of goal. City with a free-kick wide left much to Re’s frustration. The ball lifted into the box near side sent on across goal, out behind for a corner a nick of a United player spotted corner given. Put into the top of the area, Re gets hold of it for United the break is on as she moves it on for Fox left, tries the diagonal pass inside with Mitchell looking to bomb on far side, the ball though to close to Hudson allowing the keeper to come and clear. 

Anna Re looking to break for Cambridge United

  City playing with a high tempo pressing well, often doubling up on players as United are slow in their build up play, lost on the left Simmons on for Stanley wide the cross sent into the area, over Tolentino jumping in the centre, Griffin clearing it beyond. 

 GOAL! City double their lead midway through the first half with a straight forward pass through the middle from the goal kick not dealt with, Stanley running in clear behind moving right checks inside outside the area to angle a shot in low across the keeper, Webb gets down to her right, gets her fingertips to it but not enough to turn it wide of her far post and the ball nestles in the bottom corner 0-2.

Grace Staley makes it 2-0 to Cambridge City

  Mitchell bringing the ball on for United central on for Stojko-Down who looks to thread it on for Fox making a left channel run, Flye in to win the ball for City send it out for a throw. Baker coming back to help Griffin as she demands some urgency from her side, the loose ball nudged into Stanley, Kosky closing down to clear for United.

 GOAL! City extend their lead as Simmons carrying the ball on in midfield left side is allowed to go on unchallenged, lining up a strike 25 yards out races into the box low, Webb diving can’t get there as the ball finds the inside of the post 0-3.

Bella Simmons quickly adds a 3rd for Cambridge City

  City with their tails up a free-kick wide on the left players up from the back, angled into the top of the area, Gisela Otten heading it down for United, drops straight to Davies 20 yards out her snap shot angling away wide past the left post. Kosky out to charge down Simmons shot this time as she lines up another strike from 25 yards out. Stanley in attack in the right corner holding the ball up, Reed getting forwards to support a corner won. Swung into the centre of the United box, Stanley getting her head on the ball can only direct her effort into Webb’s midriff. 

 Marden bringing the ball down on the left well shifts inside has Fox ahead of her looks to pick her out, Steele lunging in to intercept for City. Re on the right winning a good challenge for United up to Fox has Stojko-Down inside, Cullum back to help her defence regaining possession for the visitors. United press right Mitchell with Fox the ball crossed into the box cut out put behind for a corner on the right. Played in near side, Kosky moving towards it rising and twisting in the air as she heads the ball in across goal, Reed defending the far post heading it clear back out to Stojko-Down on the right to put another cross in along the six yard box, Otten rising far post turning her header wide. 

Cambridge United’s Gisela Otten

  Into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Simmons attacking has Stanley up with her left of goal, Re doing well in defence for United. A late counter attack has Mitchell running with the ball on the right on for Fox, Hudson out to the edge of her area to slide in and claim.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-3 Cambridge City Ladies

  No doubt the first half belongs to City a 3 goal lead going a long way to securing their status in FAWNL South East Division One. Stared the game well taking the lead inside the opening couple of minutes and continued to play at a good tempo, closing the ball down and preventing United getting any rhythm going. United out of sorts at the start of the game showing the odd glimpse going forwards, Ruth Fox with a great opportunity to level the scores before City found a 2nd and 3rd goal with relative ease. As it stands the 3 points are City’s and not only will it keep them in the league they will also move above United on goal difference, Work for United to do if they are to get back into the game.

Cambridge United’s Alysha Stojko-Down with Cambridge City’s Ellie Cullum

  Changes for United at the start of the 2nd half a double substitution with Lauren Rouse replacing Waygood at the back, Nicole Emmings on for Marden joining Fox in attack. No changes for City as United get the 2nd half underway, out to the right Stojko-Down on for Re, but adjudged to have fouled Tomlinson as she looks to get in behind City with the free-kick. City attack winning a corner on the left the ball into the area charged down the follow up blazed over. 

  Simmons with the ball at her feet left side charges forwards, playing a one two with Davies on her inside as she goes on into the area, Rouse diving in with the tackle taking the ball behind for the corner kick. City starting the 2nd half as they left the 1st. The ball in low from the left cleared up to Emmings, looks to counter, Reed in well to stop her advance. Rouse across to nullify the threat posed by Simmons as she spins in behind on the right sliding in with a strong challenge the ball out for a throw, Simmons needing a moment to recover. 

Cambridge City’s Amy Reed

  Unite remain slow to get on with the ball, encouraging City to press is inviting pressure. Simmons strong on the left for City taking the ball on well cuts inside into the box flashes a cross along the six yard box, Davies lunging forwards can’t quite reach it. Otten looking to get forwards support the attack for United left side has Emmings with her, battling for the ball, Flye getting the tackle in to win the ball back for City. Simmons bursting into the box from the left the angle against her wide of goal her cross/shot snatched into her body by Webb as she gets down to it smartly. 

  GOAL! City capitalise on their positive start to the 2nd half by going on to score a 4th goal on the hour. A strong run on the ball right side from Tolentino on for Stanley wide the United defence stretched, Stanley fires the cross into Simmons free beyond the far post to turn the ball wide of Webb into the back of the net 0-4. 

Bella Simmons giving Cambridge City a 4 goal lead

 Referee, Michael Butcher calling for a drinks break, both sides come over to the benches for instruction. From the restart, City regain possession come right Reed looking to get on help Tolentino, Griffin tackling well for United to halt the attack. A 3rd change for United with Emma Jenkins on for Stojko-Down. City making their first change, Bella Ely on on the left for Simmons. United look to build through the middle Baker on for Otten forwards for Mitchell in attack left channel goes on is forced with by Mulheron who tackles to win the ball. 

Cambridge city’s Frances Steele

  GOAL! United finding some urgency in the final 3rd getting players up to support the attack come left the ball crossed into Jenkins right side in the area, aims to put it bac central with Mitchell on the move, releasing the ball is tripped brought down the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty! Baker placing the ball down on the spot smashes it low and hard to the left, Hudson going the right way can’t get to to as United pull a goal back 1-4.

Laura Baker converts the penalty for Cambridge United

  20 minutes plus stoppages to play. Rouse at the back long for Mitchell drifting left wins a corner kick. A change for United before it’s taken sees a change in formation too as Griffin comes off at the back, Faith Hewitt on into a midfield role. The corner dropping into the mix near post inside the six yard box is eventually scrambled away loose top of the D, Baker in midfield is free to race onto the loose ball her effort charged down before an attempt from distance drifts over. 

Cambridge United captain, Laura Baker

  Three at the back for United as they commit more going forwards, City with a 3 goal cushion looking to keep it tight at the back. Reed on for Tolentino bursts forwards her cross into the box cut out by Kosky. City making another change with attacker, Shannon Shaw replacing Stanley. United come left Re into Hewitt who plays the pass on for Emmings left side fires it into Mitchell inside the box near side back for Baker left of the D sends it across to Jenkins inside the area right of goal her shot blocked at close range by Tomlinson the loose ball sent back in low saved by Hudson back on her goal line. 

  United pressing for a 2nd goal with more of the ball now as City look to defend their lead. Jenkins having made an impact since coming on driving on with the ball right her cross flashed into the box Fox on the penalty spot turning it goalwards, frustrated as she sees her effort come back of the near post straight to Mitchell but difficult to control lifts her effort over the bar.

Ruth Fox on the attack for Cambridge United

  The game moving into the final 12 minutes City making a double change bringing off Cullum and Tomlinson for Hannah Bodily and Jess Evans. Kosky winning the ball at the back for United up to Emmings left side jinks inside with the ball Fox making a run for her, Reed managing to get a foot in to take the ball away from her. Re steals in to take the ball away from Ely on the right moving inside plays a one two with Fox central before picking out Jenkins right of goal top of the area, her shot screwed wide of the near post. 

 A further change for City with Tolentino coming off replaced by Charlotte Gillies. United come left as Hewitt lifts the ball on for Jenkins, tackled by Evans the ball out for a throw high up the pitch. The ball worked down the line the cross angled in near post Mitchell seeing it down onto her feet turns to shot putting her effort wide across goal, retrieved by Emmings far side closing on on the angle her driven shot saved superbly by Hudson. 

  Another change for United with Libby Fraser replacing Fox up front. City counter on the right, Gillies with fresh legs bursting on flashing a strike wide across the face of the United goal. The clock ticking down City despite their lead looking a little nervous the pressure relieved in attack Bodily up to Davies left of the D her shot taking a deflection behind for a corner kick. Into added time 5 minutes to be played. City break right the ball into Gillies her angled shot taken by Webb at her near post. 

Cambridge City’s Erin Davies holding off United’s Laura Mitchell

  Jenkins off a diagonal ball forwards from Kosky getting United a corner kick as Evans turns her cross behind. Fired into the box high, Hewitt jumping central can’t get it, City counter on the right the ball up to Gillies on for Davies takes on the shot early, Webb down sharply at her near post the ball behind for a corner kick. The clock ticking own City look to keep it in the corner, Rouse wins it launched forwards United look to break, Mulheron pulling the attacker back earning the first yellow card of the game. Put into the area Mulheron is at hand to head the ball away to the right for a throw in. The ball into Jenkins feet right side in the box on the turn curls her shot in wide of the far post.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-4 Cambridge City Ladies

  The final whistle blows and City celebrate winning the local derby and securing their league status in the process. 4-1 the final score. The result confirming Enfield Town Ladies long time members of the 4th tier going down. The Cambridge derby alive for another season. After all the pre-match build-up at the top of this report City made it look easy with a strong performance up for the derby when it really mattered an early goal going a long way to securing victory. Were strong throughout a good tempo pressing the ball and doubling up well at times a deserved lead at half-time a 4th goal in the 2nd half putting them in total control. A lacklustre performance from United especially 1st half had a good chance to level the scores before City were allowed to add a further 2 goals. Pulling a goal back from the penalty spot, Fox with another chance coming back off the post wasn’t to be. A county cup win and derby day victory for both, honours even I suspect City will be the happier tonight, as they prepare to move to their new home in Sawston.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. An easy decision in the end which is rarely the case. A few performances of note to mention first. For United, Ruth Fox with some great first touches looking to get in behind, with 2 great chances to score. Emma Jenkins making an impact from the bench taking the game to City winning the penalty. For City a solid defensive display, Sarah Hudson with some crucial saves. Frances Steele strong in the middle winning the ball. Karly Tolentino’s pace and movement in behind a threat out on the right. Grace Stanley up top a constant threat getting into some great positions always on for the pass scoring twice. The award though goes to the scorer of the other 2 City goals, Bella Simmons. Was up for this one getting hold on the ball in the middle, taking it forwards with purpose and bringing others into play,

  A great result for City to secure their league status, coming in a derby game all the better. Looking forwards to more encounters next season. My thanks to United for the team details as always greatly appreciated although this s one of those rare occasions where I did know who everyone was.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v St Ives Town Ladies

Wednesday 13th April

Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final

A busy week of cup final action on Women’s Football East, starting this Wednesday evening with a trip to Eynesbury Rovers FC or the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup Final between Cambridge United WFC and St Ives Town Ladies.

Huntingdonshire FA’s inaugural Women’s Senior Cup at last taking place after Covid put pay to the final being played last season. 7 women’s sides featured within the county with representatives varying from county level right up to FAWNL Division One the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid.

The two strongest sides within the county reaching the final of the competition with Cambridge United WFC playing their football at St Neots Town FC playing in FAWNL South East Division One taking on St Ives Town Ladies from the ERWFL Premier Division below.

Cambridge United WFC manager, Darren Marjoram taking on familiar opponents having joined the FAWNL side at the start of the season having previously been manager at St Ives Town playing a major role in the clubs development and rapid rise up the football pyramid. Overall a successful 1st season with Cambridge pushing for a top 4 finish at one point tailing away towards the end with consistency proving a challenge will secure a mid-table finish with a good platform to build on next season. Cambridge United WFC enjoying closer ties with Cambridge United FC which will benefit them going forwards have traditionally been a dominant force within the county cup competition in Cambridgeshire itself, now with their base in Huntingdonshire have the opportunity to contest for silverware once again.

St Ives Town Ladies having reached the ERWFL Premier Division 3 seasons ago after a fast and strong rise through the leagues, were looking strong in their debut season, then Covid came along and put an end to proceedings, the following season likewise affected stifling development for a lot of clubs. A change of management this season with Ben Green eventually taking charge. Have found this season in the ERWFL Premier Division a struggle winning just one of their opening 8 league fixtures and with one game left to play are unfortunately at the bottom of the table and facing the prospect of relegation, yet the mood in the camp remains positive and recent results giving the squad some much needed confidence going into this evenings final. 

Road to the Final

  With 7 sides contesting, new side Huntingdon Town Ladies made up largely of the old St Ives Town Ladies Development side were the ones to receive a bye into the last 4. Cambridge United WFC starting their cup campaign away to Cardea FC Ladies,, 2nd in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, 3 divisions between the sides Cambridge running out comfortable winners with both Ruth Fox and Laura Mitchell scoring a hat-trick in an 11-0 win. A equally high scoring victory for St Ives Town Ladies in their quarter final away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two side, Brampton Ladies. Charlotte Noble on target with a hat-trick with top scorers Angel Lyden netting a brace in a 10-2 result.

  Into the last 4 and Cambridge were drawn at home to Cambridge Women’s Division Two title chasers, Eaton Socon Ladies. A good test for the visitors young squad, Cambridge once again racking up the goals powering into the final with a 13-0 win. St Ives at home to Huntingdon Town Ladies in  their semi-final. Georgia Stancombe on target with a brace with a goal each for Kati Stancombe and Sasha Smith seeing them through to their first county cup final.

  The venue for the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Final, Eynesbury Rovers FC. Like St Neots, Premier Plus Stadium situated in a residential area, featuring a very large grass pitch which will offer plenty of width in great condition. A seated stand along one side of the ground opposite the dugouts, housing the changing rooms with the bar/clubhouse with kitchen hatch alongside. Another seated stand behind one of the goals a good sized crowd building. A pleasant warm day  carrying into the evening mild with no wind or rain forecast.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Carrie Bennett, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Lauren Rouse, Abi Davies, Gisela Otten (C), Abbi Griffin, Faith Hewitt, Laura Mitchell, Nicole Emmings & Ruth Fox. Subs – Kira Markwell, Grace Waygood, Alysha Stojko-Down, Libby Fraser & Niamh Day.

 St Ives Town Ladies starting XI – Sarah Aftelak, Mollie Flack, Sasha Smith, Anna Hicks (C), Georgia Stancombe, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Jessica Conyard, Sarah Mosley, Angel Lyden, Katie Stancombe & Elle Jefferson. Subs – Lauren Bird, Poppy Lyons & Penelope Ford.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Three former St Ives players following Darren Marjoram to Cambridge all featuring in this evenings final with Ruth Fox, top scorer for Cambridge this season with 14 goals leading the attack and Abbi Griffin starting in midfield. Goalkeeper, Kira Markwell on the bench. Cambridge to get the game underway kicking off 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks with St Ives opposite wearing white shirts with black vertical striping, black shorts and socks. The play played diagonally out to the left wing for Nicole Emmings, Mollie Flack gaining possession for St Ives lifting the ball back into the middle.

St Ives closing in on the ball Jessica Conyard playing it out to Angel Lyden on the right support with Sarah Mosley down the flank the pair playing a good one two on, Carrie Bennett across the ball for Cambridge to see it safely out of play for a goalkick. Cambridge winning a free-kick captain Gisella Otten on for Laura Mitchell on the right takes the ball on squaring it into Ruth Fox top of the area, Georgia Stancombe defending for St Ives the ball back with Kayleigh-Anne Burt on the right spreads play across to Lauren Rouse moving left  on for Bennett up for Emmings taking the ball up up the left whistling a cross into the box, Fox the target central, St Ives captain Anna Hicks getting her foot on the ball to clear.

St Ives, Mollie Flack with Cambridge’s Nicole Emmings (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  St Ives build on the left getting a free-kick the ball played on cleared is picked up by Katie Stancombe out left 30 yards out strikes the ball goalwards, arrowing in, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb with a spectacular save, athletically diving to her right gloving the ball away for a corner kick. The corner delivery lofted into a crowded near post, Webb coming in amongst everyone to jump punch the ball down, cleared up to Mitchell looking to break, Sarah Aftelak keeping goal for St Ives out of her box to clear.

  St Ives with a fast start looking to press the ball get it moving forwards quickly, Elle Jefferson in attack nudging the ball on for Lyden, Burt closing in to tackle, halt St Ives progress for Cambridge. Lyden getting on well right side with Jefferson supporting, Faith Hewitt across to put in the tackle. Cambridge rushed on the ball as St Ives work to close down passes not finding their targets. Rouse at the back for Cambridge onto Hewitt with Bennett going on left side her diagonal ball flighted into the area seen out at her near post by Aftelak. A busy opening 10 minutes from St Ives have caught Cambridge a little off guard, Mosley in to tackle Otten put the ball out to Lyden, Emmings tracking back to challenge get the ball back into Cambridge’s possession.

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten (photo credit Ben Phillips)

Emmings with Bennett up the left checks back inside firing a cross into the area Fox the target too close to the keeper Aftelak snatching it up into her gloves. Griffin down in the middle for Cambridge needing treatment after a challenge, is okay to continue. Play resuming Flack with a timely interception getting her foot on the ball as Emmings looks to thread a pass on in behind. Katie Stancombe with the ball driving on left side pace forced back up the line before turning and seeing her long range strike charged down. The ball up to Fox in attack right channel 25 out played back to Hewitt central out out to Mitchell on the right advances before flashing and angled shot wide across the St Ives goal.

Cambridge’s Faith Hewitt (photo credit Ben Phillips)

There positive start giving St Ives confidence, Jefferson linking up well with Lyden on the right keeping Bennett occupied at the back for Cambridge. Aftelak with a good catch high at her near post as Cambridge attack right Mitchell sending the ball in. Cambridge lose the ball at the back Rouse tackled by Katie Stancombe right sent onto Jefferson racing into the area evading Burt’s challenge, Griffin running back closing in to block before Jefferson can unleash a shot. St Ives quick to counter whenever they have the ball Lyden on the right looking to set up Jefferson ahead of her, Rouse defending well for Cambridge shielding the ball putting it back for Webb to clear.

Fox for Cambridge with a great first touch 25 yards out to take the ball in behind on the left channel, Lyden getting back on her shoulder to shoulder forces her wide before tackling to clear the ball. Cambridge with a free-kick on the left leading to a corner kick, players up from the back the six yard box loaded, the delivery in escaping the defender at the near post running on into the mix, a snap shot taken from close range Aftelak with a fantastic save leaping to her left to snatch the ball down with both hands.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

Otten central spinning to evade a tackle playing the ball into Fox’s feet as she peels away left channel to run in behind towards the box shooting from outside the area her effort drilled wide of the near post. A tug back leading to a St Ives free-kick central, players up as Georgia Stancombe sends it up into the area Jefferson unable to get it down under control before being closed down the ball cleared. Half and hour played, Griffin wrestling free with the ball in the middle sending it through for Fox left of the D too heavy though the keeper gathering safely.

Lyden strong on the right getting in behind, pace taking her to the by-line flashes a cross along the face of the Cambridge goal Katie Stancombe beyond the far post can’t keep it in. Otten puts the ball on for Emmings into space on the left driving on wraps her foot around the ball angling a cross into the box swerving goalwards Aftelak with a confident take high at her near post. Otten strong in the middle winning a St Ives goalkick the ball out to Emmings again on the left shifts inside this time shooting wide from 30 yards out. St Ives forced back as Cambridge get players forwards Davies up with Mitchell on the right the ball cut out fed across the the left Bennett up field delivering a cross into the top of the area Georgia Stancombe clearing for St Ives.

Cambridge gaining some momentum as the 1st half draws to a close Georgia Stancombe clearing a cross the ball out for a corner on the left. Put into the mix in front of goal Aftelak getting a fist on the ball can’t claim, falling a scramble in front of her put clear, Jefferson breaking with it through the middle, Mitchell racing back for Cambridge to challenge. Fox taking the ball on as she sees it into her feet and turns 25 yards out, Conyard going with her lunging in to take the ball away from her.

Hewitt fouled in the middle played out to Mitchell on the right Davies looking to get on with her, Smith timing her tackle well to halt Mitchell’s run. Davies up with Mitchell on the right moments later the shot angled in low, held well by Aftelak down smartly at her near post. Hannah Seymour-Shove tackling in the middle out to Katie Stancombe on the left driving on, Davies challenging as Burt comes to clear. Won back up to Mosley, Jefferson moving into the D ahead of her, Rouse getting her foot in to steal the ball. Burt sending the pass on for Davies bursting forwards on the right, strikes the ball on the angle from distance, Aftelak untroubled as she sees it wide of her far post.

(photo credit Ben Phillips)

St Ives playing the ball on with pace through the centre Jefferson and Lyden looking to get into the box, Rouse across to put in the tackle before the ball is cleared for a throw on the left. St Ives winning a free-kick on their right, Bennett aggrieved as she goes in for a 50/50 challenge. Smith flighting an inviting ball into the box, Otten inside to defend with a firm header as push spotted however Cambridge getting the free-kick. Into the closing stages of the 1st half Cambridge attack on the right Fox up with Mitchell a throw won high up the pitch. The cross coming in off the throw sees Fox’s attempt near side charged down Mitchell getting hold of the rebound seeing her shot deflected wide for a corner on the right. Put in across the six yard box scrambled behind for another corner on the left this delivery cleared at the near post.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 St Ives Town Ladies

  Goalless at the break. A competitive game with St Ives starting brightly working hard to close the ball down, get it on take the game to Cambridge who were a little cold at the start caught off guard. Webb called into action with an early save. The work rate continuing from St Ives have counted well, whilst defending their box. Cambridge gaining momentum as the half wore on will be interesting to see if St Ives can match this tempo 2nd half, remains all to play for.

Carrie Bennett with St Ives Elle Jefferson (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  A triple change for Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half with Kira Markwell replacing Webb in goal. Also on defender Grace Waygood and midfielder Alysha Stojko-Down for Burt and Hewitt. Tactical changes too as Griffin goes to right back, Davies up to joined Fox and Emmings in attack on the right side. St Ives with the same 11 get the 2nd period underway the scores level after 90 minutes the game goes straight to penalties. The ball played forwards cleared by Waygood. Both sides closing down in the middle the start of the 2nd half disjointed with neither side getting hold of the ball.

   Cambridge build on the left Bennett on for Emmings attacking down the wing crossed into the area for Mitchell played back out to Stojko-Down 20 yards out, her strike charged down by Hicks. Cambridge showing more attacking intent at the start of the 2nd half looking to get on the front foot Stojko-Down and Otten tackling in the middle, the former fouled by Seymour-Shove a free-kick lifted into the area defended away for a corner kick on the left. Played in to the near side Emmings coming towards the ball twists as she leaps looking to turn the ball goalwards plants it wide.

Angel Lyden with Alysha Stojko-Down (photo credit Ben Phillips)

 Smith’s clearance at the back has Lyden running in clear behind on the right, Markwell responding quickly advancing to the top of her area to grab the ball into her gloves. The ball clipped into Fox from midfield 25 yards out brings it down well turning to attack the area, runs into Georgia Stancombe who stabs out a foot to take the ball away. Davies and Emmings pushing on with Fox through the middle now in attack St Ives forced back, Otten and Stojko-Down in midfield winning the cleared ball back. Smith gets in a great tackle ,needed as Davies looks to charge on down the right side. 

  A flare-up on the right as St Ives win a free-kick, quickly extinguished by the referee, the set-piece send long into the area, Markwell unchallenged with an assured claim. Cambridge using the pitch better now as Otten coming right to win possession links up with Griffin the ball played into Stojko-Down central helped out to Bennett on the left forwards for Emmings her cross dinked into the area finds Fox getting a yard clear of the defence just inside she sends her shot in, narrowly over the crossbar. 

Cambridge striker, Ruth Fox (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  St Ives with their backs to the wall as Cambridge mount an attack on the left Emmings getting help from Mitchell the ball flashed in across the six yard box Davies in far side with a 1st time effort back across goal can only find Aftelak who is down swiftly on her line to save. Stojko-Down on for Emmings left a high ball into the box Davies managing to keep it in but Smith tackles for St Ives, Davies fouled as she goes to retrieve the ball. 56 minutes played and the first change of the game for St Ives as Poppy Lyons comes on in attack in place of Jefferson. 

  Cambridge up on the left with a throw in put into Mitchell shifts infield to the top corner of the area shooting low the ball rolling into Aftelak getting down to claim at her near post. Lyden up on the right with Katie Stancombe, Bennett forcing her back before Stojko-Down regains possession for Cambridge. Davies with pace on the right adding an attacking threat turning St Ives around whips a dangerous ball in across the six yard box, Flack cool under pressure with a cushioned header back to her keeper. 

Cambridge’s Abi Davies (photo credit Ben Phillips)

   Otten moving right with great foot work to back heel the ball on into the area, Mosley needing to track back to intercept, Katie Stancombe clearing options up the pitch limited Cambridge quickly regain possession. Smith in the wars for St Ives has taken another knock and this time needs to come off. Jefferson retuning to the pitch up alongside Lyons as Mosley drops back into left back. A ball played over the top for Davies attacking right of the D, Georgia Stancombe running with her to the ball first her attempted clearance hitting Davies rebounding goalwards, Aftelak reacting sharply to save. 

 Katie Stancombe’s pace an outlet for St Ives if they can get the ball out to her, on the left turns infield allowed to travel with the ball, it’s Rouse who gets back on her sliding in to tackle 20 yards out. Up the other end Georgia Stancombe lunging into tackle Davies 20 yards out as she shapes to shoot. Jefferson fouled top of the circle a free-kick for St Ives played long up into the area, Markwell not put off with Jefferson chasing in on the ball catching cleanly. 

  Seymour-Shove with a rash challenge catching Fox on the back of her achilles, presenting Cambridge with a free-kick to the right some 25 yards out. Griffin over the ball. Put into the box claimed by Aftelak. Closing in on the final 15 minutes, Cambridge strong in the 2nd half but yet to break down a resilient St Ives defence. Mitchell on the left side moving inside to cross whipping the ball in Fox her target, Georgia Stancombe going with her to intercept and clear for St Ives. Fox then sending a header over the bar as Emmings plays a cross in from the left side. 

  Mosley pushing Davies wide as she bursts on down the right gets to the by-line her cross drifting behind into the side netting. Otten with a strong header off a St Ives goal kick the ball with Davies on the right wins her side a corner. Long across the face of goal cleared falls to Stojko-Down 25 yards out left smashes a shot goalwards, takes a deflection on its way over. A pause in play with a St Ives player needing treatment. The corner from the right Emming’s leaping central can’t quite get there the ball cleared at the far post. Stojko-Down linking wit h Otten and Griffin central the ball fed forwards cut out by Hicks. 

  Into the final 10 minutes, Cambridge making a change bringing on Libby Fraser for Emmings on the left. Otten winning the ball in midfield out to the right Mitchell with Davies the shot on the angle put behind. Fox seeing the ball into her feet back to goal 20 out has support with Otten advancing she spreads play to the left Fraser with Mitchell, Flack tackling the ball out for a throw. Davies attacking right to the by-line winning a corner off Mosley. Mosley then clears at the near post as the corner is swung in.

Cambridge’s Laura Mitchell (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The clock is ticking down, St Ives are absorbing alot of pressure can’t get the ball out off there half as Cambridge press hard, can they hold on, take it to the lottery of a penalty shootout? Mosley outnumbered on the left as Fox moves out to help Davies with Griffin getting up the pitch does well to get a challenge in halt progress with a throw. Defended a rare opportunity to break with Katie Stancombe in the clear on the left, Rouse though covers the ground well to slide in with the tackle. Niamh Day coming on in the closing minutes for Cambridge replacing Davies the game entering stoppage time 4 minutes to be played.

  GOAL! Stojko-Down playing the ball on down the left for Mitchell deep her touch seeing her shift inside run into the area wide of goal no one from St Ives can get near her as she strikes the ball with her right foot a fantastic hit rifled home across the keeper into the corner of the goal! 1-0. One of those instances where you see the attack building and know the attacker is going to score.

Laura Mitchell congratulated after her scoring in the 91st minute (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The St Ives defence breached at last in stoppage time a valiant effort, Cambridge have been on top throughout the 2nd half finally have the goal. Little time left and St Ives have given it there all Katie Stancombe in space on the left can’t get a cross into the area. Cambridge with time to mount one last attack Fox put in behind on the right taking the ball to the by-line whipping in a cross that his cut out at the near post.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 St Ives Town Ladies

  The final whistle blows and Cambridge celebrate as they win the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup. Laura Mitchell with the unstoppable strike in the 91st minute. Late heartbreak for St Ives who gave everything coming within minutes of taking their higher league opponents to a penalty shootout. Can rightly be proud of their performance was a valiant effort ran out of steam in the 2nd half absorbing alot of Cambridge pressure as their opponents adjusted things at half-time dominating the 2nd half despite not finding the all important winning goal until the end. 

Women’s Football East – -Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match several great performances all over the pitch from players on both sides. Credit to the whole of the St Ives defence along with Sarah Mosley who did a fine job slotting into left back after Smith’s injury. Georgia Stancombe with a number of committed tackles throughout. For Cambridge, captain Gisela Otten was strong in the middle especially 2nd half winning the ball back on numerous ocassions St Ives unable to get out because of it. Laura Mitchell with the all important winning goal with a number of great attacking runs throughout aswell as Abi Davies on the right. The award ere though as it did on the night goes to St Ives goalkeeper Sarah Aftelak with some great saves and good positioning made sure her team were in the game right till the end.

A valiant effort from St Ives Town Ladies (photo credit Tom Alfuth)

  Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup 

Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners, Cambridge United WFC (photo credit Ben Phillips)

  The first of two mid-week finals completed a trip down to Essex on the heels of this one. 214 in attendance in what was a nail biting final no where near as one sided as some had predicted. Credit to St Ives for that smiles on their faces at the end despite the lose knowing they had given it their all. My thanks to everyone at Hunts FA for their help aswell as both clubs for their assistance with the team details and Ben Phillips for allowing me to use some of his pictures in the report. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage FC Women

Wednesday 30th March

FAWNL South East Division One

 A midweek trip to St Neots Town FC for a game under the lights from FAWNL South East Division One with Cambridge United WFC taking on Stevenage FC Women.

 A big game for both with Stevenage FC Women in the relegation zone giving themselves a fighting chance picking up vital points at the close end of the season away to 7th place Cambridge United WFC who have lost there last 3 in the league to keep them a little too close to the scrap at the bottom for comfort.

 Cambridge though know that a win changes everything, sees them comfortable in mid-table clear of what is likely a scrap at the bottom that will go all the way to the wire. Consistency has been a problem for Cambridge all season have assembled a decent squad who are more than capable on their day. Have had a few off days however that is proving a quandary, a run of 3 straight defeats taking the gloss off their season, looking well clear of the danger zone the points tally drying up whilst those below have picked up some vital wins against each other has seen the gap close to just 5 points. Have a number of players out through illness and injury including captain, Laura Baker and full back Carrie Bennett with a further 4 first team players missing. That though a great opportunity for those amongst the squad to put on a performance.

  Stevenage FC Women were looking dead and buried adrift 2nd bottom on the FAWNL South East Division One table just over 5 weeks ago 3 wins against their relegation rivals with 9 points collected from 12 has seen them push themselves back up amongst the competition moving onto 18 points taking them to within 3 points of possible safety. 3 games left to play Stevenage’s end of season for could yet pull them to safety. That good form also  seeing Stevenage regain the Hertfordshire County Cup 10 days ago.

 Both Cambridge and Stevenage suffering 4-0 home losses at the weekend against the Essex sides vying for the title, Billericay Town Women and Hashtag United Women.

 St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for this evenings game. The rain forecast coming later in the day and not as much as predicted meaning the game wasn’t in danger of getting called off as was the case after heavy rain a 3 weeks ago for Cambridge derby. Light rain falling as I arrived at the ground but that would clear. The temperature dropping sharply however with a return to wintery conditions after what has been a relative heat wave at the start of the week. The grass pitch offering plenty off width.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Anna Re, Abbi Griffin, Rachel Kosky, Lauren Rouse, Faith Hewitt, Gisella Otten (C), Emma Jenkins, Abi Davies, Laura Mitchell & Ruth Fox. Subs – Kira Markwell, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Ella Marden, Charlotte Crisp & Nicole Emmings.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Tea Oldroyd, Lucy Webster (C), Hannah Nebbitt, Vicky Neal, Chloe Gunn, Shianne Swarres, Holly Greenwood, Jodie Bellinger, Kate French, Emily Schofield & Amy Makewell. Subs – Shakeela Hussain, Jodie Southby, Dionne Manning, Poppy Bennett & Louise Godden

It’s Stevenage to get this evening encounter underway kicking off the 1st half, wearing white shirts with red sleeves, red shorts and socks with Cambridge opposite line up wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts an socks. The ball played back to the defence sent long out to the right wing, players racing forward, Emma Jenkins getting hold of it for Cambridge, moves forwards, Amy Makewell closing down tackling to win the ball back for Stevenage lays it out wide right for Jodie Bellinger on the flank, turns inside reaching the area before putting her foot through the ball, her attempt blocked by Cambridge’s Abbi Griffin going out for a throw.

  Stevenage pushing forwards at the start of the game looking to take the game to Cambridge, keeping the hosts pinned back in their own half. Laura Mitchell taking the ball on for Cambridge powering forwards on the left moves inside getting all the way top the top of the box before Chloe Gunn gets across her well to defend able to shield the ball as goalkeeper, Tea Oldroyd comes to claim dropping to smother the ball. Both full backs for Stevenage looking to get on in support on the wings, captain Lucy Webster on the right, Hannah Nebbitt on the left a throw won high on the left the ball lifted on into the box, Emily Schofield up at the near post with a glancing header aiming to send it on, Rachel Kosky cutting it out at the back for Cambridge, a recent addition to the squad clearing the ball into midfield. 

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

  A tussle in the middle of the park, saw Shianne Swarres tackling and breaking up play at the Hertfordshire County Cup final, is playing in the same vein this evening and with Cambridge’s Gisella Otten captaining the side this evening in the middle too it will be an interesting contest to watch. The ball fed to Abi Davies right side she plays it inside for attacker Ruth Fox her foot up attempting to bring the ball down as a Stevenage player stoops into the header caught the decision going Stevenage’s way a free-kick on half way. Webster putting the ball in towards the top of the box, won and cleared by Otten. 

Cambridge captain, Gisella Otten

  Both sides not settled yet play bitty at times as passes are rushed, the opposition closing each other down the ball toing and froing between defences. Swarres digging the ball out from under her feet on halfway clipping a great ball forwards for Bellinger to attacker running clear. Lauren Webb with a good starting position quickly out to the top of her area to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Otten in midfield out to Davies right played up into Fox she turns looking to take on the defence, Vicky Neal close at hand to get her foot on the ball take it away from her. 

  A positive break for Cambridge on the left Jenkins winning it short to Fox with Laura Mitchell to her right taking it on up the wing, riding a Swarres tackle continues her run, Amy Makewell tracking back well for Stevenage catching Mitchell, tackling to halt the attack. Kosky dealing with the threat at the back as Holly Greenwood lifts a ball onto Schofield up top coming through the centre. Nebbitt up with Kate French on the left a free-kick won deep as good as a corner, plenty packed into the area in front of goal the ball floated into the mix the referee spotting an infringement however Cambridge have the free-kick. 

  A strong run on the ball from Schofield for Stevenage through the middle lifting it on into the box with the outside of her boot, won back by Kosky. Good pressure applied by Stevenage  going forwards finding their rhythm quicker than Cambridge. Griffin able to get on with the ball on the left for Cambridge with Jenkins crossed in the clearance won back in the middle, clipped back up to the top of the area Neal heading it away, Cambridge snapping at the ball getting it back on over the top but play halted by a raised flag. 

Nebbitt attacking on the left delivering a high cross in towards the near post, watched well by Webb at her near post, taking the catch. Webster up on the right with Bellinger off a throw the a great cross flashed through the six yard box players attacking far post, none getting a telling touch. Stevenage strong on the left getting on well, Anna Re stepping in with the tackle getting hold of the ball for Cambridge on for Davies puts it long looking for Fox, too much though as Oldroyd can come out and claim the ball. Davies finding some space on the right flank a good touch seeing her take the ball on up the line before delivering a great cross in towards the neat post Mitchell sliding into the six posting connecting putting the ball wide of the post.

  Midway through the 2nd half and it remains a cagey affair with neither side finding a break through, Greenwood with Swarres on up to Schofield up to looking to bring the ball down and turn at attack, Kosky marking backing off giving herself the opportunity to clear the dropping ball. Swarres tackling in the middle threading it through the middle, Kosky composed seeing it back to her keeper as both Schofield and Makewell give chase. Davies carrying a threat on the right for Cambridge with a driving run on the ball before firing an angled strike wide across goal. 

Amy Makewell

Swarres tackling winning possession shifts the ball between her feet letting fly from 20 plus yard out, Lauren Rouse stepping forwards to put in the block for Cambridge. The hosts awarded a free kick 30 yards out to the right of the Stevenage area the delivery long to the far post Jenkins getting her head to the ball. falls straight to the keeper. Cambridge winning the ball high on the left attack the ball squared across the top of the D, Davies, right side a shot driven in along the ground the ball skipping up in front of Oldroyd she gathers cleanly with Fox closing in. 

Kosky winning the ball at the back for Cambridge cleared out to the right Davies forwards with support from Fox who takes the ball on fire in ear post Mitchell arriving the ball turned wide of the goal. Greenwood on for Makewell through the centre attempting the through ball for Schofield, Kosky stabbing out a boot to push the ball away from the attacker. Stevenage come on Makewell out for French on the right running down the line wrapping her foot around the ball to cross in looping up swerves over the crossbar. The game livening up towards the end of the 1st half Stevenage getting players up, Fox attacking tries to find Jenkins to her left, Webster in to tackle for Stevenage.

  Cambridge in the corner on the left Mitchell back to Jenkins lays the ball in central with Griffin up in an advanced position 20 yards out clips a shot up over the bar. Stevenage come left winning a free-kick 35 yards out. A teasing ball fired into the area sees Webb scrambling across her goal, the ball bouncing wide, a corner awarded much to Cambridge’s consternation. Nebbitt with an inswinging delivery from the right her effort coming back down off the crossbar, Makewell’s snap shot blocked the ball cleared Cambridge break a foul given as play is brought back following no advantage, Stevenage’s turn to be aggravated by a decision. The ball floated up to the top of the area well defended comes out to Schofield on halfway is one on one with only Griffin behind the ball, the full back needing to time her tackle well and does to prevent Schofield getting past to take a run at goal.

Davies taking the ball on well up the right flank whipping a cross into the box Oldroyd up making a spectacular grab to pluck the ball out of the air. Stevenage get on well down the left Nebbitt getting up the pitch to send in a great ball to the near post, Schofield up well twisting her body as she heads the ball, sending her attempt wide across the Cambridge goal.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Stevenage FC Women

 The sides head into the changing rooms goalless at the break. An unsettled start from both sides, highly competitive in the middle. Stevenage the quicker to settle having the better of it getting players on down the flanks but haven’t tested Webb as yet Nebbitt’s inswinging corner hitting the bar there closest chance. Cambridge have competed well enough with Davies making some great runs on the right putting in some dangerous ball. Oldroyd like Webb at the other end relatively untroubled however. 

  Is getting colder by the minute as the sides emerge for the 2nd half a big 45 to come with both wanting the points. No changes as yet Cambridge to get the 2nd period underway the ball lifted long to the left Webster seeing it out for a throw. Kosky at the back on for Mitchell central plays it back to Re on the left forwards down the line for Davies, Nebbitt defending the ball going for a throw. A tentative start to the 2nd half players quick to close the ball down rushing forwards passes. 

Cambridge’s Abi Davies

 Mitchell central the hosts breaking with players running on Gunn moving out to deal with the threat on the left as Jenkins looks to take the ball on out for a throw. Mitchell getting hold of the ball running on central Fox ahead of her into the left channel, Mitchell running beyond her making for the box as Fox finds Jenkins on the left to lift a ball into the box, Nebbitt defending on the penalty spot to ensure Mitchell can’t get a touch to turn it goalwards. Neal on Fox left side to see the ball out for a throw in the corner. Cambridge showing more intent in the 2nd half. 

Stevenage’s Vicky Neal

 Stevenage come away with the ball moving right the crossfield pass well placed picking out French on the move on the left side, Re closing in defending at the top of the area for Cambridge. The sides less cagey no the tempo risen wanting the ball played on quicker my well invite a mistake. A crossfield ball played left to right knocked down well by Davies moving wide her cross deflecting behind off a defender for a corner kick. The ball played in to the top of the area put back to Jenkins out wide, Neal moving out to press Jenkins turning for the by-line digs a cross out the ball cut out at the near post. 

Stevenage’s Kate French

  Kosky getting across Schofield shields the ball back to Webb as it it put on from midfield. Mitchel attacking on the left tackled by Gunn the ball played up to French advancing on the left driving on into the area, Kosky with a great challenge to deny the shot. An hour played Stevenage make a double change with Jodie Southby and Louise Godden on for Nebbitt and Makewell respectfully. Hewitt in the middle playing the pass on for Davies right down the line checking inside heading for the box lays it back to Hewitt 25 yards out sends a high ball up into the area, Oldroyd up to claim holds onto the ball despite being taken out Gunn marking Fox.

  Godden getting back pressing the ball into Swarres moving left on the left up for French wins her side a corner. Everyone lined up beyond the far post the delivery sent into the mix is cleared by Cambridge, play stopped due to a head injury for a Cambridge player. Swarres moving out right slowing down Re as she looks to break with Davies on the wing. Mitchell working form midfield seeing more of the ball for Cambridge almost threads a pass through to Jenkin’s up top, Neal in well to get a foot on the ball. Cambridge with a free-kick out wide left dropping top of the D to Otten on the turn does quite catch the whole of the ball seeing it lack the pace needed to beat Oldroyd as it skips through to goal. 

 Schofield central playing the pass out to French on the left into the corner works a cross into the area the ball cleared out to the right, Bellinger racing onto it 25 yards out Hewitt there to block as she smashes the ball. Cambridge make their first change with Rouse coming off at the back to be replaced by Kayleigh-Anne Burt returning to the 1st team after a lengthy layoff through injury. Stevenage too making another change Schofield coming off for Dionne Manning. Mitchell travelling with the ball out for Davies to her right looking to go on Southby into her to tackle the ball out for a throw.

  20 minutes left to play no side on top yet, Cambridge carrying the threat 2nd half. Hewitt 25 yards out seeing a goal bound attempt blocked. Jenkins with a shot from distance on the left rolling wide. A time out both sides coming over to the benches with Godden needing treatment for Stevenage. Okay to continue Cambridge on the right Fox up with Davies the cross into the area cleared by Neal. Stevenage with a free-kick wide right, cleared for a throw in the corner put back up the line an angled ball lifted into the box, Webb down to claim low at French’s feet as she closes in. A 2nd change for Cambridge, Fox coming off for Nicole Emmings now back at Cambridge after 4 season’s with Stevenage. Shakeela Hussain also on for Stevenage in place of Bellinger.

 Into the final 10 minutes, the ball cleared from the Stevenage area is loose there to be won, Jenkins sliding in getting the ball but catching the foot of the Stevenage player attempting to clear coming the other way with her trailing leg. The Cambridge bench unhappy as Jenkins goes into the book. Mitchell attacking right with Davies, Gunn closing in to tackle, Emmings getting the ball back for Cambridge from the right sends a cross along the face of goal Jenkins coming in beyond the back stick unable to get a touch, the ball cleared into the middle Hewitt latching onto it 25 yards out sending a shot back in the effort blocked. Players down for Stevenage seeing a pause in play.

Cambridge’s Faith Hewitt

  Hewitt on for Otten through the middle for Cambridge onto Jenkins left channel, Swarres back to tackle for the visitors. The ball lifted forwards Godden peeling left attacking is halted by Burt. Jenkins on the ball left checking inside, closed down ends up committing a foul, called over by the referee is in trouble having only been booked minutes before as players scuffle beyond her. That broken up before the 2nd yellow card is issued and Jenkins is sent off Cambridge finishing the game with 10. No advantage for Stevenage however as they themselves are forced down to 10 with Webster needing to come off.

  Stevenage send everyone up into the box as they are awarded a free-kick wide left the clock ticking down one last push to fin a winning goal. In the end the high ball in is an easy claim for Webb. Godden getting on with the ball coming inside left, is tackled by Burt before she can reach the area. The hosts looking a little nervous as they drop back in the closing stages not wanting to concede. Burt fouled this time as Stevenage get the ball into Godden. Stevenage breaking in stoppage time the ball right into Godden sending on into the area, Webb rushing out to slide in to claim the ball in the nick of time, the offside flag up in any case. 

 Southby out left defending against Davies as she brings the ball on for Cambridge. Stevenage want to get forwards an altercation on the left seeing a free-kick awarded, Neal going into the book for voicing her opinion about a decision. A high ball into the Cambridge box defended seen out for a throw. The final whistle blowing the honours even.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Stevenage FC Women

 The points shared in the finish and overall a fair result a late winner for either would have been welcome but looked increasingly unlikely. Cambridge with the better of the 2nd period taking the game to Stevenage who had few opportunities. Again neither keeper overly tested, promising forward play the final ball not clinical. Cambridge the happier at the end with the clean sheet ending a run of defeats, with 3 left to play and with other results this evening aren’t likely to fall in the drop zone now. As you were in the bottom 4. Kent Football United’s tenure in the FAWNL coming to an end can’t escape now with 4 left to play. Stevenage 11th on 18 points remain 3 points from safety with 2 games left. Enfield Town Ladies in 9th on 21 points drawing with QPR. Stevenage away to Kent Football United before finishing their season at home to QPR can yet get out of trouble.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is another tough one a battling display from both sides. Performances of note include Shianne Swarres in the middle for Stevenage with a number of tackles to disrupt Cambridge throughout the match. Vicky Neal composed at the back with Emily Schofield carrying a threat in attack. For Cambridge Abi Davies was a constant threat on the right side making a number of daring runs putting she dangerous crosses into the box. Laura Mitchell with the ball, attacking and getting hold of it in the centre in the 2nd half. The award though goes to defender Rachel Kosky. Cambridge’s new defensive signing with and assured and composed performance in defence, reading the game and winning the ball.

 A chilly night in St Neots, my own fault for leaving my hat and gloves behind in Norfolk. Successive 0-0, that is a rare occurrence to say the least but defences were on top this evening chances at a premium in a evenly fought contest. My thanks to both sides for the team details and their help, as always appreciated.

by Darren Gilham