Tag Archives: ERWFL Premier Division

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 5th February

ERWFL Premier Division

It is becoming an intense battle at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with just 4 points separating the top 6, all with ambitions to win the title an achieve promotion to the FAWNL. Today’s it’s a clash of the top two with leaders Luton Town Ladies away to Hertfordshire rivals Stevenage FC Women.

  Luton Town Ladies now back on top after setting the pace early on, the chasing pack gaining ground Stevenage FC Women briefly on top themselves just 2 points back in 2nd. Behind them all on 18 points newly promoted sides AFC Sudbury Women & Needham Market Women along with Haringey Borough Women and Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

  Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL at the 1st attempt suffering relegation last season ending a 6 year stay in the FAWNL, recoding a 6th placed finish along the way. Achieving promotion to the FAWNL though no easy task as today’s opponents Luton Town Ladies will testify. The ERWFL Premier Division featuring some strong sides very competitive with just the title winners going up. Stevenage though are well placed to mount a title challenge assembling a strong squad, briefly taking over the lead a fortnight a go a 1-0 loss in a controversial game at Haringey Borough Women last Sunday seeing them drop back to 2nd. Amy Makewell leading goal scorer with 11 goals from 10 appearances, Becky Shepard and Emily Schofield with 6 and 5 respectfully. Have played 3 games more than Luton so a positive result is vital to stop them pulling away.

  Luton Town Ladies themselves a long established side in the FAWNL their run in the 4th tier coming to an end 3 season’s ago. The Covid pandemic disruption no doubt hindering their attempts to get back to the FAWNL are no back in strength ready to make a solid promotion push. Got off to a flying start with a 100%, 8 game winning streak seeing them pull away from the chasing pack. Were dragged back into the mix by the sad withdrawal of Harlow Town Ladies due to the pitch issues at the Harlow Arena, those points 6 in total wiped off saw those behind right back in it. A draw with King’s Lynn Town Ladies their only points dropped so far returned to the top with a 3-0 home win against Royston Town Ladies last Sunday. Jess Mckay and Lil Sanders are both on 11 goals from 13 appearances each with Leyah Maddix netting 8 from 13 played. Nikki Baker stepping down as first team manager, Rob Burton taking on the role this season with Myles Maddix as head coach.

The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s game, situated by the Hertfordshire FA’s offices the artificial pitch and stadium seeing a number of improvements in recent seasons with an updated bar and cafe area behind the main stand serving hot and old drinks. The main stand covered offering plenty of seating with terraced stands behind one goal and the opposite side of the pitch, where I headed to today to have the low sun at my back, albeit putting me in the shade in what was otherwise a pleasant, mild and still day with no wind or rain forecast excellent playing conditions.

Stevenage FC Women

 Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Tea Oldroyd, Lucy Webster (C), Anna Re, Nicole Farmer, Vicky Neal, Holly Greenwood, Hannah Bodily, Erin Price, Jodie Bellinger, Kelsey Millen & Emily Schofield. Subs – Katie White, Shianne Swarres, Becky Shephard, Amy Gooderham & Amy Makewell.

Luton Town Ladies

 Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Angelika Kopec, Maria Taylor, Hannah Major, Tanya Blacksley, Elly Wade, Kiera Palmiero, Jess McKay (C), Fi Constable, Andie Dickens, Lil Sanders & Leyah Maddix. Subs – Hannah Payne, Shanice Lewis, Shakeela Hussain, Adi Milton & Lilac Wilson.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Both sides naming 5 on the bench with plenty of attacking options to bring on, Luton to get the match underway wearing orange shirts and socks with navy coloured shorts. Stevenage lined up opposite wearing red top coloured shirts fading to black about the middle, red shorts with white socks.

The ball played back to captain Jess McKay in the centre of midfield she clips a diagonal pass long out to the right as Andie Dickens breaks up the line, Anna Re dealing with the threat at left back for Stevenage. Play paused with an injury on the far side of the pitch, Stevenage’s Emily Schofield having taken a knock before the dig outs the trainer called on, Schofield accessed and waved back on as play resumes. Lil Sanders showing good pace in attack linking up well with Dickens on the right in the early exchanges as Luton press the ball and get it moving quickly.

Stevenage captain Lucy Webster at right back has a decent throw on her as she looks to get Kelsey Millen away up the flank, McKay tracking back to lunge in with the challenge take the ball away from the attacker. From the resulting throw higher up the pitch Webster gets the return pass down the line and wraps her foot around the ball to send a dangerous cross into the six yard box, long Jodie Bellinger latches onto her inside the area but can’t smuggle her shot past goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec as she stoops to grab up the ball.

Stevenage’s Jodie Bellinger

A competitive midfield battle going on Luton moving in quickly to close Stevenage down on the ball, Erin Price however managing to evade a tackle stretching forwards to lift her pass long out to Millen breaking on the right wing in behind, Tanya Blacksley comes out from the centre to charge down her cross. Millen finding space on the right a good outlet for Stevenage as they continue to be harried on the ball in the centre of the park, bringing the ball inside links up with Price the midfielder unable to thread the ball behind an organised Luton back line.

Luton’s Tanya Blacksley

Two sides looking to get at each other no one afforded much time on the ball, neither wanting it looking to get the ball moving, Stevenage caught out with a high line as Kiera Palmiero sends the ball forwards for Sanders racing clear out wide left her ball driven into the box from the angle racing through the six yard box Leyah Maddix getting it under control left side turning back inside unleashing a low drive towards goal, a Stevenage defender blocking it with goalkeeper Tea Oldroyd down having it covered behind.

Stevenage’s Hannah Bodily with Luton’s Leyah Maddix

Luton with good pace up top Maddix getting onto the ball central carrying it forwards, sending it through for Sanders clear of the defence, Oldroyd aware of the threat quickly out of her area to kick the ball clear, Fi Constable closing down well to take on possession left side bringing it down for the shot, swerving in towards goal, the curl may well have seen it race narrowly wide of the top corner, however Oldroyd has gotten back into position and leaping up snatches the ball down safely. Luton getting on top in midfield putting the Stevenage defence under pressure with Constable wriggling free on the left wing driving into the corner her cross into the box headed away by Vicky Neal, coming back to Constable, winning a corner kick. Players up from the back the far post attack as the inswinging delivery comes in however a push is spotted by the referee Stevenage have the free kick.

Luton’s Fi Constable

McKay is dominating the midfield for Luton in the opening 15 minutes with the ball at her feet powers her way forwards evading two tackles before releasing a long pass out to the right, a little too much on it for Maddix to chase down. Millen out on the right remains the best outlet for Stevenage to counter as Price picks her out with the past in behind whips a great ball into the box bouncing through the six yard box to the far post Schofield after it held off by a defender the attacker can’t get enough on the ball to send it past the keeper as Kopec comes to claim.

Luton captain, Jess McKay

Neal with a timely interception at the back cutting out the attempted through ball for Sanders as she attempts to spin in behind. A strong pressing game from Luton getting into Stevenage forcing errors inviting mistakes while getting the ball moving quickly when they have possession. Sanders is down for Luton on halfway looks to have picked up a knock, needs to come off the visitors making a change sending on Shanice Lewis to join Maddix in attack. The game being played at a high tempo while having a cagey edge to it.

Stevenage’s Vicky Neal

Luton with a free-kick inside the Stevenage half right of the centre circle players coming forwards from the back as the ball is flighted in to the near post attacked Elly Wade very nearly connecting with the header, wouldn’t have counted however as the offside flag is up against her. Luton showing good energy frustrating Stevenage who want to press themselves but have the middle so congested it’s had to pick a pass. Hannah Major doing well at the back for Luton on the right as Stevenage look to get forwards with Schofield and Bellinger combining.

Emily Schofield

Constable attacking on the left for Luton cutting back inside across the top of the box 20 yards out fires it across to the right side, Re turning to charge down Dickens as she lines up a shot. Kopel’s turn to come rushing out of her area to clear as Re clearing the ball from the back almost sends Bellinger through to attack the area. Stevenage need someone to get thing’s going give the hosts some thrust and that person is the captain herself as brings the ball under control halfway on the right she shifts infield going to a powerful run forcing her way all the way into the box left of the D, before being chopped down by Major. Penalty!

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

Major is shown a yellow card. Bellinger the player placing the ball on the spot to take the set piece for Stevenage. Her strike send it low to close to the keeper, Kopec going the right way down to her left to get her body behind the ball and save turning it away to the left, scrambling across goal between the keeper and her defence prevent any follow up getting through the ball cleared long.

Angelika Kopec saving the penalty

Lewis coming forwards with the ball for Luton heading central has Sanders up in support, the move breaking down as she fouls Neal off the ball. Dickens a threat on the right for Luton going on before sending a cross from the touchline deep into the box, Webster heading it clear for Stevenage at the far post. Half a hour played and Stevenage make their first change in midfield bringing off Greenwood and sending on Shianne Swarres. Straight into the action in to win the ball on the left linking up with Bellinger the ball crossed into the Luton area cleared by Maria Taylor. Stevenage press the ball in the final third coming to Swarres 20 yards out clips a high ball up into the box has Kopec back pedalling back on her line the ball drops onto the crossbar and over.

 Webster getting forwards on the right tracking inside sees a deflected shot claimed by the keeper. From Oldroyd’s goal kick Swarres on halfway heads the ball on for Millen her touch up top taking her away to the right away from her marker moving into the right channel opts for the early shot 20 yards out rising but never troubling the keeper. Swarres’ introduction having an immediate impact. Stevenage getting after the ball better taking the game to their opponents. Swarres winning control of the ball on halfway threading a pass into Schofield left channel knocking in on heads for the box has her heels clipped right on the edge by Major, risky when already on a yellow. Stevenage have a set-piece in a dangerous position left corner outside the box players forwards as Swarres stands over it.  Strikes it well angling in towards goal past Kopec smashes down off the cross bar then scrambled clear by the Luton defence. Stevenage ending the first half strong Swarres from another set-piece from distance to the right smashing it low past the far post.

Stevenage (& Women’s Football East sponsored player) Shianne Swarres

  Sanders ready to return to the field for Luton coming back on for Lewis. Wade defending well top of the area on Schofield as the Stevenage attacker looks to bring the ball on from the left. Maddix pulled down on the right Luton with the free kick 30 yards out the strong ball in no one can reach it as it whistles in past the far post. Maddix bringing the ball on well through the middle for Luton lifting it out to the right wing for Dickens her cross dipped in near post held well by Oldroyd getting down to catch. 

 Kopec out smartly to the left corner of her area to get hold of the ball as Millen looks to break as a good diagonal pass is released from Price in the middle. The first half draws to a close with the goals still intact… just!

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

  Goalless at the break, Stevenage with the better chances striking the woodwork twice and seeing a penalty saved. That said for much of the first half Luton were the better side starting the game well closing the ball done, competitive in the middle showing good energy though out. Frustrating Stevenage moving the ball about looking to carve out an opening. The middle of the park often congested, Webster looking to get her side going with a thrusting run that led to the penalty ultimately saved by Kopec. A change on the half hour seeing the introduction of Swarres and Stevenage getting hold of the ball in the middle and applying some pressure of their own ending the first period strong while Luton look a threat on the counter with pace up top. Well poised for the 2nd half.

  Both sides unchanged at the start of the 2nd half, Luton out early ready to go as Stevenage get the 2nd half underway. The ball sent on the diagonal out to the right, dealt with comfortably by Taylor for Luton. Webster getting forwards well on the left for Stevenage at start of the 2nd half tracking inside picking out Swarres central 30 yards out she sends it on for Millen attacking right wing her cross whipped into the box cleared by Blacksley. Stevenage press the ball in the final third successfully appealing for a hand ball and getting the free-kick in a threatening position 25 yards out to the right of the D. Players forwards as Farmer stands over it, catches it well floating it in towards goal loops down onto the cross bar the woodwork coming to Luton’s rescue again.

Nicole Farmer

   The free-kick count beginning to add up Stevenage with another from deep flicked on outside the box cut out well by Blacksley at the back for Luton. Re with an ambitious attempt from half way that sails over. Luton have the ball in the middle Maddix surging on has Constable to the left sends the ball on in turn threaded into the box for Sanders pulling off her marker left of goal Oldroyd rushing out to close her down goes to ground at her feet the striker taking the ball around her and shooting, the ball cleared off the line by Neal for Stevenage! 

Luton’s Lil Sanders

  GOAL! Looking threatening at the start of the 2nd half Luton expose Stevenage on the right to open the scoring. The midfield pass finding Dickens bursting away on the right wing heading for the by-line before sending a superb cross in along the face of goal to be met by Maddix at the far post to turn back across the keeper and in 0-1.

Leyah Maddix with the goal for Luton

  Luton make an immediate change after scoring breaking on Lilac Wilson for Major with Palmiero going to right back. Almost straight away an opportunity to extend the lead and McKay’s pin point pass from midfield finds Sanders pulling off into the channel right of goal into the box, setting up a 1 v 1 versus the keeper, Oldroyd back in her six yard box poised, as Sanders goes to strike it across her into the bottom corner, Oldroyd down smartly low getting a touch to deflect it wide beyond her far post for a corner kick. Oldroyd coming to claim as it is flashing in near side.

   Wade in hard on Bellinger catching her on the toes a painful one a free-kick out wide Webster to launch it into the box headed clear by the Luton defence. Dickens with the neat flick on as the ball is fed into her knocked on for Sanders the bounce however favouring Re allowing the full back to nick it away with her boot outside the D. Dickens with a 25 yard strike that swerves wide of the right post. Stevenage make a double change in the 57th minute bringing off Bellinger and Schofield with Becky Shephard and Amy Gooderham joining the attack. 

Luton’s Andie Dickens

  Webster strong going forwards on for Price the midfielder making ground evading two tackles before laying the ball off for Gooderham out wide left the substitute winning a throw then a corner. On the left a high looping ball dropping into a crowded six yard box, an infringement spotted Luton have possession. McKay is hauled down as she bursts forwards with the ball a free-kick top of the circle players up from the back the ball dropped into the box, Wade attacking it getting a glancing header sending it wide of the left post.

   Another shirt pull spotted, this time on Webster some 30 yards out players up into the box spots Gooderham totally unmarked free left sends her the pass shifting inside Gooderham attempted cross/shot flashes behind the goal. Luton with another change bringing off Dickens for Adi Milton. Is a competitive tussle between two committed sides. Millen appeared to have brought down Sanders, however it’s the Luton player that recieves the booking. The free kick right of the circle played early long to the far post with Gooderham closing in the ball too close to the keeper however Kopec claiming it. 

Luton goalkeeper, Angelika Kopec

   Luton attack on the right Sanders with McKay in support the ball taken to the by-line the cross lifted in taken by Oldroyd. Luton defending their box as Stevenage press, Milton unlucky to have a handball adjudged against her another set-piece for Stevenage in a threatening position 20 out left of the D. Before it’s taken Luton making a change bringing off Maddix with Lewis going back on. 

  GOAL! Webster over the set-piece a two player wall giving her a good sight on goal, strikes it high looping up towards the far post has Kopec worried the keeper throwing herself across her goal can’t reach it as it drops under the cross bar and goes in off the upright for the equaliser 1-1.

  20 minutes left to play Stevenage getting back on level terms the woodwork on their side at last as Webster sends the free-kick home. Katie White introduced for Stevenage out on the right replacing Millen. Swarres holds of Milton as the Luton player attempts to get forwards her attempted shot from 30 plus yards out falling wide. A robust challenge on Re sees another decision going against Luton whose frustration is beginning to show. McKay with a fantastic turn in the middle to release the ball forwards Sanders looking to deceive Neal drawing her one way then turning inside, Neal experienced however getting her left heel up to stop the ball in it’s tracks kill off the attack. 

Adi Milton

  Swarres not afraid to have a go from distance with a vicious strike fired over from 25 yards out. Luton making a change bringing off Taylor for  ex-Stevenage player Shakeela Hussain. Bodily with a rare surge forwards on the ball  threatening as she links up with Price who finds Swarres to the right back inside Bodily is fouled outside the box by Wade. Webster over the set-piece a little further out than her goal, sweeps the ball in to be attacked far post Price the closest to it but no contact out for a goal kick. 

Hannah Bodily

  Webster with good defensive work having already gone to ground trying to deal with the initial threat posed by Sanders right of the D, sweeps the ball away before the attacker can reclaim it. Luton get a free-kick inside the Stevenage half Wade up from the back getting onto the end of it inside the box heading over. Luton bring Dickens back on for Luton replacing Sanders with 10 minutes left on the clock. Both sides still after one another the energy levels haven’t dropped the fouls adding up Stevenage using the width more with Gooderham on the left and White on the right. Bodily the latest player substituted with striker Amy Makewell coming on.

Luton’s Elly Wade

  White fouled out wide on the right Stevenage with another free-kick look a threat from a dead ball situation. Swarres to deliver the ball knocked down across the six yard box skips up to White at the near post lifts her hurried shot over the bar. Stevenage applying all the pressure now late in the game attacking on the right Makewell taking the ball off White on the right shifting inside to angle a cross into Gooderham inside the box at the far post, stooping to head the ball doesn’t get a firm enough touch to take it past Kopec the keeper claiming solidly. 

Shanice Lewis

  Lewis carrying the ball on for Luton left side sending a cross in towards the top of the area cut out by Neal. Stevenage are straight on the counter attack, Prices pass cut out by Wade at the back for Luton. Dickens with the ball on the right combining well with Hussain the cross into the box easy for the keeper. Gooderham driving on with the ball on the left Wade coming back to challenge on the by-line Gooderham winning a corner off the defender. Lifted in near post Kopec up well to knock it down and clear. The game moving into stoppage time Price with a diagonal ball out to the left looking for Shephard a corner won.

Erin Price with Jess McKay

  GOAL! One last chance for Stevenage to send players forwards into the box, one of those Neal hasn’t come forwards for a corner all 2nd half but then they have all been from the left this one is on the right. Shephard with a superb kick to angle the ball in across the face of goal with pace, players racing into meet it one of those Neal nails the header to bury the ball into the back of the net to win the game for Stevenage and races over to Shephard in celebration 2-1. 

Vicky Neal (6) scoring the winning goal

Little time left on the clock for Luton to get a goal back a sucker punch right at the end of the game, Stevenage scoring from another set-piece. The clock ticking down game management now from Stevenage win a free-kick run the ball into the corner.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-1 Luton Town Ladies

 The final whistle blows and Stevenage come back from a goal down to win it at the death to claim the 3 points and return to the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Strong and a threat from set-pieces all game the tally adding up as the game progressed. Luton starting the game the better winning the ball well and keeping Stevenage quiet, the game changing with a thrusting run from Stevenage’s captain and the resulting penalty, saved but it gave Stevenage the kick they needed then Swarres’ introduction brought a more competitive edge to the midfield. Goalless at the break Luton were to make a fast start to the 2nd half scoring early and with 2 good chances to add goals. Webster was to strike home the equaliser with 20 minutes left Stevenage coming back strong taking the game to Luton, almost held on but the set-pieces kept being given away with the winner coming from a corner at the death. A thrilling game at the top of the ERWFL.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Was a great game a good contest between two committed sides and several performances of note to mention. Firstly for Luton. Elly Wade was strong at the back with a number of important tackles and looked a danger from a set-piece. In the middle captain Jess McKay was strong, ran the show in the early stages with good tacking movement and passing. Andie Dickens was also excellent out on the right a threat going forwards creating opportunities in the final 3rd. For Stevenage, Vicky Neal had a strong game at the back reading the game well especially when her side was under pressure, popping up to score the winning goal. Shianne Swarres’ introduction changed the game for Stevenage making them more competitive in the middle and adding and edge to their attack. The award winner however was chosen before the final whistle and an in agreement with the match day award, goes to Stevenage captain Lucy Webster. Had a fantastic game at the back. When the game needed something extra she provided it giving her side the lift they needed got forwards well and scored the equalising goal.

  Another excellent contest from the top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Expect little else these days is a great league to watch and highly underrated. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups today much appreciated onto the next one.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Haringey Borough Women

Sunday 27th November

ERWFL Premier Division

This Sunday’s football action comes from the ERWFL Premier Division as Stevenage FC Women currently 2nd in the table take on 3rd placed Haringey Borough Women. 

The pair level on 13 points each leading a pack of sides chasing Luton Town Ladies leading the way with a strong 8 point lead having won all 7 of their Premier Division games to date. Luton’s game away to Royston called off today due to a water logged pitch a chance for both sides to close the gap at the top.

Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL at he first attempt having suffered relegation last season in a campaign that saw 4 sides go down as the league looked to adjust numbers following the pandemic hit season’s. A tough ask with only one side the ERWFL Premier Division winners themselves gaurenteed promotion. Have retained much off the squad from last season having recruited heavily during that campaign have one of the largest squads in the ERWFL with 27 of those featuring so far this season.

A few new faces coming in most recently full back Anna Re who was with Cambridge United WFC last season with Hannah Bodily joining up with side on the bench for today’s game the midfielder having plenty of experience in the FAWNL with Cambridge City Ladies. Making a winning start to the new season followed by a defeat and draw. Finding their feet in the league have recorded 3 wins on the spin to propel them up the table into 2nd spot. Amy Makewell and Becky Shephard the joint top scorers with 5 goals a piece so far.

 Haringey Borough Women have tasted life in the FAWNL  themselves having won the ERWFL Premier Division, having assembled a strong squad, went on to struggle as players moved on and and having returned to the ERWFL have been at the wrong end of the table for a few season’s. A new look side improving towards the backend of last season have hit the ground running scoring plenty of goals along the way too. Shakira Roberts top scorer with 11 goals from 8 appearances with captain Victoria Campbell and midfielder Kylie Manktelow both scoring 5 each.

  Haringey Borough featuring in some high scoring matches in the Premier Division winning 4 of their 7 matches played with a draw and two defeats. Their 4 wins all coming courtesy of 4 or more goals scored a 4-3 and 5-2 win respectfully to start the season a loss and draw following before they smashed 8 goals into the back of the net away to Wroxham, a 4-3 win at home to Bedford putting them into 3rd level on points with today’s opponents.

   The County Ground in Letchworth the venue for today’s match home to Stevenage FC Women the 3G pitch a good size offering lots of width the ground undergoing so improvements in recent seasons, the clubhouse/cafe area behind the main stand serving hot food and drinks. The main seated stand overlooking one side of the pitch with covered standing on the opposite side and behind the goals. A dull over cast day with grey clouds all around a few spots of rain in the air but none forecast for the game. 

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Ray, Lucy Webster (C), Anna Re, Vicky Neal, Nicole Farmer, Erin Price, Jodie Southby, Hannah Nebbitt, Jodie Bellinger, Becky Shephard & Amy Makewell. Subs – Emily Schofield, Kelsey Millen, Susan Uwaifo & Hannah Bodily.

Haringey Borough Women

 Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Maisie Swann, Chloe Ions, Sarah McDermott, Megan Peters, Louise Askey, Emily Packard, Amber Leighton, Kylie Manktelow, Rimini Lowe, Victoria Campbell (C) & Shakira Roberts. Subs – Alena Hubbard & Naomi Rawdling.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Haringey naming just the two on their substitutes bench with Stevenage having 4 available to bring on including ew signing Hannah Bodily. It’s Stevenage to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing red and black shirts with red shorts and white socks. Haringey in their change strip off green shirts and socks with black shorts. The hosts looking to play the ball down the right early on for Jodie Bellinger to attack, full back Chloe Ions getting to the ball first to clear out for a throw for Haringey. 

  Defending the ball into the box from the right Haringey clear the ball upfield up to striker Shakira Roberts looking to head the ball on give chase, goalkeeper Celine Ray gets hold of it for Stevenage. Worked rapidly out to the left captain Lucy Webster put for for Hannah Nebbitt on the left wing too much on the pass Nebbitt can’t keep it in play. Early pressing from Stevenage getting players up around the Haringey area, Bellinger crossing from the right into Makewell, held up by Haringey’s Megan Peters before the visitors clear.

Haringey’s Sarah McDermott with Stevenage striker Amy Makewell

  Nebbitt getting on down the left delivering a cross into the six yard box comfortably claimed by goalkeeper Maisie Swann. Both sides going in to close the ball down setting a good tempo to the match, Louise Askey in on Bellinger to win the ball left side cleared up the wing for Roberts to attack, pace to burn drives on her cross cut out by Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer. Anna Re coming on with the ball from right back plays a great diagonal pass forwards into the box with Makewell pulling off the defence near post the ball dropping can’t quite take it in her stride to turn goalwards runs out of play.

  Haringey get hold of the ball in the middle Emily Piccard clipping it out to captain Victoria Campbell right side all of 30 yards out nevertheless tries an ambitious attempt hoping to catch the goalkeeper off guard in the opening minutes her lobbed effort dropping over. Certainly a committed contest Haringey going in to close the ball down looking to unsettle Stevenage, the visitors winning a free-kick on the left wide floated into the top of the area headed clear out to the left for a throw. Roberts with the ball out wide left squaring the cross into Campbell inside the area right of the D, Neal stabbing a foot in to initially take the ball off the attacker, Campbell getting it back evading the challenge of another defender to get forwards stabbing a shot wide of the left post. 

  GOAL! Haringey’s pressing sees a mistake from Stevenage in the middle the ball passed on for Roberts on the left, her pace seeing her out run the defence before striking the ball low and hard on the angle across the keeper and into the bottom corner 0-1. Haringey ahead in the 11th minute.

Haringey captain Victoria Campbell open the scoring

  Lucy Webster has a good long throw on her and Stevenage are looking to exploit it to get players turned in behind the defence cause Haringey some issues, one such move seeing Makewell after a miscued header to attack the box left corner, Peters going with her close in getting across the attacker before producing a well executed tackle to see the ball clear. 

  GOAL! Attempting to get something going at one end Stevenage quickly find themselves two goals down as Haringey compete for the ball in the final 3rd Kylie Manktelow forwards with Roberts left of the D 25 yards out the midfielder seeing her strike blocked the ball spinning away to the left flank, Roberts after it getting hold of the ball before turning a cross in towards the top of the area Campbell getting on the end of it to chip a shot over the keeper to make it 0-2.

Shakira Roberts doubling Haringey’s lead

  Ray hurt the Stevenage goalkeeper recieving some treatment on the pitch is okay to continue. The host 2 nil down inside the opening 15 minutes. Roberts pace proving a handful keeping the Stevenage defence busy, Neal tackling giving away a free-kick. Re looking to inject some urgency into the Stevenage attack as she brings the ball out from the back coming inside looking for Makewell, closely marked by Peters. Erin Price sending a diagonal ball on for Bellinger right side, Askey in to defend for Haringey. 

   Stevenage win a corner out on the right a chance to send players up into the box apply some pressure to the Haringey defence, the delivery comes in turned out to the left for a throw to Stevenage. Webster attempting the long one into the area the clearance from Peters headed back to her hits the cross on the half volley turned behind for a goalkick. Bellinger getting on with the ball right cuts inside 25 yards out cuts it back into Jodie Southby top of the area right of the D, sent on for Makewell ahead of her on the angle pulls the trigger, her strike flashed wide across goal out past the far post. 

 The Haringey defence putting in some great tackles to deny Stevenage the opportunities to get the ball into the area, McDermott at right back enjoying a good contest with Nebbitt. On the opposite flank Bellinger and Re combine playing a one two before Bellinger wraps her foot around the ball to cross into the six yard box claimed by Swann, Makewell obstructing the goalkeeper as she looks to kick the ball picks up the first yellow card of the game. Bellinger seeing a good share of the ball on the right for Stevenage a high cross put in towards goal, has Swann back peddling the goalkeeper doing well to pluck the ball down from over her head as it threatens to drop under the crossbar is quick to set up a counter attack the ball up to Roberts her pace seeing her win a throw in high up the pitch. 

  Nebbitt on the move down the left flank with the ball knocked inside for Makewell who sends the return ball on for Nebbitt to attack down to the by-line, McDermott recovering well for Haringey to get back at her tackle and see the ball rebound off the attacker for a goalkick. Midway through the 1st half shaping up to be a lively contest. Haringey battling for the ball, energy in the middle first to the ball. Roberts pulling right with a strike from distance running wide of Ray’s far post.

   Amber Leighton with Pickard winning the ball in the middle for Haringey put forwards into Campbell right channel attempts to pick out Roberts pulling away left, Re stretching to incept taking the ball out of Roberts path the striker racing after it into the box, Farmer though reading the threat for Stevenage as the centre back gets across to lunge in with the challenge take the ball from Roberts. 

Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer

 A corner won on the left for Stevenage players up the ball curled into the six yard box headed away by Peters, the visitors attempting to break, Shephard winning the ball well for Stevenage looking to lift it back into the area, too close to the keeper Swann can come get her gloves around the ball. Stevenage winning a free-kick in a dangerous position 30 yards out to the right of the box, players forwards as Nebbitt plays the ball in across the penalty spot, Shephard rising to meet it with the header sees her effort crash up off the bar and out for a goal kick.

   Ions coming forwards on the left fouled by Re, Haringey winning the free kick. A change for Stevenage before it is taken Emily Schofield coming on on the left in place of Nebbitt. The free-kick fired in across the face of goal, Ray under pressure seeing it pop out of her gloves but is quick to recover drop on the loose ball. 

  Stevenage advance though the middle Price on for Southby opens up her body to send a goo ball forwards into Makewell pulling away right channel into the area striking the ball on the angle, Swann down low making a superb save to turn the ball wide across her goal out for a corner kick. Played in across the six yard box over the tall Price drops for Neal sent back out to the taker on the left bundled out for a 2nd corner. 

GOAL! The delivery long from the corner into a crowded back post area inside the six yard box, the ball knocked up not clear attacked by Southby at close range to squeeze her header by the keeper inside the post 1-2 a goal back for Stevenage with less than 10 minutes left in the first half. 

  Haringey get the ball forwards on the right long for Rimini Lowe to attack gets down into the corner forcing a corner kick as her attempted cross is turned behind. The ball in cleared by Neal Stevenage looking to get Schofield on the over left side, tackled by McDermott. Peters stopping Makewell from turning as she sees the ball into her feet top of the D. Good battles all over the pitch. The clock ticking down at the end of the first half, Schofield with the ball driving down the left wing getting deep before being brought down presenting Stevenage with another set-piece in a dangerous area.

Stevenage’s Emily Schofield

GOAL! Shephard placing the ball down to deliver the free-kick wide of the six yard box fires in a very good ball met by Neal towards the far post drives her header down into the ground back across the keeper into the back of the net to level the scores 2-2. Stevenage right back in it scoring from 2 set-piece. 

Vicky Neal levelling the scores for Stevenage late in the half

  Haringey with Manktelow on the ball on for Roberts pulling away right, Neal getting out to close her down send the ball out for a throw in. Stevenage look to counter attack with Southby on the ball central looks to lift it on for Bellinger playing through the middle, just a little too strong, however the flag would have gone up had Bellinger done so having strayed offside. One last attack in the half for Haringey with the pacy Roberts away on the left crossing into Campbell left of the D moves across it before attempting the shot her strike blocked, Lowe after the rebound some 25 yards out right of goal lift her shot wide of the right post.

 

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 2-2 Haringey Borough Women

  A lively first 45 minutes a committed contest between the side very entertaining some good battles developing out on the field. Haringey with the early strike to take the lead then quickly following it up with a 2nd capitalising a mistake in midfield from the hosts. Somewhat unsettled Stevenage who nevertheless were getting players forwards creating a few chances. Haringey with some good defending pressing the ball well undone in the finish from two set-pieces as Stevenage came back to level the scores late in the half, to set up what promises to be a great 2nd half.

  No changes for either side a the start of the 2nd half getting gloomy out there the floodlights coming on. Haringey to get the 2nd half underway put back into midfield out to Ions coming on left side lifts it forwards ray can come gather for Stevenage the goalkeeper sending it long for Bellinger on the right, Peters though can see it safely back to her goalkeeper. Price getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Stevenage driving on before sending it out to Bellinger right side, her attack halted by a raised flag. 

Stevenage’s Jodie Bellinger

  Roberts left channel seeing the ball into her feet turning 30 yards out and driving for the Stevenage area into the box shifts inside to evade a challenge unleashing a shot angling into the bottom corner, Ray with a spectacular save throwing herself down to her left getting her glove behind the ball to deflect it wide for a corner kick. 

Celine Ray with an excellent save for Stevenage

  The corner in from the left cleared Stevenage looking to hit Haringey on the break forwards for Makewell helped on for Bellinger, right, Peters back at her the centre back challenging the ball pushed wide. A lively start to the 2nd half from Stevenage looking to get after Haringey, risk the long clearance up to Roberts, Ray launching the ball out of the ground over the mainstand. Southby winning Stevenage a throw high on the right that brings a corner kick players come forwards the delivery from Shephard flashed in across the face of goal attacked central no contact before dropping to Makewell free at the back stick volleys her effort over from close range. 

GOAL! Stevenage knocking on the door when out of nothing Haringey retake the lead. Manktelow with the ball at her feet some 40 yards out right of the centre circle scoring one hell of a goal, striking the ball from distance is rifled into the back of the net past the diving Ray 2-3.

Kylie Manktelow with a rocket from distance to restore Haringey’s lead

  The goal giving Haringey a much needed boost with almost 15 minutes of the 2nd half played coming on with the ball Pickard to Roberts left side the attacker bursts forwards cutting inside towards the D, the Stevenage defence back peddling, Campbell and Manktelow both making great runs into the area, leaves Roberts caught in two minds whether to shot or lay the ball on, ends up doing neither her forward ball way wards out past the right post for a goalkick.

  Haringey make their first change bring off Piccard for Naomi Rawdling. Ray with another superb save for Stevenage as she drops low to her right to deny Campbell as the Haringey captain steals in behind the defence inside the box off a right sided cross from Lowe. The resulting corner played in from the right dropping central both Campbell and Peters going for it neither getting a shot away the ball cleared back out to the right Lowe’s cross in claimed by Ray. 

Haringey’s Chloe Ions

 Stevenage getting a little frustrated mounting an attack on the right Re getting forwards to combine with Bellinger cutting inside Bellinger’s cross is deflected behind by the outstretched leg of Askey. The ball fired into the middle, is headed into the back of an empty net however it won’t count as referee Chris Geelan had already blown his whistle. Haringey launch the ball forwards Campbell with the flick on to put Roberts away left channel, Neal tracking her run into the top of the area, Roberts looking to skip inside, Neal not having any of it reading the move getting her heel up to deflect it away for a corner. 

  Haringey tiring a little slower to the ball in the middle as Stevenage look to push forwards Price out to Re on for Bellinger, Ion across to tackle for the visitors. Haringey attack right Lowe coming on with the ball delivering a dangerous ball into the six yard box, Ray stretching as she goes up for the ball getting her gloves to it proves to be a touch as it takes the ball off the head of Roberts stealing in unmarked behind her, Manktelow volleying over from close range beyond her.

GOAL! Disaster! One moment keeping the opposition from scoring Ray is caught on the ball inside her box confusion between her and Neal sees Roberts racing in to steal the ball nip past them and slot the ball into the empty net to score her 2nd of the game and extend Haringey’s lead 2-4. 

Shakira Roberts pouncing to extend Haringey’s lead

 Haringey with a 2nd change Alena Hubbard coming on for McDermott joining the attack, Roberts going into the right back position. Ions comes on left side for Haringey plays it forwards for Hubbard on the move down the wing her cross in cut out by Neal inside the box. Stevenage make another change bringing off Southby, on in her place Kelsey Millen. Campbell with an ambitious attempt on the half volley over 30 yards out sent over. Stevenage frustrated having conceded twice Haringey putting them under pressure Ions brought down outside the box awarded the free-kick the ball crossed into the area. Neal up to defend a controlled header down for her keeper to gather.

  Campbell closing the ball down unleashing an effort on goal form 30 yards drilled wide of the mark. Stevenage with another change an attacker for a defender with 15 minutes to go Susan Uwaifo on for Re. A clearance form Farmer launched up into the box puts Swann under pressure to claim as she is closed down by Uwaifo, not taken cleanly is able to get a 2nd bite on the ground to snatch the ball into her body. Hubbard adding fresh legs to the Haringey attack on the left cutting inside is tackled by Neal.

Stevenage midfielder Erin Price

 Uwaifo adding some strength to the Stevenage attack as she gathers the ball into her body off Bellinger right side and looks to drive into the box, Askey going with her sliding in with a good tackle to win her side a goal kick. Webster cuts out a ball from Manktelow as she cuts inside from the left. Stevenage making a fourth change as they take off Bellinger bring on new signing Hannah Bodily. Campbell pulling right side beating the offside trap 25 yards out sees the keeper off her line attempts to lob her but sends her effort wide, pulling up in the box with cramp. 

  Neal involved in a good contest with Hubbard with the hosts sacrificing a defender as they search for a goal to get themselves back into the game with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. Stevenage attack left Uwaifo cuts the ball into the centre for Makewell who in turn helps it out to Millen in space out on the right drives forwards her cross driven into the box cut out by Askey turned behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! Set-pieces have been key to Stevenage and they make one count again as Shephard fires in a great ball across the face of goal from the right not picked up by the Haringey defence, comes to Neal unopposed at the back post as she rises to drive her header into the back of the net, quick to retrieve it again get the game restarted 3-4.

Vicky Neal with the headed goal for Stevenage

  The hosts determined coming on with the ball Millen on the right inside to Uwaifo in the box, tackled well by Peters. The game getting a little physical free-kicks being given away players tiring. A shot sliced over from distance as Schofield on the attack right squares the ball inside to Makewell. Haringey making a switch, Piccard coming back on for Hubbard seeing Roberts restored to the attack. 

Haringey goalkeeper Maisie Swann

  Swann with a brilliant save with her legs down at her near post to stop the effort from Makewell  driven in low on the angle from inside the box on the right. Stevenage pressing hard late in the game. 

GOAL! Stevenage with a free-kick on the right over the half way line Farmer to play it forwards up toward the top of the area Peters sticking a leg out attempting to cut it out for Haringey comes off the defender running on in behind out wide left of goal inside the box Shephard racing clear at the far post to strike it on the angle past the keeper into the bottom corner to equalise in the 89th minute! 4-4!

Becky Shephard with a late leveller for Stevenage

 For the 2nd time in the game Stevenage come back from a 2 goal deficit, is there enough time left in stoppages to find a winner from either side. Askey is booked as she bundled Uwaifo down. The free kick wide right played into the box by Farmer dropping far post is claimed by Swann. Haringey in turn win a free kick over half way on the right wide the ball played in towards the area headed clear by Farmer for Stevenage. 

Stevenage captain Lucy Webster tackling Haringey captain Victoria Campbell

Manktelow attempts another long range strike this time safely gloved down and caught by Ray. Roberts with the ball on the attack right side for Haringey tackled by Farmer, then adjudged to have fouled Farmer as she attempts to regain possession. One las push from Stevenage Millen out on the right crossing inside to Uwaifo to of the area takes the ball into the D looking for room to unleash a shot gets it away, Campbell back there to lung in block turn it behind for a corner. Stevenage get the ball into the mix central everyone back to defend for Haringey scramble the ball away the final whistle blows the points shared.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 4-4 Haringey Borough Women

Another cracking game from the ERWFL Premier Division, the points shared between Stevenage and Haringey. The visitors getting into a 2 goal lead in both halves only to be pegged back by Stevenage. Haringey battling well in a committed contest pressing the ball forcing errors capitalising to open the scoring first half quickly getting into a 2 goal lead. Set-piece’s proving key for Stevenage as they came back late on with headers from Jodie Southby and Vicky Neal to level it at the break. Stevenage looking to get on the front foot early in the 2nd half had Celine Ray to thank for an excellent save to keep it level before a long range rocket from Kylie Manktelow restored Haringey’s lead. A mistake at the back seeing the visitors go 4-2 up. Stevenage kept pressing their changes playing their part fresh legs winning more set-pieces Neal with a bullet header from a corner with less than 20 to play putting the hosts back in the game, another free-kick in the 89th minute seeing Becky Shephard steal through to make it 4-4. A point a-piece sees both drop a place as the other 3G hosts AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women both won at home to move above them into 2nd and 3rd, remains tight in the top half Luton still the side to be caught.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and boy is this a tough on probably the hardest I’ve had to choose mainly because I name one clear winner and the contenders field is a very strong one from both sides. A great contest with several performances of note. Jodie Bellinger was a constant threat out on the right for Stevenage backed up well by Anna Re getting into some great positions with some dangerous balls into the box. Shakira Roberts pace and direct running gave Stevenage real problems took her goals well. Both goal keepers pulled off some fantastic saves, Maisie Swann for Haringey and Celine Ray for Stevenage without her intervention Stevenage could have been dead and buried. Odd as it sounds however in a 4-4 the award today goes to a defender, just a case of picked one above the others some fantastic tackling and blocks from Haringey’s Megan Peters and Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer. Louise Askey was excellent at the back for Haringey made a number of critical challenges inside the box, it’s the goal that matter in the end and 2 for Vicky Neal sees her named Player of the Match. Was a great performance at the back winning the ball her two pinpoint headers setting up Stevenage’s fightback in both halves. Ultimately both sides will fell disappointment with the result Haringey for not holding out for the win and conceding from 4 set-pieces. Stevenage with the goals they conceded to put them on the back foot, still dug deep to fight back both halves.

 Another great encounter from the ERWFL never fails to disappoint is an underrated league with some very talented players on display. Great to return to the County Ground my thanks to both sides for the team details today. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bedford Ladies v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 16th October

ERWFL Premier Division

Football action from the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with a trip down into Bedfordshire to watch Bedford Ladies take on Essex side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies.

 Representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England the ERWFL Premier Division consists of 12 sides, looks once again to be a strong league. Luton Town Ladies currently out on front recording 5 straight wins at the start of the season the ultimate prize for all winning the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL.

  Bedford Ladies themselves have tasted life in the FAWNL a two season stay before dropping back down into the ERWFL, one of the leading women’s and girls clubs in Bedfordshire with 17 different sides across various age groups currently. Luton often their rivals, between them have dominated the County Cup in recent seasons, Bedford firmly with the upper hand currently successfully retaining the trophy against newcomers Biggleswade United last season. Currently in the process of finding a new manager with Simon Henry stepping down from the role, John Frost currently in charge as interim manager.

 Natasha Fensome a prolific goal scorer for Bedford over the season’s a very strong campaign last time out netting 30 of the 52 goals Bedford scored during the 2021/22 season with the club finishing in 6th spot. Is amongst the goals again this season with 3 so far, but not alone as top scorer with Zara Carroll and Aliya Bhatti also scoring 3 goals. Currently 10th in the Premier Division table with just the one win from the 4 league matches played. That on the opening day away to Harlow Town Ladies with Aliya Bhatti scoring both goals in a 2-0 win. Victory today getting Bedford back into the close tussle in the middle of the table.

 Heading that pack at the moment are Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, the Essex side currently in 5th spot on 6 points with 2 wins from their 5 league matches played so far. A change of management too for Bowers & Pitsea with vastly experienced coach Nikola Strizovic coming very early in the summer. Bringing in a number of new faces to the squad that has become an established side in the 5th tier since the women’s set-up became involved with Bowers & Pitsea. Maddie Thomas, Kesley Smith and Jodie Osborne all with Hashtag United Women previously joining the side. Goalkeeper, Margot Farnes coming to the club from West Ham United Women’s Academy set-up. Defender Mollie DeBell adding experience to the back line, Jessica Strizovic returning to football after a spell away most recently with Crystal Palace. Mia Lempiere moving up to the 1st team squad from the Reserves side. With the most recent signing being Millie Isherwood who won the FA Girl’s Youth Cup with Chelsea U16s last season.

 Have a reserves, U18s side and U16s side with players looking to progress throughout within the club. Goalkeeper Hannah Stone an example of that on the bench to day from the u18s squad. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies getting off to a flying start in the league with an 8-1 opening day home win over Colney Heath Ladies. Results very much up and down since a narrow home loss to AFC Sudbury followed by a good 4-2 away win at Wroxham, losing twice more in the league to Stevenage and Royston, beating Stevenage at home the following week 3-2 in the FA Cup. Will need to find more consistency if they wish to push for the top of the league. Several new players to bed in Maddie Thomas hitting the ground running with 4 goals leading the goals charts early on.

 McMillen Park the venue for today’s game situated right next door to Bedford Town FC where Bedford Ladies were playing last season. Real Bedford FC’s ground situated just off the A421 leading into Bedford easy to find. The clubhouse and changing rooms leading into the the ground itself serving hot and cold drinks. A small seated stand with a further covered viewing area beside. Standing available all around the large grass pitch. Trees  protecting the stadium from the busy road beyond. Staying warm and pleasant as we move into the middle of October, bright and sunny, dry with no chance of rain perfect playing conditions.

Bedford Ladies

Bedford Ladies starting XI – Erica Turner, Carol Cripps, Chloe Esposito, Gemma Franklin (C), Jasmine Ajayi, Zara Carroll, Ella Meadowcroft, Alyssa Revis, Destiny Pap, Natasha Fensome & Aliya Bhatti. Subs – Priya Bhatti, Ocean Gregory, Lauren Coppin & Katie Hunter. 

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Margot Farnes, Holly Moore, Kelsey Smith, Mollie DeBell, Danielle Styles, Natalie Strange (C), Kirstie Jackson, Maddie Thomas, Sarah Wilson, Millie Isherwood & Whitney Locke. Subs – Hannah Stone, Courtney Fraser, Georgia Fraser, Phoebe Keyes & Katie Whitehead.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Natalie Strange and Gemma Franklin with today’s match officials

  It’s the hosts Bedford to get the match underway kicking off first half wearing blue shirts with black vertical stripes, blue shorts and socks with Bowers& Pitsea lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white across the chest and down the sides and the end of the shirt sleeves, red shorts and socks. The ball played back to Zara Carroll in middle her crossfield pass picking out Destiny Pap on the left looks to go on tackled by Bowers &Pitsea’s Kelsey Smith the ball sent onto Sarah Wilson on the right the visitors getting on the attack the pass inside for captain Natalie Strange clipped onto Millie Isherwood tracking into the top of the box from the left, Bedford’s Chloe Esposito getting in close to make the challenge regain the ball.

   Bowers & Pitsea making a fast start to the game taking the game to Bedford hustling the ball inside their opponents half fed on for Isherwood she sends it on into Whitney Locke inside the D, Bedford captain, Gemma Franklin holding the striker up the ball not cleared lifted out to the left Isherwood flagged offside. 

Carol Cripps in to win the ball back for Bedford

  GOAL! The visitors strong in the opening 3 minutes the ball won in the final 3rd played forwards to Wilson attacking on the right Chloe Cripps going with her for Bedford gets in front of the winger to play the ball back to goalkeeper Erica Turner to kick clear. Her ball falling straight to Maddie Thomas unmarked 20 yards out right of the D, controls and smashes a shot into the middle of the net 0-1.

Maddie Thomas with the opening goal for Bowers & Pitsea

   Bedford losing the ball straight from the restart as Kirstie Jackson plays the pass forwards to Wilson breaking on the right her cross taking a nick off Franklin to go behind for a corner kick. An inswinging delivery an easy claim above her head by Turner. Bowers & Pitsea after the ball are soon on the attack coming right Wilson has Thomas moving on into the corner the ball played into her, her cross turned behind for another corner. Smith with a good inswinging ball, Turner getting up to get something on the ball with Thomas coming in on her looking to connect with the header, the ball cleared.

  Mollie DeBell winning the ball on halfway for Bowers & Pitsea out to Wilson on the right surging on winning a corner, Swung into the six yard box headed clear at the near post. Bowers & Pitsea forcing errors from Bedford  won 20 yards out Franklin charging down a shot the ball loose inside the D, Thomas getting hold of it dragging her low shot wide of the left post. Bedford very much on the back foot in the opening 10 minutes finding it tough to get anything up to their attacking players Bowers & Pitsea turning play around far too easily. The hosts get some joy on the right Alyssa Revis coming forwards looking for Natasha Fensome up top the pass put back to Carroll in midfield has a powerful shot on her lines up a strike from all of 35 yards out right of the D struck well bounces through the area not troubling the keeper wide of the far post. 

  Wilson has picked up a knock for Bowers & Pitsea the trainer on can’t continue the visitors making an early change Wilson off with Katie Whitehead the player coming on taking Wilson position on the right. A throw high on the right contested the rebound skipping down the line straight to Thomas free to turn and run down the line before sending a cross racing along the top of the 6 yard box, Esposito getting to it before Isherwood can pounce. The clearance falling straight to Whitehead top of the area right side the Bowers & Pitsea substitute lifting her effort over the bar. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Katie Whitehead

  Franklin winning the ball at the back for Bedford plays it out from defence travelling into midfield sending the pass on for Jasmine Ajayi who in turn plays it on for Fensome moving left of the D with Ella Meadowcroft, a burst of pace seeing Fensome escape to the by-line wrapping her foot around the ball to send a vicious cross past the Bowers & Pitsea goal over goalkeeper Margot Farnes, Aliya Bhatti attacking the ball at the far post her header over. Bedford beginning to up their tempo get players forwards.

  GOAL! Just as Bedford start to get players forwards higher up the pitch they get themselves back level the ball won back high on the right driven low into the box finding Fensome stealing in unchecked left of the penalty spot to fires in a low strike, Farnes down sharply can only brush it with her fingertips as the ball nestles in the back of the net 1-1. 

Natasha Fensome levelling the scores for Bedford

 Bedford on the attack the ball played out to Pap on the left wide sends it inside for Fensome up top left of the D, getting a quick strike away pulls the ball wide of the near post. Thomas with Whitehead attacking on the right for Bowers & Pitsea, in behind the Bedford defence Thomas looking to turn and cross, Carroll tracking back for Bedford closing in to block the ball. A throw in the corner on the right deflected behind for a corner to Bowers & Pitsea. Played long across the six yard box retrieved out wide left the cross back in intercepted by Franklin, her clearance coming straight to DeBell inside the D squares it to Thomas to the right her angled strike charged down behind for a corner on the right,

  GOAL! The corner balls from Smith on the right have been a threat so far and as she plays in another inswinging ball into the box, Isherwood steals in unmarked centrally to get her head onto the ball nod it down into the goal to restore the visitors lead 1-2.

Millie Isherwood heading home Bowers & Pitsea’s 2nd goal

  Turner coming out well to the right corner of her area needing to get to the ball slide in to claim at the feet of Whitehead as Thomas plays her in behind with a well timed pass from the middle. 

  GOAL! A quickfire double from Bowers & Pitsea as Locke nips in to rob the defence 20 yards out and break into the area moving forwards plays her shot across the advancing keeper to score 1-3. 

Whitney Locke stealing the ball to break into the box and score Bowers & Pitsea’s 3rd goal

  GOAL! Bedford their own worst enemy as they are caught in possession at the back with Isherwood nipping in to take hold of the ball 25 yards out putting the ball on a plate for Thomas breaking in behind to the right of the D, into the box the keeper coming to meet her Thomas waits till she’s committed to play the ball around her to the right the angle closing as se wraps her foot around the ball to score her 2nd of the game 1-4. 

Maddie Thomas celebrating after putting Bowers & Pitsea into a 4-1 lead

  Midway through the first half Bowers & Pitsea capitalising on mistakes at the back from Bedford to score 3 quick goals to race into a strong lead. Bedford with the ball in midfield played up to Fensome 25 yards out turns to nudge the ball forwards out to the right Revis getting the hosts a corner kick Drops into the box, no one able to attack it before Bowers & Pitsea scramble it away. Franklin onto the ball top of the her strike charged down then cleared.

  Revis coming on with the ball right lay it back into the middle for Carroll who hits it long for Fensome looking to get into the box left of goal, getting it on the by-line wrapping her foot around the cross, the ball claimed well by Farnes. Bedford looking to take the game to Bowers & Pitsea more now with Revis attacking right laid back to Carroll winds up another long range strike miscued though is deflected out favourably for Pap getting on into the box her cross flashed across the face of goal.

  Ajayi on for Bhatti coming left with support from Pap wide taking the ball on delivering a dangerous cross in towards goal over the keeper, headed clear at the far post by Bowers & Pitsea left back Holly Moore. Danielle Styles in the middle of defence for Bowers & Pitsea defending on Fensome top of the area as Meadowcroft plays the ball on. The visitors are quickly on the counter the ball fed on by Strange through the middle with Locke looking to break in behind, Franklin lunging in to try and get the ball just about gets enough on it to take it away from Locke allow Turner to clear. 

  Carroll comes to her captain’s rescue moments later as Franklin slips going to attack the ball from a Bowers & Pitsea throw on the right, Locke immediately after it, Carroll round on the cover getting across her to see the ball back to her keeper. Cortney Fraser coming on for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Isherwood. Fensome seeing the ball into her feet right of the area with a turn and hit striking the ball over for Bedford. Thomas coming on through the middle with the ball for Bowers & Pitsea laying it on for Fraser attacking left side, Esposito coming out to close her down tackling for Bedford. 

Bedford defender Chloe Esposito

  The clock running down the the first half the game a little stretched with Bedford looking to get another goal late on Bowers & Pitsea counter Whitehead carrying the ball on right side 20 yards out sending a cross in towards the far post, both Locke and Fraser attacking it neither can get a touch before the ball runs out of play. Pap up on the left winning Bedford a throw the ball brought down controlled the cross swung into the area headed clear by Styles. Bowers & Pitsea attack on the right side Thomas playing the ball on for Whitehead her cross fired into the top of the six yard box cut out by Franklin, Thomas hustling to regain possession inside the box right side turns to shoot drags her shot wide across past the far post.

Aliya Bhatti going forwards for Bedford

  Bowers & Pitsea finishing the half the stronger Whitehead bursting on down the right wing sending her cross long past the far post, Fraser looking to bring it down under control rushed into her shot lifts the ball over the bar. Bedford with one last attack in the first half the ball on by Carroll into Fensome right outside the area combining with Bhatti and Revis the ball played into the area left side finding Pap clear top of the six yard box left of goal lifts her shot over.

Half-time Bedford Ladies 1-4 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

 Mistakes at the back costing Bedford dear in the first half as their opponents capitalised to take a strong 4-1 lead into the break. Bowers & Pitsea making a brilliant start getting after the ball inside the opposition half scoring the opening goal inside 3 minutes looking to build on it creating chances. Bedford on the back foot digging in clawing at back to 1-1 were then underdone by mistakes forced by Bowers & Pitsea to concede 3 quickfire goals. Found a goo response with a couple of half chances as they got to see more of the ball Bowers & Pitsea though remained a threat able to sit back and pick their moments to attack. A mountain to climb if Bedford are to get back into the game 2nd half. Bowers & Pitsea playing a game on Friday evening although not all of today’s squad were involved will tiredness be a factor 2nd half. 

  Changes for Bedford at the start of the 2nd half with Cripps and Meadowcroft the players off, Priya Bhatti and Lauren Coppin the players on Pap dropping into the back 3. Bowers & Pitsea to get the 2nd half underway. The ball played out to the right dealt with by Pap, the visitors pressing the ball in the middle Jackson on for Thomas out to the right the diagonal ball into towards the top of the area cut out by Franklin for Bedford. 

Lauren Coppin on for Bedford in the 2nd half

 Bedford looking to make a stronger start to the 2nd half as Carroll brings the ball on played out to the left for Coppin, Smith defending for Bowers & Pitsea. Bedford snapping in to win the ball back Ajayi to Carroll attempting the through ball for Fensome in behind, Styles across her run shielding the ball back to her keeper. Aliya Bhatti passes the ball out to Revis wide on the right does well to dig a cross out into the area cleared by Styles a throw won high up the pitch Bedford lose possession Bowers & Pitsea launching a rapid counter attack Whitehead through the middle to Thomas wide right laid back inside for the advancing Strange she sends it out with to Smith her cross/shot from deep claimed by the keeper.

   Bowers & Pitsea with the ball through the middle up to Thomas out to Smith advancing on the right forwards for Whitehead, Priya Bhatti getting across to make the tackle for Bedford. The hosts get the ball forwards on the right a throw won Priya Bhatti on for Aliya Bhatti moving down the line firing a cross into the box, Fensome taking a swing it it not connecting as it runs across her. Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea as Bedford come forwards Aliya Bhatti sending the ball on for Revis, Moore coming to close her down top of the area. Fensome dropping into the middle her lay off into Carroll 30 yards out puts her foot through the ball her strike over the bar. Bedford encouraged by their start to the 2nd half.

  GOAL! With the hour mark fast approaching as Bowers & Pitsea break way to further extend their lead getting the ball forwards on the right stretching the Bedford defence Thomas sending a cross angling in across goal past the keeper with Courtney Fraser running in far post to turn the ball in from close range at the far post 1-5.

  A hammer blow for Bedford they pick themselves up go again winning a throw inside the Bowers & Pitsea half on the right, Ajayi with a clever touch and turn to send a cross angling it to the far post, Coppin closing in can’t reach it before Farnes can lay claim to the ball. Bedford get players forwards Revis to Fensome into Priya and Aliya Bhatti top of the area inside put back inside cleared by a defender on the ground, looked like a hand might have been involved but no one appeals the ball coming to Revis right off goal scoops her shot over.

   Turner out well to the right of her box again to slide in a claim the ball at the feet of Whitehead as Locke attempts to feed the ball from Thomas on centrally.

  GOAL! Out of no where Bedford pull a goal back. I say out of no where, it’s always possible whenever Carroll gets onto the ball from distance and is allowed to strike it a good distance out 40 or so yards connects with it well lifting the ball in towards goal dropping Farnes back peddling in trouble can’t get anything on it as it sails over her into the back of the net 2-5.

Zara Carroll with a 40 yard strike pulling a goal back for Bedford

  Georgia Fraser coming onto the pitch for Bowers & Pitsea on the right side. Ajayi with a well played diagonal ball into the box for Revis right side into Aliya Bhatti central her shot dragged across the six yard box retrieved by Fensome on the left on the by-line squeezes a cross back across the face of goal the ball headed clear by Styles. Bedford making a change with Revis coming off on the right Katie Hunter coming on. The game opening up as players begin to tire Georgia Fraser sending a shot over the bar from wide on the right. Another change for Bedford with Aliya Bhatti off in attack Ocean Gregory coming on.

Turner reacting quickly again to rush out to the top of her area as Locke steals in past Franklin to break into the box claims at her feet. Fensome catches DeBell a little flat footed outside the box nicking the ball attempting a quick shot with the outside of her boot held by Farnes. Fensome racing in to put pressure on Farnes as she is sold sort on a back pass sliding in the ball deflected behind off target. Esposito with a fantastic piece of defending at the back for Bedford the last player has to win the ball as Locke escapes in behind right channel, racing for the box Esposito stabbing a leg out to take the ball away from the attacker before she can shoot.

Chloe Esposito with he tackle to deny Locke a shot on goal

   Bowers & Pitsea winning a corner out on the right taken shot played inside to Locke hits it on the turn from outside the area angled in held into her midriff by Turner. Locke’s last action of the game as she comes off to be replaced by Isherwood returning to the game for the final 15 minutes or so. A more even 2nd half Bowers & Pitsea with a healthy lead to defend able to pick their moments to get players forwards. Another blow for Bedford with Esposito down looks to have rolled her ankle needs to come off Cripps sent back on.

 Bedford attacking a shot wide a deflection seeing a corner awarded, swung in near post Moore getting her head on it miscued played across goal to drop wide far side a 2nd corner awarded. Again form the right, another good delivery fired into centrally Carroll attacking it with her head, roars in frustration as her effort goes over the bar with a little over 5 minutes of regular time left on the clock.

Bedford’s Jasmine Ajayi

   Bedford pushing on looking for a goal late in the game Fensome has put in a shift up top getting onto the ball left channel plays in into the box to the right looking for Gregory, Moore defending for Bowers & Pitsea cleared out to the left the cross then intercepted by DeBell. Ajayi with a strike from distance drops wide of the right post. Bowers & Pitsea bring players on through the middle Thomas lifting it into the Isherwood 25 yards out to the left of the D attempts to lob the keeper with Turner off her line, not enough on it however with the keeper about to scramble backwards to catch the ball safely.

Bedford’s Ocean Gregory

   Isherwood with a strike on the turn as the ball flashes into her from the right outside the area struck over the bar. Franklin with a last ditch block with Isherwood playing the ball on. Bedford bring the ball on late in the game Fensome moving right with Hunter ahead of her looking to get into the box, the pass put on, Moore getting on Hunter’s shoulder to time her tackle send the ball away for a corner. Taken short up the line the cross sent in missed as it is attacked far post. Thomas with a shot from distance in the closing seconds for Bowers & Pitsea crashing into the side netting.

Danielle Styles winning the ball at the back for Bowers & Pitsea

Full time Bedford Ladies 1-5 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  Bowers & Pitsea Ladies travel back to Essex with their 3rd win of the season in the back to maintain the pressure on the top 4 sides. A strong performance starting the game well straight on the front foot scoring a goal inside 3 minutes. Looking to get hold of the ball inside the Bedford half and attack as a result had Bedford on the back foot early on the hosts doing well to get it back to 1-1 but mistakes at the bac were to cost them dear as they went on to concede 3 quick goals. Bowers & Pitsea creating further opportunities, Bedford rallying towards the end of the first half with a mountain to climb 2nd half. Making a good start looked better getting players on to support Fensome in attack but were hit with a 5th goal from their opponents. Again responded well a long distance strike from Carroll to pull it back to 5-2. The game more even 2nd half with opportunities for both sides but in the end Bedford will rue the errors they made.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – player of the Match. Isn’t always the case that I leave the ground being fairly confident with who that is going to be but despite a late challenge am sticking to my decision. A few performances of note first though, for Bedford Natasha Fensome worked tirelessly up top to find space and get onto the ball bring others into play scoring one while creating a number of other opportunities. At the back Gemma Franklin made a number of vital tackles and blocks as did Chloe Esposito. A strong team performance from Bowers & Pitsea. Millie Isherwood with some clever runs and movement out on the left in attack. Holly Moore at the back with some great defensive work, while Danielle Styles was superb in the centre of defence. Today’s award though goes to Maddie Thomas had a fantastic game taking the ball on and setting the tempo early on with some powerful runs from midfield linking up the attack and scoring a brace.

  Always enjoy a game from the ERWFL Premier Division is a competitive league and rarely disappoints. Good to catch up with both sides, my thanks to both for the team details as is always the case much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Colney Heath Ladies

Tuesday 6th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this evening for another game under the lights from the ERWFL Premier Division and a special occasion for Stevenage FC Women as they get to play at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC as they take on Colney Heath Ladies.

The pair meeting most recently in last season’s final of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, Colney Heath Ladies reaching the event for the 1st time in their history a league below Stevenage FC Women who have regularly reached the final 2 of the competition in recent seasons. A battling performance from Colney Heath, Stevenage FCW  Women going on to win 3-1 to lift the trophy.

 The County Cup the high light of an otherwise difficult season for Stevenage FC Women as they were to be relegated from FAWNL South East Division One despite a late rally to try and avoid the drop with 4 sides going down last season, returning to the ERWFL Premier Division along with Harlow Town Ladies. Planning for an immediate return to the FAWNL know it will be a challenge with only one spot up for grabs and the early signs showing alot of teams can beat the other on their day with Luton Town Ladies the early pace setters. To that end Stevenage have had another busy close season bringing in new faces to the squad, 10 in all.

Amy Gooderham joining from MK Dons, with a trio of players coming in from rivals Harlow Town, midfielder Daisy Jenkins, defender Nicole Farmer and attack minded player, Becky Shephard. Goalkeeper, Celine Ray comes in from Northampton backed up by Mia O’Brien from Royston. Katie White from Cambridge United along with Kelsey Millen from the unfortunately folded Herts Vipers. Erin Price and Ciara Craig joining too. Plenty of options to pick from for manager Fadi Mazloum to choose from. Began the season with a trip to newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women, getting into a 3-0 lead Sudbury fought back to 3-2 before Stevenage held on for the victory. Was also 3-2 in their other game so far this season against local rivals Royston Town Women where they were undone by a late winner after getting it back to 2-2. 

  Colney Heath Ladies have had a frustrating start to the season having suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day losing 8-1 to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Postponed games since have left them without a chance to bounce back. Will be buoyed from their performances last season, reaching the County Cup final for the 1st time aswell as a strong finish to their ERWFL Premier Division campaign, looking established at this level now have long been a side that has built on youth bringing players on through the club their Reserves side winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division last season too.

  Not always a side that makes a lot of new signings close season have strengthened their squad with 7 new faces this season adding experience too. First up Rebecca McShane, lastly with Enfield Town Ladies has played for both MK Dons and Watford. Young player Hollie Thornton coming to Colney Heath after scoring 41 goals in 20 games for Harvesters FC. Paige Pryor is another new addition joining from Stevenage. With a quartet of ex-Herts Vipers players coming in, Rebecca Edge, Natalie Powell, Ciara Meeking and goalkeeper Sophie Harris. 

 A great occasion for both sides as they get to showcase their talents at The Lamex Stadium, home of League Two side Stevenage FC. One of a number of clubs seeing what the Lionesses have done for the game winning the Euro’s and giving their women’s side the opportunity to play at a high profile stadium. Is a nice venue the North Stand open a number of tickets sold in advances hoping for over 300 at least. The tea hut open in one corner offering hot food and drinks a covered stand offering some much needed protection from the heavy rain around the area, torrential down pours driving in and one sending the Stevenage team back to the changing room’s for a few moments. The grass pitch looking superb will be a slick surface with the water falling.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Ray, Nicole Farmer, Dionne Manning, Vicky Neal (C), Katie White, Shianne Swarres, Holly Greenwood, Becky Shephard, Amy Gooderham, Emily Scofield & Susan Uwaifo. Subs – Shakeela Hussain, Stef Paci Kesley Millen, Ceira Craig & Mia O’Brien.

Colney Heath Ladies

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Naomi Swift, Sofia Santangelo, Melissa Godino, Holly Williams, Lucy Hancock, Rebecca McShane (c), Kelly Hancock, Keira Ward, Grainne Kellet, Terri Harvey & Elsbeth Cunningham. Subs – Darci Harwood, Esme Hume, Lily Nellis, Natalie Powell & Hollie Thornton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s the visitors to get the 1st half underway, Colney Heath wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks with Stevenage lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black shoulders and lower half with red short and white coloured socks. The ball going right, Dionne Manning defending on the left side for Stevenage dealing with the ball seen back to goalkeeper, Celine Ray. Stevenage quick to get the ball moving through the middle into Becky Shephard forwards for striker Susan Uwaifo breaking right of the D towards the box, Naomi Swift out towards the top of the box able to see it inside safely gather the ball.

  Katie White seeing the ball into her feet right for Stevenage takes it forwards before threading the pass on up the wing for Amy Gooderham, she turns infield looking to travel into the area, tackled by Colney heath’s Kelly Hancock. Stevenage looking to get on the front foot from the off working the ball on from a throw high up the pitch, turned in towards the keeper, Swift able to pick it up. Keira Ward for Colney Heath on the left wing plays it forwards looking to put Elsbeth Cunningham in in attack, too heavy, Ray able to get out to the top of her area lay claim to the ball. Colney Heath pushed back in defence defending inside their box at time allowing Stevenage to come on, the ball won in the area the clearance falling straight to Shephard 25 yards out top of the D, struck 1st time her shot racing wide of Swift’s left post.

   A bright start from the hosts Shianne Swarres out to White right side plays the pass forwards as Uwaifo makes the run in behind right channel on into the box, Kelly Hancock going with her keeping her wide of, blocking her shot deflecting it behind for the 1st corner of the game. Colney Heath with plenty back to defend the set-piece winning the clearance. Nicole Farmer bringing the ball on from the back for Stevenage with the straight pass on for Gooderham on the move right wing, Melissa Godino getting back at her for Colney heath to play the ball out for a throw in. 

  A free-kick won by Stevenage inside the Colney Heath half in front of the circle to the right, plenty up as Shephard sets it up. A great delivery angled in across the far post, Manning rising well just can’t get her head on the ball, out goal kick. Colney Heath soaking up alot of pressure in the opening 8 minutes a chance to get on in attack as captain Rebecca McShane plays the ball on into the attackers, Terri Harvey racing forwards with Cunningham to her right, Ray out rapidly to the top of her box to slide in get hold of the ball before either can pounce. Stevenage get straight on the counter Swarres with a great ball to find Gooderham moving into space on the right shooting on the angle from outside the box her effort flashing over the crossbar. 

Colney Heath Ladies captain, Rebecca McShane

  Stevenage captain, Vicky Neal at the back with a strong tackle sliding in to deny Cunningham as she looks to get away from her left of the area. Cunningham down for a moment getting up gingerly. The hosts coming left Holly Greenwood up the field with Emily Scofield, Sofia Santangelo defending for Colney Heath giving away a corner. Cunningham down needs treatment comes off the pitch to be accessed. The delivery from the left inswinging missed by Swift drops into the six yard box scrambled clear Colney Heath looking to counter but Ward is flagged offside on the left. Cunningham back on for Colney Heath.

Colney Heath’s Elsbeth Cunningham

  Ray coming out of her area on the right gets herself into trouble as Grainne Kellet drives on with the ball for Colney Heath, the free-kick given away Ray spoken to by the referee. A high ball lifted into the area near side Stevenage comfortable in defence. Manning with a crossfield ball out to Gooderham on the right for Stevenage, Kelly Hancock getting across with the sliding challenge, comes back off the attacker for a goal kick. Colney Heath playing deep is allowing Stevenage to come on but little room to get in behind the back four and keeper, working hard to keep it tight. 

Stevenage captain, Vicky Neal

  Swift alert moving forwards quickly to get her gloves on the ball, deny Uwaifo a chance to shot as Manning dinks one over the top for her. The pitch slick with the rain that has fallen the ball skipping away from players as they look to get on. Swarres free in the middle opening up her body to play the pass long out for Gooderham, Kelly Hancock cutting it out. Stevenage are quick to regain possession back out wide to Gooderham right sends a teasing cross through the six yard box, Swift unconcerned leaving it to go wide of her far post. Ward tackled hard on the left as she looks to travel with the ball for Colney Heath, Stevenage putting it forwards for Gooderham central looking to move right, Lucy Hancock getting across to block her run regain possession.

Stevenage’s Shianne Swarres

   20 minutes played a strong start from Stevenage seeing alot of the ball inside their opponents half. the visitors proving tough to break down. Kelly Hancock blocking a Stevenage shot driven in from distance deflected away for a corner kick. From the right another fast delivery across the penalty spot, no one attacking it. Ray comes racing out of her box again to deal with the threat of Cunningham as she is played on 30 yards out, no need as Neal his gone with her and comfortably deals with threat clearing the ball for a throw on the left as she puts in the tackle. Holly Williams getting across to the left to tackle Stevenage’s White as she takes hold of the ball to the right following good work from Swarres.

   Gooderham seeing a lot of the ball on the right of attack for Stevenage winning a corner kick. Played long across the top of the six yard box, knocked down towards goal, Swift beating it away to the left. Stevenage largely in control taking the game to Colney Heath who are working doggedly in defence, seeing little of the attack Neal and Farmer dealing with most forwards balls. Greenwood getting forwards on the flanks flashing a cross in across the face of goal neither Uwaifo or Gooderham racing in can get a touch. Kellet getting on with the ball left side play brought back for a foul against her. Players up for Colney Heath queueing up along the top of the area as McShane plays a fantastic ball forwards, plyers turning to attack as it lands inside the box, no one making contact as it skips out to the left. 

  Neal bringing the ball on feeding it through to Schofield on the left of attack, played back up the line for Manning to send a cross into the six yard box, cleared at the far post, drops to Swarres free 3 yards out, tries her luck from distance bouncing wide of the near post. Stevenage starting to find space in the box as they look to press the advantage getting on well from the back Manning on for Schofield to send a cross in from the left, Uwaifo central six out looks to have an open goal as she meets the ball knocked up into the air spins out to Gooderham wide of goal on the right getting her foot over the ball to smash a shot goalwards, Swift moving across her line right behind it to make the save.

  Play brought back with no advantage after Manning is bundled over inside the Colney Heath half. To the left is another teasing delivery played into the far post, there to be attack, no one going after it. Stevenage continuing to knock on the door with a little over 10 minutes left to play in the first half. Rain starting to fall more heavily again. Schofield getting Stevenage a corner on the left. Played short into Swarres free 25 yards out to the left corner of the area sends a shot in, racing across gaol wide beyond the far post. 

  GOAL! The pressure Stevenage have been exerting finally bringing a goal, Gooderham a strong threat out on the left played in down the line taking the ball to the by-line drawing players with her lays it back to Greenwood top of the box she in turn crossing to Manning some 30 yards out to the left of the D, struck beautifully, power as it arrows into the goal inside the near post before Swift can get down to it 1-0.

Dionne Manning opens the scoring for Stevenage

  Straight of the restart Harvey looking to get on with Kellet on the left for Colney Heath, Manning getting in between the pair to challenge for the ball winning it back for the hosts. Colney Heath getting a corner on the left moments later. Fired into the middle of goal top of the six yard box Williams gets up well to head the ball down into Kellet two yards out before the right post looking to turn into the shot, is charged down. Colney Heath’s strongest spell coming after conceding the goal winning a free-kick wide left players up into the box another good delivery in curling inside the six yard box, Farmer pulling back getting her head on the ball knocking it up looping back threatens to catch Ray out drop under the bar, the keeper with a brilliant reflex save to glove the ball up over her crossbar. 

  Swarres dealing with the resulting corner inside her own box to send clear. Seeing the ball into her feet Uwaifo turns bursting on inside the left channel carrying the ball on contact as Colney Heath try to get in a challenge, Uwaifo could have gone down stays on her feet driving into the area shooting on the angle, Swift making the save look comfortable at her near post. The game opening up suddenly on the closing stages of the half Swarres is a quality passer of the ball given space in the middle a plays the diagonal ball on for Schofield left side, cutting the cross inside for Uwaifo as she meets it top of the area shoots Swift down well to save it on her line. 

  The rain really coming down now as Stevenage look to counter the ball sent upfield to the left Uwaifo offside but leaves it, as Schofield runs in behind left side, the hosts left frustrated as the flag goes up to halt their progress.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-0 Colney Heath Ladies

  A single goal the difference at the break a superb strike from Dionne Manning in the 37th minute seeing Stevenage leading 1-0. A strong first half for the hosts could well have been leading by more. Not as clinical as they need to be and Colney Heath have been solid in defence deep at time allowing little space in behind limited opportunities has restricted their own opportunities going forwards but overall will be pleased with the score-line at half-time still well in the game a couple of half chances themselves will have to risk opening thing’s up a bit more 2nd half if they want to get a reply is a case of taking their chance when it falls. A double change for the visitors at the break with Cunningham who took a knock 1st half and Kellet coming off. Hollie Thornton and Natalie Powell.

  Stevenage to get the 2nd half underway looking to make a fast start Shepherd breaking forwards the ball though going for a goalkick. The crowd are excited getting behind the team a short lived cheer as they think Uwaifo has doubled the lead. Swarres diagonal ball into the area partially blocked by Lucy Hancock escaping through to the far post Uwaifo throwing her self at it driving the ball into the advertising hoardings. Stevenage starting the 2nd half as they did the first getting on the front foot a free-kick won right on the edge of the box Shephard placing it inside the D taking on the shot, her attempt a foot over the bar. 

  Lucy Hancock giving away the corner as she challenges Uwaifo out left. Placed into the six yard box Uwaifo with the header knocked up into the air, the ball scrambled away as it lands in the six yard box. Shephard looking to break from midfield finding some joy in the left channel getting the ball down to turn and hit a shot 30 yards out, lacks the power to trouble Swift in the Colney Heath goal. Uwaifo sliding in as she looks to pressure the back pass to Swift the keeper getting it away the attacker sliding on the wet ground catches her little she could do to avoid contact Swift bundled over getting the free-kick, no malice is up quickly as play resumes.

  The pitch is slick with the rain just taking the ball on away from Shephard quickly as she makes a couple more intelligent runs into the channels. Powell and Thornton playing through the middle in attack for Colney Heath now linking up Thornton taking the ball on through the middle setting Powell through into the box left of goal, shooting on the angle her rising effort taken cleanly by Ray. 55 minutes played Godino down having picked up a knock  coming off, Esme Hume coming on at right back.  

  Manning getting the ball up top into Uwaifo, has Shephard on the move as she looks to flick it through, the attack scuppered as Shephard is caught offside. Lucy Hancock sliding in has to make contact with the ball to deny Shephard left channel as Swarres plays her in, the defender winning the ball. Shepherd carrying the threat left channel for Stevenage winning a throw high up the pitch, Neal to take has a decent throw in her arsenal launched into Uwaifo inside the area, Lucy Hancock close in not allowing her to turn.

  Is more open 2nd half Stevenage looking to up the tempo find a 2nd goal. Schofield bringing the ball out to the left shifting well to drive into the box wide drives a cross/shot in across goal, Shepherd flinging herself down to try and make contact gets a touch agonisingly though it goes wide of the post. 

  Changes for both sides, Stevenage with a double change, Kelsey Millen and Stef Paci coming on for Greenwood and Gooderham. Darci Harewood on for Colney Heath replacing Williams. Swarres sending a ball forwards escaping in behind, Hume getting to it left to clear before Schofield can get there. Schofield linking up well with Shephard on the left going forwards a cross flashed into the penalty area just beyond Uwaifo on the penalty spot runs through to Millen beyond is closed down quickly as she looks to get hold of the ball. 

 The clearance doesn’t go far Stevenage rapidly turning play around to get back on the attack, Uwaifo pulling off the defence as the ball is dropped over the back line right of the D, Swift rushing out to slide in make the blocking save, the ball loose Uwaifo moving towards it, Swift scrambling across to throw her body in to charge the shot down! The ball turned behind for a corner. Stevenage piling on the pressure, the visitors resilient. Kellet back on for Ward for the visitors.

  Santangelo cutting the ball out knocked behind as another pinpoint pass from Swarres in the middle finds Millen on the move right side. Stevenage coming on looking for a 2nd goal with 20 minutes left to play. 

  GOAL! Have battled hard at one end Swift with a brilliant double save to keep it down to 1-0 have had limited attacks off their own managing to get bodies forwards on the right win a free-kick outside the area. McShane on the set-piece driven into the mix cleared out to the top of the area, Harvey latching onto it outside the D, putting her foot through the ball, rifling it back in towards goal through a crowd, Ray down to her right as it skips up off the grass evades her to go in inside the post 1-1.

Terri Harvey equalises for Colney Heath

  A equaliser for Colney Heath with 18 minutes left to play. A blow for Stevenage who could well have on another evening been out of sight. The visitors ecstatic, as Stevenage go right Millen shifting the ball on for Uwaifo jinking into the area fires a cross in to the far side, with Schofield closing in can’t quite get there. Shephard with a fantastic crossfield pass to find Millen high on the right lifts a cross into the area, Hume needing to get there to clear for a corner kick with Schofield aiming to come in behind her. The corner in from the left headed clear by Lucy Hancock.

Colney Heath’s Lucy Hancock

  Stevenage making a 3rd change with Ciara Craig on for Schofield. Less than 15 minutes to play. An offside flag saving the referee having to make a decision as Uwaifo is blocked inside the box. Colney Heath with their tails up have renewed energy as they look to battle for everything at the back. Swift strong in goal calling and claiming a high cross from Millen on the right. Kelly Hancock putting the ball into Harewood in midfield plays it out to Kellet on the left wing bursting on, Farmer out to close her down putting the ball out for a throw. The sting somewhat taken out of Stevenage’s attack the crowd quietened by the equaliser. 

Stevenage’s Nicole Farmer

  Craig getting up on the right with Millen crossing into the area, Lucy Hancock getting in front of Uwaifo to turn her header back to the keeper. Lily Nellis on for Colney Heath as the game moves into the last 5 minutes Powell coming off. Colney Heath looking strong in the closing stages, Shephard off for Stevenage, Schofield back on. Craig with a good long pass into Uwaifo  top of the D, the ball snatched off her feet before she can unleash a shot. Swarres getting hold of the ball  goes for goal from distance, Swift with the catch.

 Swift out to claim the ball at the top of her area as it is played through of a defender, Uwaifo after it, the goalkeeper getting to it before she can latch onto it. Just not happening for Stevenage as they press on in attack in stoppage time Millen’s cross long over Schofield, with Craig beyond deflected off Hume for a late corner. Cleared at the near post back out to the corner taker Swarres, she sends a driven ball back into the six yard box, Swift getting her gloves on the ball to knock down and grab. 

  Uwaifo seeing a shot inside the box blocked spinning away for a corner right. Played long to Swarres outside the box shoots is unfortunate as her strike hits her own player, Craig first to the rebound smashing it goalwards, Swift sharp to get her gloves around the ball. Seconds left to play Colney Heath hanging on as Swarres shoots over from 40 yards out. 

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Colney Heath Ladies

  The points are shared. Colney Heath battling hard with a resilient performance on the back foot for most of the game soaking up the pressure as Stevenage came at them. A frustrating night for the hosts in the finish as they took the game to their opponents creating opportunities just not clinical enough on the night. Came forwards well, Colney Heath defending deep hard to break down, making vital tackles and blocks, with Swift making a number of saves behind to keep them in the game taking their chance when it came to level the scores and earn their 1st point of the season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few contenders as per the norm. Some performances of note, Shianne Swarres with an excellent range of passes for Stevenage, Dionne Manning strong in defence, getting forwards well to support the attack with a good finish for her goal. Amy Gooderham attacking on the right looked a real threat especially first half while Becky Shephard came into her own in the 2nd half with some fantastic runs into the channel. A dogged performance from the Colney Heath team, the defence solid working hard. Lucy Hancock in particular with some fantastic tackling, winning the ball. The award though goes to goalkeeper Naomi Swift. Gave nothing away, claiming well and getting across her goal, her saves going a long way to keeper Colney Heath in the game and see the point won.

  An enjoyable first visit to The Lamex Stadium, a great occasion for the players and staff on both sides showcasing the women’s game in Hertfordshire. A brilliant crowd of nearly 500 in attendance and having already been at attendances of 435 an 648 this is another fantastic figure and let’s hope Stevenage FC Women play their again soon. My thanks to the staff at Stevenage FC and Stevenage FC Women for their assistance this evening as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 4th September

ERWFL Premier Division

Back to the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday after a midweek derby double from the FAWNL. A trip to Suffolk to the MEL Group Stadium to watch AFC Sudbury Women newly promoted to the league taking on Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

 The ERWFL Premier Division representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. 12 sides competing looks to be a highly competitive league already with just 2 weekends played so far.

AFC Sudbury Women promoted to the league along with fellow Suffolk side Needham Market Women after clinching the Division One South title last season. Coming out on top of what proved to be an intriguing 5 way battle at the top. The league title part of a treble as the club also won the League Plate and lifted the Suffolk Women’s County Cup after a long period of dominance from Ipswich Town Women. A young squad striker Jess Allen top scorer last season with 21 goals, has moved on to America to play her football this season.

 Fully integrated with AFC Sudbury FC and their academy the women’s section features two women’s sides, with their Reserves also stepping up to the ERWFL this season playing in Division One South. Looking again to be one of the leading women’s clubs in the county. Lifting the County Cup last season a huge banner to wave in that regards, will be aiming to retain it this season as they look to establish themselves in the Premier Division. Unlucky on the opening day as they lost out at home to Stevenage FC Women, 3-2 with Evie Creaton netting both goals. A trip to Essex last Sunday playing early leaders Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, Sophie Jeffery scoring the only goal of the game to see Sudbury come home with their 1st 3 points of the campaign.

  King’s Lynn Town Ladies enjoying a strong debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division last year. Picking up some good results going on to finish comfortable in mid-table. That despite there being a change of manager through the season with Joe Simpson now at Wroxham stepping down. Alex Cook taking over as 1st team manager. Playing the majority of their games at The Walks stadium are themselves rapidly establishing themselves as one of the leading women’s side in the county. Supporting the Pandora Project, a local charity that offers advice and support to women and children affected by domestic abuse and will be wearing t-shirts promoting that initiative during their pre-season warm-ups.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies wearing their ‘Say No to Domestic Abuse’ t-shirts in support of the Pandora Project.

  A few changes of personnel over the close season with last season’s captain, Tiffany Forshaw, Zara O’Neill and Mary-Ann Hoy following Simpson to Wroxham. Forshaw one on the joint top scorers last season with 9 goals along side Ella Gavaghan who has also moved on and Amy Magnus. Have brought in Norwich development striker Samara Nche with midfielder Deva Rawlings returning to the club. Steph Powell a vastly experienced defender coming in towards the end of last season. Jodie Hopkins taking on the role of captain this season with Fran Peeling vice-captain.

AFC Sudbury’s, MEL Group Stadium the venue for today’s game, the artificial pitch a decent size seeing plenty of action. Hot and cold refreshments available on the way to the clubhouse and bar area with a seated stand beside the changing rooms behind. Covered standing behind both goals with a terraced stand on the opposite side between the dugouts my preferred position from which to watch the game. A pleasant afternoon bright and warm a little cloud cover but still otherwise. 

AFC Sudbury Women

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Jodie Donley, Ashtyn Newley, Ronni Harrison (C), Teigan McHale, Kate Edwards, Emily Smith, Phoebe Guiver, Alex Penny, Holly Kennard & Evie Creaton. Subs – Jess Egan, Alice Bartlett, Aliyat Lambe, Caitlyn Charles.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies

King’s Lynn Town Ladies  starting XI – Alice Collins, Sam Davies, Jodie Hopkins (C), Fran Peeling, Steph Powell, Kim Fairweather, Deva Rawlings, Lily Porter, Rachel Skinner, Oksana Imanalijeva & Amy Magnus. Subs – Tilly Sands, Olivia Skinner-Pelaz & Katie Ward.

 (roll on roll off substitutes)

A few players unavailable for King’s Lynn, including new signing Samara Nche and goalkeeper, Christina Vivas. Outfield player Alice Collins donning the gloves for todays match. The visitors wearing their away colours this afternoon and all pink kit with yellow numbering isn’t the easiest to read and am going to have to fall back on my knowledge of the squad as back up. Looks nice though. Sudbury with the kick-off first half wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball played back into midfield, Kate Edwards putting the pass long to Holly Kennard getting on on the left flank, working her way forwards her cross squared in low 20 yards out, intercepted and cleared by King’s Lynn’s Kim Fairweather.

Oksana Imanalijeva gets hold of the kick out of the back from Sudbury goalkeeper, Millie Carter 35 yards out looks to try and release Amy Magnus in behind the defence, Teigan McHale getting her foot on the ball putting it back to her goalkeeper to clear. Rachel Skinner taking the ball on right side for King’s Lynn, Magnus across offering support, Jade Donley getting a challenge in to take the ball away for Sudbury. The hosts looking to break quickly early on looking for Kennard on the left at every opportunity, Sam Davies up against her defending for King’s Lynn,

Ronni Harrison, captaining Sudbury steps out of the back line to tackle King’s Lynn midfielder Lily Porter as she attempts to make ground through the middle. Sudbury’s manager, Luke Mallet wanting his side to get the ball out to the right side as they come left once again, Evie Creaton in attack taking the ball into the left channel backed up by Phoebe Guiver exchange passes before the crossfield pass is whipped across the top of the King’s Lynn area, Alex Penny out on the right latching onto it blasting a shot goalwards, Collins behind it to save at her near post.

A fairly even start to the game, players from both sides snapping in to win the ball, a few late challenges but this is more from players releasing the ball quickly than anything else. Sudbury getting the ball out to both flanks now with Kennard and Penny looking to get on. Porter threading the ball into Magnus top of the D, attempts to flick it past Harrison close in on her, Ashtyn Newley around on the cover well getting her foot on the ball to help out her captain. Cleared up the left Sudbury break forwards Kennard racing onto the ball taking it on travelling all the way into the box goes down looks like a push Sudbury are certainly questioning it but the referee waves play on seeing a touch to win the ball.

King’s Lynn midfielder, Lily Porter

Magnus seeing the ball into her feet well right channel spinning the pass out to Skinner wide right turning into the area as Skinner crosses for King’s Lynn, McHale clearing the ball for Sudbury. Kennard winning a throw for Sudbury high on the left inside to Creaton she looks to put Kennard in as she runs into the area, Davies tackling well for King’s Lynn. 10 minutes played and Sudbury are finding some momentum quicker to the ball playing it out to their wide players Penny crossing in wide right, Collins claiming at her near post. Both Kate Edwards and Emily Smith in the middle playing the diagonal ball out to the wide players for Sudbury.

Sam Davies with Evie Creaton

Fairweather on for Porter she sends the ball through to Skinner right side, taking the ball on looks to plough her way through the Sudbury defence is eventually outnumbered. Imanalijeva up on the left getting King’s Lynn a corner. Is a teasing delivery in  across the six yard box everyone drawn near side drops far post and out of play.

GOAL! King’s Lynn frustrated after play is brought back for a free-kick wide left close to half way with McHale clipped coming forwards, with Sudbury making no headway in attack. McHale to play the ball in as players go up into the box a great delivery angled in across goal, King’s Lynn’s defence getting a head on it knocking it back down to the top of the box right side 25 yards out, comes to Penny gets her foot up over the ball to lash a powerfully hit ball in back across goal into the back of the net 1-0. 

Alex Penny opening the scoring for Sudbury

Sudbury getting their noses in front with 15 minutes on the clock. King’s Lynn certainly not happy, quickly concede another set-piece on the edge of their box to the left, played in across the penalty spot captain Jodie Hopkins getting hold of it to clear beyond the far post. Another rash challenge giving Sudbury another free-kick a little further back from where the opening goal came from. McHale putting the ball into the box right of the D, a scramble to clear before it pops up for a Sudbury body to smash goalwards driven wide of the far post.

Sudbury captain, Ronni Harrison

 

The goal giving Sudbury confidence are looking sharper to the ball popping about in midfield the rebound comes on for Kennard drifting central from the right 20 yards out gets control shifting it inside, Fran Peeling coming out to close her down, blocking the shot well for King’s Lynn.

King’s Lynn’s Fran Peeling setting up to block Holly Kennard’s attempt on goal

Plenty happening King’s Lynn losing it going forwards put up field rapidly, dropping into the top of the area Collins getting up to claim it as Creaton closes her down, coming together as Collins drops the ball escapes her gloves, Creaton instinctively attacking it, play stopped with Collins down hurt. The goalkeeper okay to continue after treatment. Magnus again seeing the ball into her feet well spinning inside off her marker presenting the ball at the feet of Imanalijeva inside the D, shifts it to her eft before pulling the trigger, not a strong hit, runs through safely to Carter to collect.

Alice Collins going to claim the ball with Sudbury’s Evie Creaton closing in

Penny fed the ball on the left, doing well riding a couple of rash tackles the advantage played as she drives on into the area firing in a shot close on the angle Collins with a sharp blocking save at her near post the ball spinning out on across the six yard box Creaton after it stretching annoyed as she turns it wide of the far post.  Sudbury stretching their opponents Smith with a great pass wide for Penny to bomb on right side her cross in missed by Collins near side, Creaton retrieving the ball beyond the far post looks to turn inside back to goal, Fairweather getting a foot in to clear taking a painful blow in the process.

 

Creaton linking up with Penny on the right as the pair come forwards for Sudbury exchanging passes before Penny strikes one over from the angle outside the box. King’s Lynn on the back foot finding it difficult to get their attackers into the game. Sudbury with possession at the back a sloppy ball from McHale off her goalkeeper in the six yard box is presented straight to Skinner 20 yards out right of the D, charges into the box, McHale charging forwards to put in the blocking tackle the hosts very nearly gifting an opportunity to their opponents. .

Sudbury living dangerously, the ball out on the left lost as Hopkins gets up with Imanalijeva to pressure he full back, Imanalijeva turning goalwards powering on into the area, Carter coming missing the ball as it is fired in across the six yard box, Magnus closing in but comes to Donley to put her foot through it her attempted clearance striking the on rushing Magnus could go anywhere for Sudbury’s sake it rebounds wide of the right post for a goalkick. Half an hour played Sudbury very sloppy at the back messing around in possession putting themselves under pressure another loose pass from the box snatched by Porter 30 yards out fed into Magnus right of the D turns aiming to plough a hole though the defence, McHale solid in her challenge as she comes to block.

Teigan McHale in to win the ball for Sudbury

The game opening up Sudbury with a rapid break the ball cleared up to Kennard takes the ball on though the middle, Collins coming to close her down lifts her shot from all of 20 yards over the advancing keeper, drops over her to strike the base of the post spinning inside across goal, Collins scrambling back to lay claim to the ball before it can creep over the line. King’s Lynn gift possession straight back to Sudbury laid into Kennard left on the left into the box, closes in on goal smashes it in low, Collins with a sharp save down to block the ball cleared away for a corner. Played in long clear beyond the far post. 

King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Alice Collins

Imanalijeva in the middle lining up with Skinner inside right giving her back the return pass as she drives on through the middle. Hopkins bursting down the left flank to get into the box, Newley doing the defending for Sudbury. Peeling on the ball going on into midfield for King’s Lynn playing a good ball on into Imanalijeva 20 yards out left of the D, tries to lay it on into the path of Magnus breaking into the box right side, Carter alert quickly out to snatch the ball into her gloves. King’s Lynn have changed formation getting more players Imanalijeva finding a pocket of space between midfield and defence sees a pass from Rawlings into her clips it on into the box for Magnus making the run in behind left of goal wants to strike the ball as it drops across her, Donley racing round on the cover going to clear collides with Magnus as Carter gathers the ball. 

Sudbury’s Ashtyn Newley

 Skinner with the ball 30 plus yards out cuts inside looking for an opening strikes the ball on the run with the outside of her boot the effort bouncing wide of Carter’s left post. Is a physical encounter, Sudbury especially not happy with some of the challenges. Rawlings striking a shot wide from distance for King’s Lynn as Porter and Magnus pressure the defence right side. Guiver with a clever turn on the ball central looks to send Penny through on the right is a vital interception from Hopkins at the back. 

A little over 3 minutes left in the 1st half Sudbury have been guilty of giving the ball away in their final 3rd this is giving King’s Lynn opportunities they shouldn’t have had as they look to find a reply. Skinner getting forwards nicks the ball off McHale in the box as she attempts to play it out, the attacker driving for goal closing in on Carter at the near post pulls the trigger, Carter getting down quickly getting hold of the ball well. King’s Lynn knocking on the door late in the 1st half Hopkins up on the left catching the ball on the turn a half volley from 25 yards out that drops wide of Sudbury’s goal. 

King’s Lynn’s Rachel Skinner

 Sudbury with a late corner on the right put in by Penny, cleared behind for a 2nd corner this one put back to the taker, Penny playing it back in Guiver at the far post, the ball not cleared sent wide. A late charge from Sudbury Kennard over on the right now with Guiver squared inside for Edwards, lining up a shot on goal, Fairweather rushing out to charge the ball down.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 1-0 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

 Alex Penny’s strike on 15 minutes the difference between the sides at the break. The hosts growing into the game after a fairly even start. Taking confidence from the goal came on well finding their wide players Penny and Kennard strong going forwards right and left. King’s Lynn struggling to get any rhythm until the hosts became a little sloppy in their play mistakes at the back presenting opportunities, a change of formation seeing King’s Lynn get players on better half chances created. Sudbury with a strong appeal for a penalty turned down creating some good chances of their own unfortunate not to hold a bigger lead. At 1-0 though it remains very much everything to play for.

  Sudbury out for the 2nd half early appear unchanged. King’s Lynn with a double change with Davies and Fairweather the players off, Katie Ward going to right back on, along with Tilly Sands joining the attack. King’s Lynn to get the 2nd half under way the ball in the centre before being released to Skinner on the right, her early cross into the box dealt with by Harrison. King’s Lynn pushing on right side Magnus out wide with Skinner linking up the pass into Sands right of the D 20 yards out, takes on the shot angled in low towards goal Carter down to get her body behind the ball.

  A good start to the 2nd half from King’s Lynn coming right the ball swept into the area left side collected by Imanalijeva her touch seeing her shift inside looking to turn into the shot, the ball striking Harrison as she blocks, the referee pointing to the spot for penalty, Harrison adjudged to have handled the ball. 

  Magnus over the penalty a chance early in the 2nd half for King’s Lynn to level up the scores, hit low lacks the power to beat carter as she goes the right way makes the save. A let off for Sudbury with the half 3 minutes old, break down the left Kennard, Ward getting in to make the challenge as she attempts to push past her. The foul count is stacking up Sudbury not happy with some of the challenges. Harrison with a timely interception to stop Magnus stealing in on goal through the middle off a Porter through ball.

Millie Carter saves the penalty for Sudbury

  GOAL! Moments after King’s Lynn see a penalty saved to equalise then Sudbury get up the other end to double their lead attacking on the right Penny inside, Guiver pressuring the King’s Lynn defence on the ball, stealing possession inside the box right side strikes a rising shot in, Collins throwing her gloves up to block might have gotten a glancing touch the ball beyond her cannoning down off the cross bar dropping far post, Creaton attacking it, Collins across sliding down attempting to block stops her initial attempt the ball loose Creaton grounded does well to swing out a leg to cut the ball back over the line to score 2-0.

Evie Creaton double Sudbury’s lead

  A blow for King’s Lynn get on the attack from the restart, Rawlings on through the middle looking to pick out Magnus, Harrison blocking to stop her getting into the box. Carter alert to take the ball at her near post as Skinner flashes a cross in on the angle from the right. Hopkins on the move with the ball left for King’s Lynn up with Imanalijeva the crossfield pass cut out by Sudbury’s Smith. A change for Sudbury, Aliyat Lambe entering the pitch. Harrison continuing to frustrate King’s Lynn at the back as she cuts out another attempted ball through the middle.

King’s Lynn attacker, Amy Magnus

  An hour gone by no means a classic both sides sloppy at times, Sudbury guilty of over playing at the back, whilst King’s Lynn cannot find any rhythm at all, leaving them frustrated as decisions go against them. Smith on the ball through the middle for Sudbury forwards well for Creaton peeling off Powell at the back, racing on, Powell reading the move giving herself room to make the recovering run take the ball away from the striker. Kennard racing on with the ball left side getting all the way into the box closing in on the six yard box before Peeling gets across to clear behind for a corner, which is successfully defended at the near post.

Sudbury’s Emily Smith

  Penny over on the right racing onto a cleared ball from the back digging the cross out from the by-line, back across the top of the area is just over Creaton rising centrally cleared by the King’s Lynn defender beyond Sudbury immediately go up in protest claiming a handball, not a penalty in the referees opinion. Mallett getting a talking too for voicing his protests too loudly. McHale coming on down the line for Penny, Powell getting back on the right sided player to tackle put the ball out for a corner. The ball put into the six yard box headed back out to the right by Magnus, Penny back on it as Magnus’s momentum sees her close the winger down bringing her down just outside the box, earning her a yellow and a free-kick to the hosts. Same result though Penny’s delivery cleared by Magnus’ header for another corner. 

Aliyat Lambe

Olivia Skinner-Pelaz

Penny sending her corner arrowing in low to Lambe top of the area, no shot on lays it back to Penny wide her 2nd attempt cleared back to her in the corner where she sends a dangerous looping ball in across the face of goal dropping far post both Creaton and Kennard there bounces over. Sudbury livening up pressing the ball better winning in on the left of the box 25 yards out a shot racing in has Collins diving across her six yard box, the ball though runs wide of the far post. Kennard running at the King’s Lynn defence on the left rides one challenge then another, play brought back for the first challenge. An inviting ball in drops wide past the far post.

Alex Penny with King’s Lynn captain, Jodie Hopkins

 20 minutes left on the clock Sudbury make another change with Jess Egan coming on for Newley. McHale putting in the tackle as Sands and Skinner look to combine right side for King’s Lynn. Imanalijeva off for the visitors, Olivia Skinner-Pelaz coming on. The game stretched at times as King’s Lynn taking a few risks get on looking to find Skinner on the right. Davies and Fairweather being prepared to come back on Rawlings and Magnus coming off. Penny finding space to run into on the right after a spinning clearance whips a ball in across goal Davies putting it behind for a corner. A great ball in from the left through everyone in the six yard box no one gambling at the far post. 

Oksana Imanalijeva

  King’s Lynn have a player down far side, Ward I think is struggling, Imanalijeva sent back on with a little over 10 minutes to play. 

 GOAL! The game is stretched players tired on both sides, Sudbury’s diagonal balls have been a threat all game, Kennard now over on the right side seeing a good delivery into her find inside the box, her control seeing her beat her marker, shift inside to shoot, rising into Collins quickly doesn’t get hold of it as it slips out of her gloves to run on into the goal behind 3-0.

Holly Kennard scores Sudbury’s 3rd goal, Caitlyn Charles in the background

  Straight on the attack, King’s Lynn out to Skinner racing forwards right shoots on the angle fired in low Carter saving low at her near post. A triple change from the hosts with Creaton, Edwards and Harrison coming off. Caitlyn Charles, Alice Bartlett and Newley the players coming on. Kennard full of running for Sudbury moving right with the ball her cross cut out by Peeling. A brief rest for Edwards and Creaton for Sudbury as they return to the field, Smith and Penny giving way.

 GOAL! Into the final minute of regular play Kennard racing clear to the by-line on the right has the legs to get to the ball flashing in a ball across the face of goal has teammates lining up to meet it inside the box, turned home from close range, Caitlyn Charles with the all important touch 4-0. On late so I don’t have a better picture of Charles than the one with Kennard above.

  Carter out well to claim at the feet of Skinner late on a King’s Lynn send it long to her on the right. Imanalijeva’s ball in from the right put behind by McHale for a corner. Carter with another acrobatic save off Skinner as the ball is blasted into her from the right turned behind for the corner. Carter up well to claim from the set-piece. 

Sudbury’s Jess Egan

  Deep into stoppage time King’s Lynn flat having conceding twice late on to see the game slip away. Sudbury continue to snap into their challenges, Imanalijeva coming on right side sending a cross into the area won well by Egan conceding a late late corner. Sudbury clearing push out celebrating as the final whistle blows.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 4-0 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  A 4-0 win lifting Sudbury up into 3rd spot in the early Premier Division table. Rode their luck at times and know it wasn’t their best performance, a bright start to get their noses in front in the 15th minute. Fell away first half with some poor play at the back giving King’s Lynn encouragement as they changed thing’s around. 1-0 at the break an early penalty giving the visitors a chance to level the scores early in the 2nd half, Carter saving, a further blow as they went on to concede a 2nd. Sudbury having an appeal for a penalty themselves 1st half with another strong shout 2nd didn’t get it but with their wide players a threat through out looked goo for their lead adding a 3rd and 4th goals late on to claim the 3 points. A disappointing afternoon for King’s Lynn struggle to get going find any rhythm that said created opportunities and weren’t totally out of the game until the final 10 minutes.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time for this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, a relatively easy decision except for the fact there were two very strong contenders for it. A few performances to mention though. For King’s Lynn, Oksana Imanalijeva did well finding some good pockets of space between midfield ad defence and on another day she sets up a goal or two. Amy Magnus up top providing a good target to put the ball too got others into play with her hold up play. For Sudbury, Teigan McHale and Ronni Harrison put in some great challenges to stop King’s Lynn getting in behind. Emily Smith in midfield broke up play well shoeing a great range of passing. Evie Creaton strong in attack. It comes down to splitting two players for Sudbury, Alex Penny and Holly Kennard both where excellent on the flanks getting into good positions for the hosts taking the ball on and setting up openings both scoring too. Comes down to who got the most mentions in my notes and that is Holly Kennard well done.

  Another enjoyable trip over to the MEL Group Stadium, is a nice venue and improving all the time a warm welcome from the club. My thanks to both clubs for the help with the team details today. More ERWFL Premier Division action to come on Tuesday evening with a trip to the Lamex Stadium home of Stevenage FC as there women’s side host Colney Heath Ladies.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Needham Market Women

Sunday 28th August

ERWFL Premier Division

 A short trip to Trafford Park this Sunday to watch my first game of the season from the ERWFL Premier Division. Wroxham Women who made a winning start to their season last Sunday hosting newly promoted Needham Market Women.

 The ERWFL Premier Division once again looking strong with a number of sides having the title in their sights, with Harlow Town Ladies and Stevenage FC Women looking to bounce back to the FAWNL straight away after suffering relegation last season. The 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid with plenty of talented players as the game continues to grow. Often competitve and exciting to watch.

 Wroxham Women now a well established part of the Wroxham footballing family with ambitions to attain promotion to the FAWNL. A frustrating season to say the least during last years campaign. Getting off to a blistering start winning their opening 5 games, then the wheels came off and a difficult run of 4 straight losses followed before a draw and a lengthy period through the end of November into the New Year without a game. 2023 bringing the return to form the squad knew they were capable of winning 7 of their last 8 games aswell as reaching the final of the League Cup. Eventually finishing 4th a case of what might have been for the lull cost them. Manager Rebecca Burton standing down at the end of the season.

 Wroxham bringing in Joe Simpson as their new manager. At the club previously as coach the former King’s Lynn Town Ladies manager bringing Burton back as his assistant with another for King’s Lynn Town Ladies manager, Shelley Stewart part of the coaching team. Charlotte Rose in as strength and conditioning coach with goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook taking on a player/coach role. Several changes within the player squad too with players moving on or retiring, most notably striker, Grace Birchall a talisman for the club up front scoring 66 goals in 42 appearances. Simpson bringing in a number of news faces to the squad. Reuniting with a trio of former King’s Lynn players, Tiffany Forshaw bringing a wealth of experience to the club can operate anywhere through the spine of the team. Mary-Ann Hoy returning to Wroxham from King’s Lynn too along with midfield talent Zara O’Neill. 

  Saw Lucy Eagle first in action for Leiston St Margarets Ladies and has starred in attack for a number of county league sides since most recently Bungay Town Ladies, making to jump up to the fifth tier this campaign looking to test herself. Paige Shorten is another player with huge experience back playing after coaching with Ipswich Town Women. Plus a quartet of young players from Norwich City’s Player Pathway, Lucy Bradford, Lara Densley, Keela Olive and Breana Rudd.

Needham Market Women achieving promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division for the 1st time. In a very short space of time the club has become one of the leading lights for women’s football in Suffolk looking to emulate the counties leading side Ipswich Town Women in it’s growth and success. Joining the ERWFL in the 2018/19 season no doubt the Covid pandemic has stalled the clubs progress. A full season played a last in 2021/22, Needham Market were dominant from start to finish clinching the Division One North title gaining promotion along side fellow Suffolk rivals AFC Sudbury Women won won Division One South. The step up to the 5th tier of the women’s pyramid where standards go up a notch and a good test for an ambitious club looking to push itself. Scored plenty of goals last season, with Lina Nagib top scorer netting 26 goals, with Molly Hall, Lois Balfour and Ellie Rossiter scoring 21, 17 and 16 respectfully.

  An academy and 2nd team backing up the first team, manager Warren Lewis-Claxton has added a number of experienced former Ipswich players to the ranks such as goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke, Ellie Rossiter, Nicole Pannifer, Molly Hall and Paige Wakefield in recent seasons, has added a further two defenders this season in Lindsey Cooper and Eva Hubbard aswell as a number of promising young players such as Poppy Nunn and goalkeeper, Emily Cockrill. also joining aling with Charlotte McGrath who was most recently at Abingdon. Started life in the ERWFL Premier Division with a trip to Haringey Borough the hosts coming away with a 4-3 win.

  Trafford Park the venue for today’s match, a large grass pitch offering plenty of width, not the most even of playing surfaces with a distinct slope nevertheless in great condition. Viewing all round. A covered stand on one side of the pitch. The bar and clubhouse serving hot food and drinks on the other. Great weather for the match bright with a little cloud cover and a slight breeze.

Wroxham Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Lightfoot, Lucy Bradford, Breanna Rudd, Tigi Robson, Jess Horn (C), Zara O’Neill, Becky Russell, Holly Connell, Keela Olive, Lucy Eagle & Tiffany Forshaw. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Lara Densley, Summer Copland & Ellie Overton & Megan Rose.

Needham Market Women

 Needham Market Women starting XI – Emily Cockrill, Niamh Thomas, Eva Hubbard, Ele Catchpole, Lindsey Cooper, Abbie Fisher, Leilah Hanson, Mia Etheridge, Ellie Rossiter, Jo Brawn & Lois Balfour (C). Subs – Charlotte McGrath, Poppy Nunn, Lina Nagib & Paige Wakefield.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Two goalkeepers making their debuts today with Megan Lightfoot in goal for Wroxham. Danielle Clarke picking up an injury for Needham Market away to Haringey Borough last Sunday a blow, in comes Emily Cockrill recently joined from Kesgrave Kestrals. Lindsey Cooper making her competitive debut too for the visitors. Six more from Wroxham’s starting line-up making thier home debuts, Tiffany Forshaw, Lucy Eagle, Keela Olive, Lucy Bradford, Breanna Rudd and Zara O’Neill. It’s Wroxham to get the game under way kicking off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical stripped shirts with blue shorts and socks with Needham Market lined up opposite in their away colours, yellow shirts and socks with black shorts. Wroxham look to send the ball on out to the left, Needham Market full back, Niamh Thomas can let the ball run on into the area for Cockrill to get an early feel of the ball.

A frantic start the ball hit back and forth between midfield and defensive Needham Market pushing  up, Wroxham manage to lift a pass over the top into the right channel for Eagle to run onto 25 yards out looks to take on the early strike, isn’t quite set stretching a little too much as she connects with the ball dragging it inside wide across the area. Leilah Hanson sending the ball on through the middle for Needham Market into the feet of captain and attacker Lois Balfour, she turns well on the ball spinning the pass out to Jo Brawn wide left, looking to take the ball on Wroxham full back Lucy Braford gets across to make the challenge the ball out for a throw in.

Wroxham’s Lucy Bradford

  A wide pitch play getting drawn to one side of the pitch space to exploit if the pass can be seen. Hubbard well aware of that as she bombs on down the left taking the ball on reaching the penalty area squares an inviting ball inside, dealt with by Wroxham captain, Jess Horn her clearance latched on in midfield a strike from distance fizzed back in, blocked. Wroxham break on their left the ball fed up the line rapidly, on for Forshaw bursting into the box, takes on the shot striking a low ball in on the angle, Cockrill closing the gap making a good blocking save. 

Needham Market’s Niamh Thomas

Needham Market attack left Hubbard racing up the line feeding the ball on for Balfour peeling into the channel, Horn getting across to put in the tackle before she can turn into the box. Forshaw looking to play off the last defender break in behind for Wroxham as the midfield work the ball into her, through to attack the box, her attack halted by the offside flag, a close call. Cockrill comes a long way out of her area to deal with the danger as Forshaw gives chase to a ball lifted into the right channel. Cockrill putting the ball into Hubbard the defender put under pressure by Forshaw who wins Wroxham a throw high up the pitch. 

Needham Market’s, Eva Hubbard

 Both sides looking to get the ball out from the back with pace into midfield, Needham Market have it on the left played into Hanson the Fisher as they go crossfield to Rossiter bursting forwards wide out on the wing her cross fired into the area collected by Lightfoot at her near post. An intriguing contest shaping up with 15 minutes gone. O’Neill getting hold of the ball in the middle for Wroxham plays it to Rudd on the left plays the ball on for Forshaw in attack, can’t reach it but is willing to pressure the defence looking to force an error, the result a goal kick this time. The hosts getting numbers forwards well pushing Needham Market’s defence back the release for the visitors Hubbard on the left as she looks to run into space. 

Ellie Rossiter with Wroxham’s Breanna Rudd

 Hubbard turning inside with the ball plays a great diagonal ball forwards, a vital interception from Horn, or Brawn is in clear to attack the goal. Hanson in the middle sends the pass out to Thomas right getting the return pass as she moves forwards her cross into the box on the angle claimed well by Lightfoot. Hubbard continuing to cause problems on the left with the ball for Needham Market sends it on for Brawn ahead of her moving inside to take on the return pass driving for the box, Horn lunging in to make the tackle to dispossess her.

Wroxham captain, Jess Horn

  Keela Olive getting forwards with the ball for Wroxham right side on for Eagle her early diagonal ball into the area finding Forshaw out beyond the far post, controlling the ball sees Russell coming on lays the ball back into her path the midfielders cross/shot charged down by Cooper in the Needham Market defence. Wroxham retain possession on the left getting bodies forwards well the ball lofted back into the area Holly Connell beating her marker getting the ball down turning towards goal shooting low, Cockrill with a superb save getting down smartly blocking with her thigh. 

Keela Olive looking to get hold of the ball for Wroxham

 Pressure mounting from Wroxham keeping the ball in the final 3rd played out right a player brought down right on the edge of the box a free kick on the line level with the six yard line, Russell to play it into the area, Mia Etheridge up to make the defensive header clearing for Needham Market the ball falling to Wroxham’s Olive 25 yards out her 1st time shot blocked. A corner won on the right for Wroxham short between Connell and Russell the cross put into the area cleared. Another close call with the flag to deny Forshaw anyone chance on goal as she is almost put in by Eagle’s fine diagonal ball as she and Russell exchange passes on the right. 

Wroxham midfielder, Becky Russell

  Forshaw looking the goal threat for Wroxham, Russell looking to thread a pass through for her to attack, Cockrill with a good starting position quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Brawn comes left with the ball, Bradford back on her to slow her down holds it up well as Hubbard racing forwards in support takes the ball on in behind to the by-line winning her side a corner kick. The delivery in to the near post doesn’t get past Horn, heading clear.

  Hubbard breaks clear on the left as Needham Market press the ball high, runs into the box, Connell getting back at her to challenge the ball turned off her for a corner kick. Payed in the outcome the same Horn winning the header at the near post. Into the final 15 minutes of the half few clear cut chances as of yet both sides putting alot in to press the ball. Brawn picking the ball up inside the Wroxham half looks to push on driving forwards almost reaching the area before getting outnumbers still managing to squeeze the ball back into the path of Fisher 30 yards out her wild strike landing wide of the mark. A pause in play with Russell down recieving treatment both sides going to the bench for instructions.

 GOAL! Play resumes Needham Market having possession out wide right, played inside to Brawn inside the area looks to attack, Lightfoot coming appears to hesitate, Brawn capitalising beating her to the ball stabbing it past her to open the scoring 0-1. 

Jo Brawn opens the scoring for Needham Market

  Needham Market looking sharper after the break in play getting the lead and going on the attack breaking from a goal-kick Brawn on the left with Hubbard taking the ball on in behind her, Horn needing to come round on the cover to clear the ball for a corner. Eagle taking a heavy knock as she runs into traffic in the middle. Needs a moment but is okay to continue. Etheridge getting on the ball through the middle for Needham Market puts the pass forwards for Balfour as she looks to move out into the channel, Horn getting in to tackle her. 

 Hubbard back to defend intercepting a diagonal pass from O’Neill as she looks to release Connell on the right. Catchpole winning the header top of her area as Wroxham get up on the left cross the ball in. The game moving into stoppage time Wroxham mounting a late attack the ball fed on for Forshaw left channel, Cockrill coming to close her down with her defence exposed, Forshaw cleverly taking the ball around the keeper as she slides in commit, left bearing down on goal shoots low, Catchpole sliding in making the last ditch defensive block the ball out to the far post Catchpole scrambling back to her feet to get to Forshaw before she gets a 2nd bite at goal lunging in to block again the ball rebounding out of the area falls to Olive 25 yards out puts her foot through the ball looking to smash it home, Cockrill recovering her position grateful to get her gloves up pluck the ball down to safety. One last corner for Wroxham to end the half put into the area successfully defending as the whistle blows.  

Needham Market defender Ele Catchpole with a crucial double block at te end of the 1st half

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-1 Needham Market Women

  Needham Market leading by a single goal at the break. A close contest an intriguing watch the sides evenly matched. The result could have easily been the reverse at half-time. Cockrill making 2 superb saves with Catchpole making a huge block on the stroke of half-time. Jo Brawn’s goal the difference is still very much game on going into the 2nd half. A change at half-time for Wroxham with cyan Fullbrook on in goal for Lightfoot. Needham Market getting the 2nd half underway unchanged.

 

  The ball played out to Wroxham’s left, Bradford winning it for the hosts. Wroxham looking to make a busy start take the game to Needham Market at the start of the 2nd half, Rudd left sending the ball crossfield into Olive, back to Russell, Etheridge out to block her pass collecting the ball in the face a painful knock, play stopped for treatment. O’Neill playing the ball left to Rudd, pressured into playing the ball back to her centre backs Horn an Robson likewise under pressure as Etheridge hustles getting hold of the ball to release Rossiter into a gap on the right her cross into the area caught cleanly by Fullbrook. 

Wroxham’s Zara O’Neill

 Catchpole with a firm defensive clearance that has Rossiter giving chase to the ball on the right, crosses as she reaches the by-line but Fullbrook points out the ball was already gone, the assistant agrees. A corner for Needham Market on the right as Rossiter gets forwards well. As in the first half the delivery only finding Horn defending the near post area. Needham Market gaining momentum more on the right than the left with Thomas getting on to support Rossiter. Another corner on the right fired in near post Horn turning it out of the area, Needham Market have players ready to close down outside the area a shot struck in through bodies looks like it might be creeping inside the post, Fullbrook scrambling to get back to it scooping a glove under the ball enough to turn it wide for a corner on the left.

 Another pause in play with Etheridge down off the ball needing treatment, needs to come off this time with Needham Market bringing on Charlotte McGrath. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half remains a very tight and edgy affair. Needham Market taking the game to Wroxham keeping them busy inside their own half keeping Forshaw off the ball. Rossiter taking the ball on right side wrapping her foot around it to send the cross into the area, Horn heading clear for Wroxham. Another player down this time for Wroxham, Eagle a willing runner looking to drive on with the ball has been clattered a few time for her efforts. Wroxham making a double switch Eagle coming off, so too Rudd to be replaced by Lara Densley and Ellie Overton. Robson moving to the left of defence. 

 Overton’s first touch very close to being an own goal as Needham Market have a throw high on the right, Thomas putting it on for Hanson to head forwards for Rossiter on the wing her cross fired into the six yard box almost finding Balfour free at the near post, hitting Overton behind is narrowly wide for the corner. Needham Market with the momentum getting players forwards, Catchpole and Cooper looking solid in the centre of defence, Wroxham lacking numbers when they can break Connell right her cross claimed by Cockrill. Another double change for Wroxham with Megan Rose joining the back line on for Bradford. and Summer Copland on up top for Olive.

Needham Market captain, Lois Balfour

  Russell winning the ball back in the middle for Wroxham lays it forwards for Forshaw left of the  turns well in behind, Cooper quick to adjust getting back at her to deny the shot. Needham Market continue to exploit Rossiter on the right getting a throw high Rossiter’s cross in is uncharacteristically missed by Horn at the near post catching Brawn behind her off guard her touch off her hip turning the ball goalwards can’t react before Fullbrook snatches it up into her gloves. Needham Market bring Lina Nagib on with 10 minutes of regular time left.

Ellie Rossiter

  Rose winning it well at the back for Wroxham lifting the pass long for Connell 25 yards out an angled shot in rising Cockrill gloves it down to claim on the bounce. Rossiter and Robson enjoying a good battle now as Wroxham look to limit the balls coming into their box from the right. All good natured however Rossiter down with cramp, Robson helping her stretch. Catchpole winning the ball at the back well for Needham Market plays a good ball through for Balfour in attack, Rose getting on her shoulder to defend for Wroxham. Catchpole defending on Forshaw as O’Neill looks to find her with the pass up top. Forshaw coming off now with Eagle being sent back on to join the attack. A one two between Copland and Robson on the left as the defender gets forwards taking on the strike from distance drops wide. 

Wroxham’s Tigi Robson

 Wroxham looking to put some urgency into their play as they look to find a goal with the clock running down. Connell up with Eagle and Russell moving towards the Needham Market box, Fisher taking back to put the tackle in on Russell to regain possession. Rossiter coming off for Needham Market with Etheridge returning to the action, Hubbard quieter in the 2nd half making fewer forward runs nevertheless has plenty left in the tank as she cuts inside from the wing 25 yards out driving for the box Horn stepping out to block her run win back the ball. Nagib getting on the ball right for Needham Market driving up the line holding the ball up Thomas arriving to support her angled ball into the area dealt with by Rose. 

 

  Olive back on for Wroxham with the game heading for stoppage time, plenty of it to be played with the pauses for injuries. Olive taking the ball on from O’Neill in the middle forwards into Copland, Catchpole defending for Needham Market the ball running back to Olive to latch onto 25 yards out drags her volleyed effort wide. Robson off for Wroxham as they throw Forshaw back on. O’Neill with the diagonal ball out to Eagle on the right, brings it down well, striking the shot on the angle from distance frustrated as she only picks out the goalkeeper at the near post.

  Wroxham’s Olive steals onto the ball left side, her cross squared into the area but a heavy touch from Forshaw allows Cooper to clear out into the middle O’Neill getting hold of it 30 plus yards out her shot dipping lands on the roof of the net. A clash of heads between Densley and Thomas sees another break in play both physio’s racing on. No chances taken with Densley coming off for Wroxham. Poppy Nunn and Paige Wakefield also coming on for Needham Market Jo Brawn one of the players off.

Lina Nagib bringing the ball forwards for Needham Market

  GOAL! Deep into stoppage time Needham market regaining the ball on the right wing Wakefield taking it on cleverly winning a free-kick late in the game. Inside the Wroxham half taken quickly with Fisher running into a gap on the right side taking the ball to the top of the area before delivering a looping cross in towards the near post, put on a plate for Balfour drifting in unmarked to coolly nod down into the back of the net to seal the 3 points 0-2.

Lois Balfour centre making it 2-0 to Needham Market late in the game

  The 2nd goal scored in the 96th minute with another 4 minutes of stoppage time to play Needham Market with their tails up chasing the ball down looking to keep it inside Wroxham’s half . Nagib with Fisher looking to hold it up on the right winning a corner kick off Horn, the ball into the six yard box cleared as the final whistle blows, Needham Market celebrate their first ever win in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Full time Wroxham Women 0-2 Needham Market Women

 The late late goal from Lois Balfour sealing the win for Needham Market in what proved to be a tight and intriguing contest between the 2 sides. Giving little away the result could well have gone either way and neither would have complained with a draw. As it was Needham Market scored the all important goals and were strong in defence to limit Wroxham’s chances especially in the 2nd half. Even for large parts the game won on small margins the wins you have to work hard for are always the best. Needham Market took the game to Wroxham 2nd half and in doing so limited the impact their attackers had up the other end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy this is a tough one and it is difficult to name a clear winner. Strong performances form both sides, with both looking solid as a unit. Jess Horn won so much at the back for Wroxham whilst Tigi Robson beside her was strong. Tiffany Forshaw making some intelligent runs in behind getting into the box unlucky not to score 1st half. That largely down to Emily Cockrill in goal an impressive debut between the sticks for Needham Market with two fine saves. Ele Catchpole too in defence with some strong defensive wins. Eva Hubbard with her managing running down the flank. The award though goes to Ellie Rossiter took the game to Wroxham 2nd half with so powerful runs getting into some great positions and delivering some dangerous crosses.

 Another entertaining game for the ERWFL Premier Division, never disappoints and Needham Market are another strong addition to it’s ranks. Likewise Wroxham a new look side with a mixture of experience and youth, all the young players impressing will only get better as they play regularly at this level. As usual my thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today especially as I have been experiencing some technical difficulties. Much appreciated. Next up a derby double for the FAWNL a busy week ahead but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wymondham Town Ladies v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 9th January

ERWFL Premier Division

 Excited to start a new year on Women’s Football East. 2022 promises to be a huge year for women’s football with England hosting the UEFA Women’s European Championships. The game will receive coverage like never before and England themselves have a real opportunity to win the competition themselves.

 Plenty of exciting football action to come before that though and my year begins with a Norfolk derby, a top of the table clash no less in the ERWFL Premier Division with league leaders, Wymondham Town Ladies hosting 3rd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

Wymondham Town Ladies in a very strong position at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division going into the new year. 6 points clear of 2nd placed Royston Town Ladies, the most likely side capable of catching them barring a major collapse now for the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL. Not that manager Alex Guy will let his side take their eye off the ball. Have led for most of the campaign winning 10 of their 13 games played so far, with the only blip back to back defeats at the end of September against Royston and King’s Lynn. Have scored to most goals in the league and have the best defensive record with it. A prolific attack with Hannah Waters leading goal scorer so far with 13 goals from 16 played, Francesca Catchpole and Laura Nicholls both with 10 goals apiece behind Waters from 16 and 13 appearances respectfully.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies reaching their highest ever league position in the women’s football pyramid to close out 2021. Up to 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division in what is there debut season at this level. Joe Simpson stepping down as manager leaving a strong squad and great set-up within the club for his successor. Alex Cook the new manager looking to take the side forwards a great platform to build on in what is a competitive league. King’s Lynn quickly finding their feet at this level a 4-0 victory at home to today’s opponents Wymondham being one of the highlights. Amy Magnus and captain Tiffany Forshaw top scorers so far this season with 6 goals each.

Ketts park the venue for todays game. With heavy rainfall the day before I thought it a safe bet to go for a 3G option and with it being a top of the table clash plus derby match too it was an easy choice. A van serving hot and cold drinks leading into the ground. The caged pitch offering standing room for spectators along one side opposite the dugouts. A little bit of heat from the rapidly descending sun that falling below one goal could pose a few viewing problems for defenders.

Wymondham Town Ladies

 Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Mary Croft, Aimee Stretch, Rachel Cossey (C), Rebecca Russell, Natasha Youngs, Laura Nicholls, Francesca Catchpole & Hannah Waters. Subs – Hayley Kindred, Katie Knights, Kyla Love & Jenifer Codman.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Ellie Prentice, Chloe Burch, Shanice Burch, Fran Peeling, Amy Cropley, Samantha Davis, Alexa Hunter, Jodie Hopkins, Tiffany Forshaw (C), Ella Gavaghan & Amy Magnus. Subs – Amy Bell.

(Roll on roll off substitutes)

  Rachel Cossey captaining, Wymondham today, good to see her starting a game after spending more than two seasons out through injury. New signing Kyla Love joining from Wroxham amongst the 4 substitutes. King’s Lynn’s naming just the one substitute goalkeeper, Amy Bell. It’s the hosts Wymondham to kick off the match wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. King’s Lynn in a new away strip, black and white vertical striped shirts with white shorts and socks. With gold numbers on the back (not my favourite combo of shirt and colour number to read it has to be said, hard to read when you’re trying to follow the numbers).

  King’s Lynn press Wymondham on the ball right from the start forcing them to go back to their goalkeeper Chloe Pearce, cleared out to the left the ball out for a throw. The visitors continue t press the ball on the right striker Ela Gavaghan put through behind by Amy Cropley however the flag raised against her for offside. Wymondham come through the middle of the park the ball lifted forwards, Shanice stepping out of the back three for King’s Lynn to clear the ball long upfield out into the right channel for Gavaghan to chase, Wymondham defender, Mary Croft getting across her to shield for Pearce as the keeper comes sliding in to claim the ball.

Wymondham defender, Mary Croft

   King’s Lynn pressing the ball high trying to unsettle Wymondham at the back early on Alexa Hunter in to win the ball, Aimee Stretch nicking it ahead of Amy Magnus up top, on for Rachel Cossey, Wymondham’s captain driving forwards on the ball, playing it long for Hannah Waters escaping into space behind on the right, Shanice Burch recovering well to get back on her sliding in to take the ball away from the attacker before she can check inside to line up a shot on goal.

   Wymondham not finding their rhythm in the opening minutes rushed on the ball as King’s Lynn work hard to close it down. Rebecca Russell evading a tackle central finding space to run into with the ball laying it up the left for Chelsea Clarke bombing on, her cross/shot angling wide beyond the far post. Gavaghan nipping at the Wymondham defence, looks to be in behind momentarily the ball running behind for a goal kick. Fouls being given away.

  Waters linking up with fellow attacker Francesca Catchpole up top for Wymondham, Leah Newcombe’s run from the right spotted the full back picked out goes on up the wing before turning a cross ack in across the top of the area just beyond Laura Nicholls positioned left of the D. Jodie Hopkins on the ball in the centre for King’s Lynn has plenty of space ahead of her goes on unopposed lifting it on for Magnus right of the D 20 out, can’t bring it down under control before being closed down by Wymondham’s Stretch, the ball loose beyond the pair comes to Gavaghan she plays it across the box to the right looking to pick out her captain, Tiffany Forshaw. Wymondham get back on her en masse the ball scrambled away comes back to Hopkins some 30 yards out strikes it first time but well off target.

King’s Lynn captain, Tiffany Forshaw

   Cossey brought down in the middle left side a free-kick to Wymondham taken early put out to Newcombe free on the right her early cross lifted into the mix cleared top of the area Forshaw bringing it away King’s Lynn with a swift counter attack Forshaw clipping a diagonal ball forwards for Magnus on the right takes the ball into the box shooting on the angle the ball driven in with pace, Pearce across well placed to bat the ball away at her near post. 

Wymondham’s Francesca Catchpole

  Both sides giving fouls away Catchpole catching Hopkins as she attempts to launch a counter attack for King’s Lynn. The free-kick coming to nothing as Wymondham launch a quick counter of their own through Newcombe on the right the pass inside looking for Catchpole 20 yards out back to goal, Shanice Burch close on her defending for King’s Lynn. Pearce is down taking a blow after a coming together with Magnus after clearing the ball. A moment of concern however Pearce is back up on her feet and able to continue. 

Jodie Hopkins with the ball for King’s Lynn

  Wymondham with a great passage of play as Natasha Youngs is picked out by Russell moving up the right wing cuts the ball inside for Waters good close control plays it back to Cossey in midfield square to Russell fired forwards into Clarke coming side from the left lines up a shot 20 yards out left of the D low along the ground, Ellie Prentice in goal for King’s Lynn quickly across her goal mouth to claim the ball. 

Wymondham captain, Rachel Cossey

  Youngs getting in behind on the right again for Wymondham is brought down by Fran Peeling the hosts awarded a free-kick. Russell over the set-piece the angle against the shot plays the ball in to be attacked at the far post no one gets there the ball running out of play.

Laura Nicholls with the back heel for Rebecca Russell to take the ball on

 Nicholls back heeling the ball into Russell’s path on the left the midfielder coming forwards, plays the pass out to Clarke on the left, the cross flung into the box across the top of the six yard line, Prentice calls for it, has to get there with both Waters and Youngs closing in… and does.

  Hunter catches Newcombe bringing her down on the right presenting the hosts with another free-kick wide of the box. Russell over it plays the ball in across the penalty spot Waters lunging for it can’t quite reach it, Cossey diving in beyond her at the far post turning her header goalwards, Prentice down smartly to save on her line turning the ball over the line for a corner. The resulting corner taken short, Wymondham looking to work the ball inside, Chloe Burch comes sliding in with a strong tackle giving away another free-kick an ending up in the book with a yellow card. Russell across to take it and inswinging ball flung across the face of gaol evading everyone out far side. 

King’s Lynn’s Samantha Davis

  Samantha Davis taking the ball down the left looking for Gavaghan between them a corner is won. The delivery fired long beyond the far post Wymondham clearing into midfield the ball retrieved by King’s Lynn rolled on for Magnus right side the ball struck on the angle rising narrowly over the crossbar.

GOAL! 27 minutes played and the deadlock is broken. Wymondham’s Newcombe winning the ball back centrally quick to play it forwards for Waters peeling away into space behind on the right, getting the ball under control turning into the box evading a challenge the ball ahead of her moving across the top of the six yard box the attacker after it. A mistimed challenge now and the likely result is a penalty, as it is Waters knows exactly where she wants to put the ball turning onto it with her left foot to stab in low past the keeper to make it 1-0.

Hannah Waters with Wymondham’s first goal of 2022

Wymondham matching King’s Lynn’s pressing game now is competitive in the middle, both sides giving fouls away little being given away. Peeling intercepting a pass from Cossey in the middle intended for Youngs on the right. Catchpole with an ambitious effort on gaol from all of 35 yards out clipped wide of the right post. Hunter with a strong but far tackle on Cossey, Hopkins is dragged back as she looks to capitalise, Russell goes into the book. 

Alexa Hunter

 King’s Lynn forwards on the right winning a corner, taken short into Magnus inside the box swivels into the shot low on the angle blocked by Clarke defending the near post. Davis with the ball left side for King’s Lynn attacking the cross in near side Forshaw helping it on for Magnus right of the D closed down but gets her shot away. Pearce back on her line right behind it saves. Peeling left inside for Hopkins allowed to travel opens up her body to send the pass wide of Stretch for Gavaghan peeling off her shoulder right of goal moved a fraction too early the flag up against her.

Leah Newcombe coming forwards for Wymondham

 Youngs right up for Waters taking the ball up the wing, Shanice Burch collecting another 3G burn as she slides in to deny her a shooting opportunity. Wymondham building momentum through the middle Cossey into Waters back to goal 30 out turns quickly to thread the pass through for Nicholls in behind taking the ball into the box looks to place her shot around the advancing Prentice, throws her head back in frustration as her effort runs narrowly wide of the right post.

  GOAL! One opportunity gone another soon follows as Wymondham double their lead with a little over five minutes left in the first half. Russell with the ball on the left playing it on support from Clarke and Nicholls the ball wide of area back with Russell on the angle curls in a shot over the keeper and into the net beyond 2-0.

Rebecca Russell doubles Wymondham’s lead

  Wymondham looking strong pile forwards to win a corner on the right, Russell with a inswinging delivery to the far post Nicholls attacking it her header cleared by the King’s Lynn defence. 

  GOAL! King’s Lynn finding themselves on the back foot towards the end of the first half have have the ball on the left Peeling on for Davis takes it on has support with Forshaw the pair combining before the cross is fired long on the angle into the box Gavaghan there at the far post to attack it getting her head on the ball to power it past Pearce and score 2-1.

Ella Gavaghan pulling a goal back for King’s Lynn

  A quick reply from King’s Lynn after falling 2 goals behind getting one back straight away. Wymondham have been guilty of letting Hopkins pick the ball up in the middle and travel with it unopposed taking it on once again takes on the shot from all of 30 yards out connecting with the ball well, a powerful strike swerving through the air, much to Hopkin’s disappointment this taking it away from goal but not by much. 

  The half drawing to a close Youngs attacking with the ball on the right for Wymondham whips a cross in near side for Waters doesn’t get a firm enough touch with Shanice Burch close on her, the ball won by Hunter is won back by Nicholls inside the area put back to Catchpole inside the D her strike blasted over the bar.

Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 2-1 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  An enthralling 1st half comes to a close with Wymondham holding a narrow 2-1 lead over King’s Lynn. The visitors starting brightly closing Wymondham down high up the pitch creating opportunities. Both sides giving fouls away. Wymondham growing into the match getting players forwards on the flanks. Waters firing them into the lead midway through the first half, looked strong after that finding a 2nd goal. King’s Lynn quickly getting a goal back to set up an intriguing 2nd half.

  Wymondham ringing the changes at the start of the 2nd half using all four of their substitutes with Hayley Kindred, Katie Knights, Kyla Love and Jenifer Codman all on for Youngs, Catchpole, Russell and Cossey. King’s Lynn to get the 2nd half underway a large dark cloud now obscuring the sun the heat it gave gone the hat deployed. Wymondham getting the ball back quickly turning play around out to Kindred out on the right her early cross into the area cleared by Shanice Burch.

King’s Lynn defender Fran Peeling

  Wymondham essentially changing their midfield, Love taking the ball on the advantage played as Codman is fouled moving out to the left her cross squared along the top of the area coming to Knights right of the d her shot angled in low held by Prentice back on her line. Hunter collecting a yellow card for King’s Lynn. The competitve contest continues the ball rarely still for long Hopkins brought down in the middle. The set piece flicked up towards Gavaghan who attempts to head it on in behind read by, Croft the defender clearing for Wymondham. 

  Pearce with a superb save to deny King’s Lynn an equalising goal. Hopkins on the ball in the middle travelling lifting it in behind for Gavaghan into the box on the right striking the shot on the angle the ball rising Pearce back on her line reacting well getting her arm up to glove the ball away. 

Wymondham goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce

  Chances at both ends as Wymondham work the ball quickly through the middle into Love right of the D her shot isn’t far over the bar. Hunter getting hold of the ball central for King’s Lynn her pass on for Gavaghan on the right intercepted well by Clarke. Forshaw controlling the ball well on the left playing in inside for Gavaghan in the box looking to get in between Stretch and Croft, the ball bouncing down between the pair out to the right, Gavaghan going for it a Pearce slides in to claim the ball at her feet. 

  GOAL! 10 minutes into the 2nd half chances for both sides, it’s Wymondham who go on to extend their lead. Attacking on the left Newcombe the pitch into the ox for Knights helped on to Love right side takes the ball past the advancing keeper and beats the defenders trying to get back on her to put the ball over the line to score 3-1.

Kyla Love extending Wymondham’s lead

Clarke blasts a shot back in blocked by Chloe Burch from 20 yards out as the ball is cleared back to her following an attack on the right from Kindred. Nicholls down in the box a pause in play a chance for both groups of players to regroup Nicholls back on her feet. Prentice out quickly to the top pf her area to slide in and claim the ball as Clarke’s clearance looks opens up an opportunity for Waters in attack. 

  Magnus deeper in midfield winning the ball on for Forshaw 25 yards out turns and strikes a shot goalwards a dipping effort dropping short however straight into Pearce’s gloves. Nicholls drifting right with a deft flick on looking to drop the ball in behind for Waters to chase, too much to do however as Prentice comes out to the top of the area to get hold of the ball. Love making some strong runs from midfield moving left on for Waters her cross into the box looking for Nicholls doesn’t get it under control out for a goal kick.

  Fresh legs in the middle, Wymondham are seeing more of the ball have willing runners left and right in Love and Kindred. Clarke left on for Nicholls in behind through the middle, Prentice just about getting there first. 

Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls

  GOAL! Wymondham extend their lead midway through the 2nd half the ball with Knights in the middle her pass on for Kindred to take on down the right flank angles her cross low into the box on a plate for Waters running onto the ball takes in past an attempted challenge before drilling a low strike into the bottom corner. 4-1.

  King’s Lynn look for a quick response with Hunter forwards on the ball her effort charged down by Croft outside the box. The hosts look to break the ball cleared up to Kindred on the right goes to cross early with Waters once again the target this time though Waters is thwarted by the offside flag. Getting gloomy out there the floodlights beginning to take full effect. Wymondham with more of the ball King’s Lynn tiring dropping deeper, Nicholls turning down the line on the right smashing a shot into the side netting from the angle. Her last action of the match as she comes off with Catchpole back on up front.

Hayley Kindred attacking for Wymondham

   Kindred’s turn to strike a shot over the bar as she attacks down the right for Wymondham. Catchpole off a throw on the right taking on an effort at goal from 30 yards out sent over the bar. Knights coming back to defend tackling Forshaw as King’s Lynn’s captain takes the ball on through the middle looking to carves her way through the defence. Burch with a last ditch tackle central sliding on to deny Waters as Codman puts her though central.

Jenifer Codman and Chloe Burch challenge for the ball

   Wymondham on top pushing players on Codman winning the ball central her pass picking out Clarke on the left squares her cross inside for Waters outside the area looks to help it across the top of the D to Love right side, hits it goalwards first time bac across goal running wide of the far post. Another change for Wymondham, Russell back on replacing Clarke. Wymondham pressing numbers on Codman into Kindred inside the D turns into her shot blocked at close range knocked down to Waters in six yard box, defended, a player down. Chloe Burch is shown a yellow card and sinbinned by the referee, more is said however and this turns into a straight red, Burch sent off, King’s Lynn down to 10 with a little over five minutes left to play.

   Cossey back on for Newcombe. Catchpole drifting out to the right her cross into the box headed clear by Shanice Burch. Catchpole with another go from long distance the shot see all the way by Prentice. Prentice with a superb save at her near post moments later as Kindred driving down the right lets fly on the angle. King’s Lynn with little chance to attack get forwards on the left the ball crossed in Russell defends up to Waters on the left checks inside running for the box her shot charged down. Waters off now for Youngs with he clock ticking down.

King’s Lynn’s Ella Gavaghan

  Hunter coming forwards with the ball through the middle lifted onto Gavaghan in attack moving right strikes the ball early angling in high on goal Pearce back on her line untroubled plucking the ball down safely. 

Wymondham’s Rachel Cossey with King’s Lynn’s Jodie Hopkins

Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 4-1 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  A strong 2nd half performance from Wymondham to see them extend their lead at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with a 4-1 win over King’s Lynn. A whole sale change to their midfield proving advantageous with their opponents having the bare 11 outfield today. Fresh legs the substitutes all making their mark with Kyla Love extending their lead before Waters added her 2nd and Wymondham’s 4th goal. King’s Lynn getting off to a strong start putting the hosts under pressure closing down the ball, unsettling Wymondham they eventually found their form to take the lead midway through the first half looking good as they made it 2 nil. King’s Lynn with a quick reply to ensure it remained all to play for at the break numbers telling in the finish as King’s Lynn tired in the 2nd half. For both sides the attention turns to the County Cup with both in quarter final action. Wymondham travelling to Norfolk Division One side Thetford Town Ladies next Sunday with King’s Lynn away to Norfolk Division Two leaders Caister Ladies.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. No surprise it’s as tough a pick at the start of 2022 as it was for much of 2021. Plenty of good performances to mention first. For King’s Lynn, Jodie Hopkins was strong in the middle of the park through out getting up and down the pitch making so useful attacking runs. At the back Shanice Burch was strong in the middle off defence with a number of crucial tackles. For Wymondham there were a few contenders a strong team performance, Rachel Cossey strong in midfield getting about the pitch making challenge in the first half. Kyla Love equally as strong in the 2nd half making some good runs on and off the ball getting a goal. Hannah Waters in attack getting into some good positions scoring twice. Mary Croft and Leah Newcombe great at the back. The 1st Player of the Match award of the new Year though goes to Chelsea Clarke making some good tackles at the back getting up and down the left flank and putting some dangerous balls into the box.

  A great game to get 2022 underway (shame I won’t get another one for a fortnight) many more to come no doubt plenty of action to look forwards too! My thanks to both sides for the team details much appreciated looking forwards to the next one.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v King’s Lynn Town Ladies

Sunday 29th August

ERWFL Premier Division

  Attention switches to the ERWFL this Sunday with my 1st look at a game from the Premier Division this season, a Norfolk derby too as early pace setters Wroxham Women host newly promoted King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

  The 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid the ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) has always been highly competitive with a good standard of talent on show. Promotion to the FAWNL the prize for the title winners. A full compliment of 12 sides competing again this season with a host of new sides joining the Division One set-up below as the ERWFL pushes on towards it’s goal of having 36 past two playing season’s declared null & void it has hampered the development of the game, hopefully we are turning a corner now and clubs can have more optimism as they build for the future. The FA doing some adjustments to the pyramid in terms of upward movement during the close season see’s Essex side Harlow Town Ladies promoted to the FAWNL, into the Premier Division in their place are King’s Lynn Town Ladies.

 That sees 3 Norfolk sides represented at this level in the 12 strong division. Plenty of derby’s to look forwards too. Wymondham Town Ladies the other Norfolk side leading the way with 2 wins from 2 to start the season and they will be there or there about come the end of the season.

  Wroxham Women’s ambitions are just as clear as the club is aiming to win the title and clinch promotion to the FAWNL themselves. A backed strongly by the men’s club with whom they share a ground. Wroxham Women formerly Acle United long established in the ERWFL Premier Division coming close to winning the title on occasion. Acle moving to become part of the Wroxham FC family in 2019, have moved quickly to establish the women’s side as an integral part of the club. Playing their home matches at Trafford Park where they have been embraced warmly by the fanbase. Now after two disrupted season’s Wroxham Women will be looking to challenge for the title.

  Have gotten off to a great start winning their opening 2 fixtures, joint leaders behind Norfolk rivals Wymondham who have made a similar start. Player recruitment is never easy in Norfolk but the talent pool is growing and clubs ambitions growing with it some shrewd signings have been made. Wroxham adding three players to their squad close season with Hope Strauss coming in having had good experience playing for Billericay Town Ladies. Alice Parker comes to Wroxham, the young defender having FAWNL experience playing for Norwich City Women previously, as does attacker Holly Walker. Also in midfield/attack the club have signed Amber Cantwell the playmaker having spent the past 4 season’s in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC. Grace Birchall captaining the side this season their talisman up front scoring a host of goals for the club already has 4 to her name this season including an opening day hat-trick in the 4-2 home win over Luton Town Ladies.

 Promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division, King’s Lynn Town Ladies have ambitions to go further up the women’s football pyramid themselves. The 5th tier of the game providing a consistent challenging test for players. It can take a while to get to grips with. Joe Simpson now in charge of the women’s side having had a brief spell coaching at Wroxham Women. A new era of sorts for the club as this season they will be playing all their home games at The Walks home of King’s Lynn Town FC playing in the National League now coincidentally also at tier 5 in the men’s football pyramid. The club has come along way in a relatively short space of time. Narrowly missing out to Haringey Borough Women on the opening day losing 3-2.

  The club have made several new signings to bolster the squad as they step up to the 5th tier. Already have a few in the squad with Premier Division experience playing for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies with more making to journey up the A47 to join King’s Lynn, Alexa Hunter and Ella Gavaghan both scoring on her debuts against Haringey, Sam Davis and Amy Magnus also come in from PNS. Goalkeeper Ellie Prentice re-joins after a spell at Wroxham also coming to the club from Wroxham is attacker, Maryanne Hoy. Came back from a goal down away to Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies to earn their first point last weekend, Alexa Hunter on the scoresheet for a 2nd successive match.

  Trafford Park the venue for today’s fixture, a good sized grass pitch offering plenty of width, a clubhouse and bar serving hot food and drinks on one side a terraced stand behind one goal where the Wroxham fans were in good voice supporting the team throughout the match. A small seated stand to the other side. The pitch sloping slightly from one goal mouth to the other. Another below par Sunday for August with cloud cover around for much of the day the sun trying it’s best to make an appearance as the players walked out onto the pitch.

  Wroxham Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Hope Strauss, Alice Parker, Jess Horn, Harriet Meers, Becky Russell, Amber Long, Kayleigh Holloway, Amber Cantwell, Grace Birchall (C) & Holly Walker. Subs – Laura Beevor, Gracie Squires, Rhianne Brister, Broghan Scully & Lauren Bullard.

 King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Christina Vivas, Shanice Burch, Samantha Davis, Frances Peeling, Oksana Imanalijeva, Amy Magnus, Zara O’Neill, Jodie Hopkins, Rachel Skinner, Tiffany Forshaw (C) & Jade Kelly. Subs – Amy Bell, Kimberley Fairweather, Amy Cropley & Katie Ward.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Hunter missing for King’s Lynn today as the visitors kick off the 1st half wearing their away strip of green shirts and shirts with black trim with black and green socks. Wroxham opposite in their home colours blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shirts and socks. King’s Lynn sending the ball out to the left with Oksana Imanalijeva breaking forwards bringing the ball under control checks her run before swinging in a cross to the near post, the Wroxham defence slicing it behind giving away an early corner. Lifted in from the left to the near post goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook amongst bodies going up for it gets deflected behind for another corner. Flung in deep this time King’s Lynn captain Tiffany Forshaw making a far post run strikes her back rebounds out of the area to be picked up by midfielder Zara O’Neill looks to drive on into the box, Jess Horn charging down her shot.

  A bright start from King’s Lynn, Jodie Hopkins tackling 25 yards out to regain possession looks for Imanalijeva on the left, the pass cut out by Hope Strauss for Wroxham. A throw to the visitors high on the right, Forshaw turning it into the box, Jade Kelly central can’t quite reach it but play stays with King’s Lynn as Imanalijeva bringing it under control wide left looping a ball back into the six yard box, Fullbrook back on her line taking a low catch. King’s Lynn on the front foot keeping Wroxham penned back in the final 3rd closing the defence down quickly not letting the hosts break out. 

Jodie Hopkins winning the ball in midfield for King’s Lynn

 Wroxham full back Alice Parker with a chance to relieve the pressure as she brings the ball out from the left firing a long diagonal pass out to the right looking for the advancing Kayleigh Holloway, controlling well the winger jinks infield before sending in a dangerous ball near post, Frances Peeling in ahead of Holly Walker to clear the threat. Jade Kelly moving to the right in attack for King’s Lynn runs onto the ball looking to go on get into the area, Parker gets back on her well to lunge in put the ball out for a throw. 

Alice Parker clearing the ball for Wroxham (not about to deliver a Kung Fu kick to back of Amy Magnus’ head)

  Outnumbered at left back as Hopkins and Rachel Skinner get upfield to support Kelly, Parker does well to scramble the ball upfield, turns into a good ball for Wroxham captain, Grace Birchall to latch onto halfway, takes the ball on is sent tumbling to the ground as she releases the ball with Amber Cantwell furthest forwards play stopped however by a raised flag for offside. A free-kick awarded to King’s Lynn for a push in the back 35 yards out central. Forshaw over it hits the wall with her strike. 

  Birchall coming deep to get onto the ball spins sending a long pass out to Holloway deep on the right quickly closed down in the corner plays it back up the line for Strauss to clip a high ball into the area, goalkeeper Christina Vivas able to claim it unchallenged. King’s Lynn setting a high tempo closing down the ball has unsettled Wroxham who are struggling to find their rhythm. The midfield pushing on to support their attackers.

Zara O’Neill playing the ball forwards for King’s Lynn

  GOAL! 11 minutes played and King’s Lynn capitalise from their good start to the game by taking the lead. Rachel Skinner with the strike from distance all of 35 yards out as the ball deflected in midfield runs into her sees the keeper off her line and connects with the ball perfectly to send it angling into the back of the net 0-1.

A long distance strike from Rachel Skinner putting King’s Lynn ahead

  Wroxham go on the attack from the restart working the ball out to the right winning a free-kick inside the King’s Lynn half. Strauss to delivery, sends it looping up into the top of the area the King’s Lynn defence heading it away. Going on the offensive themselves are awarded a free-kick in virtually the same position as Skinner took her shot from. Players up into the area a Peeling places the ball, clips it into the box invitingly at the far post a knock sending it goalwards, Fullbrook reacting quickly off her goal line to lunge forwards and claim the ball.

King’s Lynn’s Frances Peeling

  Imanalijeva showing good pace on the left enjoying a good contest with Strauss squares a cross into the near post area, headed away by Horn, drops to Hopkins 25 yards out left of the D takes on the volleyed effort her attempt angling wide of the near post. Wroxham are letting their frustration show giving away several niggly fouls which aren’t helping the hosts gain any momentum. 

  Cantwell moving right with the ball at her feet pushed on down the line for Holloway whips a cross in along the six yard box, Walker closing in can’t make contact, King’s Lynn bring it away up the left Skinner driving forwards playing in Forshaw right channel, Parker diving in to put the ball out for a throw. King’s Lynn come close to doubling their lead with another punt from distance deep on the right this time hit hard by Shanice Burch her looping ball his Fullbrook beaten the goalkeeper turning to see the ball drop onto the post and deflect away across the face off her goal rolling all the way out for a throw in. 

King’s Lynn defender Shanice Burch sliding in on Wroxham’s Holly Walker

  King’s Lynn winning the ball in the middle Amy Magnus into Forshaw, turns tries to thread it through a needle for Kelly, Harriet Meers cutting it out for Wroxham. A throw for Wroxham left side inside the King’s Lynn half dropped into Birchall’s feet turns drives on a powerful run with the ball looking to get into the box, Peeling forcing her back out into the D, Birchall strong nevertheless turns sharply getting a shot away angled in low Vivas down low to her left making a comfortable save. A change for Wroxham has seen Long replaced by Broghan Scully in midfield. 

Wroxham goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook

  Skinner is finding space to run into with the ball for King’s Lynn on the right central plays a through ball intended to put Kelly in on goal, Meers once again making a vital interception. Birchall is putting herself about the pitch looking to get things going for Wroxham, the hosts winning a throw on the right the ball put onto Birchall’s feet turns towards goal driving on, Forshaw coming back to tackle as Peeling closes her down before Birchall can line up a shot. Birchall moments later from a throw on the left dragging a speculative attempt wide of the near post.

Wroxham defender, Harriet Meers

  GOAL! King’s Lynn go on to double their advantage and the goal comes from another strike from distance. Attacking on the right side, Kelly with Skinner, Meers in to tackle as Fullbrook is drawn towards the ball right of the box, the clearance falling to Forshaw sends a high ball up into the air from 30 yards out, coming down it’s difficult to tell where it’s going to fall has Fullbrook worried but the goalkeeper can’t get into a position to deflect it away as it bounces in front of goal and up into the roof of the net 0-2.

King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain, Tiffany Forshaw doubling the visitors advantage

  The visitors taking a 2 goal lead midway through the first half continue to press the advantage closing the ball down in the middle Skinner on for Hopkins turns looking to play Kelly in behind, the flag however going up against the attacker. Sharper to the ball King’s Lynn are working hard, Wroxham clearly rattled are looking for a spark to get them going in attack, Birchall looking the most likely to make that happen as she comes for the ball turning to take on defenders, both Burch and Peeling with strong tackles to halt her runs. 

  Forshaw with another crack at goal from distance sees her effort bounce wide of the right post. Skinner too with a strike from distance, Fullbrook seeing it all the way takes into her midriff. The challenges getting a bit stronger now a little heated the referee needing to have a word with a couple of players calm things down. Magnus brings the ball on down the left for King’s Lynn on for Kelly in the box puts her shot wide.

  GOAL! The 1st half entering the final 5 minutes and Wroxham pull a goal back. Attacking down the right, Holloway his fouled by Peeling right on the by-line a free-kick awarded. Strauss with the set-piece more or less a corner whips it in with pace inswinging towards the near post Birchall comes charging in jumping to plant a bullet header past the keeper into the back of the goal 1-2.

Grace Birchall heading the ball in for Wroxham

  Wroxham straight on the attack as they win possession back at the restart Scully out to Holloway right pace down the line, Sam Davis sliding into challenge the ball out for a throw. Wroxham work the ball into the box near side Walker closed down will by Skinner who comes out on top to clear the danger for King’s Lynn. The goal has given Wroxham a much needed boost as they look to finish the 1st half on the front foot. On the ball in the final 3rd right off the area flashed out to Birchall left hand corner 18 yards out back to goal closely marked squirms inside the turn and angle a shot over the crossbar. 

Amy Magnus coming forwards with the ball for King’s Lynn

  Birchall gathering the ball in the middle ploughs forwards spotting Cantwell moving free into the right channel attempts to slide her in, Burch doing well sliding in to take the ball away from Cantwell’s feet the half-time whistle blowing up a second later.

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-2 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  A strong start to the game from King’s Lynn on the front foot right from the off closing the ball down in their opponents half preventing Wroxham’s defence from getting the ball up to their attackers. A high tempo performance the midfield up with the attackers, the bright start rewarded with a goal. Found themselves 2 goals to the good midway through the half with Wroxham rattled frustrated. The foul count rising nothing you wouldn’t expect in a derby match. The hosts looking for a spark to get them going a goal pulled back with 5 minutes left in the first half just what they needed. Birchall heading it home to see them trailing 2-1 at the break. 

  The Bure Valley Wildcats providing the half-time entertainment playing a game out in the middle. No changes for either side at the break with Wroxham getting the 2nd half underway. Move the ball up the left sung into the box, King’s Lynn defend. Wroxham with intent at the start of the 2nd period looking to turn play around the ball played forwards into the right channel, Birchall getting inside Peeling scooping a shot up over the crossbar. 

  Wroxham’s turn to snap into the tackles competitive in the middle of the park, Cantwell , then Russell pushing the ball through the centre for Birchall peeling off the defence to attack inside the box Vivas out quickly to close her down sliding in isn’t put of, claiming the ball well as Birchall dives in on the ball. The hosts winning a corner left side King’s Lynn defending it well at the near post. Sloppy at the back from Wroxham left side see Magnus run in to take the ball flashes a snap shot wide across the six yard box.  

King’s Lynn goalkeeper, Christina Vivas

  Birchall looking determined sees the ball into her feet inside the opponents D, holding off her marker turns unleashing a shot, leaning back though she places it wide of the right post. King’s Lynn make a change bring on Katie Ward for Kelly up top. Wroxham too with a change, switching keepers bringing on Laura Beevor for Fullbrook. Scully battling in the middle of the park to win the ball puts it forwards for Birchall to attack taking it into the box, Peeling stays on her well to tackle put the ball out for a throw. Wroxham with a strong start to the 2nd half press the advantage Walker running with the ball left of goal strikes it hard on the angle blasting it into the side netting. The hosts coming on right side put up to Cantwell on the touchline looks to flick it on skip past Imanalijeva who throws out a leg sending Cantwell sprawling, a free-kick awarded and a card shown to Imanalijeva.

Wroxham’s Amber Cantwell

 GOAL! It’s from the set-piece that Wroxham find the equalising goal. Now I have a  picture of the build up of this that gives me a clearer indication of what happened, Strauss placing the ball down angles a pacy delivery in towards the top of the area, Birchall near side leaps either gets a glancing touch or misses entirely either way has unsighted Forshaw rising beyond her the ball hitting her square in the face knocking her to the ground, drops forwards toward the six yard box right side, Birchall reacting with Magnus both sliding in on the loose ball Birchall’s boot sending the ball flying up to beat the diving Vivas into the top corner! 2-2.

Grace Birchall with the equaliser for Wroxham

  A long pause after the equalising goal as King’s Lynn have two players down, Forshaw and Magnus hurt in the collision with Birchall. Both trainers called onto the pitch to assist. Both needing to take their time. Magnus eventually able to continue. Forshaw needing to come off to access her injury. Amy Cropley coming onto the field. 

  A more positive approach 2nd half has seen Wroxham pull the scores level and looking the sharper now, with Russell and Scully linking up better with the attacking players. Play resumes Wroxham quickly get the ball onto Cantwell central has space, takes the ball on pushing for the area, O’Neill coming on to charge her down 20 yards from goal. Both sides continuing to give away free-kicks one for King’s Lynn wide right angled high into the box, Beevor though can catch comfortably inside her six yard box. Lauren Bullard has come on for Wroxham replacing Walker in attack. 

  Is a good contest King’s Lynn have put a lot into the first hour Wroxham strong in the 2nd period. Skinner in a more advanced role for King’s Lynn picks up the ball central driving on Horn coming in to go shoulder to shoulder with the attacker, tangling they both end up on the floor Skinner stays down with cramp. Wroxham winning the free-kick. Burch defending against Birchall inside the box left side as the attacker bursts towards goal close in Burch tackles the ball loose the angle almost gone a falling Birchall turns to lift a shot over the goal. 

  Space opening up in midfield Russell playing it up the left for Birchall wide wraps her foot around the ball sending it in towards Bullard near the penalty spot just behind her Bullard does well to help it on to Cantwell at the far post, shifting it inside to avoid a tackle shots back across goal lacks pace as Vivas gets down to hold onto it. Forshaw is back on for King’s Lynn. Fewer opportunities for King’s Lynn in the 2nd half the defence the busier of the two now, Davis defending superbly against Holloway as she attempts to cut inside from the right. 

 GOAL! And the turnaround is complete as Wroxham comeback from 2-0 down to take the lead. Holloway with the ball at her feet on the right taking on her marker up the wing checking back to skip inside top of the area to fizz a diagonal ball into the near post Cantwell racing in throwing herself at it sliding in on the ball to turn home from inside the six yard box 3-2 with a little over 10 minutes to play.

Amber Cantwell slides in to gives Wroxham the lead

  King’s Lynn on the backfoot for most of the 2nd period now behind get forwards on the right winning a free-kick right on the touchline as good as a corner. Bring players forwards whipped into the area Wroxham hook it upfield to Birchall to break quickly shoots from outside the area, Vivas down low good hands to make the save. The game opening up space for both sides Forshaw central on the ball flinging a good diagonal ball out to Imanalijeva left side squares a ball in along the top of the area, Scully back to defend hurt as she clears the ball. O’Neill gets back to help Davis out on the left of defence as she has Cantwell and Bullard advancing to support Holloway, the ball cleared.

GOAL! Birchall a threat up top all game scores her 2nd hat-trick in 3 matches to make an excellent goal scoring start to the season. The ball won in the middle fired into her feet back to goal left side 20 out turns inside powerful bursting into the area pace behind the shot driven in low Vivas down to her left smartly pushing it away, her momentum seeing her there for a 2nd bite at the cherry Birchall shows composure to lift it up over the keeper to find the goal beyond 4-2. 

A hat-trick for Grace Brichall

A blow for King’s Lynn with just a couple of minutes of regular time left to play. Taking the ball forwards from the restart O’Neill sends it through to Ward left side getting in behind lifts a cross into the box looking for Skinner central, Meers getting in front of her to win the ball back and clear. Birchall comes very close to adding a 4th goal to her name late on but for a brilliant save from Vivas. Recieving the ball outside the box left of the D turns clipping a rising shot in aiming for the top corner Vivas jumping well throwing up an arm tipping the shot over the bar. 

The corner given on the left fed up the line before being delivered near side attacked by Russell can’t direct it on target. King’s Lynn bringing on Kimberly Fairweather late in the game. Cantwell goes into the box for a clumsy challenge. 

 GOAL! Harsh on King’s Lynn but joy for Wroxham in the closing moments of the match as they further extend their lead. Pushing players forwards looking for a foal of their own Wroxham break lifting the ball up beyond halfway Birchall and Bullard together beating the offside trap, Birchall taking the ball on Bullard inside her on into the area, Vivas outnumbered has to go towards Birchall who unselfishly squares it to Bullard to put into the empty net 5-2.

Lauren Bullard on the scoresheet for Wroxham

 A complete turnaround for Wroxham as they make a late double substitution bringing of Cantwell and Holloway with Walker returning to the action alongside Gracie Squires. Not much time left for either to make an impact as Wroxham see out the game to make it 3 wins from 3 to start the season stay neck and neck at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division with Wymondham who also made it 3 wins from 3 this afternoon. 

Full time Wroxham Women 5-2 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

  A good contest and certainly a match of two halves, a brilliant start from King’s Lynn getting on the front foot early in the 1st half playing at a high tempo to close down the ball prevent Wroxham bringing it out of defence taking a deserved lead. Wroxham rattled further as they feel 2 goals down midway through the half. A much needed goal pulled back at the end of the first half and a chance to set a few things right for the 2nd half. Starting the 2nd half strong Birchall setting the example the ball closed down better chances at the other end limited severely for King’s Lynn. The host getting back on level terms before Cantwell slid in to put them in the lead. Birchall sealing her 2nd hat-trick of the season late in the game a goal from Bullard in stoppage time the icing on the cake as King’s Lynn pressed forwards looking for a reply.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A good contest this a clear winner but a few performances of note to mention first. For King’s Lynn, Rachel Skinner was impressive especially first half putting in challenges and getting forwards to support the attacking players. In defence Frances Peeling making a number of vital tackles. Christina Vivas despite being on the losing side making some great saves. For Wroxham both full backs did well Hope Strauss on the right Alice Parker on the left. Kayleigh Holloway a willing runner on the right of attack throughout. The award though  has to go to Wroxham’s Grace Birchall things not going for her side in the 1st half rolled up her sleeves and took the game to King’s Lynn. Powerful with the ball at her feet travelling forwards and an instinctive finisher scoring her 2nd hat-trick of the season… which is only 3 game old.

A great first game of the season from the ERWFL for Women’s Football East to showcase. A game of two halves entertaining between two committed sides entertaining. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams details good to catch up with both will no doubt see them in action again this season.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Peterborough Northern Star Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women

Sunday 13th December

ERWFL Premier Division

  Finally back on the football trail this Sunday after five Sunday’s off. Lockdown 2.0 halting the playing season for a month, several sides returning to action last weekend albeit I was again unavailable having to wait another week so glad to be back this weekend, making a trip over to the Branch Brothers Stadium in Peterborough to watch Peterborough Norther Star Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women in the ERWFL Premier Division.

The Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division always a highly competitive league and this season proving to be no less the case. As Christmas fast approaches the 12 strong league is breaking into two clear halves with 6 sides looking strong challenging for top spot, Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies leading the way by 3 points. With their match called off away to Royston Town Women due to a water logged pitch it presents a great opportunity for 2nd placed Peterborough Norther Star Ladies.

 Todays hosts laying 2nd in the Premier Division table going into today’s game just 3 points behind the leaders and with one goal between them on goal difference too a win would see them go top for the first time this season. An established side at this level Peterborough Northern Star lost a few senior squad players in the close season but in return have brought in some good younger players used to playing with one another at Leicester aswell as securing the signature of Jessica Driscoll who was with FAWNL Southern Premier Division side MK Dons Women last season along with fans favourite Cassie Steward who is back playing after giving birth. Staring the season with a narrow 2-3defeat to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies then went on a 3 game winning streak before again suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to Wymondham. Returned from this latest lockdown with a 3-1 win away to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Steward and Driscoll between them have scored 16 goals so far this season (8 each)

AFC Dunstable Women came close to folding at the start of last season struggling for players it was touch and go for a while before bringing enough new faces in to begin the rebuilding process under manger Ashley Pead. Gaining promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division in 2014/15 season were pushing hard to catch up with Bedfordshire’s other to leading female sides Luton Town Ladies and Bedford Ladies. Now having to rebuild find themselves towards to bottom of the Premier Division however with 2 win from their 7 games so far are leading the pack in the bottom half and gaining confidence all the while. During pre-season Dunstable were mentioned more than once as a side that looked vastly improved. Have added to the squad recently bringing in experienced player Mollie Burgess from MK Dons Women, she makes her debut today. Has been quite a while since I’ve seen Dunstable play were still known as AFC Dunstable Ladies in fact. Chelsea Jeffery their top scorer so far with 5 goals in 8 games.

  The Branch Bros Stadium the venue for todays game. Knew it would be a wet one rain forecast and with a few games around them getting called off did wonder if this one would survive the pitch however seeing no standing water would be slick but playable. The food hut open to get a cup of tea much needed. Heavy rain before kick-off making for a wet warm up a little cover to be found around the ground. Dull and gloomy, a heavy shower prior to kick off the rain stilling as the teams came out risked heading into the open albeit donning my furry hat which I have finally managed to relocate to keep the ears warm all set.

Peterborough Northern Star Ladies starting XI – Molly Bull, Samantha Davies, Larissa Frederick, Tilly Fantom, Chanade Henderson (C), Faith Horner, Jessica Driscoll, Katie Steward, Megan Breakwell, Jessica Price & Evie Driscoll-King. subs – Alexa Hunter, Amy Magnus, April Pearson & Olivia Smith.

AFC Dunstable Women starting XI – Nicole Raffermati, Louisa Sexton, Chloe Esposito, Mollie Burgess, Carrie Mancini, Gemma Darvill, Rachael Mumford, Louise McCay, Jodi McClelland, Lori Wilson-Phillips & Darcy Collins. subs – Hannah Ring, Shauna Smith, Rebecca Devereux & Chelsea Jeffrey.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Somehow I always manage to turn up at the Branch Bros Stadium when Cassie Steward isn’t playing and today is no less different, a chance for someone else up to. Peterborough to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half, wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts, along with black socks with white trim. Dunstable opposite lined up in an all blue kit. The ball played out to the right, knocked back inside for Jessica Driscoll she gets her head down and drives on with the ball three Dunstable players all converging on her to regain possession 25 yards out. Faith Horner quickly winning the ball in the midfield for Peterborough plays it right, Katie Stewards whipping in an early diagonal ball for Jessica Price to attack, Louise Sexton in well for Dunstable at the back to close her down and win the tackle 20 yards out. 

The hosts starting well getting hold of the ball inside the Dunstable half putting their opponents under pressure working the ball up the left side before Megan Breakwell’s cross angled in is seen safely into the side netting by Dunstable goalkeeper Nicole Raffermati who had her near post covered. A free kick given away in the middle of the park gives Dunstable a chance to relieve the early pressure they’ve been under played forwards down the right channel for Louise McCay to chase down does well to forces Peterborough into conceding a throw deep in their territory the visitors can’t capitalise however and Peterborough break quickly the ball fizzed forwards a good ball into the feet of Evie Driscoll-King controls it well before turning spotting Driscoll racing on plays the ball into her path sliding into the shot outside of the area the low ball runs on straight into Raffermati who drops onto the ball. 

  Peterborough are making good use of their wide players Breakwell left and Steward right offering got options. Breakwell this time out wide left angling a cross into the box defended well by Burgess her interception seeing the ball come left picked up by Chloe Esposito who sends it down the line for McCay bombing forwards into space, Peterborough captain Chanade Henderson at centre back getting across on the cover to charge in and clear the ball for a throw. Dunstable keep the ball inside their opponents half winning a corner on the left. A inswinging delivery the ball is dealt with by Henderson heading clear at the near post. The hosts break Steward away on the right wing into space, Burgess coming across sliding in with a no nonsense tackle to nullify the threat.

GOAL! 10 minutes on the clock and Peterborough open the scoring the hosts awarded a free kick wide on the left 30 yards out. Steward on the ball strikes it well going for goal the ball angling in has a great arc on it just enough to beat the keeper as she jumps for it dipping late to creep under the bar at the far post a nestle into the side netting 1-0.

Katie Steward’s fee-kick loops over the keeper to see the hosts take the lead

Conditions aren’t great very muddy out on the field passing difficult the ball bobbling the rain now returning Dunstable look to thread a ball through the middle the Peterborough defence passing it back to the keeper, Molly Bull spooning her clearance up into the air headed back to her by a defender, Bull almost loses it with Darcy Collins putting her under pressure for Dunstable top of the area, her catch not clean the keeper is able to pounce on the loose ball. Horner is busy in the middle of the park for Peterborough often the first to intercept as Dunstable look to feed it through the centre into heir attackers. 

  Steward advancing with the ball up the right wing flashes a squared cross into the six yard box cut out by Burgess to concede the corner kick. The delivery going long is reclaimed far side and fired back into the mix scrambled away Dunstable have a chance to counter attack the ball put on up top for Lori Wilson-Phillips to chase has plenty of pace, Larissa Frederick close enough to get to the ball first send it on into her area for her keeper to clear up field. 

Chloe Esposito gets in ahead of Katie Steward to defend for AFC Dunstable Women

Price I think with a shot clipped over from the top of the box as a clearance falls to her taking a nick off a Dunstable player a corner awarded. Steward playing the ball in from the right cleared back to her from inside the six yard box her 2nd attempt headed clear by Burgess. 

 GOAL! Peterborough extend their lead the ball kept in play on the left played on for Driscoll getting into an advanced position inside the box on the angle Raffermati coming to close her down gets her shot past the advancing keeper Driscoll-King sliding in unmarked centrally setting the ball over the line from close range to score 2-0.

  Dunstable look to get straight on the attack from the restart, captain Jodi McClelland in space on the left hitting the ball early her cross/shot angled dangerously across the top of the six yard box no one can get a touch on it to divert it towards goal. The visitors keep it in play Peterborough defence regrouping conceding a throw before preventing a cross coming in. 

 GOAL! Dunstable having committed numbers forwards are caught out at the back as Peterborough break quickly the ball fed into Driscoll-King racing clear on the left pace taking her on with the ball sends a diagonal ball into the area Steward having raced up the pitch from the right getting into the box free to met it inside the six yard box and send over the line for her 2nd of the game 3-0.

  2 goals in 2 minutes seeing Peterborough race into a 3-0 lead with less than 20 minutes gone. A free-kick for Dunstable inside the Peterborough half players forwards into the box as the delivery from the right is put into the area, Collins up well to get her head on the ball knocks it down from inside the six yard box to drop wide of the far post, the angle tight Sexton nevertheless attempts to square it back into the near post, Bull with an acrobatic safe diving to push the ball behind for a corner. Is a vicious delivery in from the left racing across the face of goal, frustration shown from Rachael Mumford at the far post as she comes close to getting a telling touch. 

  Peterborough continue to gain ground on the flanks winning a series of corner kicks left then right. Dunstable defending but unable to get it clear the pressure stays on Steward on the right sees another corner cleared back to her the ball played into the congested crowd inside the D, Driscoll gets hold of it bringing it down shifting it half a yard to her right opening up room for a shot gets her foot up over the ball to send it in towards goal, an excellent save from Raffermati is shifting across her line readjusts well getting a glove down to knock the ball down and smother it. 

  Tilly Fantom getting forwards with the ball for Peterborough sees her cross into the box go behind for a corner kick off Burgess. Pressure inside the six yard box as Steward plays it in cleared back to her a high ball in Raffermati up but spills it stabbed wide for another corner this time Mumford defends to send it clear for the visitors near post. Dunstable can’t retain the ball however and are getting a little disorganised at the back as Peterborough press the advantage. Alexa Hunter comes on for Peterborough. Esposito forwards as Dunstable win a throw on halfway left side plays it on into the box, Wilson-Phillips inside the area attacking it Frederick slides in strongly to put the ball out of play.

  Hunter fresh into the action has the ball at her feet on the right spins inside 20 yards out before lifting a dipping cross into the area for Peterborough, Driscoll meeting it centrally six yards out lifts her first time strike up onto the crossbar the rebound falling at the far post headed wide.

 GOAL! Isn’t long before Peterborough add another goal catching their opponents on the break once more the ball won at the ball played forwards with pace through the middle for Steward to chase in behind is clear to attack with Raffermati racing out to close her down Steward getting there just ahead of the keeper to stab it past her to score a 1st half hat-trick 4-0.

 37 minutes played Peterborough dominant for a large portion of the 1st period having control of the score line attacking with purpose stretching Dunstable at the back. The visitors on the back foot still prepared to commit players forwards Gemma Darvill spinning inside on the right playing a ball into Mumford who lays it forwards for Wilson-Phillips, who is quickly closed down by Fantom. Steward in particular causing problems out wide for Peterborough, Dunstable haven’t been able to get their wide players into the game at all. 

  Wilson-Phillips pace is the one thing troubling the Peterborough defence getting joy as she moves right her touch knocking it in behind the advancing keeper has Bull stranded at the top of her box as she attempts to get hold of the ball before it can run out of play wide of the near post sends it flashing across the face of an open goal, collected far side is fired back in , short of wearing a cape Bull flying in appears out of nowhere to send it behind for a corner kick.

 GOAL! From the set piece unstable pull a goal back have offered a threat from corners the initial ball cleared is collected by Esposito to launch a cross in from the top corner a great delivery into the six yard box comes perfectly for Mumford free at the far post to nod into the back of the net 4-1.

  Steward advances with the ball right side for Peterborough late on in the 1st half gets her side a corner. Plays in the ball is cleared by McClelland for Dunstable, can’t get the counter attack going conceding a free-kick on halfway, taken shot to Horner 40 yards out nevertheless goes for a audacious strike on goal lifting the ball in on target is collected safely by Raffermati. Devereux plays the ball on right side for Wilson-Phillips her pace taking her in behind the Peterborough defence flashes a cross in Bull at her near post making no mistake bringing it down safely, Collins closing in behind her ready to capitalise if she hadn’t.

  A good triangle inside the final third played between Wilson-Phillips, Devereux and finally Sexton as the visitors look to find a way into the box the attack broken up by Peterborough’s Fantom. Peterborough come forwards left side Driscoll on for Driscoll-King who sends it on further for Price breaking into the box her shot blocked by Burgess goes bend for another corner kick the ball headed long wide across the six yard box as the whistle blows.

Half-time Peterborough |Northern Star Ladies 4-1 AFC Dunstable Women

  A strong 1st half from Peterborough sees them leading 4-1 at the break, starting well opening the scoring inside 10 minutes 2 quickfire goals seeing the hosts 3-0 up inside 18 looked strong in attack particuarly on the flanks creating chances as Dunstable struggled to get a foothold in the game. The visitors kept pushing players on however and were always looking to score before Peterborough added a 4th late in the half. Dunstable grabbing a lifeline from a corner in the closing minutes giving them something to take into the 2nd period. You would think they would need an early goal to give them something if they wish to take anything from the game.

Chanade Henderson brings the ball away for Peterborough Northern Star

 The weather very dull and gloomy pictures on the camera unlikely in the 2nd half the rain clearing but getting decidedly chilly as the players return. Dunstable to get the 2nd half underway. Win a free-kick wide on the right early on as Darvill is shoved in the back trying to hold up the ball from a throw. Sexton not capitalising from the set-piece as Bull sees it safely wide. A scrappy start to the game has gotten a little physical, Wilson-Phillips through the middle now looks to get onto the end of a great pass through the middle from Mumford, Fathom across to put in the challenge send the ball away for a throw in. 

Out of no where Dunstable have a penalty!  A cross from the left put into the top of the area referee Andy Phillips spotting a handball everyone caught unaware it seems Dunstable surprised. Words have been exchanged a pause before the penalty is taken. The referee having words with Darvill. Wilson-Phillips to take goes for height looking to send it into the top corner, is agonisingly wide of the post missed.

  Despite all the attacking play offsides have be surprisingly rare this afternoon but one goes against Dunstable as Mumford’s long range past looks to send Wilson-Phillips in behind. It’s pretty muddy out there and it’s a great opportunity for a sliding challenge as a few players can’t resist on both sides, wouldn’t want to be the one washing that kit tomorrow. Dunstable have came out intent on attacking 2nd half Mumford backed up by McCay winning the ball centrally.

 GOAL! The visitors strong attacking start paying off as they pull a goal back get forwards well on the left players overloaded through the middle on of those Darvill clear into the box left side as the ball is rolled into her by Esposito, slides in on the keeper attempting to get to the ball as Bull advances trying to close down the angle the pair collide the ball loose past her players in blue shirts racing in McCay there to pounce and put the ball over the line 4-2.

   Dunstable pull a goal back 12 minutes into the 2nd half having committed players forwards, Bull is down injured and needs treatment however after a short spell the goalkeeper is able to continue. Peterborough having sat back a little at the start of the 2nd half are still a threat Steward put clear on the right dinks a ball into the box Price coming in can’t get a telling touch as Burgess gets close in on her. 

 Darvill with an ambitious effort at goal for Dunstable clips a ball goalwards as it falls to her a long way out Bull scrambling a cross her goal is forced to knock it wide for a corner. The visitors come forwards winning a corner on the right, Henderson defending near post her clearance across the area falling to Burgess far side 8 yards out swings a leg at it the shot screwed wide of the far post. Price comes off in attack for Peterborough.

  Davis with a ball in diagonally from the left for Driscoll is fouled 25 yards out central the free-kick given. Driscoll over it a low ball fired into the mix blocked before being scrambled away comes back to Driscoll who then sends her strike wide of the target. Collins goes down after a challenge is in some pain her ankle I think can’t continue for Dunstable needs to come off Chelsea Jeffrey on. Breakwell getting clear in behind on the left for Peterborough flashes a cross into the six yards box Raffermati down spills it Steward racing in from the right centrally arrives to smash it goalwards over the faintest of touches by the keeper as a corner is awarded. In from the left Henderson with the stooping header turning it goalwards near post, blocked the hosts appealing for handball, nothing given as Dunstable clear their lines. 

 Very dark now cloudy the floodlights coming on Mancini tackling to deny Driscoll as she goes beyond Driscoll-King in the middle for Peterborough. Mumford with another great pass forwards but frustration from the visitors shown as no one is able to get onto the end of it Henderson bringing it on for Peterborough. Steward in central into the box cant get a telling touch as a high cross is lifted in from the right. Rebecca Devereux comes on for Dunstable replacing Mancini with 20 minutes left to play.

 Raffermati getting up well to glove down a high ball from the right the ball loose inside the box however, Burgess puts in the block the ball spinning away for McClelland to clear high. Peterborough make another change April Pearson on for Breakwell. 

 GOAL! Out of nothing the goal of the game is scored. A beauty of a strike from Driscoll-King to extend Peterborough’s lead. The ball into her feet all of 30 yards out right of the D isn’t closed down she takes her chance striking the ball perfectly arrowing it in across the static keeper to make it 5-2.

  Dunstable respond with a double change McClelland and Esposito off with Sexton back on along with Shauna Smith. 

 GOAL! As soon as they’ve conceded a 5th goal however Dunstable a hit with a further hammer blow as Peterborough add another quickfire goal a superb ball from the middle out to Steward peeling away to the right side getting on into the area to send a shot low across the ground past the diving keeper into the bottom corner of the net 6-2.

  Frustration from Dunstable thier confidence taking a hit continue to battle Horner breaking up play in the middle before giving away a free-kick. McCay with the ball forwards defended by Frederick at the back. The hosts able to break Steward on the ball centrally carrying in forwards options to ahead of her and to the left opts to go for goal 30 yards out her effort drops wide of goal. 

 GOAL! Peterborough take the game totally by the scruff of the neck late on as they add a 3rd quick goal to hammer home the score line. The ball contested strongly in the middle, Steward now central in attack in moving into space taking advantage of a tiring defence as the ball is fed into her path left channel taking it on into the box shots on the angle Raffermati down looks to have it covered but to her agony the ball squirms under her to roll on into the goal beyond 7-2.

5 goals in the match for Peterborough Northern Star’s, Katie Steward

Despite being clearly frustrated at conceding three goals so late on Dunstable are still willing to give it a go getting on well on their left a diagonal ball fired into the area Bull drops well to hold onto the ball. Devereux on the right sends her pass on for Wilson-Phillips right side in the closing moments Horner coming across sliding in to play the ball out for a throw. Dunstable with on last effort attempt to get a cross into the box goes long as the final whistle blows.

Full Time Peterborough Norther Star Ladies 7-2 AFC Dunstable Women

  A 7-2 win for Peterborough Norther Star sees them go top of the ERWFL Premier Division. Started the game well on the attack taking an early lead creating chances and adding a further 2 goals in quick succession. Going 4-0 up Dunstable had few chances of their own but kept going and pulling a goal back late in the 1st half gave them something to take into the 2nd period. The Bedfordshire side starting well chances created getting bodies forwards, a missed penalty before getting it back to 4-2. Had it been 4-3 what then we’ll never now. Peterborough looked good going forwards and attacking created opportunities all game confident in her finishing after a first half hat-trick Steward fired in two more late goals to give her 5 for the match along with a superb strike from Driscoll-King to wrap up the 3 points a tough game at home to Luton Town Ladies to end 2020 next Sunday, whilst Dunstable head to Hertfordshire rivals Royston Town Women. A tough afternoon for the visitors in the finish no doubt a talented squad but early goals cost them leaving a mountain to climb still they fought back well and created chances off their own.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East  Player of the Match. A few performances to mention although the final decision is an easy one for a change. For Dunstable Mollie Burgess had a solid debut at the back making a number of important tackles  and blocks. In attack Lori Wilson-Phillips looked a threat her pace testing the Peterborough defence. For Peterborough Faith Horner was strong in the middle of the park. Jessica Driscoll making some great runs too. Molly Bull in goal with some vital saves. But with 5 goals in the match their and a fantastic 90 minutes all round the award this Sunday goes to Katie Steward took her chances well and created plenty.

  Good to be back at it if I was a little more rusty than I expected, enjoyed the game the ERWFL rarely disappoints. Have to say and I suspect it’s the same for alot of use spectators and players too those 90 minutes are about as normal as it gets in 2020, been a tough year nice to forget about those woes for a while. My thanks as always to both sides for the team details.

Match Report – St Ives Town Ladies v Haringey Borough Women

Sunday 13th September

ERWFL Premier Division

 A new season begins in the ERWFL and it promises to be the most competitive yet. Begin this season with the match I had pencilled in next in the previous season before it was brought to an end by the ongoing COVID outbreak, St Ives Town Ladies at home to Haringey Borough Women. 

  With the 2019/20 season being declared null & void, it is the same 12 sides competing in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division this time around. A bitter pill to swallow for leaders Harlow Town Ladies unbeaten at the top of the league. Luton emerging as their closest rivals 3 points behind with a game in hand. That said it was a hard fought campaign with as many as 9 sides all pushing for a top 4 finish at one point. A new season begins and some big signings have been made by a number of clubs as they look to win the title and achieve promotion to the FAWNL above with it. Will be highly competitive once again.

  St Ives Town Ladies entering their second season at this level having achieved promotion at the first attempt after joining the ERWFL. On a highly successful run since forming earning back to back promotions the young squad used to winning games the ERWFL Premier Division would pose big jump in terms of player performance and was a test right from the off for St Ives, missing a few key players with injury that season to such as goalkeeper Kira Markwell and attacker Tierney Coulson for a good spell. The squad had to adapt every game a battle at the wrong end of the table although well clear of the bottom two signs of progress were being made before the season was brought to an abrupt end. All the better for the experience adding the likes of Abbi Griffin and Ruth Fox to the squad during the season, 2 more Georgina Parrett and Hannah Johnson from Netherton have joined in the close season to add competition for places. 

  Haringey Borough Women are a long established side in the ERWFL, the North London club which cherishes and celebrates the diversity of its teams, had an inspiring season in 2016/17 under the guidance of manager Steve Browne who very sadly passed away from cancer before its conclusion, Haringey nevertheless pushing on together to win the ERWFL Premier Division and achieve promotion to the FAWNL in the process. Proved to be a difficult season at that level with several of that title winning squad departing, coming straight back down Haringey regrouped, finding themselves battling at the bottom of the table for the past two seasons adding a few new faces to the squad will be aiming to make there mark this campaign.

The venue today St Ives Town FC’s Westwood Road stadium, the pitch itself looking superb, lush and green, does have a distinct slope in one corner, but that could be used to your advantage if you can play a good ball down the flank. COVID measures in place as they are in all sporting venues now. Hot and cold drinks available. A bright sunny day, quite muggy although no chance of rain. 

St Ives Town Ladies starting XI – Kira Markwell, Caitlin McGeown, Anna Hicks, Mollie Flack (C), Abbi Griffin, Ruth Fox, Ella Burnley, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Georgia Stancombe & Katie Stancombe. Subs – Tierney Coulson, Tia Everdell, Elisabeth Manuel & Sophie Majoram.

Haringey Borough Women starting XI – Kassandra Rukat, Shanice Nourrice, Charlee Vaz, Shernelle Francois, Valeria Hurtado Duran, Jaidene Browne (C), Lauren Duggan, Aaliyah Boyea, Angie Hernandez, Julia Carruthers & Beatriz Kretteis. Subs – Brooke Hills, Victoria Campbell & Nadine Franklin.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Haringey to kick-off the season opener, wearing yellow shirts with blue sleeves, blue shirts and yellow socks, St Ives in their home colours, black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. The visitors straight on the attack direct through the middle carve St Ives open Aaliyah Boyea seeing the ball into her feet top of the box looks to turn and shoot, St Ives captain Mollie Flack stabbing out a foot to take the ball away from her deflect the ball behind for a corner on the left. 

Haringey captain Jaidene Browne taking the corner whipped in towards the near post St Ives smuggling it behind for a 2nd corner. Browne with another inswinging ball this time landing in the side netting. Haringey with a strong start push players on through the middle, striker Beatrix Kretteis almost powering her way through into the box. Julia Carruthers moving right as the ball in returned to her is fouled by St Ives Sasha Smith as she attempted to skip past her. The free-kick defended it’s Smith’s turn to be fouled on halfway her shirt tugged as she looks to mount an attack.

Haringey forward Julia Carruthers fouled as she looks to get in behind the St Ives defence

GOAL! Players go up as Smith places the ball down to deliver for St Ives her diagonal ball long picking out Ella Burnley who has made a good run to get in behind the Haringey defence, the angle against her the on rushing goalkeeper makes up her mind as she lobs the ball up over her and into the back of the empty net 1-0. 3 minutes played.

St Ives Town Ladies, Ella Burnley with the opening goal.

  Haringey continue to look strong in the middle good link up play between Browne and Lauren Duggan playing a one two before Browne spotting Boyea peeling away to the right attempts to play her in, Smith able to get across her to play the ball back. St Ives build from the back the ball into midfield out to the right Georgia Stancombe to Burnley the ball cross in central towards the top of the box, midfielder Ruth Fox arriving hits it first time the back blocked at close range deflected away Haringey breaking getting away left side, Caitlin McGeown in to tackle break up the move.

Defender Charlee Vaz winning possession back for Haringey Borough Women

Duggan getting away on the left breaking towards the area gets upended the visiting side awarded a free-kick in  a dangerous position 20 yards out. Browne over it goes for goal, not a bad attempt, close but Markwell can watch it safely over her crossbar. McGeown charges on with the ball right side pushes it on into the path of Burnley, Shernelle Francois comes across well putting in the challenge to send the ball out for a throw in. 

St Ives Abbi Griffin with Haringey’s Lauren Duggan

 Haringey are looking dangerous on the break especially through the middle, direct at times but effective, Kretteis getting into some good positions. Anna Hicks coming out to close her down this time for St Ives. Markwell called into action in the St Ives goal, as Haringey get the ball on through the centre with pace players forwards Duggan to the right of the D, her knock on blocked the ball deflected straight back to her strikes it hard, low racing on towards goal, Markwell down smartly to her left to push the ball to safety.

  Coming through the middle Haringey, Browne sends the ball up to Kretteis who has Boyea close to her looking to get in behind, flicks the ball on looking to pick her out, Flack quickly closing Boyea down the chance gone. Kretteis is causing problems for the St Ives defence pace and power taking the ball on into the box Flack backing off sticking out a boot to take the ball away from her, Duggan racing on to support Kretteis tries to play it back to Kretteis only for Flack to intercept and clear the danger.

Beatriz Kretteis on the attack for Haringey Borough Women

 It’s a good contest St Ives being tested at the back whilst making good use of the wide areas when bringing the ball out themselves. Kretteis is hard to shake off the ball running on takes it into the box held up turns to lay it back for the arriving Boyea she strikes it first time from 20 yards the shot swerving wide of the left post. Backing of from Kretteis 35 yards out she sees an opportunity to let loose a shot the diagonal ball running harmlessly wide across Markwell’s goal. 

  Georgia Stancombe moves away clear on the right for St Ives the ball fed up the line she takes it on well before squaring a cross into the box, Duggan tracking back into the box for Haringey get’s something on it deflecting it high into the air dropping before goal, Fox closing in challenging goalkeeper Kassandra Rukat for the ball, is loose the keeper down Fox can’t get control of it the ball put over for a goal kick. It’s hot out there and with 23 minutes played it’s time for a drinks break.

Haringey’s Aaliyah Boyea with St Ives fullback Sasha Smith

  St Ives get straight on the attack from the restart Griffin playing a good ball out to Burnley on the right wing has another go from the angle this shot narrowly over the crossbar. St Ives beginning to exert some pressure in the final third winning a corner on the left inswinging near post Haringey get it behind for a 2nd corner. The ball into the six yard box this time controlled well by the defence and carried to safety by Boyea. Georgia Stancombe taking the ball on into the right channel gets a shot away the ball blocked deflected away for a corner. Fox isn’t being tracked by the Haringey midfield has made several good runs into the area ready to attack any ball floated in. 

Haringey’s Aaliyah Boyea with St Ives Ruth Fox

  Boyea recieves the first yellow card of the game after a strong challenge on Hannah Seymour-Shove. The 1st half moving into the final 5 minutes St Ives make a change, Katie Stancombe coming off in attack for Elisabeth Manuel. Smith plays the ball up into the left channel as Fox breaks from the middle, Shanice Nourrice getting tight into her ensuring no way past. Boyea seeing the ball well into her body breaks it down turning to play the pass down the line as Kretteis breaks in behind chasing it to the byline crosses the ball landing in the side netting. 

Haringey Borough Women’s Shanice Nourrice

  Fox getting the ball from Griffin turns sees Georgia Stancombe going on the right sends the ball up to her first touch a little heavy giving Vaz the chance to lunge in take it away from her. Georgia Stancombe in the closing seconds with a turn and hit from all of 30 yards out Rukat can watch it over her crossbar.

Half-time St Ives Town Ladies 1-0 Haringey Borough Women

  Ella Burnley’s 3rd minute lob for St Ives the difference between the sides, the hosts leading 1-0. Has been a very competitive and enjoyable first half. Not too many clear cut chances but some good build up play to different styles. Haringey certainly more direct, but that doesn’t mean long balls have got it into feet well, Kretteis in particular a threat looking to take on defenders. St Ives using the width of the pitch better, especially the right, the final ball not finding its mark just yet. 

Hannah Seymour-Shove looking to put the ball on for St Ives

  St Ives enjoying the shade behind one goal during the half-time interval to kick off the 2nd half get straight on the attack Georgia Stancombe inside to Fox 20 yards out to hit on the turn her strike charged down and cleared. Stancombe plays the ball on down the right wing for Mandel to chase, holds it up in the corner as Stancombe gets up with her to offer support, manage to fire a low cross into the box, Duggan intercepting top of the six yard box her clearance almost presents it to the on rushing Fox but deflected back to Duggan she gets it away to safety. 

  Burnley brings the ball down well on the right wing before sending it on for Stancombe up the line she crosses early flashes in Vaz tracking back with Mandel central making a superb trap with her legs falling to nullify the attack. A bright start to the 2nd half from St Ives, Fox on the ball playing it left to Seymour-Shove her knock on cut out by Nourrice. Haringey manage to squeeze the ball through to Kretteis 25 out she turns well right of the area strikes it cleanly races wide across the six yard box.  Burnley getting down the right wins her side a corner kick a good delivery swept into the area attacked by Fox her header sending it away from goal wide. 

 GOAL! 55 minutes played and St Ives capitalise on their good start to the 2nd half to take the lead. The ball pressured well in the middle of the park Seymour-Shove and Fox link up well to carry the ball on Seymour-Shove playing it on into Fox’s path closing in on the box left of the D strokes the ball low and fast wide of the static keeper to score 2-0.

Ruth Fox doubling St Ives lead in the 2nd half

  Fox regaining possession passes it to Manuel on her left as St Ives come forwards, she spots Stancombe racing into the box from the right the cross lofted in towards her, Hurtado Duran with a great last ditch tackle taking the ball away from her conceding a corner kick. Smith with the delivery from the right, again into the run of Fox jumps well but can’t direct it on target. St Ives make a 2nd change Burnley coming off on comes Tia Everdell. 

Anna Hicks defending for St Ives Town Ladies

 Haringey have been on the back foot for a large spell early in the 2nd half St Ives getting control of the middle of the park the visitors still pose a threat however and a snap shot from distance from Kretteis reminds the St Ives defence to stay alert. Carruthers 25 yards out through the middle has support from Boyea look in for a moment as Markwell comes racing out to the top of the area Boyea stabbing the ball past her but can’t direct it on target. Another drinks break called is hot out there, mustn’t complain however.

Beatriz Kretteis looking to flick the ball on for Haringey

  As play resumes Mandel finds herself played through in attack has Fox getting up the park to support the pass towards her cut out, Fox is quickly back to catch and tackle Boyea as she threatens to break for Haringey. Haringey keep possession in the St Ives half winning a corner, is a good delivery in from the left flashing over heads invitingly in the six yard box…

 GOAL! From that corner St Ives break the corner long to their left gathered and played on quickly the home side race on Seymour-Shove on the ball down the wing has support inside from Fox and Mandel to her left. Seymour-Shove and Fox combine exchanging passes before breaking into the area left side the ball blocked skips loose for Manuel to latch onto take a touch and fire cross the keeper low into the bottom corner to score her first goal for the club 3-0.

 St Ives are full of confidence now as McGeown races forwards right side to fire a low cross into the box, Hurtado Duran cutting it out well. Seymour-Shove comes off for St Ives with Katie Stancombe returning to the pitch. The hosts winning a corner on the right an inswinging ball threatening the Haringey goal keeper Rukat gets up well to punch it away behind for a 2nd corner this on taken long is cleared at the far post. For all their attacking, St Ives must stay on the guard at the back as Kretteis let’s a shot fly from distance left of the box shooting for the top corner Markwell must see it late but produces a superb diving save to her left to glove the ball away from a throw. 

Haringey defender Valeria Hurtado Duran

 Fox with the ball at her feet central plays a fantastic ball out to the advancing McGeown on the right side, Hurtado Duran coming out quickly to meet her with a good tackle to win the ball back for Haringey. Haringey get up high on the left side a, Carruthers into Duggan to strike central outside the box the shot blocked by Hicks for St Ives. Markwell sees a ball safely into her midriff moments later as Kretteis has a strike from distance. Burnley returning to the action for St Ives as Georgia Stancombe comes off. Moments after her introduction Burnley wins a penalty as she is brought down clumsily inside the box by Duggan after the Haringey midfielder is caught in possession by the winger at the top of her box.

GOAL! Burnley setting the ball down on the spot hits it low to the keepers right, Rukat goes the right way down sharply makes the save getting her glove on the ball pushed back out into the box St Ives are quickest to react another shot blasted in put across goal Rukat is up quickly making a superb blocking save with her feet but is desperately unlucky then as the ball is put straight into the path of the penalty taker Burnley who makes no mistake this time blasting it high into the roof of the net to score her 2nd of the game less than 10 minutes to play 4-0.

  Haringey look to get on St Ives backing off Hurtado Duran carries the ball into opposition territory, not closed down takes aim from 35 yards out on target the ball not troubling Markwell. The St Ives keeper sharply down at her near post to deny Kretteis from close range soon after as Nourrice wins it on the right for the visitors. The ball sent behind for a corner. Markwell getting a fist on the delivery before her defence send it clear. 

  Flack defending well against Kretteis as the Haringey forward holds the ball up well aiming to turn inside the box looking for power in her strike, Flack getting her leg in to block. Fox coming off in the closing stages replaced by Seymour-Shove. Boyea striking from a long way out for Haringey top of the centre circle Markwell watching it wide of her left post. One last attack for St Ives as Everdell bringing the ball down central puts it into the path of Mandel who strikes it hard Rukat down smartly to push it wide of her goal. 

Full time St Ives Town Ladies 4-0 Haringey Borough Women

 The final whistle blows and it’s St Ives who start their league campaign with a win 4-0 against Haringey. That result coupled with the only clean sheet kept on the opening day puts them top of the ERWFL Premier Division table. A strong 2nd half performance getting hold of the midfield and making good attacking runs seeing the hosts score a further 3 goals. A result that will give them plenty of confidence going forwards. Didn’t have it all their own way Haringey matching them 1st half mounting so good attacks of their own, the 2nd goal early on in the 2nd period seeing St Ives gain more confidence and push on for further goals the clean sheet up the other end just as important. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this weekends Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, these thing’s are rarely easy you know and today is no exception but I do have the benefit of a raft of notes collected to help me out. A few contenders to mention, firstly for Haringey, Beatriz Kretteis fantastic leading the line causing a threat pace and power, good ball control was perhaps unlucky not to have a goal to her name. For St Ives had it down to three, although it was a good all round team performance. Ella Burnley with two goals making some great attacking runs down the right. Georgia Stancombe really shone in the 2nd period edging them out though the award goes to Ruth Fox scored a great goal making a good run through the middle, did so throughout the game and gave her teammates a passing option whenever the hosts were in possession.

  Good to finally see both sides at last has been a while for both enforced or otherwise, an enjoyable game the ERWFL Premier Division is going to be a great watch this season no doubt. My thanks to both sides for the team details much appreciated as always.