Tag Archives: Newmarket Town Women

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 31st March

ERWFL Division One North

Heading to The Daly Group Stadium, this Easter Sunday to watch a game from ERWFL Division One North, the league looking intriguing at both ends of the table as we move into the final two months of the season, with Fakenham Town Ladies taking on Newmarket Town Women.

  The title battle going to the wire between Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Harpenden Town Women. ERWFL Division One North feeding into the Premier Division above contested originally between 12 sides as the ERWFL reached it compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, sadly down to 10 early in the season following the withdrawals of St Ives Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Ladies. As intriguing elsewhere with just 6 points between 5th placed Newmarket and 10th placed Fakenham, with plenty of points for most still to play for. Both of today’s opponents looking to end a poor run of losses.

  Fakenham Town Ladies currently 10th in the ERWFL Division One North table, slipping to the bottom off the back of 4 straight league defeats. Playing there 2nd season of regional football, looking to build on a successful spell for the club. With 5 games left will be aiming to turn thing’s around and push up into the middle of the pack. Began the new campaign with a 5-3 win at home to Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses, two defeats following before an unbeaten run of 5 matches collecting 9 points in that period. Mixed results since with 4 league defeats in between a run to the last 4 of the County Cup. Chloe Gravett way out in front as leading goal scorers netting 17 goals in 17 appearances.

  This is Newmarket Town Women’s penultimate match of the season, both against Fakenham Town Ladies, they themselves looking to end a run of league defeats like Fakenham stretching to 4 now which has seen them fall away from the pack chasing the leading pair, all 4 games lost by a 2-1 score line. Are the longest established club in the ERWFL Division One North which is odd in itself as they are relative new comers themselves a club built very much on youth and bringing players up through the clubs various youth and Development sides, has produced some very talented players over the years. Starting with 2 wins, Newmarket were on the tails of the top two for a good spell that poor run denting their campaign will be aiming to finish on a high. Katie Hayes and Lydia Mykhaylechko joint top scorers on 5 apiece.

   The Daly group Stadium (formerly Clipbush park) the venue for today’s game, the ladies game advertised on the boards outside the ground entrance off a busy roundabout leading into Fakenham itself. The clubhouse and bar open serving hot food and drinks. The main pitch in use for today’s game a big pitch offering plenty of width always a good fitness tester. A few days of dry (ish) weather most welcome the clouds however building once again… were supposed to getaway with the rain, but sadly that wasn’t to be the case a light drizzle in the air as the teams walked out onto the pitch prior to kick-off.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Georgina Pooley, Ruby Curtis, Jemma Riches (C), Sophie Buckley, Sian Sands, Rochelle Woods, Scarlett Derrett, Kirstie Rusted, Shelley Woods & Chloe Gravett. Subs – Amie Hutchinson, Olivia Baker & Nicole Costin.

Newmarket Town Women

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Koren Evans, Kara Wayman, Hollie dryland, Ellie Sturgess, Katie Walker (C), Felicity Payne, Katie Hayes, Abbie Corbyn, Holly Corley & Lidiya Mykhaylechko. Subs – Liv Caffarelli, Violet Jones, Becca Reynolds, Niamh Sutherland & Evonne Yerrell.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Jemma Riches and Katie Walker with today’s match referee Michael Clark.

  It’s Newmarket wearing their away colours, an all red strip with white trim to kick-off the first half with Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shoulders and sleeves, black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped diagonally forwards to the right with Katie Hayes drifting inside from the flank allowed time to lift a clipped ball out to the left for Abbie Corbyn to attack left of the D, knocking it down into the area the angle rapidly closing her cross/shot dropping wide past the right post.

Newmarket’s Katie Hayes playing the ball forwards

Newmarket getting after Fakenham early on a competitive midfield the visitors winning a free-kick, won back by Fakenham, full back Georgina Pooley gets hold of the ball driving on down the left, Holly Dryland coming across for the back to support Koren Evans the defence marshals the ball back into their box for goalkeeper, Dominika Szary to kick clear. 

 Felicity Payne linking up with captain, Katie Walker through the middle as Newmarket get forwards a throw won out on the left taken quickly into striker Lidiya Mykhaylechko who turns into the channel looking to plough her way in behind the Fakenham defence, captain Jemma Riches staying on her getting her foot on the ball to halt the attack.

Newmarket’s Lidiya Mykhaylechko looking to get past Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

  Fakenham regain possession central the ball played long out to Chloe Gravett pulling right into space chasing the ball down taking it down the wing whips a cross into the area, Ellie Sturgess intercepting for Newmarket at the back with Shelley Woods running in behind her. 

 Newmarket lively getting on the counter attack smartly looking to get the ball into their wide players, Hayes right and Abbie Corbyn left, Ruby Curtis tackling to prevent the latter getting in behind for Fakenham. Walker lifting her pass forwards into Mykhaylechko inside the D, looking to get the better of Sophie Buckley, the defender holding her ground the ball knocked down into the box gathered by goalkeeper, Tilly Betts as she runs out to the top of her area. 

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman

  Kara Wayman on the ball storms forwards down the left for Newmarket racing into the opposition half before attempting to put a cross-field ball into Hayes  running into the area from the opposite flank, the pass evading her. Fakenham under pressure in the middle from Newmarket limited in the final 3rd Rochelle Woods playing the ball into Shelley Woods 25 yards out central back to goal, lays it off to Kirstie Rusted pulling on into the right channel going wider angles a cross into the near post Shelley Woods looking to attack it, Dryland coming across in front of Szary to defend, clears the ball.

  A misplaced ball out from the back has Szary in trouble as it runs straight to Rusted 30 yards out an the angle looks to chip the ball towards the open goals even as she is closed down, doesn’t get enough purchase on her shot the chip safely back with Szary rapidly back peddling towards her goal. Fakenham finding a foot hold in the final 3rd after Newmarket’s strong start to the game. 

Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn with Fakenham’s Ruby Curtis

  A mistake at the back from Fakenham the diagonal ball from Hayes on the right missed, leads to Corbyn stealing in on it left of the D to burst into the area, Riches recovering the ground well stretching for the ball, takes it off Corbyn even as the goes down as the attack goes to strike the ball which runs safely back to the keeper.

  Pooley advancing on Fakenham’s left on for Rusted plays the one two with Gravett inside her top of the box, Rusted after the return ball, Evans defending for Newmarket the ball back with Szary the goalkeeper with a quick throw out seeing Newmarket on the counter attack down their left Mykhaylechko peeling wide sweeping a cross into the box, Buckley defending as Hayes looks to attack the ball at the far post.

Scarlett Derrett looking to play Chloe Gravett in behind

 

   A few tasty tackles coming in a competitive match Newmarket pressing around the Fakenham area Hayes on the right passes inside for Mykhaylechko inside the D, screws her shot wide of the right post. Gravett looking to provide an outlet for Fakenham up top pulling into space on the right found by her teammates drives on before delivering a looping cross into the area, Dryland there to clear the ball for Newmarket.

Holly dryland contesting the header with Fakenham’s Shelley Woods

  Gravett getting in behind Sturgess on the right as the defender gets caught in possession turning in behind whips an early ball into the area with the same result, Dryland on the end of it to launch clear. Fakenham driving on through the middle Sian Sands, Rusted on for Shelley Woods 25 yards out blasts her strike over the crossbar. 

Sian Sands with Newmarket attacker, Holly Corley

  A pause in player with a player down for Fakenham injured, it’s Derrett needs to come off, the hosts sending on Nicole Costin. Gravett central taking the ball off Shelley Woods powers forwards, Dryland, Sturgess and Wayman all closing her down crowding the striker off the ball. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 15th minute Newmarket attacking down their left the ball on for Mykhaylechko wide 30 yards out, sees Holly Corley making a run across her out to the left lays the ball into her path Corley taking it down the line lifting a cross into the six yard box, Hayes getting a foot up to connect with the ball send it past the keeper and into the back of the net 0-1.

Katie Hayes opening the scoring for Newmarket

  Newmarket with their tales up taking the lead winning a free-kick on half way the ball put into Corley central has Wayman bursting down the line on the left plays the ball out to her before running into the area, Wayman picking her out she strikes the ball in towards a packed near post, Betts there to punch the ball away back out to the left, Wayman attempting to put in a curling ball over her, Betts with her gloves up to claim it, slips through her fingers, but has killed the flight as it drops behind her and she can turn and snatch the bouncing ball up before it can trickle over the line. 

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

  Betts with a busy spell in goal for Fakenham as Hayes left plays the ball through into the area for Corbyn advancing inside on the left, Betts out quickly to meet her sliding in to save with her feet, a corner conceded on the left. Delivered into the mix drops for Payne top of the area her snap shot driven into bodies blocked, the rebound from outside the area smashed over. 

 Newmarket looking sharp winning the 2nd balls getting play turned around quickly pushing forwards, Walker into Corbyn left, Curtis staying on her as she tries to break in behind, the defender slowing her progress as Riches comes across to clear. Gravett battling for everything up top for Fakenham often pulling wide, lacking bodies in the box to play the ball too.

  Corbyn taking the ball down on the left powering on, Curtis looking to stay on her going to ground as she looks to prevent the cross, is immediately in trouble screaming in pain looks to have caught her studs in the turf, play stopped straight away as her teammates rush over to assist. Didn’t look good, some concern for sure at ne point the stretcher is called for, but much to everyone’s relief Curtis is up to her feet and walking albeit with no weight on her damaged ankle can’t continue Fakenham forced into another change bringing on defender Amie Hutchinson at left back.

 

  The rain falling steadily now, Newmarket winning a throw in the left put down the line for Corbyn, digs out a cross on the by-line claimed by Betts at her near post. Newmarket looking to press high Corley with Mykhaylechko the ball out to Corbyn left on for Wayman going past her on the overlap sends the cross into the box won by Riches for Fakenham.

Fakenham’s Nicole Costin

  Free-kicks regularly given away on half way, Hayes on the right taking the ball on for Newmarket looking to check inside, Buckley getting a toe on the ball to take it off her foot before she can line up a shot. Defending their area from a Newmarket free-kick Fakenham launch the ball forwards into the right flank for Gravett to hunt down, no one up with her does well to hold it up in the corner invite the defender on and win her side a corner kick. The corner fired in low and fast towards the top of the area intercepted by Payne who brings it out of the box leading the counter attack…

Felicity Payne wins the ball from the corner to begin Newmarket’s counter attack

 GOAL! the midfielder firing the ball on for Mykhaylechko out to the left who sees the ball into her feet rolling her marker to spin in behind powers down the line before lifting a ball into the six yard box where Hayes has once again arrived to get onto the end of it and put it back across the keeper to score her 2nd of the match 0-2. 

Katie Hayes striking for the 2nd time in the match to double Newmarket’s lead.

 The 2nd goal coming in the 41st minute, Fakenham with a blow late in the half looking to get on the attack from the restart, Gravett picked out on the right taking the ball wide before lifting a cross into the near post a clean catch taken by Szary. Walker giving away the free-kick shoving Costin in the back, taken quickly Gravett for a moment looking to be in the clear as she carries the ball on towards the box right side of goal, defenders rushing to close her down, Szary advancing to close the angle the ball blasted wide a goal kick signalled.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

 The rain falling steadily as the two sides head back into the changing rooms. Newmarket leading 2-0. Opening the scoring in the first 15 minutes, made a strong start to the game before Fakenham got back at them the visitors looking lively competing for the ball, winning the 2nd ball and looking to get players on down the flanks. Fakenham’s chances limited, Gravett often on her own up top as the numbers are needed back in midfield, Betts making a couple of vital saves to keep the score down the 2nd goal coming late in the first half putting the hosts on the back foot while losing a couple of players to injury too. 2-0 often that awkward score-line at the break the next goal crucial, Fakenham will want it to go there way as the teams come out for the 2nd half the rain falling all the more heavily looking set in.

  Fakenham to get the 2nd half underway, looks like no changes for either the ball put into a tight midfield quickly closed down by Newmarket clipped out to Hayes wide right for the visitors takes it on before seeing her cross cut out by Pooley at the back for Fakenham.

  The ball hotly contested in the middle of the park, tackles coming in pops out to Hayes breaking away on the right wing her cross taking a deflection turned in towards the keeper to claim. Costin fouled deep on the right for Fakenham inside the Newmarket half the ball flighted into the top of the area falls for Gravett inside the D, takes a step back looking to get so power behind her strike, her effort in low towards goal, Szary right behind it to gather up into her gloves. 

  Rochelle Woods opening up her body to lay the ball on well for Gravett peeling away right, out wide lifts a dangerous ball into the box, Shelley Woods looking to deflect it goal wards, sees Szary backing to her line saving well with her shin at close range sending the ball away to safety. 

Newmarket captain, Katie Walker

  Walker playing Hayes in down the right takes the ball on before looking to send the ball across the top of the Fakenham box, Corley the target central, Buckley gets a nick on the ball to deflect it on across the D, comes straight to Corbyn top of the area who smashes her first time attempt wide of the far post.

  Hayes a constant threat for Newmarket, enjoying a good contest with Pooley, this time opting to check inside 25 yards out find her way into the area, Riches though comes across to put in the blocking tackle for Fakenham. Buckley in the way to put in the block this time as Hayes coming inside from the right strikes the ball. Newmarket pressing winning a corner on the right, fired into a congested near post pops loose for Payne looking to get a shot in from the tightest on angles planted the ball into the side netting.

Felicity Payne battling for possession with Sian Sands

  Newmarket pushing for a 3rd goal Riches defending another corner at the near post from the right. Riches driving forwards with the ball from the back for Fakenham runs into traffic 25 yards out, Gravett though quick to win it back laying it on for Riches breaking into the box right side her cross lifted in central, cleared by Dryland. 

 Another injury blow for Fakenham as Costin is down and unable to continue come off with Olivia Baker coming on up top with Shelley Woods dropping deeper. Fakenham successfully defending a Newmarket free-kick look to counter, Rusted out in the right channel taking the ball in behind striking the ball wide across goal from the angle. 

Kirstie Rusted attacking for Fakenham

 Midway through the 2nd half and Newmarket ringing the changes bringing on four players with, Liv Caffarelli, Violet Jones, Becca Reynolds and Niamh Sutherland coming on for, Evans, Wayman, Coley and Corbyn. A fresh injection of energy as they look to put the game to bed. Fakenham winning possession though as Rochelle Woods plays Gravett in right side plays the ball inside for Baker 25 yards out, Shelley Woods attempting to get into the area, Baker’s attempt to find her cut out by Reynolds. 

  Thing’s getting worse for Fakenham as they find themselves reduced to 10 players, for 10 minutes at least as Sands gets herself sin binned. Newmarket with a free-kick all of 30 yards out central, Hayes over it looks to have a go on goal strikes her attempt wide. Szary called into action making another vital save for Newmarket as Gravett breaking in behind the defence from the right tracks in central bearing down on goal, Szary out to close her down sliding in saving with her legs as Gravett looks to slip the ball past her. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

 Fakenham not deterred with a player disadvantage, Gravett putting in a shift up top chasing down the ball, winning another corner on the right. Lifted in high near post headed away for a 2nd corner, Woods again lifting it in near post Szary amongst a crowd can’t get hold of it loose in the six yard box for a moment the visitors scramble it clear. 

Fakenham’s Georgina Pooley

 Pooley carrying a threat on the left whenever she is able to get forwards the ground soggy now as she races onto a Rochelle Woods pass whipping a diagonal ball in central Gravett looking to latch onto it Szary coming out to the top of her area looking to win the race is going to fall short, her defence recovers superbly as both Caffarelli and Reynolds make up the ground either side of Gravett doing enough between them to put the striker off and allow their keeper to clear it. 

 The game is really open, Newmarket not prepared to sit on their lead looking for a 3rd while Fakenham aren’t interested in damage limitation want a goal themselves. The visitors winning a corner on the left, an in swinging delivery aimed high, Betts up well to pluck it down at her near post dropping onto the ball. Newmarket hitting Fakenham on the counter Hayes with a fantastic pass forwards into Mykhaylechko turning for goal 25 yards out, Riches on her shoulder, as the striker drives for the box, Riches winning the battle challenging her tackle deflecting the ball of Mykhaylechko back for Betts to claim.

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

   Walker coming inside from the left 20 yards out blasting a shot in towards goal, Betts behind it beating the ball away. Newmarket with another set-piece on the left the game a little testy at times the ball floated in across the six yard box over everyone out the far side a nick off a defenders head seen a corner awarded. Cleared at the near post. Sands back on Fakenham back up to 11.

Shelley Woods

  Fakenham winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half on the right into the top of the area cleared by Walker. Fakenham keep the pressure on wide right a high ball looped up into the D, Baker seeing it down into Rusted to strike a ball in high over the defence, dropping out of the sky as Szary steps back on her line has to keep an eye on it and catches safely with no one chasing in on the follow up. 

Fakenham’s Olivia Baker

  No let up in the action, Jones advancing on the left for Newmarket played in central the tackle seeing the visitors awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a dangerous position. Hayes taking on the shot heading for the top corner Betts back on her line with a brilliant save to get her gloves up turn the ball wide for a corner on the right. The delivery swung in central Betts getting up well to bring the ball down, knocked out of her gloves cleared for a corner on the left. Again fired into the mix dropping the shot blasted into a sea of bodies deflected behind for a goal kick.

Tilly Betts saving the free-kick

 

  Pooley attacking on the left forcing Hayes to track back and put in the challenge the ground decidedly greasy now with the falling rain. Fakenham attacking late on Gravett shoved over by Payne getting a free-kick as she comes left, Rochelle Woods striking the ball in towards goal taken cleanly on the bounce by Szary back on her line. An intense finish to the game Newmarket haven’t put it to bed and Fakenham believe they can get something in the closing stages winning a free-kick in a central position in the closing seconds of the game 25 yards out Rochelle Woods aiming for goal curls the ball in to the right side, Szary across to bat it away, the final action of the game as the referee blows the final whistle and it’s a much welcome win for Newmarket lifting them back up into 4th spot. 

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

  An entertaining match, played in some rubbish conditions in the finish, be nice to see a game completed in the dry can only hope that April’s better (needs to be still a lot of football to be played). Not for Newmarket however as they win their penultimate game of the season to end their winless streak and gain a spot in the Division One North table. Made a strong start to the game taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, Fakenham came back strongly to pressure the ball and looked to create openings in attack. Hampered by injury Newmarket won the 2nd ball well using the flanks effectively to push forwards and double their lead late in the first half. Didn’t sit back in the 2nd half wanting a 3rd goal, it wouldn’t come however even as Fakenham forced to vital saves from Dominika Szary as they pressed for a goal themselves further injuries and being reduced to 10 didn’t deter the hosts kept going Tilly Betts called into action to make a vital save too never gave up but wasn’t to be as their winless run extends, stay bottom but no where adrift with 4 games left to play, go to Newmarket next for the return match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Tome to choose today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. It’s rare I have it nailed in stone at the final whistle but not the caser today. Several performances to mention first though. Firstly for Fakenham a battling display, their captain Jemma Riches covering the ground at the back to win the ball with several vital tackles. Georgina Pooley on the left in a competitive tussle with Katie Hayes throughout getting forwards when she could and looked a threat when crossing into the area. Chloe Gravett battling for everything up top often lacking support chasing down lost causes setting up others unlucky not to score. Tilly Betts with some important stops to keep the score down keep Fakenham in the game right till the end. So too her opposite number Dominika Szary with two vital saves in the 2nd half to keep Newmarket’s lead intact. Holly Dryland reading the game well at the back getting into position to win a number of balls. Katie Walker strong on the ball in the middle winning her tackles and playing it forwards well. Today’s award though goes to Katie Hayes was a constant threat out on the right, to receive the ball and set up numerous attacks as well as getting forwards into the box on hand to score both goals.

  As always an entertaining game from the ERWFL, rarely does it not delivery in terms of action a competitive contest. The weather wet once again but never mind, glad to have caught up with Fakenham after having seen the two previous opportunities rained off and didn’t think I’d get an opportunity to see Newmarket at all this season so pleased that I did. My thanks to both sides for all their help today, hoping the injuries picked up by Fakenham’s players prove not to be too serious and wish everyone a speedy recovery.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Hutton Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 21st May

ERWFL League Plate Final

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

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

This morning’s prize

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

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

Road to the Final

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

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

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

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

Hutton Ladies

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

Newmarket Town Women

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

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

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

Hutton’s Katy Edwards

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

Kelly Roberts with Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn

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

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

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

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

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

Victoria Kinsman scorer of Hutton’s 2nd goal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kinsman scoring from the spot to make it 3

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

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

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

Chloe Slater

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

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

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

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

Lidiya Mykhaylechko pulling a goal back for Newmarket

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

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

Half-time Hutton Ladies 3-1 Newmarket Town Women

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

Victoria Kinsman with Newmarket captain Liv Caffarelli

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

Holly Dryland defending against Hutton’s Danielle Hindley

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

Krissie Glover saving Katie Hayes shot with her legs

Hutton’s captain and goalkeeper, Krissie Glover

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

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

Abbie Corbyn

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

Lucy Critchell

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

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

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

Katie Walker

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

Newmarket goalkeeper, Grace Joslin

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

Katie Hayes

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

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

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

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

Full time Hutton Ladies 4-1 Newmarket Town Women

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

Hutton Ladies 2022/23 ERWFL League Plate winners

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

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

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Newmarket Town Women v Yaxley Phoenix Ladies

Sunday 9th October

ERWFL Division One North

A trip own the A11 this Sunday afternoon to watch a game from ERWFL Division One North with Newmarket Town Women taking on newly promoted Yaxley Phoenix Ladies.

 The regional leagues Division One North and South forming the 6th tier of the women’s football league, clubs ready to step up from the county leagues to further improve, grow and develop. Has been frustrating for the ERWFL who have for a number of season’s now been trying hard to get the 5th and 6th tiers they represent up to full capacity, ideally a 12 strong Premier Division with a Division One North & South (sometimes East and West) featuring 24 sides 12 in each. Looked like they had achieved this in the summer with a number of new sides applying for promotion only to see 4 existing sides fall away before the season started with one new side not entering in the end ultimately seeing the leagues reduced in size with an 8 strong Division One North and 9 in Division One South.

This has led to some frustration amongst clubs about lack of fixtures with the early rounds of the various county cup competitions and FA Women’s Cup affecting fixtures too at this time of the year. The ERWFL remains positive for it’s growth with more clubs planning on joining next season to hopefully get the numbers and stability that will go along way to improving and growing the game. Fakenham Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Ladies new to Division One North this season.

Newmarket Town Women although still relatively new to the ERWFL themselves are one of the stalwarts of Division One North and will be hoping to build on a 3rd placed finish last season to go on to push for promotion to the Premier Division. Have strong competition for the title though with both St Ives Town Ladies and AFC Dunstable Ladies both relegated from the Premier Division last season looking to bounce back at the first attempt with Biggleswade United Ladies strong setting the early pace and Haverhill Town Women improving their squad over the summer. Results have been up and down at the start of the season for Newmarket having played 4 in the league winning 2 and losing 2 to lay in 5th spot coming into today’s game.

A club that prioritises youth bringing players up through the various youth sides with a Development squad geared up to producing players for the 1st team playing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One. A number of today’s squad having come on through that pathway. A few new signings coming in with Ellie Desborough a local girl having been with Norwich City’s youth set-up previously returning having spent 3 seasons with Newmarket. Abbie Corbyn joining the winger having previously been at Thetford Town Ladies. Another young player returning to the club is 16 year old Liv Bradley previously with Cambridge City U16s is another local girl having also spent 4 years with Newmarket as a youth player, hitting the ground running with Newmarket having scored 4 goals in 4 appearances at the start of the season. 4 goals too for attacking midfielder Katie Spiers. 

Yaxley Phoenix Ladies new to the ERWFL joining this season having previously been Netherton United Ladies. Moving up to the 6th tier off the back of 2 very strong seasons in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One completing the league and cup double last season with a 100% record in the league. Largely due to the scoring prowess of attackers Yas Green an Emily Johnson scoring a magnificent 98 goals between them. Green with 57 of those has hit the ground running this season too scoring 4 from 5 appearances whilst Johnson has been on the scoresheet before moving to another club. Moving to Yaxley along with their development side a new beginning a great set-up to take the women’s side forwards. The double winning squad seeing some departures however with players not necessarily wanting the extra travel that comes with regional football. Further hampered todays with absentees and injuries meaning a few development squad players stepping up. 

Newmarket’s Tristel Stadium the venue for today’s game the state of the art artificial playing surface looking great in the October sun a pleasant day nice and bright dry with a slight breeze the sun beginning to fall behind one corner a potential problem later in the afternoon. A youth match taking place the kitchen and bar open serving hot food and drink. A covered seated stand with the changing rooms beyond on one side viewing all round the pitch that hosts several Newmarket sides.

Newmarket Town Women

Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Liv Caffarelli (C), Sophia Yorko, Millie O’Dwyer, Faith Entwistle, Katie Spiers, Lidiya Mykhaylechko, Abbie Corbyn & Liv Bradley. Subs – Katie Hayes, Molly Agnew, Elle Desborough & Annabelle Herring.

Yaxley Phoenix Ladies

 Yaxley Phoenix Ladies starting XI – Amy Stanyon, Megan Strickland, Dita Upesjure, Carmen Giles, Zoe Shepherd, Isobel Boyer, Jess Perrin, Eleni Politis, Milly Ramm (C), Yas Green & Eva Coxon. Subs – Fatema Baratyan & Maddison Widger.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A change of ends prior to kick-off with Yaxley the side having to deal with the sun first half. A few missing for the visitors so too Newmarket with a couple of key players missing from their starting line up. It’s Yaxley to get the game underway wearing their away colours, orange shirts and socks with black shorts. Newmarket wearing Yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into midfield for Isabel Boyer who in turn lays it back to her defence to send out to the left wing looking for Yas Green, dealt with by full back Holly Dryland for Newmarket.

  The hosts looking to get hold of the ball in midfield and drive forwards at the Yaxley defence, Liv Bradley surging forwards tackled by Yaxley’s Carmen Giles. The clearance long, captain Milly Ramm after it on the right, Dominika Szary rushing out of her area to clear for Newmarket. Newmarket pulled up for offside on the left the resulting free-kick put long into midfielder Jess Perrin outside the box looks to cushion her header down into the area, Sophie Yorko throwing out a leg to turn it away to the right for Newmarket. Attacking left a throw high up the pick sees  Bradley onto the ball turning inside a powerful drive taking her through the Yaxley defence heading for the area, goalkeeper Amy Stanyon rushing out to close her down sliding in with her feet to make the blocking challenge, throwing herself forwards to get her hand safely around the ball.

Yaxley Phoenix defender, Carmen Giles

  Dita Upesjure at left back for Yaxley getting the tackle in to deny Lidiya Mykhaylechko (I give myself a pat on the back every time I spell that without a RED line appearing) as she looks to get onto the end of a crossfield pass. Newmarket starting brightly taking the game to Yaxley getting players forwards looking to use the width, Bradley moving out to receive the ball. 

Yaxley Phoenix full back, Dita Upesjure

 GOAL! The back of the net found early in the game the warning signs there moments ago with Mykhaylechko pulling wide into space free to receive the ball should it be won in midfield players pressing the ball central won by Newmarket the pass clipped long out to the right side Mykhaylechko running onto it in behind moving central towards the box shooting low past the advancing keeper her strike bouncing off the base of the post and in across goal 1-0 six minutes played.

Newmarket’s opening goal scorer, Lidiya Mykhaylechko

  Newmarket quick to regain possession from the restart Millie O’Dwyer out to Kara Wayman left forwards for Abbie Corbyn, Bradley taking it on turning inside, a good tackle inside the box from Giles. Yaxley with a free-kick on half way Zoe Shepherd to play it long into the area towards the right post area, defended, Szary claiming the headed ball. Green getting hold of the ball on the left for Yaxley driving on before sending a crossfield ball up to the right, the offside flag halting the attack. 

Yaxley Phoenix’s Yas Green

  Wayman taking the ball on down the left wing for Newmarket a surging run on the ball rides a challenge keeping on her feet to stab a cross into the area looking for Bradley positioned on the penalty spot, just behind her looking to turn into her strike, Upesjure lunging in to make the block with her outstretched leg, the ball dropping down Bradley looking to dig out another opportunity lift it over Upesjure places it straight at the keeper. 

GOAL! From back to front Newmarket carve Yaxley open to add a 2nd goal, goalkeeper Szary kicking the ball upfield, Bradley taking it on as it drops across her 30 yards out a strong run battling her way through the opposition defence, heading for the D, Stanyon coming out to close the angle the striker taking the ball away to her right before cutting her shot back across the goal to make it 2-0. 

Liv Bradley on her way to scoring for Newmarket

  Another blow for Yaxley conceding a 2nd goal inside 15 minutes, look to get on the offensive from the restart the ball won back on the middle Boyer with Perrin fed on for Green making a central run escaping her marker to run for the area shoots from 20 yards out, her low strike on target, Szary down smartly to her left to make the save get her gloves behind the ball. The visitors with Green on the left winning a throw high from that a cross is whipped in across the top of the area defended by Newmarket captain, Liv Caffarelli, who then charges down the attempted return ball from the right. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

  Newmarket with lots off energy getting players forwards better rushing at the Yaxley defence looking to run through into the area. Eva Coxon up front for Yaxley turning the ball into the path of the advancing Perrin to the right, Caffarelli stepping out to put in the challenge for Newmarket. From another Newmarket offside Yaxley play a good set-piece ball up towards the top of the area, Coxon with Ramm getting the ball in towards goal, racing in low doesn’t trouble Szary. 

Eva Coxon looking to get the ball down for Yaxley Phoenix

  Dryland defending for Newmarket at the back as Yaxley come left Eleni Politis up with Green on the flank looking to make something happen. Dryland again in the right position inside the box to clear as Ramm fires a ball into the six yard box from the right. Green the outlet for Yaxley on the left looking to get thing’s going forwards her attempted diagonal ball seeing Coxon with a chance to run through central, Szary alert out of her area quickly to make the clearance. 

  Mykhaylechko coming on through the middle with Spiers the ball played through for Bradley to attack, Stanyon out of her box rapidly to clear for the visitors. Wayman with another powerful run on the left all the way to the by-line before giving away a foul, Ramm hurt needing treatment but is okay to continue. Spiers taking the ball off Entwistle in the middle driving on pulls the trigger from 20 yards out Upesjure throwing herself in making a superb block. Caffarelli forwards on the left crossing the ball inside for Bradley, looks to turn on the ball, Shephard close in making the blocking challenge.

Yaxley Phoenix captain, Milly Ramm challenging for the ball

  GOAL! The ball spinning out to the left, Wayman getting forwards to add support to Corbyn with Bradley moving out to the flank looking for the pass as players are drawn to the ball, the striker whipping her cross from the top of the area in across the six yard box where Mykhaylechko is stealing in far post unopposed to score a simple tap in to make it 3-0 on the half hour. 

 Bradley causing the Yaxley defence a number of problems coming out wide to get the ball into her feet and turn, Giles taking a knock as she goes into the challenge to slow her down. Messy at the back for Yaxley as Newmarket drop the ball over the top both Bradley and Mykhaylechko are in offside positions but don’t move for the ball as Corbyn races through a static defensive line caught high up the pitch to bare down on the box. Stanyon coming out to close her down doing well to get a leg in to block the ball the defence recovering then for Yaxley to clear as Newmarket fail to carve out a 2nd opportunity with the loose ball.

  GOAL! Yaxley attacking the ball won in the right channel by Caffarelli, Newmarket’s captain playing the ball forwards her well placed clearance finding Mykhaylechko racing on through right side to take the ball on turning inside into the area, closing in on the keeper, Stanyon diving attempting to get hold of the ball, Mykhaylechko taking the ball away from her to the right wide of goal inside the six yard box the angle against her nevertheless sends her strike back across goal to net a 1st half hat-trick 4-0. 

Lidiya Mykhaylechko, bearing own on goal before completing her 1st half hat-trick

  Yaxley on the back foot bring players on getting up and around the Newmarket penalty box putting the ball out to the right Ramm’s ball back inside sliced behind for a corner kick. Played long Newmarket get on the counter attack right side, Stanyon needing to come out of her box to clear the danger. Yaxley make a change bringing off Politis for Maddison Widger. Has been a frustrating first half for Yaxley summed up as Perrin’s forceful challenge as she comes back to help out the defence spins free into the path of Mykhaylechko on the right she races forwards squaring her cross into the six yard box for Bradley central struck on the turn, the shot running narrowly wide of the right post. 

  Shepherd carrying the ball out from the back looks to feed Coxon through in behind the Newmarket defence, Szary again out of her area to clear the threat. Her ball forwards putting Newmarket straight on the counter offensive with Bradley taking the ball forwards, Giles pushing her wide out to the left, Bradley evading the defender to get into the box, Stanyon though has come out to close the angle getting hold of the ball. Szary’s kick out’s from the back have been a feature of the game causing Yaxley some issues, Shepherd dealing with the latest with a firm header to get it back to her keeper to clear. 

Yaxley Phoenix Ladies goalkeeper, Amy Stanyon

 Corbyn with Wayman racing on left side the cross into the box for Bradley looking to see it across her and shoot pulls her effort wide of the far post. Giles pulling up with an injury a pause for treatment for the Yaxley defender. Newmarket finishing the half strong Spiers bringing the ball on through the middle moving left on for Wayman racing forwards travelling into the box shoots her angled drive straight at the keeper. 

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman

Half-time Newmarket Town Women 4-0 Yaxley Phoenix Ladies

  A dominant first half for Newmarket sees the hosts going into the changing rooms leading 4-0 at the break. Getting on the attack right from the start taking the game to Yaxley getting players on through the middle and out wide, scoring an early goal picked the defence apart at times to press the advantage to add a further 3 goals. Yaxley struggling to cope getting pulled out of position on the back foot making it very difficult to get anything going in attack themselves, Yas Green on the left their main outlet the ball though often coming straight back staying out on the pitch alot to discuss if they are to find a way back into the game 2nd half.

  The sun lower in the sky but with a bit of cloud around unlikely to pose an issue with Yaxley’s area now in the shade. The visitors making a change with Giles off, Fatema Baratyan on joining Coxon up front with Green dropping in at centre back. Newmarket also making a change with Katie Hayes on for Corbyn on the left side. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway. The ball put forwards to Hayes running forwards into the left channel, Green heading the ball clear for Yaxley.  Newmarket press up early on at the start of the 2nd half a cross flung into the box from the right dealt with by Ramm for Yaxley. 

Newmarket’s Katie Hayes

  GOAL! Newmarket have player up and around the Yaxley area quickly regain possession the ball back out on the right played inside knocked out to Spiers 25 yards out to the left of the D, catches her strike well sending a shot arching in back towards the far post to nestle in the back of the net extend Newmarket’s advantage 5-0. 

Katie Spiers putting Newmarket into a 5 goal lead

  Barely a minute gone in the 2nd half and Newmarket strengthen their lead a further blow to Yaxley but are determined to press forwards after the restart Perrin latching onto the ball some 30 yards out to the left of goal putting her foot through the ball, looping towards goal her effort cannoning down off the crossbar! 

Yaxley Phoenix midfielder, Jess Perrin

  Newmarket break on the left Spiers bringing the ball on knocked up for Hayes to chase she whips an inviting ball in along the top of the Yaxley area, Bradley racing in appears to be pushed over, however the Newmarket appeals are waved away as the ball is cleared away to the left. Strickland at the back with help from Boyer dealing with Hayes as the 2nd half substitute drives forwards up the left wing. Entwistle on the turn in the middle for Newmarket clipping a well placed pass into Mykhaylechko running on right side, opts for the early strike on the angle, Stanyon already on the move closing the ball down. 

Newmarket’s Katie Spiers with Yaxley’s Isabel Boyer

  Yaxley get the ball moving through the middle, Perrin working it on for Coxon the Baratyan, Caffarelli strong at the back to win the ball back for Newmarket. Green winning the ball at the back well for Yaxley as they look for a better 2nd half performance the ball knocked into the middle, Perrin moving forwards attempting to find Coxon, cut out by Yorko for Newmarket. Green intercepting the ball at the back for Yaxley forwards for Baratyan, attempts to lift it over the top for Coxon, Szary though advancing out of her box to clear.

Newmarket captain, Liv Caffarelli

 Stanyon proving a strong last line of defence for Yaxley as the keeper rushes out to slide in and charge down Bradley as the Newmarket striker spins in behind in the right channel. A corner for Newmarket on the right played in over the keeper, Caffarelli hooking it back in across goal Yaxley clear attempt to break, O’Dwyer winning the ball back for the hosts. Green winning the ball well at the back for Yaxley sending her clearance forwards sees Coxon onside left of the box, scuffs her shot however the chance gone as Szary safely gathers the ball.

   A triple change for Newmarket with the hour approaching with O’Dwyer, Mykhaylechko and Spiers coming off for Ellie Desborough, Molly Agnew and Annabelle Herring. Bradley is fouled by Shepherd top of the circle inside the Yaxley half. Hayes over the set-piece an ambitious effort as she goes for goal, connects with the ball well however her strike not too far over the crossbar. A few signs of encouragement for Yaxley in the 2nd half, Green going into the back line has make it tougher for Newmarket to get the ball in behind that in turn is seeing the ball won higher up the pitch with Perrin in particular looking to drive forwards with it. Yorko and Caffarelli so far reading the attempted forward passes well. 

Sophie Yorko winning the ball for Newmarket

  Shepherd doing well up against Agnew on the right of attack as she looks to get on the end of another superb kick upfield from Szary. Perrin picking up the ball inside the Newmarket half pushing forwards evading a couple of challenges before her progress is halted by Yorko top of the box the ball loose to the right, Ramm latching onto it curling it in towards goal, straight at Szary the keeper holding onto the ball. 

  Caffarelli fouls Perrin to the left of goal 30 yards out as she carries the ball on. Green over the set-piece as players come forwards, spots Shepherd stealing in unmarked into the box left of goal attempts to roll the ball into the defenders path, Shepherd not quite able to take it in her stride. Green making a difference at back for Yaxley plays with her heart on her sleeve cutting out a crossfield pass from Bradley over on the left that would have seen Agnew clear on the right. 

  Shepherd in to head the ball clear for Yaxley, Herring bringing it down in the middle lifting the pass forwards into Bradley central looking to turn, Green closing her down charging down her shot. Hayes screws a shot wide from 25 yards out as Agnew sends it forwards on the right. Hates back out on the left moments later spins in behind to send a cross into the box, Green just about cutting it out, Shepherd clearing behind her. 

Newmarket’s Molly Agnew

  Yaxley growing into the game feeling more confident 2nd half getting players on Boyer in for Perrin out to Ramm advancing on the right wing, sends a cross into the box Coxon on the penalty spot, Yorko putting in the bloc as she goes to shoot. Desborough in the centre for Newmarket playing a great ball out to Hayes on the left she cross fired into the box, skips up off the surface seeing Bradley miss her touch to cushion the ball towards goal. Bradley coming off with 20 minutes left on the clock with Corbyn back on Hayes sent up top to lead the attack 

   Yorko doing well in defence for Newmarket shielding the ball back to Szary as Coxon looks to get after it. Yaxley feeling they can get something from the game much more even in the 2nd half Newmarket defending a comfortable lead not committing as many forwards however. Perrin marauding forwards riding numerous tackles just can’t pick out an orange shirt around the box, both Yorko and Caffarelli intercepting. 

  Szary’s kick out from the back setting Corbyn racing away on the left the game stretched the wingers cross from the by-line going long across goal retrieved by Agnew wide right her looping cross back in Stanyon getting her gloves up to get her fingertips on the ball knocking it down far post quick to snatch it into her body with Corbyn ready to pounce. 

 Hayes comes close to adding a sixth for Newmarket as she is played in by Desborough in the middle right channel 30 yards out strikes the shot in towards goal, looked in but is narrowly over. 10 minutes left to play O’Dwyer back on for Newmarket replacing Dryland. Perrin getting onto the ball driving forwards forced right into the box, riding a tackle stays on her feet, the ball turned behind for a corner kick.

  GOAL! Green comes forwards to take the corner on the right players up into the box a packed six yard area, Green’s delivery perfect put in across the face of goal met by Shepherd at, twists her head to turn the ball in at the far post 5-1. Yaxley pulling a goal back in the 83rd minute.

Zoe Shepherd pulling a late goal back for Yaxley Phoenix

  The goal giving Yaxley renewed energy late in the game, Newmarket still with a 4 goal lead however. Perrin through the middle looking to thread the ball on for Widger breaking into the area right side the pass over hit. Perrin then latching onto a rushed clearance 25 yards out sending her strike over the bar. 

 

  The game moving into the final minute Yaxley looking to press the ball late on Baratyan up with Perrin a corner won on the right players coming forwards as Green sets the ball down another teasing ball in across goal, Szary getting a strong fist on it this time however to knock the ball high into the air, cleared out of the box the final whistle blowing before Yaxley can send it back in.

Full time Newmarket Town Women 5-1 Yaxley Phoenix Ladies

  A 5-1 win for Newmarket sees them jump from 5th to 2nd spot in the Division One North table level on points with leaders Biggleswade. A strong 1st half seeing the host race into an early lead before going on to secure a 4-0 advantage at the break. Getting players forwards stretching the Yaxley defence. Work for the visitors to do made changes at the break, Yas Green dropping into defence made them harder to break down at the back despite the early set back of conceding a 5th goal. Grew into the 2nd half getting the ball forwards Newmarket with a comfortable lead happier to sit back defending their box well for the large part even as Yaxley get forwards better ending the game strong scoring a goal, never settling for damage limitation wanting to get forwards.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Not an easy one to choose certainly from a Newmarket point of view. For Netherton the stand out performer was Yas Green, Whether it be in attack first half on the left or as a stand in centre back in the 2nd half won some vital balls, a pinpoint delivery from the corner for Shepherd to score. Jess Perrin too with a strong game in midfield with some powerful runs on the ball, winning her fair share of tackles looking to create openings. Amy Stanyon too in goal played a large role in keeping the score line down coming out to close the ball down. For Newmarket, Liv Bradley was a handful in attack her movement causing the Yaxley defence problems aswell as some great touches to get her one step ahead of her opponents. Katie Spiers making several good runs from midfield. Lidiya Mykhaylechko taking her hat-trick well getting into space on the right her goals seeing Newmarket to victory. Dominika Szary’s distribution from the back was superb throughout, the award though comes down to the centre backs, Sophie Yorko making several strong challenges and interceptions is just edged out by her captain, Liv Caffarelli wasn’t much that got past her today led from the back with her ball winning and reading of forward passes.

  An enjoyable trip to the Tristel Stadium always a competitive game from the ERWFL good to catch up with some footballing friends. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge City Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Tuesday 22nd March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

 Hot on the heels of the 1st Cup Final of the season, comes the 2nd with a Tuesday night trip to the Abbey Stadium for the Final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup sponsored by S-tech insurance. Cambridge City Ladies the current holders taking on Newmarket Town Women reaching their 1st ever county cup final.

  Looking back to March 2020 the Women’s Invitation Cup on the 5th was to be the last final of the season with the Covid pandemic hitting, seeing the that and the following campaign cut short. Is great to have finals to look forwards to at the end of the season again a busy spell personally but opportunities to win silverware abound with some great contests to look forwards too.

  S-Tech Insurance sponsoring the Invitation Cup competitions have be proud supporters of the woman’s game for close to 15 years now. The Abbey Stadium once again hosting the final, home of Cambridge United FC who have been promoting the woman’s game heavily over the past month with a number of games played at the venue.

This evenings prize

Cambridge City Ladies of FAWNL Division One South East missing out in the final last time out back in 2019. Easing through to the final of the competition this time around. Are looking to become an established side in the 4th tier having been promoted in the season the pandemic hit following a rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid. Traditionally a side that thrives on youth bringing players up through the various age groups with 3 senior sides a Reserves and Development side backing up the first team. Getting themselves up into midtable early on are now 8th with recent results going against them find themselves closer to the relegation zone than they would like with sides gaining late season momentum below a win though and everything changes. Grace Stanley their top scorer with 21 goals so far from 24 appearances.

 Newmarket Town Women are on course for their highest ever league finish in the women’s football pyramid aswell as reaching the County Cup final for the first time. Plying their trade in ERWFL Division One North, are in 2nd spot in the league table having played out their fixtures with the division dropping down to just 7 sides. Can be caught by Biggleswade United Ladies but can finish no lower than 3rd. Again traditionally a young side bringing players up through there youth set-up with a Development side in the division below, have had to do a little rebuilding in recent seasons with players moving on. Have brought in attackers Katie Hayes from Mildenhall Town Women and Lydia Mykhaylechko from Cambridge University Women both with a good return for the season so far 25 goals between them with Katie Spiers also coming in netting 13 from just 12 appearances.

Road to the Final

  A bye for both sides in he 1st round of the Invitation Cup. Cambridge City advancing from the 2nd round without kicking a ball awarded the home win over Leverington Sports Ladies. Newmarket at home to Histon Ladies now of Cambridge Division One after losing a fair number of senior players over the summer. Newmarket strong on the day with Lydia Mykhaylechko scoring a brace along with goal for Jess Linger, Chloe Slater, Katie Hayes, Faith Entwhistle and Katie Spiers in a 7-0 win.

  Big wins for both too in the quarter finals of the competition. Cambridge City at home to Cambridge Division Two title challengers Cambridge Rangers WFC. 4 division between the sides Cambridge City racking up a double figure score line with Grace Stanley netting a hat-trick, a brace each for Lauren Tomlinson and Amy Reed whilst there were 7 other scorers in a 14-1 win. Newmarket drawn away to another Cambridge Division One side, March Town United Ladies. Katie Hayes scoring twice along with goals for Mykhaylechko, Katie Webb and Antonia Smith to see Newmarket into the semi-finals with a 5-0 win.

  The semi-finals saw Cambridge City drawn away from home to take on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds of Cambridge Division One. Karly Tolentino scoring a brace with a goal each from Shannon Shaw and Grace Stanley securing Cambridge City’s place in the final with a 4-0 victory. Newmarket at home to Cambridge Division Two side Park Ladies in the semi-finals Katie Spiers bagging herself a hat-trick as Newmarket went on to reach their first ever county cup final in a 5-1 win. Linger and Mykhaylechko with the other goals.

The Abbey Stadium hosting this evenings Invitation Cup Final

  The Abbey Stadium the venue for this evenings final under the lights. Home of League One side Cambridge United FC. The club itself promoting the women’s game strongly over the past month with thier women’s side playing the first of 2 matches here beating Norwich City Women 1-0 and playing again this coming Sunday against Billericay Town Women. The pitch offering plenty of width a great occasion for both sets of players. The weather perfect for a cup final has been a warm day, dry and mild. 

Cambridge City Ladies

Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson (C), Amy Reed, Jess Evans, Ceri Flye, Mulheron Bronwyn, Hannah Bodily, Ellie Cullum, Lauren Tomlinson, Charlotte Gillies, Amie Fullwood & Grace Stanley. Subs – Karly Tolentino, Freya Goddard, Zynia Delglyn, Bella Ely & Rosie Mead.

Newmarket Town Women

 Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Jess Linger, Kara Wayman, Becca Towler, Liv Caffarelli, Antonia Smith, Chloe Slater (C), Katie Spiers, Katie Hayes, Katie Walker & Lydia Mykhaylechko. Subs – Grace Joslin, Katie Webb, Annabelle Herring, Alex Milner & Faith Entwhistle.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  A decent atmosphere building before kick-off the teams walking out onto the pitch lining up in front of the main stand before shaking hands. It will be Cambridge to kick-off the 1st half wearing white shirts with black trim, black shorts with white trim and black and white hooped socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts and white coloured socks. The ball played back to right back Amy Reed sent long up the line for striker Grace Stanley to chase, see out safely out of play by Newmarket’s Kara Wayman.

Katie Walker on the ball for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Cambridge up on the right a throw in pressuring the Newmarket back line. Winning an early corner players up from the back the ball fizzed in towards the near post cleared out to the right for a throw, as good as a corner with the throwing ability of Lauren Tomlinson. Cambridge building on the left the ball out Tomlinson throwing it long into the box for Stanley, Jess Linger getting in close to defend see the ball out for a goal kick. Bronwyn Mulheron with a commanding defensive header to clear the ball for Cambridge at the back as Newmarket play it long up through the middle.

Newmarket midfielder Antonia Smith (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Pace evident in both sides Newmarket looking for the run of Katie Spiers on the right the pass cut out fed into midfield a quick counter launched the ball in behind for Stanley moving into the left channel into the box brings the ball inside before attempting to curl a shot around the keeper, the ball angling into Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary who catches cleanly. A lively start Cambridge quick to turn play around, Ceri Flye winning the ball at the back out to Tomlinson on the left, Spiers coming back to slide in take the ball away from her.

   Tomlinson gets away moment later down the left flank running on with the ball into the box, Linger getting in close to pressure, the ball running out of play. Pressure in attack from Cambridge midfielders Hannah Bodily and Ellie Cullum playing the ball out to the wings Charlotte Gillies and Tomlinson providing good width forcing Newmarket back into their own box. Becca Towler intercepting a cross from the right starting from deep, Spiers on the right and Katie Hayes on the left are trying to provide passing options on the wings but all too often Cambridge are closing the ball down before the pass can be attempted.

   Jess Evans heading the ball clear from the top of the area as Katie Walker attempts a diagonal pass long from the left for Newmarket. Spiers through the middle quick on for Hayes who plays it on through aiming for Lydia Mykhaylechko the pass intercepted by Mulheron outside the area cleared forwards. Antonia Smith in front of her defence getting in a timely tackle on Stanley as she snatches the ball and looks to drive forwards break through the defence. Cambridge getting numbers forwards in attack out on the right Gillies cross flung in towards the back stick, Newmarket captain, Chloe Slater there to bring the ball down and clear. 

Newmarket defender, Becca Towler (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Linger from distance puts a free-kick wide of the Cambridge goal. The ball regained in the final 3rd Spiers on the right drives on before striking a shot on the angle fired in low towards the near post, Cambridge captain and goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson dropping down to easily gather the ball. Spiers looking lively on the right for Newmarket Slater lifting the ball into her, Evens getting across her the ball back with her keeper. 

  The game quickly switching from one end to the other as both sides break with purpose and pace Newmarket charge the ball down outside their area the clearance seeing Spiers racing after it, Evans with her blocking her early cross. Newmarket’s defence under more pressure with Cambridge regaining possession in midfield with 20 minutes played. Newmarket with a free-kick inside the Cambridge half on the right Linger to float the ball in towards the left, Cambridge defend and hit their opponents on the break, Gillies away on the right with support from Amie Fullwood the pair exchanging passes before Gillies scoops a cross in across goal from the by-line claimed high by Szary.

Cambridge City’s, Hannah Bodily (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Cullum is clattered in the middle trying to bring the ball on referee Ramona Bria playing a good advantage as the ball runs on through to Gillies right of the D, both Towler and Wayman are quick to close her down, Gillies held up getting the ball across to Fullwood inside the area left of goal, strokes a shot low beyond the far post.

  GOAL! Midway through the 1st half and the deadlock is broken Cambridge pressing the Newmarket defence, a misplaced past latched onto the ball fed diagonally out to the left Fullwood getting hold of it turning into the area and moving forwards drilling a shot home on the angle 1-0.

Amie Fullwood with Newmarket’s Liv Caffarelli opening the scoring for Cambridge City

  Cambridge quick to get the ball back from the restart keeping the ball inside Newmarket’s half Mulheron stepping forwards to claim it over half way connecting with the shot some 30 plus yards out, dipping late Szary stretching to make a top draw save tipping the ball over her crossbar for a corner kick. A low shot turned goalwards from the resulting corner Szary can see it out. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 GOAL! 2 minutes after taking the late Cambridge go on to double their advantage. Coming from an error at the back the ball played out to the left by Szary, lost as Fullwood nips in to get hold of the ball powers her way on into the box then smashes a strike across the keeper into the back of the net 2-0.

Amie Fullwood scoring a quickfire double for Cambridge City (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 A frantic few minutes to say the least Newmarket rocked by two quickfire goal against them find themselves under more pressure getting out of shape at the back as Cambridge’s Bodily puts the ball out to Reed on the right on for Gillies forwards her cross looping into the six yard box scrambled away by Liv Caffarelli back to the right Gillies inside the box catching it on the half volley sending her effort wide across the face of goal. 

Slater on the ball through the middle for Newmarket gains ground looking to link with Spiers in front of the Cambridge defence no way through as Mulheron wins the defensive header. Slater looking to try and take the game to Cambridge picking the ball up battling her way on through to the top of the area her scuffed shot running harmlessly through to Hudson. Caffarelli winning the ball at the back well for Newmarket takes it on into midfield, gaining some ground before Bodily closes in with a strong challenge to win the ball. 

  A double switch for Cambridge then with Tomlinson and Gillies coming off, Karly Tolentino and Bella Ely coming on. Newmarket settling down again after conceding getting players further forwards Slater combining with Walker 30 yards out driving forwards into the left channel riding a tackle sending the ball on into the box for Mykhaylechko to attack, Flye shielding the ball for Hudson to gather.

Katie Spiers getting forwards for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Spiers using her pace getting back quickly to slide in tackle Ely as she threatens to take the ball on for Cambridge down the left flank. Spiers has space to run into on the right herself as the midfield lift the ball into her path taking it down on towards the Cambridge area unleashes a shot from 25 yards out on target, however Hudson is behind it all the way. Wayman getting up to support Walker and Hayes on the left winning a throw in the corner Cambridge have numbers back preventing the cross coming in launching a counter play spread to the left Linger blocking Ely’s attempted cross. 

  Smith conceding a free-kick out on the left as she comes across to tackle with Ely linking up with Cullum on the wing. Stanley over the set-piece a good delivery launched in high to the far post a runner late to arrive the ball there to be attacked bounces out of play. Stanley comes off then replaced by Zynia Delglyn. Hayes on the left for Newmarket into Mykhaylechko inside the box back to goal closely marked by Mulheron lays the ball out across the D to Slater bombing on from the middle on the run strikes the ball on target straight at Hudson though the keeper untroubled.

  Into the final 5 minutes of the first half Cambridge with a corner on the right, Newmarket defending but not clearing there line put back into the box the shot finding the back of the net, however it won’t counted the flag raised. Cambridge come again on the right another corner played in near side defended sent back out to the taker cut back towards Delglyn 20 yards out right side her shot bouncing through to goal held by Szary.

Spiers continues to look a threat for Newmarket on the right, Slater in the middle picking her out with space to run into pushing forwards from 25 yards sends a shot on the angle over the crossbar. A short back pass to Szary puts the keeper under pressure top of her box as Fullwood comes streaming in her kick charged down flies up, the bounce favouring Szary who is able to get it into her gloves before Fullwood can capitalise. Delglyn with Cullum through the middle plays the ball into Ely’s path as she breaks into the area left of the D, clipping a shot in towards goal rising, Szary batting it away well to concede the corner.

Cambridge City defender, Amy Reed (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  From the left the corner falling far post his defended by Mykhaylechko. Cafferelli across to challenge winning the ball as Fullwood and Ely link up on the left for Cambridge. Szary with another quality save at her near post tipping the ball over the bar, as Tolentino charging forwards on the right drives in a vicious rising shot. The corner from the left fizzed into the six yard box into Cullum’s chest, difficult to get under control before Newmarket scramble it away. 

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 2-0 Newmarket Town Women

  That the final action of an exciting 1st half. Cambridge going in with a 2-0 lead at the break. Scoring 2 quick fire goals midway through the 2nd half. Could have added more if not for some fine saves from Dominika Szary in the Newmarket goal. Newmarket holding their own against there higher league opponents have been forced back defending deep more often than not making it harder to counter but have soaked up alot of pressure, getting forwards with pace to create a few opportunities of their own none of them troubling Sarah Hudson in goal. A two goal lead at the break as is often the case in a cup tie the next goal could prove crucial.

Cambridge with a triple switch during the half-time interval, Stanley and Tomlinson back on along with Freya Goddard for Evans, Fullwood and Bodily. Newmarket getting the 2nd half underway. Look to play it long through the middle Hayes after it, Flye stepping out of defence the pair collide, Flye coming off the worse, it okay after a pause for treatment. Spiers attacking with the ball at her feet on the right pace her cross in cut out. 

Katie Walker and Freya Goddard battling for the ball (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Tolentino getting the ball into her feet on the right side for Cambridge driving on, twists and turns getting free to lift a cross on the angle into the six yard box Stanley central chesting it down taking it out to the right of goal turning into the shot charged down by Towler out for a corner kick.

GOAL! An early goal at the start of the 2nd half and it goes the way of Cambridge. From the resulting corner the ball is cleared long out to the left side, retrieved by Cambridge possession kept well played into the box from the top of the area, Szary coming for it, Stanley closing in taking the ball past her and slotting it into the bottom corner 3-0.

Grace Stanley scoring early in the 2nd half for Cambridge City Ladies (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 A huge blow to Newmarket at the start of the 2nd half, Cambridge showing there intent coming forwards with determination Tolentino right side looking for Stanley, won well by Smith. A free-kick won by Cambridge top of the D, a dangerous position, Stanley on it drags her attempt wide of the far post. Newmarket’s defence under pressure, Linger defending, the ball quickly won back a corner won on the right. Floated into the six yard box Cafferelli clearing to the left, put back in, the offside flag giving Newmarket some respite.

  Tolentino looking to drive on with the ball, Wayman stopping one attack, Tolentino is soon after her again into the corner squeezed a cross into the near post from the by line, Ely near post close on goal trying to turn it inside the post, Szary there to bat it away her defence clearing. Newmarket make their first change of the game Mykhaylechko coming off for Katie Webb. The substitute with a good tackle 25 yards out to regain possession right side Walker up with her, curling a shot from outside the box wide of the far post. 

Katie Webb with Cambridge City’s Lauren Tomlinson (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Working the ball into the box from a throw on their right Cambridge attack it near post a corner awarded. Defended at the near post cleared outside the box a shot from distance struck back in caught by Szary. Getting out of their half proving difficult for Newmarket Cambridge pressing to quick regain the ball. Newmarket with a 2nd change, Annabelle Herring on for Spiers with an hour played. A free-kick at the back for Cambridge, Cullum helping it on through to the top of the area, Towler does well defending for Newmarket as Stanley closes in.

 Tolentino winning a corner on the right, goes long out to the left a shot from distance on the angle driven wide across the face of goal. Cambridge with a double switch bring Rosie Mead on along with Gillies. A deep cross from the left finding Gillies free inside the box, she puts the ball into the back of the net the flag though is already up. Faith Entwhistle joins the action for Newmarket on for Smith. Cambridge strong in the 2nd half dominating play in the final 3rd.

GOAL! That pressure bringing them a 4th goal a corner on the right side played into the mix cleared at the far post falls to Goddard outside the box 25 yards out, wastes no time getting her shot away the ball rising towards goal, Szary stretching to reach it can’t get enough on it as the ball falls beyond over the goal line 4-0.

Freya Goddard congratulated by her teammates (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Few opportunities to get forwards for Newmarket so far in the 2nd half, getting the ball off a thro on the left Walker turns infield sending it out to Hayes on the right of the area, tries to punch her way through the Cambridge defence but too much traffic her progress halted. Cambridge come left winning a corner kick. The ball flighted into the six yard box turned down towards goal, defended well by the defender on the far post the ball skipping up off her foot into Szary’s gloves. 

 A fluid attack from Cambridge from back to front 4 one touch passes sending the ball on through to Gillies getting free on the right into the box a shot fired in low on the angle Szary down smartly to save push the ball away the the left. Tolentino on that side now getting hold of the ball wide curling a shot back in Szary can’t doing anything saved by base of her far post before being cleared.

Newmarket captain, Chloe Slater (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Into the last 15 minutes another triple switch for Cambridge with Evans, Bodily and Fullwood all returning on for Mulheron, Flye and Stanley. Webb on the right looking to get past Evans sending the ball on for Hayes, Hudson able to claim it, play stopped with a player down on the far side. It’s Evans only just on can’t continue, Mulheron’s rest last all of a minute is sent back on. Evans unable to walk unaided with an ankle injury helped round the pitch. 82 minutes played.

GOAL! The changes opening up the game somewhat, Newmarket’s Slater closing the ball down well in the centre coming on before laying it through for Hayes moving left of the D, moving the ball on to get her shot away sends it low under Hudson to score 4-1.

A cup final goal for Newmarket’s Katie Hayes (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Hayes last action of the game however has picked up a side injury in the process of scoring the goal, with Mykhaylechko coming back on. Alex Milner on too. Cambridge get straight on the attack running down the right a dangerous ball whipped in across the face of goal, Linger with the clearance. Newmarket struggling to clear there lines as Cambridge come on with renewed vigour.

GOAL! Tomlinson getting up on the left to support Tolentino the full back taking the ball on into the corner swivelling well to lift a shot from a acute angle in over Szary to fall inside the goal at the far post 5-1.

Lauren Tomlinson adding a 5th for Cambridge City (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Walker getting onto the ball left side for Newmarket sends it on for Mykhaylechko inside the area, looks to shift inside make room for a shot but can’t shake off Mulheron the centre back tackling to clear the ball away to the left. A crossfield ball for Gillies on the right in cut out by Wayman, Fullwood though is quick to snatch the loose ball but attempting to return it to Gillies catches her offside. 

 Into stoppage time play spread Newmarket giving it a go late on Webb with support from Walker on the right whose angled cross lifted high into the box is claimed securely by Hudson. Caffarelli down having received a head injury but after treatment is okay to come back on. Cambridge with possession on the left see the game out  a shot from distance wide across the area.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies 5-1 Newmarket Town Women

 A strong 2nd half performance from Cambridge in the 2nd half seeing them retain the Invitation Cup with a 5-1 over Newmarket. A two goal lead from the 1st half quickly extended early in the 2nd half with a 4th goal coming past the hour. Newmarket on the backfoot defended stoutly but struggled to get anything going in attack. A well won ball from Slater putting Hayes through on goal giving them the goal they deserved on the balance of play. Cambridge going on to add a 5th. Looked composed throughout getting players forwards using the flanks well and taking the game to Newmarket who can be proud of their performance in their first County Cup Final a great occasion, mistakes seeing Cambridge score, the defence battled hard throughout Szary with a number of quality saves to keep them in it.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, and boy is this a tough one. Some great performances all over the park. Let’s begin with Newmarket can’t single out a single defender as they all put in a shift keeping Cambridge at bay. Dominika Szary with some great saves. Chloe Slater winning the ball in midfield looking to take the game forwards, Katie Spiers on the right a willing runner with pace offering a pass whenever Newmarket could break. All round it was a strong squad performance from Cambridge which will give them confidence going forwards. Bronwyn Mulheron was strong at the back didn’t give anything away. Ellie Cullum and Hannah Bodily prevented Newmarket getting out through the middle on several occasions. Used the flanks well particularly strong in the 2nd half, and a good portion of that dominance was down to Karly Tolentino with some forceful running on the ball creating a number of chances. This evenings Player of the Match.

  Congratulation to Cambridge City Women on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

 An enjoyable evening at the Abbey Stadium an entertaining final. My thanks to both sides with their help tonight along with that of the Cambridgeshire FA, Abbey Stadium staff and particularly, Chris Abbott much appreciated. Updated with photo’s courtesy of Sean Doyle again much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

 

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 1st November

ERWFL League Cup

Cup action this Sunday in the featured match on Women’s Football East with a trip down into Suffolk to watch a game from the 2nd Round of the ERWFL League Cup, AFC Sudbury Women v Newmarket Town Women.

  The two ERWFL Division One sides meeting at the Kings Marsh Stadium a little under a month since a dramatic game in the FA Women’s Cup that saw Newmarket edge Sudbury out 4-2 on penalties after the 90 minutes finished all square at 3-3. Victory today for either seeing them reach the last 16 of the ERWFL League Cup one o 4 sides from Division One to join the 12 Premier Division sides in the next round.

Has been quite a while since I last saw AFC Sudbury Women in action were still Sudbury Ladies in fact. Has been something of a rebuilding of the side since it was relegated from the ERWFL Premier Division. Playing in ERWFL Division One South this season having been in the North previously. AFC Sudbury football club featuring an academy for both boys and girls have been one of the leading forces for women’s football in Suffolk in recent seasons and Suffolk as a whole has seen a healthy grow for women’s football of late. A strong start to the season for AFC Sudbury Women despite a narrow 3-2 defeat on the opening day are 3rd in ERWFL Division One South are unbeaten since 5 league and cup matches if you don’t count the penalty shootout loss to Newmarket. Two league wins out of three lay 3rd in the table a point behind title contenders Millwall Lionesses and Hutton Ladies. Beat Suffolk rivals East Bergholt United Ladies 5-0 in the 1st Round of the League Cup. A new Reserves sides entering the Suffolk Women’s Premier Division this season.

That penalty shootout win part of a fantastic run for Newmarket Town Women in this season’s FA Women’s Cup beginning with a memorable win in the extra preliminary round over higher league opponents Wymondham Town Ladies form the Premier Division, again drawing after 90 minutes winning the resulting shootout. Advancing through two more rounds with wins against Bungay Town Ladies and Sudbury before the run was ended by FAWNL South East Division One side Norwich City Women. One of just six sides now competing in Division One North is a league where all six sides are capable of challenging for the title, have won one and lost twice in the 3 games played so far. A strong youth section within the club, with a Development sides several players have stepped up to the first team in recent seasons. Won 4-1 away to Division One South side Stevenage FC Women Development in the 1st Round of the League Cup.

The game being played at AFC Sudbury’s, King’s Marsh Stadium. The large 3G pitch surrounded on all sides a large newly built clubhouse and kitchen to one side with a covered seated stand, a terraced stand opposite with the viewing area’s behind both goals covered. Covid restrictions well in place. A youth game taking place as I arrived an hour before kick-off a nasty injury in the game seeing it running late delaying the kick-off for today’s cup clash. Alot of rain recently but I didn’t think the ground would be affected. Dull and overcast with a little rain in the air a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch would affect the flight of the ball.

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Ciara Roberts, Faith Candice, Jodie Donely, Amanda Short (C), Brogan McHale, Maisie Goodwin, Megan Partridge, Georgia Thorpe, Amber Provan, Amy Thompson & Tye Smith. Subs – Teigan McHale, Hannah Stephenson, Rebecca Stephenson, Evie Creaton & Isabella Crawford.

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Layla Weston, Beth Woodfield (C), Rebecca Towler, Jess Linger, Chloe Slater, Katie Webb, Katie Hayes, Gemma Moore & Annabel Cuthbert. Subs – Tash Patten, Kaitlin Elsey, Liv Caffarelli, Hannah Doyle & Megan Spurrell.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The game eventually able to get underway a little after 2pm, it’s Newmarket to get the first half in their change strip as both sides wear yellow, the visitors in an all red kit today with Sudbury in their all yellow kit featuring an array of squad numbers from 3 to 57. Annabel Cuthbert playing the ball back to midfielder Chloe Slater she plays it long out to the left looking for the run of Katie Hayes, Sudbury full back Faith Candice in quickly to close her down prevent her skipping in behind her challenge taking the ball out for a Newmarket throw. A positive start from the visitors Newmarket pressing high closing the Sudbury defence down forcing a throw deep on the right.

 Newmarket’s Katie Webb fresh from riding her first winner at Leicester Races earlier in the week combines with Gemma Moore up the line on the right exchanging passes before Moore attempts to pick out Cuthbert making a near post run, the Sudbury defence blocking can’t get it clear Newmarket push numbers into the final third, Cuthbert central 20 yards out unable to get a Jess Linger ball down under control and hit on the turn as Brogan McHale closes her down for Sudbury, Slater pressing keeping the attack alive the ball played out to Layla Weston getting forwards on the right the full back sending in a cross from 25 yards out Cuthbert getting hold of it this time inside the area takes it to her right intending to shoot, Sudbury captain Amanda Short at centre back getting on her shoulder tackling to send the ball behind for a corner kick. 

Sudbury defender, Brogan McHale

   GOAL! Newmarket hammer home there fast start opening the scoring inside 4 minutes. The corner put in by Linger from the right defended by McHale at the far post, the hosts can’t break however as Newmarket are quick to close the ball down turn play around the ball played out to the left side nudged on for Cuthbert finding space inside the box top left corner, opens up her body to send a curling effort high across the diving keeper into the far corner of the net 0-1.

Annabel Cuthbert with the early strike to give Newmarket the lead

  Sudbury yet to have any meaningful possession inside their opponents half fire a warning shot across their bow straight from the restart the ball out to Amy Thompson running clear on the left has support from Tye Smith the ball put across the top of the Newmarket box, Georgia Thorpe running with it before putting her foot throw the ball from the top of the D, her shot straight at Dominika Szary, the Newmarket keeper catching it cleanly. Newmarket left back Holly Dryland finding herself in space strikes the ball across field as Webb makes the run on the opposite flank, picks her out superbly (if catching her on the side of the head and sending her sprawling was the intention) nevertheless having been poleaxed Webb is okay to continue. 

Newmarket’s Holly Dryland playing the ball forwards

  Newmarket regain possession in the middle Slater taking it on with Moore ahead of her peeling right attempts the diagonal ball into the box for Cuthbert, Candice intercepting setting up a Sudbury attack forwards for Maisie Goodwin taking it on plays it forwards towards Smith, Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield defending at the back, plays it long for Hayes away to the left her touch knocking it on gets in behind before checking back inside to take on the strike from the angle 20 yards out lifts her strike over the crossbar. A good battle shaping up in the centre of the park Linger winning it for Newmarket passes to Hayes out on the left, crosses early too close to the goalkeeper, Ciara Roberts with a confident claim high at her near post.

Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield clearing the ball ahead of Sudbury attacker Tye Smith

   Goodwin’s turn to get the better of the midfield battle coming away with the ball at her feet into the Newmarket half lays it on for Thompson left side, a clever touch seeing her take the ball in behind the Newmarket defence into the area but can’t win the race to the ball before Szary can come off her goal line lay claim to the ball. Newmarket continue to press the Sudbury defence on the ball McHale with limited options as she is closed down by Cuthbert outside the box turning back into the box the striker nipping in to take the ball off the centre back 8 yards out gets a shot away but is a tame effort along the ground Roberts down to smother it inside her six yard box. 

Gemma Moore looking to get away with the ball for Newmarket in attack

 Goodwin tracking back tackles Webb inside her box bringing the ball away plays a fantastic long range pass up to Smith in attack the striker getting hold of the ball looking to take on the Newmarket centre backs Rebecca Towler slowing her progress as Woodfield comes in to make the tackle. Candice stepping up wins the ball intended for Hayes from Dryland at the back space to run into has good vision to pick out the run made by Smith peeling off Towler’s shoulder to get into the box right of the D, pulls the trigger early her strike racing wide behind at the left post. 

Sudbury’s Amy Thompson

 Thompson with a powerful run with the ball on the left in attack does well to win Sudbury a corner kick. A cluster of players gathered at the top of the box Newmarket keeping 3 up to occupy the Sudbury defence. The delivery from the left in central Thorpe jumping nodding it down towards goal, Weston defending the post scrambling the ball away to safety. 20 minutes played the game starting to level out Sudbury finding more time on the ball have to stay alert, Jodie Donley doing just that at left back as Cuthbert coming deep to receive the ball into her feet turns brilliantly to send it forwards for Webb attempting to run clear on the right side, Donley cutting it out. 

Newmarket’s, Katie Webb

 Newmarket having make a fantastic start, unsettling Sudbury the hosts starting to get hold of the ball centrally, Goodwin tenacious supported well by Megan Partridge locking horns with Linger and Slater. Goodwin’s pass long for Thompson left plays it inside for the advancing Smith who in turn plays a diagonal ball into the area looking for Thorpe far side, running in with Dryland on her shoulder the Newmarket left back defending well. Thompson and Smith combining as they come forwards for Sudbury left side Thompson inside to Smith bombs on up the wing Smith picking her out gets into the area near post to receive the cross flashes a ball across the face of goal Thorpe running in far post can’ t quite get there. 

Newmarket’s Jess Linger and Chloe Slater combine to win the ball

 Partridge getting forwards to the edge of the area as Sudbury win a throw high on the right sees the ball rolled into her feet lets fly from 20 yards out right of the D fires her shot over the bar. Amber Provan nips in to regain possession for Sudbury 30 yards out, attempts to play in Thorpe to her right, goes on into the area, Dryland lunging in with and outstretched leg taking the ball away from her.

  GOAL! Newmarket double there lead on the half hour getting forwards win a corner on the left. Push players forwards into the box the delivery put in across goal into the six yard box Cuthbert, Webb and Slater all gathered at the far post the ball knocked down to the floor is loose for a second, Woodfield closest the quickest to react stabbing the ball in over the line at close range 0-2.

Beth Woodfield (5) quickest to the loose ball to put Newmarket 2 nil up

 Sudbury ring the changes using all five substitutes as Evie Creaton, Hannah Stephenson, Teigan McHale, Isabella Crawford and Rebecca Stephenson enter the game coming on for Smith, Provan, Brogan McHale, Candice and Thompson. Other players moving position too the intent to cause an impact Sudbury are on the attack Creaton central onto the ball rolled out to Crawford on the right side firing in an early cross into the box, Woodfield tracking back clearing inside her own six yard box. Newmarket clear their back line left side long with Cuthbert moving into the channel does well getting the bouncing ball under control holding it up as team mates races forwards in support slipping inside lifts a cross into the area, Slater arriving on the penalty spot stooping to head the ball wants to loop it over the keeper, not easy and succeeds in dropping it into Roberts gloves instead.

   GOAL! The substitutes having the desired effect as Sudbury pull a goal back injecting pace into side clear there defence the ball played on into the middle Crawford racing onto it taking it on plays a superb ball through to Partridge leading the attack now having peeled into the right channel sees the ball into her run sets herself and lets fly from inside the box keeping it low races pass Szary into the back of the net 1-2.

Megan Partridge moving into attack pulls it back to 2-1 for Sudbury

 Sudbury have sharpened up are pressing Newmarket at the back as much as the visitors were to them at the start of the game forcing errors. Goodwin in the middle tackling to get another attack going comes left on for Creaton, looks to go on Weston getting back on her doing well to force her run away from goal Creaton still managing to square a cross into the six yard box, Szary at full stretch diving to get her gloves on the ball with both Partridge and Crawford coming in. 

  Newmarket bringing players forwards for a corner Sudbury defending look to break Thorpe outside the area getting hold of the ball taking it forwards covering alot of ground before sending it out to Partridge away to her right, 25 yards out comes back inside closing in on the area, strikes the ball her shot angling wide across the face of goal. Into the last 5 minutes of the first half. Teigan McHale blocking a cross fired into the box from the left fired in by Dryland as she goes beyond Hayes. The game intense both sides closing each other down looking for openings both defences being kept on their toes. Rebecca Stephenson bringing the ball under control centrally 25 yards attempts to thread it through for Partridge, Towler throwing a leg out intercepting outside the box.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 1-2 Newmarket Town Women

  Newmarket with a fast start putting Sudbury under pressure at the back closing the ball down capitalising with an early goal. Unsettling the hosts took Sudbury a while to find their rhythm, before the game settled into a more even contest Newmarket continuing to create chances doubling their lead on the half hour. Sudbury responding with 5 changes, making an immediate impact pulling a goal back setting up an intriguing 2nd half.

Maisie Goodwin bringing the ball away in midfield for Sudbury

   Newmarket’s turn to ring the changes at the start of the 2nd half making 4 substitutions, on come Kaitlin Elsey, Tash Patten, Hannah Doyle and Megan Spurrell, replacing Webb, Moore, Hayes and Linger. Sudbury to get the 2nd period underway. Look to get the ball left, find no joy as Weston gets control of the ball plays it inside for Woodfield to launch upfield. Elsey peeling into space on the left for Newmarket in attack checks back inside to attack the box her cross cut out the loose ball gathered by Doyle 20 yards out central hits it hard, Short with the block. 

 The visitors pressing at the start of the 2nd half keep the pressure on in the final 3rd Doyle into the box left side shooting on the angle Roberts on her line down to make the save. Short does well inside her box defending against Elsey as the Newmarket attack looks to take her on entering the box left of the D.

  GOAL! Defending one end Sudbury get straight on the attack the ball out from the back wide to Crawford in space attacking right side plays a great diagonal pass into the box for Partridge making the run in behind advancing on the keeper, slots the ball along the ground wide of her to equalise early in the 2nd half 2-2.

Megan Partridge equalises for Sudbury early in the 2nd half

  Tash Patten is brought down in a dangerous position for Newmarket 25 yards out from the Sudbury goal the referee awarding a free-kick. With Linger off, it’s Slater on the set piece takes on the shot over the wall dips too soon making it a straight forward catch for Roberts. Minutes after equalising Sudbury are celebrating once again thinking they’ve taken the lead, almost a carbon copy of that goal today Crawford racing clear on the right sending the ball through to Partridge inside the box in behind the defence, the flag is up straight away however even before the ball nestles in the back of the net, the celebrations cut short.

  Crawford and Creaton lively on the right side for Sudbury, the former pushing on into the area from the wing, Towler coming across to slide in take the ball away for a corner. Defended Newmarket attempt to break, Sudbury close the ball down well centrally press the attack to win a corner on the right. Rebecca Stephenson with an inswinging delivery trying to use the wind to her advance goes long through the crowded six yard box to strike the far post, rebounded out towards the top of the area a shot fired back in is blocked spins away for a corner on the left. Another good delivery inswinging towards the near post, Szary with a good leap punching it away to safety.

  Patten with a risky but nevertheless good sliding tackle just inside the box against Partridge denies the attacking a shot on goal as the ball is send into her feet from the left. Sudbury with the brighter start 2n half keep the ball inside the Newmarket half Goodwin onto Rebecca Stephenson. A free kick awarded 30 yards out to the right of goal, Rebecca Stephenson on it blasts over. The host pressing well in the final 3rd win a corner on the left, the delivery long over everyone retrieve by Goodwin beyond the far post flashes a cross through the six yard box Partridge far post can’t get a telling touch runs through to the corner taker, Rebecca Stephenson shifting it onto her right foot inside the box shoots on the angle the ball bulging the side netting.

Sudbury’s Rebecca Stephenson coming forwards with the ball

 An hour played a lively contest between two battling sides no let up from either, Patten on the wrong end of a strong challenge in the middle, Slater to play the free-kick into the box taking a deflection on it’s way past goal winning Newmarket a corner. Elsey up attacking the far post can’t get her header on target. Sudbury ring the changes once again, Brogan McHale, Provan, Candice, Thompson an Smith back on for Goodwin, Partridge, Short, Thorpe and Donely. Newmarket making a change too Woodfield off at the back on comes Liv Cafferelli. The flood lights coming on as the light starts to fade. 

Newmarket’s Chloe Slater

  Newmarket get on the attack Slater on for Cuthbert getting clear in the middle running clear on goal opening up for her has Elsey running with her to the right opts to cross set her up the weight of the ball a little to heavy evading her. Patten having picked up a couple of knocks for Newmarket is replaced by Linger. The visitors get an attack going the ball out to Spurrell on the right peeling off the shoulder of the last defender into the box shoots low Roberts well placed to drop onto the ball make the save. A triple change for the visitors Newmarket bringing off Weston, Cuthbert an Slater, Webb, Hayes and Moore retuning to the action. 

  Creaton getting hold of the ball well for Sudbury causing Newmarket problems on the right sees the ball into her feet off a throw in turns inside to play in a cross to Smith centrally outside the area, Cafferelli getting in front of her well to win the ball back. Creaton skipping on past her marker right side sends a diagonal ball into the area long for Thompson far side, closing in on goal from the left, Szary closing down the angle down smartly to save low, her defence scrambling the loose ball away. 

GOAL! Into the final 20 minutes Sudbury have upped their game 2nd half pushing on in attack win another corner on the left, players gathering at the top of the area to make runs as Rebecca Stephenson places the ball, flights it in towards the near post six yards out, Creaton has snuck in unchecked leaping to nod the ball down into the ground and bounce up over the line into the roof of the net 3-2.

Evie Creaton scores to put Sudbury into a 3-2 lead

  It’s competitive there are some strong challenges out there a little niggle too creeping into the game. Elsey is hurt in one such challenge and needs to come off, Cuthbert retuning to the action as the game enters the final 10 minutes. Provan gets back well to tackle Hayes as she looks to gather the ball into her feet in attack on the left drive at the defence for Newmarket. The host win a free-kick in a dangerous position left of the D a yard outside the box, Rebecca Stephenson placing the ball, strikes it well racing in on target, a superb attempt, an equally superb save by Szary getting across her goal diving to her right throwing out a glove to palm the ball behind conceding the corner. 

  The corner defended Newmarket can’t get the ball forwards Sudbury are closing everything down working hard to regain possession. Hayes threatening to run in behind catching Sudbury with a high line, goalkeeper Roberts comes running out of her box to win the race and clear the danger. Szary at the other end has to come racing out to the top of her box to as a looping ball is played forwards, to risky to attempt handling it ha to get her head on the bouncing ball cleared but not far Crawford 30 yards out attempts to take advantage catch the keeper off her line the shot however off target dropping wide of the post. Dryland across to dive in halts a Sudbury attack as they press numbers on through the middle.

 Moments later Dryland pulls up looks like cramp but very painfully the Sudbury bench helping her off the pitch, Slater is sent back on with 5 minutes left to play. Rebecca Stephenson a threat in any dead ball situation Sudbury are drawing their fair share of free-kicks aswell as giving them away. This though is adding up to time lost as Newmarket frustratingly cant get the ball into their attackers late on. Creaton on the ball good close control as she dribbles towards the Newmarket area taking players on is clipped right on the edge of the area. Rebecca Stephenson placing it right of the D, strikes it early, Szary not set but the attempt is wasted racing wide past the left post. Stoppage time being played Rebecca Stephenson left rolls it on for Smith in attack, puts Cafferelli under pressure as she attempts to shield it back to Szary, the clearance put straight to Stephenson she strikes it wide across goal. Creaton holding it up in the corner as the final whistle blows.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 3-2 Newmarket Town Women

  Sudbury come back from 2-0 down to win the game 3-2 in the 2nd half to reach the last 16 of this season’s ERWFL Cup. A highly entertaining contest between two evenly matched sides. Newmarket quick out of the blocks taking an early lead going 2 up on the half hour. Sudbury ringing the changes pulling a goal straight back to trail 2-1 at half-time scored early in the 2nd half and maintained there strong start to the 2nd period to go on and find the winning goal whilst doing well to limit Newmarket’s opportunities up the other end.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Again another tough one to decide, rarely are they easy, but that’s the nature of the game. A few contenders for Newmarket, Beth Woodfield was strong at the back making several important tackles as was Chloe Slater in the middle, getting forwards well too. For Sudbury Megan Partridge came into her own taking over in attack getting into some great positions, scoring twice to level the scores. Evie Creaton too with a great performance getting hold of the ball setting up numerous attacks and keeping the momentum with Sudbury scoring the winning goal. The award though goes to Maisie Goodwin had an excellent game in midfield, battling hard winning the ball and when she did having the vision and range of passing to find her attackers.

  If it is to be my last game for a while an excellent match to leave it one highly entertaining from the first minute to the last plenty of talent on display a great advert for the ERWFL. My thanks to both sides for the all important teams details as always much appreciated.