Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

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Wednesday 23rd April

ERWFL Division One North

Heading down the A1065 this Wednesday evening for a spot of midweek football action from ERWFL Division One North, to Mundford Road to watch Thetford Town Ladies versus Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies.

The football season rapidly drawing to a close with just a handful of matches left in the ERWFL, final positions to jostle for, Mulbarton moving above Thetford at the weekend up to 6th in the Division One North table with 4 league games left to play, Thetford with just 2 more to go, having beaten Mulbarton earlier in the season in the reverse fixture, the pair meeting just a fortnight ago in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, Mulbarton securing a 3-0 win in the 2nd half to make it to their 4th county cup final in 5 season’s.

Thetford Town Ladies near to completing their 2nd season playing in the ERWFL, looking to build on a 6th placed finish in their debut season in regional, have established themselves in the league without finding the consistency they would have liked a mixed bag of results a run of 4 straight defeats putting a dent in what looked a good push for a top 5 finish. A strong squad with a healthy bland of experience and youth haven’t always had the full compliment to pick from, Mollie O’Callaghan coming to the club this season the top scorer with 7 goals so far, Alice Collins captaining the side now, next highest scorer with 6 goals. Megan Haynes has 5 to her name while, Melissa Boulton, Olivia Dunne and Caitlin Skipper all have 4 each.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies joining the ERWFL along side Thetford last season having won the Norfolk Women’s Division One title the previous two seasons. Finishing 3rd in the table in their 1st season in regional football, have had a more difficult 2nd season, Seeing several games called off earlier in the season, players not getting the run of matches to aid both fitness and development, the 1st team bringing in several younger player to the squad this season, a mixed bag of results early in the season, injuries playing a part too, have turned things around in recent weeks losing just 1 of their last 8 league games to climb away from the bottom end of the table and move past Thetford into 5th position having been awarded a home win with the recent withdrawal of Whittlesey Athletic Ladies from the league. Rebekah Lake as ever the leading scorer for Mulbarton, out injured for a spell earlier in the campaign still has 14 goals from her 17 appearances. Midfielder, Alanta Griffith with 6 goals to her name. 

Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road Stadium the venue for this evenings match, the clubhouse open leading into the ground, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. Out into the stadium itself a covered seated stand over the changing rooms beside, with standing viewing all round the grass pitch, slightly sloped. A sunny end to the day the sun setting behind one end of the ground, no rain forecast.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Keileigh Dixon, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Mollie O’Callaghan, Fran Peeling, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler, Olivia Dunne, Alice Collins (C), Hannah Rogers, Megan Haynes & Caitlin Skipper. Subs – Zoe Klimcke, Ella Swift, Dayna Howard & Niamh Underhill.

Thetford Town Ladies

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Meg Gowing, Holly Farrow, Leah Brown, Lucy Lincoln, Melissa Belsey, Victoria McNorton, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Alanta Griffith, Sophie Jermy & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs – Laura Goodfield, Tallie Chillystone, Scarlett Derrett, Izzy Noakes & Molly Stevenson.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Rebekah Lake and Alice Collins with this evenings referee Michael Clark

 Both sides with a long trip to Bedfordshire on Sunday with contrasting results, Thetford travelling with just 10, battled hard but came home empty handed losing 2-0 to AFC Dunstable, while Mulbarton ran in 6 goals without reply at Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses. Both sides nevertheless with good sized squads for this evenings game, Mulbarton choosing to have the low sun at their backs with Thetford kicking off the first half wearing their claret coloured kit with blue trim on the shirts. Mulbarton in their away colours wearing aquamarine coloured shirts with grey shorts and socks. The ball played back into defence, Mollie O’Callaghan sending a probing ball into the left channel for Caitlin Skipper up front to attack, Melissa Belsey cutting it out to clear at the back for Mulbarton the ball helped on in midfield lifted into the left channel for Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake, Fran Peeling intercepts in defence for the hosts.

  Mulbarton quick to close the ball down central Laura Hedtke with a wild lash at the ball, sending a shot flying over the Thetford goal from range. Thetford goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon retrieving the ball, announcing it has picked up a puncture and is going flat, referee Michael Clark calling for a replacement, play continues. Thetford moving in to close the ball down central Olivia Dunne with captain, Alice Collins the ball sent forwards, Mulbarton goalkeeper Megan Gowing quickly out of her area to reach the ball first as Skipper races in behind the defence.

  Play turned around Mulbarton seeing the ball into Alanta Griffith in the midfield controls and turns to clip a pass out into the left flank with Sophie Jermy on the move, looks to have times her run perfectly to get away in behind, the Thetford defence just holding their line however the flag going up against her. Thetford pushing up as a team, Mulbarton winning the ball back outside there area looking to set up a quick counter the ball from Hedtke fed on for Griffith, looks to lift it on for Lake up top, Sausha Levy-Twomey getting her head on the bouncing ball to clear for Thetford.

 Thetford pressing on the left Hannah Claughton getting up to win the ball back on for Hannah Rogers taking it on plays a pacy diagonal ball into the top of the area for Skipper to attack, Belsey closing her down timing her tackle to get hold of the ball top of her area. Rolled into Victoria McNorton in midfield for Mulbarton looks immediately for the run from Lake up front the ball clipped on through the middle, just a little too much on it as Dixon comes out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball.

Thetford goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon

   A tentative start to the game both sides testing out the other with probing balls, Thetford pushing up as a unit, Peeling cutting out an attempted ball from Griffith central out to Jermy left side. Frustration for Mulbarton again as Ellie Hunter nips in to regain possession off of a Thetford throw opening up her body to slide the ball on for Jermy on the move left side, as again the flag goes up against her.

Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

  Skipper lively in attack for Thetford making some good runs into the channels, the diagonal ball comes into her on the right side, taking it on, Lucy Lincoln moving in on her to tackle for Mulbarton. Thetford pressing the ball in the final 3rd Skipper with Megan Haynes out on the right, Collins getting forwards to offer support, Hunter attempting to get to her as the pass from Haynes comes into her 20 yards out, the pair coming together, Hunter looking to have gone down awkwardly, in some discomfort play stopped not looking good can’t continue walking gingerly as she is helped off the pitch Scarlett Derrett coming on.

 The resulting free-kick played on by Lincoln into the middle Griffith looking to turn the ball out to Jermy on the left, Peeling cutting the pass out for Thetford. Claughton bringing the ball on left side for Thetford fed forwards into Dunne looking to get forwards, Leah Brown in to close her down putting the ball out for a throw in. Thetford battling for possession putting in the tackles in the middle, Haynes light with a good turn on the ball to send the ball racing up the channel for Skipper to chase down, Belsey coming across to make the challenge inside the ball turning the ball behind for a corner kick.

  The delivery from the right flashed on through the six yard box to the far post before being struck back over the crossbar. Lively Thetford pressing Mulbarton looking to turn play around quickly the host defence having to be alert to the ball being helped on through the middle, Griffith trying to find Lake in attack, Levy-Twomey getting her head on the ball for Thetford to keep the ball inside the opposition half. 

Thetford’s Mollie O’Callaghan

 

 O’Callaghan stepping forwards in defence for Thetford playing a high line to charge the ball down the rebound coming to Collins central lifts it into the box with Haynes breaking forwards on the right, Gowing composed keeping her eye on the bouncing ball to see it safely into her gloves. The game a little heated at times Thetford working hard to disrupt Mulbarton get hold of the ball, Haynes in particular providing a good outlet on the right, Holly Farrow getting across to close her down for Mulbarton as she looks to drive on off off a cross-field ball from Dunne. 

  Skipper releasing Haynes out on the right to take the ball on in behind whips an inviting cross into the box, Gowing laying claim to the ball. Play drawn over the the left as Thetford fight to get the ball forwards, Haynes free in space to the right the diagonal pass coming into her path surges forwards up the wing cutting a cross back into the area, just behind Skipper racing in central runs onto Collins beyond outside the box, meeting it first time sends her strike crashing over off the crossbar!

Mulbarton’s Holly Farrow in to tackle Thetford’s Megan Haynes

 

  Mulbarton work the ball on well through the middle McNorton into Griffith linking up with Jermy the ball lifted on sees Lake burst in behind Thetford, looks to be away timing her perfectly, but no, the flag is up against her. Griffith getting the ball into her feet for Mulbarton on the turn lays it into the path of Jermy looking to break clear in behind wide left taking the ball on clips a cross into the top of the area, Lake racing onto the ball turns it goal wards the ball rolling agonisingly wide of the left post.

  Griffith trying her luck from range for the visitors the ball held onto by Dixon back in the Thetford goal. Mulbarton looking to up things Griffith looking to push on further forwards coming left strong on the ball attempting to lift it over the defence for Jermy, Chandler getting her head to the ball to cut out the ball for Thetford. 

 Thetford attack through the middle, Collins on with Haynes the ball rolled onto Skipper left corner of the area held up by Belsey, laid back to Collins to run onto the ball 20 yards out, strikes the ball wide of the near post. Thetford getting a corner out on the left the ball sent into the top of the area, the Mulbarton defence rushing out making a series of blocks to prevent a shot, attempt to break out themselves left side Chandler in to close the ball down keep Thetford in the front foot.

  Hedtke playing the ball up to Griffith back to goal on halfway, turns well to lift it over the top play Lake in behind racing clear, Dixon though comes racing out of her area getting there in the nick of time to clear for Thetford. Peeling busy in the Thetford defence coming across on the cover as Mulbarton build on the right to challenge Lake turn the ball out for a throw in. Skipper full of pace up top for Thetford looking to get onto the end of a Rogers pass, strikes the ball wide of the left post from all of 25 yards out. Lively competitive through the middle, McNorton on for Griffith, Lake looking to moving inside from the right, Peeling intercepting the through ball for Thetford.

GOAL! Thetford bringing the ball on through the middle with pace, Skipper taking it on left of the D, bearing down on the box, Belsey stepping in to make the blocking tackle the ball spinning across the top of the area out to the right, Haynes latching onto the ball whipping a cross back into the mix, Collins running onto the ball to meet it 10 yards out smashing the ball past the keeper and on into the back of the net to open the scoring 1-0.

Thetford captain, Alice Collins firing Thetford into the lead

Thetford in front with almost half an hour played in the first half, Mulbarton look for a quick response Griffith on for Hedtke linking up with Derrett through the middle, Levy-Twoney getting the challenge in to win the ball back for Thetford. Derrett inside for Lake coming in field from the right 25 yards out sends it on for Griffith to turn onto the shot, does get a clean connection as she falls back the ball in low easily gathered by the keeper.

  Chandler under pressure at the back for Jermy as she attacks left side does well to get the ball back, then Jermy comes off worst as she and Collins go in on a 50/50 ball outside the area. Thetford getting the ball on up the right Skipper over to combine passes with Haynes who wins her side a corner. Curled in across the six yard back cleared back out to the corner taker on the right, curled into the near post Hedtke getting her foot on the ball to launch clear for Mulbarton.

  Thetford’s defence pushed up at times so they have to be alert to the counter attack the ball put on through the middle with lake never still looking to make a run off a defender nip in behind, Levy-Twomey with another vital interception to head the ball back for the hosts. Peeling breaking up a Mulbarton attack sending the ball on up the right channel for Rogers, Farrow lunging in to halt her advance for Mulbarton.

  Mulbarton play the ball on through the middle McNorton working well with Griffith pushing the ball into her moving forwards to take on the return pass laying it out to Derrett wide right she takes the shot on from the angle low driving into the near post, Dixon down at her near post to gather the ball into her gloves.

  Mulbarton push on down their right Derrett charging to the by-line her cross deflected behind by Claughton. Lifted into the near side, Peeling getting her head on the ball to send behind for another corner. Clipped in near side again knocked down to the top of the area, Griffith onto the ball looks to hold up turn to release a shot, charged down by Chandler, comes back to Griffith already falling tries to get hold off it but can’t keep it down over for a goal kick.

  Mulbarton making a double change with McNorton and Jermy coming off, on come Luka Goodfield and Izzy Noakes coming on. O’Callaghan in defence for Thetford stepping in to win the ball, comes to Haynes central feeds it across to Skipper left of the D, moves forwards, Belsey in to close her down, the ball rebounding back to Collins to hit from range, strikes the ball over the crossbar.

  Dixon needing to race out of her box to win the clearance as Lake threatens to out pace the defence as Mulbarton turn play around in the middle. Mulbarton pushing players on late in the first half lake to Griffith right of the D, looks to lift a deft ball back into the box, Peeling cutting it out for Thetford. 

 GOAL! Mulbarton looking to get the ball on rapidly through the middle, Griffith racing forwards breaking in behind the defence in the clear, no flag raised, Dixon comes racing out to try and close her down but can’t get there as Griffith lobs the ball over the keeper to see it bounce on through to the goal beyond to level up the scores 1-1.

Alanta Griffith sending the ball over the advancing keeper to equalise for Mulbarton

 Mulbarton with their tails up equalising late in the first half press the ball through the middle Noakes on for Griffith strong on the ball looks for Lake up top, Peeling getting to the ball first to clear for Thetford. Collins fouling Derrett, Mulbarton with the free-kick the ball put into Lake back to goal top of the area, given no room to turn by O’Callaghan, Thetford look to counter the ball lifted on for Skipper in the left channel, Belsey cutting it out for the visitors.

 Claughton closing down Lake as the striker looks to shift the ball down the line on the right. Griffith taking the ball on from Goodfield, stabbed forwards, O’Callaghan getting her foot in to win the ball off Lake, looks to send it on for Skipper up top pace running with the ball bearing down on the ball, Belsey getting back at her easing her off the ball.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-1 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

 The half-time whistle blows the sides all square at the break, Thetford working hard for their lead getting in amongst Mulbarton looking to disrupt play and get it forwards quickly Skipper running at the defence creating chances, captain Alice Collins firing the hosts into the lead on the half hour. Mulbarton frustrated not finding a rhythm, losing Hunter to injury, some decisions going against them fought back well to level the scores up late in the half. All set for the 2nd half, Thetford looking good value for their lead, no doubt frustrated to concede so late in the half.

No changes at the break for either side with the floodlights taking full effect, it’s Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball fed up the left wing with Lake pressing the attack, Chandler across to deal with the ball forced out for a throw in the corner, Mulbarton getting bodies up around the ball forcing a corner kick. The delivery swept in low to the near post, Thetford clearing the danger.

  Thetford look to break away down the left the ball rolled on for Skipper, Brown cutting it out for Mulbarton sending in infield into Griffith’s feet plays it forwards over the defence into the box with Lake bursting into the area left of the D, Dixon coming out to claim the ball catching it on the bounce. The hosts building on the left, Claughton carrying the ball forwards cuts inside to play the ball in central, Skipper looking to take it on Lincoln sliding in to defend for Mulbarton.

  O’Callaghan going down for Thetford picking up an ankle knock, a pause in play but needs to come of, Zoe Klimcke being readied to come on the defender going over to the right side with Chandler switching to an attacking role left side. A quite start to the 2nd half with both sides cancelling each other out in the middle, defences first to any attempted through balls. Claughton surging forwards with the ball on the left sending a diagonal ball into Skipper outside the box looks to spin of Belsey break into the box the defender getting a challenge in the ball deflected to the right, Skipper lining up a strike, Lincoln going in to block the ball deflecting off the defender for a corner kick.

  Into the near post area the ball attacked, Dunne turning the ball wide of the upright. Thetford lively working hard to press the ball, Collins out to Haynes right side breaks forwards with the ball before attempting to slid it on for Skipper coming across for the pass, Farrow getting hold of the ball for Mulbarton. Lake constantly on the prowl looking to steal into space between the Thetford defence, Griffith looking for those runs trying to put her through on goal, Peeling sticking out a leg this time to prevent the opportunity. Dixon clearing the ball for Thetford at the back as Mulbarton attempt to play Lake in behind, launched up field, Skipper looking to make a nuisance of herself, Lincoln, then Brown putting in blocking tackles before the ball runs out for a goal kick.

  GOAL!  Thetford quick to get bodies up around the area pressing the ball of the goal kick, Haynes and Chandler with Skipper outside the area, the ball popping about as Collins races on from midfield to latch onto the ball top of the D and send a strike rifling past the keeper into the back of the net. 2-1.

Alice Collins running onto the ball to fire Thetford back into the lead

 Thetford retaking the lead 11 minutes into the 2nd half. Mulbarton look to get on up the right Lake over with Noakes, Claughton winning the ball back for Thetford breaking on down the left firing it forwards into Chandler on the wing squares the cross into Skipper in attack her touch a little to strong, allowing Goodfield to nip in take possession back for the visitors. Having retaken the lead, Thetford are in need of settling things down, play a little frantic attacks breaking down.

 Griffith holding onto the ball for Mulbarton coming left sends it on for Lake who fires it across the area into Noakes, Peeling moving in to put in the block the ball rebounding out to the right, Derrett crossing the ball in along the face of the Thetford goal Lake running in beyond the far post stretching out a leg can’t quite get there to turn the ball back over the line. Hedtke coming off for Mulbarton, on comes Tallie Chillystone.

Thetford defender, Fran Peeling

 Mulbarton pushing Griffith on more now coming left as they look to find a reply, Klimcke closing her down. Skipper full of running in attack for Thetford, keeping the defence occupied, Brown cutting out a pass left side as she tries to knock it beyond her. Griffith through the middle for Mulbarton on for Noakes, who in turn attempts to put Lake through on goal, Levy-Twomey getting her leg out to intercept the ball.

  20 minutes played in the 2nd half Thetford working hard to disrupt Mulbarton’s play close the ball down, Lake bringing the ball down off of a throw high on the right, corner of the angle, turns into the strike smashing her effort across goal wide past the far post. Chillystone needing to come off for Mulbarton, Molly Stevenson introduced to the game. Skipper bringing the ball down turning to send it to Chandler on the move down the left, Brown going with her blocking her cross to turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

Mulbarton’s Leah Brown

  The delivery from the corner played on to the far post knocked back across goal, Mulbarton scrambling it away to the top of the area, Skipper central getting hold of it putting her foot through the ball, smashes her shot wide of the left post.   

 GOAL! Mulbarton working the ball up the left wing win a free-kick just outside the box. Griffith over the set-piece asking to be hit in towards the far post, instead the midfielder takes on the shot, hitting the ball sweetly sending in up and over the keeper to find the back of the net to level things up for the 2nd time in the match. 2-2. Griffith never takes free-kicks apparently, on this evidence she shouldn’t be afraid to step up more often.

  20 minutes to gone Mulbarton back level. Thetford restart the game the ball clipped long to Skipper pulling wide left, plays a high ball in across the top of the Mulbarton area with Haynes coming on from the right looknig to meet it on the volley 25 yards out, blasts her strike wide of the right post. Thetford winning the ball central Collins with Dunne the ball fed on for Chandler left, Brown sliding in to play the ball out for a throw.

 Gowing needs to break out of her area quickly to close down Skipper as she is played through central by Dunne, the keeper with the block to see the ball deflected away from danger. Griffith attempts to play the threaded ball on for Lake up top as she pulls left, Peeling cutting the pass out hooking the ball clear. Mulbarton bringing players up for a corner on the left chipped in near post Thetford clear.

 GOAL! The break on Thetford sending the ball long into the right channel, Skipper racing after it knocking the ball on into the area wide of goal, Gowing comes racing out to dive forwards onto the ball, gets her gloves around the ball as she and Skipper come together, hurting her ankle, the ball is loose as Skipper is quickly back on her feet, an advantage played, close to the line hasn’t much of an angle to shoot from but strikes the ball, getting a good curl on it to see it creep inside the near post even as Brown racing back in attempts to clear it 3-2!

Caitlin Skipper puts Thetford 3-2 up

 Thetford retaking the lead in somewhat controversial circumstances, Mulbarton incensed claiming their keeper had hold of the ball, but the decision stands, even as Gowing is down receiving lengthy treatment on her damaged ankle, cannot continue and with no substitute goalkeeper on the bench, it’s midfielder Hedtke back on to don the gloves. Mulbarton break forwards from the restart Griffith powering forwards left side on the ball striking a shot in towards goal narrowly over the crossbar. Thetford counter Dunne central sending the ball into Chandler left side clips in back in central for Skipper making the run up top, Hedtke out though to gather the ball top of the area.

GOAL! Thetford win the ball back in the final third players pressing up to the box, Collins central lifting the ball into Chandler inside the area left of goal, Mulbarton claiming offside as she puts her foot through the ball, to smash the ball back across goal, Hedtke throwing herself down in an attempt to stop it gets her fingertips to it but not enough to prevent it finding the bottom corner to see Thetford double their lead 4-2.

Shannon Chandler through on goal to fire in Thetford’s 4th

  Thetford with their tails up late in the game gaining a two goal cushion, Mulbarton aggrieved seeing two decisions going against them leading to the goals. Thetford keen to hammer home the advantage though Haynes running onto the ball right side flashing a cross into the box wide past the far post. Belsey coming off for Mulbarton with McNorton back on. Dunne pushing up into the box left side with Chandler as Brown goes to put the block in, the ball running past her into Dunne’s feet rushing her strike sends the ball up over the bar.

  The clock rapidly ticking down Thetford keeping their energy levels up pressing the ball, lose possession on the right as Farrow moves in to close the ball down carries it up the wing sending a cross into the top of the area for Lake bearing down on the box, Dixon rushing out to close her down making the blocking save the ball angling away to her right cleared by Levy-Twomey. 

Victoria McNorton

 Levy-Twomey in again to defend as Griffiths puts the ball into Noakes central 25 yards out. Mulbarton pushing players on looking to force an opening Thetford ready to counter Claughton left side launching in forwards for Dunne making a left channel run, Brown out to meet her lunging in to prevent her skipping in behind. With Mulbarton pushed up in the closing seconds of the contest Collins wins the ball outside her box lifts it on for Skipper up top Dunne looking to cover the ground get up with her, McNorton getting her tackle in to stop Skipper getting the pass into her.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 4-2 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

  The final whistle blows and Thetford celebrate getting back to winning ways and doing a league double over Mulbarton to move back above them into 5th place in the Division One North table. Worked hard for the three points pressing the ball as a unit defending high at times to keep the ball up the pitch the defence needing to remain alert throughout. Took the lead twice only to be pegged back, before getting their noses in front for a 3rd time, going on to add a 4th. Mulbarton frustrated creating some good chances never really got going to put their stamp on the game far from happy with the 3rd goal. Thetford kept their energy levels up throughout and with one game left to play will at home to Biggleswade will aim to finish on a high.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to chose this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, and although their are plenty of performances to mention, there is one clear winners. Firstly for Mulbarton, Alanta Griffith was strong throughout getting hold of the ball and making several positive forwards runs scoring both the visitors goals. Leah Brown at the back with a number of vital tackles to stop Thetford getting in behind. Mel Belsey had her work cut out with Caitlin Skipper but won more than her fair share of challenges. For Thetford the aforementioned Skipper was a handful all game, running into the channels a ready outlet for the midfield, her pace and movement causing problems getting on the scoresheet. The Thetford defence as a unit strong, Fran Peeling, Mollie O’Callaghan and Sausha Levy-Twomey all making vital interceptions and tackles. Shannon Chandler and Hannah Claughton bringing the on up the flanks. Olivia Dunne winning the ball in the middle of the park. The award goes to the captain, Alice Collins got about the pitch well winning the ball and linking up with the attack, marshalling her team along with scoring twice and setting up the 4th goal.

 An enjoyable evening of ERWFL football, always competitive my thanks to both teams for their help with the teams, I know, I know most of the players but it always pays to check. Hoping the injuries to goalkeeper Megan Gowing and midfield engine Ellie Hunter aren’t as serious as first appeared and both with be ok for the upcoming county cup final.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – KLSC FC Women v UEA FC Women

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Sunday 20th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Easter Sunday and not too many fixtures around with people off enjoying the extended bank holiday weekend, a busy program in Norfolk however so it’s back to Division One this Sunday to catch up with two sides I missed out on seeing earlier in the season with KLSC FC Women taking on UEA FC Women. 

  As mentioned last time out Norfolk Women’s Division One looks to be defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies to lose having lost just the one league game so far this season. Behind them however it remains incredibly tight with clubs all the way through the table proving they are capable of putting a good run together and climbing up the table, including both of today’s opponents.

 KLSC (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) FC Women certainly looking to climb the table having fallen into the bottom 2 in the table due to a lack of matches from call-offs and cup competitions. That said have games in hand with a busy end to the season ahead including a cup final appearance having reached the final of the Women’s Plate where they will face Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves on Sunday 18th May (presumably not at five to midnight as currently listed). The club entering a new chapter winning promotion back to Division One last season have since their formation relied on the goal scoring prowess of Josie Turner, often amongst the leafing scorers in the league her goals will be missed.

  The club moves forwards however in a strong position with a good youth section with teams from U7 through to U16s in the girls section to compliment the women’s side. Winning just 2 and drawing 1 of their opening 9 matches a lack of games seeing them fall down the table, were to bring an end to Bungay’s unbeaten run at the top of the league in March, another win against Bure Valley seeing the club push up on the sides competing in the middle of the pack. Lucy Clarke the leading scorer so far this season with 6 goals with Katie Ward on 5 and Leeanne Smith on 4. 

UEA (University of East Anglia) FC Women won the Norfolk Women’s League Cup last season, beating Bungay 2-0 to lift the cup. A new ear for the club at the beginning of this season with players moving on and a new manager with, Rebecca Burton formerly coach at ERWFL side, Wroxham Women returning to the game. UEA with an extensive sports program with multiple sides across many sports the women’s football side competing in the BCUS league as well and Norfolk Women’s Division One usually with a good pool of talent to call upon with several players dual signed with other clubs across the county.

  35 players called upon so far this season after and somewhat up and down start the club finally found it’s feet in the league towards the beginning of December going on an 8 games unbeaten run winning 5 and drawing 3 to climb all the way to 2nd in the Division One table. A narrow defeat and home draw against Bungay since leaves UEA well placed 4th in the table with a top 3 finish more than achievable. Goals scattered throughout the side, Evie Bloom and Nyanzobe Fundikira joint top scorers with 4 apiece. Melly Bungay and Shay Moses have 3 each.

 The King’s Way Playing Fields the venue for today’s match. Situated in the northern part of King’s Lynn. The playing fields with a number of grass pitches available. The KLSC players setting up the goals and pitch prior to kick-off. The grass pitch well covered and firm with the recent dry weather, a roped off area for spectators opposite the dugouts. A pleasant sunny afternoon, with no chance of rain, a slight breeze blowing but for a bank holiday weekend, excellent.

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Stella Astle, Rhian Ellis, Elizabet Puckova (C), Tilly Sands, Taeya Mayes, Bonnie Parsons, Lana Sturgeon, Lucy Clarke, Lauren Moyse, Trinity Tokaji & Holly Pitcher. Subs – Leeanne Smith & Ellie Panks.

KLSC FC Women

 UEA FC Women starting XI – Alex Azotova, Leah Edwards, Kara Wayman, Tash Harvey, Avery Lyon, Freya Standing, Tia Jackson, Jess Cunliffe, Leilah Gooding (C), Shay Moses & Izzy O’Connor. Subs – Evie Bloom, Keira George & Abby Crawley-Trice.

UEA FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Being a bank holiday weekend a few players for both sides unavailable, but nevertheless have strong starting line-ups. Rebecca Burton too unavailable for today’s game, Chris Munday looking after managerial duties this afternoon. The referee too delayed for today’s game but kick-off on time with a replacement to get the ball rolling stepping in, Elizabet Puckova captaining KLSC. Leilah Gooding wearing the armband for UEA. It’s UEA to get the 1st half under way wearing an all navy kit with yellow trim on the shirts. KLSC lined up opposite wearing red shirts with vertical black stripes, with black shorts and red socks with black hoops. Played back into traffic early on KLSC moving in to close the ball down, Freya Standing fouled as she attempts to drive on with the ball for UEA the visitors winning a free-kick.

   Inside the centre circle the ball fired up towards the top of the area, Taeya Moses looking to get her head on it to clear of KLSC instead deflects it on behind her the ball firm on firm ground bouncing up threatening to escape over goalkeeper Stella Astle a trouble the goal beyond but drops narrowly over a corner given. Fired into the box from the right, Mayes again meeting it with her head driving the ball back clear out to the right. Leilah Gooding playing the ball out to the right for UEA, Rhian Ellis intercepting for KLSC launching it forwards for Lucy Clarke attempts to put it over the top for Holly Pitcher in attack, Avery Lyon closing her down at the back for UEA.

UEA captain, Leilah Gooding

UEA looking to press the ball high find an opening in between the KLSC defence, the hosts counter cleared up through the middle, Lauren Moyse getting hold of it pushing on into the right channel before cutting it across the top of the area looknig for Clarke breaking up with her on the left, Kara Wayman stretching out a leg to cut the ball out for UEA and clear upfield.

UEA busy on the ball, Standing in the middle looking for Jess Cunliffe wide left, pushing up, KLSC captain, Elizabet Puckova sliding in to send the ball out for a throw in. KLSC come left Moyse carrying the ball forwards with purpose inside for Trinity Tokaji she lays it into Pitcher 25 yards out right of the D, she is upended seeing the hosts awarded the free-kick. Mayes over the set-piece driven in low with pace into the centre of the box, Lyon behind it to clear for UEA.

UEA defender, Tash Harvey

Tash Harvey at the back for UEA rolling the ball into Standing central brings the ball left before firing it forwards into the left channel for Shay Moses to attack, Tilly Sands going with her the defender on her shoulder lunging in to tackle to send the ball away for a corner kick on the left. A vicious delivery flashed in right across the face of the KLSC goal begging for a touch comes all the way through the the far post cleared by Ellis.

 GOAL! KLSC having been under a little pressure from UEA mount a direct attack moving the ball through the middle Bonnie Parsons out to Clarke coming inside from the left 25 plus yards out not closed down tries her luck, catching her shot sweetly, drilling it in on target the keeper having started to go the wrong way can’t adjust the ball flying past her into the back of the net to see KLSC take the lead inside the opening 10 minutes 1-0.

Lucy Clarke striking the ball home to put KLSC into the lead

Both sides getting stuck into their tackles Moses fouled on half way as she attempts to turn with the ball out on the left. UEA press the ball high Gooding on the right feeding it forwards for Moses to turn in behind charge towards the KLSC box, Puckova getting back on her to get a foot on the ball deflect it behind for a corner kick. Swept into the six yard box long beyond the far post Harvey stooping to head the ball back down across goal to the far post, KLSC blocking it on the line scrambling it clear. The match referee ready for action the transition smooth the game continues.

Moyse set loose on the counter attack driving on for KLSC left channel pushing towards the box before she is eventually outnumbered by the UEA defence. Tokaji lively in attack for KLSC on the right combining with Moyse, getting to the by-line the ball cut out by Standing turned behind for a corner kick out on the left. The corner curled into the area, cleared by Standing with Gooding helping it on up field to Moses left channel, bursting on out muscles her marker to steal into the area, taking on the attempted lob with the outside of her boot, dips in towards Astle, keeping her composure to claim it low even as Izzy O’Connor rushes in to close her down.

Cunliffe on the left for UEA getting a throw high up the pitch dropped into Tia Jackson 20 yards out to the left of the box, drags her effort wide low past the near post. Gooding with a good range of passes looking to play the diagonal ball out to the flanks for UEA as they press the KLSC defence, Moses looking to break in behind. A high ball played across the top of the KLSC area drops to Wayman 25 yards out to the right, strikes the ball goal wards a looping effort threatening to drop into the far top corner, Astle no taking any chances touching it behind for a corner kick. 

  UEA looking dangerous from their corners whipped in central attacked in front of goal headed down knocked back out to the left, the ball crossed back in the header turned over. UEA with a free-kick out on the right Gooding firing it up into the area, initially defended the ball put back out to the right, Jackson latching onto it striking the ball on the angle drives it against the crossbar. UEA pressing for an equaliser. 

UEA’s Tia Jackson

 KLSC look a threat getting hold of the ball and driving at the UEA defence Moyse linking up well with Tokaji, goes to put a through ball on for Pitcher, Harvey intercepting for the visitors. Puckova doing the same at the back for KLSC as Standing looks to put Cunliffe away in the left.

UEA’s Freya Standing

  Standing picking up her fair share of knocks as KLSC foul her as she attempts to carry the ball forwards through the middle. A little testy, Mayes having given away the foul defending the resulting free-kick. Lana Sturgeon moving left for KLSC linking up with Clarke driving down the line her cross cleared in the box by Harvey. 

Freya Standing battling for possession with Taeya Mayes

 KLSC with a throw on the right, Moyse to Mayes inside for Tokaji, takes the ball inside across the top of the UEA D before prodding it on for Clarke left side 20 yards out, her strike on target low goalkeeper, Alex Azotova down low to make the save.

UEA goalkeeper, Alex Azotova

  A vital challenge at the back form Sands for KLSC as UEA send the ball up through the middle for Moses the attacker looking to break clear, the defender getting in close to take the ball out of her path. Parsons carrying the ball forwards for KLSC through the middle, clipped tries to go on the referee playing the advance the ball diagonal into the D, Clarke the target not reaching her play brought back for the set-piece, Sands over it goes it hit it long to the far post, over cooks it the ball flashing wide.

  The game evening up now highly competitive, both sides looking to get the ball on quickly driving at the opposing defence. The ball bouncing high has wrong footed more than one player. Moses getting hold of the ball on the left cutting inside 25 yards out to smash a low strike into the side netting. KLSC press on the counter, Parsons up with Clarke and Tokaji, left side, Wayman closing the ball down. Tokaji with good control the ball at her feet skipping away down the right a burst of pace before clipping a cross into the box, only no one is inside to attack it. 

  UEA push up on the left Jackson into Cunliffe inside for Moses cuts infield getting inside the box left of goal blasts the ball in across goal, Astle diving down to her left making a great save to push the ball away to the right, O’Connor rushing in to meet it sending her strike over the bar!

KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle

  UEA coming close again Standing on the ball on through the middle for Moses combines with O’Connor as the attackers push up to the box exchanging passes, O’Connor fouling Ellis in the process however. KLSC quick to get the ball up the other end fed through the middle into Moyse powerful on the ball looking to battle her way into the box, Harvey into tackle the ball skipping up for Tokaji beside Moyse to carry on into the box, free for a moment running onto the loose ball to strike it narrowly over the UEA crossbar.

KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

  Pitcher seeing the ball into her feet back to goal 25 yards out Clarke looking to make an over lapping run on the left, Jackson closing Pitcher down to regain possession. End to end action Cunliffe on the left trying to pick out the inside run from Moses in attack, Sands instead intercepting for KLSC. 

KLSC captain, Elizabet Packova

  Moyse continuing her marauding runs through the middle for KLSC, looking to take on the entire defence at times, almost finding a way through, Azotova comes rushing out to the top of the area to slide in attempt the blocking save, the ball cannoning off her rebounding favourably to Moyes in to the box behind her right of goal, defenders rushing back to cover the open goal snatches at her shot pulling the ball wide past the far post.

KLSC’s Lauren Moyse

  Into the closing seconds of the 1st half KLSC regain possession central Parsons with Clarke out to Moyes right side cuts her cross back into the top of the area, not quite able to pick out Pitcher who has make the right channel run.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 1-0 UEA FC Women

  The changing rooms a food hike from the pitch so both sides staying out on the field for the half-time interval, no doubt keen to keep going continue what was a fast paced and lively first half. KLSC having rode out a little pressure from UEA early on breaking to fire themselves into the lead. Lucy Clarke’s 9th minute strike proving to be the difference so far, KLSC coming close to adding a 2nd. UEA wondering how they are no leading themselves having created a number of chances coming close striking the wood work and forcing an excellent save from the keeper. Beautifully poised for the 2nd half.

 No changes at the break, KLSC to get the 2nd half underway the ball back into Mayes out to Puckova on the right, put back into the middle, congested as both sides compete for the ball. Standing pulled down as she looks to get on with the ball a familiar picture. Taken quickly the ball on down the right crossed into the D, Sands there to cut it out for KLSC. Wayman defends on Clarke as the KLSC winger looks to take the ball on from Sturgeon. 

 Remains feisty both sides competitive looking to get hold of the ball, Gooding for UEA out to O’Connor right, Ellis in to make the tackle for KLSC. Standing linking up with Gooding through the middle, Gooding rolling it on for Moses up top, looking to drag it in behind the defence and quite evade Sands. Parsons picking up the ball for KLSC central making some useful runs forwards attempts to pick out Clarke on the left, she sends it forwards into Pitcher coming for the ball, Wayman closing her down to prevent the turn for UEA.

KLSC midfielder, Bonnie Parsons

  KLSC get the ball forwards into Sturgeon on the right, jinks left then right on the ball shifting it into the wing for Tokaji to attack racing to the by-line with Edwards, plays the ball off the full back for a corner kick. Fires into the top of the six yard box with pace met first time by Moyse turns her attempt over the bar. No let up the ball with UEA on for O’Connor middle puts it on for Moses racing on left channel strikes the ball from 20 yards out low on target but Astle is right behind it down low to make the save.

  Mayes with the ball gives it to Parsons to take on for KLSC right channel feeds the pass into the box for Pitcher back to goal right side, turns on the ball her shot in low straight at the keeper, Azotova holding onto the ball. End to end UEA the ones hitting KLSC on the counter looking to open gaps in the defence, clipped out to Cunliffe left side plays it on for Moses left channel turning the host defence, her touch taking the ball into the area a little heavy giving Ellis the chance to get around to clear the ball.

  UEA winning a throw high in the corner comes to Moses inside the box right of goal strikes the ball on the turn pulling it across the six yard box wide past the far post. UEA making a double change with Edwards and Jackson coming off, Evie Bloom and Keira George coming on. Sturgeon off a long throw hooking the ball up top for Pitcher, Lyon getting in ahead of her right side to see back to her keeper to deal with. 

KLSC’s Holly Pitcher

 Lyon in again to defend in on Moyse inside the D as the attacker looks to drag the ball in behind inside the D off a cross from the right. Cunliffe coming off for UEA, Abby Crawley-Trice coming on goes into the right back role with Wayman coming over to an attacking role on the left as UEA look to go 4-3-3. The visitors with a corner on the left, whipped in low into the six yard box, Moses meeting it stabbing a foot out, Astle sharp snatching it up off the floor into her gloves. 

  KLSC making a double change with Moyse and Pitcher coming off up top, Leeanne Smith and Ellie Panks coming on. Goodling sending the ball out to the left for Wayman to attack her cross lifted into the area across goal, Astle can see it safely out of play. UEA pressing for a goal looking to level up the game Moses coming right, tackled by Ellis, O’Connor pushing up in support trying to find Moses again but the ball goes away for a throw in the corner. Moses seeing the ball down off the throw on the turn crossing into the top of the D, Bloom looking to meet it on the volley strikes her effort over the KLSC crossbar.

UEA’s Evie Bloom

  UEA bring the ball on through the middle George on for Gooding into Moses lays it off to George pushing on left channel inside to Gooding her shot outside the box taking a deflection off a defenders boot to take it wide of the right post for a corner kick. Played in high, Sands defending for KLSC turning it out to the left out for a goal kick. 20 minutes left to play.

  Parsons battling to get the ball back for KLSC central bringing it out to the left fed up to Smith in attack turns it out to Sturgeon bombing on left wing clips a cross up into the area, claimed by Azotova. Gooding winning the ball for UEA lifting it on for Moses in attack, coming inside from the left, Sands sticking out a leg at the back to win it back for KLSC. No sign of energy levels dropping Moses onto the ball for UEA coming right with O’Connor taking over her cross lofted into the area caught by Astle.

Lana Sturgeon

  The clock ticking down KLSC still holding onto their 1 goal lead looking to try and slow things down, UEA keen to get on with it, Astle coming out to the top of her area to collect the ball as Gooding looks to play Wayman on down the left. UEA get players forwards into the box Moses in possession on the right cuts her cross back to the top of the area Standing going to put her foot through it can’t connect. 

Keira George with Bonnie Parsons

 Tokaji breaking away on the right for KLSC squares a cross into the area, looking for Panks cut out by Crawley-Trice deflected into the path of a KLSC player the rebound turned back straight into the keepers gloves. Standing has been in the wars throughout the contest coming off for UEA, Edwards comes back on at left back. Ellis cutting out a cross from Wayman on the left.

Tilly Sands moving in to stop Shay Moses

  Smith fouling Harvey UEA with the free-kick the ball put into the top of the area, Moses seeing it down into the path of O’Connor stretching to connect with the ball gets it in on target but bounces safely up into Astle’s gloves. Into the final 7 minutes, the game stretched the ball on the right with KLSC hit long up into the box, Smith going to attack it, Azotova rushing in arms raised to try and claim the ball, doesn’t the pair colliding, half hearted appeals as the loose ball is cleared by Lyon beyond. 

 Gooding winning a corner of Mayes on the right, time running out for UEA to find an equaliser, swept in by Gooding into the six yard box, Astle up well amongst bodies to try and get hold of the ball. into the ground beyond her knocked back into the mix scrambled away for another corner on the right. 

  The 2nd corner fired in long to the far post area O’Connor stooping to head it down back across goal to the opposite post Bloom racing in to met it sending the ball looping up over the cross bar from close range. 

UEA frustrated the equaliser just won’t come. KLSC defending for their lives battling hard at the back. Ellis and Sands winning the ball. The hosts look to find a goal at the other end to surely clinch the 3 points Parsons into Clarke left her deep cross plucked down by Azotova. Bloom attacking for UEA down the left getting into the box stabbing a cross up central, turned onto the bar by Mayes as she goes to try to clear the ball with her head the ball spinning away for a corner on the left.

Izzy O’Connor

  A high ball curled into the box, O’Connor going to attack it with Mayes jumping in front of her the ball headed onto Mayes rebounding back to strike O’Connor the attacker down in need of treatment. Standing coming back on to replace her with barely a minute left on the clock. Sturgeon getting hold of the ball for KLSC cutting inside from the left across the top of the area looking for a opening, Crawley-Trice diving in to make the tackle for UEA. Sands clearing the ball for a corner to UEA as Gooding look to link up with Moses in the left channel. 

  Edwards in the box hooking the corner on into the far post, Ellis defending on the line for KLSC. Mayes dives in on Standing presenting UEA with a free-kick in a dangerous position to the right of goal. Standing to fire a low ball into the box angling into the far post runners closing in looking to attack it, Astle getting a faint touch to see the ball away for a corner on the left. Everybody bar the keeper up one last throw of the dice for UEA a high ball into the box, Mayes defends for KLSC.

Full time KLSC FC Women 1-0 UEA FC Women

 No time left for a further attack, KLSC hold on to claim all three points and push themselves up onto the pack in the middle of the table. A battling display at the back from KLSC successfully defending their 1 goal lead to win the points. Had to dig deep at times UEA asking the questions but couldn’t find the break through. How UEA will probably wonder created numerous chances saw the woodwork struck but some days it just isn’t meant to be, and when you’re at the bottom end of the table you need things to go your way too. KLSC not out of danger yet but this result will boost the confidence no end and will plenty of points and cup final places to play for it’ll stand them in good stead for the run in. Lucy Clarke’s superb first half strike sealing the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to choose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match for this Easter Sunday. Several contenders no doubt and narrowing it down to one isn’t easy. A few performances to mention although I must say it was a fine effort from everyone. For UEA, Freya Standing working hard on the ball taking it forwards looking to link up play collecting a few bruises for her efforts. Leilah Gooding looking to distribute the ball across the pitch getting forwards well too. Kara Wayman winning the ball well at the back, playing some good forward passes lively in attack. Shay Moses a ready outlet trying to pull off the defence create an opening for herself and her teammates. For KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle pulled off a number of great saves to keep her side in the game. Bonnie Parsons used the ball well in midfield getting forwards with some useful runs. Lana Sturgeon with good control and footwork moving the ball forwards getting into some inviting positions. Lauren Moyse driving forwards on the ball pressing the attack throughout. Trinity Tokaji too getting hold of the ball in the final third coming close to getting a goal herself. The defence had to put in a shift and performed well, Elizabeth Puckova along with Rhian Ellis making some vital interceptions and tackles as UEA worked the ball into the channels, Ellis too defending on the line. The award though goes to Tilly Sands composed at the back read the game well giving herself time and space to deal with the ball timed her tackles well.

  Good to catch up with both sides having tried to earlier in the season, a lively contest that could have gone either way. Sums up Division One to a degree, have seen every side in it now bar Bungay and certainly anyone can beat anyone on their day, how it’ll all pan out is anyone’s guess, look forward to finding out. My thanks to both for the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Bure Valley Women

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Sunday 13th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Fresh from covering my 600th game for Women’s Football East, it’s back to league action this Sunday and a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One, A trip to The Daly Group Stadium in Fakenham to watch Fakenham Town Ladies versus Bure Valley Women. 

  Still plenty of football to be played in Norfolk Women’s Division One, defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies looking on good shape to defend their title, the battle behind intense with a cluster of sides all putting together a run of results to push for a top three finish, very tight in the middle of the table too and things getting interesting at the other end with the sides seemingly becoming adrift at the bottom getting players back and picking up valuable points. Certainly any side can feel they can beat the other on their day.

  Bure Valley Women reforming a woman’s side last season and clinching the Division Two title to win promotion to Division One, a club with a strong youth section the first team now backed up by a new Development side entering Division Three as the league expands with a new influx of sides. Bure Valley’s 1st team currently 5th in the table. Having gotten off to a flyer winning 3 and drawing 1 in their opening 4 league matches. Picking up some good wins along the way, along with reaching the last 4 of the League Cup.

  Added to their attacking threat over the summer with Lauren Goulder and Rhiannon Dack joining the squad. Unfortunately have been without both through injury for a large chunk of the season. Dack returning in February, however their young squad has performed well regardless. Captain, Emma MacMillan top scorer for Bury Valley with 10 goals from her 15 matches with Maisie Redgrave and Megan Swain both on 5 each. 

  Fakenham Town Ladies were in danger of folding over the summer having just been relegated from the ERWFL after a 2 year stint and losing all most all of their squad. Only new captain, Gina Pooley and Hayley Marjoram from today’s squad still with the club. Fortunately the new management team had a group of young players ready to step up into the squad along with recruiting a few from Dussindale & Hellesdon’s U16s. Started the season well losing just one of their opening 4 league matches. Have won just 2 since with 4 draws that leaves them down in 8th position, now looking nervously over their shoulders with the sides below finding some form.

 Have a proven goal scorer in their ranks however with Maddie Green banging in the goals this season, joint 2nd scorer in Division One with 17 goals from her 16 games. Sister, Katie and Holly Williams have 3 goals apiece. With players coming of age to join the squad during the season the woman’s side looks to be back in good shape.

  The Daly Group Stadium the venue for this afternoons league encounter. The main pitch being rested no doubt in need of a good watering with the lack of rainfall so far this month. The club having two full size pitches opposite the carpark. Both well used, firm under foot in need of some rain, a little possible later in the day. The clubhouse open the bar serving hot and cold drinks. The main pitch is one of the largest around the pitch being used today much more compact, standing viewing all round the trees around the pitch white with blossom. The warm when able to poke through the grey clouds.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Karina Townsend, Francesca Wood, Sophia Price, Marcie McCullagh, Ella Ballett, Gina Pooley (C), Tayla Ewles-Belton, Holly Williams, Katie Green, Faith Fox & Maddie Green. Subs – Isabel Dallas Smith, Bethany Seymour, Sydney Smith & Hayley Marjoram.

Bury Valley Women

 Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Lucy Searcey, Willow Nye, Lucy Staff, Jasmin Snelling, Lily Norman, Eva Heald, Emma MacMillan (C) Rhiannon Dack, Emily Addison & Maisie Redgrave. Subs – Mariana Teixeira.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Gina Pooley and Emma MacMillan with today’s match referee William Lai.

  Bure Valley a little light on numbers naming just the one player on the bench, Fakenham with four substitutes to call upon, a injury concern in the warm-up sees Isabel Dallas Smith drop to the bench as a precaution with Sophia Price coming on at right back. It’s Bure Valley to get the first half underway wearing navy coloured shirts with red sleeves, navy shorts and red socks. Fakenham lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to captain Emma MacMillan she plays it back to Lucy Staff in defence, played up the left wing for Emily Addison to attack sends it on to Maisie Redgrave coming over to the left corner, the ball put back into Addison to turn a cross into the top of the area Holly Williams there to clear for Fakenham.

Bure Valley’s Lucy Staff

  Bure Valley with a throw out on the left, Williams busy for Fakenham early doors getting stuck in to challenge for the ball as the visitors try to link up their passes in the final 3rd. MacMillan onto the ball central for Bure Valley strokes it out to the right wing for Redgrave to chase down, held up by Francesca Wood checks back inside to lay the in central to Addison some 25 yards out goes to hit it first time curling her attempt over the crossbar.

  Wooded areas behind one goal and the side opposite the dug outs, players having to go on forays to retrieve it. A lively start both sides nipping in to try and close the ball down popping about in the middle, Eva Heald getting it out to the left for Bure Valley, Addison looking to attack in driving on, turning into the box, Price lunging in to deny the cross the ball out for a corner.

 

  Fakenham look to break out from the back, Katie Green on the ball left side clipping it into the middle for Maddie Green in attack, back to goal top of the D, held up by Jasmin Snelling lays it back into Williams to send a diagonal ball out to the right for Katie Green looking to get down the line, Staff closing her down the ball off the defender for a corner kick. Curled in long across the six yard box falling beyond the far post for Katie Green, knocked it down back into the mix, Bure Valley scramble it clear.

  Ella Ballett breaking up a Bure Valley attack top of her box for Fakenham getting the ball forwards into midfield, Williams helping it on for Maddie Green, attempts to play it in behind the defence for Faith Fox, however the flag goes up against her for offside. The ball hooked long upfield by Bure Valley for Addison in the left channel, running into the box, Price going with her for Fakenham sees it back to goalkeeper, Karina Townsend.

  Bure Valley bright in attack looking to play some neat passes just not coming off as they run into a congested centre, Ballett intercepting for Fakenham to clear. Williams battling for possession central for Fakenham wriggles free with the ball at her feet to send it on down the left with Wood breaking forwards beyond captain, Gina Pooley the ball crossed into the middle, cut out by Lily Norman for Bure Valley.

  Fakenham working the ball down the left getting a throw played into Maddie Green 30 yards out to the left of goal hits the shot on the turn, her effort wide past the far post. Fakenham winning the ball well in the middle played out to Pooley on the left with Maddie Green the cross lifted in on goal, Danielle Barnes up to claim it at her near post. Pooley left playing the pass into Maddie Green back to goal 25 yards out left of the D, looks to turn into the area, Snelling putting in the tackle the ball running off her behind for a corner kick.

Jasmine Snelling about to clear for Bure Valley

 Played on long across the top of the area from the right, Bure Valley get hold of the ball look for the counter attack, Nye sending it up to Redgrave wide, has MacMillan looking to get up with her into the box the pass into her snubbed out, Addison racing to catch up with play trying to link up with Redgrave to her left in the box, but Fakenham have regrouped gotten numbers back, no shot on, Addison looks to dink a cross into the six yard box Townsend and get hold of the ball for Fakenham.

  A even contest both sides looking to get the ball forwards with pace, MacMillan driving on with the ball through the middle sending it on for Redgrave in the box left side, Ballett going with her looking to see the ball out of play for a goal kick, Redgrave managing to play it off the defender for a corner instead. Swung in to the middle of the six yard box Williams coming in to defend the ball heading it behind for another corner on the left. This delivery long across goal to the far post knocked back across goal, Fakenham with plenty back to defend getting it away to safety. 

Francesca Wood defending on Maisie Redgrave

 

 GOAL! Fakenham send the ball into the middle for Katie Green plays it out to the left with Maddie Green on the move down the wing taking the ball down into the corner cuts a cross back in towards the top of the area, Nye getting a slight touch the ball runs on to Katie Green top of the D and she strikes the ball in low past the keeper into the bottom left corner to give Fakenham the lead 1-0. 

Katie Green fires Fakenham into the lead

  Just past the opening quarter hour, Fakenham take the lead, Bure Valley looking to attack from the restart the ball played out to Redgrave racing on down the right strikes it early on the angle her shot arrowing behind at the near post. Fakenham break through the middle, Williams playing it forwards early for Maddie Green looking to run in behind the defence, Barnes needing to come out of her area just about wins the race, her clearance uncertain however as Fakenham pour forwards Katie Green looking to lift it into the area for Fox to attack, Barnes recovering to get her arms up to pull the ball down into her body.

Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes

  Bure Valley build through the middle MacMillan and Heald exchanging passes, before Heald attempts to pick out Addison on the left, Ballett though stretching out a leg to intercept the pass for Fakenham. Norman coming across to challenge Pooley on the left as she exchanges passes with Maddie Green in attack. slowing her progress, Annie Searcey getting up with Norman to see the ball out for a throw in.

Bure Valley’s Annie Searcey

 

  Fakenham making a change in attack, Fox coming off, Bethany Seymour coming on. Snelling bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley sending the pass into Heald moving left plays it on up the line for Addison looking to get in behind, again it’s Ballett moving across from the centre of defence to close her down play the ball out. Katie Green latching onto a loose Bure Valley ball at the back 25 yards out from goal shifts it to her right before pulling her foot through the ball, doesn’t get it cleanly the shot screwing wide.

  Williams snapping in to win the ball back for Fakenham playing it out to Katie Green wide on the left on half way looks for Maddie Green up top with the diagonal ball into her left of goal, taking it down to the by-line whips a ball in on the angle, Barnes down into it low at her near post.

 Bure Valley if anything over complicating the final ball one too many passes Fakenham’s defence as a collective unit keeping it tight through the middle, Searcey sending it on up the right for Redgrave, Wood can see it out of play for a goal kick. Bure Valley attack on the left Nye pushing on to get up with Addison the pair exchanging passes, Nye turning in inside, Rhiannon Dack closed down central before she can work space for a shot out to Searcey right forwards into MacMillan, dinks it into the box for Redgrave to attack, Townsend though coming to meet it getting hold of the ball before Redgrave can make contact.

  End to end, Fakenham looking for Katie Green on the right her passing up to Maddie Green in attack stretching the Bure Valley defence. Marcie McCullagh cutting MacMillan’s through ball out for Fakenham the hosts looking to attack Williams through the middle on for Maddie Green, Snelling intercepting for Bure Valley. The ball continues to be hotly contested in the middle of the park, Price and Addison fighting for the ball as Nye rolls it on for her left side, squirms away to lift the ball on for Redgrave up top, Ballett going with her winning the tackle for Fakenham. 

Fakenham defender, Ella Ballett

 Fakenham counter Tayla Ewles-Belton on for Maddie Green in attack left channel looks to burst through the defence to get into the area, Snelling getting back at her slowing her progress, instead clips the ball out to the right for Katie Green to hit the cross on the run, flashed in across the face of goal no one can get a touch cleared beyond the far post. Fakenham making a 2nd change, Wood coming of Hayley Marjoram coming on. Bure Valley making a change to with Mariana Teixeira coming on to replace Nye. 

 The visitors bursting on through the middle, Dack to MacMillan lifted on for Redgrave up top, the ball not falling kindly for her as she tries to take on the early shot from outside the box, cleared to the right Price sending it on for Maddie Green pulling wide left, Barnes starts to come Green taking on the early shot rushed a little, Barnes twisting awkwardly as she tries to get down to the ball but can see it roll wide of the far post. The keeper stays down in need of some attention but is up ready to play on.

Fakenham’s Maddie Green

  Redgrave up on the left with Teixeira the attackers looking to exchange passes work the ball into the box, Price getting in the challenge to take the ball out of play. Maddie Green a constant threat up top for Fakenham looking to pull into the left channel, Williams trying to pick out her run this time, Snelling reading it for Bure Valley. 

  MacMillan on the ball central for Bure Valley getting forwards pushed into Teixeira outside the box turns it on into the area with Redgrave making the run in behind, Townsend making the call, coming on to lay claim to the ball. Bure Valley getting the ball on well enough just finding that final ball elusive, Ballett and McCullagh keeping it tight through the middle backed up by Ewles-Belton and Williams. 

Marcie McCullagh

 The sun shinning bright the first half being played at a furious pace, into the final 5 minutes MacMillan inside for Heald looks to drive forwards 25 yards out, McCullagh stepping out of the back line to put in the challenge. Fakenham break the ball into Maddie Green central turns it on up top to Williams bursting forwards right channel 20 yards out takes on the strike hit on the half volley coming at Barnes two feet of the ground the keeper, behind it making the catch look easy.

Fakenham’s Tayla Ewles-Belton

  The hosts finishing the 1st half strong, Ewles-Belton on for Maddie Green central Williams making to move to go beyond her left channel Green rolling the ball into her path the shot from outside the box straight at the keeper. Katie Green surging on down the right with the ball at her feet for Fakenham firing a cross into the area long past the far post, Norman defending as Maddie Green looks to attack it. Maddie Green pulling left to see the ball rolled into her feet from Pooley, turns to strike on the angle Barnes down smartly at her near post getting a touch the ball diverted into the side netting for a corner kick. In from the left high across the six yard box knocked back across to the left post coming into Katie Green at an awkward height can’t get it down under control before being closed down.

Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-0 Bure Valley Women

  A fast paced first half coming to an end, both sides staying on the pitch for the half-time interval. Bure Valley starting brightly looking to get the ball forwards, Fakenham battling to win it back coming into the game themselves looking to do the same, contrasting attacks Fakenham keeping it tight through the middle dangerous on the counter looking to stretch the Bure Valley back line without overly committing players into the box. Katie green firing them into the lead on 16 minutes. Bure Valley getting players up into the final 3rd but so far unable to find the final ball to unlock the hosts defence. Still all poised for the 2nd half.

 Both sides making changes at the break, Nye back on for Bure Valley replacing Heald. Marjoram and Seymour off for Fakenham, Fox back on along with Sydney Smith. It’s Fakenham to get the 2nd half underway, the ball played back into the defence, Bure Valley moving in to press, no head way, Fakenham feeding it on up the right the ball out for a throw in. 

  Bure Valley feed the ball out to Dack drifting out to the left, helps ball on into the box with Teixeira peeling off the defence, but the attacker can’t quite get onto the end of it as Townsend sees it out for a goal kick. Pooley getting the ball into her feet left side sending it on up the line for Smith, Snelling getting across to tackle see the ball out for a throw. Both sides continue to race in close the ball down Bure Valley attack right Redgrave inside for Dack has Searcey moving down the wing plays the ball into her path, Searcey in turn putting it inside to Redgrave top of the box, Pooley their to nip in to steal the ball back for Fakenham. Bure Valley get a throw high on the right that leads to a corner kick.

GOAL! The ball fired into the box low central players racing to meet it turned back out to the corner taker on the right lifted back in towards the top of the D, half cleared MacMillan onto it 25 yards out teeing up Dack to strike angled in on goal flies past Townsend to sneak in at the left post 1-1. Dack’s first goal for Bure Valley too.

Rhiannon Dack’s shot from outside the box sneaking in at the left post

Rhiannon Dack scores the equaliser for Bure Valley

  Bure Valley back on level terms early in the 2nd half. Fakenham getting the down on for Maddie green in attack some 30 yards out attempting to swing at it on the turn, doesn’t get hold of it the ball drifting wide of the mark. Katie Green on the attack right side for Fakenham sees her cross turned behind for a corner kick. Curling in on the keeper, Barnes getting a hand on the ball to knock it on past the far post dropping for Katie Green to lift a cross back into the middle, Williams leaping central can’t get anything on the ball as Bure Valley get it cleared to safety.

  The ball is rarely still only the odd trip into the woods to retrieve it. The pitch hard a few spots of rain in the air, the umbrella needed to keep the notepad dry, can’t put it my pocket too much happening. Nye getting the ball into MacMillan top of the area 20 yards out has Redgrave beside her the short pass into her helped out to Addison on the left takes on the shot the ball powered straight in on the keeper, Townsend comfortable in the save.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

  Dack moving in to press the keeper on a back pass Townsend rushed plays it straight to Addison left outside the box rolls it inside for Teixeira left of the D, goes to shoot, McCullagh going to charge it down takes the sting off the shot as it rolls safely through for Townsend to gather up inti her gloves. The rain adding a little slickness to the pitch both sides intent on scoring.

Annie Searcey with Maddie Green

 Katie Green getting hold of the ball out on the right firing a low shot in on the angle, Barnes diving forwards to get a glove on it at her near post turning it behind for a corner kick. Fakenham pushing players up for the corner, curled in central Dack getting a touch to take it away to the left, Fakenham quick to get it back the ball hooked back in to the far post area, Barnes trying to reach it stretching hurt as she goes to ground. The referee stopping play so she can receive treatment. 

 The rain stopped for now the sun back out, 20 minutes gone in the 2nd half play resuming with a drop ball much to Fakenham’s displeasure as they had possession when play was stopped. Nevertheless the hosts win it back through Price on the right sends it on for Katie Green on the wing, sends a high ball into the area looking for Smith running in far post, Snelling getting a touch to knock it out to the right, Norman sending it upfield.

  Fakenham winning a free-kick in the middle, Katie Green sending it long for Maddie Green to control bring down the left cutting a cross back into the top of the area, MacMillan there in cut the ball out for the visitors. Maddie Green snapping in to steal the ball back 25 yards out for Fakenham central sends it right into the path of Williams who goes to hit it first time 30 yards out the shot dipping straight into the keepers midriff.

Holly Williams

  Fakenham pushing up Williams looking to join the attack, on for Maddie Green going down the left to the by-line, Norman holding her up comes back up the line passing to Pooley to try and drill the ball into Williams inside the D, MacMillan in there with her close putting in the challenge to win the ball back. Wood coming back on with 20 minutes left on the clock replacing Smith for the hosts. The game end to end, you feel it could go either way without neither side getting on top of the other for long.

  Maddie Green seeing the ball into her turning it out to the right for Katie Green, Nye back on her to win the ball back infield to MacMillan of for Dack tries to thread it through the defence for Redgrave running into the box, but Townsend can gather it first. Bure Valley press the attack win the ball high MacMillan central lifting it to Addison left bursting into the box, Townsend rushing out to try and close her down, Addison squeezing the ball past her bouncing through on goal, Price running around on the cover clearing the ball off the line!

Sophia Price clearing off the line for Fakenham

 Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, whipped in with pace through the six yard box Price trying to defend at the far post knocking in down into the box Teixeira latching into it 10 yards out pulls her foot through the ball, everyone turns to see it race narrowly wide of the left upright.

Bure Valley’s Mariana Teixeira

  Dack bringing the ball on through the middle for Bure valley MacMillan up with her the ball fed out to Addison on the move left side, Price stretching out a leg to cut the ball out for the hosts. Pooley seeing the ball into her feet out wide left for Fakenham sends in on looking for Maddie Green up top, Norman closing her down for Bure Valley. MacMillan on the ball central for Bure Valley on the move lays it to Addison in the left channel she in turn turns it into Teixeira running through the middle, McCullagh getting across her path the shield the ball back to her keeper. 

Bure Valley captain, Emma MacMillan

  MacMillan taking the ball down the left wing off a throw in lifting a cross into the area, Townsend being closed down by Teixeira getting a glove up to knock the ball down into the area, Ewles-Belton hooking it clear for the hosts. Continues to be a fast paced match Bure Valley getting the ball into Addison left side driving forwards, price in to play it out for a throw. Dropped into MacMillan to strike goal wards on the angle, rising, Townsend getting her gloves up to beat the ball down into the deck and claim.

  Fakenham break through the middle, Ewles-Belton with Williams to Pooley left up to Maddie Green looks to play it central for Williams, Snelling stepping in to intercept for Bure Valley. End to end Bure Valley straight on the attack curled out to Addison wide left cut back into the area for Nye, closed down manages to get it out to Redgrave wide right put back up the line for Searcey to attempt the cross, Pooley winning it back for Fakenham.

  Feel it could go either way as Fakenham make another change Fox coming off with Isabel Dallas Smith entering the game. Fakenham with a corner left side into the box cleared out to Pooley 25 out right of the D, looking to hit it on the volley, has to stretch for it causing the ball to pull wide of the mark. Katie Green taking the ball on right down the line Nye up with her pressing the ball green putting her cross behind.

  Dack laying the ball out to Addison for Bure Valley wide left, Ballett out to close her down, out for a throw high up the pitch. MacMillan getting a shot away on the angle put straight at the keeper. Searcey picking up the first yellow card of the game as she comes together with Pooley, The rain starting to fall again as the game moves into the final 5 minutes. Katie Green sending the resulting free-kick long up towards the area Snelling rushing in to charge down Maddie Green as she looks to see it down top of the D.

Emily Addison

  Bure Valley winning a free-kick inside the Fakenham 35 yards out to the right, MacMillan to fire it with pace into the penalty spot, Dack taking a swing at it but making little contact deflects out to Addison left of goal, rushed into her shot blazes it over. Bure Valley push up late on Nye into Dack out to MacMillan left of the box hooks it back into the middle, Williams back to clear for Fakenham.

 Pooley getting up on the left taking the ball on from Maddie Green to get to the by-line, Norman blocking her cross the ball behind for a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box, Addison coming to defend heading it behind for a 2nd corner out on the left. Whipped in cleared to the top of the area, Williams on it down for Maddie Green central to spin away to the right for Katie Green who strikes it on the angle over the bar. Seconds left Bure Valley attempt one last attack MacMillan hooking it forwards high for Redgrave, McCullagh intercepting for Fakenham to clear upfield. 

Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  The points are shared, no doubt could have gone either way 2nd half a fast paced game both sides looking to get forwards. Fakenham with the 1st half lead, Bure Valley with a better 2nd half performance getting back on level terms early in creating some good chances to try to get their noses in front, Fakenham remained a constant threat both keepers called into action. A draw perhaps the fair result although both will feel they could have gotten more. The point keeping Bure Valley on the tails of the sides in the top 4, Fakenham have 3 games left including the return fixture against Bure Valley late in May need a few more points yet to ensure safety.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, certainly a few contenders, although I was more or less certain of who the award was going too after the match. Still several performances of note to mention was a lively contest. Firstly for Bure Valley, Jasmine Snelling was composed at the back reading the game well intercepting the ball. Emily Addison providing a good outlet on the left side making some good runs. Rhiannon Dack finding some good positions especially 2nd half as Bure Valley looked to press the attack on hand to score the equaliser. Set up by Emma MacMillan who had a strong game in the middle of the park getting up and down the pitch to defend and link up with the attackers. For Fakenham, Ella Ballett and Marcie McCullagh kept it tight at the back making it tough for Bure valley to cut them open. Katie Green a constant outlet right side with a great range of passing opening the scoring. Maddie Green too getting into some good positions pulling players out of position to allow others to attack. The award today though goes to Holly Williams set the tone early on for Fakenham busy as she closed the ball down and took it forwards with determination making some good runs, covering the ground whether it be helping out in defence or getting up with the attack.

  Another enjoyable encounter from Norfolk Women’s Division One shaping up to be a thrilling end to the season a still plenty of games left to play. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line up as is always the case much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Leverington Sports Ladies v Newmarket Town Women Development

Wednesday 9th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

 Heading over to Ely this Wednesday evening for another slice of Cup Final action, this time from Cambridgeshire the Women’s League Cup, being contested by Leverington Sports Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development.

 The Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One title clinched by Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds with 2 games to spare, celebrating becoming league Champions in their 20th season! The League Cup Final and all Division One clash with both sides picking off notable scalps along the way. Leverington Sports Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development in good positions to push for a 4 four finish with a handful of matches left.

This evenings prize

 Tonight though it’s all about the cup, Leverington Sports Ladies reaching the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup last season, making it to the League Cup final this time around. Haven’t had the consistency they would like though out the season winning as many as they’ve lost, injuries to key players have certainly not helped in that regards, nevertheless have picked up some good results along the way.

Sophie Swinden no captaining the side one of the leading strikers in the county prolific for Leverington going all the way back to they time as Wisbech. Once again leading goal scorer for the club this season with 22 goals from her 17 appearances. Caitlin Burdett has 6 from her 17 games and Paulina Potoplak with 5 goals. Goals throughout the side too with 14 out of the 24 players used so far this season getting on the scoresheet.

 Newmarket Town Women Development currently 4th in Division One bouncing back well from a tough opening to the season losing their 3 opening matches, the young squad going on to lose just the once in 8 league games since, winning 7 of those. Newmarket very much a club built on youth with youth teams at most age groups players progressing through those sides into their U18’s and Development side then ultimately the 1st team as several of this season’s development squad have featured this campaign. 

  A strong women’s section backing up the first team in the ERWFL, the Development squad strong with 30 players used this season, Amber May the top scorer with 13 goals from her 12 matches, close behind Cerys Bithell who has 11 to her name rom 16 games. Alex Shelford has 6 goals with Ailie Rennie on 5. Won 3-2 away to Leverington earlier in the season.

Road to the Final

  Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st round of the competition. Leverington were drawn away in the 2nd round to play Division Two side, St Ives Town Ladies, ran out comfortable winners racking up the goals with Sophie Swinden netting herself a hat-trick along with goals for Nicole Butler, Ellie Curson, Rhianna Butler, Caitlin Burdett and Samantha Bignall in a 9-2 victory. Plenty of goals too in Newmarket’s 2nd round tie as they were drawn away to fellow Division One side, Wimblington Ladies. The hosts themselves scoring 3 goals the game back and forth Newmarket coming out on top to win the game 5-3 with Cerys Bithell scoring a brace, along with goals for Niamh Bridgeman, Alex Shelford and Hannah Marsh.

 Onto round 3, Leverington drawn at home taking on fellow Division One side, Godmanchester Town Ladies who at the time were mounting a strong challenge with Fulbourn for the title itself. Leverington though fought hard with Godmanchester finding the back of the net for 2 goals, so too did the hosts with Swinden and Samantha Davis scoring to 2nd the tie to a dramatic penalty shootout, going all the way to sudden death Leverington coming out on top to win 7-6 to advance to the quarter finals. Plenty of goals in Newmarket’s 3rd round tie having been drawn away to Division Two side, Willingham Wolves Women, Cerys Bithell scoring 5 goals in the match, half the final tally with Newmarket coming away 10-3 victors, Amber May netting a brace too with a goal each for Cara Moon, Milly Charles and Shelford.

  Into the last 8 with Leverington making the trip over to Rutland to play fellow Division One side, Ketton Ladies. Lacey Metcalfe opening the scoring early in the game to see Leverington 1-0 up at the break with Ellena Sequerah-Salmon, Swinden and Burdett all getting a goal in the 2nd half to see the job done with a 4-0 result to march into the semi-finals. Newmarket away too, taking on Division Two high flyers, Soham Town Rangers Women. A potential banana skin, the hosts pushed Newmarket all the way, the game finishing 2-2 after 90 minutes going on to be decided from the penalty spot. Newmarket comfortable in the shootout scoring their penalties to win 4-1 to advance to the last 4, Marsh and Sophie Carter with the goals for the visitors in regular play.

  An all Division One line-up in the semi-finals, Leverington hosting Cambridge Rangers WFC, who have reached this season, Cambs FA Women’s Junior Invitation Cup final. Swinden scoring for Leverington, Rangers were to come back to level the scores and with no more goals forthcoming in regular play we were to see another penalty shootout, Leverington cool from the spot to win 3-1 to win through to the League cup final. Newmarket were definitely the underdog as they were taking on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds away from home in there semi-final. The champions elect with a 2-0 lead at the break looking in good shape to go on to reach the final however Newmarket had other idea coming back well in the 2nd half with both Amber May and Ailie Rennie scoring a brace each plus an own goal to turn the game on it’s head and see Newmarket through to the League Cup final courtesy of a 5-2 win. 

 Ely City Fc’s, Demcom Stadium the venue for this evenings final. Has hosted many Cambs finals, the clubs Women’s side going from strength to strength too, pushing hard for the title in Division Three and reaching the final of the Junior Invitation Cup Final to be held a Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium on May the 1st. The ground situated behind Ely’s Leisure Village with other sporting facilities. The large grass pitch overlooked by a seated stand above the changing rooms with the clubhouse and kitchen open beside serving hot food and drink. The pitch itself seeing alot of action looking good from a distance certainly patchy in places close up and with the recent lack of decent rainfall a little firm underfoot as with several pitches I’ve visited recently. Still offers good width and a good test of fitness too. The weather as mentioned dry of late another sunny day the sun setting over the trees behind one goal the lights coming on for kick-off as referee Theresa Robichaux leads the two sides out onto the pitch. 

 Leverington Sports Ladies starting XI – Holly Bantoft, Libbie Wykes, Samantha Davis, Jade Court, Olivia Holden, Katie Garner, Ellie Curson, Paulina Potoplak, Caitlin Burdett, Rhianna Butler & Sophie Swinden (C). Subs – Ebonie Goode, Lacey Metcalfe, Abigail Sommerville, Ellena Sequerah-Salmon & Tianna Schunmann.

Leverington Sports Ladies

 Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Charlotte Duhy, Jess Linger (C), Peyton Caranta, Becca Reynolds, Jazmine Sarpong, Alex Shelford, Ailie Rennie, Sophie Carter, Cerys Bithell, Amber May & Amelia Thompson. Suds – Niamh Bridgeman, Eden Kirby-Cook, Fliss Payne, Cara Moon & Alice Nicholson.

Newmarket Town Women (plus mascots) before kick-off

Captains Sophie Swinden and jess Linger with this evenings match officials (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Both sides missing players though injury for the League Cup final, it’s Leverington to take the kick-off 1st half wearing orange coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into the defence shifted to the right, Newmarket racing forwards looknig to close the ball down quickly pressure the back line, Jade Court sending the ball long into the right channel looking for Sophie Swinden in attack, Jazmine Sarpong stepping up from centre back to head the ball back into the opposition half.

Newmarket defender, Jazmine Sarpong (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Leverington battling to get hold of the ball in the centre Ellie Curson sending it out to the right, Paulina Potoplak getting forwards with Swinden coming over to support, takes the ball on down the line firing a shot in low on the angle, Charlotte Duhy in goal for Newmarket has the angle covered down low at her near post to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Newmarket moving the ball out to the right the diagonal ball finding Cerys Bithell on the attack charging forwards looknig to get into the box, Leverington’s Samantha Davies going with her getting across the attacker to push the ball on into the area for her goal keeper, Hannah Bantoft to clear.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

A lively opening both sides looking to move the ball forwards quickly, tackles in midfield the ball popping out to Bithell on the right, going forwards looking to link up with Amber May, Davies again getting a foot in to break up the move. Leverington break wide right, Swindon with the ball looking to hold of Sarpong as the defender forces her to the by-line, the striker winning her side a corner kick. Curled in towards the near post, attacked by Curson for Leverington but behind for a goal kick.

Leverington’s Ellie Curson (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Already looks to be a good contest forming between Bithell out on the right attacking for Newmarket and Davies defending at full back for Leverington, Davies looking to hold Bithell up on the wing as she attempts to get the ball down the line checks back to give herself half a yard to whip a pacy cross low into the six yard box, May in front of goal looking to get it down and turn to shoot, is quickly closed down by three Leverington players the blocking tackle seeing the ball cleared away for a throw on the right.

Leverington winning the ball back in defence send it clear up the left flank for Rhianna Butler to attack, Newmarket captain, Jess Linger moving up to get her head on the ball sending it out of play before Butler can attempt to get in behind. Newmarket looking to get the ball into the wings, Ailie Rennie in midfield clipping a diagonal ball into Alex Shelford out on the right moving into the corner, a push in the back from Davies seeing a free-kick awarded. Linger is a dead ball specialist over the set-piece fires it with power low into the packed six yard box, the ball won by a Leverington boot, cleared.

Newmarket captain, jess Linger (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket pressing the ball quick to get it back, Rennie with Sophie Carter played out to Bithell on the right side looks to surge forwards, Davies lunging in across her to see the ball back in Leverington possession. Katie Garner sending the pass out to Potoplak right side has Swinden on the move ahead of her, sending it into her path, Swinden winning a corner on the by-line as Peyton Caranta steps in to make the challenge. Another near post delivery plenty of bodies there Newmarket defending to successfully clear the ball.

Newmarket’s Peyton Caranta with Leverington’s Caitlin Burdett (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Is shaping up to be a physical contest, Leverington pressing the ball in the final 3rd, Curson 25 yards out central moving right prodded on for Caitlin Burdett then Swinden wide of goal her shot from the edge of the area charged down spinning away for a throw in the right. Leverington keeping the ball in the final 3rd Garner to Curson central swept out to Swinden in the right channel from the angle lets fly a powerful strike rising in on goal, Duhy making a good save getting her gloves up to tip the ball wide for a corner kick.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Charlotte Duhy

Leverington sending the right sided corner in high to the near post, Rennie getting up amongst bodies to get her head on the ball to clear, but taking a knock on the head in the process going down. Play stopped so she can be seen to, but the midfielder is back up on her feet ready to play on. Leverington winning the ball well in midfield Curson getting about the park feeding a pass into the left channel for Butler to attack, pressing on, Linger coming to close her down getting her foot on the ball to send it out of play.

Play stopped outside the Newmarket box, 30 yards out to the left of goal, Leverington with the drop ball,  Curson hooking it on into the box towards the far post, the Newmarket defence clearing it back to the top of the area, fizzed back in toward Swinden 8 yards out to the right of goal, strikes it in low, Duhy down quickly making the blocking save beating the ball away to safety.

Newmarket’s Becca Reynolds (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket lively on the flanks press Left, Shelford into May racing forwards, Libbie Wykes diving in to make the tackle for Leverington. Off the resulting throw, May gets the ball to the by-line turning into the area, little room to work with as Wykes and Court converge on her, the ball squeezed out for a goal-kick. Newmarket finding a bit of momentum going forwards Carter looking to put a diagonal ball on for Bithell looking to make a right channel run inside Davies, the pass instead intercepted by Holden for Leverington.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

Bithell providing a good outlet for Newmarket on the right n the move the instant the defence wins the ball, Becca Reynolds into Rennie in the middle, clipped on for Bithell, nearly gets away from Davies however the full back with a burst of pace getting back across her as they run into the box to shield the ball back to Bantoft. Bithell breaking again right side looking to get onto the end of a cross field pass into the box from Shelford, Bantoft quick off her line to get to the ball first.

Curson winning the ball in front of her defence bringing it forwards, Butler on the move left side, helping the ball on looks to play Swinden in with the through ball, instead cut out by Reynolds. End to end the ball rarely still fed out to Bithell right side for Newmarket, Davies  in with a robust tackle to win the ball back, Curson coming over to the left to take it on lifting it on for Butler up the line, Linger putting her foot in to halt the advance.

Coming up to half an hour played, Leverington working the ball left Curson up with Butler a high ball looped up into the middle of the six yard box won’t fall kindly before Burdett to get a stab at goal before Sarpong gets her take in to get the ball away, falls to Potoplak left of the D, 20 yards out shifts it left before striking in in low to the near post, behind it so can see the keepers view is obscured, nevertheless Duhy reacts well getting down sharply to get her gloves on the ball, deflecting it onto the post and snatches hold of it on the rebound.

Leverington captain, Sophie Swinden

 The ball hotly contested in midfield, back and forth, Curson getting stuck in after the ball, Rennie getting it out to the right, Bithell knocking it forwards trying to get a yard on Davies, the full back recovering to lunge in take the ball out for a throw in, Newmarket working it down the line from the throw in to win a corner on the right. Players up from the back as the delivery in curled into the six yard box at an inviting height, Rennie central rising to meet it with her head, knocking the ball down, straight at Bantoft who produces a good save from close range.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Burdett on the right for Leverington plays it inside for Potoplak travelling infield with the ball feeds it into Swinden 20 yards out right of the D, back to goal looks to spin inside to get a shot away can’t shake off Sarpong however the defender challenging to win the ball back. Caranta left on for May on the left, Thompson up with her Court moving over to support Wykes putting in the tackle to win the ball. May then winning a corner on the left as Court comes to close her down on the by-line.

  A teasing delivery whipped in to the six yard box from the corner on the left, bouncing out beyond the far post no one getting a touch. Another Newmarket player shoved off the ball, needing treatment. Play resuming with a corner to Newmarket, Linger sending in into the six yard box another good delivery, Bantoft rising to throw her arm up to punch the ball away to the left. Leverington build through the middle, Garner on for Curson attempting to slid the pass in behind for Swinden pulling off, Sarpong’s shoulder right of goal, Duhy though seeing the threat quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. 

Newmarket’s Cerys Bithell (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Leverington push players on from midfield, Garner out to Potoplak right, shifting the ball between her feet drops her shoulder moving inside to send the ball in across the top of the area to Butler, left side 20 yards out, Linger in to close her down the ball out for a throw that side. Taken quickly Curson up with Butler the ball crossed into the box cleared by Sarpong, drops to Garner still up field after the earlier attack, strikes the ball from range, wide of the mark.

 Sarpong pushing up to halfway winning a long ball clearing it on the volley forwards into the path off Bithell on the right channel, 20 yards out takes on the early shot, struck low, Bantoft getting down to make the save. Sarpong intercepting at the back for Newmarket as Curson attempt to find Potoplak moving into the right channel. Newmarket press high the ball won back by Carter inside the Leverington half put diagonally into May moving from centre to right into the box fining space to attack closing down on the six yard box goes to send her shot across the keeper. Bantoft diving throwing out an outstretched arm saving to turn the ball on across goal, running on to Thompson running in beyond the far past. Court rushing in to try and win the ball the shot is clipped narrowly wide of the upright.

GOAL! The deadlock is broken, as Leverington exploit an error at the back from Newmarket, Sarpong seeing a clearance down into her feet carries the ball forwards into midfield, running into Garner who regains possession and sends it forwards into the channel vacated by the defender, knowing that’s exactly where the experienced Swinden is going to exploit, bearing down on the box, shoots before Duhy rushing out to close her down can reach her, sending the ball racing past the keeper into the back of the vacant net 1-0.

Sophie Swinden congratulated by her teammates as she fires Leverington into the lead (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Leverington having to work hard at the back to keep things tight, Court winning the ball well, bringing it out from the back, attempts to go long with Swinden making a run central to the right, Reynolds cutting the ball out. Game remains physical as the ball is hotly contested. Bithell down picking up a knock as the 1st half enters the final 5 minutes. Back and forth, Court cutting the ball out at the back for Leverington, Sarpong in turn winning it at the other end as Swinden looks to steal in behind.

 A cross field ball from Newmarket sees Shelford break forwards into the box to the left of goal, Bantoft rushing out to close down the angle making the blocking save, the rebound outside the area, Thompson looking to get on the end of it, Court sliding in to nick clear for Leverington. Newmarket pushing hard for a goal late in the half, Carter taking the ball forwards moving left sends it on for May pushing into the, Court timing her tackle to win the ball for Leverington away for a corner kick.

 it long from the left across goal headed back across the face at the far post, defended at the opposite post seen safely into the keepers gloves. Davies looks to bring the ball on left side for Leverington on for Butler, shakes off Linger the ball inside for Curson, Reynolds in close to prevent her turning on the ball. May brought down as she attacks on the right for Newmarket. Linger over the set-piece from deep launched into the box, Curson back to deal with it for Leverington. 

  Curson bringing it forwards trying to slide Butler in on the left, Duhy out to to the top of her area getting there first. Court in strong to win it again at the back for Leverington cleared up to Swinden on the right wing, Caranta moving in to close her down for Newmarket, looks to find Thompson in attack, Garner getting her head on the ball to turn it out for a throw in.

Half-time Leverington Sports Ladies 1-0 Newmarket Town Women Development

  A fast paced first half draws to a close with Leverington holding a slender advantage over Newmarket with Swinden put through on goal to break the dead lock late in the first half. Has been a physical game with Leverington getting stuck into Newmarket using their experience to get on with the ball with Swinden up top moving across the back line constantly looking for an opening. Newmarket looking to look move the ball quickly get it out into the flanks drive forwards both sides forcing excellent saves from their respective keepers the final remains delicately poised for the 2nd half. 

  A good sized crowd here to support the teams, Newmarket with a number of their youth teams in attendance shouting encouragement to the team. Newmarket making two changes at the break with Thompson and Shelford coming off in attack, Fliss Payne and Niamh Bridgeman coming on once all nose studs have been removed, the change of personal seeing Bithell taking up an attacking berth on the left. No changes at the break for Leverington as Newmarket get the 2nd period under way. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be decided on penalties.

  Put back into Rennie, Leverington straight in to close her down, Swinden coming away with the ball, taking a punt on the keeper being out of position tries her luck from range, the ball bouncing harmlessly wide. May coming trough the middle in attack with Bithell as Rennie slides the ball through to her in the right channel, Holden cutting the pass out in defence for Leverington. 

Newmarket’s Sophie Carter

  Caranta pushing up from left back sending the ball up the line for Bithell, Court rushing in to slide in to take the ball from her. Newmarket keep on the left Payne up with Bithell to win Newmarket a corner kick, the delivery swung in to the near post, Curson there to defend head the ball clear for Leverington. Wykes playing Burdett on up the right wing moves inside to feed the ball into Swinden positioned top of the area back to goal holding off Sarpong as she looks to turn into the area, the defender keeping tight on her to stab a foot in to take the ball away from her. 

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Rennie winning the ball well in the middle for Newmarket getting her side on the front foot, played forwards, May winning a corner, again it’s Curson who meets it to clear for Leverington. A little bit of frustration creeping into the game, Caranta looking to shield the ball out of play for a Newmarket throw opposite the Leverington dugout gets a cynical shove in the back from Burdett that sends the full back tumbling onto the packed earth bashing her head on the seats in the process. 

 Hardly any need, tempers for treatment the senior players for Leverington quick to clam things down, Burdett shown a yellow card. Caranta eventually back up on her feet and keen to return to the pitch. The incident stirring both sides up Newmarket increasing their intensity as she push for the ball inside the Leverington half, Rennie sending a diagonal ball into, May’s path right of goal, Davies diving in to make the tackle.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Burdett with the ball on the right dropping her shoulder to skip infield 25 yards out rolls the ball in central Curson charging forwards, Rennie though tracking back to intercept the ball. May charging down Holden as she goes to clear the ball at the back for Leverington, 30 yards out right of the D, May in behind going for the early strike dropping wide of Bantoft’s left post, Bithell interested as she goes to retrieve on the by-line, Wykes with her the full back seeing it out for a goal kick. 

  Garner taking a throw on the right for Leverington knocked back towards her as she moves forwards, lunging forwards to try and keep it in play Bithell runs into her receiving a painful blow to the stomach colliding with the midfielders arm. Heavily winded in some discomfort an accidental collision struggling to get her breath the decision is made quickly to take her off bring on Eden Kirby-Cook.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

 An hour played, Caranta pushing up on the left trying to get it forwards to Payne, Garner in the way to turn the ball out for a throw. A combative game Newmarket giving s good a they get in the 2nd half, limiting balls through to Swinden in attack. That said, Swinden is always alert to an opportunity as Leverington come inside from the left Butler into Potoplak central feed it into the box for Swinden right of goal does well to shake off Sarpong turning to shot but gets an unkind bounce as she looks to strike it on the half volley slicing her effort wide.

Jade Court sliding in to win the ball for Leverington (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Kirby-Cook seeing the ball rolled into her path by Payne coming inside from the left drives on towards the box, opting to shoot early the ball racing in to the near post, Bantoft getting down to see the ball up into her gloves. Leverington making their first change with Garner the player coming off, Ebonie Goode coming on. Court all action in defence putting in a number of crucial tackle, hurting herself in the process. Slides in to deny May as she looks to link up with Kirby-Cook.

GOAL! Payne taking the resulting throw launches it towards the top corner of the box, knocked up into the air by a Leverington defender, Bridgeman getting something on it beyond to put it on into the top of the D, for Rennie running onto the ball, gets her foot under the ball to hook it goal wards looping over the keeper and under the crossbar to level the scores 1-1. 

Ailie Rennie scoring the equaliser for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Newmarket back on level terms 25 minutes into the 2nd half. Leverington looking to build an attack on the left, Goode working the ball forwards with Butler, Linger challenging to get the ball into the middle, Carter looking to get it forwards. Caranta pushing further up 2nd half driving inside, Court intercepting her attempted through ball for Bridgeman. Court hurt in some pain needing treatment appears to be cramp is up but not moving as freely. Leverington bringing on Lacey Metcalfe in place of Butler

 GOAL! The game turned on it’s head with Newmarket taking the lead just 4 minutes after finding the equaliser, a goal kick falling to Payne to the left 30 plus yards out, knocks it forwards straight into the path of Bridgeman in behind the defence right of the D, racing on pulls the trigger, smashing her shot past Bantoft, inside the right post! 1-2.

Niamh Bridgeman fires Newmarket into the lead (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Newmarket’s young side full of energy, energized further as they take the lead in this evenings final. Caranta storming into midfield with the ball, feeding another through ball into Bridgeman , this time though Bantoft is rapidly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Newmarket lively Rennie out to May on the right driving into the box, on the angle Bantoft rushing out to close the angle May shoots into the side netting. 

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Court clearing for Leverington at the top of her area as may attempts to get onto a ball lifted over the top. Leverington starting to tire, winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half lifted forwards towards Potoplak outside the box left of the D, her shot deflected behind for a corner kick on the left. In short cleared for a 2nd corner. Aimed higher this time angled into the near post, Sarpong up to head the ball clear.

  Leverington winning another free-kick on the left, dropping into the D, Rennie trying to get it clear giving away the free-kick. Sent into the box, bouncing at the near post, Duhy needs to keep her eye on the ball even as she is closed down and does taking it well above her head. The game stretched moving into the last 10 minutes, May racing forwards looking to get onto the end of a long clearance, Bantoft racing out of her area needs to get there first and does.

Hannah Bantoft claiming the ball for Leverington (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Caranta fouled out on the left, inside the Leverington half, Linger coming over to take the set-piece, swung in on target, easy for Bantoft, who looks to get the ball up field quickly into Swinden on halfway back to goal sees it down for Wykes looking to get on right side, Kirby-Cook making the challenge to halt the advance. Court has gone down again and looks in trouble a lengthy pause as she’s seen too on the pitch, can’t continue and needs to be carried to the side lines as Leverington are forced into another change. 

 Newmarket pushing up winning a corner on the left, fired into the six yard box with runners coming in turned behind for a 2nd corner. Whipped in from the left into the near post a Kirby-Cook taking a swing at it from close range, hitting Bantoft beyond diving forwards to get her gloves around the ball. Leverington look to break quickly with the clock ticking down on for Burdett right, looks to drive on, Caranta coming back at her to nip in to turn the ball out for a throw in.

(photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Wykes bringing the ball on right for Newmarket into Burdett inside the right channel 25 yards out looks to drive in central looking for an opening, Caranta, going with her getting a touch on the ball, falls loose in the box with the ever alert Swinden about to latch onto it right side of goal, Reynolds across on the cover to make the blocking tackle get the ball away from danger. 

 Into stoppage time several minutes to come with the pauses for injury in the 2nd half, Leverington looknig for one last effort to try and find a goal to at least force the final to a penalty shootout. Newmarket in turn still looknig for a 3rd goal to kill off the game break right may powering on into the box, Potoplak rushing back to defend for Leverington sliding in to make the tackle risky but times it well the referee quickly to wave away any appeals. 

Paulina Potoplak sliding in to tackle (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Leverington with a free-kick top of the circle barely any time left the ball hooked up to the top of the area, Newmarket winning the header, look to break out with pace. Comes all the way back to Bantoft the keeper launching it up to halfway Swinden turning it out to the right for Curson looking to break forwards, Caranta in on her to cut e pass out as the referee blows up for full-time and Newmarket rush together to celebrate as they win the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup.

Full time Leverington Sports Ladies 1-2 Newmarket Town Women Development

  Newmarket turning the game around having been trailing at the end of the first half, coming out with a positive plan 2nd half getting players forwards well to find the equalising goal midway through the 2nd half and with the momentum firmly on their side going on to take the lead just 4 minutes later. A physical contest two contrasting sides playing out a good battle, Newmarket coping better in the 2nd half, limiting the balls through to Swinden up top nevertheless despite picking up more injuries Leverington fought hard throughout, just could find that one golden chance to get themselves back on level terms in the final 20 minutes. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Plenty of contenders for this one no doubt about in performances of note on both sides. Firstly for Leverington, Ellie Curson had a great game in midfield, getting about the pitch to win the ball and link up with the forward players, getting her tackles in throughout. Hannah Bantoft producing some excellent saves to keep the score low. Sophie Swinden moving about the Newmarket back line constantly looking for an opening firing her side in front. Samantha Davies winning her fair share of tackles, Jade Court putting her body on the line winning the ball well with some crunching tackles busy at the back picking up an injury hoping it’s not too serious. For Newmarket a collective effort to get the ball forwards build momentum in the 2nd half. Jazmine Sarpong with a number of tackles and interceptions at the back. Peyton Caranta at full back fired up using that energy to positive effect. Cerys Bithell too providing a great outlet on the right first half, creating chances for herself and others. Amber May with some positive attacking runs. On the night the award went to midfielder, Ailie Rennie and I have to agree strong in the middle of the park, read the game well and got involved throughout whether tracking back to defend or getting forwards to join the attack getting Newmarket back on level terms.

Newmarket Town Women Development 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners (photo credit Sean Doyle)

 Congratulations to Newmarket Town Women Development on winning this evenings Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

An enjoyable evening coming back to Ely City FC for another final, this just happens to be my 600th match report too. Can hardly believe it! These things are a joy to write because no tow matches are ever the same (and I rarely get a 0-0). My thanks to both clubs for their help tonight, along with the staff at Cambs FA. My thanks to too Sean Doyle for the use of his pictures throughout the report. Plenty more games to cup, several of those finals busy right up to the end of May. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Aylsham FC Women v Long Stratton Women

Sunday 6th April

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Back to league action this Sunday, with a trip to Youngs Park to take in a game from Norfolk Women’s Division One, as Aylsham FC Women take on Long Stratton Women.

Bungay Town Ladies the defending champions looking strong in their defence of the title, 5 points clear at the top with games in hand, although a surprise 1st league defeat of the season to 2nd bottom KLSC FC Women last time out raised a few eyebrows, have a busy run in too, having reached both the League and Suffolk Women’s County Cup finals. Behind Bungay the race for runners-up spot is incredibly tight and wide open with UEA FC Women climbing into 2nd, just 6 points between them and 8th placed Fakenham Town Ladies sure to be plenty of twists along the way. Anyone finding a run of results now could claim that spot and be ready to pounce should Bungay falter.

 Aylsham FC Women, 9th in the Division One table looking to pull clear of the bottom two sides and get in amongst the pack in the middle of the table. Like nearly all the sides in the league getting a decent run of matches has been a challenge for various reasons this campaign, with weather and cup competitions playing there part, went deep into the County Cup and even better in the League Cup reaching their 1st final since reforming where they will take on Bungay Town Ladies on Sunday 18th May.

A tough start to Aylsham’s league campaign taking just 1 point from their opening 4 matches have since improved without finding consistency in the league winning as many as they’ve lost, get a run of results going and that will see them climb the table with a useful blend of experience and youth in the squad have the potential to finish the season strong. Christina Papadopoulou Aylsham’s top scorer so far this season netting 19 goals from her 15 matches. Vicky Lubbock too also into double figures scoring 12 goals in her 16 matches. Twin sister Sophie has 9 to her name along with Shelley Woods.

Long Stratton Women with an unbeaten streak of 4 matches through February through to March including 3 straight wins climbing up to 4th spot in the Division One table since than have suffered a couple of back to back defeats allowing others to overtake dropping to 7th but still well placed to push on. Like many sides in the Division have plenty of games to play, having completed just over half their league fixtures through a combination of postponements and cup games interrupting the league campaign with the majority of those games at home will be looking to finish strong. The club expanding it’s women’s section this season too creating a new Development side playing in Division Three.

Long Stratton Women’s recent good run coinciding with them bringing Luci Middleton out of retirement (again) having previously played for the club finishing highest scorer in the league too before following manager Adam Race to Wroxham Women, coming back to Long Stratton a proven goal scorer smashed home 11 goals in her 7 appearances. Has since signed for Wroxham, a miss for Long Stratton no doubt but have another striker in good form in front of goal with Caitlin Skipper the leading scorer with 14 so far from her 9 appearances. Daisy Stobbart on 5 goals Long Stratton are bringing through alot of young players at the moment building for the future.

A bit of toing and froing with this weekends fixture with the sides yet to meet this season, was earlier moved to Long Stratton’s Manor Road ground before Aylsham rearranged to play the fixture at home on their brand new 3g pitch at Youngs Park. The ground continuing to develop, with numerous grass pitches beside the clubhouse with large function room bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The 3G pitch bringing in new revenue for the club hosting a number of games, beside the main grass pitch being rested and watered today. A compact artificial pitch with standing viewing on one side. A bright sunny day albeit with a stiff and chilly breeze blowing from one goal end to the other the sun too bright behind one goal.

 Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mia parker, Jess Greengrass, Ellie Snowling, Charlotte Crane, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor (C), Cayla Brown, Carly Allum, Shelley Woods, Jasmine Walford, Olivia Baker & Billie Myall. Subs – Sophie Lubbock, Vicky Lubbock & Elisha Nobbs.

Aylsham FC Women

 Long Stratton Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Emily Coe, Summer Whiting, Jade Copeman, Esme Goodall, Megan Vincent (C), Ella Karkoska, Pip Giacomelli, Liv Charlton, Eloise Flack & Caitlin Skipper.

Long Stratton Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Aylsham without a number of key players, including top scorer, Christina Papadopoulou for this afternoon’s game, with twin sisters, Sophie and Vicky Lubbock arriving late on the bench. Welcome back Australian, Billie Myall recently returning for Aylsham after giving birth, having made a huge impact for the club signing on last season. Long Stratton too with several missing travel with the bare 11.

Captain’s Sophie-Jayne O’Connor and Megan Vincent with todays match official Elise Mileham-Carol

A last second switch with Elisha Nobbs coming on right on kick-off with Myall needing to feed her child, babies have no sense of timing but most certainly come first. It’s Aylsham to kick-off the first half wearing orange coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks with Long Stratton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball rolled back to the defence played right to Jess Greengrass, sends it up the wing for Jasmine Walford to attack, Emily Coe can see it safely out of play at the back for Long Stratton.

Probing balls forwards from both sides early on put into the channels, Long Stratton looking for Caitlin Skipper as she turns to attack on the right, Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor at the back getting across her run putting a foot in to divert the ball away from her allowing full back Ellie Snowling to clear. Long Stratton winning a free-kick in the middle inside the Aylsham half the ball launched up to the top of the area won by Charlotte Crane at the back for the hosts, then as the ball drops to a Long Stratton player outside the box, it’s Crane who gets the block in as the shot is fired in.

 

The ball being moved quickly between the sides congested in the middle not finding the nark up top, lifted forwards by Aylsham, Jade Copeman at the back penalised for a handball as she goes up to clear it. Shelley Woods over the free-kick top of the circle hit long to the left post area, too much on it runs out of play before anyone can run onto it. Snowling sending the ball up the left wing for Aylsham, Elisha Nobbs looking to get it under control as she turns into the area, Copeman in close attention managing to get her tackle in to knock the ball from under her feet before she can get a shot away.

Elisha Nobbs being tackled by Jade Copeman inside the box.

Long Stratton with energy in their attack looking to get players forwards, Skipper seeing the ball into her feet looking to spin off her marker and make runs into both channels. Eloise Flack with the ball at her feet on the right for the visitors aiming to play Skipper in behind the defence into the box right of goal, the pass intercepted by Aylsham’s Carly Allum.

Aylsham midfielder, Carly Allum

Aylsham press winning a throw high on the left, Olivia Baker up around the box on for Nobbs, challenged by Copeman inside the box, cleared straight to Woods, 25 yards out hits it first time sent over. Myall being subbed back on going into attack replacing Nobbs. Aylsham bring the ball on through the middle into Myall back to goal lays it off for Baker coming on spins to get into the area, Baker lifting the ball over the Long Stratton defence, goalkeeper Cyan Fullbrook alert to the danger, out quickly to rush onto the bouncing back.

Long Stratton quick to launch the counter attack the ball wasting no time on its way out to Skipper pulling into the right channel, in behind the defence, looking to break into the area goalkeeper Mia Parker comes racing out to close her down sliding in to try and save the pair colliding as Skipper sees her hurried effort to evade her loop up to fall onto the crossbar and out of play. Both down for a moment, Skipper up first Parker needing a little more attention, Walford a good keeper in her own right should she be needed however, Parker is back on her feet and ready to continue.

Eloise Flack on the attack for Long Stratton

Aylsham win the ball back in the centre Cayla brown on for Allum, Woods ahead of her looking to get on up top with Myall the pair playing a one tow as they turn the Long Stratton defence, Woods looking for the return pass as she goes right, Coe intercepting well for the visitors.

GOAL! The break is one as Coe launches the ball forwards long out to the right helped on for Skipper with gets hold of it drives forwards with pace to burn outside the area 25 yards out with the keeper starting to advance she strikes it on the angle firing it with venom low past the keeper across goal into the bottom corner 0-1. 

Caitlin Skipper driving forwards with the ball opening the scoring for Long Stratton

Long Stratton into the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, getting forwards with purpose, Skipper the ready outlet making some great runs into the right channel looking to get in behind the Aylsham defence the hosts put on the back foot. Skipper linking up with Flack out on the right the cross into the top of the area sliced clear by O’Connor going out for a throw in.

Allum sending the ball on through the middle for Aylsham up to Myall in attack carries it out to the right, Coe going with her putting in the challenge to put it out of play for a throw in level with the long Stratton box, the ball thrown in towards Myall positioned just inside the area right of goal, chests it down well turning towards goal hitting her strike on the angle sending it into the side netting.

Ella Karkoska winning the ball in the middle for Long Stratton laying it out to Flack to her right lifted on for Skipper in attack looking to surge into the box right of the D, O’Connor just getting a slight touch on the ball, enough to deflect it away from Skipper, on for parker to snatch up into her gloves. Aylsham counter with Baker finding Myall bursting into the left wing, looking to drive on to the by-line, Summer Whiting lunges in to tackle playing the ball out for a throw.

The wind is bitter in the shade, may be favouring Long Stratton too as they play the ball forwards with pace looking to get Skipper on the ball run at the Aylsham defence, Snowling being kept busy at left back, Flack looking to double up with Skipper with pip Giacomelli providing runs through the middle, Megan Vincent seeing the ball into her from Liv Charlton lifting it on over the top for Skipper, bursting into the box, Parker jumping up to claim it on the rise.

Aylsham winning a throw high on the right, put into the area for Walford back to goal hooks it on towards the far post, at an awkward height for Copeman to deal with especially with Woods closing her down but does well to get it away for a throw on the left. Aylsham getting players on better now, but that in turn leaves them vulnerable to the counter attack, Coe winning it well at the back for the visitors plays it on for Vincent, Brown moving in quickly to close her down before she can attempt to release Skipper already on the move into the right channel.

Aylsham’s Billie Myall

Aylsham find Walford out on the right drives on, Coe closing her down, Walford emerging with the ball after the 50/50 challenge inside looks for Myall inside the D, controls looks to turn left, Esme Goodall putting her foot in to win the ball back for Long Stratton. Charlton for Long Stratton into the centre for Vincent lifted out to Skipper right channel sees it down laying it on down the line for Flack to surge forwards, Snowling managing to get across her path to shield the ball play it back to her keeper to clear.

Long Stratton’s Liv Charlton

Long Stratton regain possession on the left Charlton playing in on for Flack coming to receive the ball with Giacomelli ahead of her the ball crossed into the top of the Aylsham area, Crane cutting it out for the hosts. Both sides intent on getting forwards Brown clearing for Aylsham, up to baker 20 yards out forwards into Myall inside the D right of goal looks to turn, Coe putting in the blocking tackle.

Long Stratton full back Emily Coe

Long Stratton waste no time getting the ball on through the middle, into the path of Skipper who shapes to go right before pulling the trigger some 35 yards out from goal, her low bouncing effort running straight into Parker’s gloves. Skipper getting a few knocks for her efforts to, fouled on a number of occasions as she threatens to get in behind the Aylsham defence. One of those attacks seeing the attacker break into the area from the right, then being pulled down, the referee pointing to the spot, Penalty!

 GOAL! *Correction* It’s Karkoska to take the penalty. No messing goes for power hitting it on the ride before Parker can react into the right side of the goal to double Long Stratton’s lead. 0-2.

The visitors moving 2 goals ahead on the half hour, Aylsham rocked looking to get on the attack from the restart, baker finding Myall moving out to the right taking the ball on a drop of her shoulder to give herself a half yard of space to cross sends it in low to the near post, Fullbrook down onto it to make the save.

Woods playing the ball forwards into Walford coming in off the right 25 yards out, Charlton in to put in the blocking tackle just as she is about to pull the trigger. Long Stratton counter the ball into Skipper back to goal lays it on for Flack going on down the right wing, plays the ball back in across the top of the area with Giacomelli making a central run looking to get onto the end of the ball, O’Connor stretching forwards to get her foot out to cut out the pass.

Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor

Myall up top for Aylsham seeing the ball down into her feet from the left outside the D, Coe in to close her down getting a nick on the ball, but Myall still has it as she pulls left into the area with Fullbrook advancing looks to lob it over her, the ball bouncing wide at the far post. Reinforcements have arrived in the shape of the Lubbock twins as they are subbed into the game, with Walford and Baker the players coming off.

Sophie Lubbock moving up top with Myall straight into the action off a throw high in the right, comes into her inside the D, turns to shoots a low strike lacking the power to trouble Fullbrook at the far post. Aylsham pushing players on now Myall with players around her looks to go right, tackled well by Coe, the ball quickly won back however Aylsham with a punt from range on the angle dropping wide of the far post.

 GOAL! The clock ticking down in the first half Aylsham getting players on Vicky Lubbock with Woods fed into Myall back to goal inside the box right of goal, strong taking it down to the by-line holding over Coe she manages to wriggle free to sweep a cross low into the six yard box straight into Sophie Lubbock’s feet controls well and stabs it goal wards wrong footing Fullbrook putting it across her to score 1-2.

Sophie Lubbock pulling a goal back for Aylsham

The substitutes with an immediate impact pulling a goal back for Aylsham late in the first half. The hosts coming no strong late in the half winning a corner on the right, swept in long across the six yard box, turned behind beyond the far post for another corner on the left. Played in high to the far post Woods up to head it back across goal, Long Stratton getting it clear.

Skipper brought down on the right on halfway, the referee having a word with Snowling, Long Stratton with the set-piece, fired long up into the box, Parker going up to claim it even as Giacomelli comes running in trying to attack it, the pair colliding the keeper coming off worse, however once again is alright to continue. Long Stratton look to counter the ball into Skipper back to goal tackled by Allum as she looks to turn right, Flack onto the loose ball surging on, Snowling in to close her down.

Charlton bringing the ball on down the left for Long Stratton squaring it into the middle for Karkoska, to strike from 30 yards out her effort finding the Parker back on her line to make a comfortable save.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mia Parker

The first half finishing at a furious pace as Aylsham press players on Long Stratton remaining a threat on the break, end to end before Mileham-Carol blows up to bring play to an end.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-2 Long Stratton Women

 Both teams opting to stay out on the pitch during the half-time interval. Aylsham pulling a goal back late in the 1st half reducing the deficit to a single goal. Long Stratton starting the game well getting the ball forwards quickly Caitlin Skipper making some positive runs into the right channel looking to take the ball on find her way through the Aylsham defence scoring the opening goal inside 15 minutes, then brought down inside the box on the half hour to double the visitors lead from the penalty spot. Posing Aylsham a few questions the hosts tentative probing with their attacks early on gradually committing players further forwards, Billie Myall taking the ball into the channels looking for an opening, the introduction of the Lubbock twins seeing them press the attack get more bodies forwards Myall setting up Sophie Lubbock to score, late in the half giving Aylsham the momentum going into the 2nd half.

  A quick turn around ready for the 2nd half, Long Stratton to get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back into the defence out to Whiting looking to push up on the right, clips a long diagonal ball up into the box looking for Skipper making the run through the middle, Parker though moving out of her six yard box coming to collect the ball.

  Straight from the start Aylsham looking to push players on fight for the ball higher up the pitch, Myall now out to the right, Allum sending the ball into her, Coe tackling before she can get a cross into the box. Myall again with the ball at her feet on the right has support with Vicky Lubbock outnumbering Coe the cross into the box cleared by Goodall. Long Stratton look to get it forwards quickly a long punt up towards the top of the area for Skipper to try and chase down, travels through to the keeper.

Esme Goodall

 GOAL! Parker releasing the ball quickly, Aylsham’s turn to get the ball forwards with speed played through to Myall making a run right channel, driving on towards the top of the box, unleashes her strike early sending in arrowing in on goal past the keeper and into the bottom corner to level the scores 2-2.

Billie Myall getting Aylsham back on level terms

  Aylsham back on level terms 3 minutes into the 2nd half. Long Stratton’s Karkoska winning the ball putting it out to the right for Skipper to attack, Snowling going with her getting to the ball first no taking any chances playing it out for a throw in. Up the other end Aylsham attack right winning a throw high up the pitch. Dropped into Myall who turns to strike the ball on the angle flashed over the bar. 

Eloise Flack

 Vicky Lubbock pressing up with Myall out on the right winning her side a corner kick. Aylsham pushing the Long Stratton defence back. Players up from the back, the delivery coming in towards the near post, headed over the crossbar. Lively Aylsham pressing high Allum into Vicky Lubbock taking the ball right, squaring a cross along the top of the Long Stratton box, Goodall intercepting and clearing for Long Stratton.

  Goodall winning the header inside the box as the cross comes inside from the right the clearance dropping straight into Vicky Lubbock’s feet 25 yards out central shifts it to her right before getting her shot away low angling in to the right post, Fullbrook diving down to make the save. 

Long Stratton goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook

  Long Stratton working hard at the back under pressure now chances to get the ball up field more limited, Skipper not getting the support up to her as quickly, the visitors nevertheless remain a threat on the counter attack, Flack moving right getting onto the end of a cross-field pass taking the ball on delivering an early cross in towards the top of the box, Crane cutting it out to clear for Aylsham.

  Aylsham probing, the Lubbock twin’s linking up with Myall in attack, Woods pushing further forwards too, linking up with Myall given the return ball as they pair attack on the right Woods lifts it into the top of the area with Allum central the target, Whiting in to close her down bringing the ball clear for Long Stratton. 

 Brown operating in front of the defence for Aylsham cutting out a number of inviting balls forwards as Long Stratton look to counter, play turned around Woods pulling into the left channel breaks in behind the defence moving towards the area comes inside onto her right foot to curl in a shot from outside the box, her effort just wide of the far post.

  Long Stratton bring the ball on right side Whiting getting up the pitch with Flack the diagonal ball into the area as Giacomelli bursts on through the middle, Parker quick off her line getting hold of the ball 1st. Myall straying offside as the Long Stratton defence hold their line with Allum on the turn looking to put the diagonal ball into her path. 

  Coe does well at the back for Long Stratton under pressure from Myall to deal with an awkward bouncing ball played over the top by Allum out to the right. The visitors working hard at the back forced back into their box at times as Aylsham push players on, that does occasionally leave them light at the back Skipper moving out into the wing to chase the ball down, keeping Snowling busy the full back closing the ball down turning it out for a throw. Long Stratton take it quickly Flack up with Skipper getting the ball into the box, Parker claiming it.

Aylsham full back Ellie Snowling

  Giacomelli moving into the left wing taking the ball on from Charlton getting forwards to lift a high cross into the area, Flack the furthest forwards running in central, Parker though with a confident claim high at her near post. Aylsham turn play around Vicky Lubbock right channel bringing the ball on looking to set up sister Sophie inside the box, crossing the ball in low, Goodall intercepting for Long Stratton. 

 Midway through the 2nd half Aylsham winning a free-kick top of the circle, O’Connor to deliver into Woods’ feet top of the D, looking to turn find a half yard to shoot is closed down by Vincent the ball deflected away for a throw to the right. A spirited game by Long Stratton fighting for the ball with the bare 11, Vincent with Karkoska trying to get the ball on through the middle, Brown cutting it out as Skipper looks to break in behind, forwards for Allum her through ball seeing Sophie Lubbock caught offside.

 Myall right putting a lopping cross in towards the top of the area, Sophie Lubbock trying to get it under control, Goodall on her shoulder, Woods up with play seeing it down into her feet inside the D, back to goal hits it on the spin, turning her strike over the bar. Aylsham making a change, Allum coming off in midfield, Baker coming back on.

 GOAL! Baker onto the ball laying it out to the right for Myall as she bursts down the wing before lifting a cross into the box, Sophie Lubbock in central top of the six yard box, Woods too closing in on the ball attacking it ahead of her meeting it on the run to smash into the back of the net to fire Aylsham into the lead 3-2. Looked to have received a tug too so may well have been a penalty otherwise.

Shelley Woods fires Aylsham into the lead

 Aylsham turning the game around coming back from 2 nil down to take the lead in the 65th minute. Aylsham getting players forwards keeping Long Stratton on the back foot, winning a free kick outside the box, 20 yards out left of the D, Woods over it goes for the strike, hits the shot over the bar. Coe getting a vital touch at the back to clear the ball for Long Stratton as Sophie Lubbock steals into the box from a Baker through ball. 

  Coe defending again out to the right as Aylsham attack Vicky Lubbock on for Myall, shielding the ball from the attacker allowing Fullbrook to come to claim the ball. Myall with the ball on Aylsham’s right squared into Woods top corner of the area cushions it back for Baker to run onto, her low strike angling in on goal straight at the keeper. 

 Whiting lunging in with the tackle to stop Sophie Lubbock getting away on the left. Aylsham over commit in attack pressing for a 4th goal Long Stratton get the ball up the pitch quickly Skipper on her own looking to race in behind the defence central, Parker comes rushing out of her box needing to get there to try and clear Skipper getting the touch just ahead of the keeper, trying to lob her the ball running wide of the left post.

 Long Stratton doing there best to get players up to support Skipper, Giacomelli linking up with her to the left of goal, Greengrass into defend for Aylsham comes back to Karkoska who strikes it from distance not a bad effort landing on the roof of the net. Skipper continues to get fouled as her pace threatens the Aylsham defence picking up another knock. 

  Aylsham build on the right Baker into Vicky Lubbock on for Myall with speed the cross angled into the Long Stratton box coming to Sophie Lubbock six yards out to the left of goal, looking to set herself for the shot, the Long Stratton defence looking to recover, it’s Whiting who throws herself across Lubbock to block her shot deflect it away for a corner on the left.

  Skipper seeing the ball into her feet from all of 35 yards out, back to goal turns well to strike the ball a speculative effort that doesn’t trouble Parker. The hosts getting on well down the left Sophie Lubbock inside the box laid back for Baker top of the area, into her feet look to turn get a strike away, her shot past the keeper off the base of the left post away for a corner.

Olivia Baker

  Hit long beyond the far post cleared but so won back by Aylsham players up around the box, Brown into Sophie Lubbock top of the box central, Whiting in to make the blocking tackle, Goodall with her clearing the ball. Aylsham looking the more likely to add to their lead Long Stratton working hard at the back, Woods sending a free-kick into the box dealt with by Whiting. The hosts back on the ball laid out to the right, Woods with Myall bringing a throw that leads to a corner kick.

Long Stratton full back Summer Whiting

  Players up from the ball as the delivery is curled in from the right, Baker trying to get a touch far post, not getting clean contact with O’Connor better placed behind her. Karkoska looking for Giacomelli moving to the left attempting to bring the ball on for Long Stratton, Crane across to tackle play it out for a throw in. A few niggly fouls creeping into the game Long Stratton tiring. Goodall dealing well with an awkward bouncing ball top of her area as Sophie Lubbock looks to try and bring it under control.

 Greengrass playing Myall on with the ball on Aylsham’s right flank sends a looping cross in across the face of the Long Stratton goal. Vicky Lubbock with a shot from 25 yards out blazed wide past the near post as a deflection sees the ball come back at her. Walford coming back on for Aylsham replacing Myall. 

 Snowling getting a vital touch on the ball as Flack looks to try and send Skipper clear on the right, the ball out for a throw. Vincent getting back to defend on Vicky Lubbock inside the box as she drives on with the ball right of the goal the ball turned behind for a corner. Moving into the closing stages of the first half, Aylsham encouraged to keep the ball on the corner, work a cross low into the near post, Fullbrook down on it smartly to turn behind for another corner.

  Flashed in from the right over Walford leaping up at the near post runs on for Baker to meet central turns over the bar, but a nick off a Long Stratton player spotted seeing another corner awarded. Curled into the near post Copeman down at the near post as Whiting gets the ball clear. The final whistle blowing to see Aylsham win the 3 points.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 3-2 Long Stratton Women

  Aylsham coming back from 2 goals down to win the game 3-2 moves them onto 15 points and right onto the tails of the mid-table sides some of whom may be looking over their shoulders with KLSC FC Women also winning too. A valiant effort from the visitors playing with the bare 11 making a positive start Caitlin Skipper’s pace asking questions of the Aylsham defence, firing them into the lead and doubling it from the penalty spot. Aylsham making substitutions paying off straight away with the hosts pulling it back to 2-1 just before half-time. Came out strong at the start of the 2nd half pushing players on equalising early through Billie Myall. Chances created Shelley Woods going on to score what would be the winning goal. Long Stratton with the bare 11 worked hard through out opportunities to get forwards themselves limited as they battled to keep Aylsham out the other end.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders once again a spirited display from both sides with depleted numbers. A few performances to mention. Caitlin Skipper for Long Stratton lively making many forceful runs on the ball a ready outlet up top throughout scoring and winning the penalty, always a threat. The defence putting in a shift, Emily Coe had her hands full but coped brilliantly winning her one on one tackles and round on the cover to intercept the ball. Esme Goodall winning the ball well inside her box. As a group worked tirelessly. For Aylsham Cayla Brown did a superb job in front of the defence reading the game and cutting out numerous balls setting her side going forwards. The introduction of the Lubbock twins giving Aylsham more thrust going forwards linked up play well. Shelley Woods with some strong runs from the middle to get into the box scoring the winning goal. Ellie Snowling like Coe was kept busy by Skipper but got more than her fair share of tackles in. The award goes to Billie Myall moved the ball well up top for Aylsham throughout taking it into the channels and looking for opening for herself and her teammates getting on the scoresheet too.

  Good to catch up with both sides especially Long Stratton has been a challenge, a good contest from Norfolk Women’s Division One. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details today much appreciated as always. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Royston Town Women v Stevenage FC Women

Sunday 30th March

Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final

Heading down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch my 2nd cup final of the season, this time it’s the Herts FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final with holders, Royston Town Women taking on Stevenage FC Women winners of the trophy on 5 occasions over the last decade.

 Looks set to be a great contest between two sides bang in form currently top and 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division. Herts FA breaking their women’s county cup into two competitions last season, with a Senior Challenge Cup being contested by the sides representing tiers 3 to 6 in the women’s football pyramid and a new Trophy competition for those sides below. Watford FC Women beating Stevenage FC Women development last Sunday to lift the trophy. The Senior competition freeing up weekends earlier in the season and trying to eliminate the heavy score lines and one sided games that can occur. A better look all round.

Today’s prize

  Royston Town Women beating Watford FC Women Development 3-1 last season to win the Challenge Cup for the 1st time in their history. Recruiting well over the past couple of season’s brining in some useful experience Royston have built on that cup success currently leading the ERWFL Premier Division, 10 points clear of 2nd placed Luton Town Ladies who have 4 games in hand. Winning 15 of their 17 league games to date with just the one defeat. Also the leading goal scorers in the Premier Division pushing hard to win the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL for the 1st time. Emma Slater top scorer not only for Royston but the league itself currently with 33 goals to her names from 24 games. With, Neve Mayes, Frankie Pim and Laura Mills all reaching double figures too.

 Stevenage FC Women have been a dominant force in the Challenge Cup for the past decade, winning it on 5 occasions plus plus runners-up on 3 occasions. In that time enjoying a brief stint in the FAWNL before dropping back down to the ERWFL, players coming and going have rebuilt as they look to establish themselves as a promotion contender. A run of 9 straight league wins pushing Stevenage up to 3rd in the Premier Division, a 12 game unbeaten run in all. Played in front of a record crowd of 586 at The Lamex Stadium, home of their men’s club last weekend, sees both sides come into today’s final in confident mood. Gemma Croucher, Stevenage’s top scorer, netting 22 goals so far from 23 games. Amy Makewell with 13 goals too from her 20 matches. Hannah Nebbitt on course to make her 100th game for Stevenage in today’s final.

Road to the Final

  Both sides with a bye in the 1st round of this season’s competition, going straight into the quarter finals. There Royston were away to fellow Premier Division side, St Albans City Women, a brace each for Laura Mills and Frankie Pim plus strikes from Emma Slater and Erin Davies seeing them progress with a comfortable 6-1 win. Stevenage on the road take on champions elect of ERWFL Division One North, Harpenden Town WFC, a potential banana skin, Stevenage emerging on top with a narrow 2-1 victory with Gemma Croucher and Amy Gooderham on the scoresheet. 

 Into the last 4 Royston drawn at home taking on, Colney Heath Ladies, newly promoted to the ERWFL, making a good start to life in Division One South, came up against a Royston side bang in form however, with Emma Slater, Frankie Pim, and Neve Mayes all netting a brace in an 8-1 win, Charlotte South and Katie Hayes also scoring. Stevenage at home in their semi-final taking on Watford Ladies development newly promoted to the Premier Division, like Royston were too strong on the day with Gemma Croucher netting a hat-trick, along with goals for Chloe Gunn, Amy Makewell, Amy Gooderham and Francesca Tilbury in a 7-2 victory.

The County ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s cup final, not only home to Hertfordshire FA headquarters, beside the stadium, but also Stevenage FC Women. The ground seeing some redevelopment over recent season, an artificial pitch overlooked by the main seated stand, with a small terraced stand opposite and viewing all round, the clubhouse and café under the main stand serving hot food and drink. A pleasant sunny day as the clocks go forwards at the end of March, a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch the sun bright high in one corner of the ground may cause a few issues ( but shouldn’t complain about the sun).

Royston Town Women starting XI – Tilly Want, Amy Reed Annie Georgiou, Tally Miles, Amy Houghton, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Ri Badal, Frankie Pim, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs – Stacey Roper, Jordanne Sillitoe, Jodie Donley, Lucy Ford & Katie Hayes.

Royston Town Women

 Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Mistie Fox-Barker, Hannah Nebbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Kelsey Millen, Gemma Croucher & Amy Makewell. Subs – Chloe Gregory, Frankie Tilbury, Anaise Corrigan, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe & Lilia Dempsey.

Stevenage FC Women

 All set for an exciting contest both sides in confident mood as they are lead out onto the pitch by referee Jacob Hamilton. Royston are the home team for todays final and wearing their traditional white shirts and socks with black shorts. Stevenage in their away colours and all purple kit. Royston losing goalkeeper, Millie Carter, on loan from Sudbury to injury leading up to the game, but have a more than capable replacement in Tilly Want to don the gloves. Hannah Nebbitt starting in her 100th game for Stevenage.

Captains, Charlotte South and Lucy Webster with today’s match officials

 Stevenage with the kick-off first half the ball rolled back into the middle played forwards up the right wing, Amy Gooderham on the move, Annie Georgiou at left back for Royston out to close the ball down see it out for a throw in. Royston seeing the ball across the back line to Amy Reed on the right she sends in on up the line for Emma Slater, gets on the move driving forwards, Kelsey Millen getting back at her to make the challenge for Stevenage sends the ball out of play.

 A lively start from both sides moving in to close the ball down, Stevenage looking to get forwards, Chloe Gunn winning the ball in the middle, Hannah Bodily taking it on playing a crisp threaded pass into the left channel looknig for Amy Makewell pulling off the centre backs, a vital interception from Amy Houghton for Royston to prevent her getting a chance to go one on one with the keeper.

Royston defender, Amy Houghton

  Royston winning a free kick on the right inside the Stevenage half, players up into the box as Tally Miles floats a diagonal ball into the box, Millen winning it for Stevenage looks to break with the ball at her feet, tackles the ball back with Miles on the right slides it down the line for Slater, Hannah Nebbitt getting across her run can see the ball out safely for a goal kick. Stevenage get forwards quickly through the middle the ball from Gooderham into Gemma Croucher central 25 out looks to lay it into the box left side with Makewell providing the run Reed stretching to cut the pass out.

Royston’s Amy Reed

  Stevenage press the advantage early looking to get at the Royston defence, Gooderham powering down the right inside for Croucher, looks for Makewell in close attendance, Miles stepping in to close the ball down for Royston. Neve Mayes up front for Royston coming to the right with the ball at her feet looknig to combine passes with Slater, Rebecca Edge moving out of the middle of defence getting hold of the ball, steers it back to goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves to clear. 

  Ri Badal bringing the ball on through the middle for Royston attempts to float the ball into the right channel for Slater to run onto, Reeves though quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Croucher turning on the ball 30 yards out for Stevenage laying it on down the right for Gooderham, then Makewell her cross into the box cut out by Miles, Stevenage pushed up regaining possession Nebbitt on the ball left sending the ball into the middle for Croucher 20 yards out lines up a strike, Royston captain, Charlotte South charging down the strike.

 GOAL! Royston have the ball at the back Miles putting it on for Frankie Pim coming inside from the left, lifts a superb ball on through the middle for Slater to attack bearing down on the top of the box, Reeves comes to the top of her area to try and close her down, Slater, knocking the ball past the keeper, taking it on into the area left of goal and slotting it into the empty net beyond 1-0.

Emma Slater knocking the ball past the advancing keeper going on to score the opener for Royston

 Royston in front inside 8 minutes. Stevenage frustrated having had a good opening to the match press on Nebbitt taking the ball on down the left off Millen sending her cross inside with Gooderham making a run right of the D, 25 yards out looking to hit her strike first time blasts the ball into the box, Miles in the way to block for Royston the ball deflected away to the right. 

 GOAL! Stevenage with the perfect response to falling a goal behind pressing the ball high getting it out to the right with Mistie Fox-Barker taking it on sending in on for Makewell out wide level with the area lays it into the middle of the box with Gooderham breaking forwards onto the ball to strike it low past the diving keeper, inside the near post 1-1.

Amy Gooderham equalising for Stevenage

Stevenage back on level terms inside 3 minutes of conceding the opening goal. South playing the ball out to Slater racing on down the right for Royston clips a cross into the area looking for Mayes running in central, Edge getting her head to the ball first to clear for Stevenage. The game being played at a frantic tempo both sides looking to move the ball quickly Slater seeing the ball into her feet outside the Stevenage area right side attempts the back heel to pick out Mayes inside the D, looks to charge into the box, stopped by Edge the ball cleared for a throw right side.

  Nebbitt coming on with the ball at her feet on the left for Stevenage forwards into Millen, shifts inside firing a low diagonal ball into Makewell inside the D, looks to hit the ball on the turn, Miles in to close her down for Royston. Mayes and Edge enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to muscle her way into the area, going wide Edge shielding the ball out upended for her efforts. 

  Croucher nipping on to dispossess Mills in the middle plays the ball out to Gooderham on the right, the Stevenage winger looks to drop her shoulder power forwards, Georgiou getting a foot on the ball to take it away from her. Competitive in the middle, Gunn and Bodily in to win the ball for Stevenage, likewise, Mills, Badal and South for Stevenage the latter getting the ball forwards into Slater on the right wing breaking down the line lifts a cross into the area, Edge winning it with her head for Stevenage to clear.

  Stevenage not afraid to go direct, captain Lucy Webster launching the ball up to Croucher in attack 25 yards out back to go can’t quite get it out from under her feet before Badal challenges the ball knocked forwards however, Gooderham and Makewell both attack it top of the Royston box, Badal back to defend along side Miles getting the ball away to safety. Webster playing another teasing ball from halfway up into Croucher top of the area central for Stevenage chests the ball down into the path of Makewell ahead of her, Reed needing to close her down quickly prevents the striker taking a shot.

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

Stevenage continue to ask the questions lively out on the flanks Millen moving into the centre the furthest forwards top of the D as Makewell sends the ball into her feet shapes to go right, Badal back to help her defence putting in the tackle to deny another shot on goal. South sweeping the ball out to the left for Mayes to take on down the line getting on the move, Fox-Barker lunging in taking the ball out for a throw in.

  A good contest both sides getting stuck into it, South fouling Makewell on halfway, the ball launched into the far post area, Want up well taking the ball with Makewell looking to attack it. Slater fouling Millen as the pair battle for the ball on the left just over halfway. Nebbitt to play the ball long into the Royston area, Houghton dealing with it. All action Royston break forwards the angled cross from the left travelling deep to the far post Slater racing in to attack it placing her shot high into the side netting.

Stevenage’s Kelsey Millen

 End to end Stevenage pressing right side the ball into Gooderham top of the area, goes down under challenge, a pause in play and unfortunately Gooderham can’t continue looks to be an ankle injury as she is helped down the tunnel Stevenage making a change, with Lilia Dempsey coming on she runs over to the left side with Millen moving to the right. Mayes looking to link up with Pim on Royston’s left flank, before sending a cross high into the box, Edge under it to clear for Stevenage.

Emma Slater on the attack for Royston

 

  Miles playing the ball on through the middle for Royston into Mills lays it out to Slater right of the box some 25 yards out clips a high looping ball in on the Stevenage goal, Reeves back on her has the sun right behind the strike but keeps her eye on it well claiming it high back on her line. Webster able to travel with the ball for Stevenage tries her luck from range her shot racing in low narrowly wide of the left upright. 

  The game opening up at time as both sides over commit going forwards, Royston hitting Stevenage on the counter, Mills out to Georgiou getting on down the left wing sends it forwards into Pim, Edge coming across the box to put in the tackle see the ball away to safety. Webster sending her pass up to Croucher in attack back to goal 25 yards out sees it down off her chest into the path of the advancing Makewell who strikes it on the run seeing her effort fly over the Royston crossbar. 

Amy Makewell

 Houghton tackling Croucher inside the box as Millen sends the ball in from the right. Mills taking the ball forwards for Royston moving right has Slater with her sending the ball on, Dempsey back to help defend for Stevenage, the ball cleared but soon back with Royston as it is played in across the top of the area, Gunn tangling with Mills top of the D, giving away the free-kick. In a dangerous position it’s Mills over the ball taking on the shot gets it through everyone bearing down on goal Reeves diving to her left down to push the ball away, wide of the post behind for what is the first corner of the game…

Lauren Reeves saving Laura Mills free-kick

 GOAL! Royston are quick to take the corner, Stevenage barely set players already up from the free-kick the delivery lifted in high close to goal, the keeper attempting to punch, knocks it down straight into the onrushing Neve Mayes to deflect the ball past her into the back of the net to see Royston retake the lead late in the first half 2-1. 

Neve Mayes scoring from the corner to put Royston back into the lead.

 GOAL! Stevenage were quick to respond to falling behind from the opening goal, even quicker this time as they get on the attack from the restart Nebbitt on the ball left side playing in infield to Makewell who in turn sends it on for Croucher charging onto space in the left corner, holding onto the ball well sends it back up the line into Nebbitt’s feet, some 30 yards out takes on the strike from the angle lifting the ball into the air, right behind it so know it could cause the keeper problems dropping at the far post, Want cant get a glove on the ball as it drops over her under the bar in the corner of the goal see Nebbitt celebrate her 100th appearance for Stevenage with a goal! 2-2.

Hannah Nebbitt congratulated by her teammates as she scores on her 100th appearance for the club

 Into stoppage time at the end of the first half Stevenage winning a free-kick top of the circle as South brings down Makewell. The delivery high into the far post area knocked down into the six yard box, straight to Gunn, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to get a stab at goal before the blocking tackle comes it the ball played clear of the box. Both sides battling for possession some strong challenges coming in two committed sides, Maye picking up a blow late on but okay to continue as the first half draws to a close with the sides level.

Half-time Royston Town Women 2-2 Stevenage FC Women

Twice Royston took the lead, and twice Stevenage responded with a quick fire reply to see the sides going into the changing rooms all square at the break. A lively and entertaining first half filled with action, both sides committed getting after the ball wanting to get forwards. Stevenage with a positive start pushing on asking the early questions only to fall behind as Emma Slater knocked the ball past the onrushing keeper to score. Amy Gooderham firing Stevenage straight back onto level terms, chances for both sides some good battles out there, Royston retaking the lead from a corner only to concede straight away late in the half. Promised to be a cracker and has lived up to expectations all poised for the 2nd half.

  No changes for the 2nd half, Royston to get the 2nd 45 underway, should the scores remain level after 90 minutes then the final goes straight to penalties. Royston playing the ball back to South central she launches it into the right channel with Reed bursting forwards hitting the ball first time on the move from 25 plus yards out, doesn’t catch it cleanly scuffing it through to the keeper for a simple gather.

Royston midfielder, Ri Badal

  Royston looking to be more positive at the start of the 2nd half press the ball higher look to get it into the channels. Mayes rushing onto Webster, stealing the ball off the defender to charge in behind lay the ball on for Slater pulling away to the left, Edge going with her going to put in the block as she pulls the trigger, deflected off her, Fox-Barker unable to prevent it going for a corner kick. Swung in across the six yard box to a crowded far post the ball is knocked back down across goal with Fox-Barker covering the left post clearing the ball off the line.

 Stevenage thread the ball on through the middle into Makewell in attack, does well to spin off Miles take the ball in behind the centre back however her defensive partner Houghton is around on the cover to getting to the ball ahead of Makewell to play it back to Want to kick clear.

 Continues to be all action, South picking out Slater breaking down the right her cross swung into the area, cleared by Edge for Stevenage. Stevenage break from a Royston throw in the corner, Makewell in attack on for Croucher into Millen left side, Reed getting a tackle in the ball deflecting off her behind for a corner kick. Curled in at the near post knocked up into the air turned behind for a 2nd Stevenage corner on the left, this one taken short up the line the cross into the box from deep taken well by Want high at her far post.

Royston captain, Charlotte South

  Royston getting hold of the ball better 2nd half Badal laying it on for Mayes breaking into the area left of goal, Webster going with her getting across the attacker well to shield the ball out of play. South controlling the ball in the middle for Royston dinking it on for Pim coming inside from the left 25 yards out attempts to play a looping shot up over the keeper, doesn’t get enough on the shot, Reeves collecting it cleanly.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves

 Stevenage making a change, bringing off Millen, send on Anaise Corrigan to join the attack. Bodily stealing in to rob the ball high for Stevenage laying it off to Croucher left corner of the area her attempt from the angle blocked by Houghton the rebound comes to Bodily who takes on the shot her low effort straight at the keeper. 

Gemma Croucher bringing the ball on for Stevenage

  Free-kicks continue to be given away Stevenage winning on wide on the left, Makewell over it firing a vicious ball in wide of the far post. Royston hit Stevenage on the break Pim left inside for Slater central, Pim going past her on the overlap left sends a cross in along the top of the opposition area Mills rushing onto the ball right of the D, striking from 20 yards out the keeper dives as the ball races past her going out of play off the post. 

  Slater coming down the right knocking the ball inside Nebbitt as she goes to tackle, pushing the ball into the area, Mayes coming for it tangling with Edge the defender hurt as she gets the ball away but up okay to play on. Remains a good contest the ball never still both wanting to get on with it, Dempsey left crossing the ball into the six yard box Makewell at the near post looking to knock the lay off down central but no one has made the run. 

Stevenage’s Mistie Fox-Barker

  Mills and Gunn tangling again, Mills winning the decision top of the circle, Miles over the set-piece hit long to the left, Fox-Barker deals with the ball under pressure from the advancing Pim. Midway through the 2nd period Royston better 2nd half pressing the ball played out to Slater deep on the right, looks to fight her way into the box, is brought down by Gunn the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty!

 GOAL! Slater picking herself up placing the ball on the spot taking the penalty kick, nothing fancy a short run up striking the ball low and hard to the keepers left, Reeves goes the right way gets a faint glove on the ball but not enough to keep it out as Slater fires Royston back into the lead for the 3rd time in the contest 3-2.

Emma Slater congratulated as she puts Royston back into the lead

 Royston making a change straight after the goal bringing off Maye in attack, sending on Jordanne Sillitoe. Edge putting her body on the line diving in hurt again as she defends on Slater as Badal looks to play the ball into her feet. Corrigan and Dempsey taking the opportunity to switch flanks as Edge receives treatment. Is getting a little heated out there, Sillitoe picking up the first yellow off the game.

Stevenage’s Lilia Dempsey

 Miles in to close Croucher down 20 yards out left of the D as she looks to cushion another ball down off her chest from the left. Forward quickly helped on to Slater bursting away down the right flank for Royston her cross, flung in towards the near post collected by Reeves. 

Tally Miles

 Reeves has to get there as she comes rushing out to the top of her area a Pim slides the ball on for Sillitoe to attack, gets there in the nick of time to clear the ball.

Goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves getting the the ball in the nick of time as Jordanne Sillitoe races in

Reed putting in the block for Royston inside the area as Corrigan drives forwards with the ball on the left for Stevenage breaking into the box shoots, turned off the full back for a corner kick. The delivery inviting curled in high at the far post, Edge getting up well to head the ball down towards goal blocked by the keeper and full back, deflected behind for a corner on the right…

 GOAL! Players staying up as Stevenage play a short corner a player coming out towards the ball rolled back to the taker to send in a cross from the angle high towards the far post, Want jumping going up looking to get hold of the ball even as 3 Stevenage players attack the ball, not taken the ball bundled over the line, the keeper sent tumbling, a goal signalled Stevenage wheel away in celebration equalising for a 3rd time in the match, Edge with the telling touch to make it 3-3.

Rebecca Edge scoring Stevenage’s 3rd equaliser

  Want stays down, concern for the goalkeeper as the trainers rush on to give treatment, the goal keepers union in full show too as Carter on crutches shows she can cover the ground quite effectively on one leg. A pause in play time taken, Royston have already lost one keeper don’t want to lose another but thankfully Want is okay to continue the game back all square with a little over 15 minutes left to play. 

  Royston making a change none the less bringing off Pim send Lucy Ford on to take up a position on the left. Stevenage fired up having gotten themselves back on level terms press forwards lose possession as Royston counter Bada sending the ball on for Slater on the right, Corrigan tracking back doing the defending for Stevenage.

 Edge charges down Sillitoe as she goes to pull the trigger from the right of the D off a Slater cross from the right wing. The clock ticking down the threat off a penalty shootout looming, Corrigan with the ball at her feet left side driving forwards for Stevenage, pulled back by reed, the full back earning herself a yellow card. Badal coming off for Royston, Katie Hayes entering the game late on. 

 Makewell over the free-kick deep on the left side, another vicious ball in towards the far post strikes the upright, Want saving more by luck than anything else as the ball cannons off the post straight into her defected wide out to the right before being cleared. Royston look to get on down their left Ford with Sillitoe winning a free-kick.

  GOAL! Miles over the ball looks to launch the ball in to the box, except she pulls it into the left channel instead, at least that was what I was about to write thinking Stevenage would see it safely out of play however, Sillitoe has other ideas as she races after the errand ball controlling on the by-line and turning back inside to send a dangerous ball in across the six yard box, coming to the far post where Mills has gotten herself free to meet the ball perfectly and send her header back in across the keeper to see Royston back in front for the 4th time in the match 4-3.

Laura Mills firing Royton into a 4-3 lead late in the game

 3 minutes of regular play left, Stevenage send on Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe replacing Gunn, shortly followed by Chloe Gregory on for Nebbitt. Royston looking to attack a long throw out on the left, Ford up to challenge winning a corner off a defender. Defended at the near post deflected on across goal before being turned over the crossbar. 

 Sillitoe strong on the ball fighting for possession up front for Royston, into stoppage time. Mills defending as Makewell looks to get forwards. Croucher onto the loose ball her effort blocked from outside the box. Stevenage needing to get the ball forwards, Royston looknig to run the clock down, Sillitoe hauled down by Edge. Royston not making the most of the set-piece.

Jordanne Sillitoe

 Reed recovering well at the back as Corrigan threatens to races past her as she takes the ball on into the box left side, Reed putting in the lunging block to see the ball turned behind for a corner kick. Everyone bar the keeper up for Stevenage into the box seconds left for find a goal force a penalty shootout, curled into the six yard box dropping down into the six yards box, scrambled clear back with Stevenage wide left the cross comes in under the bar, claimed well by Want as the final whistle blows and Royston celebrate as they successfully retain the county cup.

Full time Royston Town Women 4-3 Stevenage FC Women

  Can’t beat a 7 goal thriller and in a cup final too! Great for the neutral, promised to be a cracking game and didn’t disappoint. All action, these two sides developing a healthy rivalry between themselves. A full on contest Royston leading the game on 3 separate occasions only for Stevenage to come back into it level the scores, the 4th goal late on one too far however Stevenage never gave up and the result was never in the bag right to the final whistle. Royston making it back to back county cups as they look to chase down the ERWFL Premier Division title. Stevenage missing out on one cup with a league cup final to look forwards too as well as playing a big part in the title race too. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few contenders for this one certainly and hard to make a final call. A few performances to mention, firstly for Stevenage, Rebecca Edge at the back with a strong game, winning the ball well, putting her body on the line and intercepting crosses. Hannah Bodily in the middle linking up play between defence and attack well throughout, Amy Makewell with some great positional runs in attack along with Gemma Croucher getting into space to receive the ball keep Stevenage on the front foot. For Royston, likewise, Tally Miles was solid at the back winning the ball well and getting it forwards early, several well timed tackles and interceptions. Charlotte South with some good midfield runs won the ball well, alongside Laura Mills who found some useful positions on hand to score the winning goal. Ri Badal with a strong midfield game too, getting about the pitch to help out in defence and get her side going forwards. The award goes to Emma Slater set the tone early on with her positive attacking runs driving at the Stevenage defence a ready outlet throughout scoring twice. 

Congratulations to Royston Town Women on winning the Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup for a 2nd successive season.

Royston Town Women, Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup winners 2024/25

  More often than not when a game on paper looks tasty it fails to deliver, but not today, this was a cracking contest, a 7 goal thriller action from start to finish a contest between two in form and confident sides, never done and dusted, Royston lifting the trophy for a 2nd time, but Stevenage are already focused on getting to the final again next season and getting their hands back on the trophy. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today and to the staff at Herts FA for their assistance, enjoyed that one!

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Luton Town Ladies Reserves v Stotfold Women

Sunday 23rd March

Bedfordshire FA Women’s Junior Cup Final

A trip down into Bedfordshire this Sunday to watch my first cup final of the season. Beds FA hosting their inaugural, Women’s Junior Cup Final, with Luton Town Ladies Reserves taking on Stotfold Women for the trophy.

Bedfordshire FA following their neighbours in Hertfordshire by splitting their County Cup competition into 2, with the teams playing at various levels across the county divided between the Senior and Junior Cups, this having several advantages, gives teams lower down the pyramid a better chance to compete for silverware, hopefully reduces landslide score lines that does no one any favours and frees up Sundays to get other matches played. The Senior County Cup final dominated between Luton and Bedford in recent season’s the final taking place at Kenilworth Road just this Thursday in front of over 1000 supporters, Real Bedford Women beating Luton Town Ladies 5-0 to lift the cup.

The new Junior Cup featuring those sides playing across the county leagues tiers 7 and below, Bedfordshire seeing a study growth in new women’s sides in recent season’s those sides playing in a combined Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire county league set-up consisting of 4 divisions.

Today’s prize

  Luton Town Ladies Reserves the exception to that in that they play in the Greater London Women’s Premier Division. Currently 8th in the table, have had a tough campaign league wise 2 wins from their opening 11 games, have however pulled clear of the drop zone with back to back victories coming into today’s junior cup final and will be buoyed by recent performances. Sanam Shahid their top scorer with 10 goals to her name from 13 appearances, Carla Todd and Shakeela Hussain both with 6 goals each.

 Stotfold Women return to Kempston Rovers FC after almost a year back then celebrating winning the Beds & Herts League Cup. That victory in their debut season have continued to show great form coming into this season, currently 2nd in the Premier Division table 3 points behind leaders Hitchin Belles Women Blues with a match in hand. Reached the least 4 of this season’s League Cup, eventually bowing out in a penalty shootout with Ware United Ladies.  Amber Olney and Charlotte Peters providing good competition for the top scorer spot with both on 11 goals from 14 games. Millie Fraser has 8 from her 13 appearances while Amy Jack is on 6 goals.

Road to the Final

 15 clubs entering the new Beds FA Women’s Junior Cup, both Luton Town Ladies Reserves and Stotfold Women progressing straight to the quarter finals awarded home wins respectfully. Into the last 8, Luton Town Ladies Reserves were drawn at home to new side Leighton Woodside Women emerging as one of the title contenders in Beds and Herts Division Three, won 2-0, a brace from Shakeela Hussain seeing Luton into the semi-finals. Stotfold Women too were on home turf for their quarter final taking on Beds & Herts Division One side Real Bedford Women Development a potential tricky opponent, a single goal in the 2nd half from Charlotte Ryan enough to secure the win for Stotfold to advance to the last 4 of the competition. 

 Luton Town Ladies Reserves away to Beds & Herts Division One side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses, the visitors scoring twice in the 2nd half, Luton though were on target for three goals, with Caitlin O’Connor, Monet-Grace Wille and Sanam Shahid all or target to send the home side through to the Junior Cup final. Stotfold Women also on the road for their semi-final clash taking on fellow premier Division side, Biggleswade United Women Development, goals from Bonni Woodward, Millie Fraser, Charlotte Peters and Amy Jack seeing them comfortably through to the final courtesy of a 4-0 win.

 Kempston Rovers FC the venue for today’s Junior Cup final. A large grass pitch with a slight slope from one goal mouth to the other, the clubhouse open up the steps leading to the main stand providing some seating and terracing under cover with standing viewing all round. Artificial pitches always busy beside the main pitch. The kitchen hatch open too serving hot food and drinks. An overcast day as we enter spring, not overly warm will rain showers likely during the match.

 Luton Town Ladies Reserves starting XI – Leah Robinson, Hannah Major, Erin McGovern (C), Patience Ndlovu, Chloe Gibbs, Lilac Wilson, Caitlin O’Connor, Carla Todd, Bailey Plumbridge, Shakeela Hussain & Sanam Shahid. Subs – Scarlet O’Dell, Tierra Brookes, Kimberly Newns, Keira Richards & Monet-Grace Wille.

Luton Town Ladies Reserves

 Stotfold Women starting XI – Orlagh Daly, Hollie Sibbett, Chloe Keller, Charlotte Ryan, Bonni Woodward, Amy Jack (C), Cleo Haynes, Millie Fraser, Leigh Burrows-Hall, Charlotte Peters & Amber Olney. Subs – Amelia Bacon, Keira How, Gracie Applin, Nieve Buckley & Maizie Marsh.

Stotfold Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Today’s referee Sarah King and her assistants with team captains, Amy Jack and Erin McGovern

 It’s Luton who will take the kick-off in the first half wearing orange coloured shirts with a vertical white band on the front, navy shorts and orange socks. Stotfold wearing their away colours purple shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball rolled into Lilac Wilson in midfield she launches it up into the right channel for Sanam Shahid to have an early run at the defence, Charlotte Ryan intercepting the ball at the back and clearing for Stotfold.

  Cleo Haynes getting hold of the ball in the centre of midfield for Stotfold driving forwards, has Leigh Burrows-Hall making a forward run into the right channel, looks to play the ball through to her, a little too much on it, Luton goalkeeper, Leah Robinson can come out to the top of her box to get an early feel of the ball. 

Cleo Haynes with an early attack for Stotfold Women

 Robinson’s kick up field, mis-read by the Stotfold back line allowed to bounce, sees Shahid suddenly interested darting after the ball, Bonni Woodward, getting her head on it to send it back to her goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly before she can pounce. Stotfold moving quickly to launch a counter attack the ball rolled on for Haynes breaking down the right side, the cross inside to the top of the area, Amber Olney looking to run onto the ball, Robinson again sharp out to the top of her box getting down to smother the ball.

  Luton making a lively start getting plays forwards quickly Bailey Plumbridge out on the right, taking the ball on seeing her cross snubbed out by Woodward. Luton winning a free-kick on halfway, players up to the top of the area as Wilson sends the ball in, Woodward winning the header turning the ball on her Daly to claim. 

  Another long kick forwards by Luton causing issues at the back for Stotfold, as Shahid looks to use her pace to get after the bouncing back, Daly calling racing out of her defence to put her foot through the ball, ends up smashing it into Ryan, the ball rebounding back of the defender to race wide of the left post for a corner kick.

 GOAL! A great ball in from the corner on the left swung into the six yard box met by Caitlin O-Connor centrally getting a touch with her head to knock the ball down towards goal evading everyone to roll over the line and open the scoring 1-0.

 Luton with an early lead making a fast start to the game inside 5 minutes, Shahid and Shakeela Hussain up top looking to drive at the defence with Plumbridge and Carla Todd pushing up on the flanks, that pushing Stotfold’s midfielder deeper, captain Amy Jack nipping in to regain possession for Stotfold on to Haynes in the middle takes the ball on lifting it up to Olney in attack, Chloe Gibbs moving in to close her down 25 yards out, her central defensive partner Patience Ndlovu on hand to clear the ball.

  Todd bringing the ball on up the right for Luton, checks inside, Chloe Keller getting back on her to get her foot on the ball knock it out of her path, jack bringing in forwards for Stotfold, into Charlotte Peters, Wilson preventing the ball going forwards setting Luton back on the attack. Stotfold looking nervous early on not settled, Luton looking to capitalise pressing high. 

 Jack fouling O’Connor as she brings the ball on right side for Luton, the free kick inside the Stotfold half, played into the box by Wilson, Todd right of goal seeing down flashing a shot low into the right post, Daly down sharply to push the ball away to her right, not cleared, Luton turning it back in across the six yard box, Plumbridge after it running in beyond the far post, Hollie Sibbett there to get the block in turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

  Haynes strong on the ball as she looks to drive through the middle for Stotfold, ends up getting fouled brought down by Ndlovu. The set-piece lifted in towards Peters positioned left of the D outside the box, gets her head on the ball, but can only drop it straight into Robinson’s gloves. 

  Plumbridge looking to burst forwards on the left for Luton, is upended winning the free-kick, takes it quickly herself playing the ball forwards onto Hussain central, shoots from outside the box and sweet strike threatening to angle in over the keeper, Daly though with a superb piece of goalkeeping, lean back throwing herself up to tip the ball over her crossbar. Another warning for Stotfold though caught off guard by the quickly taken free-kick.

Stotfold goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly.

  Luton snapping after the ball unsettling Stotfold forcing them deep, Jack helping her defence the midfield compressed, leaving Olney with too much to do up top when the ball is cleared up to her. Shahid caught offside as she looks to race in behind the defence as captain Erin McGovern wins the ball at the back for Luton setting up a rapid counter attack.

 Shahid with the ball at her feet powering forwards for Luton coming left plays it on for Plumbridge on the wing, held up by Sibbett, sends it back inside for Shahid central 20 yards out helps it on for Hussain to her right, Hussain taking on the shot from the top of the area right of goal, drilled in low, Daly diving across her goal to push the ball out to the left, Woodward in to close Plumbridge down as she looks to go after the loose ball.

Luton’s Shakeela Hussain

 Luton travel with the ball through the middle, O’Connor with Wilson played on for Hussain to attack in the right channel, Woodward looking to turn, comes together with Hussain, from my angle it looked like the attacker had impeded the defender, but my angles not the one that counts, the decision going the other way, with Luton awarded the free-kick. A dangerous position right of goal the ball swung in on target high, Daly again making the save tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick. 

GOAL! From the left the ball curled into the near post Shahid meeting it with her head turning the ball in towards goal, blocked on the line by Jack covering the near post heading the ball down into the middle of the box, The ball loose players rushing to meet it, Luton arriving first the ball stabbed off the turf to smash up against the crossbar, then as it lands Todd meets it on the follow up in front of goal to turn back across to the left of goal, Daly down to try and stop it not getting enough of the ball as it crosses the line to see double Luton their advantage 2-0.

Sanam Shahid’s near post header about to be cleared of the line by Stotfold captain, Amy Jack

However Luton keep the attack alive Carla Todd firing them into a 2 goal lead

  Stotfold conceding a 2nd goal on 16 minutes responding with a change, Keller coming off with Burrows-Hall going over to left back, Keira How coming on to take up a position on the right. Involved in the action straight away as Haynes looks to play the ball on down the right winning a throw high up the pitch. Stotfold winning a free-kick central around 35 yards out, Millie Fraser over the ball, sends it on on target but a straight forward catch for Robinson back on her line. 

Sanam Shahid on the attack for Luton

  O’Connor winning the ball back on the right for Luton inside the Stotfold half puts it forwards into Hussain 30 yards out, drags the ball across her body before unleashing a strike the ball racing wide of the left post. Ryan winning the ball well at the back for Stotfold giving it to Haynes in midfield, looking to take the ball on purpose sends it into the right channel for How to attack, Luton captain, Erin McGovern lunging in on her to send the ball out for a throw in high up the pitch.

 

  Stotfold getting players up to attack the throw finds in way in centrally, hit from range by Olney, Robinson called on to make the save pushing the ball away to her right. Luton making a change bringing of Shahid in attack on comes Monet-Grace Wille. Stotfold finding a bit of momentum going forwards with Fraser sending the ball forwards into Olney moving into the left channel, has Peters up with her, Hannah Major getting her foot in to turn the ball out for a throw in.

  Luton advance up the right, O’Connor linking up with Major and Todd eventually bringing a corner kick. From the right another vicious delivery turned in near post, Jack dealing with it for Stotfold. who look to break, through the middle, Major stepping up well to make the challenge keep her side in an attacking position Burrows-Hall, needing to lunge in to put the ball out for a throw as Todd looks to take the ball up the wing.

Luton’s Caitlin O’Connor

  Haynes making several strong runs on the ball for Stotfold driving through the middle, loos for Olney ahead of her, Gibbs cutting the pass out for Luton. Wilson crossing from deep on the right for Luton up to Hussain making a run to get into the box, Ryan with a well timed tackle inside the area to take the ball from her.

Keira How and Luton captain, Erin McGovern give chase to the ball

  Jack passing to How getting forwards for Stotfold into the right channel forcing Luton into conceding a corner kick. Swung in high across the six yard box, Olney rising centrally getting a glancing header turning the ball wide out to the left, retrieved by Stotfold played back in central to Haynes, looks to play it into Jack right of goal, just a little too much on the pass.

  Luton remain a threat on the counter attack full of pace, Plumbridge lively out on the left flashing the ball forwards, Ryan with a vital interception at the back, or risk Hussain, breaking in behind to go one on one with the keeper. A few spots of rain in the air as Stotfold get on well down the right Burrows-Hall up with Peters and Olney winning a corner kick. 

Cleo Haynes battling for possession with Luton’s Monet-Grace Wille

Leigh Burrows-Hall on the ball for Stotfold

 Into the final couple of minutes in the first half, Stotfold pushing hard late on to find a goal getting players into the final 3rd working the ball across the pitch winning a throw high on the right, have a long one in their arsenal. Ryan from the angle on the right fires a shot wide high past the far post. Stotfold looking to press high in the closing stages of the first half, Olney central with Haynes 20 yards out, goes down appears to have rolled her ankle, needing treatment isn’t good news can’t continue, comes off with Nieve Buckley sent on. 

 

  Jack and Petters combining on the left for Stotfold, with How moving across to offer her support, can’t find a way through into the Luton box as Major gets a foot on the ball to clear up field. 

Half-time Luton Town Ladies Reserves 2-0 Stotfold Women

  Luton leading 2-0 at the break as the sides head back to the changing rooms with a little rain in the air. Luton making by far the better start lively from the off running at a nervous looking Stotfold back line scoring inside the opening 5 minutes, snapped in to win the ball keeping their opponents forced back, Daly calling into action saving on a couple of occasions, before Luton snatched a 2nd goal from a contentious free-kick. Luton good value for their lead Stotfold making a change slowly working their way back into the game finding it tough to get plays on to support Olney up front in attack, the game more even in the final 2o minutes of the 1st half. A 2-0 score-line useful but another goal early in the 2nd half makes things alot more comfortable, Stotfold though know if they can score early they are right back into it too.

 Needing to protect the camera from the elements have retreated to the cover of the stand for the 2nd half. Appears to be no changes for either side as Stotfold get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back to Woodward in defence lifts it forwards into the right as How breaks forwards, Gibbs winning the header to play the ball out for a throw in for Luton. Woodward again with the ball at the back for Stotfold sends it on into the right wing for Olney to try and chase down, gets a useful nick off a defender to see the ball run out of play for a corner kick.

 GOAL! Players up from the back, as the delivery from the corner out on the right is served on a plate in central head height, Woodward running in on it unmarked stooping her head to drill it on past the keeper before she can react to pull a goal back straight away in the 2nd half 2-1. 

Bonni Woodward powers home header header to pull it back to 2-1 for Stotfold

 Just what Stotfold were looking for at the start of the 2nd had pulling a deficit back to a single goal. Luton complaining about a push the officials consulting but nothing doing the goal stands. Stotfold buoyed by the early goal snapping in to win the ball in the middle, Buckley with Fraser played on for Olney moving to attack the right wing, McGovern closing her down to clear the ball for Luton.

Amber Olney looking to get forwards for Stotfold

  Stotfold giving free-kicks away. Wilson over one on half way, Wilson over it clips a diagonal ball in toward the right of the D, Peters getting up to head the ball away to safety for Stotfold. O’Connor bundled over a heavy knock is down in need of treatment, but after taking a few moments is okay to continue, Robinson over the free-kick clips the ball long out to the right, intercepted by Peters however Stotfold look to counter quickly Peters attacking with the ball on the left as the keeper rushes to get back into position, Peters going on her own eventually squeezed off the ball before she can get into the box try to shoot.

Stotfold’s Charlotte Peters

 Both sides keen to get on the counter attack the game opening up a little, Luton sending Hussain away on the right channel, Woodward coming out to close her down challenging to the ball out for a throw in. Luton working the ball into the middle. Wilson 25 yards out going to line up a strike, Jack with the blocking tackle. Luton with pace on their flanks getting players up to support the attack quickly. Stotfold needing to keep players back or risk exposing gaps not as well equipped to get players forwards to support Olney up to as she looks to run the ball down, Gibbs and Ndlovu in the centre of defence able to double up on her. 

Luton goalkeeper Leah Robinson claiming the ball

   Wilson using the ball well for Luton in the middle has good option s left and right to spray the ball about the park, Plumbridge away on the left driving for the box, Woodward on her shoulder doing enough to see her force her attempted strike wide at the near post. Stotfold unhappy to with decisions going against them coming out wrong side of a few 50/50 challenges. Peters with support from jack out on the left sliding the ball up the line for How, the flag going up against her however a close call, leads to manager Tom Olney venting his frustration and getting shown a card by the referee.

  The game livened up both sides going for it, O’Connor shifting the ball between her feet sliding Plumbridge in down the left wing driving on Woodward out to close her down challenging to send the ball out for a throw in. McGovern stopping a Stotfold attack on their right, lays the ball infield to Wilson who in turn looks for Hussain in the right channel, Ryan throwing a leg out to intercept the ball for Stotfold. 

  The game end to end, Plumbridge flagged offside on the left as Hussain looks to play her in behind. Light rain falling Luton keeping Stotfold pushed back in defence, Wilson moving the ball Plumbridge bursting away on the left, into the area bearing down on goal, Ryan racing across to put in the block does enough to put the winger off as she fires her shot into the side netting. 

  Luton attacking players up on the right, Wille with Todd into the box for Hussain, meeting it on the volley angling her attempt over the bar. Woodward going in to win a 50/50 ball with Hussain on halfway is aggrieved as they concede another free-kick. Luton come right, Todd with O’Connor the ball crossed into the near post Hussain looking to meet it on the half volley back to goal a difficult one to control turns the ball behind for a goal kick.

Keira How attacking on the left for Stotfold

  How and Olney willing runners up top moving into the channels but closed down by the Luton defence before support can arrive from midfield. Wilson with the ball central for Luton sweeping the pass into Plumbridge on the left, Sibbett going in to make the blocking tackle, deflects the ball on as Plumbridge chases it to the by-line fires in a cross along the face of goal, cleared by Burrows-Hill at the far post.

 How played onto the ball up the left wing for Stotfold turns inside to loops a cross into the top of the area, Peters looking to head the ball on across goal, but grabbed up by the keeper. Hussain coming over to the left linking up with Wilson and Plumbridge for Luton the cross angled into the area cleared by Woodward. The rain falling more steadily as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Luton bringing off Hussain send Shahid back on up top.

Luton midfielder, Lilac Wilson

  Fraser on for Olney attempting to force her way into the box centrally, Ndlovu stepping in to take the ball off her feet. Luton counter with pace O’Connor up on the right linking up with Plumbridge and Shahid coming to the ball crossed into the near post Stotfold’s Ryan clears.

Stotfold captain, Amy Jack

  Jack aggrieved this time as Stotfold give away the foul outside the box to the right of their goal as O’Connor is brought down. Wilson over the set-piece, clipped into the far post knocked down into the six yard box, Stotfold manage to scramble it clear. Stotfold off a throw on their left sees Peters play it into Fraser who hooks an inviting ball into the box bouncing near post, How looking to jump in to attack it the bounce favours the goalkeeper however as Robinson claims it high above her head.

Luton defender, Chloe Gibbs

  Into the final 5 minutes of regular play time running out for Stotfold to at least score an equaliser force the final into a penalty shootout, Luton however looking to more likely to score and put the game to bed. Stotfold up on the right to win a corner comes into the area, Jack going down even as Luton clear look to break asks the question but nothing doing however even as Woodward blasts a distance strike over from all of 25 yards out.

  Fraser pushed on further for Stotfold in the latter stages of the game as they look to find a goal. Fraser playing Olney onto the ball right side, McGovern challenging putting the ball out for a throw before the cross can be attempted. Buckley on for Olney in the left channel has How with her the pair attempting to get the ball on into the area, Ndlovu getting in between them to wrestle back control of the ball. 

Luton’s Patience Ndlovu

 Fraser with a neat piece of control as the ball comes into her quickly 20 yards out from goal right side her low shot lacking the pace to trouble the keeper. Kimberly Newns coming on for Luton as the look to play out the remaining minutes of the game. Jack shown a yellow card for Stotfold as another free-kick goes against them time almost up Plumbridge coming off to be replaced by Keira Richards for Luton. The free-kick from deep on the right lifted into the far post claimed by Daly.

  Fraser with a speculative effort from 25 yards out for Stotfold, collected cleanly by Robinson in the Luton goal. Into stoppage time Major coming off for Luton with Scarlet ( just the one E)  O’Dell coming on. Luton looking to hold the ball up in the corner know the final whistle is imminent bring off Todd send Tierra Brookes. Stotfold can’t get the ball up the pitch for one final attack as the whistle blows and Luton rush together to celebrate winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s junior Cup.

Luton celebrate at the final whistle 

Full time Luton Town Ladies Reserves 2-1 Stotfold Women

 Luton Town Ladies Reserves winning the inaugural Bedfordshire FA Women’s junior Cup. On the whole a deserved win too, making a strong start to the game on the front foot with pace getting players forwards, taking the lead inside 5 minutes creating chances forcing errors unsettling Stotfold in the process, forcing some great saves from keeper, Orlagh Daly before going on to add a 2nd goal in the 16th minute. Stotfold struggling to get a foot hold up top did get themselves back into the match finishing the 1st half strong, losing Cleo Haynes to injury a blow for sure. Nevertheless came out strong 2nd half a well taken corner leading to them pulling a goal back early in the 2nd half. Luton continued to look for a 3rd goal to restore their 2 goal cushion always a threat on the counter attack, pushing Stotfold back limiting the numbers they were prepared to commit forwards, still there was but a single goal in it till the death one more clear chance never came.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match this is a tough one and even as I’m typing I’m still mulling it over in my mind still I think one player has won me over with her performance overall, Several contenders nevertheless, a few to mention firstly for Stotfold, goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly with a number of top draw saves in the first half to keep the score-line down keep her side in the game. Defenders, Charlotte Ryan and Bonni Woodward with a number of vital tackles and interceptions were kept busy throughout, Cleo Haynes with some determined runs through the middle, coming off injured could well have been the difference 2nd half. For Luton it was an all round great team performance getting into close the ball down get forwards with purpose keep on the front foot for large spells. Bailey Plumbridge marauding down the left wing a constant threat throughout, Carla Todd likewise right side getting on the score sheet. Sanam Shahid’s pace and runs causing the Stotfold defence concern, Shakeela Hussain finding some great positions to great opening for herself and her teammates. Caitlin O’Connor opening the scoring making some good runs from midfield getting up to support the attack. The award goes to Lilac Wilson the midfielder on hand to break up alot of play keeping her side on the front foot throughout the contest, had good passing options and used the ball well.

Luton Town Ladies Reserves, Bedfordshire FA Women’s Junior Cup winners 2024/25

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies Reserves on winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup

 An entertaining first cup final contest of the season always enjoy my trips down to Kempston Rovers FC. My thanks to both sides for their assistance with the team details today, and to the staff at Beds FA for all their help as always it is very much appreciated. One down a whole bunch to go, can’t do them all but will sure do my best to cover as many as I can. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Newmarket Town Women v Cambridge United WFC

Sunday 16th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

 A busy weekend last time out meant the football got squeezed out of the schedule after a late call off, so good to be back at it this Sunday was we move well and truly into the business end of the season, with the cup final places up for grabs, headed to Newmarket to watch one of the semi-finals of this season’s Cambridgeshire Fa Women’s Invitation Cup as Newmarket Town Women played host to Cambridge United Women.

 On paper a good looking last 4 in the competition with Histon Ladies hosting Cambridge City Women in the other semi-final. like Newmarket, Histon are enjoying a strong season in ERWFL Division One North 3rd and 4th in the table respectfully, having both reached the Invitation Cup final themselves in recent seasons, could prove tough opposition to their Cambridge opponents who have been dominant in the competition.

 Newmarket Town Women reaching the Invitation cup Final for the 1st time back in 2022 losing at the Abbey Stadium to Cambridge City Women. Are enjoying a decent season in ERWFL Division One North, now the longest established side in the league, up into 3rd spot among a trio of sides hoping to chase down leaders, Harpenden Town Women who hold a decent advantage. A Development side backing up the first team along with an U18s side Newmarket have a proud history of bringing through youth players into the senior women’s sides.

Have advanced into the last 4 of this season’s Invitation cup without kicking a ball, granted home wins over Manea Sirens A team and Leverington Sports Ladies respectfully in the previous rounds. Millie Docking, Newmarket’s leading scorer, dual signed with Cambridge United with 14 goals from her 20 appearances this season. Katie Spiers close behind on 12 from her 18 games with Holly Corley, captain Katie Walker and Abbi Griffin (another ex-Cambridge United player before returning to Newmarket) all on 5 a piece.

Cambridge United WFC long established in tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid, now enjoying closer ties with the men’s club, the leading club women’s football in the county. Have enjoyed success in the Invitation Cup, Cambridgeshire’s Senior County Cup competition, dominating it along with Cambridge City Women. The senior team not always taking part in the competition, their U18s entering the competition last season, reaching the final missing out to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Enter this season’s competition with a mixture of U18s who play in the JPL league set-up and first team players. Allowed 5 regular first team players, plus any who have played less than 50% of the clubs fixtures, or have been out injured for a month or more.

9th in the FAWNL South East Division One table, amongst a cluster of sides jostling for mid-table places in what has proven to be a highly competitive league this season. Bella Simmons top scorer with 14 goals from her 20 games, attacking midfielder, Alysha Stojko-Down, has 9 goals from her 18 matches. Ran out 10-0 winners away to Chatteris Town Lillies Ladies in the Invitation Cup before going onto beat holders Whittlesey Athletic 2-0 at home in the quarter finals.

The Tristel Stadium, home of Newmarket Town FC the venue for today’s semi-final, the cork based artificial pitch seeing alot of action, hosting a number of teams and training sessions. overlooked by a covered seated stand beside the changing rooms and clubhouse with the bar open along with the kitchen hatch serving hot food and drinks. Spring is almost here and the weather calm and pleasant, overcast with some cloud cover but no rain forecast during the match.

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Ellie Sturgess, Ailie Rennie, Liv Caffarelli, Abi Gibson, Katie Walker (C), Abbie Corbyn, Abbi Griffin, Niamh Bridgeman & Katie Spiers. Subs – Holly Corley, Eden Kirby-Cook, Evonne Yerrell & Kara Wayman.

Newmarket Town Women

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner, Olivia Welham, Lauren Rouse, Gisella Otten (C), Alysha Stojko-Down, Charlotte Gillies, Ella Marden, Becca Stephenson & Erika Lempek. Subs – Millie Docking, Emelia Reinhardt, Katie Walter, Holly Plummer & Sydney Daniels.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Ironic that Newmarket’s leading goal scorer, is on Cambridge’s bench this afternoon, but such is the nature of a dual signing. The hosts themselves bringing players through to the 1st team from the Development and U18s this season, have a good blend of youth and experience, while for Cambridge the set-up of the side calls for the same balance. Newmarket to kick-off the 1st half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks with Cambridge lined up opposite in their away kit, a floral patterned sky blue shirt with sky blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle hit long bouncing into the opposition box for Cambridge goalkeeper, Sophie Shults to get an early touch.

The ball played out to defender, Lauren Rouse moving right launches it forwards down the wing for Charlotte Gillies to chase down, knocks it on pace as she drives forwards squaring the ball across the top of the D, picking out the run of Becca Stephenson, recently signed on dual registration from Needham Market, left of the D 20 yards out, gets her shot away as a defender lunges into to try and block, the ball swerving wide of the left upright.

A lively start to the match, Cambridge looking to press Newmarket on the ball, get play turned around quickly, Gillies and Stephenson making positive runs in the flanks, Holly Dryland tackling Stephenson as she attacks on the left lifting the ball forwards, looking for Niamh Bridgeman in attack, the pass intercepted by Cambridge’s captain, Gisela Otten at the back.

The ball being pinged about the park a high tempo start to the game, Newmarket come left, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner, moving in to tackle, Abbie Corbyn on the wing, getting it forwards into Erika Lempek, another new signing for Cambridge, out on the wing looks to control the ball spin off her marker, is instead fouled by Liv Caffarelli winning the free-kick. Stephenson getting about the final third looking for the ball for the visitors shifting play out to Gillies running in behind on the right wing clips a cross long across goal, collected safely by Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary.

Caffarelli at the back for Newmarket getting a foot in to dispossess Stephenson as she gathers the ball into her feet inside the left channel. The Newmarket defence busy as Cambridge regain possession in the middle, come back at them. Hjaltun-Rayner on the right playing the ball forwards for Gillies, Ellie Sturgess getting back on her to slide in take the ball out for a throw-in.

Newmarket’s Liv Caffarelli and Cambridge’s Erika Lempek challenging for the ball

Serena Cobb linking up with Alysha Stojko-Down in the middle for Cambridge the ball fed forwards into Lempek back to goal left of the D, turns well on the ball driving towards the box, attempting to lob Szary as she comes racing out to close her down, the goalkeeper getting something on the ball. Newmarket captain Katie Walker carrying the ball on through the middle has Corbyn ahead of her, giving her the ball, plays in on for Katie Spiers up top pulling away to the right trying to get into the box, Olivia Welham the 3rd of Cambridge’s recent signings putting in the tackle at left back to deny the shot.

Newmarket captain, Katie Walker

Walker sending a shot over from all of 25 yards out as Newmarket get players forwards probing the top of the Cambridge area. The ball rarely still, Cambridge nipping in to win the 2nd ball, laying it forwards Cobb on for Gillies right side driving down the line Sturgess with her sliding in to play the ball out for a corner kick. The corner put into the near post cleared back to the corner taker, fed back inside to Rouse, top of the area, Dryland going in to close her down in a 50/50 challenge, comes back to Gillies out on the right, flashes a teasing cross through the six yard box, missed by two Cambridge players running in at the far post.

The ball, zipping about the pitch, Gillies with pace out on the right, Sturgess closing her down to prevent the cross. Ella Marden linking up with Stephenson on Cambridge’s left flank, sending the ball down the line for Stephenson to chase down, racing to the by-line turns into the box, her cross, blocked by Caffarelli turned behind for a corner kick. A fantastic ball curled in from the corner, Cambridge unable to get a head on it at the far post to turn home, the hosts bring the ball down and launch a rapid counter the ball fired long up the left with Spiers pulling into space to receive the ball, Cambridge stretched at the back, Welham does well to get across to tackle Spiers send the ball out for a throw.

Cambridge’s turn to break getting the ball into Stephenson moving left linking up with Marden and Lempek, top of the box, challenged by Caffarelli, the ball cleared back to the left won back by Cambridge the shot blasted in on the angle, wide at the far post. A lively opening 15 minutes to the tie.

Cambridge midfielder, Serena Cobb

 GOAL! Cambridge get the ball forwards into Stephenson’s feet on the left wing a burst pf pace to drive on down the line squaring a cross into the area, near side Lempek looking to hold off a defender back to goal, Szary making the call to come and lay claim to the ball doesn’t get there as the pass is squeezed inside for Gillies to take a touch central and stroke the ball into the empty net 0-1.

Charlotte Gillies opening the scoring for Cambridge United

Abi Gibson on the ball through the middle for Newmarket sends it on for Spiers in attack, looks to turn off, Otten, Cambridge’s captain, stretching out a leg to deny her the ball. Quick to get the ball forwards a long pass finding Stephenson breaking away on the left, taking the shot on from the angle, rising, Szary throwing up her gloves tipping the ball over for a corner kick. The visitors remain lively in attack, Stephenson moving across the top of the box taking the ball on for Gillies on the right forwards for Lempek right of the D, the flag up however as she strays offside.

Newmarket’s long clearances posing an issue for Cambridge to deal with, Spiers looking to capitalize in attack for the visitors pull into the channels, Rouse challenging as she links up with Corbyn on the left. Spiers letting another long ball run on past her in behind to see Bridgeman bursting clear into the box right of goal, sends her shot straight at Shults for a comfortable save, a warning for Cambridge nevertheless.

Newmarket attacker, Niamh Bridgeman

Newmarket pressing high get caught on the counter attack, the ball lifted on for Gillies to break clear away to attack on the right, racing for the box, Sturgess does brilliantly to recover having the pace to get back at the winger chase her down and clear the ball. Newmarket advancing on the right Abbi Griffin putting a long angled cross into the area, Corbyn racing in beyond the far post, does well on the volley stretching out a leg to deflect the ball onto Hjaltun-Rayner to see it behind for a corner kick.

Ellie Sturgess barely in the frame does well to get back to deny Charlotte Gillies a shot on goal

Curled into the six yard box from the left, Shults rising amongst the crowd to punch the ball away to the right, hurts herself in the process, but after a pause in play is able to continue. Walker winning the ball in midfield for Newmarket playing it out to Griffin on the right swings a dangerous cross into the Cambridge box, Spiers stretching for it in the middle can’t quite reach it, Corbyn running in beyond the far post, throwing out a leg and direct the ball back across goal, out for a goal kick.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Sophie Shults

Walker chips the ball up to Corbyn out on the left outside the area, closely marked by Hjaltun-Rayner, the ball escaping beyond the pair loose inside the box, Bridgeman alert in behind to try and attack it, Shults getting down to gather the ball into her body before she can get a touch.

A defensive coming together from Newmarket high up the pitch on the left sees, Lempek race away with the ball at her feet into the channel striking the ball from 20 yards out her effort racing wide of Szary’s left post. Stephenson getting hold of the ball centrally for Cambridge looking to travel with the ball moving in field, Griffin putting the tackle in for Newmarket.

Cobb getting forwards to win the ball for Cambridge keep the pressure on in the final 3rd out to Stephenson on the left up with Marden, inside for Lempek, Walker back to defend for the hosts.

 GOAL! Approaching the half hour mark and Cambridge double their lead the ball from Cobb rolled into Lempek, back to goal in the left channel feds it out to Stephenson racing past her on the left bearing down on the area, Szary rushing out to the corner of her box to try and close the angle, Stephenson knocking the ball past the keeper, running on beyond her to fire the ball into the goal beyond to net her 1st Cambridge goal. 0-2.

Becca Stephenson doubling Cambridge’s lead

Newmarket conceding a 2nd goal look to get the ball forwards quickly their long balls still causing Cambridge a few issues, Hjaltun-Rayner enjoying a good battle with Corbyn as she looks to get on down the hosts left wing, the Cambridge full back winning the ball twice in quick succession.

Cambridge winning a corner on the left, have played in some teasing deliveries, again curled in Otten rising centrally to head the ball down towards goal, Szary with a sharp save stopping it on her goal line.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

Sturgess has been kept on her toes by Gillies on Cambridge’s right, stretching out her leg to take the ball from the winger as she looks to power forwards. Cambridge with a corner on the right in short to Gillies top of the area fired into the six yard box, blocked, Newmarket launching it clear, high up the pitch, Welham the last defender has to win it, or risk, Spiers going through one on one with the keeper, the defender composed to win the ball.

Newmarket defender, Ellie Sturgess

Cambridge getting Stojko-Down onto the ball central, plays a through ball up to Stephenson making a central run in behind, Szary comes racing out of her box needing to get there, just about snatching her clearance into the middle, Cambridge snapping back to win the ball out to Gillies on the right 25 yards out tries to capitalize on the keeper being out of position, fires her angled shot wide across goal.

Late in the first half Cambridge winning a free-kick deep on the left, fired in long to the far post, Gillies trying to meet it on the volley a difficult chance can only turn the ball behind for a goal-kick.

Half-time Newmarket Town Women 0-2 Cambridge United WFC

 Cambridge leading 2-0 at the break getting forwards well to keep the Newmarket defence busy, winning the 2nd ball in the middle and turning play around quickly. The barely rarely still. Charlotte Gillies opening the scoring in the 16th minute, Becca Stephenson put through to double the lead on the half hour mark. The game played at a high tempo Newmarket’s long clearances causing a few issues defenders on both sides putting in a number of crucial tackles and interceptions. Cambridge in a good position will be looking for an early goal in the 2nd half to take full control of the semi-final, Newmarket still firmly in the game however will be looknig for the early break through themselves to put themselves right back in the game.

Changes for both sides at half-time, Newmarket bringing on Holly Corley for Bridgeman. Cambridge making a double switch in attack bring in Millie Docking and Emilia Reinhardt in place of Gillies and Lempek. Cambridge to kick off the 2nd half, the ball rolled into Otten, sends it long, Szary gathering it into her gloves for the hosts. Walker bringing the ball on for Newmarket central playing a diagonal ball forwards looking for Spiers, pulling left, the pass cut out by Rouse at the back for Cambridge.

Newmarket’s Katie Spiers

Otten stepping in to tackle Spiers as the Newmarket attacker attempts to drives forwards with the ball through the centre. Rennie with the ball at her feet at the back for Newmarket sending on long up the right for Dryland breaking forwards on the flank driving on with the ball clips a cross low into the near post, caught by Shults.

Cambridge continuing where they left off first half looking to get the ball forwards with pace, Docking and Reinhardt looking to break in behind, Stojko-Down looking to play in Marden in the left channel, Caffarelli getting her foot in to cut the pass out for the hosts behind for a corner eft side. Another vicious delivery curled in centrally just over Otten rising in the middle of the six yard box, Szary beyond pushing the ball out to the top of the area.

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten

Cambridge lively Reinhardt with pace to burn bursting in behind the defence top of the area, Szary rushing out to try and close her down, Reinhardt attempts the lob Szary getting a glove up well to deflect it away to the right, caught out of position as Reinhardt goes after it right of goal, defenders racing back to cover the exposed goal, Reinhardt shoots low for the bottom left corner, the shot blocked on the line turned behind for a corner kick.

Curled into the six yard box, dropping down into the mix scrambled away to the left. Cambridge pushing hard Otten winning the ball high laying it into the left channel for Marden looking to get away down the wing, Dryland back to challenge, however the attack halted by a raised flag.

Newmarket full back, Holly Dryland

Reinhardt’s pace a threat for Newmarket as she races through in behind as the visitors capitalise on a poorly struck free-kick, Szary again out to close her down sliding in Reinhardt stabbing the ball past the advancing keeper, but so to the right post.

Millie Docking on the attack with Emilia Reinhardt for Cambridge

GOAL! No sooner has Reinhardt had one opportunity to score she is presented with another for Cambridge as Welham wins the ball at the back for the visitors, played forwards into Reinhardt looking to pull off the Newmarket defence right channel racing into the box, let’s fly before Szary can set herself sending the ball past her into the back of the net to add Cambridge’s 3rd on 57 minutes 0-3.

Emilia Reinhardt firing home Cambridge’s 3rd goal

Cambridge getting the ball back in the middle Cobb combining with Stojko-Down on for Stephenson advancing down the right wing to the touch line puts in the cross, Caffarelli turning it behind for a corner kick. Swung into the near post from the right cut out cleared to the top of the area Cobb inside the D getting hold of it for the visitors sliding the ball forwards for Stojko-Down breaking clear right side of goal, Szary out to close her down sliding in the pair colliding the ball knocked on across goal, cleared off the line. Both Stojko-Down and Szary up okay after their collision.

Newmarket making a treble change bringing off Caffarelli, Corbyn and Spiers, with Bridgeman back on along with Eden Kirby-Cook and Kara Wayman on the hour mark. Reinhardt up top for Cambridge charging in behind inside the right channel, forcing Szary to come racing out of her box to try and close her down just about gets there the ball skipping up off her turned on into the box eventually put behind for a corner even as Cambridge complain to the referee over a potential hand ball outside the area but no given.

The corner fired into the near post met by Stojko-Down who heads it wide. Cambridge’s turn to make a treble switch bringing off Hjaltun-Rayner, Rouse and Welham, on come Katie Walter, Sydney Daniels and Holly Plummer. Stojko-Down playing the ball forwards to Marden left side, Rennie defending the ball out for a corner kick. Swung into the six yard box, Szary up well amongst bodies to punch the ball clear.

Alysha Stojko-Down

Walker sending the ball out to Griffin pulling right for Newmarket knocks the ball forwards before clipping a cross into the box, Shults up to claim it centrally. Griffin winning Newmarket a free-kick out wide on the right, takes it herself a great delivery in across the six yard box at an inviting height but no one can get a touch as the game moves into the final 20 minutes.

Newmarket’s Abbi Griffin

Stephenson caught as she looks to bring the ball on through the middle for Cambridge. Stojko-Down with a effort from range struck wide of the right post. Newmarket fighting hard getting bodies up looking to find a way through on goal, Walker getting onto the ball pressing forwards left channel, Walter coming in to close her down for Cambridge. Dryland coming off for Newmarket, as they send on Yvonne Yerrell. Griffin looking to link up with Gibson for the hosts taking the ball right Plummer tackling for Cambridge.

The game entering the final 10 minutes Cambridge making a double substitution bringing Gillies and Lempek back on in place of Marden and Stephenson. Lempek involved straight away as she looks to break clear off the defence on the right channel, it’s Gibson who gets back to make the challenge for Newmarket.

Newmarket midfielder, Abi Gibson

Newmarket not sitting back trying to keep Cambridge contained feel they can get something from the game pushing players on Griffin right linking up with Bridgeman the ball helped inside to Corley top of the D, moves to the left unleashing a shot, Shults getting down to make the save.

Rennie at the back for Newmarket with a well timed tackle on Lempek as the Cambridge attacker drives for the box left of the D. Reinhardt coming to the left sending the ball inside for Lempek initially missed by the defence Rennie is around on the cover to get to the ball first roll it back to her keeper to clear.

Newmarket defender, Ailie Rennie

Stojko-Down with another strike from distance powered wide of the left post as the ball is cleared up to her. Spiers back on for Newmarket late on. Reinhardt fouled on the left as she brings the ball forwards. Stojko-Down over the set-piece launched towards the far post, Szary up well to claim the ball.

The crowd appealing for a hand ball as Newmarket attack on the left the cross turned behind inside the box for a corner instead. Curled into the near post Cambridge cleared to the top of the area 25 yards out Spiers onto the ball looking to tee up Walker left of the d 20 yards out leaning back as she shoots fires her effort high.

Into stoppage time Stojko-Down is fouled by Walker picks herself up to take the set-piece to the left angling the ball in towards the far post Otten pulling off the defence misses it as it flies past the keeper out for a goal kick.

Full Newmarket Town Women 0-3 Cambridge United WFC

 Cambridge advancing to the Invitation Cup Final, where they will face Histon Ladies as the tier 6 side beat Cambridge City 4-1 to reach the final. Being played at Cambridge City FC’s new ground in Sawston on Weds 30th March. Cambridge leading 2-0 at the break, making a strong start to the 2nd half looking for an early goal to extend their lead and settle things down. The game nevertheless played at a frenetic pace, the ball never still. Newmarket battled well tried to get themselves a foot hold back into the game but Cambridge had the experience on the pitch to keep things tight in defence.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. plenty of contenders once again. Several performances to mention, first up Newmarket captain, Katie Walker, fighting for the ball in the middle of the park looked to get forwards link up with the attack. Ellie Sturgess had a battle on her hands with Charlotte Gillies on the right but got in a number of tackles and covered the ground well. Abi Gibson too winning her fair share of tackles in the middle. For Cambridge their captain too with a strong game, Gisela Otten winning the ball at the back, reading the game well. Serena Cobb and Alysha Stojko-Down pressing the ball winning it high in the middle keeping Cambridge constantly on the front foot. Charlotte Gillies carrying a threat on the right with her pace driving with the ball opening the scoring. Flo Hjaltun-Rayner at full back winning her fair share of the ball, played some great balls forwards. Emilia Reinhardt made a real impact coming on 2nd half her pace troubling the Newmarket defence and gave Cambridge the momentum going on to add the 3rd goal. The award today goes to Becca Stephenson, already has one for Needham Market this season. Got Cambridge on the front foot early on getting hold of the ball and driving forwards whether it be down the left channel on centrally looked to make things happen link up her fellow attackers and getting her 1st Cambridge goal too.

 An enjoyable afternoon at the Tristel Stadium at fast paced game my thanks to both sides for their help with the team details as always much appreciated, entering the business end of the season the cup finals beginning for me this coming Sunday.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v Chesham United Women

Sunday 2nd March

FAWNL South East Division One

Beginning March with some football action from FAWNL South East Division One, travelling down into Suffolk to watch AFC Sudbury Women as they take on Buckinghamshire side, Chesham United Women.

South East Division One representing tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid, proving to be really competitive this season, with 9 of the 12 sides tightly clustered earlier in the campaign taking points off each other. A clearer picture at both ends of the table now as we move into the last few weeks of the season. Norwich City Women, Chatham Town Women and newly promoted real Bedford Women the title contenders with London Bees making a late push to get involved, at the other end Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women and London Seaward FC occupy the relegation places and are well adrift of the rest.

I’ll be honest here and tell you I expected AFC Sudbury Women to be down there again this season fighting relegation, unless they strengthened with some shrewd recruitment over the close season. And I am glad to be wrong on that count as they have done just that and as a result had a strong campaign well clear of the bottom as a result. Entering their second season in the FAWNL following back to back promotions from the ERWFL, their young talented squad doing fantastically well. AFC Sudbury investing in their academy rebuilding their women’s section to emerge as a challenger to Ipswich as a leading force for the woman’s game in the county.

 Adding to their debut season in the FAWNL, Sudbury have brought in some usual experience mainly from local rivals Needham Market, signing the likes of ex-Ipswich player, Ellie Rossiter, Ex-Cambridge midfielder, Amber Cantwell and attacker Lina Nagib. Also bringing in Ipswich and Philippines’ international goalkeeper, Nina Meollo on loan off the back of a fantastic season with Cambridge City. Despite a opening day loss, Sudbury went on to enjoy an 8 game unbeaten run see them pushing the top runners in the league. Have since lost Cantwell to a serious injury, but added to the squad with more usual experience with Sheryce Slater and Lucy Loomes coming to the club from Needham Market along with Jade Barrett previously with Cambridge City. Back to back defeats have stifled their push for the top spots dropping to 8th amongst the chasing pack will be looking to get back on track today to finish the season strong. Jessica Allen the top scorer netting 9 from her 11 games while Jasmin Drake and Lina Nagib have 4 goals each. 

  Chesham United Women travel to Suffolk in good form having turned their season around struggling at the wrong end of the table since winning promotion to tier 4 in 2022 looked to be in danger of getting caught up in a 3 way tussle at the bottom with Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women and London Seaward FC taking just 4 points from their opening 11 games however began to turn it around back in December coming into 2025 in great form unbeaten in 5 matches winning 3 and drawing 2 to pull clear of the bottom, a narrow 1-0 loss to leaders Norwich ending that run are now 11 points clear baring a complete disaster are likely to be safe, and can focus on finishing the campaign strong.

  Gemma Fraser a prolific goal scorer for Chesham, is once again top scorer this time around netting 19 times from her 20 appearances, top scorer not only for Chesham but the league itself to date, and should she score this afternoon it would be her 250th for the club. Natalia Makowska is the next highest scorer with 6 goals to her name. One of the leading clubs in the Berks & Bucks area, with a number of youth teams and U18s side. 

The MEL Group Stadium the venue for today’s tie, the stadium boasting a state of the art 3G pitch, overlooked by the clubhouse and seat stand housing the changing rooms beyond, the bar open along with the kitchen serving hot food and drink, A terraced stand on the opposite side with covered standing behind both goals. Construction work taking place leading into the main stadium with the grass pitch beside the carpark being redeveloped making way for a second artificial playing surface. At last the sun was out a bright and sunny afternoon with no wind, pleasant, although the sun lowering in the sky likely to be an issue dropping behind one goal.

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Nina Meollo, Sophie Jeffrey, Ellie Rossiter, Aliyat Lambe, Sheryce Slater, Leonnie Bezant (C), Maisie Goodwin, Megan Edwards, Alex Penny, Eva Frazzoni & Jasmin Drake. Subs – Ronni Harrison, Phoebe Guiver, Jade Barrett, Amy Jarvis & Lucy Loomes.

AFC Sudbury Women

 Chesham United Women starting XI – Nicole Spittle, Sasha Smith, Melissa Porter, Ania Koscielska, Victoria Collett, Rebecca Fraser, Niamh Euman, Maisie O’Shea, Natasha Smith (C), Natalia Makowska & Gemma Fraser. Subs – Madelene Wright, Kiyana Fryer, Olivia Henry, Sophie Bishop & Steph Weston.

Chesham United Women

Captains Natasha Smith and Leonnie Bezant with today’s match officials

  Leonne Bryant captaining, Sudbury with Ronni Harrison having been out for a lengthy spell through injury making it onto the bench for today’s match. The hosts also without top scorer Allen and Lina Nagib. It’s the hosts to kick-off the first half attacking into the sun, wearing yellow coloured shirts and socks with blue shorts. Chesham lined up opposite wearing claret coloured shirts with white fronts and blue trim, likewise with their shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle, sent long out to the right wing for Alex Penny to chase, defended by Chesham’s Melissa Porter out for a throw. 

 The visitors get the ball moving out from the back quickly a cross-field ball finding captain Natasha Smith running into space on the right, plays a first time through ball forwards splitting the Sudbury centre backs that sees striker Gemma Fraser run onto the ball left of the D top of the area pulls the trigger as goalkeeper, Nina Meollo fresh from duty with the Philippines national team comes to close the angle, going down gets something on the ball to take the sting off the shot as it creeps past her heading for the empty goal, Sophie Jeffery is around on the cover to clear the ball away to the right.

Gemma Fraser stealing in between the Sudbury defence to create an early opportunity

  A lively start, Sudbury looking to build out on their right, Ellie Rossiter getting forwards looking to link up with Penny, Chesham moving in to close the ball down. Another clipped ball over the top sees Natasha Smith looking to break in behind the Sudbury defence get hold of the ball, but for Meollo rushing out to the edge of her box to get hold of the ball first. Jeffery left for Sudbury forwards into Megan Edwards is tackled by Natasha Smith the Chesham captain turning play around sliding the ball forwards into the channel as Gemma Fraser comes across to receive the ball 25 yards out jinks right the left looking for a opening as she closes in on the area unleashing a vicious strike swerves into the side netting at Meollo’s near post.

Chesham captain, Natasha Smith

  Sudbury pressing the ball high looking to get players up the pitch Edwards and Penny taking players on down the wings the latter driving forwards on the right running into traffic as the Chesham defence close the door. Rossiter getting up with Penny right side, lefts a cross into the near post, Victoria Collett getting up ahead of Jasmin Drake at the near post to head the ball clear of her area. 

Chesham defender, Victoria Collett

 The Chesham defence deeper, Sudbury pressing bodies up around the 18 yard box the short ball coming in central to Eva Frazzoni 30 yards out, takes on the shot a tame effort running straight through to Nicole Spittle in the Chesham goal. Gemma Fraser moving across the back line looknig to provide the outlet for a pass as Chesham break out of their defence, lifted into her path as she bursts down the left wing squares a cross into the area cut out by Aliyat Lambe at the back for Sudbury. 

  Sudbury getting hold of the ball in midfield, captain Leonnie Bezant with Maisie Goodwin forwards into attacker, Drake, central 25 out drives with the ball, Sasha Smith lunging in with the tackle to win the ball back for Chesham. Frazzoni combining with Bezant centrally for the hosts played back to Lambe as the defence pushes up, the defender looking to float a ball out to the left for Edwards, Sasha Smith intercepting for the visitors. 

Sudbury probing Rossiter lifting a ball on for Drake to latch onto in attack outside the D drives forwards into the area, messy as she goes down in a coming together with a defender, asks the question but nothing doing the referee signalling play on. Lambe bringing the ball into the Chesham half forwards into Penny in the right channel sends it on as Rossiter storms past her on the overlap on the angle sends the ball wide of the near post.

Jasmin Drake with the ball for Sudbury

 Edwards doing well to keep the ball in play on the left for Sudbury turning inside to break down the wing, held up plays it back up the line to Goodwin who n turn passes inside for Jeffery, inside to Bryant who gives it to Lambe in space 30 yards out to her right, not closed down takes on the strike blasting the ball wide of the far post. Drake with a forceful run into the left channel winning Sudbury a corner kick. Taken short into Jeffery crossed into the top of the area initially cleared by Gemma Fraser, Sudbury regain possession out on the left a low cross into the near post claimed well by Spittle. 

  Penny and Edwards switching flanks for the hosts, Goodwin looking to thread a pass into the left channel for Penny, a vital interception from Chesham’s Ania Koscielska. Sudbury moving in quickly to win the 2nd ball keep Chesham pinned back asking the questions, the visitors patient in defence looking for the opportunity to counter. Goodwin winning the ball well for Sudbury clipping in into the left wing for Penny speeding forwards level with the edge of the area sends a low ball in to the near post, Spittle across to cover the angle can see it run safely into the side netting.

  Sasha Smith busy at the back for Chesham, cutting a high pass out intended for Penny as she makes a run on the left. Maisie O’Shea carrying the ball forwards for Chesham through the middle on for Makowska, looks to spin off Bezant release Gemma Fraser up top, Sheryce Slater intercepting the ball at the back for Sudbury.

Sudbury defender, Sheryce Slater

  Sudbury winning a corner over on the left an inviting ball in across the six yard box no one can get their head on it cleared at the far post dropping to Slater top of the area, her strike charged down. Koscielska winning the header at the ball as the hosts break out from the ball lifting a high ball into the opposition area. Sudbury determined seeing more of the ball around their opponents box, Chesham dogged in defence, dangerous on the break lifted on for Natasha Smith moving right in space lays it back through the middle for Gemma Fraser surging forwards in first touch a little too strong however knocking the ball out to the right gives chase but can’t keep it in. 

 The pace of the game seeing fouls given away, Sudbury sending the ball into the right channel, Porter dealing with it for Chesham. The hosts winning a free-kick wide on the left inside the Chesham half, Jeffery to play the ball into the area, an inviting delivery, Spittle composed seeing it all the way not putting off by the yellow shirts around her as she catches it well above her head. 

 Sudbury are the ones asking the questions, however the best chances so far have fallen to Chesham as they look dangerous on the break, Gemma Fraser seeing the ball into her feet back to goal 30 yards out shifts it down the right wing to release Natasha Smith who bursts down to the by-line cutting the ball back across the Sudbury six yard box, O’Shea running in at the far post meeting it turned goal wards, Meollo on her line down sharply to make the save grabbing the ball on the line as she falls.

Sudbury goalkeeper, Nina Meollo

 Edwards sending the ball out to Penny on the left for Sudbury has Jeffery going past her on the overlap giving her the ball the full back takes it to the by-line lifting a dangerous ball in across the face of the Chesham goal, cleared at the far post. Chesham working hard in defence, Makowska back to defend as Rossiter looks to link up with Penny now back on the left the ball out for a goal kick.

  Rebecca Fraser nipping in to win the ball for Chesham forwards for Makowska, moves left looking to release Gemma Fraser down the left, Rossiter getting a foot in to cut the pass out for the hosts. Penny taking the ball on right channel, Niamh Euman lunging in to regain the ball for Chesham forwards into Natasha Smith, Gemma Fraser providing a run left to right across the D, just can’t pick her out. 

  Collett getting up ahead of Drake to win the ball with her head inside the box as Penny loops in a cross from the right. A corner for the hosts on the right defended at the near post headed on across goal, Sudbury seeing another corner won out on the left. Flung in high at the near post Spittle again up well to claim. Into the closing stages of the first half Frazzoni over to the left links up with Edwards and Jeffery the ball clipped into the box defended by Chesham’s Collett.

 Gemma Fraser moving into dispossess Lambe at the back for Sudbury as she gets caught on the ball, stealing in behind left of goal to race into the area, shoots on the angle low towards goal, Meollo rushing out to close the angle getting down to make the blocking save.  

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 0-0 Chesham United Women

 An interesting first half draws to a close, no doubt Sudbury have been the ones asking the questions pushing players on with the ball getting up and around the Chesham area, however it is their opponents who have had the better chances and probably should have taken at least one to lead the game. As it is the first half ends goalless. Chesham pressed back in defence with a determined display under pressure looking dangerous on the break. Sudbury bringing the ball on well winning the 2nd balls in the middle keeping the tempo up as they look to find the break through. All set up for the 2nd half can’t see it remaining goalless, Chesham have put alot into that half will they be able to keep it up 2nd half or will Sudbury’s pressing tell?

 Chesham with a change at the start of the 2nd half, Steph Weston coming on to replace Makowska. It’s the visitors to get the 2nd half underway, played into Euman in the middle out to Sasha Smith right side lifted forwards for Natasha Smith, Jeffery clearing it for the hosts. Drake getting hold of the ball down the left wing for Sudbury forcing Chesham into conceding a corner kick.

 GOAL! Taken short given back to the taker on the angle Jeffery out wide on the left sends a ball in towards goal, curled in under the bar, even as a defender tries in vain to clear 1-0! Sudbury breaking the deadlock with barely a minute of the 2nd half gone. 

Sophie Jeffery’s shot flying in to open the scoring for Sudbury

 GOAL! The perfect reply from Chesham however as they get straight back on level terms have the ball their left Natasha Smith sending a great diagonal ball up to Gemma Fraser positioned left of the D, 20 yards out cushions it down off her body inside to get away from her maker moving across the D, evading the onrushing keeper to turn inside right of goal to blast a low strike into the empty net to make it 1-1 and score her 250th Chesham goal in the process!

Gemma Fraser getting clear to score her 250th goal and equalise for Chesham United Women

  Chesham straight back into the game the visitors back to defensive duties straight away having to deal with the low sun now, Euman hooking the ball clear, Sudbury soon retrieve it out on the left, Jeffery with a cross from deep angled into the area claimed confidently by Spittle. The hosts getting on well pressing bodies into the final 3rd a vicious cross wide from the left flashed in across the Chesham goal, Frazzoni running in unmarked far post can’t quite get there.

  Chesham look to build an attack through the middle, O’Shea on the ball driving forwards with support from Weston the ball forwards intercepted by Slater for Sudbury. Rossiter getting forwards to link up with Penny on Sudbury’s left exchanging passes, it’s Gemma Fraser tracking back who puts the tackle in to win the ball back for Chesham. Sudbury piling on the pressure Penny with a burst of pace on the ball right side flashing a cross into the six yard box, Drake looking to turn on the ball closed down by Koscielska, Frazzoni in close attendance can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away before Collett closes her down to clear. 

 GOAL! Bezant on the ball central for Sudbury lifts a good ball out into the feet of Penny on the right outside the area, takes it forwards into the box flashing a cross into the far post Edwards looking to meet it at the far post six yards out her shot charged down by the defence and keeper the rebound coming straight to Frazzoni positioned centrally top of the area, hits it cleanly angling the ball back into the empty net to put Sudbury back into the lead 2-1.

Eva Frazzoni restores Sudbury’s lead

 Sudbury getting bodies forwards winning a free-kick out wide on the right, angled in to the far post area, Spittle getting a glove on the ball turned behind for a corner kick. Is a teasing in swinging corner from the left, angled in across the face of goal asking to be nodded home, but no one attacks it as it runs wide out past the far post. Edwards and Penny switching sides again as Sudbury press for a 3rd goal.

 GOAL! The switch bringing instant dividends as Edwards combines with Rossiter out on the right getting down the wing Edwards lashes a cross into the Chesham six yard box, Penny closing in far post meeting it turning the ball home past the diving keeper to make it 3-1.

Alex Penn scores at the far post for Sudbury

 Chesham making a change as they bring off O’Shea, send Sophie Bishop on. Gemma Fraser is isolated up top at times for Chesham as the visitors a pressed back into their own area, yet she remains a valuable outlet whenever they get an opportunity to break, a diagonal ball clipped into her from the right 20 yards out left of the D the striker sees it down off her chest well to move inside to escape her marker and unleash a shot, gets too much on it however seeing the attempt dragged wide of the near post. 

 Porter steals in to intercept for Chesham as Bryant looks to release Penny out on the wing. A shot from distance all of 25 yards out from Sudbury takes a wicked deflection seeing it crash into the side netting. Changes for both sides, Jade Barrett coming on for Sudbury to replace Drake moves into an attacking role. Porter coming off for Chesham, Olivia Bishop entering the game.

 All Sudbury breaking on the left a cross from deep, into the six yard box, Frazzoni central up to head the ball nodding it down on target, Spittle getting down quickly behind it to save on the line. 

Chesham goalkeeper, Nicole Spittle

 The hosts relentless coming forwards press left crossed into the middle, Frazzoni looking to nod it down for Barrett to smash home, Weston getting a foot in to clear the ball, out of the area straight to Penny 25 yards out flashes a strike wide of the left post. 

Maisie Goodwin winning the ball for Sudbury

 GOAL! Sudbury continue to dominate in attack, Edwards getting hold of the ball on the left, skipping past a tackle bursting on into the area firing a cross in to the six yard box evading the diving keeper at her near post travels through to Penny central to calmly slot in her 2nd of the contest to make it 4-1. 

Alex Penny with her 2nd of the game extending Sudbury’s lead

  Sudbury with a commanding lead midway through the 2nd half leading 4-1 and looking likely to get more as Chesham struggle to stem the tide, can’t get the ball into their attackers. Penny stealing in to nick the ball on the right drives on down the wing before flashing a cross into the six yards box straight into Barrett central can’t get it out from under her feet to unleash a shot before Koscielska closes her down with the blocking tackle. 

Chesham’s Ania Koscielska

 Gemma Fraser continues to pull into space on the flanks looking for the ball as Chesham try to relieve the pressure at the back, carrying it down the line lifts a cross into the box Weston making a central run the high ball however it taken by Meollo. Sudbury with a double change bringing of both Lambe and Frazzoni, Amy Jarvis and Phoebe Guiver coming on. The latter making her first appearance of the season having returned from injury. 

Phoebe Guiver with Chesham’s Victoria Collett

 Chesham looking to get themselves back into the game winning a throw high on the left dropping into Gemma Fraser 25 yards out sends it on for Weston ahead of her, left of the D looks to shoot curling her effort wide of the far post.

  Sasha Smith fouling Penny as she looks to get clear on the right Sudbury with a free-kick in the corner, Jeffery curling it into the near post, Spittle diving to turn it behind for a corner kick. Launched in across the six yard box towards the far post the ball headed down back towards goal, bouncing, cleared of the line!

 Chesham making a change sending on Kiyana Fryer into an attacking role replacing Rebecca Fraser. Rossiter laying the ball on for Penny on Sudbury’s right, fires a cross into the near post, cut out by Chesham’s Collett. Sudbury making another double change with the return of their captain, Ronni Harrison making a welcome return to the pitch, Bezant coming off handing her the armband. Rossiter off too Lucy Loomes on to make her Sudbury debut. 

Ronni Harrison returning from a long injury layoff for Sudbury

 

  The substitutes combining off a throw on the right Harrison sending the ball on for Loomes down the right battles her way to the by-line winning her side a corner kick. Loomes fouled as she’s backed into 25 yards out central winning a free-kick, is encouraged to take it herself.

 GOAL! Loomes launching the ball into a packed far post area a dangerous ball in knocked down into the ground, plays going for it looking to scramble away, Edwards seeing it rebound into her feet wide of the post and flicks it back across goal to score and extend Sudbury’s lead 5-1.

Megan Edwards scoring Sudbury’s 5th goal

 The goals sucking the energy out of Chesham have battled hard in defence but the pressure from Sudbury had taken its toll the hosts relentless in attack 2nd half leading 5-1 with less than 10 minutes to play. Sudbury send the ball in central from deep on their left into Guiver top of the box great skill to control the ball lay it off for Loomes to her left meeting the ball on the volley sees her strike rattle down off the crossbar!

Steph Weston with the ball for Chesham

  Loomes looking to impose herself on the game winning a corner out on the right, taken cleanly by the keeper at her near post. Chesham look to get forwards Bishop with a good run on the ball though the middle for the visitors played out to Gemma Fraser wide on the left drives forwards with the ball clips a teasing cross into the Sudbury six yard box, Fryer leaping central can’t quite get her head on the ball. 

 Into the closing stages of the game Sudbury looking to finish strong aiming to increase the score-line Barrett in the middle now on for Penny in the right channel pushing for the by-line flashes a cross in near side, intercepted by Koscielska for Chesham. The visitors mounting one final attack Weston sending a good pass through for Gemma Fraser up top 25 yards out looks to turn move the ball to the right, Slater diving in to win the ball back for Sudbury.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 5-1 Chesham United Women

  Sudbury returning to winning ways after suffering back to back losses with a clinical 2nd half performance to take the 3 points and move back into the top six in the South East Division One table. Had much of the ball in the first half but didn’t use it nor move it quick enough in the final phase, coming up against a determined Chesham defence who themselves looked dangerous on the counter creating the better chances. Goalless at the break Sudbury came out on top 2nd half getting the early break through. Chesham to their credit responding straight away to equalise but the pressure kept coming Sudbury moving the ball quickly in the final 3rd winning it back repeatedly. Retaking the lead and going on to add to the tally. Chesham fighting hard but struggling to get the ball forwards chances to counter limited in the 2nd period. Encouraged by recent results know they can dig out more points in the league. Sudbury back into the top half will certainly be aiming to stay there.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, often a hard call and it’s always nice when the notes confirm what you were thinking as you left the ground, I do write down quite a bit as you know. Several performances of note to mention of course was an intriguing contest on two fronts. Firstly for Chesham, Gemma Fraser gave it all up top moving into the channels looking to provide and outlet throughout and could have had a hat-trick on another day, scoring her 250th Chesham goal, fantastic, Natasha Smith doing her best to link up with Fraser up top with some great passing forced deeper as the game developed. Ania Koscielska and Victoria Collett at the heart of the Chesham defence with several vital tackles, interceptions and blocks. Sasha Smith covering the ground getting her tackles in to win the ball back. For Sudbury, Maisie Goodwin get stuck in in the middle to win the ball keep Sudbury on the front foot. Likewise Leonnie Bezant winning the ball high never let Chesham off the hook. Ellie Rossiter and Sophie Jeffery getting forwards from full back to over load the attack out on the flanks. Megan Edwards showing some neat footwork on the ball to get away in the wing to deliver some teasing crosses getting a goal too. The award however goes to Alex Penny the winger was a threat on either flank getting hold of the ball and taking on the Chesham defence sending in some teasing crosses and bagging herself 2 goals. 

 Pleased to have gotten down to Sudbury at last this season, watching from afar have been joyed with their success this season. great too to finally catch up with Chesham United Women see them in action. FAWNL South East Division One is highly competitive this season. A wonderful achievement for Chesham’s Gemma Fraser, despite the result to score her 250th goal for the club, huge congratulations. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Colchester United Women v She Can Play Panthers

Sunday 23rd February

Essex Women’s Premier Division

Heading down into Essex this Sunday to watch some action for the Essex Women’s Premier Division. 2nd versus 3rd with She Can Play Panthers travelling to take on Colchester United Women. 

 Very much a new look Essex Women’s Premier Division this campaign with a host of sides stepping up to join the ERWFL last season, along with a few dropping down a league and a couple of withdrawals, only Hutton Ladies Reserves still there from that campaign, with Southminster United Ladies, Chigwell Ladies and Colchester all promoted to the league along with new faces in, Brentwood Town Women, Brightlingsea Regent Ladies, Hashtag United Women Reserves and She Can Play Panthers.

Hashtag United Women Reserves leading the way with today’s opponents both looking to chase them down to the title. Each side playing each other 3 times during this league campaign.

 Colchester United reforming a women’s team at the beginning of last season, going into Essex Women’s Division Two, recruiting a strong squad going on to win all 20 of their league matches to romp to the title, along with winning the League Cup in their debut season. No surprise to see them go straight into the Premier Division off the back of that season. Made a strong start to the season two unbeaten in their opening 9 matches winning 7 of those before losing back to back matches against Hashtag United Women and She Can Play Panthers, bounced back well with back to back victories to take into today’s match.

Colchester’s 4th with She Can Play Panthers, who have had the upper hand so far drawing 3-3 in their first league encounter before winning twice again in the league and in the county cup by 2-0 and 2-1 score-lines respectfully. Have brought in experienced striker Jasmine Cox to bolster the attack, as 9 goals so far from her 7 appearances. Midfielder, Lindsey Morgan close behind netting 8 goals, while Jacqueline Craddock-Ball has 7 to her name and ruby Greenleaf 6 goals.

  She Can Play UK was founded in 2016  with one of it’s key goals to promote and development player pathways for girls aged 8-16 at grassroots level across Essex and Hertfordshire, bridging the gap to the WSL itself. Employing an all female coaching team working a development centres and playing in the JPL. The continued growth and success of the venture leading to a women’s team being established in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this season.

  Variable results to start the campaign, She Can Play Panthers have grown into the league a 3-3 with Colchester the catalyst to see the club go on an 8 game winning streak including a win against leaders Hashtag United Women Reserves that saw them briefly lead the table. Have plenty of goals in the side too, Evie Clarke leading the way top scorer so far netting 15 goals from her 11 appearances. Evie Walters as 12 goals from her 13 matches, with Georgia Maxwell-Jones closing in on double figures to with 9 from 7 games, Harriet Hudson too with 8 goals from her 13 games.   

Colchester Garrison the venue for this afternoons match. Situated on a a multi sports facility with hockey pitch and athletic track surrounding the clubhouse with the bar open offering hot food and drink. Beyond that the grass football pitch itself with a small seated stand with some covering on the opposite side to the dugouts situated in front of a small embankment. Rain forecast to arrive hopefully after the game finishes their was nevertheless a keen wind blowing making things feel decidedly chilly! Blowing from one end of the pitch to the other swirling too would influence play during the contest.

 Colchester United Women starting XI – Owen Hoskin, Lucy Yewman, Karys Paton, Niamh Gamble, Learna Daniels, Cassie Craddock-Ball (C), Thalia Adams, Tahlia Roome, Jacqueline Craddock-Ball, Lindsey Morgan &Ruby Greenleaf. Subs – Leah Pope, Ellie Cahill, Ruby Vinton, Emily Ager & Billie-Jo Williams.

Colchester United Women

 She Can Play Panthers starting XI – Meredith Kitchen, Shannon Simpson, Rebecca Denis (C), Aimee Burling, Ella Little, Molly Dodd, Evie Walters, Fran Ali, Hayley Halford, Harriet Hudson & Evie Clarke. Subs – Lily Davenport, Sammie Kuski, Kat Clifton & Danielle Ware.

She Can Play Panthers

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The captain’s head out to the middle to meet today’s match referee, Graham Pavitt. It will Colchester to take the kick-off in the 1st half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, with blue shorts and white socks with She Can Play Panthers lined up opposite wearing a stylish two toned purple shirt with purple shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the defence Colchester not closed down immediately looking to play it across the backline, Evie Clarke however comes snapping in for the Panthers, 25 yards out to charge down the ball steal possession and thread a diagonal ball into Hayley Halford pulling into the box left of goal, turns back to shoot across the keeper, Owen Hoskin right behind down smartly to save.

The visitors encouraged by the early shot on goal regain possession high on the right Clarke driving forwards squaring a cross into the near post deflected into the side netting for a corner kick. A dangerous ball fired in across the face of the Colchester goal, dropping invitingly at the far post however no one is their to attack it as Colchester attempt to break down the right, Molly Dodd across to challenge forcing play Colchester to play the ball back, the Panthers pressing high Dodd lifting the ball on for Harriet Hudson on the left wing knocks the ball on up the line, Lucy Yewman getting back at her to defend send the ball out for a throw.

Colchester full back, Lucy Yewman

The Panthers starting the game well pressing high on the wings a vicious ball fired in across the face of goal, Hoskin down sharply on her line to keep it out push it away to the left. Clarke gathering the ball into her feet on the right flank a power drive up the line looks to angle a cross into the six yard box, cut out by Colchester’s Karys Paton. The ball being shifted quickly both sides showing strong attacking intent, lively, Yewman looking to get on down the right for Colchester linking up with Thalia Adams shifting the ball into the midfielder continuing her run down the line, Adams sending the pass into her, Hudson tracking back for the Panthers challenging to see the ball out for a throw.

Lindsey Morgan seeing the throw down into her feet chipping it back to Yewman out wide to hook a cross into the box from 25 yards out, drops for Adams on the penalty spot, closed down before she can get a shot away, Aimee Burling clearing for the Panthers. The visitors break through the middle Dodd with Fran Ali the ball clipped on for Clarke to take on right side powers forwards before delivering a high ball into the six yard box, claimed well above her head by Hoskin.

Lively Colchester’s turn to attack, captain Cassie Craddock-Ball sending the ball on for Tahlia Roome moving into the left channel bursting towards the box attempts to thread a pass in between the Panther’s defence for Greenleaf to attack, a little too much on it allows goalkeeper, Meredith Kitchen to gather cleanly. Little let up in the tempo, Evie Walters snapping in to win the ball for the Panthers out to Hudson on the left, Learna Daniels across to support Yewman in defence as the winger looks to cut inside to cross. Panthers with a strong opening to the game moving past the quarter hour mark Colchester beginning to find their feet having been under a little pressure.

She can Play Panthers’ midfielder, Evie Walters

Coming through the middle Colchester build quickly Adams laying the ball on for Greenleaf 25 yards out, looks to thread it through for Jacqueline Craddock-Ball making the forwards run, a vital interception by Burling inside the D for the Panthers. The hosts getting on well down the right, Roome linking up well with Jacqueline Craddock-Ball and Greenleaf winning a corner off Shannon Simpson.

Panthers captain, Rebecca Denis on the left of defence making a crucial interception as Colchester look to stretch play Adams attempting to find Yewman breaking down the right wing. Colchester pushing up in attack left of the area Greenleaf on the ball top corner of the area inside for Jacqueline Craddock-Ball, sends the return pass back into the area for Greenleaf who gets a shot away before being closed down on the angle lofted up into the air looking for the top corner, the wind gets hold of it to see the ball, fly wide of the upright.

Colchester attacker, Ruby Greenleaf

Yewman seeing the ball into her feet on the right with a nice turn to get a cross away into the box, no one gambling to get on the end of it as Little clears. The Panthers defence playing themselves into trouble at the back not petting rid of the ball, with both Morgan and Roome snapping in to close it down force an error. Colchester making a change bringing off Greenleaf in attack, send on Ruby Vinton.

Dodd bringing the ball on through the middle for the Panthers has Ali up with her in support laying the ball into her feet looking to force her way into the Colchester area is tackled by Niamh Gamble. Colchester break with pace Cassie Craddock-Ball on for Adams through the middle, attempts to play Yewman in on the right, again the wind catches the ball making it a forlorn chase for the full back.

Jacqueline Craddock-Ball

Vinton up high with Morgan central outside the Panthers box pressing the ball, Morgan moving sending the ball into Vinton left of the D, shapes to shoot, Burling in to close her down charge down the shot. Roome getting on down the left for Colchester sweeping the ball into the area, headed clear by Burling. A change for the visitors as they bring off Clarke, with Hudson moving into a more advanced position, Danielle Ware coming on going to the left.

Denis bringing the ball on up the left for the Panthers sending it inside for Dodd, looks to clip in up into Hudson, Daniels closing her down for Colchester. Ware linking up with Hudson on the left as the Panthers attack with pace a cross fired in low to the near post, Paton running back in on her own goal, cutting it out behind for a corner kick.

Learna Daniels

Karys Paton bringing the ball on for Colchester

Jacqueline Craddock-Ball snapping in on Dodd to win the ball for Colchester in the final 3rd sends it forwards into Vinton, Dodd recovering to get after Vinton regains possession inside her own box. Roome up on the left with Vinton 25 yards out, Burling coming out of the back line to challenge halt the attack, Cassie Craddock-Ball winning it back quickly lifting the ball out to Morgan pulling wide left down the line in gets a cross into the near post under challenge form Simpson, Kitchen covering her post making a solid claim.

Lindsey Morgan with Panthers captain, Rebecca Denis

Hudson taking the ball on from Denis as the pair push up on the Panthers left flank, Hudson stealing inside looking to force her way into the area, Gamble moving in to close her down tackling to win the ball back. The visitors winning a free-kick inside the Colchester half, before it is taken they make a change, Clarke coming back on to replace Halford. Dodd over the set-piece, hooks the ball goal wards looking to score, Hoskin across her line can see the ball drop safely past her right post.

Molly Dodd

The wind a consideration for both sides especially high balls, despite that is a lively contest with both sides into each other looking to get on quickly with the ball, Little tackling well for the Panthers at the back as Jacqueline Craddock-Ball drives with the ball at her feet towards the area.

Panthers defender, Ella Little

GOAL! into the final 5 minutes of the first half Colchester building momentum the ball from Adams finding Vinton on the left outside the area, shifts it between her feet looking to drive into the box sends the pass on for Roome 8 yards out to the left of goal, Burling in to close her down the ball loose rebounds out wide to Vinton unmarked to strike goal-wards gets plenty behind the ball, Kitchen does well to get a palm up to try and keep it out but not enough as the ball finds its way through to the back of the net 1-0.

Ruby Vinton off the bench to fire Colchester into the lead

Panthers falling behind get straight on the attack from the restart the ball fed up the right for Clarke, angles a cross into the area, Adams tracking back into her box intercepting. Pushing up well on the right Walters seeing the ball into her feet of Clarke out wide corner of the area, goes to shoot, slipping as she does seeing a tame effort run safely through to the keeper. Kitchen out well to the top of her area to get hold of the ball as Morgan beats the offside trap to run in behind the Panthers defence.

Messy from the Panthers at the back as they lose the ball on the left Roome taking it on angling a shot in towards goal, pace behind it rising, Kitchen throwing out a glove to tip the ball wide of her right post over for a corner kick. Curled into the near post, defended for a 2nd corner kick. This delivery into the top of the area, Roome running in to strike the ball, blacked by Ali, deflected out to the left shot blasted in from range drops wide of the right post.

Dodd playing the ball into Ware getting on down the Panther’s left wing, riding a tackle going on towards the area, Daniels closing her down tackling to send the ball out for play for Colchester as the first half draws to a close.

Half-time Colchester United Women 1-0 She can Play Panthers

  Colchester edging the first half, Ruby Vinton’s goal late in the half the difference between the sides as the hosts opt to stay out for the interval, the Panthers heading to their changing room. The wind bitingly cold. A strong start from the visitors asking questions of the Colchester defence, getting forwards with purpose, Colchester taking a little time to get going but once they did it became a lively and competitive contest, the two sides evenly matches getting after the ball looking to get on quickly both keepers called into action. Still all to play for 2nd half, the Panthers recently 2-0 down to leaders Hashtag United Women Reserves at half-time coming back to win 3-2 so Colchester know it’s far from settled yet.

A change for the hosts at the break with Yewman coming off, Leah Pope coming on. No changes for the Panthers as they head back to the pitch will have the wind at their backs 2nd half as they get the game restarted, back to the defence played across the back before being lifted long down the left channel, Hudson breaking forwards but a simple gather for Hoskin in the Colchester goal. Denis carrying the ball on down the Panthers left knocked on for Ware to take on, clips a cross into the area, won by Adams for Colchester and cleared.

The Panthers starting the second half as they did the first getting on the front foot driving forwards Dodd through the middle a strong run on the ball lays it through into the area for Clarke, stabs a low shot in towards goal, can only pick out the keeper. The visitors getting bodies up into the final 3rd pushing the Colchester defence back into their box, Walters looking to pull off Gamble hooks a cross from the right into the area, Hoskin under it to catch for the hosts.

Clarke out right winning a throw high for the Panthers, Clarke off the throw sending a cross in along the top of the area, Ware attacking it centrally, her low shot straight forward for Hoskin. The pressure mounting Walters strong on the ball taking it left gamble moving to close her down challenging to send the ball behind for a corner kick. All action a dangerous delivery curled in right across the face of goal under the bar, Hoskin hurt as she goes to try and block it, the ball cleared on the line before being hooked clear, play stopped so the keeper can be seen to. The Panthers appealing feeling their was a hand involved somewhere in the goal line clearance but get no joy.

Hoskin okay to play on, play resuming with a drop ball outside the box, Panthers pressing to force another corner on the left. Is another dangerous delivery into the Colchester six yard box dropping in front of goal, attacked stabbed goal wards Hoskin with a brilliant save getting a glove on the bouncing ball to tip it high over her crossbar. Colchester under pressure regrouping as the corner comes into the box from the right, a brave header at the far post cushioned by a defender back towards goal caught confidently by the keeper.

A strong start to the 2nd half from the Panthers give a foul away to relieve the pressure on the hosts, lifted up into the area half cleared, Pope looking to steal in on the rebound inside the area, Dodd bringing it clear for the Panthers. Colchester get numbers up quickly in the right play drawn across as the angled cross comes flashing into the box, across the six yard box, Roome running in unmarked at the far post can’t get there.

Clarke picking up the ball inside her own half goes on a marauding run through the middle for the Panthers threatening to go all the way into the opposition area, Daniels the last defender getting across her to safely shield the ball back into her keeper’s gloves.

She Can Play Panthers, Evie Clarke

Denis pushing on with the ball for the panthers on the left on for Ware looking to shift the ball inside, Pope sticking out a leg tackling for Colchester.

Captain, Rebecca Denis

A similar story to the first half a strong start from the Panthers, beginning to drop off getting a little frustrated, by some decisions going against them and a determined Colchester defence. Roome doing well on the left for Colchester bringing the ball on sent on for Vinton up the line tracks to the by-line before checking back to try and deliver an acute shot in towards goal, easy gathering for Kitchen between the sticks.

Panthers goalkeeper, Meredith Kitchen clearing the ball before Morgan can close her down.

Roome driving on up the left for Colchester linking up with Vinton, head down looks to drive infield with the ball, Burling lunging in to tackle winning the ball back for the visitors. Halford back on for the Panthers with Simpson off. Little playing the ball forwards into Ware left side for the Panthers, Pope into make the challenge the ball going behind for a corner kick. Flung high into the near post, Hoskin getting a glove in the ball to punch it away to the right for another corner kick.

Clarke to send it into the box, curled into Denis on the penalty spot, looking to get it out from under her feet and shoot, Colchester move into defend en masse scramble the ball away. The Panthers working hard pushing players on winning a free kick out wide on the left as Roome and Halford come together going for a 50/50 ball. Denis to float into the area, headed clear by Adams.

Colchester determined to hold onto their lead are inviting pressure allowing the Panthers to come on, while getting little by way of relief on the attacking front, gaps appearing as the visitors over commit looking for the equaliser, remains lively. Hudson carrying the into the right channel up with Walters wide of her giving her the ball continues her run looking for the return pass into the box, Roome tackling well for Colchester, bringing the ball away breaking on the left forwards into Vinton, who moves infield only to be tackled by Little. Paton appears to have picked up a knock for Colchester needs to come off, Roome dropping deeper on the left with Billie-Jo Williams coming on ahead of her.

The Panthers visibly frustrated as they give niggly fouls away on half way, Little bringing down Vinton on halfway. Adams driving with the ball through the middle brought down. Denis charging on down the left with the ball forwards into Halford, Daniels lunging in to challenge for Colchester outside the box. Halford coming right with the ball forwards for Hudson to clip a cross into the box, cut out by Gamble cleared by Roome for a throw in.

Colchester defender, Niamh Gamble.

High on the right Clarke up with Hudson the cross lofted into the area cut out again by Gamble. The hosts attempting to break Vinton seeing the ball down on halfway forwards for Morgan but the Panther’s back line holds it’s line catching her offside. Colchester making a change brining off their captain, Cassie Craddock-Ball coming off the armband passed to Morgan who drops into a midfield role with Emily Ager coming on to lead the line.

The Panthers are pushing hard for a goal pressing players on the defence on halfway, leaving gaps to exploit, the ball lifts over the top for Hudson to chase down into the area, Roome in close defending for Colchester, Hudson appealing for a hand ball as the ball is cleared for a corner on the right. The hosts launch a counter attack Morgan carrying the ball into midfield lifting it out Williams on the left charging forwards, sends a cross into the area, cut out by Burling.

The Panthers angry as they give away a free-kick centrally, Williams sweeping it out to Morgan on the right up the line delivers a vicious cross into the six yard box, Kitchen with a brave save down smartly to gather the ball into her body with Ager closing in! The visitors looking to get the ball forwards quickly with less than 10 minutes on the clock a high ball forwards dealt with by Gamble for Colchester.

Danielle Ware on the attack for the Panthers

Kitchen playing her kick out from the back straight into Vinton 20 yards out right of the D, starts to close her down, Vinton thinking to play Ager clear on the right, the opportunity missed as the offside flag goes up. The Panthers getting wound up a offside decision from a throw in on the right going against them as the ball is headed goal wards. Incensed the referee calls Halford over for a word, looking to calm things down. Winning another throw on the right high up the pitch, little up to take it has a long throw in her armoury launching the ball into the area headed away by Gamble, Colchester look to break Vinton and Ager up top but the latter strays offside.

Panthers defender, Aimee Burling

The arguments with the referee continuing, Ali pushes things too far saying something she shouldn’t which results in her being yellow carded and sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes, leaving the Panther’s down to 10. Vinton making way for Greenleaf for Colchester. All action the Panthers determined to press forwards despite their disadvantage, Clarke seeing the ball into her feet off a free-kick on halfway right outside the box, turns well off her marker to drag a shot wide of the right post.

 

Pushed up Kitchen has to come sliding in to win the ball inside the opposition half to stop a potential Colchester counter attack. Williams coming back to help defend as Halford and Hudson combine on the right for the Panthers. Pressing bodies forwards the Panthers are leaving themselves vulnerable to the counter attack.

Hayley Halford

GOAL! The ball is cleared up to the halfway line, Ager up top with Morgan, the former seeing the ball down knocking in into Morgan who has Dodd on her shoulder, charges forwards looks to be hauled down by Dodd, players and spectators alike thinking play has been stopped for a free-kick but no play goes on the ball loose on the right Ager sees the keeper well off her line and strikes it over her to roll on into the empty goal beyond, a little confusion follows as Colchester celebrate, the ball is placed on the centre circle for the restart, the goal stands Colchester doubling their lead in the closing minutes of the match 2-0.

Emily Ager doubling Colchester’s lead

 Then all chaos breaks loose, Dodd is summoned over to the referee, clearly something has been said and she is shown a straight red card, sent off. But thing’s escalate as the Panther’s bench gets involved the referee rushing over more yellow cards issued to the manager. The visitors far from happy but have crossed the line with the official, a fiery end to what has been a thrilling contest.

Molly Dodd red carded for the Panthers

The Panthers to see the match out with 9 on the pitch. Colchester pumped up themselves having struggled to get a result against the Panthers seeing a victory in their sights. Williams pushing on with the ball up the left wing can only find the keeper with the through ball into the area.

The visitors are not going to sit back, even with 9 are focused on attack, Halford combining with Walters as they take the ball right, Gamble tackling for the hosts. Into stoppage time the Panthers winning a free-kick deep on the left inside the Colchester half, everyone bar the goalkeeper up Clarke to delivery a good ball in bounces though the six yard box, out wide past the far post.

Little up for another long throw high on the right up into the area, Clarke looking to bring it down off her chest right of goal turn to let fly with a shot, isn’t given the room as the Colchester defence launch it clear.

Full time Colchester United Women 2-0 She can Play Panthers

 Colchester are ecstatic as they celebrate the win having had some tough games with She Can Play Panthers so far this season, getting the 3 points, moving above them into 2nd spot in their premier Division table, with a game still in hand on leaders Hashtag United Women Reserves the gap move 3 points as they were held to a 2-2 at Brentwood Town Women. The title race still wide open. She can Play Panthers winning streak coming to an end in somewhat controversial fashion, but they nevertheless have a game in hand on Hashtag too, just 4 points off the lead, still all to play for. An enjoyable game from the Essex Women’s Premier Division, the Panthers starting the 2nd half like the first coming out strong pushing players on in attack looking to get an early leveller and no doubt push for a winner themselves came up against a determined Colchester defence, created chances, forcing saves from the keeper and clearances off the line, felt they should have had a penalty and as the decisions seemed to mount up against them let their frustration get the better of them finishing the game with 9 on the pitch with one sent off and another sin binned, Colchester going on to double their advantage fighting for the 3 points.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to chose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as per normal isn’t a easy call to make several contenders out there this afternoon on both sides and could have gone either way in the finish. Performances of note include for She Can Play Panthers, Aimee Burling at the back, produced a number of key tackles and blocks to deny Colchester throughout the match. Harriet Hudson working hard on the flank looking to get on with the ball set up chances for her teammates. Evie Clarke strong on the ball making some determined runs out wide and through the middle. Molly Dodd getting about well in the middle of the park with some great forward passing. For Colchester, Lindsey Morgan used the channels well getting into some good positions looking to draw out defenders create space for others to run into. Ruby Vinton lively coming on from the bench first half getting hold of the ball looking to take it too the Panther’s defence scoring the opener. Jacqueline Craddock-Ball, with some good runs on the ball in the final 3rd. Tahlia Roome get forwards well down the left linking up with the attack and coming back to help in defence. The defence itself with a dogged performance, goalkeeper, Owen Hoskin producing a number of saves, Learna Daniels getting in a number of challenges as did Niamh Gamble making several crucial interceptions and getting in to close the ball down. A close call but todays Player of the Match is Colchester midfielder, Thalia Adams, working hard in the middle of the park to win the ball back, covered the ground helping out in defence to, came forwards with purpose linked up well with the attackers.

 An eventful, but enjoyable game from the Essex Women’s Premier Division, lively between two sides that will push hard all the way to the end of the season to challenge Hashtag United Women Reserves for the title. A frustrating afternoon for the Panthers but they have had a strong start with their new woman’s side and are an emerging force in the county. Colchester joyous after finally beating their opponents continue to build upon their debut season. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham