Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v London Bees

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Sunday 6th October

FAWNL South East Division One

A trip over to St Neots this Sunday to catch some action from FAWNL South East Division One with Cambridge United WFC hosting London Bees.

  FAWNL South East Division One representing tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid looks to be really competitive this season with no single side breaking away from the pack, closely bunched with Cambridge United in 5th just 4 points behind leaders Norwich City with London Bees 7th just a point further back. Some surprise results already this season and no doubt a few more to come, will be an intriguing title contest.

  Cambridge United WFC one of the longest established clubs within the South East Division One set-up and now with closer ties with their men’s club are looking to find that extra edge to get them p amongst the title challengers vying for promotion on a regular basis. Reaching the FAWNL League Plate final last season are hungry for more success. A few new faces added to the squad over the close season. Ellie Finneran and Kelsey Smith from fellow South East Division one side London Seaward. Eva Hubbard the clubs new captain and midfielder Rosy Wodhams joining from local rival Cambridge City with goalkeeper Sophie Shults coming in form Ashford Town (Middlesex). Emma Wallis another strong addition to the back line. 

  Injuries to key players throughout last season were a bugbear last season with manager Darren Marjoram rarely able to call on a settled line up. Making their run to the Plate final all remarkable. Injuries too at the start of this season with striker Sarah Wiltshire only just back into the squad after having her 3rd child breaking her arm in pre-season, only now back playing while Ellie Finneran has missed much of pre-season slowly working her way back to playing again. A frustrating 1-0 loss to one of the early pace setters Actonians Ladies on the opening day was followed by a 2nd loss away to Norwich. Responded well in the league after that going on a run of 3 consecutive wins to propel them up the table into 4th spot. Mixed results in league and cup since but in a strong position to kick on. Bella Simmons out of the traps early to lead the goal scoring charts with 8 to her name.

  London Bees were one of the founding clubs to join the newly formed FAWSL 2. Now the FAWSL Championship. Came in with a large budget (at the time) and high expectations. Made many a trip to The Hive way back then beginning my support of the women’s game proper when the WSL was formed, wrote a few reports which can still be found on the old Supporting Women’s Football blog site. Have since struggled as financial demands in the top two tiers increased like a few of the founding clubs have since fallen out of the league dropping into the FAWNL Southern Premier Division back in 2021 the club seeing many changes of coaching staff and playing personnel since then struggling in the league last season without a win relegated to the 4th tier.

  That said the club begins this season with a new wave of enthusiasm. A new manager joining the club, Daniel McKimm, a young coach with plenty of experience within the women’s game. Highly thought of after his spell with London Seaward FC also playing in South East Division One. Brings with him some of his coaching staff and a host of players from London Seaward. Too may to mention here, but nevertheless is a virtual rebuild of the squad recruiting players who have good experience at competing at this level. Others joining include goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien from Stevenage. Millie Isherwood was at Chelsea as a youngster coming to the club via a period at Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Aimee Durn is the new captain the midfielder at Ashford Town (Middlesex) last season.

 St Neots gets bigger every time I visit with on going building work taking place on the way to the ground, St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium in the heart of a busy residential area close to the railway station. Offering two pitches, an artificial surface beside the main grass pitch stadium. A good playing surface with lots of grass cover a good width, terraced viewing behind both goals with the main seated stand housing the changing rooms and clubhouse beside the bar opening offering hot and cold drinks. An overcast day with a few spots of rain in the air, a slight chill as we enter October but should stay dry for the game.

Cambridge United WFCC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Emma Wallis, Kelsey Smith, Ella Marden, Gisela Otten, Rosy Wodhams, Eva Hubbard (C), Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Sophie Shults, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Marta Rodriguez, Mollie Coupar & Holly Plummer.

Cambridge United WFC

 London Bees starting XI – Tia Gunn, Mira Hoteit, Aria Heil, Cheyenne Flynn, Rebekah Wozniak, Megan Burrows, Aimee Durn (C), Hayley Hoare, Sophie Lee, Sam Lanza & Millie Isherwood. Subs – Millie Constantine, Sarah McDermott, Aaliyah Charles, Olivia Bartlett & Shamoy Campbell.

London Bees

Captain’s Aimee Durn and Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

  Further injuries for Cambridge heading in to today’s match with midfielders, Sammy Edgar and Alysha Stojko-Down not in the playing squad. Nevertheless both fielding a strong starting XI with useful replacements waiting on the bench. Cambridge wearing Amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks to take the kick-off 1st half, London Bees wearing similar colours in their away strip today, purple shirts with white trim, along with white shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle for captain Eva Hubbard to clip out to the right with Kelsey Smith on the move, Mira Hoteit seeing it out for a throw in for the visitors.

 GOAL! London Bees captain, Aimee Durn gets hold of the ball in the middle of the ark and goes on a driving run forwards sending the ball on for Sophie Lee breaking clear on the right wing down the line whips a dangerous cross into the box with players piling forwards, defended at the near post, but not cleared out to the left inside the box Hayley Hoare pressing the ball knocked on for Millie Isherwood inside the six yard box at the left post turns on the ball and blasts her strike into the back of the net to open the scoring inside the first minute! 0-1.

Millie Isherwood firing London Bees into the lead inside the opening minute

  An early blow for Cambridge and before they can pick themselves up London Bees are lively nipping in to win the ball putting Lee into an attacking position on the right goes on a forceful run tracking in field, before attempting to slide a ball into the box for Isherwood making a run across to the near post, a little heavy runs out of play. Rosy Wodhams onto the ball for Cambridge passed forwards into Sarah Wilshire looks to chip the ball into the right channel for Bella Simmons, Rebekah Wozniak at the back heading the ball clear for London Bees.

  Gisela Otten snapping in to win the ball for Cambridge in the middle playing a direct ball on up top for Wiltshire to attack, a good starting position from London Bees keeper, Tia Gunn sees her onto the ball first. London Bees on the front foot early on, Durn taking the ball on well, Hoare and Lee providing good pace and options on the flanks. Lee getting on down the right, Abbie Jackson in to close her down for Cambridge slows her up blocking one cross Lee with a 2nd bite firing it in low to the near post cleared this time by Cambridge’s Lauren Rouse. 

Cambridge’s Gisela Otten

  London Bees causing Cambridge issues early on pulling the hosts out of shape with players pressing well and taking the ball on. Durn with the ball for the visitors driving on sending a cross from deep into the far post, Sam Lanza looking to attack it for London Bees, Emma Wallis getting in front of her to head the ball away for Cambridge. 

  Lee marauding down the right for London Bees getting in behind pulling players across allowing openings for midfield runners to exploit. Jackson blocking a cross attempts to clear the ball up the left into Wiltshire, Aria Heil coming to close her down, Hubbard coming over to support Wiltshire turns to put the ball central for Wodhams, tries to lay it into the left channel for Wiltshire bursting forwards, over hits the pass, runs out of play.

Eva Hubbard moving in to tackle Cheyenne Flynn

 GOAL! Isherwood turns provider this time as London Bees surge forwards getting onto the ball 20 yards out top of the D sends a low ball on for Lee tracking into the area from the right, closing in on the near post shoots early firing the ball under Webb before the keeper can get down to save from point blank range 0-2.

Sophie Lee firing home London Bees 2nd goal

A blistering start from London Bees, goals up inside the opening 10 minutes Megan Burrows playing the ball forwards out to Lee on the right combines with Lanza the ball squared back across the top of the Cambridge area, Durn running onto it volleys over. Cambridge most certainly on the back foot, struggling to get the ball out, London Bees sharper to close down the 2nd ball get play turned around. Their wingers able to get in behind at will. Isherwood attacking down the right forcing Cambridge into conceding a corner kick.

London Bees captain, Aimee Durn

 Hoare across to take it on the right side fired in to the top of the area collected by Wozniak eft of the D, Simmons in to close her down no shooting option instead plays it out to the right for Hoare to deliver the ball into the box from the angle half cleared at the far post drops to a London Bees player, struck back towards goal a vicious drive on target, a brilliant save from Webb instinctive throwing a glove up to tip the ball over the bar!

  The corner swept long beyond the far post knocked goal wards claimed by Webb moving across her goal. Cambridge finding attacking opportunities in short supply, Hubbard looking to mix things up in the middle sending the ball on for Wiltshire in attack, turns on the ball 0 yards out, Wozniak closing her down for London Bees. Lee fouled on the right inside the Cambridge half a free-kick to the visitors. Players up from the back a good delivery angled in at the far post attacked by Cheyenne Flynn headed over. Cambridge forced into a formation change going to a back four with Smith dropping in at right back, Wallis across to the left of defence.

 Hoteit winning the ball from Simmons sending it up the left for Hoare racing on to attack her cross cut out by Rouse at the back for Cambridge. London Bees working the ball between them well Durn often the linchpin on for Hoare coming inside form the left has Lanza ahead of her back to goal outside the area sees Hoteit making a run from the back slides the ball into her path the full back in turn looking to thread it into the area for Isherwood, overcooks her pass Webb can see it run safely out of play.

London Bees, Sam Lanza

  Smith getting the ball on for Simmons high on the right for Cambridge, has Wiltshire over that side to link up with the cross swept in across the six yard box, Marden looking to attack it beyond the far post can’t get over the ball turns her attempt wide. Lee bursting on down the right flank for London Bees, Wallis going with her into the corner, blocking her cross behind for a corner.

Cambridge’s Emma Wallis

 Swung in from the right, Wodhams defending at the near post for Cambridge, knocked back out to the corner taker the 2nd attempt to cross send behind for a 3rd corner.

GOAL! Played long by Hoare from the right falls to Durn top of the area clips it back out to Hoare out wide on the wing for her to deliver a pacy ball in across the face of goal, high Webb looking to punch it clear, instead Wozniak comes steaming in to head the ball from point blank range hurting herself as she lands in the Cambridge keeper as the pair go down 0-3. 

Rebekah Wozniak steaming in with the header to score London Bees 3rd goal

 Wozniak heading London Bees into a 3 goal lead on the half hour. Hurt from her goal scoring heroics a pause in play players going to the benches for drinks and instruction. London Bees looking strong into a commanding position, Cambridge with a mountain to climb need to regroup. Wozniak okay and able to play on needing to come off having received treatment wait to be called back on.  

 Burrows linking up with Hoare out on London Bees left wing, Simmons giving a foul away another opportunity to launch the ball into the box, fired in to the far post, a glancing header taking the ball wide. Simmons turning on the ball right side to get on down the flank crossing the ball in from deep, Hoteit getting the faintest of touches to deflect the ball into the side netting conceding the corner. The ball curled onto the roof of the net.

  Hubbard using the outside of her boot to launch the ball forwards for Cambridge, Wiltshire the target, Gunn able to press up due to her teammates forcing the play almost acting as a sweeper getting to the ball first to clear for London Bees. Hoteit playing Hoare on down the left for the visitors her cross angled into the near post claimed by Webb. Marden putting the ball into Hubbard to play forwards up to Wiltshire making a left channel run, Flynn in to close the striker down for London Bees.

London Bees defender, Cheyenne Flynn

  Isherwood spinning off her marker top feed the ball on down the right wing for Lee, Wallis getting a foot on the ball to turn it out for a throw in. The visitors pressing the ball forcing Cambridge into misplacing their passes, Burrows forwards into Isherwood, Otten sliding in to tackle for Cambridge, Durn onto the ball out to Lee wide right, Wallis stopping the cross. 

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-3 London Bees

  A strong first half performance from London Bees racing into an early lead setting the pace overwhelming their opponents getting players forwards and in return comfortable at the back. 2 goals up inside 10 minutes added a 3rd on the half hour. Cambridge’s opportunities s up top limited with one shot off target have a mountain to climb but the half-time break giving them a much needed chance to reset and regroup see if they can salvage anything 2nd half. London Bees in control on the front foot from the start and haven’t looked back creating chances pulling players out of position and winning the 2nd ball.

  No surprise to see Cambridge ringing the changes 2nd half with a triple switch. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Marta Rodriguez and Mollie Coupar coming on in place of Smith, Otten and Marden. London Bees unchanged to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into the defence, Flynn and Wozniak exchanging passes, Wiltshire rushing in to close her down the ball clipped long up to Isherwood in attack the ball bouncing safely through to the keeper. 

 

 Rodriguez looking to put some fight into the play for Cambridge battling her way on through the middle combining with Hubbard, the pass into Wiltshire cut out by Flynn. The ball played out to Burrows moving left for London Bees sent on up the line for Hoare. Wallis now back on the right with Cheal-Ferris left sliding in to tackle for Cambridge. 

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson

 Coupar taking the ball on left side for Cambridge knocking it inside looking for Simmons, Heil defending for London Bees, Simmons onto the loose ball taking it into the corner, Heil back on her blocking the ball to turn it behind for the corner. Cheal-Ferris on the corner from the left is a sweet curling back in across the six yard box, unfortunately no one attacks it at the far post the ball running out of play. 

 Hoare doing well out on the left attacking for London Bees pace taking the ball on fired forwards into Isherwood pulling left inside the box whips a cross in along the face of goal, Lee looking to met it first time at the far post not getting the contact she wanted her shot screwed wide.

 Hubbard goes into the referees book picking up a yellow card for a foul on Durn. Out on the left from deep, Hoare over the ball, curls the ball into the box angled in too close to the keeper Webb can claim it untroubled. Hubbard lifting the ball over the top as London Bees play a high line, Wiltshire staying onside to burst in behind, Gunn though is positioned outside her box and onto the ball first. Cambridge snapping back in to regain the ball Wodhams out to the left Coupar on for Cheal-Ferris racing to the by line her cross lifted into the area cleared by Lee.

Mira Hoteit on the ball for London Bees

 Rodriguez playing the ball into the run of Wodhams as she breaks into the right channel, Hoteit in to close her down well for London Bees get her side on the attack by playing Hoare in on the wing with Isherwood ahead of her the striker sweeping her cross into Lanza on the penalty spot is closed down going down appeals for a penalty but nothing doing as the ball travels on to Lee on the right smashes her strike into the near post, low, Webb getting down well to bat the ball behind for a corner kick.

 

  The corner curled in across the six yard box, Lanza beyond the far post stretching for the ball can’t direct the ball back inside. London Bees pushing up Cambridge defending at the back Wallis right lifting the ball forwards finding Wilshire 30 yards out turns onto the ball looking to lob the keeper knowing Gunn is way off her line, however stretching to meet the ball can’t direct her attempt on target. 

GOAL! London Bees win a free-kick in a dangerous position out wide on the left, Hoare over the ball as players come up from the back. angling her delivery in central the ball is headed clear to the left of goal, Wozniak getting hold of it looking to keep the attack alive laying the ball back out to Hoare who controls then curls a shot in towards goal struck beautifully over the keeper under the crossbar to make it 0-4.

Hayley Hoare curling home London Bees 4th goal

  London Bees extending their lead on the hour. Rodriguez winning the ball for Cambridge taking it forwards trying to fed it on up to Wiltshire in attack, Wozniak up well ahead if her with a deft header glancing the ball down safely into her keepers gloves. The hosts winning a corner on the right as Simmons presses the ball, Gunn surrounded on her line as the ball is curled into the six yard box, Flynn defending it at the near post. Back out to the right floated into the area falling beyond the far post Rodriguez with the attempted shot fired back across the six yard box wide of the right post.

  Burrows fouled wide left high up the pitch as she moves forwards for London Bees, Hoare on the set-piece swung into the mix, defended by Wodhams cleared out to Hoteit some 30 yards out central, takes on the strike her low effort taking a couple of deflections on its way through to the keeper. Wodhams pulling up for Cambridge down with an injury, another pause in play and another blow for Cambridge as she can’t continue, Holly Plummer coming on.

 Isherwood is fouled 30 yards out to the right of the D giving London Bees another free-kick. Durn and Wozniak over the ball. Wozniak doesn’t do subtle running in to strike the ball fires her bullet of a strike wide past the far post. Simmons picking up a knock for Cambridge in some discomfort but can continue. London Bees making a triple switch as they bring on Sarah McDermott, Olivia Bartlett and Shamoy Campbell to replace, Flynn, Durn and Isherwood with less than 15 minutes to play.

  Simmons after the ball from Wallis on the right playing it on for Wiltshire to chase into the corner, Wozniak coming over to close her down for the visitors. Burrows coming left for London Bees, Plummer in to close her down holding her up well, Burrows forced back infield gets the cross field pass out to Lanza on the right 20 yards out on the angle fires a shot up over the bar. Lee coming off for London Bees on in her place, Aaliyah Charles. 

  Campbell getting after the ball in attack for London Bees, Rouse in to challenge well for Cambridge outside the box. Rouse in to defend on Campbell again moments later as she is found by Hoare in the left channel as the winger spins off her marker on half way to launch the ball into her. Wilshire picking up the ball on the right for Cambridge shifting it well between her feet tracking inside 25 yards out closed down rolls it back into Wallis breaking forwards she hits it on into the box for Rodriguez right side, can’t dig it out of her feet before Hoteit can close her down.

 

  Hoare with some strong running on the left for the visitors firing the ball into Campbell back to goal left side inside the box drags the ball inside looking to shift it onto her right foot the goal opening up before her, angles her shot in low towards the right corner, I’m looking at this from behind through my camera, looks a goal all the way, but Webb comes from nowhere to diving full stretch across her goal line getting down to the ball with her outstretched arm and turning the ball wide of the post for a corner kick.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  Swept in from the right goes long but won back on the left the cross angled in to the near post turned behind for a corner on the left. This one defended at the near post put back into the taker the ball lifted high into the six yard box, Webb getting up to punch the ball away to safety on the right. Webb keeping the score line down for Cambridge as London Bees continue to push on the substitutes keen to get in on the action, Campbell racing onto the ball inside the box right of goal, Webb rushing out to close her down staying big to make the blocking save as Campbell fires her shot into her. 

Cambridge United striker, Sarah Wiltshire

 Plummer escapes with the ball into the right channel for Cambridge, squaring the ball back inside for Wiltshire 20 yards out central, looks to strike it early, leaning into her attempt as Wozniak comes to close her down, screws her effort off target. The clock ticking down into stoppage time Simmons brought down giving Cambridge one last opportunity to play the ball into the box, Cheal-Ferris from the left sending it in angled in straight, Gunn up to claim it looks to get her team on the attack. Heil right side up the wing her cross into Lanza outside the box defended.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-4 London Bees

  The final whistle blows and London Bees claim the 3 points to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 5 matches moving above Cambridge in the process into 5th spot. A strong away performance from start to first. Aimee Durn’s run from midfield leading to the opening goal inside the opening minute, put Cambridge on the canvas and they never recovered, the visitors winning the ball well getting players forwards, Lee and Hoare attacking down the wings at will early on a 2nd goal inside 10 minutes from Lee, Wozniak with a charge to head home the 3rd on the half hour. Hoare curling home their 4th in the 2nd half. A day to forget for Cambridge, looked a lose one on paper and on another day this is a performance they themselves are capable off, can only move on to the next one look to put thing’s right.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders as is often the case but had one name in mind leaving the ground and the notes have confirmed that. Some performances to mention, firstly for Cambridge, a hard day at the office, however goalkeeper Lauren Webb pulled off some brilliant saves to keep the score-line down in both halves. Eva Hubbard battled hard in the middle without the reward. Bella Simmons getting back to help win the ball trying to turn play around. For London Bees both centre backs were composed, Cheyenne Flynn and Rebekah Wozniak with some good challenges the latter scoring. Aimee Durn setting the tone early on with her bursting run through the middle setting her team on their way, got about in the middle to win the ball, making several strong attacking runs. Sophie Lee a threat on the right surging on in behind kept Cambridge on the back foot, on the score sheet. So too her opposite number on the left flank, Hayley Hoare with some strong running on the left, skill on the ball and a threat with her set-pieces throughout is the winner of today’s award.

  Results elsewhere see the league bunch up even more with Norwich drawing with real Bedford and 2nd placed Actonians losing out Dulwich Hamlet. Cambridge down to 9th but still just 2 points from the 3rd placed side, 5 behind the leaders. London Bees themselves now just 3 points behind the leaders. This is going to be an exciting title contest can’t wait to see it all unfold.

   A great performance from London Bees. Having seen them struggle so much in recent season’s it’s fantastic to finally see the club in a positive place, and I hope a positive future will certainly be up there based on what I saw today. Cambridge will be hurting, but I know what they are capable of too and am confident they’ll bounce back. My thanks to both clubs for there assistance today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Hickling FC Ladies v Bure Valley Women

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Sunday 29th September

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Heading east across Norfolk today to a new location, catching up with a familiar side but under a new banner. Hickling FC Ladies formerly Stalham Town Ladies taking on Bure Valley Women with both sides newly promoted to Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Norfolk expanding to 3 divisions this season with an influx of new sides. Still very early days in Norfolk Women’s Division One with no one having played more than 2 matches. Defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies are the early pacesetters, an intriguing line up across the league it will be interesting to see who their main challengers are likely to be, with both of today’s sides looking to make their mark in the division. Both Bure Valley Women and Stalham Town as they were last season emerging as the two strongest sides in Division Two with Bure Valley overhauling Stalham in the run in to clinch the title in their debut season since reforming their women’s side.

A new era for Stalham as they begin life under a new banner, moving a short distance to become Hickling FC Ladies. The women’s squad having felt under appreciated at Stalham with issues such as being unable to use the main pitch and with manager Adam Mayhew long involved with the running of Hickling FC the move made sense. In recent season’s under their old guise have flip flopped between the leagues, often too strong for the 2nd Division, finding it tougher going in Division One. Have a experienced group capable of scoring plenty of goals and will aiming for a comfortable finish on their return to Division One. Emma Gillespie racing away as top scorer for the club last season netting 33 goals in her 22 matches. Abigail Gower and Charlotte Fisher joint 2nd with 14 goals apiece with Amber Mayhew often amongst the goals for the club on target for 12. A few new faces joining the squad 3 involved today, Donna Pearson amongst them. Lalaine Davey and Megan Fuery with Caister FC Ladies last season. One game played so far losing a high scoring contest 6-3 at home to Long Stratton Women. Bounced back to following weekend winning 2-0 away to Fakenham in the County Cup

One game played too for Bure Valley Women as they begin life in Norfolk Women’s Division Two having taken Division Two by storm last season as they reformed their women’s side. Rattling in the goals in the process. their captain, Emma McMillen prolific as she fired home 43 goals from 26 appearances. Maisie Redgrave and Willow Nye adding to a potent attack scoring 25 and 21 goals respectfully. The club has a strong youth section bringing players through this seeing a 2nd adult side created with their Development side entering the new Division Three. Have added new faces to their squad too as they look to compete at a higher level adding to their goal threat, Lauren Goulder comes to Bure Valley following spells at Bungay and Caister. Also joining from Caister, Mariana Teixeira. Winger, Rhiannon Dack making to move to Bure Valley having previously been at Aylsham. Rattled in 5 goals on the opening day of the season securing a 5-2 away win against, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves following that up with a 4-1 win in the County Cup over Costessey Sports Ladies.

Hickling Barn the venue for today’s match home to Hickling FC. The site a community and events centre, offering a range of activities, along with a playground and playing field. Hickling in the heart of The Broads a lovely part of the county. The grass pitch looking in great condition the grass thick and lush. Cooler towards the end of September but a dry day on the cards, still when I arrived at the ground but a strong breeze was to blow in making thing’s feel alot more chilly.

Hickling FC Ladies starting XI – Carla Coleman, Claire Wilkins, Rebecca Nunn, Katie Clarke, Amber Mayhew (C), Donna Pearson, Chloe Yarham, Lalaine Davey, Charlotte Fisher, Kerri Eke & Emma Gillespie. Subs – Becky Houghton, Megan Fuery & Laureena Reid.

Hickling FC Ladies

Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Madeline Frost, Lily Norman, Jasmin Snelling, Hannah Artis, Megan Swain, Eva Heald, Emma McMillan (C), Emily Addison, Maisie Redgrave & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Willow Nye, Mariana Teixeira & Romilly McLaggan.

Bure Valley Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Emma McMillan and Amber Mayhew with today’s match official, Lewis Church.

  It’s the visitors Bure Valley to kick-off the first half wearing white shirts with green vertical striping on the front, green shorts and white socks. Hickling lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. The ball played back to Megan Swain in the middle puts it out to the left side, Hickling rushing in to close the ball down the pass swept cross field out to the right with Maisie Redgrave looking to get forwards, Rebecca Nunn clearing for Hickling. 

 Bure Valley quick to regain the ball inside the Hickling half fed on for Redgrave in the right channel 20 yards out lays it across the top of the penalty area to the left with Lauren Goulder stealing in to strike the ball her shot rattling the crossbar! Donna Pearson winning the ball for Hickling played forwards up to Emma Gillespie making a run into the right channel, Jasmin Snelling stretching out a leg making a crucial interception at the back for the visitors. 

Hickling’s Donna Pearson

 The wind has really picked up blowing in across the pitch off the open field beside the temperature notably cooler (I took the decision today that the sun cream would no longer needed and put a coat in the car instead). Bure Valley lively in the opening exchanges, Hickling looking a little unsettled. The visitors looking to pop the ball around get up the pitch with pace, Goulder peeling out to the left to receive the ball taking on the shot from the angle lifting her effort over the bar.

  Redgrave latching onto a goal kick played straight to her central drags the ball away to the right before squaring a cross back across the top of the Hickling area, McMillan running onto the ball doesn’t get the contact she was looking for, screwing her attempt wide away from goal. Hickling captain, Amber Mayhew putting in the sliding challenge to win the ball from McMillan top of the D the loose ball running back to Eva Heald 25 yards out the midfielder sends her strike over the crossbar. 

 Claire Wilkins getting the ball on for Charlotte Fisher to attack on the left flank, Hannah Artis out to close her down the ball put out for a throw. Hickling pushing players up, looking to get Gillespie involved central, turns but Snelling is close on her to make the challenge. Pearson and Mayhew pushing up Hickling getting into the final 3rd out to Lalaine Davey wide her ball inside to Kerri Eke on the right, cut out by Madeline Frost. Bure Valley counter looking to catch Hickling high up the pitch the ball over the top into the left channel, goalkeeper, Carla Coleman quickly out of her area to kick the threat away.

Bure Valley’s Madeline Frost

  Hickling strong through the middle the ball rolled into Gillespie inside the D, strong on the ball looks to turn into the box, Artis lunges in to try and win the ball, brings Gillespie down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Mayhew placing the ball on the spot ready to take the penalty, struck with pace to left side not enough width on it as Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes dives down to make the save, doesn’t have the ball in her gloves however as it pops up to her left sides,  Mayhew and Eke rushing in on the follow up the keeper making a superb double save as she throws herself onto her opposite side the grab hold of the ball at point blank range. 

A superb double save from Danielle Barnes from the penalty

  Hickling with a good spell getting players on well threating to overwhelm Bure Valley as Eke finds Gillespie central, on the turn 25 yards out takes on the shot, a tame effort rolling harmlessly through to Barnes. Davey inside to Pearson sends the ball on for Gillespie in the right channel turns and drives on, gets caught in two minds take on the shot herself or roll it into the box with Eke providing the run in behind, goes for the latter just too much on the pass Eke can’t keep it in, goal kick.

Hicklin’s Emma Gillespie

  McMillan picking out the run of Emily Addison on Bure Valley’s left the cross put inside for Goulder looking to run onto the ball, doesn’t get any power behind it, Coleman down at her near post to claim. 

 GOAL! Hickling regain possession at the back and launch an attack the ball fired up to Gillespie, helped on for Eke breaking away on the right taking the ball on in behind into the area takes on the shot looking to put it into the far corner, past Barnes as she dives down, scrambles to her feet with the ball running on Gillespie chasing in after it smashing the shot in off the post giving the keeper no chance as she puts her side into the lead 1-0.

Emma Gillespie firing in the opening goal for Hickling

 12 minutes on the clock Hickling with the lead looking strong getting bodies on to support the attack, Fisher on the left looking to bring the ball down turn infield, can’t find Gillespie in the middle as Snelling stabs a foot out to take the ball away from her. Fisher on the attack wide left again taking the ball inside her marker to get into the box on the angle fires her shot in across goal wide of the far post. 

Bure Valley attacker, Lauren Goulder

 

  After a slow start Hickling are looking strong now, the Bure Valley defence under a little pressure. Pearson tackling to win the ball in the middle played on for Eke who in turn rolls it forwards into Gillespie right of the D, takes on the shot from 20 yards out her strike racing wide of the far post. Davey on the right on for Eke, taking the ball on, Frost closing her down to win the ball back for Bure Valley. Nunn with a vital interception at the back for Hickling to deny Redgrave the opportunity to run in behind as McMillan looks to thread a pass into her path.

Hickling’s Rebecca Nunn

  Fisher winning her side a corner kick out on the left, Mayhew to take the corner swung in across the six yard box the wind behind it goes through everyone and out of play past the far post. Hickling pressing the ball well, Heald getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley aiming to drive forwards, McMillen taking over looks to play Goulder into the box, Katie Clarke cutting the ball out for Hickling at the back. 

Eva Heald with Amber Mayhew

  Heald closing the ball down in the middle looking to get Bure Valley back on the front foot into the left channel forwards for Goulder pulling away that side lays the pass back in central with McMillan steaming in to strike the ball from 20 yards out, takes a deflection off a defender taking the sting out of the shot as it runs safely through to the keeper. 

 GOAL! Bure Valley battling their way back into the game winning the ball central lifted up top into Goulder left out the box heads the ball down for Redgrave to the left of the D, she in turn laying it off for McMillan as she bursts onto the ball taking on the strike drills her effort across goal into the bottom corner 1-1. 

Emma McMillan equalising for Bure Valley

 Hickling pegged back attack up the right the ball fired on up the line with Gillespie surging in behind right of goal, Barnes comes rushing out to close her down the attacker firing her shot past the onrushing keeper, however sees her strike race wide of the far post too. Goulder is caught narrowly offside as she looks to pull of the Hickling defence as Swain lobs the ball forwards.

Lily Norman

 The visitors moving the ball forwards Heald bringing it to the right has Redgrave ahead of her plays the ball on, Redgrave with Nunn on her shoulder with a clever backheel to set up Heald to deliver a cross into the top of the area, Goulder looking to attack under challenge from a defender  sends her headed effort over the bar. Redgrave onto the ball central winning it well puts it into the box left side for Goulder to attack, Clarke diving in with a well timed tackle slowing Goulder down, pushed wide still with the ball lifts it into the middle for Redgrave arriving on the penalty spot meets the ball a rising effort, straight at the keeper, Coleman with a sharp catch above her head to pluck the ball down to safety.

Maisie Redgrave

  Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, swung in dropping at the far post comes at Artis quickly as she snatches her shot away inside the six yard box, her attempt blocked the rebound back with her rushes her 2nd attempt struck wide past the right post. Davey finding Fisher on the left for Hickling clips it inside for Gillespie bursting into the left channel, Snelling across to put in the tackle see the ball out for a throw. Davey up on the left for the hosts playing the ball out to Gillespie moving wide , her cross angled in striking the outside if the post.

  Eke fouling Swain in the middle Bure Valley with the free-kick, Snelling lifting the ball on over the top with Goulder pulling clear to latch onto the ball 25 yards out, her shot straight at the keeper. Bure Valley making a change bringing off Norman on comes Willow Nye at right back. Both sides with strong spells, Bure Valley competing for the ball in the middle Heald on for Redgrave right channel, drives on looking to get into the box, Nunn staying on her well putting in a good tackle to deny her an opportunity to strike the ball.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

  Eke with the ball for Hickling right side lays t on for Gillespie up the line outside the box takes on the strike firing the ball wide at the near post. Barnes’ goal kick flies up into the air dropping straight to Fisher 30 yards out left meets it on the volley a good touch to loop the ball straight to Gillespie inside the D putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure as she holds up the ball, Eke looking to get up with her in support as they push into the box, Eke sent tumbling, again the referee point to the spot Penalty! A 2nd opportunity for Hickling from the spot, Yarham to take their 2nd penalty goes for power straight down the middle rising, Barnes throwing her gloves up to save putting the ball onto her crossbar and seeing it spin away to her right for a corner on the left. Barnes coming to her defences rescue for the 2nd time in the 1st half, The corner swung into the six yard box from the left, the keeper with the call taking the ball down into her body. 

Danielle Barnes saving Hickling’s 2nd penalty claiming the ball from the resulting corner

 Coleman saving up the other end as Heald plays the pass on through the middle with McMillan surging on striking the ball on the run her effort arrowing in low straight at the opposition keeper. Goulder taking the ball on from Addison left side firing it into Redgrave top of the area left of goal, drags the ball inside to evade her marker and takes on the shot lifting the ball over the bar. Yarham with the ball central for Hickling sends it on up to Gillespie in attack, Snelling getting across her to regain possession for Bure Valley. Into the closing stages of the first half Ekes attacking on the right for Hickling lifting a cross into the middle, cut out by Artis with Fisher poised to attack beyond her.

Danielle Barnes saving not one but TWO penalties for Bure Valley in the first half, (her teammates owe her a drink).

Half-time Hickling FC Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  All square at the break, has been a high tempo contest, Bure Valley starting the strongest, Goulder rattling the bar in their first attack. Hickling took a while to settle into the game but once they got player forwards they looked a threat, putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure, Barnes with a superb double save denying the hosts the lead form the penalty spot. Emma Gillespie on hand to score the opening soon after. Hickling looking the side on top for a spell, Bure Valley responded well, getting themselves back on level terms through captain, Emma McMillan. Both keepers making saves, Barnes once again the heroine saving another penalty. Both sides with good spells in the first half well poised for the 2nd period.

 Bure Valley with another change at the break, Norman back on at right back, Nye coming over to the left of defence with Frost the player substituted. Hickling unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball played into Mayhew in the middle looks to send it long to Fisher on the move on the left, Snelling heading the ball clear for Bure Valley. 

  Nye getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley looking to drive forwards, Mayhew comes sliding in with a strong but fair tackle taking the ball but also catching Nye’s ankle sending her sprawling and in some discomfort. Clearly in pain treatment needed a pause in play, needs to come off, some readjustments needed for the visitors with Romilly McLaggan coming on to take up an attacking role on the right, this sees Redgrave drop back to right back with Norman coming across to cover the left. 

 Play resuming with a free-kick to Bure Valley despite both sides, agreeing it was a fair tackle. Goulder with the ball lifts it through to the Hickling keeper and play resumes. Addison taking the ball on up the left as she links up with Goulder play the one two Addison putting her cross back into the top of the area McMillan meeting it with the outside of her boot turned goal wards but straight at the keeper.  

 Fisher dragging the ball down to get on the move on Hickling’s left flank whipping a cross into the area, too close to Barnes with Gillespie coming in central. Wilkins in well to close the ball down on the right for Hickling turn play around squares it into the middle for Gillespie 25 yards out looks to push forwards, Snelling closing her down lunging in to win the ball. The hosts making their first change bringing on Laureena Reid to replace Clarke in the back line.

Hickling’s Lalaine Davey

  The game opens up suddenly as Mayhew puts a halt to a Bure Valley attack played on for Eke she attempts a defence splitting pass with both Fisher and Gillespie poised to break clear, Snelling with a crucial interception for Bure Valley at the back. Redgrave bringing the ball on from the back on the right for Bure Valley passes it on for McLaggan who puts it inside for Heald, tries to thread it into the box for McMillen stealing in behind right of goal, Coleman though out quickly to lay claim to the ball first.

Hickling goalkeeper, Carla Coleman

  Hickling awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a central position, the shot fired in towards goal skipping up off the grass, Barnes getting down well to put her body behind the ball. Bure Valley get the ball up to Addison on the left wing powering forwards fires a cross into the box coming to McMillan at the far post 10 yards out attempts to cushion it down into the path of Goulder central, Pearson in to close her down with a great piece of defending the ball cleared outside the box straight to Swain 25 yards out her shot driven back in is held by Coleman the keeper right behind the strike.

  Goulder has been on the end of some close offside decisions as the striker looks to pull off the defence, Heald launching the ball forwards, Goulder is unfortunate this time onside as she breaks the flag nevertheless is raised against her. Bure Valley having the better share of the ball 2nd half Hickling deeper working hard at the back to limit space in behind. Addison left crossing into the area coming out McMillan right side her shot charged down by Nunn, rebounding back to Heald to run onto a shot from range can only pick out the keeper. 

Emily Addison looking to cross for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley getting on well with the ball, Heald with some good runs on the ball played on for Goulder left channel turns laying it on for Addison coming into the box from the left, looks to move inside room to squeeze a shot away, Reid lunging in to put in the block for Hickling. 

Hickling’s Laureena Reid

  Artis bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley over half way fired forwards into McMillan up top pulling right of the D to get into the box lines up the strike, Pearson charging it down for Hickling. Gillespie over to the right to offer Wilkins a pass as she battles to win the ball on the wing played forwards for Gillespie held up puts it back up the line for Wilkins to cross into the top of the Bure Valley area, Mayhew looking to run onto the ball, Artis stepping in to tackle for the visitors. 

  Norman coming off for Bure Valley with Frost returning to the pitch. Bure Valley with a corner on the right played in near side McMillan coming towards the ball back heeling it into the mix, Goulder latching onto it 10 yards out central her shot blocked on the line by the defender covering the post. Swain coming off for Bure Valley with Mariana Teixeira onto the pitch. The wind has died down considerably in the 2nd half. Bure Valley pressing looking for a goal making another change Swain’s rest short lived as she comes on to replace Addison with Teixeira going to the left. 

Kerri Eke on the ball for Hickling

  Heald brought down by Eke winning Bure Valley a free-kick 20 yards out from goal to the right of the D. A change for the hosts before it’s taken with Becky Houghton coming on in place of Wilkins. McMillan over the set-piece struck well, dipping late but not not enough to find the top corner as it sails over the bar. Yarham off for Hickling on comes Megan Fuery with less than 12 minutes to play. 

 GOAL! Swain clears the ball for Bure Valley launched forwards up towards Goulder, this time as she turns onto the ball the flag stays down as the striker takes the ball on driving towards goal, into the box picks her spot slotting it wide of the keeper to find the bottom corner on the right to fire Bure Valley into the lead 1-2. 

Lauren Goulder fires Bure Valley into the lead late in the 2nd half.

  A blow for Hickling late in the game having put so much into defending their box in the 2nd half, get the ball forwards into Eke attempts to put it through for Fisher pushing on into the left channel, Artis cutting the ball out for Bure Valley. Heald on the drive with the ball for Bure Valley through the middle played forwards for McMillan in attack right of goal her shot taking a deflection off a defender behind for a corner kick. 

Eva Heald

  Curled in central Snelling rising to attack it on the shoulder of a defender the ball knocked down out of the box into the path of Swain 20 yards out top of the D pulls her shot wide of the far post. The visitors breaking up a Hickling attack get the ball on up the left for Teixeira lays it on for Goulder up the wing her cross cut out by Houghton, turned behind for a corner kick. Played low into the near side with McMillan coming to the ball, Reid defending for Hickling. 

 The hosts forced back finding it tough to get player up to support the attack, Fisher providing a good outlet for the ball on the left finding her options limited as she looks for a runner into the box. The clock ticking down Bure Valley lively, Heald getting about in the middle of the park breaking up play sending it forwards the attackers pressing Hickling’s defence on the ball. 

Charlotte Fisher getting forwards for Hickling

 GOAL! Into the closing seconds Bure Valley capitalise on an error as the back as a misplaced pass comes straight to McMillan 25 yards out right of the D pushes forwards to the to of the area has McLaggan free to her right inside the area to receive the ball, McMillen setting her up, everyone connected with bure Valley encouraging McLaggan to shoot, she duly does a fierce strike rising as it comes in at the keeper quickly Coleman throws a glove up gets something on the ball but not enough as it flies past her into the back of the net 1-3.

Romilly McLaggan with a goal at the death for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley opening up a 2 goal cushion at the death with no time for Hickling to respond get the ball up the other end but safely defended the ball cleared as the final whistle blow and Bure Valley continue their winning start to the season. 

Full time Hickling FC Ladies 1-3 Bure Valley Women

  Bure Valley with the loins share of the attack in the 2nd half coming on with the ball. Hickling putting alot of effort into defending their box, not getting the players on in the 2nd half as they had in the first when at one point they had looked like they were going to overwhelm the Bure Valley defence and with two penalties saved in that period could well have been leading at the break still it was all square and for a long period in the 2nd half looked as if that was how it was going to stay. Lauren Goulder unlucky with some offside decisions patient as she got her chance to run in behind and pick her spot to give Bure Valley the lead late on, Romilly McLaggan teed up by Emma McMillan at the death to make it 3. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy it’s a tough one this week several contenders for sure hard to pin down one performance. A few to mention, firstly for Hickling, Charlotte Fisher provided a great outlet on the left side for much of the match linking up well with Emma Gillespie who herself got about the pitch well, strong on the ball trying to get into the box herself or set up others. Donna Pearson making some crucial tackles in both the middle and defence. For Bure Valley, Emma McMillan got about the pitch coming for the ball or pressing to join the attack getting her side back on level terms. Eva Heald getting after the ball well in the middle of the park pushing forwards setting up her attackers on numerous occasions. Maisie Redgrave lively up top with some great control and movement and didn’t put a foot wrong as she dropped back into defence in the 2nd half. Lauren Goulder led the line well, pulling off the defence to receive the ball, patient with some decisions going against her held her nerve to get the opportunity to run in behind attack the goal and took her chance well to put Bure Valley into the lead. Might well have been a different story entirely had it not been for their goalkeeper coming to the rescue saving not one but two penalties when Hickling were on top in the first half today’s award going to Danielle Barnes.

 A lively and competitive contest, if this is anything to go by Division One in Norfolk is going to be an intrigued watch this season. Both promoted sides will play their part I’m sure. Plenty of positives for Hickling to build on as they begin their new era. Bure Valley couldn’t be happier with their start. Thanks to both clubs for their assistance today good to catch up with both. 

 by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Needham Market Women v Histon Ladies

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Sunday 22nd September

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

In a change to the advertised game had a good plan B 11 minutes down the road having travelled down to Suffolk this Sunday to watch a game from this weekends Women’s FC Cup fixtures headed to Bloomfield’s, home of Needham Market Women to watch them take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying. 

 A record number of entrants to this season’s competition, with a whopping 136 ties happening this weekend across the country. The prize fund seeing a huge increase too with today’s winners receiving £3,000. A significant amount for any grass roots club. The FA Cup holding a special place for many bringing home the true magic of the cup.

Needham Market Women enjoying a rapid rise though the leagues since their inception becoming one of the leading female clubs in Suffolk. Rising up to the ERWFL Premier Division, tier 5 of the woman’s football pyramid. A strong female section within the club, Needham Market have assembled a strong squad trying to compete at that level, finishing 3rd in their debut season. Now entering their 3rd season in the Premier Division have seen a few key players move on with some joining Suffolk rivals, AFC Sudbury Women. Nevertheless retain a strong core of experienced players and have brought in a host of young talent to bolster both their squads.

14 players in all coming to the club with 6 featuring today. Ash Newley comes into the club having previously been at Sudbury. Cate Jackson joins having top scored for Lawford Ladies last campaign. Becca Stephenson a promising young talent thrown into the deep end for Cambridge City Women in the FAWNL, responded superbly to the challenge, regularly impressing despite the clubs struggles. All three starting today with Chelsea Brett, Alyssa Barrett and Millie Baggott also new to the club starting on the bench. Has been a difficult start to the new season as they set up with a new look side with just one win from their opening 4 league matches.

Histon Ladies like Needham Market with a Development side playing in the county league below, the Cambridgeshire side into their 2nd season since returning to the ERWFL. Have made a strong start to the campaign unbeaten after 4 matches to lay 3rd in the Division One North table, with 3 wins and a draw. A victory too in the 1st Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup winning 6-2 away to Thetford Town Ladies. Scoring 18 goals in their opening 5 matches come into today’s tie in confident form. 

Histon have brought in a number of new faces to join the squad over the summer as they look to push on challenge at the top of the league, amongst those American, Claire Krueger. Belle Howard joins having been with Cambridge City. Jess McCrae playing for Bowers & Pitsea at youth level. With a quartet joining from Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners, Eaton Socon Ladies. Goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson, attacker Shannah Anico, midfielder Gemma Cooksley and wide player Mollie Childerley. Sophie Hopkin the leading goal scorer with 8 to her name at this early stage of the season.

 Bloomfield’s the venue to today’s Women’s FA Cup tie, the stadium boasting two pitches, the main grass pitch, along side the 3G facility where the women play. In between, The Hub café situated upstairs above the changing rooms with balconies on both sides over looking both pitches. Serving hot and cold food and drink. A threat of thunderstorms in the area clearing over night to leave a bright and sunny afternoon as we approach late September, a little cloud around but otherwise ideal conditions.  

Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Ash Newly, Niamh Thomas, Laura Bloomfield, Sheryce Slater, Lois Balfour (C), Chloe Brame, Lucy Loomes, Cate Jackson, Becca Stephenson & Annie Posnett. Subs – Chelsea Brett, Charlotte McGrath, Alyssia Barrett, Olivia Dunne & Millie Baggott. 

Needham Market Women

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abi Laughlin, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Krueger, Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Rachel Pearce, Freya Goddard, Kirsty Geal & Sophie Hopkin. Subs – Shannah Anico, Belle Howard & Katie Levitt. 

 

Histon Ladies

It’s Histon wearing their all blue away kit to get the FA Cup tie underway, kicking off the first half, with Needham Market lined up opposite in their home colours red shirts and socks with black coloured shorts. Jess McCrae playing the ball back to her defence the ball clipped long out to the left wing by Claire Krueger with Kirsty Geal on the move down the wing, Ash Newley heading the ball clear for Needham Market at the back.

Jess McCrae gets the game underway for Histon

Newley then getting up the right on the ball for Needham Market looking to play a give and go with Cate Jackson up on the right wing, the ball knocked on into the box for Jackson to chase, Krueger coming across to defend for Histon shielding the ball out for a goal kick. Histon attack down the right the ball swept on for Rachel Pearce getting forwards to whip a cross into the area from deep, caught safely by Needham Market goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke.

Cate Jackson for Needham Market with Histon’s Mollie Childerley

Both sides showing attacking intent from the off, Laura Bloomfield allowed to carry the ball out from the back for Needham Market attempting to thread a pass through the right channel into the box for Jackson to attack, Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson out smartly to the top of her area to claim the ball. Jackson lively out on the right for Histon knocking the ball forwards before hooking a cross into the middle, looping over Becca Stephenson bursting in through the middle, Abi Laughlin getting it away for Histon.

Chloe Brame regaining possession for Needham Market gets the ball on for Lucy Loomes to pass into Annie Posnett, looking to attack top of the D, Krueger sliding a foot out to halt the attackers progress. Newly up to support Jackson on Needham Market’s right the winger turning infield is pushed over giving the hosts a free-kick in an inviting position right corner of the area 25 yards out. Captain, Lois Balfour to play the ball into the area, flighting in towards the far post, Krueger up highest heading the ball behind for a corner kick.

Histon defender, Claire Krueger

Histon build on the right McCrae linking up with Pearce receiving the ball 25 yards lout looks to drive forwards get into the box, Sheryce Slater in to defence for Needham Market the ball out for a throw in. Needham Market get the ball forwards, the midfield pressing well in the final third looknig to squeeze Histon on the ball.

GOAL! That press brings a goal attacking to top of the area the ball pressed the defence rushed into a hasty clearance the ball deflected runs out to the left straight to Loomes outside the area, latches onto the ball and puts her foot through it driving her shot in at the near pass giving the diving keeper no chance 1-0. 

Lucy Loomes opening the scoring for Needham Market

Needham Market with the lead inside the opening 8 minutes. Histon suffering an early blow attack from the restart the ball out to Geal on their left, wins a corner kick. Swung in high towards the far post, dealt with by Slater for Needham Market. The hosts threaten a rapid counter attack, Geal does superbly in defence to prevent attack. McCrae seeing the ball into her feet as she finds herself in the left spins in behind Newly looking to race on towards the Needham market box, Slater has other ideas as she comes across to put in a strong sliding tackle to turn the ball out for a throw.

Sheryce Slater moving in to tackle Jess McCrae

Both sides looking to exploit the flanks as they turn play around, Molly Banks on the ball for Histon central plays a great diagonal pass on down the left for Geal to attack, getting hold of the ball and carrying it to the by-line Geal fires the cross in towards the near post, Slater tracking back cutting it out for Needham Market. Histon pushing forwards, McCrae with Banks out to Pearce n the right fed into the top of the area for Sophie Hopkin in attack, right of the D, back heels the ball on for Freya Goddard central, she controls and lays the ball on into the area for Hopkin making the near post run, Clarke rushing out makes the blocking save at the strikers feet

Histon’s Rachel Pearce

Balfour with Brame central the ball fired forwards for Posnett, intercepted by Krueger, lifts the ball out to the left for Geal to bring down and race on towards the Needham Market area, shooting on the angle from outside the box, her effort saved comfortably by Clarke.

GOAL! A couple of promising attacks from Histon yet the find themselves falling further behind as Needham Market press the final third getting bodies up to support the attack, the ball fed out to Stephenson left inside the area one on one with the keeper before rasping a shot past her into the top corner 2-0.

Becca Stephenson fires home Needham Market’s 2nd goal

Needham Market pressing the advantage the ball from Loomes into Posnett driving into the left channel unleashes a powerful strike, Robinson getting down behind the ball to beat the near post strike away across her goal.

GOAL! Brame doing well in the middle for Needham Market winning the ball high up the pitch bringing it on looks to combine with Loomes as the pair drive on up the pitch exchanging passes the Histon defence moves to intervene a sliced clearance spinning out to the left latched onto by Stephenson top of the area and smashes her shot in under the crossbar 3-0.

A quickfire brace for Becca Stephenson

Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Histon on the back foot get the ball out to the right McCrae with Pearce inside for Hopkin sees her shot charged down as Needham market struggle to clear the ball. Posnett taking the ball out to the right for Needham Market 25 yards out lays it infield for Jackson who clips a cross in towards Stephenson running in at the far post, Laughlin going with her for Histon does well to control the ball down off her chest for her keeper to claim.

Abi Laughlin

Their full backs pushed up Needham Market are leaving space in behind on the flanks, Geal in particular looking to exploit the opportunity racing into the area with the ball down to the by-line flashes a cross in along the face of goal, McCrae running in far post can’t quite reach it, Thomas clearing for Needham Market, won back by Pearce swung back inside towards Hopkin inside the D looks to meet the ball on the volley, fires over.

Needham market’s Niamh Thomas

Freya Goddard getting up to press Bloomfield at the back steals the ball nipping past her, doesn’t get far with Slater coming round on the cover. Mollie Childerley winning the ball from Jackson on her left sends it forwards for Geal racing on down the wing, whips her cross into the six yard box, cut out by Slater. Newley bringing the ball into the middle for Needham Market chips the pass on for Stephenson racing in left side lunging at the ball inside the box her attempt is narrowly wide brushing off the post.

Loomes fouled on halfway, players going up into the box as the ball in floated into the area, cleared by Histon captain, Laura Leyland comes to Jackson out on the right, exchanges passes with Newley before racing down the line to win a corner kick. Swung into the box from the right Histon see it clear.

GOAL! Needham Market extend their lead from a wonderfully hit strike. The ball fired up the middle towards Loomes, tangling with a defender coming to clear emerges on her feet with the ball at her feet 25 plus yards up and time to line up her shot, struck beautifully rifles the ball past the keeper into the top corner to make it 4-0.

Lucy Loomes lining up her strike to claim her brace

A further set-back for Histon they mount an attack form the restart Pearce on the right forwards for McCrae down the right, lays it inside for Hopkin making a run into the box, Clarke reads it though and is quickly out to close the angle and grab hold of the ball.

GOAL! Needham Market ruthless going forwards overwhelm the middle the ball fed into Stephenson out on the left outside the area seeing the ball into her feet turns to attack, holding off her marker before turning to send her strike across the keeper and into the bottom corner to claim her first hat-trick for Needham Market 5-0.

A first half hat-trick for Needham Market’s Becca Stephenson

Needham Market fully in control of the tie with just half an hour played and in doing so double their goals scored tally from their opening 5 matches. Histon shell shocked battle to regain possession high up the pitch Goddard in well to nick the ball unleashing a shot from 30 yards out isn’t too far wide of the left upright.

GOAL! Histon build an attack on the left the diagonal ball fired in towards the top of the area over Hopkin in the middle runs into to McCrae at the far post brings the ball under control and shifts inside to open up the angle to strike the ball and sends her shot past the keeper pull a goal back for the visitors 5-1.

Jess McCrae pulling a goal back for Histon

Jackson flicks the ball off her boot taking it inside for Needham market from the right, space opening up in front of her to strike the ball lets fly, doesn’t get enough purchase on the ball seeing Robinson save comfortably for Histon. Loomes on a hat-trick too for Needham Market linking up with Brame through the middle strikes the ball over from 30 yards out.

Needham Market midfielder, Chloe Brame

Needham Market just that little bit sharper to the ball, using their first tough well to get lay moving forwards looking to get on the front foot 5 goals giving them some much needed confidence. Childerley forced into conceding a corner as she deals with a surging run forwards from Newley on the right. Swept into the six yard box, Krueger up to head the ball away to the left. Stephenson looking to play the ball back into the box, Geal on the penalty spot clearing out to the left the ball not away Slater is taken out with the follow through as the ball is finally launched up field.

A pause in play however Slater is okay to play on. Needham Market win the ball back on the middle Balfour up to Posnett she controls and lays it back for Brame bombing forwards attempts to put Jackson away into the right channel, Robinson out smartly to meet the path of the ball collect top of her area. Robinson with a brave save as she comes to close down Posnett as the Needham Market attacker is put through left of goal, the pair coming together the ball spilt, however, Childerley is on hand to clear for the visitors.

  Half-time Needham Market Women 5-1 Histon Ladies

  A strong first half from Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes, pressing the ball high and getting the rewards. The positive opening giving them some much needed confidence going on to add a further two goals to hold a commanding lead at the break. Histon firmly on the back foot, the early goals a blow have kept going looking to create openings up the other end and eventually made one count pulling a goal back, know they have alot of work to do to get themselves back into the tie, need goals however Needham Market can sit back in they choose and wait for the right opportunity to go forwards add to their advantage.

No changes for either side at the break. Needham Market to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back to Bloomfield in defence she goes long looking for Jackson bursting on up the right, plays the pass inside for Loomes, Krueger in to tackle her for Histon clears the ball up the pitch.

Needham Market defender, Laura Bloomfield

Banks coming over to the right with the ball feeds it up the line looking for Pearce as she breaks forwards behind Thomas, Slater comes across to deal with the threat, shielding the ball from Pearce out for a goal kick. Promising build up play from Histon as they come right with the ball McCrae with Banks into Pearce who chips the ball in towards the top of the box for Hopkin, Clarke out smartly to get hold of the ball. A change early in the 2nd half for Histon with Hopkin coming off up top and Shannah Anico coming on.

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

GOAL! Histon looking for a positive start to the 2nd half lose possession on the left the ball played up to Posnett in the right channel she takes the ball on with purpose before feeding it into Stephenson pulling off the defence right of the D, a good ball into her feet Stephenson composed with her finish to slot the ball under the advancing keeper into the back of the net to score her 4th of the match 6-1

Becca Stephenson firing home her 4th & Needham Market’s 5th early in the 2nd half

Histon firmly on the back foot look to regroup, Goddard out to Banks for McCrae on the right, forwards for Pearce beats her marker before firing a cross into the area the ball intercepted by Bloomfield. Another change for Histon as they bring on Katie Levitt for Goddard, with the substitute going out to the right, Pearce moving to the left. Levitt given the ball puts it into the box for McCrae as she makes a move to the by-line on the right her cross chipped into the near post caught well by Clarke as she drops forwards onto the ball.

Posnett turns on the ball and hits a strike from 25 yards out inside the right channel sees her attempt fly over the crossbar. McCrae getting hold of the ball for Histon in the final third looks to fight her way forwards into the box, Needham Market struggling to get the ball away, escapes through to the left side with Geal latching onto the ball shooting from the angle, blasting her effort wide at the near post.

Annie Posnett driving forwards for Needham Market

Laughlin bringing the ball on for Histon from the right looking for a forward pass, Anico calling as she makes a run off her marker to move right across the D, Laughlin lays the ball on, Clarke though has seen the threat and is out rapidly to deal with it. Needham Market press the ball high Jackson inside for Stephenson central plays it on to the right for Posnett breaking into the area, blasts her strike wide of the near post.

Goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke

Banks with a dipping strike from distance for Histon in a central position, Clarke right behind it falls forwards to grab the ball into her body. A quick counter from Needham Market the ball played through for Jackson breaking away behind, Robinson out of her area stooping to head the ball clear, Jackson’s momentum seeing her crash into the prone goalkeeper, no malice, play stopped immediately Robinson assessed a pause in play but thankfully is alright to play on.

A nasty collision for Keeley Robinson coming to clear the ball, thankfully back up on her feet ready to play on

Leyland getting hold of the ball at the back for Histon sets Levitt away on the right, no offside flag she is in the clear on the wing surging on a players rush into the box from both sides the cross swung in, it’s Thomas who gets the touch to take the ball behind for a corner. Curled into the near side from the left by Histon, it’s Thomas again who deals with the threat for Needham Market.

Balfour goes down in some discomfort on halfway as she goes to win the ball, Brame taking it on finds McGrath to her right her cross from deep, claimed by Robinson as Posnett steals into the six yard box. Balfour looks to have turned her ankle a long pause while she is treated but walks over to the side lines waiting to be called back on. While she was receiving treatment Needham Market made a change bringing off Stephenson sending on Olivia Dunne. Histon too with a change Belle Howard on to replace Pearce.

Histon get on the attack, temporarily with the player advantage Levitt on the attack up the right crossed into the area for McCrae near side strokes her half volley over the crossbar. Histon have Howard on the ball left side plays it down the line for Anico to put a cross into the box, McCrae in to attack near side, tackled by Bloomfield the ball cleared out to the top of the area met by Banks 25 yards out smashes her strike up over the bar.

Shannah Anico looking to get onto the ball

 Histon counter up the right Anico pulling left taking Slater with her, puts the ball inside for McCrae, spins looking for the return pass played down the channel, Slater holds her ground well catching the attacker offside. Needham Market continue to push their full backs on, Slater doing alot of covering across the back line as Histon look to turn play around, coming across to deal with Levitt as the substitute carries the ball on down the right wing. Slater given the armband as Balfour heads off the field, Charlotte McGrath coming on into the middle.

Sheryce Slater

  Needham Market get a free-kick on halfway, Slater over it launching the ball in towards the top of the area, Krueger under it to head clear for the visitors.  Anico lively up top for Histon since coming on steals in behind the centre backs as Histon press down the right the ball looking to attack the ball at the near post snatches at her chance sending the ball wide of the near post. 

Belle Howard holding of Charlotte McGrath

 Jackson getting hold of the ball out on the right for Needham Market striking the ball on the angle from all of 30 yards her effort racing narrowly wide of the far post. Loomes coming off for the hosts with Millie Baggott coming on. 

  GOAL! Histon pull a goal back, one Clarke will want to forget in a hurry, the visitors feeding the ball on for Anico up top central driving into the box Slater on her shoulder the pair closing in on goal, Anico stabs the ball forwards, straight at Clarke but to her dismay the ball escapes through her fingers between her legs and rolls on over the line 6-2.

Shannah Anico pulls a goal back for Histon her first for her new club

  The game opening up with players tiring Needham Market guilty of a few sloppy passes as Histon look to get the ball forwards try to find another opening. The hosts struggling to get the ball clear with Anico in to press lays it back for McCrae 20 yards out to lash a shot over the bar. A free-kick for Histon top of the centre circle inside the Needham Market half, Leyland over it plays the ball in to the penalty spot, dipping late in front of Clarke the keeper adjusting smartly to get behind the ball, pops out of her gloves to her right, Anico throwing a leg at the ball, Clarke reacts well to snatch the ball down and pull into her body. 

Olivia Dunne looking to spin in behind

  Brame up to Dunne left of the D puts the pass across the area for Baggott who in turn lays it on to the right for Jackson to attack down the line, Childerley charging her cross down for Histon. Needham Market winning a corner on the left off a throw in, Posnett short to Jackson the return back back into Posnett as she drags the ball between her feet looking to drive into the box Leyland getting in to close her down put in the blocking tackle.

  The hosts press forward keeping Histon pinned back inside their box, McGrath on for Baggott her shot charged down by Krueger. Krueger defending again as Posnett looks to spin in behind her marker off a throw on the left. Childerley gives away a foul on the right as Jackson looks to get inside from the wing. An inviting angle out wide the set-piece flashed in with pace, missed by Robinson as she tries to come through bodies, the ball cleared off the line by Childerley.

Histon’s Kirsty Geal

  Histon break the ball up to Geal on the left as the visitors pour players on through the middle the cross swung into the area, Howard looking to bring it down central, drags her shot wide. Geal in to attack on the left once again taking the ball to the by-line lifting her cross in to the near post, Clarke down to claim the ball confidently with Anico closing in. Into the dying seconds Needham Market counter attack the ball fired through to Dunne in attack, 25 yards out to the left of the D, her shot tame through to the keeper.

Full time Needham Market Women 6-2 Histon Ladies

  Needham Market with the 6-2 victory advance in the Women’s FA Cup. A confidence boosting win. The damage done in the opening 15 minutes as they raced into a 3 goal lead always had their opponents on the back foot after that, got forwards well sharper with the first touch. Loomes with a wonder strike getting her 2nd of the game and Stephenson with a 1st half hat-trick saw them in control of the tie despite Histon pulling a goal back through McCrae. Histon fought well in the 2nd half looking for a reply, the game open chances for both sides. Needham Market with an early strike to open up a 6-1 lead. Anico coming on looking lively pulling it back to 6-2 late on. The tier 6 sides cup run over, will look to return to winning ways in the league capitalise on their good start to the season. Needham Market in turn hoping this result will kick-start their own league campaign.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A couple of strong contenders. Some performances of note to mention first. For Histon, Kirsty Geal looked to provide an outlet on the left throughout the game getting forwards well. Jess McCrae linking up play well getting into some great attacking positions, Rachel Pearce too on the right getting hold of the ball looking to set up attacks. Shannah Anico sharp up top coming off the bench making so good runs. For Needham Market, Sheryce Slater was solid at the back reading the game well getting across to nullify threats, and clear the ball. Chloe Brame winning the ball high kept Needham market on the front foot throughout the game. Cate Jackson a strong outlet on the right, whether taking the ball down the line or cutting inside. Lucy Loomes got forwards well opening the scoring and firing in a wonderful 2nd. The award goes to Becca Stephenson finding the back of the net for 4 goals including a 1st half hat-trick. Tenacious on the ball looking to take players on, coming in from the left side of attack took the game to Histon.

 A late call after the original game was called off late, was nevertheless great to catch up with both sides early in the season. My thanks to both for the help with the team details. Once I’ve got that info I’m set for the game. Looking forward to the draw for the next round of the cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 15th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from the ERWFL Premier Division, early pacesetters, Royston Town Women with a 100% record from their opening 4 matches away to local rivals Stevenage FC Women 4th in the table.

 The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid with promotion up to the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) for the league champions. More often than not a competitive league featuring a healthy quota of playing talent the Premier Division is a strong league. Today’s match up a local derby, the clubs enjoying a good rivalry Stevenage enjoying a long period as the dominant club in the county winning county cup 5 times in that spell. Royston knocking them out of the competition last season going on to lift the county cup for the first time . Stevenage’s Development/U23s side winning the inaugural Hertfordshire Women’s Trophy.

Stevenage FC Women welcome back their captain, Lucy Webster after spending the previous season out through injury. Retain much of the squad from that season coming into the new campaign as they look to get back amongst the sides pushing at the top of the league. 3 new signings, goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves joins the club having previously been with Reading FC Women. Gemma Croucher once with Royston comes into the club having been part of the Real Bedford Ladies promotion and treble winning squad last season. Libby Monaghan joins Stevenage on a dual registration with Oxford United Women.

 Got off to a winning start at home on the opening day of the season against Enfield Town Ladies, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Lilia Dempsey and Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe on target in a 4-0 win. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Luton Town Ladies followed before Stevenage bounced back with a 6-2 victory at home to Cambridge City Women playing out a 2-2 with newly promoted Watford Ladies Development last weekend. A 3 way tie for top scorer after 4 matches with, Lilia Dempsey, Amy Makewell and Gemma Croucher with 3 each.

 Royston Town Women out of the traps flying this season with 4 wins from 4 to lead the ERWFL Premier Division table. Have been building on and off the pitch over the last few season’s as they look to be amongst those regularly challenging at the top of the table. Like Stevenage have picked up a couple of players from last seasons league champions Real Bedford, attacker, Neve Mayes and full back Amy Reed. Lucy Ford joins the club from St Albans City Women. Jodie Donley has useful experience playing for AFC Sudbury Women in the FAWNL last season, also joining from Sudbury, goalkeeper, Millie Carter on a season long loan. Tilly Want is another goalkeeper coming to the club from MK Dons Women. With Katie Hayes impressing for Newmarket Town Women last season joining Royston keen to test herself at a higher level. 

  Royston Town Women at home on the opening day up against a Luton Town Ladies sides that themselves will fancy themselves for the title. A hat-trick from last season’s top scorer, Emma Slater the difference as Royston ran out 3-2 winners. Racked up the goals in their 2nd game of the season Neve Mayes netting 4 in a 10-0 demolition of Cambridge City Women. A 2-0 win at home to Watford Ladies Development followed that with another good result away from home last time out beating St Albans City Women 4-2. Emma Slater already on  for the season after just 4 matches, while Neve Mayes has 5.

 The County Ground in Letchworth the venue for this afternoon’s match. The Hertfordshire FA headquarter nestled in one corner of the stadium. The café open situated under the main stand offering covered seating. Covered terracing opposite with small terraced stands behind the goals. The pitch 3G refreshed with new rubber prepped for the new season. The weather pleasant warm if a little muggy, cloud cover around with rain possible towards the latter end of the match.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Lucy Webster (C), Mistie Fox-Barker, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Gemma Croucher, Anaise Corrigan & Amy Makewell. Subs – Anna Baker-Re, Kelsey Millen, Libby Monaghan, Eva Delaney & Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe.

Stevenage FC Women

Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Annie Georgiou, Amy Reed, Amy Houghton (C), Tally Miles, Stacey Roper, Ri Badel, Laura Mills, Katie Hayes, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs –  Jodie Donley, Lily Hall, Amy Cooper, Charlotte South & Lucy Ford.

Royston Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain. Lucy Webster & Amy Houghton with today’s match officials

  Lucy Webster back for Stevenage after a long term injury, Royston too have welcomed back a couple of key players back fit towards the end of last season, club captain Amy Cooper and midfielder Ri Badel. The latter starting for the visitors today with Cooper on the bench, Amy Houghton wearing the captains armband. It’s Royston to kick-off the first half wearing their all aquamarine away kit with Stevenage in their home colours white shirt with red trim, red shorts and white socks. Played back to the defence Stevenage rush in to press the ball, competitive right from the off Royston get the ball into Ri Badel moving left lays it forwards looking for the run Neve Mayes in attack left of the D into the area, Rebecca Edge closing in to tackle send the ball out of play.

  Royston out on the left pushing up the ball rolled into full back Annie Georgiou from deep sweeps a diagonal ball into the box, Mayes looking to attack it as it falls in front of her, Stevenage goalkeeper Lauren Reeves rushing in to close her down, making the blocking save getting clattered by Mayes in the process, the ball loose running on beyond out of play beyond the far post. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves called into action early in the game

  Royston making a positive start looking to get players forwards, Stevenage breaking up at attack outside their box look to attack played on through the middle up to Amy Makewell leading the attack, controlling the ball into her feet puts the ball across the the left looking for Anaise Corrigan pushing up to join her, can’t quite take the ball on in her stride, which might well have seen her escape the defence get into the box, however Amy Houghton can get her foot in to take the ball clear for the visitors.

  Stacey Roper closing the ball down well in the middle for Royston getting her side on the front foot. Plays it forwards into Badel who sends it on for Mayes 25 yards out central has Katie Hayes breaking forwards into the box on the left slides the ball into her, Edge lunging in to charge her shot down. Edge is then clipped on the right side as the defender carries the ball out of defence. An opportunity for Stevenage to get players up into the box for the set-piece, Webster over the ball, launched in to the far post area, Roper jumping for Royston getting her head on the ball turning it behind for a corner kick. A teasing ball delivered into the box, curling across goal over everyone out the far side for a goal kick.

Royston’s Stacey Roper

  Hannah Bodily getting onto the ball in midfield for Stevenage travels forwards, the opportunity presenting it self she pulls the trigger from 25 yards out the shot coming straight at Millie Carter back on her line. 

Hannah Bodily lining up a strike for Stevenage

  Gemma Croucher, shoved in the back by Roper off a Stevenage throw in on the right giving Stevenage a free-kick in a similar position to their previous one. Webster again to deliver swept deep towards the far post, Royston defend the ball cleared up field, Emma Slater looknig to turn and attack, Mistie Fox-Barker getting her foot in to win the ball back for Stevenage. Houghton winning it back for Royston in defence put forwards for Laura Mills, finds Mayes outside the box with her pass, the attacker evading a couple of challenges as she looks to fight her way into the area, Grace Brooks not letting her through. 

Stevenage defender, Grace Brooks

  A few niggly fouls being given away certainly has a derby feel about it, Webster brought down as the Stevenage captain makes a marauding run into midfield with the ball. Top of the circle, players forwards as Webster floats the ball in on the keeper, Carter getting her gloves up to take the ball Edge closing in to attack the ball colliding with the keeper, both going down hurt. A strong challenge referee Emma Chamberlain consulting with her linesman before issuing Edge with a yellow card. 

  Tally Miles in to tackle Amy Gooderham as she looks to turn in behind on the right, brings the ball on for Royston has Georgiou up with her the full back sending the ball up the line for Hayes who slides it into the area for Mayes making a run out to the side of the box, Brooks going with the attacker, getting across the ball to shield it out of play. 

 Webster goes on another surging run from the back for Stevenage going on into the final third central, Makewell makes a run to the right drawing defenders with her opening up the left channel, Webster looks to roll it into the path of Corrigan, just a little too much on the ball Corrigan unlucky again as the ball evades her stride. Reed tackling Corrigan as she looks to attack out on the left, cleared back into the middle, Chloe Gunn gets hold of the ball for Stevenage firing it back into the box, Makewell looking to turn and shoot, blocked by Houghton…

 GOAL! For the Stevenage attack, Royston hit their opponents on the counter the ball lifted on down the right for Slater to take on, runs into the box cutting a vicious ball across the face of goal, picks out Hayes who has burst into the six yard box on the keeper to turn the ball in from close range to put Royston into the lead in the 20th minute 0-1.

Katie Hayes opening the scoring for Royston

  A free-kicks mounting up for both sides, this time Mills is upended as she takes the ball on inside the right channel. The set-piece from Miles put into the near post area, Slater getting up to try and twist her header goal wards, looping out towards the far post Gooderham stretching out a leg turning it behind for a corner kick. Curled in from the left across the six yard box to the far post attacked and knocked over.

GOAL! Stevenage get themselves back on level terms and it from a piece of individual magic from Gooderham. Out on the right inside the Royston half sees the ball into her feet, flicking it behind her to turn her marker and get inside to charge on towards the box, driving in field moves central across the D, before letting loose a well hit left for strike to send the ball curling past the diving keeper inside the far post 1-1.

Amy Gooderham in the build up to her goal

A fabulous individual goal from Amy Gooderham to equalise for Stevenage

Is certainly an enthralling contest Stevenage getting themselves back on level terms, Miles sends the ball on up the left for Royston into Mayes has Hayes up on the wing the pair playing a one two the return pass coming to Mayes as she steals into the area sends her angled strike across the face of the Stevenage goal. 

Royston attacker, Neve Mayes

 A couple of knocks for both sides, Slater needing treatment following a Royston attack top of the area, Edge too hurt as she goes up to defend on Mayes at the back for Stevenage. Both okay to continue. Roper closing Gooderham down as the Stevenage winger looks to storm on through the right channel. Brooks winning the ball from Slater at the back for Stevenage carries the ball on into midfield aiming to put a threaded pass into Makewell, Miles intercepts well for Royston.

  Reed defending inside her box, clearing the ball as Carter coming for the ball is pressed by Corrigan. Reed finding Mills in attack as she steals in behind on the right to attack the by-line flashing a cross into the six yard box, Reeves down on it smartly to claim as both Mayes and Hayes close her down. Stevenage with a quickfire counter attack the ball into Bodily on the move through the middle for the hosts lays it on for Croucher 25 yards out moving right cuts her shot back looking to play it across the keeper, Carter getting own to gather up the ball.

Laura Mills

  Stevenage making a change, bringing off Corrigan send on Kelsey Millen comes right with Gooderham switching to the left with 8 minutes remaining in the first half. Millen involved straight away as the cross-field ball is played into her, out on the right sends the ball in over the top for Croucher attacking the area left of the D, Carter rushing out to charge her down sliding in to make the blocking save, then Reed charges down the follow-up strike. 

Royston goalkeeper, Millie Carter

  Stevenage looking to press late in the half, Gooderham inside to Bodily shapes to shoot from 30 yards out her effort put straight at the keeper. Royston quick to get on the counter up to Badel in midfield plays it up to Mayes in attack central lays it out to Hayes bombing on down the left, squares her cross into the area, cut out by Webster. Royston snatch the ball back in the final third Badel again lifting it out to the left for Hayes clips her cross back into the top of the D, Mayes looking to get it under control tackled by Brooks. Pops loose for Slater to run onto right side 20 out flashes a strike wide of the far post. 

Royston midfielder, Ri Badel

 A busy end to the first half both sides looking to get forwards, Miles with a diagonal pass into Mayes outside the box, can’t et it out of her feet before Gunn closes her down. Mills on the ball for Royston right channel fires it into the box for Mayes right post area, has Slater to her right attempts to put the ball into her feet, Brooks between the pair getting hold of it instead for Stevenage and clearing. The hosts mounting one last attack in the first half, the ball send on for Croucher left side puts it across the top of the area for Millen attacking right, Georgiou defending for Royston, then Roper gets it away as Makewell looks to pounce, won back prodded into Makewell central 25 out her shot is tame runs safely through to the keeper.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Royston Town Women

 That was a highly entertaining first half, a competitive derby tussle with two committed sides. A bit of niggle added to the mix but nothing nasty. Royston started confidently positive looking to get forwards breaking from a Stevenage attack carving their opponents open to score the opening goal. Stevenage responded well getting back on level terms from a piece of individual magic from Amy Gooderham. Both sides with chances after that but defences holding firm set up brilliantly for the 2nd half.

  No chances of personnel at the start of the 2nd half with Stevenage to get things underway. A slight switch for Royston with Hayes and Slater setting up on opposite flanks. The ball put into Millen as Stevenage look to play it forwards lifted on for Makewell pulling out to the right, Miles stepping in to intercept for the visitors. Millen snapping in to win the ball back out wide lifting a cross from deep into the area claimed cleanly by Carter.

Royston defender, Tally Miles

  Houghton on the ball at the back for Royston clipping a long pass up to Slater attacking left of the D, lets loose a shot, straight forwards for Reeves in the Stevenage goal. Royston winning a free-kick on the left outside the box, Miles over the ball putting her delivery long out beyond the far post. 

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

 Stevenage burst forwards Millen on for Makewell right side turns to put in into the area with Croucher attacking the goalkeeper, Carter closing the ball down Croucher sliding in gets the ball under her to see it strike the base of the post and deflect across the face of goal, Gooderham throwing herself forwards at the far post can’t make contact as Royston launch it clear. 

Stevenage’s Gemma Croucher

  An open game both side wanting a goal Hayes in space on the right tracks on with the ball, Fox-Barker patient blocking the attempted cross turning it behind for a corner kick. Georgiou to play the ball into the box form the right curled in far post knocked down hits a defender to go behind for a corner on the left. A vicious in swinger across goal, Reeves doing well to get her fist on the ball to punch it away to the right for another corner. Edge getting up highest to head the ball away at the far post for Stevenage. 

  Badel bringing the ball on right side for Royston looking to link up with Hayes, Fox-Barker stopping the initial cross, Hayes with a 2nd attempt chipping the ball up into the area, claimed well by Reeves. Gooderham pulling up for Stevenage, has a slight injury concern as they bring her off in the 56th minute sending Corrigan back into the action. Royston making their first change too, Charlotte South going into midfield replacing Badel. Royston break away to the right Hayes taking the ball on whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, both Mayes and Slater closing in on the keeper, Slater with the final touch, Reeves superb staying big to save at close range bat the ball away.

  Stevenage with another set-piece on half-way Webster to play it in towards the top of the area, Roper heading clear for Royston. Corrigan on the left of attack for Stevenage tangling with Reed, coming away with the ball on the move looking to get in behind, Houghton is across on the cover to close the ball down for the visitors. 

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

 Reed playing the ball on up the right for Hayes, loops a ball into the box near side Mayes rushing in to meet it sees her effort drop wide of the post a knick off a defender though a corner signalled. Played in long from the right falling to Slater deep on the left her shot from the angle blocked inside the area, deflected back out to Hayes right of the D 25 out, holding the ball up back to goal has Miles charging past her looking for the pass ties her up Miles shooting across goal towards the far post, Reeves diving to her left getting down well to save. 

  Hayes getting in on the right for Royston sending another cross into the area, claimed by Reeves low at her near post. Reed and Corrigan enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to get past the full back, succeeds to race on down the line whipping a venomous ball across the face of goal, Millen sliding in on the keeper can’t get a telling touch, pops up on the line for Carter to snatch into her gloves. 

 Royston making their 2nd change of the match bringing off Mayes, send Lily Hall on to take up an attacking role on the left. Stevenage too making a change Corrigan off again, on comes Eva Delaney to take up the attacking duties on the left. All action in the middle of the park, South fouling Bodily. Mills looking for Hayes on the right, turns inside, Fox-Barker stretching to get the ball back for Stevenage.

Mistie Fox-Barker

  More changes as Gunn comes off for Stevenage, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe coming on to join the attack. Roper off for Royston with Lucy Ford introduced to the action. Hayes in a central position outside the D, her shot smashes her shot into Croucher at point blank range a painful hit takes a few moments for Croucher to recover but is alright. 

 Croucher up the other end as Stevenage attack sees the ball into her feet well on the turn looks to slip Thomas-O’Keefe free inside the box, a vital interception from Houghton though. Stevenage working hard to frustrate Royston in the final third, Brooks winning the ball well. Slater booked as she brings down Webster. The set-piece top of the circle put in to the top of the box defended by Royston, look to get on the offensive the ball into Hayes looking to take the ball on right side, Fox-Barker tracking back with her, Hayes tripping herself up goes down hard striking her head on the 3G pitch a stunning blow play stopped so she can be checked out. Was a jarring impact but thankfully is okay to play on.

 GOAL! The clock ticking down into the final 5 minutes of the match, Royston mount an attack the ball fed on for Hall on the left knocking it down into the box central with Hayes closing in Fox-Barker with her defending well, however the ball skips up to the top of the area right of the D, for Slater to put her foot though looping back in towards goal, Reeves can’t react quick enough throwing a glove up to try and deflect the ball over, not enough as it drops under the crossbar to see Royston back into the lead 1-2. 

Emma Slater fires Royston back into the lead

 Royston making a change bringing off Hayes after the goal sending on Jodie Donley goes in at right back with Reed pushed up. Corrigan back on replacing Millen for Stevenage with Libby Monaghan on to replace Webster. 

GOAL! With Stevenage pressing looking for a reply Royston get hold of the ball and counter through the middle up to Slater top of the area central slides it on for Hall stealing into the box on her left Hall taking the ball into her stride and slotting her shot past the on rushing keeper to give Royston a 2 go cushion in the 89th minute 1-3.

Lily Hall off the bench to send Royston into a 3-1 lead

  A huge blow for Stevenage as the game moves into stoppage time a few injuries several minutes yet to be played Bodily playing the ball into Croucher right channel control and turns to slide the ball on into the box for Thomas-O’Keefe, shaping to shoot on the angle, Carter comes rushing out to slide in and make the blocking save. Croucher sending another ball into the Royston box from the right, Houghton stretching to close Makewell down, the striker shoots wide. 

  Slater coming off for Royston with Mayes sent back on. Stevenage pushing players on attacking right the ball angled low into the near post Croucher throwing herself at the ball goes wide as it brushes the near post.

GOAL! Into the 6th minute of injury time, Stevenage allowed the ball wide the cross in deep from the right is brought down well by Makewell central back to goal knocks it to her left to open up a yard of space to strike the ball back across the keeper and finds the bottom corner to pull a goal back 2-3.

Amy Makewell pulls a goal back in the dying moments for Stevenage

  A goal back for Stevenage but no time left on the clock to mount another attack as Royston see out the game to make it 5 wins from 5 to start the season and open up a 6 point lead at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division table.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-3 Royston Town Women

  Another enthralling contest from the ERWFL Premier Division, rarely disappoints and today was no exception. A local derby played with passion and commitment. Both sides up for it. A great one for the neutral well worth the trip down from Norfolk. Royston starting positively getting into the lead straight from a Stevenage opportunity. The host with a good reply to equalise. Chances for both in the first half to get into the lead. Stevenage looking for a positive start to the 2nd half working hard at the back to frustrate Royston, the clock timing down the visitors found the break though in the 85th minute, quickly going on to add a 3rd goal. Stevenage allowed the ball as Royston looked to see out the game getting a goal back at the death but not enough time left to create another opening. A brilliant start to the season from Royston.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders for this one and hard pressed to single one out although I did have one in mind leaving the ground. A local derby played with passion and largely good spirited. Several performances of note. Grace Brooks at the back for Stevenage put in several crucial tackles and got about the back line well. Hanna Bodily battling for the ball in the middle. Anaise Corrigan caused problems when she get hold of the ball. Gemma Croucher getting into some great attacking positions. Amy Gooderham with a fantastic goal, attacked down the flank with purpose. For Royston, Tally Miles was composed and read the game well. Stacey Roper was busy in the middle of the park, set the tone early on. Neve Mayes strong up top held the ball up well. Emma Slater gets a mention because she’s Emma Slater and always amongst the contenders for Royston. Edging it today for me Katie Hayes operating on both flanks provided a great outlet for Royston throughout the match looked to get others into the action, opening the scoring. 

 A thoroughly entertaining match from the County Ground this afternoon, both sides have started the season well and have assembled a strong collection of talent between them. The ERWFL Premier Division is a strong league will be intrigued to watch t unfold as the season progress. My thanks to both sides for their help today  as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – March Town United Ladies v Willingham Wolves Women

Sunday 8th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two

The new season of county league action gets into full swing this weekend across the East. Beginning with a trip into Cambridgeshire for the Division Two opening clash between March Town United Ladies & Willingham Wolves Women.

33 sides competing across 3 divisions in Cambridgeshire. All three look hard to call in terms of title challengers and it will be intriguing to watch it all unfold over the coming season. 11 sides contesting Division Two in the county, Chatteris Town Lillies Ladies will be amongst the favourites to finish top, but who else might emerge as a title challenger is yet to be determined, could very well be one of the sides promote to the league this season.

It has been quite a while since I last visited March Town United Ladies and much has changed within the club since then a new management team bought in at the end of last season managed by Andy Wheatley, assisted by James Moon, Ben Green & Gray Sharman. Lost several players over recent seasons which has impacted their form in the league adding new players as they look to be competitive towards to top end of the league, Maisie Homden joining March having been at Whittlesey Athletic last season, Kacey Sharman an attacker joining from Peterborough United. Along with pacy striker, Tanaya Mayoh, back in the game after a spell away as does Chloe Granger. Rachel Sharman also new to the March squad.

Willingham Wolves Women have improved year on year since joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s football league in 2021, moving up the Division Three table recording a 3rd placed finish last term. This seeing the club promoted to Division Two for the upcoming campaign, a strong test. Have built up a large women’s squad. Willingham Wolves FC boasts a strong youth section right across the board. The wet weather a prominent feature for much of last season seeing the usual pitch the women play on out of action from October onwards. Will require drainage works in the future will finances have been secured for other improvements to their ground.  

  March Town United FC the venue for todays game on Robin Goodfellows Lane. Known as The Hares. The stadium with a unique layout, boasting the 2nd oldest wooden stand in the country, the grass pitch nestled inside an oval layout, having once hosted, cricket, cycling and greyhound racing back in the 1960’s. The contrast a modern entrance housing bar and kitchen hatch along with the changing rooms. The pitch looking superb in great shape. Showers in the area a heavy downpour on the way the the ground, both the sun cream and umbrella are on hand this afternoon. 

March Town United FC’s main stand

March Town United Ladies starting XI – Peggy Thurlby, Amy Hall, Jessica Lavender, Cassie Houghton, Chloe Wheatley, Maisie Homden, Lauren Martin, Lauren Peeling (C), Kacey Sharman, Sidnee Adams & Millie Jolley. Subs – Rachel Sharman Chloe Granger & Olivia Perkiss.

March Town United Ladies

Willingham Wolves Women starting XI – Abi Dowell-McGrillan, Cheryl Darby, Gracie Webster-Spriggs, Honor Freeman (C), Casey Mcmichael, Natalie Townley, Jazz Brinkman, Kirsty Wicks, Harri Morse, Holly Etteridge & Danielle Foster. Subs – Sophie Catchpole, Libby Willis, George Scott-Wilds & Eva Krawetkowska.

Willingham Wolves Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Honor Freeman and Laura Peeling with today’s referee

 It’s the hosts, March to kick off the first half wearing their home colours, amber shirts with black shorts and socks. Willingham too usually play in amber shirts, but are still awaiting the arrival of their new away strip so will be in white coloured shirts this afternoon, with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into midfield passed to the right, Maisie Homden looking to take it forwards linking up with Kacey Sharman on the wing, Cheryl Darby closing down for Willingham to prevent an early cross going into the box.

 March with a positive start getting on down the right winning a throw high brings them an early corner, the delivery short not troubling the Willingham defence. Millie Jolley up front for March seeing the ball into her feet looking to turn slide the ball in for Sharman on the move down the right, Darby in to cut it out for the visitors. Willingham looking a little nervous at the start passes going awry, March snapping in to regain possession get back on the front foot. Jazz Brinkman getting the ball under control for Willingham in the final third right channel attempting to thread it through into the box for Danielle Foster, Peggy Thurlby in goal for March out to gather unthreatened.

Willingham’s Kirsty Wicks with March captain, Laura Peeling

  Sharman on the right along with Sidnee Adams on the left flank looking to provide width and passing options as the March defence wins the ball back get the ball forwards quickly trying to catch their opponents with a high line, Adams stabbing a ball on over the top, Gracie Webster-Spriggs adjusts well as she is turned around to get the ball clear before Jolley can attack it. Out for a throw on the left March looking to lay it on into the box, Casey Mcmichael heading it behind for a corner.

  March’s corners not finding their mark in the early stages of the game. Natalie Townley sets Foster away down the left in attack pace to take the ball forwards, Cassie Houghton back at her to tackle for March. March launching a rapid counter on their right Homden bombing on to support Sharman, Darby getting in the way to challenge for Willingham. The visitors not settled, March looking the sharper. 

  Holly Etteridge up in attack for Willingham closing down to win the ball off the March defence 25 yards out carries the ball in behind looking to attack the goal, a recovering defender getting something on Etteridge’s shot as she goes to pull the trigger taking the sting out of the shot runs safely through to the keeper. 

 GOAL! No sooner have Willingham got a sniff at goal March break up the other end to score the opening goal the ball coming out to the right side Adams up with Jolley the ball clipped in across the top of the D, Sharman stealing the ball off the defence to carry it on into the box and from the angle strike her shot into the bottom corner across the keeper 1-0.

Kacey Sharman celebrates as she opens the scoring for March

 Willingham on the offensive from the restart Kirsty Wicks on for Foster down the left angles her early shot in towards the near post, Thurlby behind it has her angles covered. March captain, Lauren Peeling lifts a pass from the middle out to Adams advancing well on the left, one tough to clip the ball on over the top, Mcmichael looking to get there ahead of Jolley, her keeper, Abi Dowell-McGrilen with a good starting position will the call, coming to collect the ball. 

 Jessica Lavender, tackling Etteridge as she gathers the ball on the right plays it forwards for Adams racing up the left flank for March, whips a dangerous cross into the area across the penalty spot, Jolley isn’t too far away from getting a touch to divert it towards goal. March winning a free-kick on halfway lifted forwards, a vital touch from Mcmicheal at the back to win the ball or Jolley was though to attack the Willingham goal. March snapping back to win the ball high, Lauren Martin with Peeling lifted forwards again Mcmichael with the defending for Willingham getting her head on the ball to get the ball away.

  Sharman playing the ball into the box form the right, Mcmichael heading it behind to concede the corner. The delivery played up towards the top of the area near side, Mcmichael getting hold of it for Willingham carrying the ball out of the area…

 GOAL! … sent forwards into the path of Foster out on the left on the attack bringing the ball on 25 yards out fizzes the pass across the area looking Etteridge on the left in the clear right of the D, controls and takes aim a vicious strike with a got bit of swerve behind it deceiving the keeper as it evades her to burst the back of the net, Willingham back on level terms 1-1.

Holly Etteridge fires Willingham back on level terms

  Willingham levelling 18th minute, making a change after the goal bringing on Libby Willis in place of Townley.

GOAL! Having just gotten themselves back on level terms Willingham concede straight away, the ball from Jolley fed out to Adams on the left on her own all of 30 yards out isn’t closed down at all and with room to line up a shot accepts the invite, hits a fantastic ball looping up towards goal heading for the top right corner, has the keeper in trouble, dropping over her to send March back into the lead 2-1.

Sidnee Adams congratulated as her strike from range puts March back in front

  March pressing the ball in the centre Martin playing in into the left channel with Peeling getting on, looking to run in behind, Mcmichael looking to shield the ball calling for her keeper to come and collect top of her area, Dowell-McGrillan scooping the ball up into her gloves. Etteridge coming off for Willingham, George Scott-Wilds onto the pitch. Wicks off too replaced by Sophie Catchpole. Is hot under the sun when it can break through the clouds and a drinks break is called with 25 minutes played. 

 March resume with a throw on the right headed on by Peeling into the area, dropping central, Jolley interested, Dowell-McGrillan gathering it into her body well. Willingham captain Honor Freeman lunging in to stop Jolley as she looks to turn on the ball outside the D. The ball lifted on for Foster to bomb on down the left attacking sends a cross/shot in on the angle towards the far post, Willis racing in that side can’t reach it, however goes after the ball on the by-line wide to win her side a corner kick. Played long beyond the far post met by Morse blasts the ball back in across goal out the far side the referee signalling for another corner 

 The second delivery curled into the six yard box at the near post Scott-Wilds looking to get it down under control and get a shot away is quickly closed down by the March defence, Wheatley lifting it away to safety. Willingham gaining a bit of momentum in the last five minutes. March dangerous on the counter however as Peeling gets up on the right to support Sharman putting the winger on down the line Freeman going with her the pair into the box, Sharman stealing inside knocking the ball into the six yard box, Dowell-McGrillan dropping forwards to lay claim to the ball.

March’s Millie Jolley

  Sharman causing Willingham issues attacking on the right, beats the offside trap to carry the ball on towards the box striking her shot over the bar from the angle. Willingham’s defensive line holds this time as Homden looks to play Sharman in over the top, held up by the raised flag. Wicks back on for Willingham, replacing Darby. The visitors with the ball up on the right turned inside for Catchpole 25 yards out left of the D, turns to shoot, gets no power behind it, runs safely through to Thurlby. 

George Scott-Wilds with Lauren Martins

 An injury for Willingham forcing a change, Scott-Wilds needing treatment off Townley back on. Townley with the ball from Brinkman right side played forwards as Foster makes a run across her to carry it away to the right wing turning to strike the ball lifts her strike onto the roof of the net. Etteridge back on up top for Willingham sees the ball into her feet on the right, looking to turn inside, Lavender comes back at her tackling well to clear the ball. Into the final minute of the first half. March press the ball in the middle on for Adams left looks to take it past Webster-Spriggs the full back getting back at her to nudge the ball out for a throw in.

 

Half-time March Town United Ladies 2-1 Willingham Wolves Women

  March head into the changing rooms at the beak leading Willingham 2-1. The hosts with the better start to the game getting after the ball positive down the flanks, capitalising on Willingham’s nervous start, unsettled early on the visitors took a while to settle. March getting forwards to take the lead through Kacey Sharman. Willingham did well to get the game back on level terms a vicious strike from Holly Etteridge, but were guilty of switching off straight after to allow March to retake the lead a superb finish from Sidnee Adams. Chances for both in front of goal March holding the slender advantage. Feel there are more in it 2nd half which way they will go is up for debate. 

  Willingham to get the 2nd half underway, making full use of their substitutes throughout the first half. March with a change at the break, Peeling coming off with Rachel Sharman coming on going up top with Jolley deeper. Lavender wearing the armband. The ball rolled back to Freeman in defence clips it out to the left wing, Homden seeing it out of play for March. Willingham looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half getting up on the left

  The ball passed inside for Foster central to burst in behind closing in on the box, pulls the trigger her shot racing wide of the right post. Townley up on the right for Willingham put on for Willis onside racing on into the box after the ball, Thurlby advancing to lay claim to the ball.

GOAL! March pressing the ball in the middle Jolley forwards into Rachel Sharman, Adams up with her putting pressure on the Willingham defence, Freeman under pressure stabs the ball away from Sharman as she falls, Adams latching onto it 20 plus yards out to rifle a powerful shot in on goal, Dowell-McGrillan with little time to react getting her gloves up to block the ball but can only deflect it on over into the goal beyond 3-1.

Sidnee Adams extends March’s lead early in the 2nd half

 The perfect start to the 2nd half for march getting themselves a 2 goal cushion, and that moments after Willingham had a chance to level up the other end. Rachel Sharman sees a Willingham goal kick presented to her 30 yards out, quickly closed down she drags her shot wide of the left post. Homden with a mazy run on the ball as she gets on the move for March on the right laying it inside for Rachel Sharman inside the D, looks to control, turn, is closed down well by Morse for Willingham. 

Maisie Homden after the ball for March

 Willingham find Etteridge on the right in attack strong on the ball to get inside lays the ball into the box for Foster on the penalty spot back to goal lays it out to Willis racing on left of the D, moving into the box, squeezes her shot away past the advancing keeper, the ball traveling towards goal, cleared of the line by Hall. Willingham picking up a few knocks Morse needing a break Eva Krawetkowska coming on. Brinkman too replacing Catchpole. Townley winning Willingham a throw on the left, knocked on into the box cleared by Lavender for March. 

GOAL! Players drawn over to the left of the pitch as possession is fought over March physical getting hold of the ball the pass clipped cross-field finding Kacey Sharman all on her own in a central position drags the ball on to the right moving into the box, and strikes her shot low back across the keeper to join Adams on a brace 4-1.

Kacey Sharman sets her sights on the Willingham goal to score her 2nd of the game

 Willingham falling further behind look to stay positive play the ball from the middle into Willis tracking forwards on the right fires a cross along the top of the box, met by Foster inside the D, flashes a shot half a yard over the crossbar. Brinkman battling for the ball on the left surges forwards, Homden coming to close her down putting in the tackle, bashing her head hard on the turf as the pair collide. Play stopped needs to come off for a minute to recover but is okay to return. 

 Houghton with a crucial interception at the back for March as they get caught high with the visitors looking to release Foster through the middle. Jolley moving to the right with the ball lays it on into the box for Rachel Sharman ahead of her travelling into the box, Freeman come across to make the challenge put the ball out for a corner kick. From the right goes long cleared out to the top of the box, Martin onto it drags her shot wide. 

Willingham’s Eva Krawetkoska

Willingham get the ball on quickly through the middle threaded in behind, Foster races clear of the defence shoots early with Thurlby rushing out to close her down, the keeper with the blocking save… 

  GOAL! … the rebound latched onto by Krawetkowska 25 yards out left of the D, a good touch to send the ball on into the box and plays a superb cross in low towards Foster still in an advanced position right of goal to knock it back across the keeper to score her opening goal of the season 4-2. 

Danielle Foster pulls it back to 4-2 for Willingham

 Willingham pulling a goal back midway through the 2nd half with their tails up Brinkman winning the ball on into the box for Foster, Wheatley putting it out for a throw on the right. Foster looking to cause trouble in the box off the throw right side, Thurlby throwing her foot at the ball attempting to clear, sliced away to the by-line, Lavender preventing it going for a corner clearing up field. Foster seeing the ball played into her through the middle turns in behind to attack the box, Thurlby racing out to close the angle getting in to make a good blocking save as Foster moves right to shoot.

March goalkeeper, Peggy Thurlby

 Wheatley coming off at the back for March as the hosts send Chloe Granger onto the field. Willingham winning a corner out on the right, a dangerous delivery curled across the six yard box, falls to Freeman at the far post, awkward to control however, is closed down before she can get a shot away.  A 2nd water break called with less than 20 minutes left to play, Willingham picking up as few knocks. 

Willingham’s Natalie Townley

 Homden doing the defending at right back for March, as Foster seeing the ball into her as she moves left looks to try and spin in behind. A corner to Willingham on the left curled into the six yard box, dropping to Wills this time can’t dig the ball out of her feet before being closed down by Martin. The ball scrambled clear. Willis getting hold of the ball central for Willingham looking to lift it on for Foster to race in clear behind the defence, almost, but for a vital interception from Houghton.

  Krawetkowska goes down for Willingham as she looks to carry the ball on into the left channel, looks to have twisted her ankle, a painful one needs to come off, Willingham sending Catchpole back on. Townley getting up into an attacking position for Willingham from the left central as she gets onto the end of a Freeman pass takes on the shot early looking to lob the ball from inside the box over the keeper, but so too over the bar.

  Another injury blow for Willingham as Foster innocuously goes over on her ankle inside the box going to pressure Thurlby on a cross. Needs to come off, Scott-Wilds coming back on. Brinkman off too with Darby back on. Into the final 5 minutes of the match. March have Adams bringing the ball on up the left clips a great diagonal ball into the box for Kacey Sharman on the angle blasts her shot in towards goal, Dowell-McGrillan throwing herself down to make the save charging the ball down rebounds back to Sharman for a 2nd bite at the cherry shoots past the stranded keeper, Willingham have got a defender back on the line to clear.

  Hall cutting a threaded ball out at the back for the hosts as the game moves into stoppage time. Martin on for Rachel Sharman up top, Freeman closing her down for Willingham. Morse looks to get away down the right for Willingham as Townley plays the ball on. Adams in to close her down on the by-line sliding in to tackle knocks the ball onto Morse to see a goal kick awarded. The final whistle blows and March celebrate as they get their league campaign off to a winning start.

Full time March Town United Ladies 4-2 Willingham Wolves Women

  A good start to the game from March on the front foot early causing issues on the flanks getting into the lead. Willingham doing well to level the scores, however were behind straight away as they gave Adams the invite to shoot. The visitors gaining momentum late in the first half giving them renewed confidence going into the 2nd half. March with a few issues to settle at half time too. Got an early opportunity to extend their lead and took it. Willingham creating some good opportunities themselves but not taking one as March got clear to power into a 3 goal lead. Some great goals scored and Willingham fought hard to pull it back to 4-2. March determined working hard in defence had a little bit more guile and experience to see the game out and claim the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Not an easy one by any means and some god performances out there. Firstly for Willingham, Casey Mcmichael in defence with a number of vital interceptions read the game well. Danielle Foster in attack worked hard to create opportunities and be a ready outlet when Willingham attacked. Jazz Brinkman put herself about in midfield looking to mix things up. For March, Jessica Lavender was strong in the back line making several important tackles. Sidnee Adams with two superb strikes provided a good outlet on the left and played the ball well. Edging it though is the other brace scorer, Kacey Sharman set the tone early on getting on down the right for March in attack, caused issues for the defence throughout and again presented with the opportunity to take her chances put them away well.

 Good to see both sides in action a competitive contest and will look forwards to seeing how the season progresses for both sides in Division Two. Willingham stepping up a league have plenty of positives to take into the campaign ahead. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details and must say I’m pleased Cambridgeshire have team sheets at last.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Aylsham FC Women v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 1st September

 Women’s FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying

The road to Wembley begins this Sunday with this season’s Women’s FA Cup getting underway with a whopping 145 ties in 1st Round Qualifying. For many sides making their debut in the competition, it’s to one of those I head today to Youngs Park to watch Aylsham FC Women as they take on Cambridgeshire side, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds.

The first competitive game of the season for both with their respective county leagues getting underway next Sunday. A prestigious competition that has seen the prize money increase over the past couple of season’s, the winner today receiving £1800, with a run in the competition helping to make a significant impact on a grassroot clubs finances.

Aylsham FC Women winning promotion to Norfolk Women’s Division One last season after winning the Division Two title in their debut season. Consolidated their place in Norfolk’s top flight in what was an injury hit season where the club struggled for players early on. Grew stronger as the season progressed eventually finishing in 5th place. Preparing for the new season have seen a few experienced players leaving but in turn have clawed that experience back with an influx of new players most notably from Fakenham Town Ladies who spent the previous two season’s in the ERWFL. Twins, Sophie and Vicky Lubbock, dual signed with Fakenham last season commit to Aylsham this campaign as does Olivia Baker, joined by attackers, Rochelle and Shelley Woods and defenders, Jemma Riches and Sophie Buckley. Other new additions include young players, Jess Greengrass and Elisha Nobbs. Kiara Wright comes to the club via Horsford. Young goalkeeper Mya Parker joins from King’s Lynn.

A new era for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds under a new coach with Shane Lebbon returning to the game after a two year break. Vastly experienced in women’s football having been at Newmarket Town Women for a long spell, specializing in the development of young players and bringing them on into the 1st team set up. Joined Fulbourn towards the end of last season, helping the previous coaching set-up as Fulbourn finished runners-up in both the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership and League Cup.

Fulbourn boast a formidable attack with, Ebony Crook, Marie Stubbings and Eleanor Woodley firing in 80 goals between them last season. Woodley with 41 of those. All 3 amongst those retained by the club this season. An experienced squad will be amongst the sides competing for the league this time around. Have see a few players depart but retain a strong core whilst adding a few new additions, defender Alex Milner having previously been with Newmarket. Grace Muffett returns to the game after spell at university has again experience playing for Newmarket. Megan Chandler too has played for Newmarket plus spells at Norwich and Cambridge. Emily Facerova the newest addition to the squad, a young player stepping up to women’s football.

  Youngs Park the venue for today’s Women’s FA Cup tie the new facility home to all of Aylsham adult and youth teams, boasting a new 3G pitch beyond the main pitch itself the grass looking a picture one of the best in the county. Standing viewing all round beside the large clubhouse, the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drinks with a barbeque going outside. The ground a hive of activity the woman’s game the showpiece event of the day. Glorious sunshine at the start of September, hot and still, best enjoy it while it lasts, will put the fitness levels under test both sides getting their season underway.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mya Parker, Cayla Brown, Elisha Nobbs, Sophie Buckley, Jordan Arnoup (C), Jess Greengrass, Shelley Woods, Vicki Lubbock, Olivia Baker, Christina Papadopoulou & Sophie Lubbock. Subs – Chelsea Crowley, Ellie Snowling & Kiara Wright.

Aylsham FC Women

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Rachel Fallow, Amy Smith, Alex Milner, Jessica Adams, Jess Anderson, Daniella Quinn, Hollie Turner, Eve Seyf, Marie Stubbings (C), Ebony Crook & Eleanor Woodley. Subs – Megan Chandler, Grace Muffett & Emily Facerova.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Captains’ Marie Stubbings and Jordan Arnoup with today’s match officials

It’s Aylsham to get this afternoon’s Women’s FC Cup tie underway with the kick off 1st half wearing orange coloured shirts with royal blue short and socks. With Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue coloured shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. Played back into the middle the ball fed out to the left channel dealt with by Jess Adams for Fulbourn. Won back by Aylsham as they press the ball played across to the right with Christina Papadopoulou bursting in behind the defence, Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow out smartly to the top of her box to see the ball roll safely into her gloves.

  Aylsham starting brightly on the front foot winning the ball high forcing a throw on the right, Alex Milner clearing for Fulbourn, Shelley Woods winning the ball back for Aylsham in the middle lifted on for Sophie Lubbock up top back to goal, hooks it over to the right side with Papadopoulou breaking in behind once more, Fallow has to get on the move reaching it just in time to kick clear. The ball away to the right for a throw high up the pitch, Aylsham work the ball on down the line Papadopoulou putting a cross into the area, Farrow claiming it safely inside her six yard box.

  Fulbourn build on the left Daniella Quinn out to Ebony Crook has captain Marie Stubbings bursting on with her played inside the ball laid forwards into a central position for Eve Seyf to attack, Aylsham goalkeeper, Mya Parker thinks about coming for the ball, hesitates as Seyf latches onto it and quickly back pedals into her area as Seyf takes the ball away to the right across the D before attempting to play her shot back across the keeper into the far corner, Parker though right behind her effort to collect the ball up into her gloves. 

Eve Seyf lining up a shot for Fulbourn

  Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup with a fantastic ball from the back to take out the Fulbourn defence sees Papadopoulou race in behind from the right channel, attacking the area, Anderson recovers brilliantly for Fulbourn getting back at the attacker, sliding in to charge her down as she goes to pull the trigger the ball angling behind off the defender for a corner kick. The corner floated in near side, Vicki Lubbock getting up well to turn the ball on into the mix falling to Woods top of the six yard box on the volley her effort is blocked at close range, Fulbourn clearing.

  Papadopoulou lively in attack for Aylsham in the opening exchanges making a number of penetrating runs, up top with Sophie Lubbock as Olivia Baker sends the ball on Lubbock cushioning it down for Papadopoulou to the left of the D, knocks it into the box, Adams getting across her the defender shielding the ball as Fallow comes to gather. Hollie Turner clipping the ball forwards for Fulbourn as they push forwards looking for Seyf making a move towards the right of the D, Parker is out quickly to snatch up the ball at the top of her area. 

  Fulbourn attacking down the right, Eleanor Woodley challenged by Sophie Buckley the ball out for a throw in, Cushioned down off the wing by Stubbings, looks to spin in behind, Woods lunging in gets her foot on the ball to send it away for another throw. Fulbourn pressing the cross fired in along the top of the area Turner, diverting it forwards into the path of Crook right of the D, sends her strike angling across goal, cut out by Cayla Brown at the far post, cleared.

Aylsham’s Cayla Brown

   Fulbourn having rode out the early assault by Aylsham have settled into the game competing for the ball Quinn in to win it back in the final third as Aylsham look to play it out from the back. Stubbings combining with Quinn through the middle, driving on, Vicki Lubbock stepping in to make the tackle for Aylsham. Competitive Quinn and Woods fighting for the ball Woods sends it up field Baker advanced on the left clipping it in behind, Papadopoulou looks to have strayed offside as she bursts in behind but no flag races clear striking early from 25 yards out sending her attempt over. 

Olivia Baker

  An intriguing tie unfolding Fulbourn coming back into the game well getting players forwards Quinn breaking up play keeping the momentum with her side, Elisha Nobbs losing the ball down at the back fired up to Woods along side Vicki Lubbock in the middle clips it on for Papadopoulou running in behind the Fulbourn defence, Milner goes with her though the full back timing her tackle well inside the D. 

  Crook getting hold of the ball central for Fulbourn has Woodley pulling away ahead of her right side of the D looks to pick her out a vital interception from Nobbs to deny the Cambridgeshire side a shooting chance. Quinn stealing in on the ball presses forwards Woodley out to the left sees the pass into her feet, angles a cross into the box, cleared by Arnoup at the back for Aylsham

Fulbourn midfielder, Daniella Quinn

  Woodley over on the right for Fulbourn as Seyf over on that sight gets the ball under control driving on finds Woodley ahead of her, screws her cross back in towards Stubbings running in towards goal right of the D, taking the ball on into the box, fires her shot across goal wide of the far post. Aylsham under pressure at the back Woodley into the area right side placing it into Stubbings top of the area, lays it out wide to Seyf to flash a cross in from the right wing, Crook racing in central on Nobbs can’t get a telling touch six yards out. Nobbs down injured after the attack, the referee calling a drinks break. Is very hot out there.

  Nobbs is back to her feet after lengthy treatment allowed back on, Stubbings off a throw in on the right lays it into Woodley driving in towards the top of the area right side, Parker rushing out getting her gloves on the ball before Woodley can pounce. Vicki Lubbock giving away a set-piece on halfway the ball played down the line a cross fired low into the near post, Parker positioned well dropping forwards onto the ball.

Aylsham’s Christina Papadopoulou

  Aylsham attack through the middle Papadopoulou carrying the ball on forwards into Baker to the left 20 yards out hooks it inside with Vicki Lubbock advancing right channel looking to bring it down in her stride, Milner putting in the challenge as she arrives in the box to sent clear. Fulbourn launching a fast paced counter on the left Woodley with Stubbings and Crook the ball sent on up towards Seyf in a central position 25 yards out, turns to attack, Buckley getting across her to hold her off allow Parker to come for the ball.

  Aylsham get bodies forwards from midfield to join the attack, Woods going along with Vicki Lubbock put into Papadopoulou drifting out to the left sends it back inside for Lubbock before turning into the box looking for the return ball, Lubbock playing it into her feet six yards out on the angle goes to shoot, Fallow coming to close her down having well with her legs.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow.

  Nobbs is down again, struggling with her earlier knock, can’t continue as is helped to the side-lines by her teammates. Aylsham forced into a change bringing Kiara Wright on. Remains a lively contest both side putting a lot of effort in despite the heat. The ball fired up to Sophie Lubbock up top for Aylsham 20 yards out sees one then 2 efforts blocks before laying the ball to her right with her twin sister racing forwards, Vicki met with a clumsy blocking tackle goes over inside the box, half hearted appeals but nothing doing as Fulbourn get the ball away to safety.

Sophie Lubbock

  Fulbourn get up the other end Seyf winning a throw on the right high level with the penalty box played inside to Stubbings top of the area right side, Parker racing out to close her down sliding in, Stubbings almost succeeds in taking the ball wide of the grounded keeper, however Parker dives at full stretch to snatch the ball away from Stubbings boot. 

 A fascinating game two sides giving it their all, evenly matched Fulbourn getting forwards well looking to find an opening, need to remain wary up the other end as Aylsham release the ball up to their attacking players Baker to the left clipping it across the top of the area for Sophie Lubbock on the right, runs straight into Milner. Parker in the right place to save as Seyf sees the ball into her feet central off a throw from the right, her low strike straight at the keeper.

  Aylsham on the move left side Woods getting on with the ball with Papadopoulou out wide the ball fired into the D for Sophie Lubbock moves to her right looking for an opening her shot blocked by Anderson comes straight back to Lubbock pulls the trigger a 2nd time, Woods in the way this time striking her inside the box and away for a goal kick. Sophie Lubbock getting onto the end of a ball hooked clear from the back turns to shoot all of 30 yards out put straight at Fallow in the Fulbourn goal.

  GOAL! – Quinn up with the attack putting the ball to the left Crook on for Stubbings down the line squares a cross into the box, intercepted by Arnoup back out to the left side, Stubbings with another opportunity to fire in the cross, this time finds Woodley central drifting in unmarked, one on one with the keeper, picks her spot to drill the ball low past Parker before she can react 0-1.

Eleanor Woodley with the opening goal for Fulbourn

  Fulbourn with the lead the deadlock broken in the 38th minute. Farrow kicking the ball out of her hands helped on through the middle, comes through to Seyf in attack up top through the middle looks to control and turn top of the D, Greengrass putting in the tackle the ball running behind wide for a corner kick. Swung in near side Aylsham clear. Smith advancing up the field on the right for Fulbourn finishing the first half strong, plays a one two with Woodley who races down the line before angling a cross along the face of goal the ball cleared by Greengrass at the far post with Crook closing in. 

Parker fouled as she gets up to try and catch a high ball flung into the box from Fulbourn’s right. Papadopoulou gathering the ball into her feet looks to get on the move down the right, Crook tracking back to challenge for Fulbourn. Aylsham press forwards the ball lifted into Baker inside the box right of goal knocks it down for Papadopoulou on the move right side, cuts her cross back for Vicki Lubbock running in 25 yards out smashes her shot wide beyond the far post.

  End to end and Fulbourn turn play around Turner on for Quinn up on the right with Seyf and Woodley moving into the corner her cross intercepted turned wide for a throw, into Woodley 25 yards out fires it in central for Seyf to hit the shot, angled in on goal comes at Parker with pace but right behind it gets her gloves behind the ball palming it down then claiming. 

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 0-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 A thoroughly entertaining 1st half between to competitive evenly matched sides. A bright start from Aylsham getting on the front foot pushing on took Fulbourn a little time to settle figure things out but once they did the game became much more even the visitors getting forwards well, breaking up a number of Aylsham attacks, the hosts carrying a threat in behind forcing a save from the keeper. Fulbourn creating opportunities of their own taking a one on one with the keeper to open the scoring late in the first half. Both sides putting alot of effort into the game will be interesting to see if they can keep it up. Fulbourn with the slender lead will be looking to extend the advantage 2nd half, Aylsham needing to find a goal, if it’s all square after 90 minutes the game goes straight to penalties. 

 Aylsham with an enforced change in the first half making another at the start of the 2nd half, having lost one defender, lose another with Buckley coming off, Ellie Snowling entering the game. A positional change with Woods usually an attack minded player joining Arnoup at centre back. Fulbourn unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball back into Stubbings in midfield played across the back line before being played forwards into Woodley looks for Crook on the left, Brown seeing it out for a throw for Aylsham.

   Woodley pressing the ball on the left steals on on Brown to run past the full back, Brown back to her feet to get after Woodley and tackle to play the ball out for a throw. Fulbourn on the attack early on 2nd half pressing the ball high, out to Seyf wide right angles her diagonal ball inside into Woodley top of the D, turns to take the shot, Arnoup close in to put in the block. 

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup winning the ball

 Fulbourn winning a corner on the right side, the ball curled in near post high over Turner comes to Woodley catching the attacker off guard six yards out gets her head to the ball looping up in towards goal, Parker though sees it all the way claims unchallenged.

 Fulbourn turning the screw Seyf on the right winning her side a corner kick, the ball swung in near side Parker up well to take it into her gloves. Parker busy at the start of the 2nd half Crook firing the ball on from the right for Woodley steal off the defence into attack the box, Parker out sliding in doesn’t quite get there but throwing herself across the attackers run does enough to see Woodley fire her shot wide of the right post however it comes at a cost, Parker down hurt.

 Play stopped a long pause drinks taken, some concern a change of goalkeeper considered, Arnoup the option to don the gloves has been an emergency goalie in the past. Time taken however and Parker is slowly back up on her feet and able to continue. Play resumes Vicki Lubbock up to Snowling on the left a forceful run sends the pass infield for Wright, held up by Anderson, looks to take it right before lifting a high ball into the box, caught high back on her line by Fallow at her near post. 

Fulbourn defender, Jess Anderson

 Anderson strong at the back for Fulbourn brings the ball out of defence sending it forwards for Crook running on down the left side whips a cross in behind the defence Seyf just a fraction away from making contact 20 yards out, the flag though is raised against her, close. A good contest as Baker hooks the ball on from the middle up to Wright who drags the ball to the right looking to get down the line, Anderson racing across to snuff out the chance sending the ball away for a throw.

  Aylsham coming back into the game having soaked up some pressure from Fulbourn at the start of the 2nd half, Snowling and Vicki Lubbock looking to link up on the left side, Adams sliding in to halt proceedings for Fulbourn. The game stretched now with Fulbourn turning defence into attack well Quinn up to Woodley central lays it to Seyf to the right looking for the return ball as she races on into the box gets it, chasing it down Vicki Lubbock tracking back the pair come together Woodley’s heels clipped the visitors want the foul instead get a corner as the ball is deflected behind. Swung into the box Turner meeting it 10 yards out drills her headed effort over the cross bar.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

  Anderson surges away on the left getting forwards pressures Brown in possession forcing the error, taking the ball on in behind to cross into the area out to the right for Crook inside the box attempts to play it back across goal as Anderson steals in far post turns her first time attempt over! Fulbourn pushing hard for a 2nd goal Quinn with Stubbings into Crook right side 30 yard out pulls the trigger her strike angling wide past the far post. 

Eve Seyf with Kiara Wright

 Wright fouled by Stubbings on the right on halfway, Arnoup ever dangerous on a set-piece to take angling a diagonal ball up towards Sophie Lubbock inside the D, knocks it down into the path of Baker 30 yards out takes on the shot her effort bouncing up sharply in front of the keeper, but Fallow unfazed to claim. 

Shelley Woods winning the ball for Aylsham

 Fulbourn break away the ball floated on down the left Woodley on the move no flag running in behind to curl a cross in across the top of the area to Crook on the opposite side on the run as she strikes the ball, wasn’t settled as the ball left her foot, the shot taken by Parker positioned well on her penalty spot. Wright and Milner enjoying a good tussle on the right of Aylsham’s attack the attacker slipping inside to send a cross into the box too close to Farrow covering her near post. 

Vicki Lubbock

Aylsham with a third change bringing of Baker, replacing her with Chelsea Crowley. Papadopoulou’s chances limited so far in the 2nd half, links up with Wright on the right to get away to send a cross into the Fulbourn box, intercepted by Quinn. Aylsham keep the momentum Papadopoulou knocking the ball on central for Vicki Lubbock outside the box can’t quite take it in her stride, Papadopoulou running onto the loose ball 20 out pulls her shot wide.

Ellie Snowling

  Fulbourn lively on the counter attack Stubbins breaking on with the ball laid forwards into Woodley, Woods sticking a foot out to stab the ball away for a throw. Fulbourn from the throw press the attack Stubbings controlling to send the ball down the line for Woodley cutting the cross back to Seyf arriving top of the area, turns inside to shoot, her effort lacking pace Parker can snatch it up cleanly into her gloves. Fulbourn storming on with the ball Stubbings on for Woodley through the middle looks to drive into the box, Woods struggling to catch her brings her down with a cynical foul outside the D, a free kick to Fulbourn, Arnoup was around on the cover preventing it from being a straight red card, yellow shown. Crook on the set-piece s annoyed with herself as she flashes her strike over the bar.

Ebony Crook

  The visitors pressing for a goal, Crook breaking on up the right the cross-field ball into her path bursts into the box, Greengrass in to pressure the shot as Crook lets fly fires the shot wide at the near post. A single goal between the sides Aylsham under the cosh at the back as Fulbourn push players on release the ball through the middle into Vicki Lubbock 25 yards out to the left of the D, pulls the trigger a powerful hit taking a wicked deflection of a defender lopping up in front of Fallow, Papadopoulou running in on the keeper on the follow up getting something on the ball but can only turn in frustration and the ball spins wide of goal. 

  Players getting tired out their the heat sapping, Sophie Lubbock has fresher legs to her left as she sends Snowling away down the left, Smith closing her down to put the ball out for a throw. Woodley on for Crook plays the ball over the top looking for Seyf in behind, the attacker hesitates for a moment expecting a flag, gives Parker the vital second she needs to race out of her area to put in the blocking clearance, however the flag is up. A double change for Fulbourn, Quinn and Seyf coming off to be replaced by Chandler and Muffett.

 Aylsham warded a free-kick on halfway. the clock ticking down as Aylsham search for an equaliser, Arnoup has a crack on goal, skipping through on target Fallow is forced into the save diving to her right full stretch to push the ball wide out of her box. Stubbings is finding the energy to keep up the attack running away with the ball on the left flashes a cross into the six yard box, Parker down low to knock the ball away from danger ahead of Woodley. 

  GOAL! 10 minutes of regular play left Aylsham find Wright central controls to lay the ball on for Vicki Lubbock 20 out left of the D, drives forwards evading a wild challenge to run on into the box and slot the ball past the advancing keeper to level the match 1-1.

Vicki Lubbock celebrates with her teammates

  Game on with less than 10 minutes to play Aylsham back in the tie. Players pulling up on both side with fatigue. A break in play a chance for both to regroup for the closing stages. Aylsham with their tails up attack through the middle Papadopoulou with Vicki Lubbock has Woods making a run to the left finds her the ball slid into the box, cut out and cleared by Anderson for Fulbourn. 

Alex Milner with Chelsea Crowley

  The visitors set Crook away on the right forwards for Woodley into Chandler out on the wing, Crowley slides in to put the ball out for a throw in. This time the in swinging corner flung over Turner at the near post doesn’t catch Woodley unawares, meets it six yards out with a bullet header flashed straight at the keeper, parker reacting instinctively batting the ball up into the air and plucking it down safely into her chest.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mya Parker.

  Milner with a rare foray forwards for Fulbourn on the left swings a cross into the box looking for Woodley central, Parker has read the game well throughout there to claim the cross. Into the last five minutes Fulbourn finding the energy to launch a swift attack the ball clipped on by Stubbings to Woodley bursting through the defence, Greengrass finds the legs to get back on her pressure the attacker into the early strike from 25 yards out lacks the power to trouble Parker.

 The game stretched in the closing stages Aylsham tired pushed up trying to keep momentum in the Fulbourn half a risk but a goal now for either side surely wins the tie. Fulbourn dangerous on the counter Stubbings away with Woodley through the middle the latter sending Stubbings into the box right side, Woods going with her with a well timed tackle inside the box to turn the ball of Stubbings for a goal kick. Players down have given it their all, Milner struggling for Fulbourn nevertheless digs deep to deny Wright a crossing opportunity late on. 

 Woodley left side bringing the ball under control from a throw turning inside to lift a diagonal ball into the top of the area for Crook right of goal meeting it on the half volley sends her effort over the bar. Vicki Lubbock with a tired challenge to bring Woodley down central 30 yards out with the game deep into injury time. One last chance for Fulbourn outside the D, Crook with the deception to play the ball low out to the right for Woodley to attack inside the box on the angle smashes the shot in at the near post, Parker with the acrobatic save throwing herself to the left to glove the ball wide off the post… the final whistle comes straight after he tie going to a penalty shootout!

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 A thrilling game Fulbourn nearly winning it with the final kick of the ball. Created a host o chances 2nd half but couldn’t take one to extend their lead, needed a little more composure in front of goal but credit to Aylsham had to dig deep 2nd period deal with players in unfamiliar positions getting forwards got an opportunity to score and took it well holding on to send the game into a penalty shootout. In a contest that could have gone either way. 

Penalties

  Don’t like penalties as you know but the game has to be settled on the day, 5 each then if still level goes to sudden death.

  Aylsham up first, and it’s their captain placing the ball on the spot, Arnoup hitting the ball hard and low to her left, Fallow guessing the right way diving down to make the save deflect the ball up over the bar! 0-0

Rachel Fallow saves the opening penalty

 Crook walking up to the spot to take Fulbourn’s first penalty, a powerful hit angling arrow like to the right corner of the goal Parker going the right way has no chance 0-1.

  Vicki Lubbock to take Aylsham’s 2nd spot kick, no mistake blasts it down the middle to level things up 1-1.

  Woodley to take Fulbourn’s 2nd spot kick fires it in hard and low to the right, Parker throws herself across her goal to save getting her gloves behind the ball 1-1.

  Woods coming up to take Aylsham’s 3rd spot kick with an opportunity to fire her side into the lead, coolly taken to send the keeper the wrong way and score. 2-1.

  Turner to takes Fulbourn’s 3rd spot kick. struck to the right of goal, Parker agile moves crab like across her goal to get behind the shot and make the save. 2-1.

Mya Parker saving twice in the shootout.

  Sophie Lubbock up next for Aylsham, runs up a powerful hit angling to the left of goal at a saveable height Fallow dives gets her fingertips to the ball but the pace beats her to see Aylsham go 3-1 up.

  Chandler up next for Fulbourn has to score to keep her side in the shootout blasts her penalty into the top corner, well struck. 3-2.

  Papadopoulou walking up to take Aylsham’s 5th penalty scores and she sends her side into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup, runs in strikes the ball the keeper goes the right way but can’t get there the ball smashing down over the line off the crossbar to secure the win 4-2.

Aylsham celebrate as they advance to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A clear winner this time around. Nevertheless several performances to mention. A thrilling cup tie both sides gave it their all and could have gone either way. Firstly for Fulbourn a tough call to single anyone out was a great team effort once they got into the game. The attackers all playing their part making some great runs and constant outlets for the ball. Marie Stubbings got about the park winning the ball setting her team forwards. Jess Anderson with a number of vital tackles at the back winning her fair share of challenges. Daniella Quinn strong in the middle too particularly first half getting forwards to break up Aylsham’s play kept the momentum with her side. For Aylsham, Christina Papadopoulou asked Fulbourn plenty of questions with some great attacking runs, Vicki Lubbock strong in the middle getting forwards to support the attack to her chance well. The award though goes to young goalkeeper, Mya Parker, a fantastic competitive debut for Aylsham her positional play was fantastic throughout, read the game well and made a number of vital saves, most notably in the final seconds and two in the shootout.

  Aylsham will face Essex side Stanway Pegasus Women  in 2nd Round Qualifying after they scored a 94th minute winner to beat Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 3-2. A cracking cup tie more often than not there is a tie that calls to me in the draw and this was it a great contest between the sides a proper cup tie and both can be proud of their performance their opening game of the season sets them up nicely for the league campaign ahead. Could have gone either way. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details, good to catch up with a few familiar faces and look forward to the next round.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Norwich City Women v Ipswich Town Women

Thursday 29th August

FAWNL Cup Determining Round

East Anglian derbies have been the highlight for many season’s between Norwich City and Ipswich Town, games full pf passion, excitement and drama and at long last it’s the woman’s sides who get the opportunity to steal the show at one of the two clubs iconic stadium’s with Carrow Road hosting the pair in the now traditional opening round of the FAWNL League Cup competitions the Determining Round. The winning side going on to contest the League Cup itself, with the losers still competing for silverware in the form of the League Plate.

 Before I continue I should apologise to the Norwich City Women fans, new and old for highlighting the last time I covered the two sides in an East Anglian derby. Back then on the 19th February 2020, was a wet and miserable evening in Blofield, at Norwich’s old home of Plantation Park. The hosts struggling in the league with Ipswich very much on the crest of a wave, building a strong side with a frightening array to talent coming into their side from their newly formed FAWSL academy side. Ipswich on the hunt for promotion from South East Division One proved too hot to handle on the night, Eloise King rattling in a hat-trick as Ipswich powered their way to a 10-0. ‘Ipswich and Norwich poles apart tonight’ the final words of that report.

 I only highlight that now so that it shows how far Norwich have come from that wet and miserable night. Run by a small but dedicated band of volunteers the woman’s side is now fully under the banner of the main club, Ex-WSL player Flo Allen coming in a General Manager. The club with a fantastic new home moving to the The Nest a newly build sporting facility on the outskirts of the city. As a result have gone from a side struggling at one end of the league to one now amongst the favourites to achieve promotion to tier 3. A growing fanbase too are very much on the up!

 Matching those ambitions by bringing in Andy Cook as their new head coach. Managing Newcastle United Women previously, winning the League Cup before achieving promotion to the FAWSL Championship last season. Will be looking to build on last season with Norwich finishing runners-up in South East Division One. 10 players leaving the club over the summer including captain Anna Larkins who had been at the club for 16 years. Megan Todd taking over the captain’s armband this season.

  6 new faces joining the club, Sienna Booty and Izzy Moore setting up to the 1st team from the Academy Development Program. Jess Barnes who had an impressive season at the centre of defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women as they won promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division dual signs with Norwich. Lara Densley having been with Norwich between 2020-22 returns after a brilliant season on the wing for Wroxham Women. Attacker, Ella Powell joins having been at Loughborough Lightning for the past 3 seasons along with Tamsin Medd-Gill who has tier 3 experience with Plymouth Argyle Women. Cook’s reign getting off to a fantastic start with 2 wins from two in the league 2-3 away to newly promoted Dulwich Hamlet Women on the opening day with Natasha Snelling bagging a brace in this Sunday’s home win over Cambridge United Women.  In fact just Snelling and Millie Davies remain from the side that featured in that 10-0 loss.

  Ipswich Town Women lit the touch paper when it comes to getting ahead in the game, like Norwich long established as a tier 4 side, moved for that extra bit of investment to carry the club to the next level building a strong side and with in a FAWSL academy league set-up full of talented youth players to push forwards. Bearing fruit in the 2019/20 season, Covid would come along to throw things off the rails but once that began to settle and the FA looked to reset the leagues Ipswich won their rightful place in tier 3 and haven’t looked back, finishing in the top 4 in the past 3 seasons, records a 3rd, 2nd and 4th placed finish under manager Joe Sheehan. Have also done well in terms of gaining new supporters and have a passionate fanbase cheering on the team.

  With just the one promotion spot available throughout the FAWNL, achieving it is a very difficult task and sides invest much into achieving it. Ipswich coming close remain ambitious the goal to reach the Championship beyond. Remain committed to seeking out young talent to develop while adding a smattering of experience, players moving on just 3 remain from that night at Plantation Park, hat-trick heroine, Eloise King, along with fan favourites, Sophie Peskett and Natasha Thomas. A new raft of players coming into the club this season all with useful experience, Angela Addison prominent amongst those, having previously featured for Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur. Ella Rutherford another joining from Charlton. Isabella Fisher is duel signed to Ipswich from Arsenal. Charlotte Fleming the new captain, joins having been in the Championship with Watford last season. Grace Garrad likewise with Lewes in the Championship last campaign. Shauna Guyant and goalkeeper, Natalia Negri playing for Crystal Palace last season as the club won promotion to the FAWSL for the 1st time. Showed they will be up at the top competing again with two wins from their opening two games both against sides who would consider themselves title contenders too, 1-3 away to Oxford United on the opening day and a 2-0 victory at home to Hashtag United Women this Sunday. Sophie Peskett on target to score 3 goals across both matches.

Carrow Road

Norwich City Women getting used to the atmosphere at Carrow Road having gotten the opportunity to play a number of fixtures at the Championship ground in recent seasons hoping for another large turn out with Ipswich themselves bringing 750 fans to Norfolk. Have met once since that night at Plantation Park, Ipswich beating Norwich 3-1 at The Nest in the FA Women’s Cup late in 2020. The first time the pair have gotten the opportunity to go head to head at Carrow Road, the pitch a carpet to play on, the fans close to the action the South Stand being used for this evenings game. Activities outside the ground and a DJ providing pre match entertainment to help build the atmosphere. A lovely evening warm and dry after a pleasant warm day. 

Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill (C), Izzy Moore, Tamsin Medd-Gill, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran, Lauren Hailes, Freya Symonds, Holly Kennard, Ellie Smith & Natasha Snelling.  Subs – Amber Locker, Chardonnay Johnston, Ella Powell, Lara Densley Shannon Shaw, Olivia Cook & Sienna Booty.

Norwich City Women

Ipswich Town Women starting XI – Natalia Negri, Shauna Guyant, Megan Wearing, Evie Williams. Leah Mitchell, Charlotte Fleming (C), Lucy O’Brien, Issy Bryant, Maisy Barker, Angela Addison & Isabella Fisher. Subs – Laura Hartley, Maria Boswell, Summer Hughes, Natasha Thomas, Eloise King & Sophie Peskett.

Ipswich Town Women

 The DJ getting the crowd pumped up before the match as the teams are led out onto the pitch, the Ipswich fans in good voice too occupying the away section. The teams lining up opposite the spectators. Norwich without new captain Megan Todd at the start of the season, full back Lauren Tomlinson too who suffered a broken wrist in Norwich’s last match.  Ipswich with six of their new signings in the starting line-up including new captain, Charlotte Fleming. The game attracting plenty of media interest, including being broadcast live on BBC Radio Norfolk.

  It’s the visitors, Ipswich to get the Determining Round tie underway kicking off the 1st half, wearing blue coloured shirts with white shorts and blue socks, Norwich lined up opposite in their traditional yellow coloured shirts with yellow socks and green shorts. The ball played back to the defence Ipswich allowed time on the ball patient moving it across the back line from left to right before sending a probing pass up the right for Issy Bryant to attack, Freya Symonds stretching out a leg to intercept for Norwich, turns and makes a powerful run up the wing in front of the cheering fans, Shauna Guyant in to play the ball off Symonds for a throw in.

  Norwich getting everyone behind the ball inside their own half allowing Ipswich possession at the back the visitors with a slow build up happy to keep possession, Fleming central clipping the ball out to the right wing with Bryant bursting forwards, Izzy Moore at left back for Norwich going with her as she looks to see the ball out of play, not happening with Bryant hustling Moore instead gets her foot on the ball to control and clears up field. 

 Both wide players lively at the start for Ipswich, with Maisy Barker breaking down the left the full backs coming on with the ball as Norwich concede ground, Fleming again to lift a diagonal pass out to the right looking for Bryant, Moore getting head head on the ball to cancel the threat for Norwich. Ellie Smith looking to get hold of the ball central for Norwich drive the attack, gives away a foul in the circle on Fleming. The set-piece taken quickly lifted on down the left for Barker breaking into space in behind to turn cross into the area, Ceri Flye heading the ball clear at the back for Norwich.

 Ipswich quick to retain possession getting players up around the edge of the box, Norwich dropping back no space to thread a ball in behind, likewise getting it out to attack the opposition tough with both Smith and Natasha Snelling picking up the ball inside their own half soon running into traffic. Guyant up with Bryant on the right for Ipswich the ball slid into the area snatched up safely by Sara Quantrill in the Norwich goal. Snelling linking up with Symonds on the left an opportunity to attack with the ball down the line, wins a throw in, gives the attackers a chance to cause an issue up the other end, Smith harrying the defence in possession top of the area, Megan Wearing getting it way for Ipswich.

Ipswich’s Megan Wearing

  Evie Williams sending the ball on for Barker down Ipswich’s left side races on down the line before cutting the ball back into the top of the area looking for Angela Addison Eloise Morran tracking back for Norwich, stealing the ball off the attacker to clear. Norwich launch a counter attack through the middle, Snelling on the drive with the ball at her feet played out to Symonds on the left sends an angled cross in long towards the far post, Ipswich goalkeeper Natalia Negri getting up to pluck the ball down, keeping hold of it as Smith comes rushing in on her, a free-kick on the keeper awarded by the referee. 

 Ipswich with possession calm at the back stroking the ball about advancing as a unit the ball into the middle for Lucy O’Brien with Fleming taking it out to the right played into Fisher pulling wide the striker sending the ball inside to Bryant top of the area, Flye putting in the blocking tackle the ball coming back to Fisher outside, darts inside to send a cross in on the angle wide across the top of the six yard box.

Isabella Fisher

  Norwich soaking up alot of pressure look determined in defence as Ipswich playing the ball across the back launch an attack on their left Williams on for Barker her cross into the top of the area, Flye quickly in to block the resulting strike from Addison. Moore closed down at the back for Norwich under pressure squeezes the ball inside for her keeper to clear, Quantrill forced into a hasty clearance with Addison moving to close her down.

 Ipswich able to get players into advanced positions, Leah Mitchell up inside the D as the ball runs into her path rifles in a powerful strike towards goal the ball smashing down off the cross bar Quantrill dropping to the ground in an attempt to get something on it reacts quickly as Addison latches onto the loose ball six yards out to the left of go, the keeper throwing herself up to bat the follow up shot pushed away to the left, Barker getting it back to send a cross into the mix, Hope Strauss heading it away for Norwich as they see out the threat.

  Flye picking up a knock in the melee, down needing treatment, both sides coming over to their respective benches for instruction. The defender okay to continue Norwich limited in their opportunities to attack, both Snelling and Smith often receiving the ball inside their own half, quickly closed down as they attempt to carry the ball on. Lauren Hailes winning the ball for Norwich sending it on for Holly Kennard attacking on the right taking the ball on looks to turn inside Williams, the full back coming back at her to tackle regain possession for Ipswich send her team forward played through to Fisher making a run into the right channel turns it wide to Guyant in the right as she arrives in the box, Guyant sending a shot racing wide across the face of goal from the angle.

Ipswich’s Shauna Guyant

  Ipswich pressing look a threat, Barker from the left firing a cross into the top of the area, Guyant latching onto the ball right of the D, driven in low, Quantrill down smartly to make the save turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Curled into the near post from the right the corner headed clear, Norwich look for the break the ball sent long up to Kennard breaking on down the right, tracks inside before Fleming covers the ground to challenge and turn play around Ipswich on the attack, Kennard down off the ball play stopped with the winger appearing to be in trouble. A pause in play and after assessment, Kennard is allowed to play on. 

  Guyant getting on well down the right for Ipswich up with Bryant her cross into the area cut out by Hailes for Norwich. No break on for Norwich, Ipswich come back winning a free-kick 25 plus yards out to the right, slid down the line for Guyant to fire in a low cross, Flye stepping in to block the ball for Norwich. A dogged effort from Norwich at the back, little for the attackers to feed on Smith releasing Symonds on the left wing powers her way forwards, the ball turned out of play, Symonds feeding off the crowds energy looking to pump them up. 

  Smith bringing the ball inside running across the top of the Ipswich D looking for an opening instead sends it on for Kennard out wide she turns it back into the area, looking for the run of Hailes the midfielder, not quite able to take it in her stride, Mitchell clearing for Ipswich.

Norwich’s Lauren Hailes

  Mitchell part of the next Ipswich attack bringing the ball on before firing it on into the area for Fisher pulling off the defence right of goal, gets a shot away on the angle but straight at Quantrill who drops to make the save. Fisher advancing down the left channel played on by Addison surges forwards knocking the ball on towards the top of the area, Flye comes to close her down managing to nick the ball away from the attacker, hurt as Fisher catches her foot on the follow through. The defender taking the knock able to shake it off.

   Fleming doing well in the middle getting about to win the ball keep her side on the front foot, dominant in possession. Smith into Hailes, picks out Kennard on the right takes the ball forwards inside for Smith, looks to turn off Williams the full back on close getting her toe on the ball to take it off the attacker. O’Brien sends the ball on for Barker left for Ipswich closing in on the by-line cuts the cross into the area charged down by Flye turned behind for a corner kick. Curled into the near post headed clear by Smith for Norwich. 

 Ipswich turning the screw barker in again on their left closing in on the by-line cut back up to Addison on the box looks to fire her shot in across goal, Strauss in the way blocking to turn it out past the far post for a corner kick. Swung into the six yard box, Quantrill comes in amongst bodies to punch the ball clear. Ipswich with all the attacking play, Norwich though putting in a determined effort in defence. Symonds down needing treatment as she stretches out a leg to prevent Fisher driving on with the ball. 

  Barker seeing another low cross from the left cut out by Flye, Ipswich pushed up quick to regain the ball swung out to the right, Bryant’s attempted cross deflected off Morran into the side netting for a corner kick. Players up the ball curled into the six yard box, attacking it an Ipswich player goes down falls to Fisher six yards out gets the ball in on target but can only find Quantrill back on her line. 

Ipswich captain, Charlotte Fleming

 Fisher reacting quickly to nip in on the ball as Morran plays it short at the back to the left of the area, looks to strike the ball across the goal can’t get it wide enough of Quantrill. Addison in the left channel has Barker ahead of her as Ipswich press forwards in the closing stages of the first half the ball, looking to pick her out, Hailes and Morran both put in challenges to half the attack play switched to the right with Mitchell bombing forwards her cross on the run struck over the bar.  

Half-time Norwich City Women 0-0 Ipswich Town Women

  Goalless at the break, somehow! Ipswich having the lions share of possession able to play the ball across the back push up, creating numerous opportunities, Quantrill by far the busier of the two goalkeepers producing a couple of top draw saves. Norwich have set there stall out to defend and have for the large part done well soaking up pressure dropping back inviting their opponents on has limited their own opportunities going the other way with their attackers often deep having alot of work to do. Ipswich comfortable at the back. A question now of whether Norwich can keep their opponents out for another 45 minutes, Ipswich will fancy their chances of breaking the deadlock if the balance of play remains the same.

  No changes for either side at the break, Norwich to get the tie underway 2nd half, extra-time and penalties should they be required. Played out to the left, Bryant in to close the left back down as Ipswich look to get straight on the attack. From the right the ball pushed inside to Fisher who in turn finds Addison to her left, drives forwards, Flye into win the ball back for Norwich. 

  Ipswich attack left Williams on for Barker attacks down line evading Medd-Gill’s challenge tracking to the by-line the Norwich full back coming back at her to charge the cross down, the ball played back up the line, Williams cross in from deep cleared by Strauss at the top of the Norwich area. Strauss with the outstretched leg to get in ahead of Addison inside the box as Bryant looks to pick her out from the right.

  The pattern pretty much as you were in the first half Ipswich pushed up on half way knocking the ball about at the back probing the Norwich flanks. The hosts soaking up the pressure well mind an assured defensive performance so far. The cross-field pass coming to Bryant out on the right, looks to take the ball on, held up by Moore, looks to put it back up the line for Mitchell, Symonds getting back to support Moore and break up play. 

 Fleming with the diagonal pass out to Bryant on the right clips it back across the top of the area into Fisher back to goal 20 out, turns and twists looking to get a half yard pick out Guyant in the area ahead of her, Strauss in to close her down for Norwich. Both sets of supporters finding their voice looking to encourage their teams a great atmosphere as Ipswich force a corner on the left. Curled into the middle of goal, Quantrill with the reactive save knocking the ball up into the air, dropping for Addison top of the six yard box looks to place a deft header back in on target looping up but caught safely by the Norwich keeper back on her line.

Norwich defender, Ceri Flye

Norwich barely out of their half in the opening 10 minutes of the 2nd half, Ipswich continue to knock on the door. Smith getting Kennard on the move on the right is cleaned out as she breaks away, no foul a throw in to Norwich put inside to Hailes making a run 25 yards from goal, can’t get a shot away before she is closed down. Barker running the ball to the by-line left for Ipswich held up cuts it back up the line for Williams to fire a diagonal ball in to the top of the area, Fisher the target, Flye nips in ahead of her to win it for the hosts.

An hour played Ipswich preparing a triple substitution Summer Hughes, Natasha Thomas and Sophie Peskett coming on to replace, Barker, Fisher and Bryant up top. Quickly into the action Thomas linking up with Guyant and Mitchell advanced on the right to win a corner. Played into the top of the area before being put back wide to the corner taker the cross intercepted by Strauss. Peskett operating on the right for Ipswich with a forceful run in behind flashes a dangerous ball in along the face of the Norwich goal.

GOAL! Hughes with the ball at her feet bursts infield from the left driving across the D sends it on for Peskett to the right, top of the area, lifts her cross into the middle, Flye up with Thomas the ball deflected down off the Ipswich attack falls straight to Hughes positioned left of the D, drills a low shot in towards goal racing past the diving Quantrill into the bottom corner to open the scoring and her Ipswich account for the season. 0-1.

Summer Hughes fresh to the action firing Ipswich into the lead

  The deadlock broken at last, an inspired triple change from manger Joe Sheehan with all three substitutes involved in the goal. Play resumes Ipswich straight on the attack winning a corner on the right.

GOAL! Have played in some inviting in swingers from their corners a this one is on the money from Guyant, put in central Thomas inside the six yard box rising the highest to power her header into the top corner to double the lead 0-2. Thomas getting her account up and running for the season.

Natasha Thomas heading home Ipswich’s 2nd goal.

The substitutes tuning the game on it’s head, Norwich having defended stoutly for an hour quickly falling 2 goals behind will have to change strategy now to get themselves back into the tie. Ipswich not willing to let them out however as they press the advantage getting bodies forwards. Peskett coming back from a long injury lay off towards the end of last season looking hungry on the ball as she drives at the defence, Strauss coming across to help out Moore. Peskett retrieving the ball to turn and lift a vicious cross in to the far post, Thomas trying her best to get on the end of it can’t keep the ball in play.

  Smith looking to get something going for Norwich in attack stealing on on Wearing to have a run at the opposition box coming inside Wearing gets back at her Smith giving the foul away. Mitchell defending well against Smith as the Norwich attacker battles to get into the box.

Ellie Smith attacking for Norwich

  Norwich making a change bringing on an additional attacker with Shannon Shaw on to replace Medd-Gill.

GOAL! The substitutes continue to cause havoc for Ipswich Peskett fed the ball out on the right pushes on into the area lifting the ball inside towards Addison positioned on the penalty spot, meets it superbly turning the ball past the keeper into the top corner off the bar to score her 1st Ipswich goal and fire her side into a 3 goal lead in the 73rd minute. 0-3.

Angela Addison with her first goal for Ipswich

Ipswich on top getting hold of the ball in the middle Fleming into Peskett right channel, looks to burst on towards the area, Flye getting across the attacker to shield the ball play it back for Quantrill to launch clear. The Ipswich fans in full voice. Peskett seeing the ball into her feet right side rolling her marker to turn in behind races on into the box, Flye across to stand her up the winger flashing her cross/shot up over the bar.

 A double change for Ipswich as they bring off Mitchell and O’Brien, on come Maria Boswell and Eloise King. Thomas gets the ball from Flye outside the area left of goal but drags the resulting shot wide. Norwich making a double switch with Symonds and Kennard coming off, Lara Densley and Olivia Cook sent on. Norwich getting players up now to support the attackers apply a bit of pressure to the Ipswich defence, on their right almost pays off as Snelling forces a loose pass into the box, Negri coming racing out to try and get their before the attacker, Snelling goes down off her challenge, the keeper though appearing to just get her foot on the ball ahead of Snelling.

Megan Wearing holding off Norwich’s Natasha Snelling

GOAL! Ipswich get up the other end to fire in a 4th goal and this one is all about Sophie Peskett as fantastic effort as the winger picks the ball up on the right shifts inside and turns on the after burners to surge into the area and arrows her strike into the top right corner, 4 goals for Peskett from their opening 3 fixtures 0-4.

Sophie Peskett with a superb solo effort to put Ipswich into a 4 goal lead

  Norwich hit for four make another change with less than 10 minutes to play Moore coming off with Ella Powell joining the game. Morran with a swing at the ball from all of 30 yards out running wide of the Ipswich goal. King with a robust challenge giving the foul away on Smith. 25 yards out players up from the back swung into the area turned behind for a corner at the near post. Curled in from the right a sharp save from Negri back on her line to see the ball run out past the left post for another corner. Fleming defending for Ipswich.

Eloise King battling with Ellie Smith for the ball

  Smith coming off for Norwich with Sienna Booty coming on. Densley snapping on to steal the ball outside the box left of goal sends the ball into the middle. to close to Negri the keeper with the claim. The game moving into stoppage time. Opening up in the closing stages but Ipswich settled comfortable to keep the ball moving stretch Norwich, Peskett their outlet up top on the right forcing an attack n the drive Flye getting across to put in the challenge send the ball into the stands for a throw. The final whistle blows and Ipswich advance to the league cup proper with a memorable win at Carrow Road.

Full time Norwich City Women 0-4 Ipswich Town Women

  Ipswich look the business I have to say a strong performance this evening with the lions share of the possession. Creating numerous chances in the first half. Norwich set out to defend and would have been pleased that determined effort saw them head in goalless at the break. More of the same 2nd half, Norwich soaking up alot of pressure holding out, then the triple substitution on the hour changing the game the new players impacting the game straight away, Summer Hughes firing in the opener, quickly followed by Natasha Thomas from a corner. In front Ipswich kept up the attacking player Peskett a threat on the right setting up Angela Addison for the 3nd goal before adding a superb solo effort to make it 4-0. A good start in the league and into the league cup will certainly fancy their chances in both competitions. Norwich fought well in defence but ultimately inviting Ipswich on for so long couldn’t hold out had little by way of attacks a performance to be proud of nonetheless and into the League Plate have what it takes to go all the way.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, one contender putting herself forwards in the finish. Although their are some performances of note to mention. Firstly for Norwich it was a gritty and determined effort at the back, soaking up the pressure, for the large part dealt with it well, Ceri Flye in particular with a number of vital challenges and interceptions. Lauren Hailes getting back to help the defence looking to break up play. Sarah Quantrill with some important save in the first half to kept it goalless. For Ipswich Charlotte Fleming was strong in the middle getting about to win the ball back keep her side in the opposition half, Issy Bryant and Maisy Barker getting on well down the flanks putting several inviting balls into the box. The substitutes on the hour proving the difference, none more so that Sophie Peskett back to her best taking the ball on turning her opponents involved in the opening and 3rd goals as well as adding to her tally with a brilliant solo effort.

  Another enjoyable evening at Carrow Road, great to finally see the Norwich and Ipswich woman getting to contest an East Anglian derby at the ground. A fantastic crowd of 4751 in attendance in good voice creating a great atmosphere. My thanks to Norwich City for the media opportunity.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Wroxham Women

Sunday 25th August

ERWFL Premier Division

Bank holiday weekend and a trip over to The Nest this Sunday for my first taste of football action from the ERWFL Premier Division, an all Norfolk affair with newly promoted Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Wroxham Women.

The ERWFL representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England, up to full strength with two Division One’s North and South featured 12 sides apiece all vying for a place in the 12 strong Premier Division. Looks the strongest it ever has been with the talent pool growing in depth and quality throughout the game. Tier 5 onwards and the step up in quality becomes ever steeper.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women one of a number of county league sides applying for promotion to the ERWFL the season before last. Made sure thing’s were in place behind the scenes before making the move and it certainly paid off with a young talented squad more or less at the top of Division One North all season, enjoyed a tight race for the title with another newly promoted side, Hertfordshire’s Harpenden Town Women. Edging them to the title by a single point. From county football to step 5 in two season’s, have always said this is a huge jump up.

A baptism of fire for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women on the opening day, doesn’t come much tougher than a away trip to play Haringey Borough Women who are amongst the favourites for the Premier Division title this season. Proved to be a tough game with Haringey powering into a 6 goal lead at half-time. A goal back for Dussindale & Hellesdon in the 2nd half eventually going down 8-1. Now with their first home fixture of the campaign will be looking to put thing’s right albeit with another challenge from Wroxham. Have brought in a number of new faces to bolster the squad ahead of the Premier Division season. 8 in all including, Ellen Piggott, Kyla Langan, Ella Kruez. Holly Walker comes into the club having played for Wroxham previously. Jess Harper joins having previously played for Norwich City Women. Defender Rachel Jermy joins after an impressive debut season with Mulbarton Wanderers Women along with twins Lily-Ann and Anais Winney who gained valuable experience with then FAWNL side Cambridge City Women.

Wroxham Women are a long established side within the ERWFL Premier Division, keen to push on an challenge for the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL above, but with one place up for grabs winning the league is far from easy. Adam Race begins his second season in charge off the back of a 5th placed finish along with reaching the finals of both the County and League Cup.

The squad trimmed down with a few departures over the summer including striker Luci Middleton retiring from the game and Lara Densley going back to Norwich after an impressive season playing for Wroxham. However retain a strong core of experienced players and have added 5 new faces to the bring depth to the squad. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman played a vital role in Dussindale & Hellesdon’s promotion last season, comes into Wroxham off the back of those performances. Leilah Gooding previously with Norwich, joins having had a spell at fellow ERWFL Premier Division side Needham Market Women. Also joining from Needham Market attacker, Hayley Kindred. Poppy Loveland from Mulbarton and Rio Dobbie form North Walsham, two young players with lots of potential.

The Nest, a community footballing facility newly built in Horsford on the outskirts of Norwich home to both Norwich City Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. An ever growing site close to the airport to the north of the city. With Norwich also at home today, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women are playing Wroxham on the new Lauren Hemp Community 3G pitch before the main pitch. Opened by Lauren Hemp herself just last month. The pitch offering viewing along one side and goal end. Supporters able to visit the café for hot and cold food and drinks. After a rain filled day on Saturday, the weather much more pleasant today bright albeit with some dark clouds around but no rain forecast a strong breeze blowing across the pitch likely to cause issues during the game.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Ellen Piggott, Jess Harper (C), Addi Gregory, Lily-Ann Winney, Kari Kowalcyzk, Holly Walker, Rosie George, Alisha Juby & Anais Winney. Subs – Siesha Humphries, Izzy Noakes, Ella Kreuz, Shanice Sutton & Sofia Odell.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson (C), Breanna Rudd, Chloe Shipman, Rachel Cossey, Lily Alexander, Rio Dobbie, Hayley Kindred & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Lucy Eagle & Poppy Loveland.

Wroxham Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Today’s captain’s Jess Harper and Tigi Robson with the match officials

  Both sides missing several key players through unavailability and injury. Dussindale & Hellesdon without their 1st choice centre backs captain, Calista Tink and Jess Barnes. Wroxham with a few out with longer term injuries including their captain, Becky Russell and defender Albany Hodgson. Midfielder Jennifer Drummie out since March though is close to making her return. The wind is certainly stronger a kick-off approaches, Wroxham to take the kick-off 1st half will attack with the wind at their back wearing their away colours, mint coloured shirts with black sleeve and shoulders with black shorts and socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon wearing their all claret home kit. The ball rolled back to Lily Alexander in midfield plays it into her right back, Ella Gambell, the visitors patient keeping the ball at the back, captain Tigi Robson threading a pass into Chloe Shipman in the middle looks to drive forwards, tackled by captain, Jess Harper at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Wroxham quick to regain possession lift the ball out to the right with Hayley Kindred on the move, takes the ball down the line whipping a cross in on the angle the ball inches over the crossbar. Chelsea Clarke coming on from left back for Wroxham tracking inside before laying the ball on for striker Hannah Fuller pulling wide into the left channel, her cross put back in along the top of the area cut out by Dussindale & Hellesdon’s, Addi Gregory.

The hosts look to launch their first attack, Harper into Kari Kowalcyzk with Lily-Ann Winney pushing on through the middle, Rachel Cossey getting her foot on the ball to get Wroxham back on the offensive. A little congested in the middle, not alot of room to get hold of the ball both sides snapping at each other. Wroxham winning a throw on the left as Rachel Bussey steps in to take the ball away from Rio Dobbie. Played inside Alexander turns powering her way infield 25 yards out puts her foot through the ball her effort wind assisted flying up over the bar.  Wroxham looking to impose themselves on the game early on getting forwards with the ball.

Wroxham’s Lily Alexander

Attacking down the left Clarke on for Dobbie on the in sends the pass forwards into Fuller turning on the by-line to fire a cross in along the face of goal, cut out at the far post, turned into the top of the six yard box, Kindred is looking to latch onto the ball, getting taken out by an outstretched foot as she does, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty!

GOAL! Kindred picking herself up to take the penalty kick. Hits it well low and hard to race into the bottom left corner giving the keeper no chance as she celebrates her first Wroxham goal. 0-1. Wroxham with the lead inside 6 minutes.

Hayley Kindred sends Wroxham into an early lead from the spot

GOAL! No sooner have Wroxham taken the lead they double their advantage getting down the other end to win a corner kick on the left, Kindred coming over to play the ball into the area curled into the six yard box a mix up in the middle seeing the ball go all the way in at the far post 0-2.

Hayley Kindred is congratulated as she doubles Wroxham’s lead

Two goals for Hayley Kindred

Two goals in 3 minutes to see Wroxham gain control of the match. Dussindale & Hellesdon looking for at outlet up top play the ball over the top into space on the left, Rosie George bursting forwards, Clarke coming across brings her down outside the area top corner earning herself the first booking of the game. Harper coming up from the back to take the free-kick, strikes the ball in towards the near post, Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams right behind it taking the ball low into her body as she drops forwards.

Anais Winney closing down Robson at the back on the right side, steals possession to run in behind attack the area, goes early with her angled shot 20 yards out , looping doesn’t have the height to trouble the keeper, Williams with the easy catch. Gambell into Cossey, played right for Kindred to attack, charging down the wing drives into the box, Ellen Piggott timing her tackle well to deny the shooting chance the ball behind for a corner kick.

The delivery floated into the six yard box, cleared out to the top of the area straight to Alexander left of the D, puts her foot throw the ball her strike racing wide through the crowd behind past the far post. Clarke left putting the ball on into Fuller up to left channel, has Alexander making an overlapping run lays the ball on for her, the cross flung into the near post cleared by Harper for a throw in.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women captain, Jess Harper

The wind definitely favouring Wroxham n the 1st half, particularly from corners, see another inviting curled delivery from the left fall narrowly wide of the far post. The next opportunity swung in towards goal crashing out off the crossbar. Gambell  bringing the ball on down the right, tackled by Piggott, Shipman quickly regaining possession putting it cross-field into Dobbie, has Clarke racing past her on the overlap wanting the ball closing in on the by-line her cross caught in the wind flying to the far post, Fuller rising can’t quite get her head on the ball. George having picked up a knock for Dussindale & Hellesdon is replaced by Izzy Noakes.

Lily-Ann Winney with Chloe Shipman

Alisha Juby with the ball at her feet on the drive through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon attempts to thread the pass in behind for Walker, intercepted by centre back Breanna Rudd for Wroxham. Wroxham comfortable at the ball, Dussindale & Hellesdon moving the ball quickly but cramped up for space, with Alexander, Cossey and Shipman closing it down in the middle for Wroxham. Is space in behind with Wroxham pushing up it’s a case of whether Dussindale & Hellesdon can pick out the pass, they do with a good diagonal ball out to the left for Walker to run onto the winger on the move taking they ball on into the area rapidly closing down the six yard box, goes to pull the trigger, Robson diving in to charge the attempt down force it behind for a corner kick.

Tigi Robson moving across to close down Holly Walker as she bears down on goal

The corner from the left swung in towards the near post over everyone attacking that side drops to Robson beyond to clear safely at the far post.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

GOAL! Just as Dussindale & Hellesdon get an opportunity at one end they are hit on the counter attack the ball cleared into midfield played forwards into the box right post side cut out, Fuller nipping in to get hold of the ball lashes it home from six yard out to make it 3! 0-3.

Hannah Fuller latching onto the ball inside the box to turn and score

Almost a half hour played in the 1st half Wroxham with a 3 goal advantage, work for Dussindale & Hellesdon to do, Lily-Ann Winney finding Noakes on the right wing pushes on has good support from Anais Winney, look to play a one two expose Clarke as they turn the full back, Clarke though is one on the best full backs in the league and reads the pass to halt the attack.

Chelsea Clarke

Kindred has Fuller up with her on the right feeding the striker the ball, Fuller gets down the line to win a corner kick. Curled in across the six yard box comes all the way through to Robson at the far post her stooping header put back in towards goal, Cole right behind it to save for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Another change for Dussindale with Siesha Humphries on at the back in place of Piggott.

Wroxham’s Rachel Cossey

Fuller brought down on halfway winning Wroxham a free-kick. Clarke over the ball sends it long into Kindred attacking the right post, Cole with a sharp save down to get a glove on the ball turn it away from goal. Harper playing the ball out to Noakes on the right, Anais Winney making a run into the right channel ahead of her wanting the past played in behind, Noakes attempted through ball cut out by Robson. Dobbie seeing the ball into her feet on Wroxham’s left comes inside, Bussey coming back at her to put in the challenge, wins the free-kick as Dobbie comes back after the ball.

Alexander travels out to the left with the ball, Dobbie racing on down to the by-line wanting the pass, Bussey tracking back with her to win the tackle, the ball away for a throw in. Wroxham pressing late in the first half, Fuller 30 yards out right of the D, has Dobbie in ahead of her lays the ball forwards Dobbie striking the ball low and hard from outside the box, Cole with a fantastic save, getting down to glove the ball behind for a corner kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole

Curled into the mix from the right, dropping down outside the six yard box, Kowalcyzk looks to bring it away for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Wroxham quick to get the ball back find Kindred out on the right pressing forwards stopped by Humphries. Kindred receiving the ball from the resulting throw in spinning inside from the right striking the ball on the angle the effort crashing into the side netting. The visitors pushing hard for a 4th goal late on attacking through the middle Cossey with Shipman forwards for Alexander to the right of the D, 25 yards out unleashes a strike, Cole with another vital save diving to her left to push the ball away from her goal.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-3 Wroxham Women

  Wroxham end the first half in a strong position leading 3-0. Have been strong on the ball right from the off, the wind at their backs aiding their play at times, taking an early lead from the penalty spot quickly adding a 2nd goal to put Dussindale & Hellesdon on the back foot. Play often congested in the middle of the park Wroxham pressing pushing their opponents back the hosts have struggled to get the ball into their attackers impose any pressure of their own. Alot of work to do if they are to find a way back into the game, will have the win advantage 2nd half will be interesting to see if they can make it count.

Dussindale & Hellesdon making a double switch at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Ella Kreuz and Sofia Odell in place of Kowalcyzk and Williams. The hosts getting the 2nd period underway the ball put back into midfield, Wroxham move in to press, play stifled in the middle of the park. The ball eventually clipped long out to the right for Noakes, Clarke seeing it safely out of play. 

Izzy Noakes

  Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to be positive winning a free-kick inside the Wroxham half from deep Harper floats the ball up into the box seen behind by the Wroxham defence for a corner. Curled in across the six yard box from the left, through everyone out beyond the far post for a goal kick. 

 Shipman bombs on from midfield to the left looking to combine with Kindred the ball knocked forwards, Humphries in with a firm challenge to slow the ball down, Harper coming across to hold it up and launch clear. Humphries bringing some energy onto the pitch on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting stuck in and taking the ball forwards, running into a challenge wins her side a free-kick, 30 yards out to the left of the box. Harper on it lifts the set-piece high in towards goal. Williams back on her line keeping her eye on it claims cleanly.

  Wroxham press the attack the ball cleared at the back, Clarke latches onto it 25 yards out in a central position striking the ball is over the bar. not by much as it lands on the roof of the net. Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to be more competitive getting stuck in trying to regain possession both sides giving fouls away. Robson breaking from the back with the ball at her feet for the visitors moving into the right channel prods it wide for Dobbie, Bussey winning the challenge for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Rio Dobbie and Rachel Bussey

Alexander bringing the ball left combines with Clarke and Dobbie as they move up the wing, Alexander with the ball again to send a cross in low towards Fuller poised on the penalty spot, Gregory covering though the defender in front of the attacker to cut the ball out and clear. Gambell breaking away on the right for Wroxham receiving the ball the middle as she runs inside from 25 yards out, a wild swing at the ball sees her screw her effort wide.

Lily Alexander

  Wroxham making a double switch as they prepare to bring on Poppy Loveland and Lucy Eagle, Alexander and Dobbie the players coming off. Shipman playing the ball to Fuller up top outside the box knocks it down off her head to Kindred running on down the right wing whips her cross into the box, across the top of the six yard box just over Eagle as she runs in to attack it.

 Gambell sending the ball up the right for Loveland plays it forwards looking to release Kindred in behind, Harper racing across to lunge in win the ball out behind for a corner kick. Harper on hand to block as shot from outside the box by Clarke as the full back receive the cut back from Kindred on her right 25 yards out. 

  Little for Anais Winney to feed on up top, hasn’t stopped her trying to get after the ball, forces an error at the back as she charges down the keeper as Williams goes to kick the ball clear top of her box, striking Winney it rebounds behind, however his cleared behind for a corner before she can capitalise. Swung in low from the left the ball is defended at the near post. 

 Wroxham launch a quick counter Shipman bringing the ball on lifted up towards the top of the box, Dussindale & Hellesdon stretched as Fuller breaks in behind stretching to get her foot on the ball, falling forwards even as Cole saves with her legs the ball loose rebounding back towards the attacker Fuller lunges forwards trying to get to the ball brushes her head even as Humphries comes diving in herself to try and clear the pair colliding heads, in the immediate aftermath with both players down their is a little confusion however it’s another penalty!

 Before it can be taken though both players are in some discomfort and their treatment is the priority, Fuller slowly back up the first to her feet, Humphries has come off the worse an icepack strapped to her head she can’t continue and is helped off the pitch with Piggott back on.

  GOAL! A long pause between the penalty award and play resuming it’s Gambell placing the ball down on the spot. No fuss a low hard strike into the bottom left corner sending the keeper the wrong way to extend the advantage 0-4.

Ella Gambell firing home Wroxham’s 2nd penalty to make it 4-0

 The 4th goal coming midway through the 2nd half Wroxham with possession attacking on the left Eagle after ball Bussey closing her down the pair com together, Bussey coming off the worse appears to come down hard hurting her back in the process. Play stopped immediately the physio on, alot of concern. So much so an off duty paramedic is found inside the ground and calls an ambulance for the stricken player. Unable to be move until medics arrive the decision and it is the correct one is taken to abandon the match with 69 minutes played.

Game abandoned in the 69th minute 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-4 Wroxham Women at the time.

 Player safety is of paramount importance at the end of the day. You go out there to play and enjoy the game the last thing anyone wants to see is a serious injury occur, but it will sadly from time to time. Wish Rachel Bussey all the very best hoping the injury is not as serious as it appears and for a full and speedy recovery.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  No Player of the Match award this Sunday, just a few performances to highlight. Some fantastic saves from Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole. Jess Harper making some vital challenges and clearances at the back. Rachel Bussey too dealt with the threat on Wroxham’s left well with Chelsea Clarke supporting Rio Dobbie. For Wroxham, Clarke was superb in defence and getting forwards supporting and encouraging Dobbie. Lily Alexander made some fantastic runs created opportunities too. Tigi Robson solid at the back winning the ball and timing her tackles.

 My thanks to both sides for their assistance today. A challenging day in the finish on a sad ending. Chances are the game will have to be replayed but that is for a committee to decide. Credit to everyone at The Nest for the support and help in dealing with the incident and let’s hope for good news.

*UPDATE* Pleased to say Rachel has suffered no lasting damage and after a short period of rest and recovery will be back playing football.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Actonians Ladies

Sunday 18th August

FAWNL South East Division One

  And just like that the new football season is here! Feels like that nut in truth I have enjoyed a good break away from the game over the close season. Needed it as I celebrated covering women’s football across the East for a decade. Has been alot of changes in that time, while quite a bit remains the same. The game continues to grow and with the new season beginning across tiers 3-6, national and regional level looks to be the most competitive it has ever been. Looking forward to the season ahead.

Beginning the football coverage with a game from FAWNL South East Division One, a trip to St Neots Town FC home of Cambridge United WFC as they take on Actonians Ladies in their opening match of the season. Representing tier 4 in the women’s football pyramid, South East Division One looks to be very strong this season. Norwich City Women finishing runners-up last season behind AFC Wimbledon Women are the favourites to clinch the title this time around. Who will be the other challenges remains to be seen, Worthing FC Women pushing the top two last campaign now moved across to South West Division One. Chatham Town Women relegated last season will be looking to bounce straight back, while London Bees have rebuild with a new squad following their relegation from tier 3. Real Bedford Ladies and Dulwich Hamlet Women the promoted sides, know little about the latter, however the former are ambitious with a new coach and new squad set to compete at a higher level. Others will fancy their chances and certainly today’s opponents are capable of competing amongst the clubs in the top half of the table.

Cambridge United WFC  have been a stalwart in South East Division One all through the FAWNL years and the Combination league before. Finishing 7th last season, a little disappointed with that finish nevertheless enjoyed a successful season the high being reaching the League Plate Final, and that despite suffering an injury hit campaign missing key players throughout the season. Into the new season Cambridge will use that cup run to galvanise the squad as they look to build on that run. A few players departing with a new crop of players joining the side.

  Welcomed back striker, Sarah Wiltshire towards the back end of the season after missing much of the season pregnant with her 3rd child. A prolific goal scorer leading Cambridge’s attack. Amongst those joining Cambridge this season, Eva Hubbard with rivals Cambridge City, after spells with Needham Market and Ipswich Town is a versatile player, experienced an a natural leader. Also coming in from Cambridge City, midfielder Rosy Wodhams another strong addition who has featured in a few Women’s Football East – Player of the Match summaries in the past. Defender, Ellie Finneran joins the club from London Seaward as does full back Kelsey Smith. Goalkeeper, Sophie Shults added from Ashford Town providing strong competition and cover that position. Emma Wallis another defensive addition joining from Middlesbrough. 

 Actonians Ladies like Cambridge have been a competitive force in South East Division One for a while now, often finishing in the top half of the table, punching above their weight at times capable of causing an upset. Have a strong set-up from youth level through to first team with a women’s Reserves and Development side competing too. Finishing in the top half of the table last campaign clinching 6th spot. 

 Actonians Ladies begin the new season under a new head coach with a host of new faces joining the club. Oliver Yazdi leading the 1st team coaching team this season has alot of experience coaching girls and women’s football leading into his new role at Actonians. Takes on a squad that sees 10 new signings tis season. Added to the attacking line up are strikers, Dior Knorr and Abigail Igbavboa. Defender, Olianna Bishop. Prudie Todd Warmoth can operate in both defence and midfield. New to the midfield are Hana Lalani, Dulcie Gray and Megan Page. Khyri Mackenzie, Merle Redhead Ling and Amanda Reimer complete the new additions.

 Cambridge United WFC winning all three encounters between the sides last season 2-1 twice at home in the league and away in the cup. With a 5-1 victory at Actonians in the reverse league encounter. St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the home for Cambridge United WFC these days. Situated in an ever growing residential are on the outskirts of the town. A grass pitched main facility with a 3G pitch beyond. The pitch in great shape as it always is. Offering good width the main stand housing the changing rooms and bar on one side with small covered terracing behind each goal with viewing all round. A bright sunny day with no rain forecast early twenties a good day to start the new season.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Lauren Rouse, Gisela Otten, Emma Wallis, Kelsey Smith, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Sammy Edgar, Rosy Wodhams, Eva Hubbard (C), Alysha Stojko-Down & Bella Simmons. Subs :- Abbie Jackson, Charlotte Gillies, Marta Rodriguez & Holly Plummer.

Cambridge United WFC

 Actonians Ladies starting XI – Elisa Dogor, Prudie Todd Warmoth, Amber Dredge, Mara Bramwell (C), Jennie Brereton, Naomi Graham, Hana Lalani, Amina Hanif, Merle Redhead Ling, Dior Knorr & Abigail Igbavboa. Subs :- Olianna Bishop, Megan Page, Khyri Mackenzie, Dulcie Gray & Keishia-Farah Luboya.

Actonians Ladies

  A blow for Cambridge in there final pre-season game last weekend with Sarah Wiltshire breaking her arm seeing her out of action for a little while. Four of Cambridge’s new signings debuting in the starting line-up, defenders Kelsey Smith and Emma Wallis with Rosy Wodhams in the midfield alongside new captain Eva Hubbard. Five of Actonians new faces in their starting line-up, Prudie Todd Warmoth, Merle Redhead Ling, Hana Lalani, Dior Knorr and Abigail Igbavboa. Along with Olianna Bishop, Megan Page, Dulcie Gray and Khyri Mackenzie on the subs bench. 

Captains Mara Bramwell and Eva Hubbard with todays match officials

  It’s Cambridge to get the new campaign under way kicking off the 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Actonians line-up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle clipped long out to the right wing with Kelsey Smith looknig to get up the line, Prudie Todd Warmoth covering that side at the back for Actonians defending to see the ball out of play for a throw in. From the resulting throw Cambridge gain a free-kick presenting them with an early opportunity to get players up into their opponents box, the ball swept in with pace at a decent high, Mara Bramwell captaining Actonians the centre back meeting the ball with a firm headed clearance.

  Actonians look to counter with pace midfielder Amina Hanif bringing the ball into her feet looking up to play the ball over the Cambridge defence with Merle Redhead Ling providing a left channel run in behind, Cambridge goalkeeper Lauren Webb positioned at the top of her area out to the ball quickly to deal with the threat. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris providing the width for Cambridge on the left looking to get up the pitch with pace run onto any long pass out of the defence, Jennie Brereton coming across to close her down winning the ball back for the visitors.

  Cambridge with a positive start looking to move the ball forwards quickly use the flanks keep Actonians pinned back. Eva Hubbard onto the ball in the middle for Cambridge has Rosy Wodhams to her right picks her out with the pass Wodhams in turn sending it out to the wing with Wallis bombing on sends a looping ball into the Actonians box dropping far post six yards out Alysha Stojko-Down attacking it, Brereton gets across her to make the challenge deny her the shot. 

Cambridge’s Gisela Otten

 Gisela Otten with the ball under her control at the back for Cambridge plays a delightful long pass up the left flank for Cheal-Ferris to run onto to taking it on whips a cross into the six yard box, Actonians goalkeeper, Elisa Dogor getting her gloves behind it on the bounce, snatches it up in the nick of time with Stojko-Down stealing in. A competitive collective of players operating in the midfield, little quarter given, Amina Hanif bringing Wodhams down 30 yards out as she looks to get away with the ball on the right.

  Abigail Igbavboa and Dior Knorr look to combine in attack on the left side for Actonians the former sending the ball on for Knorr, Lauren Rouse getting in the headed clearance before the attacker can take the ball in behind her into the box. Dogor coming out to the left of her area to deal with the ball is closed down by Bella Simmons charging the ball down steals it away from the keeper playing in across the top of the area looking for Stojko-Down, can’t get it out from under her feet as Dogor recover diving in front of her to lay claim to the ball.

   Sammy regaining the ball in the middle for Cambridge on for Hubbard into Simmons has Stojko-Down moving right receiving the pass, Hanif getting a leg out to win the ball back for Actonians 20 yards out. A lively opening 15 minutes, Kelsey Smith’s turn to play the pass up the line for Cheal-Ferris left side, Brereton again across to support, Redhead Ling in defence. Naomi Graham battling for possession in midfield looking to hold of Edgar, ends up fouling the Cambridge midfielder 30 plus yards out in a central position, Stojko-Down has a crack at goal lifts her shot over the crossbar.

Actonians, Hana Lalani battling for possession with Cambridge’s Sammy Edgar

  Actonians defending their box pushed back inviting Cambridge on still look a threat on the counter attack and are ready to pounce at any opportunity, Knorr coming to the left to receive the ball from Amber Dredge turns, fouled by Wallis winning a free-kick out wide, the delivery fired in with pace towards the near post through everyone, Webb though is right behind it takes the ball into her midriff as she falls forwards. Cambridge’s turn to break with pace the ball played out to Smith left side sends a fantastic ball into the left channel for Simmons to take into her path running into the area strikes the shot on the angle across the face of the Actonians goal wide at the far post.

Bella Simmons holding off Actonians, Prudie Todd Warmoth

  Igbavboa receiving the ball from Lalani in the middle attacks on the right strong on the ball turns inside to play the ball into the mix top of the Cambridge area, half cleared comes onto Graham 25 yards out strikes the ball her effort blocked. Hanif sending the ball out to the left for Actonians, Dredge on for Knorr the cross lifted into the box, Redhead Ling on the penalty spot, Smith in front of her winning the ball heading behind for Cambridge to concede the corner. On the left taken short as Hanif comes towards the taker payed back up the line for the cross to come in from deep, Webb taking it cleanly at the near post.

  Tempers flaring a decision going against Actonians, Dredge show a yellow card and sent to the sin bin for apparently throwing the ball away. The visitors to play the next 10 minutes with a player disadvantage. Knorr strong with the ball for Actonians turns well in attack looking to get in behind the defence, Otten recovering well diving in to win the ball with a well timed tackle. 25 minutes played a drinks break called.

  Cambridge struggling to make their player advantage count as Actonians get everyone behind the ball, Edgar upended top of the central circle winning the hosts a free-kick. Played into the box, finds its way through to the keeper. Hubbard with the ball central plays it on for Stojko-Down right channel has Wodhams advancing past her on the overlaps rolls the ball into her her strike from outside the box charged down the deflection taking it behind for a Cambridge corner. 

Rosy Wodhams

 Cheal-Ferris to curl the ball in from the right dropping beyond the far post Simmons stooping to attack it with her head drives the ball down into the ground at the post, Dogor across her line to knock the ball away for a corner on the left. Again the delivery is long beyond the far post attacked by two Cambridge players, a clash of heads as the ball is cleared outside the box, Wodhams looking to latch onto the shot, Hanif out quickly to making the blocking tackle before play is stopped to access the injured players.

Actonians midfielder, Amina Hanif

 Cambridge pressing looking for a goal getting on with the ball, Actonians marshalling their box well, remains a tussle in the middle, Edgar carded for a foul on Lalani. The game a little scrappy as Actonians defend looking to get Dredge back on the pitch with her 10 minutes up. Cambridge seeing the ball into Simmons off a throw high on the left looks to take take the cross down beyond the far post and take the shot on the turn from the angle places the ball wide as she sends the shot across the goal.

Bella Simmons with Hana Lalani

  Cheal-Ferris seeing a shot blocked from 30 yards out as she receives the past in a central position from the right. The hosts looking the most likely to open the scoring Igbavboa and Knorr though patient up top ready to attack should the opportunity arise for the visitors. A flowing move from Cambridge through the middle Hubbard up to Stojko-Down has Simmons out to the right lays the ball into her Simmons in turn looking to play the return ball into Stojko-Down as she runs into the D, Brereton lunging in to make the challenge before a shot can be unleashed.

  Cambridge winning another set-piece out wide on the left Hubbard to play the ball into the box and a good pace and height towards the far post Wodhams getting up well to header the ball back towards goal turned behind a corner signalled. Bramwell defending the corner for Actonians look to counter Lalani with Hanif, can’t quite get the ball into Igbavboa. The game moving into stoppage time at the end of the 1st half.

 GOAL! Cambridge pressing for a goal at the end of the half Actonians hit their opponents on the counter, Knorr looking a threat he ball played into her in the middle takes it down of her chest well knocking it on and bursting into space on the right acing in behind heading for the box, Webb coming out to close her down one and one with the keeper, Knorr with a composed strike sending the shot past the diving keeper, and on into the goal beyond, letting out a roar in celebration as she opens her account for Actonians putting them into the lead! 0-1.

Dior Knorr bringing the ball down setting up her chance to score the opening goal for Actonians

Dior Knorr opens her Actonians Ladies account

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Actonians Ladies

  That the final action of the first half, Actonians jubilant as they head into the changing rooms in the lead the goal coming on the stroke of half-time. Have looked dangerous on the counter throughout many of their attacks coming from such moves as they defended deep inviting Cambridge on at times. The hosts arguably creating the better chances with out being clinical, but that’s football for you. Actonians have worked hard at the back and in the middle to break up Cambridge’s attacks the hosts using the width looking to get players on through the middle a positive first half without the reward. Actonians with a vital lead with something hold onto 2nd half and with that advantage can use their counter attacks wisely.

  The players out for the 2nd half, neither making any changes as Actonians get the 2nd 45 underway. Hanif sending the ball up to Igbavboa in attack, Hubbard in to win the ball back for Cambridge. On for Wodhams the midfielder fouled as she looks to take the ball forwards. Hanif winning the ball back for Actonians plays a diagonal ball from deep on the left into the area, Rouse heading the ball back into the middle or Cambridge, Igbavboa looking to run onto the ball, shoot, Wodhams diving in to make a good blocking tackle. 

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris ringing the ball on for Cambridge

  Cambridge moving the ball into the right channel, Simmons pulling away getting onto the ball sweeping a cross in towards the top of the area. Cheal-Ferris looking to see it down of her chest at the far post, slips as she goes to take the shot, Actonians scrambling the ball away. Todd Warmoth holding Simmons up in the right corner as Wallis plays the ball on down the flank for Cambridge, Bramwell coming across to help her teammate out. 

Actonians Naomi Graham

 

 Wodhams in to win the ball high for Cambridge sends the pass into Simmons right takes on the early cross blocked inside the box, Cambridge appealing for a handball, nothing doing. Remains as competitive in the middle as ever Igbavboa back to defend fouling Wodhams top of the circle. The free-kick clipped up into the area Cheal-Ferris up on the six yard line to head the ball up over the advancing keeper, towards goal however, Bramwell is back on the cover to head the ball off the line. 

Actonians captain, Mara Bramwell

 Actonians with an attack Redhead Ling released out on the right powering forwards cuts the ball back inside for Hanif to strike on the angle, blasts her strike into the side netting. Cambridge continue to press the attack passes forwards rushed at times Actonians solid in defence deep not allowing any gaps in behind. The visitors clear the ball at the back Graham up to Redhead Ling on the right driving forwards is on her own does well to win her side a corner. Lifted into the near side Hanif gets up well to head the ball turning it down into the mix, blocked Actonians turn to appeal and this time the referee points to the spot for a handball despite Cambridge’s protests.

Lalani placing the ball on the spot for Actonians an opportunity to double their advantage takes the run up and sends the spot kick up over the cross bar much to her dismay.

Hana Lalani with her head in her hands as she sends the penalty over

  The game more scrappy in the 2nd half, Cambridge with a desire to get the ball forwards quickly, Actonians determined to stop it at every opportunity, Hanif covering alot of ground across the park getting after the ball the most likely to free up her attackers. Cambridge making a change bringing off Otten at the back bringing on Marta Rodriguez to join the attack, the switch seeing Cambridge go to a back 4. Simmons putting the ball on for Wodhams as she breaks forwards into the right channel her cross into the area taking a deflection of Graham to see it safely claimed by Dogor in goal beyond. 

  Hanif winning the ball in the middle for Actonians as usual looking to release the attackers, Knorr central just straying offside as she breaks in behind. Knorr seeing the ball into her feet back to goal right channel has Redhead Ling moving up the wing the ball rolled into her her cross blocked by Smith for Cambridge. Lively as Edgar puts the ball into Stojko-Down 25 yards out hooks it on looking for Simmons, Brereton getting her head on the ball to clear Actonians with the counter attack Redhead Ling racing away with the ball on the right sweeping a cross into the near post claimed high by Webb.

  Actonians break up another Cambridge attack turn play around Hanif with a great diagonal ball into Knorr bursting away on the right channel running towards the top of the area, clear Webb comes rushing out to meet her sliding in at her feet to make the save turn the ball away for a corner kick.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  Comes to nothing as a 2nd drinks break is called. Hot out there and both sides are working hard Actonians resilient in defence frustrating their opponents. Play resumes Cambridge getting the ball on the left on for Rodriguez has Wodhams breaking on to get into the box ahead of her the ball lifted forwards, Bramwell getting to it first to head clear for Actonians. Gaps at the back with Cambridge pushing on Knorr looking to exploit it as the ball runs into her path driving on down the right Webb comes rushing out once again can’t get there the ball played across the area, Lalani closing in at the far post, Rouse manages to find the extra yard to dive in take the ball away from her.

Cambridge defender, Lauren Rouse with the last ditch tackle

  Wodhams taking the ball on right for Cambridge on for Simmons the cross into the area won by Bramwell. Cambridge with a throw on the left knocked on into the D falling to Wodhams goes to strike the ball inside the D, Todd Warmoth charging it down for Actonians. Cambridge pushing hard for an equaliser, Edgar in the middle with a neat past into Wallis on the right 30 out takes on the shot a low drive, Dogor on her line right behind it to make the stop.

Cambridge midfielder Sammy Edgar

  Actonians with a double change bringing on Olianna Bishop and Khyri Mackenzie for their debuts off come Todd Warmoth and Igbavboa. The substitutes linking up straight away Bishop forwards for Mackenzie the latter strong on the ball holding off a challenge sending the cross-field ball into Knorr right side, Webb seeing the threat out sharply to the edge of her area to slide in lay claim to the ball.

  Knorr receiving the ball from Hanif on the attack left channel surging into the box, closing in on the near post Webb stands up to her making the blocking save. Actonians remain compact difficult to break down Bramwell leading the defence well deep but winning crosses. Hubbard fires over from all of 25 yards out for Cambridge as she links up with Edgar through the middle. The game moving into the final 10 minutes. Edgar out to Wallis advancing on the right, turns inside her marker to deliver the cross into the area, Bramwell winning the header for Actonians.

Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard

  Cambridge pressing hard Bishop tackling Simmons on the right conceding the throw. Simmons 25 yards out seeing the ball into her feet strikes it on the turn the low effort put straight at the keeper. Knorr strong with the ball at her feet powering on down the right fires a vicious cross into the Cambridge six yard box, Wallis with the last ditch tackle to prevent the ball being turned into the back of the net. 

 The clock ticking down Cambridge bringing the ball on Simmons central out to Wodhams moving right down the line plays it back up to Wallis to play into the top of the area Stojko-Down meeting it her looping header dropping wide taking a deflection the corner awarded. Frantic defending in the box as the ball comes in Bramwell with 3 blocks in quick succession twice with her head as Cambridge look to turn the ball home inside the six yard box, then blocks with her feet as Hubbard gets a shot away from the penalty spot turned out to the left post off the keeper for another corner. 

 Cambridge sending on Charlotte Gillies to join the attack in the closing stages Wallis with a slight knock coming off. Actonians determined with the ball looking to run it into the corner. Tired legs out there as Cambridge get the ball back up the right for Gillies plays it across the top of the area looking for Rodriguez on the opposite side, Redhead Ling finding the energy to get past the attacker to get hold of the ball inside the box. Actonians fighting till the end get their campaign off to a winning start, Knorr’s finish late in the first half the difference.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Actonians Ladies

  Actonians with a determined and resilient performance at the back seeing them win the 3 points to get their season up and running. Kept it compact throughout soaking up alot of pressure breaking away to score the all important winner in the first half, that gave them vital confidence and belief to go onto defend their goal in the 2nd period and hopefully take another chance if it fell their way. A competitive tussle throughout Cambridge with a positive start taking the game to Actonians using the pitch well getting players forwards came up against a opponent prepared to drop deep not relinquish any space in behind. For all there attacks never had clinical edge to unlock the door, Actonians mostly attacking on the counter taking the chance when they had it.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season and as is often the case is another tough call. I certainly had a contender in mind leaving the ground and haven’t changed my mind despite a couple of other players putting themselves in contention as the notes from the report unfolded (I write too many notes I know, but it’s the players fault they create the drama, and it’s great drama!) A few performances to mention firstly for Cambridge a strong debut for Rosy Wodhams in the middle of the park winning the ball and looking to make attacking runs. Bella Simmons in attack coming for the ball created an number of opportunities. Gisela Otten, Emma Wallis and Lauren Rouse all making vital tackles at the back. Actonians with a goal and a clean sheet put in a strong defensive performance kept it compact at the back with good back up from their midfield. Mara Bramwell strong in defence winning the ball throughout. Dior Knorr in attack took her goal well patient up top making some dangerous runs on the counter. Today’s award goes to midfielder, Amina Hanif covered alot of ground getting about the pitch to win and close the ball down and more often than not it was her vision and passes that led to Actonians launching their counter attacks with such venom.

 Great to be back and a fantastic game from the FAWNL to start the season promises to be a great campaign ahead. More teams to see in action than there are weekends to cover them. Doesn’t matter how many off these reports I write I still get nervous but once the notes start flowing it all falls into place. My thanks to both clubs for the help with the team details today as ever much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Colney Heath Ladies v Stevenage FC Women Development

Sunday 24th March

Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy Final

Heading over to Hertfordshire today to watch the rearranged final of a new competition with the counties FA introducing a secondary competition to run along side the County Cup the Women’s Trophy. The inaugural final to be contested by Colney Heath Ladies and Stevenage FC Women Development.

  The original final, was to be my first of the season, the game had to be abandoned however with Stevenage FC Women Development player, Sophie Jones collapsing on the pitch. An ambulance called the decision taken and rightly so to call off the game, rearrange a new date. Sophie his since recovered and is well. The new competition seeing the women’s football clubs competing at various levels through the women’s football pyramid divided into two with those clubs playing in the national and regional leagues drawn together to play in the County Cup while the club largely from the county league (tier 7) playing in the new Women’s Trophy. 

 It’s a sensible format, other county FA’s running 2 county cup competitions having all sides compete in the county cup before those losing in the early round go onto play the secondary competition. Some with seeding some without. In theory it should limit some of the eye-watering score-lines you can see in the county cups while giving all clubs a realistic opportunity to challenge for silverware. Should also help with fixture congestion too.

Who will be the first name on the new trophy?

 Colney Heath Ladies had been a long established name playing within the ERWFL rising up into the Premier Division before a split within the club last season that saw first team moving to another club taking that ERWFL status with them. However despite the set back Colney Heath have kept going rebuilding with their reserves side stepping up to carry their mantel forwards. Already a successful club with the Beds & Herts Women’s Football league playing in the Premier Division reaching the League Cup final last season. Is one of two cup finals they have reached this season, the other Beds & Herts, Chris Renshaw Cup, beat St Margaretsbury Women to lift the cup and make it a double, also clinching the Premier Division title a league and cup double a massive achievement have a chance to make it a treble and amazingly we have see two of these already across the East. Mia Simmonds top scorer with 14 goals to her name with Cally Salter netting 11. Goals throughout the side with 15 of the squad on the score sheet this season.

 Stevenage FC Women Development (U23s) are the only side outside of the Beds & Herts County leagues playing in the Women’s Trophy, joining the ERWFL Division One North this season having spent a period in the FAWNL reserves section. Stevenage’s young side finding it tough going to begin with taking just 4 points from their opening 8 matches and looked in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the table. However the 2nd half to the season has been much improved with an 3 successive wins and a draw against Harpenden one of the title chasers seeing the club put itself right back into the midst, eventually finishing 8th in the table, that good form continuing into the cup competitions, where they have not only reached today’s Trophy Final but also the ERWFL League Plate. That final, played last Sunday, Stevenage were to lose the game 3-0 to Wormley Rovers Ladies. Still need to pick themselves up and go again a chance to lift silverware in what is now their final game of the season following the earlier abandonment. Have plenty of players coming through with 46 used so far this season, Ella Mercer top scorer with 11 goals with Stephanie Fausse one behind on 10. 

Road to the Final

   I said the competition format should help to reduce eye watering score-lines but not end them entirely as was the case with a couple of ties in the first round of the Women’s Trophy, one of those scores featuring Colney Heath with the premier Division side drawn away to Division One side Everett Ladies. Cally Salter firing in a hat-trick with a brace each for Mia Simmonds and Olivia Corbett helping Colney Heath to an 11-0 win. Lucy Kavanagh-Blake, Amy Phillips and Laura Gifford also amongst the goals. Stevenage FC Women Development receiving a bye in the first round.

  Onto the 2nd Round, Colney Heath drawn away to fellow Premier Division side Hartham United Ladies. Won 2-0 to safely reach the quarter finals. Stevenage also away in the 2nd round up against Division Three side Bedwell Rangers Ladies, Ella Mercer on target for a hat-trick, plus a goal a piece for Stephanie Fausse, Sophie Jones and Amy Reeves o secure a 6-1 win.

 Colney Heath at home in the quarter finals up against another Premier Division side, Hitchin Belles Women Blues. Mia Simmonds once again amongst the goals netting a hat-trick with Jael Muzzi and Bora Cela also scoring in a 5-0 win. Stevenage a home too in the last 8 taking on Division One side Garston Ladies Mets Chloe Gregory and Anaise Corrigan the scorers in a 2-0 win to send them into the last 4 of the competition. 

 Home turf for both in the semi-finals with Colney Heath up against Division Two side Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Mia Simonds with her 2nd successive hat-trick in the competition helping to send Colney Heath into the final along with goals from Amy Phillips, Sherrie Oliver and Holly Jury in a 6-0 victory. Drama in the other semi-final with Stevenage taking on Premier Division newcomers St Margaretsbury Women. Amana Oguntuga scoring twice for Stevenage, but goals from Billie Curtis and Sherrie Evans for St Margaretsbury saw the match finish 2-2 and settled on penalties! Stevenage clinching the tense shoot-out 6-5 to advance to the final.

  The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for this afternoon’s Women’s Trophy Final. Home to Hertfordshire’s FA the stadium recently redeveloped featuring an all weather pitch with a seated stand one one side housing the café and function room beneath. Serving hot food and drink. Terraced viewing on the opposite side with standing viewing all round, is a good sized pitch, well used. Home to Stevenage’s women’s sides know the facility well. The weather best described a changeable, a few showers around, with cloud in the sky, warm and sunny when the sun breaks through (is a bank holiday weekend after all).

  Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Rachel Sherlow, Anna Simou (C),Sophie Joseph, Abbey Williams, Madison Gorton, Molly Slade, Sheree Oliver, Holly Jury, Amy Phillips, Cally Salter & Mia Simmonds. Subs – Laura Gifford, Bora Cela, Olivia Corbett, Lacey Kavanagh-Blake & Caz Pennifold. 

Colney Heath Ladies

 Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Holly Southam, Tabitha Goodall, Neave Wilson (C), Amana Oguntuga, Remi Martin, Isobel Matfield, Chloe Gregory, Ella Mercer, Stephanie Fausse & Anaise Corrigan.  Subs – Lucy Fox, Ellie Merkis & Ella Hayes. 

Stevenage FC Women Development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Anna Simou (Colney Heath) and Neave Wilson (Stevenage) with today’s match officials

 The teams walking out to pouring rain, lining up opposite the main stand, it’s Stevenage who will get today’s final underway kick off in the first half wearing their away colours and all purple strip with red trim. Colney Heath lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black short and socks. The ball played back to Ella Mercer in the middle, clips a long pass out to the right players rushing forwards, Sophie Joseph playing at left back for Colney Heath getting her head on the ball to clear. 

  Stevenage goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien comes racing out of her box to clear the ball as Colney Heath forced the ball on through the middle with Mia Simmonds looking to run in behind the Stevenage defence left channel. Amana Oguntuga at left back for Stevenage driving up the pitch lays a diagonal ball in towards the top of the box looking to pick out Anaise Corrigan in attack, Abbey Williams getting their first to head the ball away for Colney Heath. 

Abbey Williams getting to the ball ahead of Stevenage’s Anaise Corrigan

  Stevenage feed the ball out to Stephanie Fausse pulling onto the left wing knocks it inside for Corrigan central, plays the ball on into the area with Mercer making the run to get into the box right of goal, Colney Heath keeper, Rachel Sherlow out quickly to close her down getting her foot on the ball sliced behind for a corner kick. Mercer to curl the ball into the box attacked at the near post over everyone falls to Corrigan central, snatches her shot over the crossbar. The rain falling steadily, Isobel Matfield looking to travel with the ball brought down, Stevenage winning a free-kick. 

 GOAL! Mercer over the free-kick all of 40 yards out central putting her foot through the ball gets plenty of pace behind it whipped in on target head height, Sherlow behind it beating the ball down into the six yard box at her left post, attacked comes on loose into the centre, Matfield stood there unmarked, firing the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring. 0-1. 

Ella Mercer’s free-kick knocked down at the at the left post, knocked in central with Isobel Mansfield ready to pounce

Isobel Matfield firing Stevenage into the lead

 A goal for Stevenage in the opening 5 minutes of the final. Colney Heath getting the ball down the right as they restart the gamer, Cally Salter on the move driving on delivering a rising ball into the near post on the angle, O’Brien calling for it a making the claim. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien claiming the ball at her near post

  Stevenage break up a Colney Heath attack play the ball up to the attackers, Corrigan 25 yards out back to goal central controlling the ball off her chest turning it into Fausse left of the D, her shot fired in wide of the far post. Chloe Gregory tackling for Stevenage to win the ball from Colney Heath captain, Anna Simou as she looks to bring the ball out from the back on the right. 

Stephanie Fausse with Colney Heath captain, Anna Simou

  Molly Slade gathering the ball into her feet central for Colney Heath, drives forwards making ground before attempting to thread Simmonds in behind the challenge coming in a Simmonds breaks into the box the ball away for a corner kick on the left. An in swinging delivery high to the near post, Mercer up well to put her head on it and clear for Stevenage.

  The rain has stopped for now the sun breaking through the clouds. Sheree Oliver strong to win the ball for Colney Heath in the final 3rd turns looking to play Amy Philips on down the left as the winger strides in behind, getting a cross in from the by-line however her progress halted by an offside flag. A lively contest both sides looking to get the ball moving forwards. Oliver central on for Simmonds up top back to goal, looks to play the lay off back to Oliver spin into the box left of goal looking for the return pass, O’Brien reading the threat rushing out to close the attackers down sliding in to make a blocking save at her feet. 

Mia Simmonds

 Mercer with a powerful run on the ball driving inside from the right for Stevenage pulling the trigger from distance the ball arrowing in on goal, coming straight at Sherlow high the keeper does well to make the save get her glove up to knock the ball up over the crossbar. The corner swung into the six yard box from the left, cleared by Colney Heath. 

 The ball put long into the left wing for Holly Jury to get under control shifts it inside looking to play a diagonal pass into Simmonds up top, Oguntuga with the attacker to get her foot on the ball clear for Stevenage. Both sides willing to get the ball down drive at the defence, Fausse receiving the pass from Matfield on the left moving inside looking to play the ball into Corrigan as she moves across the top of the D, Abbey Williams getting the tackle in to clear for Colney Heath at the back.

Colney Heath giving away another free-kick wide on the right players up into the area as Mercer prepares to take her strike hitting the ball, Colney Heath looking to counter, Stevenage captain, Neave Wilson halting their advance. Matfield carrying the ball on through the middle for Stevenage lifts it forwards with Corrigan on the move up top across the D, wrong footing the defence, almost escapes through clear into the box, except Joseph has come round on the cover to put her foot through the ball.

Colney Heath’s Mia Simmonds with Stevenage captain, Neave Wilson

  Lively Stevenage attacking right winning a throw high up the pitch lopped up into the box, Madison Gorton heading it away for Colney Heath. Pushing on through the middle, Slade with Oliver looking to pick out Jury as she makes a left channel run, Wilson lunging in with her leg to take the ball from her. 

Molly Slade

  Gregory going down inside the Colney Heath box as she looks to force her way through the middle, off Gorton’s challenge, half hearted appeals as the ball goes behind for a corner on the right. Mercer sending the delivery in at the near post attacked minimal contact drops for Corrigan top of the box back to goal, looks to get the ball under control, turn, the shot denied as Slade moves in to close the striker down.

  Colney Heath with a throw on the right played down into Salters feet 25 yards out right of the D, looks to clips it into the area on the half volley, O’Brien racing off her line to throw herself down onto the ball. Bright and sunny now. The ball up the right for Corrigan pulling wide for Stevenage powering her way to into the box, at the by-line cuts the ball back up to the top of the six yard box for Fausse, Gorton intercepting for Colney Heath to clear the ball. 

Colney Heath defender, Madison Gorton

  Oguntuga getting up the right for Stevenage a strong run on the ball delivering a cross into the near post too close to the keeper, Sherlow down to get behind it with Corrigan running in. Wilson cutting the pass out at the back for Stevenage as Oliver sends the pass on for Simmonds up top. A change for Colney Heath in the middle, Slade coming off, Caz Pennifold on. 

Remi Martin

Fausse and Corrigan look to combine through the middle 25 yards out, Gorton getting in between the pair to win the ball for Colney Heath. Sherlow called into action rushing out to slide in make the blocking save as Corrigan is fed onto the ball by Mercer from the right.

Rachel Sherlow sliding in to save against Anaise Corrigan

  Colney Heath immediately on the counter Phillips left lifting a cross the ball played off Simmonds a goal kick won. Jury taking the ball into the left channel for Colney Heath pushing forwards, Holly Southam closing her down to win the challenge for Stevenage at the back. Simou running into space on the right for Colney Heath as the cross-field pass from the left picks her out delivers a cross into the top of the area, Salter the target looks to see it onto her boot turn the shot goal wards, O’Brien moving forwards to collect it on the bounce.

  A competitive tussle, Colney Heath coming back into the game getting after Stevenage through the middle, Oliver getting about to put in the tackles. A drinks break called with a couple of players needing attention, both okay play resumes Pennifold getting back at Mercer tackling to win the ball in the middle as the Stevenage player looks to get on with the ball. Wilson with a clattering challenge on Jury as she comes to close her down the ball out to the right for Mercer to play forwards into Corrigan right channel, Sherlow needing to come racing out of her box to kick the ball away.

Tabitha Goodall with the acrobatic clearance for Stevenage

  Goodall defends on Simou as the Colney Heath captain look to push on down the right wing, Goodall getting her foot on the ball to play it out for a throw. 40 minutes played both sides making a change. Lacey Kavanagh-Blake on for Colney Heath replacing Jury goes to the left side with Phillips moving to the right. Ella Hayes coming on for Stevenage to replace, Martin.

  The game flowing fairly even both sides coming on well, Stevenage advancing on the right Joseph tackling Mercer the ball out for a throw. Corrigan seeing it down outside the box, turns straight into Williams ready with the challenge. Back up the line to Oguntuga plays it into the box from the angle, Gorton racing back with Gregory at the near post cutting the ball out

 GOAL! 2 minutes of regular play in the first half and Colney Heath get themselves back into the game with a superb move, Pennifold central feeding it into Salter, spins of her marker to make a run to the top of the area as she lays the ball out to Simou advancing on the right, plays Phillips in down the line cutting into the box on the by-line sends the ball into Salter positioned on the penalty spot and she sends her 1st time shot up over the keeper to fly in under the cross bar 1-1.

Cally Salter about to hit the equaliser for Colney Heath

Cally Salter equalises for Colney Heath

 GOAL! Colney Heath literally turning the game on it’s head in a matter of minutes the ball cleared out to Simou moving forwards on the right lays it into the path of Phillips racing down the wing turns into the box closing in on the near post and pulls the trigger, her shot wrong footing the keeper, O’Brien can’t adjust the ball off her into the back of the net to hand Colney Heath the lead 2-1.

Amy Phillips celebrates as she sees Colney Heath into the lead.

  Stevenage making a change as the game moves into stoppage time at the end of the first half, Ellie Merkis coming on for Goodall. Pennifold, Salter and Oliver combining through the middle for Colney Heath, Oliver’s ball threaded into the area claimed by O’Brien. Colney Heath finishing the first half strong Kavanagh-Blake fouled on the left deep as she tries to pick out Simmonds no advantage played brought back. Gorton to play the set-piece into the area, won by Mercer heading the ball over for a corner kick. 

 Mercer again defending the corner up at the near post to head the ball back left for a throw in. Colney Heath pressing Oliver in to steal the ball central 20 yards out turns inside, not getting a strong connection with her shot runs safely through to the keeper. 

Half-time Colney Heath Ladies 2-1 Stevenage FC Women Development

  A strong end to the first half from Colney Heath sees them turn the game on it’s head to go into the changing rooms leading 2-1 at the break. That after a strong opening from Stevenage scoring in the opening 5 minutes throw Isobel Matfield created some good opportunities after that both sides looking to get forwards quickly, move the ball around has been a competitive game, Colney Heath making a few adjustments applying pressure late in the first half to build momentum and score a well worked equaliser in the 43rd minute, Amy Phillips driving into the box from the right for the 2nd time in as many minutes to put Colney Heath into the lead. Set’s it up nicely for the 2nd half.

  The rain staying away for now, pleasant out there as the teams return for the 2nd half Colney Heath to get the 2nd half underway, now extra-time today should the scores be level after 90 minutes it goes straight to penalties. The ball back to Gorton in defence lifted on for Phillips on the right, won by Stevenage defender, Merkis. Colney Heath quick to regain possession, Pennifold into Phillips right shifts inside looking for Simmonds 25 yards out, Matfield cutting the pass out for Stevenage. 

  Oguntuga pushing up on the right now for Stevenage getting on down the line held up plays the ball back for Mercer, Kavanagh-Blake tracking back to close her down. Oliver opening up her body to play the pass into Phillips’ feet on the right. lifts the angled cross into the area, the ball just behind Slater central looks to shield the ball, dig it out from under her feet, Wilson close in pressing can’t find a teammate as Gregory gets hold of the ball for Stevenage. 

 Kavanagh-Blake taking the ball on down Colney Heath’s left sending in into Simmonds skips inside driving into the D, runs into a Stevenage road block eased off the ball. Stevenage attack down the left Fausse down the line lifting a high ball into the area, Gorton heading it out of the area, Matfield getting hold of the ball central pushed on into Gregory back to goal, tries to turning behind, Williams stretching out as leg to win the ball inside the D.

Oguntuga tackling Kavanagh-Blake turns to angle a deep cross into the area from the right, Gorton again under it to clear for Colney Heath. Stevenage getting hold of the ball high up the pitch looking to up the tempo, the ball fed into Corrigan left of the D, spins in behind getting into the box closing in on the keeper, shoots low, Sherlow down to make the save pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left.

Lacey Kavanagh-Blake carrying the ball forwards for Colney Heath

  The corner curled in under the bar, central Sherlow getting her gloves on the ball knocking it down into the ground and collecting on the bounce well. Mercer picking up the ball 40 yards out left moves inside a strong run, Gorton coming out from defence to close her down even as Oliver slides in from behind, only succeeds in taking Gorton out Mercer staying on her feet stepping inside to unleash a shot from range, placed straight at the keeper.  

Ella Mercer

  Matfield taking the ball inside from the left 20 yards out takes on the shot, Gorton in the way blocking for Colney Heath. Joseph playing the ball on for Kavanagh-Blake attacking on the left, looks to turn inside as Hayes steps in to challenge, the defender getting back at her with a well timed tackle to halt the attack. 

Ella Hayes

 Oguntuga driving on with the ball at her feet on the right for Stevenage, Joseph in to close her down conceding the corner. The corner whipped in across the six yard box falling beyond the far post Stevenage getting hold of the ball the shot charged down. 

Sophie Joseph moving on on Amana Oguntuga

 Colney Heath making a change up top bringing off Simmonds, Bola Cela sent into the action. Involved straight away as Pennifold carries the ball away to the right top of the area cuts the pass back to Cela top corner, is quickly closed down, can’t get her shot away. Kavanagh-Blake with the ball at her feet turns infield from the left as Salter makes a run across her wanting the ball fed into her path on the left channel, Southam getting back on her to tackle on the by-line for Stevenage.

Holly Southam winning the ball for Stevenage

  A lively contest, Stevenage competing for the ball turning play around quickly. Hayes on for Oguntuga up the right wing for Stevenage lifts the cross into the box looking for Corrigan coming near side, Williams getting her foot on the ball to clear for Colney Heath. Stevenage looking sharp in attack the diagonal ball clipped into the box left side sees Corrigan race in behind to shoot on the angle driven in low at the near post Sherlow down save the ball up off the goal keeper over the bar for a corner kick.

  Stevenage making a change before the corner comes in Goodall back on to replace, Merkis. The corner from the left angled in low at the near post stabbed away to safety. An hour played Stevenage looking to press in the final 3rd apply pressure. Another corner on the left put in high at the near post, Mercer looking to attack it, Sherlow up with her fist to punch it away. Williams throwing her body in to block a shot from Gregory from 20 yards out. 

  Oliver sending the ball out to Phillips now back out on the left wrapping her foot around the ball whips a cross into the six yard box, Cela can’t reach it before O’Brien can take it into her gloves. Hayes and Oguntuga linking up on the right for Stevenage, Oguntuga strong on the ball, lifting the cross into the box, won by Colney Heath’s Gorton. Stevenage looking to turn the screw pushing on well 2nd half a throw high on the right dropped into Corrigan right inside the area turns for goal near post sees her initial effort blocked coming back to her snatches another shot away Sherlow with a strong hand behind the ball to save knocking it down, the ball eventually scrambled behind for a goal kick. 

  Mercer winning Stevenage a corner the left dropped into the mix headed clear Colney Heath looking to counter lifted up to Kavanagh-Blake left feeds the ball on for Cela, lays it to the right for Phillips looking to spin into the area wanting the return ball, Phillips threading it into the box, O’Brien sharp out snatch it up into her gloves before Cela can pounce,

Caz Pennifold

  Simou, slows Fausse down as she attacks on the left back for Mercer a free-kick won, Stevenage with players up into the box, Mercer strikes the ball in towards goal, Sherlow punching the ball up and behind for a corner kick. A double change for Colney Heath, Williams and Salter coming on, on come Laura Gifford and Olivia Corbett. 

 Colney Heath finding Phillips out on the right 20 yards out sends the ball into the area for Corbett inside the box, tangles with Oguntuga, going down appeals but nothing doing. Gifford picking up a yellow card for Colney Heath the free-kick to Stevenage in the centre circle the ball launched forwards bouncing through to the keeper. 

Olivia Corbett with Ella Hayes

  Oliver throwing herself in to block as Gregory lines up a strike from 25 yards out. Southam picking out Mercer as she comes right to take the ball on forwards into Oguntuga, her cross to strong for Corrigan and Fausse making runs into six yard box. The game moving into the final 12 minutes Stevenage looking the most likely to score winning the ball high turning play around putting Colney Heath on the back foot. 

 Wilson and Corbett in a race for the ball as it’s played on down the right channel, Wilson throwing out a leg to play the ball off Corbett behind for a goal kick. Corrigan fouling Simou as she goes to clear the ball. Wilson again winning the ball up to Mercer left side plays Fausse down the line, the cross cut out Colney Heath look to play it up to Cela right.

 GOAL! Stevenage snapping back to win the ball back send it inside for Gregory, lifts it forwards into Corrigan top of the area a great take down to get in behind into the area moving towards the right post across the six yard box cuts her shot back across, to evade the keeper and roll into the back of the net to score the equaliser! 2-2!

Anaise Corrigan with the equaliser for Stevenage

 Stevenage coming back to level the scores in the 82nd minute set up a frantic finish to the game. Colney Heath taking off Phillips bringing Slade back on. Stevenage lively Matfield into Gregory lifted into the area right of goal Corrigan racing to attack, Sherlow putting her foot through the ball strikes the onrushing attacker the rebounding ball could have gone anywhere, however a raised flag sees the threat neutralised.

  Mercer with a shot from 20 yards out left of the D, put straight at the keeper. Southam winning the ball at the back clearing to Mercer on the right puts it on for Oguntuga wide right her cross flashed in beyond the far post, Fausse latching onto it firing her strike into the side netting, Stevenage looking dangerous as the game heads into the closing minutes. 

 Colney Heath with some relief as they get on down the right win a free-kick level with the top of the area played into the box central Gifford getting her head on the ball, plants her attempt straight into the keepers gloves. Gifford with another effort moments later as a diagonal ball from midfield drops to her in the box left side, falling as she goes to strike the ball pulls her shot into the keeper.

Laura Gifford

  Merkis coming back on to replace Fausse with 3 minutes of regular time left to play. Oliver across to halt Mercer’s progress as she looks to carry the ball away on the right. Salter back on for Colney Heath replacing Kavanagh-Blake. Sherlow up to claim a high ball played into her box from the left. Simmonds returning to the pitch replacing Joseph. Penalties moments away, 4 minutes to be added on.

 Southam putting the ball into Corrigan top of the D, Simou in with and outstretched leg to take the ball from her. Stevenage press to win a corner on the right, curled in Mercer up heading the ball on across the six yard box. Colney Heath getting the ball up to Simmonds left side comes inside, Merkis back across to support Hayes in defence get the ball clear for a corner left. Into the area cleared by Wilson, Stevenage look to counter up the left Mercer racing away with the ball, Gifford easing her off the ball.

 GOAL! Southam with the clearance on half way for Stevenage turns into a brilliant assist and it’s launched high dropping into the box, Corrigan looking to attack it as it drops near post, she and Simou coming together left grounded as the ball bounces loose to the left of goal, Oguntuga quickest to it turning to attack and fires her shot in low and fast into the bottom corner to surely score the winning goal for Stevenage 3-2! 

Holly Southam clearing the ball on halfway up into the area in the build up to the goal

Amana Oguntuga first to the ball after Anaise Corrigan and Anna Simou collide

Amana Oguntuga celebrates as she wins the game for Stevenage!

  Oguntuga called into the action up the other end to hook a ball clear from the top of her box as Colney Heath launch it forwards. Little time left to find a reply Corbett strong to win Colney Heath a corner on the right, push players up, put in to the top of the area comes to Corbett inside left of the D, a difficult ball to get under control, hasn’t time to bring in down, lifts her shot over the bar. The final whistle blows and Stevenage come back with a last gasp winning goal to win the inaugural Herts FA Women’s Trophy. 

Full time Colney Heath Ladies 2-3 Stevenage FC Women Development

  A strong 2nd half performance from Stevenage in the finish the better side in the 2nd period getting after the ball in the final 3rd applying good pressure to the Colney Heath back line winning the ball back moving it across the pitch creating chances. One eventually counting in the 82nd minute. Stevenage with the momentum didn’t sit back kept pressing the game into stoppage time penalties moments away and they took there chance to win the game at the death. A tough on for Colney Heath to take the treble just 10 minutes away they played well first half to get themselves into the lead. Found the chances harder to come by 2nd half and couldn’t hold on, still double winners have had a fantastic season nonetheless.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. Wasn’t quite sure who to award it too leaving the ground but as the report unfolded from my notes a clear winner emerged. Several performances of note to mention first, for Colney Heath, Madison Gorton and Abbey Williams made a number of vital tackles at the back, winning the ball getting it forwards. Amy Phillips strong on the flanks running with the ball setting up Cally Salter for the first goal, scoring the 2nd. Sheree Oliver got about the centre of the park to win the ball, defend and link up with the attackers. For Stevenage, again the centre backs were strong Holly Southam and Neave Wilson won the ball well helped get play turned around quickly 2nd half. Ella Mercer strong on the ball with some great runs and link up play. Amana Oguntuga strong in defence in the first half adding to Stevenage’s attacking threat on the right in the 2nd half strong on the ball on hand to score the winning goal. The award though goes to Anaise Corrigan. Was a threat up top throughout looking to get the ball down and turn to attack created a number of opportunities in front of goal, never gave the Colney Heath defence a break and fired home the vital equalising goal giving her side the belief to go on and win the game.

Stevenage FC Women Development 2023/24 Herts FA Women’s Trophy winners

 Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women Development on winning the inaugural Herts FA Women’s Trophy.

 A highly entertaining cup final to end the 2023/24. A competitive tussle full of drama, us neutrals loved it. My thanks to both club for the team details and Hertfordshire FA for their assistance today. That’s the 10th season done and dusted, well almost. Have loved almost every minute of it couldn’t do it without all the support from the players, their clubs, league volunteers and FA staff alike. All of it has been greatly appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham