Match Report – Histon Women v Wroxham Women

Sunday 20th September

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Heading into Cambridgeshire this Sunday to catch some action from the 2nd Qualifying Round of this season’s Women’s FA Cup. The sides from tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid entering the competition at this stage and it’s an all ERWFL Premier Division clash with Norfolk side, Wroxham Women travelling to play newly promoted Histon Women.

95 ties on total with so tasty looking clashes on offer, the prize money although still no where near the men’s competition improving in recent season’s today’s winners collecting £3,500 with the losing side taking away £1,500. A good run in the Women’s FA Cup for any grassroots side offering a huge financial boost.

The ERWFL Premier Division sides entering the competition at the 2nd Qualifying Round stage all having a 6 match unbroken run in the league to get their season’s underway. Histon and Wroxham already meeting once at Histon with the home side winning the contest 3-0.

Now Histon Women as a pose to Ladies, promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division after a hugely successful campaign last season under the management of ex-Cambridge United WFC manager, Darren Marjoram. Winning the title with a 100% winning record not dropping a single point finishing 14 points clear of the rest of the pack and going on to beat Cambridge United WFC on penalties in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup to make it a double. Evie Nicholls rattling in the goals for Histon bagging 38 last season.

Have retained much on that promotion winning squad as they move up to tier 5 a big step up in competition level. Tia Everdell joins the squad having previously been with St Ives. Also making the move to Histon this season, Tia Johnson and Remy Hudson-Clements both previously involved with the youth setup at Cambridge, Lauren Court back from university also joins along with 16-year-old Charlotte Freestone who has put in some impressive performances in Histon’s early season games. Were soundly returned to earth on the opening day going 5-0 down too established Premier Division side Haringey Borough. Bounced back well however drawing 1-1 at home to Royston Town Women, that the beginning of a run of home matches 5 to date picking up successive wins against St Albans City and then Wroxham followed by 2 draws against AFC Sudbury Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. Evie Nicholls once gain emerging as the top scorer with 4 so far.

Wroxham Women are firmly established in the ERWFL Premier Division with ambition to win promotion up to the FAWNL. Enjoyed a successful campaign themselves last time out playing catch up with their fixtures to eventually finish 3rd in the table. Reached both the finals of the County Cup and League Plate, with mixed fortunes, winning the Norfolk Women’s County Cup for the 1st time in their history, missing out on the League Plate though beaten by Haringey Borough Women.

Evie Nicholls with the goals for Histon, Hannah Fuller playing for Histon is well established as one of the leading attackers in the Division prolific in front of goal over the season’s top scored last season with 21, has 3 to her name so far this season. Mixed results to start the season certainly not where they would want to be in the table losing 3 of their opening 6 fixtures a draw and a win in their last two outings giving them a little momentum coming back to face Histon. Have retained most of their squad from last season with a good blend of experience and young talent have added full back Ella Kruez to their ranks with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women previously, Faith Wakefield makes the move to Wroxham have been with Ipswich academy. Millie Docking also signing on for the season having been with Cambridge United at youth level gaining good ERWFL experience with Newmarket Town Women.

The Camtech & Caprice Stadium the venue for today’s tie, home to Histon FC and the Cambridgeshire FA headquarters. Features a large grass pitch in great condition these days offering plenty of width, a main seated elevated stand over the changing rooms with the bar open above. Seating along the opposite side of the pitch too with standing viewing at both ends. The weather set fair as we close in on autumn a light breeze but other wide bright and sunny.

Histon Women starting XI – Tara Fitzjohn, Charlotte freestone, Gabriella Giussani, Laura Leyland (C), Jessica McCrae, Molly Banks, Tia Everdell, Sophie Hopkin, Ella Marden, Tash Collins & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Mollie Childerley, Belle Howard, Tia Johnson, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Lauren Court, Remy Hudson-Clements & Sabrina Ghosh.

Histon Women

Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Kruez, Holly Farrow, Tigi Robson (C), Elise Wade, Lily Alexander, Lauren Bullard, Rebecca Stephenson, Maddie Green, Hannah Fuller & Millie Docking. Subs – Faith Wakefield.

Wroxham Women

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes to tie will be settled on penalties.

Captains, Laura Leyland and Tigi Robson with today’s match officials led by referee Graham Wilson

Wroxham travelling back to Histon with a few unavailable through injury, suspension and other commitments, only able to name 1 of the allowed 7 substitutes on the bench. Missing a few of their more experienced players. Histon in comparison naming the full compliment on their bench, able to use 5 of their 7 substitutes. Goalkeeper Keeley Robinson unavailable for this afternoons match, Tara Fitzjohn a more than capable deputy donning the gloves. The sun high over one end of the ground might cause a few issues, Wroxham defending with it in their faces 1st half, the visitors taking the kick-off, wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks with Histon lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shorts, black shorts and socks.

The back pushed back into midfield clipped long out to the right for Maddie Green to attack, Gabriella Giusanni defending the ball out for a throw, Wroxham press the ball high forcing an early corner kick and opportunity to get players up into the box. A good ball delivered into the box at an inviting high central headed on towards the far post, Charlotte Freestone covering the post blocking the ball on the line turned back out into the mix, Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson getting her head on the ball to drive into the back of the net but celebrations a cut short as the goal is ruled out due to an infringement.

Charlotte Freestone blocking an early chance for Wroxham on the line

An early warning for Histon, both sides starting brightly looknig to get after the ball get it forwards with pace, Molly Banks in the middle for Histon passed forwards into Sophie Hopkin 25 yards out holds the ball up as Charlotte Freestone makes a bursting run up the right the pass finding her feet as she drives on before whipping a cross into the area, Elise Wade up in defence to head clear for Wroxham. Both pressing some passes being rushed a little Histon pushing players on Tash Collins right and Ella Marden left looknig to get on to support Evie Nicholls in attack.

Freestone sending a diagonal pass long into the top of the D, again Wade gets her head on it for the visitors. Freestone looking to link up with Collins ahead of her on the right, the ball stabbed on down the line Collins looking to roll her marker, Holly Farrow in close not letting her get away stabbing a foot out to take ball off her feet out for a throw. The ball pinging about in the middle a spot of head tennis before Banks gets onto it to attempt a through ball into the right channel for Collins pulling off the Wroxham back-line just a little too much on it giving goalkeeper Bryony Williams the edge out to claim hold of the ball.

Wroxham’s Holly Farrow

Wroxham dropping off in defence looking for the long ball out to relieve pressure give striker Hannah Fuller something to attack seeing the ball into her feet moving left turns well to get away from her marker drive for the penalty area, Jess McCrae recovering quickly getting back on her shoulder playing the ball off Fuller behind for the goal kick. A vital interception from Wade at the back as Nicholls looks to break in behind as the ball in played on from the left. End to end action Histon captain Laura Leyland with the headed clearance at one end sending the ball up over the Wroxham defence as they push up, Nicholls giving chase Williams forced to come rushing out to the corner of her area sliding in to clear the ball.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller with Histon captain, Laura Leyland

Histon lively quick to retrieve the ball, a good tempo look to get the ball forwards, a little too quickly sometimes. A big pitch players getting drawn across is space available to run into for the winger or full back that hang back. Competitive in the middle Banks for Histon and Lily Alexander for Wroxham giving no quarter closing down the ball, Tia Everdell bringing the ball away right side rolls in on for Collins in behind her cross snuffed out by Farrow.

Wade keeping a close watch on Nicholls, a crunching 50/50 between the pair, Histon come through the middle the ball forwards into Hopkin inside the D shifts it out to the left into Marden’s feet on the angle she takes on the strike drilling a low effort wide past the far post. Farrow putting the ball on for Fuller in attack as she breaks into the left wing getting past Leyland driving to the by-line sends the ball into the six yard box the cross intercepted by McCrae as Histon get it clear.

Jess McCrae

A good contest the sides evenly matched Wroxham working hard at the back prepared to concede ground allowing Hopkin to get on influence play in the final 3rd. Banks diving in with a strong tackle getting the ball on into Nicholls pulling into the right channel pace to take her in behind 20 yards out clips a rising shot on the angle up over the bar.

The game flowing well Wroxham getting a throw on the left played into Fuller left of the D, sends it on across the top of the area looking for striker partner Millie Docking, before she can turn into the shot Giusanni closes her down with the challenge the ball out to the wing, Maddie Green latching onto it for Wroxham powering forwards unleashing a vicious shot on the angle smashes against the crossbar and down back into play. Wroxham with players up keep hold of the ball Farrow left with Rebecca Stephenson the ball played central Lauren Bullard getting hold of it shooting from 25 yards her attempt blocked.

Everdell coming right to support Freestone and Collins the latter played in down the line into the corner with the cut back to the top corner of the Wroxham box, Everdell there looking to hit it 1st time hits her strike up over the bar. The ball rarely motionless Bullard for Wroxham coming over to the left getting the ball from Farrow looking to drive in, Freestone lunging in to take the ball from her get Histon moving in the opposite direction. Back and forth in the middle, Alexander lifting it on through the middle, Leyland up well to head clear for Histon.

Histon’s Charlotte Freestone

Closing in on the half hour mark Histon on the attack Banks to Everdell forwards into Hopkin moving right looking to combine with Collins play the one two the return pass for Collins into the box a little to straight quickly gathered by Williams. The hosts almost appear too eager at times getting players on well enough but wasteful with the final ball. Alexander on through the middle for Wroxham into Bullard, McCrae defending for Histon the ball out to the right collected by Green up the wing banks across with the blocking tackle. Wroxham win a corner

kick.

GOAL! Wroxham with plenty up into the box for the corner a great delivery curled in central at an inviting height, Kruez drifting in free to meet it with her head drive the ball past the keeper before she can react to send the visitors into the lead and score her 1st goal for the club in the process 0-1.

Ella Kruez central opening the scoring for Wroxham

Ella Kruez

Wroxham with their tails up from scoring press the ball winning in left Farrow taking it on from Stephenson powering up the wing, McCrae across to close her down lunging in to put the ball behind for another corner kick. This one from the left sent long across the area, Leyland up well to head it away from danger for the hosts. Bullard up on the right linking up with Farrow and Stephenson, Freestone with the timely foot to break up the move the ball out for a throw.

Wroxham’s Rebecca Stephenson

Wroxham caught a little light at the back having over committed in the earlier attack as Banks releases the ball for Everdell bursting into the right channel, Robson on her shoulder lunging in too take the ball off her feet out for the throw. Hopkin with a turn and hit from distance straight at the keeper. Wroxham attack left Stephenson up with Farrow the ball crossed in along the top of the D, Docking meeting it with her head a great knock down into the path of Fuller making a run inside to the left of goal, Fitzjohn out to close her down sliding in gets something on the ball but as it runs wide beyond her Fuller keeps on her feet looking to get around the ball to slide it into the net, a fantastic recovering run and slide from McCrae blocking the ball.

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

Wroxham with the momentum looking to finish the half strong. Fuller pulling away too the left looking to get the better of Freestone, initially getting past the youngster Freestone gets back at veteran striker in the box to slide in with a timely tackle to deny the shooting chance. Giusanni on for Marden on Histon’s left her diagonal ball intended for Nicholls central, Wade dropping off well to get onto the end of the pass deal with it for the visitors. Moving into stoppage time little to be played the game has flowed despite the competitive nature with the trainers from both sides not called upon.

Wroxham’s Elise Wade

Green taking the ball on from Kruez up Wroxham’s right clipping a useful ball into the area, Bullard running in free to attack it looking to drop her header up and over the keeper, not quite as it drops safely into Fitzjohn’s gloves.

GOAL! Time almost up in the 1st half Histon mounting a late attack getting the ball on into Marden left in the final 3rd lifts her cross up into the box, clearing Nicholls jumping for it central, but not Collins drifting in unmarked beyond meeting it on the volley as it falls to send it back across the keeper to level up the scores with her 1st goal of the season 1-1.

Tash Collins levelling up the scores for Histon late in the 1st half

Half-time Histon Women 1-1 Wroxham Women

Histon grabbing a late equaliser in the 1st half to see the two sides head back to the changing rooms all square at 1-1 at the break. Both sides busy throughout the ball hardly still the game flowing competitive, Wroxham sending an early warning across the hosts bows, Histon getting forwards well looking to get on the front foot Wroxham defending deeper, plenty of individual contests. Histon with some good build up play if a little rushed at times not quite executing the final ball. Wroxham defending well getting a set-piece up the other end on the half hour mark and sending in a good delivery to open the scoring. The visitors pushing hard for a 2nd after that the game end to end, Histon finding the break through with a well worked attack to get the cross in for Tash Collins to send home at the end of the half. Certainly has the feel of a proper cup tie.

No changes for either side at the break with Histon getting the 2nd half underway, the ball lifted long up through the middle, dealt with by Wroxham’s Wade. The 2nd period starting as the 1st finished both looking to get the ball up top quickly, Fuller the focal point for Wroxham, McCrae in to challenge win the ball back for Histon.

GOAL! Histon bringing the ball on rapidly through the middle slid on up to Nicholls central turns the ball on into the box to the left of goal with Collins supplying the run her touch taking it past the advancing keeper and behind to slide the ball on into the empty net to fire Histon into the lead straight away in the 2nd half 2-1.

Tash Collins going past the keeper to score her 2nd of the game

Lively a few niggly fouls creeping in Hopkin looking for Nicholls in attack for Histon central turning on the ball is quickly closed down by 3 Wroxham defenders. Wade and Nichols tangling as the attacker looks to get on with the ball at her feet. Wroxham on the counter the ball over the top for Fuller to chase down left side, Fitzjohn rushing out to the top of her area, left corner sliding in to clear colliding with Fuller, appeals but the referee waves them away.

GOAL! Wroxham winning a free-kick out on the left level with the top of the Histon area, players coming forwards from the back, good movement as the ball is played in central on goal, Robson evading her marker to jump get her head onto the ball and nod it down past the diving keeper to find the back of the net for her 1st of the season and level the scores quickly after conceding 2-2.

All action between two committed sides Histon looking to make ground on the left Banks holding up the ball upended awarded the free-kick as Wroxham protest.

GOAL! Out wide on the left players up from the back as Banks looks to play the ball into the box, hits a good strike high into the box dipping late on the keeper as Histon look to attack it, Hopkin applying pressure as Williams looks to bring it down in her six yard box doesn’t get it cleanly the ball evading her to continue on into the goal beyond and see Histon get immediately back into the lead 3-2.

Molly Banks puts Histon back into the lead

10 minutes played in the 2nd half a busy start to the 2nd half, Histon making a double change with Everdell and Marden coming off, on come, Hannah Seymour-Shove and Sabrina Ghosh. Kruez on for Green on Wroxham’s right sends a diagonal ball up towards the top of the D for Bullard looking to get it down under control link up with Fuller, Freestone with a foot in to defend for Histon. The game certainly opening up both sides confident they can get a goal Wroxham fighting for possession, Docking coming back into the middle to help win the ball back.

Millie Docking

Williams rushing out to the top of her area to clear the ball as Ghosh threatens to send Nicholls clear through the middle from the left, Nicholls picking up a knock coming together with the keeper, but as is the nature of the game picks herself up keen to get on with thing’s. Hopkin linking up with Banks getting the ball forwards Wroxham prepared to risk a higher line more in the 2nd half Nicholls seeing the ball Robson moving in to make the tackle against her.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson with Histon’s Evie Nicholls

Collins played in for Histon wide on the right racing up the line squares a cross into the box, Kruez intercepting to clear out to the top of the area, Nicholls hanging back latching onto it lifting her attempt up over the bar. Alexander putting herself about in the middle, getting it on for Stephenson, her pass out to Green cut out by Giusanni. Histon making a few errors at the back as Wroxham’s attackers press, Green forcing a throw to be conceded high on the right, dropped into Docking getting her head down driving to the by-line cuts her cross back up towards the penalty spot, just over Fuller, Leyland getting her head on it to clear for the hosts.

Farrow putting the ball on into the left channel for Fuller to attack in behind, Fitzjohn again having to come rushing out to close her down corner of the box, colliding with the attacker to get the ball away to safety. Fuller down for a moment but alright to play on. Hopkin up the other end sending the ball into Ghosh looking to break clear left channel, Williams out to close the angle blocking with her leg, the ball out into the middle Alexander imposing herself puts the ball out to Green on the right, Seymour-Shove rushing in to challenge cutting out the cross picking up a slight knock.

Lily Alexander

Play resuming with Histon giving the ball back to the keeper, almost leads to goal scoring chance Williams kick out to her defence wrong footing Robson, Nicholls snatching hold of it taking on the early shot, pulling her effort wide of the left post from 25 yards. Wroxham making a change with Bullard coming off, Faith Wakefield coming on taking up a position on the left of attack. Histon getting a little careless at the back, Wroxham pressing well Fuller letting fly from distance central the shot wide of the hosts left post. The visitors working hard giving it a good go fancying they can get a goal while risking leaving a few gaps at the back.

Elise Wade and Sophie Hopkin

A free-kick awarded to Wroxham inside the Histon half played up into the box from the left, taken on the bounce by Fitzjohn. Ghosh released into space on Histon’s left the substitute with fresh legs bursting forwards whipping a cross into the area, Hopkin running on to attack it with her head can only plant the ball into the keepers gloves.

Continues to be end to end no time for anyone to pause Alexander lifting the ball out to Green on the right sending on a teasing cross into the six yard box, Fuller rising central can’t get a telling touch with her head glancing down towards the far post, Wakefield racing on to support not quite able to get a touch out behind for the goal kick. Into the final 15 minutes Histon with the narrow lead as they give away a free-kick out to the left corner of their area. Stephenson over the ball looks to place it into the top corner, wide past the far post.

Histon guilty of not putting their foot through the ball at the back inviting trouble with the Wroxham attackers up to close the ball down. A throw to the visitors on the right Green linking up with Fuller down the line the cross cut out. Histon straight on the attack the ball on through the middle finding Collins on the right her cross cut back into the area intercepted by Wade for Wroxham. Fuller running in behind up the other end taking on the early shot as she breaks into the left channel, 25 yards out angles the ball in on goal, Fitzjohn right behind it.

Wroxham’s Maddie Green

Docking into Stephenson coming right combining with Green in attack for Wroxham the cross swept in towards the penalty spot, Fuller the target, Leyland defending well to clear the threat for the hosts. Getting a little physical both sides scrapping for the ball the clock ticking down, time running out for Wroxham to level up the scores, Histon in need of another goal to put the game to bed. Make a change at the back, Mollie Childerley coming on at left back replacing Giusanni.

Sabrina Ghosh

Robson across to deny Ghosh the crossing opportunity on the left. Robson stays down briefly having picked up a couple of knocks. Into the final 5 minutes The cup tie still very much in the balance both sides feeling they can score, still fighting for the ball, played high over the Histon defence Fuller running in behind looking to see it down over her shoulder nod it down into the path of Wakefield rushing on to her left in support, the momentum of the ball seeing it scooped up in the box by the advancing Fitzjohn before she can reach it.

Banks on for Nicholls the ball turned on for Ghosh moving on up the left cutting inside shooting on the angle a stinging shot in on goal, Williams behind it beating the ball down with her fists. The hosts pressing the game stretched Nicholls onto the ball driving for the box, Wade on her shoulder, Williams out rapidly to the top of her area to close her down, going to ground making the blocking save the ball deflected central, as Wade round quicker to get to the loose ball to clear Nicholls slightly impeded by the keeper, doesn’t go to ground force the referee into a decision.

Into stoppage time Wroxham build on the right Green on for Docking powers on to the b-line evading a challenge to surge into the box right of goal the angle closing down blasts her strike into the side netting.

GOAL! Time almost up Histon with the ball at the back out to the left, Green rushing on to close down Childerley steal the ball plays a great reverse pass into Stephenson as she races past her on the overlap carrying the ball on into the box, right momentum taking her into the six yard box, Fitzjohn across going to ground to make the blocking save at her feet, the ball still with Stephenson however as she takes it inside her to rifle the ball home and level up the scores at the death 3-3!

Rebecca Stephenson seeing her initial strike blocked by the keeper, latching onto the loose ball to rifle home a last gasp equaliser

A blow for Histon late in the contest jubilation for Wroxham, the hosts winning a free-kick central inside their opponents half, Banks behind it drives a powerful ball in at goal, Williams behind it beating the ball away spinning away for the corner kick. Played in near side, Kruez doing the defending for Wroxham as the final whistle blows up, Wroxham with the last gasp goal sending the FA Cup tie to penalties!

Full time Histon Women 3-3 Wroxham Women

Proper cup tie this one played at a high tempo throughout, both sides giving it their all, Histon coming straight out of the block 2nd half having scored at the end of the 1st to level it at 1-1. Tash Collins played through to score her 2nd of the game firing Histon into the lead. The game opening up the ball never still, Wroxham came back into it to get it back to 2-2. Only for Histon to find an immediate reply to retake the lead from a set-piece of their own. Both sides fancying more goals created some good chances Histon not able to take one to put the contest to bed Wroxham not letting up a few errors creeping in at the back for Histon Maddie Green stealing onto the ball at the death to set up Rebecca Stephenson to score what was also her 1st of the season to make it 3-3 to send the game into a shoot out.

Penalties

Onto the penalty shoot out, 5 penalties for each, should the scores remain level it then enters sudden death. Wroxham to take the 1st penalty Lily Alexander placing the ball on the spot, scores driving a low shot to the left under the diving keeper. 0-1.

Evie Nicholls walking forwards from the middle to take Histon’s 1st penalty, cool as you like sends the keeper the wrong way placing the ball to the left 1-1.

Millie Docking up next for Wroxham puts her foot through the ball good placement sending the ball in high to the keepers left 1-2.

Sophie Hopkin up 2nd for Histon, controlled blasting the ball high to the left to score 2-2.

Hannah Fuller taking Wroxham’s 3rd penalty placing it low into the bottom right corner 2-3.

16-year-old Charlotte Freestone stepping up for Histon with the 3rd penalty, calm and controlled low to the left of the goal 3-3.

Wroxham’s captain up next Tigi Robson to strike the 4t penalty looks to slot it into the right of the goal, Fitzjohn diving the right way down behind the ball well to save 3-3.

Hannah Seymour-Shove up next for the hosts a chance to give Histon the advantage, misses blasting her penalty over the bar remains level 3-3.

Faith Wakefield to take the 5th penalty for Wroxham, no messing low into the left side of goal 3-4.

Pressure shifts back to Histon, have to score their 5th penalty as captain Laura Leyland steps forwards to take it, goes to the right, Williams diving to get behind the ball and save! Wroxham rush forwards in celebration from the middle joyous… but NO the officials discussing the keeper having adjudged to come off her line to make the save has to be retaken. Drama, Leyland needing to compose herself goes the same way, same result Williams diving down onto the ball, but again the celebration a curtailed came off her line again seeing a 3rd retake. Leyland places the low strike to the left this time Williams doesn’t move 4-4, we head to sudden death.

Rebecca Stephenson coming forwards to take the penalty kick for Wroxham puts her foot through the ball, rising to the left, Fitzjohn throwing herself at it getting her gloves on the ball turning it wide, Stephenson’s hands go to her head in dismay but relief as the keeper didn’t get enough on the ball pushes it onto the inside of the side netting 4-5.

Mollie Childerley to take Histon’s 6th penalty has to score, and does burying a power strike to the left of goal 5-5.

Maddie Green up next for Wroxham running in opens up her body to place her penalty to the right of goal to score 5-6.

Tash Collins forwards to place the ball on the penalty spot for Histon, has to score shoots to the right of goal, Williams diving down getting behind it to make the save, this time no retake as Wroxham can rush forwards for the 3rd time the celebrations real this time winning the shoot out 6-5.

Bryony Williams with the save to send Wroxham into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Plenty of strong contenders out there a great cup tie to watch all action the ball never still some great individual battles. Singling one out isn’t easy. Firstly for Histon, captain Laura Leyland was strong at the back commanding winning the ball in the air. Beside her Jess McCrae put in a number of vital blocks and tackles. Molly Banks scrapping for the ball in the middle getting the ball on into the attackers. Sophie Hopkin getting up to join the attack influencing player in the final 3rd, Tash Collins to in attack making some great runs on the right. Wroxham had several out with only one substitute but the starting XI put in a determined display working hard in defence, Tigi Robson with some great tackles, Elise Wade enjoying a good contest with Evie Nichols positioned herself well throughout to win the ball. Rebecca Stephenson getting about the pitch to link up the attack. Hannah Fuller probing looking to find an opening throughout bring others into play. The award goes to Lily Alexander in the heart of the action in the middle covering the ground to win the ball back, using it well allowing Wroxham to press further forwards.

That was an enjoyable cup tie, plenty of action, goals and could have gone either way a penalty shoot out never ideal to settle thing’s but the game had to be decided. Great to catch up with both sides and many thanks for the team details. looking forwards to the draw for the 3rd Qualifying round and what ties it offers up.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Lowestoft Town Ladies v Needham Market Women

Sunday 6th September

Women’s FA Cup

Heading to the east coast this Sunday along the A47 to catch of action from this season’s Women’s FA Cup, from the 1st Qualifying Round with Norfolk Women’s Division One champions, Lowestoft Town Ladies taking on Eastern Regional side, Needham Market Women.

The FA Cup capturing the occasion a special competition steeped in history, the clubs playing this weekend although highly unlikely to get there taking the first steps to Wembley Stadium. 101 ties across the country with the tier 6 and 7 sides playing in the early rounds of the cup. The prize money increased in recent season’s meaning a good run for a lower league side could result in a significant cash boost for the club, £1,800 on offer for the winning side today with the losers guaranteed £450.

Lowestoft Town Ladies re-establishing their women’s side at the start of last season. The club with a long record supporting the women’s game through various sides over the decades with a certain amount of history too, including the Women’s FA Cup. Their new woman’s side formerly the Bungay Town Ladies 1st team making the move to the coast off of the back of double league success, hitting the ground running as Lowestoft going on to make it 3 title on the trot albeit under a different name.

A strong squad full of experience some having previously represented Lowestoft, the club has ambitions to climb the pyramid once again, holding off from joining the ERWFL this season, wanting to make sure everything was in place to make the move successful on and off the pitch. Have made a few new additions to the squad for the new season, Taylor Cooke with experience at Ipswich and Ellie Hunter joining from Mulbarton, a box to box midfielder with a good engine will add steel to the middle of the park. Today their 1st competitive game of the season.

Needham Market Women are already 4 games into their season with the ERWFL kicking-off back on August 16th. Moving into Division One North this season having finished 4th in Division One South last season following relegation from the Premier Division the season before. Has been a transitional period for the Suffolk club in that time having lost a good chunk of experienced players to rivals Sudbury which has seen them blood alot of youthful talent from their academy.

Have a strong set-up with a Development side competing in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership. Have player 1 game in the Women’s FA Cup already beating fellow Suffolk side, Woodbridge Town Ladies 1-0 thanks to a goal from captain Mia Etheridge Golding to advance. Etheridge Golding leading the goal scoring charts early on with 2 to her name, with last season’s top scorer Annie Posnett also on 2 having bagged 19 last season.

Crown Meadow, the home of Lowestoft Town FC the venue for today’s match. Has been a while since I was last here covering a women’s game. Opened way back in 1894, the clubhouse leading into the stadium itself the bar open today for the women’s FC A Cup match. The tea hut open too serving hot and cold drinks and snacks. A covered seated stand on one side of the ground with standing viewing around a large grass pitch that will see plenty of action over the season. In the heart of the community always a warm welcome whenever I attend. The weather still warm and mild into September, a little breeze but otherwise a sunny afternoon.

Lowestoft Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Marcie Prettyman, Charnelle Riggall (C), Mia Wilson, Francesca Heaney, Ellie Hunter, Beatriz Silva, Zoe Gibbons, Louise Nichols, Lauren Goulder & Beth Turner. Subs – Mia Rose, Brooke Osbourne, Imogen Smith, Erin Stocking & Sofia Serghiou.

Lowestoft Town Ladies

Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Chelsea Brett, Sophia Gillingham, Libby Mann, Lily-Jo Hilton, Isabella Haste, Mia Etheridge Golding (C), Chloe Brame, Esme Marsh, Ella Edwards & Keira Topple. Subs – Amy Brunning, Darcey Bloss, Millie Lumden, Jae Lewis-Samuel, Anna Sullivan, Adele Stalnionis & Millie Bloom.

Needham market Women

Ellie Hunter making her debut for Lowestoft this afternoon in the starting line-up. Annie Posnett unavailable for Needham Market, referee Sarah Clark leading the two teams out onto the pitch. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the tie going straight to penalties.

Captains, Mia Etheridge Golding and Charnelle Riggall with todays match officials.

A moment of silence held before kick-off in memory to two Lowestoft fans and volunteers, Fred Nixon and Phil Belton who passed away recently.

It’s Lowestoft to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing an all light blue kit, Needham Market lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black trim, black shorts and red socks with black piping. The ball rolled back to Ellie Hunter in midfield, Needham Market rushing on to squeeze the ball, Beatriz Silva looking to take it on out to the left, play brought back for a free-kick top of the circle awarded to the visitors a chance for Needham Market to put players forward test the Lowestoft back line.

Libby Mann sending the ball in low cut out by Lowestoft’s Silva, look to counter the pass almost setting up Louise Nichols as she races on up the left flank. Needham Market always a side who like to keep the ball moving exchanging passes and looking to run in space create opening, Isabella Haste played in on the right driving forwards with the ball, Lowestoft captain, Charnelle Riggall rushing across to put the challenge in see the ball out for a throw.

Needham Market’s Isabella Haste

Play a little scrappy at the start as both sides rush in to get hold of the ball, Hunter into Zoe Gibbons for Lowestoft carrying the ball on through the middle threads it forwards for Beth Turner up top looking to force her way into the box, Chelsea Brett just getting to it ahead of her in defence for the visitors sending it back for goalkeeper Danielle Clarke to launch clear.

Lowestoft’s Zoe Gibbons

Lowestoft conceding a little ground to their higher league opponents with Needham Market’s defence holding a high line captain Mia Etheridge Golding in midfield spraying a pass out to the right for Ella Edwards to attack taking the ball on squares her cross along the top of the opposition area, plenty back for Lowestoft, Hunter there to intercept see off the threat. Needham Market seeing plenty of the ball in front of a compact Lowestoft side with Turner operating as the lone attacker.

Edwards for Needham Market out to the right laying in inside for Etheridge Golding pushed forwards, Lily-Jo Hilton providing the short passing option the cross flung into the six yard box, Lowestoft goalkeeper Chloe Pearce flexing an arm to knock the ball away from her goal her defence clearing. Lowestoft get the ball forwards into Nichols left fired up to Turner holding the ball up well in the corner that side played back into the advancing Gibbons she jinks inside 20 yards out looking too send a shot into the top corner, curled in collected safely by Clarke.

Edwards with the ball out on the right for Needham Market drawing the foul. Mann on the set-piece played in towards the near post, Keira Topple meeting it with the deft header looking to guide it goal wards instead placed wide of the upright. Needham Market continue to see plenty of the ball in front of Lowestoft but with their opponents deep finding a cutting pass is tricky some a little wayward. Etheridge Golding with the diagonal ball out to Edwards right side, again Riggall is out quickly to close her down.

Ella Edwards

Turner strong looking to hold the ball up whenever it is played up to her drifting out to the left forcing Needham market into conceding a corner kick. An in-swinging delivery just lands the wrong side of the post in the side netting. Quarter of an hour played Chloe Brame linking up with Topple central for Needham market the ball payed out to Edwards right wing her cross into the box cleared by Lowestoft’s Francesca Heaney.

Lowestoft attacker, Beth Turner

Mia Wilson, volleying another Needham market cross behind to give away the corner. Put in near side cleared away before the goal kick is awarded. The visitors quick to regain possession as Silva can’t pick out Lauren Goulder as she looks to make the run up the right wing. Quick to feed the ball forwards for Topple looking to run in behind a vital interception from Wilson at the back for the hosts.

GOAL! Lowestoft defend on the right Marcie Prettyman getting the ball on quickly turned on through the middle into Goulder beating the offside trap on the right. Driving forwards with the ball the attacker cutting inside 20 yards out to unleash a low shot towards goal pace behind it past the diving keeper before she can get to it at her near post to put Lowestoft into the lead 1-0.

Lauren Goulder breaking away on the right to open the scoring for Lowestoft.

The hosts with the lead with the game closing in on the 20 minute mark. Needham Market caught out at the back the flag staying down. Pearce with a good take high inside her box as the cross from Edwards comes in from the right, Etheridge Golding making the central run. Topple across to the right combining with Edwards, Nichols back to help Riggall in defence the ball out for a throw. Needham Market a little rattled after conceding rushing their passes not finding their mark.

Turner causing problems up to looking to force her way forwards, Gibbons looking to get on from the middle to join her. Sophia Gillingham closing her down to get her foot in deny the opportunity inside the box. Goulder carrying the ball inside off the right finding Gibbons central, head down looking to take the ball on towards the box runs into traffic crowded off the ball.

Lauren Goulder

Lowestoft feeling a little more confident now getting players forwards lifted up towards the top of the area, Brame getting her head on it to clear for Needham Market. Regaining possession Hunter getting the ball out to Goulder right side, Prettyman up with her looking to get into the box, no cross the pass back out of the area, Lowestoft continue to press, Gibbons squeezing a pass through the defence, Prettyman escaping clear to shoot, the flag up against her even as she slides the ball into the back of the net.

Ellie Hunter making her debut for Lowestoft

Needham Market caught out again on the right as Goulder escapes the offside flag the cross dealt with by Mann comes back out to left Nichols up with Gibbons looks to take on the 25 yard strike slicing the ball off target into the box across goal, Turner latching onto it to send the ball into the back of the net but was offside in the build up an it won’t count. Lowestoft enjoying a good spell putting an unsettled Needham Market under a little pressure. The game scrappy at times Needham Market linking up well in the middle Brame into Etheridge Golding laying the pass out to Haste right side Edwards up with her Riggall putting in the tackle preventing the cross.

Hilton finding Edwards with a good pass out to the right the ball squared back in central Hunter gathering it into her feet inside the D getting it clear for the hosts. Topple seeing the ball into her feet in attack for Needham market looking to lay it off for Brame looking to to past her central, Heaney getting her foot in to win it back for Lowestoft. Frustration for the visitors their passing play getting them no momentum, little space to exploit in behind, Edwards right playing it inside to Mann in space 30 yards out leading back into her shot sends her effort over the bar.

Needham Market’s Libby Mann

Marsh taking the ball left for Needham Market her evading Prettyman’s challenge her cross cut out by Wilson. Edwards coming central with a direct pass through the middle intended for Topple top of the area, past her, Pearce with a good starting position out to grab it before the attacker can react. Etheridge Golding pulls out to the right overlapping Edwards as getting the ball into her feet sends the cross into the area dealt with by Lowestoft’s Heaney.

Zoe Gibbons with Needham market captain Mia Etheridge Golding

The 1st half drawing to a close, Lowestoft with a late free-kick as Prettyman is upended on the right. Fired in towards the D, Gibbons looking to get hold of it off her on beyond into the box, Nichols for a moment free in behind but the flag is quickly up to stop her getting the shot away. Lowestoft attacking late on Gibbons on for Nichols pushing well up the left flank cuts inside her cross driven into the box, the Needham Market defence holding well to catch Turner offside in front of goal.

Half-time Lowestoft Town Ladies 1-0 Needham Market Women

Lowestoft heading back to the changing rooms with the slender lead at the break. Lauren Goulder’s 20th minute strike the difference between the sides, the hosts with the ball in the back of the net twice more but ruled off for offside. Frustration for Needham Market towards the end of the 1st half, have enjoyed more of the ball Lowestoft defending deep at times but have been wasteful with their passing not finding the mark with the final ball. Lowestoft patient working hard to keep thing’s tight against their higher league opponents finding joy on the flanks leading to Goulder being released in behind to score their goal. Plenty for Needham market to think about going into the 2nd half, Lowestoft will be expecting a response early in the 2nd half.

Needham Market mang 3 changes at the break as they look to get themselves back into the tie with Haste, Marsh and Hilton coming off, Darcey Bloss, Adele Stalnionis and Anna Sullivan coming on. A change for Lowestoft too with Brooke Osbourne on the field replacing Silva. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway the ball fed out to Bloss as the substitute gets on the move up the right firing an early cross into the box, Heaney with the clearance for Lowestoft.

Needham Market showing clear intent at the start of the 2nd half getting players forwards, Stalnionis bursting on up the left wing laying the pass inside to the advancing Edwards

Needham market’s Adele Stalnionis

Wilson lunging in with the tackle for the hosts. Pressure from the visitors in the final 3rd Topple fouled outside the D. Mann up from the back to take the free-kick wraps her foot around the ball, Pearce across her goal can see it safely out past the left post. Bloss taking the ball on up the right winning her side a corner kick.

GOAL! Plenty up into the box for Needham Market as the corner is swung in on goal under the bar scrambled away past the far post hitting Etheridge Golding on it’s way down and sent back across goal over the line to level the scores 1-1.

Captain Mia Etheridge Golding turning home the corner to level the scores for Needham Market

Needham market back on level terms within the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half, a blow to Lowestoft who have found themselves under the cosh early n the 2nd period. Wilson called on to defend in the box for Lowestoft as Topple looks to get onto the end of a Bloss cross fired in from the right, Prettyman in support launching the loose ball clear. Little opportunity to get the ball forwards for Lowestoft launched through the middle for Turner, Clarke comes rushing out of her area to try and clear, just colliding heavily with Turner in the process the striker staying down afterwards in need of treatment. Gets up slowly and heads over to the bench for further attention.

Needham Market brighter pressing well Brame and with Etheridge Golding and Sullivan in the middle the ball played out to Stalnionis on the left into the box, Wilson in to close her down with Prettyman, Stalnionis looking to make a nuisance of herself as the ball in eventually scrambled away. Comes back quickly though Edwards getting up the right winning the visitors another corner. Is another good in swinging delivery in across the face of goal turned on at the far post blocked on the line, by Osbourne covering the post pops up off her safely for Pearce to claim.

Edwards on for Bloss her cross off the right into to the advancing Sullivan inside the box, looks to met it on the volley, no control however the ball looping up and it safely caught by the keeper. A change for Lowestoft with Goulder giving way to be replaced by Mia Rose.

GOAL! The game opening up with Lowestoft looking to get players on to press, Etheridge Golding exploiting it with a precise pass over the top into Topple central getting herself one on one with Heaney top of the area central good control to get the better of the defender turn inside her to wrap her foot around the ball and drive a low shot across the diving keeper into the bottom corner to send the visitors into the lead 1-2.

Kiera Topple firing Needham Market into the lead with her 1st of the season.

Needham Market on top Sullivan getting hold of the ball pushing on through the middle, looking to send Stalnionis away up the left, Prettyman diving in with the tackle for Lowestoft. Topple getting players up with her causing a few issues for the hosts defence, Heaney and Riggall doubling up on her to get the ball back as the cross comes in from the left. Osbourne taking the ball on from Hunter finding Rose on the right looking to get on into the channel, Brett winning the ball back for Needham Market.

Stalnionis clipping an attempt over the bar outside the box as Topple tees her up. Pearce down sharply to her left full stretch to save as Brame lets fly from all of 25 yards out as Needham market build well on their right the initial cross from Bloss just behind Sullivan cleared into the midfielders path.

Lowestoft goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce

A corner awarded on the left. Is another vicious ball curled in under the bar, Pearce getting a glove up to it to flash it away to the right side a corner given. Flung into the box, cleared, play stopped though with Gibbons having pulled up with a knock. Is seen to and ok to continue.

GOAL! Needham Market find themselves stretching their lead with a goal out of nothing a hopeful ball forwards from Bloss past the defence into the box looks a straight forwards claim for the keeper, Topple nevertheless looking to apply some pressure closing Pearce down forcing the error the ball not gathered Topple charging it down to see the ball rebound past both into the back of the net beyond to make it 1-3.

A brace for Kiera Topple

Needham Market opening up a 2 goal lead with the game moving into the final 20 minutes. In control 2nd half make another change with Jai Lewis-Samuel coming on replacing Edwards. Turner coming off too for Lowestoft with Erin Stocking entering the game. Stalnionis keeping Prettyman busy as she attacks on the right, the full back diving in to take the ball from the winger out from a throw as she looks to race past her to deliver the cross.

Heaney winning the tackle as Topple looks to go left inside the box. Pressure maintained by the visitors, Stalnionis up on the left, Heaney out to tackle, Prettyman putting it behind for the corner. From the left the corner low into the near post cleared out to the left the cross back in smashing Prettyman in the face deflected behind for another corner. This one going long half cleared, Bloss striking it from range a low drive flashed wide of the far post.

Darcey Bloss

A game of 2 halves for sure, Lowestoft on the back foot through the 2nd half with limited opportunities to get forwards, Gillingham and Mann little troubled at the back. Gibbons looing to make things happen getting on the ball driving into the right channel before being challenged drawing the foul. Heaney tracking back cutting out the cross from Bloss as she looks to play Lewis-Samuel through on goal.

Lowestoft defender, Francesca Heaney

Sullivan coming back into defence to tackle win the ball from Gibbons as she takes the ball on from Stocking on the right. Lowestoft bring players forward for the set-piece, the delivery into the six yard box cleared out to the top of the area, Wilson free latching onto it striking a low shot in on goal through legs, Clarke down well nevertheless to save getting behind the ball.

Mia Wilson

Prettyman diving in with a strong tackle on Topple getting a talking too from the referee as Needham Market are awarded the free-kick 20 yards out to the eft side of the D. Mann to take looks to go for goal her effort striking the wall. sent back in from distance, Pearce behind it all the way. Gibbons coming off for Lowestoft, Imogen Smith coming on. Needham Market continue to throw players forwards as the game draws to a close, Stalnionis out on the right seeing her cross headed behind at the near post by Heaney for a corner kick.

Cleared, another shot from range blasted over the bar. Pressure from Lewis-Samuel as she rushes in to close the keeper down the ball striking her looping back over the keeper and thankfully over the bar too. Riggall closing Stalnionis down as she attempts to get on up the right. A miscued attempt Topple left side turning into an inviting cross to Stalnionis right of goal inside the box her effort blocked turned behind for another corner kick.

GOAL! Needham Market have carried a threat from their dangerous in swinging corners all game players up into the six yard box the ball curled in from the right Ethridge Golding in the mix the ball dropping down into the six yard box in front of goal, Sullivan throwing herself at it to turn the ball over the line to score her 1st of the season and fire Needham market into a 1-4 lead.

The ball dropping for Anna Sullivan o score Needham market’s 4th

The 4th goal coming in the 87th minute Needham Market in full control haven’t given Lowestoft a look in 2nd half. Millie Bloom coming on for the visitors for a few minutes of action replacing Brett. Topple bursting into the box left of the Lowestoft goal sending a cross in central to Lewis-Samuel her 1st touch giving Heaney a look in to stab the ball away to safety. Needham Market full of running late on the game into stoppage time winning another corner on the right, Lowestoft can’t get it forwards, tiring in the closing stages.

Full time Lowestoft Town Ladies 1-4 Needham Market Women

Needham Market with a much improved 2nd half performance getting the job done over turning a 1-0 deficit at the break to equalise early in the 2nd half and go on to win the game 4-1 and advance into the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup. Very much a game of two halves this one. Needham Market although seeing plenty of the ball in the 1st half somewhat wayward with their final balls finding tough to open up a Lowestoft side defending deep looking to hit on the counter. That paid off for the hosts as they exposed Needham market at the back to break clear to open the scoring through Lauren Goulder in the 20th minute. Lowestoft growing in confidence as a result. Needham Market responding by making 3 changes at the start of the 2nd half getting on the front foot early on and never looked back, Bloss and Stalnionis getting on up the flanks, Etheridge Golding turning home a corner to quickly draw the sides level with striker Kiera Topple firing the visitors into a 3-1 with midfielder Anna Sullivan making it 4-1 late in the game. Lowestoft defending hard, couldn’t get any momentum going forwards becoming the frustrated party in the 2nd half.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a few contenders here difficult to choose strong performers on both sides. Firstly for Lowestoft, Ellie Hunter was strong in the middle getting about the pitch to win the ball get Lowestoft going forwards. Zoe Gibbons looked to get hold of the ball make things happen. The defence busy Francesca Heaney and Mia Wilson with some vital tackles. A complete turn around in the 2nd half from Needham Market with all 3 of the half-time replacements, Darcey Bloss, Adele Stalnionis and Anna Sullivan making a huge impact to get the ball forwards with purpose. Kiera Topple finding room to receive the ball 2nd half getting on the scoresheet for two goals. The award going to captain Mia Etheridge Golding. Strong in middle throughout keeping the ball moving back to win it and ensure Lowestoft had little to fed on up top in the 2nd period scoring the equalising goal.

Good to make the trip back to Crown Meadow at last having not had the opportunity last season. A new era for women’s football in Lowestoft a solid squad to build on will be favourites for the Division One title once again. Looking forwards to the draw for the next round of the Women’s FA Cup, Needham Market in the hat. My thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the team details today. Good to get my season started even if I can’t do a game next week.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Sunday 30th August

ERWFL Premier Division

Finally! Time to get back at it, hadn’t planned on taking a nearly 3 month hiatus but life throws things your way sometimes that you just have to take stock, step back. Primarily the death of my grandfather just after the season ended, passed away at 92 years of age, always a fit and active man loved his garden and tinkering away in his workshop, the past year age finally catching up with him found it tough, lived a great life nonetheless. Took it’s toll had alot to do the family coming first.

So I come into the new season as rusty as hell, haven’t even watched a pre-season game and am nervous about jumping in cold writing a report, but this is the 650th so I’m thinking it’ll all come back to me, lots of catching up to do, starting with a game from the ERWFL Premier Division, a trip down into Hertfordshire to watch Royston Town Women taking on Norfolk side, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women.

The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 & 6 0f the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. Always competitive with strong talent on show and improving all the time. A new logo for the league this season as for the regional league unified as the FA looks to strengthen the pyramid, the ERWFL up to it’s full compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, a 12 strong Premier Division representing tier 5 with a Division One North and South representing tier 6.

Royston Town Women one of the longest established sides playing in tier 5 in the East. A strong showing in recent season’s as the Hertfordshire side looked to make a concerted effort to win the title and achieve promotion to the FAWNL above. Not easy to do when only one side an win promotion. Finishing 4th, 3rd and then runners-up in the past 3 season’s winning the county cup for the 1st and 2nd time along the way, manager Lewis Endacott celebrating his 350th game in charge for the club last weekend in their 1-1 away to newcomers Histon.

Enter the new season with a high turn over of players, having assembled a large playing squad have seen several move on, some key performers too in the likes of Laura Mills and Ria Badel and Amy Reed. Retain a solid squad with proven experience and have been busy recruiting too over the summer with Lily Hall, Katie Hayes and Becky Charter all returning to the club. Goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves joining having had spells with St Albans and Stevenage. Defender Katie Boyle also joining from Stevenage. Madison Coloma has previous experience with Luton. Aoife Loriga moves to the club from Ware United. Mia Gilbert stepping up from the youth set-up with midfielders, Phoebe Newman and Izzy Teague also coming in. A Hannah Bodily strike sealing a 1-0 win on the opening day at home to Wroxham Women, drew 1-1 last weekend away to Histon with Rachel Dugdale on target to lay 4th in the fledgling Premier Division table.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women enter their 3rd season competing in the ERWFL Premier Division and just their 4th overall competing in the regional set-up. Winning promotion from Division One North in their debut season, went on to consolidate their spot in tier 5 in the following campaign. A strong showing last season, never looking in danger of being pulled into the bottom half of the table securing a comfortable 6th placed finish as well as reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final played at Carrow Road for the 1st time. Looking to grow year on year.

Enter this season like Royston with a host of players leaving the squad some experienced heads too, other moving to university or other work commitments. Have always been a club going back to their days as Sprowston that has promoted and been driven by youth, captain Calista Tink one of the few left at the club from those early days. Strong in Norfolk waited till the environment was right to make the step up into the ERWFL the club as a whole growing adding experienced players along the way. Begin this season with a crippling injury list with as many as 8 potential starters missing from the todays squad, a few long term injuries others picked up in pre-season. Not ideal, some younger players needing to step up faster than development would have suited. Have added the vastly experienced midfield talent, Becky Russell to the squad, one on the best in the middle in on the ball in the county at Thetford Town Ladies last season following the birth of her 2nd child. A host of youth talent coming in plenty of potential as they look to get through these early games get numbers back to bolster the squad. Starting with 2 defeats will be keen to get some points on the board.

Garden Walk the venue for this afternoons match, a busy ground hosting the Royston team surrounded by housing compact very much has a community feel about it. The club getting behind their women’s side, had over 500 in the ground recently for their pre-season friendly against Arsenal. The clubhouse and bar open, along with the food truck. A small seated covered stand with some terracing dotted around is a wide grass pitch with a distinct slope, looking in great shape despite the heatwaves over the summer. The weather remains pleasant towards the end of August, the rain coming at last (had hardly any in Norfolk for the past 6 weeks) A few clouds around but any rain likely to stay away until after the final whistle.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Katie Boyle, Dilly Haslehurst, Amy Houghton (C), Kiaya Payne, Hannah Bodily, Erin Davies, Phoebe Newman, Annie Georgiou, Izzy Teague & Katie Hayes. Subs – Amy Martin, Lily Hall, Ailsa Heal, Madison Coloma & Aoife Loriga.

Royston Town Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Shayna Kendle-Johnson, Rosie George, Holly Walker, Gracie Pollard, Poppy Francis, Orla Riches, Becky Russell (C), Jess Armstrong, Natasha Youngs, Alexia Cooke & Lauren Baxter. Subs – Izzy Hutching, Maya Ellis, Sophie McIntosh, Chloe Shipman and Calista Tink.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Covered Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women versus Royston Town Women on virtually the same date a year ago in my opening ERWFL game of the 2025/26 season, Royston narrowly winning 2-1. Just 9 players from that game across both squads feature in todays squads, 5 for Royston and 4 for Dussindale & Hellesdon that is quite some turn over in just 12 months, but they aren’t the only clubs out there and it does happen everywhere. So you could argue we have two sides still getting to know each other for sure. Amy Houghton captaining Royston now as she was a year ago, Becky Russell donning the armband for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Calista Tink recovering from injury.

Captains, Becky Russell and Amy Houghton with today’s match officials

The players lead out onto the pitch by today’s referee, Mike Davis. A switch of ends before kick-off with Royston attacking down the slope to get the game underway wearing their home colours white shirts and socks with back shorts. Dussindale & Hellesdon lined up opposite in their away strip and all light blue coloured kit. The hosts clipping the ball into the right wing as players surge forwards to attack, full back Holly Walker rising well to get her head on the ball knock it back into the middle, Royston rushing on to press the ball going left, Rosie George operating at right back for the visitors at the start defending seeing the ball out for a throw in.

Both sides closing the ball down as Royston look to get players on, Phoebe Newman tackling to win the ball back central passing to Annie Georgiou getting up on the left, her cross not finding it’s mark in the box, cleared by the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence. Competitive through the middle, Newman getting stuck in linking up with Erin Davies the ball over the top seeing attacker, Katie Hayes just break in behind too early, the flag raised for offside, a close call.

Royston midfielder Phoebe Newman

Walker fouled for Dussindale & Hellesdon as she looks to get on with the ball on the left exchanging passes with Jess Armstrong ahead of her. The set-piece left of the centre circle played up to the top of the Royston area by Walker dropping into the mix Royston heading it clear. The hosts looking to break quickly get the ball on the move players racing on through the middle the Hayes looking to cushion the ball down off her head into the path of Newman as Izzy Teague carries it forwards, Orla Riches putting the tackle in against her for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Jess Armstrong

Armstrong getting hold of the ball on the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon, driving up the wing sends a diagonal ball on into the channel for Alexia Cooke to chase, Dilly Haslehurst moving in to close her down defending for Royston. Royston lively early on if anything need to calm down a little rushing their forward passes, showing good intent but giving the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence the opportunity to get the ball clear are however quick to win the 2nd ball back in the middle keep the pressure on. Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Becky Russell snapping in to get hold of the ball trying to release Natasha Youngs out on the right, Georgiou doubling up with Kiaya Payne in defence to regain possession for Royston.

Another strong run by Walker on Dussindale & Hellesdon’s left, sees them win the first corner of the game. The delivery hit long across the box Royston can see it out for a throw on the opposite side.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Holly Walker

GOAL! Having threatened such a move earlier Royston are quick to get the ball on through the middle, Erin Davies on the ball, lobs it over the defence to see Izzy Teague burst in behind through the middle taking the ball on into the top of the area, one on one with goalkeeper Shayna Kendle-Johnson, strikes her shot early to wrong foot the keeper and send the ball past her into the back of the net to open the scoring and her account for the season 1-0.

Izzy Teague breaking clear to fire Royston into the lead

The hosts into the lead with 10 minutes on the clock. Newman continuing to put herself about in the middle for Royston pressing on finding Georgiou on the left, claims she is fouled play waved on as George with support from Gracie Pollard in defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon get the ball clear. Russell finding Armstrong on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Walker bombing on to get up with her taking the ball on pressing for the by-line her cross turned into the near post hooked clear by Royston captain, Amy Houghton.

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

Teague proactive looking to get on support Hayes in attack for Royston, making a run through the middle as Hayes aims to play the pass from Hannah Bodily into her feet, Poppy Francis getting her foot on the ball to intercept at the back for the visitors. Winning the initial clearance however Dussindale & Hellesdon aren’t able to keep the ball for long, Bodily, Davies and Newman all snapping after it to regain possession keep the hosts on the front foot.

Newman getting up on the right to press the ball nips in to steal possession play it on for Teague chasing it to the by-line her low cross squared into the six yard box, Kendle-Johnson down sharply to stretch an arm out push the ball away from her goal, Pollard getting it clear before Hayes can react.

Georgiou and Teague providing good attacking support left and right for Royston pushing Dussindale & Hellesdon back working hard to win the ball back aren’t finding their own attackers too often Riches lunging in gets it on for Lauren Baxter, Bodily is quick to close her down as Haslehurst forces her out to the right. The ball given away at the back, by the visitors, Teague latching onto it aiming to release Hayes, the defence holding their nerve catching her offside.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Orla Riches

The pace of the game seeing a few niggling free-kicks being given away. George bringing the ball up to halfway on the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon putting it on for Youngs on the flank, takes it on pushing up the line, Payne getting onto her shoulder looking to defend playing the ball off Youngs behind for the goal kick.

GOAL! Royston extend their lead getting players up well overloading the left seeing a throw won high, dropped into edge of the box, knocked forwards to see Georgiou escape in behind to whip a cross in along the face of goal attackers rushing in Hayes central runs on for full back Boyle clear at the far post connects with the ball at close range to fire it high into the roof of the net to score he 1st goal for Royston and make it 2-0.

Katie Boyle with her 1st Royston goal to double the lead

A blow for Dussindale & Hellesdon a few nerves at the back under pressure with Royston quick to close the ball down with 23 minutes played. A goalkeeping miscue presenting the ball straight to Hayes inside the D, her unexpected touch diverting the ball back over the keeper drops wide past the left post cleared upfield by Pollard. Again it doesn’t stick, Bodily on for Davies out to the left with Georgiou the ball squared in across the top of the area Boyle rushing in to meet it 20 yards out right of the D, seeing her snap shot blocked by Francis turned behind for the corner kick.

Royston’s Annie Georgiou

The corner delivery curled in long past the far post George getting her head on it to clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon, regained outside the area a shot driven on on goal, bodies in the way the ball striking Boyle drops down into the six yard box, the visitors scrambling it clear. Royston applying all the pressure looking likely to add to their tally, Dussindale & Hellesdon with their backs up against the wall, scrapping for the ball working hard at the back.

Midfielder, Erin Davies

Teague getting hold of the ball coming into the left channel for Royston creating issues bursting on into the area fires a cross in central, Boyle arriving sees her shot blocked turned right behind for the corner kick. Another ball curled in through the six yard box, Newman getting up to put her head on it far side, drops the ball just over the bar onto the roof of the net. All Royston at the moment, Dussindale & Hellesdon pressed back with limited options in attack. Boyle bringing the ball on right side Walker with the blocking tackle, Teague coming away with the ball into the corner turns her cross behind.

Boyle into Teague right holding off her marker escapes to clip a cross into the top of the area, Hayes looking to hit it on the volley screws the attempt wide of the mark. Russell getting about the middle to try and get the ball back for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Riches in with her the pass out to Youngs cut out by Bodily looks to get it on through the middle up to Hayes, intercepted by Francis.

Hannah Bodily

Teague busy getting up to support Hayes in attack the ball turned into Georgiou left side into the box closed down by Pollard before the ball can be released. Francis in well to defend too get the ball back to her keeper as Teague looks to get hold of a pass from Newman. Hayes fouled by Walker 40 yards out, Houghton up to take the set-piece the ball flighted into the area taken cleanly by Kendle-Johnson unperturbed by Georgiou rushing in to try and meet it.

Russell fighting hard for the ball in the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, but so too is Newman for Royston looking to play the through ball on for Hayes the past cut out well by Pollard. Into the final 5 minutes on the first half Royston coming on well looking to add to their tally. Youngs on the right taking the ball on getting help from George, the pass put forwards, Georgiou tracking back to help in defence lunging in to make the tackle.

Boyle linking up with Teague on the right sending the diagonal pass in central to Hayes positioned top of the D, looks to turn on the ball spin into the area, Pollard in close attendance nicking the ball off her toe to stop the threat. However Royston are once again quick to regain the ball Bodily central sending it back into Hayes in attack moving right, lines up the shot Pollard throwing herself into the block the ball turned off the defender for a throw in.

Gracie Pollard

GOAL! Into stoppage time in the first Royston keeping the pressure on till the end getting the ball on the left played on for Georgiou on into Hayes making a run into the area left corner holding off a defending to turn inside to release her shot and put the ball across the keeper into the back of the net to score her 1st of the season and put the hosts into a 3 goal lead, 3-0.

Katie Hayes with the strike to fire Royston into a 3 goal lead on the stroke of half-time

Half-time Royston Town Women 3-0 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Little time left in the first half for Dussindale & Hellesdon to mount a reply as the referee blows up for the half-time interval. A 3rd goal right at the end of the half putting Royston in complete control of the match as they head back into the changing rooms. A strong first half showing got forwards well, winning the 2nd balls constantly to keep the pressure on. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a horrendous injury list forced to play players out of position have had to battle hard and finding it hard to get the ball to stick in attack have found little relief up the other end, Royston goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves as yet untroubled. A mountain to climb if they are to get anything from the game in the 2nd half.

Both sides making a change at the break, Ailsa Heal coming on for Royston replacing Georgiou out on the left. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman only just returning from injury herself for Dussindale & Hellesdon coming on dropping into defence replacing Youngs with Francis over to the left to support Walker. The visitors attacking down the slope now kicking off the 2nd half, the sky clouding up, the ball played forwards out to the right, Royston moving into get hold of it release substitute Heal out on the wing up the left delivering a cross into the near post, catch low by Kendle-Johnson.

Royston getting players up Bodily stealing into the box left of goal, Russell tracking back with her getting in the block as she goes to pull the trigger, the ball not clear Bodily after the rebound fired in at the keeper, Kendle-Johnson down getting something on it to take the sting out of the ball as it nevertheless spins on beyond her threatening to roll over the line, George across quickly to clear the ball for the corner kick.

Royston midfielder Hannah Bodily

The delivery whipped into the near post Dussindale & Hellesdon have plenty back to clear the threat. Hayes taking the ball on from Newman through the middle sending it on to Heal cutting in from the left, takes on the 20 yard strike on the angle sending her shot in across the keeper wide beyond the far post.

Teague onto the ball on Royston’ right pressing forwards, Francis closing her down, Walker back to sliding in too take the ball, the ball clipped into the middle the free-kick given away awarded to Royston players moving up to the top of the area as Houghton looks to send the ball into the mix, Walker getting her head on it to clear for the visitors. Walker and George looking to try and get on better to support the attack in the 2nd half George linking up with Armstrong ahead of her, Payne with the tackle the ball out for the throw.

Kiaya Payne

George being kept busy in defence too with Hayes finding Heal out on the left with the pass gets her foot in to take the ball out of play deny the cross. Walker on the drive carrying the ball on up Dussindale & Hellesdon’s left, Boyle tracking her run preventing the cross. The hosts quick to turn play around on up through the middle releasing Hayes to take the ball on to the top of the area left of the D, Kendle-Johnson rushing out to slide in make the blocking save at her feet, the ball popping loose to the left, Hayes attempting to latch onto it get a shot away, Pollard can leave it as it runs wide of the upright.

Shayna Kendle-Johnson

Royston with opportunities in the 2nd half getting the ball wide to Heal turning inside 25 yards out shifting the ball between her feet before striking a curling right foot shot wide of the top corner. Dussindale & Hellesdon continue to battle, Shipman intercepting a cross from Teague on the right, the ball played into Russell, finds Cooke tries to release Armstrong on the right the Royston defence stepping up just in time to catch her offside.

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Becky Russell

Bodily getting forwards more in the 2nd half for Royston breaking into the top of the area as Teague plays it into her, under pressure snatching at her shot put on low stopped by the keeper. Walker taking the ball on from Riches left side taking on the shot from all of 25 yards out her effort on target Reeves right behind it to claim the ball. Walker then taking a ball in the face from a defensive clearance from close range. A stinging blow but is soon back up on her feet. Royston making another change with Davies coming off, Lily Hall entering the field.

Russell working hard getting across the pitch to try and win the ball break up play finding Armstrong right side is pulled back by Payne winning the free-kick. Walker to send it into the box from deep, Payne rising highest to get her head on the ball knocks it behind for a corner kick. Having rode out a strong Royston start to the 2nd half, Dussindale & Hellesdon are beginning to find a little momentum in attack, Walker and Russell both getting forwards the latter finding George right side pushing on attempts the through ball on for Armstrong, Payne in to defend against her for the hosts.

Riches in to charge down a strike from Teague right channel as she lines one up from 25 yards out. Royston getting another free-kick on halfway as Dussindale & Hellesdon make another change, out on the right with Armstrong coming off for, Izzy Hutching sees George move forwards into a more familiar attacking role. Houghton to play the free-kick from just inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half up into the area across to the far post, Teague pulling free looking to turn strike the ball on the half volley, closed down by Pollard.

Royston’s Lily Hall

Baxter winning the ball central as Royston look to advance through the middle, Newman snapping back in to regain possession, Walker cutting the pass out as she looks to play Teague on up the right.

Lauren Baxter

Hutching right side playing the ball inside to Russell 25 yards out seeing the ball across her takes on the shot driven in low straight at the keeper. Midway through the 2nd half Royston with another substitution, Hayes making way with Madison Coloma coming on. Shipman defending at the hear post heading the ball away as Teague fires it in from the right. Coloma taking the ball left plays it forwards into Heal attacking the left channel, Pollard defending the ball put behind for the corner. George back to defend the corner winning the ball and carrying it out of defence looking to gain ground on the left, Haslehurst and Payne converging to close the ball down take it out for the throw.

Lily Hall with Rosie George

The throw worked in across the top of the area, Russell can’t get her half volley away before being closed by the Royston defence. Russell pushing on to win the ball linking up with Hutching on the right the substitute taking it up the line before whipping a cross into the six yard box, Houghton tracking back getting her leg high to cut the cross out, Reeves across to throw out an arm prevent it going for the corner despite Dussindale & Hellesdon’s appeals.

The game opening up a little with the changes being make Cooke pressing well on the right to force the ball out for a throw. Into Russell looks to combine with Hutching, Payne tackling to send the ball out for another throw. Haslehurst with the ball right played on for Teague looks to pick out Coloma inside, Shipman defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. George out wide clips a shot in on goal wide of the top corner. Into the final 15 minutes Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change Cooke coming off on comes Maya Ellis.

Hall playing the ball into Teague as she goes past her on the overlap on the left flashes a cross in along the six yard box, just behind Heal making a central run. Bodily fouled inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half presenting her side with a free-kick left of the circle.

GOAL! Houghton to whip a high ball into the crowd of players set up at the far post dropping down into the mix, Dussindale & Hellesdon fail to clear it as the ball pops loose for Teague wide on the near post close on goal to drive a shot in hard and low past the keeper to score her 2nd of the game an make it 4-0.

Izzy Teague adding a 4th goal for Royston late in the game

Teague coming off soon after her 2nd goal being replaced by Aoife Loriga. Dussindale & Hellesdon holding out from conceding a further go until the latter stages of the 2nd half receive a further blow as Pollard is hurt in a heavy 50/50 challenge with Hall, coming off the worst as Hall breaks away with the ball, credit to the Royston bench quick to alert to referee to the injured player, the trainer on quickly but Pollard is in alot of pain and needs to come off, another injury blow for the visitors as she is helped off the pitch, Youngs coming back on.

Shipman getting onto the ball at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon with a good ball through to George up in attack, Haslehurst closing her down quickly to intercept well for the hosts. George holding the ball up in attack as Walker sends it into her, Haslehurst diving in with the challenge as she looks to cut inside work room for the shot. Into stoppage time Royston with another opportunity for Houghton to send a free-kick into the box from deep, a looping ball in on goal, Kendle-Johnson taking it cleanly into her gloves.

Full time Royston Town Women 4-0 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

The final whistle blows and Royston win the game 4-0 to make it 7 points from their opening 3 games lifting them up to 2nd in the early ERWFL Premier Division table. Dussindale & Hellesdon falling to a 3rd consecutive defeat remain bottom, hardly the start they were hoping to make but with their injuries knew it wasn’t going to be easy, will hope to get a few back and dig themselves out of trouble. Royston getting on top early in the game winning the ball, especially in the 2nd phase to keep players up in attacking areas opening the scoring in the 10th minute going onto add two more before half-time looked in control. Making a good start to the 2nd half were a little wasteful with their chances in the 2nd period but as the game opened up late on Teague broke clear from a free-kick to extend the lead. Dussindale & Hellesdon battled hard throughout, were on the back foot for much of the first half, rallied a little in the 2nd finding some forward momentum as the game opened up but never found the break through to apply pressure too the Royston back line.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season, as more than often the case a few contenders for this one with several good performances to mention. Firstly for Dussindale & Hellesdon it was a tough afternoon but they fought hard, captain Becky Russell leading by example getting about the pitch too win the ball trying to give her side something going forwards. Gracie Pollard with some vital tackles, Rosie George and Holly Walker preferring more advanced roles doing well in defence. Royston with a strong performance in midfield and attack. Katie Boyle in defence getting forwards well to add numbers to the attack with several useful tackles, on hand to score the 2nd goal. Erin Davies and Hannah Bodily winning the 2nd balls throughout in midfield. Joined by Phoebe Newman who got stuck in well to win the ball keep Royston on the front foot with some useful link up play. The award goes to Izzy Teague, scoring 2 goals caused Dussindale & Hellesdon alot of problems driving with the ball and her link up play with Katie Hayes ready to receive the ball and found some good positions.

Good to be back at it at last, 650 match reports up. It did indeed come back to me even if I still have alot of catching up to do. My thanks as always to both clubs for their help with the team details, up and running… ish.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Waveney Ladies A v Dereham Town Women

Sunday 31st May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

I was planning on wrapping thing’s up last weekend looking forwards to a rest after a long season but have become absorbed with the title battle going on in Norfolk Women’s Division Three, the only title still to be decided with just a handful of games left to play, and is going all the way to the final day, saw Bungay Town Ladies finish on 52 points to top the table last weekend, knowing only 2 wins from 2 for Dereham Town Women would see them pip them to the title in their remaining fixtures, got the first of those vital wins at home to Dersingham Rovers Women on Thursday evening, now Dereham travel to play Waveney Ladies A knowing nothing short of a win will do.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three standings

One game left for Dereham Town Women, currently on 50 points know only a win will do from their final game of the season, that away to 5th placed Waveney Ladies A who themselves can get back up the table into 3rd spot if they can win the 3 points instead a draw gets them up to 4th and would see Bungay Town Ladies clinch the title.

Waveney Ladies A one of two Waveney sides playing in the NWGFL, the 1st team playing in Division One. Waveney Ladies A into their 2nd season, previously Waveney FC Ladies Development last season. Have had a highly successful 2nd season playing in Division Three, getting off to a flyer winning their opening 6 matches were sitting at the top of the pile for a good portion of the season getting games in when other’s didn’t. 4 of their 5 losses coming in their final 10 games seeing them drop away from the title hunt, have played their pat however drawing 3-3 at Dereham 2 weeks ago. A win today would seal a 3rd place finish. Have a potent strike force with Lauren Robbins and Maria Palmer netting 39 goals between them, Robbins with 22 from 18 players and Palmer 17 from her 22 appearances. Waveney setting up a joint U15 & U16 with Lowestoft Town Ladies to strengthen the pathway for players in the local area.

Dereham Town Women reforming this season under the umbrella of Dereham Town FC, playing at Aldiss Park, bringing in a good number of players from Fakenham Town Ladies, have added further experience to that squad, and their U15’s have just celebrated a highly successful treble winning season. Were on most eyes the favourites to clinch the title but having always been behind in their fixtures have never been out in front, games in hand a couple of high scoring draws the 3-3 with Waveney and a 5-5 with Wymondham have set up a tense finish to the season, moving onto 50 points with a dramatic late 2-1 win at home to Dersingham on Thursday evening little time to recover, a few carrying knocks at the end of the season need all three against Waveney if they are to become champions. Captain Gina Pooley racing ahead at the top of the goal scoring charts for Dereham and the league itself with 43 to her name so far. Katie Hart-Copsey always prolific in front of goal for Dereham, wading in with 27 this season while Alice Collins joining later in the season has 13 from her 9 games. Losing just 1 of their 21 league games played to date.

Today’s match taking place in Lowestoft’s, Benjamin Britton Academy, on their new 3G pitch, plenty of rubber making for a softer surface than some of the dry hard pitches around due to the recent heatwave. A compact size the fenced pitch with a standing area down one side for spectators, Dereham bringing a few supporters with them hoping to see their team complete the job. A sunny, bright day on the east coast, no rain in the forecast.

Waveney Ladies A starting XI – Tilly Kitchen, Ruby Benson-Smith, Olivia Clarke. Elizabeth Eaton, Hannah Limbach, Kayleigh Molloy, Shauna Brunton-O’Neil, Libby Colbridge, Paige Baker, Maria Palmer (C) & Lauren Robbins. Subs – Lucy Breadman, Emily Cooper, Lucie Harper, Lili Stevens & Isabelle Thornton.

Waveney Ladies A

Dereham Town Women starting XI – Karina Townsend, Talya Ewles-Belton, Zuleika McMullan-Laffitte, Lucie Taylor, Kirstie Rusted, Amie Hutchinson, Hayley Marjoram, Lisa Ferdani, Eloise Peek, Gina Pooley (C) & Katie Hart-Copsey. Subs – Sophie Shapter & Holly Websdale.

Dereham Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Maria Palmer & Gina Pooley with today’s referee Joshua Holland

An 11am kick-off both sides relaxed prior during warm-up the season almost done, it’s Waveney with the kick-off 1st half wearing pink coloured shirts with white across the shoulders and sleeves, black shorts and white socks, Dereham in their all green away kit. Played back into Shauna Brunton-O’Neil she sends it long out to the right flank, Zuleika McMullan-Laffitte defending for Dereham seeing the ball out for a throw. Waveney getting a good distance on the throw defended edge of the area by captain Gina Pooley for Dereham out for a 2nd throw, this won dealt with by Dereham’s Hayley Marjoram.

Dereham look to get the ball moving quickly up on the right fed on for striker, Katie Hart-Copsey bursting up the line, Kayleigh Molloy getting back on her to pressure run her off the ball. Dereham’s Talya Ewles-Belton getting the tackle in on Waveney attacker, Lauren Robbins as she drives on with the ball left side put out for a throw in. Another long one helped in towards goal collected safely by Dereham goalkeeper, Karina Townsend.

Both sides wasting no time in getting the ball on Lisa Ferdani in the middle looking to play in Pooley as she bursts on up the left wing. Ewles-Belton with the ball inside the Waveney half right side clips a diagonal ball in towards the top of the D, won by Waveney’s Libby Colbridge. The ball popping about in the middle of the park as both sides nip in to close the other down, Waveney’s captain Maria Palmer getting hold of it attempting to thread it through in behind for Robbins, a close one but the flag is raised for offside.

Waveney captain, Maria Palmer

Paige Baker getting hold of the ball from a Dereham clearance hooks it high out to the left channel, Ewles-Belton dealing with it for Dereham as Robbins puts he under pressure. Waveney looking a threat as they win throws high up the pitch from the left the ball dropped into Robbins inside the box on the turn angles a shot in across goal, Townsend down sharply to get behind the ball turn it wide for a corner kick. Played into the near post Ferdani dealing with it for Dereham out for a throw in the corner.

Dereham goalkeeper, Karina Townsend

A rapid turn around for Dereham as Ferdani sends the ball long into the right channel for Hart-Copsey steaming forwards into the box, Ruby Benson-Smith getting back to close her down turn the ball behind for a throw in the corner. The game end to end both sides keen to get on Dereham using the ball well Amie Hutchinson with Marjoram and Ferdani through the middle out to the left Clarke seeing the ball out for a throw as Pooley looks to gain ground. The throw dropped into Pooley left side looks to hit it on the spin into the middle of the area the ball turned safely back to goalkeeper, Tilly Kitchen.

Ewles-Belton for Eloise Peek on the right for Dereham sends it on looking to put Hart-Copsey in behind again another close call but the flag is raised against her. Dereham starting to ask a few questions winning the ball high Hutchinson up with play on the right getting it back from Peek on the angle sends a vicious ball racing across the face of goal, Pooley running in unchecked at the far post can’t quite reach it out for a goal kick.

GOAL! Chances building early n in Thursday evenings game against Dersingham, before Dereham conceded against the run of play, not this time though as Marjoram hooks the ball on from midfield, Hart-Copsey running onto it right inside the D breaking into the box to send the early shot past the keeper and on into the back of the net to fire Dereham into the lead with her 28th goal of the season 0-1.

Katie Hart-Copsey sends Dereham into the lead

11 minutes played Dereham getting the early goal, looked fairly relaxed prior to scoring taking her chance in front of goal Hart-Copsey giving her side a much welcome edge. Dereham energised, Hutchinson on for Hart-Copsey making a run into the left channel into the box goes early again with the outside of her boot, plays the shot into the keeper covering the near post.

Waveney under a little pressure at the back the ball not sticking in the middle Marjoram into Pooley drives into the box closing down the angle hits a rising shot into Kitchen closing her down. Hannah Limbach back in defence turning another cross behind for the corner kick to Dereham. Ewles-Belton to take puts it long across the six yard box no one at the back post to attack it.

Robbins in to close McMullan-Laffitte down at the back on the the attackers right, surges forwards, McMullan-Laffitte forcing her wide under challenge from the defender as she goes to strike the ball wide at the near post. Limbach looking to link up with Colbridge as Waveney go right, McMullan-Laffitte lunging in to see the ball out of play for the throw. Dereham certainly look up for it moving the ball Ewles-Belton clipping a diagonal ball in central, Molloy intercepts for Waveney.

Dereham’s Talya Ewles-Belton

Ferdani with a 25 yard effort at goal, Kitchen down to save it pushed behind for a corner kick on the right. Another inviting ball in Hart-Copsey rising her glancing header turned on across the area off of a defender behind for a corner on the left. Put in again a bit of head tennis before the ball is cleared back to taker, Ewles-Belton fires it back hard into the mix, Colbridge diverting it away for a 4th corner in quick succession. Into the near post Benson-Smith blocking for Waveney not away Pooley lifts it back in dropping far post, Hart-Copsey taking a knock to the head as the defend get the ball to safety, but picking herself okay to play on.

Waveney’s Libby Colbridge

The corner count building for Dereham as we approach the mid-point of the first half Peek up on the right getting the set play players up into the box another teasing ball in from Ewles-Belton, Hutchinson up to get her head on the ball power behind it turns it wide over at the far post. Referee Joshua Holland calling for a drinks break is warm out there and close fluids needed.

Waveney look to try and gain ground on the left after the restart Baker winning a throw in the corner, linking up with Palmer and Colbridge the cross played into the box, McMullen-Laffitte going to clear Limbach charging the ball down inside the D, the rebound favouring the keeper as Townsend scoops it up into her gloves. Pooley breaking on with the ball at her feet on the left driving on Clarke looking too close her down Pooley squeezing a cross into the six yard box, Kitchen going to catch, pops out of her gloves, Hart-Copsey looking to get after the ball even as the keeper grabs it at the 2nd bite and gets the decision Waveney winning the free-kick.

The resulting kick out falling straight to Pooley 25 yards out to the left, get’s on into the box with the ball checking inside to shoot, scuffs her effort seeing it lack any pace too worry the keeper. Play compact Dereham doing well to close the ball down not giving Waveney time to build. Hutchinson on for Hart-Copsey, has Peek bursting past her on the right wing getting the ball into her feet the cross comes into the six yard box, too close the the keeper, Kitchen down on it as Pooley runs in central unmarked.

Waveney goalkeeper, Tilly Kitchen

Kitchen getting behind another Pooley cross in from the left to turn it behind for a corner on the right. Curled into the mix Kitchen doing well getting up amongst bodies to get her fists on the ball to punch once then twice to see it land for Baker right to get hold of the ball and set Waveney up on the counter taking the ball on feeds it on up the line for Robbins looking to steal in behind, Townsend reading it out to the top of her area early to get hold of the ball before Robbins can reach it.

GOAL! Dereham get the ball up into the box quickly as Pooley finds herself in the clear right of goal closing in on the near post, shoots her strike charged down by the advancing keeper, Pooley trying to get the loose back back in sees it cut out again as Clarke throw herself in to block, one more time Pooley gets a bite at it, firing the ball wide across goal, but in the process was held by the grounded keeper, the referee pointing to the spot… Penalty! Hutchinson to take does play in goal too and likes to put her foot through the ball, little run up but plenty of power behind the ball smashed high under the bar giving the keeper no chance as she doubles Dereham’s lead 0-2.

Waveney getting the ball on well enough, just finding the final ball a little too strong as Townsend claims another through ball from Palmer aiming to set Robbins in behind. Brunton-O’Neil putting her foot through the ball launches it out to the left, Robbins after it, Ewles-Belton diving in to see it out for the throw. Into the D, Lucie Taylor clearing for Dereham. Peek up high on the left squaring a ball back across the face of the Waveney goal, Pooley closing in far side but can’t reach it.

Ewles-Belton latching onto the ball right side having a crack from distance her attempt straight at the keeper. Waveney getting up on the right winning a throw, Limbach turning it on for Robbins in attack, Taylor getting a nibble at her the attacker holding her off getting a shot away into the near post. Townsend covering the angle. Rusted in to make the challenge on Robbins as she takes the ball on into the left channel from Palmer.

Waveney attacker, Lauren Robbins

The corners tallying up for Dereham, Benson-Smith forced to concede as Pooley gets the ball on for Hart-Copsey breaking into the box left side.

GOAL! Ewles-Belton swinging the corner from the left into the near post blocked by the covering defender, the ball popping out loose to the top of the six yard box, Hutchinson coming round to get hold of it and striking it on the volley blasts it past everyone into the back of the net to score her 4th in 2 games putting Dereham into a 3 goal lead late in the first half, 0-3.

Amie Hutchinson with another brace for Dereham

A further blow for Waveney who look to get on the offensive from the restart the ball on for Baker charging on right side, holding off Taylor as she breaks into the box gets a shot away on the angle, Townsend saving at her near post.

Paige Baker

GOAL! A chance for Waveney at one end Dereham quickly get the ball up the other end of the pitch into Pooley racing away on the left taking the ball forwards turns her cross in with pace across the face of goal and Peek arriving at the far post turns it in a close range to score her 8th of the season 0-4.

Eloise Peek sending home Dereham’s 4th goal

GOAL! Into stoppage time at the end of the first half Waveney get the ball into Robbins on the left winning a corner, the ball played into the centre of the box, Baker getting a free hit swinging her leg at it playing the ball on towards the far post, Townsend turning trying to keep it out as it comes back of the upright and crosses the line to see the hosts grab a goal back 1-4.

Paige Baker pulling a goal back for Waveney

Townsend staying down after the goal in need of some treatment, a lengthy pause but seen too as up on her feet and ready to continue.

GOAL! Dereham break from the restart the plan clearly for Pooley to race away left side the ball put into her sees it under control getting into the box, full back and keeper coming to close her down gets the early shot away turning it inside to find the empty net beyond and score Dereham’s 5th and her 44th goal of the season! 1-5.

Gina Pooley getting the shot away to score Dereham’s 5th

Half-time Waveney Ladies A 0-0 Dereham Town Women

A frantic end to the first half Dereham racing into a 5-1 lead, Waveney get the ball out to Baker on the right wing taking it on sends a shot in on the angle, Townsend getting behind it to save punching the ball away for a corner kick. Goes long across the six yard box, Colbridge rising highest can’t quite connect. Amie Hutchinson from the penalty spot doubling the advantage going on to add Dereham’s 3rd a 4th quickly following from Eloise Peek, Waveney getting one back through Paige Baker, Dereham restoring their 4 goal advantage straight away to lead 5-1.

Both sides staying out on the pitch for the half-time interval keen to get the 2nd period under way. Waveney making a triple switch at the start of the 2nd half, Lili Stevens, Lucie Harper and Emily Cooper coming on for Clarke, Palmer and Molloy. Dereham unchanged to get the 2nd half underway played up to Pooley left side top of the box sends a snap shot wide of the near post.

Up to Hart-Copsey lifted into Peek on the right flank, Lucie Harper going with her the defender getting the challenge putting the ball out for a throw. Hart-Copsey seeing the ball into her feet on the by-line turns inside plays the ball off a defender to win the corner. Ewles-Belton busy up from the back to delivery another corner-kick. This one put behind. Dereham showing attacking intent from the start of the 2nd half, Hutchinson finding Peek on the right wing, Harper getting her foot in turning the ball out for another corner kick.

GOAL! Ewles-Belton gets this one perfect flashed in central, Hutchinson the target can’t quite get to it, the ball running on however is met by Hart-Copsey level with the far post gets her head on the ball and sends it back in across goal through bodies to score her 2nd of the game and put Dereham further into the lead 1-6.

Katie Hart-Copsey scores to put Dereham 6-1 up

A fast start to the 2nd half for the visitors racing into a 6-1 lead with barely 3 minutes played look comfortable now, confident too, Waveney frustrated keep going the ball played on through the middle sees Emily Cooper press into the box has Limbach up with her close in sees the ball into her Limbach looking to send the ball back under the keeper, Townsend gets down quickly manages to get hold of the ball before it can evade her.

Ewles-Belton is covering alot of ground for Dereham mainly as she is the corner taker and Dereham are winning plenty this one on the right curled into the mix, Kitchen up well to punch the ball back out to the right Ewles-Belton gathering to send it back in on the angle defended by Eaton falls to Rusted inside the D, shifts it onto her right foot to hit on the half volley her strike straight into the keepers arms.

Dereham making a change, McMullan-Laffitte coming off at the back Sophie Shapter coming on going into an advanced position on the right Peek dropping back into defence. Peek sending the ball into the top of the area, Hart-Copsey’s shot blocked by Colbridge pops out to Ferdani 25 yards out blasts her strike over the bar. Brunton-O’Neil coming off for Waveney, Isabelle Thornton coming on.

Taylor defending at the back for Dereham as baker looks to get on with Robbins up the right side. Dereham on through the middle Ferdani into the box for Hart-Copsey to see into her feet back to goal hit on the turn, Kitchen rushing out to close her down with the blocking save, the ball spinning loose inside the box Peek up with play latching onto it turning her strike wide of the right post.

Harper kept busy on the right for Waveney, Shapter taking over where Peek left off looking to get on with the back comes inside the full back tackling, Shapter back on the ball laying it back to Hutchinson, who curl the ball in to the left of the D, Pooley under it Kitchen rushing out gets it away collides with Pooley in the process leaving Dereham’s captain with a bloody nose.

Comes of for treatment, Holly Websdale joining the action. Thornton breaking on the right channel for Waveney as Robbins puts the ball on, goes in to charge down the keeper rebounds off Townsend behind for a corner kick. Played into the near post attacked by Colbridge headed on across the box gathered by Baker top of the area looks to curl a shot into the top corner, just wide.

Ferdani winning a corner for Dereham out on the right. Played in long across the six yard box. Eaton diving in defends for Waveney top of the area as Shapter cuts in from the right gives away another corner. Ewles-Belton putting it in to Hutchinson in front of goal outside the six yard box, strikes it in on goal, Harper with the block on the line covering the near post getting the ball away.

Dereham keep up the pressure winning a free-kick high on the right, wide, Ewles-Belton to send the ball in, launched into the far post attacked Hutchinson getting her head of the ball drives it wide across the face of goal. Waveney ringing the changes Limbach and Palmer back on for Baker and Robbins. Thornton played on up the right flank blasting an angled shot into the side netting for Waveney. Marjoram gives way for Dereham as Pooley is ready to return, just as the 2nd drinks break is called.

The clock ticking down 20 minutes left to play, Dereham with a comfortable advantage no last minute winner needed today… probably. The game restart with Ewles-Belton sending a free-kick forwards, knocked on for Shapter to race after it right side into the box but a good starting position from Kitchen sees her at the top of her area to claim.

Sophie Shapter with Waveney’s Kayleigh Molloy

GOAL! Thornton sees the ball played into her path through the middle racing on towards the top of the area shoots outside the D, Townsend looking to get down behind it doesn’t take the ball cleanly as it pops out of her gloves and runs on behind to creep over the line to pull it back to 2-6.

Isabelle Thornton through to shoot sees it back to 6-2 for Waveney

Cooper off the pitch not feeling well for Waveney, they make the change with Baker back on with 15 minutes left to play. A throw to Dereham in the corner on the left put up the line for Hutchinson angles the ball in towards the far post dropping wide. Pooley getting hold of the ball for Dereham on the left getting on to win a corner kick. Played into the near post Palmer defending for Waveney, Back to the left the cross angled back into the box headed out for a corner on the right. Whipped in with pace across the goal too strong for Hart-Copsey at the far post.

Shapter inside to receive a ball put in from Pooley on the left top of the D meets it on the half volley lifting the effort over the bar. Peek closing down Baker as the Waveney attacker looks to take the ball on from Thornton on the left side. Taylor with the tackle on Thornton soon after as the Waveney attacker looks to get hold of the ball inside the D. Harper and Limbach off for Waveney with Eaton and Robbins back on along with Brunton-)’Neil replacing Kitchen in goal. Ewles-Belton sending the ball on for Pooley left side as Dereham attack fed on into the channel for Hart-Copsey her touch to play the ball into the box too strong Kitchen out kick clear.

Stevens with the block for Waveney at the back as Pooley looks to get the ball down inside the box to the left of goal. Molloy winning the header at the back to clear for Waveney as the game moves into the final 5 minutes. Rusted getting her foot in to take the ball away from Robbins as she gets hold of it on Waveney’s right. Dereham lively late on Hart-Copsey clear on the right on the by-line coming into the box flashing a ball in across the face of goal Pooley running in can’t get a telling touch is deflected back towards the penalty spot, Ferdani racing on to meet in lifting the ball up off the turf in towards goal Brunton-O’Neil behind it to save.

Into the closing stages of the match, Shapter sending the ball inside form the right into Pooley left side in the box running hits it up into the air on target Brunton-O’Neil without any gloves getting her hands up to save tip the ball away from danger.

Shauna Brunton-O’Neil saves for Waveney

Palmer playing the ball on through the middle for Waveney up for Colbridge into Thornton left side, the touch heavy Townsend out to get hold of the ball. A vital interception from Benson-Smith at the back for Waveney late on cutting the pass out as Hart-Copsey looks to get in behind to receive the through ball from Ferdani. The final whistle blows and Dereham win the 3 points to take them to the top of Division Three to be crowned Champions!

Full time Waveney Ladies A 0-0 Dereham Town Women

Never looked in doubt to be fair, saved all the nerves for Thursday evening looks like came to Lowestoft relaxed and got off to a positive start getting an early lead to boost confidence, a 2nd from the spot and then a flurry a the end of the 1st half putting Dereham in charge. Kept going 2nd half adding a 6th early on. Waveney couldn’t find any rhythm today had some good spells but Dereham broke up play well and kept coming forwards, Having led the table for so long a 5th placed finish feel harsh but they have a talented squad to take the club forwards. Dereham clinching the title on their debut season celebrating with their fans heading back to Aldiss Park to celebrate further.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the season. A few contenders as usual and performances to mention from both sides, firstly for Waveney found it tough this morning struggled to get going, Libby Colbridge looked to get in after the ball, Paige Baker made some useful runs as did Lauren Robbins in attack. Maria Palmer tried to get the attack going the final pass just not there today. For Dereham, the defence was solid won their tackles, Lucie Taylor winning the ball. Hayley Marjoram in midfield got after the ball kept Dereham on the front foot. Amie Hutchison busy in the middle to got two more goals to her name to put Dereham into a comfortable position. Katie Hart-Copsey too took her chance well to open the scoring settling any nerves Dereham had. Talya Ewles-Belton covered more ground than anyone up and down for the corners carrying a real threat from her deliveries into the box and defended strongly at the back. Giving today’s award to the captain, Gina Pooley 44 goals in any season is no mean feat a constant outlet on the left getting after the ball coming inside and putting in crosses, scoring Dereham’s 5th on the day

Congratulations to Dereham Town Women on winning Norfolk Women’s Division Three.

That title battle kept me enthralled for one more week of the season, enjoyed every minute of it. Has been a long campaign however and I am certainly ready for a rest. Been a joy as ever thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today and all who have help throughout the season. You provide the entertainment I just write it down. Enjoy the summer.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Dereham Town Women v Dersingham Rovers Women

Thursday 28th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Popping up the A47 this Thursday evening to watch another game from the nail biting title battle in Norfolk Women’s Division Three. The title between 2 now with Bungay Town Ladies knowing only Dereham Town Women can catch them now, so long as they win their two remaining fixtures starting this evening at home to 3rd place Dersingham Rovers Women who saw their own title hopes dashed away to Bungay on Sunday.

Just 3 fixtures remain now in the East of England all in Division One with two of those having a massive bearing on the destiny of the league title itself, starting this evening in Dereham. Saw Bungay Town Ladies finish their own debut season with a 5-3 win against Dersingham on Sunday to end with 52 points at the top of the table, knowing only Dereham Town Women with two wins from their final two games could pip them to the title.

Current standings Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Dersingham Rovers Women dropping down to 4th in the table, following North Walsham Town Ladies 4-0 at home to Watton United Women yesterday evening.

Both Dereham Town Women and Dersingham Rovers Women amongst the new sides established in Norfolk Women’s Division Three this season, two sides packed with seasoned players having played across the county and at regional level above.

Dereham, with a new women’s side this season, now under the umbrella of Dereham Town FC itself, playing in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division at Aldiss Park. The core of this new Dereham side brought over from Fakenham Town Ladies who had previously been a long established side within Norfolk, adding too plenty of players with experience playing in Norfolk, that put them amongst the favourites for the title. Hit the ground running with 3 straight wins before losing against North Walsham back in November, that their only defeat in the league itself.

Cup games saw Dereham remain in the chasing pack rather than get out into a lead at the top of the table, winning 11 and drawing 5 to stay unbeaten, those draws particularly late on 5-5 away to Wymondham Town United Wolves and most recently 3-3 at home to Waveney Ladies A have set up a nail biting finish to their season especially with Bungay’s strong end to the campaign. Know what they have to do though on 47 points have 6 left to play for win and they are champions anything less and Bungay get the accolade. Certainly have the firepower to do it, captain Georgina Pooley, I have to say not previously known for her goal scoring prowess wading in with a magnificent 43 goals so far this season way out in front in the goal scoring charts in the league. Also amongst the leading goal scorers in the league is Katie Hart-Copsey, has always been prolific in front of goal when representing Dereham over the years and has 27 so far this campaign. Alice Collins also into double figures with 13 from the 9 games she has played for the club.

A 5-3 defeat against Bungay in a game with some controversial decisions saw Dersingham Rovers Women’s own title ambitions vanish on Sunday away to Bungay, a long trip from the North West of the County down to the Suffolk border, have another away fixture with a 6:30pm KO to end their season. Pushed down from 2nd to 4th, having been pretty much in the top 3 all season. A win this evening putting them back into 2nd and ending Dereham’s title ambitions feel they owe their opponents having been on the wrong end of an 11-1 loss early on in the season.

Dersingham Rovers FC establishing a women’s side for the first time sees a new club formed in an as of yet untapped area of the county, Norfolk is a large county but the North West area above King’s Lynn had no women’s football coverage until now. Building a squad full of experience a mixture of results at the start of their new era, Dersingham went on a run of 9 straight wins in the new year to cement their place at the top end of the table, Emma Leech the leading goal scorer with 23 goals to her name, captain Eliza McDonald has 10 goals and Crystal Hart with 8.

An early evening KO at Aldiss Park situated, just off the A47 to the east of Dereham. Went to school in Dereham know the town well, good to see Dereham with a women’s side once again. Now playing at Aldiss Park the large carpark and clubhouse leading out to the main pitch itself with various training pitches beyond. The main grass pitch is a good size plenty of width a seat stand situated on the opposite side to the clubhouse the bar open with viewing all round. Another hot day, with temperatures above average for May, although a covering of cloud made it feel much cooler.

Dereham Town Women starting XI – Amie Hutchinson, Lucie Taylor, Hayley Marjoram, Freya Adams, Kirstie Rusted, Sophie Shapter, Eloise Peek, Alice Collins, Talya Ewles-Belton, Georgina Pooley (C) & Katie Hart-Copsey. Subs – Karina Townsend, Laura Booth, Holly Websdale & Lisa Ferdani.

Dereham Town Women

Dersingham Rovers Women starting XI – Shayla Kendle-Johnson, Molly Sands, Tiffany Ross, Holly Melton, Loretta Burrell, Emily Rix, Eliza McDonald (C), Chloe Melton, Crystal Hart, Carolyn Flowerdew & Emma Leech. Subs – Lyndsey Bunn, Chloe Bunn, Georgia Stephenson & Leeanne Smith.

Dersingham Rovers Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Eliza McDonald and Gina Pooley with this evening’s referee, Peter Bailey

A small dispute over one of the Dersingham players edibility to play prior to KO resolved. Dersingham with 4 on their bench, Georgia Stephenson and Chloe Bunn unavailable for Sunday’s clash with Bungay. Dereham also with 4 on the bench, including a replacement keeper, in Karina Townsend with Amie Hutchinson starting between the sticks both more than capable outfield players in their own right. Dereham to kick-off the first half the sun setting behind the clouds of the goal they are attacking, wearing black and white vertical striped shirts black shorts and socks, Dersingham lined up opposite wearing light blue coloured shirts with white sleeves, blue shorts and socks. The ball played back clipped out to the left for captain Georgina Pooley to attack, Molly Sands closing her down for Dersingham.

Dereham looking to get forwards at the start, impose themselves on the game off the throw players forwards the ball fed on across the top of the area, Dersingham with plenty back as it comes to the right side, Emily Rix defends seeing it out for another throw. Good distance on the throw attacked near side turned behind for the goal kick. Is a big pitch players drawn to the ball, space to exploit if anyone wants to run into it, the diagonal ball finding Pooley on the left charging forwards to the by-line challenged by Sands the ball behind for a corner kick.

Molly Sands defending for Dersingham

The delivery long across the area turned out wide for a throw on the opposite side, Dersingham penned back early on struggling to get out of their half. The break out eventually coming, alot of work for attacker Carolyn Flowerdew to do as she gives chase to the ball through the middle, goalkeeper Amie Hutchinson rushing out of her area to strike the ball clear. Into the right channel, Alice Collins racing after it closing the defence down pressuring the ball to force a corner kick.

Holly Melton getting the corner away for Dersingham, the ball helped on up through the middle, Flowerdew’s touch taking in in beyond the Dereham defence, again see’s Hutchinson charging out of her box to volley the ball upfield. Players drawn to the ball condensed at times a large proportion out on Dereham’s right with Collins looking to link up with Eloise Peek through the middle and Katie Hart-Copsey in attack, Tiffany Ross getting the challenge in for Dersingham, the ball soon back with Dereham however.

An opportunity for Dersingham too finally get some players forwards as they win a free-kick high on the right, wide 35 yards out captain, Eliza McDonald over the ball…

GOAL! McDonald fires the ball in with pace into the top of the area, races on towards the far side bypassing the defenders lined up inside the D, runs on for Emma Leech pulling in clear at the back post even as the keeper starts to make a move to close the ball down, hooks it up high over her and falls down beyond Hutchinson to land in the back of the net for put the visitors into the lead. 0-1.

Emma Leech, pictured with Dereham’s Hayley Marjoram opening the scoring for Dersingham

Dereham’s bright start to the game undone inside the opening 10 minutes, look to get straight on the offensive, Talya Ewles-Belton up with Collins on the right winning a free-kick out wide Dereham’s turn to angle the ball into the top of the area, plenty back for Dersingham, the ball flighted in, cleared away to the left, Sands able to see it out for a goal kick.

Hart, Leech and Flowerdew looking to work the ball on up the left attacking for Dersingham, Kirstie Rusted closing the ball down, Dersingham look to get it back but the ball is behind for the goal kick. Collins getting hold of the ball for Dereham central looking to play Hart-Copsey in up top as she makes the run, the diagonal pass good, but the Dersingham defence hold their line catching the attacker offside. Certainly a little niggle in the game Dereham a little unsettled, Dersingham determined at the back.

Sophie Shapter through the middle for Dereham finding Hart-Copsey up top who in turn plays it out to the right wing for Collins, Rix back at her to challenge for Dersingham the ball out for a throw. High up the pitch Dereham with numbers up on the right get the cross in along the face of goal, Pooley coming in at the far post looking to attack it, Kendle-Johnson rushing across her goal to throw an arm up punch the ball, colliding with Pooley. Picks herself up no complaints.

Dersingham look to get on through the middle, Chloe Melton out to Leech moving left, put on for Flowerdew, Rusted getting a foot in to defend for Dereham, play turned around the hosts pressing forwards the ball played long into Hart-Copsey into the right wing winning Dereham a corner kick. Swung in viciously under the bar, Kendle-Johnson getting her gloves up to punch the ball down into the turf inside her six yard box reacts sharply to fall forwards onto the loose ball as players rush in to attack it.

Dersingham goalkeeper, Shayna Kendle-Johnson

Dersingham finding a little joy on the left as play seems to migrate to that side of the pitch, Leech’s cross cut out by Freya Adams, the 2nd bite cleared by Rusted as Dereham get their defence back. Leech surging on with the ball at her feet left side Ewles-Belton back at her to tackle conceding the corner. Players up from the back for Dersingham the delivery curled into the near post, Hutchinson coming through bodies with an arm out punching the ball away from immediate danger, then as a defender goes to hook it clear the referee sees a push in the back blows up for the free-kick to Dereham.

Dersingham attacker, Carolyn Flowerdew

McDonald putting the ball on through the middle up to Leech in attack top of the D looks to put Flowerdew in behind the offside flag halting the attack. Pooley is a little frustrated out on the left play more to the right there is space to exploit, Collins finding her with the pass looks to get on down the wing with the ball, Sands going with her checks inside to get the ball onto her right foot, the shot from 25 yards angled in on goal, Kendle-Johnson behind it all the way.

20 minutes played, Adams defending a cross for Dereham as Hart looks to get on up the left. The ball out for a throw on the far side the referee calling for a drinks break. Play resumes with Dersingham getting on the attack left Rix on for Hart up top with Leech the ball lifted into the area cleared by Dereham’s Lucie Taylor. McDonald snapping in with a strong tackle to win the ball back for Dersingham to the right looks to thread the pass through to Flowerdew in attack, however the move is halted by the raised flag.

Hutchinson is quick to get out of her box to volley the ball clear as Dereham push Dersingham back neutralise the threat of their attackers running through onto the ball as the visiting defence clear. Hart-Copsey pushing on into the right channel with the ball looking to find a way through on goal, Rix tackling then Ross clears for Dersingham. Dereham continue to press en masse, Eloise Peek looking to get on with Shapter through the middle passing it into Pooley towards the left channel, Burrell lunging in with the challenge for Dersingham.

Dereham goalkeeper, Amie Hutchinson

Collins finding Pooley out on the left her cross cut out by Sands, gets it back to fire a 2nd cross into the near post, Kendle-Johnson dropping onto it to kill the attack at her near post. Dereham soon wining it back in the middle Peek and Marjoram the ball coming to Shapter lets a shot loose from all of 30 yards out, Kendle-Johnson behind it all the way.

Dereham making a change then as Shapter gives way for Lisa Ferdani. Dersingham making a change too, Lyndsey Bunn coming on in place of Rix. Burrell intercepting the ball as Pooley sends in an early delivery from the left. Dersingham are working hard in defence to limit Dereham’s opportunities in front of goal. Collins driving Dereham on up the right support from Hart-Copsey the corner kick won. Fung into the near post area helped on up to the top of the area, Bunn defending for Dersingham, the free-kick given away Dereham presented with a set-piece to the top left corner of the box 25 yards out.

Dereham’s Alice Collins

Ewles-Belton over the set-piece lines up the strike going for goal her attempt wide of the top right corner. The Dersingham defence soaking up alot, Dereham able to press, Holly Melton, Burrell and Sands all getting in a block doing a good job in frustrating Dereham. Marjoram defending for Dereham the ball out for a corner kick on the right, curled in central claimed well by Hutchinson.

Dereham keen to get the ball up the pitch Collins pushing on right side linking up with Hart-Copsey, sends the diagonal ball in long across the area, Pooley rushing on at the far post can’t quite get onto the end of it. Dereham’s defence pushed up at times Hutchinson acting as a sweeper keeper out of her area to deal with any balls over the top confident in her volleying. One long clearance seeing Hart-Copsey run in behind right channel after the ball but a good starting position from Kendle-Johnson sees her get there first dropping onto the ball.

Hart-Copsey looking to find an opening in the Dersingham back line as play is broken up at the other end, Taylor putting the ball long sees the attacker break in behind, Kendle-Johnson again out to close the ball down with a blocking save as she goes to ground at the top of her area, then as Hart-Copsey looks to get hold of the loose ball gives away the free-kick.

Rusted coming in well to close Flowerdew down as the Dersingham striker looks to make ground on the right channel. Taylor left side sends the ball up the line for Pooley getting hold of the ball fires it in across the top of the D into Ferdani looks to shoot curling a low ball in on goal, Kendle-Johnson moving across her line to get behind it and save.

Bunn gets back to help Sands in defence as Pooley looks to get inside from the left. Taylor pushing on for Dereham left side delivers the early cross into the middle, Burrell cutting it out for Dersingham. Competitive there is a tense feel about the game, Dersingham fighting for the ball central McDonald trying to make ground right side on for Flowerdew, tackled by Adams. Sands being kept busy in defence for Dersingham on the left by Pooley as she looks to get the ball into her feet make thing’s happen for her side.

Burrell taking a painful blow as she is caught on the follow through going to clear the ball crossed in from the left. A pause in play as she receives treatment but is back up on her feet able to play on. The first half drawing to a close, Dersingham working hard at the back frustrating Dereham. A couple of defensive miscues at the back for Dereham seeing Dersingham with a throw up high on the right, Sands into Bunn, Ferdani getting it away for Dereham only as far as the top of the area, Flowerdew looks to turn into the box her touch heavy Hutchinson out to snatch it into her gloves. Taylor in to defend on Flowerdew as the Dersingham attacker looks to control the ball from a throw in top of the area to the right.

Half-time Dereham Town Women 0-1 Dersingham Rovers Women

Dersingham head back into the changing rooms holding the advantage at the break leading 0-1. Leech putting them in front with her 24th goal of the season, against the run of play inside the opening 10 minutes. The visitors have worked hard at the back since limited their opponents chances getting numbers back to defend, have stifled their own attack to a degree as a result the plan is working so far. Dereham positive from the off keen to get after Dersingham impose themselves on the game the early break through not coming falling behind have toiled away but clear cut chances have been limited. Time yet to turn the game around but can ill afford to concede again.

A half-time presentation at Dereham have heard a bit about Dereham girls U15’s side, celebrating this evening at Aldiss Park in front of a decent crowd, a triple success, a League and Cup double as well as winning the U16’s Norfolk girls county cup. A fantastic achievement and congratulations to all involved.

Congratulations to Dereham U15s girls

Changes at the break Dereham looking to mix thing’s up knowing they need to win this evenings game to keep their title ambitions alive. Karina Townsend on for the hosts taking over in goal as Hutchinson moves into a midfield position. Hart-Copsey the player off. Dersingham putting Leeanne Smith on up top replacing Flowerdew. With the sun setting bright behind the ground, have headed over to the opposite side of the ground for the 2nd period as Dersingham get the game restart looking to defend their single goal lead. McDonald sending the ball out to the left Hart looking to get on up with Smith in attack, Adams defending for the hosts.

Hutchinson operating in midfield now getting the ball up to Shapter pulling out to the right channel, Ross lunging into make the tackle for Dersingham. Dereham feeling a sense of urgency to score, Dersingham determined at the back to stop them a few niggly fouls being given away. Dersingham getting a free-kick on the left put on for Smith into Hart wide left the shot taken early wide at the near post.

Collins looking to get hold of the ball for Dereham make things happen finding Pooley pushing on up the left sending a cross into the box looking for Shapter top of the area, the ball intercepted by Holly Melton. Marjoram defending left side high putting the ball into Collins turns it on up the line for Pooley her pacy cross cut back across the top of the box behind Shapter at the far post, Chloe Melton clearing for Dersingham.

Molly Sands with Dereham’s Talya Ewles-Belton

Ewles-Belton operating on the left for Dereham with Pooley up top turns the ball on for her captain, checks inside running into Burrell. Dereham pressing early in the first half as they did in the first winning a free-kick central played up to Ferdani outside the D shoots the ball past the keeper hitting the inside of the right post spinning along the goal line striking the opposite post before Dersingham scramble it clear.

Pooley bursting no into the right channel top of the box sees her shot charged down by Kendle-Johnson. Dereham have a corner on the right. Headed on across the six yard box at the near post, Leech bringing it away left side back defending for Dersingham. The offside flag stays down as Shapter bursts in on the right side, Burrell across to close her down putting the ball behind for the corner kick. A vicious ball into the six yard box met central, Kendle-Johnson right behind it gloves up saving at close range then dropping down to smother the loose ball.

Dereham intent the ball won in the middle, Hutchinson putting herself about, pops clear in behind for Pooley too escape free bare down on the keeper, Kendle-Johnson getting a strong hand on the ball as Pooley looks to place it to her left turned away that side Pooley goes after it, but Sands recovers the ground to snap in get the ball away to safety.

Townsend coming out to the top of her area to clear as Smith looks to spin in behind her marker in the left channel. Smith lively on the left of attack for Dersingham capitalising on a defensive mistake to run onto the loose ball cut away down the left, shooting on the angle, Townsends down well to throw out an arm turn the ball behind for the corner kick.

The corner for Dersingham played in central, Leech with the stooping header in on goal, Townsend instinctively throwing out a glove turning the ball away to her right hitting the post and back out into the mix is quick to drop down to claim the loose ball.

Dereham with a throw on the left Pooley seeing it inside to Collins 20 yards out central, Holly Melton making the challenge for Dersingham. Dereham pressing the Dersingham defence winning a corner on the right, midway through the 2nd half.

Dersingham’s Holly Melton

GOAL! Ewles-Belton putting the corner into the top of the area from the right side, Pooley looking to jump for it a defender on her shoulders preventing her leap, goes down, the referee spotting a kick on Pooley in the lead up blowing up for a Penalty! Dereham with an opportunity to level things up from the spot, Hutchinson up for it placing the ball on the spot, know she can strike a ball and this one is hit with force rising to the keepers left to burst the back of the net an level the scores 1-1.

Amie Hutchinson levelling thing’s up from the penalty spot for Dereham

Dereham back on level terms but still in need of a 2nd goal making a change up top, Hart-Copsey back into the action replaces Shapter. Marjoram up to press in defence on the left for Dereham the ball into Ewles-Belton up the line her cross into the area headed away by Dersingham’s Sands. Dereham back on the ball Hutchinson inside for Ferdani central lines up the strike, Kendle-Johnson diving to her right getting behind the ball.

Dereham asking the questions, Dersingham fighting at the back, McDonald in to close Collins down central top of the D as Pooley gets the ball into her feet from the left. Dereham for all their attacking intent need to be careful at the back Dersingham looking to overload the left Leech up with Smith the cross into the area, Townsend down to get behind it. Some refereeing decisions frustrating Dersingham their is a tense feel about the contest a partisan crowd vocal in their support willing Dereham on, the Dersingham manger yellow carded. The visitors making a double switch Georgia Stephenson and Chloe Bunn on replacing Hart and Lyndsey Bunn.

Dersingham getting players up into the final 3rd Smith forcing a corner on the left. Dereham defending it at the near post. Dereham attack off of a throw on the left the ball inside Collins driving on with it on into Pooley outside the D is brought down heavily by Burrell the advance played though as Collins bursts through into the area closing in on the keeper shoots Kendle-Johnson getting her glove up behind the ball to save at close range knocking it off Collins behind for the goal kick… afters though as the referee calls Burrell over to him and after a lengthy conversation the defender is incredulous as she is shown a red card and sent off, Dersingham down to 10.

A further card issued to the Dersingham bench as Burrell headed off the pitch. Dereham with the player advance as they desperately look for the goal to keep their title ambitions alive, Collins strong on the ball throughout winning it left turning inside firing a diagonal pass in behind for Hart-Copsey right of the D, the keeper racing out to close her down releases the shot top of the area past her but so too agonisingly wide of the right post.

Dersingham’s Leeanne Smith with Dereham’s Lisa Ferdani

McDonald dropping back into defence for Dersingham, the visitors are not content to just sit back and defend with Dereham needing the goal risk over committing the counter on as Leech gets away right inside for Stephenson her cross inside for Bunn attacking the near post wide off of a defender for a corner kick. Put into a congested near post Dereham bring it away to safety. Into the final 10 minutes.

Holly Melton getting her head on the ball as Collins taking the ball from Ewles-Belton on the left looks to play in Hart-Copsey up top. A lively ending to the game you can feel the tension in the ground Dereham willing their team on. Collins constantly fighting to get hold of the ball for the hosts linking up with Pooley in attack through on goal one on one with the keeper shoots puts it straight at her Kendle-Johnson has proven in the 2 games I’ve seen her relishes such an opportunity.

Dereham captain, Georgina Pooley

Flowerdew back on late on for Dersingham as they feel they can get back in front themselves the game stretched little time on the ball. Hart-Copsey getting clear right of the D shooting on the run her effort close past the right post. Into the last minutes of the match Dereham throwing everything forwards winning a throw on the left Marjoram pushed high in defence, Ewles-Belton inside for Collins closed down by Ross the ball out to the right Dereham winning the corner kick.

GOAL! Dereham sending players up to pack the box for the corner, Ewles-Belton to deliver and she sends in a peach of a ball rising near side, Hutchinson meeting it with a strong header turning the ball into a bullet blasting it past the keeper into the back of the net to send Dereham into the lead, runs away in celebration doesn’t get far before she is mobbed by her joyous teammates 2-1.

Amie Hutchinson wheels away in celebration as she sends Dereham into the lead with a beautiful header

A change for Dereham after the goal Hart-Copsey feeling her ankle taken off, Shapter back on. A blow late on for Dersingham have battled so hard, Sands looks to get on up the right with the ball, Marjoram in to close her down out for a throw. Into stoppage time Dereham energised closing the ball down looking to get it forwards Pooley carrying it away up the left tackled by Holly Melton. A tense finish bit it’s Dereham now with the determination to defend as the final whistle blows and they celebrate grabbing the win at the death, to take the season to the final day.

Full time Dereham Town Women 2-1 Dersingham Rovers Women

Dereham coming back from a goal down at the break to beat Dersingham at the death, Hutchinson with the bullet header to keep their title dreams alive, move onto 50 points 2 behind leaders Bungay, one more game to play away to Waveney Ladies A on Sunday, nothing short of a win will do, a few walking wounded out there but they know what they have to do. Waveney have led the table for a good while themselves and won’t be planning on going out with a whimper. Tough on Dersingham on the back end of two controversial matches leaving a bitter taste to the end of what was a successful debut season in Division Three, have been in the top three for pretty much all of it to drop out late on will hurt. Looked like it wasn’t going to happen for Dereham for a bit late in the game but they stuck at it the chances mounting up. Chances are a good chunk of Division Three sides will be promoted to Division Two next season with up to 6 new sides potentially joining the league next season and Dersingham have shown in the two games I’ve watched that they are capable of competing at that level.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. One clear winner here which is rarely the case but of course their were several performances of note players form both sides in contention. Shayna Kendle-Johnson put in a determined performance in goal for Dersingham thwarting several one on ones and getting hold of the ball. Holly Melton at the back won her fair share of headers and closed the ball down. For Dereham captain Georgina Pooley looked to provide the outlet on the left first half getting on with the ball in an advanced role that has lead to her scoring so many goals this season. Alice Collins was pro-active got hold of the ball, finding some good positions and looked to get the ball into the attackers throughout. But due to the context of the game and the result the award goes to Amie Hutchinson, Dereham needed the win and she took her two goals the penalty and header from the corner superbly, was pro-active in her role as goalkeeper first half and won the ball well in the 2nd from midfield to put Dereham win a win of becoming league champions.

Have been looking to get to a Dereham match for a while so glad I got over to Aldiss Park this evening, the season’s not quite done yet in Norfolk one more game to finish my season have to make the trip to Waveney now to see how it all unfolds. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams this evening, will have to make a trip over to see Dersingham at home next season. Dereham have one more game win it and they clinch top spot.

By Darren Gilham

Match Report – Bungay Town Ladies v Dersingham Rovers Women

Sunday 24th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

The season’s not done quite yet, there’s still a handful of games left and with them the not so small matter of a league title to be decided. In Norfolk Women’s Division Three, the title looks set to go all the way with 3 sides in contention, meeting in so vital clashes over the next 7 days, this Sunday the new leaders of Division Three, Bungay Town Ladies are hosting 2nd placed Dersingham Rovers Women

Dereham Town Women also in the mix in 3rd away to Necton FC Women this Sunday. One of the top 3 are still within a shot of becoming champions, Bungay Town Ladies with one left to play will finish on 52 points with a win, Dersingham Rovers Women have 2 left to play tough away trip to Bungay and then 3rd placed Dereham Town Women on Thursday win both and they will finish on 51 points and become champions themselves. Dereham Town Women win all 3 of there remaining games, away to 2nd bottom Necton this Sunday then away at home to Dersingham on Thursday and then away to 4th placed Waveney Ladies A next weekend and they will finish top, so some crucial games to decide the season.

top 4 in Norfolk Division Three

I didn’t think I’d be seeing Bungay Town Ladies this season at all, despite the fact they did the league and cup double in Norfolk Women’s Division One last season, that’s because that team has made the move over to the East coast to become the new Lowestoft Town Ladies side. Having been a stalwart of the Norfolk Women’s Football League for many seasons, the club approach Lee Wakefield one of the clubs youth coaches to help set-up a new women’s side, had young players coming through are elidable for women’s football from 16 in Norfolk, plus drafting in a few more with experience and a connection to the club, it is a miracle in itself that Bungay Town still have a women’s team, let alone be in a position to challenge for a league title. But I am glad to club has kept it’s women’s side starting a fresh, the league itself being patient giving the club time to get a new side cobbled together, having to forfeit the early games in the league and county cup started their league campaign on the 5th of October.

Starting with a loss and a draw went on to record 3 straight wins before losing to Dereham who are the only side to do the double over them, despite starting late with no cups to worry about have powered on losing just 4 games winning 16 moving to the top of the Division Three table for the first time last Sunday. A remarkable achievement to go from not existing a few months ago to potential league winners. Lila-Grace Eden leading the goal scoring charts for Bungay, 3rd in the league itself too scoring 23 times from 14 appearances. Both Marnie Jessop and Maisie Lay with 8 goals each.

Norfolk is a big county, made even bigger by the likes of Bungay, Beccles and the two Waveney sides competing from just over the border in Suffolk, one area of the county that has plenty of room to grow in the women’s game is the North West of the county, Dersingham Rovers FC (between King’s Lynn and Hunstanton, doing just that by establishing a new woman’s side for the 1st time in the clubs history, assembling a strong squad to compete in Norfolk Women’s Division Three. Dersingham keen to promote the women’s side as keenly as the rest of their teams.

Losing just 1 of their opening 6 league games have been amongst the top 3 most of the season ending 2025 with a win hit the ground running in 2026 winning 9 on the trot before Bungay themselves put an end to that run winning 3-1 at Dersingham back in April. Two wins and a draw since with just 3 losses leading the table for a spell have 2 games left winning both clinch the title, those games against Bungay this Sunday and away to Dereham on Thursday. Emma Leech top scorer for Dersingham with 21 goals to her name, Eliza McDonald and Crystal Hart both closing in on double figures with 9 and 8 respectfully while Anne-Marie Harris has 7 goals.

Great to be back at Maltings Meadows home of Bungay Town FC, hosting the football club and a variety of other sports, The carpark and clubhouse leading onto the main pitch itself with practise pitches either side, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks, not that the hot drinks will be in much demand with a mini heatwave upon us, more cricket weather bright and sunny 26 degrees in fact there was a cricket match on too. A hot day a lack of clouds which have been the feature of this season so far, a little breeze blowing across the pitch making being out in the sun more bearable, not that I should complain.

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Laura Beevor, Alana Bartley, Amari Whitaker, Erin Baylis, Lily Carman, Marnie Jessop, Jade Page (C) Maddie Flatman, Ava Eden, Sophie Turrell & Lila-Grace Eden. Subs – Rosie Beevor & Victoria Wakefield.

Bungay Town Ladies

Dersingham Rovers Women starting XI – Shayla Kendle-Johnson, Molly Sands. Holly Melton, Loretta Burrell, Tiffany Ross, Eliza McDonald (C), Chloe Melton, Emily Rix, Crystal Hart, Lyndsey Bunn & Emma Leech. Subs – Leeanne Smith & Carolyn Flowerdew.

Dersingham Rovers Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Eliza McDonald and Jade Page with todays match referee Wlodzimierz Szczerba

Both sides with two substitutes to call upon from the bench it’s the hosts Bungay to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing sky blue shirts with black shorts and socks with Dersingham lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirt with black sleeves, black shorts and yellow socks. The ball played back into the defence lifted long out to the left wing with Sophie Turrell looking to attack it, Loretta Burrell winning it for Dersingham bringing the ball out of defence, closed down, the resulting coming together seeing the Dersingham player pulled up for the foul.

Turrell over the ball wide of the area 30 yards out, curls it in on goal, bouncing through to goalkeeper, Shayla Kendle-Johnson skips up off the grass, knocks it back down with her gloves grabbing hold of it at the 2nd attempt before Bungay can pounce. Bungay lively at the start quick to get the ball on into their wide players, Turrell in particular on the left taking it on has her captain, Jade Page ahead of her, sending the pass on up the line Page sees her cross attempt intercepted by Dersingham’s Burrell.

Erin Baylis snapping in to win the ball at the back for Bungay plays it long into the right for Maddie Flatman, played for into Lily Carman her cross cut out by full back Tiffany Ross away for the throw in. Kendal-Johnson kicking the ball clear, helped on finds it way all the way back to her opposite number, Laura Beevor, Bungay waste no time in getting the ball back up the other end, fed on for Turrell racing away left flank all the way to the by-line her looping cross caught by Kendle-Johnson.

Dersingham goalkeeper, Shayla Kendle-Johnson

Dersingham captain, Eliza McDonald getting hold of the ball in the middle sending it one for Emma Leech up top drives forward taking the ball into the left channel, looking to link up with Crystal Hart making a run central the ball cut out by Baylis. McDonald with the ball at her feet right side 25 yards out sends a shot wide across the area, retrieved by Emily Rix on the left her cross back into the mix claimed by Beevor.

McDonald stealing the ball back in the middle for Dersingham pushing forwards players looking to support her on the left turning inside, Baylis making the blocking tackle. Alana Bartley getting her foot in to defend for Bungay as Rix looks to get into the box from the left. Chloe Melton into Lyndsey Bunn right side up to Hart, her cross collected by Beevor.

GOAL! Bungay quick to get the ball on whenever the defence breaks up play at the ball the ball sent on up the left wing for Turrell to chase, stretching out a leg to stop the ball going out of play, in front of the Dersingham bench they immediately appeal even as play goes on pace form Turrell to get down the line sends a looping cross into the six yard box, Lila-Grace Eden making the far post run getting on the end of it to turn the ball over the line to open the scoring in the 8th minute, 1-0.

Lila-Grace Eden opening the scoring for Bungay

Bungay with the lead, Dersingham furious protesting saying the ball was out of play before the cross was delivered, didn’t get a clear view myself nevertheless the goal stands. Bungay waste no time getting the ball on through the middle into Carman on the right inside for Lili-Grace Eden, Holly Melton with the challenge for Dersingham the ball behind for a corner kick. Bungay going with a short routine working the ball back to the corner taker to open the angle up for the cross, send in over the bar.

Baylis throwing out a leg to intercept at the back for Bungay. Tackles flying in central, McDonald winning it back for Dersingham on for Leech plays it forwards for Hart into the right channel, knocking it on looking to attack her touch a little too strong giving Beevor the opportunity to close the ball down and claim. Dersingham a little unsettled still frustrated from conceding as another decision goes against them as Turrell gets on up the left, riding Molly Sands’ tackle inside her cross cut out by Burrell the corner conceded. Curled into the near post intercepted by Burrell, who is fouled as she attempts to bring the ball out of her area.

Dersingham’s Loretta Burrell with Bungay’s Ada Eden

Chloe Melton linking up with Rix left side running into Baylis as she brings the ball infield, Dersingham getting bodies up to pressure the ball in the final 3rd finds it’s way over to Hart right, Amari Whitaker closing her down well for Bungay. Marnie Jessop getting back from midfield to get hold of the ball at the back for Bungay, wastes no time in getting her side back on the attack the ball fed up into the right Lili-Grace Eden onto it wide 20 yards out unleashing a shot on the angle driven in Kendle-Johnson at her near post saving with her legs, back out to the right Bungay pressing the ball forcing a corner kick.

Chloe Melton in to tackle Bungay’s Lily Carman

GOAL! The corner delivered into the near side, cut out by Ross, retrieved out on the wing by Carman even as Dersingham look to clear their box, the cross curled back in from the angle attacked at the near post by Lili-Grace Eden and turned in to double the lead 2-0.

Lila-Grace Eden in to double Bungay’s lead

The hosts getting themselves into a 2 goal lead inside the opening quarter hour, Dersingham again angry feeling they should have gotten an offside decision, clearly frustrated finding themselves on the back foot. Bungay remain lively in attack, Jessop into Turrell racing on left side, held up by Sands comes back inside to lay the ball in central for Jessop 25 yards out, leaning back into her shot sees the ball screw wide out past the right post.

Dersingham unhappy voicing their frustration feeling every decision is going against them, an attack broken up Whitaker back on through the middle for Page she lifts the ball on through the middle for Lili-Grace Eden breaking in behind into the left channel racing on taking the ball into the box, one on one with the keeper, closing in on the six yard box, Kendle-Johnson throwing herself down saves well at the strikers feet.

Bungay’s Sophie Turrell

Bungay winning a free-kick on the left for a hand ball which Dersingham felt should have been given the other way. Baylis over the ball sends it long to the far post, attacked but no telling touch out for a goal kick. Dersingham making a change Bunn coming off, send on Carolyn Flowerdew. Dersingham looking to impose themselves on the game getting some joy, Hart bundled over by Whitaker on the right winning the free-kick. McDonald to play the ball into the box goes long but retrieved on the far side the cross put back in cleared by Baylis.

Bungay with a rapid counter the ball into Jessop plays a give and go with Turrell on the right the return pass into Jessop fed on into the box, as Turrell races on looking to get in behind the pass too close to the keeper, Kendle-Johnson getting hold of it. A hot afternoon a drinks break called halfway through the first half for the players to take on fluids.

GOAL! Dersingham with a throw up on the right as the game resumes. players forwards Hart with, Leech the ball played on across the top of the Bungay area, McDonald onto it in space left of the D, shoots putting the ball low across the keeper to find the bottom corner and pull it back to 2-1.

Eliza McDonald pulls a goal back for Dersingham

McDonald busy in the middle for Dersingham winning the ball back sends a diagonal ball into the left for Rix to attack, Baylis stretching out a leg to cut it out for Bungay. Flowerdew central seeing the ball into her feet going forwards taking on the strike from 30 yards out, Beevor back on her line right behind it to save. Page getting on well for Bungay on the by-line left side digging the cross out, Burrell defending for Dersingham.

Flowerdew giving Dersingham a little extra thrust though the middle taking the ball on, Baylis proactive in the Bungay defence out to close her down put in the challenge the ball won back Bungay waste no time getting it on into the right channel, Carman on for Lila-Grace Eden producing a fierce shot on the angle the ball beat down by Kendle-Johnson. The referee awarding Bungay another free-kick as Burrell tackles Lila-Grace Eden as she looks to link up with Turrell on the right. A good distance out the striker over the free-kick looks to play it in on goal, not troubling Kendle-Johnson sees it all the way.

Ava Eden on for Page 20 yards out to the right of the Dersingham area plays it out to Flatman on the wing sends it back into the area for Lili-Grace Eden to attack, Burrell blocking the cross/shot turned behind for the corner kick. The corner curled into the side netting. Hart over on the left for Dersingham looking to cut in from the wing, Baylis in to close her down the ball away for a throw in the corner. Flowerdew seeing the ball into her feet well turning to get into the box, Beevor moving towards the ball going to ground getting hold of it.

Bungay’s Amari Whitaker

A bit of pressure from Dersingham up on the left Flowerdew wide sending the ball in across the face of goal, Hart running in far post not quite able to get there, but as it runs out of play the corner is signalled. A dangerous ball in curled in under the bar, Beevor getting an arm up well to turn the ball away to the left, played back central into Hart looks to force her way into the box tackled by Jessop.

Bungay midfielder, Marnie Jessop

Bungay getting the ball up to Page moving left up with Turrell the ball played in central to Lila-Grace Eden shoots from 25 yards out right of the D her effort racing wide of the left post. McDonald winning the ball in the middle for Dersingham linking up with Hart ahead of her she in turn playing it into Flowerdew making the run into the left channel taking the ball on Baylis in to close her down with the blocking tackle.

Dersingham’s Carolyn Flowerdew

A competitive tussle now Dersingham still frustrated getting players on well in attack, need to remain careful at the back with Bungay using their pace to turn play around. Turrell threatening as she bursts away to deliver the ball into the six yard box, attacked by Lili-Grace Eden at the near post her attempt lifted up wide of the upright.

Pushing on through the middle McDonald playing the ball up to Leech in attack, Beevor out quickly to the top of her area to get hold of the ball.

Bungay goalkeeper, Laura Beevor

Bungay straight on the counter, Ava Eden up to Page coming left has Turrell bursting on down the flank looking to get in behind looks to play her in the pass too straight, Kendle-Johnson getting to it first.

GOAL! Late in the first half Dersingham getting more joy now though the middle McDonald on for Flowerdew the ball pushed in for Leech run in behind the Bungay defence taking the ball on to the top of the area, Beevor rushing out too try and close her down, going to ground the attacker squeezing the ball past her seeing it run to the far post gives chase the ball across the open goal and sees it over the line to score the equalising goal 2-2.

Half-time Bungay Town Ladies 2-2 Dersingham Rovers Women

Dersingham finishing the half strong to see the sides level at the break, the two sides staying out on the pitch for the half-time interval, clustered around the meagre shade offered by the dugouts. Bungay with the early lead lively at the start getting players on attacking the flanks the goal coming in controversial circumstances Dersingham feeling the ball hadn’t been kept in play in the build up to the goal, were further frustrated as Bungay went onto to add a 2nd. The game settling down Dersingham starting to build some momentum in attack, competitive, the Bungay defence solid winning the ball quick to turn play around Dersingham getting it back to 2-1. Kendle-Johnson saving up the other end to deny Lila-Grace Eden a 1st half hat-trick before Emma Leech broke in behind the Bungay defence to fire in the equaliser at the ned of the half, still very much all to play for.

Both sides making a change at the break, Page off for Bungay on in her place Rosie Beevor. Chloe Melton off for Dersingham on in attack Leeanne Smith. It’s Dersingham to get the 2nd half underway played back to the defence lifted long to the left channel, Baylis defending for Bungay. Play turned around Bungay looking to get it out to Turrell left side, Sands into tackle the ball out for a throw.

Dersingham’s Molly Sands

Flowerdew central seeing the ball into her feet back too goal turning it out to the right for Hart, her cross cut out by Whittaker away for the throw. Flatman to hook the ball clear top of the area for Bungay as Dersingham work it inside from their right. Dersingham getting layers on better at the start of the 2nd half Flowerdew holding the ball up well, looks to turn it on for Leech, Jessop in the way to get the ball back for Bungay.

Bungay’s Maddie Flatman

Pressure from Dersingham Rix linking up with Flowerdew back to McDonald taking it right Bungay giving away the foul presenting Dersingham with a free-kick out towards the right outside the box. McDonald to hit it in struck well but wide of the far post. Bungay’s defence under a little pressure the hosts struggling to get the ball out of their half, Dersingham keeping players forwards McDonald on through the middle pushing the ball into Leech gives it back looking to spin in behind, McDonald with the through ball, Beevor stepping up to lay claim to the ball.

Jessop finding Lilia-Grace Eden in attack back to goal holding off Burrell turns the ball out to Turrell bursting on past her on the left, shooting on the angle from the left corner of the area blasts the ball over the bar. Lilia-Grace Eden linking up with Turrell well on the left the winger keeping Sands busy the full back lunging in to take the ball away from her, Turrell back on it squeezing it inside to Eden, Burrell with the tackle for Dersingham. Smith combining with Flowerdew for Dersingham, put out to the right for Leech, Whittaker challenging for Bungay.

Holly Melton out to close Flatman down before she can cross the ball as she gets on up the right combining with Lila-Grace Eden. Tackles flying in the ball rarely still, both sides expanding alot of energy despite the heat, Dersingham pressing on looking to find a goal, Turrell played on by Jessop on the left swinging the cross into the box, Melton getting her head on it for Dersingham. Bartley getting the tackle in on Flowerdew as the attacker looks to power her way on into the left channel.

Dersingham defender, Holly Melton

Dersingham looking to most likely to score at the moment getting players on well, McDonald finding Leech over on the right, doesn’t get the best connection with her shot,, Whittaker cutting it out. Beevor out quickly to the top of her area to slide onto the ball as Smith puts it across the top of the area from the left. Lili-Grace Eden moving across the final 3rd looking for an opening seeing the ball into her on the left from Turrell, her cross turned behind by Melton for the corner kick. Taken short returned to the taker the cross lifted on into the box, headed away by Melton.

Rix bringing the ball on up he left for Dersingham has Ross making the run ahead of her down the line taking the ball on squares the cross into the top of the area looking for Flowerdew’s run, Beevor again out fast to the top of her area to slide onto the ball.

GOAL! Just as Dersingham looked like they might get themselves into the lead Bungay get the ball on up the other end to retake the lead themselves a great ball out to the left for Turrell to take on flashes the cross into the six yard box, met by Carman at the near post a great touch to turn the ball inside the upright to score 3-2.

Lily Carman putting Bungay back into the lead

Bungay restoring their lead with just over an hour played a blow for Dersingham, McDonald getting hold of the ball putting it on for Smith into the left channel,, Beevor out of her area to clear slicing it away for a throw. Bungay making a change, Page returning to the pitch on for Ava Eden. Dersingham appealing for a handball inside the box, as the ball skips up played in from the right, don’t get it instead winning a corner kick.

Leech up on the right for Dersingham with Flowerdew the ball inside Whittaker blocking, the ball through for Beevor rushing out to claim. Flowerdew hitting the ball on across goal on the half volley as it comes into her from the left. Time for another drinks break and a chance for both sides to regroup with the result still very much in the balance.

McDonald with the ball as play resumes sending it on for Hart on the right forwards for Leech, she commits the foul as she attempts to force her way past Whittaker on the wing. Jessop in to win the ball for Bungay taking it on forwards for Carman linking up with Eden the cross turned into the area from the left intercepted by Melton, Burrell heading the ball clear. Getting a little niggly, Eden hurt as she brought down play paused so she can receive treatment. Dersingham making a change, Chloe Melton back on replacing Rix. Players starting to tire.

Emma Leech

Bartley winning the ball back for Bungay getting it on up the left for Eden to take on bursting into the box closing in on the keeper Kendle-Johnson doing well with the blocking save to deny her. The ball out to the left back into the middle the clearance coming to Page top of the D plays it into the box for Carman inside the area right side lifts her effort over the bar. Bungay pushing up well applying a bit of pressure the ball Rosie Beevor with the ball into Flatman on for Carman back into the middle for Jessop sends it on up top into Eden, Burrell going over to close her down.

GOAL! Bungay keeping the ball in the middle played into Page 25 yards out Eden lifting it into the box Eden attacking it left of goal getting in ahead of the defence to force the ball home to score her hat-trick and open up a 2 goal lead for the hosts 4-2.

A hat-trick for Lila-Grace Eden

18 minutes left to play Bungay getting a 4th to open up a two goal advantage, Dersingham with a mountain to climb if they are to turn the game around. Bungay keeping up their energy levels however, Jessop snapping in to win the ball, Turrell ever ready to burst on up their left, play stopped as Burrell takes a heavy blow to her side. The defender alright to continue after another lengthy pause.

GOAL! Bungay a quick to get the ball back from the start Jessop taking it on support from Carmen going left the ball played on into the area Eden getting through onto the end of it to shot striking it past the keeper to fire her side into a 5-2 lead.

4 goals for Bungay’s Lila-Grace Eden

Two quick goals a hammer blow to Dersingham conceding a 3rd in the 2nd half with a little under 15 minutes to go. Bungay making their lead comfortable bringing Ava Eden back on, Hart up with Leech on Dersingham’s right the ball flashed in across the six yard box, Chloe Melton trying to cover the ground to get on the end of it can’t quite connect. Bartley calming things down at the back for Bungay as she holds onto the ball seeing it back to her keeper to clear.

Dersingham working hard to try and find a way through, Dersingham further frustrated as another tight offside goes against them with Leech looking to get in behind the defence onto the end of a pass through from Flowerdew. Lila-Grace Eden getting on with the ball into the left flank cutting it back towards the centre of the D, Page looking to get forwards, Holly Melton in to close her down clear the threat for Dersingham.

Bungay captain, Jade Page

Dersingham pushing on trying to create something with less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Bungay’s defence dropping deeper, Smith looking to get on down the left, Rosie Beevor tracking her making the challenge. Jessop seeing the ball on through the middle into Lilia-Grace Eden turns looking for Turrell, Sands getting her leg in the way to cut the pass out.

Burrell across to defend against Lilia-Grace Eden as she looks to take the ball on from a Flatman pass up the right wing. Rosie Beevor making way late on for Bungay as Victoria Wakefield joins the action. Dersingham overload the right flank, Hart on with Leech inside to Flowerdew cutting in from the right bearing down on the near post Beevor goes to ground making diving down to make the blocking save as she goes to shoot, the pair coming together the ball loose, Flowerdew trying to get it, Beevor trapping her leg, the referee pointing to the spot awarding the Penalty.

GOAL! It’s Leech to take the penalty placing the ball on the spot, Bungay’s turn to be unhappy with a decision but the decision stands. Leech let’s her frustration out on the ball stepping in to strike it hard and fast to the left rising into the back of the net to pull it back to 5-3.

3 minutes left to play, Dersingham keen to get going again, McDonald releasing Smith to break away with the ball on the left squaring a cross low into the six yard box, Flowerdew at the far post just behind it attempts to get her heel on it, as it runs out to the right, Bungay hooking it upfield. Turrell hasn’t stopped running all game breaking on with the ball wide left shoots on the angle the ball fizzed in on target, Kendle-Johnson behind it palming the ball down into the turf and holding onto it.

Full time Bungay Town Ladies 5-3 Dersingham Rovers Women

The game ends, Bungay finishing their debut season, in Division Three with a win to move them onto 52 points. Will it be enough to clinch the title, they’ll have to wait and see, Dersingham’s own title ambitions quashed, they travel to Dereham on Thursday, their opponents winning away to Necton now need all 6 points from their remaining two matches to pip Bungay to the title by a single point anything else and Bungay are champions, will hope Dersingham can do them a favour in Thursday in their final match certainly won’t want to end their own positive campaign with another defeat a top 3 finish still there for the taking. A competitive 2nd half played in hot conditions the ball rarely still, Dersingham gave it a go starting the 2nd half brightly and for a while looked the more likely to make it 3-2. Bungay with high energy levels through always a threat on the counter breaking on the left to take the lead themselves and then scoring a quick 4th and 5th took the game away from Dersingham. Pulling one back from the penalty spot late on leave Maltings Meadow frustrated with some of the decisions. A competitive game between two contrasting sides can easily see why both are at the top of the league.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several strong performances out there and a few in contention but I had a fairly good idea of the award winner before I left the ground. A few performances top mention, firstly for Dersingham, Loretta Burrell defending well getting across to close players down and get out to intercept. Eliza McDonald with some strong tackling used the ball well got forwards and on another day her range of passing would open up a defence. Emma Leech working hard to find and opening through a well organised Bungay defence and when she did get in behind took her chance well. Carolyn Flowerdew came on from the bench and added more attacking thrust to Dersingham linking up the attack. For Bungay, Lila-Grace Eden led the attack make some great runs always looking for the ball and a way in behind scoring 4 goals to take her onto 27 for the season. Marnie Jessop got about the midfield, back to help in defence and carry the ball on kept the game flowing. Sophie Turrell full of running on the left wing a constant threat and ready outlet for the ball. The Bungay defence closing the ball down as a unit giving very little away in behind got into close the ball down, Amari Whittaker and Alana Bartley cutting out several crosses and quick to release it forwards. The award going to Erin Baylis made numerous interceptions and get out to close the ball down frustrating Dersingham as they looked to damage in behind.

An entertaining if hot match from Norfolk Women’s Division Three, glad I got the opportunity to see both sides, will see Dersingham again on Thursday as they take on Dereham. Bungay are done for the season can’t finish any lower than 2nd now, would love to go one better I’m sure. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Needham Market Women

Wednesday 20th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

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Last cup final of the season, and it’s a big one heading down to Ipswich Town FC’s, Portman Road Stadium for the final of this season’s Suffolk Women’s County Cup between holders AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women.

This season’s final between the two of the strongest teams in the county, the competition long dominated by Ipswich Town Women now competing in FAWSL 2. Now no longer entering a side in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup, Needham Market Women and AFC Sudbury Women have dominated the competition since 2022, meeting in that years final at Colchester United FC, Sudbury winning the trophy. No seedings in the Suffolk competition meaning the big guns can get drawn together more easily, Needham Market coming back to dump Sudbury out early on the following year to win their maiden county cup at Colchester. The final moving back to Portman Road in 2024, Sudbury coming back to win back to back finals aiming for a 3rd successive win this evening.

This evenings prize

No doubt it has been a tough season for AFC Sudbury Women, having won through to the FAWNL following back to back promotions to get to tier 4, after three season’s that comes to an end as they finished in the bottom two relegated back to the ERWFL. A hard league to compete in Sudbury lost some experienced players and have been unfortunate with injury to other key individuals, midfielder Maisie Goodwin a notable example out with an ACL and although competitive throughout couldn’t pick up the points they had in the previous season’s to retain their FAWNL status. Thus the county cup taking on a more significant meaning as they look to end the season on high especially with the departure of manger and coach Luke and Stefan Mallett with the women’s set-up for 7 and 5 years respectfully, leading the women’s section during a highly successful spell for the club.

Plenty to be positive about however, the club with it’s academy always bringing players through and elsewhere it has been a hugely successful campaign for their Reserves and Development sides playing in the Suffolk Women’s County League this season. The Development side winning the Championship title. The Reserves doing the double winning the Suffolk Women’s Premiership and this Sunday beating Woodbridge Town Ladies 4-2 to lift the League Cup. Amy-Leigh Abrehart, Sudbury’s top scorer with 15 goals, Lucy Loomes with 10, Faith Harrison scoring 9 before her move to Norwich City Women and Jess Allen has 8 to her name.

Sudbury’s rise and growth in the FAWNL coming at the expense of rivals Needham Market Women to a degree as the club saw several of their more experienced players leave to join Sudbury, leaving them without key experience and ultimately losing their ERWFL Premier Division status. Have been in a period to transition as they look to get back up the leagues dropping into ERWFL Division One South have enjoyed a solid campaign recording a 4th placed finish.

Like Sudbury, Needham Market have academy to develop young players, with a Development side competing in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership, currently 2nd in the table can finish no lower than 3rd once the final standings done. Annie Posnett the leading goal scorer for Needham Market this season with 20 goals to her name. Keira Topple has 14 and Megan McCrae-Robinson has 11 goals. This will be the first county cup final for Needham Market played at Portman Road.

Road to the Final

No seeding in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup hence the big guns can potentially and have been drawn together in the early rounds of the competition. This time round that was avoided to see both progress to the final. AFC Sudbury Women receiving a bye in the 1st round of the County Cup, Needham Market Women were on the road taking on Suffolk Women’s Premiership side, Capel Plough Women, leading 3-0 at half-time Needham Market went on the win the contest 5-0 with Kiera Topple scoring a hat-trick along with a goal each for Ciera Flatt and Paige Pugh.

Into the 2nd Round, Sudbury were at home playing Premiership side Stowupland Falcons Women, who they faced in the final itself two season’s ago. Sudbury saving up the goals for this one racking up an eye watering 20-0 score line, Lucy Loomes netting a double hat-trick, Evie-Mai Harding with 3 goals too. Braces for Megan Edwards, Faith Harrison, Amy-Leigh Abrehart and Lina Nagib, plus a goal each for Jess Allen, Jade Barrett and Alex Penny. Needham Market in just as ruthless form in front of goal as they travelled to Norfolk Division One side, Waveney FC Ladies in the 2nd Round, Keira Topple scoring 4 this time, Megan McCrae-Robinson with a hat-trick, Anna Sullivan, Mia Etheridge-Golding, Jae Lewis Samuel and Chloe Brame all scoring two, with Cate Jackson also bagging a goal in a 16-0.

Those scores frightening the opposition in the quarter finals, with both sides progressing courtesy of an away win in both circumstances against Bacton United Ladies and AFC Kesgrave Ladies. Into the semi finals, Sudbury effectively away to the side they beat in last years final with Lowestoft Town Ladies taking on the bulk of the old Bungay Town Ladies squad. A closer game this one, an own goal, plus one each from Jess Allen and Amy-Leigh Abrehart securing a 3-1 victory to see Sudbury make it 3 Portman Road finals on the trot. There league season wrapped up almost a month before Needham Market were due to play their semi-final were on the road again taking on Premiership side, Halesworth Town Women. Goals from Posnett, Etheridge-Golding and McCrae Robinson sealing a 3-0 win to see Needham Market back into the final after 3 season absence.

Back to Portman Road for this evenings Suffolk Women’s County Cup final, home of Ipswich Town FC now back in the Premiership. Some modifications taking place in the stands opposite ahead of the new campaign the rival spectators in the upper tier of the Cobbald Stand. The pitch looking immaculate, the sun setting over the stand opposite, would disappear behind it once the action got underway, no rain in the forecast which was welcome after the previous two finals.

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Isabelle Peachey, Sophie Jeffery, Alana Smith, Sheryce Slater, Jade Barrett (C), Lina Nagib, Megan Edwards, Ruby Clark, Jess Allen, Amy-Leigh Abrehart & Lucy Loomes. Subs- Matilda Cox, Stacey Roper, Alena Kendall, Evie-Mai Harding & Olivia Clennell.

AFC Sudbury Women

Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Libby Mann, Cate Jackson, Ciera Flatt, Laura Bloomfield (C), Charlotte McGrath, Mia Etheridge-Golding, Adele Stalnionis, Chloe Brame, Kiera Topple & Annie Posnett. Subs – Sophia Gillingham, Jae Lewis-Samuel, Faith Witmore, Esme Marsh & Nicola Henderson.

Needham Market Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Jade Barrett and Laura Bloomfield with this evenings match officials

Olivia Clennell top scoring for Sudbury’s Reserves side on the bench for this evenings final. Both naming 5 on the bench, roll on roll of substitutes. It’s Needham Market to kick-off the first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks with black hoops. Sudbury lined up opposite in their usual colours yellow shirt and socks with blue coloured shorts. The ball played into the left channel Sudbury moving in fast to try and close the ball down, Alana Smith in with a heavy challenge on defender Cate Jackson to see the ball out for a throw to Sudbury on the right.

Laura Bloomfield tackling Jess Allen

Sudbury keen to get on with the ball off of the throw Jess Allen looking to carry the ball on up the right in attack closed down by Needham Market’s Ciera Flatt, the ball played up to Annie Posnett up top intercepted by Sudbury defender Sheryce Slater. Sudbury positive at the start setting a fast tempo looking to get players on winning a free-kick inside the Needham Market half on the left, captain Jade Barrett to send the ball long into the top of the area, Charlotte McGrath sliding in with the challenge to win the ball for Needham Market.

GOAL! Sudbury capitalising no their fast start the ball over on the left, Sophie Jeffery up with Amy-Leigh Abrehart the ball taken down the line the looping cross put into the area players drawn across missed by the defender at the near post bouncing through to Allen, free central in front of goal getting her foot up over the ball to ram it home past goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke to open the scoring 1-0.

Jess Allen fires Sudbury into the early lead

The perfect start from Sudbury into the lead inside the opening 2 minutes of the final. An early blow for Needham Market look to get on from the restart the ball played up to Posnett up top, the ball intercepted at the back Sudbury looking to quickly turn play around, Allen a ready outlet up to breaking free into the left channel, Clarke coming racing out of her area to get hold of the ball first, collected by Abrehart has a go from range 30 plus yards out the ball dropping wide of the left post.

Ruby Clark into close the ball down for Sudbury right side played on for Allen up the wing, Jackson in to close her down giving away the free-kick. Sudbury putting plenty of players up into the box as Barrett plays in into the middle, lifted in into the area, long collected cleanly by the keeper. Barrett at the back allowed time on the ball picking her pass sending in long into the right as Smith overlaps Allen the pass cut back to the attacker top of the area sends it into the D, Mia Etheridge-Golding getting it clear for Needham Market.

Jeffery pushing on up Sudbury’s left to support Abrehart the cross whipped low into the six yard box, Clarke getting down to get body behind the ball cut the cross out. Posnett seeing the ball into her feet letting fly from range not troubling Sudbury goalkeeper, Isabelle Peachy. Needham Market’s defence under pressure Sudbury getting players on well down the wings the ball in from the left not cleared, comes through to Allen right of goal taking a swing at it Clarke down behind it to save.

Allen lively attacking for Sudbury right side picked out by Lina Nagib races down the line her cross cut out by Needham Market’s Libby Mann. Sudbury seeing alot of the ball in the opening 10 minutes getting players on with intent Barrett into Megan Edwards fed to towards the top of the D, captain Laura Bloomfield into to win it back for Needham Market.

GOAL! Sudbury winning another free-kick wide left inside the Needham Market half, Barrett over the set-piece sent long up into the packed area, Slater knocking it down towards goal blocked by McGrath clears the ball to the top of the area, players going to attack it, finds it’s way through into the left channel, Abrehart bursting into the box clear putting her foot through the ball to drill it across the keeper and score to double Sudbury’s lead 2-0.

Build up to the 2nd goal

Amy-Leigh Abrehart putting Sudbury into a 2 goal lead

13 minutes played, Sudbury with a strong start racing into a 2 goal lead looking a threat every time they go forwards. Posnett leading the line frustrated as she gets pulled up for offside trying to run in behind onto a pass from Etheridge-Golding through the middle. Allen seeing the ball come on into her path as she presses on up the right taking it into the box, Jackson closing her down, the ball not clear, Allen snatching it back unleashing a shot struck wide of the near post.

Adele Stalnionis getting hold of the ball out on the right for Needham Market looking to drive on up the win, tackled by Jeffery, Sudbury turning play around the cross-field pass in towards Allen on the right, Jackson getting to it first seeing the ball back to Clarke to clear. Sudbury’s defence pushed up, Barrett and Sheryce Slater in the centre of defence, having time on the ball plenty of passing options ahead of them. Posnett looking to get hold of the ball when she can drive forwards but starting deep, is quickly closed down Nagib tackling.

Needham Market striker, Annie Posnett with Sudbury’s Alana Smith

Allen pulling away on the right sending a cross long across goal to the far post attacked by Abrehart her header taking a deflection off a defender behind for the corner kick. Taken short, back up the line Sudbury send the cross in long to the far post no one getting a touch out for a goal-kick. 20 minutes played is a competitive tussle free-kicks given away as Sudbury look to close Needham Market down on the ball as their opponents look to try and get a foot hold in the game. McGrath on for Chloe Brame, looks to try and pick out Posnett through the middle, the ball cut out by Barrett.

Sudbury’s Lucy Loomes with Needham Market’s Ciera Flatt

Needham Market’s fans vocal encouraging their team on, pushed back getting players forwards a challenge, Sudbury lively pouring players on as quick to get back behind the ball the midfield tight, Keira Topple left for Needham Market put on for Posnett to attack on the wing, shoulder to shoulder with Smith riding a challenge to get into the box, Barrett getting her foot in to clear the ball, referee Sarah Clarke bringing play back for the earlier foul on the Needham Market striker. An opportunity for Needham Market to get players forwards create an opportunity of their own.

The free-kick 25 yards out left corner of the area, Bloomfield over the ball, clips it in over the Sudbury wall, dropping down to the bottom left corner, Peachey diving down across her goal getting down to push the ball out to the left for a throw. From the throw Needham Market force a corner kick, curled in to the near post Needham Market defend, the ball out of their box, Posnett getting hold of it looking to keep the attack alive the ball crossed back in to the right Stalnionis offside.

Is no quarter given between the two sides some heavy tackles and comings together the tempo remaining high, Slater on for Jeffery pushing up the left for Sudbury onto Abrehart her early cross intercepted by Needham Market’s Bloomfield. Topple looking to get up to support Posnett on the left the cross flung into the area from deep claimed well by Peachey inside her box.

Sudbury’s Lina Nagib

Closing in on the half hour mark, Lucy Loomes laying the ball into Abrehart left side outside the box the shot taken, Clarke right behind to save holds onto the ball. Flatt finding Stalnionis as she gets a move on up the left, combining with Posnett the pass inside returned to her up the line before she squares a good cross into the D, Nagib back to defend clearing for Sudbury.

Clarke needs to come rushing out of her box as the ball popping about in the centre suddenly rebounds clear for Loomes to break in behind the defence. Sudbury remain the more dominant side, signs Needham Market are beginning to find a few openings getting players on to support Posnett in attack. Posnett snapping in well to steal the ball back releasing Stalnionis out on the left takes it into the left channel, Smith back at her to defend see the ball back to the keeper.

Alana Smith

Posnett batting for the ball gets in the clear 25 yards out to the right of goal, taking on the strike blazes her shot over the bar. The free-kicks mounting up, Needham Market wining one right of the centre circle, Bloomfield launching it up to the top of the Sudbury area, Nagib defending heading the ball clear. Loomes turning on the ball looking to play Allen in to the right of the box, Flatt lunging in to nick the ball for Needham Market.

GOAL! Closing in on the final 5 minutes of the first half, Barrett in possession inside the Needham Market half, has been given time on the ball, able to pick her options all of 40 yards out central is a striker in her own right and decides to have a pop, and what a strike too! Connects with the ball beautifully angling in on goal going to cause any goalkeeper problems as it dips late to sail under the bar and send Sudbury into a 3-0 lead. Barrett runs across the pitch in celebration, think she liked that one was a fantastic hit!

Captain Jade Barrett with a 40 yard wonder strike

Sudbury able to get their full backs pushed on Jeffery up on the left crossing into the area, cut out by Bloomfield as Loomes goes in to attack it. Needham Market finding themselves closed down rapidly by Sudbury when in possession, Edwards tackling Brame. Allen on the attack right side, getting inside Flatt inside the box to whip an angled shot into the near post, Clarke adjusting smartly to throw herself down to the left get a hand on the ball push it across goal her defence scrambling it clear.

Flatt turning Smith’s cross behind for a corner as she gets on well up the right. Swung in long across the face of goal headed clear at the far post, Jeffery getting hold of it letting fly from distance, Clarke right behind her 25 yard strike. Needham Market giving the ball away at the back, Abrehart with it left side close the the by-line turning a shot wide across the face of goal. Into 2 minutes added time Abrehart meeting the ball on the volley off of a throw left of the D sending the ball over the bar.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 3-0 Needham Market Women

Sudbury heading back into the changing rooms with a dominant first half display to lead 3-0 at the break. Getting off to the perfect start into the lead inside the opening 2 minutes, got players on well with attacking intent to push the Needham Market defence back put them under pressure, setting the tone for the game, on the back foot opportunities for Needham Market to get forwards themselves limited. Sudbury extending the lead in the 13th minute a wonder strike from captain Jade Barrett late on the half extending the lead. A huge task now for Needham Market to get back into the game and with Sudbury likely to ring the changes to keep legs fresh will be looking to score more goals.

The sides out for the 2nd half no changes as Sudbury get the game restarted the ball out to the left Jeffery powering forwards on the wing taking the ball down the line firing a vicious cross into the area, attacked by Loomes, Clarke with a wonderful save diving to her left getting down to turn the ball behind for the corner kick.

GOAL! The area packed as the ball is curled in long across the six yard area to the far post, knocked back down into the mix Needham Market don’t get it away the ball prodded back at goal, Loomes latching onto it burying the ball into the back of the net from close range 4-0.

Lucy Loomes striking early in the 2nd half for Sudbury

The perfect start to the first half from Sudbury with an early goal, followed up by another early goal in the 46th minute in the 2nd half to extend the lead make things comfortable, making it a mountain for Needham Market to climb now. Sudbury making a change replacing their goalkeeper, Matilda Cox coming on to replace Peachey. Nagib playing the ball on for Allen right channel, Flatt in close to put in the tackle.

Sudbury keep it on the right Clark up with Allen the strike fired in on the angle, Clarke behind it at her near post to beat down and claim. Both sides tackling, Etheridge-Golding tangling with Nagib the free-kick given away on halfway. Barrett playing in forwards into Loomes, Bloomfield winning it back off the attacker.

Needham market’s Mia Etheridge-Golding

Abrehart getting onto the ball right side travelling turning into the box, getting a shot away even as Topple slides in to make the challenge, the ball pulled wide of the near post, Abrehart getting an unintentional knee in the back for her efforts, but is up back on her feet. Needham Market remain under pressure pushed back, Posnett finding herself isolated in attack, has alot to do but will fight for every ball, annoyed as she gets pulled up for offside.

Jeffery linking up well with Abrehart on the left side the cross from deep turned behind by Mann to concede the throw in the corner. 10 minutes played in the 2nd half, Brame gets the ball on for Mann as she looks to advance on the right the ball squared in central Posnett her target, Barrett in close on the striker to defend for Sudbury. Sudbury come right the ball passed back to Clarke, Allen racing in to close her down, Clarke snatching it away in the nick of time but in doing down catches Allen with her follow through leaving her down in pain in need of treatment a painful impact injury. No need to take any risks Sudbury making the change Allen hobbling off, Alena Kendall introduced to the action.

Mann finding a little joy on the right for Needham Market threading in on through the right channel for Posnett, Slater getting to the ball first turning it safely back to her keeper. Another long pause for an injury as Etheridge-Golding sliding in too tackle comes off the worst in the centre. Needham Market’s turn to make a change as they bring Etheridge-Golding off, Nicola Henderson.

Needham Market looking to give it a go try and get some joy going forwards, Bloomfield on for Mann on the right putting the defence under pressure the ball cleared into the middle, Posnett after it inside the D, giving away the foul. Needham Market with a corner on the left Sudbury getting it clear out of their box Brame getting it back 25 yards out on the spin sending her effort in on the keeper, Cox holding onto it.

Needham Market’s Chloe Brame

Barrett and Slater comfortable at the back for the most part for Sudbury, Jeffery and Smith both pushing up on the flanks keeping Needham Market pinned back. Slater into Jeffery as she bombs on up the left, fouled by Topple the free-kick awarded.

GOAL! Players rushing in to attack the far post as the ball in launched into the box, Clarke trying to get up amongst bodies to get something on the ball can only knock it down into the ground is a melee of red and yellow shirts the ball put across goal, Edwards getting her foot to it to turn the ball over the line turning in celebration sending Sudbury into a 5-0 in the 68th minute.

Megan Edwards fires Sudbury into a 5 goal lead

Needham Market make a double change, McGrath and Stalnionis taken off, on comes Esme Marsh and Jae Lewis-Samuel. Sudbury ringing the changes too making 3 changes, Smith, Clark and Loomes coming off, Stacey Roper, Evie-Mai Harding and Olivia Clennell coming on. Into the final 20 minutes Jeffery surging on up the left, a strong tackle form Topple appeals but no foul. A give and go between Jeffery and Abrehart on the left sees the full back race down the line while Abrehart breaks into the box looking to get onto the end of the cross, Flatt blocking her shot, Abrehart getting a 2nd bite rushed shooting low puts it straight at Clarke who can snatch the ball up into her gloves.

Topple down after the ball another pause in play while she is treated, feeling the back of her leg is allowed back on. Needham Market making a change with flat coming off at the back, replaced by Sophia Gillingham. Play a little disjointed now with all the changes. Harding pushing no up the right seeing her cross cleared by Bloomfield. Topple feeling her injury needs to come off with Faith Witmore coming on.

Posnett keeping the Sudbury defenders honest as she fights to get hold of the ball, Barrett holding her off to see the ball back for Cox to kick clear. Marsh getting Needham Market a free-kick on the right as she is pulled back, Bloomfield to send the ball long into the area, headed clear away to the left, Lewis-Samuel chasing it down to win a throw. Into the final 10 minutes Needham Market’s defence still under pressure, Gillingham blocking as Harding hits the ball from the right of the D.

The game opening up a few tired legs out there, Jeffery combining with Abrehart on the left the ball in central Barrett onto it in space encouraged to shoot, tries anther ambitious effort not enough in it this time dropping safely in front of Clarke to catch on the bounce.

Sophie Jeffery

GOAL! No let up from Sudbury the ball fed on through the middle into Abrehart’s feet left side of the D, 20 yards out shifts it inside to create half a yard for a shot and wrapping her foot around the ball, drives it low and fast past the keeper before she can react 6-0.

Amy-Leigh Abrehart turning inside to fire in Sudbury’s 6th

Brame coming off for Needham Market, Stalnionis coming back on. Sudbury making changes too, Loomes, Smith and Clark back on for Nagib, Abrehart and Edwards. Bloomfield into challenge Kendall as she takes the ball on to the top of the D. Gillingham cutting the cross out as Harding looks to pick out Kendall from the right.

GOAL! The changes seeing gaps across the pitch as the game moves into 5 minutes of added time, Clarke racing out to the top of her area as Harding breaks in behind on the right, gets the ball past the keeper as she slides in and running in beyond her puts the ball into the empty net 7-0.

Evie-Mai Harding scoring Sudbury’s 7th goal

GOAL! No let up from Sudbury Jeffery still full of running on the left linking up with Loomes the ball into the attacker returned to Jeffery down the line to float a cross into the six yard box Clark making the run to get onto the end of it blasting the ball across the line from close range to make it 8 on the night! 8-0.

Ruby Clark making it 8 on the night

Sudbury celebrate as the final whistle blows as they win the county cup for the 3rd successive year.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 8-0 Needham Market Women

Sudbury dominating from start to finish getting the early goal and never looking back kept coming forwards Needham Market on the back foot couldn’t get a foothold in the game, the goals coming at crushing intervals 2-0 in the first half late on hold out and maybe it’s a different picture for the 2nd half, Jade Barrett’s screamer changing that! 3-0 at the break Sudbury scoring a 4th straight after the restart to take full control of proceedings adding a 5th and 6th late in the game. 2 further goals in stoppage time adding to the rout. Joy for Sudbury at the end of a tough season, Luke and Stefan Mallett leaving the women’s section in a healthy place despite relegation, as a new era begins. A hard loss for Needham Market to suffer it will hurt 8 goals without reply but they know they are rebuilding themselves and have talent coming through will bounce back.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As is often the case singling one player out is tough good performances across the park. A tough night for Needham Market no doubt and their players will be hurting, battled though out Danielle Clarke despite the score with some crucial saves. Laura Bloomfield winning a good share tackles at the back. Annie Posnett often alone up top working tirelessly to try and find an opening. For Sudbury, Jess Allen set the tone early on scoring the opener after two minutes dangerous going forwards always available on the right. Likewise Amy-Leigh Abrehart on the left of attack got on well into some good positions took her goals well. Jade Barrett with a superb 40 yard strike to make it 3-0 was composed and solid at the back throughout. But based on my notes the award goes to Sophie Jeffery got forwards on the left, menacing the defence, linking up well with Abrehart in particular, taking the ball and players on putting several dangerous balls into the box.

AFC Sudbury Women 2025/26 Suffolk Women’s County Cup winners

Congratulations to AFC Sudbury Women on winning the 2025/26 Suffolk Women’s County Cup, and making it 3 successive cup wins. Ending a difficult season on a high.

My thanks to the staff at Suffolk FA for letting me cover the game and their assistance this evening. Best of luck to Luke and Stefan Mallett for whatever comes next, some great memories made with Sudbury getting the club back up the leagues. Great to catch up with a few footballing friends in Suffolk. That’s the finals complete for another season, not quite done yet there’s still one league title to be won.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Aylsham FC Women v Costessey Sports Ladies

Sunday 17th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Moving onto the 2nd game from today’s NWGFL Women’s Finals, Day the League Cup final itself, another all Division One line-up with Aylsham FC Women into their 2nd successive League Cup final taking on Costessey Sports Ladies, finishing as runners-up in Division One this season.

All the teams across the 3 Divisions competing in Norfolk playing in the League Cup with those knocked out in the earlier rounds going on to contest for the League Plate won by UEA FC Women this morning. A busy weekend for the NWGFL with all the girls finals taking place on Friday and Saturday.

The Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Aylsham FC Women enjoying their best campaign in Division One last season finishing runners up in both the league and league cup. Have lost a few experienced players during this campaign through various reasons including injury and pregnancy, needing to call up a few of their 7’s players at times, winning as many as they have lost to record a 6th placed finish. Their best form saved for the cup competitions a good run in the county cup followed by getting into a 2nd successive league Cup final, players returning and young talent coming on. Started the season strong with 5 wins from 6, come into the final with the opposite record and know they have a tough test on their hands with Costessey today. Shelley Woods still going strong leading the goal scoring charts finding the back of the net for 16 goals this season. Sophie George also into double figures netting 13 so far with Olivia Baker also amongst the goals with 8.

Costessey Sports Ladies are very much as side on the rise, have enjoyed a memorable season in Division One, securing runners-up spot losing just 2 league games. Knocked out higher league opposition to progress to the semi-finals of the County Cup and go on to reach their first senior final in the League Cup. Ambitious building one a strong core of youthful talent. 14 wins and 2 draws the only defeats in the league coming at the hands of defending champions Lowestoft (were Bungay Town Ladies last season). Got the better of Lowestoft however in the cup to advance to the final. Goals throughout the side with Thea hackney and Chloe Moulton joint top scorers with 18 goals to their names, Alisha Juby right on their tails has 17. Chelsea Brister has 9 and Kyara Everett and Hannah Campbell both have 8 each.

Road to the Final

Aylsham FC Women awarded a home win in the 1st Round of the league Cup with the new incarnation of Bungay Town Ladies not quite ready. Division Three opposition for Costessey Sports Ladies too with a trip to Long Stratton Women and having hit the ground running with a 12-0 win in the league on the opening day repeated the feat in the cup, Kyara Everett firing home a hat-trick, there were braces for Chloe Moulton, Chelsea Brister and Layla Watts, plus a goal each for Abbigail Tate, Grace Wall and Aimee Dickson.

Into the 2nd Round, Aylsham making the trip over to the east coast to play Division Two side, Martham FC Ladies, a brace from Olivia baker, along with a goal apiece for Shelley Woods, Marseilles Will and Sophie George seeing the game won 5-2. Costessey away too in the 2nd round playing fellow Division One side, Bure Valley Women, the hosts scoring twice, Costessey hit back with 4 to advance to the quarter finals, Hannah Campbell, Thea hackney and Alisha Juby amongst the goals.

Into the last 8 of the League Cup, both sides paired against Division Two opposition, Aylsham away taking on Beccles Town Ladies a close game the visitors winning by a single goal to clinch a 3-2 victory, Sophie George, Olivia Baker and Rachel Bussey all on the scoresheet. Costessey heading along the A47 to play Brundall Bolts Women, a brace for Poppy Lyons plus a goal each for Hannah Campbell and Kyara Everett seeing Costessey leading 4-0 at the break, no more goals in the 2nd period as they booked their spot in the semi-finals.

An all Division One line-up in the League Cup semi-finals, Aylsham at home playing KLSC FC Women, goals from Rachel Bussey and Sophie George securing a 2-1 win and Aylsham’s successive League Cup final appearance. Costessey at home taking on Lowestoft Town Ladies the visitors leading by a single goal at the break, Costessey came back to level midway through the 2nd half Thea Hackney scoring, that sending the game into extra-time, Costessey getting their noses in front late on through Hannah Campbell, who went on to add another goal in the closing stages to send Costessey into the final for the 1st time.

Youngs Park hosting the NWGFL finals weekend, the main pitch in superb condition, the barbeque open serving burgers the clubhouse bar and kitchen open too serving hot food and drink. The clouds hanging around but the threat of any rain minimal.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Fawnee Ansbro, Carly Allum, Katie Garner, Charlotte Crane, Sophie Buckley, Cayla Brown, Shelley Woods (C), Felicity Hunton, Rachel Bussey, Vicky Lubbock & Sophie George. Subs – Tegan Lusher, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor, Olivia Wenn & Ellie Snowling.

Aylsham FC Women

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Kelly Fox, Sydney Brown, Olivia Smith, Phoebe Pierpoint, Alyssia Baldock, Abbi Nobbs, Chelsea Brister (C), Holly Williams, Thea Hackney, Alisha Juby and Chloe Moulton. Subs – Grace Wall, Jenny Moore, Hannah Campbell, Kyara Everett & Mia Finnermore.

Costessey Sports Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes then a period of extra-time will follow by a penalty shootout if required.

Members of the NWGFL committee leading the two sides out onto the pitch, Dan Knowles referring today’s League Cup final assisted by Elise Carroll-Mileham and James Sutherland. Costessey with a good sized squad having 5 to call on from the bench, Aylsham naming 4 on their bench some returning from injury, Olivia Baker having played in all of Aylsham’s matches this season not available for the final. The threat of a shower passing prior to kick-off, it’s Costessey to get the League Cup final under way wearing their away colours, light blue shirts with navy sleeves, navy shorts and socks. Aylsham Lined up opposite in their home colours, orange shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball played back into defence, sent back into a congested middle, Aylsham getting it cleared over the top, Sophie George giving chase, Kelly Fox out to close it down the goalkeeper putting the ball out for a throw on the right.

Aylsham looking to be positive at the start George seeing the ball down heading for the by-line but is dispossessed as she looks to flick the ball on into the box. George linking up with twin sister Vicky Lubbock in attack exchanging passes Alyssa Baldock getting a foot on the ball to get it away for Costessey. A few nerves at the start from Costessey passes rushed but the more experienced amongst the squad calming things down, Abbi Nobbs looking to find Alisha Juby as she makes a run through the middle, Sophie Buckley intercepting the ball at the back for Aylsham.

Aylsham captain Shelley Woods playing the ball right into Rachel Bussey forwards for George in attack winning Aylsham a corner. Taken short back up the line the cross in from deep long to the far post, Felicity Hunton making the run to try and attack it has too much to do can only glance it wide for a goal kick. Costessey getting the ball up to Thea Hackney on the right, Carly Allum putting it out for a throw. Hackney collects it into her feet, turning infield sending a cross into the box, claimed by Aylsham keeper, Fawnee Ansbro.

Costessey’s Thea Hackney

Two contrasting side, Costessey’s group younger lively looking to get the ball on, Aylsham with a wealth of experience on the pitch reading the ball getting it forwards with George and Lubbock working the channels in attack. Sydney Brown charging down the ball as George drives inside from the right the ball skipping up Fox on hand to get it away to safety. Holly Williams providing the outlet on the right getting hold of the ball for Costessey charging forwards her cross curled in on goal onto the roof of the net.

Olivia Smith closing Lubbock down as she looks to get the ball on down the left as Katie Garner wins it at the back. Probing balls played forwards, Charlotte Crane challenging Chloe Moulton in attack as captain Chelsea Brister sends the ball up through the middle for Costessey. Hackney bringing the ball infield from the left whipping a ball in across the box, Garner heading it clear for Aylsham.

Costessey captain, Chelsea Brister

Brister seeing the ball into the feet of Phoebe Pierpoint out to Moulton moving right clips the ball in towards goal over Ansbro’s crossbar. A good tempo to the game players rushing in to close the other down, Lubbock fouling Williams Costessey with the free-kick right of the circle, Nobbs to send the set-piece up into the box, players lined up to attack the far post the ball in Aylsham winning the header away to the left for a throw in.

A long throw helped on across the top of the area Costessey seeing two snap shots blocked in quick succession. Woods sending the ball over the top of the Costessey defence pressed high, George running in behind central, Fox out of her area to close her down the ball charged down turned out to the right Bussey taking it on her angled shot wide past the far post, a nick on the way through the corner awarded. Played long into the area Hackney back to defend clearing the ball sent up to Williams on the right bursting forwards her cross low into the near post, Ansbro has the angle covered.

The game end to end at times Aylsham with a throw on the left, George lining up with Lubbock played in central Woods helping it out to Bussey right side, Brown in to challenge for the ball. Garner onto the ball left inside the Costessey half sends a diagonal ball into the box, Woods attacking it looking to flick the ball goal wards off her heel lacks the power to trouble Fox the keeper collecting the ball.

Aylsham’s Katie Garner

Up the other end Ansbro out quickly to the top of her area to save at the feet of Williams as she looks to see the ball into her feet right of the D the ball cleared away to the left, the cross swung back into the area, Ansbro recovering back inside her six yard box to lay claim to the ball. Crane across to defend against Williams as she gets free into space on the right. Williams staying down after the tackle Costessey needing to make a change sending on Hannah Campbell.

Costessey winning a corner on the left as Brown gets up the pitch to support Hackney. A vicious delivery attacked at the near post flicked on across goal no one attacking it at the far post out for the goal kick. Cayla Brown in to make the tackle for Aylsham as Smith looks to get on up the right for Costessey. Allum pulling Moulton down as Juby looks to send the ball into her the free kick awarded, 25 yards plus out, hit in towards goal, safely through to the keeper. Aylsham strait on the counter attack the ball played out to George on the left keeping the ball in pace taking the ball on turning into the area holding off Smith as she shapes to shoot falling back pulls her shot wide of the near post.

A little physical, Aylsham asking a few questions up top both George and Lubbock running at the defence. Lubbock pressing right linking up with Bussey for Aylsham the later looking to force her way into the box slowed down by Nobbs, George looking to keep the ball alive, Costessey getting numbers back inside their box to successfully defend the cross. Lubbock closing in on the right post as Aylsham mount an attack on the right, the ball angled in to the attacker looks to knock it on through to goal, places it wide of the post.

Vicky Lubbock

Pierpoint combines with Moulton as Costessey attack on the right the flag up though as Moulton squares it into the middle for Brister. 25 minutes played in the first half. George attacking for Aylsham on the right forces her way inside pulling off her marker to get a shot away on the angle low save by Fox and cleared away to the left for a throw in the corner.

GOAL! Players up into the box a garner sends the throw in long headed on across goal at the near post dropping to Bussey at the far post to attack and turn over the line for fire Aylsham into the lead 1-0.

Rachel Bussey congratulated as she sends Aylsham into the lead

Brister finding Hackney up on the left from the restart the winger collecting the ball into her feet checking inside her cross intercepted by Crane. A pause in play while the linesman makes repairs to his flag a chance for both sides to have a breather take on fluids. Play resumes Brister linking up with Pierpoint the ball sent on up top to Juby in attack, Crane tackling for Aylsham. Costessey appealing as they attack up the right side no free-kick but are awarded the corner kick.

GOAL! Have been practicing their corner routines a great ball played in long across the area players lining up to attack it beyond the far post, Hackney rising highest to knock the ball down back in towards goal and sends it past the keeper to level up the scores 1-1.

Thea Hackney scoring from the corner to level the scores

Costessey back on level terms just 6 minutes after falling behind. Aylsham finding George on the right battle her way on to win a corner kick. Fired into the near side hitting a defender square in the stomach behind for a 2nd corner. Put into the near post again Nobbs getting her head on the ball to turn out away too the left. George looking to volley the ball back in towards goal left side sending a high ball looping over the bar.

Smith taking the ball on for Costessey on for Pierpoint right side, Brown across to close her down the ball out for a throw. both sides fancying their chances of adding another goal, Hackney a threat on the left cutting inside pushing the ball inside for Juby, Brown getting a foot to clear for Aylsham. George getting hold on the ball on the left down the line cut inside for Woods intercepted and behind for another corner. A high ball played into the box, half cleared falling to Brown top of the area played back to George on the left sending the in swinging cross back into the box players in to attack it however the offside flag halts proceedings.

Cayla Brown

Fox well placed to gather the ball at the top of her area as Aylsham thread it in behind for Lubbock to chase. Play turned around quickly by both sides, some robust challenges the tempo more often than not leading to a mis-timed tackle. Hackney surging up the right flank her cross won by Crane. Hackney sending another ball in across the top of the area,, Juby attacking it near side driven wide. The same pair linking up again with hackney delivering another teasing ball in across the six yard box, Juby rising to attack it centrally lifting her headed attempt over the bar.

Costessey getting a head of steam up towards the end of the first half Hackney the main threat taking the ball on inside Allum, Crane across to close her down put in the blocking tackle. Juby seeing the ball from Campbell into her feet turning it out wide to Hackney, shoots on the angle the ball low into the near post gathered by the keeper. Pierpoint with a strike from distance dropping wide of the right post. The first half ending with the scores level.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-1 Costessey Sports Ladies

An intriguing first half much closer than predicted, Aylsham getting into to close the ball down defending their 18 yard line well seeing the ball into their attackers, Lubbock and George working the channels stretching the Costessey defence. Finding the opening goal. Costessey looking a little nervous at the start son settling getting hold of the ball Hackney and Williams the outlets on the wings. Taking the ball on levelling up the scores soon after falling behind, were building some momentum towards the end of the first half. Alot put into that half by both sides will be interesting to see if it can be maintained in the 2nd half all square all to play for.

Costessey out early for the 2nd half conducting their team talk in front of their dugout preparing to make some positional changes for the 2nd half. Grace Wall and Williams back on taking up positions on the right on for Brown and Moulton. Aylsham making a change as they return for the 2nd period Ellie Snowling on for Garner at left back. Aylsham getting the 2nd 45 underway the ball played back into their defence, Cost with 3 up top now looking to press. A throw won on the left played into Campbell, Crane moving in to close her down.

Snowling getting the challenge in on Williams over on the right as Wall sends the ball on up the wing. Costessey making a bright start to the 2nd half the ball in across the area from the right, Hackney running in can’t keep it in play out past the far post for a goal kick. Allum defending for Aylsham diving in too deny Hackney as she looks to drive on with the ball at her feet on the left.

Aylsham’s Ellie Snowling

Brister into Williams right her cross turned behind for a corner kick. The ball fired in central top of the six yard box the shot flashed in on goal blocked in the line by Allum covering the far post. Crane into charge down a 2nd attempt as Aylsham clear their lines. No foul on Juby as she almost escapes in behind as Campbell sends the ball inside to her from the left. Aylsham soaking up more pressure in the 2nd half, can’t get the players up to support, Lubbock and George in attack. George strong on the ball getting in off the left, tackled well by Baldock.

Costessey’s Olivia Smith

Williams onto the ball bursting forward for Costessey in the right channel, running into Buckley the defender playing it out for a throw on the right. Aylsham win the ball back in the middle Hunton on for Woods to release Bussey wide on the right up the line fires a dangerous ball in across the face of the Costessey goal, out past the far post for a goal kick. Juby breaking away with the ball on Costessey’s right sends an angled shot in low to the near post claimed by Ansbro.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Fawnee Ansbro

Ansbro beating down another long range strike fired in towards her goal, the ball knocked forward, Allum getting it away in the nick of time before Juby can run onto it. George with the ball at her feet powers her way into the box before giving away the foul. Lubbock back to defend on Juby as Campbell looks to pick her out through the middle. George get pulled down up the other end giving Aylsham a free-kick top of the circle. Bussey to play the ball into the area aiming for the far post no one getting a touch though as it races out of play.

20 minutes into the 2nd half, Costessey lively with 3 up top, Aylsham winning a corner on the right, the delivery curled in on goal over the bar. Hunton taking on the strike from distance picking out the keeper. Remained physical in the middle, Allum and Brown with some strong tackling. Hackney seeing the ball forwards as Costessey counter on the left, under challenge form Allum gets the ball into the box, Crane getting her head on it knocking the ball up and over her on towards goal. Ansbro rising to claim it high.

Aylsham midfielder, Felicity Hunton

George has Woods up ahead of her on the left as Aylsham attack, Wall in with the challenge the ball out for a throw.

GOAL! Costessey get the ball up the pitch quickly Williams carrying on into the left channel sending the ball in behind the Aylsham defence to see Juby beat the offside trap and race in behind, Ansbro coming out to the top of her area to close her down, the attacker takes the ball wide of her moving right into the area to send the ball on into the empty net beyond 1-2.

Costessey mob Alisha Juby as she sends them into the lead

Alisha Juby

Costessey taking the lead in the League Cup final with 25 minutes played in the 2nd half. Costessey making a change with Brown returning to the pitch replacing Smith. Woods controlling the ball in the middle played into Cayla Brown to her right 25 yards out takes on the strike curled into Fox at the near post. Hackney continues to be a threat on the left of attack, Buckley across to close her down send the ball out for the throw. Williams onto the ball pace breaking on forward for Hackney left side, Allum sliding in on her to deny the cross.

Holly Williams on the attack for Costessey

Aylsham defender, Sophie Buckley

Costessey full of energy still in attack getting at the Aylsham back line even as their opponents risk pushing up to get more support into their attacking players. Woods defending a Costessey send the long pass forwards the ball out to the right Snowling closing Williams down, snaps back to take the ball inside, Buckley stopping her cross the ball behind for a corner kick. Curled into the box Aylsham win it back look to counter, Williams quick to get across and win the ball back for Costessey

GOAL! Costessey getting hold of the ball in the middle Moore linking up with Williams the pass through the middle to put Juby in behind the defence nipping in to get the ball before the advancing Ansbro to strike it past the keeper into the open goal beyond to open up a 2 goal lead 1-3.

Alisha Juby firing Costessey into a 3-1 lead

Aylsham making a double change with 10 minutes left to play, Garner back on along with Olivia Wenn replacing Woods and Allum. Williams run of running attacking for Costessey on the right coming inside towards the top of the back the pass intended for Juby cut out. Hackney with the ball driving inside to get into the box wrapping her foot around the ball, striking it goal wards, Ansbro saving down to beat the ball away from her goal.

Costessey defender, Alyssia Baldock

Costessey looking dangerous to towards the end of the game, bringing on subs to keep the energy levels up, Cayla Brown getting the ball up to Lubbock coming inside from the left, Baldock into challenge for Costessey. Kyara Everett on for Costessey in place of Williams with a little over 5 minutes to go. The substitute played into space clear on the left, Crane getting across slowing her down, putting in the tackle to win the ball back.

Charlotte Crane

Campbell pushing on with the ball at her feet for Costessey central passed into Everett moving into the left channel, Crane lunging in to get the ball for Aylsham. Played out to the left, Moore closing the ball down to keep Costessey on the front foot on for Hackney right side the cross cut back into the top of the area, Campbell unleashing a strike from 18 yards striking the crossbar and over. The 90 minutes up into stoppage time Costessey sending on their final sub, Mia Finnermore coming on to replace Nobbs.

Everett forcing a superb save from Ansbro as she runs onto the ball sent on into the left channel, cutting back to get into the box, gets the ball onto her right foot striking the ball in with pace rising towards goal Ansbro throwing and arm up to her right to turn the ball behind for the corner kick. Another threatening delivery in across the six yard box, attacked the defenders covering both posts blocking the ball.

Costessey busy younger sides tend not to run the ball into the corner late in a game, intent on attacking Crane into make the tackle on Everett as she surges into space on the left. Brister coming off late on for Costessey, Pierpoint back on. Tempers fraying towards the end, the referee calming thing’s down, Costessey with the free-kick, Hackney off, Moulton on with seconds left to play Campbell cutting the ball out as Aylsham make one last effort to get the ball forwards and that’s it the final whistle blow and Costessey win the League Cup on their debut in the final.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-3 Costessey Sports Ladies

Aylsham forcing Costessey into a change in formation in the 2nd half going 4-3-3, saw them show more thrust in attack Williams and Hackney strong on the flanks Juby lively in the middle the front three caused problems. Able to rotate their substitutes too kept fresh legs on the pitch did better at stopping Aylsham getting the ball into their own attacking players kept the pressure on Juby put clear to fire Costessey into the lead adding a 2nd to put them into a excellent position going into the final 10 minutes of the match, creating further chances one off the bar and a couple of excellent saves from Ansbro keeping the score down, Aylsham tiring held out for 70 minutes struggling to get any meaningful pressure themselves disappointed in the end to miss out in another final, but this season seeing something of a transition within the squad will come back all the stronger next season. Costessey certainly a club on the rise League Cup winners on top of a runners-up finish in Division One assembling a talented squad there’s more to come.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Tough to single out an individual player great performances across the pitch from both sides. Firstly for Aylsham, Charlotte Crane was excellent in defence getting stuck in to win the ball, cutting out crosses and closing players down throughout. Felicity Hunton with a disciplined game in the middle winning the ball keeping Aylsham on the front foot especially in the first half as the attackers looked to apply pressure, Up top Sophie George and Vicky Lubbock worked hard to chase the ball down getting into the channels and creating chances might have added more goals on another day. For Costessey the energy levels were excellent all game, two goals from Alisha Juby to seal the win lead the line well taking her opportunities when they came. Holly Williams lively attacking on the right and coming inside more in the 2nd half, a ready outlet taking the ball on linking up with her fellow attackers. Phoebe Pierpoint might have gone more unnoticed in the match but did well getting about the pitch chasing the ball and finding pockets of space to receive the ball. The award goes to Thea Hackney a constant threat on the left always looking for the ball driving at players looking to get into the box take on a shot or set up a teammate, scoring the equaliser.

Costessey changing into their regular home colours before the presentation.

Costessey Sports Ladies 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

Congratulations to Costessey Sports Ladies on winning the 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s League Cup and clinching 2nd spot in Division One.

Another enjoyable NWGFL Women’s Finals Day, congratulation too to Gorleston Rangers Ladies on winning the 7’s League Cup Final. Thanks to both teams for their help with the team line-ups. Thanks too to all at the NWGFL committee for your assistance today and all the hard work you put in throughout the season. The cup finals almost over for me one more to go, the season’s almost done.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves v UEA FC Women

Sunday 17th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

An early start for another finals day, this time from Norfolk, heading over to Aylsham FC’s Young Park, to watch two matches, first up the Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final, a strong line up for this one with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves taking on UEA FC Women for the trophy, finishing level on points in 3rd and 4th Division One.

The sides knocked out of the early rounds of the League Cup itself going on to compete for the League Plate, the draw sometimes sending a strong side or two into the latter competition, usually making those sides favourites to reach the final, a good example being last weekends ERWFL League Plate final between Premier Division sides, Wroxham and Haringey themselves losing out in the early rounds of their league cup competition. Nevertheless nothing can be taken for granted and any shot at silverware is never taken lightly.

The NWGFL League Plate

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves are the current holders of the NWGFL League Plate, beating KLSC FC Women last season to lift the trophy. Ending up back in the competition this season after defeat to Lowestoft Town Ladies in the 1st round of the League Cup a tough draw, didn’t let that affect them at all as they went on to fight a strong campaign in Division One losing just 2 of their 18 matches record a 4th placed finish in the league pipped to 3rd on goal difference by today’s opponents. 10 wins and 6 draws have been amongst the potential title challengers all season.

Becky Waters the top scorer for Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves, netting 29 goals from just 10 appearances. Have a strong squad with a good blend of youthful talent and experience at this level and the ERWFL above to call upon. Goals throughout the side, Emilia Kerby and Lucy Kean both into double figures on 11 and 10 goals respectfully, while Sophie Jermy has 7 goals to her name and midfielder, Alice Ladbrooke 6.

UEA FC Women (University of East Anglia) have been managed by ex-Norwich captain, Magen Todd this campaign. Have grown stronger as the season progressed, winning twice as many as they lost, with 7 wins coming in their last 8 league matches to see them push on up the table and pip Mulbarton to 3rd spot in the Division One table. A university side have a mixture of players studying from around the country and others with useful experience of the league to bolster the squad.

Like Mulbarton losing out to Lowestoft early on in the League Cup to compete in the Plate, not only going on to reach the final of this competition but also represent the NWGFL in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup. Nyanzobe Fundikira leading the goal scoring charts for UEA with 9 to her name, Lashay Moses and Lily Jones one behind both on 8. Contrasting results in the league between the pair, Mulbarton emerging 3-2 winners at home back in November. UEA convincing winners in the return fixture in March winning at home 5-0. This will Todd’s final game in charge of UEA, will be aiming to end on a high.

Road to the Final

A home win awarded to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves and a bye for UEA FC Women in the 1st Round of the Plate saw both progress without kicking a ball. Mulbarton drawn at home to play Division Three newcomers Dersingham Rovers Women in the 2nd Round a clear gulf between the sides as Mulbarton ran rampant in front of goal, Becky Waters on target for a double hat-trick. Emilia Kerby also with a hat-trick, Charlotte Groves and Sophie Jermy both grabbing a brace with a goal each for Alice Ladbrooke and Isabella Fitchew in a 15-2 win. UEA drawn away to Shrublands Ladies who would go on to become Division Two Champions, the Division One side coming out on top to win the match 3-1.

Into the quarter finals, Mulbarton at home playing fellow Division One side, Waveney FC Ladies, whom they had beaten away from home 5-0 in the league the weekend before. Same result this time around to see Mulbarton advance to the semi-finals, Lucy Kean with a brace plus goals from Waters, Ladbrooke and Jermy. UEA away to another Division Two side in the last 8, Martham FC Women, Karolina Kowalczyk on target for UEA with a brace along with Nyanzobe Fundikira, goals too for Sofia Odell, Lashay Moses and Abigail Crawley-Trice to see UEA into the semi-finals courtesy of a 7-1 win.

Mulbarton at home for their Plate semi-final taking on Division Tw title challengers, Hickling Ladies, a high scoring encounter this one with 9 goals shared between the sides, 3 for Hickling, however Mulbarton found the back of the net for 6 goals to book their place in a successive final with Rebecca Waters firing in 5 goals plus one for Maisie Palmer-Smith. UEA away again in their semi-final taking on fellow Division One side, Bure Valley Ladies, A comfortable win in the finish with Melly Bungay, Nyanzobe Fundikira, Addison Gregory and Sofia Odell al scoring in a 4-0 win.

Youngs Park the venue for today’s women’s finals the 11’s Cup and Plate plus the final of the 7’s league Cup between FC Viking & Valkyries Women and Gorleston Rangers Women. Hosting the NWGFL Final weekend for the past few season’s is a top class facility featuring a superb main grass pitch, beside the large clubhouse the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The newly build 3g pitch beyond plus numerous practice pitches. The barbeque also on handling all the burger demand. The Offside Trust also having a stand raising awareness and offering support to survivors of abuse within football and other sports. The forecast hopefully being right a hint of rain possible but hopefully not and the dark cloud dotted about will blow over otherwise a pleasant day for the finals.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Isabelle Fitchew, Emma Farmer, Evie Spalding, Steph Leek, Alice Ladbrooke (C), Naomi Cooper, Florence Martin, Sienna Gilman, Lucy Ken & Lauren Baxter. Subs – Aneliese Smith, Megan Anderton, Becky Waters, Emilia Kerby & Brooke Ashby.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

UEA FC Women starting XI – Alexandra Azotova (C), Abigail Crawley-Trice, Kara Wayman, Addison Gregory, Ellen Piggott, Evie Bloom, Jess Harper, Sofia Odell, Amber Goddard, Nyanzobe Fundikira & Lashay Moses. Subs – Melly Bungay, Neha Mann, Avery Lyon, Leah Edwards & Freya Kennedy.

UEA FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes a period of extra-time will followed and if required a penalty shoot-out.

Ryan Starkey referring today’s League Plate final, both sides with 5 to call upon from the bench, Addison Gregory fresh from keeping goal for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women at Carrow Road in the County Cup final back in her regular defensive outfield position. It’s UEA to get the final underway kicking off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with navy across the top and sleeves, navy coloured shorts and socks, Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball played short into the midfield rolled forwards Mulbarton quick to close it down congested centrally, UEA manage to get a diagonal ball out to the right flank, Amber Goddard looking to pull clear, the offside flag halting her advance.

UEA looking to press the ball early on little progress made by either side as they are squeezed in possession, a throw for UEA high on the right, striker, Lashay Moses looking to get the ball down drive towards the area, shaping to shoot the ball charged down by Mulbarton defender, Steph Leeks the ball deflected away for a corner on the left. The ball curled into the six yard box headed clear.

Mulbarton look to get on down the left, Isabelle Fitchew linking up with Florence martin and attacker, Lucy Kean, the pass inside for Martin, attempts to thread it in behind for Lauren Baxter, too much on it safely through to UEA goalkeeper and captain, Alexandra Azotova. Abigail Crawley-Trice pushing up from the back on the right for UEA looking to link up with Moses as she turns the ball on up the line, Fitchew can see it out for the goal kick.

Mulbarton’s Florence Martin

Mulbarton press on the right the cross fired in long across the six yard box, kept in by Naomi Cooper far side cuts it back in across goal a glancing header taking it wide of the opposite post for a corner on the right. Played into the near post area turned on by Mulbarton captain, Alice Ladbrooke towards the top of the area, UEA’s defence charging the incoming shot down, the ball not cleared another attempt stabbed up over the crossbar.

Kara Wayman getting up well on UEA’s left wing combining passes with Sofia Odell taking the ball on striking it on the angle from 25 yards out striking the near post and out behind for a goal kick. Cooper and Ladbrooke exchanging passes as Mulbarton build through the middle the ball fed in behind, Baxter pulling off the defence giving chase, a good starting position from Azotova sees her down ready to receive the ball into her gloves just inside her box.

UEA’s Jess Harper with Mulbarton’s Lauren Baxter

Kean seeing the ball down off of her chest from a throw in on the left looking to turn lift a ball into the box, headed clear by UEA’s Ellen Piggott. The game fairly even open to a degree, UEA a little too tentative at the back inviting a little pressure as Mulbarton press. Moses keeping the ball in on the right powering up the line moving inside her ball fired into the box blocked turned behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled in towards goal just over the bar onto the roof of the net.

Nyanzobe Fundikira i between Florence Martin and Alice Ladbroke

Baxter seeing the ball into her feet turning to release Kean wide on the left taking the ball on, Piggott sliding in to make the challenge. Mulbarton quick to win it back the through ball again has too much weight on it. Ladbrooke with a pop from range as Baxter lays the ball back into her path all of 30 yards out the strike wide of the left post. Ladbrooke and Cooper linking up well in the middle for Mulbarton, Ladbrooke finding the attackers with her passes.

Mulbarton captain, Alice Ladbrooke

GOAL! UEA looking a threat on the counter, Goddard right and Odell left providing passing options, it’s the latter that sees the ball played into her path on the left making a burst to get into the box, Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews rushing out too slide in at the corner of her box to try and close her down charging the ball down but not away Odell takes it wide of her and keeps her composure to send the ball on towards the empty net 0-1.

Sofia Odell attacking from the left about to fire UEA into the lead

UEA with the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Mulbarton looking for an immediate reply get a corner up on the right. Sent in towards the near post, Azotova down on it sharply to save, the defence clearing it away to the left. Kean doing well to keep the ball in on the left for Mulbarton gets in behind to deliver a cross into the six yard box the ball gloved down into the ground by Azotova and claimed.

Mulbarton winning a free-kick out on halfway to the right, players up as it is delivered in towards the top of the area, Ladbrooke looking to scooping it up over the defence, blocked but not cleared played across the top of the box to the left, Cooper looking to attack it left of the D, comes off the worst as she collides with Piggott but the ball is deflected out behind for a corner kick, Cooper picking herself up.

Lashay Moses sending the ball forwards for UEA

A in swinging ball in from the left defended by UEA’s Moses. Mulbarton busy looking to close the ball down frustration from Cooper as the free-kick goes against her. Goddard taking the ball on from Jess Harper out to the right sees her cross claimed by Andrews. Competitive all over the pitch Nyanzobe Fundikira getting on through the middle, closed down by Ladbrooke and Cooper. Mulbarton getting on up the left winning a throw, Kean back to Fitchew to deliver a cross into the near post cleared by Piggott.

Both sides asking questions Mulbarton getting players on well, UEA looking dangerous on the counter, the ball not wit either for long, Moses with a good tackle to dispossess Cooper. Odell and Goddard swapping flanks for UEA. Bloom cutting out Ladbrooke’s diagonal ball as she looks to pick out Kean on the right. Azotova putting a high ball flung in from deep on the right behind for a corner at her near post. The corner played in towards goal turned inside at the near post, attacked by Baxter, blocked comes back to Ladbrooke, fired back into the mix, UEA with plenty back inside their six yards box the shot blocked the ball cleared up to the left winning a throw.

Mulbarton’s Lucy Kean

Harper closing down Cooper as she looks to take the ball on up Mulbarton’s right. Piggott with a timely interception inside the D, as Martin looks to put Baxter in behind for Mulbarton. Cooper receiving the ball of a throw on the left sends a 20 yard strike over the bar as Piggott slides in with the challenge. Martin through the middle for Mulbarton sends the angled pass out to Gilman on the right, Wayman getting across her path to see the ball out for a throw.

Taking the ball inside from the right, Baxter sees her 25 yard blast charged down the ball deflected back out to the right gathered by Gilman her cross turned behind by Wayman at the near post for a corner kick. Lively Moses fighting to bring the ball on from the back for UEA up the right for Odell, Farmer defending for Mulbarton. Play turned around Mulbarton pouring players on Baxter linking up with Kean in attack the ball fed into the right channel for Gilman, her strike charged down by Gregory as UEA’s defence gets back behind the ball.

UEA finding themselves under a little pressure Harper getting the ball into Fundikira looks to pick out Odell on the right, turns inside, Farmer closing her down. Moses going in a little too strong with a tackle the referee calming things down as the first half draws to a close. Mulbarton up on the left for a throw into Baxter, battling to keep possession into Ladbrooke her ball on deflected of a defender for a corner on the left.

GOAL! Players up from the back as the corner is whipped in with pace into the near post Fitchew running in too attack as Azotova goes to collect the ball instead knocked on across the face of goal dropping loose at the far post, Baxter free to attack it stabbing the ball over the line wheeling away in celebration as she levels the scores for Mulbarton 1-1.

Lauren Baxter getting Mulbarton back on level terms

Crawley-Trice clearing the ball at the back as Mulbarton’s Cooper and Ladbrooke bring the ball on through the middle. Cooper on for Martin pulling right, her cross blocked by Wayman, Gilman back on the ball played in central Baxter and Kean both seeing attempts at goal blocked by Bloom and Piggott. Crawley-Trice pressing high up with Odell in the closing moments of the first half for UEA, Farmer doing the defending seeing the cross out for a throw.

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves 1-1 UEA FC Women

The two sides heading back across the pitch into the changing rooms, drawing 1-1 at the break. Has been a competitive first half, the sides close as their league standings show. UEA taking the lead inside 10 minutes through Sofia Odell. Have looked dangerous on the counter, a little tentative at the back risking short passes as Mulbarton press well have gotten players on in advanced positions, little room in behind as UEA’s defence drops back. Built pressure late in the half winning corners and capitalising to find the equaliser through Florence Martin. Certainly no clues as to which way this game will go 2nd half, Mulbarton finding a bit of momentum towards the end of the first half will be interesting to see if they can carry it into the 2nd period.

Both sides making changes at the start of the 2nd half, Becky Waters on up top for Mulbarton replacing Fitchew. Emilia Kerby on too replacing Martin. UEA also making a double switch, Melly Bungay and Neha Mann onto the pitch in place of Moses and Goddard. Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway, the sun looking to make an appearance, the ball played into Ladbrooke sends it out to the right for Gilman to attack, Wayman into clear for UEA, Mulbarton quick to regain the ball up to Kean moving right, Farmer pushing on to take the ball on Gregory clearing her cross, Mulbarton with players up the pitch Baxter getting hold of it moving right her attempted cross in close on goal claimed by the keeper.

Addison Gregory

Early pressure from Mulbarton, Copper busy chasing down the ball fed on into the right channel for Kean, Gregory in to cut out her cross the ball away for a throw. Baxter on the ball right side sending a cross into the box, over Waters central, drops to Kean beyond, Azotova in to make the blocking save with her feet the ball knocked out of the area Mulbarton getting it back Kerby left side sending it back in from 20 ish yards, Azotova getting back into her goal, behind the strike pushing it away to the right.

UEA captain and goalkeeper, Alexandra Azotova

UEA look to get the ball moving up the other end Harper into Odell carrying it on down the left flank, tackled by Farmer, who finds Baxter pulling into the right wing, Wayman closing her down. Ladbrooke playing a diagonal pass long into the far post, Waters the target, Azotova rushing in to jump and claim it ahead of the striker. Competitive Gilman taking the ball on right side support from Baxter, Gregory jumping in to defend, going down heavily, and staying down. The game stopped as she receives treatment on the pitch doesn’t look good, can’t continue UEA making the change as she gets up slowly, Avery Lyon coming on in her place, her dropping back to help in defence.

Wayman battling her way forwards down UEA’s left flank squaring a ball into the top of the Mulbarton area, Cooper back to cut it out and clear up field. UEA break Harper seeing the ball into the left for Mann, driving on, Spalding across to close her down off the defender for the corner kick. Curled in to the near side, Ladbrooke behind it clearing for Mulbarton. Baxter over on the left linking up with Kerby her ball fed into the area intercepted by Piggott. Possession back with Mulbarton on the right the high ball played into the six yard box by Gilman taken high by Azotova.

Naomi Cooper

Mulbarton making a change at the back, Leeks coming off, Meg Anderton coming on to join the defence. UEA have dealt well with bout o early pressing from Mulbarton in the 2nd half, beginning to see more of the ball, Fundikira holding it up in attack, closed down before she can squeeze a pass out to Odell bursting on down the left channel. Play paused again then as UEA have another player down in need of attention, it’s Fundikira with a bloody nose. Another long and more treatment is needed the change enforced, Moses coming back onto the pitch.

Odell over on the right for UEA 20 yards out sees her shot from the corner of the box blocked, Bungay up looking to support latching onto the loose ball her that side seeing her effort blocked by Anderton the ball loose in the box, Moses attacking it seeing another block, the ball popping back out to Bungay central 25 yards out drills a shot wide of the left post.

Sofia Odell

Piggott winning the ball in the air well for UEA at the back, Crawley-Trice surging on up the right angling the ball into the near post, Moses getting on to attack the ball turned behind off Spalding for a corner kick. The corner cut out near side back out wide UEA sending a cross back in across goal from a deeper position, Odell coming in not attacking it as Azotova sees it out of play. A lively tussle between Odell and Farmer as the winger attempts to get the ball on down the left flank, the full back stretching in to get the ball looping up into the air collected by the keeper.

UEA defender, Ellen Piggott

Bungay out to Odell in the left channel space to run into cuts back inside putting the ball in behind for Moses to run onto, Spalding cutting it out. The game opening up both side looking to get on in attack, Wayman up to link up with Odell on UEA’s left the cross cut out by Spalding cleared out for the throw. Odell bringing it inside to cross, Cooper back to get it clear for Mulbarton. The game moving into the final 15 minutes.

GOAL! Odell taking the ball on charging into the left corner before delivering a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Moses racing in to attack as the back peddling defence attempt to get it away, don’t as it drops down towards the far post, Moses latching onto the loose ball to force out over the line and runs away in celebration as she fires UEA back into the lead. 1-2.

Lashay Moses congratulated by her teammates as she fires UEA back into the lead.

Mulbarton making an immediate change Ladbrooke coming off, Aneliese Smith coming on moving into the back line. UEA getting a free-kick as Mann is tugged back as she carries the ball into the left flank. Harper over the ball 25 plus yards out to the left, curls the ball up over the two player wall and dipping late on the keeper over Andrews to crash onto the ball and over for the goal kick. UEA into the lead with their tails up looking to get after the ball. A couple of long delays through injury will see plenty of stoppage time played.

Cooper fouled as she looks to play the ball into Kerby on the left, the ball into the area seen out wide at the near post. A double switch for UEA with Leah Edwards and Freya Kennedy coming on, replacing Odell and Wayman. UEA doing well to keep Waters off the ball conceding possession on the flanks, Kerby’s cross dealt with by Piggott. Farmer forcing her way up the right sending a cross into the box, attacked off a couple of heads before the keeper can claim it. Another player down in the area in need of treatment. Fitchew back on for Mulbarton replacing Gilman.

Mulbarton’s Emma Farmer with UEA’s Melly Bungay

Bloom on for Bungay sends the ball into Mann to the left, tackled by Farmer. Kean coming off for Mulbarton with Martin back into the action. Players tiring with the 45 minutes up, 9 minutes of stoppage still to be played, Cooper down stuffing from cramp, needs to come off, helped off the pitch Ladbrooke back on as Mulbarton look to find a goal to force extra-time. Farmer pushing on up the right, Ladbrooke attempts to find her with the diagonal ball, Harper intercepting for UEA.

Azotova getting down to lay claim to the ball at the feet of Waters as a vicious cross is sent in from the left. The keeper busy late on collecting another high ball into her six yard box this time from Farmer as she bombs on up the right. UEA looking to slow things down get the ball up to Moses to hold up. A nervous finish to the game UEA finding a little bit extra energy the game stretched as Mulbarton look to get players on in attack, Farmer with a diagonal ball into the top of the area from the right, dealt with by Piggott.

Abigail Crawley-Trice

Mann with a strike from distance pulls hr effort wide. The clock ticking down, Farmer up on the right with Kerby her cross into the area cut out by Harper. UEA defending their box, numbers back, Crawley-Trice with the long clearance. Moses battling forwards stopped by Spalding. Moses chasing the ball down keeping it away from danger as the final whistle blows and UEA win the League Plate.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves 1-2 UEA FC Women

As close a match between the 2 sides as expected, little separating them could have gone either way, UEA taking their chance in the 2nd half to retake the lead after riding out a spirited 2nd half performance from Mulbarton who looked to get after the ball at the start of the 2nd half. The defence dropping back at times dealing well with threats delivered into the area. Competitive Gregory and Fundikira forced off through injury both no doubt feeling better with the win under their belts, Megan Todd finishing her stint as manager with a 3rd placed finish in Division One and a trophy.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to pick the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, three strong contenders for this one some solid displays right across the park. Firstly form Mulbarton, Naomi Cooper had a strong game operating in midfield getting after the ball, closing players down and looking to get forwards as well as get back to hep out in defence. Also in midfield, Alice Ladbrooke used the ball well, several good passes, out into the channels to keep her side moving forwards. Emma Farmer with some strong tackling to win the ball at the back. For UEA Sofia Odell proving a great outlet on the flanks looking to take the ball on scoring the opener. Lashay Moses getting stuck in to win the ball, holding it up and running at the defence scoring the winning goal. Jess Harper winning the ball, covering the ground made several crucial interceptions. The award goes to defender Ellen Piggott a commanding performance at the back, lost count of the number of times she won the cross fired into her area. Read the game and limited opportunities for the opposition.

Congratulations to UEA FC Women on winning the 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s League Plate.

UEA FC Women, 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

A competitive final to start the day hotly contested could have gone either way, UEA emerging victorious my thanks to both sides for their assistance. Time to seek out some food and prepare for the League Cup final itself.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Harpenden Town Women v Stevenage FC Women

Sunday 10th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Onto the 2nd game of this season’s ERWFL Finals day, the League Cup showpiece itself, featuring another all Premier Division clash and a repeat of this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup final with Harpenden Town Women taking on the new league champions and 6 times county cup winners, Stevenage FC Women who are aiming to end a magnificent season with an historic treble.

Won’t be taking their opponents lightly however having been run close in the county cup final, Harpenden reaching their first final getting it back to 2-2 at the death only for Stevenage to get straight up the other end and score the winning goal. Another debut final for Harpenden reaching the last two of the ERWFL League Cup. Stevenage despite their long history in the ERWFL yet to lift the League Cup losing to Luton Town in last season’s final.

Winning the county cup for the 6th time, Stevenage went on to become invisibles in the league, not losing any of their 22 league matches, winning 20. Sarah Wiltshire scoring her 50th goal in her debut season for Stevenage in that game going on to become the ERWFL Premier Division’s leading goal-scorer. An incredible return from the striker named captain at the start of the season, one of a host of new signings, with proven records to lead Stevenage’s charge to winning the ERWFL Premier Division title and returning to the FAWNL.

The ERWFL League Cup

Ex-Arsenal and England player, Sian Lingham (formerly Williams) taking charge of Stevenage as they set the chief goal of winning the league as a priority, that achieved in style an unbeaten season top from the start, the momentum carrying through to the cup competitions, back to win the county cup and now aiming for the treble, Wiltshire top scorer with 53 goals. Amy Makewell and Gemma Croucher also into double figures with 11 and 10 respectfully. By far the meanest defence in the league too shipping in just 13 goals, Elly Wade brought in from Luton playing a huge role in that.

Harpenden Town Women a rapidly growing force in Hertfordshire rising up the pyramid there debut season in the Beds & Herts Premier Division in 2022 to join the ERWFL, narrowly missing out on promotion to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women in their 1st season in regional football, roared back the following year to win the ERWFL Division One North title convincingly to earn promotion to the Premier Division. Have found their 1st season at tier five tougher but have assembled a talented group with good experience finishing solidly in 8th spot, saving there best form for the cup competitions.

Reaching both the county and league cup finals for the first time. Going toe to toe with Stevenage in both, proved a few wrong in the county cup showpiece coming back late on to make it 2-2 only to concede straight away losing it 3-2 at the death. Stevenage won’t be taking them lightly. Sophia Amanor has been the talisman up front for Harpenden and is so once again this season the leading goal scorer netting 35 goals and 3rd highest scorer in the Premier Division this season.

Road to the Final

All the ERWFL clubs entering the league Cup with those knocked out before the 3rd Round going on to compete for the Plate. Both Harpenden and Stevenage receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Harpenden progressing to the 3rd Round without kicking a ball due to the withdrawal from the league of She Can Play Panthers. Stevenage on the road taking on ERWFL Division One South side, Cambridge City Women, Amy Makewell netting a hat-trick for the away side with goals too for Sarah Wiltshire and Gemma Croucher seeing the game won 3-1.

Into the 3rd round of the League Cup Harpenden at home taking on Division One South side, Needham Market Women, coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller, 4-3 with goals from Jaime Curtain, Nancy Tucker, Belle Shannon and Chloe Dinsey. Stevenage away to Premier Division newcomers, Hutton Ladies, a comfortable win against the Essex side with goals from Elly Wade, Croucher, Wiltshire and Rosy Wodhams, 4 without reply to advance to the last 8.

Harpenden at home once again taking on Premier Division strugglers Enfield Town Ladies, top scorer Sophia Amanor amongst the goal netting a hat-trick along with one each for Seryan Kabongo and Belle Shannon to secure a 5-1 win. Stevenage at home too the Premier Division title chasers, hosting Division One South title contenders, Hashtag United Women Reserves who had already beaten Premier Division sides, Wroxham and Atletico London in the League Cup. A good test, Stevenage having the fire power to come out on top winning 4-2 with Wiltshire bagging a hat-trick, along with a goal for Croucher.

Into the last 4 of the League Cup, 2 all Premier Division clashes, Harpenden away top Hertfordshire rivals Royston Town Women, who might have seen themselves as favourites, Harpenden though blowing them away with a rapid 3 goal salvo in the first half to lead 3-0 at the break, Amanor, Ella mercer and Amana Oguntuga all scoring. Royston fought to get back into it 2nd half pulling it back to 3-2 late on but Harpenden had enough about them to see the game won and reach their 2nd final of the season. Stevenage making the trip to Essex to play, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies a close game this a single goal winning it 3 minutes from time, Eva Delaney finding the back of the net to send Stevenage into the final.

The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC hosting today’s ERWFL finals day, The large clubhouse with bar and kitchen serving hot and cold food and drinks open, leading out to the pitch itself, a 3g playing surface than sees plenty of action. Well looked after the main seated stand opposite the dugouts with covered standing about the ground. The sun trying it’s best to make an appearance, warm when it breaks through the clouds but very much stick or twist when it comes to keeping the coat on or not.

Both sides seeing players injured in the county cup final, Amana Oguntuga for Harpenden and defender Rebecca Edge for Stevenage both not featuring since. The teams and mascots led out onto the pitch by this afternoon’s match referee Jordan Blunt.

Harpenden Town Women starting XI – Daisy Strouts, Kacee Warren, Rebecca Dowdall (C), Lucy Ford, Erin Dinsey, Belle Shannon, Zoe Allen-Thomas, Ellie Deville, Leah Shellard & Sophia Amanor. Subs – Rebecca McShane, Erin Shacklock, Nancy Tucker, Issy Hughes & Seryan Kabongo.

Harpenden Town Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Faye Hazelton, Lucy Webster, Hannah Savage, Elly Wade, Hayley Carr, Rosy Wodhams, Alysha Stojko-Down, Eva Delaney, Amber Pearson, Gemma Croucher & Sarah Wiltshire (C). Subs – Katie Boyle, Amy Makewell, Ashleigh Goddard, Lilly Kelly & Mia Barnett.

Stevenage FC Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes extra time will follow then if required a penalty shoot-out.

Captains, Rebecca Dowdell and Sarah Wiltshire with todays match officials

It’s Harpenden to get the League Cup final underway with the kick-off 1st half wearing amber and green vertical striped shirts, green shorts and socks. Stevenage lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts with red shoulders and sleeves, red shorts and white socks. The ball hit long into the left channel, Lucy Webster at the back dealing with it for Stevenage. Harpenden looking to make a positive start the ball fed on down the left into the feet of Ellie Deville takes it to the by-line cutting her cross back into the near post, goalkeeper Faye Hazelton down smartly to turn it behind for a corner kick.

The delivery flung into the mix the Stevenage defence dealing up to head the ball away to the right. Harpenden, captain, Rebecca Dowdell across to deal with the ball as Amber Pearson gives chase to a high ball played on through the middle for Stevenage. Chloe Dinsey breaking up play for Harpenden the ball into the right wing for Leah Shellard to take forwards pushing down the line sends a cross into the area Deville looking to get on the end of it, Hayley Carr blocking for Stevenage off Deville behind for the goal-kick.

A lively start from Harpenden, ex-Stevenage midfielder, Ella Mercer playing to pass into Shellard on the right driving on sends it inside to Sophia Amanor top corner of the box, quickly surrounded, Rosy Wodhams back to put the tackle in bring the ball away for Stevenage. Mercer snapping in to regain possession central on for Dinsey who looks to play Deville in on the left flank, Eva Delaney tracking back to challenge for Stevenage. Attempts to get on up the right taking the ball on Sarah Wiltshire coming for the ball, Kacee Warren closing Delaney down before she can release it.

Harpenden’s Chloe Dinsey

Warren then fouls Wodhams in the middle as she carries the ball forwards Stevenage with the free-kick. Pearson over it top of the circle goes for goal sending a looping ball in dropping low before the keeper, Daisy Strouts right behind it seeing the ball safely into her gloves. Wiltshire steals through on goal left side in the box as Hannah Savage slips the ball into her path, evading the diving keeper to get behind her, the flag up for offside even as she turns the ball into the back of the net.

Dinsey winning the ball back at the back for Harpenden sends the clearance long out to the right, Shellard racing after it does well to keep it on her momentum taking her down the line stabs the angled ball in towards goal her attempt brushing the top of the near post and over for a goal kick. The game beginning to settle down, Harpenden starting brightly beginning to drop off a little as Stevenage see more of the ball, Wodhams getting about the middle of the park snapping in to win the ball back.

Stevenage midfielder, Rosy Wodhams

Stevenage push p[layers on getting in inside from the right Delaney into Gemma Croucher across the top of the area finding Pearson left of the D, 25 out shifts the ball inside before curling a shot wide of the right post. Croucher getting hold of the ball for Stevenage central forwards for Wiltshire back top goal she looks to find Pearson making a run on the left, Dowdell stretching out a leg intercepting the ball for Harpenden.

Dowdell covering the ground at the back getting across to close Pearson down as Wodhams bringing the ball on looks to send her in, the ball out for a throw. Mercer taking the ball forwards tackled by Elly Wade, the ball still active inside the D, Mercer stretching to get hold of it, Wodhams back to help in defence. Dowdell stepping up to close Wodhams down as the pro-active midfielder carries the ball forwards with intent. Out for a Harpenden throw on the right dropped into Amanor corner of the area marked well by Wodhams, the ball not clear however finds it way back to Amanor inside the area, digs a shot out curling it wide of the near post.

Elly Wade keeping close tabs on Harpenden attacker, Sophia Amanor

Stevenage keeping Dowdell busy at the back as Wiltshire takes the ball forwards into the left channel sending it on for Pearson out a corner on the left, an in swinging ball turned over the bar for by Strouts for a 2nd corner.

GOAL! The 2nd delivery from the right curled in at an inviting height flashing across the six yard box, collected beyond the far post turned back into the middle, Wiltshire free around the top of the area, there to put her foot through the ball and smash it home to fire Stevenage into the lead 0-1.

Stevenage’s captain Sarah Wiltshire firing her side into the lead

Stevenage opening to scoring after 16 minutes, undoing Harpenden’s bright start to the match, they look to get after Stevenage from the restart the ball played on by Belle Shannon into Mercer left of the D, connects on the half volley sending in a shot on target, Hazelton right behind it, lacking the pace to trouble the keeper.

GOAL! The game end to end released quickly up the right Delaney into Wiltshire, send it inside for Pearson up with her breaking into the box, central, Strouts closing her down diving in at her feet, Pearson getting the ball past her taking it right and going beyond her to cut the shot back in across goal running away in celebration as she doubles Stevenage’s lead in the 18th minute 0-2.

Amber Pearson scores Stevenage’s 2nd

Stevenage with their tails up pressing players forwards Croucher up to Wiltshire powering on towards the box, Lucy Ford stepping in to tackle for Harpenden the ball pushed away to the right. Stevenage winning it back the ball cut back inside coming to Croucher central 20 yards out shifting the ball between her feet to open up the angle for a shot curls her attempt wide past the right post.

Stevenage on top since the goals Wiltshire racing in clear central not offside as Strouts comes racing out to the top of her box to try and close her down, the striker lobbing the ball up over the keeper but so too the crossbar beyond. Dinsey coming off for Harpenden, Nancy Tucker coming on. The offside flag raised halting another Stevenage attack. Webster bringing the ball on for Stevenage right side looking to find Wiltshire with the pass as she makes the run down the line, cut out by Ford for Harpenden.

Harpenden defender, Lucy Ford

Savage tackling for Stevenage at the back taking the ball from Shellard, on for Wodhams, looks to put in through for Wiltshire in attack, Shannon intercepting the ball for Harpenden, plays it out to Zoe Allen-Thomas on the left knocked forwards for Deville, Webster challenging for Stevenage cleared into Stojko-Down her pass forwards cut out by Shannon. Pearson bringing the ball inside from the left wing prodded on for Wiltshire central clips the rising shot in on goal, Strouts with the high catch.

GOAL! 25 minutes played Stevenage building a head of steam getting players on well, the ball from Croucher onto Delaney on the right turns it on for Wiltshire pulling off the defence to get into the box right of goal and strikes it on the angle under the diving keeper to make it 3-0 with her 2nd of the game.

Sarah Wiltshire on target for Stevenage again to put them 3-0 up

Harpenden on the back foot conceding a 3rd goal look to get the ball into the channels, Mercer on for Deville pulling right cutting the ball back into the area, no one their to attack it as Hazelton claims it untroubled. Amanor carrying the biggest threat for Harpenden, Stevenage keeping a close eye on her, the striker having to move about the back line to keep herself available for the pass from the middle receiving it into her feet left of the area, Wade moving across quickly to close her down the blocking tackle turning the ball out for the throw.

Stojko-Down carrying the ball on through the middle has Wiltshire peeling away into the right channel ahead of her just a little too much weight on the pass sees Strouts able to rush out to lay claim to the ball. Amanor holding up the ball left corner of the area stabs it past Carr with Shellard coming across the back line, Wade getting the foot in to divert the ball away to safety out for a throw. The Harpenden attackers looking to combine on the right Amanor up with Shellard and Deville, exchanging passes, Wodhams back in amongst them for Stevenage to defend, no way through.

Ellie Deville in between, Alysha Stojko-Down and Hannah Savage

Wiltshire played in again on the right wide of goal the keeper beat the shot wide across the face of goal cleared by Dowdell. Dinsey back on for Harpenden as they play the ball on into Amanor right side 25 out passed into Shellard, Wade too close the attacker lobbing the ball up past her into the box, but Savage is round on the cover to win the ball back for Stevenage. Wade in to charge the ball down as Amanor tries to play Shellard in on the left. Dowdell with the challenge on Pearson to break up a Stevenage attack up the other end.

A competitive final Stevenage with the 3 goal advantage however, a pop from range straight into Hazelton’s gloves. Both sides stepping in to close the other down in the middle off the park the game open both defences backing themselves in a one on one situation, Shannon and Dinsey pushed back to help defend for Harpenden, Wodhams all over the place back to win the ball, carrying it back up the pitch for Stevenage. Stevenage making a change Amy Makewell coming on in place of Delaney.

Gemma Croucher

A good turn on the ball from Pearson on the left receiving the ball off a throw to deliver it into the box, looking for Wiltshire, the keeper just there clear. Wade keeping a close watch on Amanor won’t let the attacker turn on the ball as she sees it into her feet off Dinsey, getting hold of the ball wade plays it forwards into Croucher making the left channel run, Dowdell across her shielding the ball out for a goal kick.

Wodhams up with Stojko-Down through the middle for Stevenage pushed into Wiltshire 25 yards out finds Croucher left of the D 20 out plays it across the D into Pearson looking to break into the box for the return pass, cut out well by Dowdell for Harpenden. Savage getting on up Stevenage’s left tangling with Dowdell getting the ball beyond her to her cross not stopped by Strouts near side runs on through to Croucher who volleys the ball wide past the right post.

Harpenden captain, Rebecca Dowdell

Not long left in the first half Wiltshire snatching hold of the ball central out out Pearson free on the left sends the diagonal ball in across the penalty area just too much on it for Croucher and Makewell both running in on goal.

Half-time Harpenden Town Women 0-3 Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage heading back to the changing rooms at the half-time interval with a comfortable 3 goal lead. Riding out a bit of early pressure from Harpenden looking to make a positive start, Wiltshire lively up top opening the scoring on 16 minutes, Amber Pearson quickly doubling the lead. Wiltshire adding a third on 26 minutes to put Stevenage into a strong position. The game has been fairly open and competitive Harpenden looking for an opening needing a goal early in the 2nd half to get themselves back into the contest, Stevenage in sights of a historic treble can afford to be patient take the opportunity to add a further goal to make the result certain.

A double change for Harpenden at the start of the 2nd half, Rebecca McShane and Erin Shacklock on replacing, Shellard and Deville. Stevenage unchanged to get the 2nd 45 minute underway, the ball played back into defence lifted on to the right with Wodhams getting forwards closed down nut keeps hold of the ball sending it inside towards Croucher looking to push her way on into the box Ford defending. Wiltshire breaking away with the ball wide on the right attacking the by-line her cross long towards Makewell making the far post run turns her header wide of the mark.

Nancy Tucker and Rosy Wodhams

Stevenage pressing early in the 2nd half the ball hooked into the box from the left lifted clear by Ford. Stojko-Down on the ball for Stevenage on for Croucher linking up with Wiltshire in attack, Dowdell closing the striker down the ball sent up field won back by Webster to chip over the top of the Harpenden defence but the flag is up against Wiltshire. Shannon working the ball on with Dinsey for Harpenden on the right side Wade coming across to deal with the threat.

Makewell sending the ball into Pearson’s run as the winger bombs on up the left flank in behind to hit the cross on the move a dangerous ball through the corridor but neither Wiltshire nor Wodhams running in on goal can reach it. Shannon still down from the earlier attack in need of treatment for Harpenden, up slowly but ok to continue. Mercer linking up with Ford through the middle for Harpenden the ball played out to Amanor on the right flank takes the ball inside before striking it on the angle from 20 yards out her effort wide at the near post.

Amanor seeing the ball into her feet well for Harpenden in attack holding it up looking to use her strength to turn on the ball get a shot released, Mercer playing her in top of the D holds of Carr to chip a shot over the bar.

Ella Mercer

Shacklock in to make the tackle on Wiltshire as the Stevenage attack looks to drive on with the ball though the middle. Mercer has pulled up for Harpenden the midfielder looking in some discomfort needs to come off, helped to the side of the pitch a blow as Seryan Kabongo comes on in her place. Moving past the hour mark the ball clipped into Wiltshire right side a neat touch to bring the ball down and races away down the line before whipping a cross in long across the six yard box, Wodhams meeting it on the run at the far post turning her attempt wide back across the face of goal.

Harpenden get the ball up the left into Tucker inside the box Wade across her to defend, Harpenden’s bench appealing the referee waving it away no foul. Stays down treatment required but back on her feet. Stevenage’s turn, well certainly the crowds to appeal as Wiltshire, Wodhams and Stojko-Down combine it attack on the right the cross blocked by the rising Dowdell striking her hand, yes, intentional I don’t think so the referee again waving play on.

Dowdell heading the ball clear as Stojko-Down bringing the ball on looks for Wiltshire pulling wide on the right. Allen-Thomas lunging in to win the ball back for Harpenden as Stevenage continue to advance with the ball. Amanor remains the outlet for Harpenden but has a lot of work to do as Allen-Thomas sends it long into her path on the right, strong taking it on, gets the cross into the box but can’t pick anyone out.

Harpenden’s Zoe Allen Thomas

Stevenage’s attackers interchanging positions Ford intercepting with the header as Makewell looks to link up with Pearson on the right. Ford getting her foot in to intercept the ball once again for Harpenden hit long through the middle for Amanor to attack, Wade getting across her path to see the ball back to her keeper to clear. The game not having the intensity of the first half Stevenage with a comfortable lead determined not too concede, Harpenden with more hopeful balls forwards than penetrating passes the game closing in on the final 20 minutes.

Sophia Amanor

GOAL! Stevenage add a 4th goal as Stojko-Down runs onto the ball central top of the D to lift it up over the keeper to score 0-4.

Alysha Stojko-Down putting Stevenage 4-0 up

Stevenage in total control now 4 goals to the good with 20 minutes left, make a change the goal scorer coming off, Stojko-Down replaced by Ashleigh Goddard.

GOAL! Pressing down the left the cross in cleared back up to Croucher putting the diagonal ball up into the box from deep on the left the keeper going for it not getting enough the ball striking the post and rebounding back across goal, Goddard latching onto it to turn it home from close range making an instant impact from the bench to extend Stevenage’s lead 0-5.

Ashleigh Goddard off the bench to score Stevenage’s 5th goal

Changes made, Harpenden bringing off, Tucker and Dinsey, send on , Deville and Issy Hughes. The latter looking to link up with Shannon get the ball forwards, play brought back for the free-kick, the referee having a word with Hughes. Stevenage making a double change too, Wiltshire and Webster coming off, Lilly Kelly and Mia Barnett. Shannon with a shot from range as Amanor brings the ball down into her feet the ball in low on goal Hazelton down low at her right post to save.

Eva Delaney back on along with Katie Boyle with less than 10 minutes to play replacing Wodhams and Pearson. The game a little disjoined with so many changes late on but Stevenage in control need to keep hold of the ball, Croucher sending the ball on through the middle into Goddard inside the box left of the D, strikes the ball wide across goal. McShane linking up with Deville as Harpenden get the ball on left side played inside to Hughes, Goddard back to close her down for Stevenage.

Ashleigh Goddard

Kelly bringing the ball on for Stevenage right into the box stabbed in towards Makewell inside the six yard box sees her shot charged down the rebound back to Goddard top of the area leaning back lifts her shot over the crossbar. Stevenage pushing on well in the closing stages of the game looking to add more goals, Makewell attacking on the left striking the ball in on the angle, Strouts getting her gloves up to beat the ball down into the ground and drop to pull it into her body before Goddard can pounce. The final whistle blowing and Stevenage have done it winning the ERWFL League Cup for the 1st time and with it completing a magnificent treble winning season.

Full time Harpenden Town Women 0-5 Stevenage FC Women

A few lessons learnt from the county cup final Stevenage absorbing some early pressure from Harpenden before getting the ball forwards well into their attacking players using the space to get into some good positions Wiltshire firing them into the lead just past the quarter hour mark. Amber Pearson quickly adding a 2nd. Wiltshire making it 3-0 midway through the 2nd half. That the score-line at the break Stevenage with a comfortable lead to defend could afford to be patient in the 2nd half limiting the opposition chances, looking to add a 4th clinical goal, came through Alysha Stojko-Down, Ashleigh Goddard replacing her straight after on hand to score a quick 5th to put the final beyond any doubt. Stevenage capping off an unbeaten promotion winning season with the County and League Cup a wonderful achievement for the whole club, players, coaching staff and supporting volunteers that do a fantastic job promoting the club via social media. Disappointment for Harpenden in the end but should look back on the season with pride, if you’d have said you’d not only hold your own in your first season playing at tier 5 but reach two cup finals as well you would have taken it. Plenty to build on.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, this one pretty straight forwards, although a hat-trick from a certain 50 plus goal season striker might have changed things. A few performances to mention of course. For Harpenden, captain Rebecca Dowdell won the ball well at the back getting across to deal with threats and winning it through the middle. Ella Mercer looked good on the ball using it well finding pockets of space and linking up with the attackers. Sophia Amanor held the ball up well held of players looked to find a break through. For Stevenage, Elly Wade was composed at the back and did well to keep a check on Amanor, reading the threats. Amber Pearson providing a strong outlet on the left get forwards used the ball well. Gemma Croucher made some great runs finding space linked up play well. Sarah Wiltshire has had a fantastic season from start to finish has run defences ragged never still looking for the ball and given it will create chances scoring two more goals. The award though goes to Rosy Wodhams, she was everywhere early on getting back to win the ball and bring it forwards with purpose and intent never let up.

Stevenage FC Women 2025/26 ERWFL League Cup winners

Many congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning the 2025/26 ERWFL League Cup and completing a magnificent treble.

Congratulations too, to Stevenage FC Women’s development side, finishing runners-up in ERWFL Division One North.

Stevenage FC Women Development runners-up in ERWFL Division One North

A great achievement for everyone involved at the club and good luck to Stevenage in the FAWNL, see you next season.

Another long but entertaining finals day at Bedford, my thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the teams. My thanks too to the ERWFL committee for letting me cover another finals day and their help on the day and throughout the year. It’s a highly entertaining league rarely as dull game to watch.

by Darren Gilham

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Match Report – Histon Women v Wroxham Women

Sunday 20th September

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

Match Report – Lowestoft Town Ladies v Needham Market Women

Sunday 6th September

Women’s FA Cup

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Sunday 30th August

ERWFL Premier Division

Match Report – Waveney Ladies A v Dereham Town Women

Sunday 31st May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Match Report – Dereham Town Women v Dersingham Rovers Women

Thursday 28th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Match Report – Bungay Town Ladies v Dersingham Rovers Women

Sunday 24th May

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Needham Market Women

Wednesday 20th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Aylsham FC Women v Costessey Sports Ladies

Sunday 17th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves v UEA FC Women

Sunday 17th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

Cup Final Special – Harpenden Town Women v Stevenage FC Women

Sunday 10th May

ERWFL League Cup Final