Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Harpenden Town Women

Leave a reply

Sunday 12th April

Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final

Onto the 2nd part of this Sunday’s Hertfordshire FA Women’s County Cup finals double bill the main event the Senior Women’s Challenge Cup, at Harpenden Town Women into their 1st County Cup final taking on 5 times winners, Stevenage FC Women.

Hertfordshire FA splitting their county cup into two competitions in 2024 with the national and regional sides contesting the Senior Challenge Cup and the the sides from tier 7 the county league sides mostly competing for the new Trophy competition won by …. this morning. As explained previously in enhances both competitions gives the lower placed league sides a competitive competition to play in and for the most part reduces one sides games and eye-watering scores which serve no purpose plus frees up weekends which can clog up the early part of the season.

This afternoon’s prize

Stevenage FC Women bringing in ex-Arsenal Women and England international, Sian Lingham as head coach at the beginning of this season as the club sets it’s budget and sights on winning the ERWFL Premier Division title and returning to the FAWNL after a 4 year absence. That they have achieved and in some style unbeaten in 20 games played winning 18 of those to clinch the title with ease. That league form transcending to the cup competitions and a potential treble on the cards winning through to the finals of the County and League Cups.

Have brought in players with extensive experience playing at a higher level most notably new captain, Sarah Wiltshire most recently at FAWNL South East Division one side, Cambridge United WFC. Has been in red hot form in front of goal closing in on 50 goals for the season! 49 so far across all competitions. Whilst at the other end Stevenage have the meanest defence conceding just 11 goals. Amy Makewell the only other player into double figures with 11, with Gemma Croucher on 9. Stevenage dominant in the county cup in recent season’s winning it 5 times since 2015, including a run of successive final appearances from then up to 2023, today their 10th final aiming to lift the trophy for a 6th time.

Harpenden Town Women in comparison into their 1st ever County Cup final, formed back in 2022 have enjoyed a fast rise up the pyramid promoted to the ERWFL in their debut season. Into Division One North enjoyed close tussle for the title just missing out on promotion by a single point to Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women the following year. Made up for it the following year by clinching the league title by 3 points over Histon Ladies to achieve promotion to tier 5. The ERWFL Premier Division a steep jump for most sides coming up Harpenden have held their own currently 9th with 2 games to play.

Have saved their best form for the cup competitions making it a cup double in fact as not only have they reached their first ever County Cup final but so to the League Cup final where again they will be playing champions, Stevenage on May the 10th at Bedford Town FC. Sophia Amanor the top scorer for Harpenden in their promotion winning season rattling in 34 goals. This time around despite the jump in level Amanor has once again been potent in attack once again firing in 34 across all competitions.

Road to the Final

  The Women’s Senior Challenge Cup contested by the clubs playing regional football and above in Hertfordshire. 11 sides in total. A bye for Harpenden in the first round back in October. Stevenage away to Hitchin Belles Women recently promoted to the ERWFL, Got off to a flyer with Sarah Wiltshire rattling in the fastest ever hat-trick in the game inside 3 minutes! Ashleigh Goddard also finding the back of the net for 3 goals in the first half, Amy Gooderham netting twice with a goal each for Gemma Croucher, Amy Makewell and Eva Delaney plus an opposition own goal seeing Stevenage win 12-0.

Into the New Year and the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup, Stevenage drawn away from home to play fellow Premier Division side, St Albans City Women, goals from defender, Rebecca Edge and Wiltshire plus a brace from another new addition to the squad form Cambridge United WFC, Alysha Stojko-Down securing a 4-1 victory. Harpenden also away in the last 8 taking on ERWFL Division One North side, Colney Heath Ladies. Sophia Amanor smashing the ball into the back of the net for 4 goals, Belle Shannon and Ellie Deville also scoring in a comfortable 6-0 result.

Into the last 4, Stevenage at home taking on local rivals Royston Town Women back to back winners of the Challenge Cup, up at the top end of the Premier Division too in recent season’s, a single goal just before the hour enough to seal the win Amber Pearson on target to send Stevenage into another Challenge Cup Final. Harpenden at home facing Stevenage FC Women’s Development side, sitting 2nd in Division one North, Amanor again amongst the goals netting twice with Ella mercer and Belle Shannon also finding the back of the net to send Harpenden into their 1st Challenge Cup final.

The County Ground, Letchworth again the venue for this afternoon’s final. A familiar place for Stevenage serving as their home ground in recent season’s and having the home dressing room today. Off to the café to get some much needed food between finals the sun still bright but cloud are scattered about the likelihood of showers this afternoon increasing. A good crowd building spectators taking up position all around the ground.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Faye Hazelton, Lucy Webster, Hannah Savage, Rebecca Edge, Elly Wade, Harley Carr, Rosy Wodhams, Amber Pearson, Gemma Croucher, Amy Makewell & Sarah Wiltshire (C). Subs – Sophie Shults, Leonie Telford, Alysha Stojko-Down. Eva Delaney & Ashleigh Goddard.

Stevenage FC Women

 Harpenden Town Women starting XI – Daisy Strouts, Kacey Warren, Rebecca Dowdall, Lucy Ford, Amana Oguntuga, Zoe Allen, Belle Shannon, Chloe Dinsey, Ella Mercer, Ellie Deville & Sophia Amanor. Subs – Neave Wilson, Leah Shellard, Isobel Hughes, Seryan Kabongo & Erin Shacklock. 

Harpenden Town Women

If the scores should remain level after 90 minutes the game going straight into a penalty shootout.

Captains, Sarah Wiltshire and Rebecca Dowdall with today’s match officials lead by referee, Andrew Marsh

A switch of ends at the start of the game with Stevenage to kick-off the first half wearing white coloured shirts with red sleeves, red shorts with white trim and white socks. Harpenden lined up opposite wearing green and yellow vertical striped shirts, green shorts and socks. The ball played back into the defence Harpenden rush on looking to close the ball down, Sophia Amanor up with Ellie Deville right side siding a cross charged down the ball out for a throw in.

From the throw high on the right Harpenden look to cause problems working a cross into the near post Amanor closing goalkeeper Faye Hazelton down stretching to try and get to the ball as the keeper gets something on the ball to take it away from her, Amanor going down awkwardly looks to be in some discomfort a concern for Harpenden so early on the contest, a pause in play as she receives treatment inside the six yard box, up on her feet but hobbling gingerly looks to try and run it off as play resumes.

A physical battle shaping up Gemma Croucher with her arm already bandaged tangling with Harpenden’s Amana Oguntuga as she looks to get the ball under control on the right going to ground getting accidentally stood on, again a long pause as she is carefully accessed but indicates to the bench she will be okay to play on.

Stevenage’s Gemma Croucher

Lively Harpenden looking to get after the ball close Stevenage down, Croucher playing a diagonal ball on for captain, Sarah Wiltshire making a run to the right, Harpenden goalkeeper, Daisy Strouts alert out to the top of her area to clear the ball for a throw.

Harpenden’s Amana Oguntuga

Stevenage off the throw working a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Rosy Wodhams making a back stick run attempting to get it under control as it skips up on the by-line but can’t redirect it on target. Harpenden get the ball into Oguntuga right side plays it forwards to Deville the cross coming into the box from deep, claimed well by Hazelton.

Stevenage midfielder, Rosy Wodhams

GOAL! Stevenage get the ball moving forwards pushing players on as Amy Makewell links up with full back Hannah Savage on the left flank the ball fed into the box, cut out by defender, Rebecca Dowdall, Makewell latching onto the ball top of the area lashing a shot back in on goal, Strouts diving to her left pushing it out to the opposite side, chaos as Wiltshire gets hold of it firing the ball on the angle back across goal Croucher not quite able to get to it, Stevenage quick to get it back left side put back into the mix the cross back out to the right side, Amber Pearson getting her foot through the ball to blast it in at the near post to open the scoring 1-0. 

Amber Pearson celebrating as she fires Stevenage into the lead

Stevenage into the lead inside the opening 11 minutes, an early blow for Harpenden, Ella Mercer pushed up latching onto a loose ball at the back form Edge to the right 35 yards out turns to shoot sending the ball wide of the near post. Croucher bringing the ball on coming inside from the left placing her pass on for Makewell as Stevenage surge forwards, Makewell sending it on for Wiltshire in the right channel plays it into the right for Pearson, Belle Shannon diving in to challenge for Harpenden.

Harpenden’s Belle Shannon

Both sides busy Harpenden working hard to get after Stevenage close the ball down get it into their attacking players, Mercer on for Deville central turns well on the ball driving forwards before attempting the through ball for Amanor looking to run off the defence, instead, Elly Wade steps up to intercept for Stevenage. Busy, play turned around Harpenden sending Deville away on the right flank making a run to try and get into the box, Savage getting her body in between her and the ball to turn it back to her keeper to kick clear.

Harpenden’s Ella Mercer

Harpenden striker, Sophia Amanor

Oguntuga putting the ball on up the right for Deville squares her cross into the middle, Amanor inside the D seeing her attempt charged down by Wade, the rebound also blocked as it’s smashed in from 25 yards out. A competitive game Harpenden causing Stevenage a few issues as they look to try an impose their presence on their opponents, Oguntuga away with the ball on the right bursting forwards her cross flashed into the near post Wade tracking Amanor shoulder to shoulder the defender with the challenge taking the ball off Amanor behind for a goal kick.

Stevenage defender, Elly Wade

Harley Carr playing the ball on for Wodhams for Stevenage as she breaks forwards looks to play Wiltshire in on the right channel, Kacey Williams stepping in to cut the pass out for Harpenden at the back. Makewell’s turn to try and pick out the run from Wiltshire into the box on the right, Strouts getting to the ball first her kick charged down by the striker, the rebound favouring Harpenden.

Chloe Dinsey getting the ball on for Harpenden putting it to Mercer moving right her shot from distance on the angle claimed by Hazelton at her near post. Lucy Webster sending the ball on for Wilshire on the right turns onto her left foot as she breaks into the box and takes on the strike half blocked by Warren, half hearted appeals for hand ball as the ball is diverted back to the keeper.

Captain, Sarah Wiltshire bringing the ball on for Stevenage

Stevenage building a little momentum as the game approaches the half hour mark Carr into Wiltshire taking the ball right flashes a cross into the six yard box, both Croucher and Makewell making runs to attack the ball just over both, wide past the far post, Wodhams retrieves but is closed down before she can get a meaningful ball back into the mix. Zoe Allen left into Dinsey central for Harpenden lays it forwards for Amanor looks to take on the ball drive towards the box, closed down by Edge the ball cleared.

Up the other end Wiltshire after the ball into the right gets her side a corner kick, the delivery into the near side initially cleared, coming back to Pearson at the top of the area right of goal sends a shot looping in up over the crossbar. An intriguing match up, Oguntuga wriggling free of her marker on the right, her cross fired into the near post Wade tracking back on Amanor as she looks to attack it turned behind for a corner kick. The corner cleared back to Mercer on the right sees her 2nd attempt to put a cross in charged down by Savage out for a throw in the corner.

Amana Oguntuga with Stevenage’s Hannah Savage

Possession back with Harpenden in the middle Mercer opening up her body to lay the ball forwards into Amanor, inside the D turning on the ball to unleash a shot in low, Hazelton down sharply to make the save with her legs. A chance up the other end as Wiltshire sends the ball on for Croucher making a run into the box wide right, Strouts coming out to try and close her down Croucher already moving away from goal tries to get the ball back past her, but so too wide of the near post.

Savage looks to break away for Stevenage left side running into the corner, Oguntuga going with her the pair coming together going down awkwardly the cross findings it’s way into the six yard block play goes on as a scramble ensues the ball blocked at close range popping up for Wiltshire right of goal, sending it back in, Strouts getting hold of it. Play stopped then as both Savage and Oguntuga have stayed down, looked to be a nasty one, Savage the first back to her feet, Oguntuga however in alot of discomfort feeling her ankle, hopping to the side-line doesn’t want to come off but waved back on as play resumes she knows she can’t continue the change has to be made. Leah Shellard coming on in her place on the right.

Amy Makewell on the attack for Stevenage

The substitute nips in to get hold of the ball on the right, drives forwards on the flank, Edge getting back at her to tackle deny the cross, the ball popping loose back for Mercer to put one into the box from deep long to the far post no one can get there. Shannon into Dinsey on for Deville left of the D, looks to get it down turn to shoot, Edge in to close her down with the blocking tackle. Dowdall stepping in to win the ball as Wiltshire breaks on into the right channel. Webster with a strong run from the back for Stevenage carrying the ball forwards the final pass looking for Wiltshire pulling right intercepted by Ford.

Into injury time at the end of the 1st half several minutes to be added due to the injuries, Harpenden with a free-kick out on the left put in from deep, Hazelton punching the ball clear out of her box falling to Mercer 25 yards out has Dinsey to the right laying the ball into her digs out the shot dropping wide of goal. A late break from Stevenage as Makewell takes the ball on playing in Wiltshire to the right, checks back inside to shoot on the angle, into the near post Strouts behind it blocking with her chest collecting the ball on the bounce. Harpenden mount on last attack Allen into the box as Amanor helps the ball on left side in front of goal slides in accidentally on Wade as the defender gets the ball clear, up okay as the whistle blows for half-time.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-0 Harpenden Town Women

 A competitive 1st half drawing to a close, Amber Pearson’s 11th minute strike the difference between the sides, has been a physical contest, Harpenden working hard to get after Stevenage on the ball stretched at the back as a result sometimes, Stevenage yet to capitalise getting layers forwards well, Harpenden keeping numbers up to attack the ball in the final third a few half chances and Amanor forcing Hazelton into a crucial save to keep the clean sheet. A single goal in it still very much all to play for players to bring off the bench you feel there are more goals waiting in the 2nd half.

No changes for either side at the break, the sun still shining the threat of a shower looking to have passed as Harpenden get the 2nd half underway the ball hit long into the left channel, Webster dealing with it for Stevenage. Stevenage get the ball on through the middle, Croucher with Wodhams into Wiltshire up top looks to spin off, Ford try and get into the box right side, the defender getting back on her shoulder forcing her off the ball.

A lively start to the 2nd half, both sides after each other in the centre, Carr wining it for Stevenage on for Makewell, her pass out wide to Wiltshire cut out by Allen.

Harpenden’s Zoe Allen

GOAL! Harpenden pour players forwards as they break through the middle Deville linking up with Amanor pulling left of the D, comes back inside to fire the ball in across the top of the area picking out Shellard positioned to the right of the D, digs the shot out to see it loop up past the keeper into the back of the net to level up the score 1-1.

Leah Shellard levelling up the scores for Harpenden

Harpenden back on level terms five minutes into the 2nd half. The game end to end as Harpenden halt a Stevenage surge through the middle, the ball out with Allen on the left plays it on for Deville her cross cleared by Wade.

Stevenage defender, Lucy Webster

 Webster defending for Stevenage inside the box as Harpenden win a throw high on the left looks to dribble the ball out of the area almost runs into trouble as Amanor closes her down her attempt at goal blocked the ball cleared.

Stevenage’s Rebecca Edge setting herself up to tackle Amanor as she drives forwards with the ball

 

Harpenden confident as they come forwards with Allen on the ball taking the ball inside on for Mercer making a central run ahead of her, tackled by Wade top of the D. Mercer getting the ball out to Shellard wide right pressing on with the ball, Edge moves out to close her down, going down in the tackle and staying down in alot of discomfort another long pause in play as she receives treatment, doesn’t look like she can continue as she is helped off the pitch taken off on comes Leonie Telford, into right back seeing Webster move inside.

An hour gone the game resumes Hazelton hitting the ball long to Wiltshire breaking right channel, looks to make a nuisance of herself but can’t get a shot away. Deville tackled as she takes the ball on from Allen left side, wide all of 3 yards out Shannon over the ball takes on the shot over the wall but over at the near post. Wiltshire winning a corner on the left as her cross is blocked. Emotions high from the Harpenden bench as Savage is upended in front of their bench the free-kick going against them. From deep launched up into the area, Wiltshire looking to bring it down an awkward angle to try and carve out a shot, Ford into close her down the ball away.

Hazelton out to the right of her box to get down and claim the ball as Amanor looks to power her way clear on the right. Deville squeezing the ball away out on the left turning inside, Telford back on her the cross deflected long across the top of the area Amanor over in the right corner lacking support works the ball well to gain a corner kick. Curled into the near post, Wade getting something on it to get it away for Stevenage. Pearson coming on well through the middle sends the ball into Makewell inside the D, lets it run past her with Wiltshire pulling off her to get in behind the defence, Strouts out smartly to gather it up first.

Harpenden goalkeeper, Daisy Strouts

Shannon looks to hit the ball on the run from range as Mercer lays the ball into her path for Harpenden the attempt blazing over. The game moving into the final 15 minutes but again there will be several minutes of stoppages to add, Makewell chasing the ball down on the by-line holding it up as Croucher gets on in support top left of the box the ball played into her, Deville back to help in defence for Harpenden closing her down. Pearson from 30 yards out frustrated as she slices a shot wide.

GOAL! Pearson chasing down the ball on the right the game stretched players racing to get into the box the cross in from the by-line flashing in across the face of goal, Wiltshire throwing herself at it at the far post to turn the ball over to restore Stevenage’s lead and score her 50th goal of the season in the process 2-1.

Sarah Wiltshire celebrates as she scores her 50th Stevenage goal of the season.

Stevenage making a chance immediately after with Makewell giving way for Eva Delaney. The great stretched Stevenage counter Wodhams looking to release Delaney out on the right into space, the pass a little strong, Delaney nevertheless stopping it from going out of play and then sending a diagonal ball back towards to top of the area for Wodhams to attack her shot saved by Strouts legs as she gets down to block. 

 Pearson trying her luck out wide on the left angling a shot in with pace towards goal her effort brushing off the top of the crossbar. Harpenden making a change bringing off Mercer, on comes Erin Shacklock. Amanor getting the ball on for Deville breaking on into the right channel, savage in to challenge her for Stevenage. Amanor with the ball in the right channel held up plays it back inside for Shannon 25 yards out strikes the shot in on goal, her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. Another change for Harpenden, Deville the player taken off, Seryan Kabongo entering the action with 85 minutes played.

Kacee Warren and Amy Makewell

  Wiltshire sending a cross form a deep position on the left into the box, Wodhams forwards keeping it in play wide of goal but can’t do anything with it before being closed down by Warren. A frantic finish to the match Harpenden keen to get the ball forwards, Webster cutting a ball out as they look to go left. Harpenden with a free-kick from halfway lifting up to the top of the area, Kabongo trying to get hold of it, closed down.

  Amanor booked as she is deemed to have kicked the ball away after the offside flag goes up against her as she surges on in the right channel. All action as Amanor gets the ball inside the D from the right, Kabongo looking to take it on Wade diving in with the tackle the ball away for the throw. Hazelton kicking the ball long up field looking for Wiltshire pulling of the last defender, Warren keeping close attention to the bouncing ball. 6 minutes of stoppage time to be played Harpenden pushing hard to find an equaliser, Amanor strong winning a corner on the right. The in-swinger taken comfortably by Hazleton. Shannon with a wild punt from range 30 yards out the ball swerving through the air running wide of the right post.

 GOAL! Harpenden pushing p[layers on with the clock ticking down 3 minutes of injury time played overload the right Shellard and Amanor linking up with Kabongo who out wide 20 yards out smashes her foot through the ball driving it on low across goal and into the bottom corner to cue wild celebrations 2-2!

Seryan Kabongo striking to fire Harpenden back on level terms in stoppage time

  GOAL! Just as Harpenden have done enough to force the game into a shootout, Stevenage hit back straight away breaking on in attack the ball Croucher putting the ball on for Wiltshire into space on the right taking the ball on sends a vicious cross into the six yard box, Pearson sliding in at the near post to send it home and put them back into the lead, 3-2!

Stevenage hit straight back, Amber Pearson making it 3-2!

 Seconds left, Wiltshire looking to run the ball into the corner to eat up valuable time. Pearson coming off, with Alysha Stojko-Down on to see out the game. Harpenden getting a last gasp corner, everyone up into the box including the keeper as Crick fires the ball into the box from the left, cleared up to Telford looks to try and get it down try to get a strike at the empty net, Kabongo covering the ground to get back on her. The last action of the game as Stevenage come out on top in a dramatic finish to the game to win the Challenge Cup for the 6th time  

Everyone up for the corner

Full time Stevenage FC Women 3-2 Harpenden Town Women

 Well that was certainly a dramatic end to the Challenge Cup Final, Harpenden giving it a real go the score-line much closer than some predicted, as will give Harpenden plenty of encouragement despite losing it in such a fashion. Stevenage make to earn the win but were as determined themselves holding a slender lead at the break, were pegged back by Harpenden early on the 2nd half coming back to take the lead with Wilshire scoring her 50th goal of the season, Harpenden made changes kept coming pushing hard and found the equaliser in stoppage time, but you’re never more vulnerable than when you score and Stevenage hit straight back getting the ball on and in across the face of goal for Pearson to slide in and score the winning goal. The two sides meeting again in the League Cup Final, Harpenden knowing they can compete, Stevenage on course for the treble will know they can’t be complacent.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to choose the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of the day, again a tough one to call, and exciting cup final both sides playing their part. A few performances to mention, firstly for Harpenden, Sophia Amanor is a handful to deal with up top strong holding up the ball and prepared to take players on whilst readily setting up others. Ella Mercer go forwards well to support the attack pressing the ball high along side Chloe Dinsey. Kacee Warren at the back with a number of useful tackles. For Stevenage Elly Wade was strong at the back closing the ball down, putting her body in to block and intercept. Gemma Croucher busy getting about the pitch taking the ball and players on. Sarah Wiltshire making several great runs lively getting into the channels, looking to find and opening as scored her 50th Stevenage goal in just her 1st season with the club. The award going to the match winner, Amber Pearson, opened the scoring used the ball well and got on to support the attack.

Stevenage FC Women 2025/26 Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup winners

 Congratulations to Stevenage FC Women on winning their 6th Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup and completing a double. 

  Another enjoyable day down in Hertfordshire, two great finals, and the weather was mostly fine. Good to catch up with both sides and thanks to Stevenage for supplying me with the team info. Thanks too, to Hertfordshire FA’s, Seb Hutchinson for his assistance today much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Ware United Ladies v Berkhamsted Ladies

Leave a reply

Sunday 12th April

Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy Final

Making the trip down to Hertfordshire this Sunday for a cup final double bill, to The County Ground, Letchworth, for the Herts FA Women’s Trophy and Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Finals, First up the Women’s Trophy final this season being contested by Ware United Ladies and Berkhamsted Ladies.

Hertfordshire FA making the decision to split their women’s county cup into two competitions back in 2024. Creating the Women’s Trophy competition to partner the Senior Women’s Challenge Cup. County Cups seeing teams compete from usually tier 3 down to county level can often lead to some eye watering score-lines and wasted weekends due to teams pulling out of a one sided contest. This format although not immune to high scoring games creates a better opportunity to teams to compete for silverware with the national and regional clubs contesting the County Cup, the county league sides playing for the Trophy. No regional sides in this season’s Trophy competition sees an all BHWGFL Premier Division (tier 7) final.

This morning’s prize.

The BHWGFL (Beds & Herts Women’s & Girls Football League) Premier Division has always been one of the most competitive leagues I’ve covered during my time doing Women’s Football East, this year no exception with the title going all the way, new side AFC Welwyn Ladies currently top by 3 points with one to play, can be caught by Ware United Ladies in 2nd and Ampthill Town Ladies in 3rd.

Ware United Ladies pushing at the top of the Premier Division all season into a cup final for the 2nd successive season, narrowly missing out on the League Cup last season will be aiming to go one better in the Women’s Trophy Final. Have brought in a strong squad packed with experience and in Paige Pryor have the league top scorer with 25 goals across all competitions this season. 3 points behind leaders AFC Welwyn Ladies with one game to play and a result to be determined will take the title race all the way. Formed in 2024 with the bulk of then St Margaretsbury Ladies who had reached the Chris Renshaw Cup final the season before have pushed on reaching the League Cup final and finishing 4th last season to press for the title this time around and another cup final appearance. 

 Berkhamsted Ladies enjoying a successful beginning entering the BHWGFL in 2023, finishing 4th in their debut season went on to finish runners-up last season to clinch promotion to the Premier Division and won the Chris Renshaw Cup Final beating Sherrardswood Ladies 2-1. Have built strongly on that success more than holding their own in the Premier Division currently 5th in the table with 3 games to play and can push for a 4th place finish at the very least. One cup final appearance last season, making it two this time around as along with reaching the Women’s Trophy final will be facing AFC Welwyn Ladies in the final of the BHWGFL League Cup in May. A busy end to the season but looking to finish on a high. Plenty of goals in the side, Amy Bentall the top scorer with 17 across all competitions with Nicole Hollick and Ruby Curry on 13 and 12 respectfully. 

Road to the Final

   A bye for both Ware United Ladies and Berkhamsted Ladies in the 1st Round of the Trophy competition. Both sides progressing without kicking a ball too in the 2nd round as they were awarded an away win in Ware United’s case and a home win for Berkhamsted.

 So onto the quarter finals, Ware United drawn away to Division Three newcomers and table toppers, Hitchin Belles Women Whites, two form sides Ware had the quality to easily see off their opponents running out 7-1 winners in the finish Paige Pryor rattling home 4 goals, with Sherrie Evans, Billie Curtis and Rebecca Brooker all finding the back of the net with a goal each. Berkhamsted too wracking up double figures in their quarter final clash as they were drawn at home to Division One bottom side, Letchworth Garden City Eagles, their opponents light on numbers Berkhamsted picked off the goals with Amy Bentall, Ruby Curry, Nicola Hollick and Natasha McConville all bagging a brace with a goal each for Bianca Hedgecock and Jessica Green in a 10-1 win.

  Into the business end of the competition the last 4, aiming to book a final spot, Ware drawn away to fellow Premier Division side, Oaklands Wolves Women. Pryor was again on fire in front of goal smashing home a hat-trick, Millie Fraser also grabbing a goal as Ware ran out 4-0 victors to reach the Trophy final. Berkhamsted at home taking on Harpenden Town Women Colts flying high in Division One the away side scoring twice, Nicola Hollick firing in a brace for the hosts with Ruby Curry and Casey Evans also getting a goal apiece to see Berkhamsted win 4-2 to reach the trophy final would go on to beat the same opponents 5-2 away from home a week later to in the League Cup semi-finals to make it a double finals appearance.

 The County Ground, Letchworth the venue for this mornings Trophy final, home to the Hertfordshire FA nestled in the corner of the ground. Featuring a large 3G pitch, the ground has undergone a good deal of renovation over recent season’s a main stand on one side behind the dugouts with the café underneath serving hot food and drink. A covered terraced stand opposite with standing viewing around, a pleasant spring morning with the sun bright, albeit a little chilly in the shade the forecast hinting at a few sharp showers throughout the day. 

 Ware United Ladies starting XI – Daniela Martucci, Hollie Sibbett, Aoife Loriga, Hannah Fowler (C), Charlotte Walker, Izzy Tuck, Cleo Haynes, Sherrie Evans, Billie Curtis, Millie Fraser & Paige Pryor. Subs – Rebecca Brooker, Maisie Collins, Natasha Crick, Georgia Gannaway & Poppy Latham.

Ware United Ladies

 Berkhamsted Ladies starting XI – Charlotte Howey, Ellie Smith, Heather Illsley, Sarah Hunt, Maddie Gresham, Nat McConville, Bianca Hedgecock, Ruby Curry (C) Nicola Hollick, Casey Evans & Amy Bentall. Subs – Rosie Lewis-Roberts, Helen Rogers, Leah Haley, Jess Green & Andrea Hunyadi.

Berkhamsted Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 The game to be decided by a penalty shoot-out should the scores be level after 90 minutes.

Captains, Hannah Fowler and Ruby Curry with today’s match officials lead by referee Alice Braithwaite.

  Ready to go, Ware to take the kick-off in the first half, wearing white coloured shirts and socks with black shorts, Berkhamsted lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue across the shoulder and sleeves, blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Izzy Tuck in midfield she clips it long out to the left looking for Billie Curtis on the flank, full back Heather Illsley seeing it safely out of play for the throw in.

Ware’s Billie Curtis

  The pitch a good size has quite a spring to it too the ball bouncing up, Berkhamsted look to mount their first attack the ball played through the middle out to Casey Evans on the left wing carries the ball forwards, Hollie Sibbett moving in to close her down with the tackle the ball out for another throw. An open start both sides moving in quickly to close the other down passes rushed as a result, Ware striker Paige Pryor seeing the ball into her feet turns it on into the left wing for Curtis to chase, the pass a little strong runs away from her for a goal kick.

  Competitive in the middle a few robust challenges as both sides go in to win the ball, cagey, Curtis pressing the defence on the right as Berkhamsted look to see the ball out of play succeeds in winning her side a corner kick. A high ball into the box, over everyone out beyond the far post. Nat McConville seeing the ball on for Nicola Hollick through the middle for Berkhamsted drives forwards before laying it into the right channel for striker Amy Bentall, Charlotte Walker getting to it first for Ware to see it back to goalkeeper, Daniela Martucci, who I’m used to seeing as an outfield player clear up field.

Berkhamsted’s, Nicola Hollick

  Cleo Haynes pushing on from the middle for Ware tackled outside the box the ball running loose to Pryor 35 yards out has a pop from range her effort lacking the power to trouble Berkhamsted goalkeeper, Charlotte Howey. Berkhamsted pushing on up the right getting themselves a corner of a throw. Casey Evans to take into the top of the opposition area, Ware moving in quickly to deny a shot the ball not clear though a diagonal ball back in from the left cut out by captain, Hannah Fowler. 

Ware United Ladies captain, Hannah Fowler

 Hollick turning on the ball releasing Casey Evans out on the right with her pass sends it back into the top of the D for Bentall, looking to get it out of her feet, is quickly closed down by 3 ware defenders the ball put back to the keeper. Ware counter well Tuck into Millie Fraser right channel, looks to play the diagonal through ball back inside for Pryor making a run in behind the Berkhamsted defence but she goes too early the flag up against her for offside. 

 Fairly even, fast paced both sides a little wasteful with the ball the game not settling down, Ware with a throw on the left, Haynes to take has a long throw in her arsenal, into the box his knocked up and on near side, Howey getting her fist up to punch it away to safety. Fraser spotting the run of captain Ruby Curry through the middle, sends the ball on Maddie Gresham getting across in the nick of time to get a touch take it on for her keeper to clear. 

Ware midfielder, Izzy Tuck

 No quarter given a little physical, Tuck and Haynes in strongly to win the ball back for Ware as they get numbers up well on the left, inside for Curtis corner of the box lays it back to Pryor to strike on the angle 25 yards out drills her shot wide of the near post. Fraser on the right from deep hooking a ball in high towards the top of the area looknig for Pryor, the striker after it, Howey out to the edge of her box keeping her eye on the ball seeing it down into her gloves as Pryor comes it they make contact the goalkeeper briefly losing the ball but quick to snatch it back into her gloves. 

Paige Pryor

 Busy Berkhamsted winning a corner on the right off of a free-kick, the delivery long across the six yard box retrieved by Sarah Hunt beyond the far post turns it back towards the top of the area, Haynes lunging in to get it clear. Hunt then defends up the other end the central defender across to stop Pryor as she looks to get in on the end of another long throw from Haynes. 

Berkhamsted’s, Sarah Hunt

 Bentall gets hold of the ball out on the left flank for Berkhamsted, drives on, evading a tackle cutting inside to surge into the box left of goal strikes the ball low, Martucci with a superb save reactive down low to block the ball half cleared to the top of the area another shot charged down. The bounce of the ball causing a few issues for defenders, Pryor especially looking to capitalise for Ware. Sherrie Evans sending the ball into Pryor looks to release Fraser making a run into the right channel, Ellie Smith stretching to deny her for Berkhamsted.

 Haynes getting back at Fraser on the flank as the winger initially evades her challenge. Tuck moving in to tackle McConville as she looks to combine with Curry through the middle for Berkhamsted. Illsley lunging in to stop Curtis as she looks to take the ball on from Aoife Loriga as the full back carries the ball forwards. Haynes getting her throw into Pryor outside the near post looks to bring it down turn into the shot, Hunt nicking it off her toes to clear for Berkhamsted. 

Heather Illsley

Pryor fancying her chances from range sees the ball rebound to her from all of 35 yards out central, hit on the half volley her effort over the crossbar. Somewhere in the general melee for possession of the ball Pryor has picked up some blood on her face and sent over to the dugout to get it sorted, is fine to carry on. Hollick getting out to the left for Bentall to chase, managing to keep it in play burst forwards down the flank into space her cross squared into the top of the area, Bianca Hedgecock breaking on from midfield looking to get on the end of it, Walker getting a timely touch for Ware at the back.

  Haynes long throws for Ware causing Berkhamsted a few concerns the ball flung into the area turned behind by Illsley for a corner out on the left put in high dropping far post, Pryor attacking it heads the ball back across and over the bar. The referee having  a word with Tuck as she goes in to tackle Curry giving away the foul wide on the right. om inside their own half the ball is fired up towards to top of the Ware area, Hedgecock up well to get her head on the ball knock it down to the right into the path of Curry from the angle strikes the ball wide across the face of goal. 

Cleo Haynes

 The ball rarely still a good sized pitch both side covering the ground, Ware looking to get the ball into Pryor up top, Berkhamsted’s main threat Bentall driving wit the ball at her feet from the left. Walker with another vital interception getting her toes on the ball as Hollick looks to steal in through the middle. The clock ticking down in the first half Berkhamsted winning a corner out on the right, Casey Evans to play it on from the right, long over everyone, retrieved by McConville on the left, drives for the box, getting past one defender, nutmegging a second before clattering into a third, appeals but half heartedly nothing doing. 

Nat McConville

Moving into injury time at the end of the first half Berkhamsted winning a free-kick wide on the right a card shown and an injury to Loriga, Ware making a change as she comes off to be replaced by Rebecca Brooker. Casey Evans putting the free-kick into the box, Smith near side can’t get it out from under her feet for the short manages to get it back to Evans to fire in a 2nd cross, Hunt up too try and get her head on it central can only glance it wide past the far post out to the left. Hollick combining with Bentall out wide left as they work the ball in across the top of the area Casey Evans making a run right of the D, cut out by Walker. One last chance falling to McConville as the ball cleared out of the Ware box comes to her as she runs to attack it 30 yards out fires her shot wide of the right post.

Half-time Ware United Ladies 0-0 Berkhamsted Ladies

  The sides heading back into the changing rooms goalless at the break has been an open and competitive tussle, cagey too with both moving in to close the ball down a great save from Martucci to deny Bentall, Berkhamsted taking a little while to settle, Ware have be combative in the middle getting players up and around Pryor in attack, but as of yet neither side breaking the deadlock.

 Berkhamsted to get the 2nd half underway making a change bringing of Smith at the back sending on Leah Haley. Ware unchanged with Broker on late in the 1st half. The ball into McConville central sends it long looking for Bentall on the advance left flank has kept Sibbett busy the full back able to see this pass out for a throw. Bentall showing attacking intent at the start of the half taking the ball on from Hollick wide left delivering a cross into the top of the Ware box, intercepted by Tuck, comes back out to McConville 25 yards out her low shot straight at the keeper, Howey down behind it to hold.

  Berkhamsted looking to impose themselves at the start of the 2nd half getting players on Bentall left, Casey Evans right and Hollick and Curry through the middle. Haynes playing the ball into Brooker on the left takes it on towards the top of the area sweeping the pass into the D looking for Fraser, she attempts to turn it into the box for Pryor pulling off the defence, Hunt leaving her to get her foot on the ball to clear.

  Ware coming back into it Curtis driving on with the ball left side her high cross into the near post claimed by Howey. The game remains open, Berkhamsted turning play around quickly, McConville on halfway picking out Hollick getting on into space in the right channel she diverts the diagonal ball into the box central looking to pick out Bentall bursting in behind, slides it to try and get the ball even as Howey comes the opposite way diving in at her feet the pair come together the ball running on into the back of the net but it won’t count as the flag is up for offside.

Amy Bentall on the attack for Berkhamsted

 Howey staying down in need of a moment to recover and receive treatment. Is thankfully okay and back up on her feet. Howey with a good starting point in her box to come claim the ball at the edge of her area as Berkhamsted put a flowing attack together, Hollick inside right into McConville attempts the through ball to split the centre backs as Curry provides the run, Howey with her gloves on the ball.

  Ware winning a free-kick deep on the right, flighted up into the box right of goal, Pryor up well on to knock it down into the mix, Hedgecock trapping the ball between her feet stabbing it out for a throw on the right.

  GOAL! Haynes with the throw knocked on near side into the six yard box, Brooker getting onto the end of it to smash the ball past the keeper and open the scoring 1-0. Ware leading 10 minutes into the 2nd half.

Ware celebrate as they take the lead

Rebecca Brooker with the opening goal.

 A blow for Berkhamsted look to get straight on the attack from the restart winning a throw high on the left, Curry bringing it inside, Bentall taking over 25 yards out shoots over.

 GOAL! Berkhamsted hitting back straight away as they pile players forwards, the ball out on the right with Casey Evans her angled ball into the far post seeing Bentall bursting in to attack it lifting it over the keeper to fire her side back back on level terms 1-1. 

Amy Bentall quick to get Berkhamsted back on level terms

 The game has gone a little frantic as both sides both energised by scoring and flustered by conceding rush to close the ball down. Berkhamsted making a change, Hedgecock coming off to be replaced by Andrea Hunyadi. Curry seeing the ball into her feet from Hollick looks to play Bentall in left side, Haynes cutting it out, back with Curry turns the ball into the right flank for Casey Evans, Curtis back at her to put in the challenge deny the cross. 

 Tuck coming off for Ware, on in her place comes Georgia Gannaway. Casey Evans right for Berkhamsted fires a ball into the box, Fowler lunging for it turns the ball on into the path of Curry attacking top of the area left of the D, sees her strike at goal blocked. 

Casey Evans

 Pryor breaking clear on the right wide angling a shot in towards goal, Martucci down smartly to turn the ball wide beyond the far post, left side Brooker keeps it in play turns it back into the area for Sherrie Evans six yards out goes to shoot, Martucci throwing up a glove to make the save the ball cleared.

Ware goalkeeper, Daniela Martucci

  Lively as Brooker carries the ball forwards for Ware passes it to Pryor with Haynes looking to make a run beyond her, Gresham reading it intercepting the ball for Berkhamsted. A rapid counter attack the ball lifted into Bentall out on the left driving for the by-line her cross flashed in across the face of goal snatched up by Howey. Gresham tackling well to half Brooker’s attack as she surges inside off the left wing. Ware making a substitution with Pryor coming off up top, Natasha Crick replacing her.

   Gannaway fouled for Ware 30 yards out to the left of the area, Fraser over the set-piece goes for goal over the wall the ball dropping wide of the near post. Ware winning a free-kick in the corner Illsley upending Fraser. Crick to play it into the box from the left, across the six yard box attacked by Fraser, Howey diving to turn it wide to the right past the post for a corner kick.

 GOAL! Walker to deliver the ball into the box, defended in front of the near post the ball coming back out to her on the angle, shapes to fire it back in struck with pace across goal, a faint touch from the keeper not enough to stop it finding the bottom corner as Walker runs off in celebration scoring her first goal of the season and an important one too to put Ware back into the lead 2-1.

Charlotte Walker runs away in celebration as she puts Ware back into the lead

  Ware back into the lead inside the final 15 minutes of the match, making a change Maisie Collins coming on in place of Haynes in the middle. Berkhamsted with a change too as Smith returns to the pitch in place of Illsley at the back. Ware with their tails up Fraser racing on left to the by-line Howey getting out to grab hold of the ball. Fowler charges down Casey Evans as she goes to pull the trigger 20 yards out as the ball comes across the area to her from the left. 

 Ware winning a free-kick on the right, a dangerous ball in Sherrie Evans going in far post on the keeper, the ball cleared off the line by Gresham. Evans hurt in the attack but is alright to play on. Up the other end Martucci is quickly out to the top of her area to save at the feet of Curry as she makes a break in through the middle. Players picking up knocks changes made, Hedgecock back on for Smith, Tuck back on for Sibbett. Curtis taking the ball off the feet of Casey Evans sending it behind for a corner kick, fired in from the right high across the six yard box, Martucci with a fist on the ball to turn it wide and additional touch on the way through seeing a goal-kick awarded.

  Fowler getting the tackle in on Hollick as she looks to make headway through the middle. Has been hinting at rain for a while dark clouds about retreating to the stand beyond as ware look to keep hold of the ball use up valuable time Berkhamsted doesn’t have. The burst of rain going away as quickly as it came however the next two pictures following in sequence moments apart.

Berkhamsted defender, Maddie Gresham with Ware’s Natasha Crick

 Fowler across to charge down Casey Evans cross to concede a corner late in the game. The ball sent into the top of the area, no one can get a telling touch. Berkhamsted look to keep the attack alive the ball angled in from the left defended by Sherrie Evans. Time almost up Gresham travelling on with the ball, looks to pick out Bentall on the left the ball cleared for a throw. The final whistle blows and Ware United Ladies celebrate as they win their 1st ever trophy.

Full time Ware United Ladies 2-1 Berkhamsted Ladies 

  Ware United Ladies winning the Hertfordshire Women’s Trophy final, drawing 0-0 at the break Berkhamsted came out strong at the start of the 2nd half creating chances, saw a goal ruled out for offside. Ware coming back strong themselves to open the scoring through Rebecca Brooker, Berkhamsted with an immediate response through Amy Bentall. The winner coming in the final 15 minutes, Charlotte Walker with her first goal of the season to send Ware back into the lead and they held on to claim the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, difficult to single one player out several strong contenders from both sides, a few to mention, firstly for Berkhamsted, Amy Bentall was a potent threat all game attacking from the flanks driving with the ball creating chances taking one. Maddie Gresham with a number of vital interceptions and tackles at the back. Daniela Martucci with some fine saves to deny Berkhamsted. Nicola Hollick looking to get about the pitch join the attack link up play. For Ware, captain Hannah Fowler and defensive partner Charlotte Walker got in some important challenges, Walker scoring the winning goal. Paige Pryor ready to receive the ball looking constantly for an opening. Izzy Tuck put herself about in the middle disrupting and breaking up play. Rebecca Brooker came on to good effect providing a useful outlet on the wing and getting Ware into the lead. The award though goes to midfielder, Cleo Haynes covered the ground got stuck in to win the ball and came forwards well to bolster the attack her long throws potent too.

Congratulations to Ware United Ladies on winning the Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy.

Ware United Ladies 2025/26 Hertfordshire FA Women’s Trophy winners

 An entertaining first cup final of the day, stayed mostly dry, came to life in the 2nd half and could have gone either way, Ware getting themselves into the lead with little time left and didn’t surrender their lead a 2nd time. Berkhamsted disappointed to miss out on the trophy having little time to recover back in league action on Wednesday evening at home playing Stotfold Women. Good to see both sides in action and thanks for their assistance. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Ely City Women v Spalding United Women

Leave a reply

Thursday 9th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup Final

Heading down the A10 this evening for my 2nd cup final of the season, this time from Cambridgeshire with the Women’s League Cup taking place at Ely City FC’s, Demcom Stadium with Ely City Women’s team playing at their home stadium facing new side Spalding United Women.

The cup final season getting into full swing with plenty of showcase games to come across the East of England. This season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup once again sponsored The Alan Boswell Group who have long supported women’s football in the county.

This evenings prize

Ely City Women reaching their 2nd cup final in successive season’s having played in last season’s, Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation cup final, then a Division Three side, losing narrowly to Division one side, Cambridge Rangers WFC. Going onto clinch promotion to Division Two this season have become an integral part of Ely City FC itself, the club long supporting women’s football, hosting finals as well as the home of Cambridge United and Cambridge City Women for a spell. Forming their own women’s side in 2022, after a slow start building a strong squad to gain promotion, have further added a Reserves side this campaign, the 1st team making a strong account of themselves in Division Two currently in 4th position. Charliene Murombo joining Ely this season current joint top scorer with 7 goals to her name along side Danni Youngs with both Beth Horsfield and Treasure Nwanebu on 5 apiece. A special occasion for Ely City Women with this season’s final being played at their home venue.

 Spalding United Women (The Tulips) a new side established this season with a strong squad with mixture of experience and young talent the South Lincolnshire side going straight into Division One in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football league. Playing catch up early on in the season as they were involved in a number of cup games a useful run in the FA Women’s Cup as well as going all the way to the finals of both the League Cup and senior Lincolnshire Women’s County Cup. Opening their league campaign with successive draws followed by back to back wins have lost just the one league game to date against 2nd placed Godmanchester Rovers Women back in November, haven’t looked back since wining 9 in a row to power their way to the top of the Division One table, where it looks to be a straight fight between them and Godmanchester themselves who have only lost one for the title. Plenty of goals in the squad too, Constance Onyinah the leading goal scorer netting 27 goals in her 16 appearances. Tara Parker has 17 goals from 12 games with 11 others scoring 28 goals between them. Are producing some great content on social media.

Road to the final

  Ely receiving a bye in the 1st two rounds of the League Cup. Spalding with a bye too in the 1st round away to fellow Division One side, Soham Town Rangers Women in the 2nd Round, Tara Parker scoring in the 1st minute, Constance Onyinah adding a 2nd in the 1st half, Carla Penny netting twice for Soham Rangers, Spalding edging the result 3-2 with a goal from Ava Smith in the 2nd half.

 Into the 3rd Round, Ely at home taking on fellow Division Two side, Lincolnshire Swifts Ladies a single goal scored by Emily Grande-Buttimer enough to secure the win and send Ely into the quarter finals. Spalding on the road again taking on newly reformed Hertfordshire side, Royston Town Women Reserves, a brace from Onyinah scoring in each half seeing them safely through to the last 8.

  Ely with a tough test but home advantage in the quarter finals taking on fellow league side Real Bedford Women Development, emerging a strong title contenders early on. Hannah Dove scoring for Real Bedford, Natasha Lane scoring a goal for Ely to see the sides draw the match 1-1 before heading to a penalty shootout, Danni Youngs, Megan Dunlevy and Tiana O’Hara scoring their penalties for Ely who won the shootout 3-2 to book their spot in the semi-finals. Spalding again away from home playing another Division One side, Waterbeach Colts WFC in the quarter finals, Falling a goal behind after 15 minutes Spalding hit back straight away through Ava Smith to see the sides level at half-time, Spalding going on to score 3 goals in the 2nd half to progress into the semi-finals with a brace for Onyinah and a late goal from Alisha Rix.

  Ely drawn at home for their semi-final clash as they took on the current League Cup holders, Newmarket Town Women Development. Beth Horsfield firing Ely into an early lead from a free-kick awarded for a back pass inside the box. The hosts doubling their advantage through Charliene Murombo to see them lead 2-0 at the break, worked hard in the 2nd period to defend that advantage and won through to the League Cup Final. Spalding drawn away again in the competition playing fellow Division One side Cambridge Rangers WFC in the last 4. Another brace from Onyinah and a goal for Parker seeing them secure a cup final place in their debut season going through 3-1.

The Demcom Stadium, home of Ely City FC the venue for this season’s Women’s league Cup final. Amongst a number of sports facilities nestled behind a food and drinks entertainment site on the outskirts of Ely just off the A10. The stadium featuring a large main grass pitch overlooked by a high stand building over the changing rooms with standing viewing all round. The clubhouse and kitchen beside the main stand serving hot food and drinks. The recent warm spell on the way out temperatures dropping back to normal a few clouds around with the hint of rain in the air.

 Ely City Women starting XI – Atlanta Stevenson, Kerry Dyer, Emma Cooper, Ellie Cooper (C), Natasha Lane, Louisa Harwood, Treasure Nwanebu, Geovanna Salles, Beth Horsfield, Danni Youngs & Charliene Murombo. Subs – April Kitchen, Christine Cullen, Erin Chandler, Kaci Gibson & Tiana O’Mara.

Ely City Women

 Spalding United Women starting XI – Vickie Foster, Lily Forsyth, Ivy Lane, Amber Nieburg, Chloe Biggadike, Annie Vayro, Nicola Krajewska, Tara Parker, Phoebe Richards-Reeves (C), Emily King & Constance Onyinah. Subs – Grace Hill, Sophie Goodwin, Molli McCormack, Ava Smith & Phoebie Eyett.

Spalding United Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Phoebe Richards-Reeves and Ellie Cooper with this evenings match officials

  The floodlights beginning to take effect as the two sides are led out onto the pitch by this evenings referee Rob Smith and his two assistants Anouska Williamson and Paul Vincent with Jamie Rayner the 4th official. A good number in attendance, a drum banging loudly behind one goal. Ely wearing an all red kit with white trim on the shirts and shorts to take the kick-off in the first half, Spalding lined up opposite wearing a all blue coloured kit with yellow trip on the shirts and socks. The ball played back to the defence, Emma Cooper sending it long out to the right for Charliene Murombo bursting forwards but the Spalding defence can see it out safely for the throw in.

  Natasha Lane onto the ball in the middle for Ely sends a useful pass forwards into the right channel for Geovanna Salles, has Treasure Nwanebu up with her the pair exchanging passes before the cross is delivered into the near post claimed cleanly by Spalding goalkeeper, Vickie Foster. Is a big pitch and Spalding look to use the width Annie Vayro putting a diagonal ball out to the right for Emily king breaking forwards, Ely captain, Ellie Cooper across on the cover to close her down the ball out for a throw.

 Getting bodies up the pitch from the throw Spalding look to apply pressure to the Ely back line. The ball hooked on from the wing behind for a goal kick. Ivy Lane seeing the ball into her feet on the right for Spalding travels forwards turning into the middle gaining ground, Natasha Lane getting back to close her down put in the challenge. Louisa Harwood playing the ball into Murombo in attack for Ely, holds it up holding off a defender, has Beth Horsfield looking to get up with her left side the ball into her knocked on for Nwanebu, a little too strong Spalding can get it clear.

 GOAL! Ivy Lane powering on with the ball into the right wing for Spalding delivers a vicious cross low into the six yard box, Ely goalkeeper, Atlanta Stevenson with a reactive save throwing out a leg to try and divert it away to safety only succeeds it turning it on past her far post into the feet of Spalding’s captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves who strikes it back it past the keeper into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves fires Spalding into the lead (photo credit Keira Thurston)

(photo credit Keira Thurston)

 Spalding with the early break through inside the opening 4 minutes, a blow for  Ely the last thing the lower placed league side wanted to do was concede an early goal. An open start to the game however both sides a little nervous a few stray passes. The two sides not getting condensed but using the whole pitch, Ely used to playing on it, Spalding looking to stretch their opponents. The ball fired up to Murombo. strong hold up play left side looks to turn on the ball, defender Amber Nieburg close on her getting her leg out to intercept the ball clear into the midfield.

   Murombo hooks the ball on up the line for Horsfield to attack on the left flank, Chloe Biggadike coming across from the middle of defence to close her down send the ball out for the throw. Spalding wining the ball get on the move quickly launching a counter attack the ball sent long into the right channel for Constance Onyinah, Stevenson quick to race out of her box to get to the ball first send it clear. 

 Lively both sides not holding onto the ball for long, Natasha Lane putting it on for Murombo turns it inside for Danni Youngs central attempts to put the ball in behind for Nwanebu making a run in behind the defence, intercepted by Biggadike. Biggadike taking the ball on through the middle soon after pushing forwards tackled by Ellie Cooper as she moves in to close her down. Competitive, the referee having a word with Biggadike as Nicole Krajewska is penalised for handling the ball, Ely winning the free-kick on halfway.

  The ball played into the crowd at the top of the area, Youngs getting her head on it looking to lift it up over the defence towards goal, falls short Spalding scrambling it clear. Spalding pushing up as a unit well, Tara Parker pushing on through the middle looking to see the ball into Richards-Reeves racing on down the left, Kerry Dyer staying on her for Ely regaining possession. Nwanebu getting stuck in closing the ball down high up the pitch for Ely, Murombo and Youngs looking to make runs off her, Nieburg cutting the ball out for Spalding.

  Quick passing as Krajewska picked out the forwards run of Parker, looks to keep it moving for Onyinah breaking into the area, Ellie Cooper reading the move there to cut the ball out for Ely. Spalding pressing on right side, Ivy Lane linking up with King the ball out for a throw in the corner, dropped into Onyinah, Ellie Cooper close in challenging, no turn, Parker taking over carrying the ball o the by-line before flashing a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Dyer tackling Richards-Reeves as she looks to get onto the end of it. A shot comes in from distance on the angle left side, Stevenson down low to gather behind it all the way. 

 Ely working hard, stabilising things after conceding early, Murombo seeing the ball into her feet left side, helping it on down the line for Horsfield, King defending for Spalding. Spalding build on the left, Lily Forsyth on for Richards-Reeves who wins her side a corner kick. A beautiful delivery from the corner into the six yard box, dropping far post it was asking to be turned into the back of the net but incredulously no one gets a touch. 

  Spalding quicker to the 2nd ball look to get forwards with pace the ball fed into the left channel, Onyinah looking to get clear of defender Emma Cooper as they close down the box, Stevenson rushing out to try and close her down, Onyinah gets a shoot past her under pressure from the defender, the ball running wide of the near post. 

 Ely looking to use Murombo’s good hold up play bring others on to support her, is being closely watched by Nieburg and Biggadike, the former making the tackle. Natasha Lane with time on the ball in the middle fires it into the feet of Horsfield pulling to the right has Murombo ready to receive right corner of the area, Foster quick off her line to slide in and get her gloves around the ball. The open nature of the game could lead to individuals making timely runs at either end but so far the defences are holding form, Ellie Cooper reading the game moving out to close down threats, likewise at the other end Spalding’s defence is discipline moving back and forth as a solid unit. 

Ely’s Natasha Lane

  Natasha Lane allowed time on the ball central has put a couple of teasing passes on her latest up to Youngs left of the D 25 out can’t quite turn it on into D, for Murombo looking to steal in behind as Nieburg cuts it out. Parker making some good forward runs for Spalding linking up with Krajewska through the middle winning a corner kick on the left. Spalding’s corners a threat another inviting ball dropping in at the far post not attacked reclaimed right side fired in across the face of goal through to the corner taker on the opposite side, blasted back into the mix, Ely get it away to safety.

  King on the right for Spalding comes inside combining with Krajewska central she looks to release Ivy lane in behind on the right as she makes a surge to get into the box, Ellie Cooper coming across quickly to tackle, the ball fired back in on goal from distance on the angle claimed by Stevenson. Onyinah with a chance on the left top of the area onto the ball knocking it past the advancing keeper sees it again flash wide at the near post.

  A competitive tussle for the ball in the middle between Natasha Lane and Vayro, the latter coming away with it has both Richards-Reeves left and Onyinah central making runs in behind the ball through a little too heavy, Stevenson able to gather. Nieburg up to head the ball clear marking Murombo as Horsfield looks for her with the looping ball from the left. 

Ely’s Charliene Murombo

 Stevenson not afraid to come racing out to the top of her area moves out sharply to deal with the threat of Onyinah as the striker looks to pulls off Ellie Cooper’s shoulder get into to attack left of goal the keeper diving in to save at her feet. Spalding making a change Molli McCormack entering the game coming on for Ivy Lane. Spalding looking to up it as the first half draws to a close, Vayro on for Krajewska moving left with the ball attempting to player Richards-Reeves, pressure from Dyer, Stevenson advancing to claim the ball.

Spalding’s Annie Vayro

  A little rain in the air as Forsyth sees the ball on for Richards-Reeves left wing, Dyer in to close her down the ball out for a throw. The throw into Onyinah left corner outside the box hits it on the turn towards goal, straight at the keeper, Stevenson down behind it to save. Ely working hard in defence getting players back limits the balls up to their attackers, but have so too limited the chances for Spalding. Onyinah taking the ball on from Biggadike pushing on, Harwood on her shoulder forcing her out to the left as Ellie Cooper comes to close the ball down. 

   Ely’s captain, covering the ground at the back getting to the ball first to clear as Spalding play probing passes into the channels. Spalding making another change with Onyinah picking up a slight knock comes off with Ava Smith coming on. Richards-Reeves enjoying a good contest with Dyer on the right. McCormack adding to the threat coming through the middle linking up well with Parker. Natasha Lane with a diagonal ball into Salles up with Nwanebu on the right looking to force a way in behind to cross, Biggadike supporting Forsyth the ball cleared. 

Ely captain, Elie Cooper with Kerry Dyer

 Both sides look to have the players to cause problems to the opposing defence if they can just find the right final ball, Natasha Lane lifting on on through the middle, dealt with well by Nieburg heading clear with Murombo and Nwanebu ready to burst in behind either side of her. Spalding winning another corner out on the left, this delivery lifted into the near post, Stevenson through bodies getting a fist in the ball knocked down into the box the snap shot is turned high over the bar.

  McCormack linking up with Krajewska central out to Parker left side, Dyer in to close her down for Ely. Spalding with a free-kick deep on their left a good delivery up to the top of the area, dealt with by Ellie Cooper, Back with Richards-Reeves on the left strikes it goal wards, Stevenson down onto it to save at the top of her area. Into the final couple of minutes of the 1st half Horsfield pushing on forcing Nieburg into conceding the throw, form there Ely get a cross in across the top of the area, Murombo up well to get her head on the ball inside the d head it down towards goal, Foster sharp quickly grabbing it up into her gloves even as Nwanebu rushes in on her.

  GOAL! A half chance at one end Spalding launch a counter attack to double their lead late in the first half the ball played on down the right flank attacked the cross flashed in high across goal, Stevenson throwing a glove out attempting to get it clear doesn’t get a clean touch the ball dropping down into the area straight to the unmarked McCormack and she adjusts her feet to get the ball back in on goal up over the keeper to score 0-2. 

Molli McCormack lifting the ball up over the keeper to score Spalding’s 2nd goal (photo credit Keira Thurston)

Half-time Ely City Women 0-2 Spalding United Women

 Virtually the last action of the 1st half Spalding doubling their lead head into the changing rooms 2-0 up at the break. A hammer blow for Ely having worked so hard to compete with their higher league opponents in the 1st half that after conceding a goal inside the opening 4 minutes. Has been an open game a big pitch Ely used to playing on it, Spalding have looked comfortable getting the ball out wide and into the channels, Ely getting players back have defended strongly whilst not over committed too often the other way. Few clear cut chances despite the nature of the contest. A record crowd in attendance for not only Ely City Women but the Women’s League Cup final itself at 326. Spalding with a 2 goal advantage know a 3rd will probably put it beyond Ely, their opponents however are not out of the game yet by any stretch.

  The sides out for the 2nd half, Spalding to get the game restarted, making a double change bringing off Krajewska and King to be replaced by Sophie Goodwin and Grace Hill. Phoebe Eyett also on replacing Vayro late in the first half. A probing long ball sent forwards taken buy Stevenson out at the top of her area. Ely with a throw on the left, the ball won back by Spalding launch a rapid counter Forsyth on for Parker linking up with Smith on the left, Ellie Cooper again moving out to close the ball down. A busy start to the 2nd half Nwanebu turning the ball on for Salles left looks to take on Forsyth the full back holding her up.

Danni Youngs and Tara Parker (photo credit Keira Thurston)

 Spalding advance right Richards-Reeves over on that flank now on for McCormack who turns it in centrally for Biggadike to run onto 25 yards out her strike charged down by Dyer. Spalding building pressure early in the 2nd half, Richards-Reeves right linking up with Biggadike the ball fired into the near post Parker forwards looking to turn it on for goal putting it straight at the keeper. Hill getting up to support the Spalding attack on the right getting a shot in on the angle past the advancing keeper, Ellie Cooper running back on goal intercepting the ball to keep it out of her goal.

  Spalding pushing players on winning a corner on the right, lofted into the near post knocked down in front of the six yard box Harwood back on the line to block a stinging shot the ball hooked clear. Pressure mounting as parker latches onto a loose pass at the back feeding it to Smith left of the D, brings it inside to shoot centrally curling a shot in looking for the inside of the far post, drifts the wrong side. Remains competitive Ely competing for the ball soaking up a little pressure. Ely making a change Tiana O’Hara coming on to join the attack replacing Youngs.

  Nwanebu putting the ball into Murombo’s feet back to goal, turns it to Horsfield on the left she attempts to feed it in behind the defence for O’Hara through the middle, Foster with a good starting position alert into close it down and claim at  the top of her area. Parker strong looking to hold of Dyer as she attempts to break on into the box, Stevenson always willing to charge forwards out to get hold of the ball at her feet. Ivy Lane back on for Spalding. Biggadike pushed on into the middle now causing a few issues getting up with the attacking players keeping Ely on the defensive. 

Spalding’s Tara Parker alongside Ely’s Louisa Harwood

  Parker fouled by Ellie Cooper top of the circle the set-piece curled into the right post area, Stevenson getting up well to claim it. The game stretched at times Ely willing to take a few risks get players on to support, Murombo and O’Hara in attack. Nwanebu always busy after the ball, Nieburg throwing out a leg to deny the pass into O’Hara. 

 GOAL! Stevenson comes racing out to the top right corner of her area try and deny Richards-Reeves as she is played through in behind on the flank the pair coming together as the ball runs past the keeper on for goal, Dyer getting it clear only for the referee to point to the spot, Penalty! Richards-Reeves to take it herself the captain placing the ball on the spot, no messing blasts it home past the keeper before she can react to extend the lead 0-3.

Phoebe Richards-Reeves firing Spalding into a 3 goal lead from the penalty spot (photo credit Keira Thurston)

 Spalding adding their 3rd goal midway through the 2nd half, have looked the more likely since the restart. Ely making a change, Christine Cullen coming on to replace Emma Cooper at the back. Horsfield coming on left side getting her side a corner kick, lifted in high defended by Nieburg at the near post behind for a 2nd corner, this one into a similar position cleared upfield. The ball popping about a few tired legs out there. Nieburg defending holding off Murombo as the attacker looks to force her way into the box.

 Foster up well to claim a diagonal ball from the left side fired into the area from Natasha Lane. Spalding ringing the changes bringing on fresh legs with a quadruple switch, Forsyth, Biggadike, Parker and Nieburg coming off, on come King, Krajewska, Vayro and Onyinah. Lane and Salles coming off for Ely, Erin Chandler and Kaci Gibson coming on as the game moves into the final 15 minutes. Smith with a good win getting onto the ball sending it out to Richards-Reeves right side from the angle 20 yards out drives her strike into the side netting.

Spalding attacker, Constance Onyinah (photo credit Keira Thurston)

  Ivy Lane sending the pass into Richards-Reeves right side played inside for Onyinah right of the D, Cullen lunging in to make the tackle for Ely. Players cramping up a lot of work put in this evening the temperature dropping. Dyer clearing the ball as she cuts out a cross fired into the box from the right. Into the final 10 minutes of the game Ely push players on looking to get something out of the game Murombo into O’Hara pressuring the defence forcing Eyett into conceding a corner kick. 

GOAL! The corner delivered into the six yard box from the right lopping in Foster comes to attack it with her fist knocking the ball back out to the right, goes after it attempting to chase it down but is back with the corner taker and clipped back in across the face of goal into a crowd at the far post and turned home by Ellie Cooper to see Ely pull a goal back 1-3.

Ely captain, Ellie Cooper pulling a goal back

  Makes things a little nervier for Spalding than they would have like, Ely with their tails up Murombo attacking right back inside for Harwood to strike on the angle 20 yards out right of the D struck across goal Foster gathering at her far post. Murombo into the box looking to press the ball off a throw on the right, a defender looking to see the ball back to the keeper, Foster down to claim it Murombo accidentally catching her a painful blow a pause in play suiting Spalding more than Ely as she receives treatment but is okay to play on back on her feet. Changes for both lane back on for Ely O’Hara off. Smith on for Spalding replacing Vayro. 

 Play resumes a minute plus 3 added to play Parker driving on with the ball right, Stevenson out to close her down the ball out for a throw. Krajewska with a long ball for Spalding launching a counter up to Onyinah up top, Cullen getting her head on it to deny the threat for Ely. Stevenson positioned top of her area keeps her eye on the ball as it drops out of the floodlights with Onyinah looking to close her down, knocked down well collects on the bounce. Spalding on the attack in the closing seconds Hill on the right from the angle lifting a shot over the advancing keeper sees it fall wide of the near post. The final whistle blows and Spalding win silverware in their debut season in Cambridgeshire winning the league cup beating Ely 3-1.

Full time Ely City Women 1-3 Spalding United Women

 Was a much closer contest than some would have predicted, Spalding leading Division One on a strong run taking an early lead, Ely working hard to limit their chances keeping it tight despite the open nature of the game, an entertaining match, played in front of a record crowd, Spalding getting players on better getting a timely goal at the end of the half to lead 2-0 at the break. Began the 2nd half the stronger making changes looking to get that 3rd goal and scored from the penalty spot. Ely put in a shift the Division Two side fighting getting a goal back in the final 10 minutes but Spalding had enough about them to see out the game coming close to scoring a 4th.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as often the case several strong contenders but overall one stands out, both sides playing their part in an intriguing contest. For Ely captain Ellie Cooper won the player of the match in the semi-final and again this evening was strong throughout covering the ground at the back reading the forwards runs and scoring. Natasha Lane with some great passes came close to unlocking the Spalding defence on a coupe of occasions. Kerry Dyer also busy in defence getting her tackles in. For Spalding, Amber Nieburg was on no mood to let anyone get past her at the back, intercepted well and won the ball. Tara Parker making some strong attacking runs getting into the box linking up the attack. Molli McCormack coming on adding to the attack held the ball up and got into some good positions doubling the lead. The award goes to Spalding’s captain, Phoebe Richards-Reeves was a constant threat out on the left and the right driving forwards ready for the ball opened the scoring and powered in the penalty to put Spalding 3-0 up.

Phoebe Richards-Reeves player of the match (photo credit Keira Thurston)

 Congratulations to Spalding on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup. 

Spalding United Women 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup winners

  Another enjoyable evening at Ely City FC’s Demcom Stadium. An open and entertaining final good to see it well supported. Ely can be proud a 2nd successive cup final and have competed strongly on both. Spalding lifting the trophy a great achievement in their debut season and still all to play for the league itself and a county cup final. I have enough games to cover as it is but I haven’t done a Lincolnshire County Cup Final for years I am tempted to make the trip to Boston on the 1st of May. My thanks to Chris Abbott at Cambs FA and both sides for their help this evening. Keira Thurston too for letting her use some of her pictures in the report. Will add a few more from Ely when I get them.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Beccles Town Ladies v Brundall Bolts Women

Sunday 29th March

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Negotiating all roadworks on the A47 this Sunday as I make my way east across Norfolk into Suffolk to catch some action from Norfolk Women’s Division Two with Beccles Town Ladies currently 5th in the table hosting 3rd placed Brundall Bolts Women. 

 My first taste of action in the Division this season, and long overdue with a competitive tussle at the top end of the table between 5 sides, with Shrublands Ladies losing just one game this season and racking up 7 straight league wins on the verge of clinching the title one more game to play and then only Hickling Ladies with games in hand can overhaul them with maximum points. Could be a tall order however as Hickling are amongst the pack chasing Shrublands with just 2 points separating the sides placed 2nd to 5th. Those sides currently being Martham FC Ladies, Brundall Bolts Women, Hickling and Beccles Town Ladies.

  Beccles drawing 2-2 away to Brundall Bolts last weekend welcome them to College Meadow this Sunday with their own title bid knocked off the rails some what by suffering 2 defeats in their last 4 league games, that after a long pause without games having gotten off to a fantastic start to the season with 6 straight league wins. have an established core of experienced senior players with a good stream of young talent joining the squad, a good blend but Norfolk seeing U16’s players stepping up into adult football can be a steep learning curve takes time to bed in. Top scorer, Poppy Manders hasn’t taken much time to bed in however hitting the back of the net 19 times so far from her 14 appearances. Lola Middlemass and Olivia Bailey both with 4 goals apiece.

  Brundall Bolts Women are playing in just their 2nd season since being formed in 2024, a strong debut season in an expanded Norfolk women’s football league finishing 2nd behind champions Martham FC Ladies in Division Three to clinch promotion to Division Two. Both promoted sides amongst the title contenders for much of the season. A mixed bag of results early in the season winning as many as they lost in their 1st 8 matches have put together a strong run into the last couple of months to win 4 on the spin before drawing with Beccles last Sunday. Have plenty of goals in their squad too, with top scorer Amy Morris, like Manders for Beccles also on 19 from her 13 played. Caitlyn Moore also into double figures netting 13 from 15 with Ines Briec and Chloe Musson also both pushing double figures on 9 and 8 goals respectfully. 

Been a while since I was last at College Meadow home of Beccles Town FC, features a good sized grass pitch that sees plenty of action. The tea hut open serving hot and cold drinks, a cup of tea most welcome on another bitterly cold Sunday with the wind biting blowing across the pitch with the threat of rain later on. A small covered stand with some seating opposite the dugouts offering some cover, but we could do with some warmer Sunday’s coming along soon.

Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Nixon, Kelly Collins (C), Amelia Kennard, Georgia Tiffin, Megan Vincent, Vicky Bloomfield, Vicky Ottey, Emily Coe, Evie Bailey, Millie Reeve & Lola Middlemass. Subs – Erin Rose & Marie Carter.

Beccles Town Ladies

 Brundall Bolts Women starting XI – Ava Wilson, Eden Simmonds, Caitlyn Moore, Gemma Burwood, Izzy Lever, Viktorija Miglane, Emma Clark (C), Daisy Hill, Robyn Nash, Amy Morris & Ines Briec. Subs – Elle Kendall, Hannah Davidson, Chloe Pawsey-Cole, Chloe Musson & Sapphire Secker.

Brundall Bolts Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Kelly Collins and Emma Clark with today’s match referee, Nathan Hazell

It’s Beccles to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half wearing white coloured shirts with black shorts and socks, Brundall lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts with navy across the top of the chest and sleeves, with navy shorts and socks. The ball played back to Megan Vincent in defence the ball clipped forwards to Evie Bailey pushing on up the right knocks it inside through the middle with midfielder Vicky Ottey looking to bomb forwards get into the box, goalkeeper Ava Wilson out to the top of her area to get to it first clearing for Brundall.

  The visitors mount their first attack pushing on down the right, captain, Emma Clark turning the ball on down the line for Robyn Nash driving forwards, closed down by Beccles, Georgia Tiffin the ball out of play for the goal kick before a cross can be delivered. A tentative opening as both sides look to get the ball moving, closing each other down the ball charged down in the middle, Beccles playing a high defensive line sees, Ines Briec flagged for offside just over halfway as Brundall look to turn play around.

  Midfielder, Vicky Bloomfield over the ball to the right launches it long up into the area, Wilson looks to have it even as players rush in to try and close it down, a Beccles boot knocking it out of the keepers gloves, but runs harmlessly wide past the right post for a goal kick. Ottey snapping in to win the ball in the middle  plays it on for Bailey right, checking inside sends it back inside to Ottey who fires it up to Lola Middlemass making a run into the D, the ball defended well by Gemma Burwood at the back for Brundall.

Beccles midfielder, Vicky Bloomfield

  Lively, Brundall battle for possession through the middle, Viktorija Miglane on for Clark forwards to Amy Morris, back to goal 25 yards out spins it out to Nash pushing on up the right, her cross whipped into the box, cut out by Vincent as Briec makes the run into the box from the left flank. Pushing up to halfway, the Beccles defence have to be alert to Brundall attempting to counter quickly as Eden Simmonds gets a foot in to deny Bailey as she charges on with the ball up the right, lifted forwards, Tiffin with a crucial interception to stop the ball being fed in behind.

Brundall defender, Eden Simmonds

  Brundall over loading the right a times looking to gain ground, Beccles back to defend counter through the middle Bloomfield to Ottey sends it up the line for Bailey to attack on the right, Simmonds going with her lunging in to take the ball behind for the corner kick. Bloomfield to deliver the corner played into the near post knocked on falling down central top of the area, Vincent attacking the shot charged down, then a 2nd blocked by the Brundall defence before being scrambled away to the left.

  Beccles goalkeeper, Chloe Nixon breaking out of her area to get to the ball to clear as Brundall look to get Morris away through the middle. The ball rarely still both sides snapping after the other, Briec closing down Amelia Kennard as she looks to get away down the left, tracking inside, Kennard coming back at her to put in the challenge before she can get it through to Morris in attack. 

Beccles, Amelia Kennard

 Play squeezed up by both sides now as Brundall push players on down the right, Daisy Hill on for Nash inside to Clark, attempts to feed the pass into Morris, Tiffin closing the ball down. Beccles launching a quick counter the ball played on through the middle catching the visitors defensive line high, Middlemass escaping in behind into the left channel knocking the ball forwards, the keeper racing out of her area to try and intercept, Middlemass getting a touch to take it beyond her, into the area forced out to the left, defenders racing back, Middlemass attempts to find the goal the ball instead wide at the near post.

  Clark getting forwards to see the ball into her feet right channel off Nash turns it wide into Morris breaking up the wing her cross angling into the keepers gloves at her near post. Fairly even as both sides work hard to close the other down, passes rushed often cut out by the opposing defence. Nash right side prodding the ball into the channel for Morris to turn onto and chase down, Tiffin going with her diving in to get a foot in send it out of play for the throw.

  GOAL! 20 minutes on the clock Beccles counter getting the ball on through the middle from Bloomfield sees, Middlemass beat the offside flag to run in behind the Brundall back line, in the clear the keeper coming again to try and close her down, the attacker getting her shot away early 20 yards out firing it low past the advancing keeper and on to roll into the back of the net to open the scoring 1-0.

Lola Middlemass breaking away to pen the scoring for Beccles

  Beccles taking the lead, have their tails up as the ball is closed down by Kennard on the right the full back playing it on up the line for Bailey to burst on into space, Wilson racing of her area to get something on it to clear for Brundall. 

 The game open Brundall’s Miglane up to Morris sends the ball into Briec out on the left, getting the ball into her feet bursts on up the flank, Vincent coming out to try and close her down the pair fighting for possession as Briec forces her way inside 20 yards out, squeezes a dangerous cross into the box, Clark making a run onto the penalty spot can’t quite bring it down under control, as she knocks it goal wards but lacking any power as Beccles get it away to safety.

 Vincent conceding a corner kick to Brundall as the visitors over load the right the cross turned behind. A crowd gathered at the near post the ball curled into the mix knocked down by Morris into Briec central, can’t quite dig the ball out of her feet get the shot away before she is closed down. Bailey charging the ball down for Beccles on the right takes it on in behind on the wing pushing on, Simmonds coming back at her throwing a foot forwards to block her cross take the ball out of play as she looks to find Middlemass and Coe breaking into the area.

Brundall’s Gemma Burwood in pursuit of the ball with Beccles Lola Middlemass

  The ball charged down all over the pitch, Kennard tussling with Briec on the left wing, captain Kelly Collins being kept busy on the opposite wing as Clark pushes on up with Nash and Morris, the former sending a cross in along the top of the area cleared by Vincent long up to Bailey right side, Ottey providing a run through the middle but the flag goes up against her as she looks to take the ball on. A scrap in the middle Ottey fouling Clark on halfway.

 Beccles get another ball in behind into Middlemass bursting clear out too the left, Lever does well to get back on her get her foot on the ball as the attacker looks too turn inside, not clear, Millie Reeve having raced to get on up with Middlemass on the wing looks to knock it back into the attacker who is by then in an offside position the flag going up, loudly vents her frustration swearing at the decision the referee having none of it brandishing the yellow card and sending her to the sin bin for 10 minutes.

 Beccles reduced to 10 as Brundall look to capitalise Morris taking the ball on down the right firing a cross inside to Clark top of the area, held up by Tiffin, gets a shot away on the angle the ball wide across the face of goal. A lively contest on Brundall’s left flank between Simmonds and Briec, Kennard and Bailey for Beccles the latter in the heat of the moment narrowly getting her hand out of the way as she looks to stop a clearance forwards. Ottey winning the ball well in the middle for the hosts plays a good pass on for Bailey through the middle, Miglane snapping back at her with a timely foot in to take the ball out of her path.

Beccles Evie Bailey

  Kennard and Briec tangling for the ball on the touchline in front of the Beccles supporters Kennard going down in some discomfort, the crowd unhappy letting Briec know what they think accused of a snap, Briec protesting no such malice intended just a strong coming together, nevertheless Kennard is down needing treatment a pause in play the referee having a word with the coaching staff coming across to calm thing’s down. Kennard is back on her feet as play resumes able to play on.

  Tiffin with another vital interception on halfway as Clark looks to get the ball on through the middle. Brundall winning a corner out on the right again have plenty in at the near post lofted in Morris helping the ball on, for Burwood to attack with her head beyond her driving the ball narrowly wide of the upright. Game getting a little physical, both sides closing the other down. Simmonds defending as she tracks back with Bailey looking to attack the ball played on up the right prodding it back into the box for her keeper to clear. 

 Middlemass back on for Beccles bringing them back up to 11, Brundall get forwards sending Nash away on the right from the angle drills a strike into the box, Nixon saving with her legs the ball loose Morris attempting to latch onto it lifting a shot wide at the near post. Vincent lunging in to defend against Briec as the attacker drives on with the all left of goal.

 Another dangerous ball over the top by Beccles sees Middlemass again racing into the clear central, Wilson comes racing out of her area looking to get to it first bouncing up Middlemass goes to attack it hoping to knock it past the advancing keeper as the pair collide the ball instead knocked away to the right, a heavy clash however play stopped immediately with concern for both players, primarily the goalkeeper. Some claims the ball had been handled outside the area, the one picture I have inconclusive.

 Another long pause in play with Middlemass gingerly getting back to her feet, the goalkeeper needing a little more time but is thankfully back up on her feet and willing to play on the ball back in play Beccles play it back to Brundall, with Middlemass coming forwards to shake hands with the keeper in a good natured play of sportsmanship. 

Lola Middlemass and Ava Wilson shaking hands after their coming together.

  Wilson undeterred in the closing stages of the first half coming out of her area to clear before Middlemass can pounce as Bailey looks to square the ball into her from the right after Ottey regains possession in the middle.  

Half-time Beccles Town Ladies 1-0 Brundall Bolts Women

 Beccles heading back to the changing rooms holding a narrow 1-0 lead going into the 2nd half, Lola Middlemass played in behind to score on 20 minutes. Have been few chances otherwise in a lively contest often the ball moved around quickly as both attempt to get forwards an open game as a result, Beccles prepared to push up, play squeezed both keepers needing to stay alert. Thing’s a little heated at times too, Middlemass in binned, Brundall not able to capitalise on the player advantage but with just a single goal in it all to play for in the 2nd period.

 No changes for either side, the rain holding off so far the wind still bitingly chilly. Brundall to get the 2nd half underway the ball put into Morris central sends it long to Nash surging on up the right, a little too much weight on the pass, Collins can see it out for the throw. The visitors looking to push on at the start of the 2nd half Clark playing the ball into Morris pulling right takes on the cross early a diagonal ball up into the area gather low by Nixon.

 Middlemass breaking in behind into the right channel taking the ball on towards the box, Lever getting back on her shoulder, the attacker getting a shot away 20 yards out, Wilson getting down behind the ball to make the save pushing the ball away to the left. 

Ava Wilson with the save for Brundall.

 Beccles turning play around Bloomfield into Ottey the ball finding Bailey out on the right her cross from 20 yards out taking a wicked deflection of a defender looking to cut it out turning the ball on central for Coe to race onto and hit a rising shot in on goal, Wilson right behind it to pluck the ball down into her gloves. Brundall quick to get up the other end Briec from the angle on the left drilling a ball into the area, Nixon claiming it.

Brundall attacker, Amy Morris

  The game a little tense Brundall unhappy with a few decisions, the ball lifted out to Middlemass moving right, Simmonds in well to close her down for the visitors. On the opposite flank Collins defends keeping close to Nash as the winger looks to spin off her trying to take the ball in behind from Morris. 

 Nash back to help out in defence as Beccles play a free-kick from halfway up to Reeves on the left. Morris beating the offside trap to get in behind the Beccles defence carrying the ball on into the area shapes to shoot put the ball across the keeper into the left of goal, Nixon with a great save diving to her right to get a glove on the ball turn it wide for the corner kick. 

Chloe Nixon diving to save Amy Morris’ strike on goal

 Ottey defending the corner central inside the box as Moore looks to help it on from the near post. Simmonds conceding the corner as Middlemass looks to link up with Bailey on Beccles right. The hosts making their first change with Erin Rose coming on to replace Reeves in attack. 

 Morris taking the ball down on the right flank pushing forwards winning her side a corner kick, the initial delivery defended by Bloomfield, cleared back out to the right, Lever to fire it back into the area from deep angling in, Nixon calling for it, under pressure as Brundall attackers look to get onto the end of it, palms the ball down before her defence scramble it clear. The game open stretched at times as both sides look to get forwards quickly, Lever at the back for Brundall defending lunging in to deny Middlemass in the right channel as she looks to tee up Rose central.

Brundall’s Daisy Hill with Beccles, Erin Rose

  Brundall making a change with Briec coming off on the right, Chloe Musson joining the action. Ottey looking to play a give and go with Bailey as she takes the ball left, Lever cutting out the return ball for Brundall. A couple of robust challenges as Hill looks to hold up Rose on the left. Moore clashing with Bloomfield central as both sides a determined to get hold of the ball. Brundall’s captain covering the ground looking to link up with the attack, Miglane sending the ball up to Morris, turns, Tiffin close in getting a foot on the ball.

Brundall’s, Viktorija Miglane

  Rose taking on the shot from all of 25 yards out as she sees the ball run across her path from the right, on target but not troubling Wilson back in her six yard box as she palms the ball down into the turf to claim. Tiffin in the way to cut the pass out central as Morris advancing on the right looks to pick out Nash racing on through the middle. Another change for Brundall with Moore coming off to be replaced by Hannah Davidson taking up a position on the left of attack. Chloe Pawsey-Cole on too in place of Burwood. 

Beccles defender, Georgia Tiffin

 

Miglane back to defend for Brundall as Rose is played on through the right channel for Beccles. Coe playing the ball out to Middlemass peeling right her shot on the angle collected low by Wilson at her near post. Fresh legs on the flanks for Brundall, Musson taking the ball up the right, Collins diving in with the challenge to see the ball behind. Nash coming off for Brundall with Sapphire Secker on taking up a defensive position. Morris on the corner curled into the box defended by Ottey comes back out to Morris wide on the right angles a dangerous ball in across the face of goal Clark breaking clear central and Davidson at the far post can’t quite get onto the end of it.

Brundall captain, Emma Clark

  A counter from Beccles Bailey on for Middlemass right side cuts the cross back into the top of the area for Rose breaking through on goal the keeper coming to close her down pulls the trigger looking to put the ball across her, Wilson with the faintest off touches taking the ball wide behind for the corner kick. Both keepers called into action the sides still separated by a single goal. 

 Ottey fighting to win the ball back for Beccles in the middle played up to Coe turns it left into Bailey looks for Middlemass up the line, Simmonds getting her leg out to stop it for Brundall. Tired legs out their Brundall frustrated, not happy Beccles winning the 2nd balls Simmonds again with a timely stretch of the leg to deny Middlemass from bursting in behind as Bloomfield attempts the through ball. 

 

 Clark looking to take the ball on from Pawsey-Cole on the right has support with Morris, Coe getting back on her to defend for Beccles. Bailey sending a deep cross into the box from the right cleared by Secker back out to the right won back well by Kennard and drives a shot on the angle wide of the near post.

  Moving into the last 10 minutes of the 2nd half Beccles winning a corner on the right, Ottey helping it on into the centre at the near post falls to Coe who sees her strike from the top of the six yard box blocked by Secker. Tiffin defending inside her box for Beccles as Clark driving on looks to take the ball on from Musson on the right. Brundall making another switch with Hill coming off and Elle Kendall coming on.

 Miglane winning the ball for Brundall lifting it on up the right for Musson bursting forwards taking the ball on to the by-line Collins diving in to block the cross taking it behind for the corner kick. Morris to swing it into the box, Ottey winning it to clear for Beccles.

 Both sides pushing for a goal the game stretched Rose and Middlemass pressing high up the pitch a free-kick won 25 yards out on the right. Swung into the area the keeper looks to get a touch as it flies wide of the far post but no a goal kick awarded. Coe seeing a misplaced goal kick put straight at her left of the D 20 yards out an awkward height to control nevertheless knocks it down into the area with Rose looking to latch onto it, Wilson out smartly though to grab hold of the ball.

Izzy Lever getting to the ball ahead of Erin Rose

  Beccles pushing players on Middlemass into Rose linking up with Coe through the middle, on for Middlemass driving into the box, moving left then right under pressure form Miglane gets a shot away turns in frustration as it races wide of the near post. Kennard coming off late on for Beccles with Marie Carter coming on, the hosts looking to finish the game off Middlemass back to goal turning it into Rose on the right her cross/shot driven in across goal Coe running in far post can’t quite get there.

  Brundall frustrated late in the game not finding the mark with the final ball. Vincent in to clear as Clark looks to try and find Miglane making a run forwards into the left channel. Pawsey-Cole on for Morris attacking on the right on for Musson but the flag goes up for offside, tempers raring up at the end of the game a couple of strong tackles coming in Beccles keeping the ball Clark hurt as she goes to kick the ball upfield her foot catching a Beccles player, the final whistle blowing soon after sees Beccles claim the 3 points to see the sides swap positions in the Division Two table.

 Tempers flaring at the end Brundall clearly frustrated with the referee Morris is shown a red card, along with their coach.

Full time Beccles Town Ladies 1-0 Brundall Bolts Women

 Beccles coming out on top of a bruising and competitive encounter, Lola Middlemass’ 1st half strike the difference between the two sides in the finish both goalkeepers called into action in the 2nd period to keep the opposition out. Chances coming and going Brundall not happy at the end a tough loss to take ending their recent good spell. Beccles climbing back above them into 3rd still 3 points between the 4 sides positioned 2nd to 5th with Beccles, Hickling and Martham all having 4 games left to play the race for 2nd will go all the way. Shrublands winning 4-1 at home to local rivals Great Yarmouth have played out their fixtures sit 11 points clear at the top only 2nd placed Hickling can catch them with maximum points from their final 4 games, 2 of those against Beccles and Brundall, both have a say in the destiny of the title race, Shrublands Ladies will be watching anxiously. 

Women Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and it’s another tough one with a couple of clear contenders. Performances of note across the pitch, firstly for Brundall, was a strong performance from their captain, Emma Clarke busy throughout covering the ground getting after the ball, joining the attack and looking to get her side into advanced positions. Viktorija Miglane got after the ball winning it well at the back and got it moving quickly. Amy Morris a threat in attack good link up play, found some good positions in the final 3rd and came closest to scoring. For Beccles, Lola Middlemass led the line well, pulling off the shoulders of the defence on several occasions scoring the goal as a result. Evie Bailey providing a strong outlet on the right ready to break forwards cause Brundall problems. Georgia Tiffin with several vital interceptions at the back and one on one challenges inside the box just misses out the award going to midfielder Vicky Ottey working hard all game winning the ball well in the middle, taking it forwards and helping out in defence.

 Good to get a game in from Division Two will be intriguing to see where everyone finishes a few twists and turns yet I expect, good to catch up with Beccles and take my first look at Brundall, a competitive tussle. My thanks to Beccles for the team sheets as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup Final

Sunday 22nd March

Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup Final

Making the long trip down to Bedfordshire this Sunday to watch my first cup final game of the season, the Beds FA Women’s Junior Cup Final, with Woburn & Wavendon Women taking on Stotfold Women for the trophy.

Beds FA splitting the county cup into 2 competitions last season, the Senior and Junior Cups, the Junior Cup represented by those sides playing at county level giving them a realistic opportunity to compete for silverware, with the Senior Cup reserved for the sides playing at regional level and above, following other county FA’s in the East like Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, helps prevent the often one sided games that are seen sometimes in a county cup.

Today’s prize

Luton Town Ladies Reserves winning the inaugural Women’s Junior Cup last season beating Stotfold Women last season 2-1 to lift the trophy. Stotfold back again looking to bring the trophy home this time around. 

Stotfold Women winning the Division One title in their debut season in 2023, winning promotion to the Premier Division have since been an established club competing at the top end of what is always a competitive league, winning the League Cup in 2024. Finishing 3rd last season 2 points behind eventual champions Hitchin Belles Women and Ampthill Town Ladies. Reaching the inaugural final of the Beds FA Junior Women’s Cup last season.

 Enter a new era this season with Laurence Jack taking over as manager following the departure of Tom Olney. Seeing a few experienced moving on, have still retained a good chunk of last season’s squad along with bringing in new talent. Haven’t had to results in the league they would have liked, down to 8th in the Premier Division table with a run of 4 straight defeats in the league, have saved their best for for the county cup and will be aiming to go one better than last season and clinch victory finish the season strong. Amelia Klausner joining Stotfold early in the season is the current top scorer with 7 goals from 14 appearances, Charlotte Peters has 4 to her name.

Woburn & Wavendon FC entering a women’s side in various guises into the BHWGFL over the various season’s I’ve been doing Women’s Football East, the latest team into their 2nd season, currently 5th in the Division One table with games in hand on those above and will be pushing hard to match or better last season’s 4th place finish. Woburn & Wavendon FC have a strong youth section the girls side features teams from U10’s through to U16’s. The women’s side having brought in some useful experience to their squad and plenty of goal scorers too, Chelsea Jeffery leading the way has 23 alone from her 16 appearances. Princess Mgbemere is also into double figures on 10 with Casey Chapman one behind of 9. With 9 others all amongst the goals this season.

 Road to the Final

 Both sides receiving a bye in the first round of the Junior Cup progressing to the 2nd round. Woburn & Wavendon drawn away to Division Three side, Flitwick Eagles Ladies Blues, the goals flowing with 4 players all scoring a brace, Chelsea Jeffery, Casey Chapman, Princess Mgbemere and Jodi McClelland with Cerys Saunders, Rosie White-McColl and Aimee Esser also getting a goal in an 11-1 victory. A potential banana skin for Stotfold who were also drawn away to take on Real Bedford Women Development who having moved across to play in the Cambridgeshire league this season are looking strong at the top of Division Two, no such worries for Stotfold however as 1st half goals from Amelia Klausner and Charlotte Ryan saw them through with a 2-0 win

Into the quarter finals Woburn & Wavendon away to Premier Division strugglers, Langford Ladies, goals from McClelland, Jeffery, Chapman and Mgbemere seeing them through to the last 4 comfortably 4-1 the final score. Stotfold at home playing Division Two side EB Lions AFC Ladies in the last 8, 4 goals too for the hosts with Gracie Applin netting twice plus a goal each for Chloe Keller and Nia Kourmourou. 

Into the semi-finals two tough looking ties, Woburn & Wavendon at home taking on the defending champions, Luton Town Ladies Development, a close game the sides sharing 5 goals, Chapman, Mgbemere and Esser all on the scoresheet for Woburn & Wavendon to send them into their first final with a 3-2 win. Stotfold away to fellow Premier Division side, Ampthill Town Ladies, Applin scoring for Stotfold the scores level at 1-1 after the 90 minutes were up heading straight to penalties, Stotfold edging the shootout 5-4 to make it back to back Junior Cup Final appearances.

Kempston Rovers FC the venue for this afternoon’s final always a hive of activity with the artificial pitches beyond the main grass pitch seeing plenty of action. The large grass pitch sees alot of action is a little bobbly in places but offers good width with standing viewing all-round with a covered stand along one side offering seating and terraced areas, the bar open along with a food hut. A mid day as we move into spring proper a little heat in the sun but as has been the theme so far in 2026 the cloud cover still lingers. No chance of rain however.

Woburn & Wavendon Women starting XI – Chloe Johnson, Loren Elliot (C), Emily Grimes, Sharna Halai, Klaudia Gnitecka, Cerys Saunders, Kimberley Newns, Cerys Saunders, Jodi McClelland, Princess Mgbemere & Chelsea Jeffery. Subs – Aimee Esser, Tia Ellis & Abigail King.

Woburn & Wavendon Women

 Stotfold Women starting XI – Orlagh Daly, Chloe Keller, Nieve Buckley, Nia Kourmourou, Charlotte Ryan, Amy Jacks (C), Charlotte Peters, Keira How, Freya Taylor-Burton, Sharyl Thwaites & Amelia Klausner. Subs – Alex Lewis, Estelle Klausner, Maizie Marsh, Grace Applin & Samantha Watler.

Stotfold Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Loren Elliot and Amy Jack with today’s match referee Tamia Chikaviro-Trainor & her two assistants, Emma Chamberlain & Liz Choonara

 Pedro Cotelo the fourth official for today’s final, the game going straight to penalties should the scores be level after 90 minutes. It’s Woburn & Wavendon to get the final underway with the kick-off first half wearing an all claret kit, Stotfold opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Lifting the ball forwards Casey Chapman hooks it up high away to the left, Freya Taylor-Burton cutting it out for Stotfold, won quickly back by Princess Mgbemere, the ball at her feet surges forwards wide lifts a cross the top of the box, Chapman moving into attack it inside the D, Charlotte Ryan heading it clear for Stotfold. 

  Woburn & Wavendon making a positive start pushing players forwards, Stotfold looking a little nervous at the back, Chelsea Jeffery hanging back, seeing the ball into her feet from Kimberly Newns played out to the left, a throw won. Mgbemere putting herself about early on taking on players clips a high ball into the box from the left knocked back out to the left Jeffery after it on the angle, her cross blocked by Taylor-Burton. Good pressing from Woburn & Wavendon in the opening minutes.

Play drawn over to the left, Cerys Saunders breaking from the middle for Woburn & Wavendon her run spotted the diagonal ball played into her path knocks it on towards the top of the area right of the D 20 yards out strikes the ball goal wards, plenty of pace behind it angling in on target, goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly getting down sharply to make the blocking save the ball knocked back out towards the penalty spot, Mgbemere onto it stabbing a shot back towards goal, Daly with a superb double save recovering quickly from the first save to get up and low to her right to turn the ball wide for a corner kick.

A fine double save from Stotfold goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly

The corner taken short up the line on the left the cross angled into the near post, Daly calling for it, Ryan taking no chances getting her head on the ball to push it back out to the left. A chance for Stotfold to relief the pressure as they mount a counter attack captain Amy Jack on for Charlotte Peters out to Taylor-Burton racing on down the right wing inside for Klausner, Sharna Halai in well to close her down at the back for Woburn & Wavendon.

Stotfold come away with the ball, Ryan on for How has Peters up with her the pass into her she sends it on for Sharyl Thwaites pulling into the left channel moves inside taking the ball across the top of the D before wrapping her foot around the strike, angling in at the far post, Emily Grimes defending for Woburn & Wavendon, up to the top of her area, Stotfold pushing players on the ball charged down spinning away to the right for a throw in. The game settling down into a more even affair after Woburn & Wavendon’s positive start.

Jeffery sending the ball into McClelland attacking on the right, Nieve Buckley in to challenge the ball out for a throw, taken quickly McClelland turning well to send a cross into the six yard box, Ryan there to head it away to safety for Stotfold. Jack playing the ball on through the middle up to Klausner back to goal turns the ball on for Taylor-Burton racing past her on the right wing from the angle flashes a cross/shot in at goal, high goalkeeper Chloe Johnson throwing a glove up to turn the ball on across her area, play halted however with the flag up for offside.

Stotfold’s Nieve Buckley with Woburn & Wavendon’s, Jodi McClelland

Competitive with both sides going in to close the other down, a few robust challenges coming in, Woburn & Wavendon captain, Loren Elliot right side playing the ball on for McClelland up the wing, Chapman up with her the ball in across the top of the area, Jeffery the target, Jack stretching out a leg to knock it into her defence to clear. How seeing the ball played into her feet breaks down the left tracking inside to get into the box, closed down by Halai the ball out for the throw in. Both sides using the whole pitch Elliot up to Mgbemere 25 yards out, Ryan moving out of defence to make the challenge, Mgbemere fighting to keep hold of the ball the defender nipping in to get across her to clear the ball into midfield.

Woburn & Wavendon’s, Princess Mgbemere bringing the ball on

Flowing football from Stotfold How taking it on left channel inside to Klausner, helped onto Peters, returned to Klausner she lays it back to Peters to burst into the box right of the D, her touch a little heavy sees the ball run away behind for the goal kick. Lively, Jeffery on for Mgbemere, drives on with the ball, Burton-Taylor back to help Kourmourou in defence played back into the middle, Jack looking to find Klausner up top, Halai staying with her cutting the pass out.

Saunders on for Chapman as Woburn & Wavendon attack through the middle lifts the ball up to Jeffery 25 yards out, back to goal nods the ball down to her  left into the feet of the on rushing Mgbemere as she looks to take the ball on into the box right channel, Buckley stepping up to put in the tackle to deny her a shooting opportunity. Burton-Taylor looks to break away down the right for Stotfold, Grimes looks to track back with her pulling up sharply going down in some discomfort, is unable to continue helped off the pitch, not wanting to put any weight on her right ankle, on in her place comes, Tia Ellis.

How fouled deep on the left, Stotfold with a free-kick inside the Woburn & Wavendon half Buckley to launch the ball up into the box, defended the ball cleared Woburn & Wavendon launching a counter attack the ball sent on for Mgbemere on the left driving on forces her way into the box before laying it back to Jeffery positioned top of the D, puts her foot through the ball, rifling a shot in on goal over the keeper, strikes the crossbar and over for a goal-kick.

Mgbemere physical making a nuisance of herself difficult to shake off the ball as upended outside the box to the left, a dangerous ball clipped into the six yard box, Daly getting a good fist on the ball to knock it clear of her area. Jeffery latching onto a loose goal-kick carries the ball forwards to the right, Buckley blocking the attempted cross. Midway through the 1st half a lively contest, Woburn & Wavendon seeing slightly more of the ball Jeffery holding it up, Mgbemere, Chapman and McClelland looking to bomb on. Stotfold defending, Ryan getting in a number of tackles the latest on Mgbemere as she looks to fight her way into the area. McClelland shaking off her marker in midfield, taking on the strike from 35 yards out, Daly right behind it to gather the ball up.

Peters sending the ball out to Burton-Taylor on the right plays in inside for Klausner to shoot on the angle from 25 yards out her low effort covered by Johnson at the near post. Ryan and Mgbemere enjoying a good contest as the attacker tries to shake the Stotfold defender off.

Stotfold’s Charlotte Ryan

 Klausner getting onto the end of another Stotfold free kick launched long into the box, to the right of goal volleying it up back towards the near post, Johnson with a good reach getting up well to pluck the ball down at the near post to prevent it dropping down in front of goal. Mgbemere grappling for possession in midfield, emerging with the ball looking to release Jeffery in attack Stotfold’s back line pushed up holding their line see’s the attacker flagged offside.

 Half an hour played, Peters closing the ball down well in the final 3rd central, pushed into Thwaite moving left into the top of the area, drags the ball inside before reversing her pass to lay it on for How to the left from the angle fires the ball in across goal, Peters having broken forwards to get in on goal at the far post can’t quite get it under control. Johnson out quickly to the top of her area to smother the ball as Klausner looks to link up with Burton-Taylor on the right. Thwaite nipping in to close the ball down top of the area getting a shot away left of goal, the attempt straight at the keeper, Johnson claiming comfortably.

GOAL! Stotfold getting the ball on through the middle Jack forwards into the right channel 30 yards out putting her foot through the ball the ball racing on into the box, Klausner pulling off the defence to the left of the D inside the box, in the clear to get a touch on the ball to divert it up and over the keeper to drop into the back of the net and send Stotfold into the lead 0-1.

Amelia Klausner congratulated by her teammates as she breaks in behind to open the scoring for Stotfold

  Woburn & Wavendon not happy feel their was an element of offside about the goal, but the decision stands they trail with 33 minutes played. Get back on the attack from the restart, Jeffery seeing the ball into her feet well using it’s momentum to turn it into the path of Chapman surging past her to latch onto the strike 20 yards out central, flashed in at Daly fast the keeper stopping it with her legs her defence getting it away to safety. 

Woburn & Wavendon’s Casey Chapman

  Woburn & Wavendon using Jeffery well, holding the ball up allowing others to push on make runs past her, McClelland taking the ball on stopped by Ryan top of the area. Mgbemere rushing in to try and get hold of the loose ball ends up fouling Ryan. Buckley playing a useful ball from deep into How moving into the Woburn & Wavendon box, Halai with the challenge to deny a shooting opportunity. Jack putting the pass into Taylor-Burton breaking on down the left, her cross stood up at the near post, Johnson turning it behind for the corner kick.

Sharyl Thwaites with Woburn & Wavendon’s Kimberly Newns

  The corner from the right defended at the near post turned away to the top of the area, Thwaite running onto the loose ball striking it low in towards goal, Johnson down quickly behind it to make the save. The game stretched at times, Woburn & Wavendon getting players up quickly when ever they turn play around, Peters coming back to defend top of her area on Chapman as Jeffery and Mgbemere link up on the left side. 

  Ryan in to charge the ball down as McClelland looks to bring it down off her chest inside the D to fashion a shot as Mgbemere evades tackles to get the ball into her from the left. Jack taking a knock needing a moment to recover Woburn & Wavendon busy as the 1st half draws to a close, Chapman up with Mgbemere on the left fighting to get into the box, Stotfold converging to squeeze the space the ball popping loose falls to Jeffery 20 yards out leaning into the shot angles the ball in on goal, dips late over Daly but not quite enough as it sails narrowly over the crossbar.

  Into the final minute of the 1st half Stotfold on the attack Peters laying the ball on for How making a move into the box from the left, the pass cut out by Saunders, Klausner attempting to burst through into the area after the loose ball, goes down appeals as How comes inside across the D putting a reverse strike in on goal, Johnson diving down to her left getting behind the ball to save. Kourmourou defending for Stotfold in stoppage time as Saunders delivers an early cross from the right into Jeffery top of the D.

Half-time Woburn & Wavendon Women 0-1 Stotfold Women

  The two sides head back into the changing rooms with Stotfold holding a narrow advantage, Amelia Klausner in behind the defence to lift the ball over the keeper to score in the 33rd minute. Could have been a much different story had it not been for a vital double save from Orlagh Daly at the start of the contest as Woburn & Wavendon started brightly getting players on well have caused problems. Stotfold a little nervous early in but settled into the game an even contest both getting on well creating opportunities, Woburn & Wavendon brushing the crossbar will feel unlucky not to be heading in at half-time leading themselves. Stotfold have the edge however and will be keen to add to that in the 2nd half.

 It’s Stotfold unchanged to get the 2nd half underway, a change for Woburn & Wavendon with Aimee Esser coming on taking up a position on the right Newns the player off. The ball rolled back into midfield launched up through the middle, Halai clearing for Woburn & Wavendon. Mgbemere getting her head down taking the ball forwards through the middle sending it on for Chapman bursting forwards, Daly out quickly to the top of her area to get down claim the ball.

Stotfold captain, Amy Jack fighting for the ball with Woburn & Wavendon’s Cerys Saunders

  Klausner up on the right linking up with Taylor-Burton up the wing delivering the cross into the box, Halai intercepting to clear for Woburn & Wavendon. Jack carrying a knock down for a moment, picks herself up wanting to carry on. Stotfold looking to get on in attack at the start of the 2nd half, Klausner taking the ball on left flank turning into the box, held up lays it on into Thwaite making a run into the D, tugged back, referee Tamia Chikaviro-Taylor awarding the free-kick. The set-piece inside the D to the left Jack to take goes for goal getting the ball up well in on target, Johnson behind it throwing her arms up to save tipping the shot up over her bar for the corner kick.

Chloe Johnson turning Amy Jack’s free-kick over the bar

 GOAL! Buckley with the corner kick on the right a good ball clipped into the mix, Jack up well to turn her header on across the top of the six yard box controlled beyond the far post and fired back in across the face of goal, Peters stooping down to get her head on the ball power it over the line from close range doubling Stotfold’s lead 0-2.

 

 

 

 

The captain likes that one as Stotfold double their lead

Charlotte Peters doubling Stotfold’s lead

Stotfold with a good opening 10 minutes in the 2nd half doubling their lead, a blow for Woburn & Wavendon. Jack having picked up a knock coming off, for Stotfold with Alex Lewis coming on. Their tails up Stotfold regain the ball in the middle, sent on for Taylor-Burton on the right crosses it inside early into Thwaite 20 yards out, closed down by Gnitecka. How substituted by Stotfold with Gracie Applin entering the game. Saunders controlling the ball looking to fire it up to Jeffery 25 yards out, Peters cutting the ball out for Stotfold.

Cerys Saunders

  Woburn & Wavendon remain lively looking to get players on Mgbemere up with Chapman on the left look to exchange passes drive on, Kourmourou getting her foot in for Stotfold at the back. Jeffery turning the ball on for Esser pushing on down the right her cross into the box intercepted by Ryan. Peters playing a great ball on for Thwaites pushing on up the left turning into the box, just over hits the ball allowing Halai to nip in ahead of her stab it back to her keeper to launch clear.

Woburn & Wavendon’s Sharna Halai

 

  Both sides going for it 2nd half the game open, Jack returning to the action sending the ball on for Thwaites left of the D into the box her strike saved by Johnson with her legs getting down behind the ball. End to end as Applin has a punt from range blocked, Woburn & Wavendon counter, Mgbemere stealing in to take the ball off Peters put on for Esser right side fed back inside to Mgbemere who lays it back into the top of the area with the Stotfold defence rapidly back peddling, Jeffery onto it seeing her shot blocked by Ryan. 

Woburn & Wavendon attacker, Chelsea Jeffery

 Another change for Woburn & Wavendon, Elliot coming off, Abigail King coming on moving to the right Esser over to the left. Wins her side a corner kick. Thwaites coming off for Stotfold with Samantha Watler coming on. Halai brining the ball out from the back for Woburn & Wavendon threads the ball on into the left channel looking for Esser, Taylor-Burton back to cut it out for Stotfold. 

 Woburn & Wavendon fighting for the ball in the middle, Mgbemere into McClelland laying it out to Chapman moving right digs the cross out looping into the six yard box, threatening to drop over the keeper, with Jeffery closing in unmarked beyond, Daly does well to get something on it take it away to the left, Esser looking to keep it alive looks to be bundled over as two defenders converge on her, appeals but nothing doing.

  Klausner fouling Gnitecka as she looks to take the ball past the defender on the right as Woburn & Wavendon commit players forwards. Ellis also getting a timely challenge in on Klausner as the attacker looks to nip in on the ball. A corner won on the right, put high into the top of the crowded six yard box, Johnson up through bodies to punch the ball away to the top of the area Lewis looking to run into the shot blasted in, blocked by Gnitecka.

  Applin frustrated pulling her shirt up over her head as she controls the ball sweetly bringing it down well 20 yards out to turn and shoot dragging her effort narrowly wide of the right post. 

Gracie Applin frustrated as she sends her shot wide.

 Keller in to defend for Stotfold the ball played up to Applin looking to get away on the right, tripped by Mgbemere awarded the free-kick. From deep launched up towards the box, Ellis under it to clear for Woburn & Wavendon. The ball finding its way up to Jeffery in attack out out to Esser on the left back inside to Mgbemere looking to take players on, is fouled by Lewis winning the free-kick. Stotfold ringing the changes, Keller, Buckley and Peters have left the field, Estelle Klausner, Samantha Watler and Maizie Marsh into the action as they look to see out the game.

Gracie Applin

 Ellis with a vital header at the back too get the ball away as Applin looks to get onto a diagonal ball played into the box from the left. Mgbemere and Ryan continue their contest fighting for possession of the ball the attacker getting the free-kick this time around. The game stretched with Woburn & Wavendon looknig to find a way through on goal, Lewis sending it on up the left, Estelle Klausner looking too get after it, Gnitecka defending for Woburn & Wavendon. 

Klaudia Gnitecka getting to the ball before Stotfold’s Amelia Klausner

 The clock ticking down a few tired legs out there, Mgbemere still hard to get off the ball, pressing on, closed down pops loose to Jeffery, looks to get Esser away on the left, cut out by Jack. Woburn & Wavendon winning a free-kick out to the left a chance to throw players up into the box try and force a late goal.

 GOAL! A great ball into the box Jeffery up well to get her head on the ball from the penalty spot drive it in on goal comes at Daly quickly a reactive save knocking the ball up onto her crossbar, rebounds down into the six yard box, Woburn & Wavendon’s attacker surge forwards, Esser onto it firing the ball over the line from close range to pull a goal back and set up a nervy final few minutes 1-2.

Aimee Esser, (blue boots) forces the ball over the line to pull a goal back for Woburn & Wavendon

  Stotfold look to get the ball into the final 3rd played on Ellis defending for Woburn & Wavendon. Halai shown a yellow card as she takes out Watler as she carries the ball on. Applin winning the ball back high on the right hooks the ball in on goal, Johnson back on her line under it to safely take it down into her gloves. Little time left in the game as Woburn & Wavendon look for one last chance to try and take the final to penalties, Jeffery bringing the ball down outside the box, looking to strike it on the half volley slicing the ball wide. That’s it the final whistle blows and Stotfold celebrate as they win this season’s Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup.

Full -time Woburn & Wavendon Women 1-2 Stotfold Women

 An entertaining cup final played largely in a good spirit by two determined sides, Stotfold holding the narrow advantage in the 1st half, coming out focused on getting a 2nd early in the 2nd half got players on to join the attack created opportunities and doubled the lead in the 55th minute from a well worked corner. Both keepers making saves as the game grew stretched players tiring, Stotfold not quite able to find a 3rd goal to make thing’s comfortable as Woburn & Wavendon kept probing finally finding a goal themselves in the final minute, Stotfold seeing out the final few moments of the match to ensure the win having missed out last season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, certainly a few contenders for this one on both sides several good performances. Firstly for Woburn & Wavendon a solid defensive performance from Sharna Halai at the back, won numerous tackles and closed the ball down well throughout. Jodi McClelland and Casey Chapman got forwards well to support the attack, looking to find a way through on goal set up others. Chelsea Jeffery with some great hold up play used the ball well strong in possession. Princess Mgbemere caused problems throughout hard to shake off the ball, driving at the defence. For Stotfold, goalkeeper Orlagh Daly’s fine double save at the start ensured her side weren’t on the back foot early on. Charlotte Peters using the ball well getting forwards to support the attack. Freya Taylor-Burton providing a good outlet ready to take the ball on down the right flank. The Stotfold defence all playing their part with some vital tackles the award going to Charlotte Ryan was strong throughout getting in her tackles and intercepting the ball.

 Congratulations to Stotfold Women on winning this season’s Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup.

Stotfold Women 2025/26 Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup Winners

 A long trip to Bedfordshire, was an enjoyable cup final to get the set piece games underway, a decent crowd of 253 in attendance. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team sheets and to the staff at Beds FA  for their assistance and hospitality, one final down plenty to look forwards too. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Woodbridge Town Ladies v Needham Market Women Development

Sunday 15th March

Suffolk Women’s Premiership

Making the trip down into Suffolk this Sunday to catch some action from the Suffolk Women’s Premiership with 4th placed Woodbridge Town Ladies hosting Needham Market Women Development currently 2nd in the table.

The Suffolk Women’s Premiership growing from just 7 teams last season back to 11 for this campaign, with Ramsey & Mistley Ladies, Halesworth Town Women, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies and Bacton United Ladies promoted from the Championship below, along with AFC Sudbury Women entering their Reserves side into the division. It’s Sudbury that lead the way looking strong dropping just 2 points, unbeaten in 11 matches at the top of the table, today’s opponents amongst those looking to try and chase them down, or at least clinch a top 3 finish.

Woodbridge Town Ladies have been an established side in the Premiership for several season’s now, champions back in 2021, finished runners-up last season. Have also enjoyed success in the League Cup winning the trophy in 2023. Began this season under new management, with Ashley Rankin the new head coach assisted by Natalie Claridge. Getting good support from Woodbridge Town FC itself very much part of the club. A 2-1 win over Championship side, Ipswich Valley Rangers two weekends ago seeing them win through to another League Cup final appearance where they will be taking on AFC Sudbury Women Reserves who they drew 2-2 in the opening game of the season.

Are playing catch up with their league fixtures having played just 7 of their 20 scheduled games so far, seeing several postponements and the cup run impacting that tally a busy run in then, just the 1 defeat in those 7 matches with 5 wins and a draw lifting them up to 4th and well placed to push on for the top 2 and try to put pressure on the leaders. Sadie Jamieson is Woodbridge’s top scorer, with 14 goals in her 9 appearances. Freya Emerick has 5 goals having also played 9.

 Needham Market Women Development too have become an established side in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership, reaching the League Cup final themselves last season, suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Alresford Colne Rangers to miss out on reaching this season’s League Plate final. That bringing an end to a run of 9 league and cup games undefeated including a run of 7 straight league wins that has powered them up to 2nd in the Premiership table, making full use of having an all weather pitch to get their games in have played 13 of their 20 scheduled so far.

  The Development squad looking to push for the first team squad playing in the ERWFL, Needham Market with it’s academy set up has become one of the fastest growing clubs in Suffolk in recent times, building a healthy rivalry with AFC Sudbury along the way. Plenty of goals within the squad, Imogen Porch top scorer with 8 to her names while Lexie Ferris has 7 , Paige Pugh on 6 and Megan Smith netting 5, goals spread out too with 9 others contributing so far this a season. 

  The Homestyle UK Ground the venue for today’s match, home of Woodbridge Town FC to the north east of Ipswich just off the A12. Has been a good while since I last visited this ground for a women’s league cup final way back when. The clubhouse and bar leading into the stadium itself, a grass pitch with standing viewing all round and a small covered seated stand and terraced stand opposite the dugouts. Practice pitches beside, a keen wind blowing across the open ground into the stadium, with rain forecast later the sun isn’t having much effect cloud cover which has been the feature of the year so far playing its part.

Woodbridge Town Ladies starting XI – Eloisa Bruce, Chloe Stopher, Caitlin Howe. Alice Ager (C), Lauren Jacobs, Grace Murphy, Kimberley Stock, Stacey Hadley, Georgia Lindon, Rhianna Kiwomya & Charlene Roach-Smith. Subs – Lola Beaumont, Amy Stockley, Shannon Green, Evie Swanton & Sadie Jamieson.

Woodbridge Town Ladies

Needham Market Women Development starting XI – Daisy Morris, Khyla Anderson-Hayler (C), Ella Stone, Maddi Steward, Montana Swift, Sophia Gillingham, Izzy Haste, Esme Marsh, Faith Witmore, Lexie Ferris & Immy Porch. Subs – Poppy Dyson, Megan Smith, Eve Boggis, Paige Pugh & Jae Lewis-Samuel.

Needham Market Women Development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Alice Ager and Khyla Anderson-Hayler with todays match referee

  The wind is going to play a part in the game for sure the open nature of the pitches beyond the stadium and the wind direction across the pitch quite strong. Needham Market to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half wearing their away colours, yellow shirts with black trim, black shorts and black and yellow socks. Woodbridge lined up opposite wearing black and white vertical striped shirts, black shorts and socks. Sadie Jamieson named on the bench for the hosts Freya Emerick unavailable. Both side with 5 on the bench to call from if needed. The ball rolled back to Esme Marsh central she lifts it out to the right, Faith Witmore looking to get on Woodbridge move in quickly to close the ball down.

 

 Both sides into each other at the start play condensed in the middle, the Woodbridge defence pushed up to keep things tight. Stacey Hadley getting hold of the ball in the middle for Woodbridge opening up her body to play the ball out into the right wing with space for Rhianna Kiwomya to run into, the wind getting behind the ball, gives defender Maddi Steward the edge as she moves across from the middle of defence to take the ball into the corner sending it out for a throw. Launched up towards the edge of the area helped on into the box, goalkeeper, Daisy Morris and grab hold of it on the bounce before Georgia Lindon can get past her marker onto the ball.

  Left back Ella Stone sends the ball forwards up the wing for Lexie Ferris to chase down on the wing for Needham Market drives to the by-line checking into the box before standing the ball up to the top of the six yard box, Immy Porch meeting it 1st time her touch lifting the ball up into the air and frustratingly just over the bar. 

Needham Market’s, Immy Porch

 The game is lively Needham Market busy looking to pass the ball short into each other work it on quickly, Stone inside to Izzy Haste linking up with Marsh attempts the through ball for Porch up to, the ball cut out by Lauren Jacobs at the back for the hosts. Steward with the ball at her feet at the back for Needham Market allowed to travel into midfield before lifting a long pass into the left wing for Ferris, Caitlin Howe tracking back with her, cutting it out for Woodbridge. 

Woodbridge’s Lauren Jacobs

 Howe and Ferris battling for the ball, the defender coming away with it sending it on up the right for Kiwomya ahead of her, taking the ball on comes back inside to stab a cross into the top of the area, Sophia Gillingham defending for the visitors sending the ball out for a throw on the left, Woodbridge look to put pressure forcing a corner kick. The corner curled into the area, cleared by the Needham Market defence, look to get on the counter, Woodbridge getting numbers back into midfield quickly to close the passing options down.

  Haste plays a good pass into the channel for Ferris to attack taking it forwards held up by Howe comes inside 20 out tries to pick out Porch central, Kimberley Stock intercepting the ball and clears for the hosts. The windy conditions not helping the game bitty neither side affording the other time on the ball, play often congested in the middle, Woodbridge’s back line confident to squeeze up, Needham Market very much a technical side not looking to test them with balls over the top to get them turned around.

  Woodbridge awarded a free-kick wide on the left deep in the Needham Market half, captain Alice Ager over it, fires a pacy ball up towards the near post, no one can get a touch as is skips on through the the keeper. Howe tackling Ferris as she looks to force her way through on the wing, the full back playing the ball up the right wing for Kiwomya to run onto powers forwards taking on the cross early firing the ball in across the top of the area, Hadley breaking forwards can’t quite take it on into her stride to give herself a shooting opportunity inside the box. 

Woodbridge’s Caitlin Howe defending on Needham Market’s Lexie Ferris

  Grace Murphy combining with Stock in the middle the ball played on for Lindon moving left, sends it on for Charlene Roach-Smith, closed down quickly by Montana Swift with the blocking tackle. Kiwomya finding a little space on the right side with players often pulled over to the opposite side of the pitch, the diagonal ball from Murphy seeing her away to make a right for the box, Steward getting back on he lunging in to take the ball behind for the corner kick. Plenty of pace on the delivery flashed in dangerously across the six yard box, no one can get a touch however. 

  Needham Market break well a ball from Haste clipped over the defence sees Marsh steal through the middle to make a run towards the box, goalkeeper, Eloisa Bruce caught for a moment on whether to risk coming out to close the ball down or retreat to cover her goal, Marsh using the hesitation as the keeper starts to come to lay the ball into Witmore bursting on to support right corner of the area, smashes the ball in towards goal, annoyed as it flashes over the crossbar.

Needham Market’s Faith Witmore

  Two sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Woodbridge squeezing play well, Needham Market looking to be crisp and quick with their passing, haven’t the room as the hosts are able to close down without finding the killer ball of their own. Ager and Howe intercepting at one end, Steward covering the top of the box well for the visitors. Stone playing the ball on for Ferris left for Needham Market comes inside her cross charged down by Howe corner of the area, gets a 2nd bite at it standing the ball up to the top of the D, Porch up well to nod the ball down towards goal, drops wide of the left post Howe sending it clear.

  Needham Market creating chances, Witmore seeing the ball down as Steward takes it forwards from the back, has her captain, Khyla Anderson-Hayler bombing past her on the overlap, sends the ball into her the cross taken early flashed into the near post, Bruce blocking it with her legs cleared by Stopher. Steward into Stone wide left for the visitors plays the one two with Ferris inside her goes on up the wing looking for Ferris with the return ball inside, Jacobs cutting it out for Woodbridge clearing for a throw in. 

Maddi Steward

Lexie Ferris with Rhianna Kiwomya

 Both sides going in to close the ball down, Swift for Needham Market, Stock for Woodbridge the ball popping about in the middle the visitors get a break knocking a bouncing ball forwards awkward for the Woodbridge defence, Porch taking advantage to get hold of the ball run in behind carry the ball right before shooting on the angle her 25 yard effort taken cleanly into her gloves by Bruce at her near post.

Woodbridge goalkeeper, Eloisa Bruce

  Changes for Needham Market midway closing in on the half hour mark, Megan Smith and Jae Lewis-Samuels coming on, Stone and Porch taken off. Woodbridge with a change too, Lola Beaumont on to replaced Lindon. Woodbridge unhappy they haven’t a corner as Kiwomya breaks away on the right, doesn’t quite keep the ball in as she tries to cross from the by-line under challenge by Steward. Howe getting the ball down well off her chest to intercept as Haste attempts the diagonal ball into Ferris on the right, missed and the winger has the opportunity to run in behind test the keeper. 

  A scrappy contest most certainly the wind playing a part the ball gaining ground on the Woodbridge attackers trying to give chase, Stock carrying it on left side forwards into Roach-Smith sends in inside, Gillingham stabbing a foot out diverting it away from Hadley. Haste with good control in the middle playing some good balls forwards, just can’t unlock a determined Woodbridge defence, Howe continues her contest with Ferris. 

Needham Market midfielder, Izzy Haste

 Ager into Murphy the midfielder playing in out to Kiwomya on the right wing, checks inside as Smith goes to tackle, Steward into close her down rapidly, the ball turned out for as the challenge comes in. Lively in the middle, Murphy and Marsh fighting for the ball, Needham Market find Haste’s feet plays a timely ball forwards into the left wing that see’s Ferris in behind Howe moving on towards the area left of the D, Bruce comes racing out to try and close her down, Ferris shoots early the ball past the keeper, but so to the left post.

  Woodbridge regain possession at the back, Howe into Murphy in the centre sends it on for Roach-Smith left channel held up plays it across the top of the D into Kiwomya right of goal, slips as she goes to shoot her attempt swerving favourably for the goalkeeper to claim. Haste clipping a ball on for Ferris left side, Howe coming back at her out for a throw taken quickly by Smith on for Ferris racing on up the wing squares it inside for Lewis-Samuels 25 out left of the D, tries to divert it on into the box with Ferris pushing inside, doesn’t quite come off. Into the closing seconds of the 1st half Needham Market push players on through the middle Marsh on with Lewis-Samuels, Ager in well to close her down.

 Half-time Woodbridge Town Ladies 0-0 Needham Market Women Development

  The sides head into the changing rooms with the score goalless at the break. Not a half for the purest has been scrappy at times play congested with Woodbridge squeezing up well limiting space, that said it’s Needham Market who have had the best of the chances another day might be 2 or 3 goals to the good, nevertheless haven’t found the mark. Woodbridge keeping it tight at the back the defence working hard as a unit winning individual battles the ball not still for long both sides have gotten on with thing’s the wind definitely affecting things but both sides playing under the same conditions, will be interesting to see if either side can find the break through in the 2nd half.

 A triple change for Woodbridge at the start of the 2nd half, with Sadie Jamieson, Amy Stock and Evie Swanton coming on for, Roach-Smith, Kimberley Stock, and Stopher. Swift and Ferris off for Needham Market, Evie Boggis and Paige Pugh on. It’s Woodbridge to get the 2nd half underway the wind still keen blowing across the pitch. Played back to the defence, Needham Market rush forwards looknig to close things down options choked the ball lost for a throw in to the visitors.

  Lewis-Samuels looking to take the ball on from the throw on the right. Jacobs coming across to put the blocking tackle in the ball out for a throw, Needham Market busy at the start of the 2nd half looking to get players on the ball on the flanks, Haste looking to play Witmore in on the right, the wind catching the rolling ball taking it out of play before she can reach it. Another change for Woodbridge as Murphy comes off in the middle, Shannon Green coming on. 

 Stockley sending the ball into Green looks to lift it into Jamieson up top as she holds it up, tries to go beyond her, Steward in close denying the chance getting a foot on the ball, Marsh sending it on up to Pugh central, Ager lunging in to tackle stops her as she looks to force a way into the D. Jamieson giving Woodbridge a focal point in attack, Hadley through the middle getting a ball past Steward, Smith round well on the cover to to the ball first to clear for the visitors.

  Woodbridge getting players forwards more in the 2nd period Green taking the ball out to the right, prods it on for Beaumont, her cross charged down. Anderson-Hayler combines with Witmore on the right getting up with her the ball fed into her feed looks to turn inside, Ager tight on her to make the challenge. Marsh pushing on with the ball through the middle forced left on for Boggis, Bruce out quickly to the top of her area to clear the ball away, then again as Needham Market are quick to retrieve on that side. 

Needham Market captain, Khyla Anderson-Hayler

 Play remains congested to larger extent players drawn to the ball, leading to players snapping in to cut out passes the ball popping about, Pugh getting the pass into Witmore finding space to steal into on the right, her cross on the run too close to the keeper, Bruce stooping to scoop it up at her near post. A brief appearance by the sun as the clouds part, Needham Market winning a corner on the left, into the wind doesn’t travel cleared near side, Smith latching onto it on the angle 30 yards out drives her attempt wide across the area out past the far post.

Alice Ager moving in to defend on Faith Witmore

  Haste with some good balls on through the middle trying to tee up those ahead of her, again the wind takes it away from Pugh as Bruce comes up to the top of her area to deal with it. Steward getting across to the right to deal with Kiwomya as she battles get on with the ball out on the wing. Both sides busy as the 2nd half approaches the 20 minute mark.

  GOAL! The deadlock is broke, Woodbridge getting the ball on through the middle, Green sending it up to Jamieson, Beaumont up with her putting the defence under pressure the ball escaping in behind, running for the box. Morris starts to comes hesitates and both attackers race on, the ball blocked spins out too the right Kiwomya inside the area puts her foot through it launching the ball on the angle into the back of the net. 1-0.

Woodbridge celebrate as Rhianna Kiwomya fires them into the lead

  More frustration for Witmore as another promising ball into the right wing is caught by the wind. Haste linking up with Marsh through the middle for the visitors almost finds a way through but for the foot of Ager getting in the way as she diverts the ball for Stockley to clear. Gillingham wining the ball back at the back for Needham Market as Jamieson seeing the ball down looks to peel into the left channel, cleared long up to Witmore surging on up the right, Beaumont back to help in defence for Woodbridge. 

 Witmore keeping the ball in on the right wing carries it away coming to the by-line, her attempt to cross blocked by Ager. Marsh looking for Pugh turns the ball into Boggis pushing on left side, Howe quick to close her down. Needham Market making a triple Steward, Haste, and Witmore giving way for Poppy Dyson, Stone and Porch for the final 20 minutes. Green into space sending the ball up to Jamieson shoots as she moves right not enough on it through safely to the keeper.

  Ager defending for Woodbridge as Needham Market look to push players on, the clear ball struck from distance flighted past the right post. Lewis-Samuels in of the right into Pugh moves central but plays a clever reverse pass into the box for Porch pulling off the defence, right of goal, Bruce out to deal can see the ball out for the goal-kick.  The game opening up alot more now with all the changes being made Green up with Jamieson through the middle sees the ball helped on for Green to shoot from 25 yards out the ball skipping up off the turf in front of Morris, does see her get hold of it straight away. lunging down to take it at the 2nd attempt Kiwomya rushing in to try to get to it colliding with her, no appeals the game continues.

Sophia Gillingham

  Lively late on Needham Market getting players on the ball into the right, Boggis with Ferris the cross blocked by Swanton, then Howe behind for a corner. A vicious delivery in with pace at the near post flies pasty everyone however cleared far side. Pugh driving at the defence on for Porch pulling right wins her side a corner. Needham Market getting plenty up into the box the delivery from the right curled in cut out by Ager at the near post. Ferris back into the action with Marsh off the field. Into the final 10 minutes.

Woodbridge captain, Alice Ager

  Pugh getting away on the right for the visitors pulling her cross back into the penalty spot, Jacobs there to clear for Woodbridge. Bruce clearing one end Woodbridge look for the counter up to Lindon left on with Beaumont, turning inside, Dyson with the well timed tackle to halt the attack. Stopher coming on for Woodbridge late in the game with Ager off the field. Green linking up with Jamieson up top as they look to turn the defence, the ball rolled out to Kiwomya breaking on the right, Smith closing her down for Needham Market. The visitors working the ball on getting a corner on the right with 3 minutes of regular time left on the clock.

 GOAL! Plenty up for Needham Market the box packed as the corner is fizzed in low to the near post blocked the rebound coming back to the corner taker, on the edge of the box to angle a ball back in across the six yard box to the far post, Ferris getting her head on the end of it to send the ball in past the inside of the left post to score the equalising goal 1-1. 

Lexie Ferris with the header at the far post to score the equaliser for Needham Market

 A blow for Woodbridge late in the game having work so hard in defence, Needham Market getting players on well, risking gaps at the back, Hadley up to Jamieson, evades her slightly as Gillingham snatches it away caught late by the striker, but no complaints just picks herself up getting on with it as the game has been pretty much from the start. The visitors making for a nervous finish as they win another corner on the right players piling into the box everyone bar Jamieson back to defend for Woodbridge what comes next is best described as a melee initially cut out at the near post the ball fizzed back into the six yard box, multiple blocks and feet lashing out to try and poke it home but Needham Market can find no way through, as the ball is scrambled away and the two sides have to settle for a share of the points.

Full time Woodbridge Town Ladies 1-1 Needham Market Women Development

  An intense contest with both sides into each other throughout the 90 minutes, the windy conditions making it difficult for both sides, play scrappy at times as it became congested in the middle, Woodbridge making changes at half-time getting players on in attack better having defended resolutely throughout the 1st half, taking the lead 20 minutes into the 2nd period. Needham Market unlucky not to be leading themselves with good opportunities in the 1st period rang the changes themselves pushing players on late in the game became a little disjointed but got the bodies into the box and found the right ball to get someone in the clear to score the equaliser. Would have felt hard done by had they not done so, set up as nervy final few moments Woodbridge back to defend in numbers to ensure they didn’t lose. Needham Market stay 2nd, with AFC Kesgrave Ladies 3rd and Stowupland Falcons Women winning to leap above Woodbridge into 4th, looks to be shaping up to be an intense battle for what is most likely runners-up spot barring a complete collapse by Sudbury.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match and this one is certainly not an easy one strong contenders on both sides. Chances were limited with defenders on top for a good portion of the game, firstly for Needham Market, Maddi Steward was strong positioned well reading the game ahead of her and getting across to deal with threats, used the ball well coming forwards too. Sophia Gillingham too putting in a number of strong tackles. In midfield Izzy Haste with some useful balls forwards looking to unlock the Woodbridge defence, Lexie Ferris providing a good outlet on the left coming back on to score the crucial equaliser. For Woodbridge, Rhianna Kiwomya again provided a good outlet on the wing with some useful runs into the box to fire Woodbridge into the lead. Stacey Hadley covered the ground making some good tackles. The defence worked hard as a unit pushing up keeping things tight and hard to shake of, Lauren Jacobs with some important interceptions, Caitlin Howe was busy on the right of defence scrapped all game to get possession of the ball, edged out by her captain, Alice Ager who again defended well at close quarter getting out to close the ball down and blocking a number of crosses.

  Has been a while since I last visited Woodbridge but good to be back, albeit for the wind. A lively contest from the Suffolk Women’s Premiership, Woodbridge have a busy few weeks coming up as the battle at the top end of the league intensifies, and a League Cup final to look forwards too. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Royston Town Women v Atletico London Women

Sunday 8th March

ERWFL Premier Division

Good to get back into it after a month away from the game last weekend, off to Hertfordshire this Sunday to catch some action from the ERWFL Premier Division, with 2nd placed, Royston Town Women hosting 3rd placed Atletico London Women.

 The 12 strong ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 football in the East of England, with the title winners earning promotion to the FAWNL (Women’s National League). Stevenage FC Women on a mission to achieve that this season unbeaten winning 12 of their 14 matches to date to sit comfortably at the top of the table. Have enjoyed a good rivalry with Hertfordshire compatriots, Royston Town Women in recent season’s who themselves look strong sitting in 2nd spot for much of the campaign, making a late charge up the table are Atletico London Women up to 3rd as they look to rebuild under a new name after being relegated from the FAWNL last season under their former guise, London Seaward FC. The ERWFL Premier Division always a strong and competitive league featuring many talented players and squads.

Games in hand for Royston over the sides looking to chase them down for runners-up spot, the most likely outcome baring a complete disaster for Stevenage this late in the season. Royston themselves recruiting well growing a squad over the past few season’s to contest at the top end of the Premier Division had a memorable run in this season’s FA Women’s Cup, and have won 6 straight games in the league itself. The gloss taken off the campaign somewhat over the past two weekends as exited both the County Cup and League Cup at the semi-final stage losing 1-0 to Stevenage in the county competition, followed by a poor first half showing in the league Cup which saw another Hertfordshire side, Harpenden Town Women race into a 3-0 lead and hold on to win the game 3-2. Emma Slater always amongst the goals for Royston has 15 to her name so far this season, not the leading scorer though as Laura Mills is just ahead of her with 16. Jordanne Sillitoe also closing in on double figures for the season.

Atletico London Women begin life in the ERWFL Premier Division renamed from the London Seaward FC side relegated from the FAWNL side who themselves were originally, Leyton Orient WFC who reached promotion to the 4th tier in 2018. The men’s club wanting to take Leyton Orient in a different direction, that women’s side became London Seaward FC, a rarity now in that it is an independent women’s football club. A bright light in the game their young manger Dan McKimm left the club to join London Bees a good portion of his squad going with him, London Seaward needing to rebuild their squad somewhat struggling for points last season ended up being relegated.

Thus a new beginnings of sorts under a new name Atletico London Women, placed into the ERWFL, have grown strongly as a club over the course of the season, a slow start losing 4 of their opening 5 league matches have pushed on winning 9 of their last 11 games, coming into today’s game with 6 straight league wins. Their attack headed up by Ammarah Ali and Brooke Haylock who have scored 46 goals between them, with Ali on 20 and Haylock finding the back of the net for 26 goals, up to 3rd in the table will be looking to finish as high as they can and take that into next season.

Royston Town FC’s, Garden Walk Stadium the venue for today’s match, the sloping grass pitch offering situated in a residential area surrounded by housing, has a cosy, community feel to it, the women’s side well supported within the set-up, the large clubhouse with bar open along with a food van and coffee truck available. A covered seated stand opposite the dugouts with various smaller stands dotted about the ground. Cloud cover prominent over the region today a little dull, albeit mild, and still with no rain in the forecast.

 Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Amy Reed, Amy Georgiou, Amy Houghton (C), Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Georgie Giddings, Kate Edwards, Laura Mills, Emma Slater & Bella Simmons. Subs – Erin Davies, Kiaya Payne, Jodie Donley, Dilly Hazlehurst & Jordanne Sillitoe.

Royston Town Women

 Atletico London Women starting XI – Nina Muller, Juliet Thomas, Jada McGibbon, Joanna Butler-Williams, Nicole Farmer (C), Amber Provan, Keira Stewart, Jordan Feldman, Julia Casinha, Ammarah Ali, & Brooke Haylock. Subs – Sindi Kanto, Lily Aungier, Poppy Hartwell, & Ornela Brahaj.

Atletico London Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Nicole Farmer of Atletico London and Amy Houghton of Royston with today’s match officials

Change of ends at the start with Atletico London choosing to attack up the slope in the 1st half, Royston with the kick-off wearing white coloured shirts and socks with black shorts, Atletico London lined up opposite wearing an all blue kit with orange numbers on the back of their shirts. The ball lifted out to the right side by the hosts. Atletico London quick to get after the ball, Ammarah Ali on the wing getting it into her feet and driving on up the left firing a diagonal ball in towards the top of the area, the ball turned away to the right, Julia Casinha onto it racing forwards on the right for the visitors squaring the ball back into the top of the box, Chloe Gunn stretching out a leg to try and cut the cross out slices off her favourably back towards the keeper, for Millie Carter to scoop up into her gloves.

Both sides looking to make a fast start getting after each other in possession, Kate Edwards bringing the ball on through the middle for Royston pushing for the box, Joanna Butler-Williams stepping out of the back line to close her down with the blocking tackle, the loose ball fed out to Emma Slater looking to pull clear on the right flank, the flag going up against her for offside. Royston press well getting after the ball high, Hannah Bodily out to Slater on the right has full back Amy Reed bombing past her on the overlap rolls the ball into her path on the move Reed strikes the cross the ball screwing up high into the air, dropping down off the crossbar back into play cleared by the Atletico London defence.

Carter’s kick out from the back falls straight to Ali as she drifts in from the left, 30 plus yards out she takes on the immediate strike, doesn’t get a power behind it to trouble Carter back in her six yard box. Royston captain, Amy Houghton plays a flighted long pass on for Slater making a run into the right channel, Jada McGibbon tracking back with her the full back getting the challenge in to prod the ball away from the attacker. Bella Simmons first to the loose ball on the angle 25 yards out latches onto the strike, arrowing in on target but straight at Atletico London goalkeeper, Nina Muller.

The hosts applying good pressure at the start looking to get on the front foot early, Georgie Giddings and Bodily snapping in to win the ball in the middle, Kate Edwards looking to make runs into the channels to support the attack, the ball clipped into Slater out on the right she hooks the ball back into the box, Butler-Williams heading it clear for the visitors. Pushing players up around the 18 yard box, Royston shift the ball in central, Bodily striking it 20 yards out her effort charged down, Atletico London look to mount a rapid counter, Amber Provan on for Casinha right side her forwards pass too strong for striker, Brooke Haylock.

Amber Provan

Both sides getting stuck into each other, competitive free-kicks given away the latest to Royston inside the Atletico London half, lifted on up towards the top of the area the ball defended by captain, Nicole Farmer heading it away to the left for a throw-in.

Atletico London captain, Nicole Farmer

GOAL! Royston capitalising on their bright start regain the ball on half way the pass fed forwards into, Edwards she plays it into Bodily central 30 yards out, controls and puts her foot through the ball catching it sweetly to whip the ball in on target looping up over the keeper, and under the crossbar to open the scoring 1-0.

Hannah Bodily about to strike the ball to fire Royston into the lead

Royston with the early lead inside the opening 8 minutes, getting their midfielders on well to join the attack. The hosts keeping up their pressing game, Laura Mills taking the ball on from Giddings looking to thread it through the defence with Slater curling her run to get in behind, Butler-Williams with a crucial interception for Atletico London. Slater clipped as she looks to get on with the ball out wide a free-kick to Royston 30 yards out, a dangerous ball clipped into the far post players running in, the Atletico London defence hooking it clear.

Atletico London win the ball in midfield, Keira Stewart into Provan she feeds the ball out to Ali on the left flank, has, Haylock ahead of her the ball played into her, looks to get inside, Reed, the full back getting back at her with the tackle to deny the cross, Royston get the ball moving quickly up the pitch lifted into the left channel for Mills bursting into space, Muller comes racing out of her box in an attempt to get the ball, Mills just getting a toe to it to knock it on beyond her into the area the ball running on looking to go wide of the far post as Mills attempts to get to it, a recovering defender getting to it first to clear for Atletico London.

Laura Mills and Joanna Butler-Williams battling for the ball

Royston remain lively Slater causing problems out on the right a corner won. Annie Georgiou curling the ball long across the six yard box to the far post the ball headed down towards goal blocked on the line by Atletico London’s, Juliet Thomas. Atletico London competitive in the middle, Provan strong shielding the ball linking up with Jordan Feldman the ball played on for Haylock in attack, cut out by Houghton.

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

 GOAL! Royston get the ball on quickly, Slater providing the outlet on the left racing onto the ball, knocking it on into the area right of goal exposing the Atletico London defence, McGibbon trying to get back on her as the angle closes down, but Slater puts her laces through the ball before the blocking tackle comes in the shot rising with power up over the keeper into the far side of the goal to double the hosts lead 2-0.

Emma Slater firing Royston into a 2 goal lead.

Royston racing into a 2 goal lead inside the opening 12 minutes, showed attacking intent from the off and have taken full advantage. Bodily out to Reed on the right plays the ball on for Slater, McGibbon tracking her run getting in the tackle to turn the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the six yard box, Simmons jumps well but can’t quite get her head on it central, drops into the mix at the far post a snap shot blasted in, Atletico London with the bodies back inside the six yard box to block it.

Atletico London get on the counter attack, the ball on for Provan carries it left before playing it on for Ali who in turn looks for Haylock in attack, Houghton steeping in to cut the pass out for the hosts. Ali seeing the ball into her feet off Provan, has McGibbon looking to go past her on the overlap the ball played on, the full backs cross snubbed out by Houghton.

Muller out to get hold of the ball quickly inside her box as Slater charges down Butler-Williams in possession the ball deflected into the box. Simmons controlling the ball for Royston central on for Edwards making a run left of the D, stabbed on her effort blocked by Farmer the ball rebounding out to the right, Slater looking to take it on, dispossessed complaining her shirt was tugged, doesn’t get the decision.

Haylock pulling away into the left wing taking the ball on from Ali sends a low cross in towards the near post, Carter going to ground to block it, turns it behind for the visitors first corner of the contest. Taken short on the left the cross angled in towards the top of the area dealt with by Mills for Royston, falls to Stewart 30 yards out, takes on the shot her looping strike safely into the keepers mid-riff caught.

Stewart linking up with Casinha as the winger plays the ball inside to her from the right driving on with the ball, Bodily closes her down for Royston the hosts counter the ball launched into the right channel Slater digging out the early cross with the Atletico London defence tracking back the ball looping into the D, over Farmer, falls to Simmons beyond her strike blocked by Thomas, deflected behind for a corner kick. Taken short from the right the cross lifted into the box cleared out of the area, Mills running onto the ball 25 yards out right of the goal to strike it on the volley blasts the ball wide.

Emma Slater

 GOAL! Haylock has had to be patient operating up top on her own looking for the right back she gets it as the ball is fizzed on to her from the right running in behind the Royston defence central, draws Carter out of her goal to try and close her down, takes the ball past her out to the left and cuts it back in across goal to score, 2-1.

Brooke Haylock gets clear to pull a goal back for Atletico London

A goal back for the visiting side, 20 minutes into the first half, it is a competitive contest between two strong sides, Royston getting players on well to support their attack, Atletico London more patient not committing as many forwards the ball hotly fought over moved around quickly. Slater a ready outlet on the left, Edwards breaking from midfield to join the attack moving into the right channel closed down by Butler-Williams.

Royston midfielder, Kate Edwards

Gunn picking up a yellow card for the hosts as she brings down Haylock as the attacker looks to wriggle clear with the ball in midfield. From inside the Royston half, left of the circle Ali sends a long ball in towards the far post, Carter calling for it, a touch from an Atletico London player takes it behind off the keeper for a corner kick. Swung in over everyone at a congested near post, retrieved beyond the far post the ball played back out of the area towards McGibbon in a central position, pulls her shot wide of the left post from 25 yards out.

Georgiou attacking out on the left for the hosts angling a ball into the area with Slater racing on, Butler-Williams throwing out a leg to try and intercept the ball skips up beyond her into the six yard box, Muller out quickly to grab hold of the ball. Edwards sending the ball on for Slater on the right, lifts the ball into the area, Mills central top of the six yard box chests it down into the ground, Butler-Williams alert again stabbing a foot out to deflect the ball away from her, Muller down quickly to smother the loose ball inside her six yard box even as Mills attempts to slide in on it.

Into the final 15 minutes of the first half continues to be played at a fast pace, both teams snapping after the ball in the middle, Provan strong in possession carrying it out to the left for Ali who sends it up the line for Haycock, her cross claimed by Carter. Georgiou linking up with Mills on the left wing as Royston build an attack exchanging passes Mills take the ball on down the line scooping a cross up into the near post, Simmons gets up well to attack it but can’t get enough on her header to direct the ball on towards goal, behind for a goal-kick.

Bodily for Royston sending the ball on for Slater coming inside from the right, looks to play a one two with Edwards making a central run, get into the box, behind Butler-Williams the central defender, reading it sticking out a boot to get her toe on the ball to halt the attack. Slater steals in on McGibbon to take the ball off her in behind on the right before lifting a high cross into the six yard box, Miller under it see’s it all the way. Royston continue to get players on from midfield well, Edwards in particular pulling wide on the left taking the ball off Georgiou, players surging into the box, Mills hanging back free on the penalty spot Edwards crosses sending the ball in along the top of the six yard box, Butler-Williams onto it winning it ahead of Slater.

Atletico London mount an attack through the middle, Feldman on for Provan coming left up to Ali, has Haylock in support rolling the ball into her feet she takes on the strike from the angle 25 yards out the ball curling straight into the keepers gloves.

 GOAL! Closing in on the last five minutes of the first half Royston find Slater’s feet out right, as Reed surges past her on the overlap calling for the ball gets it and on the run goes to hit the early cross, swerving in high on goal turns into a dangerous ball as back peddling Muller throws her arms up to try and turn it wide but doesn’t get enough on the ball as it evades her gasp and goes beyond into the back of the net 3-1.

Amy Reed’s looping cross fumbled by the keeper to see Royston go into a 3-1 lead.

Royston with their tails up late in the first half going into a 3-1 lead, press the ball high Slater nipping in to win it off the defence putting it on into the right wing as Edwards races into space, puts her foot through the ball her cross angling in high over the crossbar. Royston pressing on Slater with a shot from range 25 yards out to the left of goal, Muller down sharply to save push the ball wide of her far post for a corner kick.

Georgiou swinging in an inviting ball from the right, Simmons up well nodding it down into the six yard box stabbed away Giddings on the penalty spot latching onto the shot blasts the ball into the mix, blocked taking a wicked deflection out behind for a corner on the left. The delivery in across the crowded six yard box falls to Slater at the far post but the referee has spotted a foul and blows up for the free-kick to Atletico London. Ali playing the ball on for McGibbon making a run ahead of her on the left her cross, cut out by Houghton behind for the corner kick the last action of the first half as the delivery into the area is claimed by Carter.

Half-time Royston Town Women 3-1 Atletico London Women

 Royston heading into the changing rooms at half-time leading 3-1. Looked determined to make a fast start to the game get on the front foot early and by doing so created numerous chances, taking an early lead which quickly became 2. Got players forwards well from midfield to support the attack. A competitive tussle as you’d expect from the sides 2nd and 3rd in the league. Atletico London letting Royston come on soaking up alot, winning fair share of balls at the back have looked to keep it tight in the middle with Haylock up top on her own not getting the close support her opportunities in front of goal limited but broke clear well to pull it back to 2-1. Royston adding a 3rd late in the half, can’t help feel the visitors have been a little reserved in attack, maybe saving their energy for the 2nd half when they will be attacking down the slope, 3-1 down though they have work to do to get back into it and Royston will feel confident they can add to their tally.

 No changes for Royston at the break, Poppy Hartwell on for the visitors replacing Stewart as Atletico London get the 2nd half underway attacking down the slope, the ball rolled back to defence hit long up towards the Royston defence with players pushing forwards, cleared by Gunn, the ball given away knocked back on to the left side of the area, Haycock having strayed offside, leaves it as Ali looks to take it on pushed wide the ball forced out for a throw.

Atletico London’s Ammarah Ali looking to get forwards

GOAL! Atletico London out of the blocks quickly at the start of the 2nd half getting players up the pitch the ball thrown in from the left fired into the area behind Haycock central, runs on to Casinha inside the box to the top right, controls the ball into her feet and turns to burst down to the by-line before flashing a dangerous ball in across the face of goal, Haylock racing in at the far post to get on the end of it send the ball over the line 3-2.

Brooke Haylock turning the ball it at close range to score her 2nd of the game

 Atletico London right back into the match within two minutes of the restart, Royston look for an immediate response, Simmons driving up the left with the ball plays it inside to Edwards who helps it on to Bodily central 25 yards out she helps it on out to the right with Slater surging forwards, Ali tracking back to help the defence, their to prevent the cross. The game pretty much continuing at the same tempo as the first half, a competitive battle in the middle, Giddings playing the ball up to Slater on the right, she cross cleared by Butler-Williams out for a throw-in.

Bella Simmons

 From there Mills forces a corner on the right. Lifted in high to the near post, Simmons leaping up to meet it with her head knocks it wide of the near post. Bodily controlling the ball sends it up the right flank for Slater her early cross turned behind for a corner kick. Georgiou putting another ball into the near post, turned behind for a 2nd corner, this delivery headed clear by Butler-Williams.

 Atletico London counter the ball fired on for Ali driving on up the left has Haylock up ahead of her rolls the ball on the attacker striking to cross on the run, turned behind off the defence for a corner kick. Royston closing down the ball as Atletico London attempt to play a short corner routine, Gunn finding Reed as she presses on into space on the right linking up with Slater, McGibbon gets the tackle in. 

Chloe Gunn

   Royston make their first change of the game with Edwards coming off, replaced by Jordanne Sillitoe, the attacker immediately fouled giving Royston a free-kick in the middle left of the circle, Houghton to play the set-piece in long to the far post, Muller starts to come for it as players race in to attack the ball, the flag up however stopping the advance. Thomas on the ball left side for Atletico London has Haylock making a run into the wing brings the ball into her feet turning inside to lift a teasing cross in towards the far post, Royston can see it out for a goal-kick.

 

 Atletico London getting players on more in the 2nd period to try and link up with Haycock, McGibbon up with Ali on the left inside 25 yards out pulls the trigger, a tame effort through to the keeper. Battles all over the pitch, Georgiou and Casinha fighting for the ball the former fouled a free-kick won in a similar position to the earlier one again fired up towards the top of the area, defended by Butler-Williams. 

Joanna Butler-Williams

Haylock looking to run onto the ball as it is played on towards the box, right of the D, her run checked by Gunn the visitors appealing for the foul but don’t get the decision. A little tense out there Atletico London winning the ball in the middle Hartwell on for Provan, attempts to feed it on for Haylock up top, Houghton intercepting. Georgiou tackling Casinha comes on with the ball left played forwards into Sillitoe who is fouled by Thomas. A pause in play as Farmer needs treatment after taking a blow to the face as Simmons latches onto the ball outside the area.

Julia Casinha

 A chance for both sides to have a breather has been non stop action with both keen to get on with it, the game midway through the 2nd period, still on a knife edge. The game resumes with Farmer off the pitch waiting to be called back on, Royston send the ball on for Slater up the right wing, knocks it inside to try and get onto it inside the box, appears to be shoved over and is furious when the referee doesn’t award the penalty. 

Jordan Feldman

 Farmer back on, as Royston make another change sending on Erin Davies in place of Bodily in midfield. Haylock bundled over as she looks to turn centrally, as Gunn and Georgiou both move in to close her down, Gunn on thin ice already gets a final warning from the referee. The free-kick for Atletico London right of the centre circle, lifted up towards the top of the area, Houghton getting her head on it for the hosts. The game end to end at times as both sides look to find an opening.

Provan covering the ground in midfield to get after the ball, on for Ali left, closed down by Reed. Royston come left with Giddings taking the ball on, fires in a dangerous cross into the six yard box players racing in, the flag going up, a few nerves out there free-kicks given away, Thomas going into the book for a foul on Giddings. Giddings taking the ball on passing into Simmons on the left, tacked by Farmer. Butler-Williams getting her head on the ball to clear inside the D as Simmons attempts to hook the ball over her for Slater running in beyond her.

Georgie Giddings

  Farmer coming off for Atletico London following her earlier knock, replaced by Ornela Brahaj. Royston making a change at the back too bringing on Jodie Donley for Gunn on a yellow card. The game all set for a nervy finish. Davies up to Simmons tries to pick out Sillitoe central, Hartwell in to challenge for Atletico London. The game into the final 5 minutes.

Poppy Hartwell

 GOAL! The visitors with the ball on the left Ali releasing McGibbon into space on the left allowed to travel Haycock making a run to get into the six yard box the cross cut back in towards her with pace, doesn’t quite get hold of it as the defender tracking back with her falling gets a little of the ball, but Haylock gets a 2nd bite at the ball and lashes it past the keeper before she can react to equalise for Atletico London and complete her hat-trick 3-3.

A hat-trick for Atletico London’s Brooke Haylock

The visitors coming back from 3-1 down at the break to level the scores late in the game, a blow for Royston having worked so hard, the clock ticking down will both settle for the point or try and find what would surely be the winning goal. Royston press with the ball Mills taking it on lifting a diagonal ball to the right looking for Slater, Butler-Williams defending for Atletico London. 

 Haylock pulling away to the right with the ball at her feet shooting on the angle from outside the area her attempt into the side netting. Dilly Haslehurst coming on for Royston replacing Simmons, Lily Aungier on too for Atletico London in place of Provan. 3 minutes left in the contest could yet go either way, the game stretched now with tired legs all over the pitch, Mills taking the ball on up the left firing a cross into the area, Sillitoe stabbing the ball goal wards straight at the keeper.

 Royston with a throw up on the left with seconds left to play Slater bringing the ball infield playing it back to Mills positioned top of the D, takes on the shot a powerful low drive, Muller with a superb save diving down to her right to get behind the ball, and recovers quickly too make the blocking save as Slater from the left races in to blast the loose ball. The last action of the game as Muller’s double save ensures a point for her side.

Atletico London goalkeeper, Nina Muller with a superb double save in the closing seconds

Full time Royston Town Women 3-3 Atletico London Women

  A great game for the neutral, promised to be an entertaining contest between the sides 2nd and 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division. Royston looking for a positive first half after last weekends game, started well on the front foot early taking an early lead and quickly doubling the advantage. getting players on well from the midfield to join the attack. Competitive in the middle Atletico London playing striker Haycock in to round the keeper to pull a goal back before Amy Reed’s cross was mis-handled to pull Royston 3-1 up at the break. Atletico London came out flying at the start of the 2nd half pulling it back to 3-2 straight away. The game remained lively throughout both side fighting for possession creating chances both seeing decisions waved away, Jada McGibbon put away on the left late in the game teeing up Haycock to score her hat-trick and equalise for the visitors. A superb double save from Miller in the dying moments ensuring the points were shared.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Picking out today’s Women’s Football East – player of the Match is by no means an easy decision, several contenders on both sides. Both teams put in a shift in a competitive tussle that never let up in it’s intensity. The midfield battle shaping the game to a degree, for Royston, Hannah Bodily and Georgie Giddings get stuck in to win the ball and cover the ground helping both the defence and joining the attack. Kate Edwards too made some great forward runs getting into some great positions. Bella Simmons showed good movement to find space and keep the game flowing. Emma Slater a threat on the right of attack and a ready outlet for the ball good finishers from both her and Bodily. For Atletico London, Joanna Butler-Williams was strong at the back reading the game, and dealing with most balls launched into the box. In midfielder Amber Provan was strong on the ball, shielded it well and covered the ground getting the ball into the wide players. The award goes to the hat-trick scorer Brooke Haylock had to stay patient up top not getting the support around her in the first half but making some great runs through the middle and out into the channels, pulling off the defence strong on the ball closing in on 30 goals for the season.

 Promised to be a cracker on paper and certainly delivered as 2nd met 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division, highly entertaining with a high tempo the ball rarely still as both sides worked hard to close it down. My thanks to both clubs for their assistance with the teams today, an enjoyable trip to Hertfordshire.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Real Bedford Women Reserves

Sunday 1st March

ERWFL League Plate semi-final

Back at it at last, wasn’t planning in taking a month off, but that’s how it went, fell ill with some mystery bug that has really laid me low left me, took a while to get over but am right again now and ready to go again. Watched a match last weekend without the camera and notepad so keen to get back at it now march is here and we move into the business end of the season with league titles and cup final spots to challenge for. Off to a semi-final match this afternoon as Wroxham Women take on Real Bedford Women reserves looking to reach the ERWFL League Plate final.

The sides losing in the early rounds of the ERWFL League Cup going on to compete for the League Plate. A blow for Wroxham getting knocked out of the League Cup this season having reached the League Cup final in both 2022 & 2024. Have nevertheless responded well to push on in the League Cup getting to the semi-finals and potentially one game away from another final and a double final appearance having reached the final of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup. Real Bedford Women Reserves too have the potential to make it a cup final double having reached the final of the Bedfordshire Women’s Senior Cup for the first time where they will take on the Real Bedford Women’s 1st team.

Captain, Tigi Robson’s long range strike fumbled by the keeper to see Wroxham beat UEA FC Women by a single goal in the 2nd half to book their spot in Norfolk Women’s Cup Final last weekend aiming to make it a cup final double appearance this Sunday. The ERWFL Premier Division side currently 7th in the table but with games in hand on the sides above them have a busy run in till the end of the season. With that in mind manager Joe Simpson has bolstered the squad by bringing in a few new faces, defender. Elise Wade joins from Needham Market. Rebecca Stephenson comes to Wroxham having had spells at both Cambridge City Women and Needham Market and most recently has gained valuable experience playing in the FAWNL with Cambridge United Women. Also joining on a dual registration from Norwich City Women is attacking midfielder Lauren Hailes.

  A hat-trick from Hannah Fuller, plus goals from Anais Winney, Rebecca Stephenson and Kathryn Stanley seeing Wroxham beat, ERWFL Division One North side, Stevenage FC Women Development in the quarter finals of the League Plate to book their spot in the last 4. Fuller, Wroxham’s top scorer once again this season leading the way with 13 goals, while Maddie Green and Kathryn Stanley joining the club this season have 8 and 7 goals respectfully.

  In any other season, Real Bedford Women Reserves would be challenging for the league title such has been their form, however with Histon Ladies continuing their 100% record at the top of the table, they are in a tight battle trying to clinch runners-up spot in the table currently 3rd neck and neck with Stevenage FC Women Development. Looking strong with one of the youngest squads in the league this just their 2nd season playing at this level. Real Bedford Women featuring 3 sides, the 1st team investing strongly in their squad reaching the 3rd tier of women’s football, The Reserves playing regional football while the Development squad has joined the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football League this season. A 3 squads going strong, Real Bedford Women Reserves unbeaten in 9 matches.

  Beating Biggleswade United Women 2-0 at home in their League Plate quarter final, Amelia Proctor and Ellie McGirl with the goals. Lauren Hawkins leading the goal scoring charts, netting 16 goals in her 18 appearances. Ellie McGirl has 8 goals to her name with Georgie Oliver on 6 so far this season. 

 Wroxham FC’s Ginger Pickle Arena (Trafford Park) unavailable due to the rain earlier in the week, Wroxham Women making the call early to move the semi-final tie to an all-weather pitch at Aylsham’s Sports Hub. Played their quarter final here too and with Sunday’s running out to get their fixtures in could ill afford another postponement, situated on the outskirts of Aylsham one a new housing development the sports facility offering an all weather pitch, limited viewing for spectators on one side, the 1st day of March hopefully bringing better weather a little overcast with a keen wind, rain wasn’t forecast but still it came, so too would the sun later on.

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Tigi Robson (C), Ella Gambell, Poppy Loveland, Elise Wade, Lily Alexander, Anais Winney, Rebecca Stephenson, Holly Farrow, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Yasmine Walford, Lauren Bullard, Katie Green, Katie Knights & Kathryn Stanley.

Wroxham Women

 Real Bedford Women starting XI – Izabella Bruci, Carol Cripps, Connie Medri, Zara Labastide, Marli Frederick, Freya Stichbury (C), Ellie McGirl, Georgie Oliver, Madison Flowers Amelia Proctor & Lauren Hawkins. Subs – Phoebe Matthews & Destiny Pap.

Real Bedford Women Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Tigi Robson and Freya Stichbury with today’s referee, Davis Lewiss and his two assistants

 Wroxham despite having a few out with injury including defender, Jordan Arnoup and winger Hayley Kindred still naming a strong substitutes bench. Elise Wade starting in defence making her debut. Real Bedford Women Reserves with just the two substitutes to call upon having lost a player due to illness before the game. Wroxham to take the kick-off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks with Bedford lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball fed out to the right, Ella Gambell playing in on up the line for Maddie Green to whip a cross into the box, defended by Bedford, comes back to Gambell right side who strikes a diagonal ball back into the area, Bedford seeing it safely behind for a corner kick.

  The corner curled in towards the near post, Carol Cripps comes off the post to intercept and clear for Bedford the ball away for a throw out on the left. Wroxham looking to make a positive start the throw dropped into the feet of striker, Hannah Fuller, 20 yards out left of the D, turns to hit the ball her effort blocked by Marci Frederick, rebounds back off Fuller and runs behind for a goal-kick. 

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller 

The Premier Division side moving in to close the ball do preventing Bedford getting out of their half early doors, the ball being moved quickly, Lily Alexander on for Anais Winney in the middle out to Holly Farrow charging on down the left her cross cut out by Cripps. Wroxham’s captain Tigi Robson closing down the ball at the back sending it into Alexander central she plays it out too Ella Gambell bursting forwards on the right, the full back allowed to travel turns inside 20 yards out slicing her shot the ball flashing wide of the near post. 

Wroxham full back, Ella Gambell

  Bedford getting onto the ball centrally sending a good diagonal ball into the right wing for Madison Flowers to attack, Farrow tracking back helping out the defence out for a throw. Both sides showing plenty of energy flying into their tackles, Bedford captain, Freya Stichbury with a strong tackle on Gambell as the ball goes out for a throw. Georgie Oliver for Bedford seeing the ball into her feet and driving on through the middle, closed down is upended as the Wroxham defence clears the ball, the visitors appeals for a foul waved away.

Real Bedford’s, Georgie Oliver

  Robson on the left sends the ball on down the line for Farrow to attack, Cripps moving in to close her down force her down the line forces the ball out for a throw, taken quickly Wroxham getting players into the box is helped on in towards the near post for Winney, the midfielder looking to bring it down and hit on the turn, Bedford’s. Zara Labastide in close to her getting a toe on the ball to take it away from her. 

  A miscued clearance at the back from Wroxham see’s the ball swerve up into the air and Bedford’s Flowers race onto it taking it forwards with pace, the home defence recovering quickly to squeeze her off the ball allowing goalkeeper, Bryony Williams to clear. Wroxham regain the ball in the middle, Winney into Fuller moving right looks to combines with Green up the line wanting the return ball played into her as she drives for the area, Labastide does well at the back for Bedford intercepting the pass. Oliver taking the ball right for Bedford looking to pick out Flowers ahead of her, Alexander cutting the ball out for Wroxham.

  Williams with a loose ball out of her box, sees Bedford’s Lauren Hawkins run onto the ball looking to take it left into the area, Gambell, closing her down eases her off the ball. The game being played at a fast pace, both sides keen to close the ball down keep it moving, Wroxham build on the left Robson with a diagonal ball into the box for Fuller left of goal knocks it out to Farrow wide on the wing she returns it inside to Fuller who attempts to tee up Green positioned central top of the area, Proctor getting back on her in the nick of time to take the ball off her feet as she is about to line up a strike.

Maddie Green

 

  Wade bringing the ball out of defence for Wroxham with space to run into as Bedford drop off sends it on up the right for Green, Connie Medri stretching out a leg getting hold of the ball for the visitors. Bedford with pace in their attack quick to break launching a counter attack on the right, McGirl on for Flowers, the cross taken early flung into the box, Williams throwing herself forwards getting a fist on the ball enough to take it away from Hawkins running in unmarked central.

Wroxham’s Elise Wade with Real Bedford’s, Lauren Hawkins

  Gambell able to come on with the ball on the right offer support to Green on the right, the attacker winning Wroxham a corner kick. The delivery curled into the middle off the defence, goalkeeper, Bruci having Fuller for company shaking her off well to get out and claim the ball.

  Some players vocal in not getting decisions, with the game continuing at a fast pace, Fuller getting a telling off from the referee. The hosts with a throw on the right inside the Bedford half, Loveland with a long throw in her arsenal, launched into the top of the area, Frederick heading it clear for Bedford. The wind bringing in the rain despite the forecast blowing at my back so at least I can keep the camera and notepad reasonably dry. Stephenson linking up with Winey through the middle turning to send the ball into Fuller up top, tries to turn on the ball closely marshalled by Labastide.

  Alexander bringing he ball on for Wroxham moving left sending it out to Farrow on the wing plays it inside to Fuller, 20 yards out left of the D, is fouled as she goes to strike the ball, the hosts awarded the free-kick. Gambell over the set-piece goes for goal her low shot driven in wide of the left upright. 

  Oliver sending the ball into Flowers on the right for Bedford cuts it back inside for Stichbury running in across the top of the D, Wade moving out to close her down. Wroxham looking to make a rapid counter attack, Stephenson helping the ball on through the middle her target Green, a vital interception from Labastide for Bedford. The rain falling heavier now. Gambell charging on with the ball into space right side feeding it on for Green up the line Labastide going with her in ahead of her edge of the box to divert the ball back to her keeper, Bruci clearance however played straight back to Green, her 1st touch heavy, Labastide lunges it with a well-timed tackle to get her foot on the ball send it behind for the corner kick.

Rebecca Stephenson with real Bedford captain, Freya Stichbury

  Swung into the area from the right the keeper punching the ball up and away for a throw out on the left, Wroxham take it quickly looking to keep the pressure on, players up and around the box, Gambell upended inside the D, frustrated as no foul is awarded. Cripps clearing the ball away to the left. Remains a busy game, Bedford the busier in defence but Wroxham for all their possession not carving out any clear cut chances. The rain slowing even if the game isn’t, Gambell’s turn to get a warning from the referee to halt the back chat as she is involved in a good completive tussle with Hawkins.

  Loveland at the back playing the ball on for Robson travelling on the left plays it on for Fuller out on the left wing wide of the area, Frederick at her back throwing out a leg to take the ball away from her. Winney snatching hold of the ball for Wroxham 20 yards out left of the D, plays it on in central to Green inside the D. her low shot safely claimed by Bruci. 

Wroxham midfielder, Anais Winney

 McGirl tacking back to help defend for Bedford on Gambell as the full back looks to get on join the Wroxham attack. Winney with Stephenson in the middle the ball rolled back to Alexander to lay forwards into the left wing for Farrow, Cripps in quickly to prevent the cross. Bedford soaking up a fair bit of pressure at the back, always ready to launch a counter, up on the right forcing Williams to run out to the corner of her area to defend picks up a knock in the process. 

  Cripps coming into the middle to win the ball back for Bedford playing the ball on for Oliver bursts forwards playing it on for 9 up top, turns, her shirt pulled by Loveland the visitors awarded the free-kick 25 yards out. Proctor over it to the left of the D, pass the wall curled in low on goal, Williams getting down sharply to save block the ball turn it away behind to the right for a corner kick. Bedford yet to make the most of their corners.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams

  Labastide getting in ahead of Fuller to cut the ball out outside her box as Stephenson plays it on through the middle. Wroxham able to get players on to support the attack as Bedford drop back, not much room to get in behind the ball from the left comes inside to Stephenson, 30 yards out lines up the strike angled in low and fast at the near post, Bruci had started to move the opposite way but adjusts her body fantastically twisting enough to throw a glove out to her right to block the ball and turn it behind for a corner kick. Wroxham dropping another corner into the six yard box, Gambell rising highest to nod the ball down towards goal, somehow, Bruci gets her hands on the ball to prevent it dropping over the line.

Real Bedford goalkeeper, Izabella Bruci

  Bedford quickly launch a counter from the corner as Bruci releases the ball forwards, Wroxham short at the back the ball into Oliver right side looks to take it on, Wade moving in quickly to close her down sliding in to put the ball out for a throw. Into the closing moments of the 1st half Wroxham with one last attack pushing bodies on, Robson with Farrow left side inside to Stephenson, is brought down, no foul awarded as she throws her arms up in appeal 25 yards out, however a split second later, Alexander is similarly upended and gets the decision. Stephenson over the free-kick takes on the shot, strikes the ball over the bar.

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-0 Real Bedford Women Reserves

  The sides heading back to the changing rooms goalless at the break, Bedford working hard in defence keeping it tight dropping deep at the back, conceding possession whilst limiting Wroxham’s chances inside the box, Wroxham positive throughout looking for the break through the final ball not quite there as both side play at a fast pace looking to close the ball down and run players off the ball. Chances limited although both keepers have been called into action will be interested to see if Bedford can keep it up 2nd half, extra-time and penalties if required.

  The rain gone at the start of the 2nd half albeit the dark clouds remain, Wroxham making a change at the start of the 2nd half, Kathryn Stanley on on the left replacing Farrow, with Stephenson moving right as Green takes up an attacking position on the left as Bedford get the 2nd 45 underway. The ball out of play for a throw on the left, Loveland sending it long for Green to attack, Cripps moving in to close her down the ball out for another throw. A quieter start to the 2nd half as both sides work to close the other down. Hawkins moves in quickly to press, Wade at the back nearly succeeds in dispossessing the defender, stealing in behind however Wade recovers well to get back at her challenging to win the ball back.

  Stichbury bringing the ball on for Bedford feeding it on for Oliver ahead of her central 25 yards out takes on the strike her effort taking a hefty nick off a blocking defender seeing the string taken out of it as it runs on safely through to the keeper. Wroxham’s Green and Stephenson look to link up on the left Green inside to Stephenson who plays it on down the wing for Green to attack, Labastide going with her looking to shield the ball out of play for the goal-kick gets a shove in the back for her efforts. 

 Stanley onto the ball central inside the Bedford half driving on with the ball at her feet pushes it on for Fuller up top Cripps sticking a leg out marking her to get the ball into Frederick to launch clear. Bedford continue to be hard to break down even as the game begins to open up more, Wroxham not finding the clinical final ball. Proctor coming together with Stephenson bringing her down hard as she looked to turn in the ball in the middle, picks up the 1st yellow card of the game. 

 Alexander finds Stephenson as she drifts in from the right, is tackled by Bedford’s Stichbury before she can pick out Green as she breaks away on the left. Lively Cripps getting the ball back for Bedford out on the left looking to send it on for Flowers bursting on up the wing, Robson cutting the ball out for the visitors. Wroxham preparing a double change just past the hour mark with Katie Knights and Katie Green coming on to replace Winney in midfield and Wade in defence. 

Real Bedford’s Carol Cripps

 Knights straight into the action giving away a free-kick against, Oliver. The flag going up for offside however as Bedford sweep the ball into the top of the area. Hawkins combining with Flowers for Bedford on the right side, Loveland in between doing well in defence for the hosts. The sun’s out, a very welcome appearance has been a dull old start to the year. Bedford making a change, Proctor coming off to be replaced by Phoebe Matthews. The visitors win the ball back centrally, McGirl out to Flowers right drives on her cross charged down by Loveland out for a throw.

Wroxham’s Katie Knights

  The clock ticking down, moving into the final 20 minutes both sides looking a little tentative, Wroxham frustrated by Bedford can’t find that final pass, Katie Green defending a bouncing cross inside the box the ball cleared on up through the middle, Labastide in ahead of Fuller to see the ball back to her keeper. Wroxham winning a free-kick top of the circle the ball sent into the area dipping in front of the keeper, turned out back to the top of the area Knights appearing to be pulled down inside the D, the advantage played as the loose ball comes to Maddie Green left of the D her low shot drilled in across the keeper, Bruci down to save it.

  Stanley picks up a yellow card for Wroxham after tripping Cripps. Bedford with a free-kick half-way to the left the ball sent long up into the area, brought down well by Hawkins but before she a put her foot through the ball, Katie Green nips in to clear the ball sending it out for a throw on the left. Loveland doing well in defence for Wroxham as Hawkins looks to shake her off break on in behind into the box. 

 Into the final 15 minutes of the game Wroxham build an attack, Gambell taking the ball on up the right wing as players push on through the middle, a cross flashed into the D, Frederick with the challenge on Fuller as Alexander is upended, a strike coming in from the left of the D narrowly wide of the left post, play however brought back for the foul on Alexander inside the D.

 GOAL! Alexander picking herself up to take the free-kick central inside the D, strikes it low with pace to the diving keepers left can’t reach it as the ball cannons off the base of the post and back out across the six yard box to the right off goal, Stephenson first to react breaking forwards on the follow-up latching onto the ball to smash it back in across goal and into the back of the net to fire Wroxham into the lead 1-0.

Lily Alexander’s strike about to strike the base of the post and cannon back across goal for Rebecca Stephenson to score

Wroxham mob Stephenson as she fires them into the lead

Wroxham with the break through with 15 minutes left on the clock, keen to press for another goal as the game resumes pushing players on nearly catching Bruci on the ball at the back as she mis controls a back pass dragging it out across her six yard box, scrambling it away before Fuller can take advantage. Wroxham’s substitutes giving them the extra edge Winney coming back on as Fuller is rested. Labastide defending inside her area well as Stanley looks to run inside from the left.

Real Bedford defender, Zara Labastide

  Stanley fouled out on the left giving Wroxham another set-piece, 25 yards out the shot drilled in takes a deflection of the wall and another defender before being stopped by Cripps inside the six yard box and cleared. Wroxham with their tails up finding an extra burst of energy after scoring Knights playing the ball up to Maddie Green in attack, Labastide looking to go with her as both wrestle for the ball top of the area, Green squirming inside Labastide to throw a leg up to prod the ball on towards goal, Bruci too close can save as the ball comes straight at her.

  Oliver back to defend on Knights as she looks to take on the shot 20 yards out as Stanley picks her out travelling with the ball on the left. Wroxham looking in control now, Bedford tiring, Loveland with a long throw on the left into Stanley taking it inside 20 yards out left corner of the Bedford box sends it on for Knights central her strike screwed wide of the far post. Into stoppage time Labastide defending on Maddie Green left side as she looks to get onto the end of a pass from Knights. 

Wroxham defender, Poppy Loveland

 Gambell pressing on with the ball right side crossed low into Stephenson inside the area right of goal the keeper rushing out to try and close her down, strikes the ball past her but also wide beyond the far post. The clock ticking down Wroxham looking to keep the ball in the corner take no risks. Bedford frustrated can’t find a way out late on the Wroxham back line intercepting the ball as the hosts see out the game to win 1-0 to make it to two cup finals this season.

Full time Wroxham Women 1-0 Real Bedford Women Reserves

  Wroxham breaking the stalemate in the 75th minute to score and book their place in this season’s ERWFL League Plate final. Real Bedford proving a tough side to break down working hard in defence, making it tough for Wroxham in the final 3rd. The game payed at a furious pace as both sides looked to get after the ball, rarely still. Wroxham’s substitute’s giving them an advantage 2nd half, bringing on fresh legs and with it crucial experience found the extra edge to break the dead lock. A fine effort from Rea Bedford just ran out of steam late in the game struggled to create chances of their own the goal knocking the stuffing out of them can nevertheless be proud of their effort.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, a tough one as is more often the case with several contenders. For Real Bedford, Zara Labastide with the pick of the defenders winning a number of crucial tackles and marshalling her side throughout. Carol Cripps too with a number of vital tackles get stuck in to win the ball back. Madison Flowers looked a threat whenever she got the ball into her feet and drove forwards. For Wroxham, Ella Gambell was competitive and got stuck in to win the ball bringing in forwards well looking to link up with the attack. Maddie green whether operating on the left or right made herself available for the pass throughout and created some good opportunities. Poppy Loveland with some good tackling hard to shake off the ball. Anais Winney with some good positional play in midfield got on well to support the attack adding an extra dimension going forwards, linking up well with Rebecca Stephenson who got into some good positions and scored the all important winning goal. The award though goes to Lily Alexander covered the ground, working well with the defence and using it well whenever she came forwards, bringing others into the game kept Wroxham on the front foot.

Good to be back at it after a month off, most unusual for me but sometimes that’s how it goes just needed the rest to recover, an exciting end to the season to be sure. An entertaining semi-final, my thanks to both clubs for their assistance today as always much appreciated. 

 by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Ely City Women v Newmarket Town Women Development

Sunday 25th January

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

More cup action this January and an early one with a trip into Cambridgeshire to watch one of the semi-finals of this season’s Alan Boswell, Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup with Division Two side, Ely City Women taking on the current cup holders, Newmarket Town Women Development from Division One. 

  Ely City Women enjoying a rapid rise within the women’s footballing scene in Cambridgeshire. Ely City FC itself a prominent player in helping to promote the women’s game having hosted, Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Women along with a number of senior women’s cup finals before starting their own women’s side in 2022. Was a slow beginning a tough start struggling for results in their debut season but since then with a change of coaching staff the club has kicked on reaching their 1st ever cup final last season, while still in Division Three, losing narrowly to a late winner from Cambridge Rangers WFC in the Junior Invitation Cup. Went on to clinch 2nd spot in the table and win promotion to Division Two.

  The county leagues within Cambridgeshire featuring some strong sides, Ely have build a squad with useful experience making a good showing playing at a higher level currently 4th in the table. Have further strengthened their women’s section by introducing a Reserves side this season. Byes in the 1st two rounds of this season’s League Cup took on fellow Division Two side South Lincolnshire Swifts in the 3rd Round winning 1-0. A tough test in the quarter finals again against Division Two opposition at home taking on promotion pushing Bedfordshire side, Real Bedford Women Development, drawing 1-1 at full-time Ely came out 3-2 winners in the penalty shoot-out to win through to the last 4 to take on the holders aiming to make it successive cup final appearances. Danni Youngs the current top scorer with 7 goals, Charliene Murombo joining Ely this season netting 6 goals to date. Ely joined during the warm-up today by their U9’s side who have themselves won through to the semi-finals of their League Cup.

 Newmarket Town Women Development now an established side in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, lifting their 1st silverware last season as they won at Ely’s Demcon Stadium last season beating Leverington Sports Ladies 2-1 in the League Cup final. A young side Newmarket very much a club built on youth development bringing players up through the age groups into the U18s and Development set-up with many going on to play for the 1st team, many changes to the side again this season, are well placed in mid-table mixing it with a strong line-up in the Division this season. 

  Cerys Bithell runaway top scorer for Newmarket this season netting 17 times already from 9 appearances. Newmarket beginning the defence of the League Cup in the 2nd Round ironically a repeat of the final away to Leverington Sports Ladies, the result again 2-1 to Newmarket with Bithell scoring both goals. Taking on fellow Division One side, Godmanchester Rovers Ladies away in the 3rd Round a single goal the difference going Newmarket’s way to sent them through to the last 8 with another away trip to take on Division Two side, Saffron Walden Community, goals from Jess Linger and Bithell 5 minutes from time sealing 2-1 victory to put them into the semi-finals and another away day against Ely.

 Ely City FC’s, Demcon Stadium the venue for todays semi-final, a dull, overcast a decidedly chilly day. The stadium part of a wider sporting complex that itself is behind Ely’s leisure and entertainment venue just off the A10. Featured a large and well used grass pitch, overlooked by a seated stand over the changing rooms, the clubhouse open with the bar serving hot and cold drinks. 

Ely City Women starting XI – Atlanta Stevenson. Kerry Dyer, Beth Horsfield, Ellie Cooper (C), Christine Cullen, Louisa Horwood, Natasha Lane, Megan Dunlevy, Danni Youngs, Treasure Nwanebu & Charliene Murombo. Subs – Charlotte Gibson. Ella Nutter. Erin Chandler, Kaci Gibson & Eve Mintus.

Ely City Women

 Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Mairi Robinson, Jess Linger, Molly Charles, Jazmine Sarpong, Lexie Moody, Cerys Compton (C), Lily Grundy, Alex Shelford, Keely Cole, Evie Stackhouse & Amelia Thompson. Subs – Eden Kirby-Cook, Sybbie Hoggar, Cerys Bithell & Bryony O’Connell.

Newmarket Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes) 

Captain’s Cerys Compton and Ellie Cooper with today’s referee Carlton Joseph

 Match referee Carlton Joseph and his two assistants leading the two sides out onto the pitch, it’s Newmarket who will kick-off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. Top scorer Bithell starting on the bench. Ely lined up opposite wearing an all red kit. The ball rolled back to full back, Jess Linger at the start from the right she sends it long up the wing looking for the run from, Evie Stackhouse, Christine Cullen into defend for Ely the ball out for a throw in. 

 

 GOAL! The throw from Cullen into Treasure Nwanebu, strong holding off players puts it up the wing for Charliene Murombo ahead of her the pair surging their way into the box, closed down by the defence shoulder to shoulder with Murombo the ball prodded back to the keeper, Mairi Robinson down to scoop it up inside the six yard, adjudged a back pass the referee blows up awarding the indirect free-kick to the hosts. Beth Horsfield forwards lining up to strike it the touch knocking the ball into her path on the angle, gets her foot under the ball to strike it with pace and enough lift to get over the crowd of players defending the goal line across the goal to blast Ely into the early lead 1-0.

Beth Horsfield fires Ely into an early lead

 The perfect start for the Division Two side, taking the lead inside the opening two minutes against their higher league opponents. A positive start from Ely the goal no doubt boosting the confidence scrapping for the ball in midfield, knocked up over the top, Nwanebu looking to get up with Murombo and take on the defence, Linger lunging in to take the ball from Murombo as she pulls left. Natasha Lane getting hold of the ball in the middle for Ely sending a weighed pass down the left wing for Horsfield to chase down, Linger getting back at her as the pair closes in on the by-line getting the tackle in to concede the corner kick. 

Newmarket’s Jess Linger

 From the left the corner fired in low towards the near post, captain, Ellie Cooper coming towards it attempting to turn the ball back across goal, wide, Murombo throwing herself at it at the far post can’t get a telling touch. Newmarket coming away with the ball left attempt a rapid counter, up the line to Amelia Thompson, Cullen across to close her down send the ball out of play. Up the other end Lexie Moody winning the ball at the back for Newmarket carries it into the middle before playing a diagonal ball central towards the top of the Ely area, Cooper getting her head on the ball to clear for Ely. 

  Newmarket captain, Cerys Compton onto the ball central making a positive drive through the middle, Megan Dunlevy coming back at her to challenge for Ely, a competitive start both sides rushing things a little, clearances not getting the distance. Ely look to get the ball on over the top, Nwanebu and Murombo linking up powering on looking to combine passes get into a shooting position, Moody and Molly Charles both winning tackles at the back for the visitors. Murombo getting in behind wide left to the by-line whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, but out by Charles.

 Linger getting her foot in to dispossess Murombo as she gets hold of the ball on the left lifts in on for Stackhouse to run with the ball down the wing, her cross into the area too close to the keeper, scooped up by Atlanta Stevenson at the near post. Ely looking to cause Newmarket issues with their passes direct into Murombo and particularly Nwanebu in attack, Nwanebu getting in behind Jazmine Sarpong as the ball bounces awkwardly, to drive on for the box, Sarpong recovering to get on her shoulder force her right she tries to pick out Murombo coming on through the middle the pass a little too telegraph, Robinson rushing out to claim hold of it gets their first. 

  Moody under pressure from Nwanebu though the middle holds her ground well to win the ball back, into Compton in the middle, has Lily Grundy up with her, the ball played on looks to play in Thompson coming in off the left, Kerry Dyer stretching out a leg to intercept the ball for the hosts. Stackhouse spinning in behind Cullen as she attacks down Newmarket’s right, cutting in towards the area, Cooper racing in to close her down put in the tackle before she can produce a cross.

Evie Stackhouse

  Ely creating a bit of pressure for themselves at the back not getting the ball clear as Newmarket get players up to close the ball down, lively Alex Shelford preparing a strike 20 yards out charged down by Louisa Harwood. Ely get the ball clear Lane up to Nwanebu pulling into the right channel, taking the ball on a strong run shoots from 20 yards out on the angle her strike into the side netting. The ball rarely still, Grundy with a diagonal pass into Stackhouse getting into space on the right again her early cross is claimed by the keeper. 

 Off a Linger throw high on the right, Cole wins Newmarket a corner kick. Whipped into the middle attacked by Sarpong around the penalty spot turned goal-wards her effort blocked inside the six yard box. No break on for Ely comes straight back a diagonal ball from the left lifted into the area, won by Cooper. A miscue at the back from Newmarket as the back pass from the left into Robinson is put straight at Murombo positioned left of the D, turns to get into the box looking to shoot is quickly closed down by Moody with the blocking tackle.

  Sarpong cutting out the cross inside Newmarket’s box as Cullen plays in Murombo on the left. The visitors gaining ground on the right with a throw Linger dropping the ball into Stackhouse’s feet, turns cleverly making a run for the area, Cooper out smartly to close her down. Lane linking up with Dunlevy in the middle winning the ball back, her pass up top into Nwanebu, looks to roll Sarpong, but the centre back can get a leg out to trap the ball prevent her getting in behind. 

Newmarket defender, Jazmine Sarpong

  Linger being kept busy in defence on the right wins the ball well setting Stackhouse away up the wing, crossing on the run her cross/shot swerving behind at the near post. The ground a little slick due to some earlier rain before kick-off aiding in a few mis-timed tackles from both sides, Dunlevy for Ely and Shelford for Newmarket both picking up knocks, the latter needing to come off the visitors making a change with Bryony O’Connell coming on. Ely continue to threaten as their long clearances form midfield give an opportunity for Murombo and Nwanebu to drive at the Newmarket defence the ball from the left from Horsfield played into the box, not finding the mark…

 GOAL! Newmarket are caught cold in defence half excepting an offside decision, Murombo nips in to steal the ball back right of the D and turn into the area wide of goal smashes the ball in over the keeper across goal to double the lead 2-0.

Charliene Murombo doubles Ely’s lead

  Ely doubling their lead as the game closes in on the half hour mark, the Newmarket bench furious with the prior attack looking to be offside, but the flag stayed down and the decision stands. Compton getting hold of the ball central for Newmarket making several purposeful runs towards the box, looking to go left link up with Thompson moving inside the ball threaded forwards Dyer cutting it out looking to get Youngs away up the wing, on for Nwanebu, Sarpong strong to get on her shoulder force her off the ball.

  Murombo coming off the worse as she and Moody go shoulder to shoulder to try and win the ball, back up on her feet after treatment, Ely wide the free-kick out wide. The Newmarket bench further frustrated as Stackhouse is penalised for handling the ball as it skips up in front of her. Horsfield to sent the ball long into the top of the area, knocked on, but claimed by Robinson. Newmarket pressing right to win a corner, swung in low to the near post, cleared by Cullen for a throw in the corner, Cole working the ball back up the lie for Linger to deliver the cross into the area, Dunlevy intercepting for the hosts to clear.

  Lane with the pass from midfield up to Nwanebu peeling into the right wing, driving on into the box has Murombo running in central, Newmarket’s defence close on Nwanebu en masse to prevent her getting the ball to her teammate. Both sides a guilty of giving the ball away cheaply is keeping the game open, Harwood putting the ball on for Nwanebu and Murombo up top but the Newmarket defence just about holds their line catching them offside. 

Evie Stackhouse and Natasha Lane

 

 Newmarket’s O’Connell plays the ball into Compton taking it left feeds it on for Thompson, Horsfield defending for Ely out for a throw, high up the pitch, played into Cole she looks to turn and cross the high ball into the area taken by Stevenson. Moody with the pass back to her keeper cool at the back as Ely lift the ball up to Murombo up top. The game opening up as Newmarket turn play around in the middle, Cullen just about dealing with Stackhouse slowing her down with a faint touch on the ball as she looks to steal in behind on the right, Compton coming over to regain possession succeeds in getting the ball on into the right channel for Stackhouse to chase, Cooper composed at the back shielding the ball back to her keeper.

Ely midfielder, Megan Dunlevy

 Ely are defending deeper but have numbers back frustrating Newmarket as they can’t find there mark with the final pass, Lane, Dunlevy and Harwood as defending in front of the defence. Cullen lunging in to get her foot on the ball sending it out for a throw as Linger tries to play in Stackhouse on the right. Into the closing moments of the first half, Murombo winning Ely a corner on the right, the delivery on low at the near post stabbed forwards a back heel attempt from close range sent wide of the upright as the whistle blows for half-time.

Half-time Ely City Women 2-0 Newmarket Town Women Development

 An entertaining first half, Ely matching their higher league opponents, getting off to a great start winning an indirect free-kick inside the box and scoring inside the opening two minutes. Looked a threat in attack with Murombo and Nwanebu running at the defence, the former stealing the ball back just before the half hour to double the lead. Both sides giving the ball away, played at a high tempo not much time afforded on the ball. Newmarket in particular frustrated with a few decisions and just can’t find their mark with the final ball haven’t tested the keeper. Need to work on a few thing’s if they are to get themselves back into the match in the second half. Ely in a strong position leading 2-0 and as is often the case the next goal might prove crucial for either side. 

 No surprise to see Newmarket making a couple of changes at the break as they look to get back into it early in the 2nd half, Charles and Stackhouse the players giving way on come Cerys Bithell and Eden Kirby-Cook. Ely unchanged as they get the 2nd half underway. Played back to Cooper in defence lifted long for Horsfield up on the left, tackled by Cole the ball hooked up the line, Cooper out to defend.

Newmarket’s Cerys Bithell with Ely’s Danni Youngs

 Newmarket looking to make a fast start to the 2nd period getting players on Linger pressing high on the right on for Thompson right side, 25 out goes to pull the trigger but slips as she shoots the ball going awry. Bithell into the action taking the ball on through the middle before sending it out to the left into Kirby-Cook peeling free into the back cutting her cross back in to the six yard box, Cooper there to clear for Ely. Newmarket determined early on O’Connell into Bithell central powers on stabbed forwards into Cole right channel, Cooper with a vital tackle to stop her spinning clear in behind her defence.

  A pause in play giving Ely a chance to regroup as, Dunlevy picking up a heavy knock. A little panicked at the back clearances not getting any distance inviting Newmarket on. Dunlevy back up on her feet able to play on. Kirby-Cook looking to make some impacting runs out on the left, attempts to get onto the end of a Compton pass through the middle, the ball cut out by Horsfield. Compton with the ball again central 25 out finds Cole free on the right her cross driven in long the face of goal, both Bithell and Kirby-Cook attacking it far post neither can get a touch as they throw themselves at the ball.

Newmarket captain, Cerys Compton

  Much better now from Newmarket putting the Ely defence under pressure limiting the opportunities to get the ball clear up to there attackers, Cole combining with Compton through the middle a great ball into the area to find Kirby-Cook free on the left six out wide of goal shoots sending the ball low into the near post, Stevenson across her goal down low to save has the angle covered.

Newmarket’ Eden Kirby-Cook

  Bithell taking the ball on down Newmarket’s left squaring the ball into the top of the D, Dunlevy tracking back with Compton to deny her a shot as she bursts forwards, Compton active releases the ball into Kirby-Cook left of goal her strike saved by Stevenson as she goes to ground getting behind the ball.

Ely goalkeeper, Atlanta Stevenson

 Ely not getting the ball into Murombo and Nwanebu as easily now, operating on the left both are strong on the ball looking to force their way forwards, Murombo upended winning a free-kick out wide, Horsfield to launch it into the area knocked on across the six yard box, Murombo after it far side looking to keep it alive tackled by Moody. Bithell coming off for Newmarket, Shelford re-joining the action.

 Newmarket pushing for a goal to get themselves back into the tie, Ely working hard in defence. Linger over a free-kick on the right wide, lifts it into the near post, lands in the side netting. Lane putting the ball on for Nwanebu she holds up the ball before sending the pass up to Murombo up top, Sarpong closing her down with the challenge to win the ball back. Another moment of frustration for Newmarket as Kirby-Cook is pulled up with the offside flag up as the visitors turn play around threaten to open Ely up.

Keely Cole

  Horsfield playing the ball on for Murombo on the left, Moody across to close her down sending the ball out of play for a corner kick. Flung into the near post, the ball cleared Newmarket break the ball on for Cole bursting on up the right flank her early cross, Stevenson kicking it clear as Thompson looks to close her down. Getting a little tense out there Ely are working hard in defence but Newmarket are quick to regain the ball, Sarpong bringing the ball on into midfield sending a into Shelford breaking into the left channel on the run strikes the ball back in across goal on the angle 20 yards out sees it race wide of the far post.

  Harwood closing Compton down in the middle looks for Murombo coming right, Moody getting the tackle in for the visitors coming forwards on the left sending a deep cross in to the far post, met by Thompson close in her touch deflecting is across the face of goal, attacked at close range at the opposite post, Stevenson throwing herself down diving to get hold of the ball. 

Newmarket’s Lexie Moody

  Moody with a diagonal ball launched up towards the top of the area headed away by Cooper. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half, Ely under pressure but holding firm, another pause as Murombo takes a heavy blow. Players drawn to the ball play is often condensed to one side of the pitch leaving space to run into if players can pick the pass. Murombo is up the game restarting with a free-kick out wide, lane to put it on into the area, Moody clearing for the visitors. Newmarket making another change with Thompson coming off, Sybbie Hoggar coming on.

  The game scrappy at times both side going in to win the ball back, Harwood with Dunlevy, on for Nwanebu, Grundy getting a foot in for Newmarket, Moody clearing. Compton surging on through the middle with the ball, plays a great ball out to Kirby-Cook on the left as she races into the box, lining up the shot wide of goal, strikes the ball, Cooper racing back across her path to throw herself in to charge the ball down, taking a heavy whack to the face the ball behind for the corner. Cooper in need of treatment though before it came be taken several players taking the opportunity to take on fluids, Ely know they are close now to seizing the win but still have work to do.

Ellie Cooper racing across to block Eden Kirby-Cook’s shot

  Moving into the final 15 minutes of the contest, Cooper back on her feet the ball from the left swung into the six yard Harwood getting a touch with her head to glance it on past the far post and turned behind for a goal kick. Nwanebu tackled by Grundy as Murombo works the ball on for her on the left. Linger coming into the middle sending the ball into Shelford left side cuts the ball back into the middle for Kirby-Cook inside the D, her strike blocked by Cooper. 

Ely’s Treasure Nwanebu

 Murombo getting a throw high on the left as Lane sends the ball up to her, worked inside a high ball hooked inside drops to Youngs in the right channel stretching to try and get it under control runs wide, Robinson coming out to the edge of her box to claim. Youngs racing on looking to get after a ball hooked on by Nwanebu through the middle, Robinson with a good starting position out quickly to get hold of the ball. Cooper up the other end dealing with another dangerous cross into the box from the left by Kirby-Cook. 

Dunlevy with an unceremoniously tackle on Compton as they both side in on the ball giving away the set-piece 30 plus yards out to the left of goal. Linger over it is frustrated as she angles the ball in dropping wide of the far post. Linger coming off soon after with Thompson thrown back on. Cole seeing a shot blocked right of the D, initially by Cooper, then by Dyer as she gets a 2nd bite at the cherry.

  Ely making a change late in the game, Youngs coming off, Charlotte Gibson coming on. Moddy defending at the back for Newmarket, Cole bringing the ball on threads the past forwards looking for Shelford, cut out by Cooper. Stackhouse back on for Newmarket replacing Grundy. Murombo upended on the left winning a free-kick out wide a high ball launched into the box claimed by Robinson. Ely looking a little nervous at the back, Stevenson rushing out to the top of her area opting to kick the ball clear as Sarpong looks to send Shelford in on goal. 

Louisa Harwood

 Moving into the final few minutes of the game is tense, Compton getting hold of the ball still full of running bursts forwards, Cooper coming out to close her down ease her off the ball. Lane defending top of her D as Newmarket send a free-kick on half way into the mix, turned wide for a throw on the right. Into stoppage time Ely clear the ball up to Murombo looking to break clear through the middle, Moody lunging in defending for Newmarket. One last break for the visitors as the through ball to the left of the box finds Kirby-Cook breaking in on goal a wild strike sent over the bar signals the last action of the game as the final whistle is blown and Ely win 2-0 to reach the League Cup final for the first time.

Full time Ely City Women 2-0 Newmarket Town Women Development

  Ely will play Spalding United Women in this season’s League Cup final after the Division One newcomers beat Cambridge Rangers WFC 3-1 away from home, initially scheduled for the 9th of April to be played at Ely’s Demcom Stadium. Ely working at in defence to keep Newmarket at bay 2nd half, successfully defending the 2-0 lead earned in the first half. Newmarket much improved it just wouldn’t fall for them 2nd half needed an early goal and the longer it went the more determined Ely became after riding out a shaky spell early in the 2nd period, worked hard as a unit to defence limiting opportunities to get forwards.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose another Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, more often than not a hard call but not this time around had a clear choice in my mind before the final whistle and my notes only confirmed that. Some standout performances from both sides to mention first though, for Newmarket, captain Cerys Compton made she strong runs with the ball, kept going for 90 minutes looking to get the attackers in on goal ahead of her. Lexie Moody with some good tackles at the back covered the ground well, as did Jazmine Sarpong, used the ball well going forwards too. Eden Kirby-Cook found space in the 2nd half coming on and made some great runs into the box. A strong defensive performance from Ely working as a team the midfield, Natasha Lane, Louisa Harwood and Megan Dunlevy all getting back to help the defence while looking to get the attackers going forwards. Treasure Nwanebu a handful to deal with, strong and pro-active making runs and linking up with Charliene Murombo well. Credit to the entire defence the award goes to Ely’s captain Ellie Cooper was excellent throughout winning the ball, reading the game, clearing and interceptions, she’ll feel that block from Kirby-Cook no doubt but it summed up her performance to a tee. 

 An entertaining semi-final, always like my visits to Ely, some strong sides competing across the county now. My thanks to both teams and the referee Carlton Joseph for their help with the team line-ups today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Costessey Sports Ladies

Sunday 18th January

Norfolk Women’s County Cup 

sponsored by Harrod Sport

At last back to the football in 2026 my first game of the year, after sitting out the first 2 weekends of the year due to other commitments. A weekend of county cup action with the competitions across the East hotting up with most entering the quarter final stage and beyond, Norfolk no exception with the big guns entering the competition as it moves to the last 8, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies finalists in last season’s county cup hosting Norfolk Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies. 

 FAWNL side, Norwich City Women dominating the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, sponsored by Harrod Sport in recent season’s. Are not participating in the competition this time around leaving the door open for a new club to get their name carved onto the trophy, Eastern Region big hitters, Wroxham Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women will be amongst the favourites along with Division One North counter parts Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies who have a strong pedigree in the competition along with Thetford Town Ladies. Thetford up against Dussindale & Hellesdon in the last 8. Wroxham are away to Norfolk Division One side Sprowston FC Women. It’s an all Norfolk Division One clash between Aylsham FC Women and UEA FC Women which will guarantee at least one tier 7 side in the last 4 with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies hosting Costessey in the last quarter final tie. 

 Something of a stop start season in the league for Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, currently 8th in ERWFL Division One North, would like to have had a few more points on the board as they sit uncomfortably close to the bottom sides with 3 going down, but with games in hand have 7 of the 11 left to play at home. The weather not helping with their pitch seeing alot of action not always available. Bringing in a few younger players to bolster an experienced squad, top scorer and captain, Rebekah Lake missing several games through injury still has 8 goals for the season, joint top scorer along side Atlanta Griffith. This their 1st game since December 14th, will be keen to get their county cup campaign off to a positive start.

  Costessey Sports Ladies looking to stop them, a tough ask but come into the game full of confidence after notching up a big 16-0 win at home last Sunday against KLSC FC Women. Currently 3rd in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table have bee growing season upon season since entering women’s football, have a squad full of young exciting talent with a useful blend of experienced heads amongst them. Scoring plenty of goals too, have won 7 of their 8 league games so far and although the league looks to be Lowestoft Town Ladies to lose, are well placed to push them all the way. Thea Hackney, Chloe Moulton and Alisha Juby the clubs top scorers so far this season all into double figures.

 Mulbarton Wanderers, Adobe Area at Mulberry Park the venue for this afternoon’s county cup tie. Another heavy bout of rain coming into the weekend a concern for the ground but despite being heavy under foot is okay for today’s game, the two sides warming up on the practice pitches beyond to save further wear and tear. The social club open beside the ground across the carpark. The tea hut inside the ground open too. The sun making an appearance trying to cast a little heat as it begins to set, a few dark clouds about with the odd spot of rain set to fall during the match.

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Victoria McNorton, Faye Bye, Megan Belsey, Jade Telfer, Molly Stevenson, Melissa Belsey, Maddy McCormick, Sam Rue, Atlanta Griffith & Rebekah Lake (C), Subs – Alyssia Barrett, Izzy Fitchew, Florrie Martin, Emma Farmer & Izzy Noakes.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

 Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Kelly Fox, Grace Wall, Sydnie Brown. Alyssia Baldock, Chelsea Brister (C), Olivia Smith, Abbie Nobbs, Hannah Campbell, Alisha Juby, Holly Williams & Chloe Moulton. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Phoebe Pierpoint, Kyara Everett, Jenny Moore & Poppy Lyons.

Costessey Sports Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Chelsea Brister and Rebekah Lake with today’s match referee, Alexander Vasey

  Key players missing for both sides, Mulbarton without, defender, Lucy Lincoln and midfielder Laura Hedtke. Costessey without their top scorer, Thea Hackney. Have Holly Williams back in the squad though recently returning after being out for over a 100 days through injury. It’s Costessey to get this afternoon’s cup tie underway wearing red coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The back rolled back to captain, Chelsea Brister at the back fired back into the middle, Hannah Campbell more commonly known as Scooby taking the ball on before playing it up the left channel, Mulbarton’s Victoria McNorton seeing it out of play for the throw in. 

  Mulbarton build down the right Melissa Belsey seeing the ball fed on down the line for captain, Rebekah Lake to attack shifts in infield looking for Atlanta Griffith outside the box is closed down quickly by Costessey’s Olivia Smith. Jade Telfer getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Mulbarton looks to attempt a through ball for lake pulling into the left channel, the ball instead intercepted by Brister at the back for the visitors, cleared away for a throw on the left. 

 Off the throw, Lake takes the ball on to the by-lie looking to force her way into the box, Alyssia Baldock comes to charge the ball down, behind for the first corner of the game.. Early pressure from the hosts the corner whipped in dangerously across the face of goal narrowly missed by Griffith positioned at the far post. Mulbarton with players pushed up quick to regain possession in the final 3rd played into Melissa Belsey on the right her short on the angle straight at goalkeeper, Kelly Fox. 

 A few spots of rain in the air as Mulbarton are awarded a free-kick in the middle, lively Costessey busy trying to close the ball down, looks a little chaotic at times, Mulbarton quick to react win the ball back, Faye Bye getting up on the left from the back for the hosts feeing the ball into the box looking for Lake darting in from the left, Fox reacting sharply rushing out to get to the ball gather into her gloves before Lake can steal in beyond her. 

Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake

 Costessey with pace in attack, Abbie Nobbs getting hold of the ball after a robust tackle in the middle sending it on for Holly Williams ahead of her central has Chloe Moulton racing on with her to the right rolls the ball into the wing ahead of her, Megan Belsey across on the cover well to get to the ball first clear for Mulbarton. Costessey turn play around as Moulton takes the ball on up the right turns it infield for Williams who has Campbell busting a gut to get up with her on the left, entering the box the ball played into her, McNorton stands fast to block her run clear the ball.

  Mulbarton press the advantage off of a throw high on the left, Bye into Sam Rue to turn inside down the wing delivering a shot from an acute angle wide across the face of goal. The pitch is heavy, running with the ball tricky, Williams seeing it into her feet lays it back to Moulton, Telfer slides in to win the ball back for Mulbarton. Molly Stevenson gets the ball into Melissa Belsey on the right for Mulbarton looks to send it down the line for Lake to chase down, just a little too much on it as Brown comes back on the cover to defend the ball runs out for the goal kick. 

Costessey’s Holly Williams

  Alisha Juby sending the ball into Moulton on the right she in turn fires it forwards towards the top of the area for Williams to attack, pressure on Megan Belsey as the defender looks to get the ball away safely runs behind for the corner kick. Brister on the corner from the right played into the top of the area, Williams getting a touch to turn it into the crowded six yard box, Griffith getting control of the ball for Mulbarton to being it away from danger.

Costessey’s Chloe Moulton

  Mulbarton getting the ball into their attackers but Costessey getting a defensive block in to deny the final ball in behind. Campbell bringing the ball forwards for the visitors finds Williams through the middle sends the pass out to Moulton advancing on the right delivers a cross into the area, cut out by McNorton, Mulbarton rapid in the counter the ball helped on up through the middle by Maddy McCormick. Lake looking to run in behind the Costessey defence, Fox rushing out of her area, the get to the ball first.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

  Mulbarton with a throw high on the left the ball fed in across the top of the Costessey area, comes to Rue pulls the trigger from 20 yards out a low drive towards the left of goal, Fox down to save pushing the ball wide of the upright for a corner kick. The corner flung into the six yard box, met headed down towards the left post, cut out and cleared by defender, Grace Wall for the visitors. 

Grace Wall

 Mulbarton press well in the final third forcing a throw on the left, Rue strong on the ball looking to take players on as she presses for the area, instead feeds it down the line for Lake making a run to the by-line her cross dugout looping across the face of goal, just over Griffith at the far post. Melissa Belsey right on for Lake switching channels a darting run looks to cross into the middle, cut out by Smith away for a throw. 

Mulbarton’s Atlanta Griffith

 Mulbarton build through the middle, Telfer to McCormick on for Griffith 25 yards out lifts the ball out to Lake to the right crosses it back inside the box to Griffith who outmuscles a defender to break in on goal her shot straight at the keeper, Fox instinctive gloves up to beat the ball away. Griffith with a rising shot on the angle right of the area over the bar as Mulbarton continue to press high. 

 Nobbs onto Campbell picks out Juby getting away into space on the right wing knocking the ball on, Megan Belsey gets across to direct the ball out for the throw before a cross is attempted. The hosts quick to launch a counter Rue on for Melissa Belsey right side has Lake pulling into the wing ahead of her the game stretched, Fox comes racing out of her box, a long way from goal committed has to get there a does, out for a throw, a sweeper keeper at times.

  A battling contest in the middle at times, both sides getting stuck in, scrappy, Telfer lifting the ball up over the defence, Fox well placed to of her area to gather before Lake can capitalise. Rue coming in off the left with the ball driving it in central for lake top of the D, strikes the ball her low shot driven in, straight at the keeper, Fox down to claim the ball. Continues to be lively Telfer fouling Juby on halfway, Nobbs to play the ball up towards the top of the area from the right knocked down by Campbell into Juby 20 yards out her shot charged down the ball deflected away to the right another attempt turned wide.

Costessey’s Alisha Juby with Mulbarton’s Jade Telfer

  Campbell bringing the ball on for Costessey up to Williams in attack, Megan Belsey getting her foot in to take the ball away from her. Costessey looking a threat driving on through the middle as Mulbarton risk over committing up the other end Williams rolling the ball on for Moulton breaking into the right channel striking the ball on the run from 20 yards out, Megan Gowing relatively untroubled in the Mulbarton goal to this point called into down behind the ball to save. 

Megan Belsey

 GOAL! Costessey gaining some momentum in the final 3rd press the ball on the right Brown up with Campbell the ball cut back into the top of the area for Williams, is fouled by McNorton, the referee blowing up straight away pointing to the spot! Penalty! Campbell to take it a chance to put her side ahead from the spot makes no mistake striking a firm penalty low past the keeper as she dives to her left, 0-1.

Hannah Campbell fires Costessey into the lead from the penalty spot

  Costessey opening the scoring, on the half hour, Costessey with their tails up, Campbell proactive getting after the ball making some useful runs into the left channel Brown picking her out, Campbell held up by McNorton looking to lay it back to Brown, Stevenson closing her down well for Mulbarton to get her side going forwards. Fox comes racing out of her area again to the right to get to the ball first as Lake looks to pull clear behind Brown on the wing.

  Costessey making a change, Williams coming off to be replaced by Poppy Lyons in attack. Ping ball in the middle as Rue looks to plough a path through the Costessey defence before being brought down. Griffith over the free-kick left of the circle, goes for goal a high ball in dropping far side, Fox behind it but doesn’t get hold of the ball loose Mulbarton rush in to attack knocked on towards the far post stabbed wide even as the hosts appeal for a penalty but nothing given.

  Mulbarton’s front 3 looking to fight their way through the Costessey defence, Baldock and Brister both with blocking tackles on Rue and Lake, those two looking to link up on the left side the cross put into Griffith central top of the D, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to release a shot before Campbell snaps in with the challenge. Kyara Everett coming on for Costessey taking a position on the right replacing Moulton. Links up with Juby on the flank the ball crossed inside met by Lyons right of the D her snap shot in low held by Gowing.

  GOAL! Into the final minutes of the 1st half, Mulbarton bring the ball on through the middle, Stevenson with Rue sent out to the right played in down the line for Lake to chase down the Costessey defence getting drawn to the ball as she fires a pacy cross into the six yard box, Griffith arriving unopposed to turn the ball past the keeper to level the scores, 1-1.

Atlanta Griffith fires in the equaliser for Mulbarton

  Mulbarton back on level terms late on in the 1st half, look to make one last push before the half draws to a close, attacking down the left the ball played into Lake down the line her cross cut back into the top of the area runs on for Rue to strike the ball low and hard past the diving keeper, Mulbarton rush to her to congratulate thinking they have turned it around only for the referee to be called over to consult the line assistant, the flag was raised was Lake in an offside position, the goal is chalked off much to Mulbarton’s consternation!

Mulbarton’s Sam Rue

 Soon after the whistle blows for half-time, the Mulbarton players still speaking with the referee as the interval begins. 

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-1 Costessey Sports Ladies

Both sides staying out on the pitch during the half-time interval. Mulbarton have looked press the attack have created opportunities without overly stretching the Costessey back-line, Fox playing as a sweeper keeper at times a risky ploy when you have a predator in attack such as Lake. On the whole however the visitors have battled hard been lively and looked to keep the ball moving offering a threat in attack dangerous in the counter getting players on from the middle drawing the penalty and opening the scoring from the spot. Mulbarton stretching there opponents defence to put Griffith in the clear for the equalising goal late in the half, a hint of offside about that one, scoring a 2nd soon after the flag going against them this time around to leave it all square and all to play for in the 2nd half. Will Costessey be able to keep it up or will their higher league opponents find the extra edge in the 2nd half.

  Changes for both sides art the start of the 2nd half, Florrie Martin, Izzy Fitchew and Emma Farmer coming in in midfield and the left side replacing, Telfer, Bye and Melissa Belsey. Williams is back on for Costessey in attack replacing Everett, Phoebe Pierpoint has come on to at left back replacing Brown. Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball played forwards Costessey move in quick to close it down comes to Pierpoint left side lifts a high ball up towards the top of the Mulbarton area, cleared by Belsey.

  Tentative at the start of the 2nd half both sides rushing in to close down the ball, neither making much headway, Campbell looking to push on from the middle support Williams in attack. Fitchew clearing a hopeful ball forwards as Williams races in to try and close her down. Emma Farmer taking it on up the left flank a strong run her diagonal ball into the box taking a deflection off Smith that sees it turned safely back to her keeper. 

  Griffith is crudely upended top of the D as she looks to hold the ball up for Mulbarton winning her side the free-kick, takes on the set-piece herself getting a stringing shot past the wall straight at the keeper however Fox palming it down, luckily avoiding Martin as she closes in at the far post the loose ball hooked clear by Wall. 

  McNorton now over on the left of defence for Mulbarton lunges in to deny, Juby as she looks to drive with the ball at her feet on the wing. Campbell with the ball at her feet driving forwards for Costessey runs into traffic, the ball cleared out to the left, Pierpoint latching onto the ball swings a good looking ball in towards the top of the area, Williams interested however Gowing with a good starting position is out quickly to the top of her box to gather the ball into her gloves. 

Alisha Juby

  Rue forcing her way on with the ball through the middle for Mulbarton pushed on for Griffith, her 25 yard strike taking a deflection of a defender seeing in spin on into the box right of goal, favouring Lake as she breaks in behind to latch onto it, drags her attempt wide across the six yard box. Costessey making another change with Lyons coming off, Jenny Moore. Mulbarton forcing a corner on the left, curled into the six yard box attacked at the far post turned wide.

Atlanta Griffith with Costessey’s Olivia Smith

  Griffith battling hard on the ball for Mulbarton fighting on through the middle lays the ball into Farmer’s path out on the right, Pierpoint across to challenge try and stop the cross, prevents the ball going out for a corner, Mulbarton with a throw instead. Martin linking up with Griffith off the throw in the corner getting the return ball into her feet her cross/shot saved by Fox down low at her near post.

   Williams taking the ball on from Campbell through the middle, surges on towards the area, runs into Belsey who stands her ground. Fox out of her area again to challenge Griffith outside her area central as she looks to get the ball fizzed into her by Rue out of her feet. 

 GOAL! An hour played the game totally opening up play stretched as Mulbarton press Costessey back, the visitors sharp on the counter break as the ball is launched into Juby on the right, drives in before whipping a ball into the middle of the six yard box, Gowing trying to close down Campbell as she looks to turn the ball back across goal, knocked up into the air, Campbell keeps her composure to lift her left foot get it up over the dropping ball fire and strike it back across the keeper to fire her side back into the lead 1-2.

Hannah Campbell scores her 2nd to restore Costessey’s lead

 Costessey retaking the lead look sharp in the 2nd half, Mulbarton a little flat footed the game opening up the visitors dropping back in defence making it hard to find a way through on goal. Rotating players to keep their energy levels up. Brown coming back on to support, Pierpoint on the left, defends as Farmer looks to drive on up the wing with the ball. Fitchew up on the right to close Pierpoint down finds Farmer free ahead of her, sends a looping cross into the box, headed away to safety by Costessey’s Baldock. 

Mulbarton’s Emma Farmer

  Williams coming off with Moulton back on for Costessey in attack. The offside flag goes up against Juby on the right as she races on looking to get onto the end of a diagonal ball from Moore. Farmer forcing a throw high on the left, taken by Martin links up with Rue, Baldock charging down the cross, the 2nd attempt played into the top of the area cut out by Nobbs. Fox always ready to charge out of her area does so again on Griffith as Martin sends the ball into her feet. 

  Mulbarton looking to find the equalising goal build well through the middle Martin threading it on, cut out by Smith, back to Lake central has Griffith to her right pulling into the channel 25 yards out takes on the strike the ball rising just not enough to clear the keeper as Fox gets her arms up to save knocking the ball down into the ground and getting hold of it.

Rebekah Lake

  Bye back onto the pitch for Mulbarton, also coming on Alyssia Barrett with the game closing in on the final 15 minutes. Costessey working hard in defence, space to exploit on the counter as Mulbarton look to press find their way back into the contest. Campbell with the ball for Costessey moving left has Brown bombing on looking to get in behind sends the ball on however Gowing is out quickly to the top of her area to claim. 

 Griffith with a snap shot from all of 20 yards out as Lake brings the ball down into her path looping in on goal, frustration as it lands on the roof of the net. Everett back on for Costessey as they continue to rotate players, Nobbs putting the ball on for Moulton through the middle picks out Everett right side, Barrett quick to close her down for Mulbarton. Smith intercepts well getting in ahead of Griffith as Rue pushing on with the ball through the middle tries to pick her out.

 Mulbarton with a throw high on the right, Rue with Griffith the cross worked into the six yard box, Lake near side with the shot, charged down, pops back to Martin left of goal fired back into the mix pops up lose for Griffith to strike from close range, blasts the ball straight into the keeper as Fox beats it away. 

 Mulbarton frustrated can’t find a way past the keeper as the chances mount up, lake getting onto the ball left of goal inside the box, holds off the defence as the keeper starts to comes gets a strike away pulling it wide across the area past the far post. Campbell coming off for Costessey as they send Juby back on. Mulbarton going for broke pushing players on as the game closes in on the 85th minute, Pierpoint up to cut the ball out as farmer looks to play it in from the right. Smith defending up against Griffith as Mulbarton come on through the middle the ball running on in behind Fox onto it claiming the ball before Lake can pounce.

  Juby back to defend for Costessey as Griffith looks to play the ball on for martin making a left channel run. Rue with some strong running on the ball throughout the game powers on through the middle, Smith moving in to make the challenge. Farmer onto the ball for Mulbarton bursting into the area right of goal the angle acute as she goes to pull the trigger, Fox there again covering the post down quickly to get behind the ball, loose, Pierpoint is back to defend preventing the ball running behind for a corner. 

 The clock ticking down, Mulbarton doing all they can to find a way through late on, Costessey holding firm, defending deep Griffith finding Farmer out on the right her cross cut back into the penalty area, headed away by Baldock. Moore winning the ball back for Costessey in the final 3rd as Martin looks to find Lake top of the D. Time almost up Lake left on for Griffith squares it into the area, Costessey have plenty back to cut it out. One final push through the middle, Rue driving on with the ball into traffic, cleared a coming together off the ball, play stopped the referee showing Rue a straight red card in the dying seconds. Costessey hold on to celebrate an historic win knocking out higher league opposition to reach the last 4 of this season’s county cup.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-2 Costessey Sports Ladies

  Two Norfolk Division One sides into the last 4 of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup with UEA FC Women scoring 2 late goals to beat Aylsham in their quarter final. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women also through beating Thetford 3-0 to advance. Wroxham’s game at Sprowston postponed will try again next weekend. A memorable win for Costessey, their coach Paul Sell did tell me they were full of confidence going into the game, looked eager and rotating players kept fresh legs on the pitch throughout. Rode their luck at times but were determined having gotten into the lead 1st half conceding an equaliser were fortunate Mulbarton’s 2nd goal was chalked off due to offside, took advantage to retake the lead on the hour and battled hard at the back from there on in. Mulbarton looked rusty haven’t played for 5 weeks, will be disappointed, created chances just picked out the keeper more than not with their shots. An enjoyable cup contest.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of 2026. A straight forward one which isn’t usually the case, although there were a few who put themselves in contention and plenty of performances to mention. Firstly for Mulbarton, Sam Rue was strong on the ball throughout with some useful penetrating runs either coming in off the flank or through the middle. Atlanta Griffith too with some strong runs and good positioning throughout will be frustrated having gotten one goal not to add another. That was to a large percentage due to Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox, a sweeper keeper at times read the game well knowing when not to come, her defence deeper 2nd half the ball coming at her late was ready and alert. Olivia Smith with a number of vital interceptions at the back, the defence strong as a group. Abbie Nobbs using the ball well ahead of them. Holly Williams making some useful runs in attack looked to get Costessey into some good attacking positions. The award though goes to midfielder Hannah Campbell was as solid all round performance, worked hard to win the ball and get forwards to support the attack, firing her side into the lead from the spot and helping lead the attack 2nd half scoring the all important winning goal.

 It’s good to be back, even if I’m a little rusty myself, an entertaining cup tie to kick the year off, thanks to both sides for their assistance today. Good to catch up with a few footballing friends too. 

by Darren Gilham