Cup Final Special – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Wroxham Women

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Sunday 3rd May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Sponsored by Harrod Sport

  The action switches back to Norfolk this Sunday with a another trip to Carrow Road to watch the final of this season’s Norfolk Women’s County Cup, sponsored by Harrod Sport. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women into the final for the 1st time taking on fellow ERWFL Premier Division side, Wroxham Women.

This evening’s prize

   The final between the two leading sides in Norfolk with Norwich City Women victors in the last 3 finals not entering this years competition, in action early today at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium playing Moneyfields Women in FAWNL South West/South East Play-off match. A dramatic end to the game drawing 2-2 the final whistle Norwich emerging victorious in a sudden death penalty shootout to clinch promotion to tier 3 for the first time in their history, many congratulations to all at the club. The ERWFL Premier Division representing the 5th tier of the women’s football pyramid a strong and highly competitive league both Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Wroxham Women with strong campaigns finishing 6th and 3rd respectfully locking horns in the county cup final.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women have gone form strength to strength since joining the ERWFL 3 season’s ago, winning promotion in to the Premier Division in their 1st season at regional level, retained their Premier Division status the year after and have now clinched their highest ever league finish, 6th place. Playing at The Nest ground sharing with Norwich City Women got their fixtures in when others didn’t meaning an early finish their league campaign wrapped up back on the 18th of March, so a long spell without a competitive fixture leading into this evening final.

 Reaching the County Cup final to make their Carrow Road debut has been  an incredible journey having followed the group from their days as Sprowston Ladies to where they are now. Winning the Norfolk Women League Plate back in 2018, captain Calista Tink and striker Victoria Leyer the only two members of that squad still at the club along with Tink’s father Adrian who has led the side in all that time. Have grown as a club on and off the pitch. Leilah Gooding the top scorer with 11 goals, Holly Walker and Millie Baggott both with 9 each.

Wroxham Women reaching the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final for the 1st time themselves two season’s ago beaten 6-0 by Norwich City Women, have been playing right up until the final day of the ERWFL campaign where a strong end to the season saw them clinch a 3rd placed finish, and the potential of a cup double as they have not only reached the final of this season’s County Cup but also final of this season’s ERWFL League Plate, taking on Haringey Borough Women next Sunday at Bedford Town FC. Tonight though all about the county cup will be slight favourites having gotten the better of Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women in both their midweek league encounters both game though won by a single goal 1-0 and 2-1 respectfully.

 Wroxham Women an established side playing at tier 5 with ambitions to push for promotion to the FAWNL above. Joe Simpson returning as manager, Wroxham suffered a slow start dropping points early on but since being knocked out of the League Cup have gone from strength to strength, 2 runs of 5 straight wins interrupted by a defeat to champions Stevenage seeing them power their way up the table to consolidate a top three finish will be hoping that momentum carries through to their cup final games. Hannah Fuller as ever prolific in front of goal top scorer for Wroxham once again with 21 goals to her name. Kathryn Stanley has 12 with Rebecca Stephenson coming in from Cambridge United WFC halfway through the season scoring 9 along with Maddie Green.

Both sides have players in their squads who have won the county cup before, Kathryn Stanley with Norwich, Katie Knights with both Norwich and Wymondham, Hayley Kindred also in the Wymondham squad back in 2022 along with Hannah Fuller all playing for Wroxham this evening. Anna Larkins playing for Dussindale & Hellesdon appearing in multiple finals. This evening’s referee, Alice Parker also a winner of the county cup in her playing days with Norwich City Women.

Road to the Final

 Norfolk FA seeding their senior women’s sides to enter in the later rounds of the competition, both Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women and Wroxham Women joining at the quarter final stage. Dussindale & Hellesdon having home advantage in the last 8 as they took on ERWFL Division One North side, Thetford Town Ladies. Goals for Leilah Gooding, Calista Tink and Holly Walker sealing a 3-0 win. Wroxham drawn away to Norfolk Women’s Division One side, Sprowston FC Women. Kathryn Stanley rattling home a hat-trick, Rebecca Stephenson scoring a brace plus a goal each for Hannah Fuller and Ella Gambell seeing the game won comfortably 7-0.

Into the semi-finals, the big guns kept apart, both taking on county league opposition with the NWGFL having two representatives in the last four of the county cup, Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Costessey Sports Ladies conquerors of Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies who had reached 4 of the last 5 county cup finals. Leilah Gooding on target to score twice, plus a goal for Isla Thorne securing a 3-1 victory to book Dussindale & Hellesdon’s 1st county cup final appearance. Wroxham away taking on UEA FC Women. A single goal enough for Wroxham winning through to the final 1-0 courtesy of a goal from their captain, Tigi Robson.

Carrow Road

Carrow Road the venue once again the premier football stadium in Norfolk, home to Norwich City FC. A busy Sunday hosting 3 finals the Junior an Senior men’s county cup finals along with the women’s showpiece. The pitch looking immaculate as you’d expect a carpet compared to most of the pitches in the county which could do with some rain, none expected again this evening however, a warm and sunny day the temperature pleasant heading into the evening. The fans from both clubs situate in the South Stand opposite the dug outs. Both teams out on the pitch enjoying a look round the stadium no doubt excited for the occassion.

 Alice Parker this evenings match referee assisted by Elise Carroll-Mileham and Alex Vasey with Edwards Colman the 4th official.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Addi Gregory, Yve Mitchell, Anna Larkins, Calista Tink (C) Maddie Goodenough, Chloe Shipman, Isla Thorne, Ella Kruez, Holly Walker, Leilah Gooding & Kyla Langan. Subs – Rosie George, Lauren Baxter, Millie Baggott, Abbie Gilchrist & Alexia Cooke.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Yaz Walford, Katie Green, Tigi Robson (C), Ella Gambell, Poppy Loveland, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Hayley Kindred, Becca Stephenson, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs- Lauren Bullard, Jordan Arnoup, Kathryn Stanley, Jorja Palmer & Holly Farrow.

Wroxham Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

Captains Tigi Robson and Calista Tink with this evening’s match officials

Both sides with goalkeeping issues leading up to the game without regular keepers, Amber Locker or Tyla Cole, Addi Gregory usually an outfield player donning the gloves. Yaz Walford between the sticks for Wroxham with Bryony Williams out injured. A long wait for the final for Dussindale & Hellesdon the build up over the game finally here, have the kick-off 1st half wearing an all clear kit with Wroxham lined up opposite not in their usual blue and white kit but a kit harking back to their time as Acle prior to joining the Wroxham family white shirts with black diagonal striping and a red slash through the middle, with black shorts and socks. The ball put into the middle sent long out to the right flank out of play for an early Wroxham goal kick.

A little tentative at the start Dussindale & Hellesdon up to press the ball, given away at the back by Wroxham on the left, Kyla Langan nipping onto the ball linking up with Leilah Gooding in attack on Dussindale & Hellesdon’s right taking the ball on a shot struck in on the angle from 30 yards, Walford behind it all the way. Wroxham come forwards Katie Knights central long out to Becca Stephenson attacking on the right takes on the early cross squaring the ball into the box, cleared by Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink.

Both sides into each other the ball closed down not much head way made, Wroxham getting a series of throws on the left, defender Poppy Loveland has a long throw in her arsenal, launched into striker Hannah Fuller down near the by-line left of goal, tracked by Maddie Goodenough the defender getting it away for Yve Mitchell to clear up field. Testing balls launched into the channels early on by both sides, Langan and Gooding looking to combine up top for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Maddie Green right side and Hayley Kindred left for Wroxham breaking forwards. Tink winning the ball at the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Ella Kruez playing the ball on for Langan over on the right her strike into the box collected by Walford. Tink coming across to tackle Fuller as the Wroxham striker goes after the ball fed on into the right side, the pitch watered before kick-off slick the ball skipping on. Holly Walker closing the ball down on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting in crossed into the area, cleared by Loveland for Wroxham. A few niggly fouls given away competitive in the middle, Knights with Lily Alexander for Wroxham, Isla Thorne snapping in for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Wroxham midfielder, Katie Knights

Tink pro-active in defence for Dussindale & Hellesdon getting out to the ball closing down Maddie Green as her sister Katie sends the ball on up the right. A throw for Wroxham on the right played inside into Stephenson’s feet top of the D, turns going left looking for an opening to strike the ball, Kruez getting in the tackle before she can attempt it. Kindred up ended for Wroxham outside the box top left corner, the set-piece launched into the box headed clear by Tink. Back out to the left a shot from the angle punched back into the area racing wide past the far post.

Wroxham’s Becca Stephenson with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Anna Larkins

Knights carrying the ball on through the middle for Wroxham fed out to Maddie Green on the right, Tink across to offer Anna Larkins support as she slows the attacker down the ball cleared as it is played into the box. Dussindale & Hellesdon defending deeper working hard to regain possession at the back, lifted up to Langan and Gooding in attack the pair combining well causing the Wroxham defence a few issues, breaking forwards into the right channel the ball prodded on towards the box, diverted behind by Loveland for the first corner of the game.

Leilah Gooding

The corner swung in on goal landing on the roof of the net. Ella Gambell taking a knock for Wroxham as the defender fights to win the ball back for Wroxham as Walker brings it on up the left fed inside for Langan. A pause in play while she receives treatment both sides over to the benches for fluids and instructions rom their respective coaches. Gambell up ok to play on, the opening quarter hour seeing both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Stephenson taking the ball on into the left channel, Kreuz tracking back to put in the challenge for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

 

Is a good sized pitch both sides looking to test the other on the flank, so far without much success, Tink clearing up most ball played into her box, Dussindale & Hellesdon attack starting deeper Loveland and Gambell both stepping up to tackle as Langan and Gooding drive on through the middle. Larkins putting the ball on for Walker left side, Gambell giving the foul away seeing referee, Alice Parker awarding the free-kick. A dangerous ball curled into the area cleared well by Loveland over to the right, won back Dussindale & Hellesdon sending the cross back into the six yard box, Walford claiming it unchallenged.

Alice Parker, winning the county cup with Norwich now officiating the final

Gregory racing out to the top of her area as Fuller steals in behind on the left, the keeper just getting there ahead of her to get it away. Alexander getting hold of the ball for Wroxham links up with Knights, Thorne snapping back to win the tackle for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Stephenson moving about the top of the 18 yards box probing for an opening, her short pass into Fuller, Tink stabbing out a foot to take it away from her. Katie and Maddie Green linking up on the right, Larkins into challenge the ball out for a throw.

Wroxham starting to build a little momentum going forwards the ball chased down in the final 3rd, Katie Green lifting it over the top for Stephenson breaking away right channel, again it’s Tink back at quickly doing the defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon. The crowd making themselves heard, Dussindale & Hellesdon look to have the greater number, Wroxham with their band present not to be out done. Langan onto the ball left channel pushes on knocking the ball into the area, cut out by Loveland for a throw. Dussindale & Hellesdon getting players on the cross into the box Gooding onto the end of it sending a shot in to the near post blocked turned behind for a corner on the right.

Wroxham’s Katie Green

The result the same as the previous corner, curled in on goal looking to test the keeper with a ball under the crossbar, it instead nestles on top of the net. Wroxham up on the left with a throw high, Goodenough getting it back for Dussindale & Hellesdon into Shipman turned on up field, the break is on 2 v 2 at the back Langan after the ball rolling on into the left channel, Gooding powering her way into the box the cross curled in invitingly, just too far ahead of Gooding.

Half an hour gone in the first half a game of few chances so far none on target Wroxham have a throw out on the right brought down played inside to Alexander 20 yards out sends it on across the top of the D, for Kindred to attack left of the D, her 1st time effort curling away from Gregory’s left post. No quarter given in midfield, Thorne busy closing players down on the ball, Knights attempting to add thrust to Wroxham’s attack driving on with the all central running into a dead end as 3 Dussindale & Hellesdon players close her down top of the D.

Katie Green on for Stephenson pulling out to the right, Larkins tackling the ball out for the throw. Inside for Stephenson linking up with Fuller outside the Dussindale & Hellesdon 18 yard box, no way through lays it back into Alexander 25 yards out takes on the strike the ball racing wide of the left post. With Dussindale & Hellesdon dropping off in defence, Katie Green and captain Tigi Robson are able to get on support Wroxham as they get the ball on up to the final 3rd, Tink a little reckless sliding in to win the ball top right corner outside the area fouling Stephenson as she gets inside off a throw picking up the first yellow card of the game.

Kindred on the free-kick, strikes it in towards the far post, too much on it however, flies over the bar. The ball hooked up field by Dussindale & Hellesdon, Langan can’t make it stick as Gambell closes her down, Wroxham quick to get it back up the pitch out to the left flank Robson up with Kindred sending the cross into the near post, claimed by Gregory. Gambell pushing up from the back to get stuck in to win the ball back for Wroxham on for Knights in the middle lifted out to Stephenson combining with Maddie Green the cross cut out by Tink, not clear, struck back in from range taking a deflection out behind for a corner on the right.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Chloe Shipman

GOAL! 40 minutes played players up from the back for the Wroxham corner, taken short the delivery fed back out to corner taker who lifts the cross up over the crowd gathered at the near post, to fall into the six yard box which is met by Loveland unmarked to smash past the keeper to open the scoring 0-1.

The ball dropping down into the box for defender Poppy Loveland to run onto a blast home to put Wroxham into the lead

 

Poppy Loveland

Wroxham having gathered some momentum towards the end of the first half taking the lead. Both sides continue their midfield tussle, Thorne into tackle Stephenson, Gooding brought down as she looks to travel through the middle. A good distance out Walker looking to send the ball on over the top for the goal kick. Katie Green with the diagonal ball into Fuller back to goal left side turns it on for Kindred attacking on the wing, to the by-line tackled by Mitchell the ball out for a corner kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Yve Mitchell

Played in low to the near post turned behind for a goal kick. Into 2 minutes of stoppage time. Goodenough putting the tackle in on Fuller as she looks to attack the left channel taking the ball on from Kindred.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-1 Wroxham Women

  The first half drawing to a close, Wroxham scoring late in the half to take a slender advantage into the break. Has been a half of few chances with defences largely on top. Dussindale & Hellesdon dropping deeper giving Wroxham very little room to get in behind, protecting the keeper. Both sides competitive a close contest snapping into the other not much between them, clear both sides have players who can hurt the other but the final ball hasn’t been there, little between the sides in their 2 league fixtures and looks to be the case here too, a single goal in it still very much all to play for.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon ringing the changes at half-time making a triple switch sending on Rosie George, Millie Baggott and Abbie Gilchrist to replace Langan, Gooding and Larkins. Wroxham making a change too with Kathryn Stanley coming on in place of Katie Green. Wroxham to get the 2nd period underway, a reminder should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will go to penalties. The ball launched out to the right seen out of play by Gilchrist for a throw. George and Baggott leading the attack for Dussindale & Hellesdon now play switched quickly up the left channel with George getting in behind to chase the ball down, Walford rushing out to the corner of her area just about getting there to knock the ball out to the touch line, kept in Dussindale & Hellesdon are quick to get players up, for a moment the goal open, but takes too long to get the angled ball played, Walford back by then recovering to push the ball away from danger.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to make a positive opening to the 2nd half. Knights for Wroxham playing the ball into Maddie Green right side her cross put into the top of the area intercepted by Tink. Thorne onto the ball for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Wroxham’s defence pushed up space opening up to play the ball into a little wild with her release doesn’t capitalise as George looks to pull clear right side. 

 The 2nd half already having a different feel about it both sides looking to be more direct, Alexander central for Wroxham putting the ball into the left for Stephenson down the line held up by Mitchell forced back up the line squeezing a cross into the D, Stanley running onto it her strike charged down by Goodenough. 

Maddie Green

 The game opening up space to run into George is put away out on the right the ball at her feet surging into the box wide of goal fires a low shot in on the angle, Walford down smartly to make the save the ball pushed out to the top of the six yard box, Baggott on the follow getting hold of the ball Walford making another fantastic blocking save the ball knocked up onto the crossbar and out to keep Wroxham’s lead in tack.

Goalkeeper Yaz Walford with a brilliant double save for Wroxham

 Dussindale & Hellesdon creating chances Baggott and George looking to take over where Gooding and Langan threatened in the 1st half. Gambell fouled as she looks to tackle Baggott as the attacker tries to force her way through the middle. Kindred combining with Stephenson out on Wroxham’s left the ball inside for Fuller outside the box, Goodenough challenging to get the ball out into the middle, Thorne taking it on sending the ball out to George on the right, Robson tackling to win it back for Wroxham.

  Loveland with a vital touch at the back volleying the ball clear as George looks to spin in behind as the ball from Kruez is played into her feet. Baggott almost stealing in behind central moments later 30 yards out but for another crucial challenge from Loveland. Battles all over the pitch Shipman getting a free-kick as she and Kindred come together. 

Wroxham’s Hayley Kindred

 Fuller making several runs into the channel looking to draw defenders out, Tink out to the right to close her down. Dussindale & Hellesdon’s defence staying deep, Wroxham able to get players on but have to be wary of losing it, starting from halfway however the attackers have alot of work to do, with Loveland, Gambell and Robson quick to read the danger. Stephenson seeing a shot from the top of the D struck over as the ball comes into her from Green on the right. 

Becca Stephenson

  Loveland getting across to close down Baggott as she brings the ball down from Shipman in the middle. Thorne continues to get about the midfield breaking up play for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Gambell at the back getting her head on a high ball to clear as Dussindale & Hellesdon look to counter on the right. Gilchrist putting the ball into Thorne central for Dussindale & Hellesdon, has Baggott ahead of her looking to run in behind the threaded pass just the wrong side of her allowing Gambell tracking back with her to intercept. 

 Dussindale & Hellesdon getting the ball back out on the left Walker to George from the angle 25 yards out striking her shot over. Robson bringing the ball on right side for Wroxham chipping it up to Fuller making the run out into the wing, Kruez getting back to help Mitchell in defence the ball out for a throw. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Maddie Goodenough

 Alexander getting a shove in the back as she rises to head the ball the free-kick awarded deep on the left. Kindred on it played short fed back to the winger who places the cross along the top of the D, Fuller running onto it 20 yards out firing a vicious strike wide past the right post.

Wroxham striker, Hannah Fuller

  Moving into the final 20 minutes the game still in the balance. Wroxham keen to extend their advantage prepared to take a few risks keeping Dussindale & Hellesdon penned in trusting they will have too much to do to get players out to support any counter attack. Gambell again with the header as a free-kick won by Dussindale & Hellesdon is launched up from half way. Tink going out to close Fuller down as she gets onto the ball right side concedes the corner kick.

 Wroxham with another short corner routine the ball back with the taker, Dussindale & Hellesdon look to clear their lines as the cross is whipped in with pace attacked by Fuller central burying it into the back of the net runs away in wild celebration, the lead doubled! No! The flag up for offside, the famous canary goal celebration music there for a split second but quickly curtailed that was an extremely close call.

Hannah Fuller’s goal ruled out for offside

Robson in the wars for Wroxham brought down, stays down taking a knock to the ankle, treatment given the players with a chance to catch their breath the game has a nervous edge to it. Play resuming Robson ok to go on Dussindale & Hellesdon advance on the left Walker sending a looping cross into the box, George striding in central jumping for the ball can’t quite get there over her to be cleared on the opposite side. Robson pulling up again feeling her injury, Wroxham unwilling to make the change Robson determined to play on.

 George keeping a throw in on the by-line cutting it back up to the corner of the area for Kruez, goes for goal sending the ball over the bar. Less than 10 minutes on the clock Fuller on the left up with Stanley, played back for Robson plays the ball in central Stephenson knocking it forwards into the box left of the D, Stanley bursting in behind, the flag up straight away as Gregory dives in bravely to get the ball, colliding with the onrushing attacker, Stanley hurdling over the keeper who stays down. Treatment needed a pause in play, 743 in attendance for the final. Gregory up back on her feet. 

 

 GOAL! The game getting stretched opening up suits Fuller as the attacker sees the ball into her path as she breaks into the left flank surging on taking the ball into the box, Tink coming to close her down Fuller with a neat touch to drag the ball inside the defender and moving in central puts her right foot through the ball rifling it past the keeper, to score wheeling away in celebration running over to supporters to celebrate with her teammates 0-2.

Hannah Fuller checking inside to set herself up to rifle home Wroxham’s 2nd

 GOAL! Wroxham finally doubling their lead but it is undone straight away as Dussindale & Hellesdon get the ball out quickly too George on the right down the line whipping a pacy cross into the six yard box, Gambell lunging in to try and clear only succeeding in diverting it into the back of her own net 1-2.

  A lively end to the game Dussindale & Hellesdon getting it back to a single goal straight away. Gilchrist getting a foot on the ball to stop Green getting in behind as Knights plays a diagonal ball out to the flank. Both sides re energised Dussindale & Hellesdon going for it throwing their attackers back on Gooding and Lagan back on the pitch replacing Goodenough and Kruez off. 

 Wroxham playing the ball up to Fuller in attack heads it down for Stephenson making the run to the left taking the ball on digs the cross out dropping it into the six yard box, Fuller in place to nod the ball down towards goal, Gregory getting hold of it for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Wroxham strengthening their defence, Katie Green back on replacing Maddie Green. A lively end to the game the supporters over on the far side encouraging their teams, Gooding trying to get the ball through to Baggott, Loveland cutting it out. 

5 added minutes to be played, a goal for Wroxham will surely seal the win, one back for Dussindale & Hellesdon and we go to penalties. Have a throw out to the left work a shot in from range wide at the near post. Wroxham playing the ball up the left for Fuller who used her experience to take the ball into the corner eat up time. Shipman fouled picking up a knock, the set-piece put in from deep cleared by Stanley for a throw. 

 Wroxham dropping back for the first time in the game defending, Katie Green getting her head ball to clear for Wroxham off of a throw on the right. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a corner at the death everyone up bar the keeper, but don’t make it count as the ball is curled into the side netting, the final whistle blows and Wroxham have done it getting their name of the trophy winning the Harrod Sports Women’s Cup for the first time.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 1-2 Wroxham Women

  The 2nd half bringing the game to life Dussindale & Hellesdon making changes forcing Wroxham goalkeeper, Yaz Walford into a fantastic double save. Both looking for a goal Wroxham continuing to get players on, Fuller seeing a goal ruled off for offside only spurring her on to get into the box and rifle the ball home to double lead. Short lived as an own goal gets Dussindale & Hellesdon back into it setting up a nervy finish, Wroxham seeing the game out clinching victory over Dussindale & Hellesdon by a single goal for the 3rd time this season. Can’t help feeling this the the beginning of a new rivalry in the county cup Wroxham getting their hands on the trophy Dussindale & Hellesdon can be proud of their Carrow Road debut.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders and I’m going away from the winner of the award on the night. Strong performances all over the pitch for Dussindale & Hellesdon it was a strong game at the back from their captain, Calista Tink won the ball and read the game. Isla Thorne was busy in midfield getting after the ball several good balls up to the attackers. Lilah Gooding did well in the number 10 shirt useful runs looking to link up with Kyla Langan both causing issues for the Wroxham defence as did Rosie George coming on in the 2nd half providing a good outlet for the ball. For Wroxham Katie Knights took the ball on well through the middle joining up the attack. Becca Stephenson covered the ground in the final 3rd looking for openings and ready to receive the ball. Yaz Walford’s double save was crucial. Hannah Fuller won the award on the night and for that winning goal I can see why made some great runs into the channels a defence dropping deep space limited found the opening. But this was a close one and defenders all played their part Ella Gambell put herself about challenging to win the ball close players down. I’ve gone for Poppy Loveland made so important last ditch tackles didn’t let players pass her on too many opportunities and scored the opening goal.

Wroxham Women 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulations to Wroxham Women on winning the 2025/26 Norfolk Women’s County Cup.

  The season over for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women a 6th placed finish and county cup final appearance there’s more to come from this side and will be hungry to reach the final again. Wroxham Women winning one of their two finals off to Bedford next Sunday, for the ERWFL League Plate final know Haringey Borough Women well as they look to make it a cup double. My thanks to all at Norfolk FA for their help this evening and allowing me to cover the final always appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Soham Town Rangers Ladies v Newmarket Town Women Development

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Thursday 30th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final

Heading back into Cambridgeshire this Thursday evening for the 2nd game of a cup final double bill. Histon Ladies beating Cambridge United WFC on penalties to lift the Women’s Invitation Cup, it’s time for the Junior Invitation Cup to take centre stage as Soham Town Rangers Ladies into their 1st ever final take on Newmarket Town Women Development.

  Cambridgeshire FA long having a junior women’s county cup competition to run along side the senior cup giving side lower down the pyramid a genuine opportunity to compete for silverware. 

  Soham Town Rangers Ladies enjoying a rapid growth since their formation two season’s ago coming to the town having previously been Isleham United Ladies, playing in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two last season won promotion up to Division One bringing players into the club with pedigree in the women’s game within Cambridgeshire and regional level. Soham Town Rangers FC embracing their women’s side that growth has continued with the formation of a new Reserves side this season playing in Division Three.

  The 1st team competing in Division One are holding their own in the league currently 6th and looking to consolidate a mid-table finish. Winning through to their 1st ever cup final taking on 5th placed Newmarket Town Women Development the pair meeting just 5 days ago in the league drawing 3-3. Carla Penny is an accomplished finisher and has been amongst the goals since joining Soham Town last season, leading scorer this campaign netting 21 goals to date. Kara Firek has 7 goals to her name and Rachel Pearce 6.

  Newmarket Town Women Development reach a cup final for the 2nd successive season having emerged triumphant in the League Cup last season beating Leverington Sports Ladies 2-1. Into the Junior Invitation Cup this time around. Newmarket as I’ve mentioned on numerous occasions  a club very much built on youth bringing players up through the various age groups into the 1st team playing in the ERWFL. The Development side an integral part of this finishing runners-up in Division One too last season. The nature of the side will see a turn over of players but the pathway remains strong.

 Currently 5th in the table with games in hand, could challenge for a top 4 finish, but have a busy May ahead of them this week alone hardly ideal preparation for a Thursday evening final with the calendar full a game against Soham on Sunday followed by a Tuesday evening home clash with Cambridge City winning 3-0 to climb above Soham into 5th spot. Cerys Bithell leading the goal scoring charts with 19 goals to date, Evie Stackhouse is closing in on double figures on 9 alongside, Jess Linger. Keely Cole has 7 goals too from her 11 appearances for the Development side. Are able to use up to 4 1st team players under the competition rules but with several Development players having featured for the 1st team this season and u18 players emerging the squad is strong.

Road to the Final

  Contrasting routes to the final of the Junior Invitation Cup, Soham at home to Division Three newcomers, Linton Granta Women in the 1st round of the competition, ran out 5-1 winners to progress to the quarter finals with Elli-Mai Quinn-Nicholls netting a brace along with goals for Jodie Copping, Jessica Brand and Kara Firek. Newmarket awarded the home win to progress versus Cambourne Town Women.

 Newmarket progressing in the last eight win another home win awarded having been due to face Cambridge City Women Development. Soham on the road taking on Division Two side, Willingham Wolves Women, Carla Penny amongst the goals bagging herself a hat-trick, captain Laura Mcallister on target for 2 more with Rachel Pearce and Maddie Cooper also celebrating a goal each in a 7-2 win.

 The semi-finals for the Junior Invitation Cup played 11 days ago, Soham on the road to face Division Three side Burwell Ladies the away side emerging victorious in a close game winning by a single goal scored by Rachel Pearce. Newmarket getting to play a game at last taking on Leverington Sports Ladies at home, having won 7-3 against the same opponents 6 days before. Eden Kirby-Cook firing Newmarket into the lead 1st half, pegged back to 1-1 at the break a hat-trick scored by Evie Stackhouse seeing Newmarket into the final winning the game 4-1. 

 This evening’s final being played at Soham Town Rangers FC, the grass pitch a good size, parking beside leading into the stadium the kitchen hut open serving hot food and drink, the clubhouse open too. A main stand featuring elevated seating with covered standing area beside and and both end of the ground. The sun setting behind the tall trees at one end of the ground still warm after another sunny day to end the month, no rain in the forecast. 

Referee Anoushka Williamson assisted by Brendan Smith and Richard may leading the teams out onto the pitch (Jamie Rayner is the fourth official)

Soham Town Rangers Ladies starting XI – Caitlin Fulford, Chloe Dunn, Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls, Lizzie Quigley, Jodie Copping, Katie Levitt, Erin Clarke, Laura Mcallister (C), Rachel Pearce, Carla Penny & Kara Firek. Subs – Elsie Holroyd-Davison, Ester McTrusty, Michela Edwards, Evie Luker & Maddie Cooper.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Mairi Robinson, Jess Linger (C) Molly Charles, Olivia Caffarelli, Jazmine Sarpong, Lily Grundy, Bryony O’Connell, Eden Kirby-Cook, Cerys Bithell, Alex Shelford & Evie Stackhouse. Subs – Holly Corley, Abbi Griffin, Keely Cole, Lexie Moody & Millie Gray.

Newmarket Town Women development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores remain level after 90 minutes then the game will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Captains Jess Linger and Laura Mcallister with this evenings match officials

  The sun setting behind the tree line may pose a few issues Newmarket with it at their backs as Soham kick-off the first half wearing green and white vertical striped shirts with green coloured shorts and socks, Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts, blue shorts and white socks. The ball put back to Soham captain, Laura Mcallister in midfield Newmarket rush forwards to pressure the ball. Cerys Bithell with the blocking tackle the ball away for a throw on the left.

 Rachel Pearce seeing the ball into her feet turning to send the ball on for Chloe Dunn looking to get on up the left flank for Soham, Jess Linger captaining Newmarket this evening with the tackle at right back to send the ball out of play. From high up the pitch Soham look to work the ball across the top of the area, Jazmine Sarpong stretching out a leg in defence to put it into the middle Newmarket launching a rapid counter attack the ball out to Eden Kirby-Cook attacking through the left channel, Soham goalkeeper, Caitlin Fulford moving out of her six yard box to get hold of the ball first.

  Pearce putting the ball on for Kara Firek in attack for Soham winning her side a corner kick, on the left players come forwards played in low to the near post cleared back to the corner taker from the angle putting the return cross behind. 

 GOAL! The deadlock broken early inside 4 minutes as Newmarket send the ball out into the left channel Kirby-Cook linking up with Evie Stackhouse the pass inside to Alex Shelford central 20 yards out lines up the shot driven in low, Fulford saving with her leg turning the ball back out of her six yard box to the left of goal, Stackhouse running in on the follow-up latching onto it to smash the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Evie Stackhouse congratulated as she fires Newmarket into the lead

 The perfect start for Newmarket taking the lead inside the opening 4 minutes a blow for Soham as they look to get on the attack from the restart Pearce to Emily Clarke the midfielder putting the ball on for Firek attacking the right channel, full back Molly Charles on her shoulder challenging Firek shoots from 20 yards out her strike wide at the near post. 

Soham captain, Laura Mcallister

 Newmarket looking to get the ball out wide and into the channels quickly have willing runners all over the pitch, Lily Grundy finding Bithell wide on the right her touch takes the ball infield surges towards the top of the D her shot charged down by Soham’s Jodie Copping, the ball loose, a tangle of bodies seeing players from both sides down eventually cleared.

 Shelford coming over to the left taking the ball on from Bryony O’Connell, on for Stackhouse, Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls who used to keep goal for a spell at Newmarket, outfield tonight in defence lunging in to play the ball out for a throw. Tentative in spells the ball popping about the pitch open play spread, Newmarket getting it on quickly keeping their opponents penned in a little, Copping cutting the ball out in defence into the middle for Carla Penny looking to get Firek away, Olivia Caffarelli with a vital interception at the back for Newmarket as they are pushed up to halfway.

   Lizzie Quigley closing down Bithell as she drives inside from the right the ball into Pearce in the middle linking up with Penny as they look to get Soham moving forwards, the ball lifted on for Firek up top, the Newmarket back line stepping up to catch her offside. Bithell send a cross into the box far side Stackhouse on the turn shooting for the near post saved by Fulford getting down behind it the ball then cleared behind for a corner kick on the left. Fired into the six yard box half cleared to the top of the area, knocked back in as players rush out, Fulford down to smother the ball.

Alex Shelford getting to the ball ahead of Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls

  Grundy finding Stackhouse with the pass into the left channel, taking on the shot charged down deflected in behind by the defender into the keepers gloves. Firek coming over to the left side taking the ball on from Penny wrong footing Caffarelli to get away make a run towards the box, Sarpong across on the cover closing her down tackling before she can line up a shot the ball away for a corner on the left. 

 Soham with the short corner the deep cross into the top of the area cleared by Sarpong, Newmarket looking to counter quickly, Copping with the tackle to halt the attack. Linger getting her leg in to intercept the ball as Pearce bringing the ball on up the left looks to thread it through to Firek in attack. O’Connell sending the ball on for Bithell charging on down the right taking the shot on on the move, rolls on through to the keeper. 

 Newmarket on the front foot getting players on Shelford, Kirby-Cook, Stackhouse and Bithell all looking to make themselves available for the ball keeping the Soham defence busy. Mcallister tacking Shelford outside the D as she moves the ball on across to the right looking for an opening. Firek looking to pull off the shoulder of the Newmarket centre backs, Sarpong hard to shake off however as Penny puts the ball through to her central, shoulder to shoulder getting it away to safety.

  A throw to Newmarket on the right hooked on towards the by-line by Stackhouse for Bithell to chase down seen out by Dunn for a goal-kick. Bithell getting into the middle outside the D linking up with Shelford for Newmarket, Copping tackling for Soham. A good tempo to the game dictated by Newmarket push on Grundy with O’Connell the ball sent into the box looking for Stackhouse to make the run from the left, Fulford out smartly to the top of her area to claim for Soham.

Newmarket’s Bryony O’Connell

 20 minutes played Soham getting the ball into Pearce looking for options, Katie Levitt on the move right side the ball played in across the top of the area cleared by Sarpong. Pearce nipping in to snatch the ball in the middle out to Levitt on the right put on quickly looking to release Firek, again the offside flag goes up against her. Linger sending a diagonal ball from deep on the right up towards the top of the box, Quinn-Nicholls heading it clear for Soham.

 Mcallister bringing the ball on left for Soham put on up the flank for Firek, Caffarelli tackling for Newmarket play turned around quickly, O’Connell out too Stackhouse left side her cross flashed into the box,, headed away to the right by Mcallister. Bithell in the middle turning the ball into the box for Shelford to the left of goal her effort fired wide past the far post. Half an hour played, Dunn with the challenge to deny Bithell on the right as Linger plays the ball down the line.

  Clarke finding Levitt on the right taking the ball on Charles stepping up to close her down, O’Connell sending the ball up towards the Soham box, Copping intercepts forwards into Mcallister, looks to get it to Penny, Grundy tackling for Newmarket, time on the ball at a premium. Quinn-Nicholls seeing the ball safely back to the keeper as Newmarket attack the channel. A change for Soham with Ester McTrusty coming on replacing Dunn. 

Newmarket’s Lily Grundy with Soham’s Carla Penny

 Play paused due to a pitch invasion over on the far side of the pitch a momma duck and her brood of baby ducklings, escorted from the playing area, a first for me in a cup final game.

The feathered pitch invaders escorted from the pitch.

 A little under 10 minutes left in the first half Newmarket on top getting players on Soham working hard at the back to keep them out. Quigley getting in a block, Copping winning her fair share of tackles. Bithell lively looking to get on with the ball, winning a throw high on the right. Soham countering Mcallister with Pearce on the left getting a throw, on for Penny racing on with the ball to get into the box left side, Sarpong across getting on her shoulder initially holding the attacker up, Penny managing to get a shot away lacks pace as goalkeeper, Mairi Robinson has it covered down low at her near post to claim.

Soham defender’s Jodie Copping and Lizzie Quigley

  The ball helped on up the pitch right side for Soham off of a free-kick sees Firek run in behind, Robinson alert though out quickly to the top of her area to smother the ball before the attacker can pounce. The Newmarket goalkeeper busy all of a sudden as she makes a blocking save as a shot is struck in from the angle to the right, Penny onto the loose ball sending it wide at the near post.

 GOAL! Space opens up in front of Linger as she take the ball on plays a delightful diagonal ball into the box, Bithell running in central meeting it sending it on past the keeper to double Newmarket’s lead with 3 minutes of regular play left in the first half 0-2. 

Cerys Bithell celebrated as she fires Newmarket into a 2 goal lead

 Soham conceding late in the first half get the ball on for Firek right channel as she beats the offside flag this time, Sarpong and Charles both getting back at her before she can make it count. 

 

Soham midfielder, Emily Clarke

 GOAL! Newmarket with the sucker punch right at the end of the first half Bithell receiving the ball central on the move playing it to the left for Stackhouse continuing her run into the D to take on the return pass left of the D, pulls the trigger driving the ball in past the keeper to the left of her goal to make it 0-3.

Cerys Bithell striking a 2nd to put Newmarket in charge late in the 1st half

  Newmarket on top half hearted appeals for a penalty as Quigley goes in to challenge Stackhouse. A wild volley over from Shelford as the ball in cleared out to her from a cross on the left. Kirby-Cook on for Stackhouse left her cross long cleared by Quigley.

Half-time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 0-3 Newmarket Town Women Development

  Two goals from Cerys Bithell putting Newmarket in full control of the final as the two teams head back to the changing rooms. The perfect start too as Newmarket struck home the opener inside 4 mins, Evie Stackhouse the scorer. Newmarket using the whole pitch effective in the channels getting the ball on quickly with willing runners have caused problems for Soham whose own opportunities up the other end have been limited as a result still a 1-0 down would have been comfortable in looking to get back into the game, two late goals putting a very different complexion on the game. Now alot of work to do to get back into it.

  Switching sides for the 2nd half coming over to the stand side, Newmarket out early keen to get the game restarted, Soham you would think will need a goal back sooner rather than later if they are to fight their way back into the game and as it opens up more, Newmarket’s young attackers will be able to exploit the space.  Newmarket making a change at the break, Abbi Griffin coming on replacing Kirby-Cook. Soham unchanged, McTrusty on late in the first half. Newmarket getting the 2nd half underway the ball into linger at the back played long up towards the top of the area, defended by Copping.

 Soham get the ball on for McTrusty attacking on the left, holding the ball up lays it back up the line to Mcallister to fire a ball in across the top of the area, knocked down into the area, Robinson sharp out to snatch it up into her gloves before Firek can steal in. The game continuing very much as the first half Newmarket looking to get the ball into the channels at every opportunity, winning a throw on the right, Griffin operating on that flank coming inside a shot turned wide at the near post. 

Abbi Griffin on at the start of the 2nnd half for Newmarket

 Penny up to Firek on the right Charles getting the foot in to prevent her skipping inside with the ball. Another pitch incursion the ducks are back, play stopped no one wants to see a duckling squashed by the ball, McTrusty ushering them off the pitch momma duck not happy reluctant to go, the referee taking charge, Williamson escorting the brood off the pitch. Play resuming.

Pitch invaders

The thing’s you have to do in grassroots football

 Pearce sending the ball on for Penny coming left on for McTrusty driving down the wing. Linger back at her preventing the cross back up to Penny, Grundy closing her down. Griffin providing the outlet on the right ready to take the ball on as Newmarket battle to close Soham down in the middle. Caffarelli with a vital interception through the middle as Mcallister looks to send Penny in behind the defence. The ball popping about as players rush to close it down, Newmarket not giving Soham time on the ball. Clarke into Penny bursts on with the ball into the left channel looking to play McTrusty on but no cross as Linger comes in with the tackle.

Carla Penny

  McTrusty giving Soham a little more thrust in attack making a run central pressuring Sarpong, but she stays strong to keep her away from goal. Oh no the ducks are back don’t know where to go no one tod them a final was on. The referee once again taking charge with a helpful spectator stationed in the corner to prevent any further incursions. Soham with a corner on the right a good ball into the near side helped on across goal attacked by Mcallister diverting it goal wards striking Grundy as she goes to block skipping up and taken well by Robinson. Grundy down but after treatment okay to continue.

Newmarket midfielder, Lily Gundy

  McTrusty firing an early cross into the top of the area knocked into the box by Firek, Robinson out quickly too the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Changes for Soham with Elsie Holroyd Davison and Maddie Cooper on replacing, Quigley and Mcallister. Cooper straight into the action holding the ball up on the right wining her side a corner kick. The delivery lifted into the box headed clear by Sarpong. 

Soham’s Rachel Pearce

  Soham looking to throw more players forwards, Pearce getting the ball on linking up with Penny moving left on for McTrusty she comes inside doesn’t get a shot away before being closed down by Sarpong. Newmarket making changes bringing off Stackhouse and O’Donnell on come Holly Corley and Lexie Moody on with a little over an hour played.

Newmarket defender Jazmine Sarpong

GOAL! Griffin in the clear in space on the right picked out with the cross-field ball takes it down before firing an cross into the top of the area, Bithell left of the d striking the ball caught sweetly rising, Fulford throwing an arm up to try and stop it, doesn’t get enough on the ball dropping over her into the back of the net to see Newmarket extend their lead and Bithell to claim a cup final hat-trick 0-4.

Cerys Bithell scoring a cup final hat-trick to put Newmarket 4-0 up

  The game getting a little scrappy stretched at times Soham trying to get the ball forwards, Firek taking it on form Cooper right channel Caffarelli across to put in the challenge. Griffin disciplined out on the right waiting for the ball to come to her taking it on to the by-line digging a cross out, taken by Fulford at her near post low. Penny taking the ball on central picks out McTrusty 20 yards out left of the D, Linger in to block her strike deflected behind for the corner kick. 

Olivia Caffarelli

 Pearce to sent the ball in from the left, attacked by Copping heading it down towards the left post blocked by the defender on the line. The game opening up often condensed on the far side, Griffin staying out of it ready to go as the diagonal ball gets sent out her way taking it on strikes on the angle from 25 yards her vicious strike dropping back into play off the crossbar. 

Alex Shelford and Emily Clarke

  Penny central seeing the ball into her feet holding it up before threading it in behind for McTrusty, Robinson rushing out to the top of her area to kick the ball clear. Quinn-Nicholls defending at the back for Soham seeing the ball safely back to her keeper as Bithell looks for Corley left side. Into the final 20 minutes, Cooper right on the ball for Soham into Firek inside to Penny, Linger defending for Newmarket volleying the ball away.

  The offside flag raised to deny Newmarket a 5th goal as the ball is fired in across goal from the left. Firek looking to find a way through the Newmarket defence but can’t get the better of Sarpong. Quinn-Nicholls there to clear top of the box as Corley sends a cross in from the left in ahead of Griffin. Shelford off for Newmarket, Keely Cole on. 

Soham’s Kara Firek

Into the final quarter hour Griffin onto a diagonal ball getting on into the box right, Copping across to make the challenge the ball deflected back to the keeper. Griffin again out on the right flashing a cross in along the top of the area, no one can make contact, Newmarket keeping it on the left. Quigley back on for Soham, Caffarelli and Sarpong stand up well to trap Cooper offside as McTrusty looks to play it over the top. 

 Griffin wide shooting across goal 25 yards out Fulford dropping forwards onto the ball. Soham clearing the ball off their line as Newmarket attack left side into the box Fulford diving it at the feet of the attacker the ball looping up across goal cleared by Copping. Linger pushed up into midfield now adding to the attacking threat. Fulford coming out to the right of her area to dive in for the ball as Newmarket attack from the left collides with the attacker both down appeals for a penalty but nothing doing. 

Newmarket captain, Jess Linger

 Both players treated with 85 minutes on the clock both ok to continue. Fulford plucking a looping cross down into her gloves as Moody plays it in from the left. Newmarket in charge late in the game players coming on looknig for a 5th goal winning a corner on the left an in swinger dealt with Fulford at her near post. Grundy finding Griffin on the right fires a dangerous ball in across the six yard box no one getting a touch sent back in from the left the keeper claiming it.

Soham goalkeeper, Caitlin Fulford

  Holroyd Davison with the ball left side on for McTrusty, closed down by Grundy back inside to Pearce across to Firek in the right channel tackled by Sarpong. Countering the ball into Griffin right her early cross taken cleanly by Fulford. Griffin central bringing the ball under control top of the D shifts it to left to shot lacking the power behind it Fulford down behind it. Into stoppage time. Corley left inside for Linger looks for Griffin right, Holroyd Davison with a foot out too intercept. Newmarket finishing strong to win the Junior Invitation Cup and make it back to back trophy winning season’s

Full -time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 0-4 Newmarket Town Women Development

 Newmarket effectively in control of the game from start to finish, taking an early lead got players on well used the channels had willing runners keeping Soham penned back limiting their chances as a result doubling the lead then the hammer blow of 3rd on the stroke of half-time. Could be patient 2nd half Soham looking to try and get a goal back never gained any momentum pegged further back on the hour as Cerys Bithell completed her hat-trick. 4-0 Newmarket made changes to keep thing’s fresh and refused to let their opponents get a foot hold in the game. A tough defeat for Soham losing their 1st cup final but are an emerging force for women’s football in Cambridgeshire and will be challenging for more finals.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, this one  a fairly simple call but there were of course several performances of note across the pitch. A tough game for Soham, busy in defence and Jodie Copping got in the blocks and tackles throughout. Kara Firek leading the line worked tirelessly to try and find an opening. Easter McTrusty making impact coming on from the bench to take the ball on in attack. Newmarket were energised despite this being their 3rd game in 5 days, using the width of the pitch got after the ball, Jazmine Sarpong was in mood to let anyone get past her defending strongly throughout. Jess Linger defended well at full back using the ball well going forwards. Lily Grundy keeping Newmarket on the front foot getting onto the ball in the middle, Evie Stackhouse and Alex Shelford with some good attacking runs looking to create opening, Stackhouse with the opening goal. The award go to the Cerys Bithell no mean feat to score a hat-trick in a cup final her goals putting Newmarket in control of the game took them well. 

Newmarket Town Women Development, 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup winners

 Congratulations to Newmarket Town Women Development on winning the 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

Newmarket celebrating with their mascots and no doubt a few feature cup winners among them too

 That’s the cup finals completed in Cambridgeshire another entertaining game. My thanks to Chris Abbott and the rest of the staff at Cambs FA for all their assistance and allowing me to cover the games. Thanks to both teams for the team details. Onto Carrow Road, this Sunday for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Histon Ladies

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Wednesday 29th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

Heading into Cambridgeshire this Wednesday evening for the first game of a cup final double bill, starting with the Women’s Invitation Cup Final, the counties senior women’s competition, followed by the Junior Invitation Cup Final on Thursday between Newmarket Town Women Development and Soham Town Rangers Ladies. This evening it’s the main event the Invitation Cup final a repeat of last season’s final too as holders Cambridge United WFC taking on Histon Ladies.

This evening’s prize

  The venue the same too being played at Cambridge City FC’s new stadium at Sawston, the on going building work to the main stand due to be completed over the summer. This season’s finals played between two sides with very contrasting season’s under their belts.

  Dare I say it but in the end a season to forget for Cambridge United WFC, what started as a promising new era, under newly installed manager Sean Greygoose with changes behind the scenes and new players brought in the FAWNL South East Division One side long established in tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid, were up to 4th in the table early on with 4 straight wins, a few changes to the squad senior players let go and young talent recruited a poor run followed this lead to the unexpected departure of the manager just when the squad bringing in new faces needed to settle rebuild momentum looking very much to the future a baptism of fire for interim manager Sam Carrington, Cambridge picking up just a single point from their final 10 matches finishing 10th in the table.

 Cambridge United WFC for a long period the leading forces for women’s football in Cambridgeshire now fully integrated with the men’s club, have long dominated the county cup in Cambridge, along with Cambridge City a healthy rivalry, have mixed thing’s up in recent season’s playing their U18’s and last season a mixture of both U18’s and 1st team, this season 5 first team players can be played along with any not having played 50% of first team games and with so many new faces added to the squad can field a strong side as they look to end a tough season on a high. The future bright, will be playing in Cambridge itself for the first time I can remember having followed them at Ely, the Mildenhall and St Neots, always knowing they needed to be in Cambridge itself build themselves a concrete supporting base.

 Histon Ladies are most definitely on a high saw them at the weekend complete a remarkable achievement going a whole season without dropping a single point in the league, 22 wins from 22 to become champions of ERWFL Division One North and clinch promotion back to the 5th tier of women’s football. The foundations laid by Matt Payne bringing his Great Shelford side to Histon in 2017, took a few season’s to get the club back into the ERWFL but have been on the rise ever since, Kevin Jacklin brought to the club with a wealth of experience in the women’s game leading them to runners-up spot last season took the opportunity to further strengthen the coaching set-up bringing in Darren Marjoram let go by Cambridge United WFC despite leading them to another county cup success joined by Cambridge United legend, Liz Pamplin, to lead the club to a memorable campaign.

  Sophie Hopkin with over 100 appearances for the club, only one of two players left from the Great Shelford era, the other Abi Davies returning to the club after a spell at United herself. Evie Nicholls rattling in the goals for Histon out in front as the leagues top goal scorer with 37 goals, have the tightest defence in the league too, conceding just 15 goals a title winning combination for sure, fancy their chances of causing an upset this evening but Cambridge United won’t give up the trophy lightly beating Histon 2-0 last time around to lift the cup. 

  Road to the Final

Byes for both sides in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup, into the 2nd Round, Cambridge United away to Cambridge Rangers WFC from Cambs, Division One, goals from Bella Simmons, Jade Bell, Millie Docking and Lauren Cullum seeing United 4-0 up at the break, Emilia Reinhardt and a 2nd for Cullum in the 2nd half seeing the game won 6-0. Histon away to Cambs Division Three newcomers, Linton Granta Women, a huge gap between the sides, Histon wracking up a double figure score with Evie Nicholls scoring 4 goals, Molly Banks and Sophie Hopkin netting a brace each and goals to for Ella Marden and Hannah Seymour-Shove. Final score 10-0.

 Into the quarter finals, Cambridge United progressing without a ball with opponents Wimblington Ladies plagued by injuries having to pull out. Histon at home taking on fellow Division one North side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, Nicholls again amongst the goals smashing home a hat-trick to see the game won 3-1.

 The semi-finals seeing the 4 strongest sides in the county go toe to toe, Cambridge United away to Cambridge City Women slowly beginning fortunes around after a difficult couple of season’s, Drawing 0-0 until the final quarter hour Mollie Coupar firing United into the lead from the penalty spot, Reinhardt charging down the keeper to add a 2nd then another in stoppage time to secure a 3-0 through to another final. Histon at home taking on Newmarket Town Women also playing in Division one North, a single goal settling this one scored by Abi Davies to send Histon into their 2nd successive final.

 Cambridge City FC’s new stadium in Sawston hosting the Invitation Cup final for the 2nd successive season, the large grass pitch overlooked by an impressive stand with elevated seating, work still on going on the interior but making progress, plenty of food and drink on offer, been good this year haven’t had a cheeseburger yet but the one’s at the ground are too good to resist so indulged myself. The weather pleasant a warm day a bit of power in the sun starting to set behind the main stand creating a shadow across the pitch could pose a few issues.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Isabelle Beeson, Lauren Rouse (C) Beatrice Rogers, Eleanor Townsend, Ellie Curson, Tally Miles, Sammy Edgar, Mollie Coupar, Matilda Thomas O’Keefe & Emilia Reinhardt. Subs – Daisey Jeckell, Katie Hayes, Millie Docking, Hannah Mitchell & Annabel Ferguson.

Cambridge United WFC

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Eloise Page, Abi Davies, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Krueger, Jess McCrae, Molly Banks, Tash Collins, Ella Marden, Sophie Hopkin & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Mollie Childerley, Gabriella Giussani, Sabrina Ghosh, Hannah Seymour-Shove & Summer Taylor.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final will be settled by a penalty shootout.

Captains Laura Leyland and Lauren Rouse pictured with this evenings math referee Jordan Blunt, assisted by Jaroslaw Olczak and Will Fulcher ( Anouskha Williamson the 4th assistant)

A change of ends at the start of the game with Cambridge putting the sun at their backs, Histon to have kick-off, wearing their all blue away strip, Cambridge in wearing amber shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played into Molly Banks in the middle lifts a long ball out to the right wing as Tash Collins races forwards, Isabelle Beeson dealing with it for Cambridge. A large pitch both sides comfortable using the width offered a competitive start a little unsettled both sides into the other Cambridge getting a free-kick for a foul on midfielder Sammy Edgar.

Histon pressing in the final 3rd Sophie Hopkin getting in to close the ball down hoked high up into the box with Ella Marden coming in off the left to attack it, Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb with the comfortable catch. Eloise Page getting in the challenge as Mollie Coupar finds Ellie Curson on the left. Cambridge attempting to get players on quickly mount an attack left Eleanor Townsend linking up with Matilda Thomas O’Keefe, Abi Davies with support from Collins getting the ball out for a throw.

Marden breaking forwards on the left flank for Histon as Hopkin hooks the ball on stretching to get her leg up to deliver the cross on the by-line, the ball is claimed by Webb high at the far post.

Histon pressing well getting bodies up Banks onto Hopkin who is pro active getting after the ball forcing a throw the ball down the line giving attacker Evie Nicholls something to attack her cross blocked by Cambridge captain, Lauren Rouse back off Nicholls for the goal kick. Hopkin coming left on for Nicholls wide cuts inside before delivering a cross into the top of the area, Jess McCrae making the central one not quite able to get to it, Beatrice Rogers clears for Cambridge.

Cambridge defender, Beatrice Rogers

Cambridge break on the left forcing a corner kick, the delivery low into the near post defended knocked back out to the left the corner taker sending the ball back into the box, Histon get it out to the right a blistering shot fired in on the angle from 25 yards, Histon keeper, Keeley Robinson down sharply to he left to parry it away across the six yard by Emilia Reinhardt snatching at the rebound sending the ball narrowly wide of the post.

Histon’s McCrae taking a blow inside the box as Histon sought to clear their lines, holding her nose, needing to come off for better treatment an early change a straight swap with Hannah Seymour-Shove taking her place in midfield. 10 minutes played looks to have settled into an even contest both sides with combative players on the middle the ball hotly contested. Both sides using the wings Cambridge from a throw high on the right wining a corner fired in central attacked turned onto the far post lifted back in across goal, plucked down into her gloves by the rising keeper.

Banks battling for the ball for Histon linking up well with Hopkin to Marden left taking it to the by-line her cross cut back into the top of the six yard box behind Nicholls central, Collins rushing in far side can’t quite get a touch Cambridge getting it out of their box to the right Davies up with Seymour-Shove the strike sent it from the angle races wide past the far post.

Histon’s Ella Marden

Histon getting after the ball Hopkin imposing herself finding Marden again on the left taking the ball to the by-line her cross swerving behind. Cambridge win the ball central Tally Miles to Coupar on for Reinhardt the young attacker getting on the move knocking the ball on moving right, one touch too many however giving Page the opportunity to get hold of the ball turn it forwards for Histon.

Histon’s Eloise Page with Cambridge’s Ellie Curson

Cambridge with a throw on the right helped on into the middle Edgar taking it into her stride shooting from distance a little swerve on the ball Robinson right behind it however with the blocking save at her feet. Collins combining with Hopkin top of the Cambridge are, Beeson getting the challenge in the ball knocked out wide, an angled shot driven it towards goal, Webb with the smart save down well to her left to push the ball to the left, Histon with players up rush to close it down Marden has it from the angle goes for goal 25 yards out her effort looping up and over the keeper but onto the roof of the net.

Miles sending a great ball into the right channel for Curson, Claire Krueger getting back on her shoulder strong to see the ball back to her keeper to clear. Histon captain stepping out to close down Reinhardt before she can get the past out to Thomas O’Keefe to the left, Banks and Edgar two midfielders who like to get stuck in going toe to toe the latter drawing the foul on halfway. Hopkin getting forwards into right channel fed wide the cross lifted up into the near post, Nicholls rising to attack it twisting in the air can’t get enough of the ball her attempt dropping wide.

Webb needing to stay alert her defence pressed back at times Histon attacking right Davies to Collins an angled ball lofted on towards goal the Cambridge keeper grabbing it down on her line.

Seymour-Shove on through the middle to Collins looks to pick out Nicholls ahead of her the pass intercepted by Rogers. Midway through the 1st half shaping up to be a close game Histon looking strong confident, Cambridge with players who can hurt you however get on down the left to win a corner, swung into the near post behind off the keeper for another corner. A dangerous ball in across goal attacked but a foul spotted by the referee Histon have the free-kick.

Robinson out to get down to claim the ball into her body as Coupar coming right with the ball attempts to pick out Curson ahead of her. Histon counter through the middle Hopkin sending Nicholls in behind the centre backs, Webb seeing it racing out to the top of her area to pressure the striker the ball goes beyond her to keeper’s left, Collins trying to win the race to the loose ball, Webb having not gone to ground, able to recover get back to slide onto the ball.

Webb the busier of the two goalkeepers, taking a cross/shot as her near post as Histon attack a throw on the left. Hopkins running in to close the ball down, is loose for Banks to get hold of outside the area drags her shot from range wide. Rouse onto the ball for Cambridge played on for Coupar pulling into the right channel, Krueger closing her down tackling for Histon.

Seymour-Shove putting the ball on for Marden left wing driving to the by-line her cross turned behind by Rouse for the corner. Fired in low to the near post Cambridge don’t clear a little scrappy at the back as Hopkins and Collins she snatched shots blocked, space looks to open up a Nicholls gets hold of it inside the D, but her touch a fraction heavy sees Rogers stabbing it away to safety.

Tash Collins putting the ball on for Histon

Cambridge making a change  with 10 minutes left in the first half, Curson coming off, Annabel Ferguson sent on. Collins right side tees up Banks 25 yards out her strike flashing over the crossbar. Miles putting the ball into Townsend left side her cross inside cut out by Leyland, back with Cambridge on the left the angled shot straight at the keeper. Histon pressing on the right getting a throw, Collins surging on to the by-line, Townsend back to defend conceding the throw in the corner.

Couper seeing the ball into her feet on halfway with a good turn on the ball to release it into space on the left for Thomas O’Keefe to attack, Davies though getting there first to defend for Histon. Cambridge a little disjointed at times, up against an experienced back line who keep a disciplined shape the final ball not finding its mark. Leyland intercepting as Miles attempts to send Reinhardt in behind.

 Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Histon Ladies

 The sides heading back to the changing rooms level at the break, both keepers making saves but on the whole has been a competitive tussle Histon working hard to press the ball get players on feeling the more confident having gone toe to toe with a side playing two leagues above. Will they be able to keep those energy levels up for the 2nd half is the question, Cambridge not as settled disjointed on occasion no less competitive haven’t got the numbers on in the final 3rd as their defence is pushed back. Lively should the scores stay level it’ll be decided on penalties.

The lights starting to take effect as the sun drops low on the horizon, no changes for either side as Cambridge get the 2nd half underway. A long ball into the left wing seen out for an early Histon throw. Townsend linking up with O’Keefe on the left for Cambridge her cross cleared by Leyland. Is a feisty edge to the game, Histon putting themselves about Cambridge frustrated, Nicholls fouling her marker as Collins looks to pick her out with the pass on the right.

Histon striker, Evie Nicholls

Hopkin turns on the ball 25 yards out scooping it forwards for Nicholls, Rogers winning the header for Cambridge. Davies in to close Reinhardt down as the pacy attacker looks to get after the ball fed into the left flank. Robinson comes rushing out to the top of her box to clear the ball, falls invitingly to Thomas O’Keefe 25 yards out her shot just wide of the left post.

Krueger getting in the way to block as strike from Reinhardt top of the Histon area as she steals onto a slack goal kick. The attacker forced wide getting another bite at her her shot low claimed by the keeper. Histon with a free-kick deep on the left up to the top of the area Townsend blocks a shot. Nicholls picking up the first yellow card of the game as it grows more tense. Both sides making a  change on the hour mark, Firstly Thomas O’Keefe is taken off by Cambridge, on comes Katie Hayes. Davies giving way for Histon on comes Gabriella Giussani. Krueger fouled Cambridge presented with a free-kick 30 plus yards from goal. Banks on it, her ball into the box lacking the pace to trouble the keeper.

Cambridge captain, Lauren Rouse

Histon making another change Collins coming off, Sabrina Ghosh entering the action. Nicholls looking to get after the Cambridge back line up with Rogers to try and win the ball as Webb comes out to top of the area, Nicholls seeing a snap shot blocked by Rouse, Ghosh after it as it spins into the box, Webb getting back to grab hold of the ball. The game opening up as the clock moves into the final 20 minutes, Edgar with the pass into Coupar going left, Giussani in to block for Histon. The ball spinning central Reinhardt coming off the worse as she looks to win a 50/50 ball with Leyland.

Cambridge’s Isabelle Beeson

The substitutes looking to add energy to the game getting a little stretched as others tire a couple of Histon players down with cramp. Reinhardt almost steals through central as Coupar cuts the early cross inside from the left, only a good starting position from Robinson denies her a chance to shoot the keeper out to the top of her box to claim first. Townsend tackling to win the ball well as Nicholls looks to link up with Ghosh out on the left.

Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson

Banks over a free-kick out wide on the right angled in across goal no one getting a touch until it passes the far post out for a goal kick. Collins coming back on to replace Marden. The spectre of penalties looming neither side wanting to concede now. Nicholls keeps running at the Cambridge defence driving left Townsend back defending. Leyland winning the ball up the other end for Histon as Miles looks to feed it on through the middle for Couper.

Cambridge midfielder Sammy Edgar with Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

Histon firing a dangerous cross in along the face of the Cambridge goal out for a corner on the left. The ball swung in cleared back out to the left sent back into the middle headed away to the right a high ball struck from the right of the D taken by the keeper. Hopkin coming off for Histon, McCrae back on. Histon getting the ball on right side Ghosh to Nicholls pressing to get into the box left side, seeing the ball drop over her shoulder, Webb stands up well to grab it low before the striker can attack it. 

Mollie Coupar with Histon captain, Laura Leyland

  Into the final quarter hour, Reinhardt with a late tackle on Krueger no foul given. Couper up central pressing the ball out to Hayes left flank down the line for Reinhardt, driving on checks inside to turn into the box moving across the top of the six yard box, strikes the ball rising, Robinson with a great catch taking the ball firmly above her head. Histon starting to tire the game stretched Nicholls still full of running up to but not getting the players up with her. Reinhardt up the other end looking to put herself about get after the ball. Banks picking out Collins on the flank her ball into the near post cut out by Rouse.

  Page coming off for Histon, Mollie Childerley coming on. A heavy tackle late on McCrae central but up on her feet okay. Coupar taking on the ball as it evades Giussani at the back to the left comes back inside to find room for a shot top of the D, Giussani in the way to put in the block. Krueger cutting a threaded ball out at the back for Histon. The clock ticking down a little edgy now, Cambridge with some urgency in their game. Ferguson taken off replaced by Curson. Giussani cutting out a cross-field pass from Miles to the left.

Claire Krueger

  Coupar taking the ball left on for Townsend racing on up the wing her cross close to the by-line turned behind by the rising Leyland, gets a shove in the back from Reinhardt hardly necessary, Leyland landing hard down needing treatment, no action taken. The corner swept long into the area, a foul spotted Histon getting the free-kick this time. Curson for Cambridge sends the ball on for Coupar coming right, Childerley in to close her down. Hayes down off the ball after a late challenge from Banks, play stopped so she can receive treatment a painful blow needs to come off, Millie Docking coming on. 

 Not long left moving into stoppage time Nicholls digging a shot away on the angle from the left, Webb behind it all the way. Nicholls given the ball by Ghosh taking it left to the by-line cutting the cross back in to the area across goal, Collins stretching for it the ball wide past the post. Collins pulling up with cramp, comes off Hopkin returning to the pitch with penalties in mind. Ghosh lobbing the ball forwards Webb out to the top of her area to claim. Miles back to win the ball in defence as Histon press late into the game. The ball away for a throw high on the right seconds left taken quickly a dangerous ball flashed into the six yard box Nicholls attacking it with her head at the back post strikes the upright with the very last touch of the game as the final whistle blows the Invitation Cup final going to penalties.

Full Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 Histon Ladies

 Good chances for both sides in the 2nd half of a hard fought contest but as the clock ticked down penalties looked the more likely outcome Histon working hard all game to keep Cambridge out getting on themselves well the game stretched as players tired a penalty shootout a lottery.

Penalties

  Histon to open the penalty shootout going first, Nicholls stepping up to place the ball on the spot a confident strike low to the keepers left to open the scoring 1-0.

  Edgar up first for Cambridge hit with power rising high into the back of the net before the diving keeper can reach it 1-1.

  Hopkin is up next for Histon a well struck ball high past the keeper before she could react 2-1.

  Miles taking Cambridge’s 2nd penalty, cool sends the keeper the wrong way to strike it in low to the left of goal 2-2.

  Seymour-Shove up next for Histon a low strike racing over the line makes it 3-2.

  The pressure building as Coupar walks up to take Cambridge’s 3rd penalty hit hard powered past the keeper before she can react 3-3.

  McCrae up next for Histon gets lift on her penalty rising creeps in under the bar to make it 4-3.

 Thomas O’Keefe up next for Cambridge runs up and turns in despair as she sends the ball high over the cross bar 4-3.

 Histon can win it with their 5th penalty, up comes captain, Leyland, the centre back putting her foot through the ball buries it to seal the win 5-3.

 Histon Ladies winning on penalties to win this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup and cap a history making season with a double. Working hard from the off to compete with Cambridge taking them all the way to a shootout and emerging victorious. Cambridge gutted no doubt it might feel great to win on penalties but being on the losing side is a tough. Ends a tough season one to forget, a new look squad is being shaped and with a new home to look forward to next season have plenty to look forwards too.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as usual not an easy call although a couple of candidates put themselves to the forefront early on and stayed there, a few performances to mention first. For Cambridge, Mollie Coupar looked to get forwards use the ball with some good balls to try and release teammates, Sammy Edgar strong in the middle looked to give Cambridge some drive, Lauren Webb reading the game her defence pushed back at time took control of the ball. For Histon as they were on Sunday the whole side worked hard to close the ball down got on well and kept the pressure off there defence. Claire Krueger winning her tackles at the back, Hannah Seymour-Shove getting after the ball in the middle. Tash Collins making several good runs on the right and through the middle. Evie Nicholls was a constant threat making runs into the channel, pulling off the defence. Molly Banks with a strong midfield performance getting after the ball pushing Histon on. Narrowly misses out the award going to Sophie Hopkin put herself about early on to close the ball down high link up the attack and keep Histon up the pitch.

Congratulations to Histon Ladies on winning the 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup and for your historic double.

Histon Ladies 2025/26 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

  Another entertaining cup final from Cambridgeshire, a good crowd anticipating a close final on the whole and got one. Good to catch up with so many familiar faces my thanks to those who helped with the team details a quick turn around heading back to Cambridgeshire this evening for the Junior Invitation Final between Soham Town Rangers Ladies and Newmarket Town Women Development at Soham, the pair drawing 3-3 at the weekend in Division One.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Dunstable Town Lionesses Women

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Sunday 26th April

ERWFL Division One North

Heading into Cambridgeshire today for the final day of the ERWFL League campaign, as Histon Ladies champions of Division One North look to make it a 100% winning season with Dunstable Town Lionesses Women the only side left that can stop that from happening.

Would be a wonderful achievement and rarely done to go an entire season not dropping a single point in the league. The ERWFL typically a highly competitive. Premier Division champions Stevenage FC Women the only other side to not loose a league game this season ending with a trip to Norfolk to play 3rd placed Wroxham Women.

21 wins from 21 league games sees Histon 11 points clear at the top of the ERWFL Division One North table, carrying on the momentum built in the previous season with a runners-up finish and county cup final appearance, brought in ex-Cambridge United WFC manager Darren Marjoram along with United stalwart Liz Pamplin as his assistant, haven’t looked back one more win to complete a 100% wining season, and are once again into the county cup final this coming Wednesday once again facing Cambridge United WFC.

In striker, Evie Nicholls, Histon have the league’s top goal-scorer running away with it win 37 goals from her 37 games, with good contributions throughout the squad, Ella Marden, Laura Leyland, Sophie Hopkin and Sabrina Ghosh all bagging 5 goals each. Have had to grind results out at times but as well as being the 2nd highest goal scorers in the league, have by far the meanest defence conceding just the 14 times throughout their 21 games so far, that combination more often than not seeing you at the top of the table.

Dunstable Town Lionesses Women the last side that can prevent that from happening will provide a stern test, the Bedfordshire side, finishing 4th in the Division One North table will be aiming to end on a high. The women’s football scene in Bedfordshire seeing a healthy growth in the past few years, Dunstable more established one on the leading sides in the county playing in the ERWFL have undergone a few changes and recently the squad with a number of young players looking push on fight for promotion back to the ERWFL Premier Division.

A solid 4th placed finish a good platform to build on, Luke Molloy managing the side has a wealth of experience in the women’s game. A strong run in March securing their league place winning 4 out of their 5 matches. Grace-Monet Wille their top scorer netting 11 goals from her 19 appearances. Cerys Rees has 9 for the season with Bailey Plumbridge on 7 scored. The social media brought under one umbrella at Dunstable the women getting good coverage.

 Histon FC’s, Bridge Road Stadium the venue for this afternoon’s game, features a large grass pitch, fairly dry with a puff of dust on the surface with not alot of rain falling recently (can’t complain on that front). Just off the A14 north of Cambridge itself. A bright sunny day with little cloud in the sky pleasantly warm. The bar at the back of the main stand open serving hot and cold drinks. Viewing all round with a covered seated stand running the length of the pitch on the opposite side. The Dunstable players and coaching team forming a guard of honour to welcome champions Histon as they walk out onto the pitch with their mascots from Histon Hornets girls.

Dunstable forming a guard of honour to welcome champions Histon out onto the pitch

Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Gabriella Giussani, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Eloise Page, Molly Banks, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Belle Howard, Sabrina Ghosh, Ella Marden & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Abi Davies, Tash  Collins, Sophie Hopkin, Jess McCrae & Claire Krueger.

Histon Ladies

 Dunstable Town Lionesses Women starting XI – Abbey Pursey Weedon, Amiyah Christie, Hayley Smith, Lola Cook, Emily Foster, Eleanor-Rose Rothwell (C), Megan Molloy, Ellie Sargeant, Kiera-Mae Fitzgerald-Larch, Lexxie Burton & Cerys Rees. Subs – Gemma Darvill & Poppy Surridge.

Dunstable Town Lionesses Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Laura Leyland and Eleanor-Rose Rothwell with today’s match referee, Jordan Blunt

  Kick-off slightly delayed with a crash on route seeing the Dunstable side arriving at the ground later than they would have liked to get their prep in. The visitors with a few absent including leading goal scorer Wille naming just the two on the bench. Histon with 5 available to call upon. It’s Dunstable to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half wearing blue shirts with white across the shoulders and sleeves, blue shorts and socks. Histon lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence, sent long out to the right, Ellie Sargeant, Histon left back Mollie Childerley can see it safely out of play.

  Both sides into each other at the start looking to chase the ball down Dunstable bringing the ball right Amiyah Christie on for Sargeant, won back by Histon captain Laura Leyland bringing the ball right using the width of the pitch to play Gabriella Giussani onto the ball as the full back runs into space ahead of her sending it on for Sabrina Ghosh up the wing to attack the weight a little too strong, Hayley Smith defending against Ghosh able to see the ball out for a goal kick.

  Histon winning the ball back attack on the left Childerley up the line into Ella Marden taking the ball to the by-line her cross cut back into the area, Lola Cook defending for Dunstable heading the ball out for a corner on the left. A dangerous ball curled in a across goal helped on, Smith covering the far post for the visitors blocking the ball on the line, the ball cleared Dunstable attempt to launch a rapid counter the ball up to attacker Cerys Rees on the left is quickly closed down.

Dunstable’s Megan Molloy

  Is a big pitch, Histon used to it confident in their shape keeping their defence well spaced out Megan Molloy on the ball for Dunstable linking up with her captain, Eleanor-Rose Rothwell through the middle the pass up to Rees back to goal looks to spin it on for Lexxie Burton to her left, Eloise Page dropping off in defence as the ball comes into her reading it their to intercept the ball. Rees strong holding up the ball well succeeds in finding Burton this time who in turn sends the ball out onto the right wing for Christie to take on but ball knocked forwards the tackle late referee Jordan Blunt bringing play back for the free-kick. Launched up into the area from inside the Histon half, Childerley heading it clear.

  Leyland putting in the tackle to win the ball at the back for Histon, played out to Giussani on the right plays it forwards into Belle Howard making a run out to the right, Emily Foster tracking her for Dunstable lunging in to send the ball out of play for the throw. Histon settling quicker moving the ball well across the pitch, Giussani getting on well to support Ghosh on the right. Molly Banks putting the ball on for Hannah Seymour-Shove in the middle for Histon the ball hooked forwards, out to Marden attacking left wing, Christie winning it back for Dunstable. 

  Banks playing the ball into Evie Nicholls as the Histon striker looks to burst in behind in the left channel, Cook getting a timely foot onto the ball. The hosts sharp the ball out to Giussani pressed up right side feeds the ball onto into the box with Howard looking to make the run, Rothwell getting on her shoulder strong to see the ball out of play for the goal kick.

Histon’s belle Howard with Dunstable captain, Eleanor-Rose Rothwell

GOAL! An error from the kick seeing the ball presented straight to Ghosh pushed up with play to the top of the D, knocks the ball into the box moving right and cuts her shot back in across the keeper to find the back of the net and open the scoring for the hosts 1-0.

Sabrina Ghosh turning in celebration as she fires Histon into the lead

 The ideal start for Histon getting an early goal as they look to see out a 100% winning season. Sargeant seeing the ball on for Dunstable inside for Rees, looking to pick out Burton, Leyland putting the challenge in at the back for Histon. Histon come left Marden inside to Nicholls seeing the ball into her feet turning inside 25 yards out unleashing the shot, the ball skipping safely through to goalkeeper Abbey Pursey Weedon. Dunstable keen to press the ball disrupt Histon’s build up play, Kiera-Mae Fitzgerald-Larch, adjudged to handle the ball as she goes to charge down Giussani as the visitors look to push on left side. 

  Ghosh causing Dunstable a few issues on the right getting support from Giussani the latter whipping a cross into the top of the D. Marden looking to connect with the header knock it down for Nicholls can’t quite get to it. Fitzgerald-Larch plays a diagonal ball into the top of the area from the left for Dunstable, Rees the target, Childerley in well to close her down for Histon, clearing the ball. Up to Banks turns on the ball sliding it on for Nicholls, Howard pushing on in attack with her the short pass cut out by Foster.

 Giussani pushed up combining with Ghosh on the right for Histon the cross whipped in early, Cook getting her head on the ball drops to Marden inside the box to the left of goal shoots the ball wide past the far post across goal. Histon getting the ball across the pitch stretching play Leyland from the back putting the ball into Ghosh on the right her cross turned behind for the corner kick. Marden to lift a high ball into the box, Leyland attacking it at the back stick driving her header wide. 

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

  Molloy picking out Rees over in the right sends the ball into the middle Rothwell breaking on 25 yards out can’t quite take the ball in her stride as Page gets the tackle in, Histon over on the right Giussani links up with Seymour-Shove her high diagonal ball into the box claimed well by Pursey Weedon. Rothwell winning the ball back for Dunstable in the middle out to Sargeant on the right looking to link up with Burton, Page snapping in for Histon, forcing the visitors back, the deep cross curled into the top of the area collected by Leyland. A bit of power in the sun a drinks break called midway through the 1st half.

Dunstable’s Lexxie Burton

  Dunstable not overly committing players forwards the defence tight deep looking to limit Histon’s threat in behind, Histon settled moving the ball about the pitch probing for a opening the full backs getting on in support well, Nicholls bringing the ball on down the left her cross flashed into the box, Smith in ahead of Ghosh to clear for Dunstable. Cook winning the ball in the box for the visitors playing a good ball up to Burton back to goal, controls it well down off her body to spin of Leyland marking her but again Page has dropped up ready to get her challenge in as the attacker prepares to drive into the box.

Histon defender, Elouise Page

 A throw high on the left for Histon worked into the box towards Howard at the near post. Cook turning it behind for the corner, another inviting ball in over the crowd attacking it near post drops to Leyland central stabs out a shot pulling the ball wide of the far post. Rothwell pushing up as Dunstable press right side combining passes with Sargeant her cross cut out at the near post. Banks picking out Ghosh on the right, bursting forwards, Foster getting over to tackle for Dunstable. 

 Nicholls racing forwards in the left channel looking to get onto the end of and over the top ball from Banks strikes the shot 20 yards out dragging it wide. Rothwell back to defend for Dunstable getting a touch on the ball to turn it behind for the corner as Ghosh gets on well right side. The delivery deep to the top of the area, Nicholls looking to get it down into her feet can’t dig out the shot before being closed down. Giussani bringing the ball on right side playing the diagonal ball into the box, Nicholls getting up to meet it turns her header wide at the far post. 

 Histon keeping the ball moving using the pitch Nicholls pushing on into the left channel, Howard pushing on central in support, Dunstable getting numbers back to squeeze possession inside the box. Fitzgerald-Larch coming left with the ball inside for Rees turn it on for Sargeant right side, play stopped as she ends up fouling Childerley. Histon lively Ghosh right skipping inside, Smith staying on her slowing the winger down but gets support from Giussani and Howard snapping back to regain the ball Howard to Giussani too whip an angled cross into the top of the area, Nicholls bringing the ball down pops up, giving Cook the opportunity to get her foot in to clear.  

Dunstable’s Kiera-Mae Fitzgerald-Larch

 Histon goalkeeper Keeley Robinson alert to the threat as Burton seeing the ball into her feet on the right turns it on for Sargeant surging past her on the wing the keeper out of her area to get the ball clear. The first half moving into stoppage time. Dunstable have been working hard in defence to limit Histon’s opportunities in the final 3rd, Ghosh linking up with Howard over on the right, the ball fed into the box, Nicholls attempting to steal in on it, cleared by Foster. Giussani putting the ball on for Ghosh on the right, Smith lunging in too play the ball out for the throw. Banks with a punt from range as the ball pops back into her skipping off the turf Nicholls can’t quite get a touch as it runs wide, a nick of a Dunstable boot however sees a corner awarded.

Half-time Histon Ladies 1-0 Dunstable Town Lionesses Women

  Sabrina Ghosh’s early goal the difference between the two sides as they head back into the changing rooms for the half-time interval. The hosts moving the ball about the pitch using the space getting players on down the wings. Dunstable working hard at the back to limit space has made it difficult to get players out quickly to support the attackers limit their own opportunities in attack. Histon’s goal coming from an error have had 3 or 4 more good opportunities to extend the lead but have nevertheless looked composed at the back comfortable defending their narrow advantage.

 Changes for both sides at the break, Poppy Surridge and Gemma Darvill on for Dunstable the latter over on the right Fitzgerald-Larch and Burton off seeing a adjustment to the back line. Histon with a triple switch with half an eye on Wednesday’s cup final, Ghosh, Giussani and Seymour-Shove off replaced by Tash Collins, Abi Davies and Jess McCrae. Histon with the kick-off, the ball rolled back to Banks central looks to put it long up to Nicholls, Cook intercepting to clear for the visitors.

 A lively start competitive as both go after the ball Banks drawing the foul, Davies putting the ball on up the line for Collins racing on with the ball her cross collected by Pursey Weedon. Darvill getting stuck in after the ball right side on for Rees turned on for Surridge looking to break in behind challenged by Childerley out for a throw. The Dunstable substitutes making an early impact at the start of the 2nd half Darvill up with Surridge on the right to win a corner kick. An in swinger a firm header from Leyland to clear the ball for the hosts.

 Nicholls chasing the ball down as it’s played into the left flank, Cook tracking back with her as she drives for the by-line sliding in to send the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired in from the left Cook turning it away to the top of the area. a snap shot from 25 yards out blazed over the bar. Molloy into Darvill right side had Surridge ahead of her the diagonal ball into the top of the area looking for Rees, Robinson coming for it getting hold of the ball first. Histon continue to push players on into the wings, Marden left side, Collins on the right her cross turned behind of Christie to win another corner. 

Dunstable’s Amiyah Christie

 The corner delivery cleared by Rothwell, regained by Banks central lifts the ball back into the box looking for Nicholls making a run at the left post. the striker stretching out a leg to try and turn in on goal not quite getting there behind for the goal kick. Histon pressing looking to turn the Dunstable defence Cook tracking back on Nicholls shoulder as she powers on into the box right of goal dives in to put the ball out for a throw, that leads to a corner being won.

  GOAL! The corner curled into the six yard box turned on across the face of goal, Dunstable defending at the far post the ball cleared out of the box to the right, Marden latching onto it clipping a looping ball back in towards goal up over the keeper dipping under the bar beyond her to see Histon double the lead 11 minutes into the 2nd half, 2-0.

Ella Marden doubling Histon’s lead

 Histon making a change then with Childerley having picked up a couple of knocks coming off replaced by Claire Krueger.

 GOAL! Dunstable with a immediate response a goal out of nothing to keep them right in the game, the ball over with Sargeant out wide on the left striking the ball in towards goal over Robinson before she can react to nestle in the back of the net 2-1!

Ellie Sargeant celebrates with her teammates as she pulls a goal back straight away for Dunstable

  Banks into Nicholls up top wriggles clear to break for the box, Foster charging down her strike. Howard seeing the ball into her feet top of the D, shifts it to her left turning into the shot, curling her effort wide of the right post. Histon looking to be spurred on by conceding pressing players on, Davies sending Collins away on the right, Smith with a foot in to turn the ball out of play. Christie cutting the ball out as Nicholls moves to the right to support the advancing Collins. Dunstable with the counter the ball threaded on for Surridge moving into the wing left side, Krueger coming across diving in to put the ball behind for a corner. 

 Histon with another change Howard to player off, Sophie Hopkin on taking up an advanced position. Another drinks break called soon after. The game still close, Histon carrying the threat, Dunstable haven’t let them run away with things. Darvill off the restart wining a throw high on the right, Rees looking to get the cross in from the by-line, pressured the ball off her for a goal kick. Cook enjoying a good battle in defence with Nicholls keeping on her as she breaks into the left channel as Banks sends the pass into her, the tackle coming in the ball away to safety. Hopkin coming on up the right wing taking the ball on form Collins winning a corner kick.

 GOAL! The corner put into the near post defended by Rothwell cleared out into the middle comes to Banks all of 30 yards out not closed down you can see the opportunity to take on the strike and so does Banks putting her foot through the ball hits it sweetly powered in with pace flashing over the keeper to strike the back of the net fire Histon into a 3-1 lead.

A screamer from Molly Banks to put Histon 3-1 up

 Histon restoring their 2 goal cushion with a little over 20 minutes to play, the hosts energised Collins central closing the ball down picks out Marden on the move left side, flashes a cross into the near post, Cook running back with Hopkin, defending. Pursey Weedon moving out to the top of her area to claim the ball well even as Nicholls and Collins bare down on her. 

 More changes for Histon, rotating players, Nicholls and Marden giving way, Giussani and Ghosh back into the action. Rothwell taking the ball on for Dunstable attempts to find Surridge pulling away right side, Krueger quickly into her to turn the ball out for a throw. Histon on the counter attack from the throw the diagonal ball into Collins away on the right her cross into the box intercepted by Foster. Darvill getting back to defend for Dunstable as Ghosh looks to get on down the left.

Dunstable’s Gemma Darvill

 Histon winning a free-kick deep on the right flung up into the box defended by Cook out to the right, Collins getting it back for the hosts pushing on up the line winning a corner kick. The corner cleared comes out to Banks central again, less time this time snatching a the shot clips it up over the bar. Christie sliding in to stop, Ghosh’s cross from the right out off her for a goal-kick.

Tash Collins on the move for Histon

 

 GOAL! Histon keeping players up the pitch, Collins charging down the ball right side cutting it back up to the top of the area right of goal from the by-line, Giussani latching onto it 20 yards out striking the ball in on the angle rising over the keeper, smashes down off the crossbar, down across the line Ghosh in at the far post on the follow up adjusting her body to turn it in from close range, initially awarded the goal but it was confirmed to have crossed the line before the goal given to Giussani 4-1.

Gabriella Giussani’s shot in of the underside of the bar to make it 4-1 to Histon

 Histon building a 3 goal cushion to make thing’s more comfortable with a little over 5 minutes plus stoppages to be added. The hosts looking strong having rotated players, Banks coming off, Seymour-Shove back on in the middle. The game stretched now, Darvill onto a ball over the top knocked on into the box, Robinson across her goal out to the left to get down smother the ball. Histon counter Hopkin right side getting her side another corner. 

 GOAL! Players up from the back for the corner launched into the near post attacked inside the six yard box by Krueger knocked down, blocked by the keeper, players in to attack the ball turned over the line, Page celebrating as she scores her first goal of the season to wrap up the win 5-1.

Eloise Page scores her first goal of the season for Histon

  Molloy off for Dunstable with Fitzgerald-Larch back on the game into stoppage time the visitors with a free-kick inside the Histon half played in from the left over Darvill attacking the right channel taken cleanly by Robinson. Histon on top late on Giussani right putting the ball into the box, Pursey Weedon coming out well to lay claim to it with Collins looking to attack. Robinson up the other end out to the top of her area to make the blocking save as Rothwell steals through the middle. The final whistle blows Histon celebrate as they complete a marvellous season a 100% success in the league 22 wins from 22 to finish 14 points clear at the top of the Division One North table. 

Histon celebrate their 100% league success

Full time Histon Ladies 5-1 Dunstable Town Lionesses Women

 A remarkable achievement form Histon to go all season long without dropping a single point. Got the early lead to settle the nerves in the first half by Dunstable working hard in defence kept that narrow score into the 2nd half. Histon doubling the lead were immediately pegged back to 2-1 but able to ring the changes kept their energy levels up getting players on creating further chances, Banks long range screamer restoring the 2 goal cushion the hosts on top from then on in adding a 4th and 5th goal to win the 3 points. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several strong performances out there and another difficult one to choose, Performances of note firstly for Dunstable, Lola Cook won the ball well at the back, tracked well and didn’t let anyone get away from her. Eleanor-Rose Rothwell, covered the ground getting back to help in defence and tried to get things going up the other end. Substitutes Gemma Darvill and Poppy Sturridge made an impact coming on at the break. For Histon a strong display across the park, Laura Leyland winning the ball at the back using it well. Gabriella Giussani got on well from the back and coming on 2nd half in an advanced position extended the lead, Sabrina Ghosh carried a threat on the right getting on with the ball opening the scoring. Evie Nicholls with some good runs into the channels causing problems. The award going to Molly Banks good positional play throughout won the ball well kept Histon on the front and her goa wasn’t half bad either.

 Histon presented with the ERWFL Division one North trophy and league winners medals after the match. Champions out front from the start 22 wins out of 22, 100% Invincibles many congratulations. 

Histon Ladies 2025/26 ERWFL Division One North Champions

  One more game for Histon on Wednesday at Cambridge City facing Cambridge United for the 2nd successive season in the Invitation Cup final. Another enjoyable contest from the ERWFL, my thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Harpenden Town Women

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

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

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