Monthly Archives: September 2016

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

The 2nd game from the Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog on Sunday comes from the Ridgeons Stadium in Newmarket where Newmarket Town Ladies now play their home games on a brand new state of the art cork based 3G pitch. Were taking on higher league opponents with Norfolk Division One Champions Wymondham Town Ladies looking to progress in the competition enjoy a run like they had last season.

Match Report – Newmarket Town Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

 
 The Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying action continues on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this weekend with a trip down the A11 to the Ridgeons Stadium to watch Newmarket Town Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies.

  Is a match up between two ambitious women’s football clubs looking to grow and progress up the football pyramid, both with large playing squads starting up reserve sides this season.

  This is Newmarket Town Ladies 1st competitive match at their new home the Ridgeons Stadium on Cricket Field Road in Newmarket, home of the men’s side and a stark contrast to the Dullingham Polo Fields where they played previously. The ground has undergone alot of development since the last time I was there, have in place a state of the art cork based 3G pitch. 

  Newmarket Town ladies compete in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership and are looking to push on up the table this season, with their League Cup winning U18s side stepping up to the senior squad this season, plus a few new signings the 1st team is complemented by a new reserve side competing in the Championship South. Started the league season last weekend, Nadine Basson scoring the goal in a 1-0 win away to Netherton United Ladies. A good test for a young squad today playing higher league opposition. 

  Wymondham Town Ladies had a great run in the Women’s FA Cup last season winning through to 4th Round Qualifying beating FAWPL Division One side Cambridge United WFC along the way. Eventually losing to another FAWPL Division One side, Bedford Ladies. Followed their FA Cup adventure on the Blog last season. Wymondham Town Ladies went on to win the Norfolk Women’s Division One title and as Champions of Norfolk have been promoted to the new look ERWFL Division One where they have started well laying 2nd in the table after 4 games played going into the weekend. A league above Newmarket, Wymondham have nearly a month more competitive football under their belts.

  May have been a little premature calling summer over last evening in the cold and drizzle at Bishops Stortford for today was a lovely warm sunny afternoon. Boasting a new state of the art 3G pitch the rest of the ground is coming along nicely to, room for spectators around the whole pitch, has a good sized seated stand beside the clubhouse, with a bar and hot refreshments available. 

The new cork based state of the art 3G pitch at the Ridgeons Stadium

  Newmarket Town Ladies starting XI – Eloise Hope, Yasmin Woodfield, Olivia Orme, Beth Woodfield (C), Kristin Hummel, Abbi Griffin, Jess Linger, Antonia Smith, Joeli Kirby, Abbie Marshall & Nadine Basson.
  subs – Sian Tatum, Molly Agnew, Natalia Evangelou, Dominika Szary & Jodie Woodfield.

  Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Kelly Ayers, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Brooke Cheal-Ferris, Rachel Cossey (C), Amber Cantwell, Kayleigh Holloway, Gemma Sanders, Alice Collins & Laura Wiseman.
  subs – Summer Moore, Hannah Johnson, Lily Ray & Ella Swift.

  It’s Newmarket to get this 2nd Round Qualifying tie underway wearing yellow shirts with blue shoulders and trim, blue shorts with yellow trim and yellow socks with blue and white hoops. Wymondham lined up opposite wearing red shirts, black shorts and red and black hooped socks. The visitors win possession of the ball early played into Kayleigh Holloway down the left wing crosses the ball in curling it towards the near post with Laura Wiseman making the run to get on the end of it gets a touch but not enough to take it past Newmarket goalkeeper, Eloise Hope who claims well covering the angle.

Kristen Hummel tackles, Gemma Sanders for the ball

  On the right inside the Newmarket half Gemma Sanders closes Joeli Kirby down to win the ball and run in behind shooting from 20 yards out sends the ball wide of goal. Newmarket make progress up the right Wymondham’s Brooke Cheal-Ferris closing Antonia Smith down to give the opposition a throw in the ball is played into Olivia Orme who holds the ball up outside the area before laying back into the path of Kristen Hummel central running onto the ball shoots, blasted into the area is blocked by Kelly Ayers for Wymondham.

 Sanders coming forwards again down the wing is tripped a free kick on the right inside the Newmarket half players go forwards as Amber Cantwell stands over the ball, plays it long towards the far post, looks like it might evade everyone then Bethany Fretwell gets a stooping head on the ball, at Hope quickly a yard away does well to get a glove on the ball push it around the post to concede the corner kick. 

  GOAL! The corner delivery from Holloway on the left isn’t dealt with, dropping into the centre of the six yard box lands at Sanders feet, fall backwards she stabs the ball in over the line, scrambling to her feet to run away in celebration 0-1 an early lead for the visitors 7 minutes played.

Gemma Sanders pictured scores the opening goal for Wymondham Town Ladies

  Newmarket carry the ball into the Wymondham half, Kirby left in field to Abbi Griffin sends it out right to Smith the crossfield pass up to Nadine Basson in attack doesn’t get a good connection with the ball as she shoots from the top of the area, the ball runs harmlessly through to Wymondham goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan. 

  Wiseman gets hold of the ball inside the Newmarket half dribbles it on looking wriggle her way through the Newmarket defence, the tackle comes in the ball out for a throw left, played into the advancing Cheal-Ferris she whips an early ball into the box, Newmarket captain, Beth Woodfield kicks it clear out of the area is picked up by Cantwell 25 yards out takes on the shot the ball flying straight into Hope the goalkeeper gloves the ball safely to the floor. Wiseman moves to the right supporting Sanders in attack the pair working the ball on Sanders receiving it from Wiseman cuts the ball back along the top of the Newmarket box Alice Collins shoots as the ball arrives at her feet inside the D drives the ball wide.

Laura Wiseman makes it 0-2 to
Wymondham Town Ladies

  GOAL! Wymondham are causing Newmarket all sorts of problems early on moving the ball well the home side struggling to get any meaningful possession inside their opponents half, the ball is won back by Cantwell ion halfway is a quality pass over the top for Wiseman to chase down, winning the race against the Newmarket defence inside the area to hit a left foot strike across the six yard box and into the bottom corner of the net 0-2. The lead doubled inside the opening 15 minutes.

  Moments later Cantwell comes on with the ball again not closed down pulls the trigger in a central position 20 yards out, Hope makes the save punching the ball over her crossbar. From the resulting corner on the left, Fretwell gets her head on the ball inside the six yard box from Holloway’s delivery pushes the ball wide of the far post. Wymondham keep coming on with the ball Newmarket pushed deep in their own half can’t mount a counter attack.

 GOAL! The clock passes the 20 minute mark and the visitors extend their lead winning a corner on the right, Cheal-Ferris to take the initial ball is dealt with well by Beth Woodfield headed out of the box the ball is retrieved by Fretwell played back out to Cheal-Ferris as players try to get out of the area the ball is lifted in towards the far post, might be dropping in as Hope tries to get across to deal, Sanders rushing in nods the ball over the line to make sure, doesn’t get up quite so quickly to celebrate this time as she got as much of the post as she did the ball 0-3. 

  Cantwell brings the ball on over halfway tries to thread the pass through for Wiseman in the middle again, Hummel makes a vital interception at the back to win the ball for Newmarket outside her area. Hope produces another fantastic save to deny Cheal-Ferris as the defender bringing the ball on shoots from the left angling the ball in near post heading for the top corner Hope tips it over her crossbar. More good defending from Newmarket, Orme this time up against Sanders as the ball is sent into the area from Holloway on the left gets in front of Sanders to shield the ball and clear, possession regained by Wymondham’s captain Rachel Cossey she shoots from distance but straight down Hope’s throat.

Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey wins the battle for the header with Newmarket’s, Abbie Marshall

  A rare attack 1st half for Newmarket, Griffin plays the ball up to Basson central holding off her marker releases Smith in the wing attempts the through ball into the box with Abbie Marshall making to run, Ayers inside the box gets there 1st for Wymondham to clear. Ayers forwards to take a throw on the right puts the ball into Wiseman moving to the byline, turning hooks the ball high into the air, a dangerous bounce at the far post Collins ready to turn it in, Hummel gets her boot under it 1st to launch away from danger.

Newmarket Town Ladies, Antonia Smith

  Wymondham having time at the back on the ball work it forwards well players moving into space to receive, Ayers plays the pass inside to Cossey sends the ball on for Wiseman on the shoulder of the Newmarket defence a race for the ball into the area again this time the left foot strike is screwed wide across the face of goal. Wymondham attack down the left side the ball is lifted high in towards the top of the box inside the D, Sanders tries to get to the dropping ball under challenge makes contact more of a deflection than a shot nevertheless the ball loops back up towards goal, Hope on her goal line keeps her eye on it, drops onto the top of the crossbar bounces twice before rolling back onto the roof of the net.

  The ball is won back by Wymondham in midfield played up into the box with Wiseman on the move left, wants the ball to drop over her shoulder then strike it, Hope comes to close the attacker down, does enough to put Wiseman of as she scoops the ball up over the goal beyond. From a corner kick played in by Cheal-Ferris on the right, Fretwell with another stooping header gets under the ball pushes it up over the bar inside the six yard box. Sanders catches Hope accidentally late in the 1st half inside the box as she tries to get in around Woodfield shielding the ball, Hope calls comes sliding in just as Sanders throws a leg around the defender catches the goalkeeper on the ground right of goal, a painful collision but the Newmarket goalkeeper is okay.
   

Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-3 Wymondham Town Ladies

 A dominant 1st half display from Wymondham sees them in control of the tie leading 3-0 keeping better possession of the ball and using the width well, have Newmarket penned back in their own half with Basson isolated on halfway unable to get involved in the game at all to influence things up top. A lot to do at half-time if they are to find any response in the 2nd half.
  A double switch for Newmarket at the start of the 2nd half the wide players Kirby and Smith off with Molly Agnew and Natalia Evangelou coming on. Positional changes too, Evangelou going to right back see’s Yasmin Woodfield move inside to centre back, Hummel into midfield with Griffin wide right, Agnew wide left. Evangelou is called into action straight away as Wymondham kick off the 2nd half play the ball to Holloway on the left wing driving forwards, the substitute tackling to put the ball out for a throw in. 
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin
  Straight away Agnew makes an impact on the left for Newmarket driving down the wing cutting inside to evade a tackle curls a cross into the box along the six yard line no one there to turn it goalwards. Wymondham press up the left Cantwell out to Holloway up the wing cuts the ball back to Collins at the top if the area the ball is deflected through to the far post area, Sanders chasing in sees the ball saved by Hope at close range.
 GOAL! 3 minutes into the 2nd half and Newmarket pull a goal back. Jess Linger gets the ball into Hummel takes on the shot 25 yards out puts it straight into O’Callaghan’s gloves the keeper kicks the ball out of her area up field, Hummel’s wins the challenge for the ball, sends a great ball through the middle for Basson where she’s most effective in the opponents box, the defence turned Basson gets to the ball 1st sliding onto it to propel it on past the diving keeper into the back of the net 1-3.
 
  Sanders running up the right wing with the ball sends the cross along the top of the area looking for Holloway coming inside from the left, Hope coming out to intercept the ball takes it away from the winger, the ball races in quickly to Wiseman inside the D can’t get it under her control before both Woodfield’s close her down.
  GOAL! Newmarket’s joy at pulling a goal back at the start of the 2nd half lasts barely 5 minutes as Wymondham open it back up to 3 goals. Holloway is on the ball allowed to travel along way with it turns inside before firing in a shot from outside the area the ball sailing through the air across the goal to nestle over the line off the far side netting 1-4.
 
Wymondham Town Ladies, Kayleigh Holloway
  GOAL! 3 minutes later Wymondham go further ahead, are awarded a free-kick on the right halfway inside the Newmarket half. Cantwell on the ball plays a great delivery up towards the near post, Fretwell has had a few chances to bag a goal, gets one to her name as she connects with the ball sliding it under Hope as she dives in vain to stop it crossing the line. 1-5.
 
Bethany Fretwell with the goal to make it 5 for Wymondham Town Ladies
 Two changes for Wymondham both on the right side bringing of both Ayers and Sanders, Lily Ray and Ella Swift. Wiseman strong as she receives the ball inside the D spins away to her left before reversing the shot across the face of goal just wide at the far post. Ray moving with the ball up the right sends a shot flashing over the bar from the angle. 
 Up the other end Newmarket are pushing on more, Agnew left and Griffin right running at the Wymondham defence with Hummel up the pitch to, passes the ball into the right channel, Basson gets after the ball tries to take it on around Fretwell  the centre back gets back well to time her tackle and regain possession. Wymondham make their 3rd change Cantwell comes off, with Summer Moore coming on into the centre of midfield. 
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbie Marshall
  Agnew ball at her feet drives forwards an inside run from the left fires the ball into Marshall inside the D, Newcombe squeezes the ball taking it away from the attacker, Basson to the left latches onto the loose ball outside the area her 1st time strike swerves away from the goal wide. Hummel plays the ball long into the box for Basson to give chase, pressures the defence enough to win Newmarket their 1st corner of the game. Swung into the six yard box from the right the ball drops into the six yard box, Hummel lunging for it doesn’t make any meaningful contact Wymondham see it cleared up field. Newmarket bring on Sian Tatum for Hummel with around 15 minutes left to play.
  Basson has picked up a knock from the corner is struggling a bit as the ball is won back by her defence played long up to her, 20 yards out Newcombe comes in to close her down, manages to get the ball in towards goal lacks any pace O’Callaghan scoops it up into her gloves. Marshall makes a good run with the ball in the middle for Newmarket has Tatum moving into the box to her right tries to play her in Fretwell closes her down puts the ball out for a throw on the right. 
Nadine Basson with Wymondham’s Ella Swift
 GOAL! Into the last 10 minutes of the tie, Newmarket with the throw on the right push players on is played up to Tatum top corner of the area not a clean take but helps the ball on towards the top of the area inside the D, Marshall latches onto the ball shoots the ball blocked from 2 yards comes straight back to her takes it on into the area turns to her right Tatum is there instead she back heel the ball straight into Basson behind needing no invitation Basson shoots sends the ball into the bottom corner past the diving O’Callaghan 2-5.
 
 GOAL! No sooner were Newmarket celebrating a well worked goal then they are hit on the counter attack up the other end Wymondham from the restart getting the ball up field is fired in from the wing taking a deflection runs on to Collins outside the area opens up her body and turns the ball in towards goal into the top corner 2-6.
 
  Into the last 5 minutes both sides a still looking for a goal, Wiseman still has the legs to carry the ball up the right wing before unleashing a shot sending the ball behind for a goal kick near post. Cossey and Moore in the middle combine to win the ball back a spot of head tennis before pushing it on for Wiseman central, strength on the ball to push her way through the middle before shooting sending the ball over the bar. 
 GOAL! The 90 minutes are virtually up the game stretched late on Newmarket having lost possession in their opponents half, Holloway plays the pass up to Wiseman takes the ball down into the box left of goal pulls the trigger sending the shot across the six yard box and in to make it 2-7.
 
   One last attack for Newmarket in injury time, Griffin with the energy to bring the ball on down the right wing  swings the ball into the area with Tatum inside running near post, Newcombe gets across her path and brings the ball out of the area. The final whistle blows and Wymondham advance to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup.
Full-time Newmarket Town Ladies 2-7 Wymondham Town Ladies

 A strong performance from the visitors played well dominating possession early and having the lead to show for it. Newmarket rallied early 2nd half the changes having an impact, took their 2 goals well. Just didn’t keep it at 3-1 long enough in the 2nd half Wymondham hammering home their advantage with 2 more quick goals. Scoring 7 goals have a feeling not too many will want to be drawn against them in the next round. 
  Good to see both sides in action, thanks to both clubs for their help today, had great entertainment in my 1st 2 Women’s FA Cup games this season looking forwards to the next round. The draw if it follows form should be on Monday.

*Updated* The draw for 3rd Round Qualifying has been made and it will be a repeat of last seasons tie with Wymondham Town Ladies, travelling to play Cambridge United WFC this time around, both sides have strengthened since that game. The tie is scheduled to be played Sunday 9th October.

Match Report – Bishops Stortford Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

A Women’s FA Cup double on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this weekend 2 ties from 2nd Round Qualifying with the 1st of 80 ties being played on Saturday night. A special occasion for Bishops Stortford Ladies playing at the men’s club, ProKit (UK) Stadium. Their opponents for the tie Bungay Town Ladies. Match report below.

Match Report – Bishops Stortford Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies

 
  Football from the Women’s FA Cup on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog, some 80 ties drawn for 2nd Round Qualifying of this season’s competition with a total of 254 clubs being accepted in total to compete. This weekends action get’s started on Saturday an evening kick-off for Bishops Stortford Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies, the venue for the tie, Bishops Stortford Community FC’s, ProKit (UK) Stadium.

  Bishops Stortford Ladies are new entrants to the Women’s FA Cup this season which sees an increased prize fund for all rounds this year, still a pale drop in the ocean but progress nevertheless £450 for the winning side and of course the ultimate prize is a final at Wembley Stadium. Compete in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One having been promoted rapidly through the 3 divisions since the current set-up was formed 5 years ago. Finished 4th in the league last season. Have a strong youth set-up with teams from U12 through to U18 competing several of their starting line-up tonight having been with the club all the way through the youth sides.

  An exciting opportunity for the ladies side to play at the men’s ProKit (UK) Stadium, Bishops Stortford Community FC compete in the Conference South. The season has barely started in the Beds & Herts Women’s League and Bishops Stortford Ladies didn’t play in the opening round of fixtures tonight’s Women’s FA Cup tie being their 1st competitive game of the season. 

  Bungay Town Ladies are the visitors today this their 3rd year in the Women’s FA Cup after a 2 season absence are looking for advance in the competition for the 1st time. Competing in Norfolk Women’s Division One an established side in the league played their 1st league game of the season last weekend. With strong support form the men’s club that run a number of youth teams for both boys and girls. 

  From a personal point of view running Women’s Football East, I’m always intrigued to see how the various leagues across the region match up and the Women’s FA Cup provides a great opportunity to see sides comes together in competition. The FA Cup whether it’s the men’s or women’s game captures the imagination players and fans alike.

  Bishops Stortford Community FC’s ProKit (UK) Stadium is just off the M11 behind the Birchanger Motorway Services a regular stop off for myself on the way home from London after a women’s football game to write up a match report. The stadium is at the end of an industrial estate on the way into Bishops Stortford itself. A large carpark the stadium boasts great facilities a large bar and clubhouse, refreshment booths for hot food and drink a good sized main stand overlooking the dugouts. a smaller seated stand far side. A quality playing surface nice and flat, plenty of grass cover both sides looking forwards to playing on it. Well summer has come to an end had to happen sometime had a long run the heavy rain on Friday bringing in an autumn feel to the evening cool with a misty drizzle blowing across the pitch as the two sides walked out of the tunnel. 

  Bishops Stortford Ladies starting XI – Sophie Parslow, Sophie Cook, Louise Crocker, Natasha Atkinson, Chloe Haken (C), Megan Kenny, Jess Croney, Yasmin Smith, Samantha Tant, Brogan McHale & Kathryn Stanley.
  subs – Jess Mace, Andreia Messias, Lauren Maynard, Natasha Coppin & Ashley Johnston

  Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Ruth Smart, Kelly Collins (C), Lois Nethersell-Webb, Charlotte Power, Annie Piper, Ella Hindley, Inna Marx, Rebecca Carver, Lauren Purling, Emily Leach & Lacey Andrews.
  subs – Emily Coe, Sian Carter, Megan Vincent, Nicola Hazel & Jordan Duke.

  Two sides who are used to playing roll on roll of substitutes in their respective county leagues the rules change in the Women’s FA Cup, 5 substitutes can be named on the bench of which only 3 can be used. Bishops Stortford to get this 2nd Round Qualifying tie underway taking kick-off 1st half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks with Bungay lined up opposite wearing sky blue shirts, black shorts and socks. 

*Team captains Kelly Collins & Chloe Haken with tonight’s officials

    An early ball from midfielder Megan Kenny for Bishops Stortford out to Yasmin Smith attacking down the left wing looks to knock the ball on down the line, Bungay captain, Kelly Collins at right back gets across her to make the tackle put the ball out for a throw. Winning the ball back in their own half Bungay play the ball long up to striker Lacey Andrews on half way spins away to the right same result as Lauren Crocker puts the tackle in conceding the throw, taken quickly Bungay’s Lauren Purling takes the ball down the the wing before whipping a high cross into the Bishops Stortford six yard box, goalkeeper Sophie Parslow palms the ball down cleanly the sets up a quick counter kicking the ball long out of her area helped in in the middle striker Brogan McHale latches onto the ball driving forwards shoots early from outside the box, Bungay goalkeeper, Ruth Smart gathers the shot.

  A spell of possession on the right inside the Bungay half for Bishops Stortford brings them the 1st corner of the match. The ball is lifted high in towards the near post, helped on falls to captain Sophie Haken waiting far post looks to hit the ball back across the goal face, her shot blocked the rebound runs to Crocker top of the area she shoots same result, Bungay block. Samantha Tant receives the ball on the right wing drives towards the top of the area before spinning wide again to avoid a tackle down the line wins a corner. A strong punch from Smart this time coming through bodies at the near post to clear for Bungay.

   Bishops Stortford doing well early on, have a free kick on half way, Smith over the ball sends it up towards the Bungay box, Inna Marx heads the ball away for Bungay, Smith with another opportunity to swing the ball into the area comes in high, McHale tries to bring it under control, before she can is closed down by the visitors defence. Breaking up the left side Rebecca Carver sends the ball on down the wig for Andrews strong running to get into the area with the ball slips on the slick surface as she goes to shoot.

  The game is starting to even out a little more, Bungay finding room for their midfielders, Marx and Ella Hindley to get on the ball spread the play with Andrews moving all the way across the back line, Marx sending her away on the left, Natasha Atkinson gets back to pressure her run, Purling coming across to the near post to support the corner is conceded. Bungay have two opportunities to play the ball into the area from the corner the 1st cleared for a 2nd corner, this one drops amongst the bodies congregating near post the ball is turned wide of the post, a goal kick is awarded.

 GOAL! The visitors take the lead on the 20th minute. Purling running with the ball down the right wing plays the ball into Andrews inside the box right of goal brings the ball down, quickly closed down to way to turn and release a shot instead plays the ball across the area with Carver free just outside the area, hits a low strike with pace towards goal zipping along the wet surface, Parslow sees it late her dive in vain as the ball rolls in at the near post 0-1.

*Rebecca Carver with the opening goal for Bungay Town Ladies



  Corner for Bishops Stortford soon after the restart the ball is played up towards the face of the box too high for Crocker, Atkinson beyond her can’t control, but manages to help it on for Haken stretching for the ball sends a high ball wide across the face of goal. End to end no sooner has Purling reaching the byline on the right for Bungay put her cross behind goal then then the home side break, Kathryn Stanley getting hold of the ball and passing it out to the left with Smith looking to get in behind, Bungay’s Charlotte Power getting across to play the ball out for the throw. 

  Power in the middle at centre back is on hand twice in quick succession as Stanley coming a little deeper to receive the ball tries to put McHale in through the middle, Power intercepting on both occasions. It’s Power’s centre back partner, Annie Piper who gets across to deal with Stanley then as she picks up the ball from Jess Croney and turning drives into the box on the left. Bungay pushing towards the Bishops Stortford box lose the ball Atkinson clearing it along way up field, Smith after it gets away down the left into the box hits the ball hard across the six yard box, her cross/shot going wide McHale racing in far post unable to turn it home. McHale with a shot from 25 yards out in a central position the ball played through the middle from a goal kick, turns and unleashes the shot the ball screws away from goal. 

*Bungay Town Ladies, Charlotte Power

  Marx over a free kick wide on the right for Bungay plays it up towards the box headed clear, Hindley wins it back passes to Purling on the right sends her cross high into the area far post Andrews hooks it back into the middle, Emily leach back to goal looks to bring the ball down, Sophie Cook closes her down, tackling to send the ball clear of the box. Croney plays the ball up to Stanley putting her clear on the left, charging towards the box checks her run coming inside to shoot, looks to curl the ball into the top corner, not enough height on the ball is taken cleanly by Smart.

  Both sides using the full width of the pitch enjoying to slick surface the ball moving from one end to the other, McHale has been back helping her defence, breaks forwards now a burst of pace seeing her get ahead of the Bungay defence lets fly from outside the box the ball runs wide of goal. Bungay get up the other end see a goal chalked off for offside, Lois Nethersell-Webb playing it on up the left for Carver the ball whipped in across the six yard box is turned in won’t count. 

  Marx is over another Bungay free kick inside the Bishops Stortford half plays the ball in from the right, cleared from the area, Hindley rolls it back to Marx tries again plays the ball towards the far post area, Leach is their headers the ball but can’t direct it on target. Bishops Stortford attack down the right as the 1st half draws to a close , McHale and Tant link up the latter tries to play Stanley through into the box, Power cuts out the pass her clearance going to Cook, sends a diagonal ball into the area with Smith looking to get in behind everyone, Smart is able to claim it before she can reach it.

Half-time Bishops Stortford Ladies 0-1 Bungay Town Ladies

  A narrow advantage to Bungay at the break, has been a fast paced 1st half both sides working the ball up the wings using the whole pitch with neither overly testing the opponents goal. A lot of energy has been put in the 1st 45 minutes. One goal in it still all to play for 2nd half. No chances at the start of the 2nd half Bungay to kick-off.
 Early opportunity for Andrews to have a strike on goal, the ball played into her in a central position from the right, given time to turn hits the strike from 30 yards out runs wide across the area. Parslow reacts sharply inside her box with Bungay pressing on the right Purling lifts the ball up into the area, Andrews after it the keeper drops to smother the ball right side of her. Bungay win a corner on the right, goes long to Andrews drives the ball in towards goal is cleared back out to Marx puts the ball back in to the near post comes to Leach catches her a little flat footed prods the ball wide.

*Lacey Andrews attacking for Bungay Town Ladies

   Bungay applying alot of pressure at the start of the 2nd half are camped in the Bishops Stortford half on the right have a throw the ball with Marx passes to Andrews outside the area to the right of goal, unleashes a shot blasts the ball wide. Purling takes the ball down the right, cutting it back inside, Andrews that side inside the box misses her kick the ball runs on through to Carver left of the D outside the box this time her shot fizzed in low is the wrong side of the post. 

  Carver receiving the ball from Nethersell-Webb carries it down the left before squaring across the top of the area looking to pick out Andrews, the Bishops Stortford defence cut it out the clearance rolls straight into Leach 25 yards out central shifts the ball then shoots the ball going a foot over the crossbar. A chance to relief the pressure for Bishops Stortford as they have a free kick on half-way, Croney to put the ball up towards the area, Piper heads clear, the ball is sent on up to Andrews through the middle goes on her own lets fly from 25 yards out the shot racing wide past the right post.
  Andrews is proving a real handful for the Bishops Stortford defence to deal with moving all over the place to receive the ball, tries to take the ball on down the left, Atkinson gets across tackles well to regain the ball then is fouled by Andrews as she goes to clear it. Hesitation at the back presents a chance for McHale as she robs Marx of the ball attempting a shot pass to Nethersell-Webb getting in behind the defense into the box right flashes her shot wide across the six yard box. 
  Picking up the ball in the middle, Stanley with a clever twist, looks to have gotten away from Power at the back charging towards the box through the middle, Smart comes to close her down, Power recovers well to lunge in and push the ball way from the striker with her right boot playing it behind for corner. From the right 2 corners are put behind by Bungay at the near post the 3rd one going long runs to McHale top of the area, the ball is taken off her toe just as she goes to hit the shot.
  Tant gives Stanley the ball on the left inside the Bungay half, the Bishops Stortford attacker taking on the Bungay defence drives inside in towards the D runs it on to McHale as she is closed down, under challenge McHale squeezes a shot away the ball is blocked the rebound back with McHale, lifts the ball up across the area towards Tant at the far post six yards out headers the ball over the bar. Bishops Stortford make their 1st change Ashley Johnston coming on for Cook.
  GOAL! Bungay hit Bishops Stortford on the counter attack the ball played long towards Andrews moving into the box from the right, Parslow comes rushing out towards the attacker, Andrews goes wide then sends her shot in low across the advancing keeper and into the back of the net 0-2.
 
Lacey Andrews
 
 
  Andrews with another opportunity to attack a forwards pass as Marx and Carver link up the ball up the left Andrews closed down as she reaches the top of the area gets a shot away with the outside of her boot gets the shot on target, Parslow palms it down and gathers in the centre of her goal. Marx tackles to win the ball in the middle stabs it forwards into Leach holds it up well central to goal, turns and squeezes a shot away, Parslow throws herself to her left, the ball runs narrowly wide. 
  Crocker gets forwards from the back for Bishops Stortford plays the ball long into the box left side with Tant making the run hits her on the back, dropping down into the area, Tant goes after it inside, her shot charged down as Nethersell-Webb comes across quickly to block. Natasha Coppin comes on for Bishops Stortford replacing Kenny. The substitute given the ball wide left in attack whips a cross in towards the near post, Stanley can’t bring it down under control before Piper tackles to win possession back for Bungay. Not long after piper indicates she needs to be subbed, Bungay send on Sian Carter. 
Kathryn Stanley

 GOAL! Into the last 10 minutes and Bishops Stortford set up a tense finish to this Women’s FA Cup tie as they pull a goal back. Croney with the ball in the middle passes to Stanley ahead of her has the legs to beat Nethersell-Webb racing towards the edge of the area shots sending the ball up and over the keeper into the back of the net 1-2.


  The goal has lifted Bishops Stortford they press on the left, force Bungay back the visitors pull everyone back to defend their advantage with less than 5 minutes left.

 GOAL! The visitors relieve the pressure get the ball out into the centre then send it long into the left for Andrews to chase, Haken goes with her tries to marshal the ball out for the goal kick, Andrews gets round her getting her toe on the ball back up the line fires the ball in towards the top of the area, Leach is there picks up the ball strong as she drives into the area, 3 defenders ahead of her blasts a shot in deflects to the left rolling favourably for Andrews coming inside, opens up her body to curl the ball in towards goal looping over the keeper and in 1-3.

 Not much time left in the game Bishops Stortford press forwards win a corner on the right, played long to Crocker outside the box can’t keep her long range shot down. Andrews after a hat-trick spins and hits a shot central 20 yards out, Crocker blocks it at the back the ball spinning away for the corner. Played in high at the near post Leach rises her glancing header sends the ball on, Johnston gets her head on it behind plays the ball to her goalkeeper. No more time left the referee blows the final whistle and Bungay Town Ladies celebrate the win.
Full-time Bishops Stortford Ladies 1-3 Bungay Town Ladies

  An entertaining Women’s FA Cup tie watched by a decent sized crowd of around 150. Saw a fast paced game both sides enjoying the playing surface. An even 1st half Bungay edging it came out the stronger 2nd half stretching Bishops Stortford, Andrews up top moving all across the back line hard to mark a constant outlet for Bungay. The home side pulling it back to 2-1 late on setting up a tense finish before Bungay restored their 2 goal cushion, the magic of the cup. 
  My thanks to everyone at Bishops Stortford Football Club for their help today hopefully the ladies will get to play more games there in the future. Thanks to Graham Purling to for helping me with Bungay’s squad details. Best of luck Bungay Town Ladies in the next round.

*additional photo’s courtesy of Ashleigh from Bungay Town Ladies.

*Update* The draw for 3rd Round Qualifying has now been made and Bungay Town Ladies will be at home to Acle United Ladies. The game scheduled to be played Sunday 9th October.

Match Report – Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies v Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

For the 2nd successive Friday it was a journey down to Basildon’s John Hornby School to watch a game under the lights in the ERWFL Division One. Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies playing again the home side this time. The visitors Ipswich Wanderers Ladies, both with identical records after 3 games played a win, a draw and a loss. Both could climb up to 3rd in the table with a win. The report from the SWF Blog below.

Match Report – Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies v Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

 
 For the 2nd successive Friday a trip south down to the John Hornby School in Basildon to watch another ERWFL Division One match under the lights, Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies the host side this time around playing Ipswich Wanderers Ladies.

  Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies were impressive last Friday against Hutton Ladies beating them 4-1 to win their 1st 3 points of the season building on a draw in their opening league match. Came unstuck just 2 day later away to Offley & Stopsley Ladies losing 5-1 currently in 7th spot in the table.

  Just a place above them are tonight’s opponents, Ipswich Wanderers Ladies with the exact same record after 3 matches played having started with a win then drawing with Offley & Stopsley losing narrowly 3-2 to Silver End United Ladies last Sunday, in 6th spot in the table with 4 points like Little Thurrock Dynamos a win for either would lift them up to 3rd spot in the table.

   Has been a thoroughly wet day across the whole eastern region heavy rain and so was the case as I was leaving Norfolk, it was forecast to clear away by the evening and the further south I travelled the brighter the skies became with the rain having gone before the game started. Played on the large 3G pitch at John Hornby School in Basildon.
  
    Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies starting XI – Atlanta Fuwa, Courtney Fraser, Elle King, Taylor Parrish (C), Danielle Styles, Kerri Thomas, Taylor Adcock, Libby Clarke, Elouise Ives, Georgia Fraser & Sophie Dowman.
  subs – Rhianne Holmes, Sophie Darkins, Patrizia Leo, Robyn Mudd & Katy Judd. 

   Ipswich Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Danielle Lynch, Jessica Taylor-Allum, Kirby King, Leanne Derbyshire, Claire Turnbull, Kimberly Rex, Sophie Crane, Kristie Turner, Kathryn Parnell, Michelle Taylor-Allum & Tarnya McKew (C)
   subs –

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  No substitutes for Ipswich Wanderers, travelling with just the bare 11. Are looking to sign a new goalkeeper but as yet haven’t filled the position. Manager, Danielle Lynch usually a centre back dons the keepers gloves tonight returning to football 10 weeks after having a baby. Little Thurrock have a full substitutes bench a large squad at their disposal, captain, Abbie Simmonds unavailable tonight, Taylor Parrish with the captains armband.
Ipswich to kick-off the 1st half wearing an all blue kit with white shirt sleeves, Little Thurrock wearing black and green shirts, black shorts and socks. Ipswich send the ball long down the right wing win an early corner kick, Tarnya McKew, Ipswich’s captain to play the ball into the area whipped in across the six yard box evades everyone near post bouncing in the middle of goal comes through to Michelle Taylor-Allum far post three yards out gets her foot over the ball blasts it goalwards is blocked by Elle King covering the post then cleared.
  Up the other end Little Thurrock get a free-kick inside the D as Lynch handles the ball outside her area. King and Georgia Fraser over the ball, King pushes it forwards into the box for Fraser, lifts a shot in looking for the top corner, won’t come down quick, goes over for a goal kick. Know from watching the match last Friday the ball will zip off the surface run through to the keeper, does just that as Ipswich break looking to provide the ball for McKew coming through the middle to run on to runs into the box for Little Thurrock goalkeeper, Atlanta Fuwa to gather before she can reach it.
  Taylor Adcock brings the ball up the field for Little Thurrock, passes it wide right for Elouise Ives who has space to run into fires a cross into the box looking to pick out Sophie Dowman, Jessica Taylor-Allum gets in front of her to clear for a throw on the right. Ives finds space to run into again on the right getting up the pitch sees her cross/shot end up behind at the near post from outside the box. 
  GOAL! The visitors take the lead with 10 minutes played the build up on the right of the pitch winning a throw the ball is worked in field before being swept on the diagonal into the box for McKew near side to bring down, her 1st touch wrong foots her marker flicks the ball inside and turning right strikes the falling ball into the back of the net 0-1.
 
  Kristie Turner bringing the ball into the Little Thurrock half has Kathryn Parnell to her left, receiving the ball rolls it inside to Taylor-Allum then burst forwards looking for the return ball down the left into the box, goes after it, King gets back to clear the ball for Little Thurrock. Counter attack the ball played into Adcock central switches play out to the right for Ives moving forwards a couple of yards squares the ball back central outside the box for Adcock who lifts it up into the area, Dowman right side of goal tries to control with her head bring the ball down falls to Fraser to her left, stretching to reach it pushes the ball wide of goal.
  Little Thurrock press the ball well in the middle Kerri Thomas with Adcock the ball played on with Dowman latching onto it racing for the box inside the D under challenge still manages to get a shot away squeezing the ball towards goal, Lynch gets across to cover the post can see in run wide. Libby Clarke plays the ball in towards the top of the box from the left side as Little Thurrock enjoy a spell of possession in Ipswich’s final 3rd, the ball drops for Dowman inside the box headers it down back out with Thomas charging forwards meets it on the volley sends the shot over the crossbar.
   Clarke with a good switch of pace on the left brings the ball up towards the top of the area crosses inside for Georgia Fraser her 1st time strike is blocked by Leanne Derbyshire. Little Thurrock go on to win their 1st corner of the match on the left an inswinging delivery a glancing header off an Ipswich defender at the near post takes it across the goal face and away from danger. Courtney Fraser is allowed to bring the ball forwards from left back into the Ipswich half for Little Thurrock, plays the ball on down the left channel, Georgia Fraser is interested breaking away from the visitors defence the ball just skipping through into Lynch’s gloves before she can latch on to it. 
   McKew is strong and looking to get in behind the Little Thurrock defence as the ball is played forwards through the middle, Taylor Parrish doesn’t get drawn too close giving herself the space needed to get to the ball 1st whenever Ipswich look to turn the defence with the ball through the middle. Little Thurrock make a double change Ives and Styles the players off, Patrizia Leo and Rhianne Holmes making her debut coming on. Adcock passes the ball left to Courtney Fraser as she comes forwards again into the Ipswich half decides to have a crack at goal a long way out, gets plenty of power behind the ball it flashes wide across the goal. 
 Georgia Fraser brings the ball inside from the left lets fly with the shot 25 yards out, one bounce inside the six yard box drifts wide of the post. Thomas wins a 50/50 ball before passing it forwards into Fraser, she switches play out to the right with Leo inside. Bringing the ball inside travels into the box evading a challenge before hitting the ball with her left for in towards goal, Lynch makes a reactive save with her legs the ball deflected away from goal. Change for Little Thurrock, Styles back on replacing Thomas in midfield. A swift counter attack from Ipswich, Kimberly Rex on for Michelle Taylor-Allum running with the ball takes on the early strike, flies in towards goal dips late not enough to bring it down under the crossbar. 
  Parnell plays the ball up through the middle as Ipswich break forwards with purpose looking to pitch out McKew, Holmes back pedalling gets her foot on the ball 1st is unlucky as her clearance catches McKew on the side of the head the deflection taking it into the area, left of goal McKew gets control of it with Parnell bursting up the pitch is brought down by Leo right on the edge of the area. Left side McKew to take manages to lift it over the Little Thurrock wall as it jumps the ball dropping near post goes behind a corner is signalled the ball comes in near post is headed clear.
   Late pressure in the 1st half from Ipswich, Parnell on the ball inside the Little Thurrock half evades two tackles pushing in towards the box losses possession with the 3rd tackle the clearance coming to Turner, 30 yards out smashes in a shot a low drive runs wide across the box. Parnell bringing the ball on again has Sophie Crane in close support rolls the ball into her looks to lift the ball into McKew positioned at the top of the area, can’t bring it down under control as Parrish closes her down puts it out for a throw last action of the 1st half.
Half-time Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies 0-1 Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

  A single goal the advantage for Ipswich after an entertaining 1st half the pace high tempo. Getting into the lead early Ipswich have tries to slow the pace down, Little Thurrock have pressed the ball not allowed it to slow breaking forwards finding space on the wings have created plenty of chances without overly tested Lynch in goal. A narrow lead an eventful 1st half, was nothing compared to what was to follow 2nd half.
  Little Thurrock making changes at half-time Thomas back on for Adcock. Robyn Mudd and Katy Judd are on to replacing Clarke and Dowman. It’s the home side to kick-off the 2nd half Ipswich get control of the ball and after a spell of possession on the right win a corner. McKew lifts the ball in central, Crane gets up to head the ball towards goal is defended dropping back into the area, bodies everywhere a follow up shot comes flying in flashes over the bar. McKew capitalises on some uncertainty at the back from Little Thurrock turns inside from the left plays the ball into the area. Courtney Fraser hooks it clear out of the area with Taylor-Allum moving towards the ball. 
  GOAL! Attacking down the left, Little Thurrock win a corner the ball is swung in long across the six yard box dropping far post plenty of green and black shirts gathered there the ball is turned onto the post from close range then as it bounces back out the ball is fired back in across goal and over the line 1-1. Needed help to pick out the goalscorer in the melee, Parrish, Little Thurrock’s captain with the goal.
  A free-kick to Little Thurrock inside the Ipswich half left of the centre circle, Georgia Fraser on the ball plays a lovely flighted ball into the box, runners coming in Judd can’t get anything on it as she leaps in front of Lynch the ball pops out of the keepers gloves, Mudd tries to react lunging for the ball pushes it wide off target.
 
  GOAL! Ipswich get themselves back in front minutes after conceding the equaliser the ball played from back to front rapidly is up to McKew breaking in behind the Little Thurrock defence beating the offside trap left of the goal outside the box sees the dropping ball over her shoulder before hitting it on the half volley arrowing the ball over the static Fuwa into the back of the net 1-2.
 
 The game becomes very stretched, both sides going long, Turnbull making ground up the left crossing inside looking for McKew top of the area can’t take the ball down cleanly as Holmes gets in close to tackle get the ball away.  
 
  GOAL! With Little Thurrock looking to push on create something at one end Ipswich counter attack and score up the other, Crane into Taylor-Allum in the middle plays the ball to Parnell out left side 25 yards out lines up the shot, puts plenty of pace into the shot drilled in rising Fuwa throwing herself at the ball as it smashes against the crossbar bouncing down the keeper is grounded as McKew closing in on the follow-up buries the ball into the back of the net to score her hat-trick 1-3.
 
 Little Thurrock come on, Styles is given time and space on the ball central 30 yards out goes for goal firing in a great strike towards goal, sees Lynch produce a superb save throwing up a glove to tip the ball over the crossbar. The resulting corner on the left side is swung in across the six yard box headed back across goal, Lynch palms the ball to the floor the grabbing hold of it launches it out of her area.
 
  GOAL! Styles scores for Little Thurrock to narrow the advantage back to a single goal. Starts and finishes the move as she brings the ball on into the Ipswich half plays the ball out to Leo on the left as she sprints forwards, attacks down the wing, Styles breaks to looking to get into the box. Leo turns inside firing the ball into the area, Lynch throws herself forwards to push the ball away, doesn’t get enough on it runs inside past her Styles arriving to drill the ball over the line 2-3.
The end to end nature of the 2nd half continues, Ipswich have Turnbull on the ball plays it on for Taylor-Allum moving into space on the left side fires the shot in on the angle, Fuwa gets down smartly to make the save push the ball wide across her goal. The corner is conceded on the right. McKew plays in in high near post, Turnbull gets up to head the ball on across goal, Little Thurrock clear far stick and counter break in numbers with Judd on the ball through the middle, tracking back Turner tackles her before she can reach the area.
 
  GOAL! The goals keep coming, Ipswich getting the ball up the other end quickly to regain their 2 goal lead. Having found it difficult to get in behind the Little Thurrock defence 1st half Ipswich are taking shots from distance. The build up is on the right the ball played up to McKew then rolled across the face of the area with Parnell free 25 yards out to the left hits the shot as the ball rolls across her sending the ball angling back in across goal and into the far corner 2-4.
 
  Taylor-Allum stabs the ball wide of goal as Parrish for once is a fraction late getting in on McKew as she pushes the ball on into the box. A corner for the visitors on the left the ball played in central a bullet header the ball knocked down towards goal inside the six yard box, for a moment the spectators think it’s in, however the ball is firmly in the hands of Fuwa making a fantastic save. Attacking for Little Thurrock both leo right and Styles coming to the left put their crosses into the side netting. Adcock comes back on replacing Thomas for Little Thurrock. 
 
  GOAL! No let up in the goals 2nd half as Little Thurrock battle back to close the scores once more. Pushing on into the Ipswich half Styles plays the ball out to the left, Mudd has come inside but gives chase to the ball retrieving it in the corner, Courtney Fraser races forwards to give her a passing option up the line gets the ball turns and moving inside fires the cross in long to the far post dropping Judd rushing in gets her boot on the ball sending it into the goal 3-4.
 
  Dowman comes back on for Little Thurrock late on replacing Georgia Fraser up top. The ball is played up field for the substitute to chase down outside the box right of the D, King steps out of the back line for Ipswich, beats Dowman to the ball runs back to Styles free inside the Ipswich half launches a rocket towards goal, Lynch has no chance of getting to it turns to her right as the ball cannons off the post.
 
  GOAL! Just as Little Thurrock almost bring it all square in the closing minutes of the match Ipswich get up the other end and score. From a throw on the right players drawn across the out ball is sent crossfield to the left with Turner the player in space 30 yards out takes on the shot drilling the ball in low it races across the six yard box striking the inside of the far post and bouncing over the line 3-5. 
 
  Turner tries another one from distance soon after the ball dipping late but straight into Fuwa’s gloves. Time almost up the ball is launched up the pitch Styles and Judd burst clear giving chase to it, Lynch comes racing out to the edge of her area to kick the ball high into the night sky, the final action of the game.

Full-time Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies 3-5 Ipswich Wanderers Ladies

  Ipswich Wanderers win the game 5-3 to take the 3 points move up into 3rd in the ERWFL Division One table. An action packed 2nd half full of goals, an end to end game some quality shooting on display whether the ball went over the line or not. Little Thurrock dealing with McKew’s threat through the middle 2nd half, backed off a little too much 2nd half allowing their opponents the opportunity to strike from distance Ipswich took their chances well. Little Thurrock battled all the way getting level early 2nd half almost got it back to 4-4 late on eventually losing 5-3. An exciting game to watch.
  Both sides are in action on Sunday, Little Thurrock making their bow in the FA Women’s Cup a local derby at home at the Gateway Academy playing Brentwood Town Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying. Ipswich Wanderers Ladies are at home too in the 1st Round of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup taking on last years beaten finalists, Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies, best of luck to both and thanks too to both for their help with the team details tonight.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage Ladies

  Midweek football action from Mildenhall Town FC on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog with 3rd placed Cambridge United looking to build on recent good form could go top tonight should they beat newly promoted Stevenage Ladies who picked up their 1st point at this higher level at the weekend.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage Ladies

 
  A short journey down to Mildenhall Town FC this evening to catch some midweek action from the FAWPL South East Division One, with Cambridge United WFC hosting newly promoted Stevenage Ladies.

  Cambridge United WFC are up to 3rd in the FAWPL South East Division One table after a 3-1 win away to Norwich City Ladies on Sunday. A point off the leaders Luton Town Ladies had the chance to go top of the table tonight with a win albeit early days in the season. Have made several new signings over the close season, with Rosie Kmita coming in from Tottenham Hotspur Ladies recently making her competitive debut for the Cambridge against Norwich at the weekend. Nicole Perschky and Hollie Jardine know tonight’s opponents well having joined from Stevenage Ladies over the summer. Both were starting tonight.

  Stevenage Ladies won the ERWFL Premier Division title last season to earn promotion to the FAWPL South East Division One. Gary Bailey took over as 1st team manager during the close season, joining him as assistant manager, Reece Buck formerly managing Hoddesdon Town Ladies. A few Hoddesdon players have followed him from the club, Daniela Martucci, Stephanie Mann, Leah Dunnage, Becky Scola & Kristina O’Connell. Becky Day who is a regular for the Hertfordshire FA’s representative side also joins from Hitchin Town Ladies. Lost their opening 2 league matches at this level, most recently earning their 1st point in the FAWPL drawing 3-3 at home to Actonians Ladies last Sunday, Kristina O’Connell scoring all 3 goals.

  Has been another hot and sunny day, still warm as the sun starts to go down and the floodlights come on. The Mildenhall Town FC pitch looking in great condition even though it has seen alot of play already this season 20 games with 5 sides using it. A slope from one goal mouth to the other. 

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Hollie Jardine, Rosie Kmita, Emma Jenkins, Laura Bright (C), Paige Logie, Dawn Mallett, Becky Taylor, Ashleigh Deacon, Laura Mills & Nicole Perschky
  subs – Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Faith Hewitt, Evie Gallop, Tahnee Perfect & Carolyn Sarafian. 

  Stevenage Ladies starting XI – Becky Scott, Sophie Bailey, Leah Dunnage, Tanya Blacksley, Amy Josland, Amy Notschild, Donna McGuigan (C), Lisa Milliken, Cara Breckenridge, Kristina O’Connell & Becky Scola.
  subs – Hayley Wood-Thompson, Bolu Fisher, Becky Day & Jenny Hepton.

  It’s Stevenage to get the match underway kicking off 1st half attacking down the slope wearing an all blue kit with black sleeves on the shirts with Cambridge wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts. The home side make ground attacking down the right the ball is swung up into the middle the clearance top of the box falls to Cara Breckenridge lays the ball forwards for Becky Scola to take on into the Cambridge box is pushed wide, wins th visitors an early corner. 

  Breckenridge picks the ball up from a throw inside the Cambridge half plays a long crossfield ball to the right wing with Lisa Milliken charging forwards into space, Rosie Kmita playing at left back for Cambridge gets her head to the ball taking the ball over Milliken out for a throw on the right. 

  GOAL! Cambridge get hold of the ball from the throw the ball played up the left for Ashleigh Deacon, taking it on, Kmita bursts forwards receiving the ball on the overlap fires the ball into Nicole Perschky inside the Stevenage area, a good 1st touch to kill the pace on the ball wrong foot her marker, then turns hitting her shot low and hard across goalkeeper Becky Scott into the back of the net 1-0. 4 minutes played.

Nicole Perschky with Stevenage’s Tanya Blacksley
(photo credit Gary Reed)

  A bright start from Cambridge another attack up the left the ball played inside into Perschky, looks to play the ball on for Laura Mills who has charged up the right wing coming inside into the box, the attack is stopped by the offside flag. 
,    GOAL! Hollie Jardine starting at right back for Cambridge tonight fouls Stevenage captain, Donna McGuigan inside the Cambridge half left of the centre circle. A chance for Stevenage to push players forwards from the back with Breckenridge on the ball. Plays a great delivery into the area swung in centrally has to be dealt with, both Cambridge centre backs look to come to the ball jump to head it away, Emma Jenkins gets her head to the ball ends up playing the ball into her own net 1-1. The lead lasting just 2 minutes.

  Is a frantic pace to the match, Stevenage playing 3 at the back with Milliken and Breckenridge providing the width left and right dropping back went necessary. Some committed challenges on the field to a few complaints to the referee. Jardine wins the ball inside the Stevenage half on the right plays it into Logie in midfield, put back to Jenkins her pass lifted up to Perschky in a central position looks to flick it over the top into the box Tanya Blacksley heads it away to the right for Stevenage. Mills gets hold of it looks to play the cross back into the box, Cambridge want a penalty as Taylor is bundled over, nothing given.

  Becky Scott is out to the edge of her area to claim the ball as Perschky runs in behind the Stevenage defence looking to get on the end of Dawn Mallett’s through ball. Jardine attempts to play the crossfield pass for Deacon to run onto on the left, Sophie Bailey steps out of the back line to put in a good tackle to win the ball. Deacon with the ball at her feet as Cambridge attack down the left again 25 yards out comes back inside moving central attempts to reverse the ball play it into the area for the attackers to run onto, too straight the ball runs out of play. 

   Stevenage are working hard to compete for the ball, in front of the defence, Amy Notschild is cutting out alot of Cambridge passes, playing the ball out to Breckenridge on the left, plays the ball into Scola going on the overlap beyond her gets the ball back sends a cross into the box, too close to Verity Crook, Cambridge’s goalkeeper catches the ball. 

  Jardine comes away with the ball making the challenge inside the Stevenage half up the right wing for Mills to go after, squares the cross in towards the near post, Leah Dunnage cuts the cross out, the ball cleared into the middle is played back up into the box Perschky looks to hold it up, Dunnage closes her down tackling taking the ball away from her, a corner is conceded on the left. Stevenage defend 2 near post deliveries before the 3rd one goes long out of play.

  Winning the ball back for Stevenage, Notschild plays it into Scola coming to the halfway line, turns well evading a tackle passing into McGuigan ahead of her, shoots from distance the back dropping into the back of the net, however she committed a foul before shooting play brought back for the free kick. Amy Josland plays the ball on for Milliken wide right taking it on down the wing, passing the ball inside to McGuigan, top of the area she slips as she looks to play the ball on into the area with Milliken continuing her run. 

  Kmita gets in around the back as she races up the wing to support Deacon turning inside loos to lift the ball into the area for Perschky, Notschild back defending heads the ball out of danger. Jardine comes on with the ball gets fouled by Scola 30 yards from goal the free-kick given. The Stevenage management aren’t happy with the referee getting a little carried away play is stopped as he has a word. Bright on the set-piece plays it in to the top of the area Dunnage going up with Taylor does well getting enough on the ball to knock it down to the floor before it is launched clear.

   A committed contest both sides working hard, some strong challenges will be a few bruises to show for it in the morning. Pinging around in midfield the ball runs favourably for Taylor 30 yards out, takes on the shot dips late but not enough as it whistles over the crossbar. Taylor involved again as she closes Josland down to the right inside the Stevenage half, plays the ball in field Mallett picking it up driving on before taking on the shot pace on the ball it bounces as it comes straight at Scott, escapes her for a moment but grabs hold of it at the 2nd attempt before Deacon can capitalise.

  Breckenridge takes the ball inside from the left attacking for Stevenage plays the ball into McGuigan’s feet pushing forwards lays the ball out to Scola peeling away into space on the left into the box shoots her low drive into the centre of the six yard box, Crook going to ground makes a comfortable save. 

  Cambridge attack late in the 1st half up the right Jardine on for Taylor her low cross driven into the box is sliced across the area by Dunnage as she goes to clear, no one wearing an amber shirt can react. A corner on the left for Cambridge taken quickly by Mills down the line for Mallett cuts inside, shoots aiming for the far corner the ball goes wide.
  

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-1 Stevenage Ladies

  A square at the break both goals coming early on, the game played at a high tempo, Stevenage putting alot in to close the ball and minimise Cambridge possession. The three at the back dealing with most thing’s if Cambridge have been able to get it past Notschild in the 1st place. The better chances have fallen Cambridge’s way without overly testing Scott in the Stevenage goal. 
  Cambridge attacking down the slope in the 2nd half as they kick-off no changes for either side at the break. Lose possession early on the ball as Kristina O’Connell challenges for it, goes after the ball passing it wide left to Scola, shoots from the angle the ball in low wide of goal. Cambridge get Taylor on the ball inside the Stevenage half passes to Perschky central her back to goal, lays it wide to Kmita coming on from the back who plays the diagonal ball towards Mallett moving towards the top right corner of the area, Mallett takes on the shot drilling her effort wide across the face of goal.
  Josland finding room in the middle to bring the ball on sends the pass on to McGuigan ahead of her, 25 yards out opts to shot, loses her footing taking the pace of the ball the shot bounces through to Crook. Mills with the ball at her feet runs up the right wing squares a cross into the box is deflected behind for the corner. The ball is played in towards the top of the area, Bright headers the ball down with Logie free to her left connects with the ball sending a looping ball in towards goal his headed away from the goal line dropping into the crowd beyond, another shot comes in this one is taken cleanly by Scott.
  No let up in the pace, a couple of clattering challenges one leaving Logie in a heap on the floor needing treatment. Mallett is over the free-kick central a long way out drops the ball straight into Scott’s gloves. Milliken drives up the right with the ball attempts the through ball for Scola, is cut out by Bright. Cambridge break the ball fizzed into Perschky’s feet good hold up play with Mills making the run on the right looks to get the ball across to her, Breckenridge tracks back well to tackle and thwart the attack.
  A free kick for Cambridge out wide on the right, Mallett over the ball flights a good delivery into the six yard box Logie gets up to meet it headers the ball wide of goal. O’Connell charges down Bright as she looks to play the ball out of the back the ball rebounding in behind the striker goes after it, Crook is sharply out of her area to kick the ball up field. Good build up lay from Stevenage the ball played up to O’Connell heads it down for McGuigan, Notschild comes on receives the ball looks to thread it through the middle for Scola, Jenkins steps forwards to intercept.
  A change for both sides, Becky Day coming on for Notschild for Stevenage. Kayleigh-Anne Burt comes on for Cambridge replacing Deacon sees a shift of personnel with Burt joining Bright at centre back, Jardine switching from right to left back with Kmita pushed up the pitch, Jenkins into right back. 
  GOAL! 20 minutes into the 2nd half and Cambridge retake the lead. Build up on the right as Jenkins wins possession of the ball plays it on for Taylor. She passes the ball into Perschky just inside the box into her feet, shifts it well to evade her marker creating room to shot sends the up into the top corner 2-1.

  Stevenage look for a immediate response from the restart the ball played out to Breckenridge on the left crosses early playing the ball into the box, the onrushing O’Connell gets her head to the ball places it wide. Cambridge get the ball up the other end win a corner kick on the right the ball fired in near post is cleared drops to Taylor at the top of the area her shot into the crowd ahead of her is blocked spins out to the left the ball is launched back in towards the far post Cambridge have plenty of players their the ball turned goalwards is initially cleared off the line before being turned in again and bundled over the line, but in all the excitement the flag is up on the far side for offside goal disallowed.
 
  GOAL! Cambridge do extend their lead on the 70th minute, attacking down the left Jardine on for Kmita the ball is fired up into the box, Perschky the target, good foot work to see the ball into her body then roll it on for Taylor unmarked to her left inside the box Taylor goes for goal hitting her shot back across the keeper and into the bottom corner 3-1.

Cambridge United WFC’s
Becky Taylor
(photo credit Gary Reed)

  Cambridge make their 2nd change bringing Evie Gallop on for Logie. Stevenage make 2 changes, Bolu Fisher coming on for Scola in attack. Milliken is substituted too, Hayley Wood-Thompson comes on. McGuigan takes a heavy knock as she is fouled in a central position 25 yards from goal. O’Connell on the ball hits it hard, how hard only Mallett will know as charging out she blocks, her bottom feeling the full force of the shot.

  Cambridge do everything bar score as they get a corner on the right Mills playing the ball towards the near post Bright headers on is cleared off the line drops into the area another shot comes in  blocked a 3rd attempt coming back off the post before Stevenage scramble it to safety. Cambridge make their final change bringing on Carolyn Sarafian for Jardine. Into the last 10 minutes and both sides are still putting alot of energy into their football. Another Cambridge corner headed on at the near post falls to Mills waiting far side looks to lift a shot into the near post Scott gets across her goal face smartly to take the ball.

 
  GOAL! Stevenage pull a goal back as they push up the field, O’Connell has come deep to receive the ball, Wood-Thompson is already on the move on the right, O’Connell picks her out, as she runs in behind takes the ball on turning inside towards the box before shooting sending a delightful ball up and over Crook to nestle in the back of the net 3-2 to set up a lively finish with 3 minutes of normal time left on the clock. 

  Free-kick for Cambridge wide right, Mallett over sees her initial delivery cleared back out to her by Blacksley. Taking the ball on down the line lifts a cross in high towards the far post Taylor coming in throws herself up to try and get the ball, can’t get to it ends up in the net herself. Kmita with a burst of pace on the left plays the ball long crossfield into Mills on the right takes the ball on down to the byline before cutting it back to Taylor outside the area goes for goal, Scott is right behind the shot makes the save.

  Stevenage press hard for an equaliser as the game move into injury time, from a throw on the right, Bailey up the pitch plays it on for O’Connell right plays the ball into the area, Bright does enough to keep McGuigan from getting anything on the ball as it bounces up allowing Crook to collect inside the six yard box. 

Full-time Cambridge United WFC 3-2 Stevenage Ladies

  Cambridge hold on at the end to win 3-2  the win seeing them go top of the FAWPL South East Division One. An entertaining contest, played at a fast tempo from start to finish in front of a good sized crowd. Plenty of action another great advert for the women’s game, Stevenage working hard to close the ball down and limit Cambridge’s attacking play. Going 3-1 down before pulling a goal back later on to set up a tense finish. No easy games in this division going to be an intriguing league from top to bottom all season and we’ve barely gotten started.
  My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details tonight. 

The Round-Up – Essex Opening Sunday

The Round-Up

Essex – New Season Sun 11th September

A new season of County league football across the country began this weekend, teams putting a long pre-season behind them and playing their 1st competitive games of the season. A new look to The Round-Up this season breaking it down into smaller sections, everything still covered, this edition focuses on Essex.

The county leagues in Essex have grown in size this season with 12 sides competing in both the Premier Division and Division One. Several new sides in Division One some clubs have folded two sadly Champions, Hullbridge Sports Ladies having been accepted into the ERWFL folded over the summer after 2 successful promotion winning seasons. Their reserve side gone too with Little Thurrock Dynamos ladies not running a Reserve side this season.

  Essex Women’s Premier Division

With several new sides entering the league, 4 sides have come up from Division one, Alresford Colne Rangers, Chigwell Ladies and Wickford Town Ladies joining runaway Champions Harlow Ladies in the Premier Division, Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies keeping their spot in the league with Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves runners-up in Division One staying in the league.

A full fixture schedule in the Premier Division to start the season, Hutton Ladies Reserves v Collier Row Tigers was a late postponement. Harlow Ladies pretty much dominated The Tuesday Round-Up last season the only side across all the leagues covered on the website to finish with a 100% league record scored goals for fun and I suspect they are going to be hard to stop this time around either. Have a new Reserve side competing in Division One this season as well as an U18s side pushing both. Started with a home match against Chigwell Ladies who were struggling with injuries at the start of the game fielding just 9 players not ideal against a side like Harlow. The home side started strongly Tia Dye the pick of the goalscorers putting 5 into the back of the net, both Taylor O’Leary and Tayla Handscomb both scoring a hat-trick with a goal each for Danielle Hills, Dempsey Flavell and Fran Gamble in a commanding 14-0 win to start the season.

 Chelmsford City Ladies ran Hullbridge Sports Ladies close in the race for the Premier Division title last season. The runners-up started this season at home against Walden Ladies. Georgia Sleep and Lisa Overall both scored 2 goals each on the way to a 6-2 win, Tyler Christou and Jessica Loble netting the other 2 goals.

   Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies struggled last season finishing bottom of the table. Staying in the Premier Division, they were away to newly promoted Alresford Colne Rangers Ladies on the opening day, getting this season off to a much more promising start putting 7 goals into the back of the Alresford net to win the game 7-2

   Lawford Ladies were also taking on one of the newly promoted sides in the Premier Division, at home to Wickford Town Ladies. Lawford started the season well scoring 5 goals to win 5-1 and get an early 3 points on the board. The points were shared between Eastern Avenue and Runwell Sports Ladies (Formerly Runwell Hospital Ladies). A 2-2 draw, Courtney Lowther and Katie Peers with the goals for Eastern Avenue.

Essex Women’s Division One

12 sides contesting Essex Women’s Division One again this season. No less than 8 new sides to join the league this season. Harlow and Wickford Town introducing Reserve sides, the others joining are, Benfleet Villa Ladies, Collier Row Athletic, Corringham Cosmos, FC Clacton Ladies, Frontiers Ladies & Hatfield Peveral.

There were 4 fixtures scheduled to start the weekend, Wickford Town Ladies Reserves match at home to Valley Green was abandoned at half time due to an injury. Wickford were leading 4-0 at the time. Frontiers Ladies started life in Essex Division One at home on Waltham Forest Ladies who found life tough going in the league last season, could be another tough season conceded plenty of goals last season started no less this time around Frontiers Ladies winning 22-0.

Harlow Reserves look like they’re going to pick up in Division one where the 1st team left off on their way to promotion. Were away to Benfleet Villa on the opening Sunday scoring 6 goals without reply to win the 3 points. Corringham Cosmos also had a great start to their season at home taking on Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves winning the game 6-1 to begin the campaign with 3 points. Not always easy to track down goal scorers in Essex as the FA Full Time website has yet to be updated for the new season.

 

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts Opening Sunday

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – New Season Sun 11th September

A new season of County league football across the country began this weekend, teams putting a long pre-season behind them and playing their 1st competitive games of the season. A new look to The Round-Up this season breaking it down into smaller sections, everything still covered, this edition focuses on Beds & Herts. 

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire run a combined women’s football league, with 3 divisions. This season there are 9 sides contesting each league. Hertford Town Ladies won the Division One title last season and have been promoted to the ERWFL above. A few new sides in the leagues whilst some are no longer there. A patchy start to the season across the 3 divisions with just the 6 fixtures to cover in The Round-Up.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One  

 Sharnbrook WFC won Beds & Herts Division Two last season with Houghton Athletic Ladies finishing runners-up, both have come up along with 3rd placed Hitchin Town Ladies. Toddington Rovers Ladies have folded before the season kicked off. There is also a new name in the league St Albans Ladies, were Harvesters FC Ladies before.

3 fixtures in Division One this Sunday to kick off the season, Sandy Ladies were away to Sherrardswood Ladies, the visitors had spent much of last season near the bottom of the table pulling themselves out of trouble late on. A much more positive start to this season as they finish the day top of the league. Kayleigh Bennett scoring twice, with goals too from Loren Ellard, Amber Williams and Kirsty Gavin in a 5-0 win.

 Sharnbrook WFC, bounced straight back from relegation to Division Two winning the title and started life back in Beds & Herts Division One with a win. Were away to League Cup winners, Garston Ladies. A goal 2 minutes before half-time for Gemma Franklin was followed by 3 more in the 2nd half, Charlotte Mullins on target in the 56th minute, before Sian Cunningham struck the back of the net twice in the last 10 minutes to see Sharnbrook seal a 4-1 win. Jane Hales netting the goal for Garston Ladies.

A 2nd successive promotion for Houghton Athletic Ladies to reach Division One started their new season with a home game against St Albans Ladies. Emma Hawkes grabbed the goals for the home side as they ran out 2-0 winners. All 3 results against sides you’d expect to be contesting the title indicates Division One is going to be highly competitive once again.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

 Hitchin Belles and Evergreen Ladies finished 1st and 2nd in Division Three last season to win promotion to Division Two, 3 more sides came up too as the leagues were readjusted both Icknield Ladies and Bedmond Ladies have since folded. Panshanger Ladies join Division Two from the league below whilst Flitwick Ladies drop down from Division One. Woburn Lionesses become, Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets (and need a twitter account asap with a shortened version of that name). 

Watton Ladies travelled to Hitchin Belles on the opening Sunday having had a good pre-season, were confident for the new campaign. Knew Hitchin Belles would be a good test early on having lost just the one game on their way to the Division Three title last season, but despite 2 goals from Shannon Page for Hitchin Belles, Watton ran out comfortable winners beating them 8-2.

In the other match in Division Two, Garston Ladies FC 96 were away to relegated Flitwick Ladies. Lauren Berryman and Scarlett Stanley scored the goals to see Garston get off to a winning start.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

With all the adjustment in the league over the summer, sides folding and new sides joining their are just the 4 of the sides left in Division Three that started Bedwell Rangers, Crawley Green Ladies, Hatfield Town Ladies and Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. Evergreen Eagles come down from Division Two. Kings Langley Ladies are no more. The new names in the league this season are Hertford Town Ladies new reserves side, Potters Bar United Ladies, Wheathampsted Ladies and Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues.

Just the one match took place in Division Three on Sunday with the latter named side at home to Hatfield Town Ladies. Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues hitting the visitors for 7. Amy Gibbons scoring a hat-trick, Georgia Payne netting a brace plus a goal a piece for Lizzie Richardson and Emily Chown.

 

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire Opening Sunday

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – New Season Sun 11th September

A new season of County league football across the country began this weekend, teams putting a long pre-season behind them and playing their 1st competitive games of the season. A new look to The Round-Up this season breaking it down into smaller sections, everything still covered, this edition focuses on Cambridgeshire.

3 Division’s in Cambridgeshire, the Premiership with 9 sides competing, plus a Championship North and South. 11 sides contesting the Championship North with 10 sides in the Championship South, a host of new sides in both leagues this season, a few have dropped out.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

A quiet start to the season in the premiership with just the 2 fixtures taking place. 9 sides in the division, Bourne Ladies and Park Ladies both promoted as Champions of the Championship North and South, along with St Ives Town Ladies who were runners-up in the Championship South. Cambridge City Ladies winning the title last season have been promoted to the ERWFL Division One.

St Ives Town Ladies were the only promoted side in action this Sunday starting with an away game against Cambridge United WFC Reserves who had several new faces in their starting XI having had a busy summer of players coming and going. Cambridge started the better and created plenty of chances in the 1st half, didn’t score it was goalless at the break. Got the break through 15 minutes into the 2nd half taking the lead, Gemma Croucher with a neat finish to turn the ball into the back of the net as the ball came back to her off the base of the post. With 20 minutes left on the clock St Ives got themselves back on level terms Amy Seymour-Shove hitting a shot from outside the box that came down off the crossbar and over the line. Late into the game the visitors found the back of the net again through Sasha Smith leading 2-1 defended well seeing out the game to win on the opening day.

A physical battle is how Newmarket described their opening game of the season as they travelled to The Grange to play Netherton United Ladies. Both sides launching a Reserves side this season are keen to make progress within the Premiership itself. A single goal was enough to see the 3 points won and it was Newmarket who got them Nadine Basson scoring in the 1st half. 

Bar Hill Ladies, Bourne Ladies, ICA Sports Ladies and Park Ladies begin their league campaigns at the end of September, Cambridge University Women start in October.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

11 sides competing in the Championship North in the 2016/17 season, alot of new names in the league up from 9 competing last season. A couple of sides gone aswell Downham Town and Tydd St Marys Ladies. 6 new sides in total, Boston United Ladies, Ketton Ladies, Netherton United Ladies Reserves, P&L Motors Diamonds, Spalding United Ladies and Thurlby Tigers joining Hungate Rovers Ladies, March Town United Ladies, Swineshead Institute Ladies, Wisbech St Marys Ladies & Wisbech Town Ladies.

3 fixtures in the Championship North on the opening weekend and a fantastic start to the season for Wisbech St Marys Ladies as they started their season away to Thurlby Tigers. Wisbech St Marys Ladies have strengthened as their U18s side winning the league last season merge with the senior squad. Put in a strong 2nd half performance, Carlie Knight scoring 4 goals, with Catherine Ray and Abi Roach-Smith also amongst the goals in an 8-0 victory.

Ketton Ladies were Stamford Ladies last season, the players listed are from that squad, under their new guise got their season off to a fantastic start at home taking on Wisbech Town Ladies. leading at 2-0 at half-time went on to win 3-1 in the 2nd half with goals from Abbie Brewin, Kerrie Holden-Jones and Fran Kavanagh. Jemma Adams with the goal for Wisbech Town Ladies.

Peterborough based, P&L Motors Diamonds are a new side competing in the Championship North this season, from what I’ve learnt a break away from Netherton over the summer they are largely the U18s side no idea of the circumstances. On the pitch they began their season with a home game against Swineshead Institute Ladies who are beginning their 2nd season after consolidating their place in the Championship North last campaign. The sides battled out a 2-2 draw, have record of the P&L scorers as yet. Leah Ardron and Gabrielle Smith were the players on target for Swineshead.

 Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

The Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South as increased from 7 sides last season to 10 sides for the 2016/17 and that’s with both Park Ladies and St Ives Town Ladies going up. Fulbourn Bluebirds drop down from the Premiership, and joining Cambridge Ranger, Milton Ladies, Isleham United Ladies & Riverside Rovers Reserves are Cambridge City Development, Great Paxton Ladies, Newmarket Town Reserves, Orton Rangers Ladies and St Ives Rangers Ladies. 

Two of the new sides met on the opening Sunday with Great Paxton Ladies taking on Orton Rangers Ladies. The Great Paxton squad including several who played for Little Paxton Ladies previously before the club folded at the early part of last season. Emily Whiteman struck 4 goals for Great Paxton helping them on the way to a 6-0 win, Lucy Sheeran also scoring a brace on the opening fixture.

 Milton Ladies were very much in the hunt for the title with Park Ladies and St Ives Ladies last season missing out towards the end and will be looking to challenge for the title once again. Were at hom taking on St Ives Rangers Ladies who are stepping up from the u16s league into the adult game this season. Milton’s, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparkes was a name that featured regularly in The Round-Up last season and I suspect she will be again this time around, as she scored a 1st half hat-trick adding another in the 2nd half Felicity Price adding another for Milton 2 minutes from time as they won the match 5-2. 

A busy summer for Cambridge City Ladies has seen their squad grow so much they have been able to start up a Development side as their 1st team go up to the ERWFL. Started their season on Sunday morning with a not too far away game against Cambridge Rangers. Izzy Broadbent found the back of the net for the visitors with Carla Penny netting a brace in a 3-1 win to start their season with 3 points.

 Another side starting up a Reserves side this season are Newmarket Town Ladies, their League Cup winning U18s ready to compete with the 1st team for places as the club looks to grow. They started the season with a home game against Isleham United Ladies. The visitors took the lead in the 6th minute. Newmarket pulled it back to 1-1 on the half hour mark, Lauren Deller with the strike, Isleham came back to retake the lead 6 minutes later held the advantage 2-1 at the break. Came out of the blocks quickly 2nd half going 3-1 up. Newmarket responded pulling it back to 3-2 n 50 minutes, Kate Winnewisser. 10 minutes later the scores were levelled up at 3-3 Faye Sutton getting the goal. From being 3-1 down Newmarket’s Reserve side came back to win the game 4-3, Danni Youngs putting the winner over the line with 3 minutes of normal time left.

The Round-Up – Suffolk Opening Sunday

The Round-Up

Suffolk – New Season Sun 11th September

 A new season of County league football across the country began this weekend, teams putting a long pre-season behind them and playing their 1st competitive games of the season. A new look to The Round-Up this season breaking it down into smaller sections, everything still covered, this edition focuses on Suffolk.

Suffolk Women’s Division 

Just the one Division in Suffolk with it growing this season from 7 to… well should have been 10 sides but one has pulled out a name that would have peeked the interested London City Ladies. Were due to enter a Development side in the Suffolk league this season had emailed them for more information, no reply and now they have pulled out leaving 9 sides to compete in 2016/17 the two new sides being, Walsham Le Willows Ladies and Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side.

Copleston Ladies won the title last season coming from behind the leaders to win their games in hand and become Champions. Began the defence of their title at home to new side Walsham Le Willows Ladies who are the old Bury Town Ladies side having folded at the end of the season were competing in the league above, the squad dropping down to begin again with new colours and backing. Despite starting with 10 players, one more to arrive after kick-off, Walsham started by far the better side and pressed home that advance, Norma Locker giving then a early lead from a corner. Continued to dominate the 1st half wasn’t until late on that they got their 2nd, captain Lisa Pratt with a great ball over the top for the recently arrived Steph Hanratty to run onto and lob the advancing keeper.

2-0 at the break, Copleston could find no answer to stem the Walsham assault on their goal as the visitors pushed on seeking more goals. Awarded a free kick 25 yards out Gemma Carter took advantage of the sun at her back to shoot goalwards the dipping ball mishandled by the keeper dropping over the line. Michaela Talbert nodded in the 4th goal from close range from a corner. Hanratty grabs her 2nd goal of the match striking from outside the box. Carter goes on to score a hat-trick her 2nd a superb individual goal looping the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box the 3rd a swerving shot across the keeper. 8-0 is the final score as Talbert gets her 2nd of the game from another great delivery from a corner.

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Walsham Le Willows Ladies minus their late arrival

 This game is where the Supporting Women’s Football Blog began its season and the full match report can be found further down the page or by clicking on the link below.

Copleston Ladies v Walsham Le Willows Ladies 11/09/16

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Last season’s runner-ups up in the Suffolk Women’s Division, were Brantham Athletic Ladies. Won the League Cup last season were at home on the opening day taking on Bacton United Ladies. Have added Jade Horne to their squad the striker scoring 24 goals for Copleston last season.  Kirsten Hutchings (pictured left) got her season off to a great start netting an opening day hat-trick, Shanice Leeks and Jo Hazelton also on the scoresheet with Horne netting a brace in a 7-0 victory.

 

Ipswich Phoenix Ladies will be hoping for a better 2nd season in the Suffolk Women’s Division struggled in their 1st season, players out injured  Were at home on the opening day taking on Leiston St Margarets Ladies who were also beginning their 2nd season in the league. The visitors eventually over coming Ipswich Phoenix after a goalless 1st half. Sarah Cooper, Lucy Eagle, Leanne Fairweather and Lucy Johnson scoring for Leiston in the 2nd half to see them open their season with a 4-0 win.

Ipswich Town Ladies new Development side started the season with a home match against Witnesham Wasps Ladies. Ipswich had ex-Witnesham forward, Emily Steward in their starting XI and she was to score against her former side. Grace Bowman added a 2nd goal for Ipswich to see them lead 2-0 at half-time, an own goal seeing them go on to win the game 3-0. 

With London City having dropped out of the league that left East Bergholt United Ladies without a fixture.

 

The Round-Up – Norfolk Opening Sunday

The Round-Up

Norfolk – New Season Sun 11th September

A new season of County league football across the country began this weekend, teams putting a long pre-season behind them and playing their 1st competitive games of the season. A new look to The Round-Up this season breaking it down into smaller sections, everything still covered, this edition focuses on Norfolk.

22 sides competing in the Norfolk Women’s Divisions for the 2016/17 season. Across 3 Divisions with 8 sides in Division 1, and 7 in both Division 2 & 3. This season a change in the number of fixtures with sides playing each other 3 times instead of twice.

   Norfolk Women’s Division One

Wymondham Town Ladies won the title last season and have taken promotion to the ERWFL Division One. Have formed a new Reserves side which began its season in Division 3 on Sunday. All of the 8 sides contesting Division 1 this season played on the opening Sunday.  

rebekah-lake  Thorpe United Ladies with a new manager in charge this season off to a fantastic start as they welcomed Kings Lynn Town Ladies now affiliated with the men’s club to the Thorpe Recreation Ground on Sunday. Captain, Rebekah Lake (pictured right) netting a hat-trick along with Shanice Sutton 1 of her three goals from the penalty spot. Charlotte Groves also bagging an opening day brace with Vivian Moyo completing the scoring as they romped to a 9-2. Kings Lynn Town Ladies were optimistic of achieving good things in the league this season a bombshell to start the season far from what they expected will regroup and go again. Jordan Turner and Shelley Woods with their goals one in either half.

Fakenham Town Ladies started their season with a trip to the east coast to play newly promoted Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies who went undefeated dropping just 2 points on their way to the Division 2 title last season. Fakenham have been busy over the summer brought some new players in 4 of which made their debuts on Sunday as they put in a strong performance Sam King scoring inside the opening 2 minutes. Rochelle Woods making it 2-0 on 20, led 3-0 at half-time. Extended the lead 2nd half 4-0 on 59 minutes before Emily Woodhouse scored from the penalty spot with 10 minutes to play , Woods scoring her 2nd goal of in the 90th minutes, winning 6-0 to go 2nd in the table the only side not to concede a goal on the opening day too.

 lucimiddleton Also promoted from Division Two last season having chased Kirkley & Pakefield all the way were North Walsham Angels Ladies. Were at home taking on Bungay Town Ladies on Sunday. Luci Middleton (pictured left) was North Walsham’s top goalscorer last season with a total of 38 from 17 appearances. Didn’t hang about this season to get started either helping herself for 4 goals. Younger sister Hope also got her name on the scoresheet on the opening day along with Emma Allsopp. North Walsham didn’t have it all their own way however Bungay having been 4-1 down in the 1st half came back 2nd half to score 3, Emily Leach amongst the goals the final score 6-4 to North Walsham.

Two of the favourites for the Division 1 title went head to head on the opening day with Brandon Town Ladies travelling across the county to Youngs Park to play League Cup Winners, Aylsham FC Ladies. The home side getting off to a blistering start going 3-0 up inside the opening 5 minutes, Kiera Squires with 2 of the goals Michaela England with the other. Brandon fought their way back into the game found the back of the net twice, captain Tiffany Forshaw and Ruby Robertson with the goals, wasn’t enough however Aylsham holding on for the 3-2 win.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

7 sides contesting Norfolk Women’s Division 2 this season. A new name in the league Briston Wanderers Ladies, a familiar squad however they are the former Red Rose Ladies 1st team, have renamed following their manager breaking away from the old club at the end of last season. Were scheduled to play Bohemians Ladies away on the opening day of the season the home side unable to fulfill the fixture saw Briston awarded the away win.

Leading the way after the opening weekend are Sprowston Ladies, were at home at the Open Academy on the opening day taking on newly promoted Division 3 runners-up, Harleston Town Ladies. Got their season off to a brilliant start winning the match 6-0, Olivia Leggett with two of their goals. Rebecca Kirby, Joanna Davey, Keri Boorman and Lois Irving also opening their goal scoring accounts for the season.

Gorleston FC Ladies formed last season won the Division 3 title, began life in Division 2 with an away trip to play Stalham Town Ladies. Samantha Hunn netted 2 goals for the visitors with Leanne Smith, Kayleigh Byrne and Beth Turner also scoring in a 5-0 win to see Gorleston start with 3 points. Long Stratton Ladies the side sitting out the opening weekends fixtures in Division 2.

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

As with Division 2 there are 7 sides contesting Division 3 this season. 2 new sides in the league, Wymondham Town Ladies new Reserves side along with Lowestoft based, East Coast Ladies. Tavern Ladies are the renamed Dereham Town Ladies who were the side sitting out the opening weekend.

Red Rose United might have wished they’d sat out the opening weekend of fixtures too as they were soundly beaten on their travels away to Toftwood United Ladies. The home side scoring double fixtures hitting 12 goals without reply.

 Cromer Town Ladies fared little better as they welcomed East Coast Ladies to Cabbell Park on Sunday the newly formed side with some impressive pre-season results took that form into the league Rosie Cook scoring 4 goals in the 1st half, with Jodie Ellis to make it 5-0 at the break. Cook going on to add a 5th goal 2nd half. Lucy Robbens who had been keeping goal in the 1st half got in on the goal scoring action 2nd half scoring 4 herself, Chelsea Shorten with a goal in the last 10 minutes too the final score 11-0.

Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves began with a home fixture, Freethorpe Ladies travelling to Kings Head Meadow. Scored 2 goals in each half to secure their 1st win, Gemma Hamilton getting a brace, Kelly Ayers and Helen Watts amongst the goals too final score 4-0.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 11/09/16

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sunday 11th September

ERWFL Premier Division

The leaders at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division continue to set a relentless pace both Bedford Ladies and Haringey Borough Women maintaining their 100% start to the season making it 4 wins out of 4 this weekend.

Bedford Ladies are top courtesy of a better goal difference. Were away at the weekend playing local rivals, AFC Dunstable Ladies. Made it 4 straight league wins with Natasha Fensome scoring a brace, substitute Priya Bhatti also grabbing a goal in a 3-1 win. Danielle Carty netting the AFC Dunstable goal.

3-1 was also the winning margin for 2nd placed Haringey Borough Women at home this weekend taking on bottom side Great Wakering Rovers Ladies. Anele Komani, Jessica Appeagyei and Julia Carruthers have all been amongst the goals at the start of the season and all three were on target on Sunday to see Haringey keep pace with leaders Bedford at the top of the table.

Moving up into 3rd spot putting last weekends defeat away to Bedford Ladies behind them are Acle United Ladies, the Norfolk side playing at home for the 1st time this season on Sunday. Billericay Town Ladies were the visitors. Kate Pasque got Acle off to the perfect start scoring in the 2nd minute. Billericay came back to level awarded a penalty 15 minutes later, Hayley Piggott scoring from the spot kick. 1-1 the half-time score Acle came out of the blocks quickly 2nd half Kelly Gray then Shannon Dade putting them 3-1 inside the 1st 5 minutes, that was the final score Acle climb to 9 points.

sa-distonAFC Sudbury Ladies got themselves back to winning ways to move into 4th in the ERWFL Premier Division table. However they were made to work for the win away to Writtle Ladies. Stacey Teager scored twice in the 1st half to put AFC Sudbury into a comfortable lead at half-time. Writtle having started the day 3rd in the table following a 4-1 win away to Colchester Town Ladies on Thursday came back strongly 2nd half, Georgia Tricker scoring twice to bring it back to 2-2 with 10 minutes left to play. AFC Sudbury found the winner late on Sasha Diston (pictured left) with the goal to see the 3 points in the bag. 

 

  A tough start to life in the ERWFL Premier Division for newly promoted, Royston Town Ladies suffering defeat in their opening 3 league games, finally got their 1st 3 point haul at the weekend edging out visitors Brentwood Town Ladies in a 7 goal thriller and lifting them off the bottom of the table. Samantha Tinsley smashing home all 4 of Royston’s goals enough to see off Brentwood who found the back of the net 3 times, Leah Cowan, Jessica Mills and Emma Mackie all on target. 

  Also at the bottom end of the ERWFL Premier Division it was a much needed 1st league win of the season for Histon Ladies taking on Colchester Town Ladies at the Glassworld Stadium. A single goal securing the win Alison Wright scoring it for Histon in the 1st half. Colchester slipping down the table with 3 straight defeats after an opening day win.

ERWFL Division One

  In ERWFL Division One, leaders Cambridge City Ladies weren’t in action at the weekend giving the others a chance to close the 5 point gap they had opened up at the top of the table after just 3 games. Wymondham Town Ladies move onto 7 points as they start to find their feet playing in a higher league. The Norfolk Women’s Division One Champions missed out on all 3 points last Sunday away to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies as the Essex side scored with the last kick of the match to earn a point in a 3-3 draw.

wb4  Wymondham were on the road again this Sunday a long journey down to Hertfordshire to play, Hertford Town Ladies. The Beds & Herts Women’s Division One Champions last season won on the opening weekend but since have suffered 2 league defeats. Laura Wiseman (pictured) got the visitors off to a fantastic start opening the scoring inside the 1st 5 minutes. Hertford pulled the scores level with 10 minutes left in the 1st half, Kerry Oldham with the goal. 4 minutes into the 2nd half Hertford went in front Freya Rampley finding the back of the net. Their lead was short lived Wiseman grabbing her 2nd goal of the game 3 minutes later. Wiseman then went on to score her hat-trick on the 63rd minute, this time Wymondham didn’t concede a last gasp goal winning the contest 3-2.

Silver End United Ladies got off to a fantastic start in the league a 7-1 home win against Hoddesdon Town Ladies. A weekend off the a narrowly 1-0 away defeat to Hutton Ladies have followed. At home this weekend returned to winning ways to climb back up into 3rd place in the ERWFL Division One table. Jodie Osborne gave the home side the lead, Ipswich Wanderers pulling it all square at 1-1 just before half-time Tarnya McKew with the goal. The visitors found themselves in front 15 minutes into the 2nd half Michelle Taylor-Allum with the goal. Osborne scored her 2nd of the game to bring it all square at 2-2. A late strike from Chloe Argent winning all 3 points for Silver End.

Colney Heath Ladies have had a dramatic turn around to their season and it’s just 4 games old! Conceding 10 goals in losing their 1st 2 league games have now jumped up to 4th spot in the table a 5-2 away win at Hertford Town Ladies last Sunday followed up by a high scoring victory at home this Sunday as they played host to bottom side Hoddesdon Town Ladies. Kelly Hancock got the ball rolling for Colney Heath giving them the lead then a spell of 3 goals in 6 minutes midway through the 1st half put the home side in total control, Holly Sheridan netting on 22 minutes followed by Kelly Hancock for her 2nd on 25 minutes, Annie Hickey adding another goal 3 minutes later to make it 4-0. Coming out 2nd half Colney Heath waited 20 minutes to find another goal when they did the floodgates opened in a 10 minute barrage that saw a further 5 goals scored. Hickey with her 2nd goal of the game to make it 5-0 was a procession after that Sophie Joseph with a goal on 66, Lucy Hancock on 68 and Sheridan with her 2nd of the match on 70, 5 minutes later Sheridan netted again to complete her hat-trick, Colney Heath winning 9-0, 14 goals scored in 2 games. Hoddesdon Town having a difficult start to the season conceding 24 goals in 3 games, rebuilding a side need to dig deep plenty of time to turn it around.

Offley & Stopsley Ladies had started the season with 2 score draws a win at the weekend saw them maintain their unbeaten record with only Cambridge City Ladies the only side in the league with a 0 in the losses column in these early stages now. Were at home facing Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies who had played less than 48 hours earlier in a Friday night game winning well against Hutton Ladies. Unbeaten themselves after 2 played going into this fixture Offley & Stopsley held the advantage 2-1 at half-time. A strong 2nd half performance saw the home side extend the lead by 3 more as they went on to win 5-1 their goals coming from, Nicola Hollick, Rachael Lewis, Charlene Moreton, with Shanice Sanderson scoring a brace. Taylor Parrish with the goal for Little Thurrock in the 1st half, who have another Friday night fixture coming up on the 16th at the John Hornby School a 7:30pm kick-off, Ipswich Wanderers Ladies the visitors.

Stevenage Ladies Reserves had only played one league fixture to date suffering a 4-2 loss against Hertford Town Ladies on the opening weekend of the season. Were at home this Sunday with Hutton Ladies who had played on Friday evening coming to the Codicote Social Club. Stevenage won the game 3-1, Daniela Martucci a summer arrival from Hoddesdon Town scoring a goal to add to the 2 she’d scored on the opening weekend, Rebecca Day joining the club from Hitchin Town Ladies scored her 1st competitive goal for Stevenage, with Leah Littlechild also opening her goal scoring account for the season. Hutton Ladies goal scorer was Kaitlin Sugg.