Monthly Archives: February 2017

Match Report – London Bees v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

What’s this? A game from the FAWSL on Women’s Football East! Well it seems only right to give Brighton & Hove Albion WFC the coverage afterall they earned promotion to the FAWSL last May via the FAWPL Play-off game after winning the Southern Division title and after all Women’s Football East wants to see as many sides in the region reach and play at the top level of the women’s game. The Supporting Women’s Football Blog was at The Hive to cover their debut match in the one off Spring Series as the new season got underway.

Match Report – London Bees v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

A new season of FAWSL football begins this Saturday, although it’s a much shorter season compared to the one’s we’ve been used to. With the FAWSL preparing to move back in line with the rest of the women’s football pyramid in England for the 2017/18 season after 5 years of playing during the summer months there will be a one off Spring Series. A trophy for both the FAWSL 1 & 2 competitions with each side playing each other once to decide the overall winner. The FAWSL 2 Spring Series starts with London Bees versus FAWSL newcomers Brighton & Hove Albion WFC at The Hive.

Wrote a preview for the FAWSL 2 Spring Series in the post prior to today’s match. As I said then I’m excited by what the one off competition has to offer, is silverware to play for but not the pressure a full blown season offers sides can bed in new players, try new thing’s for better or worse. Momentum can’t be under estimated mind a good Spring Series will send a side into the new 2017/18 season with confidence.

London Bees enter the Spring Series with a stride in their step having had a much improved season in 2016 under Dave Edmondson. Playing some attractive football eventually ending up 7th their highest FAWSL 2 finish in amongst the mid-table sides the perfect platform to go on and improve. Have made several new signings over the winter bringing in Laura-May Walkley from Reading FC Women. Defender, Anne Meiwald joins from Chelsea Ladies along with Watford Ladies trio, Jordan Littleboy, Amber Tullett and Mollie Burgess aswell as retaining the services of several of their stand-out performers last season.

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC, winning the FAWPL Southern Division title last season went on to beat Northern Division Champions, Sporting Club Albion Ladies in the FAWPL Play-off match at Wycombe Wanderers in May to win their place in the FAWSL the 2nd side to be promoted to the league following Sheffield FC Ladies last summer. So began the long wait to make their league debut at the higher level in FAWSL 2. As I mentioned in my Spring Series Preview could benefit the most by the Spring Series as it will give their players time to adapt to playing at a higher level, although I do feel the top FAWPL sides are on a par with certainly the sides in the lower half of FAWSL 2. Have a strong fan base and behind the scenes have been working hard off the pitch to ensure they would meet the FAWSL 2 licencing criteria.

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC haven’t been quiet on the transfer front either strengthening their squad before the start of the Spring Series bringing in Chelsea Ladies trio, Laura Rafferty, Jenna Legg and Alessia Russo. Sophie Perry returns to the club after a short spell with FAWSL 1 side Reading FC Women. Have also added highly experienced Irish International goalkeeper, Emma Byrne to their squad, with regular 1st team goalkeeper Faye Baker working her way back to fitness following injury.

Has been a while since I last visited The Hive, London Bees home ground 18 months or so. Sharing with Barnet FC it is very much a club in the heart of the community, practice pitches open to all age groups outside the main stadium. The stadium itself has undergone development now has a large seated stand behind one goal aswell as the one along the side of the pitch opposite the former bar & clubhouse which is now divided into the Tea Hut where you can purchase hot & cold drinks & snacks along side the new Pecking Order Restaurant. Tickets for a London Bees match are £4 for an adult but for £15 you can purchase a deluxe ticket which gets you a meal at the Pecking Order Restaurant too and when we talk about the ‘matchday experience’ I think it’s a good deal. Car parking is a £1 you purchase a token from the club shop which stocks a good range of London Bees merchandise, and I may well purchase a London Bees mug the next time I’m in town.

Onto the playing surface itself is a large pitch plenty of width, holding up fairly well as the season enters moves into mid-February. It might be called the Spring Series but it’s still winter was bitterly cold with a few flakes of snow in the air before kick-off.

London Bees starting XI – Shayla Burgess, Anne Meiwald, Sophie Fogarty, Ellie Perkins, Amber Tullett, Emma Beckett, Jordan Littleboy, Ashleigh Goddard (C), Lucy Loomes, Paula Howells & Jo Wilson.
subs- Amelia Houghton-Boyle, Becky Anderson, Laura-May Walkley, Mollie Burgess, Evie Clarke & Hana Lalani

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC starting XI – Emma Byrne, Jenna Legg, Sophie Perry (C), Vicky Ashton-Jones, Ellie Dorey, Laura Rafferty, Kirsty Barton, Charlotte Young, Alessia Russo, Kate Natkiel & Amy Taylor.
subs – Bronwen Thomas, Hollie Olding, Lucy Somes, Natalie Taylor & Nina Wilson.

On to the football, 4 of London Bees new signings were making their 1st start in FAWSL 2, Anne Meiwald, Lucy Loomes, Jordan Littleboy and Amber Tullett with Laura-May Walkley and Mollie Burgess on the bench. With Sophie Harris injured, Shayla Burgess was making her debut in goal for London Bees. Emma Byrne, Laura Rafferty, Jenna Legg and Alessia Russo all start for Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.

It’s Brighton to get the 1st half of Spring Series football underway wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks with London Bees lined up opposite wearing orange shirts with a black sash and horizontal piping, black shorts and socks. Brighton make a positive start the ball played back into Kirsty Barton in the centre of midfield, has Alessia Russo on the move on the right, the pass to her is perfect in behind the London Bees defence takes the ball on into the box cutting across the ball as she shoots it swerves away from the near post.

Both sides testing the other out on the flanks early on Amber Tullett playing the ball out to Sophie Forgarty on the left up the line Jo Wilson picks it up looks to get in behind is tackled by Brighton’s Vicky Ashton-Jones the ball out for a throw. Brighton work the ball from right to left sending Ellie Dorey down the line, Anne Meiwald goes with her sliding in to deny the cross the ball out for the 1st corner of the match. Goes long across the six yard box no one picking the ball up. Jordan Littleboy puts in the challenge in the middle of the park winning the ball plays it out to Paula Howells on the left wing sends the ball forwards for Wilson up front a surging run to take the ball into the area, Ashton-Jones gets across to challenge shoulder to shoulder forces the striker away from goal tackling well getting the goal-kick.

Jenna Legg on the ball for
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

London Bees win a corner on the right side as Ashton-Jones puts Lucy Loomes cross behind. Taken short to captain Ashleigh Goddard the ball is played to Emma Beckett in position at the top of the area, is closed down quickly by the Brighton defence before she can find room to shoot possession is lost. Jenna Legg links up with Russo ahead of her on the right, Kate Natkiel provides the run in behind, Tullett tackling to put the ball out for a throw, the ball finds it’s way into the box, Tullett clears. Good build up play from both sides Brighton looking strong, runs from deep to pressure the London Bees back line.

Loomes coming inside with the ball lays it forwards for Wilson, right of goal holds off Charlotte Young as she gets into the area, Emma Byrne comes racing out to close her down the striker takes the ball around her as she goes to ground looks to have an empty net to shoot at takes the shot, Legg saves Brighton getting back to throw herself at the ball clearing it off the line.

Alessia Russo scorer of Brighton
& Hove Albion WFC’s 1st ever
FAWSL goal

GOAL! 13 minutes played and the 1st ever Spring Series goal is scored. Brighton are on the attack Kirsty Barton in the centre of midfield plays the ball over the top for striker Amy Taylor to chase, Is won by Tullett in the area before she can reach it plays the ball out to Forgarty at left back, is caught on the ball as Russo moves quickly to close her down, taking the ball past her cuts in field driving into the area and sends a ferocious shot angling across the keeper into the top corner 0-1.

Brighton are looking a real threat on the right Legg and Russo finding each other with their passes, both Taylor and Natkiel making positive runs, Russo taking the ball inside tries to pick out Taylor sending the ball in towards the penalty spot, London Bees goalkeeper Shayla Burgess gets to it 1st claiming the ball. Howells is left on the ground needing treatment after a coming together with Natkiel but is okay to continue. The game restarts the ball at the feet of Laura Rafferty as she brings it on through the middle Taylor breaking into space on the right the midfielder picks her out, Tullett gets across to mark shoulder to shoulder the Brighton attacker is fouled the free-kick awarded players forwards into the box, captain Sophie Perry plays towards the far post Dorey gets her head to the ball sending it high, before anyone can react plays is stopped by the assistant referee’s flag.

Natkiel with a threatening run carves open the London Bees defence on the left getting into the box pulls the trigger sending the ball goalwards, Burgess get down sharply diving to her left getting her gloves to the ball an excellent stop the ball the pace taken off the shot the ball rolls across the face of goal, Fogarty reacts quickest getting the ball launched clear before Russo can reach it. The goal has seen Brighton dominate, London Bees a little careless in possession giving the ball away allowing the visitors to come at them.

Brighton’s Amy Taylor looks to stop London Bees Emma Beckett

Beckett getting the ball from Goddard picks out Howells making a move to get forwards down the left flank taking the ball down to the line screws her cross behind goal. A rapid counter from Brighton the ball played up to Taylor central controls well picking out Russo looking to get in behind on the right, Forgarty recovers well to slide in and prevent the cross coming in winning the goal-kick off Taylor. Natkiel looks to play the ball in over the London Bees defence with Taylor after it, Burgess comes out sliding in gather the ball keeps hold of it as Taylor having thrown herself forwards in an attempt to get to the ball crashes into her.

Brighton’s Kate Natkiel with London Bees, Emma Beckett

A throw on the right side for London Bees 30 yards out from goal the ball is played inside to Littleboy ties up a strike, sending it goalwards is straight and Byrne who gathers cleanly. The game is stretched end to end a high tempo as you’d expect from a FAWSL fixture, both keepers come out to the edge of their areas to clear a threat as the ball is played over the top. Howells closes down Russo winning he ball plays a great diagonal ball up towards Wilson heading into the area, Ashton-Jones closes her down quickly conceding the corner. From the left the ball bounces across the six yard box picked up by Wilson far post the referee spots a handball Brighton have the free-kick.

London Bees, Jordan Littleboy

Beckett wins the ball in midfield for London Bees sends it forwards for Wilson who switches play out to the right with Loomes on the move shoots from outside the box the ball flying towards the near post area, Byrne makes the save deflecting the ball behind for the corner kick. Coming in high near post Perry get’s her head on the ball nodding it behind for a 2nd corner, this one goes long no one can get onto the end of it as it flies across the six yard box. London Bees have regained some composure and playing some neat triangles are getting forwards better, Fogarty bringing the ball forwards on the left lifts a high ball in towards the area, Byrne calls for it claims well.

Into the last 10 minutes of the 1st half Brighton attack the ball played out to Dorey on the left side getting down the pitch squares the ball into the area a touch from a London Bees boot just about deflects the ball away from Taylor looking to get on the end of it, retrieving the ball Taylor attempts to turn back inside get a shot away, is closed down by 3 London Bees defenders the chance is gone. Howells gets a throw on the left as she tries to get forwards linking up with Fogarty the cross is is swept in towards the near post Wilson trying to get their is claimed well by Byrne.

Russo surges forwards with the ball at her feet on the right her powerful cross into the box misses everyone going out to the opposite flank Natkiel regains possession some 30 yards out coming inside, strikes the ball goalwards is well held by Burgess in goal.

Half-time London Bees 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

A fast paced and entertaining 1st Brighton starting life in FAWSL 2 with a confident stride taking the game to London Bees early on clearing the ball off their own goal line then going up the other end to take the lead. Dominated for a spell after that before London Bees found their way back onto level a level footing chances created at both ends.

A change for Brighton at the start of the 2nd half Bronwen Thomas coming on to replace Dorey on the left. London Bees to kick-off the 2nd half or they would if they had all their side on the pitch the midfield is missing, Littleboy and Goddard arrive the game kicks-off without Beckett as she emerges from the tunnel. Brighton win the ball early on get it out to Thomas on the left driving forwards her shot is saved by Burgess at her near post. Thomas influential in the opening minutes of the 2nd half looking to link up with Natkiel is tackled by Ellie Perkins inside the area the ball cleared. Thomas then wins a corner kick take short played back to the taker the cross is swept into the six yard box well claimed by Burgess.

Kate Natkiel on the attack for Brighton

Howells over on the right for London Bees as she and Loomes switch sides early on gets the ball down the line whipping a cross in towards the near post dropping forwards to take it Byrne spills the ball giving away the corner kick. Played in towards the near post is cleared. Howells is limping a bit picked up the injury 1st half is inside the D as London Bees win possession back on the left Goddard onto Fogarty the ball is squared across the face of the Brighton area into Howells, controls well and sends a curling shot narrowly over the crossbar.

London Bees, Paula Howells with Brighton’s Jenna Legg

London Bees make their 1st substitution, Littleboy the player coming off to be replaced by Hana Lalani in the middle. Perry plays the ball out from the back towards Natkiel moving left a powerful run taking her up the other end of the pitch wins the corner of Meiwald. The set-piece comes out to Rafferty top of the area, central her shot is charged down, London Bees look to counter, Legg wins the tackle on halfway. Russo with a good run down the right cuts the ball back for Taylor top of the area right of goal shoots sending the ball wide across the area.

GOAL! 10 minutes played in the 2nd half and London Bees get themselves back on level terms. Meiwald wins the ball back in defence playing it into Lalani in the middle, picks out Howells free on the right side getting forwards ties up the cross as players make runs into the box the cross goes long dropping far side beyond the goal, Goddard has timed her run to perfection getting her head onto the ball to drive it back in across Byrne and into the back of the net beyond 1-1.

London Bees captain,
Ashleigh Goddard

London Bees having equalised find that extra bit of pace that Brighton had in the 1st half after they took the lead. The tempo remains high, but it is freezing too so everyone might be running around to stay warm too. Loomes coming across to the right as London Bees build an attack plays the ball on for Howells as she looks to get into the area is stopped by a firm tackle form Perry. Brighton threaten to counter Natkiel with acres of space to run into on the left is prevented from doing so by Goddard as the London Bees captain comes running in sliding to tackle and put the ball out for a throw.

Goddard on the ball as London Bees attack passes forwards into Loomes top of the D looks to divert the ball into the area with Wilson looking to get inside from her left, calls for handball as the ball is stopped from reaching her, the referee waves the plea’s away. Competitive tussles all over the pitch, the referee has a word with Rafferty and Goddard. London Bees are almost through on goal to take the lead as they ball put forwards early threatens to send Loomes clear, Byrne comes racing out of her area doesn’t get their as Loomes knocks the ball past her, Wilson goes after the ball running wide of goal picking it up on the right inside the six yard box goes for goal but by the time she has it the Brighton defence is back to block.

London Bees, Jo Wilson with Brighton centre backs, Vicky Ashton-Jones & Charlotte Young

Closing in on the final 15 minutes and London Bees make their final substitution bringing on England Youth International Evie Clarke for Howells who has had a fantastic game. Clarke has an early opportunity to take a shot as she recieves the ball from a throw inside the Brighton half on the right plays the ball to Loomes outside the area right of goal laying it back to Clarke as she moves forwards her strike is charged down by a defender. Brighton come forwards Barton on for Russo with Taylor to her right her cross into the area goes long, Thomas tries to keep it alive inside the box, can’t get a ball around Perkins the defender winning the ball back with a good tackle.

Brighton make a change bringing on Lucy Somes for Taylor in the 75th minute. A break is on for London Bees Lalani playing the ball out to Loomes on the right sends an early cross into the box, takes a deflection on the way through to the near post, not enough to wrong foot Byrne who is across to lay claim to the ball. One end to the other Russo slips the ball in behind for Somes, Fogarty on her shoulder has support from her goalkeeper as Burgess comes racing out to slide in and gather the ball. Burgess is in the wars as she is clattered by Russo coming out to kick the ball clear as it is played down the wing. Is okay to continue.

London Bees, Anne Meiwald

Close from Wilson for London Bees as Loomes wins possession inside the Brighton half on the right passes infield into Lalani outside the box lays it across to Wilson left of the D sends her strike narrowly over the crossbar. Moments later Clarke has a shot from inside the six yard box right of goal that flies into the side netting after she controls a cross fizzed into her from the right wing. Somes controlling the ball 25 yards out back to goal turns an rolls the ball in for Russo to try and burst into the box, both Meiwald and Goddard are quickly n the attacker squeezing her off the ball.

The game could go either way neither is settling for the point Beckett plays a long diagonal ball into the area from the right looking to pick out Wilson, Byrne coming for the ball punches it clear of her area. Goddard finding space on the right squares her cross along the penalty spot, just beyond Clarke she manages to lay it back for Loomes who sends her 1st time shot wide of the goal. Loomes on the right manages to squeeze a cross in Clarke winning the corner as her attempt to help the ball on is blocked by Young. The corner is won by Brighton headed out of the area they threaten to break, again it’s Goddard who tackles to win the ball.

Into injury time late chances for Brighton, a 50/50 challenge in the middle sees the ball squeezed forwards to Russo on the left drives forwards into the box closing in on goal is a clumsy looking challenge goes down as Burgess gets hold of the ball, cries for a penalty, nothing doing London Bees attempt to clear their box get the ball forwards lose it in the middle the ball placed into the run of Natkiel right 20 yards out, Burgess comes rushing out to close her down as she enters the box making an excellent save on the final whistle.

Full time London Bees 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

A dramatic opening game to the Spring Series watched by 703 supporters, the points shared London Bees might feel they could have taken all 3 late on Brighton the same a draw in the end both get a point on the board. Brighton leading the table with the alphabetical advantage. Played at a high tempo throughout, no sign of rustiness or nerves from Brighton right from the start the early goal no doubt adding the their confidence their new signings fitting in well, Russo scoring their 1st ever FAWSL goal. London Bees new signing also doing well Tullett and Meiwald at the back, the London Bees fans already knowing what Loomes is all about, Littleboy too doing well in midfield. Getting themselves back into the game levelling in the 2nd half.

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

Several contenders, both Lucy Loomes and Paula Howells with great performances on the flanks for London Bees, more often than not they were put through by Ashleigh Goddard, the London Bees captain with some fantastic tackles to break up Brighton’s attacks and scoring their 2nd half equaliser so the SWF Blog – Player of the Match goes to Ashleigh Goddard.

Enjoyed my return to The Hive don’t think I’ll be leaving it so long next time.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 05/02/17

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 5th February

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

There were six matches played across 4 competitions in Cambridgeshire on Sunday in the Women’s football leagues. Left this Round-Up till last because I feared the worst and it is with sadness I have to report another team folding this season, promoted as Championship North Champions just this past summer, Bourne Ladies have pulled out of the Premiership having played just a handful of fixtures struggled to fulfil others were due to play this weekend but it was called off a real shame some talented players in their side I hope most if not all will continue in the game do run a number of youth sides and hopefully these will continue in the future and the club with remain in some form.

That sees an adjustment to the Premiership table the wins sides gained from Bourne chalked off, as a result Bar Hill Ladies move into 2nd place in the table after they edged out Cambridge University Women away from home in a 9 goal thriller. A brace each for Amanda Wainwright and Kate Ross for Cambridge University wasn’t enough to take anything from the match as Bar Hill ran out 5-4 winners.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, Swineshead Institute Ladies climb up the table into 2nd spot after a 5-0 at home to bottom club Thurlby Tigers on Sunday. Ellie Spendlow finding the back of the net for 4 more goals moving her onto 22 for the season, top scorer for the club by some distance so far this season from just 8 appearances. Chloe Gray scoring the other goal for Swineshead Institute.

In the other match played in the Championship North, Boston United Ladies made it 4 straight wins in the league and cup with a 3-1 home win over Wisbech Town Ladies on Sunday. 2 goals from Bethany Britton 1 from the penalty spot along with a goal for Ella Marie Mcororey seeing them win their 3 successive league match.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

The one league match played in the Championship South on Sunday saw the 2 unbeaten sides in the league met with runaway leaders, Cambridge City Ladies Development at home to 3rd placed Milton Ladies who have games in hand on the leaders but need the points if they wish to close the gap as it was Cambridge City were in no mood to give any away as both Erin Fox and Carla Penny were both on target to score 2 goals each. Anna Wilson and Tegan Wyman also scoring a goal each to see the league leaders run out 6-0 winners, go 10 points clear at the top and end Milton’s unbeaten league record.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

Two ties in the 1st Round of this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup. Both seeing plenty of goals scored too. Was an all Championship South clash between the two bottom sides as Cambridge Rangers hosted bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies the game ending 2-2 after 90 minutes Cambridge Rangers went on to score twice in extra-time to advance to the next round of the competition.

In the other 1st Round tie Championship South side Fulbourn Bluebirds were at home against Championship North leaders, March Town United Ladies the game was won by the odd goal in 7. Louise Barbour, Emma Frost and Emma Searle from the penalty spot scoring for March Town United, they were knocked out of the competition with Fulbourn Bluebirds taking it with a 4-3 win their goals coming from, Emma Clark, Lucy Clarkson, Katie Luddy and Sharon Pinner.

The Round-Up – Essex 05/02/17

The Round-Up

Essex – Sunday 5th February

Essex Women’s Premier Division

Chelmsford City Ladies move 3 points clear in 2nd in the Essex Women’s Premier Division after they recorded their 3rd successive home league win in the league hosting 4th placed Eastern Avenue on Sunday, goals from Jessica Loble and Rosie Coe seeing Chelmsford City win the match 2-1.

One defeat follows another as Lawford Ladies lost for the 2nd successive match having been beaten in the Essex County Cup quarter finals by ERWFL Premier Division side Writtle Ladies last weekend they were dealt a blow in their bid to close the gap on Essex Women’s Premier Division leaders, Harlow Town Ladies after they were defeated 4-1 at home to Collier Row Tigers this Sunday.

3 successive wins for Wickford Town Ladies now in the league and cup as they won at home on Sunday playing Alresford Colne Rangers a result that sees them pull further away from the sides at the bottom of the table. In 8th place Wickford Town won the match 5-1 with the goals coming from 5 different players, Lois Curson, Autumn Ranger, Rachael Dipper, Anna Winfield and Charlee Twigg all getting their names on the scoresheet.

A good home win to in the Premier Division on Sunday for Chigwell Ladies as they beat 5th placed Runwell Sports Ladies in a high scoring match 5-3 to get all 3 points.

Essex Women’s Division One

The leading pair in Essex Women’s Division One continue to set a ruthless pace at the top of the table. Leaders Corringham Cosmos were on the road on Sunday playing 3rd placed Hatfield Peveral Ladies. Michelle Hodgson scored for Hatfield Peveral it was just a consolation however as Corringham Cosmos scored 5 goals at the other end to move onto 33 points, 3 ahead of 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies.

Frontiers Ladies made it 10 straight wins in the league on Sunday moving onto 30 points and crucially have 2 games in hand on Corringham at the top, also went along way to closing down their title rivals superior goal difference wracking up a large double figure scoreline at home to Wickford Town Ladies Reserves. Kay Foy (pictured) started the ball rolling opening the scoring in the opening couple of minutes. Wickford Town were to put the ball through their own net from a Frontiers corner to double the score on 8 minutes. In the 10th minute Kelly Holsworth scored from a free-kick to make it 3-0. Foy went on to get a 1st half hat-trick before 20 minutes were played scoring in the 14th and 19th minute sandwiched in between was a goal from Claire Davidson. Hayley King netting a goal to make it 7-0 on 27 minutes. Foy wasn’t done with her goal scoring 2 quickfire goals taking her up to 5, Frontier leading 9-0 went into the changing room 11-0 up at half time both Davidson and Holsworth scoring again. Two more hat-tricks followed in the 2nd half with Sharon Ferguson scoring 3 goals and the other an unfortunate stat for Wickford conceding 2 more own goals, still despite the heavy 16-0 defeat it was good to hear their players left the pitch with smiles on their faces.

FC Clacton Ladies took full advantage of 3rd placed Hatfield Peveral Ladies defeat at home to Corringham Cosmos to take the 3 points at home on Sunday and close to within a point of them in 4th in the Division One table. Were taking on Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves who scored twice through Emma Sharpe and Kayla-Marie Everett. FC Clacton trebling that tally to win the match 6-2.

Collier Row Athletic in 5th place in the Division One table at 2 points further back but have games in hand on both Clacton and Hatfield Peveral as they beat Benfleet Villa Ladies 4-0 away from home on Sunday.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 05/02/17

The Round-Up

Beds & Herts – Sunday 5th February

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup

Stevenage Ladies are through to their 3rd successive Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup final after overcoming Watford Ladies (Youth) U17s Hornets beating a determined and spirited group of 16 & 17 year old’s 2-1 with Donna McGuigan scoring both the goals for the FAWPL South East Division One side. Could be an all Stevenage Final too with their Reserves side away to Royston Town Ladies in the other semi-final being played this coming Sunday.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

A huge result in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One at the weekend in the only match taking place in the league Letchworth Garden City Eagles bottom of the table without a point on the board were hosting league leaders Sandy Ladies and beat them 3-0 to finally get 3 points on the board. A minutes silence and applause held before the match in memory of Letchworth Garden City Eagles Life President, Vince Paige who passed away recently.

Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup

This weekend also saw the quarter finals of the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup being played and both last season’s runners-up and the cup holders were knocked out of the competition on Sunday. League Cup holders, Garston Ladies were away in the quarter finals playing fellow Division One side, Bishops Stortford Ladies. Garston took a 2-0 lead into the changing rooms at half-time, going on to make it 3-0 in the 2nd half before Bishops Stortford staged an epic comeback with a little over 6 minutes left to play, Hannah Mead puling a goal back for the home side, Brooke White scored to make it 3-2 with 3 minute left on the clock then Kathryn Stanley (pictured) put the ball into the back of the net to level the tie at 3-3 to send the match into extra-time. Stanley scoring again in the 2nd period of extra-time netting the winning goal to send Bishops Stortford through to the semi-finals.

Also knocked out of the League Cup are last season’s beaten finalists, Sherrardswood Ladies were at home in the quarter finals against fellow Division One side, Hitchin Town Ladies. Francesca Novelli in the 1st half and Laura Cousins in the 2nd half scoring for Sherrardswood, Hitchin Town scoring twice in the 90 minutes the ties all square at 2-2 went into extra-time both sides scoring again Katy Owens for Sherrardswood. Shaan Hayre, Bethany Page and Kayleigh Saunders the 3 goals scorers for Hitchin Town. The quarter final headed to penalties, Hitchin Town the side emerging with the shootout win taking it 3-1 to reach the League Cup semi-finals.

Also through to the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup semi-finals are Division One side Houghton Athletic Ladies after they edged a 7 goal thriller away to Division Two side, Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets. Carlie Aldridge and Charlotte Demmon scoring 1st half goals for Woburn, Dominique Hull with a 3rd goal in the last 5 minutes. Houghton Athletic winning it 4-3 with Ciara Craig scoring a brace. Emily Peat and Holly Thomson with the other goals to see them into the semi-finals.

Watton Ladies from Division Two make up the semi-final line-up in the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup after they beat fellow Division Two side, Evergreen Ladies 3-1 away from home on Sunday. 2 goals fro Samantha Edgar along with a strike on target from Francesca Smithers seeing them win the tie. Natalie Maher with Evergreen Ladies goal.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

Three matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three at the weekend. Leaders, Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues were at home playing Shefford Town & Campton Ladies. A 2-0 win seeing them extend their 100% winning record to 9 matches at the top of the table.

It was a match 2nd & 3rd at Evergreen FC as Evergreen Eagles hosted 3rd placed Potters Bar United Ladies both side level on 12 points going into the game. Potters Bar United had beaten Evergreen Eagles 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the start of the year, this time around Evergreen Eagles won the 3 points to move 3 points clear in 2nd with a 2-0 victory, Samantha Feeney and Samantha Takis with the goals.

Plenty of goals scored in the other game in Division Three with Wheathamsted Ladies recording a double figure scoreline to beat bottom side Hatfield Town Ladies at home on Sunday. Sophia Pigdeon scoring a double hat-trick netting 6 goals in the match. Marie Dennehy scoring a hat-trick too. Jackie Sheridan grabbing herself a brace with Sandra Knias also wading in with a goal in a 12-0 win.

The Round-Up – Norfolk 05/02/17

The Round-Up

Norfolk – Sunday 5th February

Norfolk Ladies League Cup

A cup weekend in Norfolk with both the quarter finals of the Norfolk Ladies League Cup being played aswell as the 1st Round of the Norfolk Ladies League Plate a competition that saw it’s 1st outing last season with North Walsham Angels Ladies lifting the trophy.

This time around North Walsham Angels Ladies had reached the quarter finals of the League Cup competition and faced a tough away game against Division One leaders, Thorpe United Ladies who remain undefeated in all competitions so far this season. Having already reached the semi-finals of the County Cup, Thorpe United made it a double semi-final appearance as they ran out 4-1 winners.

Was another all Division One meeting in the quarter finals of the League Cup on Sunday with Brandon Town Ladies travelling east to play Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. Brandon Town ran out 2-1 winners to book their spot in the semi-finals all the goals coming in the 1st half. In the other quarter final due to be played this weekend Division One side Bungay Town Ladies were awarded the win against Division Three side East Coast Ladies. The last remaining quarter final is due to be played on the 19th of February and featured an all Division Two clash between leaders Gorleston FC Ladies and Stalham Town Ladies.

The draw for both the semi-finals of the League Cup and the quarter finals of the League Plate were made live on twitter this Tuesday evening and the semi-finals for the League Cup will be,

Bungay Town Ladies v Brandon Town Ladies

Thorpe United Ladies v Gorleston FC Ladies or Stalham Town Ladies

the ties scheduled to be played Sunday 12th March.

Norfolk Ladies League Plate

On to the League Plate, 12 sides entered into the draw with, Division One side Fakenham Town Ladies, Bohemians Ladies from Division Two and Toftwood United Ladies and Cromer Town Ladies, both from Division Three given a bye to the quarter finals. The other 8 sides paired up in the 1st Round.

A cup upset in the 1st Round of the Plate too with one of the sides favourites to reach the final knocked out. Division One side Aylsham FC Ladies were at home playing Tavern Ladies from Division Three. Aylsham looked comfortable at half-time leading 2-0. Tavern came back 2nd have to draw 2-2 after the 90 forcing the game into extra-time where the side from Dereham went on to score the winning goal to send them into the quarter finals.

The opposite between the other Division One versus Division Three 1st Round tie with King’s Lynn Town Ladies 2nd in Division One travelling to play Division Three leaders, Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. Josie Turner scoring twice in the 1st half, with Millie Hopkisson and captain Shelley Woods also on target seeing the visitors lead 4-0 at half time. Same score in the 2nd half as Becky Russell scored to make it 5-0, Turner went on to complete her hat-trick, with a brace from Woods seeing her also bag another hat-trick in an 8-0 victory.

Plenty of goals two in the all Division Two tie between Sprowston Ladies and Long Stratton Ladies 3rd and 2nd in the league, Long Stratton beat Sprowston 3-2 at home last Sunday in the league, scored 3 goals this time around too with Charlie Head netting a brace along with a goal for Dani Steward. It wasn’t enough however as Sprowston hit double that amount into their opponents goal to reach the quarter finals with a 6-3 win.

Briston Wanderers Ladies from Division Two are also into the League Plate quarter finals after they beat Division Three side Freethorpe Ladies with a comfortable 9-0 win.

The draw for the Norfolk Ladies League Plate is as follows,

Sprowston Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Toftwood United Ladies v Tavern Ladies

King’s Lynn Town Ladies v Cromer Town Ladies

Briston Wanderers Ladies v Bohemians Ladies

ties scheduled to be played Sunday 12th March.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 05/02/17

The Round-Up

ERWFL – Sunday 5th February

ERWFL Premier Division

Having gone top of the ERWFL Premier Division last weekend winning with the leading pair seeing their game postponed, AFC Dunstable Ladies were the ones who saw their match away to Billericay Town Ladies fall foul to a waterlogged pitch. That saw long time leaders Haringey Borough Women return to the top of the table with a comfortable win away to Writtle Ladies on Sunday. Klesha Darroux netting a hat-trick in the game taking her into double figures for the season. Adele Komani and Morgan Lungberg also scoring in a 5-1 victory, putting through their own net for the Writtle goal. The win seeing them move a point ahead of AFC Dunstable Ladies.

AFC Dunstable Ladies drop a further place into 3rd position as Bedford Ladies move back level on points with them on 30 for the season as they won the 3 points at home to AFC Sudbury Ladies. Although they left it very late to beat the side from Suffolk with the winning goal coming with barely seconds left to play the sides looking to have contested a goalless draw, Michelle Bryne with the last gasp goal.

That late defeat for AFC Sudbury coupled with a win at home for Brentwood Town Ladies on Sunday sees them climb above them into 4th spot in the table and close the gap to 2nd and 3rd placed Bedford and AFC Dunstable Ladies to 6 points with 2 games in hand. Brentwood Town also left it ate to win all 3 points in their match against Acle United Ladies. Took an early lad, Georgia Holdaway putting Brentwood Town ahead in the 6th minute. Both sides creating chances Acle fought their way back into the game eventually getting the scores level with 10 minutes left to play only for Brentwood Town to come back and retake the lead Holdaway with her 2nd goal to win the game 2-1.

A vital 3 points for Colchester Town Ladies at the other end of the Premier Division table as the side 2nd bottom in the table came back for a 2-0 half-time deficit to win the game 3-2 with the winning goal coming in the last 10 minutes. Were at home to the side immediately above them in the table Royston Town Ladies. Georgia Gannaway and Samantha Tinsley scoring for Royston in the 1st half to see them lead 2-0. Miagh Downey pulling a goal back for Colchester Town in the 57th minute went on to level it with her 2nd goal with 20 minutes left on the clock. Into the last 10 minutes and Colchester Town captain, Georgia Box scored to give Colchester Town the lead and see them win the 3 points that pulls them 5 points clear of bottom side Histon Ladies.

ERWFL Division One

Despite playing just the one league game in January, Cambridge City Ladies still lead the ERWFL Premier Division in front due to Offley & Stopsley Women’s points deduction, keep the lead on goal difference still with games in hand on all the sides below them. Were at home on Sunday playing Suffolk side, Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Bella Simmons moved her goals tally int double figures for the season with a brace in the game. Sarah Mosley and Rachel Pearce also netting a goal each to see Cambridge City win 4-1. Jo Hazelton on target with the Ipswich Wanderers goal.

Colney Heath Ladies are level on points at the top of the ERWFL Division One table on 30 as they continued their excellent run of league form clocking up their 5th straight league win on Sunday. Were at home taking on 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies who went int the weekend a point behind the leading pair. Gemma Sanders enjoying a good season in front of goal scoring her 11th of the season for Wymondham Town to give them the lead inside 2 minutes. Colney Heath came back into the match top scorer, Holly Sheridan moving onto 17 goals with a 1st half hat-trick to see the home side leading 3-1 at half-time. Wymondham Town pulled a goal back in the 90th minute but it wasn’t enough to take anything from the match.

A single goal was enough to win all 3 points for Stevenage Ladies Reserves at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies at the weekend at home at the Coldicote Social Club, Leah Littlechild’s strike winning the 3 points moving Stevenage up into 6th place in the ERWFL Division One table and in a good position to challenge for a top 4 finish.

Another narrow defeat for Hoddesdon Town Ladies as the continue their search for their 1st league win of the season. The bottom side in ERWFL Division One losing out 2-1 at home to Hertford Town Ladies. Hoddesdon scoring through Hanna Kelly. Hertford Town winning the game courtesy of goals from Kerry Oldham and Becky Shephard the win seeing them climb 2 places from 10th to 8th.

The Round-Up – Suffolk 05/02/17

The Round-Up

Suffolk Women’s Division – Sunday 5th February

It was a full programme of fixtures in the Suffolk Women’s Division this weekend with no games falling foul of the weather. All 8 sides in action it was top half versus bottom half and the top half came out very much on top! League leaders Ipswich Town Ladies Development made it 9 games unbeaten with a 4-0 win at home to 5th placed Bacton United Ladies. Sian Cottrell scoring a brace to take her into double figure for the season along side Emily Steward who also scored in the match, with Deborah Greaves also on target scoring her 1st goal for Ipswich.

2nd placed Walsham Le Willow Ladies won comfortably at home against 6th placed Leiston St Margarets Ladies on Sunday scoring 8 goals without reply moving them onto 49 goals scored in 9 matches played so far this season. 6 points back from leaders Ipswich their is a fierce battle developing below in 3rd spot Brantham Athletic Ladies continue to keep pace with Walsham Le Willows with 19 points from 9 played winning at home on Sunday against Ipswich Phoenix Ladies. Kirsten Hutchings (pictured) scoring a hat-trick in the match along with a goal each for Heather Andrews, Lauren Page and Rebecca Prime in a 6-0 victory.

Was also a big win away from home for 4th placed East Bergholt United Ladies who are just a point behind Walsham Le Willows and Brantham Athletic having also played 9 games. Were playing Copleston Ladies. Both Jessica Clark and Jessica Oxlade hit a brace in the match with a goal a piece for Jodie Sharp and Cara Savage, an own goal too seeing the visitors win 7-0. Will be interesting to see if anyone from the chasing pack can challenge Ipswich Town Ladies Development’s unbeaten record in the next few months.

The Round-Up – FAWPL 05/02/17

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 5th February

FAWPL Southern Division

With it being an FA Women’s Cup weekend there was a limited number of fixtures scheduled across the FAWPL Southern Division and South East Division One. Just the 3 games in all. Was a huge result in the Southern Division however as Cardiff City Ladies took full advantage of league leaders Tottenham involvement in the FA Women’s Cup to win and jump from 4th spot to the top of the league. Were at home on Sunday hosting Portsmouth FC Ladies who in the week made Jay Sadler their permanent manager.

Cardiff City Ladies are like Tottenham unbeaten in the league with just the one draw from 9 played. Got off to a fantastic start leading within the 1st minute. Doubling the lead on 15 minutes. A dominant 1st half seeing Cardiff City lead 4-0 at half-time. One more goal followed in the 2nd half an all important one to as it was enough to put Cardiff City into top spot in the table on goal difference over Tottenham both now on 10 played 9 wins and a draw with both yet to play the other. A brace for Kerry Bartlett taking her goals tally to the season to 14 with Hope Suominen scoring a hat-trick.

FAWPL South East Division One

In FAWPL South East Division One, league leaders Milton Keynes Dons Ladies extended their lead at the top of the table to 4 points over 2nd and 3rd placed Cambridge United WFC and AFC Wimbledon Ladies who were both involved in the FA Women’s Cup. Headed to Suffolk at the weekend to play Ipswich Town Ladies. A brace each for Hannah Barrett and Leah Cudone (pictured) seeing them win the 3 points with a 4-1 win. Lindsey Cooper with the goal for Ipswich Town Ladies.

The battle for the title in FAWPL South east Division One is hotting up with Gillingham FC Ladies also winning at the weekend away from home playing 4th placed Actonians Ladies. The only side still unbeaten in the league 6th placed Gillingham FC Ladies have games on all the sides above them. Were leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to a 1st half brace from Felicity Gibbons. Jenny Newman scored to make it 3-0 18 minutes into the 2nd half. 2nd half substitute, Bethany Nugent scoring Gillingham’s 4th goal in the last 10 minutes to see them move above Luton Town Ladies into 5th place 10 points behind the current leaders with 5 games in hand.

The Round-Up – FA Women’s Cup

The Round-Up

FA Women’s Cup – Sunday 5th February

This Sunday saw 11 tasty looking ties taking place across the country in the 3rd Round proper of the FA Women’s Cup, the round of the competition where the sides from FAWSL 2 enter playing their 1st competitive game before the new one off Spring Series starts next weekend. Should have been 12 ties however Doncaster Rovers Belles were awarded a home win after fellow FAWSL 2 side Watford Ladies pulled out of the competition. Hardly an uncommon thing to report on Women’s Football East, but in most instances it has been at county level not the 2nd tier of the National game. Troubling times and very sad for Watford Ladies, with the Spring Series just around the corner let’s hope the club can get it together not only for the good of the game but also the fans at the club. Watford has a very good youth set-up, and some that will get a mention in another Round-Up later on.

Out of the 11 ties that were played this Sunday 6 featured sides competing in the leagues covered by Women’s Football East. It was a long trip North for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies leading the FAWPL Southern Division as they travelled to the Sir Tom Finney Stadium to play Blackburn Rovers Ladies in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. Leading the FAWPL Northern Division this could also potentially be the FAWPL Play-off match come the end of the season both sides are unbeaten in their respective leagues with just the one draw each. For now it was all about the FA Women’s Cup, Blackburn took an early lead in the match Ella Toone putting them ahead inside the opening 10 minutes. It didn’t take Tottenham long to respond getting the scores level midway through the 1st half, Bianca Baptiste with the goal. A dramatic injury time winner saw Tottenham advance to the 4th Round draw as Wendy Martin headed the ball on from a goal kick falling to Baptiste who drove forwards pulled the trigger from outside the box sending the ball into the top corner of the net for her 2nd of the match and the winning goal. Tottenham will now be at home to FAWSL 2 new comers Brighton & Hove Albion WFC in the 4th Round Proper.

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were playing their 1st competitive game since winning the FAWPL Play-off match back in May 2016 were drawn away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies, who were enjoying a good season so far laying 3rd in the FAWPL South East Division One table, following promotion last season. An attendance figure of around 550 for the game. Brighton took the lead as the 1st half was closing in on the 30 minute mark, Ellie Dorey putting the away side in front. Amy Taylor doubled the lead with 5 minutes of the 1st half left. Brighton were then awarded a penalty in the closing stages of the 1st half, Sophie Perry scoring from the spot to see Brighton lead 3-0 at the break. AFC Wimbledon pulled a goal back 17 minutes into the 2nd half, Hannah Searle finding the back of the net, Brighton didn’t concede again restoring their 3 goal lead with 6 minutes left Lucy Somes scoring as Brighton advanced in the FA Women’s Cup.

Cambridge United WFC were on a history making run in the FA Women’s Cup having made it through 4 rounds of the competition having beaten higher league opposition along the way leading the FAWPL South East Division One table for much of the season well placed for a title push. Had been at home in the previous 4 rounds, were away for the 1st time in the competition testing themselves against FAWSL 2 opposition as they travelled to Tamworth FC the new home of Aston Villa Ladies. It was the 1st competitive match of the season for the FAWSL 2 sides, have a mixed record in the FA Women’s Cup in recent seasons some going out early others doing well, Aston Villa Ladies were in the later category having reached the quarter finals in the past 2 seasons. Cambridge started well looked like it might be a competitive tie, having tested keeper Chloe Beattie at one end Cambridge gave away a free-kick in the 17th minute on half way the ball flighted up into the box was glanced on into the back of the net by Chloe Jones to give Aston Villa the lead. Aston Villa went on to dominate the 1st half 2 quickfire goals around the half hour mark from captain Bethan Merrick and midfielder Maddy Cusack saw them lead comfortably 3-0 at the break.

Maddy Cusack scorer of Aston Villa ladies 3rd goal on the ball

A life line for Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half as within the 1st minute they had pulled a goal back, Becky Taylor latching onto a poor pass at the back to round the keeper and make it 3-1. That however was as good as it got for the visitors as Aston Villa were intent on reaching the next round attacking at will, Mollie Rouse scoring twice to make it 5-1 before new signing Alice Hassall and academy graduate Chloe Dale both scored debut goals for to see Aston Villa Ladies win 7-1 and set up a local derby in the 4th Round Proper. The match was covered by the Supporting Women’s Football Blog and the full report can be found below this post or by clicking on the link below.

Aston Villa Ladies 7-1 Cambridge United WFC

Their opponents in the 4th Round of the FA Women’s Cup will be Coventry United Ladies after they knocked out FAWSL 2 side Oxford United Ladies for the 2nd time in the FA Women’s Cup in 3 seasons. Were at home this time around at Pack Meadow taking an early lead with Alison Hall heading the ball into the back of the net from a Helen Dermody corner in the 5th minute. Held onto the 1-0 advantage at half-time. Jade Brook with a screamer! (quoting the twitter feed here) doubling Coventry’s lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half, went on to win 2-0 and reach the 4th Round where they will welcome Aston Villa Ladies to Pack Meadow.

Elsewhere it wasn’t such good news for the FAWPL Southern Division. Charlton Athletic Ladies were at home in the 3rd Round Proper taking on FAWSL 2 side Sheffield FC Ladies. The two sides went into the dressing room goalless after the 1st half. Sheffield going on to take the lead in the 2nd half Sophie Jones heading the ball into the back of the net. Went on to secure the win to advance into the 4th Round, new signing Natasha Flint scoring from 25 yards getting her 1st competitive goal for Sheffield. Will be at home to Doncaster Rovers Belles in the 4th Round Proper.

Lewes Ladies made the long journey up to the West Midlands to play FAWPL Northern Division side West Bromich Albion Women. The FAWPL Southern Division side took an early lead in the tie Danielle Lane scoring for Lewes in the 12th minute. The sides went into the dressing rooms level at the break however with Trina Greaves pulling the scores level for West Bromich just before the half hour mark. The home side going on to take the lead with Greaves scoring her 2nd of the game in the 63rd minute before 2nd half substitute, Leigh Dugmore made it 3-1 with 15 minutes left to knock Lewes out of the FA Women’s Cup. West Bromich Albion Women will be at home to fellow FAWPL North Division side Leicester City Women in the 4th Round Proper.

The full draw for the FA Women’s Cup 4th Round Proper draw ties to be played Sunday 19th February, winner receive £2,000

Durham Women FC v Everton Ladies

Coventry United Ladies v Aston Villa Ladies

Millwall Lionesses v Nottingham Forest Ladies

West Bromich Albion Women v Leicester City Women

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

Sheffield FC Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles

Match Report – Aston Villa Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

The featured match on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog this Sunday was from the FA Women’s Cup. The 3rd Round Proper where Cambridge United WFC flying high in FAWPL South East Division One were looking to continue their history making run taking on FAWSL 2 side Aston Villa Ladies as they enter the competition playing their 1st competitive match of the season.

Match Report – Aston Villa Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

The action on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup. The clubs from FAWSL 2 enter the competition at this stage and it’s Tamworth FC, FAWPL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC head for one of the biggest games in their history as they take on Aston Villa Ladies.

The 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup is as far in the competition as Cambridge United WFC have ever gotten. Are enjoying a very good season to date leading the FAWPL South East Division One for much of the season, dropping to 2nd only because their game last weekend was postponed allowing Milton Keynes Dons Ladies to take over at the top. The attention today however is firmly on the FA Women’s Cup, already enjoying a fantastic run, making it through 4 rounds to get this far.

Have been drawn out of the hat at home in all of their other FA Women’s Cup games, starting in 3rd Round Qualifying against Norfolk side Wymondham Town Ladies, who had dumped them out of the Cup only 12 months previously. Have grown as a side since then and a influx of new players to bolster the squad saw them win the game comfortably 3-0. Onto 4th Round Qualifying and Cambridge were taking on fellow FAWPL South East Division One side, Stevenage Ladies again they progressed with a 3-0 to make it to the 1st Round Proper. Were drawn at home to FAWPL Southern Division side, QPR Ladies in form they beat the side bottom of the league above them 3-1. Southampton Women’s FC were their opponents in the 2nd Round Proper a side on a similar rise to Cambridge but playing a league below Cambridge were too strong on the day winning 4-0. Now drawn away for the 1st time in the competition away to Aston Villa Ladies. Two leagues between the sides.

For FAWSL 2 side, Aston Villa Ladies this is their 1st competitive match of the season as they prepare for the new one off Spring Series next weekend. Have reached the quarter finals in the previous 2 season’s in the FA Women’s Cup. Have a new home for this season moving from Sutton Coldfield up the M42 to The Lamb Ground home of Tamworth FC. The Conference North have a new state of the art 3G pitch a surface the Aston Villa Ladies players will be used to having played on an artificial surface back at Sutton Coldfield. The area around Tamworth has a large Villa following and the Ladies side are hoping optimistic more fans to come watch them in action. Have retained the services of much of last season’s squad and are a club willing to bring their youth players into the 1st team, Mollie Rouse doing well last season, Lucy Shepherd and Lucy Porter step up to the 1st team squad this season all all England Youth Internationals along with Alice Hassall who has joined the club having been with Notts County Ladies last season.

The Lamb Ground is a nicely laid out stadium. A large carpark outside. Not too far from the town centre. The new 3G pitch looks excellent, surrounded by stands on all sides, one large seated stand on one side with the opposite side and one goal end offering covered terracing the other goal end terraced. A clubhouse and bar. Sutton Coldfield always did a good cheeseburger so I’m glad Aston Villa Ladies have found a new ground that serves up one just as good. A little chilly, but it was dry a pretty good day for football.

Aston Villa Ladies starting XI – Chloe Beattie, Lucy Porter, Alice Hassall, Elisha N’Dow, Jade Richards, Chloe Jones, Maddy Cusack, Mollie Rouse, Amy West, Bethan Merrick (C) & Tash Baptiste.
subs- Katy Moran, Alys Hinchcliffe, Lucy Shepherd, Kerri Welsh & Chloe Dale.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Chloe Bennett, Mollie Kmita, Laura Bright (C), Laura Baker, Dawn Mallett, Danielle Puddefoot, Becky Taylor, Laura Mills & Nicole Perschky.
subs – Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Hollie Jardine, Paige Logie, Evie Gallop & Rosie Kmita.

It’s Cambridge to get this FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round tie underway wearing amber shirts and socks with black shorts with Aston Villa lined up opposite wearing claret shirts with sky blue sleeve and collar. white shorts and sky blue socks. Alice Hassall starts for Aston Villa on the right side of defence. The ball is played out to Cambridge right back Emma Jenkins early on sent down the right with striker Nicole Perschky making a run into the channel, turns inside to evade the tackle from Jade Richards puts the ball into the area just inside the area Danielle Puddefoot back to goal lays the ball back to Dawn Mallet 20 yards out running onto the ball hits it hard, Maddy Cusack throws herself into the shot blocking the ball.

Cambridge United WFC’s, Danielle Puddefoot is fouled as she attempts to head the ball

Aston Villa counter attack the ball played into captain, Bethan Merrick in the middle taking the ball forwards lays in on for Mollie Rouse ahead of her, she has Amy West bursting forwards from the left side to get into the area threads the ball into the box, West picks it up in her stride gets a shot away is gathered by Cambridge goalkeeper, Verity Crook at her near post. An open game from the start both sides looking to get the ball forwards with purpose. Laura Mills getting onto the ball down the right has 2 opportunities to put the ball into the Aston Villa box, both attempts cleared by Richards.

Hassall finds space on the right to get ahead of the attack, Chloe Bennett gets across to put the ball out for a throw before the cross can come in, the throw is taken quickly the ball pushed in field 20 yards out Rouse shoots from 25 yards out her strike sailing over the Cambridge crossbar. Mallett is fouled in the middle as she tried to get her head on an Aston Villa clearance. It’s Mallett to take the set-piece sends the ball up towards the area, the ball is headed out of the area, Mallett moves quickly to close the ball down 30 yards out winning it back gets a shot away pulls the low drive wide across the face of goal.

Merrick is finding space up top getting past the midfield to attack the Cambridge defence, getting into the box wins Aston Villa the 1st corner of the match. The ball is played in high in towards the penalty spot, jumping Richards can’t get her head on the ball drops to Cusack behind her heads the ball down into the ground, Crook getting down sharply makes a good save, can’t gather the ball, her defence scramble it away before anyone from Aston Villa can follow up. No one is allowed any time on the ball, Aston Villa stretching play Elisha N’Dow and Richards both prepared to carry the ball out from the back into midfield. N’Dow send the ball up towards Rouse just outside the Cambridge box getting her head on the ball turns it goalwards, lacks power flies straight into Crook’s gloves. A busy opening 15 minutes.

Mallett winning the ball in the middle has support from Becky Taylor she gets the ball wide to Mills on the right side taking it on turns inside to evade Lucy Porter’s challenge her ball into the area is cut out by the long leg of Richards as she lunges to stop it pushes the ball outside the area into the path of Laura Baker, meeting the ball on the half volley drills a hot in towards goal, Aston Villa goalkeeper Chloe Beattie is right behind it gets down to save the ball bouncing in front of her.

Aston Villa Ladies, Chloe Jones

GOAL! Cambridge give away a free kick inside the centre circle, Aston Villa send plenty of players up into the area the delivery is a good one from the set-piece the ball flighted in centrally, Chloe Jones top of the six yard box gets a glancing header on the ball taking it past Crook and into the back of the net beyond to score Aston Villa’s 1st competitive goal of the season 1-0.

Aston Villa very nearly double their lead just 2 minutes later only to be denied by the offside flag. The build up is with Jones and Cusack in the middle, Merrick makes the forwards run moving left towards the area pulls the trigger hitting a swerving ball in low towards goal, Crook is moving across to cover the post, adjusts fantastically to throw her body in the opposite direction get a palm to the ball killing it’s momentum is stranded however as it rolls across the face of goal, Tash Baptiste following up blasts the ball into the empty net, the celebrations cut short by the officials flag.

Certainly a competitive game, Cambridge will give as good as they get and Aston Villa aren’t shy. Cusack breaks up play in the middle on for Merrick, shoots from outside the box the effort straight at Crook the keeper holds on to the ball. Mallett is fouled by Cusack 35 yards out on the set-piece goes for goal puts her strike a metre over the bar.

Bethan Merrick doubles Aston
Villa Ladies lead

GOAL! Closing in on half an hour played and Aston Villa double the lead Merrick has been all over the place in the 1st half so far and as Aston Villa build an attack on the left they win a throw the ball is played into Merrick turns and shoots from outside the area plenty of pace on the ball it is past Crook and into the far corner of the net 2-0.

Doubling their lead Aston Villa have Cambridge on the back foot unhappy with a few decisions and going 2-0 down the home side press the advantage Cusack getting forwards is fouled on the right 30 yards out. Merrick plays the free-kick long aiming for the pack attacking the far post over everyone, Hassall at the back keeps the ball in play lay it back for a teammate at the edge of the box not a clear view of who the shot comes in is straight at Crook, the keeper down smartly dragging the ball into her body.

GOAL! Cambridge don’t keep Aston Villa at bay for long however as just 2 minutes after going 2 up the home side make it 3. Players are still up the pitch from the previous attack as Cambridge trying to get the ball up field lose it on the left side the ball is played on by West to Rouse down into the corner time to cross into the box, Mollie Kmita stretching as she attempts to intercept the ball can only knock it into the path of Cusack who left of goal smashes her shot back across the keeper and in score her 1st goal since 2014 to make it 3-0.

Aston Villa Ladies, Maddy Cusack

Cambridge are visibly frustrated at going 3 goals down are working hard to get the ball back, Aston Villa with good movement on and off the ball are just a fraction ahead of their opponents evading tackles and moving the ball on quickly. Afters between Baptiste and Crook as the keeper is clattered after claiming a Cusack cross from the right threatening to dip under her crossbar. The referee breaks up the flashpoint and books Baptiste. Perschky has had little service put into her up front for Cambridge when the ball is played over the top giving her something to attack she is ahead of the Aston Villa defence only to find Beattie moving up to the edge of her area to clear the ball before she can reach it.

Jones plays the ball into Merrick trough the middle helps the ball on laying it into the path of Baptiste moving across the D, left to right, latches onto the falling ball sending it angling in towards goal, Crook is well placed in her six yard box to get her body behind the ball. Another chance for Baptiste moments later as Aston Villa regain possession in the centre the ball played into her inside the D, works space for the shot drags her effort wide across the goal. Rouse moving out to the right with the ball has support from Hassall the ball is crossed into Baptiste just inside the area shoots puts the ball straight into Crook’s gloves.

Cambridge United WFC’s
Laura Baker

Cambridge are in danger of being overwhelmed late in the 1st half as Aston Villa keep coming forwards, Rouse sending the long range ball out to West on the left her cross is fired across the top of the area Baptiste latches onto it her shot blocked as Baker throws herself in front of her the ball racing back to Rouse who fires over from 25 yards out. Hassall is fouled as she brings the ball on down the right, Merrick plays the set-piece long towards the far post back pedalling Crook plucks the ball down keeping hold of it well as she falls under challenge from Richards.

5 minutes left in the 1st half Aston Villa have a corner on the right the ball is played short into Porter moving forwards unmarked from a defensive position takes the ball into the area taking on the shot drives the ball wide across the six yard box. Hassall surges down the right with the ball whips in a dangerous cross near post Cusack furthest forwards can’t connect, the ball cleared out of the area is won back rolled back across to Cusack outside the box she looks to send a shot wide of the keeper Crook dives to her right makes the save.

Cambridge launch a rare counter attack the ball Jenkins bringing the ball on sends it out to Perschky on the right side a clever turn to get room to cross the ball is angled high in towards goal, loops over Beattie dropping far post Taylor throwing herself at the ball can’t get anything on the ball to divert it into the net. Aston Villa are forced into a change late in the 1st half, Jones can’t continue Chloe Dale comes on to replace her.

Half-time Aston Villa Ladies 3-0 Cambridge United WFC

A comfortable 1st half for Aston Villa in the end after a positive start from Cambridge it looked like it was going to be an open contest both sides wanting to attack get the ball forwards. Taking the lead on the 17th minute Aston Villa went on to dominate the 1st half, runners from every position pulling Cambridge out of position their movement just a little sharper than their opponents. Crook with some good saves to keep the score down. Cambridge have scored 3 or more goals in all of their other previous FA Cup matches will need to score early 2nd half to get a chance to get back into the tie.

It’s Aston Villa to get the 2nd half underway, Merrick with a driving run through the middle over run the ball is gathered by Crook.

GOAL! Just the start to the 2nd half the visitors needed as they pull a goal back inside the 1st half of the 2nd minute, Mallett heads Crook’s kick out from the back on, goes straight on for Perschky who controls and looks to play in Taylor making a forwards run on the left, capitalises on a mistake at the back from Aston Villa to latch onto a ball intended for the keeper nicks it past the onrushing Beattie and keeping her composure rolls the ball into the empty net beyond 3-1.

Becky Taylor scores early in the 2nd half for Cambridge United WFC

Dale breaks up play for Aston Villa inside the Cambridge half plays the ball down the line for Hassall on the right, taking it on down the wing cuts the ball back for Rouse top of the area scooping the ball up off the ground her effort flies narrowly over the crossbar. N’Dow is allowed to travel with the ball from the back for Aston Villa crossing the ball into the Cambridge area the ball is intercepted by Bright, runs back to N’Dow who wins a corner. the ball swept into the six yard box Bright defends well up against Richards.

The 1st corner of the match for Cambridge comes in the 2nd half as the ball is played into the area with Puddefoot getting forwards wins a corner off Cusack. From the right the ball is swung in centrally, Bright gets something on the ball far post knocking the ball down towards goal, Aston Villa have players on the line to clear the ball. Getting the ball forwards Cusack lays the ball out right to Hassall the cross is cut back from the byline in towards Baptiste making a near post run strikes the ball hard, Mollie Kmita makes the block. Richards turn to come forwards with the ball fires it into Baptiste inside the D back to goal lays it off for Rouse to strike from 25 yards out the shot straight at Crook who saves comfortably.

Cambridge United WFC captain, Laura Bright clears the ball

GOAL! 57 minutes played Aston Villa have the ball on the left rolled on for West to take down the line squares the ball across the face of the six yard box, is behind Baptiste at the far post adjusts well to get a leg wrapped around the ball play it on for Rouse at the top of the box right of the D drills a low shot back across Crook and into the back of the net to restore Aston Villa’s 3 goal lead 4-1.

Merrick brings the ball on from midfield riding a challenge passes the ball out to Hassell bombing forwards down the right cuts the ball in towards Baptiste at the near post shoots forcing a great save from Crook on the post turning the ball away for the corner. Played in towards Richards she is challenged inside the box manages to get the ball back to the corner taker who lifts the ball up towards the far post drops to Rouse controls on her chest far post before attempting to put the ball in at the post Crook gets across falls on the ball to save.

GOAL! As in the 1st half having hit Cambridge with 2 quick goals, Aston Villa do it again 2nd half as 4 minutes after grabbing her 1st goal of the season Rouse gets her 2nd, the home side are attacking the ball is cleared up field by Cambridge only as far as Dale who headers the ball back towards Rouse ahead of her 25 yards out who shifts the ball to her right and hits a sweet strike into the top right corner, not much Crook can do about it as she throws herself at the ball 5-1.

Aston Villa Ladies, Mollie Rouse

20 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Cambridge make their 1st substitution bringing off Mallett and sending on Rosie Kmita. Cambridge get a free-kick in the middle, Mollie Kmita to play the ball up towards the area, Bright is up from the back collects the ball outside the box left of the D rolls it across to Baker who plays the ball into the area for Puddefoot, has Rosie Kmita free to her left gets the ball into her, Kmita shoots, Beattie back on her line makes a comfortable save.

West is played into space on the left by Rouse taking the ball down the wing fires a pinpoint cross into Baptiste at the far post six yards out gets her head on the ball knocking it down towards goal, Crook denies her again going with the ball and down to claim it as it falls straight at her.

Alice Hassall scores on her
debut for Aston Villa Ladies

GOAL! Aston Villa keep coming and extend their lead in the 68th minute and it’s a debut goal for Hassall. Aston Villa bring the ball on down the left side West plays the ball into the box Cusack making a near post run squares the ball across the six box Baptiste overruns the ball as it races past her however Hassall is coming in from the right side meets the ball 1st time blasting it home to celebrate her 1st goal in claret and blue 6-1.

Aston Villa make a change bringing off Baptiste, bringing on Katy Moran who dons the captains armband.

GOAL! Another debut goal follows a couple of minutes later for Aston Villa as one of their development players gets her 1st goal for the 1st team. With the majority of the attack Aston Villa are sending players forwards at will Moran puts the ball out to West linking up with Cusack she whips a fierce cross into the middle of the area, Dale is the furthest forwards gets hold of the ball controlling well before placing her shot wide of the keeper 7-1.

Cambridge make their 2nd change with Paige Logie coming on for Puddefoot. Aston Villa have a corner on the right swung in towards the penalty spot N’Dow gets up for the header can’t direct it on target. Aston Villa make their final change Kerri Welsh coming on for Cusack. Cambridge make their 3rd change to Kayleigh-Anne Burt coming on for Mollie Kmita. Aston Villa keep pressing forwards, head coach Joe Hunt urging his players to keep up the tempo and threat as the game moves into the last 10 minutes. Merrick sends a high ball into the box from a free-kick on the right, both Richards and Welsh go for it neither connects.

Laura Mills looking to get on the attack for Cambridge United WFC

West plays the ball inside to Welsh 25 yards out the striker goes for goal placing her shot over the crossbar. Mills is playing through the centre late on with Perschky wide right for Cambridge the final ball just won’t come off as Perschky lifts the ball into the area with Mills making the run across the centre backs, Beattie is out quickly to gather at the top of her area. Into injury time Cambridge break on the left Rosie Kmita attacking with the ball fires a cross into the box, is headed out to the right by Richards, Perschky picks up the ball wide drives a shot over the bar.

Full time Aston Villa Ladies 7-1 Cambridge United WFC

Full time and Aston Villa Ladies are through to the draw for the next round of the FA Women’s Cup. A clinical performance from a side who looked anything but rusty good movement on and off the ball sharper to the ball all over the pitch and put on a great show at their new home at Tamworth. For Cambridge it’s a brutal way to see their superb run in the FA Women’s Cup come to an end, history made and a financial boost too with 4 rounds won. Learnt a harsh lesson today, knew they were outplayed no shame in that it’s how you respond, you only test yourself by raising the bar, going strong in the league all to play for.

SWF Blog – Player of the Match

Several contenders in the Aston Villa Ladies side today, the midfielders in particular, you can tell by the report I write alot of notes and perhaps it’s the bits I don’t include that add up sometimes, certainly in this case the SWF Blog Player of the Match is Maddy Cusack great energy shown throughout the match to break up attacks before they could even start and getting forwards into attacking positions when the opportunity presented itself, plus a goal to cap her performance.

Maddy Cusack winning the header

The draw for the next round of the FA Women’s Cup will be made on Monday and will update this post once it is made, thanks to both clubs for their assistance today.

*UPDATE* The draw for the 4th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup will see Aston Villa Ladies playing a local derby match away to Coventry United Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division, who beat FAWSL 2 side Oxford United Women 2-0 in the 3rd Round. The tie scheduled to be played Sunday 19th February.