There are 9 sides contesting this season’s Suffolk Women’s Division, AFC Kesgrave Ladies and Hadleigh United Ladies the 2 new sides joining the league from last season. Ipswich Phoenix Ladies have become Ipswich Athletic Youth Ladies. Ipswich Town Ladies Development winning the title last season going unbeaten now promoted to the ERWFL. Walsham Le Willow Ladies start as favourites to win this season’s title. Both East Bergholt United Ladies and Brantham Athletic Ladies will be chasing them hard and this league always throws up the unexpected result throughout the season.
Suffolk Women’s Division
The season’s opening weekend saw 2 fixtures played, Brantham Town Ladies were at home against Leiston St Margarets Ladies to begin their season. A convincing result to get off the mark Brantham winning the game 6-0 a brace for Kirsten Hutchings. There was also a brace for new signing Jodie Sharp joining from rivals East Bergholt. Danielle Harvey and Sophie Crabtree also opening their goal account in the opening fixture.
A change of name and new beginning seeing a Ipswich Athletic Youth Ladies begin the 2017/18 season with their 1st ever win having been Ipswich Phoenix the two seasons before. Away to Coplestonians Ladies on the opening day held a narrow 1-0 advantage at the break before going on to win 4-1 in the 2nd half. 4 different goal scorers too with, Charlotte Archer, Madeleine Fairbrother, Natalie Southgate and Alicia Wilson all putting the ball into the back of the net.
Three sides went into the weekend with a 100% winning start at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division, something had to give however as 2 of those sides met with Acle United Ladies playing host to Billericay Town Ladies. It was the side from Essex that started the better and took an early 2-0 lead Paris Smith scoring both goals. That the lead at half-time Acle United pulled a goal back in the 2nd half to make it 2-1, Grace Birchall getting the goal. Billericay didn’t take too long to respond restoring their 2 goal cushion with Smith completing her hat-trick to make it 3-1 the final score Billericay now the only side in the league with a 100% winning record after 3 played.
In 2nd spot Bedford Ladies lose their 100% record but remain unbeaten with 7 points from their 3 opening league games after they held AFC Dunstable Ladies to a 1-1 draw away from home on Sunday. Michelle Byrne scoring the goal for Bedford. Isabelle Attenborough netting the goal for AFC Dunstable.
A good week for Writtle Ladies as they climb up to 3rd in the Premier Division unbeaten in 3 games a 1-0 away win against Cambridge City Ladies in mid-week to build upon an opening day 5-5 draw with AFC Dunstable Ladies. Were at home for the 1st time this season on Sunday against AFC Sudbury Ladies who they had lost to 4-3 in 1st Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup. A 4-3 defeat to Writtle then. Facing each other a week later Sudbury travelling without a few injured players including goalkeeper Penny Everett. Harriet Young taking over in goal. Writtle took an early lead going on to double the advantage before half-time. Young was injured in a nasty collision in the 1st half and was unable to continue. Writtle extended the lead 2nd half but Sudbury fought back pulling it back to 3-2 with Megan Partridge scoring both goals. Writtle going on to score twice more winning the game 5-2 to take 7 points from their 1st 3 league games their goals scored by Abigail Fry, Sophie Vale, Amy Simmons and a brace for full back Lucy Jones. A concussion along with a broken nose and finger for Harriett Young, wishing her all the best for a speedy recovery.
Brentwood Town Ladies are up to 5th in the Premier Division with their 1st league win of the season a late goal for Colney Heath Ladies denying the all 3 points in their opening league game finishing 2-2, Brentwood held on for the win this time winning 2-1 Angela Arnold and Nina Boorman with the goals to see them to victory. Royston Town scoring through Becky Shephard still without a point after 3 played.
A tough start to the ERWFL Premier Division for relegated Lowestoft Town Ladies rebuilding a squad 2 heavy defeats home and away to begin the season were at home this Sunday and picked up a moral boosting win coming back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 against Cambridge City Ladies. The newly promoted Division One Champions travelling to Suffolk after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Writtle Ladies in mid-week going into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Stacey Fullicks and a double for Bella Simmons. Lowestoft fought back 2nd half a goal from Nicola Sheldrake along with a triple for captain Hannah Waters seeing them take all 3 points lift the club into 8th position.
ERWFL Division One North
Wymondham Town Ladies travelled to Essex on Sunday to play Silver End United Ladies returning home with the 3 points to continue their unbeaten start to the season their 7 point haul returning them to the top of the Division One North table. Plenty of goals in the side too a return a 18 now from 3 lead games. Nadine Basson and Alice Collins both scoring a brace with a goal each for Brook Cheal-Ferris, Kayleigh Holloway and Mollie O’Callaghan in a 7-0 win. Silver End United remain without a point after 3 played.
Histon Ladies returned to 2nd in the Division One North table playing their 2nd league game made it 2 wins from 2 away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies on Sunday also unbeaten after 2 played. Ipswich Wanderers taking the lead in the 11th minute Jade Horne putting the ball into the back of the net. Histon got back on level terms midway through the 1st half Hannah Gordon with the strike. 1-1 at the break Histon took the lead in the game with 15 minutes left to play Gordon with her 2nd of the game was immediately followed by a goal for Sophie Hopkin, now 3-1 ahead Histon went on to win 4-1 with Kirstee Smith grabbing herself a goal with 3 minutes left.
Histon Ladies, Hannah Gordon
Also making it 2 league wins from two to lay 3rd in the Division One table are King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Were at home on Sunday taking on the then league leaders Cambridge United WFC Reserves. A competitive contest between the two sides King’s Lynn running out 4-2 winners the result seeing Cambridge drop below them into 4th just a point between the top 4 sides. Katie Cross and Faith Hewitt on the scoresheet for Cambridge. King’s Lynn’s 4 goals were scored by Oksana Imanalijeva, Bethan Jones, Becky Russell and Shelley Woods.
ERWFL Division One South
19 goals from their opening 2 league games as Stevenage Ladies Reserves lay down a marker for the rest of the sides in ERWFL Division One South. 10 against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies last time out were away to Hertford Town Ladies this Sunday. Continued their goal scoring streak dominating the 1st half leading 5-0 at the break went on to score 4 more in the 2nd half without reply to win 9-0. Hannah Marshall scoring 4 of their goals. A brace each for Becky Day and Daniela Martucci with Nicole Coull also getting on the scoresheet.
A confident draining defeat for Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies last time out were hosting newly promoted Harlow Town Ladies this Sunday. The visitors starting with a 5-0 mid-week victory over fellow promoted side Bishops Stortford Ladies. A much tighter game this time around Harlow had the better of the 1st half taking the lead in the 37th minute with Tayla Handscombe getting the goal. Lily Bruno scoring in 1st half stoppage time to put Harlow into a 2-0 lead. Couldn’t find a goal to make the points secure in the 2nd half Hoddesdon coming back into it late on to set up a nervous finish with Rosy Woodham making it 2-1 with 3 minutes left, Harlow held on to make it 2 wins from 2 their next game at home to Stevenage Ladies Reserves playing tonight even as I type this Round-Up will update with the info and result from this top of the table clash when I have the result.
After a the distraction of last weekends FAWPL Cup Determining Round it was back to league action for the clubs in the Southern Division and South East Division One with a full programme of fixtures across both leagues.
FAWPL Southern Division
Three sides in the FAWPL Southern Division looking to maintain a 100% winning start after 3 games played, two of those sides met on Sunday, Portsmouth FC Ladies at home to Charlton Athletic Women. A great start to the season for Portsmouth winning away from home at Coventry United Ladies 2 weekends ago building on their opening day win at home to Cardiff City Ladies. The visitors in trouble early on as they were reduced to 10 players inside the opening 10 minutes Grace Coombs shown a straight red bringing down Shannon Albuery in the area a penalty awarded was missed by Molly Clark. Despite the player advantage for Portsmouth the sides were goalless at the break and the 2nd half was heading that way right up until stoppage time when Kit Graham introduced from the bench for the 3rd successive league game also scored for the 3rd time netting her 4th of the season to win the game for Charlton in the 93rd minute to keep their 100% winning start intact.
Charlton are 2nd behind Crystal Palace Ladies on goal difference in fine goal scoring form too scoring 30 goals in their opening 4 games. Striker Gemma Bryan has almost half that total herself netting 14 in 4 games so far. Away to Swindon Town Ladies this Sunday, Bryan was on target as early as the 5th minutes going on to score another 3 goals before half-time. Stefanie Simmons also on the scoresheet to see Crystal Palace leading 5-0 at half-time. Both Bryan ad Simmons added another goal in the 2nd half to secure a 7-0 win. A concerning start for Swindon Town bottom of the table without a win have conceded 28 in league and cup and to make thing’s worse have yet to score a goal themselves. Plenty of time to put that right.
C&K Basildon Ladies are up to 3rd spot unbeaten in their 3 opening league matches were hosting West Ham United Ladies at Canvey Island FC this Sunday. Goalless at half-time Angela Addison put Basildon into the lead 2nd half, with jay Blackie and captain Zoe Rushen also getting a goal each to secure all 3 points.
A 2nd successive defeat in the league for Coventry United Ladies travelling down to The Dripping Pan this Sunday to play Lewes FC Women who won their 1st 3 points of the season that takes them up from 9th into 6th position. Were in front inside the opening 2 minutes Rachel Carter finding the back of the net. Coventry had a goal ruled out 10 minutes later. Created chances but in windy conditions were unable to breach the Lewes back line a chance 2nd half awarded a penalty, Helen Dermody smashing the ball into the post. Lewes winning 1-0.
Newly promoted Gillingham also move up the table into 4th from 7th with their 2nd league win of the season away to Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Jenny Newman on the half hour mark giving the visitors the lead. Danielle Farmer making it 2-0 with 6 minutes of the 1st half left. Queens Park Rangers were reduced to 10 13 minutes into the 2nd half Mara Deluca sent off. Gillingham captain Jade Keogh making it 3-0 soon after. The final score 4-0 to Gillingham with Newman scoring her 2nd of the match in the final 15 minutes.
At the other end of the Southern Division table on Sunday it was a meeting between two sides still looking to pick up their 1st point of the season with newly promoted Chichester City Ladies travelling into Wales to play Cardiff City Ladies. It was the home side who took an early lead Cori Williams scoring a penalty. Chichester replied quickly to get back on level terms Jess Lewry on target. The visitors going on to go 3-1 ahead with goals from Charley Wilson-Blakely and Jenna Fowlie. Cardiff getting a goal back through Caitlin Morris before Wilson-Blakely added another to see the lead for Chichester at half-time 5-2. That the final score no more goals 2nd half Chichester winning their 1st 3 points to lift them up to 8th.
FAWPL South East Division One
In FAWPL South East Division One 3 sides went into the weekend at the top of the table with 2 wins from 2, after the weekends results just one of those retained a 100% winning start. Luton Town Ladies are top with maximum points from their opening 3 matches. At home at the weekend taking on newly promoted Haringey Borough Women. Both Jodie Bellinger and Joanne Rutherford grabbing a brace in the match along with a goal for Rebecca Wilson-Kane in a 5-1 victory.
Ipswich Town Ladies were denied a 3rd successive league win as the 2nd placed club was pegged back level with a late goal from opponents Cambridge United WFC. Travelling to Mildenhall Town FC. Cassie Craddock giving Ipswich a 1-0 lead at half-time. Amy Howlett scored for Cambridge to level the scores 2nd half. Ipswich retaking the lead with Amanda Crump scoring. Cambridge coming back again with Nuala Wayne scoring to level it up at 2-2, 7 points for Ipswich lose their 100% winning start but remain unbeaten, so to Cambridge on 5 points in 5th position. Also this week Ipswich Town Ladies announced last season’s captain Aimee Harrison is to miss the season, but for the very best of reasons as she is pregnant, Women’s Football East adds it’s congratulations to Aimee and her partner.
Actonians Ladies suffered their 1st loss in the league to end their 100% start away to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who got their 1st win of the season on Sunday. A brace for new signing Dawn Mallet along with a each for Charly Wright and Anna Loftus to see the home side into mid-table with a 4-0 win.
Also moving up the table into 6th are newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC picking up their 1st league win at this level and a very convincing one too taking the confidence of winning away in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup away to lead leaders Luton last weekend into this Sunday their 1st home game of the season were hosting Enfield Town Ladies. Leyton Orient got off to a blistering start Chanel Richards in target to score in the opening minute. Sophie Le Marchand making it 2-0 on 3 minutes. Danielle Griffiths scoring their 3rd before 10 minutes were on the clock. Egle Trezzi on 15 minutes saw Leyton Orient 4-0 up at half-time. More goals followed 2nd half Richards with her 2nd 5 minutes after the restart. Hayley Barton scored on 65 minutes to see the lead extended to 6. Ella Meadowcroft getting a 2nd half brace late on with Le Marchand securing her own brace in between Meadowcroft’s goals. 9-0 the final score.
Recovering from an opening day defeat, AFC Wimbledon Ladies have now won 3 on the bounce in league and cup to climb up to 4th in the South East Division One table. Away to Denham United Ladies this Sunday a 2nd minute goal from Rebecca Sargent gave Wimbledon the lead with Caroline Bisson scoring on 18 to make it 2-0 at the break. Went on to win 3-1 in the 2nd half Sargent with her 2nd of the game. New signing Kara Howes with her 1st goal for Denham United Ladies.
Stevenage Ladies got their 1st win of the season on Sunday hosting Norwich City Ladies. Leah Littlechild putting the home side into the lead. Kristi Burling made it 2-0 before Norwich pulled a goal back right at the end of the 1st half Aimee Durrant scoring. Stevenage went on to secure the 3 points with captain Donna McGuigan making it 3-1. Littlechild with her 2nd of the game late into the 2nd half Stevenage celebrating a 4-1 win.
This Sunday sees the start of the county league season right across the East, beginning with a game from Norfolk in Division Two between two new sides entering the league this season Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies at home to Beccles Town Ladies.
Reverting back to two leagues this season with 19 sides competing altogether with 10 in Division One with most of last season’s Division Two sides moving up. 9 sides contesting this season’s Division Two including 5 new sides, FC Sprowston Ladies, Costessey Sports Ladies and Gorleston Rangers Ladies the other new faces along with today’s opponents.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies based in Coltishall making the step up from youth football this season a big challenge for a young squad of mainly 16 year olds taking the step up into women’s football. Norfolk itself has a strong youth set-up with many women’s sides having youth teams Bure Valley starting in the girls leagues have progressed as a team to this level finishing 2nd in their respective league last season.
Beccles Town Ladies are a newly formed team this season securing an FA grant to help set-up the side joining Beccles Town FC, have also established a youth set-up too for player pathway in the future. Again another very young squad although they do have more experience at playing in the women’s league with several players amongst their squad having been with East Coast Ladies last year in their single season as a club playing in Division Three.
The playing fields on Rectory Road in Coltishall the venue for today’s game. A small building housing the changing rooms beside the carpark leading onto the playing fields themselves. A large main grass pitch with two smaller training pitches marked out beyond. A good covering of grass a little bobbly width to exploit. A cooler September day overcast with a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies starting XI – Willow Locke, Abi Clark, Carrie Last, Anya Sadler, Summer Waugh, Jade Starling, Hayley Demmen, Maisie Redhead, Becky Wood, Juliette Kelly & Charlie Cooper.
Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Caitlin Harvey, Jordan Duke, Molly Greig, Megan Vincent (C), Millie Fisher, Chelsea Shorten, Chelsea Caplin, Vicky Ottey, Imogen Glaysher, Grace Storey & Lucy Robbens. Subs – Madi Cook & Emily Coe.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
Late unavailability leaves Bure Valley with just the bare eleven for today’s game. Have a wide range of squad numbers picked by the players 1st time I’ve seen a 67 or a 71 worn on the back of a shirt at a game. It’s the home side to take the kick-off wearing navy blue shirts with a red and white band around the sleeves, navy shorts and red socks with Beccles lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball is played long up the left wing for Juliette Kelly to chase the wind blowing in that direction it picks up pace the winger unable to keep the ball in play. Beccles build through the middle, Chelsea Shorten’s ball forwards cut out by Bure Valley’s Hayley Demmen. Regaining possession Beccles move the ball left Grace Storey makes a run into space down the left the pass finds her taking the ball on into the area squares the ball into towards the near post, Bure Valley goal keeper Willow Locke scooping the ball up into her gloves with Beccles, Jordan Duke bearing down on her.
A good start from Beccles getting forwards on the right Chelsea Caplin with support from Molly Greig the ball worked across the top of the box into Duke swivels into the shot, Bure Valley’s Summer Waugh blocking at close range the ball rebounds out to Beccles, Vicky Ottey she fires over from 25 yards out. Maisie Redhead gets the better of a 50/50 challenge inside the Beccles half for Bure Valley on the right has Charlie Cooper ready to receive the ball ahead of her, sees it into her feet as Becky Wood surges past her on the overlap the winger getting in behind as the ball is sent down the line just a little too much on the pass Wood can’t get her foot around the ball on the byline to swing a cross in runs out of play.
Duke very nearly releases Greig through on the Bure Valley goal as she does well to flick on a long ball fired into her 25 yards from goal. Bure Valley’s Anya Sadler stands up to Grieg as she looks to power her way through the central defender tackling to regain possession of the ball. Jade Starling with the ball for Bure Valley bringing it forwards through the middle pushes it on for Cooper ahead of her outside the area runs at goal stabs the ball forwards towards goal no pace on the attempt Beccles goalkeeper, Caitlin Harvey drops forwards to claim the ball.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Jade Starling
Bure Valley win the 1st corner of the game an inswinging delivery is headed clear of the box by Robbens, Beccles launch a swift counter attack Duke picking up the ball inside her own half drives forwards making a central run has Caplin free to her right tries to pick her out, Bure Valley’s Carrie Last recovering the ground well to intercept the ball at left back. Imogen Glaysher halts a Bure Valley attack on the left the ball moved forwards quickly Storey getting a throw in deep on the left played inside to Robbens turns and shoots placing the ball wide of the near post.
GOAL! Breaking up an attack at one end Bure Valley go straight up the other end to score the opening goal of the game closing in on the quarter hour mark, Sadler playing it forwards. Cooper has it left side is allowed to gain alot of ground without being challenged moving inside as she close in on the box lets fly sending the ball wide across the keeper and into the bottom far corner to score 1-0.
Beccles attack from the restart Storey with the ball left side puts the ball into Robbens inside the D her shot is deflected by Sadler behind for the corner kick. Defending the corner Bure Valley are pushed back Beccles with the ball around the final third but finding no final ball. Robbens fed the ball inside the box left of goal seeing er shot/cross running wide across the six yard box. A break on for Bure Valley, Kelly with plenty of pace in her legs with the ball left Cooper up with her the ball fed into her as Kelly looks to go on, the Beccles defence stopping the pass the ball running wide of Kelly for a corner kick. A good delivery into the six yard box a Bure Valley head on the ball knocking it down but straight into the gloves of Harvey.
GOAL! 7 minutes after falling behind Beccles get themselves back on level terms, Storey is proving a handful on the left a willing runner picking up the ball from Duke after Sadler stops an attack through the middle. Storey tries to pick out Robbens inside the area left corner is challenged the ball running on takes a deflection off a defender turning in inside towards goal Robbens reacts quickest after it the angle tight inside the six yard box fires the ball across goal and into the back of the net to make it 1-1.
Demmen with the challenge on halfway plays the ball on for Abi Clark she threads a pass into Wood sprinting in behind on the right for Bure Valley she crosses early into Cooper central top of the box the striker dragging her shot wide of the far post.
GOAL! Bure Valley take the lead for the 2nd time in the match launching a rapid counter move Beccles over committing in attack as Kelly races forwards with the ball wide left has crossing options racing forwards Cooper closest with Redhead right behind her picks out Cooper and on the turn outside the area she fires her low shot into the bottom corner 2-1 as the 1st half passes the midway mark.
2 goals for Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Charlie Cooper
Has been a competitive game so far but clean and played in good spirit. Good running on the ball from Duke on the left evading a tackle comes in field looking to send the ball on across the area, Waugh has read the threat and moving towards her is well placed to cut the ball out. Bure Valley have been playing deeper than Beccles now starting to push up field more as a unit. Last bringing the ball on through the middle releases Wood on the right with a well times pass her cross whipped in along the top of the area is headed away by Ottey, is picked up by Kelly on the left a ball fired into the box is launched out falling centrally a shot looped back in towards goal claimed high in the air by Harvey.
Duke travelling with the all surges into the Bure Valley box moving left of goal the angle closing as she shoots from six yards out straight at Locke covering her near post gloves the ball down and collects cleanly. The wind starting to pick up as the 1st half draws to a close Duke has her legs taken from her just outside the D, with no advantage on offer referee Paul Gibson brings it back for a free-kick to Beccles. Robbens over it can’t keep her shot down the ball flying over. Robbens then wins the ball off the resulting goal kick 20 yards out rolls in on for Greig just inside the box putting her foot through the ball on the turn pulls the strike wide of the post.
GOAL! Into the final few minutes of the 1st half and Beccles get the scores back level. Robbens on the ball is awarded a free-kick wide left 5 yards inside the Bure Valley half push players on into the area with captain Megan Vincent to take the set-piece is a great delivery a high ball falling behind the defence at the far post Robbens gambling has snuck in behind and meeting the dropping ball sends it home to make it 2-2.
Beccles Town Ladies, Lucy Robbens with her 2nd of the game makes it 2-2
Beccles win another free-kick in a similar position in their next attack Vincent again over the ball doesn’t carry so far this time Starling amongst those gathered along the top of the box to defend gets up to head the ball clear. One last attack in the half for Beccles Duke linking up with Caplin as she bombs forwards the pair try the one two, Caplin’s ball into the area too close to Locke the goalkeeper gathering the ball.
Beccles Town Ladies, Megan Vincent
Half-time Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies 2-2 Beccles Town Ladies
An entertaining 1st half of football between two young and energetic sides a good tempo and clean game. Beccles have had more of the attacking and chances however Bure Valley took the lead twice in the half only for Beccles to come back into it. Plenty of energy burnt Beccles can bring on subs 2nd half Bure Valley can’t will it prove telling roll on roll off substitutes are great for rotating players if a challenge to keep track off for someone writing notes. Is alot cooler at the start of the 2nd half the wind having more bite to it now and too the visitors advantage 2nd half.
It’s Beccles to kick-off the 2nd half have made 2 changes Madi Cook and Emily Coe on for Glaysher and Ottey. Coe at right back Cook in midfield with Shorten dropping into the back-line alongside Vincent. Their 1st attack brings them a corner on the left an inswinging ball whipped in is headed away by Sadler for a throw in. Wood with the ball wide right for Bure Valley comes inside looking for force her way into the box comes together with Vincent the defender winning the ball.
GOAL! Beccles take the lead for the 1st time in the game early in the 2nd half Greig intercepting the ball outside the box a shot is fire back on blocked deflected across goal Caplin is there as the ball comes into her 10 yards out a little composure needed and delivered as she gets her boot under the ball lifting her shot up over the keeper and into the goal beyond 2-3
Jordan Duke scores to put Beccles Town Ladies into the lead
Caplin combines with Robbens outside the box as Beccles quickly regain the ball after play resumes outside the area a one two Caplin dinks the ball over the Bure Valley defence looking to pick out Duke stealing in behind, Locke reacts too moving forwards stooping forwards is able to gather the ball before the striker can get there.
Up the other end Harvey reacts just as quickly as Cooper is fed the ball by Last making another good run through the middle outside the area Cooper turns not expecting the goalkeeper to be on top of her standing big against her Harvey prevents the striker getting a shot away. Beccles are looking the stronger have more energy about their play. Wood is feeling unwell has to come off for Bure Valley seeing the home side having to continue with 10. Bure Valley find room on the left Kelly taking the ball on plays the pass inside to Cooper then goes on Cooper sending the ball on into her path inside the area left of goal Harvey comes near post to close the angle Kelly blasts her shot straight at the keeper who makes the save.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Juliette Kelly
Caplin has a punt from 30 yards out left of the area the ball head height gloves to the deck and gathered by Locke. Caplin comes off then to be replaced by Ottey. Defending deep Bure Valley are battling hard at the back Demmen sliding in top of the area to deny Greig a shot as she goes to pull the trigger.
GOAL! Beccles win a penalty. Play stretched Bure Valley a caught at the back as the ball is launched forwards Duke after it as it runs into space right heading towards the box Last has the pace to get back on her they come together inside the area Duke upended, the referee pointing to the spot, a delay in taking as Duke is still down in a lot of pain, needs time to recover is carried off Caplin having only just put her bib on sent back on. Robbens on a hat-trick to take the penalty, no mistake hits the ball hard keeping it low to the left of the keeper fired into the far corner 2-4.
Lucy Robbens strikes her penalty into the bottom corner to complete her hat-trick
GOAL! Beccles go on to extend their lead straight away getting the ball down on the right into the corner a free-kick is given away. Robbens on it taken quickly fired across the six yard box an extremely hard ball to defend races through to Storey waiting at the far post 2 yards out gets her foot on the ball turning it into the back of the goal 2-5.
Two quickfire goals 20 minutes into the 2nd half to extend their lead by 3 goals has put Beccles in full control of the game. A blow for Bure Valley you can see the stuffing has been knocked out of them. Come forwards however Kelly winning a corner left, is played up the line to Last corner of the area she fires a cross through the six yard box, Starling far post flings a leg out can’t get a touch to deflect the ball goalwards. Duke has recovered from her knock and is sent back on for Greig up top.
A good if unorthodox save from Locke with her feet as Beccles play through the middle Storey inside outside the box stretching into the shot sending it wide of the keeper about to move to her right, readjusted instinctively sticking out a boot to deflect the ball away from her. Counter attacking Clark up the pitch right side on for Cooper a shot from outside area straight at Harvey gloving the ball down safely 15 minutes left to play. Hard work for Bure Valley now tiring but still willing to get forwards Kelly finding room left side wins a corner. Is headed clear by Vincent, on for Cook the midfielder pushed right doesn’t loose the ball fires it forwards for Caplin 25 yards out snatches at her shot pulling it away from goal.
Madi Cook brings the ball forwards for Beccles Town Ladies
GOAL! Play is stretched Shorten winning the ball at the back played forwards finding Robbens she sends a looping diagonal ball from the right in towards the area over the jumping centreback drops to Duke beyond running towards the area, Locke comes rushing out to meet her Duke getting a toe on the ball sends it creeping past the keeper and has just enough pace on it to cross the line before the Bure Valley defence can get there 2-6.
Robbens comes off for Beccles with Greig back on in the closing stages. Bure Valley come forwards Kelly still full of running takes the ball on cuts the pass inside to Cooper 25 yards out sets herself for a curling shot however as she has been all 2nd half Harvey is right behind it catches comfortably.
Beccles, Vicky Ottey tackling Bure Valley’s, Juliette Kelly
GOAL! Beccles extend their lead late on have overloaded the left flank winning a throw pressure the ball comes to Caplin just outside the box left corner takes on the strike putting her foot through the ball flies across goal into the net bouncing out off the inside frame a moments hestitation for Caplin as there is concern it came back out off the post but it didn’t and the goal given Caplin runs away ecstatic in celebration having scored her 2nd of the match 2-7.
Chelsea Caplin striking to score Beccles Town Ladies 7th goal
Bure Valley are showing their frustration but nevertheless keep going Demmen gets forwards space on the left wanting the ball rolled on for her by Cooper gets it taking it on has Cooper available for the cut back doesn’t get her foot wrapped around the ball enough plays it behind for the goal kick. One last attack for Bure Valley in stoppage time Cooper with the run right side of goal 25 yards out hits the ball hard her strike flashing wide of the far post the last action as the final whistle blows.
Full time Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies 2-7 Beccles Town Ladies
Beccles Town Ladies win their 1st ever competitve game in Norfolk Women’s Division Two 7-2 taking them to the top of the league albeit early days. Coming out the better in the 2nd half scoring early then taking advantage as Bure Valley were down to 10. A competitive encounter an entertaining and lively 1st half ending 2-2. Beccles with more of the ball had the advantage of being able to rotate players 2nd half and as Bure Valley tired they found room to create chances. A good performance to start their season. Fair to say both sides are a little short of match sharpness. Bure Valley despite the scoreline at the end shouldn’t be too disappointed going forwards got a young talented squad it will only get better.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
This afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match was a fairly straight forwards choice today. Good performances from players on both sides but for consistency throughout the game I’ve chosen Beccles Town Ladies Lucy Robbens influential on and off the ball setting up chances and on the end of several herself scoring a hat-trick along the way.
Good to see two new young sides in action today. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams. Wishing both clubs the best for the season and will be interested to see how both progress.
The midweek football action on Women’s Football East comes from the ERWFL Premier Division with newly promoted Division One Champions hosting Writtle Ladies at Huntingdon Town FC.
A clash between two sides that have enjoyed a similar rise through the leagues celebrating back to back promotions from county level into the regional leagues promoted from Division One into the ERWFL Premier Division.
Entering the regional setup as Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership Champions last season Cambridge City Ladies pretty much led the way from start to finish to win the title and earn promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division. A strong youth setup within the club players ready to come through and step up to the 1st team. Their Development side new last season also winning their respective league to earn promotion. Started life at the higher level with a 7-0 win against Colchester Town Ladies. Followed that up by beating Northamptonshire side Moulton Ladies at home 8-2 in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Women’s Cup last Sunday.
Writtle Ladies too have been among the goals in their opening 2 fixtures. Promoted to the ERWFL last season their 3rd successive promotion the side held their own in the league finishing comfortably in mid-table. A stable squad coming through the leagues together have added winger Lynsey Bowman from Silver End United Ladies to their squad this season. Earned a point in their opening league match away to AFC Dunstable Ladies a thrilling game that saw both sides score 5 each. Courtney Clarke netting a hat-trick away to AFC Sudbury Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup this past Sunday it wasn’t enough however as AFC Sudbury hit the back of their net 4 times to knock Writtle Ladies out of the cup.
Huntingdon Town FC the venue for tonight’s match under the lights at Jubilee Park, have been here before a couple of times when Huntingdon Town Ladies still plied their trade. A new clubhouse and changing room, huge carpark a multi pitch sports site the game tonight on the main pitch. A large pitch wide too a good covering of grass looked in good condition a little bobbly. The weather a little cooler of late a bit of damp in the air but dry and still the floodlights taking full effect as the two sides walked out onto the pitch.
Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Tafadzwa Mhunduru, Bronte Rapley, Lauren Tomlinson, Becca Fay (C), Emily Reed, Sarah Mosley, Stacey Fullicks, Charlotte Gillies, Carla Penny, Bella Simmons & Philippa Witherspoon. Subs – Hayley Turner & Anna Kanz
It’s Writtle to kick off the 1st half wearing their change strip of red shirts with black across the top of the chest and sleeves, black shorts and socks with Cambridge wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Cambridge start on the front foot winning the ball inside Writtle’s half and attacking down the left Carla Penny on the ball tackled by Writtle’s Kayleigh Franklin for a throw in. Full back Lauren Tomlinson has a long throw in her sends it up into the box headed out Cambridge press around the edge of the area striker Bella Simmons fouled a free kick given 25 yards out to the left, Bronte Rapley over the set-piece sends the ball in high towards the far post goalkeeper Jessica Barrow gets her gloves on the ball misdirecting it behind for the corner kick.
The delivery towards the near post Writtle’s Zoe Smith heading the ball out of the area the visitors can’t get the ball out of their half Cambridge winning the ball back, Stacey Fullicks out to Charlotte Gillies on the right taking the ball on Rapley going past her the two linking up a high all into the area the header won by Writtle’s Niamh Gamble. Cambridge renew an attack right win a throw in the ball inside to Simmons outside the area fires in a shot held by Barrow. 5 minutes on the clock before Writtle get the ball into the Cambridge half the ball put long with Amy Simmons holding it up outside the area right of the D players getting forwards in support to her left rolls it across the D met by Courtney Clarke her 1st time strike rasping past the post wide.
Tomlinson comes forwards to take another long throw on the left high towards the top of the area striker Philippa Witherspoon gets up highest looking to head the ball across the area find Bella Simmons, Gamble s in front of her heads the ball clear. Battling for the ball 35 yards out Witherspoon’s persistence pays off as almost sends Simmons through on goal, Smith getting across to put in the tackle win the ball just outside the box. A quick counter attack by Writtle Caroline Brown with the pass for Amy Simmons moving clear on the right her early cross intercepted and clear by Cambridge captain Becca Fay inside her six yard box. Writtle regain the ball delivered high into the box put behind for the corner.
Players forwards from the back for the corer delivered to the near post Gamble meeting the ball with her head puts it wide of the mark. Cambridge on the right Penny getting forwards support from Tomlinson, Franklin cuts out the attempted cross the rebound finding Bella Simmons outside the area 20 yards out left of goal shoots the ball blocked by Gamble. Neither side is able to retain the ball for long a combination of rushed or long passes and an uneven pitch. Cambridge going long Writtle are well organised at the back the full backs keeping wide standing up to their opposing players. Aware of the threat from Tomlinson’s long throws Smith does well inside her area with Simmons coming towards her to direct her header safely back to her goalkeeper.
Clarke drives on left side for Writtle support from Lynsey Bowman the ball into the winger taking the ball down to the byline her cross cleared by Emily Reed. Getting scrappy in the middle the ball not being retained one side has it then given away little goalmouth action through balls not finding their intended target frustration creeping in. Fullicks with the tackle on halfway releases the ball into Gillies in a central position a flick to move the ball on past her marker takes a run at the Writtle back line Lucy Jones not letting her past.
A free-kick in the right corner for Writtle the ball whipped in high along the six yard box goalkeeper Tafadzwa Mhunduru jumps up arms up to claim the ball doesn’t get it cleanly as she footing is taken from under her but adjusts well as she falls to pull the ball into her body. Half an hour played Cambridge make a change Witherspoon coming off, Hayley Turner coming on up front. Ellie Bowdidge getting forwards through the middle strikes the ball on the volley as it is squared to her from the left 25 yards out the ball is put straight into the keepers gloves.
Writtle finding a little more of the ball in the latter stages of the 1st half as Cambridge give the ball away. Clarke is away on the right with the ball at her feet running cuts the ball in towards the D with captain Abigail Fry bombing forwards, Sarah Mosley with her puts in the challenge as the ball arrives loops up towards goal Mhunduru claiming on her goal line. Mhunduru then with a superb reactive save as Clarke drives at the area to the left of her goal fires in a vicious strike coming at the goalkeeper quickly leaning back tips the ball up onto the crossbar not out of play Amy Simmons tries to get to the falling ball the Cambridge defence getting back scramble it clear.
Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 0-0 Writtle Ladies
All square at the break little quality on the ball a scrappy game neither side settling to any rhythm no one finding time on the ball. Cambridge started strongly with intent but it fell away Writtle strong at the back ending the half on the front foot building momentum coming the closest to scoring.
Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half, Sophie Vale on for Simmons up front for Writtle. Anna Kanz is on for Cambridge going into central defence with Reed pushed up into the middle Mosley the player off. Cambridge to get the 2nd half underway. An early chance for Gillies as she is released in behind by Penny taking the ball inside into the box is closing in on goal caught in two minds whether to shoot or cross Barrow stands tall at her near post and it’s a simple catch as the ball is put straight at her.
Bowman getting forwards with the ball on the left sends her cross into the area, Fay heading clear. Clarke picking it up left tries to go forwards Fullicks getting on her to tackle and put the ball out for the throw. Kanz stands up well against Clarke as the attacker looks to flick on Bowman’s pass to her on the right tackled the ball out for the throw. Initially cleared Writtle have bodies forwards the ball whipped back into the area Fry looking to attack in Mhunduru makes the claim at the near post.
A big pitch space is available however passes continue to go astray. Clarke looking a threat for Writtle now with her power and pace takes the ball on down the left channel whips in a cross along the top of the six yard box, Vale is closest making a run far post but can’t reach it. Fullicks winning the challenge on halfway picks out Rapley with the pass right as the full back bombs forwards looking to take on Jones the two come together Rapley down needing treatment needs to come off. Sees Mosley back on a change at the back with Fullicks dropping to centreback along side Fay, Kanz out to right back.
GOAL! 10 minutes played in the 2nd half and the deadlock is broken a great ball through the middle picks out Bowman timing her run in behind on the left carrying the ball into the area the angle closing rapidly she wraps her foot around the ball and fires a powerful shot up over the keeper into the roof of the net to score 0-1.
Clarke has picked up an injury and can’t continue coming off Amy Simmons comes back on. Writtle come on again Bowdidge and Brown linking up through the middle releasing Bowman once again on the left her early cross intercepted by Kanz. Got hold up play from Turner outside the box for Cambridge has Gillies coming on to her left back to goal rolls the ball into her path Gillies looks to drive into the box Smith goes with her keeping on her feet prevents the cross coming in. Writtle always ready to counter attack Fry getting forwards playing a one two with Vale outside the area looking to get onto the return ball inside the D, Fullicks steps up to put in the challenge win the ball.
Cambridge make a change bringing Simmons off in attack sending Witherspoon back on. Writtle too making a switch with Hannah Mold coming on for Bowman seeing a shift in shape allowing the full backs to get on more with 20 minutes left to play. A throw on the left fr Writtle inside the Cambridge half the ball played inside to Brown outside the box fires in a shot coming straight at Mhunduru plenty of pace on the strike gloves it up into the air almost threatens to sneak in behind her but turning sharply plucks the ball out of the air.
A frustrating game for both sides frustration creeping in referee Chris Abbott needing to have a word with a few players. The tempo is good Cambridge giving the ball away Writtle stretching them the back line winning most thing’s launched forwards. Reed plays the ball inside for Gillies moving forwards lays the pass to Mosley going with her her strike from 25 yards out screws wide of the Writtle goal. Simmons comes off for Writtle Faith Candice coming on with 15 minutes left.
Needing to find a goal to get back into the game Cambridge go to 3 at the back Fullicks moving up field into a more advanced role with Reed moving into a defensive midfield role in front of the defence. Vale sends her shot on the turn from a throw deep on the left up onto the bar as the game moves into the final 10 minutes. Fry goes down in the box after getting up to try an attack a Jones free-kick played into the area struggling is taken off Bowman returning to the action.
Cambridge push on late in the game Fullicks to Gillies right on for Witherspoon a throw in won the ball then crossed in long towards the far post Turner attacking it close range on top of the keeper the ball knocked up onto the crossbar, then placed wide a corner signalled as players scramble to reach the ball. The corner from the left headed clear of the box to the right side Mosley picking it up fired back across the area plenty of white shirts that side a shot is fired in the ball hitting the bar for the 2nd time. Cambridge have Writtle pushed back around their area winning a corner left the ball comes in central Fay stooping into the header lifts her attempt over the bar from inside the six yard box.
Barrow saves near post as the ball is fired in Cambridge pushing hard as the game moves into stoppage time everyone back for Writtle. Witherspoon battling forwards with the ball into the box Gamble defending well against her with both closing in on the keeper the corner conceded the ball attacked near post is headed wide along the face of goal. Writtle launch it up field as the final whistle is blown.
Full time Cambridge City Ladies 0-1 Writtle Ladies
Writtle win their 1st 3 points of the season 4 points from 2 league games Lynsey Bowman’s strike the difference between the 2 sides and after conceding 8 goals in their opening 2 games the clean sheet as pleasing two the defence working hard throughout the game. Was a scrappy affair under the lights ball retention not at its best. A bright start from Cambridge seemed to lose their way a little finishing strong at the end the woodwork struck by both sides might have been a 3-2 on another night.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Tonight’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match goes to a defender the Writtle back line composed and organised not letting much get in behind players staying on their feet keeping with their runners picking one over the other is difficult but I’ve gone for Zoe Smith whose positioning was good though out the game.
Not the prettiest of games tonight but still I always enjoy a game under the lights my thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups.
A break in the league action in the FAWPL this weekend as the sides across the 6 Division’s begin the FAWPL Cup competition into its 4th season now beginning with a Determining Round the sides meeting with those victorious progressing into the 1st Round of the Cup those losing out going on to compete in the FAWPL Plate. The FAWPL Southern Division has dominated the Cup competition since its conception Charlton Athletic Women winning it 3 seasons ago, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies successfully retaining the trophy they won in 2015/16 this May. Likewise the Plate, for the past two season’s won by FAWPL Southern Division, Coventry United Ladies then followed by Lewes FC Women last season. Will be a new name on both trophies this time around with Tottenham promoted to FAWSL 2 and Lewes winning their FAWPL Cup Determining Round to enter the Cup proper, will sides from the Southern and South East continue to dominate? Alot of goals scored this weekend with some huge scores racked up.
Onto the weekends action and we’ll start with Lewes FC Women who were at home at The Dripping Pan taking on South West Division One side Southampton Saints Girls & Ladies. All square at 1-1 after 90 minutes it took the Southern Division side extra-time to beat their lower league opponents. Lewes created plenty of opportunities 1st half, Southampton battling hard to defend held them to a goalless score at half-time actually took the lead 2nd half Sabrina Morriss-Manoslava scoring in the 58th minute. Lewes were quick to reply Amy Taylor scoring the equaliser 5 minutes later. No more goals scored in regular time the tie headed to extra-time. Lewes went all the way to penalties against Cambridge United WFC last season losing the entered the Plate… the rest is history. This time the game didn’t get that far, Leeta Rutherford and Dani lane both finding the extra half hour to see Lewes win 3-1.
It was always going to be a big test for South East Division One newcomers Haringey Borough Women in the Determining Round after they were drawn away to Coventry United Ladies the FAWPL Southern Division powerhouse scoring 8 goals before half-time doubled that score in the 2nd half to win 16-1. The scoring opened in the 6th minute by Stephanie Smith went on to add a hat-trick of goals 2nd half giving her 4 in the game. 4 goals too for substitute Helen Dermody. Leah Seivwright and Alison Hall both scoring twice in the 1st half, Marie Gauntlett introduced 2nd half also grabbing 2 goals. Keeley Davies and Jade Brook also scoring in the 1st half. Haringey’s tough start to life in the FAWPL continues.
Crystal Palace Ladies are the early leaders in the FAWPL Southern Division a hot goal scoring form already were at home to Brislington Ladies from South West Division One in the Determining Round powered their way into a 6-0 lead at half-time, Nikita Whinnett opening the scoring as early as the 2nd minute. Rosie Payne had them 2-0 up inside 5 minutes, Gemma Bryan grabbing a 1st half brace along with Whinnett, Ciara Sherwood making it 6-0 in the 42nd minute. Ellie Bailes made it 7-0 2 minutes into the 2nd half Bryan completing her hat-trick 5 minutes later. Jodie Arkell pulling a goal back for Brislington before both Sherwood and Payne added a 2nd goal each in a 10-1 win.
Charlton Athletic Women went 1 goal better with a double figure win away to fellow Southern Division side Swindon Town Ladies. New signing Ellie Dorey scoring a 1st half hat-trick for the visitors. Charlotte Lee and Charlotte Gurr both scoring in the 1st half to see Charlton 5-0 up. Gurr going on to score another early 2nd half then complete her hat-trick with 15 minutes left. Before that Charley Clifford netted a brace with Hope Nash getting a goal on the hour mark. Dorey making it 11-0 with her 4th with 5 minutes left.
A high score too at Canvey Island FC for C&K Basildon Ladies at home to South West Division One side Basingstoke Town Ladies in the Determining Round, Angela Addison getting her name on the scoresheet 5 times. Jay Blackie too with her 1st goals of the season scoring a hat-trick as the Essex side ran out 8-0 winners.
Portsmouth FC Ladies fine start to the season continued this Sunday in the Determining Round as they made it 3 wins in a row to advance into the Cup proper. Away to fellow Southern Division side QPR Ladies, goals from Jade Widdowson, Molly Clark and Natasha Stephens securing a 3-0 victory.
Cardiff City Ladies had lost their opening 2 Southern Division games made the long trip to Norfolk to play South East Division One side Norwich City Ladies in the Determining Round. A hat-trick for Cori Williams plus a goal each for Ella Powell and Kelly Issac saw them through comfortably with a 5-0 win.
Chichester City Ladies at home to West Ham United Ladies was the other all Southern Division tie to be played in the Determining Round on Sunday. The league newcomers had lost their opening two league fixtures into the cup and Chichester City picked up their 1st victory of the season Jess Lewry giving them a 1-0 first half lead scoring in the 13th minute. Doubled their lead on the hour mark. West ham United pulled it back to 2-1 with less than 15 minutes left Charlotte Burr finding the back of the net. Two late goals for Chichester City saw them through with a 4-1 win Cherelle Khassel scoring with 3 minutes left, Chloe Tucker on 90 minutes.
Nicole Emmings early goal for Stevenage Ladies was enough for the FAWPL South East Division One side to beat Southern Division opponents Gillingham FC Ladies on Sunday in the Determining Round as the lower division side defended well to keep Gillingham from getting back on level terms.
FAWPL South East Division One leaders Actonians Ladies headed to Gloucestershire to play South West counterparts, Cheltenham Town Ladies in this weekends Determining Round. The visitors coming home narrow winners with Jessica Byrne and Catherine Murphy scoring in a 2-1 win, Louise Fensome netting for Cheltenham.
Rivalry resumed this Sunday as Milton Keynes Dons Ladies met AFC Wimbledon Ladies for the 2nd successive weekend. Wimbledon won last week at home in the league were the away side this time a closely fought contest in the Determining Round they emerged as winners again a single goal settling the tie scored by Katie Stanley 2 minutes into the 2nd half.
Cambridge United WFC made the long trip west to play South West Division One side St Nicholas Ladies. Teonie Payton was making her 1st team start after impressing for the Reserves last season and celebrated by scoring 2 goals. Also stepping up from the Reserves, striker Lauren Gibson scored her 1st goal for the 1st team this season, aswell as new signing Amy Howlett. Emma Jenkins also amongst the goalscorers for Cambridge in a 5-0 win.
Another South East Division One side making a long trip west on Sunday in the Determining Round was Ipswich Town Ladies again against South West opposition, Larkhall Athletic Ladies. Cassandra Craddock returning to the club this season scoring a hat-trick in the game. Sophie Welton also bagging a brace. Victoria Campbell, Jade Henry and Roxanne Small also adding to the goals tally in an 8-1 win.
0-0 between Enfield Town Ladies and South West Division One side Keynsham Town Ladies at half-time there were 5 goals scored in the 2nd half, Keynsham with 2 goals a hat-trick from Enfield Town captain Reagan Coleman including a penalty saw the home side with the Determining Round tie 3-2.
Leyton Orient WFC newly promoted to South East Division One travelled to fellow league side Luton Town Ladies in the Determining Round looking for their 1st win of the season against a side that had started well with 2 wins from 2.Jess Mckay put Luton into the lead. Leyton Orient came back to lead 2-1 by half-time Sophie Le Marchand and Belen Ripoll-Douton with the goals Nicola Henman got Luton back to 2-2 2nd half before Ellie Davies gave Leyton Orient the lead again in the 67th minute. Ella Meadowcroft securing the win with 3 minutes left for the visitors Leyton Orient winning 4-2.
Denham United Ladies travelled down to the south coast to play South West Division One side Southampton Women, despite goals form Sophie Cheadle and Alissa Down the South East Division One side enter the Plate competition losing 4-2 Laura Vokes with a brace along with goals for Emma Pinner and Kellie Warren with the goal for Southampton.
This Sunday saw the start of this season’s FA Women’s Cup with 31 sides in the East entering the competition in 1st Round Qualifying. Regionalised at this stage of the competition to limit travelling for clubs still a few lengthy journeys made at the weekend across 18 ties plenty of goals scored too winning clubs earning £350 along with advancing to the next round with the draw having already been made, will bring you that at the end of The Round-Up.
It was the FA Women’s Cup where the match report for Women’s Football East came from this weekend a trip on Sunday to The Rigdeons Stadium in Newmarket to watch Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side, Newmarket Town Ladies take on higher league opponents, Histon Ladies playing this season in the ERWFL Division One North. A bright start from Newmarket advancing an early cross seeing Abbie Marshall’s strike from the top of the box smash against the crossbar. Histon finding room in behind created opportunities of their own winger Abigail Davies coming closest with a strike against the post. Just 2 minutes left in the 1st half and it was the visitors who took the lead a free-kick wide right sent in far post Charlotte Westrope on hand to head the ball into the back of the net. Into 1st half stoppage time Newmarket got themselves back on level terms the ball helped onto Abbi Griffin moving into the area from the right rifling a shot into the top corner. All square at the break.
Histon came out strong 2nd half putting Newmarket on the back foot however it was the home side who went onto take a 2-1 lead winning a corner on the right the ball swung in headed home by captain Beth Woodfield. 2-1 became 3-1 after Histon goalkeeper Keeley Robinson was adjudged to have carried the ball out of her area taking a kick the 2nd time she had done so in the game the 1st time Jordanne Sillitoe had sent her shot wide. This time Jess Linger on the ball drilled it low into the bottom corner to score. Histon weren’t out of it Davies with a run on the right sent her cross shot from outside the box into the goal to make it 3-2. Newmarket responded well with a free-kick wide left Linger went for goal her strike cannoning off the near post rebounded back into Lauren Deller the substitute putting the shot in from 8 yards to make it 4-2, was to have a late goal also chalked off for off-side didn’t matter as Newmarket Town Ladies reached the 2nd Round of the FA Women’s Cup for the 1st time.
FA Women’s Cup debutants, King’s Lynn Town Ladies will be Newmarket’s opponents in 2nd Round Qualifying after they won on the road against Leicestershire side Oadby & Wigston Dynamo Ladies. Becky Russell opened the scoring with new signing Tiffany Forshaw also getting her 1st competitive goal to see King’s Lynn with a 2-1 lead at half-time. 2nd half the win was secured after Russell was on hand inside the six yard box to tap the ball home after captain Shelley Woods saw her long range free-kick tipped onto the post. 3-1 the winning score.
An all Norfolk tie between Sprowston Ladies young guns and Wymondham Town Ladies who have caused a shock or two in the FA Women’s Cup in recent season’s. Avoided any giant killing at the weekend the ERWFL Division One North side winning 4-0 with goals from new signings Nadine Basson and Alice Ladbrooke along with a brace for Laura Wiseman. Wymondham will be at home in 2nd Round Qualifying against Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies who were making their FA Women’s Cup debut away to Northamptonshire side Roade Ladies coming out victorious by a single goal to make progress.
Bungay Town Ladies were in the FA Women’s Cup once again and on the road in 1st Round Qualifying as they were last season away to Bishops Stortford then winning 3-1 faced a tougher test this time around taking on ERWFL Premier Division side Colchester Town Ladies. two leagues higher Bungay took an early lead Emily Leach putting the ball home from a free-kick on 10 minutes, Colchester responded straight away to draw level the score level at 1-1 at half-time. New signing Selina Rowland put Bungay back in front in the 2nd half then Becky Hills also new to the team this season made it 3-1. Colchester getting it back to 3-2, Hills with her 2nd of the game late on ensuring the win for Bungay. Nancy Butler and Georgia Box scoring for Colchester. Another long away trip for Bungay in 2nd Round Qualifying.
Harlow Town Ladies will be their opponents as they over came fellow ERWFL Division One South side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies at the Harlow Arena on Sunday. Scoring 2 goals in both halves Harlow advanced through to the next round. Nicole Leaner opening the scoring on 20 minutes, Fran Gamble heading home soon after to double the lead. Goals from Abbie Dell and Chloe Bassett sealing the 4-0 victory in Harlow’s 1st competitive game of the season.
Local rivals Billericay Town Ladies and Brentwood Town Ladies will meet in 2nd Round Qualifying after both ERWFL Premier Division sides won big against lower league opponents on Sunday. Billericay Town Ladies at home to Essex Women’s Premier Division side Chelmsford City Ladies. 3 players netting a brace in the game, Paris Smith, Nicole Farmer and Lauren Knight. With captain Lindsey Morgan and Hayley Piggott also scoring in an 8-0 win.
Brentwood Town Ladies were also at home in 1st Round Qualifying taking on Essex Women’s Premier Division newcomers Corringham Cosmos making their FA Women’s Cup debut. Brentwood too strong on the day new signing Rosi Webb scoring a hat-trick, goals too for Holly Griffin, Leah Cowan and Georgia Holdaway the final score 6-0.
A 7 goal thriller in the all ERWFL Premier Division clash between AFC Sudbury Ladies and Writtle Ladies. Courtney Clarke with a hat-trick for the Essex side. AFC Sudbury winning the game 4-3 with goals from Mia Etheridge, Sophie Jeffery, Megan Partridge and Stacey Teager. AFC Sudbury Ladies will be away to Essex Women’s Premier Division side Frontiers Ladies in the next round.
Goals from Georgie Elsom and Annie Posnett saw Riverside Ladies beat Corby Town Ladies 2-1 in 1st Round Qualifying and set up a away trip to Norfolk to play ERWFL Premier Division side Acle United Ladies after they defeated Northamptonshire side Thrapston Town Ladies on home soil at the weekend. Megan Todd netting a hat-trick in the game with Lauren Bullard also scoring in a 4-1 victory.
Bishops Stortford Ladies met fellow ERWFL Division One South side Hertford Town Ladies away from home for the 2nd successive Sunday winning 3-0 in the lead then a closer result this time in the cup, Bishops Stortford advancing to 2nd Round Qualifying for the 1st time winning by a single goal scored by Marie-Pier Allard midway through the 1st half. Bishops Stortford will be away to ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies in the next round after they overcame Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side Houghton Athletic Ladies 5-0 at Creasey Park on Sunday evening.
A big win for Royston Town Ladies at home on Sunday in 1st Round Qualifying taking on Watford Ladies Development in the FA Women’s Cup. A brace for Gemma Croucher along with goals for Amy Cooper, Erin Davies, Becky Shephard and Sammy Tinsley securing a 7-0 win will be on the road in 2nd Round Qualifying taking on fellow ERWFL Premier Division opponents Colney Heath Ladies after they secured a 4-1 victory away to Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side, Garston Ladies in 1st Round Qualifying, their goalscorers, Lucy Hancock, Samantha May, Holly Sheridan and Charis Wakefield.
March Town United Ladies were knocked out of the FA Women’s Cup by visitors Peterborough United Ladies on Sunday the EMWFL Division One South winning 5-0 after eventually breaking down a stubborn March resistance late in the 1st half Keir Perkins and Jess Driscoll from the penalty spot to make it 2-0 before going on to score 3 more 2nd half both Perkins and Driscoll scoring again with Amy Challis also on target. Will be away to Peterborough Northern Star Ladies in the next round.
Bedford Ladies needed extra-time to see off opponents Milton Keynes City Ladies and book their place in 2nd Round Qualifying on Sunday. Away from home the sides were all square at 2-2 come the 90 minutes Bedford going on to add 2 more goals in the extra period to progress with both Natasha Fensome and Maya Sidhu getting 2 goals a piece. Bedford will be away to Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies in the next round.
Finally Cambridge City Ladies were at home in 1st Round Qualifying taking on Northamptonshire side Moulton Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup had started their season with a 7-0 home victory in the league continued that goal scoring form this Sunday as they ran out 8-2 winners to set up another home tie in 2nd Round Qualifying against Kettering Town Ladies. Both Bella Simmons and Carla Penny scoring 2 goals each. Captain Emily Reed also scoring along with goals for Stacey Fullicks, Megan Tonks and Hayley Turner.
Ties for 2nd Round Qualifying will be played Sunday 17th September those featuring clubs in the East listed below,
Newmarket Town Ladies v King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Acle United Ladies v Riverside Ladies
Harlow Town Ladies v Bungay Town Ladies
Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies v Bedford Ladies
Wymondham Town Ladies v St Ives Town Ladies
Brentwood Town Ladies v Billericay Town Ladies
Frontiers Ladies v AFC Sudbury Ladies
Colney Heath Ladies v Royston Town Ladies
Cambridge City Ladies v Kettering Town Ladies
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies v Peterborough United Ladies
With most of the sides from the ERWFL entering the FA Women’s Cup, 1st Round Qualifying this Sunday there were just the two games played in the league in the ERWFL both the Division One. In Division One North, Cambridge United WFC Reserves were entertaining 2nd placed Ipswich Wanderers Ladies who had started their season with a win and a draw. Cambridge came into the game with a 1-0 win under their belts over Ipswich Ladies Development after suffering an opening day loss to Histon Ladies. A tight game a single goal enough to see Cambridge secure all three points again Natalie Wells with the goal the win sending Cambridge to the top of the Division One North table.
ERWFL Division One South
The slow start to ERWFL Division One South continues with the single game in that league seeing Stevenage Ladies Reserves get their season off to a flyer laying down a marker to their rivals with a double figure win at home to Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Becky Day opening her season with a hat-trick top scoring, their were braces too for Holly Darling, Hannah Marshall and Daniela Martucci with Emily Scofield also getting in on the goal scoring the +10 goal difference sending Stevenage Ladies Reserves to the top of the league. Harlow Town Ladies finally get their league campaign started in midweek at home to Bishops Stortford Ladies. Hutton Ladies will be playing catch up when they finally make their league bow scheduled for October at the moment, cup games to come before that.
The Road to Wembley begins here. The SSE FA Women’s Cup begins this Sunday with 1st Round Qualifying featuring 87 ties as more clubs enter the competition than ever. New entrants to the competition across the East too with 33 sides entering at this. Today’s game is from The Ridgeons Stadium in Newmarket with Newmarket Town Ladies taking on Histon Ladies for a place in the next round.
This is Newmarket Town Ladies 1st competitive match of the season with the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership starting next Sunday. Shane Lebbon takes charge of the 1st team this season. Several players coming in a few moving on. The club as seen a number of players join from the folded Brandon Town Ladies, defender Ellie Marshall along with Frankie Torrance, Brooke Wickens. Jordanne Sillitoe dual signed with opponents Histon last season is on Newmarket’s books alone this season. Youngsters Megan Kane and Laura Bailey also join. Sarah O Rourke, Kate Silver, Cara Ager-Hutty and after today’s match Jennifer Gray formerly of Ipswich Town Ladies is a new addition to the squad. A competitive pre-season schedule against higher league with some good results along the way has given Newmarket confidence ahead of today’s match against higher league opposition.
Histon Ladies are competing in the new ERWFL Division One South following relegation from the Premier Division the previous season their 1st under the Histon banner having previously been Great Shelford Ladies. Despite dropping down a league the club is strengthening building a sustainable pyramid from youth to senior for the future in partnership with Histon FC who had a girls youth set-up the merger with Great Shelford to form Histon Ladies last season is bolstered this season with the formation of Histon Ladies Reserves which will provide competition for places with the 1st team. Both sides getting to play their home matches at The Glassworld Stadium. Have retained much of last season’s squad bringing in Grace Parker from Bar Hill Ladies. Began their league season 2 weeks ago with a god 4-0 win against rivals Cambridge United WFC Reserves.
The Ridgeons Stadium featuring a state of the art cork based all-weather surface a great looking pitch to play on. The kitchen serving food and hot drinks a seated stand beside the changing rooms. An overcast day cooler than in recent days a light breeze blowing across the ground, no rain forecast however. £350 up for grabs for the winners along with a home tie in 2nd Round Qualifying against either Northamptonshire side Oadby & Wigston Dynamo Ladies or Norfolk’s King’s Lynn Town Ladies.
Histon get this FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying tie underway wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. Newmarket lined up wearing yellow shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball is played wide to right back Katie Webb she looks to send the ball on down the line for Abigail Davies on the wing ahead of her making the run Davies catches the Newmarket defence flat footed but that goes against her as she has strayed offside the flag up halting her attack.
Histon attack early on a good diagonal ball sent through the middle for striker Sophie Hopkin to attack, Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield at centreback closes her down challenges for the ball pops loose Histon captain Sophie Lanham in close support goes for it as does Newmarket’s Chloe Slater a coming together leaves Lanham n a lot of pain on the floor clutching her ankle. The trainer is sent on takes Lanham a few minutes to get back to her feet walking gingerly in her ankle comes of for it to be assessed the visitors down to 10 for the moment.
Newmarket very nearly capitalise as they attack down the right Abbi Griffin on the ball comes forwards has Jordanne Sillitoe available for the ball top right corner of the area the pair play a one two with Griffin sending in a cross along the top of the area, Abbie Marshall is free to receive the ball inside the D letting the ball come onto her sends it in 90 degrees looping towards goal, has goalkeeper Keeley Robinson beaten smashes against the crossbar bouncing back down into play Histon getting it clear for a throw in on the left.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbie Marshall
Lanham is allowed back on her movement much improved. Newmarket have started brightly have the ball right side attacking rolled into Sillitoe shoots from the angle Robinson raising her hands isn’t bothered sees it run wide of her far post. Sillitoe with another strike at goal as Slater winning the ball in the middle brings it forwards rolls it into the striker top of the box right of the D cuts across the ball sending the ball wide of the near post. Histon when they have the ball are looking for find their wide players Davies right and Charlotte Westrope on the left win a free-kick that side 30 yards from goal Lanham over the set-piece drills the ball in towards goal runs wide at the near post.
A good tempo to the match both sides ready to launch counter attacks, Newmarket get forwards on the left Abbie Marshall driving on with the ball at her feet squares a cross in along the top of the box just behind Sillitoe runs on to Griffin arriving late, Histon’s Lucy Julian at left back eases her off the ball. Up the other end Davies is constantly spinning in behind offering an outlet gets beyond Frankie Torrance this time cutting the ball square along the top of the six yard line Hopkin waiting far post, Beth Woodfield lunging for the ball gets there first putting it behind for the corner. Lanham to deliver the corner coming in near post defender Claire Andrews attacks the ball 8 yards out drills her header wide.
The game has settled down a little Histon finding a little more time in possession. Davies is clearly a threat on the right as players are drawn inside with the visitors overloading the left the diagonal ball sees Davies with and open field ahead of her Torrance races to catch the winger as she surges into the box pulling her right foot back puts everything into the shot strikes the ball hard, goalkeeper Eloise Hope dives to her left the ball strikes the post hard spinning out of play.
Histon’s Abigerail Davies lining up a strike that eventually thunders against post
Great link up play between Abbie Marshall and Laura Bailey as the pair work the ball up the left forcing their way through Histon, Hannah Gordon with the challenge on Bailey 30 yards out the ball squirms on through to Sillitoe in space just outside the D central doesn’t wait to be closed down takes on the shot putting the ball wide of the left goalpost. Slater out for Griffin right side she takes on the defender ahead of her getting past her into the box, Grace Parker dives forwards into challenge the ball sending it out for the throw in. Keeping the ball alive Newmarket flash a cross in towards the near post Robinson claims the low ball well.
A good spell for Newmarket more attacking down the right the high ball into the area is attacked by Bailey getting forwards doesn’t get a clean header the ball remains in play Abbie Marshall sees her shot blocked by Andrews before Robinson grabs the ball into her body. Is an exciting opening half an hour both sides creating chances Histon build from the back the ball into Alison Wright on long for Davies on the right running beyond the Newmarket defend screws the ball back towards the top of the area right side, Gordon advancing looks to get onto the end of it, so to does Newmarket central defender Ellie Marshall the ball is caught in between the pair could go anywhere as it is it loops up and back across the six yard box, falling for Hopkin she attempts to strike it on the volley a difficult chance can’t direct it on target.
Histon’s Katie Webb with Newmarket’s Abbie Marshall
Robinson is called into action making a good save for Histon as Newmarket get hold of the ball in the middle Jess Linger on for Bailey sends the ball on for Abbie Marshall coming inside from the left takes the ball across the face of the area moving right 20 yards out finds room for a shot driven in low skipping off the surface Robinson getting down pushes the ball away from her goal. Marshall comes off after the attack as Newmarket make their 1st change of the match early on, Brooke Wickens joining the game taking up the position vacant by Marshall on the left.
Wickens 1st taste of the action is to have the ball smashed into her chest from a yard out, the referee stops play seeing she needs a moment to recover clearly winded. Davies remains a handful on the right enjoying a good tussle with Torrance at left back the latter sliding in to give away the corner as Davies drives for the byline. A pacy ball put into a great area by Lanham into the six yard box, Gordon closest can’t untangle her legs to get it turned towards goal. A bit of momentum with Histon as the 1st half draws to a close Hopkins coming deeper for the ball rolled into her feet 25 yards out left of goal turns and strikes it goalwards. A confident save by Hope the ball coming at her with pace head high is well positioned palms the ball down and collects.
Histon Ladies, Hannah Gordon
GOAL! 2 minutes left in the 1st half and the deadlock is broken. Histon have a free-kick wide on the right after Davies is fouled. Players come forwards as Gordon sets the ball on the ground. Sent in long to the far post a vicious delivery is attacked by Wright from 3 yards out a glancing header it runs on for Westrope beyond her she sends her header inside the post to give Histon the lead 0-1.
Histon Ladies, Charlotte Westrope
Newmarket go on the attack straight from the restart the ball into Wickens on the left her cross is fired in hard across the face of the Histon goal, Robinson going to ground far post does enough to put of Griffin arriving late out of play a goal kick given. Histon with Lanham onto Wright into Hopkin through the middle back to goal Hopkin a long way out rolls her marker and shoots the ball straight at Hope.
GOAL! Newmarket get themselves back on level terms right on the stroke of half-time breaking up a Histon attack at the back counter with purpose Torrance at left back forwards for Wickens she passes it inside for Bailey bombing forwards through the middle outside the D thinks about the shot hesitates a second by then she spots Griffin advancing into the box from the right her pass to her inch perfect Griffin shoots rifling the ball into the top corner 1-1. The final action of the 1st half.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin
Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 1-1 Histon Ladies
A really interesting 1st half of football a close contest with plenty of action, Newmarket if anything might have felt they should be leading 1st half only to go a goal down getting back into it with the last attack of the half. All level sets the game up perfectly for the 2nd half. Early on it looked to be shaping up for a close contest which way it will go 2nd half? Could go either way, was excited to find out as the two sides returned for the 2nd half.
No changes for either side at the break as Newmarket get things underway, Histon’s Wright looks to be playing further up the field in support of Hopkin up top. The visitors start brightly on the attack the ball won played up to Wright moving left sends a cross in cut out by Beth Woodfield. Histon regain possession a 2nd ball into the box is cleared for a corner kick on the left. Lanham puts the delivery long towards the top of the area Westrope has a free header sends the ball over the crossbar. Pressing the ball a high tempo Histon push on with Wright again on the left her cross driven in low is collected by Hope covering her near post.
Histon Ladies, Alison Wright
For several minutes Histon have Newmarket back on their heels at the start of the 2nd half the pressure is relieved with a throw won deep on the left the ball throw square squirms through for Griffin to steal into the box turns and unleashes a shot sending the ball up over the crossbar.
GOAL! Histon might have started the 2nd half the better however it is Newmarket who get themselves the goal to lead the game with 57 minutes played. A corner won on the right Linger coming to take it a good delivery sent high into the six yard box, is attacked a yellow shirt leaping high flies on over her and onto Beth Woodfield central who directs the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1.
A blow for Histon after their good start is further struck after goalkeeper Robinson accidentally handles the ball out of her area as she goes to kick the ball up-field A free-kick awarded to Newmarket right on the edge of the box inside the D slightly to the left. Linger and Sillitoe over the ball, Linger defers to Sillitoe a direct free-kick goes for goal past the wall the ball hit hard runs wide of the far post. Sillitoe with another shot in the next attack Linger with a great ball for her into the area right of goal snatches at the ball pulls the ball wide across the face of goal.
Robinson makes a great save coming out to close down Bailey as she wriggles in behind as a ball played from halfway beats the Histon defence on the bounce the ball put behind for a corner on the left Newmarket load the box as the delivery comes in two players attack the ball for Newmarket close in Bailey connects her effort hitting the crossbar and bouncing down Histon scramble the ball clear play stopped as they have two players down in the box. Histon build Webb on for Davies her diagonal ball in towards the top of the area Beth Woodfield fails to clear Hopkin can’t dig the ball out of her feet for a shot before Yasmin Woodfield gets to her to make the challenge.
GOAL! Another free-kick awarded to Newmarket right on the edge of the area as Robinson in adjudged to have handled the ball out of her area going to take another goal kick. This time it is costly, Linger told to take this one taking instructions from the bench with her sets the ball down and puts her low driven shot into the bottom corner of the net to extend Newmarket’s lead 3-1.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Jess Linger
Goals bring confidence and Newmarket are energised after going 3-1 up can’t rest on their laurels however as Histon have a renewed resolve of their own Davies surging on down the right crosses Hopkin in the box sees the ball all the way onto her foot shaping to shoot only for Beth Woodfield to slide in to take the ball away from her for the throw in. Wright pushing forwards with the ball has a shot from 25 yards out puts the ball straight at the keeper. Newmarket make a 2nd change Slater coming off to be replaced by Antonia Smith. Histon make their 1st change of the game Julian replaced by Tessa Shaw at the back.
Wright is sent clear through the middle for Histon with the game stretched in a race for the ball with Yasmin Woodfield, Hope has already made the decision to come goes to clear the ball comes off Wright runs on behind into the box Wright after it but play is brought back by the referee a hand ball spotted. Westrope in a central position puts the ball on for Wright into the area hesitation from the Newmarket defence gives her a half yard running at the ball stabs a shot wide of Hope’s right post.
A few excitable challenges flying in players diving in the midfield hotly contested but both sides enjoying the scrap the referee has thing’s well under control a few words an play goes on. The final changes for both sides Newmarket making their 3rd change sending on Lauren Deller up front for Sillitoe. A double switch for Histon as they switch t a 3-4-3 formation Lanham and Westrope coming off for Georgina Westrope and Harriett Wilkerson coming on.
GOAL! Game on as Histon pull a goal back straight after play resumes the ball put out to Davies on the move on the right carries it on strikes the ball a cross/shot doesn’t matter as the ball flies over Hope coming towards her near post and finds the side netting inside the far post 3-2. 15 minutes plus stoppage time to play.
GOAL! Soon after conceding Newmarket get up the other end and regain their 2 goal cushion. Have a free-kick awarded on the left side outside the box 25 yards out Linger over the ball with another confident strike blasts the ball in striking the near post rebounds back into play coming straight for Deller 8 yards out reacts instinctively sending the ball back towards goal and scoring 4-2.
Histon keep going frustrated but determined the ball put up into the box Beth Woodfield conceding a corner on the left. The delivery goes long Wright far post gets up to attack the ball her header driven down back across goal Hopkin at the opposite post close in can’t get a clean connection on the ball as she turns. A few tempers frayed but again a few words by the referee and things are calmed down. Griffin and Wickens switch sides late on for Newmarket.
Deller thinks she has scored again and all the players from Newmarket rush to congratulate her thinking a 3 goal lead has won them the tie. The ball is played through the middle with Histon high up the pitch Deller is clear running for the ball Robinson is out of her area sliding in attempting to get there the ball is deflected past her Deller running on to score a wheel away in celebration however I’m standing behind the linesman this side and his flag was up before she and the keeper came together the goal disallowed the Newmarket bench desperately trying to get the team back into position with only stoppage time left. Newmarket keep Histon at bay until the final whistle blows and they can celebrate reaching the next round of the FA Women’s Cup.
Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 4-2 Histon Ladies
A great watch today very entertaining and might well have gone either way. Histon never getting on top of Newmarket who grew in confidence an intriguing contest some well taken goals. A good result for Newmarket to carry into the season. They will face King’s Lynn Town Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying after they beat Oadby & Wigston Dynamos Ladies 3-1. I like the sound of this tie too so I’ll be back at The Ridgeons Stadium for the game in 2 weeks time on Sun 17th September.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
This afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match goes to Newmarket Town Ladies Jess Linger confident and composed in midfield breaks up more opposition attacks than you realise. A good set-piece taker scoring a goal and another off the post.
Got to love a cup game, whatever competition it is. My thanks to both sides for their help today.
