A full fixture list in the Suffolk Women’s Division to start 2018 with 2nd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies the side sitting out this weekends 4 games. League leader East Bergholt United ladies enjoyed a good 2017 in the league winning all 6 of their games continued that form into 2018. Were at home hosting bottom side Hadleigh United Ladies, leading 6-0 at half-time East Bergholt added another in the 2nd half to win 7-0 to move them 6 points clear at the top of the table. Annie Northwood scoring a hat-trick for East Bergholt, Millie Wilding netting twice along with a goal each for Jessica Oxlade and Charlotte McGrath.
Two sides that could potentially challenge East Bergholt for top spot met on Sunday in the league 3rd v 4th with Bacton United Ladies hosting Walsham Le Willows who had played just 3 league games in the 1st half of the season winning all 3. The sides having to settle for a point each as they played out a 0-0 draw.
That result saw 5th placed Leiston St Margarets climb up into 4th position above Walsham Le Willows as they won away from home on Sunday. Coplestonians Ladies the hosts a goal from Lucy Eagle along with a brace for Michelle Stanborough seeing Leiston St Margarets win the game 3-1 to move onto 12 points. Freya Louis on target for Coplestonians.
AFC Kesgrave Ladies new to the league this season had slipped down the table after a promising start winning their opening 2 league matches had failed to pick up a point since. Started 2018 with a positive result on the road taking on Ipswich Athletic Ladies winning the game 3-1 to record their 3rd win of the season.
A weekend of cup football to start 2018 in Norfolk with the quarter finals of the Ladies League Cup being played along with 3 ties from the 1st Round of the Ladies Plate Competition.
It was an emphatic win at home for current League Cup holders, Bungay Town Ladies as the Division One side ran out double figure winners over their Division Two opponents, Bure Valley Wildcats. Emily Leach netting a double hat-trick in the game, Samantha Walker was just one goal behind with 5 to her name. Selina Rowland also getting herself a brace. Nicola Hazell also getting a goal in a 14-0 win to book their place in the semi-finals.
Thorpe United Ladies were last season beaten League Cup finalists and they also reached the semi-finals of the competition this Sunday however they needed to come from behind to do so at home against Fakenham Town Ladies who were leading 1-0 at half-time. Shanice Sutton netted a brace in the 2nd half with a goal too for Alice Ford to see Thorpe edge Fakenham out with a 3-2 victory. Sam King and Rochelle Woods with the goals for Fakenham Town.
Also reaching the League Cup semi-finals are Stalham Town Ladies as they narrowly beat fellow Division One side Gorleston FC Ladies away from home on Sunday. Joanne Hooper getting a brace for Stalham Town at Emerald Park with Sophie Lubbock also grabbing a goal as the visitors edged Gorleston out with a 3-2 win. Leanne Smith and Samantha Hunn with the Gorleston goals.
The league Cup semi-final line-up is completed by FC Sprowston Ladies leading the Division Two table. Were at home to fellow league side Tavern Ladies in the quarter finals this Sunday the sides involved in a 7 goal thriller, Sophie Fuller getting a brace for Tavern with Lucy Kean scoring the visitors 3rd goal. It wasn’t enough however as FC Sprowston thanks to goals from Tammy Graves and Katie Fray along with a brace for Rebecca Kirby won the match 4-3 to progress.
Norfolk Ladies League Plate
3 games played in the 1st Round of the Ladies Plate competition this Sunday. North Walsham Angels Ladies winners of the Plate competition two seasons ago were drawn away to fellow Division One side Long Stratton Ladies. Progressed with a comfortable win leading 1-0 at half-time went on to score 3 more in the 2nd half with Mary-Anne Hoy, Luci & Hope Middleton and Rachel Bussey all getting in the scoresheet.
Bungay Town Ladies weren’t the only side to score 14 goals on their way to victory at the weekend as Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves also matched that result in the 1st Round of the League Plate away to Division One side Toftwood United Ladies. The Division One side proving too strong as they overwhelmed their opponents to progress.
An all Division Two tie in the 3rd 1st Round League Plate game played this Sunday with Freethorpe Ladies hosting Beccles Town Ladies. Kiera Squires scoring for the hosts in the 1st half it was Beccles Town who held the lead at half-time 2-1 up going on to add another goal 2nd half to progress with a 3-1 win. Jordan Duke, Lucy Robbens and Grace Storey their goalscorers.
3rd time lucky for the ERWFL League Cup for the 3rd Round tie yet to be played postponed twice in December because of bad weather rolled over into the New Year. Acle United in the end progressed without kicking a ball their game away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies postponed twice already off this Sunday as King’s Lynn couldn’t field a side having to forfeit. More sad news coming out from King’s Lynn Town Ladies with coach Joe Simpson leaving his role with the club instrumental in the women’s sides recent success he will be a loss to the game wish him all the best for the future.
Of the other two sides from the Division One North still left in the competition both were hosting Premier Division opposition at home tough games for both. Wymondham Town Ladies taking on Essex side Writtle Ladies. The hosts starting the game well however Wymondham 2-0 up inside the opening 12 minutes, top scorer Laura Nicholls continuing the great form she showed towards the end of 2017 scoring on 6 minutes, Hannah Waters recently signed having been at Lowestoft making it 2-0. That the lead at half-time Writtle pulled it back to 2-1 with Leanne Stubbings on target before Wymondham restored their 2 goal lead Nadine Basson making it 3-1. Nicholls with her 2nd of the game making it 4-1 4 minutes later. Georgina Tricker made it 4-2 for Writtle with 10 minutes left, Wymondham with the win the only side outside the Premier Division to make the League Cup quarter finals.
A tough test at home to for Ipswich Town Ladies Development also hosting an Essex side in the 3rd round of the League Cup, Billericay Town Ladies the visitors. Paris Smith was on the scoresheet with 5 goals in the tie for Billericay with both captain Lindsey Morgan and new signing Georgia Box getting a brace each the final score 10-0 to Billericay.
One tie yet to be played in the 3rd Round of the League Cup an all Premier Division clash with Royston Town Ladies playing Colney Heath Ladies this coming Sunday.
Will publish the full details of the quarter final draw on twitter once I have the final line-up.
ERWFL League Plate
One tie played in the 1st Round of the ERWFL League Plate competition another postponed twice already Histon Ladies were at home at the Glassworld Stadium taking on fellow Division One North side Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. A brace form Sophie Lanham along with a goal each from Abigail Davis and Katie Seagrave sealing Histon progress with a 4-0 victory.
ERWFL Premier Division
Two games played in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday featuring sides in the lower half of the table. Bedford Ladies in 6th were hosting Royston Town Ladies in the bottom 3 looking to try and close the gap to the sides in mid-table. Goals from Samantha Edgar and Sammy Tinsley seeing Royston Town start the year with a win just their 2nd in the league this season along with 3 draws to move them onto 9 points.
A 7 goal thriller between AFC Sudbury Ladies and Brentwood Town Ladies, the side from Essex leaving with all 3 points in the back edging the score 4-3, Angela Arnold netting a brace, with a goal each for Georgia Holdaway and Nicole Manning sees Brentwood continue their recent good form winning 3 of their last 4 league games to climb out of trouble. Rebecca Chandler with one and Mia Etheridge with a brace scoring for AFC Sudbury who slip to 2nd bottom following Royston’s win.
ERWFL Division One North
Another match that had been postponed twice at the end of 2017 was finally played this Sunday in ERWFL Division One North with Cambridge United WFC Reserves hosting Essex side Silver End United Ladies. Goals from Lucy Gateson and Bethany Morrell seeing Cambridge United claim all 3 points with a 2-1 win. Rebecca Donnelly scoring for Silver End United. Cambridge move above Histon Ladies into 4th in the table their highest position in the league so far this season.
ERWFL Division One South
Two matches played in ERWFL Division One South this Sunday and league leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves relentless good form continues from where they left off in 2018 now winning 10 straight league games scoring 58 along the way now and still yet to concede a goal. Were playing bottom side Hertford Town Ladies this Sunday. Scoring 6 goals in the match with 6 different names on the scoresheet, Sherrie Evans, Amy Josland, Daniela Martucci, Stacey McConville, Naomi Sleator and Jenny Hepton all grabbing a goal.
Harlow Town Ladies were playing just their 6th league game so far this season on Sunday in 3rd place in the Division One South table were hosting Hutton Ladies. Both on 9 points, Harlow with the superior goal difference moved 3 points clear after the final whistle with a 3-0 win, Lily Bruno, Frances Gamble and Rosi Webb in her 2nd appearance for the club netting her 1st goal.
A New Year has begun and there’s plenty of exciting action to bring you over the coming months right across the East. A weather affected end to 2017 saw alot of postponements thankfully 2018 started better weather wise with only a handful of games being called off. Let’s begin proceedings with the weekends action from the FAWPL and 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.
FA Women’s Cup
There were 6 ties in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup featuring sides from the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One. It was a big tie at home for South East Division One side Ipswich Town Ladies who over came fellow league side Stevenage Ladies in the previous round hosting Southern Division leaders, Charlton Athletic Women the lower league side pushing Charlton all the way taking the game into extra-time before eventually bowing out. Goalless at half-time it was Ipswich who took an early lead in the 2nd half a strike form Cassie Craddock putting the Suffolk side 1-0 in the 47th minute. Charlton came back to level it at 1-1 with 20 minutes left to play Charlotte Gurr with the goal then just 4 minutes later the visitors were leading Kit Graham sending the ball into the back of the net. Ipswich responded positively coming back to level it at 2-2 just 2 minutes later Craddock with her 2nd of the match to take the tie into extra-time. 2 goals in the 1st period of extra-time saw Charlton in control of the tie Graham with her 2nd of the game followed with a goal a minute later from Samantha Pittuck, then late into the 2nd period of extra-time Charlton made the score 5-2 with Charlotte Lee on target to send the Southern Division side into the 4th Round.
Cardiff City Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division were at home in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup hosting lower league side Burnley Ladies. Cori Williams giving Cardiff the early lead netting in the 7th minute that the advantage at half-time Ella Powell scored to make it 2-0 to the Welsh side 7 minutes into the 2nd half. The tie was far from settled however as Burnley came back into the game pulling it back to 2-1 in the 63rd minute drawing level in the 81st minute. Cardiff responded and Williams was on hand to score her 2nd of the game with 5 minutes left to send Cardiff through to the 4th Round with a 3-2 victory.
Crystal Palace Ladies 2nd in the FAWPL Southern Division were hosting 5th placed Coventry United Ladies in the 3rd Round Proper. It was the visitors who took an early lead in the match with Helen Dermody scoring from the penalty spot in the 7th minute. The players returning to the dressing room on 40 minutes due to an injury to Coventry United’s Keeley Davies a lengthy delay followed before the players returned to the pitch Coventry leading 1-0 at the half-time whistle. Chances for both sides in the 2nd half Coventry failing to extend their lead Crystal Place found an equaliser Nikita Whinnett sending the ball in from close range. The game heading into extra-time neither side able to find a winner it went to penalties to decide who would progress in the FA Women’s Cup, Coventry United winning the shootout 3-2 to reach the 4th Round.
A long trip up the country into Lancashire from the South Coast for Portsmouth FC Ladies to take on FAWPL Northern Division side, Blackburn Rovers Ladies. A disappointing result for Portsmouth as they were knocked out of the competition soundly beaten 7-0 by their hosts.
Another FAWPL Southern Division side making the long trip up the country were Lewes FC Women travelling the day before were taking on Huddersfield Town Ladies whom they beat in the FAWPL Plate final last season. Both sides are enjoying good season’s in the league, in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup it was a goalless 1st half. Into the 2nd half closing in on an hour played the deadlock was broken the visitors taking the lead Rebecca Carter scoring for Lewes, their lead lasted just 2 minutes before Huddersfield levelled thing’s back up Britanny Sanderson with the goal. The winning goal coming with 10 minutes left to play Lewes captain Katie McIntyre finding the back of the net to send Lewes into the 4th Round of the competition.
Chichester City Ladies from the FAWPL Southern Division were at home in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup taking on Luton Town Ladies from the division below. The lower league side pushing Chichester all the way the hosts leaving it very late to get the win to take them through Alex Collinghan scoring in the 86th minute was quickly followed by a 2nd goal from Cherelle Khassel to put them into the 4th Round draw.
The 4th Round Proper draw for the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday and for the 1st time it will see the sides from both FAWSL 1 and 2 enter at this stage with 32 sides left the 12 sides from the FAWPL getting the opportunity to maybe test themselves against the top women’s sides in the country the draw is listed below.
Durham Women FC v Sheffield FC Ladies
Aston Villa Ladies v Middlesborough
Sunderland AFC Ladies v Derby County Ladies or Brighouse Town Ladies
Keynsham Town Ladies v Lewes FC Women
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles
Liverpool Ladies v Watford Ladies
Cardiff City Ladies v Oxford United Women
The New Saints v Chichester City Ladies
Millwall Lionesses v Coventry United Ladies
Reading FC Women v Birmingham City Ladies
Plymouth Argyle Ladies v Leicester City Women
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC v Manchester City Women
Blackburn Rovers Ladies v Charlton Athletic Women
Yeovil Town Ladies v Arsenal Women
London Bees v Chelsea Ladies
Everton Ladies v Bristol City Ladies
The 4th Round ties are scheduled to be played Sunday 4th February with the winners receiving £2000.
FAWPL Plate
The FAWPL Cup and Plate competitions were heavily affected by the weather in December with a number of ties yet to be played with the FA Women’s Cup taking priority this Sunday several remain outstanding. One tie was settled in the Plate competition this weekend with Norwich City Ladies hosting Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Norwich City with some news to searching for a new 1st team manager, Grant Palmer joining the club after an extremely successful time with Essex side Harlow Town Ladies. Also coming in to join the coaching staff is Carla Dickinson.
On the pitch however Norwich couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start as they found themselves 2-0 inside 5 minutes. Heather McDonnell and Sasha Newsome scoring for Milton Keynes. Pulled a goal back late in the 1st half with Chelsea Garrett scoring. 2-1 at half-time Norwich got it back to 2-2 early in the 2nd half with Jodie Drake on target. Milton Keynes finished the stronger going on to the 2nd Round tie 4-2 to reach the next round of the FAWPL Plate, Amelia Hazard and Charly Wright getting the goals.
FAWPL Southern Division
Two games played in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday featuring the 4 sides at the bottom of the table. A frustrating afternoon at home for West Ham United Ladies as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Gillingham FC Ladies.
Queens Park Rangers Ladies travelled to play bottom side Swindon Town Ladies on Sunday Two goals in the 1st half from new signing Helen Ogle her first for the club saw the visitors leading 2-0 at half-time. Ogle going on to complete her hat-trick early in the second half. Kasha Petit also scoring just past the hour to see QPR leading 4-0. Mia Mugford pulling a goal back for Swindon Town in injury are still looking for their 1st league point as QPR winning 4-1 win their 2nd league game of the season moving onto 7 points 3 points behind the sides in 8th, 9th and 10th an have plenty of games in hand on all.
FAWPL South East Division One
AFC Wimbledon Ladies enjoyed a great 1st half of the season leading the FAWPL South East Division One table with a 5 point lead. Started the year at home to Cambridge United WFC. Katie Stanley giving the hosts an early lead netting in the 2nd minute. That was how the score remained for the next 83 minutes AFC Wimbledon only securing the 3 points with 5 minutes left to play in the 2nd half Jenny Banfield making it 2-0.
Leyton Orient WFC are enjoying a great debut year in the FAWPL too going into 2018 in 2nd place in South East Division One. Pulling 3 points away from 3rd placed Milton Keynes Dons at the weekend with a home win over Denham United Ladies . Top scorer Sophie Le Marchand giving Leyton Orient the lead in the 12th minute. Rebecca Hirst with her 1st goal for the club making it 2-0 on 21 minutes. Sophie Cheadle pulled it back to 2-1 for Denham United with 7 minutes left to play in the 1st half. No more goals added 2nd half the 2-1 sealing the 3 points for Leyton Orient WFC
Enfield Town Ladies came back form being a goal down at home to Actonians Ladies on Sunday to secure a point in South East Division One. Catherine Murphy scoring for Actonians to see them lead 1-0 at half-time conceded an own goal 20 minutes into the 2nd half to see the sides share the points.
Beginning 2018 with a game from FAWSL 2 a trip to Cheshunt FC to watch the leagues newest members Tottenham Hotspur Ladies take on Brighton & Hove Albion WFC.
Two ambitious clubs joining the FAWSL as it enters a new and challenging era adjusting to a return to the winter calendar too. A reshaping of the leagues seeing clubs bidding for either a place in FAWSL 1 or FAWSL 2 having to meet stringent criteria. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies looking to retain their FAWSL 2 status have bid for place in that league whilst Brighton & Hove Albion WFC receiving significant backing from the club have bid for a place in the new FAWSL 1 where all clubs will have to be fully professional.
Both following the same path to the FAWSL, both prominent clubs within Women’s Football East the FAWPL Southern Division being the top league that is covered. Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were crowned Champion’s 2 season’s ago with Tottenham Hotspur Ladies winning the title the season after both going on to win the subsequent FAWPL Playoff game between their Northern Division counterparts to achieve promotion.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies have had a solid start to life in FAWSL 2 the move from summer to winter not affecting them at all. Have strengthened their squad by bringing in defender Ashleigh Neville from Coventry United Ladies and experienced WSL attacker Sarah Wiltshire from Yeovil Town Ladies and young prospect Lauren Pickett. A narrow opening game defeat away to Durham Women FC, Tottenham responded well winning their next 2 league games a along with their 2 opening Continental Tyres Cup group matches unbeaten in 5 before ending the year with 3 straight defeats in league and cup. In 6th place in the table a win today puts them onto 10 points amongst those challenging at the top of the table.
Although Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were promoted the season before Tottenham Hotspur Ladies this is technically their first season of FAWSL 2 football too as they entered the league during it’s transitional period prior to reverting back to the winter a one off Spring Series played during the 1st half of 2017 each side facing their opponents once. Would have benefited Brighton the most giving the club an opportunity to get used to the league and it’s strengths.
Operating with an interim manger during that period the club has shown it’s ambitions by bringing in former England manager, Hope Powell to coach the 1st team. Several new faces joining the playing squad too bringing FAWSL experience with them, ex-Notts County player Danielle Buet along with Aileen Whelan and Fern Whelan who were with Everton ladies prior to coming down to the South Coast. Ini Umatong who was previously with Oxford United Women along with Fliss Gibbons and goalkeeper Lucy Gillett. Currently in 4th spot in the FAWSL 2 table one of 3 sides on 10 points looking to challenge leaders Doncaster Rovers Belles for top spot with 3 wins and a draw from their opening 5 league matches.
The two sides met in November in the group stages of the Continental Tyres Cup, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC winning the game away from home 4-1. The venue for today’s game Cheshunt FC a large pitch offering good width, has fared well despite the recent heavy rain. Quite an open stadium a bitterly cold day at the beginning of January but dry. Hold food and drinks available along with a bar.
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI – Chloe Morgan, Lucia Leon, Ashleigh Neville, Jenna Schillaci (C), Renee Hector, Sophie McLean, Hannah McKenzie, Sarah Wiltshire, Lauren Pickett, Katie O’Leary & Ronnell Humes. Subs – Toni-Anne Wayne, Maya Vio, Wendy Martin, Coral-Jade Haines, Bianca Baptiste & Ryah Vyse.
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC starting XI – Lucy Gillett, Beth Roe, Sophie Perry (C), Laura Rafferty, Fern Whelan, Kirsty Barton, Jenna Legg, Kate Natkiel, Bronwen Thomas, Fliss Gibbons & Ini Umotong. Subs – Laura Hartley, Sophia Pharoah, Lucy Somes, Natalie Taylor & Vicky Ashton-Jones.
It’s the away side to kick off the game Tottenham changing ends to have the low sun at their backs in the 1st half. Brighton in their away colours an all yellow kit with bronze across the shirt shoulders. Tottenham in their home colours white shirts and socks with navy shorts. Brighton looking to keep the ball moving along the ground work the ball forwards out to Fliss Gibbons on the left she is tackled by full back Lucia Leon the ball out for a throw in.
Laura Rafferty on the ball for Brighton
Getting the ball forwards the long pass finds Ronnell Humes in space drifting right for Tottenham, Fern Whelan coming to put in the tackle prevents the striker getting a shot away as she enters the box. Brighton launch a quick counter attack the ball moved forwards quickly the diagonal ball aimed for Bronwen Thomas running down the right is tackled in the corner by Ashleigh Neville to concede the 1st corner of the game.
A quiet opening to the game both sides looking to get on the ball make progress up the pitch Brighton pressing the ball inside the Tottenham half well not letting the home side retain any meaningful possession. Leon gains ground on the right supporting Lauren Pickett, Whelan is across again to stifle the threat, when Tottenham eventually get a cross into the area it is caught by Lucy Gillett at her near post.
Brighton come forwards Jenna Legg finding a bit of room on the ball 30 yards out central attempts the slide the ball forwards for Ini Umotong making a run towards the top of the area, Renee Hector closes her down for Tottenham gets her foot to the ball first directing it back to goalkeeper Chloe Morgan to clear. Sarah Wiltshire gets forwards for Tottenham sees her cross swung in from the right claimed by Gillett.
Tottenham’s Sophie McLean looks to find a way through
GOAL! Brighton are soon down the other end of the pitch a free-kick is won just outside the box to the left of the D, captain Sophie Perry comes forwards to take it as referee Stacey Pearson moves the Tottenham was back. A quality free-kick from the Republic of Ireland international the ball whipped past the Tottenham wall with plenty of pace just inside the post evading the diving Morgan to give Brighton an 11th minute lead 0-1.
Brighton captain, Sophie Perry opens the scoring from a free-kick.
Tottenham look to respond right away Wiltshire with the through ball for Humes is closed down by Laura Rafferty, Gillett coming out of her goal to prevent the ball spinning away for the corner. Brighton work the ball forwards through the centre enjoying good possession before the pass is played out to Thomas on the right cutting inside with the ball attempts to curl the shot towards goal, angled in is straight at Morgan who saves comfortably.
The visitors are working well as a unit to break up any Tottenham forward play then moving it forwards with purpose when in possession using the full width of the pitch, full back Beth Roe putting in the tackle as Humes is played in through the centre, Barton in the middle plays the ball forwards with Umotong making a good run from left to right across the top of the Tottenham area aims her cross back across the box for Gibbons far side who lashes the ball into the back of the net even as she receives the ball the flag is up for offside.
A free-kick to Brighton on halfway the ball lifted up in towards the top of the box is headed clear dropping for Barton 30 yards out controls well on her chest before volleying a shot in towards goal on target the ball is caught low by Morgan right behind the shot. Neville brings the ball on up the left for Tottenham plays a cross into the area cleared for a throw. A one two between Katie O’Leary and Humes the latter seeing her cross cut out as Whelan clears for Brighton.
Brighton’s, Beth Roe
A great tackle by Tottenham’s Hannah McKenzie to deny Brighton’s Umotong as Legg plays the ball into her path breaking forwards. Up the other end Whelan is reading the game well for Brighton winning the ball as the home side try to find a way in behind. Kate Natkiel coming forwards the ball played on to Legg out to Thomas right side 25 yards out takes on the shot curling in again top corner, Morgan has time to get across and take the ball into her gloves.
Brighton’s Kate Natkiel evades Hannah McKenzie’s tackle
Tottenham come forwards Sophie McLean on for Wiltshire the pass out to Pickett on the right plays the cross into the box, Gillett claiming it well at her near post with Humes and Wiltshire both coming in. Another free-kick in a dangerous position for Brighton top right corner outside the area this time Perry with the step over as Gibbons curls the ball in towards the far post Tottenham win the header the ball cleared, Brighton quickly regain possession the ball played into the box Whelan still up from the back directs her header wide of goal.
Ronnell Humes in possession of the ball for Tottenham
The visitors are finishing the 1st half the stronger winning the ball in the middle Barton with a good challenge, Natkiel comes forwards lets fly form 25 yards out her shot deflected wide to the right Thomas after the loose ball sends her shot wide across the face of goal. Leon is fouled late in the 1st half a free-kick to Tottenham 10 yards inside the Brighton half players come forwards from the back as captain Jenna Schillaci plays a great ball into the area bouncing inside the six yard box their are appeals for a penalty as Hector goes down appearing to get caught by a high boot. Play stopped so she can receive treatment the protests are waved away.
Half-time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC
Sophie Perry’s 11th minute set-piece goal the difference between the two sides at half-time Brighton leading 1-0 have had the better chances in the 1st half. Have enjoyed more of the ball pressing Tottenham inside their own half whilst defending as a unit have prevented their opponents getting anything meaningful going forwards in attack. Just the 1 goal in it however plenty of time for Tottenham a turn it around with the 2nd half to come.
It’s gotten decidedly colder with a strong breeze blowing across the stadium has had some effect on the ball too during the match towards the end of the 1st half. Tottenham to kick-off the 2nd half have made a change at the break Maya Vio on for McKenzie in midfield. An early attack for the home side a tidy spin as the ball comes into her for Wiltshire 30 yards out sends the pass on looking for Humes making the break into the box, Gillett spotting the danger is out to the top of her area quickly to slide in and take the ball at the strikers feet.
Tottenham’s Maya Vio & Brighton’s Jenna Legg battle for the ball
Brighton counter attack the ball moved forwards quickly with Gibbons finding space on the left take on the shot from distance cutting across the ball sending it sailing over the crossbar. Umotong a powerful runner on the ball hard to shake off wriggles clear as she makes a run towards the area, Hector across on the cover cuts out her strike. Up the other end Humes evades Perry’s tackle right corner plays a cross into the area Whelan heading clear at the far post for Brighton.
Tottenham’s Renee Hector
Neville getting forwards for Tottenham wins a corner left side the ball played in is cleared by Rafferty at the near post. A great run by Leon coming into the Brighton half from the right for Tottenham coming inside closing in on the box opens up for a shooting opportunity instead the full back opts to lay the ball on for O’Leary inside the area to her right, Gillett already on the move dives in to claim the ball at the strikers feet.
A 2nd change fro Tottenham closing in on the hour mark with Bianca Baptiste coming off the bench to replace Humes up top. An immediate impact by the substitute too as Tottenham come forwards she provides a great run across the top of the Brighton area as Wiltshire picks her put with a superb pass right of the D sends a shot it towards goal the ball inches over the crossbar.
Bianca Baptiste
Leon fouled wide right players up from the back into the box as Schillaci plays the ball into the area, caught in the strong breeze, Gillett is forced into the save pushing the ball behind for the corner kick. The ball in from the left is scrambled away by Brighton. The visitors make their 1st change of the match Vicky Ashton-Jones celebrating her birthday today coming on for Rafferty at the back. Tottenham doing better now getting more players forwards Leon down the right, Ashton-Jones slides in to tackle conceding the corner. Gillett calls for the ball catching the delivery at her near post.
A corner won for Brighton with 20 minutes left to play before it is taken Tottenham make their 3rd change bringing on Wendy Martin for O’Leary in attack. Neville wins the ball from the corner for Tottenham heading the ball clear of her box. Getting the ball up the other end Pickett gets the better of Whelan flicking the ball over the defender aiming to get in behind into the area Gillett is again out rapidly to stifle the threat.
Gibbons with the ball left side as Brighton advance plays the pass inside to Umotong she lays it on for Natkiel who puts the shot in towards goal from 25 yards out Morgan behind it all the way catches cleanly. The game is a little stretched late on as Tottenham look to try and find an equalising goal, Wiltshire’s ball into the box from the right is chested away by Whelan straight into the path of Baptiste coming in from the left her 1st time shot from 20 yards out flies wide of the near post.
Ini Umotong getting past the Tottenham defence
A deflection on Baptiste’s shot a corner given delivered from the left in high towards the near post Martin gets her head on the ball knocking it down towards goal, Gillett smothering it makes the save. Martin receiving the ball into her body turns and releases Baptiste on the left she cuts inside her shot landing in the side netting.
Brighton attack as the game moves into the final 10 minutes Umotong with the run right side her cross from the byline saved at the near post is deflected towards the top of the box with Natkiel looking to strike it back in towards goal, Vio racing back does enough to prevent the no 10 taking the 1st time shot, keeping her composure Natkiel still has the ball at her feet sends her shot up over the goal.
Kirsty Barton beats Sarah Wiltshire to the ball
There are a few robust challenges being made late on Martin’s complaints she her shown a yellow card. Brighton make a 2nd change Legg coming off to be replaced by Natalie Taylor. The home side continue to press chances remain limited however Gillett claiming anything played from deep into the box. The game moving into injury time a late free-kick for Tottenham as Wilshire is brought down the ball curled in towards goal claimed comfortably by Gillett.
A late chance for Brighton as they break the ball played up field into Umotong a powerful run on the ball into the box getting in behind the Tottenham back line as she moves left of goal six yards out looks to stab the ball wide back across goal past Morgan the goalkeeper down smartly makes a fantastic save.
The final whistle blows and Brighton with a clean sheet win the 3 points thanks to Perry’s first half free-kick. Keeps the status quo at the top with Brighton staying fourth as the side above them all claimed victory too this Sunday.
Full time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC
One defeat from their opening 6 league games Brighton are looking well placed to challenge Doncaster Rovers Belles for the title along with Durham Women FC and Millwall Lionesses. A good performance today especially 1st half pressing Tottenham well for the ball inside their opponents half making it difficult for the home side to get any momentum going forwards. Solid at the back too with Gillett always alert to any threat behind her defence. Tottenham created chances in the 2nd half bringing on Baptiste and Martin just couldn’t find that one clinical chance to take anything from the game.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
The 1st Women’s Football East – Player of the Match in 2018 goes to Brighton’s Fern Whelan. I thought the central defender had an excellent game at the back covering the ground well to keep Tottenham finding a way in behind and defending well from set-pieces.
Good to be back at it after a lengthy break over Christmas enjoyed the football on display if not the cold. My thanks to the Tottenham staff for all their assistant today everyone was very helpful.
