ERWFL Premier Division leaders, Billericay Town Ladies came back from 1-0 down at half-time last Sunday to beat 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies 2-1 to move 4 points clear at the top of the table. This Sunday they were on the road looking to extend the lead to 7 points against 7th place AFC Dunstable Ladies. Women’s Football East was there to watch the game. Appealed on the fixture list and certainly delivered on the pitch. Billericay Town without top scorer, Paris Smith nevertheless started the game stronger getting the ball forwards using the width well, capitalising with a goal in the 15th minute and a stunning one too from Lauren Bourne cutting in from the left to receive the ball outside the box and send it flying high into the goal. Hannah Payne producing a couple of excellent saves in the Dunstable goal to keep the score down to just a single goal at half-time.
Lauren Bourne opens the scoring for Billericay Town Ladies
A different game 2nd half changes for both sides Dunstable got off to a positive start and seeing more of the ball grew in confidence feeling they could get back on level terms. Billericay were made to work hard in defence stood up to the task however and in the end won the game thanks to Bourne’s 1st half goal, 3 points well earned.
In the other game played in the ERWFL Premier Division, 3rd placed Acle United Ladies were away in Suffolk taking on AFC Sudbury Ladies, had new signing Amy Bell making her debut in goal. Acle United taking the lead midway through the 1st half, Megan Todd getting the goal. The lead was doubled early into the 2nd half, Grace Birchall with her 10th goal of the season making on 2-0 on 47 minutes. Young midfielder Laura Holden extending the visitors lead with 15 minutes left on the clock. Birchall with her 2nd of the game capping off a dominant game from Acle United, the 4-0 seeing them close the gap on 2nd placed Cambridge City to a single point with a game in hand 8 points off Billericay have 2 games in hand on the leaders.
ERWFL Division One North
A heavy defeat for ERWFL Division One North leaders, King’s Lynn Town Ladies last time out away to 2nd placed Wymondham Town Ladies 9-0 the final score. Another bad result this weekend saw them suffer back to back defeats on the road to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies who won for the 3rd time this season. Playing at their new home, Wickham Market FC, Ipswich went into half-time with a 2-0 lead, Destiny Minors and Elysia Young getting the goals. Olivia Gunn adding to their lead early in the 2nd half. King’s Lynn grabbing a consolation goal late in the game Shelley Woods the scorer as they lose for 3rd time this season.
In the other game played in ERWFL Division One North this Sunday, 4th placed Cambridge United WFC Reserves move to within a point of 3rd placed Ipswich Wanderers continuing their recent good form having now collected 13 points from their last 6 league matches. At home on Sunday taking on bottom side Silver End United Ladies who they had already beaten twice in that spell 2-1 both home and away. Michaela Dortch scoring her 1st for the club, Ellen Green, Nuala Wayne and Ruth Fox also celebrating a goal with an own goal too securing a 5-1 win.
ERWFL Division One South
100% records went tumbling in ERWFL Division One South this weekend, not just one but two as both leaders Stevenage Ladies Reserves and 2nd placed Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies tasted defeat for the 1st time in the league this season. Stevenage Ladies Reserves going into the game with 11 straight wins and zero in the goals conceded column. That came to an end away in Essex to 4th place Hutton Ladies. A hat-trick from Laura Allen seeing the Stevenage goal finally breached her 3 goals enough to win the game 3-2 for Hutton, Emily Schofield and Amy Josland getting the goals for the visitors.
Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies were at home on Sunday 2nd with 7 straight league wins at home to 3rd placed Harlow Town Ladies. Rosi Webb getting the goal to put Harlow into the lead, Little Thurrock Dynamos getting it back all square at 1-1. Tayla Handscomb restoring Harlow’s lead Nicole Learner made it 3-1. Handscomb hit her 2nd of the match to further extend the lead for the visitors. Lily Bruno then got in on the goal scoring making it 5-1. Little Thurrock Dynamos.pulling it back to 5-2 before Bruno scored her 2nd of the match Harlow winning the game 6-2 move to within 3 points on Little Thurrock Dynamos. Eloise Ives and Natalie Strange scoring the goals for the home side.
In the other match played in the ERWFL Division One South this Sunday, Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies were away to Bishops Stortford Ladies looking to build some form as they prepare for next months Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup final. Got their 2nd league win of the season to move ahead of Bishops Stortford on goal difference. Shannon Daly scoring after just 2 minutes for Hoddesdon. Sian Owens and Charley Handley also on target with a goal in the 1st half for the visitors. Natasha Crick scoring another with 10 minutes left Hoddesdon winning the match 4-2. Brogan McHale getting one of the goals for Bishops Stortford, the other coming courtesy of an own goal.
The 4th Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup this Sunday featuring 16 ties the last 32 in the competition with the sides from both FAWSL 1 & 2 entering at this stage. 8 ties featuring sides within the East or the leagues covered. FAWSL 2 sides Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were drawn at home against fellow FAWSL opposition. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies taking on 6 times FA Women’s Cup winners Doncaster Rovers Belles currently leading FAWSL 2 a 3-0 win for the visitors seeing Doncaster through to the 5th Round.
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC were hosting the current FA Women’s Cup holders Manchester City Women a big test for Hope Powell’s side, a useful one too even though they exited the competition going out defeated 2-0. Watford Ladies from FAWSL 2 had also been handed a tough away tie in the FA Women’s Cup taking on Liverpool Ladies from FAWSL 1. A 5-0 win for the Merseyside club seeing Liverpool safely into the 5th Round.
Elsewhere their were 5 sides from the FAWPL Southern Division competing in the FA Women’s Cup 4th Round. Cardiff City Ladies producing the upset of the round by knocking out FAWSL opposition. At home to Oxford United Women on Sunday. Held their higher league opponents to a goalless draw taking the tie into extra-time still neither side could break the stalemate the tie going all the way to a penalty shootout. Cardiff celebrating an historic victory taking the shootout 5-4 to reach the 5th Round.
It wasn’t the only tie to go all the way to penalties as Southern Division side, Chichester City Ladies were away in the 4th Round up against, The New Saints Ladies, enjoying a good season so far 2nd in FAWPL Midlands Division One. Was a tight game between the two sides, The New Saints Ladies leading 1-0 at the break through an own goal from Chichester in the 32nd minute. Chichester City responded early in the 2nd half to level the scores, Cherelle Khassel putting the ball into the back of the net. That the way the score remained on 90 minutes the tie moving into extra-time no more goals seeing it head to penalties Chichester City the one’s celebrating as they went through to the 5th Round taking it 5-4.
A tricky away trip too or Lewes FC Women on Sunday too in the 4th Round of the FA Women’s Cup taking on Keynsham Town Ladies from FAWPL South West Division One, in good form. Lewes playing a league higher are enjoying a good season themselves however and safely negotiated this potential banana skin. Amy Taylor giving the visitors the lead late in the 1st half. Georgia Bridges doubling the lead in the 2nd half as the game closed on the hour mark her strike quickly followed up by a goal from Sarah Kempson. Lewes into the 5th Round with a 3-0 win.
For the 3rd successive cup match Charlton Athletic Women progressed with a win in extra-time. A long trip away in the FA Women’s Cup for the Southern Division leaders up against Northern Division side, Blackburn Rovers Ladies. A close match between the pair it was goalless after the 1st 45 minutes. Charlton taking the lead early in the 2nd half courtesy of an own goal. The lead didn’t last long as Natasha Flint equalised for Blackburn Rovers. Mid-way through the 2nd half Charlton once again took the lead Charlotte Gurr making it 2-1 in the 73rd minute. Again Blackburn Rovers pulled it level, Flint with her 2nd of the game 9 minutes from time. 2-2 the final score after 90 minutes the tie heading in extra-time for the 3rd time in the game Charlton took the lead, Georgia Griffin scoring in the 1st period of extra-time, this time Charlton held on to claim the win and reach the last 16 of the FA Women’s Cup.
Coventry United Ladies were drawn away in the FA Women’s Cup, against FAWSL 2 opposition, Millwall Lionesses. Nothing new for the Southern Division side have claimed FAWSL scalps in the FA Women’s Cup in previous seasons. Were up against a Millwall Lionesses side in good form this time around however the hosts leading 2-0 at half-time. An early goal in the 2nd half putting Millwall in full control of the tie led 4-0 with 20 minutes left. Coventry were awarded a penalty with around 5 minutes left, Helen Dermody stepping up to score, Coventry exited the cup with a 4-1 defeat.
The draw for the last 16 of the FA Women’s Cup was made on Monday with at least one FAWPL side guaranteed at place in the quarter finals with Cardiff City draw at home to Charlton. A couple of mouth watering home ties too for both Chichester City and Lewes as they meet Merseyside giants, Liverpool Ladies & Everton Ladies from FAWSL 1 respectfully.
The FA Women’s Cup 5th Round draw, ties to be played Sunday 18th February.
Arsenal Women v Millwall Lionesses
Cardiff City Ladies v Charlton Athletic Women
Lewes FC Women v Everton Ladies
Sunderland AFC Ladies v Aston Villa Ladies
Chichester City Ladies v Liverpool Ladies
Birmingham City Ladies v Manchester City Women
Chelsea Ladies v Doncaster Rovers Belles
Durham Women FC v Plymouth Argyle Ladies or Leicester City Women
FAWPL Southern Division
Three games in the FAWPL Southern Division this Sunday and with leaders Charlton involved in the FA Women’s Cup it was an opportunity for the sides placed 2nd and 3rd to close the gap at the top. Crystal Palace Ladies in 2nd level on points with 3rd placed C&K Basildon Ladies who defeated them 1-0 last time out. Looking to get back to winning ways Crystal Palace Ladies were on home soil taking on West Ham United Ladies the visitors buoyed by a 6-2 win away to Cardiff City Ladies last weekend. A tough game for both sides it was a frustrating afternoon for Crystal Palace, West Ham United picking up another valuable point as the sides drew 0-0. A further blow for Crystal Palace as they lost Nikita Whinnett to injury having to be stretched off early in the game. Women’s Football East wishes her all the best for a full and speedy recovery.
C&K Basildon weren’t taking anything for granted as they headed west on Sunday to play bottom side Swindon Town Ladies still without a single point on the board after 14 games. A tough season for Swindon so far are battling hard took the lead in the game Mia Mugford making it 1-0 in the 17th minute. C&K Basildon responded well coming back quickly to not only level the score but take a 2-1 lead into the half-time break, Angela Addison with both goals. Captain Zoe Rushen adding a 3rd goal in the 2nd half seeing Basildon to a 3-1 win that takes them up to 2nd in the Southern Division table 2 points behind leaders Charlton.
Queens Park Rangers Ladies were on home soil on Sunday hosting Portsmouth FC Ladies. 4 points from there last 2 matches Queens Park Rangers were looking to build to two good away performances with a result at home against mid-table Portsmouth, the sides drawing 0-0 at the half-time whistle. A single goal was enough to claim all 3 points in the 2nd half coming 15 minutes from time, it was the visitors celebrating as Katie James netting the winning goal for Portsmouth the win taking them above Chichester City into 6th spot.
FAWPL South East Division One
The FAWPL South East Division One fixture list was hit by the weather 3 of the 5 scheduled games being postponed. Leyton Orient WFC 2nd in the table were looking to close a 5 point gap on leaders AFC Wimbledon Ladies as they played host to 5th placed Luton Town Ladies. There title ambitions taking a big dent however as Luton came away with a very good result. Stephanie Gale giving the visitors a 1-0 half-time lead. Natasha Fensome making it 2-0 in the 2nd half before a screamer from Lisa Nixon made it 3-0. Joanne Rutherford then missed a penalty hitting the bar as Leyton Orient were reduced to 10. Fensome with her 2nd securing a 4-0 win, that moves Luton right onto the tails of the sides above them.
Ipswich Town Ladies saw their own title hopes take a dent last weekend away to Leyton Orient. This weekend they were back on home soil taking on Denham United Ladies. The home side 4th in the table going 1-0 up in the 12th minute, an own goal conceded by Denham. The visitors responded straight away getting level 3 minutes later Kayleigh Currivan on target with the goal. 7 minutes left in the 1st half and Ipswich regained the lead Miagh Downey getting the goal to make it 2-1. Denham were back level within 4 minutes of the 2nd half kicking off, Sophie Cheadle with the goal to make it 2-2. An hour on the clock and Ipswich were awarded a penalty, captain Amanda Crump stepping up to the spot put the ball home to make it 3-2. Ipswich kept it this time and went on to get a 2 goal cushion in the last 15 minutes, Zoe Cossey getting on the scoresheet. Just 6 point separating the sides positioned 2 to 5th in the South East Division One table now.
A trip to Bedfordshire this Sunday to watch a game from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division with AFC Dunstable Ladies hosting league leaders, Billericay Town Ladies.
The ERWFL proving to be a very competitive league across all 3 divisions this season, any given team in the Premier Division capable of beating the other on the day. 10 sides contesting the league now following the sad withdrawal of both Lowestoft Town Ladies and Colchester Town Ladies both having struggled to find enough committed players at this level. That has see some points adjustment during the way.
AFC Dunstable are currently in 7th place in the ERWFL Premier Division table, very tight in the middle of the table with just 3 points between 7th and 4th placed Writtle Ladies. A win today could take AFC Dunstable Ladies as high as 4th with the right result. Their form has yo-yoed this season like a few other sides in the middle of the table. More than capable of putting a good run together on the back of a strong league campaign last season that saw them push the top sides all the way eventually finishing 4th. Have brought in a few players form Offley & Stopsley Women who folded over the close season, Kelly Moss, Charlene Moreton and Rianne Townsend -Brown. A 2-0 win over Sharnbrook WFC last weekend saw Dunstable reach the semi-finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup.
Billericay Town Ladies are often amongst the side competing at the top end of the table during recent times finishing runners-up for 4 out of the last 5 seasons. 6th last campaign began this season strongly setting the early pace matched by Essex rivals Writtle Ladies. Cambridge City Ladies promoted last season going on a great winning run to took over top spot for a little while before Christmas. Billericay have added a few new faces to their squad, Dempsey Favell joining from Harlow Town Ladies, whilst Lauren Bourne, Nancy Butler and Georgia Box were with Colchester at the start of the season. Box hitting the ground running at Billericay the striker scoring 10 goals from 8 appearance. Plenty of goals already in the side before her arrival with captain Lindsey Morgan netting 15 so far and Paris Smith top scorers with 22 goals. Opened up a 4 point lead at the top after coming back from 1-0 down at half-time against 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies last weekend and with Cambridge not in action this Sunday an opportunity to open up a 7 point gap at the top.
The venue for today’s game, Creasey Park a council run sports facility home to several clubs, aswell as AFC Dunstable Ladies, AFC Dunstable FC and Dunstable Town use the ground. Is a very nice ground newly built offering several training pitches including a 3G surface aswell as the main pitch. A clubhouse with bar and hot food and drinks available laid out well the changing room adjoining leading out onto the main pitch a good size offering plenty of width a little worn in places has seen alot of action. Only been here before for night games so nice to see it it the daylight. A small seated stand, and a good sized carpark beside the ground. A few postponements in the area but the game was on frosty earlier wet before but the pitch had dried out well, chilly but the sun was doing it’s best.
AFC Dunstable Ladies starting XI – Hannah Payne, Jodie Patterson, Lauren Chimes (C), Elly Wade, Stephanie Fisher, Rachel Moffat, Danielle Carty, Charlotte South, Samaira Khan, Rianne Townsend-Brown & Charlene Moreton. Subs – Rebecca Langthorpe, Beth Stanton, Claudia Attenborough & Kelly Moss.
Billericay were without top scorers Paris Smith today, Hope Strauss an U18 player on the subs bench. Both sides have blue as their home strip, today Billericay were playing in their red away kit. It’s Dunstable to get the 1st half underway. Billericay press the ball straight from kick-off captain Lindsey Morgan bringing it forwards the ball played out wide right to Lauren Knight getting forwards her progress halted by Dunstable captain Lauren Chimes at left back. The visitors keeping possession inside their opponents half.
Lauren Bourne and Nancy Butler combine on the left side for Billericay bringing the ball on down the line the cross swept into the box knocked down by Georgia Box at the far post into the path of Butler her low shot blocked by Stephanie Fisher at the back for Dunstable the visitors keep the ball inside the final 3rd a cross sent in long from the left Lauren Knight coming in right side sees her looping strike fly up onto the roof of the net.
Billericay continue their good start Morgan busy in the middle of the park winning the ball sends the pass forwards for Box ahead of her the striker holding the ball up lays it back to Morgan 25 yards out she sends a shot in towards goal straight at Hannah Payne a comfortable catch for the Dunstable goalkeeper. Jodie Patterson brings the ball on for Dunstable up to Moreton central she looks to release Khan on the right Lauren Armstrong intercepts the ball.
AFC Dunstable Ladies, Jodie Patterson
Dunstable’s Danielle Carty bringing the ball in finds Rianne Townsend-Brown on the left driving on with the ball wins the home side the 1st corner of the game. A good delivery in from the left Samiara Khan get’s up highest near post puts her header wide of the goal. Butler plays the ball long up the pitch for Box moving into the right channel to chase down, Chimes sliding in to put the ball out for a throw in. Billericay work the ball across the top of the area, players drawn across Bourne his looking to get in behind, Khan doing well around on the cover to put in a vital tackle. A good race on between Box and Dunstable centre back Elly Wade as Morgan plays the through ball on for her. the defender getting to the ball 1st plays it back to Payne to clear.
GOAL! Billericay capitalise on their good start taking the lead 15 minutes into the game pressing forwards players racing to get into the area as Bourne carries the ball on down the left whips in a great cross along the six yard box met at the far post the shot comes in Payne makes an outstanding save to take the ball away across her goal back out to the left is knocked back out to towards the top of the area with Bourne latching onto it from 20 yards out smashes a stunning strike into the top corner no chance of stopping it 0-1. Bourne’s 1st goal for Billericay too.
Lauren Bourne opens the scoring for Billericay Town Ladies
Dunstable look to respond the ball played on through the middle by Charlotte South on for Khan coming central takes it on has Townsend-Brown making a run to her left rolls the ball on for her into the area left of goal goes to shoot, Kirsty Knight in the way making the block for Billericay the ball spinning behind for the corner. The ball played in towards the top of the Billericay box his headed over the crossbar.
Morgan with a couple of efforts at goal for Billericay the 1st from a wide right position held low at the near post by Payne. The second as Sally Appleton plays the ball forwards from the back Morgan running onto it 20 yards from goal her strike right flashes wide across goal out at the far post. Payne with another top draw save for Dunstable this time however off one of her own defenders as Hayley Piggott getting forwards right side for Billericay puts a great cross into the box met by a blue shirt the header up heading goalwards threatening to dip under the ball Payne throws herself at it tipping it wide.
An excellent save from AFC Dunstable Ladies goalkeeper Hannah Payne from one of her own players
Butler receives the ball central from Morgan turns and plays it on for Dempsey Favell getting in behind the Dunstable defence a little too much on the ball allows Payne coming quickly off her line to get their 1st to clear the ball. A competitive game Appleton needed to come off to clean up a bleeding nose. Carty and Favell slid in for a 50/50 ball the Dunstable player aggrieved as the decision goes against her. A long ball played on is cleared by the Dunstable defence falls straight to Butler 30 yards out strikes the ball 1st time her effort swerving away from goal goes wide.
Billericay Town Ladies captain, Lindsey Morgan
Morgan taking the ball into the area for Billericay sees her shot blocked at close range by Wade another opportunity to put it in towards goal this time Fisher is in the right place to clear. Piggott with an ambitious effort from all of 40 yards out sees the ball fall just wide of goal. Charlene Moreton operating up front for Dunstable has been tracking back in order to win possession of the ball doing so has Khan making a break on the right wing the ball played up the line, Rachel Armstrong prevents her from getting a cross into the area. Counter attacking the ball played up to Morgan surging forwards into towards goal Box ahead of her right inside lays the ball back to her, Wade racing out charging down her shot.
AFC Dunstable Ladies, Elly Wade
Dunstable make a substitution Beth Stanton coming on to replace Khan. Billericay press forwards Box picking up the ball 40 yards from goal sends it on for Favell looking to get onto it inside the box, Chimes coming around slides in to win the ball. Another change for Dunstable Khan’s stay on the bench short lived comes back on for Carty in the middle. Wade with another great defensive tackle gets across inside her box to prevent Morgan unleashing a shot as she is played on into the area.
Billericay Town ladies, Georgia Box
Billericay finish the half strongly getting on down the left the ball is fizzed inside towards Box the striker controlling well her 1st touch taking the ball in towards the area escaping her marker gives chase just a little too much on the ball again gives Payne time to get out to come kick the ball to safety. Dunstable break in the dying moment of the 1st half Khan with the ball right plays it into the centre with South getting up the pitch has Townsend-Brown to her left making a run into the area lets fly as she receives the ball, Billericay goalkeeper, Robyn Strauss coming to close the angle is able to hold onto the rising shot.
Half-time AFC Dunstable Ladies 0-1 Billericay Town Ladies
A good 1st half from the visitors dominant on the ball leading 1-0 thanks to Lauren Bourne’s stunning 15th minute strike. More chances to extend the lead, Payne with some crucial saves the defence working hard for Dunstable keeping the lead down to just a single goal. Dunstable with little opportunity up the other end are far from out of the game as the sides emerge from the changing rooms for the 2nd half.
Changes for both sides at half-time, Rebecca Langthorpe on for Dunstable, Khan pushed up into an striking role alongside Moreton. Hope Strauss on for Billericay, replacing Armstrong. Operating wide right, Morgan dropping deeper, Favell into midfield Lauren Knight joining Box up front. Billericay to kick-off the 2nd half. The half getting off to a competitve start both sides looking to close the ball down quickly. Townsend-Brown getting away on the left for Dunstable her cross gathered at the near post by Strauss.
Billericay Town ladies, Dempsey Favell
Lauren Knight putting the Dunstable defence under pressure as the ball is played into the corner on the right, Butler getting forwards to offer support Knight plays the ball to her then back to Knight her cross fired in towards the near post run Box threatening to nip in ahead of Payne coming towards the ball the striker getting a touch but only to take the ball out of play. Dunstable starting the 2nd half much better South getting the ball forwards into Khan back to goal right side has Stanton on the move on the wing the diagonal pass into her taking the ball on to the byline wins a corner kick.
Stanton getting forwards on the right again her cross fired in across the six yard box knocked out to Moreton positioned at the top of the area her strike charged down by Appleton. Dunstable good start has given them plenty of confidence are winning the 50/50 balls getting players into advanced positions, Billericay know they could do with a 2nd goal to quieten things down. Hope Strauss with the ball right plays it on for Butler making a run forwards her through ball into the box looking for Bourne, Payne reaching it 1st.
Nancy Butler passing the ball for Billericay Town Ladies
Wade doing well at the back for Dunstable across to block Morgan’s cross the ball out for a throw Billericay have players forwards Morgan with another opportunity to put a cross in deeper this time cut out by Fisher coming back out to Morgan this time her cross flies across the six yard box Bourne coming in at the far post can’t quite get onto the end of it. The game is lively the action end to end Dunstable get forwards Khan picking the ball up has a run at the Billericay defence, Kirsty Knight putting the challenge in to win the ball take it away from the attack at the top of the box.
Stephanie Fisher clearing the ball for AFC Dunstable Ladies
Winning the ball at the back Wade looks up playing the ball into the middle his helped on out to the left side into the feet of Moffat taking the ball on down the wing fires a cross into the side netting. Moffat is replaced soon after with Carty returning to the field for Dunstable the home side sure they can find an equalising goal have the momentum. The ball is passed on into Khan peeling away to the right of goal in behind driving into the box Strauss comes racing out to close her down the attacker getting her shot past the keeper the ball heading towards goal the Billericay defence regrouping quickly are back on the cover Kirsty Knight clearing the ball off the line.
Samaira Khan on the attack for AFC Dunstable Ladies
Townsend-Brown with the ball left side sees her cross into the area cut out by Knight away for a corner, Dunstable on top with around 20 minutes left to play. Langthorpe is fouled as she brings the ball into the Billericay half. Carty over the free-kick in front of the centre circle a good ball lifted into the area dropping for South 8 yards out looks to see the ball down across her body turn into the shot, Kirsty Knight reading it closely marking her blocks the attempt. Billericay make a change Armstrong returning to the pitch in place of Favell.
AFC Dunstable Ladies, Charlotte South
Carty seeing the ball down tries her luck from distance for the home side, on target Strauss is well placed in the Billericay goal to take the ball low into her body. Knight is shoved over by Khan as the Dunstable striker looks to get past her after the ball, despite winning the free-kick a few verbals from Knight booked see her booked. Billericay having to work hard to keep their lead in tack, Dunstable continue to press forwards. Dunstable with a free-kick inside the Billericay half Carty up into the box cleared Townsend-Brown has it left cuts the ball inside Carty forwards strikes the ball goalwards her shot looping up and dropping on target is taken high by Strauss.
Is tense out there the game moving into the latter stages Dunstable on top in attack, Billericay defending well can’t get the ball into their own attackers to counter the game very much in the balance. Lauren Knight picking up the ball from a throw in on the right turns inside tries to get into the area, Langthorpe putting in the tackle to win the ball back for Dunstable. The home side with a late corner right side, put in near post Strauss comes in amongst the crowd to put the ball out for a 2nd corner delivered again to the near post a head puts in in at goal from close range, blocked saved or strikes the post I don’t know before being put behind for a 3rd corner as appeals for handball are made but nothing is given.
Khan on the attack the ball passed to Townsend-Brown who sends it out to Chimes out wide her high ball into the area is met by South breaking clear of the Billericay defence her effort turned over the crossbar wouldn’t have counted to flag up for offside. An exciting 2nd half comes to an end the final whistle seeing Billericay hold on to their 1-0 lead to claim the 3 points that takes them 7 points clear at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division table.
Full time AFC Dunstable Ladies 0-1 Billericay Town Ladies
A cliche I know but very much a game of two halves, with Billericay strong in the 1st half dominating the ball and creating plenty of chances scoring from one giving them a slender lead. A 2nd goal early in the 2nd half would have made things more comfortable, Dunstable coming out strong in the 2nd half regrouping and growing in confidence felt they could find an equaliser and it was Billericay who needed the strong defensive display in the end grinding out the win 3 point well earned.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
A game of two halves makes picking today’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match as hard as ever several good performances out their Billericay dominating the 1st half Morgan strong in the middle along with Butler, Kirsty Knight at the back particularly 2nd half. Overall it comes down to a consistent display for the entire game and today that goes to a player from the losing side, Elly Wade for Dunstable Ladies reading the game very good positioning and marking, covering when needed is today’s Player of the Match.
Fancied a game form the ERWFL today, the regional leagues are often overlooked but an integral part of the women’s football pyramid, plenty of good players on show producing good quality entertaining and committed football if you haven’t checked out the league before I’d highly recommend it. My thanks to both teams for their help with the teams today.
