The 3rd and final Round of Qualifying for this season’s FA Women’s Cup took place this Sunday with 60 sides vying for a place in the 1st Round Proper of the competition. 8 of those ties involving sides playing in the leagues covered by Women’s Football East.
One ERWFL Premier Division side guaranteed a place in the 1st Round Proper with Acle United Women hosting Cambridge City Ladies, currently 3rd and 2nd in the Division respectfully. Cambridge City getting off to a great start Laura Mills scoring after a couple of minutes play. The visitors looking to add to their lead Acle keeping them out a 1-0 lead at the break. Acle pushing hard for the equalising goal 2nd half Cambridge City saved by the woodwork twice defending their and making history in the progress reaching the 1st Round Proper for the 1st time in their history.
Also from the ERWFL Premier Division, Wymondham Town Ladies who have had some memorable moments in the FA Women’s Cup in recent season’s were hosting Billericay Town Ladies, the Essex side newly promoted to FAWNL South East Division One with a strong start to life at the higher level. It was to this game Women’s Football East headed on Sunday. A good start to the match from Billericay pressing the attack, awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position just outside the box, Zoe Rushen driving the ball into the top corner to give the visitors the lead, the lead doubled through a Jay Blackie header from a corner kick, two warning shots from previous corners no mistake on the 3rd a bullet header at the near post to make it 2-0.
The game turned on it’s head with 5 minutes left to play in the 1st half, Billericay goalkeeper, Alex Baker sent off for bringing down, Wymondham’s Laura Nicholls as she ran through towards the top of the area. Nicholls scoring the resulting penalty. With Nicole Farmer taking over in goal Billericay looking to see the half out, Carolyn Sarafian tried her luck from distance on target over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net to see Wymondham bring it back to 2-2.
Billericay Town Ladies captain, Lindsey Morgan with Wymondham’s Kayleigh Holloway
A player advantage for the 2nd half Billericay needing to work hard continued to create openings the game end to end at times Wymondham took the lead with 20 minutes left Hannah Waters pressurising the ball as defender and goalkeeper closed in on one another top of the area the ball loose Waters sending it over both to make it 3-2. Billericay kept going determined to get back into it pressing forwards a ball lifted into the area captain Lindsey Morgan rising highest powering a header back across goal to make it 3-3. Closing in on the final whistle Billericay pounced to score the winning goal Rushen closing in on the keeper as she sets herself to gather the ball the pair coming together, Rushen after the loose ball across the face of goal turning it in the goal standing Billericay winning the game 4-3 to advance.
One other ERWFL side left in the competition Histon Ladies from Division One, drawn away to Lincolnshire side, Nettleham Ladies newly promoted to FAWNL Midlands Division One. Two leagues between the sides Nettleham proving the stronger on the day enjoying a good first half after riding some early pressure from Histon an own goal putting the home side into the lead, goals from Lucy Farrow, Katie Thornley, Abigail Ringrose and a brace from Ellie Thompson-Moulding seeing Nettleham leading 6-0. A 2nd goal for Farrow along with goals for Holly Newman and Holly Wilson seeing Nettleham comfortably through to the 1st Round Proper.
Luton Town Ladies were drawn at home in 3rd Round Qualifying taking on lower league side Oxford City Ladies this Sunday. Luton fielding a young side with 2 debutants took an early lead Aurora Ryan sending the ball past the keeper to score after 5 minutes. Oxford City coming back to level the scores midway through the 2nd half. Nicola Henman quickly restoring Luton’s lead heading home from a corner kick with Erica Bryon making it 3-1 on the half hour, Oxford City reducing the lead to 3-2. Luton leading at the break, 2 late goals in the 88th minute and stoppage time seeing Bryon complete her hat-trick and secure the win for Luton.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies also at home in 3rd Round Qualifying taking on lower league side Godalming Town Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup, Laura Quinn-Low netting twice in the space of 3 minutes late in the 1st half to see Wimbledon leading 2-0 at half-time. Sophie Manzi scoring to make it 3-0 with a little under 20 minutes left Caroline Bisson introduced to the action in the 64th minute making it 4-0 with quarter of an hour left to see Wimbledon safely through to the 1st Round Proper.
Norwich City Ladies were at home in 3rd Round Qualifying taking on fellow FAWNL South East Division One side, Enfield Town Ladies. Both coming into the match on the backs of good home wins in the league in midweek. Enfield beating Stevenage Ladies 4-0. Norwich 3-0 winners over Cambridge United. Norwich having by far the better of the 1st half going into the dressing room holding a 4-0 advantage. Chelsea Garrett celebrating a hat-trick, Laura Thacker scorer of the other Norwich goal. That lead successfully defended 2nd half to see Norwich advance in the FA Women’s Cup.
FAWNL South East Division One leaders, Crawley Wasps Ladies were drawn away to Chesham United Ladies playing in South West Division One in 3rd Round Qualifying. Goalless between the pair at half-time Crawley Wasps getting their noses in front mid-way through the 2nd period Emma Plewa coming on in the 64th minute scoring just 3 minutes later. That the score going into the final minute of the match Plewa on target again to put Crawley Wasps 2-0 to the good, Megan Stow’s cross/shot flying into the back of the net in stoppage time sending Crawley Wasps on into the next round of the FA Women’s Cup.
The last of the FA Women’s Cup, 3rd Round Qualifying ties to bring you requiring a penalty shootout to decide the winner. An all FAWNL South East Division One affair at Mildenhall Town FC, Cambridge United Women hosting Stevenage Ladies. Kelley Blanchflower pouncing on a goalkeeping error to steal the ball take it past her and score to put Cambridge into the lead midway through the 1st half. 1-0 up at the break substitute Mollie Coupar with a strong header inside the area to double the advantage to Cambridge with 20 minutes left. Stevenage fighting back pushing forwards to find a reply brought it back to 2-1 then equalised close to the end of the 90 to force the tie into extra-time Amy Makewell and Ellie Searle with the goals. Neither finding the winner in the extra 30 the tie heading to a shootout Cambridge’s first penalty saved, Stevenage scoring their 1st two. The next two were missed however Cambridge converting their winning it on the 5th strike to go through to the next round.
The First Round Proper draw made on Monday 15 ties pulled out of the hat still regionalised somewhat 5 ties will feature sides from the East those selected ties below:-
Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United Women
Norwich City Ladies v Billericay Town Ladies
New London Lionesses v AFC Wimbledon Ladies
Luton Town Ladies v Kent United Ladies
Crawley Wasps Ladies v Queens Park Rangers Girls
Ties to be played Sunday 11th November a 1pm kick-off with the winners receiving £850.
The 3rd and final Round of Qualifying for this season’s FA Women’s Cup taking place this Sunday afternoon, 60 teams vying for a place in the 1st Round Proper of the competition, King’s Head Meadow the venue for today’s game, Wymondham Town Ladies v Billericay Town Ladies.
Both sides celebrating a league title and promotion last season and have hit the ground running at a higher level at the start of this season.
Wymondham Town Ladies promoted to the ERWFL Premier Division after clinching the Division One North title last season a year after joining the regional set-up. Are a side that enjoys the FA Women’s Cup have had a few memorable runs in recent seasons beating higher league placed sides along the way. Mid-table in the Premier Division after 4 matches played.
Progress in the FA Women’s Cup has been good albeit frustrating as they have only played one competitive match having been awarded the win in both the Preliminary and 1st Round Qualifying after their opponents withdrew. Were at home in 2nd Round Qualifying taking on Essex Women’s Premier Division side Corringham Cosmos. There season already up and running Wymondham put the side playing 2 leagues below to the sword winning the game 17-1 to advance. A tougher test lies ahead today taking on a higher league placed side themselves.
Billericay Town Ladies winning the ERWFL Premier Division last season to earn promotion to the FAWNL South East Division One. Coach Kim Coster able to bring in new players some with higher league experience to bolster the squad. As a result a fantastic start to the season, winning their opening 5 league matches keeping pace with fellow promoted side Crawley Wasps Ladies who also recruited well in the summer. A high scoring draw and final defeat on the road to Ipswich Town Women in midweek seeing that record end. Joining the FAWNL, Billericay entered the FA Women’s Cup in 2nd Round Qualifying, drawn at home to ERWFL Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies at home progressed comfortably with a 9-1 win.
King’s Head Meadow, Wymondham Town Ladies home ground the clubhouse and bar overlooking the pitch. Hot and cold drinks available. The pitch in good condition recovering well following the heatwave earlier in the year. A bright sunny afternoon some cloud cover, music blaring from the home changing room getting the players fired up for this afternoon’s fixture.
Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Chelsea Clarke, Leah Newcombe, Bethany Fretwell, Carolyn Sarafian, Jorja Patterson, Rebecca Russell, Rachel Cossey (C), Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Nicholls & Hannah Waters. Subs – Lauren Kett, Mollie O’Callaghan, Olivia Gunn & Alice Ladbrooke.
Billericay Town Ladies starting XI – Alex Baker, Esme Lancaster, Lucy Jones, Nicole Farmer, Courtney Lumley, Lindsey Morgan (C), Zoe Rushen, Nancy Butler, Sophie Vale, Jay Blackie & Georgia Box. Subs – Anna Maria Raine, Kelsey Smith & Broghan Kelly.
Pre-match handshakes
It’s Billericay all in blue to take the kick-off 1st half with Wymondham lined up in red shirts with black shorts and socks. The Essex side looking to place the ball left for Nancy Butler to chase the pass too long out of play. Regaining possession in the centre of midfield Billericay, captain Lindsey Morgan bursting forwards, Wymondham’s captain Rachel Cossey with her back into the area defending as the ball is played forwards, the tackle won, Leah Newcombe seeing the ball safely back to goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan.
Wymondham come away with the ball on the left played inside for Laura Nicholls, Courtney Lumley getting across her and playing the ball back to goalkeeper, Alex Baker to clear. Wymondham pressing Billericay at the start of the match, results in a break the ball played out to the right Nicholls with space to take advantage off takes the ball on puts the cross in early the diagonal ball just evading striker Hannah Waters central runs on for Rebecca Russell left of the D a chance to shoot scuffs the turf the ball low towards goal not troubling Baker as she drops to her right to lay claim to the ball.
Bethany Fretwell coming out of the back line driving through the middle with the ball crossing halfway the centrebacks attempted forward pass through the middle just evading Waters as she tries to get in behind the Billericay defence. Billericay attack quickly bringing the ball on through the middle Jay Blackie on for Zoe Rushen the pass out wide right into the path of Sophie Vale shoots from the angle 20 yards out, the ball racing wide of the near post. Wymondham get an attack going through the midfield, Cossey into Russell on into Waters play spread out to the right as Newcombe sees nothing but grass ahead of her taking the ball down the wing swings a cross into the area claimed by Baker at her near post.
Bethany Fretwell driving forwards for Wymondham Town Ladies
A good tempo to the game the first 10 minutes flying by, Blackie picking the ball up deep for Billericay inside for Rushen out to Esme Lancaster getting on down the right side, tackled by Kayleigh Holloway, Wymondham try to counter, Morgan breaking up play. A great save from O’Callaghan to keep it at 0-0 as Billericay press forwards, Blackie strong on the ball passing it to Vale has Rushen further out playing her in she shoots angling in blocked by Fretwell in front of goal the rebound back to Rushen her 2nd attempt heading for the top corner, O’Callaghan getting a glove up to the ball turning it wide and out for a corner across her six yard box.
Billericay Town Ladies, Sophie Vale
A good delivery from Rushen on the corner left side a high tempting ball in central, Blackie rising highest gets a connection her header taking the ball wide of goal. Vale on the ball left taking it inside on to Georgia Box top of the area, turns into Fretwell, quickly joined by Carolyn Sarafian no way through the attack breaks down the ball cleared out to Newcombe left side her pass up to Waters central has Nicholls on close support the pair try to combine Waters lifting it into Nicholls looks to get beyond her into area Nicholls with a deft header trying to knock the ball down into her feet, Baker can get hold of it first for Billericay.
Jay Blackie tackling for Billericay Town Ladies
Lucy Jones comes forwards for Billericay on the right a good challenge from Newcombe as the full back tries to get inside her. Newcombe fouled on halfway a chance for Wymondham to send players forwards for a set-piece Fretwell on the ball sends it long towards the far post, the home side getting a corner out of it. A good ball into the box an in-swinger coming in central Baker getting her gloves on the ball palms it down into the six yard box, Jorja Patterson reacting quickest for Wymondham her shot straight into Baker’s gloves.
Frustration evident from Billericay as decisions appear to be going against them more than their opponents, they are pushing on well in attack threatening to get into good scoring positions, Blackie in particular finding space to run into, Bulter and Vale providing great options left and right. Win a corner left side Box controlling the ball spinning it out to Vale closing in on the left her ball into the area deflected behind. Blackie coming for the ball put in near side this time gets away to head the ball goalwards her effort over the bar.
GOAL! Billericay open the scoring in the 20th minute, win a free-kick in a dangerous position outside the area. The build-up involving Blackie and Rushen the ball into Vale outside the box is brought to the floor. Rushen’s reputation proceeds her, wrote her name down before I even looked to see who was taking it, is a dead ball specialist and this is well within her range a yard outside the area right of the D. She runs up strikes the ball sweetly heading top corner, O’Callaghan can’t get to it 0-1.
Zoe Rushen’s free-kick opens the scoring for Billericay
Nicholls finds herself back in the box for Wymondham making two superb tackles on Jones as she gets inside the area looking to support Butler as she receives the ball on the left. Wymondham get forwards down the right side win a corner, players up attacking the ball an inviting delivery fired in across the penalty spot no-one can find a telling touch.
A great move from Billericay starting with Lancaster at the back on into Morgan central, Blackie bursting down the left channel into the area Morgan sliding the ball into her she squares the ball across the six yard box Rushen central closely marked can’t get a touch runs on for Box at the far post opening up her body to strike the ball, fires the shot straight at O’Callaghan the goalkeeper saving as she shifts across her goal.
Play switched from Wymondham left to right Newcombe getting a corner. The ball played short into her free on the right from the set-piece sets a high ball in towards the far post, Russell jumping between two Billericay defenders the ball striking her shoulder drops down in front of goal grabbed by Baker before anyone can pounce. Waters nips in to win the ball off Jones as she brings in out from the back cutting inside bearing down on the area Lumley with a good burst of pace getting back on the cover to win the ball back for the visitors.
Billericay come very close to doubling their lead quick to hit Wymondham on the counter attack players looking for channels of space Box this time pulling away to the left as the ball is lifted up to her, O’Callaghan rushing out to the edge of her box the Billericay striker taking the ball past her an open goal beyond she opens up her body setting herself sends the ball on players rushing back across goal Chelsea Clarke getting back in the nick of time clearing the ball before it can cross the line, the corner conceded.
Billericay Town Ladies, Georgia Box
GOAL! A brief reprieve for Wymondham however as from the resulting corner they do concede a 2nd goal. The delivery from Rushen on the money Blackie with two efforts from corners already making no mistake this time making the near post run her bullet header driving the ball into the back of the net 0-2.
Billericay Town Ladies, Jay Blackie
Wymondham attack looking for the immediate response. Waters picking up possession tries to drive on trough the middle, the Billericay defence needing 3 bites at her get the ball away to safety. Nicholls moving out to the left taking the ball into her feet plays the diagonal ball early on for Waters breaking off the last defender in behind into the box Baker coming stays big making the blocking save. Newcombe getting brought down to the ground more than most Wymondham have another free-kick on halfway, Fretwell to delivery forwards runners far post area the ball sent in towards goal Baker saving confidently. Holloway with a mazy run out on the left for Wymondham cutting inside 20 yards out crosses into the area Waters central Lumley with the interception.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Leah Newcombe
GOAL! Into the final 5 minutes of the 1st half and Wymondham are awarded a penalty Nicholls played on through the middle taking the ball on towards the box, Baker coming to close her down stays big Nicholls going down as she tries to put the ball pass her, the referee pointing to the spot. Worse to come for Billericay as Baker is shown a red card, sent off for the 1st time in her career. The rules changing this only a yellow card by the offender if it was deemed to be an genuine attempt to play the ball. Nicole Farmer quick to take up the gloves stand in goal for the penalty, Nicholls to take sets herself to open up her body and play the ball high to the right scores to make it 1-2.
Laura Nicholls on the ball for Wymondham Town Ladies.
Billericay down to 10 attack right from the restart Bulter free on the left surging on into the area rides a sliding tackle herself as she looks for options cutting it back for Rushen outside the box central her venomous strike blocked by Sarafain. Into the closing moments of the first half Wymondham press on Russell out to Holloway, Lancaster blocking her run.
GOAL! Wymondham capitalising on their advantage at the end of the 2nd half to pull the score all square, have a throw out on halfway left side the ball dropped into Sarafian she turns and lines up a shot from distance a high ball in lobbing the newly arrived keeper dropping over her into the goal beyond 2-2.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Carolyn Sarafian
Half-time Wymondham Town Ladies 2-2 Billericay Town Ladies
The game turned completely on its head in the final 5 minutes, Billericay looking good for their 2-0 lead pushing on likely to get more, Wymondham getting it back to 2-1 from the spot in what some may feel was a controversial decision to red card the keeper. The home side taking advantage however scoring and Sarafain testing the new keeper from long range seeing Wymondham level it up at 2-2 moments before the half-time whistle. Cup football for you… create an entirely different outlook for the 2nd half. Billericay needing half-time to regroup gather themselves. Wymondham back in it needing to keep their feet on the ground a player advantage yes 2nd half but will need to remain composed.
A change for Billericay at half-time having seen the 1st half out Farmer returning to the centre of defence, Vale giving way as new signing Brogan Kelly, usually a striker taking on the role of goalkeeper for the 2nd period. Wymondham to get the 2nd half underway. The ball won by Billericay played out to Butler left side a strong run, Russell getting back to put in the tackle win possession for Wymondham. Despite being down to 10 Billericay have started the 2nd half well, Rushen with a long range strike from 30 yards out flashing wide across the Wymondham six yard box.
Russell moving left on for Waters to chase down the wing, Lumley across to clear for Billericay. Farmer winning the ball as she challenges Waters attacking through the middle cleared into the middle Billericay picking out Morgan getting forwards crossed into Butler inside the box the ball getting stuck under her feet digging a shot out O’Callaghan throwing herself into the dive the ball past her but also the post. Jones cutting inside from the left on for Morgan placed central 25 yards out aims to loft the ball over the Wymondham defence with Box breaking in behind the touch too strong the striker can’t reach it.
Billericay Town Ladies, Nancy Butler
Billericay come close to retaking the lead a rapid counter right side Box carrying the ball on sends a cross racing in along the front of goal Butler far post close in, is it a save by O’Callaghan a strike against the woodwork or both I can’t tell but it’s not in the heavy sighs of relief from the home crowd behind me say it was close. The game sees no let up in tempo Billericay might be a player down but they are trying to get forwards at any opportunity, Wymondham launch a counter right side the ball into the channel Waters after it shoots on the angle 20 yards out the effort sailing over the bar.
It’s an intriguing encounter both sides giving it there all both feeling the next goal is theirs. Fretwell striking over from a free-kick after Newcombe is brought down once again. Blackie going into the referees book. Rushen getting forwards on to Box pulling away right wins a throw deep down the line. Rushen the target standing just inside the area into her feet keeps possession taking it higher before turning and sending in a shot the ball running wide across the face of goal.
Zoe Rushen on the move for Billericay Town Ladies
Butler left inside to Rushen 30 yards out wide for Blackie right her cross swung into the area claimed well by O’Callaghan. Billericay not enamoured by the referee today are aggrieved at further decisions going against them only adding to their resolve at this point however. Farmer with great defensive work through the middle as she deals with a difficult ball put forwards with Waters lurking behind her. Jones getting in behind on the left sends a high cross into the area taken by O’Callaghan with Box racing in central.
GOAL! Wymondham take the lead with 20 minutes left on the clock, comes from a defensive error from Billericay forced by Waters the ball played on by Nicholls for her to attack left channel the defensive trying to see the ball back as Kelly comes for it top of the area Waters closing in on the pair as they all converge the ball popping free Waters pouncing leaning back to send the ball over both into the empty goal beyond 3-2.
Build up to the leading goal for Wymondham Town Ladies
Nicholls and Waters combining again left side for Wymondham in attack, Farmer getting the challenge in to win the ball for Billericay Wymondham make their 1st change, Mollie O’Callaghan coming on for Holloway. Blackie with a powerful drive forwards on the right for Billericay cuts the cross square along the top of the area looking for Butler, her first touch too heavy, Sarafain in to close her down. Billericay make another change Butlers last action of the game as they send on Kelsey Smith.
Billericay come forwards Blackie wide moving right put long to Morgan running left wins a corner as Newcombe tackles her. The delivery into the area drops down inside the six yard box a bout of ping ball occurs the ball scrambled clear out to the left retrieved by Rushen she shapes to send a shot back in her strike wide across the goal. Wymondham are on the back foot Billericay deciding attack is the only option a 3rd and final change from the visitors Lancaster coming of the defender replaced by Anna Maria Raine who takes up an attacking position on the right.
GOAL! Billericay get back on level terms pressing bodies forwards in and around the Wymondham box a high ball is lifted into the box from the right side Morgan jumping the highest meets it well heading the ball back across goal over the keeper and in to equalise 3-3.
Billericay Town Ladies captain, Lindsey Morgan with Wymondham’s Kayleigh Holloway
The game open now Wymondham push on lose possession Rushen playing it up early for Box running in behind, Fretwell doing well to close her down and get hold of the ball. Jones running onto a shot from distance the full backs effort charged down. Waters after a ball played into the Billericay area left side Lumley doing really well up against her in defence. Box on the attack right O’Callaghan coming the ball past her Box further out this time defenders racing back however they can see it wide across goal this time.
The clock rapidly running down into the final five minutes of the game extra-time and if needed penalties looming. Blackie with a clever ball up top on for Box to attack top of the area Sarafian in to clear for Wymondham.
GOAL! Billericay retake the lead the goal coming about with more controversy, the Essex side building momentum down the left the ball played into the area O’Callaghan going to stop it a collision the keeper grounded the ball running across the six yard box Rushen following it and wrapping her foot around it to turn it into the goal, everyone’s eyes on the referee, a goal is signalled everyone including Kelly in goal races over to Rushen to celebrate.
Rushen with Wymondham Town Ladies captain, Rachel Cossey
A delay after as O’Callaghan requires treatment is okay to continue Wymondham behind now with little time left to find a reply. Olivia Gunn joining the action for the home side late on. A free-kick wide right as Nicholls is clipped going forwards the ball send in far post Fretwell can’t get it back across goal end up off the pitch injured. Into stoppage time Billericay have the ball Box on for Morgan on the left experienced she takes it into the corner. Cool heads needed now Billericay seeing the game out get there winning 4-3 to make it into Monday’s 1st Round Proper draw.
Full time Wymondham Town Ladies 3-4 Billericay Town Ladies
Treated to a 7 goal thriller in the finish, a good start from Billericay the higher league side going 2-0 up, felt they would go on to win comfortably at that point then came the sending off Wymondham drawing level from the penalty spot equalising on the stroke of half-time a real belief they could go on to win it from that point taking the lead with 20 minutes left Billericay had to work hard got back to 3-3 before winning the game themselves late on. That is simply the magic of the cup.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
A usual a few contenders for this afternoons Women’s Football East -Player of the Match award. Leah Newcombe doing well for Wymondham at left back. For Billericay, Nicole Farmer with some good defensive work especially 2nd half, Nancy Butler on the left, Jay Blackie too getting into some great positions to receive the ball deep and set up others a threat from corners. Just edging it though is Zoe Rushen powerful on the ball her set-pieces a constant threat.
5-4 the last time out in the FA Women’s Cup a 7 goal thriller this time around have been treated to some exciting fare so far this season, makes me hungry for more. My thanks as always for the help with today’s teams I know several but it always pays to have a team-sheet.
A midweek trip East along the A47 this evening to watch some league action from FAWNL South East Division One, Norwich City Ladies hosting Cambridge United WFC.
A late reversal of the fixture with Norwich City Ladies scheduled to travel to play Cambridge United WFC. The pitch at Mildenhall Town FC unavailable the league asking Norwich if they could host they agreed. A good distance between Norwich and Cambridge for a game under the lights. Both sides looking to get their league campaigns going both with just the single win to date. All very tight in FAWNL South East Division One early in the season the two promoted sides, Crawley Wasps Ladies and Billericay Town Ladies getting off to a flying start below there are just 4 points separating the sides placed 4th to 12th. Actonians Ladies in 3rd spot proving that if you can get a run going you can quickly climb the table.
Norwich City Ladies started the season with a 5-1 defeat to Enfield Town Ladies, before collecting a point in a 2-2 draw with Denham United Ladies. Changes behind the scenes 1st team coach Grant Palmer adding to the coaching team the club fielding a new Development side this season. Heavy defeats in the cup and league followed, their only league win of the season a memorable one away to East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town Ladies. Although they have progressed in the FA Women’s Cup with a big win, League points haven’t come losing 2-1 at home to Stevenage Ladies last Sunday. After a couple of lethargic seasons fighting at the wrong end of the table Norwich are rebuilding aiming for better results.
A promising start to the season for Cambridge United WFC, bringing in several new faces to the squad to away trips down to the capital yielding 4 points. A goalless draw in their previous midweek fixture at The Abbey Stadium against Stevenage Ladies earning them a 5th league point of the season. Does tell the whole story however as they have enjoyed success in both the league cup and FA Women’s Cup the latter just this past Sunday a 6-0 win at home to Harlow Town Ladies. Travel to Norfolk tonight missing a few players unable to get to the rearranged game on time due to work commitments.
The league interesting this season has the feel that any team on their day can beat the other. The venue for this evenings fixture, Norwich United FC’s, Plantation Park. It’s a big pitch very wide, under the lights looks even bigger. A bar overlooking one end of the pitch a small seated stand down one side. A mild evening at the start of October, cloud cover but no rain forecast.
Norwich City Ladies starting XI – Hope Armstrong, Alice Parker, Laura Thacker, Sasha Diston (C), Kate Parsons, Ellie Smith, Millie Daviss, Reeanna Cook, Aimee Durrant, Natasha Snelling & Chelsea Garrett. Subs – Tigi Robson, Jodie Drake, Kyla Love, Emily Moerkerk & Rosie George.
Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Liz Pamplin, Amy Howlett, Emma Jenkins, Fran Gough, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Gabrielle Whitehurst, Vicky Neal, Faith Hewitt, Becky Shephard, Kelley Blanchflower (C) & Steph Gale. Subs – Holly Northfield & Charlotte Crisp.
Norwich to have the kick-off in the 1st half wearing yellow shirts, green shorts and yellow and green socks. Cambridge wearing their white away shirts with black shorts and socks. Cambridge press Norwich for the ball straight away get i forwards into Steph Gale in attack, play halted as she commits a foul trying to turn in behind her marker. Both sides snapping at the ball a little disjointed at the start neither side making progress into the final 3rd. Norwich spreading play out to the left wing players drawn across a cross flung in towards the near post Emma Jenkins getting her head on the ball to clear for Cambridge.
Norwich starting to build momentum come forwards Chelsea Garrett receiving the ball just over halfway Aimee Durrant on the right wing looking to get in behind bursts forwards, Cambridge centre back Kayleigh-Anne Burt reading Garrett’s intention backing up giving herself a better angle to intercept the intended pass. A free-kick awarded to Norwich inside the Cambridge half, midfielder Miller Daviss over the ball her delivery lifted into the area attacked the header taking it behind for the 1st corner of the match. A good delivery into the box a high ball dropping into the six yard box, goalkeeper Liz Pamplin getting her gloves on the ball knocking it down the defence able to launch clear.
Energetic from Norwich at the start of the game pressing forwards have their opponents on the back foot. Jenkins lunging in to tackle Natasha Snelling as the attacker gives chase to a ball played up into the right channel, the left back conceding a corner. Cambridge look to release Becky Shephard on the left wing trues to link up with Gale leading the line, captain Sasha Diston defending for Norwich. Daviss with a great forwards pass has Garrett interested central 20 yards out manages to get in behind her marker through into the area but is halted by the offside flag.
Norwich win a corner over on the left another good delivery angling in under the crossbar, Pamplin with another vital save getting her gloves to the ball, knocked down into the congested box, a shot is blocked at close range from Laura Thacker. Appeals for handball from Norwich but the officials not interested. Snelling takes on a shot from distance 30 yards out lets loose a shot, the ball on target is catch low by Pamplin.
GOAL! Norwich capitalise on their good start to the match taking the lead in the 17th minute the goal coming from another corner on the left the high delivery falling towards the penalty spot is attacked by Norwich’s Kate Parsons getting up well timing her headed connects well the ball looping up and dropping over the keeper into the back of the net 1-0.
Cambridge get on the attack straight from the restart play broken up in the middle the ball played up to Shephard coming in field a chase for the ball goalkeeper Hope Armstrong coming to close the attacker down the ball struck against her trickles in behind Shephard keeping up the chase the Norwich defence recovering and getting to the goal bound ball to hook clear before she can apply another touch.
A free-kick wide left for Norwich as they build on the wing, Durrant and Snelling over the ball 30 yards out is driven in low towards goal Pamplin adjusting her body getting behind it pushes the ball out towards the top of the area, picking it up Garrett right of the D, looks to shoot send the ball in towards the far post across the keeper her strike off cue racing wide is met by a Norwich player the ball turned goalwards lacking power safely in Pamplin’s hands.
Parsons defending as Cambridge enjoy a little it of possession on the right wing Amy Howlett playing full back getting forwards to support captain Kelley Blanchflower. Norwich moving the ball well some intricate short triangles in midfield getting players forwards. Fran Gough getting in front of Garrett to defend for Cambridge as Ellie Smith brings the ball forwards. Cambridge struggling to get anything going in attack the passes just not sticking. Vicky Neal winning the ball from Daviss up to Gale closed down quickly. The visitors getting a little frustrated. A free-kick wide right the ball in towards the top of the area held up but not allowed to turn Norwich marking well. Howlett doing well defending against Snelling on the wing as she and Garrett looking to play a one two get Snelling in behind.
GOAL! Norwich double their lead with the game passing the half hour. Attacking on the left players breaking forwards from midfield overloading the box the cross fired in across the top of the area into Ellie Smith controls the ball before striking a low shot past the keeper into the goal at the near post 2-0. Smith’s first goal for Norwich.
Cambridge come close to finding a reply a free-kick wide on the left cleared back out to Shephard pressing down the wig sends an inviting cross racing through the Norwich six yard box, no-one gambling central picked up on the far side brought in close to goal the shot goalwards defended in front of goal. Alice Parker coming on to support Durrant the pair combining Garrett looks to spin in behind, Burt close to her making the tackle prevents her making progress into the box.
Norwich finishing the 1st half strongly Durrant with the ball at her feet 20 yards out driving with it across the Cambridge box on for Snelling far side her shot sliced behind by Burt for the corner. The set-piece defended. Diston misjudging the bounce of the ball as it is played out from the back nevertheless sets up a great attack as it strikes her face, looping on for Durrant on quickly to Garrett, in behind Pamplin coming to close her down, Garrett knocking it past her looking to follow it on into the goal beyond, Gough getting back does enough to get on her shoulder she the striker’s touch take the ball wide for the goalkick.
Pamplin saving at her near post coming out to claim the ball low and Garrett slides in for it getting in behind the defence. Faith Hewitt getting forwards as Gabrielle Whitehurst robs Reeanna Cook in midfield tries to get Blanchflower away on the left Thacker, with Parsons supporting preventing the final ball being delivered. Gough stepping out of the back line for Cambridge intercepting the ball up for Shephard central play spread to Blanchflower on the right, Thacker closing her down wins the challenge.
Cambridge win a throw-in wide right in a deep position play getting drawn across to that side a cross is worked into the area running across the top of the six yard box Shephard free far post, Parker dealing with the threat clearing the ball for a corner. The delivery long to the far post headed wide for the goalkick. A crunching 50/50 in the middle of the park no prisoners taken between Parsons and Neal. The ball just won’t stick for Cambridge, Whitehurst bringing Durrant down as she attacks right side 20 yards out. Taking the set-piece Durrant sends it long to the far post met by a runner turned towards the near post Pamplin well positioned to make the save.
Half-time Norwich City Ladies 2-0 Cambridge United WFC
A good 1st half from Norwich, by far the better side attacking well in numbers at times taking an early lead, adding to the lead looking comfortable for their 2-0 lead. A frustrating 1st 45 from Cambridge players out of position haven’t been able to make the ball stick up front get bodies forwards themselves find a way in behind Norwich who have been solid at the back. 2-0 always an interesting lead Norwich look comfortable for it and a much better 2nd period from the visitors will be needed if they wish to get back into the game.
Positional changes for Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half a switch of flanks for Blanchflower and Shephard no operating on the right wing as they take the kick-off. Paying the ball forwards a hand ball is spotted as Norwich look to win the ball, unfairly, Cambridge have the free-kick 30 or so yards out left of the box Jenkins floating the delivery in towards the far post area Armstrong coming for it makes the catch. Cambridge showing more energy at the start of the 2nd half determined to press Norwich on the all higher up the pitch. Gale fouled on halfway trying to hold the ball up.
Good work from Gale back to goal holds the ball up Hewitt coming on looks to play her in, Smith getting back to close her down regain possession for Norwich. Neal getting hold of the ball in the middle long for Gale peeling away into space on the left taking the ball up the pitch sends the cross back in across the front of the area Whitehurst brought down in a dangerous position. 22 yards out Jenkins on it is encouraged to have a go gets the ball past the wall but not Armstrong the keeper well positioned beyond.
Are a few physical challenges both benches showing frustration at some decisions being made, one questioned by the Cambridge management as Howlett is sent sprawling on the right the free-kick played in towards the near post is over Diston, Gale beyond caught a little unaware expecting the defender to get there can’t get off the ground quick enough to meet it. Cook drives forwards with the ball played on for Garrett a dink over the top, Gough doing well getting her head on the ball defending for Cambridge.
A good start to the 2nd half for Cambridge give away a free-kick wide on the right as Durrant attacks. The delivery defended back with Durrant played inside to Garrett top of the area right side strikes the ball well low in across the keeper, Pamplin down low to her right diving to push the ball away. Norwich make the 1st change of the match, Snelling the player taken off, on comes Rosie George.
Hewitt coming on with the ball for Cambridge sets up an attack playing the ball out wide right to Shephard, taking the ball to the byline, attacked at the near post, both Neal and Blanchflower closing in Armstrong dong well in between the to claim the ball ends up on the deck, the decision going against Neal, clearly frustrated at being shown a yellow card.
Garrett coming for the ball has Smith running beyond her plays the ball on making a run to the left getting the return pass striking from outside the box the ball racing wide across the Cambridge goal. Armstrong rushing out of her box clears as Gale tries to get to a ball put on by Hewitt for Cambridge. Hewitt finding Gale on the left deep play switched to the right Shephard supported well by Howlett the cross in defended well by Parsons cleared central Cambridge have it back the pass out to Blanchflower on the left her 20 yards strike too high goes out for the goalkick.
The referee getting alot of stick from both sides frustrated at a lack of consistency, challenges coming the decisions being questioned. Cambridge much improved 2nd half, Norwich sitting more have the 2 goal cushion, the visitors needing to find a reply. Hewitt is brought down in a clumsy challenge left side. The ball flighted up into the area a defender missing it drops for Neal stooping low into the header can only drop the ball wide of the far post. Parker getting across in intercept inside the six yard box as Shephard plays the ball in from the right.
Burt is cautioned making a rash tackle on Garrett outside the area a free-kick in a dangerous position for Norwich, Parsons over it has a go for goal on target lacking the pace to trouble Pamplin. Parker is brought off by Norwich, Tigi Robson introduced to the action. The benches continuing to be be unhappy with the officials. Burt getting across to deal with Durrant as Garrett looks to find her on the right.
Jenkins winning the ball brings it forwards on the left on for Blanchflower, her diagonal ball long to the right picking out Shephard shoots Parsons blocking once then again as Shephard collects the rebound. George gets played in behind by Garrett left of the D shoots, Pamplin holding onto the ball. Norwich make their final change Jodie Drake on for Cook. A double change for Cambridge, Blanchflower having picked up a knock along with Gale coming off. On come Holly Northfield and Charlotte Crisp. Neal and Shephard up into the area the ball played in the knock down back to Whitehurst her shot charged down by Parsons.
Cambridge having a frustrating night, aggrieved at decisions being made adding to their woes the final ball not coming off, Norwich working hard to defend their lead. Parsons and Diston solid at the back, Garrett always available finding pockets of space ready for any counter attack. Daviss picking up possession on early for Garrett, one on one with the keeper coming to meet her edge of the area the ball past her Gough getting back to put the striker off as they race for goal.
Into the final minutes Cambridge cannot find that telling goal put pressure on Norwich risk getting caught on the counter have to commit player forwards. Whitehurst finding Shephard left side her cross driven in cleared by Parsons back to Shephard the 2nd cross deeper Drake heading clear at the far post for Norwich.
GOAL! The home side break getting the ball up the park quickly on the left the cross put across the face of the area finding Durrant unmarked shifts and shoots wrong footing Pamplin the ball going past her at the near post 3-0 the 3 points assured with so little time left on the clock.
Neal has a strike at goal from distance the attempt over the crossbar. Armstrong dropping a high cross delivered from the right but can pounce on the ball before it is attacked. Hewitt driving on with the ball central on for Whitehurst spreads play right for Howlett her cross in claimed at the near post confidently by Armstrong with Neal closing her down. Crisp getting the ball up into Neal she turns in an attempt to get into the box Parsons getting in the tackle.
Full time Norwich City Ladies 3-0 Cambridge United WFC
Norwich get the win their 2nd of the season both coming under the lights, climb all the way up to 7th position as a result. By far the better side 1st half capitalising with 2 goals. Happy to defend more 2nd half were solid coping with the pressure Cambridge applied getting the 3rd goal at the death. A bad night at the office for Cambridge one to chalk off on the back foot from the start the 1st half not good at all improved 2nd half and had they found a reply may well have gone on to get something from the game. Both are at home in 3rd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday, Norwich take on Enfield, Cambridge up against Stevenage Ladies.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Ultimately I’d narrowed this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match down to two contenders by the time the game had finished but not having to choose right away it’s always good to take a look back at the notes still a hard choice Chelsea Garrett doing very well leading the line for Norwich up front creating chances and drawing players out of position, bringing others into good shooting positions. At the back however Kate Parsons was a rock very experienced has been out for Norwich for quite awhile with injury now back she is looking sharp played well putting in the blocks keeping Cambridge’s chances inside the area to a minimum. The Player of the Match goes to the central defender.
Always enjoy a game under the lights not necessarily getting up early to write the report afterwards though. My thanks to both teams for helping me out with the teams always appreciated.
The Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership sees a 3 way lead at the top of the table after this weekends results with Netherton United Ladies joining leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development and 3rd placed ICA Sports Ladies on 6 points. It was a win against fellow Peterborough based ICA Sports that saw Netherton United win their 2nd league game of the season and end ICA Sports 100% winning start. At home Netherton United opened the scoring on the half hour Georgina Parrett scoring to put the hosts 1-0 up. Doubled there lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half Emily Johnson getting the goal. Made sure of the 3 points with a 17 minutes left to play Alice MacNichol getting on the scoresheet. Netherton United climbing to 2nd above ICA Sports courtesy of the 3-0 win.
Cambridge University Women were starting their Premiership season this Sunday, began with a home match against Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. The visitors still in search of their 1st league point following promotion took an early lead in the game through Katie Luddy. Marie Stubbings also getting a goal for Fulbourn. Cambridge University hit back to score twice and see the sides level at half-time. The hosts having the better of the 2nd half went on to score 3 more goals to win the game 5-2.
Riverside Ladies climb off the bottom of the Premiership after they won their first league game of the season at home to March Town United Ladies on Sunday, up to 5th, Annie Posnett struck in a hat-trick for the Championship North Champions. Lianna Bell also getting a goal in a 4-1 win. Danielle Westgate scoring for March Town United.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
Like the Premiership above there is now a 3 way tie on 6 points at the top of the Championship South table. With Wisbech Town Ladies not in action, Ketton Ladies and Wisbech St Mary Ladies both close the gap. Ketton Ladies winning away to Cardea Ladies on Sunday to start their season with 2 wins in the league. Fran Kavanagh striking for 4 goals in the game, Lauren McKeever and Claire Lawrenson also getting a goal each in a comfortable 6-0 win.
A comfortable score too for Wisbech St Mary Ladies after they win for the 2nd time this season in the Championship North. At home were taking on Pinchbeck United Ladies. Josie Turner finding the back of the net for 5 goals. Hannah Shales too on target getting a hat-trick as Wisbech St Mary ran out 8-2 winners.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
Haverhill Rovers Ladies win for a 3rd successive league match to climb 6 points clear in the Championship South, starting with a 100% record 4 wins in total were on the road at the weekend away to Cambridge Rangers Women. Abbi Griffin scoring a hat-trick with goals too for Joeli Kirby and Kayleigh Nolan in a 5-0 victory.
Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup
Cambridge City Ladies Development were playing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup this Sunday. A new group format this season, in Group C were away taking on Histon Ladies Reserves who they beat 6-0 away from home on the opening day. Cambridge City with a repeat scoreline netting 6 goals again, Megan Tonks scoring 5 of them, Ellie Cullum too finding the back of the net. Histon Ladies Reserves did get on the scoresheet themselves this time however with Philippa Hayden-Evans scoring a consolation goal.
Plenty of goals scored too in the other League Cup group match played on Sunday. In Group D, Isleham United Ladies travelled to play fellow Championship South side, Burwell Tigers Ladies. The hosts scoring 4 goals, Charlotte Fogarty with a brace along with a goal a piece fir Elisa Heinamaa and Hannah Dewey. Isleham United though hit there opponents for 6 goals up the other end to win all 3 points, Laura Todd and Louisa Harwood both netting a brace, the other goalscorers, Rachael Turner and Melanie Findlater.
Frontiers Ladies are the new leaders in the Essex Women’s Premier Division with a 100% winning start to their league campaign 3 wins out of 3. The Harlow based clubs 3rd successive league win coming on the road on Sunday up against Silver End United Ladies at last playing their 1st league match of the season, not the result they wanted however Frontiers having the better of it winning the match 4-1. New signing Dempsey Favell netting twice, along with Chloe Godleman-Barnum scoring her 1st goal for the club, an own goal adding to the scoreline. Roxanne Gardner scoring for Silver End United rejoining the county league.
A fantastic start to the season too in the Premier Division for Harlow Town Ladies Development, 2 wins for 2 going into the weekend a good challenge away to Collier Row Tigers followed this Sunday, The hosts narrowly losing their opening league fixture 1-0 against Frontiers Ladies, goals from Emily Dempsey and Sarah Finch seeing them earn their 1st point of the season. Harlow Town scoring twice to earn a point from the match to remain unbeaten at the start of the season, Savannah Japal with her 1st goal for the club and Ciara Purdue the players on target for Harlow Town
Leigh Ramblers Ladies newly promoted to the Essex Women’s Premier Division climb up to 3rd in the table with their 2nd league win of the season away to Corringham Cosmos on Sunday an eventful start to the season for Leigh Ramblers who have I suspect been bitten by the FA Women’s Cup bug like a few others in the past following their debut campaign. A 2nd successive win in the league both by 4 goals to 1. Rachel Fleming scoring for Corringham Cosmos in the 1st half.
Chelmsford City Ladies are up to 4th in the table as they recorded their 1st league win of the season at home to Southend United Ladies on Sunday. Early days across the whole league of course just Chelmsford City’s 2nd league game a win off the back of a draw a promising start. Southend United Ladies newly promoted to the Premier Division finally getting their campaign started. Goals for Mia Brisley and Georgia James seeing Chelmsford City to a 2-0 win.
Chelmsford City Ladies, Georgia James
Essex Women’s Division One
A three way tie on 9 points now at the top of Essex Women’s Division One after Sunday’s results. Leaders Rayleigh Town Ladies not in action allowing the chasing sides a chance to catch up and both took the opportunity.
Billericay Town Ladies losing 2-3 to Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies last weekend after 2 high scoring wins at the start of the season got back to winning ways on the road against Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Lisa Robins scoring a hat-trick. Hope Strauss with a brace and Darcie Salmons amongst the goals for Billericay in a comfortable 7-0 win.
Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies great start to the season continues as they made it 3 wins from 3 at home to Chigwell Ladies this Sunday. A big win for Dagenham & Redbridge, Amy Jacobs the star of the shoe scoring 8 (yes eight) goals in the game taking her to 13 for the season. Juliet Thomas also scoring in a 9-0 her first of the season.
Hutton Ladies Reserves were at home on Sunday playing Runwell Sports Ladies. The hosts coming back from a goal down to win the game 2-1 and record their 1st win of the season. Aaryanna Simonelli with her 9th goal of the season putting Runwell Sports into the lead an advantage they held at half-time Hutton coming back in the 2nd half to equalise and go on to win the game, Leanne Cox and Jo-Anne Johnson with the goals.
Finally in Division One, Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves were away to Island Ladies on Sunday a close match a single goal securing the 3 points it was the 2nd win of the season for Leigh Ramblers new Reserves side as they climb up to 6th in the Division One table.
4 wins out of 4 at the start of the new season, and scoring 41 goals without reply, East Bergholt United Ladies have started strongly in their defence of the Suffolk Women’s Division title this season 3 points clear the the top. Were taking on another side with a 100% record at the start of the season at home on Sunday, Leiston St Margarets Ladies who themselves had scored 19 goals in their opening 2 fixtures. Was a 1-0 lead to East Bergholt United before the defending Champions too control of the match in the 2nd half to eventually run out 7-0 winners. Stacey Teager scoring a double, along with Elena Nitsche making her debut for the 1st team. Top scorer Anne Northwood adding another to her tally taking her to 9 already this season. Goals to for Millie Wilding and Jessica Oxlade.
It was to Suffolk, Women’s Football East travelled this Sunday to watch a game between two sides who will be hoping to be n the title mix themselves come the end of the season both unbeaten at the start of the season. Brantham Athletic with 2 wins from 2 hosting Walsham Le Willows Ladies. Brantham starting the better attacking early doors, Kirsten Hutchings getting away on the right crossing into the box finding Danielle Harvey unmarked in front of goal composed a side foot to take the ball by the keeper into the back of the net in the 7th minute. Walsham Le Willows getting into the game started to push Brantham back the midfield crowded, Charlotte Osborne in goal for Walsham Le Willows with a brilliant save to deny Harvey a 2nd, the hosts scored a 2nd goal late in the first half Hutchings beating the offside trap to run clear with the ball and score.
Walsham Le Willows, Mia Banbury with Brantham Athletic’s Lucy Dunnett
A 2-0 lead for Brantham at half-time changes made for the 2nd half a 3rd goal coming with 20 minutes left Hutchings winning the ball turning in behind on the right her cross along the face of the area finding Sophie Crabtree unmarked at the far post to score her 1st goal of the season. Walsham Le Willows midfielder Zoe Klimcke suffering a nasty looking knee injury moments later saw her stretchered off the pitch. Brantham adding a 4th goal to wrap up their 3rd straight win to go third with Jodie Sharp running clear and rounding the keeper to score.
It was a huge win at home for Alresford Colne Rangers on Sunday to see them climb up to 4th in the Suffolk Women’s Division. Were hosting new side, Chantry Grasshoppers Ladies. Tiffany Reeves scoring a hat-trick for Alresford. There were 4 players celebrating a brace Rae Clancy, Vicky Hall, Kirsty Belfall and Lucie Stanbury all 4 netting their 1st goals of the season, Hannah Bingham also on target as was Leia Rudge with her 1st of the season in a 13-0 win.
A double figure win to for Brightlingsea Regent Ladies on Sunday as they won their 1st competitve game in the league away from home against Haverhill Rovers Ladies Reserves. Jessica Scott netting 4 goals, Maddie Hubbard getting a hat-trick to her name with Paige Knight and Ashleigh Goddard getting 2 each all with their 1st goals for Brightlingsea Regent who had scored just the one goal in their previous 3 games.
Just the one goal scored in the 1st half by Lottie Aldous was enough to see Coplestonians Ladies win on Sunday were on the road taking on new side Woodbridge Town Ladies. A much needed result for Coplestonians having suffered two heavy defeats in their opening 2 league matches, awarded a home win last Sunday have now added their 1st competitive 3 point haul of the season up to 7th in the table as a result.
Thorpe United Ladies continue their excellent start to the season in Norfolk Women’s Division One their young side making it 4 wins from 4. 3 points clear at the top were away on Sunday taking on last season’s runners-up Sprowston Ladies who themselves are a young side. Of course their are a few experienced players within Thorpe’s ranks and one of those scored her first goal for the club on Sunday, Joanne Hooper newly joined from Acle United getting her first goal in pink, Natasha Levesley also getting her 1st goal for Thorpe as they ran out 2-0 victors.
Thorpe aren’t the only side in Division One with a 100% record at the start of the season, 2nd placed Aylsham Ladies have also yet to drop a point since rejoining the league. 3 wins from 3 the latest this Sunday coming at home against last season’s Division Two Champion’s, Sprowston Athletic Ladies (then FC Sprowston Ladies). A single goal enough for Aylsham to claim a 3rd 3 point haul. Sprowston Athletic losing both their opening fixtures ending the game with 10 after a red card and a blow with Annika Skoog sustaining a broken collar bone.
Gorleston FC Ladies move back up into 3rd position in the Division One table after winning for the 2nd time this season following 2 successive defeats. At home on Sunday were taking on newly promoted Beccles Town Ladies. Goalless at half-time Gorleston found the winning goals in the 2nd period, Samantha Hunn and Bethany Turner celebrating their 1st goals of the season Gorleston winning the game 2-0.
Has been a tough start to the season for both Bungay Town Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves the two meting on Sunday, Bungay still struggling with injuries and illness it was a first win of the season for Wymondham Town. All the goals coming in the 2nd half, strikes from Sally & Laura Hammerton along with a goal for Chelsea Pettifer securing a 3-1 result, that takes Wymondham Town off the bottom all the way up to 5th. Emily Leach scoring for Bungay Town along with Sprowston Athletic are yet to get off the mark both though have played just 2.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Fakenham Town Ladies are the new leaders in Norfolk Women’s Division Two, making it the perfect September with 4 wins from 4 to start their season. Dropping down a division a squad now getting a taste for winning travelled to Thetford on Sunday to play new side, Thetford Town Ladies the hosts at a disadvantage having only 9 players available worked very hard nevertheless but ultimately Fakenham proved too strong, running out 5-0 winners, Fanny Danskanen scoring twice along with substitute Kayleigh Robb with captain Sian Sands also getting a goal.
New side Taverham Women move into 2nd place in the Division Two unbeaten at the start of the season with 3 consecutive league wins the last two both by a huge 14 goals to nil! Winning against a depleted Hockering Ladies side last weekend were at home again this Sunday against fellow new side Horsford Women. Rebecca Sutton scoring 5 goals in the match, their were hat-tricks for both Abbie Walker and Tiegan Robinson, with Hannah Artis, Caitlyn Arnup and Maya Lawlor also getting on the scoresheet.
A great result away from home for Freethorpe Ladies on Sunday in Division Two winning away from home against Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies a 2nd successive victory seeing them up to 4th in the table. One goal needed to win the match it was Andrea Colbrook who found the back of the net to score the winning goal for Freethorpe.
Big wins elsewhere in Division Two on Sunday. Tavern Ladies were hosting Hockering Ladies the Dereham based side having bounced back from an opening day defeat away to Fakenham Town Ladies with a 7-0 win over Freethorpe a fortnight ago were even more ruthless in front of goal this time around, Katie Hart-Copsey scoring a double hat-trick (6) in the match captain Sophie Fuller scoring a hat-trick for the 2nd successive game there were goals too for Lucy Kean, Leysha Bangura and Rianna Stott the latter pair with their 1st goals of the season. Tavern winning 12-1.
A 1st win of the season for Gorleston Rangers Ladies on Sunday their 1st 3 point haul of the season coming away to Thetford side, Bulldogs Ladies new to the league a difficult start for the hosts, Gorleston Rangers knowing what a difficult 1st season feels like going home with a confidence boosting 3 points running out double figure winners in the finish 3 players getting a hat-trick, Rachel Adams, Chloe Ashton and Zoe Waite, with a goal each for Hannah Meadows and Abbie Pogmore. The 3 points lifting Gorleston Rangers into 7th place.
Houghton Athletic Ladies had started the season brilliantly winning all of their opening league matches to sit top of Division One. That record ended after they met the defending champions, St Albans Ladies who were at last getting their own league campaign underway. Chomping at the bit it seems as they hit Houghton Athletic for 7 to start with a comfortable win. Eleanor Lovelock and Ellen Slater both scoring twice. Opening game goals too for Michaela Johnson, Molly Slade and Sophie Lawrence in a 7-0 win. Houghton Athletic still 3 points clear at the top despite suffering their 1st defeat.
Moving into 2nd spot in the Division One table are, Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies. A 2nd half comeback seeing them win for the 1st time last weekend were at home this Sunday playing Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires. The visitors scoring twice with Chemise Huitson netting both goals, there were braces too for Natasha McConville and Lizzie Richardson to see Hemel Hempstead Town win the game 4-2.
Northwood Ladies secured their first 3 points of the season at home to bottom side Garston Ladies on Sunday in a close match Northwood edging the game 3-2. Goals from Leanne Jones, Emma Steele and Danielle Tyler securing the win despite a brace for Yasmin Sabri for Garston Ladies.
Two losses to start their league campaign, Sherrardswood Ladies got their 1st win of the season in Division One at home to Sharnbrook WFC this Sunday. Rianna Rose scoring inside the opening 5 minutes, Melissa Wright getting a 2nd goal for Sherrardswood on 18 minutes. Enough to seal the win despite Charlie Mullins scoring a goal for Sharnbrook WFC. A 2-1 win for Sherrardswood.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
3 successive league wins to start their season Hitchin Town Ladies leading the way in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. Saw their 100% winning start come to an end on Sunday away to Evergreen Eagles. Remain unbeaten however as the sides drew the game 2-2. Megan Franklin and Mandy Cain-Murnane getting the goals for Hitchin Town. Evergreen Eagles getting their first league point on the board coming against the league leaders.
Royston Town Ladies Development in 2nd place also remain unbeaten at the start of the season were playing their 4th league match in Division Two at home to Evergreen Ladies on Sunday. Kierra Gabriel, Imogen Sole and Jazmin Racher getting the goals for Royston Town they were held to a 3-3 draw by 5th placed Evergreen.
Watton Ladies climb up to 3rd place in the Division Town table bouncing back from last weekends 7-1 loss with victory at home against Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies this Sunday. A first half brace from Sian Owens seeing Watton seal a 2-1 victory over Wheathampstead to get the 3 points.
Also winning in Division Two this Sunday were Letchworth Garden City Eagles getting off the mark in their 2nd league game after coming out on top away to Welwyn Pegasus Azures. A 3-0 win for Letchworth over the newly promoted side.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Two games in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three this Sunday. Langford Ladies are the new leaders the new side with a 3rd successive league win to go top, getting the win against early leaders Biggleswade United Ladies. Amber Clark and Chloe Scott with the goals for Langford to secure the 3 points.
Stotfold Juniors Ladies also new to the league this season climb into 2nd position in the Division Three table with a 4-1 home win over Kempston Rovers Ladies on Sunday bouncing back from last weekend defeat to Langford.
New leaders in the ERWFL Premier Division, a 4th straight league win seeing Brentwood Town Ladies climb to the top of the table, the Essex side ahead of Cambridge City Ladies on goal difference. Brentwood winning on the road this Sunday away to AFC Sudbury Ladies, Marie Barker scoring for the 1st time this season from Brentwood along with a brace for Georgia Holdaway taking her into double figures for the season seeing Brentwood clinch victory 3-0.
Cambridge City Ladies maintained their own excellent start to the campaign with a late winner at home to Wymondham Town Ladies on Sunday to make it 4 from 4 in the ERWFL Premier Division. A close contest saw the visitors open the scoring midway through the 1st half Jorja Patterson sending the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0. Cambridge City coming back to level through an own goal and chances to take the lead were denied with Wymondham goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan making some vita saves. Cambridge City though went on to score a late winner to keep up their 100% record, Laura Mills arriving at the far post to turn the ball in to win the game 2-1.
2-1 also the winning score for 3rd placed Acle United Women as they maintain the pressure on the leaders 2 points the gap, the Brentwood and Cambridge City. Were on the road up against Coley Heath Ladies on Sunday. Grace Birchall scoring in the 1st half to give the Norfolk side the advantage, Acle defending their goal advantage going into the final 10 minutes were awarded a free-kick the ball sent in to the box hitting the post before Birchall turned the rebound in to make it 2-0 to Acle. Colney Heath aggrieved at some decisions made were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, Lucy Hancock converting to score.
Peterborough Northern Star Ladies are now up to 5th in the ERWFL Premier Division table having now collected 7 points from their last 3 league games a 2nd successive win coming at home on Sunday against AFC Dunstable Ladies. A single goal enough to win all 3 points, Vicky Gallagher with her 1st goal of the season securing the victory for Peterborough Northern Star.
ERWFL Division One
Stevenage Ladies Reserves continue to set the pace in ERWFL Division One recording a 5th league win of the season at home to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies on Sunday to leave them 5 points clear at the top. Gemma Biggadike netting her 1st goal for Stevenage in only her 2nd game. Sherrie Evans also scoring with, Emily Schofield and Daniela Martucci both getting 2 each in a 6-1 win. Martucci moving onto 10 goals. Jade Horne with the consolation goal for Ipswich Wanderers.
St Ives Town Ladies move up into 2nd spot in ERWFL Division One, unbeaten at the start of the season won for the 3rd time at home to Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday, the Cambridgeshire Premiership winners playing Hertford Town Ladies at home for the 2nd successive Sunday. A 5-0 win in the 1st Round of the League Cup last time out. A brace each for Georgia & Katie Stancombe seeing St Ives Town secure the league win 4-1 this time around.
Katie & Georgia Stancombe
Also newly promoted to ERWFL Division One from the Cambridgeshire Premiership are Newmarket Town Ladies, a 3rd league win seeing them join St Ives Town Ladies on 10 points in 3rd place in the table following a 3rd successive league win unbeaten in 4 now. Were away to Bishops Stortford Ladies on Sunday. A brace from Jess Linger seeing her open her goals account for Newmarket this season with Lauren Deller and Hannah Rogers also with her 1st Newmarket goal seeing the visitors return home with a 4-1 win. Heather Martin with the goal on the stroke of half-time for Bishops Stortford.
A more comfortable scoreline to one they’ve been used to for King’s Lynn Town Ladies on Sunday as they win for the 3rd time this season too away to Hatfield Peverel Ladies. Tiffany Forshaw deciding she’d not going to let Oksana Imanalijeva runaway with the goals scoring a double hat-trick to take her onto 8 for the season. Imanalijeva just ahead with 9 as she scored another goal. Rochelle Woods also getting on the scoresheet along with Annie Rooks netting her 1st King’s Lynn goal in a 9-0 victory. Now 5th on 9 points along with 4th placed Hutton Ladies.
All very tight in ERWFL Division One two more sides moving onto 9 points in the middle of the table, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were entertaining Histon Ladies on Sunday, the Essex side winning for the 3rd time this season a goal scored in each half by Sophie Dowman and Danielle Styles seeing Bowers & Pitsea win 2-0.
Also on 9 points in 7th are Lawford Ladies unbeaten now in 3 in the league after their opening day loss. The newly promoted Essex side were at home in the league on Sunday taking on Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Jasmine Cox moving onto 8 goals scoring a brace. Both Erin Hornby and Jessica Collinson also scoring in the match both their 1st goals of the season. Winning 4-1. Lawford taking a 2nd minute lead were pegged back just 4 minutes later as Rosy Woodhams equalised for Hoddesdon. Lawford scoring late in the 2nd half wrapping up the 3 points striking twice in the final 10 minutes of the game.
The weather out pay to 3 ties across the East from 2nd Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup last Sunday the ties rolled onto this Sunday.
A trip to Mildenhall Town FC for ERWFL Premier Division side, Harlow Town Ladies taking on higher league opponents, FAWNL South East Division One side, Cambridge United WFC. Few chances in the opening half hour Cambridge breaking the dead-lock in the 34th minute, Vicky Neal finding the back of the net, the lead doubled just 2 minutes later, Faith Hewitt striking from just inside the box. The advantage 3-0 come the half-time whistle with Kelley Blanchflower striking from distance. Steph Gale rifling the ball home to make it 4-0 in the 56th minute. Defender Kayleigh-Anne Burt getting the final touch as the ball was headed goalwards from a corner kick with 15 minutes left, Gabrielle Whitehurst adding a sixth goal from close range in the 86th minute to see Cambridge comfortably through to a 3rd Round Qualifying tie at home to Stevenage Ladies this coming Sunday.
Was an all FAWNL South East Division One 2nd Round Qualifying tie played this Sunday with Denham United Ladies hosting Crawley Wasps Ladies. Naomi Cole scoring on 15 minutes to hands Crawley Wasps the lead 1-0 the advantage going into the half-time interval. 5 minutes into the 2nd half Crawley Wasps were awarded a corner, Kemina Webber heading home to double the visitors lead. Faye Rabson scoring to make it 3-0 the game closing in on the hour. Denham pulling a goal back substitute Liv Thompson scoring on her debut with her first touch. Crawley Wasps winning 3-1 will now play away against Chesham United Ladies in 3rd Round Qualifying.
ERWFL Premier Division side, Royston Town Ladies bow out of the FA Women’s Cup after they were defeated on the road against Queens Park Rangers Girls on Sunday. Kristal Clarke, Melanie Hall and Merle Ling amongst the goals as the hosts ran out comfortable winners to progress to 3rd Round Qualifying. Sammy Tinsley scoring the goal for Royston Town. QPR Girls will now face Whyteleafe Ladies away from home this coming Sunday.
Revised 3rd Round Qualifying fixtures featuring sides across the East, ties to be played this coming Sunday 7th October:-
