All about the Cup this Sunday in the ERWFL with the League Cup reaching the last 16 and the League Plate kicking off with the quarter finals. The 1st two rounds of the ERWFL Cup contested by the Division One sides, the Premier Division sides entering in the New Year. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies, St Ives Town Ladies, Hutton Ladies & Lawford Ladies the 4 Division One sides to progress to the 3rd Round of the Cup. 7 of the 8 ties played on Sunday with the match between Colney Heath Ladies & Lawford Ladies postponed.
Acle United Women the current holders of the ERWFL Cup were drawn away to St Ives Town Ladies in the last 16. The Division One newcomers 2nd in the table unbeaten in the ERWFL so far this season, a good test of their mettle up against the current Premier Division leaders. The sides goalless at half-time St Ives goalkeeper Kira Markwell making saves to keep Acle out as the visitors pressed for the opening goal, St Ives holding out to see the game enter extra-time, a long ball forwards causing seeing a mix-up at the back from Acle, Tierney Coulson capitalising to score her 18th goal of the season to see St Ives knock the holders out.
Division One leaders, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies were hosting Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup on Sunday. Finalists last season Dunstable struggling at times for numbers this season had just the 10 this Sunday were trailing at the half-time interval by a single goal Sophie Dowman breaking their resistance in the 33rd minute to put Bowers & Pitsea into the lead. Dunstable got off to a fantastic start in the 2nd half level within 2 minutes of the restart going on to take the lead 5 minutes later. Bowers & Pitsea with a quick response levelled it back at 2-2 4 minutes later with Holly Moore turning the ball home for her 1st goal. Dunstable battled well getting themselves back into the lead with 20 minutes left a cross/shot finding its way into the back of the net for 3-2 proved to be the winning goal, Dunstable advancing thanks to a goal from Storm Sherry Burrows and a brace for Samaira Khan.
Hutton Ladies were drawn away to Premier Division side Cambridge City Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup. The Essex side missing a few key players up against a side 2nd and unbeaten in the league above. Cambridge City have a strong and deep attacking line-up and they proved too strong for Hutton as they ran out 8-1 winners to reach the quarter finals of the competition. Bella Simmons, Erin Davies & Shannon Shaw all scoring a brace for the hosts with Charlotte Gillies & Carla Penny also on target with a goal each. Vicky Kinsman with the goal for Hutton.
Also advancing to the quarter finals of the ERWFL Cu are Peterborough Northern Star Ladies. The side 3rd in the Premier Division drawn at home to the side immediately below them in the table, Royston Town Ladies. The hosts with a strong finish to the game scoring 4 goals in the last twenty minutes to clinch victory. Emma Pollard opening the scoring in the 1st half putting Peterborough into the lead. Royston battling hard equalising late in the 1st half through Joanne Rutherford. Royston had chances in the 2nd half to take the lead Peterborough’s top scorer Katie Steward restoring the hosts lead making it 2-1, the attacker adding her 2nd with 10 minutes left. Chanade Henderson scoring with a glancing header from a free-kick to make it 4-1 with Steward completing her hat-trick in stoppage time to see Peterborough win 5-1.
Essex side Harlow Town Ladies were away to Haringey Borough Women in the last 16 of the ERWFL on Sunday. Haringey winning the trophy in their double winning season two seasons ago. Have struggled since as they look to rebuild their squad. Harlow fielding a young hungry squad progressing to the quarter finals thanks largely to a hat-trick from Poppy Binding making her joint top scorer with 8 goals now. Olivia Steele also scoring a goal in a 4-0 victory.
A hat-trick for Harlow Town Ladies, Poppy Binding
It was a close match in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup with an unfortunate own goal settling the result between Bedford Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies on Sunday. The Norfolk side travelling to Bedfordshire the sides in mid-table in the Premier Division it looked an evenly matched contest, Bedford the side capitalising on the own goal to reach the quarter finals.
Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies made the trip over the border to Suffolk on Sunday to play AFC Sudbury Ladies in the last 16 of the ERWFL Cup. Goals from Danielle Butler, Leah Cowan and Cerys Adams making her 1st start for Brentwood seeing the visitors win 3-0 to reach the last 8.
ERWFL Plate
Those sides in Division One losing in the early stages of the ERWFL Cup go onto contest the Plate competition and with 8 sides left this Sunday saw it open with the quarter finals. Stevenage Ladies Reserves finalists last season through to the last 4 this time around without kicking a ball awarded an away win over Bishops Stortford Ladies.
That left 3 ties to be played Newmarket Town Ladies making the trip to Hertfordshire to play Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. Hertford bottom of the league making Newmarket work, took the lead before the visitors came back to level the scores through Abbi Griffin early in the 2nd half. On the hour Newmarket took the lead Jodie Woodfield heading the ball in from a Jess Linger corner. Less than 10 minutes later it was the same outcome from a Linger corner just with a different Woodfield heading the ball in to give Newmarket a 3-1 lead captain Bethany Woodfield getting on the scoresheet. The win made secure 5 minutes later from another corner this time Abbi Griffin credited with the goal getting her 2nd of the game.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies were at home in the quarter finals of the ERWFL Plate on Sunday taking in Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies who had the bare 11 available. Hoddesdon taking an early lead with Kristina O’Connell finding the back of the net in the 7th minute. King’s Lynn created opportunities to level 1st half held Hoddesdon to 1-0 at half-time. The hosts with the numerical advantage with subs to bring on a quick-fire brace from Natasha Crick firing Hoddesdon into a 3-0 lead within the opening 15 minutes of the 2nd period, a further 2 goals added on the hour with substitute Rosy Wodhams making it 4-0 before O’Connell struck her 2nd of the game Hoddesdon winning 5-0.
Histon Ladies were away in the quarter finals of the ERWFL Plate a trip on Sunday to Essex to play Hatfield Peverel Ladies. An own goal on the stroke of half-time seeing the Cambridgeshire side take the lead. Histon doubling thier advantage on the hour through Georgina Huse scoring her first goal for the club helping them to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Two matches outstanding in the FAWNL Cup played this Sunday. A place in the last 8 of the competition up for grabs. The top two in the Southern Premier Division drawn together with leaders, Chichester City Ladies hosting title rivals Coventry United Ladies in the 3rd Round. A physical encounter Coventry held the narrow advantage at half-time, Natasha Merritt heading the visitors into the lead in the 39th minute. Coventry doubling their lead early in the 2nd half with Amber Hughes breaking through on goal to score. Chichester creating opportunities had a player advantage for the final 20 minutes of the game with Merritt shown a 2nd yellow sent off. 10 player Coventry held out though to win the game 2-0 to reach the quarter finals where they will face South East Division One leaders, Crawley Wasps Ladies.
Crawley were also in FAWNL Cup action this weekend, having beaten Coventry United Ladies just last Sunday in the FA Women’s Cup, were making the trip South West to player higher league opposition once again, their opponents, Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Crawley holding a slender 0-1 lead at the break with a goal from Sian Heather the difference between the sides. Substitute Kemina Webber making an immediate impact doubling the visitors lead in the 2nd period. Plymouth mounting a late comeback to force the game into extra-time, closing in on the last 10 minutes a goal from Kayley Lane saw the hosts pull it back to 2-1 then late into stoppage time a goal from a free-kick by captain Katie Middleton saw them level the tie.
More drama in extra-time with Crawley retaking the lead early on Webber netting her 2nd goal of the game. Plymouth coming back once again to level the scores a few minutes later Leah Burridge making it 3-3. Faye Rabson scoring a great solo effort saw Crawley take the lead once more, no come back for Plymouth this time with the visitors adding a 5th goal to settle the game Webber completing her hat-trick to see Crawley into the quarter finals with a 5-3 victory.
The draw for the quarter finals of the FAWNL Cup and Plate competitions made soon after, the games to be played Sunday 10th February are listed below:-
FAWNL Cup Quarter Finals
Bolton Wanderers Ladies v Stoke City Ladies
Huddersfield Town Ladies v Blackburn Rovers Ladies
Coventry United Ladies v Crawley Wasps Ladies
Loughborough Foxes Women v AFC Wimbledon Ladies
FAWNL Plate Quarter Finals
Barnsley FC Ladies v West Bromich Albion Women
Liverpool Marshalls Feds Women v Middlesborough Women
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies v Keynsham Town Ladies
Stevenage Ladies v Gillingham Ladies
FAWNL Southern Premier Division
Three games played in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division this Sunday and with the top two involved in the FAWNL Cup it was an opportunity for 3rd placed Watford Ladies to close the gap as they travelled to Wales to take on 5th placed Cardiff City Ladies. Never an easy place to go Cardiff were looking for a 3rd straight league victory themselves, took the lead in the 20th minute Cori Williams scoring from the penalty spot after Grace Horrell was brought down inside the box. Successfully defending their lead Cardiff holding a player advantage for the final 22 minutes with Watford’s Georgie Edwards red carded.
Gillingham Ladies picked up a valuable 3 points on Sunday to pull them further clear of the bottom two in the table the gap nine points now. Were at home taking on Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Breon Grant putting Gillingham into the lead in the 20th minute scoring her 7th goal of the campaign. Alice Bussey doubling the hosts lead with 3 minutes left in the 1st half with her 7th of the season. A 2-0 lead going into the 2nd half Gillingham kept a clean sheet to earn the 3 points.
Portsmouth FC Women started 2019 with a win in the Southern Premier Division ending a run of 3 straight league defeats, bringing in new players, they welcomed back an old face this weekend with Shannon Albuery returning in loan from Yeovil Town Ladies. Were at home this Sunday taking on Essex side, C&K Basildon Ladies bottom of the table. Eilidh Currie putting Portsmouth into the lead midway through the 1st half. 1-0 at half-time Jade Bradley struck just past the hour to double Portsmouth’s lead and see the game won 2-1 Portsmouth climbing back to 7th in the table.
FAWNL South East Division One
Crawley Wasps Ladies have a strong lead at the top of FAWNL South East Division One their squad with a 100% winning record since promotion to the league. Fellow promoted side Billericay Town Ladies likewise have been strong building a squad that has seen them push Crawley and take a firm grip on 2nd spot. Below it is very tight little separating the sides 3rd to 7th, with anyone capable of going on a run and moving up the table.
AFC Wimbledon doing just that held 3rd spot on goal difference going into the weekend travelling to a side in need of the points themselves, Cambridge United WFC. A lack of league games towards the end of 2018 the cup dominating had seen Cambridge slip to 3rd bottom, games in hand however a positive run would place them right amongst the battle for places above. Wimbledon coming off the back of a great win in the FA Women’s Cup started the game the stronger had Cambridge penned in their own half for the majority of the game creating opportunities a dogged defensive display from the hosts had very few attackers themselves against the run of play however it was Cambridge who took the lead in the 35th minute with a well worked goal. A throw high on the left into the box held up well by Mollie Coupar moving to the top of the area cut the ball back to captain Kelley Blanchflower peeling into space right of goal she squaring the ball across the face of goal Jade Bell bursting clear to smash the ball into goalkeeper Kelly Edie the ball popping up favourably for Bell to follow up an put it over the line Cambridge leading 1-0 at half-time.
Cambridge’s Kelley Blanchflower with Wimbledon’s, Rebecca Sargent
A completely different game 2nd half with Cambridge making a positive start attacking Wimbledon got themselves a 2nd goal early on, Coupar with involved again a good run into the box from the left fizzing a cross into the six yard box Blanchflower timing her run to perfection meeting the ball smashing it into the back of the net. An open game from then on Wimbledon remaining positive searching for a reply, Cambridge clearing the ball up to Coupar running in behind good strength shown as she was pushed wide of goal struck a shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner to make it 3-0. Savannah Smith saving to keep the visitors from scoring up the other end the 3 points easing any worries of getting dragged into the battle at the bottom Cambridge joining the tail end of the tussle in the middle of the table.
Billericay Town Ladies are 4 points clear of the sides in pursuit of them in 2nd. Maintained that gap with a strong home performance against 2nd bottom side Denham United Ladies on Sunday. Jay Blackie netting twice moves onto 10 for the season since joining the Essex side in the summer. There was a brace too for Esme Lancaster, with Sophie Vale on target for her 1st goal for Billericay’s 1st team this season. Danica Dougal scoring too from a long range free-kick, Billericay running out 6-0 winners.
Leyton Orient WFC climb above Wimbledon into 3rd in the South East Division One table. At home this Sunday taking on bottom side Luton Town Ladies. The hosts taking the lead from an own goal midway through the 1st half Sophie Le Marchand’s shot striking the post rolling along the goal face unfortunately finding the back of the net. Leyton Orient pressing well doubled the lead in 1st half stoppage time Chloe McNee with an ambitious shot from distance scoring. A 3rd goal needed with Luton pushing for a reply was added in the 70th minute with Camila Pescatore scoring her 1st goal for the club.
Also moving above Wimbledon into 5th place in the FAWNL South East Division One table are Actonians Ladies. Were at home playing Stevenage Ladies. Actonians taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes Alessandra Barreca heading the ball home from a corner. Stevenage found a quick reply equalising 5 minutes later with Shona Chitate making it 1-1. Actonians creating opportunities, retook the lead late in the 1st half awarded a penalty Barreca stepped up to score her 2nd of the game. A 2-1 lead at half-time Actonians kept Stevenage from getting any control as they calved out further chances extending the lead in the 57th minute Mariko Eagles on target with the goal. Substitute, Melissa Jung with a long range effort striking to make it 4-1 to Actonians. Barreca scoring her 3rd to complete a hat-trick in the final 5 minutes to see the game won 5-1.
Norwich City Ladies were at home this Sunday in league action against Enfield Town Ladies. Aimee Durrant putting Norwich into an early lead firing home in the 11th minute. Almost half an hour gone and Enfield levelled the scores with Danielle Smith getting the goal. The scores level at the break it was Norwich who struck early in the 2nd half to retake the lead Jodie Drake making it 2-1. That the score late into the game Enfield pressing finding a late goal to level the scores for the 2nd time in the match to earn a point Lily Bruno the scorer her 1st for the club making just her 2nd appearance.
The football action this Sunday on Women’s Football East from the FA Women’s National League, Cambridge United WFC v AFC Wimbledon Ladies in South East Division One.
The two promoted sides Crawley Wasps Ladies and Billericay Town Ladies getting off to a blistering start, to lead the way Billericay with 5 straight wins to start life at the higher level, Crawley Wasps have yet to drop a point 9 wins from 9 whilst continuing on in the cup competitions. A 5 point lead at the top for Crawley over 2nd placed Billericay, a further 4 point gap to the chasing pack where it is very tight just 3 points separating 3rd to 7th.
Cambridge United WFC would dearly love to be amongst that mid-table cluster but instead find themselves looking nervously over their shoulders 3rd from bottom, they are in need of the league points. Have played less matches than everyone else in the league, largely due to involvement in various cup competitions that have actually seen them play just 3 league matches since the end of September, that coupled with postponements and the sides around them getting games in and picking up points pushing them down the table now into 2019 league points are the priority. Win those games and they are back amongst the mid-table battle.
AFC Wimbledon are the side leading the chasing pack in South East Division One currently in 3rd spot. Finished runners-up in the league last season, leading for the majority before Milton Keynes Dons Ladies winning their games in hand eventually overhauled them to win the title. A slower start this time around, it has been the nature of the league this season that any team getting a run together can propel themselves up the table. Wimbledon doing just that at to climb up to 3rd.
Are enjoying success in both the FAWNL Cup and FA Women’s Cup. Beating higher league sides to progress in the FA Women’s Cup, Southern Premier Division side, Portsmouth FC Women in the 2nd Round and just last Sunday a 3-0 away win against Hull City Ladies of the Northern Premier to reach the 4th Round of the competition for the 1st time in their history where they have been drawn at home to FAWSL side Bristol City Women.
Wimbledon are also into the quarter finals of the FAWNL Cup beating today’s opponents Cambridge United WFC at home 2-1 to advance. The two sides sharing a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season.
Mildenhall Town FC, Cambridge United WFC’s home ground. A sloping pitch from one goalmouth to the other as I’ve mentioned before. A wide pitch plenty of space to exploit. Another gloomy day cloudy, a light drizzle in the air prior to kick-off. The bar open, hot drinks and food available.
Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Savannah Smith, Abigail Davies, Holly Northfield, Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Jemma Moore, Amy Howlett, Vicky Neal, Jade Bell, Becky Shephard, Kelley Blanchflower (C) & Mollie Coupar. Subs – Emma Jenkins, Carrie Bennett & Charlotte Crisp.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies starting XI – Edie Kelly, Rosie Russell, Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins, Sarah Wentworth, Hannah Billingham, Kelly Highman, Becky Mclaren-Johnson, Rebecca Sargent, Georgia Heasman, Katie Stanley & Caroline Bisson (C) Subs – Linsey Clarke, Sian Wylie, Megan Kowalski, Jenny Nagle & Hannah Baptiste.
It’s Cambridge to get the 1st half underway attacking up the slope wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks Wimbledon lined up opposite all in blue. The visitors quick to press the ball from the start won in midfield played back to Sarah Wentworth the central defender sending it long, striker and captain Caroline Bisson spinning in behind, goalkeeper Savannah Smith out to the ball early kicking it clear for Cambridge.
Wimbledon busy in the opening minutes of the game pressing looking to move the ball quickly and spread play, Rebecca Sargent putting herself about in midfield, sets up the first opportunity winning the ball in the middle spreading play out to the left wing Katie Stanley coming inside bringing the ball down shapes to shoot 30 yards out the attempt looping up into the air drops wide of the Cambridge goal.
Cambridge struggling to get anything going in the final 3rd in the early stages win a throw high on the right, captain Kelley Blanchflower with a driving run with the ball into the box, Hannah Billingham clearing the ball for the visitors. Wimbledon have Cambridge penned in their own half Sargent with some powerful runs supported by Becky Mclaren-Johnson and Kelly Highman, the ball fed into the left channel, Kayleigh-Anne Burt coming across to defend put the ball out for a throw.
Wimbledon come again building from the ball the defence on the halfway line the pass into Jordanne Hoesli-Atkins left side she attempts a through ball to unleash Bisson, well intercepted by Jemma Moore in the centre of the Cambridge defence. Wimbledon win a corner on the right side the delivery in towards the near post headed on across the area by Billingham looping down at the far post Wentworth stretching for it can’t direct her effort on target behind for a goalkick.
Is developing into a scrappy battle in midfield both sides press the ball pinging back and forth it suddenly squeezes through in behind Bisson latching onto it slides into a shot before Burt can close her down 20 yards out the ball is knocked up and whistles past the top right corner. All Wimbledon have Cambridge pushed back a free-kick won wide right Billingham over the ball a great effort fired in bounces through the six yard box no one able to provide a telling touch.
Billingham is hurt moment later looking to seeing the ball out for a throw Mollie Coupar pressing her for Cambridge sliding in the resulting tangle of legs seeing the Wimbledon defender clatter into the metal railings surrounding the pitch, a blow to the head that sees play stopped for a lengthy period as Billingham receives treatment that ultimately leaves her sporting a unfashionable blue head bandage, thankfully able to return to the action. Cambridge pressure the throw in the ball coming into the area, Edie Kelly taking it cleanly as Coupar closes her down.
Blanchflower has her hands full with Sargent restricting her attacking runs, picking up possession in a favourable position drives forwards sends the ball put to Jade Bell up on the left wing her cross long to Coupar at the far post getting up looks to header it down for Blanchflower the Wimbledon defence crowding her out.
Sargent strong in the challenge wins the ball nips in to get hold of the ball 25 yards out turning well central spaces opens up in front of her she goes for the shot catching the ball well fired over the crossbar. Frustration creeping in from both sides, Amy Howlett fouling Sargent. The free-kick 40 yards out ambitious from Billingham but she sends the ball in towards goal drops kindly for Smith to claim in her mid-riff.
Cambridge are conceding free-kicks the next alot closer to goal, Billingham on it once again 25 out right of the area, the shot narrowly over the crossbar. Another free-kick soon after central Bisson over this one Billingham the target far post the ball flighted in Cambridge manage to deal with the threat. Stanley with a good bit of control as the ball is played into her moving down the left her touch taking it in field 30 yard out turns well and shoots the ball wide of the right post.
GOAL! The visitors have dominated possession but against that it’s the hosts that take the lead. It is a well worked goal nevertheless, Blanchflower getting forwards a throw won high on the left the ball played up into the box dropping into Coupar, shielded by Billingham holds it up well pushed out to the top of the area turns well sending the pass into Blanchflower peeling clear into space inside the box wide right her squared ball across the face of goal, Bell rushing in Kelly blocking her initial effort, the ball skips up wide of the grounded keeper, Bell alert sending it on into the goal 1-0.
Wimbledon have had all the possession are straight back on the attack, Howlett isn’t making any friends with another foul on Sargent. The free-kick wide left, Bisson to delivery a great ball up to the far post Billingham forwards not put off heading the ball whatsoever a stooping header back across the top of the six yard box Sargent there central leaning back catches the ball agonisingly up over the crossbar.
Wimbledon press forwards right side Sargent with a good ball Bisson ready to spring in behind, closing in on the area, Moore sliding in makes a great tackle to take the ball away. Howlett is booked for persistent fouling. Wimbledon remain the sharper to the ball have Cambridge with their backs to the wall at time but despite that the young defence are standing firm. Coupar working hard up front pressing the ball presenting an opportunity on the right for Bell to put a cross in from the byline cut out at the near post.
Abigail Davies wins the ball for Cambridge right side on for Shephard a slight hestitation before putting the cross on allows Billingham the chance to put a foot in win the ball. Sargent plays the pass on for Heasman sending the ball on she releases Bisson in behind, closing in on the box, Moore shows great pace to get back on her make the challenge.
Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 AFC Wimbledon Ladies
Wimbledon have dominated the play in the first half, seeing the majority of the ball pushing Cambridge back, creating opportunities, could be leading themselves however at half-time they find themselves trailing 1-0. Cambridge have worked hard had their backs to the wall, their defence under pressure has coped well, getting up the other end a well worked move seeing them take the lead. An interesting 2nd half looms.
Cambridge’s Kelley Blanchflower with Wimbledon’s Rebecca Sargent
No changes for either side at the break the light starting to fade the floodlights are on Cambridge attacking down the slope 2nd half as Wimbledon get the game back underway. Cambridge with more intent inside the Wimbledon half right from the off, Neal adjudged to have fouled Highman on halfway. The home side launch an attack the ball flicked on by Neal to Blanchflower breaking forwards her ball down the right channel for Coupar to chase, Billingham across to stretch and cut it out for Wimbledon.
GOAL! Cambridge’s bright start to the 2nd half sees them extend their lead have the ball on the left side building down the wing the ball played into Coupar head down she carries it on into the area before firing in a cross along the six yard box, Blanchflower timing her run perfectly ahead of the Wimbledon defence to smash the ball into the back of the net 2-0.
Sargent continues her work ethic in the middle for Wimbledon getting hold of the ball fires a pass up the right channel for Heasman getting forwards she cuts her low cross back towards the D, Stanley closing in on it can’t keep her shot down as she sends her 1st time effort over. Is a bruising encounter between two sides that give as good as they get, largely in good spirit…sort of…
Wimbledon’s Katie Stanley
A busy afternoon for the officials too Wimbledon with a free’kick wide right Bisson over it lifted into the area Billingham escapes her runner near side from close range wide of goal can only find the side netting. Cambridge frustrating their opponents now enjoying more of the ball, Coupar scrapping away up front bundled to the ground.
Mclaren-Johnson pressurising for Wimbledon central with the ball at her feet has support going forwards from Heasman, her cross squared to Stanley cutting inside from the left shoots 20 yards out, Smith diving to her left pushing the ball away from goal. 20 minutes gone in the 2nd period and Wimbledon make a change, Hannah Baptiste coming on for Highman. Cambridge with a throw left inside the Wimbledon half into Coupar 25 yards out a touch taking it inside before curling a shot over the bar.
An open game now a complete contrast to the first half Cambridge coming on more now competitve remains a scrappy affair Holly Northfield preventing a crossing opportunity on the right for Wimbledon. Russell up the other end across as Bell tries to put Coupar away. Wimbledon attack Billingham with a great forwards ball into the area controlled well by Bisson, Cambridge win in the ball sent long…
GOAL! With the game more open and Wimbledon committing more players forwards Cambridge capitalise to score a 3rd goal Coupar getting on the scoresheet after being involved in the hosts opening 2 goals. The ball played long up to her peeling away into the right channel ahead of Billingham, Wentworth comes across pushes Coupar wide right of goal as she enters the box the young striker strong on the ball gets a shot away from the angle firing the ball across the keeper and into the bottom corner 3-0.
Neal with a firm tackle to deny Wimbledon building an attack through the middle. Moore with good defensive work at the back as the visitors attack through the right. Coupar tries to burst on with the ball Sargent back to defend against her for Wimbledon. Wimbledon make a 2nd change Jenny Nagle on for Heasman on the right side. A free-kick wide right for the visitors Bisson with the ball up into the area eventually cleared by Burt. Nagle attacking right Northfield sliding in to prevent the cross the ball out for a throw.
Mollie Coupar holding the ball up for Cambridge United WFC
Both sides make a change, Emma Jenkins coming on for Blanchflower for Cambridge. Sian Wylie replacing Hoesli-Atkins for Wimbledon with a little over 15 minutes left on the clock. Wimbledon continue to attack looking to pull a goal back that pressure bringing a corner, Stanley to take it from the right a long delivery to the far post Cambridge winning the header a determination set in to keep a clean sheet.
Smith with a point blank save going to ground in front of Bisson as the striker gets onto the end of a diagonal ball inside the six yard box fired in from the right. Wimbledon pressure late on in the game pushing players on into the last 8 minutes. Cambridge make a 2nd change Carrie Bennett coming on replacing Coupar late on.
Bell doing some vital work in defence late on for the hosts doubling up with Northfield as Wimbledon look to double up on the full backs. Winning the ball tries to release Shephard up front, Wentworth regaining possession for Wimbledon. Moore tackles Stanley a throw deep in the right, the ball kept up top a swerving cross in under the crossbar taken high by Smith.
Little time left now, Wimbledon’s frustrations mount a decision going against them protests voiced results in Stanley and Mclaren-Johnson yellow carded for dissent. A late late corner for Wimbledon right side an inswinging delivery pushed down and away by the jumping Smith falling to Wylie the defended stretching for it sends it across to the far post, cleared Wimbledon appeal for a penalty, nothing doing the final whistle blown soon after.
Full time Cambridge United WFC 3-0 AFC Wimbledon Ladies
A terrific result for Cambridge and 3 valuable points won. Most definitely a game of two halves. Wimbledon dominating the 1st half playing the ball quickly, spreading play and pushing their opponents back, chances created but not scoring paid the price as Cambridge took the lead against the run of play. A different story 2nd half Cambridge battling to defend 1st half buoyed by their goal came out on the front foot 2nd half scoring early. Took their chances well, a competitive tussle, expected nothing less, just adds to the excitement in what is undoubtedly a competitve league, with alot of talented players. Any side can beat the other on their day. That’s why I love it so much.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
On to this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A few performances worthy of note. Firstly for Wimbledon, Rebecca Sargent was a driving force in the midfield, putting herself about getting forwards too with some timely runs and good passing especially first half. For Cambridge, Jemma Moore the newest face to line-up in defence played well making some great and well timed tackles the back-line on the whole learning alot from today’s game. Jade Bell too using her experience to great advantage opening the scoring for Cambridge and vital in defence late on. Overall though today’s award goes to attacker Mollie Coupar put in a great shift up top for the hosts prepared to get stuck in a willing learner, good hold-up play involved in both the opening goals and great individual skill and strength to score the 3rd.
Another good advert for women’s football in the FAWNL, scrappy yes but played by two committed sides, a good watch. My thanks to everyone for their help today always appreciated.
A busy start to 2019 across the Beds & Herts Women’s Football leagues, however this edition of The Round-Up begins with the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup. Two of the 4 quarter final ties postponed back in December due to the inclement weather scheduled for this Sunday, big tests for Beds & Herts Division One sides, Houghton Athletic Ladies and Sharnbrook WFC as they were drawn against higher league opposition.
Houghton Athletic were away to ERWFL Premier Division side Bedford Ladies, the current holders of the County Cup. Two leagues apart Bedford were beginning the defence of their trophy and proved too strong an opponent winning comfortably in the finish. Michelle Byrne scoring twice for Bedford with a further 5 players all getting a goal each, Paige Abraham, Carissa Kaczorowski, Setor Acolatse, Amy Magnus and Lauren Murray in a 7-0 win.
Sharnbrook WFC were at home in the quarter final of the County Cup taking on FAWNL South East Division One side, Luton Town Ladies, keen to get the County Cup back after losing out to Bedford in last season’s final. Bottom of South East Division One the County Cup a welcome distraction for Luton and hopefully a spring board to improved results in the new year. Plenty of youngsters in the Luton squad and it was one of them that opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Aurora Ryan making it 1-0. The visitors pressing the play Sharnbrook defending held them at bay before Ryan found the back of the net for her 2nd of the game in the 33rd minute, Dionne Manning adding a 3rd goal for Luton 5 minutes from the end of the 1st half.
Luton were in control Olivia Abraham scoring her 1st goal for the side to make it 4-0, captain Zara Carroll making it 5-0 just past the hour scoring from a free-kick. Another debut goal following with Maddison Goodenough celebrating her 1st Luton goal 2 minutes later. Rachel Kosky scoring a 7th for Luton with 15 minutes left time for 2 more with Remi Bains getting her name on the scoresheet a screamer from Jess McKay wrapping up a 9-0 win.
The semi-finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup take place on Sunday 20th January and are as follows:-
AFC Dunstable Ladies v Bedford Ladies
Luton Town Ladies v AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
2019 begins and all of a sudden it’s beginning to look very tight at the top of Beds & Herts Division One. The league rarely disappoints with title drama and after Sunday’s results there is just 3 points between the top 5 sides.
Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires have gotten the games in where others haven’t and good form saw them move into top position in the league start 2019 top were at home on Sunday up against Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies in 3rd position, a brace from Lizzie Richardson enough to edge the win 2-1 to Hemel Hempstead to climb up into 2nd spot and close the gap on Welwyn to just a point with 4 games in hand.
Also closing the gap on the leaders are Northwood Ladies starting the year with an away win against bottom side Garston Ladies 1st team. A trio of goal scores with Zamina Rehemtulla, Emma Steele and Danielle Tyler all finding the back of the opponents net in a 3-0 victory. Northwood in 4th now 3 points behind the leaders and like Hemel Hempstead have games in hand.
So too do defending champions St Albans Ladies, 3 goals in the last 10 minutes securing the 3 points at home to Sherrardswood Ladies. Nicola Dark with the early goal for St Albans putting them 1 nil up in the 8th minute it wasn’t until the hour that St Albans scored again dark netting her 2nd of the match. The result made comfortable late on with the game entering the final 10 minutes Ellen Slater getting the goal to make it 3-0. 3 minute from time and Eleanor Lovelock struck to make it 4-0 with Michaela Johnson scoring the home sides 5th goal in stoppage time. St Albans in 5th have 13 points like Northwood and yes you guessed it games in hand on the leader.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
In Beds & Herts Division Two it was a great start to the season for Hitchin Town Ladies as they end 2018 with a 9 point lead at the top of the table. Have played more games than those hoping to chase them down, their main challenger being fellow Hitchin side, Hitchin Belles in 2nd spot 9 points a huge gap Hitchin Belles have 3 games in hand. Began 2019 with and away trip to Watton Ladies. The hosts battling hard were leading 2-1 at the break. Hitchin regrouped at half-time and an improved performance saw them find the back of the net 4 times to run out 5-3 winners at the final whistle. Katie White scoring a brace, Keira How, Chloe Keller and Charlotte Peters the other goals scorers for Hitchin Belles. Gemma Bickell with two and Karly Lundy with her 1st of the campaign scoring the Watton goals.
Royston Town Ladies Development climb up into 3rd place in the Beds & Herts Division Two table with a 4-0 home win over Evergreen Eagles Ladies on Sunday. Kelly Yarwood getting on the scoresheet with her first goal for Royston’s Development side netting twice. Nicole Cooper and Abby Laughlin also on target with a goal a piece.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
The title race in Beds & Herts Division Three was hotting up well before the New Year with Langford Ladies setting the early pace, the new side chased by fellow newcomers AFC Kempston Town Ladies & Bedford College Ladies and AFC Dunstable Ladies Development the latter still undefeated charging into top spot whilst a newly merged Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses side see Bedfordshire sides dominating.
AFC Dunstable Ladies Development have a striker in their ranks in red hot form, Bianca Vassell with 20 goals from 10 appearances going into this Sundays game away to Buntingford Town Ladies. Is now 25 goals from 11 s she hit 5 more at the weekend. Shanice Sanderson making her debut for Dunstable celebrated the occasion with a goal with Lakeisha Fazilahmed also getting a goal in a 7-0 victory.
Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses keep the pressure on Dunstable in 2nd spot remain just a point behind as they edged the victory away to Biggleswade United Ladies this Sunday. A hat-trick from Giselle Randall for the visitors enough to cancel out strikes from Sarah King and Leeanne Davison to win the 3 points for Woburn & Wavendon. 10 goals in her last 4 league games now for Randell including 3 successive hat-tricks.
Games in hand on all the sides above them 4th placed AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies into the Bedfordshire County Cup in their debut season a 4th in the table close the gap to 3rd placed Langford to 2 points with an away victory this Sunday. Started 2019 with a trip to Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Goals from Chloe Urbanowicz, Bex Cray and Zara Garrard securing a 3-0 win for the visitors.
A handful of games to start the New Year in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football Leagues. The League Cup competition starting with a group format this a season, 4 mini-leagues each side playing each other once the top two progressing to the quarter final knock-out stage. A combination of Premiership and Championship sides in each.
Two matches played on Sunday, in Group A, ICA Sports leading the Premiership were away to fellow league side and Peterborough rivals Netherton United Ladies. The visiting side looking to make it 4 wins from 4 to ensure a place in the knock-out stages of the competition they won last season ICA Sports were in a strong position at half-time holding a 3-0 lead over Netherton. The home side pulling a goal back in the 2nd period with Emily Johnson on target, ICA Sports however scored a further goal themselves to clinch a 4-1 victory. Lorna Hart netting twice with a goal each for Zoe Leddy and Sarah Rouse.
The other League Cup group match played on Sunday was in Group C, Riverside Ladies from the Premiership at home to St Ives Town Ladies Development both on 6 points going into the game a win for either putting them into a great position to progress to the knock-out stages. A high scoring game the two sides sharing 9 goals between them. St Ives with 3 it was Riverside who came out on top Annie Posnett scoring a hat-trick, Hannah Murphy and Caitlin Heagren also amongst the goals in a 6-3 win lifting Riverside into 2nd spot with 3 sides all tied on 9 points, Cambridge City Ladies Development top, Cambridge Rangers WFC 3rd.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
Two league games played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North on Sunday and it is a two horse race for the title between Ketton Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies for the title, both with a 100% success rate in the league both with 6 wins now. Ketton Ladies top on goal difference were at home taking on Wisbech St Mary Ladies in 3rd position. Ketton starting 2019 as they finished 2018 winning comfortably to claim another 3 point haul. Fran Kavanagh scoring 4 goals for Ketton with Claire Lawrenson also on target with a brace in a 6-0 win.
Wisbech Town Ladies were also at home on Sunday taking on bottom side Pinchbeck United Ladies. Amy Newell scoring twice for Wisbech Town to see them leading 2-0 at half-time. Captain Faye Kowalewsky making it 3-0 in the 2nd half before Pinchbeck grabbed a reply Courtney Walker reducing the deficit. Sophie Swinden getting on the scoresheet fired Wisbech Town into a 4-1 lead, Walker was then again on target with a goal for Pinchbeck to bring it back to 4-2. Newell going on to complete a hat-trick securing a 5-2 win for Wisbech Town.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship and it was a good result at home for Cambridge Rangers WFC to start 2019. Were hosting Park Ladies, Jenna Brown striking twice for the visitors, Cambridge Rangers hitting them for 4 up the other end to win the game 4-2 and clinch a 4th win of the season. A firm hold now on 3rd position in the table, are now within 3 points of 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development who like them have a game in hand on leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies, 6 points the gap 3 points further ahead.
A great 2018 for Leigh Ramblers Ladies earning promotion to the Essex Women’s Premier Division at the 1st attempt haven’t looked back since an opening day defeat winning their next 9 league games to lead the way going into 2019. Started the New Year win another 3 points 10 wins from 10 now were at home to Corringham Cosmos on Sunday. Leading 2-0 at half-time those goals crucial as Corringham fought back 2nd half scoring 2 themselves Leigh Ramblers though adding 2 more themselves to win the match 4-2. Rebecca Dalgarno with a brace, Sasha Vail also getting a goal along with top scorer Kate Newton who now has 24 goals to her name.
The gap to the leaders 5 points after 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Silver End United Ladies in the Premier Division on Sunday. Dempsey Favell netting for the 14th time this season for Frontiers, Ella Tooley getting the goal for Silver End.
Harlow Town Ladies Development have enjoyed a fantastic 1st half of the season in the Essex Women’s Premier Division in the top 3 positions the whole campaign to date with just the one defeat began 2019 at home to Collier Row Tigers who themselves have gained form as the season has progressed. Harlow though hit the ground running have goalscorers throughout the side and after ending the 1st half 4-2 up doubled their lead in the 2nd half to win the game 8-2. Ellie Nicholls moving onto double figures for the season scoring 4 goals. Hannah Smith is currently top scorer on 14 adding two more to her tally with Kummi Adams and Bethany Chambers with her 1st Harlow goal also on the scoresheet. Laura Bunton, scoring both the goals in the 1st half for Collier Row Tigers.
Consolidating 4th position in the Essex Women’s Premier Division are Chelmsford City Ladies, began 2019 with an away trip to Southend United Ladies on Sunday. Leading 3-0 at half-time went on to add a further 2 in the 2nd half to win the match 5-2. Georgia James scoring a hat-trick taking her onto 10 now for the season. Mia Brisley with a brace has 7 now for Chelmsford. Emily Pert and Kate Wiseman with the 2nd half goals for Southend United.
Essex Women’s League Cup
One tie from the 1st Round of the Essex Women’s League Cup played this Sunday, with Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves hosting Division One side Rayleigh Town Ladies. 3 goals for Brentwood in the first half for Marie Barker, Helen Clifford and Laura Knight. Amy Cox-Smith and Holly Gash on target for Rayleigh Town. Knight scoring a 2nd goal in the final minute securing a 4-2 win for Brentwood.
Essex Women’s Division One
A great start to the season for Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies in Essex Women’s Division One a 100% winning record going into December lost for the 1st time against fellow title chasers Billericay Town Ladies Reserves, defeat in extra-time in the League Cup followed. Began 2019 with an away trip to play Chigwell Ladies struggling at the opposite end of the table. A points deduction seeing them have just 6 points on the board the hosts started the year with a great result beating Dagenham & Redbridge by 2 goals to 1 to claim the 3 points on Sunday. Marie Gamage and Jessica MacNab celebrating the goals for Chigwell. Jodie Barton on the scoresheet for Dagenham & Redbridge suffering a 2nd successive defeat in the league nevertheless remain well placed 3 points behind Billericay in 2nd.
Hutton Ladies Reserves in 3rd position in Division One close the gap on the leading pair, with a 7th win of the season to start the year away at Runwell Sports Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Baylie Kingsnorth, Laura Allen and Danielle Hindley securing a 3-0 victory.
Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves began the year with a home game against Island Ladies, both new to the league this season the young sides have endured a tough start. A points deduction for Leigh Ramblers too it was a 0-1 win to them in the reverse fixture back in September. Another close game this time around the sides sharing 5 goals this time around Leigh Ramblers coming out on top winning it 3-2 thanks to goals from Louise Mazirel-Cowell and a brace for Elisha Reade. Jess Brown and Ebonnie Williams on the score sheet for Island.
Another new side having a tough start to life in Division One are Belhus Ladies bottom of the table they were at home to FC Clacton Ladies in their first game of 2019. Earned themselves a point in a high scoring draw after their opponents were reduced to 9 with two sent off on Sunday. Amy Hartley with a goal for Clacton one of those to receive their marching orders along with Megan-Leigh Lawrence. Sydney Smith-Gibbons and Charlotte Warren Clacton other goalscorers. Amara Drummond netting a hat-trick securing a point for Belhus.
2019 begins in Suffolk with defending champions East Bergholt United Ladies having a 100% win rate at the top of the newly expanded league. 11 wins from 11 with a +100 goal difference. A home win awarded at the weekend sees them move onto 36 points 6 clear at the top.
A host of new sides entering the Suffolk Women’s Division this season, the best performing of these Needham Market Women. In 2nd position have won 9 of their 11 league games played in 2018. Began 2019 at home to Walsham Le Willows Ladies. Kept up their good form with a convincing win to pick up the 3 points. Amber Sparkes scoring a hat-trick in her 5th appearance of the season. Lois Balfour starting the year with a brace has 14 goals one behind her is Milly Carter who was also on target with a goal in a 6-0 win.
A great result to start 2019 for Woodbridge Town Ladies as they pick up thier 6th win of the season at home to 3rd placed Brantham Athletic Ladies on Sunday. Brantham enjoying a great start to the season unbeaten until December recent results seeing them fall away from the title hunt, a 3rd defeat in the league coming at the hands of Woodbridge. Jenna Liverpool top scorer for Woodbridge with a hat-trick. Madison Tribley also credited with a goal in a 4-1 win. Danielle Harvey scoring in the 2nd half for Brantham.
A place ahead of Woodbridge in 6th are Coplestonians Ladies, ended the year in good form with 3 successive league wins, started 2019 in the same vein making it 4 from 4 to move onto 21 points. Were away on Sunday taking on Leiston St Margarets Ladies. A brace from Abigail Eley seeing Coplestonians leading 2-0 at half-time. Leiston St Margarets pulling it back to 2-1 in the 2nd half with Leanne Morphew on target for the 1st time this season the visiting side held on for the 2-1 win.
It felt like a victory and bearing in mind their recent results and struggles for numbers I can sympathise with Haverhill Rovers Ladies Reserves it was a tough start to life for the new side in the Suffolk Women’s Division. Were hosting Brettvale Ladies themselves new to the league this season. The visitors searching for more points on the board themselves however recorded their 3rd win of the season to start 2019 and get themselves onto double figures, Ashleigh Trenter scoring her first goal for Brettvale, Lucy Brown was alos on the scoresheet with Sheryl Nokes taking over as top goalscorer netting twice to move onto 6 after 4 appearances.
A busy start to the New Year in the ERWFL with 11 games taking place across both the Premier & Division One at the weekend. Both leagues exciting with the race for the title for both growing ever more intriguing as 2018 wore on, more of the same in 2019 please.
Acle United Women ending the year top of the pile leading the Premier Division began 2019 at home, AFC Dunstable Ladies making the long trip up from Bedfordshire with just the 9 available. Acle’s attack firing on all cylinders. Naomi Cooper opening the scoring for the Norfolk side on 12 minutes celebrated a 2nd goal just 6 minutes later. Lauren Bullard putting Acle 3 up on the half hour. Top scorer Grace Birchall with a headed goal making it 4-0 just before the break. Kate Pasque making it 5-0 to Acle soon after the restart. Birchall added two to complete her hat-trick and with Dunstable now down to 8 through injury added more goals, Pasque then Bullard with their 2nd goals each, double figures coming in injury time Birchall getting it her 25th of the season Acle winning 10-0.
An equally large scoreline too for 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies to start the year away to bottom side Haringey Borough Women on Sunday. Carla Penny and Bella Simmons both celebrating a hat-trick a piece there were goals too for Erin Davies, Charlotte Gillies, Lauren Tomlinson and Anna Goggin along with captain Becca Fay who scored her 1st goal of the season on an 11-1 victory. Cambridge City unbeaten still with just 2 points dropped and 4 games in hand on the leaders the gap 3 points. Sandeep Tak with the goal for Haringey her 1st for the club.
Cambridge City Ladies, Becca Fay
Plenty of goals, you only need to beat the opposition by 1 to get the 3 points and that was enough for Peterborough Northern Star Ladies at the Harlow Arena to beat Harlow Ladies and travel home from Essex with the win under their belts. Katie Steward with her 11th goal of the season clinching the win for the 3rd placed side who themselves have been beaten just the once this season are 6 points off top spot but like Cambridge City have 4 games in hand on Acle.
4th placed Royston Town Ladies are themselves in a good position in the Premier Division table going into 2019, losing just the once this season themselves played 11 now like Cambridge and Peterborough Northern Star have 26 points. Were at home this Sunday against AFC Sudbury Ladies. Goals from Danielle Carty, Joanne Rutherford, Charlotte South and Georgia Gannaway seeing the Hertfordshire side win the game 4-0.
It was a good point at home for Colney Heath Ladies to start the year as they managed to hold the Wymondham Town Ladies attacking force to a goalless draw to earn a point against the 5th placed side. A much better result than the 7-0 loss Colney Heath suffered in the reverse fixture back in October.
ERWFL Division One
Like the Premier Division in the ERWFL the title race in Division One is proving just as exciting. Bowers & Pitsea Ladies the team to beat as 2019 begins top of the table the Essex side were at home to Norfolk’s King’s Lynn Town Ladies this Sunday. A solitary goal the difference at half-time advantage to Bowers & Pitsea, Sophie Dowman with the goal. A cracking strike from 30 yards seeing King’s Lynn level the scores on the hour. Bowers & Pitsea retaking the lead midway through the 2nd half Eloise Ives finding the back of the net, Georgia Fraser on target extending the lead to 3-1 with 15 minutes left. Into the final 10 minutes and King’s Lynn pulled it back to 3-2, Danielle Styles with the quick reply for Bowers & Pitsea adding a goal 5 minutes from time enough to secure the win 4-2. Tiffany Forshaw and Olivia Baker with the goals for King’s Lynn.
St Ives Town Ladies are 2nd in Division One the only unbeaten side in the league since joining the regional league this season. Their great start extended into 2019 with a home win against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies. Their previous meeting a 0-0 in the league and a 5-4 with away from home for St Ives in the League Cup, it was another positive result this Sunday, a goal for Emily Smith along with one for top scorer Tierney Coulson seeing St Ives win the game 2-0. Two points behind Bowers & Pitsea with 2 games in hand.
Stevenage Ladies Reserves are the defending champions were the early pacesetters results towards the end of 2018 going against them nevertheless remain firmly in contention in 3rd spot just 3 points separating the top 3 started the new year well with a comfortable home win over bottom side Hertford Town Ladies on Sunday. Emily Schofield leading the goal scoring charts now hitting a brace in the match with Faith Greene also scoring on her first start for the side. Stevenage winning 3-0.
Another side performing well at the top end of ERWFL Division One are Hutton Ladies, having strengthened their squad the Essex side have gained a prolific goalscorer in Vicky Kinsman was on target again at the weekend away to Hatfield Peverel Ladies. 4th placed Hutton though had to settle for a point as they were held to a draw by Hatfield Peverel struggling for numbers since joining the ERWFL. A good point earned for Hatfield Peverel their goalscorer Jasmine Cox on her debut, a proven goalscorer something the Essex side has been lacking.
Newmarket Town Ladies are another newcomer to the ERWFL were away from home on Sunday against Essex side Lawford Ladies, both starting life at the higher level with a defeat have since gone on to flourish developing into a competitive force more than a match for anyone on their day. Currently 5th & 6th in the table shared 6 goals on Sunday, Tess Ryan and Stacey Teager on target for Lawford, it was Newmarket who came out on top to win the 3 points thanks largely to a 2nd half hat-trick from Annabel Cuthbert the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time Brooke Wickens with the visitors goal. 16-year old Cuthbert putting Newmarket 2-1 up on 55 minutes added a 2nd just 2 minutes later her hat-trick coming in the 70th minute.
2018 overall a tough one for Bishops Stortford Ladies, started 2019 on a positive note earning a point at home to Cambridgeshire side Histon Ladies on Sunday. Histon getting themselves into the lead in the 35th minute Charlotte Westrope turning the ball in the back of the net. A complete turn around though late in the 1st half with Bishops Stortford firing in two goals inside 3 minutes to lead 2-1 at the whistle Brooke White with her 1st of the season and Poppy Kelly the goalscorers. Into the final 10 minutes and Bishops Stortford held the lead, Histon with a corner, Alison Wright rescuing a point levelling the scores in the 82nd minute.
With it being an FA Cup weekend there was a limited programme of fixtures across the rest of the FAWNL to start the year 5 games across both the Southern Premier and South East Division One.
Chichester City Ladies clinch a narrow home win at the weekend to see them return to the summit of the Southern Premier Division. Began 2019 at home taking on Plymouth Argyle Ladies. The hosts starting the game well it was Plymouth however who were to take the early lead Rebecca Dandridge finding the back of the net against the run of play. Chichester getting the scores back level with 10 minutes of the 1st half left Helen Ogle scoring to see the sides level at half-time. The 2nd half a close contest two sides battling, Ogle striking the crossbar with a 30 yard strike on 65 minutes, 5 minutes later she had her 2nd of the game and what would prove to be the winning goal firing home from a free-kick 30 yards out.
A positive result too for Portsmouth FC Women at the start of 2019 with a home win against Queens Park Ranger Women on Sunday a debut for new signing Hannah Haughton and Becki Bath. The sides goalless at half-time once again it was a narrow loss for QPR struggling at the bottom of the table, Rachel Panting scoring from the penalty spot to put Portsmouth into the lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half, a welcome win putting them back into contention with the sides clustered in mid-table.
FAWNL South East Division One
With the top 3 sides in South East Division One all involved in the FA Women’s Cup this Sunday it was a chance for 4th placed Leyton Orient WFC to take over 3rd position in the table as they welcomed Stevenage Ladies in the league. A five game unbeaten run for Leyton Orient they took the lead early in the match Chanel Richards with the goal on 8 minutes. Stevenage responded well drawing level just 4 minutes later Nicole Emmings scoring for the Hertfordshire side. Both sides creating good opportunities it remained level at the break. Leyton Orient getting themselves back into the lead 2nd half with Hayley Barton scoring. Chances continued for both the game into the final 10 minutes and Stevenage drew level once more Ashleigh Deacon making it 2-2. The winning goal coming in the final minute going the way of the visitors Emmings finding space to shot and squeeze the ball home.
Stevenage Ladies, Nicole Emmings
Actonians Ladies were 5th in the South East Division One table going into the new year showing form at the end of 2018 to move them up the table 3rd position a possibility for themselves as they played host to Cambridge United Women who had dropped down the table a run of successive cup matches to end 2018 seeing them fall down the league, in need of points as they look to pull away from the danger zone. Actonians coming close in the first half from a corner Cambridge goalkeeper Savannah Smith tipping an effort onto her bar. Goalless at half-time it was the visitors without a few first team regulars who broke the deadlock Mollie Coupar beating the keeper to make it 1-0. Actonians levelling the scores with 15 minutes left though Carla Williams firing the ball home. Smith with another crucial save late on to ensure the sides shared the points.
It was a share of the points too between Denham United Ladies and Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday, always competitive when the two meet a usual point for Denham 2nd bottom as they held Enfield in 6th to a goalless draw.
Happy New Year to you all! The first edition of The Round-Up for 2019 the action beginning with the 3rd Round of the FA Women’s Cup. 10 ties across the country the competition seeing the sides from both the FAWSL and Championship enter in the 4th Round.
No sides from outside the FAWNL making it to this stage of the competition. 7 of the 10 ties featuring clubs playing in either the Southern Premier or South East Division One.
Coventry United Ladies leading the Southern Premier Division unbeaten so far this season were hosting Crawley Wasps Ladies, the leaders in South East Division One, with an equally impressive start to the season a 100% success rate so far. Two in form sides going head to head it was Coventry who opened the scoring attacking down the right a cross sent into the area put in at the far post by Amber Hughes in the 26th minute. Crawley hitting back with an instant reply Ariana Fleischman up the other end getting the final touch to level the scores. 1-1 at the break. Both sides creating opportunities in the 2nd period Megan Stow seeing an effort strike the woodwork for the visitors just past the hour dug in as Coventry pressed. Into stoppage time with the game heading into extra-time, Crawley found the winning goal, Darcey James heading in a Naomi Cole corner to see Crawley beat their higher league opponents to reach the 4th Round.
Northern Premier Division leaders, Blackburn Rovers Ladies are into the 4th Round of the FA Women’s Cup although it took a last minute winner to secure their place on the road away to Oxford United Women in the 3rd Round on Sunday. A fast paced 1st half between the two sides looked to be heading into the changing rooms goalless at half-time when deep into injury time Evie Gane tapped the ball home to give the Southern Premier Division side, Oxford the lead. Blackburn came back to level the scores midway through the 2nd half Natasha Flint finding the back of the net, then in the closing minute it was Flint on target worth her 2nd of the match to clinch the victory for Blackburn.
Had planned a trip to Nottingham this Sunday, circumstances against me however as Nottingham Forest Ladies stalwarts of the Northern Premier Division played host to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies newly promoted to the Southern Premier Division in the 3rd Round. A tight contest between the two sides, a single goal the winning margin, scored in the 2nd minute of 1st half stoppage time, Kim Farrow getting one on one with the keeper to put Milton Keynes Dons Ladies into the lead the visitors holding on to win and reach the 4th Round for the 1st time.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies, Kim Farrow
It was a long trip up to the North East for Southern Premier Division side Watford Ladies as they took on Middlesborough Women from the Northern Premier Division in the 3rd Round of the Cup. Midfielder Danielle Scanlon with the early goal for the visitors seeing Watford 1-0 up after 7 minutes just 3 minutes later Watford were 2 goals to the good Helen Ward scoring. Both sides attacking chances coming Middlesborough pulling it back to 2-1 on 18 minutes through Emily Scarr. Just two minutes later Watford were back ahead by 2 goals with Ward netting for the 2nd time to make it 3-1. Eleanor Drake on the scoresheet for the hosts to reduce the deficit once again on the half hour. Watford when into the half-time break with their 2 goal cushion restored as Katie O’Leary scored to make it 4-2 in the 39th minute. The visitors having the better of the 2nd half as the home side pushed from a reply, Samantha Hailsworth making it 5-2 on the hour. Into the final 10 minutes and Ward scored twice more to claim 4 for the game and secure a 7-2 win for Watford.
Plenty of goals too between Billericay Town Ladies and Loughborough Foxes Women in the 3rd Round as the Essex side 2nd in South East Division One took on their higher league placed opponents. Billericay taking an early lead in the game Sam Pittuck volleying home in the 5th minute. Loughborough quick with the response levelling the scores within 3 minutes Rebecca Knight scoring to make it 1-1. 3 minutes later Loughborough were in front Rebecca Mcgrother with the goal. Amy Burle with a terrific save to deny Karissa Rodney a goal on the half hour soon after Mcgrother found the back of the net up the other end to put Loughborough 3-1 up. That the score at half-time Billericay started the 2nd half strongly pushing for a goal chances Burle saving once more. The game closing in on the final 20 minute Loughborough further extending their lead, Eva Rogers played through and sending the ball past the keeper to make it 4-1 for the visitors. Zoe Rushen pulling it back to 4-2 with 10 minutes left. Burle busy in the Loughborough goal, Rushen beating her for her 2nd of the game to set up a nervy final five minutes Loughborough holding out to win the game 4-3.
Cardiff City Ladies were hosting Bolton Wanderers Ladies from Northern Division One in the 3rd Round of the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday. An early goal helping settle any nerves the Southern Premier Division side might have Cori Williams heading in from a corner in the 7th minute. Kylie Nolan with the final shot from a break making it 2-0 on 15 minutes. Those goals proving enough with Bolton unable to find a reply, Cardiff progressing.
AFC Wimbledon Ladies, 3rd in South East Division One were on the road in the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday taking on higher league opponents Hull City Ladies from the Northern Premier Division. A goalless 1st half between the sides, it was Wimbledon who enjoyed the better of the 2nd half Katie Stanley putting them a goal up just past the hour mark. Jordan Hoesli-Atkins doubling the visitors lead just 7 minutes later to put Wimbledon 2-0 up and with Hull pushing later on for a goal Georgia Heasman secured victory for Wimbledon scoring their 3rd goal in injury time.
In the other 3 3rd Round ties, Stoke City Ladies won 2-1 away to Derby County Ladies. Huddersfield Town Ladies were 4-1 winners at home to Leeds United Ladies and Keynsham Town Ladies doing well in South West Division One beat Flyde Ladies 2-1 at home.
The FA Women’s Cup 4th Round draw – ties to be played Sun 3rd February
Yeovil Town Ladies v Birmingham City Lades
AFC Wimbledon Ladies v Bristol City Women
Crystal Palace Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies
Millwall Lionesses v Lewes FC Women
Durham Women v Cardiff City Ladies
Everton Ladies v Chelsea Women
Leicester City Women v London Bees
Reading FC Women v Keynsham Town Ladies
Liverpool Women v Milton Keynes Dons Ladies
Loughborough Foxes Women v Sheffield United Women
Charlton Athletic Women v Huddersfield Town Ladies
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC v Manchester United Women
