The top three not in action in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday, the league action begins with Acle United Women the 4th placed side hosting 5th placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies. The Norfolk side to become Wroxham Women from the start of next season holding a 2-0 lead at half-time, substitute Grace Birchall on for the injured Kate Pasque with both the goals. Emily Leach joining from Bungay Town Ladies scoring her 1st goal fr Acle 5 minutes into the 2nd period. Alexa Hunter pulling a goal back for Peterborough Norther Star her first goal of the season. Acle going 4-1 ahead midway through the 2nd half with Birchall completing a hat-trick defender Chloe Shields scoring her first goal of the season with 3 minutes left on the clock to put Acle 5-1 ahead Hunter getting a 2nd goal late in stoppage time for the visitors. A 3rd straight league win seeing Acle move above Wymondham into 3rd position.
Harlow Town Ladies got back to winning ways on Sunday as they look to secure a top half finish in their debut season in the ERWFL Premier Division were away to fellow Essex side Brentwood Town Ladies at the weekend. Tayla Handscombe on target netting twice along with a goal a piece for Chloe Bassett, Poppy Binding and captain Kaydee King seeing Harlow run out 5-0 winners.
5 straight league wins now for Colney Heath Ladies as they regain the form they showed at the start of the season to climb up the Premier Division table, up to 7th spot now above their weekend opponents Bedford Ladies. Away from home. Christina Freestone firing Colney Heath into the lead. Bedford coming back with a shot from distance flying in to make it 1-1. The game all square at half-time Colney Heath winning the game in the 2nd half thanks to a 25 yard screamer from Sheree Oliver.
Has been a difficult two seasons for Haringey Borough Women regrouping after a year in the FAWNL, dropping back to the ERWFL this campaign bottom for a long period glimpses of better times around the corner wins coming late in the season they got themselves off the foot of the table a coming out on top away to fellow strugglers AFC Sudbury Ladies in an 8 goal thriller have secured their league status. Mia Etheridge, Sophie Jeffery and Olivia Gunn scoring for Sudbury the final game of the season for both sides Haringey found the back of the net for 5 goals up the other end to win in their last game finish 3rd from bottom. Sudbury finish bottom have struggled for numbers all season a tough season as they drop down to Division One.
ERWFL Division One
St Ives Town Ladies are the Champions! Winning the ERWFL Division One title in their debut season playing at regional level top of the league making a winning start haven’t looked back since unbeaten winning 16 of the 20 league games played so far. A rapid rise clinching 3 promotions in 4 seasons still very much a young and developing side too.
Just a point needed as they took on familiar rivals Newmarket Town Ladies at home. The 3rd placed side the last side to claim a league win over St Ives back in 2017. Often a close game between the sides and this Sunday no exception, St Ives not conceding too many goals by far the best defensive record in Division One with just 9 in the against column. kept Newmarket out whilst a single goal was enough to clinch victory and the title, scored by Emily Smith in the 2nd half.
St Ives Town Ladies ERWFL Division One Champions (picture credit Gary Reed)
A fantastic achievement from St Ives Town Ladies congratulations of winning the title.
2nd spot assured for Bowers & Pitsea Ladies the Essex side enjoying a strong first season under the Bowers & Pitsea banner. Silverware collected too in the form of the Essex Women’s Trophy were taking on their fellow finalists again this Sunday in the league Lawford Ladies. Sophie Dowman heading Bowers & Pitsea Ladies int the lead on 15 minutes. Lawford soon getting back on level terms with captain Daisy Canny making it 1-1 6 minutes later. As good as it got for Lawford however as 3 minutes later Bowers & Pitsea were back in front form a cracking strike from Megan Harley. Harley scoring again on 30 minutes to put Bowers & Pitsea 3-1 ahead. Dowman with her 2nd of the game seeing the hosts 4-1 up at the break. Alesi Harris bringing up a 5th goal for Bowers & Pitsea in the 54th minute. Holly Moore sealing a 6-1 win with goal in the last 10 minutes of the game.
Hutton Ladies are up to fifth in the ERWFL Division One table now 6 points behind 3rd and 4th placed Newmarket Town Ladies & Stevenage Ladies with 2 games in hand on both. A comfortable scoreline at home this Sunday as they took on Stevenage. Top scorer Vicky Kinsman on target for another hat-trick edges closer to the 50 goals mark with 47 on the board so far this season. Goals too for Hayley Piggott, Sally Appleton and Hayley Critchell seeing Hutton run out 6-0 winners.
Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies were playing their final game of the season an away trip to Cambridgeshire to face Histon Ladies. A goal from Kristina O’Connell in the 33rd minute seeing Hoddesdon leading 1-0 at the break. Histon back into it early on in the 2nd half a free-kick played long to the far post difficult to handle coming back to Rebekah Fisk to head over the line. Tied at 1-1 going into the final 10 minutes of the game Hoddesdon got their noses back in front with Charley Handley on the scoresheet. The win eluding them however with Histon on the attack in the final minute, Sophie Lanham shooting wide left to put the ball across goal into the bottom corner to equalise for a 2nd time a 2-2 draw the points shared, Hoddesdon in 7th for now Histon 2 points back in 8th have 3 games left to play, Lawford 9th with 2 left to play.
Hertford Town Ladies also complete their season this Sunday their final ERWFL Division One game as Hertford Town as from next season they become Wodson Park Ladies. A positive end to a difficult campaign picking up some great results as their squad has strengthened. End with a victory at home were taking on Hatfield Peverel Ladies. Christie Seakens and Lauren Barnard scoring their first goals of the season, with Dempsey Favell and Riley Bennett on target too for a goal a piece securing a 4-1 win, 16 of their 19 points won in 2019, a positive outlook for the new season ahead.
This Sunday saw the Final of the FAWNL Cup taking place at Burton Albion FC’s Pirelli Stadium. The two sides contesting it looking to complete the double both league champions with Crawley Wasps Ladies winners of the South East Division One title taking on Blackburn Rovers Ladies once again the Champions of the FAWNL Northern Premier Division. Both losing just one league game all season Crawley Wasps were without centre backs Darcey James and Ellie Russell along with forward Sian Heather.
Blackburn taking an early lead Saffron Jordan scoring from close range notching up her 100th goal for the club in the process. Blackburn applying more pressure in the 1st half Crawley Wasps keeping them out the lead 1-0 at the break. Into the 2nd half and once again it was n early break though for Blackburn, Lynda Shephard playing Natasha Flint in the attacker lobbing the keeper to double the lead in the 52nd minute. Few chances for Crawley Wasps the game made secure in the final 10 minutes with Jordan scoring her 2nd of the match to see Blackburn win the game 3-0 and lift the trophy.
Congratulations to Blackburn Rovers Ladies on winning the FAWNL Cup. Their next game will be the FAWNL Play off game taking on Southern Premier Division Champions, Coventry United Ladies the game to be played on Saturday 18th May at Bradford City FC’s Valley Parade Stadium the kick-off 3pm.
FAWNL Southern Premier Division
The penultimate weekend of fixtures in the FAWNL and following their 3-2 midweek win away to Oxford United Women, Cardiff City Ladies go the points they needed on Sunday to secure runners-up spot in the Southern Premier Division. Were on the road again travelling the Stadium MK to play Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. The hosts holding the advantage going into half-time however Charley Clarke scoring from a corner with half an hour played to see Milton Keynes Dons leading 1-0. Cardiff soon back on level terms at the start of the 2nd half with Nadia Lawrence scoring 2 minutes after the restart to make it 1-1. Cardiff going on to score what would prove to be the winning goal past the hour with Jordan Guard finding the back of the net to make it 2-1.
Chichester City Ladies have secured a top 3 finish in the Southern Premier Division having been in the top two for much of the season leading for a good period, Cardiff coming on strong late on to overhaul them. Third assured at home as they took on QPR Women. Natasha Stephens getting Chichester off to a perfect start tapping in from a corner kick inside the opening minute. Lauren Cheshire doubling the hosts lead with the game approaching the half hour scoring direct from a corner. A 3rd goal seeing Chichester into a 3-0 lead before half-time Stephens brought down inside the box Tammy Waine stepping up to score from the spot and claim her first goal of the season. Late drama as goalkeeper Lauren Dolbear was sent off for Chichester handling the ball outside the area, Waine donning the gloves the clean sheet remaining in tact.
Oxford United Women bouncing back from their midweek defeat having won the Oxfordshire Women’s County Cup last Sunday made the trip down to the south coast to play Portsmouth FC Women. Georgia Timms putting the visitors 1-0 up in the 29th minute. Top scorer Emily Allen racing in to score her 18th goal of the season in first half stoppage time to see Oxford into a 2 goal lead, keeping Portsmouth out at the other end in the 2nd period to claim the 3 points and a 4th placed finish in the league.
Fifth placed Plymouth Argyle Ladies were hosting league champions, Coventry United Ladies. The visitors taking the lead on the half hour with Amber Hughes on target to make it 1-0. Plymouth awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time going in level with captain Katie Middleton making it 1-1 from the spot. Coventry back in the lead early in the 2nd period with Amy Wathan scoring her 23rd goal of the campaign. Hughes notching up her 2nd of the game midway through the 2nd period to see Coventry take a 3-1 lead. Into the final 15 minutes Plymouth pulling it back to 3-2 thanks to a goal form Helen Bleazard. No come back however as Rosie McDonnell struck for Coventry just 4 minutes later to see the 2 goal cushion restored, Hughes completing her hat-trick in stoppage time to bring up her 20th goal of the season as seal a 5-2 win for Coventry.
That defeat for Plymouth sees them drop to 6th overhauled by Watford FC Ladies who secured the 3 points at home to bottom side C&K Basildon Ladies on Sunday. The game goalless at the break it was Basildon who drew first blood taking the lead early in the 2nd half. Sophie Kelly scoring form distance from a free-kick in the 52nd minute. The game closing in on the final 20 minutes Watford bringing on Alysha Stojko-Down made an instant impact scoring from inside the box to make it 1-1.2 minutes later Watford had the lead Leanne Bell in the right place to get hold of the ball and make it 2-1. The 3 points secured in the 78th minute with Adekite Fatuga-Dada on target to score Watford’s 3rd goal.
FAWNL South East Division One
The top two spots in FAWNL South East Division One secured already the two promoted sides enjoying fantastic season’s Crawley Wasps winning the title, Billericay Town Ladies sealing runners-up spot it remains very tight in the positions below with Actonians Ladies in 3rd just a point clear of 4th and 5th with one game each left to play. Actonians making the trip to Essex this Sunday to play Billericay. A first half brace for Mariko Eagles along with a goal in the 50th minute seeing the visitors on target for 3 goals. Not enough however to take anything from the game as Billericay found the back of the net for twice as many up the other end. Zoe Rushen scoring a hat-trick the clubs leading goal scorer taking her tally to 31 goals for the season. Goals too for Jay Blackie her 15th of the season, Danica Dougal and Freya Fuller making her debut for the 1st team.
Enfield Town Ladies move above Leyton Orient WFC into 4th spot with a better goal difference after they won away from home on Sunday against Cambridge United WFC. Nuala McKevitt with the only goal in the 1st period seeing Enfield take the lead in the 35th minute. Claire Ford making it 2-0 to Enfield early in the 2nd half. The 3 points make secure in the final 5 minutes with Molly Peters on target for her 15th goal of the season to make it 3-0.
Stevenage Ladies secured their FAWNL status for a 4th season on Sunday winning at home to Norwich City Ladies on Sunday. The host opening the scoring on 28 minutes Ashleigh Deacon scoring to put Stevenage into the lead. Just 2 minutes later the hosts were 2 nil ahead Deacon through on goal setting up Amy Makewell to score. A 3rd goal coming late in the first half with Makewell setting up Deacon this time one one on one with the keeper to score her 2nd of the match. 3-0 up at half-time Norwich threatened a late 2nd half comeback Aimee Durrant pulling a goal back with 15 minutes left to play. Natasha Snelling getting it back to 3-2 inside the final 5 minutes. Stevenage holding on to win the 3 points.
Luton Town Ladies are relegated from the FAWNL having battled with a young squad and multiple injuries throughout the season a difficult campaign after being in the top 4 on a regular basis in recent seasons. Travelled up to Suffolk on Sunday to play Ipswich Town Women and were in a good position going into the half-time interval leading the game 2-0. Remi Bains charging down the ball seeing it rebound off her into the back of the net t make it 1-0. Jess McKay quickly bringing up a 2nd. Ipswich making a triple change at half-time pulling it back to 2-1 on the hour from a corner Natasha Thomas scoring with an over head kick. Paige Wakefield with a stunning goal to level the scores just 4 minutes later. A goalmouth scramble seeing Ipswich take the lead in the 73rd minute Thomas on the end of it for her 2nd of the game completing a hat-trick just 2 minutes later to make it 4-2 to the hosts. 5 minutes left on the clock Ipswich adding a 5th goal with Charlotte Kellett scoring her 1st senior goal for the club.
The football action this Sunday comes from Carrow Road the home of Norwich City FC, the club celebrating a return to the Premier League last evening with a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers FC, today it hosts the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final for the first time a special occasion that will no doubt live long in the memory of the two clubs winning through to this season’s final as King’s Lynn Town Ladies take on Wymondham Town Ladies the current holders.
Two of the leading women’s football sides in the county, 4 of which play above county league level, Norwich City Ladies the highest league placed club in Norfolk playing in the 4th tier, FAWNL South East Division One. Wymondham along with Acle United Women (to become part of Wroxham FC next season) play in the league below tier 5 the Eastern Region Women’s Football League (ERWFL) Premier Division with King’s Lynn Town Ladies played in ERWFL Division One.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies currently 5th in ERWFL Division One are into their 1st ever Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final playing their 2nd season playing at regional level pushing for the title with Wymondham the eventual champions. This season a larger single Division One a very competitive league up to 5th jostling for a top half finish with a cluster of sides most having 4 left to play the season going the distance scheduled to finish in the final weekend of May. King’s Lynn on a good run as they look to get some momentum coming into today’s final winning their last 3 in the league including a 9-0 demolition of Essex side Hatfield Peverel Ladies the game played at The Walks two weeks ago.
Wymondham Town Ladies currently 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division their highest ever league position and testament to a strong debut season playing at that level having been promoted as Division One North Champions. Along with Acle have ambitions to reach the FAWNL itself. The ERWFL Premier Division featuring some strong sides from all across the East. Growing rapidly in recent season’s a reserves side playing in Norfolk Women’s Division One, Wymondham have enjoyed some good runs in the FA Women’s Cup aswell as the County Cup, this being their 3rd successive final appearance. Missing out to Thorpe United Ladies in their debut County Cup appearance learnt alot from that game better prepared 2nd time around last season taking on Acle United Ladies winning the game 3-2 to lift the trophy for the 1st time.
Road to the Final
Both sides entering the competition in the 1st Round although Wymondham progressed without kicking a ball awarded the away win over Norfolk Division Two side, Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies. King’s Lynn away to Sprowston Ladies from Norfolk Division One a 3-0 win seeing them comfortably into the 2nd Round.
King’s Lynn at home in the 2nd Round were taking on Norfolk Division One side Tavern Ladies, now hitting top form in the league pushing for promotion King’s Lynn meeting them early in the season however ran out 6-1 winners to reach the last 8. Wymondham were away to Bulldogs Ladies bottom of Division Two a huge gulf between the sides 4 leagues Wymondham have plenty of goals in their side and scored 22 without reply to reach the quarter finals. The announcement made after the 2nd Round that the final was going to be played at Carrow Road for the first time.
Another Sprowston side for King’s Lynn in the quarter finals again from Norfolk Division One, Athletic Ladies, after a couple of postponed weeks King’s Lynn made the trip winning 4-0 to book their spot in the last 4. Wymondham taking on Taverham Women United’s young guns unbeaten at the top of Division Two at the time now the champions, a big defeat in the County Cup however against Wymondham going down 12-1, Wymondham’s cup defence rolling on.
A very strong line-up for the semi-finals of the competition with King’s Lynn drawn away to Thorpe United Ladies the Norfolk Division side reaching 4 successive County Cup Finals with back to back success in 2016 & 2017. Strong all season in the league runaway champions Thorpe were suffering from injuries their squad stretched by the time they welcomed King’s Lynn to the Thorpe Recreation Ground. King’s Lynn taking the lead couldn’t find a 2nd goal, Thorpe coming back late on to level the scores send the game into extra-time. Tiffany Forshaw with King’s Lynn’s goal in normal timing on target for two more to complete her hat-trick in extra-time. Thorpe getting it back to 3-2 setting up a nervy finish but King’s Lynn held on to reach their first ever final.
No less dramatic in the other semi-final a repeat of last season’s final with Wymondham away to Acle United Women. The pair drawing at 2-2 after 90 minutes the game going into extra-time both added a further goal to see them locked at 3-3. The game heading into a penalty shootout. Wymondham holding their nerve to edge Acle out 5-4 to reach a 3rd successive final.
The Norfolk Women’s County Cup sponsored by MacDonald’s this season as part of their promotion giving out free child’s tickets. The venue Carrow Road, and I can safely say if there was one ground above all others I wanted to cover a women’s football match at it was the home of Norwich City FC, Norfolk born and bred so naturally I’m a canary supporter. Ambition fulfilled, the Geoffrey Watling Stand open for the match, the playing surface looking great the sun out a little chilly in the shade a good atmosphere a decent crowd building.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Bryony Robinson, Chloe Burch, Annie Rooks, Shanice Burch, Charlotte Griffith, Beck Russell (C), Natalie Wright, Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse, Oksana Imanalijeva, Deva Rawlings & Tiffany Forshaw. Subs – Chloe Witt, Georgia Freeman, Olivia Baker, Lisa Wilson & Emma Corbyn.
Wymondham Town Ladies starting XI – Ashleigh O’Callaghan, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Chardonnay Johnston, Jorja Patterson, Rachel Cossey (C) Rebecca Russell, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Nicholls & Hannah Waters. Subs- Bethany Fretwell, Nadine Basson, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Alice Ladbrooke & Summer Ward.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
A change of ends at the start the sun a problem for goalkeepers standing at the Barclay End setting behind the stadium. King’s Lynn to kick-off this season’s County Cup Final wearing blue shirts with yellow shorts and socks, Wymondham in their away colours purple shirts and socks with black shorts. Mollie O’Callaghan straight in to tackle and win the ball for Wymondham in the centre playing it on through the middle looking for striker Hannah Waters, Shanice Burch cutting it out inside the D for King’s Lynn.
King’s Lynn get forwards Oksana Imanalijeva with the run stopped by Chardonnay Johnston the ball won back high up the pitch by Shanice Burch Wymondham defend once more and this time break Waters making a run into the right channel fed the ball into her run takes it on towards the top of the area pulling the trigger outside the box the strike racing low across the box out past the far post for a goal kick.
Pressure high on the left from Wymondham brings a throw in the ball played inside finding Rebecca Russell in the area her touch taking her in behind closing in on the six yard box looks to play a shot across the goalkeeper, Bryony Robinson closing the angle the keeper does well getting down to save take the sting out of the shot her defence getting back to clear the ball as in rolls away. Wymondham vice captain Leah Newcombe getting forwards hurt in a challenge needing treatment before she can continue.
Robinson called into action again in the early stages of the game as Waters is put in clear on the left, the King’s Lynn goalkeeper haring out of her box needs to win the race lunging into the challenge traps the ball well with her legs on deny Waters. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse winning the ball high on the right for King’s Lynn pays the ball infield for Natalie Wright she plays the diagonal ball forwards to try and get Imanalijeva away, Chelsea Clarke closing her down regaining possession for Wymondham.
Natalie Wright playing the ball on for King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Imanalijeva lively for King’s Lynn in the opening exchanges wins the ball 20 yards out central support from Tiffany Forshaw to her left gives her the ball the striker taking it on down the wing sending a low cross into the area, evading Wymondham goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan at her near post Imanalijeva having made up the ground to get into the six yard box throws herself at it just evades her. Wymondham captain Rachel Cossey has picked up an injury a spell on lengthy treatment needed, King’s Lynn looking a threat going forwards Imanalijeva with a good burst of pace in her legs wins the race for the ball on the right checking inside to get into the area has a crack the ball racing wide across goal.
King’s Lynn’s attackers looking to get forwards
Shanice Burch doing well in defence for King’s Lynn stopping Rebecca Russell as she and Laura Nicholls look to combine in attack for Wymondham. A blow for Wymondham as Cossey cannot continue a ready made replacement on the bench a Alice Ladbrooke another combative midfielder comes on. Wymondham break with speed and purpose Nicholls carrying the ball down the right squaring a cross into the near post for Waters to attack, Annie Rooks closing her down with a fantastic challenge to clear the ball. Johnston in defence up the other end for Wymondham slinging in to take the ball away from Imanalijeva central as Hopkins-Duckhouse sends the pass in from the right. Play paused a cap of the baseball variety sent on for Robinson with the sun shining down.
GOAL! The opening goal coming inside 15 minutes, Wymondham with it on the counter a swift move seeing Nicholls surging forwards with the ball right of goal driving into the area squaring it across the face of goal inside the six yard box with Waters charging in central meeting it to turn the ball into the back of the net. Waters wheeling away in celebration scoring the opening goal at Carrow Road 0-1.
Hannah Waters with the opening goal at Carrow Road
King’s Lynn captain Becky Russell back playing again just a few months after giving birth to son Charlie receives the ball from Forshaw 25 yards out, time and space looks ready to shoot, Kayleigh Holloway getting back at her to nick the ball just in time. A bit physical King’s Lynn in particular giving free-kicks away. Wright does well breaking up an attack central as King’s Lynn commit players forwards the ball lifted back into the area won by Jorja Patterson. Johnston aggrieved as she is judged to have fouled Imanalijeva as the tries to get in behind her on the right the free-kick outside the box. Becky Russell to take the ball sent in towards the top of the box Forshaw coming for it getting her head on the ball her attempt dropping wide of the post.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Jorja Patterson
Clarke getting up the pitch on the left with a deft ball over the top for Waters to attack inside the area, Charlotte Griffith defending for King’s Lynn the ball out for a throw in. Imanalijeva with another burst of speed looks to get on down the right Johnston sliding in to stop her ends up taking out assistant referee Tracey Clayton instead, Imanalijeva racing on into the box shoots early the ball put wide across goal again. Shanice Burch is being kept on her toes by Waters as the striker is continually ready to break whenever Wymondham bring the ball on.
A further injury blow for Wymondham, Newcombe is down again and after a lengthy spell of treatment on the pitch is unable to continue walking off gingerly on in her place comes Summer Ward. Nicholls brings the ball on right is pushed out by Chloe Burch into the corner, somehow manages to squeeze a cross in, Griffiths back to intercept. Nicholls beats the offside trap turning the attack around bearing down on goal, Robinson is way off her line does very well however as Nicholls goes to shoot the goalkeeper throwing out a shin making the save. Waters getting a throw for Wymondham on the left put inside for O’Callaghan she shoots over from 20 yards out.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Mollie O’Callaghan
Wright bringing the ball on through the middle plays in on for Hopkins-Duckhouse, Ward cutting the pass out playing it back into the middle Becky Russell back to Hopkins-Duckhouse right she lifts a cross in high to the near post Forshaw arriving jumping up can’t get her head on the ball. King’s Lynn with some promising attacking moves Imanalijeva with pace to burn beating Johnston to the ball on the right cuts her cross back along the top of the area Deva Rawlings inside the D leaning back into the shot sends the ball over the crossbar.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Annie Rooks
A good spell from King’s Lynn Becky Russell with a diagonal ball from the left into the top of the area Hopkins-Duckhouse there so too Johnston the defender getting the better of the bounce to clear the ball. Rebecca Russell breaks on the right for Wymondham, Nicholls making the run down the line, Chloe Burch with a vital interception for King’s Lynn. Forshaw 25 yards out rolls the ball in Rawlings inside the area is crowded off the ball, Wright winning it back high up the pitch.
GOAL! Wymondham hit King’s Lynn on the break to double their lead Rebecca Russell getting hold of the ball sent on up top for Nicholls racing away clear through the middle, Robinson comes out of her area in an attempt to get there but this time Nicholls takes the ball around her to send her shot on into the empty net 0-2.
Laura Nicholls makes it 2-0 to Wymondham Town Ladies
King’s Lynn look for an immediate reply Imanalijeva racing forwards the ball rolled into her path takes it on into the area, Clarke doing well to get across her and marshal the ball into the arms of her keeper. 8 minutes of stoppage time to be played after the earlier injuries. Shanice Burch with a top draw tackle to slide in and stop Waters inside the D as she is put through on goal by Nicholls.
King’s Lynn keep coming forwards in search of a goal late in the 1st half Forshaw seeing a shot from the top of the area deflected behind for a corner. Wymondham with numbers back to defend. Johnston with more good defensive work inside the box to deny Imanalijeva as Rawlings lifts the ball on. Clarke hurt as she throws out a leg to block Forshaw’s shot as she brings the ball across the top of the area. Ladbrooke back into her box to tackle Wright as she gets into an advanced position for King’s Lynn.
Half-time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 0-2 Wymondham Town Ladies
A busy and fast flowing 1st half comes to an end with Wymondham Town Ladies holding the advantage going into the 2nd period leading the game 2-0. Taking an early lead through Waters the assist from Nicholls, the latter breaking late on to double the lead. Tempered with the injury blows to their captain and vice-captain. King’s Lynn have created opportunities look dangerous going forwards are by no means out of it yet.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain Becky Russell on the ball
Wymondham readying a 3rd substitution for the start of the 2nd half, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris the player coming on Holloway giving way, Wymondham to get the 2nd half underway. Start well winning a series of throws down King’s Lynn’s right. O’Callaghan on the ball central for Wymondham has Clarke racing on down the left wing playing in the full back she looks to be in the clear, Griffith getting back to steal the ball as she enters the area put it behind for the corner. In from the left Robinson up to punch it away for another corner kick. Taken short the cross in cleared straight to Ladbrooke 35 yards out she hits it back in the ball over the top.
King’s Lynn’s Tiffany Forshaw with Wymondham’s Summer Ward
Wymondham looking to press the attack at the start of the 2nd half, Ladbrooke tackling to prevent Forshaw taking the ball on throw the middle. Chloe Burch sliding in recklessly takes Nicholls out outside the area receives a yellow card. Wymondham to make a change before it is taken Holloway returning to the game in place of O’Callaghan. Johnston on the set-piece strikes the ball hard the two players wall doing it’s job albeit painfully.
Kayleigh Holloway bringing the ball on for Wymondham
Forshaw left has support inside from Wright, Ladbrooke closing the ball deflected into Rawlings she lifts it out to Hopkins-Duckhouse wide right her cross into the middle of the area claimed by O’Callaghan. A record attendance for a Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final this afternoon 776 enjoying themselves. King’s Lynn make their first change of the game Rawlings coming off, Chloe Witt joining the action. Wymondham doing a better job of restricting Imanalijeva’s influence 2nd half.
Witt on the ball outside the area left of the D on to Imanalijeva to her right she plays it further wide to Hopkins-Duckhouse her high ball in looping over O’Callaghan strikes the base of the post out into the six yard box just evading Witt racing in. Becky Russell getting about the pitch winning the ball back for King’s Lynn trying to get thing’s going in the final 3rd. Hopkins-Duckhouse blasting a shot wide from 25 yards out as the ball is deflected into her path as King’s Lynn attack. Chloe Burch sliding in cleanly this time concedes the corner as Nicholls tries to run in behind on the right.
GOAL! Wymondham extend their lead midway through the 2nd half from the corner the ball played in headed out of the box lands straight at Ward’s feet 20 yards out she takes a touch to set herself then rifles a shot back in a quality finish to put Wymondham into a 3 goal lead 0-3.
A chance to make it 4 soon after Wymondham hitting on the counter Nicholls in clear right side Robinson racing out to meet her the attacker getting a shot under her the ball rolling on towards the empty net Griffith getting back to stop it and clear up field. Becky Russel lifting a shot wide from 25 yards out played in by Imanalijeva central. A 2nd change for King’s Lynn Wright coming off on comes Emma Corbyn. Hopkins-Duckhouse nips in to rob the Wymondham midfield of the ball plays it on or Becky Russell left of the D leaning into the shot curls it over the bar. King’s Lynn keep on looking for a goal, Wymondham soaking up the pressure well.
Becky Russell tacking back to stop Hannah Waters
Ladbrooke pushing the ball on into Nicholls top of the area won’t sit for her to shoot, Shanice Burch getting close in to win it back. A great ass forwards by Becky Russell into Corbyn up top her first touch excellent taking the ball wide of the defender marking her the shot tame in comparison an easy save for O’Callaghan. Holloway doing some great work in the centre of midfield for Wymondham along side Ladbrooke. Waters central with a turn and shot outside the area drags the ball wide. Waters attacking again Robinson out to close her down blocks the ball loose to her left Waters with it sends a shot in the King’s Lynn defence back to clear off the line. The game entering the final 10 minutes.
GOAL! With King’s Lynn looking to get players forwards in attack late on gaps are opening at the back Waters ready to exploit getting hold of the ball left bringing it on Robinson out to close her down Waters composed her touch taking the ball past her and plays the ball on into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game 0-4.
King’s Lynn make a 3rd change Griffith coming off, Georgia Freeman the player on. Waters over on the left support inside from Nicholls the ball put into her feet her shot outside the box blacked by Shanice Burch.
GOAL! King’s Lynn celebrate a cup final goal of themselves late in the game the ball on the right played into the top of the area by Witt, Corbyn seeing an effort blocked near side drops away to the right as Forshaw gets to it her goalwards blast charged down the ball spinning into Corbyn she has no one in front of her as she gets over the shot to smash it into the back of the net 1-4.
A double switch for King’s Lynn, Olivia Baker on for Hopkins-Duckhouse soon followed by Lisa Wilson on for Chloe Burch. Johnston flattens Imanalijeva as the game moves into stoppage time a free-kick wide played into the area cleared Forshaw gathers no shot on plays it inside to Becky Russell, Patterson racing out to charge her down. That’s it the final whistle blows and Wymondham celebrate having successfully retained the County Cup and in doing so the first side to win it at Carrow Road.
Full time King’s Lynn Town Ladies 1-4 Wymondham Town Ladies
An entertaining final played in front of a great crowd enjoyed the occasion two good sides, Wymondham with the early goal, King’s Lynn creating plenty of opportunities hit on the break to go 2-0 down at the break. King’s Lynn needed the next goal you felt, it didn’t come Wymondham adjusting well with their substitutes performing well got that all important 3rd goal and a 4th late on secured the trophy. King’s Lynn getting a late goal themselves. A fantastic occasion which I’m sure will live long in the memory.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Oksana Imanalijeva and Becky Russell with great performances for King’s Lynn. Chardonnay Johnston and Jorja Patterson strong for Wymondham, Laura Nicholls a threat in attack she is just edged out by her strike partner today Hannah Waters a real handful in attack getting forwards at every opportunity and ready for the ball whenever her teammates looked up opening and finishing the scoring.
Congratulations to Wymondham Town Ladies upon retaining the Norfolk Women’s County Cup.
Wymondham Town Ladies, 2018/19 McDonalds Norfolk Women’s County Cup winners
Wanted one thing from today an that was for the winner to be the game itself regardless of the winner a great advert for the women’s game showcasing it at Carrow Road. Think we got that an entertaining game both sides playing their part a memorable occasion fingers crossed we will see more finals played there… and maybe the East Anglian derby afterall the women’s sides are still in the same league. My thanks to Norfolk FA for giving me the opportunity to cover a game at Carrow Road it certainly gave me alot to write about.
A return trip to Clipbush Park this Thursday evening for another slice of action from Norfolk Women’s Division Two, Fakenham Town Lades once again the hosts taking on Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies.
Still plenty of games left to play in Norfolk Women’s Division Two, Fakenham with 4 left, Bure Valley Wildcats with 5, although some of these may see the points awarded. Fakenham taking on league leaders Taverham Women United 11 days ago, under the cosh for much of the game Taverham leading 1-0 didn’t take their chances with Fakenham’s bare 11 battling hard breaking late on to win a last gasp penalty and level the scores. Taverham however getting the points they needed to clinch the title this Sunday.
Fakenham’s hopes of clinching runners-up spot taking a huge blow this Sunday away to Tavern Ladies, A poor performance seeing Fakenham lose 5-1, Tavern the form side in the league moving above them into 2nd spot. Fakenham with a game in hand played this evening looking to move back level on points, Tavern with a superior goal difference however now in pole position.
This evenings game technically Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies home game but without floodlights at their Coltishall base forfeited home advantage to get the game played with Fakenham one of the few sides in the league to possess a pitch with floodlights. Bure Valley Wildcats are into their 2nd season playing women’s football stepping up from the youth league was a tough start to that season a steep learning curve but they adapted well and towards the end of the season they were in promotion winning form. A good start to the season scoring goals new signing Kiera Brown making a difference, since then Charlie Cooper has took over as top scorer with 25 goals from 15 appearances. A larger league this season with a host of new sides Bure Valley are comfortable in mid-table looking well placed to secure a top 6 finish.
Clipbush Park the venue this evening a flurry of activity on arrival, the circus in town the big top set up on the field leading into the ground, youth matches and coaching taking place on the practice pitches beyond. Fakenham Town Ladies play on the main pitch, the bar open, food and hot drinks available too. The pitch large in good shape for the time of year could do with a little moisture but the rain forecast today didn’t arrive. A dry evening the sun setting low to one side of the ground, behind the stand thankfully making viewing the game less of a strain.
Russell’s Circus Big Top will be a familiar sight across the county in the coming weeks
Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Easter, Katrina Townsend, Ellie Websdale, Jemma Riches, Maddie Smith, Sian Sands (C), Jennifer Codman, Amber Guyatt, Fran Dankskanen, Tara Betts & Megan Spurrell. Subs – Tash Patten & Kayleigh Robb.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Chloe Yarham, Abbie Cushion, Molly Ferguson Willow Locke, Imogen Shearing, Carrie Last, Lalaine Davey, Hannah Burton, Becky Wood & Charlie Cooper (C)
(roll on roll off substitutes)
Better numbers for Fakenham this time around with two substitutes available, Bure Valley the side this time only able to field the bare 11 have the kick-off wearing navy shirts with red and white trim on the sleeves, navy shorts and red socks. Fakenham wearing their amber shirts with black shorts and socks. Bure Valley look to play the ball on through the middle Hannah Burton on for Cooper captaining the side in attack, Maddie Smith winning it at the back fr Fakenham.
GOAL! A fantastic start to the game for Fakenham as they open the scoring from their first attack, Fran Dankskanen played on down the right winning her side a corner. The delivery put in from the right dropping down at the near post bodies around the ball deflected on into the back of the net Jennifer Codman with the final touch putting the hosts into the lead 1-0.
Build up to the opening goal
Bure Valley build on the left wing Abbie Cushion on for Carrie Last the ball carried into the corner, Ellie Websdale preventing a cross from coming in for Fakenham. From the resulting throw in the ball is played back up the line before a cross is lifted in towards the near post the ball cut out by the Fakenham defence. Attacking the ball played out t captain Sian Sands moving into space on the left she looks to combine with Tara Betts in attack the final ball into the area having too much weight on it running out for a goal kick.
Willow Locke at centre back for Bure Valley heading a cross put in from the left wing out of her area. Fakenham quick to regain possession the ball played diagonally out to Dankskanen peeling in behind right, Chloe Yarham in to tackle concede the corner. The delivery into the near post again Bure Valley scramble it clear. Fakenham counter the ball through the middle played on to see Megan Spurrell in behind right taking the ball on into the area, shoots her strike rising over the crossbar. Cooper getting the ball down central drives on through the middle, stopped by Smith outside the area, the ball out for a throw on the left Bure Valley play well getting a good cross into the area, Becky Wood making the run the ball however safe in the hands of goalkeeper Chloe Easter.
Amber Guyatt with a fantastic pass through the middle releases both Sands and Dankskanen in behind on the right, Bure Valley goalkeeper Danielle Barnes reading it well out of her area quickly to win the race and clear the ball. Guyatt with another quality through ball 25 yards out that almost sees Sands played in central as she peels in behind the move not quite coming off Barnes able to claim. An injury blow for Fakenham as full back Katrina Townsend goes down after played the ball clutching her calf. In pain is helped of the pitch after treatment can’t continue on comes Kayleigh Robb.
Fakenham looking better organised the back four keeping a good shape Jemma Riches clearing the ball Codman on for Guyatt plays another ball forwards, Molly Ferguson stepping up to intercept for Bure Valley. Tash Patten also on for Fakenham in place of Tara Betts. A slip at the back from the Fakenham defence sees Cooper getting hold of the ball 30 yards out and making a driving run towards goal unleashing a shot from outside the area the ball pulls wide of the right post. Sands left with the ball sends it on for Spurrell into the area forced away from target marshalled well by Ferguson a throw won high on the left.
GOAL! Fakenham keep the ball in the final third Sands top of the area central back to goal holding the ball up looks to tee it up for Spurrell, Lalaine Davey getting back from midfield to put in the tackle the ball pops out to the Patten 20 yards out right of the D, with no back lift strikes the ball well lifting it in towards goal past Barnes before she can react to double Fakenham’s lead 2-0.
Bure Valley look for an immediate response the ball played between Last and Burton sent forwards into Cooper left of the D , strikes the ball towards goal her low effort racing wide across the six yard box. Burton and Cooper link up in attack through the middle for Bure Valley the ball into the striker she is closely marked by Riches. Codman plays the ball forwards with Spurrell looking to get hold of it top of the area central, Ferguson doing really well under pressure to control the ball and get it away for Bure Valley. Sands winning the ball more often than not as Bure Valley attempt to play it out from the back to put Fakenham back on the front foot.
Fakenham captain Sian Sands winning the ball
An injury blow for Bure Valley sees them having to continue with just 10 players, Yarham the player down having defended a corner, in alot of discomfort can’t put any weight on her leg needs to he helped off. Fakenham press the attack Dankskanen right combining with Patten and Spurrell, the ball laid back to Sands, Cushion getting the tackle in as Bure Valley scramble it away. Fakenham on top seeing more of the ball as the floodlights start to take effect. Sands central 25 out rolls the ball on into Spurrell top of the area, sees Dankskanen free to her right looks to tee her up Ferguson sticking out a leg nicks it for Bure Valley the ball collected by Codman 35 yards out has a go the shot wide of the goal.
Fakenham Town Ladies, Jennifer Codman
Sands with time to shoot 20 yards out central her effort over taking a nick off a defender on the way through a corner given. Sands to take from the left put back to her by Codman running in near side the second delivery high towards the far post the Bure valley defend heading the ball over for another corner. This delivery in central headed clear falling straight to Guyatt her strike from 25 yards out straight at Barnes the keeper claiming the ball. Woods charging the ball down on the right as it is sent on, deflected in behind into the area, Woods after it, Easter out smartly getting her gloves around it first.
Barnes down to smother the ball to the left of her goal as Patten shoots from 20 yards out a curling ball in. Fakenham pressing late on Dankskanen picking up a knock. Sands nodding the ball on central gets into the area moving left looking to shoot, Ferguson back well in throw herself into make the block.
Half-time Fakenham Town Ladies 2-0 Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies
Fakenham leading 2-0 taking an early lead in the game in control throughout, organised with some good build up play Sands, Guyatt and Codman with some great balls on. The lead doubled through Patten, Bure Valley with the bare 11 hit but an unfortunate injury to Yarham down to 10 now players out of position have been on the back foot a testing 2nd half looms. A change for Fakenham at the start of the 2nd half Betts back on for Dankskanen. The hosts with the kick-off. Patten providing an early run through the middle the ball put on from the left, Ferguson intercepting for Bure Valley at the back.
The ball back and forth a spot of head tennis in the middle it bounces away in behind with both Betts and Spurrell after it the latter with a shot form the top of the area dragged wide across the face of goal. Cooper doing her best in attack to get the ball on but with little support Fakenham soon outnumber her to regain possession. Betts in to steal the ball on the left high a shot fired in near post Barnes down smartly to save.
Numbers forwards for Fakenham using their player advantage well, Betts coming inside Guyatt getting forwards centrally the pass into her feet out for Spurrell right tries the return ball for Guyatt, Locke closing her down, Guyatt laying it back to Codman position 25 yards out takes on the shot the ball over the bar. Smith with a shot from all of 40 yards out, high into the area, not enough though to trouble Barnes who can safely catch. All Fakenham, Bure Valley absorbing alot of pressure, Imogen Shearing with the sliding tackle getting back to take the ball of Betts as she comes inside the full back.
Robb with a great ball in from left back to Guyatt central breaking into the area, goes to strike the ball the shot wide of the left post. Riches heading the ball on for Sands in midfield combining with Codman, Guyatt bursting forwards the through ball attempted, Ferguson in again with a determined challenge to win the ball.
GOAL! On the hour Fakenham further extend their lead great possession and build up play on the left inside the final third the pass into the box seeing Guyatt baring down on goal, poking the ball on she sends the ball wide across the stranded keeper and into the bottom corner to score 3-0.
Last carries the ball out from the back left for Bure Valley has support inside from Burton into the Fakenham half Cooper looking to make a run in behind, Smith holds her ground for Fakenham winning the header to give possession back to the hosts. A free-kick awarded to Fakenham top of the area 20 yards out Guyatt to play it her strike sent over. Davey plays the ball on for Cooper in attack in behind but too much ground to cover as Easter who has virtually been a spectator 2nd half gets to the ball first.
Fakenham’s Sands winning the ball from a goalkick strikes the ball back towards goal from 25 yards out, the attempt dropping wide of the post. A corner on the right for Fakenham Sands to take the delivery fired in low across goal met by Smith at the back post getting her foot over the ball smashes a shot back wide across the six yard box. Websdale coming off for Fakenham, Townsend recovering from her first half injury back on. A tough game for Bure Valley are working hard continue to be on the back foot, Locke and Ferguson battling well in the centre of defence.
Betts is in on goal as the ball in from the left inside the six yards box is missed by Barnes, hesitates before shooting however giving the keeper the opportunity to scramble to grab the ball at her feet. Fakenham forwards on the left a corner awarded put in towards the near post Barnes doing well getting a glove on the ball to take it off Betts as she goes to head it. Cleared only to the edge of the box a shot is lifted back in lands on the roof of the net. Codman with a strike on the half volley 30 yards out caught by the keeper.
25 goals so far this season for Bure Valley Wildcats, Charlie Cooper
Last, Burton and Wood getting forwards when they can to try and support Cooper in attack but often two, Fakenham can soon get back to outnumber them. A further blow for Bure Valley as anther injury blow sees them forced to play on with 9. Davey I think helped off but Bure Valley have red numbers against a navy background tricky to read under the lights, especially on Fakenham’s wide pitch. More adjustment players well and truly out of position now but they regroup for the final 15 minutes.
Barnes plucking the ball down well as it is fired in high from the right. A free kick for Fakenham right Codman running onto the ball at the far post, Barnes down well keeps it out. Dankskanen back on for Fakenham with the ball on the left holds it up support from Townsend, her cross into the six yards box, Betts can’t reach it out for a goal kick. Robb on the ball at right back players bombing forwards into the area her ball played in bouncing safely gathered by Barnes.
Fakenham push late on Bure Valley have done well in defence restricting them to one goal 2nd half, Spurrell top of the box laying in inside to Patten inside the D, Sands on behind her 20 out gives her the ball a tremendous save from Barnes tipping her strike over the bar. Fakenham with a corner in towards the near post Bure Valley defending.
Full time Fakenham Town Ladies 3-0 Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies
Back to winning ways for Fakenham Town Ladies, the perfect response to last weekends disappointing result. On top right from the start an early goal. Both sides having to deal with injuries, Fakenham having the substitutes available, whereas Bure Valley didn’t. 2-0 down then going down to 10 players meaning they were always up against it from then on. A creditable performance however as Fakenham pushed for further goals with some great build up play and forward passes. Bure Valley backs to the wall limiting Fakenham to just one more goal in the 2nd half, Ferguson and Locke in central defence with Barnes making some vital stops in goal. A long hard season in Division Two most sides feeling the strain towards the end, games still to be played yet.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Mentioned the Bure Valley central defence a great effort under pressure for much of the game. For Fakenham the link up play in the middle was excellent Sian Sands winning alot of ball bringing others into the game, Jennifer Codman notable too with some fine balls forward plus the early goal. The award this evening going to Amber Guyatt played some fantastic through balls from midfield and made several runs to support the attack scoring Fakenham’s 3rd goal.
My thanks to both sides for the team details tonight always appreciated, good to see both sides, has been a while since I’ve watched Bure Valley good to see them in action again despite it being a tough game for them credit to the 11 and wishing both their injured players a speedy recovery.
Another condensed version of The Round-Up for the county leagues this week with just 11 games played across all the leagues covered by Women’s Football East this Easter Sunday.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
Starting in Norfolk, just two fixtures left to play with one on those taking place this weekend seeing Sprowston Athletic Ladies at home to Beccles Town Ladies, both sides promoted to Division One this season, will meet again in a fortnight in the League Plate final. Mixed fortunes with Beccles hit by injuries all season finishing bottom, Sprowston Athletic ending on a high results picking up towards the latter half of the season overhaul Bungay Town Ladies to secure a top half finish ending up in 4th place courtesy of a 5-0 win, K Welsh scoring a brace in the game with goals too for Keri Boorman, Melissa Belsey and Olivia Leggett in a 5-0 win.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
In Norfolk Women’s Division Two, Taverham Women United are the Champions getting the point they needed to seal the title away to Hockering Ladies in their final game of the season this Easter Sunday. A fantastic achievement for the club playing their first ever season of women’s football have led the way for much of the season a long winning run, just the one defeat late on to dent the record. All under 18 bar one have kept getting the results despite some strong sides their to challenge. Hockering Ladies sadly short on players as they have been for most of the season battling on a creditable effort form everyone. 9 players against Taverham the visitors a handful at the best of times got into a 5-0 lead comfortable the title secured opted to drop down to 9 themselves to match Hockering a noble gesture didn’t stoop the goals as they added a further 5 to win the game 10-0. Three players netting a brace, Hannah Artis, Maya Lawlor and Tiegan Robinson with Jasmin Snelling, Lucy Staff, Summer Rogers and Abbie Walker all getting a goal each. Staff and Snelling with their first goals of the season.
Taverham Women United, Division Two Champions
Congratulations to Taverham Women United on winning the Norfolk Women’s Division Two title.
The only side to defeat Taverham in the league this season were Tavern Ladies. Coming on strong towards the end of the season themselves victory at home to Fakenham Town Ladies on Sunday seeing them move into 2nd position and pole position for clinching the runners-up spot. A 4-0 defeat to Fakenham on the opening day of the season Tavern have been behind the top three in part due to a run in the league cup that has seen them reach their first ever final. Tavern’s winning streak now reaching 10 wins in all competitions scoring plenty of goals along the way too. Fakenham needing the points themselves to put them into 2nd it was Tavern holding the advantage at half-time leading the game 2-0 the hosts went on to win the game 5-1. Atlanta Griffith scoring a brace to move onto 23 goals for the season, Katie Hart-Copsey adding another goal to her staggering 51 goal tally. Nicole Costin also getting a goal for Tavern to take her into double figures for the season an own goal too.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
One game in Cambridgeshire at the weekend from the Championship North, leaders Ketton Ladies at home to bottom side Pinchbeck United Ladies. Ketton extending their 100% winning record to 12 games to go 6 points clear at the top courtesy of a 2-0 win with the usual suspects on target for a goal each, Fran Kavanagh scoring her 45th goal of the season With Claire Lawrenson finding the back of the net for her 26th of the campaign.
Essex Women’s Premier Division
Essex saw the most league action at the weekend with five matches played. Sadly however there is some sad news to report from the league with Brentwood Town Ladies withdrawing from the Premier Division late in the campaign, no doubt a tough call to make, bottom of the league knew they were going to find it a challenge having been promoted despite a 4th placed finish last season, 11 losses have struggled to find a team on several weekends, with less than 75% of their fixtures played their results are expunged meaning adjustment to the table and some sides losing up to 6 points previously gained. Wishing everyone involved with Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves side all the best for the future.
Three games played in the Premier Division on Easter Sunday. Leigh Ramblers Ladies returning to the top of the table winning away from home against Silver End United Ladies who were playing their last game of the season. Amy Jacobs scoring a brace has 16 goals now for Leigh Ramblers from 9 appearances. Emily Diwell also on the scoresheet with Leigh Ramblers running out 3-0 winners. Leigh Ramblers a point clear of 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies with a game in hand.
Collier Row Tigers are now 3rd in the adjusted Premier Division table and with games home and away against Leigh Ramblers to come could yet have a say in the title race with 4 games left to play. Won the 3 points at home this Easter Sunday against Southend United Ladies. Top scorer Laura Bunton hitting a brace moving onto 33 goals for the season with Emma Harrison and Natalie Oxby also getting a goal apiece in a 4-1 win, Emily Pert scoring for Southend.
A point behind Collier Row Tigers in 4th spot Harlow Town Ladies Development also have 4 league games left. Were big winners away from home on Sunday taking on Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Leading 2-0 at half-time Harlow ran riot in the 2nd half to score a further 7 goals to win the game 9-1. Hannah Smith, top scorer on target for another hat-trick has 29 goals for the season now. Ellie Nicholls with a brace has 18 for the season. Also on target for a brace was Hariot Douglas her first goals for Harlow in just her 2nd appearance. Maisy Wyer and Poppy Binding with a goal each also scoring.
Essex Women’s Division One
Home wins awarded for earlier games called of now taking effect, Billericay Town Ladies return to the top of Essex Women’s Division One, ahead of Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies on goal difference. Nothing Dagenham & Redbridge can do having completed their fixtures but they are now sandwiched between the title contenders, with Rayleigh Town Ladies moving up to 3rd awarded points and winning at home this Easter Sunday against Runwell Sports Ladies who were playing their final game of the season. 51 goals for the season too for Isabelle Wallings scoring at the weekend with Sophie Rhodes making it 2 from 2 appearances for Rayleigh as they won the game 2-1. Danielle Dorrington scoring for Runwell who finish with 10 victories and 10 losses but just 27 points with a 3 point deduction.
The title battle between Billericay Town Ladies Reserves and Rayleigh Town Ladies, One game left for Billericay away to Rayleigh this coming Sunday 3 points the gap, Billericay win it they will be champions, draw and they will almost certainly be there with a far superior goal difference. A win for Rayleigh however and we have a 3 way tie at the top on 48 points. A point then for Rayleigh in their final game of the season away to Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves will see them clinch the title… a huge game on Sunday.
One other game played in Essex Women’s Division One this Easter Sunday with Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves beating Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves 3-1 away from home to climb up to 7th in their final game of the season, ending on a high thanks to a brace from Kelsey Honeywood and a goal for Millie Richards.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
Two games played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One this weekend both featuring Garston Ladies as the 1st team and 2nd XI met in a double header to get their games in towards the end of the season. 6 points up for grabs. Garston’s 2nd XI bottom of the table for much of the campaign finishing strong with 4 wins coming in their last 5 league matches. Charley Kesley with a brace along with a goal for Holly Jury her 10th of the season seeing them win one match 3-0. In the other game Kelsey was also on target for another goal to take her tally to 12 for the campaign. Top scorer Ruby Jager scoring a brace too has 15 for the season a closer game this time around with Garston’s 2nd XI edging it 3-2 the 6 points seeing them climb up to 6th in the table with 3 games left to play.
Newmarket Town Ladies were hosting Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies this Easter Sunday as they met in the semi-finals of the ERWFL League Plate a week after meeting in the league itself. Annabel Cuthbert scoring a hat-trick to win the game 3-2 for 10 player Newmarket the wining goal scored with just 20 seconds left to play. At Newmarket meeting in the cup, Histon Ladies awaiting the winner. Newmarket making a positive start to the game few chances from open play for both sides Newmarket shooting wide across goal looking a threat from set-pieces Jess Linger good from dead ball situations coming close with one strike from distance putting Newmarket into the lead late in the first half a shot from 35 yards out getting the faintest of touches from keeper not enough as it smashed against the crossbar and over the line.
Newmarket 1-0 up at half-time dealt well with Hoddesdon in the 2nd half a hot day, the score remained 1-0 for much of the 2nd half Newmarket looking comfortable but Hoddesdon were never out of it Kristina O’Connell running clear into the area pulling a shot wide across goal. 5 minutes left and Newmarket found a 2nd goal, a fantastic assist from Jodie Woodfield (so I’ve been corrected) putting striker Annabel Cuthbert through one on one with the keeper to shoot past her and score. Newmarket into the League Plate Final on Sunday 12th May winning 2-0.
Jodie Woodfield with the assist to see Newmarket win the game 2-0
ERWFL Premier Division
Two games played this Easter Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division, a trip down south for 3rd placed Wymondham Town Ladies to take on 3rd from bottom Haringey Borough Women. The visitors taking the lead late in the 1st half with strikers Hannah Waters and Laura Nicholls combining for the latter to score. 40 goals now this season for Laura Nicholls. 1-0 up at half-time Haringey got straight back on level terms in the 2nd half making it 1-1 in the 48th minute. Waters restoring Wymondham’s lead midway through the 2nd half scoring to make her 2-1 with her 24th goal of the season. Again Haringey came back to level within 5 minutes of going behind. 10 minutes left on the clock Wymondham with a free-kick just outside the centre circle, Chardonnay Johnston with a screamer finding the top corner to put Wymondham 3-2 ahead and this time they didn’t let it slip to win the game.
Wymondham Town Ladies, Chardonnay Johnston
A week after knocking them out of the League Cup to reach the final of the competition Bedford Ladies returned to the Branch Bros Stadium to take on Peterborough Northern Star Ladies in the Premier Division. Bedford coming out on top in a close game a week ago winning 2-1. There wasn’t much in it again with just a single goal enough to see all 3 points secured, this time however the result going Peterborough Northern Star’s way the 5th placed side scoring through Jessica Driscoll.
ERWFL Division One
4 league matches played in ERWFL Division One this bank holiday weekend with a clash between the top two seeing St Ives Town Ladies now needing just a point to win the title in their debut season in the league. Unbeaten at the top of the table St Ives were hosting 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies this Easter Sunday. The Essex side knowing they needed to win if they wanted to keep alive their own title ambititions, no easy task against a side unbeaten in the league and long before joining the ERWFL. Bowers & Pitsea starting well St Ives keeping them out however the sides heading in level at the break. The deadlock broken just past the hour with St Ives awarded a penalty Katie Stancombe fouled inside the box, Hannah Seymour-Shove scoring from the spot to make it 1-0. The lead doubled just 3 minutes later Ruth Fox powering a header home from a corner, St Ives weathering a late storm to win the game, next up Newmarket Town Ladies, the last side to beat them in the league back in 2017.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies are up to 5th spot in ERWFL Division One after mounting a 2nd half comeback in Essex to over turn a 2-0 half-time deficit. Hutton Ladies in 6th the hosts this Easter Sunday scoring twice in the 1st half. King’s Lynn Town Ladies meeting Wymondham Town Ladies in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final this coming Sunday at Carrow Road matching their score coming back in the 2nd period to score 3 goals and win the match to extend their winning streak to 3 matches. Tiffany Forshaw, Becky Russell and Emma Corbyn with the goals.
Histon Ladies were hosting Lawford Ladies at the Glassworld Stadium this Easter Sunday. Jade Heath scoring her first goal of the season putting Lawford into the lead. Histon awarded a penalty kick on the half hour Sophie Lanham tucking it away to level the score. Lawford getting back into the lead 5 minutes later with Heath on target for a 2nd goal to put the visitors 2-1 up at half-time. Histon getting it back to 2-2 on the hour with Kirstie Smith playing the ball in from wide sending a shot over the keeper to score. Both sides taking a point from the game.
Hertford Town Ladies got back to winning ways in Division One coming home with the 3 points travelling away to Hatfield Peverel Ladies this Easter Sunday. Despite Jasmine Cox scoring twice for Hatfield Peverel they conceded twice as many at the other end to see Hertford Town win the game 4-2.
Glorious weather for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Easter Sunday itself seeing a reduced fixture schedule across the region with just 23 games played across the leagues covered by Women’s Football East.
FAWNL Southern Premier Division
The weeks edition of the FAWNL begins with Cardiff City Ladies looking to return to 2nd spot in the Southern Premier Division at home to 5th placed Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Cerys Jones firing in a shot from distance setting Cardiff on the way putting them into the lead in the 12th minute. Kylie Nolan running into the box and sending a shot across the keeper doubling the lead on the half hour to see Cardiff leading 2-0 at half-time. An hour on the clock and Cardiff further extended their lead a high shot sent in from the left pulled down, Cori Williams closing in on the keeper challenging for the ball forcing it over the line to make it 3-0. Plymouth responding quickly to going 3-0 down pulling a goal back through Leah Burridge straight away. Natasha Knapman scoring another for the visitors to make it 3-2 and set up a nervous final 15 minutes Cardiff though holding onto their lead to claim the 3 points and return to 2nd in the league.
Defeat for Plymouth good news for 6th placed Watford Ladies as win away from home on Easter Sunday to move back to within a point with both with two to play including facing each other at Watford on the final day. This Sunday Warford were away to Gillingham Ladies. 0-0 between the sides at half-time a single goal enough to secure the 3 points for Watford coming midway through the 2nd half Adekite Fatuga-Dada putting in the cross for Katie O’Leary to nod it at the far post to score her 7th of the season.
FAWNL South East Division One
Three games played in FAWNL South East Division One this weekend. Billericay Town Ladies 2nd in the league fresh from winning the Essex Women’s County Cup for the first time on Thursday evening beating holders C&K Basildon Ladies 4-0 were on the road on Sunday taking on bottom side Luton Town Ladies. It was the hosts however who opened the scoring with Remi Bains putting Luton 1 up from a corner kick. Billericay coming back to level the scores went on to take the lead headed into the break 3-1 up. A fourth goal coming 2nd half, Luton pulling it back to 4-2 with a worldie from Kimberly Newns her 1st goal for Luton. Billericay winning the game 4-2 putting them 12 points clear of the chasing pack, Sam Pittuck, Karissa Rodney, Karen Stephanou and Zoe Rushen with the goals.
Incredibly tight in the middle of the FAWNL South East Division One table as it has been all season. 3rd to 7th separated by just 4 points with most sides having 2 games left to play. AFC Wimbledon Ladies were playing their penultimate game of the season this Sunday their final home game too played at AFC Wimbledon’s Kingsmeadow Stadium. The visitors Enfield Town Ladies in 5th, Wimbledon in 7th 3 points behind at kick-off. Sian Wylie putting Wimbledon into a 5th minute lead with a strike from outside the box. Enfield coming back to level the scores on 17 minutes through Molly Peters capitalising on a defensive mix up. Peters striking again for her 2nd of the game with 35 minutes gone to see Enfield leading 2-1 at half-time. That the score until late into the game Wimbledon pushing for an equaliser getting it in the 82nd minute Rebecca Sargent heading in from a corner to make it 2-2. Late heartbreak for Enfield, joy for Wimbledon as they pushed players on into stoppage time up popped Rosie Russell to score the winner for Wimbledon her 1st senior goal lifting a shot over the keeper to win the game 3-2. Up to 6th level on points with Enfield.
Sian Wylie with the opener for AFC Wimbledon Ladies
A trip to Suffolk for league champions, Crawley Wasps Ladies this Easter Sunday. Ipswich providing a guard of honour before kick-off. Ipswich opening the scoring Zoe Cossey played in by Amy Nash to take the ball past the keeper and score with 16 minutes gone. Ipswich doing well keeping Crawley out at the other end to lead 1-0 at half-time. Crawley finding an equaliser on 64 minutes as Faye Rabson was played through to score. The visitors reduced to 10 soon after with Darcey James shown a 2nd yellow card. Despite that it was Crawley who found the wining goal late in the game with 2nd half substitute Suzy Davies finding the back of the net in the 88th minute to win the game.
Semi-final action this Easter Sunday on Women’s Football East from the ERWFL League Plate, Newmarket Town Ladies v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies vying for a place in the final itself on Sunday 12th May.
Histon Ladies already through to the ERWFL League Plate final with an extra-time win away to Stevenage Ladies Reserves last weekend. Newmarket and Hoddesdon meeting in the cup just 7 days after playing each other in the league itself. Away to Hoddesdon in Division One the Hertfordshire side 2-1 with Newmarket reduced to 10 with 25 minutes to play having goalkeeper Dominika Szary sent off nevertheless mounted a comeback late on to level the scores and win in with just 20 seconds left on the clock, 3-2 with 16-year-old Annabel Cuthbert on target for all 3 goals! 2-2 when they met at Newmarket earlier in the season, a tough semi-final to call this afternoon.
Newmarket are one of 5 newcomers to the regional league this season making the step up from the county league football, encouraged by an FA Cup run the season before that saw them beat two ERWFL Division One sides and take a 3rd to extra-time. Player departures over the close season left a bit of trepidation as they began at a higher level, had a large squad however and good recruitment has seen them flourish 3rd in the table in what has proved to be a competitve tussle in the top half in a great position to secure a top 4 finish, along with a cup semi-final.
Hoddesdon are currently fifth in the ERWFL Division One and established side playing at this level, reaching the semi-finals of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup are looking to go one better in the League Plate competition. A competitive tussle in the middle of the table a late run of 4 straight league wins has seen them climb the table, Newmarket’s late winner last weekend in Hoddesdon’s penultimate league match bringing the run to an end a trip to Histon to come who both sides will be hoping to face in the final.
The Bloorie Stadium the venue for today’s semi-final game home of Newmarket Town FC, a state of the art cork based artificial playing surface. The clubhouse beside the pitch housing a bar an kitchen serving hot food and drink, a covered seated stand beside. A beautifully hot Easter Sunday, needed to find myself some suncream out at home and that’s not an easy thing to locate on a bank holiday weekend. Still with the stuff liberally applied I was all set ready to go, watching two sides I’ve yet to catch up with this season.
Dominika Szary suspended, Newmarket sort special permission from the league to play Ellie-Rai Quinn-Nicholls in goal. Newmarket to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing yellow shirts, with blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks, Hoddesdon lined up opposite wearing red and navy vertical striped shirts, navy shorts and socks. The visitors press as Newmarket play the ball out to the right won the diagonal ball is played in up towards the top of the area, for Rebecca Scola to attack, Olivia Cafferelli their first to clear for Newmarket.
Newmarket are quick to turn play around the ball fed through the middle with Annabel Cuthbert running in behind, Grace Leslie sliding in with a lunging tackle to take it away from her top of the area the ball deflecting off Cuthbert running behind for a goal kick. Hoddesdon awarded a free-kick inside the centre circle Leslie over it a good delivery long into the box, Newmarket heading it away from a throw in the left, Hoddesdon sending a cross into the six yard box the ball claimed by Quinn-Nicholls. Both sides looking for runs out wide in the early stages Jess Linger with a good diagonal ball long for Laura Bailey on the left, Hoddesdon captain Leah Dunnage defending the ball out for a throw.
Hoddesdon captain, Leah Dunnage
Newmarket win a free-kick wide left inside the Hoddesdon half Linger a threat from any set-piece sends the ball into the area plenty of pace on it bouncing through bodies Brooke Wickens throws a leg at it inside the six yard box, Hoddesdon goalkeeper keeping her eye on the ball gathers it cleanly. Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield gets across her area right to put the tackle in to deny Natasha Crick as shot as she is played through on the right wing. Fairly even in the early stages.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Yasmin Woodfield
Jodie Woodfield back playing for Newmarket this season after 3 years out of the game after suffering a serious injury has the ball at her feet in midfield played it to her left on for fellow midfielder Antonia Smith 30 yards out, full back Holly Dryland bursting forwards, Smith sends the ball into her path, Dunnage sliding in puts the ball away from the throw. Kristina O’Connell after a long ball sent forwards into the left corner does well to keep it in play on the flank up the line to square a cross in along the top of the area, bites at it from Scola and Rosy Wodhams outside the box, both closed down by the Newmarket defence unable to get a shot away pops out to Chloe Makepeace on the right drives a shot in low from 25 yards out the ball racing wide across goal.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Brooke Wickens
Wickens charging forwards with the ball on the right wing held up by Hoddesdon’s Jemma Collison, a throw won high up the pitch played into Wickens top of the area she turns well letting loose a shot the strike running wide across Gilmore’s six yard box. Newmarket forced into an early change Cafferelli coming off at the back on comes Chloe Slater taking up her position at centre back.
Hesitation between goalkeeper and defence inside the box for Newmarket sees Crick nip in to steal the ball takes it on into the six yard box left of goal, Beth Woodfield with a fantastic sliding tackle to take the ball away from Crick before she can get a shot away. Newmarket defending the corner on the left, Slater clearing a great ball up the pitch sees Cuthbert haring after it does well to win a corner up the other end. The delivery long to the far post missed by everyone.
Hoddesdon’s Natasha Crick looking to bring the ball forwards
Wickens turning inside from the right looking to attack the area is brought down a free-kick in a dangerous position for Newmarket, Linger over it goes for goal putting a high ball in towards goal, Gilmore thankful to see the ball drop narrowly over the bar. A hot day but good energy levels shown fro Newmarket quick to close the ball down Bailey and Wickens looking t make runs left and right. Bailey on the left the ball rolled into feet 35 yards out turns well knocking the ball on her next touch too strong however as she enters the box allowing Gilmore to claim.
Hannah Gilmore keeps an eye on Jess Linger’s free-kick
Midway through the first half a drinks break called by the referee, hot out there in the middle. Play resumes Wickens attacking wide playing the ball inside to Cuthbert the young attacker brought down, players go forwards as Linger sets the ball down, a high delivery into the box, Charley Handley heading it out for Hoddesdon, comes straight back on high in the air, Gilmore coming jumps to claim. Dunnage with as good challenge to stop Bailey the ball up the line for Crick. Jodie Woodfield in to win the ball linking up with Smith looks to go left for Wickens, Collison intercepting for Hoddesdon.
Moving into a central position Wickens pushes the ball into Cuthbert back to goal top of the D, she spots right back Yasmin Woodfield breaking forwards into space on the right plays the pass out to her, Wickens getting in towards the top of the area demanding the cross has the ball at her feet strikes for goal the attempt racing low wide across goal. O’Connell with a clever back heel almost gets Scola away in behind through the middle, Quinn-Nicholls with a good starting position out to the edge of her area sharply to pick up the ball. O’Connell furthest forwards the ball bouncing Beth Woodfield on her shoulder it won’t drop kindly for the attacker to get a shot away on target outside the box.
GOAL! The deadlock broken late in the first half, from a set-piece Newmarket awarded a free-kick inside the Hoddesdon half central about 35 yards out, Linger on it looks a little too far out to have a go for goal but that is exactly what Linger does strikes it perfectly arrowing straight towards goal pace on it, Gilmore back on her line gets the faintest of touches on it not enough as the ball smashes down off the crossbar over the line 1-0.
Jess Linger opens the scoring for Newmarket Town Ladies
Newmarket come close to adding a 2nd goal straight away, Jodie Woodfield winning the ball back from a Hoddesdon throw on the right inside their half sends it inside for Cuthbert who spots Bailey breaking on into the area in behind on the left, Bailey shooting sends her strike wide across the face of goal. Crick coming back well to help out her defence winning the ball back as Newmarket attack on the left Jodie Woodfield combining well with Smith again.
O’Connell played in left is pushed into the corner by Yasmin Woodfield, holds the ball up well getting back up the line to sweep a cross into the six yard box, Slater getting in front of Scola sees the ball back to her keeper. Leslie is hurt in a challenge in the middle of the park, hurt hasn’t recovered properly as she goes to take it herself an immediately pulls up. The trainer on she can’t continue, comes off with Bridget Kirwan sent on. Kirwan called into action straight away defending in the middle as Wickens swings a ball in from the right.
Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 1-0 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies
A fair tempo to the game considering the temperatures, started off fairly evenly, however as the half has grown Newmarket started to get the upper hand, closing down well disrupting Hoddesdon all over the pitch, created the better openings although clear cut chances have been low. Linger with a superbly struck free-kick the difference between the sides. A narrow lead for Newmarket to take into the 2nd half, Hoddesdon will need to find a clinical edge in the final third to get themselves back into the game.
Hoddesdon to get the second half underway. Won back straight away by Newmarket, Dryland on the left putting the ball on down the line for Cuthbert charging after it taking it into the area, Gilmore coming out to close her down Cuthbert taking the ball past the keeper, carries out to the by-line wide of goal cutting a cross back in towards the top of the area, a good idea but no one there to attack it, Hoddesdon launch it up field.
Handley with a strong tackle on Cuthbert well timed top of the box, is hurt, but okay to continue after treatment. Linger breaking up an attack through the middle for Newmarket pushes the ball out to Wickens on the right she sends it on for Cuthbert peeling away to make a run into the area, Handley back again to get a foot in to take the ball away from Cuthbert not out of play Newmarket close well to force a corner kick on the right. O’Connell up well inside her box to head the ball away.
Getting forwards in attack receiving the ball from Davies, O’Connell attacking left is brought down by Yasmin Woodfield the defender shown a yellow card a free-kick left outside the box for Hoddesdon, Scola over it blasts a shot in low through to the near post, Quinn-Nicholls saving well the ball pushed behind for a corner. Newmarket defending break the ball forwards however too much for Cuthbert to chase down. Crick is caught offside a half a yard ahead of the Newmarket defence as O’Connell puts the diagonal ball over the top.
Hoddesdon’s Kristina O’Connell
Davies putting in the block as Wickens shoots from the top of the area the ball sent into her from Bailey on the left. Wickens after the loose ball turning to play the ball back across the top of the area Bailey pushed inside the D, Newmarket awarded another free-kick. Linger over it keeps the ball low this time on target but Gilmore down on her line is right behind it. Dryland on the left brings the ball on the pass inside for Smith she helps it on down the line for Bailey, Dunnage getting in on her to put in the tackle regain possession for Hoddesdon. Linger on the ball central lifts it out to Wickens right top of the area takes the shot on the half volley struck over.
Newmarket’s Laura Bailey with Hoddesdon’s Jemma Collison
Hoddesdon make a change, Scola coming off on comes Katie Kendle. Bailey left slides a ball in across the top of the area Cuthbert seeing it into her feet well turning taking it into the box, Handley marking back on her quickly to lunge in to take the ball away from her. Slater defending at the back for Newmarket as Dunnage sliding in to get the ball almost succeeds in playing Collinson in behind on the right. Gilmore dealing well inside her six yard box as Linger out wide sends a high looping ball into the area the keeper punching it down and claiming it on the bounce.
Another fee-kick given away by Hoddesdon central Linger to take another awkward ball for Gilmore bouncing before her skipping up off the surface inside the six yard box she pushes it wide for a corner on the left, the ball in long to the far post headed down, Hoddesdon scramble clear a shot fired back in from outside the box racing wide of the post. The game paused for drinks again both sides getting instructions from the bench. Leslie comes back on for Hoddesdon.
Newmarket get forwards a corner won on the right the delivery in low hear post met the header driven towards goal blocked on the line, Hoddesdon penned back as Newmarket win another corner on the left this one long to the far post play stopped however with a Hoddesdon player down as the ball is cleared. Dunnage bringing the ball on plays a crossfield pass to Crick left looking up she spots Collison breaking into the box on the right lifts the ball on, too close to Quinn-Nicholls giving the keeper the chance to claim the ball.
Hoddesdon have a set-piece wide left players up from the back as they continue their search for an equalising goal. A good ball put into the box Handley rising on the penalty spot to meet it with her header drives her effort wide of the right post. Hoddesdon pushing on more now Dunnage forwards on the right wins a free-kick outside the area, O’Connell to play it in Quinn-Nicholls punching t out of her six yard box. Injuries and free-kicks disrupting play, a little bit of frustration creeping into Hoddesdon’s play. Bailey away on the left holds the ball up Smith providing support up the line getting the ball sends a cross into the box Handley heading it away for Hoddesdon.
Kirwan winning the ball central is knocked on through the middle in behind puts O’Connell away to run in behind clear of the defence into the box right of goal pulls the trigger gets her shot across the keeper but agonisingly wide of the far post.
Kristina O’Connell running behind for Hoddesdon
GOAL! The game moving into the final 5 minutes Newmarket break to double their lead the ball fired into Woodfield 30 yards out right channel she sends the ball on through for Cuthbert to run in clear after it into the box closing in on the keeper a composed finish putting it to her left to score at the near post and runs away into the corner to celebrate her teammates close behind 2-0.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Annabel Cuthbert
Smith comes off for Newmarket as they send on another 16-year-old Eleanor McLeish. Hoddesdon push everyone forwards as they win a late corner, Newmarket defend the ball ending up on the roof of the net. A long range strike fired into the Newmarket box blocked the ball pinging back and forth put behind for another corner kick. Goes long but cleared straight to O’Connell top of the area her strike sent over.
Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 2-0 Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies
Newmarket win the game 2-0 to reach the League Plate final in their debut season at this level their opponents Histon Ladies. Ice lollies to celebrate as they walk off the pitch much needed with the sun still blazing down. Got the 2nd goal they needed in the end to make thing’s a little more comfortable. Later than they would have liked but with Hoddesdon pushing on trying to find an equaliser gaps would open. Hoddesdon frustrated not at their best had chances to score get back into the tie so long as it stayed a 1-0, Newmarket on the whole looking comfortable for the result and two very well taken goals see them through to the final.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Kristina O’Connell tried her best to get thing’s going for Hoddesdon. The Newmarket defence was superb in limiting attacks and putting in some vital tackles. Jess Linger’s set-pieces a constant threat, Brooke Wickens on the right with some great runs, over on the opposite side of the attack to Laura Bailey with some great runs and movement always an outlet on the wing coming close to scoring herself, she wins today’s award.
Good to see both sides in action at last this season, congratulations to Newmarket on reaching the final. A hot day both put in alot of effort, my thanks for the help with the teams this afternoon.
A trip down to Essex this Thursday night for this season’s BBC Essex Women’s County Cup, C&K Basildon Ladies reaching a fifth successive final taking in Billericay Town Ladies looking to win the trophy for the 1st time.
A successful season so far for Billericay Town Ladies promoted to the FAWNL for the first time are a growing force within the women’s game in the county, well supported by Billericay Town FC, are 2nd in South East Division One, like Crawley Wasps Ladies have recruited well to strengthen their squad to compete at the higher level. A good number of those recruits from Basildon. Neck and neck with their fellow promoted side at the start of the season, fell away as Crawley continued to win going on to claim the title itself, losing just the one game that defeat at the hands of Billericay. Success for their U14s and U16s sides in their respective county cup finals the future looks promising.
A fifth County Cup win puts C&K Basildon Ladies joint all time winners of the competition along side Chelmsford City Ladies. This Thursday their 6th county cup final winning it for the 1st time in the 2012/13 season, missing out on the final the following year have since gone on to dominate winning 4 successive finals two of those victories against Billericay. Under the fantastic support of Peter King and manager Steve Tilson have become on of the leading sides in Essex on the cusp of winning the FAWNL Southern Premier Division.
This season heralding a new era for the club, with Peter King retiring, Steve Tilson leaving as manager and with most of the first team squad moving on the club was left with some tough decisions to make regarding the future. Firstly with essentially thier development side whether to continue playing in the Southern Premier Division or drop down a league. Chose to stay and contest has been a tough season finishing bottom without a win a huge learning curve the squad has grown and found more togetherness, will be stronger for the experience. A season of transition from the club as it begins a new chapter in it’s history under a new name as from the 1st June it will be known as AFC Basildon Ladies/Girls a new beginning playing in South East Division One along side Billericay. The underdogs this evening will be inspired by their U18s side who won their county cup final.
Road to the Final
The top sides in the county given a bye in the competition until the quarter final stage, as two of the leading sides in Essex both Billericay Town Ladies and C&K Basildon Ladies entered at this stage. Billericay handed a home drawn again Essex Women’s Division One side Rayleigh Town Ladies, the away side scoring plenty of goals themselves the gulf between them showed as Billericay riding high in the FAWNL 5 league above were rampart as they won the game by a staggering 31-0. Home advantage too for Basildon as they began the defence of the County Cup against ERWFL Premier Division side Harlow Town Ladies. A 3-0 win seeing them safely through to the last 4.
Billericay at home in the semi-finals were up against last season’s finalists Brentwood Town Ladies. Again Billericay racked up a big score too strong for their ERWFL Premier Division One opponents winning their place in the final with an 8-0 win. Basildon were away in the semi-finals taking on last season’s Essex Women’s Trophy winners, Hutton Ladies. A 5-1 win seeing Basildon reach their 5th successive final.
The Len Salmon Stadium hosting this evenings final, home of Bowers & Pitsea FC whose own women’s side well supported by the club lifted the Essex Women’s Trophy earlier this season. A brand new 3G pitch the ground being redeveloped with lots planned starting with the playing surface, dugouts and two new small stands. The mainstand the next project incorporating a new clubhouse. The current one a good size offering plenty to the community. Hot food and drinks available. A good crowd building, a warm day extending into the evening in what promises to be a glorious bank holiday weekend.
Billericay Town Ladies starting XI – Alex Baker, Laken Duchar-Clark, Courtney Lumley, Danica Dougal, Esme Lancaster, Lucy Jones, Lindsey Morgan (C), Jay Blackie, Kerry Stimson, Zoe Rushen & Sam Pittuck. Subs – Gemma Crowe, Nicole Farmer, Sophie Vale, Karen Stephanou & Karissa Rodney.
C&K Basildon Ladies starting XI – Sarah Walker, Grace Gillard, Tilly Deacon, Mollie de Bell, Jessica Horn, Sophie Rhodes, Alex Bailess (C), Gemma Abela, Molly Bowness, Katie Whitehead & Holly Turner. Subs – Sophie Spencer-Webb, Jodie Osbourne, Danielle Sillitoe, Courtney Clarke & Maddie Thomas.
Billericay to get this season’s county cup final underway five of their starting line-up, Laken Duchar-Clark, Danica Dougal, Kerry Stimson, Jay Blackie and Zoe Rushen starting for Basildon in last season’s final with a sixth Karissa Rodney on the bench. Both side play in blue it’s Billericay in the change kit wearing all red with Basildon all in blue. The ball played out to the left wing Lucy Jones looking to take it on, Grace Gillard tackling for Basildon the ball out for a throw in.
Billericay captain Lindsey Morgan getting hold of the ball central pulls the trigger from 20 yards out her shot taking a deflection off an outstretched leg taking the sting off it goalkeeper Sarah Walker collecting the ball as it runs wide of her goal. Holly Turner with Basildon’s first attack bringing the ball on central closed down as she enters the box the clearance collected by Basildon captain Alex Bailess she lifts it up to Turner back to goal outside the area she attempts to tee up Gemma Abela making a run to her right the ball won by Billericay’s Dougal at the back.
Blackie with a fantastic pass forwards through to Sam Pittuck in attack she is brought down as she looks to drive into the area a free-kick awarded in a dangerous area 25 yards out left of the D, Rushen to take goes for goal lifting the ball in high the ball dropping caught easily by Walker right behind it. Basildon get on the offensive Turner with the ball out wide left brings it on into the box shooting the shot saved pushed away by goalkeeper Alex Baker at her near post. The ball put out to the right good closing down from Jessica Horn sees her win the ball high on the right a diagonal ball into the box met by Turner her first time sent over the crossbar.
Billericay launch a rapid counter attack Pittuck with good movement up to get into space right takes it forwards before laying it out to Esme Lancaster wide right her cross in behind. A good start to the game from both sides. Blackie in midfield playing some excellent passes forwards trying to release Pittuck the stadium packed for the occasion 578 here to watch. Billericay with a free-kick wide on the right inside the Basildon half the ball played into the top of the area defended, Duchar-Clark onto the loose ball run on taking the ball towards the box the door closing in front of her.
GOAL! An early chance for Billericay to take the lead awarded a penalty inside the opening 10 minutes the ball played into the top of the area form the right, Rushen up against a defender is floored the referee pointing to the spot. Dougal up from the back to take it a clinical finish high to the keepers right to put Billericay into the lead 1-0.
Danica Dougal scoring from the penalty spot to put Billericay into the lead (photo credit Nicky Hayes)
The ball won in midfield Morgan up to Pittuck in attack looks to combine with Rushen the players exchanging passes making for the box, Molly Downes winning it back for Basildon. Good work from Abela on the right cutting inside 25 yards out playing the ball into Turner’s feet top of the D she tries to lift it over the Billericay defence with Katie Whitehead making the run in behind, Baker getting to the ball first. Pittuck with the ball as Billericay attack on the counter shooting from distance the narrowly strike over.
Horn is tackled by Stimson as she attacks on the right, Stimson bringing the ball out for Billericay prods the ball inside looking to find Pittuck, Bailess intercepts. Basildon mount an attack, Sophie Rhodes making the run into the area right side the ball crossed in over to her meeting it on the volley wide of goal six yards out stretching can’t turn it back in across goal, wide. Basildon defending well high up the pitch, Whitehead and Horn in particular closing down as Billericay look to get the ball wide. Abela is pushed in the back a free-kick given out right the delivery into the area towards the far post Turner goes for it does’t get much contact the ball tamely rolling into Baker’s gloves.
Lancaster getting forwards out on the right fro Billericay the cross into the top of the area Jones coming in from the left looking to attack it, Gillard back with her sliding in with a great tackle, the ball loose however collected by Pittuck right of the D 20 out a snap shot the effort swerving away wide of goal. Basildon play the ball up to Whitehead left 20 yards out her touch laying it off central to Abela she shoots from 25 yards out the attempt over the bar.
Basildon are awarded a penalty midway through the first half a ball forwards central Turner running into the box is tripped. Turner setting it down goes for height too but too much the ball right wide of the goal.
Morgan with a firm tackle in the middle preventing Basildon breaking. Stimson has got plenty of pace making some mazy runs on the ball Billericay is fouled by Horn as she crosses the halfway line. Jones on the ball put long into the area headed clear by the defence. Courtney Lumley defending for Billericay clearing the ball for a throw as Basildon look to get on down the wing. An good contest lively both sides looking to get forwards, Stimson getting forwards spotted by Rushen plays the ball on too much weight on the pass.
Morgan with the ball played into her feet from the right turns outside the Basildon area an shoots the strike blocked, Basildon counter, Dougal defending. Less than 15 minutes of the first half left Billericay win the first corner of the game the ball out on the right a good delivery into the middle of the six yard box Blackie rising well to head the ball smashes it against the crossbar. Basildon regain it and look to break Turner on it through the middle brought down by Stimson who receives a talking too. The ball played long up towards the area defended by Morgan.
Jay Blackie rising to head the ball from a corner her effort smashing against the crossbar (photo credit Nicky Hayes)
The ball played out from the back to Jones on the left, Horn closing down well wins the ball but in doing so her momentum poleaxes Jones, a free-kick awarded. A delay however the referee talking to de Bell and captain Bailess, a straight red is shown Basildon reduced to 10 players de Bell sent off for something that was said foul or abusive language. The ball played on up the left for Stimson as she bombs on, Gillard defending. Jones taking the ball forwards left side tries the diagonal ball on for Pittuck through the middle Bailess tracking back well to intercept.
Blackie’s passing continues to be spot on as they press forwards with an extra player now. Stimson with good movement getting forwards to support Rushen and Pittuck in attack. Stimson looking to link up with Pittuck in attack a one two the return ball meant for Pittuck as she enters the area cut out by Deacon.
GOAL! Into the final minute of the first half Billericay double their lead the ball put into Blackie inside the centre circle a superb pass forwards to release Pittuck in behind moving right takes the ball into the area, Walker coming to close the angle, the strikers touch taking the ball around the keeper and running in behind sends the ball into the empty net 2-0.
Sam Pittuck taking the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0 for Billericay (photo credit Nicky Hayes)
Half-time Billericay Town Ladies 2-0 C&K Basildon Ladies
Billericay double their advantage right on the stroke of half-time a 2 goal advantage plus an extra player for the 2nd half to come. An entertaining contest in the first half both sides sowing attacking intent, Billericay edging the chances but Basildon have had opportunities of their own, the sending off a huge blow some reorganising to do for the 2nd period Billericay have plenty of attack minded players who will be looking for the extra space that may become available.
A double change for Basildon at the start of the 2nd half with Madelyn Thomas on to support Turner in attack, Danielle Sillitoe on at the back. Basildon to get the 2nd half underway. An early attack getting forwards on the right the ball fired into the area met and cleared by Billericay’s Duchar-Clark. Basildon getting it back try again this time the cross to close to the keeper Baker collecting. Gillard defending as Blackie spots Rushen breaking into space on the right.
Stimson pressing the ball high on the right plays it on for Lancaster her cross long to the far post the ball knocked down, the shot seen wide. Deacon defending concedes a corner, Jones to play the ball in from the right, Walker up well amongst bodies inside her six yard box to punch the ball, Basildon look to counter play pulled back Stimson down having taken a knock to the head. Duchar-Clark bringing the ball forwards pushed into Pittuck right back to goal sends the ball on in behind with Rushen getting into the box, her strike goalwards landing in the side netting.
Rushen available for the pass right as Duchar-Clark brings it forwards the pass into her she helps it on for Lancaster ahead of both, looks to get in field, Sillitoe reading the move well getting herself into a good tackling position outside the box. Blackie’s shooting not as accurate as her passing as she puts an effort wide from all of 45 yards out. A different game 2nd half Basildon working hard at the back to stop Billericay having virtually none of the attack.
Pittuck leading the line well always looking to break in behind given the ball is into space on the right closing in on the byline fires a vicious ball across the face of goal Stimson throwing herself at it far post can’t quite make contact. Billericay make their first change of the game with an hour gone. Duchar-Clark coming off at the back Nicole Farmer. Gillard cutting out a through ball looking to send Rushen in through the middle. Bailess defending back at the near post for Basildon as the ball is crossed in from the left. Morgan getting forwards into the area seeing the ball over her shoulder strikes it on the volley, Basildon charging it down.
GOAL! The game moving past the hour and Billericay extend their lead a great run from Stimson carrying the ball into the box left players getting forwards with her, the strike fired in across the goal Walker getting her gloves to it as she is closed down Rushen and Morgan, the ball, Rushen reacting quickest after the loose ball inside the six yard box, a 50/50 with Gillard the ball spinning out to the right met by Lancaster who thunders a shot into the back of the net 3-0.
GOAL! Straight from the restart Billericay go on to score a 4th goal, Rushen coming to close down the ball in defence nicking it to run on central and get a shot away from 25 yards Walker not back on her line the ball curled wide of her into the goal beyond 4-0.
Zoe Rushen shooting to make it 4-0 (photo credit Nicky Hayes)
That goal signals changes for both sides, Basildon bringing off Whitehead, on in her place Courtney Clarke. A double change for Billericay, Blackie and Stimson coming off on come ex-Basildon players Karissa Rodney and Karen Stephanou. Opportunities for Basildon rare in the 2nd period Turner carrying the ball on is brought down a free-kick awarded left outside the area Clarke doesn’t get the contact she wanted the ball sliced wide.
Pittuck away on the right a touch to get the ball out of her feet sends a cross into the box, the flag raised with Rodney offside. Billericay push on, Farmer with a brilliant ball put over the top for Morgan getting forwards into the area right of goal, Walker saving well at her near post as the shot comes in. Rodney left plays the ball in central to Pittuck she dummies with Rushen behind she lays the ball off to Lancaster right top of the area makes a run central Lancaster trying to pick her out with the return ball across the top of the area, Sillitoe sticking a foot out to steal it.
A dummy from Rushen right sees Lancaster run in behind on the right another cross flashed across the face of goal. Billericay very much on top Basildon defending hardly able to get the ball into their opponents half. Clarke wide on the left plays a good ball up to Thomas in attack, bringing it down well into the path of Abela looks to spin in behind, Abela can’t find her with the over the top ball as Dougal defends for Billericay.
Turner carries the ball on trying to force her way through the middle Dougal and Lumley converging to close her down outside the box. Farmer plays Lancaster in right side wins a corner kick, the delivery long met by Dougal on the volley squeezing under the diving Walker strikes the post, back out into the middle the defence scramble the ball away the game entering the final 5 minutes.
Backs to the wall for Basildon late on Billericay press, a corner left appeals for handball waved away the ball put back out to the left a high ball back in Walker back on her line getting an arm up to push the ball away as it threats to creep under the bar. Clarke defending as Rodney crosses in from the left side, the ball back out left with Stephanou, Morgan ahead of her receiving the pass a cross long to the far post, attacked by Lancaster and Clarke out behind a corner awarded. Rodney gets up well her header knocking the ball down in front of goal, a scramble ensues Basildon keep the ball from crossing the line getting it up field. The final action of the game as Billericay celebrate winning the County Cup for the first time.
Full time Billericay Town Ladies 4-0 C&K Basildon Ladies
An entertaining start to the game the first 35 minutes lively 1 goal in it both sides competing well, the sending off changing everything, Billericay adding a 2nd goal late in the 2nd half in full control of the game from then on pressing the advantage getting a 3rd goal quickly followed by a 4th to secure the win with almost half an hour to play. Some great passes on display and flowing attacking moves. The crowd adding to a great atmosphere the stadium packed.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, another tough one a few contenders all wearing red. Morgan in the middle breaking up Basildon attacks, Pittuck up top some fantastic runs to get into goal scoring opportunities scoring late in the first half. Kerry Stimson with some god runs on the ball. Her passing was superb throughout the game however and turned quickly turned a Basildon attack into a Billericay counter, the award goes to Jay Blackie.
Billericay Town Ladies, BBC Essex Women’s County Cup winners (photo credit Nicky Hayes)
Congratulations to Billericay Town Ladies on winning the BBC Essex Women’s County Cup
A enjoyable cup final this evening down in Essex between two sides that will be league rivals next season, two exciting derby games to look forwards to. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams this evening and to Nicky Hayes for the use of his pictures for this report.
Following up from a comfortable 7-1 home win against Garston Ladies 2nd XI in midweek with both Bianca Hedgecock and Charlene Turturici-Clarke scoring a brace each, Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies closed the gap to leaders Northwood Ladies to 3 points. Due to play Garston Ladies 1st team n Sunday their opponents forfeited the game see Hemel Hempstead awarded the 3 points and move level with the leaders. One game left away to Houghton Athletic Ladies a point or better will see them crowned Division One champions, Northwood will be cheering on Houghton.
Garston Ladies 2nd XI bounced back from their midweek defeat to Hemel Hempstead to win at home against Sharnbrook WFC on Sunday and as a result move off the bottom of the Division One table. Ruby Jager scoring a hat-trick in their 6-0 victory with Lauren Berryman, Leah Crocket and Charley Kelsey also bagging a goal each. Sherrardswood Ladies go bottom having played all their games.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
One more Champion to celebrate this week with Hitchin Belles getting the point they needed on Sunday to become Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two Champions! Were playing their final game of the season away to local rivals and 2nd placed Hitchin Town Ladies. The match at played at Top Field home of Hitchin Town FC, Hitchin Town Ladies were 8 points behind Hitchin Belles with 3 games left to play needed a win to have any chance of denying Belles the title. In the finish it wasn’t to be with the sides battling out a 0-0 draw usually a frustrating result but not for Hitchin Belles as they win the title and promotion to Division One.
Congratulations to Hitchin Belles on their title success.
That 0-0 draw good news for Letchworth garden City Eagles as they move back up into 2nd place in the Division Two table with a home win over in form Evergreen Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Kate Tempest, Katie Smith, Emily Jamieson and a 1st of the season for Anna Argiros seeing Letchworth win the game 4-0, one game left to play, that against Hitchin Town Ladies now basically a shoot off for 2nd place with one point between the sides even though Hitchin have a game in hand.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Three games played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three on Sunday and with two games left for the top 3 it is going to go down to the wire. Leaders AFC Dunstable Ladies Development top of the table were unbeaten dropping just 2 points before this weekends home clash with 3rd placed AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies. The visitors inflicting the first defeat of the season on Dunstable to close the gap to them down to 4 points. Rachael Mumford scoring a brace for Kempston Town & Bedford College with a goal each for Taylor Kingston and Kayleigh Humphries plus an own goal securing a 5-1 win. Bianca Vassell with the goal for Dunstable the pair meeting again in a fortnight in their penultimate game of the season. A win then for Dunstable putting Kempston Town & Bedford College out of the title race, if it goes the other way thing’s get very interesting on the final day!
That defeat for Dunstable good news too for Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses in 2nd place as they close the gap to the leaders to just a point with a big win away to bottom side Buntingford Town Ladies. Giselle Randall on fire with 7 goals in the game taking her onto 32 goals for the season, the visitors winning 10-0 with Victoria Harrold also on target with a goal and a brace for Laura Sephton. An intriguing contest between Dunstable and Kempston Town & Bedford College in a fortnights time Woburn & Wavendon are away to Kempston Town & BedfordCollege in the pairs final game of the season where all three sides could all still be in contention for the title!
One more game to bring you and it was victory in their final game of the season for Langford Ladies who secure a 4th placed finish in their debut season in women’s football. Were away to Biggleswade United Ladies in 5th spot. A brace from top scorer Amber Clark finishing on 25 goals plus one from Chloe Scott who ends on 21 goals for the season sealing a 3-0 win.
