Monthly Archives: March 2020

Match Report – Park Ladies v Pinchbeck United Ladies

Sunday 15th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

A top of the table clash from Cambridgeshire this Sunday on Women’s Football East, in the Women’s Championship 3rd versus 2nd both sides showing fantastic form, Park Ladies hosting Pinchbeck United Ladies.

  Uncertain times a turbulent weekend in football with the ever growing threat from the COVID-19 virus reaching the UK, all top flight football men’s and women’s suspended on Friday till early April as cases or symptoms were reported present amongst squads. That uncertainty and worry filtering down the pyramid and although not advised by the government at this time various leagues have made the call to also suspend fixtures, rightly or not at this time, everyone’s health and well being at the forefront of everyone’s mind and this is a crisis that is still in it’s infancy and has a long way to go. 

Some leagues were still on and theses affected as teams called of games, no one on either side off the argument for calling games off not taking thing’s seriously and I myself debated whether to attend a game or not, was meant to be attending this Sunday’s Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup Final that game one of many postponed… possibly indefinitely. 

 One game off though presents another opportunity and deciding to go watch a game didn’t take long to choose another fixture, an opportunity to see two new sides for the first time, have wanted to see both for a while, especially Park who have asked me to attend before but I hadn’t been able to. The Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship expanded this season with an influx of new sides to complement a 13 strong Premiership, 14 sides playing in the Championship below, Park and Pinchbeck two of the more established sides.

 Cambridge Rangers Women leading the way with a long winning streak lasting 12 games, before being brought to an end by Park Ladies. That at the beginning of a wining streak that reached 10 matches in the league last weekend that run sending Park up to 3rd in the Championship table. A return to form after a couple of difficult seasons. Had burst onto the scene with a strong debut season, one season winning the Championship South title as it was then back in the 2015/16. Losing players the squad regrouping has taken time to get back to winning ways regularly the new look single Championship carrying alot of unknowns at the start of the season Park making an indifferent start gaining momentum surging up the table. Vice captain Francesca Plitsch top scorer so far this season with 18 goals.

Pinchbeck United Ladies also in fantastic form this season in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship with a 100% winning record from 13 played, games called off early in the season seeing them always behind in their fixtures, matching Cambridge Rangers results, Park doing them a massive favour ending the leaders winning record. Are closing the gap fast keeping thier winning record going up to 2nd in the table the gap closed to 4 points with 4 games in hand. Joining the Championship North a couple of seasons ago struggled in their debut season, signs of improvement appearing towards the end of last season have added new faces an with it goals to the side this season, Freya Peters top scorer so far with 17 goals, Libby Friel coming up fast on the rails too with 16 goals from just 8 appearances. 

Heading into the Fens this afternoon Park Ladies based in Wimblington, near March, play at Parkfields Sports Centre. A large carpark leading to a new clubhouse building housing a bar serving hot and cold drinks with large glass windows offering a good view of the two grass pitches beyond, a nice set-up. The weather though not playing ball rain due to arrive around lunchtime was meant to blow over but stuck around for the whole match making for muddy playing conditions and trying to do a report whilst juggling a notepad, camera and umbrella.

Park Ladies starting XI – Liv Goode, Tinneisha Mott, Darcy Howe, Nikki Hassock, Lou Davies, Eilish Brown, Danni Green (C), Francesca Plitsch, Sophie Fenner, Georgia Payne & Georgia Stimson. Subs – Liv Pedler, Gemma Hutton & Sian Holdcroft.

Pinchbeck United Ladies starting XI – Lita Abelite, Helen Barker, Alexandra Ferreira Gomes, Rebecca Navarette, Brittany Weaver, Laura Sidajeva, Chloe Gray (C), Victoria Bradford, Holly Coupland, Freya Peters & Libby Friel. Subs – Cayley Ainsworth, Rebecca Rigby, Ana Rodrigues Costa, Annie Vayro & China Smith.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

   Rain falling steadily the pitch wet going to be a muddy one. Park to get the match underway kicking off 1st half wearing navy and red vertical striped shirts with white trim, navy shorts and socks. Pinchbeck in their away colours gold shirts with navy shorts and sock. The ball pressed straight away by Pinchbeck closing do Park in the final third won on the left a diagonal ball put in towards the top of the area Park goalkeeper Liv Goode out well to sliding in and save the ball before it can be attacked.

The tempo fast from the off Park bring the ball on from the back played out to the left long for Sophie Fenner, getting on down the flank is tackled by Pinchbeck’s Alexandra Ferreira Gomes the ball out for a corner kick. The delivery in towards the near post headed clear get straight on the counter the ball gathered into her feet by Holly Coupland drives on before sending a low ball racing into the cut out by Park’s Nikki Hassock conceding a corner. Played in near side attacked but send wide for a goalkick. Pinchbeck coming on well at the start of the game won in the middle Laura Sidajeva passes the ball out to Coupland pushing on down the right flank and early diagonal ball with Freya Peters breaking in behind through the middle, Goode out to close her down quickly get her gloves around the ball.

  Fenner attacking down the left winning a throw high for Park, the hosts bring bodies forwards keeping possession Francesca Plitsch swinging a good delivery into the area, headed clear by Pinchbeck’s Rebecca Navarette. Park come straight back at them Fenner left rolled forwards into Georgia Stimson central she unleashes a strike from 25 yards out the shot wide at the near post. The resulting goalkick played straight to Stimson 25 yards out gets a shot away before she can be closed down 20 yards out left of the D the ball hitting the side netting. 

Pinchbeck United Ladies captain Chloe Gray bringing the ball forwards.

  Park winning a corner on the left the ball played in by Plitsch near side, Georgia Payne getting a touch knocking the ball to the floor, can’t get a shot away before she is closed down the ball launched clear. Hassock getting a foot on the ball as she lunges in to take it away from Libby Friel looking to get on the end of Coupland’s ball fed into the box from the right, a corner awarded. Park defending the attack ending with a goal kick. Pinchbeck’s turn to latch onto a stray kick, as their captain Chloe Gray latches onto the ball 30 yards out, looks to put it straight back in but knocked high over the bar.

GOAL! 11 minutes played and the visitors take the lead Pinchbeck winning the ball in the middle attacking quickly players racing forwards the ball with Coupland on the right getting down the wing lifting a cross in towards the near side, Friel getting clear meeting it her 1st touch chipping it over and wide of the keeper into the back of the net 0-1.

GOAL! Park get straight up the other end an equalise, the ball played into Stimson right side is allowed to come on shifts the ball attacking the area evading a challenge and the top of the area with goalkeeper Lita Abelite coming to close her down gets her shot away across goal on target but has it got the pace? Players racing in, Payne with Ferreira Gomes on her shoulder neither can get a telling touch the ball rolling in to cross the line inside the far post 1-1. Stimson scoring her 14th goal of the season.

Georgia Stimson equalising straight away for Park Ladies

 Despite the rain falling the game played at a furious pace players closing the ball down in the middle, alot of mud collected already the top slick and sticky will take it’s toll on the legs no doubt. Park get hold the ball right side Plitsch sending it on down the line the cross sent in early to the near post Payne escaping her marker get’s a shot away, Abelite down quickly legs split to make a good save send the ball behind for a corner. 

 The ball finding Payne at the near post getting it down can find no way through the ball cleared for a throw out wide Park keeping hold of it in the final 3rd passed in field into Eilish Brown turns into the shot near side the shot straight at Abelite safely held. Park with a good response after falling behind coming straight back to level have Pinchbeck on the back foot. Brittany Weaver winning a tackle at the ball for Pinchbeck plays if forwards up to Peters and Friel in attack the pair look to combine through the middle Hassocks getting her foot in to intercept the ball. Peters after the ball played into her run on the left side, Goode coming out well to the top of her area sliding in to get her gloves around the ball. Gray has a go from 30 yards out her effort wide across the goal.

GOAL! Pinchbeck win a corner ball on the left side, a good delivery put in towards the near post close to goal Coupland free meeting it on the volley to turn the ball in past the keeper to score putting the visitors back into the lead 1-2. 

Holly Coupland restoring Pinchbeck’s lead

  Pinchbeck making a change straight after the goal bringing China Smith on for Sidajeva. A race for the substitute straight away as Plitsch threads a ball in behind for Payne to attack, Smith going with her, Abelite rushing out of her box just about getting there first to clear. Park come straight back the ball fed to Stimson right side top of the area getting a shot away the ball wide across the six yard box. Park with a good response again after falling behind Payne a threat in attack strong on the ball gets it into her feet 20 out running at the box lines up a shot the attempt narrowly over. 

Tinneisha Mott on the ball for Park Ladies

  Pinchbeck playing the ball long have Coupland attacking right a throw won, a high ball into the box headed clear by Park the break on Plitsch linking up with Fenner on the left Abelite coming to clear for Pinchbeck. Helen Barker getting forwards from the back for Pinchbeck on the left rolls it on to Peters, a good shift of the ball taking her in behind to attack the box, Hassock across well lunging in to tackle put the ball out for a corner kick. In again low at the near post Park get it away in the resulting scramble a break on the ball put up into the attackers quickly Pinchbeck’s Smith with the defending putting the ball out for a throw. Players up the ball into Payne sending a shot from the top right hand corner of the box wide across goal.

 Gray attempts one over the top for Pinchbeck with both Peters and Friel breaking in behind, Goode though out well towards the top of her area to claim. A double change fro Pinchbeck with Sidajeva coming back on along with Annie Vayro. Brown receiving the ball in the middle off Plitsch rolls it forwards into Payne’s feet she switches it out to the right quickly for Stimson who squares a cross in back along the top of the area the ball cut out by Weaver and cleared up field. Coupland away on the right wing taking the ball on cuts it back towards the top of the area, finds Peters inside the D her first time strike narrowly wide at the far post. 

  Park make a change, their 2nd actually missed the first as Green who had come off for Sian Holcroft now comes back on Mott. Payne getting hold of the ball outside the box on the right, tackled by Barker slowing her down Payne gets it back to swing in a cross Navarette heading clear for Pinchbeck. Park getting forwards well winning the ball in the middle Brown involved up to Payne 25 out turns looking to plough her way through, Weaver in to challenge. Involved in the action myself as is the risk you take the ball knocked out of play head down in the notepad the calls come but too late, creeping under the umbrella the notepad taking the brunt of the blow gathering some fen land mud as a souvenir in the process. But I’ve had it square in the face from close range before so carry on, the action certainly is.

Pinchbeck United Ladies, Brittany Weaver

  Can see why both sides are doing well this season, the pitch conditions not helping either play their natural game Pinchbeck going long at times, Hassock and Holcroft dealing with it for the most part, Friel always looking to get in behind however. Green threading the ball through for Payne, Weaver on her the final defender as they bear down on the box has to get her tackle right and lunging in takes the ball away from her behind for a corner. Won on the right the ball played on as Plitsch drifts over to the right sends a good delivery into the box, Fenner flying in far side trying to get her leg to the ball can’t quite connect. 

  Rebecca Rigby comes on for Pinchbeck in place of Weaver at the back. Abelite makes the save for Pinchbeck as park play in a free-kick from halfway into the top of the area headed down dropping left side Payne getting hold of it to fire in a low shot, the goalkeeper down at her near post to save. Gemma Hutton entering the action for Park with Howe coming off. Pinchbeck get Coupland on the ball right side fires in a shot on the angle, Goode diving to her left saving well pushing the ball down comes straight to Peters, Goode up quickly as the attacker brings in down, fires her shot over the bar. A good battle going on on Park’s left between Fenner and Pinchbeck’s Ferreira Gomes the ball into the winner following good work from Green, Payne and Stimson in the middle Gomes close in on Fenner getting in a good tackle to break up the attack. 

Pinchbeck United Ladies, Helen Barker

  Green furthest forwards for Park and she runs on through the middle the ball put over the defence into her path Abelite coming to close the angle, Green looking to chip her from 20 yards out, Abelite tall though gets an outstretched arm to the ball gloving it away  from her goal beyond. Ana Rodrigues Costa on late in the first half for Pinchbeck replacing Sidajeva. 

GOAL! Park have been strong since falling 2-1 behind Payne a threat in attack taking players on the ball out right side slipped through to her moving into the box clear pace taking her on wide of the near post shoots the ball racing in low is past Abelite before she can get down to it inside the post to level the scores right at the end of the 1st half 2-2.

Half-time Park Ladies 2-2 Pinchbeck United Ladies

  A highly entertaining match so far despite the rain, the pitch muddy cutting up making playing conditions difficult a good start and tempo to the game through out from both sides, Pinchbeck opening the scoring conceding straight away, Park with a good response, Pinchbeck getting themselves back into the lead. Park coming on well again on top for much of the half after the goal, Pinchbeck playing the ball long limiting their opportunities in attack, a threat on the counter nonetheless, Park coming back to level it up for a 2nd time late on, all square the only thing guaranteed in the 2nd half is more rain. 

Muddy out there, not the weekend to be the one assigned to wash the kits.

 Roll on roll off substitutes used frequently by both sides the pitch sapping legs highly muddy now, glad I’m not the one washing those kits. Pinchbeck to get the 2nd half underway. Attack down the right, Liv Hedley closing down Coupland slowing her down Hassock coming across to clear. Park send the pass out wide to Plitsch out on the right looks to take players on as she seeks to get into the box, play brought back for a free-kick on her with no advantage. The delivery in towards the near post safely gathered into her midriff by Abelite. 

GOAL!  Park take the lead early in the 2nd half the move starting at the back as Goode gathers it inside the box with Pinchbeck on the attack, kicking out of her hands the ball long finding Payne clear right side takes it down well knocking in on driving forwards shooting on the angle across the keeper, Abelite gets her finger tips to it but not enough to divert it past the far post 3-2. 

Georgia Payne putting Park Ladies into the lead early in the 2nd half

 Coupland working hard on the right for Pinchbeck back to win the ball turning play around on for Peters right ahead of her, Park defending as she tries to come in field. Park pressing the ball well keeping a good shape at the back, Plitsch covering alot of ground as well as gathering alot of mud in the middle. Brown in to win the ball left side and Pinchbeck look to gain ground. On for Payne the ball put into the box, Abelite punching it clear, Park keep alive in the final 3rd Green getting hold of the ball winning a throw high up the pitch.

Park’s Francesca Plitsch enjoying the sliding tackles this afternoon

GOAL! Park doubling their advantage early in the 2nd half the hosts coming on through the middle the ball fed into Payne 30 yards out central has Stimson making a run left of her into a central position top of the area the pass perfect getting her in behind Abelite racing out to close her down Stimson shooting a clinical finish past the keeper to find the goal beyond 4-2.

  Pinchbeck bring on Cayley Ainsworth for Navarette at the back. Coupland pressing on the right side playing in Peters, looks to burst into the box, Holcroft getting onto her shoulder making the tackle inside the box for Park. Payne and Stimson with some good link up play in attack for Park finding gaps in the Pinchbeck defence, Payne left side slipping Stimson in Abelite racing out of her box, just about getting there to clear. 

Pinchbeck United Ladies, Freya Peters

GOAL! Pinchbeck get hold of the ball in the middle Peters to Coupland a superb ball forwards into Friel 25 yards out a good touch seeing her skip in behind the defence to take the ball on into the area one on one with the keeper takes the shot early putting it wide of her to score 4-3.

  Pinchbeck with a good response to having fallen 2 goals behind pulling one back getting more of the play in the middle, Coupland doing well on the right. Ainsworth tackling Payne as the Park attacker aims to break into the box central a throw won high on the right. Playing conditions really difficult now the steady rain making the pitch tough to play on both sides for their part though keeping energy levels high the action not slowing down at all. Friel leading the line for Pinchbeck giving Hassock and Holcroft plenty to think about. Holcroft this time going with Friel as she gives chase to a forwards pass getting it back to Goode to kick up field. 

  Barker winning the ball back on the left for Pinchbeck sending a good ball up to Friel in attack left side cheating it down to turn into the box, Holcroft recovering quickly to slide in put the ball. Ainsworth cutting the ball out twice in quick succession in the box as Plitsch tries to fed the ball into Payne from the right.

GOAL! Friel completing her hat-trick to bring Pinchbeck back on level terms finds room out on the left as the ball is won in the middle send in low into her path escaping the Park defence closing in on the box Goode coming to close her down, Friel takes on the early shot sending the ball racing past the keeper to find the bottom corner 4-4.

19 goals for the season for Pinchbeck’s Libby Friel

   An action packed encounter the momentum back in Pinchbeck’s favour fighting back to level the scores Friel now has 19 goals from 9 played. Mott back on for Park getting up on the right a cross in near side held by Abelite. Goode saving low at her left hand post as Friel out wide fires in a shot from the angle. Smith coming back on for Barker. Brown to Fenner on the left in behind, Abelite out of her box to get her foot on the ball, the clearance straight to Stimson holding it up as players race forwards sends in from the right Abelite back across her goal holding at the near post. Coupland has ran herself into the ground picking up a knock comes off for Pinchbeck, Bradford coming back on. 

Francesca Plitsch sliding in to tackle Pinchbeck’s Annie Vayro

   Hassock just about gets her toe on the ball an outstretched leg to take the ball away from Friel inside the box as she lines up a shot, goes after it collecting on the byline to fire a ball across the face of goal, Hedley defending at the far post for Park. Green back on for Park as Payne has to come off to have a bleeding knee seen too. Ferreira Gomes fouling Fenner this time out on the left as she looks to get past her. Holcroft with the set play 30 yards out angles a shot in towards goal falls safely into Abelite’s gloves. 

 Into the final 10 minutes both sides tiring gaps opening up both intent on finding a winning goal whilst weary of making a mistake at the back. Peters gets in behind the Park defence right side of the D closing in on the box Goode coming to close the angle Peters shoots looking to put it through the keepers legs, skips up however allowing Goode to close her thighs make the save. The loose ball coming to Friel central Park defenders racing back her attempt on goal block the rebound looping back up to Gray 25 yards out left side blasts her shot wide. 

Park Ladies goalkeeper, Liv Goode

 Payne back on the field replacing Hutton. Plitsch spreading play to the right with Green finding space to get on down the line whips in a cross Abelite claiming at her near post with Fenner making a fantastic run in behind. 5 minutes left players struggling to keep up the pace now as both press on Pinchbeck get on down the right a throw high up the pitch turned on in towards the top of the area Holcroft and Hassock defending against Friel. The game stretched now end to end, Hassock tackling Friel as the ball fired into her from halfway. The result could yet go either way. 

Freya Peters clearing for Pinchbeck late on

 Park with a late corner on the right Green getting forwards the ball put in high, headed clear, Park keeping possession back to Green on the right fires in the cross, Abelite collecting it for Pinchbeck. It ends all square the points shared.

Full time Park Ladies 4-4 Pinchbeck United Ladies

 A highly entertaining match to watch fantastic for the neutral played at a good tempo both sides giving it their all in difficult playing conditions. Park the first side to take points off Pinchbeck this season. The visitors with the opening goal, Park coming back straight away a good response Pinchbeck though getting back into the lead. Park coming back late in the first half going on to get themselves into a 4-2 lead early in the 2nd period Pinchbeck’s turn to fight back quickly getting it back to 4-3 conditions sapping energy gaps appearing at the back Friel exploiting them well to get her hat-trick level it up at 4-4. Both sides searching for a late winner Goode with a couple of good saves to deny Pinchbeck. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few to give mention too from both sides hard to pick one, Holly Coupland with great work and energy on the right for Pinchbeck, Libby Friel in attack finding the space as the Park defence tired to score a well taken hat-trick. For Park, Georgia Payne in attack caused the Pinchbeck defence problems all game scoring twice. Francesca Plitsch superb in the middle covering alot of ground getting across the park to win the ball. The award though goes to Park’s Nikki Hassock had a great game at the back making several crucial and well times tackles throughout.

An enjoyable first trip to Parkfields despite the weather, good to see both sides for the first time, my thanks to both for helping me with the team details always appreciated. 

 Uncertain and worrying times ahead as the country fights the COVID-19 outbreak. Will continue to follow the advice given and not panic. Concerned of course, take care of yourselves and look out for each other.

The Round-Up – Essex 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March

Essex Women’s Premier Division

A handful of matches played in Essex this weekend, just 4 taking place spread across 4 different competitions.

 One game played in the Essex Women’s Premier Division featuring the top two with unbeaten league leaders Collier Row Tigers hosting Silver End United Ladies both clear of the sides below. Collier Row coming into the game off the back of a 25-0 mauling of Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves in the League Cup last weekend found it alot harder to break down a stubborn Silver End United defence this Sunday got the win in the finish though an own goal seeing them win 1-0 to move 6 points clear at the top.

Essex Women’s League Cup

 One outstanding tie to be played in this season’s Essex Women’s League Cup an all Division One clash between Hutton Ladies Reserves and Tigers Ladies. The game switched to Tigers ground with Hutton’s waterlogged. Ellie Wallace with her 10th goal of the season firing Tigers into a 9th minute lead. Leigh Gell with her first goal for the side doubling Tigers advance 9 minutes later. 2-0 up at the break, Poppy Le-Beau came off the bench to make her first appearance for Tigers to score on her debut with 18 minutes left to send Tigers into the last 8 of the competition.

 The 2nd/Quarter Final games being played this coming Sunday 15th a 1:30pm KO the draw as follows:-

Collier Row Tigers v Billericay Town Ladies Development

Frontiers Ladies v Southend United Ladies

Chelmsford City Ladies v Silver End United Ladies

Runwell Sports Ladies v Tigers Ladies

Essex Women’s Division One

  Leaders Corringham Cosmos Ladies were away to Aveley Ladies this Sunday in Division One, the pair the early pacesetters, Corringham have dropped just 2 points so far this season, Aveley in a false position having struggled for points in recent games falling to 6th in the table. Corringham with Michelle Sumpter leading the attack opening the scoring at the weekend with her 23rd goal of the season midway through the 1st half, Rebecca Corcoran hitting a 1st half brace too to see Corringham come away with the 3 points winning 3-1, Bethany Murray scoring for Aveley.

Tiptree & District Cup

  A game played too this Sunday in the Tiptree & District Cup, Rayleigh Town Ladies at home to Frontiers Ladies. Rayleigh coming out on top at in the all Premier Division cash to advance with a 2-1 victory the win secured thanks to goals from Eleasha Reeves and Nancy Craven both on the scoresheet for the first time this season. Kelly Holdsworth getting the goal for Frontiers.

The Round-Up – Suffolk 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March

Suffolk Women’s Division

The race for the title continues to intrigue in Suffolk with the Women’s Division highly competitive this season. Woodbridge Town Ladies with a fantastic run leading the way now 3 points clear at the top as they sat out the weekend others attempting to close the gap. Bury Town Ladies with a good league run themselves moving clear into 2nd now 5 games as they came home with the 3 points against Needham Market Women Reserves this weekend. Needham Market with just the bare 11 available, Bury Town have plenty of goalscorers within their squad with no less than 19 different names on the scoresheet so far this season. Julie Brind well clear on that list as top scorer getting another this Sunday to go to 23 for the season. Sophie Hemming on target for her fifth and captain Lisa Pratt with her 3rd of the campaign seeing Bury Town to a 3-1 win. Taylor Cooke getting the Needham market goal. Bury Town now 3 points behind Woodbridge with 2 games in hand.

  A good result away from home for 7th placed Brightlingsea Regent Ladies have improved well in their 2nd season playing women’s football up into the top half of the table picking up some good results along the way. Brettvale a strong side amongst the early pacesetters also into the last 4 of the League and County Cups. Tarnya McKew an experienced goalscorer playing at regional level top scoring for Brettvale getting her 21st goal of the season on Sunday. Hannah Goldsmith also well out in front as top scorer for Brightlingsea getting her 25th goal of the season to see the points shared in a 1-1 draw. 

  Holland Ladies new to the Suffolk Women’s Division this season are up to 3rd in the table above Brettvale on goal difference with games in hand on everyone around them still. Have lost just once this season and that back on the opening day just 2 more points dropped since are having a strong debut season solid in defence whilst scoring freely in attack were at home this Sunday playing 2nd bottom side Ramsey & Mistley Ladies. The goals coming again for Holland this weekend with two players celebrating hat-tricks, top scorer Jasmine Cox moving onto 32 goals for the season and midfielder Lauren Bourne who has 18 to her name. A brace too for Michelle Hodgson sees her become the fifth Holland player to reach double figures for the season, the final score 9-0 with Sophie Blowers alos getting her name on the scoresheet.

  A high scoring win too for Brantham Athletic Ladies away to Chantry Grasshoppers Ladies in the Suffolk Women’s Division at the weekend. Brantham regrouping well now after the loss of a few players during the summer retain a good squad which as always produced goals. Sophie Crabtree opening the scoring at the weekend putting Brantham 1-0 on 10 minutes. Maddie Hubbard quickly making it 2-0 with he 8th of the season. A goal for Carra Marie Seeley and a 2nd for Crabtree seeing Brantham leading 4-0 at the break. Went on to match that tally in the 2nd half winning the game 8-0 with top scorer Danielle Harvey scoring a 2nd half hat-trick to close in on 20 goals for the season. Seely also adding a 2nd goal.

  In the final game to bring you from the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday 7th placed Henley Athletic Ladies were at home to Alresford Colne Rangers in 8th. The visitors getting into the lead to hold the advantage at half-time 1-0 up the 2nd half a total contrast with a flurry of goals another 10 in fact! Alresford going on to add a further 3 goals to their tally with Donna Leggett scoring a brace and one each for Jenna Cash and Rae Clancey. Ended up going home empty handed however as Henley Athletic came back well to fire home 7 goals in the 2nd half to win the 3 points, top scorers Amy Gilson and Enya Moore both netting a brace remained locked on 14 goals apiece. An own goal plus one each for Clare Bevan and Megan Tucker helping to secure the victory.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies sat out last weekend’s fixtures that saw nearest rivals St Albans Ladies lose for the 2nd time this season in a 9 goal thriller with 3rd placed Northwood Ladies to keep their lead at the top of the table by 3 points. Were back in action this Sunday away to Hitchin Belles, Hemel Hempstead made it 10 wins now from 12 played, losing and drawing once each. Natasha McConville pulling away from Bianca Hedgecock as top scorer for the club netting a brace at the weekend to move onto 17 for the season. Captain Steph Cripps also on target with her 2nd goal of the campaign to help secure a 3-0 victory.

A high scoring defeat for St Albans Ladies last time out there was no close scoreline this Sunday as the club bounced back with a double figure win. St Albans at home to Hartham United Ladies. Grainne Kellet opening the scoring for St Albans on 22 minutes the host with a quickfire 2nd from top scorer Eleanor Lovelock who make it 3 on the half hour. Hartham pulling it back to 3-1 before Kellet popped up with her 2nd of the 2nd of the game late in the first half, Jessica Cavaree on target to make it 5-1 to St Albans at the break. A past start to the 2nd half seeing St Albans go further ahead, Kayla Johnson making it 6-1 4 minutes after the restart, Lovelock going on to complete her hat-trick soon after with her 29th goal of the season. St Albans in control goals coming at regular intervals Holly Williams to make it 8-1 on 70 minutes, Cavaree with a quick brace to make it a hat-trick with Johnson adding a 2nd goal to the tally late on and Lacey Kavanagh-Blake with her first goal of the season making the final score 12-1 in the final minute.

Northwood Ladies in 3rd were playing a double header this weekend away to Houghton Athletic Ladies as they look to get their games finished before the end of the season. Northwood winning the 3 points in the first match with top scorer Emma Steele netting a brace along with a goal for Honor Cantrell to see it finish 3-1. Emily Wilson with the goal for Houghton Athletic. Steele scoring again in the 2nd match to take her onto 27 goals for Northwood this season, Houghton Athletic though getting a goal with Sophie Lee finding the back of the net to earn a share of the points 1-1. 4 points at the weekend for Northwood not enough to take them above St Albans into 2nd spot lay a point behind pressure on both side above however with 5 points the gap between the leading trio now having all played 12.

The points also shared at the weekend between 5th placed Hitchin Town Ladies and 4th placed Garston Ladies 1st team. The match ending in a 1-1 draw with Ruby Jager scoring her 6th goal of the season for Garston who are looking well placed to secure a top 4 finish in their 2nd season playing in Division One.

At the other end of the Beds & Herts Women’s Division One table, Royston Town Women Development in 8th were away to bottom side Letchworth Garden City Eagles, both promoted from Division Two this season. The pair sharing the points in a 2-2 draw back at the start of February, Royston hadn’t played since another close game against the pair this Sunday with Tayla Murray scoring for Letchworth. Royston though coming away with the win thanks to a brace from Paige Rolfe to see them win for the 2nd time this season and open up a 4 point gap on the bottom pair.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two on Sunday the top 4 were all back in action as the battle for the title goes on. Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses topping the table on goal difference over AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies were away to Evergreen Ladies at the weekend. Evergreen short on numbers with just 9 on the field, did well putting in a shift but against the league leaders it was always going to be a tough test and tiring in the 2nd half Woburn & Wavendon scoring goals went on to win comfortably 7-0. Holly Venn giving the visitors an early lead on 5 minutes with her 11th goal of the season. Evergreen holding their opponents at bay for much of the first half Charlotte Bedford doubling the lead on the half hour Georgia-Rose Edwards and Jessica Greaves adding a goal each to see the lead 4-0 at the break. Bedford with her 2nd of the game early in the 2nd half. Goals from Edwards and Kelly Randall in the final 10 minutes .

AFC Dunstable Women Blues were finally back in league action having not been involved in the title battle since the end of January, falling to third rearing to go as they travelled to face 2nd placed AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies on Sunday. Nicola Hollick captaining the side amongst the goals for Dunstable netting 4 times in the match including one from the penalty spot to put her on to 25 goals for the season. Errin Murray also on target with her first goal for the club in just her 3rd appearance to help Dunstable to a 5-1 victory closing the gap to 2nd to 2 points with a game in hand a 5 behind leaders Woburn & Wavendon with 2 in hand.

Sherrardswood ladies in 5th spot were away to 4th placed Langford Ladies at the weekend in Division Two, points dropped in their last two fixtures including a first loss of the season seeing Langford slip away in the battle above for the title. A tough game agianst Sherrardswood the visitors opening the scoring from a corner in the 15th minute, Francesca Novelli scoring the goal. Leah Holmes getting her 5th goal of the season for Langford however 2nd half strikes from Kally-ann Westgarth and a 2nd of the game for Novelli her 5th of the season 10 minutes from time sealing a 3-1 win taking Sherrardswood to within 2 points of Langford with both having played 11.

Sherrardswood Ladies winning 3-1 against Langford Ladies this Sunday (photo credit Sherrardswood Ladies)

Garston Ladies Vintage Purples earning a point at home in a tough contest with Langford Ladies last weekend were on the road this weekend to face Bedford Ladies Development struggling for points this season in the bottom 3. Short on players at times too Bedford took the lead from a hopeful ball played into the box not dealt with by Garston feel to Lauren Prior to score her first Bedford goal making just her 2nd appearance. Garston coming back to level before half-time Emma Trill in good goal scoring form this season running at the Bedford defence before shooting from 25 yards out to score her 19th goal of the season. Garston pushing on 2nd half creating better chances but none taken the game was to end with the sides sharing the points.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

Just two sides left across the East now with 100% records, Pinchbeck United Ladies in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship and Herts Vipers now 15 points clear in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, their record now 16 wins from 16 were taking on bottom side Whetstone Wanderers Ladies this Sunday the game switched around to get played with Herts Vipers at home. Kelsey Millen with her 15th strike of the season opening the scoring for Herts Vipers inside 8 minutes, Lois Ruane adding a 2nd 2 minutes later. Both players going on to score another goal each before half-time with Tasmin Symonds-Bishop also scoring to see the lead 5-0 at the break. Goals throughout the side this season Rosie Langston finding the back of the net early in the 2nd half to put Herts Vipers 6-0 up, Sarah Payne soon adding a goal to make it 7-0. Rachel Wall coming off the bench to score a brace the first on the hour, in between her goals Millen on target to score her hat-trick. Symonds-Bishop making it 11-0 with 11 minutes left. All this without top scorer Nicole Jancey entering the fray on the beach however didn’t take her long to get amongst the goals managing to complete a hat-trick herself in the final 12 minutes, the final score 14-0.

 The rest of the field left in their wake, Biggleswade United Ladies having a strong season themselves are well placed to secure runners-up spot with 7 matches left to play are 3 points clear of Harvesters Ladies in 3rd who have played 2 more. Were away to Kempston Rovers Ladies this Sunday in Division Three. Angelica Fachechi on target to score a brace for Biggleswade has 7 for the season now, a goal too for Sarah King. There were also first Biggleswade goals for both Helen Spencer and Louise Grocott in a 5-1 victory. Hoffi Pursey with the goal for Kempston Rovers.

 Harvesters Ladies were at home in Division Three this weekend hosting Flitwick Eagles Ladies. Eve Shaw with her 14th goal of the season firing Harvesters into a 10th minute lead. Flitwick coming back well to level the scores on the half hour with Brittany Holdsworth scoring for the 13th time this season. The scores level at half-time. Harvesters having to work for the win pushed all the way by Flitwick, retaking the lead with 20 minutes left Isobel Hughes making it 2-1 then 3-1 with a quick fire double. Sammy Beharry pulling it back to 3-2 with 12 minutes left for Flitwick. Eleanor Keating ensuring the victory for Harvesters making it 4-2 in the final minute. 

  Hitching Town Ladies Reserves were hosting Bedwell Rangers Ladies this Sunday in Division Three. The pair sharing 6 goals between them to take home a share of the points Bedwell Rangers with goals early in the 2nd half from Rachel Young and Freya Rampley getting onto the lead Hitchin Town fighting back with Ellen Beary scoring twice in the final 20 minutes and one from Fiona Davies her first for the club 6 minutes from time to see it finish 3-3.

  Stotfold Juniors Ladies back in action this Sunday were hosting Buntingford Town Ladies and with other results going in their favour in mid-table in Division Three won the 3 points at home to move up to fifth level on points with Kempston Rovers Ladies. Stotfold winning the game 3-0 thanks to goals from Georgia Dollman and Gemma Robertson and a first of the season for Jessica Clarke-Patrick.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

The race for the title at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership remains wide open as leaders Haverhill Rovers dropped points for the 2nd successive match. A 3-2 defeat at home to Leverington Sports Ladies last weekend Haverhill were entertaining Netherton United Ladies this Sunday. The visitors leading 1-0 at half-time thanks to a goal from Georgina Parrett. Haverhill coming back to level the scores in the 2nd period with Sian Cottrell scoring from the penalty spot. The hosts pushing hard to find a winning goal, Netherton keeping them at bay to see the sides take a share of the points. 

 Getting back to winning ways last Sunday away to Haverhill Rovers Ladies, Leverington Sports Ladies climb up to 2nd in the Premiership table this weekend to close the gap on the leaders to 3 points. Were away to Ketton Ladies the pair promoted last season from the Championship North after being neck and neck at the top all season. Leverington beginning life in the Premiership well amongst the early pacesetters have stayed in the top 4 since. A 2-0 win agianst Ketton in the reverse fixture at the start of the year. The visitors getting into the lead from a free-kick the ball put into the box Terri Ann Moeser with the shot an excellent save from the keeper however top scorer Sophie Swinden latching onto the loose ball to fire into the back of the net, Leverington with a 1 goal advantage at the break. Leverington starting the 2nd half well Savanna Plavecz doubling their lead. Kaylee Swinden up for a free-kick powering in a header at the far post to make it 3-0 with her first goal of the season. Chloe Stanborough put through by Sophie Swinden to round the defence and score her 17th goal of the campaign. Ketton pulling a goal back from a free-kick struck well in off the bar. Late in the game though and Leverington were to add a further 2 goals with Plavecz netting her 2nd of the game and 9th of the season. Amy Newell seeing it finish 8-1 with a well struck 35 yard dipping shot.

Amy Newell striking the ball (photo credit Steve Hone)

St Ives Town Development Ladies were at home to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday a competitive contest the pair ending up sharing the points as it ended all square, Ebony Rule netting twice for Fulbourn to put her onto 17 goals for the season, Maisie Buckle getting a goal for St Ives along with Jade Carpenter returning to the side after a long spell out with injury her 6th of the season, the hosts 5th in the table pushing for a winner late on it finished 2-2.

Cambridge University Women climb up the Premiership table into 6th spot as they won for a fourth successive match at the weekend. Were at home to then 6th placed side March Town United Ladies. A close game both sides creating chances March giving debuts to new signings Tilly Sands and Yasmin Holmes on the scoresheet twice with goals from Josie Turner and Emma Searle. Cambridge University pipping them to the points winning the match 3-2 with goals from Lu Liu, Anna O’Leary and a 13th of the season for Amanda Wainwright.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

Two of the youngest sides in the Cambridgeshire leagues meeting this Sunday in the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridge City Ladies new A side hosting Newmarket Town Women’s new Development side. Kaitlin Elsey scoring a double hat-trick on her Newmarket debut last weekend firing the visitors into the lead on 40 minutes to see them 1-0 up at the break. The Championship side going 2-0 up on the hour with Elsey on target for her 2nd of the game, the win sealed in the final 15 minutes with Clementine Key scoring Newmarket’s 3rd goal. 

Newmarket’s opponents in the Junior Invitation Cup Final will be Histon Ladies Reserves the game scheduled for the 5th May with a 7:30pm kick-off at Histon FC.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

The title race at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship as exciting as the Premiership above, Cambridge Rangers Women long winning run coming to an end Park Ladies ending a run of 13 straight wins, a 2nd defeat of the season coming at home to title challengers Pinchbeck United Ladies 3-2. Were at home this Sunday taking on a rejuvenated Cardea Ladies. The visitors scoring goals while conceding in recent games a clean sheet last time out as they rattled in 13 goals against Burwell Tigers Ladies. A much closer contest this weekend the pair goalless at the break. Clare Kyndt putting Cambridge Rangers into the lead on the hour. Cardea quick to find a reply with Nicola Anderson scoring her 8th of the season 6 minutes later. Finished 1-1 the first draw for both sides this season.

 Two further points dropped by Cambridge Rangers Women, Pinchbeck United Ladies close the gap to the leaders to 4 points as they kept up their own 100% winning run now at 13 matches away to 3rd bottom Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development on Sunday. Libby Friel on target to find the back of the net for four goals for Pinchbeck in the game takes her to 16 goals for the season. Freya Peters just a goal ahead of Friel to stay top scorer scoring a brace. Victoria Bradford also celebrating a goal along with Annie Vayro scoring her first Pinchbeck goal in an 8-0 win.

Park Ladies incredible run continues as they climb up to 3rd in the Championship table with a 10th straight win at the weekend. Were on the road played 2nd bottom side Swavesey Spartans Ladies. Francesca Piltsch getting another hat-trick for Park, leading the goal scoring charts with 18 goals for the campaign now. Sophie Fenner grabbing a brace their were goals too for Georgia Payne and Georgia Stimson moving to 10 and 13 goals respectfully to help secure a 7-1 victory. Emma Smart scoring for Swavesey. Park up to 3rd on goal difference over Mildenhall Town Ladies

  Mildenhall Town Ladies have spent most of the season positioned 2nd in the Championship table the league newcomers finding their feet early on, slip to 4th of the back of this weekends results with in form Pinchbeck and Park moving past them, Mildenhall themselves losing out in a 7 goal thriller away to Isleham United Ladies on Sunday. Annalise Brown and Charlotte Nash scoring for Mildenhall in the first half. Isleham giving it a go with top scorers Laura Todd and Poppy Green both on target to score their 8th goals of the season. Becky O’Connor and Kerry Murry with her first of the season seeing Isleham into a 4-2 lead. Lydia Vince pulling it back to 4-3 scoring for Mildenhall in the 90th minute.

Eaton Socon Ladies another new comer doing well in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship this season climbing the table with a good run of results into the top 4 mow lay fifth in the table were taking on fellow newcomers Cambourne United Women this Sunday won for the 11th time this season to earn another 3 points beating their opponents 4-1. 

The Round-Up – Norfolk 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March

Norfolk Women’s Division One

 

A huge game at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division One played this Sunday as 2nd placed Bungay Town Ladies played host to runaway leaders Thorpe United Ladies. 13 successive wins for Thorpe at the top of the table 9 points clear going into the weekend captain Rebekah Lake having a prolific season in front of goal scoring 39 goals from just 15 games, Thorpe looking strong having a fantastic season so far into the League Cup final too. Bungay having a good season themselves losing just the one game that to Thorpe back in November losing away from home 1-0. 2 games in hand for Bungay, Sunday a crunch fixture you felt an eventful game in the finish a 7 goal thriller, Lake amongst the goals again racing past 40 onto 42 netting a hat-trick. Bungay though digging deep to get the 3 points and see Thorpe lose for the first time this season, Nicola Hazell scoring twice moving to 8 for the season. 2 goals too for top scorer Selina Rowland one from the penalty spot the game won 4-3. Thorpe ending the game with 10 players with Melissa Belsey red carded.

Selina Rowland

 

Nicola Hazell

 

 

Tavern Ladies enjoying a good season following promotion to Norfolk Women’s Division One join 3rd placed Sprowston Ladies on 27 points as they won for the 9th time this season away to bottom side Freethorpe Ladies at the weekend. Strong in the final third Tavern are scoring plenty of goals since moving up a league. Atlanta Griffith top scorer this season so far well backed up by Katie Hart-Copsey and Lucy Kean all three on target on Sunday with Griffith finding the back of the net for four goals moving onto 19 for the season. Hart-Copsey scoring a hat-trick moves to 15 whilst Kean was also on target for her 14th goal of the season, Tavern running out 9-0 winners with midfielder Nicole Costin also celebrating a goal. 

Long Stratton Women also promoted to Division One this season were at home to Taverham United Ladies at the weekend. Both sides short on availability for the match Long Stratton with usual captain Samantha Walker fielding the bare 11. Taverham winning the Division Two title with a very small squad had just the 9 on the pitch. Has been a tough season in Division One for Taverham continue to battle away a tight knit squad in 9th a positive end to the season could yet see them pull out of the bottom 2, earning a 2nd successive point on Sunday are up to 9th spot, Lucy Staff’s first goal of the season seeing Taverham leading at half-time. Long Stratton coming back to level the game 2nd half with Beth Stratton scoring. Long Stratton almost finding the winner hitting the crossbar late on.

Has been a tough spell for Fakenham Town Ladies bouncing back to Division One at the first attempt a good run had seen them climb as high as fifth in the table as they look to consolidate. A slump in results though seeing them lose ground with 6 loses in league and cup got back to winning ways at last this Sunday at home at Clipbush Park to fellow promoted side Thetford Town Ladies. Thetford beginning to find their feet in Division One themselves it was a close match with the scores level at 2-2 with the game entering the final three minutes, Fakenham getting the ball into their opponents goal for a 3rd time winning the game at the death. Top scorer Sophie Lubbock scoring her 9th goal of the season for Fakenham, Megan Spurrell also on target for a goal along with a first Fakenham goal for Gina Pooley. Thetford’s goal scorers Shannon Richardson with her first of the season and Jessica Knight with her first for the club.

Norfolk Women’s Division Two

Stalham Town Ladies remain in a strong position at the top of Norfolk Women’s Division Two, following their return to 11 a side football have lost just once in 11 games so far this season 9 wins and a draw lead the way by 4 points over Beccles Town Ladies who do have two games in hand the chasing pack a further 5 points back. Amber Mayhew’s goals going a long way to Stalham Town’s points tally this season is in great form in front of goal. On target for another hat-trick again this Sunday away to 5th Waveney Ladies to see the club make it 10 wins for the season the game won 3-0. Mayhew on 22 for the season now. The top two meeting this coming Sunday.

Beccles Town Ladies looking to bounce straight back to Division One have themselves lost just the once this season, looking to chase down Stalham Town Ladies at the top of the Division Two table have had a frustrating season in terms of getting games played, that though has allowed injured players to return to fitness and ready to push on towards the latter 3rd of the season. Were at home to struggling Red Rose Ladies at the weekend 2nd bottom Red Rose were short of a full side meaning it would be a tough test against a Beccles sides scoring goals. Did well though to keep it down to 4-0 at half-time but eventually tiredness was going to play a part and Beccles ran amok in the 2nd period. 3 players all netting 5 goals each, top scorer Lola Barber-King, Francesca Catchpole and Ellie Hills doubling her tally for the season. The final score 19-0 with Elisha Bower, Chelsea Caplin, Megan Vincent and Beth Owen all getting a goal.

Horsford Women are up to 3rd in the Norfolk Women’s Division Two table as they made it 4 straight wins on Sunday away to Hockering Ladies. The pair drawing 1-1 at the half-time interval Hockering added a 2nd goal 2nd half Horsford though scoring twice more to win the match 3-2 to take home the 3 points. Natalie Roope moves onto 10 for the season for Horsford with goals to for Amanda Vincent and Laura Hudson on her debut. Olivia Baker and Shelley Woods scoring in each half for Hockering.

North Walsham Ladies move above Hockering into 6th in the Division Two table with a 5th win of the season away to bottom side Bulldogs Ladies on Sunday. Both Keira Brown and top scorer Rhiannon Holt scoring twice to move to 6 and 12 goals for the season respectfully. Ella Chambers also scoring in the match celebrating her first goal of the season as North Walsham ran out 5-0 winners.

The Round-Up – ERWFL 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March 

ERWFL Cup

After a long month of postponements Peterborough Northern Star Ladies finally played their County Cup semi-final match against Moulton Ladies a convincing 11-0 win seeing them through to the final of the Northamptonshire Women’s up where they will face local rivals Peterborough United Ladies. That game out of the way the ERWFL Premier Division side had another cup game long lined up at home to fellow league side Colney Heath Ladies in the ERWFL League Cup quarter finals a home tie against Wymondham Town Ladies awaiting the winners. Early chances for both sides Katie Steward firing wide for Peterborough, Sarah Hudson in goal making a quality save to deny Colney Heath. Leah Cudone top scoring for Peterborough through one on one with the keeper to open the scoring for the hosts, Cudone in again to send the ball over the keeper to make it 2-0 with her 20th goal of the season going on to complete a hat-trick with just 21 minutes played. Samaira Khan top scoring for Colney Heath this season pulling it back to 3-1 10 minutes before half-time. The visitors threatening a comeback as Colney Heath pulled a 2nd goal back 5 minutes into the 2nd period. Pushing hard Colney Heath unable to find a levelling goal, Cassie Steward returning to the side recently having had a baby on target to score her first of the season to wrap up a 4-2 victory and send Peterborough into the last 4 of the league Cup.

A first half hat-trick on Sunday for Peterborough Northern Star’s Leah Cudone (photo credit Jason Cox Photos)

ERWFL Premier Division

ERWFL Premier Division leaders Harlow Town Ladies stay 6 points clear at the top of the table as they kept their unbeaten season going at home to 4th placed Bedford Ladies this Sunday. Both sides scoring goals their were plenty on show with the pair sharing a 9 goal thriller. The fourth match in a row Bedford have score 4 or more goals, Natasha Fensome leading the attack getting a good portion of them on target to score a hat-trick against Harlow, Jasmine Ajayi also scoring a goal for Bedford. 4 goals for Bedford too last weekend ended up with just a point against local rivals AFC Dunstable Ladies, disappointment at the final whistle this Sunday leaving the Harlow Arena empty handed as a hat-trick from striker Georgia Box helped Harlow to a 5-4 win. Amy Nash and Tayla Handscombe also celebrating a goal each.

Georgia Box scoring a hat-trick for Harlow Town Ladies this Sunday (photo credit Proud of Harlow)

Luton Town Ladies move 4 points clear in 2nd spot in the Premier Division table, 6 points back from Harlow with a game in hand. Were at home to Wroxham Women this Sunday in the league. Wroxham having seen a few games called of recently slipping down the Premier Division table, Luton in good form creating opportunities opening the scoring late in the first half Zara Carroll with the ball in for Jess Mckay to head in. 1-0 up at the break Luton were quick out of the blocks 2nd half Dionne Manning with an early chance saved Funmi Babalola putting over on the rebound as McKay’s strike struck the crossbar. McKay finding the top corner for her 2nd of the game in the 58th minute sees her onto 19 for the season. Rebecca Kane with a shot in the final five minutes rolled in by a defender to see Luton win the match 3-0.

Wymondham Town Ladies manager Alex Guy, celebrating a milestone this Sunday his 200th match in charge of the side, the Norfolk side enjoying a great spell in that time rising through the leagues and back to back successes in the County Cup, are up to 5th in the ERWFL Premier Division table now after coming home with the 3 points secured away to 2nd bottom AFC Dunstable Women. The hosts though taking an early lead going 1-0 inside 2 minutes scoring from a corner. Wymondham getting themselves back into it starting to control possession equalising on the half hour, Chelsea Clarke putting in a cross for Laura Nicholls finish first time. Wymondham going on to take the lead on the closing minutes of the first half Mollie O’Callaghan with the corner kick Mia Etheridge rising to head home. 2-1 up at the break Wymondham went on to seal the win midway through the 2nd half good work from O’Callaghan in midfield the ball on to Etheridge shooting into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

Royston Town Women another side to have slipped down the ERWFL Premier Division table due to called off fixtures, in good form at the start of the season recent results a mixed bag have reached the last 4 of the League Cup were at home to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies this weekend. Rebecca Vass doing well for Royston since joining the club scoring twice at the weekend to move onto 21 for the season off 14 appearances Charlotte South alos getting a goal for the Hertfordshire side her 5th of the campaign along with a first for Becki Ingram in just her 4th appearance for the side. The 4-0 win for Royston lifting them above Bowers & Pitsea into 7th a point out of the top half with games in hand on a couple of sides.

ERWFL Division One North

Just 3 games left to play for ERWFL Division One North leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development enjoying a strong debut season in the ERWFL losing just one of their 11 games so far this season 9 wins and a draw end Sunday 4 points clear of 2nd placed King’s Lynn Town Ladies who sat out this weekends fixtures. Cambridge were away to fellow promoted side East Bergholt United Ladies, the Suffolk side an early pace setter along side Cambridge have since slipped all the way down to 7th in the table. 3 sides for Cambridge this season a big games elsewhere too travelled Suffolk with the bare 11. East Bergholt getting off to a good start 1-0 after just 5 minutes. East Bergholt playing well Cambridge got themselves back level in the 35th minute Bella Simmons brought down inside the box Carla Penny scoring the resulting penalty. East Bergholt came back to retake the lead from a well worked goal to go in 2-1 up at the break. Cambridge regrouping starting the 2nd half well early pressure seeing the ball handled inside the box a 2nd penalty awarded Penny up to score her 2nd of the game top scorer with 19 goals for the season. East Bergholt a threat going forwards fighting to retake the lead, instead it a Cambridge who get thier noses in front midway through the 2nd half with Simmons finding the bottom corner from 20 yards out to score her 12th of the season. Cambridge holding on to win the game East Bergholt left frustrated their goals scored by Jessica Quinsee and Pippa King both on target with their first goals of the season.

Needham market Women also new to the ERWFL this season finding their feet in regional football in just their 2nd season together climbing to 3rd in the Division One North table had closed the gap to leaders Cambridge to 6 points with a game in hand and two games against the league leaders home and away to come. Were away to Histon Ladies this Sunday the Cambridgeshire side 5th also have games in hand 6 left to play before the weekend and on 14 points could well press on into the top 3 themselves. Annie Northwood on target to score her 14th of the season putting Needham market into the lead inside the opening 5 minutes. A good as it would get for the visitors in the first half however as Histon bounced back well to losing the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final in midweek, equalising in the 22nd minute went on to take the lead on the half hour quickly adding a 3rd goal. Histon leading 4-1 at half-time, Poppy Kelly netting a brace to give her 12 for the season. Alison Wright scoring for the 7th time this campaign and a first goal for defender Amie Flack. An own goal seeing Histon go 5-1 up in the 2nd half. Needham Market getting one back through Millie Carter on the hour as good as it would get Histon moving onto 17 points up to 4th.

AFC Sudbury Women playing their last game of the season this Sunday rebuilding with a young squad after relegation last term have grown as a team results not coming early on but have picked up one notable scalp, Cambridge City’s only defeat this season against Sudbury. Ended the season on a high at home to bottom side Gorleston Ladies, the Norfolk side also new to the league this season enduring a tough campaign no points on the board for the 2nd successive weekend travelled with just the bare 11 players carrying injuries to playing on a tough task against a Sudbury side with 5 named on the bench. Rebecca Stephenson netting a hat-trick for Sudbury. There were also two for Charlene Roach-Smith with Evie Creaton and Phoebe Guiver also scoring in a 9-1 win that sees Sudbury 6th for now at least.

ERWFL Division One South

The fixtures wiped out again last weekend in ERWFL Division One South there was a full fixture list with 3 games on this Sunday. Unbeaten leaders Millwall Lionesses were hosting bottom side Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies travelling with just 10 players it was always going to be tough against a Millwall side with plenty of energy and creativity in attack. Molly Hawkins getting the hosts off to a fast start putting Millwall up inside 3 minutes adding a 2nd 5 minutes later was celebrating her hat-trick with 20 minutes gone. Shannan Drewe in on goal to make it 4-0 on the half hour Millie Connell making it 5 moments later. Connell on the scoresheet for her 2nd to score from the penalty spot after Hawkins was fouled inside the box. Matilde Strocchi rounding the keeper to score on her Millwall debut to see the hosts 7-0 up at half-time.

  The goals kept coming 2nd half Kaitlyn Lewis heading in Millwall’s 8th. Hawkins in to score her 4th of the match, Sian Fitzpatrick bringing up double figures. Rebecca Scola getting one back for Hoddesdon midway through the 2nd half. Connell with her 2nd penalty of the match to bring up her hat-trick. Drewe with a quickfire goal making it 12-1 going on to complete a hat-trick with 15 to play. A flurry of goals at the death with Connell making it a hat-trick from the penalty spot Hawkins with her 5th and one from Daniella Colorado.

Millie Connell with 4 goals for Millwall Lionesses at the weekend including a hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Leigh Ramblers Ladies continue to keep pace with Millwall Lionesses at the top of the ERWFL Division One South table the Essex side new to the league this season enjoying a strong campaign at regional level a very young side were away to Stevenage FC Women Development on Sunday. Georgia Holdaway amongst the goals joining Leigh Ramblers this season was on target to score her 12th of the campaign at the weekend with goals to from Rebecca Dalgarno her 8th of the season and a goal each for Kate newton and Paige White to help secure a 4-1 victory. Harriet Douglas scoring for Stevenage. 

Hutton Ladies 3rd in the ERWFL Division One South table the side the leading pair need to keep an eye on unbeaten themselves the Essex side have much more experience in their ranks and games in hand with the gap now 4 points were away to Lawford Ladies at the weekend their first league game since the 2nd week of the new year plenty of goals scored so far this season were strong in attack again this Sunday top scorer Vicky Kinsman with another brace to her name moves onto 36 now for the season from just 12 games. Lauren Knight on the scoresheet too for her 9th of the season along with a goal for Clare Edmondson and a first for Kayleigh Franklin in a 5-0 win.

The Round-Up – FAWNL 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March

FAWNL Plate

A much delayed quarter final tie for Watford Ladies the club finally playing their game against Chichester City Ladies after a month. Winning through to the semi-finals Watford faced another long journey this time to the North West to play Northern Premier Division side Middlesborough Women in the semi-final. That game suffering from postponement last Sunday the Southern Premier Division side haven’t played a league match since the final weekend of January. At last this Sunday the game was on better weather finally. Few chances created on the first period a close contest the pair going in all square at the break 0-0.

  The 2nd half starting in the same vein, Watford going down to 10 on the hour with goalkeeper Nina Wilson sent off for handling outside the area. 2nd half substitute Hattie Kettle going in between the posts. Watford with a good response after going down to 10, Alysha Stojko-Down shooting wide. The game into the final 20 minutes Watford get their noses in front a good ball to see Anne Meiwald through on goal her initial strike hitting the post is closing in on the follow-up to tuck away the rebound. Both sides down to 10 with 10 minutes left Middlesborough’s Rebekah Bass red carded for an off the ball incident. Watford push on in the final minutes a god chance on 87 minutes the game sealed in the 90th minute Megan Chandler in to win the ball outside the box with a fantastic strike to make it 2-0.

Watford will play West Bromwich Albion Women in this season’s Plate final the game taking place on Sunday 22nd March at Stafford FC.

FAWNL Southern Premier Division

Wet weather was to affect the FAWNL Southern Premier Division elsewhere with the games between Chichester City Ladies and Gillingham Ladies and Crawley Wasps Ladies v Keynsham Town Ladies called off. Two matches surviving. A mid-week victory for Oxford United Women 2-1 at home to Milton Keynes Dons Women saw them climb up above Plymouth Argyle Ladies into 3rd spot on goal difference, were back at home this Sunday taking on Portsmouth FC Women. Oxford opening the scoring in the 23rd minute pressure from the hosts around the penalty box the ball put into Kayleigh Hines 25 yards out an impressive strike clipping the woodwork in its way in to the top corner. Portsmouth coming on well both sides creating chances a gritty game at times the visitors back on level terms just past the half hour getting forwards the ball flashed in across the face of goal Hayley Bridge arriving at the far post to make it 1-1. Oxford with good chances to retake the lead however it was  level at half-time Oxford had to dig in at times as Portsmouth came on 2nd half both sides with opportunities in front of goal, the winner coming in the 75th minute ex-Portsmouth player Daisy McLachlan lashing the ball home after coming in at the far post. 2-1 to Oxford close the gap to 2nd placed Watford to a point albeit Watford have 3 games in hand.

Plymouth Argyle Ladies too closing the point to Watford to a point on 14 games the same as Oxford United Women, at home this Sunday hosting 2nd bottom side Hounslow Women. Plymouth getting forwards well chances coming opened the scoring just past the half hour winning a corner kick a low ball played in by Helen Bleazard, Ebony Dover laying it on for Lydia Huntley to slot past the keeper for her first goal of the season. The advantage doubled 2 minutes before the half-time whistle Bleazard playing Dover through to put her shot past the keeper. A 2-0 lead for Plymouth, a quickly reply from Hounslow Women at the start of the 2nd half getting it back to 2-1 straight away. Plymouth settling after that coming on in search of a third goal Hounslow battling well to keep them out keeping the scoreline tight but not able to find an equalising goal Plymouth finishing 2-1 winners.

FAWNL South East Division One

Battles shaping up at both ends of the FAWNL South East Division One table. The top half of the table competitive right from the start the tussle at the bottom livening up in recent weeks as sides attempt to get themselves out of trouble. A host of international call-ups seeing Ipswich Town Women leading the table not played another opportunity for AFC Wimbledon Ladies to return to within a point of the leaders, wouldn’t be easy though away to 6th placed Enfield Town Ladies at the weekend. Sarah Wentworth with her first goal of the season firing Wimbledon into the lead inside 5 minutes getting into box sending her strike up high into the net to make it 1-0. Enfield with a quick reply back on level terms just 6 minutes later captain Nuala McKevitt on the scoresheet from a corner. Chances coming for both sides Enfield hitting the crossbar. A cracking strike from Elizabeth Berkeley putting Wimbledon back into the lead in the 33rd minute. The visitors 2-1 up at the break. A bright start to the 2nd half Enfield awarded a penalty on 54 minutes, Beth Lumsden stepping up to put Enfield level at 2-2. Wimbledon straight up the other end to retake the lead Rosie Russell smashing the ball home from inside the box to make it 3-2 with her first strike of the season. The game into the final 15 minutes a fantastic run from Georgia Heasman before setting up substitute Helen Ogle to find the back of the net and put Wimbledon 4-2 up. The gap to Ipswich back to a point wit both having played 14.

AFC Basildon Women have won 6 in a row to climb up to 3rd spot in the South East Division One table were hosting 5th placed Leyton Orient WFC at the weekend looking to make it 7 straight league wins. Their opponents the last side to beat them in the league back in September a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture. Basildon on top in the first half unable to break the deadlock the pair going into the changing rooms goalless at half-time. A goal ruled out for offside for Basildon right at the start of the 2nd half. Basildon finally getting their noses in front midway through the 2nd half, awarded a free-kick, Poppy Binding’s strike getting a touch of the Leyton Orient defence on it’s way through to goal. Kelly Wealthall and Holly Turner both coming close to doubling the lead. The game into the final 15 minutes, Courtney Clarke down the left putting the ball into Turner inside the box for a composed finish to make it 2-0. Leyton Orient pressing but unable to find a reply as Basildon extend their winning run. 

Holly Turner finishing at the near post to put Basildon 2-0 up (photo credit Jason Clogg)

Billericay Town Ladies stay a point behind Basildon fourth in the South East Division One table with two games in hand as they won at ‘home’ to Actonians Ladies on Sunday, enjoyed an exciting match in the Women’s FA Cup at the start of the year. Postponed from last week rearranged for this Billericay winning more comfortably this weekend the game a Malden, Therese Addison sending the ball past the advancing keeper to open the scoring would go on to miss a penalty. Ellie Nicholls opening her Billericay account with her first senior goal. Hannah Smith also on target with her 6th of the season. Zoe Rushen celebrating a 2nd half brace going clear as top scorer once again on 13 goals. Billericay winning 5-0.

Crucial games to come at the bottom of the South East Division One table too, Cambridge United WFC winning 1-0 away to bottom side Kent Football United climbing above Stevenage FC Women and Norwich City Women into 8 position as they began a run of 4 games playing the sides down around them including the pair mentioned above a local rivals Cambridge City Ladies. At home this Sunday at St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium were hosting Stevenage FC Women. The featured game on Women’s Football East this Sunday the full match report can be found below this post. Amy Butler making her debut in goal for Cambridge United. Both sides looking to exploit width get up the flanks Stevenage making a good start a couple of chances Ashleigh Deacon causing problems with her pace out on the right getting on with the ball her cross in cut out straight to midfielder Amy Josland at the top of the area hit it back in to open the scoring put Stevenage 1-0 on 19 minutes. Cam close again the woodwork struck, Cambridge United building momentum as the 1st half wore on getting at their opponents with good opportunities before the half-time whistle.

Cambridge’s Charlotte Crisp getting a leg up to block Stevenage’s Nicole Emmings strike on goal.

A narrow advantage for Stevenage at half-time, Cambridge United began the 2nd half well getting forwards quickly an early goal from Amy Howlett ruled out for offside. The hosts winning a corner a good delivery in from the left clearing the keeper near post Faith Hewitt meeting it beyond to nod in from close range. Cambridge United doing well, Stevenage frustrated 2nd half Cambridge United going on to take the lead with 20 minutes left getting forwards well with pace Hewitt on for Kelly Blanchflower to pick out Emma Jenkins left side her cross put into the box saved by Grace Brooks the ball pushed out towards the top of the area Blanchflower quickest to it latching onto the shot firing the ball home to score her 7th goal of the season. Stevenage looking for a reply pushed on but Cambridge United defended well to make it back to back wins and pull further clear from the 4 sides below.

A massive 3 points too for Cambridge City Ladies at the weekend as they won at home to Norwich City Women the 2nd bottom side moving to within two points of the Norfolk side as a result and just one behind Stevenage. Confidence high as Cambridge City beat Histon Ladies 6-0 in mid-week to win this season Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final. Norwich though getting off to a good start taking an early lead winning the ball high from a goal kick a diagonal ball finding top scorer Chelsea Garrett free in the box right of goal shot across the keeper to put the visitors 1-0 up, Cambridge responding well Charlotte Gillies with a good opportunity. Norwich coming close as Aimee Durrant almost broke free into the box stopped by goalkeeper Dominika Szary. The hosts getting back on level terms midway through the 1st half Gillies pace causing problems right side was played in central running on lobbing the keeper to score. Karly Tolentino with a good chance to put Cambridge City in front, got the goal minutes later as she scrambled the ball in at the near post from a corner on the half hour. Cambridge City leading 2-1 at half-time Laura Mills clear firing a shot over early in the 2nd half for the hosts Gillies on the move making it 3-1 on the hour shooting into the bottom corner from the top of the box. Norwich unable to create a clear opportunity up the other end Cambridge City now breathing down their necks have games in hand on both Norwich and Stevenage.

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage FC Women

Sunday 8th March

FAWNL South East Division One

No storm sweeping in across the country this weekend so for the first time in a month it was nice to make plans early get a game sorted, keen to get some action in from the FAWNL, headed to St Neots Town FC this Sunday to watch Cambridge United WFC v Stevenage FC Women. 

  Battles shaping up well at both ends of the table competitive in the top half for the title race and in the bottom half although no one wants to be there a crucial period coming up for the sides wanting to avoid relegation. The two promoted sides Kent Football United and Cambridge City Ladies positioned in the bottom two are just a couple of positive results (if they can find them) from getting clear of trouble, the sides immediately above scrapping for points themselves to keep clear of danger amongst those today’s opponents Cambridge and Stevenage. Norwich in the mix too and all the sides in the bottom five have crunch games against each other coming up.

Cambridge United WFC into the 2nd of a 4 game run against the sides in and around them. An Emma Jenkin’s goal enough to secure all 3 points away to bottom side Kent Football United last weekend lifts them up to 8th in the South East Division One table 5 points clear of the bottom two with a trio of home matches to come starting with Stevenage this afternoon, then local rivals Cambridge City and Norwich City Women at The Abbey Stadium on Weds 18th March. The women’s sides making the switch to a new ground this season now at St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium along with their Development side.

New beginnings bringing mixed fortunes, a new era of sorts an great opportunity to grow a new fan base great facilities but a change in coaching set up saw several player departures before the season started the squad smaller struggling for results early on, out of the cups early. A long period without a game more changes in management Ben Yeomans stetting up from assistant to first team coach. New faces coming in the club has never been sort of positively. The move to St Neots seeing Cambridge United unable to defend the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup this season but now within the catchment area of the Huntingtonshire FA have reached the final of the inaugural Hunts FA Women’s Cup, facing St Ives Town Ladies on Thursday 23rd April at Eynesbury Rovers FC.

Stevenage FC Women themselves playing in the Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup final next Sunday taking on Watford Ladies U23s for the second successive final. Will be Stevenage’s sixth consecutive County Cup final appearance and will be looking to regain the trophy from their opponents. Joining forces with the Stevenage FC Foundation this season were looking to push on become an established side in the FAWNL having recently gained promotion. Injuries a few long term and being unable to secure a main shirt sponsor hampering their season somewhat falling to 10th spot four points clear of the bottom two have been unlucky with some results scoring goals okay just conceding too many. A narrow 3-2 defeat away to Leyton Orient WFC last time out. Beat Cambridge United comfortably 4-0 in the reverse fixture back in September and have home games against the bottom two to come.

Once I’ve successfully negotiated the roadworks on the A14 at Cambridge the venue for today’s game The Premier Plus Stadium home of St Neots Town FC as well Cambridge United WFC. The entrance to the pitch through the clubhouse hot drinks available onto the stadium itself the grass pitch in great condition offering good width. Dark cloud around and quite breezy didn’t talk of much rain around but short sharp showers would be a feature of the afternoon, one before kick-off as the teams warmed up seeing an early retreat to the changing rooms. Headed to the mainstand myself but the wind blowing straight into it offered little protection. Like to be on the opposite of the pitch however and as the rain died decided to risk it.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Amy Butler, Charlotte Crisp, Carrie Bennett, Albany Hodgson, Jemma Moore, Faith Hewitt, Gisela Otten (C), Amy Howlett, Emma Jenkins, Amber Cantwell & Kelley Blanchflower. Subs – Abi Davies, Kayleigh-Anne Burt & Katie White.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Grace Brooks, Leah Dunnage, Gemma Biggadike, Lucy Webster, Dominique Godbeer, Cara Breckenridge, Amy Josland, Ashleigh Deacon, Tamsyn Sibanda, Amy Makewell (C) & Nicole Emmings. Subs – Charlotte McLucas, Erin Pope & Katie Knell.

Amy Butler making her debut in goal for Cambridge, new arrived from ERWFL Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies. Allowing Albany Hodgson to rejoin the defence having donned the goalkeeping gloves herself in the last couple of matches, injuries at the back also seeing Charlotte Crisp usually operating in midfield at right back. Stevenage to kick off the first half wearing white shirts with red vertical pinstripes, red shorts and socks. Cambridge opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves black shorts and socks. Playing the ball back towards their defence Cambridge press high the ball released sent long out to the left knocked on into the box, Butler with an early touch of the ball off her line to kick clear.

 Cambridge work the ball through the middle Amber Cantwell putting it out to the right for Amy Howlett running on up the line cuts inside, Stevenage’s Leah Dunnage closing in to put in the tackle prevent a cross. Pace from both sides going forwards Stevenage come on the diagonal pass into Ashleigh Deacon on the right side, bursts on with the ball travelling into the box players rushing on through the middle to join her the ball squared along the top of the six yard box, Hodgson cutting it out for Cambridge. Deacon a threat on the right side early on getting hold of the ball taking it on fires another ball into the six yard box Nicole Emmings seeing it into her feet laying it back to captain Amy Makewell top of the area strikes it back on on target low but well seen by Butler back on her line down to save. 

Cambridge’s Amy Howlett with Stevenage captain Amy Makewell

 A lively start from both sides Faith Hewitt getting hold of the ball on halfway for Cambridge sending it up field to Emma Jenkins on the right Gemma Biggadike staying with her Jenkins forces a corner. The delivery long through the six yard box before being cleared. A crunching 50/50 ball in the middle between Stevenage’s Amy Josland and Cambridge captain Gisela Otten the rebound favouring Stevenage Emmings getting hold of it on the left jinking her way into the area Butler coming to close the angle takes it around wide on the angle shoots the ball landing in the side netting.

Cambridge United WFC captain, Gisela Otten

  Lucy Webster coming across the back line to tackle Jenkins as she gets free on the left for Cambridge. Emmings causing problems in attack for Stevenage moving out to the left head down on the ball looks to get in behind a good tackle from Crisp to regain possession. A good contest in the middle of the park, the ball closed down Cara Breckenridge this time playing the ball to Deacon on the right has Makewell giving her a run ahead of her into the box laying it into her path, Jemma Moore gets across well to lunge in front of her to take the ball away before the attacker can pull the trigger. 

Ashleigh Deacon taking the ball on for Stevenage

  Cantwell getting forwards with the ball at her feet, is brought down, the advantage played as the ball runs straight to Kelley Blanchflower she plays it across the top of the area to Jenkins left side, upended by Webster, Cambridge get the free-kick this time. Jenkins herself to take floating the ball into the area, Stevenage’s Dominique Godbeer winning the header dropping down outside the box, Cantwell after it puts her foot through the ball her strike charged down. Neither side on top getting forwards quickly Cambridge have it on the right a throw won taken quickly Cantwell laying it on up the right for Blanchflower, strong on the ball takes it in towards goal a defender on her shoulder gets a shot away the ball wide across the face of goal. 

Stevenage’s Lucy Webster

 Blanchflower seeing the ball into her feet right channel 25 yards out takes it on into the area Godbeer sliding in as she shoots the deflection seeing the ball come out to Hewitt 20 yards out top of the D strikes it first time screws it high and wide of the left post. Hewitt with a fantastic tackle to win the ball inside the Stevenage half attempts to thread it through for Blanchflower a little too much on it allows Stevenage goalkeeper, Grace Brooks to claim. Both sides looking to get their wide players on the ball Jenkins is fouled as she tries to get into the box coming in from the left. Jenkins has a go for goal a high ball presenting a danger to Brooks back on her line as it drops goalwards… but lands safely on the rook of the net. 

The ball’s there if you look for it a tricky on for Stevenage goalkeeper Grace Brooks to keep an eye on.

 

  GOAL! 19 minute played and the deadlock is broken, Stevenage getting forwards well pressure in the final third, Deacon with the ball right side takes in on towards the corner, players race on through the middle to support Deacon sends a dangerous ball into the six yard box, Hodgson falling cutting it out central sends it out towards the top of the area, straight to Amy Josland she strikes it first time getting curve on the ball sending it swerving away from the keeper into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead 0-1. 

Amy Josland firing Stevenage into the lead.

 Stevenage lively getting forwards well Makewell giving an option drifting into the right channel the ball fed to her takes it on Moore closing her down the pair tussling for the ball Makewell fouling the free-kick going Cambridge’s way much to her annoyance. Stevenage on through the middle Sibanda inside for Josland, Hodgson intercepting and sending up field to Howlett on the right goes on finding Blanchflower ahead of her powerful with the ball at her feet holding off her marker the angle tight sends her shot into the side netting. 

  Jenkins with the ball left side Hewitt up with her inside 25 yards out gives her the ball, opens her body to clip it forwards for Blanchflower stealing in behind, Brooks down well to save at the strikers feet. Hewitt involved again winning it central her pass finding Cantwell 30 yards out right of goal takes on the shot the ball held by Brooks. Otten with a couple of challenges to slow Stevenage down before a somewhat out of control tackle by Cantwell sliding in gives the visitors a free-kick 25 yards out right of goal. Sibanda over it goes for goal her effort wide of the near post. 

Stevenage striker, Nicole Emmings

  Stevenage coming on well in the last 5 minutes getting bodies forwards pushing Cambridge back Deacon right side a corner won. A good delivery into the six yard box Otten does well to clear for Cambridge play brought back for a head injury to Hodgson. Josland in quick to win the ball, up to Emmings the striker can’t find the room to get a shot away top of the box before being crowded off the ball. A high ball played forwards into the Cambridge area awkward for Hodgson to deal with Makewell in close attention the ball bouncing, Makewell getting to it first hitting it on the angle towards the near post Butler can’t take any chances down to palm it behind for the corner. From the left inswinging into the six yard box Cantwell doing well getting there ahead of Godbeer to put it behind for a 2nd corner on the right. Another good delivery across six yard box Godbeer free this time at the back stick rising to head the ball her effort coming back off the crossbar. 

 Cantwell and Jenkins combine well through the middle for Cambridge, exchanging passes before Jenkins plays it out to Howlett on the right, takes it on Dunnage in to win the ball back for Stevenage. A good take by Brooks low in her box as Cambridge come on Cantwell into Jenkins coming in from the left her shot taking a deflection, Brooks across down to save. Biggadike gets on right side for Stevenage ahead of Deacon fires in a cross/shot towards the near post Butler keeping her eyes on it well gathered even as Emmings lunges at it in front of her. 

Charlotte Crisp getting on with the ball for Cambridge United WFC

 Cambridge picking it up in the closing minutes of the 1st half getting forwards better Hewitt winning it on for Blanchflower right of the D a good diagonal ball picks out Jenkins coming in from the left pushes it in cross the top of the six yard box looking to get a shot way just runs too far allows Godbeer to get across her and clear the ball out for a throw right side. Dropping into Blanchflower the Cambridge attacker turns and strikes the ball her effort a foot over the crossbar. 

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Stevenage FC Women

  Stevenage slightly edging the 1st half with a 1-0 going into the break. A competitive game a good battle going on in the middle between Cambridge’s Otten and Hewitt up agianst Stevenage’s Breckenridge and Josland. Both sides looking to get forwards quickly use the width Deacon in particular on the right, Emmings in attack showing good movement, Cantwell with good options left and right with Blanchflower up top. One goal in it the 2nd half will be no less eventful. The rain making a return at half-time the reserve umbrella up just another light shower however as the sides return to the pitch.

No changes made, Cambridge to get the 2nd half underway. A early clearance presented to Blanchflower drifting left has support from Jenkins ahead of her rolls her in her cross into the area cut out by Godbeer for Stevenage. Cambridge making a fast start to the 2nd half the ball won back high play turned around Blanchflower left sends it on towards the box, intercepted by Webster deflects off her legs straight to Cantwell inside the D has Howlett free inside the box to her right plays the pass by even as Howlett’s shot nestles in the bottom corner the whistle blows for a raised flag, offside. 

Cambridge United WFC’s Amy Howlett

Under pressure early on the ball cleared up to the left, Makewell does well to bring it down keep in play putting it back to Sibanda a good strike of the ball to send it up the wing for Emmings running in behind takes it on, Moore getting across to challenge the ball behind for a corner kick. Players come forwards a vicious ball fired in low through the six yard box Emmings lunging at it far post isn’t too far away from making a telling contact. 

Gemma Biggadike challenging Gisela Otten for the ball

 Cambridge sharper to the ball now getting their tackles in high Hewitt out for Howlett right goes on with it, Sibanda getting back to tackle her. Crisp fouled as she gets forwards on the right. The free-kick put high into the area headed clear by Godbeer, Stevenage get on he counter attack Deacon out to Emmings moving right, Moore closing down to send the ball out for a throw. The sun making an appearance a rainbow over the ground. The tempo high Cambridge coming on Cantwell clipped top of the D as she looks to get a shot away a free-kick for Cambridge, Jenkins on it hits it low strikes the wall deflected out to the left more Cambridge pressing brings a corner. The ball cleared Stevenage can’t make any head way in attack as Cambridge come straight back, Cantwell left 20 out looks to thread it into Blanchflower inside the box near post, Brooks just about gets there but a deflection sees the ball behind for a corner.

 GOAL! 56 minutes played and Cambridge equalise scoring from the corner, Cantwell to play it in a good inswinging delivery close over the goalkeeper, players attacking it beyond one of those Hewitt getting her head on the ball nodding it down into the back of the net 1-1. 

Faith Hewitt with the header to put Cambridge United WFC level

  Stevenage with a quick response coming close to retaking the lead within seconds of the restart, the ball into Deacon right side hits it on the run her strike clipping the crossbar. Stevenage come again another effort at goal stabbed wide by Josland from 25 yards out. Blanchflower making some great runs in attack for Cambridge now clear to the right takes the ball on into the corner options limited nevertheless spots Hewitt positioned inside the D sends the ball racing into her Hewitt not quite able to connect. Otten with a strong challenge breaking up a Stevenage attack the visitors frustrated now not getting the ball into their attackers as easily as they did first half. 

Amy Josland in to tackle Cambridge’s Emma Jenkins

  Sibanda with some good tackling left side for Stevenage looking to get on up the field attempts to thread a pass through for Emmings in behind but Butler with a good starting position can get there first to claim. Blanchflower fouled on the left a free-kick awarded. Cantwell to deliver put in close to the keeper, Jenkins up with her Brooks gloving the ball up onto the bar before it goes over. A lively contest both sides going for it Stevenage’s Emmings shows good control on the ball to work it out to Deacon to her left, Moore coming in to close down with a good challenge. 

Cambridge’s Amber Cantwell

 Sibanda getting up to support the attack on the left on to Emmings comes inside striking the ball from 20 yards out, Crisp sticking out a leg getting in the block for Cambridge. Sibanda staying up high left winning a throw keeps the attack alive turning inside to get another shot away again Crisp is there to block near post. Stevenage with a good spell of pressure Emmings has it left on the by-line strong to turn inside sends a cross into the six yard box Makewell there gets a touch the ball send wide at the far post. Stevenage make the first change of the match bringing on Katie Knell for Breckenridge as the rain starts to fall again 20 minutes left to play.

Charlotte Crisp getting a leg out to block Emmings shot

  GOAL! Cambridge regain possession in the middle Hewitt on for Blanchflower left channel sends it on for Jenkins racing away down the wing she fires in a fierce ball into the far post Brooks down to save gloves it away loose out to the top of the box, Blanchflower racing in first to it strikes it hard arrowing into the goal beyond 2-1.

Cambridge striker Kelley Blanchflower holding off Stevenage’s Tamsyn Sibanda

 Stevenage make a 2nd change straight away Erin Pope comes on for Biggadike. Cambridge on the attack good work from Otten winning it central puts it to Blanchflower moving left down the line her ball into the box finds its way through to Howlett, doesn’t get a clean strike of the ball, sliced wide. Cambridge make their first change with Katie White coming on for Jenkins. Pope with a snapshot 20 yards out as the ball is deflected into her path sends it wide of goal. Stevenage pushing players on risk leaving gaps at the back Blanchflower ready to exploit the ball over the top seeing her clear through the middle, Brooks comes out of her area attempting to win the race not quick enough Blanchflower attempts to put it past her fortune favours the keeper as it strikes her legs.

  Crisp taking a quick free-kick up to Blanchflower inside the box Godbeer on her shoulder let of goal manages to get a shot away deflected across the face of goal Howlett retrieving right side puts back in Webster intercepting for Stevenage. Cantwell winning a corner for Cambridge on the right puts in another good delivery Hewitt further out winning the header on target down, cleared on the line by Sibanda. Stevenage with a free-kick on halfway the ball finding Pope top of the D gets a snapshot away blasts it wide of the right post. A third change for Stevenage as Godbeer comes off on comes Charlotte McLucas to make her first team debut. 

Stevenage’s Erin Pope in to tackle Cambridge’s Amy Howlett late on

 Hodgson closing down Emmings to concede a throw as the Stevenage attacker looks to get on right side into the box. A few strong challenges coming in late on both sides giving as good as they get Stevenage keen to get on with the clock running down, Cambridge battling to hold onto their lead. The game heading into stoppage time play frantic, Sibanda tackling Howlett puts it inside to Makewell can’t shake off Otten.

  Cambridge trying to get it down into the corners, easier said than done, Hewitt into Blanchflower, Sibanda closing her down to regain possession doesn’t stick up top, Cantwell cleans out Sibanda as she looks to carry it out on the left, earning her the first yellow card of the game. Into the final minute Crisp bringing the ball on rolled into Blanchflower held up in the Stevenage final 3rd no time to mount one last attack as the final whistle blows and Cambridge win another valuable 3 points.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 2-1 Stevenage FC Women 

 Cambridge with back to back wins 6 points seeing them pull further clear of the battle at the bottom, Stevenage now very much in it losing today and seeing Cambridge City Ladies win at home to Norwich the 2nd bottom side closing the gap to just a point. Several crucial games to come. A good first half from Stevenage starting well and stayed on the front foot through out the first 45 minutes taking the lead and creating several good opportunities. Cambridge not out of it by any means with chances of their own. The 2nd half very much Cambridge’s started well he pressure paying off equalising from a corner then going onto take the lead with 20 minutes left. Stevenage make then work hard for the 3 points an intriguing contest, Stevenage had chances to level.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a few performances of note and a tough one to decide who gets the award. For Stevenage, Ashleigh Deacon was a threat going forwards on the right and Nicole Emmings showed great movement and presence in attack. Tamsyn Sibanda with some fantastic challenges especially 2nd half. For Cambridge Jemma Moore with some timely tackles at the back. Amber Cantwell with good movement and passing spot on from her corners. Kelley Blanchflower in attack always available making good runs creating goal scoring opportunities. Now it gets tough really the final two are neck and neck for me but have to pick one, Faith Hewitt was fantastic in the middle for Cambridge great tackling and good runs forwards supporting the attack, the award though goes to Charlotte Crisp not usually at right back but had an excellent game made several important tackles and blocks.

An enjoyable trip to the Premier Plus Stadium this Sunday, my thanks to both sides for the team details. Will be seeing Stevenage again next Sunday in the Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup Final.

Match Report – Cup Final Special

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

Wednesday 4th March

Cambridge City Ladies v Histon Ladies

  The first of this season’s Cup Finals this Wednesday night in the East, the Cambridgeshire Women’s S-Tech Insurance Invitation Cup this season being contested between Cambridge City Ladies & Histon Ladies.

  The Invitation Cup Final being hosted for the 2nd season at The Abbey Stadium home of Cambridge United FC the counties leading club. Women’s football growing in Cambridgeshire the two county divisions the Premiership and Championship seeing a rapid growth this season. Women’s and girls football in Cambridgeshire supported by S-Tech Insurance along association now into it’s 13th year sponsoring tonight’s final.

  The holders of the cup however not taking part this season, Cambridge United WFC dominating the competition on recent season’s moving to a new ground this season St Neots Town FC which falls under the Huntingdonshire FA umbrella they themselves launching an inaugural Women’s Cup this season, that final to be contested by Cambridge United WFC and St Ives Town Ladies. Unable to defend the trophy the opportunity to win silverware going to a new face?

  Well not so new in Cambridge City Ladies case as they won the trophy two season’s back beating rivals Cambridge United WFC, the pair dominating the final recently as Cambridge City Ladies rose rapidly through the women’s football pyramid, reaching the FAWNL. Have an equally ambitious Development side new to regional football this season topping the table in ERWFL Division One North and new for this season too a third side Cambridge City Ladies A competing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. Reaching the final of the Invitation Cup yet again it is a distraction from their league woes Cambridge City struggling for points 2nd bottom of FAWNL South East Division One with some crucial games coming up, the chance of winning silverware tonight an excellent opportunity with the added incentive of possibly inspiring the team for tough games to come.

  Histon Ladies reaching the Invitation Cup for the first time, although themselves were familiar opponents for Cambridge United… then Cambridge Women before Cambridge City came along. Back then were know as Great Shelford Ladies. That name consigned to history now as the club joined forces with Histon FC and getting good support playing at the club’s Glassworld Stadium are looking to grow become a strong force for women’s football in Cambridgeshire adding a youth section, the 1st team competing in ERWFL Division One North, a Reserves side coming in too to bolster the 1st team playing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership have made it a cup final double by reaching the Junior Invitation Cup Final, where it could yet be a copy of this evenings final with Cambridge City Ladies A meeting Newmarket Town Women Development in the other semi-final. As well as reaching the Invitation Cup Final, Histon are also into the last four of the ERWFL Plate competition.

Road the the Final

  Both Cambridge City Ladies and Histon Ladies receiving a bye in the 1st Round of this season’s Invitation Cup progressing to the 2nd Round/Quarter Finals. Cambridge City Ladies were drawn away to Premiership side March Town United Ladies a gap of 4 leagues between the pair. Karly Tolentino joining Cambridge City this season netting a hat-trick as the FAWNL won through to the semi-finals 8-0. Histon Ladies were at home taking on Cambridge Women’s Premiership side and amongst the early table toppers Leverington Sports Ladies a potentially tricky tie, goals from Sydney Graham, Poppy Kelly, Siobhan White and Alison Wright saw Histon safely through winning 4-1.

  Onto the semi-finals Cambridge City Ladies were drawn at home to ERWFL Division One North side, Newmarket Town Women. The tie hit by the recent storms eventually switched to Newmarket’s 3G playing surface to complete. Giving up home advantage not affecting Cambridge City, Tolentino on target for another goal along with one each for Charlotte Gillies, Freya Standing and Beatrice Fitzsimons returning from injury seeing them through 4-1 to this Wednesday’s final. Histon Ladies were away to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in the semi-finals of the competition. The Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side taking the lead from the penalty spot on 17 minutes. Histon coming back to level the scores through Poppy Kelly in the 44th minute went 2-1 up on the stroke of half-time as Kelly fired home her 2nd of the game. Fulbourn coming back to level it at 2-2 on the hour. Histon retaking the lead from a corner in the 69th minute Lauren Martin heading in at the near post. The cup final spot secured in the final minute Kelly clipped inside the box, Alison Wright putting the ball into the back of the net.

  A special occasion for both sides this evening getting to play at The Abbey Stadium the main stand open. hot food and drink available. A good crowd building. The pitch in good shape offering plenty of width the surface slickened up as rain began to fall and hour of so before kick-off falling lightly under the floodlights as the two sides were lead out onto the pitch by referee Stacey Fullicks. 

Cambridge City Ladies

 Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Dominika Szary, Amy Reed, Lauren Tomlinson, Ceri Flye, Becca Fay (C), Hannah Bodily, Sofia Castiglione, Charlotte Gillies, Freya Standing, Laura Mills & Karly Tolentino. Subs – Becky Langthorpe, Beatrice Fitzsimons & Shannon Shaw.

Histon Ladies

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Eleanor Morgan Abby Laughlin, Georgia Huse, Amie Flack, Tessa Shaw, Sophie Lanham (C), Alison Wright, Lauren Martin, Abi Davies, Kirsty Geal & Poppy Kelly. Subs- Kaya Haq, Rebekah Fisk, Sophie Lanham, Tara Fitzjohn & Siobhan White.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Cambridge City to get this season’s Invitation Cup Final underway kicking of 1st half, wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. Histon opposite lined up wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball played back to the defence captain Becca Fay sending it out to the right Charlotte Gillies on the flank bursting forwards, Georgie Huse in to defend for Histon the ball out for a throw. Cambridge quickly into their stride the ball out to the wings Gillies right and Freya Standing left looking to get on.

 Cambridge come right a throw won high up the pitch working down the line the cross into the box cleared straight to Laura Mills positioned inside the D, free opts to thread the ball low into the six yard box rather than take a strike herself, Amie Flack cutting it out clearing for Histon. Cambridge win the ball back central out to Gillies right down the line pace a cross whipped in near post Mills with the run, Histon goalkeeper, Eleanor Morgan in ahead of her to gather. 

Barely 3 minutes on the clock Histon on the back foot played the ball to their right, Lauren Tomlinson at left back winning it for Cambridge sending the ball on for Standing who has Karly Tolentino making a great run into the channel ahead of her, taking the ball on into the box Tolentino strikes it well from close range rising evades Morgan smashed into the top of the post beyond. Relentless from Cambridge as they win a corner left side the ball coming in low near post Morgan forwards taking it cleanly in her gloves despite a Cambridge attack lunging in in front of her.

Cambridge City Ladies, Freya Standing with Histon’s Abby Laughlin

  Histon need to get hold of the ball in the middle, Alison Wright does just that the ball played high into the box, Cambridge goalkeeper Dominika Szary catching it high under pressure from her left. Cambridge with the ball in the net on 6 minutes as Mills comes away with it on the right side fires in a low cross for Tolentino breaking on to the near post sides foots in across the keeper, but won’t count the flag up against her for offside.

  Cambridge moving the ball quickly Hannah Bodily to Sofia Castiglione in the middle of the park out to Standing on the left, jinks inside but is tackled by Histon’s Abby Laughlin. Played into the middle captain Sophie Lanham on for Wright looks to thread it between the Cambridge centre backs with Poppy Kelly breaking in behind, however Szary is quickly out of her area to sen the ball up field. A free-kick for Cambridge on the left Tomlinson to delivery sent in towards the top of the area, cleared by Histon looking to break sent out to the left wing Kirsty Geal looking to get hold of it take on the full back, Cambridge’s Amy Reed though with a good tackle to halt the advance. 

 Cambridge getting joy in the wings Gillies getting forwards on the right a corner kick won, players up from the back the ball sent in high near post Morgan getting a touch behind for a 2nd corner, this one short up the line to Bodily floats the ball into the six yard box, Morgan rising well to claim the ball. Lauren Martin onto the ball central for Histon releases Kelly in attack right channel in turn out to Abi Davies high on the wing, Histon getting a throw near the corner flag, Wright up towards the edge of the box to receive the ball down into her feet holding off her marker well turns to put in a cross near post Kelly in close meeting it sends her shot up over the bar.

  Reed bringing the ball on right side for Cambridge, played on into Gillies takes on the first time strike on the angle, Morgan down throwing herself into the dive to push the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner taken short again the ball lifted in towards the far post Davies up well to defend for Histon. Play end to end suddenly Histon coming on the pass finding Davies racing on right side her diagonal ball aimed into Kelly’s path, Szary racing out to the edge of her area to launch up field turns into a fantastic ball with Gillies running in behind surges on with the ball into the box, Huse with a great last ditch challenge sliding in to take the ball away. 

  Tolentino making some fantastic runs up top in attack for Cambridge, not staying on any single Histon defender hard to track gets on the move left to right towards the near side as Gillies gets hold of the ball right wing sends her in on goal gets her shot off early beating Morgan coming to close the angle the shot though narrowly wide across goal. Tomlinson making a strong tackle for Cambridge getting hold of the ball put down the left a throw won high, Tomlinson forwards to take has a long throw in her armoury put onto Tolentino’s chest inside the area brought down well.

  GOAL! 22 minutes played and Cambridge take the lead, Tolentino with a powerful run into the box left of goal half a yard clear, Tessa Shaw sliding in to make the challenge gets some of the ball but more of Tolentino as she attempts to close in on goal, the referee pointing to the spot. Shaw yellow carded. Tolentino picking herself up to take it struck well low and hard into the bottom left corner 1-0.

Karly Tolentino opening the scoring from the penalty spot for Cambridge City Ladies

 Cambridge piling forwards Tolentino lively up top all over the place Morgan exposed as she runs out to the ball right side, can’t pick up edge of the box, Gillies closing in taking the ball past her, Huse getting back to make the challenge clear the threat for Histon. Tolentino moves away to the left Tomlinson on the ball forwards for Standing into Tolentino she goes on towards the area twisting and turning on the ball before getting a high cross away into the six yard box, Huse with a strong header the clear not perturbed by Gillies in close attention. 

 Cambridge very close to being awarded a 2nd penalty the foul mere inches from being inside the box, Tolentino clipped the set-piece left of the D, Castiglione on it a curling shot clearing the wall an excellent save from Morgan back on her goal line tipping it over the bar. Morgan saving well from the resulting corner.

Histon goalkeeper Eleanor Morgan tipping Sofia Castiglione’s free-kick over the bar

 GOAL! Cambridge double their lead with the half hour fast approaching Histon trying to get on up the left the ball lost put down the line into Mills breaking in behind to fizz in a dangerous cross into the six yard box, Histon cut out but don’t clear, Tolentino latching onto the ball shifts it inside to give herself room and blasts it in from close range for her 2nd of the game 2-0.

Karly Tolentino with 2 goals in this evening’s Invitation Cup Final

  Martin does well in midfield for Histon closing in well to take the ball on Davies available to her left squares it in field to Wright 25 yards out central closed down quickly by Castiglione who ends up being awarded the free-kick. Laughlin doing well at the back getting across Standing inside the box left to shield he ball back to Morgan. Playing the ball out from the back Shaw onto Lanham, Histon’s captain aims her pass for Kelly in attack moving left to right, Fay intercepting for Cambridge setting up a quick counter attack. Wright pushing on a bit now from midfield to support the attack for Histon plays it left to Geal is tackled well by Reed. 

 Cambridge quick to turn play around all through the first half get the ball on deep over the top for Tolentino clear left side her cross field ball into the box aimed towards Mills coming in far post, Huse defending for Histon. Davies on the ball right side for Histon travels up the wing cutting infield past Tomlinson towards the box runs onto Ceri Flye the Cambridge centre back winning the ball. Histon able to come on better in the latter stages of the first half Cambridge dealing well at the back won inside the D the ball sent forwards quickly Tolentino available for the pass moving left brings it under control races forwards comes inside travelling across the top of the Histon area, not challenged into the D strikes the shot the ball whipping up over the crossbar.

Histon’s Abi Davies with Cambridge’s Lauren Tomlinson

  Histon chances rare can’t get the ball to stick up top Kelly making some good runs but Geal and Davies are being checked well by Tomlinson and Reed at the back for Cambridge. Wright coming from the middle looking the most likely to make something happen. Risk being hit on the counter Cambridge playing the ball on into Mills central out wide left to Standing gets to the by-line whipping in a cross rising near post Tolentino there attempts to flick it of her boot wide of the keeper but puts it straight into Morgan’s gloves. 

  Late into the 1st half and Szary is called into action to make a save for Cambridge Histon getting hold of the ball in the final 3rd from a goalkick, Wright getting a shot away from around 25 yards left of the D hit low with pace Szary down well to her left to get herself behind the ball. Cambridge bring the ball forwards creating another opportunity late in the half put on down the right into Mills sends it diagonally into the box for Standing forwards left side bearing forwards is closed down by Laughlin and Flack to block the shot. 

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

  The half-time whistle blows and Cambridge head into the changing room’s under the mainstand leading the Invitation Cup Final 2-0. On top right from the start their pace a movement causing Histon problem’s especially down the wings Standing and Gillies getting forwards at will along with Tolentino through the middle has drifted left and right finding space to exploit. Numerous chances before opening the scoring could be out of sight but for Morgan making a couple of vital saves for Histon, their chances few and far between but at 2 nil are far from out of it need an improved performance 2nd half but the risk is as they search for a reply further gaps open at the back mustn’t concede early you feel.

Sophie Lanham heading the ball clear for Histon Ladies

A triple change for Cambridge at the start of the 2nd half, Becky Langthorpe on to replace Reed at the back, Beatrice Fitzsimons on for Castiglione along with Shannon Shaw going up to replacing Standing with Tolentino moving to the left. Histon to get the 2nd period underway go long straight from the off, the ball off target inside the box Szary out to get hold of the ball. A much quieter start to the 2nd half Histon looking to make progress right side the ball inside dealt with by Fay for Cambridge.

Cambridge City Ladies captain, Becca Fay

Cambridge break away on the left the ball rolled on for Mills to take into her stride carries it inside before firing a crossfield ball into the box picking out Gillies bursting forwards on the right hits her strike early the ball fizzing wide at the near post. 

GOAL! A blow for Histon 5 minutes into the 2nd half as they are caught on the break by Cambridge. Initially winning a free-kick players forwards as Flack delivers the ball in towards the top of the area Cambridge defend and get straight on the offensive Gillies in the clear on the right the ball fired into her takes it on into the Histon box near post closing in on the keeper shoots low pass Morgan in at the near post 3-0.

Charlotte Gillies bearing down on the Histon goal.

Histon respond making a triple change of their own and a formation change too switching to 3 at the back off come Laughlin, Huse and Shaw on to the field enter Kaya Haq, Sophie Hopkin and Siobhan White. Wright into the defence along side Davies and Flack. A good response from Histon to going 3 down get forwards right side a throw won high up the pitch the ball crossed into the box, Kelly wriggling free inside the box gets a shot away puts it straight at Szary the keeper claiming. Kelly with another attempt moments later from 25 yards out as Histon quickly regain position in the middle the shot though finds Szary back on her line. 

Histon’s Tessa Shaw tackling Cambridge’s Beatrice Fitzsimons

 Davies keeping close tabs on Tolentino out wide she manages to squeeze the ball into Mills central, Shaw providing the run through the middle in behind, the pass put forwards too much on it Morgan able to advance off her line and collect. Martin lays it forwards for Hopkin has White to her right feeds the ball into her, Tomlinson in well to regain possession for Cambridge. Winning a corner on the left taken short up the line once more the cross sent in from deep, Morgan rising well at her near post to catch. 

  Histon getting forwards better now though the middle quickly players forwards to support Kelly in attack the striker put through into the box left of goal her shot charged down by Flye the deflection coming straight to Hopkin positioned top of the D lines up a shot fired in a deflection sending it wide of the post. Lanham in to win the ball in the centre circle pushes it into Hopkin 25 yards out goes to shoot Flye closing her down putting in the block. Histon looking sharper now but as they come forward risk being hit on the counter more. 

Ceri Flye tackling to win the ball back for Cambridge City

 Geal coming forwards left side finds some space as White plays the crossfield pass into her goes on down the line, Langthorpe recovering well to get back on her lung in to make the tackle. Haq defending against Gillies right side as she gathers the ball and charges on. 

GOAL! The final 20 minutes fast approaching and Cambridge get on the scoresheet wit a 4th goal Mills onto the ball out right side playing it in across goal, Shaw closing in central can’t quite get it on the volley as she ends up off the pitch past the right post, wanders back on as Tolentino gathers left side does well to beat a couple of players wriggle free to fizz it back across goal Shaw there unmarked to put into the empty net as it evades Morgan covering the angle 4-0.

 Histon come forwards Geal clear left side the pass into her feet plays it inside for Kelly 20 yards out takes aim her shot dropping wide of goal. Histon make another change Rebekah Fisk on for Lanham. Good work between Hopkin, Martin and Geal left side for Histon coming forwards the pass into Kelly, Cambridge defending top of the area. Geal coming off as Histon send on Tara Fitzjohn with 10 minutes to play.

GOAL! Cambridge win the ball in the middle rolled on for Gillies right holds it up her touch bringing her inside, Mills racing into the space vacated on the wing Gillies playing her in she puts in an early cross, Flack in to clear the ball taking an unfortunate deflection off Wright sending Shaw running clear into the area to place the ball wide of the keeper 5-0.

GOAL! A sixth goal coming soon after, Tolentino and Tomlinson combining out on the left Cambridge closing down the ball well, pushed up Flye onto it playing a fantastic through ball low along the ground for Mills central top of the area t break through onto goal and put her shot to the keeper right into the corner of the net 6-0.

  Mills with plenty of pace late on plays the ball to Standing back on on the right for Gillies, Haq closing her down putting the ball out for a corner. Tolentino coming off Gillies back on. The corner headed up at the near post across the six yard box cleared far side straight to Castiglione top of the D strikes it back in finds it’s way through on target skipping up off the surface but Szary right behind it. Another corner for Cambridge left side taken short up the line before the cross is flung into the box, knocked down straight to a Cambridge player the shot fired wide. 

 Into added time Cambridge finishing strong Mills coming onto the ball left side 25 out turns inside her marker to get a shot away the ball racing wide out at the far post. The final whistle blows and Cambridge City Ladies win this season’s Invitation Cup Final.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies 6-0 Histon Ladies

   Cambridge with a god start to the match on the front foot from the off chances created Standing and Gillies getting free on the flanks Tolentino through the middle leading the attack well. Histon not getting much joy in attack themselves finding themselves 2-0 down at the break. Cambridge getting into a 3-0 lead early in the 2nd half Histon made changes to personnel and formation bringing them more joy in the final third, Cambridge though a constant danger on the counter attack defending well. A 4th goal sealing the victory with 20 minutes left 2 late goals making the result comfortable. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A few to mention Cambridge featuring Charlotte Gillies getting on well right side always available. Laura Mills with some fantastic runs too. Lauren Tomlinson superb at the back with a fantastic performance, edging it for myself however is attacker Karly Tolentino played brilliantly especially in the first half her runs well timed a real threat Histon struggled to cope with winning and scoring the penalty and putting Cambridge into a 2 goal lead going a long way to securing the cup.

Cambridge City Ladies 2019/20 Invitation Cup Winners

Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

An enjoyable trip to The Abbey Stadium, a good atmosphere, an entertaining final, my thanks to Cambridgeshire FA for the hospitality in particular Chris Abbott and to both teams for getting those all important team details and to Gary Reed for to photo’s does a fantastic job helping to promote the game. One final down plenty more to come.