Monthly Archives: May 2021

Cup Final Special – Ipswich Town Women v Needham Market Women

Sunday 30th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

Match Report – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Thetford Town Ladies

Wednesday 26th May

NWGFL GiveToLocalUK Challenge Cup

A spot of midweek action on Women’s Football East with a trip east along the A47 to watch a game from the NWGFL @GiveToLocalUK Challenge Cup, with Mulbarton Belles Ladies hosting Thetford Town Ladies.

The NWGFL Challenge Cup a temporary competition replacing the regular season that was curtailed due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. The sides from both Divisions One and Two drawn into 4 groups of 4 or 5 sides playing each other once for position before advancement to a knockout competition.

A second midweek viewing for Mulbarton Belles Ladies, having been in action in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final last Wednesday. No sooner was their fairy tale cup adventure over (the final being just the 7th game in the sides history) they began their Challenge Cup campaign this past Sunday with a home tie against Tavern Ladies. Two strong sides a point apiece in the finish as they drew 3-3. Mulbarton 3rd in the Group C table on 4 points having been awarded the win against Freethorpe Ladies lay a point behind Tavern with fellow Division One side Fakenham Town Ladies leading the way on 7 points with 2 wins and a draw so far. Three tough games in quick succession for Mulbarton the squad picking up a few knocks.

The other team in Group C are Division Two side, Thetford Town Ladies. A tough group up against three Division One sides. However they started off well in their opening match winning 7-1 away from home against fellow Division Two side Freethorpe Ladies with both Laura Martins and Becki White scoring a brace apiece. That game almost a month ago fixtures delayed due to Mulbarton’s involvement in the County Cup, were away to group leaders Fakenham Town Women on Sunday, trailing 2-0 at half-time pulled a goal back in the 2nd half before eventually losing 4-2. A quick turnaround for both meeting this evening.

Mulberry Park the venue for this evenings match, has been a good while since I was last here, then to watch the previous Belles side. The main grass pitch beside the clubhouse and changing rooms, pitches beyond. A small seated stand one side the men’s side having just been promoted to the Thurlow Nunn Premier, like the women’s side making the Senior County Cup Final losing to Gorleston. The weather very overcast for the game the floodlights on early although rain wasn’t forecast.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies starting XI – Cara Anderson, Meg Anderton, Melissa Belsey, Olivia Mungham-Gray, Megan Belsey, Alice Smith, Laura Hedtke, Ellie Hunter, Millie Cursons, Sophie Jermy & Rebekah Lake (C). Subs- Morgan Devine, Aneliese Smith & Bryony Knights.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Lydia Ward, Lucy Tancock, Ruby Robertson, Sausha Twomey (C), Rachel Lynch, Mel Ovenden, Dayna Howard, Shannon Richardson, Becky White, Laura Martins & Mel Boulton. Subs – Emily Bullet, Coral Ring, Jess Knight.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s the visiting side to get the first half underway wearing an all marron coloured kit, with hosts Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. Thetford play the ball back to their defence before looking to go left, Sophie Jermy putting in a good tackle to get Mulbarton on the ball, inside to Alice Smith the midfielder firing a straight ball through the middle, intercepted by Thetford centre back Rachel Lynch. Thetford come away down the left making good ground before a cross is lifted in towards the top of the area, Megan Belsey clearing it for Mulbarton

Sophie Jermy sending the ball on for Mulbarton

GOAL! Mulbarton go straight on the attack the pass put to Jermy moving left she plays it on for Ellie Hunter getting in behind on the left wing, the ball taken down into the corner as players race up from midfield towards the top of the area, Hunter turns sending the ball central is met by Smith 20 yards out left of the D helped on across the area into the path of Laura Hedtke she in turn releases it forwards, captain Rebekah lake timing her run to perfection stealing in behind the defence before shooting on the angle driving the ball across the six yard box into the bottom corner 1-0.

Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake puts her sides 1-0 up

The perfect start for the hosts less than 3 minutes on the clock. A wide pitch Lake pulling out to the right as the ball is lifted up to her, Lucy Tancock running out towards her sliding in to win the ball, a strong challenge, Lake appealing but no foul given. Thetford finding some joy down the left Mel Ovenden taking it on , her cross falling short of Mel Boulton making a central run. Megan Belsey launching it clear up to Smith she looks to take it on, Dayna Howard getting on her shoulder lunging in to make the tackle.

Dayna Howard tackling Mulbarton’s Ellie Hunter

Lynch clears at the top of her area as Hunter attempts to play a through ball on for Lake into the right channel. Mulbarton quickly regain possession moving left, Jermy on the move up with Hunter left side, holding the ball up looks to shift inside, Ruby Robertson putting her foot in to take the ball, played up for Shannon Richardson on the right wing, gets her head down looking to drive on, Meg Anderton preventing her from doing so for Mulbarton.

The hosts spread play right to left getting up the pitch to win a corner. Fired in across the top of the six yard box at a decent height is met by Smith at the far stick, directed in on target, straight at Thetford goalkeeper, Lydia Ward though who catches it well. A good start to the game from Mulbarton looking to keep on top Smith and Hedtke winning the ball in midfield, Lake, Jermy and Hunter showing for the ball moving well up top looking to stretch the Thetford defence.

Howard getting the ball on from outside her box for Richardson right side brings it beyond halfway before sending a diagonal ball on up through the centre, Olivia Mungham-Gray collecting it for Mulbarton. Thetford’s crosses are just falling short at the moment, easily dealt with by the Mulbarton defence. Hunter sends the ball on for Millie Cursons right side she in turn sends it on through for Lake to attack, Lynch getting there first for Thetford to clear.

Ward out well towards the top of her area to gather into her gloves as Jermy threatens to send Lake clear once again. Lively in the middle with both sides nipping into their tackles, Hunter on Laura Martins this time as the Thetford player turns looking to find Richardson making the run to her right. Richardson does get hold of the ball for Thetford taking it into space on the right, Anderton holding her up she moves infield sending it on to Boulton in the middle, goes on before Smith closes her down and regains possession.

Boulton bringing the ball on central for Thetford is forced to the right passes to Richardson who lays it forwards for Martins, aiming to get into the box is stopped by Anderton. Mulbarton surge forwards the ball sent on diagonally to the right for Lake to attack, Lynch sliding in to challenge the ball sliced behind for a corner kick. Players up is delivered towards the top of the area, Howard getting hold of it to clear for Thetford but Mulbarton quickly have it back, fed into Hunter on the left, the ball played across the top of the area 25 yards out Robertson stepping out to take the ball of Jermy.

Mulbarton are awarded a free-kick on halfway towards the left, Anderton to play the ball up towards the top of the area, the initial ball defended pings back and forth before being prodded to Hunter free on the left inside the box flashes a squared cross towards the far stick, Thetford captain Sausha Twomey getting her toe on the ball to take it away from Lake who was ready to strike. Ward saving confidently at her near post as Lake fires in a shot from the angle 20 yards out on the right, the ball palmed down and quickly smothered.

Richardson with the ball for Thetford moves infield, Boulton makes a run into the right channel taking players with her space opening up, Richardson looks to send it on diagonally to the left for Becky White, Megan Belsey getting tight on her stops Thetford’s advance. A free-kick out wide on the right by the touchline 20 yards out for Mulbarton, fired into the area players up is just behind Cursons near side 10 yards out, falls to Smith behind her to hit first time a low shot angled in, Ward down smartly to her right to make the save.

Play paused due to a pitch invasion a pair of mallards encroaching onto the playing surface, Megan Belsey and Anderton with the task of chasing the ducks away. Lynch with another timely tackle for Thetford winning the ball inside the D to deny Cursons. Smith winning it back in the middle for Mulbarton on for Hedtke out to Cursons on the right has support with Lake the pair combining the cross met first time by Jermy near side, too heavy a contact her shot high over the bar.

Megan Belsey and Meg Anderton see off a pair of feathered pitch invaders

Lake’s pace causing a few problems as she bombs on right side, Lynch out to meet her slows her down, Lake getting hold of the loose ball putting it central for Cursons, Howard in on her the ball deflected behind for a corner. The ball not still for long Mulbarton on the attack Melissa Belsey on the right sending a diagonal ball into the box, Thetford come away with it Richardson wanting to take it on, Smith closing her down.

Howard wins the ball central for Thetford spreads play out to the left for White, gets it on down the line before whipping a cross into the middle, taken down by Megan Belsey and cleared. Thetford get into a good position final third, Richardson, Boulton and then Martins with a opportunity to pull the trigger from 25 yards or so out but no one does before Mulbarton regroup with Mungham-Gray winning the ball back.

Mulbarton’s Olivia Mungham-Gray

GOAL! A little of 5 minutes left to play in the first half and Mulbarton double their lead with a well worked goal. Laura Hedtke bringing the ball on over half way pushing it out to Lake on the right, before continuing to run all the way into the box. Lake 25 yards out has support from Jermy a give and go between the pair sees Lake race into a great crossing position and getting her foot around the ball lays it on a plate for Hedtke arriving at the near post to strike low past the keeper 2-0.

Laura Hedtke doubling Mulbarton’s lead

A free-kick won deep for Thetford put long up to Boulton central knocks it down to her left looking for Richardson in the right channel, knocks it forwards, Mungham-Gray coming to challenge well for Mulbarton. Hunter advancing with the ball on the left sends it inside for Lake, Lynch doing well stepping out in front of her to intercept. Mulbarton a denied a third goal as they pile numbers forwards through the middle, Lake up on the penalty spot causing mayhem players drawn to her put back to Jermy to smash into the bottom corner however the flag was up long before the strike, Lake having strayed offside beforehand.

Jermy with another strike on the angle right side, Ward saving at her near post the ball knocked behind for the corner. Late pressure from Mulbarton as Smith sees a shot blocked from the top of the area, then Lynch defends to put it out for another set-piece. Ward saving before a shot is blazed over.

Half-time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 2-0 Thetford Town Ladies

A goal at each end of the 1st half seeing Mulbarton go into the half-time break leading 2-0. Got off to the perfect start taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes. Have created further chances since, Lynch and Twomey with some timely tackles at the back for Thetford. Both sides using the width of the pitch. Thetford not troubling Cara Anderson in the Mulbarton goal have nevertheless gotten into some good positions out wide without finding their mark on the cross, haven’t been able to get in behind.

Changes for Mulbarton at the break with Aneliese Smith on up top along with Bryony Knights and Morgan Devine, Melissa Belsey and Jermy off. Emily Bullett on for Thetford as they make positional changes for the 2nd half, the hosts getting the 2nd period underway. Howard winning the ball for Thetford out to Richardson left side plays in on but White is caught flat footed Megan Belsey clearing.

A free-kick awarded to Thetford in a 30 or so yards out in a central position, Richardson on the set-piece strikes the ball fantastically Anderson diving to her left can’t get it the ball striking the top of the post and angling down to bounce across the face of the goal.

Ovenden plays the ball out to Richardson left advances down the line before whipping a cross into the area is met by Bullett her first time shot angling wide past the far post. Anderson comes out to clear at the top of the area Richardson puts it on for White. Thetford better at the start of the 2nd half. Mulbarton win a free-kick wide on the right played in by Hedtke, half cleared by Thetford a shot taken from distance flashes wide. Hunter taking the ball on into the right corner, Tancock defending a corner conceded, the delivery into the box cleared by Howard.

Thetford’s Dayna Howard

Play more open in the 2nd half Thetford able to get further forwards apply a little pressure, Boulton deep out to Ovenden struck on the angle Anderson saving getting her gloves on the ball. The visitors getting a corner on the right fired in across the six yard box at an inviting height no one gets a touch on it however. The game more open now, Smith back to help the defence for Mulbarton as Richardson plays a ball into the D.

Mulbarton’s, Alice Smith

A free-kick for Thetford awarded 30 or so yards out in a Lynch with a strong challenge at the back to deny Lake at the top of the area as Hunter fires the ball into her. Twomey heading a cross clear. At the other end Richardson sweeping a cross into the box from the left is met in the air by Boulton, drops narrowly wide of the post.

GOAL! A couple of god opportunities for Thetford to pull themselves back into the game, Mulbarton find a response getting up the other end to score a much needed 3rd goal, the ball sent out to Lake running in behind on the left wing play stretched gaps opening up the attack drills a low ball in towards the near post, Aneliese Smith arriving unmarked to place the ball into the empty net 3-0.

Aneliese Smith giving Mulbarton a 3-0 lead

A double change for Mulbarton with Melissa Belsey and Jermy returning to the action in place of Hedtke and Anderton. 20 minutes left to play Mulbarton attempt to feed Lake in central, Twomey defending against her for Thetford. The visitors come through the middle, Howard on to Boulton, Megan Belsey in to make the challenge. Twomey with a vital interception at the back as a cross in put in from deep on the right. The pace of the game slower 2nd half, Mulbarton do look tired have played alot of football in a short space of time, soaking up some Thetford pressure but remain a danger on the counter.

Mulbarton with a corner on the right played short up to Belsey scoops it up towards the far post, an effort on goal blocked at close range before being scramble behind for another corner on the left, Thetford defending play it out to Richardson wide, Alice Smith across to prevent the break. Laura Martin returning to the game for Thetford . Jermy lifts the ball on left channel for Aneliese Smith ahead of her scoops the ball up looking to send her shot up over the keeper but doesn’t get enough on it a comfortable catch for Ward.

Thetford goalkeeper, Lydia Ward

The 3rd goal has taken a little of the fight out of Thetford given Mulbarton a lift the hosts keeping the ball slowing the pace of the game the game moving into the final 5 minutes, Cursons coming back on for Mungham-Gray. Hunter making it to the by-line on the right whipping a cross in across goal to the far post Cursons there her effort charged down. Knights letting loose a shot from all of 40 yards out on the left for Mulbarton the ball caught by the keeper.

Thetford’s captain, Sausha Twomey

Alice Smith adjudged to have handled the ball a free-kick to Thetford wide on the left one last chance to bring players up from the back, White to put it into the mix over Twomey central Richardson beyond her nodding it back towards her Twomey stooping into the header trying to get some power on it, Anderson saving back on her line pushing the ball away comes out to the right for Ovendon to hit on the angle driven in is beat away, Mulbarton break the ball sent on through the middle up to Lake on the run attempts to lob the keeper, but coming to close the angle Ward is able to get her gloves up to the ball and claim.

Full time Mulbarton Belles Ladies 3-0 Thetford Town Ladies

The final action of the match as Mulbarton win 3-0 to move level with Fakenham on 7 points at the top of the group with the pair due to meet on the 6th June. A chance for Mulbarton to have a little rest after an intense spell. Were looking tired towards the end of the match. A fantastic start taking an early lead, you feared for Thetford then but the Division Two side competed well, defending without applying too much pressure in the final 3rd in the first period a well worked goal seeing Mulbarton go two up. Changes at half-time saw Thetford improve a couple of good opportunities to pull a goal back before Mulbarton broke to score a 3rd and effectively kill off the game. Thetford with one more group game to play a break now till they meet Tavern Ladies on the 9th June.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few performances of note to mention. For Thetford, Dayna Howard making some good challenges in the middle helping out the defence, at the back Sausha Twomey did well with some vital interceptions, whilst alongside her Rachel Lynch was strong several well timed tackles. For Mulbarton, Rebekah Lake stretched play moving out to the flanks drawing players to her. Ellie Hunter with good movement on and off the ball, The award though goes to Alice Smith in the middle won plenty of tackles reading the game well often well positioned to prevent a Thetford attack before it could even begin.

No ducks were harmed in the making of this match report.

An entertaining slice of midweek action at Mulberry Park, my thanks to both sides for their help with the team details much appreciated as always.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge City Ladies Development v Royston Town Women

Sunday 23rd May

ERWFL Challenge Cup Final

A trip down to Haverhill in Suffolk this Sunday the venue The New Croft for the ERWFL Challenge Cup Final, between Cambridge City Ladies Development and Royston Town Women.

Couldn’t do my usual prep for this one however as the two finalists wouldn’t be known until the respective semi-finals were played in the morning. Today the ERWFL Challenge Cup Finals Day. With four sides competing, in two, hour long matches. The semi-finals then a final/3rd place match in the afternoon.

Along with Cambridge City Ladies Development and Royston Town Women were, Bedford Ladies and Wymondham Town Ladies. All group winners in the Challenge Cup, a temporary competition put in place by the Eastern Region Women’s Football League after the regular playing season was curtailed due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. 19 clubs from the ERWFL entering the Challenge Cup.

Road to the Final

The 19 sides competing drawn into 4 groups each side playing the other once with 3 points awarded for a win, a point for a draw and for this competition, an extra point for a penalty shootout win after the sides have finished all square during the match.

Cambridge City Ladies Development have done well since joining the ERWFL going strong at the top of Division One North in both the pervious seasons before their early finish were drawn in Group A with 3 Premier Division sides, started well with an away win against Wroxham Women. Took on Haringey Borough Women at home next the sides fighting out a 4-4 draw Cambridge going on to win the penalty shootout to claim a bonus point. Last up another home game against AFC Dunstable Women was a winner takes all match to see who would top the group Cambridge coming away 2-1 victors to progress to finals day

4 wins out of 4 saw Bedford Ladies win Group B to progress to the Finals Day, starting with a narrow 3-2 win away to Division One North side King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Won 6-0 and 6-1 respectfully against two more Division One sides, Wodson Park Ladies and East Bergholt United Ladies. It was a good 3-1 win at home against Premier Division title chasers Harlow Town Ladies that ensured Bedford’s progress.

Royston Town Women were drawn in Group C along side fellow Premier Division side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies along with 3 Division One sides, Stevenage Women Development, Leigh Ramblers and Haverhill Rovers Ladies. Collected a point from their first match after a 4-4 draw with Haverhill Rovers who went on to win the shootout 10-9! Went on to take maximum points at home to Stevenage 2-1 and 4-2 away to Bowers & Pitsea, the final group match at home to Leigh Ramblers the Essex side doing well in the group vying for top spot. Royston thanks to a brace from Sammy Tinsley and goal each for Tally Miles and Charlotte South winning the game 4-1 to finish top.

Wymondham Town Ladies leading the Premier Division before the league campaign ended were drawn in Group D, something of a group of death as they were paired with high flying St Ives Town Ladies and Luton Town Ladies along with another Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies and Needham Market Women from Division One North. Started well with a 4-0 win at home to Colney Heath. Drew 3-3 with St Ives missing out on the bonus point. A tough match at home to Luton saw Wymondham come out on top 2-1 a 3-1 away win assuring the Norfolk side made it through to finals day.

The final 4 all strong on their day anyone of them capable of going all the way as they arrived at The New Croft for Finals Day.

The Finals day seeing the sides meet in two hour long semi-finals the winners going on to the final itself with a 3rd placed match for those missing out. The draw made the morning before the game saw Royston Town Women taking on Bedford Ladies with Cambridge City Ladies Development up against Wymondham Town Ladies. Couldn’t make it in time for the start of the semi-finals due to work commitments. The New Croft at Haverhill featuring a stadium wit a grass pitch with a 3G pitch behind, the semi-finals going off at the same time. On the 3G pitch Royston made a strong start to their match Emma Slater scoring twice to see them leading 2-0 at half-time. Bedford pulling it back to 2-1 in the 2nd half, the Hertfordshire side though were to hold on to book their place in the final.

A first half brace for Emma Slater helping to see Royston through to the ERWFL Challenge Cup Final.

Cambridge and Wymondham playing their semi-final on the grass pitch, Shannon Shaw opened the scoring to see Cambridge 1-0 to the good at half-time. Wymondham frustrated never really getting going Shaw was to make it a brace on the 2nd half to see Cambridge through to the final 2-0.

A brace too for Cambridge’s, Shannon Shaw seeing the Development side through to the final.

The venue for today’s ERWFL Challenge Cup Finals Day, The New Croft, home of Haverhill Rovers. Have been here before to watch Haverhill Rovers Ladies play over on the 3G pitch situated behind the main building a new facility. There a practise pitches beyond that and to the opposite the main stadium, a grass pitch with a small seated stand, a modern clubhouse with bar, and kitchen serving hot food and drinks. The weather pleasant in the morning the semi-finals played in the dry, dark clouds looming a heavy downpour between matches would see the pitch slicken up before kick-off with the threat of more showers hanging about.

Cambridge City Ladies Development starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Emily Trezise, Lauren Tomlinson, Kayla Krett (C), Ceri Flye, Rachel Pearce, Freya Goddard, Bella Simmons, Ellie Cullum, Lauren Sanders & Grace Stanley. Subs – Amy Reed, Emma Littlewood, Elizabeth O’Callaghan, Amie Fullwood & Shannon Shaw.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Fran Gough, Hattie Bourne, Leah Dunnage, Amy Cooper (C), Paris Coldicott-Stevens, Georgia Miller, Tally Miles, Charlotte South, Sammy Tinsley & Emma Slater. Subs – Samantha Edgar, Grace Georgiou, Beki Roach, Sydney Graham & Gemma Croucher.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

An hour long match should the scores be level a the final whistle the game going straight to penalties. The heavy shower easing up prior to kick-off, both side usually playing in black and white, it’s Royston with the change of shirts getting the 1st half underway, purple their away colours with black shorts and white socks. Cambridge opposite wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The ball closed down in the middle straight away by Cambridge the pass send crossfield to the right channel for Bella Simmons to attack, travels before being closed down by Royston’s Leah Dunnage the ball out for a throw.

Rachel Pearce plays the ball on through the middle for Cambridge for Lauren Sanders attacking the right channel pushes the ball on for Simmons racing intothe area ahead of her, Royston captain, Amy Cooper in tight to the Cambridge attack to take the ball loose on the right Sanders goes after it but can’t fashion a crossing opportunity as Hattie Bourne gets tight to her. Royston make ground on the left winning the first corner of the game, the delivery long goes out of play beyond the far post.

Royston’s Emma Slater with Cambridge’s Rachel Pearce

Cambridge clear the ball upfield, Grace Stanley on the left looking to get forwards, Fran Gough slicing her clearance sees the ball drop into space beyond her, Stanley reacts a burst of pace getting her onto the ball, Gough getting back on her forcing her down to the by-line, Stanley gets a cross into the near post, Royston keeper, Mia O’Brien has it covered catching the ball low. A good start from Cambridge getting players forwards with pace running at the Royston defence, using the width well Sanders furthest forwards looks to take the ball into her stride as Simmons lays it on from the right, Cooper getting there to intercept off Sanders was through to attack the box.

Emily Trezise clearing the ball for Cambridge

O’Brien with a great save called into action diving to her right as Cambridge power on down the right the ball 20 out inside for Sanders sees Stanley free to the left of the D sends the ball on, Stanley meeting it first time striking it low, O’Brien diving full stretch to her right to push the ball behind for a corner kick.

Royston goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien

Simmons out on the right causing Royston problems holding the flank well, her teammates picking her out, Sanders and Stanley making central runs, Sanders this time bursting in behind off her through ball, Dunnage doing well to catch up and slide in to make the challenge. Simmons getting hold of the ball on the right coming inside towards the top of the area, 4 Royston players converge on her inside the D, Georgia Miller slowing her down, no shot on as Tally Miles clears the ball upfield.

Georgia Miller winning the header for Royston

Tomlinson clear on the left down the line gets her cross into the box long to the far stick, congested, Simmons and Sanders looking to keep it alive, Royston managing to scramble it away. Royston haven’t settled in the early exchanges, Cambridge on top. Tinsley left side playing the ball diagonally into the area with play draw across the pitch, Miles central looking to attack it on the penalty spot, Lauren Tomlinson doing well up against her for Cambridge.

Tally Miles on the move for Royston

Tomlinson bringing the ball away at her feet on the left for Cambridge races over halfway before firing it in central for Simmons racing through the middle, O’Brien quickly out of her six yard box up to the top of her area to get her gloves firmly around the ball with Simmons bearing down. Royston look to get thing’s going through the middle, Paris Coldicott-Stevens getting hold on the ball putting it on for Miles she goes on with Charlotte South the pair exchanging passes looking for a pass into Slater, Pearce and Freya Goddard getting in between to win it back for Cambridge.

Cambridge City’s Lauren Tomlinson

Cambridge make a change bringing Shannon Shaw on for Cullum. Cambridge win a corner on the left played short into Stanley left side looks to go inside, Miles does well defending close on her for Royston. Can’t make it stick up top Cambridge get right back on the attack, Tomlinson racing forwards taking the ball to the by-line flashing a ball into the near post O’Brien with an instinctive jab with her toes deflecting the ball behind for the corner.

Grace Stanley on the attack for Cambridge

Stanley racing on with the ball left side for Cambridge attempts to put it on into Shaw ahead of her, Cooper getting across for Royston putting in a timely tackle. From the resulting throw in Royston break Miles taking the ball on up the right flank sends it inside for Slater her touch 20 out seeing her turn into the area ready to attack the goal, Cambridge captain Kayla Krett recovers superbly throwing herself into the tackle taking the ball off Slater’s feet sending it behind for the corner. A dangerous delivery fired in across the face of goal barely half a metre off the floor, inviting but no one from Royston is near it.

Royston defender, Fran Gough

Simmons continues to carry a threat on the right winning a corner. Into the mix at the near post the ball half cleared looping up towards the top of the area Simmons is there to strike it as it lands angles across the area towards the opposite corner on target, Gough covering the post clearing the ball off the line. Tomlinson bringing the ball on left side passes it to Sanders 20 out she clips it in to Simmons central, brings it down well on her chest to strike on the turn, the shot however straight at the keeper, held by O’Brien.

Cambridge’s Bella Simmons

GOAL! The first half drawing to a close, Cambridge have a corner on the right, players up from the back, the ball fired into the congested near post area headed up into the air by Cooper drops down inside the D, struck by Krett on the half volley her strike blocked by a charging defender, the deflection though seeing it land in behind to Shaw unmarked six yards out to the left, strikes it low under the diving keeper into the back of the net 1-0.

Half-time Cambridge City Ladies Development 1-0 Royston Town Women

Cambridge with the narrow advantage at the break, having started the brighter have been on the front foot throughout, creating chances, deservedly in the lead, just by a single goal however. Royston in contrast got off to a sluggish start and have been frustrated in the first half, few opportunities in the final third, the defence making several crucial tackles, O’Brien too in goal with a crucial save. Know they will need to improve in the 2nd period if they want to get back into the game.

Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half, Emma Littlewood, Amy Reed and Amie Fullwood on for Cambridge. Samantha Edgar and Beki Roach on for Royston. Cambridge to get the 2nd period underway. Straight away Royston find joy on the left Tinsley playing a great ball in diagonally to the top of the area for Slater to attack in behind, Kayleigh Blanchard though with a good starting position in goal for Cambridge out to the top of her box to nullify the threat. Cambridge break down the left an early cross fired into the box, Simmons the target, the number 9 can’t quite reach it.

Royston’s Sammy Tinsley

Miles from 30 yards out on the right gets plenty of power behind the ball as she shoots on the angle her strike bouncing off the advertising boards behind the goal. The game open at the start of the 2nd period, end to end, Royston looking to get Tinsley and Miles further up on the wide positions to support Slater. Miles advancing on the right fires a diagonal cross into the area, players running in central, Blanchard gets her fingertips on the bouncing ball as it runs out of play on the opposite side, after appeals Royston are awarded the corner kick.

GOAL! The perfect start to the 2nd half for Royston as they get themselves back on level terms the ball driven in to the six yard box, met at the near post knocked on into the path of Slater at the far post who powers the ball in under the crossbar to score 1-1.

Emma Slater’s goal makes it 1-1

South brings down Cambridge’s Flye as the defender carries the ball on over the half way line seeing a free-kick awarded 30 yards out to the right of the box, Goddard over to take it, flights a ball in towards the top of the area, headed up but not clear by the Royston defence a shot is allowed to come in from 25 yards out goes over. An improved 2nd half performance from Royston the game more even, Slater looking more of a threat having players up with her.

Royston attacker, Emma Slater

Appeals for a penalty by Royston as Slater and Flye tangle at the far post close in as a cross from the right in flashed across the six yard box, a good challenge by Flye however, Royston get the corner. the delivery into the area falls down to Edgar right of the D, strikes it hard and low back across goal, isn’t far wide of the far post. Tomlinson has a long throw on her carries a threat, but everyone in the league knows it, Royston are staying alert knowing the danger it poses. Changes for both sides Gemma Croucher on for South for Royston, Elizabeth O’Callaghan on for Cambridge at the back.

Cooper in to close down Shaw inside the box right side as Simmons lays the ball into her feet from the right, Cambridge keeping the ball in the corner, can’t fashion a cross as Dunnage sends the ball up into midfield. A marauding run central between Edgar and Croucher for Royston, O’Callaghan stepping up well to put in the challenge break up the attack outside her area. Less than 10 minutes left for either side to find a winner. A sloppy passage of play from both sides passes missing there mark, another sliced clearance leading to a Cambridge corner. The ball in near side met well by Dunnage. Coldicott-Stevens comes off for Royston, Miller returning to the action.

Slater getting more of the ball in the 2nd half, picking it up 30 or so yards out driving at the defence has made several threatening runs, O’Callaghan and Krett both tackling to regain possession. The attacker has the ball at her feet again central pushes forwards, has Miles coming in from the right ahead of her, doesn’t release the ball early enough as O’Callaghan comes to close the angle, the goes in on Slater to deny her a shot. Stanley comes back on for Cambridge replacing Sanders.

Cambridge get the ball moving quickly from back to front, right side fired into the middle for Stanley into the right channel, has Simmons bursting into the box from the right, helps the ball into her path, Simmons shooting first time sees her effort fly over the bar from the angle.

Miles has the ball in the right for Royston lays it infield for Slater to drive at the defence, O’Callaghan stepping up to close her down, slows her down as Goddard comes in to support, Slater shoots outside the box, hits Goddard deflected through safely for the keeper. Both sides starting to think about penalties as Royston send South back on for Gough. Slater on the run is brought down seeing Royston win a free-kick 30 yards out, Miles to send in to the far stick the ball is put behind for a corner. Players up from the back the delivery drops far post, Cooper is there but gets under it, Dunnage beyond also missing out.

Pressure from Royston late on getting players on South up with Slater a corner won. Cooper up well to meet it on the penalty spot sees her attempt sail over the bar. That’s it, the game ending in a draw will be decided on penalties.

Full time Cambridge City Ladies Development 1-1 Royston Town Women

A much improved performance from Royston in the 2nd half got themselves straight back into the game from the restart and the game was a more open sided affair 2nd half, Tinsley and Miles getting further on up the flanks limiting Cambridge’s opportunities to get players forwards. On to penalties, and with dark clouds building towards the end of the game the rain has started to fall again. I might have mentioned before I hate penalties but there we go.

Penalties

Cambridge up first, with captain Kayla Krett to take the first penalty, sets the ball on the spot, hits it well to O’Brien’s right, the keeper guesses right but despite getting her fingertips to the ball sees it nestle in the back of the net 1-0.

South up first for Royston cool as you like strokes it low to the keepers left to find the bottom corner 1-1.

Goddard with Cambridge’s 2nd penalty, sends it home high to the keepers right 2-1.

Tinsley up 2nd for Royston, opts for power rising to the left, Blanchard goes the right way diving gets something on the ball but can’t keep it out 2-2.

Tomlinson up next for Cambridge smashes it home to make it 3-2.

Croucher’s turn for Royston penalty number 3 buried low into the left corner 3-3 the pressure building.

Shaw up for Cambridge 3 goals already on Finals Day makes no mistake from the spot planting the ball to the keepers right 4-3.

Slater matching Shaw’s goal scoring feat on Final’s Day up next for Royston opens up her body to send the ball wide of the keeper 4-4.

The tension building Stanley steps up for Cambridge, places it sweetly into the bottom left corner 5-4.

Edgar has to score for Royston to send the shootout into sudden death, Blanchard goes the right way but Edgar has gotten enough power on her strike to evade the keeper 5-5.

I’m more tense now writing about the shootout than I was watching it, Reed comes forwards for Cambridge, hits the ball low to the keepers left angling into the bottom corner, O’Brien though goes the right way throwing herself into the dive full stretch makes the save knocking the ball away it remains 5-5.

Miles placing the ball on the spot for Royston a chance to win the Challenge Cup, strikes it well power and pace on the rising ball, despair for Blanchard who goes the right way but can’t reach it 5-6! Royston win on penalties.

Tally Miles scoring the winning penalty for Royston Town Women

Always a harsh way to lose a game, but oh so great if you win as Miles is swamped by her joyous teammates, Royston coming back from a goal down to level the game and take it to a penalty shootout with a much improved 2nd half performance. 5 perfect penalties for each side sending it to sudden death a superb save from Mia O’Brien before Tally Miles scored the winning penalty. Didn’t think there would be much between the 4 sides today, Royston clinching the silverware.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders once again. Bella Simmons with a fantastic game in attack for Cambridge really put the Royston defence through it especially first half and was unlucky not to be on the score sheet. Amy Cooper with some good tackles in defence for Royston who found themselves on the backfoot in the 1st half. A couple of quality saves from Mia O’Brien in goal. Tally Miles too getting forwards well to support the attack in the 2nd period. Edging it however with some great positional play up top and movement off the ball and the growing threat she posed through the final scoring the all important equaliser today’s award goes to Emma Slater.

Congratulations to Royston Town Women on winning the ERWFL Challenge Cup.

Credit to Cambridge however took the final all the way and on penalties it literally is a lottery. In the other match the 3rd place game Wymondham Town Ladies emerged comfortable winners, a more relaxed performance seeing them take control of the game leading 3-0 t half-time before going on to win 5-0 against Bedford.

The ERWFL laying on an excellent Finals Day in what has been another turbulent season, let’s hope for better thing’s into the new campaign. The Regional leagues playing a vital role in the women’s football pyramid, plenty of entertainment a good standard that is only going to improve in the future as the game grows as a whole. Great to see spectators enjoying a game once again too. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Belles Ladies v Norwich City Women

Wednesday 19th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Match Report – Mildenhall Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women Development

Sunday 16th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

A local derby today on Women’s Football East from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South with Newmarket Town Women’s Development side heading east along the A11 to play Mildenhall Town Ladies.

As mentioned in last Sunday’s report from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, the county leagues the only ones in the East to continue after the country emerged from the latest lockdown brought on by the ongoing Covid pandemic. The Championship South consisting of 8 sides with it looking likely to be a 3 way battle for the title at the top.

Has been a while since I was last at Mildenhall Town FC for a women’s football match. The club adopting FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC for a number of seasons. The club embracing women’s football and when Cambridge eventually moved on I felt the town was ideally suited for a new women’s side and was very pleased to see the formation of Mildenhall Town Ladies a couple of seasons ago.

Got off to a flying start to emerging a strong contenders in what was then a large 15 strong single Championship picking up alot of good results before unfortunately the 2019/20 season was brought to an end. There 2nd season seeing the Championship’s split once more Mildenhall form up and down winning as many as they have lost before the long pause to proceedings. Looking to get thing’s going again now in midtable ran the leaders close in a 5-4 defeat last time out. Charlotte Nash the clubs top scorer with 19 goals from 10 appearances, Lauren Deller joining from Newmarket this season bringing experience to the attack has scored 8 goals in her appearances so far.

Newmarket have always been a club with a strong youth set up running teams from U9 – U16 aswell as two women’s team the Development side and the 1st team competing in the ERWFL. Newmarket’s U15s winning the U15 B-league this weekend. Manager Shane Lebbon believing strongly in developing youth players and bringing them through the club and whereas some club have taken advantage of their 1st teams seasons ending early playing a stronger dev/reserves side Newmarket have resisted playing just 1 or 2 to help the younger players development. Lay third in the Championship table just a point behind joint leaders Cambridge Rangers Women and Histon Ladies Development. Like Mildenhall they two have a striker in prolific form in front of goal with Kaitlin Elsey finding the back of the net 24 times so far from 9 appearances. Backed up by Sarah O’Rourke who has 10 from 9 appearances.

The pitch at Mildenhall was always a superb playing surface, a lush covering of grass. Slopes from one goalmouth to the other and is nice and wide. A new hospitality room added beside the main stand and clubhouse. The latest easing of restrictions will see fans able to return to watch from Monday. Many eager to get back. Quite warm and bright with a few dark clouds around, rain forecast, with heavy showers at times but thankfully these were never to materialise.

Mildenhall Town Ladies starting XI – Tiffany Toynton, Rosalind Ramos, Alex Milner, Cassandra Carvalheira, Niketa Cartner, Eloise Gookey, Annalise Brown, Jasmine Luckett, Katie Haye, Lauren Deller & Charlotte Nash (C). Subs – Megan Hobson & Sara-Jane Langford

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Dominika Szary, Lydia Mason, Rebecca Towler, Beth Woodfield, Kara Wayman, Cerys Crompton, Hannah Doyle, Grace Muffett, Leah Harper, Sarah O’Rourke (C) & Kaitlin Elsey. Subs – Hannah Lock, Emily Davey, Sophie Barrell, Amy Cayzer & Faith Winters.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Before the match the teams gather around the centre circle for a minutes silence to pay tribute to 9 year old Jordan Banks from Blackpool who was tragically killed this week being struck by lightning whilst training. Rest in Peace.

A minutes silence held before the game

Along with Lauren Deller, Cassandra Carvalheira starting at the back for Mildenhall has played for Newmarket. Goalkeeper Hannah Lock injured in the warm up for Newmarket sees a late change with Dominika Szary donning the gloves, an experienced goalkeeper in her own right having enjoyed a season in the FAWNL with Cambridge City Ladies. The captains, Sarah O’Rourke for Newmarket and Charlotte Nash for Mildenhall meet in the centre with the referee, Mildenhall opting to switch ends moving into position to attack up the slope in the first half. Newmarket to kick-off the match wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks. Mildenhall wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks.

A frantic start the ball pinging back and forth in the centre of the park as each sides closes down the other, the ball eventually being lung out to the right channel by Newmarket for striker Kaitlin Elsey to run down, takes it on into the corner before being challenged by Mildenhall full back Alex Milner an early corner conceded. The delivery swept into the near post cleared by the hosts. Mildenhall get hold of the ball central Jasmine Luckett sending it on through for Nash to attack central, Kara Wayman steps in winning the ball back and preventing Nash escaping in behind her.

Kara Wayman bringing the ball out for Newmarket

Newmarket send the ball low through into Elsey’s feet 30 yards out she sweeps the pass out to the right channel for O’Rourke who attempts to dink it over the top of the defence for Elsey to run onto, too much on it as goalkeeper Tiffany Toynton comes to claim. Elsey has pace at her disposal as she gets the ball into her feet right side and powers forwards fizzes a ball in towards the near post, is dealt with well by Mildenhall’s Rosalind Ramos who clears upfield.

Mildenhall build out on the left Katie Hayes travelling with the ball, sending it on for Deller 20 yards out corner of the box has Luckett going on past her on the over lap diverts the ball into her run, Szary comes to close her down kicking the ball away before Luckett can reach it. Defending at the back Newmarket quickly counter left side the ball up to Leah Harper she fires it up the wing with Elsey peeling off the full back to get in behind, Ramos recovers well to get back on her sliding in to tackle take the ball away from her wide, Elsey going after it turning to fire in a ball along the top of the box, Eloise Gookey intercepting inside the D to bring it away from Mildenhall.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

Newmarket’s pace in attack, unsettling the Mildenhall defence as the visitors are looking to quickly turn play around, Grace Muffett playing it through to O’Rourke looking to escape in the right channel 20 yards out, Milner manages to get across her to send the ball on into her goalkeeper for Toynton to clear. A throw deep on the left sees Newmarket go on to claim a corner kick, the ball played in near post defended by Niketa Cartner, Mildenhall go on the counter attack as Deller carries the ball upfield, sending a strong ball through for Nash leading the attack is clear after it, Szary though ever one to stay on her line is already on the move running out of her box to win the race for the ball launch it back towards her opponents area.

Mildenhall Town Ladies captain, Charlotte Nash

Nash succeeds to springing the offside trap getting in behind the defence for Mildenhall on the right side pace taking her on into the box Szary comes to close the angle but is beaten top of the box, Nash’s touch sending the ball central but no one is up with her as Newmarket recover at the back. Mildenhall getting some joy out on the left Hayes getting the ball into her feet and looking to take players on, checks inside this time 20 out firing a cross into Nash inside the D hits a shot on the turn the ball running wide of the far post.

GOAL! Szary is quick to get play going again and Newmarket hit their opponents with a sucker punch as they go straight up the other end to open the scoring the ball helped on through to Elsey 20 yards out left of the D takes the ball on the bounce setting herself to shoot across the keeper low into the bottom corner from the top of the area 0-1.

Kaitlin Elsey opens the scoring for Newmarket

A goal inside the opening 15 minutes from Newmarket, Mildenhall get forwards from the restart Annalise Brown into Deller who holds the ball up well in a central position, Nash offering her an option to the left, attempts to put her in on goal, Beth Woodfield stepping out of the back line to take the ball off her toes. Deller strong on the ball 25 yards out left of the D sends a ball into the six yard box, Lydia Mason holds Nash off the defender bringing the ball away on the left firing it forwards for Harper, with Elsey moving across to support, Ramos doing well defensively for the hosts.

GOAL! Newmarket quickly double their lead the ball won at the back by Woodfield, played on through the middle driven along the floor the target Elsey up in the right channel, takes the ball on running at the defence, checking back to turn inside move central before shooting firing her shot back across the keeper for her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Mildenhall come very close to pulling a goal back straight away as Hayes attacks with it at her feet on the left wing, shifting inside 25 yards out on the angle goes for goal a sweeping strike that is over Szary, cannons back off the far post, across goal staying in play, Rebecca Towler dealing with it for Newmarket the visitors going straight down the other end a shot from the right fired across the face of goal out for a corner kick. The delivery played into O’Rourke in space outside the area central shifts to her right opening up the angle fires a shot in towards the bottom corner, Toynton diving full stretch to her left making an excellent save.

Katie Hayes striking the woodwork for Mildenhall

Midway through the 2nd half Mildenhall are looking to get Hayes on the ball left side, Deller holding the ball up well, Nash moving off her win a corner, players come forwards, the set piece played long no one gambling at the far post. Mildenhall’s, Brown is showing so great footwork moving the ball well skipping past players as she looks to get the ball into Deller and Nash up top. Newmarket up the other end always ready to play off the shoulder of the last defender, Elsey never still. Harper on the left comes on with the ball attempts the give and go with Crompton central Ramos tracking Harpers run sliding in to win the tackle for Mildenhall.

Mildenhall’s Annalise Brown with Newmarket’s Cerys Crompton

A pause in play with Mildenhall having a player down, Gookey who comes off to be replaced by Sara-Jane Langford. Both sides taking on fluids the game being played at a fast pace under bright sunshine. As play resumes Newmarket play O’Rourke in on the right, Milner going with her for Mildenhall to challenge send the ball out for a throw in. Newmarket are pressurising the final 3rd better but Mildenhall’s defence dropping deep at times isn’t being carved open, only when Newmarket back off allow the defence to step out can they exploit Elsey’s pace, the striker sending the ball into the bottom corner, no goal however as the hosts defence stepped up well exposing her to be flagged offside.

Lauren Deller comes out with the ball for Mildenhall

Faith Winters joins the game for Newmarket in place of Harper on the left side. Is straight into the action a ball from Hannah Doyle fired through from the centre into her, chases the ball into the box, Ramos does fantastic lunging to tackle send the ball on through to her keeper to deal with. Carvalheiro too with a strong defensive tackle in on Elsey inside the D as the young striker attempts to take the ball in behind her. Langford plays the pass on for Deller who lays it off the Nash running into space on the right goes on into the box before firing a shot into the side netting.

GOAL! Mildenhall have been threatening on the left, good footwork from Brown in the middle seeing her release the ball to Hayes out wide on the flank, turns inside strong on the ball taking it into the area before clipping a shot high into the near post under the bar to make it 1-2.

Newmarket go on the attack the ball fed down the line by Towler, taking the ball on down the right O’Rourke cuts the ball back inside for Elsey 30 yards out right of the D, gets plenty of power behind her strike as she smashes it across the keeper but also wide of the far post. The game has opened up Mildenhall having fallen two goals behind responding well to get themselves back into it go on the attack as Hayes is allowed time on the ball 30 yards out left side taking on the shot Szary scrambles across her goal thankfully sees the ball brush the side netting.

GOAL! Newmarket restore their 2 goal advantage and it’s Elsey who goes on to score a 1st half hat-trick. The visitors attacking down the left Ramos defending the ball out for a throw played inside a loose ball played on sees Elsey 25 yards out left of the D nip in to steal it take it on and fires a shot hard across the keeper into the bottom corner 1-3.

Kaitlin Elsey with a 1st half hat-trick

Newmarket have a corner on the left coming forwards are pressurising the Mildenhall back line the delivery long across the box, Luckett can’t get it away, Cartner sees her attempt charged down, before Brown launches it upfield into Deller who lifts it on for Nash going for the box, Mason taking it off her toes. Deller doing well holding up the ball trying to bring others into play, Luckett away on the right, Wayman into her concedes the throw. Luckett seeing Ramos’ throw into her feet lay it back to her to cross 20 yards out the ball dropping on the penalty spot, Nash after it, Woodfield under it heading firmly away for Newmarket.

Half-time Mildenhall Town Ladies 1-3 Newmarket Town Ladies Development

Newmarket leading 3-1 at the break starting the match well opening the score after 15 minutes quickly doubling their advantage. Mildenhall coming back into the game well a couple of chances before pulling it back to 2-1. Newmarket quickly restoring their 2 goals advantage with Elsey’s pace up top a real danger as the young striker completed a first half hat-trick. The game beautifully poised for the 2nd half, Mildenhall know they can’t concede early however.

The hosts to get the 2nd half underway attacking down the slope now. Newmarket with a change, Elsey off, Emily Davey taking up a position on the right on. The ball played out to the right the pass cut out, Brown regains possession well for Mildenhall passing back to Ramos wide fires it down the line for Luckett, Wayman slides in to tackle for Newmarket. The visitors attack let Winters up with O’Rourke goes inside her taking the ball on looks to be clear in on the box, Toynton comes rushing out to the top of her area makes a brave blocking save getting a bit of both the ball and player but comes off worse the ball put out of play needs treatment but is okay to continue.

Mildenhall’s Jasmine Luckett

Deller wins the challenge as the ball is dropped into her left side sending it on down the flank for Hayes, Towler moving across into her to make the challenge send the ball out of play. The pace of the 2nd half as intense as the first Newmarket running the ball on through the middle with Doyle a throw won high on the right is directed into Doyle right of the D her touch lifting it in behind for O’Rourke to spin in behind, picks up pace on the bounce however running out of play before O’Rourke can close it down.

Mildenhall make a change Gookey coming back on replacing Brown. Winters drives on with the ball left side whipping a cross into the box which is launched into the carpark by Langford defending for Mildenhall. Play a little stretched Newmarket not getting so much of the ball up top, Deller linking up well in attack with Hayes for Mildenhall. Hayes spinning off her marker on halfway taking the ball on into the Newmarket half before angling a diagonal ball into the box looking for Nash peeling off the last defender, the bounce favouring the keeper however as Szary comes well to catch the ball.

Charlotte Nash attempts to flick the ball on spin in behind for Mildenhall

Carvalheiro steps on the ball loosing possession 25 yards out right of goal presenting O’Rourke with a shooting opportunity the effort no carrying much conviction landing in the side netting. A change for Newmarket with Amy Cayzer joining the game. Winters fed the ball by Mason on the left takes it on firing her pass into O’Rourke who drills a low effort from 20 yards out wide of the near post. Mildenhall bring the ball right Luckett flashes in inside to Nash, attempts to play it across for Deller, Woodfield steps out to intercept.

Newmarket’s Emily Davey looking for options as she goes forwards

The host now applying pressure to the Newmarket defence have started the 2nd half well winning a corner, right side fired into the crowded near post Szary amongst it punching the ball away. Ramos up on the right into Luckett 20 yard out skips inside going for the area, Woodfield comes to close her down. Harper has come back on for Newmarket. Luckett on the ball central 25 out sends it out to Hayes attacking on the left, her touch deflecting it on into the box, Mason comes across to put it out for a corner.

Megan Hobson comes on for Mildenhall to replace Langford. The corner from the left played chest height into the near post, Cartner getting something on it from 3 yards out turning it goalwards, Szary is well placed saving with a well taken grab low between her legs and reacts quickly releasing it early. Mildenhall on top now pushing forwards winning the ball back in the final 3rd, Deller and Nash taking on the Newmarket defence another corner won on the left met low central but blasted back hard wide across goal.

Dominika Szary well placed to save as Niketa Cartner turns the ball goalwards

For all their pressing Mildenhall are vulnerable to the counter attack the ball brought clear left side fed on for O’Rourke getting clear central, bearing down on the area, Toynton comes to close her down, O’Rourke unleashes a shot looks certain to score, Toynton arms outstretched gets the merest of fingertips to it deflect the ball wide of goal for a corner, an excellent save!

Davey gets on well up the right to support O’Rourke for Newmarket the pair combining Davey inside attempting the return ball into the box for the attacker, Cartner gets across well to stop the move, pulls up immediately, can’t continue has to come off, Brown returning to the game. Doyle takes the ball on through the middle as Newmarket break from a set play Milner and Ramos combine to close her down win the ball back for the hosts.

Mildenhall’s Alex Milner

Wayman with a strong run attacking down Newmarket’s left brings her side a corner as Ramos comes across to tackle. Mildenhall defend but fail to break Newmarket attack again on the left the ball into the top of the area, Toynton comes doesn’t get the ball, the shot is sent past her central, Ramos backing off to cover the goal blocks the ball. The game moving into the final 10 minutes Newmarket bringing Elsey back on up top for O’Rourke. Elsey straight into the action left side given the ball by Winters into the box, Toynton comes making another great save with her legs deflecting the ball wide across her six yard box.

Deller 25 yards out fizzes a pass into Nash inside the D, her touch taking it wide to her left turns inside the angle going against her blasts her strike behind the target. The Mildenhall defence is tiring, Elsey rested back on has pace at her disposal, Doyle feeding her in central she drives on to the top of the area, Toynton coming out saving well against her. Up the other end Luckett’s pass sees Nash force a corner kick, Newmarket struggle to get it clear, Brown closing down wide right flashing a shot wide across the six yard box. Less than 5 minutes left to play.

GOAL! Elsey adding an injection of pace into the Newmarket attack picks the ball up 40 yards out powers forwards has Doyle up ahead of her to the right sends the ball out to her the midfielder taking in on into the box wide of goal strikes the ball sending a looping shot high to drop over the line behind the keeper 1-4.

Hannah Doyle scores Newmarket’s 4th

Newmarket bring Sophie Barrell on for Lydia Mason late on.

GOAL! A strong end to the game from Newmarket taking it away from Mildenhall, Elsey on the scoresheet for her 4th of the game given the ball central is closed down by the Mildenhall defence, tired one up ended Elsey powers on breaking clear to the top of the area, sets her sights planting a fiercely drilled shot wide to the right of the keeper 1-5.

Kaitlin Elsey powering her way on into the box

A late free-kick in stoppage time for Mildenhall 30 yards out central, Hayes on it up into the area tries to pick out Nash, Woodfield going with her shields the ball into Szary.

Full time Mildenhall Town Ladies 1-5 Newmarket Town Ladies Development

Two late goals for Newmarket seeing them win the game 5-1 and keep the pressure on the leading pair. Started the game well taking the lead inside 15 minutes quickly going 2 up. Mildenhall fought back well having chances pulling a goal back. Newmarket hitting back straight away to lead 3-1 at the break. Final scores don’t always reflect games, no doubt Mildenhall had the better of the 2nd half for 40 minutes, Tiffany Toynton with some crucial saves however couldn’t find a goal, Newmarket hitting them with two late goals at the death to seal the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances to mention first. Some great goalkeeping from Tiffany Toynton kept her side in the game for a long period in the 2nd half. Katie Hayes out on the left with some impressive runs and took her goal well. Rosalind Ramos in particular at the back made several vital tackles. For Newmarket, Lydia Mason covered alot of ground at the back winning several tackles. The award though goes to Newmarket striker Kaitlin Elsey 28 goals from 10 appearances now and easy to see why, great positional play and pace troubled the Mildenhall defence first half scoring a hat-trick coming back on late on to get an assist and score her 4th.

Enjoyed being back at Mildenhall again is a great club good to see it embracing it’s women’s side, an enjoyable match. My thanks to both sides for giving me those all important team details much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – St Ives Town Ladies Development v Netherton United Ladies

Sunday 9th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

The football action on Women’s Football East this weekend comes from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership with 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development hosting Netherton United Ladies currently in 6th place.

Cambridgeshire the only county in the East to carry on with its playing season after the latest Covid lockdown as lifted at the end of March. Alot of football still to be played the FA extending the season to the end of June allowing clubs to get there fixtures in. Cambridgeshire featuring two Championship divisions a North and South with 7 and 8 sides competing respectfully and an 11 strong Premiership.

All three leagues being hotly contested at the top the Premiership no exception, with just 8 points separating current leaders Ketton Ladies and 9th placed Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. The lead having been exchanged on several occasions throughout the season so far no one side has been able to break away at the top. Ketton are 2 points clear of 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development both though have played 4 and 5 games more than 3rd placed Cambridge University Women who have lost just once this season, face 4th placed Leverington Sports Ladies at home this Sunday both on 20 points. 5th placed Whittlesey Athletic Ladies (formerly ICA Sports Ladies) have been strong too making a good start to the season. Whilst Netherton United Ladies in 6th and Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves like Cambridge University have games in hand on those above.

St Ives Town Ladies enjoying a rapid rise through the women’s football pyramid the first team now finding their feet in the ERWFL Premier Division. Started a Development side in the 2017/18 season finishing 4th in the debut season in the Championship South. The following season were impressive as they won the league winning all but one of their 15 games. Into the Premiership growing to 13 sides in the 2019/20 season more than held their own comfortable in 5th spot before the Covid pandemic saw the season declared null & void.

The ongoing pandemic causing more disruption this season, the league put on hold has affected all sides in terms of progression but could hardly be avoided, most I think will bounce back all the stronger as the women’s game continues to see healthy growth. St Ives Town Ladies Development currently 2nd in the Premiership table with 21 points from 14 played. Poppy Lyons their top scorer with 10 goals from 10 appearances whilst Jade Carpenter has 8 goals from 12.

The Premiership title battle remains wide open and Netherton United Ladies are in a great position in 6th spot, 6 points behind leaders Ketton Ladies but have 4 games in hand. Have lost 2 of their 9 matches so far winning 5 of those. A good performance in the FA Women’s Cup partly responsible for Netherton having those games in hand. Claiming a memorable 5-4 win over Eastern region side Leigh Ramblers from Essex along the way. Are an established side in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership with an experienced squad, plenty of goal scorers in their ranks, Emily Johnson leads the way so far this season 14 from 11 appearances whilst Yasmin Green and Sasha Haw have 6 each.

The venue for today’s game the One Leisure Outdoor facility, boasting a number of sporting pitches, several grass football pitches along with the site accommodating, a cricket pitch, athletic track, astro hockey pitch and tennis courts amongst other sporting activities. All it did yesterday was rain as you all know was a little worried it might affect some pitches but the ground was so dry to begin with has done it more good than anything else. Today a total contrast up to 20 degrees, sunny but overcast a strong breeze building during the match.

St Ives Town Ladies Development starting XI – Faye Dunmore, Penelope Ford, Sophie Marjoram, Emily Stephenson, Georgie Astley, Molly Berryman, Jess Conyard (C), Tia Everdell, Fran Worrall, Angel Lyden & Poppy Lyons. Subs – Jade Carpenter, Arianna Andrade, Charlotte Hammond, Charlotte Noble & Elle Jefferson.

Netherton United Ladies starting XI – Ali Beel, Dita Upesjure, Amy Stanyon, Amber Parkinson, Jordan Sampson, Chloe Earth, Jess Perrin, Megan Strickland (C), Leah Stacey, Yasmin Green & Emily Johnson. Subs – Katie Barber, Ellie Hannon & Sasha Haw.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s the hosts St Ives to kick-off the 1st half, wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks, Netherton lined up opposite wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball sprayed out long to the right from the off as Angel Lyden breaks forwards for St Ives down the flank the pass too heavy however goes out for a throw. Netherton are quickly on the offensive Jess Perrin taking the ball on up the left lays it on for Yasmin Green, she plays it infield as Perrin continues her run into the D, the St Ives defence closing the door no way through.

A positive start from Netherton on the front foot taking the attack to St Ives, Perrin and Green combining once again, the ball sent into the box defended well by Molly Berryman back for St Ives. Perrin attacking right wins the away side the first corner of the game. Put long to the far post is headed goalwards, but straight Georgie Astley cannoning off her head at close range, didn’t know much about it but certainly felt it. The ball cleared for a throw out to the left, is gathered by Emily Johnson gets her head down and drives for the by line before flashing a low cross along the face of goal, cleared by St Ives captain Jess Conyard at the far post, play stopped Astley needs treatment, but is okay to continue.

Jess Perrin brings the ball on for Netherton

Johnson getting hold of the ball left side cuts inside before being brought down 25 yards out a free kick awarded, Leah Stacey over it for Netherton sends her delivery in towards the far post, players closing in but none can meet it as it runs out of play. Amy Stanyon getting forwards from defence for Netherton on the right delivers a cross into the area, is headed behind for a corner kick by St Ives Penelope Ford.

GOAL! Netherton open the scoring within the opening 10 minutes of the match from the corner kick the ball fired into the six yard box from the right goes long gathered by Johnson beyond the far post fires the ball back into the six yard box central captain Megan Strickland is there stooping to head the ball wide of goalkeeper Fay Dunmore to score her 1st goal of the season 0-1.

Captain, Megan Strickland opens the scoring for Netherton

Netherton capitalising on a bright start, St Ives look for an immediate response from the restart get straight on the attack, Angel Lyden bursting into space on the right wins her side a corner. The hosts get players forwards into the Netherton half, Sophie Marjoram allowed time to cross from deep on the right sends in a dangerous ball to the near post, goalkeeper Ali Beel has the angle covered but spills the ball, Poppy Lyons breaking into the six yard box first to it smashes it at close range Beel making the blocking save. The game beginning to open up Netherton look a threat on the counter attack, Stephenson wins it at the back for St Ives hoping to turn play around her long ball over the top, Lyons is caught offside as the away defence step up well.

Poppy Lyons plays the ball on for St Ives

Tia Everdell coming back to receive the ball powers her way through the midfield riding a challenge before angling a through ball on for Lyons making a left channel run, too much on it sees Beel off her line win the race for the ball. Perrin is making some great runs through the middle for Netherton, Green and Johnson providing good movement ahead of her. Emily Stephenson making a couple of vital interceptions at the back for St Ives. Up the other end Lyons is looking to put pressure on the Netherton defence one on one with Jordan Sampson tracking back into the area left of goal, holds the ball up checking back to lay off for Fran Worrall, she strikes it on the angle from all of 25 yards out her shot racing wide of the near post.

Amy Stanyon winning the ball for Netherton

Netherton break from a St Ives corner, Perrin away with the ball at her feet makes ground on the right, Lyden tracks back with her doing well to slow her down as Stephenson closes in to make the tackle. Brings Netherton a corner kick on the left flashed into the six yard box is turned goalwards but with little power, Dunmore in the right place to claim it. Stacey travels with the ball central into the St Ives half sends it onto Johnson to her right attacks the area, Stephenson defends well for St Ives.

St Ives Emily Stephenson with Netherton’s Emily Johnson

Netherton getting the better of the midfield battle at the moment are keeping St Ives penned in pushing bodies forwards, Sampson getting upfield on the right seeing her cross charged down. Lyons coming back into the middle to win the ball takes it forwards well, has Worrell and Lyden breaking ahead of her, Netherton once again spring the offside trap. Katie Barber is on the field for Netherton in an advanced position top of the area looks to break in behind the defence, Stephenson closing in takes the ball away from her toes.

Netherton defender, Amber Parkinson

St Ives get a throw in inside the Netherton half on the right, bodies forwards the crossfield ball is played into Berryman 20 yards out central lays it forwards for Conyard right of the D, Berryman continues her run past Conyard is given the return pass, puts her foot through the ball her shot blasted in at the near post Beel get’s a glove to it the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired into the mix in front of goal from the right s a brief scramble before Amber Parkinson launches it away. Netherton threaten another break however Green is flagged offside. St Ives play the ball left Lyons running into space behind into the box Beel coming to close her down, the ball knocked past her wide of goal, Lyons after it the angle is tight, defenders running back to cover the goal, the shot is fired into the side netting.

St Ives, Sophie Marjoram

GOAL! A chance to level at one end for St Ives, is punished as Netherton get up the other end to score and double their lead, attacking on the right the ball played on for Johnson, is met by Stephenson slices the clearance the ball deflected on behind her looks to be running out for a corner except Johnson hasn’t given it up running to catch in collects on the by line lifting a cross in along the face of goal, Stacey has gambled through the middle getting their to meet it first time lifts her effort up to strike the crossbar, rebounding down does well on the follow up to adjust her feet and deflect the ball past the keeper 0-2.

Leah Stacey doubles Netherton’s lead

Half an hour played St Ives bring the ball out from the back on their right Marjoram playing a diagonal ball inside for Lyden up top, Parkinson with her defends for Netherton outside the box. The away side look to counter through the middle, Berryman strong breaks the move up for the hosts. Sampson with Dita Upesjure on the left for Netherton play a good triangle going forwards with Johnson ahead of them, the striker attempting to storm inside Marjoram the full back putting in a timely tackle to regain possession.

Angel Lyden bringing the ball forwards for St Ives

Lyden inside for Berryman she brings the ball on through the centre before spreading play out to the left, Worrell chasing the ball to the by line flashing in a vicious cross along the face of the Netherton goal no one gambling however, Lyden closest at the far post retrieves it in the corner before launching a cross into the box, a handball spotted by referee Jack Badcock a penalty awarded to the hosts.

An opportunity to pull a goal back before half-time. Everdell placing the ball on the spot, goes low to the right, Beel goes the same way diving to save the penalty! The ball pushed out to her right, it’s St Ives sharpest on the follow up Marjoram striking the ball back in on the angle Beel rising making another brave blocking save to deny the hosts. Netherton make another change Ellie Hannon coming on for Earth in the middle. St Ives make a change to bringing on Charlotte Hammond for Astley.

Ali Beel down well to save the penalty for Netherton

A corner won after the penalty on the right is defended at the near post a 2nd corner given this on cleared by Hannon. Netherton with a free-kick deep on the right Green playing it long Johnson up into the area Marjoram closest to her, neither can get hold of the ball as it pings between them before deflecting safely back into Dunmore’s gloves. St Ives send the ball from the middle into the left channel Upesjure finds herself exposed, outnumbered as Lyons and Lyden get after the ball top of the area however the full back keeps her composure does well to keep the attackers off the ball, nudging it behind for a corner. A cluster of players attacking the near post the ball is deflected up high across the six yard box dropping far post Lyons is there but can’t get a clean connection with her shot.

Late into the 1st half Perrin carries the ball on for Netherton rifles a ball into the box for Johnson making a run to the left, a good first touch checks to move inside central takes on the shot puts it straight at Dunmore who holds comfortably. Moments later Dunmore is called into action to make an excellent save for St Ives Johnson with the strike in a similar position to her earlier move skipping inside the box off Perrin’s pass, further out goes to put it in the far corner, diving full stretch to her left Dunmore throws out an arm to bat the ball wide of the post.

Half-time St Ives Town Ladies Development 0-2 Netherton United Ladies

A strong start to the game from Netherton saw them take the lead inside the opening 10 minutes of the game. Have looked strong in attack since Perrin providing some great runs, Johnson and Green lively up top. Took St Ives a while to get themselves into the game on the back foot began to create opportunities Netherton finding a 2nd goal to hammer home the advantage. Both keepers making excellent saves, Beel a double save from the penalty. Dunmore’s late save seeing the lead stay at 2-0, which as many more than myself is never an easy score line to defend.

Change’s for St Ives in the 2nd period, Jade Carpenter on for Berryman and Astley is back on in defence. Arianna Andrade was a late edition in the 1st half too for the hosts. Netherton get the 2nd period underway the cloud cover seeing the breeze picking up.

GOAL! The perfect start to the 2nd half for Netherton, are awarded a free-kick inside the St Ives half wide on the right, Green on the ball sends it high and long towards the far post players racing in to attack it, Perrin and Hannon close together, think Hannon got the final touch, smashing it home from close range, confirmed at the end of the game is her first goal of the season too 0-3.

Ellie Hannon puts Netherton 3 goals up

Netherton 3 goals up within a minute of the restart extending their lead a further hammer blow for St Ives who now have a mountain to climb if they are to get back into the match. Perrin’s driving runs forwards continue to cause havoc, Johnson always an option ahead of her stretching the St Ives defence. Lyden a willing runner on the right for St Ives chasing the ball down into space flashes a cross in behind from the by line following good work by Lyons holding the ball up central.

Perrin traveling into the box from the left sees the ball into her body from Stacey out wide controls and hits it on the angle, Dunmore across her goal to close the angle making a comfortable save. Marjoram comes off for St Ives replaced by Hammond. Strickland with a deflected shot 20 yards out left of the D falls to Johnson out on the right takes on the strike am behind it so I can see it is going narrowly wide but Dunmore can’t take that chance gets a glove on it to send it wide behind for a corner. The delivery long to the far post Carpenter up well to head clear for St Ives. Doesn’t go far before a shot is flashed back in travels narrowly wide.

Tia Everdell on the attack for St Ives

Everdell is covering alot of ground for St Ives coming back to win the ball and get up in support of Lyons in attack, goes forwards as Andrade brings it on left side receives the squared ball inside the Netherton half attempts to thread it through for Lyons central is read well by Sampson who steps up to intercept the ball. Hannon comes of for Barber for Netherton. Great work and more brave goalkeeping from Beel as Carpenter for St Ives lifts a pass over the top to the right for Lyden to attack, the goalkeeper out early to close her down Lyden smashes her shot at her at close range the keeper making two blocking saves in quick succession before scrambling to smother the ball.

St Ives captain, Jess Conyard

Conyard defends for St Ives back to help Stephenson inside the D as 14 tries to get the better of the defender. St Ives make a change up top bringing off Lyons, Charlotte Noble joining the action. Everdell flicking the ball on through the middle playing it to Lyden out on the right chases it into the corner, Sampson goes with her the defender doing superbly to prevent Lyden getting free. Strickland attacking on the right for Netherton moves towards the area, Everdell tracking back well puts her foot in to regain possession.

More strong running on the ball from Perrin central lays it out to the right for Johnson into the area beating the advancing keeper the angle going away from her fires a shot in wide across the face of goal. Stephenson winning the ball at the back brings it on into the middle before sending it long for Lyden bursting free on the right 25 yards out releases a shot past the advancing keeper, so too however the wide of the far post.

Arianna Andrade winning the ball back for St Ives

GOAL! 20 minutes gone in the 2nd half and St Ives find a reply, Everdell with the goal getting forwards well sees the ball fired into her feet 30 yards out from goal to the left of the D, hr touch taking it inside sets her sights and with her right foot lifts her shot wide of the keeper into the right hand corner of the goal 1-3.

Netherton make a change Perrin coming off for Hannon. Andrade off for St Ives, Elle Jefferson on joining Noble in attack. The hosts with a free-kick on halfway Astley up towards the top of the area Noble onto it inside the D strikes it with the outside of her boot, Beel back on her line claiming it. Noble on the left firing a cross into the area, Parkinson dealing with it at the far post for Netherton. A long ball forwards sees Johnson through on goal checks inside to her right see her strike blocked, after the rebound fires it across goal, cleared at the far post by Hammond. Upesjure comes off for Netherton replaced by Sasha Haw who joins the attack.

Jade Carpenter on the ball for St Ives

Johnson finding space up top as the game wears on fires a first time strike across goal. Haw off a throw out on the left strikes a shot high over the bar on the angle. Noble getting some joy out on the left travels with the ball flashes it inside for Jefferson central, Sampson close on the attack winning the ball for Netherton. Sampson defending well for Netherton winning the ball again inside the D as Carpenter bringing the ball forwards looks to combine with Noble. The game moving into the final 10 minutes. Noble with a good touch turns the ball in behind the opposition defence on the left, 10 yards out flashes her shot wide across goal.

Netherton defender, Jordan Sampson

Perrin back on the field for Barber, the midfielder flicking the ball on for Johnson to attack into the box left side evades a sliding challenge going to to smash the ball at the near post Dunmore saving at point blank range beating the ball down before conceding the corner. Dunmore able to claim the corner unopposed at her near post as Netherton finish the game strong Johnson creating chances looking to get on the scoresheet. Lyons re-joins the game for St Ives, Everdell trying to pick her out the ball bouncing through the the keeper.

Perrin coming forwards has Haw beside her as the pair travel into the area unopposed have almost too much time to line up a shot, which is eventually blocked. Pace from Noble on the left attacking for St Ives whips a ball into the area trying to pick out Jefferson, Sampson there again to defend for Netherton. Green with Strickland central attempt to play a give and go, Strickland’s pass on into the area, a little too heavy allows Dunmore to get out to it first. Shortly after Strickland is played into space on the right looks to be through one on one with the keeper until Astley recovers brilliantly sliding into take the ball away from her feet.

St Ives, Charlotte Noble

Carpenter taking control of the ball central drives forwards has Noble and Jefferson ahead of her the pair looking to combine 20 yards out once more are thwarted by Sampson at the back for Netherton. Time running out for St Ives to pull a goal back apply late pressure to Netherton the away side defending well, Stanyon and Parkinson making good tackles getting the ball clear. The hosts with a last gasp corner on the right cleared long upfield.

GOAL! With St Ives committing in attack late on the ball is cleared long upfield, Stacey giving chase on the left taking the ball down in the area smashes her shot goalwards, Dunmore can only beat it away straight back to Stacey opens up her body to send her 2nd attempt wide of the keeper strikes the inside of the left post and deflects into the bottom right corner to see Stacey net her 2nd of the match and confirm the win for Netherton 1-4.

Full time St Ives Town Ladies Development 1-4 Netherton United Ladies

At the final whistle Netherton seal a 4-1 away win to close the gap to St Ives to a point, Netherton up to fifth as the Premiership table becomes all the tighter at the top with wins for Cambridge University Women seeing them go top, whilst Peterborough Norther Star Ladies Reserves go 3rd, just 3 points separating the top 6 now! Netherton deserved winners making a bright start to the game on the front foot taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. St Ives with chances before the away side went 2-0 that the score at the break both keepers saving well, Beel keeping out a penalty. The perfect start to the 2nd half Netherton extending their lead. Looked comfortable had further chances Johnson alone could have had a hat-trick on another day. St Ives kept at it however pulling a goal back had opportunities to score further goals before Netherton ensured victory at the death.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Once again a few contenders no easy decision. Firstly for St Ives Tia Everdell was full of running covering alot of ground back to help the defence and going forwards. Whilst at the back Emily Stephenson make several vital challenges. For Netherton, Jordan Sampson wasn’t letting anything through he middle especially in the 2nd period as she made a number of crucial tackles to regain possession. Goalkeeper Ali Beel was excellent making a number of saves, including the penalty and coming to close the angle when called upon. Just ahead of both today’s award goes to Jess Perrin felt she set the tone early on for Netherton driving forwards with the ball got her side on the front foot making plenty of surging runs on the ball from the middle of the park.

Nice to get on the road again get out of Norfolk into Cambridgeshire for the first time in 2021. Great to catch up with a few football friends too. Appreciate all the help with the team details too.

by Darren Gilham