Monthly Archives: September 2023

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

Sunday 24th September

ERWFL Premier Division

 Travelling to Trafford Park this Sunday to take in my first game of the season from the ERWFL Premier Division, representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid is a strong league with plenty of talent on show today’s game featuring Wroxham Women taking on Essex side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. 

 A competitive title battle last season seeing Luton Town Ladies getting off to a flying start before the others hauled them in with newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women clinching the title to secure back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL for the first time in their history. With just one promotion spot up for grabs it’s sure to be another tense battle at the top. A new look Real Bedford Ladies side setting the early pace with 5 wins from 5 to sit 7 points clear of the rest… a long way to go however. 

  Today’s game featuring two sides long established in the ERWFL, both under going transformations along the way. Wroxham Women formerly Acle United Ladies merging with Wroxham in 2019, the club keen to build on a side pushing for promotion to the FAWNL themselves and go all the way. Covid coming along to disrupt every bodies plans, Wroxham haven’t quite found the consistency to push for the top in what is a highly competitive league. A new start for the club this season bringing in a new manager, Adam Race, previously with Long Stratton Women, having turned the Norfolk Division One side into a strong team ready to challenge at the top of the league.

 Have recruited strongly over the past couple of season’s bringing in a number of fresh faces under previous manager Joe Simpson with the likes of goalkeeper Megan Gowing joining last season from Beccles. Brought in several players from their one time league rivals Wymondham Town Ladies with more joining this campaign, defenders Leah Newcombe and Chelsea Clarke, winger Natasha Youngs and midfielder Rachel Cossey returning to the pitch after battling back from 2 season’s lost due to injury. Ella Gambell joining from Norwich City Women along with Lily Alexander. Race also bringing striker Luci Middleton with him from Long Stratton after finishing top scorer in the league with 35 goals from 20 appearances. Hit the ground running with a 12-0 demolition away to King’s Lynn Town Ladies on the opening day. defeats away to Luton and at home to Real Bedford were to follow before earning the 3 points with a good win away to Needham Market Women last Sunday.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies like Wroxham establishing themselves in the ERWFL under a different guise as Little Thurrock Dynamo’s before going on to become an integral part of the Bowers & Pitsea family in 2018, going on to secure promotion to the Premier Division that season. Having consolidated building into a strong team within tier 5 more than capable of beating anyone on their day. Robert Elmes coming in to manage the first team this season.

The first team backed up by a Reserves team playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division and a strong youth set-up with a number of new recruits to the squad promoted from their treble winning U18s side with the like of goalkeeper Hannah Stone, Libby Cooper, Darcy Drewitt, Ella Ford, Olivia Harris, Ellie Barrett and Chloe Bardsley all featuring today. Danielle Hindley also joining this season from Hutton Ladies with Isabella Darby also new to the squad joining from London Seaward. Came out on top in a 7 goal thriller on the opening day winning 4-3 at home to Royston Town Women that followed up by back to back draws both 2-2 at home to AFC Dunstable Women and away to newly promoted Barking FC Women. Losing out narrowly 1-0 away to leaders Real Bedford Ladies last time out. 

 Trafford Park the venue for today’s game home, the large grass pitch with a slight gradient a good test for players fitness space to exploit. A small covered stand on one side with the clubhouse housing the bar and kitchen on the opposite side serving hot food and drink. The weather still mild as we enter autumn, cloudy but warm whenever the sun breaks through, still with no chance of rain. Still nursing a soar knee but the most comfortable position is standing up a god cup of tea and cheeseburger all set for the game.

Wroxham Women

  Wroxham Women starting XI – Megan Gowing, Leah Newcombe, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson, Albany Hodgson, Becky Russell (C), Rachel Cossey, Lara Densley, Lauren Bullard, Ella Gambell & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Jennifer Drummie, Ellie Overton, Luci Middleton & Lily Alexander.

Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies starting XI – Hannah Stone, Holly Moore, Libby Cooper, Natalie Strange (C), Olivia Bilson, Danielle Hindley, Megan Elwes, Ella Ford, Millie Isherwood, Whitney Locke & Darcy Drewitt. Subs – Olivia Harris, Isabella Darby, Ellie Barrett & Chloe Bardsley.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Couple of familiar faces in the Wroxham squad with new names this season both through marriage, midfielder Jennifer Codman now Jennifer Drummie while the Fuller girl who was scoring all the goals in pre-season like she was Hannah Waters, is Hannah Waters (now Fuller) although I’m so used to writing Waters in my notes it’ll take a while to adjust. A new captain too for Wroxham with Becky Russell taking over as captain. Natalie Strange captaining Bowers & Pitsea this season.

  It’s the visitors to kick off the 1st half attacking up the slope with Bowers & Pitsea wearing red and white vertical striped shirts with red shorts and socks. Wroxham opposite lined up wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The ball pushed back into midfield played out to the right into Millie Isherwood held up and Libby Cooper gets up in support moving inside the ball rolled into her is fouled presenting Bowers & Pitsea with an early opportunity to push players up into the opposition box. 25 yards out to the right of the area Isherwood on the ball clips a high ball in towards the far post, over everyone and out of play for the goal kick. 

  Bowers & Pitsea fast to close Wroxham’s defence down at the start preventing the ball getting upfield. Leah Newcombe on the right clearing the ball up to Lauren Bullard in attack moving into the right channel for Wroxham squares it inside 20 yards out for Ella Gambell who in turn attempts to thread the ball through the Bowers & Pitsea defence onto Fuller right inside the box, Danielle Hindley sticking a foot out getting a nick on the ball to divert it back for her keeper to claim. 

 Gambell rolling her marker well on the left as she looks to take the ball on down the wing, Cooper in to close her down for Bowers & Pitsea. Albany Hodgson winning the ball at the back for Wroxham sending it long up to Fuller in attack right outside the box held up plays it back to Newcombe with Lara Densley coming over to support, Hindley tackling for the visitors the ball out for a throw in.

  Gambell with the ball left for Wroxham, checks inside passing central for Russell she opens her body to turn the ball into Fuller outside the D, Hindley close in tackling to win the ball back for Bowers & Pitsea cleared releases Whitney Locke, carrying the ball forwards well as they counter sends the ball inside for Darcy Drewitt making a central run in behind, goalkeeper Megan Gowing rushing out to close her down takes the ball wide of the keeper moving left looks to send the ball back across into the open goal, defenders racing back to try and clear their lines, the ball through rolls wide of the right post, an opportunity to open the scoring missed inside the opening 7 minutes.

Bowers & Pitsea’s Darcy Drewitt

  Ella Ford bringing the ball on for Bowers & Pitsea lifts it up to Locke breaking right, 20 yards out turns infield, Hodgson setting a leg out to tackle winning the ball well for the hosts. Gambell looking to get on down the left for Wroxham threatening to get onto the ball inside the box, Moore gets across her shielding the ball out of play Gambell hustling her is disappointed when a corner is given to Wroxham. A great in swinging corner from the left across the six yard box, Hodgson up to attack just a little too high gets her head to the ball but can’t direct it on target drops to the right of goal Bowers & Pitsea clear but can’t retain possession as Wroxham turn play around looking to carve their way through the middle, crowded, Bowers & Pitsea shut the door.

Wroxham defender, Albany Hodgson

  Strange playing the ball into midfield, helped on into Locke, has Megan Elwes making a run out to the right lays the ball into her feet reaching the top of the area crosses into towards the far post looking for Drewitt, too close to the keeper though, Gowing down well to lay claim to the ball in her six yard box. Bowers & Pitsea quick to build an attack getting the ball into midfield the diagonal pass fired up towards Isherwood left of the D, looks to control bring it down and spin off her marker, Newcombe though has read it backing off so she is ready to challenge as Isherwood turns.

  A intriguing contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, closing each other down, trying to use the width without getting any killer balls into the box. Bullard getting the ball into Fuller from the right 20 yards out over the ball sends her shot angling in towards goal straight into Stone’s gloves. Moments later a diagonal ball deep from the right from Wroxham wrong foots the Bowers and Pitsea defence leaving Fuller free inside the area one on one with the keeper, Stone staying big composed as Fuller trying to send the ball wide of her, saves well with the ball struck at her. 

Hannah Fuller with a one on one with the goalkeeper Hannah Stone

  Wroxham looking strong as they flood forwards attacking left the ball into Gambell drives infield 25 yards out curling a shot in towards goal looping up Stone again behind it backing up to claim the ball high.  Wroxham with two good chances to score in as many minutes. Bowers & Pitsea winning a free-kick the ball up to Drewitt outside the box, Rachel Cossey defending on her for Wroxham, the visitors press on the left winning the ball back send on for Drewitt in behind on the left, on her out looking for support Wroxham close her down en masse to clear.

Libby Cooper

Wroxham looking to counter with Cossey sending the ball out to Gambell on the left, good foot work to get away from her marker turning inside, Locke tracking back well to help her defence out regaining possession. Cooper up on the right with the ball at her feet for Bowers & Pitsea playing it on for Locke pulling wide moving into the corner fires a low cross into the six yard box Drewitt coming in central, Gowing down to save turning the ball behind for a corner kick. From the right dropping for Drewitt top of the area right side of the D. pulls the trigger, Bullard in the way blocks and clears.

Wroxham goalkeeper, Megan Gowing

  Bullard bringing the ball down well of her chest turning as it drops to lay the ball forwards for Fuller to attack bursting through the Bowers & Pitsea back line to the right of goal, Stone quickly off her line out to lay claim to the ball before it can be attacked. Hodgson sees the ball out for a corner as she defends with Cooper as Locke on the right lays the ball into her. The corner played into the top of the area from the right met in the air by Olivia Bilson a bullet header knocked down heading towards goal, Chelsea Clarke coming off the post to stick a leg out block the shot.

  Newcombe booked for Wroxham as Bowers & Pitsea are awarded a free-kick out wide on the left. The delivery sent long beyond the far post. The visitors winning another set-piece in a central position the ball fired up into the area, Gowing calls for it and coming claims well. Clarke breaking on the left for Wroxham with Gambell on the overlap, whipping a cross into the area intercepted by Bilson for Bowers & Pitsea. Fuller picking up a yellow card for Wroxham as they make a change with Densley coming off, Luci Middleton coming on.

  Elwes pushing up on the right with Locke as Bowers & Pitsea push forwards in attack looking to play a one two outside the box, Elmes can’t quite take the ball on past Wroxham’s Tigi Robson as Locke lays it back into her. Cossey charging down Harris as she lines up a strike from 20 yards out. Bowers & Pitsea upping the tempo towards the end of the 1st half but they are caught out as Wroxham turn play around sending a forwards pass long for Fuller breaking wide right fires the cross inside for Bullard in behind the defence Stone rushing out to the top of her area to close it down, Bullard dragging it wide of the keeper to put herself clear into the box rolls the ball in towards the open goal, defenders racing back to defend the line, between them Bilson and Hindley clear the ball for a corner on the left. In high to the far post Gambell rising heads the ball wide.

Wroxham’s Lauren Bullard

 

Hodgson playing a great ball out to Clarke on the left as the full back gets up the wing sending a good cross into the area, Stone getting up to catch it bring the ball down safely. The hosts building on the right Russell out to Bullard strikes the shot from 25 yards on the angle fired low wide past the far post. Both full backs looking to get on for Wroxham now Newcombe forwards on the right as Cossey and Russell link up trough the middle, Bowers & Pitsea defending seeing the ball out for a goal kick. 

Millie Isherwood

 Drewitt on through the middle for Bowers & Pitsea the pass out to Locke pulling right shoots on the angle a low drive in towards goal, Gowing down low to save. A change late in the 1st half for the visitors with Isabella Darby coming on for Hindley. Middleton combining with Bullard out on the right for Wroxham the ball fed back to Russell in the middle strikes from distance 30 yards plus fired wide across goal. Middleton with the ball on the right crossed in central Gambell not catching the volley cleanly the ball deflected safely into the box for the keeper to collect. 

Half-time Wroxham Women 0-0 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  All square at the break and fair enough on the balance of play however both sides with a gilt edged chance to score. Has been competitive with both sides cancelling each other out at times, enjoying good spells in attack looking to use the pitch without delivering too many killer balls both keepers called into action nevertheless looking comfortable. All set up for an exciting 2nd half.

  Both sides making changes at half-time a triple substitution for Wroxham with Jennifer Drummie, Ellie Overton along with Densley returning for Cossey and Newcombe and Bullard. A double switch for Bowers & Pitsea with Chloe Bardsley and Ellie Barrett on for Isherwood and Elwes. Wroxham to get the 2nd half underway put into Russell central sends it long for Gambell out left the visitors can see it safely out of play for a throw in, Wroxham taking it quickly down for Fuller knocks it inside for Middleton to strike on the volley from 25 yards on the angle her shot looping straight into the keeper. 

Luci Middleton lining up the volley for Wroxham

  Drummie bringing the ball on for Wroxham into space on the left lifting the diagonal ball into the box Stone keeping her eye on it taking it cleanly on the bounce not distracted by Fuller closing her down. Bowers & Pitsea get the ball down on the left, Locke now over on that side looknig to combine with Bardsley in attack shifting inside, Robson getting the tackle in for Wroxham top of the area. 

Tigi Robson defending for Wroxham

 Middleton seeing the ball into her 20 yards out flicking it out to Densley breaking clear into the box on the right, the flag going up against her as she chips the ball up over the keeper to cannon off the base of the far post. Bowers & Pitsea mount an attack on their left Cooper up with Locke the ball flashed across the top of the area collected by Drewitt right side, Clarke in to charge her down as she goes to shoot the ball deflected away for a corner. An in swinging ball high into the six yard box Gowing fouled as she rises to punch the ball. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Olivia Harris

  GOAL! Cooper carrying the ball forwards well for Bowers & Pitsea on the left covering the ground before flashing a shot wide across the six yard box as players pile forwards, retrieved by Bardsley out beyond the fire posts sends it back into the danger area, a spot of pinball ensues as Wroxham look to clear their lines rebounds straight to Ellie Barrett up on the right to strike the ball on the angle 20 yards out to race along the ground to find the bottom corner scoring her 1st senior goal to put the visitors into the lead 0-1.

Ellie Barrett with the opening goal for Bowers & Pitsea

  Bowers & Pitsea breaking the deadlock early in the 2nd half Wroxham straight on the attack from the restart the ball out left with Gambell and Fuller crossed into the area, Middleton inside the box looking to hook it over her shoulder from 12 yards out plants it wide of the far post. Cooper taking on the ball as Bowers & Pitsea look to counter taking it left fed on for Bardsley, Gowing though out to the edge of her area quickly to claim.

  Middleton releasing Densley racing away on right with the ball into space crossing into Russell central 20 yards out her shot blocked by Bilson well, and then again the defender sticking a leg out to deflect the ball as Russell retrieves it for a 2nd bite.   Changes for Bowers & Pitsea as they bring Isherwood and Drewitt back on for Locke and Moore. Game on with Bowers & Pitsea looking top extend their lead, the goal though sharpening Wroxham up as they look to close in for the ball. Middleton clashing with Cooper as they go up for the ball, a little blood to wash out of her mouth Middleton frustrated as she has to go off to come back on. 

Bowers & Pitsea’s Whitney Locke with Wroxham’s Ellie Overton

  Off the resulting drop ball, Isherwood is put clear on the left to send a cross looping into the six yard box won and cleared by Clarke for Wroxham. Middleton taking the ball on from Drummie drives on central before being taken out the advantage played as the ball drops to Densley free on the right she swings a cross into the area, caught high by Stone. Hodgson with a word from the referee as she brings down Isherwood top of the circle the ball lifted into the area, Bowers & Pitsea appealing for a penalty as Bilson is sent tumbling but the protests waved away as the visitors press the ball high Wroxham scrambling it clear Russell sending it up to Fuller pulling left, Barrett doing the defending for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Olivia Bilson

   Moore back into the action for Bowers & Pitsea replacing Ford. Isherwood left putting the ball on for Harris for Bowers & Pitsea on the left, Overton in to close her down win the challenge for the hosts carries the ball into the middle forwards into Middleton who in turn sends it on for Densley peeling away right, Moore tackling well for Bowers & Pitsea. 

Wroxham’s Lara Densley

  Wroxham with a strong spell, Bowers & Pitsea a little disjointed on the back foot conceding a corner on the left defended at the near post. Lily Alexander on now for Wroxham replacing Gambell on the left. Into the final 15 minutes Clarke rifling a shot in towards goal from range held by Stone in the Bowers & Pitsea goal. The assistant referee raising his flag the keeper carrying the ball over the line… for a corner. Not spotted by the referee at first play goes on as Wroxham protest… play brought back for the corner Bowers & Pitsea not happy.

  GOAL! The corner played into the area half cleared a Wroxham player lining up a shot from the left on the angle 25 yards out driven in low Stone down sharply to save only succeeds in pushing the ball across her goal into the path of Middleton the striker reacting instinctively to smash the ball back across goal and in to equalise 1-1. 

Luci Middleton with the equaliser for Wroxham

 Bowers & Pitsea furious with the decisions that led to the equaliser, captain Strange going into the book for her protests. Heated from the bench too and as play build on the right the referee stops proceeding to issue the Bowers & Pitsea manager with a red card. Bowers & Pitsea need to regain their composure winning a free-kick 25 yards out right of the goal. Harris over it goes for the shot sending the ball over the bar. 

  More frustration for the visitors as Drewitt feeds the ball through for Isherwood breaking into the box right of goal to strike a low shot past the keeper into the back of the net nut throws her head up in dismay as she sees the flag raised against her. Hodgson winning the ball strongly at the back for Wroxham pinging the long pass forwards for Fuller pulling wide left drills an angled shot in low towards the near post, Stone getting her leg in the way deflecting the ball into her side netting. Gambell back on for Wroxham going to the right in place of Densley.

 Wroxham on the front foot pushing forwards Overton with Densley on the right taking the ball past her on the overlap, squares a cross into the box a dummied header from Fuller sees the ball drop past her into Drummie central, Bilson in to close her down can’t dig the ball out from under her feet. Strange furious talks herself into trouble once again, this time though she is sent to the sin bin leaving Bowers & Pitsea down to 10 for the final 10 minutes.

  Clarke getting on well for Wroxham in the 2nd half gaining ground with the ball, Bilson out to close her down. Russell striking a shot wide from distance as the hosts look to use their player advantage. Fuller holds the ball up on the left for Wroxham looking for support, Russell offering it laid into her 20 yards out, Bilson tackling to win the ball back. Don’t keep it for long as Overton find Gambell on the right to cross the ball into the area for Fuller central looking to see the ball down catch it on the volley, puts her effort wide of the far post.

Wroxham’s Chelsea Clarke

  Getting feisty a few tempers flaring Bowers & Pitsea unhappy with how the game has gone on the back foot in the closing stages the game moving into stoppage time Wroxham pressing forwards winning the ball inside their opponents half.

 GOAL! Wroxham with the ball on the left Clarke bring it on with an inch perfect past over the top to put Fuller though on goal one on one with the keeper composed with a finishers instinct sends the ball past her into the back of the net and turns with her arms raised in celebration moment before being piled on by her joyous teammates 90+3 2-1!

Hannah Fuller celebrates after scoring the winner for Wroxham in stoppage time

Fuller piled on by her joyous teammates after her goal at the death

 Strange allowed back on as Wroxham have the ball on the corner on the right Gambell with Fuller looking to keep it in the corner win a throw then a corner kick taken short into Fuller knocked off her behind for a goal kick. Bowers & Pitsea mounting one last attack going right Clarke defending but the free-kick conceded players forwards the ball flung into the area knocked out and launched clear by Middleton as the final whistle blows. Wroxham coming back from a goal down to win at the death.

Luci Middleton launching the ball clear at the final whistle

Full time Wroxham Women 2-1 Bowers & Pitsea Ladies

  Wroxham coming from a goal down to win the game 2-1 at the death. Both sides with good opportunities to score in the first half nevertheless going into the changing rooms goalless at the break. Bowers & Pitsea getting their noses in front early in the 2nd half with both sides looking to score after that, Wroxham livening up after conceding as Bowers & Pitsea looked to extend their lead. A spot of controversy leading to the equaliser Bowers & Pitsea not happy with the awarding of the corner in the first place, incensed when it led to the goal their captain booked and manager sent off. Wroxham pushing hard in the final 10 minutes, Bowers & Pitsea reduced to 10 with Strange sin binned used the advantage pressing to the end Clarke’s inch perfect pass sending Fuller through on goal in stoppage time to score the winner. The result lifts Wroxham into 3rd in the table.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’ Football East – Player of the Match award. As often is the case a tough on to call with several strong performances on the pitch. A few to mention firstly for Bowers & Pitsea. Goalkeeper Hannah Stone with some great positioning and composure. Olivia Bilson with a number of strong challenges at the back to win the ball. Darcy Drewitt taking the ball on well as did Libby Cooper with Whitney Locke looking to make things happen out wide. For Wroxham, Luci Middleton made a real impact coming on late in the first half looking to get onto the ball set up others as well as for herself. Ella Gambell with some strong runs out wide. Hannah Fuller (I’ve deleted the W a dozen tomes while writing this report) a force in attack taking on the defence and pulling out wide to set up chances, scoring the winner. The award though goes to defender Chelsea Clarke won the ball well at the back putting in the blocks and a threat carrying the ball forwards an inch perfect pass to set up the winning goal.

Another enjoyable trip to Trafford Park my thanks to both clubs for their help today and hospitality. As I’ve come to expect another competitive and well contested game from the ERWFL Premier Division plenty of talent on show.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Lawford Ladies v Wodson Park Ladies

Sunday 17th September

ERWFL Division One South

 Heading down into Essex this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from ERWFL Division One South, with early leaders Wodson Park Ladies travelling to 3rd placed Lawford Ladies.

  The ERWFL representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East reaching it’s full potential this season with 36 clubs across three divisions, (now down to 35 with East Bergholt United Ladies withdrawing from Division One South) makes an already competitive league all the stronger and improves the talent pool further down the pyramid as the game continues to grow. 

  Division One South, dominated by Barking FC Women last season as they stormed to the title to win promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division, the league looks more open this season with 5 new sides joining the league.

 Lawford Ladies themselves re-joining the ERWFL after winning the Essex Women’s Premier Division title in 2022. Bringing in some quality players during that campaign were solid in Division One South securing a 4th placed finish the northern part of Essex becoming a hot bed for female footballing talent in recent seasons with Lawford close to Stanway who now have two female sides, Stanway Pegasus joining the ERWFL this season after winning the Essex Premier Division last season and with Colchester United Women re-establishing a women’s side it is sure to remain competitive for the future.

  Lawford though not resting on their laurels retaining much of their squad from last season. Adding 5 new additions to the squad striker Iola Vanharen joining from Ipswich Town Foundation. Midfielder, Kim Edwards dual signing from Stowupland Falcons Women. Jess Gill coming to Lawford having played for East Bergholt United Ladies. Megan Foord from Stanway Rovers Ladies and defender, Liubov Liushnenko joined from AFC Sudbury. Came back from 3-1 down at half-time to draw 4-4 with newcomers Wormley Rovers Ladies on the opening day then followed that up with a 3-0 victory at home Stanway Pegasus Ladies. Good form to start the season progressed in the FA Women’s Cup last weekend with a 6-1 win away to fellow ERWFL side Histon Ladies.

  Wodson Park Ladies now one of the more established sides playing in the ERWFL joining the league originally under the Hertford Town banner became Wodson Park Ladies in 2019. The Covid hit season’s soon following, Wodson Park Ladies have been making progress season upon season initially struggling for results in the lower half of the table improved to finish 5th last season and are the early pace setters in the new campaign making an excellent start to the season undefeated taking 7 points from their opening 3 games to sit top of the table.

  Drawing 2-2 at home to Essex side Hutton Ladies the Hertfordshire side went on to record two strong wins on the road 3-0 at Grays Athletic and most recently a 5-1 win away to Cheshunt FC Women. Retaining most of their squad including influential captain Kristina O’Connell who was also top scorer last season with 13 goals. Bringing in two new players Billie Alexander and Natasha Smits with Rhiann Patmore also re-joining after a year out.

The John Lyall Pavilion the venue for todays game, my first visit here despite trying to get to a Lawford home game a couple of times last season. The ground a hive of activity when I arrive with numerous youth matches taking place across the multiple grass pitches with the clubhouse and changing rooms beside the carpark. The kitchen and bar open, certainly a community orientated club. The ladies game on the grass pitch nearest the clubhouse a good size offering plenty of with a good test for fitness levels. The weather still reasonably mild for the time of year no where near the heatwave from last week by warm enough to still wear shorts which is just as well because I still can’t comfortably wear trousers with my damaged knee. Rain on the way however and could be heavy umbrella on stand by just hope it stays away until after the game ends.

Lawford Ladies

 Lawford Ladies starting XI – Erin Hornby, Lilly Bueggeln, Sheena Foley, Zoe Smith (C), Abigail Head, Carman Joyce, Charlotte Bryant, Megan Foord, Cate Jackson, Georgia Box & Iola van Haren. Subs – Laura Allen, Taylor Wakefield, Jess Gill & Davina Smith.

Wodson Park Ladies

 Wodson Park Ladies starting XI – Philly Stephens, Rhiann Patmore, Christie Seakens, Eliza Weeks, Georgia Gannaway, Amelia Hall, Natasha Smits, Lucy Chapman, Zoe Martin, Hannah Kelly & Kristina O’Connell (C). Subs – Sophie Vale, Hannah Nash, Billie Alexander & Megan Kelly.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Wodson Park travelling without a specialist goalkeeper, making the decision that 3 outfield players will each play a 3rd of the game in goal with Philly Stephens 1st to don the gloves. It’s the visitors to get the game underway kicking of the 1st half wearing their all red away strip with Lawford wearing sky blue and white vertical striped shirts, with sky blue shorts and socks. The ball played back to Natasha Smits in midfield she looks to play the ball out to the right, Lawford moving in fast to close the ball down particularly striker Georgia Box pressuring possession forcing a rushed pass the ball hurriedly cleared for a throw in.

Wodson Park’s Natasha Smits

  Cate Jackson on the left from the throw getting to the by-line and crossing for Lawford, stand in keeper, Stephens claiming it on the bounce inside her six yard box. Wodson Park with the ball out left Christie Seakens on for Lucy Chapman looks to thread the ball on for attacker Hannah Kelly pulling wide, Lilly Bueggeln closing her down the ball cleared for a throw. Wodson Park’s attackers looking to press the ball high, Kelly caught offside and the visitors quickly turn play around after regaining possession in the middle.

  The tempo fast as both sides look to get after the ball Lawford finding Box in the final third she gets it wide to Iola van Haren, Seakens sticking a leg out intercepting the ball for Wodson Park. Lawford looking to use the wide pitch have players breaking on up the wings, Megan Foord looking to link up with Van Haren on the right the final ball though travelling through to the keeper. On the left Jackson breaks into space only to see her cross cut out by Smits at the top of the Wodson Park area.

Cate Jackson breaking forwards on the left for Lawford

  Jackson providing a good outlet for Lawford in the opening exchanges, taking the ball on left side has Box bursting on ahead of her into the channel, Rhiann Patmore getting across the striker to clear the ball away for the throw. Lawford force a corner from the resulting throw in, the delivery high into the near side of the box Wodson Park defending the ball headed out to the left gathered by Lawford’s Charlotte Bryant fires a diagonal pass across the top of the area met by Foord right corner puts her foot through the ball, takes a nick of a Wodson Park player as it whistles over the bar. 

Lawford’s Lilly Bueggeln

  The corner comes into Carman Joyce top of the area, looks to drive into the area, Weeks stopping her with a good tackle. Lawford have bodies up press the ball played across from the left into Bryant 30 yards out catches the ball well striking it towards goal by Stephens is right behind it making a comfortable catch. Lawford exerting some meaningful pressure in the final 3rd, Wodson Park standing firm, counter on the left Chapman on for Kelly pulling wide her cross from deep lacking any pace an easy gather for Lawford keeper, Erin Hornby.

  Wodson Park looking to press high, Kelly and O’Connell though needing back up from their midfield, Lawford able to get themselves out of trouble with a cross field ball, Amelia Hall tackling to win the ball back for Wodson Park in the middle played forwards into her captain O’Connell attempting to release Kelly with the through ball left channel, Hornby quickly out of her area to put her foot through the ball. O’Connell with a clever hook over her shoulder as the ball falls to her 35 yards out sending it on for Kelly to attack right side of the area, Head closing her down to play the ball back to her keeper, hustled by Kelly, Hornby digs the ball out from under her feet to clear.

  GOAL! The deadlock broken in the 19th minute as Lawford win a throw halfway on the right the ball helped on played up to Box breaking in behind the Wodson Park defence top corner catches the shot beautifully to smash the shot in over the keeper to put the hosts into the lead 1-0. 

Georgia Box scoring the opener for Lawford Ladies

  Breaking up another Lawford attack soon after the restart Wodson Park break with purpose down their left flank Chapman with Kelly and O’Connell, Lawford across to close the ball down is deflected back into the middle picked up by Smits free 35 yards out has a go on goal her shot high and wide of the left post. Bueggeln taking the ball infield from right back looks to fire it forwards for Van Haren the pass intercepted by Weeks. 

Lilly Bueggeln with Kristina O’Connell

  Lawford regaining possession as Wodson Park don’t control the ball played out from their keeper, running into Bryant she sends the pass out to Jackson wide on the left wraps her foot round the ball sending a high ball into the area near side, Box under it can’t quite bring it down to put her foot though it as Georgia Gannaway scrambles it clear for the visitors. Lawford captain, Zoe Smith making a great tackle to halt Smits progress as Wodson Park look to force the ball on through the middle. 

Lawford captain Zoe Smith in to tackle Wodson Park’s Natasha Smits

 Space for Zoe Martin to run into on Wodson Park’s right, Jackson though tracks back to defend getting across her as she enters the box to put a risky ball back for her keeper to clear away to the right. Box flagged offside as she looks to break through the Wodson park defence to get on the end of the pass following a good run by Bueggeln. Kelly picking up a knock a pause in play as the attacker is assessed by okay to play on. Foley intercepting the ball as Patmore comes forwards for Wodson Park on the right.

Georgia Gannaway

 Half an hour played and Wodson Park make their first keeper change, Smits now donning the gloves as Stephens joins the attack with O’Connell dropping deeper. Sophie Vale also coming on to replace Hannah Kelly goes to the left. Joyce fouled for Lawford as she takes the ball out to the right giving the hosts a free-kick out wide, Box to lift the ball into the area near post Van Haren goes to attack it closely marked the ball wide for a goal kick. 

  Seakens doing brilliantly for Wodson Park in defence as Lawford attack on the right with Bueggeln coming on with the ball laying it forwards for both Foord and Joyce to chase, Seakens in between them racing back to winning the ball turning to clear. The hosts with some strong build up play attacking on the left Jackson inside for Box outside the area lays it out to the right, with Bueggein looking to attack it 25 yards out her shot charged down by Seakens.

Lawford’s Sheena Foley

  Foord taking the ball on right side lifting a high ball into the box, Smits coming for it takes it down into her gloves well with Box closing in. Vale top of the D with a good pass releasing Martin bursting away to the right taking the ball down to the by-line whips a dangerous ball across the Lawford six yard box, Foord clearing it behind for a corner kick. Put in across the six yard box is just a little too high as Weeks jumps for it.

Cate Jackson

  Joyce on the ball right for Lawford plays it inside for Box left of the D 25 yards out turns her marker to lay the ball on for Jackson breaking into the area ahead of her Smits out to meet her kicking the ball clear. Box lively in attack for Lawford showing good strength to get free hits a shot on the turn 25 yards out to the right of the area, the ball running wide past the far post. 

  Seakens cutting the ball out as Joyce looks to find Van Haren with the forwards pass the ball behind for a corner. The delivery nodded on across goal hooked clear by Vale at the far post. Lawford looking to finish the first half on the front foot. Wodson Park’s defence keeping things tight. Vale looking to provide an outlet with her pace on the left for the visitors checks inside eventually stopped by Foley. 

Wodson Park’s Zoe Martin

  GOAL! Out of nothing Wodson Park find themselves back on level terms as they bring the ball on left side Vale in possession out wide hits a hopeful ball high towards the Lawford goal, dropping out of the sky, Hornby knows she could be in trouble as the ball sneaks under the cross ball to bounce into the back of the net 1-1.

Sophie Vale celebrates after scoring the equaliser for Wodson Park Ladies

Wodson Park with their tails up, the management team trying to calm everyone down as Seakens with a rush of blood takes the ball on up to the area combining with Vale, Lawford defending conceding the corner. From the left a dangerous ball is dropped into the six yard box, just no Wodson Park player their to attack it. Seakens finds herself out on the right as Wodson Park regain possession in the closing seconds of the first half carrying the ball wide skips back inside into the box to have a shot on goal angled in low, Hornby down well on her line to save. 

Half-time Lawford Ladies 1-1 Wodson Park Ladies

  Wodson Park finding an equaliser out of nothing late on in the first half to see the sides go in all square at the break after a superb hit from Georgia Box had given the hosts the lead. Lawford using the pitch well getting on up the flanks putting some good balls into the area. Wodson Park defending solidly countering well looking to press the ball the strikers lacking support at times. The sides have cancelled each other out to some degree making for a competitive contest Lawford having good spells of possession without really imposing themselves on the game. Still all to play for.

  A few spots of rain at the start of the 2nd half, the umbrella needed will soon pass however. A change for Lawford at the break with jess Gill introduced at left back replacing Foley. Wodson Park unchanged. Lawford getting the 2nd half underway…

 GOAL! … the ball played into Joyce the midfielder spraying the ball out wide to Jackson up on the left from wide she strikes the ball hard into towards the near post Smits across to catch it, to her dismay doesn’t stick, loops up over her and rolls over the goal line beyond 2-1. Lawford retake the lead with barely 30 seconds played in the first half. 

Cate Jackson congratulated as her shot goes in off the keeper

  A blow for Wodson Park as Lawford look to make a strong start to the 2nd half Foord with the ball put out to Van Haren moving right breaks in beyond Seakens to attack the ball, Weeks across to clear the ball out for a corner on the right. A Wodson Park player sent tumbling as players move forwards to attack the powerfully hit ball cleared out to the right. O’Connell back to defend winning the ball of Bryant central twenty yards out as Foord plays it into her from the right.

  Seakens taking a knock for Wodson Park down for a moment but assessed and allowed to play on. A lengthy pause before play resumes. Gill from the back with an excellent pass to pick out Jackson on the left from the angle strikes the shot wide across goal. Vale with a knock in the back another injury concern for Wodson Park but despite being too eager to return is waved back on by the referee. Chapman and O’Connell combining well as they get on up the left for Wodson Park the cross in mopped by by Smith. 

Sophie Vale

 Seakens up well defending against Van Haren as Box looks to help the ball on into her in the final 3rd. Foord bringing the ball on well for Lawford down the right in behind to whip a dangerous cross with pace into the six yard box, Jackson going for it can’t quite connect as she comes in central. Lawford with a strong spell Foord outside right turns inside on the ball 20 yards out bundled over giving the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous area. Jackson over the set-piece smashes the ball into the 3 player wall. Bueggeln gathers for Lawford on the right but looking to drive inside can’t get the better of Seakens.

  Lawford winning another free-kick to the right a little deeper this time, Jackson looks to curl the ball high aiming for the far post Smits can’t take any chances as she gets a glove on it to take it out for the corner. Players up from the back the in swinging delivery dropping like a peach for Gill in the centre of the six yard box gets her head on the ball but no control sends the header wide back past the near post.

Lawford winger, Megan Foord

  Lawford playing on through the middle into Foord outside the D helps it on for Box looking to get into the box left of the D, Patmore stepping in to win the ball. Wodson Park making another keeper change, Gannaway going into goal as Smits comes off replaced by Hannah Nash. Bueggeln carded as she pulls O’Connell back presenting a free-kick to the visitors in a dangerous position 2o yards out to the left of the D.

 GOAL! O’Connell on the ball, goes for goal a fantastic ball hit over the wall high to curl in down over the keeper into the back of the net seeing the visitors back on level terms for the 2nd time in the match 2-2.

Captain, Kristina O’Connell levels the scores for Wodson Park

  Lawford get on the attack with Foord getting the ball down spreading play out to the left channel with Jackson looking to break on, Weeks in to clear the ball, Lawford pressing winning a corner on the left. The ball whipped into the six yard Smith their to attack it but can’t get a touch. Lawford making a change bringing of Joyce to be replaced by Davina Smith. 

The goal has help Wodson Park’s confident no end as they find an extra burst of energy to get after the ball, Lawford still a threat quick to turn play around, Bueggeln finding Foord racing into the corner turns inside the fire a ball across the face of goal, Gannaway down may have gotten a touch to take it away from Davina Smith closing in at the far post. 

  Lawford winning a free-kick wide left outside the box, Box placing the ball hits it hard against the wall, Wodson Park looking to hit their opponents on the break, Stephens after the ball, Gill getting a nibble on the ball enough to slow it down, Stephens nevertheless persistent to reclaim it and carry it on up the line shooting on the angle, Hornby with a reactive save with her leg to clear the ball away back to the right Stephens to put it in again this time Head sends in clear.

Abigail Head

 Wodson Park make a change bringing of Hall in midfield a straight swap with Smits back on. Wodson Park pressing the ball better frustrating Lawford, Bueggeln winning it back for Lawford sends a great ball into Box she looks to turn swing it over the top for Van Haren central not quite Jackson beyond flagged offside. Vale strong on the ball through the middle sprayed out to Stephens right side in a race with Gill trying to get into the area gets a shot away under challenge put straight into Hornby.

  Chapman defending as Foord attempts to play Box in on the right. Taylor Wakefield coming on for Lawford replacing Van Haren. Martin too off for Wodson park with Megan Kelly entering the game. Wodson Park conceding a corner kick as Jackson’s cross from the right is headed behind. Delivered high into the area the header won by Seakens back out to the right Bueggeln playing it inside for Zoe Smith 20 yards out drives the short narrowly wide of the right post. 

  Megan Kelly looking to turn on the ball accidentally stands on Foord’s foot, a painful blow that sees the winger needing to come off, Laura Allen her replacement. Wodson Park play the ball on for Megan Kelly into space up the left her cross whipped in near post attacked by Stephens off the goalkeeper for a corner kick. Before it’s taken a chance made by the hosts Zoe Smith can’t continue Foley comes back on. The corner won by Bryant cleared for a 2nd corner whipped in with pace into the six yard box attacked by both Weeks and Seakens the ball turned over the bar.

Laura Allen looking to close down Christie Seakens

  Box pulling right tussling with Chapman to get in behind the ball off the defender for a throw as the game enters the final 10 minutes. Box out on the left working hard in attack her shot tame in the finish as it runs into Gannaway at the near post a spot of cool goalkeeping as she flicks the ball up off her boot into her gloves. The game lively now both sides feeling they can still get the winner O’Connell into Megan Kelly a corner won the in swinging ball claimed well by Hornby into her midriff. 

  O’Connell coming off to be replaced by Hannah Kelly the visitors attacking on the right Stephens ball from wide wrong footing the keeper as she goes to kick clear but also Megan Kelly as it runs wide behind her. Wodson Park with a strong finish Lawford making a change Van Haren back on for Jackson. Bryant with a shot from distance over for Lawford. Box frustrated as she gives a free-kick away in a similar position to Wodson Park’s equaliser, no O’Connell to take, Vale on it a little deeper this time goes to curl the ball in wide of the far post the ball dropping behind over Hornby’s crossbar. 

Megan Kelly

 Wodson Park with one late push getting on with the ball Smits into Megan Kelly finds Vale wide on the right sends her angled shot wide of the near post. 

Full time Lawford Ladies 2-2 Wodson Park Ladies

  The game finishes all square 2 apiece with Wodson Park coming back twice to level. Finishing the half strong finding a renewed confidence from their goal, frustrating Lawford who started the 2nd half strong getting after the ball and creating some very good chances will be disappointed they didn’t capitalise. Wodson Park working hard to keep them at bay coping well with three keeper changes throughout the match, stay top as both sides maintain their unbeaten starts.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders for this one, however I had a fair idea who I was going to award it to leaving the ground and the notes have helped confirm it. Plenty of good performances from both sides, Firstly for Lawford striker Georgia Box was strong up top getting in to win the ball and close the defence down got into some great positions and took her goal well. Cate Jackson very good out wide on the left getting into space a good outlet throughout. Lilly Bueggeln defending well and getting forwards with some purposeful runs on the ball. For Wodson Park credit goes to Philly Stephens, Natasha Smits and Georgia Gannaway for all taking a stint in goal. Kristina O’Connell pressing the ball well scoring the 2nd equaliser. Sophie Vale made a real impact when she came on with her pace attacking on the flank. Eliza Weeks with some great tackles at the back. The award though goes to another Wodson Park defender, Christie Seakens, was strong in defence all game, winning the ball well and preventing several Lawford attacks.

 Enjoyed my first trip to The John Lyall Pavilion, again another good advert for the ERWFL a good setup be interesting to see how Division One South develops. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team info today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Long Stratton Women v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Sunday 10th September

FA Women’s Cup

The football season gets into full swing this Sunday with the county leagues getting their season’s underway as well as the FA Women’s Cup where there is once again a record number of entrants with a whopping 103 ties in the 1st Round Qualifying draw with £1,800 going to the winning sides. Off to Manor Road today to watch Long Stratton Women v Brantham Athletic Ladies.

 The FA Women’s Cup now offering better prize money to go with the prestigious of the competition an opportunity for clubs to earn some decent and much needed money with a fortuitous run the road to Wembley begins today!

  Long Stratton Women having become an established side in Norfolk Women’s Division One over the past couple off season pushing on looking to challenge for honours, that said has been something of and overhaul coming into the new season with the club losing manager Adam Race to ERWFL Premier Division One side along with a number of experienced players. Have brought in Paul Simmons and Simon Charlton to co-manage the side and the duo have brought in a a number of new faces, for other sides and promoted within with the club benefitting from it’s youth set-up and wildcats programme. 

  Most notably in goal, far from the easiest of positions to fill within the women’s game have done fantastically to bring in Cyan Fullbrook who has season’s of experience playing at a higher level with Wroxham Women. Defender Jade Copeman joins having been with Blofield United Ladies last season. Elisha Bower and Lucy Robbens too bring a host of experience into the side joining from Beccles. While Madeleine Hopkins, Jess, Liv Charlton, Caitlin Skipper. Esme Goodall and Grace Wall set up from the U16s along with Emily Read and Lucy Tull who have been with the club since the Wildcats. 

 This time last season Brantham Athletic Ladies faced an uncertain future long established in the county league in Suffolk, were struggling for numbers and in doing so form languishing at the foot of the table brought in new coaching staff to help turn thing’s around and haven’t looked back since going on to reach the League Cup final, have grown in the close season with an influx of new players and additional coaching staff setting up a new Development side in the Suffolk Women’s Championship.

  The 1st team competing in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership have brought in several players with a great deal of experience from the former Brettvale side including defender, Kirby Seward, Claire Turnbull, Rachel White and Tarnya McKew. Goalkeeper Daisie-Mae Gibbs joins from Needham Market. Striker M’Leah Wright also new to the squad with merlin Watson returning to the club. Like Long Stratton this the clubs first competitive match of the season. 

 Manor Road the venue for this afternoon’s game the community playing field featuring a new clubhouse with numerous grass pitches a playground and skate park too. A blisteringly hot afternoon as the mini heatwave at the start of September continues promising hot playing conditions with the temperature 30 degrees break to take on fluids a must especially with two sides used to playing with roll on roll off substitutes the FA Cup different just the 3 substitutes permitted. Fitness and stamina sure to be tested.

Long Stratton Women

Long Stratton Women starting XI – Cyan Fullbrook, Karmen Harvey, Summer Whiting, Esme Goodall, Jade Copeman, Megan Vincent (C), Elisha Bower, Caitlin Skipper, Elsie Downer, Lucy Robbens & Grace Wall. Subs – Emily Coe, Kate Simmons, Scarlett Royden & Liv Charlton.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

 Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Daisie-Mae Gibbs, Aimee Berry, Shannan Hill, Kirby Seward, Merlin Watson, Lucy Dunnett (C), Laura Tuley, Rachel White, Chloe Wilson, Sophie Crabtree & M’Leah Wright. Subs – Bethany Ryan, Claire Turnbull, Shannon Giles, Rebecca Prime & Jess Ryan.

Not much shade on offer at Manor Road shouldn’t complain the crap weather will be here soon enough. Referee Francesca Catchpole a top quality striker in her own right leading the two sides out for today’s cup tie. Megan Vincent, Long Stratton’s new captain. Lucy Dunnett captaining Brantham. Brantham wearing and all navy strip to get the game underway kicking off the first half with Long Stratton opposite wearing red shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball played back to Lucy Dunnett in midfield put out to Merlin Watson on the move up the right forwards Elisha Bower stepping out to cut the ball out for Long Stratton.

Brantham Athletic Ladies captain, Lucy Dunnett

Back with Dunnett in the middle puts the clipped pass on for Sophie Crabtree making a run into the right channel, Esme Goodall getting in the challenge to prevent the attacker stealing into the box, the ball cleared for a Brantham throw high on the right. Long Stratton heading the ball clear inside the box get on the attack the ball lifted forwards into Caitlin Skipper on the move wide right taking the ball on with pace, Kirby Seward comes across to slide in with the tackle send the ball out of play.

Hot out there but both sides willing to take each other on close down the ball, Merlin Watson lunging in with the tackle winning the ball a Megan Vincent looks to put Grace Wall away into the left channel for Long Stratton. Brantham get the ball down exchanging passes well outside the Long Stratton area, Dunnett finding Tuley right of the D some 25 yards out shapes to shoot drags the effort wide past the far post. Shannan Hill and Seward making several winning tackles at the back as Long Stratton look to tee up their pace players in attack, Seward stepping in to halt Skipper as she plough forwards.

Brantham’s Shannan Hill

Chloe Wilson tracking inside with the ball on the left for Brantham striking a shot over the bar from all of 30 yards. Long Stratton get the ball on through the middle lifted up to Wall breaking in behind the Brantham back line, Hill doing well staying on her shoulder to win the ball confidently tackling inside the box.

Long Stratton striker, Grace Wall

Pushing up Brantham risk getting opened up at the back as long Stratton bring the ball left the diagonal pass inside the clearance missed by Seward the ball travelling on to the right Long Stratton break with two spare, Aimee Berry getting a foot to take the ball away from Elsie Downer, allowing her defence time to recover. M’Leah Wright taking the ball on from the left cutting inside outpacing the defence shoots from the top of the area the ball rising held comfortably by Cyan Fullbrook in the Long Stratton goal.

Downer showing good pace on the right driving forwards down the line for Long Stratton gets a cross into the box well under challenge, Daisie-Mae Gibbs rising to claim the ball for Brantham.

GOAL!  12 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken as Dunnett getting hold of the ball in the middle lines up a shot from 30 yards out a thunderbolt rising central Fullbrook with a athletic leap throwing an arm up to try and stop it gets the merest of touches enough to turn the shot up to smash down off the crossbar, the ball smashed home as Wright runs through on the follow up to score from close range 0-1.

M’Leah Wright opens the scoring for Brantham

Long Stratton bring the ball on down the left Robbens out to Wall wins a throw in the ball launched into the area headed clear by Hill for Brantham. The Brantham backline high at times allowing the midfield to press, using their experience to intercept the ball, White playing the ball inside into Crabtree, Goodall with a well timed tackle against her right of the D as she looks to skip on into the box.

Long Stratton coming into their own as the first half enters the midway point Vincent and Bower closing the ball down in the middle looking for Skipper, Downer and Wall making runs ahead of them. Seward putting the ball on into Dunnett, Brantham’s captain looks to release Tuley to her right, Karmen Harvey stretching a leg out to win the ball back for Long Stratton.

Watson takes a high ball down superbly in the middle putting the pass into Dunnett who in turn sets Crabtree away to attack on the right racing into the box, Goodall getting back on her wins Brantham a corner kick. Players up from the back the ball played into the six yard box knocked down and wide past the far post. Summer Whiting doing the defending at the back for Long Stratton as Crabtree attacking through the right channel looks to tee up Wilson on the left.

Seward giving herself a vital half a yard on Wall in the Long Stratton attack as Robbens sends the ball on through the middle defender and striker racing towards the box Seward stretching to shield the ball seeing it safely back to her keeper. A drinks break called with players struggling in the heat, Long Stratton making a change bringing off Harvey with Emily Coe on at left back. Long Stratton press the ball from the restart getting forwards on the left with Wall, Robbens and Downer combining the latter storming into the area Hill going with her tackling to put the ball out off Downer for a goal kick.

Long Stratton captain Megan Vincent with Brantham’s Chloe Wilson

Brantham get straight up the other end to win themselves a corner on the left swept into the six yard box met by Seward at the far post knocked wide. A pause in play a Hill goes down needing treatment players taking on additional fluids is very hot out there. Hill okay to play on. Wilson cutting in from the left lines up a shot blocked by Long Stratton’s Jade Copeman, then Goodall heads the ball clear as Wilson attempts to lift the ball back into the box. Bower busy in the middle for Long Stratton getting after the ball.

White taking the ball inside from the left picks out Fullbrook with her strike on goal. Dunnett placing the pass into Tuley as Brantham build well through the middle Tuley opening up her body attempting to place the ball into Wright’s path as she bursts into the box left of the D, racing after the ball can’t quite keep it in play. Skipper bundled over by White as she drives forwards for Long Stratton the hosts winning a free-kick some 30 yards out, Bower over it floats a shot in towards goal, not troubling Gibbs claiming it low back on her line.

Brantham goalkeeper Daisie-Mae Gibbs

Skipper winning the ball wide for Long Stratton sending the pass inside for Robbens to line up a shot her effort lacking to pace to trouble Gibbs. Brantham hit Long Stratton on the counter Watson left inside for Dunnett on for Wright in attack Copeman throwing herself into the tackle just about getting a toe on the ball taking it wide to the left with Wilson breaking into the box from the left fires over as Fullbrook comes racing out to close her down.

Watson struggling for Brantham sees another long pause as she gets the necessary treatment. Wall pulling out to the right for Long Stratton in attack but Hill stays on her well to get the challenge in prevent the ball finding it’s way into the box.

Long Stratton finding some momentum late in the first half as Brantham tail away slightly pressing forwards win a free-kick out wide on the right the ball played across the top of the area by Bower, Robbens meeting it sees her shot charged down by Dunnett, the Brantham captain again in the way as Skipper strikes the rebound. Long Stratton pressing the Brantham back line forcing errors. Hill strong in the Brantham backline winning her tackles.

Long Stratton’s Elsie Downer

The visitors a threat on the counter turn play around quickly the threaded pass into the box finding Wright stealing in behind the defence right of goal, Fullbrook out to close her down with a brilliant blocking save as she slides in. Wright then looking to put the ball on for Wilson pulling left for Brantham her cross cut out by Long Stratton’s Goodall. The host quick to counter putting the ball long on the left for Downer racing on with the ball, Hill and Watson closing her down to defend for Brantham.

Play end to end all of a sudden with Dunnett putting the ball on for Tuley for Brantham right channel finds Crabtree breaking into the area her shot brushing the side netting. Heat taking it’s toll on a few players putting in a hard shift closing down the ball, the half stretching on with a number of breaks but precaution shown at all times by the officials. Watson busy on the left with Wall and Downer switching sides, Brantham bring Berry across to the right as Watson prepares to come back on on the left.

Kirby Seward winning the ball before Grace Wall can pounce for Long Stratton

Seward throwing herself into the tackle as she comes across to stop the marauding run of Skipper on the right the ball out for a throw. Off the throw Robbens finds Wall right of the D her low shot forcing Gibbs into a low save turns the ball wide of the right post for a corner kick.

GOAL! Whiting to put the ball into the box from the corner in towards the near post attacked six yards out by Downer turned onto the post before the rebound is fired past the keeper into the back of the net Long Stratton equalising late in the first half 1-1.

Elsie Downer at the near post firing home the equaliser for Long Stratton

Long Stratton with their tails up as the first half draws to a close Brantham on the back foot as Robbens looks to send the ball on for Skipper breaking on into the left channel, Hill intercepting for Brantham.

Half-time Long Stratton Women 1-1 Brantham Athletic Ladies

 The score all square at the break as Long Stratton battle back to find an equalising goal late in the first half. Both sides putting a lot of effort into the half despite the heat. Brantham pressing the ball in the middle with a high back line at time making a positive start taking the lead inside the opening 12 minutes, creating a couple more chances Cyan Fullbrook the busier of the two goalkeepers. Long Stratton with youth and pace in their attack looking a threat out wide and breaking into the channels capitalising a Brantham tailed off towards the end of the half. Still very much all to play for going into the 2nd half.

Brantham making a couple of changes at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Bethany and Jess Ryan on their left replacing Watson and White. Long Stratton unchanged as the hosts get the 2nd half underway. Brantham snapping in to win the ball in midfield the visitors mount the first attack bursting away down the right with Bethany Ryan on the ball her cross squared high into the box plucked down into her gloves safely by Fullbrook.

 Coe lunging in with the challenge to win the ball from Bethany Ryan as she is fed the ball out on the right by Dunnett. Long Stratton pressing bodies on at the start of the 2nd half, Hill defending as Robbens looks to track inside from the right, Dunnett links up with Crabtree and Tuley in attack as Brantham build on the left the cross squared into the top of the Long Stratton area won by Vincent and cleared. Jess Ryan bringing the ball on right side for Brantham plays it on for Bethany Ryan twists and turns on the ball looking to find her way into the box, Coe snapping at her heels going to ground just about getting in the tackle to deflect the ball off Ryan into her keepers gloves.

  A competitive tussle brewing between Skipper and Berry as the winger looks to get in behind the full back on Long Stratton’s right. Long Stratton win a free kick in a dangerous area 25 yards out left of the D as Wall is brought down looking to take the ball on from Robbens. Bower over the set-piece floats a shot over the Brantham goal. Brantham drop off allowing Bower time on the ball in midfield lines up a shot from distance, can only pick out Gibbs in goal. 

  Long Stratton looking to get the ball forwards find their way pass the Brantham defence, the visitors looking to launch the counter attack, Dunnett looking to pick the pass whenever she gets onto the ball finds Bethany Ryan on the right the pass inside for Tuley, taking the ball in Vincent in to close her down for Long Stratton. Goodall then getting the tackle in outside her area as Wright and Tuley look to link up in attack. Tuley covering the ground sending a strike over from 25 yards out.

Long Stratton captain, Megan Vincent

  A corner for Long Stratton out on the left cleared at the near post by Seward for Brantham who is then fouled by Bower.

  GOAL! Having struggled to find any rhythm at the start of the 2nd half Brantham hit Long Stratton with a sucker punch to retake the lead, Dunnett sending a great ball in over the defence that sees Wright run through into the box the flag stays down closing on the keeper places the ball wide of Fullbrook to score 1-2.

 The goal injecting a much needed boost into the Brantham players as they come on with purpose, Dunnett laying a diagonal pass into Crabtree bursting forwards on the left, Whiting intercepting the ball for Long Stratton. Tuley putting her shot wide as she lets fly from 25 yards out to the right of goal. Another pause for drinks as Long Stratton look to regroup. It’s Brantham though who have the momentum, Bethany Ryan out wide right surges infield before striking the ball low on the angle, Fullbrook has her near post covered.

Long Stratton goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook

  Brantham with a free-kick left on halfway Dunnett chipping the ball in over the back line Tuley stealing in behind clear onto the ball into the box Fullbrook rushing out to close her down with an excellent blocking save. Long Stratton’s turn to counter the ball lifted into Skipper right racing on with the ball fired inside towards Wall central can’t quite take it on the turn as Hill clears. Seward bringing the ball on for Brantham sends the ball over the top for Wright to attack, Fullbrook out to claim it keeping her eye on the ball catching safely and holding onto it as Wright crashes into her. Both up okay. 

  GOAL! Long Stratton equalise, strong from Wall at the top of the area as Whiting finds her out on the right with a superb diagonal pass the striker turning into the box driving into the six yard box right of goal holding off her challenger to knock the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner, 2-2.

Grace Wall battling her way to goal to equalise for Long Stratton

Grace Wall congratulated by her teammates after making it 2-2

  The contest between Berry and Skipper hotting up  the pair going shoulder to shoulder as Skipper drives on with the ball, Berry incensed as she is adjudged to foul the Long Stratton winger presenting the hosts with free-kick wide outside the area. Bower sweeping the ball in across the face of goal Wall getting up well, can only get a glancing header the ball carrying on out to the left sent forwards as Brantham break, through into the box for Wright to chase.

Brantham’s Sophie Crabtree

 Crabtree with the ball driving to the by-line on the left looking to get past Whiting checks back inside to flash a cross into the far post Wright inside the six yard box looking to attack it Coe going to ground getting enough of the ball to deny the snap shot before Wright does connect Fullbrook throwing an arm up to tip the ball over from close range. 

Brantham fullback Aimee Berry

 Both sides working hard despite the heat to get hold of the ball a competitive cup tie finely balanced as Brantham win another free-kick on half-way, Dunnett to deliver a high ball into the area the header won by Copeman clearing for Long Stratton the hosts break Skipper through the middle on for Wall top of the area, Seward getting back at her to defend. Players tiring have been out there for nearly 2 hours now due to the various breaks for drinks and injuries still 10 minutes left to play.

Tuley shooting wide inside the box for Brantham as she in played though to the left of goal, Fullbrook doing well as she comes out towards her to narrow the angle the ball played wide of the far post. Long Stratton making a change bringing off Skipper with Kate Simmons coming on. Dunnett lining up a shot from 35 yards straight at the keeper. The visitors winning a throw high in the right corner the ball knocked into the box close to the near post Wright attacking it Fullbrook down well to save pushes the ball straight into the on coming Tuley no time to adjust prods the ball wide.

  GOAL! Brantham restore their lead late in the game as they bring the ball on through the middle the Long Stratton defence backing up as Dunnett plays the ball out to Crabtree on the left, 20 out curls a cross into the box with both Wright and Tuley getting in behind the ball drops for Tuley who makes no mistake sending the ball back across the keeper into the bottom corner 2-3.

Laura Tuley celebrates after putting Brantham back into the lead

  Brantham confident as they pour forwards Dunnett with time on the ball to pick a pass finding Crabtree out left running into the box, Goodall across to defend putting the ball out for a corner kick. Brantham making a change before it’s taken bringing off Wilson on comes Turnbull. The corner angled into the box met on the volley by Crabtree 12 yards out crashed wide. The game entering the final 5 minutes Long Stratton with their 3rd change bringing off Downer, on comes Liv Charlton. 

 Brantham using their experience now running the ball into the corner Tuley holding players off eating up valuable time, Long Stratton trying to get hold of it, Bethany Ryan stealing it back to shoot on the angle the ball into the keeper. Crabtree coming left for Brantham laying the ball back into the middle for Dunnett to strike goal wards from 30 yards out, Fullbrook sees it all the way. 

Lucy Dunnett winning the header for Brantham

  A lot of tired legs out there a welcome breeze blowing across the pitch Brantham finishing strong winning a corner on the left fired in towards the top of the area, Dunnett with a miscued shot deflected through to put Wright clear on goal, however the flag goes up against her.

 Brantham break up a Long Stratton attack the ball cleared out to the left Whiting looking to see it run out of play as Crabtree closes her down the attacker stealing the ball on the line to turn inside run into the box and shoot, Fullbrook with a superb save leaping up to tip the ball up onto the bar and over. The resulting corner on the right the last action of the game as the ball falls to Bethany Ryan inside the box her strike blocked and cleared. 

Full time Long Stratton Women 2-3 Brantham Athletic Ladies

  Brantham scoring the winning goal inside the final 10 minutes to settle a tremendous cup tie, with both sides putting in a great effort in very hot conditions. Brantham starting well going in front inside the opening 12 minutes created some good chances, Long Stratton fighting back towards the end of the first half to get themselves back on level terms set up an intriguing 2nd half. The hosts making a positive start to the 2nd period Brantham guilty of tailing off a little but still remained a threat going forwards retaking the lead a Wright broke clear on goal to score her 2nd of the game but again Long Stratton fought back a strong run from Wall seeing them equalise for the 2nd time in the game. Fullbrook pulling off some fine saves along the way, Tuley though having missed a few opportunities got in behind the defence to score the winning goal late in the game. A home tie against another Norfolk Women’s Division One side awaits with Sprowston FC Women their opponents.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A fine effort from both sides in very hot conditions to produce a great cup tie and both look in good shape going into the new season. Hard to single out a single player and their were several performances to note firstly for Long Stratton, Esme Goodall with some vital defending at the back. Elisha Bower strong in the middle looking to win the ball, Caitlin Skipper pacy on the ball looking to take her opponents on. Goalkeeper, Cyan Fullbrook outstanding on her Long Stratton debut pulling off a number of top quality saves. For Brantham both Kirby Seward and Shannan Hill were strong at the back winning the ball back, reading the game well. Sophie Crabtree out wide in attack with some great running throughout the match getting into some good positions. Pipping everyone though the award goes to midfielder Laura Tuley covered a lot of ground in the middle getting into some great positions to carve out opportunities in front of goal and ultimately score the winning goal. 

 An entertaining cup tie between two sides only beginning their season a great effort from both in very hot conditions Long Stratton pushing Brantham all the way levelling up the scores twice before Tuley’s winning goal. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today and good luck for the campaign ahead.

by Darren Gilham