Monthly Archives: September 2024

Match Report – Hickling FC Ladies v Bure Valley Women

Sunday 29th September

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Heading east across Norfolk today to a new location, catching up with a familiar side but under a new banner. Hickling FC Ladies formerly Stalham Town Ladies taking on Bure Valley Women with both sides newly promoted to Norfolk Women’s Division One.

Norfolk expanding to 3 divisions this season with an influx of new sides. Still very early days in Norfolk Women’s Division One with no one having played more than 2 matches. Defending champions, Bungay Town Ladies are the early pacesetters, an intriguing line up across the league it will be interesting to see who their main challengers are likely to be, with both of today’s sides looking to make their mark in the division. Both Bure Valley Women and Stalham Town as they were last season emerging as the two strongest sides in Division Two with Bure Valley overhauling Stalham in the run in to clinch the title in their debut season since reforming their women’s side.

A new era for Stalham as they begin life under a new banner, moving a short distance to become Hickling FC Ladies. The women’s squad having felt under appreciated at Stalham with issues such as being unable to use the main pitch and with manager Adam Mayhew long involved with the running of Hickling FC the move made sense. In recent season’s under their old guise have flip flopped between the leagues, often too strong for the 2nd Division, finding it tougher going in Division One. Have a experienced group capable of scoring plenty of goals and will aiming for a comfortable finish on their return to Division One. Emma Gillespie racing away as top scorer for the club last season netting 33 goals in her 22 matches. Abigail Gower and Charlotte Fisher joint 2nd with 14 goals apiece with Amber Mayhew often amongst the goals for the club on target for 12. A few new faces joining the squad 3 involved today, Donna Pearson amongst them. Lalaine Davey and Megan Fuery with Caister FC Ladies last season. One game played so far losing a high scoring contest 6-3 at home to Long Stratton Women. Bounced back to following weekend winning 2-0 away to Fakenham in the County Cup

One game played too for Bure Valley Women as they begin life in Norfolk Women’s Division Two having taken Division Two by storm last season as they reformed their women’s side. Rattling in the goals in the process. their captain, Emma McMillen prolific as she fired home 43 goals from 26 appearances. Maisie Redgrave and Willow Nye adding to a potent attack scoring 25 and 21 goals respectfully. The club has a strong youth section bringing players through this seeing a 2nd adult side created with their Development side entering the new Division Three. Have added new faces to their squad too as they look to compete at a higher level adding to their goal threat, Lauren Goulder comes to Bure Valley following spells at Bungay and Caister. Also joining from Caister, Mariana Teixeira. Winger, Rhiannon Dack making to move to Bure Valley having previously been at Aylsham. Rattled in 5 goals on the opening day of the season securing a 5-2 away win against, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves following that up with a 4-1 win in the County Cup over Costessey Sports Ladies.

Hickling Barn the venue for today’s match home to Hickling FC. The site a community and events centre, offering a range of activities, along with a playground and playing field. Hickling in the heart of The Broads a lovely part of the county. The grass pitch looking in great condition the grass thick and lush. Cooler towards the end of September but a dry day on the cards, still when I arrived at the ground but a strong breeze was to blow in making thing’s feel alot more chilly.

Hickling FC Ladies starting XI – Carla Coleman, Claire Wilkins, Rebecca Nunn, Katie Clarke, Amber Mayhew (C), Donna Pearson, Chloe Yarham, Lalaine Davey, Charlotte Fisher, Kerri Eke & Emma Gillespie. Subs – Becky Houghton, Megan Fuery & Laureena Reid.

Hickling FC Ladies

Bure Valley Women starting XI – Danielle Barnes, Madeline Frost, Lily Norman, Jasmin Snelling, Hannah Artis, Megan Swain, Eva Heald, Emma McMillan (C), Emily Addison, Maisie Redgrave & Lauren Goulder. Subs – Willow Nye, Mariana Teixeira & Romilly McLaggan.

Bure Valley Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Emma McMillan and Amber Mayhew with today’s match official, Lewis Church.

  It’s the visitors Bure Valley to kick-off the first half wearing white shirts with green vertical striping on the front, green shorts and white socks. Hickling lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. The ball played back to Megan Swain in the middle puts it out to the left side, Hickling rushing in to close the ball down the pass swept cross field out to the right with Maisie Redgrave looking to get forwards, Rebecca Nunn clearing for Hickling. 

 Bure Valley quick to regain the ball inside the Hickling half fed on for Redgrave in the right channel 20 yards out lays it across the top of the penalty area to the left with Lauren Goulder stealing in to strike the ball her shot rattling the crossbar! Donna Pearson winning the ball for Hickling played forwards up to Emma Gillespie making a run into the right channel, Jasmin Snelling stretching out a leg making a crucial interception at the back for the visitors. 

Hickling’s Donna Pearson

 The wind has really picked up blowing in across the pitch off the open field beside the temperature notably cooler (I took the decision today that the sun cream would no longer needed and put a coat in the car instead). Bure Valley lively in the opening exchanges, Hickling looking a little unsettled. The visitors looking to pop the ball around get up the pitch with pace, Goulder peeling out to the left to receive the ball taking on the shot from the angle lifting her effort over the bar.

  Redgrave latching onto a goal kick played straight to her central drags the ball away to the right before squaring a cross back across the top of the Hickling area, McMillan running onto the ball doesn’t get the contact she was looking for, screwing her attempt wide away from goal. Hickling captain, Amber Mayhew putting in the sliding challenge to win the ball from McMillan top of the D the loose ball running back to Eva Heald 25 yards out the midfielder sends her strike over the crossbar. 

 Claire Wilkins getting the ball on for Charlotte Fisher to attack on the left flank, Hannah Artis out to close her down the ball put out for a throw. Hickling pushing players up, looking to get Gillespie involved central, turns but Snelling is close on her to make the challenge. Pearson and Mayhew pushing up Hickling getting into the final 3rd out to Lalaine Davey wide her ball inside to Kerri Eke on the right, cut out by Madeline Frost. Bure Valley counter looking to catch Hickling high up the pitch the ball over the top into the left channel, goalkeeper, Carla Coleman quickly out of her area to kick the threat away.

Bure Valley’s Madeline Frost

  Hickling strong through the middle the ball rolled into Gillespie inside the D, strong on the ball looks to turn into the box, Artis lunges in to try and win the ball, brings Gillespie down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Mayhew placing the ball on the spot ready to take the penalty, struck with pace to left side not enough width on it as Bure Valley goalkeeper, Danielle Barnes dives down to make the save, doesn’t have the ball in her gloves however as it pops up to her left sides,  Mayhew and Eke rushing in on the follow up the keeper making a superb double save as she throws herself onto her opposite side the grab hold of the ball at point blank range. 

A superb double save from Danielle Barnes from the penalty

  Hickling with a good spell getting players on well threating to overwhelm Bure Valley as Eke finds Gillespie central, on the turn 25 yards out takes on the shot, a tame effort rolling harmlessly through to Barnes. Davey inside to Pearson sends the ball on for Gillespie in the right channel turns and drives on, gets caught in two minds take on the shot herself or roll it into the box with Eke providing the run in behind, goes for the latter just too much on the pass Eke can’t keep it in, goal kick.

Hicklin’s Emma Gillespie

  McMillan picking out the run of Emily Addison on Bure Valley’s left the cross put inside for Goulder looking to run onto the ball, doesn’t get any power behind it, Coleman down at her near post to claim. 

 GOAL! Hickling regain possession at the back and launch an attack the ball fired up to Gillespie, helped on for Eke breaking away on the right taking the ball on in behind into the area takes on the shot looking to put it into the far corner, past Barnes as she dives down, scrambles to her feet with the ball running on Gillespie chasing in after it smashing the shot in off the post giving the keeper no chance as she puts her side into the lead 1-0.

Emma Gillespie firing in the opening goal for Hickling

 12 minutes on the clock Hickling with the lead looking strong getting bodies on to support the attack, Fisher on the left looking to bring the ball down turn infield, can’t find Gillespie in the middle as Snelling stabs a foot out to take the ball away from her. Fisher on the attack wide left again taking the ball inside her marker to get into the box on the angle fires her shot in across goal wide of the far post. 

Bure Valley attacker, Lauren Goulder

 

  After a slow start Hickling are looking strong now, the Bure Valley defence under a little pressure. Pearson tackling to win the ball in the middle played on for Eke who in turn rolls it forwards into Gillespie right of the D, takes on the shot from 20 yards out her strike racing wide of the far post. Davey on the right on for Eke, taking the ball on, Frost closing her down to win the ball back for Bure Valley. Nunn with a vital interception at the back for Hickling to deny Redgrave the opportunity to run in behind as McMillan looks to thread a pass into her path.

Hickling’s Rebecca Nunn

  Fisher winning her side a corner kick out on the left, Mayhew to take the corner swung in across the six yard box the wind behind it goes through everyone and out of play past the far post. Hickling pressing the ball well, Heald getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley aiming to drive forwards, McMillen taking over looks to play Goulder into the box, Katie Clarke cutting the ball out for Hickling at the back. 

Eva Heald with Amber Mayhew

  Heald closing the ball down in the middle looking to get Bure Valley back on the front foot into the left channel forwards for Goulder pulling away that side lays the pass back in central with McMillan steaming in to strike the ball from 20 yards out, takes a deflection off a defender taking the sting out of the shot as it runs safely through to the keeper. 

 GOAL! Bure Valley battling their way back into the game winning the ball central lifted up top into Goulder left out the box heads the ball down for Redgrave to the left of the D, she in turn laying it off for McMillan as she bursts onto the ball taking on the strike drills her effort across goal into the bottom corner 1-1. 

Emma McMillan equalising for Bure Valley

 Hickling pegged back attack up the right the ball fired on up the line with Gillespie surging in behind right of goal, Barnes comes rushing out to close her down the attacker firing her shot past the onrushing keeper, however sees her strike race wide of the far post too. Goulder is caught narrowly offside as she looks to pull of the Hickling defence as Swain lobs the ball forwards.

Lily Norman

 The visitors moving the ball forwards Heald bringing it to the right has Redgrave ahead of her plays the ball on, Redgrave with Nunn on her shoulder with a clever backheel to set up Heald to deliver a cross into the top of the area, Goulder looking to attack under challenge from a defender  sends her headed effort over the bar. Redgrave onto the ball central winning it well puts it into the box left side for Goulder to attack, Clarke diving in with a well timed tackle slowing Goulder down, pushed wide still with the ball lifts it into the middle for Redgrave arriving on the penalty spot meets the ball a rising effort, straight at the keeper, Coleman with a sharp catch above her head to pluck the ball down to safety.

Maisie Redgrave

  Bure Valley winning a corner on the right, swung in dropping at the far post comes at Artis quickly as she snatches her shot away inside the six yard box, her attempt blocked the rebound back with her rushes her 2nd attempt struck wide past the right post. Davey finding Fisher on the left for Hickling clips it inside for Gillespie bursting into the left channel, Snelling across to put in the tackle see the ball out for a throw. Davey up on the left for the hosts playing the ball out to Gillespie moving wide , her cross angled in striking the outside if the post.

  Eke fouling Swain in the middle Bure Valley with the free-kick, Snelling lifting the ball on over the top with Goulder pulling clear to latch onto the ball 25 yards out, her shot straight at the keeper. Bure Valley making a change bringing off Norman on comes Willow Nye at right back. Both sides with strong spells, Bure Valley competing for the ball in the middle Heald on for Redgrave right channel, drives on looking to get into the box, Nunn staying on her well putting in a good tackle to deny her an opportunity to strike the ball.

Bure Valley’s Willow Nye

  Eke with the ball for Hickling right side lays t on for Gillespie up the line outside the box takes on the strike firing the ball wide at the near post. Barnes’ goal kick flies up into the air dropping straight to Fisher 30 yards out left meets it on the volley a good touch to loop the ball straight to Gillespie inside the D putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure as she holds up the ball, Eke looking to get up with her in support as they push into the box, Eke sent tumbling, again the referee point to the spot Penalty! A 2nd opportunity for Hickling from the spot, Yarham to take their 2nd penalty goes for power straight down the middle rising, Barnes throwing her gloves up to save putting the ball onto her crossbar and seeing it spin away to her right for a corner on the left. Barnes coming to her defences rescue for the 2nd time in the 1st half, The corner swung into the six yard box from the left, the keeper with the call taking the ball down into her body. 

Danielle Barnes saving Hickling’s 2nd penalty claiming the ball from the resulting corner

 Coleman saving up the other end as Heald plays the pass on through the middle with McMillan surging on striking the ball on the run her effort arrowing in low straight at the opposition keeper. Goulder taking the ball on from Addison left side firing it into Redgrave top of the area left of goal, drags the ball inside to evade her marker and takes on the shot lifting the ball over the bar. Yarham with the ball central for Hickling sends it on up to Gillespie in attack, Snelling getting across her to regain possession for Bure Valley. Into the closing stages of the first half Ekes attacking on the right for Hickling lifting a cross into the middle, cut out by Artis with Fisher poised to attack beyond her.

Danielle Barnes saving not one but TWO penalties for Bure Valley in the first half, (her teammates owe her a drink).

Half-time Hickling FC Ladies 1-1 Bure Valley Women

  All square at the break, has been a high tempo contest, Bure Valley starting the strongest, Goulder rattling the bar in their first attack. Hickling took a while to settle into the game but once they got player forwards they looked a threat, putting the Bure Valley defence under pressure, Barnes with a superb double save denying the hosts the lead form the penalty spot. Emma Gillespie on hand to score the opening soon after. Hickling looking the side on top for a spell, Bure Valley responded well, getting themselves back on level terms through captain, Emma McMillan. Both keepers making saves, Barnes once again the heroine saving another penalty. Both sides with good spells in the first half well poised for the 2nd period.

 Bure Valley with another change at the break, Norman back on at right back, Nye coming over to the left of defence with Frost the player substituted. Hickling unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball played into Mayhew in the middle looks to send it long to Fisher on the move on the left, Snelling heading the ball clear for Bure Valley. 

  Nye getting hold of the ball for Bure Valley looking to drive forwards, Mayhew comes sliding in with a strong but fair tackle taking the ball but also catching Nye’s ankle sending her sprawling and in some discomfort. Clearly in pain treatment needed a pause in play, needs to come off, some readjustments needed for the visitors with Romilly McLaggan coming on to take up an attacking role on the right, this sees Redgrave drop back to right back with Norman coming across to cover the left. 

 Play resuming with a free-kick to Bure Valley despite both sides, agreeing it was a fair tackle. Goulder with the ball lifts it through to the Hickling keeper and play resumes. Addison taking the ball on up the left as she links up with Goulder play the one two Addison putting her cross back into the top of the area McMillan meeting it with the outside of her boot turned goal wards but straight at the keeper.  

 Fisher dragging the ball down to get on the move on Hickling’s left flank whipping a cross into the area, too close to Barnes with Gillespie coming in central. Wilkins in well to close the ball down on the right for Hickling turn play around squares it into the middle for Gillespie 25 yards out looks to push forwards, Snelling closing her down lunging in to win the ball. The hosts making their first change bringing on Laureena Reid to replace Clarke in the back line.

Hickling’s Lalaine Davey

  The game opens up suddenly as Mayhew puts a halt to a Bure Valley attack played on for Eke she attempts a defence splitting pass with both Fisher and Gillespie poised to break clear, Snelling with a crucial interception for Bure Valley at the back. Redgrave bringing the ball on from the back on the right for Bure Valley passes it on for McLaggan who puts it inside for Heald, tries to thread it into the box for McMillen stealing in behind right of goal, Coleman though out quickly to lay claim to the ball first.

Hickling goalkeeper, Carla Coleman

  Hickling awarded a free-kick 20 yards out in a central position, the shot fired in towards goal skipping up off the grass, Barnes getting down well to put her body behind the ball. Bure Valley get the ball up to Addison on the left wing powering forwards fires a cross into the box coming to McMillan at the far post 10 yards out attempts to cushion it down into the path of Goulder central, Pearson in to close her down with a great piece of defending the ball cleared outside the box straight to Swain 25 yards out her shot driven back in is held by Coleman the keeper right behind the strike.

  Goulder has been on the end of some close offside decisions as the striker looks to pull off the defence, Heald launching the ball forwards, Goulder is unfortunate this time onside as she breaks the flag nevertheless is raised against her. Bure Valley having the better share of the ball 2nd half Hickling deeper working hard at the back to limit space in behind. Addison left crossing into the area coming out McMillan right side her shot charged down by Nunn, rebounding back to Heald to run onto a shot from range can only pick out the keeper. 

Emily Addison looking to cross for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley getting on well with the ball, Heald with some good runs on the ball played on for Goulder left channel turns laying it on for Addison coming into the box from the left, looks to move inside room to squeeze a shot away, Reid lunging in to put in the block for Hickling. 

Hickling’s Laureena Reid

  Artis bringing the ball out from the back for Bure Valley over half way fired forwards into McMillan up top pulling right of the D to get into the box lines up the strike, Pearson charging it down for Hickling. Gillespie over to the right to offer Wilkins a pass as she battles to win the ball on the wing played forwards for Gillespie held up puts it back up the line for Wilkins to cross into the top of the Bure Valley area, Mayhew looking to run onto the ball, Artis stepping in to tackle for the visitors. 

  Norman coming off for Bure Valley with Frost returning to the pitch. Bure Valley with a corner on the right played in near side McMillan coming towards the ball back heeling it into the mix, Goulder latching onto it 10 yards out central her shot blocked on the line by the defender covering the post. Swain coming off for Bure Valley with Mariana Teixeira onto the pitch. The wind has died down considerably in the 2nd half. Bure Valley pressing looking for a goal making another change Swain’s rest short lived as she comes on to replace Addison with Teixeira going to the left. 

Kerri Eke on the ball for Hickling

  Heald brought down by Eke winning Bure Valley a free-kick 20 yards out from goal to the right of the D. A change for the hosts before it’s taken with Becky Houghton coming on in place of Wilkins. McMillan over the set-piece struck well, dipping late but not not enough to find the top corner as it sails over the bar. Yarham off for Hickling on comes Megan Fuery with less than 12 minutes to play. 

 GOAL! Swain clears the ball for Bure Valley launched forwards up towards Goulder, this time as she turns onto the ball the flag stays down as the striker takes the ball on driving towards goal, into the box picks her spot slotting it wide of the keeper to find the bottom corner on the right to fire Bure Valley into the lead 1-2. 

Lauren Goulder fires Bure Valley into the lead late in the 2nd half.

  A blow for Hickling late in the game having put so much into defending their box in the 2nd half, get the ball forwards into Eke attempts to put it through for Fisher pushing on into the left channel, Artis cutting the ball out for Bure Valley. Heald on the drive with the ball for Bure Valley through the middle played forwards for McMillan in attack right of goal her shot taking a deflection off a defender behind for a corner kick. 

Eva Heald

  Curled in central Snelling rising to attack it on the shoulder of a defender the ball knocked down out of the box into the path of Swain 20 yards out top of the D pulls her shot wide of the far post. The visitors breaking up a Hickling attack get the ball on up the left for Teixeira lays it on for Goulder up the wing her cross cut out by Houghton, turned behind for a corner kick. Played low into the near side with McMillan coming to the ball, Reid defending for Hickling. 

 The hosts forced back finding it tough to get player up to support the attack, Fisher providing a good outlet for the ball on the left finding her options limited as she looks for a runner into the box. The clock ticking down Bure Valley lively, Heald getting about in the middle of the park breaking up play sending it forwards the attackers pressing Hickling’s defence on the ball. 

Charlotte Fisher getting forwards for Hickling

 GOAL! Into the closing seconds Bure Valley capitalise on an error as the back as a misplaced pass comes straight to McMillan 25 yards out right of the D pushes forwards to the to of the area has McLaggan free to her right inside the area to receive the ball, McMillen setting her up, everyone connected with bure Valley encouraging McLaggan to shoot, she duly does a fierce strike rising as it comes in at the keeper quickly Coleman throws a glove up gets something on the ball but not enough as it flies past her into the back of the net 1-3.

Romilly McLaggan with a goal at the death for Bure Valley

 Bure Valley opening up a 2 goal cushion at the death with no time for Hickling to respond get the ball up the other end but safely defended the ball cleared as the final whistle blow and Bure Valley continue their winning start to the season. 

Full time Hickling FC Ladies 1-3 Bure Valley Women

  Bure Valley with the loins share of the attack in the 2nd half coming on with the ball. Hickling putting alot of effort into defending their box, not getting the players on in the 2nd half as they had in the first when at one point they had looked like they were going to overwhelm the Bure Valley defence and with two penalties saved in that period could well have been leading at the break still it was all square and for a long period in the 2nd half looked as if that was how it was going to stay. Lauren Goulder unlucky with some offside decisions patient as she got her chance to run in behind and pick her spot to give Bure Valley the lead late on, Romilly McLaggan teed up by Emma McMillan at the death to make it 3. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Boy it’s a tough one this week several contenders for sure hard to pin down one performance. A few to mention, firstly for Hickling, Charlotte Fisher provided a great outlet on the left side for much of the match linking up well with Emma Gillespie who herself got about the pitch well, strong on the ball trying to get into the box herself or set up others. Donna Pearson making some crucial tackles in both the middle and defence. For Bure Valley, Emma McMillan got about the pitch coming for the ball or pressing to join the attack getting her side back on level terms. Eva Heald getting after the ball well in the middle of the park pushing forwards setting up her attackers on numerous occasions. Maisie Redgrave lively up top with some great control and movement and didn’t put a foot wrong as she dropped back into defence in the 2nd half. Lauren Goulder led the line well, pulling off the defence to receive the ball, patient with some decisions going against her held her nerve to get the opportunity to run in behind attack the goal and took her chance well to put Bure Valley into the lead. Might well have been a different story entirely had it not been for their goalkeeper coming to the rescue saving not one but two penalties when Hickling were on top in the first half today’s award going to Danielle Barnes.

 A lively and competitive contest, if this is anything to go by Division One in Norfolk is going to be an intrigued watch this season. Both promoted sides will play their part I’m sure. Plenty of positives for Hickling to build on as they begin their new era. Bure Valley couldn’t be happier with their start. Thanks to both clubs for their assistance today good to catch up with both. 

 by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Needham Market Women v Histon Ladies

Sunday 22nd September

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

In a change to the advertised game had a good plan B 11 minutes down the road having travelled down to Suffolk this Sunday to watch a game from this weekends Women’s FC Cup fixtures headed to Bloomfield’s, home of Needham Market Women to watch them take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies in 2nd Round Qualifying. 

 A record number of entrants to this season’s competition, with a whopping 136 ties happening this weekend across the country. The prize fund seeing a huge increase too with today’s winners receiving £3,000. A significant amount for any grass roots club. The FA Cup holding a special place for many bringing home the true magic of the cup.

Needham Market Women enjoying a rapid rise though the leagues since their inception becoming one of the leading female clubs in Suffolk. Rising up to the ERWFL Premier Division, tier 5 of the woman’s football pyramid. A strong female section within the club, Needham Market have assembled a strong squad trying to compete at that level, finishing 3rd in their debut season. Now entering their 3rd season in the Premier Division have seen a few key players move on with some joining Suffolk rivals, AFC Sudbury Women. Nevertheless retain a strong core of experienced players and have brought in a host of young talent to bolster both their squads.

14 players in all coming to the club with 6 featuring today. Ash Newley comes into the club having previously been at Sudbury. Cate Jackson joins having top scored for Lawford Ladies last campaign. Becca Stephenson a promising young talent thrown into the deep end for Cambridge City Women in the FAWNL, responded superbly to the challenge, regularly impressing despite the clubs struggles. All three starting today with Chelsea Brett, Alyssa Barrett and Millie Baggott also new to the club starting on the bench. Has been a difficult start to the new season as they set up with a new look side with just one win from their opening 4 league matches.

Histon Ladies like Needham Market with a Development side playing in the county league below, the Cambridgeshire side into their 2nd season since returning to the ERWFL. Have made a strong start to the campaign unbeaten after 4 matches to lay 3rd in the Division One North table, with 3 wins and a draw. A victory too in the 1st Qualifying Round of the Women’s FA Cup winning 6-2 away to Thetford Town Ladies. Scoring 18 goals in their opening 5 matches come into today’s tie in confident form. 

Histon have brought in a number of new faces to join the squad over the summer as they look to push on challenge at the top of the league, amongst those American, Claire Krueger. Belle Howard joins having been with Cambridge City. Jess McCrae playing for Bowers & Pitsea at youth level. With a quartet joining from Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup winners, Eaton Socon Ladies. Goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson, attacker Shannah Anico, midfielder Gemma Cooksley and wide player Mollie Childerley. Sophie Hopkin the leading goal scorer with 8 to her name at this early stage of the season.

 Bloomfield’s the venue to today’s Women’s FA Cup tie, the stadium boasting two pitches, the main grass pitch, along side the 3G facility where the women play. In between, The Hub café situated upstairs above the changing rooms with balconies on both sides over looking both pitches. Serving hot and cold food and drink. A threat of thunderstorms in the area clearing over night to leave a bright and sunny afternoon as we approach late September, a little cloud around but otherwise ideal conditions.  

Needham Market Women starting XI – Danielle Clarke, Ash Newly, Niamh Thomas, Laura Bloomfield, Sheryce Slater, Lois Balfour (C), Chloe Brame, Lucy Loomes, Cate Jackson, Becca Stephenson & Annie Posnett. Subs – Chelsea Brett, Charlotte McGrath, Alyssia Barrett, Olivia Dunne & Millie Baggott. 

Needham Market Women

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abi Laughlin, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Krueger, Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Rachel Pearce, Freya Goddard, Kirsty Geal & Sophie Hopkin. Subs – Shannah Anico, Belle Howard & Katie Levitt. 

 

Histon Ladies

It’s Histon wearing their all blue away kit to get the FA Cup tie underway, kicking off the first half, with Needham Market lined up opposite in their home colours red shirts and socks with black coloured shorts. Jess McCrae playing the ball back to her defence the ball clipped long out to the left wing by Claire Krueger with Kirsty Geal on the move down the wing, Ash Newley heading the ball clear for Needham Market at the back.

Jess McCrae gets the game underway for Histon

Newley then getting up the right on the ball for Needham Market looking to play a give and go with Cate Jackson up on the right wing, the ball knocked on into the box for Jackson to chase, Krueger coming across to defend for Histon shielding the ball out for a goal kick. Histon attack down the right the ball swept on for Rachel Pearce getting forwards to whip a cross into the area from deep, caught safely by Needham Market goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke.

Cate Jackson for Needham Market with Histon’s Mollie Childerley

Both sides showing attacking intent from the off, Laura Bloomfield allowed to carry the ball out from the back for Needham Market attempting to thread a pass through the right channel into the box for Jackson to attack, Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson out smartly to the top of her area to claim the ball. Jackson lively out on the right for Histon knocking the ball forwards before hooking a cross into the middle, looping over Becca Stephenson bursting in through the middle, Abi Laughlin getting it away for Histon.

Chloe Brame regaining possession for Needham Market gets the ball on for Lucy Loomes to pass into Annie Posnett, looking to attack top of the D, Krueger sliding a foot out to halt the attackers progress. Newly up to support Jackson on Needham Market’s right the winger turning infield is pushed over giving the hosts a free-kick in an inviting position right corner of the area 25 yards out. Captain, Lois Balfour to play the ball into the area, flighting in towards the far post, Krueger up highest heading the ball behind for a corner kick.

Histon defender, Claire Krueger

Histon build on the right McCrae linking up with Pearce receiving the ball 25 yards lout looks to drive forwards get into the box, Sheryce Slater in to defence for Needham Market the ball out for a throw in. Needham Market get the ball forwards, the midfield pressing well in the final third looknig to squeeze Histon on the ball.

GOAL! That press brings a goal attacking to top of the area the ball pressed the defence rushed into a hasty clearance the ball deflected runs out to the left straight to Loomes outside the area, latches onto the ball and puts her foot through it driving her shot in at the near pass giving the diving keeper no chance 1-0. 

Lucy Loomes opening the scoring for Needham Market

Needham Market with the lead inside the opening 8 minutes. Histon suffering an early blow attack from the restart the ball out to Geal on their left, wins a corner kick. Swung in high towards the far post, dealt with by Slater for Needham Market. The hosts threaten a rapid counter attack, Geal does superbly in defence to prevent attack. McCrae seeing the ball into her feet as she finds herself in the left spins in behind Newly looking to race on towards the Needham market box, Slater has other ideas as she comes across to put in a strong sliding tackle to turn the ball out for a throw.

Sheryce Slater moving in to tackle Jess McCrae

Both sides looking to exploit the flanks as they turn play around, Molly Banks on the ball for Histon central plays a great diagonal pass on down the left for Geal to attack, getting hold of the ball and carrying it to the by-line Geal fires the cross in towards the near post, Slater tracking back cutting it out for Needham Market. Histon pushing forwards, McCrae with Banks out to Pearce n the right fed into the top of the area for Sophie Hopkin in attack, right of the D, back heels the ball on for Freya Goddard central, she controls and lays the ball on into the area for Hopkin making the near post run, Clarke rushing out makes the blocking save at the strikers feet

Histon’s Rachel Pearce

Balfour with Brame central the ball fired forwards for Posnett, intercepted by Krueger, lifts the ball out to the left for Geal to bring down and race on towards the Needham Market area, shooting on the angle from outside the box, her effort saved comfortably by Clarke.

GOAL! A couple of promising attacks from Histon yet the find themselves falling further behind as Needham Market press the final third getting bodies up to support the attack, the ball fed out to Stephenson left inside the area one on one with the keeper before rasping a shot past her into the top corner 2-0.

Becca Stephenson fires home Needham Market’s 2nd goal

Needham Market pressing the advantage the ball from Loomes into Posnett driving into the left channel unleashes a powerful strike, Robinson getting down behind the ball to beat the near post strike away across her goal.

GOAL! Brame doing well in the middle for Needham Market winning the ball high up the pitch bringing it on looks to combine with Loomes as the pair drive on up the pitch exchanging passes the Histon defence moves to intervene a sliced clearance spinning out to the left latched onto by Stephenson top of the area and smashes her shot in under the crossbar 3-0.

A quickfire brace for Becca Stephenson

Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes. Histon on the back foot get the ball out to the right McCrae with Pearce inside for Hopkin sees her shot charged down as Needham market struggle to clear the ball. Posnett taking the ball out to the right for Needham Market 25 yards out lays it infield for Jackson who clips a cross in towards Stephenson running in at the far post, Laughlin going with her for Histon does well to control the ball down off her chest for her keeper to claim.

Abi Laughlin

Their full backs pushed up Needham Market are leaving space in behind on the flanks, Geal in particular looking to exploit the opportunity racing into the area with the ball down to the by-line flashes a cross in along the face of goal, McCrae running in far post can’t quite reach it, Thomas clearing for Needham Market, won back by Pearce swung back inside towards Hopkin inside the D looks to meet the ball on the volley, fires over.

Needham market’s Niamh Thomas

Freya Goddard getting up to press Bloomfield at the back steals the ball nipping past her, doesn’t get far with Slater coming round on the cover. Mollie Childerley winning the ball from Jackson on her left sends it forwards for Geal racing on down the wing, whips her cross into the six yard box, cut out by Slater. Newley bringing the ball into the middle for Needham Market chips the pass on for Stephenson racing in left side lunging at the ball inside the box her attempt is narrowly wide brushing off the post.

Loomes fouled on halfway, players going up into the box as the ball in floated into the area, cleared by Histon captain, Laura Leyland comes to Jackson out on the right, exchanges passes with Newley before racing down the line to win a corner kick. Swung into the box from the right Histon see it clear.

GOAL! Needham Market extend their lead from a wonderfully hit strike. The ball fired up the middle towards Loomes, tangling with a defender coming to clear emerges on her feet with the ball at her feet 25 plus yards up and time to line up her shot, struck beautifully rifles the ball past the keeper into the top corner to make it 4-0.

Lucy Loomes lining up her strike to claim her brace

A further set-back for Histon they mount an attack form the restart Pearce on the right forwards for McCrae down the right, lays it inside for Hopkin making a run into the box, Clarke reads it though and is quickly out to close the angle and grab hold of the ball.

GOAL! Needham Market ruthless going forwards overwhelm the middle the ball fed into Stephenson out on the left outside the area seeing the ball into her feet turns to attack, holding off her marker before turning to send her strike across the keeper and into the bottom corner to claim her first hat-trick for Needham Market 5-0.

A first half hat-trick for Needham Market’s Becca Stephenson

Needham Market fully in control of the tie with just half an hour played and in doing so double their goals scored tally from their opening 5 matches. Histon shell shocked battle to regain possession high up the pitch Goddard in well to nick the ball unleashing a shot from 30 yards out isn’t too far wide of the left upright.

GOAL! Histon build an attack on the left the diagonal ball fired in towards the top of the area over Hopkin in the middle runs into to McCrae at the far post brings the ball under control and shifts inside to open up the angle to strike the ball and sends her shot past the keeper pull a goal back for the visitors 5-1.

Jess McCrae pulling a goal back for Histon

Jackson flicks the ball off her boot taking it inside for Needham market from the right, space opening up in front of her to strike the ball lets fly, doesn’t get enough purchase on the ball seeing Robinson save comfortably for Histon. Loomes on a hat-trick too for Needham Market linking up with Brame through the middle strikes the ball over from 30 yards out.

Needham Market midfielder, Chloe Brame

Needham Market just that little bit sharper to the ball, using their first tough well to get lay moving forwards looking to get on the front foot 5 goals giving them some much needed confidence. Childerley forced into conceding a corner as she deals with a surging run forwards from Newley on the right. Swept into the six yard box, Krueger up to head the ball away to the left. Stephenson looking to play the ball back into the box, Geal on the penalty spot clearing out to the left the ball not away Slater is taken out with the follow through as the ball is finally launched up field.

A pause in play however Slater is okay to play on. Needham Market win the ball back on the middle Balfour up to Posnett she controls and lays it back for Brame bombing forwards attempts to put Jackson away into the right channel, Robinson out smartly to meet the path of the ball collect top of her area. Robinson with a brave save as she comes to close down Posnett as the Needham Market attacker is put through left of goal, the pair coming together the ball spilt, however, Childerley is on hand to clear for the visitors.

  Half-time Needham Market Women 5-1 Histon Ladies

  A strong first half from Needham Market racing into a 3 goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes, pressing the ball high and getting the rewards. The positive opening giving them some much needed confidence going on to add a further two goals to hold a commanding lead at the break. Histon firmly on the back foot, the early goals a blow have kept going looking to create openings up the other end and eventually made one count pulling a goal back, know they have alot of work to do to get themselves back into the tie, need goals however Needham Market can sit back in they choose and wait for the right opportunity to go forwards add to their advantage.

No changes for either side at the break. Needham Market to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back to Bloomfield in defence she goes long looking for Jackson bursting on up the right, plays the pass inside for Loomes, Krueger in to tackle her for Histon clears the ball up the pitch.

Needham Market defender, Laura Bloomfield

Banks coming over to the right with the ball feeds it up the line looking for Pearce as she breaks forwards behind Thomas, Slater comes across to deal with the threat, shielding the ball from Pearce out for a goal kick. Promising build up play from Histon as they come right with the ball McCrae with Banks into Pearce who chips the ball in towards the top of the box for Hopkin, Clarke out smartly to get hold of the ball. A change early in the 2nd half for Histon with Hopkin coming off up top and Shannah Anico coming on.

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

GOAL! Histon looking for a positive start to the 2nd half lose possession on the left the ball played up to Posnett in the right channel she takes the ball on with purpose before feeding it into Stephenson pulling off the defence right of the D, a good ball into her feet Stephenson composed with her finish to slot the ball under the advancing keeper into the back of the net to score her 4th of the match 6-1

Becca Stephenson firing home her 4th & Needham Market’s 5th early in the 2nd half

Histon firmly on the back foot look to regroup, Goddard out to Banks for McCrae on the right, forwards for Pearce beats her marker before firing a cross into the area the ball intercepted by Bloomfield. Another change for Histon as they bring on Katie Levitt for Goddard, with the substitute going out to the right, Pearce moving to the left. Levitt given the ball puts it into the box for McCrae as she makes a move to the by-line on the right her cross chipped into the near post caught well by Clarke as she drops forwards onto the ball.

Posnett turns on the ball and hits a strike from 25 yards out inside the right channel sees her attempt fly over the crossbar. McCrae getting hold of the ball for Histon in the final third looks to fight her way forwards into the box, Needham Market struggling to get the ball away, escapes through to the left side with Geal latching onto the ball shooting from the angle, blasting her effort wide at the near post.

Annie Posnett driving forwards for Needham Market

Laughlin bringing the ball on for Histon from the right looking for a forward pass, Anico calling as she makes a run off her marker to move right across the D, Laughlin lays the ball on, Clarke though has seen the threat and is out rapidly to deal with it. Needham Market press the ball high Jackson inside for Stephenson central plays it on to the right for Posnett breaking into the area, blasts her strike wide of the near post.

Goalkeeper, Danielle Clarke

Banks with a dipping strike from distance for Histon in a central position, Clarke right behind it falls forwards to grab the ball into her body. A quick counter from Needham Market the ball played through for Jackson breaking away behind, Robinson out of her area stooping to head the ball clear, Jackson’s momentum seeing her crash into the prone goalkeeper, no malice, play stopped immediately Robinson assessed a pause in play but thankfully is alright to play on.

A nasty collision for Keeley Robinson coming to clear the ball, thankfully back up on her feet ready to play on

Leyland getting hold of the ball at the back for Histon sets Levitt away on the right, no offside flag she is in the clear on the wing surging on a players rush into the box from both sides the cross swung in, it’s Thomas who gets the touch to take the ball behind for a corner. Curled into the near side from the left by Histon, it’s Thomas again who deals with the threat for Needham Market.

Balfour goes down in some discomfort on halfway as she goes to win the ball, Brame taking it on finds McGrath to her right her cross from deep, claimed by Robinson as Posnett steals into the six yard box. Balfour looks to have turned her ankle a long pause while she is treated but walks over to the side lines waiting to be called back on. While she was receiving treatment Needham Market made a change bringing off Stephenson sending on Olivia Dunne. Histon too with a change Belle Howard on to replace Pearce.

Histon get on the attack, temporarily with the player advantage Levitt on the attack up the right crossed into the area for McCrae near side strokes her half volley over the crossbar. Histon have Howard on the ball left side plays it down the line for Anico to put a cross into the box, McCrae in to attack near side, tackled by Bloomfield the ball cleared out to the top of the area met by Banks 25 yards out smashes her strike up over the bar.

Shannah Anico looking to get onto the ball

 Histon counter up the right Anico pulling left taking Slater with her, puts the ball inside for McCrae, spins looking for the return pass played down the channel, Slater holds her ground well catching the attacker offside. Needham Market continue to push their full backs on, Slater doing alot of covering across the back line as Histon look to turn play around, coming across to deal with Levitt as the substitute carries the ball on down the right wing. Slater given the armband as Balfour heads off the field, Charlotte McGrath coming on into the middle.

Sheryce Slater

  Needham Market get a free-kick on halfway, Slater over it launching the ball in towards the top of the area, Krueger under it to head clear for the visitors.  Anico lively up top for Histon since coming on steals in behind the centre backs as Histon press down the right the ball looking to attack the ball at the near post snatches at her chance sending the ball wide of the near post. 

Belle Howard holding of Charlotte McGrath

 Jackson getting hold of the ball out on the right for Needham Market striking the ball on the angle from all of 30 yards her effort racing narrowly wide of the far post. Loomes coming off for the hosts with Millie Baggott coming on. 

  GOAL! Histon pull a goal back, one Clarke will want to forget in a hurry, the visitors feeding the ball on for Anico up top central driving into the box Slater on her shoulder the pair closing in on goal, Anico stabs the ball forwards, straight at Clarke but to her dismay the ball escapes through her fingers between her legs and rolls on over the line 6-2.

Shannah Anico pulls a goal back for Histon her first for her new club

  The game opening up with players tiring Needham Market guilty of a few sloppy passes as Histon look to get the ball forwards try to find another opening. The hosts struggling to get the ball clear with Anico in to press lays it back for McCrae 20 yards out to lash a shot over the bar. A free-kick for Histon top of the centre circle inside the Needham Market half, Leyland over it plays the ball in to the penalty spot, dipping late in front of Clarke the keeper adjusting smartly to get behind the ball, pops out of her gloves to her right, Anico throwing a leg at the ball, Clarke reacts well to snatch the ball down and pull into her body. 

Olivia Dunne looking to spin in behind

  Brame up to Dunne left of the D puts the pass across the area for Baggott who in turn lays it on to the right for Jackson to attack down the line, Childerley charging her cross down for Histon. Needham Market winning a corner on the left off a throw in, Posnett short to Jackson the return back back into Posnett as she drags the ball between her feet looking to drive into the box Leyland getting in to close her down put in the blocking tackle.

  The hosts press forward keeping Histon pinned back inside their box, McGrath on for Baggott her shot charged down by Krueger. Krueger defending again as Posnett looks to spin in behind her marker off a throw on the left. Childerley gives away a foul on the right as Jackson looks to get inside from the wing. An inviting angle out wide the set-piece flashed in with pace, missed by Robinson as she tries to come through bodies, the ball cleared off the line by Childerley.

Histon’s Kirsty Geal

  Histon break the ball up to Geal on the left as the visitors pour players on through the middle the cross swung into the area, Howard looking to bring it down central, drags her shot wide. Geal in to attack on the left once again taking the ball to the by-line lifting her cross in to the near post, Clarke down to claim the ball confidently with Anico closing in. Into the dying seconds Needham Market counter attack the ball fired through to Dunne in attack, 25 yards out to the left of the D, her shot tame through to the keeper.

Full time Needham Market Women 6-2 Histon Ladies

  Needham Market with the 6-2 victory advance in the Women’s FA Cup. A confidence boosting win. The damage done in the opening 15 minutes as they raced into a 3 goal lead always had their opponents on the back foot after that, got forwards well sharper with the first touch. Loomes with a wonder strike getting her 2nd of the game and Stephenson with a 1st half hat-trick saw them in control of the tie despite Histon pulling a goal back through McCrae. Histon fought well in the 2nd half looking for a reply, the game open chances for both sides. Needham Market with an early strike to open up a 6-1 lead. Anico coming on looking lively pulling it back to 6-2 late on. The tier 6 sides cup run over, will look to return to winning ways in the league capitalise on their good start to the season. Needham Market in turn hoping this result will kick-start their own league campaign.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. A couple of strong contenders. Some performances of note to mention first. For Histon, Kirsty Geal looked to provide an outlet on the left throughout the game getting forwards well. Jess McCrae linking up play well getting into some great attacking positions, Rachel Pearce too on the right getting hold of the ball looking to set up attacks. Shannah Anico sharp up top coming off the bench making so good runs. For Needham Market, Sheryce Slater was solid at the back reading the game well getting across to nullify threats, and clear the ball. Chloe Brame winning the ball high kept Needham market on the front foot throughout the game. Cate Jackson a strong outlet on the right, whether taking the ball down the line or cutting inside. Lucy Loomes got forwards well opening the scoring and firing in a wonderful 2nd. The award goes to Becca Stephenson finding the back of the net for 4 goals including a 1st half hat-trick. Tenacious on the ball looking to take players on, coming in from the left side of attack took the game to Histon.

 A late call after the original game was called off late, was nevertheless great to catch up with both sides early in the season. My thanks to both for the help with the team details. Once I’ve got that info I’m set for the game. Looking forward to the draw for the next round of the cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 15th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from the ERWFL Premier Division, early pacesetters, Royston Town Women with a 100% record from their opening 4 matches away to local rivals Stevenage FC Women 4th in the table.

 The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid with promotion up to the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) for the league champions. More often than not a competitive league featuring a healthy quota of playing talent the Premier Division is a strong league. Today’s match up a local derby, the clubs enjoying a good rivalry Stevenage enjoying a long period as the dominant club in the county winning county cup 5 times in that spell. Royston knocking them out of the competition last season going on to lift the county cup for the first time . Stevenage’s Development/U23s side winning the inaugural Hertfordshire Women’s Trophy.

Stevenage FC Women welcome back their captain, Lucy Webster after spending the previous season out through injury. Retain much of the squad from that season coming into the new campaign as they look to get back amongst the sides pushing at the top of the league. 3 new signings, goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves joins the club having previously been with Reading FC Women. Gemma Croucher once with Royston comes into the club having been part of the Real Bedford Ladies promotion and treble winning squad last season. Libby Monaghan joins Stevenage on a dual registration with Oxford United Women.

 Got off to a winning start at home on the opening day of the season against Enfield Town Ladies, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Lilia Dempsey and Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe on target in a 4-0 win. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Luton Town Ladies followed before Stevenage bounced back with a 6-2 victory at home to Cambridge City Women playing out a 2-2 with newly promoted Watford Ladies Development last weekend. A 3 way tie for top scorer after 4 matches with, Lilia Dempsey, Amy Makewell and Gemma Croucher with 3 each.

 Royston Town Women out of the traps flying this season with 4 wins from 4 to lead the ERWFL Premier Division table. Have been building on and off the pitch over the last few season’s as they look to be amongst those regularly challenging at the top of the table. Like Stevenage have picked up a couple of players from last seasons league champions Real Bedford, attacker, Neve Mayes and full back Amy Reed. Lucy Ford joins the club from St Albans City Women. Jodie Donley has useful experience playing for AFC Sudbury Women in the FAWNL last season, also joining from Sudbury, goalkeeper, Millie Carter on a season long loan. Tilly Want is another goalkeeper coming to the club from MK Dons Women. With Katie Hayes impressing for Newmarket Town Women last season joining Royston keen to test herself at a higher level. 

  Royston Town Women at home on the opening day up against a Luton Town Ladies sides that themselves will fancy themselves for the title. A hat-trick from last season’s top scorer, Emma Slater the difference as Royston ran out 3-2 winners. Racked up the goals in their 2nd game of the season Neve Mayes netting 4 in a 10-0 demolition of Cambridge City Women. A 2-0 win at home to Watford Ladies Development followed that with another good result away from home last time out beating St Albans City Women 4-2. Emma Slater already on  for the season after just 4 matches, while Neve Mayes has 5.

 The County Ground in Letchworth the venue for this afternoon’s match. The Hertfordshire FA headquarter nestled in one corner of the stadium. The café open situated under the main stand offering covered seating. Covered terracing opposite with small terraced stands behind the goals. The pitch 3G refreshed with new rubber prepped for the new season. The weather pleasant warm if a little muggy, cloud cover around with rain possible towards the latter end of the match.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Lucy Webster (C), Mistie Fox-Barker, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Gemma Croucher, Anaise Corrigan & Amy Makewell. Subs – Anna Baker-Re, Kelsey Millen, Libby Monaghan, Eva Delaney & Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe.

Stevenage FC Women

Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Annie Georgiou, Amy Reed, Amy Houghton (C), Tally Miles, Stacey Roper, Ri Badel, Laura Mills, Katie Hayes, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs –  Jodie Donley, Lily Hall, Amy Cooper, Charlotte South & Lucy Ford.

Royston Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain. Lucy Webster & Amy Houghton with today’s match officials

  Lucy Webster back for Stevenage after a long term injury, Royston too have welcomed back a couple of key players back fit towards the end of last season, club captain Amy Cooper and midfielder Ri Badel. The latter starting for the visitors today with Cooper on the bench, Amy Houghton wearing the captains armband. It’s Royston to kick-off the first half wearing their all aquamarine away kit with Stevenage in their home colours white shirt with red trim, red shorts and white socks. Played back to the defence Stevenage rush in to press the ball, competitive right from the off Royston get the ball into Ri Badel moving left lays it forwards looking for the run Neve Mayes in attack left of the D into the area, Rebecca Edge closing in to tackle send the ball out of play.

  Royston out on the left pushing up the ball rolled into full back Annie Georgiou from deep sweeps a diagonal ball into the box, Mayes looking to attack it as it falls in front of her, Stevenage goalkeeper Lauren Reeves rushing in to close her down, making the blocking save getting clattered by Mayes in the process, the ball loose running on beyond out of play beyond the far post. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves called into action early in the game

  Royston making a positive start looking to get players forwards, Stevenage breaking up at attack outside their box look to attack played on through the middle up to Amy Makewell leading the attack, controlling the ball into her feet puts the ball across the the left looking for Anaise Corrigan pushing up to join her, can’t quite take the ball on in her stride, which might well have seen her escape the defence get into the box, however Amy Houghton can get her foot in to take the ball clear for the visitors.

  Stacey Roper closing the ball down well in the middle for Royston getting her side on the front foot. Plays it forwards into Badel who sends it on for Mayes 25 yards out central has Katie Hayes breaking forwards into the box on the left slides the ball into her, Edge lunging in to charge her shot down. Edge is then clipped on the right side as the defender carries the ball out of defence. An opportunity for Stevenage to get players up into the box for the set-piece, Webster over the ball, launched in to the far post area, Roper jumping for Royston getting her head on the ball turning it behind for a corner kick. A teasing ball delivered into the box, curling across goal over everyone out the far side for a goal kick.

Royston’s Stacey Roper

  Hannah Bodily getting onto the ball in midfield for Stevenage travels forwards, the opportunity presenting it self she pulls the trigger from 25 yards out the shot coming straight at Millie Carter back on her line. 

Hannah Bodily lining up a strike for Stevenage

  Gemma Croucher, shoved in the back by Roper off a Stevenage throw in on the right giving Stevenage a free-kick in a similar position to their previous one. Webster again to deliver swept deep towards the far post, Royston defend the ball cleared up field, Emma Slater looknig to turn and attack, Mistie Fox-Barker getting her foot in to win the ball back for Stevenage. Houghton winning it back for Royston in defence put forwards for Laura Mills, finds Mayes outside the box with her pass, the attacker evading a couple of challenges as she looks to fight her way into the area, Grace Brooks not letting her through. 

Stevenage defender, Grace Brooks

  A few niggly fouls being given away certainly has a derby feel about it, Webster brought down as the Stevenage captain makes a marauding run into midfield with the ball. Top of the circle, players forwards as Webster floats the ball in on the keeper, Carter getting her gloves up to take the ball Edge closing in to attack the ball colliding with the keeper, both going down hurt. A strong challenge referee Emma Chamberlain consulting with her linesman before issuing Edge with a yellow card. 

  Tally Miles in to tackle Amy Gooderham as she looks to turn in behind on the right, brings the ball on for Royston has Georgiou up with her the full back sending the ball up the line for Hayes who slides it into the area for Mayes making a run out to the side of the box, Brooks going with the attacker, getting across the ball to shield it out of play. 

 Webster goes on another surging run from the back for Stevenage going on into the final third central, Makewell makes a run to the right drawing defenders with her opening up the left channel, Webster looks to roll it into the path of Corrigan, just a little too much on the ball Corrigan unlucky again as the ball evades her stride. Reed tackling Corrigan as she looks to attack out on the left, cleared back into the middle, Chloe Gunn gets hold of the ball for Stevenage firing it back into the box, Makewell looking to turn and shoot, blocked by Houghton…

 GOAL! For the Stevenage attack, Royston hit their opponents on the counter the ball lifted on down the right for Slater to take on, runs into the box cutting a vicious ball across the face of goal, picks out Hayes who has burst into the six yard box on the keeper to turn the ball in from close range to put Royston into the lead in the 20th minute 0-1.

Katie Hayes opening the scoring for Royston

  A free-kicks mounting up for both sides, this time Mills is upended as she takes the ball on inside the right channel. The set-piece from Miles put into the near post area, Slater getting up to try and twist her header goal wards, looping out towards the far post Gooderham stretching out a leg turning it behind for a corner kick. Curled in from the left across the six yard box to the far post attacked and knocked over.

GOAL! Stevenage get themselves back on level terms and it from a piece of individual magic from Gooderham. Out on the right inside the Royston half sees the ball into her feet, flicking it behind her to turn her marker and get inside to charge on towards the box, driving in field moves central across the D, before letting loose a well hit left for strike to send the ball curling past the diving keeper inside the far post 1-1.

Amy Gooderham in the build up to her goal

A fabulous individual goal from Amy Gooderham to equalise for Stevenage

Is certainly an enthralling contest Stevenage getting themselves back on level terms, Miles sends the ball on up the left for Royston into Mayes has Hayes up on the wing the pair playing a one two the return pass coming to Mayes as she steals into the area sends her angled strike across the face of the Stevenage goal. 

Royston attacker, Neve Mayes

 A couple of knocks for both sides, Slater needing treatment following a Royston attack top of the area, Edge too hurt as she goes up to defend on Mayes at the back for Stevenage. Both okay to continue. Roper closing Gooderham down as the Stevenage winger looks to storm on through the right channel. Brooks winning the ball from Slater at the back for Stevenage carries the ball on into midfield aiming to put a threaded pass into Makewell, Miles intercepts well for Royston.

  Reed defending inside her box, clearing the ball as Carter coming for the ball is pressed by Corrigan. Reed finding Mills in attack as she steals in behind on the right to attack the by-line flashing a cross into the six yard box, Reeves down on it smartly to claim as both Mayes and Hayes close her down. Stevenage with a quickfire counter attack the ball into Bodily on the move through the middle for the hosts lays it on for Croucher 25 yards out moving right cuts her shot back looking to play it across the keeper, Carter getting own to gather up the ball.

Laura Mills

  Stevenage making a change, bringing off Corrigan send on Kelsey Millen comes right with Gooderham switching to the left with 8 minutes remaining in the first half. Millen involved straight away as the cross-field ball is played into her, out on the right sends the ball in over the top for Croucher attacking the area left of the D, Carter rushing out to charge her down sliding in to make the blocking save, then Reed charges down the follow-up strike. 

Royston goalkeeper, Millie Carter

  Stevenage looking to press late in the half, Gooderham inside to Bodily shapes to shoot from 30 yards out her effort put straight at the keeper. Royston quick to get on the counter up to Badel in midfield plays it up to Mayes in attack central lays it out to Hayes bombing on down the left, squares her cross into the area, cut out by Webster. Royston snatch the ball back in the final third Badel again lifting it out to the left for Hayes clips her cross back into the top of the D, Mayes looking to get it under control tackled by Brooks. Pops loose for Slater to run onto right side 20 out flashes a strike wide of the far post. 

Royston midfielder, Ri Badel

 A busy end to the first half both sides looking to get forwards, Miles with a diagonal pass into Mayes outside the box, can’t et it out of her feet before Gunn closes her down. Mills on the ball for Royston right channel fires it into the box for Mayes right post area, has Slater to her right attempts to put the ball into her feet, Brooks between the pair getting hold of it instead for Stevenage and clearing. The hosts mounting one last attack in the first half, the ball send on for Croucher left side puts it across the top of the area for Millen attacking right, Georgiou defending for Royston, then Roper gets it away as Makewell looks to pounce, won back prodded into Makewell central 25 out her shot is tame runs safely through to the keeper.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Royston Town Women

 That was a highly entertaining first half, a competitive derby tussle with two committed sides. A bit of niggle added to the mix but nothing nasty. Royston started confidently positive looking to get forwards breaking from a Stevenage attack carving their opponents open to score the opening goal. Stevenage responded well getting back on level terms from a piece of individual magic from Amy Gooderham. Both sides with chances after that but defences holding firm set up brilliantly for the 2nd half.

  No chances of personnel at the start of the 2nd half with Stevenage to get things underway. A slight switch for Royston with Hayes and Slater setting up on opposite flanks. The ball put into Millen as Stevenage look to play it forwards lifted on for Makewell pulling out to the right, Miles stepping in to intercept for the visitors. Millen snapping in to win the ball back out wide lifting a cross from deep into the area claimed cleanly by Carter.

Royston defender, Tally Miles

  Houghton on the ball at the back for Royston clipping a long pass up to Slater attacking left of the D, lets loose a shot, straight forwards for Reeves in the Stevenage goal. Royston winning a free-kick on the left outside the box, Miles over the ball putting her delivery long out beyond the far post. 

Stevenage captain, Lucy Webster

 Stevenage burst forwards Millen on for Makewell right side turns to put in into the area with Croucher attacking the goalkeeper, Carter closing the ball down Croucher sliding in gets the ball under her to see it strike the base of the post and deflect across the face of goal, Gooderham throwing herself forwards at the far post can’t make contact as Royston launch it clear. 

Stevenage’s Gemma Croucher

  An open game both side wanting a goal Hayes in space on the right tracks on with the ball, Fox-Barker patient blocking the attempted cross turning it behind for a corner kick. Georgiou to play the ball into the box form the right curled in far post knocked down hits a defender to go behind for a corner on the left. A vicious in swinger across goal, Reeves doing well to get her fist on the ball to punch it away to the right for another corner. Edge getting up highest to head the ball away at the far post for Stevenage. 

  Badel bringing the ball on right side for Royston looking to link up with Hayes, Fox-Barker stopping the initial cross, Hayes with a 2nd attempt chipping the ball up into the area, claimed well by Reeves. Gooderham pulling up for Stevenage, has a slight injury concern as they bring her off in the 56th minute sending Corrigan back into the action. Royston making their first change too, Charlotte South going into midfield replacing Badel. Royston break away to the right Hayes taking the ball on whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, both Mayes and Slater closing in on the keeper, Slater with the final touch, Reeves superb staying big to save at close range bat the ball away.

  Stevenage with another set-piece on half-way Webster to play it in towards the top of the area, Roper heading clear for Royston. Corrigan on the left of attack for Stevenage tangling with Reed, coming away with the ball on the move looking to get in behind, Houghton is across on the cover to close the ball down for the visitors. 

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

 Reed playing the ball on up the right for Hayes, loops a ball into the box near side Mayes rushing in to meet it sees her effort drop wide of the post a knick off a defender though a corner signalled. Played in long from the right falling to Slater deep on the left her shot from the angle blocked inside the area, deflected back out to Hayes right of the D 25 out, holding the ball up back to goal has Miles charging past her looking for the pass ties her up Miles shooting across goal towards the far post, Reeves diving to her left getting down well to save. 

  Hayes getting in on the right for Royston sending another cross into the area, claimed by Reeves low at her near post. Reed and Corrigan enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to get past the full back, succeeds to race on down the line whipping a venomous ball across the face of goal, Millen sliding in on the keeper can’t get a telling touch, pops up on the line for Carter to snatch into her gloves. 

 Royston making their 2nd change of the match bringing off Mayes, send Lily Hall on to take up an attacking role on the left. Stevenage too making a change Corrigan off again, on comes Eva Delaney to take up the attacking duties on the left. All action in the middle of the park, South fouling Bodily. Mills looking for Hayes on the right, turns inside, Fox-Barker stretching to get the ball back for Stevenage.

Mistie Fox-Barker

  More changes as Gunn comes off for Stevenage, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe coming on to join the attack. Roper off for Royston with Lucy Ford introduced to the action. Hayes in a central position outside the D, her shot smashes her shot into Croucher at point blank range a painful hit takes a few moments for Croucher to recover but is alright. 

 Croucher up the other end as Stevenage attack sees the ball into her feet well on the turn looks to slip Thomas-O’Keefe free inside the box, a vital interception from Houghton though. Stevenage working hard to frustrate Royston in the final third, Brooks winning the ball well. Slater booked as she brings down Webster. The set-piece top of the circle put in to the top of the box defended by Royston, look to get on the offensive the ball into Hayes looking to take the ball on right side, Fox-Barker tracking back with her, Hayes tripping herself up goes down hard striking her head on the 3G pitch a stunning blow play stopped so she can be checked out. Was a jarring impact but thankfully is okay to play on.

 GOAL! The clock ticking down into the final 5 minutes of the match, Royston mount an attack the ball fed on for Hall on the left knocking it down into the box central with Hayes closing in Fox-Barker with her defending well, however the ball skips up to the top of the area right of the D, for Slater to put her foot though looping back in towards goal, Reeves can’t react quick enough throwing a glove up to try and deflect the ball over, not enough as it drops under the crossbar to see Royston back into the lead 1-2. 

Emma Slater fires Royston back into the lead

 Royston making a change bringing off Hayes after the goal sending on Jodie Donley goes in at right back with Reed pushed up. Corrigan back on replacing Millen for Stevenage with Libby Monaghan on to replace Webster. 

GOAL! With Stevenage pressing looking for a reply Royston get hold of the ball and counter through the middle up to Slater top of the area central slides it on for Hall stealing into the box on her left Hall taking the ball into her stride and slotting her shot past the on rushing keeper to give Royston a 2 go cushion in the 89th minute 1-3.

Lily Hall off the bench to send Royston into a 3-1 lead

  A huge blow for Stevenage as the game moves into stoppage time a few injuries several minutes yet to be played Bodily playing the ball into Croucher right channel control and turns to slide the ball on into the box for Thomas-O’Keefe, shaping to shoot on the angle, Carter comes rushing out to slide in and make the blocking save. Croucher sending another ball into the Royston box from the right, Houghton stretching to close Makewell down, the striker shoots wide. 

  Slater coming off for Royston with Mayes sent back on. Stevenage pushing players on attacking right the ball angled low into the near post Croucher throwing herself at the ball goes wide as it brushes the near post.

GOAL! Into the 6th minute of injury time, Stevenage allowed the ball wide the cross in deep from the right is brought down well by Makewell central back to goal knocks it to her left to open up a yard of space to strike the ball back across the keeper and finds the bottom corner to pull a goal back 2-3.

Amy Makewell pulls a goal back in the dying moments for Stevenage

  A goal back for Stevenage but no time left on the clock to mount another attack as Royston see out the game to make it 5 wins from 5 to start the season and open up a 6 point lead at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division table.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-3 Royston Town Women

  Another enthralling contest from the ERWFL Premier Division, rarely disappoints and today was no exception. A local derby played with passion and commitment. Both sides up for it. A great one for the neutral well worth the trip down from Norfolk. Royston starting positively getting into the lead straight from a Stevenage opportunity. The host with a good reply to equalise. Chances for both in the first half to get into the lead. Stevenage looking for a positive start to the 2nd half working hard at the back to frustrate Royston, the clock timing down the visitors found the break though in the 85th minute, quickly going on to add a 3rd goal. Stevenage allowed the ball as Royston looked to see out the game getting a goal back at the death but not enough time left to create another opening. A brilliant start to the season from Royston.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders for this one and hard pressed to single one out although I did have one in mind leaving the ground. A local derby played with passion and largely good spirited. Several performances of note. Grace Brooks at the back for Stevenage put in several crucial tackles and got about the back line well. Hanna Bodily battling for the ball in the middle. Anaise Corrigan caused problems when she get hold of the ball. Gemma Croucher getting into some great attacking positions. Amy Gooderham with a fantastic goal, attacked down the flank with purpose. For Royston, Tally Miles was composed and read the game well. Stacey Roper was busy in the middle of the park, set the tone early on. Neve Mayes strong up top held the ball up well. Emma Slater gets a mention because she’s Emma Slater and always amongst the contenders for Royston. Edging it today for me Katie Hayes operating on both flanks provided a great outlet for Royston throughout the match looked to get others into the action, opening the scoring. 

 A thoroughly entertaining match from the County Ground this afternoon, both sides have started the season well and have assembled a strong collection of talent between them. The ERWFL Premier Division is a strong league will be intrigued to watch t unfold as the season progress. My thanks to both sides for their help today  as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – March Town United Ladies v Willingham Wolves Women

Sunday 8th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Two

The new season of county league action gets into full swing this weekend across the East. Beginning with a trip into Cambridgeshire for the Division Two opening clash between March Town United Ladies & Willingham Wolves Women.

33 sides competing across 3 divisions in Cambridgeshire. All three look hard to call in terms of title challengers and it will be intriguing to watch it all unfold over the coming season. 11 sides contesting Division Two in the county, Chatteris Town Lillies Ladies will be amongst the favourites to finish top, but who else might emerge as a title challenger is yet to be determined, could very well be one of the sides promote to the league this season.

It has been quite a while since I last visited March Town United Ladies and much has changed within the club since then a new management team bought in at the end of last season managed by Andy Wheatley, assisted by James Moon, Ben Green & Gray Sharman. Lost several players over recent seasons which has impacted their form in the league adding new players as they look to be competitive towards to top end of the league, Maisie Homden joining March having been at Whittlesey Athletic last season, Kacey Sharman an attacker joining from Peterborough United. Along with pacy striker, Tanaya Mayoh, back in the game after a spell away as does Chloe Granger. Rachel Sharman also new to the March squad.

Willingham Wolves Women have improved year on year since joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s football league in 2021, moving up the Division Three table recording a 3rd placed finish last term. This seeing the club promoted to Division Two for the upcoming campaign, a strong test. Have built up a large women’s squad. Willingham Wolves FC boasts a strong youth section right across the board. The wet weather a prominent feature for much of last season seeing the usual pitch the women play on out of action from October onwards. Will require drainage works in the future will finances have been secured for other improvements to their ground.  

  March Town United FC the venue for todays game on Robin Goodfellows Lane. Known as The Hares. The stadium with a unique layout, boasting the 2nd oldest wooden stand in the country, the grass pitch nestled inside an oval layout, having once hosted, cricket, cycling and greyhound racing back in the 1960’s. The contrast a modern entrance housing bar and kitchen hatch along with the changing rooms. The pitch looking superb in great shape. Showers in the area a heavy downpour on the way the the ground, both the sun cream and umbrella are on hand this afternoon. 

March Town United FC’s main stand

March Town United Ladies starting XI – Peggy Thurlby, Amy Hall, Jessica Lavender, Cassie Houghton, Chloe Wheatley, Maisie Homden, Lauren Martin, Lauren Peeling (C), Kacey Sharman, Sidnee Adams & Millie Jolley. Subs – Rachel Sharman Chloe Granger & Olivia Perkiss.

March Town United Ladies

Willingham Wolves Women starting XI – Abi Dowell-McGrillan, Cheryl Darby, Gracie Webster-Spriggs, Honor Freeman (C), Casey Mcmichael, Natalie Townley, Jazz Brinkman, Kirsty Wicks, Harri Morse, Holly Etteridge & Danielle Foster. Subs – Sophie Catchpole, Libby Willis, George Scott-Wilds & Eva Krawetkowska.

Willingham Wolves Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Honor Freeman and Laura Peeling with today’s referee

 It’s the hosts, March to kick off the first half wearing their home colours, amber shirts with black shorts and socks. Willingham too usually play in amber shirts, but are still awaiting the arrival of their new away strip so will be in white coloured shirts this afternoon, with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into midfield passed to the right, Maisie Homden looking to take it forwards linking up with Kacey Sharman on the wing, Cheryl Darby closing down for Willingham to prevent an early cross going into the box.

 March with a positive start getting on down the right winning a throw high brings them an early corner, the delivery short not troubling the Willingham defence. Millie Jolley up front for March seeing the ball into her feet looking to turn slide the ball in for Sharman on the move down the right, Darby in to cut it out for the visitors. Willingham looking a little nervous at the start passes going awry, March snapping in to regain possession get back on the front foot. Jazz Brinkman getting the ball under control for Willingham in the final third right channel attempting to thread it through into the box for Danielle Foster, Peggy Thurlby in goal for March out to gather unthreatened.

Willingham’s Kirsty Wicks with March captain, Laura Peeling

  Sharman on the right along with Sidnee Adams on the left flank looking to provide width and passing options as the March defence wins the ball back get the ball forwards quickly trying to catch their opponents with a high line, Adams stabbing a ball on over the top, Gracie Webster-Spriggs adjusts well as she is turned around to get the ball clear before Jolley can attack it. Out for a throw on the left March looking to lay it on into the box, Casey Mcmichael heading it behind for a corner.

  March’s corners not finding their mark in the early stages of the game. Natalie Townley sets Foster away down the left in attack pace to take the ball forwards, Cassie Houghton back at her to tackle for March. March launching a rapid counter on their right Homden bombing on to support Sharman, Darby getting in the way to challenge for Willingham. The visitors not settled, March looking the sharper. 

  Holly Etteridge up in attack for Willingham closing down to win the ball off the March defence 25 yards out carries the ball in behind looking to attack the goal, a recovering defender getting something on Etteridge’s shot as she goes to pull the trigger taking the sting out of the shot runs safely through to the keeper. 

 GOAL! No sooner have Willingham got a sniff at goal March break up the other end to score the opening goal the ball coming out to the right side Adams up with Jolley the ball clipped in across the top of the D, Sharman stealing the ball off the defence to carry it on into the box and from the angle strike her shot into the bottom corner across the keeper 1-0.

Kacey Sharman celebrates as she opens the scoring for March

 Willingham on the offensive from the restart Kirsty Wicks on for Foster down the left angles her early shot in towards the near post, Thurlby behind it has her angles covered. March captain, Lauren Peeling lifts a pass from the middle out to Adams advancing well on the left, one tough to clip the ball on over the top, Mcmichael looking to get there ahead of Jolley, her keeper, Abi Dowell-McGrilen with a good starting position will the call, coming to collect the ball. 

 Jessica Lavender, tackling Etteridge as she gathers the ball on the right plays it forwards for Adams racing up the left flank for March, whips a dangerous cross into the area across the penalty spot, Jolley isn’t too far away from getting a touch to divert it towards goal. March winning a free-kick on halfway lifted forwards, a vital touch from Mcmicheal at the back to win the ball or Jolley was though to attack the Willingham goal. March snapping back to win the ball high, Lauren Martin with Peeling lifted forwards again Mcmichael with the defending for Willingham getting her head on the ball to get the ball away.

  Sharman playing the ball into the box form the right, Mcmichael heading it behind to concede the corner. The delivery played up towards the top of the area near side, Mcmichael getting hold of it for Willingham carrying the ball out of the area…

 GOAL! … sent forwards into the path of Foster out on the left on the attack bringing the ball on 25 yards out fizzes the pass across the area looking Etteridge on the left in the clear right of the D, controls and takes aim a vicious strike with a got bit of swerve behind it deceiving the keeper as it evades her to burst the back of the net, Willingham back on level terms 1-1.

Holly Etteridge fires Willingham back on level terms

  Willingham levelling 18th minute, making a change after the goal bringing on Libby Willis in place of Townley.

GOAL! Having just gotten themselves back on level terms Willingham concede straight away, the ball from Jolley fed out to Adams on the left on her own all of 30 yards out isn’t closed down at all and with room to line up a shot accepts the invite, hits a fantastic ball looping up towards goal heading for the top right corner, has the keeper in trouble, dropping over her to send March back into the lead 2-1.

Sidnee Adams congratulated as her strike from range puts March back in front

  March pressing the ball in the centre Martin playing in into the left channel with Peeling getting on, looking to run in behind, Mcmichael looking to shield the ball calling for her keeper to come and collect top of her area, Dowell-McGrillan scooping the ball up into her gloves. Etteridge coming off for Willingham, George Scott-Wilds onto the pitch. Wicks off too replaced by Sophie Catchpole. Is hot under the sun when it can break through the clouds and a drinks break is called with 25 minutes played. 

 March resume with a throw on the right headed on by Peeling into the area, dropping central, Jolley interested, Dowell-McGrillan gathering it into her body well. Willingham captain Honor Freeman lunging in to stop Jolley as she looks to turn on the ball outside the D. The ball lifted on for Foster to bomb on down the left attacking sends a cross/shot in on the angle towards the far post, Willis racing in that side can’t reach it, however goes after the ball on the by-line wide to win her side a corner kick. Played long beyond the far post met by Morse blasts the ball back in across goal out the far side the referee signalling for another corner 

 The second delivery curled into the six yard box at the near post Scott-Wilds looking to get it down under control and get a shot away is quickly closed down by the March defence, Wheatley lifting it away to safety. Willingham gaining a bit of momentum in the last five minutes. March dangerous on the counter however as Peeling gets up on the right to support Sharman putting the winger on down the line Freeman going with her the pair into the box, Sharman stealing inside knocking the ball into the six yard box, Dowell-McGrillan dropping forwards to lay claim to the ball.

March’s Millie Jolley

  Sharman causing Willingham issues attacking on the right, beats the offside trap to carry the ball on towards the box striking her shot over the bar from the angle. Willingham’s defensive line holds this time as Homden looks to play Sharman in over the top, held up by the raised flag. Wicks back on for Willingham, replacing Darby. The visitors with the ball up on the right turned inside for Catchpole 25 yards out left of the D, turns to shoot, gets no power behind it, runs safely through to Thurlby. 

George Scott-Wilds with Lauren Martins

 An injury for Willingham forcing a change, Scott-Wilds needing treatment off Townley back on. Townley with the ball from Brinkman right side played forwards as Foster makes a run across her to carry it away to the right wing turning to strike the ball lifts her strike onto the roof of the net. Etteridge back on up top for Willingham sees the ball into her feet on the right, looking to turn inside, Lavender comes back at her tackling well to clear the ball. Into the final minute of the first half. March press the ball in the middle on for Adams left looks to take it past Webster-Spriggs the full back getting back at her to nudge the ball out for a throw in.

 

Half-time March Town United Ladies 2-1 Willingham Wolves Women

  March head into the changing rooms at the beak leading Willingham 2-1. The hosts with the better start to the game getting after the ball positive down the flanks, capitalising on Willingham’s nervous start, unsettled early on the visitors took a while to settle. March getting forwards to take the lead through Kacey Sharman. Willingham did well to get the game back on level terms a vicious strike from Holly Etteridge, but were guilty of switching off straight after to allow March to retake the lead a superb finish from Sidnee Adams. Chances for both in front of goal March holding the slender advantage. Feel there are more in it 2nd half which way they will go is up for debate. 

  Willingham to get the 2nd half underway, making full use of their substitutes throughout the first half. March with a change at the break, Peeling coming off with Rachel Sharman coming on going up top with Jolley deeper. Lavender wearing the armband. The ball rolled back to Freeman in defence clips it out to the left wing, Homden seeing it out of play for March. Willingham looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half getting up on the left

  The ball passed inside for Foster central to burst in behind closing in on the box, pulls the trigger her shot racing wide of the right post. Townley up on the right for Willingham put on for Willis onside racing on into the box after the ball, Thurlby advancing to lay claim to the ball.

GOAL! March pressing the ball in the middle Jolley forwards into Rachel Sharman, Adams up with her putting pressure on the Willingham defence, Freeman under pressure stabs the ball away from Sharman as she falls, Adams latching onto it 20 plus yards out to rifle a powerful shot in on goal, Dowell-McGrillan with little time to react getting her gloves up to block the ball but can only deflect it on over into the goal beyond 3-1.

Sidnee Adams extends March’s lead early in the 2nd half

 The perfect start to the 2nd half for march getting themselves a 2 goal cushion, and that moments after Willingham had a chance to level up the other end. Rachel Sharman sees a Willingham goal kick presented to her 30 yards out, quickly closed down she drags her shot wide of the left post. Homden with a mazy run on the ball as she gets on the move for March on the right laying it inside for Rachel Sharman inside the D, looks to control, turn, is closed down well by Morse for Willingham. 

Maisie Homden after the ball for March

 Willingham find Etteridge on the right in attack strong on the ball to get inside lays the ball into the box for Foster on the penalty spot back to goal lays it out to Willis racing on left of the D, moving into the box, squeezes her shot away past the advancing keeper, the ball traveling towards goal, cleared of the line by Hall. Willingham picking up a few knocks Morse needing a break Eva Krawetkowska coming on. Brinkman too replacing Catchpole. Townley winning Willingham a throw on the left, knocked on into the box cleared by Lavender for March. 

GOAL! Players drawn over to the left of the pitch as possession is fought over March physical getting hold of the ball the pass clipped cross-field finding Kacey Sharman all on her own in a central position drags the ball on to the right moving into the box, and strikes her shot low back across the keeper to join Adams on a brace 4-1.

Kacey Sharman sets her sights on the Willingham goal to score her 2nd of the game

 Willingham falling further behind look to stay positive play the ball from the middle into Willis tracking forwards on the right fires a cross along the top of the box, met by Foster inside the D, flashes a shot half a yard over the crossbar. Brinkman battling for the ball on the left surges forwards, Homden coming to close her down putting in the tackle, bashing her head hard on the turf as the pair collide. Play stopped needs to come off for a minute to recover but is okay to return. 

 Houghton with a crucial interception at the back for March as they get caught high with the visitors looking to release Foster through the middle. Jolley moving to the right with the ball lays it on into the box for Rachel Sharman ahead of her travelling into the box, Freeman come across to make the challenge put the ball out for a corner kick. From the right goes long cleared out to the top of the box, Martin onto it drags her shot wide. 

Willingham’s Eva Krawetkoska

Willingham get the ball on quickly through the middle threaded in behind, Foster races clear of the defence shoots early with Thurlby rushing out to close her down, the keeper with the blocking save… 

  GOAL! … the rebound latched onto by Krawetkowska 25 yards out left of the D, a good touch to send the ball on into the box and plays a superb cross in low towards Foster still in an advanced position right of goal to knock it back across the keeper to score her opening goal of the season 4-2. 

Danielle Foster pulls it back to 4-2 for Willingham

 Willingham pulling a goal back midway through the 2nd half with their tails up Brinkman winning the ball on into the box for Foster, Wheatley putting it out for a throw on the right. Foster looking to cause trouble in the box off the throw right side, Thurlby throwing her foot at the ball attempting to clear, sliced away to the by-line, Lavender preventing it going for a corner clearing up field. Foster seeing the ball played into her through the middle turns in behind to attack the box, Thurlby racing out to close the angle getting in to make a good blocking save as Foster moves right to shoot.

March goalkeeper, Peggy Thurlby

 Wheatley coming off at the back for March as the hosts send Chloe Granger onto the field. Willingham winning a corner out on the right, a dangerous delivery curled across the six yard box, falls to Freeman at the far post, awkward to control however, is closed down before she can get a shot away.  A 2nd water break called with less than 20 minutes left to play, Willingham picking up as few knocks. 

Willingham’s Natalie Townley

 Homden doing the defending at right back for March, as Foster seeing the ball into her as she moves left looks to try and spin in behind. A corner to Willingham on the left curled into the six yard box, dropping to Wills this time can’t dig the ball out of her feet before being closed down by Martin. The ball scrambled clear. Willis getting hold of the ball central for Willingham looking to lift it on for Foster to race in clear behind the defence, almost, but for a vital interception from Houghton.

  Krawetkowska goes down for Willingham as she looks to carry the ball on into the left channel, looks to have twisted her ankle, a painful one needs to come off, Willingham sending Catchpole back on. Townley getting up into an attacking position for Willingham from the left central as she gets onto the end of a Freeman pass takes on the shot early looking to lob the ball from inside the box over the keeper, but so too over the bar.

  Another injury blow for Willingham as Foster innocuously goes over on her ankle inside the box going to pressure Thurlby on a cross. Needs to come off, Scott-Wilds coming back on. Brinkman off too with Darby back on. Into the final 5 minutes of the match. March have Adams bringing the ball on up the left clips a great diagonal ball into the box for Kacey Sharman on the angle blasts her shot in towards goal, Dowell-McGrillan throwing herself down to make the save charging the ball down rebounds back to Sharman for a 2nd bite at the cherry shoots past the stranded keeper, Willingham have got a defender back on the line to clear.

  Hall cutting a threaded ball out at the back for the hosts as the game moves into stoppage time. Martin on for Rachel Sharman up top, Freeman closing her down for Willingham. Morse looks to get away down the right for Willingham as Townley plays the ball on. Adams in to close her down on the by-line sliding in to tackle knocks the ball onto Morse to see a goal kick awarded. The final whistle blows and March celebrate as they get their league campaign off to a winning start.

Full time March Town United Ladies 4-2 Willingham Wolves Women

  A good start to the game from March on the front foot early causing issues on the flanks getting into the lead. Willingham doing well to level the scores, however were behind straight away as they gave Adams the invite to shoot. The visitors gaining momentum late in the first half giving them renewed confidence going into the 2nd half. March with a few issues to settle at half time too. Got an early opportunity to extend their lead and took it. Willingham creating some good opportunities themselves but not taking one as March got clear to power into a 3 goal lead. Some great goals scored and Willingham fought hard to pull it back to 4-2. March determined working hard in defence had a little bit more guile and experience to see the game out and claim the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Not an easy one by any means and some god performances out there. Firstly for Willingham, Casey Mcmichael in defence with a number of vital interceptions read the game well. Danielle Foster in attack worked hard to create opportunities and be a ready outlet when Willingham attacked. Jazz Brinkman put herself about in midfield looking to mix things up. For March, Jessica Lavender was strong in the back line making several important tackles. Sidnee Adams with two superb strikes provided a good outlet on the left and played the ball well. Edging it though is the other brace scorer, Kacey Sharman set the tone early on getting on down the right for March in attack, caused issues for the defence throughout and again presented with the opportunity to take her chances put them away well.

 Good to see both sides in action a competitive contest and will look forwards to seeing how the season progresses for both sides in Division Two. Willingham stepping up a league have plenty of positives to take into the campaign ahead. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team details and must say I’m pleased Cambridgeshire have team sheets at last.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Aylsham FC Women v Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Sunday 1st September

 Women’s FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying

The road to Wembley begins this Sunday with this season’s Women’s FA Cup getting underway with a whopping 145 ties in 1st Round Qualifying. For many sides making their debut in the competition, it’s to one of those I head today to Youngs Park to watch Aylsham FC Women as they take on Cambridgeshire side, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds.

The first competitive game of the season for both with their respective county leagues getting underway next Sunday. A prestigious competition that has seen the prize money increase over the past couple of season’s, the winner today receiving £1800, with a run in the competition helping to make a significant impact on a grassroot clubs finances.

Aylsham FC Women winning promotion to Norfolk Women’s Division One last season after winning the Division Two title in their debut season. Consolidated their place in Norfolk’s top flight in what was an injury hit season where the club struggled for players early on. Grew stronger as the season progressed eventually finishing in 5th place. Preparing for the new season have seen a few experienced players leaving but in turn have clawed that experience back with an influx of new players most notably from Fakenham Town Ladies who spent the previous two season’s in the ERWFL. Twins, Sophie and Vicky Lubbock, dual signed with Fakenham last season commit to Aylsham this campaign as does Olivia Baker, joined by attackers, Rochelle and Shelley Woods and defenders, Jemma Riches and Sophie Buckley. Other new additions include young players, Jess Greengrass and Elisha Nobbs. Kiara Wright comes to the club via Horsford. Young goalkeeper Mya Parker joins from King’s Lynn.

A new era for Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds under a new coach with Shane Lebbon returning to the game after a two year break. Vastly experienced in women’s football having been at Newmarket Town Women for a long spell, specializing in the development of young players and bringing them on into the 1st team set up. Joined Fulbourn towards the end of last season, helping the previous coaching set-up as Fulbourn finished runners-up in both the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership and League Cup.

Fulbourn boast a formidable attack with, Ebony Crook, Marie Stubbings and Eleanor Woodley firing in 80 goals between them last season. Woodley with 41 of those. All 3 amongst those retained by the club this season. An experienced squad will be amongst the sides competing for the league this time around. Have see a few players depart but retain a strong core whilst adding a few new additions, defender Alex Milner having previously been with Newmarket. Grace Muffett returns to the game after spell at university has again experience playing for Newmarket. Megan Chandler too has played for Newmarket plus spells at Norwich and Cambridge. Emily Facerova the newest addition to the squad, a young player stepping up to women’s football.

  Youngs Park the venue for today’s Women’s FA Cup tie the new facility home to all of Aylsham adult and youth teams, boasting a new 3G pitch beyond the main pitch itself the grass looking a picture one of the best in the county. Standing viewing all round beside the large clubhouse, the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drinks with a barbeque going outside. The ground a hive of activity the woman’s game the showpiece event of the day. Glorious sunshine at the start of September, hot and still, best enjoy it while it lasts, will put the fitness levels under test both sides getting their season underway.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mya Parker, Cayla Brown, Elisha Nobbs, Sophie Buckley, Jordan Arnoup (C), Jess Greengrass, Shelley Woods, Vicki Lubbock, Olivia Baker, Christina Papadopoulou & Sophie Lubbock. Subs – Chelsea Crowley, Ellie Snowling & Kiara Wright.

Aylsham FC Women

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Rachel Fallow, Amy Smith, Alex Milner, Jessica Adams, Jess Anderson, Daniella Quinn, Hollie Turner, Eve Seyf, Marie Stubbings (C), Ebony Crook & Eleanor Woodley. Subs – Megan Chandler, Grace Muffett & Emily Facerova.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Captains’ Marie Stubbings and Jordan Arnoup with today’s match officials

It’s Aylsham to get this afternoon’s Women’s FC Cup tie underway with the kick off 1st half wearing orange coloured shirts with royal blue short and socks. With Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing sky blue coloured shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. Played back into the middle the ball fed out to the left channel dealt with by Jess Adams for Fulbourn. Won back by Aylsham as they press the ball played across to the right with Christina Papadopoulou bursting in behind the defence, Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow out smartly to the top of her box to see the ball roll safely into her gloves.

  Aylsham starting brightly on the front foot winning the ball high forcing a throw on the right, Alex Milner clearing for Fulbourn, Shelley Woods winning the ball back for Aylsham in the middle lifted on for Sophie Lubbock up top back to goal, hooks it over to the right side with Papadopoulou breaking in behind once more, Fallow has to get on the move reaching it just in time to kick clear. The ball away to the right for a throw high up the pitch, Aylsham work the ball on down the line Papadopoulou putting a cross into the area, Farrow claiming it safely inside her six yard box.

  Fulbourn build on the left Daniella Quinn out to Ebony Crook has captain Marie Stubbings bursting on with her played inside the ball laid forwards into a central position for Eve Seyf to attack, Aylsham goalkeeper, Mya Parker thinks about coming for the ball, hesitates as Seyf latches onto it and quickly back pedals into her area as Seyf takes the ball away to the right across the D before attempting to play her shot back across the keeper into the far corner, Parker though right behind her effort to collect the ball up into her gloves. 

Eve Seyf lining up a shot for Fulbourn

  Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup with a fantastic ball from the back to take out the Fulbourn defence sees Papadopoulou race in behind from the right channel, attacking the area, Anderson recovers brilliantly for Fulbourn getting back at the attacker, sliding in to charge her down as she goes to pull the trigger the ball angling behind off the defender for a corner kick. The corner floated in near side, Vicki Lubbock getting up well to turn the ball on into the mix falling to Woods top of the six yard box on the volley her effort is blocked at close range, Fulbourn clearing.

  Papadopoulou lively in attack for Aylsham in the opening exchanges making a number of penetrating runs, up top with Sophie Lubbock as Olivia Baker sends the ball on Lubbock cushioning it down for Papadopoulou to the left of the D, knocks it into the box, Adams getting across her the defender shielding the ball as Fallow comes to gather. Hollie Turner clipping the ball forwards for Fulbourn as they push forwards looking for Seyf making a move towards the right of the D, Parker is out quickly to snatch up the ball at the top of her area. 

  Fulbourn attacking down the right, Eleanor Woodley challenged by Sophie Buckley the ball out for a throw in, Cushioned down off the wing by Stubbings, looks to spin in behind, Woods lunging in gets her foot on the ball to send it away for another throw. Fulbourn pressing the cross fired in along the top of the area Turner, diverting it forwards into the path of Crook right of the D, sends her strike angling across goal, cut out by Cayla Brown at the far post, cleared.

Aylsham’s Cayla Brown

   Fulbourn having rode out the early assault by Aylsham have settled into the game competing for the ball Quinn in to win it back in the final third as Aylsham look to play it out from the back. Stubbings combining with Quinn through the middle, driving on, Vicki Lubbock stepping in to make the tackle for Aylsham. Competitive Quinn and Woods fighting for the ball Woods sends it up field Baker advanced on the left clipping it in behind, Papadopoulou looks to have strayed offside as she bursts in behind but no flag races clear striking early from 25 yards out sending her attempt over. 

Olivia Baker

  An intriguing tie unfolding Fulbourn coming back into the game well getting players forwards Quinn breaking up play keeping the momentum with her side, Elisha Nobbs losing the ball down at the back fired up to Woods along side Vicki Lubbock in the middle clips it on for Papadopoulou running in behind the Fulbourn defence, Milner goes with her though the full back timing her tackle well inside the D. 

  Crook getting hold of the ball central for Fulbourn has Woodley pulling away ahead of her right side of the D looks to pick her out a vital interception from Nobbs to deny the Cambridgeshire side a shooting chance. Quinn stealing in on the ball presses forwards Woodley out to the left sees the pass into her feet, angles a cross into the box, cleared by Arnoup at the back for Aylsham

Fulbourn midfielder, Daniella Quinn

  Woodley over on the right for Fulbourn as Seyf over on that sight gets the ball under control driving on finds Woodley ahead of her, screws her cross back in towards Stubbings running in towards goal right of the D, taking the ball on into the box, fires her shot across goal wide of the far post. Aylsham under pressure at the back Woodley into the area right side placing it into Stubbings top of the area, lays it out wide to Seyf to flash a cross in from the right wing, Crook racing in central on Nobbs can’t get a telling touch six yards out. Nobbs down injured after the attack, the referee calling a drinks break. Is very hot out there.

  Nobbs is back to her feet after lengthy treatment allowed back on, Stubbings off a throw in on the right lays it into Woodley driving in towards the top of the area right side, Parker rushing out getting her gloves on the ball before Woodley can pounce. Vicki Lubbock giving away a set-piece on halfway the ball played down the line a cross fired low into the near post, Parker positioned well dropping forwards onto the ball.

Aylsham’s Christina Papadopoulou

  Aylsham attack through the middle Papadopoulou carrying the ball on forwards into Baker to the left 20 yards out hooks it inside with Vicki Lubbock advancing right channel looking to bring it down in her stride, Milner putting in the challenge as she arrives in the box to sent clear. Fulbourn launching a fast paced counter on the left Woodley with Stubbings and Crook the ball sent on up towards Seyf in a central position 25 yards out, turns to attack, Buckley getting across her to hold her off allow Parker to come for the ball.

  Aylsham get bodies forwards from midfield to join the attack, Woods going along with Vicki Lubbock put into Papadopoulou drifting out to the left sends it back inside for Lubbock before turning into the box looking for the return ball, Lubbock playing it into her feet six yards out on the angle goes to shoot, Fallow coming to close her down having well with her legs.

Fulbourn goalkeeper, Rachel Fallow.

  Nobbs is down again, struggling with her earlier knock, can’t continue as is helped to the side-lines by her teammates. Aylsham forced into a change bringing Kiara Wright on. Remains a lively contest both side putting a lot of effort in despite the heat. The ball fired up to Sophie Lubbock up top for Aylsham 20 yards out sees one then 2 efforts blocks before laying the ball to her right with her twin sister racing forwards, Vicki met with a clumsy blocking tackle goes over inside the box, half hearted appeals but nothing doing as Fulbourn get the ball away to safety.

Sophie Lubbock

  Fulbourn get up the other end Seyf winning a throw on the right high level with the penalty box played inside to Stubbings top of the area right side, Parker racing out to close her down sliding in, Stubbings almost succeeds in taking the ball wide of the grounded keeper, however Parker dives at full stretch to snatch the ball away from Stubbings boot. 

 A fascinating game two sides giving it their all, evenly matched Fulbourn getting forwards well looking to find an opening, need to remain wary up the other end as Aylsham release the ball up to their attacking players Baker to the left clipping it across the top of the area for Sophie Lubbock on the right, runs straight into Milner. Parker in the right place to save as Seyf sees the ball into her feet central off a throw from the right, her low strike straight at the keeper.

  Aylsham on the move left side Woods getting on with the ball with Papadopoulou out wide the ball fired into the D for Sophie Lubbock moves to her right looking for an opening her shot blocked by Anderson comes straight back to Lubbock pulls the trigger a 2nd time, Woods in the way this time striking her inside the box and away for a goal kick. Sophie Lubbock getting onto the end of a ball hooked clear from the back turns to shoot all of 30 yards out put straight at Fallow in the Fulbourn goal.

  GOAL! – Quinn up with the attack putting the ball to the left Crook on for Stubbings down the line squares a cross into the box, intercepted by Arnoup back out to the left side, Stubbings with another opportunity to fire in the cross, this time finds Woodley central drifting in unmarked, one on one with the keeper, picks her spot to drill the ball low past Parker before she can react 0-1.

Eleanor Woodley with the opening goal for Fulbourn

  Fulbourn with the lead the deadlock broken in the 38th minute. Farrow kicking the ball out of her hands helped on through the middle, comes through to Seyf in attack up top through the middle looks to control and turn top of the D, Greengrass putting in the tackle the ball running behind wide for a corner kick. Swung in near side Aylsham clear. Smith advancing up the field on the right for Fulbourn finishing the first half strong, plays a one two with Woodley who races down the line before angling a cross along the face of goal the ball cleared by Greengrass at the far post with Crook closing in. 

Parker fouled as she gets up to try and catch a high ball flung into the box from Fulbourn’s right. Papadopoulou gathering the ball into her feet looks to get on the move down the right, Crook tracking back to challenge for Fulbourn. Aylsham press forwards the ball lifted into Baker inside the box right of goal knocks it down for Papadopoulou on the move right side, cuts her cross back for Vicki Lubbock running in 25 yards out smashes her shot wide beyond the far post.

  End to end and Fulbourn turn play around Turner on for Quinn up on the right with Seyf and Woodley moving into the corner her cross intercepted turned wide for a throw, into Woodley 25 yards out fires it in central for Seyf to hit the shot, angled in on goal comes at Parker with pace but right behind it gets her gloves behind the ball palming it down then claiming. 

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 0-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 A thoroughly entertaining 1st half between to competitive evenly matched sides. A bright start from Aylsham getting on the front foot pushing on took Fulbourn a little time to settle figure things out but once they did the game became much more even the visitors getting forwards well, breaking up a number of Aylsham attacks, the hosts carrying a threat in behind forcing a save from the keeper. Fulbourn creating opportunities of their own taking a one on one with the keeper to open the scoring late in the first half. Both sides putting alot of effort into the game will be interesting to see if they can keep it up. Fulbourn with the slender lead will be looking to extend the advantage 2nd half, Aylsham needing to find a goal, if it’s all square after 90 minutes the game goes straight to penalties. 

 Aylsham with an enforced change in the first half making another at the start of the 2nd half, having lost one defender, lose another with Buckley coming off, Ellie Snowling entering the game. A positional change with Woods usually an attack minded player joining Arnoup at centre back. Fulbourn unchanged getting the 2nd half underway the ball back into Stubbings in midfield played across the back line before being played forwards into Woodley looks for Crook on the left, Brown seeing it out for a throw for Aylsham.

   Woodley pressing the ball on the left steals on on Brown to run past the full back, Brown back to her feet to get after Woodley and tackle to play the ball out for a throw. Fulbourn on the attack early on 2nd half pressing the ball high, out to Seyf wide right angles her diagonal ball inside into Woodley top of the D, turns to take the shot, Arnoup close in to put in the block. 

Aylsham captain, Jordan Arnoup winning the ball

 Fulbourn winning a corner on the right side, the ball curled in near post high over Turner comes to Woodley catching the attacker off guard six yards out gets her head to the ball looping up in towards goal, Parker though sees it all the way claims unchallenged.

 Fulbourn turning the screw Seyf on the right winning her side a corner kick, the ball swung in near side Parker up well to take it into her gloves. Parker busy at the start of the 2nd half Crook firing the ball on from the right for Woodley steal off the defence into attack the box, Parker out sliding in doesn’t quite get there but throwing herself across the attackers run does enough to see Woodley fire her shot wide of the right post however it comes at a cost, Parker down hurt.

 Play stopped a long pause drinks taken, some concern a change of goalkeeper considered, Arnoup the option to don the gloves has been an emergency goalie in the past. Time taken however and Parker is slowly back up on her feet and able to continue. Play resumes Vicki Lubbock up to Snowling on the left a forceful run sends the pass infield for Wright, held up by Anderson, looks to take it right before lifting a high ball into the box, caught high back on her line by Fallow at her near post. 

Fulbourn defender, Jess Anderson

 Anderson strong at the back for Fulbourn brings the ball out of defence sending it forwards for Crook running on down the left side whips a cross in behind the defence Seyf just a fraction away from making contact 20 yards out, the flag though is raised against her, close. A good contest as Baker hooks the ball on from the middle up to Wright who drags the ball to the right looking to get down the line, Anderson racing across to snuff out the chance sending the ball away for a throw.

  Aylsham coming back into the game having soaked up some pressure from Fulbourn at the start of the 2nd half, Snowling and Vicki Lubbock looking to link up on the left side, Adams sliding in to halt proceedings for Fulbourn. The game stretched now with Fulbourn turning defence into attack well Quinn up to Woodley central lays it to Seyf to the right looking for the return ball as she races on into the box gets it, chasing it down Vicki Lubbock tracking back the pair come together Woodley’s heels clipped the visitors want the foul instead get a corner as the ball is deflected behind. Swung into the box Turner meeting it 10 yards out drills her headed effort over the cross bar.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

  Anderson surges away on the left getting forwards pressures Brown in possession forcing the error, taking the ball on in behind to cross into the area out to the right for Crook inside the box attempts to play it back across goal as Anderson steals in far post turns her first time attempt over! Fulbourn pushing hard for a 2nd goal Quinn with Stubbings into Crook right side 30 yard out pulls the trigger her strike angling wide past the far post. 

Eve Seyf with Kiara Wright

 Wright fouled by Stubbings on the right on halfway, Arnoup ever dangerous on a set-piece to take angling a diagonal ball up towards Sophie Lubbock inside the D, knocks it down into the path of Baker 30 yards out takes on the shot her effort bouncing up sharply in front of the keeper, but Fallow unfazed to claim. 

Shelley Woods winning the ball for Aylsham

 Fulbourn break away the ball floated on down the left Woodley on the move no flag running in behind to curl a cross in across the top of the area to Crook on the opposite side on the run as she strikes the ball, wasn’t settled as the ball left her foot, the shot taken by Parker positioned well on her penalty spot. Wright and Milner enjoying a good tussle on the right of Aylsham’s attack the attacker slipping inside to send a cross into the box too close to Farrow covering her near post. 

Vicki Lubbock

Aylsham with a third change bringing of Baker, replacing her with Chelsea Crowley. Papadopoulou’s chances limited so far in the 2nd half, links up with Wright on the right to get away to send a cross into the Fulbourn box, intercepted by Quinn. Aylsham keep the momentum Papadopoulou knocking the ball on central for Vicki Lubbock outside the box can’t quite take it in her stride, Papadopoulou running onto the loose ball 20 out pulls her shot wide.

Ellie Snowling

  Fulbourn lively on the counter attack Stubbins breaking on with the ball laid forwards into Woodley, Woods sticking a foot out to stab the ball away for a throw. Fulbourn from the throw press the attack Stubbings controlling to send the ball down the line for Woodley cutting the cross back to Seyf arriving top of the area, turns inside to shoot, her effort lacking pace Parker can snatch it up cleanly into her gloves. Fulbourn storming on with the ball Stubbings on for Woodley through the middle looks to drive into the box, Woods struggling to catch her brings her down with a cynical foul outside the D, a free kick to Fulbourn, Arnoup was around on the cover preventing it from being a straight red card, yellow shown. Crook on the set-piece s annoyed with herself as she flashes her strike over the bar.

Ebony Crook

  The visitors pressing for a goal, Crook breaking on up the right the cross-field ball into her path bursts into the box, Greengrass in to pressure the shot as Crook lets fly fires the shot wide at the near post. A single goal between the sides Aylsham under the cosh at the back as Fulbourn push players on release the ball through the middle into Vicki Lubbock 25 yards out to the left of the D, pulls the trigger a powerful hit taking a wicked deflection of a defender lopping up in front of Fallow, Papadopoulou running in on the keeper on the follow up getting something on the ball but can only turn in frustration and the ball spins wide of goal. 

  Players getting tired out their the heat sapping, Sophie Lubbock has fresher legs to her left as she sends Snowling away down the left, Smith closing her down to put the ball out for a throw. Woodley on for Crook plays the ball over the top looking for Seyf in behind, the attacker hesitates for a moment expecting a flag, gives Parker the vital second she needs to race out of her area to put in the blocking clearance, however the flag is up. A double change for Fulbourn, Quinn and Seyf coming off to be replaced by Chandler and Muffett.

 Aylsham warded a free-kick on halfway. the clock ticking down as Aylsham search for an equaliser, Arnoup has a crack on goal, skipping through on target Fallow is forced into the save diving to her right full stretch to push the ball wide out of her box. Stubbings is finding the energy to keep up the attack running away with the ball on the left flashes a cross into the six yard box, Parker down low to knock the ball away from danger ahead of Woodley. 

  GOAL! 10 minutes of regular play left Aylsham find Wright central controls to lay the ball on for Vicki Lubbock 20 out left of the D, drives forwards evading a wild challenge to run on into the box and slot the ball past the advancing keeper to level the match 1-1.

Vicki Lubbock celebrates with her teammates

  Game on with less than 10 minutes to play Aylsham back in the tie. Players pulling up on both side with fatigue. A break in play a chance for both to regroup for the closing stages. Aylsham with their tails up attack through the middle Papadopoulou with Vicki Lubbock has Woods making a run to the left finds her the ball slid into the box, cut out and cleared by Anderson for Fulbourn. 

Alex Milner with Chelsea Crowley

  The visitors set Crook away on the right forwards for Woodley into Chandler out on the wing, Crowley slides in to put the ball out for a throw in. This time the in swinging corner flung over Turner at the near post doesn’t catch Woodley unawares, meets it six yards out with a bullet header flashed straight at the keeper, parker reacting instinctively batting the ball up into the air and plucking it down safely into her chest.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mya Parker.

  Milner with a rare foray forwards for Fulbourn on the left swings a cross into the box looking for Woodley central, Parker has read the game well throughout there to claim the cross. Into the last five minutes Fulbourn finding the energy to launch a swift attack the ball clipped on by Stubbings to Woodley bursting through the defence, Greengrass finds the legs to get back on her pressure the attacker into the early strike from 25 yards out lacks the power to trouble Parker.

 The game stretched in the closing stages Aylsham tired pushed up trying to keep momentum in the Fulbourn half a risk but a goal now for either side surely wins the tie. Fulbourn dangerous on the counter Stubbings away with Woodley through the middle the latter sending Stubbings into the box right side, Woods going with her with a well timed tackle inside the box to turn the ball of Stubbings for a goal kick. Players down have given it their all, Milner struggling for Fulbourn nevertheless digs deep to deny Wright a crossing opportunity late on. 

 Woodley left side bringing the ball under control from a throw turning inside to lift a diagonal ball into the top of the area for Crook right of goal meeting it on the half volley sends her effort over the bar. Vicki Lubbock with a tired challenge to bring Woodley down central 30 yards out with the game deep into injury time. One last chance for Fulbourn outside the D, Crook with the deception to play the ball low out to the right for Woodley to attack inside the box on the angle smashes the shot in at the near post, Parker with the acrobatic save throwing herself to the left to glove the ball wide off the post… the final whistle comes straight after he tie going to a penalty shootout!

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-1 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 A thrilling game Fulbourn nearly winning it with the final kick of the ball. Created a host o chances 2nd half but couldn’t take one to extend their lead, needed a little more composure in front of goal but credit to Aylsham had to dig deep 2nd period deal with players in unfamiliar positions getting forwards got an opportunity to score and took it well holding on to send the game into a penalty shootout. In a contest that could have gone either way. 

Penalties

  Don’t like penalties as you know but the game has to be settled on the day, 5 each then if still level goes to sudden death.

  Aylsham up first, and it’s their captain placing the ball on the spot, Arnoup hitting the ball hard and low to her left, Fallow guessing the right way diving down to make the save deflect the ball up over the bar! 0-0

Rachel Fallow saves the opening penalty

 Crook walking up to the spot to take Fulbourn’s first penalty, a powerful hit angling arrow like to the right corner of the goal Parker going the right way has no chance 0-1.

  Vicki Lubbock to take Aylsham’s 2nd spot kick, no mistake blasts it down the middle to level things up 1-1.

  Woodley to take Fulbourn’s 2nd spot kick fires it in hard and low to the right, Parker throws herself across her goal to save getting her gloves behind the ball 1-1.

  Woods coming up to take Aylsham’s 3rd spot kick with an opportunity to fire her side into the lead, coolly taken to send the keeper the wrong way and score. 2-1.

  Turner to takes Fulbourn’s 3rd spot kick. struck to the right of goal, Parker agile moves crab like across her goal to get behind the shot and make the save. 2-1.

Mya Parker saving twice in the shootout.

  Sophie Lubbock up next for Aylsham, runs up a powerful hit angling to the left of goal at a saveable height Fallow dives gets her fingertips to the ball but the pace beats her to see Aylsham go 3-1 up.

  Chandler up next for Fulbourn has to score to keep her side in the shootout blasts her penalty into the top corner, well struck. 3-2.

  Papadopoulou walking up to take Aylsham’s 5th penalty scores and she sends her side into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup, runs in strikes the ball the keeper goes the right way but can’t get there the ball smashing down over the line off the crossbar to secure the win 4-2.

Aylsham celebrate as they advance to the next round of the Women’s FA Cup

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A clear winner this time around. Nevertheless several performances to mention. A thrilling cup tie both sides gave it their all and could have gone either way. Firstly for Fulbourn a tough call to single anyone out was a great team effort once they got into the game. The attackers all playing their part making some great runs and constant outlets for the ball. Marie Stubbings got about the park winning the ball setting her team forwards. Jess Anderson with a number of vital tackles at the back winning her fair share of challenges. Daniella Quinn strong in the middle too particularly first half getting forwards to break up Aylsham’s play kept the momentum with her side. For Aylsham, Christina Papadopoulou asked Fulbourn plenty of questions with some great attacking runs, Vicki Lubbock strong in the middle getting forwards to support the attack to her chance well. The award though goes to young goalkeeper, Mya Parker, a fantastic competitive debut for Aylsham her positional play was fantastic throughout, read the game well and made a number of vital saves, most notably in the final seconds and two in the shootout.

  Aylsham will face Essex side Stanway Pegasus Women  in 2nd Round Qualifying after they scored a 94th minute winner to beat Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 3-2. A cracking cup tie more often than not there is a tie that calls to me in the draw and this was it a great contest between the sides a proper cup tie and both can be proud of their performance their opening game of the season sets them up nicely for the league campaign ahead. Could have gone either way. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the team details, good to catch up with a few familiar faces and look forward to the next round.

by Darren Gilham