Monthly Archives: October 2024

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Chelmsford City Women

Sunday 27th October

ERWFL League Cup

A trip to Trafford Park this Sunday to watch a game from the 2nd round of this season’s ERWFL League Cup, Wroxham Women reaching the final last season hosting ERWFL newcomers, Chelmsford City Women making the long trip up to Norfolk from Essex.

  All 36 (now 35) teams across the ERWFL’s 3 divisions contesting the League Cup with those knocked out in the early rounds going on to compete for the League Plate. Wroxham Women one again hoping to go deep into the competition having reached two of the last three League Cup finals. Chelmsford City Women amongst a host of new sides joining the ERWFL this season taking part in the competition for the first time.

  Wroxham Women with a mixed bag of results to start the season winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2 in the Premier Division, playing catch up with their fixtures too with the club also seeing 2 matches abandoned too. Ambitious Wroxham are aiming to compete at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division on a consistent basis an challenge for promotion to the FAWNL above as well as aiming to go deep into League and County Cup respectfully. Building a strong squad as manager Adam Race begins his 2nd season with the club.

 Hannah Fuller has long been one of the best strikers in the region and already has 10 goals to her name this season from her 8 appearances. Have assembled a squad with a strong blend of youth and experience. Leilah Gooding and Hayley Kindred both with ERWFL experience having played for Needham Market last season. Midfielder, Chloe Shipman an influential player for Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women last season as they won promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division in their debut season in tier 6. Rio Dobbie and Poppy Loveland young players with lots of potential. Rebecca (Becca) Russell the latest recruit, knowing several members of the squad from her days at Wymondham comes to the club after a spell with Norwich City Women. Means the two Rebecca Russell’s in Norfolk are now on the same side knew it would happen one day, but one’s always been Becky (Wroxham’s captain now) so that makes life easier for those writing match reports!

 Chelmsford City Women were patient in their ambition to reach the ERWFL, wanting to do so as Essex Premier Division champions. That feat achieved last season after a number of years coming close to achieving that goal. Not only that, a club has to be ready to step up to regional football, there’s alot more to it that having a talented squad, as others have discovered. Dussindale & Hellesdon a good example, ready player wise possibly three season’s ago wanted the behind the scenes set up right too and that has paid off with them winning promotion straight from tier 6 to tier 5. Chelmsford going up as champions followed by a host of Essex sides that sees 8 of the 11 sides competing in the ERWFL Southern Premier Division from the county. 

 Chelmsford City Women fairing the best of the newly promoted sides currently sitting 6th in the Division One South table having played 6, making a losing start bounced back well to win 3 on the bounce to climb up the table, pegged back in recent games with narrow defeats against Hutton and leaders Colney Heath Ladies. Victory in the county cup last weekend travel to Norfolk as the underdogs with a few out through injury. Have signed some valuable experience and quality to their squad with the likes of midfielder Jay Blackie and Zoe Rushen who most recently featured for Billericay Town Women in the FAWNL. Zoe Rushen top scorer so far with 6 goals to her name while Blackie has 4. Broghan Kelly too with 3 goals to her name from the 3 matches she has featured in so far.

 Trafford Park the venue for this afternoon’s cup tie. Chelmsford making the trip up to Norfolk the day before staying overnight an extra hour in bed with the clocks going back. A glorious autumn day, make the most of them while they last. Bright sunshine beginning to sink behind one end of the ground likely to cause a few issues for the side defending at the bottom of the sloping pitch The grass pitch a decent size offering good width. viewing all round with a small seated stand opposite the dugouts and clubhouse beyond, the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. 

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Chelsea Clarke, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Jennifer Drummie, Leilah Gooding, Becca Russell, Hayley Kindred, Lucy Eagle & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Becky Russell, Rachel Cossey, Chloe Shipman, Lily Alexander & Lauren Bullard.

Wroxham Women

 Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Hannah Streetley, Shannon Kelly, Kaci Crook, Lauren Butcher, Gaby Freedman (C), Kerry Stimson, Rosie Coe, Jay Blackie, Evie Payne, Ellie Dopson & Zoe Rushen. Subs – Emma Rushen & Heidi Lacey.

Chelmsford City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains’ Gaby Freedman and Tigi Robson with today’s referee, Michael Clark

  Chelmsford to kick-off the 1st half facing into the sun setting low behind the trees up the opposite end of the ground, with Wroxham goalkeeper, Bryony Williams goal already in the shade. The visitors wearing their all claret strip with Wroxham wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The players ready to go, the DJ however not the sound system still blaring out the tunes a quick run to the clubhouse and silence as referee, Michael Clark gets the game underway. The ball fed into the middle put out to the left, Hannah Fuller rushing on to close the ball down for Wroxham, Chelmsford under pressure at the back scramble the ball out to Kaci Crook on the right sends it on for Zoe Rushen pulling onto the wing looks to lay the ball back inside to Crook, Chelsea Clarke nipping in to cut the pass out for Wroxham.

 The hosts looking to turn play around quickly played forwards into Leilah Gooding in the middle sprays the ball out wide to the right wing with Hayley Kindred on the move, Shannon Kelly sliding in to make the tackle for Chelmsford sending the ball out for a throw in. Wroxham squeezing possession in the middle getting the ball out to the right flank, Fuller across to link up with Kindred the ball fizzed into the area, Gooding near side looking to get in down under control get a shot away before being closed down, snatches her shot wide of the right post.

  Clarke getting up on the left for Wroxham on for Lucy Eagle with Fuller pulling into the left channel, the ball into the corner crossed into the box, cleared by Kerry Stimson at the ear post for the visitors. A lively start to the game both sides looking to get forwards quickly. Becca Russell with the diagonal ball out to Kindred looking to get on down the right her cross cut back to the top of the D, Eagle looking to meet in her glancing header turning the ball wide at the far post. 

Wroxham striker, Lucy Eagle

  Ellie Dopson dropping back to help in defence for Chelmsford as Clarke breaks forwards for Wroxham, gets fouled as she looks to shield the ball back to her keeper, Hannah Streetley. Chelmsford get hold of the ball on the right Crook up with Dopson the ball rolled on for Rushen to latch onto right channel as she drives into the area closing in on goal from the angle looks to lift her shot over the keepers head, Williams right behind it plucking the ball down comfortably to make the save. 

 Rushen going down under a heavy challenge in the middle of the park, down in need of treatment looks to have ben caught by a flailing elbow, some concern but after a long pause in play is up and ready to play on. Chelmsford battling for the ball in the middle, Jay Blackie the Rosie Coe with the tackles before Coe releases Crook into space on the right drives forwards checking inside to take aim from 25 yards out sends her strike over the bar. 

  The Chelmsford camera filming the game is nearly killed as Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson comes across to the right to clear the ball ball as Rushen looks to get it under control on the wing, a operator with a good save as the tripod legs get struck . Chelmsford encouraged on the right with Crook and Dopson linking up will with Rushen, Crook on for Rushen wide has Dopson inside her gives her the ball as she drives into the box looking to get in behind the defence, Jennifer Drummie tracking back from midfield sliding in on Dopson with a well timed tackle to send the ball behind for a corner kick.

Chelmsford’s Rosie Coe with Wroxham’s Leilah Gooding

  The corner curled into the near post, Clarke doing the defending for Wroxham. Williams out of her area sharply to get to the ball first ahead of Rushen as she springs the offside trap to run in behind. Chelmsford gaining some momentum asking Wroxham a few questions as Blackie sends the ball into Rushen attacking the box left of goal, forcing the hosts into conceding a corner. The ball once again defended at the near post, by Ella Gambell cleared out of the box, Chelmsford quick to regain possession come right with Crook pushing up her pass fed inside looking for Rushen cut out by Drummie.

Chelmsford’s Zoe Rushen holding of Wroxham’s Tigi Robson

  Robson bringing the ball out from the back for Wroxham looking for Clarke advancing down the wing who in turn feeds it down the line for Eagle, Lauren Butcher coming across from the middle of defence to get across the Wroxham attacker see the ball out safely for a goal kick. Wroxham press players forwards Becca Russel out to the right, Gambell on for Kindred to race after down the flank into the corner, getting inside her marker to send a cross into the near post, Gaby Freedman, captaining Chelmsford up to head the ball clear.

  Both keepers called into action to rush out of their boxes to kick the ball clear as Fuller steals in on the ball at the back for Wroxham, then as the ball is launched clear high over the defence at the other end, Williams needs to react to get to the ball ahead of Rushen. Crook bringing the ball on with pace for Chelmsford right side sending it forwards for Dopson on the wing, checks her run, before sweeping a cross into the box, Poppy Loveland intercepting on the penalty spot for Wroxham, clearing the ball.

  Fuller putting herself about up top for Wroxham, a competitive tie with little quarter given both sides willing to mix things up a few over exuberant challenge being made. Fuller pressuring Streetley on the ball as it is rolled into her inside the six yard box, winning her side a corner kick. The corner played into Gooding top of the area left of goal meets the ball on he volley, sending her first time hit wide of the top left corner. 

Hannah Fuller

Wroxham finding Clarke as she gets up on the left links up with Eagle puling out wide the ball from Eagle played back to Clarke left corner of the area, sweeps a cross into the six yard box, Fuller stooping into the header, planting the ball straight at Streetley the keeper grabbing hold of the ball. Streetley playing the ball short out from her box into her defence sees Fuller reacting smartly to steal in to nab the ball right of goal and power her way into the box, the keeper quickly across her area to throw herself down across the striker block the ball at her feet and pull it safely into her body.

Jennifer Drummie

  Drummie into Becca Russell turns on the ball central to lay it on for Fuller, who looks to send, Kindred away down the left, Freedman with a timely interception for Chelmsford. Clarke taking the ball on down Wroxham’s left wriggling free of a couple of challenges to send a cross into Fuller at the near post back to goal lays it out to the top of the area for Gooding 20 yards out, looks to shift inside to make room for a strike, Coe charging her down for the visitors the ball deflected away for a corner. Curled into the near post and cleared.

  Chelmsford working hard at the back to keep Wroxham out, Stimson throwing herself into block as Eagle lines up a strike from all of 25 yards, the ball coming into her from the left. Chelmsford dealing with a couple of knocks, Rushen from her earlier blow. Blackie in the wars too. Wroxham pressing the ball well getting players up around the 18 yard box forcing a corner on their right. Swung in at the near post, Rushen heading away for Chelmsford this time.

  Fuller fouled out on the left giving Wroxham a free-kick from deep, sent into the top of the area cleared out to the right wing Kindred looking to attack, Evie Payne closing into win the ball back for the visitors. The tackles keep coming in, a competitive tussle in the middle, the referee having a word with Blackie for a foul on Drummie. Coe finding Dopson as she charges forwards on the right for Chelmsford, Clarke getting back at her to get in front of her see the ball back to her keeper. 

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

 Butcher and Fuller are enjoying a good battle as the defender looks to keep tabs on the Wroxham striker. Kindred with a shot from all of 30 yards out as the ball is rolled into her from the right, struck in low on target, Streetley is a tall keeper, throws herself to her right across her goal to make the save. Chelmsford get the ball on through the middle out to Dopson on the right up with Rushen, the ball played into her Robson coming across to close her down appeals for a handball as the Chelmsford attacker looks to spring in behind her, Robson pulling her back aggrieved as the appeals are ignored and Chelmsford win the free-kick, the Wroxham captain going into the book too.

 GOAL! The free-kick in a useful position to the right wide of goal, Rushen over the ball, players coming up from the back, Rushen with a fantastic delivery firing the ball in at the far post corridor asking to be attacked players closing in, Blackie amongst those getting a touch to turn the ball back across the keeper and into the bottom corner to put the visitors into the lead with 5 minutes to play in the first half 0-1.

Jay Blackie congratulated as she fires Chelmsford into the lead

 GOAL! It’s an odd cliché, but you’re never more vulnerable than when you score, straight from the restart Wroxham get the ball out to the right, move the ball sharply before turning it inside straight to Becca Russel unmarked 30 plus yards out central, catches the shot well on the turn sending the ball up over the keeper and under the bar to level the scores with a superb strike 1-1.

Becca Russell striking from distance to put Wroxham quickly back on level terms.

  Play stopped soon after the goal with injury concerns for both Blackie and Rushen who has gone down still suffering from the effects of the heavy challenge early on. Time taken for both Rushen in particular before play goes on. Rushen playing the ball up the right for Dopson to race on up the wing getting inside Clarke to attack the box, Robson with the blocking tackle the ball striking Dopson but rebounding safely through for the keeper to scoop up.

Chelmsford’s Ellie Dopson

Blackie fouling, Gooding in the middle the hosts with a free-kick right of the circle played on down the right for Kindred to sweep a cross in at the near post, Streetley coming to punch the ball out of her box, falls to Clarke 25 yards out central fires her strike over the crossbar. Both sides pushing for a goal at the end of the first half the match end to end, Robson lunging in to challenge Dopson as she attempts to carry it through into the box in the right channel. Rushen holding the ball up turning to release Dopson ahead of her on the right, Robson closing her down before Loveland gets onto the ball attempting to carry it out of the back for the hosts. 

Poppy Loveland

  Clarke getting hold of the ball as Chelmsford give it away at the back coming inside form the left 25 yards out drags her shot wide. Kindred put away down the right for Wroxham by Gambell in the closing seconds of the first half fires a cross into the six yard box, Freedman getting to it ahead of Fuller. 

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-1 Chelmsford City Women

  All square at the break as the sides head into the changing room for the half-time interval. Had written in my notes earlier (if Chelmsford can go into the break level they’ll be the happier of the two sides). As it was they went on to score the opener, only to concede straight away that slightly shifting thing’s in Wroxham’s favour as the Premier Division side have come up against a tenacious opponent. Chelmsford working hard at the back with some useful attacking runs, Dopson and Crook linking up well with Rushen up top creating a couple of chances. That said Wroxham have pressed well as a unit the midfield getting up to support the attack creating opportunities themselves and with some good options to bring on from the bench will be interesting to see if they can find the extra edge in the 2nd half with extra time and penalties if needed to settle the tie.

  Chelmsford out first 2nd half making a change, Zoe Rushen having picked up an injury in the 1st half substituted with Emma Rushen coming on. Wroxham attacking up the slope 2nd half with no changes as the hosts get the 2nd half underway. The ball rolled back into Drummie in the middle laid on for Clarke on the left attacking the by-line Chelmsford defending.

  Emma Rushen fouled as she is backed into as she attempts to hold the ball up to the right of the circle. The ball plays up into the top of the Wroxham area, defended Chelmsford keep possession laying the ball to the right the cross curled into the area by Dopson, hooked clear by Robson. The diagonal ball finding Gambell on the move up Wroxham’s right side, Kelly moving into close her down for Chelmsford. 

Shannon Kelly tackling Wroxham’s Hayley Kindred

 Chelmsford fighting for the ball in the middle of the park Coe knocking it forwards, Blackie bursting after it right of the D, Williams racing out of her area to clear as Gambell looks to get in front of Blackie the keeper, clearing the ball as she slides in but colliding with Gambell in the process both down hurt as Blackie walks away unscathed. Another pause in play as both players are accessed, Gambell up first then Williams both okay to play on.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell

 

  Both sides looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half passes rushed Kelly sliding in to clear the ball fed up the right channel for Wroxham looks to have fouled Wroxham’s Kindred the winger hurt as she hurdles the challenge, however the decision goes the other way a free-kick to Chelmsford. Kindred hobbling a little but okay to play on.

 Blackie trying her luck from distance sending a looping shot from 30 yards out straight at the keeper.

Chelmsford midfielder, Jay Blackie

 Drummie threading the pass through to Fuller pulling right beating the offside trap to run on into the area wide of goal fires her cross into the six yard box looking for Eagle at the far post, Butcher with a vital interception for the visitors. Wroxham making a double switch early in the 2nd half as they bring off both Gooding and Eagle send on Becky Russell and Lauren Bullard, straight swaps for both with Russell into the middle, Bullard attacking from the left. 

 Wroxham looking to push on get Kindred on the ball central lays it back for Drummie to strike on the run left of goal, fires her low shot wide of the post. Chelmsford pushed back, Coe getting stuck in to help out her defence bring the ball away for the visitors ending it up to Dopson and Rushen up top, Robson winning it back for Wroxham. The ball pinging back and forth as both sides look for the killer pass to send someone in clear to attack the opposing box. 

Becky Russell

  Stimson fouled top of the circle for Chelmsford. Kelly to play the set-piece in towards the top of the area defended by Loveland, the ball out to the right Chelmsford getting hold of it to send a cross back into the area Williams up to claim the ball. Chelmsford frustrating Wroxham battling hard to win the ball pushed deeper, allowing Wroxham’s full backs to push on. Gambell right side up to Becky Russell coming wide for the ball linking up with Fuller the striker turning into the box right off goal closing down the near post firing the ball across the goal, Streetley down to save as Bullard races in at the far post the ball pushed up though, Bullard attempting to reach it sees her shot charged down by Freedman.

Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman

  Wroxham knocking on the door ringing the changes as they make a triple switch bringing on Rachel Cossey, Chloe Shipman and Lily Alexander to replace, Loveland, Drummie and Becca Russell. Clarke pushing on up the left flank sweeping a cross into the six yard box, gather by Streetley. Clarke up on the left again to play Bullard onto the ball taking it into the box on the by-line lifts a cross in across goal, cut out and cleared by Butcher for Chelmsford.

  Becky Russell getting hold of the ball for Wroxham lifting the pass on for Clarke out on the left wing sends her cross into the near post dropping into Fuller in front of Streetley the attacker lifting her shot over the bar from close range. 

 Chelmsford making their 2nd change as they relieve Heidi Lacey from her lineswoman duties, bringing off Bishop, goes in to right back. Wroxham with fresh legs on the pitch pressing the advantage getting players on.

GOAL! The substitutions making the difference as Wroxham come on through the middle the ball put on for Kindred on the right lays it forwards for Fuller chasing into the box to the by-line Fuller turns to lay the ball back to Kindred top corner of the area, curls her cross into the mix dropping for Becky Russell on the spot closed down before she can get a shot away Lily Alexander latching onto the ball top of the area rifles a shot in towards goal cannoning off the under side of the crossbar to bounce over the line into the back of the net to put the hosts into the lead 2-1.

Lily Alexander coming off the bench to fire Wroxham into the lead

 Wroxham with the lead 24 minutes into the 2nd half. Alexander off the bench to score. Wroxham quick to regain possession back as Chelmsford drop deep to defend, the ball played up to Fuller sprinting in behind on the right her cross looping into the six yard box, just over Bullard running in to attack central. 

Chelmsford’s Kerry Stimson

  Stimson sliding in to make the challenge is hurt as she goes in to tackle Fuller, top of the area. Up gingerly as Gambell puts, Kindred away on Wroxham’s right her cross cut back inside for Alexander 25 yards out attempts to meet it on the volley hooking the ball goal wards but straight into the arms of Streetley. Chelmsford pushed back tiring as Gambell surges on with the ball laying it on for Fuller taking it to the by-line on the right her cross cut out at the near post by Butcher turned behind for a corner kick.

Wroxham winger, Hayley Kindred

  Gambell sliding in to win the ball back for Wroxham on the right putting it on for Kindred lifting a cross into the box, met by Alexander, heads over. Stimson and Coe fighting for the ball for Chelmsford working hard though the middle, Coe lifting it up to Dopson in attack, has limited options as Robson gets across her to play the ball back for her keeper to clear. 

Kaci Crook challenging Hayley Kindred for the ball

  Clarke out on the left for Wroxham sending a deep cross into the box for Fuller attacking centrally, under challenge from Freedman drags her shot wide of the visitors left post. Wroxham on top as Chelmsford tire pushing their opponents back coming on at will Kindred taking the ball on right knocking the ball into the area, cleared by Freedman. Some late tackles coming in Gambell feeling a couple, then Kindred as the advantage is played on the right, Kelly across to defend for Chelmsford. Into the final 10 minutes. 

GOAL! Wroxham getting bodies up and around the Chelmsford penalty spot the ball knocked out of the area falling to Clarke 25 yards out to the left of the D looks to drag the ball inside for shifting back left and letting loose a strike getting power behind the low shot to send it angling into the bottom right corner to double the hosts lead 3-1.

Chelsea Clarke firing home Wroxham’s 3rd

  Wroxham making a change straight after the goal ending Loveland back on into the back line to replace Robson. Clarke advancing with the ball on the left for Wroxham is tackled well by Chelmsford’s Lacey. Cossey fouled as she looks to bring the ball on for Wroxham through the middle. To the left 30 yards out Clarke to play the set piece up into the top of the area won by Fuller lays it back to Clarke running in on the ball her attempted strike charged down. 

  Kindred putting the ball inside for Cossey as she breaks forwards, Cossey sending it out to Becky Russell on the right flank her cross cut out by Kelly for Chelmsford. Stimson carrying  knock putting her body on the line as she works hard to defend in front of the back line for the visitors as Wroxham push on late in the game looking for another goal. Gambell laying the ball into Alexander 20 yards out looks to turn on the ball drag herself into the box, Butcher moving in to close her down with a well timed tackle.

Wroxham’s Rachel Cossey

  All Wroxham as the hosts push on with less than 5 minutes left to play. Butcher trying to make the ball stick up top for Chelmsford is fouled by Gambell. left of the circle the free-kick played forwards by Kelly, defended by Shipman. Kindred racing away on the right for Wroxham scooping a ball into the area, Stimson stretching managing to get a leg up to hook the ball away from immediate danger. 

Into the closing stages of the tie Wroxham on top Gambell linking up well with Kindred the ball played forwards into Becky Russell coming out to the right side up the line to send a cross into the far post, Lacey defending as she gets in front of Bullard to head the ball clear. The final whistle blows and Wroxham celebrate as they advance in this season’s league cup having overcome a stern test from Chelmsford. 

Full time Wroxham Women 3-1 Chelmsford City Women 

   Wroxham with a strong 2nd half finding the extra edge to overcome their opponents to score twice to advance in the league cup having a strong bench to call upon, manager Adam Race used his substitutes well to find the extra edge to go on to take the lead and secure the win. Pushing players on well as Chelmsford dropped deeper, their options limited through injury and lack of numbers the Essex side nevertheless battled hard throughout. Gave a good account of themselves against higher league opponents. Asking a few questions first half creating opportunities going on to score the opening goal. Unfortunately conceded straight away to lose that advantage. Forced into changes didn’t have the players to refresh things from the bench and as they tired Wroxham were able to press in numbers.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Is a tough one once again even to single out a player from both sides let alone overall but their is one of course. Several performances of note even if so I must give credit to both sides for their all round team performance. Firstly for Chelmsford, Ellie Dopson made some very good attacking runs especially first half linking up well with Kaci Crook and Zoe Rushen who herself found some good pockets of space to exploit before having to come off in the 2nd half. Lauren Butcher with some vital tackles at the back along with Shannon Kelly, while Kerry Stimson and Rosie Coe covered alot of ground attempting to win the ball and get their side moving forwards. Again Wroxham with a strong pressing game as a unit. Hannah Fuller leading the line getting into some great positions bringing other into play. Hayley Kindred attacking on the right using the ball well. Tigi Robson and Poppy Loveland with some good tackles and interceptions at the back. The full backs enjoying a good game Ella Gambell getting in some good tackles as well as collecting a few bruises for her efforts linking up play well. The award going to her opposite  number on the left Chelsea Clarke got forwards well putting some useful balls into the box and scored the 3rd goal to secure the result.

  Good to visit Trafford Park again and to catch up with both sides. Chelmsford said they’d give it a go and certainly did asking Wroxham a few questions, and having waited to make their ERWFL bow are a strong addition to the regional set up. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups today as always is appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Beccles Town Ladies v Capel Plough Women

Sunday 20th Oct

Suffolk Women’s County Cup

Action from the Suffolk Women’s County Cup this Sunday on Women’s Football East with a trip east to watch the 1st Round fixture between Beccles Town Ladies and Capel Plough Women.

Sponsored by MH Goals Ltd the Suffolk Women’s County Cup has been dominated by Ipswich Town Women since it’d inception. That ending after a decade as Ipswich climbing up the women’s football pyramid have not entered the competition, that has seen a new dominance emerge with AFC Sudbury Women the current holders, enjoying a healthy rivalry with Needham Market Women. No doubt to two strongest sides in the competition but with the draw sometimes seeing them face-off in the earlier rounds of the competition that means with a favourable draw the other way any other club could potentially go all the way to the final as has been the case with Bungay Town Ladies and Stowupland Falcons Women from the county leagues respectfully. Meaning today’s opponents have a realistic opportunity to go deep into the competition.

Beccles Town Ladies amongst the sides pushing hard at the top end of the old Women’s Division Two last season in Norfolk, before falling away late on to finish 4th in the table. With a host of new sides joining the Norfolk league the women’s section expanded to 3 divisions. Beccles retaining there status in Division Two now featuring 8 sides and amongst the favourites to challenge for the title. Didn’t get the start they were hoping for as they lost 2-1 at home to one of the other title contenders, FC Viking & Valkyries Women. Bounced back well since with 2 wins and a draw to put them into 3rd place. Scarlett Snell and Alesha Tuttle the joint top scorers with 4 apiece with midfielder, Vicky Bloomfield on target for three goals. 

 Capel Plough Women made their debut last season, entering into the Suffolk Women’s Championship, scoring their way to the title, netting 107 in total to clinch the title and win promotion to the Suffolk Women’s Premiership, whilst also reaching the last 4 of the League Cup too. Zara Pike the runaway goal scorer in the Championship scoring a staggering 66 goals in her 20 matches for the club. Maddie Green 2nd in the table for Capel Plough with 11 to her name. With further goals coming from throughout the squad. A 4-4 draw against fellow promoted side Bury Town Community Women to open life in the Premiership this season, hen a humbling 12-0 loss against defending champions Brantham Athletic Ladies. Just 2 league matches on the board has certainly been a stop start opening to the season with the Premiership seeing some withdrawals.

 Beccles Town FC’s, College Meadow the venue for today’s county cup match. The multi sports facility as usual a thriving hub of activity with youth games in both football and rugby taking place before the women’s match. Always good to see. The main grass pitch beside the railway surrounded by trees. The tea hut open serving hot and cold drinks along with snacks. A small covered stand with some seating beside. The cover the important factor with the trailing arm of Storm Ashley blowing in rain across the region. Not overly heavy just persistent but with a strong breeze accompanying it likely to blow through. Making the pitch slick nonetheless the wind from on end to the other could play a role too.

 Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Nixon, Kelly Collins (C), Evie Bailey, Georgia Tiffin, Emily Wilkinson, Vicky Bloomfield, Stevie Potter, Vicky Ottey, Alesha Tuttle, Phoebe Wakefield & Scarlett Snell. Subs – Jessica Wilkinson, Millie Reeve, Charlotte White & Marie Carter.

Beccles Town Ladies

Capel Plough Women starting XI – Chloe Smith, Boni Shepherd (C), Mineezeh Shahid, Tayla Stephenson, Aimee Stephenson, Gemma Foster, Kimberley Edwards, Shannon Cameron, Codie Southgate, Katie Green & Maddie Green. Subs – Daisy Hill, Amelia Burrell & Annabel Sauter.

Capel Plough Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Chloe Nixon signed on this week making her debut in goal, answering the clubs call for a replacement keeper with Annabel Outlaw focusing on her studies. Has plenty of experience in the game and a useful addition to the squad, Acle United Ladies amongst her previous clubs. The rain falling lightly but seeing the wind pick up it’s the visitors Capel Plough to take the kick off first half with the weather at their backs wearing pink shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks, with Beccles lined up opposite wearing white shirts with black shorts and socks. Maddie green rolling the ball back to Gemma Foster in midfield she sprays the ball out to the right, launched up the wing Beccles can see the ball out safely for a throw.

 Beccles bring the ball on through the middle Alesha Tuttle on the move lifting a diagonal ball into Evie Bailey in the right channel, attempts to bring the ball inside, closed down by Capel Plough’s Aimee Stephenson the ball lifted forwards for captain Boni Shepherd to take on down the left wing into the corner lifts a cross into the near post met by Katie Green six yards out sends her header wide of the post.

  Play congested in the middle of park as both teams squeeze up, Mineezeh Shahid in to close the ball down at left back for Capel Plough deflecting it over the Beccles defence a high line, sees Maddie Green race in behind, Nixon rushing out to the top of her area gathering the ball first. Alesha Tuttle getting hold of the ball for Beccles making a strong run through the middle before lifting the ball on into the right channel for Scarlett Snell to attack, closing down on the box, Shepherd slides in from behind with a well timed tackle to dispossess the attacker.

Caple Plough captain, Boni Shepherd

  Capel Plough with pace in their attack, turn play around smartly clipped out to the right, Codie Southgate taking the ball on squaring a cross into the Beccles area, cut out by Emily Wilkinson. 

 GOAL! That pace bringing them the opening goal as the visitor press the ball in the middle, Kimberly Edwards into Foster the ball threaded though the Beccles defence central with Maddie Green pulling off the shoulder of the last defender to ace on towards goal, taking on the early strike from all of 20 yards out placing her pacy strike low past the keeper before she can react. 0-1.

Maddie Green opens the scoring for Capel Plough

 A goal inside the opening 5 minutes of the contest for Capel Plough. The visitors looking to impose themselves on the game putting the Beccles defence under pressure, Shephard left with another powerful run on the ball down the left flank her cross cut out by Tiffin. The ball moving forwards quickly skipping up off the slick pitch, Maddie Green causing issues with her pace through the middle. Caught offside this time as Shepherd puts the ball over the top. 

  Tuttle strong with the ball at her feet as she travels on through the middle with purpose, closed down yet squeezing the ball through for Evie Bailey to burst clear in the right channel taking the ball on into the box angling a shot in towards goal, Capel Plough goalkeeper, Chloe Smith getting down to make the save the ball not sticking however, skipped back towards Bailey, but before she can get a 2nd bite at it, Shepherd comes sliding in turn the ball behind for a corner kick. A vicious delivery curled into the six yard box from the right however it goes through everyone to run harmlessly out of play.

Capel Plough’s, Chloe Smith down to make the save from Evie Bailey’s shot for Beccles.

  Tuttle herself in sent clear moments later, breaking into the right channel after the ball, Smith comes racing out of her area to try and get to the ball first, just by a fraction of a second gets it away even as Tuttle slides in to attack it, Smith going over the Beccles attacker, taking a knock, hurt the referee quick to stop play for the goalkeeper to be accessed. Felt it but okay to continue. 

End to end action, Capel Plough moving the ball quickly getting it out to the right for Shannon Cameron to take forwards her cross into the near side intercepted by Tiffin for Beccles. Vicky Bloomfield combining with Stevie Potter through the middle for Beccles, Tuttle taking the ball on, the visitors rushing to close her down, stabs the ball into Bailey’s path out on the right, wrapping her foot around the ball drops her cross onto the penalty spot, Capel Plough defend on Snell, the ball carrying on through to Phoebe Wakefield positioned left of the D, getting her foot over the ball, sends a shot looping in towards goal, the pace taken out of it from a deflection, Smith can get across her line to claim the ball at her right post.

 Maddie Green across to the left to support, Shepherd as she carries the ball on down the line, Bailey outnumbered but manages to get her foot on the ball to turn it out for a throw allow her side time to regroup. 

GOAL! Breaking up a Beccles attack through the middle, Shepherd gets onto the ball catches the hosts with a high line as she threads a superb ball though the middle splitting the defence for Maddie Green to race onto a latch onto the ball, holding off a pursuing defender as she reaches the top of the box, strikes the ball, low past the keepers right, Nixon dives attempting to get to the ball, brushes her fingertips as it travels on into the back of the net. 0-2

Maddie Green breaking clear to fire Capel Plough into a 2 goal lead

Capel Plough racing into a 2 goal lead with 16 minutes on the clock a strong start. Maddie green’s pace a real issue for Beccles. The striker seeing the ball come into her feet from the right dragging a shot wide of the left post from the top of the D. Edwards laying the ball on down the right flank for Southgate to attack, Wilkinson comes racing across to close her down send the ball out for a throw. 

Capel Plough’s Kimberly Edwards

 Beccles put Wakefield way on the left wing taking the ball on cuts inside, before being tackled by Tayla Stephenson. Tuttle getting about the pitch for Beccles picking up a few knocks for her trouble as Capel Plough rush to close her down, sends Vicky Ottey clear on the right wing, drives on, Shahid coming to close her down, tackling to play the ball out for a throw. The throw lifted into Wakefield inside the box nearside, Tayla Stephenson making the challenge to send the ball out for another throw by the corner flag. 

 The hosts pressing well in the final 3rd Wakefield in the right channel knocking it down for Potter to spread play to Tuttle breaking away on the right wing her shot angled into the near post, Smith has angles covered getting down behind the ball to save. Beccles working hard to get hold of the ball in the middle, Capel Plough likewise snapping in to close them down a danger on the counter as they look to turn play around  another clearance put over the defence threatening to set Maddie Green away. Nixon reading it early out of her area quickly to clear the ball.

  Into the final 15 minutes of the first half, Shepherd getting onto the ball for Capel Plough laying a great through ball on for Maddie Green to turn the defence, Tiffin adjusts well however to stay with her and stick her foot out to take the ball away from her as the pair race into the D. 

Beccles defender, Georgia Tiffin

 Tuttle up ended on halfway as she gets on the moves through the middle for Beccles. Bloomfield over the set-piece for Beccles launching the ball up to the top of the Capel Plough area, Edwards winning the challenge as she and Tuttle go for the ball. A lively encounter Wakefield with the ball for Beccles bringing it inside from the left rolled into Snell central looks to turn 25 yards out, Shepherd sliding in to make the blocking tackle, sees the loose ball run out to the right Bailey latching onto it for Beccles driving to the corner cutting inside to cross, cut out by Shahid turned behind for a corner. 

Phoebe Wakefield attacking for Beccles

Mineezeh Shahid tackling Beccles, Scarlett Snell

 Bloomfield on the corner whipped into the box from the right, missed by Tiffin positioned on the penalty spot, races through to Snell quickly beyond the near post, attempts to get a shot away, her effort looping up and falling wide of goal. Beccles pressuring the Capel Plough defence late in the first half, Snell nipping in to steal the ball off Shahid 25 yards out racing towards the area right of the D, Tayla Stephenson moving in to close her down before she can shoot Snell squeezes a cross into Potter up to the left of the D, shoots low aiming for the inside of the far post, Smith diving full stretch across her goal, getting her outstretched gloves around the ball.

  Katie Green seeing the ball into her feet turning it out to Maddie Green on the right, her cross intercepted by Wilkinson for Beccles. Caple Plough with Cameron up with Southgate on the right the ball fired in across the Beccles goal falling to Shephard beyond the far post, snapping at the ball with Bailey coming to close her down, the ball rebounding off Shephard behind for a goal kick. Nixon getting settled in marshalling her defence, ready for Green if she skips in behind quickly out to clear the ball. Wakefield picking up a knock for Beccles replaced by Millie Reeve.

Scarlett Snell

  Bloomfield sends a good ball through for Snell up top attacking through the middle for Beccles, Aimee Stephenson stabbing in with a challenge to get the ball back to her keeper to clear. Capel Plough coming on strong right side Maddie Green with Edwards the shot struck hard into the near post on the angle, Nixon down smartly to save batting the ball away, drops for Katie Green central 20 yards out sends her shot curling wide of the right post. A good contest Bailey snapping on to get onto the ball right side, brought down winning her side a free kick. 

Katie Green

 Bloomfield on the set-piece a teasing delivery into the box, but not attacked at the near post as it runs out of play for a goal kick. Capel Plough winning the ball at the back, Foster up to Southgate, lays the ball on for Shepherd pushing down the right, Ottey in to close her down conceding the corner. Swung into the near post, Tiffin winning the header for Beccles. Tiffin winning the ball in defence again soon after as she tackles Southgate as Foster looks to send the ball on through the middle for Capel Plough.

  Tayla Stephenson coming off for Capel Plough at the back with Annabel Sauter coming on. The visitors with the ball fired up to Southgate making a run into the left channel, Bailey tracking back to defend for Beccles. Capel Plough quick to regain possession the cross-field pass finding Maddie Green on the right crosses, headed clear in the box by Tiffin for Beccles the hosts look to break quickly but Tuttle is flagged offside. 

Half-time Beccles Town Ladies 0-2 Capel Plough Women

  Capel Plough head into the changing rooms holding a 2 goal advantage at the break. Maddie Green’s pace causing Beccles issues early in the game and she capitalised to core twice. Beccles battled on and getting onto the ball in the middle drove forwards to create some useful opportunities in front of goal, forcing two good saves from the opposition keeper, while Nixon was on hand to save herself as Capel Plough threatened to score a 3rd. Alot for Beccles to do to get back into the game, certainly can’t afford to concede a 3rd but will be encourage by the chances they created in the first half. 

 The rain all but blown through now remains breezy with both sides out ready to begin the 2nd half, waiting on the officials. Beccles with the kick-off 2nd half, Daisy Hill on up top for Capel Plough replacing Southgate. The ball rolled back into Tuttle in the middle lays it out to the right the ball fired up the line for Ottey to race after, however the Capel Plough defence can see the ball safely out for a goal kick. 

 The hosts pressing the ball right from the off at the start of the 2nd half winning a throw high on the right. Players drawn the the ball the pass fired long across the penalty area with Bloomfield free to the left, looks to turn inside line up a shot but gets up ended instead, awarded the free-kick. In a dangerous position some 30 yards out, with the winds behind her Bloomfield has an attempt on goal, lifted in high in towards the target is straight at the keeper and Smith back on her line sees it all the way taking a high by tricky catch before bringing the ball down, Beccles appealing that the ball might have carried over the line but nothing doing. 

  Beccles making a positive start to the 2nd half getting players on to support the attackers. Maddie Green attacking on Capel Plough’s right channel taking the ball out to the wing her cross into the box long, incepted by Bailey far side and cleared up the line for Beccles. Foster putting a diagonal ball into the path of Maddie Green as she charges on through the middle, taking the shot on from 25 yards out fires her attempt over the crossbar.

  Tuttle is certainly in the wars for Beccles her strong runs seeing her fouled regularly, brought down on halfway. The hosts attacking down the right Bailey with Ottey the cross defended put behind for a corner. Curled in low to the near post, hits a couple of players as it rebounds through to the keeper to snatch into her gloves, Beccles again appealing for a handball but don’t get the decision. 

Beccles Alesha Tuttle

 Tuttle bursting through the middle lays the pass out to bailey to her right, in turn the ball cut back into the box in to the path of Potter making a near post run, looking to shoot, Foster races back to close her down divert the ball behind for a corner. Beccles pushing hard the corner knocked on at the near post dropping central for Snell in the six yard box, attempts to nod the ball down towards goal her effort blocked, Snell stretching trying to lay the ball on for Tuttle to her right Tuttle can’t quite take it on in her stride out for a goal kick.

  Capel Plough pushed back, looking to get forwards through Maddie Green as Katie Green sends the ball through to her in the right channel, Emily Wilkinson in to close her down for the hosts. Beccles making a change as they bring off Ottey, bring on Jessica Wilkinson who goes in at right back. Snell up with Tuttle on the left the pair pressing the ball, Snell inside for Tuttle to pull the trigger from 25 yards out her shot straight at the keeper.

  Cameron getting hold of the ball on Capel Plough’s left flank drives forwards, her cross though seeing Maddie Green flagged offside. 

GOAL! Beccles capitalise on their strong start to the 2nd half as they push players on down the right the ball played into Bailey who cuts inside from the right across the top of the Capel Plough area, moving to the left instead checks back onto her right to sends her shot back across the keeper low into the bottom right corner to pull it back to 1-2.  

Evie Bailey pulling a goal back for Beccles

 Beccles pulling a goal back on the hour. Capel Plough looking for a response the ball played into Maddie Green in the right channel turns on the ball well to send Cameron away up the wing, Emily Wilkinson moving in to close her down puts the ball away for a throw in. That brings the visitors a corner kick. Players up from the back the delivery dangerous curling in under the bar. Nixon with a strong fist up to punch the ball away to the left. 

Capel Plough’s Shannon Cameron

 Thing’s getting a little heated a few strong tackles flying in. the referee having a word with Foster for Capel Plough. Cameron with a good challenge to take the ball away from Reeve as the winger looks to get away from her on the left. Foster bringing the ball on for Capel Plough trough the middle sending Maddie Green away on the right, Collins in to challenge for Beccles. 

Beccles captain, Kelly Collins winning the ball

 End to end action, Beccles looking for the equaliser, Capel Plough aiming for a 3rd to restore their 2 goal cushion. Tuttle battling for the ball left fired into Snell up top, turns to attack, Sauter tackling her 25 yards out. Maddie Green beating the offside trap to race away with the ball up the right wing for Capel Plough before firing a vicious ball across the face of the Beccles goal, Hill racing in to attack the far post can’t quite reach it to turn home. 

  Foster with a strike from distance all of 30 yards wide of the left post. Capel Plough making a double change with Shepherd and Hill the players coming off. Southgate returning to the action along with Amelia Burrell. A good contest, Beccles encouraged by their fans competing for the ball better in the 2nd half pushing their opponents back limiting the ball through to Green in attack. That said Maddie Green is a constant threat as she takes on the ball herself on the right knocking it over her marker to run on up the right laying a cross back to Southgate top of the rea central she shoots a low drive for the left corner, Nixon diving across her goal, grabbing it into her body on the line.

  Tiffin intercepting the ball at the back for Beccles, lifting it up to Tuttle on the right, Foster committing the foul to stop her turning inside, is shown the yellow card. Tuttle in some pain, but too pumped up to stay on the ground and receive treatment. Hobbles about for a bit before settling down. Bloomfield over the free-kick. Hits a pacy ball on the angle in towards goal, Smith right behind it saving comfortably for Capel Plough.

 Caple Plough hit Beccles on the counter as the ball fired up to Maddie Green on the right sees three players surging on towards the box! The cross angled in square towards Katie Green on the penalty spot, can’t quite get it under control as it is turned on through to Southgate at the far post 10 yards knocks the ball down and shoots low for the bottom corner Nixon diving getting a glove on the ball can’t keep it out, the visitors turn to celebrate 3-1 kills the game even as Beccles appeal for a handball, the lineman has seen something, the referee going over to consult and the goal is ruled out. 

 The game moving into the final 10 minutes, time running out for Beccles to find another goal and potentially send the tie to a penalty shootout, Capel Plough seeing a 3rd goal ruled out. The hosts making a change with Wakefield back on replacing Reeve. Capel Plough winning a free kick deep on the left. Foster on the ball takes on the shot angling the ball in to the near post Nixon with it covered can see the ball run safely out of play.

  Bailey causing Capel Plough some problems on the left with some mazy runs with the ball sends a cross inside looking to put it into the path of the oncoming Potter, the midfielder not quite able to bring the ball under control as Aimee Stephenson clear for the visitors. Getting scrappy both sides tiring giving free kicks away. 

Capel Plough defender, Aimee Stephenson

 

 Foster sending the ball on for Cameron up on the right lays it inside for Maddie Green, Emily Wilkinson stepping across her to cut the pass out for Beccles. Capel Plough getting the ball forwards looking for a 3rd goal to secure the tie, Cameron sliding the ball through for Maddie Green attacking the box right of the d, Nixon rushing out to try and win the ball first sliding into block the ball deflecting off Maddie Green across the D into Katie Green 20 yards out her strike at goal blocked at close range by Tiffin.

  Beccles counter the ball played down the left for Wakefield, turns inside, Cameron putting in the tackle lunging in the ball deflected on into the middle straight to Potter to have a go from range her shot placed straight into the keepers gloves. Capel Plough winning a throw high on the right Southgate with the lay off for Maddie Green up the line, Bailey turning it behind for a corner. Swung in defended by Tuttle in the six yard box, Beccles look to break but no way through a Shahid reclaims possession for the visitors.

  Bloomfield finding space in the middle for Beccles sending the ball into Bailey out on the right, taking on the shot from the angle struck low into the near post, Smith has the angle covered down behind the ball for Capel Plough. The game open as Capel Plough counter the ball fed up to Maddie Green surging clear on the right fired a cross into the six yard box coming to Southgate beyond the far post, Jessica Wilkinson defending for Beccles getting hold of the ball knocking it safely into her keeper. 

GOAL! The game into stoppage time little time left for Beccles to find an equaliser, Tuttle taking the ball on down the right with aa surging run into the area, is closed down the blocking tackle seeing the ball rebound out of the area, straight to Bloomfield in space 30 yards out, told the fans at half-time she’d score a worldie and deliver, catches the ball well sends it angling back in towards goal high beyond the goalkeepers reach to drop under the ball and nestle in the back of the net 2-2!

Vicky Bloomfield with a screamer to equalise for Beccles

  Beccles joyous as they level the scores with mere seconds left to play. Capel Plough making a change sending Shepherd back on (maybe with penalties in mind) to replace Shahid. The ball rushed up top into Maddie Green racing on into the box her wide right of goal her cross flashed across the face of goal. No time left he game ends and will be settled from the penalty spot. 

Full time Beccles Town Ladies 2-2 Capel Plough Women

  Beccles with a positive start to the 2nd period pressing players on getting the ball out wide and capitalising to pull a goal back on the hour. Encouraged to go on and equalise the game opened up Capel Plough determined at the back waiting to strike going forwards. seeing a goal chalked off for handball would have secured the game. Beccles kept going finding that elusive goal to take the tie to penalties and that then become a lottery.

Penalties

  Beccles up first to take the penalty with central defender Tiffin placing the ball on the spot, trikes the ball hard to the left of goal, Smith though goes the right way throwing her arms out to pluck the  push the ball away 0-0

Chloe Smith saving Beccles opening penalty.

  Shepherd first up for Capel Plough goes for power her strike rising central smashes down up into the air off the crossbar and bounces over the line 0-0

  No score as Snell comes forwards from the middle for Beccles, placing the ball on the spot goes for power too her strike rising to the left hits the underside of the crossbar and bounces down over the line 1-0

  Foster up next for Capel Plough another opting for power strikes the ball high and wide of the keeper to score to the right of goal 1-1

 Tuttle’s not subtle expecting power behind this strike and she delivers as she blasts Beccles 3rd penalty to the keepers right to score 2-1

  Katie Green up next for Capel Plough sends the ball low looking for the left bottom corner, Nixon going the right way diving to grab hold of the ball keep it out 2-1

  Bloomfield up next for Beccles, ecstasy one moment scoring a brilliant equaliser at the death for the hosts, agony moments later as she fires her penalty straight down the middle. low claimed by Smith 2-1

 Maddie Green with Capel Plough’s 4th penalty, as cool as you like slotting it home low to the right 2-2

  Wakefield has to score for Beccles as she walks up to take the 5th penalty, gives the diving keeper no chance as she fires it high to the left to score 3-2

 Edwards on Capel Plough’s 5th penalty has to score to send the shootout to sudden death goes high and finds the back of the net 3-3

The pressure ramped up a notch as Bailey comes forwards for Beccles, composed (well she looked it on the outside) as she fires the ball home low into the bottom left corner 4-3

 Southgate up next for Capel Plough has to score to keep the shootout alive but it’s agony as she sees her high strike rebound against the bar! 4-3

Penalty agony for Cape Plough as the ball hits the crossbar

 Beccles start to rush forwards in celebration but hesitate… have they won the shootout. Nixon tells them they have as they break forwards to celebrate with their new keeper as they win the shootout on sudden death to advance to the next round of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

     

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders here once again and a tough one to single out. A few performances of note, firstly for Capel Plough. Maddie Green was a constant threat in attack her pace causing Beccles problems early on too her two goals well. Boni Shepherd with some forceful runs to link up with the attack. Chloe Smith on hand to make some crucial saves during the game. For Beccles, Alesha Tuttle was strong on the ball throughout making some good runs, picking up a few knocks for her efforts looked to get forwards constantly. Georgia Tiffin making some vital challenges and interceptions at the back. Chloe Nixon with an eventful debut for Beccles grew into the game giving her defence good instructions and protection from the threat Capel plough posed making a couple of vital saves. Vicky Bloomfield with  worldie of a strike to equalise used the space well and her set-pieces carried a threat. Today’s award goes to the scorer of Beccles opening goal, Evie Bailey provided a god outlet on the right for Beccles got forwards well looking to score and create chances for others, too her goal well and gave her side the belief to push on.

  Penalties are a lottery, no doubt Capel Plough missing out couldn’t find the 3rd goal that could have killed off their opponents resilience. Make for an entertaining cup tie between two evenly matched sides. Good to see Capel Plough in action and will look on with interest to see how they fair in the Suffolk Women’s Premiership this season. Based on today’s game they’ll do okay. Beccles progress in the cup will be looking forwards to the draw. My thanks to both sides for their help today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 13th October

ERWFL Division One North

Can’t stray too far away from home this weekend, but there’s plenty of exciting football action to be had locally, with this Sunday’s action coming from ERWFL Division One North with Thetford Town Ladies hosting Newmarket Town Women, currently separated by one place and one point in the league with a victory for either potentially propelling them up to 3rd in the table.

  The ERWFL representing regional football, tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England. Finally reaching it’s full capacity of 36 sides competing across 3 divisions, a 12 strong Premier Division representing tier 5 with two divisions representing tier 6 a 12 strong Division One North and South. Division One South now sadly down to 11 with the withdrawal of Cheshunt FC Women. Shows how volatile and fragile the pyramid is with 7 sides already folding in the East alone in the first 3 months of the season.

  Moving into regional football a big step up for most clubs and alot has to be in place for them to make a success of it, both Thetford and Newmarket on a good footing with strong support from their club to compete in tier 6. A challenge made all the harder with the fact both Division one North and South will see 3 sides each relegated this season with just one promotion spot up for grabs staying there getting harder. Personally (and I know it’s not going to happen in the foreseeable future) I would like to see the leagues increased to 16 sides so fair enough 3 go down, one from each still goes up and the 2nd placed sides in each meet in a play-off to see a 3rd side promoted. Still we’ve only just gotten to a stage where the ERWFL can fill 3, 12 strong leagues so one step at a time.

  Thetford Town Ladies were one of a host of sides across the East to join the ERWFL last season to help it reach it’s full compliment. A big step up from county league football, however the club was ready for the challenge having recruited some useful additions to the squad over the close season hitting the ground running, eventually secured a strong midtable finish. Kamile Omeleviciute top scoring with 14 goals last season (plus a few that didn’t count with other teams withdrawing from the league). 

Have added 3 new additions to the squad this season with attackers Sophia Price and Niamh Underhill joining having been with Mundford FC Ladies last season. Underhill scoring 27 goals in 16 games last season. Libby Scott another new addition to the squad coming in from King’s Lynn. Alice Collins top scorer so far with 3 goals, with Megan Haynes, Omeleviciute and defender Fran Peeling all on 2 each. An inconsistent start to the campaign for Thetford with 3 wins and 3 losses. Back to back league wins giving them so momentum coming into today’s home match.

  Consistency is what Newmarket Town Women are also looking for as they travel to Thetford this weekend having begun the season with successive draws conceding late on to see points dropped. Winning against bottom side King’s Lynn, were to lose against leaders Harpenden before picking up all 3 points with a good result at home to AFC Dunstable Women last time out, games in hand on the sides above them looking to push up the table.

 The longest established side in ERWFL Division One North, Newmarket boasts a strong youth section with the women’s 1st team backed  by a Development side and U18s team. A strong tradition of promoting players through the ranks, have also brought in 3 new additions to the squad over the summer, Abbi Griffin returning to the club after a few years away with St Ives Town Ladies and Cambridge United WFC  in the FAWNL. Millie Docking also joins from Cambridge United on a dual registration with Abbie Gibson joining having played for Cambridge Rangers WFC last season. Docking hitting the ground running at Newmarket scoring 7 goals in 7 games, with Katie Spiers netting 5.

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road stadium the venue for this afternoon’s game. A compact ground with a slight slope to the grass pitch, with standing viewing on three sides with the main stand housing the changing room beneath. A new clubhouse built leading into the ground the bar open with hot and cold drinks being served. The weather dry and calm as we enter the middle of October the sun giving a little heat, enjoy it while it lasts.

 Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Katie Fray, Sausha Levy-Twoney, Zoe Klimcke, Fran Peeling, Ella Swift, Dayna Howard, Alice Collins, Melissa Corbyn (C), Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler & Megan Haynes. Subs – Niamh Underhill, Libby Scott, Pola Pasik, Rhian Ellis & Hannah Rogers. 

Thetford Town Ladies

 Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Ellie Sturgess, Bethany Seymour (C), Holly Corley, Toni Smith, Millie Docking, Abbi Griffin, Abbie Corbyn & Katie Spiers. Subs – Abbie Gibson & Yvonne Yerrell.

Newmarket Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Bethany Seymour and Melissa Corbyn with today’s referee, Jason Ding

 Today’s match seeing two  new sister-in-laws going head to head on the pitch with Thetford Town Ladies captain Melissa Corbyn (previously Boulton) marrying Abbie Corbyn’s brother. Abbie Corbyn playing for Thetford too prior to joining Newmarket. It’s the visitors, Newmarket to kick-off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and socks. Thetford lined up opposite in their home all claret strip. The ball rolled back to Newmarket captain, Beth Seymour in defence, play sprayed out to the left with Abbie Corbyn looking to get on, Sausha Levy-Twoney clearing the ball out for a throw for Thetford.

Abbi Griffin on the ball for Newmarket

  Abbi Griffin picking up the ball in the middle for Newmarket driving out to the right looks to set Holly dryland up as she breaks up the wing the pass a little too strong, Zoe Klimcke across to defend for Thetford can see it safely out of play for a goal kick. The visitors pushing on looking to press the ball high, Holly Corley putting the ball in behind, Thetford goalkeeper, Katie Fray out to the top of her area to kick the ball clear.

  Dayna Howard getting onto the ball in the middle of the park for Thetford tries to release captain, Melissa Corbyn as she drives into the right channel, Ellie Sturgess challenging for Newmarket. Winning a series of throws on the left Newmarket advance the ball dropped into Abbie Corbyn flicks it forwards for Katie Spiers leading the line, Klimcke across to hook the ball away for Thetford at the back. From that throw a cross is fired low into the near post, Spiers looking to attack it, can’t quite get there as Fray gathers the ball safely into her body.

  Thetford winning a free-kick inside the Newmarket half to the left. Peeling over the set-piece floated in towards the far post from distance a great ball, however no one is running in to attack it as it runs wide of the post for the goal kick. Newmarket making a good start pushing on up the right, Griffin linking up with Dryland as the pair look to advance up the wing, Hannah Claughton getting in the way to intercept Griffin’s return ball turning it behind for a corner kick.

Hannah Claughton getting the tackle in on Holly Dryland

 

  Griffin sending the corner into the box from the right curled into the near post Fray punching it down back out to the right, Griffin from the angle sending the cross back into the mix, knocked out beyond the far post, Abbie Corbyn looking to get over the ball to have a strike on goal can’t quite connect. A high line from Newmarket sees plenty of bodies inside their opponents half as Seymour wins the header to turn play around Griffin carrying the ball out to the right swinging a cross into the near post claimed well by Fray.

  Claughton gets hold of the ball out on the left flank for Thetford driving into the corner angles her cross back towards the top of the D, Megan Haynes running onto it seeing her strike race wide of the left post, taking a nick off a defender on the way through a corner awarded. A vicious delivery from the corner curling through the six yard box goes clean through everybody out the opposite for a goal kick. 

  Competitive in the middle, Howard winning the ball for Thetford, Toni Smith snapping into her challenges for Newmarket, knocked up to Spiers in attack, Fran Peeling intercepting for the hosts to clear at the back. Looking for a rapid counter catching Newmarket high up the pitch the ball looped up towards Haynes looking to pull off the defence, Seymour keeps her eye on the ball, winning a vital header for Newmarket. 

Newmarket captain, Beth Seymour heading the ball.

  Newmarket’s turn to counter the ball played into Griffin in the right channel, her forward pass cut out the ball loose out to the right, Griffin after in angling a high ball back in towards goal, Fray taking it high plucking the ball down at her near post for Thetford. Howard battling for possession central for Thetford launches it forwards into Haynes 25 yards out takes on the early strike lashing her effort wide of the left post. 

Thetford midfielder, Dayna Howard

 Lively, Millie Docking out to Smith over on the left sends a cross in on the angles dropping wide of the far post. Klimcke sending the ball on down the left for Claughton to chase, Dryland has a half a yard advantage, enough to get round onto the ball first clear for the visitors.

Holly dryland reaching the ball first as Hannah Claughton breaks forwards

An intriguing contest, Newmarket pressing well, Thetford looking a threat as they counter, just haven’t found their mark with the final ball in the opening 20 minutes. Peeling taking a painful knock to the ankle a pause in play as she receives treatment. Is ok to continue and waved back onto the pitch as play resumes.

  GOAL! Newmarket with players up in the final third pressing the ball a rushed clearance falling to Abbie Corbyn in the left channel, knocks it forwards to see Spiers turn the defence, muscle her way into the area and plant her strike low to the keepers left to open the scoring. 0-1.

Katie Spiers with the opening goal for Newmarket.

  Thetford look to get on the attack straight from the restart the ball played out to the right by Melissa Corbyn on for Chandler swung in central with Claughton positioned top of the D 25 yards out getting her strike away as Seymour goes in to close her down her attempt going over the crossbar. 

Thetford winger, Shannon Chandler

  Alice Collins winning the header for Thetford 30 yards out dropping the ball into the path of Chandler storming inside from the right tracking into the area, putting Sturgess under pressure the defender recovering well to block turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Whipped up towards the near side, turned behind for a 2nd corner even as Thetford appeal for a handball. Again played in near side the attempt to hook the ball on into the mix seeing the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

  Griffin getting hold of the ball for Newmarket making some strong runs as she carries the ball out to the right, her cross cut out by Ella Swift at the back for Thetford. The hosts press the ball high on the right, Melissa Corbyn strong on the ball linking up with Collins and Chandler, the latter playing the ball back infield for Collins to hit 20 yards out to the right of the box fires over. Kara Wayman gets across to put in the challenge on Chandler as see is put away on the right by Haynes. 

Pelling across to put in the tackle as Smith breaks away on the left for Newmarket. Howard strong with her tackling attempts to thread a ball through for Haynes up top, Sturgess in close holding the attacker off to see the ball back to her keeper, Dominika Szary to clear. Chandler taking the ball on down Thetford’s right flank laying the ball inside for Collins 25 yards out, Smith lunging in to tackle for Newmarket. 

Toni Smith heading the ball clear for Newmarket

 Griffin fouled as she bring the ball out to the right for Newmarket, Thetford defend the ball out for a throw, taken quickly Griffin spinning on the ball sending it forwards into Docking’s path as the attacker runs into the area right of the Thetford goal, Klimcke getting back at her to slide in make a great tackle to put the ball behind for a corner kick before Docking can unleash a shot. Dropped into the near post from the right, knocked down and cleared for a throw. Comes into Docking who attempts to hook it forwards her effort drops wide.

  Claughton doesn’t get the decision as she is upended attacking on the left, the ball cleared up to Spiers for Newmarket, Fray alert out of her area sharply to clear for the hosts. Claughton does get the decision moments later as she is fouled by Dryland as she carries the ball into the Newmarket half. Peeling over the ball to the left of the centre circle. A good hit just a little too strong as it flies past Szary’s left post.

Fran Peeling

 Thetford winning another free-kick out on the left level with the top of the Newmarket box after Melissa Corbyn is brought down following a powerful run on the ball. Claughton over the ball curls a left foot strike in across goal aiming for the top corner, Szary can let it go, wide. The set-piece’s stacking up for Thetford towards the end of the first half another won to the left a little deeper into the Newmarket half, Peeling on the ball floated her delivery into the far post, Collins attacking it turns the ball wide.

 

 Sturgess with the ball and time at the back for Newmarket sends the ball up to Spiers in the left channel knocks it into the path of Griffin as she makes a run across the D taking the ball out to the left, attempts to cut it back into the path of Docking, Swift throwing a leg out cutting the ball out for Thetford. 

Thetford full back Zoe Klimcke

  Newmarket press late in the first half the ball sent diagonally out to Griffin moving into the right wing whips a dipping cross into the Thetford six yard box, Spiers racing in far post can’t get there as the ball runs on out of play. Thetford counter, Klimcke taking the ball on down the left on for Claughton who turns inside before laying the ball into the top of the D for Collins, Sturgess in to close her down at the back for Newmarket.   

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Newmarket Town Women

A fairly even contest, Newmarket with the narrow advantage making the brighter start on the front foot early, pushing players up well. Thetford putting in the tackles to win the ball back, a threat on the counter, lacking the final ball so far to cut Newmarket open as the visitors play a high line. That working to their advantage as they can turn play round quickly get the ball into their attacking players. A narrow advantage can all change 2nd half as both sides head into the changing rooms for their respective team talks.

  Thetford with the kick-off in the 2nd period the ball rolled back to Peeling in defence she clips the a ball on up the right flank for Chandler to attack, sends it infield to Melissa Corbyn running into the right channel in turn lays it forwards into the box for Haynes to attack surging towards goal, her shrike taking the faintest of touches off Szary as it flies into the side netting for a corner kick. 

Thetford captain, Melissa Corbyn

  The corner from the right defended put back out to the taker on the right, Chandler sending it back in across goal drops wide of the far post. The hosts making a strong start to the 2nd half as Howard steals in to win the ball 30 yards put set Chandler away on the right, Newmarket giving away the free-kick. Curled into the penalty spot the ball knocked down into the mix, scrambled away by the Newmarket defence. 

 In defence, Peeling drops off well to give herself room to clear the ball as Newmarket attempt to set Abbie Corbyn away in the left channel from a goal kick. Thetford’s gaining another set-piece wide on the right, Peeling with some great deliveries from a dead ball situation to play the ball in towards goal, Szary equal to it getting up to claim the ball and bring it down safely.

  Newmarket launch a rapid counter attack the ball fired up to Spiers on the move into space in the left channel wraps her foot around the ball crossing it back inside into the path of the onrushing Docking who hits it 1st time her effort narrowly over the crossbar. 

Newmarket’s Millie Docking

  Melissa Corbyn taking the ball on for Thetford shifting left then right before letting loose a strike from all of 30 yards out, her attempt put straight at the keeper. Sturgess sending the ball long for Newmarket into the left wing with Spiers racing after it into the corner whipping a dangerous ball into the Thetford six yard box, Klimcke with a wild attempt at clearing the ball, slicing it behind for a corner kick. 

Melissa Corbyn holding off Newmarket’s Holly Corley

 Swung into the near post from the right, Swift getting her head on the ball to turn it behind for a 2nd corner to Newmarket. Griffin floating the ball into the mix the ball knocked out to the top of the area, Abbie Corbyn latching onto the the ball driving a low strike in towards goal, Fray diving to her left, the shot blocked instead by Levy-Twoney, rebounding out to the right, Griffin running onto the ball firing it into the side netting. 

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twoney

   Sturgess picking up a yellow card as the fouls mount up, Melissa Corbyn upended this time, Peeling on the ball to the left 30 yards out looks to lifting it in at the far post, again, Szary can see it run safely out of play. Spiers on the turn some 30 yards out looks to take on the shot as the ball is fired up to her, her attempt driven in with pace, but straight at Fray the keeper holding onto the ball well. 

Thetford goalkeeper, Katie Fray

  Newmarket making the first change of the match as they bring off midfielder, Corley send Abbie Gibson on. Thetford too making a switch with Chandler coming off, Niamh Underhill coming on, goes over to the left with Claughton switching to the right wing. Abbie Corbyn after the ball played into her path on the left flank, Swift going with her the defender winning the race to touch the ball back for her keeper to clear. 

Abbie Corbyn

 The visitors have players forwards regaining possession, Smith out to Griffin on the right pushing down the line her cross fired in near post, blocked by Peeling turned behind for a corner kick. Fray coming into the crowd at her near post to get her fist on the dropping ball, knock it down for her defence to clear. Swift and Abbie Corbyn tussling for the ball on the left, the defender getting the decision winning the free-kick. Getting a little niggly in the last few minutes a good contest between the sides.

  Thetford making another change with Claughton the player coming off, Pola Pasik entering the action. Moments later Underhill is hurt in a challenge with Sturgess. Is down in some discomfort and is unfortunately unable to continue as she is helped off the pitch. Striker Hannah Rogers coming on as her replacement. Dryland away on the right for Newmarket her cross flung into the near post defended by Peeling. 

 Howard winning the ball inside the Newmarket half looking to release Pasik out on the right, Wayman getting in a timely tackle to deny her the opportunity to skip in behind. The game moving into the final 10 minutes, both sides pushing for a goal, scrappy in the middle of the park, the ball is released forwards by Newmarket, Abbie Corbyn looking to attack hurdling a wild lunge to latch onto the ball run in towards the Thetford box opts to shoot early 20 yards out, getting too much behind it sends her shot over. 

  GOAL! Newmarket win the ball out on the right high up the pitch the pass into Griffin down the flank drives forwards before sending  a cross into the six yard box, Spiers bringing it down off her chest well to turn on the ball and blast her shot past the keeper into the back of the net to make it 0-2.

Katie Spiers bringing the ball down off her chest to turn and score

2 goals for Newmarket’s Katie Spiers

 The visitors doubling their lead inside the final 10 minutes to get a firm grip on the 3 points. Howard is fouled for Thetford as they look to move the ball through the middle. The set-piece 30 yards out to the right of the Newmarket goal. Peeling lining up the strike, hits it hard, the Newmarket wall doing it’s job but someone’s going to sporting a healthy bruise in the morning as a result. 

 Newmarket get on the counter from the free-kick, lifted into Spiers attacking the left channel turns inside 25 yards out curling a shot wide on the angle beyond the far post. Thetford making a double switch as they bring off Klimcke and Collins, send on Libby Scott and Rhian Ellis. 

  Wayman bursts away down the left for Newmarket, Pasik going with her making the blocking tackle as she tries to cross sending the ball behind for a corner kick. Players up from the back for Newmarket as the corner is curled into the box from the left, Dryland getting up at the far post with the glancing header, turning the ball wide beyond the far post. A touch off a defender spotted however a corner signalled on the right.

Holly Dryland’s glancing header for Newmarket

  Angled in near side the ball defended cleared out of the area, falls to Spiers outside the area lashes a strike over from range. Wayman coming off for Newmarket, with Yvonne Yerrell coming on goes to right back with Dryland switching flanks. Newmarket come on through the middle Docking into Spiers, lays the ball out to the right with Griffin pressing on right of goal hits the shot goal wards 20 yards out, rising, Fray though is well positioned back on her line to pluck the ball down from under her bar to make the save. 

Thetford’s Pola Pasik

  Peeling pulling up with an injury for Thetford signals straight away that she needs to come off, helped to the side-lines, Klimcke is reintroduced to the action. Griffin taking the ball on down Newmarket’s right lifting a cross into the Thetford six yard box, Spiers on a hat-trick goes for the spectacular, attempting the overhead, would have been brilliant, but the the script wasn’t written on this occasion as she misses.

Katie Spiers tries the spectacular in her attempt for a hat-trick

  Scott up to Rogers on the left for Thetford, fouls Yerrell as she goes into defend for the visitors. Dryland winning the ball on the opposite side for Newmarket attempts to thread the pass in behind for Spiers moving into the left channel, Swift going with her putting in the tackle for Thetford. 

 

 Docking gets onto the ball for Newmarket with the clock ticking down and carries it all the way into the corner, holding the ball up before winning her side a throw eating up valuable seconds. The visitors keeping the ball down that end as Docking is fouled.

  Swift battling to get the ball back for Thetford winning the free-kick, the pass forwards won back by Smith to Dryland on for Spiers, no thoughts of a hat-trick now as she runs the ball into the corner, playing the ball off a defender thinks she’s won her side a corner, consternated to see a goal kick awarded. Matters little with seconds left the ball launched forwards successfully defended as the final whistle blows and Newmarket celebrate winning the 3 points.  

Full Thetford Town Ladies 0-2 Newmarket Town Women

  The win lifting Newmarket up to 5th in the Division One North table. A close contest between two committed sides. Newmarket with the brighter start on pressing high to create openings getting players on well. Playing a high line at times, Thetford looking dangerous on the counter, but couldn’t find that clinical final pass of open up their opponents. Newmarket doing just that to open the scoring in the first half. Holding the narrow advantage going into the break. Thetford came out of the blocks flying 2nd half coming close to levelling in the opening seconds. Pushed hard for a reply, winning free-kicks in dangerous positions but again that clinical final ball eluded them. Newmarket patient presented with a chance to secure the win and took it inside the final 10 minutes. Ending the game strongly pushing for a 3rd goal. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders but I was fairly happy with my decision on the final whistle the notes have done nothing to change that. Several performances of note. First up for Thetford, Dayna Howard put in a solid performance in the middle of the park getting in to win the ball back and get her team going forwards. Melissa Corbyn with several strong runs on the ball carrying it into the attack looking to bring others into play. Zoe Klimcke with some vital tackles at the back throughout. For Newmarket, Holly Dryland was strong at right back, limiting Thetford’s attacks while getting forwards well. Abbie Corbyn with some good work in the left channel got forwards well. Katie Spiers took her goals well and led the line to great effect for the visitors. The award goes to Abbi Griffin, set the tone early on with some superb attacking runs. Used the ball well and linked up play moving out to the right, providing the assist for Spiers 2nd goal.

  Was great to catch up with both sides, welcoming and provided a great contest. My thanks to both for their help with the team details too as always much appreciated.  

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v London Bees

Sunday 6th October

FAWNL South East Division One

A trip over to St Neots this Sunday to catch some action from FAWNL South East Division One with Cambridge United WFC hosting London Bees.

  FAWNL South East Division One representing tier 4 of the women’s football pyramid looks to be really competitive this season with no single side breaking away from the pack, closely bunched with Cambridge United in 5th just 4 points behind leaders Norwich City with London Bees 7th just a point further back. Some surprise results already this season and no doubt a few more to come, will be an intriguing title contest.

  Cambridge United WFC one of the longest established clubs within the South East Division One set-up and now with closer ties with their men’s club are looking to find that extra edge to get them p amongst the title challengers vying for promotion on a regular basis. Reaching the FAWNL League Plate final last season are hungry for more success. A few new faces added to the squad over the close season. Ellie Finneran and Kelsey Smith from fellow South East Division one side London Seaward. Eva Hubbard the clubs new captain and midfielder Rosy Wodhams joining from local rival Cambridge City with goalkeeper Sophie Shults coming in form Ashford Town (Middlesex). Emma Wallis another strong addition to the back line. 

  Injuries to key players throughout last season were a bugbear last season with manager Darren Marjoram rarely able to call on a settled line up. Making their run to the Plate final all remarkable. Injuries too at the start of this season with striker Sarah Wiltshire only just back into the squad after having her 3rd child breaking her arm in pre-season, only now back playing while Ellie Finneran has missed much of pre-season slowly working her way back to playing again. A frustrating 1-0 loss to one of the early pace setters Actonians Ladies on the opening day was followed by a 2nd loss away to Norwich. Responded well in the league after that going on a run of 3 consecutive wins to propel them up the table into 4th spot. Mixed results in league and cup since but in a strong position to kick on. Bella Simmons out of the traps early to lead the goal scoring charts with 8 to her name.

  London Bees were one of the founding clubs to join the newly formed FAWSL 2. Now the FAWSL Championship. Came in with a large budget (at the time) and high expectations. Made many a trip to The Hive way back then beginning my support of the women’s game proper when the WSL was formed, wrote a few reports which can still be found on the old Supporting Women’s Football blog site. Have since struggled as financial demands in the top two tiers increased like a few of the founding clubs have since fallen out of the league dropping into the FAWNL Southern Premier Division back in 2021 the club seeing many changes of coaching staff and playing personnel since then struggling in the league last season without a win relegated to the 4th tier.

  That said the club begins this season with a new wave of enthusiasm. A new manager joining the club, Daniel McKimm, a young coach with plenty of experience within the women’s game. Highly thought of after his spell with London Seaward FC also playing in South East Division One. Brings with him some of his coaching staff and a host of players from London Seaward. Too may to mention here, but nevertheless is a virtual rebuild of the squad recruiting players who have good experience at competing at this level. Others joining include goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien from Stevenage. Millie Isherwood was at Chelsea as a youngster coming to the club via a period at Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Aimee Durn is the new captain the midfielder at Ashford Town (Middlesex) last season.

 St Neots gets bigger every time I visit with on going building work taking place on the way to the ground, St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium in the heart of a busy residential area close to the railway station. Offering two pitches, an artificial surface beside the main grass pitch stadium. A good playing surface with lots of grass cover a good width, terraced viewing behind both goals with the main seated stand housing the changing rooms and clubhouse beside the bar opening offering hot and cold drinks. An overcast day with a few spots of rain in the air, a slight chill as we enter October but should stay dry for the game.

Cambridge United WFCC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Emma Wallis, Kelsey Smith, Ella Marden, Gisela Otten, Rosy Wodhams, Eva Hubbard (C), Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Sophie Shults, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Marta Rodriguez, Mollie Coupar & Holly Plummer.

Cambridge United WFC

 London Bees starting XI – Tia Gunn, Mira Hoteit, Aria Heil, Cheyenne Flynn, Rebekah Wozniak, Megan Burrows, Aimee Durn (C), Hayley Hoare, Sophie Lee, Sam Lanza & Millie Isherwood. Subs – Millie Constantine, Sarah McDermott, Aaliyah Charles, Olivia Bartlett & Shamoy Campbell.

London Bees

Captain’s Aimee Durn and Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

  Further injuries for Cambridge heading in to today’s match with midfielders, Sammy Edgar and Alysha Stojko-Down not in the playing squad. Nevertheless both fielding a strong starting XI with useful replacements waiting on the bench. Cambridge wearing Amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks to take the kick-off 1st half, London Bees wearing similar colours in their away strip today, purple shirts with white trim, along with white shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle for captain Eva Hubbard to clip out to the right with Kelsey Smith on the move, Mira Hoteit seeing it out for a throw in for the visitors.

 GOAL! London Bees captain, Aimee Durn gets hold of the ball in the middle of the ark and goes on a driving run forwards sending the ball on for Sophie Lee breaking clear on the right wing down the line whips a dangerous cross into the box with players piling forwards, defended at the near post, but not cleared out to the left inside the box Hayley Hoare pressing the ball knocked on for Millie Isherwood inside the six yard box at the left post turns on the ball and blasts her strike into the back of the net to open the scoring inside the first minute! 0-1.

Millie Isherwood firing London Bees into the lead inside the opening minute

  An early blow for Cambridge and before they can pick themselves up London Bees are lively nipping in to win the ball putting Lee into an attacking position on the right goes on a forceful run tracking in field, before attempting to slide a ball into the box for Isherwood making a run across to the near post, a little heavy runs out of play. Rosy Wodhams onto the ball for Cambridge passed forwards into Sarah Wilshire looks to chip the ball into the right channel for Bella Simmons, Rebekah Wozniak at the back heading the ball clear for London Bees.

  Gisela Otten snapping in to win the ball for Cambridge in the middle playing a direct ball on up top for Wiltshire to attack, a good starting position from London Bees keeper, Tia Gunn sees her onto the ball first. London Bees on the front foot early on, Durn taking the ball on well, Hoare and Lee providing good pace and options on the flanks. Lee getting on down the right, Abbie Jackson in to close her down for Cambridge slows her up blocking one cross Lee with a 2nd bite firing it in low to the near post cleared this time by Cambridge’s Lauren Rouse. 

Cambridge’s Gisela Otten

  London Bees causing Cambridge issues early on pulling the hosts out of shape with players pressing well and taking the ball on. Durn with the ball for the visitors driving on sending a cross from deep into the far post, Sam Lanza looking to attack it for London Bees, Emma Wallis getting in front of her to head the ball away for Cambridge. 

  Lee marauding down the right for London Bees getting in behind pulling players across allowing openings for midfield runners to exploit. Jackson blocking a cross attempts to clear the ball up the left into Wiltshire, Aria Heil coming to close her down, Hubbard coming over to support Wiltshire turns to put the ball central for Wodhams, tries to lay it into the left channel for Wiltshire bursting forwards, over hits the pass, runs out of play.

Eva Hubbard moving in to tackle Cheyenne Flynn

 GOAL! Isherwood turns provider this time as London Bees surge forwards getting onto the ball 20 yards out top of the D sends a low ball on for Lee tracking into the area from the right, closing in on the near post shoots early firing the ball under Webb before the keeper can get down to save from point blank range 0-2.

Sophie Lee firing home London Bees 2nd goal

A blistering start from London Bees, goals up inside the opening 10 minutes Megan Burrows playing the ball forwards out to Lee on the right combines with Lanza the ball squared back across the top of the Cambridge area, Durn running onto it volleys over. Cambridge most certainly on the back foot, struggling to get the ball out, London Bees sharper to close down the 2nd ball get play turned around. Their wingers able to get in behind at will. Isherwood attacking down the right forcing Cambridge into conceding a corner kick.

London Bees captain, Aimee Durn

 Hoare across to take it on the right side fired in to the top of the area collected by Wozniak eft of the D, Simmons in to close her down no shooting option instead plays it out to the right for Hoare to deliver the ball into the box from the angle half cleared at the far post drops to a London Bees player, struck back towards goal a vicious drive on target, a brilliant save from Webb instinctive throwing a glove up to tip the ball over the bar!

  The corner swept long beyond the far post knocked goal wards claimed by Webb moving across her goal. Cambridge finding attacking opportunities in short supply, Hubbard looking to mix things up in the middle sending the ball on for Wiltshire in attack, turns on the ball 0 yards out, Wozniak closing her down for London Bees. Lee fouled on the right inside the Cambridge half a free-kick to the visitors. Players up from the back a good delivery angled in at the far post attacked by Cheyenne Flynn headed over. Cambridge forced into a formation change going to a back four with Smith dropping in at right back, Wallis across to the left of defence.

 Hoteit winning the ball from Simmons sending it up the left for Hoare racing on to attack her cross cut out by Rouse at the back for Cambridge. London Bees working the ball between them well Durn often the linchpin on for Hoare coming inside form the left has Lanza ahead of her back to goal outside the area sees Hoteit making a run from the back slides the ball into her path the full back in turn looking to thread it into the area for Isherwood, overcooks her pass Webb can see it run safely out of play.

London Bees, Sam Lanza

  Smith getting the ball on for Simmons high on the right for Cambridge, has Wiltshire over that side to link up with the cross swept in across the six yard box, Marden looking to attack it beyond the far post can’t get over the ball turns her attempt wide. Lee bursting on down the right flank for London Bees, Wallis going with her into the corner, blocking her cross behind for a corner.

Cambridge’s Emma Wallis

 Swung in from the right, Wodhams defending at the near post for Cambridge, knocked back out to the corner taker the 2nd attempt to cross send behind for a 3rd corner.

GOAL! Played long by Hoare from the right falls to Durn top of the area clips it back out to Hoare out wide on the wing for her to deliver a pacy ball in across the face of goal, high Webb looking to punch it clear, instead Wozniak comes steaming in to head the ball from point blank range hurting herself as she lands in the Cambridge keeper as the pair go down 0-3. 

Rebekah Wozniak steaming in with the header to score London Bees 3rd goal

 Wozniak heading London Bees into a 3 goal lead on the half hour. Hurt from her goal scoring heroics a pause in play players going to the benches for drinks and instruction. London Bees looking strong into a commanding position, Cambridge with a mountain to climb need to regroup. Wozniak okay and able to play on needing to come off having received treatment wait to be called back on.  

 Burrows linking up with Hoare out on London Bees left wing, Simmons giving a foul away another opportunity to launch the ball into the box, fired in to the far post, a glancing header taking the ball wide. Simmons turning on the ball right side to get on down the flank crossing the ball in from deep, Hoteit getting the faintest of touches to deflect the ball into the side netting conceding the corner. The ball curled onto the roof of the net.

  Hubbard using the outside of her boot to launch the ball forwards for Cambridge, Wiltshire the target, Gunn able to press up due to her teammates forcing the play almost acting as a sweeper getting to the ball first to clear for London Bees. Hoteit playing Hoare on down the left for the visitors her cross angled into the near post claimed by Webb. Marden putting the ball into Hubbard to play forwards up to Wiltshire making a left channel run, Flynn in to close the striker down for London Bees.

London Bees defender, Cheyenne Flynn

  Isherwood spinning off her marker top feed the ball on down the right wing for Lee, Wallis getting a foot on the ball to turn it out for a throw in. The visitors pressing the ball forcing Cambridge into misplacing their passes, Burrows forwards into Isherwood, Otten sliding in to tackle for Cambridge, Durn onto the ball out to Lee wide right, Wallis stopping the cross. 

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-3 London Bees

  A strong first half performance from London Bees racing into an early lead setting the pace overwhelming their opponents getting players forwards and in return comfortable at the back. 2 goals up inside 10 minutes added a 3rd on the half hour. Cambridge’s opportunities s up top limited with one shot off target have a mountain to climb but the half-time break giving them a much needed chance to reset and regroup see if they can salvage anything 2nd half. London Bees in control on the front foot from the start and haven’t looked back creating chances pulling players out of position and winning the 2nd ball.

  No surprise to see Cambridge ringing the changes 2nd half with a triple switch. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Marta Rodriguez and Mollie Coupar coming on in place of Smith, Otten and Marden. London Bees unchanged to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into the defence, Flynn and Wozniak exchanging passes, Wiltshire rushing in to close her down the ball clipped long up to Isherwood in attack the ball bouncing safely through to the keeper. 

 

 Rodriguez looking to put some fight into the play for Cambridge battling her way on through the middle combining with Hubbard, the pass into Wiltshire cut out by Flynn. The ball played out to Burrows moving left for London Bees sent on up the line for Hoare. Wallis now back on the right with Cheal-Ferris left sliding in to tackle for Cambridge. 

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson

 Coupar taking the ball on left side for Cambridge knocking it inside looking for Simmons, Heil defending for London Bees, Simmons onto the loose ball taking it into the corner, Heil back on her blocking the ball to turn it behind for the corner. Cheal-Ferris on the corner from the left is a sweet curling back in across the six yard box, unfortunately no one attacks it at the far post the ball running out of play. 

 Hoare doing well out on the left attacking for London Bees pace taking the ball on fired forwards into Isherwood pulling left inside the box whips a cross in along the face of goal, Lee looking to met it first time at the far post not getting the contact she wanted her shot screwed wide.

 Hubbard goes into the referees book picking up a yellow card for a foul on Durn. Out on the left from deep, Hoare over the ball, curls the ball into the box angled in too close to the keeper Webb can claim it untroubled. Hubbard lifting the ball over the top as London Bees play a high line, Wiltshire staying onside to burst in behind, Gunn though is positioned outside her box and onto the ball first. Cambridge snapping back in to regain the ball Wodhams out to the left Coupar on for Cheal-Ferris racing to the by line her cross lifted into the area cleared by Lee.

Mira Hoteit on the ball for London Bees

 Rodriguez playing the ball into the run of Wodhams as she breaks into the right channel, Hoteit in to close her down well for London Bees get her side on the attack by playing Hoare in on the wing with Isherwood ahead of her the striker sweeping her cross into Lanza on the penalty spot is closed down going down appeals for a penalty but nothing doing as the ball travels on to Lee on the right smashes her strike into the near post, low, Webb getting down well to bat the ball behind for a corner kick.

 

  The corner curled in across the six yard box, Lanza beyond the far post stretching for the ball can’t direct the ball back inside. London Bees pushing up Cambridge defending at the back Wallis right lifting the ball forwards finding Wilshire 30 yards out turns onto the ball looking to lob the keeper knowing Gunn is way off her line, however stretching to meet the ball can’t direct her attempt on target. 

GOAL! London Bees win a free-kick in a dangerous position out wide on the left, Hoare over the ball as players come up from the back. angling her delivery in central the ball is headed clear to the left of goal, Wozniak getting hold of it looking to keep the attack alive laying the ball back out to Hoare who controls then curls a shot in towards goal struck beautifully over the keeper under the crossbar to make it 0-4.

Hayley Hoare curling home London Bees 4th goal

  London Bees extending their lead on the hour. Rodriguez winning the ball for Cambridge taking it forwards trying to fed it on up to Wiltshire in attack, Wozniak up well ahead if her with a deft header glancing the ball down safely into her keepers gloves. The hosts winning a corner on the right as Simmons presses the ball, Gunn surrounded on her line as the ball is curled into the six yard box, Flynn defending it at the near post. Back out to the right floated into the area falling beyond the far post Rodriguez with the attempted shot fired back across the six yard box wide of the right post.

  Burrows fouled wide left high up the pitch as she moves forwards for London Bees, Hoare on the set-piece swung into the mix, defended by Wodhams cleared out to Hoteit some 30 yards out central, takes on the strike her low effort taking a couple of deflections on its way through to the keeper. Wodhams pulling up for Cambridge down with an injury, another pause in play and another blow for Cambridge as she can’t continue, Holly Plummer coming on.

 Isherwood is fouled 30 yards out to the right of the D giving London Bees another free-kick. Durn and Wozniak over the ball. Wozniak doesn’t do subtle running in to strike the ball fires her bullet of a strike wide past the far post. Simmons picking up a knock for Cambridge in some discomfort but can continue. London Bees making a triple switch as they bring on Sarah McDermott, Olivia Bartlett and Shamoy Campbell to replace, Flynn, Durn and Isherwood with less than 15 minutes to play.

  Simmons after the ball from Wallis on the right playing it on for Wiltshire to chase into the corner, Wozniak coming over to close her down for the visitors. Burrows coming left for London Bees, Plummer in to close her down holding her up well, Burrows forced back infield gets the cross field pass out to Lanza on the right 20 yards out on the angle fires a shot up over the bar. Lee coming off for London Bees on in her place, Aaliyah Charles. 

  Campbell getting after the ball in attack for London Bees, Rouse in to challenge well for Cambridge outside the box. Rouse in to defend on Campbell again moments later as she is found by Hoare in the left channel as the winger spins off her marker on half way to launch the ball into her. Wilshire picking up the ball on the right for Cambridge shifting it well between her feet tracking inside 25 yards out closed down rolls it back into Wallis breaking forwards she hits it on into the box for Rodriguez right side, can’t dig it out of her feet before Hoteit can close her down.

 

  Hoare with some strong running on the left for the visitors firing the ball into Campbell back to goal left side inside the box drags the ball inside looking to shift it onto her right foot the goal opening up before her, angles her shot in low towards the right corner, I’m looking at this from behind through my camera, looks a goal all the way, but Webb comes from nowhere to diving full stretch across her goal line getting down to the ball with her outstretched arm and turning the ball wide of the post for a corner kick.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

  Swept in from the right goes long but won back on the left the cross angled in to the near post turned behind for a corner on the left. This one defended at the near post put back into the taker the ball lifted high into the six yard box, Webb getting up to punch the ball away to safety on the right. Webb keeping the score line down for Cambridge as London Bees continue to push on the substitutes keen to get in on the action, Campbell racing onto the ball inside the box right of goal, Webb rushing out to close her down staying big to make the blocking save as Campbell fires her shot into her. 

Cambridge United striker, Sarah Wiltshire

 Plummer escapes with the ball into the right channel for Cambridge, squaring the ball back inside for Wiltshire 20 yards out central, looks to strike it early, leaning into her attempt as Wozniak comes to close her down, screws her effort off target. The clock ticking down into stoppage time Simmons brought down giving Cambridge one last opportunity to play the ball into the box, Cheal-Ferris from the left sending it in angled in straight, Gunn up to claim it looks to get her team on the attack. Heil right side up the wing her cross into Lanza outside the box defended.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-4 London Bees

  The final whistle blows and London Bees claim the 3 points to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 5 matches moving above Cambridge in the process into 5th spot. A strong away performance from start to first. Aimee Durn’s run from midfield leading to the opening goal inside the opening minute, put Cambridge on the canvas and they never recovered, the visitors winning the ball well getting players forwards, Lee and Hoare attacking down the wings at will early on a 2nd goal inside 10 minutes from Lee, Wozniak with a charge to head home the 3rd on the half hour. Hoare curling home their 4th in the 2nd half. A day to forget for Cambridge, looked a lose one on paper and on another day this is a performance they themselves are capable off, can only move on to the next one look to put thing’s right.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few contenders as is often the case but had one name in mind leaving the ground and the notes have confirmed that. Some performances to mention, firstly for Cambridge, a hard day at the office, however goalkeeper Lauren Webb pulled off some brilliant saves to keep the score-line down in both halves. Eva Hubbard battled hard in the middle without the reward. Bella Simmons getting back to help win the ball trying to turn play around. For London Bees both centre backs were composed, Cheyenne Flynn and Rebekah Wozniak with some good challenges the latter scoring. Aimee Durn setting the tone early on with her bursting run through the middle setting her team on their way, got about in the middle to win the ball, making several strong attacking runs. Sophie Lee a threat on the right surging on in behind kept Cambridge on the back foot, on the score sheet. So too her opposite number on the left flank, Hayley Hoare with some strong running on the left, skill on the ball and a threat with her set-pieces throughout is the winner of today’s award.

  Results elsewhere see the league bunch up even more with Norwich drawing with real Bedford and 2nd placed Actonians losing out Dulwich Hamlet. Cambridge down to 9th but still just 2 points from the 3rd placed side, 5 behind the leaders. London Bees themselves now just 3 points behind the leaders. This is going to be an exciting title contest can’t wait to see it all unfold.

   A great performance from London Bees. Having seen them struggle so much in recent season’s it’s fantastic to finally see the club in a positive place, and I hope a positive future will certainly be up there based on what I saw today. Cambridge will be hurting, but I know what they are capable of too and am confident they’ll bounce back. My thanks to both clubs for there assistance today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham