Sunday 30th March

Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final

Heading down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch my 2nd cup final of the season, this time it’s the Herts FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup Final with holders, Royston Town Women taking on Stevenage FC Women winners of the trophy on 5 occasions over the last decade.

 Looks set to be a great contest between two sides bang in form currently top and 3rd in the ERWFL Premier Division. Herts FA breaking their women’s county cup into two competitions last season, with a Senior Challenge Cup being contested by the sides representing tiers 3 to 6 in the women’s football pyramid and a new Trophy competition for those sides below. Watford FC Women beating Stevenage FC Women development last Sunday to lift the trophy. The Senior competition freeing up weekends earlier in the season and trying to eliminate the heavy score lines and one sided games that can occur. A better look all round.

  Royston Town Women beating Watford FC Women Development 3-1 last season to win the Challenge Cup for the 1st time in their history. Recruiting well over the past couple of season’s brining in some useful experience Royston have built on that cup success currently leading the ERWFL Premier Division, 10 points clear of 2nd placed Luton Town Ladies who have 4 games in hand. Winning 15 of their 17 league games to date with just the one defeat. Also the leading goal scorers in the Premier Division pushing hard to win the title and with it promotion to the FAWNL for the 1st time. Emma Slater top scorer not only for Royston but the league itself currently with 33 goals to her names from 24 games. With, Neve Mayes, Frankie Pim and Laura Mills all reaching double figures too.

 Stevenage FC Women have been a dominant force in the Challenge Cup for the past decade, winning it on 5 occasions plus plus runners-up on 3 occasions. In that time enjoying a brief stint in the FAWNL before dropping back down to the ERWFL, players coming and going have rebuilt as they look to establish themselves as a promotion contender. A run of 9 straight league wins pushing Stevenage up to 3rd in the Premier Division, a 12 game unbeaten run in all. Played in front of a record crowd of 586 at The Lamex Stadium, home of their men’s club last weekend, sees both sides come into today’s final in confident mood. Gemma Croucher, Stevenage’s top scorer, netting 22 goals so far from 23 games. Amy Makewell with 13 goals too from her 20 matches. Hannah Nebbitt on course to make her 100th game for Stevenage in today’s final.

Road to the Final

  Both sides with a bye in the 1st round of this season’s competition, going straight into the quarter finals. There Royston were away to fellow Premier Division side, St Albans City Women, a brace each for Laura Mills and Frankie Pim plus strikes from Emma Slater and Erin Davies seeing them progress with a comfortable 6-1 win. Stevenage on the road take on champions elect of ERWFL Division One North, Harpenden Town WFC, a potential banana skin, Stevenage emerging on top with a narrow 2-1 victory with Gemma Croucher and Amy Gooderham on the scoresheet. 

 Into the last 4 Royston drawn at home taking on, Colney Heath Ladies, newly promoted to the ERWFL, making a good start to life in Division One South, came up against a Royston side bang in form however, with Emma Slater, Frankie Pim, and Neve Mayes all netting a brace in an 8-1 win, Charlotte South and Katie Hayes also scoring. Stevenage at home in their semi-final taking on Watford Ladies development newly promoted to the Premier Division, like Royston were too strong on the day with Gemma Croucher netting a hat-trick, along with goals for Chloe Gunn, Amy Makewell, Amy Gooderham and Francesca Tilbury in a 7-2 victory.

The County ground, Letchworth the venue for today’s cup final, not only home to Hertfordshire FA headquarters, beside the stadium, but also Stevenage FC Women. The ground seeing some redevelopment over recent season, an artificial pitch overlooked by the main seated stand, with a small terraced stand opposite and viewing all round, the clubhouse and café under the main stand serving hot food and drink. A pleasant sunny day as the clocks go forwards at the end of March, a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch the sun bright high in one corner of the ground may cause a few issues ( but shouldn’t complain about the sun).

Royston Town Women starting XI – Tilly Want, Amy Reed Annie Georgiou, Tally Miles, Amy Houghton, Charlotte South (C), Laura Mills, Ri Badal, Frankie Pim, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs – Stacey Roper, Jordanne Sillitoe, Jodie Donley, Lucy Ford & Katie Hayes.

 Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Mistie Fox-Barker, Hannah Nebbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Kelsey Millen, Gemma Croucher & Amy Makewell. Subs – Chloe Gregory, Frankie Tilbury, Anaise Corrigan, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe & Lilia Dempsey.

 All set for an exciting contest both sides in confident mood as they are lead out onto the pitch by referee Jacob Hamilton. Royston are the home team for todays final and wearing their traditional white shirts and socks with black shorts. Stevenage in their away colours and all purple kit. Royston losing goalkeeper, Millie Carter, on loan from Sudbury to injury leading up to the game, but have a more than capable replacement in Tilly Want to don the gloves. Hannah Nebbitt starting in her 100th game for Stevenage.

 Stevenage with the kick-off first half the ball rolled back into the middle played forwards up the right wing, Amy Gooderham on the move, Annie Georgiou at left back for Royston out to close the ball down see it out for a throw in. Royston seeing the ball across the back line to Amy Reed on the right she sends in on up the line for Emma Slater, gets on the move driving forwards, Kelsey Millen getting back at her to make the challenge for Stevenage sends the ball out of play.

 A lively start from both sides moving in to close the ball down, Stevenage looking to get forwards, Chloe Gunn winning the ball in the middle, Hannah Bodily taking it on playing a crisp threaded pass into the left channel looknig for Amy Makewell pulling off the centre backs, a vital interception from Amy Houghton for Royston to prevent her getting a chance to go one on one with the keeper.

  Royston winning a free kick on the right inside the Stevenage half, players up into the box as Tally Miles floats a diagonal ball into the box, Millen winning it for Stevenage looks to break with the ball at her feet, tackles the ball back with Miles on the right slides it down the line for Slater, Hannah Nebbitt getting across her run can see the ball out safely for a goal kick. Stevenage get forwards quickly through the middle the ball from Gooderham into Gemma Croucher central 25 out looks to lay it into the box left side with Makewell providing the run Reed stretching to cut the pass out.

  Stevenage press the advantage early looking to get at the Royston defence, Gooderham powering down the right inside for Croucher, looks for Makewell in close attendance, Miles stepping in to close the ball down for Royston. Neve Mayes up front for Royston coming to the right with the ball at her feet looknig to combine passes with Slater, Rebecca Edge moving out of the middle of defence getting hold of the ball, steers it back to goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves to clear. 

  Ri Badal bringing the ball on through the middle for Royston attempts to float the ball into the right channel for Slater to run onto, Reeves though quickly out to the top of her area to lay claim to the ball. Croucher turning on the ball 30 yards out for Stevenage laying it on down the right for Gooderham, then Makewell her cross into the box cut out by Miles, Stevenage pushed up regaining possession Nebbitt on the ball left sending the ball into the middle for Croucher 20 yards out lines up a strike, Royston captain, Charlotte South charging down the strike.

 GOAL! Royston have the ball at the back Miles putting it on for Frankie Pim coming inside from the left, lifts a superb ball on through the middle for Slater to attack bearing down on the top of the box, Reeves comes to the top of her area to try and close her down, Slater, knocking the ball past the keeper, taking it on into the area left of goal and slotting it into the empty net beyond 1-0.

 Royston in front inside 8 minutes. Stevenage frustrated having had a good opening to the match press on Nebbitt taking the ball on down the left off Millen sending her cross inside with Gooderham making a run right of the D, 25 yards out looking to hit her strike first time blasts the ball into the box, Miles in the way to block for Royston the ball deflected away to the right. 

 GOAL! Stevenage with the perfect response to falling a goal behind pressing the ball high getting it out to the right with Mistie Fox-Barker taking it on sending in on for Makewell out wide level with the area lays it into the middle of the box with Gooderham breaking forwards onto the ball to strike it low past the diving keeper, inside the near post 1-1.

Stevenage back on level terms inside 3 minutes of conceding the opening goal. South playing the ball out to Slater racing on down the right for Royston clips a cross into the area looking for Mayes running in central, Edge getting her head to the ball first to clear for Stevenage. The game being played at a frantic tempo both sides looking to move the ball quickly Slater seeing the ball into her feet outside the Stevenage area right side attempts the back heel to pick out Mayes inside the D, looks to charge into the box, stopped by Edge the ball cleared for a throw right side.

  Nebbitt coming on with the ball at her feet on the left for Stevenage forwards into Millen, shifts inside firing a low diagonal ball into Makewell inside the D, looks to hit the ball on the turn, Miles in to close her down for Royston. Mayes and Edge enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to muscle her way into the area, going wide Edge shielding the ball out upended for her efforts. 

  Croucher nipping on to dispossess Mills in the middle plays the ball out to Gooderham on the right, the Stevenage winger looks to drop her shoulder power forwards, Georgiou getting a foot on the ball to take it away from her. Competitive in the middle, Gunn and Bodily in to win the ball for Stevenage, likewise, Mills, Badal and South for Stevenage the latter getting the ball forwards into Slater on the right wing breaking down the line lifts a cross into the area, Edge winning it with her head for Stevenage to clear.

  Stevenage not afraid to go direct, captain Lucy Webster launching the ball up to Croucher in attack 25 yards out back to go can’t quite get it out from under her feet before Badal challenges the ball knocked forwards however, Gooderham and Makewell both attack it top of the Royston box, Badal back to defend along side Miles getting the ball away to safety. Webster playing another teasing ball from halfway up into Croucher top of the area central for Stevenage chests the ball down into the path of Makewell ahead of her, Reed needing to close her down quickly prevents the striker taking a shot.

Stevenage continue to ask the questions lively out on the flanks Millen moving into the centre the furthest forwards top of the D as Makewell sends the ball into her feet shapes to go right, Badal back to help her defence putting in the tackle to deny another shot on goal. South sweeping the ball out to the left for Mayes to take on down the line getting on the move, Fox-Barker lunging in taking the ball out for a throw in.

  A good contest both sides getting stuck into it, South fouling Makewell on halfway, the ball launched into the far post area, Want up well taking the ball with Makewell looking to attack it. Slater fouling Millen as the pair battle for the ball on the left just over halfway. Nebbitt to play the ball long into the Royston area, Houghton dealing with it. All action Royston break forwards the angled cross from the left travelling deep to the far post Slater racing in to attack it placing her shot high into the side netting.

 End to end Stevenage pressing right side the ball into Gooderham top of the area, goes down under challenge, a pause in play and unfortunately Gooderham can’t continue looks to be an ankle injury as she is helped down the tunnel Stevenage making a change, with Lilia Dempsey coming on she runs over to the left side with Millen moving to the right. Mayes looking to link up with Pim on Royston’s left flank, before sending a cross high into the box, Edge under it to clear for Stevenage.

 

  Miles playing the ball on through the middle for Royston into Mills lays it out to Slater right of the box some 25 yards out clips a high looping ball in on the Stevenage goal, Reeves back on her has the sun right behind the strike but keeps her eye on it well claiming it high back on her line. Webster able to travel with the ball for Stevenage tries her luck from range her shot racing in low narrowly wide of the left upright. 

  The game opening up at time as both sides over commit going forwards, Royston hitting Stevenage on the counter, Mills out to Georgiou getting on down the left wing sends it forwards into Pim, Edge coming across the box to put in the tackle see the ball away to safety. Webster sending her pass up to Croucher in attack back to goal 25 yards out sees it down off her chest into the path of the advancing Makewell who strikes it on the run seeing her effort fly over the Royston crossbar. 

 Houghton tackling Croucher inside the box as Millen sends the ball in from the right. Mills taking the ball forwards for Royston moving right has Slater with her sending the ball on, Dempsey back to help defend for Stevenage, the ball cleared but soon back with Royston as it is played in across the top of the area, Gunn tangling with Mills top of the D, giving away the free-kick. In a dangerous position it’s Mills over the ball taking on the shot gets it through everyone bearing down on goal Reeves diving to her left down to push the ball away, wide of the post behind for what is the first corner of the game…

 GOAL! Royston are quick to take the corner, Stevenage barely set players already up from the free-kick the delivery lifted in high close to goal, the keeper attempting to punch, knocks it down straight into the onrushing Neve Mayes to deflect the ball past her into the back of the net to see Royston retake the lead late in the first half 2-1. 

 GOAL! Stevenage were quick to respond to falling behind from the opening goal, even quicker this time as they get on the attack from the restart Nebbitt on the ball left side playing in infield to Makewell who in turn sends it on for Croucher charging onto space in the left corner, holding onto the ball well sends it back up the line into Nebbitt’s feet, some 30 yards out takes on the strike from the angle lifting the ball into the air, right behind it so know it could cause the keeper problems dropping at the far post, Want cant get a glove on the ball as it drops over her under the bar in the corner of the goal see Nebbitt celebrate her 100th appearance for Stevenage with a goal! 2-2.

 Into stoppage time at the end of the first half Stevenage winning a free-kick top of the circle as South brings down Makewell. The delivery high into the far post area knocked down into the six yard box, straight to Gunn, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to get a stab at goal before the blocking tackle comes it the ball played clear of the box. Both sides battling for possession some strong challenges coming in two committed sides, Maye picking up a blow late on but okay to continue as the first half draws to a close with the sides level.

Half-time Royston Town Women 2-2 Stevenage FC Women

Twice Royston took the lead, and twice Stevenage responded with a quick fire reply to see the sides going into the changing rooms all square at the break. A lively and entertaining first half filled with action, both sides committed getting after the ball wanting to get forwards. Stevenage with a positive start pushing on asking the early questions only to fall behind as Emma Slater knocked the ball past the onrushing keeper to score. Amy Gooderham firing Stevenage straight back onto level terms, chances for both sides some good battles out there, Royston retaking the lead from a corner only to concede straight away late in the half. Promised to be a cracker and has lived up to expectations all poised for the 2nd half.

  No changes for the 2nd half, Royston to get the 2nd 45 underway, should the scores remain level after 90 minutes then the final goes straight to penalties. Royston playing the ball back to South central she launches it into the right channel with Reed bursting forwards hitting the ball first time on the move from 25 plus yards out, doesn’t catch it cleanly scuffing it through to the keeper for a simple gather.

  Royston looking to be more positive at the start of the 2nd half press the ball higher look to get it into the channels. Mayes rushing onto Webster, stealing the ball off the defender to charge in behind lay the ball on for Slater pulling away to the left, Edge going with her going to put in the block as she pulls the trigger, deflected off her, Fox-Barker unable to prevent it going for a corner kick. Swung in across the six yard box to a crowded far post the ball is knocked back down across goal with Fox-Barker covering the left post clearing the ball off the line.

 Stevenage thread the ball on through the middle into Makewell in attack, does well to spin off Miles take the ball in behind the centre back however her defensive partner Houghton is around on the cover to getting to the ball ahead of Makewell to play it back to Want to kick clear.

 Continues to be all action, South picking out Slater breaking down the right her cross swung into the area, cleared by Edge for Stevenage. Stevenage break from a Royston throw in the corner, Makewell in attack on for Croucher into Millen left side, Reed getting a tackle in the ball deflecting off her behind for a corner kick. Curled in at the near post knocked up into the air turned behind for a 2nd Stevenage corner on the left, this one taken short up the line the cross into the box from deep taken well by Want high at her far post.

  Royston getting hold of the ball better 2nd half Badal laying it on for Mayes breaking into the area left of goal, Webster going with her getting across the attacker well to shield the ball out of play. South controlling the ball in the middle for Royston dinking it on for Pim coming inside from the left 25 yards out attempts to play a looping shot up over the keeper, doesn’t get enough on the shot, Reeves collecting it cleanly.

 Stevenage making a change, bringing off Millen, send on Anaise Corrigan to join the attack. Bodily stealing in to rob the ball high for Stevenage laying it off to Croucher left corner of the area her attempt from the angle blocked by Houghton the rebound comes to Bodily who takes on the shot her low effort straight at the keeper. 

  Free-kicks continue to be given away Stevenage winning on wide on the left, Makewell over it firing a vicious ball in wide of the far post. Royston hit Stevenage on the break Pim left inside for Slater central, Pim going past her on the overlap left sends a cross in along the top of the opposition area Mills rushing onto the ball right of the D, striking from 20 yards out the keeper dives as the ball races past her going out of play off the post. 

  Slater coming down the right knocking the ball inside Nebbitt as she goes to tackle, pushing the ball into the area, Mayes coming for it tangling with Edge the defender hurt as she gets the ball away but up okay to play on. Remains a good contest the ball never still both wanting to get on with it, Dempsey left crossing the ball into the six yard box Makewell at the near post looking to knock the lay off down central but no one has made the run. 

  Mills and Gunn tangling again, Mills winning the decision top of the circle, Miles over the set-piece hit long to the left, Fox-Barker deals with the ball under pressure from the advancing Pim. Midway through the 2nd period Royston better 2nd half pressing the ball played out to Slater deep on the right, looks to fight her way into the box, is brought down by Gunn the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty!

 GOAL! Slater picking herself up placing the ball on the spot taking the penalty kick, nothing fancy a short run up striking the ball low and hard to the keepers left, Reeves goes the right way gets a faint glove on the ball but not enough to keep it out as Slater fires Royston back into the lead for the 3rd time in the contest 3-2.

 Royston making a change straight after the goal bringing off Maye in attack, sending on Jordanne Sillitoe. Edge putting her body on the line diving in hurt again as she defends on Slater as Badal looks to play the ball into her feet. Corrigan and Dempsey taking the opportunity to switch flanks as Edge receives treatment. Is getting a little heated out there, Sillitoe picking up the first yellow off the game.

 Miles in to close Croucher down 20 yards out left of the D as she looks to cushion another ball down off her chest from the left. Forward quickly helped on to Slater bursting away down the right flank for Royston her cross, flung in towards the near post collected by Reeves. 

 Reeves has to get there as she comes rushing out to the top of her area a Pim slides the ball on for Sillitoe to attack, gets there in the nick of time to clear the ball.

Reed putting in the block for Royston inside the area as Corrigan drives forwards with the ball on the left for Stevenage breaking into the box shoots, turned off the full back for a corner kick. The delivery inviting curled in high at the far post, Edge getting up well to head the ball down towards goal blocked by the keeper and full back, deflected behind for a corner on the right…

 GOAL! Players staying up as Stevenage play a short corner a player coming out towards the ball rolled back to the taker to send in a cross from the angle high towards the far post, Want jumping going up looking to get hold of the ball even as 3 Stevenage players attack the ball, not taken the ball bundled over the line, the keeper sent tumbling, a goal signalled Stevenage wheel away in celebration equalising for a 3rd time in the match, Edge with the telling touch to make it 3-3.

  Want stays down, concern for the goalkeeper as the trainers rush on to give treatment, the goal keepers union in full show too as Carter on crutches shows she can cover the ground quite effectively on one leg. A pause in play time taken, Royston have already lost one keeper don’t want to lose another but thankfully Want is okay to continue the game back all square with a little over 15 minutes left to play. 

  Royston making a change none the less bringing off Pim send Lucy Ford on to take up a position on the left. Stevenage fired up having gotten themselves back on level terms press forwards lose possession as Royston counter Bada sending the ball on for Slater on the right, Corrigan tracking back doing the defending for Stevenage.

 Edge charges down Sillitoe as she goes to pull the trigger from the right of the D off a Slater cross from the right wing. The clock ticking down the threat off a penalty shootout looming, Corrigan with the ball at her feet left side driving forwards for Stevenage, pulled back by reed, the full back earning herself a yellow card. Badal coming off for Royston, Katie Hayes entering the game late on. 

 Makewell over the free-kick deep on the left side, another vicious ball in towards the far post strikes the upright, Want saving more by luck than anything else as the ball cannons off the post straight into her defected wide out to the right before being cleared. Royston look to get on down their left Ford with Sillitoe winning a free-kick.

  GOAL! Miles over the ball looks to launch the ball in to the box, except she pulls it into the left channel instead, at least that was what I was about to write thinking Stevenage would see it safely out of play however, Sillitoe has other ideas as she races after the errand ball controlling on the by-line and turning back inside to send a dangerous ball in across the six yard box, coming to the far post where Mills has gotten herself free to meet the ball perfectly and send her header back in across the keeper to see Royston back in front for the 4th time in the match 4-3.

 3 minutes of regular play left, Stevenage send on Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe replacing Gunn, shortly followed by Chloe Gregory on for Nebbitt. Royston looking to attack a long throw out on the left, Ford up to challenge winning a corner off a defender. Defended at the near post deflected on across goal before being turned over the crossbar. 

 Sillitoe strong on the ball fighting for possession up front for Royston, into stoppage time. Mills defending as Makewell looks to get forwards. Croucher onto the loose ball her effort blocked from outside the box. Stevenage needing to get the ball forwards, Royston looknig to run the clock down, Sillitoe hauled down by Edge. Royston not making the most of the set-piece.

 Reed recovering well at the back as Corrigan threatens to races past her as she takes the ball on into the box left side, Reed putting in the lunging block to see the ball turned behind for a corner kick. Everyone bar the keeper up for Stevenage into the box seconds left for find a goal force a penalty shootout, curled into the six yard box dropping down into the six yards box, scrambled clear back with Stevenage wide left the cross comes in under the bar, claimed well by Want as the final whistle blows and Royston celebrate as they successfully retain the county cup.

Full time Royston Town Women 4-3 Stevenage FC Women

  Can’t beat a 7 goal thriller and in a cup final too! Great for the neutral, promised to be a cracking game and didn’t disappoint. All action, these two sides developing a healthy rivalry between themselves. A full on contest Royston leading the game on 3 separate occasions only for Stevenage to come back into it level the scores, the 4th goal late on one too far however Stevenage never gave up and the result was never in the bag right to the final whistle. Royston making it back to back county cups as they look to chase down the ERWFL Premier Division title. Stevenage missing out on one cup with a league cup final to look forwards too as well as playing a big part in the title race too. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few contenders for this one certainly and hard to make a final call. A few performances to mention, firstly for Stevenage, Rebecca Edge at the back with a strong game, winning the ball well, putting her body on the line and intercepting crosses. Hannah Bodily in the middle linking up play between defence and attack well throughout, Amy Makewell with some great positional runs in attack along with Gemma Croucher getting into space to receive the ball keep Stevenage on the front foot. For Royston, likewise, Tally Miles was solid at the back winning the ball well and getting it forwards early, several well timed tackles and interceptions. Charlotte South with some good midfield runs won the ball well, alongside Laura Mills who found some useful positions on hand to score the winning goal. Ri Badal with a strong midfield game too, getting about the pitch to help out in defence and get her side going forwards. The award goes to Emma Slater set the tone early on with her positive attacking runs driving at the Stevenage defence a ready outlet throughout scoring twice. 

Congratulations to Royston Town Women on winning the Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup for a 2nd successive season.

  More often than not when a game on paper looks tasty it fails to deliver, but not today, this was a cracking contest, a 7 goal thriller action from start to finish a contest between two in form and confident sides, never done and dusted, Royston lifting the trophy for a 2nd time, but Stevenage are already focused on getting to the final again next season and getting their hands back on the trophy. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams today and to the staff at Herts FA for their assistance, enjoyed that one!

by Darren Gilham