Monthly Archives: May 2025

Cup Final Special – Bacton United 89 Ladies v Halesworth Town Women

Wednesday 21st May

Suffolk Women’s League Plate Final

Heading back into Suffolk this Wednesday evening to watch the final of a brand new competition, the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate. Between two sides making their debut on Women’s Football East too, Bacton United 89 Ladies versus Halesworth Town Women.

A new competition in Suffolk as they join other league around the East to introduce a secondary league trophy to join the League Cup. Tried to get it up and running last season, but have succeeded this time around featuring the sides from the Suffolk Women’s Championship, knocked out in the early rounds of the League Cup itself, another opportunity for clubs to compete and lift silverware.

A shiny new trophy for the Suffolk League Plate final, who will be the 1st captain to lift it?

The Suffolk Women’s football league expanding to two divisions in recent seasons, a 7 strong Premiership and an 11 strong Championship below. The women’s game growing and Suffolk working to build two strong leagues. The Championship competitive at the top this season, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies top for a long period, eventually beaten to the title by Ramsey & Mistley Ladies to the title. A good showing too from this evenings opponents with Bacton United 89 Ladies recording a 3rd place finish and Halesworth Town Ladies fourth.

Bacton United 89 Ladies, with a much improved 2nd season playing in the Suffolk Women’s Championship since the club reformed it’s women’s side the season before. That debut campaign proving tough finishing 2nd bottom, have recruited to bolster the squad adding useful experience and have pushed on this season, getting the unexpected opportunity to compete in a final after their opponents beating them in the semi-final were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.

Bacton have plenty of goal scorers within the side having added some useful experience this season. Amelia Deuchers is leading the goal scoring charts for Bacton firing home 12 goals from her 12 matches so far. Porscha Rampley netting 8 from her 13 matches. Kirsten Spooner has 7 from her 10 appearances, Amy Kerry with 6 goals and Georgia Huggins and Clara Harper has 5 each.

Halesworth Town Women coming to the end of their 5th season, with a vastly improved performance this campaign recording their highest ever league finish, in 4th spot. That after a number of season’s struggling at the bottom of the league. Have stuck at it and the perseverance has paid off, following a strong performance in the Suffolk Women’s Championship getting to their first cup final. Have had to be patient, the original final called off with just 2 days notice, but have kept their focus.

Assembling a strong squad with several having a wealth of experience playing across Norfolk and Suffolk. Jodie Ellie leading the goal scoring charts having scored 14 goals to date. Lucy Robbens also into double figures having netted 10 times. Louise Nichols and Elisha Bower with 8 goals each.

Road to the Final

Bacton United 89 Ladies receiving a bye in the first round of the League Plate, Halesworth Town Ladies were on the road taking on Ipswich Valley Rangers Ladies. Elisha Bower netting a brace in the game along with a goal from Louise Nichols to secure a 3-0 win.

Moving into the quarter finals, Bacton were at home taking on new side, Saxmundham Sports Ladies, a close match Bacton edging it 2-1 at half-time going onto win the game 3-2 to advance to the semi-finals, with Porscha Rampley, Daisy Ross and Kirsten Spooner all getting a goal. Halesworth also at home in the last 8 taking on Alresford Colne Rangers Ladies. another close score line, goals from Bower and Jodie Ellis sealing a 2-1 win.

Into the last 4 of the League Plate, Bacton were away taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies Development, a tight game a single goal settling it unfortunately for Bacton it went against them. Brantham though penalised eventually for fielding an ineligible player removed from the competition 2 days before the original final, Bacton reinstated suddenly offered an opportunity to play for the trophy. Halesworth with a tough draw in their semi-final taking on title contenders, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies, had home advantage however the tie hard fought the pair drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes to see the game go to extra-time, Halesworth scoring the winner to take it 3-2 reach their first ever final along with Bacton.

Intriguing to see how the routes to the final effect thing’s Halesworth having been long prepared for the final, Bacton having a late invitation to complete, the league matches between the too promising a competitive contest with plenty of goals, having drawn 3-3 at Bacton, Halesworth winning 4-3 at home.

Stowmarket Town FC the venue for this evenings plate final, literally just off and over looked by the A14 a large carpark leading to the clubhouse housing the Stowmarket Community Sports & Social Hub. Beyond that the ground itself, a neat layout. The large grass pitch well used looking a little bobbly in places. The bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot food and drink. A small seated stand opposite the dugouts with standing viewing all round. Has a nice fell about it, Stowmarket Town having been flirting with the setting up a women’s side themselves, hosted one of the County Cup semi-finals too recently between Bungay Town Ladies & Sudbury Sports Women. The weather set fair again, bright ad sunny, a little chance of rain, the sun setting in one corner.

Bacton United 89 Ladies starting XI – Emily Higgins, Daisy Ross, Kaira Hazelton, Chloe Strachan, Kirsten Spooner, Kirstie Turner, Almudena Cobos, Cherie Harper, Krystal Monaghan, Georgia Huggins (C), & Amelia Deuchars. Subs – Sienna Brinkley, Charlotte Long, Charlotte White, Simona Bieniauskaite & Amy Kerry.

Bacton United 89 Ladies

Halesworth Town Women starting XI – Harriet Cotton, Zoe Lamb, Alicia Hall, Elisha Maher, Erin Galer, Laura Leggett, Faith Foster (C), Lucy Hood, Louise Nichols, Lucy Robbens & Jodie Ellis. Subs – Elisha Bower, Lily Whitehand, Joscelyn Foster, Erin Ruffles & Olivia Foster.

Halesworth Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra-time and penalties if required.

Captain’s Georgia Huggins and Faith Foster with this evenings match officials

With the sun setting behind the ground potentially affecting one goal, there is a change of ends with Halesworth moving to have the sun at their backs attacking during the first 45. Bacton with the kick-off first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. Halesworth lined up opposite wearing back and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle lifted out to the left channel with Amelia Deuchars, but Halesworth centre back, Elisha Maher gets in front of the bouncing ball to shield it back to her keeper Harriet Cotton.

Both sides after the ball in the middle popping back and forth, Halesworth’s Laura Leggett lifting a high ball on into the right wing for Louise Nichols to attack, looks to be a pacy player darting forwards, Kirsten Spooner from the middle of defence for Bacton racing out to close her down to tackle play the ball out. Halesworth pushed up on the right with a throw, Zoe Lamb linking up with Lucy Robbens, who turns to drive into the box, Spooner coming to close her down.

Bacton’s Kirsten Spooner

Snapping after the ball it is hotly contested neither side getting an advantage, Kaira Hazelton on the left at the back for Bacton getting hold of the ball sending it up the line for Deuchars to chase, looks to get on down the wing, Lamb close in her along with Maher preventing the cross. Alicia Hall getting hold of the ball for Halesworth on the left wing charging on from full back, Daisy Ross getting on shoulder as she drives forwards, putting a foot in to turn the ball out for a throw.

Jodie Ellis, top of the D for Halesworth, looking to drag the ball into her from the right in behind her marker, Ross stabbing out a boot nicking it from the striker launching it up field. Captain, Georgia Huggins lifting the ball on through the middle with Almudena Cobos and Deuchars surging forwards through the middle, Cotton out quickly to the top of her area to grab hold of the ball.

Nichols looks to have pace to burn on the right for Halesworth the ball fed into her on the diagonal by captain Faith Foster in midfield, Nichols looking to get away from Hazelton, Spooner coming across on the cover to close her down. Uneven bounce as the ball if hoisted forwards, wrong footing more than one player. Spooner at the back getting her head on a high ball sent on through the middle by Halesworth.

Bacton’s, Kaira Hazelton

Bacton goalkeeper, Emily Huggins wearing baseball cap to combat the setting sun comes rushing out of her area to clear as Halesworth look to play a high ball on for Nichols in behind through the middle. Emily Huggins sharp throwing out a hand top save turn the ball wide into her side netting for a corner kick on the left as the shot comes in from that side on the angle. The corner turned into the box near side defended, seen out for a goal kick.

Halesworth’s Laura Leggett

Leggett in to close the ball down centrally for Halesworth lifting a diagonal ball out to the right for Nichols racing away to the by-line, Spooner powering on to close her down, challenging gets the goal-kick. Frantic at times Bacton moving in to close the ball down play compact as players cluster to the ball. Georgia Huggins getting hold of the ball with a powerful run through the middle, Deuchars going with her, Elisha Maher with the blocking tackle to prevent either getting into the box.

Halesworth defender, Elisha Maher

Emily Huggins kick out from her box going astray falling straight at Robbens 30 yards out to the right of the goal, hooks it back in toward goal, looks to be going in one the bounce over the keeper, not getting near it as it loops up over her and comes down off the crossbar before being scrambled away to the right. Kirstie Turner through the middle for Bacton fired on for Cobos, looks to try and feed it through for Deuchars breaking in behind the Halesworth defence, onside, Cotton comes racing out of her area to put her foot through the ball plays it straight at Galer the ball striking the defender but spinning away to safety on the left, cleared by Hall.

Nichols moving over to the left attacking with Hall coming on in support players from both sides tracking back into the Bacton area, the cross coming in cut out initially by Spooner back out wide another cross blasted into the box won by Cherie Harper this time the rebound falling to Ellis inside the D, her strike, blocked by Harper.

Georgia Huggins taking the ball on for Bacton into the right channel, cutting it back inside for Cobos she puts it back out wide for the onrushing Ross who hooks a high diagonal ball up into the area, Cotton up well at her near post to lay claim to the ball.

Halesworth goalkeeper, Harriet Cotton

Halesworth getting a throw high on the right the ball dropped into Robbens 25 yards out turns to shot from the corner of the area, flashing a shot over the Bacton crossbar. Halesworth lively Hall quickly from left back having Nichols ahead of her keeping Ross busy, the Bacton full back holding Nichols up she rolls it back to Hall to cross in central for Robbens 25 yards out attempts to drag the ball across her turn into a shot, Spooner going with the ball lunging in to win it back for Bacton.

Chloe Strachan, needing to defend as Halesworth’s Lucy Hood sends the ball forwards for Robbens to chase central, the defender going with turning the ball behind for a corner kick. Put in short played back to Robbens on the left from the angle sends a shot in to the near post Emily Huggins having it covered down low to save.

Halesworth’s Lucy Hood

Spooner busy at the back for Bacton winning the ball well, chests a high ball down into her feet, sends it forwards for Harper looking to make a left channel run, drives forwards Maher coming to close her down preventing the cross. Spooner over a Bacton free-kick lifts it up top into Krystal Monaghan moving through the middle turns the ball out to Harper left side, her cross into the area, blocked by Maher, then Harper is penalised as she handles the rebound.

Certainly a close contest can see the competitiveness between the sides, Halesworth looking the sharper going forwards with their pace on the flank. Nichols brought down as she gets on the charge wide left, captain Faith Foster to curl the ball into the box, the header won by Bacton’s Monaghan. Turner sending the ball on through the middle into the path of Cobos left of the D, powering on has Lamb on her shoulder as she pulls the trigger from 20 yards out the ball racing wide of the left post.

Bacton’s Almudena Cobos

Spooner diving in to tackle Ellis inside the D as she looks to control a Foster ball into her feet. Half an hour played, Spooner winning another ball at the back coming left to lift it up the line for Deuchars, dropping her shoulder comes inside to shoot on the angle the ball rising on target but saved comfortably by Cotton. Foster sending the ball out to Nichols on the left, Ross getting a toe on the ball to turn it behind for a corner. In near side back out to the left, Ellis with Robbens the cross put low into the six yard box claimed by Huggins.

Halesworth captain, Faith Foster

Bacton making a change, Cobos coming off with Amy Kerry coming on to join the attack. Lamb wins the header at the back for Halesworth as Turner looks to put a diagonal pass into Deuchars breaking down the left. Galer coming in to close Monaghan down to win the ball at the back for Halesworth putting it forwards into Nichols left flank onside she whips a cross in central for Robbens outside the D seeing the ball across her shoots pulling her effort narrowly wide of Huggins’ left post.

Lamb defending for Halesworth at the back as Ross right side plays a diagonal pass on for Harper making a run into the left channel, Lamb seeing the ball back safely to her keeper.

GOAL! Bacton with the ball on the right pushing players on Monaghan up with Georgia Huggins the ball slipped on through the right into Kerry to charge into the area power her way in towards goal and smash a powerful drive past the keeper into the back of the net to fire Bacton into the the lead 1-0.

Amy Kerry off the bench firing Bacton into the lead

Bacton opening the scoring in the league Plate final with 7 minutes left to play in the first half. Bacton pressing the ball well right side Monaghan taking it infield, Galer tackling to stop her picking out Kerry central. The ball lifted on for Robbens right side awkward to control skipping up over the attacker, Spooner beyond her up to head the ball knocking it on behind her, recovers quickly to clear as Robbens looks to steal into the box.

A competitive end to the 1st half Halesworth looking to get forwards Foster up with Hood the ball out to Nichols on the left flank in behind, Strachan getting a foot on the ball but Nichols keeping it lifting a shot straight into the keepers gloves, the flag has gone up for offside though.

Half-time Bacton United 89 Ladies 1-0 Halesworth Town Women

Bacton taking the lead late on in the first half carrying a narrow advantage into the changing rooms as she two sides head in for the half-time interval. A lively first half the ball rarely still, Halesworth looknig a threat going forwards, with pace in Nichols out wide. Bacton defending well through the middle, Spooner winning her fair share of the ball. Bacton making a change as they build a bit of momentum in the final 3rd slipping Amy Kerry on into the box to fire them into the lead. Still all to play for 2nd half.

Both sides out early keen to get on with the game, Bacton making 2 changes at the start of the 2nd period, Sienna Brinkley coming on in defence for Hazelton, with Cobos back on for Monaghan. Halesworth to get the 2nd half underway the ball lifted on up the right but charged down sent back into the middle clipped up into the top of the area with Lamb bursting on up the left but Emily Huggins is out smartly to the top of her area to catch the ball.

Nichols back on the right for Halesworth on the move down the wing as Robbens spins the ball out to her feet, striking the shot on the angle, Huggins is down at her near post to see the ball into her gloves. Halesworth looking to get the ball into Nichols as quickly as they can coming forwards, Brinkley cutting out a pass for Bacton into Georgia Huggins central, rolls it on for Deuchars, Galer in to challenge for Halesworth.

Halesworth’s Erin Galer

Ross getting hold of the ball for Bacton making a strong run into the middle, Hall coming in to close her down with a strong tackle, too strong from the referee’s liking a free-kick awarded, Ross hurt in need of treatment but will be okay to continue.

GOAL! Turner over the set-piece just inside the Halesworth half to the right outside the centre circle. Running onto the ball strikes it well sending a high ball angling up and down into the opposition area looking to be attacked, balls have taken a wicked bounce all game and this one see’s the ball bounce up off the surface in front of the keeper, with spin taking it high over her head and on into he goal beyond, 2-0.

Kirstie Turner’s free-kick sending Bacton into a 2 goal lead

Bacton doubling their lead within 5 minutes of the restart. Halesworth making a change breaking off Ellis in attack, sending Elisha Bower on. Ross getting hold of the ball at the back right side for Bacton sending in on through the middle for Harper to glance on for Kerry in attack her first touch a little too heavy seeing the ball run away on her into the area, Cotton rushing onto hit to scoop up the ball.

GOAL! Halesworth pushing players on through the middle, Bower up with Foster central 20 yards out she strikes the ball Spooner blocking the ball taking a deflection off, Strachan out beyond sending it out to the right inside the area, Nichols rushing in on the angle driving the ball past the keeper into the back of the net running away in celebration 2-1.

Louise Nichols pulling a goal back for Halesworth

Halesworth getting a goal back soon after conceding a 2nd a good response to reduce the deficit back to a single goal. Nichols taking the ball on right side for Halesworth powering pass Brinkley, Spooner darting in to tackle as she gets across on the cover. Galer with a good had on the ball as Bacton look to get Deuchars on the move left channel.

Bacton’s Cherie Harper

Emily Huggins getting out to the edge of her area reading the threats as Halesworth probe left and right, moving out rapidly to stop the ball at the feet of Nichols as she races on right side. Harper dragging the inside as she turns on the right clipping it into Kerry top of the D, Maher getting a foot on the ball for Halesworth, allowing Hall to launch it clear. Nichols full of running right side cutting in on the angle to blast a fierce ball in on goal, for a moment it looked like it had gone in, but instead narrowly wide, a corner signalled, Huggins with a faint touch on the ball.

Bacton captain, Georgia Huggins

Halesworth’s corners rarely getting much distance Bacton deal with in near side. Make another change soon after with Monaghan coming back on to replace, Strachan which sees Turner drop deeper. Foster on the turn central laying the ball out to Nichols on the right, Emily Huggins ever alert racing out to the top of her area to get down to gather up the ball.

Bacton goalkeeper, Emily Huggins

Huggins the busier of the two goal keepers, Nichols taking the ball on right wing sending in early into the middle for Bower to run onto 20 yards out, slipping as she goes to pull the trigger, the low ball nevertheless coming in at Huggins with pace the keeper with a sharp save getting down behind the ball to save turn it away to the right.

20 minutes gone in the 2nd half Halesworth getting forwards well, Bower lively since coming on winning a free-kick out wide as she is brought down on the right by Monaghan. The set-piece swept into the top of the six yard box, it’s Monaghan who defends it heading the ball clear.

Bacton tiring Turner pushing the ball into the middle for Cobos, who turns looks for Kerry up top, Galer cutting out the pass for Halesworth. Turner winning the header at the back as Foster looks to chip the ball on for Bower. Another vital win by Turner moments later as Leggett attempts to find Nichols looking to run in behind on the right with the diagonal pass.

Bacton’s Daisy Ross

Deuchars putting a long range strike wide on the angle from the left as Kerry helps the ball on though middle for Bacton. Spooner running onto a loose ball at the back carrying in on into midfield for Bacton, runs into Hall who comes away with the ball leaving Spooner on the turf, staying down hurt looks to be cramping up, has put a lot into the game as Bacton work hard to hold onto their lead. Make a change with Harper coming off, Charlotte White coming on .

Turner in to close Nichols down as she makes a run into the left wing the ball out for a throw. The throw put inside for Bower central top of the D, shoots on the turn the ball skipping in towards goal dipping in front of the keeper, Huggins reacting quickly to get a glove on it turn it away to her left behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! The box crowded as Bower fires a longer ball in central, Monaghan to defend clearing the ball to the top of the area, Robbens latching onto it firing a driving shot in on goal, through bodies Huggins down quickly to save turning the ball away to the left, wide, Bower getting hold of it the angle acute puts her foot through the ball, a shot or a cross? Fired into the near post with venom is inside it past the keeper before she can react as Bower races for the halfway line in celebration getting Halesworth back on level terms. 2-2.

Elisha Bower levelling the scores for Halesworth

Halesworth getting back level to make it 2-2 with a little under 15 minutes to play. Are the ones asking the questions as we move into the latter stages of the contest. White getting back to defend as Hall looks to take the ball on left side. Hood coming on with the ball for Halesworth moving right looking to link up with Nichols exchanging passes the return ball to Hood in the box cut out by Bacton’s Spooner. The defender carrying the ball out from the back looking to get Bacton on the attack sends it on through for Kerry in attack, the pass over hit through to the keeper.

Bacton’s Krysta Monaghan

Spooner fouled as she goes in to win the ball back in midfield, down hurt again her legs cramping up. Winning the free-kick on halfway the ball with Turner sent on to the top of the area, headed clear by Halesworth. Spooner stretching to get the ball back as Halesworth look to counter with Robbens on for Hood through the middle. Lifted on for Kerry out to the left, the ball intercepted by Galer.

Emily Huggins saving at the near post as Nichols sends a shot in from deep on the right. Huggins getting out to the edge of her area smartly sliding in to save at Nichols feet as Robbens attempts to slide the ball into her from a central position. Hood coming off for Halesworth, Erin Ruffles coming on with the final moving into the last 5 minutes.

GOAL! Halesworth sending the ball out to Nichols on the right wing drops her shoulder cutting infield to break across the top of the area strikes the ball, her shot blocked by Ross, the rebound running back into Robbens central 25 yards out gets hold of the shot putting her foot through the ball to send a low drive arrowing in at goal through everyone before they can react and finds the back of the net to send Halesworth into the lead 3-2!

Lucy Robbens striking for fire Halesworth into the lead

A complete turn around from Halesworth, trailed 2-0 early in the 2nd half coming back to score 3 goals to lead 3-2 with a little under five minutes left. A huge blow to Bacton, who have put a huge amount into defending their lead. Spooner in particular feeling it her calves tight. Maher defending a high ball at the back for Halesworth. Turner looking to get on into the middle for Bacton with the ball at her feet threaded through to Kerry outside the box to the right of goal, Hall in to win the ball back for Halesworth.

Spooner coming over to defend against Ruffles as she comes on with the ball on Halesworth’s left. Spooner taking the ball on for Bacton tackled by Robbens, tried to release Nichols coming inside from the right, Emily Huggins out quickly to the top of her area to get hold of the ball. Charlotte Long on for Bacton late on with Kerry giving way. Huggins in the Bacton goal with a superb double save Nichols finding Bower inside the box central her shot blocked by Huggins as she goes to ground in front of her, the ball pushed away to the left Nichols rushing in on the follow up, the Bacton keeper up sharply to dive in save at her feet.

Lamb off for Halesworth, Joscelyn Foster coming on. Nichols on the left now pushing on to try and get into the box riding a coupe of tackles Ross getting a timely foot in to deflect the ball away, Faith Foster looking to get hold of the loose ball fouled outside the box winning Halesworth a free-kick. Bower 20 yards out over it floating a ball in towards goal, Huggins turning it behind for a corner kick.

The clock ticking down Halesworth looking to keep the ball in the corner. Bower driving inside pushing to get into the box, Cobos tackling for Bacton, try to get it upfield to the left half cleared, Deuchars looking to get hold of it but the ball into the box, a little heavy allowing Cotton to claim it. Halesworth with the ball up the right end of the pitch with seconds left to play an angled ball in from the right beat down by Huggins at her left post. The final whistle blowing soon after Halesworth celebrate as they win the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate.

Full time Bacton United 89 Ladies 2-3 Halesworth Town Women

Halesworth trailing at the break conceding a 2nd goal early in the 2nd half but responded well getting players forwards asking the questions coming up against keeper pulling off some fantastic saves got a goal back quickly putting the pressure on to go on and score the equaliser and as their opponents tired when on to fire home the winning goal in the final 5 minutes. The stronger side 2nd half was a compelling final between two evenly matched sides, Halesworth’s pace on the flanks a threat all match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders with both sides having a couple of strong candidates. A competitive game no doubt as the previous results proved. For Bacton, goalkeeper, Emily Huggins pulled of some tremendous saves keeping her side in the game for a long period, read the threats well getting out to the top of her area rapidly. Defender Kirsten Spooner covered the ground across the backline getting across to win the ball, block and intercept ran herself into the ground. Kirstie Turner winning the ball in the middle dropping deeper 2nd half passing well. Daisy Ross at full back getting in her fair share of tackles. For Halesworth, Elisha Bower made a huge impact coming on in the 2nd half taking the game to Bacton getting her side back on level terms. Elisha Maher with a number of crucial interceptions at the back. So to fellow centre back Erin Galer who won the ball throughout. Lucy Robbens getting into some great positions none more so than the one to score the winning goal. The award goes to Louise Nichols, her pace and driving runs with the ball at her feet causing Bacton problems all evening. A ready outlet for the midfield and defence never stopped running.

Halesworth Town Women, 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s League Plate winners

Congratulations to Halesworth Town Women on winning the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate.

Another enjoyable final from Suffolk, a new competition good to see more sides get the opportunity to play for silverware. My thanks to both sides for their assistance this evening and the leagues committee members for their help. Two new sides to watch but I knew more players that I realised (been doing this for a long time). Almost done two games left.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Aylsham FC Women v Bungay Town Ladies

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Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Moving onto the 2nd 11 aside final of the day the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final. An in form Aylsham FC Women’s side taking on back to back league champions and runners-up in last season’s final, Bungay Town Ladies.

The competition fierce in Norfolk Women’s Division One this season, Bungay runaway leaders in the defence of their title, but below it’s all to play for with runners-up spot very much up for grabs. The League Cup likely to be no less competitive as Aylsham into their first final look to stop Bungay doing the double.

The Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Aylsham FC Women playing themselves into form coming into this afternoon’s League Cup final, 7 straight league wins to propel them up the Division One table into 3rd spot and amongst those challenging for runners-up spot. A stark contrast to the beginning of the season just one win in their opening 9 matches 6 points collected in the bottom two looking in trouble, so a complete turn around plenty of talent and experience in the squad players returning from injury even as manager Steve Kay feel unwell. Back with the squad now on the mend helping out as his side compete for silverware.

Australian Billie Myall making an impact joining the squad last season taking time out to have a baby. Her return coinciding with Aylsham’s much improved form, Scoring plenty of goals Christina Papadopoulou firing in 25 this season from her 18 matches. Shelley Woods a long time proven goal scorer bagging herself 16 goals this campaign. Twin sisters Vicky and Sophie Lubbock amongst the goals too with 15 and 13 respectfully.

Bungay Town Ladies suffering just the one defeat on their way to successfully defending the Norfolk Women’s Division One title this season winning it with games to spare. are enjoying another hugely successful season reaching both the finals of the League Cup and Suffolk Women’s County Cup where they will play AFC Sudbury Women at Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road Stadium. Winning the league last season missed out in the League Cup Final against UEA FC Women, didn’t put in the best performance that day and are keen to make amends this time around.

Have strengthened in the close season adding useful experience and goals to the squad, Bethany Turner and Hazel Saddington joining from Caister, have scored 33 goals between them, Turner 18 and Saddington 15 to date. Mia Rose also amongst the goals with 13 from her 17 matches. Zoe Gibbons also into double figures with 11 to her name. Beat Aylsham 5-0 early in the season the pair drawing 3-3 in the reverse fixture.

Road to the Final

Aylsham at home to fellow Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies in the 1st round of the League Cup, Both Sophie and Vicky Lubbock scoring a goal with Jess Greengrass and Christina Papadopoulou also getting a goal in a 4-2 win. Bungay also taking on Division One opposition in the 1st round away to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves. Goals from Naomi Cooper, Porsha Renwick and a brace for Zoe Gibbons securing a 4-0 win.

Aylsham on home soil taking on Division Two side, Great Yarmouth Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup, Papadopoulou running in 5 goals herself as Aylsham racked up the goals, Vicky Lubbock bagging herself a hat-trick, Molly Webb a brace along with goals for Cayla Brown, Jordan Arnoup, and Shelley Woods in a 14-0 romp. Bungay with tricky and twice postponed tie away to fellow Division One side, Sprowston FC Women, Hazel Saddington scoring twice in the game with Gibbons and Selina Rowland both getting a goal to see Bungay through 4-1.

Into the last 8 of the competition, Aylsham making the trip over to the east coast to player Division Two side, Shrublands Ladies. Olivia Baker, Vicky Lubbock ad Carly Allum scoring to se them through to the last 4 3-0. Bungay away to another Division One side, UEA FC Women. The sides playing out a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes to send the game into extra-time, Bungay getting the all important winner to see them through to the semi finals.

Aylsham taking on Waveney FC Ladies at home in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Sophie Lubbock scoring a brace with sister Vicky also bagging a brace. in a 5-2 win with Papadopoulou also getting on the scoresheet. Bungay at home in their semi-final taking on Division One, Bure Valley Ladies. Bethany Turner, Saddington and Rowland all finding the back of the net to send Bungay into their 2nd successive final.

Congratulations go out to Gorleston Rangers Ladies winning the 7’s League Cup, making it a treble with the Offside Trust Women’s Plate and Division Two title with 12 wins from 12!

Youngs Park a hive of activity with a host of Aylsham volunteers working in the kitchen and around the ground, The Offside Trust with a stall out by the pitch. Beside the barbeque. The clubhouse open the facility looking good developing all the time a new 3G pitch recently added. The min grass pitch looking fabulous with good grass cover if dry due to lack of rain recently but well watered. The sun out bright and sunny, great conditions for the match.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mia Parker, Rachel Bussey, Jemma Riches, Sophie Buckley, Sophie-Jane O’Connor (C), Cayla Brown, Carly Allum, Ella Kruez, Vicki Lubbock, Shelley Woods & Billie Myall. Subs – Jess Greengrass, Elisha Nobbs, Ellie Snowling, Olivia Baker & Sophie Lubbock.

Aylsham FC Women

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Ruby Roos, Fran Heaney, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Marseilles Will, Zoe Gibbons, Hazel Saddington, Abi Bell, Mia Rose & Beth Turner. Subs – Erin Galer, Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Lauren Purling & Sofia Serghiou.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra time and penalties if required

As with this mornings Plate final a minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

A big blow for Aylsham missing their top scorer, Christina Papadopoulou through injury, damaging her knee in Aylsham’s last game. Bungay missing Brooke Osborne. A change of ends prior to kick-off first half, Aylsham to get the cup final underway wearing orange coloured shirts with blue vertical stripes on the front, blue shorts and orange socks, Bungay opposite wearing light blue coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played into the middle lifted out to the right for Rachell Bussey, sent on up the line for Billie Myall in attack to chase, Fran Heaney coming from defence to win the ball for Bungay send it out for a throw.

Carly Allum tackling Bungay’s Selina Rowland in the middle the ball clipped out to Vicky Lubbock wide left takes it on down the wing, Ruby Roos coming to close her do, Lubbock riding the challenge getting inside with the ball on towards the top of the area, Abi Bell getting her foot in to take the ball get Bungay moving the other way.

Hazel Saddington getting on the move with the ball on the left for Bungay plays inside into Zoe Gibbons top of the area, Aylsham captain Sophie-Jayne O’Connor closing her down but the ball not clear Bungay pressing high getting it out to Mia Rose peeling into the box right side her cross stood up cut out by Sophie Buckley.

Aylsham defender, Sophie Buckley

Rowland getting hold of the ball for Bungay through the middle driving forwards before sending in on for Rose in the right channel her shot from 20 yards out blocked by Aylsham’s Jemma Riches. Quite an open game both sides looking to get on with the ball use the whole pitch Ella Kruez taking the ball on from Bussey on the move down Aylsham’s right on for Myall in attack, Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall challenging to win the ball back.

Billie Myall

Myall seeing the ball into her feet coming to the right spins off her marker to get in behind to cross the ball into the area cleared by Rowland. An even contest both sides with players driving on with the ball, Rowland looking to get the ball into Beth Turner up top, O’Connor closing her down clearing for a throw on the left. Bungay launch a quick counter pushing players on in numbers through the middle Marseilles Wil 20 yards out right of the D, sending in a strike, dipping into goalkeeper, Mia Parker’s gloves.

Myall and Kruez linking up on the right for Aylsham, Heaney across to help Rignall defend. Aylsham winning a free-kick on half way to the right. The ball floated in towards the top of the area, Vicky Lubbock breaking clear into the area left side, lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper, but the flag goes up straight away for offside.

Aylsham’s Vicky Lubbock

Gibbons taking the ball on through the middle looking to attack the Aylsham defence jinking left and right unleashing a shot 25 yards out a deflection taking it wide of goal. Shelley Woods combining with Kruez and Myall on the right the ball fed back up the line to Bussey her cross curled in deep to the far post, Vicky Lubbock running in can’t quite reach it.

Rowland carrying the ball forwards through the middle, tries to put it over the top for Turner, Cayla Brown cutting it out for Aylsham, cleared to the right, won back crossed into the top of the D, Gibbons trying to force her way into the box winning her side a corner kick. Swung in near side Roos jumping up to attack it with her head twisting in the air the turn the ball wide past the far post.

Bungay getting players on well through the middle, Bell and Will pressing on to support Rose and Turner in attack. Saddington taking the ball on down the right for Bungay her cross scooped up into the area cleared by O’Connor away to the left for a throw. Rowland with a dipping effort on the half volley outside the D, claimed by Parker in the Aylsham goal. Bungay enjoying a spell of pressure getting up around the Aylsham 18 yard box, Gibbons into Turner left of the D, her shot flashed wide of the right post.

Bungay’s Hazel Saddington

Bussey putting the ball on for Kruez right side her early diagonal ball fired into the top of the D, Myall the target, Roos getting in front of her stooping down to head the ball away to safety. Bungay up on the right with a throw in try to work it on into the area Rose looking to slip in on goal, O’Connor winning it for Aylsham out for a 2nd throw. Aylsham regain possession look to counter Allum on for Woods in attack, Heaney defending for Bungay the ball coming to the right, Myall looking to get hold of it turn, Rignall staying close on her.

The ball never still Rowland getting it out to the right for Will to turn a cross in along the top of the area, Rose inside the D, looking to hit it first time pulling her shot wide of the right post. Bungay keeper, Chloe Pearce out to her penalty spot to clear as Aylsham send the ball over the top. All gone a bit frantic the ball pinging around passes not finding their mark. Aylsham breaking forwards the ball into Woods in attack stretching to hit it on the run through the middle, the ball rising up but well claimed by Pearce.

Kruez crossing from deep on the right into the area Woods looknig to get her head on it knocking the ball into Heaney marking her, the defender down play paused so she can receive treatment. Is ok to play on. Aylsham getting a free-kick on the left by the halfway line as Vicky Lubbock is fouled, fired up into the top of the box, defended but not clear, Brown sending the ball back into the box, Lubbock right of goal getting her leg up to turn the ball past, the defender going with her, but not the keeper beyond, Pearce grabbing hold of the ball.

Aylsham’s Ella Kruez

Aylsham’s turn to enjoy a spell of pressure moving the ball on through the middle, Woods caught on her achilles as she looks to turn on the ball 30 yards out. Bussey over the ball, lifts it in on goal but dropping before it reaches the keeper, Pearce dropping to claim it into her body untroubled. Aylsham pushing players on Heaney forced to give away a corner out on the left.

GOAL! The corner swung into the near post, players up from the ball defended by Bungay turned behind for another corner on the left, this delivery in deep attacked near side by Buckley jumping up looking to nod the ball down towards goal, hits a Bungay defender, referee Michael Clarke immediately blowing up for a penalty a hand ball spotted. Woods to take the penalty no hesitation strikes the ball low with pace to the left of goal the keeper wrong footed. 1-0.

Shelley Woods fires Aylsham into the lead from the spot

Aylsham opening the scoring on the half hour mark. The game getting a little feisty a few over exuberant challenges coming in, both sides competitive. Rowland brought down as she carries the ball on through the middle on halfway the ball floated up into the top of the area Turner up to head the ball on, Parker claiming it for Aylsham.

Vicky Lubbock on the right battling to get the ball inside before curling a shot in to the near post from 35 yards out, Pearce has it covered getting hold of the ball. Bungay send the ball into Gibbons on the move through the middle lifts it on for Turner 20 yards out right of the D, take on the strike putting her foot through the ball, arrowing over the keeper, looks in for a moment but has in fact flown just over the bar onto the roof of the net.

Selina Rowland taking the ball on for Bungay

Passes rushed and both sides put the work in to try and close the ball down, Brown closing Will down as she looks to link up with Rose in attack. Saddington breaking into the area from the left off of a Bungay throw in, falling as she goes to shoot the ball rolling harmlessly on into the keepers gloves. Aylsham powering on in attack, Myall over with Vicky Lubbock left channel the ball send on into Woods trying to burst clear off the defence inside the area, Heaney tackling well for Bungay.

Fran Heaney cutting the ball out for Bungay

Rose racing away with the ball down the left channel to the by-line whipping a tight angled cross/shot over the bar. Aylsham making a change, Myall coming off in attack, Sophie Lubbock coming on. Bell getting the ball into Roos advancing on the right her cross from deep targeting Rose making a near post run, Parker moving forwards can see it safely into her gloves.

Brown doing alot of work in front of her defence to deal with Bungay’s runs, tackling Gibbons as she breaks away into the left channel. Rose outside the box turning the ball inside to Bell bursting forwards, Riches getting her foot on the ball to cut the pass out for Aylsham. Bungay bring the ball on right side squared inside for Rowland look to drive forwards, the ball knocked on, Buckley going to clear, Rowland charging it down.

Aylsham winning the ball in the middle Allum to Kruez, threads in inside for Sophie Lubbock outside the D plays it into the box for Woods pulling clear right of goal her strike on the angle claimed by the keeper.

Aylsham’s Shelley Woods

A wild lunging tackle by Will in the middle, taking out Bussey caught on the ankle goes down, Will hurt to, the referee patient waiting her her to recover before issuing the yellow card. Bussey is some discomfort can’t continue, has to come off, Elisha Nobbs coming on going to the left of defence Riches over to the right. From the resulting free-kick the ball lifted into the top of the area comes through to Woods stealing into the six yard box and players rush in on goal, releasing a shot across the keeper, Pearce with a reactive save blocking with her leg the ball popping back up for Woods, getting her foot up attempts to put the volley past the keeper, Vicky Lubbock at the far post getting her leg up to divert the ball into the back of the net but even as Aylsham wheel away in celebration the goal won’t stand for offside.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

A lively end to the first half as both sides head into the changing rooms after a frantic first 45 minutes. Fairly even both sides working hard to close the ball down move it forwards a little rushed at times if anything, Bungay seeing a shot narrowly over the bar, Aylsham taking the lead from the spot on the half hour. Denied a 2nd goal late on in the half for offside. Aylsham keeping it tight through the middle, dropping off giving Bungay little opportunity to get in behind. 1 goal in it however still very much all to play for.

The sides emerging from the changing rooms for the start of the 2nd half, Aylsham unchanged from the side that finished the first half, Bungay making a change sending on Lauren Purling recently back with the squad after nearly six months out with an achilles injury, replacing Turner in attack, comes to the left. Bungay taking the kick off 2nd half the ball out to Rignall wide on the left her cross deflected through to the keeper.

Gibbons not happy with the first half getting hold of the ball for Bungay driving on through the middle, runs into traffic inside the D, O’Connor and Buckley closing her down, the ball popping free into Rose 25 yards out right of goal fires her strike over the bar. Bell taking the ball on down Bungay’s right wing turning a cross into Rose outside the D, skipping up off the surface won’t sit for her to get down before O’Connor moving in to put in the challenge.

Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor

Bungay pressing the ball at the start of the 2nd half looking to get the ball on quickly Will out to Saddington on the left her cross spinning behind at the near post. Aylsham look for an outlet the ball from Vicky Lubbock up to Sophie on the left flank, Roos rushing on to close her down putting the ball out for a throw.

Vicky Lubbock getting on with the ball left wing for Aylsham her cross long into the area cleared by Riggall for Bungay. Bell carrying the ball on well for Bungay to the right cuts inside to give it to Will who tries to thread Rose in behind, O’Connor intercepting inside the D for Aylsham. Rose linking up with Will through the middle pushing on into the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle on Will the ball loose coming back to Rose to strike the ball high in on goal, a good save from Parker to claim it high above her head.

Bungay’s Marseilles Will

Bungay asking questions 2nd half a different dynamic to their attack without the presence of Turner up top, Saddington pressing the ball on the left driving into the area her angled shot fired in low at the keeper, Parker saving with her leg turning the ball away behind for a corner kick. Swung into the middle from the left Rowland gets her head on the ball, turns it wide past the far post.

Kruez central for Aylsham laying the ball out to Sophie Lubbock pulling into the right channel looking to get into the box, Heaney getting across the attacker to see the ball back to her attacker. Bungay’s young players lively looking to take the ball on into their feet drive forwards, Bell getting on well on the right linking up with Rose up top, Greengrass throwing out a leg to cut out a diagonal ball.

Brown sending the ball into Kruez on Aylsham’s right getting on the move Rignall out to close her down the ball gone for a throw. Saddington winning the ball back wide on Bungay’s left flashing a cross into the six yard box, Will racing in beyond the far post turning it wide. Aylsham making a change Allum coming of, Myall back on. Gibbons tenacious with the ball at her feet fouled by Buckley outside the box 25 yards out to the right of goal.

Bungay’s Zoe Gibbons

Rose over the set-piece goes for goal her effort flashed wide of Parker’s left post. Riches coming off for Aylsham, Bussey recovering form her earlier knock, back on at right back. Gibbons surging on through the middle with the ball at her feet strikes the ball from the top of the area the ball rising on the keeper, Parker getting her gloves up almost knocks it down behind into her own goal but turns sharply to grab hold of the bouncing ball in the nick of time even as Bungay begin to celebrate…

Bungay pressing creating opportunities Aylsham continue to work hard to defend their leaf keeping players back limiting their own attacks going forwards. O’Connor cutting out Saddington’s left side cross into the box, back with the winger lifted in to the far post Buckley going in with Rose winning the ball. The game a little stretched Woods looking for the pass to release Sophie Lubbock in behind is a vital header won by Heaney for Bungay.

Sophie Lubbock

Parker going down with an injury off the ball, needing to be assessed a chance for Aylsham to have a breather as both sides head over to their respective dugout for fluids and instructions from the coaching staff. 20 minutes left to play. Rose darting into space on the right hooking the ball over Buckley into the box, Parker first too it before Bell can close it down.

Bussey defending for Aylsham on the right of defence as Saddington looks to drop her shoulder drive into the box. Parker the busier of the two keeper’s racing out to the top of her area looking to beat Saddington to the ball left of the box as Rose clips a diagonal ball in behind, the keeper sliding in getting their in the nick of time to save at Saddington’s feet.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mia Parker

Parker out to the top of of her area to drop onto the ball as Gibbons sends it on through the middle. Buckley get her tackle in to deny Rose an opportunity to steal into the box of a Rowland pass. Bell winning the ball for Bungay 25 yards out gets her head down drives on to the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle. Gibbons into Rose to the right drifts inside to shot on the angle driven into the near post, Parker behind it to save.

GOAL! A little over 10 minutes left to play, Aylsham’s working hard to defend, but the back line is finally breached as Rose takes the ball away to the right closing in on the by-line cuts the ball in through the corridor inside the six yard box, coming through into the middle of goal, Bell running in to turn the ball over the line to get Bungay back on level terms 1-1.

Abi Bell scores the equaliser for Bungay

Woods shown the yellow card as she brings down Will, the free-kick top of the circle, Roos floated the ball into the box, too easy for the keeper to claim. The game open Bungay pushing on winning the ball back inside the Aylsham half, Rose central putting a diagonal ball out to Bell inside the area wide right of goal lays it back up to Purling who sends a shot in on goal lacking any pace to trouble Parker, she takes it cleanly into her gloves.

Bungay’s Lauren Purling with Aylsham’s Elisha Nobbs

Buckley moving in to close Will down as she looks to head into the D off the left the ball cleared left won back by Saddington fed into the Gibbons top left corner her shot angled in on goal straight at the keeper. The game moving into the final 5 minutes Aylsham bringing on Olivia Baker joining the attack with Myall off. Bungay not sitting back waiting for extra-time pushing players on Roos, Heaney and Riggall well spaced at the back ready to deal with any Aylsham counter, as it is the forward players keep driving at the opposition defence Rose wide right sending her cross long through the six yard box picked up by Saddington left shot her angled drive over the bar.

GOAL! Bungay come through the middle, Gibbons on another of her marauding runs looking to push her way all the way through on goal defenders moving in to try and slow her down gets a shot away blocked by Buckley, the rebound dropping straight to Rose right of the D, unleashes a shot fired in across the keeper to find the bottom left corner to send Bungay into the lead! 2-1!

Mia Rose fires Bungay into the lead in the cup final

A huge blow for Aylsham having worked so hard to try and keep Bungay out the pressure though finally telling the chances mounting eventually taken, Bungay with their noses in front with little time left for Aylsham to find an equaliser themselves force the game into extra-time. Purling fed down the right by Rose puts the ball into the box for Will, near post, Buckley blocking the ball cleared to the top of the area Rose latching onto it pulling her shot wide.

Bungay with their tails up determined to keep the ball in the final 3rd Saddington on the left with Gibbons moving into the box, Brown with a clumsy challenge bringing her down right on the edge of the area but Bungay’s appeals for a penalty waved away. Aylsham get the ball upfield seconds left on the clock into Sophie Lubbock left forwards into Baker central, Riggall coming to close her down. Time up the final whistle blows and Bungay have done it winning the League cup to achieve the double.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-2 Bungay Town Ladies

Bungay pushing hard in the 2nd half to find a late equaliser and an even later winning goal. Their extra bit of quality shining through in the finish. Created numerous opportunities in the 2nd period. Aylsham worked tirelessly in defence to hold onto their slender lead long into the game and for a while it looked as if they might hold on Bungay driving on to pile on the pressure capitalising.

Women’s Football East Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, this one not quite so easy a couple of strong contenders but ultimately the notes pushed one out in front. Several performances of note was another well contested final. Firstly for Aylsham the defence all playing a vital part putting in some vital tackles in interceptions, full backs Jemma Riches and Rachel Bussey along with Sophie Buckley and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Cayla Brown worked hard in front of the defence getting in to win the ball, Ella Kruez taking the ball on well down the right. Vicky Lubbock out on the left and Shelley Woods up top looknig to create an opening. Goalkeeper Mia Parker with some good work in goal to keep Bungay at bay long into the final. For Bungay, Fran Heaney with some great ball winning in defence. Selina Rowland getting hold of the ball and driving forwards to link up with the attackers. Marseilles Will with good movement and pace on the ball. Mia Rose getting into the channels making some good runs to pull defenders out of position, scoring the winning goal. Abi Bell covering the ground getting up and down the pitch, getting into the box for the levelling goal pushed Zoe Gibbons all the way but ultimately the number of midfielder runs she made on the ball counted, came out 2nd half in a frustrated mood and looked to set thing’s right with the ball at her feet getting Bungay going.

Bungay Town Ladies 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup and doing the league and cup double.

A county cup final to look forwards too, on the 27th May at Portman Road will be there to see them in action, enjoy the occasion. Two fantastic finals, my thanks to all involved for their help today. Thanks to the Aylsham volunteers helping make the weekend a success, the clubs involved in the final and the officials. Not forgetting the NWGFL committee a lot of work put in behind the scenes to make the leagues and finals days a success, a busy weekend no doubt but hugely rewarding. Three more games to go then my season’s done, and boy could I do with the rest.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – KLSC FC Women v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

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Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

A trip over to Aylsham this Sunday to attend the Norfolk Women’s Finals Day at Youngs Park with two 11 aside final taking place along with the women’s 7’s league cup final. First up kicking off at 10:30am the Women’s Plate final between KLSC FC Women and Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves.

The Plate competitive providing an opportunity for those clubs knocked out of the early round of the League Cup itself to compete for silverware and more often than not throws up as an exciting a match as the cup itself.

The Norfolk Women’s League Plate

KLSC FC Women (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) are finishing the season in good form having had a difficult start to their Division One campaign falling into the bottom two with just 5 points won in their opening 10 fixtures. Having seen some of their senior players move on most notably Josie Turner who has been a prolific goal scorer for whole football career. However it is also the beginning of a new era with a number you young players stepping up from youth football to join the women’s squad.

A 2-1 win against runaway leaders. Bungay Town Ladies, their only defeat of the season seeing the club begin to turn thing’s around with 5 wins in their next 8 league games to propel KLSC out of trouble at the bottom to put them right amongst the tightly packed cluster of sides jockeying for position in the middle of the table. With 3 games left after today’s Plate final have the potential to push into the top half of the table. Lucy Clarke the clubs top scorer this season, netting 14 goals, Katie Ward scoring 5 times with both Leeanne Smith and Tilly Sands on 4 a piece.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves are the only side in Norfolk Women’s Division One to have completed all of their league fixtures currently 5th on 29 points just 1 point from current 3rd placed side Sprowston FC Women, a tight cluster of sides below champions Bungay Town Ladies the league highly competitive. An up an down season for Mulbarton reflected in their tally of 20 player 9 won 2 drawn and 9 lost, made a good recovery after losing their open 3 league games. 3 managerial changes not helping, thing’s now stable under new manager John Vincent, putting together a 6 game unbeaten run to propel them all the way up to the top of the table for a short spell.

Mulbarton despite their relatively short history building a decent sized squad of players to compete across the ERWFL, Division One and the ever popular 7’s league, which Mulbarton have won claiming the Division One title. A good blend of youth and experience, Becky Waters joining Mulbarton this season the current top scorer for the reserves netting 20 goals from her 13 games. Lucy Kean always amongst the goals has 13 so far with midfielder, Charlotte Groves on 6.

Road to the Final

Both sides awarded the win in the 1st Round of the League Plate advancing straight to the quarter finals. KLSC drawn at home to play fellow Division One side, Long Stratton Women in the last 8 a close looking game on paper, proved to be the case on the pitch with the sides sharing 7 goals, drawing 1-1 at half-time KLSC going on to pinch it 2nd half winning 4-3 to book their spot in the semi-finals. Mulbarton too with a tricky quarter final tie having home advantage however as they took on Costessey Sports Ladies, Charlotte Grove firing home a brace, with Mary-Anne Hoy also finding the back of the net sending them into the last 4 with a comfortable 3-0 win.

A mixed bag in the semi-finals of the Plate, KLSC away to the current holders of the trophy, FC Viking & Valkyries Women. A tough game on paper with Valkyries winning Division Two looking to reach a 2nd successive final to defend the Plate. A close game goals from Lucy Clarke and Tilly Sands sending KLSC to the final with a 2-1 victory. Mulbarton at home were taking on new Division Three side, Brundall Bolts Women pushing for the title itself at one point, Mulbarton with the experience and goals to get the job done however with Rebecca Waters scoring a hat-trick, Lucy Kean on the score sheet to with Mulbarton winning 4-0 to book their final spot.

Youngs Park home of Aylsham FC the venue for the Norfolk Women’s and Girls Finals day for the past few seasons. A busy weekend Saturday hosting the numerous girls finals from age groups 8 to 16. Now for the adult finals the main grass pitch looking immaculate for the final not easy to do bearing in mind the lack of rain recently. The bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. Another bright and sunny day, but thankfully not as hot as last weekend, still can’t complain a bit of cloud cover but the sun with some heat in it when it breaks through no rain forecast.

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Stella Astle, Elizabet Puckova, Amy Cropley (C), Viktorija Burkauskaite, Tilly Sands, Bonnie Parsons, Lana Sturgeon, Lucy Clarke, Nikola Maslak, Trinity Tokaji & Holly Pitcher. Subs – Taeya Mayes, Ellie Panks, Leeanne Smith & Lauren Moyes.

KLSC FC Women

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Faye Bye, Tasha Williams (C), Aneliese Smith, Bryony Knights, Charlotte Groves, Florence Martin, Mary-Ann Hoy, Emma Farmer, Lucy Kean & Becky Waters. Subs – Nicole Sheldrake, Megan Anderton, Jade Telfer, Tilly-Rose Dade & Maisie Palmer-Smith.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra time and penalties if required

A minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

Captain’s Tasha Williams and Amy Cropley with this mornings match officials

It’s KLSC to kick-off the Plate final wearing red shirts with black vertical stripes on the front, black shorts and red and black hooped socks with Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing Blue coloured shirts with black vertical stripes on the front blue shirts and socks. The ball played back into the defence, Mulbarton rush forwards to press the ball in the middle, Florence Martin charging it down knocking it on for Lucy Kean in attack, taking on the early strike from outside the area comes swerving in quickly to goalkeeper, Stella Astle gets be gloves up to beat it down miscued drops behind her, turns quickly to grab hold of it before it can creep over the line.

Mary-Anne Hoy looking to get away down the left wing for Mulbarton squaring a cross into the area cut out by Viktorija Burkauskaite at the back for KLSC. Mulbarton quick to regain possession on the left a high cross lifted in to the far post, Emma Farmer having broken forwards from the left to try and get her head on the ball, but halted by the offside flag.

A bright start from Mulbarton getting hold of the ball inside the KLSC half not letting their opponents settle on the ball, Charlotte Groves in the middle sending the ball out to Hoy on the left her cross on the by-line deflected behind for a corner kick. Flung into the near post the ball turned behind for a 2nd corner. Burkauskaite clearing the 2nd delivery and in drops into the six yard box near side. Bonnie Parsons looking to get KLSC on the move sending a long ball up the right wing for Nikola Maslak, Mulbarton captain, Tasha Williams closing her down to nullify the threat.

Lively Mulbarton getting stuck in to win the ball high, Grove, Martin and Bryony Knights in the middle looking to feed the ball on to Kean and Becky Waters up top. Emma Farmer right side sending a diagonal ball up into the centre 25 yards out Martin pushing it into Kean top of the D, she lays it off to the left for Waters who hits it first time, 20 yards out not getting a clear connection the ball skipping up off the turf safely handled by Astle in the KLSC goal.

Burkauskaite diving in to win the ball for KLSC as Kean looks to slide Waters in behind into the area. KLSC having to ride out a lot of pressure early on attempting to get players forwards Lana Sturgeon with Parsons in the middle the ball fed on for Lucy Clarke breaking on the left, Aneliese Smith coming out from the back to close her down win her tackle. Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews alert to the threat out of her box to clear as Parsons central plays a ball over the Mulbarton defence for Trinity Tokaji to chase.

Hoy providing a useful outlet on the left for Mulbarton getting forwards well, Kean picking her out, Elizabet Puckova moving in to close her down, Hoy sending her cross behind at the near post. The game beginning to open up a little, KLSC pushing players on with pace whenever they get hold of it centrally, Hoy coming back to challenge Sturgeon as she combines with Maslak on KLSC’s right.

Mulbarton’s Florence Martin

Mulbarton’s defence dropping off well as a unit as KLSC break, Faye Bye cutting out a pass intended for Maslak as she gets on the move on the right. Maslak linking up with Sturgeon and Tokaji as KLSC build on the right, Williams stretching out a leg to cut out the ball. Knights finding Waters to the left of the area 20 yards out sends the ball in central for Groves top of the D, can’t dig the ball out of her feet to get a shot away before being closed down by KLSC’s Tilly Sands. Sturgeon getting hold of the ball driving into space on the right lifting a cross into the box, Holly Pitcher coming in central, Andrews in ahead of her to catch hold of the ball.

GOAL! Andrews releases the ball quickly getting it up into the opposition half, Groves helping it on to send Waters in behind left of the goal, Astle rushing out to try and close her down, Waters getting her foot through the ball to send it racing past her and on into the bottom corner to give Mulbarton the lead 0-1.

Becky Waters celebrates as she fires Mulbarton into the lead

Mulbarton taking the lead 12 minutes into the game making a strong start, KLSC look to get the ball on down the left into Clarke after the restart pushing on down the line lifts her cross into the penalty spot, Andrews up to claim it. KLSC have pace when they break the younger players bursting forwards looking to find a way through the Mulbarton back line, disciplined however they a reading the game well. Waters seeing the ball into her feet turning it out to Hoy advancing on the left her shot from the angle high over the bar.

Mulbarton winning a throw high on the left getting players in around the ball lifted into the box near side Waters rising to meet it turning her header across the six yard box looknig for Farmer at the far post, Astle getting up well to grab hold of the ball. The game opening up KLSC counter quickly Maslak sending Clarke away down the left channel looking to get into the box, Andrews rushing out to the top of her area sliding in to save at her feet, keeping hold of the ball.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews

Sands defending at the back for KLSC as Farmer hooks the ball into the middle from the right wing. Martin playing the ball in through the middle into Kean running into the box left of goal from the angle smashes a rising shot into the near post, Astle with a great save reacting quickly getting her gloves up to pull the ball down and claim.

KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle

Cropley cutting the ball out as Knights looks to find Kean in attack. Williams getting a timely tackle in on Parsons as the midfielder threatens to steal in behind through the middle, Mulbarton quick to counter the ball Faye Bye sending the ball up top into Kean looking to turn and knock the ball past the defence, Burkauskaite lunging in to stop the ball, getting fouled in the process.

Burkauskaite defending again as Hoy winning the ball back on the left sends it on for Kean looking to run inside the box. Smith seeing the ball come to her as she gets up on the right fires a shot in from range across the goal out past the far post.

GOAL! Mulbarton double the lead, a simple goal but exquisitely executed, Farmer on procession on the right just inside the KLSC half sending a fantastic diagonal pass long into the top of the area for Waters to run onto left of goal and shoot sending her strike across the keeper to score her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Becky Waters onto Emma Farmers pass to score Mulbarton’s 2nd

Mulbarton’s Emma Farmer with KLSC’s Lucy Clarke and Bonnie Parsons

Midway through the 1st half Mulbarton doubling the lead, pushing on looking for more goals, Kean coming in off the right into the middle 25 yards out putting the ball on for Waters left looking to steal into the area, Sands getting a foot in to block the pass, clear for KLSC. Clarke given the ball on the left bursts down the wing however her cross has no one in the box gambling to get on the end of it as Andrews collect unchallenged.

Clarke down the left getting a throw the ball back into her feet as she turns at the top of the box looknig for a way through Mulbarton quick to close her down, tries to squeeze it into Pitcher central but Knights is back to clear for Mulbarton.

GOAL! Mulbarton clearing the ball up long through the middle, turning the KLSC defence around, Waters racing through the middle with Martin, looking to chase it down with Burkauskaite, the keeper rushing out a tangle at the top of the area as the ball is charged down, loose it falls to Kean’s feet 25 yards out shifts it onto her left foot and curls her shot into the empty net 0-3.

Lucy Kean fires Mulbarton into a 3 goal lead

Mulbarton racing into a 3 goal lead with half an hour played. Burkauskaite hurt in the build up to the goal needing treatment, but is back up on her feet ready to play on.

GOAL! Another blow for KLSC they get right back on the attack as the game resumes the ball played on down the right wing into Maslak takes the ball inside getting into the area and fires it past the on rushing keeper into the bottom corner 1-3.

Nikola Maslak gets a goal back straight away for KLSC

KLSC breaking down the left Tokaji into Clarke, Smith tackling the ball out for a throw. headed on into the area, Knights dealing with it for Mulbarton. The game opening right up Mulbarton for their 3 goal lead cruising, rocked back a little by KLSC’s quick reply and drive to get the ball on, Puckova up on the right with Sturgeon a cross from deep claimed by Andrews inside her six yard box.

Nikola Maslak

Martin taking the ball on through the middle a driving run attempting to thread it through for Waters, Sands intercepting for KLSC. Waters linking up with Hoy out wide left for Mulbarton the cross worked into the area headed clear by Sands. Waters getting her feet up to hook the ball out to Hoy on the left whips a cross back into the area, Burkauskaite winning it for KLSC.

KLSC defender, Viktorija Burkauskaite

KLSC snapping in to get hold of the ball, parsons busy in the middle tries to pick out Clarke on the right, Farmer back on her defending with Smith. Parsons onto the ball from Sturgeon has Pitcher making a run into the left channel, the past forwards intercepted by Smith. Hoy tackling Maslak as she looks to turn off a diagonal ball from Parsons in the middle. The ball pinging around outside the KLSC box a lucky rebound favouring Hoy eft side as she bursts in behind looking to get onto the end of it, Astle racing out to the top of her area getting there first to clear.

Waters collecting the ball into her feet as she moves out to the left jinks her way inside to unleash a strike on the angle, a powerful drive rising past the keeper smashes over off the crossbar!

A frantic first half moving into stoppage time Mulbarton seeing an attack break down as KLSC turn play around Parsons with a good pass up to Pitcher in attack, turns it out to the left for Clarke whipping an early ball into the top of the area, skipping up inside the D the bounce not favouring Tokaji as she looks to get it under control, give Groves the opportunity to close her down snatch the ball away.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 1-3 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Half-time and Mulbarton looking strong as they powered into a 3 goal lead within the opening half hour, Waters opening the scoring adding a 2nd involved in the 3rd as Kean turned it home. KLSC getting a goal back straight away have been under pressure at the back but looknig lively on the counter attack, Mulbarton not looking as composed after conceding the game opening right up. KLSC needing a goal before half-time to give them something to take into the 2nd period, both sides opting to stay out on the field during the half-time interval. Set up nicely for the 2nd half.

KLSC making a change at the break, Taeya Mayes coming on in place of Cropley. Mulbarton unchanged getting the 2nd half underway. Rolled into Knights in the middle passed to Groves, Pitcher rushing in to close the ball down, KLSC pushing at the start looking to get after the ball. Parson taking the ball away to the right cutting a cross into the top of the Mulbarton area, Pitcher inside the D looking to take a swing at it not getting a clean touch.

Maslak seeing the ball into her feet spinning in behind on the right wing to race on with the ball and deliver a cross into the top of the area, Martin cutting it out for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw. Martin changing her boots quickly after not happy with her first pair. KLSC busy winning a free-kick deep on the left Mayes over it firing a pacy ball into the near post, dealt with by Smith cleared outside the box, KLSC getting it back Mayes hooking a shot wide.

KLSC’s Taeya Mayes

KLSC lively pushing players on at the start, Hoy looks to get hold of the ball take it on down the left get Mulbarton going up the other end, Tokaji now wearing the captains armband getting back at her to win the ball back. Burkauskaite closing Waters down as she looks to break through the middle from a Kean ball forwards. The ball pinging around as both sides look to get it on in attack,

Mulbarton’s Bryony Knights

Hoy stretching for the ball left side of the area 20 out as it comes across to her on the half volley turns her shot wide. Parsons on for Sturgeon through the middle put on for Pitcher up top, Williams getting in front of her to clear for Mulbarton. Parsons coming to the right to link up with Tokaji and Maslak as they try to get the latter in down the line, Bye getting her tackle in to play the ball out for a throw.

KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

Hoy with a good spin on the ball as it comes into her from the middle, knocks it on through the middle for Waters breaking in behind but to her frustration the offside flag is up against her. Groves in the middle sends Knights away down the left channel looking to get into the box, Sands getting her challenge in to half the advance.

Mulbarton getting on down the left Knights to Hoy the ball out for a throw, dropped into Hoy wide of the area hooks a cross on into the area, Astle getting her arms up to push the ball down into the ground, snatching it safely into her gloves before Waters close in can stab a foot at it. Mulbarton not having things all there own way 2nd half as KLSC push players on looking for an opening the defence busy. Sands over a free-kick on the left 30 yards out curled into the six yard box, Andrews bringing it down safely into her gloves.

Lana Sturgeon

Maslak offside as Sturgeon attempts to play her in through the middle. Mulbarton making a change, Groves coming off, Nicole Sheldrake entering the game on the hour. Mulbarton play the ball on for Waters in attack right side breaking in behind the keeper rushing out to the top of her area to try and close her down, Waters sending her strike past her, but also wide of the far post.

Knights getting forwards well for Mulbarton coming left putting the ball on for Hoy her early cross into the area cut out by Burkauskaite. Parsons moving right on the ball forwards into Maslak, Bye coming to close her down for Mulbarton.

Mulbarton defender, Faye Bye

Hoy away on the left with the ball at her feet coming inside across the area encouraged to pull the trigger but reluctant having not had much joy so far instead dinks it on to the right into the area for Waters stealing on on goal from the angle smashes another vicious shot past the advancing keeper onto the crossbar.

Tilly Sands clearing for KLSC

The game getting stretched KLSC committing bodies forwards gaps appearing in front of the defence. Parsons linking up with Maslak on the right, Sheldrake in to put in the tackle slowing her down outside the box, but Maslak keeps hold of the ball moving inside to turn a shot right of the D wife past the near post.

KLSC midfielder, Bonnie Parsons

Sheldrake tackling Tokaji as she looks to get away on the right for KLSC. Parsons brought down as she carries the ball forwards through the middle giving KLSC the free-kick. Mayes n the ball 25 yards out taken quickly lifted into the box with Maslak breaking in behind, but Andrews has seen the threat is on the move to get hold of the ball first.

End to end action as Mulbarton make a 2nd change in midfield, Martin coming off, Jade Telfer coming on. Lauren Moyes coming on too for KLSC. Mulbarton work the ball on through the middle a sliced defensive clearance from Burkauskaite sees the ball deflected in behind with Waters alert after it right of the D, Puckova going with her stretching to get to the ball the pair going to ground both hurt as Waters goes over the defender an accidental clash striking her head against the turf with her knee.

Both needing treatment, Waters knee not liking it needs to come off, hobbling to the side-lines, Megan Anderton coming on. Puckova up eventually holding an ice pack to her cheek over to the side-lines will be allowed back on when play resumes. The defender having cleared the ball to the right for a throw. Mulbarton turn it into a corner kick. Curled in ear side, Burkauskaite defending for KLSC, cleared out of the box a shot in from distance bouncing over the keeper but wide of Astle’s right post.

Mulbarton’s Jade Telfer

Telfer onto the ball outside the box, spinning into the shot right of the D in low with pace, on target, Astle with an instinctive save with her leg turning the ball wide. Kean getting up well to turn her header into Hoy’s path as she races on left side, crosses into the area, Sands clearing the ball away to the right, Farmer getting it back firing the ball into the D, Kean shooting turning the ball in on goal but straight at the keeper.

Mulbarton creating chances but can’t dampen KLSC’s spirit as Parsons coming inside from the right plays it across the top of the area for Sturgeon left side, rolls it on for Clarke to strike on the angle, fires her shot over the bar. Smith coming off for Mulbarton with Tilly-Rose Dade coming on. Tokaji bringing the ball inside from the right 25 yards out pushed on into Moyes central, looks to shift it right the left between her feet looking for an opening, getting a shot away a defensive block taking the sting out of it runs through to the keeper to gather. Sturgeon into Maslak on the right and angled strike rising into the side netting, taking a nick off a defender a corner awarded.

Lauren Moyes

GOAL! The corner swept in at an inviting height long across the six yard box beyond the far post, Clarke getting her head onto the ball to power it back across goal and into the back of the net to pull the scores back to a single goal 2-3.

Lucy Clarke heading the ball home to pull it back to 2-3 for KLSC

Game on setting up a tense final 6 minutes. Players pumped up on both sides, Moyes nipping in to win the ball off the Mulbarton back line sending it out to Tokaji right side lays it back up the line for Sands to curl a cross into the area, goes long, Clarke closing in at the far post not quite able to get on the end of it. Mulbarton making a double switch, Farmer and Hoy coming off, Groves back on along with Maisie Palmer-Smith. Mulbarton looking to take the ball into the corner keep KLSC from attacking, Groves looking to hold the ball up aghast as she is pulled over but doesn’t get the decision.

Into the closing seconds the ball lifted out to Palmer-Smith wide on the right clips a good cross into the area, Mayes back to win it for KLSC near side in front of the keeper. Mulbarton winning the ball back falls to Kean top of the box, Burkauskaite going with her as they head for the area, the defender fouled. That’s it the final whistle blows and Mulbarton have done it, celebrate as they win the League Plate final.

Full time KLSC FC Women 2-3 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Was a really entertaining game knew they’re be goals in it and so it proved, Mulbarton getting off to a good start applying pressure high up the pitch early on getting into an early lead, creating chances, Waters firing them into a 2 goal advantage a 3rd from Kean quickly added. KLSC didn’t let their heads drop came straight back to pull it back to 3-1, to have something to hold onto going into the 2nd half. Started brightly getting at Mulbarton throwing players forwards taking risks at the other end Waters hitting the bar for a 2nd time coming closest to extending the lead, KLSC pulling it back to 3-2 late in the game but Mulbarton had the experience and game management to see out the game and claim the silverware.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Plenty of good performances out there from both sides but have one clear winner in mind. Firstly for KLSC, Bonnie Parsons was busy in the middle getting hold of the ball breaking it on and linking up with her attackers throughout. Lana Sturgeon too winning the ball and getting forwards well. Viktorija Burkauskaite and Tilly Sands in defensive with some vital tackles. For Mulbarton a solid defensive display for the majority, dropping off well as a unit. Becky Waters up top gambling well getting in behind scoring twice and rattling the woodwork. Lucy Kean linking up with the midfield setting up chances along with a goal. Flo Martin with some great tackles in midfield. Mary-Anne Hoy providing a great outlet on the left got forwards throughout. The award though goes to Bryony Knights won the ball well in front of the defence and as the game grew got forwards well covering the ground with some fine passes.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

Congratulations to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Plate.

An entertaining final to start the day a quick turnaround and bite to eat before the next game sadly no time to catch any of the action from the 7’s final in between. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated must get those numbers.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Needham Market Women Development v Brantham Athletic Ladies

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Friday 16th May

Suffolk Women’s Cup Final

Heading down to Suffolk this Friday evening to attend this season’s, Women’s League Cup Final, Brantham Athletic Ladies looking to do a double, double as they take on Needham Market Women Development aiming to retain the trophy.

Successfully defending their league title one more game left the League Cup, held at Brantham Leisure Centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC, Needham Market Women Development’s young squad looking to stop them unbeaten in 5 coming into this evenings final.

The Suffolk Women’s League Cup trophy

Getting the balance right between the two divisions in Suffolk has been a challenge the past couple of seasons, expanding to feature the women’s Premiership and Championship below, just 7 sides contesting the Premiership with 11 in the Championship, but in terms of strength of squads and competitiveness this has been the right call as sides look to grow and development and hopefully it will continue in that direction.

A complete turnaround for Brantham Athletic Ladies, from almost folding due to lack of numbers a couple of seasons ago, to bringing in need coaches and adding experienced players to the group, leading to the formation of a new Development side, the 1st team winning the League and Cup last season, continuing that momentum into this campaign winning the league comfortably and odds on favourites for the league cup. Have applied for promotion to the ERWFL and as Champions they are highly likely to be accepted.

A successful season for Brantham Athletic FC all round with the men’s side winning the Thurlow Nunn, Premier Division. The women’s side has dropped just two points all season, unbeaten, winning all but one of their 12 league matches. Scoring plenty of goals along the way too with Ella Long and Laura Tuley leading the way up front both on 24 goals coming into the last game of their season. Chloe Wilson also into double figures having netted 10 times this campaign.

Needham Market Development achieving their best ever league finish this season, ending the campaign 3rd in the Women’s Premiership table. A young squad aiming to break into the 1st team, playing in the ERWFL Premier Division. Needham Market bursting onto the scene with their women’s side and academy making their mark on women’s football in Suffolk in their relatively short history. This the first cup final appearance for their Development squad.

Have plenty goals within the side with 14 of the 24 players used this season on the scoresheet. Poppy Nunn leading the leading the way, top scorer with 18 to her name from 15 appearances. Imogen Porch also into double figures on target for 10 goals. With Hannah Cobbold and Poppy Dyson both on 8 apiece. The nature of a 7 strong league means there can be longer periods without a game a healthy gap of nearly 8 weeks between Needham market’s last league match and this evenings final. Brantham themselves only playing one competitive game in March, April and May respectfully coming into the final.

Road to the Final

Brantham awarded a home win in the 1st Round of the league cup. Needham Market were on the road taking on Championship side, Coplestonians Ladies, Poppy Nunn, Imogen Porch, Poppy Nunn and Hannah Cobbald all scoring a brace each, with Jessica Marriot and Elise Rossman also scoring in a 10-1 win.

Needham Market taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies Development side in the 2nd round of the league cup. Emma Drake and Chloe Taylor both bagging a brace with Porch and Ashleigh Goddard also scoring a goal to see Needham Market leading 3-0 at the break go on to win the game 6-1. Brantham at home taking on Championship side Framlingham Town Ladies in the 2nd round, Ella Long firing in 4 goals for Brantham. Laura Tuley and Chloe Wilson scoring 2 each with Emmi Bennett and Rachel White also finding the back of the net in a 10-0 win.

Into the last 8 of the league cup, Needham Market at home to Championship side, Leiston St Margarets Ladies, another strong showing in front of goal with Cobbold and Nunn both scoring a hat-trick. Lucy Cherney, Taylor, Dyson ad Porch also getting in amongst the goals in a 10-0 romp. Brantham taking on fellow Premiership side, Stowupland Falcons Women on home turf in the quarter finals. Bennett on target for a brace in the game, with Lucy Dunnett, Tarnya McKew and Long all getting a goal in a 5-1 victory.

Needham Market away in the semi-finals taking on Capel Plough Women, newly promoted to the Premiership. Poppy Dyson firing home twice to send her side into the final with Hepsie Attrill also bagging herself a goal in a 3-0 win. Brantham away to Championship title challengers, Ramsey & Mistley Ladies, Laura Tuley finding the back of the net for two goals, with Long, Bennett and Wilson all getting on the scoresheet in a 6-2 win to send Brantham into their 3rd successive league cup final.

Brantham Leisure centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC the venue for this evenings final, has been a while since I last visited the ground, but hosts a number of Brantham sides, the main grass pitch with training pitches and cricket area beyond. The carpark often busy, full this evening the clubhouse open leading out to the pitch, the kitchen hatch too serving hot food and drink. The grass pitch firm with good cover despite the lack of rain recently. Standing viewing all round with a small covered stand offset behind one goal and another between the dugouts. The weather noticeably cooler with a stiff breeze at time cloud cover but no rain forecast. Brantham the ‘away’ side for this evenings final.

Needham Market Women Development starting XI – Zoe Adams, Jess Marriott, Khyla Anderson-Hayler, Mia Lockwood, Sophia Gillingham, Emma Drake, Amy Trenter (C), Chloe Taylor, Hannah Cobbold, Hepsie Attrill & Immy Porch. Subs – Ashleigh Goddard, Maddi Steward, Poppy Dyson, Elisa Rossman & Lucy Cherney.

Needham Market Women Development

Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Daisie-Mae Gibbs, Aimee Berry, Chloe Wilson, Kirby Steward (C), Issey Hines, Sophie Crabtree, Lucy Dunnett, Emmi Bennett, Tarnya McKew, Laura Tuley & Ella Long. Subs – Stacey Teager, Ines Bowman-Boyles & Rachel White.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Kirby Steward and Amy Trenter with this evenings match officials

Harriet Young refereeing this evenings final leading the two teams out onto the pitch, the overcast skies leading to the floodlights coming on prior to kick-off. Brantham will kick-off the first half wearing an all navy kit with white trim on the shirts. Needham market lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and red socks. The ball rolled back into Lucy Dunnett in midfield, played on for Ella Long in attack her early shot from range charged down the ball coming to the right for Emmi Bennett breaking forwards, Jess Marriott moving in to win the ball for Needham Market at left back getting it back to her goalkeeper, Zoe Adams to kick clear.

Needham market look to push players on with pace getting the ball up the right, forcing Brantham into conceding an early corner. Played into the top of the area, Brantham with a nervy clearance, Needham Market quick to win it back pressing the ball, Dunnett able to get hold of it for Brantham sending a diagonal ball out to the right looknig for Bennett, Marriot intercepts for Needham Market.

Brantham winning a free-kick in a central position some 30 yards out, Dunnett their dead ball specialist over the set-piece, lines up the strike fired in on target however straight at the keeper a comfortable save for Adams. Tarnya McKew wide on the left for Brantham looking to break away, full back Khyla Anderson-Hayler getting back at her near the corner to play the ball out of her for a throw.

Long into Laura Tuley in attack as Brantham play the ball on through the middle, comes out to Bennett right side, Marriott with the blocking tackle, Emma Drake taking it on looking to break on the right, Aimee Berry pushed up from defence snatching the ball back inside to roll it on into the box for Tuley breaking in behind right of goal her angled strike flashed in high into the side netting.

A corner awarded lifted into the keeper from the right, Adams under pressure comes in near side, knocked behind for a 2nd corner on the right. Put in long beyond the far post turned behind for a 3rd corner to the left. Brantham getting bodies into the box as the delivery comes in central defended cleared out to the right side Berry looking to curl in a cross to the near post, Immy Porch up to head the ball away for Needham Market.

Brantham captain, Kirby Steward coming across to the right to deal with the ball as Chloe Taylor and Hannah Cobbold look to bring the ball on up the wing for Needham Market the ball out for a throw. Brantham looknig to get the ball out too their wide players, McKew hugging to touch line on the left getting down to the by-lined, challenged the ball out for another corner. Lively both sides wanting to get the ball forwards, Needham market with the ball at their feet, pace as Drake gets it on up the left flank before Berry lunges in to make the challenge get the ball back for Brantham.

Needham Market’s Emma Drake

Brantham winning a free-kick deep on the left Dunnett to send the ball into the top corner of the area, Chloe Wilson seeing her strike charged down the ball cleared out to Needham Market’s Drake on the left burst forwards the ball knocked on for Porch, Brantham keeper, Daisie-Mae Gibbs rushing out of her area looking to clear the ball, Porch instead charging the kick down running after the ball as it rebounds on into the area defenders racing back to try and cover the empty goal as Porch on the angle looks to turn the ball in to the near post instead collapses in frustration as the ball crashes into the side netting.

Sophie Crabtree linking up with Dunnett through the middle for Brantham the ball clipped out to the right wing for Bennett, Marriott diving in to play the ball out for a throw in the corner, Brantham turn it into a corner kick. Played into the top of the area from the right, Long moving in to strike it first time her shot into the crowded six yard box, blocked. Comes out to the right, Bennett fouled by Porch, Brantham winning another set-piece out wide.

Dunnett sending the ball into the top of the box, Hepsie Attrill winning the ball for Needham Market charging out of the area looking to lead a counter attack the ball launched up the left channel for Porch to attack, defender, Issey Bines looking to go with her chase the ball down, Porch too eager in her hunt tugging on Innes ponytail looking to gain the advantage the defender going to ground the referee immediately blowing for the free-kick having a stern word with Porch.

Is competitive, Needham Market looking to try and close the ball down get it into their attacking players quickly, Brantham with the more experience squad looking to play the ball into the channels and out wide with players making timely runs. Drake getting on well with the ball for Needham market on the left winning a corner kick. The delivery long into the far post area knocked down scrambled away to the right falling to Cobbold out wide her angled shot back in held safely by Gibbs.

Porch moving over to the right side with Taylor and Cobbold as Needham Market bring the ball on, Taylor sending the ball into Porch 25 yards out, is tugged back herself resulting in Needham market getting the set-piece. Attrill over the ball to the right of the area, lifted in near post, Long heading the ball clear for Brantham, a shot taken from distance finding it’s way through to the keeper.

End to end as Berry gets forwards with Bennett on Brantham’s right, giving Bennett the ball goes on the overlap the ball sent into her path taking it to the by-line, Sophia Gillingham across to help Marriott out the ball played behind for a corner kick. Brantham looking to put the ball in on the keeper, an in swinger just over her dropping far post a snap shot, blocked on the line put clear to the left a shot on the angle blazed over.

Tuley pulling away to the right for Brantham sending a shot in on the angle across the keeper from 20 yards out, McKew retrieving it left side laid on for Wilson coming on from the back, her near post strike from outside the box, saved by Adams dropping onto the ball. Needham Market energetic unsettling Brantham to a degree Steward cutting out an intended through ball from Trenter for Porch, turning play around, into Dunnett out to Tuley right 25 yards out, Long making a run across her getting hold of the through ball taking it on the angle her shot rising, over the ball, the keeper getting a faint touch a corner given.

GOAL! The game fast approaching the half hour mark, Brantham building some momentum McKew getting on well down the left the ball fed into her path taking it on, cuts it back inside to Long positioned top left corner outside the box shifts the ball inside before striking the ball, hard up over the keeper and into the far corner of the goal beyond, 0-1.

Ella Long celebrates with her teammates as she gives Brantham the lead

Needham Market looking for an immediate reply the ball from Taylor right on for Porch passed infield into Attrill takes it on across the D looking for an opening her effort saved by Gibbs back in her six yard box. Long up the other end flashing a shot wide across the face of the Needham Market goal as she is played in by McKew in the left channel.

Brantham getting hold of the ball in the middle Crabtree out to McKew left takes the ball inside before rolling it across the top of the area for Bennett on the right side, Marriott diving in giving away the corner kick. Players up from the ball surrounding the keeper, curled into the middle of the six yard box, Adams does very well amongst the crowd to get her arm up to push the ball away to the left. Trenter with Attrill as Needham Market get the ball forwards, out to Taylor advancing on the right, Wilson stepping in to tackle for Brantham.

Brantham’s Chloe Wilson

GOAL! Brantham attack down their left flank McKew on the ball cut back inside to Long left channel has Tuley ahead of her rolling the ball on, Tuley drives forwards battling her way into the area getting clear to fire the ball on the angle across the diving keeper to double the lead 0-2.

Laura Tuley doubles Brantham’s lead

Needham Market falling 2 goals behind making a change bringing off Trenter, send on Poppy Dyson. Marriot donning the armband. Drake taking the ball on with pace up the left getting a corner for Needham Market. players up onto the box. Swung into the near post at in inviting height, Gillingham rising to attack it with her head, turns it narrowly wide of the upright.

Sophie Gillingham coming close from the corner kick

Bennett coming back to help defend for Brantham as Drake dispossesses Berry on the wing looks to drive on up the left. Attrill taking the ball on from Parch on the right, getting pulled back. Taking the free-kick lifted on into the box, Dunnett getting it clear for Brantham. A shot struck in from distance Gibbs behind it falling onto the ball. Taylor bringing the ball on up Needham market left channel driving on looking to get into the box, catching the ball with the outside of her boot in an attempt to knock it on into the box before Innes can close her down, Steward with the clearance for Brantham.

The game a little stretched with both sides going for it Dunnett with a good range of passing at her disposal the ball on for Long up top left side fed on for McKew down the flank her angled strike in low to the near post held by Adams. Moments later McKew played in again down the left tries the angled short rising this time threatening to loop up over the keeper, Adams does well getting her arms up quickly to snatch the ball down into her gloves.

Needham Market goalkeeper, Zoe Adams

Dunnett taking the ball left taking on the shot from distance the ball cut out by Needham Market, Lockwood top of the area. Adams rushing out to the edge of her area sliding in to save at the feet of McKew as she is played on down the line by Long. The flag up against her for offside however. Marriott doing well in defence for Needham Market getting her body across Bennett as she looks to get hold of the ball on the right, plays it back to her keeper to kick clear.

Brantham’s Emmi Bennett

Brantham pushing for a 3rd goal late in the first half McKew taking the ball on down the left putting it inside for Tuley, making a move to skip into the box, Lockwood with the challenge to halt the attack. Needham Market launch a counter attack, Dyson on the move through the middle with the ball fired into Drake outside the D, moving left the Brantham defence moving in to close her down the loose ball coming to Taylor some 30 yards out goes to strike the ball, her effort inches over the crossbar.

Half-time Needham Market Women Development 0-2 Brantham Athletic Ladies

Brantham head back into the changing rooms at the break leading the league cup final 2-0, the goals coming in quick succession around the half hour mark. Has done little to dampen Needham market’s spirits lively in the first half have unsettled their opponents to a degree created some very good chances of their own. Not taking one however, Brantham using the ball and the pitch to their advantage spreading play, 2 goal leads always tricky of course a 3rd goal would sap the energy as little, Needham Market get the goal at it’s very much game on.

No changes for either side at the break. with Needham Market getting the 2nd half underway. Needham Market with the kick-off, find Porch on the left drives on with the ball, tackled by Berry, the ball into the middle for Dunnett lifted out to McKew wide left sends it forwards for Tuley through the middle beating the offside trap racing for the box, Gillingham back on her shoulder getting a foot on the ball to turn it to the left, Long latching onto it outside the box her low strike straight at the keeper.

Brantham looknig to get after the ball at the start of the 2nd half close Needham Market down inside their own half. Dyson attempting to put the ball on for Porch in attack, Steward moving across her box to dive in put the ball out for a corner kick. Defended at the near post Brantham’s turn for the counter the ball lifted up to Long racing on up the left wing, Anderson-Hayler getting back on her to tackle turn the ball behind for a corner.

Swung into the area from the left, Porch up high to head the ball clear, Taylor looking to take the ball on through the middle get Needham Market on the attack, Steward across lunging in to make the tackle, hurting herself in the process but aright to continue. Marriott getting in to challenge Long as the attacker links up with Bennett on the right.

Issy Hines with Immy Porch

Needham Market advance on the left, Porch with the ball at her feet level with the top of the area laying the ball inside for Taylor, her shot blocked by Innes, the rebound finding it’s way out to Attrill to the right of goal her shot on the angle saved by Gibbs across to cover the near post. Needham Market remain lively looking to take the ball to Brantham, who themselves are probing looking for a 3rd goal.

GOAL! And it arrives 10 minutes into the 2nd half, with Long given the ball coming inside from the right moving towards the corner of the area 20 yards out striking the ball with her left foot, sending it flying in over the keeper into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game 0-3.

Ella Long fires Brantham into a 3 goal lead

Brantham making a change bringing on Stacey Teager, for Dunnett in the middle. McKew remains a ready outlet on the left for Brantham keeping Anderson-Hayler busy. Brantham with a flowing move getting forwards, McKew left cut back to Teager who lays it across to Long to send out to Berry getting on down the right flank her cross swept high into the six yard box, McKew leaping up from close range looking to head the ball knocks it just over.

Brantham’s Tarnya McKew

Attrill battling for the ball in the centre for Needham Market bringing in forwards attempting to put the through ball on for Taylor, Steward cutting the ball out at the back for Brantham. Dunnett not off the field for long coming back on with Crabtree the player off. Lockwood closing McKew down as she looks to drive on into the left channel. Bennett played on by Teager right side, Marriott closing her down.

Needham Market’s Hepsie Attrill

Brantham winning a free-kick on halfway, Dunnett to send it into the top of the Needham Market box, headed clear falls to a Brantham boot the strike from range dipping on the keeper but Adams claims confidently. Attrill coming off for Needham Market with Ashleigh Goddard entering the action. Anderson-Hayler putting the ball on down the right for Parch to attack, Wilson defending in the corner the ball out for a throw. Put up the line the cross intercepted by Wilson.

Drake stealing onto the ball 30 yards out left of the box goes for the shot angled in skipping off the surface, Gibbs down quickly to smother the ball. Needham Market winning a free-kick deep on the left played into the top of the area, cleared by Dunnett, Brantham look to break the ball fed on for McKew through the middle racing on, Lockwood in well to close her down.

Brantham goalkeeper, Daisie-Mae Gibbs

McKew pulling up down needing to come off, Crabtree coming back on. Needham Market also making changes bringing on Maddi Steward for Marriott sees Anderson-Hayler move to left back with Steward right. Elisa Rossman on too. Remains competitive Needham Market keep pushing looking for an opportunity, Brantham reasonably comfortable in defence can pick their time to attack.

Maddi Steward over a Needham Market free-kick wide on the right played in to the top of the Brantham area. Knocked down to the right, Rossman looking to get hold of it, Crabtree winning the tackle for Brantham. Porch has given it all to try and find a goal for Needham Market this evening as play builds on the left with Drake and Taylor the ball put across the D into Porch goes to strike it first time frustration once again as her rising strike packing plenty of power swerves to brush the side netting on it’s way behind.

Lucy Chenery coming on for Needham Market with the game moving into the final quarter hour. Parch with a blast from range all of 35 yards out on target, dips into the keepers gloves. Ines Bowman-Boyles coming on for Brantham, to replace Bennett. Porch up with Taylor on the left outside the Brantham box the pass cut inside for Goddard moving across the D looking for a gap, Steward diving in to take the ball for Brantham.

Needham Market not sitting back prepared to give it a go look for a goal, McKew returning to the action for Brantham with Crabtree coming off. Gillingham tackling Teager for Needham Market as McKew tries to get the ball into her from the left. Wilson moving in to close Goddard down as she picks the ball up from Dyson in the middle drives forwards. Needham Market pushing players on late on as Brantham start to tire getting up around the box, Drake into Rossman into the box forced out to the right, her cross cut out at the near post.

Brantham midfielder, Lucy Dunnett

Cobbold back on for Needham Market as Porch giving away a foul is shown the yellow card, Brantham get on the attack through the middle, Long up with Teager and McKew the ball blocked 3 times by the Needham Market defence top of their area as they try to force a shot through onto the keeper. Needham Market with a throw high on the left into Drake on the angle her shot struck low to the near post, blocked. A corner won on the left angled into the near post high, Gibbs coming for it getting up to grab hold of the ball.

Needham Market attacker, Immy Porch

The clock ticking down, Needham Market pressing for a goal late on as Brantham look to defend keeping players back behind the ball. Gillingham cutting the ball out at the back for Needham Market as McKew looks to put Teager on through the middle. Needham Market get on the counter the ball from Dyson on for Porch getting into the box right slide, Steward sliding in on her with a strong tackle. Porch hurt stays down for a moment up hobbling comes over to the side lines.

In final whistle moments away Needham Market doing all they can to get an opportunity at goal, Brantham solid in defence working hard at the back keeping things tight determined to keep a clean sheet. Brantham celebrate as they win they retain the Suffolk Women’s League Cup and complete a historic double double.

Full time Needham Market Women Development 0-3 Brantham Athletic Ladies

An intriguing final between two contracting sides, Brantham the favourites having won the title convincingly and having a vastly experienced squad, Needham Market’s talented youngsters giving it a good go however never letting their heads drop. Brantham getting the ball on well first half using the flanks creating opportunities taking the lead just before the half hour, quickly adding a 2nd to get control of the game. Needham Market creating good chances of their own just not taking them trailing at the break. Brantham adding a 3rd goal early in the 2nd half allowing them to settle back defend their box wait for the right moment to break forwards. Needham Market applying late pressure doing all they could to find a goal.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several performances of note was an entertaining match, but there is a clear winner. For Needham Market the defence all played their part, Khyla Anderson-Hayler, Jess Marriott, Mia Lockwood and Sophie Gillingham all putting in timely tackles and inceptions. Emma Drake took the ball on well breaking out from the back. Chloe Taylor with so useful link up play. Immy Porch in attack will feel frustrated she didn’t score but she created the opportunities sometimes it just won’t happen. For Brantham Kirby Steward was strong in defence getting her tackles in reading the game and cutting passes out. Issey Bines too, with some vital tackling and tracking back with Needham Market looking to drive forwards. Lucy Dunnett used the ball well in midfield having good passing options ahead of her. Tarnya McKew one of those outlets a constant threat out on the left created several chances. Laura Tuley with good movement up top scoring a goal. The award goes to the other goal scorer Ella Long opened the scoring and an assist for the 2nd got forwards into the channels linking up play throughout, adding a 2nd and Brantham’s 3rd in the 2nd half.

Brantham Athletic Ladies 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s League Cup winners (photo credit Brantham Ladies)

Congratulations to Brantham Athletic Ladies on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup and completing a 2nd successive league and cup double.

Had to wait to the cup final to see Brantham in action this season, have had an excellent couple of season’s and should they get promotion to the ERWFL will be more than competitive. 1st look at Needham Market’s talented youngsters gave it a go and look forward to seeing how they develop within the club and beyond. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups tonight. Back in Suffolk next Wednesday for the inaugural Women’s League Plate final between Bacton United Ladies and Halesworth Town Women at Stowmarket Town FC on Wednesday evening.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

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Sunday 11th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Following on from ???? triumph in the ERWFL League Plate we move onto the League Cup Final itself with The Eyrie, hosting Stevenage FC Women and Luton Town Ladies as they compete for the trophy.

Little to separate the two sides too leading into the game each claiming a 1-0 win at home in the league against the other and they shared an epic penalty shootout in the Women’s FA Cup having drawn 1-1, Luton eventually edging it 15-14 from the spot. Hopefully no such drama this afternoon, but certainly promises to be an intriguing contest.

The ERWFL League Cup

Luton with a very similar story to Hutton in terms of their league success, cup runs and call offs early in 1st half of the season keeping them well placed behind the leaders, Royston Town Women, then converting those games in hand into points roared to the top of the table and clinched victory with games to spare to become champions and with it return to the FAWNL after a 6 year absence. Runners up in the previous two season’s too, winning the League Cup back in 2023, against Stevenage 2-1.

Going one better this season have added the prolific, Natasha Fensome to the squad, coming to the club from Bedfordshire rivals, Real Bedford Women after they more or less let their entire treble winning squad from the previous season go following their own promotion to the FAWNL. Fensome’s goals playing a huge part in that success, the leagues top scorer with 34 goals that campaign. Is up there again this time around breaking the 30 barrier with 31 goals so far with a couple of games to go vying for the golden boot with Royston’s, Emma Slater who has 34. Plenty of goals throughout the squad however, with 18 of the 34 used so far amongst the goals, Jess McKay the only other player into double figures netting 12 goals. Their Reserves side recently winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s Trophy.

Stevenage too enjoying a short spell in the FAWNL, rebuilding in the ERWFL and once again looking strong to mount a title bid themselves, having secured a top 3 finish in the Premier Division have a strong platform to push on from could even finish 2nd if local rival Royston happened to slip up in their final game of the season and Stevenage win their remaining two. Losing just one of their last 14 league matches to move up the table. As mentioned enjoying some close matches against Luton this season will be buoyed by their recent 1-0 victory coming into today’s League Cup final.

Like Luton benefitted from the dispersal of last season’s Real Bedford Women’s treble winning squad bringing attacker, Gemma Croucher to the club, has settled in well, the current top scorer finding the back of the net with 21 goals from her 28 appearances. Amy Makewell on target scoring 13 goals from her 25 matches. Like Luton have a strong defensive record too. Expecting a tight contest but hoping it doesn’t go to penalties.

Road to the Final

A bye for both sides in the first round of the League Cup, Stevenage drawn away to Division One North side, AFC Dunstable Women in the 2ne round. Midfielder Hannah Bodily on target for 2 goals one in each half along with a strike from Gemma Croucher and an injury time goal from Matilda Thomas O’Keefe sealing a 4-1 victory. Luton at home taking on Division One South opposition in Hertford Town Women. Natasha Fensome on target for 2 goals with Gabriella Spillman, Francesca Partridge and Shianne Swarres also scoring in a comfortable 5-0 win.

Moving to the 3rd Round Stevenage were at home taking on fellow Premier Division outfit, St Albans Women. Croucher, captain Lucy Webster and Amy Makewell getting a goal each in the first half Croucher when on to add her 2nd early in the 2nd half to seal a 4-2 win. Luton away in the 3rd round taking on Watford Ladies Development newly promoted to the Premier Division a much tighter affair with a single goal enough to see Luton advance, scored by Jess McKay.

The last 8 saw Stevenage making the long trip up to Norfolk to play last season’s beaten finalists, Wroxham Women, a close contest Gemma Croucher’s 41st minute goal the difference between the side as Stevenage advanced into the semi-finals. Luton taking on Division One North side, Real Bedford Women Reserves, a different story here as Luton powered there way into the last 4 piling on the goals, Tsaianne Leader scoring a hat-trick with Fensome bagging herself a brace. Goals too for Jess McKay, Shanice Lewis and Elly Wade in a 9-0 win.

Stevenage hosting fellow Premier Division side, Enfield Town Ladies in their semi-final, Gemma Croucher scoring for Stevenage in the 8th minute, Kelsey Millen adding a 2nd midway through the first half, Enfield getting a goal but not enough as Stevenage held on for a 20-1 win to book their spot in this season’s final. Luton at home too taking on league leaders, Royston Town Women a tough contest the pair drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes the tie going to extra-time Luton were to come out on top to add 2 more goals to win through to the final 3-1. Fiona Buttigieg, Leyah Maddix and Tsaianne Leander with the goals.

The sun powerful come the afternoon kick-off the temperature on the playing surface alone hot without the air around it. Uncomfortable to a degree to play in shade starting to form over on the far side of the ground by the dug outs. A good crowd building for this one at The Eyrie with two local sides going toe to toe. The bar and kitchen still open doing plenty of trade. The stand filling up with spectators looking for shade as well as a good view myself included.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Mistie Fox-Barker, Hannah Nebbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Frankie Tilbury, Lillia Dempsey, Eva Delaney, Gemma Croucher & Amy Makewell. Subs – Hannah Bodily, Lilly Kelly, Kelsey Millen, Anais Corrigan & Millie Constantine.

Stevenage FC Women

Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Tanya Blacksley, Shanice Lewis, Fiona Buttigieg, Elly Wade (C), Shianne Swarres, Jess McKay, Elizabeth Mulvaney, Amber Leighton, Tsaianne Leader & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Ami Martins, Stef Paci, Leyah Maddix, Nicole Farmer & Erin Price.

Luton Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes added time and penalties if required.

Captain’s Lucy Webster and Elly Wade with this afternoon’s match officials

Stevenage wearing their away colours purple shirt and socks with black shorts. Luton wearing orange coloured shirts with a white vertical stripe offset on the front, navy shorts and orange socks. Luton to get the first half underway, kicking the ball up top into their attackers early on, Stevenage goalkeeper stepping up to claim the ball getting an early feel of it in her gloves. Competitive right from the off Luton snapping in to win the ball, Stevenage biting back, giving away a free-kick in the centre.

Fiona Buttigieg over the set-piece for Luton lifts it forwards to the right, Rebecca Edge rising high to win the header for Stevenage, but clashing with a Luton attack comes off the worse and she collapses to the ground, an early pause while she is accessed. Getting up tentatively walks gingerly to the side lines but will be ok to play on. Luton are know to be physical and that is no surprise to any opponent are strong in their pursuit of the ball looking to get it moving forwards with energy.

Stevenage just as competitive the early stages seeing each one test the other with forward balls into the channels, Chloe Gunn in front of the Stevenage defence winning the ball. Jess McKay diving in with her tackles for Luton. Stevenage get the ball moving through the middle Frankie Tilbury on for Gemma Croucher making a run into the left channel, Luton captain Elly Wade moving in to close her down.

Luton feeding the ball on for Tsaianne Leander 20 yards out in attack central drives towards the box, Stevenage captain Lucy Webster stepping in to put in the tackle the ball knocked away to the left, a misplaced pass almost presenting Leander with another opportunity outside the area is quickly closed down. Stevenage looking to get on the3 counter attack the ball threaded on for Croucher in attack, Wade racing back with her just getting there first to deal with the danger.

Luton’s Jess McKay

Wade into defend again at the back for Luton putting the ball out for a corner kick as Lillia Dempsey drives on into the box in the left channel. The corner flung in over everyone inside the six yard box, cleared far side. Lucy Webster if given the opportunity from the back will drive forwards through the middle for Stevenage carrying the ball along way, bearing down on the opposing area she strike is charged down by Luton’s Elizabeth Mulvaney. Tilbury trying her luck from range her 25 yard strike for Stevenage taking a deflection off a defender seeing the sting taken out of it travelling safely back into goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson.

Luton attacker, Tsaianne Leander

McKay getting forwards for Luton up the other end taking on the strike from 30 plus yards out as the ball is deflected into her path, put straight in on the keeper, Reeves saving comfortably. McKay with Shianne Swarres in the middle for Luton the ball rolled on for Leander in the right channel sends it on into the box for Fensome, Webster moving in to close her down for Stevenage the ball behind for a corner out on the right.

Rebecca Edge challenging Amber Leighton for the ball

Flashed into the area through everyone Luton retrieving it on the left, Tanya Blacksley up with McKay put back into the near post, gathered by Reeves in goal. Gunn with a strong challenge on Leander as the attacker looks to force her way into the box. Luton lively pushing on Blacksley from the back putting a good ball in over the top for Fensome making a run central to left to get in behind, clear, Reeves comes racing out to the top of her area looking to try and close her down, Fensome taking the ball past the keeper into the area cutting her low shot back in at the empty net, both Webster and Edge racing round on the cover to get to the ball, Edge clearing it off the line!

Both sides battling for the ball, Luton gaining the free-kick hoisted up towards the top of the area dealt with by Stevenage’s Gunn. Buttigieg advancing up the left with the ball for Luton plays in inside for Leander, Mistie Fox-Barker in to close her down for Stevenage the full back preventing the cross the ball out for a throw in. Stevenage counter through the middle, Eva Delaney on for Makewell, back to goal spins on the ball well to help it into the path of Croucher storming on down the left channel bursting into the box her low strike on the angle saved low by Hudson at her near post.

Buttigieg stealing the ball high on the left for Luton races on down the wing whipping a pacy cross into the near post, Fensome coming for the ball looking to get it under control under pressure from Webster can’t keep it in play. Fox-Barker bringing the ball on right side for Stevenage drills a diagonal ball low into the box cut out by Wade, cleared upfield Luton quickly on the counter, Reeves rushing out of her area to clear the threat.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves

Both side energetic despite the heat, fighting for the ball, passes a little rushed if anything as they look to take the game to the other. Hannah Nebbitt left side for Stevenage looking to pick out Makewell in attack with the diagonal ball cut out by Blacksley at the back for Luton. Nebbitt sending the ball on into the box again for Stevenage Makewell bearing down on the keeper, with Blackley and Wade tracking her, Hudson standing her ground blocking the ball getting hold of it for Luton.

Jess McKay sliding in to win the ball for Luton

Up the other end Leander running onto a pass fed inside from the right, striking the ball on the half volley from 20 yards out not getting a solid connection the shot tame through to the keeper. Hudson with a sharp save to deny Makewell inside the box as she steals in behind beating offside trap the ball beat down back to Makewell for a 2nd try, Hudson sharp getting down to grab hold of the ball.

Fensome moving about in attack for Luton looking for space taking the ball down to the by-line left of go no one has caught up with her as she flashes her cross into the six yard box. Busy end to end, cagey at time Fox-Barker getting on for Stevenage right side sending a cross inside looking for Croucher left of the D breaking into the area Wade intercepting the ball for Luton at the back.

Stevenage’s Mistie Fox-Barker

Luton moving the ball quickly getting numbers around it in the middle Swarres with McKay, Amber Leighton coming inside to take the ball on lifted into Leander up top inside the D, Edge winning it back for Stevenage. Leander coming over to the left linking up with Mulvaney and Buttigieg the ball crossed in along the top of the area, Shanice Lewis running in to met it her strike put in straight to the keeper.

The referee calling for the first drinks break of the game, the dugouts in some shade, blisteringly hot out there, both sides covering the ground. The game resumes with a Luton goal kick. Swarres seeing the ball into her 30 yards out shapes to send it goal wards lopping over the keeper but dropping wide of the right post. Leighton bringing the ball in across the Stevenage D moving left looking to put Buttigieg through on goal, Webster throwing out a leg to cut the pass out for Stevenage.

Luton midfielder, Shianne Swarres

Delaney released into space on the right for Stevenage as a deflected ball runs into her path taking it on chops a low cross into the top of the area, won by Wade. Luton lively Leander fed the ball right of goal, Edge moving onto her shoulder to defend for Stevenage the ball pushed away to the right, Leighton from the angle blasting a shot in on goal, Fox-Barker moving round on the cover blocking it in front of her keeper.

Blacksley getting the ball forwards on the left firing it into Leander outside the box, looking to pull the trigger has her arm tugged as she does, awarded the free-kick Buttigieg over the free-kick 20 out left of the D, puts it into the far post defended knocked down to the top of the area, Leighton latching onto it her shot struck wide across the face of goal out past the far post. Luton building some momentum in the final 3rd.

Luton defender, Tanya Blacksley

GOAL! McKay into Fensome in attack, takes the ball in across the top of the D from the right into the middle feeding it into Buttigieg breaking into the area from the left one touch then curls the ball up over the keeper to nestle inside the net at the far post 0-1.

Fiona Buttigieg firing Luton into the lead.

Luton into the lead in the 40th minute looking strong winning the ball in the middle, McKay diving in to win possession Buttigieg into the middle for Mulvaney on for Leander up top lays it off for Leighton who attempts to thread it in behind for Fensome, bursting in one goal, but the flag goes up against her even as Reeves rushes in to close her down. Swarres pushing forwards with the ball at her feet for Luton looks for Fensome up top the ball cut out by Edge the Fensome fouls Gunn as she goes to clear the ball.

Buttigieg with a strong tackle on Croucher as she moves out to the right looking for the pass from the advancing Delaney. Delaney then brought down by Wade out wide on the right as she looks to link up with Fox-Barker. Makewell over the set-piece a great ball in one goal at the far post players running in to attack it Hudson up well to punch it clear of her area.

Luton with a free-kick late in the first half on halfway to the right sent into the box, Edge winning it for Stevenage, Luton quick to get back onto the ball outside the box, Leander shifting it out to Fensome on her right stretching as she goes to shoot, pulls her effort high past the near post. Luton looking to get on down the flanks putting Stevenage under pressure. The whistle blows up for half-time, Luton edging the 1st half leading by a single goal.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Luton Town Ladies

Fiona Buttigieg’s 40th minute strike the difference between the sides, has been as expected a tight and competitive contest, Luton getting the ball forwards with pace looking to push Stevenage back. Defending well but limited opportunities up the other end Luton edging it in terms of chances created, still a single goal in it poised perfectly for the 2nd half. Stevenage will want to keep it that way find an opening themselves. Luton won’t want it to remain so tight a 2nd goal putting them closer to claiming the double.

Changes for both sides and supporters alike with the shade over on the far side of the pitch looking very inviting. On the field Luton are bringing on defender Nicole Farmer with Lewis replaced. A double switch for Stevenage with Dempsey and Delaney coming off, Kelsey Millen and Millie Constantine coming on. Stevenage to get the 2nd 45 underway the ball played out to the right with Millen on the attack puts an early cross into the box, cleared by Wade for Luton.

Nebbitt with a testing punt from range deep on the left finding its way through to the keeper. Constantine out on the left side for Stevenage in possession, fires the ball into Tilbury positioned left of the D, but play brought back for the free-kick with Constantine caught late. Nebbitt over the ball hit in towards the far post too strong out of play for a goal kick.

Fensome stealing in behind through the middle for Luton off of a Leander flick on knocking the ball wide of the advancing keeper top of the area snatches at the ball sending it in on goal before being closed down, defenders racing back to try and stop it, can instead watch it roll harmlessly wide of the left post. Farmer winning the ball at the back for Luton sends it on down the right for Fensome pulling out wide taking the ball down to the by-line looking to travel into the box, Nebbitt gets back at her to make the challenge clear the ball.

Tilbury and Constantine link up on the left wing for Stevenage, rolled back up the line to the advancing Nebbitt her cross played into the far post from the angle runs out of play as Millen almost reaches it. Is very hot out on the field, as McKay coming left with the ball for Luton sends a curling cross into the box, that sees Fensome flagged offside as she pulls off the defence, Stevenage holding a good line.

Fox-Barker pushing on up the right for Stevenage whipping a dipped ball into Croucher positioned right of the D, can’t get the ball down into her feet, get a shot away before Wade closes her down. McKay on for Wade in space free to bomb on down the right puts a diagonal ball in towards the near post, Fensome looking to attack it turned behind for a corner kick. Buttigieg taking in short as Leighton comes to the ball the pair looking to force a crossing opportunity, Stevenage close down well forcing Luton to play it all the way back to their keeper.

Stevenage getting amongst it 2nd half better competing for the ball looking to get it into their wide players. Fox-Barker with a well timed tackle inside her box on Leander left side as Leighton sends the ball into her feet, half hearted appeals but they soon die down. Stevenage getting a free-kick in a dangerous position central outside the D, Nebbitt to take shoots over the bar.

Fensome latching onto the ball as it is missed by the defence top of the area clipped in from the middle Fensome left of goal getting a shot away putting it low across the stranded keeper the ball cannoning off the base of the far post before being hurried clear. Stevenage making a change just past the hour mark bringing on Hannah Bodily to replace Gunn in midfield.

Natasha Fensome

Constantine out on the left in possession for Stevenage feeds it inside for Bodily who turns on the ball looking to fizz it into Croucher inside the D, Farmer in close to get the challenge in for Luton. Luton making a double switch with Lewis back on alongside attacker Leyah Maddix, Leander and Blacksley coming off for Luton. Stevenage winning a corner on the right curled into the near post, hooked clear.

Farmer blocks Fox-Barker’s shot as she comes inside with the ball from the right 20 yards out. In the opposite area, Edge defends against Lewis as she surges on with the ball right channel. Lewis lively since returning to the pitch looking to take the ball on her cross into the area taken by Reeves at her near post, the referee calling for another drinks break, much needed. Both sides keeping the tempo up a cagey game toing and froing as Stevenage look to create an opening at times exposing themselves at the other end, Fensome in particular looking for an opportunity to score.

Luton’s Nicole Farmer

Fox-Barker doing well in defence for Stevenage up against Maddix on the left closing her down with a timely tackle to try and get Millen on the move in the opposite direction. Changes for both sides as play resumes with less than 20 minutes to play, Anais Corrigan on for Stevenage replacing Nebbitt. Erin Price coming on for Luton replacing McKay. Webster sets off on another marauding run from the back for Stevenage in central cuts the ball to her left picked out Croucher unmarked top of the area, caught in two minds what to do with the ball as Hudson roars setting herself in goal, the shot tame in the finish Hudson gathering low scooping the ball up into her gloves.

Luton with a throw high on the right as Lewis breaks forwards, linking up with Swarres who takes the ball to the by-line lifting a high ball into the near post, Reeves up to grab hold of the ball. Fox-Barker over to the left of defence now with Nebbitt off as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. Fensome played into the area coming in from the left, Reeves out to close the angle the ball blocked turned away for a corner kick.

GOAL! Players up from the back as the ball in clipped into the near side, Fensome attacking it turning the ball in on goal, Reeves with a reflex save stopping it with her leg, the ball loose in front of goal, Wade stealing in on it to stab the ball over the line to double Luton’s lead 0-2.

Elly Wade doubling Luton’s lead

Stevenage making a change with Makewell coming off, Lilly Kelly coming on to join the attack. Mulvaney sending a strike from distance onto the roof of the net. Fensome coming off for Luton along with Leighton, Stef Paci and Amy Martins coming on with 10 minutes left to play. Stevenage sending the ball long up the left for Corrigan to attack, Lewis with the legs to get back up the pitch put in the tackle to deny the cross.

Stevenage’s Anais Corrigan with Luton’s Shanice Lewis

Maddix put away into the box on the right for Luton closing in on goal Edge standing up to challenge getting a foot onto the ball Maddix catching her late getting penalised shown the yellow card. A painful one for Edge the defender struggling has to come off, Bodily dropping into defence, Makewell back on. The game stretched now Stevenage have to commit more going forwards risk the counter at the other end.

Tilbury getting the ball into Constantine on the right clips a diagonal ball long across the area into Corrigan advancing on the left looks to meet it on the volley a difficult chances lifts it over. Webster driving forwards bearing down on the box is cynically blocked, awarded the free-kick 25 yards out. Makewell over it curls her attempt wide of the right post. Moving into stoppage time.

GOAL! Luton break away down the left Martins on with the ball the cross curled in across the six yard box, Maddix, and Lewis busting a gut to get on the end of it throwing themselves at the ball, Lewis with the touch to drive the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to put Luton 3 goal up 0-3.

Shanice Lewis fires Luton into an unassailable 3 goal lead in stoppage time

Luton in control now having knocked the stuffing out of Stevenage, Paci closing Fox-Barker down as she looks for Corrigan on the left. Hudson holding onto the ball as Fox-Barker puts a deep cross into the penalty spot in the dying seconds. The whistle blows and Luton celebrate as they win the league cup to complete the double.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 0-3 Luton Town Ladies

A tight contest well contested in the 2nd half Luton pushing hard coming close to scoring a 2nd goal but it wouldn’t come until the final 10 minutes, Stevenage competing for the ball better 2nd half pressing for the equaliser for a long period before Wade got the all important 2nd goal. The 3rd coming in stoppage time as Luton broke with pace using their substitutes to good advantage.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again several contenders but one winner in my mind. Both sides giving it there all despite the heat, a competitive had hard fought game. For Stevenage Mistie Fox-Barker had an excellent game in defence winning the ball, closing players down and got forwards well when she could to support the attack. Lucy Webster along side Rebecca Edge in central defence winning some vital tackles. Chloe Gunn playing in front of the defence getting stuck in enjoying the midfield battle with Luton. For Luton, Natasha Fensome was lively up front running into space looking for openings created numerous chances for herself and her teammates. Tsaianne Leander strong on the ball looking to get forwards take the ball to the Stevenage defence. Fiona Buttigieg got up well on the left to support the attack opened the scoring and defended well. The award though goes to Luton’s captain, Elly Wade strong at the back throughout, won numerous challenges intercepting the ball playing in to her midfielders and on hand to score the vital 2nd goal.

Luton Town Ladies 2024/25 ERWFL League Cup winners

Luton also collecting their league winning medals and trophy

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup along with the Premier Division title to do the double.

A good day out at Bedford, the finals days well attended, the crowd enjoying to fantastic matches. Credit to Bedford Town FC and the ERWFL committee members for the occasion. My thanks for all the assistance. A busy day no doubt stole just a few hours sleep so I could get both reports completed with a busy day at work ahead. But I like to get these things done while they’re fresh in my mind and the next game is never far away.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Hutton Ladies v Chelmsford City Women

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Sunday 11th May

ERWFL League Plate Final

Hitting the road with a long journey over to Bedford this Sunday for my first cup final double bill of the season, the ERWFL League Plate and Cup Finals, representing tiers 5 and 6 of the regional football pyramid in the East of England. First up the Plate final featuring the new Division One South champions, Hutton Ladies gunning for a league and cup treble taking on fellow league side Chelmsford City Women pushing for a 3rd place finish in their debut season in the ERWFL.

Two tasty looking finals on the cards with Premier Division sides, Stevenage FC Women and Luton Town Ladies going head to head later on this afternoon in the League Cup final. The Plate final no less an exciting prospect with 1st and 4th in Division One South going toe to toe. Both sides scoring plenty of goals whilst having the lowest joint conceded in the table.

The ERWFL Plate trophy

Hutton Ladies a familiar face at the ERWFL Plate final have covering the Essex side in more finals than anyone else. Are one of the longest established sides within the ERWFL too. Now riding the crest of a wave having won the Division One South title with games to spare to win promotion to the Premier Division. Losing just one league game along the way and way out in front in terms of goals scored, with the fewest conceded. Still have 4 games left to play such has been their dominance having been chasing the leading duo all season with games in hand as cup games built up. Reaching the final of the Essex Women’s trophy too, back on Weds 30th April over came Brentwood Town Women on penalties to lift the trophy.

Now aiming for a historic League and cup treble, not an easy thing to achieve by any means. Helped most certainly by having the leagues top scorer in your squad. Signing, Daisy Canny a proven goal threat where ever she’s been has fired home 38 goals for Hutton this season in just 20 appearances. Canny not the only goal threat within the side however with 3 others into double figures for the campaign, Lucy Critchell with 13, Emily Clarke with 12 and Holly Appleton on 11 all appearing the the top 10 goal scorers in Division One South.

Chelmsford City Women keen to join the ERWFL but wanting to do so as Essex Women’s Premier Division champions, that goal achieved last season, come up into regional football with a clutch of Essex sides joining ERWFL Division One South, by far the strongest of those sides joining the league from Essex, were for a good spell emerging as a likely title contender themselves but one win in their last 5 matches saw that slip away. Remain well placed to finish in the top 3, and that along with reaching a cup final is a good showing for their first go at this level. With a Reserves side competing in Essex Women’s Division Three.

Have an experienced squad with some players joining with higher league experience, such as midfielder, jay Blackie and run away top scorer, Zoe Rushen, firing in 25 goals so far this season from her 20 appearances the 2nd highest scorer in the league. Jasmine Cox the next closest with 10 goals coming in 4 matches at the start of the season while Blackie has been on target for 7 goals. Injuries to other key players haven’t helped, such as goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley and attacker, Broghan Kelly. Know they will have to be at their best to get the better of Hutton today. Hutton having strength in depth too, with a Reserves sides playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division and their new Development side storming to the title in their debut season in Essex Women’s Division Two.

Road to the Final

The sides knocked out of the early rounds of the League Cup going on to compete for the League Plate, both Chelmsford and Hutton receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Chelmsford drawn at home to face Histon Ladies the Cambridgeshire side, newly promoted along side Chelmsford, but into Division One North a tough tie on paper goals from Zoe Rushen and Shannon Kelly sealing a 2-0 win for the Essex side. Hutton on home turf taking on Hertfordshire side, Stevenage FC Women Development, Daisy Canny firing home a brace along with a goal for Abigail Clarke to secure a 3-1 win.

Onto the quarter finals, Chelmsford progressing without kicking a ball, drawn at home to Division One North side Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies an injury crisis for the Norfolk side seeing them have to forfeit the game. Hutton in comparison played out a 9 goal thriller away to Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses. The hosts firing in 4 goals, Hutton were to come out on top winning it 5-4 thanks to a hat-trick from Canny and goals for Holly Appleton and Lucy Critchell.

Chelmsford at home in their semi-final taking on fellow newly promoted Essex side, Frontiers Ladies, despite ultimately struggling in tier six finishing in the bottom too the Harlow based side pushed Chelmsford hard for a spot in the final, Chelmsford winning it by a single goal, scored by Rushen. Hutton were again amongst the goals in their semi-final clash, this time a 7 goal thriller away to Division One North champions, Harpenden Town Women a meeting between the league respective top scorers too with Harpenden’s Sophia Amanor netting twice along with a goal for Jaime Curtain. Canny firing in another hat-trick however along with an Abigail Clarke goal seeing Hutton into the final 4-3

The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC the venue for today’s ERWFL Finals Day. The A428 closed this weekend making the trip from Norfolk a little longer than it needed to be. Not a bad run to Bedford nonetheless the carpark before the large open plan clubhouse and function room, lading onto the stadium itself. A large artificial playing surface offering good width. The main seated stand on one side offering some shade. smaller covered terraced stands dotted about the stadium with viewing all round. The bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The weather exceptional, bright and sunny, been little rain around lately and set to continue for a while the sun cream most certainly needed today.

Hutton FC Ladies starting XI – Evie Carvell, Phoebe Keys, Izzy Crichton, Molly Bowness, Hayley Critchell, Maria Cabel Parades, Abi Clarke (C), Lucy Critchell, Emily Clarke, Holly Appleton & Daisy Canny. Subs – Charlotte Rutt, Isobel Boyd, Mia Lempriere & Georgia Hyland.

Hutton Ladies

Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Amy Mullett, Lauren Butcher, Shannon Kelly, Emma Rushen, Gaby Freedman (C), Rosie Coe, Helen Alder, Jay Blackie, Ellie Dopson, Kaci Crook & Zoe Rushen. Subs – Bec Hollocks, Georgia Sleep, Michaela Key, Lorna Dunne & Evie Payne.

Chelmsford City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes added time and penalties if required.

Taking advantage of the shade by the stand for this mornings kick-off, Chelmsford in their away colours of navy blue and white to get the Plate final under way with Hutton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with red shorts and red and white hooped socks. The ball played out to the left charged down by Hutton’s Holly Appleton, Hutton push forwards the ball put out to Appleton getting on the move right wing, Shannon Kelly moving in to close her down at left back for Chelmsford seeing the ball out for a throw.

Both sides getting after the ball early on competitive in the middle, Jay Blackie sliding in to tackle Hutton’s, Daisy Canny as se looks to get on the move with the ball, referee Jordan Blunt giving the free-kick. Captain Abi Barnes over the ball for Hutton on halfway launched up towards the top of the box, missed by the first defender bouncing up onside the box, Emma Rushen getting her leg up to hook the ball clear.

Hutton busy in attack getting the ball on down the right Appleton looking to push on a series of throws won as Hutton look to make progress, Canny looking to drive for the by-line break into the box, Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman diving in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the middle of goal high claimed well by goalkeeper Amy Mullett.

Hutton getting the ball out wide, Canny moving right looking to take it one cutting it back infield for Abi Clarke to run onto her trike from distance screwing high and wide. Chelmsford patient playing a few probing passes at the start looking to find a way through the Hutton defence, Rosie Coe sending the ball out to the right for Ellie Dopson, Phoebe Keys closing her down to see the ball out for a throw. Zoe Rushen looking to take the throw down into the box, winning her side a corner kick.

Lopped in from the right to the near post, goalkeeper, Evie Carvell coming for it punching it aback to the right, Hutton conceding a 2nd corner, Again the delivery is put high into the near post, Carvell again coming for it through bodies this time does well to deal with the threat. Hutton dangerous on the counter, Appleton looking to provide an outlet attacking on the right, Canny sending the ball into her path as they move the ball on rapidly, Kelly quick to close her down, Appleton looking to feed the ball inside, the pass cut out by Coe.

Chelmsford’s Shannon Kelly

Canny lively up top moving left and right looking to pull defenders with her create gaps for others to exploit. Kelly being kept busy with Appleton on the right, quickly in to close her down as she looks to get the ball under control. Kelly winning the ball at the back for Chelmsford left side sending in on up the line for Kaci Crook looks to push her way on into the box, Hayley Critchell coming in to put in the challenge slowing her down, before Izzy Crichton gets the ball clear.

Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman

Appleton gets clear on the right wing to race on to the by-line with the ball whipping a cross with pace into the six yard by, Emma Rushen throwing a leg forwards to block it then into defend again blocking the lose ball charging it down from close range as Emily Clarke looks to smash it in deflected behind to the left for a corner kick.

Chelmsford work the ball up the right played into the top of the D, Zoe Rushen looking to move across to the left find an opening, Hayley Critchell into the tackle the ball cleared away to the left, Crook retrieving it singing a cross back in on goal, headed clear. Hutton break forwards through the middle, Lucy Critchell putting it on for Abi Clarke, has Canny ahead of her 25 yards out, sees the ball into her feet well flicking it on into the right channel for Appleton to run onto inside the area closing in on goal puts her foot through the ball sending her strike into the side netting.

Lucy Critchell putting a diagonal ball into Appleton on the right drops her shoulder feigning to go down the wing inside checks inside moving towards the box, has Canny making a run in behind tries to pick her out, Freedman instead reading it, intercepting the pass. An intriguing contest, Chelmsford with an experienced defence looking to keep things tight at the back, Hutton looking to move the ball wide use the pitch to find a way in behind.

Helen Alder getting onto the ball centrally for Chelmsford laying it forwards for Cook in the left channel pulling out wide to deliver a cross into the six yard box, Zoe Rushen running in central her target the cross over hit cleared beyond the far post. Canny rushing in to steal the ball of Freedman as she looks to bring it out from the back, Canny surging down the right wing, Freedman recovering well throwing herself forwards to block the cross.

Appleton getting to the by-line again sending a vicious cross in along the face of the Chelmsford goal, Emma Rushen throwing her herself into make another vital block hooking the ball away. Chelmsford moving the ball right Coe linking up with Zoe Rushen and Dopson the cross played in along the top of the Hutton area deflected into the path of Alder, but before she can dig a shot away, Hayley Critchell moves in quickly to close her down.

Hutton attacker, Daisy Canny

Dopson and Zoe Rushen look to link up on the right as Chelmsford push forwards, Dopson lifting the ball into Rushen continuing her run in behind getting into the box, Rushen cushioning the header down into her path, in the clear however progress is halted by a raised flag, offside. A loose pass at the back from Hutton is presented straight to Crook 30 yards out central spins into the shot, Carvell moving across her goal can see it safely wide of her left post.

Hutton captain, Abi Clarke

Hutton bring the ball on quickly as they look to turn play around Abi Clarke pushing it on into Appleton right side she surges inside towards the top of the area cutting it back into the area for Canny as she makes the run to the near post, the angle closing Canny pulls the trigger, Emma Rushen moving in to block, the ball deflecting off the defender for a corner kick to the right.

Kelly keeping close tabs on Appleton right side kept busy, the youngster having the pace to skip in behind if giving half a chance, Kelly determined to limit those opportunities. Appleton put away down the right by Lucy Critchell racing to the by-line, whipping a cross into the box, Freedman at the near post throwing out a leg to cut the cross out, deal with the threat, as the referee calls for a drinks break, midway through the first half. Is hot out there approaching midday.

Gaby Freedman blocking the cross

Both sides putting alot of energy into the contest despite the heat looking to get the ball moving play resuming with a Chelmsford goal kick. Hutton build on the left Maria Cabel Parades sending the ball on for Canny to power her way into the box, Emma Rushen on her shoulder with a well timed tackle. Chelmsford counter Blackie through the middle with Alder the ball on to release Crook on the left taking the ball down to the by-line squares it into the near post, Zoe Rushen looking to get it under control quickly closed down by Hayley Critchell and Molly Bowness.

Lucy Critchell putting the ball on for Abi Barnes in the middle in the turn 30 yards out takes on the shot her effort dropping wide of the left post. Canny clipping the ball into the right wing releasing Appleton breaking clear running out of room, lifts a cross into the area but can only pick out the keeper. Chelmsford moving the ball up the right Lauren Butcher forwards into Dopson powering forwards threads an angled ball into the area Zoe Rushen in near side looking to run onto the ball her first touch a little to heavy allowing goalkeeper, Carvell to come and claim. Izzy Crichton gets back well to defend on Crook as the attacker looks to take Kelly’s pass on down the line.

GOAL! Hutton carrying a threat going forwards Canny out on the left with Clarke, given the ball drives into the area tangling with Rushen goes down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Appleton placing the ball on the spot running up to smash the ball past the wrong footed keeper into the right of the net to put Hutton into the lead 1-0.

Holly Appleton firing Hutton into the lead from the penalty spot

Hutton breaking the dead lock from the spot in the 38th minute. Blackie seeing the ball into her feet of a Zoe Rushen layoff, 25 plus yards out, goes for goal stroking the ball in towards the left post, has Carvell scrambling across her line diving but her goal his safe the ball running narrowly wide. Zoe Rushen putting herself about inside the box looking to force a way through for Chelmsford taking the ball out to the left her angled shot back in caught by the keeper.

Chelmsford goalkeeper, Amy Mullett

Mullett moving out quickly to slide onto the ball as Canny is put through into the box left side, just reaching the ball first, Canny stumbling over her as her momentum takes her forwards, the keeper taking a painful blow down hurt, needs treatment a pause while she is assessed, but thankfully up on her feet and alright to play on.

GOAL! The clock ticking down towards the end of the first half, Bowness breaking up a Chelmsford attack into Lucy Critchell in midfield sends it on to Abi Clarke who clips a good diagonal ball out to the right to send Appleton racing in behind her cross from the by-line whipped into the six yard box, just missed by Canny coming in central, but not by Clarke running in at the far post beyond as she meets it well to turn it back across the keeper and in 2-0.

Emily Clarke doubling Hutton’s lead rushing over to celebrate with the cross provider, Holly Appleton.

Hutton doubling their lead late in the first half, Chelmsford making a change Dopson coming off, with Bec Hollocks coming on up top with Cook moving right, Alder out to the left. Chelmsford attack left Zoe Rushen out that side sending Crook on on the overlap into the box her shot on the angle blocked by Carvell as she rushes out to close her down, the rebound dropping to Rushen top corner right side drops her attempt at goal onto the roof of the net.

Coe getting the ball on through the middle up to Hollocks, Lucy Critchell back to defend for Hutton. Chelmsford pushing hard for a reply with seconds left in the first half, Zoe Rushen played in right of goal bearing down on the six yard box, Bowness moving in to challenge Rushen sending her shot wide just as the whistle blows, taking a knock for her efforts as Hutton head back to the changing rooms with a 2 goal advantage at the break.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 2-0 Chelmsford City Women

Hutton asking the question getting forwards well looking to turn the Chelmsford defence creating opportunities winning a penalty late in the first half to take the lead, following that up with another with minutes left to double the advantage. Chelmsford pushing for a late reply themselves but left frustrated having worked so hard in defence to keep the chances down. Experienced know Hutton’s pace could trouble them so have kept it tight. Now trailing 2-0 you would think would need an early goal 2nd half to apply a little pressure to Hutton who themselves will know a 3rd goal could put the game to bed.

No changes at the start of the 2nd half with Hutton getting things underway the ball played out to the left, Chelmsford moving in quickly to close it down little progress made. The ball lifted into Crook on the right for Chelmsford, moves forwards, Keys in to close her down play the ball off her for a throw for Hutton.

Lucy Critchell sending the ball into the area from 25 yards out looking to pick out Canny make a run from right to left to get in behind Mullett coming to close her down getting across her path to see the ball safely out for a goal kick. Zoe Rushen carrying the ball forwards for Chelmsford out on the right looking to play a one two off Hollocks outside the area, the return ball though cut out by Hutton’s Bowness.

Blackie winning the ball back in the middle for Chelmsford fed out to Zoe Rushen in the left channel, sends it forwards into the area Alder looking to break into the box after it, Carvell rushing out to close her down sliding in to make the blocking save.

Hutton goalkeeper, Evie Carvell

Hutton winning a corner following an Appleton attack on the right, a teasing delivery lifted in through the six yard box at an inviting height missed by everyone cleared beyond the far post. Hayley Critchell bringing the ball on from the back for Hutton sending it on up the left wing for Emily Clarke, Butcher in to slow her down on the by-line, Emily Clarke managing to lift a cross into the middle claimed well by Mullett.

Zoe Rushen on the attack for Chelmsford

Chelmsford winning a free-kick left of the circle, Hutton making a change before it is taken Abi Barnes coming off, Isobel Boyd coming on. The free-kick flighted up into the box left of goal, Coe looking to bring it down hit it on the turn can’t quite get it under control. Kelly defending on Appleton top of the area right of the goal as Canny looks to nudge the ball into her feet.

Boyd getting onto the ball for Hutton driving on through the middle played out to Appleton wide on the right her cross played into the far post from deep, Clarke running in to attack it just over her head. Alder wide left for Chelmsford pushing the ball into Zoe Rushen top of the area knocks it on for Hollocks over to the left with her strikes it on the angle, towards the near post, Carvell down low to make the save.

Emily Clarke

Chelmsford building a little momentum getting on with the ball Coe into Hollocks right her attempted cross striking a Hutton hand the free-kick awarded. Players forwards into the box as Crook floats the delivery in to the far post attacked as Chelmsford surge forwards en masse, Hollocks with the header, her effort close just over the ball a chance for Chelmsford to pull it back to 2-1 missed.

Appleton bombing on down Hutton’s right her cross flashed in high across the face of goal over Emily Clarke at the far post as she is closed down, going out past the far post a corner is given. Swung into the box taking a nasty deflection that sees the ball drop loose inside the six yard box in front of goal, Chelmsford scrambling at away for a 2nd corner even as Canny dives in on it.

Holly Appleton

The next delivery into the box high from the right defended by Blackie for Chelmsford. Hutton with players up around the box quick to win it back out to corner taker Hayley Critchell deep on the right her angled shot in on goal over the bar. Hutton pushing players on Appleton into Canny breaking into the box near post, Emma Rushen moving into the path of the shot to charge the ball down away for a corner kick.

Chelmsford’s, Emma Rushen

GOAL! The corner fired in across the six yard box long dropping beyond the far post, loud appeals going up for handball by Hutton as the ball is knocked down loose in front of goal even as Canny pounces on the loose ball and stabs it over the line to score Hutton’s 3rd, 3-0.

Daisy Canny arms aloft as she fires Hutton into a 3 goal lead

A huge blow for Chelmsford conceding a 3rd goal just past the hour mark, make a change bringing off Kelly, sending on Michaela Key to join Rushen in attack. Bowness on the move with the ball for Hutton getting up well on the right before being fouled by Blackie giving away the free-kick.

GOAL! Cabel Parades over the set-piece out wide on the left 30 yards out, runs up to the ball lifting a high ball in towards the top right corner, dipping late it fly’s over Mullett to creep under the bar to send Hutton into a 4 goal lead, Cabel Parades’ first goal of the season too! 4-0.

Maria Cabel Parades scores from her free-kick to put Hutton 4 nil up

Chelmsford hit with a sucker punch going 4 goals down, pick themselves up Coe putting the ball on Zoe Rushen left channel has Alder to her left wide Key looking to get into the box as the three combine passes, Key played in tackled Rushen latching onto the loose ball striking it past the keeper on the angle the ball cannoning down off the cross bar bouncing on the line and out as Hutton scramble it away for a corner kick.

The corner on the right swung into the six yard box attacked by Freedman a glancing header cleared at the far post drops top Coe outside the box left side her shot from range over the crossbar. The 2nd drinks break of the game called. Hutton refreshed after doubling their lead, knocking the wind out of their opponents in the process. Dopson coming back on for Chelmsford going over to the left replacing Alder.

Rosie Coe on the ball for Chelmsford

Zoe Rushen on the attack for Chelmsford on for Hollocks to drive into the box sending in out to the left for Dopson who turns her shot over the ball at the far post. Crook linking up with Key on the right for Chelmsford, Keys seeing it out for a throw. Chelmsford getting in to Hollocks central her shot from out side the box saved well by Carvell. Hutton sitting back a little now waiting for the right opportunity to pounce Lucy Critchell putting Appleton away down the right moving into the area bearing down on goal, Mullett coming to close her down sliding in to take the ball at her feet.

Chelmsford looking to counter Hollocks on through the middle into Zoe Rushen her strike from range dipping in front of the keeper, but Carvell under no pressure collects on the bounce. Space for Blackie to run into with the ball right side as Chelmsford counter a Hutton free-kick her shot in on goal from range held by the keeper. Blackie coming off for Chelmsford, Evie Payne coming on, Dopson coming in off the left with the ball at her feet taking on the 25 yard strike the ball brushing to roof of the net.

Lucy Critchell

Canny roaring her side on taking the ball on through the middle shifting it out to Emily Clarke on the left, her cross from the by-line screwed behind. Mia Lempriere on for Hutton, as Butcher defends on Clarke as she looks to get away on the left. Canny fouled in the centre circle winning the free-kick the ball lifted up to the top of her area, Coe winning the header for Chelmsford.

Chelmsford launch a counter attack, Crook central out to Zoe Rushen peeling to the right her shot on the angle straight at the keeper however. Crook taking the ball inside from the right for Chelmsford sending her strike onto the roof of the Hutton net. Georgia Hyland and Charlotte Rutt coming on to see the game out for Hutton. Can keep their shape invite Chelmsford on knowing the defence is tiring and Canny is looking to get hold of the ball in attack.

Carvell needing to come racing out of her box to clear as Zoe Rushen plays the ball long into the left channel. Key seeing the ball into her feet 20 yards out laying in into Zoe Rushen central to strike her attempt angling wide of the left post. Georgia Sleep coming on for Chelmsford replacing Emma Rushen. Chelmsford pushing hard to find a goal late in the game Sleep up with Key on the right the ball on for Rushen making a move to get into the area ahead of her, Keys with a well timed tackle on the edge of the area to get the ball clear for Hutton.

The clock fast ticking down Rushen with another attempt from range easily dealt with by Carvell. Clarke bringing the ball on left side for Hutton swung into the six yard box, Canny up stretching to head it near side attempting to drop it for Appleton closing in of the far post, Mullett instead lunging forwards to snatch it into her gloves. Lorna Dunne coming on for Chelmsford in the closing stages replacing Crook. Little time time left the game stretched, Canny looking to keep hold of it up top for Hutton run down the clock out to the right, Freedman clearing for Chelmsford. The final whistle blows and Hutton celebrate as they complete a historic treble winning the ERWFL Plate.

Full time Hutton Ladies 4-0 Chelmsford City Women

Hutton putting in the running despite the heat getting players on well throughout using the flanks moving the ball quickly creating chances first half before eventually taking the lead from the penalty spot through Holly Appleton, Emily Clarke on the end of Appleton’s cross to make it 2-0 just before half-time. Chelmsford frustrated working hard in defence to try and limit Hutton’s threat, came within inches of pulling a goal back before Hutton went on to add a 3rd themselves from a set-piece Daisy Canny with her 35th of the season, another goal following soon after making thing’s comfortable as Maria Cabel Parades scored her first goal of the season. Hutton could sit back then invite Chelmsford on, their opponents having the stuffing knocked out of them rallied created opportunities but couldn’t get on the scoresheet themselves 4-0 maybe harsh but Hutton kept their energy levels up throughout.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, certainly a tough one a few contenders on both sides some good performances to mention a fine effort by all in the heat. Firstly for Chelmsford, Emma Rushen was superb at the back putting in the blocks intercepting crosses and winning her tackles. Gaby Freedman too with a number of vital interceptions. Rosie Coe moved the ball well in the middle getting it out to the wide players linking up the attack. Zoe Rushen up top worked tirelessly to find an opening often outnumbered but stuck to the task. For Hutton Hayley Critchell won the ball well at the back coming in to close players down limiting chances. Lucy Critchell likewise in midfield covering the ground back to defend and bringing the ball forwards. Daisy Canny in attack moved across the back line throughout seeking openings pulling players with her always looking for a goal scoring opportunity. The award goes to Holly Appleton provided a great outlet out wide on the right getting on with the ball, opening the scoring from the spot and setting up the 2nd goal to put Hutton into a commanding position.

Hutton Ladies 2024/25 ERWFL League Plate winners

Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL Plate final and with it completing a historic treble.

My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups, the staff at Bedford Town FC for their assistance and the ERWFL committee members, a great final to start the day with another mouth watering clash to come.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Norwich City Women

Sunday 4th May

Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

Cup Final Special – Cambridge Rangers WFC v Ely City Women

Thursday 1st May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final

Hot on the heels from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final on Wednesday evening, comes the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup final, this time a trip over to Histon FC’s, Bridge Road Stadium, being contested this season by Cambridgeshire Division One side, Cambridge Rangers WFC and Division Three side, Ely City Women.

The Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridgeshire’s 2nd county cup competition, like most county FA’s giving sides knocked out in the early rounds of the senior competition an opportunity to compete for silverware.

The Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

Cambridge Rangers WFC are one of the longest established clubs within the Cambridgeshire Women’s County leagues having had mixed fortunes in that time the club very much on a upward curve at the moment expanding in numbers enough to form a Reserves side last season, played in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three. The 1st team playing a Division One currently 9th in the table but despite having mixed results in the league have saved their best performances for the cup competitions, reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup, but going one better in the Junior Invitation Cup. Ali Smethurst the leading goal scorer with 8 goals to her name with Daniela Lewis and Ellen Ferguson on 5 each.

Ely City Women are another side enjoying an upward curve closing in on completing their 3rd season have grown over that period a tough debut campaign near the bottom of the Division Three table a change of management bringing a change of form and results, Ely City FC as a club itself having long supported women’s football in Cambridgeshire now with a women’s side itself, finishing 3rd in the table last season Ely have been at the top or in and around it all season, in a title battle with Cardea Ladies Reserves and Saffron Walden Community Women, with 2 games left to play. Bringing new players into the club have scored plenty of goals this season. Kelly Docwra closing in on 30 goals for the season has 29 from her 18 appearances. Danni Youngs has scored 19 times and Poppy Green on target for 18, with goals scattered throughout the side.

Division One against Division Three not likely to be a walk over although Cambridge Rangers WFC did get the better of Ely in the League Cup early in the season winning 5-2. Still a chance to win silverware both sides will fancy their chances this evening.

Road to the Final

Cambridge Rangers WFC drawn away to Willingham Wolves Women in the 1st round of the Junior Invitation Cup, newly promoted to Division Two, the sides contested an 8 goal thriller with Kirsty Wicks netting a hat-trick for Willingham, the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time Daniela Lewis with the early goal for Cambridge, would add her 2nd early in the first half with manager, Judith Dartnell also bagging a goal. Ali Smethurst with a goal plus and OG securing a 5-3 win. Ely in comparison with a home walkover in the first round against Burwell Ladies.

Into the last 8, Cambridge drawn at home against fellow Division One side and new League Cup winners, Newmarket Town Women Development. A tough draw Cambridge coming out on top to win the game 2-0 to advance to the last 4. Ely at home to in the quarter finals drawn against fellow Division Two side Manea Sirens LFC A team, goals from Kelly Docwra and Danni Youngs sealing a 2-0 win to put them into the semi-finals.

Cambridge away to Division Two side Histon Ladies Development in their semi-final, Katie Grigg getting a goal for Cambridge in the first half the, game won 2-1 with Daniela Lewis firing in a goal inside the final 10 minutes. Ely at home with a tough opponent in their semi-final Soham Town Rangers Women pushing the top two in Division Two in the end a single goal settling the game, Docwra the player on target to see Ely into their first final.

Another glorious day, hotter than the previous evenings final the mini heatwave set to last for another 24 hours, great weather for both finals especially when you recall last season’s planned cup finals day was a wash out due to the rain. Histon FC’s, bridge Road Stadium the venue for this evenings final, another club with a good backing for their 2 senior women’s sides. The grass pitch a good size getting plenty of wear and tear, overlooked by a main raised stand over the changing rooms the bar situated at the back. A smaller seated stand running the length of the opposite side with covered viewing behind both goals. The kitchen hatch open too serving hot food and drink.

Cambridge Rangers WFC starting XI – Sam Chapman, Erika Rasijeff, Laura Baldwin, Ellie Tod (C), Gina Ghensi, Bethan Jones, Laura Baldwin, Daniella Lewis, Leanne Yip Heung Win, Ali Smethurst & Laura Bird. Subs – Nicola Brewin, Yee Hoi Tefer-Ng, Claire Kyndt, Katie Grigg & Hannah Mardell.

Cambridge Rangers WFC

Ely City Women starting XI – Tiff Toynton, Kerry Dyer, Natasha Lane, Ellie Cooper, Christine Cullen, Amy Lloyd, Louisa Harwood, Kelly Docwra (C), Beth Horsfield, Danni Youngs & Poppy Green. Subs – Bella Pillow, Kaci Gibson, Vicki Bailey, Charlotte Upson & Emma Cooper.

Ely City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

Captains, Kelly Docwra and Ellie Tod with this evenings match officials

Carlton Joseph refereeing this evenings final having been 4th official for last evenings Invitation Cup Final, Robin Robichaux having refereed that final the 4th official this evening with Duncan Turned and Rob Smith running the lines. It’s Cambridge to take the kick-off first have wearing yellow shirts with dark blue sleeves dark blue shorts and yellow socks, with Ely lined up opposite in their all red kit. The ball rolled into Bethan Jones in midfield played out to Laura Baldwin on the left of defence, Ely rushing on to try and close the ball down, battling for possession in the middle captain Kelly Docwra lifts a diagonal ball on into the top of the area for Beth Horsfield making the run on the right, Baldwin closing her down to hook the ball away for a corner kick on the right.

Ely curling the corner in towards the near post, Cambridge assistant manager, Gina Ghensi defending getting her head onto the ball to clear the threat.

Assistant manager, Gina Ghensi heading Ely’s corner clear

Ely looking to get busy in the early stages come for the ball look to apply a little pressure, Cambridge a little unsettled, needing to keep an eye on the attempted through balls with Poppy Green looking to pull off the defence. Docwra getting hold of the ball centrally lifting another diagonal ball out to Horsfield on the right, Daniella Lewis tracking back to put in the tackle for Cambridge.

Christine Cullen winning the header for Ely

Cambridge getting the ball down the left Lewis exchanging passes with Ali Smethurst in attack a throw won in the corner leading to a corner kick, players up into the area the ball swung in across the face of goal high, goalkeeper Tiff Toynton fouled as the ball flies over her dropping at the far post, the free-kick awarded.

Lewis looking to get on with the ball on the left for Ely, Kerry Dyer moving in to challenge her see the ball out for a throw. A cross from the angle launched high into the Ely box. Toynton getting her gloves up to claim the ball, launching it up field, helped on through the middle, Green looking to get after it, Laura Bird intercepting for Cambridge.

Ely goalkeeper, Tiff Toynton

Is a big pitch but both sides are tending to get into a tight cluster more to Cambridge’s attacking right than anywhere else, space to be exploited for sure as the ball is hotly contested, Erika Rasijeff sending it on for Jones right side, Louisa Harwood getting a foot in to take it out for a throw. Cambridge press getting a cross into the box, Ellie Cooper heading it clear at the back for Ely.

Cambridge Rangers, Erika Rasijeff

Ely look to launch a counter attack Harwood with the layout sending the ball on for Horsfield on the right racing on, Baldwin coming back to close her down for Cambridge preventing the cross. Docwra over an Ely free-kick just inside the Cambridge half to the right sends it in long high to the far post, goalkeeper Sam Chapman catching the ball high for Cambridge.

Cambridge starting to find a rhythm getting the ball moving through the middle fed on for Ellen Ferguson, sends it out to the left with Lewis storming forwards, Dyer moving in to close her down on the by-line conceding a corner kick. The corner swept in over the keeper at the near post half cleared beyond comes straight to Smethurst inside the area to the right of goal fires her strike over the crossbar.

Cambridge Rangers, Ali Smethurst

Play condensed the ball popping back and forth between the sides as both attempt to find a telling through ball. Ferguson with the ball at her feet for Cambridge carrying it infield from the left shooting from 20 yards out her low strike rolling through to the keeper. Cambridge pressing in the final third Smethurst on through the middle with Ferguson to her right outside the D, held up by Ely’s Christine Cullen, Ferguson has Smethurst moving around her on the overlap to the right putting the ball into her feet as she moves further right strikes the ball on low to the near post, Toynton getting down sharply to make the save turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

Another teasing delivery from a corner kick on the right flashed in across the face of goal, Smethurst central not quite able to get a touch as it flies through everyone. Ely riding out a spell of pressure at the back looking to counter, Amy Lloyd on for Docwra through the middle spots Horsfield in space on the right lifting the ball into her path, it’s Cambridge captain, Ellie Tod coming across the close her down the ball out for a throw as her side regroups.

Lively as Cambridge hit Ely on the counter the ball lifted on through the middle into Lewis, pace as she gets on with the ball lining up a strike on the run from 20 yards out, Toynton down to make the save turning the ball to the left for a corner kick. Swung into the six yard box, it’s Ely’s player manager, Natasha Lane who gets her head on the ball to defend sending it over the bar for another corner. Another dangerous ball in from the left goes long bouncing up beyond the far post, Smethurst looking to get her foot up over the ball to strike it back towards goal puts it straight into the keepers gloves.

Ferguson, Smethurst and Lewis all busy in the final 3rd for Cambridge looking to find a way through, Cooper defending for Ely. Baldwin defending at the back for Cambridge as Green and Horsfield look to get on down the right for Ely, brings the ball out from the back put on up the left for Lewis, spins off Dyer to run in behind the full back, Cooper comes sliding in to take the ball away from her.

Daniella Lewis

Cambridge pushing Ely back the defence up on halfway, risk the counter as Docwra looks to send Green in behind, a vital interception by Tod, Jones right for Cambridge playing in inside for Leanne Yip Heung Win on for Jones sends it on into the box for Smethurst to clip in towards goal, lacking the pace to trouble Toynton in goal. Cambridge getting bodies up around the Ely box.

Ely attacker, Poppy Green

Cooper cutting the ball out in defence for Ely as Ferguson looks to play Smethurst in through the middle, cleared out to the left for Danni Youngs to get on the move taking the ball on into the corner sending a cross in low to the near post, Chapman having to put up with the Ely drum behind her goal getting down to gather the ball into her gloves.

Cambridge Rangers goalkeeper, Sam Chapman

Ely looknig to get players up the pitch Green over to the right as Horsfield and Docwra battle to get it forwards, the former sending the latter down the line, Docwra cutting a cross into the six yard box, Chapman taking it untroubled no one getting into the area. Up the other end Toynton needs to come racing out of her box and Yip Heung Win sets Smethurst clear in the right channel, the keeper getting to the ball first.

Laura Baldwin getting to the ball before Ely’s Beth Horsfield

Horsfield getting back to help Dyer in defence for Ely doubling up on Lewis as she looks to get on down the flank with the ball. Cambridge pushing players on, the ball rolled inside to Ferguson central her strike from outside the box scuffed running safely through to the keeper. An intriguing opening 25 minutes as referee Carlton Joseph signals a drinks break, with the temperature still high as the sun starts to set.

The ball back out on Cambridge’s right, Ely get the ball clear Lloyd on for Youngs wide left bringing the ball on squared in across the top of the area, Green looking to move across the D, strike the ball, charged down by Ghensi, spinning away to the right, Horsfield looking to keep it alive taking it into the corner but can’t keep her cross in play.

Bird coming on with the ball right channel for Cambridge has Yip Heung Win moving out wide down the wing into the corner giving her the ball, she cuts it back inside to Bird who angles the ball into the keeper covering her near post. Toynton the busier of the two keepers called into action as Cambridge clips a diagonal ball in from the right to Lewis charging in towards the top of the area right of the D, Ely’s goalkeeper, rushing out to the top of her box sliding in to make the blocking save with her legs as Lewis pulls the trigger.

Cambridge making the first changes of the game, a double switch with Ferguson and Rasijeff coming off, Katie Grigg and Claire Kyndt coming on. Harwood winning the ball for Ely in the middle linking up with Lloyd, fed on into the left channel for Green in attack, Tod tackling for Cambridge. Little time allowed on the ball. Lewis marauding down the left for Cambridge her cross swept into the area headed away by Cooper.

Ely’s Beth Horsfield and Kerry Dyer

Ely getting the ball on through the middle as Green looks to see it down into her feet shift it on for Docwra to take on past her going left, Grigg in to close the ball down play it out for a throw. Cambridge getting players out to defend the flanks as Ely win throws high up the pitch, Grigg in twice in quick succession to block an attempted cross into the box. Harwood getting into the air to turn a clearance on with her head down into Green charging on towards the top of the Cambridge area, Lewis back to defended getting the blocking tackle in the ball launched out to the right Kyndt looking to get after it angling a shot in towards the near post, Toynton saving with her legs turning the ball behind for a corner kick.

Louisa Harwood moving in to tackle Bethan Jones

Ghensi winning the ball back in defence for Ely coming left lifting it forwards for Lewis up the wing to attack, Dyer getting the lunging tackle in to see the ball out for a throw down in the corner. Cambridge getting a low cross into the six yard box, Cooper intercepting it at the near post. The game remains a tight affair with players from both sides condensing to make getting the ball on for either a tricky task. Ely come away left as the game moves into first half stoppage time the diagonal ball coming to Horsfield on the right, players pushing to get into the box as she lifts a cross into the six yard box, lane attacking it in front of the keeper, Chapman getting hold of the ball.

Ely looking to finish the half on the front foot Lloyd on for Green racing on with Horsfield in attack, Chapman out to the top of her area to clear the ball comes right Docwra taking it on crossing into the middle, Ghensi heading it away, falls to Harwood outside the area top of the D, hooks it back into the box on the volley looping up dropping on target, Chapman has to keep her eye on it, and takes it cleanly into her midriff.

Half-time Cambridge Rangers WFC 0-0 Ely City Women

The first half ends goalless. Cambridge are a slightly nervous start coming into the game creating chances getting players up and around the 18 yard box forcing Ely goalkeeper into a number of saves. The game condensed Ely looking to release their attackers probing for openings has been tense an intriguing contest you feel it’s not likely to be a high scoring game but both have a full squad and have options on the bench, no telling which way it might go in the 2nd 45.

The sun nearly gone the floodlights starting to take effect, 177 in attendance both sides with good support the Ely fans encouraging their side. Neither side making a change as Ely get the 2nd half underway. Played forwards through the middle with green looking to get on, Ghensi snapping in to win the ball back for Cambridge. Docwra getting it back quickly for Ely clipping it out to the left for Green moving down the line, Grigg in to close her down the ball out for a throw.

The game more open at the start of the 2nd half as both sides look to use the pitch better, Cambridge shifting the ball on through the middle with pace lifted up to Kyndt moving in behind left of the area, Toynton starts to come, realises she can’t hesitates Kyndt using the indecision to make up her mind lifting the ball over the stranded keeper from 25 yards out, Toynton turns to see the ball bounce wide of the far post.

Claire Kyndt

Grigg looking to get on up the right playing inside to Smethurst, lays the return pass on for Grigg getting into the box, Cullen getting on her shoulder pressuring her as she goes to shoot, Grigg putting her stabbed effort wide of the near post. Cambridge winning the ball at the back on for Smethurst has Lewis out wide sends the ball on into her run her low cross fired in at the near post blocked by Toynton.

Chances coming at both ends as Lane wins the ball well for Ely on the left put on for Green to take on into the corner her cross flashed in central Youngs looking to slide in to meet it as the keeper comes to close her down the ball turned goal wards rising past the keeper to smash down into the ground off the crossbar!

Danni Youngs sliding effort lifted up onto the crossbar

Ely eager to get the ball up the pitch Lloyd with Docwra central working it out to Youngs on the left, Docwra running on to try and get into the box to support Green in attack, Youngs dropping her cross into the far post, Tod winning it well for Cambridge with both attackers closing her down.

Cambridge Rangers captain, Ellie Tod

Ghensi over to the left of defence to challenge Horsfield as Dyer sends the ball on down Ely’s right wing. Yip Heung Win bringing the ball on through the middle for Cambridge into the left channel, Cooper stepping out of Ely’s back line moving in to close her down before she can slide the ball on for Kyndt. The game certainly more open now, Cambridge readying another double switch with Lewis and Yip Heung Win coming off to be replaced by Ferguson and Yee Hoi Tefer-Hg

Closing in on an hours play Ely find Horsfield out wide on the right her early cross into the box turned away to the top of the area by Jones, Lane latching onto it for Ely top of the D, her shot charged down. Cooper picking up an injury as she lands awkwardly challenging for the ball outside her box. Cambridge using the pause to make a change Tod coming off to be replaced by Hannah Mardell. A blow for Ely as Cooper needs to come off, send Emma Cooper on to replace her in defence.

Ely player manager, Natasha Lane

Smethurst flagged offside as she looks to spin off the Ely defence as Griggs clears the ball long up to her in attack. Smethurst back inside her box to help defend as Ely pile players forwards for a free-kick won on halfway. Hoi Tefer-Ng working the ball on down the left channel for Cambridge with Kyndt the cross angled into the box, cleared by Cooper. Mardell coming across to the right with the ball at her feet playing it into Grigg, Cullen into defend for Ely picking up a knock in the process.

Cambridge introducing players to the game looking to up the tempo move players on. Docwra getting hold of the ball for Ely looking to turn play around attempts to slide Youngs in behind, Ghensi intercepting well for Cambridge top of her area. Both sides fancy their chances Cambridge coming right the cross lifted into the box, headed behind for a corner kick by Cooper.

Closing in on 20 minutes of regular play, Cambridge bring Lewis back on replaces Kyndt in attack. Ely coming right Cambridge under pressure in defence a high back pass looped into the box posing Chapman problems with Green closing her down heads the ball clear at her near post dropping to Docwra top of the D, shifts the ball right to get into the box looking for an opening Bird throwing herself forwards to slide in front of her make the block for Cambridge as Docwra pulls the trigger.

Ely captain, Kelly Docwra

Time for another drinks bring a chance for both management teams to get some instructions into their players try to find the key to unlocking a goal, which this late on may well win the game.

Cambridge moving the ball left a speculative ball angled in from deep, towards the near post skipping up before the keeper, Toynton unable to keep hold of it as it pops out of her gloves for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the near post from the left, defended by Docwra. Ely bringing off Youngs, with Bella Pillow coming on. Lewis getting the ball out to Ferguson moving left her cross squared into the top of the Ely area defended by Cooper.

Lewis chests down a high ball lifted into her 25 yards out then turns to run at the Ely box striking the ball on the half volley falls wide of the near post. Ely move forwards on the counter bringing the ball through the middle, Lloyd helping it on for Docwra breaking in behind outside the box her half volleyed strike driven wide of Chapman’s left post.

Docwra rushing back to close the ball down to stop a potential Cambridge counter the ball loose in the middle, Cullen hurt in a challenge as she gives away a free-kick with less than 10 minutes left.

GOAL! Just as I thought the final was likely to go all the way penalties with neither side finding the break through the dead lock is broken, the free-kick inside the Cambridge half launched forwards players surging forwards to get into the Ely box, Docwra initially blocking it, comes out to Lewis top of the D, she latches onto the ball and putting her left foot through it sends a superb hit up and over the keeper, to drop under the crossbar into the back of the net and runs away in celebration 1-0!

Daniella Lewis celebrates as she fires Cambridge Rangers into the lead

A blow for Ely conceding in the final 10 minutes gets worse as Cullen hurt in the earlier challenge has to come off, with Vicki Bailey coming on. Cooper defending at the back for Ely as Ferguson looks to run onto a through ball from Smethurst. Lane coming off for Ely as they send on Charlotte Upson. Cambridge getting their noses in front need to calm themselves down need some ball management now, Ely will have to take risks now to get back into the game.

Cambridge Rangers, Hoi Yee Tefer-Ng

Hoi Tefer-Ng getting the ball on for Lewis left played into Ferguson her cross flashed into the box in high on the keeper, Toynton reacting getting her gloves up knocking it down inside the six yard box, Pillow getting it clear. Harwood coming off for Ely with Kaci Gibson on with the game moving into stoppage time.

Lewis coming off for Cambridge as Kyndt is sent back onto the pitch. Docwra sending the ball on for Upson getting on down the left for Ely, her early cross into the top of the area won by Ghensi. Upson turning provider for Docwra moments later as she hits it on the spin left of the D outside the box her effort put straight into the keeper. Time almost up one last push form Ely to get the ball into the area Green almost escaping away in the left channel, but Ghensi out well stretching to block the ball. That’s it time up the final whistle blows and Cambridge Rangers WFC celebrate as they win the Junior Invitation Cup.

Full time Cambridge Rangers WFC 1-0 Ely City Women

Cambridge Rangers celebrate their cup win

A much closer game than some might have thought, both sides keeping it tight first half with Cambridge creating the best chances. Ely coming on better 2nd half the game opened up the pitch used better, Youngs seeing their best chance cannon against the bar. Further chances coming and going then just as you thought it might go to penalties, Daniela Lewis latched onto the ball outside the box to send her strike in under the bar to put Cambridge into the lead with less than 10 minutes to play, the Division One side using their experience to see out the game and clinch the trophy. A fine effort from Ely, pushed Cambridge all the way well supported by their fans who showed their appreciation at the end of the game. Still have a league title to play for very much a club on the rise.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. More or less the same as yesterdays Invitation Cup Final, Several fantastic performances but one player standing out. A well contested cup final, Ely playing their part, Ellie Cooper superb in defence winning the ball on a number of occasions a blow when she had to come off, Christine Cullen too getting her tackles in. Kelly Docwra winning the ball in the middle looking to get forwards link up with the attack created a number of opportunities. For Cambridge Rangers, Gina Ghensi won her fair share of the ball in defence. Along with captain Ellie Tod. Ellen Ferguson used the ball well making some good attacking runs, Ali Smethurst with good movement and positioning up top. She was a contender without the goal is that basically clinched it the award going to Daniella Lewis was bust throughout getting forwards with purpose on the ball with several powerful runs looking to keep her side on the front foot.

Congratulations to Cambridge Rangers WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire FA Women’s Junior Invitation Cup.

Cambridge Rangers WFC 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup winners

Still plenty of finals to go but that’s a wrap for the women’s finals in Cambridgeshire, all three an enjoyable watch. My thanks to everyone for helping me with the team details always appreciated. Good to catch up with both sides, haven’t had a chance to see Ely this season, until now good luck in your title hunt. Has been a good while since I last saw Cambridge Rangers good to see their players lift a trophy. Onto Carrow Road on Sunday for the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Cambridge United WFC v Histon Ladies

Wednesday 30th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final

A cup final double bill from Cambridgeshire this week, with back to back games this Wednesday and Thursday evening. First up the Cambs FA Women’s Invitation Cup Final, being held at Cambridge City FC’s newly built stadium in Sawston, between Cambridge United WFC and Histon Ladies. With the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup being held the following evening at Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium featuring Cambridge Rangers WFC and Ely City Women.

The Women’s Invitation Cup

This evening featuring the women’s senior county cup competition final. Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Women the leading sides in Cambridgeshire for nearly the past decade dominating the competition, neither 1st team featuring in last season’s competition won by Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Both back in the competition this season however Cambridge United WFC having to field a side made up of their U18’s and 1st team players.

Turned in a good performance at The Abbey Stadium on Sunday in their final game of the FAWNL season, drawing 1-1 with Chatham Town Women. Finishing 9th has been another frustrating season missing key players through injury not picking up as many points as they would have wanted, nevertheless into another cup final and a chance to end things on a high. Their U18s making it to the final of the Invitation Cup last season this time around it’s a mixed squad mostly U18s again with up to 5 regular 1st team players, players who have played less than 50% 1st team fixtures or been out injured for a sustained period making their return also available. Thus getting the balance right for a mixed squad is a tricky task for manager Darren Marjoram, a good opportunity for the youngsters to impress however.

Histon Ladies having rebuilt somewhat and returned to the ERWFL are enjoying a strong campaign in Division One North currently in 4th spot with three league games left to play, 2 points off 2nd spot with AFC Dunstable the current occupants having played out their fixtures a fantastic opportunity to clinch runners-up spot themselves. Have only lost two league games all season, and both of those against new league champions, Harpenden Town Women. Sophie Hopkin presented with a shirt celebrating 100 appearances for Histon before the game joint top scorer so far this season along with Evie Nicholls on 16. Poppy Smith has 12 goals to her name with Jessica McCrae netting 8 and midfielder, Rachel Pearce on 6.

Sophie Hopkin congratulated by her teammates having made 100 appearances for Histon

Road to the Final

Both sides receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the Women’s Invitation Cup, were drawn away in the 2nd Round where both racked up double figure wins to progress to the last 8. Cambridge away to Division Two side, Chatteris Town Lillies Ladies, Sarah Wiltshire firing Cambridge into a 2 goal lead with Millie Docking, Rosy Wodhams and Serina Cobb all finding the back of the net to see Cambridge lead 5-0 at the break, Lauren Rouse from the penalty spot extending the lead in the 2nd half before Wiltshire went on to add two more to the tally, 4 for herself with a double from Emelia Reinhardt making it 10-0. Histon away to another Division Two side, March Town United Ladies the goals flying in there too with Poppy Smith on the scoresheet for 5, Evie Nicholls and Sophie Hopkin firing home 4 apiece with Rachel Pearce also scoring in a crushing 14-0 result.

Onto the quarter finals, Cambridge drawn at home to the side that beat the u18s in the final last season Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, now promoted to the ERWFL, Cambridge securing a 1 goal lead at the break, new signing Becca Stephenson grabbing her 1st goal for Cambridge in the 2nd period to help secure a 2-0 win see Cambridge progress to the semi-finals. Histon also at home in the quarter finals taking on newly crowned Cambridgeshire Division One Champions, Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Evie Nicholls on target for a brace with a goal each for Rachel Pearce, Hannah Seymour-Shove and Katie Levitt sealing a 5-0 to see the club advance to the last 4.

An intriguing line up in the semi-finals Histon and Newmarket both riding high in ERWFL Division One North along side Cambridge City Women and Cambridge United WFC. United away to Newmarket in their semi-final. Becca Stephenson picking up where she left off in the quarter final scoring twice in the 1st half to see Cambridge 2-0 up at the break, Emelia Reinhardt coming on in the 2nd half bursting forwards to put Cambridge into a 3-0 lead and see the club into the final. Histon hosting Cambridge City Women now playing in the ERWFL Premier Division. Jessica McCrae bagging herself a brace along with goals for Rachel Pearce and Poppy Smith seeing Histon clinch a 4-1 victory to book the place in the final.

The new main stand at the Cambridge City FC Community Stadium

The final this season being played at Cambridge City FC’s brand new Community Stadium in Sawston, long planned and finally becoming a reality. An impressive main stand running alongside a large grass pitch with smaller terraced stands on the other 3 sides of the ground. Ample carparking around the stadium. A 3G pitch beside the main pitch. Work still to be completed on the interior but fantastic to see it becoming a reality after so much waiting. Hosting this evenings final April ending with a mini heat wave unusually warm up to 26 degrees today the heat retained into the evening. A food truck and stall offering some delicious looking cakes leading into the ground. The bar beyond open too. A good sized grass pitch offering plenty of width.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner, Olivia Welham, Gisela Otten (C), Lauren Rouse, Sammy Edgar, Serena Cobb, Rosy Wodhams, Charlotte Gillies, Becca Stephenson & Emelia Reinhardt. Subs – Katie Walter, Sydney Daniels, Millie Docking, Natasha Coe & Erika Lempek.

Cambridge United WFC

Histon Ladies starting XI – Tara Fitzjohn, Freya Goddard, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Molly Banks, Jess McCrae, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Rachel Pearce, Sophie Hopkin, Poppy Smith & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Belle Howard, Eloise Page, Evie McCulloch, Claire Krueger & Katie Levitt.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the score be level after 90 minutes the final goes straight to penalties.

Captain’s Laura Leyland and Gisela Otten with this evenings match officials referee, Austin Robichaux and assistants Dominic Cameron and Theresa Robichaux. Carlton Joseph the 4th official.

Histon taking Cambridge back-up keeper, Sophie Shults on loan for the past 7 matches to help see out the season, are without her this evening as she is in goal for the opposition, with long serving player, Tara Fitzjohn donning the gloves for this evenings final. Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten is playing her last game for Cambridge retiring at the end of the season, having played over 100 games for the club a good portion of those wearing the captains armband. The sun setting behind the main stand may cause a few issues to the players, Histon having it at their backs as Cambridge get the first half underway wearing light blue floral patterned shirts with light blue shorts and socks. Histon wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into Lauren Rouse in defence sent long up to the right for Charlotte Gillies to chase, Mollie Childerley getting across her path to shield the ball out for a goal kick.

Cambridge pushing up to press the ball inside the Histon half early on, Serena Cobb sending the ball into Gillies on the right fired into the top of the area with Emelia Reinhardt looking to take it inside right of goal, Jess McCrae in to defend seeing it out of play for Histon. Rosy Wodhams snapping in to win the ball for Cambridge fed out to Becca Stephenson wide right her attempted cross cut out by Rachel Pearce. Stephenson quick to get the ball back pushing down the line, Freya Goddard putting in the tackle to see the ball out for a throw in the corner.

Cambridge getting players up around the area the throw coming into Wodhams inside the box top left corner seeing in down into her feet, turns to strike the ball, Histon captain, Laura Leyland charging the ball down. Cambridge appealing for a hand ball but get no where. Cambridge winning the ball eager to get forwards use the width Gillies picked out on the right wins a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box, claimed by Fitzjohn.

Histon look to get the ball up field into Poppy Smith on the left flank, taking the ball on, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner diving in with the challenge, the full back then fouled as she attempts to get the ball moving the other way. Wodhams onto the ball making a run across the top of the D, moving left 25 yards out feds it into Stephenson wide left she in turn lays it back to Olivia Welham advancing from left back takes on the shot from range, her shot flying straight into the keepers gloves.

Evie Nicholls seeing the ball into her from Sophie Hopkin breaks away on the right channel for Histon looking to get into the area, racing forwards Shults going to ground getting hold of the ball as the ball is over hit.

Wodhams driving on with the ball at her feet for Cambridge across the top of the area cut back to the right, Childerley cutting the pass out for Histon, Cambridge though are quick to regain possession keep the pressure on, Sammy Edgar up with Serena Cobb central played wide to Stephenson left her cross swept into the area, cleared by McCrae. Wodhams with another strong run from midfield sees another shot charged down the ball out to the left, Goddard in to challenge Stephenson as she looks to get in behind to cross.

GOAL! The pressure building from Cambridge at the start of the game the Histon defence pushed back busy building from midfield the ball in rolled forwards into Wodhams moving into the left channel, Stephenson makes a run across her going central Wodhams laying the ball into her path, Stephenson 25 yards out wraps her right foot around the ball catching it sweetly to send a superb strike up and over the keeper to nestle into the back of the net to put Cambridge into the lead. 1-0.

Becca Stephenson firing Cambridge into the lead

Cambridge on top early on taking the lead on 9 minutes competing well for the 2nd ball, Edgar central spotting Stephenson’s left channel run as she attempts to get in behind, Goddard stretching out a leg intercepting the ball for Histon. Smith left and Nicholls right needing to be patient up top be ready to receive the ball, Leyland’s clearance from the ball coming to Nicholls on the right, looks to take it in behind, Cambridge captain, Otten across to close her down put in the tackle.

Cambridge captain, Gisela Otten tackling Histon’s Evie Nicholls

Cobb on for Wodhams bursting forwards left channel played on for Reinhardt ahead of her outside the box sees her shot charged down the rebound coming to Wodhams central hits it first time 20 yards out drags the ball wide of the target. Is a big pitch Cambridge with time on the ball looking to exploit it as Lauren Rouse on halfway lifting it forwards towards the top of the area, Leyland winning the header for Histon.

Reinhardt getting hold of the ball looking to charge across the D get into the box, Histon’s Hannah Seymour-Shove looking to go with her pulls up suddenly appearing to jar her knee as her foot catches in the turf. Play continues as Reinhardt finds Stephenson wide left her cross defended by Leyland as play is stopped for Seymour-Shove to receive treatment. Unfortunately doesn’t look good the stretcher called for needs to come off, Histon forced into a change send on Claire Krueger going into the defence along side Leyland with McCrae pushed forwards.

Freya Goddard moving in to tackle Becca Stephenson

Wodhams latching onto the ball high up the pitch from a goal-kick lays it to the right for Hjaltun-Rayner pushing forwards from full back her early cross into the area dealt with by Leyland. Out of no where Histon spring the counter attack, Cambridge pushed up the ball given to Hopkin in midfield slides it through for Smith in the left channel, races forwards Shults racing out to the top of her area to try and get to the ball, Smith just getting there first taking it around the keeper on into the box left of goal, looks to slot it home, however, Welham racing round on the cover gets in the way to block and turn it behind for a corner kick.

Olivia Welham getting back to clear the ball for Cambridge

The corner lifted in to the near side, Krueger up from the back for Histon getting her head on the ball sending the ball over the crossbar. A warning for Cambridge not to get complacent at the back.

Edgar into Wodhams for Cambridge attacking through the middle moves left laying the ball back inside for Welham as the full back bombs forwards, looking to get into the box, Goddard closing her down winning the ball back for Histon. McCrae defending for Histon as Stephenson looks to spin in behind on the left the ball hooked upfield by Leyland. Histon absorbing alot of pressure battling for the ball pushed back in defence but determined.

Wodhams too determined with the ball at her feet for Cambridge on the drive going all the way into the box right of goal closing in on the six yards box, closed down squeezes in on for Gillies to her right inside the six yard box, the angle acute takes on the shot flashing the ball wide across the face of goal past the far post.

Rosy Wodhams driving forwards for Cambridge

Leyland making the decision to step out of the back line to deal with Wodhams next marauding run getting the tackle in before the midfield can set Reinhardt loose on goal. The clearance straight back with Cambridge, Cobb lifting the diagonal ball into the area, Krueger heading clear for Histon.

Rachel Pearce looking to get hold of the ball for Histon

Play mostly in the Histon half the defence pressed back continue to work hard to stop Cambridge finding a way through, Hopkin finding Pearce on the right tries to get it on for Nicholls in attack, Otten moving in to close the attacker down. Edgar snapping in to regain possession for Cambridge in the middle tries to thread the ball in behind for Reinhardt pulling off the defence, Fitzjohn moving forward to grab hold of the ball.

Emelia Reinhardt

Pearce is fouled deep on the right picking up a knock in the process the free-kick awarded. Histon with an opportunity to get players forwards. Hopkin over the ball launches it in towards the crowd at the top of the area left of the D, the ball knocked down across the D to the right, Pearce free, moving in to strike the ball first time with her left foot, pulls her strike wide of the right post, had more time than she realised but a great chance for Histon nonetheless.

Cambridge lively Cobb breaking on with the ball rolled on for Gillie right, Childerley lunging in to take the ball away from her for a throw. Histon forced into another change, Pearce having picked up a knock coming off, with Evie McCulloch. Reinhardt with little room to work with as Histon defend their area, driving on with the ball looks to fight her way through on goal, Molly Banks getting a foot in to slow her down, allowing Childerley to bring the ball away from danger.

Stephenson moving across the top of the area up top for Cambridge sees the ball rolled into her right channel by Hjaltun-Rayner shoots from distance the ball straight at Fitzjohn. Cambridge getting players forwards at will, Wodhams and Stephenson exchanging passes in front of the D, laid back to Cobb to clip a diagonal ball into Welham advancing on the left wing the full back whipping a cross into the area just behind Reinhardt making a near post run, Krueger cutting it out beyond to clear.

Shults is almost on the halfway line herself such is the pressure Cambridge are being allowed to exert, Smith and Nicholls patient ready to attack should the opportunity fall to them still have alot to do. Otten into Reinhardt going left closing in on the corner with Goddard the air clashing as the ball is seen out of play by the defender, the referee talking to both, the yellow card coming out too.

Hopkin getting the ball back for Histon central looks to send Nicholls away up top, Cambridge hold their high line however catching her offside. Moving into stoppage time at the end of the first half, for all their dominance Cambridge still leading by just a single goal, Histon backs against the wall determined to keep it that way. Pushed up through the middle, Stephenson inside with Wodhams cross runs the ball on into Cobb inside the D shifts it right for Stephenson to strike, fires wide of the right post. A nick on the way through however a corner signalled.

Put in to the near post Krueger winning it for Histon cleared out of the box and launched up field for Nicholls to chase, Shults out of her box needs to win the clearance with the attacker bearing down on her and gets her foot up over the ball to see it away safely. Smith getting her tackle in on Reinhardt as she looks to turn in the middle the ball poked out to Stephenson wide left pushes on with the ball her cross into the box intercepted by Krueger.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Histon Ladies

Cambridge go into the changing rooms at the break leading the final by a single goal, Stephenson’s superb strike on 9 minutes over the keeper from 25 yards out putting them in front. Have applied plenty of pressure seeing more of the ball getting players on, Histon in contrast defending deep inside their box getting bodies back allowing no space through on goal, that in turn limiting their attacking opportunities up the other end but have created two good chances themselves will be pleased to have gotten to this stage with the score as it is. Have lost two key midfielders to injury in the process however. Cambridge winning the 2nd balls keeping play in their opponents half. Could be a question of can Histon keep up their determination in defence 2nd half or will the continued pressure take it’s toll, one goal in it the longer they can keep it that way the better but can they find a goal up the other end?

No changes at the break it’s as you were at the end of the 1st half the floodlights taking full effect now, remains mild, the burgers, chips and cakes going down well with the gathered supporters, 285 in attendance. Histon to get the 2nd half underway, Cambridge rushing on to immediately close down the ball, get it out to Gillies on the right takes on the early cross squaring it into Reinhardt top of the D, her 1st time strike racing wide of the far post.

Rosy Wodhams constantly taking the ball on for Cambridge

McCulloch snapping in to win the ball for Histon central forwards into Nicholls, Rouse tackling for Cambridge. Histon getting the ball out to the right McCulloch playing the ball into the near post six yards out, Nicholls and Smith closing in to try and get a touch the ball knocked wide of the post for a goal kick.

Histon attacker, Evie Nicholls

Lively in the middle, Edgar into get hold of the ball fed on for Gillies down the right wing, Childerley back onto her shoulder challenging to put it out for a throw. Cambridge busy players making runs to try and open up space, Histon stay deep in defence protecting the box, Wodhams winning it off Hopkin in midfield, out to Gillies right, running into the corner with Childerley the defender conceding a corner. Stephenson with a vicious delivery flashed in through the six yard box at an inviting height through everyone however cleared beyond the far post.

Wodhams influential for Cambridge making some strong midfield runs Gillies and Stephenson looking for provide outlets right and left. Pushing up as they are sometimes leaves Cambridge exposed at the back as Histon snatch the ball back left side the ball threaded into Nicholls in the channel breaks in behind Rouse charging towards the area, the rest of the Cambridge defence looking to recover, Otten sliding in top of the area brings Nicholls down, the free-kick awarded a decision to be made, both full backs were round on the cover the referee showing Otten a yellow card. Hopkin over the free-kick left of the D, gets the ball in past the wall through on goal, but Shults moving across her goal can claim it into her mid-riff.

Cambridge for all their dominance need to be careful they don’t get caught out at the back, another goal puts them in a much stronger position probing Histon are not making it easy for them to find a way through. Cambridge making a chance bringing off Gillies on the right send on Natasha Coe who had a spell with Histon before coming to Cambridge, goes over to the left with Stephenson moving across the pitch.

10 minutes played in the 2nd half, Edgar up with Wodhams in midfield, plays it left for Welham advancing on the left plays in on for Coe to take on down the line, Goddard diving in to put it out of play for Histon. Off the throw dropped into Wodhams outside the box on the angle sends a shot in on target, Fitzjohn has the angled covered getting hold of the ball.

Cambridge’s Sammy Edgar

A double change for Histon with Belle Howard and Katie Levitt introduced to the game, Nicholls and Hopkin coming off. Hjaltun-Rayner looking to get the ball on right side for Cambridge, Wodhams coming across to receive the ball, Banks diving in to challenge to get hold of the ball for Histon looks for Levitt on the left, Rouse cutting out the pass for Cambridge. Cambridge making another switch, Erika Lempek coming on to replace Reinhardt in attack.

Histon’s Katie Levitt

Coe played on down Cambridge’s left wing curling a cross into the box, Leyland getting under it to head clear for Histon. The game starting to open up a little as Histon look to commit a little more in attack fresh legs on the pitch. Cobb getting the ball into Lempek’s feet out on the right, Levitt in to win it back for Histon comes away with the ball, Hjaltun-Rayner sliding in with a heavy tackle taking her out, shown the yellow as Levitt is quickly back on her feet.

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

Otten putting the ball on for Cobb left channel shifted to Coe left played back inside to Cobb up with Stephenson outside the box left of the D, the ball played across to the right for Wodhams in space, shots, a nick off a defenders leg on it’s way through to the keeper taking the sting off the ball, Fitzjohn grabbing it up for the large part despite the pressure in front of her untroubled in terms of needing to throw herself into a save.

Welham and Coe doubling up on the left as they build an attack for Cambridge, Coe shifting the ball inside looking to get into the box Leyland coming to close her down. Rouse called into action at the back for Cambridge as Histon attempt to put a long ball into Smith in attack, the defender bringing it down well.

Histon’s Poppy Smith

Cambridge getting a corner on the right Stephenson curling the ball into the six yard box knocked in towards goal at the far post Histon have players on the line to block cleared out to the top of the area, Cobb putting it back out to Stephenson top right corner of the box, her low cross smashed back in, blocked by Howard. The flag going up against Stephenson as she makes a run in behind right to left across the D, as Lempek seeing the ball into her feet right channel attempts to play her in. Stephenson from all of 30 yards out central firing a strike wide of the left post. Cambridge pressing as the game enters the final 15 minutes.

GOAL! Cambridge winning a corner out on the right, players up from the back the six yard box packed as Stephenson drops the delivery right into the mix, down amongst feet an orange boot stabbing it towards goal, fired past the keeper, belongs to Hjaltun-Rayner as she is mobbed by her joyous teammates having doubled Cambridge’s lead. 2-0.

Flo Hjaltun-Raynor with the touch to double Cambridge’s lead from the corner

Histon making a double change with Eloise Page coming on along with Nicholls replacing, Goddard and Childerley. Much needed breathing room for Cambridge the 2nd goal coming at last. Press right Stephenson on for Lempek back inside for Cobb lifted forwards into Wodhams looking to turn top of the area, Leyland closing her down for Histon.

Serina Cobb

Welham forwards for Coe on the left her cross blocked by Page going away for a corner kick. Another vicious delivery put in across the face of goal, no one getting a touch scrambled clear beyond the far post. Hopkin coming back onto the pitch late on replacing Banks. Cambridge getting on down the right Stephenson’s cross turned behind for another corner. Taken short rolled back into Stephenson the corner taker her cross lifted into the area, won and cleared by Hopkin.

Sophie Hopkin

Histon looking to try and get on with the ball fed into Howard on the left looks to release Nicholls in behind through the middle, Welham running around on the cover spotting the threat lunging in to win the ball back. Lempek seeing the ball into her feet putting it on for Wodhams moving right finds Stephenson on the move down the wing her cross into the box blocked by Krueger behind for a corner. Curled into the six yard box headed over the crossbar.

Claire Krueger

Sydney Daniels and Millie Docking coming on for Cambridge with Edgar and Welham coming off with 6 minutes left of regular time. Cobb picking out Stephenson on the right for Cambridge has Hjaltun-Rayner racing past her on the overlap down the line fires her cross in on the angle takes a nick off a Histon boot as it crashes into the side netting a corner given. Another short on rolled into Coe coming to the ball near post back to Stephenson to cross from the top of area, hooked clear by Leyland.

Goddard back on for Histon with McCulloch coming off. Into the last 5 minutes. Daniels defending at the back for Cambridge as Smith looks to take the ball on. The ball played back to Shults her clearance doesn’t get any height goes between Nicholls and Smith as they look to close her down, comes onto Goddard in midfield tries to hit it first time knowing the keeper is off her line but doesn’t catch it clean the ball put wide right of goal.

Lempek with a good touch to see the ball down turns to play it forwards almost sending Docking through on goal, the flag though halting her advance. McCrae lining up a strike from range, Otten putting in the block away for a throw on the right, Histon looking to press crossing into the box, defended near side, Shults bringing it down safely into her gloves. Katie Walter coming on to see out the closing stages of the final for Cambridge replacing Hjaltun-Rayner.

Docking played in down Cambridge’s left, gets on the move driving forwards all the way into the box eventually stopped by Krueger. Into stoppage time, Cambridge winning a throw in the left Coe crossing the ball into the top of the area, Leyland getting her head on the ball, Cobb pushing on win the ball back played back to the left, the cross dropped into the six yard box, hooked clear.

Lempek on for Cobb through the middle send away to Stephenson right her cross low into the area cut out by Leyland. Cambridge keep coming late on Histon tiring winning a corner on the right, Whipped in with pace past Coe at the near post on for Rouse central lifts the ball up over the crossbar. Docking on the dribble with the ball looking to get into the box from the left sends a cross into the area, Goddard clearing for Histon. The final whistle blows and Cambridge are victorious winning this season’s Invitation Cup.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 2-0 Histon Ladies

A dominant attacking display from Cambridge who were made to work hard for the win taking an early lead it wasn’t until they had entered the final 15 minutes of the game before they found a way through to double their lead. Got forwards well winning the 2nd balls and using the pitch. Histon with a battling defensive display made Cambridge work for the win defending deep leaving little room to exploit inside the area, at 1-0 were never out of the game although they had few chances to find a goal themselves eventually tiring can be proud of their effort. Have 3 big league games left to play 2nd spot in the league very much the goal. Cambridge’s season done now, ending with silverware time to enjoy the rest, be ready for next season, FAWNL South East Division One will be more competitive than ever.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, plenty of fine performances but one clear winner for me. Credit goes to the entire Histon squad for their battling defensive display had to keep it tight as a unit to keep Cambridge at bay, captain Laura Leyland and Claire Krueger in particular putting in a number of blocks and crucial tackles. Molly Banks and Jessica McCrae pushed back on the defence winning the ball. Mollie Childerley and Freya Goddard out on the flanks having alot to do throughout but kept at it. For Cambridge, Serina Cobb and Sammy Edgar get stuck in in midfield to win the ball back keep the pressure on continuously. Charlotte Gillies linking up well with Hjaltun-Rayner on the right, likewise Olivia Welham on the left pushing on to support Becca Stephenson whose movement on the left and coming central caused problems throughout made some fantastic runs opening the scoring with a superb strike. The award goes to midfielder, Rosy Wodhams was a threat throughout the game taking the ball on with numerous marauding runs linking up with the attack and getting into some great positions.

Cambridge United WFC 2024/25 Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners

Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

Gisela Otten’s final game for Cambridge has been fantastic for the club since her arrival a pleasure to have sponsored her for one of those seasons. Sophie Hopkin a legend in her own right for Histon making 100 appearances for the club, congratulations. my thanks to both clubs for their help with the starting line-ups this evening. One final down straight back at it with the Junior Invitation Cup at last the finals are here in abundance but I’ve still get maybe 10 games to go before I can rest…

by Darren Gilham

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Monthly Archives: May 2025

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Wednesday 21st May

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Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup Final

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Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final