Monthly Archives: September 2025

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 28th September

FAWNL League Cup

Heading to St Neots this Sunday to catch some action from the FAWNL League Cup, a new format for the competition this season with the Determining Round that traditionally opened the competition being replaced with a group stage, I’ll explain it all in short order. Today’s game group Group L with Cambridge United WFC taking on Norwich City Women, both flying high in South East Division One have it all to play for in the League Cup.

The Determining Round the opening round of fixtures in the FAWNL  in previous seasons was a straight forward one of game with the sides drawn together, the winners progressing onto the League Cup itself the losing sides entering the League Plate. A new format this season with the sides across all 6 divisions cross tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid, the FAWNL along with sides from the WSL Academy’s drawn into 22 groups of 4, regionally to play each other once, the 22 group winners plus 10 best runners-up then going onto compete in the knock-out stages of the League Cup. The other 12 runners-up, plus 2 third placed sides going onto compete in the knock-out stages of the League Plate.

Cambridge United WFC and Norwich City Women drawn into Group L alongside Midlands Division One side, Peterborough United Women and Real Bedford Women newly promoted to the Southern Premier Division. Playing each other once Real Bedford Women have won both there matches to lead the group are are likely to progress to the Cup itself. Peterborough have lost their opening two fixtures and have it all to do against Real Bedford if they are to stay in the competition. That leaves Cambridge United WFC and Norwich City Women to fight it out for runners-up spot most likely, Cambridge edging that on goals scored both need to win to have the best chance of being one of the 10 best runners-up.

Group L

Pos Team Pl  W D L F A GD Pts
1 Real Bedford Women 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
2 Cambridge United WFC 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
3 Norwich City Women 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
4 Peterborough United Women 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0

Cambridge United WFC reaching the final of the League Plate a couple of season’s ago changing their manager over the close season with Sean Greygoose stepping up from coaching the U18s to lead the 1st team. A few changes in playing personnel, the club have recruited well bringing on some useful experience to enhance the squad, most notably bringing in attacker Jade Bell from Northampton Town Women scoring 36 goals last season help Northampton finished runners-up in Midlands Division One, has hit the ground running at Cambridge scoring 7 goals in 7 matches. Kim Farrow and Mia Richards also recruited from Northampton bagging 3 goals each too. Starting the season with an opening day defeat to newly promoted Fulham followed by a narrow cup lost to Real Bedford have since won 5 on the bounce in league and cup climbing to 3rd in the table.

Norwich City Women’s main aim is to win the South East Division One title and clinch promotion to the 3rd tier. Know it isn’t an easy task and finishing runners-up for the past couple of season’s are doing all they can on and off the pitch to find that extra crucial yard. Victory at high flying London Bees last weekend saw them climb to 2nd in the table with an identical record to 3rd placed Cambridge setting both up nicely for this afternoon’s cup clash. Signing a number of players up to professional contracts for the 1st time in the clubs history. A strong group of talented young players with a few experienced heads have bolstered their numbers bringing in, the likes of attacker, Eloise Hall from Spurs Academy. Evie Williams played in defence for Ipswich, goalkeeper, Holly Mears comes form Notts Forest Academy. Grace Riglar with good Championship experience playing for Blackburn. And finally Eloise Page most recently with Billericay, used to terrorise Norwich during her time with Ipswich.

 St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s encounter, the way into the town an ever changing construction site with major works going on redeveloping the area. The stadium itself in a built up area boasting a main grass pitch and 3G beside. Viewing all round with a covered seated stand beside the pitch beyond the clubhouse the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. Raining prior to kick-off not forecast to last the game to be played under bright sunny conditions.

 Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Tally Milles, Lauren Tomlinson, Abbie Jackson, Zoe Wood (C), Mia Richards, Shannon Shaw, Jade Bell & Mollie Coupar. Subs – Sophie Shults, Brook Cheal-Ferris, Josephine Jarvis, Lauren Cullum, Becca Stephenson, Flo Hjaltun-Rayner & Alysia Stojko-Down.

Cambridge United WFC

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Holly Mears, Ellie Bishop, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss (C), Evie Williams, Izzy Moore, Sienna Booty, Lauren Hailes, Lara Densley, Poppy Francis & Eloise Hall. Subs – Sarah Quantrill, Holly Kennard, Olivia Cook, Freya Symonds, Natasha Snelling & Drew Wilson.

Norwich City Women

Both sides with good competition on their squad naming strong benches to support the starting XI. Norwich bringing good numbers to support their side a good atmosphere at the ground. The sun emerging as the sides enter the pitch ready for kick-off.

Captain’s Hope Strauss and Zoe Wood with today’s match officials

Cambridge will kick-off the first 45 wearing their amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Norwich in their away colours pink patterned shirts with marron shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to Sammy Edgar in midfield she sends it long into the left channel looking for Mollie Coupar in attack the ball dealt with by Norwich captain Hope Strauss heading the ball away to the left for a throw in.

Cambridge looking to press early on get after the Norwich defence in the final third winning a free-kick out on the left, angled in towards the area, Ceri Flye dealing with it for the visitors, the pressure stays on Cambridge no having the services of long throw specialist, Lauren Tomlinson, at Norwich prior to joining Cambridge they know all about the threat it can pose, the ball into Shannon Shaw inside the box left side hooks it out to the top of the area, Jade Bell looking to bring it down release a shot won’t sit for her before Norwich move in to close her down.

Cambridge continue to press high captain Zoe Wood getting the ball into Bell right channel out to Coupar on the flank, drives on, Ellie Bishop lunging to block her cross the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Swung into the near post cut out behind for a 2nd corner. This delivery sent long across the face of goal, defender Abbie Jackson rising at the far post can’t quite get her head on the ball to make an attempt on goal.

Abbie Jackson heads clear for Cambridge

Norwich having to work hard early on ride out some intense Cambridge pressure, Izzy Moore getting hold of the ball the visitors turn on the counter attack break forwards with pace the ball threaded into Poppy Francis’ path on the right takes the ball on, angling the cross in central, Jackson stretching out a leg to cut the ball out for Cambridge, however the flag is raised for an offside in the middle.

Izzy Moore

Sienna Booty getting hold of the ball for the visitors playing it on for Lara Densley left side has support from Lauren Hailes with Bishops surging on on the overlap to the by-line the cross lifted up to the near post, goalkeeper Lauren Webb claiming it high above her head for Cambridge. The cup tie has a derby feel about it both sides getting stuck in after the ball. Cambridge’s turn to break the ball on the right Mia Richards on for Bell taking it on to the by-line flashes a cross in along the face of the Norwich goal, Coupar throwing herself at the ball far post can’t get a telling touch.

Jackson up to defend a Norwich free-kick flung into the top of the area from the half way line. Both sides hounding the ball in the middle, often popping about skips forwards for Norwich an awkward ball for the Cambridge defence pushed up to try and dealt with Densley rushing in to dispossess, Lauren Rouse runs in behind, closing in on the box right side releases her shot early pulling it wide of the near post.

Lara Densley

Norwich winning a corner on the right as Hailes looks to take the ball on from Bishop. The referee delaying the kick to have a word with the melee of players gathering in a cluster looking to attack. Curled into the near post, Tally Milles turning it behind for a 2nd corner. Lifted high into the six yard box, defender Evie Williams pulling off her marker round the back rising to meet the ball with her head lifting her effort over the bar.

Norwich coming back at Cambridge strong getting the ball into Hailes and Densley making some good runs into the channels, Densley winning a corner on the right. Players up from the back the ball put into the mix top of the box falls to half clear comes out to Flye wide right to cross the ball back in from the top corner of the box, Moore meeting it in the middle her strike blocked by Jackson for Cambridge. Norwich keep players up in the final word press to regain the ball fed into the right wing Flye taking it on her cross cut out by Jackson inside the box.

GOAL! Cambridge are in trouble struggling to get the ball out of their area, Booty snatching hold of the ball for the visitors, lays it back into the area cut out is presented straight to Flye positioned inside the box left of the D, lines up her shot striking the ball back in from 18 yards low through legs, the diving keeper seeing it late past her into the bottom corner 0-1. 

Norwich celebrate as Ceri Flye fires them into the lead

Norwich taking the lead inside the opening quarter hour, getting numbers forward to press and create the opportunity. Cambridge looking a little unsettled Edgar coming left as they look to regroup sends the ball on up the flank for Bell to take forwards cuts her cross square into the area left of goal, Coupar attacking it wrong footing her marker to give herself an opening to shoot, Norwich keeper, Holly Mears making a great save off of her legs as she comes to close the angle.

Norwich goalkeeper, Holly Mears

Hall on the attack driving on with the ball left side for Norwich angles a cross-field ball into Densley up top central holding it up attempts to play the cross into the far post with Hall powering on, Cambridge appealing for offside, Hall dragging her shot wide of the post. Both sides crunching in with some strong tackles free-kicks given away the game allowed to flow for the most part, Edgar picking up a heavy knock. Shaw seeing the ball into her feet inside the Norwich half hooking it on on the turn high into the area, Mears taking it down well into her gloves with Bell rushing in to close her down.

Norwich look a real threat from the counter break well as a unit, Hall given the ball from Booty surges down the right on for Francis, getting past one defender, but not the 2nd as Tomlinson on the cover behind Jackson cuts out her cross. Wood coming right with the ball for Cambridge launched up the wing into Bell her cross headed clear by Strauss inside the box. Hall with a strong challenge on Edgar little quarter being given.

Densley shifting the ball between her feet coming in off the left wing for Norwich into the top of the area letting loose a strike angled in low on goal Webb down sharply to save, gloves out to stop the ball does quite get hold of it, Tomlinson round on the cover well clearing off the line.

Cambridge captain, Zoe Wood

Lively as Moore finds Hall on the right pushing on for Norwich sending it one for Densley moving into the right channel her cross into the top of the area sees Hailes running onto the ball, Webb rushing out to close her down sliding in well to make the blocking save as she pulls the trigger.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Norwich fluid through the middle, Moore and Booty getting stuck in after the ball, players making good runs ahead of them. Densley taking it on looking for Hall up top through the middle, Webb out to the top of her area to deal with the threat for Cambridge. Densley’s shoots wide as she id flagged offside as Francis sends the ball into her from the right.

Norwich’s Sienna Booty

Miles putting the ball on for Richards on Cambridge’s right, wins a corner of Bishop as the defender lunges in to challenge. The delivery curled in on the keeper central, Norwich manage to get it clear to the top of the area, Bell collecting it moving it between her feet sending a shot in looking for the top left corner her attempt narrowly wide.

Edgar picking up another heavy knock, needing treatment, a chance for both benches to get their players over to the side-lines take on some fluids and instruction. Up on her feet feeling the knock Edgar is okay to play on. Moving into the final 10 minutes of a fast paced first half Norwich on the ball left side sending a cross into the area from deep, Hall throwing herself at it can’t get a touch as it flies across the face of goal. The visitors retrieve on the right the ball cut back to the top of the area Moore latching onto it her looping effort dipping just over the crossbar onto the roof of the net.

Miles sending a cross from a deep position on the right into the Norwich box, Coupar central can’t quite get her head onto it as Flye clears. Norwich remain a threat on the counter attack, Booty on for Francis right side level with the top of the area squares the ball inside to Hailes on the corner of the Cambridge area, release her shot angling in to the far post, inches wide, had Hall poked her foot at it she would surely have scored coming in behind the defence.

Lauren Hailes

Tomlinson with a throw high on the left for Cambridge into Bell at the near post, turned behind by the defence for a corner kick. A good delivery into the box from the left Shaw rising high centrally heading the ball back down towards goal aiming for the left post, Mears scrambling across her line snatching it up into her gloves before Rouse closing in can divert it home.

Into the closing stages of the first half both sides creating chances, Edgar into Shaw, looking for Bell right channel, Williams closing her down. Shaw given the ball in a central position puts it on for Bell has Coupar to her right, she angles the ball on for Richards wide right, drives on Bishop closing her down, wins the ball, Richards stays on her the pair tussling, Richards winning a corner kick.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

An intense first 45 minutes comes to an end with Norwich holding a narrow advantage, Ceri Flye’s 13th minute strike the difference between the sides. Very much has a derby feel about the cup tie, both sides putting in some robust challenges looking to keep the ball moving and press in numbers. Both keepers called into action with some vital tackles too, chances for both, all to play for 2nd half.

Neither side making any changes at the start of the 2nd half as Norwich get the game restarted. The ball played back into the middle, Cambridge move in fast to close the ball down put the visitors under pressure, looking to release it into the left channel, Strauss into defend for Norwich on Coupar heading the ball out for a throw in. Cambridge working the ball into the top of their opponents area, Flye clearing it for Norwich.

Norwich captain, Hope Strauss

Booty coming no with the ball combines with Densley on the left for Norwich getting up the pitch, Miles into close the ball down putting it out for a throw in. Strauss defending for Norwich getting the ball back to her keeper, as Bell hooks the ball on for Coupar up top. Norwich break the ball played out to the left Hall, up with Francis the shot drilled into the side netting.

Norwich’s Eloise Hall

Free-kicks continue to be given away, Cambridge awarded one on the half way line on the left, Tomlinson told to move the ball back as Norwich vocalise their objections to where it is being taken. Both sides are up for it, clipped long into the top of the area, Booty winning it to clear for Norwich. Some good individual battles all over the pitch, Richards and Hailes just one example the latter coming off 2nd best as both challenge for the ball, hurt play is stopped, but time is taken to recover she is up back on her feet.

Mia Richards battling for possession with Lauren Hailes

Cambridge looking to push players on better in the 2nd half looking to get at the Norwich back line a back pass, sliced by the keeper behind for a corner kick. Played into the near post Norwich don’t get it clear Cambridge with numbers up around the ball hooked out to the right, Jackson looking to hold it up does well to buy the free-kick off Bishop.

The set-piece driven into the box, defended turned behind for a corner kick.. Cambridge applying good pressure themselves now. Curled into the six yard box, defended, Mears getting hold of the ball. Densley with a late tackle on Miles. Bishop bringing the ball on left side with a long cross-field pass into Francis pushing on right side onto the by-line stands her cross up into the six yard box, Rouse launching it clear for Norwich.

Cambridge frustrated as they attack, play stopped for an injury Strauss with a blow to the head in the build up needs to be assessed, but thankfully is up okay and comes over to the side-lines to wait to be called back on. Cambridge with a drop ball in the centre circle Edgar into the left, Cambridge with a throw, Moore clearing for Norwich as the ball is helped on into the top of the area, comes out to the right Miles attacking it driving the ball low back into the mix, Norwich with plenty back to block.

Strauss into challenge Coupar as she shapes to shoot as she receives the ball of of a throw in on the left. Flye picking out Bishop moving forwards on the left sends the ball in central, Moore picking it up shaping to shoot from range, Wood charging the ball down for Cambridge.

Ceri Flye

Cambridge pushing hard for a goal to draw the tie level, the ball played into Shaw 25 yards out moves inside from the left and pulls the trigger a wonderful strike beating the diving keeper, cannons down off the crossbar into the six yard box, Bell closing in on the follow up seeing it land at her feet skipping up off the turf tries to direct the ball wide of the grounded keeper, throws her head into her hands as the ball runs wide of the left post!

Cambridge attacker, Jade Bell

Norwich mount an attack on the right Densley running with the ball shooting on the angle, Webb down behind it to save at her near post, beat the ball away, her defence launching it to safety. Cambridge making the first change of the match in the 63rd minute bringing on Alysia Stojko-Down to replace Shaw. Tomlinson powering forwards for Cambridge on the left playing the ball on for Coupar down the line her cross/shot wide at the near post.

Mollie Coupar

Bell getting hold of the ball for Cambridge left side 20 yards out does well to keep possession holding off a challenge to squeeze the ball into the area for Coupar pulling free at the back post goes to send her strike back across goal, Mears saving well beating the ball down and claiming it. Bishop winning the clearance for Norwich as Cambridge win yet another free-kick on half-way.

Norwich making a double change bringing off Moore and Hall on come Natasha Snelling and Drew Wilson. Cambridge hit Norwich with a counter, Stojko-Down into Coupar left plays in forwards for Bell, Williams getting across to defend for Norwich sending the ball out for a throw. The chances mounting for Cambridge, Tomlinson’s throw into the near post defended out to the top of the box Cambridge snapping in to keep it alive comes to Richards free to the right of the D, unleashes a shrike from outside the box in across the keeper, strikes the inside of the left post flies across the face of goal, somehow missing Mears and cannons off the right, straight into the gloves of the keeper, who falls smothering the ball, needing to catch her breath!

Mia Richards seeing her shot cannon off both posts before being claimed by the grateful keeper

Norwich are looking to slow the game down, Cambridge still snapping after the ball, free-kicks given away. Miles with a high ball into the area from the right caught by Mears central. Bell gathering the ball into her feet centrally for Cambridge on the move taking on Strauss, getting in behind, Flye is around well in support to tackle halt the attack. Both sides making a change, Freya Symonds into the action for Norwich replacing Hailes, Edgar off for Cambridge with Becca Stephenson as the game moves into the final 15 minutes.

Norwich well drilled absorbing alot of pressure from Cambridge, not overly committing going forwards. Symonds adding a new threat into the action straight away winning a corner kick. Swung in from the right, Stojko-Down doing the defending at the near post for Cambridge. Norwich with the ball Francis seeing her cross on the right deflected behind off Tomlinson for a corner kick. Lifted in deeper, Rouse defending it for Cambridge.

Cleared up to Bell, she is pulled down by Bishop the defender earning the first yellow card of the game. The free-kick coming to nothing, Norwich build through the middle Booty on for Snelling who is pulled down by Rouse midway inside the Cambridge half. Symonds over the set-piece goes for goal her effort well over.

The clock ticking down little time left for Cambridge to find a leveller, Norwich with fresh legs on the pitch looking to extend the lead. Both benches unhappy with the decisions, Wood the latest player to be hauled down, no card shown. On half way the ball up into the box turned behind for a corner kick. Played into the box from the left comes on to Richards at the far post rising looks to head the ball back in across goal, on target, Williams is there back on the line to head the ball away for the visitors.

Evie Williams on hand to head Mia Richards header off the line

Symonds clears the ball out of the ground all the way onto the railway tracks, a high speed train roared through 30 seconds later so Cambridge may never see it again. Into the final 5 minutes another switch for both sides Miles off for Cambridge Lauren Cullum coming on for her first team debut. Densley being replaced by Norwich with Olivia Cook coming on. A long throw from Norwich high on the right Symonds inside the box back for Francis to put the cross in Snelling nodding it down into Wilson top of the area she puts her foot through the ball striking over the bar.

Not long left and little stoppage time signalled much to Cambridge’s amazement, Norwich sending on Holly Kennard to replace Francis. Wood putting the ball on for Richards who has a pop from range her shot over the bar. Williams leaning into Bell, seeing Cambridge awarded a free-kick wide on the right one last chance to throw players forwards. Stephenson brings it down near side wins her side a throw in the corner, Richards heading it on at the near post Snelling snatching it clear, the ball fired back into the mix, Norwich clear their lines and celebrate as the final whistle blows.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

Cambridge pushing hard for a reply in the 2nd half seeing the woodwork struck three times, a draw a fair result however Ceri Flye’s first half strike was enough for Norwich to go on an clinch victory were made to work for it but put in a shift to get the result finish 2nd in their group, enough to progress to the Cup itself I haven’t time to analyse all 22 groups now to work it all out 6 points puts you in with a good shout however. Either way Cambridge finish third and won’t be that upset to go on and compete for the Plate this new format may well favour them. Both will fancy their chances of progress either way. An entertaining game felt like a derby all action robust but in good spirit both riding high in the league the improvement from both is there to see, Norwich now with professional players and you can see the difference.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, it’s another tough one but most of the time they usually are. Good performances from both sides a collective effort in both ranks. Several to mention firstly for Cambridge, Abbie Jackson was strong at the back winning a number of vital challenges got stuck in. Zoe Wood in the middle covered the ground trying to link up play get the ball into the attackers. Mollie Coupar with some good positioning getting into the channels ready for the ball. Mia Richards unlucky not to score worked hard to win the ball got forwards well. Jade Bell lively finding space taking the ball on always looking for an opportunity to score. Norwich with a disciplined performance. Evie Williams strong at the back winning the ball, Ceri Flye getting about the park to win the ball got forwards well to when needed scoring the all important winning goal. Lara Densley and Lauren Hailes moved the ball well creating openings kept Norwich on the front foot for good spells. Izzy Moore in midfield won the ball well back to defend and used it well coming forwards the award goes to Sienna Booty like Moore got about the midfield to win the ball helped drive Norwich forwards and played some great balls forward.

Was all set up to be a thrilling game by two sides in good form and didn’t disappoint, the action rarely let up, two committed sides. Both going strong in the league will fancy their chances of going deep into the cup competitions too, the FA Cup up next, Norwich at home to ERWFL Premier Division side Hutton Women. Cambridge likewise taking on ERWFL Premier Division opposition too away to Atletico London, formerly London Seaward FC. For once I didn’t need to chase down a team sheet once out of 621 games.

  by Darren Gilham 

Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Wormley Rovers Ladies

Sunday 21st Sept

Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying

As we enter autumn the women’s football season is finally in full swing with action right across the board, including 128 ties in this season’s Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying. It is to one of these contests I head this afternoon with Norfolk Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies hosting ERWFL Division One South side, Wormley Rovers Ladies.

 A prestigious competition with a rich history, the prize fund increasing in recent seasons to better match the growth of the women’s game in the country, although still short of what their male counterparts can earn, £3000 going to the winning side today with the losers taking away £750. Teams from step 7 right up to the WSL itself competing in the competition with the teams from tier 5 entering at this stage.

 Costessey Sports Ladies playing in just their 2nd Women’s FA Cup campaign, making it to 2nd Round Qualifying in their debut campaign last season knocked out by ERWFL Premier Division side, Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Beat an Essex side at home in 1st Round Qualifying coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller, 4-3 over Premier Division side, Brightlingsea Regent Ladies. Drawn at home once again in 2nd Round Qualifying, taking on ERWFL opposition with Hertfordshire side, Wormley Rovers Ladies.

 Looking to build on a strong finish to last season’s campaign which saw them clinch 4th spot in Norfolk Women’s Division One losing just the one game to eventually champions, Bungay Town Ladies in final 10 games. Building a squad on a strong foundation of youthful talent bringing in useful experience to add to the ranks. Alisha Juby returning to the club after two seasons away, Holly Williams joins having played for both King’s Lynn and Fakenham Town. Phoebe Pierpoint coming to the club from Needham Market. Kyara Everett, joins from Blofield U16s, winning the golden boot for 3 successive seasons prior. Chloe Moulton another recruit from Blofield & Norwich Academy. Jenny Moore the most recent signing stepping up into adult football. Starting the season strong with a 12-0 opening day win over newly promoted FC Viking & Valkyries followed by FA cup success and another 12 goal haul against Division Three side Long Stratton in the League Cup 1st Round. Thea Hackney leading scorer so far with 5 goals.

 Wormley Rovers Ladies burst onto the scene in 2022, and have enjoyed a successful start to life in women’s football, winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division in their debut season, promoted to the ERWFL, joining Division One South enjoyed further success winning the League Plate Final that year. Finishing 6th last season, had a decent run in the Women’s FA Cup eventually going out on penalties to then ERWFL Premier Division side, Cambridge City Ladies.

  A club with a strong youth setup with teams competing at all levels from U9’s through to U18’s have also formed a new women’s Development side this season playing in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. Have brought in several experienced players to the squad while also promoting youth, Phoebe Ware, Ruby Ball and Jess Cooper all stepping up this season. Goalkeeper, Mia O’Brien recruited too having previously played for London Bees and Stevenage FC Women. Scoring plenty of goals too at the start of this campaign 30 so far from their opening 6 matches in all competitions, an unbeaten run of 5 games ended with a 7-3 loss at home to Colchester United Women last time out currently 3rd in the Division One South table. Won 11-0 against Lawford Ladies to reach 2nd Round Qualifying. Holly Fox top scorer so far netting 8 goals, With Summer Small scoring 7 and Ruby Hawksworth netting 5 times.

 The FDC in Bowthorpe the venue for today’s FA Cup game, one of a number of Football Development Centre scattered around Norfolk, boasting a clubhouse with bar, and café serving hot and cold drinks. A number of practice/training 3G pitches leading to the main pitch itself a large 3G pitch with a small seated stand and standing viewing in 3 sides. Has the facilities to host high profile games and cup finals. Today the 1st official day of autumn, the temperature dropping quite a bit, however there’s still some power in the sun shining down, notice the chill when the clouds cover it though. High above one goal might pose a few issues as the game progresses.

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Kelly Fox, Paige Barnard (C), Alyssia Baldock, Layla Watts, Hannah Campbell, Abbi Nobbs, Holly Williams, Chelsea Brister, Alisha Juby, Thea hackney & Grace Wall. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Olivia Smith, Abbie Tate, Sydnie Brown, Phoebe Pierpoint, Kyara Everett & Chloe Moulton.

Costessey Sports Ladies

Wormley Rovers Ladies starting XI – Mia O’Brien, Malia Taylor, Gracie Manning, Aimee Burling, Leah Dunnage, Ciara Purdue (C), Emily Schofield, Summer Small, Ruby Hawksworth, Savannah Japal & Holly Fox.

Wormley Rovers Ladies

 Both sides used to roll on roll off substitutes, the Women’s FA Cup rules seeing a fixed number of subs allowed, increased to 5 with sides able to name 7 on the bench, which Costessey have, Wormley with a late call off naming 6 on the bench from the squad travelling up to Norfolk. 

 Referee Elise Carroll Mileham leading the sides out onto the pitch. Paige Barnard captaining Costessey, Ciara Purdue wearing the armband for Wormley. It’s the visitors to kick-off the first half attacking into the sun, wearing light blue coloured shirts and socks with navy shorts. Costessey lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. The ball played back into midfield is lifted long into the right channel for Ruby Hawksworth to attack, Layla Watts dealing with the threat at full back for Costessey the hosts looking to get forwards cross the pitch into Grace Wall plays it up the right channel with Holly Williams providing the run, driving forwards is held up lays it back into Chelsea Brister coming across to support her angled cross dropped into the six yard box, Aimee Burling under it to head clear for Wormley.

 A bright start from both sides, Costessey up against higher league opposition not looknig to sit back, press the ball high, back and forth around the Wormley penalty area, Emily Schofield getting hold of the ball bringing it out for the visitors feeding the pass into the left wing for Savannah Japal to chase down, seeps a cross-field ball out to the right side, looking for Hawksworth, Abbi Nobbs getting her leg out to intercept for Costessey.

 Thea Hackney breaking in behind the Wormley defence looking to close goalkeeper Mia O’Brien down as she rushes out to the top of her area to clear the ball, rushed into her clearance goes away for a throw in the right. Costessey lively, Hackney, Williams and Alisha Juby up top all rushing in to try and close the ball down. Hannah Campbell taking the ball out to the left for Costessey linking up with Hackney the ball rolled into captain, Paige Barnard 25 yards out central she attempts to thread the pass on into the box for Hackney to run onto but it’s a little too strong, O’Brien can see it wide for the goal kick.

Costessey’s Thea Hackney

  Hackney played onto the ball on the right, Wormley seeing her as a threat quick to get numbers around her, captain Ciara Purdue cutting the inside pass out, the visitors quick to launch a counter attack the ball fed on up their right, Hawksworth up with Holly Fox in attack, the ball racing on into the box, Watts gets across the attacker well to shield the ball back to goalkeeper, Kelly Fox.

 Brister moving the ball into the middle, launching it into the right channel for Williams to attack, knocking the ball forwards looking to get in behind full back Gracie Manning the defender recovers quickly to get a foot in steal the ball away from the attacker. Costessey pushed up in defence at times see a ball lifted in behind for Japal to attack left side, Fox is quickly out of her area to win the race put her foot through the ball. 

 Wormley advance down the right winning a throw in the corner, turning it into a corner kick. Swung in tight to the near post, Costessey with bodies in the way to block, the ball deflected to the top of the area, Japal latching onto it blasts the ball back in towards goal, is blocked inside the six yard box, Costessey scrambling it away. Wormley having dealt with some strong pressing from Costessey early on starting to find their own rhythm.

Wormley’s Savannah Japal

 Campbell sending the ball on for Watts pushing on up the left looknig to link up with Hackney the ball helped on Malia Taylor lunging in to send the ball out for a throw defending for Wormley. The hosts getting players up into the final third Campbell right side linking up with Hackney and Juby, the ball crossed into the area, Leah Dunnage clearing for the visitors. Wormley launch a counter trying to catch Costessey’s defence pressed high, Japal sending it on through the middle inside for Holly Fox 30 yards out, Kelly Fox again rushing out of her box to try and close her down, can’t get there as Holly Fox releases the ball sending it past her towards the empty net, not alot of pace on the ball but no one has a chance of reaching it as they look back relieved to see it roll wide of the left upright.

  An energetic opening 15 minutes, both sides up for the tie. Wormley with another chance moments later as Summer Small is put through on goal inside the box right side, Fox saving with her legs from close range, the ball still alive top of the area, Purdue putting her foot through the ball, blocked turned behind for a corner kick on the right. Japal looking to hook it on across goal as it comes into be before the near post, Holly Fox in on the keeper, looking to nod the ball down over the line Costessey blocking hacked clear to the right, Wormley sending an angled shot back into the near post, Fox down sharply to save it.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

  Purdue winning the ball well for Wormley in the middle combining passes with Schofield the ball rolled out to Hawksworth on the right Watts closing her down the ball out for a throw in taken quickly played on for Holly Fox making a right channel attack into the area, Nobbs coming to close her down seeing the ball safely into her keeper. 

 Dunnage winning the header at the back clearing for Wormley as Barnard plays a looping ball into the top of the area. Wormley awarded a free-kick out on the right on halfway the ball played up towards the top of the D, Purdue under it knocking it down to the right, a strike blasted in from distance, Fox down quickly to save to her right. Wall bringing the ball on for Costessey right side plays it up the line for Juby to attack, Manning staying on her, Juby wrestles possession back laying the ball back down the line for Williams who clips a fantastic cross in towards the far post, Dunnage with eyes on it all the way heading it clear for Wormley.

  The ball rarely still, Campbell influencing play taking the ball left combining with Juby and Hackney to cross coming back in across the top of the D, Purdue missing her clearance the ball popping up for Barnard to strike from 25 yards out, sends her strike over the bar. 

Costessey captain, Paige Barnard

 Barnard snapping in to win the ball back in the middle of the park for Costessey trying to turn the Wormley defence around sends a diagonal ball out to the left with Hackney racing in behind, the flag going up immediately, neither she nor O’Brien see it as Hackney shoots, O’Brien dropping down beating the ball away. Play stopped then, brought back for the free-kick.

Williams taking the ball on from Campbell attacking on Costessey’s right, plays it on for Juby ahead of her, the cross delivered into the Wormley area cut out by Dunnage. Hawksworth and Japal switching flanks for Wormley, Schofield looking for Holly Fox moving left, Wall sticking out a leg cutting the pass out. An intriguing contest, feel Wormley might catch Costessey out as they press high, but the hosts are effective pressing the ball pushing the Wormley defence back, Burling and Dunnage reading the game well in the centre of defence though. 

Costessey’s Grace Wall

  Williams racing onto the ball, quick to deliver a cross into the area, Dunnage under it for Wormley. Williams taking the ball on from Juby right side has Barnard running past her looking for the ball up the line, Purdue has gone with her however, tracking back well to put in the tackle deny the crossing opportunity. 

Thea Hackney with Wormley’s Gracie Manning

 Wormley up on the right forcing a corner kick, the ball swung in across the six yard box, Juby doing the defending for Costessey. The hosts working the ball up the right winning a throw Hackney coming across to the right seeing the ball down off her chest pushed into Juby to strike from the angle corner of the area the ball curled in towards goal, O’Brien behind it all the way to save for Wormley.

 Hawksworth brings the ball on down the left for Wormley, Wall lunging in halts her advance, Japal coming back at Wall to squeeze the ball past her, her cross intercepted by Baldock inside the Costessey area. Wormley playing the ball across the pitch into Japal on the right her cut back in towards the right of the D, met by Purdue looking to hit it first time, slices the ball wide of the near post. 

Wormley captain, Ciara Purdue

 Schofield with the ball right side angling it into the area for Holly Fox attacking near post, keeper Fox closing her down quickly to beat the ball away. Costessey break getting the ball into Hackney high on the right her cross swept into the six yard box, Juby closing in at the far post looking to throw her self at it, an awkward height can’t adjust her body to get significant contact. 

Alisha Juby

 Hackney getting onto the ball from Brister driving forwards into the area left of goal closed down sends it back out towards Brister to strike from 20 yards, blasted into the box Taylor getting something on it deflecting it up and on for O’Brien to catch cleanly. Costessey making a change, Williams coming off, Olivia Smith coming on sees a tactical switch with Smith going into the back line, Nobbs moving into the middle.

  Hawksworth looking to chase the ball down on the left for Wormley as it is played on by Schofield, Wall defending well getting across the winger to see the ball out for a goal kick. Wormley awarded a free-kick on the right as watts fouled Japal. Schofield over the ball 25 yards out her strike hitting the wall. But as Costessey look to clear their lines they give away another free-kick in a more central position. Again the wall does it’s job.

Gracie Manning

 Hackney with the ball high on the left angling a shot in across the keeper, O’Brien getting something on it sending the ball on across goal, Barnard rushing in at the far post can’t quite reach the ball as it runs out for a corner kick. The corner swept in across goal attacked by Brister at the far post knocked down Hackney has a swing at it, Wormley hooking the ball clear behind to the right for another corner. This delivery played into the top of the area coming to Nobbs in a central position drags her shot wide of the left post.

 Holly Fox stealing in behind the Costessey defence right of goal, shooting early to send the ball on the angle over the advancing keeper, her strike hitting the far post. Baldock defending on Holly Fox moments later as she looks to get onto a Small pass into the box right of goal, the offside flag is raised however. Manning bringing the ball out from the back for Wormley into midfield into Schofield helps it on for Japal bursting down the right she wraps her foot around the ball angling the cross-field ball into Hawksworth on the left, Wall quick to close her down for Costessey.

 Purdue bringing the ball down off of a throw on the left shooting from the angle 25 yards out her attempt straight at the Costessey keeper. Manning defending on Hackney inside the box right side as Costessey play the ball up to her the ball coming to Barnard high on the right puts the cross into the box cut out by Burling falls to Juby outside the area her lob back in over the bar. 

Half-time Costessey Sports Ladies 0-0 Wormley Rovers Ladies

 A lively first half ends with the sides heading back to the changing rooms all square, both goals intact. Good chances for both sides to score, set up nicely for the 2nd half. A bright start from Costessey didn’t look to sit back invite pressure from their higher league opponents, instead looked to apply pressure themselves get players up into the final 3rd. Wormley coming back at them looking for the passes to get in behind and create opportunities, defences on both sides with a number of vital tackles to keep it all square.

 No changes at the break from either side, Smith coming on in the first half to replace Williams for Costessey as the hosts attacking into the sun get the 2nd half underway. The ball sent long into the channel for Hackney, Taylor defending for the visitors. Wormley looking sharp at the start of the 2nd half as Schofield finds Japal in space on the right whips a dangerous ball into the area, cut out by Wall turned behind for a corner kick.

The corner played in from the right cut out by Nobbs at the near post. Comes back out to the right lifted back into the mix, Holly Fox looking to get over the ball knocks it down, is blocked deflected away for another corner.

 

GOAL! The delivery from the corner angled in deep to the top of the area, Holly Fox meeting it unmarked to turn the ball goal-wards from her header, angling it towards the far post past the keeper, strikes the inside of the post to bounce back in across the goal 0-1. Wormley into the lead 2 minutes into the 2nd half.

Captain, Ciara Purdue the first to congratulate Holly Fox as she heads Wormley into the lead

 A blow for Costessey early in the 2nd half press on the right Brister into Juby the ball into her run sends a cross angling in across goal, Hackney closing in centrally, O’Brien across her getting to the ball first scooping it up into her gloves. Dunnage defending for Wormley stepping out of the back line to intercept the ball as Wall looks to float an angled delivery into the top of the D. 

 Holly Fox coming across to the left for Wormley linking up with Hawksworth exchanging passes the latter stealing into the area, Brister getting in a timely tackle putting her foot in to push the ball on for her keeper to clear. Costessey on the ball Campbell bringing it on down the left inside to Juby on for Hackney, held up by Taylor, Campbell getting it back delivering a cross into the far post, Brister forwards looking to get it under control closed down by Dunnage. Comes back to Hackney outside the area central pulls her shot wide low past the right post.

 Dunnage working hard in defence reading the game hooking the ball away to safety as Juby lifts her pass into the area. Hawksworth gets away with the ball at her feet on the left for Wormley rolled on into the area for Holly Fox, Smith gets her body in the way to defend shield the ball back to her keeper. Purdue charging on with the ball for the visitors looking to play it on for Hawksworth on the left, Wall winning it back well for Costessey. 

Costessey’s Olivia Smith

 

 GOAL! Wormley pushing getting after the ball high up the pitch Purdue proactive chasing the ball down comes out to the left played inside the box into Holly Fox closing down on the near post shoots under challenge, Kelly Fox getting something on it as she goes to ground making the blocking save, the ball deflected straight back at Fox rebound off the attacker to strike the base of the post, the ball coming back out to the left still with Wormley, Costessey switching off momentarily as the ball is played back into the area straight to an unmarked Small just inside to wrap her foot around the ball and blast it home to double the lead 0-2.

Summer Small scores Wormley’s 2nd

 Wormley doubling their advantage in the 56th minute, to get control of the contest. Costessey making a change bringing of Watts and sending on Sydnie Brown a straight swap at full back. Juby also being replaced with Abbie Tate coming on to join the attack. Small having just scored for Wormley is taken off moments after being flagged offside, the visitors sending on Rebecca Evans. Campbell firing the ball into the left flank for Brown to attack, the substitute with pace to burn racing after the ball, Japal going with her holding up Brown on the by-line conceding a corner kick.

  The corner curled in across goal met by the rising Hackney at the far post knocked down back across goal blocked on the line, comes out to Tate outside the D, central stretching as she shoots her effort wide past the right post. The game looking a bit stretched now Japal looking to get onto the end of an Evans pass out to the right, Brown back at her to defend for Costessey. 

 Costessey making another switch bringing off Campbell, sending on Phoebe Pierpoint. Wormley winning a corner on the right taken short into Purdue to sweep a cross into the far post, two attackers leaping for it neither can get a touch. Costessey’s turn to win themselves a corner out on the right another vicious delivery in across the face of goal, Pierpoint knocking it down towards goal at close range the ball once again blocked on the line, comes out towards the penalty spot flashed back in wide of the left post for a goal kick. 

 Holly Fox running through onto an over the top past, left of the area looks to try and lob the advancing keeper, the ball dropping wide past the far post. Rachel Daltrey coming on to join the defence for Wormley with Japal coming off. Pierpoint sending the ball on down the left wing for Brown to chase, Taylor coming back at her to challenge the ball off her for a corner kick. Curled in long past the far post no one getting a touch.

Wormley’s Malia Taylor

 Barnard taking the ball on from Brister on the right firing the ball into Hackney central 25 yards out, sends the ball in on goal looking to get it up over the keeper, but not enough on it to trouble O’Brien. Wall is down for Costessey having injured her foot, needs to come off, Chloe Moulton coming on. Holly Fox coming off too for Wormley with Lily Hanlon coming on to join the action with less then 10 minutes left to play.

Wormley midfielder, Emily Schofield

  Wormley managing the game well dropping back keeping it tight through the middle. Burling and Dunnage well protected by Schofield, Evans and Purdue in front of them. Purdue advancing with the ball threaded on for Hanlon, Fox out rapidly to the top of her area to close her down.

  Wormley looking to take the ball into the corners see out the game, winning a throw high on the right, Evans turns on the ball to send a cross into the area, caught cleanly by Fox. Costessey get on the counter attack the ball lifted out to the right and early cross angled in across the six yard box to the far post Pierpoint closing in on goal sends the ball past the keeper and the left post. 

Lily Hanlon

  Into the final 5 minutes, players tiring on both sides, Tate taking the ball into her feet from the left turns towards the area driving forwards stopped by Burling, the ball nicked back even as Wormley attempt to counter, Hackney top of the D pulling her shot wide of the right post. Burling across to defend kicking the ball away for a throw as Brown looks to burst clear on Costessey’s left. Dropped into Hackney turns to play the ball into Nobbs outside the box central, sends a looping shot in on goal dipping on O’Brien the keeper beating it down, Moulton racing onto the loose ball to blast home right of goal but as she turns she can see the linesman with his flag raised, offside.

  Tate charging the ball down outside the Wormley area deflects into Pierpoint 20 yards out right of goal sends it in on the keeper, bounces up off the turf grabbed by O’Brien. The clock ticking down Wormley break up the left winning a corner, look to play it close keep possession, Hanlon holding it up is chopped down from behind, the final whistle blows up, and Hanlon receives treatment even as Wormley celebrate the win advancing to the next round of the FC Cup.  

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 0-2 Wormley Rovers Ladies

An entertaining cup tie in the finish, Costessey giving it their all, Wormley respecting their opponents doing their research. The game goalless at half-time both sides with good chances to score, Costessey taking the game to Wormley putting the back line under some pressure. Wormley just with that little bit extra experience coming out strong at the start of the 2nd half getting an early goal to settle things down and catching Costessey cold to add a 2nd get control of the tie. Costessey never gave up tried to find a reply get themselves back into the tie but Wormley could get players back behind the ball pick their moments to go forwards.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  These things are rarely easy but time to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award, honestly to single out a single individual from either side is tough today both put in a good shift. Some great performances out there, firstly for Costessey, Grace Wall played well at right back, won the ball well and offered some good passes going forwards. Goalkeeper, Kelly Fox covered her box well alert to the threat as her defence pushed up. Hannah Campbell with some great runs and passing in midfield. Paige Barnard solid linked up with the attackers well. Thea Hackney a threat throughout and rightly singled out by Wormley as the one to watch. For Wormley, Holly Fox was lively in attack made some great runs creating chances for herself and others. Savannah Japal got up well on the flanks ready to receive the ball and link up with her fellow attackers, Emily Schofield and Ciara Purdue strong in the middle getting after the ball making some positive runs and joining the attack. Aimee Burling winning several balls in defence, the award though goes to her fellow centre back Leah Dunnage read the game well throughout won her headers, closed down and stood out in a sometimes congested box. 

 An enjoyable first trip to The FDC of the season, an intriguing cup time well contested. Good to catch up with Wormley, will be hoping for a favourable draw in 3rd Round Qualifying, making a good start to their league campaign too. Early days in Norfolk Division One but it’s clear to see the progress Costessey have made since joining the league, played well against a higher league opponent, and look to have a good squad to compete at the top end of the league this season. My thanks to both sides for all their help today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Soham Town Rangers Ladies v Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

Sunday 14th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 My first slice of county league action this season, beginning with a game from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, with newly promoted, Soham Town Rangers Women hosting Godmanchester Rovers Ladies, who recorded a 3rd placed finish last time out in what was their debut at this level.

 Cambridgeshire once again featuring 3 women’s divisions, expanding from 30 to 39 beginning this campaign with as host of new sides some new reserve and development sides, plus a few moving across from the boarding counties, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire. All 3 divisions looking highly competitive, Division One featuring 13 sides this time around, with 3 new sides joining, the newly Royston Town Women Development, and Cambridge City Women Development along with Spalding United Women, Deeping Rangers Ladies and Soham Town Rangers Women promoted was winners and runners-up last season. Looking at the league it will be interesting to see which sides emerge as title challengers there are several potential candidates.

  Soham Town Rangers Ladies were formed last season, the core of the old Isleham United Ladies side one of the longest established sides within Cambridgeshire that won the Division Three title the season before, given the opportunity to become part of Soham Town Rangers FC football club just down the road they made the switch beginning a new era in Division Two, that seeing the club add to their squad bringing in the likes of goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Ester McTrusty and Carla Penny amongst others bringing useful experience at playing at a higher level. Pushed on to finish as runners-up to win promotion to Division One.

 Carla Penny finishing her first season with Soham as the clubs top scorer netting 35 goals. Have grown further coming into the new season, recruiting more players, amongst them midfielder Rachel Pearce who was most recently at Histon Ladies a wealth of experience to deepen the squad. Soham Town Rangers Women forming a new Reserves side for this season competing in Division Three. Today is Soham’s first league game, will be looking to bounce out following last weekend lose to Suffolk side Ramsey & Mistley Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup.

 A new era of sorts for Godmanchester Town Ladies too as they become Godmanchester Rovers Ladies this season, will be looking to build on a very successful debut season in Division One last time around clinching 3rd spot level on points with 2nd placed Newmarket Town Women Development, having been fighting near the top of the table all season. The core of the side formed from the old St Ives Town Ladies side, becoming Huntingdon Town Ladies for a couple of seasons before moving to Godmanchester. Have recruited strongly over the past few seasons forming a competitive squad.

 Amongst those brought in last season top scorers, Leah Cudone and Hannah Hutchinson scoring 9 and 8 respectfully. As well a finishing 3rd in the league won the Hunts FA Senior Women’s Cup for the first time beating Eaton Socon Ladies 1-0 back in March. Got their league campaign off to a winning start at home on the opening day last Sunday beating new side Royston Town Ladies Development 6-2, Leah Cudone netting a hat-trick with Fran Worrell scoring a brace and a goal too for Molly Thompson.

Soham Town Rangers FC

  My first visit to Soham Town Rangers FC’s home ground on Julius Martin Lane in Soham, the ground a hive of activity upon arrival the carpark full, but did manage to sneak into the one vacant spot. The large clubhouse leading into the stadium, the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink, beside that a elevated covered stand over looknig the pitch, with covered standing beside and at both goal ends. Needed if today’s weather forecast was anything to go by with rain likely at some point during the game. Busy with plenty of supporters around to watch the women’s side begin their league campaign. 

 Soham Town Rangers Ladies starting XI – Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Chloe Dunn, Amy Ozakpinar, Jodie Copping, Katie Levitt, Erin Clarke, Laura Mcallister, Carla Penny, Ester McTrusty, Rachel Pearce & Elsie Holroyd-Davison. Subs – Jessica Brand, Evie Luker, Lizzie Quigley, Kara Firek & Michela Edwards.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies

Godmanchester Rovers Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leni Stowers, Isabel Vincent, Gemma Cooksley (C), Leah Culpin, Erica Zimmerman, Ellie Harvey, Maisie Buckle, Molly Thompson, Fran Worrall & Shannah Anico. Subs – Nicolle Surtees & Hannah Hutchinson.

Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Laura Mcallister and Gemma Cooksley with referee Jordan Blunt

 Overcast a few spots of rain beginning to fall as the teams are lead out by today’s match referee, Jordan Blunt. Soham to have the kick-off in the first half wearing green and white vertical stripes shirts with green shorts and socks. Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts and shorts with navy coloured socks. The ball rolled back into the hosts defence, Godmanchester are quick to break forwards press the ball, bouncing about in the middle of the park, Erica Zimmerman getting hold of the ball for Godmanchester looking to release attacker, Shannah Anico into the right, Amy Ozakpinar intercepting heading the ball out for a throw in.

  From the throw Godmanchester keep the press up forcing an early corner kick out on the right. Curled into the near post, Soham with numbers back to block as the ball is turned goal wards, deflected away to the right a shot from distance comes back in on the angle looping high over goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls goal. The rain beginning to fall steadily the sky dark with cloud.

 Play drawn over to the far side of the pitch with both sides making little headway, Carla Penny looking to get the ball free across the park into Rachel Pearce staying out wide to the right, Isabel Vincent cutting the ball out for the visitors. Godmanchester’s turn to feel the squeeze at the back as Soham push up, goal keeper, Sophie Marjoram playing the ball out of her box straight to Pearce she is quick to lift it back into the top of the area with Penny charging in, Godmanchester captain, Gemma Cooksley jumping well get her head on the ball drop in down into her advancing keepers gloves to stifle the threat.

Gemma Cooksley heading the ball down for goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram to collect

  Soham getting the ball out to Penny on the right, has Pearce up with her on the wing the pass into her she turns to play the ball into Elsie Holroyd-Davison making a run into the right channel looking to get onto the end of it as she enters the box, Cooksley across quickly to slide in to challenge send the ball away to the right. Molly Thompson on the ball central for Godmanchester plays it on for Ellie Harvey moving right attempts to slide it through for Maisie Buckle, a little too much on it however, Soham’s defence can see it out for a goal kick.

Ellie Harvey on the attack for Godmanchester

  Fran Worrall looking a threat for Godmanchester on the left whenever they counter making good runs into the left channel, Zimmerman competing for the ball in the middle played on, Erin Clarke with a timely intervention for the hosts. 

 GOAL! Worrall having broken a couple of times already, bursting away on the left as Godmanchester break up play in the middle, Harvey and Zimmerman closing the ball down the pass threaded into Worrall’s path she skips on into the box turning to shoot across the keeper getting plenty behind it as she strikes the ball into the bottom corner to open the scoring 0-1.

Fran Worrall breaking forwards to open the scoring for Godmanchester

  Godmanchester a goal to the good inside the opening 10 minutes. Soham get straight on the attack form the restart Penny driving forwards with the ball central sending an angled ball out to the right into the feet of Holroyd-Davison strikes for goal her effort blasted wide of the near post.

  Penny linking up with captain Laura Mcallister and Ester McTrusty on Soham’s left taking the ball on down the wing, Leni Stowers sliding in with a strong tackle to send the ball out for a throw in. Worrall played in on the left by Harvey in the middle for Godmanchester, wrong foots full back Dunn, checking inside preparing to cross, before she can, Jodie Copping is across from the middle of defence to put in the blocking tackle to deny her. 

 Competitive both sides moving in to close the ball a number of heartily contested 50/50 balls, Harvey and Thompson contesting on central in pops loose into the right channel for Holroyd-Davison to attack, Vincent getting back at her battling for the ball eases Holroyd-Davison off the ball, leaving her grounded as she clears the ball. The Soham attack feeling it a little, needing to come off to recover, Kara Firek sent on to join the attack. 

  The action end to end both sides intent on getting it forwards Worrall coming inside looking to pick out Anico right side as she breaks in behind intercepted by Ozakpinar turned back to her keeper, the kick out presented straight to Worrall she looks for Anico back coming back from an offside position the flag goes up against her.

  McTrusty surging onto the by-line with the ball for Soham, cuts a cross back into the near post, Penny rushing in trying to meet it on the volley, Cooksley in the way blocking from close range. Dunn being kept on her toes by Worrall full back getting in close doing well to ease her opponent off the ball as she looks to spin round her. Pearce is keeping a good position out on the right providing a ready outlet for the ball when Soham look to get forwards, Penny looking for her plays the diagonal passed, Pearce on the turn looking to play it into the box for Firek moving into the right channel, just a little too much on it, Marjoram can come across see it out for a goal kick.

 Very competitive in the middle, both sides guilty of playing blind passes forwards not picking anyone out. Penny scraping for possession feeding a good ball out to Pearce pushing on down the right her cross squared into the top of the Godmanchester area intercepted and cleared by Leah Culpin. Dunn getting up well on Soham’s right combining with Pearce the ball played across the park into Mcallister sends it down the line for McTrusty, Stowers getting across her path shielding the ball out for a goal kick.

  Vincent tackling Pearce as she takes the ball on from Penny on the right, Soham getting players forwards well applying a bit of pressure to the Godmanchester back-line. However the visitors are a threat on the counter break from a Soham throw high on the left, the ball from Zimmerman into Harvey the Soham defence stretched the midfielder on the drive taking the ball on has options to her left in Worrall racing forwards and Anico to the right threads the ball on for the latter, Anico striking it on the angle, rising Quinn Nicholls at her near post getting her gloves up to palm the ball down into the turf and claim.

Soham goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls

  The action from one end to the other, busy writing the notes from the Godmanchester attack even as Soham counter the ball on the left played inside to Penny racing into the area hitting the ball hard with her left foot, driving it across the diving keeper the ball smashing off the base of the far post bouncing back out and to Marjoram’s relieve straight at her, snatches it into her body.

Soham’s Carla Penny

  Lively, Clarke in the middle for Soham wide to Mcallister played forwards into Penny the ball cut back across the top of the Godmanchester area met first time by Pearce central her shot angling wide of the left upright. Anico played in wide right again as Godmanchester counter attack, her angled strike beat down again by Quinn Nicholls who wastes no time it getting it up field into her attackers. Culpin sending in a free-kick deep on the left defended by Soham top of the area falls straight to Zimmerman but she does get clean contact as she looks to go for goal. 

Erica Zimmerman

  Marjoram out quickly to close down Pearce inside the box right side as Penny looks to pick her out with the cross-field pass. Marjoram getting the decision as she comes rushing out to deal with McTrusty as Mcallister plays the ball into her left side. Buckle with a piece of superb defending for Godmanchester challenging Penny on the penalty spot as sent in from Pearce on the right. 

 Soham lively break with pace the diagonal ball lifted into the path of Pearce coming in from the right 25 yards out strikes it on the volley from the top of the D, swerves wide of the right post. Godmanchester getting a free-kick central 35 yards out, Thompson to deliver plays a fast paced ball long into the left post area, players gathered inviting but no one can get a touch as it sails wide. 

  Dunn powering forwards on the right for Soham played on for Pearce her cross looping high into the area, Marjoram getting it away to safety for Godmanchester. Marjoram making another sharp save moments later getting down low to push the ball away to her left as Penny looks to bring a left side cross down inside the D and send goal wards.

 Harvey making several good runs on the ball for Godmanchester linking up well with Zimmerman in the middle. Firek getting hold of the ball for Soham outside the area on the turn plays it left into McTrusty inside the box, Cooksley stretching cutting the pass out. Zimmerman lifting the ball on into the right channel as Anico bursts forwards, Quinn Nicholls out quickly to the edge of her box to lay claim to the ball.

  Worrall taking on the ball left channel, held up by Dunn plays it inside to Zimmerman 30 plus yards out time to look up release a shot, her angled shot swung in across goal lacking to power to trouble Quinn Nicholls. Harvey drives with the ball as Godmanchester break sends it into Worrall in behind in to the box left of the D, shapes to shoot, Ozakpinar getting back well to make the block, the ball turned behind for a corner kick. 

 Zimmerman on the corner swung into the area knocked down Thompson moving to strike the loose back, Copping charging it down the ball still with Godmanchester outside the area, clipped back to the left the flag up however as Zimmerman is caught offside. Penny seeing the ball into her body bringing it down well on the turn plays it forwards on the right into Pearce has Firek ahead of her looking to get into the box, Cooksley tracking her reading the pass getting in the way to turn the ball back into her keeper.

  Soham winning a free kick out deep on the right the ball played in across goal, Marjoram going up to claim is knocked to the ground, play stopped as the keeper is in need of treatment. A pause in play but is up and able to continue. Soham looking to push on late in the first half, Clarke and Penny combining through the middle the ball played on for Mcallister getting forwards, Culpin closing her down.

  Good pressure from Soham, McTrusty quick to win it back left side bursting forwards whipping a ball into the six yard box, Worrall back cutting it out to clear for the visitors. Vincent stretching intercepting a diagonal ball aimed at Pearce on the right. Soham with a free-kick out on the left played n from deep not a great ball in but intercepted near side is turned behind for a corner kick. Godmanchester with bodies at the near post clearing Harvey looking for Anico on the counter, Ozakpinar defending for Soham.

  Half-time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

  The players heading back to the changing rooms with the worst of the rain having stayed away, Godmanchester with the slender lead Fran Worrall scoring in the opening 10 minutes. Soham have responded well creating chances hitting the post and forcing a save from the keeper, while Godmanchester have looked a threat on the counter, with some strong runs through the middle and channels, Quinn Nicholls making a couple of vital saves to keep the lead down to just the one goal. Has been a little frantic at times, certainly competitive in the middle, passes rushed as a result with neither side getting on top of the other. Very much all to play for 2nd half and a quick turnaround too with both sides keen to get on with it.

 The rain falling a little bit stronger now, Godmanchester to get the 2nd period underway the ball played back into the defence, the visitors looking to keep possession, move it around at the back into the keeper, sloppy play as the forwards pass into a defender isn’t collected, presented straight to McTrusty in a central position 25 yards out is encouraged to shoot with the keeper off her line, drags her attempt wide of the left post. 

Carla Penny with Erica Zimmerman

 Play congested through the middle Penny into squeeze the ball lifted forwards for Firek, Cooksley intercepts for the visitors. Culpin moving into clear on the right of defence as McTrusty looks to take the ball on. Worrall gets away with the ball at her feet on Godmanchester’s right flashes a cross into the area, Copping deflecting it out of her box falls to Buckle who strikes it first time from all of 25 yards out her shot over the crossbar.

Leah Culpin clearing before Ester McTrusty can reach the ball

 

  Godmanchester winning a free-kick 30 plus yards out in the middle, Harvey over the ball takes on the shot her effort over the bar. McTrusty fed the ball on Soham’s left taking it on into the box, Culpin recovering well to get back at her put her foot in to tackle, McTrusty scrapping to win it back plays it into Mcallister getting up in support out wide delivers an inviting ball in across the face of the Godmanchester goal, neither Penny, nor Pearce closing in on the far post can get a touch to turn it home.

  Quill Nicholls with a good claim taking the ball down into her chest off of a Godmanchester free-kick on the left. Vincent lunging in to make the block on Firek as she takes the ball on down the right flank off Pearce a corner conceded. Taken short up the line the delivery into the area cleared by Harvey for Godmanchester.   

GOAL! An end to end contest Godmanchester hit Soham on the counter the ball out on the left played on by Zimmerman into Worrall as she looks to get into the box, Quinn Nicholls alert to the threat rushing out to close her down sliding in at her feet making the blocking save, the ball deflected out of the area, the visitors quick to win it back, Zimmerman sending a shot in on the angle over Quinn Nicholls before she can get back into position a great hit to loop over her to find the back of the net to double the lead 0-2.

Erica Zimmerman doubles Godmanchester’s lead

 Godmanchester doubling their advantage 20 minutes into the 2nd half. The visitors with an injury concern however as goalkeeper, Marjoram needs to come off, defender Leah Culpin given the gloves and a bib taking up the role between the sticks, Hannah Hutchinson coming on, with Harvey dropping into the backline. This is a busy game with the action never still a real blow for Soham as they were pushing for a goal themselves.

Leah Culpin now donning the gloves for Godmanchester

  Thompson driving forwards for Godmanchester with the ball at her feet, fed through to Worrall on the left, Dunn getting back at her challenging on the by-line, Worrall managing to squeeze a cross in along the face of goal, Quinn Nicholls down smartly to smother the ball for Soham. Pearce on the right for Soham feeding a cross on the angle into the near post Penny providing the run, Harvey going with her reading the move turning the ball on for Culpin to clear.

   A few free-kicks being given away yet the game remains in good spirits both sides competing, Soham winning a set-piece wide on the right swung into the six yard box, Culpin catching it cleanly. Cooksley cutting out a cross from Pearce on the right heading it behind for a corner kick. Taken short clipped into the near post on the angle attacked by Firek, deflects off a defender to the top of the area, Mcallister latching onto it fires a short in on goal, coming in low Culpin gets down to make the comfortable save.

  Soham making a triple switch sending on, Lizzie Quigley, Evie Luker and Michela Edwards for Dunn and Ozakpinar and Mcallister. Stowers presented the ball on the right advancing with purpose up the wing tackled by Edwards the ball out for a throw. The changes seeing Stowers able to get forwards support the Godmanchester attack playing in inside to Zimmerman gets it back moving into the area Edwards with the blocking tackle the ball deflected of Stowers for a goal kick. 

  Quigley moving across to defend for Soham slides in on Stowers as she looks to get onto the end of a Zimmerman pass the ball out for a corner kick. Soham making two more changes with McTrusty and Penny coming off, Evie Luker into the action along with Holroyd-Davison. Luker straight into the action fed the ball right side sends it on to Pearce out wide bursting towards the box looking for the return pass, Harvey reads it well for Godmanchester going with her to intercept the pass.

  Firek rushing forwards to charge down a defensive clearance rebounds kindly into Luker 25 yards out central lines up the strike, dropped in on the keeper, Culpin gets a glove up to make a fantastic save knocking the ball up onto her crossbar and collecting it as it bounces down in front of her.

  Zimmerman taking the ball on well for the visitors moving to the right on for Anico, plays a diagonal ball into the Soham box looking for Worrall coming in far side, Quinn Nicholls moving forwards to snatch up the ball. Thompson moving with the ball into space on the right, Holroyd-Davison getting back at her to slide in play the ball behind for a corner kick. Zimmerman on the corner an in swinger in on the keeper, attacked blocked inside the six yard box, back out to Zimmerman on the right, her 2nd cross in cleared by Quigley, Firek looking to break right side, Vincent challenging.

  Anico coming off for Godmanchester with Nicolle Surtees coming on up top. Holroyd-Davison clatters into Stowers taking the ball clear on the left her cross et by Pearce inside the area her shot pushed away to safety by Culpin. Penny back into the action for Soham, Anico too as Stowers needs to come off. Moving into the final 10 minutes of the contest, Luker is fouled 25 yards out to the left of the D. Pearce over the set-piece curls it in on goal, Culpin has to deal with it tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

GOAL! The corner fired low into the near post inside the six yard box, players from both sides snatching at it to try get meaningful contact, takes a couple of ricochets before Penny puts her foot through it to blast the ball past bodies on into the back of the net to see Soham reduce the deficit 1-2.

Carla Penny pulls one back for Soham

 Game on as Soham get after the ball wanting to get on with the game Levitt playing the ball through the middle into Penny looks to send it on into Pearce pulling out to the right seeing the threat dropping back to intercept the ball for Godmanchester. The rain falling heavily now, Penny in position top of the area looking to see the ball down into her feet hit on the turn, doesn’t get the contact she wanted her shot rolling harmlessly through to the keeper.

  Godmanchester launch a counter attack, Harvey to Zimmerman out to Thompson right side driving forwards looking to get into the area rides two challenges before firing the ball into the six yard box, Copping getting it away for Soham. Surtees fed into space on the left into the channel for Godmanchester, plays it inside for the advancing Zimmerman lines up a strike from 25 yards out threatening to dip under the bar, Quinn Nicholls with the superb save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner kick. 

 Curled in towards the near post Pearce defending for Soham, break up the other end to win a throw in the corner, Holroyd-Davison’s cross worked into the box taken down by Culpin. The game stretched a few tired legs out there Soham with the late goal finding a little more energy Clarke sending the ball on for Edwards advancing on the left taking the ball all the way into the box tries to get a shot away even as she is closed down her attempt over the bar.

  GOAL! The clock ticking down Soham taking risks pushing players on get hold of the ball on the right Holroyd Davison up with Penny the ball fired into the box, comes straight into Pearce making a central run hitting it first time before she can be closed down on the turn strikes the ball wide past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner to score! 2-2! Pearce’s first goal for her new club.

Rachel Pearce congratulated as she equalises for Soham

Rachel Pearce scoring her first goal for Soham

  Soham fighting back with a goal in stoppage time to get back on level terms with Godmanchester. A hammer blow for the visitors get straight back up the other end to win a corner kick, Soham need to settle the corner swung in to the near post from the right, Quinn Nicholls comes for it well to claim relieve the pressure. Penny with a long ball out to Holroyd-Davison on the right pushes forwards her cross into the top of the area cut out turned behind for a corner before Pearce can attack it, no time to take it the final whistle blows and the points are shared!

Full time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 2-2 Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

  Soham showing good character to keep going and find a goal in the final 10 minutes after Godmanchester had doubled their lead 20 minutes into the 2nd half. Forced into a keeper change, seeing a few positional changes made looked good for their lead but Soham making changes themselves kept going finding a goal and coming back in stoppage time to equalise. A good contest between two competitive sides, Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One is going to be one to watch this season. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. And this is a tough one, there are four players with a strong claim to the award and separating them isn’t easy, add onto that a strong teams performance from both sides and it tells you how competitive it was. Were to start, will go with Godmanchester, Ellie Harvey with a strong game in both midfield and dropping back into defence, with the some great passes and runs in the former role, reading the game well in the latter. Along side her in midfield, Erica Zimmerman won the ball well, played some excellent passes and scored from a brilliant strike to double the lead. Leah Culpin with some great tackles in defence did well in goal when called upon making some good saves. Gemma Cooksley too in defence with several vital interceptions and tackles. For Soham, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls produced some great saves to keep her side in contention. Jodie Copping covered the ground in defence to win the ball. Rachel Pearce provided a constant outlet on the right ready to receive the ball and link up with her fellow attackers in position composed to score the equaliser at the death. The award goes to Carla Penny her work rate throughout was phenomenal get about the park to link up play get it moving forwards, close to scoring in the first half, getting the goal to launch the Soham fightback late in the 2nd half.

  That was an enjoyable first trip to Soham Town Rangers, and my first taste of county league action for the season didn’t disappoint, the weather maybe but I’ll have to get used to that, my thanks to both sides and referee Jordan Blunt for the help with the team details as ever much appreciated, the season’s in full swing at last and it’s going to be as exciting as ever.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Stanway Pegasus Women

Sunday 7th Sept

FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying

 It all kick’s off this Sunday with the women’s football getting into full swing across the country with the county leagues beginning their campaigns, lots of action to look forward to including a staggering 163 ties in First Round Qualifying of this years FA Women’s Cup. And it’s that competition where this Sundays match report comes from with a short trip to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on ERWFL Division One counterparts, Stanway Pegasus Women.

 The FA Women’s Cup a huge draw in terms of both prestige and potential financial gain for clubs across the county with a rich history. Better reward too in recent season’s with the prize money in each round increasing significantly (although well below there male equivalents). Today’s match winners receiving £1800 with the losing side pocketing £450. A tidy run in the cup a huge incentive for any grassroots club.

 Todays’ clash between two sides competing in ERWFL Division One, both joining the league in the 23-24 season, now entering their 3rd season competing at this level. The ERWFL up to it’s full compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, Thetford competing in Division One North, Stanway Pegasus in Division One South, this the first meeting between the pair.

 Luke Pickford stepping down as joint manager at the end of last season having helped Thetford become an established side in the ERWFL recording a 5th placed finish in Division One North, Amber Browne working along side Pickford now in charge of the women’s side bringing in coach Alec Marshall, who has previous experience with King’s Lynn Town Ladies. As competition to join the ERWFL grows, it’s becoming an ever more competitive league and the clubs within it have to respond, Thetford have been busy in the close season having lost a few experienced players have brought in a good blend of experience and promising youth to bolster the squad.

 Gabby Cobb captaining King’s Lynn Town Ladies for a couple of difficult seasons for the club will have gain valuable experience and will be hungry to do well at Thetford. jess Queimedo was also at King’s Lynn last season. Young goalkeeper, Mya Parker impressed at Aylsham FC Women breaking onto the scene and making her self noticed with some impressive displays. Ruby Lakey, Jess Marriot, Megan Chandler and Sophie White are young talents looking to become established at this level while Katie Fray returns after a strong first spell with the club. Defender, Fran Peeling captains the side this season. A tough start to the season however with Thetford suffering a 4-0 and 5-0 defeat in their opening two matches. Have responded well however since clinching a 1-0 win away to Biggleswade United Women last Sunday and a 3-1 home win over local rivals Mulbarton Wanderers in midweek lifting them up to 5th in the table.

 Stanway Pegasus Women start the season with a new management team too with Luke Worley stepping down at the end of last season, Sophie Thorne takes on the managers role along side player/coach Rosi Webb. Webb also the manager of the men’s side playing in the Thurlow Nunn Division One North. Stanway Pegasus a Colchester based club, they and local rivals Stanway Rovers establishing a women’s side at the same time, Colchester United now reforming their women’s set-up sees a strong pool of clubs representing women’s football in the area. 

 Stanway Pegasus Women into their 3rd season in ERWFL Division One South having a good run in last years FA Women’s Cup eventually knocked out by FAWNL side London Seaward FC in 3rd Round Qualifying. My first look at the club despite trying on a couple of occasions last season, so keen to get to one of their games this time around along with a Reserves side competing in Essex Women’s Division Two have resembled a side packed with experience players at this level have seen several in action before several with the old East Bergholt United Ladies side. Have seen a few players depart over the summer while making a few need additions, Amy Thompson and Taylor Cooke both adding quality to the squad. A tough start to the season however with two league defeats and an early exit in the League Cup. Gained their first point of the season in midweek however in a battling 3-3 draw with newly promoted rivals Colchester United Women.

The pitch looking great at Mundford Road

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road stadium the venue for this afternoons cup tie, the pitch looking in fantastic condition at the start of the season, a slight slope on the pitch from one corner to another. A compact ground with standing viewing on all sides a covered stand over the changing rooms and a modern clubhouse housing the bar serving hot and cold drinks. The sun shining bright with the temperatures back up to the mid twenties as we move into September (only goes downhill from here) A stiff breeze blowing keeping things cooler with some club cover around.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Mya Parker, Fran Peeling (C), Sausha Levy-Twomey, Jess Marriott, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler, Dayna Howard, Megan Chandler, Jess Queimedo, Liv Dunne & Gabby Cobb. Subs – Keileigh Dixon, Zoe Klimcke, Emily Birt, Ruby Lakey, Sophie White, Mollie O’Callaghan & Katie Fray.

Thetford Town Ladies

Stanway Pegasus Women starting XI – Kaitlyn Brand, Darcy Abel, Jessica Clark (C), Deben Howlett, Teigan McHale, Jade Clemmens, Jessica Gill, Hayleigh Jenkins, Kira Wealls, Amy Thompson & Jade Horne. Subs – Brogan McHale, Imogen Fisher & Rosi Webb.

Stanway Pegasus Women

Captain’s Jessica Clark and Fran Peeling with todays match referee Edward Colman

 Thetford naming a full compliment of 7 substitutes upon their bench, 5 of which can be used. Stanway Pegasus with a few missing, including new recruit Taylor Cooke out with a wrist injury naming just the 3 on the bench. Edward Colman officiating today’s match was also in the middle for my game last weekend at Dussindale & Hellesdon, the FA providing 3 match officials. Stanway Pegasus to get the FA Cup tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts with black patterning across the top of the chest and black sleeves, black shorts and yellow socks with black hoops. Thetford lined up opposite in their all claret kit.

  The ball rolled back to Deben Howlett in defence, she plays it long into the right channel looknig for the run by Kira Wealls, Jessica Marriott getting their first to win the ball for Thetford. Both sides snapping in to try and win the ball in the opening exchanges, Dayna Howard getting it down under control for Thetford bringing it left sending it on for Hannah Claughton getting on the move down the wing, Darcy Abel at full back cutting the pass out for Stanway Pegasus.

  Pressing the ball in the middle Stanway Pegasus’ defence pushed up, Jessica Gill plays the ball right into Wealls she attempts the early diagonal ball across the top of the area aiming for Amy Thompson powering forwards on the opposite flank, the strong breeze getting hold of it turning it away from Thompson into the arms of onrushing goalkeeper, Mya Parker. Claughton showing attacking intent making some useful runs on the left taking the ball on down the line squares it in central for Gabby Cobb 25 yards out on the turn strikes the ball, dragging her shot wide of the right post.

 Thetford coming forwards well Claughton left side linking up with Liv Dunne, working into the middle across the pitch to Shannon Chandler on the opposite flank her cross into the top of the area cleared by Teigan McHale out for a throw in. Jessica Queimedo sending the ball on for Claughton left flank into the corner whips a bouncing ball in to the six yard box across the face of goal, scrambled clear by McHale at the far post. The hosts pushing Stanway Pegasus back, Shannon Chandler angling a ball into the area from the right, goalkeeper, Kaitlyn Brand down on it to claim at her near post.

  Cobb stealing onto the ball off a loose pass out on the left top corner of the box cuts it back in central for Liv Dunne shifts the ball between her feet before sending a curling effort straight into the gloves of the Stanway Pegasus keeper. Stanway Pegasus winning a free kick deep on the left a chance to relieve some pressure get the ball up into the opposition box, flung into the near post, Parker calls for it and comes to confidently claim the ball.

Jessica Marriott defending for Thetford

  Hayleigh Jenkins taking the ball on looking to link up with Wealls out on the right, exchanging passes the return ball snuffed out by the back tracking Marriott. The visitors defence stepping up in the nick of time to catch Shannon Chandler offside as she looks to run onto a diagonal ball. Thetford advancing down the right Magen Chandler up with Shannon Chandler, the latter fouled as the ball is played forwards into the top of the area, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Thetford captain, Fran Peeling over it launches the ball long towards the far post, too much on it no one can get there as it sails wide. 

Thetford’s Gabby Cobb

 Megan Chandler, Dunne and Cobb all lively up top for Thetford looking to put the Stanway Pegasus defence under pressure. The latter charging down a short pass to take the ball on in behind on the left whipping a cross into the six yard box, McHale is again on hand to intercept and clear for the visiting side. Thetford doing well getting on to press the ball get players up into the final 3rd, Stanway Pegasus riding their luck pushed back, Howlett and McHale getting some vital touches on the ball in the opening 15 minutes. 

Stanway Pegasus’ Teigan McHale

 Forcing errors Dunne latches onto a loose ball to play it forwards down the left channel for Claughton racing into the box closing in on the by-line wraps her foot around the ball firing a dangerous ball in across the face of the Stanway Pegasus goal, Cobb closing in on the far post can’t quite get there to make contact with the ball, turn it home as it runs wide for a goal kick. 

 Claughton getting hold of the ball driving on with it up the left cutting a cross back in towards the top of the area, players back en masse for Stanway Pegasus, Howlett getting it away from danger. The chances mounting for the hosts, Megan Chandler attacking left sending the ball on for Claughton down the line squares the cross into the six yard box, Dunne closing in central onto the ball trying to dig the shot out from under her feet on the turn scoops her attempt over the bar!

Hannah Claughton on the attack for Thetford

   Cobb with an effort on the half volley from outside the box for Thetford drops wide of Brand’s left upright. Chances up the other end limited for Stanway Pegasus, slow to get up and press the ball, Horne up top closely marked by Sausha Levy-Twomey. Thompson making some promising runs on the ball left side the ball fed into her path by captain Jessica Clark, goalkeeper Mya Parker alert to the threat racing out of her box to kick the ball clear before Thompson can reach it.

  Claughton in again on the left played on by Megan Chandler, squaring the ball in central outside the box into Cobb has Dunne up with her the pair combining passes Cobb looking to run in behind off the return pass, McHale reading it well for the visitors lunging in to get hold of the ball in defence. Dunne seeing the ball played into her run from the left shooting from 25 yards out her effort narrowly over the cross bar. 

Deben Howlett

 Abel with a timely tackle to take the ball off Dunne as she looks to break away with the ball in the left channel a corner conceded. Lifted high into the six yard box, Stanway Pegasus with plenty back getting it clear. Horne wins a free kick as she is pushed in the back going up for the ball, top of the circle Stanway Pegasus send it long up to the top of the area left of the D, Jenkins looking to get it down turn to attack the box tackled by Howard.

Thetford’s Dayna Howard

 An pause for an injury seeing referee Edward Colman call for a drinks break, a crucial opportunity for the Stanway Pegasus to regroup as the coaches make their feelings clear demanding more from the side. 27 minutes played the visitors have had to work hard in defence Thetford on top.

 GOAL! Certainly did the trick as play resumes the ball with Stanway Pegasus as they advance fed into Thompson on the left drives on with the ball before firing a vicious cross in on the angle into the corridor, a dangerous ball past the keeper, a defender stretching for it tries to clear but only succeeds in turning the ball on into the net 0-1.

Amy Thompson’s cross turned into the back of the net for an own goal to open the scoring

 The drinks break couldn’t have come at a better time, Stanway Pegasus under pressure lucky to have no conceded finding themselves in the lead with the first attack after the restart. Stanway Pegasus looking energised after the goal, Howlett with a strong tackle to win the ball as Thetford look to get Cobb on the move through the middle. Clemmens turning on the ball central playing it forwards into Horne the attacker turning the ball out to Wealls wide on the right surging forwards delivers a cross into the box the ball intercepted by Levy-Twomey. 

Sausha Levy-Twomey

Thetford looking for a respond Dunne bringing the ball on has Claughton ahead of her racing into the left channel the ball rolled into her feet shoots from the top of area her shoot angled into Brand covering the near post. Clark into Clemmens central sends the ball into the left channel looking for Horne, Peeling winning it back for Thetford. Claughton playing the ball inside to Dunne from the left attempts to play it on for Cobb, Jenkins getting a foot in to divert the ball away for a throw.

 GOAL! Thetford getting players up well to press the ball around the Stanway Pegasus box, won centrally the diagonal ball fed through the defence into Claughton pulling clear to the left, sends another dangerous cross in across the face of goal Cobb closing in centrally, in runs on to the far post with Shannon Chandler bursting in to get on the end of it to turn the ball over the line and equalise 1-1.

Shannon Chandler equalising for Thetford

Thetford back on level terms with a little over 5 minutes left to play in the first half. A more competitive contest more Stanway Pegasus trying to get players up support Horne in attack. Both sides playing some loose passes Howlett up well to defend as Thetford look to turn play around with a ball over the top. Jenkins snapping in to win the ball high for Stanway Pegasus played into Wealls wide right pushes forwards her cross cut out by Queimedo. 

 Abel being kept busy by Claughton getting a timely tackle in to deny her running in behind. Wealls squaring a ball into the D, Thompson and Clemmens both making runs can’t get themselves sorted out to release a shot before being closed down. Wealls over a free kick on the right for the visitors playing a high ball into the area, Parker catching it. Thetford with a rapid counter on the right Shannon Chandler running with the ball sent on for Cobb up top, Howlett stretching out a foot to cut out the pass.

  Horne taking the ball on up the right sending an angled ball into the six yard box, Thompson far side can’t quite get there however has taken a touch off a Thetford player on the way through, corner given. The initial corner out at the near post, Stanway Pegasus keep players up forcing a 2nd corner. This delivery curled in central, blocked on the line the rebound blasted back in on goal, blocked again by a turning defender, Stanway Pegasus appeal for handball, but nothing doing.

 Howlett winning another vital header at the back as Cobb threatens to run clear n behind the visitors defence. Wealls winded a painful blow as she is struck with the ball late in the first half. Thompson taking the ball on left side for Stanway Pegasus, Howard getting back at her to tackle for Thetford. Stanway Pegasus winning a late corner on the right, Parker fouled at her near post as she goes to claim the ball.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-1 Stanway Pegasus Women

  Al square at the break the side heading into the changing rooms, a much more competitive end to the half than the opening 25 minutes. Thetford imposing themselves getting after the ball, creating chances, however not taking any as Stanway Pegasus battled hard at the back. A break for drinks much needed for the visitors a chance for the coaches to lift their team,, did the trick with Stanway Pegasus into the lead straight from the restart. Thetford continued to create openings and finally took on to level the scores late in the half. Will feel aggrieved could have been 3-0 up on another day. Still at 1-1 all to play for 2nd half.

 Thetford out onto the pitch early for the 2nd half, no changes. Stanway Pegasus making a change, Wealls picking up a couple of knocks in the first half coming off replaced by Imogen Fisher. The clouds have rolled in 2nd half making it feel alot cooler, still pleasant however. Thetford to begin the 2nd half the ball played back to Peeling in defence played out to Dunne attacking on the left the ball cut out by Abel. 

 Fisher linking up with Clemmens in the middle for the visitors the ball fed forwards into Horne in attack, Levy-Twomey lunging in to win the ball back for Thetford. Jenkins now on the right for Stanway Pegasus driving on with the ball her cross fired into the box, cut out by Marriott turned behind off the defender for a corner kick. Curled into the near post defended and cleared up to Cobb in attack, lifts it out to Megan Chandler breaking right, her high ball from the angle into the box, claimed by Brand. 

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling

 

  Thetford pressing the ball around the Stanway Pegasus area, Dunne involved with Cobb and Megan Chandler a strike from inside the D striking Howlett from close range, Stanway Pegasus aggrieved as judged to have struck her hand a free-kick given. Outside the D, Peeling and Claughton over it, the latter striking it over the wall, over the crossbar. The hosts winning the ball back on the left, Queimedo on for Claughton powering her way up the line fires the ball into the six yard box, Cobb racing in near post can’t get the ball under control between her feet turning it behind for a goal kick. 

  Clark playing a throw on for Thompson left wing squared in into the middle for Clemmens 25 yards out, attempts to dink a deft ball over the top for Horne to latch onto as she turns with Levy-Twomey in close attention, the central defender doing well up against her to get the ball away to safety. Thetford making a double change bringing off Dunne and Shannon Chandler, send on Mollie O’Callaghan and Sophie White. Abel is down for Stanway Pegasus too injured and needs to come off, forced into a change, Brogan McHale coming on sees a few players shift positions.

Stanway Pegasus captain, Jessica Clark

  15 minutes gone in the 2nd half Thetford lively get the ball into White charging up the right cutting inside her short is blocked at the near post, spins loose into the middle of the box players swarming around the ball O’Callaghan getting hold of it moves to the right unleashing a shot, again blocked by the defence the rebound coming to Cobb inside the D, is closed down the ball charged clear as Stanway Pegasus clear their lines, Thetford attempt to break get no where as play is stopped with Teigan McHale hurt in the chaos moments ago.

 Keen to get back into the action after receiving treatment. Megan Chandler out to White wide right taking the ball to the by-line her cross intercepted by Brogan McHale. Thetford with a good spell of pressure. Jessica Gill busy on the ball for Stanway Pegasus looknig to make things happen in attack advancing right side strong on the ball plays it on for Clemmens, Peeling coming across to defend play the ball out for a throw. Stanway Pegasus defending hard putting in the blocks bodies on the line as O’Callaghan and White she shots charged down top of the area before Cobb is flagged offside taking the ball right.

 GOAL! Much more competitive in the 2nd half both sides moving in quickly to close the ball down, play getting congested at times a players are drawn over to the ball, Thetford looknig to stop Stanway Pegasus advancing right side, O’Callaghan moving in to press the ball pinging loose, the midfield latching onto it fires it forwards from distance left of the circle, catches the keeper off guard out of position can’t adjust as it races past her an finds it’s way into the bottom corner to put the hosts into the lead 22 minutes into the 2nd half 2-1.

Mollie O’Callaghan’s strike from distance finding the back of the net to sent Thetford into the lead

  Peeling taking a painful blow to her foot as she goes into contest a 50/50 deflecting the ball out of the park in the process play stopped immediately needs lengthy treatment another drinks break called. Thompson taking the ball on for the visitors off of a throw on the left drops a teasing ball into the six yard box Jenkins coming in at the far post attempting to get her leg up control the ball, doesn’t get enough of it as her attempt loops up over the bar onto the roof of the net. 

 Jenkins with some good footwork taking the ball on for Stanway Pegasus sending a diagonal ball into the near post for Horne to chase, Parker behind it taking it into her mid-riff as she flops down onto the turf. Again Stanway Pegasus respond well after the drinks break Jenkins and Thompson looking sharp on the flanks. Thompson in behind on the left lifting a cross into the six yard box, Levy-Twomey clearing for Thetford, Horne with her arms up appealing for a handball but nothing doing.

Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker

 

  Gill, strong on the ball for Stanway Pegasus looknig to drive forwards, Howard going with her getting a foot in to take the ball off her. White tracking back well to defend on Thompson as she attacks on the left the ball out of play for a throw. The clock ticking down but plenty of stoppage time to be added. Katie Fray coming on for Thetford replacing Cobb in attack. Peeling in to defend on Jenkins as she moves across the pitch looking to get onto the end of a cross-field pass. Jenkins, pulls down by O’Callaghan as she looks to drive forwards on the right. Jenkins over the set-piece herself from the angle fires over.

  Thetford winning a free-kick on halfway, Peeling to play it long high into the box right of goal into Fray, puts the cross in front of goal, snatched into her gloves by Brand. 

Jessica Gill

GOAL! The ball played into Gill, she turns making a powerful run moving left, strong in possession squeezes it on for Thompson out wide, Peeling going into challenge the ball taking a deflection off her allowing Thompson to run in behind after it flashes a ball with pace into the six yard box a defender sticking a leg out but only succeeds in putting it straight into Horne’s path she accepts the gift and drills the ball past Parker before she can react to level the scores 2-2! Stanway Pegasus equalise with less than 5 minutes of regular play left.

Jade Horne scoring to put Stanway Pegasus back on level terms

GOAL! The celebrations are cut short however a Thetford hit back with an immediate reply getting the ball up towards their opponents area straight from the restart shifted right before being squared back inside, a shot charged down, the rebound falls to O’Callaghan inside the D left side composed bringing it down to strike on the half volley sends a looping effort angling past everyone into the left of the goal to restore Thetford’s lead 3-2!

Mollie O’Callaghan celebrates as she restores Thetford’s lead

 Stanway Pegasus making their 3rd change with the player/coach coming on Rosi Webb into the action in place of Thompson. White into defend for Thetford stopping Fisher from getting away on the right. A yellow card issued as Claughton is upended wide on the left. The Free-kick played long into towards the far post, Fray under it directing her header back in across goal out over the bar. Thetford quick to regain possession retrieved out wide in the corner by Claughton another free-kick won. 

GOAL! Fray with a warning shot moment before the set-piece effectively a corner lifted in again to the far post Fray meeting it with her head once again drilling it back in across goal and scores to see Thetford open a 2 goal cushion as the game enters stoppage time 4-2.

Katie Fray congratulated by her team as she heads Thetford into a 4-2 lead

  A huge blow to Stanway Pegasus late in the contest as Thetford send on Emily Birt. Thetford defending as Levy-Twomey cuts the ball out as Fisher looks to play Horne in through the middle. Into 8 minutes of added on time Parker dealing with a strong back pass from Peeling as she wins the ball under challenge from Horne sending it wide for a throw. Howlett winning the ball high for Stanway Pegasus driving forwards through the middle gets it out to Jenkins on the right, her early ball into the area intercepted by Marriott. Claughton coming off for Thetford, Ruby Lakey coming on. 

Parker collecting the ball into her mid-riff as an angled shot is struck in from the right. Thetford winning a corner out on the right, curled in across the six yard box, Webb up to defend doing enough to put off the attacker the ball turned wide. Fisher dragging a long range effort wide for Stanway Pegasus as they look to get the ball on with seconds left. Fisher sees a wayward goal kick presented to her outside the box, picks Horne out inside the box right of goal screws her shot wide. 

Full-time Thetford Town Ladies 4-2 Stanway Pegasus Women

 The final whistle blows and Thetford win the game 4-2 to advance in this season’s FA Women’s Cup. A more competitive 2nd half, Thetford had more options on the bench, getting themselves into the lead with a long range punt, Stanway Pegasus fought back well to find an equalising goal but Thetford came straight back at them to retake the lead and Katie Fray headed them into a 4-2 lead late on the hosts defending well to maintain the advantage and see out the game. Made to work for the win in the finish after a dominant start to the game, a much needed response from Stanway Pegasus to get into the lead first half, pegged back the scores level was an cup tie full of drama and competitive as you’d except an all ERWFL tie to be

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as is so often the case another tough call but as the report unfolded one player did put themselves into the forefront. Strong performances from both sides, starting with Stanway Pegasus, Amy Thompson was a good outlet on the right ready to take the ball on making some timely runs. Deben Howlett and Teigan McHale with some vital tackles and interceptions at the back certainly helped keep their side in the game early on. Jessica Gill grew into the game busy in the 2nd half some strong running on the ball looked to spur her side on. A strong performance from Thetford back three, Fran Peeling and Jessica Marriott defending their respective channels well throughout. Sausha Levy-Twomey central reading the game timed her tackles beautifully. Liv Dunne with some strong runs on the ball getting forwards linking up play created chances. Megan Chandler with some powerful runs used the ball well. Mollie O’Callaghan making an impact coming off the bench with 2 goals. The award goes to Hannah Claughton got forwards well on the left taking the game to Stanway Pegasus readily available creating chances and kept it up throughout.

  An exciting game to begin my FA Women’s Cup adventure this season. There were plenty of ties to choose from and this one didn’t disappoint. Was keen to see Stanway Pegasus and glad to have done so catch up with some players who I know well from previous clubs. Thetford’s coaches will no doubt be pleased with the squads response after a difficult couple of results to start the season. My thanks to both for the help with the team details today and I look forwards to seeing the draw for the next round of the cup. 

by Darren Gilham