Monthly Archives: October 2025

Match Report – Histon Ladies v Stevenage FC Women Development

Sunday 26th October

ERWFL Division One North

 Into the last weekend of October, the clocks go back and the temperature most certainly drops, however the football is hotting up nicely, leagues taking shape and the likely title contenders have emerged, the action this Sunday from ERWFL Division One North, leaders, Histon Ladies with a 100% record, hosting 2nd placed, Stevenage FC Women Development also unbeaten in the league.

  One promotion place guaranteed for clinching the title, the winning side moving up to join the ERWFL Premier Division, representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid across the East. The ERWFL reaching it’s full compliment of 36 sides across 3 Divisions in recent seasons. A 12 strong Premier Division with a Division One North and South, tier 6 in the pyramid.

  Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies, returning to the ERWFL a couple of seasons ago, making strides on and off the pitch to become one of the leading women’s football clubs in the county, Matt Payne bringing Kevin Jacklin to the club as manager, now stepping up to oversee the women’s development has a wealth of experience in the women’s game, Darren Marjoram joining the club this season to take on the managers role, after a spell in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC, Liz Pamplin joining him from Cambridge, making for a strong team to take the cub forwards.

 Histon have hit the ground running this season too, with a 100% win rate in the league so far to top the table with 8 wins from 8. Building upon a 2nd placed finished last season, have an experienced squad, with some promising young talent coming through. Evie Nicholls runaway top scorer for Histon scoring 13 from her 11 appearances so far with 10 of her teammates sharing another 11 goals between them. Winning several of their games by a single goal margin are proving hard to break down conceding the fewest goals in the league with 6 against them so far. Ella Marden the latest signing for the club, coming too Histon on a dual registration from Cambridge United WFC, adds an attacking threat on the wing.

  Stevenage FC Women Development have emerged as Histon’s main challengers making a fantastic start to the season unbeaten in their opening 8 league games dropping just the two points along the way, manager Chad Foster, like his counter part at Histon seeing their strong starts recognised in the ERWFL’s new manager of the month feature. Stevenage FC taking over from the foundation in looking after the development girls and women’s section transitioning into an Academy, the 1st team also riding high in the ERWFL Premier Division, top of the table gunning for promotion this season.

 Stevenage FC Women Development  are the top scorers in ERWFL Division One North, finding the back of the net for 27 goals so far. Unlike Histon however their goals are scattered throughout the squad with with 13 different goal scorers, Kelsey Millen now with Wormley Rovers Ladies joint top scorer on 4 goals along with Sophie Hendy. Looking to produce players for the 1st team are packed with young talent becoming firmly established within the ERWFL themselves.

 Histon FC’s Bridge Road Stadium the venue for today’s league encounter. The weather blowing in form the North earlier ibn the week has seen a marked change in the temperature with it feeling decidedly chilly, overcast too with the likelihood of rain at some point during the match. The large grass pitch looking in great shape, having already featured an U18s match earlier that day. Offering good width covered viewing all round, the main stand housing the bar at the back serving hot and cold drinks. 

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Kelley Robinson, Abi Davies, Mollie Childerley, Laura Leyland (C), Claire Kreuger, Molly Banks, Sabrina Ghosh, Ella Marden, Gabriella Giussani, Sophie Hopkin & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Tash Collins, Eloise Page, Poppy McCleod, Emily Hope & Bella Howard.

Histon Ladies

 Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Tegan Gibbs, Katie Boyle, Jess Preston, Chase Bembridge, Abigail Hunt, Isobel Matfield, Tegan Wilson, Chloe Gregory, Frankie Tilbury, Sophie Hendy (C) & Lilly Kelly. Subs – Charlotte English, Sophie Wade, Isla Martin, Olivia Thornton & Poppy Young. 

Stevenage FC Women Development

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Stevenage to get the game underway kicking off the first half wearing an all navy kit with red and white trim. Histon lined up opposite wearing red and black vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back to the defence played up through the middle into Tegan Wilson she looks to send in on through the centre into Chloe Gregory making an attacking run at the Histon defence, the pass cut out by Histon captain and centre back, Laura Leyland.

  Stevenage making a bright start looking to shift the ball between them short passes keeping the ball moving, Isobel Matfield getting hold of the ball taking it on through the middle, clipped out to Lilly Kelly making a run on the right flank, controls the ball, checking back inside to play the ball in central, Sabrina Ghosh back to intercept it for the hosts. 

 The visitors winning the ball back inside the Histon half Gregory feeding it into the left channel for Frankie Tilbury to attack, knocks it on, full back Abi Davies thrusting a leg out to cut the ball out divert it out of play for a throw in. The hosts send the ball on up through the middle looking to break in behind the Stevenage defence, Sophie Hopkin with the run, Abigail Hunt getting to it first to put it out for a throw high on the left.

  The throw dropped into Hopkin outside the box left corner, looks to see it down into her feet and turn to release a shot, slips as she goes to pull the trigger seeing her effort screw wide of the left post for a goal kick. Histon coming back at Stevenage to press the ball inside their opponents half, Gabrielle Giussani charging the ball down on the right, can’t pick the pass through for Evie Nicholls up top, cut out by Stevenage’s Jess Preston out for a throw. Lively from both sides rushing in to close the other down. Gregory bringing the ball away to the right on for Kelly has Katie Boyle racing past her on the overlap, Mollie Childerley challenging to prevent the cross.

  Gregory linking up with Wilson through the middle for Stevenage gaining ground the pass threaded out to Kelly on the right driving up the line swings in a cross to the near post grabbed up by Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson. Histon winning another throw high on the left Childerley combining well with Ella Marden to get the ball down into the corner to whip a cross into the near post, goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs down to snatch it up into her gloves not distracted by Nicholls racing in to try and get hold of the ball herself.

Stevenage’s Chloe Gregory

  The visitors working the ball up the pitch quickly Tilbury out to the left, has plenty of support the cross swung in from a deep position, Childerley to clear for Histon central, Stevenage making an appeal for handball but nothing doing. Another Stevenage foray up on the left captain Sophie Hendy on the ball ball left on for Tilbury the ball crossed in to Gregory top of the area, fouls Leyland as the defender goes in to try and clear the foul given even as Boyle right of goal snatches a shot wide of the right post.

Stevenage captain, Sophie Hendy with Histon defender, Claire Kreuger

  Giussani pressing forwards on the right for Histon winning a throw, sees Nicholls turn it into the first corner of the match. Played in long across the six yard box, Stevenage get hold of the ball break forwards Kelly taking the ball on lifting it long into Tilbury charging up the left, slowed up by the Histon defence, playing it back to Hendy her shot from outside the box, deflected through to the keeper. 

  A long ball splitting the Stevenage defence sees, attacker Nicholls racing through in on goal, central pulls the trigger, Gibbs advancing reacting well with a sharp save getting down to block with her leg, the ball looping up lose in the area, no one up with Nicholls who can’t reach it before Stevenage hook the ball clear. 

Goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs preparing to save Evie Nicholls strike

 A lively contest with both sides aiming to get the ball forwards quickly snapping into their tackles, Histon with another probing long pass through the middle from Ghosh sees Hopkin this time stealing away to the right of the D, Chase Bembridge lunging in with the tackle to take the ball away from her for the visitors. 

Chase Bembridge winning the ball back for Stevenage

 Tilbury linking up with Hendy in attack a high ball into the box cleared by Histon who counter the ball forwards into Hopkin, up with Nicholls played down the left wing for Marden to attack, Boyle getting back on her to tackle the ball off her out for a corner kick. Players up from the back for Histon, Claire Kreuger looking to pull of her marker near post make a run to the far side as the corner is swung in towards her, gets a glancing head on the ball, not enough to divert it goal wards as it runs wide past the far post. 

Claire Kreuger intercepts the ball for Histon

  Players from both sides lunging in to try and win the ball some hotly contested 50/50’s, Molly Banks getting stuck in for Histon well backed up by Ghosh as they look to break play up in the middle keep Histon on the front foot. Kelly with some smart footwork to come away with the ball on the right for Stevenage powering forwards has Gregory ahead of her up the line her ball into the box too close to the keeper, Robinson launching it clear.

  Leyland intercepting an attempted through ball from Wilson as Hendy looks to pull in behind. Histon pressuring the ball, closing it down well to get it forward into their attacking players, Hopkin up with Nicholls getting a throw on the left down the line for Marden to wrap her foot around the ball in the corner send a cross into the near post top of the six yard box, Hopkin momentarily free, knocking it down in front of her, Hunt recovering superbly to get back at her deny the shot.

Histon’s Sophie Hopkin

  Kelly picking up a yellow card as she brings Childerley down on the right as she looks to get inside to delivery a cross into the box. Marden coming into the middle sending the cross-field pass into Giussani on the right attempts to play it over the top into the box for Nicholls, too much on it however allowing Gibbs to claim. Midway through the 1st half, a lively contest all action the ball rarely still, Histon beginning to see more of the ball winning it in the middle pushing players on. 

 Banks bringing the ball on well for the hosts playing it on for Marden pushing on down the left the angle against her as she attempts to cross the ball back into the Stevenage area, hits the side netting. Marden played in again on the left to the by-line squares the ball back into the six yard box, missed by Hunt as she goes to clear, however runs on safely for Gibbs to pounce upon it before Histon can capitalise. 

 Hendy fouled as she takes the ball on from Matfield through the middle for Stevenage. Histon strong in defence leaving no room to run in behind cut out by Kreuger, the ball played forwards quickly into Marden breaking on down the left, cuts inside 30 yards out, a miscued attempt to drop the ball into Nicholls path inside the box instead goes out for a goal-kick.

Stevenage’s Isobel Matfield

 A few niggly free-kicks given away but such is the nature of the game the ball being moved so rapidly tackles are bound to be mis-timed, no malice though. Hendy carrying the ball on for Stevenage sends it on for Kelly right side, wide on the angle takes the shot on her effort over the crossbar. 

  Kelly with a late challenge on Childerley, the referee telling her to calm things down, Childerley picking herself up ready to get on with things, the free-kick into the top of the area half cleared, Ghosh onto it firing it on, Nicholls in behind turning to shoot wide of the left post however the flag is up against her. Hunt with  good piece of defending at the back for Stevenage dropping off well on Nicholls to give herself room to tackle as Hopkin attempts to feed the ball into her feet top of the D.

Stevenage defender, Abigail Hunt

  Tilbury lining up as strike from all of 30 yards out for Stevenage central, charged down by Kreuger. 

 GOAL! The clock ticking down in the first half, Nicholls closely marked by the Stevenage defence determined to find a way through, pulls away to the right as Ghosh plays her in from the middle takes the ball into her stride holding off players as she bursts into the box, striking the ball on the angle to blast a vicious strike low past the keeper before she can get down to block 1-0.

Evie Nicholls opening the scoring for Histon

  Stevenage falling behind late in the 1st half, Histon with a long range effort fired into the box, catching Gibbs unawares she lurches forwards palming the ball away, goes down in agony immediately after appearing to get her feet caught in the turf jarring both her ankle and knee, only recently recovered from an ankle injury play is stopped some concern amongst the Stevenage players, needs treatment play paused. The visitors with no recognised goalkeeper on their bench discussing their options, Bembridge putting herself forwards for the role the change delayed however as Gibbs slowly rises to her feet prepared to go on see how she feels for now.

 Not risking kicking the ball, play resumes with Histon quickly in to win the ball back in the middle, Hopkin with a long range tester for the injured keeper, Gibbs back in her six yard box untroubled the ball straight at her gathered. Hendy onto the ball left side in the box shoots low, Robinson down to save it covering the near post.

Histon goalkeeper, Keeley Robinson

 Histon attack down their right, Davies on for Giussani, her cross into the top of the area brought under control by Marden left of goal her initial shot blocked by Hunt, gets another bite at it hooking the loose ball up in towards goal, Gibbs back on her line getting her gloves up above her head to grab hold of the ball. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs

 Into stoppage time in the 1st half, Stevenage dropping deep looking to protect their injured keeper, Nicholls full of attacking intent looking to chase Gibbs down winning her side a late corner. Swung into the box cleared by Boyle. Childerley with another throw on the left high inside the Stevenage half sends Marden in down the line, Boyle back on her to defend the ball out for a corner. Defended successfully out for a 2nd corner no time to take it as the referee blows up for half-time. 

Half-time Histon Ladies 1-0 Stevenage FC Women Development

  A lively 1st half drawing to a close Histon heading into the changing rooms with a narrow one goal lead. Made to work hard for it the ball closed down throughout by both sides, Stevenage with a bright start looking to get the ball forwards, Kelly a threat out to the right keeping the defence busy, the midfield hotly contested, Histon getting on top to press the ball create chances, Nicholls closely marked working hard to find an opening put trough to score late in the half. Goalkeeper Gibbs picking up a nasty looking injury a blow to the visitors.

  As suspected Stevenage are not risking Gibbs in the 2nd half making a change, Bembridge donning the spare goalkeepers kit coming out early to get warmed up for her new role. The visitors making double change, Wilson also off with Charlotte English and Isla Martin coming on.

Chase Bembridge warming up going into goal in the 2nd half for Stevenage

  Histon unchanged as they get the 2nd half underway the rain arriving now retreated into the stand to watch the game. The ball from the middle clipped out to Marden on the left knocked forwards, Boyle out to close her down sending the ball out for a corner kick.

 Taken short played up the line, the cross coming in from deep falling to Leyland unmarked top of the area tries to guide her header into the left of the Stevenage goal, Bembridge across her goal face to grab hold of the ball. Histon making a positive start to the 2nd half pressing on with the ball, Banks finding Nicholls breaking into the left channel  wins a corner off a defensive challenge.

Histon midfielder, Molly Banks

  From the left swung in central knocked down central to the left of goal, Bembridge alert down quickly to scoop the ball up into her gloves. Histon’s defence pushed up as Stevenage look to counter, Matfield playing the ball on through the middle, Leyland with a vital interception at the ball or Gregory would have been free with the ball to make a run on goal. 

Histon captain, Laura Leyland

 Davies combining with Giussani on Histon’s right, the latter sending a cross deep into the far post Marden arriving to get her head on the ball drives it wide back across the face of goal. Stevenage frustrated as Kelly is flagged offside attempting to get after a diagonal pass into her on the left. Stevenage defending deeper 2nd half, inviting pressure from Histon, Davies and Childerley able to get forwards to help support the attack. Gregory picking up a knock for Stevenage back helping out in defence but back up on her feet able to play on.

  Childerley with a strong challenge on Martin as the wing cuts inside from the right, play brought back for the free-kick with no advantage. Right of the D 25 yards out, Tilbury over it strikes the ball well past the wall but not troubling Robinson has she holds up her gloves seeing it race wide of her left post. 

 Banks continues to get stuck into the action for Histon making some strong challenges to win the ball back keep her side on the front foot. A free kick won inside the visitors half played out to the left the cross turned behind by English for a corner kick. Curled into the top of the six yard box attacked by Kreuger central her header seeing the ball turned out wide past the far post.

  The rain falling steadily Histon attack on the right Davies going past Giussani to take the ball on slipping as she goes to play the cross. Is still high up the pitch as Giussani lunges in to regain possession put it back on for her wide, this time sends her cross into the box, snatched up by Bembridge at the near post. Giussani given the ball by Ghosh angling a cross into the area from the right, headed clear by Hunt for Stevenage. Marden taking the ball on from Childerley on the left feeding in on into the box for Hopkin sends the ball from the angle up over the bar.

Histon winger, Ella Marden

  Histon making a double switch past the hour mark, Tash Collins and Belle Howard coming on, Giussani and Hopkin coming off. Nicholls seeing the ball into her feet central top of the D, moves right, getting a shot away under challenge, angled back in across goal, Bembridge getting down behind it to make the save. The Stevenage defence riding out a spell of pressure, Preston breaking away with the ball on the left angling a cross into the area, cleared by Childerley far side as Martin looks to run in on the ball.

  Histon’s defence looking solid not leaving many gaps pushed up at time Banks and Ghosh supporting the ball won back Davies and Childerley getting on to support on the flanks. Howard busy after the ball providing good link up play with Nicholls in attack. English cutting a pass out inside the D as the pair combine. Marden flashing a cross into the near post coming at Bembridge quickly makes a grab for it pops up out of her gloves for a split second but recovers quickly to get hold of it before it can evade her trickle over the line.

Histon full back Abi Davies

 Howard hooking the ball forwards on for Nicholls pulling into the right channel bringing the ball down, comes back inside shaping to shoot, Boyle in to close her down the ball off the defender behind for a corner kick. 

 GOAL! Players up from the back for the corner initially defended by Stevenage cleared to the left outside the area Histon closing the ball down en masse the shot struck on with plenty of pace from the angle, head height, on Bembridge quickly makes a grab for it but doesn’t stick in her gloves popping out and agonisingly beyond her over the line to see Histon double their lead with a little over 15 minutes left on the clock 2-0. Leyland the player with the strike congratulated by her teammates scoring her 2nd goal of the season.

Captain Laura Leyland firing Histon into a 2 goal lead

  Niggle as Stevenage want to make a change before the restart, retaken so it can be made Olivia Thornton coming on replacing Kelly. Stevenage picking out Martin wide on the right she wins her side a throw, the ball level with the top of the area helped on into the box headed away by Leyland. Preston pushing on up the left looking to link up with Thornton, Collins getting back to help in defence winning the ball back.

Jess Preston winning the ball back for Stevenage

  Gregory picking the ball up in the middle for the visitors pushing on towards the box, right of the D, is no way through forced out of the area by Kreuger the centre back lunges in to give away the free-kick and earn herself a yellow card. Similar to her earlier attempt, Tilbury over the ball again gets it on target this time but straight forward for Robinson right behind it in goal.

Stevenage’s Frankie Tilbury

  Histon look to launch a rapid counter attack the ball on for Ghosh through the middle lifts it on into the area for Nicholls but too strong out for a goal kick. Thornton taking the ball on to the by-line for Stevenage left flank, Davies back with her challenging to see the ball off the attacker for a goal kick. Into the final 10 minutes Stevenage with a double change, Gregory and Preston coming off, Sophie Wade and Poppy Young sent on. Histon also making a change, Marden coming off to be replaced by Emily Howe.

  Martin getting the better of Childerley attacking on the right inside to delivery a cross into the area, Kreuger though under it to clear for Histon. Leyland on hand at the back for Histon to clear the ball as Thornton stands a ball up into the box from the left. Ghosh firing the ball into Howard she knocks it into Nicholls central, Hunt snaps in to take the ball off her for Stevenage. Collins attacking with the ball out on the right for Histon sees her cross deflected behind off a defender for a corner kick.

Histon’s Sabrina Ghosh

 The light beginning to fade rapidly as we move into the final 5 minutes of the game, Collins pushing on into the box from the right flashing a cross into the six yard box, Nicholls central looking to get it under control release a shot, Boyle in to close her down the ball away for a corner kick. Histon on top in the closing stages of the game winning a free-kick as they look to hold the ball up in the corner, played into the area cleared to the top of the area Ghosh latching onto it strikes the ball in on goal from 20 yards out swerving to the left, Bembridge gets down well to save. 

 Eloise Page coming on in the closing moments for Histon replacing Ghosh. Collins using her experience to keep the ball in the corner on the right for Histon run down the clock, the final whistle blowing up to see the hosts collect the 3 points extending their 100% record to 9 straight wins to extend their lead at the top of the table. 

Full time Histon Ladies 2-0 Stevenage FC Women Development

  Histon with a goal in both halves ensuring victory, on top overall with a strong 2nd half performance to dominate the ball wining their challenges, getting players up the pitch to keep the pressure on while staying solid at the back giving very little away in the 2nd period. An entertaining contest between the two sides at the top of the table, easy to see why both are where they are, Stevenage losing their unbeaten record, will have a chance to get back at Histon straight away as the two sides meet again next weekend in the reverse fixture, sure to be as hotly contested as the first.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As usual another tough on, although I was fairly certain before the final whistle. Small margins however and both sides with a strong all round team performance. Several to mention, firstly doe Stevenage, Abigail Hunt with some vital interceptions and tackles in defence. Chase Bembridge too stepping up to replace the injured keeper 2nd half. Chloe Gregory with some strong midfield runs. Lilly Kelly a threat on the ball on the flanks looked dangerous throughout. For Histon, Laura Leyland and Claire Kreuger were strong in the centre of defence limited opportunities keeping it tight won the ball well both offering a threat from set-pieces up the other end, backed up well by full backs, Mollie Childerley and Abi Davies. Sabrina Ghosh with some useful tackling played the ball forwards well. Evie Nicholls lively in attack, closely marked but worked hard to find an opening opening the scoring. The award goes to midfielder Molly Banks got stuck in from the start closing the ball down, wining her fair share of tackles and kept her side on the front foot throughout.

 October’s been a lean month for myself football wise, other priorities taking hold but good to be back at it today with an entertaining contest from the top of ERWFL Division One North, thanks to both sides for their help this afternoon always appreciated. Best wishes too to Stevenage goalkeeper, Tegan Gibbs hoping the injury isn’t too serious and she can make a swift recovery. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Hashtag United Women Reserves

Sunday 12th October

ERWFL League Cup

Back at it this Sunday with a game from the ERWFL League Cup, the competition into the 2nd Round, Hashtag United Women Reserves, newly promoted to the ERWFL, 2nd in Division One South travelling to Norfolk to face Premier Division side, Wroxham Women.

The clubs knocked out in the opening 2 rounds of the ERWFL League Cup going on to contest the League Plate.

Wroxham Women, seeing Joe Simpson return to take on the managers role this season following the departure of Adam Race, the Norfolk club doing well in the League Cup in recent season’s since making the switch from Acle to join Wroxham, finalists in 2022 & 2024. Simpson very busy on the coaching front at the moment also interim manager at King’s Lynn Town FC. The club having something of a rebuild with a few senior players moving on, such as former captain Becky Russell. Tigi Robson formerly vice captain stepping up to the role. Currently 9th in the Premier Division table will be looking to push on into the top half challenge the leading pack.

A host of new faces joining the side this season, a younger squad full of players with great potential to go on grow in the game. Some experience added too, Kathryn Stanley formerly playing for FAWNL side, Norwich City Women joining this season. Alice Collins another with a wealth of experience playing for Wymondham, King’s Lynn and most recently Thetford in the ERWFL. Sister’s Katie and Maddie Green made a name for themselves in Norfolk starring for Fakenham Town Ladies last season. Lucy Bradford re-joining the squad this season. Holly Farrow comes to Wroxham having been at Mulbarton last season with Milly Weddle joining having played for Ipswich Academy. Rachel Skinner the most recent recruit previously with King’s Lynn Town. Hannah Fuller always amongst the goals for Wroxham still leading the line has 3 to her name so far this season, Hayley Kindred one ahead netting 4.

  Hashtag United football club bursting onto the football scene in Essex, a new concept showing lots of ambition, on the women’s side taking over the C&K Basildon Women’s side that had reached the 3rd tier of the women’s football pyramid, pushing hard for promotion too from the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, becoming the leading force for women’s football in the county. First saw their Reserves side in the final of the Essex Women’s County Cup back in 2023, played well suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Billericay Town Women. Reserves sides within the FAWNL struggling to find a settled path in recent season’s.

 Led by Declan Murphy, Hashtag United Women Reserves joined the Essex Women’s Premier Division last season, were a strong outfit emerging out on top to clinch both the league title and lift the league cup making the progression up into the ERWFL and regional football, joining Division One South, with a already strong Essex presence. Performing best amongst the newly promoted sides. winning 4 of their opening 6 league matches with just the one loss to sit 2nd in the table amongst the sides looking to chase down leaders Chelmsford City Women. The highest scorers in the league too finding the back of the net for 29 goals in those 6 matches including 15 in their last 2 matches. Chelise Fleming top scorer so far with 13 goals from 6 matches. Sophia Mylona with 7 from the 2 games she has featured in.

  The Ginger Pickle Arena at Trafford Park the venue for today’s league cup encounter, home to Yachtsmen and Yachtswomen, Wroxham one of a number of clubs that gives great promotion and support to their women’s side. The large grass pitch sloping from one goal to the other, a small covered stand with seating on one side with standing viewing all-round the clubhouse and bar open serving both hot and cold drinks and food. The weather somewhat overcast today but settled and still mild for the time of year.

Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Katie Green, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Jordan Arnoup, Lily Alexander, Katie Knights, Jorja Palmer, Lauren Bullard, Maddie Green & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Kathryn Stanley, Milly Weddle, Hayley Kindred, Holly Farrow & Rachel Skinner.

Wroxham Women

Hashtag United Women Reserves starting XI – Aulona Xhema, Macey Rothon (C), Emma Clark, Emily Galea, Sarah Finch, Raissa Taborda, Charis Howell, Leonnie Telford, Motunrayo Ojobaro, Chelise Fleming & Sophia Mylona. Subs – Emily Hamlin, Leyla Priest, Erin Radburn, Mimi Ouacel & Gracie Oxby.

Hashtag United Women Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Wroxham having played 4 successive away fixtures, glad to be back on home turf, giving a few players a rest have a few missing through injury, new signing Collins and defender Ella Gambell who recently suffered a broken collar bone amongst them. Defender Albany Hodgson, recently announcing her pregnancy, sending her my congratulations. Hashtag themselves a young side, just captain, Macey Rothon and defender Chloe Galea remain from the squad that played in the County Cup final. 

   Wroxham to kick-off the first half attacking down the slope, wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks, Hashtag lined up opposite in their away colours, red and blue patterned halved shirts, red shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Katie Knights in midfield lifts it forwards into the right channel for Lauren Bullard rushing forwards the ball cleared by captain, Macey Rothon for Hashtag, the hosts looking to press forwards early on get after the ball inside the Hashtag half, Wroxham forcing it on into the left channel, Hannah Fuller, bursting through into the box looking to get onto the ball, goalkeeper, Aulona Xhema rushing forwards to put her foot through the ball to launch clear.

 

  Looking highly competitive in the middle, Charis Howell getting hold of the ball for Hashtag lifting in on into the right wing for Motunrayo Ojobaro to attack breaking forwards with pace, Poppy Loveland moving across to defend for Wroxham sliding in to tackle the ball out for a throw. Lily Alexander battling for the ball in the middle for Wroxham pushed up along side Katie Knights the latter clipping the diagonal pass on for Bullard attacking down the right flank, stands a cross up to the near post, taken cleanly above her head by Xhema. 

  Physical too both sides getting stuck in Alexander and Chelise Fleming tussling for the ball. Wroxham winning throws on either flank inside their opponents half. Jorja Palmer on the left for Wroxham getting help from her captain Tigi Robson the ball squared into the middle for Alexander, send on to the right Katie Green latching onto it sending a high ball into the area claimed by Xhema.

Wroxham’s Jorja Palmer

  Hashtag under pressure, break away with pace the ball from Raissa Taborda in the centre forced on into the path of Leonie Telford charging forwards on the left, takes on the strike early her angled shot from all of 25 yards out racing wide past the far post. 

  Ojobaro back to help in defence as Wroxham build on the left Knights linking up with Palmer and Fuller, Ojobaro snapping in to regain possession for the visitors. 

 GOAL! Hashtag look dangerous on the counter and so proves the case as the ball is cleared out of defence, up to halfway the bounce misread by the defence, sees Fleming break clear with the ball at her feet storming on through the middle pulls the trigger from 20 yards out fiercely struck the ball flies past goalkeeper, Bryony Williams into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1.

Chelise Fleming breaking away to open the scoring for Hashtag.

  Hashtag into the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Wroxham look to regroup the ball into Maddie Green played on for Fuller in attack, working hard to close the ball down in the final 3rd comes left, her cross cut back to the top of the area, cleared by Hashtag’s Chloe Galea. The hosts pressing the ball in the final 3rd Palmer squared to Knights left corner turns, looks to play the ball on for Fuller attacking through the middle, cut out by Galea who sets her side away on the counter the ball launched forwards through the middle for Fleming to try and chase down, Williams starts to come, but stays inside her box as she realises the ball has just about enough on it for her to gather safely. 

  Wroxham winning a throw on the right Katie Green putting the pass into Knights inside right 25 yards out looks to line up a strike, Fleming back in the way to charge the ball down for Hashtag. The visitors come away with the ball on the right, Emma Clark taking the ball on from the back launching a diagonal ball into the box, Sophia Mylona the target racing in on goal, Loveland with her even as Williams comes to get hold of the high ball, does well, her momentum however seeing her collide with her own defender, Loveland floored and in need of treatment. A pause in play but she is okay to play on.

 Wroxham come down the left Palmer sending the deep cross into the middle, taken down by Alexander she looks to push on towards the area appears to have her shirt pulled, play goes one however, Sarah Finch in to make the challenge the ball deflected away to the left Palmer latching onto it shooting on the angle low into the near post. Xhema across to cover the angle scooping up the ball. 

Hashtag defender, Sarah Finch

 GOAL! Pushing for a reply get the ball forwards into Palmer out on the left she cuts it back into Maddie Green who plays it in central for Alexander, Hashtag quick to move in close her down, she still gets the ball back out to Palmer left outside the box her cross back in central latched onto by Knights inside the D who makes good contact with the ball smashing her shot past the keeper before she can react to level the scores. 1-1.

Katie Knights fires in the equaliser for Wroxham

  Wroxham back on level terms with 20 minutes on the clock. Shaping up to be a lively cup contest. Loveland with a crucial interception stretching a leg out to cut the ball from Fleming out as she looks to send it on for Mylona through the middle. Rothon sliding in to challenge, Bullard and Katie Green sends the ball on for her down Wroxham’s right wing. 

 Fleming with an over zealous challenge on Loveland getting a stern talking too from the referee, Wroxham awarded the free-kick. A loose goal-kick form Hashtag presenting the ball straight to Maddie Green 25 yards out sweeps the ball out to the left for Palmer, looks to take the ball inside, Clark closing her down well tackling to see the ball out for another Wroxham throw.

Jorja Palmer with Hashtag’s Emma Clark

 Katie and Maddie Green combine on the right as Wroxham attack the deep cross into the near post dealt with well by Hashtag’s Finch. Wroxham sending a shot over from range as they move in rapidly to regain possession. Hashtag with pace to burn in attack, Ojobaro getting hold of the ball on the right surging forwards driving into the box right of goal close to the by-line cuts it back into the middle, just behind the on rushing Mylona. Multiple shots from the top of the area blocked by the Wroxham defence one taking a wicked deflection wide of the right post for a corner kick. 

Hashtag’s Motunrayo Ojobaro

 The corner played into the near post from the right, good pace on the ball, Fleming stretching out a leg looking to strike it on the volley. Alexander close in on her in the way to block the ball. Fleming a real handful to deal with when she gets hold of the ball looking to push on through the middle, strong, Robson does well to stay on her getting a block in as she pulls the trigger top of the area the sting taken off the ball runs on for her keeper to snatch up.

  Arnoup in defence for Wroxham cutting the ball out as Taborda and Fleming combine through the middle the latter’s pass forwards not reaching Mylona bursting in behind. Loveland sends the ball long for Wroxham into the left channel, Fuller moving across to link up with Palmer in attack. Clark snapping on to win the ball back for Hashtag launching a rapid counter…

Emma Clark

 GOAL! … Clark’s ball rolled forwards into Ojobaro with the ball at her feet drives on up the wing before squaring a dangerous ball into the six yard box, Mylona the first to arrive getting onto the end of it to coolly turn the ball past the keeper from close range to put Hashtag back into the lead 1-2. 

Sophia Mylona scoring to put Hashtag back into the lead

  The visitors back into the lead as the first half closes in on the half hour mark. Wroxham frustrated several free-kicks being given away, Fleming with another robust challenge gets another warning from the referee. Fuller taking the ball on from Maddie Green in the right channel looks for force her way through into the Hashtag box, 4 players closing her down, there’s no way through. 

Wroxham’s Hannah Fuller

  Finch getting her head on the ball to defend a Bullard cross from the right gives away the corner kick. Wroxham look to mix things up with a short corner but mess it up losing possession on the left Taborda coming away with the ball for Hashtag pressing forwards, Katie Green across to get back at her defend for Wroxham. Some bruising battles out there, the ball contested strongly through the middle, Arnoup getting there first as Fleming looks to knock the ball on for Ojobaro on the right. 

Jordan Arnoup

  Bullard receiving the ball into her feet on the left plays it on for Palmer, gets inside Clark, but not Finch as the centre back comes round on the cover. Loveland doing the defending for Wroxham at the back as Taborda looks to send Ojobaro clear on the right. Rothon intercepting the ball on the left for Hashtag looks to send Telford away on the wing, Katie Green closing her down to put the ball out for a throw. 

  All action a lively cup contest, Loveland with another good tackle to deny Fleming this time as the attacker looks to plough her way into the left channel. Wroxham with the ball on the right Maddie Green playing it on for Fuller to race onto inside the box right of goal, Finch going with her even as Xhema comes rushing out to slide in try and claim the ball, instead collides with her own defender the ball loose beyond them both Fuller trying to get to it, Rothon back on the cover winning the race instead to clear the ball across the face of goal out to the left. 

  Xhema stays down after the collision in need of treatment, have a replacement keeper in Emily Hamlin on the bench, time taken however and is up and ready to continue. Moving into the final 5 minutes of the first half. Hashtag breaking clear to attack on the right Fleming storming on with the ball her cross into the area deflected by Knights, allowing Robson to clear, only as far as Ojobaro on the right, shifts the ball inside getting into the box to shoot on the angle her low strike saved by Williams as she drops getting her body behind the ball. 

Lily Alexander with Raissa Taborda

 Fleming making a nuisance of herself, a coming together with Arnoup on the left, sees the Wroxham defender penalised shown a yellow card, the visitors presented with the free-kick. Telford over the ball, goes for goal getting her shot on target at the near post, lacks the height though to trouble Williams who has the angle covered.

 Mylona seeing the ball from Howell into her feet turns to play the ball on for Telford on the left, Katie Green lunging in for Wroxham to see the ball out for a throw. The throw finding its way on through to Taborda central 25 yards out has a swing at the ball her shot over the bar. Taborda getting stuck in to her tackles in the middle for Hashtag breaking play up getting her side back on the front foot.

  Wroxham continue to win throws high on both flanks, Finch making a couple of interceptions inside the box as Wroxham press players on around the box. Fleming passing the ball out to Telford left side squares it back into Taborda in the middle 30 yard out goes for another strike on goal, Robson charging it down for Wroxham. 

  Fleming strong holding the ball up well on the right for Hashtag turns to cross into the box, Robson sticking a leg out to cut it out turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Once again flashed into the near post, Fleming the target trying on connect on the volley, evades Knights close on her this time, but not Arnoup covering the post sees the ball wide for another corner kick. 

 Telford to clip another corner into the box from the right, defended by Wroxham’s Bullard, cleared back out to Telford on the right, strikes the ball back into the area on the angle her effort dropping wide past the far post. Loveland sends the ball on from the back for Wroxham into Fuller in the left channel plays it central for Knights is chopped down the free-kick awarded the hosts furious a card hasn’t been shown. Alexander over the set-piece 25 yards out her strike hitting the wall away for a corner on the right. Flung into the near post Hashtag successfully defend as the whistle blows up for half-time.

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-2 Hashtag United Women Reserves

 A hard fought cup tie sees the visitors from Essex leading 2-1 at the break. Wroxham making a strong stat looking to get after the ball inside their opponents half, fiercely contested in the middle Hashtag looked dangerous on the counter attack with plenty of pace in the final 3rd, took advantage to open the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, Wroxham coming back to level the scores midway through the half, another counter saw Hashtag retake the lead. Created further chances, both sides look a threat going forwards, just a single goal in it still all to play for in the 2nd half.

  Hashtag making a change at the break, captain, Macey Rothon picking up a knock in the first half replaced at left back by Mimi Ouacel. Wroxham unchanged the visitors out early wanting to get back underway. The ball played on into the left channel, Katie Green getting hold of it for Wroxham coming forwards played into Knights right of the D to cross in central looking to pick out Fuller, Finch intercepts well for Hashtag.

  The hosts looking to get on with the ball at the start of the 2nd half Maddie Green into Fuller ahead of her on the right, Galea lunging in to defend win the ball back for Hashtag. Galea winning the ball at the back soon after for Hashtag looking to get Ouacel away on the left, Katie Green closing her down well for Wroxham. 

Hashtag’s Chloe Galea

 Maddie Green taking the ball on up the right for Wroxham squaring a cross into the top of the area for Bullard looks to play it into Fuller ahead of her closely marked by Galea the ball stabbed clear out to the left, Robson getting hold of it striking in a shot on the angle from outside the box her effort over the bar. 

 Fleming making a run into the right wing sees the ball into her feet drives down the line before flashing a shot in at the near post, Williams with a sharp save getting a glove on the ball to turn it into the side netting for a corner kick. The corner defended by Wroxham the hosts break quickly the ball with Maddie Green on the right sends it on for Fuller pressing on into the box his held up by Clark, lays it back for Green to clip in towards goal on the angle, not enough on it as Xhema can see it down into her gloves. 

Maddie Green

 Williams comes racing out of her area to slide in and clear the ball away for a throw as Ojobaro threatens to burst clear attacking on the right for Hashtag. Wroxham quick to advance as they play the ball long into Maddie Green right wing pushing on her cross low into the box taking a deflection coming into Bullard top of the area, leaning back as she shoots her effort over the crossbar.

Lauren Bullard

  Hashtag working hard in defence to keep Wroxham out as the hosts look to push up the flanks, Ojobaro back to defend on Palmer as she takes the ball on from Alexander up the left. Hashtag remain a constant threat on the counter attack, Howell getting the ball on for Mylona lifts it into Fleming drifting right her cross into the opposition area, too strong for Telford charging on from the left. 

Charis Howell after the ball for Hashtag

 Knights threading the ball on for Fuller positioned top of the area, Finch stabbing a foot out to take it away from her for Hashtag. Katie Green up with sister, Maddie on the right the cross into the box too close to the keeper, Xhema taking the catch. Wroxham ringing the changes 15 minutes into the 2nd half making a quadruple switch, Robson, Palmer, Arnoup and Bullard coming off, on come Kathryn Stanley, Holly Farrow, Milly Weddle and Rachel Skinner. Fuller now wearing the armband. 

 Knights doesn’t get the connection she wants on her strike from 20 yards out left of the D as the ball bounces up off the turf into the keepers gloves. Taborda fouls Skinner on half way the set-piece leading to a corner being conceded. Played in goes through everyone inside the six yard box. Cleared the ball forwards won by Katie Green into the right flank, Fuller after it as Ouacel turns to defend, looking to get around the defender onto the ball Fuller, accidentally clips her heels bringing her down for the free-kick. 

Katie Green

  Ojobaro with the ball at her feet on the right attacking for Hashtag squares it in central for Taborda, Weddle quickly across her path the deny her the strike from 25 yards out. Wroxham with fresh legs on the pitch looking to press the advantage good link up play between Katie Green, Maddie Green and Skinner on the right the ball crossed into the box for Knights she rolls it outside back to Maddie Green who strikes over from 20 yards out.

  Taborda picking up a blow for Hashtag comes off to be replaced by Leyla Priest. Fuller fouled in the left corner as she is played onto the ball by Knights. Alexander over the free-kick, curls the ball in on the keeper, Xhema throwing an arm up to turn the ball over for a corner kick. Delivered into the area from the right is cut out for a 2nd corner. Taken short to Katie Green looks to exchange passes with Alexander, Hashtag’s Ouacel moving in to close them down the cross angled high into the box taken cleanly by Xhema.

Mimi Ouacel

  Williams rushing out of her box to slide in try and win the ball before Mylona can reach it as Hashtag counter through the middle, the pair coming together the goalkeeper coming off worse. Hashtag’s turn to complain to the referee. A long pause in play so the keeper can receive treatment but is up and okay to continue. Into the final 20 minutes, the clock ticking down as Wroxham look to level the game. 

 

  Howell giving away a free-kick inside her half, Wroxham play it back for Knights to clip a long ball into the right channel for Skinner bursting forwards just a little too much on it Skinner can’t keep it in play. Wroxham winning a throw high on the right, Maddie Green linking up with Skinner a teasing cross flung into the six yard box, Knights jumping for it central can only get a glancing touch with her header not enough to turn it past the keeper travels on out to the left cleared by Clark.

Rachel Skinner up to head the ball for Wroxham

Wroxham making another switch, Fuller the player coming off, Hayley Kindred coming on. Finch defends for Hashtag as Skinner tries to pick out Stanley drifting into the box from the left. Ojobaro coming off for Hashtag, Erin Radburn sent into the action. 

Poppy Loveland

 GOAL! Wroxham have been pressing all 2nd half looking for a 2nd goal, find it as they build on the right, Katie Green on for Maddie Green her lay off seeing Kindred race on up the flank with the ball at her feet digging a cross out dropping into the six yard box for Stanley at the far post to nod down past the keeper and into the goal beyond 2-2.

Kathryn Stanley makes it 2-2 for Wroxham

  Wroxham equalising with a little over 5 minutes of regular play left. Hashtag get straight on the attack from the restart the pass finding Fleming pulling away on the right to strike the ball in on the angle, Williams down sharply at her near post to make the save. Fleming out on the right again, evading a challenge from Loveland to shoot her effort wide across goal past the far post.

  Fleming down with a knock after the attack but back on her feet seeing more stoppage time added. A tense finish to the game. Skinner charging on with the ball right side for Wroxham taking on the early cross into the top of the area cut out by the Hashtag defence, comes back to Alexander, striking it on the volley, over the bar.

Lily Alexander

 Loveland defending well at the back for Wroxham, with the challenge on Fleming as the attacker looks to see the ball into her feet spin away to the right. Skinner carries the ball on up the right for Wroxham playing it on for Kindred, she turns it back into Skinners feet as she checks inside to shoot from the top of the area her looping shot dipping onto the roof of the net.

  GOAL! The 90 minutes almost up Wroxham having fought their way back into the game are undone chasing a winning goal the ball cleared by Xhema at the back finding its way through to Mylona stealing into space in the left channel, getting hold of the ball drives on into the box before striking a rising shot on past the keeper to strike the back of the net and fire the Essex side back into the lead 2-3!

Sophia Mylona fires Hashtag back into the lead late in the game

A hammer blow for Wroxham late in the contest get back on the attack the ball from Alexander into Stanley out side the area top of the D, puts her foot through it the ball taking a couple of deflections off the Hashtag defence on its way through out wide for a corner kick. Fuller sent back into the action for Wroxham. Maddie Green right has Skinner ahead of her, plays her in, Ouacel dives in to see the ball out for a throw in. 

Into stoppage time, plenty to be added, Fuller strong in possession wide left her shot into the near post held by the keeper. Katie Green with the block on Mylona as the visitors threaten another dangerous counter. Kindred on the left now for Wroxham driving up the wing her cut back cut out by Telford back in defence for the visitors. Wroxham throwing players on looking for a 3rd reply with time running out, Kindred on for Fuller left her cross intercepted by Finch.

  Knights with a strike from distance straight at the keeper as Fuller’s cross from the left in cleared straight into her feet. The hosts winning a late corner on the right flung into the box near side, Howell clearing for Hashtag. Howell slides in soon after on Kindred as she attacks on the right the ball away for a throw. Fleming always ready to receive the ball off the counter as Hashtag break, Mylona looking to play her on right side, Loveland on her to tackle see the ball out for a throw. 

 Fuller attacking left flank sees her cross turned behind off a defender for a corner kick. Plenty up in the six yard box, players coming together, the referee needing to have words to calm things down the cross not finding its mark. Deep into injury time Hashtag working hard determined to keep Wroxham out get the ball forwards a run into the corner not a option for Fleming as she blasts a shot in on the angle from the right wide across goal. Hashtag with the ball up the right end with a corner turned behind at the near post from the left, no time for the 2nd corner as the final whistle blows and Hashtag beat higher league opposition to advance in this season’s League Cup.

Full time Wroxham Women 2-3 Hashtag United Women Reserves

  A combative game, Wroxham working hard to find a reply in the 2nd half coming back to level the game as Hashtag worked just as hard to try and keep them out, counter attacks limited in the 2nd half but just as dangerous, Mylona breaking clear into the left channel to fire the visitors into the lead for the 3rd time in the match. Wroxham having fought so hard to get back on level terms suffering a hammer blow tried to level the match up for the 3rd time but to no avail as Hashtag worked hard as a unit to keep them out. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as is often the case another tough decision several contenders on both sides in both attack and defence. A few to mention, firstly for Wroxham, Poppy Loveland make several important tackles in defence covered the ground and stayed focused throughout, Katie Green too strong at the back with a number of vital tackles played some great balls forwards too. Lily Alexander got into some good positions centrally used the ball well and got stuck in was a lively midfield. Katie Knights too in the middle making some good runs on hand to score the first equaliser. For Hashtag was a strong team effort from back to front. Chelise Fleming a real handful all game strong on the ball, always available for the quick counter firing her side into the lead. Sophia Mylona with a brace with some good runs in attack too. Leonie Telford and Motunrayo Ojobaro with pace on the flanks get forwards well to join the attack, both doing their part to defend 2nd half. Raissa Taborda get stuck in closing the ball down in the middle, winning her fair share of tackles got the ball moving. Emma Clark with several well timed tackles on the right of defence. The award goes to central defender Sarah Finch, read the game well getting into the right positions to win the ball inside the box, closed down well and as Wroxham squeezed the defence and midfield together in the 2nd half didn’t let anything through.

 An entertaining and heartily contested cup tie from the ERWFL League Cup, my first trip to the Ginger Pickle Arena this season, good to catch up with Wroxham, see Hashtag United Women Reserves in action too, will certainly be a threat for whoever they face in the next round. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham