Monthly Archives: January 2026

Match Report – Ely City Women v Newmarket Town Women Development

Sunday 25th January

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

More cup action this January and an early one with a trip into Cambridgeshire to watch one of the semi-finals of this season’s Alan Boswell, Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup with Division Two side, Ely City Women taking on the current cup holders, Newmarket Town Women Development from Division One. 

  Ely City Women enjoying a rapid rise within the women’s footballing scene in Cambridgeshire. Ely City FC itself a prominent player in helping to promote the women’s game having hosted, Cambridge United WFC and Cambridge City Women along with a number of senior women’s cup finals before starting their own women’s side in 2022. Was a slow beginning a tough start struggling for results in their debut season but since then with a change of coaching staff the club has kicked on reaching their 1st ever cup final last season, while still in Division Three, losing narrowly to a late winner from Cambridge Rangers WFC in the Junior Invitation Cup. Went on to clinch 2nd spot in the table and win promotion to Division Two.

  The county leagues within Cambridgeshire featuring some strong sides, Ely have build a squad with useful experience making a good showing playing at a higher level currently 4th in the table. Have further strengthened their women’s section by introducing a Reserves side this season. Byes in the 1st two rounds of this season’s League Cup took on fellow Division Two side South Lincolnshire Swifts in the 3rd Round winning 1-0. A tough test in the quarter finals again against Division Two opposition at home taking on promotion pushing Bedfordshire side, Real Bedford Women Development, drawing 1-1 at full-time Ely came out 3-2 winners in the penalty shoot-out to win through to the last 4 to take on the holders aiming to make it successive cup final appearances. Danni Youngs the current top scorer with 7 goals, Charliene Murombo joining Ely this season netting 6 goals to date. Ely joined during the warm-up today by their U9’s side who have themselves won through to the semi-finals of their League Cup.

 Newmarket Town Women Development now an established side in Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, lifting their 1st silverware last season as they won at Ely’s Demcon Stadium last season beating Leverington Sports Ladies 2-1 in the League Cup final. A young side Newmarket very much a club built on youth development bringing players up through the age groups into the U18s and Development set-up with many going on to play for the 1st team, many changes to the side again this season, are well placed in mid-table mixing it with a strong line-up in the Division this season. 

  Cerys Bithell runaway top scorer for Newmarket this season netting 17 times already from 9 appearances. Newmarket beginning the defence of the League Cup in the 2nd Round ironically a repeat of the final away to Leverington Sports Ladies, the result again 2-1 to Newmarket with Bithell scoring both goals. Taking on fellow Division One side, Godmanchester Rovers Ladies away in the 3rd Round a single goal the difference going Newmarket’s way to sent them through to the last 8 with another away trip to take on Division Two side, Saffron Walden Community, goals from Jess Linger and Bithell 5 minutes from time sealing 2-1 victory to put them into the semi-finals and another away day against Ely.

 Ely City FC’s, Demcon Stadium the venue for todays semi-final, a dull, overcast a decidedly chilly day. The stadium part of a wider sporting complex that itself is behind Ely’s leisure and entertainment venue just off the A10. Featured a large and well used grass pitch, overlooked by a seated stand over the changing rooms, the clubhouse open with the bar serving hot and cold drinks. 

Ely City Women starting XI – Atlanta Stevenson. Kerry Dyer, Beth Horsfield, Ellie Cooper (C), Christine Cullen, Louisa Horwood, Natasha Lane, Megan Dunlevy, Danni Youngs, Treasure Nwanebu & Charliene Murombo. Subs – Charlotte Gibson. Ella Nutter. Erin Chandler, Kaci Gibson & Eve Mintus.

Ely City Women

 Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Mairi Robinson, Jess Linger, Molly Charles, Jazmine Sarpong, Lexie Moody, Cerys Compton (C), Lily Grundy, Alex Shelford, Keely Cole, Evie Stackhouse & Amelia Thompson. Subs – Eden Kirby-Cook, Sybbie Hoggar, Cerys Bithell & Bryony O’Connell.

Newmarket Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes) 

Captain’s Cerys Compton and Ellie Cooper with today’s referee Carlton Joseph

 Match referee Carlton Joseph and his two assistants leading the two sides out onto the pitch, it’s Newmarket who will kick-off the first half wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. Top scorer Bithell starting on the bench. Ely lined up opposite wearing an all red kit. The ball rolled back to full back, Jess Linger at the start from the right she sends it long up the wing looking for the run from, Evie Stackhouse, Christine Cullen into defend for Ely the ball out for a throw in. 

 

 GOAL! The throw from Cullen into Treasure Nwanebu, strong holding off players puts it up the wing for Charliene Murombo ahead of her the pair surging their way into the box, closed down by the defence shoulder to shoulder with Murombo the ball prodded back to the keeper, Mairi Robinson down to scoop it up inside the six yard, adjudged a back pass the referee blows up awarding the indirect free-kick to the hosts. Beth Horsfield forwards lining up to strike it the touch knocking the ball into her path on the angle, gets her foot under the ball to strike it with pace and enough lift to get over the crowd of players defending the goal line across the goal to blast Ely into the early lead 1-0.

Beth Horsfield fires Ely into an early lead

 The perfect start for the Division Two side, taking the lead inside the opening two minutes against their higher league opponents. A positive start from Ely the goal no doubt boosting the confidence scrapping for the ball in midfield, knocked up over the top, Nwanebu looking to get up with Murombo and take on the defence, Linger lunging in to take the ball from Murombo as she pulls left. Natasha Lane getting hold of the ball in the middle for Ely sending a weighed pass down the left wing for Horsfield to chase down, Linger getting back at her as the pair closes in on the by-line getting the tackle in to concede the corner kick. 

Newmarket’s Jess Linger

 From the left the corner fired in low towards the near post, captain, Ellie Cooper coming towards it attempting to turn the ball back across goal, wide, Murombo throwing herself at it at the far post can’t get a telling touch. Newmarket coming away with the ball left attempt a rapid counter, up the line to Amelia Thompson, Cullen across to close her down send the ball out of play. Up the other end Lexie Moody winning the ball at the back for Newmarket carries it into the middle before playing a diagonal ball central towards the top of the Ely area, Cooper getting her head on the ball to clear for Ely. 

  Newmarket captain, Cerys Compton onto the ball central making a positive drive through the middle, Megan Dunlevy coming back at her to challenge for Ely, a competitive start both sides rushing things a little, clearances not getting the distance. Ely look to get the ball on over the top, Nwanebu and Murombo linking up powering on looking to combine passes get into a shooting position, Moody and Molly Charles both winning tackles at the back for the visitors. Murombo getting in behind wide left to the by-line whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, but out by Charles.

 Linger getting her foot in to dispossess Murombo as she gets hold of the ball on the left lifts in on for Stackhouse to run with the ball down the wing, her cross into the area too close to the keeper, scooped up by Atlanta Stevenson at the near post. Ely looking to cause Newmarket issues with their passes direct into Murombo and particularly Nwanebu in attack, Nwanebu getting in behind Jazmine Sarpong as the ball bounces awkwardly, to drive on for the box, Sarpong recovering to get on her shoulder force her right she tries to pick out Murombo coming on through the middle the pass a little too telegraph, Robinson rushing out to claim hold of it gets their first. 

  Moody under pressure from Nwanebu though the middle holds her ground well to win the ball back, into Compton in the middle, has Lily Grundy up with her, the ball played on looks to play in Thompson coming in off the left, Kerry Dyer stretching out a leg to intercept the ball for the hosts. Stackhouse spinning in behind Cullen as she attacks down Newmarket’s right, cutting in towards the area, Cooper racing in to close her down put in the tackle before she can produce a cross.

Evie Stackhouse

  Ely creating a bit of pressure for themselves at the back not getting the ball clear as Newmarket get players up to close the ball down, lively Alex Shelford preparing a strike 20 yards out charged down by Louisa Harwood. Ely get the ball clear Lane up to Nwanebu pulling into the right channel, taking the ball on a strong run shoots from 20 yards out on the angle her strike into the side netting. The ball rarely still, Grundy with a diagonal pass into Stackhouse getting into space on the right again her early cross is claimed by the keeper. 

 Off a Linger throw high on the right, Cole wins Newmarket a corner kick. Whipped into the middle attacked by Sarpong around the penalty spot turned goal-wards her effort blocked inside the six yard box. No break on for Ely comes straight back a diagonal ball from the left lifted into the area, won by Cooper. A miscue at the back from Newmarket as the back pass from the left into Robinson is put straight at Murombo positioned left of the D, turns to get into the box looking to shoot is quickly closed down by Moody with the blocking tackle.

  Sarpong cutting out the cross inside Newmarket’s box as Cullen plays in Murombo on the left. The visitors gaining ground on the right with a throw Linger dropping the ball into Stackhouse’s feet, turns cleverly making a run for the area, Cooper out smartly to close her down. Lane linking up with Dunlevy in the middle winning the ball back, her pass up top into Nwanebu, looks to roll Sarpong, but the centre back can get a leg out to trap the ball prevent her getting in behind. 

Newmarket defender, Jazmine Sarpong

  Linger being kept busy in defence on the right wins the ball well setting Stackhouse away up the wing, crossing on the run her cross/shot swerving behind at the near post. The ground a little slick due to some earlier rain before kick-off aiding in a few mis-timed tackles from both sides, Dunlevy for Ely and Shelford for Newmarket both picking up knocks, the latter needing to come off the visitors making a change with Bryony O’Connell coming on. Ely continue to threaten as their long clearances form midfield give an opportunity for Murombo and Nwanebu to drive at the Newmarket defence the ball from the left from Horsfield played into the box, not finding the mark…

 GOAL! Newmarket are caught cold in defence half excepting an offside decision, Murombo nips in to steal the ball back right of the D and turn into the area wide of goal smashes the ball in over the keeper across goal to double the lead 2-0.

Charliene Murombo doubles Ely’s lead

  Ely doubling their lead as the game closes in on the half hour mark, the Newmarket bench furious with the prior attack looking to be offside, but the flag stayed down and the decision stands. Compton getting hold of the ball central for Newmarket making several purposeful runs towards the box, looking to go left link up with Thompson moving inside the ball threaded forwards Dyer cutting it out looking to get Youngs away up the wing, on for Nwanebu, Sarpong strong to get on her shoulder force her off the ball.

  Murombo coming off the worse as she and Moody go shoulder to shoulder to try and win the ball, back up on her feet after treatment, Ely wide the free-kick out wide. The Newmarket bench further frustrated as Stackhouse is penalised for handling the ball as it skips up in front of her. Horsfield to sent the ball long into the top of the area, knocked on, but claimed by Robinson. Newmarket pressing right to win a corner, swung in low to the near post, cleared by Cullen for a throw in the corner, Cole working the ball back up the lie for Linger to deliver the cross into the area, Dunlevy intercepting for the hosts to clear.

  Lane with the pass from midfield up to Nwanebu peeling into the right wing, driving on into the box has Murombo running in central, Newmarket’s defence close on Nwanebu en masse to prevent her getting the ball to her teammate. Both sides a guilty of giving the ball away cheaply is keeping the game open, Harwood putting the ball on for Nwanebu and Murombo up top but the Newmarket defence just about holds their line catching them offside. 

Evie Stackhouse and Natasha Lane

 

 Newmarket’s O’Connell plays the ball into Compton taking it left feeds it on for Thompson, Horsfield defending for Ely out for a throw, high up the pitch, played into Cole she looks to turn and cross the high ball into the area taken by Stevenson. Moody with the pass back to her keeper cool at the back as Ely lift the ball up to Murombo up top. The game opening up as Newmarket turn play around in the middle, Cullen just about dealing with Stackhouse slowing her down with a faint touch on the ball as she looks to steal in behind on the right, Compton coming over to regain possession succeeds in getting the ball on into the right channel for Stackhouse to chase, Cooper composed at the back shielding the ball back to her keeper.

Ely midfielder, Megan Dunlevy

 Ely are defending deeper but have numbers back frustrating Newmarket as they can’t find there mark with the final pass, Lane, Dunlevy and Harwood as defending in front of the defence. Cullen lunging in to get her foot on the ball sending it out for a throw as Linger tries to play in Stackhouse on the right. Into the closing moments of the first half, Murombo winning Ely a corner on the right, the delivery on low at the near post stabbed forwards a back heel attempt from close range sent wide of the upright as the whistle blows for half-time.

Half-time Ely City Women 2-0 Newmarket Town Women Development

 An entertaining first half, Ely matching their higher league opponents, getting off to a great start winning an indirect free-kick inside the box and scoring inside the opening two minutes. Looked a threat in attack with Murombo and Nwanebu running at the defence, the former stealing the ball back just before the half hour to double the lead. Both sides giving the ball away, played at a high tempo not much time afforded on the ball. Newmarket in particular frustrated with a few decisions and just can’t find their mark with the final ball haven’t tested the keeper. Need to work on a few thing’s if they are to get themselves back into the match in the second half. Ely in a strong position leading 2-0 and as is often the case the next goal might prove crucial for either side. 

 No surprise to see Newmarket making a couple of changes at the break as they look to get back into it early in the 2nd half, Charles and Stackhouse the players giving way on come Cerys Bithell and Eden Kirby-Cook. Ely unchanged as they get the 2nd half underway. Played back to Cooper in defence lifted long for Horsfield up on the left, tackled by Cole the ball hooked up the line, Cooper out to defend.

Newmarket’s Cerys Bithell with Ely’s Danni Youngs

 Newmarket looking to make a fast start to the 2nd period getting players on Linger pressing high on the right on for Thompson right side, 25 out goes to pull the trigger but slips as she shoots the ball going awry. Bithell into the action taking the ball on through the middle before sending it out to the left into Kirby-Cook peeling free into the back cutting her cross back in to the six yard box, Cooper there to clear for Ely. Newmarket determined early on O’Connell into Bithell central powers on stabbed forwards into Cole right channel, Cooper with a vital tackle to stop her spinning clear in behind her defence.

  A pause in play giving Ely a chance to regroup as, Dunlevy picking up a heavy knock. A little panicked at the back clearances not getting any distance inviting Newmarket on. Dunlevy back up on her feet able to play on. Kirby-Cook looking to make some impacting runs out on the left, attempts to get onto the end of a Compton pass through the middle, the ball cut out by Horsfield. Compton with the ball again central 25 out finds Cole free on the right her cross driven in long the face of goal, both Bithell and Kirby-Cook attacking it far post neither can get a touch as they throw themselves at the ball.

Newmarket captain, Cerys Compton

  Much better now from Newmarket putting the Ely defence under pressure limiting the opportunities to get the ball clear up to there attackers, Cole combining with Compton through the middle a great ball into the area to find Kirby-Cook free on the left six out wide of goal shoots sending the ball low into the near post, Stevenson across her goal down low to save has the angle covered.

Newmarket’ Eden Kirby-Cook

  Bithell taking the ball on down Newmarket’s left squaring the ball into the top of the D, Dunlevy tracking back with Compton to deny her a shot as she bursts forwards, Compton active releases the ball into Kirby-Cook left of goal her strike saved by Stevenson as she goes to ground getting behind the ball.

Ely goalkeeper, Atlanta Stevenson

 Ely not getting the ball into Murombo and Nwanebu as easily now, operating on the left both are strong on the ball looking to force their way forwards, Murombo upended winning a free-kick out wide, Horsfield to launch it into the area knocked on across the six yard box, Murombo after it far side looking to keep it alive tackled by Moody. Bithell coming off for Newmarket, Shelford re-joining the action.

 Newmarket pushing for a goal to get themselves back into the tie, Ely working hard in defence. Linger over a free-kick on the right wide, lifts it into the near post, lands in the side netting. Lane putting the ball on for Nwanebu she holds up the ball before sending the pass up to Murombo up top, Sarpong closing her down with the challenge to win the ball back. Another moment of frustration for Newmarket as Kirby-Cook is pulled up with the offside flag up as the visitors turn play around threaten to open Ely up.

Keely Cole

  Horsfield playing the ball on for Murombo on the left, Moody across to close her down sending the ball out of play for a corner kick. Flung into the near post, the ball cleared Newmarket break the ball on for Cole bursting on up the right flank her early cross, Stevenson kicking it clear as Thompson looks to close her down. Getting a little tense out there Ely are working hard in defence but Newmarket are quick to regain the ball, Sarpong bringing the ball on into midfield sending a into Shelford breaking into the left channel on the run strikes the ball back in across goal on the angle 20 yards out sees it race wide of the far post.

  Harwood closing Compton down in the middle looks for Murombo coming right, Moody getting the tackle in for the visitors coming forwards on the left sending a deep cross in to the far post, met by Thompson close in her touch deflecting is across the face of goal, attacked at close range at the opposite post, Stevenson throwing herself down diving to get hold of the ball. 

Newmarket’s Lexie Moody

  Moody with a diagonal ball launched up towards the top of the area headed away by Cooper. 20 minutes played in the 2nd half, Ely under pressure but holding firm, another pause as Murombo takes a heavy blow. Players drawn to the ball play is often condensed to one side of the pitch leaving space to run into if players can pick the pass. Murombo is up the game restarting with a free-kick out wide, lane to put it on into the area, Moody clearing for the visitors. Newmarket making another change with Thompson coming off, Sybbie Hoggar coming on.

  The game scrappy at times both side going in to win the ball back, Harwood with Dunlevy, on for Nwanebu, Grundy getting a foot in for Newmarket, Moody clearing. Compton surging on through the middle with the ball, plays a great ball out to Kirby-Cook on the left as she races into the box, lining up the shot wide of goal, strikes the ball, Cooper racing back across her path to throw herself in to charge the ball down, taking a heavy whack to the face the ball behind for the corner. Cooper in need of treatment though before it came be taken several players taking the opportunity to take on fluids, Ely know they are close now to seizing the win but still have work to do.

Ellie Cooper racing across to block Eden Kirby-Cook’s shot

  Moving into the final 15 minutes of the contest, Cooper back on her feet the ball from the left swung into the six yard Harwood getting a touch with her head to glance it on past the far post and turned behind for a goal kick. Nwanebu tackled by Grundy as Murombo works the ball on for her on the left. Linger coming into the middle sending the ball into Shelford left side cuts the ball back into the middle for Kirby-Cook inside the D, her strike blocked by Cooper. 

Ely’s Treasure Nwanebu

 Murombo getting a throw high on the left as Lane sends the ball up to her, worked inside a high ball hooked inside drops to Youngs in the right channel stretching to try and get it under control runs wide, Robinson coming out to the edge of her box to claim. Youngs racing on looking to get after a ball hooked on by Nwanebu through the middle, Robinson with a good starting position out quickly to get hold of the ball. Cooper up the other end dealing with another dangerous cross into the box from the left by Kirby-Cook. 

Dunlevy with an unceremoniously tackle on Compton as they both side in on the ball giving away the set-piece 30 plus yards out to the left of goal. Linger over it is frustrated as she angles the ball in dropping wide of the far post. Linger coming off soon after with Thompson thrown back on. Cole seeing a shot blocked right of the D, initially by Cooper, then by Dyer as she gets a 2nd bite at the cherry.

  Ely making a change late in the game, Youngs coming off, Charlotte Gibson coming on. Moddy defending at the back for Newmarket, Cole bringing the ball on threads the past forwards looking for Shelford, cut out by Cooper. Stackhouse back on for Newmarket replacing Grundy. Murombo upended on the left winning a free-kick out wide a high ball launched into the box claimed by Robinson. Ely looking a little nervous at the back, Stevenson rushing out to the top of her area opting to kick the ball clear as Sarpong looks to send Shelford in on goal. 

Louisa Harwood

 Moving into the final few minutes of the game is tense, Compton getting hold of the ball still full of running bursts forwards, Cooper coming out to close her down ease her off the ball. Lane defending top of her D as Newmarket send a free-kick on half way into the mix, turned wide for a throw on the right. Into stoppage time Ely clear the ball up to Murombo looking to break clear through the middle, Moody lunging in defending for Newmarket. One last break for the visitors as the through ball to the left of the box finds Kirby-Cook breaking in on goal a wild strike sent over the bar signals the last action of the game as the final whistle is blown and Ely win 2-0 to reach the League Cup final for the first time.

Full time Ely City Women 2-0 Newmarket Town Women Development

  Ely will play Spalding United Women in this season’s League Cup final after the Division One newcomers beat Cambridge Rangers WFC 3-1 away from home, initially scheduled for the 9th of April to be played at Ely’s Demcom Stadium. Ely working at in defence to keep Newmarket at bay 2nd half, successfully defending the 2-0 lead earned in the first half. Newmarket much improved it just wouldn’t fall for them 2nd half needed an early goal and the longer it went the more determined Ely became after riding out a shaky spell early in the 2nd period, worked hard as a unit to defence limiting opportunities to get forwards.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose another Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, more often than not a hard call but not this time around had a clear choice in my mind before the final whistle and my notes only confirmed that. Some standout performances from both sides to mention first though, for Newmarket, captain Cerys Compton made she strong runs with the ball, kept going for 90 minutes looking to get the attackers in on goal ahead of her. Lexie Moody with some good tackles at the back covered the ground well, as did Jazmine Sarpong, used the ball well going forwards too. Eden Kirby-Cook found space in the 2nd half coming on and made some great runs into the box. A strong defensive performance from Ely working as a team the midfield, Natasha Lane, Louisa Harwood and Megan Dunlevy all getting back to help the defence while looking to get the attackers going forwards. Treasure Nwanebu a handful to deal with, strong and pro-active making runs and linking up with Charliene Murombo well. Credit to the entire defence the award goes to Ely’s captain Ellie Cooper was excellent throughout winning the ball, reading the game, clearing and interceptions, she’ll feel that block from Kirby-Cook no doubt but it summed up her performance to a tee. 

 An entertaining semi-final, always like my visits to Ely, some strong sides competing across the county now. My thanks to both teams and the referee Carlton Joseph for their help with the team line-ups today as always much appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies v Costessey Sports Ladies

Sunday 18th January

Norfolk Women’s County Cup 

sponsored by Harrod Sport

At last back to the football in 2026 my first game of the year, after sitting out the first 2 weekends of the year due to other commitments. A weekend of county cup action with the competitions across the East hotting up with most entering the quarter final stage and beyond, Norfolk no exception with the big guns entering the competition as it moves to the last 8, Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies finalists in last season’s county cup hosting Norfolk Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies. 

 FAWNL side, Norwich City Women dominating the Norfolk Women’s County Cup, sponsored by Harrod Sport in recent season’s. Are not participating in the competition this time around leaving the door open for a new club to get their name carved onto the trophy, Eastern Region big hitters, Wroxham Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women will be amongst the favourites along with Division One North counter parts Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies who have a strong pedigree in the competition along with Thetford Town Ladies. Thetford up against Dussindale & Hellesdon in the last 8. Wroxham are away to Norfolk Division One side Sprowston FC Women. It’s an all Norfolk Division One clash between Aylsham FC Women and UEA FC Women which will guarantee at least one tier 7 side in the last 4 with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies hosting Costessey in the last quarter final tie. 

 Something of a stop start season in the league for Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies, currently 8th in ERWFL Division One North, would like to have had a few more points on the board as they sit uncomfortably close to the bottom sides with 3 going down, but with games in hand have 7 of the 11 left to play at home. The weather not helping with their pitch seeing alot of action not always available. Bringing in a few younger players to bolster an experienced squad, top scorer and captain, Rebekah Lake missing several games through injury still has 8 goals for the season, joint top scorer along side Atlanta Griffith. This their 1st game since December 14th, will be keen to get their county cup campaign off to a positive start.

  Costessey Sports Ladies looking to stop them, a tough ask but come into the game full of confidence after notching up a big 16-0 win at home last Sunday against KLSC FC Women. Currently 3rd in the Norfolk Women’s Division One table have bee growing season upon season since entering women’s football, have a squad full of young exciting talent with a useful blend of experienced heads amongst them. Scoring plenty of goals too, have won 7 of their 8 league games so far and although the league looks to be Lowestoft Town Ladies to lose, are well placed to push them all the way. Thea Hackney, Chloe Moulton and Alisha Juby the clubs top scorers so far this season all into double figures.

 Mulbarton Wanderers, Adobe Area at Mulberry Park the venue for this afternoon’s county cup tie. Another heavy bout of rain coming into the weekend a concern for the ground but despite being heavy under foot is okay for today’s game, the two sides warming up on the practice pitches beyond to save further wear and tear. The social club open beside the ground across the carpark. The tea hut inside the ground open too. The sun making an appearance trying to cast a little heat as it begins to set, a few dark clouds about with the odd spot of rain set to fall during the match.

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies starting XI – Megan Gowing, Victoria McNorton, Faye Bye, Megan Belsey, Jade Telfer, Molly Stevenson, Melissa Belsey, Maddy McCormick, Sam Rue, Atlanta Griffith & Rebekah Lake (C), Subs – Alyssia Barrett, Izzy Fitchew, Florrie Martin, Emma Farmer & Izzy Noakes.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies

 Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Kelly Fox, Grace Wall, Sydnie Brown. Alyssia Baldock, Chelsea Brister (C), Olivia Smith, Abbie Nobbs, Hannah Campbell, Alisha Juby, Holly Williams & Chloe Moulton. Subs – Cyan Fullbrook, Phoebe Pierpoint, Kyara Everett, Jenny Moore & Poppy Lyons.

Costessey Sports Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Chelsea Brister and Rebekah Lake with today’s match referee, Alexander Vasey

  Key players missing for both sides, Mulbarton without, defender, Lucy Lincoln and midfielder Laura Hedtke. Costessey without their top scorer, Thea Hackney. Have Holly Williams back in the squad though recently returning after being out for over a 100 days through injury. It’s Costessey to get this afternoon’s cup tie underway wearing red coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and red socks. Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts with blue shorts and socks. The back rolled back to captain, Chelsea Brister at the back fired back into the middle, Hannah Campbell more commonly known as Scooby taking the ball on before playing it up the left channel, Mulbarton’s Victoria McNorton seeing it out of play for the throw in. 

  Mulbarton build down the right Melissa Belsey seeing the ball fed on down the line for captain, Rebekah Lake to attack shifts in infield looking for Atlanta Griffith outside the box is closed down quickly by Costessey’s Olivia Smith. Jade Telfer getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Mulbarton looks to attempt a through ball for lake pulling into the left channel, the ball instead intercepted by Brister at the back for the visitors, cleared away for a throw on the left. 

 Off the throw, Lake takes the ball on to the by-lie looking to force her way into the box, Alyssia Baldock comes to charge the ball down, behind for the first corner of the game.. Early pressure from the hosts the corner whipped in dangerously across the face of goal narrowly missed by Griffith positioned at the far post. Mulbarton with players pushed up quick to regain possession in the final 3rd played into Melissa Belsey on the right her short on the angle straight at goalkeeper, Kelly Fox. 

 A few spots of rain in the air as Mulbarton are awarded a free-kick in the middle, lively Costessey busy trying to close the ball down, looks a little chaotic at times, Mulbarton quick to react win the ball back, Faye Bye getting up on the left from the back for the hosts feeing the ball into the box looking for Lake darting in from the left, Fox reacting sharply rushing out to get to the ball gather into her gloves before Lake can steal in beyond her. 

Mulbarton captain, Rebekah Lake

 Costessey with pace in attack, Abbie Nobbs getting hold of the ball after a robust tackle in the middle sending it on for Holly Williams ahead of her central has Chloe Moulton racing on with her to the right rolls the ball into the wing ahead of her, Megan Belsey across on the cover well to get to the ball first clear for Mulbarton. Costessey turn play around as Moulton takes the ball on up the right turns it infield for Williams who has Campbell busting a gut to get up with her on the left, entering the box the ball played into her, McNorton stands fast to block her run clear the ball.

  Mulbarton press the advantage off of a throw high on the left, Bye into Sam Rue to turn inside down the wing delivering a shot from an acute angle wide across the face of goal. The pitch is heavy, running with the ball tricky, Williams seeing it into her feet lays it back to Moulton, Telfer slides in to win the ball back for Mulbarton. Molly Stevenson gets the ball into Melissa Belsey on the right for Mulbarton looks to send it down the line for Lake to chase down, just a little too much on it as Brown comes back on the cover to defend the ball runs out for the goal kick. 

Costessey’s Holly Williams

  Alisha Juby sending the ball into Moulton on the right she in turn fires it forwards towards the top of the area for Williams to attack, pressure on Megan Belsey as the defender looks to get the ball away safely runs behind for the corner kick. Brister on the corner from the right played into the top of the area, Williams getting a touch to turn it into the crowded six yard box, Griffith getting control of the ball for Mulbarton to being it away from danger.

Costessey’s Chloe Moulton

  Mulbarton getting the ball into their attackers but Costessey getting a defensive block in to deny the final ball in behind. Campbell bringing the ball forwards for the visitors finds Williams through the middle sends the pass out to Moulton advancing on the right delivers a cross into the area, cut out by McNorton, Mulbarton rapid in the counter the ball helped on up through the middle by Maddy McCormick. Lake looking to run in behind the Costessey defence, Fox rushing out of her area, the get to the ball first.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

  Mulbarton with a throw high on the left the ball fed in across the top of the Costessey area, comes to Rue pulls the trigger from 20 yards out a low drive towards the left of goal, Fox down to save pushing the ball wide of the upright for a corner kick. The corner flung into the six yard box, met headed down towards the left post, cut out and cleared by defender, Grace Wall for the visitors. 

Grace Wall

 Mulbarton press well in the final third forcing a throw on the left, Rue strong on the ball looking to take players on as she presses for the area, instead feeds it down the line for Lake making a run to the by-line her cross dugout looping across the face of goal, just over Griffith at the far post. Melissa Belsey right on for Lake switching channels a darting run looks to cross into the middle, cut out by Smith away for a throw. 

Mulbarton’s Atlanta Griffith

 Mulbarton build through the middle, Telfer to McCormick on for Griffith 25 yards out lifts the ball out to Lake to the right crosses it back inside the box to Griffith who outmuscles a defender to break in on goal her shot straight at the keeper, Fox instinctive gloves up to beat the ball away. Griffith with a rising shot on the angle right of the area over the bar as Mulbarton continue to press high. 

 Nobbs onto Campbell picks out Juby getting away into space on the right wing knocking the ball on, Megan Belsey gets across to direct the ball out for the throw before a cross is attempted. The hosts quick to launch a counter Rue on for Melissa Belsey right side has Lake pulling into the wing ahead of her the game stretched, Fox comes racing out of her box, a long way from goal committed has to get there a does, out for a throw, a sweeper keeper at times.

  A battling contest in the middle at times, both sides getting stuck in, scrappy, Telfer lifting the ball up over the defence, Fox well placed to of her area to gather before Lake can capitalise. Rue coming in off the left with the ball driving it in central for lake top of the D, strikes the ball her low shot driven in, straight at the keeper, Fox down to claim the ball. Continues to be lively Telfer fouling Juby on halfway, Nobbs to play the ball up towards the top of the area from the right knocked down by Campbell into Juby 20 yards out her shot charged down the ball deflected away to the right another attempt turned wide.

Costessey’s Alisha Juby with Mulbarton’s Jade Telfer

  Campbell bringing the ball on for Costessey up to Williams in attack, Megan Belsey getting her foot in to take the ball away from her. Costessey looking a threat driving on through the middle as Mulbarton risk over committing up the other end Williams rolling the ball on for Moulton breaking into the right channel striking the ball on the run from 20 yards out, Megan Gowing relatively untroubled in the Mulbarton goal to this point called into down behind the ball to save. 

Megan Belsey

 GOAL! Costessey gaining some momentum in the final 3rd press the ball on the right Brown up with Campbell the ball cut back into the top of the area for Williams, is fouled by McNorton, the referee blowing up straight away pointing to the spot! Penalty! Campbell to take it a chance to put her side ahead from the spot makes no mistake striking a firm penalty low past the keeper as she dives to her left, 0-1.

Hannah Campbell fires Costessey into the lead from the penalty spot

  Costessey opening the scoring, on the half hour, Costessey with their tails up, Campbell proactive getting after the ball making some useful runs into the left channel Brown picking her out, Campbell held up by McNorton looking to lay it back to Brown, Stevenson closing her down well for Mulbarton to get her side going forwards. Fox comes racing out of her area again to the right to get to the ball first as Lake looks to pull clear behind Brown on the wing.

  Costessey making a change, Williams coming off to be replaced by Poppy Lyons in attack. Ping ball in the middle as Rue looks to plough a path through the Costessey defence before being brought down. Griffith over the free-kick left of the circle, goes for goal a high ball in dropping far side, Fox behind it but doesn’t get hold of the ball loose Mulbarton rush in to attack knocked on towards the far post stabbed wide even as the hosts appeal for a penalty but nothing given.

  Mulbarton’s front 3 looking to fight their way through the Costessey defence, Baldock and Brister both with blocking tackles on Rue and Lake, those two looking to link up on the left side the cross put into Griffith central top of the D, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to release a shot before Campbell snaps in with the challenge. Kyara Everett coming on for Costessey taking a position on the right replacing Moulton. Links up with Juby on the flank the ball crossed inside met by Lyons right of the D her snap shot in low held by Gowing.

  GOAL! Into the final minutes of the 1st half, Mulbarton bring the ball on through the middle, Stevenson with Rue sent out to the right played in down the line for Lake to chase down the Costessey defence getting drawn to the ball as she fires a pacy cross into the six yard box, Griffith arriving unopposed to turn the ball past the keeper to level the scores, 1-1.

Atlanta Griffith fires in the equaliser for Mulbarton

  Mulbarton back on level terms late on in the 1st half, look to make one last push before the half draws to a close, attacking down the left the ball played into Lake down the line her cross cut back into the top of the area runs on for Rue to strike the ball low and hard past the diving keeper, Mulbarton rush to her to congratulate thinking they have turned it around only for the referee to be called over to consult the line assistant, the flag was raised was Lake in an offside position, the goal is chalked off much to Mulbarton’s consternation!

Mulbarton’s Sam Rue

 Soon after the whistle blows for half-time, the Mulbarton players still speaking with the referee as the interval begins. 

Half-time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-1 Costessey Sports Ladies

Both sides staying out on the pitch during the half-time interval. Mulbarton have looked press the attack have created opportunities without overly stretching the Costessey back-line, Fox playing as a sweeper keeper at times a risky ploy when you have a predator in attack such as Lake. On the whole however the visitors have battled hard been lively and looked to keep the ball moving offering a threat in attack dangerous in the counter getting players on from the middle drawing the penalty and opening the scoring from the spot. Mulbarton stretching there opponents defence to put Griffith in the clear for the equalising goal late in the half, a hint of offside about that one, scoring a 2nd soon after the flag going against them this time around to leave it all square and all to play for in the 2nd half. Will Costessey be able to keep it up or will their higher league opponents find the extra edge in the 2nd half.

  Changes for both sides art the start of the 2nd half, Florrie Martin, Izzy Fitchew and Emma Farmer coming in in midfield and the left side replacing, Telfer, Bye and Melissa Belsey. Williams is back on for Costessey in attack replacing Everett, Phoebe Pierpoint has come on to at left back replacing Brown. Mulbarton to get the 2nd half underway the ball played forwards Costessey move in quick to close it down comes to Pierpoint left side lifts a high ball up towards the top of the Mulbarton area, cleared by Belsey.

  Tentative at the start of the 2nd half both sides rushing in to close down the ball, neither making much headway, Campbell looking to push on from the middle support Williams in attack. Fitchew clearing a hopeful ball forwards as Williams races in to try and close her down. Emma Farmer taking it on up the left flank a strong run her diagonal ball into the box taking a deflection off Smith that sees it turned safely back to her keeper. 

  Griffith is crudely upended top of the D as she looks to hold the ball up for Mulbarton winning her side the free-kick, takes on the set-piece herself getting a stringing shot past the wall straight at the keeper however Fox palming it down, luckily avoiding Martin as she closes in at the far post the loose ball hooked clear by Wall. 

  McNorton now over on the left of defence for Mulbarton lunges in to deny, Juby as she looks to drive with the ball at her feet on the wing. Campbell with the ball at her feet driving forwards for Costessey runs into traffic, the ball cleared out to the left, Pierpoint latching onto the ball swings a good looking ball in towards the top of the area, Williams interested however Gowing with a good starting position is out quickly to the top of her box to gather the ball into her gloves. 

Alisha Juby

  Rue forcing her way on with the ball through the middle for Mulbarton pushed on for Griffith, her 25 yard strike taking a deflection of a defender seeing in spin on into the box right of goal, favouring Lake as she breaks in behind to latch onto it, drags her attempt wide across the six yard box. Costessey making another change with Lyons coming off, Jenny Moore. Mulbarton forcing a corner on the left, curled into the six yard box attacked at the far post turned wide.

Atlanta Griffith with Costessey’s Olivia Smith

  Griffith battling hard on the ball for Mulbarton fighting on through the middle lays the ball into Farmer’s path out on the right, Pierpoint across to challenge try and stop the cross, prevents the ball going out for a corner, Mulbarton with a throw instead. Martin linking up with Griffith off the throw in the corner getting the return ball into her feet her cross/shot saved by Fox down low at her near post.

   Williams taking the ball on from Campbell through the middle, surges on towards the area, runs into Belsey who stands her ground. Fox out of her area again to challenge Griffith outside her area central as she looks to get the ball fizzed into her by Rue out of her feet. 

 GOAL! An hour played the game totally opening up play stretched as Mulbarton press Costessey back, the visitors sharp on the counter break as the ball is launched into Juby on the right, drives in before whipping a ball into the middle of the six yard box, Gowing trying to close down Campbell as she looks to turn the ball back across goal, knocked up into the air, Campbell keeps her composure to lift her left foot get it up over the dropping ball fire and strike it back across the keeper to fire her side back into the lead 1-2.

Hannah Campbell scores her 2nd to restore Costessey’s lead

 Costessey retaking the lead look sharp in the 2nd half, Mulbarton a little flat footed the game opening up the visitors dropping back in defence making it hard to find a way through on goal. Rotating players to keep their energy levels up. Brown coming back on to support, Pierpoint on the left, defends as Farmer looks to drive on up the wing with the ball. Fitchew up on the right to close Pierpoint down finds Farmer free ahead of her, sends a looping cross into the box, headed away to safety by Costessey’s Baldock. 

Mulbarton’s Emma Farmer

  Williams coming off with Moulton back on for Costessey in attack. The offside flag goes up against Juby on the right as she races on looking to get onto the end of a diagonal ball from Moore. Farmer forcing a throw high on the left, taken by Martin links up with Rue, Baldock charging down the cross, the 2nd attempt played into the top of the area cut out by Nobbs. Fox always ready to charge out of her area does so again on Griffith as Martin sends the ball into her feet. 

  Mulbarton looking to find the equalising goal build well through the middle Martin threading it on, cut out by Smith, back to Lake central has Griffith to her right pulling into the channel 25 yards out takes on the strike the ball rising just not enough to clear the keeper as Fox gets her arms up to save knocking the ball down into the ground and getting hold of it.

Rebekah Lake

  Bye back onto the pitch for Mulbarton, also coming on Alyssia Barrett with the game closing in on the final 15 minutes. Costessey working hard in defence, space to exploit on the counter as Mulbarton look to press find their way back into the contest. Campbell with the ball for Costessey moving left has Brown bombing on looking to get in behind sends the ball on however Gowing is out quickly to the top of her area to claim. 

 Griffith with a snap shot from all of 20 yards out as Lake brings the ball down into her path looping in on goal, frustration as it lands on the roof of the net. Everett back on for Costessey as they continue to rotate players, Nobbs putting the ball on for Moulton through the middle picks out Everett right side, Barrett quick to close her down for Mulbarton. Smith intercepts well getting in ahead of Griffith as Rue pushing on with the ball through the middle tries to pick her out.

 Mulbarton with a throw high on the right, Rue with Griffith the cross worked into the six yard box, Lake near side with the shot, charged down, pops back to Martin left of goal fired back into the mix pops up lose for Griffith to strike from close range, blasts the ball straight into the keeper as Fox beats it away. 

 Mulbarton frustrated can’t find a way past the keeper as the chances mount up, lake getting onto the ball left of goal inside the box, holds off the defence as the keeper starts to comes gets a strike away pulling it wide across the area past the far post. Campbell coming off for Costessey as they send Juby back on. Mulbarton going for broke pushing players on as the game closes in on the 85th minute, Pierpoint up to cut the ball out as farmer looks to play it in from the right. Smith defending up against Griffith as Mulbarton come on through the middle the ball running on in behind Fox onto it claiming the ball before Lake can pounce.

  Juby back to defend for Costessey as Griffith looks to play the ball on for martin making a left channel run. Rue with some strong running on the ball throughout the game powers on through the middle, Smith moving in to make the challenge. Farmer onto the ball for Mulbarton bursting into the area right of goal the angle acute as she goes to pull the trigger, Fox there again covering the post down quickly to get behind the ball, loose, Pierpoint is back to defend preventing the ball running behind for a corner. 

 The clock ticking down, Mulbarton doing all they can to find a way through late on, Costessey holding firm, defending deep Griffith finding Farmer out on the right her cross cut back into the penalty area, headed away by Baldock. Moore winning the ball back for Costessey in the final 3rd as Martin looks to find Lake top of the D. Time almost up Lake left on for Griffith squares it into the area, Costessey have plenty back to cut it out. One final push through the middle, Rue driving on with the ball into traffic, cleared a coming together off the ball, play stopped the referee showing Rue a straight red card in the dying seconds. Costessey hold on to celebrate an historic win knocking out higher league opposition to reach the last 4 of this season’s county cup.

Full time Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies 1-2 Costessey Sports Ladies

  Two Norfolk Division One sides into the last 4 of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup with UEA FC Women scoring 2 late goals to beat Aylsham in their quarter final. Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women also through beating Thetford 3-0 to advance. Wroxham’s game at Sprowston postponed will try again next weekend. A memorable win for Costessey, their coach Paul Sell did tell me they were full of confidence going into the game, looked eager and rotating players kept fresh legs on the pitch throughout. Rode their luck at times but were determined having gotten into the lead 1st half conceding an equaliser were fortunate Mulbarton’s 2nd goal was chalked off due to offside, took advantage to retake the lead on the hour and battled hard at the back from there on in. Mulbarton looked rusty haven’t played for 5 weeks, will be disappointed, created chances just picked out the keeper more than not with their shots. An enjoyable cup contest.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match of 2026. A straight forward one which isn’t usually the case, although there were a few who put themselves in contention and plenty of performances to mention. Firstly for Mulbarton, Sam Rue was strong on the ball throughout with some useful penetrating runs either coming in off the flank or through the middle. Atlanta Griffith too with some strong runs and good positioning throughout will be frustrated having gotten one goal not to add another. That was to a large percentage due to Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox, a sweeper keeper at times read the game well knowing when not to come, her defence deeper 2nd half the ball coming at her late was ready and alert. Olivia Smith with a number of vital interceptions at the back, the defence strong as a group. Abbie Nobbs using the ball well ahead of them. Holly Williams making some useful runs in attack looked to get Costessey into some good attacking positions. The award though goes to midfielder Hannah Campbell was as solid all round performance, worked hard to win the ball and get forwards to support the attack, firing her side into the lead from the spot and helping lead the attack 2nd half scoring the all important winning goal.

 It’s good to be back, even if I’m a little rusty myself, an entertaining cup tie to kick the year off, thanks to both sides for their assistance today. Good to catch up with a few footballing friends too. 

by Darren Gilham