The Round-Up

Sunday 15th September

Suffolk Women’s County Cup

The 2019/20 County Cup competition kicked off in Suffolk this Sunday with 5 ties taking place in the 1st Round. Some county cup competition seeded others not across the country. Suffolk one of those that don’t. That saw current holders Ipswich Town Women drawn out of the hat to play at home to former finalists AFC Sudbury Ladies. Ipswich with a stranglehold on the county cup in recent seasons and with a new crop of U21 talent breaking into the senior sides no sign they are about to give it up. This a new look AFC Sudbury side a young squad going forwards. Sudbury taking an early lead in the match going 1-0 up, Ipswich straight back at them to level the scores inside 5 minutes with Sophie Welton through to make it 1-1. Ipswich going on to take the lead in the 18th minute from an Amanda Crump corner a powerful header from Paige Wakefield on her birthday to make it 2-1. The captain making it 3-1 5 minutes later as Crump lobbed the keeper from outside the box. Sudbury coming back to 3-2 then a poor goal kick intercepted leading to the goal.

  All action with not even half an hour played Amy-Leigh Barrett shooting into the far corner to score her 1st senior goal. Another youngster going to to claim her first goals for the club late in the first half with Zoe Barrett netting a 3 minute brace. Time for another goal before half-time with Abrehart scoring her 2nd of the game to see Ipswich 7-2 up at the break. Ipswich dominating towards the end of the 1st half continued where they left of in the 2nd, Lindsey Cooper heading home from a Crump corner on 53 minutes, Crump the unleashing a thunderbolt from distance to make it 9-2. Stoppage time seeing a further two goals added, Wakefield with her 2nd of the match, the final word from Crump completing her hat-trick.

  Needham Market Women reached the County Cup final in their debut season last tie out and will be aiming to achieve the same goal this season. Strengthening the squad as they begin life in ERWFL Division One North were at home to Woodbridge Town Ladies in the 1st Round of the competition on Sunday. The hosts leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to a brace from Lina Nagib. Defender Megan Stock heading home to put Needham Market 3-0 up 10 minutes into the 2nd half. On the hour new signing Jodie Sharp found the back of the net for her first Needham Market goal. Laura Brame also joining in the close season fouled inside the box, up to take the spot kick herself her 1st goal will have to wait as she saw her effort saved. Annie Northwood getting in on the goal scoring with 15 minutes left make it 5-0. Woodbridge capitalising from a scramble from a corner to get themselves a goal. Northwood making it 6-1 with her 2nd of the game to see Needham Market safely through to the next round.

  Elsewhere in the 1st Round their were convincing wins for Leiston St Margarets at home beating Chantry Grasshoppers 7-0. Whilst on the road AFC Kesgrave Ladies scored 6 without reply against Mildenhall Town Ladies. Bury Town Ladies are also through to the next round of the County Cup with a 3-0 away win against Waveney Ladies.

Suffolk Women’s Division

Three matches played in the Suffolk Women’s Division this Sunday with 3 sides making it a perfect start to the season winning 3 out of 3. Needham Market Women Reserves were at home hosting Holland Ladies, the Essex side making their debut in the league coming up against a side in form scoring plenty of goals too. Lois Balfour scoring a hat-trick for the 3rd successive match. Katie Moore also on target for a brace to see the game won 5-1. Holland’s first goal of the season scored by Lauren Bourne.

Three successive hat-tricks to start the season for Needham Market’s Lois Balfour

Also making a perfect start to the season are Alresford Colne Rangers. A good result this Sunday away to a side likely to be pushing for the top positions themselves Brantham Athletic Ladies. A narrow 1-0 lead for Alresford at half-time proving the difference as both sides netted 2 goals in the 2nd period. Alresford winning 3-2 with Vicky Hall, Danielle Leonard and Jasmine Warner celebrating goals. Lucy Elmes and Maddie Hubbard with the 2nd half strikes for Brantham.

Is a three way tie at the top of the Suffolk Women’s Division with 3 sides all on 9 points although the side in 3rd have yet to kick a ball. Sure Brettvale Ladies would have preferred it to be different as it doesn’t help goal difference but have been awarded 2 home wins and 1 away against their opponents for their opening 3 fixtures.

A baptism of fire for new side Ramsey & Mistley Ladies in their opening two fixtures in the Suffolk Women’s Division. Heavy defeats against Needham Market Women Reserves and Bury Town Ladies. A more encouraging result this weekend despite losing, were at home taking on fellow newcomers Henley Athletic Ladies playing their first competitive match of the season after forfeiting their opening two fixtures. An evenly contested match Henley Athletic getting their noses in front, Ramsey & Mistley coming back to level the scores through a long range strike from Ashleigh Mean. Two late goals for the visitors seeing them secure their 1st 3 points of the season. Molly Curran, Amy Gilson and Megan Tucker all celebrating their first goal for Henley Athletic.