Sunday 22nd August

FAWNL South East Division One

 A trip to St Neots Town FC this Sunday for another slice of action from FAWNL South East Division One, a meeting between to familiar foes once the A10 derby as Cambridge United WFC host Enfield Town Ladies.

  The pair both founding members of the FAWNL (or FAWPL as it was originally known) share a good rivalry that has seen some closely fought matches over the years, Enfield more often than not taking the points in recent seasons. Both looking to emerge from the COVID pandemic that saw the past two season’s drastically affected with renewed optimism in a league that is only getting stronger year on year.

  Cambridge United WFC now settled at their new home at St Neots Town FC, the clubs facilities allowing the 1st and Development team to train and play together. The site featuring the main stadium with a grass pitch alongside a 3G pitch to play and train on. A change in management for the 1st team this season with the club appointing Darren Marjoram as 1st team manager to work along side Ben Yeomans as 1st team coach. Marjoram was previously at St Ives Town Ladies building the women’s side seeing numerous promotion over 6 years taking them all the way to the ERWFL Premier Division. Liz Pamplin also joining the coaching team retiring from played after making 500 appearances for the club.

  Three players follow Marjoram from St Ives to join Cambridge, highly rated goalkeeper, Kira Markwell, midfielder Abbi Griffin and Ruth Fox, the attacking midfielder returning to the club having improved during her time at St Ives. Also returning to the club, midfielder Laura Baker having had spells with Watford and today’s opponents Enfield, vastly experienced, tough tackling and a great passer of the ball. Defender Anna Re also another new edition to the squad. Baker, Re and Fox all starting in Cambridge’s season opener away to Actonians last Sunday with Griffin on the bench. A tight game goalless at the break a single goal was to settle it in the 2nd half headed home by Rochelle Shakes to see the 3 points go to Actonians.

 Enfield are a club in the heart of the community, the women’s section now boasting 4 senior teams the 1st team showing signs it could push on began challenging for a top 3 spot in the FAWNL South East Division One pre-COVID. The club bringing in a host of new faces over the close season with manger, Billy Highton adding Jade Dempster to the coaching team as first team head coach. Goalkeeper Grace Taylor joining having most recently been with fellow South East Division One side,  Kent Football United. Brionne Fowle and Jessie Carpanini from the youth set-ups at Arsenal and Chelsea respectfully. Kelsey Mugford from Spurs, winger Leah Littlechild from MK Dons. Crystal Palace duo, Che Thomas and Diana Tobe. Forward Alana Munro former captain of Watford Development and Katie O’Leary who has vast experience playing at a higher level with Spurs, London Bees and most recently Watford Ladies.

  10 new faces in all with 7 of those making their Enfield debut on the opening day of the season last Sunday at home to London Seaward (previously known at Leyton Orient WFC) despite creating a host of chances seeing a number of saves made Enfield trailed at the break to an early goal from London Seaward’s new signing Abbey Dell. Alana Munro with her first goal for the club scoring early in the 2nd period to see Enfield draw in their opening fixture.

 St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus stadium the venue to todays game the grass pitch looking fantastic, a great playing surface. A seated covered stand one side housing the changing rooms and clubhouse. Covered terracing behind both goals. The weather remains nothing to shout about in August, relatively cool with cloud cover threatening rain throughout, one shower coming prior to kick-off, wetting the pitch. The sun doing it’s best to provide some warmth when it pokes through the clouds.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Anna Re, Carrie Bennett, Amy Haughton, Grace Waygood, Abbi Griffin, Laura Baker (C), Laura Mitchell, Emma Jenkins, Ruth Fox & Sam Khan. Subs – Charlotte Crisp, Faith Hewitt, Gisela Otten, Natasha Collins & Amy Howlett.

  Enfield Tow Ladies starting XI – Grace Taylor, Danielle Smith, Jessie Carpanini, Sheryce Slater, Rachel Kosky, Brionne Fowle, Mollie Kmita (C), Leah Littlechild, Klesha Darroux, Katie O’Leary & Alana Munro. Subs- Rebecca McShane, Rebecca Evans, Olivia Syson, Jade Dempster & Hollie Holt.

  Thankfully the showers clear moments before the players walk out onto the pitch, Laura Baker captaining Cambridge today with Mollie Kmita wearing the armband for Enfield. It’s the hosts to kick-off the first half Cambridge wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Enfield opposite wearing white shirts with blue shorts and socks. Baker looks to play the ball long to Emma Jenkins bursting forwards on the left the pass cut out by Enfield full back Jessie Carpanini the ball dropping back into the middle of the park, Brionne Fowle snapping in to close down the ball firing a through ball on for Alana Munro to chase, Cambridge goalkeeper. Lauren Webb needing to come rushing out of her box early on the clear the danger.

  For a moment Enfield are celebrating thinking they have taken an early lead winning the ball centrally played rapidly out to Katie O’Leary peeling away into space on the right fires an early ball into the area met well by Alana Munro central sticking out a leg to divert it wide of the keeper high into the back of the net, the celebrations cut short however by the assistants raised flag.

  A good start to the game from Enfield taking the game to Cambridge looking to use the width of the pitch spreading the play. Grace Waygood at the back intercepting a through ball meant for Munro. Ruth Fox bringing the ball on for Cambridge left side attempts to send a ball in behind for Jenkins to attack, Carpanini reading it well for Enfield in defence. Players on both sides closing down the ball already shaping up to be a good contest Laura Mitchell right for Cambridge takes on her marker looks to send it up the line for Sam Khan to run onto, Rachel Kosky in on the Cambridge striker quickly to regain the ball. 

 Enfield are quick to get counter attacks going constantly looking to spread the play catch Cambridge on the back foot, out to O’Leary on the right has support from Klesha Darroux the pair linking up well as O’Leary flights a cross in towards the far post, Leah Littlechild coming in from the left free in the area attempting to strike the falling ball on the volley sees her effort sliced wide of the post. Littlechild is posing a real threat attacking down the left wing for Enfield driving forwards with the ball whips a dangerous cross into the six yard box, O’Leary and Darroux in to attack it, Webb keeps her eye on the ball taking it high in her gloves.

   Khan battling her way forwards on the ball wide right does well to win her side a corner. The delivery long going beyond the far post is retrieved and driven in towards goal on the angle, Grace Taylor dropping on it low at her near post to claim. Taylor sends the ball long from her kick looking to set up a counter attack, Carrie Bennett winning a vital header to ensure Enfield don’t get in behind to mount an attack on the hosts goal. Littlechild has pace running with the ball at her feet another dangerous delivery into the area is intercepted by Grace Waygood, fellow centre back Amy Haughton launching it clear. 

  Cambridge getting to grips with the tempo Enfield imposed on the game early on Baker winning it central, Abbi Griffin sending a pass out to Jenkins on the left, puts a ball into the area too close to the keeper Taylor gathering at her near post. Littlechild doing well making ground on the left attempts to lay it back to Kmita, Baker sliding in on her to win the tackle. Littlechild keeps coming on the left squaring a ball in towards the top of the area Darroux having made a run left side back to goal attempts to lay it off for the advancing Kmita to strike from 20 yards out, her effort pulled wide across the goal.

  Attacking right making ground win a corner after a succession of throws, players up from the back. The ball whipped into the six yard box goes through everyone centrally dropping to Haughton at the far post, getting her foot under the ball scoops the ball up in towards goal, Taylor flinging an arm up the ball landing in the roof of the net a 2nd corner awarded this time from the left. Goes long again coming out to Haughton once again further out this time strikes the ball on the volley sends her shot wide. A spell of pressure from Cambridge inside the Enfield box.

  Fox bringing the ball on through the middle moving left pushed on into Jenkins returned to Fox as she goes past her looks to put it into Laura Mitchell feet as she makes a central run towards goal, closed down under challenge nevertheless gets a shot away 25 yards out blazed over the bar. Some strong tackles being made, Fowle on Baker this time seeing Cambridge with a freekick inside their opponents half Haughton on it putting it up towards the top of a congested 18 yard line, Kosky rising well to head the ball out of danger.

   Both sides attacking the game flowing Griffin with the through ball looking for Jenkins getting around the back from the left, a little too much on it allowing Taylor to gather. 

  GOAL!  20 minutes played and the deadlock is broken. The ball with Cambridge won in the middle played out Fox making a run left side has support from Jenkins the ball returned to her as she looks to dribble it on into the area, a determined run into the box closing down on goal composes herself and lifts a shot wide past Taylor and into the back of the net to score her 1st goal at this level 1-0.

  Enfield look to get on the offensive straight from the restart Kmita into Munro she spreads play to the advancing Littlechild on the left taking the ball on down the line attempts to get inside Anna Re to cross the ball, Re stays on her well keeping the winger wide before diving into tackle managing to win a goalkick off Littlechild. Carpanini getting forwards on the right making good progress on the ball, Jenkins needing to get back to help Bennett, deflects Carpanini’s cross falls straight to O’Leary top right corner of the area strikes her shot over the bar.

  Cambridge are deep at ties as they defend, working well as a unit however the outlet up top isn’t easy to find and all to often Enfield regain possession to mount another assault, clinical ball’s through the middle at a premium though. Clouds starting to build again threatening more rain as Enfield win their first corner of the game to be put in from the right. A congested six yard box is ignored with the short option taken Danielle Smith her cross though is quickly charged down, Enfield keep the pressure on play spread to the left Littlechild surging to the by-line coming inside lifting a ball into the six yard box, Webb claiming it well for Cambridge. 

 Enfield pushing on Darroux with support from O’Leary on the right, Bennett tackling a throw conceded, pressure relieved as Jenkins wins a free-kick. Littlechild on the left has Cambridge racing back to defend their box as the ball is fired into the penalty spot, straight to Griffin who whips it clear. A blow for Enfield as they are forced into a change, Kmita struggling having taken a knock needs to come off on in her place, Rebecca Evans. 

  The ball won centrally by Cambridge hooked up to Khan up top 25 yards out left of the D a good knock down to lay it into the path of Mitchell to the right, is quickly closed down by Kosky getting a low shot away lacks the pace to trouble Taylor as she dives to get her gloves around the ball. Cambridge with another corner on the left a high ball whipped into the six yard box Khan jumps well comes close but can’t get anything on it however a touch far side sees another corner awarded. Another dangerous ball in dropping loose inside the six yard box chaos ensures, Mitchell getting a foot on the ball close in the effort blocked Enfield manage to scramble it away.

  Carpanini on the ball left attacking for Enfield lifts a pass on for Munro making a right channel run in behind is looking to take the shot on the volley as the ball drops down before her, difficult but a good attempt as the shot is drilled wide. Enfield coming hard late in the 1st half O’Leary right on for Darroux wide her cross cut out by the backtracking Baker, Carpanini going after it in the corner, Bennett sliding in on her to defend for the hosts. 

  Strong appeals from Enfield for a penalty late in the half as they win a free-kick some 35 yards out central. Kosky having a strike on goal her shot hitting the wall, the ball deflected to the left Carpanini racing onto it taking it wide into the box Jenkins out to close her down, Carpanini’s cross blocked by Jenkins going behind, Enfield arms up claiming it struck her hand, the impact hand or not at such close range a penalty unlikely to be given. That the last action of an action packed first half.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Enfield Town Ladies

  Cambridge with the narrow advantage at the break going in 1-0 to the good thanks to Fox’s goal midway through the first half. Enfield starting the brighter working the ball across the pitch well spreading play took Cambridge awhile to get to grips with their opponents, eventually settling into the game it became a good contest, players from both sides working hard to close the other down some strong tackling but each side giving as good as they got. Fox making a great individual run into the box to put Cambridge ahead. Enfield have had opportunities although both keepers haven’t been called into action too often. Enfield finishing the half strong, Cambridge defending well.

  Still all to play for however with just a single goal in it as Enfield get the 2nd period under way.

 GOAL! A perfect start to the 2nd half for the visitors as they pull the scores level straight from the restart. The ball played back to O’Leary in the middle she clips her pass long out to Littlechild breaking forwards on the right, insolating Re, her challenge on the full back seeing her burst in behind clear to strike in a shot on the angle powering the ball high across the keeper to make it 1-1.

  What ever plan Cambridge had discussed at half-time is in the bin. Enfield having equalised are straight on the front foot, tails up win a corner on the left put in towards the near post low, players from both sides attacking it can only describe it as a scramble Cambridge managing to clear the danger. A frantic start to the 2nd half Cambridge have little time to settle Enfield looking to get the ball into their wide attackers, Bennett lunging in to tackle on the left. Haughton stopping Littlechild as she comes on from a central position. 

  Khan is doing well with the ball at her feet holding it up forcing Enfield into the tackle more often than not bringing  throw deep or a corner. A throw on this occasion dropped into Jenkins feet on the left attempts to skip on into the area before Slater charges her cross down. Re clipping a diagonal ball into Mitchell on the right, Fowle in to head it back upfield. Jenkins is left on the ground dazed as the ball struck at pace hits her hard, a head injury play is paused treatment needed. Is okay to continue but is definitely going to feel that one in the morning. 

  Enfield have look dangerous on the break throughout the match O’Leary with the armband now up to Littlechild away in behind into the box on the left slides in on the shot, Webb down well before her to stop the ball, play stopped though by a raised flag. Khan fouled by Fowle 30 yards out in a central position. Jenkins over the free-kick takes on the strike over the bar doesn’t trouble Taylor. Fox gets clear on the right in behind checks back to put in a cross with her left foot just behind Khan central, still attempts to spins on the ball send it onto Jenkins in beyond her the move not quite coming off. 

  Slater comes across well at the back to slide in on Khan as she threatened to break in behind to cross on the left a corner conceded. The corner count mounting for Cambridge, this one defended near side a 2nd corner awarded put long this time Haughton retrieving it managing to win a further corner on the left as the ball is charged down. An inswinging back whipped across the face of goal Fox coming in at the back post appeared to slip otherwise she might well have made contact with the ball. 

  Littlechild left side fires a cross in near side looking for O’Leary, Haughton defends well shielding the ball allowing Webb to gather. Enfield make their 2nd change of the match Darroux the player off replaced by Olivia Syson. Khan pulling out wide close to the touchline has momentum against her as she wraps her foot around the ball attempting to put in a cross, turns into a dangerous ball threatening to swerve in under the bar, Taylor though is back on her goal line and reaches up calmly to pull the ball down to safety. 

  Cambridge make their first change of the game bringing on Amy Howlett for Mitchell. Fowle lines a shot up from all of 30 yards out right of the D swerving through the air Webb has plenty of time to set herself for the save dropping low to her left to smother the shot. 

  Enfield come close to taking the lead in the game Littlechild a constant threat coming on from the left making a run into the box as Smith gets forwards the cross fired into the near post Webb down at Littlechild’s feet as the winger looks to sent it past her from close range, Webb getting her fingertips on the ball is stranded on the ground as the ball is deflected towards goal, I’m standing in the other half and it looks to be heading in when Bennett racing in appears out of no where the left back sliding in to make a dramatic goal line clearance to keep the scores level.

  Baker’s bruise count is rising as she takes another painful one on the ankle, giving as good as she gets Cambridge as a collective are working hard to regain possession, Enfield continue to look to move the ball O’Leary and Littlechild carrying the biggest threats the game stretched at time has taken alot out of the players Re is struggling with a knock is replaced at right back by Charlotte Crisp for Cambridge. Baker scooping a pass up over the top for Howlett sprinting clear on the right into the box, Taylor though is out to it first. 

   Another change for Cambridge, Faith Hewitt coming on for Griffin in the middle. No let up in the action two committed sides who feel they can win it. Khan seeing the ball into her feet 25 yards out left of the D looks to turn and strike the ball, Slater in to close her down charging down the ball. Khan’s last action of the game as she is replaced by Gisela Otten the move seeing Howlett join Fox up top. 

 

  Baker gathering the ball into her feet in the centre of the park goes on a surging run towards the box looking to charge her way through the Enfield defence, Kosky lunging in to deny her a shot edge of the area the ball deflected right into the path of Howlett she strikes the ball goalwards riding it lands on the roof of the net. 

 Enfield with another change Littlechild the player taken off replaced by Jade Dempster. The clouds have been darkening the rain starts to return as the game moves into the final 10 minutes, the contest is on a knife edge could go either way, both sides feeling they can score. O’Leary right holding up the ball as Smith looks to get on in support, Howlett doing the defending for Cambridge. Block. Block. Block! The Cambridge defence throwing themselves at the ball inside the box as Enfield push on Fowle advanced with two of the strikes from close range. A final change from Cambridge the rain falling heavily now, Natasha Collins on for Haughton at the back. 

  GOAL! The substitute plays a vital role in the next passage of play as Cambridge go on to regain the lead in the closing minutes of the game both side undoubtedly tiring Fox snapping into a challenge right side battling to win possession of the ball, Collins going past her on the overlap Fox digs the ball out of her feet lifting it into Collins path wide wraps her foot around the ball sending in into the six yard box chest height both Howlett and Jenkins bursting forwards through the middle Taylor diving towards the ball under challenge she and Jenkins collide a 50/50 challenge deflects onto Howlett to turn the ball into the goal beyond 2-1!

  Cambridge go wild in celebration the goal given, alot going on inside the box however as both Taylor and Jenkins are down injured, trainers from both sides on. Enfield players surrounding the referee protesting their keeper was fouled. Takes a while to sort out does the goal stand… it does. Jenkins has taken another heavy blow to her jaw uncertain if she can continue and Cambridge have used all their subs. Taylor still down certainly can’t continue and a replacement goalkeeper is needed the gloves brought on for Dempster to wear. Taylor is up on her feet at least good to see. Jenkins will battle on. Play resumes, Dempster not ready however. Hollie Holt coming on in place of Taylor. 

The game restarts with 5 minutes of injury time. Enfield certainly feel aggrieved have been unhappy with a few decisions made throughout the game now find themselves 2-1 down with minutes left. Get on the attack Cambridge setting their stall out to defend Otten tackling Fowle as she comes on through the middle. A free-kick in the closing moments deep on the left Enfield push everyone up the ball to b launched into the box put in far post attacked knocked down towards goal Webb though can fall forwards onto it at her near post to nullify the threat. The final whistle blowing and it’s Cambridge who celebrate winning their 1st 3 points of the season.  

Full time Cambridge United WFC 2-1 Enfield Town Ladies

  Was a really good contest between two committed sides in truth it could have gone either way. Cambridge defending well throughout battling at times taking the lead in the 1st half. Enfield starting well passed the ball well spreading play with necessarily having a cutting edge through the middle. A strong end to the 1st half was an even better start to the 2nd getting straight back on level terms. Chances for both sides some strong tackling, not played with any malice however, Bennett’s goal line clearance proving crucial as it was the hosts who went on to find the winning goal late in the game. Will do wonders for player confidence, Enfield head back to home knowing it could have so easily been 2-1 the other way, have little recovery time however as this is the 1st of 3 games in 8 days are at home to FAWNL newcomers Harlow Town Ladies on Wednesday evening before travelling to Norwich next Sunday. Cambridge are away to Harlow themselves next Sunday. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this weekends Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Boy this is a tough one a strong all round team performance from Cambridge. Let’s start with Enfield, great movement throughout from Katie O’Leary giving those behind her a ready outlet to pass the ball. So too Leah Littlechild on the left a constant threat throughout the match making several dynamic runs on the ball taking her goal well. Rachel Kosky strong at the back winning the ball. All round Cambridge put in a solid team performance wasn’t pretty at times but battle hard as a unit back to front winning the ball, Carrie Bennett’s goal line clearance as good as any goal. Amy Haughton making a number of strong tackles at the back. Emma Jenkins on the left of attack. Ruth Fox is improving all the time took her goal well. Edging them out I think though today’s award goes to Laura Baker was strong in the middle of the park putting herself about and often the catalyst for Cambridge’s attacking play.

  Was a good contest the action never stopped between two committed sides a great advert for the league no doubt. My thanks to both sides for helping me out with the team details as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham.