Tuesday 6th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this evening for another game under the lights from the ERWFL Premier Division and a special occasion for Stevenage FC Women as they get to play at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC as they take on Colney Heath Ladies.

The pair meeting most recently in last season’s final of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup, Colney Heath Ladies reaching the event for the 1st time in their history a league below Stevenage FC Women who have regularly reached the final 2 of the competition in recent seasons. A battling performance from Colney Heath, Stevenage FCW  Women going on to win 3-1 to lift the trophy.

 The County Cup the high light of an otherwise difficult season for Stevenage FC Women as they were to be relegated from FAWNL South East Division One despite a late rally to try and avoid the drop with 4 sides going down last season, returning to the ERWFL Premier Division along with Harlow Town Ladies. Planning for an immediate return to the FAWNL know it will be a challenge with only one spot up for grabs and the early signs showing alot of teams can beat the other on their day with Luton Town Ladies the early pace setters. To that end Stevenage have had another busy close season bringing in new faces to the squad, 10 in all.

Amy Gooderham joining from MK Dons, with a trio of players coming in from rivals Harlow Town, midfielder Daisy Jenkins, defender Nicole Farmer and attack minded player, Becky Shephard. Goalkeeper, Celine Ray comes in from Northampton backed up by Mia O’Brien from Royston. Katie White from Cambridge United along with Kelsey Millen from the unfortunately folded Herts Vipers. Erin Price and Ciara Craig joining too. Plenty of options to pick from for manager Fadi Mazloum to choose from. Began the season with a trip to newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women, getting into a 3-0 lead Sudbury fought back to 3-2 before Stevenage held on for the victory. Was also 3-2 in their other game so far this season against local rivals Royston Town Women where they were undone by a late winner after getting it back to 2-2. 

  Colney Heath Ladies have had a frustrating start to the season having suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day losing 8-1 to Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Postponed games since have left them without a chance to bounce back. Will be buoyed from their performances last season, reaching the County Cup final for the 1st time aswell as a strong finish to their ERWFL Premier Division campaign, looking established at this level now have long been a side that has built on youth bringing players on through the club their Reserves side winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division last season too.

  Not always a side that makes a lot of new signings close season have strengthened their squad with 7 new faces this season adding experience too. First up Rebecca McShane, lastly with Enfield Town Ladies has played for both MK Dons and Watford. Young player Hollie Thornton coming to Colney Heath after scoring 41 goals in 20 games for Harvesters FC. Paige Pryor is another new addition joining from Stevenage. With a quartet of ex-Herts Vipers players coming in, Rebecca Edge, Natalie Powell, Ciara Meeking and goalkeeper Sophie Harris. 

 A great occasion for both sides as they get to showcase their talents at The Lamex Stadium, home of League Two side Stevenage FC. One of a number of clubs seeing what the Lionesses have done for the game winning the Euro’s and giving their women’s side the opportunity to play at a high profile stadium. Is a nice venue the North Stand open a number of tickets sold in advances hoping for over 300 at least. The tea hut open in one corner offering hot food and drinks a covered stand offering some much needed protection from the heavy rain around the area, torrential down pours driving in and one sending the Stevenage team back to the changing room’s for a few moments. The grass pitch looking superb will be a slick surface with the water falling.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Ray, Nicole Farmer, Dionne Manning, Vicky Neal (C), Katie White, Shianne Swarres, Holly Greenwood, Becky Shephard, Amy Gooderham, Emily Scofield & Susan Uwaifo. Subs – Shakeela Hussain, Stef Paci Kesley Millen, Ceira Craig & Mia O’Brien.

 Colney Heath Ladies starting XI – Naomi Swift, Sofia Santangelo, Melissa Godino, Holly Williams, Lucy Hancock, Rebecca McShane (c), Kelly Hancock, Keira Ward, Grainne Kellet, Terri Harvey & Elsbeth Cunningham. Subs – Darci Harwood, Esme Hume, Lily Nellis, Natalie Powell & Hollie Thornton.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 It’s the visitors to get the 1st half underway, Colney Heath wearing black and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks with Stevenage lined up opposite wearing red shirts with black shoulders and lower half with red short and white coloured socks. The ball going right, Dionne Manning defending on the left side for Stevenage dealing with the ball seen back to goalkeeper, Celine Ray. Stevenage quick to get the ball moving through the middle into Becky Shephard forwards for striker Susan Uwaifo breaking right of the D towards the box, Naomi Swift out towards the top of the box able to see it inside safely gather the ball.

  Katie White seeing the ball into her feet right for Stevenage takes it forwards before threading the pass on up the wing for Amy Gooderham, she turns infield looking to travel into the area, tackled by Colney heath’s Kelly Hancock. Stevenage looking to get on the front foot from the off working the ball on from a throw high up the pitch, turned in towards the keeper, Swift able to pick it up. Keira Ward for Colney Heath on the left wing plays it forwards looking to put Elsbeth Cunningham in in attack, too heavy, Ray able to get out to the top of her area lay claim to the ball. Colney Heath pushed back in defence defending inside their box at time allowing Stevenage to come on, the ball won in the area the clearance falling straight to Shephard 25 yards out top of the D, struck 1st time her shot racing wide of Swift’s left post.

   A bright start from the hosts Shianne Swarres out to White right side plays the pass forwards as Uwaifo makes the run in behind right channel on into the box, Kelly Hancock going with her keeping her wide of, blocking her shot deflecting it behind for the 1st corner of the game. Colney Heath with plenty back to defend the set-piece winning the clearance. Nicole Farmer bringing the ball on from the back for Stevenage with the straight pass on for Gooderham on the move right wing, Melissa Godino getting back at her for Colney heath to play the ball out for a throw in. 

  A free-kick won by Stevenage inside the Colney Heath half in front of the circle to the right, plenty up as Shephard sets it up. A great delivery angled in across the far post, Manning rising well just can’t get her head on the ball, out goal kick. Colney Heath soaking up alot of pressure in the opening 8 minutes a chance to get on in attack as captain Rebecca McShane plays the ball on into the attackers, Terri Harvey racing forwards with Cunningham to her right, Ray out rapidly to the top of her box to slide in get hold of the ball before either can pounce. Stevenage get straight on the counter Swarres with a great ball to find Gooderham moving into space on the right shooting on the angle from outside the box her effort flashing over the crossbar. 

  Stevenage captain, Vicky Neal at the back with a strong tackle sliding in to deny Cunningham as she looks to get away from her left of the area. Cunningham down for a moment getting up gingerly. The hosts coming left Holly Greenwood up the field with Emily Scofield, Sofia Santangelo defending for Colney Heath giving away a corner. Cunningham down needs treatment comes off the pitch to be accessed. The delivery from the left inswinging missed by Swift drops into the six yard box scrambled clear Colney Heath looking to counter but Ward is flagged offside on the left. Cunningham back on for Colney Heath.

  Ray coming out of her area on the right gets herself into trouble as Grainne Kellet drives on with the ball for Colney Heath, the free-kick given away Ray spoken to by the referee. A high ball lifted into the area near side Stevenage comfortable in defence. Manning with a crossfield ball out to Gooderham on the right for Stevenage, Kelly Hancock getting across with the sliding challenge, comes back off the attacker for a goal kick. Colney Heath playing deep is allowing Stevenage to come on but little room to get in behind the back four and keeper, working hard to keep it tight. 

  Swift alert moving forwards quickly to get her gloves on the ball, deny Uwaifo a chance to shot as Manning dinks one over the top for her. The pitch slick with the rain that has fallen the ball skipping away from players as they look to get on. Swarres free in the middle opening up her body to play the pass long out for Gooderham, Kelly Hancock cutting it out. Stevenage are quick to regain possession back out wide to Gooderham right sends a teasing cross through the six yard box, Swift unconcerned leaving it to go wide of her far post. Ward tackled hard on the left as she looks to travel with the ball for Colney Heath, Stevenage putting it forwards for Gooderham central looking to move right, Lucy Hancock getting across to block her run regain possession.

   20 minutes played a strong start from Stevenage seeing alot of the ball inside their opponents half. the visitors proving tough to break down. Kelly Hancock blocking a Stevenage shot driven in from distance deflected away for a corner kick. From the right another fast delivery across the penalty spot, no one attacking it. Ray comes racing out of her box again to deal with the threat of Cunningham as she is played on 30 yards out, no need as Neal his gone with her and comfortably deals with threat clearing the ball for a throw on the left as she puts in the tackle. Holly Williams getting across to the left to tackle Stevenage’s White as she takes hold of the ball to the right following good work from Swarres.

   Gooderham seeing a lot of the ball on the right of attack for Stevenage winning a corner kick. Played long across the top of the six yard box, knocked down towards goal, Swift beating it away to the left. Stevenage largely in control taking the game to Colney Heath who are working doggedly in defence, seeing little of the attack Neal and Farmer dealing with most forwards balls. Greenwood getting forwards on the flanks flashing a cross in across the face of goal neither Uwaifo or Gooderham racing in can get a touch. Kellet getting on with the ball left side play brought back for a foul against her. Players up for Colney Heath queueing up along the top of the area as McShane plays a fantastic ball forwards, plyers turning to attack as it lands inside the box, no one making contact as it skips out to the left. 

  Neal bringing the ball on feeding it through to Schofield on the left of attack, played back up the line for Manning to send a cross into the six yard box, cleared at the far post, drops to Swarres free 3 yards out, tries her luck from distance bouncing wide of the near post. Stevenage starting to find space in the box as they look to press the advantage getting on well from the back Manning on for Schofield to send a cross in from the left, Uwaifo central six out looks to have an open goal as she meets the ball knocked up into the air spins out to Gooderham wide of goal on the right getting her foot over the ball to smash a shot goalwards, Swift moving across her line right behind it to make the save.

  Play brought back with no advantage after Manning is bundled over inside the Colney Heath half. To the left is another teasing delivery played into the far post, there to be attack, no one going after it. Stevenage continuing to knock on the door with a little over 10 minutes left to play in the first half. Rain starting to fall more heavily again. Schofield getting Stevenage a corner on the left. Played short into Swarres free 25 yards out to the left corner of the area sends a shot in, racing across gaol wide beyond the far post. 

  GOAL! The pressure Stevenage have been exerting finally bringing a goal, Gooderham a strong threat out on the left played in down the line taking the ball to the by-line drawing players with her lays it back to Greenwood top of the box she in turn crossing to Manning some 30 yards out to the left of the D, struck beautifully, power as it arrows into the goal inside the near post before Swift can get down to it 1-0.

  Straight of the restart Harvey looking to get on with Kellet on the left for Colney Heath, Manning getting in between the pair to challenge for the ball winning it back for the hosts. Colney Heath getting a corner on the left moments later. Fired into the middle of goal top of the six yard box Williams gets up well to head the ball down into Kellet two yards out before the right post looking to turn into the shot, is charged down. Colney Heath’s strongest spell coming after conceding the goal winning a free-kick wide left players up into the box another good delivery in curling inside the six yard box, Farmer pulling back getting her head on the ball knocking it up looping back threatens to catch Ray out drop under the bar, the keeper with a brilliant reflex save to glove the ball up over her crossbar. 

  Swarres dealing with the resulting corner inside her own box to send clear. Seeing the ball into her feet Uwaifo turns bursting on inside the left channel carrying the ball on contact as Colney Heath try to get in a challenge, Uwaifo could have gone down stays on her feet driving into the area shooting on the angle, Swift making the save look comfortable at her near post. The game opening up suddenly on the closing stages of the half Swarres is a quality passer of the ball given space in the middle a plays the diagonal ball on for Schofield left side, cutting the cross inside for Uwaifo as she meets it top of the area shoots Swift down well to save it on her line. 

  The rain really coming down now as Stevenage look to counter the ball sent upfield to the left Uwaifo offside but leaves it, as Schofield runs in behind left side, the hosts left frustrated as the flag goes up to halt their progress.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-0 Colney Heath Ladies

  A single goal the difference at the break a superb strike from Dionne Manning in the 37th minute seeing Stevenage leading 1-0. A strong first half for the hosts could well have been leading by more. Not as clinical as they need to be and Colney Heath have been solid in defence deep at time allowing little space in behind limited opportunities has restricted their own opportunities going forwards but overall will be pleased with the score-line at half-time still well in the game a couple of half chances themselves will have to risk opening thing’s up a bit more 2nd half if they want to get a reply is a case of taking their chance when it falls. A double change for the visitors at the break with Cunningham who took a knock 1st half and Kellet coming off. Hollie Thornton and Natalie Powell.

  Stevenage to get the 2nd half underway looking to make a fast start Shepherd breaking forwards the ball though going for a goalkick. The crowd are excited getting behind the team a short lived cheer as they think Uwaifo has doubled the lead. Swarres diagonal ball into the area partially blocked by Lucy Hancock escaping through to the far post Uwaifo throwing her self at it driving the ball into the advertising hoardings. Stevenage starting the 2nd half as they did the first getting on the front foot a free-kick won right on the edge of the box Shephard placing it inside the D taking on the shot, her attempt a foot over the bar. 

  Lucy Hancock giving away the corner as she challenges Uwaifo out left. Placed into the six yard box Uwaifo with the header knocked up into the air, the ball scrambled away as it lands in the six yard box. Shephard looking to break from midfield finding some joy in the left channel getting the ball down to turn and hit a shot 30 yards out, lacks the power to trouble Swift in the Colney Heath goal. Uwaifo sliding in as she looks to pressure the back pass to Swift the keeper getting it away the attacker sliding on the wet ground catches her little she could do to avoid contact Swift bundled over getting the free-kick, no malice is up quickly as play resumes.

  The pitch is slick with the rain just taking the ball on away from Shephard quickly as she makes a couple more intelligent runs into the channels. Powell and Thornton playing through the middle in attack for Colney Heath now linking up Thornton taking the ball on through the middle setting Powell through into the box left of goal, shooting on the angle her rising effort taken cleanly by Ray. 55 minutes played Godino down having picked up a knock  coming off, Esme Hume coming on at right back.  

  Manning getting the ball up top into Uwaifo, has Shephard on the move as she looks to flick it through, the attack scuppered as Shephard is caught offside. Lucy Hancock sliding in has to make contact with the ball to deny Shephard left channel as Swarres plays her in, the defender winning the ball. Shepherd carrying the threat left channel for Stevenage winning a throw high up the pitch, Neal to take has a decent throw in her arsenal launched into Uwaifo inside the area, Lucy Hancock close in not allowing her to turn.

  Is more open 2nd half Stevenage looking to up the tempo find a 2nd goal. Schofield bringing the ball out to the left shifting well to drive into the box wide drives a cross/shot in across goal, Shepherd flinging herself down to try and make contact gets a touch agonisingly though it goes wide of the post. 

  Changes for both sides, Stevenage with a double change, Kelsey Millen and Stef Paci coming on for Greenwood and Gooderham. Darci Harewood on for Colney Heath replacing Williams. Swarres sending a ball forwards escaping in behind, Hume getting to it left to clear before Schofield can get there. Schofield linking up well with Shephard on the left going forwards a cross flashed into the penalty area just beyond Uwaifo on the penalty spot runs through to Millen beyond is closed down quickly as she looks to get hold of the ball. 

 The clearance doesn’t go far Stevenage rapidly turning play around to get back on the attack, Uwaifo pulling off the defence as the ball is dropped over the back line right of the D, Swift rushing out to slide in make the blocking save, the ball loose Uwaifo moving towards it, Swift scrambling across to throw her body in to charge the shot down! The ball turned behind for a corner. Stevenage piling on the pressure, the visitors resilient. Kellet back on for Ward for the visitors.

  Santangelo cutting the ball out knocked behind as another pinpoint pass from Swarres in the middle finds Millen on the move right side. Stevenage coming on looking for a 2nd goal with 20 minutes left to play. 

  GOAL! Have battled hard at one end Swift with a brilliant double save to keep it down to 1-0 have had limited attacks off their own managing to get bodies forwards on the right win a free-kick outside the area. McShane on the set-piece driven into the mix cleared out to the top of the area, Harvey latching onto it outside the D, putting her foot through the ball, rifling it back in towards goal through a crowd, Ray down to her right as it skips up off the grass evades her to go in inside the post 1-1.

  A equaliser for Colney Heath with 18 minutes left to play. A blow for Stevenage who could well have on another evening been out of sight. The visitors ecstatic, as Stevenage go right Millen shifting the ball on for Uwaifo jinking into the area fires a cross in to the far side, with Schofield closing in can’t quite get there. Shephard with a fantastic crossfield pass to find Millen high on the right lifts a cross into the area, Hume needing to get there to clear for a corner kick with Schofield aiming to come in behind her. The corner in from the left headed clear by Lucy Hancock.

  Stevenage making a 3rd change with Ciara Craig on for Schofield. Less than 15 minutes to play. An offside flag saving the referee having to make a decision as Uwaifo is blocked inside the box. Colney Heath with their tails up have renewed energy as they look to battle for everything at the back. Swift strong in goal calling and claiming a high cross from Millen on the right. Kelly Hancock putting the ball into Harewood in midfield plays it out to Kellet on the left wing bursting on, Farmer out to close her down putting the ball out for a throw. The sting somewhat taken out of Stevenage’s attack the crowd quietened by the equaliser. 

  Craig getting up on the right with Millen crossing into the area, Lucy Hancock getting in front of Uwaifo to turn her header back to the keeper. Lily Nellis on for Colney Heath as the game moves into the last 5 minutes Powell coming off. Colney Heath looking strong in the closing stages, Shephard off for Stevenage, Schofield back on. Craig with a good long pass into Uwaifo  top of the D, the ball snatched off her feet before she can unleash a shot. Swarres getting hold of the ball  goes for goal from distance, Swift with the catch.

 Swift out to claim the ball at the top of her area as it is played through of a defender, Uwaifo after it, the goalkeeper getting to it before she can latch onto it. Just not happening for Stevenage as they press on in attack in stoppage time Millen’s cross long over Schofield, with Craig beyond deflected off Hume for a late corner. Cleared at the near post back out to the corner taker Swarres, she sends a driven ball back into the six yard box, Swift getting her gloves on the ball to knock down and grab. 

  Uwaifo seeing a shot inside the box blocked spinning away for a corner right. Played long to Swarres outside the box shoots is unfortunate as her strike hits her own player, Craig first to the rebound smashing it goalwards, Swift sharp to get her gloves around the ball. Seconds left to play Colney Heath hanging on as Swarres shoots over from 40 yards out. 

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Colney Heath Ladies

  The points are shared. Colney Heath battling hard with a resilient performance on the back foot for most of the game soaking up the pressure as Stevenage came at them. A frustrating night for the hosts in the finish as they took the game to their opponents creating opportunities just not clinical enough on the night. Came forwards well, Colney Heath defending deep hard to break down, making vital tackles and blocks, with Swift making a number of saves behind to keep them in the game taking their chance when it came to level the scores and earn their 1st point of the season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match a few contenders as per the norm. Some performances of note, Shianne Swarres with an excellent range of passes for Stevenage, Dionne Manning strong in defence, getting forwards well to support the attack with a good finish for her goal. Amy Gooderham attacking on the right looked a real threat especially first half while Becky Shephard came into her own in the 2nd half with some fantastic runs into the channel. A dogged performance from the Colney Heath team, the defence solid working hard. Lucy Hancock in particular with some fantastic tackling, winning the ball. The award though goes to goalkeeper Naomi Swift. Gave nothing away, claiming well and getting across her goal, her saves going a long way to keeper Colney Heath in the game and see the point won.

  An enjoyable first visit to The Lamex Stadium, a great occasion for the players and staff on both sides showcasing the women’s game in Hertfordshire. A brilliant crowd of nearly 500 in attendance and having already been at attendances of 435 an 648 this is another fantastic figure and let’s hope Stevenage FC Women play their again soon. My thanks to the staff at Stevenage FC and Stevenage FC Women for their assistance this evening as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham