Sunday 15th September

ERWFL Premier Division

A trip down into Hertfordshire this Sunday to watch a top of the table clash from the ERWFL Premier Division, early pacesetters, Royston Town Women with a 100% record from their opening 4 matches away to local rivals Stevenage FC Women 4th in the table.

 The ERWFL Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid with promotion up to the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) for the league champions. More often than not a competitive league featuring a healthy quota of playing talent the Premier Division is a strong league. Today’s match up a local derby, the clubs enjoying a good rivalry Stevenage enjoying a long period as the dominant club in the county winning county cup 5 times in that spell. Royston knocking them out of the competition last season going on to lift the county cup for the first time . Stevenage’s Development/U23s side winning the inaugural Hertfordshire Women’s Trophy.

Stevenage FC Women welcome back their captain, Lucy Webster after spending the previous season out through injury. Retain much of the squad from that season coming into the new campaign as they look to get back amongst the sides pushing at the top of the league. 3 new signings, goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves joins the club having previously been with Reading FC Women. Gemma Croucher once with Royston comes into the club having been part of the Real Bedford Ladies promotion and treble winning squad last season. Libby Monaghan joins Stevenage on a dual registration with Oxford United Women.

 Got off to a winning start at home on the opening day of the season against Enfield Town Ladies, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Lilia Dempsey and Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe on target in a 4-0 win. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Luton Town Ladies followed before Stevenage bounced back with a 6-2 victory at home to Cambridge City Women playing out a 2-2 with newly promoted Watford Ladies Development last weekend. A 3 way tie for top scorer after 4 matches with, Lilia Dempsey, Amy Makewell and Gemma Croucher with 3 each.

 Royston Town Women out of the traps flying this season with 4 wins from 4 to lead the ERWFL Premier Division table. Have been building on and off the pitch over the last few season’s as they look to be amongst those regularly challenging at the top of the table. Like Stevenage have picked up a couple of players from last seasons league champions Real Bedford, attacker, Neve Mayes and full back Amy Reed. Lucy Ford joins the club from St Albans City Women. Jodie Donley has useful experience playing for AFC Sudbury Women in the FAWNL last season, also joining from Sudbury, goalkeeper, Millie Carter on a season long loan. Tilly Want is another goalkeeper coming to the club from MK Dons Women. With Katie Hayes impressing for Newmarket Town Women last season joining Royston keen to test herself at a higher level. 

  Royston Town Women at home on the opening day up against a Luton Town Ladies sides that themselves will fancy themselves for the title. A hat-trick from last season’s top scorer, Emma Slater the difference as Royston ran out 3-2 winners. Racked up the goals in their 2nd game of the season Neve Mayes netting 4 in a 10-0 demolition of Cambridge City Women. A 2-0 win at home to Watford Ladies Development followed that with another good result away from home last time out beating St Albans City Women 4-2. Emma Slater already on  for the season after just 4 matches, while Neve Mayes has 5.

 The County Ground in Letchworth the venue for this afternoon’s match. The Hertfordshire FA headquarter nestled in one corner of the stadium. The café open situated under the main stand offering covered seating. Covered terracing opposite with small terraced stands behind the goals. The pitch 3G refreshed with new rubber prepped for the new season. The weather pleasant warm if a little muggy, cloud cover around with rain possible towards the latter end of the match.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Lucy Webster (C), Mistie Fox-Barker, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Hannah Bodily, Amy Gooderham, Gemma Croucher, Anaise Corrigan & Amy Makewell. Subs – Anna Baker-Re, Kelsey Millen, Libby Monaghan, Eva Delaney & Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe.

Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Annie Georgiou, Amy Reed, Amy Houghton (C), Tally Miles, Stacey Roper, Ri Badel, Laura Mills, Katie Hayes, Emma Slater & Neve Mayes. Subs –  Jodie Donley, Lily Hall, Amy Cooper, Charlotte South & Lucy Ford.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Lucy Webster back for Stevenage after a long term injury, Royston too have welcomed back a couple of key players back fit towards the end of last season, club captain Amy Cooper and midfielder Ri Badel. The latter starting for the visitors today with Cooper on the bench, Amy Houghton wearing the captains armband. It’s Royston to kick-off the first half wearing their all aquamarine away kit with Stevenage in their home colours white shirt with red trim, red shorts and white socks. Played back to the defence Stevenage rush in to press the ball, competitive right from the off Royston get the ball into Ri Badel moving left lays it forwards looking for the run Neve Mayes in attack left of the D into the area, Rebecca Edge closing in to tackle send the ball out of play.

  Royston out on the left pushing up the ball rolled into full back Annie Georgiou from deep sweeps a diagonal ball into the box, Mayes looking to attack it as it falls in front of her, Stevenage goalkeeper Lauren Reeves rushing in to close her down, making the blocking save getting clattered by Mayes in the process, the ball loose running on beyond out of play beyond the far post. 

  Royston making a positive start looking to get players forwards, Stevenage breaking up at attack outside their box look to attack played on through the middle up to Amy Makewell leading the attack, controlling the ball into her feet puts the ball across the the left looking for Anaise Corrigan pushing up to join her, can’t quite take the ball on in her stride, which might well have seen her escape the defence get into the box, however Amy Houghton can get her foot in to take the ball clear for the visitors.

  Stacey Roper closing the ball down well in the middle for Royston getting her side on the front foot. Plays it forwards into Badel who sends it on for Mayes 25 yards out central has Katie Hayes breaking forwards into the box on the left slides the ball into her, Edge lunging in to charge her shot down. Edge is then clipped on the right side as the defender carries the ball out of defence. An opportunity for Stevenage to get players up into the box for the set-piece, Webster over the ball, launched in to the far post area, Roper jumping for Royston getting her head on the ball turning it behind for a corner kick. A teasing ball delivered into the box, curling across goal over everyone out the far side for a goal kick.

  Hannah Bodily getting onto the ball in midfield for Stevenage travels forwards, the opportunity presenting it self she pulls the trigger from 25 yards out the shot coming straight at Millie Carter back on her line. 

  Gemma Croucher, shoved in the back by Roper off a Stevenage throw in on the right giving Stevenage a free-kick in a similar position to their previous one. Webster again to deliver swept deep towards the far post, Royston defend the ball cleared up field, Emma Slater looknig to turn and attack, Mistie Fox-Barker getting her foot in to win the ball back for Stevenage. Houghton winning it back for Royston in defence put forwards for Laura Mills, finds Mayes outside the box with her pass, the attacker evading a couple of challenges as she looks to fight her way into the area, Grace Brooks not letting her through. 

  A few niggly fouls being given away certainly has a derby feel about it, Webster brought down as the Stevenage captain makes a marauding run into midfield with the ball. Top of the circle, players forwards as Webster floats the ball in on the keeper, Carter getting her gloves up to take the ball Edge closing in to attack the ball colliding with the keeper, both going down hurt. A strong challenge referee Emma Chamberlain consulting with her linesman before issuing Edge with a yellow card. 

  Tally Miles in to tackle Amy Gooderham as she looks to turn in behind on the right, brings the ball on for Royston has Georgiou up with her the full back sending the ball up the line for Hayes who slides it into the area for Mayes making a run out to the side of the box, Brooks going with the attacker, getting across the ball to shield it out of play. 

 Webster goes on another surging run from the back for Stevenage going on into the final third central, Makewell makes a run to the right drawing defenders with her opening up the left channel, Webster looks to roll it into the path of Corrigan, just a little too much on the ball Corrigan unlucky again as the ball evades her stride. Reed tackling Corrigan as she looks to attack out on the left, cleared back into the middle, Chloe Gunn gets hold of the ball for Stevenage firing it back into the box, Makewell looking to turn and shoot, blocked by Houghton…

 GOAL! For the Stevenage attack, Royston hit their opponents on the counter the ball lifted on down the right for Slater to take on, runs into the box cutting a vicious ball across the face of goal, picks out Hayes who has burst into the six yard box on the keeper to turn the ball in from close range to put Royston into the lead in the 20th minute 0-1.

  A free-kicks mounting up for both sides, this time Mills is upended as she takes the ball on inside the right channel. The set-piece from Miles put into the near post area, Slater getting up to try and twist her header goal wards, looping out towards the far post Gooderham stretching out a leg turning it behind for a corner kick. Curled in from the left across the six yard box to the far post attacked and knocked over.

GOAL! Stevenage get themselves back on level terms and it from a piece of individual magic from Gooderham. Out on the right inside the Royston half sees the ball into her feet, flicking it behind her to turn her marker and get inside to charge on towards the box, driving in field moves central across the D, before letting loose a well hit left for strike to send the ball curling past the diving keeper inside the far post 1-1.

Is certainly an enthralling contest Stevenage getting themselves back on level terms, Miles sends the ball on up the left for Royston into Mayes has Hayes up on the wing the pair playing a one two the return pass coming to Mayes as she steals into the area sends her angled strike across the face of the Stevenage goal. 

 A couple of knocks for both sides, Slater needing treatment following a Royston attack top of the area, Edge too hurt as she goes up to defend on Mayes at the back for Stevenage. Both okay to continue. Roper closing Gooderham down as the Stevenage winger looks to storm on through the right channel. Brooks winning the ball from Slater at the back for Stevenage carries the ball on into midfield aiming to put a threaded pass into Makewell, Miles intercepts well for Royston.

  Reed defending inside her box, clearing the ball as Carter coming for the ball is pressed by Corrigan. Reed finding Mills in attack as she steals in behind on the right to attack the by-line flashing a cross into the six yard box, Reeves down on it smartly to claim as both Mayes and Hayes close her down. Stevenage with a quickfire counter attack the ball into Bodily on the move through the middle for the hosts lays it on for Croucher 25 yards out moving right cuts her shot back looking to play it across the keeper, Carter getting own to gather up the ball.

  Stevenage making a change, bringing off Corrigan send on Kelsey Millen comes right with Gooderham switching to the left with 8 minutes remaining in the first half. Millen involved straight away as the cross-field ball is played into her, out on the right sends the ball in over the top for Croucher attacking the area left of the D, Carter rushing out to charge her down sliding in to make the blocking save, then Reed charges down the follow-up strike. 

  Stevenage looking to press late in the half, Gooderham inside to Bodily shapes to shoot from 30 yards out her effort put straight at the keeper. Royston quick to get on the counter up to Badel in midfield plays it up to Mayes in attack central lays it out to Hayes bombing on down the left, squares her cross into the area, cut out by Webster. Royston snatch the ball back in the final third Badel again lifting it out to the left for Hayes clips her cross back into the top of the D, Mayes looking to get it under control tackled by Brooks. Pops loose for Slater to run onto right side 20 out flashes a strike wide of the far post. 

 A busy end to the first half both sides looking to get forwards, Miles with a diagonal pass into Mayes outside the box, can’t et it out of her feet before Gunn closes her down. Mills on the ball for Royston right channel fires it into the box for Mayes right post area, has Slater to her right attempts to put the ball into her feet, Brooks between the pair getting hold of it instead for Stevenage and clearing. The hosts mounting one last attack in the first half, the ball send on for Croucher left side puts it across the top of the area for Millen attacking right, Georgiou defending for Royston, then Roper gets it away as Makewell looks to pounce, won back prodded into Makewell central 25 out her shot is tame runs safely through to the keeper.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Royston Town Women

 That was a highly entertaining first half, a competitive derby tussle with two committed sides. A bit of niggle added to the mix but nothing nasty. Royston started confidently positive looking to get forwards breaking from a Stevenage attack carving their opponents open to score the opening goal. Stevenage responded well getting back on level terms from a piece of individual magic from Amy Gooderham. Both sides with chances after that but defences holding firm set up brilliantly for the 2nd half.

  No chances of personnel at the start of the 2nd half with Stevenage to get things underway. A slight switch for Royston with Hayes and Slater setting up on opposite flanks. The ball put into Millen as Stevenage look to play it forwards lifted on for Makewell pulling out to the right, Miles stepping in to intercept for the visitors. Millen snapping in to win the ball back out wide lifting a cross from deep into the area claimed cleanly by Carter.

  Houghton on the ball at the back for Royston clipping a long pass up to Slater attacking left of the D, lets loose a shot, straight forwards for Reeves in the Stevenage goal. Royston winning a free-kick on the left outside the box, Miles over the ball putting her delivery long out beyond the far post. 

 Stevenage burst forwards Millen on for Makewell right side turns to put in into the area with Croucher attacking the goalkeeper, Carter closing the ball down Croucher sliding in gets the ball under her to see it strike the base of the post and deflect across the face of goal, Gooderham throwing herself forwards at the far post can’t make contact as Royston launch it clear. 

  An open game both side wanting a goal Hayes in space on the right tracks on with the ball, Fox-Barker patient blocking the attempted cross turning it behind for a corner kick. Georgiou to play the ball into the box form the right curled in far post knocked down hits a defender to go behind for a corner on the left. A vicious in swinger across goal, Reeves doing well to get her fist on the ball to punch it away to the right for another corner. Edge getting up highest to head the ball away at the far post for Stevenage. 

  Badel bringing the ball on right side for Royston looking to link up with Hayes, Fox-Barker stopping the initial cross, Hayes with a 2nd attempt chipping the ball up into the area, claimed well by Reeves. Gooderham pulling up for Stevenage, has a slight injury concern as they bring her off in the 56th minute sending Corrigan back into the action. Royston making their first change too, Charlotte South going into midfield replacing Badel. Royston break away to the right Hayes taking the ball on whipping a dangerous ball into the six yard box, both Mayes and Slater closing in on the keeper, Slater with the final touch, Reeves superb staying big to save at close range bat the ball away.

  Stevenage with another set-piece on half-way Webster to play it in towards the top of the area, Roper heading clear for Royston. Corrigan on the left of attack for Stevenage tangling with Reed, coming away with the ball on the move looking to get in behind, Houghton is across on the cover to close the ball down for the visitors. 

 Reed playing the ball on up the right for Hayes, loops a ball into the box near side Mayes rushing in to meet it sees her effort drop wide of the post a knick off a defender though a corner signalled. Played in long from the right falling to Slater deep on the left her shot from the angle blocked inside the area, deflected back out to Hayes right of the D 25 out, holding the ball up back to goal has Miles charging past her looking for the pass ties her up Miles shooting across goal towards the far post, Reeves diving to her left getting down well to save. 

  Hayes getting in on the right for Royston sending another cross into the area, claimed by Reeves low at her near post. Reed and Corrigan enjoying a good tussle as the attacker looks to get past the full back, succeeds to race on down the line whipping a venomous ball across the face of goal, Millen sliding in on the keeper can’t get a telling touch, pops up on the line for Carter to snatch into her gloves. 

 Royston making their 2nd change of the match bringing off Mayes, send Lily Hall on to take up an attacking role on the left. Stevenage too making a change Corrigan off again, on comes Eva Delaney to take up the attacking duties on the left. All action in the middle of the park, South fouling Bodily. Mills looking for Hayes on the right, turns inside, Fox-Barker stretching to get the ball back for Stevenage.

  More changes as Gunn comes off for Stevenage, Matilda Thomas-O’Keefe coming on to join the attack. Roper off for Royston with Lucy Ford introduced to the action. Hayes in a central position outside the D, her shot smashes her shot into Croucher at point blank range a painful hit takes a few moments for Croucher to recover but is alright. 

 Croucher up the other end as Stevenage attack sees the ball into her feet well on the turn looks to slip Thomas-O’Keefe free inside the box, a vital interception from Houghton though. Stevenage working hard to frustrate Royston in the final third, Brooks winning the ball well. Slater booked as she brings down Webster. The set-piece top of the circle put in to the top of the box defended by Royston, look to get on the offensive the ball into Hayes looking to take the ball on right side, Fox-Barker tracking back with her, Hayes tripping herself up goes down hard striking her head on the 3G pitch a stunning blow play stopped so she can be checked out. Was a jarring impact but thankfully is okay to play on.

 GOAL! The clock ticking down into the final 5 minutes of the match, Royston mount an attack the ball fed on for Hall on the left knocking it down into the box central with Hayes closing in Fox-Barker with her defending well, however the ball skips up to the top of the area right of the D, for Slater to put her foot though looping back in towards goal, Reeves can’t react quick enough throwing a glove up to try and deflect the ball over, not enough as it drops under the crossbar to see Royston back into the lead 1-2. 

 Royston making a change bringing off Hayes after the goal sending on Jodie Donley goes in at right back with Reed pushed up. Corrigan back on replacing Millen for Stevenage with Libby Monaghan on to replace Webster. 

GOAL! With Stevenage pressing looking for a reply Royston get hold of the ball and counter through the middle up to Slater top of the area central slides it on for Hall stealing into the box on her left Hall taking the ball into her stride and slotting her shot past the on rushing keeper to give Royston a 2 go cushion in the 89th minute 1-3.

  A huge blow for Stevenage as the game moves into stoppage time a few injuries several minutes yet to be played Bodily playing the ball into Croucher right channel control and turns to slide the ball on into the box for Thomas-O’Keefe, shaping to shoot on the angle, Carter comes rushing out to slide in and make the blocking save. Croucher sending another ball into the Royston box from the right, Houghton stretching to close Makewell down, the striker shoots wide. 

  Slater coming off for Royston with Mayes sent back on. Stevenage pushing players on attacking right the ball angled low into the near post Croucher throwing herself at the ball goes wide as it brushes the near post.

GOAL! Into the 6th minute of injury time, Stevenage allowed the ball wide the cross in deep from the right is brought down well by Makewell central back to goal knocks it to her left to open up a yard of space to strike the ball back across the keeper and finds the bottom corner to pull a goal back 2-3.

  A goal back for Stevenage but no time left on the clock to mount another attack as Royston see out the game to make it 5 wins from 5 to start the season and open up a 6 point lead at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division table.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 2-3 Royston Town Women

  Another enthralling contest from the ERWFL Premier Division, rarely disappoints and today was no exception. A local derby played with passion and commitment. Both sides up for it. A great one for the neutral well worth the trip down from Norfolk. Royston starting positively getting into the lead straight from a Stevenage opportunity. The host with a good reply to equalise. Chances for both in the first half to get into the lead. Stevenage looking for a positive start to the 2nd half working hard at the back to frustrate Royston, the clock timing down the visitors found the break though in the 85th minute, quickly going on to add a 3rd goal. Stevenage allowed the ball as Royston looked to see out the game getting a goal back at the death but not enough time left to create another opening. A brilliant start to the season from Royston.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders for this one and hard pressed to single one out although I did have one in mind leaving the ground. A local derby played with passion and largely good spirited. Several performances of note. Grace Brooks at the back for Stevenage put in several crucial tackles and got about the back line well. Hanna Bodily battling for the ball in the middle. Anaise Corrigan caused problems when she get hold of the ball. Gemma Croucher getting into some great attacking positions. Amy Gooderham with a fantastic goal, attacked down the flank with purpose. For Royston, Tally Miles was composed and read the game well. Stacey Roper was busy in the middle of the park, set the tone early on. Neve Mayes strong up top held the ball up well. Emma Slater gets a mention because she’s Emma Slater and always amongst the contenders for Royston. Edging it today for me Katie Hayes operating on both flanks provided a great outlet for Royston throughout the match looked to get others into the action, opening the scoring. 

 A thoroughly entertaining match from the County Ground this afternoon, both sides have started the season well and have assembled a strong collection of talent between them. The ERWFL Premier Division is a strong league will be intrigued to watch t unfold as the season progress. My thanks to both sides for their help today  as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham