Sunday 11th May

ERWFL League Plate Final

Hitting the road with a long journey over to Bedford this Sunday for my first cup final double bill of the season, the ERWFL League Plate and Cup Finals, representing tiers 5 and 6 of the regional football pyramid in the East of England. First up the Plate final featuring the new Division One South champions, Hutton Ladies gunning for a league and cup treble taking on fellow league side Chelmsford City Women pushing for a 3rd place finish in their debut season in the ERWFL.

 Two tasty looking finals on the cards with Premier Division sides, Stevenage FC Women and Luton Town Ladies going head to head later on this afternoon in the League Cup final. The Plate final no less an exciting prospect with 1st and 4th in Division One South going toe to toe. Both sides scoring plenty of goals whilst having the lowest joint conceded in the table.

Hutton Ladies a familiar face at the ERWFL Plate final have covering the Essex side in more finals than anyone else. Are one of the longest established sides within the ERWFL too. Now riding the crest of a wave having won the Division One South title with games to spare to win promotion to the Premier Division. Losing just one league game along the way and way out in front in terms of goals scored, with the fewest conceded. Still have 4 games left to play such has been their dominance having been chasing the leading duo all season with games in hand as cup games built up. Reaching the final of the Essex Women’s trophy too, back on Weds 30th April over came Brentwood Town Women on penalties to lift the trophy.

 Now aiming for a historic League and cup treble, not an easy thing to achieve by any means. Helped most certainly by having the leagues top scorer in your squad. Signing, Daisy Canny a proven goal threat where ever she’s been has fired home 38 goals for Hutton this season in just 20 appearances. Canny not the only goal threat within the side however with 3 others into double figures for the campaign, Lucy Critchell with 13, Emily Clarke with 12 and Holly Appleton on 11 all appearing the the top 10 goal scorers in Division One South.

 Chelmsford City Women keen to join the ERWFL but wanting to do so as Essex Women’s Premier Division champions, that goal achieved last season, come up into regional football with a clutch of Essex sides joining ERWFL Division One South, by far the strongest of those sides joining the league from Essex, were for a good spell emerging as a likely title contender themselves but one win in their last 5 matches saw that slip away. Remain well placed to finish in the top 3, and that along with reaching a cup final is a good showing for their first go at this level. With a Reserves side competing in Essex Women’s Division Three.

Have an experienced squad with some players joining with higher league experience, such as midfielder, jay Blackie and run away top scorer, Zoe Rushen, firing in 25 goals so far this season from her 20 appearances the 2nd highest scorer in the league. Jasmine Cox the next closest with 10 goals coming in 4 matches at the start of the season while Blackie has been on target for 7 goals. Injuries to other key players haven’t helped, such as goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley and attacker, Broghan Kelly. Know they will have to be at their best to get the better of Hutton today. Hutton having strength in depth too, with a Reserves sides playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division and their new Development side storming to the title in their debut season in Essex Women’s Division Two.

 Road to the Final

 The sides knocked out of the early rounds of the League Cup going on to compete for the League Plate, both Chelmsford and Hutton receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Chelmsford drawn at home to face Histon Ladies the Cambridgeshire side, newly promoted along side Chelmsford, but into Division One North a tough tie on paper goals from Zoe Rushen and Shannon Kelly sealing a 2-0 win for the Essex side. Hutton on home turf taking on Hertfordshire side, Stevenage FC Women Development, Daisy Canny firing home a brace along with a goal for Abigail Clarke to secure a 3-1 win. 

 Onto the quarter finals, Chelmsford progressing without kicking a ball, drawn at home to Division One North side Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies an injury crisis for the Norfolk side seeing them have to forfeit the game. Hutton in comparison played out a 9 goal thriller away to Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses. The hosts firing in 4 goals, Hutton were to come out on top winning it 5-4 thanks to a hat-trick from Canny and goals for Holly Appleton and Lucy Critchell. 

  Chelmsford at home in their semi-final taking on fellow newly promoted Essex side, Frontiers Ladies, despite ultimately struggling in tier six finishing in the bottom too the Harlow based side pushed Chelmsford hard for a spot in the final, Chelmsford winning it by a single goal, scored by Rushen. Hutton were again amongst the goals in their semi-final clash, this time a 7 goal thriller away to Division One North champions, Harpenden Town Women a meeting between the league respective top scorers too with Harpenden’s Sophia Amanor netting twice along with a goal for Jaime Curtain. Canny firing in another hat-trick however along with an Abigail Clarke goal seeing Hutton into the final 4-3

 The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC the venue for today’s ERWFL Finals Day. The A428 closed this weekend making the trip from Norfolk a little longer than it needed to be. Not a bad run to Bedford nonetheless the carpark before the large open plan clubhouse and function room, lading onto the stadium itself. A large artificial playing surface offering good width. The main seated stand on one side offering some shade. smaller covered terraced stands dotted about the stadium with viewing all round. The bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The weather exceptional, bright and sunny, been little rain around lately and set to continue for a while the sun cream most certainly needed today.

Hutton FC Ladies starting XI – Evie Carvell, Phoebe Keys, Izzy Crichton, Molly Bowness, Hayley Critchell, Maria Cabel Parades, Abi Clarke (C), Lucy Critchell, Emily Clarke, Holly Appleton & Daisy Canny. Subs – Charlotte Rutt, Isobel Boyd, Mia Lempriere & Georgia Hyland.

 Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Amy Mullett, Lauren Butcher, Shannon Kelly, Emma Rushen, Gaby Freedman (C), Rosie Coe, Helen Alder, Jay Blackie, Ellie Dopson, Kaci Crook & Zoe Rushen. Subs – Bec Hollocks, Georgia Sleep, Michaela Key, Lorna Dunne & Evie Payne.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, there will be 30 minutes added time and penalties if required.

Taking advantage of the shade by the stand for this mornings kick-off, Chelmsford in their away colours of navy blue and white to get the Plate final under way with Hutton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with red shorts and red and white hooped socks. The ball played out to the left charged down by Hutton’s Holly Appleton, Hutton push forwards the ball put out to Appleton getting on the move right wing, Shannon Kelly moving in to close her down at left back for Chelmsford seeing the ball out for a throw.

Both sides getting after the ball early on competitive in the middle, Jay Blackie sliding in to tackle Hutton’s, Daisy Canny as se looks to get on the move with the ball, referee Jordan Blunt giving the free-kick. Captain Abi Barnes over the ball for Hutton on halfway launched up towards the top of the box, missed by the first defender bouncing up onside the box, Emma Rushen getting her leg up to hook the ball clear.

Hutton busy in attack getting the ball on down the right Appleton looking to push on a series of throws won as Hutton look to make progress, Canny looking to drive for the by-line break into the box, Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman diving in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the middle of goal high claimed well by goalkeeper Amy Mullett.

  Hutton getting the ball out wide, Canny moving right looking to take it one cutting it back infield for Abi Clarke to run onto her trike from distance screwing high and wide. Chelmsford patient playing a few probing passes at the start looking to find a way through the Hutton defence, Rosie Coe sending the ball out to the right for Ellie Dopson, Phoebe Keys closing her down to see the ball out for a throw. Zoe Rushen looking to take the throw down into the box, winning her side a corner kick.

 Lopped in from the right to the near post, goalkeeper, Evie Carvell coming for it punching it aback to the right, Hutton conceding a 2nd corner, Again the delivery is put high into the near post, Carvell again coming for it through bodies this time does well to deal with the threat. Hutton dangerous on the counter, Appleton looking to provide an outlet attacking on the right, Canny sending the ball into her path as they move the ball on rapidly, Kelly quick to close her down, Appleton looking to feed the ball inside, the pass cut out by Coe.

  Canny lively up top moving left and right looking to pull defenders with her create gaps for others to exploit. Kelly being kept busy with Appleton on the right, quickly in to close her down as she looks to get the ball under control. Kelly winning the ball at the back for Chelmsford left side sending in on up the line for Kaci Crook looks to push her way on into the box, Hayley Critchell coming in to put in the challenge slowing her down, before Izzy Crichton gets the ball clear.

  Appleton gets clear on the right wing to race on to the by-line with the ball whipping a cross with pace into the six yard by, Emma Rushen throwing a leg forwards to block it then into defend again blocking the lose ball charging it down from close range as Emily Clarke looks to smash it in deflected behind to the left for a corner kick. 

  Chelmsford work the ball up the right played into the top of the D, Zoe Rushen looking to move across to the left find an opening, Hayley Critchell into the tackle the ball cleared away to the left, Crook retrieving it singing a cross back in on goal, headed clear. Hutton break forwards through the middle, Lucy Critchell putting it on for Abi Clarke, has Canny ahead of her 25 yards out, sees the ball into her feet well flicking it on into the right channel for Appleton to run onto inside the area closing in on goal puts her foot through the ball sending her strike into the side netting. 

  Lucy Critchell putting a diagonal ball into Appleton on the right drops her shoulder feigning to go down the wing inside checks inside moving towards the box, has Canny making a run in behind tries to pick her out, Freedman instead reading it, intercepting the pass. An intriguing contest, Chelmsford with an experienced defence looking to keep things tight at the back, Hutton looking to move the ball wide use the pitch to find a way in behind. 

 Helen Alder getting onto the ball centrally for Chelmsford laying it forwards for Cook in the left channel pulling out wide to deliver a cross into the six yard box, Zoe Rushen running in central her target the cross over hit cleared beyond the far post. Canny rushing in to steal the ball of Freedman as she looks to bring it out from the back, Canny surging down the right wing, Freedman recovering well throwing herself forwards to block the cross. 

 Appleton getting to the by-line again sending a vicious cross in along the face of the Chelmsford goal, Emma Rushen throwing her herself into make another vital block hooking the ball away. Chelmsford moving the ball right Coe linking up with Zoe Rushen and Dopson the cross played in along the top of the Hutton area deflected into the path of Alder, but before she can dig a shot away, Hayley Critchell moves in quickly to close her down.

  Dopson and Zoe Rushen look to link up on the right as Chelmsford push forwards, Dopson lifting the ball into Rushen continuing her run in behind getting into the box, Rushen cushioning the header down into her path, in the clear however progress is halted by a raised flag, offside. A loose pass at the back from Hutton is presented straight to Crook 30 yards out central spins into the shot, Carvell moving across her goal can see it safely wide of her left post.

  Hutton bring the ball on quickly as they look to turn play around Abi Clarke pushing it on into Appleton right side she surges inside towards the top of the area cutting it back into the area for Canny as she makes the run to the near post, the angle closing Canny pulls the trigger, Emma Rushen moving in to block, the ball deflecting off the defender for a corner kick to the right.

  Kelly keeping close tabs on Appleton right side kept busy, the youngster having the pace to skip in behind if giving half a chance, Kelly determined to limit those opportunities. Appleton put away down the right by Lucy Critchell racing to the by-line, whipping a cross into the box, Freedman at the near post throwing out a leg to cut the cross out, deal with the threat, as the referee calls for a drinks break, midway through the first half. Is hot out there approaching midday. 

 Both sides putting alot of energy into the contest despite the heat looking to get the ball moving play resuming with a Chelmsford goal kick. Hutton build on the left Maria Cabel Parades sending the ball on for Canny to power her way into the box, Emma Rushen on her shoulder with a well timed tackle. Chelmsford counter Blackie through the middle with Alder the ball on to release Crook on the left taking the ball down to the by-line squares it into the near post, Zoe Rushen looking to get it under control quickly closed down by Hayley Critchell and Molly Bowness.

  Lucy Critchell putting the ball on for Abi Barnes in the middle in the turn 30 yards out takes on the shot her effort dropping wide of the left post. Canny clipping the ball into the right wing releasing Appleton breaking clear running out of room, lifts a cross into the area but can only pick out the keeper. Chelmsford moving the ball up the right Lauren Butcher forwards into Dopson powering forwards threads an angled ball into the area Zoe Rushen in near side looking to run onto the ball her first touch a little to heavy allowing goalkeeper, Carvell to come and claim. Izzy Crichton gets back well to defend on Crook as the attacker looks to take Kelly’s pass on down the line. 

 GOAL! Hutton carrying a threat going forwards Canny out on the left with Clarke, given the ball drives into the area tangling with Rushen goes down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Appleton placing the ball on the spot running up to smash the ball past the wrong footed keeper into the right of the net to put Hutton into the lead 1-0. 

 Hutton breaking the dead lock from the spot in the 38th minute. Blackie seeing the ball into her feet of a Zoe Rushen layoff, 25 plus yards out, goes for goal stroking the ball in towards the left post, has Carvell scrambling across her line diving but her goal his safe the ball running narrowly wide. Zoe Rushen putting herself about inside the box looking to force a way through for Chelmsford taking the ball out to the left her angled shot back in caught by the keeper.

  Mullett moving out quickly to slide onto the ball as Canny is put through into the box left side, just reaching the ball first, Canny stumbling over her as her momentum takes her forwards, the keeper taking a painful blow down hurt, needs treatment a pause while she is assessed, but thankfully up on her feet and alright to play on. 

 GOAL! The clock ticking down towards the end of the first half, Bowness breaking up a Chelmsford attack into Lucy Critchell in midfield sends it on to Abi Clarke who clips a good diagonal ball out to the right to send Appleton racing in behind her cross from the by-line whipped into the six yard box, just missed by Canny coming in central, but not by Clarke running in at the far post beyond as she meets it well to turn it back across the keeper and in 2-0.

 Hutton doubling their lead late in the first half, Chelmsford making a change Dopson coming off, with Bec Hollocks coming on up top with Cook moving right, Alder out to the left. Chelmsford attack left Zoe Rushen out that side sending Crook on on the overlap into the box her shot on the angle blocked by Carvell as she rushes out to close her down, the rebound dropping to Rushen top corner right side drops her attempt at goal onto the roof of the net. 

 Coe getting the ball on through the middle up to Hollocks, Lucy Critchell back to defend for Hutton. Chelmsford pushing hard for a reply with seconds left in the first half, Zoe Rushen played in right of goal bearing down on the six yard box, Bowness moving in to challenge Rushen sending her shot wide just as the whistle blows, taking a knock for her efforts as Hutton head back to the changing rooms with a 2 goal advantage at the break.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 2-0 Chelmsford City Women

 Hutton asking the question getting forwards well looking to turn the Chelmsford defence creating opportunities winning a penalty late in the first half to take the lead, following that up with another with minutes left to double the advantage. Chelmsford pushing for a late reply themselves but left frustrated having worked so hard in defence to keep the chances down. Experienced know Hutton’s pace could trouble them so have kept it tight. Now trailing 2-0 you would think would need an early goal 2nd half to apply a little pressure to Hutton who themselves will know a 3rd goal could put the game to bed. 

  No changes at the start of the 2nd half with Hutton getting things underway the ball played out to the left, Chelmsford moving in quickly to close it down little progress made. The ball lifted into Crook on the right for Chelmsford, moves forwards, Keys in to close her down play the ball off her for a throw for Hutton. 

  Lucy Critchell sending the ball into the area from 25 yards out looking to pick out Canny make a run from right to left to get in behind Mullett coming to close her down getting across her path to see the ball safely out for a goal kick. Zoe Rushen carrying the ball forwards for Chelmsford out on the right looking to play a one two off Hollocks outside the area, the return ball though cut out by Hutton’s Bowness. 

 Blackie winning the ball back in the middle for Chelmsford fed out to Zoe Rushen in the left channel, sends it forwards into the area Alder looking to break into the box after it, Carvell rushing out to close her down sliding in to make the blocking save. 

  Hutton winning a corner following an Appleton attack on the right, a teasing delivery lifted in through the six yard box at an inviting height missed by everyone cleared beyond the far post. Hayley Critchell bringing the ball on from the back for Hutton sending it on up the left wing for Emily Clarke, Butcher in to slow her down on the by-line, Emily Clarke managing to lift a cross into the middle claimed well by Mullett.

 Chelmsford winning a free-kick left of the circle, Hutton making a change before it is taken Abi Barnes coming off, Isobel Boyd coming on. The free-kick flighted up into the box left of goal, Coe looking to bring it down hit it on the turn can’t quite get it under control. Kelly defending on Appleton top of the area right of the goal as Canny looks to nudge the ball into her feet.

  Boyd getting onto the ball for Hutton driving on through the middle played out to Appleton wide on the right her cross played into the far post from deep, Clarke running in to attack it just over her head. Alder wide left for Chelmsford pushing the ball into Zoe Rushen top of the area knocks it on for Hollocks over to the left with her strikes it on the angle, towards the near post, Carvell down low to make the save.

  Chelmsford building a little momentum getting on with the ball Coe into Hollocks right her attempted cross striking a Hutton hand the free-kick awarded. Players forwards into the box as Crook floats the delivery in to the far post attacked as Chelmsford surge forwards en masse, Hollocks with the header, her effort close just over the ball a chance for Chelmsford to pull it back to 2-1 missed. 

 Appleton bombing on down Hutton’s right her cross flashed in high across the face of goal over Emily Clarke at the far post as she is closed down, going out past the far post a corner is given. Swung into the box taking a nasty deflection that sees the ball drop loose inside the six yard box in front of goal, Chelmsford scrambling at away for a 2nd corner even as Canny dives in on it.

 The next delivery into the box high from the right defended by Blackie for Chelmsford. Hutton with players up around the box quick to win it back out to corner taker Hayley Critchell deep on the right her angled shot in on goal over the bar. Hutton pushing players on Appleton into Canny breaking into the box near post, Emma Rushen moving into the path of the shot to charge the ball down away for a corner kick. 

GOAL! The corner fired in across the six yard box long dropping beyond the far post, loud appeals going up for handball by Hutton as the ball is knocked down loose in front of goal even as Canny pounces on the loose ball and stabs it over the line to score Hutton’s 3rd, 3-0.

A huge blow for Chelmsford conceding a 3rd goal just past the hour mark, make a change bringing off Kelly, sending on Michaela Key to join Rushen in attack. Bowness on the move with the ball for Hutton getting up well on the right before being fouled by Blackie giving away the free-kick.

GOAL! Cabel Parades over the set-piece out wide on the left 30 yards out, runs up to the ball lifting a high ball in towards the top right corner, dipping late it fly’s over Mullett to creep under the bar to send Hutton into a 4 goal lead, Cabel Parades’ first goal of the season too! 4-0.

Chelmsford hit with a sucker punch going 4 goals down, pick themselves up Coe putting the ball on Zoe Rushen left channel has Alder to her left wide Key looking to get into the box as the three combine passes, Key played in tackled Rushen latching onto the loose ball striking it past the keeper on the angle the ball cannoning down off the cross bar bouncing on the line and out as Hutton scramble it away for a corner kick. 

  The corner on the right swung into the six yard box attacked by Freedman a glancing header cleared at the far post drops top Coe outside the box left side her shot from range over the crossbar. The 2nd drinks break of the game called. Hutton refreshed after doubling their lead, knocking the wind out of their opponents in the process. Dopson coming back on for Chelmsford going over to the left replacing Alder.

  Zoe Rushen on the attack for Chelmsford on for Hollocks to drive into the box sending in out to the left for Dopson who turns her shot over the ball at the far post. Crook linking up with Key on the right for Chelmsford, Keys seeing it out for a throw. Chelmsford getting in to Hollocks central her shot from out side the box saved well by Carvell. Hutton sitting back a little now waiting for the right opportunity to pounce Lucy Critchell putting Appleton away down the right moving into the area bearing down on goal, Mullett coming to close her down sliding in to take the ball at her feet.

  Chelmsford looking to counter Hollocks on through the middle into Zoe Rushen her strike from range dipping in front of the keeper, but Carvell under no pressure collects on the bounce. Space for Blackie to run into with the ball right side as Chelmsford counter a Hutton free-kick her shot in on goal from range held by the keeper. Blackie coming off for Chelmsford, Evie Payne coming on, Dopson coming in off the left with the ball at her feet taking on the 25 yard strike the ball brushing to roof of the net. 

  Canny roaring her side on taking the ball on through the middle shifting it out to Emily Clarke on the left, her cross from the by-line screwed behind. Mia Lempriere on for Hutton, as Butcher defends on Clarke as she looks to get away on the left. Canny fouled in the centre circle winning the free-kick the ball lifted up to the top of her area, Coe winning the header for Chelmsford.

  Chelmsford launch a counter attack, Crook central out to Zoe Rushen peeling to the right her shot on the angle straight at the keeper however. Crook taking the ball inside from the right for Chelmsford sending her strike onto the roof of the Hutton net. Georgia Hyland and Charlotte Rutt coming on to see the game out for Hutton. Can keep their shape invite Chelmsford on knowing the defence is tiring and Canny is looking to get hold of the ball in attack. 

 Carvell needing to come racing out of her box to clear as Zoe Rushen plays the ball long into the left channel. Key seeing the ball into her feet 20 yards out laying in into Zoe Rushen central to strike her attempt angling wide of the left post. Georgia Sleep coming on for Chelmsford replacing Emma Rushen. Chelmsford pushing hard to find a goal late in the game Sleep up with Key on the right the ball on for Rushen making a move to get into the area ahead of her, Keys with a well timed tackle on the edge of the area to get the ball clear for Hutton.

  The clock fast ticking down Rushen with another attempt from range easily dealt with by Carvell. Clarke bringing the ball on left side for Hutton swung into the six yard box, Canny up stretching to head it near side attempting to drop it for Appleton closing in of the far post, Mullett instead lunging forwards to snatch it into her gloves. Lorna Dunne coming on for Chelmsford in the closing stages replacing Crook. Little time time left the game stretched, Canny looking to keep hold of it up top for Hutton run down the clock out to the right, Freedman clearing for Chelmsford. The final whistle blows and Hutton celebrate as they complete a historic treble winning the ERWFL Plate.

Full time Hutton Ladies 4-0 Chelmsford City Women

  Hutton putting in the running despite the heat getting players on well throughout using the flanks moving the ball quickly creating chances first half before eventually taking the lead from the penalty spot through Holly Appleton, Emily Clarke on the end of Appleton’s cross to make it 2-0 just before half-time. Chelmsford frustrated working hard in defence to try and limit Hutton’s threat, came within inches of pulling a goal back before Hutton went on to add a 3rd themselves from a set-piece Daisy Canny with her 35th of the season, another goal following soon after making thing’s comfortable as Maria Cabel Parades scored her first goal of the season. Hutton could sit back then invite Chelmsford on, their opponents having the stuffing knocked out of them rallied created opportunities but couldn’t get on the scoresheet themselves 4-0 maybe harsh but Hutton kept their energy levels up throughout.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, certainly a tough one a few contenders on both sides some good performances to mention a fine effort by all in the heat. Firstly for Chelmsford, Emma Rushen was superb at the back putting in the blocks intercepting crosses and winning her tackles. Gaby Freedman too with a number of vital interceptions. Rosie Coe moved the ball well in the middle getting it out to the wide players linking up the attack. Zoe Rushen up top worked tirelessly to find an opening often outnumbered but stuck to the task. For Hutton Hayley Critchell won the ball well at the back coming in to close players down limiting chances. Lucy Critchell likewise in midfield covering the ground back to defend and bringing the ball forwards. Daisy Canny in attack moved across the back line throughout seeking openings pulling players with her always looking for a goal scoring opportunity. The award goes to Holly Appleton provided a great outlet out wide on the right getting on with the ball, opening the scoring from the spot and setting up the 2nd goal to put Hutton into a commanding position. 

Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL Plate final and with it completing a historic treble.

  My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups, the staff at Bedford Town FC for their assistance and the ERWFL committee members, a great final to start the day with another mouth watering clash to come. 

by Darren Gilham