Sunday 11th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

Following on from ???? triumph in the ERWFL League Plate we move onto the League Cup Final itself with The Eyrie, hosting Stevenage FC Women and Luton Town Ladies as they compete for the trophy. 

 Little to separate the two sides too leading into the game each claiming a 1-0 win at home in the league against the other and they shared an epic penalty shootout in the Women’s FA Cup having drawn 1-1, Luton eventually edging it 15-14 from the spot. Hopefully no such drama this afternoon, but certainly promises to be an intriguing contest.

  Luton with a very similar story to Hutton in terms of their league success, cup runs and call offs early in 1st half of the season keeping them well placed behind the leaders, Royston Town Women, then converting those games in hand into points roared to the top of the table and clinched victory with games to spare to become champions and with it return to the FAWNL after a 6 year absence. Runners up in the previous two season’s too, winning the League Cup back in 2023, against Stevenage 2-1.

 Going one better this season have added the prolific, Natasha Fensome to the squad, coming to the club from Bedfordshire rivals, Real Bedford Women after they more or less let their entire treble winning squad from the previous season go following their own promotion to the FAWNL. Fensome’s goals playing a huge part in that success, the leagues top scorer with 34 goals that campaign. Is up there again this time around breaking the 30 barrier with 31 goals so far with a couple of games to go vying for the golden boot with Royston’s, Emma Slater who has 34. Plenty of goals throughout the squad however, with 18 of the 34 used so far amongst the goals, Jess McKay the only other player into double figures netting 12 goals. Their Reserves side recently winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s Trophy. 

 Stevenage too enjoying a short spell in the FAWNL, rebuilding in the ERWFL and once again looking strong to mount a title bid themselves, having secured a top 3 finish in the Premier Division have a strong platform to push on from could even finish 2nd if local rival Royston happened to slip up in their final game of the season and Stevenage win their remaining two. Losing just one of their last 14 league matches to move up the table. As mentioned enjoying some close matches against Luton this season will be buoyed by their recent 1-0 victory coming into today’s League Cup final.

 Like Luton benefitted from the dispersal of last season’s Real Bedford Women’s treble winning squad bringing attacker, Gemma Croucher to the club, has settled in well, the current top scorer finding the back of the net with 21 goals from her 28 appearances. Amy Makewell on target scoring 13 goals from her 25 matches. Like Luton have a strong defensive record too. Expecting a tight contest but hoping it doesn’t go to penalties.

 Road to the Final

  A bye for both sides in the first round of the League Cup, Stevenage drawn away to Division One North side, AFC Dunstable Women in the 2ne round. Midfielder Hannah Bodily on target for 2 goals one in each half along with a strike from Gemma Croucher and an injury time goal from Matilda Thomas O’Keefe sealing a 4-1 victory. Luton at home taking on Division One South opposition in Hertford Town Women. Natasha Fensome on target for 2 goals with Gabriella Spillman, Francesca Partridge and Shianne Swarres also scoring in a comfortable 5-0 win.

 Moving to the 3rd Round Stevenage were at home taking on fellow Premier Division outfit, St Albans Women. Croucher, captain Lucy Webster and Amy Makewell getting a goal each in the first half Croucher when on to add her 2nd early in the 2nd half to seal a 4-2 win. Luton away in the 3rd round taking on Watford Ladies Development newly promoted to the Premier Division a much tighter affair with a single goal enough to see Luton advance, scored by Jess McKay.

  The last 8 saw Stevenage making the long trip up to Norfolk to play last season’s beaten finalists, Wroxham Women, a close contest Gemma Croucher’s 41st minute goal the difference between the side as Stevenage advanced into the semi-finals. Luton taking on Division One North side, Real Bedford Women Reserves, a different story here as Luton powered there way into the last 4 piling on the goals, Tsaianne Leader scoring a hat-trick with Fensome bagging herself a brace. Goals too for Jess McKay, Shanice Lewis and Elly Wade in a 9-0 win.

  Stevenage hosting fellow Premier Division side, Enfield Town Ladies in their semi-final, Gemma Croucher scoring for Stevenage in the 8th minute, Kelsey Millen adding a 2nd midway through the first half, Enfield getting a goal but not enough as Stevenage held on for a 20-1 win to book their spot in this season’s final. Luton at home too taking on league leaders, Royston Town Women a tough contest the pair drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes the tie going to extra-time Luton were to come out on top to add 2 more goals to win through to the final 3-1. Fiona Buttigieg, Leyah Maddix and Tsaianne Leander with the goals.

The sun powerful come the afternoon kick-off the temperature on the playing surface alone hot without the air around it. Uncomfortable to a degree to play in shade starting to form over on the far side of the ground by the dug outs. A good crowd building for this one at The Eyrie with two local sides going toe to toe. The bar and kitchen still open doing plenty of trade. The stand filling up with spectators looking for shade as well as a good view myself included.

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Lauren Reeves, Mistie Fox-Barker, Hannah Nebbitt, Lucy Webster (C), Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Frankie Tilbury, Lillia Dempsey, Eva Delaney, Gemma Croucher & Amy Makewell. Subs – Hannah Bodily, Lilly Kelly, Kelsey Millen, Anais Corrigan & Millie Constantine.

Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Tanya Blacksley, Shanice Lewis, Fiona Buttigieg, Elly Wade (C), Shianne Swarres, Jess McKay, Elizabeth Mulvaney, Amber Leighton, Tsaianne Leader & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Ami Martins, Stef Paci, Leyah Maddix, Nicole Farmer & Erin Price. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

 Stevenage wearing their away colours purple shirt and socks with black shorts. Luton wearing orange coloured shirts with a white vertical stripe offset on the front, navy shorts and orange socks. Luton to get the first half underway, kicking the ball up top into their attackers early on, Stevenage goalkeeper stepping up to claim the ball getting an early feel of it in her gloves. Competitive right from the off Luton snapping in to win the ball, Stevenage biting back, giving away a free-kick in the centre.

  Fiona Buttigieg over the set-piece for Luton lifts it forwards to the right, Rebecca Edge rising high to win the header for Stevenage, but clashing with a Luton attack comes off the worse and she collapses to the ground, an early pause while she is accessed. Getting up tentatively walks gingerly to the side lines but will be ok to play on. Luton are know to be physical and that is no surprise to any opponent are strong in their pursuit of the ball looking to get it moving forwards with energy.

 Stevenage just as competitive the early stages seeing each one test the other with forward balls into the channels, Chloe Gunn in front of the Stevenage defence winning the ball. Jess McKay diving in with her tackles for Luton. Stevenage get the ball moving through the middle Frankie Tilbury on for Gemma Croucher making a run into the left channel, Luton captain Elly Wade moving in to close her down. 

  Luton feeding the ball on for Tsaianne Leander 20 yards out in attack central drives towards the box, Stevenage captain Lucy Webster stepping in to put in the tackle the ball knocked away to the left, a misplaced pass almost presenting Leander with another opportunity outside the area is quickly closed down. Stevenage looking to get on the3 counter attack the ball threaded on for Croucher in attack, Wade racing back with her just getting there first to deal with the danger.

  Wade into defend again at the back for Luton putting the ball out for a corner kick as Lillia Dempsey drives on into the box in the left channel. The corner flung in over everyone inside the six yard box, cleared far side. Lucy Webster if given the opportunity from the back will drive forwards through the middle for Stevenage carrying the ball along way, bearing down on the opposing area she strike is charged down by Luton’s Elizabeth Mulvaney. Tilbury trying her luck from range her 25 yard strike for Stevenage taking a deflection off a defender seeing the sting taken out of it travelling safely back into goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson.

  McKay getting forwards for Luton up the other end taking on the strike from 30 plus yards out as the ball is deflected into her path, put straight in on the keeper, Reeves saving comfortably. McKay with Shianne Swarres in the middle for Luton the ball rolled on for Leander in the right channel sends it on into the box for Fensome, Webster moving in to close her down for Stevenage the ball behind for a corner out on the right.

 Flashed into the area through everyone Luton retrieving it on the left, Tanya Blacksley up with McKay put back into the near post, gathered by Reeves in goal. Gunn with a strong challenge on Leander as the attacker looks to force her way into the box. Luton lively pushing on Blacksley from the back putting a good ball in over the top for Fensome making a run central to left to get in behind, clear, Reeves comes racing out to the top of her area looking to try and close her down, Fensome taking the ball past the keeper into the area cutting her low shot back in at the empty net, both Webster and Edge racing round on the cover to get to the ball, Edge clearing it off the line!

  Both sides battling for the ball, Luton gaining the free-kick hoisted up towards the top of the area dealt with by Stevenage’s Gunn. Buttigieg advancing up the left with the ball for Luton plays in inside for Leander, Mistie Fox-Barker in to close her down for Stevenage the full back preventing the cross the ball out for a throw in. Stevenage counter through the middle, Eva Delaney on for Makewell, back to goal spins on the ball well to help it into the path of Croucher storming on down the left channel bursting into the box her low strike on the angle saved low by Hudson at her near post.

  Buttigieg stealing the ball high on the left for Luton races on down the wing whipping a pacy cross into the near post, Fensome coming for the ball looking to get it under control under pressure from Webster can’t keep it in play. Fox-Barker bringing the ball on right side for Stevenage drills a diagonal ball low into the box cut out by Wade, cleared upfield Luton quickly on the counter, Reeves rushing out of her area to clear the threat. 

 Both side energetic despite the heat, fighting for the ball, passes a little rushed if anything as they look to take the game to the other. Hannah Nebbitt left side for Stevenage looking to pick out Makewell in attack with the diagonal ball  cut out by Blacksley at the back for Luton. Nebbitt sending the ball on into the box again for Stevenage Makewell bearing down on the keeper, with Blackley and Wade tracking her, Hudson standing her ground blocking the ball getting hold of it for Luton.

 Up the other end Leander running onto a pass fed inside from the right, striking the ball on the half volley from 20 yards out not getting a solid connection the shot tame through to the keeper. Hudson with a sharp save to deny Makewell inside the box as she steals in behind beating offside trap the ball beat down back to Makewell for a 2nd try, Hudson sharp getting down to grab hold of the ball.

 Fensome moving about in attack for Luton looking for space taking the ball down to the by-line left of go no one has caught up with her as she flashes her cross into the six yard box. Busy end to end, cagey at time Fox-Barker getting on for Stevenage right side sending a cross inside looking for Croucher left of the D breaking into the area Wade intercepting the ball for Luton at the back. 

 Luton moving the ball quickly getting numbers around it in the middle Swarres with McKay, Amber Leighton coming inside to take the ball on lifted into Leander up top inside the D, Edge winning it back for Stevenage. Leander coming over to the left linking up with Mulvaney and Buttigieg the ball crossed in along the top of the area, Shanice Lewis running in to met it her strike put in straight to the keeper.

 The referee calling for the first drinks break of the game, the dugouts in some shade, blisteringly hot out there, both sides covering the ground. The game resumes with a Luton goal kick. Swarres seeing the ball into her 30 yards out shapes to send it goal wards lopping over the keeper but dropping wide of the right post. Leighton bringing the ball in across the Stevenage D moving left looking to put Buttigieg through on goal, Webster throwing out a leg to cut the pass out for Stevenage. 

  Delaney released into space on the right for Stevenage as a deflected ball runs into her path taking it on chops a low cross into the top of the area, won by Wade. Luton lively Leander fed the ball right of goal, Edge moving onto her shoulder to defend for Stevenage the ball pushed away to the right, Leighton from the angle blasting a shot in on goal, Fox-Barker moving round on the cover blocking it in front of her keeper.

  Blacksley getting the ball forwards on the left firing it into Leander outside the box, looking to pull the trigger has her arm tugged as she does, awarded the free-kick Buttigieg over the free-kick 20 out left of the D, puts it into the far post defended knocked down to the top of the area, Leighton latching onto it her shot struck wide across the face of goal out past the far post. Luton building some momentum in the final 3rd. 

 GOAL! McKay into Fensome in attack, takes the ball in across the top of the D from the right into the middle feeding it into Buttigieg breaking into the area from the left one touch then curls the ball up over the keeper to nestle inside the net at the far post 0-1.

 Luton into the lead in the 40th minute looking strong winning the ball in the middle, McKay diving in to win possession Buttigieg into the middle for Mulvaney on for Leander up top lays it off for Leighton who attempts to thread it in behind for Fensome, bursting in one goal, but the flag goes up against her even as Reeves rushes in to close her down. Swarres pushing forwards with the ball at her feet for Luton looks for Fensome up top the ball cut out by Edge the Fensome fouls Gunn as she goes to clear the ball.

  Buttigieg with a strong tackle on Croucher as she moves out to the right looking for the pass from the advancing Delaney. Delaney then brought down by Wade out wide on the right as she looks to link up with Fox-Barker. Makewell over the set-piece a great ball in one goal at the far post players running in to attack it Hudson up well to punch it clear of her area. 

 Luton with a free-kick late in the first half on halfway to the right sent into the box, Edge winning it for Stevenage, Luton quick to get back onto the ball outside the box, Leander shifting it out to Fensome on her right stretching as she goes to shoot, pulls her effort high past the near post. Luton looking to get on down the flanks putting Stevenage under pressure. The whistle blows up for half-time, Luton edging the 1st half leading by a single goal.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 0-1 Luton Town Ladies

 Fiona Buttigieg’s 40th minute strike the difference between the sides, has been as expected a tight and competitive contest, Luton getting the ball forwards with pace looking to push Stevenage back. Defending well but limited opportunities up the other end Luton edging it in  terms of chances created, still a single goal in it poised perfectly for the 2nd half. Stevenage will want to keep it that way find an opening themselves. Luton won’t want it to remain so tight a 2nd goal putting them closer to claiming the double. 

 Changes for both sides and supporters alike with the shade over on the far side of the pitch looking very inviting. On the field Luton are bringing on defender Nicole Farmer with Lewis replaced. A double switch for Stevenage with Dempsey and Delaney coming off, Kelsey Millen and Millie Constantine coming on. Stevenage to get the 2nd 45 underway the ball played out to the right with Millen on the attack puts an early cross into the box, cleared by Wade for Luton.

  Nebbitt with a testing punt from range deep on the left finding its way through to the keeper. Constantine out on the left side for Stevenage in possession, fires the ball into Tilbury positioned left of the D, but play brought back for the free-kick with Constantine caught late. Nebbitt over the ball hit in towards the far post too strong out of play for a goal kick.

  Fensome stealing in behind through the middle for Luton off of a Leander flick on knocking the ball wide of the advancing keeper top of the area snatches at the ball sending it in on goal before being closed down, defenders racing back to try and stop it, can instead watch it roll harmlessly wide of the left post. Farmer winning the ball at the back for Luton sends it on down the right for Fensome pulling out wide taking the ball down to the by-line looking to travel into the box, Nebbitt gets back at her to make the challenge clear the ball.

  Tilbury and Constantine link up on the left wing for Stevenage, rolled back up the line to the advancing Nebbitt her cross played into the far post from the angle runs out of play as Millen almost reaches it. Is very hot out on the field, as McKay coming left with the ball for Luton sends a curling cross into the box, that sees Fensome flagged offside as she pulls off the defence, Stevenage holding a good line. 

 Fox-Barker pushing on up the right for Stevenage whipping a dipped ball into Croucher positioned right of the D, can’t get the ball down into her feet, get a shot away before Wade closes her down. McKay on for Wade in space free to bomb on down the right puts a diagonal ball in towards the near post, Fensome looking to attack it turned behind for a corner kick. Buttigieg taking in short as Leighton comes to the ball the pair looking to force a crossing opportunity, Stevenage close down well forcing Luton to play it all the way back to their keeper. 

 Stevenage getting amongst it 2nd half better competing for the ball looking to get it into their wide players. Fox-Barker with a well timed tackle inside her box on Leander left side as Leighton sends the ball into her feet, half hearted appeals but they soon die down. Stevenage getting a free-kick in a dangerous position central outside the D, Nebbitt to take shoots over the bar.

  Fensome latching onto the ball as it is missed by the defence top of the area clipped in from the middle Fensome left of goal getting a shot away putting it low across the stranded keeper the ball cannoning off the base of the far post before being hurried clear. Stevenage making a change just past the hour mark bringing on Hannah Bodily to replace Gunn in midfield. 

 Constantine out on the left in possession for Stevenage feeds it inside for Bodily who turns on the ball looking to fizz it into Croucher inside the D, Farmer in close to get the challenge in for Luton. Luton making a double switch with Lewis back on alongside attacker Leyah Maddix, Leander and Blacksley coming off for Luton. Stevenage winning a corner on the right curled into the near post, hooked clear.

  Farmer blocks Fox-Barker’s shot as she comes inside with the ball from the right 20 yards out. In the opposite area, Edge defends against Lewis as she surges on with the ball right channel. Lewis lively since returning to the pitch looking to take the ball on her cross into the area taken by Reeves at her near post, the referee calling for another drinks break, much needed. Both sides keeping the tempo up a cagey game toing and froing as Stevenage look to create an opening at times exposing themselves at the other end, Fensome in particular looking for an opportunity to score.

  Fox-Barker doing well in defence for Stevenage up against Maddix on the left closing her down with a timely tackle to try and get Millen on the move in the opposite direction. Changes for both sides as play resumes with less than 20 minutes to play, Anais Corrigan on for Stevenage replacing Nebbitt. Erin Price coming on for Luton replacing McKay. Webster sets off on another marauding run from the back for Stevenage in central cuts the ball to her left picked out Croucher unmarked top of the area, caught in two minds what to do with the ball as Hudson roars setting herself in goal, the shot tame in the finish Hudson gathering low scooping the ball up into her gloves. 

 Luton with a throw high on the right as Lewis breaks forwards, linking up with Swarres who takes the ball to the by-line lifting a high ball into the near post, Reeves up to grab hold of the ball. Fox-Barker over to the left of defence now with Nebbitt off as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. Fensome played into the area coming in from the left, Reeves out to close the angle the ball blocked turned away for a corner kick.

GOAL! Players up from the back as the ball in clipped into the near side, Fensome attacking it turning the ball in on goal, Reeves with a reflex save stopping it with her leg, the ball loose in front of goal, Wade stealing in on it to stab the ball over the line to double Luton’s lead 0-2.

 Stevenage making a change with Makewell coming off, Lilly Kelly coming on to join the attack. Mulvaney sending a strike from distance onto the roof of the net. Fensome coming off for Luton along with Leighton, Stef Paci and Amy Martins coming on with 10 minutes left to play. Stevenage sending the ball long up the left for Corrigan to attack, Lewis with the legs to get back up the pitch put in the tackle to deny the cross.

  Maddix put away into the box on the right for Luton closing in on goal Edge standing up to challenge getting a foot onto the ball Maddix catching her late getting penalised shown the yellow card. A painful one for Edge the defender struggling has to come off, Bodily dropping into defence, Makewell back on. The game stretched now Stevenage have to commit more going forwards risk the counter at the other end. 

 Tilbury getting the ball into Constantine on the right clips a diagonal ball long across the area into Corrigan advancing on the left looks to meet it on the volley a difficult chances lifts it over. Webster driving forwards bearing down on the box is cynically blocked, awarded the free-kick 25 yards out. Makewell over it curls her attempt wide of the right post. Moving into stoppage time. 

GOAL! Luton break away down the left Martins on with the ball the cross curled in across the six yard box, Maddix, and Lewis busting a gut to get on the end of it throwing themselves at the ball, Lewis with the touch to drive the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to put Luton 3 goal up 0-3.

 Luton in control now having knocked the stuffing out of Stevenage, Paci closing Fox-Barker down as she looks for Corrigan on the left. Hudson holding onto the ball as Fox-Barker puts a deep cross into the penalty spot in the dying seconds. The whistle blows and Luton celebrate as they win the league cup to complete the double. 

Full time Stevenage FC Women 0-3 Luton Town Ladies

 A tight contest well contested in the 2nd half Luton pushing hard coming close to scoring a 2nd goal but it wouldn’t come until the final 10 minutes, Stevenage competing for the ball better 2nd half pressing for the equaliser for a long period before Wade got the all important 2nd goal. The 3rd coming in stoppage time as Luton broke with pace using their substitutes to good advantage. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day. Again several contenders but one winner in my mind. Both sides giving it there all despite the heat, a competitive had hard fought game. For Stevenage Mistie Fox-Barker had an excellent game in defence winning the ball, closing players down and got forwards well when she could to support the attack. Lucy Webster along side Rebecca Edge in central defence winning some vital tackles. Chloe Gunn playing in front of the defence getting stuck in enjoying the midfield battle with Luton. For Luton, Natasha Fensome was lively up front running into space looking for openings created numerous chances for herself and her teammates. Tsaianne Leander strong on the ball looking to get forwards take the ball to the Stevenage defence. Fiona Buttigieg got up well on the left to support the attack opened the scoring and defended well. The award though goes to Luton’s captain, Elly Wade strong at the back throughout, won numerous challenges intercepting the ball playing in to her midfielders and on hand to score the vital 2nd goal.

 Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL League Cup along with the Premier Division title to do the double.

 A good day out at Bedford, the finals days well attended, the crowd enjoying to fantastic matches. Credit to Bedford Town FC and the ERWFL committee members for the occasion. My thanks for all the assistance. A busy day no doubt stole just a few hours sleep so I could get both reports completed with a busy day at work ahead. But I like to get these things done while they’re fresh in my mind and the next game is never far away.

by Darren Gilham