The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition Thirty Two

From Sunday 24th April

The final Sunday in April, spring might be trying to get here but it’s having a bit of trouble getting out of bed weather is decidedly hit and miss. This was a hugely important weekend of fixtures across the East, plenty of games seeing sides play out there final games of the 2015/16 campaign The Tuesday Round-Up is going to be getting alot shorter as we round things down. More matters settled across the leagues too. Three more league champions sorted out across the pyramid. A Cup Final… well Plate to and you’ll read about it all here starting with that final so let’s go.

FAWPL Plate Final

The FAWPL runs 2 cup competition the League Cup and League Plate a preliminary round determining which competition a club will contest at the start of the season. This Sunday saw the Plate Final being played at Keys Park, home of Hednesford Town FC. The two sides to reach the final did so by not conceding a single goal on the road to the final. A side from the FAWPL’s 2nd tier reaching the final for the 1st time with South East Division One side Enfield Town Ladies celebrating their 30th anniversary this year making it to their 1st ever national final to play FAWPL Southern Division side Coventry United Ladies.

Was a physical game right from the off, Enfield Town Ladies working hard putting a lot into closing down Coventry United Ladies. Didn’t stop them taking an early lead as Jade Brook turned the ball home arriving far post after Alison Hall headed a Cristina Torkildsen ball down across the face of goal inside the opening 5 minutes. Far from capitulate Enfield Town Ladies continued to press the ball winning a free kick, Kerrie Marlborough sweeping the ball out to the far post where it was met by Elizabeth Kent putting them back on level terms. Coventry United Ladies got themselves back in front right on the stroke of half-time Libby Piggott arriving inside the six yard box turning home coming following a cross from the left.

  2-1 up at half-time the lead was 3-1 shortly after the break, the goal awarded from a corner kick is stopped on the goal line by a hand the crowd are silent fear a penalty, are surprised when a goal is awarded instead Torkildsen credited with it. Chances dried up for Enfield Town Ladies 2nd half, Coventry United Ladies kept coming on having more chances to score did eventually late on Marie Gauntlett bagging a brace the 1st a cheeky back heel inside the six yard box the 2nd an audacious lob from outside the box, 5-1 the final score Coventry United Ladies celebrate winning the FAWPL Plate Final. The whole match report from the SWF Blog can be found below this post.

FAWPL Southern Division

The FAWPL Southern Division title has already been decided refer to Edition 30 of The Tuesday Round-Up for more detail Brighton & Hove Albion WFC securing the title 2 Sunday’s ago playing out their league fixtures. News from Brighton & Hove Albion WFC since then shocking not only Brighton fans but the football community in general with the news the club has sacked manager James Marrs with what will undoubtedly be one of the clubs biggest games in it’s history to come the FAWPL Play-off final at the end of may. Little details are available but a complaint made through the Sussex FA was made that led to the club taking immediate action.

On to this weekends football action several sides were again playing out their final fixtures across the 3 games taking place. Charlton Athletic Women were playing their final home game of the season playing 2nd from top playing 2nd from bottom with Forest Green Rovers Ladies the visitors. Charlton were in goal scoring form straight from the off going 3-0 up inside the opening 8 minutes, Kit Graham after 2 minutes, Charley Clifford on 5 minutes and Gemma Shepherd scoring the 3rd on 8 minutes. were 5-0 to the good at half-time Shepherd and Clifford both scoring again, Clifford completed her hat-trick 2 minutes into the 2nd half. Kerry Walklett pulled a goal back for Forest Green Rovers before Stefanie Simmons found the back of the net to get herself on the score sheet on 67 minutes, Shepherd had her hat-trick 5 minutes later. Charlotte Lee scoring a goal in the last 5 minutes to seal a 9-1 win a closing in on finishing runners up getting a huge boost as 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies lost. Now 5 points clear with on game to play away to Coventry United Ladies a win would guarantee 2nd.

A blow for 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies in their quest for the runners-up spot in the FAWPL Southern Division as they suffered defeat on the South Coast at Portsmouth FC Ladies playing their final league game of the season and last in charge for manager Perry Northeast. Finished with a win after a goalless 1st half Portsmouth’s Emma Sherwood put the home side into the lead on the 68th minute. Entering the final 10 minutes Portsmouth doubled the lead with Shannon Sievwright on target. Cardiff City Ladies pulled a goal back deep into injury time, not enough as Portsmouth ended with a win. Currently in 4th place are 3 points ahead of 5th placed Coventry United Ladies who have 2 to play against 2nd placed Charlton and 3rd placed Cardiff City Ladies. Coventry United Ladies could finished 3rd themselves if they pick up 2 wins in their final 2 matches.

In the other game in the FAWPL Southern Division both sides were playing their final game of the season and it was another point on the board for bottom club Plymouth Argyle Ladies hosting Queens Park Rangers Ladies. The visitors took the lead midway through the 1st half Cherrelle Albert scoring on 25 minutes. Plymouth Argyle hit back straight away Mollie Taylor getting them back on level terms within a minute of going behind. That was the score at half-time. Again Queens Park Rangers took the lead Juliette Denny firing in the goal 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Took Plymouth Argyle a bit longer to get back on level terms 20 minutes with Rebecca Atkins scoring on the 71st minute to see Plymouth Argyle take a point from their final FAWPL Southern Division match, for now.

FAWPL South East Division One

Last Sunday Crystal Palace Ladies celebrated winning the FAWPL South East Division One title and their reward for doing so was an opportunity to play at Selhurst Park. Arranged quickly with an earlier kick off time it was a fantastic opportunity for them but also opponents Cambridge United WFC visiting who were playing their final league game of the season. Formed a guard of honour for the new champions as they walked onto the pitch, Cambridge were missing a few 1st team regulars for the game went 1-0 down inside the 1st 5 minutes Abigail Igbavboa putting Crystal Palace Ladies into the lead. Cambridge goalkeeper Tafadzwa Mhunduru gave away then saved the resulting penalty. 2nd half Crystal Palace Ladies went on to win 3-0, 2 goals scored by Rochelle Shakes still unbeaten this season with 2 games left to play. Made it a league and cup double winning the Surrey FA County Cup last Thursday.

Gillingham FC Ladies have picked up just the single point in their last 3 games going into this Sunday’s match at home to Ipswich Town Ladies who are enjoying a resurgence in the latter half of the season up to 6th place. Olivia Dixon and Amanda Crump put them 2-0 up in the 1st half before Lauren Davis scored for Gillingham to make it 2-1 at half-time. Fought back 2nd half getting back on level terms 5 minutes into the 2nd half Kallie Balfour getting onto the end of a ball flighted into the box to turn the ball into the back of the net. Lydia Wills came off the bench in the 77th minute and netted the winning goal 5 minutes later seeing Gillingham take all 3 points winning 3-2.

Has been a difficult and frustrating season for Old Actonians Ladies since the start of 2016 having been playing catch up in their fixtures, still are they. Had dropped down the table to 10th have more or less needed just a single win to be safe for weeks now but haven’t won a single league point in 2016, 8 games played. A home match this Sunday against Norwich City Ladies, Old Actonians took the lead in the 1st half but were pegged back with a minute of the 1st half to play as Ebony Wiseman scored for Norwich. 2nd half and the same again Old Actonians going in front, Norwich pulling it back to 2-2 with 2 minutes normal time to play Wiseman again on target. Old Actonians had time to find the winning goal late in injury time to celebrate finally securing FAWPL football for a 2nd season, a brace from Carla Williams and a Hannah Pearson goal sealing the win. That also confirms Lowestoft Town Ladies relegation as the 2nd bottom side with just the one fixture to play can no longer catch Old Actonians.

Eastern Regional Leagues

Another side playing FAWPL football next season will be Stevenage Ladies as they got the 3 points they needed at the weekend to win the ERWFL Premier Division title. To games left to play before Sunday both against the bottom clubs they were hosting Great Wakering Rovers Ladies who had found a little bit of form right at the end of their season, scored 2 goals however Stevenage Ladies scored 3 times to seal a 3-2 win, Amy Josland and a brace from Donna McGuigan seeing them crowned champions.

Congratulations to Stevenage Ladies on winning the ERWFL Premier Division title.

2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies had just the one game to play knew even a win might not be enough to pip Stevenage Ladies to the title but needed the 3 points to keep the pressure on hope local rival Great Wakering Ladies could do them a favour as they travelled to bottom club Great Shelford Ladies looking to finish with a win. Got the 3 points, Nicola Dunston, Nicole Farmer, Lindsey Morgan, Lauren Knight and Michelle Stoneman all getting their name on the scoresheet as Billericay Town Ladies won 5-0 end the season as runner-up for the 3rd successive season.

A successful league campaign for AFC Sudbury Ladies to finishing in 3rd place in the ERWFL Premier Division in their 1st season in the top division in the ERWFL. Have been up there pretty much all season too. Were at home for their final league match taking on Brentwood Town Ladies who have been struggling for results in the latter part of the season, the visitors found the back of the next 3 times, Chelcee Grimes, Carla Rose and Stacey Turner scoring, AFC Sudbury hit back with double that tally, a goal from Sophie Jeffery plus a brace from Stacey Teager, with substitute Mia Etheridge smashing home a hat-trick to see them end the season with a 6-3 win.

4th placed Colchester Town Ladies were playing their final league match of the season at home to Acle United Ladies. After a goalless 1st half it was Colchester Town who opened the scoring 2nd half Kerry Stimson putting the ball home on 58 minutes. Acle United having beaten Bungay Town Ladies in a friendly match 1-0 in midweek were frustrating Colchester Town all game battling hard, earned a point late in the game a Amber Rowland was fouled inside the box. Joanne Hooper scoring from the penalty spot. Colchester Town can no finish no lower than 5th and have the final of the ERWFL League Cup to prepare for which although I have no confirmation of I believe to be on Sun 22nd May will let everyone know as soon as i do keep an eye on the twitter feed. 

 Elsewhere in the ERWFL it was the semi-final stage of the Division One Cup. Writtle Ladies were beaten in the final of the Essex Women’s County Cup last Thursday, are into their 2nd final of the season as they travelled to Offley & Stopsley Ladies on Sunday. goals from Courtney Clark, Abigail Fry, Amelia Murphy and Charlotte Walker seeing them win the match 4-2 to reach the final. Their opponents will be Colney Heath Ladies after they beat won their semi-final against Hoddesdon Owls Ladies, one goal enough to put them into their 2nd successive final having contested the ERWFL League Plate as it was last season. Christina Freestone the goal hero scoring to send them through. Again date and details of the final will be published on twitter as soon as I have them.

Norfolk

The games are running out in Norfolk Women’s Division One and despite a hit and miss fixture schedule it’s still all to play for as 3 sides remain in contention for the league title. Leaders Wymondham Town Ladies and 2nd placed Brandon Town Ladies wren’t in action (Brandon since the end of February whilst waiting for the others to catch up) 3rd placed Thorpe United Ladies being on of those are now a point behind Brandon with a game in hand after a convincing 9-2 win at home to Bungay Town Ladies. Captain Rebekah Lake hitting home 4 goals with Charlotte Groves close behind with a hat-trick, Alice Ford and Cara Anderson also on target. Nicola Hazell and Emily Leach with the goals for Bungay Town Ladies. All 3 can still win the title although Wymondham Town Ladies are in pole position one game to play win it and Brandon Town can’t catch them, Thorpe United have 2 to play tough ones to against Brandon Town and 4th placed Aylsham FC Ladies if they pick up the points and Wymondham Town win their last match it’ll be down to goal difference Wymondham Town currently have a +6 advantage.

Lynn Ladies were celebrating this week as they start a new chapter in the clubs young history formed the season before and winning promotion to Norfolk Women’s Division One they have now formed a partnership with Kings Lynn Town FC (The Linnets) and will be playing under their banner next season a huge boost for women’s football in the West of Norfolk in a county that has traditional been dominated from sides in the east and Norwich area, in a county that still has plenty of room for expansion in the women’s game. Will be playing their home fixtures from now on at Lynn Sports 3G surface. Played there this Sunday with Fakenham Town Ladies the visitors. An action packed 1st 45 minutes saw Lynn Ladies take a 4-2 lead into the break. A brace from Shelley Woods, and a goal each from Emma Woods and Brittany Barbour. Nina Batchelor and Sian Sands scoring for Fakenham Town Ladies. 2nd half a different story with just one more goal scored Jodie Hopkins with the goal.

Just the one game being played in Norfolk Women’s Division Two with the fixture list very nearly completed. Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies already promoted secured the title last Sunday and were looking to go the whole season unbeaten in the league were away to 2nd bottom side Morley Ladies. Won the game 5-1 to finish with a record of 13 wins and a draw. Have the final of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final to look forwards to playing Ipswich Town Ladies at Portman Road and the date of the final has been brought forwards to Monday May the 9th with a 7:00pm KO.

Gorleston FC Ladies are the champions in Norfolk Women’s Division Three, winning the title and promotion in their 1st season as a club. Winning all 12 of their league games played so far this season over hauled leaders Harleston Ladies last weekend and can no longer be caught at the top. A double header with Dereham Town Ladies they won 6-0 away last weekend were at home this time around, goals from Melissa Anderson, Molly Sims, Samantha Hunn and Leanne Duffett sealing a 4-0 win as they look forwards to playing in Norfolk Women’s Division Two next season.

  Congratulations to Gorleston FC Ladies on winning the Norfolk Women’s Division Three title.

Suffolk

 The Suffolk Women’s Division has been a highly competitive league all season the title race hotly contested all the way, but after this weekend’s results it is down to a 2 horse race with one side playing out their fixtures in front looking back knowing they other can catch them up.

Brantham Athletic Ladies leading the way finish their league matches with an 8-1 victory away to bottom side Ipswich Phoenix Ladies. A brace of goals each for Lucy Dunnett, Kirsten Hutchings and Jessica Ryan along with a goal each for Jo Hazelton and Shanice Leeks seeing them finish on a high can only watch now.

That is because 2nd placed Copleston Ladies won a crucial game in their quest for the Suffolk Women’s Division title having climbed up to that position last Sunday having had games in hand on everyone all season still do were away to Witnesham Wasps Ladies this Sunday one goal saw the 3 points won coming in the 2nd half Jade Horne getting it as Copleston Ladies won 1-0. Have 2 games left to play home and away against the bottom 2 sides two wins are needed get them and they will over take Brantham Athletic Ladies and win the league title.

  Had led for a good portion of the season so East Bergholt United Ladies may well feel disappointed with a 3rd place finish falling away at the end they finish their league fixtures with a win away to Leiston St Margarets Ladies, Jessica Clark and Jessica Oxlade both scoring in 2-0 win.

Cambridgeshire

ICA Sports Ladies are once again the new leaders of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership. going a point clear at the top over Cambridge United WFC Reserves have a game in hand on them to. Were away to Bar Hill Ladies at the weekend edged the 3 points with a 2-1 win, Louise Barbour scoring both goals for ICA Sports Ladies. Anna Jephson on target for Bar Hill Ladies. Has all tightened up at the top of the Premiership with a handful of games left. Both ICA Sports Ladies and Cambridge United WFC Reserves have 3rd placed Cambridge City Ladies closing them down.

Games in hand on the top two in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, Cambridge City Ladies beat Cambridge University Women at home during the week 7-0 and followed that up with a 6-0 at home this Sunday against bottom side Fulbourn Bluebirds. Lauren Ambrose hitting 2 goals into the back of the net with a goal a piece for Grace Stanley, Lauren Tomlinson, Philippa Witherspoon and Carla Penny. Are now 3 points behind leaders ICA Sports Ladies with 4 games left to play 2 more than the leaders play Bar Hill Ladies during the week and could be the new leaders going into next Sunday’s fixtures.

In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, there are still plenty of games to be played leaders Bourne Ladies remain 4 points clear of 2nd placed March Town United Ladies who were awarded a home win against Downham Town Ladies this Sunday. Bourne Ladies were at home to Tydd St Marys Ladies had thumped the side bottom of the table 14-0 last Sunday were no less rampant in front of goal this time around. Tracey Duxbury-Mead scoring 8 times herself on the day. Toni McHamilton was also banging in the goals getting 5. A brace each for Stephanie Starr and Charlotte Ayers with a goal each for Rossana Baker, Jemma Smith and Catherine Dougall seeing them win 20-0 see’s them with a huge goal difference over their rivals. 3rd placed Wisbech Town Ladies were also awarded a home win at the weekend against Stamford Ladies.

  A clash between 1st and 3rd in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South at the weekend with leaders Park Ladies travelling to Milton Ladies. A brace from Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks plus a goal for Sam Cousins saw Milton Ladies win the game 3-0. The 3 points seeing the gap to Park Ladies closed to 9 points MIlton have 3 games more to play than Park Ladies and with their goal differences virtually the same it’s all still up for grabs in the league. A game in hand on Park Ladies, 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies could have capitalised on Park Ladies defeat to Milton closed the 5 point gap between them as they travelled to Isleham United Ladies. Georgia Rebane and Sasha Smith scoring for St Ives they had to settle for a point as Isleham United scored twice themselves to see the game end all square at 2-2, Shona Kelly and Rebecca Webb on target. To get the fixtures played Comberton Ladies and Riverside Rovers Reserves were playing a double header this Sunday at Comberton, Riverside Rovers Reserves winning both matches one 5-0 the other 2-0.

Essex

Hullbridge Sports Ladies are the new champions of the Essex Women’s Premier Division. Formed two seasons ago it is now back to back title wins for the club. Went into their final match of the season away to Hutton Ladies Reserves knowing a point would be enough to take the title lift them above Chelmsford City Ladies and win the title. Brogan Kelly opened the scoring for Hullbridge Sports, Katie Hartigan and Christina Fragnito giving them a 3-0 lead, Hutton Ladies Rerserves pulling it back to 3-1 before Kelly scored again to make it 4-1 and see Hullbridge Sports lead the way for the 1st time this season, the only time that really matters on at the finish.

 Congratulations to Hullbridge Sports Ladies on your title win.

One other game in the Essex Women’s Premier Division saw bottom side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies  beaten 5-1 at home by Eastern Avenue Ladies who secure a 4th place finish in the table.

The Essex Women’s Division One campaign will run a little longer with more sides competing in the league, Harlow Ladies have led the way all season played 15 league games to date have won them all earning another huge win away to 9th placed Valley Green on Sunday racking up a 21-1 win. Abbie Bensted baging herself a double hat-trick in the match, were hat-tricks to for Nene McInerney and Phillipa Stephens. Catherine Kelly and Rebecca Watson hit 2 goals each Tia Dye and Phoebe McMurray and Riley Bennett also on the scoresheet whilst Chloe Ring set the ball rolling with the opening goal. Promotion to the Essex Women’s Premier Division long since assured need just one more win to finish as Division One Champions.

 Alresford Colne Rangers climb up into 3rd place in the Division One table with a 3-2 win at home against 5th placed Wickford Town Ladies on Sunday.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

After the weekends results Hartford Town Ladies remain go 3 points clear at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One playing away at 2nd bottom Sandy Ladies, Laveena Betts opened their goals scoring on 20 minutes. Freya Rampley also scoring in the 1st half. Lisa Kline Becky Shephard, Kerry Oldham plus 2 goals for Bilge Taspinar saw them win comfortably 7-2. Chloe Reeves with both the goals for Sandy Ladies. In the other game played in Division One Letchworth Garden City Eagles beat Garston Ladies 2-1 to move above them into 5th on the table.

 In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two, leaders Sharnbrook WFC have secured a top two finish and are almost certainly going to go up as champions have one game left to play away to Garston Ladies FC 96 and need to avoid a 14-0 defeat. That is the margin 2nd placed Houghton Athletic Ladies are behind them as they celebrate winning a 2nd successive promotion. Were away to AFC Kempston Rovers this Sunday needing the win to make certain of a 2nd placed finish. Emma Hawkes hit the ball into the back of the net for 4 goals with Ciara Craig close behind with a hat-tick, Becky Sullivan scoring too as they won the game 8-1 to wrap up the season. Sophie Keech with the goal for AFC Kempston Rovers. The table still shows Houghton Athletic Ladies in 3rd with a game left to play however it is a formality as they have been awarded the 3 points to put them on 36.

A strong finish to the season for Hitchin Town Ladies who end up in 3rd place a point behind Houghton Athletic Ladies. Were away to Garston Ladies FC 96 for their last league match of the season, Garston’s promotion push faltering at the end as Hitchin Town Ladies too all 3 points with a 6-2 win, Emma Chaffey and Rachael Jones both scoring 2 goals with Kayleigh Saunders and Helen Coster also getting goals. Lilly Clark with both the goals for Garston Ladies FC 96. A 3rd place finish may yet be enough to see Hitchin Town Ladies go up as the leagues could face adjustment over the summer.

Two games played in Beds & Herts Division Three at the weekend a clash between the top 2. With Hitchin Belles moving 3 points clear at the top over Evergreen Ladies following a 3-0 win at Evergreen. Had moved level on points during the week with a 2-7 win at Crawley Green Ladies. Emily Field, Shannon Page and Charlotte Peters with the goals. Now 3 points in front of Evergreen Ladies with a game more to play. Evergreen Ladies have 2 games left to play are 3 points ahead of 3rd placed Icknield Ladies who also have 2 left to play. Icknield Ladies winning 3 points at home on Sunday with a 4-1 win against bottom side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies.

That concludes Edition Thirty Two of The Tuesday Round-Up, several teams playing out their league fixtures will be a shorter edition next time around and a few more thing’s will be sorted out. Lots of midweek fixtures happening this week too so might even be sorted before then, however whatever is sorted with be rounded up right here so until next week thanks for reading.