The end of the season in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League this Sunday the league all done and dusted ends with a cup final double at AFC Kempston Rovers FC, the League Cup Final to come but 1st off a new competition, The Chris Renshaw Trophy. The final two Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC.
Named in memory of Chris Renshaw a former member of the Beds & Herts Women’s Football Committee and the ERWFL beyond who gave so much to support the game before his passing this competition named in his honour, a secondary competition with the sides knocked out of the League Cup itself before the quarter final stage being entered.
It’s a while ago now in the history of the blog but Sandy Ladies v Sharnbrook WFC was my 1st experience of women’s football in the county leagues. Not that they were the clubs I had intended seeing that Sunday, stuck in traffic and no chance of getting to my game I rolled past the sign for Sandy and determined I was going to get a match in turned left. Arrived 15 minutes before kick-off and the 2 sides couldn’t have been any more helpful to me. Nice to see them once again and give them a little more respect as they contest the 1st ever final for The Chris Renshaw Trophy.
A change of management for both since that game, Sandy Ladies have had a very strong season in what was a highly competitve Division One this season have led the table for most of the campaign entering the final weekend were 3 points clear of both 2nd placed Sherrardswood Ladies and 3rd placed Bishops Stortford Ladies who they faced just a week ago. Heart ache in the end as Sandy Ladies were beaten 4-2 ending up in 3rd on goal difference, Bishops Stortford Ladies pipping Sherrardswood Ladies to the title by a single goal! The Chris Renshaw Trophy an opportunity for Sandy Ladies to end the season with some silverware.
Sharnbrook WFC were relegated that season, but under new management bounced back at the 1st attempt winning the Division Two title. Had a strong start to the season upon their return to Division One getting games in where others didn’t, injuries took a toll and lack of action saw them drop down the table as others got into their stride. Eventually finishing 7th, like Sandy have a great opportunity to end the season lifting a piece of silverware.
Road to the Final
Sandy Ladies were handed a Bye in the 1st Round of the competition progressing to the quarter-finals where they were drawn at home to fellow Division One side Letchworth Garden City Eagles won the match 2-1 to reach the semi-finals with an away trip to St Albans Ladies also from Division One both in title contention at the time it was a close game chances for both sides a single goal winning the game Chloe Reeves scoring it for Sandy Ladies to see them into the final.
Sharnbrook WFC were at home in the 1st Round taking on Division Two side Garston Ladies FC 96 progressed to the quarter finals with a comfortable 7-1 win. An away trip to Division Three side Evergreen Eagles, Sharnbrook WFC booked their place in the semi-finals with a 5-2 win. Away again took on Division Two side Flitwick Ladies winning the game to reach the final of the competition.
The venue for today’s Finals, AFC Kempston Rovers FC in Bedfordshire, south west of Bedford itself. A large clubhouse with bar and refreshments booth on one side of the ground housing the changing rooms. A seated area along with terracing beside a wide pitch fairly firm and dry as are most pitches in the region after an unusually dry April. All weather training pitches on the opposite side. A hot and sunny afternoon little cloud around the breeze warm a good start to May.
Sandy Ladies starting XI – Amie Fage, Alicia Cobb, Meghan Roles, Pearl Houghton, Faye Prout, Kayleigh Bennett, Harriet Ford, Claire Ashwell, Katie Seldon (C), Kirstie Gavin & Chloe Reeves.
subs – Kirsty Bates, Grace Lavelle, Lauren Bullen, Abigail Stock & Kerrie Knight.
Sharnbrook WFC starting XI – Summer Ronayne, Sarah Fuller, Mel Harradine, Gemma Franklin, Laura Strange (C), Tracy Hutchinson, Claire Smith, Emily Clark, Charlie Mullins, Sian Cunningham & Emma Butler.
subs – Becky Dadd Scarlett Betts, Haley Traette-Reynolds, Chantelle Harris, Jackie Dadd & Helen Spalding.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
An injury blow for Sandy before today’s final with top scorer Amber Williams out injured on 13 for the season she is one ahead of Chloe Reeves leading the line today. It’s Sharnbrook to get the 1st half underway wearing their away colours, yellow shirts with blue shorts and socks with Sandy lined up opposite wearing red shirts with white across the chest and sleeves, red shorts and socks. An early chance for Sharnbrook the ball played out to Charlie Mullins on the left side plays the ball inside looking to thread the ball in behind as Mullins runs forwards takes a favourable slice in behind off a defender Mullins latches onto it on the edge of the area doesn’t get a firm connection the ball runs straight along the ground into goalkeeper Amie Fage’s gloves.
Sandy press forwards on the left the ball played inside helped on to Claire Ashwell on the left wins Sandy a throw in, Sharnbrook win the ball send it up field, Pearl Houghton collects at the back for Sandy plays it on for Ashwell on the right side she sends a long diagonal ball up into the area with striker Chloe Reeves looking to get on the end of the pass, does so but is halted in her attack by the offside flag.
Sian Cunningham is finding some space on the right for Sharnbrook, captain Katie Seldon picks her out taking the ball up the line her cross is easily gathered by Fage at her near post. Kirstie Gavin links up with Ashwell on the right side from a throw in moving forwards Gavin cuts the ball back for Ashwell to send forwards up towards Reeves centrally positioned back to goal outside the box looks to head the ball on and get in behind the Sharnbrook defence, marking her captain Laura Strange has backed off reading the strikers intention giving her the room she needs to reach the ball 1st and clear.
An early change for Sharnbrook an injury to Cunningham, she comes off, Chantelle Harris comes on. From a free-kick on halfway Sharnbrook’s Emma Butler chases the ball up the left has support from Mullins knocks the ball on as she goes past her closely marked by Sandy’s Alicia Cobb, Mullins turned back as she reached the top of the area plays the ball back into Butler taking it inside looks to pull the trigger, her shot from outside the box is charged down by Sandy’s Faye Prout.
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| Emma Butler on the attack for Sharnbrook WFC |
Off a throw in on the left Butler and Mullins combine again this time Mullins playing the ball up the line for Butler squares the ball across the six yard box, Prout is there to cut the cross out. Attacking up the right for Sharnbrook, Tracy Hutchinson sees her cross claimed by Fage at her near post. Sharnbrook give away a free-kick inside their own half wide right, Kayleigh Bennett to take her ball up towards the area is deflected into Gavin’s path strikes it early looping up into the box right of goal, Sharnbrook keeper, Summer Ronayne comes for it doesn’t take her eye of the ball despite runners from Sandy closing in takes the catch cleanly.
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| Kirstie Gavin bringing the ball down for Sandy Ladies |
Harriet Ford coming on for Sandy plays the ball into Gavin moving left side outside the Sharnbrook box shifting the ball between her feet takes a shot the strike closed down and blocked by Sharnbrook’s Mel Harradine. Sandy retaining possession inside the Sharnbrook half as the game moves into the 20th minute. Butler latches onto a miscued goalkick from Fage, takes it on into the box, Prout on her shoulder, Fage recovers well slides in to save the ball at the strikers feet.
Attacking down the left Sandy fire the ball into Reeves 25 yards out back to goal brings it down superbly rolling her marker and getting a shot away, comes in quickly towards the near post, Ronayne has it covered gloves the head height ball down and gathers. Sharnbrook make a 2nd change taking of Richardson bring on Haley Traette-Reynolds. Reeves pressuring the ball up top wins Sandy a corner kick taken short up to Reeves outside the box on the right plays it in for Gavin inside the D, goes to barge her way through into the box 2 defenders all converge on her no way past.
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| Sharnbrook WFC’s Gemma Franklin with Sandy’s Harriet Ford |
Ford does well in the middle seeing the ball into her body turns and sends Gavin away down the left, taking the ball into the box looks to stab it past Ronayne as she starts to come the Sharnbrook keeper makes a great save with her foot. Sandy make a change Ashwell comes off, Kirsty Bates enters the game. Moving into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half a hot afternoon a wide pitch Sandy are seeing more of the ball win a corner on the left the ball an in swinger comes in centrally, Ronayne calls for it the ball pops out of her gloves she recovers smartly to claim the ball at the 2nd attempt.
GOAL! Sandy take the lead late in the 1st half the ball form the left rolled into Reeves 30 yards out controls well holding of her marker, Gavin furthest forwards moves to her right top of the D, Reeves turning picks her out, Gavin has room in behind, Ronayne comes rushing out to the edge of the area in an attempt to stop her shot, Gavin’s strike is almost stopped by the keeper but instead is deflected on behind into the goal beyond 1-0.
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| Kirstie Gavin with the opening goal in the final |
Harris defends well from a corner kick heading the ball clear of her area for Sharnbrook. Harris getting up field wins a corner for Sharnbrook as the 1st half moves into the final minute. A good delivery Houghton heads it away from the six yard box falling for Strange back peddling at the top of the area she lift her leg attempting to wrap her foot around the ball connects her effort is charged down by the onrushing Sandy defence. Sharnbrook push forwards for one last attack in the 1st half Mullins on the ball left side sends a diagonal ball up towards the penalty spot but Gemma Franklin furthest forwards for Sharnbrook can’t get her head on the ball before Fage can claim it.
Half-time Sandy Ladies 1-0 Sharnbrook WFC
A narrow advantage for Sandy Ladies as the 2 sides leave the field for half-time a 1st half of few chances, Sandy have had more of the ball particularly at the end of the half pushing on Reeves always on to receive the ball, well supported by Gavin up top. Neither goalkeeper overly worked Sharnbrook defending well the ball not sticking further forwards. 1 goal in it however all to play for 2nd half. Sandy to get it under way. Sharnbrook move in on the ball quickly turn play around, Butler is flagged offside as she gets in behind into the area from the left.
Traette-Reynolds gets hold of the ball for Sharnbrook left side outside the box, twists and turns looking for a way in, Butler makes a run inside through the middle, Traette-Reynolds tries to pick her out goalkeeper Fage coming off her goal line can get to it first. Sandy get forwards up the right Ford sending the ball up the line getting a throw in players moving up the pitch level with the top of the area the ball is played into the feet of Seldon right corner sends a shot in towards goal dipping Ronayne getting down to meet it makes the save.
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| Haley Traette-Reynolds getting the ball under her control. |
Fuller defends for Sharnbrook as the ball is played up the line Gavin looking to get hold of it on the left winning the ball the defender clears up into the centre of midfield the ball helped on to Traette-Reynolds breaking down the left side a powerful to take her into the box her shot is blocked by Cobb deflected beyond her runs straight into her keepers gloves. A fast start to the 2nd half Bennett in the middle for Sandy has the ball cleared from her defence into her sends it long with Reeves looking to get in behind is away, Ronayne is on the move too gets the the ball just outside her area to kick clear before the striker reach it.
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| Chloe Reeves looks to get away from Sharnbrook WFC captain Laura Strange |
Sharnbrook get the ball up the other end slotted through the middle into Butler plays an early pass out to Mullins peeling in behind on the left into the box with the ball takes on the shot, Fage across to cover her near post takes the ball into her body dropping low. Sandy make a change bringing off Seldon, Grace Lavelle coming on. Traette-Reynolds wins Sharnbrook a corner kick on the right the ball is swung in near post Sandy’s Meghan Roles gets her head on the ball to clear, Emily Clark getting hold of the ball outside the box looks to send it back in her volley flies wide. Sharnbrook make a change up top Butler comes off with Cunningham coming back on.
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| Sarah Fuller with the defensive header for Sharnbrook WFC |
Sandy break getting the ball into space on the left for Lavelle to run into drives all the way into the box closing in on the six yard box looks to use the outside of her boot to square the ball into the centre for Reeves, Sharnbrook’s Harradine cuts the ball out runs back to Lavelle strikes it 1st time the rising ball striking the side netting. Good running from Traette-Reynolds down the right wing getting in behind the Sandy defence sends a cross into the middle too close to the keeper Fage catches before Mullins coming in from the left can reach it.
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| Grace Lavelle brings the ball forwards for Sandy Ladies |
Bates gets on the ball for Sandy taking it forwards has Lavelle aiming to get into the area lifts the ball over the top, lands of Lavelle’s shoulder as she is tracked into the box dropping to her right loses sight of it momentarily giving the Sharnbrook defence a chance to recover it and clear. A free-kick for Sharnbrook as Traette-Reynolds is brought down on the right inside the Sandy half the ball is send long up to her inside the bo, ducking under the ball, Cunningham has made the run in behind the angle against her strikes the ball on the half volley a good effort however the ball screws away from goal.
Changes for both sides Lauren Bullen on for Sandy replacing Gavin. Jackie Dadd on for Sharnbrook in place of Betts. Sandy are finding a little bit more energy getting forwards now Bullen with a central run is stopped by Clark. Reeves picks up the ball from the right time and space 30 yards out sends her shot over the bar. Roles comes off for Sandy, Kerrie Knight coming on as the game moves into the last 15 minutes. Traette-Reynolds is substituted for Sharnbrook, Smith going back on soon after Helen Spalding comes on to replace Strange.
GOAL! Sandy double their lead the ball from Ford into Bullen sees her drive on towards the area 25 yards out hits a powerful shot in towards goal, Ronayne saves it with her foot deflecting the all away to her right, retrieved on the byline by Reeves is sent back in towards the near post area inside the six yard box Bullen is their following up and turned the ball past the keeper blasting the ball into the back of the net 2-0 her 1st goal for the club too.
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| Lauren Bullen scores to makes it 2-0 for Sandy Ladies |
Bates comes off for Sandy Abigail Stock coming on with less than 10 minutes left. Ashwell returns to the action after Houghton takes a knock at the back. Ford and Reeves are rested too, Gavin and Seldon back on Seldon blocking a strike from outside the box by Mullins as Cunningham gets the ball into her from the right. Sharnbrook push forwards late on Mullins putting a shot wide across the face of goal a she is slide in left side into the box.
Sandy have dropped deep late on despite the 2-0 lead inviting Sharnbrook onto then, Prout intercepting a ball played forwards by Franklin. Pushing up are caught on the counter as trying to clear the ball it in deflected in behind Cunningham after it clear to run at goal, Fage racing out to the top of her area saves well with her legs. Despite the late pressure from Sharnbrook, Sandy hold on and celebrate winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy at the final whistle.
Full time Sandy Ladies 2-0 Sharnbrook WFC
Hot out there a great effort from both sides Sandy claiming the win leading by a single goal at the break created the better chances not making the result safe until the latter stages of the match end their season on a high with a 3rd place finish and silverware. Sharnbrook had their opportunities but not clinical didn’t convert them.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match
A solid defensive display from Sandy Ladies in today’s final and Faye Prout is narrowly beaten to the SWF Blog – Player of the Match by fellow centreback Pearl Houghton good positioning making some important interceptions and cutting out through balls winning more than her fair share of tackles too.
Congratulations to Sandy Ladies on winning The Chris Renshaw Trophy Final.
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| The Chris Renshaw Trophy Winners, Sandy Ladies |
My thanks to both clubs for helping me out with the teams today very much appreciated.
Onto the 2nd of today’s Beds & Herts Finals game, the Women’s League Cup with Watton Ladies or Houghton Athletic Ladies looking to win the trophy for the 1st time this afternoon.
For Watton Ladies based at Watton at Stone in Hertfordshire this is an opportunity to win a league and cup double having already won the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two title to earn promotion back to Division One after a two season absence finishing 8 points clear of what was proving to be a competitive league. Have scored plenty of goals this season with Frankie Smithers way out in front as top scorer netting 32 goals so far.
Joining the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League in the 2014/15 season Houghton Athletic Ladies based in Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire have been on the rise since 2 successive promotions to reach Division One finishing 6th in the table have reached their 1st ever final. Emma Hawkes and Ciara Craig are the clubs top scorers this season with 10 goals each. Most of the players have come through the youth side progressing into women’s football.
Road to the Final
Watton Ladies began their league cup campaign away to fellow Division Two side Flitwick Ladies in the 1st Round winning the tie 3-1 to advance to the 2nd Round where again they were drawn away to another Division Two side Hitchin Belles plenty of goals scored in this one Hitchin Belles scoring 4, Watton going on to win the game 7-4. Another away trip in the quarter finals and again it was Division Two opposition, Evergreen Ladies. Watton Ladies winning 3-1 to reach the semi-finals were they were on the road for the 4th successive tie this time up against Division One side Hitchin Town Ladies coming out on top in a 7 goal thriller winning the game 4-3 to reach the final of the League Cup.
Houghton Athletic Ladies started their league cup campaign at home in the 1st Round taking on Division Three newcomers Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues a 3-0 victory seeing them safely into the 2nd Round. At home against Sharnbrook WFC who had come up with them to Division One this season a good result winning 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals. Drawn away to Division Two side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets it was a close game a narrow win for Houghton Athletic Ladies going through to the semi-finals with a 4-3 win. A tough test in the semi-finals drawn away to fellow Division One side Bishops Stortford Ladies who would go on to win the title. The game going all the way to extra-time 0-0 after 90 minutes. Shakeela Hussain scoring the goal that sent Houghton Athletic Ladies into today’s League Cup Final.
Refuelled with a fish finger bap during the break between matches. If anything it’s gotten warmer as the afternoon moves on difficult conditions for both sides to play in hot and dusty out on the pitch. A good crowd building for the game.
Watton Ladies starting XI – Dionne Batchelor, Zoe Hammick, Zoe Garvey, Heidi Nash (C) Kerry-Anne Paul, Beth Willing, Lizzie Dowton, Emma Carter, Sammy Edgar, Chloe Jones & Frankie Smithers.
subs – Codie Page, Kirsty Richardson, Mollie Rouse, Chloe Hazelwood, Heather Dean, Bethan Love & Gemma Penny.
Houghton Athletic Ladies starting XI – Sophie Wicks, Jodie Patterson, Georgia Casey, Emily Peat, Emily Fearn (C), Rachel Spendelow, Sinead Borsah, Shakeela Hussain, Ciara Craig, Holly Thompson & Charlotte Ross.
subs – Kelly Rees, Charlotte Cook, Louise Spendelow, Victoria Peck.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
It’s Watton to get the League Cup Final started taking kick-off wearing yellow shirts with black shorts and socks. Houghton lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves and across the top of the chest, blue shorts and socks. Houghton are straight out of the blocks pressing Watton on the ball in the centre of midfield, Rachel Spendelow getting the ball out to the right Houghton have a free-kick the ball send long up into the box runners peeling in behind goalkeeper Dionne Batchelor is well placed to catch the ball.
Holly Thompson taking the ball out to the right for Houghton wins her side a corner kick and inswinging delivery, Kerry-Anne Paul heads the ball away for Watton, Sammy Edgar on for Frankie Smithers up top looking to find space on the right is tackled the ball away for a throw-in. Zoe Garvey comes forwards from right back to take it for Watton has a big throw n her tries to pick out Chloe Jones positioned just inside the area on the right, jumps the ball over her Smithers trying to get there, Spendelow falling back as the ball drops to her kicks it away.
Launching a quick counter attack the ball put up through the middle Ciara Craig is away getting onto the ball, Batchelor comes charging out of her area to meet her blocks the ball with her hands as Craig tries to lift it beyond her, the referee blows up a decision to be made a clear goal scoring chance denied? Batchelor is well out of her area, defenders were recovering both sides, early in the game the goalkeeper is shown a yellow card an indirect free kick for Houghton. The set-piece rolled into Shakeela Hussain shoots high on target, Batchelor gets her gloves up to make the save the ball dropping down into the six yard box is cleared off the line a nervous start from Watton.
Watton’s Beth Willing pressuring the ball high up the field on the right gets in behind Houghton’s Jodie Patterson looking to run on with the ball the defender gets back on her to tackle and put the ball out for the throw. Houghton win the ball put into the box on for Sinead Borsah passes it out to Thompson moving out to the right wing the ball is cut back in towards the corner of the area with Craig on the move Emma Carter intercepts and clears for Watton.
Smithers taking the ball out to the left channel as Jones heads it on for her cutting back inside crosses from the edge of the box just beyond Carter inside the area, retrieves it back to goal forced the other way, Jones tries to support they try the give and go doesn’t quite come off. A frustrating start for Watton a few arguments between players. Houghton come on through the middle, Borsah inside the box getting the ball played into her from the right by Thompson lays it back out to Hussain all of 25 yards out strikes the ball early her effort sailing over the crossbar.
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| Houghton Athletic Ladies, Sinead Borsah |
Edgar looks to get on the ball for Watton in the middle bringing it on looks to play it over the top for Willing ahead of her, Emily Fearn Houghton’s captain gets her head on the ball to stop the attack. Garvey carries the ball down the right for Watton fires a diagonal ball low in towards the box, Fearn cuts it out deflected in behind goalkeeper Sophie Wicks comes across diving to claim the ball stopping it going behind for the corner as Smithers closes her down. Houghton make a change bringing off Ross sending on Louise Spendelow, Rachel’s twin sister.
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| Watton Ladies, Frankie Smithers with Houghton’s Louise Spendelow |
Houghton maintain their great start to the game pressing forwards Craig puts the ball into Hussain left of the D outside the box sends a low shot in towards goal runs narrowly wide of the near post. Willing charges down the ball for Watton inside the Houghton half moving left down the line cuts inside looks to fire the ball across the 18 yard box with Jones coming in, Borsah tracking back wins it for Houghton launches a counter attack the ball up into Hussain making the run through the middle, Zoe Hammick gets back on the attacker tackling to win the ball. Half an hour of the 1st half played the referee calls for a drinks break is very hot out there and dusty.
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| Sammy Edgar |
Houghton win a throw deep on the right from the restart played inside to Rachel Spendelow she sends a high ball looping up into the box far post with Hussain closing in Batchelor keeps her eye on the ball makes a good claim. Edgar comes out with the ball from a 50/50 challenge bringing it on rolls the pass on for Smithers strikes the ball from outside the area along the ground, Wicks gets down to her left makes a good stop even as the ball bobbles up before her.
A free-kick for Watton won on the left inside the Houghton half the ball lofted up into the area, Fearn headers it clear unchallenged. 38 minutes of the 1st half played. Garvey with the throw in on the right for Watton puts it into Edgar right corner of the box, tries to lay it off for Jones who in return looks to put it in behind with Edgar spinning off her marker the ball is cut out cleared back to Garvey on the right her cross goes long towards the far post, Lizzie Dowton can’t bring it down under her control quick enough before being closed down.
GOAL! As with the earlier final the opening goal comes late in the 1st half, Houghton having been the better side take the lead the ball cleared at the back up to Craig breaking in behind over the halfway line knocking the ball on Batchelor has come rushing out of her area whenever Houghton play the ball in behind her defence. Comes running out to close Craig down, getting her shot away early Craig lobs the advancing keeper the ball bouncing its way into the empty net beyond 0-1.
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Ciara Craig gives Houghton Athletic
Ladies the lead |
A double switch for Houghton, Hussain and Thompson off, Ross comes back on along with Charlotte Cook. Smithers closing the ball down for Watton pressures Houghton into giving away a corner kick, a good delivery into the far post Jones gets up to head the up, looping into the air, Wicks catches it cleanly as it falls. Edgar latches onto a defensive clearance 30 yards out splitting the Houghton centrebacks puts the ball into Smithers moving to the right inside the area is falling as the ball runs across her gets a shot away but not in control of the ball it swerves away from the near post behind for the goal kick.
Into stoppage time in the 1st half Houghton have a corner kick as Dowton cuts out a cross, taken from the right, Edgar near side headers the ball over for another corner, this one cleared Watton try to break the ball is won back by Houghton, Emily Peat with Craig link up the ball sent on up into the area, Batchelor gets down to smother the ball.
Half-time Watton Ladies 0-1 Houghton Athletic Ladies
The second final of the day sees one side leading the other by a single goal the advantage to Houghton after a strong 1st half performance pressing Watton early taking advantage of their nervous start without finding an early goal creating chances and getting players forwards. Craig getting the break through late in the half. Watton have had a few half chances but for the larger part of the 1st half have found themselves on the back foot passes going astray but with just a single goal in it are far from out of the final.
Changes for both sides at the start of the 2nd half Gemma Penny on for Watton, Fearn off for Houghton, Houghton get the 2nd half underway getting forwards the ball into Hussain outside the area left side rolls it across for Rachel Spendelow running onto the ball 20 yards out blasts a shot in towards goal, Batchelor with a good save getting her gloves up to deflect the ball away to her right Cook running onto it blazes her strike over the bar.
Houghton attack the ball with Craig left side takes it into the box before firing a cross in towards Rachel Spendelow can’t quite get there, Peat beyond her brings the ball down puts her foot trough the shot deflects off Dowton spinning away for a corner kick. Louise Spendelow to put into the area, Paul gets it away for Watton. Getting up field for Houghton, Louise Spendelow wins a corner the ball played in towards the near post Watton captain Heidi Nash heads the ball clear from danger. Just wide from Craig shooting from outside the box left side a Peat plays the ball into her, with the keeper rushing out to meet her gets the ball past her rolls narrowly wide of the far post.
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| Watton Ladies captain Heidi Nash |
Another opportunity for Craig a minute later as she latches onto a defensive clearance 30 yards out shifts the ball onto her right foot puts her strike over the crossbar. Houghton make a change Fearn going back on with Rachel Spendelow coming off.
GOAL! Houghton double their lead capitalising on their good start to the 2nd half attacking down the left wing the shot/cross is fired into the six yard box Batchelor gets down to it makes the stop hasn’t got the ball however pushing it across the face of goal Craig is the nearest and buries the ball into the back of the net 0-2. 23 minutes left on the clock.
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| Ciara Craig with her 2nd of the game for Houghton Athletic Ladies |
Has been all Houghton 2nd have dominating the ball Watton can’t find their attackers. Edgar has been fired up all game for Watton winning the ball surges forwards through the middle, Borsah goes with her putting in a good tackle to win the ball just as Edgar thinks about shooting. Peat pulls up holding the top of her leg as she looks to run in behind on the right, the referee calls the trainer on and signals a drinks break. Play resumes a double switch for Houghton Peat and Borsah off, Cook and Rachel Spendelow return to the pitch.
Ross brings the ball out from the back for Houghton no one comes to challenge so she carries it over half way riding the tackle when it does finally come in goes on getting closed down let’s loose a shot from 25 yards out the ball curling away from goal. A triple change for Watton, Garvey, Nash and Penny coming off, Kirsty Richardson, Chloe Hazelwood and Heather Dean on.
A throw for Watton on the left inside the Houghton half, into Edgar falls under challenge but spinning gets the ball into Smithers plays it on for Dowton moving centrally to the top of the area, Cook gets across her to take the ball off her toes out to the right Watton in it fire a high ball in towards the far post Wicks takes it down confidently. Wicks is hurt moments later sliding in to deny Smithers as the striker is played in from the right wing. Treatment needed by Wicks is up and okay to play on as Kelly Rees is sent out to get warmed up just in case.
Borsah does come back on replacing Thompson with less than 10 minutes of the game left. The substitute gets hold of the ball going forwards plays it on for Cook on the left sends a cross in high near post, Batchelor plucks it down out of the air. Borsah on the ball again passes to Craig running ahead of her moving right of goal shoots from outside the area her strike running wide of the far post. Mollie Rouse comes on for Watton Ladies replacing Jones.
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| Houghton’s Sinead Borsah holding off Watton’s Edgar |
A good effort from Rachel Spendelow from outside the box right of the D 20 yards out as the ball is deflected into her path from a Borsah cross on the right leaning back into her shot the rising ball looks to be heading for the top corner veers sharply late on taking it wide of goal. Good work from Rachel Spendelow in the middle getting hold of the ball takes it out to the right Cook in space on the right Spendelow plays it on for her to go after getting hold of it fires the ball into Craig inside the area near post strikes it 1st time Dowton throwing herself at it making the block taking the ball behind for the corner kick.
GOAL! The corner kick is played in high, Rouse getting up for Watton can only head the ball on towards the far post, dropping into the keepers gloves Batchelor under pressure from Rachel Spendelow spills it, the Houghton midfielder reacting quickest stabs the ball past the keeper and into the goal beyond to extend Houghton’s lead in the 90th minute 0-3.
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| Rachel Spendelow scores Houghton’s 3rd goal late on |
A bit of injury time to be played Houghton maintain their dominance, Watton can’t get hold of the ball Cook plays the ball into Craig outside the box, Making room for a strike, Hazelwood gets across to put in the challenge. The ball played up to Watton’s Smithers by Dean the striker shoots from outside the box Wicks saving at her near post. Dean is down and has to come off Carter going back on. Another powerful run wide right from Smithers drives her shot into the side netting.
Houghton get hold of the ball Rachel Spendelow on for Victoria Peck central has Cook cutting into the area from the right playing the ball into her feet lays it inside for Thompson 8 yards out turns and shoots placing her attempt wide of the far post. One final chance for Watton to pull a goal back a great ball from Edgar up into Smithers right inside the area fires a shot across the goal, Richardson racing in far post can’t quite reach it as it runs wide. The final whistle blows and Houghton Athletic Ladies celebrate winning their 1st final.
Full time Watton Ladies 0-3 Houghton Athletic Ladies
In the end a dominant display from Houghton Athletic Ladies, pressing from the start maintained that energy throughout moving the ball quickly, rotating their substitutes regularly on a hit afternoon. Frustrated Watton early on and they never found their rhythm throughout the game had little opportunity to attack 2nd half Houghton adding to the goal they scored in the 1st half going on to win 3-0.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match
The SWF Blog – Player of the Match for today’s Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final goes to Houghton Athletic Ladies midfielder Rachel Spendelow a superb all round performance, working hard to win the ball in the middle disrupt and frustrate Watton get others into the attack getting forwards herself and capping it all off with a goal.
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| Houghton Athletic Ladies celebrate winning the Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup |
Congratulations to Houghton Athletic Ladies upon winning today’s Beds & Herts Women’s League Cup Final.
Commiserations to Watton Ladies but they still had something to celebrate as they collected their awards for winning the Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two League title. Congratulation’s to Watton on becoming league Champions.
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| Watton Ladies celebrating winning the Division Two title |
A great day out at AFC Kempston Rovers FC, my thanks again to both clubs with the team details and to all the BHWGFL committee members today for their assistance.
