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Match Report – Colchester United Women v She Can Play Panthers

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Sunday 23rd February

Essex Women’s Premier Division

Heading down into Essex this Sunday to watch some action for the Essex Women’s Premier Division. 2nd versus 3rd with She Can Play Panthers travelling to take on Colchester United Women. 

 Very much a new look Essex Women’s Premier Division this campaign with a host of sides stepping up to join the ERWFL last season, along with a few dropping down a league and a couple of withdrawals, only Hutton Ladies Reserves still there from that campaign, with Southminster United Ladies, Chigwell Ladies and Colchester all promoted to the league along with new faces in, Brentwood Town Women, Brightlingsea Regent Ladies, Hashtag United Women Reserves and She Can Play Panthers.

Hashtag United Women Reserves leading the way with today’s opponents both looking to chase them down to the title. Each side playing each other 3 times during this league campaign.

 Colchester United reforming a women’s team at the beginning of last season, going into Essex Women’s Division Two, recruiting a strong squad going on to win all 20 of their league matches to romp to the title, along with winning the League Cup in their debut season. No surprise to see them go straight into the Premier Division off the back of that season. Made a strong start to the season two unbeaten in their opening 9 matches winning 7 of those before losing back to back matches against Hashtag United Women and She Can Play Panthers, bounced back well with back to back victories to take into today’s match.

Colchester’s 4th with She Can Play Panthers, who have had the upper hand so far drawing 3-3 in their first league encounter before winning twice again in the league and in the county cup by 2-0 and 2-1 score-lines respectfully. Have brought in experienced striker Jasmine Cox to bolster the attack, as 9 goals so far from her 7 appearances. Midfielder, Lindsey Morgan close behind netting 8 goals, while Jacqueline Craddock-Ball has 7 to her name and ruby Greenleaf 6 goals.

  She Can Play UK was founded in 2016  with one of it’s key goals to promote and development player pathways for girls aged 8-16 at grassroots level across Essex and Hertfordshire, bridging the gap to the WSL itself. Employing an all female coaching team working a development centres and playing in the JPL. The continued growth and success of the venture leading to a women’s team being established in the Essex Women’s Premier Division this season.

  Variable results to start the campaign, She Can Play Panthers have grown into the league a 3-3 with Colchester the catalyst to see the club go on an 8 game winning streak including a win against leaders Hashtag United Women Reserves that saw them briefly lead the table. Have plenty of goals in the side too, Evie Clarke leading the way top scorer so far netting 15 goals from her 11 appearances. Evie Walters as 12 goals from her 13 matches, with Georgia Maxwell-Jones closing in on double figures to with 9 from 7 games, Harriet Hudson too with 8 goals from her 13 games.   

Colchester Garrison the venue for this afternoons match. Situated on a a multi sports facility with hockey pitch and athletic track surrounding the clubhouse with the bar open offering hot food and drink. Beyond that the grass football pitch itself with a small seated stand with some covering on the opposite side to the dugouts situated in front of a small embankment. Rain forecast to arrive hopefully after the game finishes their was nevertheless a keen wind blowing making things feel decidedly chilly! Blowing from one end of the pitch to the other swirling too would influence play during the contest.

 Colchester United Women starting XI – Owen Hoskin, Lucy Yewman, Karys Paton, Niamh Gamble, Learna Daniels, Cassie Craddock-Ball (C), Thalia Adams, Tahlia Roome, Jacqueline Craddock-Ball, Lindsey Morgan &Ruby Greenleaf. Subs – Leah Pope, Ellie Cahill, Ruby Vinton, Emily Ager & Billie-Jo Williams.

Colchester United Women

 She Can Play Panthers starting XI – Meredith Kitchen, Shannon Simpson, Rebecca Denis (C), Aimee Burling, Ella Little, Molly Dodd, Evie Walters, Fran Ali, Hayley Halford, Harriet Hudson & Evie Clarke. Subs – Lily Davenport, Sammie Kuski, Kat Clifton & Danielle Ware.

She Can Play Panthers

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  The captain’s head out to the middle to meet today’s match referee, Graham Pavitt. It will Colchester to take the kick-off in the 1st half wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, with blue shorts and white socks with She Can Play Panthers lined up opposite wearing a stylish two toned purple shirt with purple shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the defence Colchester not closed down immediately looking to play it across the backline, Evie Clarke however comes snapping in for the Panthers, 25 yards out to charge down the ball steal possession and thread a diagonal ball into Hayley Halford pulling into the box left of goal, turns back to shoot across the keeper, Owen Hoskin right behind down smartly to save.

The visitors encouraged by the early shot on goal regain possession high on the right Clarke driving forwards squaring a cross into the near post deflected into the side netting for a corner kick. A dangerous ball fired in across the face of the Colchester goal, dropping invitingly at the far post however no one is their to attack it as Colchester attempt to break down the right, Molly Dodd across to challenge forcing play Colchester to play the ball back, the Panthers pressing high Dodd lifting the ball on for Harriet Hudson on the left wing knocks the ball on up the line, Lucy Yewman getting back at her to defend send the ball out for a throw.

Colchester full back, Lucy Yewman

The Panthers starting the game well pressing high on the wings a vicious ball fired in across the face of goal, Hoskin down sharply on her line to keep it out push it away to the left. Clarke gathering the ball into her feet on the right flank a power drive up the line looks to angle a cross into the six yard box, cut out by Colchester’s Karys Paton. The ball being shifted quickly both sides showing strong attacking intent, lively, Yewman looking to get on down the right for Colchester linking up with Thalia Adams shifting the ball into the midfielder continuing her run down the line, Adams sending the pass into her, Hudson tracking back for the Panthers challenging to see the ball out for a throw.

Lindsey Morgan seeing the throw down into her feet chipping it back to Yewman out wide to hook a cross into the box from 25 yards out, drops for Adams on the penalty spot, closed down before she can get a shot away, Aimee Burling clearing for the Panthers. The visitors break through the middle Dodd with Fran Ali the ball clipped on for Clarke to take on right side powers forwards before delivering a high ball into the six yard box, claimed well above her head by Hoskin.

Lively Colchester’s turn to attack, captain Cassie Craddock-Ball sending the ball on for Tahlia Roome moving into the left channel bursting towards the box attempts to thread a pass in between the Panther’s defence for Greenleaf to attack, a little too much on it allows goalkeeper, Meredith Kitchen to gather cleanly. Little let up in the tempo, Evie Walters snapping in to win the ball for the Panthers out to Hudson on the left, Learna Daniels across to support Yewman in defence as the winger looks to cut inside to cross. Panthers with a strong opening to the game moving past the quarter hour mark Colchester beginning to find their feet having been under a little pressure.

She can Play Panthers’ midfielder, Evie Walters

Coming through the middle Colchester build quickly Adams laying the ball on for Greenleaf 25 yards out, looks to thread it through for Jacqueline Craddock-Ball making the forwards run, a vital interception by Burling inside the D for the Panthers. The hosts getting on well down the right, Roome linking up well with Jacqueline Craddock-Ball and Greenleaf winning a corner off Shannon Simpson.

Panthers captain, Rebecca Denis on the left of defence making a crucial interception as Colchester look to stretch play Adams attempting to find Yewman breaking down the right wing. Colchester pushing up in attack left of the area Greenleaf on the ball top corner of the area inside for Jacqueline Craddock-Ball, sends the return pass back into the area for Greenleaf who gets a shot away before being closed down on the angle lofted up into the air looking for the top corner, the wind gets hold of it to see the ball, fly wide of the upright.

Colchester attacker, Ruby Greenleaf

Yewman seeing the ball into her feet on the right with a nice turn to get a cross away into the box, no one gambling to get on the end of it as Little clears. The Panthers defence playing themselves into trouble at the back not petting rid of the ball, with both Morgan and Roome snapping in to close it down force an error. Colchester making a change bringing off Greenleaf in attack, send on Ruby Vinton.

Dodd bringing the ball on through the middle for the Panthers has Ali up with her in support laying the ball into her feet looking to force her way into the Colchester area is tackled by Niamh Gamble. Colchester break with pace Cassie Craddock-Ball on for Adams through the middle, attempts to play Yewman in on the right, again the wind catches the ball making it a forlorn chase for the full back.

Jacqueline Craddock-Ball

Vinton up high with Morgan central outside the Panthers box pressing the ball, Morgan moving sending the ball into Vinton left of the D, shapes to shoot, Burling in to close her down charge down the shot. Roome getting on down the left for Colchester sweeping the ball into the area, headed clear by Burling. A change for the visitors as they bring off Clarke, with Hudson moving into a more advanced position, Danielle Ware coming on going to the left.

Denis bringing the ball on up the left for the Panthers sending it inside for Dodd, looks to clip in up into Hudson, Daniels closing her down for Colchester. Ware linking up with Hudson on the left as the Panthers attack with pace a cross fired in low to the near post, Paton running back in on her own goal, cutting it out behind for a corner kick.

Learna Daniels

Karys Paton bringing the ball on for Colchester

Jacqueline Craddock-Ball snapping in on Dodd to win the ball for Colchester in the final 3rd sends it forwards into Vinton, Dodd recovering to get after Vinton regains possession inside her own box. Roome up on the left with Vinton 25 yards out, Burling coming out of the back line to challenge halt the attack, Cassie Craddock-Ball winning it back quickly lifting the ball out to Morgan pulling wide left down the line in gets a cross into the near post under challenge form Simpson, Kitchen covering her post making a solid claim.

Lindsey Morgan with Panthers captain, Rebecca Denis

Hudson taking the ball on from Denis as the pair push up on the Panthers left flank, Hudson stealing inside looking to force her way into the area, Gamble moving in to close her down tackling to win the ball back. The visitors winning a free-kick inside the Colchester half, before it is taken they make a change, Clarke coming back on to replace Halford. Dodd over the set-piece, hooks the ball goal wards looking to score, Hoskin across her line can see the ball drop safely past her right post.

Molly Dodd

The wind a consideration for both sides especially high balls, despite that is a lively contest with both sides into each other looking to get on quickly with the ball, Little tackling well for the Panthers at the back as Jacqueline Craddock-Ball drives with the ball at her feet towards the area.

Panthers defender, Ella Little

GOAL! into the final 5 minutes of the first half Colchester building momentum the ball from Adams finding Vinton on the left outside the area, shifts it between her feet looking to drive into the box sends the pass on for Roome 8 yards out to the left of goal, Burling in to close her down the ball loose rebounds out wide to Vinton unmarked to strike goal-wards gets plenty behind the ball, Kitchen does well to get a palm up to try and keep it out but not enough as the ball finds its way through to the back of the net 1-0.

Ruby Vinton off the bench to fire Colchester into the lead

Panthers falling behind get straight on the attack from the restart the ball fed up the right for Clarke, angles a cross into the area, Adams tracking back into her box intercepting. Pushing up well on the right Walters seeing the ball into her feet of Clarke out wide corner of the area, goes to shoot, slipping as she does seeing a tame effort run safely through to the keeper. Kitchen out well to the top of her area to get hold of the ball as Morgan beats the offside trap to run in behind the Panthers defence.

Messy from the Panthers at the back as they lose the ball on the left Roome taking it on angling a shot in towards goal, pace behind it rising, Kitchen throwing out a glove to tip the ball wide of her right post over for a corner kick. Curled into the near post, defended for a 2nd corner kick. This delivery into the top of the area, Roome running in to strike the ball, blacked by Ali, deflected out to the left shot blasted in from range drops wide of the right post.

Dodd playing the ball into Ware getting on down the Panther’s left wing, riding a tackle going on towards the area, Daniels closing her down tackling to send the ball out for play for Colchester as the first half draws to a close.

Half-time Colchester United Women 1-0 She can Play Panthers

  Colchester edging the first half, Ruby Vinton’s goal late in the half the difference between the sides as the hosts opt to stay out for the interval, the Panthers heading to their changing room. The wind bitingly cold. A strong start from the visitors asking questions of the Colchester defence, getting forwards with purpose, Colchester taking a little time to get going but once they did it became a lively and competitive contest, the two sides evenly matches getting after the ball looking to get on quickly both keepers called into action. Still all to play for 2nd half, the Panthers recently 2-0 down to leaders Hashtag United Women Reserves at half-time coming back to win 3-2 so Colchester know it’s far from settled yet.

A change for the hosts at the break with Yewman coming off, Leah Pope coming on. No changes for the Panthers as they head back to the pitch will have the wind at their backs 2nd half as they get the game restarted, back to the defence played across the back before being lifted long down the left channel, Hudson breaking forwards but a simple gather for Hoskin in the Colchester goal. Denis carrying the ball on down the Panthers left knocked on for Ware to take on, clips a cross into the area, won by Adams for Colchester and cleared.

The Panthers starting the second half as they did the first getting on the front foot driving forwards Dodd through the middle a strong run on the ball lays it through into the area for Clarke, stabs a low shot in towards goal, can only pick out the keeper. The visitors getting bodies up into the final 3rd pushing the Colchester defence back into their box, Walters looking to pull off Gamble hooks a cross from the right into the area, Hoskin under it to catch for the hosts.

Clarke out right winning a throw high for the Panthers, Clarke off the throw sending a cross in along the top of the area, Ware attacking it centrally, her low shot straight forward for Hoskin. The pressure mounting Walters strong on the ball taking it left gamble moving to close her down challenging to send the ball behind for a corner kick. All action a dangerous delivery curled in right across the face of goal under the bar, Hoskin hurt as she goes to try and block it, the ball cleared on the line before being hooked clear, play stopped so the keeper can be seen to. The Panthers appealing feeling their was a hand involved somewhere in the goal line clearance but get no joy.

Hoskin okay to play on, play resuming with a drop ball outside the box, Panthers pressing to force another corner on the left. Is another dangerous delivery into the Colchester six yard box dropping in front of goal, attacked stabbed goal wards Hoskin with a brilliant save getting a glove on the bouncing ball to tip it high over her crossbar. Colchester under pressure regrouping as the corner comes into the box from the right, a brave header at the far post cushioned by a defender back towards goal caught confidently by the keeper.

A strong start to the 2nd half from the Panthers give a foul away to relieve the pressure on the hosts, lifted up into the area half cleared, Pope looking to steal in on the rebound inside the area, Dodd bringing it clear for the Panthers. Colchester get numbers up quickly in the right play drawn across as the angled cross comes flashing into the box, across the six yard box, Roome running in unmarked at the far post can’t get there.

Clarke picking up the ball inside her own half goes on a marauding run through the middle for the Panthers threatening to go all the way into the opposition area, Daniels the last defender getting across her to safely shield the ball back into her keeper’s gloves.

She Can Play Panthers, Evie Clarke

Denis pushing on with the ball for the panthers on the left on for Ware looking to shift the ball inside, Pope sticking out a leg tackling for Colchester.

Captain, Rebecca Denis

A similar story to the first half a strong start from the Panthers, beginning to drop off getting a little frustrated, by some decisions going against them and a determined Colchester defence. Roome doing well on the left for Colchester bringing the ball on sent on for Vinton up the line tracks to the by-line before checking back to try and deliver an acute shot in towards goal, easy gathering for Kitchen between the sticks.

Panthers goalkeeper, Meredith Kitchen clearing the ball before Morgan can close her down.

Roome driving on up the left for Colchester linking up with Vinton, head down looks to drive infield with the ball, Burling lunging in to tackle winning the ball back for the visitors. Halford back on for the Panthers with Simpson off. Little playing the ball forwards into Ware left side for the Panthers, Pope into make the challenge the ball going behind for a corner kick. Flung high into the near post, Hoskin getting a glove in the ball to punch it away to the right for another corner kick.

Clarke to send it into the box, curled into Denis on the penalty spot, looking to get it out from under her feet and shoot, Colchester move into defend en masse scramble the ball away. The Panthers working hard pushing players on winning a free kick out wide on the left as Roome and Halford come together going for a 50/50 ball. Denis to float into the area, headed clear by Adams.

Colchester determined to hold onto their lead are inviting pressure allowing the Panthers to come on, while getting little by way of relief on the attacking front, gaps appearing as the visitors over commit looking for the equaliser, remains lively. Hudson carrying the into the right channel up with Walters wide of her giving her the ball continues her run looking for the return pass into the box, Roome tackling well for Colchester, bringing the ball away breaking on the left forwards into Vinton, who moves infield only to be tackled by Little. Paton appears to have picked up a knock for Colchester needs to come off, Roome dropping deeper on the left with Billie-Jo Williams coming on ahead of her.

The Panthers visibly frustrated as they give niggly fouls away on half way, Little bringing down Vinton on halfway. Adams driving with the ball through the middle brought down. Denis charging on down the left with the ball forwards into Halford, Daniels lunging in to challenge for Colchester outside the box. Halford coming right with the ball forwards for Hudson to clip a cross into the box, cut out by Gamble cleared by Roome for a throw in.

Colchester defender, Niamh Gamble.

High on the right Clarke up with Hudson the cross lofted into the area cut out again by Gamble. The hosts attempting to break Vinton seeing the ball down on halfway forwards for Morgan but the Panther’s back line holds it’s line catching her offside. Colchester making a change brining off their captain, Cassie Craddock-Ball coming off the armband passed to Morgan who drops into a midfield role with Emily Ager coming on to lead the line.

The Panthers are pushing hard for a goal pressing players on the defence on halfway, leaving gaps to exploit, the ball lifts over the top for Hudson to chase down into the area, Roome in close defending for Colchester, Hudson appealing for a hand ball as the ball is cleared for a corner on the right. The hosts launch a counter attack Morgan carrying the ball into midfield lifting it out Williams on the left charging forwards, sends a cross into the area, cut out by Burling.

The Panthers angry as they give away a free-kick centrally, Williams sweeping it out to Morgan on the right up the line delivers a vicious cross into the six yard box, Kitchen with a brave save down smartly to gather the ball into her body with Ager closing in! The visitors looking to get the ball forwards quickly with less than 10 minutes on the clock a high ball forwards dealt with by Gamble for Colchester.

Danielle Ware on the attack for the Panthers

Kitchen playing her kick out from the back straight into Vinton 20 yards out right of the D, starts to close her down, Vinton thinking to play Ager clear on the right, the opportunity missed as the offside flag goes up. The Panthers getting wound up a offside decision from a throw in on the right going against them as the ball is headed goal wards. Incensed the referee calls Halford over for a word, looking to calm things down. Winning another throw on the right high up the pitch, little up to take it has a long throw in her armoury launching the ball into the area headed away by Gamble, Colchester look to break Vinton and Ager up top but the latter strays offside.

Panthers defender, Aimee Burling

The arguments with the referee continuing, Ali pushes things too far saying something she shouldn’t which results in her being yellow carded and sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes, leaving the Panther’s down to 10. Vinton making way for Greenleaf for Colchester. All action the Panthers determined to press forwards despite their disadvantage, Clarke seeing the ball into her feet off a free-kick on halfway right outside the box, turns well off her marker to drag a shot wide of the right post.

 

Pushed up Kitchen has to come sliding in to win the ball inside the opposition half to stop a potential Colchester counter attack. Williams coming back to help defend as Halford and Hudson combine on the right for the Panthers. Pressing bodies forwards the Panthers are leaving themselves vulnerable to the counter attack.

Hayley Halford

GOAL! The ball is cleared up to the halfway line, Ager up top with Morgan, the former seeing the ball down knocking in into Morgan who has Dodd on her shoulder, charges forwards looks to be hauled down by Dodd, players and spectators alike thinking play has been stopped for a free-kick but no play goes on the ball loose on the right Ager sees the keeper well off her line and strikes it over her to roll on into the empty goal beyond, a little confusion follows as Colchester celebrate, the ball is placed on the centre circle for the restart, the goal stands Colchester doubling their lead in the closing minutes of the match 2-0.

Emily Ager doubling Colchester’s lead

 Then all chaos breaks loose, Dodd is summoned over to the referee, clearly something has been said and she is shown a straight red card, sent off. But thing’s escalate as the Panther’s bench gets involved the referee rushing over more yellow cards issued to the manager. The visitors far from happy but have crossed the line with the official, a fiery end to what has been a thrilling contest.

Molly Dodd red carded for the Panthers

The Panthers to see the match out with 9 on the pitch. Colchester pumped up themselves having struggled to get a result against the Panthers seeing a victory in their sights. Williams pushing on with the ball up the left wing can only find the keeper with the through ball into the area.

The visitors are not going to sit back, even with 9 are focused on attack, Halford combining with Walters as they take the ball right, Gamble tackling for the hosts. Into stoppage time the Panthers winning a free-kick deep on the left inside the Colchester half, everyone bar the goalkeeper up Clarke to delivery a good ball in bounces though the six yard box, out wide past the far post.

Little up for another long throw high on the right up into the area, Clarke looking to bring it down off her chest right of goal turn to let fly with a shot, isn’t given the room as the Colchester defence launch it clear.

Full time Colchester United Women 2-0 She can Play Panthers

 Colchester are ecstatic as they celebrate the win having had some tough games with She Can Play Panthers so far this season, getting the 3 points, moving above them into 2nd spot in their premier Division table, with a game still in hand on leaders Hashtag United Women Reserves the gap move 3 points as they were held to a 2-2 at Brentwood Town Women. The title race still wide open. She can Play Panthers winning streak coming to an end in somewhat controversial fashion, but they nevertheless have a game in hand on Hashtag too, just 4 points off the lead, still all to play for. An enjoyable game from the Essex Women’s Premier Division, the Panthers starting the 2nd half like the first coming out strong pushing players on in attack looking to get an early leveller and no doubt push for a winner themselves came up against a determined Colchester defence, created chances, forcing saves from the keeper and clearances off the line, felt they should have had a penalty and as the decisions seemed to mount up against them let their frustration get the better of them finishing the game with 9 on the pitch with one sent off and another sin binned, Colchester going on to double their advantage fighting for the 3 points.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Time to chose the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as per normal isn’t a easy call to make several contenders out there this afternoon on both sides and could have gone either way in the finish. Performances of note include for She Can Play Panthers, Aimee Burling at the back, produced a number of key tackles and blocks to deny Colchester throughout the match. Harriet Hudson working hard on the flank looking to get on with the ball set up chances for her teammates. Evie Clarke strong on the ball making some determined runs out wide and through the middle. Molly Dodd getting about well in the middle of the park with some great forward passing. For Colchester, Lindsey Morgan used the channels well getting into some good positions looking to draw out defenders create space for others to run into. Ruby Vinton lively coming on from the bench first half getting hold of the ball looking to take it too the Panther’s defence scoring the opener. Jacqueline Craddock-Ball, with some good runs on the ball in the final 3rd. Tahlia Roome get forwards well down the left linking up with the attack and coming back to help in defence. The defence itself with a dogged performance, goalkeeper, Owen Hoskin producing a number of saves, Learna Daniels getting in a number of challenges as did Niamh Gamble making several crucial interceptions and getting in to close the ball down. A close call but todays Player of the Match is Colchester midfielder, Thalia Adams, working hard in the middle of the park to win the ball back, covered the ground helping out in defence to, came forwards with purpose linked up well with the attackers.

 An eventful, but enjoyable game from the Essex Women’s Premier Division, lively between two sides that will push hard all the way to the end of the season to challenge Hashtag United Women Reserves for the title. A frustrating afternoon for the Panthers but they have had a strong start with their new woman’s side and are an emerging force in the county. Colchester joyous after finally beating their opponents continue to build upon their debut season. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Sprowston FC Women v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

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Sunday 16th February

Norfolk Women’s Division One

Feeling unwell last Sunday so forced to sit one out, so keen to get back to it this weekend, staying in Norfolk for some action from Norfolk Women’s Division One, unfortunately my original game was called off but a planned early kick-off gave me time to get to an alternative and across the board there were some great match ups so opted to go to Blue Boar Lane to watch 2nd placed Sprowston FC Women as they took on Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves in 3rd.

  Been an interesting campaign so far in Norfolk Women’s Division One, proving to be competitive, Bungay Town Ladies the defending champions, with a 100% record to date, just 6 games on the board though have a busy ew months ahead of them, Sprowston FC Women 2nd also unbeaten from their 7 matches too have games to catch up on. Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves in 3rd have got their games in and as a result find themselves right up there despite a managerial change, can they stay with the other challengers will be intriguing to see, games in hand don’t necessarily mean points on the board.

  Sprowston FC Women under new management this season with, player Lois Irving stepping into the role, initially planned to be on the side lines but tempted back out onto the field for another season, partly due to necessity with the side undergoing a bit of a rebuild, several player moving on from the season have brought in some talented youngsters from Dussindale & Hellesdon’s U16 side. Katie Fray re-joining having had a spell in the ERWFL with Thetford Town Ladies. Lauren Bumstead was with Mulbarton last season. Goalkeeper, Tyla Cole dual signed with Dussindale & Hellesdon.    

Finishing runners-up to Bungay Town Ladies last season, have hit the ground running this time around unbeaten in their 7 league games played too date with 5 wins and 2 draws. Have been a victim to the poor weather seeing a number of postponements. Lois Wright leading the goal scoring charts so far with 7 from her 6 appearances, while Rosie Milligan has 6 from 9 matches. Sprowston boast a good youth set up and have produced some good players and sides throughout the season’s.

  Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves, have seen the management role change hands 3 times this season with Dave Skipp stepping down from the role, with a interim coming, now John Vincent is in charge of the side that has a strong pool to call upon with useful experience playing in the county leagues and above. Having made a poor start to the league campaign losing 5 of their opening 6 matches, the season has been turned on it’s head as things settle down management wise, as the club went on a 6 game unbeaten run winning 4 and drawing 2 to catapult them all the way to the top of the table.

  Have goals throughout the side, Rebecca Waters coming to the club, netting 9 from 8 games top scorer. Lucy Kean always amongst the goals too for the club, has 7 so far this season. Midfielder, Charlotte Groves, has 6 to her names while Mary-Anne Hoy has scored 4 goals. Amongst the title challengers Mulbarton’s Reserves are also into the last 4 of the League Plate competition. A high scoring encounter between Sprowston and Mulbarton in the reverse fixture back in September, 10 goals between them with Sprowston coming out on top 6-4.

 The Sprowston Sports & Social club on Blue Boar Lane the venue for this afternoons game. The social club itself open serving hot and cold drinks. Leading out to the pitch beyond. Well used with a game taking place just that morning, a little cut up and patchy, offering good width, standing viewing all round. The snow the previous evening cleared away leaving behind a sunny, cloudy mix with a distinct chill in the air when the clouds obscured the sun.

Sprowston FC Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Emma Webster, Lois Irving, Lauren Bumstead (C), Claire Weekes, Isla McKee, Holly Whayman, Katie Fray, Katie Moore, Rosie Milligan & Lois Wright. Subs – Lola Hallam.

Sprowston FC Women

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Aneliese Smith, Faye Bye, Bryony Knights, Tasha Williams (C), Charlotte Groves, Jade Telfer, Sophie Jermy, Mary-Anne Hoy, Megan Anderton & Lucy Keen. Subs – Tilly-Rose Dade, Mia Wilkinson, Steph Leek, Ella Cattermole & Nicole Sheldrake.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Tasha Williams and Lauren Bumstead with today’s referee Dan Knowles

Sprowston with a few players missing today, down to the bare bones naming just the one on the bench, whereas Mulbarton could name five substitutes on theirs especially useful with roll off roll on substitutes. It’s Mulbarton to kick-off the 1st half wearing blue and black vertical striped shirts, with blue shorts and socks. Sprowston lined up opposite wearing orange coloured shirts with black shorts and orange socks. The ball played central, Sprowston immediately in to close it down, Katie Fray getting stuck in looking to release Lois Wright as she makes an attacking move, Jade Telfer getting the ball back for Mulbarton out to Sophie Jermy on the right, fires a diagonal ball in towards the top of the D 25 yards out attacker Lucy Kean looking to get it under control hit on the turn, slips as she pulls the trigger screwing her attempt wide of the left post.

Mulbarton striker, Lucy Kean

Sprowston bring the ball on through the middle with pace Fray out to Wright pulling into the left channel, controls top of the area, drops her shoulder and makes a move to go inside, Mulbarton’s captain, Tasha Williams getting her challenge in to see the ball diverted out to the left for a throw. From the throw in Fray looks to get the ball down into her feet left of the D, snatches at her shot, runs wide of the near post.

A lively start to the game both sides looking to get the ball up field quickly, the pitch not suitable to an intricate passing game, that sees play turned around quickly Mulbarton pushing players on Jermy right side driving a cross into the top of the area, Sprowston captain, Lauren Bumstead getting something on it trapping the ball diverting it out to her far post, the defence racing back to clear, Mary-Anne Hoy running in from that side looking to close the ball down blocked back in towards goal, Tyla Cole down sharply on her line to get her gloves around the ball.

The hosts build on the right Emma Webster on for Katie Moore driving down the line squares a cross into the box, Williams tracking back getting in the block to cut the ball out near side turn it behind for the corner kick. Curled into the near post, Mulbarton win the header the ball cleared.

Sprowston’s, Katie Moore

Charlotte Groves bringing the ball on through the middle for Mulbarton going left forwards into Kean, looks to send Hoy through on the overlap, Moore back for Sprowston getting her foot on the ball to clear upfield. Mulbarton pushed up one end, space opens up for Sprowston to attack on the left. Moore surging on to the by-line cuts the cross back into the top of the six yard box, Wright there unmarked, goalkeeper Kirstie Andrews starts to come to close her down the striker rushes her shot pulls it narrowly wide of the far post.

Holly Whayman on the ball for Sprowston with Fray through the middle lifted out to Wright wide on the left, controls coming inside to send a cross in towards the fat post, Bryony Knights up well to head clear for the visitors, Sprowston pressing getting it back top of the area a shot racing in wide of the right post. Rosie Milligan taking the ball on towards the box right of the D, Knights tackling to deny the shooting chance. Niggly challenges from both sides the pitch wet and heavy in places.

Mulbarton’s Meg Anderton

Meg Anderton for Mulbarton, pulls out to the right to receive the ball from Jermy, angles a long cross in towards the far post, Hoy making the run, just a little too much on it out for a goal kick. Anderton moving well behind Kean looking to link up with hoy and Jermy on the flanks, coming over to the left sends Hoy through to deliver a cross, cut out by Sprowston’s Claire Weekes at the near post. Telfer getting hold of the ball 35 yards out lines up a strike, on target but straight into Cole’s gloves.

Mulbarton midfielder, Jade Telfer

Weekes bringing the ball out from the back on Sprowston’s left plays the pass inside for Milligan who turns looking to sweep a cross out to the right for Moore to attack, Faye Bye intercepts well for Mulbarton heading the ball clear. Hoy bursting up the left for the visitors, Isla McKee getting back at her to tackle send the ball out for a corner kick. A vicious ball in curled into the six yard box, knocked down towards goal, Cole again getting down sharply to grab hold of the ball saving it on the line. Mulbarton appealing it had crossed the line but nothing doing.

Sprowston launching a quick counter attack, Milligan sending the ball long though to Wright up top breaking in behind the defence central, Andrews racing out to the top of her area to close her down the striker taking it past her to the right of goal looking to slide it into the empty net, Knights though recovering fantastically for Mulbarton throwing herself into the slide to block the shot turn it behind for a corner kick. All action the corner clipped into the top of the area met by Fray looking to head the ball back in towards goal, Andrews right behind it grabbing hold of the ball.

Mulbarton’s turn to have a corner out on the left, players up from the back Anderton to play the ball in near side defended comes back to Anderton to angle another cross into the area, this time it’s Moore who hooks the ball clear for the hosts. Both sides working hard to win the ball, the game scrappy at times, fouls given away, Telfer sliding in to win the ball from Whayman, Jermy looking to take it on right side, tackled by Irving.

Williams on for Jermy though the middle for Mulbarton fires it forwards into Kean 25 yards out top of the D, lets it run past her with Anderton making a good run beyond her taking on the shot from 20 yards out blasts her strike wide of the right post. Kean battles for a corner for Mulbarton on the left. Swung into the near post Weekes winning it for Sprowston. Webster combining with Moore out on the right for Sprowston the cross clipped into the box, intercepted by Knights.

Play continues to be end to end Kean coming right with Anderton, looking to cross the ball in central, cut out by Irving. A free-kick to the visitors in the middle, fired long towards the far post, Hoy can’t do much with it, but does well to win a corner off a defender. Plenty up in the box for a Mulbarton corner, swung in near side the hosts scramble it away.

GOAL! Sprowston have pressed forwards in attack on the right the move breaking down Mulbarton get the ball forwards quickly into the left channel for Kean to chase, the covering defender given a shout from Cole as she comes racing out of her area trying to get to the ball before, doesn’t with Kean lunging in to meet it knocking it past the keeper from 20 yards out, ready to celebrate… but has to wait for the ball to roll into the bottom corner, 0-1.

Lucy Kean congratulated by her teammates opening the scoring for Mulbarton.

Kean opening the scoring just past the half hour mark. Sprowston on the attack from the restart Whayman forwards into Milligan top of the area tries to force her way past Knights to get in on goal, the defender having none of it the pair going down, the decision going Knights’ way. Mulbarton coming left Anderton on for Hoy up the line attempts to put an angled shot in at the near post, Cole can see it bounce wide of the mark.

The free-kicks being given away both sides unhappy with decisions such is the tempo they are playing at. In a dangerous position 25 yards out central, Milligan over it goes for the shot, on target by not troubling the keeper.

Sprowston with a change bringing on Lola Hallam for Webster. Mulbarton looking to be direct, Kean the target up top, Anderton moving well off her. Bumsted does well at the back for Sprowston as she deals with Kean one on one as she runs onto a through ball from Groves. Smith going on the overlap up the right for Mulbarton lifting a cross from wide into Anderton inside the box near side gets her foot up to try and turn the ball goal-wards, strikes Bumsted as she goes to block deflected of her for a corner kick. Curled in near side, cut out by Whayman for the hosts.

 GOAL! Mulbarton looking to finish the 1st half strong into the closing moments, Jermy up to support Kean on the right, forcing a corner kick. The delivery fired in central knocked back in towards the far post area players looking to attack, Telfer and Hoy the ball struck goal wards, striking a defender as they go to block not enough the ball finding the back of the net to see the visitors double their lead on the stroke of half-time. 

Mulbarton celebrate as they double their lead on the stroke of half-time

Half-time Sprowston FC Women 0-2 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

  Both sides staying out on the field for the half-time interval. Mulbarton the happier doubling their advantage on the stroke of half-time. Both sides looking to be direct has been all action, little pause in play (except for tying boot laces). Mulbarton pushing players on using the flanks well, Meg Anderton moving off Kean linking up the midfield and attack, creating chances. Sprowston winning the ball back, niggly fouls on both sides, have created some good opportunities of their own a blow to go 2 down when they did and will be looking for a positive start to the 2nd half. 

A quick turn around for the 2nd half, for myself too as having been in between the dugouts on one side, the low sun as welcome as it is was going to play havoc with the camera so over to the opposite and as better as it was had to give up the sun for a chilly patch of shade, roll on summer. No changes for Sprowston, Mulbarton bring on Steph Leeks and Mia Wilkinson for Smith and Bye at full back. Sprowston to get the 2nd half underway, immediately closed down in the middle, Fray battling for the ball wins it back on for Milligan right on for Wright who tracks inside forcing her way into the box, takes on the shot lacks the power to trouble Andrews.

  Sprowston pressing the ball well on the left wing, Fray up with Wright, the striker looking for force her way through into the box, coming together with Leek picking up a knock, needing to come off Smith back into the action. Moore linking up with Wright as the hosts build again in the left, 20 out the striker makes a move to drive towards the corner of the box, the tackle comes in, heavy contact as Wright goes to strike the ball, a painful blow to her ankle, the free-kick is awarded. Wright down for a few moments some concern but thankfully is ok to continue. Irving over the set-piece on the left corner of the area a dangerous position looks to lift the ball in towards the far post, Telfer defending for Mulbarton sending the ball out for a corner on the left.

Tasha Williams with Lois Wright

 GOAL! The ball whipped in across the top of the six yard box, attacked by Fray, power on her header drives the ball in to smash down off the crossbar, bouncing down, Andrews getting down to beat it away, even as Sprowston turn to appeal that the ball was over the line, comes back to Irving outside the box left of goal, lashes her strike over. Sprowston though adamant the ball was over the line, the referee going over to consult with the clubs linesman in this case one of the Mulbarton substitutes, and points to the spot signalling a goal, Sprowston getting a goal back early in the 2nd half, 1-2.

Katie Fray powers her header towards goal to smash down off the crossbar.

Sprowston appeal thinking the ball crossed the line

  Kean bringing the ball away down the left for Mulbarton, played back up the line to Groves, clips it into the top of the area for Anderton, Irving challenging the ball going behind for a corner kick. Anderton swinging the corner into the area, Groves central knocking it back out to her, from the angle Anderton look to float the ball in over the keeper, Cole, though getting her gloves up to pluck the ball down into her body. 

  Wright driving with the ball at her feet, in off the left wing, Smith and Williams in to close her down the ball behind for a corner. Whipped in across the six yard box to the far post by Irving, is knocked down back in towards goal, Andrews there to scoop it up. End to end once again with both sides determined to get the ball into there attackers quickly, Telfer on for Kean moving into the right channel, Bumstead closing her down, tackling to send the ball out for a throw. 

Katie Fray holding off Jade Telfer

  The visitors appealing for a hand ball as the ball is lifted into the top of the area, Weekes going to head it down, does brush her arm as it falls but nothing intentional about it. Sprowston pushed up on the right pressing the ball, McKee with Milligan, the latter dropping her shoulder coming in off the flank 25 yards out, clips a shot up in towards goal, Andrews right behind it to claim. A battling contest played at a decent tempo, Irving getting on with the ball left side sending the pass through to Milligan up top, looks to spin in behind, Williams close on her getting her tackle in top of the area.

Holly Whayman bringing the ball forwards for Sprowston

  Telfer coming off for Mulbarton, on comes Nicole Sheldrake with around an hour gone, Moore with a burst of pace on the left pushing the ball up to Wright, tries to get past Williams unhappy as the foul goes against her giving Sprowston another free-kick on the corner of the area. Irving to send it in beyond the far post players queuing up, Weekes getting her head on the ball sending it back in over the crossbar.

  A vital interception from Bumstead at the back as Mulbarton look to turn play around rapidly, Jermy on the move through the middle looking to send Kean in with the through ball, Sprowston’s captain getting her foot out to cut out the pass top of the D. Both sides are getting frustrated with a few decisions, such is the nature of the game both wanting to get on quickly, Sprowston feeling they can get another goal, Mulbarton intent of restoring their 2 goal cushion. 

  Lively as Irving takes the ball forwards on the left playing a diagonal pass in central to Fray who helps it on for Milligan out on the right, from the angle drills a shot in to the near post, low, Andrews has the angle covered down to save. Knights defends for the visitors as Whayman looks to pick out Milligan in the right channel. 

 GOAL! Mulbarton press players on Groves on for Jermy right, puts the return pass into Groves as she continues her run out to the right, whipping a pacy cross into the six yard box, Kean rushing in at the far post looking to get a touch as the keeper goes down trying to grab it, both miss as it flies on out out to the left, Mulbarton keeping hold of the ball pulling players out of position the cross clipped back in central at Kean quickly drops off her favourably for Jermy to steal in unmarked to stab it wide of the keeper to make it 1-3.

Sophie Jermy firing Mulbarton into a 3-1 lead

  Mulbarton restoring their 2 goal cushion with a little over 15 minutes left to play, Anderton having picked up a knock minutes before, coming off for the visitors with Ella Cattermole coming on to join Kean up top. Groves getting on with the ball through the middle linking up with Jermy going right, Bumstead diving in to tackle the ball back central with Sheldrake 30 plus yards out, has a go from range, straight at the keeper. 

 Into the final 15 minutes, Sprowston not sitting back, Milligan bringing the ball down right outside the box dropping it into Wright, drives into the area, Wilkinson tackling for Mulbarton, the loose ball coming to Fray running onto it 25 yards out blasts her attempt over the bar. From a corner the ball comes out to Whayman to have a crack from range, on target but again straight forwards for the keeper. Hallam back on for Sprowston as they send Weekes up to to join the attack.

 GOAL! The ball played into Weekes inside the box from the right looks to turn move left, Williams going with her sliding in to tackle, Weekes going down, the referee pointing to the spot, Mulbarton furious as Sprowston have the penalty. It’s Irving to take, no mistake as she goes for power drilling it to the keepers right low into the bottom corner 2-3 game on.

Lois Irving fires home the penalty for Sprowston.

 Mulbarton already unhappy about conceding the penalty break down the left, bodies forwards the cross stabbed into the area, appeals go up straight away for a hand ball…

 GOAL! Even as the appeals are going on one end Sprowston counter attack the ball clipped on through the middle for Wright to attack, running in behind, Andrews has to come can’t get there as Wright lifts the ball over her to bounce into the goal beyond, turns to celebrate as she fires the hosts back onto level terms 3-3.

Lois Wright jubilant after levelling the scores for Sprowston.

 Tempers overheating Mulbarton naturally furious to have conceding the equaliser having had a strong appeal turned down at the other end, comments going too far for the referee going over to the bench to show a card, have a word with the manager and supporters. Into the final 5 minutes the action on the pitch continues Groves looking to play Jermy through up top, Cole gives the call to her defence coming out to deal with the ball. 

Charlotte Groves sending the ball on for Mulbarton

  Whayman clearing the ball for Sprowston, up to Wright wins her side a corner on the left, players up curled into the near side, Weekes heading it on into the mix, Fray looking to get it down wriggle free to unleash a shot, Mulbarton snapping at the ball taking it away from her, Milligan putting it wide of the right post from the top of the D. Sprowston with their tails up, Mulbarton rattled needing to calm down, Jermy firing the ball into Sheldrake up top, can’t quite get it under control as Irving moves in to close her down.

  Hallam getting her foot out to cut out the cross from Wilkinson as Mulbarton press down the left the ball behind for a corner kick. 

 GOAL! The corner clipped into the area initially cleared by Fray back out to the left, retrieved by Mulbarton with Sheldrake from the angle looking to curl a shot in under the crossbar, Cole stretching to reach it back on her line, plucked down, but not claimed in the six yard box, Kean looking to attack it, Bumsted blocking as it’s Mulbarton’s turn to appeal that the ball from Sheldrake was over the line, the referee calling it, awarding the goal Mulbarton retaking the lead in the closing stages 3-4.

Nicole Sheldrake’s ball in towards goal judged to have crossed the line to see Mulbarton retake the lead

 Definitely a heated finish to the game, his time Sprowston unhappy having clawed their way back into the game to concede late on. One last push from the hosts Whayman lifting the ball on into the top of the area, Weekes jumping for it brushes off her head to fall to Wright, left of goal, Groves back to challenge clear the ball for a corner. Seconds left, the keeper up from the back for Sprowston, but they can’t make the opportunity count as Mulbarton come out top in a 7 goal thriller. 

Full time Sprowston FC Women 3-4 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

  What a game, 17 goals between the sides in their 2 league matches. Mulbarton edging it this time, ending Sprowston’s unbeaten run in the process and coupled with Bungay draw at home to Aylsham, return to the top of Division One. Leading 2-0 at the break, Sprowston looking for a positive start to the 2nd half getting a goal back early. Mulbarton dug in both sides giving away fouls unhappy with some decisions but the game remained at a high tempo, the visitors getting clear to restore their 2 goal advantage. Sprowston kept going into the last quarter hour winning a penalty, the broke from a Mulbarton attack to level the scores. Mulbarton frustrated found the resolve to dig in and get forwards to retake the lead to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Another tough call with several contenders on both sides, for Sprowston, Claire Weekes and Lauren Bumstead put in some vital tackles at the back, especially as the game became more stretched in the 2nd period. Lois Irving too putting in some good tackles bringing the ball on a played some useful set-pieces. Rosie Milligan coming in off the right linking up will with the midfield setting up chances. Lois Wright working hard up top driving at the defence getting the equaliser. Katie Fray strong from midfield using the ball well linking up with Milligan and Wright up top. For Mulbarton, Bryony Knights was superb in defence making a number of important tackles and blocks. Jade Telfer in front of the defence getting stuck in to win the ball, Sophie Jermy out on the right taking the ball on used it well linking up with the attack and midfield runners. Meg Anderton showing great movement working hard up top behind Kean coming out wide to receive the ball create opportunities, edging it though is midfielder Charlotte Groves, won the ball well in the middle, getting it into the attacking players quickly and making some useful runs through the middle.

  An action packed game with a little controversy mingled in, played at a good tempo, not an easy pitch to play on, Division one is certainly proving to be competitive this season and there is still alot of football to be played. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details this afternoon, good to catch up with both. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies v Martham FC Ladies

Sunday 2nd February

Norfolk Women’s Division Three

Love to get up and down the league across the East to watch my football and having started the year with action from the FAWNL and regional leagues it’s time to take in some county league football with a game from Norfolk Women’s Division Three, with newly formed, Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies hosting Martham FC Ladies.

The Norfolk Women’s County football leagues expanding to 3 Divisions this season with a host of new sides entering an adult team in the competition. The east of Norfolk and the coastal area around Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft in Suffolk seeing a host of new sides formed in recent seasons.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC reforming a ladies side this campaign, the Lowestoft based club having previously had a side 7 years or so ago. The highlight of that time going all the way to the Suffolk Women’s County Cup final and played at Ipswich’s Portman Road stadium. A new era for women’s football at Walmer Road. Recruiting players from Great Yarmouth and the surrounding area with useful experience joining what is a new look league has been a mixed start so far off to a blistering start with 3 wins on the bounce all away from home before losing the next three. A couple of postponements to start 2025, got back to winning way away to Red Rose with a 3-1 win last weekend and with 7 of their remaining 9 matches at home will be looking to build some momentum going into the 2nd half of the season. Captain Maddie-Me Kerrison the top scorer so far with 5 goals.

  Martham FC Ladies entering a women’s team into the NWGFL for the first time last season, a club with a strong youth section, boys and girls have female teams from U10’s to U16’s. Joining a large 13 strong Division Two was a baptism of fire for the new women’s side finding it tough losing 9 on the spin before final securing their first 3 points in February, kept at it picking up 3 more wins and a draw towards the end of the campaign to give them something to build on. Expanding to a 3rd division last season to better match the sides Martham are all the better for that experience bringing in new faces and experience, a county cup win to open the season, were to lose their opening 2 league games but haven’t looked back six winning the next  on the spin to climb up the table into 3rd pressure the leaders Brundall Bolts Women at the top. Lily Bulloch bringing goals to the side netting 19 so far from 10 appearances. Laurel Chambers with 6 goals too from her 10 games.

  Kirkley & Pakefield playing at the Recreation Ground on Walmer Road. This play was always a buzz of activity when I visited in the past with plenty of youth football going on, and pleasing to see nothing has changed now, pitches both grass and artificial leading to the main stadium itself. The clubhouse and changing facilities in between, the bar open along with the kitchen hatch serving hot food and drink. The weather has not been great to start the year, so good to see a bit of sun if a little chilly still a frosty start but clear now with the game to take place on the 3G pitch a good sized playing surface with standing viewing on one side, the sun beginning to drop behind that side.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies starting XI – Paige Curtis, Daphne Siracusa, Sasha Friel, Abbie Pogmore, Nyla McKay, Sophie Barber Boakes, Scarlet Miller, Karina Filippus, Lashaya Marnell, Emily Clarke & Maddie-Mae Kerrison (C). Subs – Danielle Ashley, Paige Sterry & Niamh Howard.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies

 Martham FC Ladies starting XI – Laura Barnard, Ella Saunders, Cerys Speak, Baelie Fairbrother, Lorella Ashcroft, Paige Searle, Melissa Anderson, Emily Dennington, Laurel Chambers, Ellie Jade Nekrews & Lily Bulloch. Subs – Bethany Shearing (C), Jessica Pasco & Scarlett Colby.

Martham FC Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Maddie-Mae Kerrison captaining Kirkley & Pakefield alongside Martham’s Melissa Anderson with todays match official Wlodzimierz Szczerba before kick-off.

A late switch for Martham with captain Bethany Shearing starting on the bench, with the hosts, Kirkley & Pakefield to kick-off the game, wearing blue and white shirts with blue shorts and socks. Martham lined up opposite wearing green coloured shirts and socks with black shorts. Scarlet Miller from the circle playing the ball back to Abbie Pogmore in defence, the ball launched up the middle with captain, Maddie-Mae Kerrison leading the line, Paige Searle intercepting the pass for Martham, setting up a counter attack firing a long pass into the right wing for Laurel Chambers to attack, Sasha Friel coming across to defend across her run to shield the ball out for a goal kick.

Martham making a positive start pushing players up capitalising on a loose pass at the back for Kirkley & Pakefield on the right side, Chambers getting onto the ball 25 yards out rolling it inside to striker, Lily Bulloch she takes on the shot from outside the box angled in low to the right post, goalkeeper Paige Curtis down low keep it out runs behind for a corner kick. The in swinging corner dropping at the near post cut out by Kirkley & Pakefield’s Karina Filippus, not cleared however players closing in on the ball the final touch taking it out of play for a goal kick.

Martham striker, Lily Bulloch

Emily Dennington with pace bursting away with the ball at her feet on the left flank as Martham press well in the final third, going to the by-line checks back inside to feed the ball in across the top of the area, Bulloch going for it, Daphne Siracusa, stretching out a leg for Kirkley & Pakefield defending the take the ball away from the attacker, loose in the six yard box in front of goal, the hosts living dangerously as they scramble the ball behind for a corner on the right. Can see this one curl safely over the crossbar.

Kirkley & Pakefield riding out some early pressure look to launch an attack Miller sending the ball on for Kerrison on half way she has Lashaya Marnell breaking down the right looks to send the ball on into her path too much on it however, Lorella Ashcroft coming to close Marnell down can see the ball safely out of play. Roles reversed moments later as Marnell out wide right turns provider playing the ball on for Kerrison as the attacker pulls out to the wing to receive the ball, Ashcroft sliding in to take the ball out for a throw in.

Kirkley & Pakefield’s Lashaya Marnell

The game opening up as Kirkley & Pakefield begin to get some joy going forwards he pass on for Sophie Barber Boakes to take on down the left wing comes back inside to play the ball into the top of the area, Emily Clarke looking to hit it first time opening up her body to, send the ball up into the air over the keeper and sees it cannon against the crossbar! Martham launching the ball out of their box.

Kerrison seeing the ball into her feet on the halfway line turning to play it out to the right for Clarke ahead of her driving into the right channel, forcing her way into the area, Ashcroft closing her down the defender does well to keep Clarke away from the ball see it out for a goal kick. The ball rarely still both sides looknig to turn play around, tackles flying in, Melissa Anderson sending the ball out to Dennington on the left for Martham, looks to burst away, a timely foot in from Marnell seeing the attack snuffed out.

Marnell battling for the ball in the middle for Kirkley & Pakefield, wins it and plays it forwards into Clarke 30 yards out in the right channel has Kerrison breaking in behind the defence out wide, Martham hold their line well though to catch the Kirkley & Pakefield captain, offside.

Both side are preferring to play the ball into the channels rather than attack through the middle, have willing runners Searle breaking up play in the middle for Martham put to the right, Ellie Jade Nekrews putting it forwards for Chambers, Siracusa getting her foot in for the hosts to put the ball out for a throw.

Competitive in the middle, Miller and Filippus getting stuck in for Kirkley & Pakefield played forwards into Clarke sends it out to the left with Kerrison pulling wide, taking the ball on down the flank, Cerys Speak moving in to tackle sending the ball out of play for the throw. Several foul throws with the referee picking up on improper foot control when releasing the ball, both sides penalised.

Kirkley & Pakefield’s Karina Filippus

Chambers escapes with the ball at her feet on the right for Martham as the visitors look to turn defence into attack running on attempts to slide the threaded ball on into the area for Bulloch making a central run, Curtis sharp out of her six yard box racing out to gather the ball safely into her gloves. Pogmore getting hold of the ball at the back for Kirkley & Pakefield playing a fantastic ball forwards into the right channel for Clarke to get hold of powers clear of her marker looking to get into the box strike her shot across the keeper into the bottom corner, the Martham defence racing back on the cover, it’s Baelie Fairbrother, who puts in the block to see the shot defended.

Abbie Pogmore winning the ball at the back for Kirkley & Pakefield

Kirkley & Pakefield’s turn to build some momentum Marnell out to Nyla McKay right side gets on down the wing, both Clarke and Kerrison moving over to that side of the pitch to support her the trio looking to combine passes force there way past the Martham defence, both Anderson and Searle back to defend no way through. Kirkley & Pakefield making a change bring off Clarke sending Daniel Ashley on.

Lively as Kirkley & Pakefield work the ball well down the flanks winning a throw on the right into Miller, turns on the ball to send the cross into the box, cut out by Fairbrother at the near post, the visitors launching a rapid counter as Dennington is put away on the left burst towards the box, attempts to lay the ball on into the area for Chambers making a run cross the D to receive the pass, Curtis again out well to get hold of the ball before she can get a touch.

Martham keeping hold of the ball in the final third, clipped forwards into Chambers positioned left of the D 20 out look to turn the ball over her shoulder into the area. blocked by Pogmore, not clear, Bulloch getting onto it central pushing it out to the right for Nekrews on the by line right of goal close in tries to fire it past the keeper into the central position inside the six yard box, Curtis getting down to smother the ball.

Both sides enjoying spells of pressure inviting errors from the opposition, Anderson on the ball for Martham moving left attempts to play it through the middle into the box for Bulloch pulling off the defence, a little too much on the pass reaches the keeper first. Dennington breaking on with the ball at her feet on the left for the visitors taking the ball to the by-line outside the box held up. checks back inside to lay the pass back into Bulloch positioned left corner, goes to curl a shot in towards goal, drops invitingly into the keepers gloves.

Anderson strong on the ball through the middle, pushing on, Filippus getting in the blocking tackle 25 yards out, the ball not under control, Anderson looks to keep it alive stabbing it on for Bulloch breaking into the area, Pogmore with a vital interception. Pogmore in well again at the back to cut the ball out for Kirkley & Pakefield, carries it into the middle, before sending the pass into Kerrison peeling into the left channel takes the ball on before coming back inside 20 yards out to curl in a shot towards go from the corner of the box, but like Bulloch’s attempt up the other end places the ball straight into Laura Barnard’s gloves.

Kirkley & Pakefield captain, Maddie-Mae Kerrison

Clarke coming back on for Kirkley & Pakefield for Ashley. Dennington’s pace on the left causing Kirkley & Pakefield a few problems as she burst away on the wing cuts her cross back into the top of the area, over Bulloch central, Siracusa stretching for it stopping the ball running through to Chambers, down into the area however, Bulloch goes to stab her foot at the ball 10 yards out sends it away over the bar.

Martham’s Laurel Chambers

Half a hour gone has been plenty of action, the Kirkley & Pakefield defence pressed back Clarke and Kerrison are up on halfway looking to receive the ball, Clarke bringing a Marnell pass under control has Kerrison making a move to go left, the attacker seeing the ball rolled into her path shapes to go wide before coming back inside to let loose from all of 35 yards out the ball running wide of the near post.

Friel doing the defending at the back for Kirkley & Pakefield getting across to put her foot in to tackle Bulloch as she attempts to get onto an Anderson ball threaded into the right channel. Anderson herself taking on the shot as the ball comes to her 20 yards out right of the Kirkley & Pakefield area blasts her strike wide past the far post.

Barber Boakes from the left sending the cross field pass into McKay 35 yards out inside right, no one moving to close her down she accepts the invitation to shoot, screws the ball wide of the right post. Dennington races on with the ball for Martham into the left corner at the by-line checks back well to fire a cross into the top of the area, Bulloch on the penalty spot looking to control it down off her chest and shoot, is closed down immediately by the Kirkley & Pakefield defence, an almighty scramble ensues with the ball somehow ending up in the keepers gloves.

Martham’s Emily Dennington

Is an open contest, Kirkley & Pakefield more often than not running the ball out wide lacking crossing options breaking from the middle of the park, Clarke going it alone on the right turns inside looking to take on Fairbrother top of the area, the defender with a good tackle to regain possession. The host get the ball back on the right, Marnell on for McKay a throw won high, Clarke seeing it into her feet turning into the area on the run goes to strike the ball with the outside of her boot, her shot lacking any power a simple gather for Barnard.

McKay getting a timely foot out to take the ball away from Bulloch for a throw out on the left, Bulloch after it to take a quick throw to try and set up Dennington to turn 25 yards out and run into the box, the ball there to be won as Friel comes out to close it down sees the pair collide in a nasty coming together that sees Dennington come off the worst. A pause in play as Dennington is treated, will be coming off regardless with captain, Bethany Shearing entering the action. Friel is shown a yellow card with Martham winning a free-kick out wide of the box 25 yards out to the left. Shearing over it goes for goal, pulls her attempt wide of the near post.

Miller getting in well to win the ball in front of the defence for Kirkley & Pakefield bringing it on trying to get her team going forwards. Into the closing stages of the first half Speak on the right playing the ball on for Nekrews up to Chambers brings the ball inside from the right looking to power her way forwards, sends it on through the middle for Bulloch, top of the D, Siracusa going with her getting a vital touch to take the ball out of her path.

Kirkley & Pakefield’s Daphne Siracusa

Half-time Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 0-0 Martham FC Ladies

  Goalless at the break, a lively first half ending in stalemate, both sides with good opportunities to open the scoring. Martham getting off to a strong start applying the early pressure pushing the Kirkley & Pakefield defence back. The hosts coming back well however as the game opened up, competitive in the middle both looking to use the flanks, the hosts breaking well to hit the crossbar, shots in on target but not troubling either keeper, both enjoying good spells evenly matched no telling as to the outcome of the game as the sides ready for the 2nd half.

Both sides unchanged from the sides that ended the 2nd half, the sun lower now shade on one side of the pitch, Kirkley & Pakefield attacking with it in their eyes. It’s Martham to get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into defence, Barber Boakes left side presses well for Kirkley & Pakefield, players on to attack the ball inside the Martham half, Anderson back to help the defence winning possession back for the visitors.

Kirkley & Pakefield stop any advance into their half the pass into Marnell right some 25/30 yards out goes for goal her effort claimed by Barnard in the Martham goal. The hosts making a determined start to the 2nd half players pressed on to battle for the ball, Miller with Filippus in the middle lively…

Kirkley & Pakefield midfielder, Scarlet Miller

GOAL! That early pressure bringing the break through the ball won 25 yards out to the right of the D, played across the top of the box into the feet of Barber Boakes 20 yards out goes to strike the ball, her shot racing in on goal past the keeper before she can react, and in off the inside of the left post to open the scoring 1-0.

Sophie Barber Boakes shot going in off the post to open the scoring for Kirkley & Pakefield

Martham falling behind 4 minutes into the 2nd half, look to get on the attack from the restart Bulloch on the drive through the middle, brought down winning the free-kick. Shearing over the set-piece 25 yards out again lines up the effort on goal getting plenty of zip behind the ball but not on target as Curtis sees it sail past her left post.

Kirkley & Pakefield making a change with Clarke coming off up top to be replaced by Paige Sterry. The low sun causing a few issues for the Kirkley & Pakefield defenders trying to pick out a pass up top, (at least the excuse being peddled). Bulloch making several determined runs with the ball at her feet through the middle for Martham lifts it over the top for Chambers out on the right channel, Siracusa going with her for Kirkley & Pakefield does well in defence to get across Chambers to see the ball back safely into her keepers gloves.

GOAL! Having scored Kirkley & Pakefield have taken their foot off the gas allowed Martham to press players on down the flanks, the ball carried inside from the right 25 yards out the diagonal pass is fed into the box with Nekrews stealing into the box from the left to meet it angling her first time effort back across the keeper into the bottom corner to level thing’s up 1-1. 

Ellie-Jay Nekrews equalises for Martham

The lead lasting just 4 minutes Kirkley & Pakefield needing to regroup, send the ball out to Barber Boakes attacking on their left flank drives inside looking to get into the area the ball knocked on for Sterry, right side of goal, Ashcroft closing her down the ball popping loose as Barber Boakes continues her run stabs it wide. Dennington coming back on for Martham goes into the back line replacing Ashcroft on the left. Scarlett Colby on too for Saunders.

Sophie Barber Boakes with Martham’s Cerys Speak

Chambers cutting inside from the right for Martham driven inside for Bulloch top of the D, Pogmore cutting it out well for Kirkley & Pakefield. Cleared to the right, Martham with numbers up regaining the ball look to return it back into the box, no advantage however play brought back for a late free-kick on the wing. Shearing dangerous with her set-piece deliveries dropping the ball in front of the keeper, another frantic scramble ensues in front of goal, no one getting a clear touch on the ball before the hosts wrestle it to safety.

Martham captain, Bethany Shearing

Nekrews with the ball at her feet on the left for Martham surging on inside hitting a strike on the run 25 yards out, frustrated to place her effort straight at the keeper. Martham with a quickly taken throw from Shearing on the right looking to play, Colby clear to attack inside the box, Curtis reacts quickly racing out to claim it for Kirkley & Pakefield.

Chambers skipping away with the ball out wide right for Martham delivering a looping cross into the near post, Curtis snatching hold of it with Colby closing her down. The game remains open both sides using the width of the pitch looking to stretch things, Speak lunging in to tackle Barber Boakes as she looks to turn off a Siracusa pass.

Sterry brought down on the right giving Kirkley & Pakefield a free-kick. Clarke replacing Sterry before the free-kick is taken. Angled in centrally comes into Clarke quickly reacts well to spin into a shot send it in on target, Barnard down sharply to make the blocking save the ball spinning away to her left threatening to creep in at the post. cleared off the line by a defender, even as Kerrison looks to blast it home from close range.

Martham goalkeeper, Laura Barnard

Bulloch with an ambitious volley from 30 yards out sends the ball wide of the mark for Martham. Players beginning to tire on both sides with little let up in the open nature of the game one side winning it back at the back, then looking to get it forwards quickly, Siracusa sending the ball on up the left wing for Barber Boakes breaks clear to run down the line, Fairbrother needing to come running across to close her down, putting in the tackle to send the ball out for a throw. 

Martham defender, Baelie Fairbrother

 Shearing taking the ball on for Martham threading the pass into Chambers on the right, looks to drive infield, Siracusa stretching out a leg to get hold of the ball for the hosts fires it up the line for Barber Boakes, seeing it down into her feet, attempts to turn, Speak closing her down for Martham. Fairbrother looks to have picked up a knock for Martham coming off on comes Jessica Pasco. The game stretched Kirkley & Pakefield with a throw high on the left taken quickly, Siracusa curling the ball into the top of the area, Shearing back to intercept for Martham then again as the ball deflected away to the right falls to the advancing McKay. 

 The game moving into the final 10 minutes, certainly has the feel it could go either way, Kirkley & Pakefield have willing runners up top, Miller putting the ball out to the left for Clarke to attack taking it on to the by-line held up, looks to shift it between her feet before sending in across the face of goal Barnard diving down to get hold of the ball. Kerrison stealing in on the ball out on the right bursting forwards, shooting on the angle 20 yards out, annoyed as the ball is screwed wide at the near post.

  Martham over commit going forwards as Kirkley & Pakefield fight to regain possession outside their box, Marnell giving it to Siracusa who has space to carry it into on the left, Colby tracking back to deal with her getting in a timely tackle. The hosts pushing for the winner getting a corner on the left driven in low to the near post, defended deflected back out to the taker, played up into the top of the area for Miller positioned top of the D, attempts to curl a strike in on goal, can only pick out Barnard, the keeper getting hold of the ball.

Paige Searle

  Martham pushing players on late on as they themselves look for the winning goal, Kirkley & Pakefield pressed back to defend their box, getting the ball upfield looking to expose their opponents at the back, Clarke through the middle, Dennington with the blocking tackle, the ball not cleared however as Barber Boakes left channel looks to take it on Speak with a blocking tackle forcing Barber Boakes wide, goes with her, with Saunders getting back to support the ball cleared. 

  Nekrews with the ball for Martham down in the left corner, winning her side a corner kick, players up into the area, congested at the near post as the ball is curled in at an inviting height, Curtis going to punch it, drops instead into the mix inside the six yard box, chaos as players from both sides attempt to get their foot on the ball, could go anywhere, is knocked in towards goal to the right, cleared off the line away to the right. 

  Martham pushing hard in the closing moments of the game winning a corner on the right, players up the ball fired in across the top of the six yard box bouncing up off the surface at the far post, Anderson leaping looking to meet it with her head, turning her chance wide. The final whistle blowing moments later, the points shared.

Melissa Anderson turning her header wide.

  Full time Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies 1-1 Martham FC Ladies

  Overall perhaps the fair result, but no doubt both sides will feel they could have won the game, created good opportunities. Kirkley & Pakefield showing a positive intent at the start of the 2nd half to get after the ball, take the lead. Sat back then as Martham looked for  quick reply and took their opportunity. An even contest the game stretched as players began to tire and gaps opened up. The point enough to see Martham into 2nd spot with, Bure Valley Women Development losing against FC Viking & Valkyries Reserves, now 2 points behind leaders Brundall Bolts Women with a game in hand. Kirkley & Pakefield remain 7th but with games in hand themselves are more than capable of getting involved in the tussle at the top too.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sundays Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. As tough a decision as any in choosing todays winner, contenders on both sides, both teams working hard in defence. Several performances to mention, firstly for Martham, Baelie Fairbrother putting in several good challenges at the back to win the ball for the visitors get around on the cover. Paige Searle winning her tackles in the middle, playing some good passes out to the flanks. Lily Bulloch getting hold of the ball making some driving runs in attack, finding good positions in and around the box. Emily Dennington with her pace causing Kirkley & Pakefield a few issues on the left. Bethany Shearing adding steel to the Martham midfield when she came on used the ball well, a threat from a set-piece. For Kirkley & Pakefield the three in defence all put in some vital tackles and blocks, Abbie Pogmore getting her foot in to win the ball turning play around, Sasha Friel covering well to get across to snub out threats, Daphne Siracusa too on the left side of defence closing down well. Maddie-Mae Kerrison leading the attack with some strong runs to take the ball forwards constantly looking for an opening to set up a teammate. Sophie Barber Boakes with some good work too on the left opening the scoring. Karina Filippus with some great foot work in the middle of the park in a congested midfield to bring the ball away. The award though goes to Scarlet Miller worked hard though out to win the ball in front of her defence, carrying it out from the back with some good runs, tackled well and found herself in some great positions when Kirkley & Pakefield got the ball forwards.

  Great to get down the leagues see some action from Norfolk Women’s Division Three, nice to return to Walmer Road, always a buzz of activity. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team line-ups today. Will certainly be interested to see how both fair during the rest of the season and good luck to both. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women Development v Newmarket Town Women

Sunday 26th January

ERWFL Division One North

A trip down to Hertfordshire this Sunday to catch some action from ERWFL Division One North, with Stevenage FC Women Development hosting 2nd placed Newmarket Town Women.

Harpenden Town Women looking strong favourites to clinch the title at the 2nd attempt in ERWFL Division One North, but there are a trio of sides looking to push them all the way battling for the places below, Newmarket Town Women amongst them currently 2nd in the table behind, AFC Dunstable Women and Histon Ladies. As competitive at the other end with the pressure on with 3 sides facing relegation, Stevenage FC Women Development edging their way out of the bottom 3 still have alot of work to do to avoid drop.

The hosts looking to build on recent results a 1-0 win at home in the league to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies seeing them move out of the bottom three. Followed that up with victory in the quarter finals of the Herts Women’s Trophy last weekend, having won the competition last season in it’s inaugural year. Joining the ERWFL last season as the league expanding to it’s full compliment of sides, had a tough league campaign, but to go along with their county cup success, also reached the final of the ERWFL League Plate. Backing up the 1st team plying in the Premier League above have used alot of players this season 39 to date as they struggled to find a winning formula an opening day win followed by a series of losses a couple of wins and draws have seen Stevenage push hard to get themselves out of trouble at the wrong end of the table. Eva Delaney top scorer with 5 goals from 7 matches, has made 8 appearances too for the 1st team. Stephanie Fausse scoring 4 from her 11 appearances.

Last saw Newmarket Town Women in action back in October, at Thetford Town Ladies came into the game off the back of a good win at home against AFC Dunstable Women having had a frustrating start to the season. Going on to beat Thetford 2-0 was the 2nd win in a run of 7 straight league wins that helped propel Newmarket up to 2nd in the table. That 7 run winning streak ended ironically by Dunstable in another frustrating result last weekend. Traditionally a club that has built it’s foundations on a strong youth policy bringing players up through the age group from 8 onwards. Have an U18’s and Development side backing up the 1st team, two Development players making their senior debuts today in fact, Hannah Marsh and Ailie Rennie. Millie Docking currently Newmarket’s top scorer with 14 goals so far from 15 games, hot on her heels Katie Spiers netting 12 times from 14 matches.

Once again the weather was going to play a big part in the weekend, Storm Eowyn blowing through in midweek, another band of wet and windy weather forecast for Sunday, not likely to hit to the afternoon so another bout of mass postponements unlikely, but knowing it was going to be a wet one really didn’t fancy standing out in the elements to take my notes, the camera’s taken a bit of a battering of late too so off the The County Ground in Letchworth home of Hertfordshire FA, and Stevenage’s woman’s sides. The main stand covered wit seating over the café area serving hot food and drink. The wind blowing the rain into the stand however a better option lay on the other side of the artificial playing surface a covered terraced stand protecting spectators from the elements and it was most definitely needed the rain falling as the sides warmed up, a strong breeze blowing across the pitch too was going to be miserable to play in.

Stevenage FC Women Development starting XI – Shannon Alderman, Katie Boyle, Jessica Preston, Neave Wilson (C), Abigail Hunt, Isobel Mayfield, Ellie Merkis, Ebba Taylor-Pugh, Kelsey Millen, Kristal Clarke & Sophie Hendy.  Subs – Holly Southam, Remi Martin, Kiera Mynott, Sarah Payne & Lilly Kelly.

Stevenage FC Women Development

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Hannah Marsh, Ellie Sturgess, Ailie Rennie, Katie Walker (C), Holly Corley, Abi Gibson, Abbi Griffin, Amelia Thompson & Millie Docking. Subs – Abbie Corbyn, Eden Kirby-Cook & Fliss Payne.

Newmarket Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Stevenage welcome back Sarah Payne, on the bench today having made her long awaited return to play again on the 12 of January having suffered an ACL injury that has since her out for 491 days. Good to see her back. Newmarket giving senior debuts to Hannah March and Ailie Rennie both lining up in defence. 

Captain’s Neave Wilson and Katie Walker with today’s referee, Rhys Stewart

  It’s Stevenage to kick-off the 1st half with the rain falling steadily wearing white shirts with red trim, red shorts and white socks with Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball played back into the defence, Newmarket rush forwards to close the ball down forcing a rushed pass long up to the right,  Kelsey Millen though able to race on through to burst down the right wing cutting a cross back in towards the top of the area, Holly Dryland stretching out a leg to intercept and clear at the back for Newmarket. 

  Both sides snapping into heir challenges the ball out of play for a series of throws with neither making headway through the middle. The visitors winning a free-kick out wide on the right inside the Stevenage half, bring players forwards from the back as the ball is curled into the top of the area, missed by the Stevenage defence runs through to Dryland pulling clear into the box left of goal, drags her shot wide of the left post, play brought back however as she had run offside.

  Newmarket’s Ellie Sturgess bringing the ball out of defence looking up to send a long ball into the right channel with Amelia Thompson looking to break in behind. Stevenage goalkeeper, alert to the threat out quickly to the top of her area to grab hold of the ball. The hosts looking a little unsettled in the early exchanges taking a few chances in possession at the back, Alderman looking to play a short pass out of her six yard box to captain Neave Wilson positioned to the left corner of her area, attacker, Millie Docking stealing in with a raised foot to intercept the pass, deflects the ball straight back towards goal but thankfully for Alderman straight into her gloves.

  The rain falling heavily, Newmarket looking to be positive get players on through the middle, Abbi Griffin and Abi Gibson pulling into the flanks right and left. Ebba Taylor-Pugh latching onto the ball in the middle of the park for Stevenage driving on, is taken down late after she releases the ball forwards for Sophie Hendy in attack, play brought back for the free-kick top of the centre circle. Taylor-Pugh to take herself floats a ball into the box dropping far post, Dominika Szary across her goal to cover for Newmarket can see it safely out of play.

Ailie Rennie tackling for Newmarket

 Playing conditions tough the wind swirling with the rain, free-kicks being given away. Newmarket looking to use the flanks get the ball moving across the pitch with purpose. Holly Corley sliding a pass into Griffin on the right, clips a cross into the top of the area, Abigail Hunt turning it away to the left for the hosts. Kristal Clarke seeing the ball into her feet for Stevenage 30 yards out to the left makes a strong run on the ball inside towards the Newmarket box, running into traffic, the Newmarket defence going to close her down, does well to send the ball on to the right for Millen to take on steal into the area making for the by-line sends a cross into the near post, Dryland running back towards her own goal cutting it out.

Newmarket’s Holly Dryland

  Winning the ball back in midfield Newmarket play the ball on for Corley moving out to the left cuts back inside 30 plus yards out to play the ball into Griffin unmarked, 25 yards out to the right of the Stevenage area, puts her foot though the ball, driving it in towards goal flying over the keepers head, smashes down into the area off the bar! Hunt reacting a split second before Docking to scramble the ball clear as she goes in to attack the follow up.

Stevenage defender, Abigail Hunt

  Millen providing a useful outlet for Stevenage on the right flank the ball coming to her from the middle she brings it under control making a surge towards the Newmarket box, Sturgess closing her down to put in the tackle to win the ball back. Cleared up to Docking wide on the left lays it inside for Thompson 25 yards out who in turn sends it down the line for Gibson pushing into the corner, held up by Stevenage’s Katie Boyle plays the ball instead up the line to Dryland who clips it into the top of the area, Wilson getting it clear as Thompson looks to bring it down.

  Newmarket regain possession quickly get the ball out to Griffin on the right the ball driven low in towards goal, Alderman reacting quickly getting something on the ball to deflect it away across her six yard box out for a corner kick. Curled in across goal, dropping far post the ball in turned towards goal, Alderman snatching hold of it from close range.

  Newmarket getting players on, Stevenage reacting well to get the ball out of there half look to exploit the gaps at back, Taylor-Pugh bringing the ball inside off the left wing lifting a ball over the top, Hendy looking to attack it, Szary out of her area rapidly to put her foot through the ball to clear. Szary needing to come along way out of her area as Stevenage catch Newmarket on the break Taylor-Pugh with the pass to send Clarke clear on the left, the keeper reaching it first to put out for a throw. Stevenage slow to react can’t capitalise with Szary out of position.

Ebba Taylor-Pugh bringing the ball on for Stevenage

  The weather awful driving rain, both sides undeterred nevertheless a lively contest, Stevenage winning a free-kick wide on the left, Taylor-Pugh to send into the box, Szary with the claim at her near post. Katie Walker captaining Newmarket playing the ball out to Docking pulling to the right 25 yards out sends the ball back into the Stevenage D, looking for Thompson, Hunt getting her boot in the way to deflect the ball out for a throw on the left. 

  Docking sees the ball down off her feet, turning back to goal to attack from the right, Wilson lunging in with the tackle to take the ball from the attacker before she can burst into the box. Newmarket playing some neat short passes in their build up in front of the Stevenage area, Corley with Docking and Thompson the ball fed through in behind for Gibson breaking into the box from the left, Alderman though able to snatch hold of it before the midfielder can strike.

  Midway through the first half an intriguing contest, the weather playing it’s part, Gibson bringing the ball down off of a throw on the left 25 yards out turning to lay the ball on for Docking top of the D, head down intends to drive for the area, up against Wilson, Stevenage’s captain, tackling well to halt her advance. 

Stevenage’s captain, Neave Wilson

 Newmarket pressing well getting the ball on into Gibson left plays it into the box for Docking stealing into the box left of goal, six yards out closing in on the near post turns her shot goal wards, Alderman making a brilliant save with her legs deflecting the ball away from danger. The chances mounting up for Newmarket. 

Stevenage goalkeeper, Shannon Alderman

  Stevenage’s Clarke strong in possession looking to drive her side forwards, Taylor-Pugh up with her though the middle on for Hendy, Sturgess closing her down. Stevenage making a change as they bring off Clarke, send on Lilly Kelly to join the attack. Dryland pushing on with the ball down Newmarket’s left sending a diagonal ball in towards the top of the D, Ellie Merkis back to head it clear for Stevenage. The visitors quick to regain possession however, risk over committing in attack leaving themselves exposed at the back, Wilson getting the ball out of defence into Isobel Mayfield she sends a good ball into the right channel for Millen to attack, Szary again out of her area dealing with the threat.

Newmarket attacker, Millie Docking

Newmarket attacker, Millie Docking

  Sturgess high inside her half with the ball plays it over the top for Docking to race through to attack top of the box, Alderman rushing out to close her down making the blocking save with her legs. The ball loose, Thompson looking to race in on the follow up, Alderman does well adjusting on the ground diving to snatch hold of the ball.

Newmarket defender, Ellis Sturgess

  The rain has slowed for now but the swirling wind remains, Newmarket win the ball back in the middle, Corley playing the ball to Griffin right,  lifted into Docking back to goal right of the D, 25 yards out turns well to strike the ball her half volley rising on target, Alderman with another excellent save throwing an arm up to turn the ball over her crossbar for a corner kick. The resulting corner curled in onto the roof of the net.

Holly Corley

  Millen looks to go it alone as she gets hold of the ball on Stevenage’s right cutting inside, Sturgess standing up against her the centre back winning her tackle. Kelly stealing onto the ball for Stevenage inside the Newmarket half makes a powerful run towards the opposition box before laying it o her right for Taylor-Pugh to take on, Dryland moving in to slow her down forcing her wider, the midfielder still managing to get a strike away 20 yards out but over the bar.

 

  Kelly coming on giving Stevenage a little more thrust going forwards looking to get hold of the ball and power her way into the final 3rd, looks to release Hendy to her left, Rennie cutting the pass out for Newmarket outside her box. Corley looks to have picked up a knock for Newmarket comes off in midfield to be replaced by Fliss Payne. 

  Into the closing moments of the first half Thompson with the ball on the left for Newmarket lays it on for Gibson running into the corner, held up check back inside to whip a cross into the top of the area, Griffin looking to attack it right of the D, forcing another save from Alderman.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women Development 0-0 Newmarket Town Women

  Goalless at the break, frustrating from Newmarket’s point of view, have created some good opportunities, struck the woodwork, and forced some excellent saves from Stevenage’s keeper, Shannon Alderman. Those saves though keeping her side firmly in the game, the hosts looking unsettled at the start slowly coming into their own the game opening up have looked a threat on the break. Awful conditions to play in with their showing no signs of things letting up.

 No changes for Newmarket as they emerge from the changing rooms, Stevenage making a switch with Remi Martin on at the back for Preston. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway played out to the right with Martin seeing the ball out for a throw in. Stevenage looking to make a positive start to the 2nd half, Mayfield playing the ball on for Kelly left side turns to attack driving on comes infield before being stopped by Sturgess. 

Hannah Marsh tackling Stevenage’s Lilly Kelly

  Stevenage aiming to press the ball higher winning a free-kick in a dangerous position out wide on their right inside the Newmarket half, the delivery fired in low into the near post cleared by Newmarket’s Thompson. The ball deflected back out to the right with Stevenage played up the line the cross flung into the near post area from deep, Szary up well to claim the ball.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

  A different tempo to the 2nd half Stevenage looking to press higher, sees the game opening up, Payne in the middle for Newmarket sending the ball on through the middle looking for Docking in attack, Wilson winning the header for Stevenage. Alderman’s turn to call and claim the ball at her near post as Newmarket win a free-lick out wide on their left flank. 

Stevenage clearing the ball up to Kelly inside the Newmarket half in the right, Marsh close in on her as the attacker looks to untangle the ball from her body turns into the full back, harsh on Marsh as she is penalised for handball giving Stevenage a free-kick, deep on the left, clipping into the top of the area, Payne winning the header for the visitors to clear.

Sarah Payne controlling the ball for Stevenage

  Stevenage making another change early in the 2nd half, with Sarah Payne continuing her comeback from injury coming on to replace Handy, going into an attacking position alongside Kelly. Marsh bringing the ball on for Newmarket right side sending it through for Griffin to attack, plays a deep cross in diagonally to the far post, a little too much on it for Docking. 

 Walker carrying the ball on through the middle for Newmarket passes it on for Thompson in the left channel 25 yards out bursts inside her tough a little heavy, allows Wilson to get her foot on the ball to kick clear. A free flowing contest Docking with a great first touch back to goal 25 out top of the D, spins in behind as she lays it out to Griffin to the right of goal taking the ball into the area goes to shoot across the keeper, Alderman with another breath taking save throwing out her left hand to parry the ball into the ground, Docking racing in on the follow-up not quite able to catch t on the volley, as Hunt sends it clear for the hosts.

  Marsh gets away down the right with the ball for Newmarket the full back firing a cross into the box, Docking tracking in to attack it making contact on the run sends her effort over the bar. Newmarket pressing Griffin playing the ball out to the left for Gibson to attack in the corner winning her side a corner kick, players up into the area as the ball is swung into the near post area defended the ball back out to the corner taker on the left returns a high ball back into the mix, Sarah Payne defending for Stevenage. 

Abi Gibson with Isobel Mayfield

  All action the ball never still, Walker sends Gibson away down the left for Newmarket, Boyle defending for Stevenage preventing the cross. Newmarket pushing up are taking a risk off being exposed at the back, Szary though is something of a sweeper at the back willing to rush out of her area deal with a threat if it comes her way. Clarke returning to the field for Stevenage coming on for Taylor-Pugh. 

  Clarke straight into the action strong on the ball pressing through the middle out to Millen right side wins a corner kick. Players up from the back the corner curled into the near post, Clarke up with Szary as she comes for the ball, miscues her punch the ball deflected on into her own net but it won’t count, disallowed, the referee blowing up for a foul on the keeper, much to the grievance of the Stevenage fans.

Stevenage see a goal disallowed

 A little tension creeping into the game, Clarke adding some steal to the Stevenage attack plays a cute pass over the top that sees Millen beat the offside trap, Newmarket getting back at her to deflect the ball away for a throw on the right. Kelly digging the ball out from under her feet as it comes into her quickly turns to release Millen on the right for Stevenage a quick fire attack the cross flashed into the six yard box, Szary getting a glove on the ball to punch clear with Sarah Payne inches away.

  Sarah Payne combining with Clarke as Stevenage build through the middle turning the ball out to the right for Clarke to attack breaking into the area, Sturgess getting across her run the shield the ball out of play for a goal kick. Open play Newmarket turning play around rapidly as Fliss Payne lifts a good ball forwards for Griffin cutting in from the left channel, Alderman rushing out, Griffin knocks the ball wide of her into the box racing after it at the near post, the angle closed as the Stevenage defence recover Griffin plays it across goal, but can’t pick out a teammate the ball launched clear.

Stevenage’s Kristal Clarke

  End to end. Wilson with a clever turn on the ball as she wins it high for Stevenage clipping it into the right wing for Clarke to break away, has no one with her however as she plays the ball into the box, Newmarket clear and get straight on the attack, going left the ball fired into the box has Docking bearing down on goal six yards left side shoots, Alderman with the blocking save, deflected out to the top of the area, Griffin latching onto the ball fires her first time effort wide of the far post. 

  Merkis with room to play the ball in the middle plays a great ball out to Kelly on the right looks to bring it down off her body spin of Marsh as she comes to close her down, the full back, with a superb tackle to get her foot on the ball prevents Kelly from racing in behind. Into the last 15 minutes of the game, feel it can go either way right now and one goal from either side would seal the win. The rain starting to fall heavily again just to add to the drama.

Stevenage’s Ellis Merkis

  Kelly seeing the ball down into her feet off a throw on the left for Stevenage, digs it free to get inside to fire a cross into Millen positioned right of the D, looking to control it off her chest strike the ball, Sturgess gets in the way to block for the visitors. Thompson lining up a shot from range for Newmarket held by Alderman. Thompson’s last action of the contest as she comes off with Corley send back into the action. 

Neave Wilson winning the ball

  Alderman down quickly to save from Griffin now operating on the left as the cross-field ball comes into her from the right. Stevenage with another change, Martin coming off to be replaced by Holly Southam at the back. Gibson on for Walker driving forwards for Newmarket central pushes it into Docking top of the D, turns runs into Wilson the ball half cleared to Griffin 20 out sends a high ball looping into the box, Alderman keeping her eye on it making the catch with Docking closing her down. 

 Clarke off for Stevenage with Kiera Mynott entering the action with 5 minutes left to play. Stevenage winning a free-kick wide on the right inside the Newmarket half, flighted into the near side, Wilson gets her head on the ball twisting to turn the ball on across t the far post, runners closing in but no meaningful contact as it runs behind for a goal kick. Stevenage regain possession at the back left side, Southam on for Mynott turns to send it down the line into Kelly wide looking for the return pass as she breaks into the area, Mynott receives it only for her attempt to shoot being charged down by Rennie. 

Lilly Kelly on the attack for Stevenage

  The clock ticking down into stoppage time the rain falling steadily Stevenage have a throw on the left inside the Newmarket half, Southam launching the throw into the box for Kelly to run onto left of goal bearing down on the six yard box, goes to shoot with the outside of her right foot her attempt inches wide of the near post!

  Seconds left as Kelly gets hold of the ball drives through the middle, runs into traffic, Merkis regaining possession to clip the ball out to Kelly moving left, looks to turn on the ball drag it down the line, Marsh again close on her to deny the move. The final whistle blows the points are shared.

 

Full time Stevenage FC Women Development 0-0 Newmarket Town Women

  Goalless draws are rare in women’s football, and even rarer on here, but this don’t let that fool you this was an enthralling contest, played in some awful conditions. As the clock ticked on you felt one goal could win it but that could have gone either way. Newmarket with a host of chances will feel unlucky not to be leaving Stevenage with 3 points but came up against a dogged defence and inspired keeper, couldn’t take their chances, hitting the woodwork and forcing a number of saves. Stevenage with an improved 2nd half seeing a goal disallowed may well have won it themselves in the dying seconds. This was as enjoyable a 0-0 as you could get, but then I was neutral so it might just have been me.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, several contenders but really only one clear winner. Both sides played their part some great performances out there, firstly for Newmarket, Millie Docking showed great movement and endeavour up front, coming for the ball and turning to attack, creating chances for herself and other on another afternoon has a hat-trick. Abbi Griffin providing a great outlet on the right, making several strong runs coming close to scoring herself. Abi Gibson with some fantastic movement to take the ball on. Solid debuts for the senior team for Hannah Marsh and Ailie Rennie at the back, while Ellie Sturgess won the majority of her tackles. For Stevenage, captain, Neave Wilson was superb winning the ball, strong in her tackles, got her team moving forwards. Ebba Taylor-Pugh with some great midfield running looked to link up the attack. Kristal Clarke strong with the ball showed great attacking intent. Lilly Kelly looking to receive the ball making some great runs on the ball. Kelsey Millen a constant outlet for the hosts on the right ready to race in behind creating chances. Today’s award winner is goalkeeper, Shannon Alderman, pulled off a number of fantastic saves which no doubt kept her side in the game all the way to the end.

 Alright it was 0-0 but I enjoyed it despite the weather, both sides gave it there all could have gone either way in the finish. Players missing for both sides, but vital minutes for others, ERWFL Division One North is really competitive this season look forward to seeing how it all pans out. My thanks to both sides for their help with the teams, I managed to stay dry too which is always a bonus.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Wroxham Women v Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Sunday 19th January

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

sponsored by Harrod Sport

Into the New Year, which means we’re into the business end of the various county cup competitions across the East, with most into the quarter final stage. Several tasty ties in the last 8 of those competitions too, none more so than in Norfolk and the all ERWFL Premier Division clash between Wroxham Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women.

Both sides receiving a bye to the quarter final stage of the competition.

Wroxham Women reaching the final of the competition for the 1st time in their history last season. getting to play at Carrow Road. Missing out to Norwich City FC, will be aiming to repeat the run this season, but know they have a tough quarter final ahead of them. Has been a frustrating season so far this season, with a number of games postponed and 2 abandonment’s, which has left them down in 10th position, but like most of the sides in the bottom half of the table have games in hand and the potential to push for a top half finish. Injuries playing their part too are the draw specialists in the league, with 5 of their 9 league games ended all square to date.

  Hannah Fuller, Wroxham’s star striker often prolific in front of goal again top scorer so far this season with 12 goals from her 14 appearances. A good return from defender, Chelsea Clarke too, netting 8 goals so far this campaign. Captain, Becky Russell recently announcing she is pregnant with her 2nd child sees vice captain Tigi Robson taking on the captain’s armband. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women, piping Harpenden Town Women to the ERWFL Division One North title last season as they stepped up to regional football for the 1st time in their history to win promotion to the Premier Division (step 5). Very sadly the club has loss one of it’s founder coaches with Andy Hutchin passing away to cancer last year, with the club since it’s youth beginning with Sprowston, was a likeable and well thought member of the woman’s football community in Norfolk with his whole family involved in the club, very sadly missed. 

  Winning promotion at the first attempt meant stepping up another level in quick succession. Have always thought the ERWFL Premier Division is where you notice a extra quality, a competitive league with alot of talented players. Dussindale & Hellesdon’s aim very much to retain their place in the league. A heavy loss to start, before seeing their 1st home game, against Wroxham abandoned due to injury. A couple more narrower defeats following the club has slowly started to find it’s feet in the league getting games in where other haven’t due to having an all weather pitch, picked up their 1st win at home to St Albans, and another against bottom side Cambridge City. Back to back win in November pulling them away from the danger zone at the bottom of the table, drawing 2-2 at Wroxham in December, having led 2-0 before seeing a player sent off. Starting the year with a win to climb to 5th feeling in go shape to complete their main goal of staying up. Now to see if they can make progress in the county cup. Anais Winney and Kyla Lagan the top scorers with 6 apiece with Rosie George netting 5.

Always good to see a club sign acknowledging their women’s team too.

The venue today the Ginger Pickle Area, or Trafford Park, home of Wroxham FC know as The Yachtsmen & women. The large grass pitch sloping slightly offers lots of space, a little cut up with the recent poor weather, but having seen their first 2 games of the year called off due to the weather, Wroxham haven’t played since their 2-2 with Dussindale & Hellesdon. The clubhouse and bar open serving hot and cold drinks. Standing all round the ground with a covered seated stand opposite the dugouts. The weather miserable, grey and overcast, not overly warm but still with no rain forecast.  

 Wroxham Women starting XI – Bryony Williams, Ella Gambell, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Tigi Robson (C), Poppy Loveland, Rachel Cossey, Jennifer Drummie, Chelsea Clarke, Hayley Kindred, Lily Alexander & Hannah Fuller. Subs – Albany Hodgson, Rio Dobbie & Leilah Gooding.

Wroxham Women

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Rachel Bussey, Holly Walker, Jess Barnes, Calista Tink (C), Rachel Jermy, Chloe Shipman, Kari Kowalcyzk, Sofia Odell, Alisha Juby & Kyla Langan. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Calista Tink and Tigi Robson with today’s match officials

Wroxham welcome back defender, Albany Hodgson making her return after a long spell out with injury, on the bench today. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris starting for Wroxham is dual signed with FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC. Chloe Shipman having played for Wroxham in the sides 2-2 draw back in December, starts for Dussindale & Hellesdon this afternoon. It’s Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the quarter final tie underway wearing an all claret kick with the hosts Wroxham lined up opposite wearing blue and white vertical striped shirts, blue shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the defence played out to Holly Walker on the left, Wroxham closing in to immediately chase the ball down charged down for a throw in.

  Wroxham looking to press the ball inside their opponents half right from the off, pushed up, Cheal-Ferris from left back clipping a diagonal ball up towards the top of the D aiming for Hannah Fuller in attack, Jess Barnes getting to it first to head clear for the visitors. A lively opening Dussindale & Hellesdon not settled, Wroxham pushing up looking to disrupt push the midfield back onto the defence. Chelsea Clarke operating ahead of Cheal-Ferris on the left for Wroxham pulling wide to receive the ball. Rachel Bussey getting the block in to deflect the cross out for a throw.

  On the opposite flank, Ella Gambell is pressing on from right back to support Hayley Kindred on the wing, Kindred turning into the box running into traffic, the ball rebounding out to Gambell who lines up a strike from range the ball whistling low through to keeper, Tyla Cole. Dussindale & Hellesdon struggling to get the ball to stick up to pushed back the Wroxham defence winning any clearances. Kari Kowalcyzk getting onto the ball in the centre looking to travel before attempting to thread the ball through for Kyla Langan making a run for her centre, Wroxham’s captain, Tigi Robson turning with her sticking a boot out to cut out the pass.

Wroxham captain, Tigi Robson

  Jennifer Drummie winning the ball for Wroxham in the middle putting a diagonal ball into the right wing for Kindred to attack, her first touch a little heavy, gives Holly Walker the opportunity to clear for the visitors. Wroxham getting players forwards showing intent, Fuller seeing the ball down into her feet right side of the area lays it inside for Kindred who sees Cheal-Ferris free out on the left flank plays the pass, Bussey stretching for it taking the ball out of Cheal-Ferris’ reach. 

 Sofia Odell brings the ball on up the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Alisha Juby looking to provide support, as Clarke comes back to defend sends the ball out for a throw, Dussindale & Hellesdon not making it count Wroxham hit the on the break, the ball sent out to the right, Fuller bringing it under control combining with Gambell and Kindred down the wing, Kindred’s run blocked winning the set-piece. Swung into the box from wide, headed clear, Wroxham quick to get the ball back, Cossey into Kindred right side, drives on attempts the cross, Walker getting something on it, turning the ball out for a throw.

  Both Gambell and Cheal-Ferris able to come on double up on the flanks, keeping the momentum with Wroxham, as yet creating no clear cut opportunities. Fuller turning on the ball from a throw on the right sends a teasing ball in across the top of the D, Kindred looking to attack it, Barnes getting it clear in the nick of time. Dussindale & Hellesdon with little opportunity to get the ball into the final 3rd get hold of the ball high on the left, threaded though into the Wroxham box, Juby attacking it near post, Robson lunging in to send the ball out for a corner.

 Cheal-Ferris getting on up the left linking up with Clarke going beyond her on the overlap the cross swung into the Dussindale & Hellesdon box, Barnes up to head clear. Drummie central with Cossey on for Clarke in a central position play drawn away from the left, Cheal-Ferris running into space, Clarke picking her out down into the corner, held up on the by-line twists and turns getting room so send in a low ball to the near post, cut out by Tink, conceding the corner. Clarke sending the ball into the mix half cleared Poppy Loveland getting it back for Wroxham top of the area playing it back out to Clarke to fizz another ball into the congested near post area, the ball driven in wide of the post for a goal-kick.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Alisha Juby

  Robson bringing the ball on from half-way for Wroxham into the left channel looking to play Cheal-Ferris in down the wing is caught late, winning the free-kick. Clarke over the ball 25 plus yards out to the left of the area, curled in towards the near post, Drummie running onto the ball her shot blazed over. Chloe Shipman attempting to relieve the pressure on her defence clipping a ball upfield aiming for Juby, the Wroxham centre backs pushed up the the halfway line, it’s Loveland with the header to send the ball back the opposite direction. 

  Clarke getting hold of a misplaced pass 25 yards out for Wroxham left of the area fires it inside for Drummie making a central run lays it on for Fuller right of the D before continuing her run towards the area, Fuller attempts the return pass into her feet, Barnes winning it instead for Dussindale & Hellesdon. Rachel Jermy looking to get stuck into the ball get Dussindale & Hellesdon going forwards the visitors pushing on up the left the a hopeful ball played forwards behind the Wroxham defence has Langan racing forwards, as Bryony Williams starts to come to the top of her area, can’t quite reach it as Langan knocks it past her giving chase as Robson tries to recover the defender able to see the ball run wide of goal, another warning for Wroxham for all their play, Dussindale & Hellesdon have almost found a way through.

  Cole up the other end rushing out of her area to clear as Wroxham turn play around quickly launching the ball up top for Fuller to burst beyond the defence. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick on halfway to the left, fancy it as they send players up from the back lining up across the top of the area. The ball flighted in towards the top of the are headed clear with the break on as Drummie comes away with the ball driving through the middle, lifted on for Fuller in attack, Cole rushing out of her area has to get there to clear, and does.

Wroxham’s. Rachel Cossey

 Wroxham showing a strong determination to get the ball, winning most things fired forwards, Loveland with a couple of strong headed clearances, Clarke covering the ground finding some good positions, Cheal-Ferris and Kindred ready outlets on the flanks. Cossey seeing the ball on for Drummie sweeps a long ball out to Clarke breaking left into the corner her cross lifted into the six yard box claimed by Cole. The hosts with a throw on the right, Kindred taking it on powering into the box, a coming together, Kindred goes down the ball running through to the keeper, but no complaints.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon get the ball on left side knocked into the middle, Clarke attempting to hook the ball away with Bussey closing her down, gets penalised for a high boot the visitors winning the free-kick, 35 yards out central Dussindale & Hellesdon again bringing players forwards the ball fired into the area, Williams calling for it comes into the crowd making a confident catch. 

  Shipman on for Jermy presses though the middle, Loveland sliding in with the challenge slowing Dussindale & Hellesdon’s progress, the ball coming out to the right on for Langan plays the ball into the box for Juby left of goal, tackled by Robson the ball behind for a corner kick. A good delivery dropping into the mix near post, a Wroxham player going down in the melee, a free-kick awarded. 

  Loveland intercepting at the back for Wroxham sends a great ball out to Kindred on the right, Walker closing her down. Dussindale & Hellesdon having found it tough going to get some momentum in the final 3rd starting to find their passes, Jermy getting after the ball helping, Odell coming on right side, Cheal-Ferris slowing her up as Kowalcyzk gets up to support, Clarke back to defend too the crossing opportunity won’t come the ball out for a throw. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Kari Kowalcyzk

  Fuller linking up with Kindred high on the right exchanging passes before Kindred looks to turn into the box, Jermy nipping in on her to take the ball off her foot send it behind for a corner kick. Curled into the mix at the near post knocked don into a six yard box a snap shot, blocked, deflected to the top of the area, Odell attempting to break for the visitors, the ball forwards won back by the hosts.

Sophie Odell bringing the ball on for Dussindale & Hellesdon

GOAL! Into the closing stages of the first half Wroxham looking for the break through have the ball central rolled out to Clarke on the left lays it back for Robson who clips a great ball down the line for Cheal-Ferris to attack, power her way down into the corner before firing a pacy cross into the box, coming on to the right post Kindred meets it inside the area catching it sweetly to drive the ball low under the diving keeper, inside the post 1-0.

Hayley Kindred surrounded by her teammates as she scores the opening goal

Hayley Kindred

  Wroxham with the lead in the 43rd minute. Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to get on the attack as the clock ticks down the ball through the middle, Kowalcyzk getting up field sending the ball in towards Langan inside the D, Loveland cutting it out for the hosts.

Half-time Wroxham Women 1-0 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Wroxham heading into the changing room leading at the break. The break through coming late in the first half. Overall a deserved lead on the balance of play, Wroxham setting the tone early on came out of the traps fast looking to close the ball down squeeze play into the opposition half, getting on well down the flanks, has presented Dussindale & Hellesdon with a few problems, unable to get the ball forwards and make it stick, coming back the defence has put in a dogged shift limiting clear cut opportunities and if anything two of the best chances have fallen to the visitors with a couple of dangerous ball finding their way into the box exposing the hosts. Talking to both camps before the game expected nothing else. Just the one goal in it could still go either way and if all square after the 90 we go straight to penalties.

No changes for either side at the break. Wroxham to kick-off the 2nd period the ball played out to Cheal-Ferris left side, sends it long looking for Fuller up top, Barnes under the ball to clear for the visitors. Both sides battling for possession in the middle of the park, Gambell bringing the ball up the right for the hosts feeding it on for Kindred, charging forwards looks to go inside, Walker closing her down getting her foot on the ball.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Holly Walker

Jermy taking the ball on through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Robson stepping out of defence to close her down, the ball quickly forwards swept out to Cheal-Ferris surging up the left wing into the corner angling a cross into the area, claimed by Cole in her six yard box. The visitors finding space on the left running in behind to swing a cross into the box over the Wroxham defence falls to Juby beyond the far post, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away before being closed down, manages instead to squeeze it back into Langan central top of the area, rushed into her shot the ball racing wide of the right post.

Rachel Jermy

  Wroxham remain lively out on the flank, Clarke linking up with Cheal-Ferris breaking up the line forcing a throw off Bussey in the corner, leading to a corner kick. Clipped into the near post, cut out a launched clear by the Wroxham defence. Isn’t long before Wroxham have it back same result Clarke into Cheal-Ferris up the line to win the corner. Again into the near post, but this time it’s knocked on through the crowd to bounce up before Gambell in front of goal goes to strike it on the half volley, Cole having little time to react the ball coming in fast reacts brilliantly to produce a fantastic save batting the ball away to her left before being clear, Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to counter before play is stopped with Cole down in her area.

  A pause in play while Cole is see to. A lively opening 10 minutes to the 2nd half, Wroxham coming close to doubling their lead, but for Cole who after treatment is able to continue. Play resuming with a drop ball, Drummie passing to Gambell right side forwards into Kindred, powers her way up the wing tracking infield to fizz a cross into Fuller central, Tink cutting it out for the visitors. Loveland getting hold of the ball at the back for Wroxham bringing it on sending a through ball into Kindred breaking up the right to the by-line her cross swung into the six yard box taken cleanly by Cole. 

 

  Dussindale & Hellesdon making the first change of the game bringing on Maddie Goodenough to replace Bussey in defence, sees a change in formation with Odell pushed further up to make it a 4-3-3. Fuller going in to win the ball with Walker seeing the pair coming together, Walker coming off worse landing awkwardly on her ankle. Another break in play needs looking at. While Walker is being assessed Wroxham make their first change bringing of Cossey in the middle with Leilah Gooding coming on.

  Walker not happy with the challenge, is ok to continue play resumes, Kindred wit the ball into Alexander up the right off a throw in the corner looking for a corner, don’t get it. Tink forced into conceding a corner moments later however, from the right curled in across goal to the far post attacked knocked down towards the top of the area left of goal a strike blazed back in on the volley, blocked, Dussindale & Hellesdon with the ball threaten the break with players caught up field. Odell with the ball on her own left channel, Gambell does well to hold her up as Gooding comes round on the cover to clear the ball.

Wroxham’s Ella Gambell

  Gambell down having taken a knock seeing another break in play. Kindred with the ball attacking right side for Wroxham plays the ball inside for Fuller, Barnes going with the striker getting her foot on the ball to clear for a throw. Another change for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Shanice Sutton joining the attack in place of Odell. 

  Fuller nicks the ball as a loose pass from the back 25 yards comes in her direction right of the D, opens the visitors defence up with a dangerous ball into the area, finding Clarke stealing inside unmarked to the left of goal, takes on the shot, driven in low towards goal, Cole diving on her line to pull off anther fantastic save blocking the ball, loose for a moment centrally, Kindred can’t  get free of the recovering defence to follow up. The hosts with a determined display looking for a 2nd goal.

Goalkeeper, Tyla Cole

  Jermy taking the ball on from Kowalcyzk in the middle lifting it high up towards the Wroxham defence an awkward one Loveland heading the ball up  into the air, Wroxham can’t get it clear, as Juby rushes in to try and take it in behind, Williams out to the top of her area seeing the threat out to kick the ball to safety. The game opening up a little Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to push on force the Wroxham defence back give their own defence a little respite.  

Wroxham defender, Poppy Loveland

  Clarke coming off for Wroxham, with Rio Dobbie sent on. Attacking left side the ball played into the box, cut out Wroxham appealing strongly for a penalty, but nothing doing. Dussindale & Hellesdon frustrated with a few decisions going against them, Tink penalised for a shoulder barge presenting Wroxham with a free-kick outside the box left of the area 20 yards out. Kindred on the set-piece angles the ball in towards the far post, no one can get a touch as it runs wide for a goal kick.

  Fuller taking on an Alexander pass into the right channel surging into the box, Barnes on her shoulder, gets to the ball to play it back to the keeper, coming onto her quickly little reaction time slices it behind for a corner to the right. The delivery in central knocked down off a defender towards her own goal, Kindred sticking out a leg inside the six yard box, Cole with another point blank save to block well on her line, the ball cleared out to the left for another corner. 

Dussindale & Hellesdon captain, Calista Tink

  Tallulah Bell coming on for Dussindale & Hellesdon to join the attack replacing Juby. Into the last five minutes of regular play, the game stretched as Dussindale & Hellesdon fire a long ball up to Sutton outside box knocks it down well into the path of the advancing, Jermy, looks to fire it forwards for Langan pulling in behind the defence, Robson cutting it out. Cheal-Ferris up with Dobbie on the left for Wroxham players drawn over to the ball as the cross field ball comes straight to Gambell free 30 yards out from goal central look to get her head down drive forwards see’s her collide with Jermy as she goes to close her down, going down, Dussindale & Hellesdon incensed as the free-kick is awarded against them.

  GOAL! The free-kick in a good position 25 yards from goal roughly right of the D. It’s Drummie to take it, runs in hitting a superb strike angling in on goal over the keeper to see Wroxham at last double their lead 2-0.

Jennifer Drummie sending her free-kick over the keeper to double Wroxham’s lead

Wroxham midfielder, Jennifer Drummie

  With all the stoppages however there is a good chunk of stoppage time to be played. Albany Hodgson making her return for Wroxham coming off the bench to replace Alexander as Wroxham look to see out the game goes into the middle. Dussindale & Hellesdon need to push players on, Kindred looking to exploit the space on the right driving to the by-line, Barnes going with her looking to run the ball out of play, Kindred attempting to play it off her try and win the corner can’t get it.

 Cheal-Ferris too on the opposite flank driving into the corner, getting Wroxham a corner. Drilled in to the near post area, scramble clear, Dussindale & Hellesdon can’t get the break going. Juby back on for Dussindale & Hellesdon as they look to make a push to get a late late goal force some last gasp pressure, Gambell doing well in defence to win the ball as the ball is lifted up top into Langan.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris

  Jermy driving on with the ball out to the right the cross swung in from deep the Wroxham defence tracking back into their own box, it’s Hodgson who gets her head on the ball to clear. Play stopped Kindred taking a knock down concern around her neck but time taken is slowly back to her feet. 5 minutes of stoppage time already played more to come, Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to mount a late charge, Fuller offside as Barnes steps up to clear on halfway launching the ball forwards.

 GOAL! Into the 9th minute of stoppage time Dussindale & Hellesdon pushed up Jermy through the middle squeezing a ball in behind the defence to the right of the area, Williams racing out to try and close down Bell, the attacker nicking the ball past her to roll on into the back of the empty net to set-up a nervous finish 2-1.

Tallulah Bell pulling a goal back for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

  2 minutes left the call from the referee, William hurt as she came together with Bell but alright to play on. Gooding sending the ball up to Fuller who runs the ball into the corner, playing for time Kindred up to support, the ball scrambled clear but brought back for Dussindale & Hellesdon free-kick. The ball into the middle helped on almost sees Sutton pulling into the left channel stealing in behind, but for a vital cut out from Loveland. Everyone up for Dussindale & Hellesdon bar Barnes as they look to force the game into a penalty shootout, Robson fouled by Bell the ball sent up to Fuller in attack running through the middle Barnes on her shoulder has to time her tackle well, and does.

Full time Wroxham Women 2-1 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Wroxham winning the game 2-1 to advance to the last for of the county cup. A determined performance right from the off taking the game to their opponents pushing players on unsettling Dussindale & Hellesdon early on. Scoring late in the first half. Looked to press the advantage 2nd half double the lead early but goalkeeper Tyla Cole produced a number of top draw saves to deny them and keep her side in contention, the visitors changing things up looking to score themselves the game opening up, Wroxham having to wait till the 87th minute to get the 2nd goal. Dussindale & Hellesdon with a dogged defensive display, kept going finding a goal late in stoppage time to set up a tense end to the contest.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time for this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. This is certainly a hard one to call some strong performances out there today. Firstly for Dussindale & Hellesdon, goalkeeper Tyla Cole pulling off several quality stops to deny Wroxham in the 2nd half to keep the score line down and her side in the game right till the end. Defender Jess Barnes with some good challenges timing her tackles well limiting opportunities through the middle. Rachel Jermy covering the ground in the middle getting after the ball making some good runs. Wroxham with a determination in their performance up for the game from the off on the front foot. Poppy Loveland winning the ball well at the back, both with her head and on the floor. Chelsea Clarke playing further forwards lively finding space and linking up well with the attack. Allowed Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris to bomb on on the left flank, got forwards throughout never giving Dussindale & Hellesdon a break. Hayley Kindred likewise, driving on with the ball lively scoring the opening goal. Pressing the game higher up the pitch Wroxham won the ball well, Jennifer Drummie in the thick of the action getting hold of the ball setting up numerous attacks. A great free-kick to double the lead wins todays award.

  A cracking contest, Dussindale & Hellesdon getting stronger every time I see them never out of the game despite Wroxham piling on the pressure. My thanks to both teams for their help with the teams, I might be familiar with all the players but those numbers always help.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v London Seaward FC

Sunday  12th January

FAWNL South East Division One

  A late start to 2025 for myself, but so too for many clubs with the weather at the start of the year leading to two successive weekends of substantial postponements. Thankfully today’s planned match is on, albeit relocated to the neighbouring astro pitch as Cambridge United WFC look to continue their recent good form as they take on London Seaward FC in FAWNL South East Division One.

Representing the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid FAWNL South East Division One has proven an intriguing league to follow in the first half of the 2024/25 season with 9 of the 12 sides staying in close contention with no one able to break away and it will certainly be interesting to see who can emerge on top come the end of the season.

 Cambridge United WFC amongst that pack, a frustrating run of defeats seeing momentum stalled towards the end of the year, injuries to key players at the start of the season and early into the season not helping, have gradually got back to full strength and a positive run to end 2024 picking up to huge wins against Actonians and Norwich City saw the club rebuild momentum and get back at amongst the cluster of sides above them, earning manager Darren Marjoram a nomination for FAWNL Division One manager of the month along the way.

Striker Sarah Wiltshire back at the start of this season after having her 3rd child breaking her arm, on season’s eve. Bella Simmons has stepped up to provide the goals in her absence netting 12 so far this season, and with Wiltshire now back and scoring herself Cambridge have a potent attack along with Alysha Stojko-Down in midfield who has 6 goals to her name to date. Defender, Ella Finneran, joining from London Seaward FC over the summer another suffering injury in pre-season has taken her a while to return to match fitness, no playing a keen to show what she can do.

London Seaward FC formed from the old Leyton Orient side that gained promotion to the FAWNL a few season’s back, Leyton Orient FC pulling their support and name for the women’s side they became an independent women’s football club, with a strong squad and young manager in Dan McKimm who quickly earned a high reputation, eventually leading to him being offered the London Bees management role, that has seen several London Seaward players move across the capital to join him.

The loss of manager and a good portion of players over the summer saw something of a rebuild take place at London Seaward, possessing a healthy squad of players, nevertheless have had to bring several new players in, amongst those, goalkeeper, Alex Baker a vastly having played for Billericay Town Women and defender, Beatrice Rogers who started last season with Cambridge United WFC. An unsettled spell the managers role now taken on by Jason Murray as the club looks to beat the drop. Despite starting the season with a win London Seaward FC find themselves in a battle to avoid relegation along side Ashford Town (Middlesex) Women and Chesham United Women, with 2 of the 3 going down. Just a single point earnt since, have nevertheless been working hard, fighting for points encouraged in recent games a narrow 1-0 loss at home to Norwich last weekend felt they could have taken something from the game. Katherine Long top scorer with 5 goals to her name.

With the freezing weather looking to put pay to the action on the grass pitches this weekend, Cambridge had a back-up playing at St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus stadium the site has an astro itch situated behind the main stadium. Permission sought to relocate the game to get it on. Have covered a few games on the pitch not recently however, the fenced pitch now having a small covered area by the side for spectators as well and standing viewing behind one goal. A few layers on to protect from the cold, felt quite pleasant actually, if just above freezing a warm cup of tea helping. A large pitch offering good width.

Today’s game relocated to the Premier Plus Stadium’s astro pitch.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb Lauren Rouse Abbie Jackson, Elle Finneran, Charlotte Gillies, Ella Marden, Eva Hubbard (C), Serena Cobb, Alysha Stojko-Down, Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Gisela Otten, Sammy Edgar & Rosy Wodhams.

Cambridge United WFC

 London Seaward FC starting XI – Alex Baker, Mia South, Rochelle Mayne, Niamh McKevitt, Beatrice Rogers, Sharne Harris, Maisie Cannon (C), Suzy Davies, Laila Malcolm, Leila Awan & Cloe O’Brien. Subs – Lily Aungier, Emma Cianter & Zainab El-Mouden.

London Seaward FC

Captain’s Maisie Cannon and Eva Hubbard with today’s referee, Sarah Tonks

Cambridge getting back to full strength have Elle Finneran in a defence making her 2nd start of the season. The hosts having the kick-off in the first half wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. London Seaward lining up without top scorer Long opposite wearing light blue shirts with a navy swirl design, navy shorts and light blue socks. Cambridge launching the ball out to the right wing for Charlotte Gillies to attack as she bursts forwards, Sharne Harris under it to win the header for the visitors the ball out for a throw in. 

Cambridge looking to press the ball high up the pitch in the early exchanges Gillies on the right in to close the ball down inside for Sarah Wiltshire she looks to release Gillies down the line, held up by Harris knocked back up the pitch to be crossed into the box, Niamh McKevitt heading clear inside the box for London Seaward. The visitors regain possession in the middle look to counter attack, Suzy Davies taking the ball forwards through the middle with a powerful run threading it out to the right flanks for Leila Awan, looks to take the ball on, Cambridge defender Abbie Jackson moving out to close her down, tackling to send the ball out for a throw.

London Seaward’s Leila Awan

Both sides competitive looking to win the ball, Cloe O’Brien up top for London Seaward moving about the ground looking to close down the defence, Finneran dispossessing Awan as she looks to attack on the right again, the ball cleared into Bella Simmons on halfway turns and drives forwards with the ball for Cambridge laying it out to captain Eva Hubbard drifting out to the left side, Awan tracking back to help in defence closing her down before she turns inside looking to cross.

O’Brien fouling Finneran as she brings the ball on down the left a free-kick on half way the ball lifted out to the right side, Gillies taking it on whipping a cross low into the near post, Rochelle Mayne able to shield it back to her keeper as Wiltshire looks to attack it. Simmons with some great movement coming for the ball for Cambridge and turning to drive at the London Seaward defence moving right looks to send Gillies on down the line, Harris getting her foot out to block the pass bring the ball away for the visitors.

Competitive, a few robust challenges being made free-kicks given away, Alysha Stojko-Down with the pass into Simmons moving into the right channel 25 yards out attempts to feed the ball on for Wiltshire ahead of her as she breaks into the box, Mayne getting across her to see the ball back safely to her keeper. A pause in play as both Davies for London Seaward and Rouse for Cambridge are down with knocks, both hobbling slightly as they get back to their feet but both okay to play on. The Cambridge defence pushed up often to the halfway line as the hosts look to press London Seaward.

Jackson winning the ball at the back for Cambridge lifting a great pass forwards for Ella Marden on the left, into the corner has Wiltshire coming to support, taking the ball inside sends a dangerous ball looping across the face of the London Seaward goal on the angle out past the far post for a goal-kick.

Ella Marden taking the ball on for Cambridge

Cambridge winning the ball well looking to get forwards, Hubbard taking the ball on down the left wing sees her cross, deflected behind of Mia South for a corner kick. Swept in across the six yard box dropping far post, no one can make contact as London Seaward retrieve the ball and look to break up the left with Harris on the ball. O’Brien fighting for the ball in the Cambridge half, squirms away with it looking for options, Beatrice Rogers providing an attacking run on the right, the Cambridge back line hold their line well, Rogers straying offside.

Beatrice Rogers stretching to win the ball for London Seaward

Rogers doing the defending up the other end as Cambridge looking to send a diagonal ball from the centre into Stojko-Down as she breaks forwards into the left channel, Rogers winning the ball. Simmons linking up with Gillies as Cambridge attack down the right, Gillies delivering a vicious cross into the penalty box, Wiltshire looking to cushion it down into her feet hit on the half volley, the touch a fraction to heavy, giving Mayne the vital fraction of a second to swing her leg out launch the ball clear.

London Seaward defender, Rochelle Mayne

Hubbard up on the left for Cambridge with the hosts winning the ball back on halfway a strong forwards run, Rogers closing her down to tackle win the ball back the visitors looking to launch a rapid counter attack the ball played into Awan central, Rogers bursting on up the right sees the ball played into her path taking it on down the line whips a cross into the six yard box, Cambridge goalkeeper, however making a comfortable catch.

Suzy Davies carrying the ball forwards for London Seaward

Cambridge with the lions share of the ball going forwards, London Seaward absorbing alot at the back, nevertheless look a threat on the counter attack and lively Cambridge can’t afford to get complacent in possession. Harris bringing the ball on well on the left for London Seaward, O’Brien coming to receive the ball, turns looking to attack the Cambridge defence, runs into Rouse, doesn’t get very far.

London seaward captain, Maisie Cannon

London Seaward captain, Maisie Cannon getting hold of the ball forwards for Davies on to Awan right side attempts to turn infield, Finneran stretching out a leg winning the ball back for Cambridge. Laila Malcolm with a strong challenge to win the ball for the visitors, O’Brien coming back to receive the ball, turns sending the threaded ball into Awan on the right, comes inside her cross intercepted outside the box.

Cambridge’s Elle Finneran

Harris fouled by Stojko-Down on halfway, South over the set-piece as London Seaward send players up the field. The ball lifted into the top of the Cambridge box, Jackson attacking it to win the header clearing for Cambridge. Simmons picking the ball up from deep for Cambridge with another powerful run with the ball drifting right lays it out to Gillies who runs it to the by-line before whipping her cross into the six yard box, Rogers pulling her foot through the ball as she turns in front of goal to clear the ball away to the left for a throw.

Cambridge building pressure pushing players on Hubbard left with Stojko-Down who is fouled outside the area to the left of goal. The free-kick floated into the far post area knocked down the ball blocked inside the six yard box, half cleared a shot struck from outside the area on the right also blocked with London Seaward all back to defend. Cambridge winning the ball back inside the final 3rd a shot from range on the right driven in on goal straight at the keeper, Baker with a straight forward save.

O’Brien up top on her own getting about well to try and press the Cambridge defence, frustrated a little too strong with her tackles at times. Malcolm getting hold of the ball for London Seaward looks for the run of Awan to the right, lays it inside for O’Brien, but she is closely marked by Jackson who prevents her turning 30 yards out.

Cloe O’Brien bringing the ball under control for London Seaward

Cambridge on the attack right side the cross-field ball out to the left won by Marden outside the area played into the area for Wiltshire to latch onto, burst on towards the near post in behind the defence gets her strike away on the angle, Baker behind the ball reacting well beating the ball down, her defence quick to recover to scramble the ball away to safety as Simmons races in to try and attack the loose ball.

Davies and Marden tussling for the ball out on the left, Marden winning the free-kick on half way. Flung out to the right side, Simmons fouled as an overly high challenge comes in attempting to win the ball. The set-piece 30 yards out to the right of goal. Wiltshire’s ball into the top of the area cleared out to the left Marden latching onto it sending it back in towards the far post Jackson looking to attack it a faint touch out behind for a goal kick.

London Seaward keep soaking up the pressure ready to launch the counter Davies marching forwards with the ball playing a diagonal pass out to Harris bombing on up the left coming inside fires a ball into the area angling across goal, Webb can see it safely wide of her far post. Awan with good foot work on the ball wriggling away to burst forwards left channel before being upended by Rouse winning the free kick. South on the set-piece lifted into the top of the area, Jackson with the clearing header once again.

Abbie Jackson heading the ball clear for Cambridge

Cambridge guilty of giving away free kicks inviting a little pressure themselves, the ball played into the box from deep on the left is missed by the defence as it drops on the penalty spot, O’Brien’s eyes lighting up as she snatches a shot away, Webb with a fantastic save from point blank range saving with her legs as the ball is struck at her, deflected away to the right and cleared for a throw in.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

London Seaward encouraged from the throw 25 yards out dropped into O’Brien turns to send the ball into Awan top of the D takes the ball over to the left looking for an opening takes on the strike from 20 yards out dragging her effort wide of the left post.

Hubbard out to Marden attacking down Cambridge’s left sends the ball into the London Seaward box, Stojko-Down running in near side turns the ball wide of the post. Malcolm into Harris on the left for London Seaward up the wing into Awan, drives forwards before being brought down right on the edge of the area. A dangerous position, South on the set-piece fired into the the Cambridge wall.

Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard

Cambridge for all their attacking play frustrated by London Seaward, matching their formation dropping back, clear cut chances hard to come by, Hubbard from a free-kick central playing the ball on for Simmons, looks to knock it down for Stojko-Down positioned top of the box, Mayne in close on her defending for London Seaward. Wiltshire pulled down as she attacks out right for Cambridge 25 yards from goal. Over the resulting free-kick herself swings the ball in close on goal, Baker getting up well to claim the ball for the visiting side.

Cambridge’s Alysha Stojko-Down with London Seawards’ Laila Malcolm

The first half rapidly drawing to a close, Baker with the ball in her gloves with the drop kick, smashes the ball against the back of one of her unsuspecting defenders 20 yards out floored the ball rebounds straight into the path of Wiltshire outside the D, takes a wild swing at the ball attempting to find the exposed goal, instead pulls her attempt wide of the left post thankfully for Baker.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-0 London Seaward FC

  The sides head into the changing room goalless at the break. A spirted display in defence from London Seaward have soaked up alot of pressure without presenting their opponents with many clear cut opportunities. Cambridge on top in terms of possession, maybe a little frustrated winning the first ball well, the 2nd not so much as London Seaward work hard to close it down in the final 3rd. The visitors actually with the best opportunity in the first half forcing a point blank save from Webb. Have looked to break with pace turn play around so far frustrating Cambridge.

No changes for either side as the floodlights come on at the beginning of the 2nd half, what little (warmth) there was has faded time to get the hat out as the two sides emerge for from the changing rooms neither making a change with London Seaward getting the 2nd 45 underway. The back into midfield finding it’s way back to Baker in goal as Cambridge look to get on the front foot straight away pressing the ball.

Simmons taking the ball on up the right wing playing the pass inside to Cobb pushing on towards the box looks to send the ball inside towards Wiltshire, can’t quite bring it down under control as McKevitt closes her down the ball cleared away to the left side, Marden latching onto the shot 25 yards out sending a powerful shot in towards goal, threatening to fly in under the crossbar Baker with a wonderful save getting a glove up to tip the ball over the crossbar.

London seaward defender, Niamh McKevitt

  From the resulting corner on the right the delivery is curled in across the face of goal dropping far post met by Jackson’s head six yards out planted her attempt straight at the keeper, Baker grabbing hold of the ball. Cambridge with a positive start to the 2nd half have London Seaward pushed back into the final 3rd, Malcolm fouling Simmons as she looks to keep hold of the ball on the right. Jackson playing the free-kick on up the right for Simmons as she looks to combine with Gillies playing the one two, Harris going with Gillies able to see Simmons return pass out of play for a goal-kick.

  Hubbard getting forwards on the left for Cambridge brought down outside the area. Wiltshire over the set-piece from the angle 25 yards out takes on the shot, Baker behind it all the way to save comfortably. Fouls being given away on both sides, London Seaward finding it harder to get out from the back as Cambridge work to close the ball down keep building pressure.

  Thing’s tight in the box, Cambridge getting players on struggling to carve a hole through a determined London Seaward defence, South putting in the blocking tackle as Hubbard looks to lay Stojko-Down in left of goal. Jackson intercepting on half way for Cambridge playing the ball back into the middle for Hubbard who has Cobb breaking forwards ahead of her into the right channel, seeing the ball into her feet drives on, Harris coming to close her down with a strong tackle to get the ball clear for the visitors.

London Seaward’s, Sharne Harris

 Won’t stick up top, O’Brien working hard still to close the defence down, lacking support with her side pushed back, does well though to win her side a free-kick out on the left 30 yards from goal, an opportunity to relief the pressure, South on the ball, sends a high ball looping up in towards goal, Webb not distracted by runners closing in keeping her eye on the ball to take a clean catch.

  Cambridge making the first change of the game with Rosy Wodhams coming onto the pitch, in place of Marden with Hubbard moving over to the left. Simmons out to the right for Cambridge taking the ball on from Gillies driving into the corner, whips a low cross into the near post close on goal, Mayne tracking back, getting their in front of Wiltshire to intercept. Wodhams adding another threat with her midfield runs for Cambridge driving at the defence, Cannon lunging in to halt her run.

Maisie Cannon winning the ball for London Seaward

  Wodhams seeing the ball down into her feet from a throw on the right as Cambridge look to find the break through, turns quickly to thread the pass into the area for Stojko-Down bursting clear right of goal, the angle closing down releases her strike, targeting the near post, Baker down sharply to divert the ball into the side netting, corner.

 The delivery comes looping in beyond the far post the six yard box crowded, the ball headed back over to the right side, turned behind for a 2nd corner. Hubbard playing the ball back into the area headed clear for a throw on the right.  Simmons pushed over out wide on the right for Cambridge 25 yards out, Wiltshire to deliver the set-piece into the area, knocked clear into Wodhams central, lays it back to Wiltshire who sweeps the ball into the far post area on the angle, Jackson attacking it driving her header wide of the far post, the London Seaward defence stepping up well though catching her offside.

  Most of the play inside the London Seaward half, Cambridge knocking on the door looking for the opening goal, Hubbard taking the ball on down the left sweeping a cross long into the box, Harris dealing with it for London Seaward. Tense out there, London Seaward battling, Cambridge a little frustrated, attack on the right Wiltshire quicker to the ball snatching onto it as she breaks into the area wide of goal from the angle looks to shoot across the keeper, Baker down well pushing the ball away to the left. Cambridge retrieving left side clipping the ball back into the mix, Mayne up stretching to meet it with her head very nearly turns the ball into her own net, Baker with the reactive save at close range to beat the ball down, a scramble for the ball ensues London Seaward digging it away to safety, play paused with Baker down having taken a knock but able to continue.

Serina Cobb bringing the ball on for Cambridge

  Simmons looking to chase the ball down as it is rolled forwards into the box, running out of room gets a faint touch to play it off Mayne tracking her run to win a corner kick, although I’m not certain Mayne made contact with the ball, she certainly doesn’t think so. Corner nevertheless. London Seaward not happy a few tempers flaring as a couple of decisions go against them a free-kick awarded wide on the right, Wiltshire to deliver players up into the are swung into the six yard box headed away to the left a 2nd cross put into the mix, Baker up well to get hold of the ball.

Goalkeeper Alex Baker with a number of saves to keep it at 0-0

  London seaward making their first change, Emma Cianter coming on in place of Davies. Cambridge making a change too with Sammy Edgar coming into the midfield replacing Cobb midway through the half. All action Cambridge pushing for a goal Hubbard attacking on the left sending in a cross long to the far post Gillies providing the run looking to head the ball back in at goal, Harris tracking back with her, the winger can’t get the ball over the defender, Harris cutting it out clearing the ball.

Cambridge defender, Lauren Rouse

  Rouse brings the ball forwards for Cambridge pushing the ball on into Stojko-Down who helps the ball on into the area for Wiltshire making the attacking run ahead of her pulls the trigger, Mayne  blocking for London Seaward. 20 minutes left the visitors fighting hard at the back, Hubbard attacking left side, swinging a cross into the penalty spot, McKevitt up well to head the ball away for London Seaward. Simmons lively on the right linking up with Gillies, Harris snapping back at the ball to put it out for a throw.

Bella Simmons

GOAL! The break through comes for Cambridge, have been knocking on the door all through the 2nd half, Gillies on the right plays the ball inside to Wodhams who makes a driving run at the London Seaward defence right of the D 20 yards out players converging to close her down the ball blocked is deflected away across the top of the D, Stojko-Down finds herself in space running onto the loose ball and meets it sweetly rifling the ball beyond Baker into the top corner to score 1-0.

Build up to the opening goal, Alysha Stojko-Down moving to attack the loose ball

Took a wonder strike but the London Seaward defence is finally breached Cambridge with the lead, the visitors responding with a change, Cannon coming off to be replaced by Lily Aungier. London Seaward immediately look to force there way forwards, Harris determined on the left, comes off the worst in a 50/50 challenge with both Rouse and Simmons moving in to block the ball as the wingback goes to strike it. Harris getting the decision winning her side a free-kick. South to play the ball into the top of the area Cambridge defend.

 

  Harris brought off for London Seaward as the visitors send on Zainab El-Mouden, the game opening up a little. Hubbard from a throw on the left wins Cambridge a corner as her cross from the by-line is deflected behind. The corner curled in centrally, met by Jackson her header threatening to fly in under the bar, Baker once more with a fabulous save to tip the ball over for another corner.

 In from the right the ball is knocked down to the top of the area, falling for Hubbard can’t quite dig the ball out of her feet as London Seaward rush out to close her down, snatches her shot wide of the left post. The game opening up with London Seaward in need of an equaliser, Baker looks to be beaten as the shot from 20 yards out right of the D loops over her, the ball smashing against the crossbar drops down into the six yard box and is scrambled clear.

 London Seaward break away through the middle O’Brien striding on with the ball releasing Cianter out wide on the right presses for the corner before sending an angled ball low into the near post, Webb down to the floor to smother the ball. Edgar finding Simmons out on the right the Cambridge attacker sending the ball up the line for Wiltshire powers her way forwards dragging two London Seaward defenders with her before checking back inside leaving them in her wake as she turns into the box and strikes the ball goal-wards, Baker there down to make the save.

Cambridge’s Charlotte Gillies

  Jackson having picked up a slight knock for Cambridge coming off at the back in the closing stages of the game, with Gisela Otten coming on. The game stretched players tiring, Wiltshire beating the offside trap on the right side bursting into the area, McKevitt recovers well to get back at her lunging across her angled shot to block the ball turn it behind for a corner kick. 

  The game tense, Cambridge getting a little nervy, determined to hold onto there lead as London Seaward have to take a few risks get forwards themselves the pitch opening up. Edgar lining up a strike from all of 30 yards out, blasted straight at the keeper. Simmons with the ball on the right forwards into Wiltshire outside the box, lays it off for Wodhams pushing up from the middle, Malcolm sliding in to win the ball back for London Seaward top of the D.

  A 4th change for Cambridge with defender Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris coming on to replace Hubbard as the hosts look to see out the game. Into stoppage time seconds left, London Seaward winning a free-kick out on the right, send everyone forwards into the box including the keeper as South floats the ball into the mix, all happening as players look to attack the ball, the referee falling over too, the ball scrambled clear by Cambridge the break is on Gillies racing after the ball, Baker stranded in the wrong area, only South has a chance of catching the winger as she races back to her own goal looking to close the angle, Gillies taking a touch, putting her foot through the ball from distance sees the ball run wide of the right post.

Everyone into the Cambridge box for a last gasp free-kick

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 London Seaward FC 

 

 Alysha Stojko-Down with the 2nd half screamer, sealing the 3rd league win in a row for Cambridge as they pull themselves securely back into the jostle amongst the sides pushing for top spot in the division. Were made to work for it by a determined London Seaward who battled hard in defence for a long period in the 2nd half, Alex Baker with a number of saves keeping her side firmly in the game took a wonder strike to beat her. London Seaward return home frustrated with another narrow defeat, may well have had the lead in the 1st half, however Cambridge came out determined in the 2nd half, rarely letting their opponents out, players attacking looking for the opening, frustrated were knocking on the door the goal certainly a relief when it came back to back clean sheets too a positive start to 2025 London Seaward remain in the bottom two the gap to Chesham four points, will fight for every one with 7 games to go.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto the 1st Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award for 2025. This is certainly a tough one with several contenders and have to give both sides credit for their all round team performances. Firstly for London Seaward, the whole defence put in a shift, goalkeeper Alex Baker pulling off a number of top draw saves to frustrate Cambridge and keeper her side right in contention. Leila Awan with several positive runs in the first half especially looking to create openings. Sharne Harris fighting to the ball, defending out on the left with a number of vital tackles. For Cambridge the 3 at the back with less to do but still very well organised and marshalled the middle of the pitch well with Cambridge pushed up, Abbie Jackson adding a threat from set-pieces inside the box with a couple of good opportunities to score herself. Captain Eva Hubbard with several good runs forwards taking the ball out to the left and looking to pick out the strikers inside the box. Alysha Stojko-Down with a superb winning goal, found pockets of space to exploit throughout in a congested final 3rd. The award though goes to Bella Simmons, right form the off she was intent on winning the ball and drove continuously at London seaward back line linking up well with her fellow attackers, creating numerous opportunities.

  Good to be back a good match to start 2025, as intrigued as anyone to see who will emerge out on top on FAWNL South East Division One. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details today. A cold one but the layers did their job.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Costessey Sports Ladies v Fakenham Town Ladies

Sunday 15th December

Norfolk Women’s Division One

It has been a lean spell football wise with Storm’s Bert and Darragh playing havoc with the fixture lists across the country. One last game to watch in 2024 however and getting to see Costessey Sports Ladies in action has been a challenge in itself. At last getting down to the FDC to see them play as they take on Fakenham Town Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division One.

The first 4 months of the season have been highly disruptive across the board in Norfolk Women’s Division One with the weather and early season FA Cup fixtures seeing games postponed and moved. With many having played just 4 or 5 out of there 20 scheduled league games so far it promises to be a busy 2025. Bungay Town Ladies the defending champions, looking strong again this season in what is a competitive league will be intriguing to see if other challengers emerge.

  Have been looking to see Costessey Sports Ladies in action this season and having seen two attempts fall by the way side (the first with just half and hours notice… not their doing however) am glad it’s 3rd time lucky. Costessey ports Ladies amongst the new crop of sides joining the Norfolk Women’s Football league last season. The only one to be placed straight into Division One. A young squad signing a few experienced players to bolster the group, had an up and down debut season results wise winning as many as they lost, a 4 game winning streak to end the campaign securing them a comfortable 6th placed finish.

  Began this season with a couple of heavy defeats at home to champions, Bungay and in the county cup against promoted Bure Valley. A lean spell fixture wise to follow starting with an away walk over in the FA Women’s Cup, had hoped to see them then against Suffolk’s Stowupland, had even got to the carpark when I was notified the game was off. Still Costessey got an away day against Essex side Bowers & Pitsea Ladies their 1st FA Cup adventure ending, back to the league getting to play at last a win and three draws pulling them away from the bottom giving Costessey a solid platform to build on. Have recruited more experience in the squad with the arrival of ex-Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Abbi Nobbs, along with attacker, Chelsea Brister. The most recent addition attacker Grace Wall joining from Long Stratton.

  Fakenham Town Ladies ended a 2 year spell playing regional football, dropping out of the ERWFL last season. Were in danger of folding entirely as they lost much of that squad with the season just a week away with just a handful of experienced players remaining, amongst them, new captain, Gina Pooley and goalkeeper, Tilly Betts. Under new management were fortunate to have a group of younger players to call upon, as well as recruiting a few from the highly thought of Dussindale & Hellesdon u16s side. Nevertheless began the season with a young and very inexperienced squad. 

  Hasn’t seemed to phase them however as they began their season with a 5-1 win in the FA Women’s Cup against Essex side Stanway Rovers Ladies before clinching a 2-2 draw with last season’s Division One runners-up, Sprowston FC Women, a loss followed before Fakenham clinched back to back wins and a draw to climb into 4th spot in the table, a loss against Bungay following that clinched a point away from home last weekend, come to the FDC with a solid start to the new campaign behind them. Helped largely by their top scorer Maddie Green, dual signed with Suffolk side Capel Plough Women along with sister Katie. Is the leagues leading scorer so far with 12 goals from her 8 appearances. Have recently added Holly Williams to the squad coming in from King’s Lynn.

The Harrod Sports Arena

  The FDC (Football Development Centre) in Bowthorpe the venue for this afternoon’s fixture. Home for the Costessey Sports teams this season. The football facility one of a number dotted about the county. On the way into Norwich from the east off the A47. Boast a number of small artificial pitches along with the main Harrod Sports Arena. A large 3G pitch with a small seated stand on one side with standing viewing on 3 sides of the pitch. The café/bar open serving hot food and drink. The weather much kinder this Sunday calm and relatively mild, the sun able to make a showing was soon the sink below the horizon with a 2:30pm kick-off and the shortest day fast approaching.

Costessey Sports Ladies starting XI – Ellie Hambrook, Layla Watts, Paige Barnard (C), Alyssia Baldock, Sophie Crowle, Abbi Nobbs, Hannah Campbell, Abbie Tate, Thea Hackney, Chelsea Brister & Chloe Gaff. Subs – Kelly Fox, Sydnie Brown, Grace Wall & Hannah Thrower.

Costessey Sports Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Gina Pooley, Kirstie Rusted, Ella Ballett, Marcie McCullagh, Megan Bond, Katie Green, Holly Williams, Roxanne Grant, Beth Seymour & Maddie Green. Subs – Laura Booth, Sydney Smith & Fran Wood.

Fakenham Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Paige Barnard and Gina Pooley with this afternoons march referee Daniel Knowles

 Referee, Daniel Knowles straight into his 2nd match of the day having officiated the youth game ending on the same pitch half an hour earlier. Fakenham with the kick-off 1st half wearing amber coloured shirts with black sleeves, black shorts and socks with Costessey lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Katie Green in the middle launches it long out to the left flank for sister, Maddie to attack, a strong run, is tracked back by Costessey’s Layla Watts the defender holding Green up, forcing her to switch direction knock the ball on across the top of the D, turning to send the ball into the area, quickly scooped up by Costessey goalkeeper, Ellie Hambrook. 

 The visitors testing their opponents with a couple of long passes into the flanks early on. Costessey captain, Paige Barnard dealing with the ball pull down Fakenham’s right wing. Both sides moving to press the ball, is a wide pitch space to exploit if play gets too congested in the middle. Thea Hackney seeing the ball played into her feet out wide on Costessey’s left surging forwards is brought down the hosts winning a free-kick, played up the line for Hackney to attack gets her foot around the ball whipping an inviting cross in towards the penalty spot, Fakenham captain, Gina Pooley running back towards her own goal twisting well to stretch and get a foot on the ball to divert it out of her area. 

  Costessey regaining possession in the middle, Abbi Nobbs on for Abbigail Tate threads it into the right channel for Chelsea Brister bearing down on goal from the angle pulls her shot in towards goal past Tilly Betts coming to cover her near post the ball across the x yard box, cleared by Kirstie Rusted at the far post straight back to Brister on the right, tries again for the near post, Pooley in the way blocking her effort off the defender for a corner kick. 

  The corner swung into the box from the right, headed clear by Fakenham’s defence. Pooley going on on the overlap on the left taking the pass from midfield on down the line holding off a challenge before turning inside to cross on the angle, too close to the keeper at her near post, Hambrook laying claim to the ball. 

  Costessey having rode out a little pressure at the start getting onto the ball turning play around quickly, Tate, feeding the ball on for Hackney out on the left touchline burst forwards winning her side a corner kick. Brister to deliver, a vicious in-swinger in at the near post, Bets getting her gloves up to punch the ball away to the right, half cleared out of the box, Costessey win it back the shot from range sailing over the crossbar. 

  The hosts getting the ball into Hackney on the left, allowing midfielders to break forwards, the cross put inside across the top of the area, Hannah Campbell looking to attack it on the run, doesn’t quite get hold of it cleanly, the ball put on towards goal, lacking pace, Betts coming to gather. The two sides appearing evenly matched in the early exchanges. McCullagh bringing the ball out from the back for Fakenham sending it on for Holly Williams moving out to the left taking it on down the line cuts the cross back in central to Maddie Green outside the D, looking to hit it first time as she runs onto the ball, closed down doesn’t get enough on it to trouble Hambrook.

  Williams in the middle nicking the ball, turning to strike from range top of the centre circle, her effort on target angling in straight into the keeper’s gloves. Costessey’s Campbell, stealing onto the ball in the middle of the park, driving on linking up with Tate ahead of her the pass swept out to Brister on the right, from the angle 25 yards out takes on the shot, blasted wide across goal at the far post adjudged to have taken a nick off a defender on the way through a corner awarded. 

 The corner whipped into the near post with pace his headed out by a Fakenham head for a 2nd corner. The delivery coming back out to Campbell outside the box to the left of goal her strike racing in wide of the far post. Competitive in the middle, the ball rarely still both sides keen to turn play around quickly. Maddie Green leading the line for Fakenham often pulling out to the left flank looking to see the ball into her feet and turn to attack down the line, is keeping Watts busy the full back going with her holding Green up in the corner getting a challenge in to send the ball out for a throw. 

Hackney the outlet on the left for Costessey pushing forwards as Nobbs lays the diagonal pass into her path, threatening to go beyond the Fakenham backline, Betts takes no chances rushing out of her area to launch the ball clear before Hackney can latch onto it. Katie Green plays the ball into Maddie Green on halfway, the attacker seeing the ball down into her feet well before turning to race away from her marker down the left wing shooting on the angle targeting the near post, Hambrook down at her post to get behind the ball and make the save. 

GOAL! A half chance at one end Costessey hit their opponents on the break with a rapid counter the ball fired up the line into Hackney bursting away on the left, long legged strides into the box closing in on goal, the angle quickly going against her into the six yard box shoots sending her strike low past the keeper into the bottom corner 1-0.

Thea Hackney all smiles as she fires Costessey into the lead

 Costessey with the opening goal inside the first 15 minutes of the contest, getting the ball forwards well the attackers looking to combine. Tate moving left linking up with Chloe Watts exchanging passes before Watts surges on with it to the by-line just not quite able to keep it in play as she looks to put the ball in across the face of the Fakenham goal. Watts left channel seeing the ball into her feet turning well to lay it on into the box for Hackney, McCullagh getting the tackle in to see the ball turned behind for a corner kick. 

Fakenham’s Marcie McCullagh

  The corner curled in across the six yard box cleared at the far post, the hosts with players around the top of the area moving in to close the ball down regain possession, Campbell with a strike from distance, caught by Betts back on her line. Busy game mustn’t take your eye off it, Pooley bringing the ball on looking to link up with Maddie Green on the left the return ball played back inside for Pooley pushing on, intercepted by Costessey’s Alyssia Baldock at the back. 

Advantage played as Hackney is brought down on the left, Tate in possession bringing the ball infield lifting her pass on for Brister wide right she shot/cross into the six yard box, cleared by Fakenham’s Ella Ballett. Watts and Maddie Green continue to enjoy a good contest the attacker finding the full back hard to shake off taking the ball into the left corner, Watts getting a foot in to tap it out of play for a throw. 

Layla Watts with Fakenham’s Maddie Green

  Katie and Maddie Green looking to combine passes from the throw in the cross whipped into the near post headed away by Sophie Crowle back playing for Costessey having returned from her first term in Exeter at university. Fakenham looking to up the ante get themselves some much needed momentum going forwards, Katie Green laying down the gauntlet looking to get hold of the ball and drive forwards into the tightly packed area inside the Costessey D, the ball deflected off a defender a shot taken from 20 yards out flying narrowly over the crossbar.

 GOAL! Fakenham having moved up a gear pressing players on the ball won back inside the Costessey half coming to Pooley central lays it out to the right with Katie Green pulling into space 30 yards out, decides to try her luck taking on the strike catches the ball sweetly sending in up into the air on target angling over the keeper to drop under the bar and into the back of the net to level the scores 1-1.

Katie Green firing in a spectacular equaliser for Fakenham

 Fakenham back on level terms 7 minutes after conceding, make an immediate change bringing off Bond with Sydney Smith coming into the attack taking up a position on the left. Costessey with a change too bringing on Grace Wall in place of Watts in their attack. Fakenham coming back into the game strongly in the last 5 minutes getting back on level terms. Costessey looking to fightback the ball up the right into Wall, tackled by Pooley for a throw high up the pitch. Wall edge of the box looking to head it on into the mix, Fakenham don’t clear pops back to Wall right of the D, goes to shoot her effort hitting a Seymour at close range. A painful one but denies a goal scoring chance.

  Grant winning the ball back on the right for Fakenham keeping an attack alive sends it inside for the onrushing Katie green who in turn clips a diagonal ball out to the left, looking for Smith, Watts the last defender getting a vital touch to turn the ball back into her keeper to clear. A busy game Tate lifting a high ball on for Hackney on the move left side the Costessey winger screwing her cross back into the area, a sliced clearance almost seeing the ball run on for Wall to run onto, Pooley stabbing it out of her path. The ball cleared out to the right Crowle latching onto it trying her luck with the shot back in towards goal Betts at her near post taking it on the bounce.

Fakenham captain, Gina Pooley

  Both sides enjoying good spells of play in the match even for the most part, Tate linking up with Hackney on the left sends the cross out to Wall breaking up the right, Pooley stretching a leg out to intercept the ball turning it back in to her keeper.  

GOAL! Fakenham attack through the middle the ball finding Maddie green pulling away to the left corner of the area, Watts going with her holding the attacker up Green forcing the ball inside across the top of the D, Williams taking it on looking to find a gap in the Costessey defence threads a ball through into Smith positioned wide left of the goal six yards out strikes the ball under the keeper to score her first goal for the club and put the visitors into the lead 1-2. 

Sydney Smith fires Fakenham into the lead

  Just over half an hour played and Fakenham have come from behind to take the lead. Look to press the advantage, Williams busy on the ball taking it right finding Maddie Green out on the wing, looks to take the ball on Barnard going with her seeing the ball out for a corner kick. Curled into the near post Costessey defend clearing the ball get on the move up the other end, Hackney played in down the left her pace taking the ball on rapidly, the challenge coming in the ball put out for a corner up the opposite end of the ground. 

 Brister has been playing in some useful deliveries from her corners this one curled into the box Wall up to head the ball near side turning it wide across the six yard box cleared to the right as the floodlights start to come on with the light fading fast.

  Maddie Green shaking her marker for once on the left taking the ball on down the line her touch too heavy however allowing Crowle the chance to get round on the cover getting in the way of her cross to turn it behind for a corner. The game stretched end to end if anything both sides a little too hasty to get the ball into their attackers making it hard for support to get up with them quick enough, Wall played in on the right looking for options, Pooley comes sliding in to take the ball out for the throw.

  Katie Green back in her box to clear the cross played in from a throw in, sends it up to Smith on the left, plays in inside to Maddie Green, back to Williams, tries to put the return ball into Green’s path as she breaks into the box, Baldock reading it standing her ground cutting out the pass. Barnard over on the right now fouled by Smith, Costessey taking the free-kick quickly Barnard up the wing on the overlap taking the ball on sending a low ball racing into the six yard box, Hackney making the central run, can’t quite untangle the ball from her feet to get a shot away before Ballett stabs it clear.

  Half-time Costessey Sports Ladies 1-2 Fakenham Town Ladies

The teams stay out on the pitch by their respective dugouts at half-time. Has been a fast paced and entertaining opening 45 minutes. The ball rarely still both sides competitive, looking to get forwards quickly. Both enjoying good spells of play throughout the half, Costessey opening the scoring, Fakenham fought back well needing to lift things and did going on to not only equalise but take the lead. Both sides creating further chances will be interesting to see if they can keep up the intensity in the 2nd half. 

  The floodlights now taking full effect as the 2nd half begins a beautiful purple sky over the ground. Costessey with a change of keepers at the break, Hambrook who looks to have been carrying a knock off replaced by Kelly Fox in goal. Fakenham bringing on midfielder, Laura Booth. The hosts to get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back to Barnard, clipped out to Hackney breaking forwards on the left, Rusted seeing it out for a throw in. 

 Fakenham attack with Maddie Green played forwards for Smith top of the box right of goal but can’t quite take the ball on in her stride to break through onto goal the ball cleared out to the left a high ball sent back into the Costessey box headed clear by Baldock. Costessey looking to press the ball early in the second half winning a throw high on their right the ball dropped into Hackney inside the box right of goal turns to send the ball into the side netting.

  The hosts quick to regain possession in the middle turn play around, Hackney inside left playing the ball central for Wall lays it on for Tate moving wide of her on the right takes on the shot from the angle her effort racing across goal past the far post. A little testy now a few niggly fouls coming in players getting on with it however, Smith looking to make ground on Fakenham’s right tackled by Costessey’s Watts. 

  Barnard getting hold of the ball at the back for Costessey scooping the ball forwards for Hackney on her left, the winger surging on towards the box her momentum carrying her right in on goal at the near post ground running out she lifts her attempt into the side netting. Costessey pushing hard to find an equalising goal at the start of the 2nd period. Fakenham on the back foot still very much a threat on the counter, Katie green finding space in the middle sending it on to her sister Maddie who clips in out to Grant moving up the right wing, Barnard lunging in to take the ball off her out for a throw in.

  Costessey winning a corner on the left, taken short into Tate high on the left outside the box flashes her strike in whistling wide of the far post. Fakenham making a double switch bringing off Williams and Smith with Seymour back on along side Fran Wood. Katie Green having gotten a taste for a long range strike finding room out to the right to try her luck again angling in towards the far post, Fox drifting out beyond it taking no chances grabbing onto the ball.

  Hackney seeing the ball into her feet left looks up to see Tate breaking into the box, attempts an audacious lofted pass over the top of the defence into her path, not easy, Betts able to see it all the way with time to get out to gather the ball into her gloves before Tate can react. Remains competitive, Seymour sending the ball on for Grant on the right looks to drag the ball inside, Barnard challenging to halt her progress. Barnard reading the game intercepting as Booth attempts to put Grant away on the right the defender fouled then as she tries to bring the ball forwards herself.

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

   Nobbs over the set-piece lifts a high ball in towards the far post, Fakenham defending the ball cleared out to the left. Wall taking on a strike from distance seeing her effort landing straight into the keeper’s gloves. Costessey making a change bringing off Campbell in the middle on comes 16-year-old Sydnie Brown as Costessey look to give the youngster more playing experience at this level, goes over to the left back role with Barnard switching over to the right. The hosts pushing hard Hackney left back up the line for Tate through the middle to Brister 25 yards out goes for goal her shot straight at Betts.

  Maddie Green the outlet for Fakenham up top always alert looking to steal in behind beats the offside trap to burst clear as the ball is sent over the top but just a little too much on it as Fox comes rushing out to claim the ball. The ball played long into Hackney out wide left her touch taking her inside some 25 yards out whistles a shot over the bar.

GOAL! The momentum firmly with Costessey pressing the ball top of the Fakenham area Hackney across the top of the area into Tate out to Wall right inside the box deflected through to Brister ahead of her turns to strike the ball on the angle sending in across the keeper into the bottom corner 2-2. 

Chelsea Brister equalising in the 2nd half for Costessey

 Costessey with a strong start to the 2nd half equalising in the 64h minute. Fakenham making a change straight after the goal bringing Williams back on for Booth. The visitors straight on the attack after the restart. Crowle defending for Costessey. Fakenham regain the ball in midfield the diagonal ball lifted into the box for Maddie Green making a superb run at the near post the ball dropping onto her feet on the angle turned in towards goal, Fox down smartly to get behind the ball and save.

Costessey goalkeeper, Kelly Fox

  Costessey continue to push players forwards Hackney a handful on the left winning her side a corner. Whipped into the far post from the left the ball headed behind. Tate crossing the ball from the left cleared by Pooley at her far post out to the left, a strike racing back in from distance, didn’t see who blazes narrowly wide of the left post. Watts and Maddie Green continue their battle the attacker, with a great first touch looking to shake her marker, Watts getting back at her to slide in to make the tackle turn the ball behind for a corner.

  The ball played into the top of the area a shot charged down Costessey attempt to break, Rusted winning the ball back well. Brown gets back to defend on Grant as the winger attempts to turn in behind on Fakenham’s right. Really is a beautiful twilight sky over the ground a glorious purple visage a wonderful sight to behold but mustn’t get distracted from the action with is showing no signs off letting up the game could go either way. Costessey pressing hard a little too eager to deliver the final ball, giving Fakenham’s defence time to deal with the ball.

  Play resuming with a throw out on the left Fakenham bring the ball on through the middle threaded on trough the defence for Maddie Green to steal in behind left of the D, Fox comes racing out to try and close her down but has no chance of reaching the ball first as Green slots it past her, Fox can only turn to look at the ball racing towards her goal relived to see it cannon off the base of the right post as Brown races back to wrap her foot around the ball to clear. 

A pause in play at last with a Fakenham player in need of treatment both sides going to their respective benches for fluids and instructions with 15 minutes left to play. Baldock taking the ball into the middle for Costessey looking to play in Wall making a move to break on her right, just goes a little too early the flag halting her progress. Brown getting in another timely tackle on Grant as Williams looks to pick her out on the right. The game delicately poised the clock ticking down a draw may well be a fair result but you sense a winning goal is still out there just a question mark over who might get it.

Costessey defender, Sophie Crowle

  Wood is released down the left for Fakenham pushes on with the ball at her feet, Crowle moving out to put in the tackle deny her the cross. Costessey press left Brister into Hackney the ball swung in across the six yard box to the near post turned behind for a corner. Brister to play it in long across the six yard box to Barnard beyond the far post can’t get a telling touch to threaten the Fakenham goal. 

 Betts taking a catch back on her line from a looping Costessey effort from outside the box. Costessey attack Tate on the ball left channel tackled by Rusted the ball only cleared to Hackney on the left fires in back across the top of the area to Brister right of the D, lays in back inside to be met by Nobbs racing in central her sot fired in on target, Betts behind it down well to save. 

Abbigail Tate

  Katie Green continues to cover the ground in the middle for Fakenham getting onto the ball looks to pick out Maddie Green on the left with her pass, Watts herself has worked hard to keep tabs on the elusive attacker getting in the challenge to slow her progress the ball out for a throw on the left. High up the pitch the cross finding it’s way into the middle of the area, Brown getting there in the nick of time to scramble the ball clear as Grant lines up a strike.

 GOAL! Into the final five minutes of the game Fakenham once again building momentum going forwards as both teams tire. The ball rolled forwards into Katie Green moving out to the right, finding herself in space over 30 yards out in a similar position to where she scored in the first half decides to try her luck again and once again connects sweetly with the ball lifting it in towards the top corner with late dip to whistle over the keeper and creep under the crossbar to see the visitors retake the lead 2-3!

Katie Green with another wonderful strike from distance for see Fakenham retake the lead late in the game

  A blow for Costessey late in the game having fought hard to get back on level terms. Fakenham resilient able to move up a gear in the closing stages. The hosts look to get on the attack from the restart, Hackney still with energy in her legs late on breaking down the left, Rusted finding the reserves in her legs to get back at her to lunge in and send the ball behind for a corner. The corner curled in central knocked on to the far post turned behind off the upright for a goal-kick.

Costessey’s, Abbi Nobbs with defender, Alyssia Baldock

Brister pulls a shot wide from 30 yards out from a central position as the ball is played into her from the right. Betts coming out to her right to clear the ball, presents it straight to Tate on the left wing, attempts to take advantage of the open goal sending a shot looping back into the box, Betts trying to recover her ground sees the ball safely bounce up over her wide at the near post. A nervy finish to the game. Costessey in need of a goal over committing in attack the ball won back, cleared up to Maddie Green looking to take advantage, Crowle getting in close to win the ball back.

Beth Seymour

  The clock ticking down moving into stoppage time Baldock pushed on for Costessey looking to combine with Brister and Hackney in attack, Seymour getting in the way of the ball hurt as she halts the attack. Costessey working hard to find a reply, Fakenham pushed back fighting hard in defence, Hackney left 25 out crossing into the box for Brister back to goal lays it outside to Baldock to take on the shot from 20 yards out her effort only finding the keeper. Seconds left on the clock Costessey on the attack the ball rolled on for Wall surging into the area from the right closing in on the near post, Fakenham defenders all around her the ball struck behind off the near post!    

Full time Costessey Sports Ladies 2-3 Fakenham Town Ladies

The final whistle blows and it’s Fakenham that hold on to win the 3 points. A cracking game to end 2024 on. Could well have gone either way in the end. Both sides evenly matched for a large part of the game both enjoying good spells throughout. The ball rarely still, competitive without going over the top, hardly saw the referee needing to speak to anyone let alone brandish a card the action never stopped hence the word count! Costessey starting well taking the lead inside the opening 15 minutes, Fakenham needed to lift it and did not only to equalise but lead at the end of the first half. Costessey strong in the 2nd half taking the game to Fakenham finding the reply but couldn’t hold on conceding a 3rd goal. Fakenham with chances to extend the lead Costessey fought hard to come back a 2nd time but couldn’t. Fakenham closing the gap to the leaders to just a point going into Christmas. Sums up Norfolk Women’s Division One this season highly competitive and both sides will play their part come the new year.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of 2024, often a tough decision, but not today a clear winner. Plenty of performances to mention before that however and I’m bound to miss someone out Firstly for Costessey a huge effort to get back into the game. Thea Hackney standing out playing on the left, her pace and determined runs causing Fakenham problems throughout the contest, scoring the opening goal. Layla Watts in defence stuck to her task well and marking Maddie Green is no easy feat worked hard to limit her opportunities in attack put in a shift. Paige Barnard reading the game at the back intercepting the ball and looked to get it forwards with purpose. Abbigail Tate finding some great positions to create chances bring her fellow attackers into play. For Fakenham, Gina Pooley won the ball at the back well as did Maisie McCullagh. Holly Williams showing great movement in the final third busy on the ball. Maddie Green always a threat in attack looking to break clear no easy task this afternoon but nevertheless was unlucky not to score. The award though goes to her sister Katie Green,  the defining moment that put her into contention was when she got the bit between her teeth in the first half and took the game to Costessey getting hold of the ball and in turn encouraging her team to get forwards, two superb strikes of course helping to win the game too.

 Today was my 588th match report and the joyous thing about that is is that no two matches have ever been the same and that is what makes them a pleasure to write. Great to see Costessey Sports Ladies having been trying for a while now, having followed them from distance before hearing many good things. Fantastic to catch up with Fakenham too having seen them several times just up the road have a soft spot for the club and seeing the events after their relegation feared for their future, glad to see it looks in good shape a talented squad like Costessey, look forward to see how both develop. My thanks to both for the team details, give me the names and numbers and I can do the rest. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Will be back rearing to go in 2025.

by Darren Gilham

 

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Biggleswade United Women

Sunday 1st December

ERWFL League Cup

 Storm Bert putting pay to my football plans last weekend and raring to go again this Sunday making the sort trip down the road to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies in action in the 3rd Round of this season’s ERWFL League Cup as they take on Bedfordshire, and fellow Division One North side, Biggleswade United Women.

A spot in the last 8 of the competition up for grabs as both look to build momentum going forwards into the league as 2024 draws to a close. Division One North an interesting league this season, Harpenden Town Women just missing out on promotion last season, going strong again this campaign out in front. Elsewhere in the league highly competitive with some close results with anyone capable of beating the other on their day and with the added woe of three sides going down this season all the more to fight for. The cup offering a good opportunity to built a run.

 Thetford Town Ladies into their 2nd season playing regional level football, a solid debut season have added some useful experience to the squad over the close season as they look to push on. Have had an inconsistent start to the season winning as many as they’ve lost, but that can be said for a half dozen others, close margins, 3 wins in league and cup out of 4 since I last saw them in action in October, have since added to the squad making 3 new signings, with winger Shannon Chandler joining, along with attacker, Olivia Dunne and midfielder Mollie O’Callaghan, the latter scoring a hat-trick since joining Thetford. Alice Collins, Thetford’s top scorer so far with 5 to her name while captain, Melissa Boulton and Megan Haynes both have 4 goals apiece. A 3-1 home win in the 1st Round of the League Cup against Essex side, Toby Ladies, saw Thetford play fellow Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town Ladies away in the 2nd Round, winning the game 6-0.

  Bedfordshire seeing a rapid growth in women’s football in recent season’s with a host of new sides being formed, some aiming to challenge the established order between Luton and Bedford. Biggleswade United Women certainly amongst them. That too has led to a demand for the footballing talent in the area. Biggleswade featuring a 1st and Development team retaining much of their squad from the previous season have been busy adding to their ranks bringing new players in 11 in total joining since the summer. Amongst them, former Stevenage and Royston midfielder, Amy Josland. Attacker, Ruth Fox coming to Biggleswade having gained useful experience playing in the FAWNL with Cambridge United WFC. leading the way a top scorer at Biggleswade with 6 to her name this season. Winger, Katie White the latest addition again has plenty of experience playing at a higher level. 

 Despite the new additions has been a tough start to the season for Biggleswade, a draw on the opening day at home to Newmarket, was followed by a tough run of 6 loses on the trot to leave them adrift at the bottom of the table with King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Their cup campaign giving them some confidence pushing them on to clinch their first league win of the season away to Whittlesey Athletic Ladies, and although they have alot of work to do sides above them haven’t pulled too far ahead. A 2-0 away win against, Division One South side, Frontiers Ladies in the first round of the League Cup was followed by a 4-1 home win against another Essex opponent, Romford Town WFC to advance to the 3rd Round. 

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road Stadium the venue for today’s match. Is a compact round situated beside the leisure centre and playing fields beyond. The clubhouse open serving hot and cold drinks. Beside the clubhouse the main covered stand over the changing rooms overlooking the slightly sloped pitch. In good condition despite all the poor weather recently. Poor once again today with rain falling heavily on the way to the game a brief respite before kick-off but with more likely during the game very gloomy and dull overhead, retreated into the stand to write the report, the notepad and camera having taken a battering a fortnight ago at Leverington.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Keileigh Dixon, Ella Swift, Pola Pasik, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Fran Peeling, Mollie O’Callaghan, Alice Collins, Libby Scott, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler & Melissa Boulton (C). Subs – Hannah Rogers, Olivia Dunne & Megan Haynes.

Thetford Town Ladies

Biggleswade United Women starting XI – Sarah Ridley, Becki Ingram, Tasmin Gentle, Ashley Emerton, Helen Spencer, Amy Josland (C), Louise Sollis, Mia Zorbas, Katie Harrington-Pike, Bethany Walker & Ruth Fox. Subs – Jordan Rockall, Tashai Simms, Katie White, Kayleigh Gray & Harriet Smith.

Biggleswade United Women… take one…

    The teams out on the field ready to play, the referee asking for a change of shirts with a close match in poor weather conditions… thankfully Biggleswade had replacement colours available… one shirt change in the pouring rain later…

Biggleswade United Women… take two.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 That’s a new one and I’ve seen alot covering the game over the past decade, thank goodness Biggleswade travelled with replacement shirts or it might have been bibs, which makes following the numbers nearly impossible, as it is the team sheet I have and the new numbers don’t line up, so another challenge know several out there but even so want to give everyone a mention and the numbers go along way to helping with that endeavour. All fun will make do for now. The rain falling heavily at the start of the match very gloomy out there as the captain’s meet the referee in the centre.

Captain’s Melissa Boulton and Amy Josland with today’s referee Andy Lucraft-Townley

  It’s Thetford wearing their home colours an all claret kit to get the first half underway with Biggleswade initially lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts, with navy shorts and red socks, the change of shirts seeing them now in blue with white sleeves. A slight delay to kick-off as a result the ball played back to Fran Peeling in defence she sends it long up into the left channel with Hannah Claughton bursting forwards, Becki Ingram up well to head the ball clear for the visitors, won back in the middle, played out to the right, Louise Sollis sliding in to tackle for Biggleswade the ball out for a throw on the right.

  Biggleswade making a positive start breaking forwards the ball clipped out to the right for Katie Harrington-Pike to attack, Pola Pasik nipping in with the challenge to send the ball out for a throw for Thetford. A tussle for possession on the middle of the park, Biggleswade captain, Amy Josland playing the pass out to Bethany Walker on the left, skips inside to lay the ball into the path of Sollis making a central run, on the move attempts to thread the ball through the Thetford defence for striker, Ruth Fox, goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon with a good starting position, out to collect the ball into her gloves before Fox can stab it past her.

  Thetford not quite up to the pace of the game in the early stages winning a free-kick on halfway. Peeling over the ball lifts it forwards into the top of the area, Biggleswade head clear but no distance on the ball, the hosts snatching possession back rolled back for Mollie O’Callaghan central 25 yards plus out, slips as she goes to strike the ball her shot running harmlessly through to Biggleswade goalkeeper, Sarah Ridley. 

Thetford midfielder, Mollie O’Callaghan

  Thetford captain, Melissa Boulton holding the ball up up top as O’Callaghan sends it into her with pace lays it away to the right for Shannon Chandler to take on driving down the line fires a cross into the box, intercepted at the back by Biggleswade’s Helen Spencer. Spencer able to bring the ball out from the back for the visitors linking up with Mia Zorbas and Fox up top the ball played between them neatly, before Fox finds Walker on the left, taking the ball on, challenged by Thetford fullback, Ella Swift. Biggleswade pushing players on quick to regain the ball Walker into Tasmin Gentle pushing up form the back on the left plays a great diagonal ball into the top of the D, Sollis providing the midfield run can’t quite take it down in her stride.

  Biggleswade pressing the ball well, forcing errors from Thetford in turn inviting pressure, winning a throw high on the left, turned on into the box, Peeling getting hold of it  in defence launching the ball upfield, Boulton looking to make something of it pressing Gentle out on her right forcing a throw in. Very dull out there with the rain falling heavily. Biggleswade winning a corner on the left, flung in near post played back out to the taker, flashed back into the box deflected behind for a 2nd corner. The delivery played in high to the top of the area, hooked cleared by Libby Scott. 

 Pushing players on looking to force their way through the Thetford defence, the hosts clear long threatening to expose their opponents at the back, Boulton latching onto the central ball racing for the area left of the D, Ashley Emerton with a superb turn of pace covering the ground rapidly to slide in and take the ball way from the attacker sending it away for a throw in. 

Thetford captain. Melissa Boulton

  With the midfield pushed back by Biggleswade, Boulton finds herself isolated up top at times as she attempts to hold the ball up for Thetford, the visitors defence able to get numbers around her, attempting a one two with Chandler on the right, the return pass a little too strong. Zorbas linking up with Sollis through the middle, Sausha Levy-Twomey out from the back line to put in the tackle. Pulling up after in need of treatment, but able to continue. 

 Biggleswade with a free-kick on half way to the left the ball played into the top of the area, Josland playing the dummy stooping to let the ball drop over her to bounce on into the area with Fox after it, Pasik going with her getting a vital touch to send the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the crowded six yard box falls to Ingram getting her foot up over the ball sees her effort blocked from close range turned away to the left, Zorbas out there with Walker the pair working the ball between them the latter curling in a cross aiming for the far post, no one attacking it curls out of play for a goal kick.

Mollie O’Callaghan battling with Biggleswade captain, Amy Josland for possession

  Biggleswade making the better start to the game creating opportunities causing Thetford problems the hosts slower to the ball. The ball played into Harrington-Pike on the right for the visitors sends in infield to Zorbas 20 yards out, turns to strike the ball her shot blasted wide of the near post. Thetford give the ball away on their left, Zorbas latching onto it lining up a shot from all of 25 yards out her attempt narrowly over the crossbar. 

 

  A good battle in the middle between, Josland, Sollis and Thetford’s O’Callaghan getting stuck in winning the ball sends it into Boulton up top, the attacker, turning well to escape her marker run in behind, but again it’s Emerton with her pace recovering the ground to get in front of her to turn the ball away for another throw in. Out on the right, Chandler brings the throw down level with the top of the Biggleswade area put inside for Boulton who returns the ball, Chandler picking out O’Callaghan 25 yards out right of the D, hooks a shot back in towards goal, looping up into the air, drops safely into Ridley’s gloves. 

  Walker drops her shoulder, storms down the line with the ball on the left. players racing into the box, her cross flashed in runs behind Josland, O’Callaghan tracking back with her clearing the ball. Scott finding Claughton out on the left wing takes the ball on, gaining ground before Ingram slides in with the tackle to play the ball out for a throw. The floodlights coming on as it’s so dark out there, Peeling over a free-kick on halfway the ball flighted up into the area, claimed confidently by the keeper.

  Fox seeing the ball into her feet laying it inside for Zorbas to the right has Sollis bursting on to support plays the ball into her path, Sollis’ run blocked the midfielder going down winning the free-kick a good 30 yards out. Fox over the set-piece the striker going for goal, getting her effort on target looking for the top corner, Dixon across her line to get up to claim the ball cleanly. 

Ruth Fox’s free-kick, claimed by goalkeeper, Keileigh Dixon

  Levy-Twomey stepping in well to challenge Fox as she receives the ball from Josland, turns to attack the area. Chandler with space to break into on the right for Thetford takes the shot on from 25 yards out firing her effort wide across the six yard out out past the far post. Josland winning the ball on for Sollis who picks out Walker on the left a drop of the shoulder looks to spin off Swift get in behind on the wing, Swift ready, getting her foot in to take the ball away from the lively winger.

Ella Swift clearing the ball for Thetford

  Fox holding the ball up well up top for Biggleswade with players quick to get up around her to receive the ball played inside looking for Sollis, a timely interception from Levy-Twomey top of the D. 

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twomey.

  Scott on for O’Callaghan picks out Chandler on her right the ball sent down the line for Boulton in attack. wide of goal, trying to hold the ball up is quickly outnumbered by the Biggleswade defence. Thetford with the ball out right, Collins in possession with a strong push in the back, aghast as no foul is awarded, O’Callaghan steaming in to regain the ball clipping it up field into Boulton outside the D, attempting to bring it down turn into the shot, is closed down by Spencer the defender clearing the ball up field. 

GOAL! Biggleswade looking the most likely to break the dead lock press the attack late in the first half the ball put into Walker central she turns to play in into the path of Fox up top, looking to roll of Levy-Twomey take the ball past her the defender gets a faint touch on the ball, even as Peeling breaks around on the cover to poke the ball away to the left of the area, Fox continuing her run strong to get back onto the ball flashes a cross along the face of goal, Pasik tracking back with Harrington-Pike on her shoulder, turns the ball into her own net trying to clear 0-1.

Ruth Fox’s determination leading to the opening goal

  Biggleswade with the break through late in the first half. Thetford behind look to get on the attack form the restart, Claughton having seen little of the ball out on the left, taking it on with a powerful run eventually stopped by Ingram out for a throw. Thetford on the ball, Collins central out to Chandler right checks back to play the ball inside to Scott 25 yards out right of the D, hooks the cross in across to the far stick, too much for Claughton to do as the ball runs out of play.

  A goal sparking Thetford into life pressing higher now O’Callaghan seeing the ball laid back into her from Boulton up top, strikes it from all of 25 yards, dragging her shot wide. Ridley with a great goal-kick up to Walker, the wingers first touch lifting the ball over the top for Fox to burst in behind the Thetford defence, a close call her attack halted by a raised flag.

Biggleswade’s Katie Harrington-Pike

  Into the closing stages of the first half, Collins with a speculative effort from all of 40 yards out going wide as Ridley moves across her goal jumping for it, gets a touch to concede the corner kick. Taken short with no one tracking the run of Peeling to the left corner of the area, takes on the shot her attempt curling over the bar. The hosts winning another free-kick to the right from range, Peeling to deliver, clipped high in towards the far post, Ridley keeping her eye on the ball takes it unopposed. 

  Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Biggleswade United Women

   The sides head down the tunnel into the changing rooms with Biggleswade holding a narrow 1 goal lead. The visitors for much of the first half on the front foot, making a positive start to the game getting the ball and players forwards well. Thetford off the pace, 2nd to the ball, inviting pressure pushed back limiting the outlet ball into their attackers. A competitive tussle in the middle, Josland and Sollis battling for the ball providing useful runs to support their attacking players. However just a single goal between the sides and that coming from an own goal leaves it all to play for in the 2nd half with extra-time and penalties if required. 

Biggleswade ringing the changes at the start of the 2nd half as they make 4 substitutions bringing on Harriet Smith, Katie White, Tashai Simms and Kayleigh Gray in place of Fox, Walker, Zorbas and Harrington-Pike. One switch for Thetford with Megan Haynes on for Scott as the visitors get the 2nd half underway the ball played back into defence launched up top into Smith she knocks the ball down to the right looking to send it into the path of Gray breaking in behind, her run stopped by the offside flag.

  Biggleswade looking to make a forceful start to the 2nd period the ball cleared from the defence long into the left channel with Smith looking to take it on into the box, Dixon rushing out of her area looking to close the attacker down, Smith knocking it past the keeper sending the ball down to the by-line looking to retrieve it even as Dixon back peddles back towards her exposed goal, defenders back to cover however the angle against Smith as she attempts to send the ball in near post, cleared by Levy-Twomey. 

 The substitutes looking to make an impact get after the ball, Simms in the middle linking up well with White on the left taking the ball on down the line, before running it out of play as Swift closes her down. Josland on for White to power on down the left flank, checks inside laying the ball into the middle for Smith, Peeling in ahead of her to win the ball back for Thetford. 

 Thetford regrouping O’Callaghan snapping in to win the ball back a free-kick won inside the Biggleswade half on the left. Peeling over the ball, floats a great ball into the far post, Chandler closing it down looking to bring it down turn towards goal, however a handball spotted by the referee Ashley Lucraft-Townley, Biggleswade winning the freekick. 

Thetford’s Shannon Chandler

 Thetford beginning to find some momentum as Boulton now in the middle links up with Collins brings the ball on through the middle linking up with O’Callaghan before sending the ball forwards into Claughton making a good run into the left channel seeing the ball into the feet knocks it on surging into the area left of goal looks to play her low shot back in across the keeper, not enough width on it however as Ridley is right behind it to save low.

Alice Collins

  Biggleswade with a free-kick wide on the left the ball dropped into the mix at the near post, half cleared back out wide to Simms, attempts to put the cross back into the box, Dixon up well to grab hold of the ball. Thetford look to launch a rapid counter attack the ball sent long up to Boulton breaking away on the right, Spencer coming across to defend forced to concede the corner. 

 

 Thetford play the ball high into the near post from the right, cleared out to the top of their area, a Thetford boot latching onto the shot blasted back in at goal, blocked on the line by Emerton! Cleared away to the right another shot coming in on the angle from 25 yards out struck wide of the near post. Thetford make another change with Olivia Dunne coming on in place of Boulton. 

Ashley Emerton with the goal line block for Biggleswade.

 The game more end to end now, Thetford looking to get after the ball, Biggleswade lively turning play around Sollis working hard getting the ball into Simms plays it forwards into Smith who lays it out to Gray on the right flank, in turn she looks to play it back across the top of the area looking for White bursting forwards from the left channel, a vital interception needed from Peeling at the back for the hosts.

Louise Sollis holding of Mollie O’Callaghan

  Swift going past Chandler on the overlap taking the ball on sending a cross into the box from deep, taken high by Ridley. Smith fouled for Biggleswade owed over 35 yards out presenting the visitors with a free-kick in a central position, Josland over the ball plays it out to the right into Gray making a run in behind, Pasik getting back at her to defend for Thetford prevent the cross.

  Pasik and Gray locking horns once again as the winger takes the ball inside, pushed out to the right, Peeling with her clearing the ball, straight to the on rushing Sollis, goes to cross the ball into the far post looking for White, too close to the keeper however, Dixon keeping her eye on the ball. Chandler taking the ball on down the right for Thetford winning a throw in the corner, Played back up the line for Swift to send a cross looping into the box, Ridley catching it ahead of Haynes.

   Emerton coming off at the back for Biggleswade, on comes Jordan Rockall. Spencer sends the ball low through the left channel on for White to attack for the visitors bursting down the line to whip a cross in low across the face of goal angling wide beyond the far post. An intriguing contest remains beautifully poised Biggleswade’s substitutes lively as Sollis picks out Gray with a fantastic ball into the right wing breaking on down the line, Gray flashes a dangerous ball in across the goal face, White closing in can’t get close.

  Pasik defending well up against Gray out on Biggleswade’s right as the game opens up one on one times her tackle perfectly. Chandler is taken out by Rockall as the defender comes sliding in from a long way, spoken too by the referee. O’Callaghan over the resulting free-kick on the angle lifts the ball into the mix, Ridley coming through bodies to lay claim to the ball. A more even contest 2nd half Thetford moving the ball better, risk over committing as Rockall snatches the ball back put on for Gray right side plays it central into Josland moving forwards helped out to White moving on into the left channel, takes on the shot her effort wide of the left post.

  O’Callaghan sending the ball up to Dunne 25 yards out the Thetford attacker shifts the ball inside from a central position looking to line up a shot is charged down by Rockall as the defender rushes out to block. Gray played in again on the right for the visitors surging to the by-line firing another vicious ball in across the face of the Thetford goal, White busting a gut to try and get there throwing herself at the ball , sliding in misses it by a fraction. 

 Sollis has run herself into the ground, comes off for Biggleswade as Fox returns to the action less than 15 minutes left to play. Collins fins Dunne out on Thetford’s left wing taking the ball on players rushing on into the box looking to get onto the end of a cross, Dunne clips it into the area, Josland the one to win it clear for Biggleswade. Thetford making another change with Pasik coming off replaced by Hannah Rogers, an attacker, goes in up top with Claughton now filling in at left back. Walker back on for Biggleswade on the left.

The visitors winning a free-kick on the left the ball level with the top of the Thetford area played into the penalty spot headed back out to the left, played back up the line crossed back into the area from deep, Smith pulling off the defence looking to turn her header goal wards on target but drops kindly for the keeper to grab low.

 The clock ticking down Biggleswade working hard to keep the ball inside their opponents half, Peeling down for Thetford in need of treatment as Collins now wearing the captains armband brings her team together encouraging one final push to find an equalising goal. Dunne holding the ball up for Thetford as Collins goes past her out to the left taking the ball on her cross cut back in across the top of the area cut out by Simms. 

 Players going down with cramp late in the game. Swift defending against White on the left as she looks to take on a diagonal ball played into her from midfield. Into the final 5 minutes Spencer coming off for Biggleswade, Emerton back on into defence. White moving to the right as Gray comes off for Harrington-Pike. Thetford bringing of O’Callaghan late on sending Scott back into the fray. Dunne linking up with Haynes on the left for Thetford the cross clipped into the area, Ridley up to claim it on her penalty spot. 

Biggleswade’s Harriet Smith

  Thetford pushing hard in the closing stages to find the reply to send the tie into extra-time, Dunne laying the ball on down the left for Haynes, Ingram sliding in to win the ball back for Biggleswade. The game open now Thetford pushed up, Biggleswade win the ball back played into White on the right plays a diagonal ball into Smith left of the D, Swift with her getting her foot in to play the ball back to her keeper to kick clear. Thetford push late on the ball fired into Dunne’s feet 25 yards out, looks to hold the ball up, Walker snapping in to clear the ball out for a throw in. The final whistle blows Biggleswade celebrate as they book their place in the quarter finals of the ERWFL League Cup. 

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 0-1 Biggleswade United Women

  An own goal a tough way to lose any game, however that was the difference between the sides in the finish as Biggleswade claim victory in the League Cup. Making a positive start to the first half getting players up to support their attackers well, looked the most likely to open the scoring. Thetford off the pace at the start of the match 2nd to the ball inviting pressure took a while to get going. Biggleswade capitalising creating openings taking the lead late in the half. Rang the changes at the start of the 2nd half, looking to keep up the momentum. Thetford making changes themselves fighting back in the 2nd half led to a more open game. Biggleswade managing the 2nd half well keeping a good shape at the back not letting themselves get exposed behind. Couldn’t find a 2nd goal however and that kept Thetford in it right till the death just couldn’t find a reply themselves. Biggleswade’s cup run continues will need to bring that momentum into the league now as they fight to get themselves out of trouble.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match as more often than not another difficult one to chose with several contenders out there today. A few performances to mention. Firstly for Thetford, Mollie O’Callaghan fought hard in midfield to win the ball back making some strong challenges and looked to get the ball forwards. Melissa Boulton often isolated up front did well nonetheless to try and hold the ball up wait for support to arrive. Fran Peeling and Sausha Levy-Twomey both making some timely tackles and interceptions at the back. For Biggleswade, Ashley Emerton was excellent at the back, her pace helping to thwart Thetford, along with a huge goal line block. Bethany Walker a livewire out on the left seeing the ball into her feet and looking spin in behind link up play. Amy Josland strong in the middle winning the ball, making some excellent runs to join the attack. Ruth Fox in attacker strong on the ball, pulled into space well and her endeavour led to the opening goal. The award today though goes to midfielder Louise Sollis, worked tirelessly in the middle getting in her tackles winning the ball and covering the ground linking up with the attackers.

  A thoroughly miserable day weather wise, but an enjoyable match to watch at 1-0 it as never put to bed. Biggleswade had to work for the win but will gain huge confidence from it. Frustrating for Thetford. My thanks to both teams for their help with the team line-ups today… (Biggleswade twice!) much appreciated. Never a dull moment that’s why I love it so much.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Leverington Sports Ladies v Godmanchester Town Ladies

Sunday 17th November

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 Back to it after a much needed break. Has been a busy spell the rest has done me the power of good, ready to go again a plenty of exciting football to look forward to. Heading into Cambridgeshire this Sunday to watch a game from Division One with two of the potential title contenders going head to head with 4th placed Leverington Sports Ladies taking on Godmanchester Town Ladies currently 2nd.

The pair meeting in the League Cup just 7 days ago at Leverington, playing out a 2-2 draw the game settled on penalties, Leverington edging the shootout 7-6 to progress in the competition.

Both clubs originally forming under another name progressing to where they are today. Leverington Sports Ladies as they have been now for several season’s originally Wisbech Town Ladies. Moving to Leverington a small village in the outskirts of Wisbech itself, are still very much part of the town and now established in the top tier within the Cambridgeshire Women’s football leagues, getting to the final of the Junior Invitation Cup last season as well as the semi-finals in the League Cup. Sophie Swinden now captaining the side, the long time top scorer over many seasons for the club has 15 to her name already this season from 9 appearances. 

  Godmanchester Town Ladies have had a successful start to life, having come into being last season, having been Huntingdon Town Ladies previous to that, then having been formed with what was largely the old St Ives Town Ladies squad. The core of that side remains, as Godmanchester went on to win the Division Two title last season, earning promotion and reaching the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup in their debut season. Will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition this season. Making some new additions to the squad, a couple from Eaton Socon Ladies, Gemma Cooksley and Hannah Hutchison , the latter top scorer so far with 8 from 8. Also added to the squad the vastly experienced Leah Cudone, returning to the game having performed at a higher level for a number of years, has 3 goals already from 3 appearances. That experience balancing with a number of promising young players coming to the club too. 

  Leverington Sports & Social Club the venue for today’s game. A hold up on the A47 meant I had to turn around and come in from the A10 getting there later than I’d have liked no time for a cup of tea! The social club with large carpark leading out to the pitches, grass and 3G. Over on the grass pitch the clouds gathering an overcast day with the temperatures starting to drop. Hoping the rain would hold off till late in the 2nd half but wasn’t to be.

Leverington Sports Ladies starting XI – Holly Bantoft, Jade Court, Sam Davis, Olivia Holden, Tianna Schunmann, Albany Hodgson, Paulina Potoplak, Ebonie Goode, Shushannah Feast, Caitlin Burdett & Sophie Swinden (C). Subs – Libbie Wykes Katie Garner, Rhianna Butler & Lacey Metcalfe.

Leverington Sports Ladies

Godmanchester Town Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leah Culpin, Leia Wheeler, Em Stephenson, Cherish Sibanda (C), Natasha Hochen, Sophie Crook, Leah Cudone, Holly Thompson, Kendal O’Connor & Ellie Harvey. Subs – Fran Worrell, Erica Zimmerman, Megan Stow & Georgie Astley.

Godmanchester Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Sophie Swinden & Cherish Sibanda with today’s referee and club line assistants

 A few players missing for both sides, Hutchinson in attack for Godmanchester amongst those. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse picking up an injury early in the season, missing for Leverington. Do have a player making her comeback from a long injury lay off, Albany Hodgson dual signed with ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham, starting this afternoon. It’s the hosts to kick-off the first half wearing orange shirts with black trim, black shorts and socks with Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with navy across the top of the chest and shoulder, navy shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle, Godmanchester rush on to close the ball down forcing Leverington to lay the ball out to the right, put up the line, Leah Culpin winning the ball for the visitors.

 A lively midfield contest right from the off both sides squeezing the play on the half way line, Paulina Potoplak attempting to lift it through for captain, Sophie Swinden making a move to pull off the centre backs, won instead by Godmanchester captain, Cherish Sibanda the ball played out to the left wing setting, Holly Thompson on her way pace closing down the area, Leah Cudone making a good run near post side Thompson attempting to slide her, Cudone after the ball under challenge from Tianna Schunmann for Leverington can’t quite get it under control, out of play for a goal kick.

Hodgson getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Leverington passing it on for Caitlin Burdett getting on the move down the right inside Culpin, Thompson racing back getting across the winger to see the ball back to her goalkeeper, Sophie Marjoram. Thompson looking to take the ball on the other way for Godmanchester out wide on the left is fouled on halfway. Culpin over the set-piece strikes the ball in towards the pack gathered inside the D, Hodgson winning the header to clear for the hosts. 

 Certainly competitive both sides getting stuck in, physical a few free-kicks given away, both wanting to get the ball into their attackers quickly, Swinden sending the ball out to Shushannah Feast on Leverington’s left the pair looking to combine, Leia Wheeler getting a foot in to deflect the ball out for a throw slow the advance. Cudone getting hold of the ball on half way taking it on with a forceful run towards the Leverington defence looking to plough her way through, Schunmann and Olivia Holden closing her down to challenge.

 Kendal O’Connor surging on with the ball right side for Godmanchester, hooks the ball into the middle Cudone inside the D looking to attack it, Schunmann getting a touch to knock it away from her, Sam Davis too before goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft calls for it and steps in to claim. Feast providing a good outlet for Leverington on the left receiving the ball high bringing it down powering her way into the box, Wheeler with her, Em Stephenson backing her up the pair forcing Feast to run the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

Leverington’s Shushannah Feast

  End to end, Godmanchester turning play around Natasha Houchen finding Ellie Harvey pulling into the left channel 25 yards out sees the ball down and attempts to lay it into the path of Cudone making a run to try and get in behind, a vital interception from Jade Court to deny her a run on goal. Leverington’s turn to have a free-kick on half way out on the right launched into the top of the Godmanchester area headed clear the visitors get it up the pick rapidly one touch, Cudone after it, Bantoft out of her box quickly to kick the ball clear.

  Hodgson passing to Ebonie Goode in the middle lifted forwards into Swinden back to goal 30 out turns looking to thread it into the box for Feast coming inside from the left, a little too much on it giving Marjoram the edge as she comes to lay claim to the ball. A few spots of rain in the air, wielding a notepad and camera getting tricky with an umbrella to operate too! Swindon seeing the ball down from all of 30 yards out, letting lose a shot, her effort arrowing in straight at the keeper a comfortable height for Marjoram.

  Godmanchester with a set-piece out on the right fired in across goal, comes out to Thompson beyond the far post, sending it back into the mix, play it too close to the near post, Bantoft shifting across her goal, dropping down onto the ball. Leverington get the ball into Burdett on the right racing to the by-line fires a cross into the six yard box, cleared back out to the right, a corner conceded. The delivery played into the mix top of the area squirms through to Swinden free left of the D, can’t get the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away before the challenge comes in the ball deflected to the top of the D, comes to Court, leaning back into her strike, sends her shot over the crossbar.

Leverington’s Sam Davis

  A wet conditions adding to the scrappy nature of the game both sides tussling for possession the middle seeing alot of pinging back and forth with players on both sides capable of springing into action should one favour a run in behind. Feats winning Leverington a corner out on the left. Flung into the near post defended the ball knocked up into the air across the goal face where will it drop, spins behind the right side of the far post for a corner on the right. Hodgson to send it in a fantastic in swinging ball across the six yard box over the keeper Leverington attack it far post, Feast and Swinden up together, the final touch seeing the ball put narrowly over the bar!

Leverington coming close to opening the scoring

  Leverington enjoying a good spell getting n with the ball pushing Godmanchester back, Davis on the ball coming inside form the left encouraged to shoot from 30 yards out, her effort put straight at Marjoram. Lively as Houchen plays Thompson in on the left, pacy taking the ball on, Schunmann across from the centre of defence sliding in to win the ball. Potoplak with Hodgson in the middle, picking out Burdett on the right as Court going beyond her plays her in down the line closing in on the by-line slips as she goes to cross the ball seeing it claimed by Marjoram.

  Crook with a purposeful run on the ball driving on through the centre for Godmanchester plays it on for Cudone who looks to do the same, closed down by three Leverington defenders, can’t find a way through the ball running on into the box, gathered by Bantoft. Some hefty challenges out there but not too much aggro both sides picking themselves up getting on with it. 

 Potoplak tries to thread the ball on for Swinden pulling away into the left channel up top, Stephenson holds her ground, making the crucial interception for the visitors. Harvey attempting to find room to unleash a shot from outside the D, sees the chance gone as Court sides in on her to take the ball as she is about to put her foot through it. 

Godmanchester’s Ellie Harvey

  Leverington commit too many players forwards as they lose possession on the left, Godmanchester launching a rapid counter on their right the ball lifted in central seeing 3 players running clear, Cudone amongst them bringing the ball down right channel closing in on the box, unleashes a shot on the half volley, coming at Bantoft quickly the keeper having little time to react, gloving the ball down to the right as she goes down getting enough on it to see it evade Cudone as she steams in on the follow up. 

Holly Bantoft with the save to deny Cudone

 Leverington with a throw high on the left working the ball inside Feast from the angle driving a shot in low to the near post. Marjoram down to save the ball off her for a corner kick. Swung in low to the near post, Sibanda clearing the ball for a throw in. The end to end nature of the game meaning defender have to win the ball put over the top, Schunmann doing just that with a vital header for Leverington as Harvey looks to send Cudone in behind. Godmanchester with the pace to get in behind, Leverington taking a few chances risk getting caught out. 

Leverington defender, Tianna Schunmann

  Thompson with the pace on Godmanchester’s left side taking the ball on whipping a cross into the box, over Harvey leaping for it on the penalty spot, Schunmann doesn’t get it away at the far post, O’Connor in to press the ball that side winning her side a corner. Curled in from the right everyone’s gone in at the near post however the ball dropping far side, the goal was wide open had only someone been there to attack the ball. Miserable conditions the rain intermittent, the pitch slicking up a little bobbly too challenges flying in.  

 GOAL! Wheeler on for O’Connor on Godmanchester’s right driving on sends a great ball into the box dropping central, Cudone timing her run to perfection up to head the ball turn it over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1. 

Leah Cudone opening the scoring for Godmanchester

 The visitors taking the lead in the 35th minute, Leverington almost gifting them a 2nd goal as the keeper plays the ball out from the back moving out of goal to her right sending her kick straight into Cudone some 30 yards out, an open goal presented hasn’t time to bring it under control struck on the half volley doesn’t connect cleanly the ball screwing wide off target. 

Houchen through the middle for Godmanchester laying the ball on for Thompson to take on down the left flank, Court looking to get back on her the pair racing towards the box, Thompson can’t find a way round Court the ball eventually out for a goal kick. Holden winning the ball at the back for the hosts played into Court on halfway right side, as Leverington look to attack coming inside sends the pass into Potoplak top of the D, looking to squeeze it on for Swinden, marked by Stephenson, she Sibanda looks to close Potoplak down the ball skipping up of Stephenson, caught by Marjoram, Leverington appealing it was a back pass but nothing doing.

Albany Hodgson tackling for Leverington

  Late into the first half rain falling steadily Cudone playing Thompson into space on the left, Goode coming back to defend sliding in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. Houchen to play it into the near post from the left, defended by Burdett, headed back out to the left Houchen moving the ball up the line to put another ball into the box, her strike into the side netting.

  The visitors with a free-kick on half-way with seconds left to play, into the top of the area, cleared by Court, Leverington look to counter, Swinden making the run in behind, again Stephenson holds her position to intercept the ball.

Half-time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with the single goal advantage as the sides gather at their respective benches staying out on the field despite the crap weather for the half-time interval. Headed to the car myself to retrieve a bigger umbrella, the camera can only take so much. An entertaining first half a hotly contested affair, end to end at times, Godmanchester pressing the ball in the middle looking to get it out to their pacy players out wide. Cudone making some strong runs through the middle. Likewise Swinden up top for Leverington looking for space to steal in behind onto the ball. Both keepers called into action. Leverington with a good chance to open the scoring. Cudone timing her run perfectly to head home from O’Connor’s cross to see the visitors lead instead. All set up for the 2nd half the weather conditions likely to deteriorate getting very gloomy out there.

 One change at the break  for Leverington as both sides come onto the field early for the 2nd half keen to get the game restarted. Libbie Wykes replacing Court in the back line.  Godmanchester unchanged with the kick-off 2nd half. Played back to Wheeler on the right up the line into O’Connor, Davis defending for Leverington. The hosts looking to press the ball high early on, Goode moving into the right channel, Culpin across her to see the ball back for her keeper to clear.

Godmanchester’s Leah Culpin

  Harvey looking to steal in behind Leverington’s back line pushed up to half way, doesn’t quite time it as the flag goes up against her. Certainly niggly, but tempers not boiling over, the referee keeping a good eye on things. Feast brought down wide on the left. Swinden over the set-piece as Leverington push players up into the Godmanchester box, a great ball in dropping far post attacked by Potoplak into the keeper at point blank range Marjoram down sharply to make the save getting hurt in the process the ball knocked behind for a corner. Concern for the keeper for a moment, but thankfully Marjoram is up and okay to carry one. The in singer from Hodgson curled in onto the roof of the net.

 

Godmanchester goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram saving from the close range attempt.

The keeper seeing the resulting corner land on the roof of her net

Both sides giving away free-kicks, Leverington with one on halfway sent into the top of the opposition area by Hodgson, Sibanda with the winning header for the visitors. Goode on for Potoplak out to Feast on the left has Swinden making a run ahead of her the ball sent down the flank, Stephenson coming across to defend sliding in to take the ball off Swinden for a throw in. Burdett seeing the ball down into her feet off the throw turning inside 25 yards out moving across the top of the Godmanchester area looking to pull the trigger, Houchen moving in to put in the blocking tackle.

Leverington captain, Sophie Swinden

  Cudone playing the ball into Harvey up top back to goal lays it out to the left for Thompson to take on, her touch a little to heavy allowing Bantoft to come out and grab up the ball. Leverington turning play around threading the pass on for Swinden to burst onto central Stephenson pushing to get back on her shoulder pressure Swindon as she goes to strike the ball from 20 yards out her attempt running wide of the right post.

Holly Thompson

  Godmanchester inviting a little pressure caught in possession on the right Wykes with Burdett the shot took on the angle, Marjoram covering the near post behind the ball.

 The game opening up a Godmanchester get away down the left the early across sent in across the to of the D, Cudone latching onto it taking the ball on further to the right before angling a shot back in across the keeper, Bantoft diving right dropping onto the ball to get both gloves around it. 

Leverington goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft

  Leverington get on the attack the diagonal ball into Swinden left of the D, no room to turn, instead lays it back to Hodgson her shot dipping in on the keeper, parried away by Marjoram the right, Burdett looking to send a strike back in on the angle, saved turned over for a corner kick! Put into the top of the area from the left Hodgson looking to direct her header to the congested far post, Godmanchester scramble it away.

 

  The rain falling heavily now the wind picking up to very dark out there, O’Connor played in on the right by Godmanchester the game getting stretched takes on the early strike firing the ball in towards the near post, Bantoft getting down behind the ball to save. Leverington making a 2nd change bringing of Burdett on the right sending on Rhianna Butler. 

Godmanchester midfielder, Natasha Houchen

 

GOAL! Godmanchester winning the ball at the back as Leverington press the clearance launched up the field seeing Cudone running in clear onto the ball to close down the opposition box and keeping her composure picks her spot to send the ball past the keeper to double the score with nearly an hour played. 

Leah Cudone played through on goal to double Godmanchester’s lead

 Godmanchester press the ball winning a corner on the left. Played into the near post missed by Bantoft as she tries to come through the crowd the ball escaping to run all the way across the face of goal retrieved beyond the far post the cross flashed back in far side Sibanda looking to bring it down to get a shot away, is closed down the ball scrambled away to safety. 

  Leverington winning a free-kick on the right after a handball is spotted. Hodgson to play the ball into the box a dangerous cross, Swinden racing into attack it central turning her 1st time touch over the bar. Godmanchester making a change bringing off Harvey up top, sending on Fran Worrell on to the left with Thompson moving right, O’Connor central.

GOAL! Godmanchester with pace up top as Leverington push players on needing to find a goal the ball won back put into the middle sent on to the left flank quickly, picking it up O’Connor steals in behind the defence left side Bantoft coming to close her down, O’Connor waiting till the keeper goes down to try and block shifting the ball to her left taking into the box beyond her to slot the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 0-3.

Kendal O’Connor rounding the keeper to score Godmanchester’s 3rd & Her 1st of the season

  Leverington have brought on Lacey Metcalfe to replace Goode, the 2nd goal a blow the 3rd taking the sting out of the hosts, Godmanchester with a healthy advantage with 20 minutes left to play. Conditions awful too with the wind swirling the rain about. Katie Garner into the action too with Hodgson getting a rest after being out for so long. Thompson fed the ball on the right looking to drive, Potoplak sliding in to take the ball off her for a throw in.

Paulina Potoplak

  Cudone receiving a pretty firm shove in the back going down, getting the free-kick even as Thompson is upended landing hard on her back, picking herself up, Cudone on the set-piece halfway to the right, launched up to the top of the box dealt with by Schunmann. Georgie Astley entering the game for Godmanchester replacing Wheeler at the back. 

  Poor conditions now the rain coming down steadily Leverington trying to find Swinden puling away to the left, taking the ball inside looking to play in Butler, incepted by Sibanda. Megan Stow coming on for the visitors to replace Cudone.

GOAL! Godmanchester finishing the stronger with the pace down the flanks the ball fed to Worrell wide on the left take the ball inside driving towards the box unleashing an early strike, Bantoft can’t get down quick enough the ball under her racing on into the back of the net to make it 0-4.

  15 minutes left to play Godmanchester in full control now, Bantoft out to the edge of her area to slide in to claim the ball as Thompson looks to spring the offside trap on the right. Thompson’s last action of the game as she comes off with Harvey sent back into the fray. Goode moving out to the left looking to link up with Feast for Leverington sending the ball on, Astley putting the challenge in the ball out for a throw. 

  Godmanchester attack on the left Worrell checking inside to cross into the box, O’Connor top of the area looking to chip the keeper can only drop the ball into her gloves. Camera’s had enough conditions too poor, as Astley plays the ball long from the back up to O’Connor in attack, Holden getting in front of her defending well to see the ball safely back to her keeper. 

Olivia Holden

  Holden in to defend again moments later on O’Connor as the attacker looks to drive central, the ball cleared out to the right, O’Connor after it angling a cross back into the six yard box, Harvey looking to meet it on the volley turns the ball over the bar. Swinden still looking for the ball up top for Leverington moving right as the cross-field ball drops into her path taking it on has runners bursting into the area, tries to place her cross, too close to the keeper at her near post however, Marjoram adjusts well to snatch the ball into her body.

Conditions a challenge for reporting

  Houchen off for Godmanchester with Crook back on. One last attack for the visitors, the diagonal ball knocked up into the D from the left, Harvey up for it goes down claims for a shove even as O’Connor looks to get the ball untangled from her feet turn to shoot, Leverington defend, the final whistle blowing as the ball is cleared.

Full time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-4 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with a strong finish to the match coming away with the 3 points, coupled with a 1st defeat of the season ending Fulbourn Institute Bluebird’s 100% they join them on 18 points at the top of the table. A competitive game no quarter given, end to end often a hard fought battle in the middle, several free-kicks given away, a strongly as it was contested however tempers never over spilled. Good chances for both to take the lead in the 2nd half with Godmanchester taking one to hold the advantage. Leverington came at them hard at the start of the 2nd half but with their pace on the flanks, Godmanchester countered well patient, Cudone breaking clear to score her 2nd of the match, closely followed by a 3rd goal knocking the wind out of the hosts. As the game ticked down and the weather got worse Godmanchester emerged the dominant side adding a 4th goal to seal the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As more often than not it’s not a easy call, a trio of strong contenders, narrowing it down to one wasn’t easy. Few performances of note to mention, firstly for Leverington. Sophie Swinden working tirelessly up top ready to receive the ball looking to make runs into the channels bring others into play, unlucky not to score coming close with a couple of good opportunities. Tianna Schunmann with some vital interceptions at the back getting across to win the ball. Shushannah Feast providing a good outlet for the ball on the left flank. For Godmanchester. Em Stephenson read the game well at the back intercepting everything played too close to her. Natasha Houchen a powerhouse in the middle of the park getting hold of the ball and driving forwards getting the ball out to the pacey players on the flanks. Holly Thompson on the left with some great runs, getting in towards the box creating chances. On the opposite side Kendal O’Connor taking the ball on putting in some dangerous crosses assisting the opening goal and going to to score in the 2nd half. Scoring in both halves though the award today goes to Leah Cudone. Took her goals superbly the 2nd going along way to securing the win, not only that but made some fantastic runs from midfield looking to get onto the end of the ball and cut open the Leverington defence.

  An enjoyable return to football after a little break, could have done without the weather but there you go winter is coming. Love it no matter what. Great to see both sides in action. First trip to Leverington and won’t be the last hopefully have time for a drink next time. My thanks to both sides for the team details, I knew most of the players to be fair but those numbers make life so much easier. Will be interesting to see how it all unfolds in Division One this season.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Norwich City Women

Sunday 3rd November

Women’s FA Cup

Into the 1st Round Proper of this season’s Women’s FA Cup the tier 3 sides entering the competition as the road to Wembley hots up. A trip to St Neots Town FC’s, Premier Plus stadium also home to Cambridge United WFC  as they host fellow FAWNL South East Division One side, Norwich City Women.

The prize fund to with today’s winners receiving £6000 a huge sum to any club competing at this stage of the cup. A run to the 3rd Round Proper and the prize for the winners jumps to £35000! A massive incentive with clubs aiming to make history along the way.

Todays opponents, well known to one another now the longest established sides competing in the 4th tier in the South East of the country stretching way back to the old Combination league days before the 3rd and 4th tiers of the women’s football pyramid became the FAWNL (FA Women’s National League) we know today. Both too growing stronger ties with their respective men’s clubs as they look to find the extra edge to push for the title and promotion to the league above. Today though it’s all about the cup.

FAWNL South East Division One couldn’t be any tighter, Cambridge United WFC may lay 9th in the table but the gap to themselves and top of the table Actonians Ladies is just 7 points! No one breaking clear looks to be highly competitive this season. Last time I saw Cambridge in action they were on the wrong end of a tough loss to London Bees in the league. Two successive cup ties to follow needed a positive bounce back. A tough home draw in the Women’s FA Cup 3rd Round Qualifying against Real Bedford, but having drawn 0-0 with them in the league produced the goods to win 3-1 t0 advance to the 1st Round Proper. 

 Backed that up with another cup victory in the FAWNL Plate a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic Women Academy to reach the last 8 of the competition, having reached the final the season before. Injuries were a problem last season despite that cup run and unfortunately they have affected the squad again this season with new signing defender Ellie Finneran hurt in pre-season yet to play as she returns to fitness. While midfielders, Sammy Edgar and Alysha Stojko-Down are currently side lined along with defender Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris. Sarah Wiltshire though is back in the squad after having her 3rd child and suffering a broken arm in pre-season. Bella Simmons scoring the goals in her absence top scorer so far with 9 from 9.

  Norwich City Women coming into today’s game off the back of 4 successive draws in the league. Frustrating following a run of 4 straight wins at the start of the season. Experienced women’s coach Andy Cook coming in to manage the side having enjoyed success with Newcastle United Women previously, looking to find the extra edge to push Norwich over the line to win promotion to tier 3 for the first time in their history. Despite the draws remain unbeaten 2nd in the table and like Cambridge are into the last 8 of the League Plate following a 2-0 home win against league rivals Actonians Ladies.

  A comfortable 5-0 too in 3rd Round Qualifying of the Women’s FA Cup against ERWFL Premier Division side, Needham Market Women. Have their share of injury problems too. Losing talisman, Ellie Smith in injury in that match has been highly influential for Norwich since joining the club and out for an extended period will be missed. One player soon to make her return from a long term injury however is club captain, Megan Todd, named on the bench for today’s match. Shannon Shaw stepping in to provide the goals in Smith’s absence in the past couple of matches netting a winning brace against Actonians and a hat-trick in Norwich’s 3-3 draw away to London Bees last time out.   

  St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s FA Cup tie. Situated in the midst of a rapidly growing residential area on the outskirts of the town which is only growing. The grass pitched stadium with a 3G facility behind. Viewing on all sides a main covered seated stand with terracing behind both goals. The clubhouse and bar open beside the main stand. The weather mild and cloudy but no rain forecast.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Kelsey Smith, Emma Wallis, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Eva Hubbard (C), Serena Cobb, Rosy Wodhams, Charlotte Gillies, Bella Simmons & Sarah Wiltshire. Subs – Lauren Webb, Gisela Otten, Mollie Coupar, Ella Marden & Marta Rodriguez.

Cambridge United WFC

 Norwich City Women starting XI – Sarah Quantrill (C), Ellie Bishop, Tamsin Medd-Gill, Ceri Flye, Hope Strauss, Eloise Morran, Isabelle Moore, Millie Daviss, Holly Kennard, Natasha Snelling & Shannon Shaw. Subs – Amber Locker, Megan Todd, Katie Knights, Lara Densley, Freya Symonds & Sienna Booty.

Norwich City Women

Captain’s Sarah Quantrill and Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

Norwich have new signing Ellie Bishop lining up in their defence, dual signed from Watford FC Women. Sophie Shults in goal for Cambridge having joined from Ashford over the summer coming into goal with Lauren Webb picking up an injury, Webb back on the bench today. Goalkeeper, Sarah Quantrill captaining Norwich, Eva Hubbard, Cambridge’s new captain this season having joined in the summer. It’s Norwich to kick-off the first half wearing light pastel green shirts and socks with green shorts. Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Isabelle Moore driving forwards with the ball for Norwich, tackled by Cambridge’s Rosy Wodhams the ball out to the left played forwards by Ellie Bishop up the line, Norwich looking to get players on quickly, Kelsey Smith defending to see the ball out for a throw in. 

Isabelle Moore bringing the ball forwards for Norwich

  Norwich looking to get on the front foot right from the off take the game to their opponents, Hope Strauss from the back sending the ball up top into Natasha Snelling. Abbie Jackson with her defending to win the ball at the back for Cambridge under challenge losing her boot in the process. Bishop on the left up to Holly Kennard powers forwards, Smith in to close her down for Cambridge launching it up the line for Bella Simmons on the right wing, Norwich quick to close her down turn play around. 

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson challenging Norwich’s Natasha Snelling for the ball

 The early tempo frantic, Cambridge reacting well, realising they need to match Norwich for intensity look to get after the ball chase players down, won back on the middle the cross field ball finding Sarah Wiltshire pulling away on the right flank, taking the ball on down the line cuts a cross back into the near post, cut out by Strauss, the ball back out wide with Wiltshire she fires it back in towards the defender knocking it off Strauss behind for a corner kick. 

 The corner swept into the near post knocked up and falls down into the mix in the centre of the six yard box, players going for the ball, a hand ball spotted by the referee, Norwich getting the decision. Play intense Norwich with a determined mindset to get the ball forwards, Cambridge responding well, Wodhams moving in to close Ceri Flye down as the defender looks for a forwards pass, nicking the ball off her running in behind lays the diagonal ball into the box with Wiltshire pulling away to the right post, Strauss going with her to cut the pass out clear the ball away to the left.

  Cambridge up high on the left Wallis getting up the pitch to support Charlotte Gillies fouled outside the box, players up from the back as Wiltshire lines up the set-piece swung in central attacked knocked down to the far post and turned behind for a corner kick. Played in long from the right dropping far post Norwich hook the ball clear. Norwich threaten to it Cambridge on the break, Shaw after the ball, Sophie Shults though well out of her area from the corner in a good starting position to react and reach the ball first to kick it clear of the Norwich attacker.

A pause in play as Simmons collects a painfully blow from the ball into her face as the midfield battle continues to be intense. Millie Daviss on the right for Norwich providing some good runs for the defence to send the ball forwards taking the ball on down the wing sends a cross into the near post, Jackson there to head clear for Cambridge. Eloise Morran playing the ball into Moore to race on with the ball through the middle for Norwich, threads a pass in behind to the right with Daviss beating the offside trap to steal into the area, Shults rushing out to close her down doing enough as Daviss snatches her attempt wide of the near post.

Isabelle Moore holding off Cambridge’s Emma Wallis

 No let up in the tempo, Tamsin Medd-Gill fouled by Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard, 30 yard out to the right, Snelling to loft the set-piece in towards the far post, defended turned out to the left, 15 minutes played the game a little testy a few free-kicks given away as both sets of players snap at the ball, Cambridge giving away a free-kick wide on the left, Norwich sending players up from the back.

 GOAL! Bishop the player fouled to take the set-piece for Norwich, curls the ball into the box, a lovely height, it’s Flye rising highest in the middle to get her head on the ball and drill the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner, 0-1.

Ceri Flye heading Norwich into the lead

Ceri Flye win Norwich’s goal

  Cambridge behind look to get on the attack from the restart the ball with Gillies coming through the middle sends the pass forwards out to Simmons wide on the right, held up by Bishop lays it back down the line for Smith who clips the ball high into the near post area, Strauss back peddling for Norwich getting under the flight of the ball her head it out for a throw in. 

  Daviss strong as she brings the ball on down Norwich’s right winning a throw in the corner, dropped into Shaw edge of the area turns to hook the ball on into the box dropping beyond the far post, Smith getting it away before Kennard can latch onto it. The ball put forwards into Gillies central powers on towards the Norwich box before laying the ball out to Wiltshire on her right her cross swept into the box, Wodhams bursting forwards making a run towards the penalty spot, Strauss with a vital interception.

Norwich defender, Hope Strauss

  The game end to end at times, Cambridge over load on the left as Norwich clear the ball threaten to break outnumber their opponents, the final pass not quite happening as Smith regains possession for the hosts. Daviss brought down on the right wide on halfway, Strauss over the Norwich free-kick, clipped high into the box, Wallis heads clear for Cambridge. Daviss causing Cambridge some concern on the left drawing her marker in and rolling in behind whipping a pacy cross into the since yard box, very nearly and own goal as it strikes Lauren Rouse looping up off the defender dropping near post, Moore looking to leap get her head on the ball turn it down into the back of the net Shults aware of her angles allowing it to bounce wide of the post.

  An entertaining contest highly charged both sides not sitting on the ball, Daviss moving on down the right laying the ball back up the line for Snelling to smash a high ball long into the far post, players rushing in looking to attack it Smith going with them getting their first for Cambridge turning the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner curled into the near post high from the left, Shults jumping to punch the ball getting fouled in the process the call late however as the keeper gets a hands out to block Morran’s close range strike as she attacks the loose ball. 

Cambridge goalkeeper, Sophie Shults

  Norwich pushing players on Bishop and Medd-Gill providing support getting on well as the visitors send the ball forwards, Moore into Shaw, looks to play in Snelling right of the D, Jackson closing in to prevent the turn stab the ball away for Wallis to clear. Wiltshire central for Cambridge holding up the ball allowing Wodhams to run forwards take the ball on past her before threading it into Simmons attacking the box right of the D, pulls further wide to create a shooting chance her attempt rising Quantrill across her line well to get behind the ball to make the save.

Norwich on the ball Morran through the middle lifting it into Snelling right of the D 20 yards out up to head the ball twisting in the air to turn it across the area into the path of Kennard, her first touch however a little too strong allowing Shults to chance to step forwards and snatch the ball into her gloves. Wiltshire seeing a Hubbard ball into her feet back to goal turns well to feed the pass on for Simmons to attack wide on the right, Bishop getting across the path of the ball to see it safely back to her keeper to clear. 

Cambridge captain, Eva Hubbard

  Wodhams making several good runs through the middle to link up with Wiltshire through the middle for Cambridge, keeping the Norwich defence alert Strauss and Bishop cutting out a couple of dangerous through balls. Bishop on turn linking up with Kennard and Shaw on the left Norwich winning a corner kick, lifting into the penalty spot, Jackson winning the header for Cambridge to clear.

Shaw combining on the right with Daviss off of a Norwich throw, angling a dipping ball into the near post, Shults getting down to catch the ball into her body beating Snelling to the ball. Daviss taking the ball on down Norwich’s right player racing forwards to get into the box Daviss’ cross flashed across the six yard box, Moore steaming in far post can’t quite take it in her stride the ball turned wide of the upright.

Millie Daviss

  Wallis going past Gillies on the left on the overlap for Cambridge playing the ball inside for Wodhams, Morran getting the foot in to win the tackle deny the hosts an attacking opportunity. Moving into injury time at the end of a fast paced first half the ball fed on for Shaw outside the box to the left of the Cambridge area takes on the strike from distance the shot flashed over the crossbar. 

Norwich attacker, Shannon Shaw

Wallis picking up a yellow card after a coming together with Daviss on the right, the pair enjoying a good battle in the first half. Snelling with another good knock down to the far post, Bishop pushing up looking to keep the ball alive for Norwich, Rouse can see it safely out of play for Cambridge.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

 and breathe! That was an action packed high tempo first half. Highly entertaining between two strong sides. Norwich setting the pace right from the start looking to get on the front foot straight away. Cambridge had no choice had to match them and rose to the challenge well. Both sides looking to get the ball moving Norwich pushing players on creating the better chances but both defences putting in a shift winning the ball with some vital tackling. Enjoyable to watch although spare a thought for my hand writing it’s terrible at the best of times end to end more than one diagram has had to replace a passage of play. Norwich edging it with the opening goal after 15 minutes Ceri Flye getting up to head home a superb delivery from an Ellie Bishop free-kick. Cambridge responding well creating chances themselves makes for a intriguing 2nd half.

  No changes for either side at the break as Cambridge get the 2nd period underway the hosts looking to make a fast start to the 2nd half themselves Wodhams racing out to the right as the ball is played forwards, Bishop defending for Norwich. the ball out for a throw. 

Cambridge’s Rosy Wodhams with Norwich’s Ellie Bishop

 Cambridge pressing early on Hubbard playing the ball into Wiltshire 25 yards out right channel sends it out to the left for Gillies, closed down by Medd-Gill plays it back up the line to Wallis to cross into the box, Strauss winning the header for the visitors. Wodhams pulling right for Cambridge fouled by Bishop. Hubbard on the free-kick out wide clipped into the box, players rushing in to attack but to close to the keeper, Quantrill grabbing hold of the ball.

Holly Kennard

  Kennard turning on the ball as it is played into her as she comes inside from the left looks to feed it through to Snelling up top, Jackson getting in the challenge to regain possession for Cambridge. Norwich winning a throw high on the left the ball with Kennard crossed into the near post, Shults claiming for Cambridge. Remains lively little time on the ball in the middle Morran shifts well to feed it through to Shaw up top plays it across the D into Snelling right side, Wallis getting across her to shield the ball back to her keeper.

Norwich midfielder, Eloise Morran

  Wodhams with a strong run on the ball through the middle for Cambridge played forwards into Wiltshire back to goal 25 yards out lays the ball out to Simmons on the right before spinning to run into the box, Simmons looking to pick her out with the return pass, Flye getting back on Wiltshire to stretching into the tackle timing it perfectly to win the ball. Wodhams falling as she goes to strike the ball from 25 yards out sees it drop early giving Quantrill a straight forward catch.

  Red card! Norwich pressing the attack on the right getting players on up into the box the cross lofted up to the near post, Shults going going for it not getting a clean punch the ball knocked down into the middle the keeper out of position the shot struck on the half volley angling in on target, Rouse back on the line has her arms up to protect her chest the ball striking her full on the referee pointing to the spot Penalty and shows Rouse a straight red card for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity. Tough on Rouse not sure she could gotten her arm out of the way in time but Cambridge are down to 10 with Norwich having an opportunity to double their lead from the spot.

 Strauss to take Norwich’s penalty, Shults facing goes to place it to the right of goal, Shults going the right way diving across her goal to save the penalty to push it away for a corner on the right.

Sophie Shults saving Hope Strauss’ penalty

 Cambridge defending the resulting corner down to 10 with 35 minutes left to play needing a goal to get back into the tie. Straight to penalties should the sides be level after the 90. Cambridge sowing their intent needing a goal keep their attackers on place going to three at the back looking to press on Wodhams pulling out to the left seeing the ball into her feet spinning off her marker to run in behind to sweep a cross into the near post, Wiltshire racing in to attack, Quantrill vastly experienced aware of the threat to the ball first to claim the catch.

  Wodhams getting about the park fouled outside the box to the left of the area, the free-kick fired in towards goal, Quantrill missing her punch the ball however racing wide of the far post. Cambridge fired up after being reduced to 10 energy as they press through the middle Cobb with Hubbard fed forwards evading the Norwich defence Wiltshire alert peeling onto the ball inside the box taking it away to the right before shooting on the angle, Quantrill right behind the ball to make the save.

Cambridge striker, Sarah Wiltshire

  Gillies taking the ball on left for Cambridge laying it inside for Wiltshire left of the D, Strauss in to close her down, the loose ball rolling back to Cobb who shoots over from distance. The hosts determined with a player short Wodhams right inside for Wiltshire 25 yards out pushed over by Morran the Norwich midfielder, yellow carded. Wiltshire on the set-piece 25 yards out put in high drops kindly for the keeper to claim.

  Great tempo Cambridge responding well to falling a player behind asking the questions, Norwich in need of a 2nd goal to kill them off attack down the right Daviss swinging a cross into the near post attacked by Shaw turn her header over the bar. Norwich making a double change with 67 minutes played bringing off Moore and Shaw on come Lara Densley and Freya Symonds. Cambridge making a change too bringing on Mollie Coupar to replace Gillies on the left of attack. 

  Snelling pulling away with the ball to the right sending a cross/shot on the angle wide of the far post for Norwich. A hotly contested game a few tackles pushing the limit both sides committed Cambridge’s 10 asking Norwich a few questions. Jackson and Snelling have enjoyed a good battle all game the Norwich striker getting the edge on her counterpart this time to release Daviss on the right her cross turned behind by Wallis for a corner kick. Played in long across goal, Cambridge clear beyond the far post.

  Symonds taking the ball on for Norwich on the right her cross deflected behind by Wallis. Put in long once again but Norwich keep it alive on the left put bac in central the shot from distance taking a deflection turned behind for another corner on the right. Strauss up at the near post to head the corner delivery down into the six yard box the shot from close range blocked on the line and launched clear.

  Symonds out to the left for Norwich whipping a cross into the top of the Cambridge box, looking for Snelling right of the D, Shults out smartly to the top of her area with the blocking clearance. The game stretched a goal for Norwich almost certain to secure the win, Cambridge keeping players up looking for a chance to equalise, Kennard stealing in on the ball left whipping a cross into the Cambridge area, Wallis intercepting for Cambridge.

Ellie Bishop winning the ball for Norwich

  Cambridge counter Wodhams given the ball inside the circle driving forwards a marauding run eating up the ground 25 yards out slips the ball through for Wiltshire holding her run right channel takes the ball on shifting inside to shoot a low dive from outside the box Quantrill diving full stretch to her left across her goal saving pushing the ball wide of the post for a corner kick. 

Rosy Wodhams surging forwards for Cambridge

 

  The corner curled into the box, Symonds central up well to defend head the ball clear for the visiting side. Norwich needing to work hard at the back spring the counter attack Flye bringing the ball on with a brilliant ball forwards for Densley attacking through the middle racing into the box shoots early as the keeper come to close her down, the ball flashing past Shults who may have got the faintest of touches, but also agonisingly for Densley wide of the right post. Norwich claiming the corner, dismayed when a goal kick is awarded instead.

  Norwich looking for the 2nd goal know they need to sap Cambridge’s spirit, Symonds strong on the right taking the ball on her shot from the angle striking the cross bar on its way over. Siena Booty coming no for Norwich as the game moves into the 81st minute, on to replace Strauss. The game stretched both sides intent on scoring. Cambridge bring of Cobb, send on Marta Rodriguez. 

 The clock ticking down the game remains wide open Snelling looking to run the ball into the corner as the game moves into injury time. Norwich making another change and it sees Megan Todd making her return to the pitch the fans welcoming her on as she replaces Snelling.

Megan Todd making a welcome return to the pitch for Norwich

Players pulling up with cramp have given it their all both sides, one last push for Cambridge to find a goal to potentially send the tie into a penalty shootout. Simmons getting hold of the ball for Cambridge surging down the right winning her side a corner kick.

Bella Simmons on the attack for Cambridge

 Everybody bar the keeper up into the box for Cambridge as Wiltshire swings the corner from the right in towards the near post headed down into the six yard box a snap shot is blocked on the line Norwich scrambling the ball clear, Shults getting hold of it for Cambridge inside the Norwich half firing the ball back into the mix the pass threaded through sees Wallis pulling free to attack at the right post close in Quantrill throwing herself in to block Wallis strikes the ball on the half volley firing it under the keeper but agonisingly the ball strikes the side netting the wrong side of the post as the final whistle blows! Norwich win to advance in the Women’s FA Cup.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 0-1 Norwich City Women

  Damn that was exciting a thrilling game, Cambridge mere inches away at the death from forcing the tie into a penalty shootout. Norwich’s players letting out a roar of celebration were made to work hard for that win and nothing pleases a defence more that a hard fought 1-0 win. A game played at a high tempo through out Norwich setting that pace and Cambridge up for it to match their opponents little time allowed on the ball end to end at times. Amazing really that one goal settled it but after 4 consecutive draws in the league Norwich worked hard at the back for the win. A 2nd goal would have knocked the stuffing out of Cambridge but having fallen down to 10 players the hosts were arguably the better side for a spell just couldn’t find a goal. Took risks at the back needing to push players on and Norwich had chances themselves to put the tie beyond doubt but today was a day where defenders earnt their crust. A fantastic game credit to both sides.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. How do I pick one…um? It’s a tough one no doubt but I do have a clear winner although their are several contenders… on both sides. Let’s mention a few although both sides put in a strong team performance. First up for Cambridge, Abbie Jackson was superb at the back making several important tackles. Likewise Kelsey Smith and Emma Wallis. Sophie Shults with some stops, including the penalty save. Rosy Wodhams with some powerful runs from midfield linked up well with the attackers particularly Sarah Wiltshire who found some great positions up top. For Norwich, Millie Daviss was a threat out on the right provided a good outlet for the ball put in some useful crosses. Eloise Morran got about the pitch both to support the attack and help out in defence. Norwich’s defensive line strong Hope Strauss with reading the game well getting back and making some crucial interceptions and tackles. Likewise felloe centre back Ceri Flye used the ball well from the back and scored the winning goal. Edging it today though is the cross provider for that goal Ellie Bishop a superb delivery from the free-kick. Worked hard though out winning the ball and covering the ground to win the ball and help ensure Norwich kept the clean sheet.

 That was a thrilling cup tie, great entertainment for those in attendance. Cambridge and Norwich have developed a good rivalry over the seasons and gave it a good go this afternoon. Norwich edging it in the finish, advancing to the 2nd round of the Women’s FA Cup. Cambridge so close, a great effort will be disappointed but should use that to fuel them going forwards. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups. Yes I might know who everyone it by now but it helps to be sure. Good to, too catch up with a few footballing friends it’s a great community.

by Darren Gilham