Author Archives: WFEast

Match Report – Soham Town Rangers Ladies v Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

Sunday 14th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 My first slice of county league action this season, beginning with a game from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, with newly promoted, Soham Town Rangers Women hosting Godmanchester Rovers Ladies, who recorded a 3rd placed finish last time out in what was their debut at this level.

 Cambridgeshire once again featuring 3 women’s divisions, expanding from 30 to 39 beginning this campaign with as host of new sides some new reserve and development sides, plus a few moving across from the boarding counties, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire. All 3 divisions looking highly competitive, Division One featuring 13 sides this time around, with 3 new sides joining, the newly Royston Town Women Development, and Cambridge City Women Development along with Spalding United Women, Deeping Rangers Ladies and Soham Town Rangers Women promoted was winners and runners-up last season. Looking at the league it will be interesting to see which sides emerge as title challengers there are several potential candidates.

  Soham Town Rangers Ladies were formed last season, the core of the old Isleham United Ladies side one of the longest established sides within Cambridgeshire that won the Division Three title the season before, given the opportunity to become part of Soham Town Rangers FC football club just down the road they made the switch beginning a new era in Division Two, that seeing the club add to their squad bringing in the likes of goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Ester McTrusty and Carla Penny amongst others bringing useful experience at playing at a higher level. Pushed on to finish as runners-up to win promotion to Division One.

 Carla Penny finishing her first season with Soham as the clubs top scorer netting 35 goals. Have grown further coming into the new season, recruiting more players, amongst them midfielder Rachel Pearce who was most recently at Histon Ladies a wealth of experience to deepen the squad. Soham Town Rangers Women forming a new Reserves side for this season competing in Division Three. Today is Soham’s first league game, will be looking to bounce out following last weekend lose to Suffolk side Ramsey & Mistley Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup.

 A new era of sorts for Godmanchester Town Ladies too as they become Godmanchester Rovers Ladies this season, will be looking to build on a very successful debut season in Division One last time around clinching 3rd spot level on points with 2nd placed Newmarket Town Women Development, having been fighting near the top of the table all season. The core of the side formed from the old St Ives Town Ladies side, becoming Huntingdon Town Ladies for a couple of seasons before moving to Godmanchester. Have recruited strongly over the past few seasons forming a competitive squad.

 Amongst those brought in last season top scorers, Leah Cudone and Hannah Hutchinson scoring 9 and 8 respectfully. As well a finishing 3rd in the league won the Hunts FA Senior Women’s Cup for the first time beating Eaton Socon Ladies 1-0 back in March. Got their league campaign off to a winning start at home on the opening day last Sunday beating new side Royston Town Ladies Development 6-2, Leah Cudone netting a hat-trick with Fran Worrell scoring a brace and a goal too for Molly Thompson.

Soham Town Rangers FC

  My first visit to Soham Town Rangers FC’s home ground on Julius Martin Lane in Soham, the ground a hive of activity upon arrival the carpark full, but did manage to sneak into the one vacant spot. The large clubhouse leading into the stadium, the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink, beside that a elevated covered stand over looknig the pitch, with covered standing beside and at both goal ends. Needed if today’s weather forecast was anything to go by with rain likely at some point during the game. Busy with plenty of supporters around to watch the women’s side begin their league campaign. 

 Soham Town Rangers Ladies starting XI – Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Chloe Dunn, Amy Ozakpinar, Jodie Copping, Katie Levitt, Erin Clarke, Laura Mcallister, Carla Penny, Ester McTrusty, Rachel Pearce & Elsie Holroyd-Davison. Subs – Jessica Brand, Evie Luker, Lizzie Quigley, Kara Firek & Michela Edwards.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies

Godmanchester Rovers Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leni Stowers, Isabel Vincent, Gemma Cooksley (C), Leah Culpin, Erica Zimmerman, Ellie Harvey, Maisie Buckle, Molly Thompson, Fran Worrall & Shannah Anico. Subs – Nicolle Surtees & Hannah Hutchinson.

Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Laura Mcallister and Gemma Cooksley with referee Jordan Blunt

 Overcast a few spots of rain beginning to fall as the teams are lead out by today’s match referee, Jordan Blunt. Soham to have the kick-off in the first half wearing green and white vertical stripes shirts with green shorts and socks. Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts and shorts with navy coloured socks. The ball rolled back into the hosts defence, Godmanchester are quick to break forwards press the ball, bouncing about in the middle of the park, Erica Zimmerman getting hold of the ball for Godmanchester looking to release attacker, Shannah Anico into the right, Amy Ozakpinar intercepting heading the ball out for a throw in.

  From the throw Godmanchester keep the press up forcing an early corner kick out on the right. Curled into the near post, Soham with numbers back to block as the ball is turned goal wards, deflected away to the right a shot from distance comes back in on the angle looping high over goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls goal. The rain beginning to fall steadily the sky dark with cloud.

 Play drawn over to the far side of the pitch with both sides making little headway, Carla Penny looking to get the ball free across the park into Rachel Pearce staying out wide to the right, Isabel Vincent cutting the ball out for the visitors. Godmanchester’s turn to feel the squeeze at the back as Soham push up, goal keeper, Sophie Marjoram playing the ball out of her box straight to Pearce she is quick to lift it back into the top of the area with Penny charging in, Godmanchester captain, Gemma Cooksley jumping well get her head on the ball drop in down into her advancing keepers gloves to stifle the threat.

Gemma Cooksley heading the ball down for goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram to collect

  Soham getting the ball out to Penny on the right, has Pearce up with her on the wing the pass into her she turns to play the ball into Elsie Holroyd-Davison making a run into the right channel looking to get onto the end of it as she enters the box, Cooksley across quickly to slide in to challenge send the ball away to the right. Molly Thompson on the ball central for Godmanchester plays it on for Ellie Harvey moving right attempts to slide it through for Maisie Buckle, a little too much on it however, Soham’s defence can see it out for a goal kick.

Ellie Harvey on the attack for Godmanchester

  Fran Worrall looking a threat for Godmanchester on the left whenever they counter making good runs into the left channel, Zimmerman competing for the ball in the middle played on, Erin Clarke with a timely intervention for the hosts. 

 GOAL! Worrall having broken a couple of times already, bursting away on the left as Godmanchester break up play in the middle, Harvey and Zimmerman closing the ball down the pass threaded into Worrall’s path she skips on into the box turning to shoot across the keeper getting plenty behind it as she strikes the ball into the bottom corner to open the scoring 0-1.

Fran Worrall breaking forwards to open the scoring for Godmanchester

  Godmanchester a goal to the good inside the opening 10 minutes. Soham get straight on the attack form the restart Penny driving forwards with the ball central sending an angled ball out to the right into the feet of Holroyd-Davison strikes for goal her effort blasted wide of the near post.

  Penny linking up with captain Laura Mcallister and Ester McTrusty on Soham’s left taking the ball on down the wing, Leni Stowers sliding in with a strong tackle to send the ball out for a throw in. Worrall played in on the left by Harvey in the middle for Godmanchester, wrong foots full back Dunn, checking inside preparing to cross, before she can, Jodie Copping is across from the middle of defence to put in the blocking tackle to deny her. 

 Competitive both sides moving in to close the ball a number of heartily contested 50/50 balls, Harvey and Thompson contesting on central in pops loose into the right channel for Holroyd-Davison to attack, Vincent getting back at her battling for the ball eases Holroyd-Davison off the ball, leaving her grounded as she clears the ball. The Soham attack feeling it a little, needing to come off to recover, Kara Firek sent on to join the attack. 

  The action end to end both sides intent on getting it forwards Worrall coming inside looking to pick out Anico right side as she breaks in behind intercepted by Ozakpinar turned back to her keeper, the kick out presented straight to Worrall she looks for Anico back coming back from an offside position the flag goes up against her.

  McTrusty surging onto the by-line with the ball for Soham, cuts a cross back into the near post, Penny rushing in trying to meet it on the volley, Cooksley in the way blocking from close range. Dunn being kept on her toes by Worrall full back getting in close doing well to ease her opponent off the ball as she looks to spin round her. Pearce is keeping a good position out on the right providing a ready outlet for the ball when Soham look to get forwards, Penny looking for her plays the diagonal passed, Pearce on the turn looking to play it into the box for Firek moving into the right channel, just a little too much on it, Marjoram can come across see it out for a goal kick.

 Very competitive in the middle, both sides guilty of playing blind passes forwards not picking anyone out. Penny scraping for possession feeding a good ball out to Pearce pushing on down the right her cross squared into the top of the Godmanchester area intercepted and cleared by Leah Culpin. Dunn getting up well on Soham’s right combining with Pearce the ball played across the park into Mcallister sends it down the line for McTrusty, Stowers getting across her path shielding the ball out for a goal kick.

  Vincent tackling Pearce as she takes the ball on from Penny on the right, Soham getting players forwards well applying a bit of pressure to the Godmanchester back-line. However the visitors are a threat on the counter break from a Soham throw high on the left, the ball from Zimmerman into Harvey the Soham defence stretched the midfielder on the drive taking the ball on has options to her left in Worrall racing forwards and Anico to the right threads the ball on for the latter, Anico striking it on the angle, rising Quinn Nicholls at her near post getting her gloves up to palm the ball down into the turf and claim.

Soham goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls

  The action from one end to the other, busy writing the notes from the Godmanchester attack even as Soham counter the ball on the left played inside to Penny racing into the area hitting the ball hard with her left foot, driving it across the diving keeper the ball smashing off the base of the far post bouncing back out and to Marjoram’s relieve straight at her, snatches it into her body.

Soham’s Carla Penny

  Lively, Clarke in the middle for Soham wide to Mcallister played forwards into Penny the ball cut back across the top of the Godmanchester area met first time by Pearce central her shot angling wide of the left upright. Anico played in wide right again as Godmanchester counter attack, her angled strike beat down again by Quinn Nicholls who wastes no time it getting it up field into her attackers. Culpin sending in a free-kick deep on the left defended by Soham top of the area falls straight to Zimmerman but she does get clean contact as she looks to go for goal. 

Erica Zimmerman

  Marjoram out quickly to close down Pearce inside the box right side as Penny looks to pick her out with the cross-field pass. Marjoram getting the decision as she comes rushing out to deal with McTrusty as Mcallister plays the ball into her left side. Buckle with a piece of superb defending for Godmanchester challenging Penny on the penalty spot as sent in from Pearce on the right. 

 Soham lively break with pace the diagonal ball lifted into the path of Pearce coming in from the right 25 yards out strikes it on the volley from the top of the D, swerves wide of the right post. Godmanchester getting a free-kick central 35 yards out, Thompson to deliver plays a fast paced ball long into the left post area, players gathered inviting but no one can get a touch as it sails wide. 

  Dunn powering forwards on the right for Soham played on for Pearce her cross looping high into the area, Marjoram getting it away to safety for Godmanchester. Marjoram making another sharp save moments later getting down low to push the ball away to her left as Penny looks to bring a left side cross down inside the D and send goal wards.

 Harvey making several good runs on the ball for Godmanchester linking up well with Zimmerman in the middle. Firek getting hold of the ball for Soham outside the area on the turn plays it left into McTrusty inside the box, Cooksley stretching cutting the pass out. Zimmerman lifting the ball on into the right channel as Anico bursts forwards, Quinn Nicholls out quickly to the edge of her box to lay claim to the ball.

  Worrall taking on the ball left channel, held up by Dunn plays it inside to Zimmerman 30 plus yards out time to look up release a shot, her angled shot swung in across goal lacking to power to trouble Quinn Nicholls. Harvey drives with the ball as Godmanchester break sends it into Worrall in behind in to the box left of the D, shapes to shoot, Ozakpinar getting back well to make the block, the ball turned behind for a corner kick. 

 Zimmerman on the corner swung into the area knocked down Thompson moving to strike the loose back, Copping charging it down the ball still with Godmanchester outside the area, clipped back to the left the flag up however as Zimmerman is caught offside. Penny seeing the ball into her body bringing it down well on the turn plays it forwards on the right into Pearce has Firek ahead of her looking to get into the box, Cooksley tracking her reading the pass getting in the way to turn the ball back into her keeper.

  Soham winning a free kick out deep on the right the ball played in across goal, Marjoram going up to claim is knocked to the ground, play stopped as the keeper is in need of treatment. A pause in play but is up and able to continue. Soham looking to push on late in the first half, Clarke and Penny combining through the middle the ball played on for Mcallister getting forwards, Culpin closing her down.

  Good pressure from Soham, McTrusty quick to win it back left side bursting forwards whipping a ball into the six yard box, Worrall back cutting it out to clear for the visitors. Vincent stretching intercepting a diagonal ball aimed at Pearce on the right. Soham with a free-kick out on the left played n from deep not a great ball in but intercepted near side is turned behind for a corner kick. Godmanchester with bodies at the near post clearing Harvey looking for Anico on the counter, Ozakpinar defending for Soham.

  Half-time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

  The players heading back to the changing rooms with the worst of the rain having stayed away, Godmanchester with the slender lead Fran Worrall scoring in the opening 10 minutes. Soham have responded well creating chances hitting the post and forcing a save from the keeper, while Godmanchester have looked a threat on the counter, with some strong runs through the middle and channels, Quinn Nicholls making a couple of vital saves to keep the lead down to just the one goal. Has been a little frantic at times, certainly competitive in the middle, passes rushed as a result with neither side getting on top of the other. Very much all to play for 2nd half and a quick turnaround too with both sides keen to get on with it.

 The rain falling a little bit stronger now, Godmanchester to get the 2nd period underway the ball played back into the defence, the visitors looking to keep possession, move it around at the back into the keeper, sloppy play as the forwards pass into a defender isn’t collected, presented straight to McTrusty in a central position 25 yards out is encouraged to shoot with the keeper off her line, drags her attempt wide of the left post. 

Carla Penny with Erica Zimmerman

 Play congested through the middle Penny into squeeze the ball lifted forwards for Firek, Cooksley intercepts for the visitors. Culpin moving into clear on the right of defence as McTrusty looks to take the ball on. Worrall gets away with the ball at her feet on Godmanchester’s right flashes a cross into the area, Copping deflecting it out of her box falls to Buckle who strikes it first time from all of 25 yards out her shot over the crossbar.

Leah Culpin clearing before Ester McTrusty can reach the ball

 

  Godmanchester winning a free-kick 30 plus yards out in the middle, Harvey over the ball takes on the shot her effort over the bar. McTrusty fed the ball on Soham’s left taking it on into the box, Culpin recovering well to get back at her put her foot in to tackle, McTrusty scrapping to win it back plays it into Mcallister getting up in support out wide delivers an inviting ball in across the face of the Godmanchester goal, neither Penny, nor Pearce closing in on the far post can get a touch to turn it home.

  Quill Nicholls with a good claim taking the ball down into her chest off of a Godmanchester free-kick on the left. Vincent lunging in to make the block on Firek as she takes the ball on down the right flank off Pearce a corner conceded. Taken short up the line the delivery into the area cleared by Harvey for Godmanchester.   

GOAL! An end to end contest Godmanchester hit Soham on the counter the ball out on the left played on by Zimmerman into Worrall as she looks to get into the box, Quinn Nicholls alert to the threat rushing out to close her down sliding in at her feet making the blocking save, the ball deflected out of the area, the visitors quick to win it back, Zimmerman sending a shot in on the angle over Quinn Nicholls before she can get back into position a great hit to loop over her to find the back of the net to double the lead 0-2.

Erica Zimmerman doubles Godmanchester’s lead

 Godmanchester doubling their advantage 20 minutes into the 2nd half. The visitors with an injury concern however as goalkeeper, Marjoram needs to come off, defender Leah Culpin given the gloves and a bib taking up the role between the sticks, Hannah Hutchinson coming on, with Harvey dropping into the backline. This is a busy game with the action never still a real blow for Soham as they were pushing for a goal themselves.

Leah Culpin now donning the gloves for Godmanchester

  Thompson driving forwards for Godmanchester with the ball at her feet, fed through to Worrall on the left, Dunn getting back at her challenging on the by-line, Worrall managing to squeeze a cross in along the face of goal, Quinn Nicholls down smartly to smother the ball for Soham. Pearce on the right for Soham feeding a cross on the angle into the near post Penny providing the run, Harvey going with her reading the move turning the ball on for Culpin to clear.

   A few free-kicks being given away yet the game remains in good spirits both sides competing, Soham winning a set-piece wide on the right swung into the six yard box, Culpin catching it cleanly. Cooksley cutting out a cross from Pearce on the right heading it behind for a corner kick. Taken short clipped into the near post on the angle attacked by Firek, deflects off a defender to the top of the area, Mcallister latching onto it fires a short in on goal, coming in low Culpin gets down to make the comfortable save.

  Soham making a triple switch sending on, Lizzie Quigley, Evie Luker and Michela Edwards for Dunn and Ozakpinar and Mcallister. Stowers presented the ball on the right advancing with purpose up the wing tackled by Edwards the ball out for a throw. The changes seeing Stowers able to get forwards support the Godmanchester attack playing in inside to Zimmerman gets it back moving into the area Edwards with the blocking tackle the ball deflected of Stowers for a goal kick. 

  Quigley moving across to defend for Soham slides in on Stowers as she looks to get onto the end of a Zimmerman pass the ball out for a corner kick. Soham making two more changes with McTrusty and Penny coming off, Evie Luker into the action along with Holroyd-Davison. Luker straight into the action fed the ball right side sends it on to Pearce out wide bursting towards the box looking for the return pass, Harvey reads it well for Godmanchester going with her to intercept the pass.

  Firek rushing forwards to charge down a defensive clearance rebounds kindly into Luker 25 yards out central lines up the strike, dropped in on the keeper, Culpin gets a glove up to make a fantastic save knocking the ball up onto her crossbar and collecting it as it bounces down in front of her.

  Zimmerman taking the ball on well for the visitors moving to the right on for Anico, plays a diagonal ball into the Soham box looking for Worrall coming in far side, Quinn Nicholls moving forwards to snatch up the ball. Thompson moving with the ball into space on the right, Holroyd-Davison getting back at her to slide in play the ball behind for a corner kick. Zimmerman on the corner an in swinger in on the keeper, attacked blocked inside the six yard box, back out to Zimmerman on the right, her 2nd cross in cleared by Quigley, Firek looking to break right side, Vincent challenging.

  Anico coming off for Godmanchester with Nicolle Surtees coming on up top. Holroyd-Davison clatters into Stowers taking the ball clear on the left her cross et by Pearce inside the area her shot pushed away to safety by Culpin. Penny back into the action for Soham, Anico too as Stowers needs to come off. Moving into the final 10 minutes of the contest, Luker is fouled 25 yards out to the left of the D. Pearce over the set-piece curls it in on goal, Culpin has to deal with it tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

GOAL! The corner fired low into the near post inside the six yard box, players from both sides snatching at it to try get meaningful contact, takes a couple of ricochets before Penny puts her foot through it to blast the ball past bodies on into the back of the net to see Soham reduce the deficit 1-2.

Carla Penny pulls one back for Soham

 Game on as Soham get after the ball wanting to get on with the game Levitt playing the ball through the middle into Penny looks to send it on into Pearce pulling out to the right seeing the threat dropping back to intercept the ball for Godmanchester. The rain falling heavily now, Penny in position top of the area looking to see the ball down into her feet hit on the turn, doesn’t get the contact she wanted her shot rolling harmlessly through to the keeper.

  Godmanchester launch a counter attack, Harvey to Zimmerman out to Thompson right side driving forwards looking to get into the area rides two challenges before firing the ball into the six yard box, Copping getting it away for Soham. Surtees fed into space on the left into the channel for Godmanchester, plays it inside for the advancing Zimmerman lines up a strike from 25 yards out threatening to dip under the bar, Quinn Nicholls with the superb save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner kick. 

 Curled in towards the near post Pearce defending for Soham, break up the other end to win a throw in the corner, Holroyd-Davison’s cross worked into the box taken down by Culpin. The game stretched a few tired legs out there Soham with the late goal finding a little more energy Clarke sending the ball on for Edwards advancing on the left taking the ball all the way into the box tries to get a shot away even as she is closed down her attempt over the bar.

  GOAL! The clock ticking down Soham taking risks pushing players on get hold of the ball on the right Holroyd Davison up with Penny the ball fired into the box, comes straight into Pearce making a central run hitting it first time before she can be closed down on the turn strikes the ball wide past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner to score! 2-2! Pearce’s first goal for her new club.

Rachel Pearce congratulated as she equalises for Soham

Rachel Pearce scoring her first goal for Soham

  Soham fighting back with a goal in stoppage time to get back on level terms with Godmanchester. A hammer blow for the visitors get straight back up the other end to win a corner kick, Soham need to settle the corner swung in to the near post from the right, Quinn Nicholls comes for it well to claim relieve the pressure. Penny with a long ball out to Holroyd-Davison on the right pushes forwards her cross into the top of the area cut out turned behind for a corner before Pearce can attack it, no time to take it the final whistle blows and the points are shared!

Full time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 2-2 Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

  Soham showing good character to keep going and find a goal in the final 10 minutes after Godmanchester had doubled their lead 20 minutes into the 2nd half. Forced into a keeper change, seeing a few positional changes made looked good for their lead but Soham making changes themselves kept going finding a goal and coming back in stoppage time to equalise. A good contest between two competitive sides, Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One is going to be one to watch this season. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. And this is a tough one, there are four players with a strong claim to the award and separating them isn’t easy, add onto that a strong teams performance from both sides and it tells you how competitive it was. Were to start, will go with Godmanchester, Ellie Harvey with a strong game in both midfield and dropping back into defence, with the some great passes and runs in the former role, reading the game well in the latter. Along side her in midfield, Erica Zimmerman won the ball well, played some excellent passes and scored from a brilliant strike to double the lead. Leah Culpin with some great tackles in defence did well in goal when called upon making some good saves. Gemma Cooksley too in defence with several vital interceptions and tackles. For Soham, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls produced some great saves to keep her side in contention. Jodie Copping covered the ground in defence to win the ball. Rachel Pearce provided a constant outlet on the right ready to receive the ball and link up with her fellow attackers in position composed to score the equaliser at the death. The award goes to Carla Penny her work rate throughout was phenomenal get about the park to link up play get it moving forwards, close to scoring in the first half, getting the goal to launch the Soham fightback late in the 2nd half.

  That was an enjoyable first trip to Soham Town Rangers, and my first taste of county league action for the season didn’t disappoint, the weather maybe but I’ll have to get used to that, my thanks to both sides and referee Jordan Blunt for the help with the team details as ever much appreciated, the season’s in full swing at last and it’s going to be as exciting as ever.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Stanway Pegasus Women

Sunday 7th Sept

FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying

 It all kick’s off this Sunday with the women’s football getting into full swing across the country with the county leagues beginning their campaigns, lots of action to look forward to including a staggering 163 ties in First Round Qualifying of this years FA Women’s Cup. And it’s that competition where this Sundays match report comes from with a short trip to Thetford to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on ERWFL Division One counterparts, Stanway Pegasus Women.

 The FA Women’s Cup a huge draw in terms of both prestige and potential financial gain for clubs across the county with a rich history. Better reward too in recent season’s with the prize money in each round increasing significantly (although well below there male equivalents). Today’s match winners receiving £1800 with the losing side pocketing £450. A tidy run in the cup a huge incentive for any grassroots club.

 Todays’ clash between two sides competing in ERWFL Division One, both joining the league in the 23-24 season, now entering their 3rd season competing at this level. The ERWFL up to it’s full compliment of 36 sides across 3 divisions, Thetford competing in Division One North, Stanway Pegasus in Division One South, this the first meeting between the pair.

 Luke Pickford stepping down as joint manager at the end of last season having helped Thetford become an established side in the ERWFL recording a 5th placed finish in Division One North, Amber Browne working along side Pickford now in charge of the women’s side bringing in coach Alec Marshall, who has previous experience with King’s Lynn Town Ladies. As competition to join the ERWFL grows, it’s becoming an ever more competitive league and the clubs within it have to respond, Thetford have been busy in the close season having lost a few experienced players have brought in a good blend of experience and promising youth to bolster the squad.

 Gabby Cobb captaining King’s Lynn Town Ladies for a couple of difficult seasons for the club will have gain valuable experience and will be hungry to do well at Thetford. jess Queimedo was also at King’s Lynn last season. Young goalkeeper, Mya Parker impressed at Aylsham FC Women breaking onto the scene and making her self noticed with some impressive displays. Ruby Lakey, Jess Marriot, Megan Chandler and Sophie White are young talents looking to become established at this level while Katie Fray returns after a strong first spell with the club. Defender, Fran Peeling captains the side this season. A tough start to the season however with Thetford suffering a 4-0 and 5-0 defeat in their opening two matches. Have responded well however since clinching a 1-0 win away to Biggleswade United Women last Sunday and a 3-1 home win over local rivals Mulbarton Wanderers in midweek lifting them up to 5th in the table.

 Stanway Pegasus Women start the season with a new management team too with Luke Worley stepping down at the end of last season, Sophie Thorne takes on the managers role along side player/coach Rosi Webb. Webb also the manager of the men’s side playing in the Thurlow Nunn Division One North. Stanway Pegasus a Colchester based club, they and local rivals Stanway Rovers establishing a women’s side at the same time, Colchester United now reforming their women’s set-up sees a strong pool of clubs representing women’s football in the area. 

 Stanway Pegasus Women into their 3rd season in ERWFL Division One South having a good run in last years FA Women’s Cup eventually knocked out by FAWNL side London Seaward FC in 3rd Round Qualifying. My first look at the club despite trying on a couple of occasions last season, so keen to get to one of their games this time around along with a Reserves side competing in Essex Women’s Division Two have resembled a side packed with experience players at this level have seen several in action before several with the old East Bergholt United Ladies side. Have seen a few players depart over the summer while making a few need additions, Amy Thompson and Taylor Cooke both adding quality to the squad. A tough start to the season however with two league defeats and an early exit in the League Cup. Gained their first point of the season in midweek however in a battling 3-3 draw with newly promoted rivals Colchester United Women.

The pitch looking great at Mundford Road

  Thetford Town FC’s, Mundford Road stadium the venue for this afternoons cup tie, the pitch looking in fantastic condition at the start of the season, a slight slope on the pitch from one corner to another. A compact ground with standing viewing on all sides a covered stand over the changing rooms and a modern clubhouse housing the bar serving hot and cold drinks. The sun shining bright with the temperatures back up to the mid twenties as we move into September (only goes downhill from here) A stiff breeze blowing keeping things cooler with some club cover around.

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Mya Parker, Fran Peeling (C), Sausha Levy-Twomey, Jess Marriott, Hannah Claughton, Shannon Chandler, Dayna Howard, Megan Chandler, Jess Queimedo, Liv Dunne & Gabby Cobb. Subs – Keileigh Dixon, Zoe Klimcke, Emily Birt, Ruby Lakey, Sophie White, Mollie O’Callaghan & Katie Fray.

Thetford Town Ladies

Stanway Pegasus Women starting XI – Kaitlyn Brand, Darcy Abel, Jessica Clark (C), Deben Howlett, Teigan McHale, Jade Clemmens, Jessica Gill, Hayleigh Jenkins, Kira Wealls, Amy Thompson & Jade Horne. Subs – Brogan McHale, Imogen Fisher & Rosi Webb.

Stanway Pegasus Women

Captain’s Jessica Clark and Fran Peeling with todays match referee Edward Colman

 Thetford naming a full compliment of 7 substitutes upon their bench, 5 of which can be used. Stanway Pegasus with a few missing, including new recruit Taylor Cooke out with a wrist injury naming just the 3 on the bench. Edward Colman officiating today’s match was also in the middle for my game last weekend at Dussindale & Hellesdon, the FA providing 3 match officials. Stanway Pegasus to get the FA Cup tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing yellow shirts with black patterning across the top of the chest and black sleeves, black shorts and yellow socks with black hoops. Thetford lined up opposite in their all claret kit.

  The ball rolled back to Deben Howlett in defence, she plays it long into the right channel looknig for the run by Kira Wealls, Jessica Marriott getting their first to win the ball for Thetford. Both sides snapping in to try and win the ball in the opening exchanges, Dayna Howard getting it down under control for Thetford bringing it left sending it on for Hannah Claughton getting on the move down the wing, Darcy Abel at full back cutting the pass out for Stanway Pegasus.

  Pressing the ball in the middle Stanway Pegasus’ defence pushed up, Jessica Gill plays the ball right into Wealls she attempts the early diagonal ball across the top of the area aiming for Amy Thompson powering forwards on the opposite flank, the strong breeze getting hold of it turning it away from Thompson into the arms of onrushing goalkeeper, Mya Parker. Claughton showing attacking intent making some useful runs on the left taking the ball on down the line squares it in central for Gabby Cobb 25 yards out on the turn strikes the ball, dragging her shot wide of the right post.

 Thetford coming forwards well Claughton left side linking up with Liv Dunne, working into the middle across the pitch to Shannon Chandler on the opposite flank her cross into the top of the area cleared by Teigan McHale out for a throw in. Jessica Queimedo sending the ball on for Claughton left flank into the corner whips a bouncing ball in to the six yard box across the face of goal, scrambled clear by McHale at the far post. The hosts pushing Stanway Pegasus back, Shannon Chandler angling a ball into the area from the right, goalkeeper, Kaitlyn Brand down on it to claim at her near post.

  Cobb stealing onto the ball off a loose pass out on the left top corner of the box cuts it back in central for Liv Dunne shifts the ball between her feet before sending a curling effort straight into the gloves of the Stanway Pegasus keeper. Stanway Pegasus winning a free kick deep on the left a chance to relieve some pressure get the ball up into the opposition box, flung into the near post, Parker calls for it and comes to confidently claim the ball.

Jessica Marriott defending for Thetford

  Hayleigh Jenkins taking the ball on looking to link up with Wealls out on the right, exchanging passes the return ball snuffed out by the back tracking Marriott. The visitors defence stepping up in the nick of time to catch Shannon Chandler offside as she looks to run onto a diagonal ball. Thetford advancing down the right Magen Chandler up with Shannon Chandler, the latter fouled as the ball is played forwards into the top of the area, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Thetford captain, Fran Peeling over it launches the ball long towards the far post, too much on it no one can get there as it sails wide. 

Thetford’s Gabby Cobb

 Megan Chandler, Dunne and Cobb all lively up top for Thetford looking to put the Stanway Pegasus defence under pressure. The latter charging down a short pass to take the ball on in behind on the left whipping a cross into the six yard box, McHale is again on hand to intercept and clear for the visiting side. Thetford doing well getting on to press the ball get players up into the final 3rd, Stanway Pegasus riding their luck pushed back, Howlett and McHale getting some vital touches on the ball in the opening 15 minutes. 

Stanway Pegasus’ Teigan McHale

 Forcing errors Dunne latches onto a loose ball to play it forwards down the left channel for Claughton racing into the box closing in on the by-line wraps her foot around the ball firing a dangerous ball in across the face of the Stanway Pegasus goal, Cobb closing in on the far post can’t quite get there to make contact with the ball, turn it home as it runs wide for a goal kick. 

 Claughton getting hold of the ball driving on with it up the left cutting a cross back in towards the top of the area, players back en masse for Stanway Pegasus, Howlett getting it away from danger. The chances mounting for the hosts, Megan Chandler attacking left sending the ball on for Claughton down the line squares the cross into the six yard box, Dunne closing in central onto the ball trying to dig the shot out from under her feet on the turn scoops her attempt over the bar!

Hannah Claughton on the attack for Thetford

   Cobb with an effort on the half volley from outside the box for Thetford drops wide of Brand’s left upright. Chances up the other end limited for Stanway Pegasus, slow to get up and press the ball, Horne up top closely marked by Sausha Levy-Twomey. Thompson making some promising runs on the ball left side the ball fed into her path by captain Jessica Clark, goalkeeper Mya Parker alert to the threat racing out of her box to kick the ball clear before Thompson can reach it.

  Claughton in again on the left played on by Megan Chandler, squaring the ball in central outside the box into Cobb has Dunne up with her the pair combining passes Cobb looking to run in behind off the return pass, McHale reading it well for the visitors lunging in to get hold of the ball in defence. Dunne seeing the ball played into her run from the left shooting from 25 yards out her effort narrowly over the cross bar. 

Deben Howlett

 Abel with a timely tackle to take the ball off Dunne as she looks to break away with the ball in the left channel a corner conceded. Lifted high into the six yard box, Stanway Pegasus with plenty back getting it clear. Horne wins a free kick as she is pushed in the back going up for the ball, top of the circle Stanway Pegasus send it long up to the top of the area left of the D, Jenkins looking to get it down turn to attack the box tackled by Howard.

Thetford’s Dayna Howard

 An pause for an injury seeing referee Edward Colman call for a drinks break, a crucial opportunity for the Stanway Pegasus to regroup as the coaches make their feelings clear demanding more from the side. 27 minutes played the visitors have had to work hard in defence Thetford on top.

 GOAL! Certainly did the trick as play resumes the ball with Stanway Pegasus as they advance fed into Thompson on the left drives on with the ball before firing a vicious cross in on the angle into the corridor, a dangerous ball past the keeper, a defender stretching for it tries to clear but only succeeds in turning the ball on into the net 0-1.

Amy Thompson’s cross turned into the back of the net for an own goal to open the scoring

 The drinks break couldn’t have come at a better time, Stanway Pegasus under pressure lucky to have no conceded finding themselves in the lead with the first attack after the restart. Stanway Pegasus looking energised after the goal, Howlett with a strong tackle to win the ball as Thetford look to get Cobb on the move through the middle. Clemmens turning on the ball central playing it forwards into Horne the attacker turning the ball out to Wealls wide on the right surging forwards delivers a cross into the box the ball intercepted by Levy-Twomey. 

Sausha Levy-Twomey

Thetford looking for a respond Dunne bringing the ball on has Claughton ahead of her racing into the left channel the ball rolled into her feet shoots from the top of area her shoot angled into Brand covering the near post. Clark into Clemmens central sends the ball into the left channel looking for Horne, Peeling winning it back for Thetford. Claughton playing the ball inside to Dunne from the left attempts to play it on for Cobb, Jenkins getting a foot in to divert the ball away for a throw.

 GOAL! Thetford getting players up well to press the ball around the Stanway Pegasus box, won centrally the diagonal ball fed through the defence into Claughton pulling clear to the left, sends another dangerous cross in across the face of goal Cobb closing in centrally, in runs on to the far post with Shannon Chandler bursting in to get on the end of it to turn the ball over the line and equalise 1-1.

Shannon Chandler equalising for Thetford

Thetford back on level terms with a little over 5 minutes left to play in the first half. A more competitive contest more Stanway Pegasus trying to get players up support Horne in attack. Both sides playing some loose passes Howlett up well to defend as Thetford look to turn play around with a ball over the top. Jenkins snapping in to win the ball high for Stanway Pegasus played into Wealls wide right pushes forwards her cross cut out by Queimedo. 

 Abel being kept busy by Claughton getting a timely tackle in to deny her running in behind. Wealls squaring a ball into the D, Thompson and Clemmens both making runs can’t get themselves sorted out to release a shot before being closed down. Wealls over a free kick on the right for the visitors playing a high ball into the area, Parker catching it. Thetford with a rapid counter on the right Shannon Chandler running with the ball sent on for Cobb up top, Howlett stretching out a foot to cut out the pass.

  Horne taking the ball on up the right sending an angled ball into the six yard box, Thompson far side can’t quite get there however has taken a touch off a Thetford player on the way through, corner given. The initial corner out at the near post, Stanway Pegasus keep players up forcing a 2nd corner. This delivery curled in central, blocked on the line the rebound blasted back in on goal, blocked again by a turning defender, Stanway Pegasus appeal for handball, but nothing doing.

 Howlett winning another vital header at the back as Cobb threatens to run clear n behind the visitors defence. Wealls winded a painful blow as she is struck with the ball late in the first half. Thompson taking the ball on left side for Stanway Pegasus, Howard getting back at her to tackle for Thetford. Stanway Pegasus winning a late corner on the right, Parker fouled at her near post as she goes to claim the ball.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-1 Stanway Pegasus Women

  Al square at the break the side heading into the changing rooms, a much more competitive end to the half than the opening 25 minutes. Thetford imposing themselves getting after the ball, creating chances, however not taking any as Stanway Pegasus battled hard at the back. A break for drinks much needed for the visitors a chance for the coaches to lift their team,, did the trick with Stanway Pegasus into the lead straight from the restart. Thetford continued to create openings and finally took on to level the scores late in the half. Will feel aggrieved could have been 3-0 up on another day. Still at 1-1 all to play for 2nd half.

 Thetford out onto the pitch early for the 2nd half, no changes. Stanway Pegasus making a change, Wealls picking up a couple of knocks in the first half coming off replaced by Imogen Fisher. The clouds have rolled in 2nd half making it feel alot cooler, still pleasant however. Thetford to begin the 2nd half the ball played back to Peeling in defence played out to Dunne attacking on the left the ball cut out by Abel. 

 Fisher linking up with Clemmens in the middle for the visitors the ball fed forwards into Horne in attack, Levy-Twomey lunging in to win the ball back for Thetford. Jenkins now on the right for Stanway Pegasus driving on with the ball her cross fired into the box, cut out by Marriott turned behind off the defender for a corner kick. Curled into the near post defended and cleared up to Cobb in attack, lifts it out to Megan Chandler breaking right, her high ball from the angle into the box, claimed by Brand. 

Thetford captain, Fran Peeling

 

  Thetford pressing the ball around the Stanway Pegasus area, Dunne involved with Cobb and Megan Chandler a strike from inside the D striking Howlett from close range, Stanway Pegasus aggrieved as judged to have struck her hand a free-kick given. Outside the D, Peeling and Claughton over it, the latter striking it over the wall, over the crossbar. The hosts winning the ball back on the left, Queimedo on for Claughton powering her way up the line fires the ball into the six yard box, Cobb racing in near post can’t get the ball under control between her feet turning it behind for a goal kick. 

  Clark playing a throw on for Thompson left wing squared in into the middle for Clemmens 25 yards out, attempts to dink a deft ball over the top for Horne to latch onto as she turns with Levy-Twomey in close attention, the central defender doing well up against her to get the ball away to safety. Thetford making a double change bringing off Dunne and Shannon Chandler, send on Mollie O’Callaghan and Sophie White. Abel is down for Stanway Pegasus too injured and needs to come off, forced into a change, Brogan McHale coming on sees a few players shift positions.

Stanway Pegasus captain, Jessica Clark

  15 minutes gone in the 2nd half Thetford lively get the ball into White charging up the right cutting inside her short is blocked at the near post, spins loose into the middle of the box players swarming around the ball O’Callaghan getting hold of it moves to the right unleashing a shot, again blocked by the defence the rebound coming to Cobb inside the D, is closed down the ball charged clear as Stanway Pegasus clear their lines, Thetford attempt to break get no where as play is stopped with Teigan McHale hurt in the chaos moments ago.

 Keen to get back into the action after receiving treatment. Megan Chandler out to White wide right taking the ball to the by-line her cross intercepted by Brogan McHale. Thetford with a good spell of pressure. Jessica Gill busy on the ball for Stanway Pegasus looknig to make things happen in attack advancing right side strong on the ball plays it on for Clemmens, Peeling coming across to defend play the ball out for a throw. Stanway Pegasus defending hard putting in the blocks bodies on the line as O’Callaghan and White she shots charged down top of the area before Cobb is flagged offside taking the ball right.

 GOAL! Much more competitive in the 2nd half both sides moving in quickly to close the ball down, play getting congested at times a players are drawn over to the ball, Thetford looknig to stop Stanway Pegasus advancing right side, O’Callaghan moving in to press the ball pinging loose, the midfield latching onto it fires it forwards from distance left of the circle, catches the keeper off guard out of position can’t adjust as it races past her an finds it’s way into the bottom corner to put the hosts into the lead 22 minutes into the 2nd half 2-1.

Mollie O’Callaghan’s strike from distance finding the back of the net to sent Thetford into the lead

  Peeling taking a painful blow to her foot as she goes into contest a 50/50 deflecting the ball out of the park in the process play stopped immediately needs lengthy treatment another drinks break called. Thompson taking the ball on for the visitors off of a throw on the left drops a teasing ball into the six yard box Jenkins coming in at the far post attempting to get her leg up control the ball, doesn’t get enough of it as her attempt loops up over the bar onto the roof of the net. 

 Jenkins with some good footwork taking the ball on for Stanway Pegasus sending a diagonal ball into the near post for Horne to chase, Parker behind it taking it into her mid-riff as she flops down onto the turf. Again Stanway Pegasus respond well after the drinks break Jenkins and Thompson looking sharp on the flanks. Thompson in behind on the left lifting a cross into the six yard box, Levy-Twomey clearing for Thetford, Horne with her arms up appealing for a handball but nothing doing.

Thetford goalkeeper, Mya Parker

 

  Gill, strong on the ball for Stanway Pegasus looknig to drive forwards, Howard going with her getting a foot in to take the ball off her. White tracking back well to defend on Thompson as she attacks on the left the ball out of play for a throw. The clock ticking down but plenty of stoppage time to be added. Katie Fray coming on for Thetford replacing Cobb in attack. Peeling in to defend on Jenkins as she moves across the pitch looking to get onto the end of a cross-field pass. Jenkins, pulls down by O’Callaghan as she looks to drive forwards on the right. Jenkins over the set-piece herself from the angle fires over.

  Thetford winning a free-kick on halfway, Peeling to play it long high into the box right of goal into Fray, puts the cross in front of goal, snatched into her gloves by Brand. 

Jessica Gill

GOAL! The ball played into Gill, she turns making a powerful run moving left, strong in possession squeezes it on for Thompson out wide, Peeling going into challenge the ball taking a deflection off her allowing Thompson to run in behind after it flashes a ball with pace into the six yard box a defender sticking a leg out but only succeeds in putting it straight into Horne’s path she accepts the gift and drills the ball past Parker before she can react to level the scores 2-2! Stanway Pegasus equalise with less than 5 minutes of regular play left.

Jade Horne scoring to put Stanway Pegasus back on level terms

GOAL! The celebrations are cut short however a Thetford hit back with an immediate reply getting the ball up towards their opponents area straight from the restart shifted right before being squared back inside, a shot charged down, the rebound falls to O’Callaghan inside the D left side composed bringing it down to strike on the half volley sends a looping effort angling past everyone into the left of the goal to restore Thetford’s lead 3-2!

Mollie O’Callaghan celebrates as she restores Thetford’s lead

 Stanway Pegasus making their 3rd change with the player/coach coming on Rosi Webb into the action in place of Thompson. White into defend for Thetford stopping Fisher from getting away on the right. A yellow card issued as Claughton is upended wide on the left. The Free-kick played long into towards the far post, Fray under it directing her header back in across goal out over the bar. Thetford quick to regain possession retrieved out wide in the corner by Claughton another free-kick won. 

GOAL! Fray with a warning shot moment before the set-piece effectively a corner lifted in again to the far post Fray meeting it with her head once again drilling it back in across goal and scores to see Thetford open a 2 goal cushion as the game enters stoppage time 4-2.

Katie Fray congratulated by her team as she heads Thetford into a 4-2 lead

  A huge blow to Stanway Pegasus late in the contest as Thetford send on Emily Birt. Thetford defending as Levy-Twomey cuts the ball out as Fisher looks to play Horne in through the middle. Into 8 minutes of added on time Parker dealing with a strong back pass from Peeling as she wins the ball under challenge from Horne sending it wide for a throw. Howlett winning the ball high for Stanway Pegasus driving forwards through the middle gets it out to Jenkins on the right, her early ball into the area intercepted by Marriott. Claughton coming off for Thetford, Ruby Lakey coming on. 

Parker collecting the ball into her mid-riff as an angled shot is struck in from the right. Thetford winning a corner out on the right, curled in across the six yard box, Webb up to defend doing enough to put off the attacker the ball turned wide. Fisher dragging a long range effort wide for Stanway Pegasus as they look to get the ball on with seconds left. Fisher sees a wayward goal kick presented to her outside the box, picks Horne out inside the box right of goal screws her shot wide. 

Full-time Thetford Town Ladies 4-2 Stanway Pegasus Women

 The final whistle blows and Thetford win the game 4-2 to advance in this season’s FA Women’s Cup. A more competitive 2nd half, Thetford had more options on the bench, getting themselves into the lead with a long range punt, Stanway Pegasus fought back well to find an equalising goal but Thetford came straight back at them to retake the lead and Katie Fray headed them into a 4-2 lead late on the hosts defending well to maintain the advantage and see out the game. Made to work for the win in the finish after a dominant start to the game, a much needed response from Stanway Pegasus to get into the lead first half, pegged back the scores level was an cup tie full of drama and competitive as you’d except an all ERWFL tie to be

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, as is so often the case another tough call but as the report unfolded one player did put themselves into the forefront. Strong performances from both sides, starting with Stanway Pegasus, Amy Thompson was a good outlet on the right ready to take the ball on making some timely runs. Deben Howlett and Teigan McHale with some vital tackles and interceptions at the back certainly helped keep their side in the game early on. Jessica Gill grew into the game busy in the 2nd half some strong running on the ball looked to spur her side on. A strong performance from Thetford back three, Fran Peeling and Jessica Marriott defending their respective channels well throughout. Sausha Levy-Twomey central reading the game timed her tackles beautifully. Liv Dunne with some strong runs on the ball getting forwards linking up play created chances. Megan Chandler with some powerful runs used the ball well. Mollie O’Callaghan making an impact coming off the bench with 2 goals. The award goes to Hannah Claughton got forwards well on the left taking the game to Stanway Pegasus readily available creating chances and kept it up throughout.

  An exciting game to begin my FA Women’s Cup adventure this season. There were plenty of ties to choose from and this one didn’t disappoint. Was keen to see Stanway Pegasus and glad to have done so catch up with some players who I know well from previous clubs. Thetford’s coaches will no doubt be pleased with the squads response after a difficult couple of results to start the season. My thanks to both for the help with the team details today and I look forwards to seeing the draw for the next round of the cup. 

by Darren Gilham 

 

Match Report – Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 31st Aug

ERWFL Premier Division

 Staying in Norfolk this Sunday with a trip into Norwich to watch my first ERWFL Premier Division match of the season with Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women taking on Hertfordshire side, Royston Town Women.

 The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) Premier Division representing tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid in the East of England. A 12 strong division, with the ERWFL reaching it’s full compliment of 36 sides across it’s 3 divisions. Promotion to the FAWNL for the title winners. With the WSL expansion an extra two promotion spots will be available across the whole 8 regional sections with the 2 best runners-up gaining promotion, several criteria apply to achieve this and it’ll take alot of explaining, but the overall objection is to see an expansion in sides competing in the top 6 tiers of the game of time.

 Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women won promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division at the first attempt upon stepping up to regional football the season before. Back to back promotions the step up from tier 6 to tier 5 is a large one with to level of talent increasing. Dussindale & Hellesdon’s primary goal to survive their debut season in the Premier Division, taking a while to find their feet in the league began to pick up vital points pulling away from the bottom end of the table to record an 8th placed finish.

 The league will only get stronger and the sides competing in it have to grow, Dussindale & Hellesdon are well aware of that and establishing links on and off the pitch to achieve this. Playing at The Nest in the north of Norwich also serving as home for Norwich City Women, work closely with the FAWNL side as well as a ground share this season have dual signed goalkeeper Amber Locker campaign. Also joining the club bringing a wealth of experience playing at a high level in Norfolk is Rachel Cossey, most recently at Wroxham Women takes on a player/coach role. Leilah Gooding also joins from Wroxham. Millie Baggott is another new addition with ERWFL Premier Division experience joining from Needham Market Women. Dussindale & Hellesdon is also known for bringing young players through, the  foundation of the club making it what it is today with 3 new additions to the squad looking to make an impact, Lauren Baxter, Isla Thorne and Amber Goddard.

 Royston Town Women were pushing hard all season at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division trying to win the title and gain promotion to tier 4. One of the longest established clubs at this level just fell short in the finish dropping points late in the season, with eventual champions Luton Town Ladies on a relentless charge to the top of the table. Finishing 3rd in the table, and successful in retaining the Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Cup having won the trophy for the 1st time in 2024. Looking to maintain their place as one of the leading sides in Hertfordshire have re-established their Reserves side for the new campaign, playing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Football League.

 Have seen a few experienced players move on over the close season but have retained the services of their talismanic striker, Emma Slater, the ERWFL Premier Division top scorer last season with 35 goals. Have recruited too having brought in some very good additions over recent seasons, looknig good this season too adding the experienced midfielder, Georgie Giddings to the group, with a wealth of experience playing for clubs like Chelsea, Reading, London Bees and MK Dons. Millie Carter was on loan from AFC Sudbury last season and the goalkeeper makes the move permanent this campaign. Also adding quality to the goalkeeping department is the returning Amy Martin. Kate Edwards also joins from Sudbury, one of the best midfielders around if she can get back to her best. Promoting youth too, with Dilly Haslehurst coming into the senior squad from their youth system.

 The Nest a modern sports facility on the outskirts of Norwich to the north of the city. Boasting a number of artificial and grass pitches, newly build and ever expanding very popular. The main pitch by the clubhouse and café to host both Norwich City Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women this season. New turn styles leading into the ground from one corner. A small covered area with some seating on one side of the ground with standing viewing behind both goals. As Norwich grow fear it may need expansion, which of course is a good thing and their is room for it should that happen. The weather bright and sunny on the final day of August, although a little chill in the air when under the clouds, no rain in the forecast this afternoon.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Amber Locker, Ella Kreuz, Holly Walker, Calista Tink (C), Yve Mitchell, Chloe Shipman, Abbie Gilchrist, Millie Baggott, Leilah Gooding, Kyla Langan & Victoria Leyer. Subs – Sofia Odell, Rachel Cossey, Isla Thorne, Rosie George & Kari Kowalcyzk.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

 Royston Town Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Amy Reed, Jodie Donley, Amy Houghton (C), Cerys Davies, Erin Davies, Georgie Giddings, Kate Edwards, Annie Georgiou, Laura Mills & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Dilly Haslehurst, Stacey Roper, Jess Morley, Katie Hayes & Eloise Cattini.

Royston Town Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  For the 2nd season in a row Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women saw their first home match of the season abandoned due to a serious injury to a player on the pitch, defender, Jess Barnes this time around taking a blow to the face and landing hard. Thankfully after being checked out isn’t too badly damaged and could be back as early as midweek for Dussindale & Hellesdon’s game under the lights away to Wroxham. A few missing for Royston including last season’s top scorer Emma Slater.

Captain’s Calista Tink and Amy Houghton with today’s referee, Edward Colman

 It’s the visitor’s Royston to get the game underway with the sides switching ends at the start the sun high towards the end they are defending could cause a few issues, but the cloud cover will make that sporadic. Royston in their away colours aquamarine shirts and socks with navy shorts. Dussindale & Hellesdon in their all claret kit with a hint of blue on the shirt sleeves.

 GOAL! I’ve seen some quick goals scored at the start of games, but there’s usually a chance to include a line of two of text before, not in this case as Royston get the game underway the ball rolled back to captain Amy Houghton in the centre of defence, sends the pass out to the right for full back, Amy Reed storming forwards on the right, taking the ball on feeds it inside to Laura Mills in attack 25 yards out clips a diagonal ball into the box aiming for the far post, Annie Georgiou racing into the area meeting it on the volley to turn it back across goal past the keeper and in off the far post to open the scoring inside 20 seconds! 0-1. Also on the scoresheet last weekend, Georgiou has already equalled her goals tally for last season.

Annie Georgiou with the quick fire opener for Royston

  A flowing move from the visitors to start the game, catching Dussindale & Hellesdon cold. moving the ball quickly Royston look to get forwards in the opening stages Reed getting on up the right to support Mills and Jordanne Sillitoe in attack, a free-kick won out wide on the right the ball turned in towards the near post, attacked sent over the bar. Abbie Gilchrist snapping in to win the ball through the middle for Dussindale & Hellesdon, fed through to Kyla Langan up to, has Victoria Leyer in close support the pair trying to work the ball in behind, Houghton stepping in to win it back for Royston. 

Royston captain, Amy Houghton

  The ball cleared long Mills breaking into space in the right channel, pushing into the area, Yve Mitchell coming across to close her down for Dussindale & Hellesdon, challenges coming off the defender for a corner kick on the right. A teasing delivery into the six yard box coming in high, Amber Locker getting her arms up claiming the ball confidently to relieve the danger.

  Holly Walker getting the ball forwards on the left for Dussindale & Hellesdon, knocked on down the line a throw won in the corner, flung up into the box, Royston struggle to get it clear as Langan and Leyer make their presence felt, Houghton eventually fouled however Royston awarded the free-kick. A lively start Dussindale & Hellesdon pounce on a loose ball outside the box 25 yards out presented to Leyer she rolls it into the path of Millie Baggott coming on off the right wing strikes it on the angle, flies over the crossbar.

 The action end to end both sides intent on getting the ball into their attackers, Reed bursting on for Royston on the right checks inside before sliding the ball into Sillitoe making a run into the area right of goal, Locker rushing out to close her down, slides in, making a brilliant save to block at her feet turn the ball behind for a corner kick. Another high ball into the middle of the box, captain, Calista Tink getting her head on it to clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon, falls to Cerys Davies outside the box, from 20 yards strikes the ball over the bar.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon bring the ball on through the middle rolled on for Leyer drifting out to the left, squares it inside for Shipman making a run centrally, sends it into Langan ahead of her to the right, Jodie Donley coming to meet her tackling well for Royston to win the ball back. 

  Georgie Giddings finding fellow midfielder Kate Edwards in space to the left of goal from distance lines up a strike blasts it wide of the near post. Has turned into a more even contest with Dussindale & Hellesdon not letting themselves get affected by conceding so early in the game. Both sides remain lively the game fast paced Reed surging up the right collecting the ball for Royston played on for Edwards moving into the channel, shifts the ball between her feet to check inside getting into the box before being closed down by Mitchell.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon with a high line defending on halfway Tink with the high clearance up to Langan inside the area back to goal right side holds off her defender knocking the ball into Leyer outside the D, volleys the ball over the Royston crossbar. Leilah Gooding back to defend for the hosts as Mills and Sillitoe look to plough a path through the middle. The pace of the game is seeing several passes going astray, Dussindale & Hellesdon in particular could do with giving themselves a little more time on the ball.

 Baggott taking the ball on from Ella Kruez down the right laying it inside for Langan 25 yards out turns and shoots from 25 yards out Carter seeing it sail over her bar. Houghton from the back for Royston sending a long ball forwards, with Sillitoe beating the offside trap to run in behind wide on the right striking the ball in with pace towards the near post, Locker, getting her gloves up to take it pops out up onto the crossbar and bouncing the keeper, recovers quickly to snatch it up before it can creep over the line. 

  Not getting a second to catch breath not sooner am I writing about the action at one end play has shifted to the other with Baggott racing on down the right with the ball at her feet coming inside hits a powerful drive in at the near post, past Carter before she can get down to it, the ball cannons back off the upright and is scrambled away to safety.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Millie Baggott

 Busy, Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick on the right 30 yards out, Walker over it dropping the ball into the near post attacked, Royston defend, Carter under pressure getting it away from danger. Royston break on the counter attack, Reed charging down the right taking the ball all the way to the by-line, before squeezing a cross into the near post, Locker down on it sharply, needing to hold on with Mills closing her down.

Amy Reed with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Holly Walker

  The tackles matching the pace of the game, a little on the late side as the ball has been shifted rapidly. Cerys Davies standing her ground as Walker looks to advance down the left for the hosts a throw won high up the pitch, Walker drops it into Gooding who returns the ball wide for Walker to deliver the cross into the box, Houghton under it to clear for Royston. Shipman winning the ball back as Dussindale & Hellesdon get players up around the box, Gooding lifting the ball into the area, Langan and Leyer moving to cross paths as the ball comes in Cerys Davies sticking a leg out to get the ball away from them for the visitors.

Royston defender, Cerys Davies

  A drinks break called with both sides having a player down in need of treatment, Tink for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Cerys Michell for Royston. Both up an okay to continue as play resumes. With Dussindale & Hellesdon’s defence pushed up at times, Locker is dong a good job at the top of her area reading the game, in a good position to get after any balls fed over the top. Needs to be alert as Edwards, Giddings and Mills link up will on the left with some crisp passing the ball knocked on for Sillitoe in the left channel to spin in behind break for the area, Locker out well to close her down, with the blocking save to deflect the ball away from her goal.

  Locker certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers pulling off a brilliant double save moments later with Houghton playing another threatening ball up into the box for Sillitoe to attack right of goal inside the box, Mitchell with her an awkward spin on the ball as it bounces between them, Locker comes to make another blocking save the ball deflected out to Erin Davies top of the D, puts her foot through the ball her rifling shot rising towards goal, Locker recovering throwing her arms up to stop it turning it over.

Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Amber Locker

  Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a set-piece out wide on the right level with the top of the area, the ball floated into the near post, Tink up to meet it turning the ball wide. 

  Leyer with a superb touch bringing a high ball down well into her feet as she moves into a position on the left lifts in inside for Gooding to take on, helps it out to Baggott racing on down the right her cross into the area cut out by Davies. Carter hasn’t been as busy as Locker up the other end but is no less alert, Langan strong in attack holding off players bringing the ball into her feet  turn and shoot low 20 yards out right of the D, Carter diving low to her left making the save getting her body behind the ball.

Millie Carter called into action to save low for Royston

Edwards is down for Royston having picked up a knock, needs to come off, Katie Hayes the player sent on. Baggott advancing with the ball on the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon moves inside before hitting her strike, the ball blocked by the Royston defence. Locker called into action to make another vital save as Hayes is played in behind on the right striking the ball on the angle her shot dipping in towards goal, Locker getting down adjusting to push the ball behind for a corner kick. 

 

 The corner coming in long across the six yard box defended by Shipman at the far post. Erin Davies coming off the worst as players lunge in to try and win the ball in the middle, striking her head on the turf as she falls a pause in play as she is assessed but able to play on. Closing in on the final 5 minutes of an action packed first half. Mitchell closing down, Georgiou to block her shot as she looks to get onto the end of a diagonal pass from Mills. 

Leilah Gooding

 Reed up with play for Royston right side combining with Mills top corner of the Dussindale & Hellesdon box, the shot coming in on the angle saved by Locker at her near post. Walker charging forwards on the left getting onto a pass form Leyer up top lays it back for Shipman to send up into the area, Langan her target right of goal, Donley in well to challenge for Royston. 

 Getting a bit tense out there, a single goal in it Dussindale & Hellesdon pushing hard late on, Royston with a free-kick in stoppage time lifted on for Mills top of the area, looks to get it down, the host defence snatching it away to safety.  

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 0-1 Royston Town Women

 A goal inside the opening 20 seconds the difference between the two sides, Royston with the narrow advantage, set the tone for the rest of the 1st half with the action fast paced end to end, little time to pause for breath. Amber Locker producing a number of fine saves to keep her side in the game while up the other end Dussindale & Hellesdon struck the post and forced Millie Carter into an excellent save. The pace of the game often seeing passes rushed, when both sides have kept it short the passes have looked crisp and sharp and both sides offer a potent threat going forwards in a relatively open contest. After conceding so early Dussindale & Hellesdon would be pleased with the response, Royston may feel they should have a bigger lead. A single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

  Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change at the start of the 2nd half, bringing on Isla Thorne to replace Leilah Gooding in the midfield. The hosts getting the 2nd half underway the ball played back to Shipman moved out to Kruez on the right, Royston burst forwards looking to close her down, gaining possession play the ball across the pitch Reed looknig to take it on pulled back, no advantage play brought back for the free-kick. Houghton to launch the ball from the top of the circle into the area, dropping central Locker can see it all the way takes unchallenged

  Coming on through the middle Dussindale & Hellesdon work the ball forwards, Thorne into Gilchrist delivered into Leyer out to the right, drops her shoulder moving inside, looknig to take the ball into the area, runs into Houghton who traps the ball in her feet digs it clear. Reed getting up the pitch well for Royston providing them with extra impetus  on the right sends the ball on for Mills down the line her angled ball high into the near post claimed by Locker.

Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Abbie Gilchrist

 A loose ball out from the back from Locker though presents the ball straight to Hayes outside the D, moves forwards, Tink out rapidly to close her down prevents her getting a strike away. Royston awarded a free-kick deep on the right inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half, a diagonal ball flighted into the area, Sillitoe up to attack in centrally gets a glancing header on the ball not enough though as it goes wide beyond the far post.

Jordanne Sillitoe with Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Calista Tink

  No quarter given both sides competing for the ball, Royston working hard to try and find openings, Dussindale & Hellesdon keen to press get the ball forwards with pace. Donley defending on the left for Royston seeing the ball out safely holding off Baggott as Shipman looks to thread the ball into her on the wing.

 Baggott winning a set-piece high on the right out wide for Dussindale & Hellesdon a vicious delivery into the six yard box no one can get a touch however as the ball is cleared at the far post, launched up to Mills up top linking up with Sillitoe coming left, Kreuz back to defend for the hosts seeing the ball out of play for a throw. Thorne all action in the middle since coming on for Dussindale & Hellesdon looknig to get hold of the ball keep possession bring others into play finds Langan out to the right her ball back in central, a crunching 50/50 between Davies and Thorne sees the youngster come off worst but is soon back on her feet.

Dussindale & Hellesdon midfielder, Isla Thorne

  Is a bit feisty, referee Edward Colman keeping a close watch on things letting it flow while offering useful commentary to both sides. Kruez across to challenge Hayes as Giddings looks to play the ball forwards. Royston making another change with Sillitoe coming off up top, Jess Morley coming on into the middle with Mills pushed up. Shipman to the left sending an angled ball into Langan top of the area, the box crowded, Leyer up with her the pair trying to find a way through but, Royston have numbers back to defend.

Victoria Leyer

  Dussindale & Hellesdon getting players forwards looking to press outside the box, Thorne making a nuisance of herself in the middle, Gilchrist looking to pick up the loose ball feeding it out to Langan on the right looks to square a ball in across the top of the area, Cerys Davies stretching for it cutting the ball out.

 GOAL! Dussindale & Hellesdon have committed players forwards get the ball back on the left Walker driving forwards from the angle strike a powerful shot in across the keeper too score. A wonderful hit to put Dussindale & Hellesdon back on level terms with 20 minutes played in the 2nd half, 1-1.

Holly Walker with a wonderful strike to level things up for the hosts

  Cerys Davies injuring herself in the build up to the goal, needs to come off, with Royston sending on Dilly Haslehurst, moves into a right sided defensive role with Donley moving inside and Georgiou into full back. Langan looking to combine with Baggott in the right channel for Dussindale & Hellesdon, the pair exchanging passes, Langan moving towards the box, Houghton in to defend for Royston.

Kyla Langan

  Tink heading the ball away to the left for a throw as Royston launch a free-kick forwards. The visitors getting up to press the ball moving in across the top of the area looking for Reed coming on down the right, Walker cutting it out for the hosts. Kruez being kept busy in defence by Hayes as she attacks on the left, the full back tracking her runs well. Dussindale & Hellesdon pressing the ball well look sharp when they keep the ball short but risk over committing going forwards, Giddings winning it back picking out Erin Davies as she storms forwards looking to support Mills who has moved into space on the right, Tink rushing across to try and close her down diving in to block her cross the ball behind for a corner kick.

  The corner defended as Morley looks to attack it central, cleared for a throw on the right, Royston get the ball into the area to Davies she lays it forwards into Mills out on the right wide of goal struck on the angle held well, high as it comes in at Locker with pace. Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change, Sofia Odell coming on to replace, Leyer in attack.

 Shipman the latest player down injured as both sides take advantage to take on extra fluids, alot of energy put into the game a few pulling up as a result, Shipman okay though after getting treatment. Tink across sharply to defend on Davies as she gets forwards well on the right to try and support Mills in attack the ball out for a corner kick. Flicked on at the near post, scrambled away to the left for a Royston throw. Edwards coming back on for Royston to replace Reed on the right in midfield.

Chloe Shipman

  Langan getting a ball in the face as a clearance is blasted straight at her. Play stopped once again but no lasting damage. The game continues to move with pace although the 2nd half does have a quieter feel about it, changes and injuries slowing things down. Royston having a few out of position but with the experience to adapt. Mills working hard up top for the visitors to find space stretch the defence making herself available for the outlet ball, Shipman throwing a leg out to make a vital interception to stop her getting hold of the ball.

  Hayes taking on the strike from outside the area for Royston top of the D, taking a nick deflected wide for a corner much to the surprise of the home fans. Curled in from the left across the face of goal Houghton throwing herself at it far post can’t quite get there. The game game moving into the final 5 minutes although there will be a good deal of time added on.

  Royston having made a few positional changes dealing with the threat posed from Dussindale & Hellesdon through the middle, Giddings and Davies linking up well, Edwards too closing the ball down well. Giddings attempted through ball on the right channel missed by Mitchell as she goes to cut it out running on for Mills, Tink is there to support quickly round on the cover the get to Mills and close her down before she can shape to shoot cleared out to the right.

  GOAL! Royston getting players up the pitch pressing the ball from the throw won back forced inside falls to Mills unattended 20 yards out right of the D strikes the ball on the half volley dipping in towards goal with pace is stuck beautifully, past Locker before she can react to find the back of the net and put Royston back into the lead. 1-2.

Laura Mills with a superb strike from outside the box to fire Royston back into the lead

  A blow for Dussindale & Hellesdon late in proceeding having competed well to get back on level terms, Royston using their experience well working the ball into feet late on Edwards looking to get away on the right, Walker lunging in to tackle for the hosts. Baggott coming off for Dussindale & Hellesdon with Rosie George coming on. Into stoppage time Thorne with some clever foot work in the middle slipping a threaded ball into George as she advances on the box right side, her touch a little heavy giving Carter the opportunity to advance and snatch it up into her gloves.

Annie Georgiou holding of Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rosie George

 Hayes winning the ball for Royston finds Giddings pulling wide sends it on for Mills in attack, cut out by Mitchell. Carter getting hold of the ball top of her area as Dussindale & Hellesdon look to play it on for Langan in attack. Sillitoe back on late in the game for Royston to give them added presence up top. Mitchell off for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Rachel Cossey comes on. Tink pushed up the pitch as the hosts look for a late reply.

  A throw won high on the left, Giddings defending for Royston. Mills using her experience to draw the foul keep the ball in Royston’s possession. Sillitoe picking up a yellow card for Royston, Thornton moving the ball well between her feet for Dussindale & Hellesdon slides it onto Odell attacking the area right of the Royston goal, Georgiou into clear it for the visitors. Eloise Cattini introduced for Royston as they look to see out the game, Sillitoe off. The clock ticking down one last opportunity for Dussindale & Hellesdon to get the ball into the box off a Walker free-kick on half way, up to Thornton top of the area looks to get it under control turn but is quickly closed down the ball cleared as the final whistle blows, Royston winning the 3 points stay 2nd in the fledgling Premier Division table.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 1-2 Royston Town Women

  An enjoyable contest, if exhausting write up the action non stop, an early goal seeing Royston take the lead, Dussindale & Hellesdon didn’t let it affect them came back to compete well, both sides with good spells moving the ball, likewise however times when they could have used it better, the ball rarely still, Amber Locker with a number of fine save keeping the score-line down, Royston seeing the post struck as the hosts tried to find a reply Carter too called into action but one goal the difference going into half-time. A quieter 2nd half if no less tense Dussindale & Hellesdon fighting back to level the scores. Royston needing to dig deep using their experience and guile to craft a 2nd goal late in the contest and claim the 3 points in Norfolk.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match another tough one and strong contenders from both sides, not easy to single one out, plenty of performances to mention. Firstly for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Amber Locker with a number of quality saves especially first half to help keep her side in the game. Calista Tink in defence reading the game well with a number if crucial tackles covered well. Ella Kruez was kept busy at full back, played well throughout. Isla Thorne looked to make an impact coming on 2nd half made a good impression. Holly Walker with a superb strike to level the scores. For Royston, Millie Carter wasn’t as busy in goal but under pressure with her defence deep at time read the ball well and ready when called into action to save. Amy Houghton won several interceptions and played some useful balls out from the back. Amy Reed got up well on the right to support the attack. Erin Davies and Georgie Giddings were solid in the middle, Davies with some good forwards runs too, Giddings covering the ground to win the ball. The award though goes to Laura Mills linked up the midfield and attack, finding pockets of space throughout and a ready outlet as Royston looked to attack, her winning goal never looked in doubt the second it left her foot.

  In terms of entertainment I think the ERWFL Premier Division is one of the best and rarely fails to deliver, is a strong league with alot of good talent of all ages on display. Today no exception, enjoyed that one. My thanks to both sides for there assistance this afternoon as always appreciated a busy week for both with a round of midweek games scheduled, both against their local rivals, Royston hosting Stevenage on Wednesday, with Dussindale & Hellesdon away to Wroxham on the same night.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 24th August

FAWNL South East Division One

Heading to St Neots this Sunday for my first slice of FAWNL action of the season, from South East Division One, representing the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid with Cambridge United WFC hosting newly promoted, Luton Town Ladies.

 The FAWNL, growing year on year and the pressure on the clubs to compete and grow within it getting stronger as the FA looks to push for clubs further down the pyramid to strengthen their women’s sections the ultimate aim to get clubs within tiers 3 and 4 of the game to take on a fully professional model. I think we’re a few years off that especially tier 4 but no doubt it’s ever more competitive.

 Cambridge United WFC are one of the stalwarts of tier 4, playing in the league way back in the old Combination league days right up to the FAWNL as it is now, would dearly love to win promotion and get into tier 3 and in recent seasons have garnered closer links with Cambridge United FC themselves, creating a women’s board at the club. A new era for Cambridge United WFC with the departure of manager, Darren Marjoram after 4 season’s in charge. Also departing the club Liz Pamplin with 25 years service as player and coach and everything else, a big miss, but remains on the women’s board. Sean Greygoose taking over as 1st team manager, having been looking after the U18s side previously along with a spell as assistant coach under different management, is joined by coaches Ben Yeomans and Sam Carrington in the dugout.

 A new era, but a relatively stable base to build on, several player departures over the close season, but so too new arrivals brought in a busy summer of recruitment within the club as they prepare for a new season. Midfielder, Zoe Wood returns to the club after a season out during her pregnancy. With another 7 new faces joining the squad. Full back, Lauren Tomlinson joining after a couple of season’s with league rivals Norwich City Women, Shannon Shaw to joining Tomlinson from Norwich both proving themselves at the top end of the league looknig to propel Cambridge forwards. Defender, Tally Miles joining Cambridge having previously played for Royston Town Women and MK Dons Women. Josie Jarvis has been playing her football out in the states for the past 4 seasons. With a trio of players joining from Northampton Town Women who finished 2nd in Midlands Division One last season, largely helped by the goal scoring prowess of Kim Farrow and Jade Bell scoring 53 goals between them, Farrow, with experience too playing for MK Dons netting 17 goals with Bell who had a brief spell at Cambridge before, netting 36! Mia Richards also joining from Northampton scoring twice in Cambridge’s final pre-season game with Billericay. Retain the services of last season’s top scorer, Bella Simmons who scored 14 goals, a 9th place finish last time out but clinched silverware winning the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup.

Luton Town Ladies are back in the FAWNL, winning the double in the ERWFL to clinch promotion after a 6 season absence. With a single promotion spot available in the ERWFL  getting out of the league takes alot of effort, Luton building momentum over the past couple of season’s enjoying some great runs in the FA Women’s Cup along the way, easing their way too top spot in the finish winning 20 of their 22 matches played as well as clinching the League Cup. That success to a large degree helped by Natasha Fensome’s goals netting 32 last season, Luton retaining hr services as they return to the FAWNL.

Haven’t sat on their laurels either, FAWNL South East Division One a much different and far more competitive league to the one they left behind have been busy off the pitch with player recruitment bringing in 11 new signings to compete at this level and have brought in 11 new faces many with useful experience playing at this level. Striker, Amy McLean their first signing joining from Bedfordshire rivals Real Bedford Women, Emily Wilson previously with Luton’s U18s also re-joining the club from Real Bedford. Summer Gayle also added to the attacking options coming in from Ashford Town. Taylor O’Leary is a midfielder with a wealth of experience to enhance the squad. Another midfielder moving to Luton is Janaye Beaufort. Ellie Sergeant is another player returning to Luton. Goalkeeper, Nicole Mulling was at QPR for the past 2 season’s. Another player joining from QPR with plenty of FAWNL experience is Courtnay Ward-Chambers. Sasha Smith and Kiyana Fryer both join Luton from Chesham United Women. Defender, Lisa Milliken another departing Northampton this summer.

Plenty of new faces brought in by both clubs will take time to settle, whether the league fixtures allow it is another matter, Luton nevertheless hitting the ground running with 2 wins from 2 to start the season, 3-1 at home to Dulwich Hamlet Women in the league on the opening day followed by a good win at home in the League Cup group stage against Spurs Women Academy. Cambridge in contrast suffering two narrow defeats losing 2-1 away to newly promoted Fulham on the opening day conceding in the final 10 minutes there conceded in the 97th minute at home in their League Cup Group game against tier 3 side Real Bedford Women.

The way in to St Neots ever changing with a massive amount of development taking place on the infrastructure and road network leading into the town. Cambridge United WFC continuing to call the Premier Plus Stadium home of St Neots Town FC home, however once again have number of games planned at The Abbey Stadium, home of Cambridge United FC. Situated in the heart of a built up area, the main stadium with a grass pitch a seated stand on one side, an artificial playing pitch beside. Standing viewing all round, the kitchen hatch open at long last serving hot food and drinks. A hot and sunny day for the summer bank holiday, although a covering of cloud kept the temperature pleasant if a little muggy.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Sophie Shults, Josie Jarvis, Lauren Tomlinson, Brook Cheal-Ferris, Abbie Jackson, Sammy Edgar, Zoe Wood (C), Mia Richards, Kim Farrow, Jade Bell & Mollie Coupar. Subs – Lauren Webb, Lauren Rouse, Tally Miles, Alysha Stojko-Down, Becca Stephenson & Ella Marden.

Cambridge United WFC

 Luton Town Ladies starting XI – Nicole Melling, Sasha Smith, Fiona Buttigieg, Nicole Farmer, Elizabeth Mulvaney, Janaye Beaufort, Shianne Swarres (C), Courtnay Ward-Chambers, Taylor O’Leary, Shanice Lewis & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Sarah Hudson, Kiyana Fryer, Lisa Milliken, Amber Leighton, Summer Gayle, Emily Wilson & Ami Martins.

Luton Town Ladies

Teams in the FAWNL allowed to name 7 on the bench this season, able to use 5. Both sides with a rarity able to name back up goalkeeper on the bench and both clubs have strong competition in that department. New signings, Josie Jarvis, Lauren Tomlinson, Mia Richards, Kim Farrow & Jade Bell starting for Cambridge with Zoe Wood the new captain this season. Likewise Luton’s starting XI full of new recruits with Nicole Melling, Sasha Smith. Janaye Beaufort, Courtnay Ward-Chambers and Taylor O’Leary all on from the start.

Captain’s Shianne Swarres and Zoe Wood with today’s match officials

 It’s the hosts Cambridge to get the game underway kicking off 1st half wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. Luton lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves, orange shorts and white socks. The ball put back into the middle, fired long into the left channel for Mia Richards racing forwards, Sasha Smith at the back for Luton dealing with the threat.

Luton’s Sasha Smith

 The ball out for a throw, Cambridge looking to press high early on getting players up around the ball. Forcing another throw Cambridge work the ball up the line Lauren Tomlinson up the pitch with Richards the cross lopped up into the six yard box, Fiona Buttigieg under it for Luton heading behind for a corner on the left. Swept in with pace through the six yard box an inviting delivery cleared beyond the far post, Luton look to mount a counter attack the ball driven into the middle but find no way through.

  Competitive in the middle of the park, Luton captain, Shianne Swarres linking up with Taylor O’Leary on half way the ball clipped on the diagonal out into the right wing for Shanice Lewis to attack, Tomlinson across to close her down defending playing the ball off the attacker behind for a goal kick.

Cambridge’s Lauren Tomlinson

 Players getting stuck in Buttigieg winning it at the back on the left putting it forwards onto Courtnay Ward-Chambers, Sammy Edgar coming back at her to close the ball down stealing it as the pair come together, sends it forwards even as Ward-Chambers goes to ground, Luton appealing for the foul don’t get the decision, Ward-Chambers saying something she shouldn’t the referee close by, blowing up straight away, no hesitation showing Ward-Chambers a straight red sent off for dissent with just 5 minutes on the clock, Luton down to 10.

Courtnay Ward-Chambers shown an early red card for Luton

  Cambridge with a free-kick on halfway to the right launched long into the far post area, Nicole Melling coming for it making a good claim high in the air. Jade Bell lively up top for Cambridge getting into the channels looknig for the ball, snapping in to press the defence, taking it on from Kim Farrow central attempts to slide the ball in behind the Luton defence for Mollie Coupar, Melling alert to the danger quickly out to the top of her box to close her down clear the ball away to the right. 

Luton goalkeeper, Nicole Melling

 Luton hit Cambridge on the counter attack the long cross field ball deceiving a high back line with Natasha Fensome making a perfectly timed run through the middle coming right, goalkeeper Sophie Shults racing out of her area to try and close her down. Fensome thrives on these situations knocks it past the keeper getting in behind lining up a shot back across goal from 20 yards out the Cambridge defence racing back round on the cover, Tomlinson throwing herself to the ground to slice in make the block divert the ball away from goal. 

Natasha Fensome

  Edgar battling for possession in the middle for Cambridge congested at times, does well to squeeze the ball into Richards drifting in from the left, takes on the shot from range, her effort driven wide of the right post. Cambridge pushing players on Jarvis taking the ball on up the right sending the pass into Bell cuts inside to shoot from the angle 20 yards out with the outside of her boot flashed in low on goal, Melling down smartly getting behind it to knock the ball wide across her goal out the far side for a corner on the left. 

 Cambridge sending in another dangerous delivery from the corner through the six yard box missing everyone, Luton snatching it away at the far post falls to Edgar top of the area strikes it on the half volley, flies up over the bar, however a corner is signalled taking a nick on it’s way through. Curled into the far post, O’Leary getting up to defend for Luton away for a throw in the corner high on the left. I’ve undoubtedly mentioned this before but Tomlinson does possess a very useful long throw, often a bane for United especially wearing a City shirt, will be a huge asset now, flung into the near post cleared to the top of the area, Bell latching onto it shifting to her right pulls the trigger her shot charged down, the ball deflected out to the right Wood gathering looknig to drive to the by-line, Buttigieg closing her down for Luton winning a goal kick off the Cambridge captain.

Luton defender, Fiona Buttigieg

  Luton looking to keep things tight at the back dropping off, but alert to the counter timing their opportunities to get forwards, Janaye Beaufort threading a great pass on through the middle for Lewis to chase, Tomlinson going back with her getting across her well to shield the ball back into her keepers gloves. Brook Cheal-Ferris, intercepting well at the back for Cambridge as Beaufort attempts another through ball on for Fensome central.

Luton captain, Shianne Swarres

  Cambridge looking to use their player advantage Tomlinson getting on up the left on for Bell, plays it inside to Wood, cut out by Swarres, Luton look to counter attack, O’Leary up to Fensome, Cheal-Ferris across to defend for the hosts. Richards with a shot from range blasted over a Farrow knocks the ball down into her path.

Cambridge’s Brook Cheal-Ferris

 GOAL! Closing in on the 20 minute mark, Cheal-Ferris bringing the ball on from thee back for Cambridge sending it up the wing for Tomlinson the full back keeping the ball in play racing with it up the line before whipping in a threatening ball into the six yard box, on a plate for Farrow closing in centrally, nods it down across the keeper at close range to open the scoring. 1-0.

Kim Farrow meeting Lauren Tomlinson’s cross to put Cambridge into the lead

  Luton fighting for the ball, O’Leary with a strong tackle on Edgar, as she looks to get the ball away up the left. Smith in well to close Richards down as she looks to get the ball under control wide left. Edgar feeling her backside, needs treatment, the referee pausing play for both sides to take on fluids. Cambridge lively looking to push on Tomlinson and Jarvis up on the flanks, Bell coming to receive the ball, linking up with Farrow, Richards and Coupar. Luton trying to counter by slowing play down trying to keep hold of it doing well duping Cambridge into forcing the final pass.

Kim Farrow

Josie Jarvis getting forwards for Cambridge

 Wood drifting out to the right with Bell the cross put long across the Luton are, Richards trying to keep it alive on the by-line, Smith in to close her down winning the tackle. Cambridge with a free-kick on halfway to the left Cheal-Ferris high into the area, headed away, Luton look to come the other way, Lewis getting onto the ball driving through the middle, the Cambridge defence converging on her en masse no way through. 

   Lewis making herself available for the pass on Luton right, looking to take the ball on, Tomlinson in to defend for Cambridge. Jackson sending Jarvis away on Cambridge’s right plays the ball on for Bell up the line her angled cross coming in high at the near post plucked down well by Melling. Luton’s Beaufort winning her fair share of the ball central lifts it on for O’Leary outside the D, a click flick lifting  ball over defenders into Fensome making a run in behind, Cambridge have players back on the cover, the pass cut out runs back to O’Leary 20 out puts her foot throw the ball, Jackson turning to block, strikes the defender, Luton appeal for a handball but Jackson had her back to the ball arms by her side the referee not giving it if indeed the arm was struck.

  Closing in on the last 10 minutes of the first half, Jackson coming to close down Swarres on half way, the ball does strike her hand this time as the midfielder attempts to scoop the ball over her the free-kick given this time. The ball launched up into the top of the area it’s Jackson with the header away to the left, Buttigieg meeting it on the volley outside the area, fired back across the goal wide past the far post.

  Luton working hard gaining a little momentum going forwards, O’Leary cutting the ball out sending a diagonal ball out to the left, Buttigieg getting forwards to knock the ball on into the area Fensome making a run to the near post to attack it, Jackson throwing herself in front of her to make the block, the ball turned away for a throw on the left. The visitors growing frustrated with some on field decisions, as Cambridge clear at the back Jackson with the long clearance up into Farrow charging into the area left of the D, doesn’t quite get hold of her shot as she goes to place it past the keeper into the bottom corner, Melling gathering it safely into her gloves. 

 GOAL! Cambridge winning the ball well in the middle, Edgar playing a great ball long up into the path of Richards coming into the area from the left, looking to meet the ball as it falls into her path, the keeper starts to come, Richards catching it sweetly to lift the ball up over the keeper and down into the back of the net beyond to double Cambridge’s lead late in the first half 2-0.

Mia Richards doubling Cambridge’s lead

Midfielder, Sammy Edgar with the assist

GOAL! No sooner have they gotten their 2nd goal then Cambridge grab a 3rd, the attack pressing the ball in defence outside the D, Luton loosing possession as Bell steals in on the ball with the keeper, pushed up to the top of her area, takes it away to the right giving herself a yard of space to tee up  shot into the open goal beyond to open her account for Cambridge 3-0.

Jade Bell with Cambridge’s 3rd goal opening her account for the season.

 Melling hurt in the build up to the goal needing treatment, Luton conceding twice late in the first half deflated. Jarvis slides in to defend on Fensome as she moves to the left looknig to get after a pass laid on by Beaufort. Cambridge winning a corner on the right curled in central on the keeper, Melling getting her arm up to punch the ball on across her goal out behind on the left for a 2nd corner. Swept in high to the far post, Buttigieg getting it away. 

 Bell seeing the ball into her feet back to goal right side sending the ball on for Wood on the overlap her low cross claimed by Melling low at her near post. Into the final moments of the half Cambridge getting up the pitch, Wood into Coupar right of goal 20 out Bell close by put into her feet Bell returns the pass Coupar screwing her shot wide of the upright.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 3-0 Luton Town Ladies

  Cambridge taking full advantage of their opponents player disadvantage to lead 3-0 at the break. Luton down to 10 after just5 minutes with Ward-Chambers sent off for dissent. Nevertheless the visitors have battled hard to keep Cambridge chances limited, creating a few good opportunities on the counter themselves. Cambridge making it count on 20 minutes with Tomlinson breaking forwards to put an inch perfect cross into the box for Kim Farrow to score. The final ball a little awry a times Cambridge found the back of the net for two more goal late in the first half to hammer home the advantage and put themselves into a very good position going into the 2nd half.

  Both sides making a chance at half-time with Emily Wilson coming on for Luton a straight swap for Lewis out on the right in attack. Alysha Stojko-Down coming on for Cambridge in midfield replacing Farrow. Luton to get the 2nd half underway, the ball long out to Fensome on the left, Jarvis in to defend for Cambridge the ball out for a throw in. Luton working the ball down the line the cross fired in from Wilson knocked down back across goal at the far post, Cheal-Ferris snatching it clear for the hosts.

  Wilson looking to take the ball on for Luton early in the 2nd half ask Cambridge’s defence some questions, sends a cross in with pace across the six yard box. Playing out from the back Cambridge send the ball on for Tomlinson bursting on down the left linking up with Coupar drifting wide she goes past her on the overlap taking on the return pass before lifting a looping cross into the middle of the six yard box, Melling under it to claim the ball into her midriff.

  Cambridge coming on Wood an outlet right channel seeing the ball into her feet coming inside pushed into Bells goes on into the box, Bell looking to roll the ball into her path, Melling comes rushing out to slide in smother the ball before Wood can get hold of it. Cambridge winning the ball centrally Stojko-Down on for Bell in space, rolls it on for Coupar to the right of the D, taking the ball wide into the area shoots firing the ball back across the keeper, too close though Melling can scoop it up into her gloves. 

  Another coming together between Edgar and O’Leary leaves Edgar on the ground feeling the injury she picked up first half, needs to come off this time, Cambridge making the change with Becca Stephenson coming on, moving into a right attacking position. Buttigieg busy at the back for Luton winning the ball well, cutting out several Cambridge passes, the visitors defending their box well. Farmer too clearing a ball through the middle from Stojko-Down.

Nicole Farmer clearing the ball for Luton

  Mulvaney getting on for Luton looknig to link up with Fensome, getting the return pass slips as she goes to pull the trigger from distance seeing the shot run harmlessly into the keeper. Cambridge seeing alot of the ball winning a corner on the left flashed into the area, O’Leary with the headed clearance for Luton back out to the right, Jarvis outside the area latching onto it firing an angled shot in on goal, Melling palming it away to the left.

  Bell, Wood and Coupar pressing the ball in the final 3rd, Stojko-Down moving up to put a scooped pass into the box, Farmer getting her head on it to clear for Luton. Cambridge dominating play without really opening Luton up the defence deep winning the ball, have players up top who can do damage if the right pass is picked out. Another strong appeal from Luton not getting the decision.

Cambridge’s Mollie Coupar

 Cambridge winning a free-kick on halfway to the left swept long to the right, Wood seeing it down moving forwards to angle a cross into the middle, Coupar running in jumping can’t quite get her head to the ball. Tomlinson bringing the ball on left side, Wood taking it on from her to cross, long to the far post Buttigieg back to win the ball for Luton. Wood back on the right tracking back sliding in to deny Fensome with a robust tackle as she looks to get on the move with the ball. again Luton are frustrated at not getting the decision, O’Leary venting her frustrations going too far earning herself a yellow and shown to the sin bin, Luton down to 9!

 Sin bin’s lasting 10 minutes, can Cambridge use the two player advantage to their benefit? Bell winning Cambridge a corner off of a Jarvis throw on the right. Cheal-Ferris to take, before that though some kerfuffle’s in the box to deal with, the referee having a word with Coupar and Farmer. The corner swung into the area, Swarres defending for the visitors back out to the right, Cheal-Ferris onto it her attempted cross blocked by Fensome.

  Luton making another change with Lisa Milliken coming on to replace Smith in defence. Richards played in on Cambridge’s left swinging a cross into the six yard area, Melling claiming it. Luton fighting hard but frustrated with on field decisions feeling they’re not getting their share, but remain in the game working hard are finding the positions to win the final ball, Cambridge for all their possession not able to capitalise. Coupar trying her luck from 25 yards out, her shot deflected off, Beaufort away for a corner kick. 

Cambridge’s Becca Stephenson with Luton’s Janaye Beaufort

 Cheal-Ferris to play the corner in from the right flashed in high, Richards is tall leaping up but can’t quite get her head onto the ball. Jackson is penalised for handball seeing ironic cheers from the Luton supporters as Buttigieg tries to play the ball up to Mulvaney, the free-kick given on half way. Buttigieg clipping a well struck pass long out to the right for Wilson who brings it down well, however to her frustration the offside flag is up against her. 

Luton’s Emily Wilson

 Cambridge pour forwards the ball into Bell moved on to Wood wide to her right sends a diagonal ball back to the left into Richards path, fires an angled shot in back across goal wide of the far post. Luton loose at the back as Cambridge press hard, Melling rushing in to dive in at Coupar’s feet charging the ball down the rebound from Coupar struck over the bar.

 No Goal! Cambridge up on the right Jarvis with the ball at her feet sweeps a deep cross into the corridor, Coupar pulling off the defence leaping for it even as the keeper comes, h=they collide did Coupar get a glancing touch on the ball hard to say the ball sailing on past both into the back of the net but Melling is in a heap in her goal the referee ruling in her favour no goal, hurt in need of treatment another long pause in play. Both sides to their dugouts to take on fluids and instruction. 

 Melling can’t continue Luton forced into a change, have Sarah Hudson ready to enter the action takes up her position between the sticks. Swarres coming off too, with Amber Leighton. Beaufort winning the ball looking to play Leighton in straight away through the middle, Cheal-Ferris quick to snap in cut the pass out for Cambridge. O’Leary back on for Luton.

 Fensome picking up the ball inside the Cambridge half to the left driving on avoiding one tackle is upended by Jackson as she runs across her legs tangling gets the free-kick outside the box. Farmer over it goes for goal shooting over. Buttigieg with a vital touch in defence to nick the ball off Bell as she looks to see the ball into her feet off Wood and turn in behind, 20 yards out. Bell continues to work hard in attack looking for an opening for Cambridge to bring others into contention flicks the ball out to Richards on the left her cross back in looking for Bell’s run into the area, shapes to hit it on the turn, Milliken throwing herself in to make the block for Luton.

 Cambridge getting the ball up into Richards win a corner on the left, swept into the near post, Melling punches it away across her goal for a 2nd corner on the right. Lifted into the top of the area, Mulvaney clearing for Luton. The visitors counter the ball coming right into Wilson on for Leighton through the middle, Shults racing out to the top of her area saving at her feet with the blocking save. The game moving into the final 7 minutes Luton bringing off Fensome, send on Ami Martins. Cambridge too making a switch Ella Marden coming on to replace Richards on the left. Marden putting the ball on for Coupar left wing her angled cross into the near post attacked by Bell, Farmer sliding in getting in the way to deny a goal scoring chance.

 

  GOAL! Into the final 5 minutes Tomlinson with the ball in her possession on the left sending a well placed pass into the path of Bell coming in off the wing to race towards the box, Hudson coming to close the angle, Bell shoots sending the ball across her to find the bottom corner 4-0. 

Jade Bell scoring her 2nd of the match for Cambridge United

 Luton conceding a 4th are undeterred as they fight for the ball after the restart, O’Leary nipping in with the tackle releasing Martins into the box to the left of goal, bearing down on the six yard box under challenge from Jarvis does well to get a shot away Shults out to close her down, staying big to make the save.

Cambridge goalkeeper, Sophie Shults

  The clock ticking down Cambridge have dropped off in defence a little leaving space for Luton to exploit, keeping a clean sheet might be creeping into the back of their minds. Coupar coming off late on with Tally Miles joining the action for Cambridge. Beaufort winning the ball for Luton teeing up Milliken to shoot from range blasts her effort over the bar.

GOAL! Into stoppage time Cambridge send the ball forwards Stephenson bringing it under control right side playing it inside to Bell top of the area, right of goal has Wood inside her the close pass into her feet, digs the shot out to fire the dipping shot past Hudson to strike the inside of the far post and deflect into the goal for her first of the season 5-0.

Zoe Wood scoring at the death to add a 5th Cambridge goal

 Wood opening her Cambridge account for the new season with virtually the final touch of the game, to seal a 5-0 win and get Cambridge’s season up and running after two narrow 2-1 defeats.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 5-0 Luton Town Ladies

 No doubt a busy week for all the FAWNL clubs 3 games in 8 days to start the season, certainly going to be interested to digest. Cambridge after two narrow 2-1 defeats winning 5-0 at home against Luton side down to 10 players after just 5 minutes. A 5-0 win in the finish for Cambridge, Luton didn’t make it easy although I feel the clean sheet might mean just as much following their previous games. Luton had to dig deep never easy going down a player earl in a match, fought well, and created some good chances despite it whilst frustrating Cambridge up the other end. Strange as it may seem but this could be a positive, 5-0 defeat aside, will hurt but with soo many new players this was a performance to bring them together and may well prove defining in the end. Both sides with positives and minus’s to take out of their opening 3 matches, one thing’s for certain South East Division One is going to be fun to watch this season.

 Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, strong candidates on both sides this is by no means an easy call. Full credit to Luton’s ten players worked hard, dug deep and had a frustrating afternoon. Defended well putting in some vital challenges. Fiona Buttigieg in particular won her tackles and looked to get things going in attack. Janaye Beaufort in midfield won the ball well, competed throughout. For Cambridge, Josie Jarvis linked up play well on the right5 winning her tackles and got the ball forwards. Brook Cheal-Ferris intercepted numerous balls and offered a good threat with her corner deliveries. Captain Zoe Wood got into some great positions in the right linked well with Bell up top created several chances scoring at the death. Lauren Tomlinson was strong in defence, winning the ball got forwards well adding to the threat going forwards with two great assists, is close between her and the winner have gone for Jade Bell, looked sharp throughout lively finding some great positions working the defence bringing others into the attack and ready to strike on goal scoring twice with two good finishes.

  First slice of tier 4 action of the season, remarked early on about how much the league has grown since Luton were last in it and that is good for the game overall. Clubs have to move forwards support their women’s side or get left behind. Not always easy I know, will be interesting to see who emerges on top but with the talent on show it’ll be a great watch. My thanks to both clubs for their help today, I might know the players but it is always useful to check. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Newmarket Town Women v Histon Ladies

Sunday 17th August

ERWFL Division One North

 Well that was another very successful summer for women’s football in this country with England’s Lionesses, winning the Women’s Euro’s to retain their hold on the trophy for another 4 years, simply fantastic even if they did put us through it a times. Have enjoyed a good break myself with a long than planned rest but here we go again entering my 12th season of covering women’s football in the East and it looks to be another competitive season right across the board.

 Beginning the season with a game from ERWFL Division One North, with Newmarket Town Women taking o Histon Ladies. Finishing 3rd and 2nd respectfully last time around, both have bolstered their squads as they both look to be amongst the sides vying for promotion to the Premier Division.

 The ERWFL (Eastern Region Women’s Football League) representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid across the East of England. 36 sides spread across 3 divisions a 12 strong Premier Division with 2 12 strong divisions split loosely into North and South with the winner of each winning promotion to tier 5. Concentrating on Division One North today, Histon and Newmarket finishing 2nd and 3rd last season will be amongst the favourites this time around but others will be in the mix too, Dunstable Town Lionesses, Colney Heath Ladies move from the southern section into the north. Cambridge City Women, relegated last season with a young squad looking to rebuild will be looking to make a positive impact. Hertfordshire side, Hitchin Belles Women, and Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds, from Cambridgeshire are newly promoted to the 6th tier. Other sides have recruited well and only after the first half dozen games have been played will a better picture of the title contenders emerge.

 Newmarket Town Women are one of the longest established clubs in the league which has expanded to it’s full capacity of 12 sides in recent seasons and has certainly been turbulent in the past. Harpenden Town Women to runaway leaders in the league last season, Newmarket along with Histon and Dunstable battling all the way to end behind them. Newmarket eventually clinching 3rd place and will be keen to build on that finish push for promotion this time around. A club very much built on youth and bringing players on through the age groups. Have retained their Development side for the coming season providing a vital link to the 1st team with several coming through last campaign to feature for the 1st team.

 Millie Docking top scorer for Newmarket last season with 15 goals returns for a 2nd season dual signed from Cambridge United Women. Also joining Docking from Cambridge is fellow attacker Emilia Reinhardt adding pace will trouble any defence with her strong runs will the ball as Newmarket themselves found out last season. Another striker adding another dynamic to Newmarket’s attack is Ella Burnley joining the club this season. Defender, Sydney Daniels too, joining the 1st team squad this season.

 Histon Ladies are still in the process of rebuilding their women’s setup after regaining promotion to the ERWFL 2 season’s ago. A strong campaign seeing them finish as runners-up in the league as well as reaching the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final, coach Matt Payne bringing in Kevin Jacklin to help manage the 1st team, will a wealth of experience in the women’s game in Cambridgeshire. More changes to the coaching team this season with Jacklin moving on to oversee all women’s football and a new 1st team coach with Darren Marjoram coming to Histon after leading FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC for four years leading them to their 1st national final along the way. Joining Marjoram form Cambridge is Liz Pamplin, a shock to see her depart Cambridge after 25 years service as player, coach and everything else, does still retain a place on the women’s board at Cambridge however while excited to get back in the dugout with a coaching role at Histon.

Histon Ladies finishing runners-up in ERWFL Division One North last season losing just the 2 matches both against champions Harpenden Town Women. Had a prolific attack with Evie Nicholls top scoring with 19 goals. Poppy Smith along side her netting 16 along with club legend Sophie Hopkin. Smith making the move to play her football in the USA this season. Histon looking to build on last season’s success have added with experienced full back Abi Davies returning to football after a short spell away. Have also brought in a handful of youthful talent with Holly Plummer, and Gwen Davis-Jones coming to the club from Cambridge United WFC’s U18’s along with Evie McCulloch. Poppy McCleod and Summer Taylor joining from Cambridge City’s U18s.

The Tristel Stadium home of several of Newmarket Town FC’s sides the venue for today’s season opener. The artificial playing surface well used offering good width standing viewing on all sides with a covered seated stand next to the changing rooms and clubhouse the bar and kitchen open serving hot and cold drinks. A hotter than expected day too temperatures in the mid twenties with the cloud burnt off early a bright sunny afternoon. Histon winning 2-1 in the respective fixture last season, the points shared in a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

Newmarket Town Women starting XI – Dominika Szary, Holly Dryland, Kara Wayman, Ellie Sturgess, Sydney Daniels, Abi Gibson, Katie Walker (C), Millie O’Dwyer, Abbie Corbyn, Abbi Griffin & Emelia Reinhardt. Subs – Toni Smith, Niamh Bridgeman, Ella Burnley, Eden Kirby-Cook & Evonne Yerrell.

Newmarket Town Women

 Histon Ladies starting XI – Mollie Childerley, Eloise Page, Abi Davies, Claire Krueger, Laura Leyland (C), Jess MaCrae, Molly Banks, Belle Howard, Tash Collins, Holly Plummer & Evie Nicholls. Subs – Gwen Davis-Jones, Sophie Hopkin, Summer Taylor, Poppy MacLeod & Evie MaCulloch.

Histon Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Laura Leyland and Katie Walker with today’s referee Theresa Robichaux

Kicking off in August can pose a problem with player availability and both sides are without key players for todays game, Histon most notably with no recognised goalkeeper through work commitments with right back Mollie Childerley donning the gloves to todays league opener. Defender, Claire Krueger literally getting off a plane to attend today’s game. It’s Histon to get the match underway with the kick-off first half wearing red shirts with black vertical stripes on the front, with black shorts and socks. Newmarket lined up opposite wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and white socks. The ball rolled back into Molly Banks in midfield clips a pass long out to the left for Holly Plummer to attack, Holly Dryland seeing it safely out of play for the hosts. 

Histon’s Molly Banks with Newmarket’s Millie O’Dwyer

 Newmarket looking to play the ball out from the back moving it across the pitch before sending it into the left channel for striker Emilia Reinhardt to chase, a little too much on it on this occasion. Abbie Corbyn pushing up in attack for Newmarket coming in off the left top of the area charges the ball down as Histon look to clear their lines takes the ball left into the box reaching the by-line before cutting a low ball into the six yard box, scooped up cleanly by Childerley in the Histon goal. 

Mollie Childerley donning the goalkeeping gloves for Histon this afternoon

 Histon captain sends a free-kick on the right up the line Histon forcing a throw in high up the pitch, full back Eloise Page getting good distance with her throw launching it into the top corner of the Newmarket area, Ellie Sturgess closely marking striker Evie Nicholls, prevents her from spinning off her with the ball to try and get inside the box. Newmarket looking to get the ball moving forwards quickly trying to pick out Reinhardt as she bursts away down the right, Abi Davies keeping her eye on the ball to cut it out for the visitors.

Histon’s Abi Davies

  Sturgess bringing the ball out from the back unopposed for Newmarket has left back Kara Wayman racing on down the flank, sends the ball into her path, Leyland moving out from the centre of defence to get across her shield the ball out for a goal kick. Both sides a little tentative probing each other out both with one up top a little congested in the centre. Belle Howard snapping in to win the ball well centrally for Histon puts a diagonal pass out to Plummer coming inside from the left, she attempts to play it over the top for Nicholls breaking through the Newmarket defence, but they have stepped up well catching her off-side.

  Newmarket press players forwards captain Katie Walker sending a through ball into Reinhardt to the right of the D, Jess McCrae putting in the blocking tackle, Newmarket retrieving the loose ball on the by-line flashed across the six yard box to the right of goal force a corner kick. Abbi Griffin lifting a curling ball into the near side the defensive header missed the ball dropping at the far post, Sturgess getting hold of it back to goal, looks to turn is quickly closed down. 

Histon counter McCrae with the forwards pass to send Nicholls in behind to the right off goal, Szary quickly out to close her down Nicholls taking on the early lob getting it over her but not on target as Newmarket get hold of the ball far post to turn play around. Competitive through the middle, Banks releasing Tash Collins out on the right wing getting forwards looks to square the ball in central for Nicholls, Sturgess running back with her getting in the way to intercept. 

Newmarket defender, Ellie Sturgess

Page getting up the right taking the throw in’s for Histon look a threat, Howard pushing up with banks outside the Newmarket box right of goal, Abi Gibson closing Banks down putting in the blocking tackle the loose ball spinning right into Page on the overlap hooking a cross in central to Nicholls in front of goal, leaping up to get her head on the ball knocks it down into the turf bouncing wide of the far post.

  Newmarket aiming to get the ball up into Reinhardt as quick as they can a high ball awkward for the Histon defence over them but not close enough for Childerley to claim top of her area has to wait to see it safely into her area even as Reinhardt looks to steal in, dropping on the ball getting clattered by the attacker in the process. Childerley making a timely call soon after to burst out of her box to clear the ball as Newmarket get it forwards from a throw deep in their half. 

  Walker with a very good pass on her given time on the ball in the middle to play a great diagonal ball into Griffin on the right of attack, running onto the pass driving forwards shoots from 25 yards out on the angle her effort driven wide of the near post. Histon getting a little ragged with their passing a loose goal kick won straight back on the right the cross from deep collected by Childerley at her near post. 

 A pretty even contest both sides cancelling each other out to a degree, Corbyn seeing the ball into her feet left side turning to attack down the line checks back to cross, the ball into the middle cleared by Krueger in defence. Nicholls winning Histon a corner up the other end on the right, Fired in to the far post the ball headed up in towards goal claimed smartly by Szary in the Newmarket goal.

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

  Szary getting the ball upfield quickly the Histon defence dropping off a throw conceded on the left, Sturgess getting forwards on the left firing a deep cross into the area, Krueger heading clear for the visitors. Newmarket beginning to find some momentum getting players on to link up with Reinhardt in attack, Corbyn working the ball inside from the left Howard getting a foot in to stop her advance, just as the referee blows up for a drinks break.

  Play resumes with Newmarket getting themselves a throw out on the right O’Dwyer playing it inside for Gibson squares it to Walker central 30 yards plus out takes on the strike, through the defence but not troubling Childerley beyond as she moves across her goal to gather up the ball. Leyland moving in to put a tackle in on Reinhardt as she looks to control and turn to shoot 25 yards out. 

Histon captain, Laura Leyland tackling Newmarket attacker, Emilia Reinhardt

 Reinhardt lively up top looking to get hold of the ball run at the defence, Leyland and Krueger giving her little room through the middle. Newmarket the livelier of the two sides since the drinks break taking the game to Histon, Walker pushed up beyond Reinhardt with Corbyn inside the D as the attacker threads the ball into her attempts to play Corbyn in, the Histon defence quick to get numbers on her to close down the space wrestle the ball away to safety.

  Griffin taking the ball on right side lifting a high cross into the near post, plucked down safely by Childerley. Szary up the other end almost a sweeper keeper at times marshalling the top of her area well alert to the threat posed by Nicholls breaks in behind clearing it to Sturgess to her left she sends it on for Wayman breaking up the wing looks to combine passes with Corbyn going on the overlap but the return ball is a little too strong. 

Newmarket’s Kara Wayman

Walker’s passing giving Newmarket an extra edge as they look to get players on down the wings, Walker herself making a un into the D as Dryland sends a cross in from deep on the right on the run Walker can’t quite get hold of it as Leyland clears the ball back out to the right, Griffin sending it back into the six yard box, Corbyn central looking to bring it down off her body to strike on the volley fires her shot over the bar. 

 Page playing the ball in across the top of the Newmarket box from the right looking for Nicholls, Daniels moving in to close her down win the ball for the hosts at the back. A few mis-timed tackles coming in from both sides as Newmarket press the ball looking to get forwards. Banks with McCrae central for Histon forwards into Collins on the right in the clear to square the ball in along the top of the area, Nicholls racing in far side, Dryland tracking back on her to slide in and win the ball well for Newmarket. 

  Newmarket quickly on the counter with Wayman once again breaking on the left down the line her initial cross blocked by Page, the loose ball spinning to Corbyn on the touchline 20 out plays it inside for Gibson outside the box, Banks with the blocking tackle the ball spinning loose into Dryland central strikes it from range the driven strike screwing wide of the left upright.

  Histon livening up late in the 1st half as Nicholls charges down the defence to steal in behind moving to the right of the area, bearing down on goal Szary out to close her down stays big arms out wide to save the shot knock the ball out to the right, Histon push up to get hold of the ball forcing a corner. An in swinging delivery put under the bar, Szary getting a fist on the ball to divert it behind to the left of her goal for another corner.  

  GOAL! The delivery fired into the middle of the box with pace, attacked by Krueger her head down in front of goal blocked scrambled clear but straight into Nicholls beyond the near post smashes it back in towards goal through everyone to hit the back of the net to see Histon take the lead in the 36th minute 0-1.

Evie Nicholls celebrates as she opens the scoring for Histon

  Newmarket going a goal behind counter well the ball put into Walker pushing upfield 25 yards out slides it through into the box for Reinhardt bursting inside left of goal, from the angle six yards out smashes a rising shot into the side netting. 

Nicholls impatient to get back onto the pitch having come off after receiving treatment for a knock, in doing so, Banks finds her unmarked on the right wing to break on with the ball at her feet, Szary rushing out to close her down, Nicholls looks to drag the ball inside her get in central her touch a little strong giving Daniels the split second she needs to slide in win the ball back inside the D. 

Histon making a change bringing Plumer off on the left sending on Gwen Davis-Jones. O’Dwyer playing the ball to Wayman on the move left side squares it in central for Walker, Banks moving in to close the Newmarket captain down before she can pick her pass. Corbyn drifting inside with the ball from the left playing an angled ball across the pitch into Corbyn on the right she puts another high cross into the near post, Childerley getting her angles right to keep it out. 

  Newmarket winning a corner on their right, Griffin with a fine ball in across the six yard box through bodies falls to Sturgess at the far post stabs her shot narrowly wide. Leyland moving into to block, Wayman’s cross on the left as Corbyn sends the ball on, out for a corner kick. Another delivery to the far post from Griffin, Leyland on Sturgess this time as they both jump for the ball Leyland seeing it away to safety. 

Newmarket’s Abbie Corbyn

 Howard with a strong tackle in the middle looking to get forwards with the ball left channel, Daniels back at her with an equally strong challenge to regain possession for Newmarket. Wayman advancing on the left with the ball for the hosts puts it into the D for Reinhardt, Krueger quickly in to close her down tackling to prevent her unleashing a strike. 

Half-time Newmarket Town Women 0-1 Histon Ladies

  Both sides looking to finish strong as the first half comes to a close. Newmarket heading back to the changing room, Histon seeking out the little spot of shade behind the goal they were defending. Neither side on top for a sustained period Histon becoming a little ragged midway through the half as Newmarket pushed players on but defended well on the whole good chances created, Got themselves out of that hole to open the scoring late in the half holding onto their narrow advantage as Newmarket pressed for a quick reply.

 The result still wide open as we go into the 2nd period things for both to improve on too, Reinhardt and Nicholls both working hard up top to create an opening. Neither side making a change at the start of the 2nd half the sun still blazing high in the sky, Histon bringing Davis-Jones on late in the 1st half as Newmarket get the 2nd half underway. Rolled into Walker she turns it out to Wayman on the left the ball clipped up into Reinhardt central, Leyland winning the header for Histon, the loose ball cleared by Krueger. 

Histon defender, Claire Krueger

  Histon defending the deeper of the two sides, keen to protect Childerley in goal had done a good job so far. O’Dwyer playing the ball on for Corbyn left side looks to travel coming inside, tackled by Davis-Jones. Nicholls receiving the ball out wide on Histon’s right flank driving on squaring it into the top of the area for Davis-Jones getting forwards, Dryland closing her down defending for Newmarket. 

Newmarket midfielder, Abi Gibson

 Krueger winning the ball at the back for Histon hooking it away as Walker attempts to drop it over the top for Reinhardt. Griffin sends the ball down the right flank for Reinhardt to chase, Krueger moving to get across her try and shield the ball out, Reinhardt gets a foot in to knock the ball into the six yard box, but Leyland is there to clear for Histon. O’Dwyer in to defend for Newmarket clearing the ball for a throw as Howard and Banks look to combine coming on down the right. 

  Both sides giving niggly fouls away, a good battle out there, MaCrae looking to get on more for Histon coming right enjoying a lively contest with Dryland. Leyland playing the ball long into the top of the Newmarket area, Sturgess winning the header for the hosts. No advantage played as Davies gets clipped looking to get into the box attacking down the left for Histon the ball loose coming to MaCrae, little room to work with 20 yards out the ball blocked. Histon applying a bit of pressure however with the full backs getting on better to push numbers on. 

 GOAL! Newmarket get the ball on down their right Dryland finding Walker coming out to receive the ball angles it into the box for Corbyn central, is fouled as a defender dives in to try and get the ball the referee pointing to the spot, penalty! Griffin to take it placing the ball on the spot no messing around, drives it low to the keepers left into the back of the net to level the scores 1-1.

Abbi Griffin firing Newmarket level from the penalty spot

Abbi Griffin

 Newmarket back on level terms 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Newmarket’s full backs getting on with the ball too, Dryland on the right attempting to play a diagonal ball into Corbyn as she provides a good run inside from the left, close but can’t quite get hold of it to take it on into the area have a chance on goal. 

 McCrae does well to roll off Dryland on the left channel and turn in behind drive for the area, left of goal, Dryland recovers well getting back at her diving in to tackle even as Daniels has the same idea McCrae unscathed as the ball runs out for a corner kick. A high delivery into the far post knocked out to Leyland at the top of the area, her shot stabbed in blocked the rebound volleyed over, even as Histon make a half hearted appeal for handball.

Holly Dryland and Jess McCrae

  Walker charges down a shot from distance resulting in a corner kick for Histon, Banks to take it curled in from the left, Szary misses her punch however the ball sails out beyond the far post. Newmarket looking to push players on still get up with Reinhardt, Dryland with space to move into puts an angled cross in from deep, Leyland getting her head onto it for Histon. The hosts pressing on the right sweep a ball into the box, Corbyn central looking to get it under control, won’t sit as it instead pops up for O’Dwyer to strike sends it over the bar.

  Walker with a powerful strike from distance 40 yards out rifles the ball past the right post. Newmarket make their first change, with Reinhardt coming off to see Ella Burnley make her first competitive start for the club. Histon too with a change bringing off Howard in the middle to be replaced by Sophie Hopkin. The drinks break called soon after. Play resumes with a crunching 50/50 tackle between banks and Sturgess with the Newmarket defender coming off 2nd best. Up okay after on pitch treatment and keen to get back into the action. 

  Gibson getting hold of the ball 30 yards out driving towards the box for the hosts, runs into Krueger however the Histon defender winning the ball. Dryland taking the ball on for Newmarket right side pushed inside central for Burnley looks to push through the defence get into the box, Krueger getting a foot on the ball to clear. Histon attempt to counter the ball helped on by McCrae into Hopkin left channel, Nicholls ahead of her however Wayman is across to intercept the pass for the hosts.

Newmarket captain, Katie Walker

  Krueger not giving away anything at the back for Histon reading the game well. Dryland on for Griffin right side, Davies cutting out her cross. Histon coming back into the game with McCrae influencing things going forwards puts the ball on down the left flank for Nicholls as the striker races clear her low cross squared into the six yard box scooped up into her gloves by Szary even as Hopkin closes her down. 

The clock ticking down, no telling which way this game might go, certainly both are trying to win it, Dryland comes back to slide in to clear the ball for a corner kick on Hopkin as she is put in the clear on the left. Fired in long beyond the far post Krueger attacking it heads the ball over the crossbar. Newmarket making a double switch bringing off Gibson and Sturgess with Toni Smith and Eden Kirby-Cook coming on. Sees Newmarket making a few adjustments at the back.

 GOAL! closing in on the final 10 minutes Histon get on the attack banks playing the ball on for Hopkin left side sends the ball down the line for Nicholls pulling wide taking it on to the by-line cuts the ball back in across the face of goal, Szary sticking a leg out to try and divert it away only plays it straight to Collins coming in beyond the far post she doesn’t miss her opportunity drives the ball back in at the near post to put Histon back into the lead 1-2. 

Tash Collins on hand at the far post to fire Histon back into the lead

 GOAL! No sooner have Newmarket fallen behind again they have no time to regroup as they concede again a long pass seeing Nicholls beat the offside flag on the right flank, driving for the box has been one on one with Szary on a couple of occasions doesn’t let the keeper get too close this time shoots early lifting the ball over her to loop into the goal beyond to see Histon extend the lead 1-3.

Evie Nicholls breaking clear to fire Histon into a 3-1 lead

 I was in the process of changing the batteries in my camera at this precise moment so didn’t capture the celebrations, sure someone else did. Histon getting into a 2 goal lead late in the game to put themselves in a healthy position to claim the 3 points. Histon with renewed energy getting bodies forwards now, the ball fed inside to Nicholls inside the D, sees it into her feet before prodding it to her left to turn and unleash a low shot, Szary down sharply to save getting her body behind the ball.

Abbi Griffin and Abi Davies

  Banks winning the ball well in the middle of the park for Histon, Newmarket struggling to find any momentum late on the visitors break Collins right on for Nicholls forwards into Hopkin at the near post her shot lacking power stopped by Szary. Newmarket with another double change, Dryland and Griffin off with, Niamh Bridgeman and Reinhardt coming on. Nicholls picking up a knock off too for Histon with Summer Taylor, Plummer back on too for the closing stages.

  Collins moving right with the ball for Histon sending it forwards into Taylor her cut back across the top of the D struck first time by Plummer, sent over. Davis-Jones winning the ball in the middle for Histon pushing forwards, Daniels out well from the back to tackle for Newmarket. Bridgeman putting a diagonal ball into the top of the area from the right for Newmarket looking for Burnley cut out by Davies turned behind for a corner kick. Into the closing moments of the game the corner into the top of the area Reinhardt putting it back out to Bridgeman on the right, her cross blocked for a 2nd corner.

 Played into the top of the area Walker connecting on the half volley the dipping ball straight at the keeper. Histon eating up the clock with a late substitution, Collins brought off to be replaced by Evie MaCulloch. Histon aiming to keep the ball in the corner late on seeing out the game to clinch the 3 points on the opening day of the season.

Full time Newmarket Town Women 1-3 Histon Ladies

 Histon scoring twice late in the 2nd half to secure 3 points on the opening day of the season and get their ERWFL Division One North campaign off to a winning start. Holding a narrow advantage at the break, Newmarket came back well to find an equalising goal from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Both sides enjoying good spells throughout the game whilst never getting the upper hand creating chances it looked an even contest throughout well fought. Histon dropping off becoming ragged at times responded well however figuring it out to get back on top. Newmarket will be disappointed but know where they can improve the game was there for the taking Histon scoring at timely intervals edging it. Division One North looks to be very interesting already looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season and as is so often the case it’s another hard decision, well sort of. Several performances of note to mention too. Firstly for Newmarket, Sydney Daniels was outstanding at the back putting in a number of crucial tackles, covered the ground well. Both full backs Holly Dryland and Kara Wayman defended well and got forwards too, Wayman in particular with some great runs. Ellie Sturgess was no slouch either won her share of tackles too allowed space used the ball well. Katie Walker’s passing gave Newmarket an extra dynamic in the middle, Emilia Reinhardt worked tirelessly up top. For Histon, Evie Nicholls was lively in attack finding space and making runs all game always available for a pass. Molly Banks with some strong tackles in the middle of the park linked up play well throughout, Jess McCrae got forwards well battling for possession especially 2nd half. Again the Histon defence was strong especially through the middle, captain Laura Leyland reading the game well winning her fair share of the ball, edging it though her defensive partner, Claire Krueger, the pair leaving no room to exploit through the middle, won her tackles well focused throughout, might well be jet legged by now but can be pleased with that performance.

 Good to be back! Had little prep time feared I might be a little rusty coming into this game but the hand writing is still as bad and I have written 615 of these so I didn’t need much warming up. Plenty of exciting games to come started with the ERWFL because it rarely disappoints. Thanks to both clubs for their help today, never taken for granted and always appreciated. The new season has begin.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – AFC Sudbury Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Tuesday 27th May

Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final

sponsored by MH Goals Ltd

Back to Suffolk this Tuesday evening to watch my final match of the season, at Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town FC, once again hosting the Suffolk Women’s County Cup Final, sponsored by MH Goals Ltd, AFC Sudbury Women the holders and overwhelming favourites, playing Bungay Town Ladies who have done the double this season.

  The Suffolk Women’s County Cup long dominated by Ipswich Town Women now promoted to FA WSL 2 (formerly the Championship). No longer competing in the county cup, since then AFC Sudbury Women and Needham Market Women have emerged as the leading sides in the county Sudbury winning 2 of the last 3 finals. Winning the trophy at Portman Road last time out. Bungay Town Ladies finalists against Needham Market Women at Colchester a couple of seasons ago, stronger now having won back to back league titles in Norfolk Women’s Division One. making it a double last weekend winning the League Cup.

This evenings prize

  AFC Sudbury Women come into the final as overwhelming favourites due to their league status and growth in recent season’s, finishing 7th in FAWNL South East Division One in their 2nd season in the 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid. A rapid rise with back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL. I thought they might struggle in their 2nd season, however the club recruited well, mostly from rivals Needham Market to add experience to a young talented group. Goalkeeper, Nino Meollo a Filipino international, joining the club from Ipswich on loan for the season. Picking up some good results learning from their first season to have a trouble free mid-table finish.

 New challenges await the 4th tier only getting stronger year on year some big clubs in their and the FA demanding more from their member clubs. Sudbury will face these challenges financing a huge issue Sudbury finding it a struggle to get a front of shirt sponsor despite showing themselves to be a competitive force within the FAWNL. Have had their share of injury problems too with captain, Ronni Harrison only recently returning after a long injury lay off. One back one lost however with Amber Cantwell having made a huge impact since joining from Needham Market in the summer suffering a very serious knee injury. Jess Allen the top scorer with 13 goals recorded to her name from 15 appearances while, Jasmine Drake, Lina Nagib, Eva Frazzoni and Alex Penny all have 5 each.

Bungay Town Ladies come into this evenings final on a potential treble, know however that 3rd trophy will be a tough one to win, definitely the underdogs, still can hopefully relax and give it their all and enjoy the occasion getting the opportunity to play at a Premier League stadium. Building on last season’s Norfolk Women’s Division title, successfully defending it this time around winning it with games to spare, out in front for much of the season. Going one better in the League Cup final having missed out last season came back from a goal down to beat Aylsham FC Women 2-1 to lift the trophy and complete the double. 

Step 7 versus step 4 is a huge gap, Bungay have assembled an experienced squad with proven goal scorers, adding to that a crop of young talented players losing just one league game all season. New signings, Hazel Saddington and Beth Turner have 35 goals between them, 17 and 18 respectfully. Mia Rose scoring the winning goal in the League Cup final, has 13 to her name. Zoe Gibbons has 11 goals from her 9 appearances while Abi Bell also scoring in the League Cup final is also into double figures.

Road to the Final

  No seeding in the Suffolk Women’s County Cup so the higher placed sides enter in the 1st Round. Sudbury however handed a bye in the 1st round. Bungay on home soil taking on Bacton United 89 Ladies from the Suffolk Women’s Championship. Bungay rampant firing in the goals, Beth Turner netting 6 with Zoe Gibbons striking 5 times, Hazel Saddington bagging a brace with goals too for Lola Barbour-King, Porsha Renwick and Abi Bell in a 16 nil win.

Into the 2nd Round Sudbury at home taking on Suffolk Championship side, Leiston St Margarets. Getting the defence of the cup off to a dominant start racking up a double figure score line, Lina Nagib and Amber Cantwell both scoring hat-tricks. With Ella Edwards and Emily Newcombe both getting 2 each, Sophie Jeffery, Yasmine drake and Jess Allen also scoring in a 13-0 result. Bungay handed a tough tie in the 2nd round away to Suffolk Premiership champions, Brantham Athletic Ladies the champions of Norfolk and Suffolk drawing 1-1 at 90 minutes to send the tie into a penalty shoot-out Bungay edging it 4-3 to advance to the last 8. Selina Rowland with their goal.

Into the quarter finals, another strong performance in front of goal from Sudbury as they travelled to play Norfolk Division Two side, Waveney FC Ladies, Megan Edwards firing in a hat-trick. Daisy Canny on hand to score two goals, with Ellie Rossiter, Alex Penny Ella Edwards and Lina Nagib also amongst the goals in a 12-0 win. Bungay also away in the last eight taking on Suffolk Premiership side, Woodbridge Town Ladies. The hosts scoring twice, however Bungay advanced through to the semi-finals scoring 4 in reply with Brooke Osborne, Mia Rose, Turner and Rowland all on the scoresheet.

The semi-finals of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup held on neutral ground with Sudbury taking on their rivals Needham Market Women in the last 4 at Hadleigh United FC. Eva Frazzoni on target to strike home 2 goals for Sudbury with Leonnie Bezant also grabbing a goal in a 3-0 victory to see the club return to Portman Road. Bungay travelling to Stowmarket Town FC to play Sudbury Sports Women competing in Essex Women’s Division Two. Bungay getting into a 2 goal lead at the break going on to win the game 4-1 after a long injury break in the 2nd half. Gibbons on target for two goals with Saddington and Rose also scoring to send the club to Portman Road.

Heavy rain leading to last season’s final being suspended

Last years Suffolk Women’s County Cup  final having to be suspended for over an hour due to a huge amount of rainfall from a passing storm. A Premiership quality pitch however the Portman Road playing surface handing the game to continue. This evening no exception with another day of heavy rainfall affecting the area the pitch looking superb. The fans in the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand opposite the dugouts. Situated in the lower tier for media duties on this one rain still about little cover but enough for me to keep the camera and notepad relatively dry.

The Portman Road pitch in fantastic shape

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Millie Carter, Sophie Jeffery, Ellie Rossiter, Aliyat Lambe, Leonne Bezant, Maisie Goodwin, Megan Edwards, Phoebe Guiver (C), Alex Penny, Lina Nagib & Jess Allen. Subs – Maddison Carpenter, Lily-Jo Hinton, Kate Edwards, Emily Newcombe & Jade Barrett.

AFC Sudbury Women

Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Grace Storey, Charnelle Riggall (C), Ruby Roos, Fran Heaney, Selina Rowland, Ab Bell, Lauren Purling, Hazel Saddington, Beth Turner & Mia Rose. Subs – Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Sofia Serghiou, Brooke Osborne & Molly Webb.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Should the scores be level after 90 minutes the final going straight to penalties.

Captains Phoebe Guiver and Charnelle Riggall with this evenings match officials

Ipswich Town Women’s legend, Natasha Thomas the guest of honour meeting the players from both sides a few who have played in the same side her. Playing in the newly renamed FA WSL2 next season. Phoebe Guiver playing her last game for Sudbury, captaining the side this evening. Using as many of the players that have played in the county cup this season as they can, Millie Carter in goal back with the club after a season out on loan at Royston Town Women. Bungay captained by Charnelle Riggall, missing a few key players tonight, notably attacking midfielder, Zoe Gibbons with attacker, Lucy Eagle cup tied, young talent Marseilles Will also unavailable.

Bungay wearing their all red away kit to kick-off the first half, Sudbury lined up opposite wearing yellow coloured shirts and socks with blue shorts. The ball clipped into the left channel with forwards Mia Rose on the move, the ball quickly closed down, Sudbury snapping in to get hold of it swept out the the left, Abi Bell coming to close the ball down for Bungay send it out of play for a throw. Two attempts to cross the ball into the area cut out by Bungay centre back Ruby Roos. Sudbury busy in the opening minute the ball worked back to Aliyat Lambe at the back pushed up on half way the ball inside for Ellie Rossiter to fire long into the right wing for Alex Penny, Riggall at left back closing her down to force the ball out for a throw.

GOAL! Sudbury looking to press players on up an around the Bungay area early on Guiver putting the ball into Jess Allen’s path on the right, drives inside into the box before striking the ball hard looping up and over goalkeeper, Chloe Pearce, to cannon against the crossbar rebounding back into play inside the box, Sudbury pushed up, Maisie Goodwin left of the D getting hold of it to strike the ball low at hard into the left side of the net to put Sudbury into an early lead. 1-0.

Maisie Goodwin opens the scoring for Sudbury (photo credit Nick Flexman)

A blow for Bungay conceding inside the opening 3 minutes, Selina Rowland winning the ball in front of her defence trying to get Mia Rose on the move left side, Rossiter on half way defending winning the ball getting play turned around rapidly, fired forwards into Lina Nagib 25 yards out right of goal, can’t quite get the ball under control before being closed down. The full backs pushed on for Sudbury keeping Bungay pinned inside their own half, Megan Edwards taking the ball into her feet from a throw on the right turned across the top of the area pushing in on into the D, Goodwin latching onto it her low drive saved by Pearce back on her line.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Sophie Jeffery bringing the ball driving into the channel forwards into Allen up top right cuts inside, challenged by Bungay’s Fran Heaney. Edwards pushing on with the ball at her feet right side for Sudbury cuts in inside for Allen positioned right of the D, her shot whipped in on target claimed by Pearce going to ground. Sudbury winning the ball back quickly in the final 3rd stopping Bungay from getting out keeping the pressure on rolled on for Penny left side her cross cut out by Grace Storey for Bungay, Bell attempting to get it up field into striker Beth Turner on halfway, Aliyat and Rossiter quick to close her down get possession back with Sudbury.

Wave after wave of Sudbury attack, moving the ball about the pitch, Guiver to Leonne Bezant out to the left, the ball driven to the by-line the cross into the six yard box charged down by Roos. Allen running in on goal central getting her head onto the end of a cross placing her attempt straight at the keeper. Goodwin sending a pass into Edwards attacking right wing fed down the line for Allen, Riggall getting back at her to put the tackle in send the ball behind for a corner kick. The corner swept in long through the six yard box dropping to Aliyat at the far post, Bungay surrounding her quickly to close her down before she get release a shot on goal.

Jess Allen (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Rossiter defending on half way reading the ball moving it on win it before Bungay can get hold of it in attack denying Hazel Saddington as she looks to try and get Bungay on the move on the left, her pass forwards into Allen surging into the right wing, Riggall getting a toe on the ball to divert it away for a throw. The rain falling steadily making the pitch slick. Sudbury snapping in to win the ball getting it across the 18 yards box players fluid in their positioning.

Ell Rossiter with Bungay’s Mia Rose

The ball coming into Allen inside the box from the left, the attacker right of goa looking to turn and shoot closed down by Heaney the ball behind for a corner kick. Sent into the near post from the right, cleared, Sudbury quick to get it back the ball crossed into the middle a snap shot turned wide of the right post. Saddington taking the ball into her feet coming left as Rowland wins it back for Bungay looks to get on the move has Rose coming over to offer support, Rossiter tackling to halt the advance.

Goodwin lining up a strike for Sudbury left side outside the box 20 yards driven in low wide of the right post. Riggall challenging Jeffery for the ball in the right corner as she takes it on from an Allen layoff.

GOAL! The pressure tells as Sudbury double their lead on 16 minutes, Nagib into Goodwin left outside the box players running on into the area looking for the ball, Goodwin threads it through into the path of Guiver central bearing down on goal digs the ball out of her feet to strike it wide to double the advantage 2-0.

Phoebe Guiver scores Sudbury’s 2nd (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay under pressure working hard at the back to try and slow Sudbury down, Saddington tracking back to put the tackle in on Penny as she takes the ball on down the right wing. Goodwin getting about the midfield to win the ball for Sudbury sending it into Jeffery in the right channel, inside Edwards, Heaney getting in the tackle for Bungay. Bezant linking up with Goodwin in the middle the ball fed into Allen inside the area right of goal, shoots in low with pace Pearce saves pushing the ball behind to the right for a corner kick.

Bungay’s Abi Bell (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Curled into the box, Rowland heading it clear for Bungay, Saddington looking to get hold of it bring the ball away left for Bungay, Jeffery putting the challenge in for Sudbury. Jeffery out on the right given the ball as Sudbury regain possession in the final 3rd down the line whips a cross in along the face of goal, attacked by Nagib at the far post, close in snatched up into her gloves by goalkeeper, Pearce.

Lina Nagib and Selina Rowland (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Heaney winning the ball inside the box for Bungay looks to bring it into midfield is quickly closed down by Goodwin. Sudbury keeping the ball moving it around crisply left to right a cross lifted into the six yard box claimed confidently by Pearce. Sudbury building on the right Edwards out to Jeffery wide bursting down the wing, as Jeffery feeds it into Allen corner of the area, she turns it on for Edwards taking it to the by-line, Riggall rushing back to get her tackle in see the ball behind for a corner.

Another delivery fired in long to the far post down into the mix scrambled away to the top of the area, Goodwin with Guiver looking to find a way through on goal, Bell getting it clear for Bungay. Bezant sending a diagonal ball through to Jeffery attacking right side, her cross from 25 yards out charged down by Riggall. Saddington fighting to get on the ball take it on left for Bungay lifts it on through the middle for Rose surging in behind the centre backs, Carter with little to do in the Sudbury goal alert as she comes out quickly to the top of her area to claim the ball before Rose can pounce.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

The keeper playing a great ball forwards, Allen pulling off the Bungay defence with a great touch to knock the ball down into her feet, moving right hits a rising shot in at goal, but not enough on it to beat the keeper, Pearce behind it all the way. Rowland with Bell coming on with the ball out of the back for Bungay fed up to Turner who knocks it on for Rose , Rossiter getting across her to see the ball back safely to her keeper.

Nearly half an hour played Sudbury ringing the changes, bringing off Rossiter, Guiver Penny, Allen and Goodwin, on come Maddison Carpenter, Jade Barrett, Lily-Jo Hinton, Emily Newcombe and Kate Edwards.

GOAL! Sudbury get the ball out to Megan Edwards on the left wing driving forwards bursts into the area and from the angle lashes a shot in across the keeper to land inside the far post 3-0. Sudbury 3 goals up on the half hour.

Megan Edwards scores Sudbury’s 3rd goal (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Newcombe working the ball on with Bezant through the middle for Sudbury, fed out to Hinton on the right her cross into the top of the area cut out by Bell for Bungay. Riggall getting hold of the ball for Bungay at the back sending it on for Saddington up to Rose on the left inside for Turner, looking to battle her way past Aliyat the central defender doing well to see the ball back to her keeper.

GOAL! Sudbury have the ball on the left Jeffery into Barrett the ball crossed into the area cut out by Heaney cleared outside the box, Newcombe latching onto it for Sudbury left of the D, puts her foot through the ball sending it flying back in on goal racing past the keeper before she can react 4-0.

Emily Newcombe off the bench to put Sudbury 4 up (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay winning a free-kick on halfway the ball lifted into the top of the area defended cleared to the left Rose looknig to take it on into the corner for Bungay, Kate Edwards moving in to close her down. Little for the Bungay strikers to feed on the midfield pushed back onto the defence, Turner and Rose needing to be patient holding the line on halfway ready to attempt a counter attack. Barrett linking up with Jeffery on the left the cross from 20 yards out intercepted by Storey, cleared by Heaney.

Sudbury getting the ball out to the by-line on the left Nagib up with Newcombe the cross flashed in along the face of the Bungay goal cleared by Bell. Barrett taking the lay off from Newcombe down the left flank, Purling getting back to put in the tackle for Bungay. Sudbury remain lively players moving rapidly looking for the ball Bezant into Barrett left, Jeffery up with her the ball flashed in across goal, Carpenter racing in far post can’t quite get there.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Sudbury with a corner on the left taken short up the line to Barrett her initial ball into the box cut out by Roos, coming back to Barrett fires her effort over from the angle. A roar from the Bungay supporters as the ball is launched forwards, Rose looking to race in behind the defence chase it down, Carter rushing out the other way to the top of her area just about gets there.

Saddington cutting out the back back helping defend for Bungay top of the D as Kate Edwards looks to thread it forwards into Nagib. Bungay break right at the end of the first half the ball played into Turner up top lays it on for Rose as both turn to burst forwards Rose left channel rolling it back inside to Turner pulling out to the right getting into the area bearing down on goal ready to pull the trigger, Carter rushing out to slide in and save bravely at the attackers feet.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 4-0 Bungay Town Ladies

 A dominant first half display from Sudbury putting Bungay under pressure right from the start taking the lead inside 3 minutes. Getting players up and around the area, first to the ball moving it about crisply looking to find openings. Adding a 2nd before ringing the changes making it 3 on the half hour going on to add a 4th. Bungay battling hard in defence under pressure but getting in the blocks tough to get going the other way rare glimpses, an encouraging break at the end of the first half giving them something to take into the dressing room as they prepare for the 2nd half.

Guest of honour, Ipswich Town Women’s Natasha Thomas handing out medals at half-time

Sudbury to get the 2nd half underway the ball played into Jeffery on the left evading a tackle sending a cross into the area, cut out by Heaney out to the right, the 2nd  delivery cut out turned behind for a corner kick. The corner lifted into the crowded six yard box headed away to safety. Sudbury looking too get after the ball early in the 2nd half keep Bungay’s defence pushed back.

Lina Nagib with Bungay’s Fran Heaney

Rowland winning the ball back inside her D, lifted up to Rose attacking through the middle, Bezant going in to tackle hurt in the challenge the ball kicked out of play so she can be seen too. Sudbury press right the ball on for Megan Edwards crossed in low intercepted by Heaney, Bells clearing the ball out for a throw high on the right. Hinton on the move with the ball at her feet for Sudbury, closed down by Riggall the ball out for a corner kick. Dropped in near post, Bungay get it out to the top of the area.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

GOAL! Sudbury moving the ball quickly moving in to get the ball back shift it out to the flanks Carpenter in the corner with Edwards the cross flashed in near post, Nagib running in on the keeper, both missing it the ball rolling on straight to Newcombe central a yard out to poke home from close range for her 2nd of the game 5-0.

Sudbury adding to their lead 5 minutes into the 2nd half a strong start pressing the ball. Jeffery getting onto the ball racing on left wing drives into the area, Purling tracking her all the way lunging in to tackle sending the ball out for a corner kick. The corner played in from the left, Megan Edwards not quite able to pick out Nagib top of the area, Bell getting it away for Bungay.

Saddington seeing the ball played into her as the pitch suddenly opens up before her running forwards her cross swung in from deep cut out by Hinton. Bungay making their first change on 56 minutes bringing off Turner up top sending on Lila Eden. Bell winning the ball top of the area for Bungay sending it on for Rose attack, battling with Aliyat to get in behind comes away with the ball shooting from all of 25 yards out her strike straight at Carter who saves comfortably.

Bungay stirred into life looking to get players out from the back relieve the pressure on their defence, Bell on for Purling getting forwards on the right, Aliyat coming across to put in the tackle the ball out for a corner kick. The ball swung into the six yard box half cleared as Jeffery goes to attack it near post with Rowland, falling to Bell outside the area right of goal, strikes the ball back in seeing it race wide past the far post.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Aliyat picking up the first card of the game after bringing down Purling on the right as Bungy look to up things get after the ball higher up the pitch themselves. The free-kick cleared by Sudbury as it’s floated into the area. Eden snapping in to win the ball in the middle for Bungay into Bell going right, Jeffery closing her down. The game opening up Bungay allowed to get out with the ball Sudbury dropping off a little, opens up the pitch more, Jeffery getting on with the ball left combining with Newcombe but the ball cut into the area, cleared by Storey.

Sudbury’s Jade Barrett (photo credit Nick Flexman)

The game moving into the final half hour Sudbury ringing the changes once again, Rossiter, Allen, Goodwin and Guiver coming back on, Megan Edwards, Bezant, Nagib and Jeffery coming off. Riggall clearing a Sudbury free-kick played into the top of the area by Barrett. Heaney doing well in defence for Bungay cutting out another cross played in from the corner on the left.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Rossiter racing on with the ball on the right touch line sent into the area cleared to the top of the area, Barrett latching onto it outside the D, shifting the ball inside onto her right foot sending a strike over the bar. Bell fouled as she looks to take it on for Bungay. Roos moving out to the right to put the blocking tackle in on Allen as she drives into the box from the right for Sudbury. A different feel about the game now, more open Sudbury ringing the changes, Bungay looking to get hold of the ball higher, Eden moving in well to close it down Rose ready to burst forwards.

Bungay’s Mia Rose

Bell rushing in to close Carpenter down as she brings the ball inside from the left into the D. Rossiter away on the right cutting a cross back to the top corner of the area, Goodwin 20 yards out taking on the shot firing over the bar. Rossiter right feeding the ball into Allen’s path as she drives into the area right of goal, Heaney in to challenge well the ball turned behind for a corner. Curled into the area the ball knocked in cleared off the line out off the area to the left of the D, Carpenter striking it pulls her attempt wide of the left post.

(photo credit Nick Flexman)

Into the final 20 minutes, Aliyat coming off at the back for Sudbury, with Jeffery returning to the pitch. Bungay making a change too with Purling coming off, Molly Webb sent on. Saddington looking to get on with the ball chopped down in the middle. The ball out to Bell coming right linking up with Webb and Edan as Bungay look to get into the area the ball into the top of the box cleared into midfield.

GOAL! Rowland getting onto the end of a loose pass for Bungay sending the ball into the left wing for Saddington to attack, charging in behind turning into the area, from the angle drills a powerful shot past the keeper into the bottom corner, to see Bungay grab themselves a goal at Portman Road 5-1.

(Hazel Saddington pulls a goal back for Bungay (photo credit Nick Flexman)

Bungay responding well to conceding a 5th goal early in the 2nd half have showed no fear looking to get forwards the game opened up Sudbury looking to use the space to their advantage too as they press right side Barrett on for Allen, Riggall getting across her path to see the ball back to Pearce. Eden making an impact for Bungay snapping after the ball in the middle, giving Rose something to feed on as she looking to provide some probing runs left and right.

Sudbury overload the right side Rossiter taking the ball on the overlap squaring it back inside to Hinton right of the D, flashes a shot in low towards the near post Pearce across her line to save knocking it behind for a corner kick. Played into the middle of the box Bungay look to launch a counter attack, Barrett in to win the ball back for Sudbury putting it forwards into Goodwin who sends her strike from range onto the roof of the net.

Heaney moving in to tackle top of the area the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Curled into the six yard box from the right missed by Pearce over her but Rowland is back on the line to head off the line and makes a 2nd block as the rebound it turned back in on goal. Storey coming off for Bungay with Maddie Flatman coming on as the game enters the final 6 minutes. A competitive 2nd half.

Sudbury keen to develop their young players using the final to enhance that football experience Allen on for Rossiter right side Riggall getting help from Roos as she races to the by-line the ball cleared for a throw in the corner. Goodwin lining up another strike from range her shot coming in under the bar Pearce up to save, landing behind her looks to be in for a minute, but no reaction, is actually behind the net turned over the bar by the keeper. Taken short on the right the cross from deep going long past the far post.

Riggall racing back to track Rossiter’s run blocking her cross, Bungay look to get on the attack with Eden and Bell through the middle but the final ball not finding Rose. Carpenter coming into the middle seeing her 20 yards strike blocked inside the box turned away to the right, Riggall then blocking to cross. Sudbury pushing for a goal late on attacking right an angled shot smashing down off the bar bouncing up inside the six yard box, Penny racing in central can’t get enough onto as she glances it over the top.

Riggall coming off for Bungay in the closing stages with Sofia Serghiou coming on a left back. Into added time Sudbury with a corner on the right, dropping over everyone at the near post comes at Allen unexpectedly doesn’t get hold of her header sending it wide past the far post.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 5-1 Bungay Town Ladies

  Full time and Sudbury win the game to successfully retain the Suffolk Women’s County Cup, 3 wins in the past 4 seasons to lift the trophy. A dominant first half the game effectively won in the opening half hour with 3 goals scored, putting Bungay’s defence under pressure getting players forwards moving the ball well. Ringing the changes adding a 4th goal before half-time. Bungay with little opportunity to get forwards themselves with as good break late in the half. Sudbury out of the traps fast too in the 2nd half to add a 5th goal. Bungay responded well prepared to give it a go themselves as Sudbury dropped off allowing the pitch to open up Bungay battling for the ball putting Saddington through on the left to fire in a goal. Defended resolutely throughout Pearce a good shot stopper with some vital saves, Sudbury coming close to adding further goals but Bungay pleased to hold them to a 1-1 in the 2nd period.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the final Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the season, it’s a tough one as is more often the case but sticking with my original pick on the night. Great performances from both sides. In truth had to single out a Bungay player as they all played their part in a spirited performance looking to be in danger of getting over run responded well 2nd half prepared to take on their opponents get the ball forwards. Fran Heaney with a strong defensive display getting her blocks in and winning the ball. Captain Charnelle Riggall ran herself into the ground working hard at left back blocking crosses and trying to limit balls into the box. Abi Bell covering the ground box to box 2nd half looking to get Bungay something positive from the game. Hazel Saddington scoring at Portman Road worked hard to try and provide an outlet throughout the game despite the constant threat posed by Sudbury. Sudbury in turn with a fluid performance getting players on shifting the ball well winning it back quickly and had players constantly looking for openings. Ellie Rossiter composed and patient reading the game at the back 1st half adding to the attacking threat 2nd half. Sophie Jeffery got up and down the pitch well throughout winning the ball setting up attacks. Jess Allen making some great attacking runs. Megan Edwards with some great passes. The award though goes to midfielder Maisie Goodwin opening the scoring was hugely influential at the start of the game setting the tone winning the ball and keeping Sudbury on the front foot.

AFC Sudbury Women 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s County Cup winners

 Congratulation to AFC Sudbury Women on successfully retaining the Suffolk Women’s County Cup.

Last game of a long season completed and I can tell you I’m ready for a rest, the new season won’t be long in coming of course and I know it never really stops. Another great evening out a Portman Road, My thanks to both teams for their help this evening, The staff at Ipswich and Suffolk FA too, much appreciated. Thanks to Nick Flexman for letting me use some of his pictures in the report. Followed both sides some tie now and looking forwards to seeing how both progress into the new season.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Bacton United 89 Ladies v Halesworth Town Women

Wednesday 21st May

Suffolk Women’s League Plate Final

Heading back into Suffolk this Wednesday evening to watch the final of a brand new competition, the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate. Between two sides making their debut on Women’s Football East too, Bacton United 89 Ladies versus Halesworth Town Women.

A new competition in Suffolk as they join other league around the East to introduce a secondary league trophy to join the League Cup. Tried to get it up and running last season, but have succeeded this time around featuring the sides from the Suffolk Women’s Championship, knocked out in the early rounds of the League Cup itself, another opportunity for clubs to compete and lift silverware.

A shiny new trophy for the Suffolk League Plate final, who will be the 1st captain to lift it?

The Suffolk Women’s football league expanding to two divisions in recent seasons, a 7 strong Premiership and an 11 strong Championship below. The women’s game growing and Suffolk working to build two strong leagues. The Championship competitive at the top this season, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies top for a long period, eventually beaten to the title by Ramsey & Mistley Ladies to the title. A good showing too from this evenings opponents with Bacton United 89 Ladies recording a 3rd place finish and Halesworth Town Ladies fourth.

Bacton United 89 Ladies, with a much improved 2nd season playing in the Suffolk Women’s Championship since the club reformed it’s women’s side the season before. That debut campaign proving tough finishing 2nd bottom, have recruited to bolster the squad adding useful experience and have pushed on this season, getting the unexpected opportunity to compete in a final after their opponents beating them in the semi-final were disqualified for fielding an ineligible player.

Bacton have plenty of goal scorers within the side having added some useful experience this season. Amelia Deuchers is leading the goal scoring charts for Bacton firing home 12 goals from her 12 matches so far. Porscha Rampley netting 8 from her 13 matches. Kirsten Spooner has 7 from her 10 appearances, Amy Kerry with 6 goals and Georgia Huggins and Clara Harper has 5 each.

Halesworth Town Women coming to the end of their 5th season, with a vastly improved performance this campaign recording their highest ever league finish, in 4th spot. That after a number of season’s struggling at the bottom of the league. Have stuck at it and the perseverance has paid off, following a strong performance in the Suffolk Women’s Championship getting to their first cup final. Have had to be patient, the original final called off with just 2 days notice, but have kept their focus.

 Assembling a strong squad with several having a wealth of experience playing across Norfolk and Suffolk. Jodie Ellie leading the goal scoring charts having scored 14 goals to date. Lucy Robbens also into double figures having netted 10 times. Louise Nichols and Elisha Bower with 8 goals each. 

Road to the Final

  Bacton United 89 Ladies receiving a bye in the first round of the League Plate, Halesworth Town Ladies were on the road taking on Ipswich Valley Rangers Ladies. Elisha Bower netting a brace in the game along with a goal from Louise Nichols to secure a 3-0 win.

 Moving into the quarter finals, Bacton were at home taking on new side, Saxmundham Sports Ladies, a close match Bacton edging it 2-1 at half-time going onto win the game 3-2 to advance to the semi-finals, with Porscha Rampley, Daisy Ross and Kirsten Spooner all getting a goal. Halesworth also at home in the last 8 taking on Alresford Colne Rangers Ladies. another close score line, goals from Bower and Jodie Ellis sealing a 2-1 win.

 Into the last 4 of the League Plate, Bacton were away taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies Development, a tight game a single goal settling it unfortunately for Bacton it went against them. Brantham though penalised eventually for fielding an ineligible player removed from the competition 2 days before the original final, Bacton reinstated suddenly offered an opportunity to play for the trophy. Halesworth with a tough draw in their semi-final taking on title contenders, Kesgrave Kestrals Ladies, had home advantage however the tie hard fought the pair drawing 2-2 after 90 minutes to see the game go to extra-time, Halesworth scoring the winner to take it 3-2 reach their first ever final along with Bacton.

 Intriguing to see how the routes to the final effect thing’s Halesworth having been long prepared for the final, Bacton having a late invitation to complete, the league matches between the too promising a competitive contest with plenty of goals, having drawn 3-3 at Bacton, Halesworth winning 4-3 at home.

 Stowmarket Town FC the venue for this evenings plate final, literally just off and over looked by the A14 a large carpark leading to the clubhouse housing the Stowmarket Community Sports & Social Hub. Beyond that the ground itself, a neat layout. The large grass pitch well used looking a little bobbly in places. The bar and kitchen hatch open serving hot food and drink. A small seated stand opposite the dugouts with standing viewing all round. Has a nice fell about it, Stowmarket Town having been flirting with the setting up a women’s side themselves, hosted one of the County Cup semi-finals too recently between Bungay Town Ladies & Sudbury Sports Women. The weather set fair again, bright ad sunny, a little chance of rain, the sun setting in one corner.

Bacton United 89 Ladies starting XI – Emily Higgins, Daisy Ross, Kaira Hazelton, Chloe Strachan, Kirsten Spooner, Kirstie Turner, Almudena Cobos, Cherie Harper, Krystal Monaghan, Georgia Huggins (C), & Amelia Deuchars. Subs – Sienna Brinkley, Charlotte Long, Charlotte White, Simona Bieniauskaite & Amy Kerry.

Bacton United 89 Ladies

Halesworth Town Women starting XI – Harriet Cotton, Zoe Lamb, Alicia Hall, Elisha Maher, Erin Galer, Laura Leggett, Faith Foster (C), Lucy Hood, Louise Nichols, Lucy Robbens & Jodie Ellis. Subs – Elisha Bower, Lily Whitehand, Joscelyn Foster, Erin Ruffles & Olivia Foster.

Halesworth Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Extra-time and penalties if required.

Captain’s Georgia Huggins and Faith Foster with this evenings match officials

  With the sun setting behind the ground potentially affecting one goal, there is a change of ends with Halesworth moving to have the sun at their backs attacking during the first 45. Bacton with the kick-off first half wearing red coloured shirts with black shorts and red socks. Halesworth lined up opposite wearing back and white vertical striped shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played back into the middle lifted out to the left channel with Amelia Deuchars, but Halesworth centre back, Elisha Maher gets in front of the bouncing ball to shield it back to her keeper Harriet Cotton.

  Both sides after the ball in the middle popping back and forth, Halesworth’s Laura Leggett lifting a high ball on into the right wing for Louise Nichols to attack, looks to be a pacy player darting forwards, Kirsten Spooner from the middle of defence for Bacton racing out to close her down to tackle play the ball out. Halesworth pushed up on the right with a throw, Zoe Lamb linking up with Lucy Robbens, who turns to drive into the box, Spooner coming to close her down. 

Bacton’s Kirsten Spooner

  Snapping after the ball it is hotly contested neither side getting an advantage, Kaira Hazelton on the left at the back for Bacton getting hold of the ball sending it up the line for Deuchars to chase, looks to get on down the wing, Lamb close in her along with Maher preventing the cross. Alicia Hall getting hold of the ball for Halesworth on the left wing charging on from full back, Daisy Ross getting on shoulder as she drives forwards, putting a foot in to turn the ball out for a throw.

  Jodie Ellis, top of the D for Halesworth, looking to drag the ball into her from the right in behind her marker, Ross stabbing out a boot nicking it from the striker launching it up field. Captain, Georgia Huggins lifting the ball on through the middle with Almudena Cobos and Deuchars surging forwards through the middle, Cotton out quickly to the top of her area to grab hold of the ball.

 Nichols looks to have pace to burn on the right for Halesworth the ball fed into her on the diagonal by captain Faith Foster in midfield, Nichols looking to get away from Hazelton, Spooner coming across on the cover to close her down. Uneven bounce as the ball if hoisted forwards, wrong footing more than one player. Spooner at the back getting her head on a high ball sent on through the middle by Halesworth. 

Bacton’s, Kaira Hazelton

 Bacton goalkeeper, Emily Huggins wearing baseball cap to combat the setting sun comes rushing out of her area to clear as Halesworth look to play a high ball on for Nichols in behind through the middle. Emily Huggins sharp throwing out a hand top save turn the ball wide into her side netting for a corner kick on the left as the shot comes in from that side on the angle. The corner turned into the box near side defended, seen out for a goal kick.

Halesworth’s Laura Leggett

  Leggett in to close the ball down centrally for Halesworth lifting a diagonal ball out to the right for Nichols racing away to the by-line, Spooner powering on to close her down, challenging gets the goal-kick. Frantic at times Bacton moving in to close the ball down play compact as players cluster to the ball. Georgia Huggins getting hold of the ball with a powerful run through the middle, Deuchars going with her, Elisha Maher with the blocking tackle to prevent either getting into the box.

Halesworth defender, Elisha Maher

  Emily Huggins kick out from her box going astray falling straight at Robbens 30 yards out to the right of the goal, hooks it back in toward goal, looks to be going in one the bounce over the keeper, not getting near it as it loops up over her and comes down off the crossbar before being scrambled away to the right. Kirstie Turner through the middle for Bacton fired on for Cobos, looks to try and feed it through for Deuchars breaking in behind the Halesworth defence, onside, Cotton comes racing out of her area to put her foot through the ball plays it straight at Galer the ball striking the defender but spinning away to safety on the left, cleared by Hall.

  Nichols moving over to the left attacking with Hall coming on in support players from both sides tracking back into the Bacton area, the cross coming in cut out initially by Spooner back out wide another cross blasted into the box won by Cherie Harper this time the rebound falling to Ellis inside the D, her strike, blocked by Harper. 

 Georgia Huggins taking the ball on for Bacton into the right channel, cutting it back inside for Cobos she puts it back out wide for the onrushing Ross who hooks a high diagonal ball up into the area, Cotton up well at her near post to lay claim to the ball.

Halesworth goalkeeper, Harriet Cotton

  Halesworth getting a throw high on the right the ball dropped into Robbens 25 yards out turns to shot from the corner of the area, flashing a shot over the Bacton crossbar. Halesworth lively Hall quickly from left back having Nichols ahead of her keeping Ross busy, the Bacton full back holding Nichols up she rolls it back to Hall to cross in central for Robbens 25 yards out attempts to drag the ball across her turn into a shot, Spooner going with the ball lunging in to win it back for Bacton.

 Chloe Strachan, needing to defend as Halesworth’s Lucy Hood sends the ball forwards for Robbens to chase central, the defender going with turning the ball behind for a corner kick. Put in short played back to Robbens on the left from the angle sends a shot in to the near post Emily Huggins having it covered down low to save. 

Halesworth’s Lucy Hood

Spooner busy at the back for Bacton winning the ball well, chests a high ball down into her feet, sends it forwards for Harper looking to make a left channel run, drives forwards Maher coming to close her down preventing the cross. Spooner over a Bacton free-kick lifts it up top into Krystal Monaghan moving through the middle turns the ball out to Harper left side, her cross into the area, blocked by Maher, then Harper is penalised as she handles the rebound.

 Certainly a close contest can see the competitiveness between the sides, Halesworth looking the sharper going forwards with their pace on the flank. Nichols brought down as she gets on the charge wide left, captain Faith Foster to curl the ball into the box, the header won by Bacton’s Monaghan. Turner sending the ball on through the middle into the path of Cobos left of the D, powering on has Lamb on her shoulder as she pulls the trigger from 20 yards out the ball racing wide of the left post.

Bacton’s Almudena Cobos

  Spooner diving in to tackle Ellis inside the D as she looks to control a Foster ball into her feet. Half an hour played, Spooner winning another ball at the back coming left to lift it up the line for Deuchars, dropping her shoulder comes inside to shoot on the angle the ball rising on target but saved comfortably by Cotton. Foster sending the ball out to Nichols on the left, Ross getting a toe on the ball to turn it behind for a corner. In near side back out to the left, Ellis with Robbens the cross put low into the six yard box claimed by Huggins. 

Halesworth captain, Faith Foster

 Bacton making a change, Cobos coming off with Amy Kerry coming on to join the attack. Lamb wins the header at the back for Halesworth as Turner looks to put a diagonal pass into Deuchars breaking down the left. Galer coming in to close Monaghan down to win the ball at the back for Halesworth putting it forwards into Nichols left flank onside she whips a cross in central for Robbens outside the D seeing the ball across her shoots pulling her effort narrowly wide of Huggins’ left post. 

 Lamb defending for Halesworth at the back as Ross right side plays a diagonal pass on for Harper making a run into the left channel, Lamb seeing the ball back safely to her keeper. 

  GOAL! Bacton with the ball on the right pushing players on Monaghan up with Georgia Huggins the ball slipped on through the right into Kerry to charge into the area power her way in towards goal and smash a powerful drive past the keeper into the back of the net to fire Bacton into the the lead 1-0.

Amy Kerry off the bench firing Bacton into the lead

 Bacton opening the scoring in the league Plate final with 7 minutes left to play in the first half. Bacton pressing the ball well right side Monaghan taking it infield, Galer tackling to stop her picking out Kerry central. The ball lifted on for Robbens right side awkward to control skipping up over the attacker, Spooner beyond her up to head the ball knocking it on behind her, recovers quickly to clear as Robbens looks to steal into the box.

 A competitive end to the 1st half Halesworth looking to get forwards Foster up with Hood the ball out to Nichols on the left flank in behind, Strachan getting a foot on the ball but Nichols keeping it lifting a shot straight into the keepers gloves, the flag has gone up for offside though. 

Half-time Bacton United 89 Ladies 1-0 Halesworth Town Women

 Bacton taking the lead late on in the first half carrying a narrow advantage into the changing rooms as she two sides head in for the half-time interval. A lively first half the ball rarely still, Halesworth looknig a threat going forwards, with pace in Nichols out wide. Bacton defending well through the middle, Spooner winning her fair share of the ball. Bacton making a change as they build a bit of momentum in the final 3rd slipping Amy Kerry on into the box to fire them into the lead. Still all to play for 2nd half.

  Both sides out early keen to get on with the game, Bacton making 2 changes at the start of the 2nd period, Sienna Brinkley coming on in defence for Hazelton, with Cobos back on for Monaghan. Halesworth to get the 2nd half underway the ball lifted on up the right but charged down sent back into the middle clipped up into the top of the area with Lamb bursting on up the left but Emily Huggins is out smartly to the top of her area to catch the ball.

  Nichols back on the right for Halesworth on the move down the wing as Robbens spins the ball out to her feet, striking the shot on the angle, Huggins is down at her near post to see the ball into her gloves. Halesworth looking to get the ball into Nichols as quickly as they can coming forwards, Brinkley cutting out a pass for Bacton into Georgia Huggins central, rolls it on for Deuchars, Galer in to challenge for Halesworth. 

Halesworth’s Erin Galer

 Ross getting hold of the ball for Bacton making a strong run into the middle, Hall coming in to close her down with a strong tackle, too strong from the referee’s liking a free-kick awarded, Ross hurt in need of treatment but will be okay to continue.

 GOAL! Turner over the set-piece just inside the Halesworth half to the right outside the centre circle. Running onto the ball strikes it well sending a high ball angling up and down into the opposition area looking to be attacked, balls have taken a wicked bounce all game and this one see’s the ball bounce up off the surface in front of the keeper, with spin taking it high over her head and on into he goal beyond, 2-0.

Kirstie Turner’s free-kick sending Bacton into a 2 goal lead

 Bacton doubling their lead within 5 minutes of the restart. Halesworth making a change breaking off Ellis in attack, sending Elisha Bower on. Ross getting hold of the ball at the back right side for Bacton sending in on through the middle for Harper to glance on for Kerry in attack her first touch a little too heavy seeing the ball run away on her into the area, Cotton rushing onto hit to scoop up the ball.

GOAL! Halesworth pushing players on through the middle, Bower up with Foster central 20 yards out she strikes the ball Spooner blocking the ball taking a deflection off, Strachan out beyond sending it out to the right inside the area, Nichols rushing in on the angle driving the ball past the keeper into the back of the net running away in celebration 2-1.

Louise Nichols pulling a goal back for Halesworth

 Halesworth getting a goal back soon after conceding a 2nd a good response to reduce the deficit back to a single goal. Nichols taking the ball on right side for Halesworth powering pass Brinkley, Spooner darting in to tackle as she gets across on the cover. Galer with a good had on the ball as Bacton look to get Deuchars on the move left channel. 

Bacton’s Cherie Harper

 Emily Huggins getting out to the edge of her area reading the threats as Halesworth probe left and right, moving out rapidly to stop the ball at the feet of Nichols as she races on right side. Harper dragging the inside as she turns on the right clipping it into Kerry top of the D, Maher getting a foot on the ball for Halesworth, allowing Hall to launch it clear. Nichols full of running right side cutting in on the angle to blast a fierce ball in on goal, for a moment it looked like it had gone in, but instead narrowly wide, a corner signalled, Huggins with a faint touch on the ball. 

Bacton captain, Georgia Huggins

 Halesworth’s corners rarely getting much distance Bacton deal with in near side. Make another change soon after with Monaghan coming back on to replace, Strachan which sees Turner drop deeper. Foster on the turn central laying the ball out to Nichols on the right, Emily Huggins ever alert racing out to the top of her area to get down to gather up the ball.

Bacton goalkeeper, Emily Huggins

 Huggins the busier of the two goal keepers, Nichols taking the ball on right wing sending in early into the middle for Bower to run onto 20 yards out, slipping as she goes to pull the trigger, the low ball nevertheless coming in at Huggins with pace the keeper with a sharp save getting down behind the ball to save turn it away to the right.

 20 minutes gone in the 2nd half Halesworth getting forwards well, Bower lively since coming on winning a free-kick out wide as she is brought down on the right by Monaghan. The set-piece swept into the top of the six yard box, it’s Monaghan who defends it heading the ball clear. 

 

  Bacton tiring Turner pushing the ball into the middle for Cobos, who turns looks for Kerry up top, Galer cutting out the pass for Halesworth. Turner winning the header at the back as Foster looks to chip the ball on for Bower. Another vital win by Turner moments later as Leggett attempts to find Nichols looking to run in behind on the right with the diagonal pass.

Bacton’s Daisy Ross

Deuchars putting a long range strike wide on the angle from the left as Kerry helps the ball on though middle for Bacton. Spooner running onto a loose ball at the back carrying in on into midfield for Bacton, runs into Hall who comes away with the ball leaving Spooner on the turf, staying down hurt looks to be cramping up, has put a lot into the game as Bacton work hard to hold onto their lead. Make a change with Harper coming off, Charlotte White coming on .

 Turner in to close Nichols down as she makes a run into the left wing the ball out for a throw. The throw put inside for Bower central top of the D, shoots on the turn the ball skipping in towards goal dipping in front of the keeper, Huggins reacting quickly to get a glove on it turn it away to her left behind for a corner kick.

GOAL! The box crowded as Bower fires a longer ball in central, Monaghan to defend clearing the ball to the top of the area, Robbens latching onto it firing a driving shot in on goal, through bodies Huggins down quickly to save turning the ball away to the left, wide, Bower getting hold of it the angle acute puts her foot through the ball, a shot or a cross? Fired into the near post with venom is inside it past the keeper before she can react as Bower races for the halfway line in celebration getting Halesworth back on level terms. 2-2.

Elisha Bower levelling the scores for Halesworth

Halesworth getting back level to make it 2-2 with a little under 15 minutes to play. Are the ones asking the questions as we move into the latter stages of the contest. White getting back to defend as Hall looks to take the ball on left side. Hood coming on with the ball for Halesworth moving right looking to link up with Nichols exchanging passes the return ball to Hood in the box cut out by Bacton’s Spooner. The defender carrying the ball out from the back looking to get Bacton on the attack sends it on through for Kerry in attack, the pass over hit through to the keeper. 

Bacton’s Krysta Monaghan

 Spooner fouled as she goes in to win the ball back in midfield, down hurt again her legs cramping up. Winning the free-kick on halfway the ball with Turner sent on to the top of the area, headed clear by Halesworth. Spooner stretching to get the ball back as Halesworth look to counter with Robbens on for Hood through the middle. Lifted on for Kerry out to the left, the ball intercepted by Galer. 

 Emily Huggins saving at the near post as Nichols sends a shot in from deep on the right. Huggins getting out to the edge of her area smartly sliding in to save at Nichols feet as Robbens attempts to slide the ball into her from a central position. Hood coming off for Halesworth, Erin Ruffles coming on with the final moving into the last 5 minutes.

GOAL! Halesworth sending the ball out to Nichols on the right wing drops her shoulder cutting infield to break across the top of the area strikes the ball, her shot blocked by Ross, the rebound running back into Robbens central 25 yards out gets hold of the shot putting her foot through the ball to send a low drive arrowing in at goal through everyone before they can react and finds the back of the net to send Halesworth into the lead 3-2!

Lucy Robbens striking for fire Halesworth into the lead

 A complete turn around from Halesworth, trailed 2-0 early in the 2nd half coming back to score 3 goals to lead 3-2 with a little under five minutes left. A huge blow to Bacton, who have put a huge amount into defending their lead. Spooner in particular feeling it her calves tight. Maher defending a high ball at the back for Halesworth. Turner looking to get on into the middle for Bacton with the ball at her feet threaded through to Kerry outside the box to the right of goal, Hall in to win the ball back for Halesworth. 

  Spooner coming over to defend against Ruffles as she comes on with the ball on Halesworth’s left. Spooner taking the ball on for Bacton tackled by Robbens, tried to release Nichols coming inside from the right, Emily Huggins out quickly to the top of her area to get hold of the ball. Charlotte Long on for Bacton late on with Kerry giving way. Huggins in the Bacton goal with a superb double save Nichols finding Bower inside the box central her shot blocked by Huggins as she goes to ground in front of her, the ball pushed away to the left Nichols rushing in on the follow up, the Bacton keeper up sharply to dive in save at her feet.

 Lamb off for Halesworth, Joscelyn Foster coming on. Nichols on the left now pushing on to try and get into the box riding a coupe of tackles Ross getting a timely foot in to deflect the ball away, Faith Foster looking to get hold of the loose ball fouled outside the box winning Halesworth a free-kick. Bower 20 yards out over it floating a ball in towards goal, Huggins turning it behind for a corner kick. 

 The clock ticking down Halesworth looking to keep the ball in the corner. Bower driving inside pushing to get into the box, Cobos tackling for Bacton, try to get it upfield to the left half cleared, Deuchars looking to get hold of it but the ball into the box, a little heavy allowing Cotton to claim it. Halesworth with the ball up the right end of the pitch with seconds left to play an angled ball in from the right beat down by Huggins at her left post. The final whistle blowing soon after Halesworth celebrate as they win the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate.

Full time Bacton United 89 Ladies 2-3 Halesworth Town Women

 Halesworth trailing at the break conceding a 2nd goal early in the 2nd half but responded well getting players forwards asking the questions coming up against keeper pulling off some fantastic saves got a goal back quickly putting the pressure on to go on and score the equaliser and as their opponents tired when on to fire home the winning goal in the final 5 minutes. The stronger side 2nd half was a compelling final between two evenly matched sides, Halesworth’s pace on the flanks a threat all match.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several contenders with both sides having a couple of strong candidates. A competitive game no doubt as the previous results proved. For Bacton, goalkeeper, Emily Huggins pulled of some tremendous saves keeping her side in the game for a long period, read the threats well getting out to the top of her area rapidly. Defender Kirsten Spooner covered the ground across the backline getting across to win the ball, block and intercept ran herself into the ground. Kirstie Turner winning the ball in the middle dropping deeper 2nd half passing well. Daisy Ross at full back getting in her fair share of tackles. For Halesworth, Elisha Bower made a huge impact coming on in the 2nd half taking the game to Bacton getting her side back on level terms. Elisha Maher with a number of crucial interceptions at the back. So to fellow centre back Erin Galer who won the ball throughout. Lucy Robbens getting into some great positions none more so than the one to score the winning goal. The award goes to Louise Nichols, her pace and driving runs with the ball at her feet causing Bacton problems all evening. A ready outlet for the midfield and defence never stopped running.

Halesworth Town Women, 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s League Plate winners

 Congratulations to Halesworth Town Women on winning the inaugural Suffolk Women’s League Plate.

 Another enjoyable final from Suffolk, a new competition good to see more sides get the opportunity to play for silverware. My thanks to both sides for their assistance this evening and the leagues committee members for their help. Two new sides to watch but I knew more players that I realised (been doing this for a long time). Almost done two games left. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Aylsham FC Women v Bungay Town Ladies

Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final

Moving onto the 2nd 11 aside final of the day the Norfolk Women’s League Cup Final. An in form Aylsham FC Women’s side taking on back to back league champions and runners-up in last season’s final, Bungay Town Ladies.

The competition fierce in Norfolk Women’s Division One this season, Bungay runaway leaders in the defence of their title, but below it’s all to play for with runners-up spot very much up for grabs. The League Cup likely to be no less competitive as Aylsham into their first final look to stop Bungay doing the double.

The Norfolk Women’s League Cup

Aylsham FC Women playing themselves into form coming into this afternoon’s League Cup final, 7 straight league wins to propel them up the Division One table into 3rd spot and amongst those challenging for runners-up spot. A stark contrast to the beginning of the season just one win in their opening 9 matches 6 points collected in the bottom two looking in trouble, so a complete turn around plenty of talent and experience in the squad players returning from injury even as manager Steve Kay feel unwell. Back with the squad now on the mend helping out as his side compete for silverware.

Australian Billie Myall making an impact joining the squad last season taking time out to have a baby. Her return coinciding with Aylsham’s much improved form, Scoring plenty of goals Christina Papadopoulou firing in 25 this season from her 18 matches. Shelley Woods a long time proven goal scorer bagging herself 16 goals this campaign. Twin sisters Vicky and Sophie Lubbock amongst the goals too with 15 and 13 respectfully.

Bungay Town Ladies suffering just the one defeat on their way to successfully defending the Norfolk Women’s Division One title this season winning it with games to spare. are enjoying another hugely successful season reaching both the finals of the League Cup and Suffolk Women’s County Cup where they will play AFC Sudbury Women at Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road Stadium. Winning the league last season missed out in the League Cup Final against UEA FC Women, didn’t put in the best performance that day and are keen to make amends this time around.

 Have strengthened in the close season adding useful experience and goals to the squad, Bethany Turner and Hazel Saddington joining from Caister, have scored 33 goals between them, Turner 18 and Saddington 15 to date. Mia Rose also amongst the goals with 13 from her 17 matches. Zoe Gibbons also into double figures with 11 to her name. Beat Aylsham 5-0 early in the season the pair drawing 3-3 in the reverse fixture.

Road to the Final

  Aylsham at home to fellow Division One side, Costessey Sports Ladies in the 1st round of the League Cup, Both Sophie and Vicky Lubbock scoring a goal with Jess Greengrass and Christina Papadopoulou also getting a goal in a 4-2 win. Bungay also taking on Division One opposition in the 1st round away to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves. Goals from Naomi Cooper, Porsha Renwick and a brace for Zoe Gibbons securing a 4-0 win.

Aylsham on home soil taking on Division Two side, Great Yarmouth Town Ladies in the 2nd Round of the League Cup, Papadopoulou running in 5 goals herself as Aylsham racked up the goals, Vicky Lubbock bagging herself a hat-trick, Molly Webb a brace along with goals for Cayla Brown, Jordan Arnoup, and Shelley Woods in a 14-0 romp. Bungay with tricky and twice postponed tie away to fellow Division One side, Sprowston FC Women, Hazel Saddington scoring twice in the game with Gibbons and Selina Rowland both getting a goal to see Bungay through 4-1.

Into the last 8 of the competition, Aylsham making the trip over to the east coast to player Division Two side, Shrublands Ladies. Olivia Baker, Vicky Lubbock ad Carly Allum scoring to se them through to the last 4 3-0. Bungay away to another Division One side, UEA FC Women. The sides playing out a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes to send the game into extra-time, Bungay getting the all important winner to see them through to the semi finals.

Aylsham taking on Waveney FC Ladies at home in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Sophie Lubbock scoring a brace with sister Vicky also bagging a brace. in a 5-2 win with Papadopoulou also getting on the scoresheet. Bungay at home in their semi-final taking on Division One, Bure Valley Ladies. Bethany Turner, Saddington and Rowland all finding the back of the net to send Bungay into their 2nd successive final.

Congratulations go out to Gorleston Rangers Ladies winning the 7’s League Cup, making it a treble with the Offside Trust Women’s Plate and Division Two title with 12 wins from 12!

Youngs Park a hive of activity with a host of Aylsham volunteers working in the kitchen and around the ground, The Offside Trust with a stall out by the pitch. Beside the barbeque. The clubhouse open the facility looking good developing all the time a new 3G pitch recently added. The min grass pitch looking fabulous with good grass cover if dry due to lack of rain recently but well watered. The sun out bright and sunny, great conditions for the match.

Aylsham FC Women starting XI – Mia Parker, Rachel Bussey, Jemma Riches, Sophie Buckley, Sophie-Jane O’Connor (C), Cayla Brown, Carly Allum, Ella Kruez, Vicki Lubbock, Shelley Woods & Billie Myall. Subs – Jess Greengrass, Elisha Nobbs, Ellie Snowling, Olivia Baker & Sophie Lubbock.

Aylsham FC Women

 Bungay Town Ladies starting XI – Chloe Pearce, Ruby Roos, Fran Heaney, Charnelle Riggall (C), Selina Rowland, Marseilles Will, Zoe Gibbons, Hazel Saddington, Abi Bell, Mia Rose & Beth Turner. Subs – Erin Galer, Maddie Flatman, Lila Eden, Lauren Purling & Sofia Serghiou.

Bungay Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Extra time and penalties if required

As with this mornings Plate final a minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

 A big blow for Aylsham missing their top scorer, Christina Papadopoulou through injury, damaging her knee in Aylsham’s last game. Bungay missing Brooke Osborne. A change of ends prior to kick-off first half, Aylsham to get the cup final underway wearing orange coloured shirts with blue vertical stripes on the front, blue shorts and orange socks, Bungay opposite wearing light blue coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball played into the middle lifted out to the right for Rachell Bussey, sent on up the line for Billie Myall in attack to chase, Fran Heaney coming from defence to win the ball for Bungay send it out for a throw.

Carly Allum tackling Bungay’s Selina Rowland in the middle the ball clipped out to Vicky Lubbock wide left takes it on down the wing, Ruby Roos coming to close her do, Lubbock riding the challenge getting inside with the ball on towards the top of the area, Abi Bell getting her foot in to take the ball get Bungay moving the other way.

Hazel Saddington getting on the move with the ball on the left for Bungay plays inside into Zoe Gibbons top of the area, Aylsham captain Sophie-Jayne O’Connor closing her down but the ball not clear Bungay pressing high getting it out to Mia Rose peeling into the box right side her cross stood up cut out by Sophie Buckley.

Aylsham defender, Sophie Buckley

Rowland getting hold of the ball for Bungay through the middle driving forwards before sending in on for Rose in the right channel her shot from 20 yards out blocked by Aylsham’s Jemma Riches. Quite an open game both sides looking to get on with the ball use the whole pitch Ella Kruez taking the ball on from Bussey on the move down Aylsham’s right on for Myall in attack, Bungay captain, Charnelle Riggall challenging to win the ball back.

Billie Myall

Myall seeing the ball into her feet coming to the right spins off her marker to get in behind to cross the ball into the area cleared by Rowland. An even contest both sides with players driving on with the ball, Rowland looking to get the ball into Beth Turner up top, O’Connor closing her down clearing for a throw on the left. Bungay launch a quick counter pushing players on in numbers through the middle Marseilles Wil 20 yards out right of the D, sending in a strike, dipping into goalkeeper, Mia Parker’s gloves.

Myall and Kruez linking up on the right for Aylsham, Heaney across to help Rignall defend. Aylsham winning a free-kick on half way to the right. The ball floated in towards the top of the area, Vicky Lubbock breaking clear into the area left side, lobbing the ball over the advancing keeper, but the flag goes up straight away for offside.

Aylsham’s Vicky Lubbock

Gibbons taking the ball on through the middle looking to attack the Aylsham defence jinking left and right unleashing a shot 25 yards out a deflection taking it wide of goal. Shelley Woods combining with Kruez and Myall on the right the ball fed back up the line to Bussey her cross curled in deep to the far post, Vicky Lubbock running in can’t quite reach it.

Rowland carrying the ball forwards through the middle, tries to put it over the top for Turner, Cayla Brown cutting it out for Aylsham, cleared to the right, won back crossed into the top of the D, Gibbons trying to force her way into the box winning her side a corner kick. Swung in near side Roos jumping up to attack it with her head twisting in the air the turn the ball wide past the far post.

 

Bungay getting players on well through the middle, Bell and Will pressing on to support Rose and Turner in attack. Saddington taking the ball on down the right for Bungay her cross scooped up into the area cleared by O’Connor away to the left for a throw. Rowland with a dipping effort on the half volley outside the D, claimed by Parker in the Aylsham goal. Bungay enjoying a spell of pressure getting up around the Aylsham 18 yard box, Gibbons into Turner left of the D, her shot flashed wide of the right post.

Bungay’s Hazel Saddington

Bussey putting the ball on for Kruez right side her early diagonal ball fired into the top of the D, Myall the target, Roos getting in front of her stooping down to head the ball away to safety. Bungay up on the right with a throw in try to work it on into the area Rose looking to slip in on goal, O’Connor winning it for Aylsham out for a 2nd throw. Aylsham regain possession look to counter Allum on for Woods in attack, Heaney defending for Bungay the ball coming to the right, Myall looking to get hold of it turn, Rignall staying close on her.

The ball never still Rowland getting it out to the right for Will to turn a cross in along the top of the area, Rose inside the D, looking to hit it first time pulling her shot wide of the right post. Bungay keeper, Chloe Pearce out to her penalty spot to clear as Aylsham send the ball over the top. All gone a bit frantic the ball pinging around passes not finding their mark. Aylsham breaking forwards the ball into Woods in attack stretching to hit it on the run through the middle, the ball rising up but well claimed by Pearce.

Kruez crossing from deep on the right into the area Woods looknig to get her head on it knocking the ball into Heaney marking her, the defender down play paused so she can receive treatment. Is ok to play on. Aylsham getting a free-kick on the left by the halfway line as Vicky Lubbock is fouled, fired up into the top of the box, defended but not clear, Brown sending the ball back into the box, Lubbock right of goal getting her leg up to turn the ball past, the defender going with her, but not the keeper beyond, Pearce grabbing hold of the ball.

Aylsham’s Ella Kruez

Aylsham’s turn to enjoy a spell of pressure moving the ball on through the middle, Woods caught on her achilles as she looks to turn on the ball 30 yards out. Bussey over the ball, lifts it in on goal but dropping before it reaches the keeper, Pearce dropping to claim it into her body untroubled. Aylsham pushing players on Heaney forced to give away a corner out on the left.

GOAL! The corner swung into the near post, players up from the ball defended by Bungay turned behind for another corner on the left, this delivery in deep attacked near side by Buckley jumping up looking to nod the ball down towards goal, hits a Bungay defender, referee Michael Clarke immediately blowing up for a penalty a hand ball spotted. Woods to take the penalty no hesitation strikes the ball low with pace to the left of goal the keeper wrong footed. 1-0.

Shelley Woods fires Aylsham into the lead from the spot

Aylsham opening the scoring on the half hour mark. The game getting a little feisty a few over exuberant challenges coming in, both sides competitive. Rowland brought down as she carries the ball on through the middle on halfway the ball floated up into the top of the area Turner up to head the ball on, Parker claiming it for Aylsham.

Vicky Lubbock on the right battling to get the ball inside before curling a shot in to the near post from 35 yards out, Pearce has it covered getting hold of the ball. Bungay send the ball into Gibbons on the move through the middle lifts it on for Turner 20 yards out right of the D, take on the strike putting her foot through the ball, arrowing over the keeper, looks in for a moment but has in fact flown just over the bar onto the roof of the net.

Selina Rowland taking the ball on for Bungay

Passes rushed and both sides put the work in to try and close the ball down, Brown closing Will down as she looks to link up with Rose in attack. Saddington breaking into the area from the left off of a Bungay throw in, falling as she goes to shoot the ball rolling harmlessly on into the keepers gloves. Aylsham powering on in attack, Myall over with Vicky Lubbock left channel the ball send on into Woods trying to burst clear off the defence inside the area, Heaney tackling well for Bungay.

Fran Heaney cutting the ball out for Bungay

Rose racing away with the ball down the left channel to the by-line whipping a tight angled cross/shot over the bar. Aylsham making a change, Myall coming off in attack, Sophie Lubbock coming on. Bell getting the ball into Roos advancing on the right her cross from deep targeting Rose making a near post run, Parker moving forwards can see it safely into her gloves.

Brown doing alot of work in front of her defence to deal with Bungay’s runs, tackling Gibbons as she breaks away into the left channel. Rose outside the box turning the ball inside to Bell bursting forwards, Riches getting her foot on the ball to cut the pass out for Aylsham. Bungay bring the ball on right side squared inside for Rowland look to drive forwards, the ball knocked on, Buckley going to clear, Rowland charging it down.

Aylsham winning the ball in the middle Allum to Kruez, threads in inside for Sophie Lubbock outside the D plays it into the box for Woods pulling clear right of goal her strike on the angle claimed by the keeper.

Aylsham’s Shelley Woods

A wild lunging tackle by Will in the middle, taking out Bussey caught on the ankle goes down, Will hurt to, the referee patient waiting her her to recover before issuing the yellow card. Bussey is some discomfort can’t continue, has to come off, Elisha Nobbs coming on going to the left of defence Riches over to the right. From the resulting free-kick the ball lifted into the top of the area comes through to Woods stealing into the six yard box and players rush in on goal, releasing a shot across the keeper, Pearce with a reactive save blocking with her leg the ball popping back up for Woods, getting her foot up attempts to put the volley past the keeper, Vicky Lubbock at the far post getting her leg up to divert the ball into the back of the net but even as Aylsham wheel away in celebration the goal won’t stand for offside.

Half-time Aylsham FC Women 1-0 Bungay Town Ladies

 A lively end to the first half as both sides head into the changing rooms after a frantic first 45 minutes. Fairly even both sides working hard to close the ball down move it forwards a little rushed at times if anything, Bungay seeing a shot narrowly over the bar, Aylsham taking the lead from the spot on the half hour. Denied a 2nd goal late on in the half for offside. Aylsham keeping it tight through the middle, dropping off giving Bungay little opportunity to get in behind. 1 goal in it however still very much all to play for.

The sides emerging from the changing rooms for the start of the 2nd half, Aylsham unchanged from the side that finished the first half, Bungay making a change sending on Lauren Purling recently back with the squad after nearly six months out with an achilles injury, replacing Turner in attack, comes to the left. Bungay taking the kick off 2nd half the ball out to Rignall wide on the left her cross deflected through to the keeper.

Gibbons not happy with the first half getting hold of the ball for Bungay driving on through the middle, runs into traffic inside the D, O’Connor and Buckley closing her down, the ball popping free into Rose 25 yards out right of goal fires her strike over the bar. Bell taking the ball on down Bungay’s right wing turning a cross into Rose outside the D, skipping up off the surface won’t sit for her to get down before O’Connor moving in to put in the challenge.

Aylsham captain, Sophie-Jayne O’Connor

Bungay pressing the ball at the start of the 2nd half looking to get the ball on quickly Will out to Saddington on the left her cross spinning behind at the near post. Aylsham look for an outlet the ball from Vicky Lubbock up to Sophie on the left flank, Roos rushing on to close her down putting the ball out for a throw.

Vicky Lubbock getting on with the ball left wing for Aylsham her cross long into the area cleared by Riggall for Bungay. Bell carrying the ball on well for Bungay to the right cuts inside to give it to Will who tries to thread Rose in behind, O’Connor intercepting inside the D for Aylsham. Rose linking up with Will through the middle pushing on into the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle on Will the ball loose coming back to Rose to strike the ball high in on goal, a good save from Parker to claim it high above her head.

Bungay’s Marseilles Will

Bungay asking questions 2nd half a different dynamic to their attack without the presence of Turner up top, Saddington pressing the ball on the left driving into the area her angled shot fired in low at the keeper, Parker saving with her leg turning the ball away behind for a corner kick. Swung into the middle from the left Rowland gets her head on the ball, turns it wide past the far post.

Kruez central for Aylsham laying the ball out to Sophie Lubbock pulling into the right channel looking to get into the box, Heaney getting across the attacker to see the ball back to her attacker. Bungay’s young players lively looking to take the ball on into their feet drive forwards, Bell getting on well on the right linking up with Rose up top, Greengrass throwing out a leg to cut out a diagonal ball.

Brown sending the ball into Kruez on Aylsham’s right getting on the move Rignall out to close her down the ball gone for a throw. Saddington winning the ball back wide on Bungay’s left flashing a cross into the six yard box, Will racing in beyond the far post turning it wide. Aylsham making a change Allum coming of, Myall back on. Gibbons tenacious with the ball at her feet fouled by Buckley outside the box 25 yards out to the right of goal.

Bungay’s Zoe Gibbons

Rose over the set-piece goes for goal her effort flashed wide of Parker’s left post. Riches coming off for Aylsham, Bussey recovering form her earlier knock, back on at right back. Gibbons surging on through the middle with the ball at her feet strikes the ball from the top of the area the ball rising on the keeper, Parker getting her gloves up almost knocks it down behind into her own goal but turns sharply to grab hold of the bouncing ball in the nick of time even as Bungay begin to celebrate…

Bungay pressing creating opportunities Aylsham continue to work hard to defend their leaf keeping players back limiting their own attacks going forwards. O’Connor cutting out Saddington’s left side cross into the box, back with the winger lifted in to the far post Buckley going in with Rose winning the ball. The game a little stretched Woods looking for the pass to release Sophie Lubbock in behind is a vital header won by Heaney for Bungay.

Sophie Lubbock

Parker going down with an injury off the ball, needing to be assessed a chance for Aylsham to have a breather as both sides head over to their respective dugout for fluids and instructions from the coaching staff. 20 minutes left to play. Rose darting into space on the right hooking the ball over Buckley into the box, Parker first too it before Bell can close it down.

Bussey defending for Aylsham on the right of defence as Saddington looks to drop her shoulder drive into the box. Parker the busier of the two keeper’s racing out to the top of her area looking to beat Saddington to the ball left of the box as Rose clips a diagonal ball in behind, the keeper sliding in getting their in the nick of time to save at Saddington’s feet.

Aylsham goalkeeper, Mia Parker

Parker out to the top of of her area to drop onto the ball as Gibbons sends it on through the middle. Buckley get her tackle in to deny Rose an opportunity to steal into the box of a Rowland pass. Bell winning the ball for Bungay 25 yards out gets her head down drives on to the top of the area, Buckley with the blocking tackle. Gibbons into Rose to the right drifts inside to shot on the angle driven into the near post, Parker behind it to save.

GOAL! A little over 10 minutes left to play, Aylsham’s working hard to defend, but the back line is finally breached as Rose takes the ball away to the right closing in on the by-line cuts the ball in through the corridor inside the six yard box, coming through into the middle of goal, Bell running in to turn the ball over the line to get Bungay back on level terms 1-1.

Abi Bell scores the equaliser for Bungay

Woods shown the yellow card as she brings down Will, the free-kick top of the circle, Roos floated the ball into the box, too easy for the keeper to claim. The game open Bungay pushing on winning the ball back inside the Aylsham half, Rose central putting a diagonal ball out to Bell inside the area wide right of goal lays it back up to Purling who sends a shot in on goal lacking any pace to trouble Parker, she takes it cleanly into her gloves.

Bungay’s Lauren Purling with Aylsham’s Elisha Nobbs

Buckley moving in to close Will down as she looks to head into the D off the left the ball cleared left won back by Saddington fed into the Gibbons top left corner her shot angled in on goal straight at the keeper. The game moving into the final 5 minutes Aylsham bringing on Olivia Baker joining the attack with Myall off. Bungay not sitting back waiting for extra-time pushing players on Roos, Heaney and Riggall well spaced at the back ready to deal with any Aylsham counter, as it is the forward players keep driving at the opposition defence Rose wide right sending her cross long through the six yard box picked up by Saddington left shot her angled drive over the bar.

GOAL! Bungay come through the middle, Gibbons on another of her marauding runs looking to push her way all the way through on goal defenders moving in to try and slow her down gets a shot away blocked by Buckley, the rebound dropping straight to Rose right of the D, unleashes a shot fired in across the keeper to find the bottom left corner to send Bungay into the lead! 2-1!

Mia Rose fires Bungay into the lead in the cup final

A huge blow for Aylsham having worked so hard to try and keep Bungay out the pressure though finally telling the chances mounting eventually taken, Bungay with their noses in front with little time left for Aylsham to find an equaliser themselves force the game into extra-time. Purling fed down the right by Rose puts the ball into the box for Will, near post, Buckley blocking the ball cleared to the top of the area Rose latching onto it pulling her shot wide.

Bungay with their tails up determined to keep the ball in the final 3rd Saddington on the left with Gibbons moving into the box, Brown with a clumsy challenge bringing her down right on the edge of the area but Bungay’s appeals for a penalty waved away. Aylsham get the ball upfield seconds left on the clock into Sophie Lubbock left forwards into Baker central, Riggall coming to close her down. Time up the final whistle blows and Bungay have done it winning the League cup to achieve the double.

Full time Aylsham FC Women 1-2 Bungay Town Ladies

 Bungay pushing hard in the 2nd half to find a late equaliser and an even later winning goal. Their extra bit of quality shining through in the finish. Created numerous opportunities in the 2nd period. Aylsham worked tirelessly in defence to hold onto their slender lead long into the game and for a while it looked as if they might hold on Bungay driving on to pile on the pressure capitalising.

Women’s Football East  Player of the Match

 Onto the 2nd Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, this one not quite so easy a couple of strong contenders but ultimately the notes pushed one out in front. Several performances of note was another well contested final. Firstly for Aylsham the defence all playing a vital part putting in some vital tackles in interceptions, full backs Jemma Riches and Rachel Bussey along with Sophie Buckley and Sophie-Jayne O’Connor. Cayla Brown worked hard in front of the defence getting in to win the ball, Ella Kruez taking the ball on well down the right. Vicky Lubbock out on the left and Shelley Woods up top looknig to create an opening. Goalkeeper Mia Parker with some good work in goal to keep Bungay at bay long into the final. For Bungay, Fran Heaney with some great ball winning in defence. Selina Rowland getting hold of the ball and driving forwards to link up with the attackers. Marseilles Will with good movement and pace on the ball. Mia Rose getting into the channels making some good runs to pull defenders out of position, scoring the winning goal. Abi Bell covering the ground getting up and down the pitch, getting into the box for the levelling goal pushed Zoe Gibbons all the way but ultimately the number of midfielder runs she made on the ball counted, came out 2nd half in a frustrated mood and looked to set thing’s right with the ball at her feet getting Bungay going.

Bungay Town Ladies 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s League Cup winners

Congratulations to Bungay Town Ladies on winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup and doing the league and cup double. 

 A county cup final to look forwards too, on the 27th May at Portman Road will be there to see them in action, enjoy the occasion. Two fantastic finals, my thanks to all involved for their help today. Thanks to the Aylsham volunteers helping make the weekend a success, the clubs involved in the final and the officials. Not forgetting the NWGFL committee a lot of work put in behind the scenes to make the leagues and finals days a success, a busy weekend no doubt but hugely rewarding. Three more games to go then my season’s done, and boy could I do with the rest.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – KLSC FC Women v Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

Sunday 18th May

Norfolk Women’s League Plate Final

A trip over to Aylsham this Sunday to attend the Norfolk Women’s Finals Day at Youngs Park with two 11 aside final taking place along with the women’s 7’s league cup final. First up kicking off at 10:30am the Women’s Plate final between KLSC FC Women and Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves.

 The Plate competitive providing an opportunity for those clubs knocked out of the early round of the League Cup itself to compete for silverware and more often than not throws up as an exciting a match as the cup itself.

The Norfolk Women’s League Plate

 KLSC FC Women (King’s Lynn Soccer Club) are finishing the season in good form having had a difficult start to their Division One campaign falling into the bottom two with just 5 points won in their opening 10 fixtures. Having seen some of their senior players move on most notably Josie Turner who has been a prolific goal scorer for whole football career. However it is also the beginning of a new era with a number you young players stepping up from youth football to join the women’s squad.

 A 2-1 win against runaway leaders. Bungay Town Ladies, their only defeat of the season seeing the club begin to turn thing’s around with 5 wins in their next 8 league games to propel KLSC out of trouble at the bottom to put them right amongst the tightly packed cluster of sides jockeying for position in the middle of the table. With 3 games left after today’s Plate final have the potential to push into the top half of the table. Lucy Clarke the clubs top scorer this season, netting 14 goals, Katie Ward scoring 5 times with both Leeanne Smith and Tilly Sands on 4 a piece.

 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves are the only side in Norfolk Women’s Division One to have completed all of their league fixtures currently 5th on 29 points just 1 point from current 3rd placed side Sprowston FC Women, a tight cluster of sides below champions Bungay Town Ladies the league highly competitive. An up an down season for Mulbarton reflected in their tally of 20 player 9 won 2 drawn and 9 lost, made a good recovery after losing their open 3 league games. 3 managerial changes not helping, thing’s now stable under new manager John Vincent, putting together a 6 game unbeaten run to propel them all the way up to the top of the table for a short spell.

 Mulbarton despite their relatively short history building a decent sized squad of players to compete across the ERWFL, Division One and the ever popular 7’s league, which Mulbarton have won claiming the Division One title. A good blend of youth and experience, Becky Waters joining Mulbarton this season the current top scorer for the reserves netting 20 goals from her 13 games. Lucy Kean always amongst the goals has 13 so far with midfielder, Charlotte Groves on 6.

Road to the Final

  Both sides awarded the win in the 1st Round of the League Plate advancing straight to the quarter finals. KLSC drawn at home to play fellow Division One side, Long Stratton Women in the last 8 a close looking game on paper, proved to be the case on the pitch with the sides sharing 7 goals, drawing 1-1 at half-time KLSC going on to pinch it 2nd half winning 4-3 to book their spot in the semi-finals. Mulbarton too with a tricky quarter final tie having home advantage however as they took on Costessey Sports Ladies, Charlotte Grove firing home a brace, with Mary-Anne Hoy also finding the back of the net sending them into the last 4 with a comfortable 3-0 win.

 A mixed bag in the semi-finals of the Plate, KLSC away to the current holders of the trophy, FC Viking & Valkyries Women. A tough game on paper with Valkyries winning Division Two looking to reach a 2nd successive final to defend the Plate. A close game goals from Lucy Clarke and Tilly Sands sending KLSC to the final with a 2-1 victory. Mulbarton at home were taking on new Division Three side, Brundall Bolts Women pushing for the title itself at one point, Mulbarton with the experience and goals to get the job done however with Rebecca Waters scoring a hat-trick, Lucy Kean on the score sheet to with Mulbarton winning 4-0 to book their final spot.

 Youngs Park home of Aylsham FC the venue for the Norfolk Women’s and Girls Finals day for the past few seasons. A busy weekend Saturday hosting the numerous girls finals from age groups 8 to 16. Now for the adult finals the main grass pitch looking immaculate for the final not easy to do bearing in mind the lack of rain recently. The bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. Another bright and sunny day, but thankfully not as hot as last weekend, still can’t complain a bit of cloud cover but the sun with some heat in it when it breaks through no rain forecast.

KLSC FC Women starting XI – Stella Astle, Elizabet Puckova, Amy Cropley (C), Viktorija Burkauskaite, Tilly Sands, Bonnie Parsons, Lana Sturgeon, Lucy Clarke, Nikola Maslak, Trinity Tokaji & Holly Pitcher. Subs – Taeya Mayes, Ellie Panks, Leeanne Smith & Lauren Moyes.

KLSC FC Women

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves starting XI – Kirstie Andrews, Faye Bye, Tasha Williams (C), Aneliese Smith, Bryony Knights, Charlotte Groves, Florence Martin, Mary-Ann Hoy, Emma Farmer, Lucy Kean & Becky Waters. Subs – Nicole Sheldrake, Megan Anderton, Jade Telfer, Tilly-Rose Dade & Maisie Palmer-Smith.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

(roll on roll off substitutes)

 Extra time and penalties if required

  A minutes silence observed by both clubs in the centre circle before kick-off in memory of former FC Viking & Valkyries player Liv Martinez who very tragically took her own life after a long struggle with mental health. It’s a struggle many face and doing what we can to look out for one another is so important.

Captain’s Tasha Williams and Amy Cropley with this mornings match officials

 

  It’s KLSC to kick-off the Plate final wearing red shirts with black vertical stripes on the front, black shorts and red and black hooped socks with Mulbarton lined up opposite wearing Blue coloured shirts with black vertical stripes on the front blue shirts and socks. The ball played back into the defence, Mulbarton rush forwards to press the ball in the middle, Florence Martin charging it down knocking it on for Lucy Kean in attack, taking on the early strike from outside the area comes swerving in quickly to goalkeeper, Stella Astle gets be gloves up to beat it down miscued drops behind her, turns quickly to grab hold of it before it can creep over the line.

   Mary-Anne Hoy looking to get away down the left wing for Mulbarton squaring a cross into the area cut out by Viktorija Burkauskaite at the back for KLSC. Mulbarton quick to regain possession on the left a high cross lifted in to the far post, Emma Farmer having broken forwards from the left to try and get her head on the ball, but halted by the offside flag.

  A bright start from Mulbarton getting hold of the ball inside the KLSC half not letting their opponents settle on the ball, Charlotte Groves in the middle sending the ball out to Hoy on the left her cross on the by-line deflected behind for a corner kick. Flung into the near post the ball turned behind for a 2nd corner. Burkauskaite clearing the 2nd delivery and in drops into the six yard box near side. Bonnie Parsons looking to get KLSC on the move sending a long ball up the right wing for Nikola Maslak, Mulbarton captain, Tasha Williams closing her down to nullify the threat.

  Lively Mulbarton getting stuck in to win the ball high, Grove, Martin and Bryony Knights in the middle looking to feed the ball on to Kean and Becky Waters up top. Emma Farmer right side sending a diagonal ball up into the centre 25 yards out Martin pushing it into Kean top of the D, she lays it off to the left for Waters who hits it first time, 20 yards out not getting a clear connection the ball skipping up off the turf safely handled by Astle in the KLSC goal.

  Burkauskaite diving in to win the ball for KLSC as Kean looks to slide Waters in behind into the area. KLSC having to ride out a lot of pressure early on attempting to get players forwards Lana Sturgeon with Parsons in the middle the ball fed on for Lucy Clarke breaking on the left, Aneliese Smith coming out from the back to close her down win her tackle. Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews alert to the threat out of her box to clear as Parsons central plays a ball over the Mulbarton defence for Trinity Tokaji to chase.

  Hoy providing a useful outlet on the left for Mulbarton getting forwards well, Kean picking her out, Elizabet Puckova moving in to close her down, Hoy sending her cross behind at the near post. The game beginning to open up a little, KLSC pushing players on with pace whenever they get hold of it centrally, Hoy coming back to challenge Sturgeon as she combines with Maslak on KLSC’s right.

Mulbarton’s Florence Martin

 Mulbarton’s defence dropping off well as a unit as KLSC break, Faye Bye cutting out a pass intended for Maslak as she gets on the move on the right. Maslak linking up with Sturgeon and Tokaji as KLSC build on the right, Williams stretching out a leg to cut out the ball. Knights finding Waters to the left of the area 20 yards out sends the ball in central for Groves top of the D, can’t dig the ball out of her feet to get a shot away before being closed down by KLSC’s Tilly Sands. Sturgeon getting hold of the ball driving into space on the right lifting a cross into the box, Holly Pitcher coming in central, Andrews in ahead of her to catch hold of the ball.

 GOAL! Andrews releases the ball quickly getting it up into the opposition half, Groves helping it on to send Waters in behind left of the goal, Astle rushing out to try and close her down, Waters getting her foot through the ball to send it racing past her and on into the bottom corner to give Mulbarton the lead 0-1.

Becky Waters celebrates as she fires Mulbarton into the lead

 Mulbarton taking the lead 12 minutes into the game making a strong start, KLSC look to get the ball on down the left into Clarke after the restart pushing on down the line lifts her cross into the penalty spot, Andrews up to claim it. KLSC have pace when they break the younger players bursting forwards looking to find a way through the Mulbarton back line, disciplined however they a reading the game well. Waters seeing the ball into her feet turning it out to Hoy advancing on the left her shot from the angle high over the bar.

  Mulbarton winning a throw high on the left getting players in around the ball lifted into the box near side Waters rising to meet it turning her header across the six yard box looknig for Farmer at the far post, Astle getting up well to grab hold of the ball. The game opening up KLSC counter quickly Maslak sending Clarke away down the left channel looking to get into the box, Andrews rushing out to the top of her area sliding in to save at her feet, keeping hold of the ball.

Mulbarton goalkeeper, Kirstie Andrews

  Sands defending at the back for KLSC as Farmer hooks the ball into the middle from the right wing. Martin playing the ball in through the middle into Kean running into the box left of goal from the angle smashes a rising shot into the near post, Astle with a great save reacting quickly getting her gloves up to pull the ball down and claim.

KLSC goalkeeper, Stella Astle

  Cropley cutting the ball out as Knights looks to find Kean in attack. Williams getting a timely tackle in on Parsons as the midfielder threatens to steal in behind through the middle, Mulbarton quick to counter the ball Faye Bye sending the ball up top into Kean looking to turn and knock the ball past the defence, Burkauskaite lunging in to stop the ball, getting fouled in the process. 

  Burkauskaite defending again as Hoy winning the ball back on the left sends it on for Kean looking to run inside the box. Smith seeing the ball come to her as she gets up on the right fires a shot in from range across the goal out past the far post. 

 GOAL! Mulbarton double the lead, a simple goal but exquisitely executed, Farmer on procession on the right just inside the KLSC half sending a fantastic diagonal pass long into the top of the area for Waters to run onto left of goal and shoot sending her strike across the keeper to score her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Becky Waters onto Emma Farmers pass to score Mulbarton’s 2nd

Mulbarton’s Emma Farmer with KLSC’s Lucy Clarke and Bonnie Parsons

 Midway through the 1st half Mulbarton doubling the lead, pushing on looking for more goals, Kean coming in off the right into the middle 25 yards out putting the ball on for Waters left looking to steal into the area, Sands getting a foot in to block the pass, clear for KLSC. Clarke given the ball on the left bursts down the wing however her cross has no one in the box gambling to get on the end of it as Andrews collect unchallenged.

 Clarke down the left getting a throw the ball back into her feet as she turns at the top of the box looknig for a way through Mulbarton quick to close her down, tries to squeeze it into Pitcher central but Knights is back to clear for Mulbarton.  

  GOAL! Mulbarton clearing the ball up long through the middle, turning the KLSC defence around, Waters racing through the middle with Martin, looking to chase it down with Burkauskaite, the keeper rushing out a tangle at the top of the area as the ball is charged down, loose it falls to Kean’s feet 25 yards out shifts it onto her left foot and curls her shot into the empty net 0-3.

Lucy Kean fires Mulbarton into a 3 goal lead

 Mulbarton racing into a 3 goal lead with half an hour played. Burkauskaite hurt in the build up to the goal needing treatment, but is back up on her feet ready to play on.

  GOAL! Another blow for KLSC they get right back on the attack as the game resumes the ball played on down the right wing into Maslak takes the ball inside getting into the area and fires it past the on rushing keeper into the bottom corner 1-3.

Nikola Maslak gets a goal back straight away for KLSC

  KLSC breaking down the left Tokaji into Clarke, Smith tackling the ball out for a throw. headed on into the area, Knights dealing with it for Mulbarton. The game opening right up Mulbarton for their 3 goal lead cruising, rocked back a little by KLSC’s quick reply and drive to get the ball on, Puckova up on the right with Sturgeon a cross from deep claimed by Andrews inside her six yard box. 

Nikola Maslak

 Martin taking the ball on through the middle a driving run attempting to thread it through for Waters, Sands intercepting for KLSC. Waters linking up with Hoy out wide left for Mulbarton the cross worked into the area headed clear by Sands. Waters getting her feet up to hook the ball out to Hoy on the left whips a cross back into the area, Burkauskaite winning it for KLSC.

KLSC defender, Viktorija Burkauskaite

  KLSC snapping in to get hold of the ball, parsons busy in the middle tries to pick out Clarke on the right, Farmer back on her defending with Smith. Parsons onto the ball from Sturgeon has Pitcher making a run into the left channel, the past forwards intercepted by Smith. Hoy tackling Maslak as she looks to turn off a diagonal ball from Parsons in the middle. The ball pinging around outside the KLSC box a lucky rebound favouring Hoy eft side as she bursts in behind looking to get onto the end of it, Astle racing out to the top of her area getting there first to clear.

  Waters collecting the ball into her feet as she moves out to the left jinks her way inside to unleash a strike on the angle, a powerful drive rising past the keeper smashes over off the crossbar!

  A frantic first half moving into stoppage time Mulbarton seeing an attack break down as KLSC turn play around Parsons with a good pass up to Pitcher in attack, turns it out to the left for Clarke whipping an early ball into the top of the area, skipping up inside the D the bounce not favouring Tokaji as she looks to get it under control, give Groves the opportunity to close her down snatch the ball away.

Half-time KLSC FC Women 1-3 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

 Half-time and Mulbarton looking strong as they powered into a 3 goal lead within the opening half hour, Waters opening the scoring adding a 2nd involved in the 3rd as Kean turned it home. KLSC getting a goal back straight away have been under pressure at the back but looknig lively on the counter attack, Mulbarton not looking as composed after conceding the game opening right up. KLSC needing a goal before half-time to give them something to take into the 2nd period, both sides opting to stay out on the field during the half-time interval. Set up nicely for the 2nd half.

  KLSC making a change at the break, Taeya Mayes coming on in place of Cropley. Mulbarton unchanged getting the 2nd half underway. Rolled into Knights in the middle passed to Groves, Pitcher rushing in to close the ball down, KLSC pushing at the start looking to get after the ball. Parson taking the ball away to the right cutting a cross into the top of the Mulbarton area, Pitcher inside the D looking to take a swing at it not getting a clean touch.

  Maslak seeing the ball into her feet spinning in behind on the right wing to race on with the ball and deliver a cross into the top of the area, Martin cutting it out for Mulbarton the ball out for a throw. Martin changing her boots quickly after not happy with her first pair. KLSC busy winning a free-kick deep on the left Mayes over it firing a pacy ball into the near post, dealt with by Smith cleared outside the box, KLSC getting it back Mayes hooking a shot wide.

KLSC’s Taeya Mayes

  KLSC lively pushing players on at the start, Hoy looks to get hold of the ball take it on down the left get Mulbarton going up the other end, Tokaji now wearing the captains armband getting back at her to win the ball back. Burkauskaite closing Waters down as she looks to break through the middle from a Kean ball forwards. The ball pinging around as both sides look to get it on in attack,

Mulbarton’s Bryony Knights

  Hoy stretching for the ball left side of the area 20 out as it comes across to her on the half volley turns her shot wide. Parsons on for Sturgeon through the middle put on for Pitcher up top, Williams getting in front of her to clear for Mulbarton. Parsons coming to the right to link up with Tokaji and Maslak as they try to get the latter in down the line, Bye getting her tackle in to play the ball out for a throw.

KLSC’s Trinity Tokaji

  Hoy with a good spin on the ball as it comes into her from the middle, knocks it on through the middle for Waters breaking in behind but to her frustration the offside flag is up against her. Groves in the middle sends Knights away down the left channel looking to get into the box, Sands getting her challenge in to half the advance.

  Mulbarton getting on down the left Knights to Hoy the ball out for a throw, dropped into Hoy wide of the area hooks a cross on into the area, Astle getting her arms up to push the ball down into the ground, snatching it safely into her gloves before Waters close in can stab a foot at it. Mulbarton not having things all there own way 2nd half as KLSC push players on looking for an opening the defence busy. Sands over a free-kick on the left 30 yards out curled into the six yard box, Andrews bringing it down safely into her gloves.

Lana Sturgeon

  Maslak offside as Sturgeon attempts to play her in through the middle. Mulbarton making a change, Groves coming off, Nicole Sheldrake entering the game on the hour. Mulbarton play the ball on for Waters in attack right side breaking in behind the keeper rushing out to the top of her area to try and close her down, Waters sending her strike past her, but also wide of the far post.

  Knights getting forwards well for Mulbarton coming left putting the ball on for Hoy her early cross into the area cut out by Burkauskaite. Parsons moving right on the ball forwards into Maslak, Bye coming to close her down for Mulbarton.

Mulbarton defender, Faye Bye

Hoy away on the left with the ball at her feet coming inside across the area encouraged to pull the trigger but reluctant having not had much joy so far instead dinks it on to the right into the area for Waters stealing on on goal from the angle smashes another vicious shot past the advancing keeper onto the crossbar. 

Tilly Sands clearing for KLSC

 The game getting stretched KLSC committing bodies forwards gaps appearing in front of the defence. Parsons linking up with Maslak on the right, Sheldrake in to put in the tackle slowing her down outside the box, but Maslak keeps hold of the ball moving inside to turn a shot right of the D wife past the near post.

KLSC midfielder, Bonnie Parsons

  Sheldrake tackling Tokaji as she looks to get away on the right for KLSC. Parsons brought down as she carries the ball forwards through the middle giving KLSC the free-kick. Mayes n the ball 25 yards out taken quickly lifted into the box with Maslak breaking in behind, but Andrews has seen the threat is on the move to get hold of the ball first. 

 End to end action as Mulbarton make a 2nd change in midfield, Martin coming off, Jade Telfer coming on. Lauren Moyes coming on too for KLSC. Mulbarton work the ball on through the middle a sliced defensive clearance from Burkauskaite sees the ball deflected in behind with Waters alert after it right of the D, Puckova going with her stretching to get to the ball the pair going to ground both hurt as Waters goes over the defender an accidental clash striking her head against the turf with her knee. 

 Both needing treatment, Waters knee not liking it needs to come off, hobbling to the side-lines, Megan Anderton coming on. Puckova up eventually holding an ice pack to her cheek over to the side-lines will be allowed back on when play resumes. The defender having cleared the ball to the right for a throw. Mulbarton turn it into a corner kick. Curled in ear side, Burkauskaite defending for KLSC, cleared out of the box a shot in from distance bouncing over the keeper but wide of Astle’s right post.

Mulbarton’s Jade Telfer

  Telfer onto the ball outside the box, spinning into the shot right of the D in low with pace, on target, Astle with an instinctive save with her leg turning the ball wide. Kean getting up well to turn her header into Hoy’s path as she races on left side, crosses into the area, Sands clearing the ball away to the right, Farmer getting it back firing the ball into the D, Kean shooting turning the ball in on goal but straight at the keeper. 

 Mulbarton creating chances but can’t dampen KLSC’s spirit as Parsons coming inside from the right plays it across the top of the area for Sturgeon left side, rolls it on for Clarke to strike on the angle, fires her shot over the bar. Smith coming off for Mulbarton with Tilly-Rose Dade coming on. Tokaji bringing the ball inside from the right 25 yards out pushed on into Moyes central, looks to shift it right the left between her feet looking for an opening, getting a shot away a defensive block taking the sting out of it runs through to the keeper to gather. Sturgeon into Maslak on the right and angled strike rising into the side netting, taking a nick off a defender a corner awarded.

Lauren Moyes

 GOAL! The corner swept in at an inviting height long across the six yard box beyond the far post, Clarke getting her head onto the ball to power it back across goal and into the back of the net to pull the scores back to a single goal 2-3.

Lucy Clarke heading the ball home to pull it back to 2-3 for KLSC

 Game on setting up a tense final 6 minutes. Players pumped up on both sides, Moyes nipping in to win the ball off the Mulbarton back line sending it out to Tokaji right side lays it back up the line for Sands to curl a cross into the area, goes long, Clarke closing in at the far post not quite able to get on the end of it. Mulbarton making a double switch, Farmer and Hoy coming off, Groves back on along with Maisie Palmer-Smith. Mulbarton looking to take the ball into the corner keep KLSC from attacking, Groves looking to hold the ball up aghast as she is pulled over but doesn’t get the decision.

  Into the closing seconds the ball lifted out to Palmer-Smith wide on the right clips a good cross into the area, Mayes back to win it for KLSC near side in front of the keeper. Mulbarton winning the ball back falls to Kean top of the box, Burkauskaite going with her as they head for the area, the defender fouled. That’s it the final whistle blows and Mulbarton have done it, celebrate as they win the League Plate final.

Full time KLSC FC Women 2-3 Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves

 Was a really entertaining game knew they’re be goals in it and so it proved, Mulbarton getting off to a good start applying pressure high up the pitch early on getting into an early lead, creating chances, Waters firing them into a 2 goal advantage a 3rd from Kean quickly added. KLSC didn’t let their heads drop came straight back to pull it back to 3-1, to have something to hold onto going into the 2nd half. Started brightly getting at Mulbarton throwing players forwards taking risks at the other end Waters hitting the bar for a 2nd time coming closest to extending the lead, KLSC pulling it back to 3-2 late in the game but Mulbarton had the experience and game management to see out the game and claim the silverware.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Plenty of good performances out there from both sides but have one clear winner in mind. Firstly for KLSC, Bonnie Parsons was busy in the middle getting hold of the ball breaking it on and linking up with her attackers throughout. Lana Sturgeon too winning the ball and getting forwards well. Viktorija Burkauskaite and Tilly Sands in defensive with some vital tackles. For Mulbarton a solid defensive display for the majority, dropping off well as a unit. Becky Waters up top gambling well getting in behind scoring twice and rattling the woodwork. Lucy Kean linking up with the midfield setting up chances along with a goal. Flo Martin with some great tackles in midfield. Mary-Anne Hoy providing a great outlet on the left got forwards throughout. The award though goes to Bryony Knights won the ball well in front of the defence and as the game grew got forwards well covering the ground with some fine passes.

Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves 2024/25 Norfolk Women’s League Plate winners

 Congratulations to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies Reserves on winning this season’s Norfolk Women’s League Plate.

  An entertaining final to start the day a quick turnaround and bite to eat before the next game sadly no time to catch any of the action from the 7’s final in between. My thanks to both sides for the team details always appreciated must get those numbers. 

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Needham Market Women Development v Brantham Athletic Ladies

Friday 16th May

Suffolk Women’s Cup Final

Heading down to Suffolk this Friday evening to attend this season’s, Women’s League Cup Final, Brantham Athletic Ladies looking to do a double, double as they take on Needham Market Women Development aiming to retain the trophy.

Successfully defending their league title one more game left the League Cup, held at Brantham Leisure Centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC, Needham Market Women Development’s young squad looking to stop them unbeaten in 5 coming into this evenings final.

The Suffolk Women’s League Cup trophy

Getting the balance right between the two divisions in Suffolk has been a challenge the past couple of seasons, expanding to feature the women’s Premiership and Championship below, just 7 sides contesting the Premiership with 11 in the Championship, but in terms of strength of squads and competitiveness this has been the right call as sides look to grow and development and hopefully it will continue in that direction.

A complete turnaround for Brantham Athletic Ladies, from almost folding due to lack of numbers a couple of seasons ago, to bringing in need coaches and adding experienced players to the group, leading to the formation of a new Development side, the 1st team winning the League and Cup last season, continuing that momentum into this campaign winning the league comfortably and odds on favourites for the league cup. Have applied for promotion to the ERWFL and as Champions they are highly likely to be accepted.

A successful season for Brantham Athletic FC all round with the men’s side winning the Thurlow Nunn, Premier Division. The women’s side has dropped just two points all season, unbeaten, winning all but one of their 12 league matches. Scoring plenty of goals along the way too with Ella Long and Laura Tuley leading the way up front both on 24 goals coming into the last game of their season. Chloe Wilson also into double figures having netted 10 times this campaign.

Needham Market Development achieving their best ever league finish this season, ending the campaign 3rd in the Women’s Premiership table. A young squad aiming to break into the 1st team, playing in the ERWFL Premier Division. Needham Market bursting onto the scene with their women’s side and academy making their mark on women’s football in Suffolk in their relatively short history. This the first cup final appearance for their Development squad.

Have plenty goals within the side with 14 of the 24 players used this season on the scoresheet. Poppy Nunn leading the leading the way, top scorer with 18 to her name from 15 appearances. Imogen Porch also into double figures on target for 10 goals. With Hannah Cobbold and Poppy Dyson both on 8 apiece. The nature of a 7 strong league means there can be longer periods without a game a healthy gap of nearly 8 weeks between Needham market’s last league match and this evenings final. Brantham themselves only playing one competitive game in March, April and May respectfully coming into the final.

Road to the Final

  Brantham awarded a home win in the 1st Round of the league cup. Needham Market were on the road taking on Championship side, Coplestonians Ladies, Poppy Nunn, Imogen Porch, Poppy Nunn and Hannah Cobbald all scoring a brace each, with Jessica Marriot and Elise Rossman also scoring in a 10-1 win.

Needham Market taking on Brantham Athletic Ladies Development side in the 2nd round of the league cup. Emma Drake and Chloe Taylor both bagging a brace with Porch and Ashleigh Goddard also scoring a goal to see Needham Market leading 3-0 at the break go on to win the game 6-1. Brantham at home taking on Championship side Framlingham Town Ladies in the 2nd round, Ella Long firing in 4 goals for Brantham. Laura Tuley and Chloe Wilson scoring 2 each with Emmi Bennett and Rachel White also finding the back of the net in a 10-0 win.

Into the last 8 of the league cup, Needham Market at home to Championship side, Leiston St Margarets Ladies, another strong showing in front of goal with Cobbold and Nunn both scoring a hat-trick. Lucy Cherney, Taylor, Dyson ad Porch also getting in amongst the goals in a 10-0 romp. Brantham taking on fellow Premiership side, Stowupland Falcons Women on home turf in the quarter finals. Bennett on target for a brace in the game, with Lucy Dunnett, Tarnya McKew and Long all getting a goal in a 5-1 victory.

Needham Market away in the semi-finals taking on Capel Plough Women, newly promoted to the Premiership. Poppy Dyson firing home twice to send her side into the final with Hepsie Attrill also bagging herself a goal in a 3-0 win. Brantham away to Championship title challengers, Ramsey & Mistley Ladies, Laura Tuley finding the back of the net for two goals, with Long, Bennett and Wilson all getting on the scoresheet in a 6-2 win to send Brantham into their 3rd successive league cup final.

Brantham Leisure centre, home of Brantham Athletic FC the venue for this evenings final, has been a while since I last visited the ground, but hosts a number of Brantham sides, the main grass pitch with training pitches and cricket area beyond. The carpark often busy, full this evening the clubhouse open leading out to the pitch, the kitchen hatch too serving hot food and drink. The grass pitch firm with good cover despite the lack of rain recently. Standing viewing all round with a small covered stand offset behind one goal and another between the dugouts. The weather noticeably cooler with a stiff breeze at time cloud cover but no rain forecast. Brantham the ‘away’ side for this evenings final.

Needham Market Women Development starting XI – Zoe Adams, Jess Marriott, Khyla Anderson-Hayler, Mia Lockwood, Sophia Gillingham, Emma Drake, Amy Trenter (C), Chloe Taylor, Hannah Cobbold, Hepsie Attrill & Immy Porch.  Subs – Ashleigh Goddard, Maddi Steward, Poppy Dyson, Elisa Rossman & Lucy Cherney.

Needham Market Women Development

Brantham Athletic Ladies starting XI – Daisie-Mae Gibbs, Aimee Berry, Chloe Wilson, Kirby Steward (C), Issey Hines, Sophie Crabtree, Lucy Dunnett, Emmi Bennett, Tarnya McKew, Laura Tuley & Ella Long. Subs – Stacey Teager, Ines Bowman-Boyles & Rachel White.

Brantham Athletic Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Kirby Steward and Amy Trenter with this evenings match officials

  Harriet Young refereeing this evenings final leading the two teams out onto the pitch, the overcast skies leading to the floodlights coming on prior to kick-off. Brantham will kick-off the first half wearing an all navy kit with white trim on the shirts. Needham market lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with black across the shoulders, black shorts and red socks. The ball rolled back into Lucy Dunnett in midfield, played on for Ella Long in attack her early shot from range charged down the ball coming to the right for Emmi Bennett breaking forwards, Jess Marriott moving in to win the ball for Needham Market at left back getting it back to her goalkeeper, Zoe Adams to kick clear.

Needham market look to push players on with pace getting the ball up the right, forcing Brantham into conceding an early corner. Played into the top of the area, Brantham with a nervy clearance, Needham Market quick to win it back pressing the ball, Dunnett able to get hold of it for Brantham sending a diagonal ball out to the right looknig for Bennett, Marriot intercepts for Needham Market.

Brantham winning a free-kick in a central position some 30 yards out, Dunnett their dead ball specialist over the set-piece, lines up the strike fired in on target however straight at the keeper a comfortable save for Adams. Tarnya McKew wide on the left for Brantham looking to break away, full back Khyla Anderson-Hayler getting back at her near the corner to play the ball out of her for a throw.

Long into Laura Tuley in attack as Brantham play the ball on through the middle, comes out to Bennett right side, Marriott with the blocking tackle, Emma Drake taking it on looking to break on the right, Aimee Berry pushed up from defence snatching the ball back inside to roll it on into the box for Tuley breaking in behind right of goal her angled strike flashed in high into the side netting.

A corner awarded lifted into the keeper from the right, Adams under pressure comes in near side, knocked behind for a 2nd corner on the right. Put in long beyond the far post turned behind for a 3rd corner to the left. Brantham getting bodies into the box as the delivery comes in central defended cleared out to the right side Berry looking to curl in a cross to the near post, Immy Porch up to head the ball away for Needham Market.

Brantham captain, Kirby Steward coming across to the right to deal with the ball as Chloe Taylor and Hannah Cobbold look to bring the ball on up the wing for Needham Market the ball out for a throw. Brantham looknig to get the ball out too their wide players, McKew hugging to touch line on the left getting down to the by-lined, challenged the ball out for another corner. Lively both sides wanting to get the ball forwards, Needham market with the ball at their feet, pace as Drake gets it on up the left flank before Berry lunges in to make the challenge get the ball back for Brantham.

Needham Market’s Emma Drake

Brantham winning a free-kick deep on the left Dunnett to send the ball into the top corner of the area, Chloe Wilson seeing her strike charged down the ball cleared out to Needham Market’s Drake on the left burst forwards the ball knocked on for Porch, Brantham keeper, Daisie-Mae Gibbs rushing out of her area looking to clear the ball, Porch instead charging the kick down running after the ball as it rebounds on into the area defenders racing back to try and cover the empty goal as Porch on the angle looks to turn the ball in to the near post instead collapses in frustration as the ball crashes into the side netting.

Sophie Crabtree linking up with Dunnett through the middle for Brantham the ball clipped out to the right wing for Bennett, Marriott diving in to play the ball out for a throw in the corner, Brantham turn it into a corner kick. Played into the top of the area from the right, Long moving in to strike it first time her shot into the crowded six yard box, blocked. Comes out to the right, Bennett fouled by Porch, Brantham winning another set-piece out wide.

 Dunnett sending the ball into the top of the box, Hepsie Attrill winning the ball for Needham Market charging out of the area looking to lead a counter attack the ball launched up the left channel for Porch to attack, defender, Issey Bines looking to go with her chase the ball down, Porch too eager in her hunt tugging on Innes ponytail looking to gain the advantage the defender going to ground the referee immediately blowing for the free-kick having a stern word with Porch.

 Is competitive, Needham Market looking to try and close the ball down get it into their attacking players quickly, Brantham with the more experience squad looking to play the ball into the channels and out wide with players making timely runs. Drake getting on well with the ball for Needham market on the left winning a corner kick. The delivery long into the far post area knocked down scrambled away to the right falling to Cobbold out wide her angled shot back in held safely by Gibbs.

  Porch moving over to the right side with Taylor and Cobbold as Needham Market bring the ball on, Taylor sending the ball into Porch 25 yards out, is tugged back herself resulting in Needham market getting the set-piece. Attrill over the ball to the right of the area, lifted in near post, Long heading the ball clear for Brantham, a shot taken from distance finding it’s way through to the keeper.

  End to end as Berry gets forwards with Bennett on Brantham’s right, giving Bennett the ball goes on the overlap the ball sent into her path taking it to the by-line, Sophia Gillingham across to help Marriott out the ball played behind for a corner kick. Brantham looking to put the ball in on the keeper, an in swinger just over her dropping far post a snap shot, blocked on the line put clear to the left a shot on the angle blazed over.

  Tuley pulling away to the right for Brantham sending a shot in on the angle across the keeper from 20 yards out, McKew retrieving it left side laid on for Wilson coming on from the back, her near post strike from outside the box, saved by Adams dropping onto the ball. Needham Market energetic unsettling Brantham to a degree Steward cutting out an intended through ball from Trenter for Porch, turning play around, into Dunnett out to Tuley right 25 yards out, Long making a run across her getting hold of the through ball taking it on the angle her shot rising, over the ball, the keeper getting a faint touch a corner given. 

GOAL! The game fast approaching the half hour mark, Brantham building some momentum McKew getting on well down the left the ball fed into her path taking it on, cuts it back inside to Long positioned top left corner outside the box shifts the ball inside before striking the ball, hard up over the keeper and into the far corner of the goal beyond, 0-1.

Ella Long celebrates with her teammates as she gives Brantham the lead

  Needham Market looking for an immediate reply the ball from Taylor right on for Porch passed infield into Attrill takes it on across the D looking for an opening her effort saved by Gibbs back in her six yard box. Long up the other end flashing a shot wide across the face of the Needham Market goal as she is played in by McKew in the left channel. 

  Brantham getting hold of the ball in the middle Crabtree out to McKew left takes the ball inside before rolling it across the top of the area for Bennett on the right side, Marriott diving in giving away the corner kick. Players up from the ball surrounding the keeper, curled into the middle of the six yard box, Adams does very well amongst the crowd to get her arm up to push the ball away to the left. Trenter with Attrill as Needham Market get the ball forwards, out to Taylor advancing on the right, Wilson stepping in to tackle for Brantham. 

Brantham’s Chloe Wilson

 GOAL! Brantham attack down their left flank McKew on the ball cut back inside to Long left channel has Tuley ahead of her rolling the ball on, Tuley drives forwards battling her way into the area getting clear to fire the ball on the angle across the diving keeper to double the lead 0-2.

Laura Tuley doubles Brantham’s lead

 Needham Market falling 2 goals behind making a change bringing off Trenter, send on Poppy Dyson. Marriot donning the armband. Drake taking the ball on with pace up the left getting a corner for Needham Market. players up onto the box. Swung into the near post at in inviting height, Gillingham rising to attack it with her head, turns it narrowly wide of the upright. 

Sophie Gillingham coming close from the corner kick

  Bennett coming back to help defend for Brantham as Drake dispossesses Berry on the wing looks to drive on up the left. Attrill taking the ball on from Parch on the right, getting pulled back. Taking the free-kick lifted on into the box, Dunnett getting it clear for Brantham. A shot struck in from distance Gibbs behind it falling onto the ball. Taylor bringing the ball on up Needham market left channel driving on looking to get into the box, catching the ball with the outside of her boot in an attempt to knock it on into the box before Innes can close her down, Steward with the clearance for Brantham.

  The game a little stretched with both sides going for it Dunnett with a good range of passing at her disposal the ball on for Long up top left side fed on for McKew down the flank her angled strike in low to the near post held by Adams. Moments later McKew played in again down the left tries the angled short rising this time threatening to loop up over the keeper, Adams does well getting her arms up quickly to snatch the ball down into her gloves. 

Needham Market goalkeeper, Zoe Adams

 Dunnett taking the ball left taking on the shot from distance the ball cut out by Needham Market, Lockwood top of the area. Adams rushing out to the edge of her area sliding in to save at the feet of McKew as she is played on down the line by Long. The flag up against her for offside however. Marriott doing well in defence for Needham Market getting her body across Bennett as she looks to get hold of the ball on the right, plays it back to her keeper to kick clear. 

Brantham’s Emmi Bennett

 Brantham pushing for a 3rd goal late in the first half McKew taking the ball on down the left putting it inside for Tuley, making a move to skip into the box, Lockwood with the challenge to halt the attack. Needham Market launch a counter attack, Dyson on the move through the middle with the ball fired into Drake outside the D, moving left the Brantham defence moving in to close her down the loose ball coming to Taylor some 30 yards out goes to strike the ball, her effort inches over the crossbar. 

Half-time Needham Market Women Development 0-2 Brantham Athletic Ladies

Brantham head back into the changing rooms at the break leading the league cup final 2-0, the goals coming in quick succession around the half hour mark. Has done little to dampen Needham market’s spirits lively in the first half have unsettled their opponents to a degree created some very good chances of their own. Not taking one however, Brantham using the ball and the pitch to their advantage spreading play, 2 goal leads always tricky of course a 3rd goal would sap the energy as little, Needham Market get the goal at it’s very much game on.

 No changes for either side at the break. with Needham Market getting the 2nd half underway. Needham Market with the kick-off, find Porch on the left drives on with the ball, tackled by Berry, the ball into the middle for Dunnett lifted out to McKew wide left sends it forwards for Tuley through the middle beating the offside trap racing for the box, Gillingham back on her shoulder getting a foot on the ball to turn it to the left, Long latching onto it outside the box her low strike straight at the keeper.

  Brantham looknig to get after the ball at the start of the 2nd half close Needham Market down inside their own half. Dyson attempting to put the ball on for Porch in attack, Steward moving across her box to dive in put the ball out for a corner kick. Defended at the near post Brantham’s turn for the counter the ball lifted up to Long racing on up the left wing, Anderson-Hayler getting back on her to tackle turn the ball behind for a corner. 

  Swung into the area from the left, Porch up high to head the ball clear, Taylor looking to take the ball on through the middle get Needham Market on the attack, Steward across lunging in to make the tackle, hurting herself in the process but aright to continue. Marriott getting in to challenge Long as the attacker links up with Bennett on the right. 

Issy Hines with Immy Porch

 

Needham Market advance on the left, Porch with the ball at her feet level with the top of the area laying the ball inside for Taylor, her shot blocked by Innes, the rebound finding it’s way out to Attrill to the right of goal her shot on the angle saved by Gibbs across to cover the near post. Needham Market remain lively looking to take the ball to Brantham, who themselves are probing looking for a 3rd goal.

GOAL! And it arrives 10 minutes into the 2nd half, with Long given the ball coming inside from the right moving towards the corner of the area 20 yards out striking the ball with her left foot, sending it flying in over the keeper into the back of the net for her 2nd of the game 0-3.

Ella Long fires Brantham into a 3 goal lead

 Brantham making a change bringing on Stacey Teager, for Dunnett in the middle. McKew remains a ready outlet on the left for Brantham keeping Anderson-Hayler busy. Brantham with a flowing move getting forwards, McKew left cut back to Teager who lays it across to Long to send out to Berry getting on down the right flank her cross swept high into the six yard box, McKew leaping up from close range looking to head the ball knocks it just over.

Brantham’s Tarnya McKew

  Attrill battling for the ball in the centre for Needham Market bringing in forwards attempting to put the through ball on for Taylor, Steward cutting the ball out at the back for Brantham. Dunnett not off the field for long coming back on with Crabtree the player off. Lockwood closing McKew down as she looks to drive on into the left channel. Bennett played on by Teager right side, Marriott closing her down.

Needham Market’s Hepsie Attrill

  Brantham winning a free-kick on halfway, Dunnett to send it into the top of the Needham Market box, headed clear falls to a Brantham boot the strike from range dipping on the keeper but Adams claims confidently. Attrill coming off for Needham Market with Ashleigh Goddard entering the action. Anderson-Hayler putting the ball on down the right for Parch to attack, Wilson defending in the corner the ball out for a throw. Put up the line the cross intercepted by Wilson.

  Drake stealing onto the ball 30 yards out left of the box goes for the shot angled in skipping off the surface, Gibbs down quickly to smother the ball. Needham Market winning a free-kick deep on the left played into the top of the area, cleared by Dunnett, Brantham look to break the ball fed on for McKew through the middle racing on, Lockwood in well to close her down.

Brantham goalkeeper, Daisie-Mae Gibbs

  McKew pulling up down needing to come off, Crabtree coming back on. Needham Market also making changes bringing on Maddi Steward for Marriott sees Anderson-Hayler move to left back with Steward right. Elisa Rossman on too. Remains competitive Needham Market keep pushing looking for an opportunity, Brantham reasonably comfortable in defence can pick their time to attack. 

 Maddi Steward over a Needham Market free-kick wide on the right played in to the top of the Brantham area. Knocked down to the right, Rossman looking to get hold of it, Crabtree winning the tackle for Brantham. Porch has given it all to try and find a goal for Needham Market this evening as play builds on the left with Drake and Taylor the ball put across the D into Porch goes to strike it first time frustration once again as her rising strike packing plenty of power swerves to brush the side netting on it’s way behind. 

  Lucy Chenery coming on for Needham Market with the game moving into the final quarter hour. Parch with a blast from range all of 35 yards out on target, dips into the keepers gloves. Ines Bowman-Boyles coming on for Brantham, to replace Bennett. Porch up with Taylor on the left outside the Brantham box the pass cut inside for Goddard moving across the D looking for a gap, Steward diving in to take the ball for Brantham.

  Needham Market not sitting back prepared to give it a go look for a goal, McKew returning to the action for Brantham with Crabtree coming off. Gillingham tackling Teager for Needham Market as McKew tries to get the ball into her from the left. Wilson moving in to close Goddard down as she picks the ball up from Dyson in the middle drives forwards. Needham Market pushing players on late on as Brantham start to tire getting up around the box, Drake into Rossman into the box forced out to the right, her cross cut out at the near post. 

Brantham midfielder, Lucy Dunnett

 Cobbold back on for Needham Market as Porch giving away a foul is shown the yellow card, Brantham get on the attack through the middle, Long up with Teager and McKew the ball blocked 3 times by the Needham Market defence top of their area as they try to force a shot through onto the keeper. Needham Market with a throw high on the left into Drake on the angle her shot struck low to the near post, blocked. A corner won on the left angled into the near post high, Gibbs coming for it getting up to grab hold of the ball.

Needham Market attacker, Immy Porch

  The clock ticking down, Needham Market pressing for a goal late on as Brantham look to defend keeping players back behind the ball. Gillingham cutting the ball out at the back for Needham Market as McKew looks to put Teager on through the middle. Needham Market get on the counter the ball from Dyson on for Porch getting into the box right slide, Steward sliding in on her with a strong tackle. Porch hurt stays down for a moment up hobbling comes over to the side lines.  

 In final whistle moments away Needham Market doing all they can to get an opportunity at goal, Brantham solid in defence working hard at the back keeping things tight determined to keep a clean sheet. Brantham celebrate as they win they retain the Suffolk Women’s League Cup and complete a historic double double.

Full time Needham Market Women Development 0-3 Brantham Athletic Ladies

 An intriguing final between two contracting sides, Brantham the favourites having won the title convincingly and having a vastly experienced squad, Needham Market’s talented youngsters giving it a good go however never letting their heads drop. Brantham getting the ball on well first half using the flanks creating opportunities taking the lead just before the half hour, quickly adding a 2nd to get control of the game. Needham Market creating good chances of their own just not taking them trailing at the break. Brantham adding a 3rd goal early in the 2nd half allowing them to settle back defend their box wait for the right moment to break forwards. Needham Market applying late pressure doing all they could to find a goal.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evenings Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several performances of note was an entertaining match, but there is a clear winner. For Needham Market the defence all played their part, Khyla Anderson-Hayler, Jess Marriott, Mia Lockwood and Sophie Gillingham all putting in timely tackles and inceptions. Emma Drake took the ball on well breaking out from the back. Chloe Taylor with so useful link up play. Immy Porch in attack will feel frustrated she didn’t score but she created the opportunities sometimes it just won’t happen. For Brantham Kirby Steward was strong in defence getting her tackles in reading the game and cutting passes out. Issey Bines too, with some vital tackling and tracking back with Needham Market looking to drive forwards. Lucy Dunnett used the ball well in midfield having good passing options ahead of her. Tarnya McKew one of those outlets a constant threat out on the left created several chances. Laura Tuley with good movement up top scoring a goal. The award goes to the other goal scorer Ella Long opened the scoring and an assist for the 2nd got forwards into the channels linking up play throughout, adding a 2nd and Brantham’s 3rd in the 2nd half.

Brantham Athletic Ladies 2024/25 Suffolk Women’s League Cup winners (photo credit Brantham Ladies)

 Congratulations to Brantham Athletic Ladies on winning this season’s Suffolk Women’s League Cup and completing a 2nd successive league and cup double.

 Had to wait to the cup final to see Brantham in action this season, have had an excellent couple of season’s and should they get promotion to the ERWFL will be more than competitive. 1st look at Needham Market’s talented youngsters gave it a go and look forward to seeing how they develop within the club and beyond. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups tonight. Back in Suffolk next Wednesday for the inaugural Women’s League Plate final between Bacton United Ladies and Halesworth Town Women at Stowmarket Town FC on Wednesday evening.

by Darren Gilham