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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

Cup Final Special – Stevenage FC Women v Luton Town Ladies

Sunday 11th May

ERWFL League Cup Final

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

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

The ERWFL League Cup

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

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

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

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

 Road to the Final

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stevenage FC Women

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

Luton Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

Captain’s Lucy Webster and Elly Wade with this afternoon’s match officials

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

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

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

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

Luton’s Jess McKay

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

Luton attacker, Tsaianne Leander

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

Rebecca Edge challenging Amber Leighton for the ball

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

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

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

Stevenage goalkeeper, Lauren Reeves

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

Jess McKay sliding in to win the ball for Luton

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

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

Stevenage’s Mistie Fox-Barker

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

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

Luton midfielder, Shianne Swarres

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

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

Luton defender, Tanya Blacksley

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

Fiona Buttigieg firing Luton into the lead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Natasha Fensome

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

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

Luton’s Nicole Farmer

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

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

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

Elly Wade doubling Luton’s lead

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

Stevenage’s Anais Corrigan with Luton’s Shanice Lewis

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

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

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

Shanice Lewis fires Luton into an unassailable 3 goal lead in stoppage time

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

Full time Stevenage FC Women 0-3 Luton Town Ladies

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

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

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

Luton Town Ladies 2024/25 ERWFL League Cup winners

Luton also collecting their league winning medals and trophy

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

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

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Hutton Ladies v Chelmsford City Women

Sunday 11th May

ERWFL League Plate Final

Hitting the road with a long journey over to Bedford this Sunday for my first cup final double bill of the season, the ERWFL League Plate and Cup Finals, representing tiers 5 and 6 of the regional football pyramid in the East of England. First up the Plate final featuring the new Division One South champions, Hutton Ladies gunning for a league and cup treble taking on fellow league side Chelmsford City Women pushing for a 3rd place finish in their debut season in the ERWFL.

 Two tasty looking finals on the cards with Premier Division sides, Stevenage FC Women and Luton Town Ladies going head to head later on this afternoon in the League Cup final. The Plate final no less an exciting prospect with 1st and 4th in Division One South going toe to toe. Both sides scoring plenty of goals whilst having the lowest joint conceded in the table.

The ERWFL Plate trophy

Hutton Ladies a familiar face at the ERWFL Plate final have covering the Essex side in more finals than anyone else. Are one of the longest established sides within the ERWFL too. Now riding the crest of a wave having won the Division One South title with games to spare to win promotion to the Premier Division. Losing just one league game along the way and way out in front in terms of goals scored, with the fewest conceded. Still have 4 games left to play such has been their dominance having been chasing the leading duo all season with games in hand as cup games built up. Reaching the final of the Essex Women’s trophy too, back on Weds 30th April over came Brentwood Town Women on penalties to lift the trophy.

 Now aiming for a historic League and cup treble, not an easy thing to achieve by any means. Helped most certainly by having the leagues top scorer in your squad. Signing, Daisy Canny a proven goal threat where ever she’s been has fired home 38 goals for Hutton this season in just 20 appearances. Canny not the only goal threat within the side however with 3 others into double figures for the campaign, Lucy Critchell with 13, Emily Clarke with 12 and Holly Appleton on 11 all appearing the the top 10 goal scorers in Division One South.

 Chelmsford City Women keen to join the ERWFL but wanting to do so as Essex Women’s Premier Division champions, that goal achieved last season, come up into regional football with a clutch of Essex sides joining ERWFL Division One South, by far the strongest of those sides joining the league from Essex, were for a good spell emerging as a likely title contender themselves but one win in their last 5 matches saw that slip away. Remain well placed to finish in the top 3, and that along with reaching a cup final is a good showing for their first go at this level. With a Reserves side competing in Essex Women’s Division Three.

Have an experienced squad with some players joining with higher league experience, such as midfielder, jay Blackie and run away top scorer, Zoe Rushen, firing in 25 goals so far this season from her 20 appearances the 2nd highest scorer in the league. Jasmine Cox the next closest with 10 goals coming in 4 matches at the start of the season while Blackie has been on target for 7 goals. Injuries to other key players haven’t helped, such as goalkeeper, Hannah Streetley and attacker, Broghan Kelly. Know they will have to be at their best to get the better of Hutton today. Hutton having strength in depth too, with a Reserves sides playing in the Essex Women’s Premier Division and their new Development side storming to the title in their debut season in Essex Women’s Division Two.

 Road to the Final

 The sides knocked out of the early rounds of the League Cup going on to compete for the League Plate, both Chelmsford and Hutton receiving a bye in the 1st Round of the competition. Chelmsford drawn at home to face Histon Ladies the Cambridgeshire side, newly promoted along side Chelmsford, but into Division One North a tough tie on paper goals from Zoe Rushen and Shannon Kelly sealing a 2-0 win for the Essex side. Hutton on home turf taking on Hertfordshire side, Stevenage FC Women Development, Daisy Canny firing home a brace along with a goal for Abigail Clarke to secure a 3-1 win. 

 Onto the quarter finals, Chelmsford progressing without kicking a ball, drawn at home to Division One North side Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies an injury crisis for the Norfolk side seeing them have to forfeit the game. Hutton in comparison played out a 9 goal thriller away to Bedfordshire side, Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses. The hosts firing in 4 goals, Hutton were to come out on top winning it 5-4 thanks to a hat-trick from Canny and goals for Holly Appleton and Lucy Critchell. 

  Chelmsford at home in their semi-final taking on fellow newly promoted Essex side, Frontiers Ladies, despite ultimately struggling in tier six finishing in the bottom too the Harlow based side pushed Chelmsford hard for a spot in the final, Chelmsford winning it by a single goal, scored by Rushen. Hutton were again amongst the goals in their semi-final clash, this time a 7 goal thriller away to Division One North champions, Harpenden Town Women a meeting between the league respective top scorers too with Harpenden’s Sophia Amanor netting twice along with a goal for Jaime Curtain. Canny firing in another hat-trick however along with an Abigail Clarke goal seeing Hutton into the final 4-3

 The Eyrie, home of Bedford Town FC the venue for today’s ERWFL Finals Day. The A428 closed this weekend making the trip from Norfolk a little longer than it needed to be. Not a bad run to Bedford nonetheless the carpark before the large open plan clubhouse and function room, lading onto the stadium itself. A large artificial playing surface offering good width. The main seated stand on one side offering some shade. smaller covered terraced stands dotted about the stadium with viewing all round. The bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The weather exceptional, bright and sunny, been little rain around lately and set to continue for a while the sun cream most certainly needed today.

Hutton FC Ladies starting XI – Evie Carvell, Phoebe Keys, Izzy Crichton, Molly Bowness, Hayley Critchell, Maria Cabel Parades, Abi Clarke (C), Lucy Critchell, Emily Clarke, Holly Appleton & Daisy Canny. Subs – Charlotte Rutt, Isobel Boyd, Mia Lempriere & Georgia Hyland.

Hutton Ladies

 Chelmsford City Women starting XI – Amy Mullett, Lauren Butcher, Shannon Kelly, Emma Rushen, Gaby Freedman (C), Rosie Coe, Helen Alder, Jay Blackie, Ellie Dopson, Kaci Crook & Zoe Rushen. Subs – Bec Hollocks, Georgia Sleep, Michaela Key, Lorna Dunne & Evie Payne.

Chelmsford City Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

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

Taking advantage of the shade by the stand for this mornings kick-off, Chelmsford in their away colours of navy blue and white to get the Plate final under way with Hutton lined up opposite wearing red coloured shirts with red shorts and red and white hooped socks. The ball played out to the left charged down by Hutton’s Holly Appleton, Hutton push forwards the ball put out to Appleton getting on the move right wing, Shannon Kelly moving in to close her down at left back for Chelmsford seeing the ball out for a throw.

Both sides getting after the ball early on competitive in the middle, Jay Blackie sliding in to tackle Hutton’s, Daisy Canny as se looks to get on the move with the ball, referee Jordan Blunt giving the free-kick. Captain Abi Barnes over the ball for Hutton on halfway launched up towards the top of the box, missed by the first defender bouncing up onside the box, Emma Rushen getting her leg up to hook the ball clear.

Hutton busy in attack getting the ball on down the right Appleton looking to push on a series of throws won as Hutton look to make progress, Canny looking to drive for the by-line break into the box, Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman diving in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery curled into the middle of goal high claimed well by goalkeeper Amy Mullett.

  Hutton getting the ball out wide, Canny moving right looking to take it one cutting it back infield for Abi Clarke to run onto her trike from distance screwing high and wide. Chelmsford patient playing a few probing passes at the start looking to find a way through the Hutton defence, Rosie Coe sending the ball out to the right for Ellie Dopson, Phoebe Keys closing her down to see the ball out for a throw. Zoe Rushen looking to take the throw down into the box, winning her side a corner kick.

 Lopped in from the right to the near post, goalkeeper, Evie Carvell coming for it punching it aback to the right, Hutton conceding a 2nd corner, Again the delivery is put high into the near post, Carvell again coming for it through bodies this time does well to deal with the threat. Hutton dangerous on the counter, Appleton looking to provide an outlet attacking on the right, Canny sending the ball into her path as they move the ball on rapidly, Kelly quick to close her down, Appleton looking to feed the ball inside, the pass cut out by Coe.

Chelmsford’s Shannon Kelly

  Canny lively up top moving left and right looking to pull defenders with her create gaps for others to exploit. Kelly being kept busy with Appleton on the right, quickly in to close her down as she looks to get the ball under control. Kelly winning the ball at the back for Chelmsford left side sending in on up the line for Kaci Crook looks to push her way on into the box, Hayley Critchell coming in to put in the challenge slowing her down, before Izzy Crichton gets the ball clear.

Chelmsford captain, Gaby Freedman

  Appleton gets clear on the right wing to race on to the by-line with the ball whipping a cross with pace into the six yard by, Emma Rushen throwing a leg forwards to block it then into defend again blocking the lose ball charging it down from close range as Emily Clarke looks to smash it in deflected behind to the left for a corner kick. 

  Chelmsford work the ball up the right played into the top of the D, Zoe Rushen looking to move across to the left find an opening, Hayley Critchell into the tackle the ball cleared away to the left, Crook retrieving it singing a cross back in on goal, headed clear. Hutton break forwards through the middle, Lucy Critchell putting it on for Abi Clarke, has Canny ahead of her 25 yards out, sees the ball into her feet well flicking it on into the right channel for Appleton to run onto inside the area closing in on goal puts her foot through the ball sending her strike into the side netting. 

  Lucy Critchell putting a diagonal ball into Appleton on the right drops her shoulder feigning to go down the wing inside checks inside moving towards the box, has Canny making a run in behind tries to pick her out, Freedman instead reading it, intercepting the pass. An intriguing contest, Chelmsford with an experienced defence looking to keep things tight at the back, Hutton looking to move the ball wide use the pitch to find a way in behind. 

 Helen Alder getting onto the ball centrally for Chelmsford laying it forwards for Cook in the left channel pulling out wide to deliver a cross into the six yard box, Zoe Rushen running in central her target the cross over hit cleared beyond the far post. Canny rushing in to steal the ball of Freedman as she looks to bring it out from the back, Canny surging down the right wing, Freedman recovering well throwing herself forwards to block the cross. 

 Appleton getting to the by-line again sending a vicious cross in along the face of the Chelmsford goal, Emma Rushen throwing her herself into make another vital block hooking the ball away. Chelmsford moving the ball right Coe linking up with Zoe Rushen and Dopson the cross played in along the top of the Hutton area deflected into the path of Alder, but before she can dig a shot away, Hayley Critchell moves in quickly to close her down.

Hutton attacker, Daisy Canny

  Dopson and Zoe Rushen look to link up on the right as Chelmsford push forwards, Dopson lifting the ball into Rushen continuing her run in behind getting into the box, Rushen cushioning the header down into her path, in the clear however progress is halted by a raised flag, offside. A loose pass at the back from Hutton is presented straight to Crook 30 yards out central spins into the shot, Carvell moving across her goal can see it safely wide of her left post.

Hutton captain, Abi Clarke

  Hutton bring the ball on quickly as they look to turn play around Abi Clarke pushing it on into Appleton right side she surges inside towards the top of the area cutting it back into the area for Canny as she makes the run to the near post, the angle closing Canny pulls the trigger, Emma Rushen moving in to block, the ball deflecting off the defender for a corner kick to the right.

  Kelly keeping close tabs on Appleton right side kept busy, the youngster having the pace to skip in behind if giving half a chance, Kelly determined to limit those opportunities. Appleton put away down the right by Lucy Critchell racing to the by-line, whipping a cross into the box, Freedman at the near post throwing out a leg to cut the cross out, deal with the threat, as the referee calls for a drinks break, midway through the first half. Is hot out there approaching midday. 

Gaby Freedman blocking the cross

 Both sides putting alot of energy into the contest despite the heat looking to get the ball moving play resuming with a Chelmsford goal kick. Hutton build on the left Maria Cabel Parades sending the ball on for Canny to power her way into the box, Emma Rushen on her shoulder with a well timed tackle. Chelmsford counter Blackie through the middle with Alder the ball on to release Crook on the left taking the ball down to the by-line squares it into the near post, Zoe Rushen looking to get it under control quickly closed down by Hayley Critchell and Molly Bowness.

  Lucy Critchell putting the ball on for Abi Barnes in the middle in the turn 30 yards out takes on the shot her effort dropping wide of the left post. Canny clipping the ball into the right wing releasing Appleton breaking clear running out of room, lifts a cross into the area but can only pick out the keeper. Chelmsford moving the ball up the right Lauren Butcher forwards into Dopson powering forwards threads an angled ball into the area Zoe Rushen in near side looking to run onto the ball her first touch a little to heavy allowing goalkeeper, Carvell to come and claim. Izzy Crichton gets back well to defend on Crook as the attacker looks to take Kelly’s pass on down the line. 

 GOAL! Hutton carrying a threat going forwards Canny out on the left with Clarke, given the ball drives into the area tangling with Rushen goes down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! Appleton placing the ball on the spot running up to smash the ball past the wrong footed keeper into the right of the net to put Hutton into the lead 1-0. 

Holly Appleton firing Hutton into the lead from the penalty spot

 Hutton breaking the dead lock from the spot in the 38th minute. Blackie seeing the ball into her feet of a Zoe Rushen layoff, 25 plus yards out, goes for goal stroking the ball in towards the left post, has Carvell scrambling across her line diving but her goal his safe the ball running narrowly wide. Zoe Rushen putting herself about inside the box looking to force a way through for Chelmsford taking the ball out to the left her angled shot back in caught by the keeper.

Chelmsford goalkeeper, Amy Mullett

  Mullett moving out quickly to slide onto the ball as Canny is put through into the box left side, just reaching the ball first, Canny stumbling over her as her momentum takes her forwards, the keeper taking a painful blow down hurt, needs treatment a pause while she is assessed, but thankfully up on her feet and alright to play on. 

 GOAL! The clock ticking down towards the end of the first half, Bowness breaking up a Chelmsford attack into Lucy Critchell in midfield sends it on to Abi Clarke who clips a good diagonal ball out to the right to send Appleton racing in behind her cross from the by-line whipped into the six yard box, just missed by Canny coming in central, but not by Clarke running in at the far post beyond as she meets it well to turn it back across the keeper and in 2-0.

Emily Clarke doubling Hutton’s lead rushing over to celebrate with the cross provider, Holly Appleton.

 Hutton doubling their lead late in the first half, Chelmsford making a change Dopson coming off, with Bec Hollocks coming on up top with Cook moving right, Alder out to the left. Chelmsford attack left Zoe Rushen out that side sending Crook on on the overlap into the box her shot on the angle blocked by Carvell as she rushes out to close her down, the rebound dropping to Rushen top corner right side drops her attempt at goal onto the roof of the net. 

 Coe getting the ball on through the middle up to Hollocks, Lucy Critchell back to defend for Hutton. Chelmsford pushing hard for a reply with seconds left in the first half, Zoe Rushen played in right of goal bearing down on the six yard box, Bowness moving in to challenge Rushen sending her shot wide just as the whistle blows, taking a knock for her efforts as Hutton head back to the changing rooms with a 2 goal advantage at the break.

Half-time Hutton Ladies 2-0 Chelmsford City Women

 Hutton asking the question getting forwards well looking to turn the Chelmsford defence creating opportunities winning a penalty late in the first half to take the lead, following that up with another with minutes left to double the advantage. Chelmsford pushing for a late reply themselves but left frustrated having worked so hard in defence to keep the chances down. Experienced know Hutton’s pace could trouble them so have kept it tight. Now trailing 2-0 you would think would need an early goal 2nd half to apply a little pressure to Hutton who themselves will know a 3rd goal could put the game to bed. 

  No changes at the start of the 2nd half with Hutton getting things underway the ball played out to the left, Chelmsford moving in quickly to close it down little progress made. The ball lifted into Crook on the right for Chelmsford, moves forwards, Keys in to close her down play the ball off her for a throw for Hutton. 

  Lucy Critchell sending the ball into the area from 25 yards out looking to pick out Canny make a run from right to left to get in behind Mullett coming to close her down getting across her path to see the ball safely out for a goal kick. Zoe Rushen carrying the ball forwards for Chelmsford out on the right looking to play a one two off Hollocks outside the area, the return ball though cut out by Hutton’s Bowness. 

 Blackie winning the ball back in the middle for Chelmsford fed out to Zoe Rushen in the left channel, sends it forwards into the area Alder looking to break into the box after it, Carvell rushing out to close her down sliding in to make the blocking save. 

Hutton goalkeeper, Evie Carvell

  Hutton winning a corner following an Appleton attack on the right, a teasing delivery lifted in through the six yard box at an inviting height missed by everyone cleared beyond the far post. Hayley Critchell bringing the ball on from the back for Hutton sending it on up the left wing for Emily Clarke, Butcher in to slow her down on the by-line, Emily Clarke managing to lift a cross into the middle claimed well by Mullett.

Zoe Rushen on the attack for Chelmsford

 Chelmsford winning a free-kick left of the circle, Hutton making a change before it is taken Abi Barnes coming off, Isobel Boyd coming on. The free-kick flighted up into the box left of goal, Coe looking to bring it down hit it on the turn can’t quite get it under control. Kelly defending on Appleton top of the area right of the goal as Canny looks to nudge the ball into her feet.

  Boyd getting onto the ball for Hutton driving on through the middle played out to Appleton wide on the right her cross played into the far post from deep, Clarke running in to attack it just over her head. Alder wide left for Chelmsford pushing the ball into Zoe Rushen top of the area knocks it on for Hollocks over to the left with her strikes it on the angle, towards the near post, Carvell down low to make the save.

Emily Clarke

  Chelmsford building a little momentum getting on with the ball Coe into Hollocks right her attempted cross striking a Hutton hand the free-kick awarded. Players forwards into the box as Crook floats the delivery in to the far post attacked as Chelmsford surge forwards en masse, Hollocks with the header, her effort close just over the ball a chance for Chelmsford to pull it back to 2-1 missed. 

 Appleton bombing on down Hutton’s right her cross flashed in high across the face of goal over Emily Clarke at the far post as she is closed down, going out past the far post a corner is given. Swung into the box taking a nasty deflection that sees the ball drop loose inside the six yard box in front of goal, Chelmsford scrambling at away for a 2nd corner even as Canny dives in on it.

Holly Appleton

 The next delivery into the box high from the right defended by Blackie for Chelmsford. Hutton with players up around the box quick to win it back out to corner taker Hayley Critchell deep on the right her angled shot in on goal over the bar. Hutton pushing players on Appleton into Canny breaking into the box near post, Emma Rushen moving into the path of the shot to charge the ball down away for a corner kick. 

Chelmsford’s, Emma Rushen

GOAL! The corner fired in across the six yard box long dropping beyond the far post, loud appeals going up for handball by Hutton as the ball is knocked down loose in front of goal even as Canny pounces on the loose ball and stabs it over the line to score Hutton’s 3rd, 3-0.

Daisy Canny arms aloft as she fires Hutton into a 3 goal lead

A huge blow for Chelmsford conceding a 3rd goal just past the hour mark, make a change bringing off Kelly, sending on Michaela Key to join Rushen in attack. Bowness on the move with the ball for Hutton getting up well on the right before being fouled by Blackie giving away the free-kick.

GOAL! Cabel Parades over the set-piece out wide on the left 30 yards out, runs up to the ball lifting a high ball in towards the top right corner, dipping late it fly’s over Mullett to creep under the bar to send Hutton into a 4 goal lead, Cabel Parades’ first goal of the season too! 4-0.

Maria Cabel Parades scores from her free-kick to put Hutton 4 nil up

Chelmsford hit with a sucker punch going 4 goals down, pick themselves up Coe putting the ball on Zoe Rushen left channel has Alder to her left wide Key looking to get into the box as the three combine passes, Key played in tackled Rushen latching onto the loose ball striking it past the keeper on the angle the ball cannoning down off the cross bar bouncing on the line and out as Hutton scramble it away for a corner kick. 

  The corner on the right swung into the six yard box attacked by Freedman a glancing header cleared at the far post drops top Coe outside the box left side her shot from range over the crossbar. The 2nd drinks break of the game called. Hutton refreshed after doubling their lead, knocking the wind out of their opponents in the process. Dopson coming back on for Chelmsford going over to the left replacing Alder.

Rosie Coe on the ball for Chelmsford

  Zoe Rushen on the attack for Chelmsford on for Hollocks to drive into the box sending in out to the left for Dopson who turns her shot over the ball at the far post. Crook linking up with Key on the right for Chelmsford, Keys seeing it out for a throw. Chelmsford getting in to Hollocks central her shot from out side the box saved well by Carvell. Hutton sitting back a little now waiting for the right opportunity to pounce Lucy Critchell putting Appleton away down the right moving into the area bearing down on goal, Mullett coming to close her down sliding in to take the ball at her feet.

  Chelmsford looking to counter Hollocks on through the middle into Zoe Rushen her strike from range dipping in front of the keeper, but Carvell under no pressure collects on the bounce. Space for Blackie to run into with the ball right side as Chelmsford counter a Hutton free-kick her shot in on goal from range held by the keeper. Blackie coming off for Chelmsford, Evie Payne coming on, Dopson coming in off the left with the ball at her feet taking on the 25 yard strike the ball brushing to roof of the net. 

Lucy Critchell

  Canny roaring her side on taking the ball on through the middle shifting it out to Emily Clarke on the left, her cross from the by-line screwed behind. Mia Lempriere on for Hutton, as Butcher defends on Clarke as she looks to get away on the left. Canny fouled in the centre circle winning the free-kick the ball lifted up to the top of her area, Coe winning the header for Chelmsford.

  Chelmsford launch a counter attack, Crook central out to Zoe Rushen peeling to the right her shot on the angle straight at the keeper however. Crook taking the ball inside from the right for Chelmsford sending her strike onto the roof of the Hutton net. Georgia Hyland and Charlotte Rutt coming on to see the game out for Hutton. Can keep their shape invite Chelmsford on knowing the defence is tiring and Canny is looking to get hold of the ball in attack. 

 Carvell needing to come racing out of her box to clear as Zoe Rushen plays the ball long into the left channel. Key seeing the ball into her feet 20 yards out laying in into Zoe Rushen central to strike her attempt angling wide of the left post. Georgia Sleep coming on for Chelmsford replacing Emma Rushen. Chelmsford pushing hard to find a goal late in the game Sleep up with Key on the right the ball on for Rushen making a move to get into the area ahead of her, Keys with a well timed tackle on the edge of the area to get the ball clear for Hutton.

  The clock fast ticking down Rushen with another attempt from range easily dealt with by Carvell. Clarke bringing the ball on left side for Hutton swung into the six yard box, Canny up stretching to head it near side attempting to drop it for Appleton closing in of the far post, Mullett instead lunging forwards to snatch it into her gloves. Lorna Dunne coming on for Chelmsford in the closing stages replacing Crook. Little time time left the game stretched, Canny looking to keep hold of it up top for Hutton run down the clock out to the right, Freedman clearing for Chelmsford. The final whistle blows and Hutton celebrate as they complete a historic treble winning the ERWFL Plate.

Full time Hutton Ladies 4-0 Chelmsford City Women

  Hutton putting in the running despite the heat getting players on well throughout using the flanks moving the ball quickly creating chances first half before eventually taking the lead from the penalty spot through Holly Appleton, Emily Clarke on the end of Appleton’s cross to make it 2-0 just before half-time. Chelmsford frustrated working hard in defence to try and limit Hutton’s threat, came within inches of pulling a goal back before Hutton went on to add a 3rd themselves from a set-piece Daisy Canny with her 35th of the season, another goal following soon after making thing’s comfortable as Maria Cabel Parades scored her first goal of the season. Hutton could sit back then invite Chelmsford on, their opponents having the stuffing knocked out of them rallied created opportunities but couldn’t get on the scoresheet themselves 4-0 maybe harsh but Hutton kept their energy levels up throughout.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award of the day, certainly a tough one a few contenders on both sides some good performances to mention a fine effort by all in the heat. Firstly for Chelmsford, Emma Rushen was superb at the back putting in the blocks intercepting crosses and winning her tackles. Gaby Freedman too with a number of vital interceptions. Rosie Coe moved the ball well in the middle getting it out to the wide players linking up the attack. Zoe Rushen up top worked tirelessly to find an opening often outnumbered but stuck to the task. For Hutton Hayley Critchell won the ball well at the back coming in to close players down limiting chances. Lucy Critchell likewise in midfield covering the ground back to defend and bringing the ball forwards. Daisy Canny in attack moved across the back line throughout seeking openings pulling players with her always looking for a goal scoring opportunity. The award goes to Holly Appleton provided a great outlet out wide on the right getting on with the ball, opening the scoring from the spot and setting up the 2nd goal to put Hutton into a commanding position. 

Hutton Ladies 2024/25 ERWFL League Plate winners

Congratulations to Hutton Ladies on winning this season’s ERWFL Plate final and with it completing a historic treble.

  My thanks to both sides for their help with the team line ups, the staff at Bedford Town FC for their assistance and the ERWFL committee members, a great final to start the day with another mouth watering clash to come. 

by Darren Gilham