The Round-Up returns after a weeks absence. My apologies but it couldn’t be helped family matters taking priority needed my full attention. All sorted now I hope. This Sunday saw another wet beginning with strong blustery winds affecting all games in the afternoon making for difficult playing conditions for all the games that managed to get played across the country.
FAWNL Southern Premier Division
The FAWNL affected by the weather as much as most, with 5 matches across the Southern Premier & South East Division One called off. Gillingham Ladies home match with Watford Ladies the only postponement in the Southern Premier Division. Coventry United Ladies made it 13 games unbeaten at the top of the Southern Premier with the league leaders away to bottom side C&K Basildon Ladies on Sunday. Amy Wathan putting Coventry into the lead in the 14th minute. Wathan was then brought down inside the box midway through the 1st half, Chenise Austin doubling the advantage from the penalty spot. Shannon O’Brien adding a 3rd goal in the 38th minute to see the visitors lead 3-0 at half-time.
Coventry United Ladies, Amy Wathan
Bethan Merrick scoring from an Amber Hughes cross midway through the 2nd half saw Coventry extend their lead over the Essex side a 5th goal coming through an own goal, Merrick’s shot deflected in. Coventry awarded another penalty for handball in stoppage time, Austin scoring to secure a 6-0 victory opening up a 4 point lead.
A third successive league defeat now for former Southern Premier Division leaders, Chichester City Ladies. The 2nd placed side seeing Coventry pull further away as they were defeated at home to Loughborough Foxes Women this Sunday. Started well taking the lead in the 17th minute with Jess Lewry on the scoresheet. Loughborough coming back to equalise with 10 minutes of the 1st half remaining, Rebecca Knight heading home from a corner. The visitors taking the lead themselves 5 minutes later awarded a penalty kick, Chloe Young scoring from the spot. Chichester pushed hard for an equaliser themselves 2nd half creating opportunities Loughborough defending, 15 minutes left on the clock Laura Steele struck from 25 yards out the ball in off the post to put the visitors 3-1 up and take the 3 points home with them.
Cardiff City Ladies in 3rd in the Southern Premier Division close the gap to Chichester to just 2 points now with their 7th straight league win on Sunday. Left it late however away from home against Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Kelly Issac’s strike in the 19th minute seeing Cardiff take the lead. Plymouth battled back to level the scores in the 36th minute with Zoe Cunningham scoring. The hosts doing well despite the conditions took the lead themselves on the hour with Jessie Jones making it 2-1. The game moving into the final 10 minutes a ball played into the area from a corner put in at the far post by Cori Williams to level it up at 2-2 for Cardiff. Plymouth pressing for a winning goal were hit on the counter in the final minute with Kylie Nolan firing in what would prove to be the winner for Cardiff.
Portsmouth FC Women were at home to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies this Sunday in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division. The hosts opening the scoring just before the half hour with Katie Jones . New signing Jade Widdows scoring her 1st goal for Portsmouth since joining from Chichester 7 minutes later running in behind with the ball cutting inside to score from inside the area to make it 2-0. Portsmouth 2-0 up at the break Alex Collighan introduced to the action in the 59th minute making an immediate impact scoring with her 1st touch to put the hosts into a 3 goal lead. Rachel Panting adding a 4th with 20 minutes to go to seal a 4-0 win for Portsmouth.
FAWNL South East Division One
Two games survived in FAWNL South East Division One, the weather conditions not great, no goals to report either as both games finished goalless. That though some achievement for Cambridge United WFC as they became the first side in the league to take points off leaders Crawley Wasps Ladies this season. 12 straight wins for Crawley before this Sunday since promotion to the FAWNL. Worked hard to find an opening, frustrated as Cambridge battled hard defensively to keep them out.
A point to between Denham United Ladies at home to AFC Wimbledon Ladies on Sunday. A scrappy affair with the blustery conditions not helping at all, few chances created.
Semi-final action this Sunday on Women’s Football East the football from Cambridgeshire with Wisbech Town Ladies at home to Ketton Ladies in the last 4 of the Division One Cup.
A new competition introduced last season the trophy currently held by Histon Ladies Reserves. The sides from both the Championship North & South entering. 15 entrants this season now down to the last 4. St Ives Town Ladies Development take on Burwell Tigers Ladies in the other semi-final game.
Today’s semi-final featuring the top two in the Championship North, Wisbech Town Ladies and Ketton Ladies leading the way both with 100% records until they met a month ago at today’s venue, Ketton winning the game 3-1. 3 points the lead for Ketton the pair have to face each other twice more in the league, the title battle could go all the way.
Wisbech Town Ladies enjoying a successful season to date reaching 3 cup semi-finals. Lost their Invitation Cup last 4 match to ERWFL Premier Division leaders Cambridge City Ladies, this the 2nd of the 3 semi-finals with the League Cup to come next weekend. 2nd in the Championship North have had their fair share of injury problems yet have kept up their title challenge, losing the one game at home to Ketton.
Ketton Ladies are by some distance West the furthest side covered by the Women’s Football East umbrella, a number of South Lincolnshire sides compete in the Championship North, Ketton west of Stamford, are enjoying a fantastic season themselves, a 100% league record they narrowly missed out on reaching the last 4 of the League Cup having come through the group stage unbeaten. Into the last 4 of the Division One Cup confidence high.
Wisbech Town Ladies usually play their home games at Fenland Park, but with heavy rain forecast over night in through much of Sunday morning have the option to switch to a 3G surface within Wisbech at the Thomas Clarkson Academy. Game dropping like flies elsewhere due to the weather, we had a heatwave a fortnight ago, no such luck today. The rain mostly gone it remained overcast the rain giving way to strong blustery winds, the sun trying to make an appearance, not at all ideal for a cup semi-final and there would be a bit of everything before the final whistle blew!
Wisbech Town Ladies starting XI – Amy Hepting, Leah Hall, Katie Garner, Kaylie Swinden, Jasmine Luckett, Chelsea King, Abby Sommerville, Chloe Stanborough, Faye Kowalewsky (C), Sophie Swinden & Amt Newell. Subs – Beth Hodgson, Jade Court, Charlotte Rose, Rachael Simpson & Naomi Lyons.
Ketton Ladies starting XI – Georgia Ireland (C), Amy Gray, Danielle Usher, Katie Altham, Beth Goodman, Jane Roche, Emma Ward, Sascha Smith, Liberty Cook, Claire Lawrenson & Fran Kavanagh. Subs – Ellie Cotterill, Claire Walpole & Natalie Duncan.
(roll on roll of substitutes)
The weather’s not great at kick-off blustery and cold the sun low also as Wisbech get the first half underway attacking into the weather wearing Red shirts and socks with black shorts. My first look at Ketton this afternoon wearing sky blue shirts with vertical white stripes, navy shorts and socks. Wisbech push on through the middle, Chloe Stanborough with a driving run to get up in support of Sophie Swinden and Amy Newell in attack, closing in on the area, Katie Altham stands her ground tackling to win the ball back for Ketton.
A throw won high on the right Wisbech captain forces Ketton into conceding a corner, played in from the right the ball across the six yard box cleared at the far post. Ketton bring the ball on through the middle, Jane Roche on to Fran Kavanagh back to goal 30 yards out plays the ball wide to Sascha Smith breaking forwards on the left she drives inside ploughing her way forwards, four Wisbech players converge to stop her run.
The wind at their backs Ketton’s forwards balls are proving difficult to chase down both Kavanagh and Claire Lawrenson finding the rolling ball picking up speed as it is caught by the wind as they run in behind the Wisbech defence. Lawrenson getting clear on the left into the area receives the pass from Smith on the wing, gets her shot away early past the advancing Amy Hepting keeping goal for Wisbech the ball racing wide across the face of goal.
Ketton Ladies, Emma Ward
Emma Ward pressing the ball as Wisbech try to get away on the wing wins a throw high on the right the ball on for Lawrenson she has support on the wing from Liberty Cook the ball into her squared inside with Roche making a central run, meets the shot first time 20 yards out her strike blocked inside the box by Katie Garner.
GOAL! A little over 10 minutes played and Wisbech take the lead, the hosts with the ball on the left wing put into Sophie Swinden 25 yards out, holds off Beth Goodman as she turns infield sends the pass on central to Newell the striker takes it on across the top of the D looking for an opening, checks her run superbly giving herself half a yard takes on the shot catching the ball well sending it arrowing in on target just under the crossbar to score 1-0.
Amy Newell with the opening goal for Wisbech Town Ladies
Wisbech with the early lead the weather volatile to say the least strong gusts making the playing conditions tough, the notepad it taking a battering. On the attack, Newell tackled outside the area, Kowalewsky running on to strike the loose ball 25 yards out sends her effort wide. Kowalewsky busy on the right wing pressuring Ketton on the ball forces another corner. This one causing havoc inside the six yard box over the crowd attacking near post Jasmine Luckett beyond nods it back across, goalkeeper Georgia Ireland getting something on it as it’s knocked goalwards not cleared drops back over the keeper only to be hooked off the line Ketton getting their box clear.
Goodman coming on to halfway plays a great diagonal ball on for Smith coming in from the left strikes the ball from 25 yards out her attempt whistling over the bar. Conditions are tough the wind strong one moment gone the next keeping possession difficult, both sides seeing passes going awry. Stanborough winning the ball in the middle for Wisbech looking to get forwards support the attackers. Kavanagh pacy with or without the ball at her feet has it this time cutting in from the left shoots from the angle, Garner blocking.
Ketton Ladies, Beth Goodman
Wisbech make the first change of the match Naomi Lyons coming on in attack for Newell. Kowalewsky and Sophie Swinden combine for Wisbech on the right, Altman with Amy Gray stopping the cross the ball put back down the line for Chelsea King she lifts a high ball into the area, Goodman under it heading away for Ketton. Lawrenson coming into midfield pressures the ball winning possession sends it on a deflection of a defender seeing Kavanagh run in behind clear on the left powers on into the area, Hepting coming out to close the angle saves well as the ball is fired at her at close range.
Wisbech Town Ladies, Sophie Swinden looking to get past Beth Goodman
Ketton make their first change Claire Walpole on for Cook. Kavanagh is upended the visitors with a free-kick inside the Wisbech half to the left in front of the centre circle. Players go forwards line up across the top of the area Goodman with the wind at her back plays the ball in plenty of high on it the ball flies in over Hepting, Ketton think they have equalised much to their consternation however it is ruled out the flag up with three players encroaching before the ball was played one close on the keeper.
Fran Kavanagh on the attack for Ketton Ladies
Lyons cutting inside with the ball on the left for Wisbech closing in on the area looks to send the pass across for Sophie Swinden looking to get in behind far post the ball intercepted by Altham. Walpole with a quickly taken throw down the right for Lawrenson she takes it on to the byline her initial cross cut out she gets a 2nd bite lifts the ball in towards the near post Ward arriving flicks a leg up to meet the ball turning it towards goal, Hepting is right behind it.
Stanborough plays the ball on for Sophie Swinden running up the right channel after ball checks back as the Ketton defence close her down rolls it out to Kowalewsky on the right wing she lifts it over the top with Swinden running into the area, Ireland reading the danger advancing to catch the ball.
Not much time left on the clock first half Ketton press the attack left Smith inside Kavanagh and Lawrenson close the ball don force an error Leah Hall putting the ball back to her keeper Hepting catching it inside her area, an indirect free-kick awarded on the six yard line for Ketton, Goodman forwards as red shirts flood the goal line for Wisbech the free-kick is charged down a Wisbech player down treatment needed a corner conceded, play resumes the ball in towards the top of the area headed clear, the half ends just as the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Half-time Wisbech Town Ladies 1-0 Ketton Ladies
A slender lead for Wisbech at the break have dealt wit the conditions better but have been playing into the weather first half the ball running away from Ketton making it difficult to stick in the final 3rd. Few chances created Ketton certainly aggrieved they aren’t level. Both stay out on the field the normally I tweet a few half-time scores out about this time but as it was I was in the eye of a tornado and standing up was tricky enough the sky dark rain falling. Any attempt to put an umbrella up futile. The game far from settled as everyone returns to the pitch for the 2nd half.
Ketton to get the 2nd half underway the ball put out to Smith on the wing wins a throw, the ball put into her feet turn inside, garner tackling the ball cleared as far as Roche lifted back into the box Kaylie Smith heading clear for Wisbech as the flag goes up. Up the other end Ireland saves well pushing the ball behind for a corner as Sophie Swinden gets in behind on the right side shooting from inside the box.
Just as quickly as the mini storm assaulted the ground, it gives way for the sun breaking through the clouds. Garner intercepts Smith’s ball as she tries to send Kavanagh through on goal.
GOAL! An early strike in the 2nd half and it goes to Wisbech who double their advantage the ball hotly contested in the middle, Sommerville then Stanborough the ball pops clear on the right with Sophie Swinden gathering it into her feet and driving on entering the area shoots early before Ireland can set herself, Swinden letting out a roar of celebration as the ball races past the keeper on its way into the back of the net 2-0.
Wisbech Town Ladies, Sophie Swinden
Ketton come very close to pulling it back to 2-1 moments later the ball played on up the left for Lawrenson the striker in behind takes the ball on into the area, Hepting coming to close her down, Lawrenson beating the keeper as she goes to ground taking the ball on into the six yard box looks certain to score from the angle the ball fired in, out of no where Kaylie Swinden gets back across the near post to get her head to the ball and send it behind for the corner kick. Wisbech defend the corner are brimming with confidence.
Ketton make a change Gray coming off on in her place Ellie Cotterill. Newell is back on for Wisbech Lyons off. Newell winning the ball on for Luckett she pushes on, Danielle Usher tackling wins the ball back for Ketton. The visitors with a throw deep on the right Goodman with it into the box Ward with the cross looking for Smith top of the area Kowalewsky back to defend for Wisbech.
Wisbech Town Ladies captain, Faye Kowalewsky
Hepting brave coming across to slide in claim the ball as Kavanagh gives chase into the box on the right the pair coming together the keeper needing treatment is okay to continue. Hall with a good tackle stops a Ketton attack puts the ball on for Newell up the left wing the wind returning once again the gust giving Newell too much to do. Sommerville links with Stanborough breaking forwards through the middle for Wisbech, tries to play the threaded pass on for Sophie Swinden, Cotterill cutting it out for Ketton. The visitors getting frustrated, it’s not happening in the final third as they look to reduce the deficit.
Ketton Ladies, Jane Roche looking to get the better of Wisbech’s Chloe Stanborough
Goodman over a free-kick wide right a good delivery across the face of goal bouncing in the six yard box, Smith can’t quite reach it at the far post. Sophie Swinden plays the ball across the top of the area right to left, with Newell getting support from Hall behind her the latter putting in a decent cross towards the far post Swinden their, the flag up against her however. Sophie Swinden comes close once again positioned central 25 yards out the ball rolled into her feet she catches it first time her looping effort smashing down off the crossbar.
Wisbech growing stronger as the 2nd half progresses, confidence high as the game moves into the final 20 minutes. Lyon rejoining the game in place of Luckett. A throw right side to Wisbech, Stanborough picking it up driving inside 20 yards out is clipped but stays on her feet advantage played as she gets the ball on for Sophie Swinden central she clips it in towards goal, Ireland taking it high right behind it. Into the final 5 minutes of normal play.
GOAL! Wisbech are on the attack pressing the ball outside the Ketton box the ball popping around Sophie Swinden with Lyons the ball falling straight into the path off Stanborough just outside the box right of the D meets t on the volley catching it sweetly a perfect strike little lift low to the ground flashes towards goal Ireland diving to her left the ball creeping in inside the post 3-0.
Wisbech Town Ladies, Chloe Stanborough
More bad news for Ketton as Ireland is hurt trying to make the save may have collided with the post a lengthy spell of treatment follows, Ireland is thankfully up on her feet but can’t continue, Gray the player stepping in to don the keepers gloves. Into stoppage time now and quite a bit to be added with substitutions and injury breaks.
GOAL! Gray has no time to bed in as Wisbech go on to score a 4th goal good work from Kowalewsky on the right off a throw turns inside puts the ball on for Sophie Swinden cleverly peeling into space on the wing with her captain drawing defenders to her the pass weighted perfectly Swinden shoots early sending the ball across keeper into the back of the net 4-0.
Wisbech send on Rachael Simpson to join the defence in place of Kaylie Swinden. King receiving the pass central from Kowalewsky sees her high ball into the area drop onto the roof of the net. Hall tackles Lawrenson as she tries to drive in behind her on the right. Stanborough charging forwards with the ball through the middle shes her low shot blocked inside the area the rebound taking it away to the right Kowalewsky sending the cross in long to the far post Sophie Swinden on a hat-trick at the far post volleying over from 2 yards out.
GOAL! The miss a distant memory moments later as Swinden goes on to claim her hat-trick Wisbech all attack late on driving forwards Stanborough on central for Lyons her driven effort from the top of the area saved by Gray off the substitutes keepers thigh the deflection putting it behind her to the left Swinden there getting her foot over the ball to smash it into the goal beyond 5-0.
Ketton are deflated with moment left the weather cruelly deciding to behave late on too as Wisbech press the attack.
GOAL! Time for one more goal from the hosts players forwards Stanborough with the ball wide right drifts inside from the angle I suspect it was meant to be a cross but it looked good as she floated a high ball into the area the ball finding the top corner at the far post to wrap up an emphatic result 6-0.
Full time Wisbech Town Ladies 6-0 Ketton Ladies
Wisbech Town Ladies reach the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup with a big win against their league rivals Ketton Ladies the final score 6-0. The weather playing a huge factor in the game conditions awful, we had a bit of everything in those 90 minutes, hardly what you need for any game let alone a semi-final. Wisbech adapted the better however and an early goal gave them confidence only growing with another early 2nd half as Ketton saw efforts rules out and denied by last gasp defending. A huge confidence boost for Wisbech to take into the final months of the season, played well from back to front.
My first look at Ketton and I am sure this is not the performance they wanted, even without seeing them play before know they are better and no doubt this result will hurt, the scoreline certainly harsh with 3 goals added in injury time. The league to focus on now and they remain in pole position both games against Wisbech at home, the title still very much in their control, will bounce back even though today’s defeat will hurt.
Congratulations to Wisbech Town Ladies on reaching the Division One Cup Final where they will meet St Ives Town Ladies Development who beat Burwell Tigers Ladies 3-1. Details of the final to be announced shortly.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
On to this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a few contenders all wearing red shirts this Sunday. Wisbech Town Ladies captain, Faye Kowalewsky setting the tone on the right wing both in attack and getting back to close down the ball. Sophie Swinden has always been a clinical finisher in front of goal and took her goals well this afternoon. Is just edged out to the award however by Chloe Stanborough right from the 1st whistle she was a threat driving on in midfield setting up numerous attacks aswell as disrupting those of her opponents, scoring 2 goals too is my Player of the Match.
You ask yourself why do you do it sometimes especially on days like today, the weather was awful a bit of everything, but I know I’ll be back again next Sunday for more, been a tough old week and this is just what I needed. Good to see both sides in action my thanks to both for the team details as appreciated as always onto the next one.
The football action this Sunday comes from the FAWNL Plate. The competition reaching the the last 4, with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies taking on Liverpool Feds Women, the prize for the winner a place in a national final.
Gillingham FC Ladies play West Bromich Albion Women in the other FAWNL Plate semi-final.
A Determining Round played at the start of the season to decide which FAWNL sides from a 6 divisions with play in, the winners of that game going on to contest the League Cup the losing sides entering the League Plate. Both competitions down to the last 4.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies are newly promoted to the Southern Premier Division after winning the South East Division One title last season. Beginning to find their feet at a higher level, currently 10th with 4 league wins are well clear of the bottom 2. Have saved their best form for the cup. As well as reaching the FAWNL Plate semi-finals, have enjoyed a good run in this season’s FA Women’s Cup and are once again through to the Bucks and Berks Women’s County Cup Final a competition the club has dominated in recent seasons.
A bye for Milton Keynes Dons Ladies in the 1st Round of the Plate, they were away to South West Division One side Brislington Ladies in the 2nd Round, a 3-0 win seeing them safely into the 3rd Round. A home tie against Midlands Division One side Bedworth United Ladies needing to be settled by an extra-time winner, Milton Keynes winning 2-1. At home once more in the quarter finals, just last Sunday a tough game against promotion chasing Keynsham Town Ladies from South West Division One, Milton Keynes 2-1 down with the clock running down Amy Gooderham levelling the scores with a last gasp goal to send the tie into extra-time. No more goals the game heading into a penalty shoot-out Milton Keynes edging it 6-5 to advance to the semi-finals.
Liverpool Feds Women play in the FAWNL Northern Division One currently in mid-table and into the final of their own County Cup competition. Are looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow Division one sides, Enfield Town Ladies and Luton Town Ladies in reaching their first ever National League final. Pushed Northern Premier Division leaders Blackburn Rovers Ladies all the way in the Determining Round just missing out on penalties.
Into the Plate competition received a bye in the 1st Round. At home to fellow Northern Division one side Crewe Alexandra Ladies in the 2nd Round 2nd half goals from Jennifer Rogers and Demi Devereaux securing a 2-0 win. Onto the 3rd Round and another home fixture, a 3rd minute goal from Devereaux the different for Liverpool Feds as they beat fellow league side Chester Le Street Ladies 1-0 to set up a 3rd successive home tie in the quarter finals against Southern Premier Division side Middlesborough Women. 1st half goals from Jodie Mortimer and Carla Lee seeing them cause an upset against higher league opposition to reach the last 4.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies have from the beginning of this season played the majority of their home matches at Stadium MK itself. One of the leading football stadiums in the country aswell as hosting MK Dons the facility has hosted a number of national sporting events including England’s Lionesses. A fantastic venue to play at good for the Milton Keynes Dons Ladies as well as a great experience for all the sides visiting. A top quality playing surface and progress to let the women’s side use it on a regular basis. The weather a far cry from last weekend but that was the exception pretty much back to normal for the beginning of March, rain over night and falling for much of the journey down. Overcast and gloomy showers possible throughout the afternoon. Plenty of cover to be had inside the stadium.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies – Emma Kirby, Leanna Doyle (C), Louise Naylor, Laura Bright, Vicky Holland, Alice Hughes, Chlarizia Mia, Ellie Gough, Kerry Newman, Leah Cudone & Amy Gooderham. Subs – Sophie Shults, Charley Clarke, Sasha Newcombe, Charly Wright & Kim Farrow.
Liverpool Feds Women – Meghan Pope, Rosie Kinvig, Abby Pope, Nicola James, Caroline Charlton, Jodie Mortimer, Chantelle Thompson (C), Amy Seagraves, Demi Devereaux, Jennifer Rogers & Carla Lee. Subs – Natalie Clark, Laura Bartup, Helen Griffiths, Mollie Farley & Emily Douglas.
It’s Liverpool to kick-off the Plate semi-final wearing an all navy kit, with Milton Keynes lined up opposite in an all white strip with gold trim. The visitors move the ball left forced to come back inside the ball played into centre back Nicola James on halfway her forwards ball intercepted takes a deflection of the defender sending it out into the right channel into the path of Liverpool attacker Jennifer Rogers 25 yards out she takes on the shot the ball racing wide of the post.
Liverpool making a positive start to the game flood forwards the ball left Demi Devereaux given the ball central lets fly from 20 yards Emma Kirby diving at her near post pushing the ball wide for a corner kick. The ball in towards the near post defended for a 2nd corner, this taken short Milton Keynes prevent the cross attempt to counter, Liverpool quick to close the ball down and regain possession.
Liverpool Feds, Amy Seagraves
Amy Seagraves on the ball for Liverpool takes it right has Rogers ahead of her, the pair joined by full back Rosie Kinvig back up the line for Seagraves she lofts a high ball in towards the top of the area the header won by Milton Keynes’ Chlarizia Mia. Liverpool have their opponents on the back foot early on pressing the ball and quick to launch attacks. Ellie Gough with the ball for Milton Keynes drives through the middle looks to thread the ball on for Amy Gooderham leading the attack, Liverpool captain Chantelle Thompson tracking back putting the tackle in to win the ball outside the box. The visitors get hold of the ball on the middle rolled out to Carla Lee moving left drives forwards into the area shoots the ball across the keeper strikes the base of the far post.
GOAL! Liverpool have dominated the play in the opening 9 minutes and the pressure exerted brings them a deserved goal. Mounting an attack on the left Devereaux chasing the ball to the byline manages to send a cross in towards goal, Kirby down at her near post the ball squeezes through her and to her dismay is over the line before it can be cleared 0-1.
A sluggish start to the game from Milton Keynes the goal conceded the jolt they needed, press on from the restart the ball from Gough into Kerry Newman left side head down she drives on, Caroline Charlton coming across to support Kinvig, no way through for Newman. A throw out on the right level with the top of the Liverpool box dropped into Alice Hughes, turns pushes on into the area past two players before shooting the ball held at the near post by Meghan Pope keeping goal for Liverpool.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies, Alice Hughes
A free-kick won on halfway for Milton Keynes defender Laura Bright to play the ball up towards the top of the area, Charlton up with Gooderham winning the header for Liverpool. Gough with Newman to her left build it attack for Milton Keynes coming central, Gooderham looks to break in behind, Liverpool are quick to close down the threat. Devereaux bombing on down the left wing cuts inside unleashing a shot from outside the box, Kirby getting down making the safe gloving the ball away inside the box, no one on the follow up Bright sends it clear.
Seagraves along with Thompson and Jodie Mortimer working hard to close the ball down in the middle, break up any forward momentum Milton Keynes are trying to make. Seagraves winning the ball right plays in Rogers she is fouled a free-kick awarded the delivery to the far post long over the runners. Gooderham is away after the ball into the left corner cuts inside in an attempt to get into the area Charlton doing well up against her wins it back. Play spread by Milton Keynes for Leah Cudone on the right wing, Devereaux back to support Abby Pope the pair prevent the cross.
GOAL! Milton Keynes get themselves back on level term with 23 minutes gone, the goal coming from a miscued ball at the back from Liverpool, Cudone intercepting the ball put across to Newman 25 yards out left of the D, time and space to line up a shot she hits it superbly, the ball flying in over the keeper kisses the underside of the crossbar on its way in 1-1.
Is an entertaining game that has certainly got the crowd buzzing a good atmosphere amongst the supporters. Liverpool push on Thompson with the ball makes ground on the left before firing an infield ball in towards Lee 25 yards out central, doesn’t get the connection with the ball she was looking for her low effort on target but lacking the power or pace to trouble Kirby. A free-kick for Liverpool inside the Milton Keynes half the ball played into the area the header seeing the ball knocked down to the right six yards out Rogers peeling away unmarked sets her sights meets it on the volley her attempt fired wide.
Jennifer Rogers breaking forwards for Liverpool Feds
Bright brings the ball on from the back for Milton Keynes sends it out to Newman on the left wing takes it on before sending a low diagonal ball into Gough outside the box her shot charged down by Charlton Milton Keynes beginning to exert some pressure in the final third the ball left played inside Gooderham right, Abby Pope doing enough closing her down to prevent he taking the ball on drops for Newman, she too is quickly closed down, the ball popping out to Gough he shot well over from distance.
Liverpool Feds, Rosie Kinvig
Seagraves brings the ball on right into Rogers closely marked by Naylor a clever back heel sends the ball on Seagraves after it cuts it back for Kinvig, she sends a cross from deep high into the box Lee in a central position six yards out gets her head on the ball, it loops up towards goal Kirby however can see it land on the roof of her net.
GOAL! Milton Keynes turn it around to take the lead in the 38th minute, the hosts winning a penalty as Naylor winning the ball in midfield plays in on for Gooderham getting in behind takes the ball on into the box left is closed down by Meghan Pope the goalkeeper saving at close range is grounded however as the ball bounces up for Gooderham about to take it on the sliding challenge comes in and the attacker is cleaned out the referee pointing to the spot. Captain Leanna Doyle to take, a good strike sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-1.
Leanna Doyle scoring from the penalty spot
Rogers with the ball left in attack for Liverpool has Lee inside her, Mortimer has gotten ahead of them both inside the D, tries to set up Lee making a run t o get past her into the box, Vicky Holland wins the ball for Milton Keynes. Cudone with good work with the ball on the right comes inside lays it off for Hughes central her strike from outside the area over. Both sides press late in the first half with defences coming out on top, Holland intercepting for Milton Keynes, Kinvig closing down Newman as she threatens to get forwards.
Half-time Milton Keynes Dons Ladies 2-1 Liverpool Feds Women
A lively contest Liverpool with a fantastic start that gave them plenty of confidence, getting the lead their play deserved. It was the wake up call Milton Keynes needed after a slow start drawing level with a fantastic strike from Newman end the half leading 2-1. A lot of energy put into the game from Liverpool closing the ball down and positive in attack creating chances. Strong challenges starting to build as the half progressed Milton Keynes frustrated at times.
No changes for either side at half-time it’s Milton Keynes to get the 2nd half underway. The ball lost Liverpool get straight on the offence the ball with Devereaux on the left to the line she fires in a cross along the face of the six yard box the interception by Bright sees the ball cleared. Positive from both sides Liverpool counter Devereaux central laying the pass on for Lee she is marshalled wide left into the six yard box manages to get inside her marker take a shot the angle against her Kirby scooping it up at her near post.
Laura Bright bringing the ball out of defence for Milton Keynes
Cudone winning the ball right plays it inside to Gough lifted up into the area James clears for Liverpool. Devereaux with the ball left side comes central a constant threat, Holland clearing her ball into the area for a throw in. Thompson combines with Rogers on the right as Liverpool build in attack the cross squared in low Lee waiting on the penalty spot doesn’t connect with her shot.
10 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Milton Keynes make the first change of the match with Kim Farrow coming on for Gooderham in attack. Liverpool pressing the ball high up the pitch won by Kinvig on for Rogers her cross into the area for Lee, cut out by Bright for a corner kick. A good delivery into the near post defended the ball headed on across goal runs out for a throw. Milton Keynes threaten to break Farrow with Newman on the left, Liverpool get the ball back to Meghan Pope. Newman attempts to thread the ball in behind for Farrow too much weight on the ball.
Liverpool Feds, Carla Lee
Rogers twists and turns with the ball getting into the box from the left looks to drill a ball in across goal, Kirby down the ball pops out of her gloves, the keeper pouncing on the ball before Liverpool can capitalise. An hour gone it’s Liverpool’s turn to make a change Rogers the player giving way on comes Emily Douglas. Seagraves on for Mortimer through the middle looks to release Lee, Bright can get across the attackers run shield the ball back to her keeper. Getting a little scrappy both sides pressing the ball now.
GOAL! Liverpool level the scores in the 64th minute… that’s about all I can tell you. Who scored? Liverpool put the ball in from the left into a crowed six yard box Kirby arms up to claim it the ball pops loose what follows it a goalmouth scramble, navy and white shirts all over the place the ball finds it’s way over the line, another own goal possibly, Liverpool don’t care they have the equaliser 2-2.
That’s reached the volume levels amongst the crowd, Liverpool with a good amount of travelling support. Milton Keynes get on the attack from the restart the ball left put into the box caught safely by Pope. Doyle is shown a yellow card as she concedes a free-kick. The game in danger of spilling over passion showing from both sets of players. Cudone with the ball has Newman and Mia with her getting the return pass on the right is upended by Seagraves wins the free-kick. Hughes over it long to the far post headed back into the middle Cudone first to it can’t keep her shot down.
Milton Keynes captain Leanna Doyle clearing the ball
A 2nd change for Milton Keynes, Newman giving way on comes Charley Wright with 20 minutes left on the clock. Liverpool have their tails up getting back on level terms still full of energy. Holland frustrated with a decision against her on the edge of the penalty area ends up in the referees book. Put on from the left the hosts head clear. Hughes central plays it wide to Wright on the left taking it on fires the pass into the area for Farrow, good control near post turns into a shot Pope saving well with her legs the ball spinning behind for a corner.
Liverpool Feds captain, Chantelle Thompson
Liverpool make their 2nd change of the match Lee coming off, Laura Bartup her replacement into the final 15 minutes. Cudone in behind on the right wing on for Gough she plays the ball into the box is over Farrow central, Wright racing in behind can’t turn it goalwards. Liverpool counter the ball through the middle on for Bartup, Bright blocking her shot. Cudone coming into the middle 30 yards out Farrow ahead of her looking to make a run left to right across the D, Cudone picks her out no shot on sees Gough in space to her right sends the ball on Gough striking her shot over the crossbar.
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies, Leah Cudone
Liverpool have maintained a good tempo throughout the match and sense the game is their’s for the taking push on Mortimer into Bartup she has a go from 30 yards out a deflection sending the ball behind for a corner on the right. Into the near post Kirby coming for it just about keeps hold of it. Charlton comes on with the ball for Liverpool finds Douglas on the right Kinvig has made a great run inside her forces her way into the box unleashes a shot Kirby diving pushes the ball wide at the near post.
Getting heated now into the final 5 minutes Liverpool are on the front foot late in the game, make a last change with Mollie Farley coming on for Seagraves. Farrow has made a difference since coming on for Milton Keynes seeing the ball into her feet turns and sends it on for Gough bursting into the area right the angle against her she blasts her riding shot into the side netting. Devereaux has a shot charged down for Liverpool the rebound inside box coming to Douglas to her right she slices it wide. Liverpool close the ball down high up the pitch frustrating their opponents.
Cudone is fouled wide right inside the Liverpool half, Milton Keynes making a change before it is taken, Sasha Newsome on for Naylor. The ball long into the area cleared by Liverpool. Alot of stoppage time played few chances created Mortimer with a high cross into the Milton Keynes area cleared by Holland, the final whistle goes and the semi-final goes into extra-time.
Full time Milton Keynes Dons Ladies 2-2 Liverpool Feds Women
Extra-time
Both sides have made 3 changes but the new rules introduced this season mean a 4th substitute is permitted in the extra half hour of play. Liverpool with a tremendous effort to take it this far finishing the game strong, Milton Keynes to get the 1st 15 minute period of extra play underway. The ball squared into Newcombe attacking centrally for Milton Keynes she is stopped by Kinvig top of the area for Liverpool.
A shot from the left from Liverpool races wide at the near post. Douglas with the ball wide on the right plays an inviting cross into the area, claimed well by Kirby with Bartup closing her down. A corner for the visitors on the left the ball delivered into the near post knocked down through the crowd, Kirby down smartly on her line to claim it.
GOAL! Liverpool take the lead on the 6th minute of extra-time, Mortimer linking up with Bartup through the middle bringing the ball on Mortimer playing it through into the box with Devereaux cutting inside from the left she hits it hard and low past the keeper into the bottom corner 2-3.
Cudone pressuring the ball on the right gets inside to get a shot away Pope with the easy save.
GOAL! A good response from Milton Keynes to falling behind find an immediate reply the ball won back in the middle play turned around Farrow running clear in the middle into the area can’t be caught closing in on the keeper slots the shot past her and into the back of the net 3-3.
Thompson fires a stinging shot into the Milton Keynes goal form 20 yards out the ball bouncing out of Kirby’s gloves her defence getting to it first. Cudone pressing right whips in a low ball missed by the defender six yards out onto Farrow quickly turns and shoots the ball wide. Bartup skims the top of the Milton Keynes crossbar with a long range strike. Liverpool with a 4th change, Helen Griffiths on for Abby Pope. Charlton doing well inside the area to shield the ball from Farrow the ball in from the right Pope down on it.
Half-time extra-time Milton Keynes Dons Ladies 3-3 Liverpool Feds Women
15 minutes left for one side or the other to find a winning goal or we will have a penalty shoot-out. Liverpool to get the game restarted. Cudone rushing in to claim a loose ball at the back, plays it on for Farrow a driving run is ended as Thompson gets back to defend. Players starting to go down with cramp alot of tired legs out there. Mortimer lets fly from distance Kirby dropping forwards to claim the ball.
GOAL! 5 minutes into the 2nd period of extra-time and Milton Keynes get themselves in front attacking down the left Wright with the cross in towards the near post a great height for Farrow gets up and twisting her neck powers her header across the face of goal to strike the inside of the far post and in for her 2nd of the game 4-3.
Devereaux wins Liverpool a corner the late goal sapping their strength the ball played into the congested six yard box Milton Keynes scramble it away. Devereaux has the legs to get forwards for Liverpool left she dives her cross/shot wide at the near post.
Newcombe fouls Bartup 20 yards out in a dangerous position central. Bartup on it goes for goal Kirby gloving her attempt up into the air manages to punch it away as she’s closed down a corner won, Cudone back to cut it out. Milton Keynes break the ball with Farrow, Bartup gets back to defend Gough onto the loose ball right her cross behind.
Full time extra-time Milton Keynes Dons Ladies 4-3 Liverpool Feds Women
Milton Keynes Dons Ladies win the game 4-3 in extra-time to reach their first ever National Final. Coming out on top in the finish in a hard fought contest the 2nd game in a week that has gone into extra-time, penalties not needed this time. Were on the back foot for large portions of the game, frustrated by their opponents conceding early never got on top of their opponents, Farrow’s goals proving the difference in the finish. A successful weekend all round for the club with their U16 RTC making it to their 1st ever final too the FA Youth Plate.
A tremendous effort from Liverpool Feds Women pushing Milton Keynes all the way to extra-time, worked hard throughout, the better side easily for large spells a good start a deserved lead, 2-1 down at the break were never out of it and getting back on level terms forced the game into extra-time just running out of steam towards the end. Backed by a buoyant and vocal travelling support they can be proud of how far they have come.
Will be an all Southern Premier Division Final too with Gillingham FC Ladies beating West Bromich Albion Women 1-0 in the other Plate semi-final.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
They don’t get any easier it’s another tough one this Sunday in trying to pick the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. 9 times out of 10 it will be a player from the winning side but occasionally you can’t ignore the notes, which is why today’s award goes to a Liverpool Feds player, Demi Devereaux, a constant threat throughout the game full of running, getting forwards to influence the attack, in what was a great team effort.
An enjoyable trip to the Stadium MK. Always nice to see another side for the first time an entertaining semi-final, Kept dry a bonus my thanks for Milton Keynes for their help with the team details and congratulations upon reaching the FAWNL Plate Final.
A packed Sunday of league fixtures across all three divisions in the Beds and Herts Women’s Football League. The league changing in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One as the top two drew against each other. Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires benefiting as they won the 3 points at home at the weekend to return to the top of the table. Were taking on Garston Ladies 2nd XI. Janiece Allen having previously scored plenty of goals for Welwyn Pegasus’ sister club the Azures scoring 4 against Garston on Sunday. Takes her to 17 for 11 appearances this season. Chemise Huitson also finding the back of the net for her 9th goal of the season as Welwyn Pegasus won the game 5-2 . Maddie Gordon and Charley Kelsey with the goals for Garston who slip to the foot of the Division One table, have played just 6 league games to date.
Northwood Ladies went into the weekend narrowly leading Beds & Herts Division One were away to 2nd placed Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies this Sunday. Northwood looking for a positive result after suffering defeat last weekend with a depleted squad, dug deep against Hemel Hempstead to ear a point Holly Gilder scoring twice. Bianca Hedgecock and Charlene Turturici-Clarke with the goals for Hemel Hempstead who still have games in hand on all the other title challengers in Division One.
Incredibly tight still in the league with just 3 points between the leaders and 5th placed Houghton Athletic Ladies. St Albans Ladies the defending champions sandwiching themselves into 3rd now between Northwood and Hemel Hempstead all on 20 points as they secured the 3 points away to Sharnbrook WFC on Sunday. Eleanor Lovelock with a goal midway through the 1st half putting St Albans into the lead doubled the advantage just past the hour the win secured in the final 5 minutes with Sophie Hull on target to make it 3-0. Lovelock completing her hat-trick in the 89th minute, her 12th of the season sealing a 4-0 win.
A tough season all round so far for the Garston sides in Division One, Garston Ladies 1st team at home to fellow strugglers Sherrardswood Ladies this Sunday both sides earning a point, enough to move Garston’s 1st team off the bottom. Emma Trill scoring twice for Garston with Jane Hales also on target for a goal. A point for Sherrardswood Rhiana Rose scoring twice for the visitors one a penalty, with Francesca Novelli finding the back of the net in the 88th minute.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Hitchin Belles have a two week break now form the league, they go into it in good form with a 6 point lead at the top of the Division Two table. Just the one league defeat to date chalked up an 11th win of the season this Sunday at home to Evergreen Ladies. Leading 1-0 at the half-time interval Hitchin Belles going on to score twice more in the 2nd half to win 3-0. Keira How scoring her 11th of the campaign. Top scorer Katie White firing in her 18th of the season and a 3rd of the season for Bonnita Woodward the goalscorers for Hitchin Belles.
Local rivals Hitchin Town Ladies in 2nd position in Division Two have two games in hand on Hitchin Belles. This weekend saw their local rivals extend their lead at the top as they had to settle for a point away to 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies Development on Sunday. The visitors taking the lead in a battling encounter on 27 minutes captain Emma Chaffey there to nod home after Rebecca Day’s shot struck the crossbar. Royston pushing for a reply 2nd half equalising through Sammy Tinsley in the 67th minute. Hitchin working hard in defence to prevent the hosts getting another, 11 the final score.
The bottom two met in the league on Sunday with Evergreen Eagles and Welwyn Pegasus Azures having 4 points each going into the game. Christie Brewer winning the game for Evergreen as she scored a hat-trick for the hosts in a 3-2 win, Samantha Coughlan with her first of the season with a goal in the first half for Welwyn, Fiona Davies striking late in injury time with the 2nd goal.
Bedford Ladies Development also winning at home at the weekend were hosting Watton Ladies. A good result winning 4-0 seeing them win for just the 2nd time in Division Two.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
4 games played too in beds & Herts Women’s Division Three this Sunday. A 9th straight league win for AFC Dunstable Ladies Development this Sunday as they travelled to play Kempston Rovers Ladies. Lauren Brooker scoring in the 6th minute and a goal from Holly Wilks saw Dunstable into a 2-0 half-time lead. The rest of the goals were saved for the final 6 minutes of the match with Nicola Hollick scoring to put the visiting side 3-0 up in the 84th minute. Kempston Rovers struck back immediately with Chelsea Jeffery breaching Dunstable’s defence for a goal. Dunstable responding by going straight up the other end to restore their 3 goal cushion Wilks with her 2nd of the game the final score 5-1 with top scorer Bianca Vassell adding another goal to her tally in the final minute.
Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses continue to keep the pressure on their Bedfordshire rivals at the top of Division Three a point behind in 2nd they won big at home on Sunday against Buntingford Town Ladies who were only playing for the 2nd time in 2019 their last game back on the 6th January. Woburn & Wavendon winning with a double figure scoreline. Top scorer Giselle Randall finding the back of the net for 4 goals moves to 18 for the season. Georgia Payne getting a hat-trick too in the match, with Laura Sephton on target for a brace with Molly Churchill also amongst the goalscorers with her 1st of the season. Woburn & Wavendon winning 10-1.
AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies lay in 3rd position in Division Three and will be hoping either of the top two slip up if they wish to close the 5 point gap to the top. Were away this Sunday taking on Biggleswade United Ladies. Chloe Urbanowicz on target scoring her 17th of the season for Kempston, there were goals to for Bex Cray and Zara Garrad who move onto 14 and 11 respectfully and a goal for Taylor Kingston in a 4-1 victory to take the visitors to 23 points from 10 played. Karen Clark with the Biggleswade goal.
A 3-3 draw between Bedwell Rangers Ladies and Stotfold Juniors Ladies in The Chris Renshaw Cup last weekend. Bedwell missing out on penalties in the finish the two sides meet again this Sunday at Bedwell in the league, the hosts again scoring 3 with Rachel Young scoring along with two for Isabella Townsend her 1st goals of the season. It wasn’t enough unfortunately for Bedwell to get anything from the game as Stotfold secured the win scoring 4 against them.
Frontiers Ladies beat Premier Division leaders Leigh Ramblers last time out to close the gap to a point, since awarded a home win, moved above them, and with Leigh Ramblers not in action this Sunday had the chance to go further ahead as they hosted 3rd placed side Harlow Town Ladies Development. A local derby, Harlow’s young side have been unlucky with injuries, a good test for both sides. Frontiers coming out on top to win the 3 points and go 5 points clear at the top of the table. Anna Freeman scoring a brace, with a goal for Charley Sandford in a 3-0 win. Harlow losing for just the 2nd time in the league this season.
That defeat allowing 4th placed Chelmsford City Ladies to move level on points with Harlow as they secured the 3 points at home to Silver End United Ladies on Sunday. Tyler Christou getting her 1st goal since rejoining the club, Aimee Gannon also on target for Chelmsford for her 1st goal of the season scoring from the penalty spot. Chelmsford winning 2-0.
5th placed Collier Row Tigers are just two points behind Harlow & Chelmsford with games in hand on both. Were on the road this Sunday playing bottom side Brentwood Town Ladies Reserves. A close contest between the sides Collier Row Tigers edging the result with a 3-2 win. Emily Dempsey scoring her 8th goal of the season, Helen Moreira also celebrating a goal along with a 1st of the season for Fran Pridie. Brentwood remain without a point at the bottom of the Premier Division their goals from Lauren Knight plus an own goal.
A hat-trick from Emily Pert helped to secure the home win for Southend United Ladies on Sunday in their Premier Division game with Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Pert with 12 now for the season. Lily Halliday also getting a goal for Southend, with Amber Popham and Louise Lawrence scoring for the first time this season in a 6-1 victory. Jo Smeaton the goalscorer for Beacon Hill Rovers.
Essex Women’s Division One
Billericay Town Ladies Reserves maintain their 6 point lead at the top of the Essex Women’s Division One table with their 15th league win of the season this Sunday away to FC Clacton Ladies. Have lost just the once this season fielded the bare 11 this Sunday, it was enough to secure the 3 points with 2 goals scored without reply, a 4th goal of the season each for Anna-Maria Rains and Kelsey Smith.
Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies in 2nd place in the Essex Women’s Division One table also picked up another 3 point haul this Sunday away from home against Belhus Ladies. Both Grace Tebb-Reading and Juliet Thomas completing a hat-trick in the game for the visitors, Jodie Barden also getting a goal as well as a first of the season for Gracei Robinson in an 8-1 victory. Danni Jennings with her 11th of the season on target for Belhus.
8-1 was also the winning score at home for 4th placed Rayleigh Town Ladies this Sunday in their league match with Leigh Ramblers Ladies Reserves. Captain Isabella Wallings getting another goal to move to 41 for the season for Rayleigh. Holly Gash top scoring in the game with a hat-trick moves onto 18 for the season. 18 goals to for Eleasha Reeves now as she chalked up a brace on Sunday. There was also a brace for new signing Nancy Bulter making her first start for Rayleigh netting two goals on her debut. Rebecca Dalgarno with the goal for Leigh Ramblers. Rayleigh remain 4th some 15 points behind 2nd placed Dagenham & Redbridge but have a total of 6 games in hand.
Runwell Sports Ladies are 5th in the Division One table were at home this Sunday taking on Chigwell Ladies the sides drawing 1-1 at half-time Runwell Sports getting the better of their opponents in the 2nd half winning the game 4-2. Runwell Sports’ goals scored by Victoria Martin and Autumn Ranger. Aaryanna Simonelli with a goal too the clubs top goalscorer now with 17 for the season, whilst it was a 1st goal of the season for Anna Winfield. Jessica MacNab with both the goals for Chigwell.
Plenty of goals too in the final match from Essex with bottom sides meeting Island Ladies at home to Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves on Sunday in Division One. 8 goals shared between them the pair taking a point each from the game drawing 4-4 at the final whistle. Charlotte Stelmaszyk with a brace for Chelmsford, Rebecca Lucy also on the scoresheet with Jemma Debrick scoring her 1st Chelmsford goal. Olivia McDonnell getting her first goal of the season for Island this Sunday on the scoresheet along with Jess Bowen, Ebonnie Williams and Sarah McDonnell.
A lovely weekend for football in Cambridgeshire as it was across the whole of the country. The Women’s League Cup competition reaching the knockout stages with 3 of the 4 quarter finals taking place this weekend. The 8 sides coming through the group stages finishing 1st or 2nd in their group to progress a number of Championship sides amongst the last 8.
Ketton Ladies with a 100% record leading the Championship North were away this Sunday a tough challenge in the League Cup were taking on Premiership side Cambridge City Ladies Development. Ketton are full of confidence right now, Cambridge City keen to lift some silverware this season vying for the title in their own league. It turned out to be a close game with just a single goal settling it. Bella Simmons with the all important goal to send Cambridge City Ladies into the last 4 of the competition.
An all Premiership clash saw March Town Ladies at home to Cambridge University Women in the quarter finals of the League Cup this Sunday. Nothing to separate the sides at half-time with the scores level at 1-1. Emma Searle with her 7th of the season scoring for March. Cambridge University going on to score two more goals in the 2nd period to win the game 3-1 to advance into the semi-finals. Amanda Wainwright on target for her 7th of the season with Lu Liu also on the scoresheet along with a first goal for the club for Freja Ekman.
In the other League Cup quarter final match played this weekend it was raining goals between Championship South leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies fighting with Ketton Ladies for the Championship North title. Wisbech struggling with players injured playing with 11 sometimes 10 dug deep against Haverhill the sides drawing 3-3 after 90 minutes, the extra-time that followed no less dramatic with a further 6 goals scored. Wisbech edging Haverhill out in the dramatic encounter winning through to the semi-finals with a 7-5 victory. Sophie Swinden finding the back of the net for 4 goals, Leah Hall, Chloe Stanborough and captain Faye Kowalewsky also getting a goal each. Joeli Kirby, Haverhill’s top scorer netting a brace, along with captain Amy Evans with Julie Brown also scoring.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup
One other cup game playing in the county this Sunday saw Premiership side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds Ladies at home playing Burwell Tigers Ladies from the Championship South in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup. A brace each for Marie Stubbings and Sharon Pinner as well as a goal for Katie Luddy seeing Fulbourn ease through to the next round with a 5-1 victory.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
One league game played in Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday with 3rd placed side Cardea Ladies travelling to play Hungate Rovers Ladies. Captain Laura Rudd putting the visitors into the lead inside 5 minutes. Hungate coming back to level the scores 10 minutes later. Cardea retaking the lead in the final minute of the 1st half with Jessica O’Sullivan scoring. A good start to the 2nd half saw Cardea go 3-1 up with Nicola Anderson getting on the scoresheet. Hungate pulled it back to 3-2 with 53 minutes played, Cardea soon regaining their 2 goal lead with Courtney Coles making her 1st start making it 4-2. Hungate ensuring a nervy finish to the game as they got it back to 4-3 with 15 minutes left Cardea holding on for the win and 3 points a 2nd successive league win seeing them move 4 points clear of 4th placed Wisbech St Mary Ladies.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
One game played too in the Championship South, which sees Cambridge Rangers WFC up to 2nd in the table going 3 points clear of St Ives Town Development with a 4th successive league win. Were at home taking on Isleham United Ladies for the 2nd successive week. A 5-1 win last weekend, an even better scoreline this weekend the 3 points won courtesy of an 8-0 result. Lauren Lock with one goal to her name before the game putting the ball past the keeper for 4 goals this Sunday. A hat-trick too for Vanessa Martinez with Zoe Newberg also on the scoresheet celebrating her first Cambridge Rangers goal.
The weather put pay to the Suffolk Women’s League Cup semi-finals a fortnight ago, no chance this weekend with glorious weather it was a strong line-up in the last 4 of the competition with the top 4 in the league itself reaching the semi-finals.
League leaders East Bergholt United Ladies with a 100% record at the top were away taking on 4th placed Brantham Athletic Ladies. East Bergholt the League Cup holders looking to reach the final for the 3rd successive season.Tasted defeat for the 1st time this season last weekend losing to Needham Market Women in the County Cup quarter finals. It was another close game this weekend against Brantham. Goals from Jessica Clark, Charlotte McGrath and top scorer Annie Northwood securing a 3-1 victory for East Bergholt to see them into the final.
A close game too in the other Suffolk Women’s League Cup semi-final between to sides looking to reach it for the first time 2nd placed Needham Market Women away to 3rd placed Alresford Colne Rangers. Needham Market going into the game on a high after their County Cup success last weekend, Alresford proving a tough nut to crack the sides going in goalless at the break. Needham Market getting the break through in the 2nd period Lois Balfour with her 15th of the season and Amber Sparkes netting her 16th goal of the campaign seeing Needham market win the game 2-0 to reach a final in their debut season in women’s football.
Suffolk Women’s Division
There were also two league matches played this Sunday in the Suffolk Women’s Division and the results see another new side nudge there way into the top 4 of the table. It was a 4th straight league win with 5 games unbeaten overall for Woodbridge Town Ladies. Were at home to Brightlingsea Regent Ladies at the weekend. A slender 1-0 lead at half-time the hosts went on to score 3 more in the 2nd half to win the game 4-0 and move ahead of Brantham Athletic Ladies. Top scorer Jenna Liverpool scoring her 13th goal of the season for Woodbridge, Sophie Crane was also on target with her 7th. Natasha Williams and Kirsten Spooner both getting a goal a piece.
Another new name in the league enjoying a good run of form in 2019 are Brettvale Ladies. Strengthening their squad recently. Were at home to Walsham Le Willows Ladies on Sunday. A competitive game between the sides. Olivia Hodges and Norma Locker finding the back of the net for Walsham Le Willows, Brettvale edging them out scoring 3 up the other end at the final whistle. 3-2 to Brettvale their 4th win of the season.
All about the Cup this weekend in Norfolk with both the semi-finals of the Ladies League Cup & quarter finals of the Plate competition taking place this Sunday.
Sprowston Lades are the current League Plate holders winning their 1st piece of silverware in women’s football last season. That and a runners-up position in Division One. This season have climbed into 2nd place in the Division One table and through to the last 4 of the League Cup. Were drawn away in the semi-finals to Division Two leaders Taverham United Women, a young side very much in the mould of Sprowston, unbeaten in their debut season in woman’s football. Came up against a Sprowston side that is beginning to find a bit of form and scoring plenty of goals too. Top scorer Victoria Leyer scoring 4 goals in the match moving onto 25 for the season two more than she scored in the whole of last season. Abby Hutchin also claiming a hat-trick in the semi-final for Sprowston has 9 now for the campaign with captain Calista Tink also finding the back of the net for a goal in an 8-1 win to see Sprowston confidently into the League Cup Final.
Sprowston’s opponents in the League Cup Final will be Division Two side Tavern Ladies after the Dereham based side pulled of something of an upset by knocking out Division One leaders Thorpe United Ladies in this Sunday’s semi-final game. The game at Scarning playing field Tavern Ladies home pitch (and once home to the deadliest slide in the county, but I was 6-years-old I loved it!) Tavern in good form going into the game scoring plenty of goals Katie Hart-Copsey with 35 from 11 before kick-off. Thorpe missing several through injury with others unavailable. The scores level at the break with both sides scoring 1-1 Tavern went on to snatch themselves a winning goal and reach their first ever final, Hart-Copsey with her 36th of the season and Emily Bell with her first seeing the Division Two side cause the upset. Eloise Peek on target for Thorpe who crashed out of their 2nd cup semi-final in as many weeks.
Katie Hart-Copsey in prolific form for Tavern Ladies this season
Norfolk Ladies League Plate
The Norfolk Ladies League Plate competition at the quarter finals stage, the last 8 throwing up 4, Division One versus Division Two ties with the Division One sides all coming out on top to book their place in the last 4 of the competition on Sunday.
The Beccles Town Ladies squad were well rested going into their home quarter final tie against Bulldogs Ladies on Sunday having not played a competitve match since the middle of December! This has given them a chance to get a few back from injury and they got 2019 off to a winning start with a 4-0 win to book their place in the semi-finals with Lucy Robbens netting twice along with goals from Megan Vincent and a first of the season for Victoria Ottey. The game ending on a sad note abandoned through injury following a collision between Beccles goalkeeper Chloe Pearce and Bulldogs captain Emma Johnson, wishing both players all the best for a full and speedy recovery.
*NB – Have been informed due to this game being abandoned due to the above incident the game between Beccles Town and Bulldogs Ladies will now be replayed a date to be set in due course.
Long Stratton Women from Division Two were in good form going into their quarter final tie at home to Aylsham Ladies on Sunday. The Division One side in need of a positive start after a difficult beginning to 2019, got it with goals from Amber Mayhew and Vicky Lubbock plus first Aylsham goal for both Katrina Carman and Emma Allsopp in a 4-1 victory to see the Division One side reach the last 4 of the Plate.
Sprowston Athletic Ladies won 6-1 away to Division Two side Gorleston Rangers Ladies last Sunday to book their place in the quarter finals of the Ladies Plate competition. This Sunday were away once again taking on Division Two opponents, Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies. Melissa Belsey scoring her 1st ever hat-trick, along with goals from Rachel Bussey and a 1st of the season for Nicole Read seeing Sprowston Athletic reach the semi-finals courtesy of a 5-1 win.
Also reaching the last 4 of the Ladies League Plate competition are Division One side Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves. Were away to Division Two side Thetford Town Ladies in the quarter finals. Sally Hammerton moving into double figures for the season for Wymondham scoring 5 goals in the match. Wymondham comfortably winning with Chelsea Pettifer and Hannah Claughton also getting a goal each along with Gabriella Stone getting her 1st goal of the season in an 8-0 win.
Cambridge City Ladies strengthen their grip at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division as they open up a 9 point lead at the top of the table with victory at home to 2nd placed Acle United Women on Sunday. The Norfolk making the journey needing to close the six point gap their opponents had opened up if they wanted to keep their own title ambititions alive. The Norfolk side coming up against a side that has dropped just 2 league points to date, Cambridge City have a strong side with goal throughout the attack, Shannon Shaw starting getting a goal Cambridge City’s other goalscorers starting on the bench with Sarah Mosley, Carla Penny & Bella Simmons all adding to their tally’s with a goal a piece in a 4-0 win.
A weekend off for 3rd placed Royston Town Ladies, it was an opportunity for the 4th & 5th placed sides Wymondham Town Ladies & Peterborough Northern Star Ladies to close the gap as they met at the Branch Bros Stadium on Sunday. Women’s Football East was there too to watch the encounter. Wymondham reaching their 3rd successive Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final last weekend travelling to Peterborough. Northern Star Ladies losing just once on the opening day have games in hand on the sides above. Were without a few this Sunday with just the bare 11 available. Hannah Waters with a chance to put Wymondham into the lead first half. Wymondham goalkeeper Ashleigh O’Callaghan twice denying Peterborough.
Goalless at half-time Peterborough hit the ground running 2nd half Cassie Steward with two well taken strikes putting the hosts into a 2-0 inside 55 minutes. Soon after a coming together and subsequent fall saw Peterborough attacker Georgia Coulson fall and suffer a nasty wrist injury. A lengthy delay followed as she received on the pitch treatment. A fractured wrist suffered Peterborough with no replacement continuing with 10 almost half an hour later. Took a while for both sides to settle, Peterborough not sitting back on their lead tried to get out attack take the game to Wymondham, their top scorer Laura Nicholls played into a shooting position top of the area by Mollie O’Callaghan fired home to reduce the deficit then with the clock running down Hannah Waters running in behind was pulled down inside the Peterborough box, Nicholls with a powerful penalty levelling the scores with her 2nd of the game. The points shared.
Bedford Ladies were at home to Essex side Harlow Town Ladies on Sunday in the ERWFL Premier Division 6th & 7th both sides with 21 points going into the game. A 100% winning record for Bedford in all competitions since December their good form continued this weekend as they won the match 2-0 scoring a goal in each half to move 3 points clear of their opponents. Lauren Murray with her 4th goal in 3 appearances for Bedford and Joanne Makin in her 1st start of the season scoring the goals.
At last it’s a win for Haringey Borough Women, 3 points on the board winning at home to fellow strugglers AFC Dunstable Ladies this Sunday. Has been a tough period for the club following a tough season in the FAWNL after losing a good portion of their promotion winning squad the new side has had a difficult baptism have stuck together and can finally celebrate a league win and 3 points, climb off the bottom of the Premier Division table too. AFC Dunstable Ladies travelling with a reduced squad again just the bare 11. Battled well scoring twice in the game with Stephanie Fisher netting her 1st of the season and Alex Chitwell making her debut also scoring. Haringey Borough scoring twice as many up the other end to win the game, Brooke Hills making her 1st start scoring a goal with Seren Ahmet, Aaliyah Boyea & Sandeep Tak all celebrating a goal in a 4-2 win.
ERWFL Division One
St Ives Town Ladies open up a 7 point lead at the top of ERWFL Division One the newly promoted side at home to defending champions Stevenage Ladies Reserves this Sunday. St Ives unbeaten since joining the league this season coming out on top in a competitve game with Stevenage, St Ives coming out on top to win their 12th game of the season 3-0 thanks to goals from top scorer Tierney Coulson, Georgia Stancombe and Harriet Ford.
Newmarket Town Ladies promoted along with St Ives Town Ladies from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership are also enjoying a great 1st season in the ERWFL up to 3rd in the table were at home on Sunday looking to consolidate their league position, knew they had a tough game ahead with Hertford Town Ladies the visitors unbeaten in their last 4 including draws with St Ives Town & 2nd placed Bowers & Pitsea Ladies. Brooke Wickens charging down the ball opening the scoring in the 25th minute for Newmarket. Hertford pulling the scores level before half-time. Newmarket were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the 2nd half Laura Bailey firing it home to put the hosts back into the lead. The 3 points secured in the final minute with Sarah O’Rourke put through on goal to see Newmarket win the game 3-1.
Fifth placed Hutton Ladies were away this Sunday up against Bishops Stortford Ladies in ERWFL Division One. A lively game against the bottom side that saw plenty of goals scored. Bishops Stortford able to name 3 subs for the game finding the back of the net for 3 goals with captain Broghan McHale netting a hat-trick. Hutton have Vicky Kinsman leading their line this season and she is closing in on 40 goals for the season already with another brace at the weekend. A brace too for Sally Appleton along with a goal for Kayleigh Franklin seeing Hutton run out 5-3 winners.
Elsewhere in Division One the points were shared on Sunday. Fresh from securing a place in the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final, King’s Lynn Town Ladies travelled to Cambridgeshire at the weekend to play Histon Ladies. Georgia Day scoring for the hosts with Rochelle Woods on target for King’s Lynn with her 9th goal of the season in a 1-1 draw.
1-1 too between Lawford Ladies and Hatfield Peverel Ladies on Sunday in Division One. The hosts playing for 80 minutes with 10 players after Harriet Young was sent off. Ex-Lawford player Jasmine Cox scoring for Hatfield Peverel against her old club. Captain Daisy Canny netting her 14th of the season for Lawford, the points shared.
Perfect weather for the final weekend of February last year we had the Beast from the East this time around it was positively tropical in comparison with bright sunshine and warm temperatures far from the expected for this time of year and no one was complaining.
Sad news too with many clubs up and down the country pausing before their matches in memory of Jordan Dawes who passed away after losing her brief battle with liver cancer. The 18-year-old goalkeeper life all too short, touched many in that time, a great smile, a talented goalkeeper whose previous clubs include Charlton Athletic Women and Kent United. A life taken too soon rest in peace Jordan.
A tribute picture for Jordan Dawes produced by Kent Football United
FAWNL Cup
Plenty of action across all leagues this Sunday, we begin the action in the FAWNL. One remaining game to be played in the last 8 of the FAWNL Cup. Crawley Wasps Ladies still with a 100% league record leading the way in South East Division One travelling once again to play Coventry United Ladies, themselves with an unbeaten record laying 2nd in the Southern Premier Division. The two sides having met already one this season at the start of 2019 in the FA Women’s Cup, Crawley Wasps winning the game 2-1 to knock their higher league opponents out of the competition.
This Sunday’s quarter final tie no less competitive the dead lock broken with 37 minutes on the clock Kemina Webber who had already seen an effort ruled off for offside fed the ball inside the box and slotting home to make it 1-0. That the advantage for Crawley at the break. Coventry pushing for a reply early in the 2nd half, Beth Merrick getting the equaliser with a looping header back across the face of goal to make it 1-1 with nearly an hour played. Merrick coming close with a strike over the bar moments later. Crawley winning a corner up the other end Naomi Cole sending the ball long to the far post Darcey James with the header to send the ball back in and restore the visitors lead. Defending it was a repeat of the FA Cup game with Crawley winning 2-1 to reach the last 4 and will be at home to Bolton Wanderers Ladies this coming Sunday a place in the final for the winners.
FAWNL Plate
Like the FAWNL Cup their was one outstanding quarter final tie left in the Plate competition with Milton Keynes Dons Ladies at home taking on South West Division One side Keynsham Town Ladies. The visitors getting themselves into the lead midway through the 1st half. The Southern Premier Division side getting themselves back on level terms before the break with Leanna Doyle putting Leah Cudone through on goal to make it 1-1. Both sides with chances 2nd half Keynsham rattling the woodwork, the game entering the final 20 minutes the visitors were awarded a free-kick 20 yards out scored to retake the lead. The clock rapidly running down Milton Keynes levelled the scores at the death to force the game into extra-time Amy Gooderham with the goal. The hosts coming close to winning the game in the extra period it remained 2-2 to head into a penalty shootout. 3-3 after the regulation 5 into sudden death, Emma Kirby saving for Milton Keynes. Alice Hughes scored to send them through 5-4. Milton Keynes at home to Liverpool Feds Women in the semi-finals this coming Sunday.
FAWNL Southern Premier Division
Six league wins in a row now for Cardiff City Ladies in the Southern Premier Division as the 3rd placed side won at home this Sunday in the process seeing league leaders Chichester City Ladies suffer back to back defeats. The damage done in the opening half hour the Welsh side getting themselves into a 3-0 lead with Emma Jones scoring a hat-trick. Her 1st on 6 minutes the 2nd quickly followed by the 3rd midway through the 1st half. Jess Lewry pulling it back to 3-1 late in the 1st half. That was how the scores remained going into the final 5 minutes, a 30 yard strike from Chloe Jones securing the win for Cardiff, despite Cherelle Khassel getting a goal for Chichester in the 88th minute. A 4-2 win for Cardiff in 3rd position leading the chasing pack close the gap to Chichester to 5 points with two games in hand.
Is a 3 way tie of 28 points in 3rd, 4th & 5th in the Southern Premier Division table with Oxford United Women another form side in 4th position 5 wins in a row in the league themselves now unbeaten in 7 to climb the table. Were at home to Gillingham FC Ladies this Sunday, another close game a single goal winning the game coming from Florence Fyfe her 9th goal of the season seeing her become joint top scorer with Emily Allen winning the game 1-0 for Oxford.
Points dropped in recent games had seen Watford FC Ladies slip from 3rd to 5th. Have bounced back with an unbeaten run of 3 matches in the Southern Premier Division. 7 points collected in that time the latest 3 points coming away to Loughborough Foxes Women this Sunday. Watford coming back from trailing 1-0 at half-time to win the game 2-1 with a winning goal 6 minutes from time. Rebecca Mcgrother putting Loughborough 1-0 up in the 1st half. Helen Ward equalising for Watford 12 minutes into the 2nd half with her 17th goal of the season. The winner struck late on Alysha Stojko-Down scoring her first goal of the season to see the visitors return home with the 3 points.
A 7 goal thriller in the other game played in the Southern Premier Division at the weekend with 2nd bottom side Queens Park Rangers Women travelling down to the South West to play Plymouth Argyle Ladies. Zoe Cunningham putting the hosts into the lead in the 12th minute the advantage short-lived with QPR levelling moments later through Jo Wilson. 3 minutes later QPR were in front themselves Wilson striking again to make it 2-1. Jessie Jones bringing it back to 2-2 for Plymouth on the half hour. 2-2 at half-time. Cunningham with her 2nd of the match putting Plymouth back into the lead in the 56th minute. The game entering the final 10 minutes Mollie Taylor extended the home sides lead to make it 4-2, but again QPR responded with a quick reply Wilson on target scoring her 3rd ad completing a hat-trick setting up a tense finish to the game Plymouth holding on however to win the game 4-3.
FAWNL South East Division One
4 games in South East Division One this Sunday. Crawley Wasps leading the way involved in the League Cup it was another opportunity for 2nd placed Billericay Town Ladies to close the gap on them to 4 points. Were away to Stevenage Ladies this Sunday. In need of the points themselves have a growing injury list despite that put in a good defensive display to keep thier opponents at bay, goalkeeper Hannah Vandersluis pulling off a number of saves. Hit the post up the other end Amy Josland with the strike. Billericay are scoring goals and have a number of prolific players in their side the Essex side getting in front on the hour Zoe Rushen finding the back of the net. It wasn’t until the final minute that the 3 points were secured Sam Pittuck with the strike to see the game won 2-0. Billericay have played 2 more than Crawley.
In 3rd position in the South East Division One table Actonians Ladies are now unbeaten in 8 games in all competitions. A long trip up to Norfolk this Sunday to take on Norwich City Ladies in the league. A lively start to the match with Carla Williams firing Actonians into a 5th minute lead. Norwich hitting back straight away with Chelsea Garrett firing home to make it 1-1 in the 7th minute. Alessandra Barreca has been Actonians main goal threat in recent seasons and her 19th strike of the season in the 21st minute saw the visitors leading 2-1 at half-time. Kate Parsons introduced to the action for Norwich in the 57th minute she levelled the scores at 2-2 with the game entering the final 20 minutes. Actonians were soon back in front Barreca with her 2nd of the match and 20th of the season scoring what would prove to be the winning.
Leyton Orient WFC had suffered 3 straight defeats in the league going into this Sunday’s away trip to Mildenhall Town FC to play Cambridge United Women. The hosts taking the lead through a fantastic 25 yard strike from Amber Cantwell. Sophie Le Marchand always a threat on the attack for Leyton Orient put in behind the defence levelling the scores before half-time. The visitors going on to win the game by a single goal scoring again in the 2nd half, Egle Trezzi in midfield playing the ball on for Suaila Cardoso Queni running across the back line top of the area slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Leyton Orient up a place to 4th position.
Leyton Orient WFC’s Sophie Le Marchand
Luton Town Ladies had found themselves adrift at the bottom of the South East Division One table a tough season to date just 4 points on the board going into the week. Earned a useful point against a much improved Enfield Town Ladies with a battling 0-0 draw at Enfield on Wednesday night. This weekend were away to AFC Wimbledon Ladies. The hosts enduring a run of 4 straight defeats in all competitions going into the game. Luton started well captain Zara Carroll firing home from a free-kick to put the visiting side 1-0 up inside 3 minutes. Dionne Manning rounding the keeper to make it 2-0 inside the opening 15 minutes. Manning with the assist on the half hour for substitute Remi Bains to score. 3-0 up at half-time. Katie Stanley pulling a goal back for Wimbledon midway through the 2nd half. Jess McKay found the bottom corner in the closing minutes to see Luton win the game 4-1 just their 2nd win of the season and close the gap to Denham it 2 points, both Stevenage and Cambridge in danger of getting dragged into the battle at the bottom now on 14 points each.
