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

Sunday 7th January

ERWFL Division One North

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. Raring to go in 2024 as the football season resumes after the festive period. A wet start to the year with Storm Henk blowing in causing chaos with the fixture schedule, nevertheless plenty of tasty games to choose from beginning the year with a top of the table clash from ERWFL Division One North with early pace setters Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women hosting new leaders Harpenden Town Women in the first game of a double header between the sides that could go along way to seeing who can clinch to title and with it promotion to the Premier Division.

Both sides amongst a host of new sides joining the regional set up this season as the ERWFL reaches it full potential of 36 sides playing across 3 divisions a 12 strong Premier Division with a Division One North and South each 12 strong feeding into it. Two sides since withdrawing from ERWFL Division One North leaving 10 sides to contest the league.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women one of 3 Norfolk sides moving up into the ERWFL this season, with Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies and Thetford Town Ladies. Finishing runners-up to Mulbarton Wanderers Ladies in Norfolk Women’s Division One, went on to lift the League Cup. A lot of planning and preparation involved prior to promotion to ensure the club was ready on and off the field to challenge at a higher level, hit the ground running winning 5-0 at home against Biggleswade United Women beginning a 6 match unbeaten run winning 5 and drawing one to lead the table early on.

One defeat so far a narrow 2-1 to 3rd placed Newmarket Town Women allowing Harpenden Town Women to take over at the top prior to Christmas face their league challenges in back to back fixtures in January. Two crucial matches. Have build a large squad with several players coming through the youth levels together one of those top scorer Victoria Leyer who has always been amongst the goals for the club netting 16 to date from 12 appearances this season while Tallulah Bell has 8 goals to her name from 12. Bringing younger players on part of the clubs philosophy with Izzy Noakes and Alisha Juby named on the bench the latest additions to the squad.

Harpenden Town Women one of three clubs promoted to the ERWFL this season, the geography of the leagues seeing their fellow Hertfordshire sides, Hertford Town Women and Wormley Rovers Ladies join Division One South. Finishing in 3rd spot Harpenden Town Women like Dussindale & Hellesdon won silverware last season too beating Colney Heath Ladies Reserves to win the League Cup. Began their ERWFL campaign with a 4-3 loss away to fellow promoted side Histon Ladies… however haven’t looked back since with a 100% record stretching to 7 matches that has seen them overhaul Dussindale & Hellesdon at the top.

Striker Sophia Amanor’s goals going along way to seeing Harpenden Town Women win 7 straight league matches, way out in front as not only Harpenden’s top scorer but the league itself with a staggering 31 goals so far from 14 appearances. Becky McShane the next highest goal scorer in the side with 4 to her name. Goals right throughout the side however with a further 11 players on the scoresheet so far this season. Taking over at the top face two important matches against Dussindale & Hellesdon that could go along way into shaping the season.

The Nest the venue for todays league encounter, the new sports facility to the north of Norwich close to the airport the home to both Norwich City Women and Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women with a number of full sized grass and artificial pitches. The main artificial pitch beside the clubhouse featuring a large cafeteria/dining area and conference room beside. Storm Henk blowing in yet more rain, rivers full to bursting across the county the worst thankfully blown through the ground saturated, the artificial surface a blessing the game never in doubt, although with kick-off fast approach, Harpenden’s team bus was yet to arrive. the weather dry but overcast and chilly the visitors arriving at 1:40pm, little time to get warmed up kick off delayed slightly to allow the players time to limber up properly.

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women starting XI – Tyla Cole, Siesha Humphries, Ella Swift, Jess Barnes, Calista Tink (C), Chloe Shipman, Abby Hutchin, Rachel Bussey, Victoria Leyer, Issy Moore & Rosie George. Subs – Addison Gregory, Kari Kowalczyk, Chelsea Brister, Izzy Noakes & Alisha Juby.

Harpenden Town Women

Harpenden Town Women starting XI – Sophie Harris, Kacee Warren. Erin Shacklock, Rebecca Dowdall (C), Iva Hrisimova, Chloe Dinsey, Melody Jones, Natalie Cloy, Jamie Curtain, Belle Shannon & Sophia Amanor. Subs – Jasmine Hughes, Hannah Pope, Reese Ayres & Becky McShane.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Rebecca Dowdall and Calista Tink with today’s referee Steven Hemp

It’s the visitors Harpenden to get the match under way kicking off the 1st half wearing aquamarine coloured shirts with black across the top of the chest and sleeves, with black shorts and aquamarine coloured socks. Dussindale & Hellesdon lined up opposite wearing claret coloured shirts with sky blue trim, claret shorts and socks. The ball played back into the defence swept out to the right Jamie Curtain out wide looking to play Natalie Cloy in ahead of her fullback Siesha Humphries sticking a foot in to take the ball off her for a throw in.

The visitors fresh having just warmed up and staying out ready for kick-off starting well putting the Dussindale & Hellesdon back line under pressure attacking down the flanks, Curtain again on the right flashing a cross into the top of the area, Chloe Shipman latching onto it for Dussindale & Hellesdon carrying the ball out clearing to the opposite flank, Harpenden snatching it back the strike from 25 yards out put over the bar.

Chloe Shipman bringing the ball away for Dussindale & Hellesdon

Dussindale & Hellesdon winning the ball at the back find Issy Moore pulling wide on the left sends the ball on through the middle looking for Rosie George leading the attack, in a race towards the Harpenden box with captain Rebecca Dowdall, George is adjudged to have fouled the defender halting the attack.

Sophie Amanor looking strong with the ball at her feet pulling out wide to the right, looks to take the ball on inside the full back, Humphries late with her tackle catching Amanor with a painful blow to her ankle sending the striker sprawling. A moment of concern for Harpenden as Amanor receives treatment. Humphries shown an early yellow card. Amanor up and okay to play on as Belle Shannon stands over the resulting free-kick.

GOAL! The ball swept in towards the near post Amanor making the run across defender Jess Barnes as she goes to head the ball, only succeeding in glancing it on behind her into the onrushing crowd, Dowdall amongst those knocking the ball in towards goal past the keep, Amanor closing in stooping to head the ball which could very well have already been over the line 0-1.

Harpenden captain, Rebecca Dowdall

Harpenden might have arrived late but have the early lead in Norwich as they open the scoring inside 5 minutes. The visitors looking to press the advantage Melody Jones getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park spreading the pass out to the left Cloy racing on the ball send into the area aiming for Curtain closing in on the far side, Humphries getting a foot on the ball to knock it out of play for a corner.

All action as the corner is lifted in near side, Curtain up well to power her header in towards goal blocked by the defender covering the post, down before the goal line goalkeeper Tyla Cole down looking to grab hold of the ball as Shannon rushes in to attack it deflected out of the keepers gloves Dussindale & Hellesdon defending for all their worth somehow keep the ball out before Cole eventually lays claim to it.

Jones regaining possession out on the left inside the Dussindale & Hellesdon half sweeping a long diagonal pass out to the right, Curtain the target, Moore tracking back well for the hosts there to intercept. Erin Shacklock clearing the ball up to Curtain central she looks to send the ball on in behind the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence with Amanor breaking in behind, Cole starts to come out of her area to clear but realising the ball has enough momentum on it falls back into her area to see the ball roll safely into her gloves.

Dussindale & Hellesdon having out ride out a strong opening salvo from Harpenden come away with the ball lifted on for Moore breaking into space on the left the cross turned back into the area near side for Victoria Leyer to try and shift inside to shoot her strike charged down the ball deflected down towards the by-line left of goal, George racing after it trying to put the ball back in across goal can only play it straight into the arms of Harpenden goalkeeper Sophie Harris.

Moore looking the best outlet for Dussindale & Hellesdon as she runs into space out on the left flank down to the touchline turning into the box rides two challenges before Iva Hrisimova comes across to block the ball turn it behind for a corner kick. The corner delivered into the six yard box headed out to the top of the area, Moore pulled up for a high boot as she looks to regain possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Harpenden’s Natalie Cloy

Harpenden attacking down the right Curtain with Amanor combining the latter taking the ball on in behind turning into the area, Barnes getting back to charge down her cross turn the ball behind for a corner. Flighted in near side George getting her head to the ball takes a deflection off a Harpenden player to see the ball land on the roof of the net.

GOAL! Winning the ball back Barnes carries the ball out of the back for Dussindale & Hellesdon before laying it on for Moore racing away down the left wing squaring her cross into the six yard box, Harris calls for the ball going down to claim it, but George has other ideas as the attacker lunging forwards stretches a long leg out to turn the ball under the keeper and into the back of the net to level the scores 1-1.

Rosie George levels the scores for Dussindale & Hellesdon

Harpenden look for a rapid response getting down the other end to win a corner kick on the right, played in close to goal, Cole under it knocking the ball out to the top of the area, half cleared to the left Jones getting back onto the ball for Harpenden sending the cross back into the area cleared by Dussindale & Hellesdon captain Calista Tink.

Amanor seeing the ball into her feet 35 yards out turning and making a strong run towards her opponents area letting fly from distance the shot racing wide of the left post. A lively contest Dussindale & Hellesdon coming back into the game well after Harpenden’s bright start. Leyer bundled over on halfway as she looks to carry the ball forwards for the hosts. Players go forwards as Tink looks to play the ball long into the area, Kacee Warren winning it with her head for Harpenden then races out to charge down Humphries before she can send the rebound back into the box.

Harpenden’s Kacee Warren

Harpenden bringing the ball on down the left wing Cloy with Shannon the cross lifted high in close towards Cole’s goal the keeper jumping up to confidently get hold of the ball. Amanor making some excellent runs into the channels looking to carry the ball in behind, the Dussindale & Hellesdon full backs busy. Dussindale & Hellesdon break from the back the ball put out to Abby Hutchin moving right her diagonal ball back inside put into Leyer’s path her touch seeing the ball swerve away from goal out to the right George closing the defender down as she looks to clear doing well to win a corner.

The delivery from the right played in near side attacked by George the header driven wide of the right post. Quick build up play from the hosts as Shipman plays the ball on for George who in turn spins the ball out to the right into the path of Hutchin whose early strike on the angle is driven wide.

GOAL! Pressing forwards Dussindale & Hellesdon win the ball outside the Harpenden area to the right of goal, Leyer with a superb strike to fire the ball in over the keeper into the back of the net to put the hosts into the lead on the half hour 2-1.

Victoria Leyer firing Dussindale & Hellesdon into the lead

A lively affair now Dussindale & Hellesdon after the ball looking to get forwards with pace put the Harpenden defence on the back foot. Leyer picking up the ball charging on towards the top of the D, Dowdall with the tackle. Amanor with another powerful run driving on towards the Dussindale & Hellesdon area, brought down by Barnes 25 yards from goal. Chloe Dinsey over the set-piece takes on the shot, fired in on target, Cole diving to her right getting her gloves onto the ball to save knocking it away to the right.

Dussindale & Hellesdon goalkeeper, Tyla Cole

Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick wide on the right, Hutchin to play the ball into the area, George up well to attack it but her header lands wide of the near post. Flowing football from both sides. Harpenden getting hold of the ball in the middle, Dinsey looking for Jones moving left, Swift sticking a leg out to intercept deflecting the ball out of her path. Bussey tracking back to defend for Dussindale & Hellesdon as Jones looks to get forwards on the left flank.

Harpenden midfielder, Melody Jones

Warren hits a great ball in over the top for Shannon bursting in behind the Dussindale & Hellesdon defence but stretching can’t quite get the ball under control to threaten the goal. Harpenden with a free kick out wide on the left swept on into the area Tink knocking the ball out of her box, falls to Curtain who attempts to knock it back inside for Cloy on the penalty spot, Tink there again however to snatch the ball away to safety.

Jess Barnes holding of Harpenden’s Jamie Curtain

Harpenden with a change late in the first half bringing off Dinsey, on comes Becky McShane. The ball pinging back and forth in the middle comes back to Warren who attempts to play an awkward ball back to her keeper, the pass short, as Harris rushes forwards, Moore nips in to get her foot on the ball knock it past the keeper, who turns to see it safely roll wide of her goal.

GOAL! Into the closing seconds of the first half, swift in possession for Dussindale & Hellesdon at the back brings the ball on before sending a brilliant ball into the right channel for Leyer to latch onto 25 yards from goal, racing into the box pulls the trigger to smash her strike low past the diving keeper into the goal beyond 3-1.

Victoria Leyer shooting to put Dussindale & Hellesdon into a 3-1 on the stroke of half-time.

Half-time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 3-1 Harpenden Town Women

A lively contest between the side at the top of the league, despite arriving late Harpenden got off the the brighter start taking the ball to Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking the flanks taking an early lead. Creating further chances before Dussindale & Hellesdon regrouped to start applying pressure the other way breaking down the left to find the equaliser the game free flowing at times a brilliant strike from Leyer putting the hosts into the lead on the half hour before Leyer was played through on goal by Ella Swift to make it 3-1 on the stroke of half-time. A useful cushion for Dussindale & Hellesdon going into the 2nd half Harpenden however carry a strong threat in attack.

No changes for the hosts at the break, Harpenden out for the 2nd half early keen to get going making two changes with Reese Ayres and Jasmine Hughes coming on for Warren and Shannon. Light already fading the floodlights partially on with Dussindale & Hellesdon getting the 2nd 45 underway. Harpenden in quickly to close the ball down looking to take the game to their opponents, Shipman getting in a timely tackle to stop Jones feeding the ball on for Amanor.

Amanor taking up a position on the left dragging the ball back under her feet before p[laying it down the left flank for Cloy the chase, Barnes going with her as the pair close in on the by-line the defender clearing the ball out for a corner kick. Flung into the six yard box, Tink up amongst bodies to win the header and clear for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

The hosts attacking down the left the ball played on for Moore her cross cut out by Dowdall. Back with Dussindale & Hellesdon on the left the cross-field ball finding Bussey to the right of the box, strikes the ball on the angle from 20 yards out Harris down to save pushing the ball out players rushing into attack the loose ball clatters down off the crossbar.

Dussindale & Hellesdon’s Rachel Bussey

Leyer taking hold of the ball on the left flank her runs causing the Harpenden midfield some issues as she tracks inside before threading the ball into the area looking for George central, caught a little flat footed can’t react in time before Harris rushing out snatches hold of the ball.

Harpenden goalkeeper, Sophie Harris

Swift does well to tackle Amanor stop her getting in behind on the left the defending seeing things open up before her deciding to have a crack at goal from range, her effort not troubling the keeper. Amanor out on the left does find a way in behind this time racing down to the by-line cutting into the box closing in on Cole’s near post the keeper positioning herself the strike powerful blasted under her striking the base of the post rebounding back into the grounded keeper, Amanor trying to get over her to turn the loose ball goal wards can only place it into the side netting.

Swift having her hands full with Amanor as Jones plays the striker in down the left the defender back on her to challenge play the ball behind for a corner kick. The delivery into the six yard box knocked on towards the far post, cleared well by the defender on the post away to the right.

Harpenden build through the middle Hughes playing the ball to Cloy who in turn sends it out to Curtain bombing down the right her cross lifted into the area, Amanor making a near post run, Cole does well to read the flight of the ball come to catch it in front of the attacker. Amanor looking to take the ball on carrying it into the box from the left twisting and turning looking for an opening can’t find one before the Dussindale & Hellesdon defender converge en masse. Shacklock putting the ball on well for Amanor left side down the wing her cross along the top of the six yard box intercepted by Tink.

Dussindale & Hellesdon making a change, George coming off, with Alisha Juby a new singing from King’s Lynn coming on to make her debut for the club going up top. Continues to be an intriguing contest, Harpenden doing there all to get back into the game Dussindale & Hellesdon working hard to keep them at bay. The visitors making another switch bringing off Curtain for Hannah Pope. Referee Steven Hemp spotting a handball Harpenden winning a free-kick 30 yards out, McShane to play the ball on into the area, attacked and cleared by Tink for Dussindale & Hellesdon.

Leyer with the ball at her feet on the move for Dussindale & Hellesdon out to the left lifting a cross into the middle for Hutchin who attempts to help it on with her head for Bussey out to her right, the flag though going up against her. Cloy coming off for Harpenden with Shannon re-entering the action. Juby on the attack down the right for Dussindale & Hellesdon, Shacklock tracking back to put in the challenge knocking the ball of Juby behind for a goal kick.

Rachel Bussey with Harpenden’s Erin Shacklock

Amanor turning on the ball central to lay it out to Pope attacking down the right channel striking the ball on the angle from 20 yards out, Cole gets down well to make the save for Dussindale & Hellesdon. The ball played long for Amanor to attack out on the left strong to get into the area closing in on goal, Barnes gets back across her to put in the challenge send the ball behind for a corner kick. Fired in near side attacked by Ayres the ball wide taking a knick of a defender on its way out. The 2nd corner put in low central into Hughes on the penalty spot squeezes her shot through the crowd towards goal but Cole is right behind it to drop low to save.

Harpenden pushing players on looking for a reply Shacklock inside to Shannon on halfway picks out Amanor breaking free left side squares her cross into the six yard box too close to the keeper, Cole down to smother the ball. Dussindale & Hellesdon soaking up a lot of pressure content to pick their moments going forwards determined to hold onto their lead. Leyer providing a good outlet going forwards with some useful runs on the ball.

A few spots of rain in the are as the floodlights take full effect the odd plane coming in to land flying low over the pitch. Amanor chasing after the ball shielding it out to win the corner on the left, another good delivery into the six yard box, Tink though the one defending for Dussindale & Hellesdon to head it clear. The hosts making another change with Bussey coming off and George coming on to support Juby in attack. Hutchin sending the ball on for Moore out on the left, Dowdall closing her down to defend for Harpenden the ball cleared up the line Humphries latching onto it shooting from all of 30 yards out her attempt put wide.

Jasmine Hughes attacking for Harpenden

Dinsey coming back on for Harpenden replacing Jones. Dussindale & Hellesdon winning a free-kick 30 yards out to the left of the Harpenden goal, Leyer fancying in puts her strike over the crossbar. Cole out off her line quickly to come and lay claim to the ball as Shannon looks to play the pass on for Amanor pulling off her marker top of the D.

GOAL! Amanor has been threatening a goal all 2nd half and switching over to the right finds a way through to set up a nervy close to the match attacking down the right the ball is played into the attackers path racing to the by-line the angle rapidly going away from her slides into the shot Cole going down to save the ball somehow squirming under her at the near post to trickle over the line beyond her 3-2.

Sophia Amanor pulling a goal back for Harpenden late in the game

Dussindale & Hellesdon do well to win a corner on the left up the other end looking to eat up valuable time make a mess of it playing a short ball back up the line as Harpenden nip in to steal the ball and counter, Humphries doing well to force the attacker wide hold her up allowing her defence to get back into shape, Pope getting inside squeezing a ball into the area, Cole with a strong call rushing out to throw herself on the ball.

Iva Hrisimova

Barnes getting in the blocking tackle to stop Amanor as she looks to turn and run with the ball. Dussindale & Hellesdon attacking on the left Moore inside for Hutchin 25 yards out her strike charged down out for a corner high up the pitch. Steady rain falling now. time ticking down Dussindale & Hellesdon looking to keep possession with a throw on the right, Hrisimova winning it back for Harpenden looks to send the ball long for Hughes her cross cut out by Tink.

One last attack for Harpenden Amanor fed in on the right into the box driving to the by-line goes down appeals, the ref in a good position waving play on, no penalty. The final whistle blowing moments later, Dussindale & Hellesdon holding on for the win the 3 points taking them back to the top of the league.

Full time Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women 3-2 Harpenden Town Women

Dussindale & Hellesdon with a strong defensive performance in the 2nd half to hold off a determined Harpenden fightback. Sophia Amanor strong on the ball creating chances eventually pulling a goal back for the visitors, not enough however as the hosts held on for the 3 points. Taking their chances in the first half to get themselves into a 3-1, Dussindale & Hellesdon played well having soaked up some early pressure before coming back into the match with several useful attacking moves. Overall an entertaining contest fought between the sides at the top of the table and the return game at Harpenden in two weeks time promises to be no less intriguing.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto the first Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Might be a new year but it’s won by a player whose collected a few of these in the past. Several performance of note to mention of course for Harpenden, Sophia Amanor was excellent in attack running down the flanks taking on the defence easy to see why she scores so many goals created numerous chances. Jamie Curtain too very good on the right getting forwards and looking to set up her teammates while Melody Jones showed a useful range of passes in the middle of the park competing for the ball. For Dussindale & Hellesdon the defence had their work cut out at time however were up to the task, Jess Barnes and Calista Tink making some useful interceptions and tackles. Goalkeeper Tyla Cole commanding her box well with some great calls and positioning. The award today though goes to Victoria Leyer, scoring two superb goals but no only that make some brilliant runs from the middle to put the Harpenden back line under pressure and bring her teammates into contention.

A highly entertaining game from the top of ERWFL Division One North to start the new year. Both sides enjoying life playing at the higher level. Have no doubt the follow up game will be just as entertaining. Will we be any closer to knowing who might win the league after that… I doubt it. First time seeing Harpenden a pleasure to see them in action. My thanks for everyone’s help with the team line ups today much appreciated. Here’s to a great 2024.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge United WFC v Worthing FC Women

Sunday 3rd December

FAWNL South East Division One

Two weeks later than originally advertised heading west into Cambridgeshire to St Neots to watch my final game of 2023, between Cambridge United WFC and Worthing FC Women in FAWNL South East Division One.

A clash between 4th and 5th in the league with Worthing FC Women moving above Cambridge United WFC winning 4-0 at home to Cambridge City Women last weekend. The two clubs enjoying a great first half to the season amongst the chasing pack looking to apply pressure to the leading pair of AFC Wimbledon Women and Norwich City Women going into the new year.

Cambridge United WFC without last season’s top scorer Sarah Wiltshire as she announced she was pregnant with her 3rd child, at the beginning of the campaign, signing off by scoring all 4 goals in Cambridge’s 1st league win of the season. That seeing the management team having to device a new strategy for the season, and so far has paid off playing midfielder Alysha Stojko-Down as a false number 9, scoring 9 goals to date to push Cambridge United WFC into a strong position in the top half of the FAWNL South East Division One table.

Ruth Fox netting 7 goals and Bella Simmons on 6, a run of 3 wins and a draw coming to an end last time out with a narrow 3-2 loss to QPR FC Women. Building a competitive squad the club backed well by Cambridge United FC itself with a number of games to take place at the Abbey Stadium itself. St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus stadium remains the clubs main home, situated in an ever growing residential area on the outskirts of the town. Winger Charlotte Gillies to most recent player to join their squad often a thorn in United’s side when playing for rival Cambridge City her pace and skill will add to the sides attacking flare.

Worthing FC Women newly promoted to the FAWNL after winning the London & South East Premier Division last season losing just one match along the way. Managed by ex-Lewes FC Women’s manager, John Donohue assisted by Kelly Newton, who is Lewes FC Women’s record appearance holder. The South Coast side the latest addition to a number of clubs sharing rapid growth in the area. Donohue recruiting a strong squad of players from, Lewes itself with FAWNL and Championship experience, such as goalkeeper Lauren Dolbear and captain Rachel Palmer along with some ex-Portsmouth FC Women players, such as Danielle Rowe, Tierney Scott and Samantha Quayle amongst others.

That has seen them hit the ground running as Worthing plays in the 4th tier for the 1st time, winning 5 of their 6 opening league games to put themselves right in contention with the leaders. A slight dip in results seeing them fall back down to 6th before a 4-0 home win over Cambridge City Women saw them leap frog Cambridge United back into 4th. Becki Bath leading the goal scoring charts so far this season netting 13 goals in 12 appearances while Samantha Quayle has 9 goals from 11 games.

St Neots Town FC’s Premier Plus Stadium the venue for today’s match, the way into the stadium seeing an ever growing residential development. The ground very much in the heart of the community the main grass pitch in good condition with plenty of green offering good width. A seated stand on one side housing the changing rooms beneath and clubhouse beside the bar open serving hot and cold drinks. A cup of tea definitely needed a bitter bite to the wind blowing, but a vast improvement on last weeks WET and miserable weather. One more game for 2023, lets go…

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Rachel Kosky, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Lauren Rouse, Abbie Jackson, Gisela Otten (C), Sammy Edgar, Zoe Wood, Ella Marden, Ruth Fox & Alysha Stojko-Down. Subs – Mayzee Seymour, Natasha Collins, Niamh Day, Serena Cobb & Bella Simmons.

Worthing FC Women

Worthing FC Women starting XI – Lauren Dolbear, Katie Young, Rachel Palmer (C), Emma Blakely, Chloe Winchester, Danielle Rowe, Tierney Scott, Chloe Humphrey, Shannon Albuery, Samantha Quayle & Becki Bath. Subs – Rebecca Bell, Niamh Anderson, Izzy Glass-Oliver, Gemma Worsfold & Katie Cooper.

The game rearranged from a fortnight ago, Cambridge ending the year nursing a few knocks with a few missing including midfielder, Fran Steele who has been a strong addition to the side since joining from Cambridge City this season. Gisela Otten captaining Cambridge, Rachel Palmer, Worthing joining the match officials in the middle to decide kick-off. Cambridge to get the 1st half underway wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. Worthing in their all blue away strip lined up opposite. The ball rolled back for the midfield to play a ball out to the left with the advancing Ruth Fox the target, Katie Young instead intercepting at the back for Worthing knocked on into the middle for Danielle Rowe lays the diagonal pass out to the right for Chloe Humphrey pushing on, Lauren Rouse across to close her down the ball out for the throw in.

Worthing FC Women’s defender, Katie Young

The throw dropped short laid back up the line for Rachel Palmer to send a deep cross in towards the top of the area, Sammy Edgar under it to head clear for Cambridge. The hosts looking to break on the left the ball played on for Fox to attack, Young though is quickly across o kick clear for Worthing.

GOAL! Cambridge win the ball on the right Rachel Kosky getting on up the wing to support Ella Marden the ball crossed into the six yard box, Young getting head head on it to intercept for Worthing, knocks it back out to the right of goal, falls straight to Alysha Stojko-Down and she lashes the ball back in across the face of goal to open the scoring inside the opening two minutes 1-0.

Alysha Stojko-Down firing Cambridge into the lead with her 10th goal of the season

Worthing push players on from the restart looking to recover quickly from their early set back Tierney Scott linking up with Rowe the ball on for Shannon Albuery making a run into the box right side, Rouse getting in the challenge to take the ball away to the touchline. Zoe Wood with quick footwork taking the ball on left for Cambridge knocking it on for Fox chasing in behind taking the ball on to the by-line her cross low to the near post, adjudged to have gone behind before goalkeeper, Lauren Dolbear gets down to it.

Cambridge with a bright start to the game lively on the flanks lose the ball on the left Worthing finding Quayle out on the wing knocks it into Albuery running into the area on the left, evading a couple of defensive challenges before squeezing a shot away on the angle, lacks the power to trouble Cambridge goalkeeper Lauren Webb as she has her angles covered getting down to claim the ball.

Wood causing Worthing a few issues early on is brought down by Quayle the hosts awarded a free-kick. Moments later Scott fouls Cheal-Ferris as the pair tussle for possession. Proving to be a competitive tie between two sides closely placed in the top half of the table. Wood skipping free on the left with a diagonal ball long into the area looking for Stojko-Down, Dolbear can safely come out to lay claim to it. Kosky powering forwards on the right for Cambridge, Emma Blakely coming across to tackle for Worthing halting her run in the corner.

Worthing’s Emma Blakely

Abbie Jackson with the tackle for Cambridge inside the D, as Albuery seeing the ball into her feet looks to turn into the box. Young on the ball at the back for Worthing time to look up pick her pass sends a dangerous diagonal ball forwards with Humphrey making a run into the area, Kosky tracking back with her the pair tangling, going down, the referee pointing to the spot Penalty! The Cambridge bench furious with the decision. An opportunity for Worthing to level things up from the spot. Bath to take the spot kick, strikes the ball to the left of goal, Webb diving the right way to make a fantastic save her right arm outstretched to push the ball wide of goal behind for a corner kick.

Lauren Webb saving Becki Bath’s penalty.

Lauren Webb

Lifted in high from the left a Cambridge head gets a touch near side but can only help it on into the middle, falls for Blakely, stabs the ball goal wards is trapped between her feet by Jackson in the six yard box before scrambling the ball clear of danger.

Cambridge’s Abbie Jackson

Worthing look to build through the middle Rowe on for Albuery, Humphrey entering the area likely to be flagged offside if the ball found it’s way through to her but the Cambridge centre backs close the door on Albuery the ball cleared. Rouse coming across on two occasions to stop Worthing on the left as they threaten to get in behind. Scott lining up a strike from distance, the Worthing midfielders shot not troubling Webb.

Worthing’s Tierney Scott

Lively in the middle, both sides working hard to close down the ball, Worthing pressing forwards as Cambridge drop off at time to defend their area. Albuery linking up with Zoe Winchester going left, Rouse tackling, Cambridge countering right side Kosky them Marden inside for Stojko-Down 25 yards out looks to play the ball across the top of the D for Fox, can’t quite turn into the shot but keeps the attack alive pushing for the area, Blakely closing her down for Worthing.

Cambridge not happy with the earlier penalty decision only further aggravated as they question other decisions. Wood winning a corner for the hosts on the right Worthing clearing their lines attack through the middle, the ball fired forwards into the area, Rouse not getting hold of it evades her as Bath steals in beyond her, striking the ball, Webb moving forwards to close the angle making the blocking save at close range.

Fox high on the left breaking the ball down well off her chest knocking the ball into the area, Blakely in to block as she shapes to shoot the ball deflected clear. Emotions rising the referee stopping play to have a word with Cambridge manager Darren Marjoram, settling things down… for now. Wood and Fox liking up well on the left the former lifting a long diagonal ball forwards for Marden to attack on the right, Dolbear alert to the danger out to the edge of her area to drop onto the ball.

Worthing have the ball in the back of the net in the 26th minute as Scott free at the back post taps in Quayle’s pass to her from the left as Winchester and Albuery combine top of the area, however it won’t count as the Worthing attack breaking forwards with pace is flagged offside. Cambridge putting themselves under pressure dropping off allowing Worthing to come at them.

Worthing midfielder, Zoe Winchester

Scott shifting the ball well between her feet sending the ball on into the left channel for Quayle, looking to get into the area, Kosky tracking back to tackle the ball deflected back across the D, Albuery rushing in looking to latch onto it, Otten diving in for Cambridge, just about getting to take the ball out of her path.

No advantage, play brought back as Wood is pulled back for Cambridge out on the left inside the Worthing half, players forwards as Cheal-Ferris sends the set-piece angling into the far post attacked, Worthing defending the ball cleared, won back 30 yards out the shot taken struck wide, over the bar (and by bar I mean the stand behind the goal). A pause in play with Dolbear down in the Worthing goal, a chance for the coaches to get instructions to their players.

Scott evading a tackle on the right getting forwards opening up her body attempting to thread a pass into the area for bath to run onto, too close to Webb however the keeper getting her gloves wrapped around the ball. Albuery turning on the ball in the middle sending a clipped pass out to Humphrey wide on the left, Marden tracking back for Cambridge putting in the tackle to clear the threat. Worthing though pushing players on force Cambridge back, Palmer sweeping a deep cross into the area, Fox heading clear for Cambridge.

Worthing winning a free-kick central 25 yards out, Young running in to strike the ball smashes it into Cambridge’s wall. Cambridge attacking on the left Wood laying the ball back for Cheal-Ferris to hit long up towards Fox moving into the area, Blakely instead under it to hook clear for Worthing.

Dolbear miscuing her goal kick putting the ball straight at Fox inside the box to the left of goal looking to control with her head get the ball down to strike, is closed down quickly by the Worthing defence. Moving into the final 5 minutes of the 1st half, pressing Cambridge back Edgar sends the ball back into her keeper coming at Webb with pace the keeper looking to try and adjusted her feet screws her clearances straight into the path of Bath charging in through the middle, the shot though fired straight back into the keeper, Webb falling back grateful to get the ball into her body.

Worthing’s Becki Bath

Cambridge’s turn to appeal for a penalty as the ball is rolled in towards Fox inside the box from the right, a heavy challenge but well timed I think the appeals waved away. Cambridge getting a free-kick inside the Worthing half out to the left Cheal-Ferris over it again flighting a ball into the area headed clear, Edgar tackling stopping the visitors from breaking away keeping the pressure on around the area Kosky pushing on to the by-line on the right is closed down by Blakely preventing her from getting a cross into the box.

Ruth Fox

Winchester out to Albuery moving to left her strike on the angle to the near post saved well by Webb with Quayle bursting forwards looking to attack. Worthing to the attack Rowe to Quayle on for Humphrey left side keeping the ball in play on the by-line laid back to Bath left of the D, her low strike in towards goal blocked by Jackson for Cambridge.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris beating Worthing’s Tierney Scott to the ball

Into stoppage time, Cheal-Ferris and Scott continue to enjoy a lively contest as they look to win the ball the former fouled, the free-kick taken quickly Worthing quick to win it back forwards for Scott on the right lifts a diagonal ball towards the area looking to cut a hole in the Cambridge defence, Jackson coming across, throwing up a leg catching the ball with her heel a vital touch as she deflects the ball away from the advancing Bath into the arms of her keeper.

Stojko-Down bundled over as she looks to bring the ball on through the middle for Cambridge halfway inside the Worthing half. Jackson over it, sends a teasing strike in towards goal bouncing narrowly wide of Dolbear’s right post. Young forwards for Worthing on the right inside for Bath central lays it into Quayle right of the D, Cheal-Ferris close in, Quayle goes down, Cambridge not pleased with the decision a free-kick to Worthing 25 yards out in a dangerous position, Palmer across to take it curls her attempt straight against the wall. Wood looking to break clear on the left for Cambridge, Blakely out well to close her down for Worthing.

Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Worthing FC Women

Cambridge with the early goal go into the break leading 1-0 at half-time have worked hard for their lead. Defending at the back, dropping off at times inviting pressure. Worthing have gotten forwards well moving the ball across the pitch winning a penalty, seeing the chance to level the scores saved whilst the offside flag has denied them another opportunity. The interval a chance to put a few thing’s right a competitive tie between the sides placed 4th and 5th in the league, set up nicely for the first half.

No changes for either side at the break, the light beginning to fade the floodlights coming on. Worthing to get the 2nd half underway. The ball put out wide, Wood moves in quickly to close it down for Cambridge, the visitors move in to regain possession get on the attack pressing up the left winning a throw high, knocked onto into the Cambridge area, cleared by Rouse. Worthing showing attacking intent at the start of the 2nd period winning a corner on the left, swept in low to the near post defended knocked on across the six yard box cleared by Kosky at the far post.

Worthing looking to impose themselves on the ball, Albuery getting about the park to win the ball. Another corner won on the left, rolled in shot played back to the taker the ball crossed in towards the far post Kosky defending for Cambridge before the shot is struck over on the angle to the right of the box.

Worthing on the charge through the middle Rowe on for Humphrey inside the area, Quayle ahead of her looking to tee her up, Jackson comes in to close her down in the nick of time to clear the ball away from a throw on the left. Worthing making a strong start to the 2nd half keeping Cambridge penned inside their final 3rd winning another corner on the left whipped in across goal the ball cannoning down into the six yard box off the far post before Cambridge’s defence scrambles it away.

Worthing’s Chloe Humphrey

Under the cosh in the opening exchanges little opportunity to break for Cambridge, Wood though with a fantastic flick on from a throw on the right sending Marden on give chase to the ball, ahead of Blakely, can’t quite get there before Dolbear comes rushing towards her to clear the ball.

Cambridge under pressure needing to dig deep. Humphrey attempting to get onto the end of a cross field pass from the right as she attacks on the left, Rouse needing to come out to challenge conceding a corner. Kosky adjudged to have fouled Humphrey on the wing, looked more like a tangle of legs as the pair crossed paths, nevertheless the decision goes Worthing’s way.

Cambridge feeling aggrieved with the decisions, as Worthing continue to press the ball, Winchester latching onto Rouse’s clearance 30 yards out, her 1st time strike angling wide past the left post. Fox clattered into out on the left the free-kick swept into the area cleared by Worthing’s Young. Another decision causing consternation amongst the Cambridge ranks as Wood is penalised for a foul on Humphrey. That leads to the ball being played up the line passed inside to Albuery pushing inside appears to be sent tumbling, the set-piece awarded again Cambridge livid at the decision…

Shannon Albuery winning Worthing a free-kick in the 61st minute.

GOAL! The free-kick outside the area to the left of the box everyone back for Cambridge to defend, Worthing lining up at the far post ready to attack the ball is put right on the money players running in met by a blue shirt headed home across goal to put Worthing back on level terms, Albuery the player on the mark 1-1.

Shannon Albuery fires home Worthing’s equaliser

Cambridge incensed by the decision to award the free-kick in the first place are further penalised, Edgar furious talking herself into trouble shown the yellow card by the referee and sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Cambridge down to 10 just as they look to make a change bringing on Simmons to replace Marden. Worthing though on a high looking to push home the advantage as Cambridge look to adjust personal to cover their missing players.

GOAL! And take advantage they do closing the ball down in the middle, the through ball cutting open the defence to see Quayle break in behind to the left of goal closing down the six yard box, strikes her shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner to fire Worthing into the lead 1-2!

Samantha Quayle puts Worthing into the lead

A big spell for Cambridge the game going against them need to rally unhappy with the referee as another foul is given against them as Quayle is fouled. Worthing on top pushing on Rowe out to the right the cross lifted in near posted defended by Kosky, drops to Quayle on the angle sends her attempt at goal over. Bath running onto the ball in the middle with a wild strike on the ball, in towards goal easy for Webb.

Scott 25 yards out to the right corner of the Cambridge box hesitates as she brings the ball down expecting like Cambridge to be pulled up for a hand ball, when the decision doesn’t come however she turns to take a shot sending her effort up over the crossbar. Worthing with a strong performance in the 2nd half, Cambridge having to battle hard at the back to keep them at bay struggling to make anything stick up top. Wood looking to get hold of the ball make things happen for the hosts but is quickly closed down.

Edgar back on for Cambridge as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Worthing making a change bringing on Rebecca Bell in place of Scott. Worthing with a set-piece Rowe to curl the ball into the area, Rouse heading it clear for Cambridge. Wood strong on the ball coming right is sent tumbling the advantage played however as she finds Simmons clear to the right, Kosky breaking past her on the overlap to cross the ball into the box, Blakely getting her head on the ball to clear the threat for Worthing.

Zoe Wood bringing the ball on for Cambridge

Another switch for Worthing with Gemma Worsfold coming on Quayle. Worthing on the attack on the left a low cross flashing into the six yard box, Bath attacking the ball far post crashed down off the crossbar the ball then scrambled clear by the Cambridge defence. Worthing looking to put the game to bed the ball with Bath 30 yards out has time to line up a shot strikes the ball wide of the right post as Webb throws herself across her goal.

Cambridge making a change bringing on Serena Cobb for Otten in the 85th minute, Worthing replacing Bath with Katie Cooper. Wood is brought down wide on the right inside the Worthing half. Jackson to swing the ball into the area, Worthing with a solid defensive line clearing the top of their area. Cambridge attack down the left Cheal-Ferris forwards for Wood turns into the area left corner appears to be sent tumbling but to Cambridge’s disbelief she is the player penalised Worthing awarded the free-kick… outside the area.

Worthing come strong on the right a cross whipped in near post, Webb doing well under challenge to get hold of the ball. Cambridge with a free-kick out to the right. The ball lifted into the area knocked down into the ground, Blakely getting it clear for a throw for Worthing. Into stoppage time Worthing with a change slowing Cambridge down as they try and push for a late equaliser, Humphrey coming off, Niamh Anderson coming on. Worthing getting everyone back behind the ball to see out the closing moments of the match keep Cambridge at bay and celebrate as they come back from a goal down to win 2-1 in the 2nd half and claim the 3 points seeing them end 2023 in 3rd spot.

Full time Cambridge United WFC 1-2 Worthing FC Women

A strong 2nd half performance from Worthing making adjustments at the break to come out looking to impose themselves on the game right from the start put Cambridge on the back foot. Taking the lead and then with Cambridge reeling from the first goal striking fast to add a 2nd take the lead and press for a 3rd goal. Closing the ball down in their opponents half making the counter attack hard in turn allowing players to keep high to outnumber the midfield. Cambridge will no doubt feel hard done by, by some questionable decisions that ultimately cost them, but worked hard throughout and were good value for their 1st half lead, competing with Worthing. Under the cosh at the start of the 2nd half couldn’t get the ball to stick up top inviting pressure.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football east – Player of the Match, had someone in mind leaving the stadium and although a few contenders have put themselves into contention in the notes will stick with that call. Several performances of note however in what was a highly competitive game. Firstly for Cambridge, Lauren Rouse and Abbie Jackson were strong in the middle of the Cambridge defence making a number of vital tackles and interceptions. Zoe Wood was looking to get the ball down and make thing’s happen constantly throughout the match. For Worthing, Emma Blakely had a strong game at the back getting across to close the ball down and win it inside her box. Tierney Scott was lively out on the flanks winning the ball and looking to play it forwards, Danielle Rowe with a controlled performance in the middle, good control shifting play across the pitch. Samantha Quayle bursting forwards finding some great positions to attack scoring the winner. The award though goes to Shannon Albuery, covered a huge amount of ground getting across the pitch to get hold of the ball with some fantastic link up play, a constant threat to the Cambridge defence.

My final game of 2023 complete as entertaining as any watched highly competitive between two sides enjoying a strong season in FAWNL South East Division One. My first time seeing Worthing in action (although I know of most of their players having seen several in action for their previous clubs) a strong side that will be a threat to everyone in the league in 2024. A hard one for Cambridge to take will feel hard done by by the decisions but should use it as fuel to drive them on in 2024 remain well placed to push the side above them. My thanks to both for their help with the team details as always much appreciated… time for a rest over the festive period. Merry Christmas and enjoy the celebrations with friends and family.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Manea Sirens LFC v Deeping United Ladies

Sunday 10th December

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three

The featured football action on Women’s Football East comes from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division Three, a trip to Manea to watch Manea Siren LFC play Deeping United Ladies.

Women’s football in Cambridgeshire going strong with 32 sides currently competing across 3 divisions. A strong 10 team Premiership with 12 in Division 2 and 10 in Division Three, the sides in the lower divisions no longer split into a North and South section but playing across the whole county and beyond. Reaching the end of 2023 the league challengers emerging to press top spot.

Manea situated in the heart of the Cambridgeshire fens to the north east of the county between March and Chatteris (both with strong women’s football teams themselves along with Park Ladies in Wimblington) the Division Three side improving year on year since joining the league 3 season’s ago. Their debut season tough finishing bottom of the pile with just a single point on the board. Warren Fenwick coming in as part of the new coaching team to take Manea forwards into the new season saw a vast improvement in performances and results finishing 7th with a positive outlook to take into this season.

Have seen an influx of players too, with a fair bit of playing experience amongst them with talk of a Development team in the future. Playing 6 league matches so far has been a mixed set of results with 3 wins and 3 losses the later against the top three sides, currently 5th in the table with a belief that the club can challenge for a top 4 finish if not better. A strong run in the county cup to date beating two sides a league higher in the previous rounds including a good 1-0 win against high flying Waterbeach Colts WFC, will play Cambridge United WFC’s new U18s side in the new year in the next round. Kyra Portugal is an attacker with a vast amount of experience playing in the Cambridgeshire leagues and is leading the goal scoring charts this time around netting 7 goals to date. A win today will lift Manea u to 4th.

Has been a couple of season’s now since I last saw Deeping United Ladies play, and that just half a match with the game abandoned at half-time due to an unfortunate injury to Deeping’s Ellie Barnes-Brown. The most northly of the clubs represented by Women’s Football East, situated in South Lincolnshire the club has seen a lot of changes in both coaching and playing personnel since the last time I saw them play with just 4 players remaining from the game I watched back in 2021. One of those, Katie Clarke now manging the side.

Has been a tough start to the new season despite and opening day win, Deeping have been on the wrong end of some heavy defeats a torrid run of 4 straight loses ending with a much needed 7-1 away win against league new comers Mepal and Sutton Rangers, to lift the side up into 7th a close 2-1 lose to league leaders South Lincolnshire Swifts last time out, have a squad with a good blend of experience and youth having seen a number of their U16s step up into the women’s side. Evie Porch and Lauren Wyer top scorers netting 3 goals each. A positive result today will see Deeping push right up on the sides in the top half of the table.

Manea Sirens LFC play their home games at the SM Guy Playing Fields in Manea. However with heavy rain falling the day before and more arriving before kick-off, making the grass pitch unplayable the gathered teams inside the pavilion waiting for the referee’s approval had booked a 3G pitch in case the pitch became unplayable at the nearby Chatteris Leisure Centre. A short trip to Chatteris, the rain falling steadily was going to be a wet start to the match at least with the waterproofs on and the not so easy juggling act between trying to wield and umbrella, notepad and camera. The 3G pitch behind the leisure centre a valuable asset and one the FA is keen to see more of available to the women’s game. Open to the elements with a low fence all round enabling a good view, the players out for a short warm-up before the match got underway with the light already gloomy from the heavy cloud. Nevertheless we had a game on…

Manea Sirens LFC

Manea Sirens LFC starting XI – Tiff Miller, Courtney Wales, Chloe (Ginge) Brown, Chloe Cook, Adele McKew, Charlotte Day (C), Christine Heslop, Lindsay Gardiner, Erin Rimmer, Stacey Graham & Kyra Portugal. Subs – Dannii Green, Tabitha Willis, Beth Skeggs, Lauren Barnes & Ella Nutter.

Deeping United Ladies

Deeping United Ladies starting XI – Vicki France, Hayley Baldock, Caitlin Walker (C), Rachel Dudley, Niamh Wray, Lorna Hall, Annie Spriggs, Melissa Guest, Caitlin Burke, Grace Wilson & Lauren Wyer. Subs – Nicole Pearce, Lucy Lyon & Maddie Hill.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

It’s Manea to kick-off the 1st half wearing teals colours shirts with navy blue and white on the sleeves and shoulders, navy blue shorts and socks. Deeping lined up opposite wearing navy blue shirts with red trim on the shoulders, grey coloured shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into Chloe Cook in defence, played back into the middle, Deeping’s Annie Spriggs moving in fast to close the ball down send the cross field ball out to the right the ball played down the right lifted into the area for Grace Wilson to attack, Manea goalkeeper Tiff Miller gathering the ball into her body.

The inclement weather along the late change of venue seeing an unsettled start to the game the passes rushed the ball slick on the wet surface. Courtney Wales taking the ball forwards on the right for Manea fed inside for Christine Heslop making a central run, is tackled by Deeping’s Rachel Dudley outside the D. Deeping winning the ball at the back playing it quickly into Spriggs in the middle spots Wilson pulling into space in the left channel, the pass lifted into her path she strikes the ball from outside the area firing it straight at Miller who makes a comfortable save.

Manea’s Courtney Wales

Spriggs finding room in the middle for Deeping having options going forwards with players bombing down the flanks goes to the right, the shot on the angle collected by Miller down low at her near post. Deeping making an early switch bringing off Niamh Wray, Lucy Lyon coming on.

GOAL! No sooner have Deeping made the change then, Manea score building through the middle players pushing up around the box, captain Charlotte Day carrying the ball forwards playing it out to Lindsey Gardiner left of the D, to strike a low shot in past the advancing keeper to find the back of the net 1-0.

Lindsay Gardiner opens the scoring for Manea Sirens LFC

Deeping look to get the ball out to Wilson pulling off to the left, looking to take the ball on, Wales moves in to close her down regains possession for the hosts. Day playing the ball forwards onto Kyra Portugal 25 yards out to the left of the box, her shot from range racing past the near post. Deeping keeper, Vicki France the busier early on called into action to make a smart save with her feet as Portugal drives in another shot from outside the box.

Lorna Hall winning the ball in the middle of the park for Deeping linking up with Spriggs the ball put out to the right, Guest putting it inside for Lauren Wyer up top, Adele McKew at the back for Manea closing her down inside the D to win the ball back. The notepad pages are pretty dog eared by the wet weather, not the greatest weather for watching a football game still the players are getting on with thing’s the ball being moved about quickly, Deeping looking to get down the wings, Chloe brown defending at left back for Manea the ball cleared up the line for Gardiner to attack for the hosts, Deeping captain Caitlin Walker coming out to challenge for the ball, into Spriggs gets the ball forwards quickly for the attackers to chase down, McKew clearing for Manea.

Deeping United ladies midfielder, Annie Spriggs

GOAL! Deeping breaking up a Manea attack get down the other end quickly to equalise, Dudley with the ball forwards into the path of Wyer as she breaks clear through the middle to burst into the area and send the ball past Miller before she can get down to stop it 1-1.

Lauren Wyer breaking forwards to equalise for Deeping

Manea win the ball in the middle, Heslop on for Day taking the ball wide into space on the right before squaring a cross into the penalty spot, Walker intercepting it for the visitors, France out to the right of her goal to prevent the ball running behind for a corner. A lively game Deeping getting hold of the ball prepared to break forwards working well to unsettle Manea making for an open game neither side keeping the ball for long. Guest winning the ball on the right for Deeping pushing on into the box, Miller advancing to close down the angle clear the ball.

Stacey Graham seeing the ball rolled into her path as she makes a move into the right channel drives on into the area chasing down the angle at the near post, shoots, France on her post, it’s Dudley tracking back who runs across her putting in the block. Brown forwards to the right for Manea picks out Rimmer wide on the right, her cross lifted into the six yard box claimed well by France, however play is halted by the offside flag. Deeping’s youngster’s getting about the pitch looking to link up up top, Wyer, on for Guest on the right driving on with the ball, Brown tackling to see the ball out for a throw.

GOAL! Deeping with players up around the Manea box for the throw pressing the defence Hall sliding a pacy ball along the top of the area into Lyon positioned right of the D, puts her foot through the ball the pace on the ball enough to evade Miller as she drops down to save, the ball squirming under her body to roll on into the back of the net to see Deeping take the lead 1-2.

20 minutes played the match action a welcome distraction from the weather, trying to keep the umbrella under control, while trying to keep both the notepad and camera dry (ish) is. Manea stung from conceding get straight on the attack from the restart Day picking out Rimmer breaking away on the right turning into the area, France rushing out to close her down, making the blocking save as Rimmer goes to shoot the ball rebounding behind for a corner kick. Goes long through the six yard box, Gardiner putting it back into the mix, Deeping scramble into their tackles eventually seeing the ball run out for a goal kick.

GOAL! It’s an error from the resulting goal kick that leads to Deeping conceding an unfortunate equaliser, France’s loose kick going straight to Portugal’s feet as she stands right of the D, doesn’t miss the opportunity quickly sorting out her feet to send the ball back across the keeper to find the bottom corner 2-2.

Kyra Portugal intercepting the goal kick to fire Manea back onto level terms

Day making some strong runs through the middle for Manea the ball played into her from Gardiner on the left is through into the box, France out to slide in and save isn’t to know the flag is up against her, a very close call. Manea looking to up their game Day linking up with Heslop, Portugal pulling out to the left seeing the ball into her feet, striking an angled ball in towards goal from all of 25 yards out France seeing it safely bounce wide of her far post.

GOAL! Having gotten themselves quickly back on level terms Manea hit Deeping on the counter attack to retake the lead the ball won at the back carried forwards before being launched on for Graham up top right of the D, 25 yards out to press on towards the area before clipping it into the area for Portugal left of goal to strike over the keeper to score her 2nd goal of the game 3-2.

Two goals in quick succession for Manea’s Kyra Portugal

Manea back in front rallying themselves looking for a strong finish to the first half, Spriggs with other ideas as she steals the ball in the middle lifts it on for Wyer up top, Cook getting across her shielding the ball well back to her keeper to collect inside the box. Cook then on a free-kick for Manea launched up into the area helped on for Portugal left of goal her snatched shot put straight into the keeper.

Spriggs coming off for Deeping with Wilson returning to the action having come off for a brief respite earlier. Wilson straight into the action breaking up a Manea attack on the left as Heslop picks out Gardiner on the left. Day with a good first touch getting Manea going forwards making some useful runs, picking out Rimmer on the right, Dudley coming across to defend winning her challenge for Deeping. A corner conceded is a teasing ball lifted in over the keeper at the near post, no one there to attack it as it drops at the far post. Manea with a change bringing , Rimmer off sending Lauren Barnes on.

Hall opening up her body to lay the ball into Lyon out on the left she threads the ball forwards into Wilson up top, Cook tackling for Manea outside the area to clear the danger. Spriggs returning to the field for Deeping, replacing Hall in the middle. A good call from France as the keeper is quickly out of her area to clear the threat as Graham is put clear through the middle for the hosts.

Walker in to regain possession at the back for Deeping setting up a rapid counter the ball helped on through the middle put into Wilson’s path as she peels into the left channel getting a half yard on her marker to knock the ball on into the area her touch just a little too heavy giving Miller the opportunity to get down to lay claim to the ball. Wales powering forwards on the right lays the ball on for Barnes ahead of her, the early cross low into the area cut out by Walker tracking back, deflected on France unable to put her gloves on the ball does well to kick the ball clear under pressure from Graham.

Deeping’s Rachel Dudley with Manea’s Erin Rimmer

Is a lively game end to end Wales bringing the ball on on the right for Manea threading it into Portugal 25 yards out to the left of the D, looks to pick out her fellow attacker Graham to her right placing the ball into her feet as she breaks in behind the Deeping defence into the box, the flag going up just as she rifles the ball across the keeper into the back of the net, not sure about that one very tight.

Miller out quickly to slide in lay claim to the ball top of her area as Deeping break up play on the right look to thread the ball inside to Wyer making a run forwards right of the D. Dudley moving out to the right to defend against Barnes as she is played in on the wing for Manea the ball out for a throw level with the area dropped into Portugal who turns to lift a cross into the area cut out by Dudley, Manea press sending a cross through to the left of the area where a strike from 20 yards out is fired wide right on the stroke of half-time.

Half-time Manea Sirens LFC 3-2 Deeping United Ladies

A lively first half played in terrible conditions the rain finally starting to ease towards the end of the first half. The game often end to end, Deeping working hard to win the ball, doing a god job unsettling Manea putting the ball out wide. Manea in response getting joy playing through the middle, Day in particular with some good runs. The hosts getting the early lead failed to build on it as Deeping fought back to level the scores then take the lead themselves. An error leading to Manea quickly restoring parity then they themselves were quick to retake the lead. The game remaining open however neither side with a dominant spell, the weather settling down will see if thing’s change 2nd half.

Deeping staying out on the field a quick turn around the 3G without floodlights and the risk of losing the light on an already gloomy day. Manea back into the changing rooms to warm up. Myself too made a flask of coffee (I drink too much coffee) expecting the be soaked through by now pleased the rain has eased at last. Difficult to keep up with the changes with roll on roll off substitutes as Manea return, Deeping ready to get things underway for the 2nd period.

Deeping’s Melissa Guest battling for possession with Manea’s Christine Heslop

Portugal tackling Niamh Wray to win her side a throw on the left, knocked inside, Walker tackling to win the ball for Deeping lifting it on into the middle the ball fed on for Wyer bursting through the middle into the area strikes the shot goal wards waist high, Miller back peddling towards her goal seeing the ball fired straight at her throws her gloves up to save , the ball almost squirming loose as she falls back, but adjusts well to get a strong grip on the ball.

Day spreading the ass out to Gardiner in space on the left for Manea, threads it into the feet of Portugal tracking into the area left of the D, powering forwards closing in on the six yard box strikes the shot hard, France closing the angle making the blocking save. Manea looking to press the attack at the start of the 2nd half, Heslop with day in the middle, Gardiner ahead of them laying the ball out to Graham surging into the right channel, France reacts well, out of her six yard box quickly got slide in and lay claim to the ball before the striker can pounce.

Deeping goalkeeper, Vicki France

Spriggs with a good pass in her arsenal looking to make thing’s happen in attack for Deeping as she threads a great ball through to Wyer up top 25 yards out, is however caught a little flat footed, giving Cook the vital head start to get back onto the ball and put it away to safety. Walker making several vital tackles and interceptions at the back for Deeping as Manea look to up their game push players on in attack, France comes out to clear well again for the visitors as a deflected ball threatens to fall to Gardiner free to the left of the D.

For all their pressing Manea risk getting hit on the counter by Deeping’s young attackers as they race on into space, Wyer on the angle right of goal firing a shot in, held well by Miller.

GOAL! Deeping winning a free kick out wide on the left inside the Manea half, Spriggs over it as players line up around the box, the delivery put in to the near post area causing chaos with Guest capitalising to stooping to attack the ball knocking it straight at the keeper, Miller throwing her gloves up unable to get enough on the ball as it evades her to deflect on into the goal beyond, Deeping equalise 3-3.

Melissa Guest knocking the ball goal wards to score for Deeping

Deeping back on level terms 14 minutes into the 2nd half, Manea push forwards on their right Wales breaking on laying the ball on for Graham taking it all the way to the by-line before squeezing a shot in wide across the face of the Deeping goal. Graham racing forwards giving chase to a ball threaded on into the box from midfield to the right of goal. France alert to the danger all game out quickly to slice in and get hold of the ball at the strikers feet.

Baldock does well at the back for Deeping with the defence stretched to get across to press Graham as she drives on into the right channel sees her shot put straight into the keepers gloves. The management team trying to get Manea to calm down attacks are fast paced not giving time for others to get forwards in support. Pushing up on the right Manea win a set piece out wide players come up from the back.

GOAL! Deeping over commit on the right as they look to try and defend the ball leaving Manea with players free inside the box as the cross is driven in with pace towards the penalty spot McKew getting hold of the ball in front of the keeper to send it wide of her into the back of the net to put Manea back into the lead 4-3.

Adele McKew celebrates as she puts Manea back into the lead (apologies for the out of focus teammate)

Changes for Manea with Ella Nutter coming on for Graham, Rimmer back on for Gardiner to the left of attack. Wilson back on the pitch for Deeping.

GOAL! Managers love it when a sub makes an immediate impact and Nutter certainly does that for Manea as they press forwards on the right, the cross lifted in across the D 20 yards out, falls to Nutter who catches it sweetly with her left foot to score a blinder, the ball clipped up to loop high over the stranded keeper and drop under the crossbar into the back of the net 5-3.

Substitute Ella Nutter with a superb strike to put Manea 5-3 up

Manea getting themselves a 2 goal cushion in a topsy turvy game with 20 minutes played in the 2nd half. Manea with their tails up looking to press the advantage Rimmer out wide left free picked out with the pass to power her way into the area bearing down on goal looks to send her shot across the keeper in off the far post, France making a brilliant save getting a vital glove on the ball to deflect it beyond the post for a corner kick. The corner an in swinger to the near post, France is well positioned to call and claim the ball high.

Manea starting to assert themselves on the game, the 2 goal lead giving them confidence to push on, Barnes out wide right sweeping a low cross into the six yard box, claimed by France. Rimmer free on the left advancing forwards for Manea squaring a ball into the near post for the advancing Nutter, Walker in close attention defending well for Deeping. The visitors with a change, bringing Baldock off sending Lyon back on.

Manea pushing forwards the cross from the right finding Day rushing in to attack the far post her low strike saved by France as she dives the ball squeezing under her away for a corner kick. Tabitha Willis coming on for Manea in place of Heslop. Manea looking strong Portugal to the right 25 yards out putting the ball across the area to Rimmer inside the box fires her cross in to Nutter central, Walker closing in to tackle well for Deeping.

Manea captain, Charlotte Day

Portugal firing over from six yards out at the far post as the cross is whipped into the area off a throw from the right. Deeping still looking to hit Manea on the counter feed the ball on for Guest running clear into space on the right fires a pacy ball into the box, comes onto Lyon making a central run quickly trying to hit it first time screws her shot wide past the far post.

Deeping ringing the changes with Pearce, Niamh Wray and Lyon off, Baldock, Wyer and Hall back into the action for the final 14 minutes. Cook coming off at the back for Manea, Dannii Green comes on. Day from 25 yards out slicing her first time shot wide as the cross is fired into her from deep on the left. Green coming across to clear the ball as Deeping lift it forwards into the area. Deeping pressing the throw high on the left, Guest crossing for Wyer at the near post, Green there to block for Manea.

Deeping’s subs bringing renewed energy onto the field pushing on up the right Guest combines with Hall before a cross is fired into the box, can’t quite find Wyer at the near post. McKew out to defend as Guest is played in up the right for Deeping. Portugal taking the ball inside from the right corner of the area slips as she goes to shoot. Manea looking to keep the ball alive, Lyon cutting the pass of right for Deeping.

Portugal coming off soon after with Graham sent back on in attack as the game moves into the final 3 minutes. Rimmer latching onto the ball left of the D, twists and turns on the ball as she looks to make her way towards goal, Walker getting back at her to put the ball out for a corner kick. The corner defended at the near post by France the keeper conceding a 2nd corner kick. Manea press players up into the area as the ball is flashed in near post deflects across goal loose inside the six yard box everyone rushing at it, Deeping’s defence scrambling it clear before anyone from Manea can get a stab at it.

Full time Manea Sirens LFC 5-3 Deeping United Ladies

The final whistle blows the light fading fast as the teams shake hands Manea clinching a 5-3 win to claim the 3 points to lift them up a place into fourth, there last action of 2023. End on a high with plenty to look forwards too in 2024. Falling behind in the first half after taking an early lead responded well to come back to not only level by retake the lead going into the break. Started the 2nd half on the front foot looking to extend their lead but Deeping’s defence and goalkeeper battled well, the visitors coming back to level make it 3-3 before Manea found the extra burst pushing players on to get back in front and then get that vital goal cushion to take the game beyond Deeping who were never out of the game applying good press in the first half fought hard can take plenty from the game with a home game against Ely City Women to finish their year next weekend.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A lively match played at a pacy tempo despite the awful condition’s especially in the first half had a clear winner in mind leaving the ground and the soggy notes have only confirmed that. Several performances of note to mention, firstly for Deeping United Ladies, captain Caitlin Walker making several vital tackles at the back as Manea sought to burst forwards through the middle. Goalkeeper, Vicki France reading the game well ahead of her getting out to ball well making some good saves. Annie Spriggs in midfield with a good range of passes finding space to get Deeping going forwards. For Manea, Lindsay Gardiner and Erin Rimmer got forwards well out on the flanks as the midfield sought to break through the middle. Kyra Portugal pulling into the channels finding some good positions for herself to shoot and bring others into the game scoring twice. The award today though goes to their captain Charlotte Day. A strong performance in midfield her first touch often setting her side on the attack, Day herself carrying the ball forwards well with a number of surging runs through the middle.

Got to see Manea at last having been trying to get to a game for the past couple of months. Not quite at home but I did get there, credit to both sides for agreeing to the switch of venues to get the game on and putting up with the awful conditions. Having followed Manea from their early struggles to the improvement made last season to this is a pleasure to see the sides development. Great to catch up with Deeping too, been a turbulent period since I last saw them in action but look in good shape now and hopefully can enjoy a stable spell and progress. Apologies for the quality of the pictures, the camera’s not build for a monsoon but I’ve watched women’s football in worse conditions, must be mad. Thanks to both sides for all their help with the team line-ups today as always greatly appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Thetford Town Ladies v Histon Ladies

Sunday 26th November

ERWFL Division One North

A short journey this Sunday to catch some football action from ERWFL Division One North staying in Norfolk to watch Thetford Town Ladies take on Cambridgeshire side, Histon Ladies both new additions to the league.

The regional league seeing an increase in numbers in recent season’s getting to it’s full potential of 36 sides playing across three divisions, representing tiers 5 and 6 of the women’s football pyramid. Both of today’s opponents amongst 6 new sides successfully applying to join the ERWFL in Division One North, now sadly reduced to 10 sides with the unfortunate withdrawals of St Ives Town Ladies and Yaxley Phoenix Development.

Thetford Town Ladies a late entrant to the league having initially lost out on the promotion pool, but with one of the new entrants having to pull out, Thetford were pleased to be invited to join and make the big step up into regional football for the first time in the clubs history. Manager Luke Pickford busy in the summer bringing in players to help the squad compete at a higher level. Amongst those, experienced defender, Fran Peeling having previously been with King’s Lynn Town Ladies in the league above joining Peeling from King’s Lynn is Alice Collins another player with a high level of experience playing in the league above. Katie Fray and Kate Morris joining Thetford having had a very successful season with Taverham FC Women’s 7-aside team scoring 102 goals between them, Fray netting an incredible 78 goals in just 18 appearances. Attacker, Mary-Anne Hoy has experience playing at a higher level with Wroxham FC Women, while ex-Norwich City player Hannah Claughton joins after a successful season playing for Aylsham FC Women last campaign. Megan Gowing the latest recruit, the young talented goalkeeper joining Thetford having begun the season playing for Wroxham in the ERWFL Premier Division.

Hit the ground running in the league, with an opening day win away to St Ives Town Ladies, Women’s Football East there as Kamile Omeleviciute hit the back of the net for 4 goals in a 6-0 win to see the newcomers sit top of the league. That result and Omeleviciute’s goals from that game chalked off however as St Ives Town Ladies struggling for numbers and injuries pulled out of the league. Thetford now sitting in 9th having played just 5 league matches winning 2, drawing another and 2 losses. Cup competitions affecting any momentum in the league typical at this level their last league game back on the 15th October a positive result this afternoon could see Thetford climb up into the top half of the table. Despite having 4 goals chalked off, Omelevicuite is still the leading goal scorer with 9 officially to her name so far this season, with Katie Fray having scored 6.

Histon Ladies returning the the ERWFL this season after a strong season in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, finishing 2nd and reaching the League Cup final. Having previously been an established side within the ERWFL. Managed by ex-Cambridge City Women’s chairman, Kevin Jacklin. A club which has always strived to bring on youth players through it’s ranks, several ex-City players following Jacklin to Histon to bolster an experienced squad of players with the likes of Bella Ely, Eloise Page and Natasha Coe joining this season along with Jorja Badcock who was part of the Cambridge United WFC Development team that won the Junior Invitation Cup last a season and Molly Banks another talented youngster from Girls United FC. Also added to the squad midfielder Hannah Seymour-Shove who was vital player for St Ives Town Ladies over several seasons.

Histon’s return to the ERWFL has been a story on inconsistency so far this season, winning as many as they have lost, with 12 points from 8 played are still handily placed in 3rd spot in the table and a positive run of results could well see them consolidate that position and press the top two as the season progresses. Natasha Coe and Rachel Pearce currently leading the goal scoring charts with 3 goals each.

Thetford Town FC’s Mundford Road stadium the venue for today’s league encounter, entry through the clubhouse leading into the ground itself, a burst pipe in the kitchen seeing a clean up operation in progress with no hot drinks available the bar still open however. leading out to the main stand beside the grass pitch with a slope across it to the dugouts on the opposite side. A dull, gloomy day heavy cloud darkening the sky, cold and damp to boot, need some football action to warm thing’s up…

Thetford Town Ladies

Thetford Town Ladies starting XI – Amber Browne, Sausha Levy-Twomey, Zoe Kimcke, Fran Peeling, Alice Collins, Mia Bambury, Kamile Omeleviciute, Katie Fray, Melissa Boulton (C), Hannah Claughton & Laura Martins. Subs – Megan Gowing, Elizabeth Moore, Erin Lloyd, Amber May & Pola Pasik.

Histon Ladies

Histon Ladies starting XI – Kayleigh Blanchard, Jorja Badcock, Abi Laughlin, Katie Levitt, Amy Ozakpinar, Eloise Page, Rachel Pearce, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Bella Ely, Sophie Hopkin & Carla Penny (C). Subs – Molly Banks, Natasha Coe, Kirsty Geal & Tara Fitzjohn.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains, Carla Penny and Melissa Boulton with today’s match official Anoushka Williamson

It’s Histon in their all blue away strip to get the game underway kicking off the 1st half with Thetford lined up opposite wearing their home colours, an all claret kit with sky blue trim. The ball played back to Eloise Page in defence, launched out to the right for captain Carla Penny to attack, Zoe Klimcke seeing the ball out for a thrown in for Thetford. Pressure from the throw high on the right seeing Histon win an early corner.

The delivery into the Thetford box deflected outside to Histon’s Rachel Pearce some 25 yards out, clips a high ball back in towards goal, Amber Browne, Thetford’s goalkeeper and assistant manager seeing the ball land safely onto the roof of her net. Histon making a strong start getting after Thetford inside their own half, Penny in particular putting herself about chasing and closing the ball down. Klimcke tackling her as she presses on the right brings the ball out from left back looking to play Hannah Claughton in down the line, Abi Laughlin stretching out a leg cutting the pass out for the visitors.

Penny powering her way to the by-line on the right, using her strength on the ball as she checks inside towards the box, challenged the ball behind for another corner, Jorja Badcock to lift the ball into the area headed clear by Thetford’s Katie Fray. Thetford finding themselves on the back foot haven’t settled into the game at all, Sausha Levy-Twomey getting a tackle in to break up a Histon attack through the middle the hosts look to counter the ball forwards into Claughton has options either side with Martins though the middle, Fray pulling wide to the left, playing the pass inside to Martins she in turn releases Fray out wide to whip a cross in towards the top of the Histon area, Amy Ozakpinar intercepting the ball and clearing for Histon.

Histon defender, Amy Ozakpinar

Penny is pushed in the back as she looks to hold the ball up wide on the right giving Histon a free-kick some 30 yards out, Pearce to lift the ball in towards goal a dangerous delivery with Sophie Hopkin and Ely bearing down on goal the ball dropping inside the six yard box threatening to creep in at the far post, Browne makes a fantastic save dropping down to her right arm outstretched to glove the ball away to the left.

Thetford goalkeeper and assistant manager, Amber Browne

Histon quick to regain possession, Page allowed to travel into space on the right from the back lifting a looping ball into the area for Ely positioned to the left of goal, attempting to get the ball down off her chest to shoot is closed down by Fran Peeling the ball scrambled out of the area, Hopkin looing to latch onto the ball 20 yards out her shot is charged down. Pearce and Hannah Seymour-Shove closing the ball down for Histon inside the Thetford half keeping the hosts unsettled Penny providing a useful outlet picking the ball up driving into the channels is upended out wide on the right.

Histon captain, Carla Penny

Pearce to play the set-piece flighted in under the bar, Browne getting up to knock the ball out to the left conceding a corner. Histon sending players up into the area Thetford defending getting it out falling straight to Hopkin 25 yards out on the turn lifts a shot over the bar. Thetford getting frustrated passes not finding their mark the ball coming straight back.

Sophie Hopkin

Penny carrying the ball forwards through the middle played on for Hopkin up top with Ely in support the pair exchanging passes 25 yards out before Ely slides the ball into the path of Laughlin getting into the box from the right, Klimcke across her with a well timed tackle to clear the ball for a throw out on the right. Klimcke winning Thetford a free kick on halfway a chance to relieve some pressure as Mia Bambury launches the ball up into the box, Martins right of goal looking to see it down onto her foot to shoot, is closely marked by Katie Levitt

Ely taking the ball forwards on the left for Histon checks inside looking to thread a pass inside for Hopkin in the middle, Collins stretching to cut it out for Thetford. The hosts playing some loose ball forwards gifting Histon possession back as the visitors launch a swift counter attack Pearce on the ball central looking to pick put Penny as she breaks into the box to the right of goal. Klimcke with the tackle once again lunging out a leg to take the ball behind for a corner kick.

Thetford’s Zoe Klimcke tackling Histon’s Carla Penny

Thetford fighting for the ball inside the Histon half, Bambury to Omeleviciute fed on for Martins bursting down the right, Badcock getting back on her to challenge concede the corner, taken short the move breaking down as flag is raised. Histon breaking down the left Ely getting the throw put inside to Penny who turns left corner of the area, shifting the ball as she evades one challenge, lining up the strike, Claughton rushing in to charge the ball down.

Histon making a change, bringing off Hopkin on comes Molly Banks with 24 minutes gone. Klimcke busy at the back defending for Thetford bringing the ball out sends it up the line for Martins pulling out to the left channel, Page coming out to close her down winning the ball back for Histon. The visitors setting the questions Thetford remain unsettled unable to find any rhythm, captain Melissa Boulton linking up with Omeleviciute through the middle, Ozakpinar cutting out the pass intended for martins as she makes a run towards the right of the D. Histon winning another corner on the right, curled in towards the near post, Omeleviciute defending heading the ball away for Thetford.

Thetford pushing on well through the middle, played forwards into Omeleviciute racing into the right channel, Martins with her the ball rolled into her path inside the box, the challenge clumsy, Martins upended the ball though away for a corner on the right. Histon defending there box well the ball lifted forwards, the threat of a counter attack halted by Peeling on halfway as she gets across to smother the ball.

Thetford in need of a lift attack on the left Claughton taking the ball on with Omelevicuite providing a good run into space ahead of her picking her out Omeleviciute turning into the area, rides a tackle staying n her feet to send a dangerous ball in across the top of the six yard box, Boulton central throwing herself at the ball can’t get any contact coming through to Martins beyond the far post, looks to check back inside before the Histon defence regroup and close her down.

Thetford’s Laura Martins

Penny shooting over the crossbar from inside the D, as the ball comes into her feet of a rebound in midfield. Thetford pulling players out right and left looking to find some joy going forwards, Fray playing the ball into the area from the left, Badcock clearing for Histon. Signs Thetford are getting back into the game having absorbed a lot of pressure as Histon pressed the ball well.

Histon’s Jorja Badcock

GOAL! The game turned completely on it’s head as Omeleviciute steals in to win the ball on halfway and drives forwards bearing down on the area moving to the left before angling her shot back across the keeper to send the ball into the bottom corner to rattle in her 10th goal of the season and open the scoring for Thetford 1-0.

Kamile Omeleviciute steals in on the ball to race forwards and score for Thetford

Thetford into the lead, fair to say against the run of play, but goals bring confidence and straight from the restart Thetford look a different side after the ball, Collins on for fray peeling out to the left, taking the ball into space, Page across to close her down the ball put out for a throw in. Omeleviciute playing the ball in across the top of the area, Seymour-Shove clearing for Histon.

Rachel Pearce clearing the ball for Histon

Thetford winning a corner on the left played in long knocked down at the far post, Kayleigh Blanchard down smartly to claim the loose ball. Blanchard hurt then as she goes across to slide in claim a ball whipped in from wide on the right diving in as Martins races in looking to attack the ball, the goalkeeper gets the ball but comes off the worst as she and Martins accidentally collide. A lengthy pause as Blanchard is down in some distress needing treatment. Coming off holding her nose can’t continue, Tara Fitzjohn, on the bench, the physio too, needing to don the goalkeeping gloves coming on to see out the remaining minutes of the 1st half.

The ball cleared out to the right, Thetford latching onto it Boulton lifting it on into the area for Martins to chase, Fitzjohn out well to get hold of the ball. Thetford with numbers forwards on the right Omelevicuite driving down the line appears to be fouled, doesn’t get the decision however as the cross is curled into the near post claimed high by Fitzjohn. Thetford finishing the 1st half the stronger Bambury pushing the ball forwards into Boulton on the right, clips it back in towards the D, Martins the target, Seymour-Shove back to defend for Histon.

Half-time Thetford Town Ladies 1-0 Histon Ladies

The first half ends with Thetford going into the changing rooms leading 1-0. A brilliant individual goal from Kamile Omeleviciute turning the game on it’s head. Histon no doubt the team on top up until that point getting after the ball inside the Thetford half putting the defence under pressure and frustrating Thetford who didn’t settle into the match, having rode out that difficult start however, the signs were there things were on the swing then Omeleviciute drove forwards to score and put some much needed vigour into Thetford’s blood the goal bringing confidence the hosts finishing the first half strong. A single goal in it all to play for 2nd half.

Bad news for Histon goalkeeper, Kayleigh Blanchard, with a suspected broken nose is heading off to hospital to get it looked at. A blow for Histon, who make two more changes at the break bringing on Natasha Coe and Kirsty Geal replacing, Ely and Levitt. Thetford unchanged, very gloomy out there now and the floodlights need to be turned on, now raining but the air heavy with moisture. Thetford to get the 2nd half underway the ball out to Claughton on the left launched high into the area, caught by Fitzjohn.

Geal racing on into space on the left for Histon whipping a cross into the six yard box flashed in across the face of goal, Klimcke down having gone in for a challenge at the near post the game stopped for her to receive treatment but is up and okay to continue. Boulton getting away onto the right for Thetford getting the ball under control lifting a cross into the area Martins looking to attack it near side has plenty of defenders for company can’t get a telling touch the ball knocked through for the keeper to safely gather.

Penny bringing the ball inside plays it into Banks central 25 yards out, knocks it wide for Badcock rushing forwards on the wing, Martins tracking back to defend challenging to win possession back for Thetford. Coe with the ball at her feet coming inside from the right to play the diagonal ball out to fellow 2nd half substitute Geal wide on the left, she in turn squares the cross into Banks 25 yards out top of the D, latching onto the shot she strikes the ball wide of the left post.

Thetford’s Hannah Claughton

Claughton on the attack on the left powering forwards with the ball sends it on for Martins attacking the channel, Page out to close her down for Histon before she can break into the area the ball safely through to the keeper. Peeling sending a long ball looping in towards goal from the right, Fitzjohn back on her line getting her gloves up to make the save spilling the ball however, recovering well throwing herself down on it bravely as Fray steaming in to attack it goes over her.

Fitzjohn the busier of the two goalkeepers at the start of the 2nd half Thetford getting the ball out to Claughton on the left fed forwards into Fray left inside the area, Fitzjohn out sharply to gather the ball. Boulton in a race to get to the ball before it runs out of play on the right, does well to keep it in play on the by-line before sending a cross high into the six yard box, too close to the keeper however Fitzjohn snatching it into her gloves

Thetford making a double switch bringing off Martins up top bringing Amber May on. Megan Gowing also coming on to make her Thetford debut in goal replacing Browne. Histon winning a free-kick on the left a chance to put the new goalkeeper under pressure, instead goes long to the far post, Thetford clearing the ball.

Boulton finding pockets of space to run into for Thetford in the 2nd half surging on through the middle, making her way into the area, Geal back to block her shot for Histon. May up top for Thetford putting herself about looking to press the defence on the ball, giving Boulton the opportunity to get beyond her looking to get the ball into the area. The pair linking up as May pulls wide right to lift a teasing ball into the near post, Fitzjohn well placed to snatch the ball into her chest with Boulton closing in looking to put her head on the ball.

Badcock with an attempt on goal from range, easily dealt with by Gowing. Histon attacking on the left with Badcock forwards to support Geal and Coe, Fray coming back to do the defending for Thetford lifting the ball up to May who looks to feed in Boulton on the right, her cross easy for Fitzjohn to pluck down. Thetford stronger in the 2nd half the game more open. Coe looking to combine with banks through the centre, Levy-Twomey tackling for Thetford.

Thetford defender, Sausha Levy-Twomey

Coe strong on the ball coming inside from the right with Laughlin going past her on the overlap into the box, Klimcke tackling for Thetford. Histon gaining some momentum in the final 3rd with Coe getting hold of the ball pressing towards the box the visitors making a change ringing Hopkin back on to replace Pearce as they look to change formation press another player forwards.

Histon’s Eloise Page

Fray and Claughton forwards for Thetford 25 yards out left of the D playing the one two Claughton teeing up Fray inside the area to strike the ball, wide of the left post, a nick off a defender spotted the corner awarded. Taken short, the opportunity to cross wasted, however Histon can’t retain possession the ball rolled into the path of Omelevicuite central drives for the box but can’t find a way through on goal.

Peeling lifting the ball out long for Claughton on the left, knocking it forwards, in a race with Laughlin the defender sliding in t send the ball behind for a corner kick. The ball played short into Boulton coming towards the ball turns to drive into the area, tripped inside the white line, referee Anoushka Williamson pointing to the spot, PENALTY! Boulton herself to take it placing the ball on the spot gets too much on it turning in frustration as she balloons the ball over the crossbar, the opportunity to double the lead gone.

The game moving into the final 15 minutes Thetford up on the left the cross dipped into the D, May looking to bring it down under control, Badcock closing in to defend for Histon. The hosts working hard to win the ball back that in turn putting them on the front foot, are keen to score a 2nd try and put the game to bed, Histon far from out of it. Boulton striking the ball over on the half volley from inside the D.

Histon making another change bringing Ely back on for Badcock. Geal racing away in the left for the visitors sweeping a cross into the six yard box, Klimcke clearing for Thetford at the far post. Page with a crack from range for Histon her shot dropping wide of the left post. Thetford making a double switch late in the game bringing off Klimcke and May, Elizabeth Moore and Pola Pasik coming on.

Laughlin winning the ball on the right as Thetford attempt to counter keeping the pressure on inside the final 3rd. Seymour-Shove winning Histon a corner on the right. The ball in near post knocked out across goal to the left retrieved by Geal fired back in cleared by Omeleviciute for Thetford. Banks with a wild strike from distance over. The game opening up Omeleviciute breaking for Thetford, Geal tracking back to defend clearing the ball, Peeling charging down a 25 yard strike.

Histon on the counter attacking right Coe with Laughlin players drawn to the ball as the cross is swept into the top of the area Geal free left of the left striking the ball on the volley back across the keeper towards the right post, but agonisingly wide. Histon applying pressure late on winning a free-kick in the corner on the right. knocked on across the area out for a corner kick on the left. Put in long knocked down to Laughlin central her strike from outside the area deflected over the bar. A corner for Histon on the left played in towards the near post defended by Collins for Thetford back out to the left the return cross clipped over the bar.

Thetford’s Alice Collins

GOAL! Just as Histon looked to be turning the screw Thetford break away to double there lead, the ball played into Claughton left side races forwards powering her way into the left channel before unleashing a venomous strike, Fitzjohn down sharply at her near post getting her gloves on the ball but not claimed loose beyond her Boulton the fastest to react rushing in to blast the ball into the back of the net 2-0.

Melissa Boulton doubling Thetford’s lead late in the match

Thetford getting that all important 2nd goal as the game moves into stoppage time coming just as Histon were looking for push for a late goal themselves to salvage something from the game. Bambury down with a knock late on for Thetford, the hosts making a late change bringing of Fray sending defender Erin Lloyd on. The substitute straight into the actin intercepting a cross put in from Laughlin on the right.

Histon pushing players forwards looking to find a goal in the closing stages, Thetford back defending their area. Lloyd and Levy-Twomey both winning crosses. The job down the final whistle blows and Thetford celebrate the victory and the 3 points moving up a couple of places into 7th seeing the middle of Division One North bunch up closely with just 2 points between them and Newmarket Town Women who move into 3rd spot with a 2-1 win over leaders Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women. remains a highly competitive league will be intriguing to see who emerges out on top come the end of the season.

Full time Thetford Town Ladies 2-0 Histon Ladies

Gaols change games and this was certainly the case today. Thetford finding themselves on the backfoot for much of the first half, unsettled as Histon pressed the ball well creating opportunities without taking advantage of their dominance. Thetford in need of a moment of inspiration and Kamile Omeleviciute delivered to steal the ball on halfway and break way to score a brilliant individual goal to give the hosts the lead, finished the half on the front foot and came out positive in the 2nd half taking the game to Histon who made changes riding out a strong Thetford spell themselves before threatening to pull the scores level late in the match, Thetford again breaking away to get that all crucial 2nd goal to win the game.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Most of the time it’s never an easy decision although today I did have someone in the forefront of my thoughts leaving the ground only for my notes (and I do write down a bit as you know) sending me in a different direction. A few performances of note to mention of course, for Histon, captain Carla Penny was exceptional, especially in the first half getting after the ball, taking the game to her opponents and creating opportunities for herself and others. Substitutes Kirsty Geal and Natasha Coe both making a positive impact coming on in the 2nd half while Abi Laughlin get forwards well on the right to support the attack while defending well at the back. For Thetford, Kamile Omelevicuite goal changed the course of the game giving Thetford a vital shot of confidence to carry them forwards for the rest of the match. Katie Fray working hard in midfield getting forwards to support the attackers. Hannah Claughton with some strong runs out on the left. captain Melissa Boulton making some excellent attacking runs in the 2nd half linking up well with the midfield and attack. Pipping her to today’s award though is defender Zoe Klimcke made a number of crucial tackles at the back, especially in the first half while Histon were on top preventing the ball getting into the box and denying shots to keep Thetford’s goal intact.

Great to catch up with both sides. Always a good contest in the ERWFL, hopefully for Thetford the result will count this time. Wishing Histon goalkeeper Kayleigh Blanchard all the best hoping for good news regarding her injury. My thanks to both sides for their assistance today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Stevenage FC Women v Royston Town Women

Sunday 19th November

Hertfordshire FA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup

Travelling down to Letchworth this Sunday to take in some action from the quarter finals of the new look Hertfordshire FC Women’s Senior Challenge Cup competition with a repeat of last season’s final taking place in the last 8 with five times winners, Stevenage FC Women taking on Royston Town Women.

Hertfordshire FA introducing a secondary women’s county cup competition this season, the Women’s Trophy, that sees the clubs competing within the county split according to league status into the two competitions with the Challenge Cup now the Senior competition featuring the sides playing in tiers 4, 5 & 6. The Trophy competition with the exception of Stevenage FC Women Development featuring the sides playing at county (tier 7) level. Personally I like the format, should in theory see a lot less eye-watering score-lines in the early rounds, and weekends lost due to sides pulling out of the competition through a mis-matched draw while giving those sides competing lower down silverware to contest. Makes the Senior competition highly competitive with a strong quarter final line-up. Stevenage v Royston a repeat of last season’s final with Stevenage edging it 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the competition for a 5th time!.

Stevenage FC Women have dominated the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup in recent season’s featuring in every final since Women’s Football East started covering it, over a decade now, one of the leading sides in the county and will be determined to keep that run going. Have seen several comings and goings over the close season however losing a number of key players to rival clubs. With a strong squad of players last season have retained a good level of talent while recruiting some useful talent. Defender, Rebecca Edge and Ellie Stammers coming in from Cheshunt FC Women. Midfielder, Sarah Payne playing for 4th tier Cambridge City Women last season. Libby Stubbs has experience in tier 4 with London Seaward. Remi Martin joining from Northampton. Chloe Gunn returning to the club after a spell away with QPR. While Lilia Dempsey makes the step up into the 1st team squad. Mathilda Fidler recently re joining the club after a short stint away with Cambridge City Women. Vice-Captain, Amy Makewell currently top scorer, netting 7 goals so far this campaign while Dempsey has scored 6.

Royston Town Women bitterly disappointed to miss out in last season’s final have battled back to level the scores late in the game. Like Stevenage, Royston have see a few players depart over the summer, but have also recruited to build a competitive squad to play in what is once again a strong ERWFL Premier Division. Signing, Erin Davies from Cambridge City Women. Sunny McGregor has valuable experience with Cambridge United WFC. Stacey Roper joining the squad having previously been with Haverhill Rovers Women. Royston delighted to welcome back defender, Tally Miles after a spell playing in tier 3 with MK Dons Women. Jordanne Sillitoe also with Haverhill Rovers Women last season the striker joining Royston after starting the season with ERWFL newcomers, Thetford Town Ladies. Also back running again is midfielder Riana Badel working her way back to fitness after suffering the dreaded ACL injury. Emma Slater currently top scorers netting 9 goals in 11 games, hot on her heels though is Sillitoe hitting the back of the net for 6 goals so far in 4 appearances.

The quarter final tie being played at the County Ground in Letchworth home of Hertfordshire FA and home too in recent season’s for Stevenage FC Women. One large seat stand on one side of the ground with covered viewing areas all around. An over cast and miserable day with a keen wind blowing across the pitch, the odd shower around, hot food and drink being served in the cafeteria behind the main stand.

Stevenage FC Women

Stevenage FC Women starting XI – Celine Rey, Grace Brooks, Rebecca Edge, Chloe Gunn, Lilia Dempsey, Anna Baker Re, Hannah Bodily, Emily Schofield, Amy Gooderham, Mathilda Fidler & Amy Makewell (C). Subs – Kelsey Millen, Katie White, Hannah Nebbitt, Kristal Clarke & Matilda Thomas O’Keefe.

Royston Town Women

Royston Town Women starting XI – Elle Sarter, Amy Houghton, Emma Todd, Tally Miles, Stacey Roper, Charlotte South (C), Erin Davies, Amy Josland, Emma Slater, Laura Mills & Jordanne Sillitoe. Subs – Nicole Hendrick, Emily Smith, Poppy Smith & Chloe Holt.

Captain’s Amy Makewell and Charlotte South with the match officials

Several changes of personnel featuring in both of today’s playing squad compared to those that featured in the County Cup final back in March. It’s the hosts Stevenage to get the quarter final underway kicking off 1st half wearing red and white coloured shirts, with red shorts and white socks with red trim. Royston wearing their away colours and all aqua strip. The ball played back to Rebecca edge in defence sends it out to the right for Amy Gooderham who firs it long up to the attackers, Stacey Roper up to head the ball away for Royston, out to the right with Gooderham snatching hold of it driving to the by-line turning into the area before running the ball out of play before crossing.

Royston closing Stevenage down inside their half feeding the diagonal ball out to Emma Slater racing away on the right wing, sends a low cross into the box, cut out by Chloe Gunn at the back for Stevenage. The visitors making a strong start to the match getting after Stevenage pushing forwards, captain Charlotte South battling for possession in the middle the ball finding Slater on the right drives on before firing her cross behind.

Royston captain. Charlotte South

Gooderham looking to provide an outlet for Stevenage on the right, the pass picking her out takes on Emma Todd at left back for Royston charging towards the area firing in a cross towards the near post, Mathilda Fidler seeing it into her feet turning to fire the ball across the six yard box, intercepted by Tally Miles at the far post and cleared.

Grace Brooks tackling Royston’s Emma Slater

Royston getting forwards with purpose winning a throw high on the right dropped into South puts it back up the line for Slater to whip a dangerous ball into the area, met by Laura Mills running in central, shoot low, Stevenage goalkeeper, Celine Rey saving well diving down to her left to push the ball past the past for a corner kick. Miles swinging the ball in across the top of the six yard box, Edge up well the head clear for Stevenage.

Stevenage goalkeeper, Celine Rey.

Royston winning the ball back inside the Stevenage half Erin Davies getting it out to the right for Slater level with the top of the area fires it in towards South right of the D, can’t quite dig the ball out from under her feet to get any power behind her strike before being closed down, the shoot tame through to Rey to claim as she goes to ground.

Is competitive, a little testy between the sides a local derby after all. Edge fouling Jordanne Sillitoe as she looks to spin off her to the left of the centre circle. Miles taking it early played on down the left for Sillitoe checks inside to pass to South 20 yards out left of the goal, attempts the threaded ball for Mills and Slater tracking in behind, Anna Baker Re cutting the ball out slicing the ball away.

Jordanne Sillitoe

Slater causing Stevenage problems early on driving forwards with the ball on the right turning infield her cross blocked by Grace Brooks. Slater then up ended as she looks to sprint away with the ball on the right. Miles to sweep her free-kick in towards the near post, Baker Re there to clear for Stevenage, then is there to block as Todd on out on the left looks to send the cleared ball back into the mix. Amy Josland firing a strike from 25 yards out for Royston as the ball coms into her from a throw in on the left.

Royston’s Laura Mills with Stevenage’s Hannah Bodily

Royston on top at the start of the match, South bustling about in the final 3rd looking to win the ball. With Sillitoe out on the left the cross swept into toward the penalty spot with Mills racing in the target a vital interception by Gunn. Davies getting the ball under control for Royston attempting to thread a through ball in behind for Sillitoe on the left channel, Rey out of her blocks quickly to race out and claim the ball first.

Stevenage’s Chloe Gunn

Stevenage struggling to get the ball into their attackers as Davies closes Fidler down gets the ball forwards into Mills up top. lays it back to South as she spins in behind, South looking for Slater to the right, the flag going up against her. Mills making a move out to the right with the ball at her feet for Royston, squaring it back inside to South at the near post, the midfielder laying it back to the top of the area with Josland running onto the pass 20 yards out striking the shot over the bar.

Royston midfielder, Amy Josland

Slater surging on right side stinging the keepers gloves with a vicious shot angled in at the near post. Stevenage regaining possession in the middle Hannah Bodily on for Emily Schofield sends it through for captain, Amy Makewell in behind into the box right of the D takes it wide before sending a shot in low back across the keeper, Elle Sarter, down smartly to save.

Stevenage having rode out the early pressure from Royston working the ball well through the middle a fluid move with Schofield linking up with Makewell who in turn picks out Fidler pulling to the right firing a shot in low towards the near post, Sarter across down low to save has it covered. Baker Re sneaking in behind the Royston defence to take the ball wide right of the box sweeping a ball back in across the penalty spot, Makewell meeting it with a first time hit her shot angling up towards the top left corner, Sarter throwing herself across her goal can’t get there the ball though narrowly wide!

Three god chances in quick succession for Stevenage after a spell of Royston dominance. Royston with another free-kick inside the Stevenage half, Miles to send it high into the area, headed clear by Bodily for Stevenage. Davies getting back to tackle Gooderham well timed on the right as the Stevenage winger powers her way forwards.

GOAL! Royston sending the ball on for Sillitoe pulling clear wide on the left clips the ball in high towards goal, her cross over Rey crashing down off the bar bouncing out to the right, Slater looking to keep it in on the by-line coming together with the defender, the decision initially going against the attacker, but after consulting with her linesman, referee Emma Chamberlain reverses the decision pointing to the spot. Penalty! South placing the ball on the spot taking it for Royston struck low, plenty of pace on it, Rey guessing right diving to her left gets her gloves to the ball, but not enough to deflect the ball pass her post as it instead crosses the line to give Royston the lead 0-1.

Charlotte South fires Royston into the lead from the penalty spot.

Stevenage unhappy with the decision to award the penalty questioning the referee, the goal stands however, the game restarting Baker Re looking to get the ball out to Lilia Dempsey on the left, Amy Houghton getting a foot onto the ball to intercept the pass for Royston. Testy at times, is an intriguing game. Baker Re shown the yellow card.

GOAL! Stevenage looking for a response after conceding push players up into the final 3rd build up on the left the ball rolled on for Makewell who gets her head down driving into the area towards goal, is unceremoniously hauled to the ground, the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty! Stevenage with a chance to level straight away. Gooderham placing the ball on the spot, hit low and hard to the left sending the keeper the wrong way 1-1.

Amy Gooderham buries the penalty to level for Stevenage

An entertaining contest the sides back level Royston threaten to break on the left, Todd looking to take the ball on, Gunn sliding in with a strong challenge to send the ball out of play. Davies peeling away to the left taking the ball on for Royston whipping a looping cross into the area, Rey up to pluck the ball down and claim confidently with both Mills and Slater closing her down.

Royston’s Erin Davies

Gooderham spinning off her marker well on the right to take the ball forwards laying it on for Fidler breaking into the area right of goal, Miles across to tackle the ball out for a corner on the right. Stevenage sending players up from the back, the ball put long towards the far post Edge rising to meet it with her head sending the attempt over the bar.

Amy Gooderham

Royston get straight down the other end to win a corner of their own on the right as Slater drives down the line. Miles taking the corner curled in across goal, Roper appears to be bundled over as Slater meets it with her head inside the six yard box sends the ball up over the bar.

Emma Slater heads over for Royston

Stevenage unsuccessfully appealing for another penalty as they build on the left, an attacker claiming a shove in the back as the ball comes into her. The game end to end Sillitoe charging the ball down as Rey races out of her area to clear. Roper intercepting a the back as Dempsey floats in an inviting diagonal ball from deep on the left. Stevenage winning a free-kick out on the left the ball fired into Fidler outside the area, left, back to goal, controls on the turn to strike on the volley, straight at Sarter the keep holding onto the ball. Stevenage play the ball into Gooderham off a throw on the right in the closing seconds of the first half the winger crossing on the turn, Miles clearing inside the area for Royston.

Half-time Stevenage FC Women 1-1 Royston Town Women

That was an entertaining and lively first half. A competitive contest between local rivals. Royston with a strong start to the match taking the game to Stevenage creating several opportunities. Took the hosts a little while to find their feet in the game but responded well with a succession of good chances before the penalty spot got involved. Royston taking the lead after Slater was fouled inside the box. Stevenage not happy with the decision, nevertheless responding well to falling behind, Makewell’s purposeful un into the area seeing her brought down and awarded the penalty. Gooderham burying it to level the scores. All set up for an intriguing 2nd half.

Light fading and the wind getting noticeably chillier as the sides come out for the 2nd half the floodlights coming on. Royston making a change bringing off Sillitoe, with Emily Smith. Royston to get the 2nd 45 underway, the ball played back to Miles in defence sweeps it forwards looking for Slater on the right, Brooks defending for Stevenage seeing the ball back to her keeper for Rey to clear.

Stevenage pressing the ball on the right at the start of the 2nd half, Baker Re forwards well the ball crossed onto the roof of the net. Gooderham with the ball at her feet, head down driving forwards, Todd lunging in to tackle getting the ball away for the throw, Gooderham going down the Stevenage bench erupting in fury.

Mills getting hold of the ball breaking away through the middle for Royston in a race with Gunn as she powers her way forwards, laying it out to the right for Slater who has just strayed offside. Gunn down in the box needing treatment, but the defender is okay to play on. Houghton bringing the ball on right for Royston over halfway checks inside before shooting from all of 30 yards out her effort put wide of the near post. Several interesting individual battles taking place out there on the pitch, Baker Re looking to make things happen for Stevenage taking the ball away to the right, Davies tracking with her gets a foot onto the ball to prevent the cross divert it out for a throw.

Lively taken quickly into Fidler’s feet inside the box right of goal, turns well hitting the strike on the half volley her attempt smashing down off the crossbar! Baker Re taking a blow for Stevenage down a concern as the trainer runs onto the pitch to administer treatment. Allowed back on isn’t running freely as play resumes Stevenage with another strong appeal as Houghton and Dempsey come together top of the Royston area. Baker Re can’t continue Stevenage making a change 10 minutes into the 2nd half bringing on Kelsey Millen.

GOAL! The game fluid both sides looking to get the ball forwards carve an opening, Royston come forwards with Houghton central feeds the pass on for South 25 yards out she sends the diagonal pass forwards for Mills pulling clear right of the D into the area, turns, Rey racing out attempting to close her down, Mills with a composed touch to place the ball wide of the onrushing keeper, sending the ball into the bottom corner to score 1-2.

Laura Mills fires Royston back into the lead

Royston back in front regain possession on the left Todd on for Smith who fires he ball into the box for Mills back to goal, lays it back into the path of Slater inside the D, moving inside she curls a shot wide of the left post. Stevenage make a 2nd change bringing off Schofield, sending on Hannah Nebbitt. Fidler with a purposeful run on the ball through the middle for Stevenage, Houghton coming in to charge her down the ball rebounding out to Dempsey on the left plays her shot low into the keeper.

Royston quick to get on the counter Davies out to Slater breaking away on the right, skips inside her marker to get into the box and blasts a strike wide at the near post. Stevenage winning a free-kick on halfway, Gunn to play it long into the area, Josland defending for Royston, up towards Mills up top looking to break, Gunn doing well defending getting the ball back to Rey to clear. The referee stopping play to turn and book Brooks for something said.

Is tense out there a few decisions angering both sides the ball squirming through the back line into Slater to shoot from outside the box the ball plucked down well by Rey. Moments later Slater is fouled top of the D, Royston winning the free-kick, the offender, Brooks in trouble, just shown a yellow card, is shown her second in quick succession and is sent off! Slater needing treatment but okay to continue. An inviting angle for the shot, Miles goes for it her set-piece clipping the top of the crossbar on it’s way over.

Tally Miles shot clipping the crossbar

Smith with the shot for Royston, 25 yards out as she brings the ball down centrally to strike, angling in low towards the right corner, Rey saves well getting down at full stretch to push the ball past the post for the corner kick. The corner defended near side cleared back to taker, Miles for a 2nd attempt to cross, the ball coming back to Davies free top of the area her shot in low, Rey again down low to her left saving brilliantly putting the ball behind for another corner.

Royston’s Emily Smith

Davies sending a long range pass out to the right for Slater to chase, Rey coming out wide to deal with it needing a composed touch to drag the ball into her area before she is able to drop down to smother the ball. The wind picking up as Stevenage win a free-kick on half-way launched up towards the area dealt with by Roper, before Smith clumsily brings down Fidler presenting Stevenage with a free-kick 20 yards out. To the right of goal, Makewell over the ball hits a thunderous strike in towards goal the ball beating Sarter cannoning down off the crossbar, down into the mix, Fidler snatching at it lifting a rising ball towards the top corner, Sarter throwing her arms up saving to turn the ball over for a corner kick.

Royston goalkeeper, Elle Sarter

Smith heading the ball from the right out of the box to the left for Royston, Gunn after it shooting low on the angle, well held by Sarter. Royston making a change breaking on Nicole Hendrick for Josland as Stevenage win a free-kick on half way the ball long up into the box headed down to the top of the area, Makewell meeting it on the volley her effort screwed wide past the right post.

Fidler determined going forwards central the ball knocked on Stevenage winning a free-kick right of the D. Makewell over it goes for goal on target but Sarter is right behind the ball to make the save look comfortable. Stevenage making a triple switch with just a few minutes of regular time left, Bodily, Gunn and Dempsey coming off with Katie White, Kristal Clarke and Matilda Thomas O’Keefe coming on. Roper injured for Royston down receiving treatment needs to come off, Poppy Smith coming on with Slater dropping in to the left of defence.

The Smith’s linking up for Royston in attack straight away as the ball from South in put into Emily’s feet left channel lays it into Poppy’s feet as she attacks central in behind, the ball there to be hit as she enters the box takes another touch though a little heavy giving Rey the opportunity to get towards her to dive in make the blocking save.

Fidler playing the ball on for Millen and Clarke up top for Stevenage central, Millen into Clarke bursting on into the area left of goal Houghton with her, Clarke going down, didn’t look like any contact from my angle, the referee waving play on as the visitors clear the ball. Stoppage time being played Stevenage pushing on looking for a goal, Royston defending as the hosts get a free-kick inside the circle Nebbitt to take, hit long Sarter back on her line getting her gloves behind it and not letting it drop loose inside her six yard box.

Mills off late on for Royston as the clock ticks down, Chloe Holt coming on, Stevenage throwing the ball forwards Millen bringing it down into her feet 25 yards out, Miles on her plays it out to the right but no one is there to run it down. Royston celebrating a memorable win in the cup ending Stevenage’s long run of successive finals in the process.

Full time Stevenage FC Women 1-2 Royston Town Women

A hugely thrilling cup tie played between two local rivals, hotly contested a little testy at times but never overboiling, a penalty each in the 1st half seeing it all square at the end of the 1st half. Stevenage looking for a bright start to the 2nd half, falling behind to the Laura Mills strike then reduced to 10 players. Fought well to get themselves back into the game both goalkeepers pulling off great saves the woodwork struck too. Royston with the clinical finish to win the game and reach the last 4 of this season’s Hertfordshire Women’s Senior Challenge Cup where they will now be at home to face in form Harpenden Town Women from the league below in the semi-finals on Sunday 18th February.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Several top performances although I did have a clear favourite leaving the ground and my notes have only confirmed that. A few to mention first though, for Stevenage, goalkeeper, Celine Rey pulled off a number of tremendous saves to keep her team in the tie right to the very end. Anna Baker Re looked to make things happen in the middle get Stevenage going forwards. Mathilda Fidler showed excellent awareness up top getting into some great positions to create opportunities. For Royston it was an excellent goalkeeping performance from Elle Sarter. Tally Miles strong in the back line defending and from set-piece deliveries. Erin Davies getting about the pitch to win the ball and bring it on. Captain Charlotte South leading the way getting after the ball linking up well with the attackers. Today’s award though goes to Emma Slater a constant threat on the right driving on with the ball, taking players on and creating chances to score.

Well worth the trip down from Norfolk, an hugely enjoyable cup tie, full of action and drama between two close rivals. My thanks to both clubs for their assistance today. Yet to meet in the league this season, promises to be two exciting matches.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Real Bedford Ladies v Billericay Town Women

Sunday 12th November

FA Women’s Cup

An exciting Sunday of women’s football with this season’s FA Women’s Cup entering the 1st Round Proper, several exciting ties across the East to p[ick from and a few sides making history reaching this stage of the competition for the first time too. A trip to Bedfordshire today for Women’s Football East with Real Bedford Ladies leading the ERWFL Premier Division taking on FAWNL Southern Premier Division side, Billericay Town Women.

The FA Women’s Cup receiving a boost in midweek with the announcement that the prize money is to increase again, however this news is tempered with this increase not being evenly distributed across the competition but for those reaching the 3rd Round Proper and beyond, this not going down well with grassroots clubs and rightly so. The extra money offered should have been better distributed.

Nevertheless today’s winning side will receive £6,000 which remains a huge financial sum to clubs playing a this level.

Real Bedford Ladies born at the end of last season with the women’s side known as Bedford Ladies previously, moving next door basically with the two clubs next to each other. The transition beginning last season with the women’s teams moving to McMullen Park, merging to become part of The Pirate’s family. A new beginning for the club retaining their ERWFL Premier Division status, have brought in ex Harlow Town Ladies and Enfield Town Ladies manager Dean Parrett to head up the new side and has been busy in the transfer market bringing in a host of new signings which has seen the club win all 9 of their opening league matches to date taking them 8 points clear of the chasing pack.

Goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson arriving from Cambridge City Women announced as the clubs first new signing was soon followed by fellow City players, defender Amy Reed and young striking talent, Sophie Billing. Midfielder, Izzy Crooks also joining along with attacker Francesca Partridge who was with Cambridge United WC Last campaign. Gemma Croucher has lots of ERWFL Premier Division experience having played for Royston Town Women. Defenders Kalyen Gerkey who was with Billericay last season and Kaydee King both added huge experience with Erin Price the latest player to join the side can perform equally well in midfield or the heart of the defence. Those additions added to a strong core of players looking to push up the ERWFL table and return to the FAWNL. Natasha Fensome a living legend for Bedford often amongst the goals and is doing so once again netting 15 already this term with Partridge and Croucher also into double figures. Strong in the ERWFL, Fensome was on target for a hat-trick in the previous round of the FA Women’s Cup as Real Bedford ran out 9-2 winners away to Hackney Women.

Billericay Town Women too also busy in the transfer market as they look to build on a strong debut season in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division which saw them finish 6th in the table in their 1st season playing in the 3rd tier. Manager James Gibson bringing in attacker Maddie Biggs from Ipswich Town Women. Also joining from Ipswich defender Oliva Smith. Midfielder and ex-England youth international, Alex Hennessey added to the squad along with ex-Crawley Wasps captain Selin Buyukgiray. Leanne Bell joins from Portsmouth FC Women. Goalkeepers Hope Smith previously with London City Lionesses and Katie O’Hanlon dual signed from West ham. Guyanese international Otesha Charles. Defender Ellie Finneran and Amber Gaylor returning to the club has lots of experience in the FA Women’s Championship having played for London Bees, Millwall Lionesses and Crystal Palace. While Amelie Johnson steps up from the Reserves squad. Biggs hitting the ground running at her new club netting 10 so far this season, Billericay currently 9th in the table a little frustrated with some of the results so far entering the FA Women’s Cup will be looking for a decent un in the competition.

McMillen Park the venue for today’s cup tie, the clubhouse and bar serving hot food and drinks leading into the stadium itself. The grass pitch with a small covered seated stand on one side opposite the dugouts with viewing all round. A damp day but still, very over cast and gloomy with the threat of a shower or two during the match.

Real Bedford Ladies

Real Bedford Ladies starting XI – Sarah Hudson, Amy Reed, Lisa Milliken, Gemma Franklin, Amber Smith, Chloe Martin, Zara Carroll (C), Erin Price, Gemma Croucher, Francesca Partridge & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Neve Mayes, Becky Charter, Izzy Crooks, Kaylen Gerkey & Sophie Billing.

Billericay Town Women

Billericay Town Women starting XI – Hope Smith, Scarlett Williams, Lucy Jones (C), Olivia Smith, Karesha Iton, Che Thomas, Leanne Bell, Amber Gaylor, Soraya Walsh, Ruby Sealey & Maddie Biggs. Subs – Alex baker, Karissa Doo, Otesha Charles, Charlotte O’Shea, Janaye Beaufort, Elise Jennings & Amelie Johnson.

A moment of silence held before the game on this Remembrance Sunday to reflect on those who gave their lives during the World Wars and other conflicts around the world, Lest We Forget.

The clubs respecting a minutes silence before the match

It’s Billericay to get this Women’s FA Cup tie underway kicking off the 1st half wearing blue coloured shirts and socks with navy coloured shorts, Bedford lined up opposite wearing orange shirts with black shoulder, black shorts and black socks. The ball rolled back to Olivia Smith in defence puts it out to the right side for Scarlett Williams to launch up the wing, the ball defended knocked back into the middle…

GOAL! Billericay quick close the ball down regain possession clipped up into the right channel for Maddie Biggs bursting in behind the defence, goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson rushing out to close the angle down block Biggs as she attempts to put the ball past her, the attacker getting beyond the keeper to snap at the loose ball fire it in towards goal, met by Ruby Sealey at the near post who turns it home to see the visitors take the lead inside the opening minute. 0-1.

Ruby Sealey turning the ball home to give Billericay the early lead

Far from the start Bedford wanted playing against a side 2 league higher, the hosts looking to get forwards straight from the restart out to Chloe Martin on the left sends in forwards down the line for Natasha Fensome to attack, Hope Smith though out quickly to the top of her area to slide in claim the ball. Bedford’s Erin Price and Billericay’s Amber Gaylor enjoying a good tussle in midfield, the Bedford player coming out on top to send a great ball out into the right wing for Amber Smith to chase down into the corner, whipping a dangerous ball across the top of the six yard box, Olivia Smith hacking it clear for Billericay.

Bedford’s Erin Price battling for possession with Billericay’s Amber Gaylor

Biggs is send tumbling as she takes control of the ball in the left channel turning to attack, the free-kick 25 yards out to the left of the D, Che Thomas over the set-piece, gets it round the wall on target but not troubling Hudson as she makes a comfortable catch.

Releasing the ball quickly Bedford get on the attack the ball lifted on for Fensome inside the D rising to nod the ball down for Gemma Croucher inside the area right of the D, closed down quickly as she looks to get a shot away, Billericay captain, Lucy Jones stabbing the ball away to safety. Amber Smith running away with the ball into space on Bedford’s right into the corner before laying her cross back across the top of the area, the ball struck goal wards, Olivia Smith in the way to make the block deflected beyond her with the pace taken out of it for Hope Smith to claim even as Bedford appeal for handball, nothing doing.

Billericay defender, Olivia Smith

Billericay getting the ball across the pitch well, lively in attack, Williams driving on the left winning a throw high the ball controlled played into the middle for Leanne Bell who switches play to the right with Karesha Iton hugging the touchline whips a high cross in towards goal, Hudson up high at her near post to claim it. A lively opening to the game Billericay looking to get after the Bedford defence find gaps in behind, the hosts countering well the tempo high.

GOAL! Billericay capitalising on their positive start as they race into a 2 goal lead, attacking on the right, Lisa Milliken tackling to halt Iton’s progress, the ball coming back to Gaylor free 25 yards out she plays a fantastic diagonal ball into Sealey left of the D, her touch bringing her inside one on one with the keeper and composed sends the ball wide of Hudson into the bottom corner for her 2nd of the game 0-2.

Ruby Sealey firing Billericay into a 2-0 lead

Billericay 2 goals to the good inside the opening 10 minutes, Bedford on the back foot needing a response, pushing up onto the Billericay defence, Francesca Partridge stealing the ball at the back attempts to lay it into the path of Fensome ahead of her, a timely foot sending the ball clear for a throw on the left. Bedford pressing high the ball crossed into the area from the left into Partridge is quickly closed down the ball ball cleared out of the area straight to Amber Smith 25 yards out central strikes the ball her shot angling wide of the right post.

Real Bedford’s Amber Smith.

Jones bringing the ball out from the back on the left for Billericay plays the pass long for Biggs spinning in behind heading for the box, Hudson racing out to close her down sliding in at her feet, Biggs putting the ball under her but behind for a goal kick. Price has her hands full in midfield with Gaylor and Bell getting after the ball taking it forwards for Billericay. Threaded on for Sealey to take on to the by-line right side of the area hooks a cross in looping across the face of goal, just over Soraya Walsh rising at the far post before Bedford clear.

Erin Price

Bedford up on the right with Amber Smith linking up with Croucher winning the throw, Croucher with a superb take down from the throw sending a looping ball inside to Partridge inside the area left of goal, lets out a frustrated cry as she drags her shot wide across goal, Hope Smith dropping onto it.

Francesca Partridge

Bedford winning a free-kick inside the Billericay half 35 yards out, captain Zara Carroll strong on her set-piece deliveries over it curling an inviting ball in to be attacked, defended drops to Croucher top of the D to strike on the half volley connects well but can only place it straight into the goalkeeper’s mid-riff, Hope Smith holding onto the ball.

Real Bedford’s Gemma Croucher

Bedford looking to get after Billericay press the ball, Croucher in particular snapping after the ball looking to get it on for Fensome to attack the area. Amber Smith having space to run into at times on the right for Bedford whipping a cross in near side, Jones under it heading the ball up beyond her across her six yard box, won’t quite fall for Martin at the far post before Olivia Smith can get it clear.

A free-kick won for Billericay right side 35 yards out, Gaylor running in to strike the ball hit well angling in threatening to drop under the crossbar, Hudson with a brilliant save getting her glove on the ball to tip it over for a corner kick. The resulting corner flashed in across the face of goal, missing everybody. Iton taking the ball on right wing powering forwards striking it as she cuts infield, taking a nick off a defender seeing it race behind for a corner kick. Swung in from the left Hudson getting a glove on it to turn the ball away to the right, Billericay looking to keep the pressure on knocked inside, Price putting in the tackle to she the threat cleared for Bedford.

Real Bedford captain, Zara Carroll

Croucher taking the ball on from Martin on the left 30 yards out slipping as she goes to strike the ball, making it an easy save for Hope Smith in the Billericay goal. Amber Smith up field pressing Jones at the back the left back forced into playing a rushed back pass to her keeper, Hope Smith in trouble as Fensome rushes in to close the ball down, trying to dig it out from under her feet, Fensome charging her down the ball landing in the side netting.

Natasha Fensome closing down goalkeeper Hope Smith

Committing players forwards, Bedford hit Billericay on the counter with Gemma Franklin getting the ball on for Price who sends it forwards into Partridge in attack, Olivia Smith with a vital interception for the visitors. A pause in play with Walsh down needing treatment for Billericay, can’t continue, the visitors making their first change of the match bringing on Charlotte O’Shea.

Gemma Franklin

Biggs spinning on the ball 25 yards out releasing Sealey into the area, her first touch a little heavy allows Hudson to dive forwards to get hold of it. Bedford counter quickly the ball into Fensome pulling right hooks the ball in central dropping inside the D for Croucher to latch onto her snap shot fired in low, Hope Smith saving getting down low to her left. Billericay remain sharp showing good movement across the pitch Gaylor strong making several positive runs. Williams tackling Fensome to win the ball inside the area as Partridge looks to play her in.

Jones allowed to travel with the ball into midfield sends the pass on for Biggs to take down and turn right of the area driving forwards, Milliken lunging in to knock the ball out of her path can only play it straight to Sealey who checks inside before curling a shot straight into Hudson back on her line. Bedford pressing late in the first half winning a throw high on the left, Fensome taking it on into the area flashing a cross into the six yard box, Billericay clearing the danger.

Billericay Town Women’s captain, Lucy Jones

Half-time Real Bedford Ladies 0-2 Billericay Town Women

The perfect start for Billericay racing into the lead inside the opening minute of the game. Far from the start Bedford would have wanted against higher league opposition. Building on a positive start moving the ball well the visitors soon adding to their lead and have continued to look a threat going forwards since. Bedford looking for a response getting forwards well enough but not quite finding the cutting edge to break open the Billericay defence, still at 2-0 the tie remains in the balance, the old clique the next goal counts you think it has to go to Bedford or it’s game over.

Neither side making a change at the break, just the 3 subs allowed in the FA Cup with a 4th permitted if the tie goes to extra-time. Billericay bringing on O’Shea for the injured Walsh in the first period with Bedford out early to get the 2nd half underway. A few spots of rain in the air, the umbrella needed, thankfully no wind so I can tuck it inside my coat keeping the hands free for the notepad and camera. Billericay after the ball forcing Bedford to go all the way back to their keeper. Won back in the middle Thomas on for Biggs out to O’Shea on the right her cross lifted into the six yard box cleared by Reed.

Real Bedford’s Amy Reed

Croucher pulled down as she drives on with the ball for Bedford winning the free-kick, players forwards into the area as Carroll lifts it in towards the far post, Fensome leaping but can’t get any control on her header the ball dropping wide of the post. Reed cutting the ball out a Jones looks to pick out Sealey from range.

Billericay push up on the Bedford area Thomas with Bell outside the D inside for Biggs, Martin defending for the hosts. Billericay strong at the start of the 2nd half looking for the 3rd goal to make the game more comfortable, Franklin out to tackle Sealey left side of the area as the attacker gathers the ball on the left powers her way forwards the ball behind for a corner kick. Swung in deep from the left defended knocked out to Iton outside the area, hook her shot wide of the mark.

Real Bedford’s Chloe Martin with Billericay’s Charlotte O’Shea

Jones having to come across make the tackle to deny Croucher a run into the visitors area as she skips in behind central the ball out for a corner on the left. A dangerous in swinging delivery through the six yard box a collision beyond the far post seeing Iton down in need of treatment, another pause in play but is up and able to continue.

Bell breaking in the middle for Billericay sending the ball on for Thomas racing clear on the right whips a cross low into the six yard box Milliken racing back turning it behind for the corner kick. Billericay looking a threat on set-pieces the delivery in towards the penalty spot, Carroll up well for Bedford to head clear, drops straight to Gaylor outside the area right corner, has a strike on goal flashes her shot over the bar.

Billericay midfielder, Leanne Bell

Croucher picking up a knock for Bedford. Williams doing the defending for Billericay inside the D as Partridge seeing the ball into her feet attempts to turn into the area. O’Shea wins Billericay a corner on the left as she runs on down the line with Reed knocking the ball off the defender. Lifted in central, Bell rising to meet it knocking the ball down back towards the left post, Hudson diving down to grab hold of the ball.

A double switch for Bedford with Partridge and Carroll coming off, new signing Becky Charter and Kaylen Gerkey coming on, the defender wearing a protective mask. Croucher knocking the ball down into Fensome’s path left of the area snatches at the shot pulling the ball horribly wide. Billericay breaking on the left Gaylor up with Sealey the ball crossed into the area behind both Biggs and Thomas knocked back out to Bell, 25 yards out smashes her shot in racing wide of the left post.

Thomas with a shot on the charge as she attacks on the right 25 yards out takes a deflection of Gerkey to see the visitors win another corner, pressure building from the set-pieces fired out to the top of the area falls for Gaylor, can’t dig the ball out from under her feet to shoot before being closed down, the ball with Olivia Smith though on the left she does well to win her side another corner. Hudson out to get something on it the ball flashed out to the right Iton looking to keep it in play winning Billericay another corner.

GOAL! The threat has been building rom Billericay on their corners and the delivery is perfect from Jones fired into the six yard box, Gaylor up to meet it at the far post nodding the ball down past the keeper into the back of the net 0-3.

Amber Gaylor heading Billericay into a 3 goal lead

Billericay now firmly in control of the game capitalising on a strong 2nd half to extend their lead in the 70th minute. Quickly regain possession from the restart Bell out to Sealey on the left powers her way down the wing cutting into the box closed down by Franklin, the clearance straight into Gaylor left corner of the area on the angle strikes the ball wide across goal. Another switch for Billericay sees Otesha Charles coming no to replace Iton.

The visitors coming on through the middle, Bell for Sealey into Biggs right of the D lays it across to Gaylor on the left taking it inside the area hits the low shot, Hudson with the save diving to her left to push the ball away. Billericay looking strong as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Bedford tiring, appeals for handball as Bell drives into the box shoulder to shoulder with Gerkey the ball off the defender, cleared.

Natasha Fensome

Price into Fensome left 20 of the D, 20 yards out turns twisting left and right looking to squeeze into the box, Olivia Smith lunging in to make the tackle. Croucher spinning in the right channel to pick out Charter wide on the wing her cross lifted into the top of the area cleared by Jones. Gerkey at the back lines up the long pass looking for Fensome making a run across the D up top, Olivia Smith getting there to head clear for Billericay.

Both sides making a change with Janaye Beaufort coming on for Billericay replacing Sealey. Neve Mayes coming on for Bedford in place of Croucher. Franklin across to cut out the pass as Thomas looks to pick out O’Shea out on the right channel. Price up with Fensome outside the area on the left the ball struck wide past the far post.

Martin getting on with the ball on the left for Bedford her cross flashed across the six yard box gathered by Charter on the right, drives inside, winning a corner off, Charles. Put in high to the near pot Billericay up to defend the ball. Bedford trying to get a goal pressing on the right Charter lifting in into the near pot, Fensome trying to adjust can’ quite get her head on it.

GOAL! Billericay push forwards getting players up and around the area into the final minute of regular play Thomas laying it inside for Biggs outside the D, puts her foot through the ball rifling the shot past Hudson to score 0-4.

Maddie Biggs congratulated by her teammates after firing in Billericay’s 4th goal

A 4th goal conceded as the game moves into stoppage time Bedford tired but still pushing on looking to get a reply the risk they get picked off at the other end, Gerkey with a vital interception lunging a leg out to stop the ball a Gaylor on the drive attempts to play Bell in on the right. Bell on the move with the ball right on for O’Shea looking to power her way on into the box Franklin giving chase diving in from behind in the box, risky but does well to get the ball take it away from the attacker.

GOAL! The game stretched in the closing stages Bedford willing to push on looking to take something from the game are hit on the turn around the ball up into the box cleared back out into the path of Gaylor to meet it sweetly from all of 30 yards out to bury it into the back of the net to score her 2nd and Billericay’s 5th of the game 0-5.

Amber Gaylor with a 5th goal for Billericay in the closing seconds of the game

Full time Real Bedford Ladies 0-5 Billericay Town Women

Two late goals perhaps harsh on Bedford but seal the dominance Billericay had, during the game, in control of proceedings pretty much from the off scoring inside the opening minute adding a 2nd 9 minutes later. Giving their lower league opponents a mountain to climb. Bedford with a strong start to their season not deterred as they looked for the reply creating half chances but not finding the clinical ball to unlock the Billericay defence. Still at 2-0 the game was still there for the taking the next goal crucial and Billericay wanted it starting the 2nd half strongly pressing on, Gaylor and Bell driving on from the midfield to support the attack, the pressure building from their corners eventually paying off in the 70th minute with Gaylor heading home the 3rd. Biggs and Gaylor with her 2nd at the death securing a comfortable win. A disappointing loss for Bedford but they can look forwards with positivity have made a fantastic start to the season nonetheless.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, often a tough one but on occasion there is a stand out performer and today is such an occasion. A few performances of note to mention first however. For Bedford, Gemma Croucher was excellent, getting about the pitch to press the ball force errors and bring her fellow attackers into play. Erin Price battled valiantly in midfield to try and get hold of the ball while Natasha Fensome tried to find the openings in the Billericay defence to get her through on goal. For Billericay, Olivia Smith was strong in the heart of the Billericay defence winning the ball and making a number of interceptions. Leanne Bell was a driving force in the middle of the park winning the ball and driving forwards to bolster the attack. The award though goes to Amber Gaylor was immense in the middle throughout getting in her tackles winning the ball and getting into some great positions to receive the ball heading home the 3rd goal and rifling home the 5th.

A great atmosphere at McMullen Park, the club certainly embracing their women’s team great to catch up with both sides, many changes for both but looking good. My thanks to everyone for their help today and looking forward to the draw for the next round.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – AFC Sudbury Women v QPR FC Women

Sunday 5th November

FAWNL South East Division One

A trip into Suffolk this bonfire Sunday to the MEL Group Stadium to watch some match action from FAWNL South East Division One, with newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women taking on Queens Park Rangers Women.

The 4th tier of the women’s football pyramid getting stronger and more competitive season upon season and promotion into is not an easy challenge. AFC Sudbury Women though reaching this level for the 1st time in their history off back to back league title in the ERWFL.

Playing in the 6th tier just two season’s ago the club has undergone a lot of changes in it’s recent history integrated into the club with AFC Sudbury setting up an academy for the girls side of the game as well as the boys, that has seen a crop of very talented young players come through to feature for the club, coming out of a highly competitive ERWFL Division One South with a host of clubs involved all the way to the finish to clinch the title and promotion to the ERWFL Premier Division.

Sudbury’s model very much based on bringing their young academy players through their young side hit the ground running in the ERWFL Premier Division, pushing the title contenders all the way to emerge on top of the pack to claim back to back promotions, top scorers in the league too with Holly Kennard, who has recently joined Norwich City Women netting 25 goals in 25 appearances and Jess Allen returning from a spell in the US notching up 17 from the 16 games she featured in. Back to back promotions to reach the FAWNL for the 1st time in the clubs history a huge step up and a bi test for their young squad, have stuck to their guns however giving them their chance to shine, a steep learning curve taking just a single point from their opening 4 matches before notching up their 1st win at home to Haywards heath Town Ladies. A further 2 draws sandwiched between another loss are starting to find their feet and know what the league is all about.

Queens Park Rangers Women gaining promotion back to the FAWNL in 2021 after having to regroup with their former Development side in regional football following the 1st team’s playing in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division split that saw the formation of a totally new club. Much of the 1st team staying under the QPR badge to fight their way back into the FAWNL, strong on their return finishing 4th in the table. A mid-table finish last time out winning as many as they lost, that inconsistency has been the feature of this campaign to having played 8, have won 4 and lost 4 with their last 4 league matches all ending in 2-1 scores, winning 2 and losing 2, get a run of wins going and the West London club are well placed in the table to threaten the top 4. Signing Grace Stanley from Cambridge City Women during the last campaign the striker is top scorer so far this season with 9 goals from 9 appearances.

Storm Ciaran bringing yet another wave of heavy rain across the country in the week leading into Saturday the flood plains leading into Sudbury full the river level high, a possible threat to the match, otherwise played on an artificial surface, the rain easing off water encroaching into the stadium behind the terraced stand opposite the clubhouse and onto the walk way and partially the home dug out the pitch raised however so no problem and whereas I usually migrate around that side of the ground to watch the match thankfully headed in the opposite direction so I didn’t have to paddle through the water. The women’s matches popular at Sudbury, the bar open with a special on today, curry and a pint for £10. Still settled for a cup of tea and a cheeseburger with the kitchen hatch open too. The sun doing it’s best to poke through the clouds bright at times, chilly when obscured.

AFC Sudbury Women

AFC Sudbury Women starting XI – Amelia Carter, Amber Proven, Kayleigh Dodd, Ronni Harrison (C), Aliyat Lambe, Leonnie Bezant, Maisie Goodwin, Phoebe Guiver, Sophie Jeffery, Jess Allen & Kate Edwards. Subs – Jodie Donley, Learna Daniels, Chloe Brame, Evie Creaton & Kiera Harms.

Queens Park Rangers Women

QPR FC Women starting XI – Nicole Melling, Alice Curr, Renai McCrea, Joanna Blodgett, Georgie Lewin, Emily Hill. Katie Akerman, Kasha Petit (C), Izzy Owen, Ellie Searle & Grace Stanley. Subs – Ailish Carolan, Emilia Parsons Frankie Webster, Zoe Cohen & Grace Shephard.

Captains, Kasha Petit and and Ronni Harrison with the match officials

A change of ends before kick-off with Sudbury putting the low sun at their backs the cloud cover disperses. QPR to have the kick-off first half wearing their away colours red and black striped shirts with black shorts and socks with Sudbury opposite in their usual colours, yellow shirts with blue shorts and yellow socks. The ball laid back into midfield, the clipped past long to the left sees Ellie Searle charging on to attack it, Kayleigh Dodd doing the defending for Sudbury seeing the ball out for a throw. The visitors looking to get on the front foot right from the start harrying the ball in the middle out to Renai McCrea on the left links up with Searle and Grace Stanley in attack the cross charged down spins away for another throw.

Sudbury’s Leonnie Bezant with QPR’s Izzy Owen

McCrea getting after the ball central as she tracks inside form the left laid forwards into Izzy Owen plays the ball into the right wing for captain Kasha Petit, Sudbury’s captain Ronni Harrison coming out to close her down defending for the hosts. QPR winning a free-kick on the halfway line, Georgie Lewin to flight a ball long into the area, Harrison putting her foot through it to clear for Sudbury. A lively tempo to the game both sides snapping at the ball Sudbury with Leonnie Bezant playing the pass forwards into Kate Edwards in attack looks for Jess Allen coming inside from the left, Joanna Blodgett getting a foot in to win the ball back the visitor look to counter rapidly with the past long for Searle in the clear on the left, her progress though halted by the raised flag of the linesman.

Sudbury attacker, Kate Edwards

Sudbury release Sophie Jeffery on their right to take the ball on into the corner, doing a step over to shift inside her marker, Lewin gets the challenge in the knock the ball out of her path, Bezant up with play snatching the ball back pushed into Jeffery wide, swings a cross into the QPR six yard box, Blodgett up to head clear. This is a lively game all action both side getting the ball on quickly can’t take your eyes off it for a second. Petit looking to get away on the right but Harrison is across to cut her off again clear the ball for a throw in.

Phoebe Guiver win the ball in the middle for Sudbury, rides the lunging tackle for Emily Hill before being chopped down by Katie Akerman the QPR midfield shown a early yellow card. The free-kick in half-way. The ball lifted forwards seen out safely by QPR, but put under pressure from the goal-kick give away a throw high up the pitch. Sudbury competing well looking to put the QPR defence under pressure as they are drawn out, Edwards and Allen pressuring the ball at the back, Edwards releases Allen the take the ball in behind strikes from distance her shot not troubling QPR goalkeeper, Nicole Melling.

Maisie Goodwin, with Guiver getting the ball on through the middle for Sudbury getting players up around the QPR box rolled into Bezant inside the D, her shot is charged down, the rebound coming to Allen to the left of the box, again her 1st time hit is blocked. Petit down with a knock for QPR a pause in play while she receives treatment. The wind having some bite to it now as the sun disappears behind the clouds. Play resuming with a drop ball, put out to Jeffery on the right, she hooks a looping all into the area, Blodgett getting a slight touch to deflect the ball away from the on coming attack, Melling’s claim it high behind her.

QPR’s Georgie Lewin

Alice Curr advancing on the right for QPR on for Petit, Amber Proven challenging the ball out for a thro high up the pitch the visitors get it down well to cross into the near post, Dodd getting their to clear for Sudbury. A chance for QPR to open the scoring as Sudbury are guilty of giving the ball away in the final 3rd central the through ball putting Searle into the box left of the D, taking it on towards the six yard box the angle closing she pulls her strike wide across the face of goal.

QPR’s Alice Curr

Harrison coming across to close Petit down as she gets clear on the right, the ball going behind Harrison and the Sudbury bench incredulous as a corner is given against them. A looping in swinger put in at the near post Sudbury goalkeeper, Amelia Carter jumping to punch the ball away back out to the right the corner taker rolling it back for Curr 25 yards out on the angle strikes the ball, blocked inside the area.

Getting a little testy out there a few clumsy tackles, McCrea getting the advantage as she is clipped going forwards looking for Searle left, Aliyat Lambe coming out to close her down for Sudbury. Lewin with a vital interception for QPR at the back and Sudbury build quickly through the middle. The QPR centre backs again under pressure as Sudbury turn play around playing it through the middle for Edwards racing forwards, Lewin and Blodgett racing back too, one getting the touch to push it on for Melling to launch clear.

Aliyat Lambe clearing the ball for Sudbury

If anything Sudbury are getting a little too excited as they reach the final 3rd, the final pass not quite on it’s mark giving QPR the chance to claim and get going in the opposite direction. Little time dwelled on the ball. 20 minutes gone a competitive match lively QPR with the ball on the left rolled back to McCrea with Dodd coming to close her down on the touchline the full back tangling as McCrea looks to dart past Dodd both holding onto each other shirt, Dodd thrown onto her back as the momentum is with McCrea. Dodd having the wind knocked out of her opposite the QPR dugout the Sudbury bench not happy as no action is taken against McCrea, the physio treating Dodd, they both had hold of one another, had the momentum been with Dodd then it’d be McCrea on her arse right now. As it is another long pause in play with Owen also needing treatment for QPR, Sudbury questioning the referee about the incident. Play resuming with a throw to QPR.

GOAL! Whether the incident unsettled Sudbury can be argued, but straight away they concede the ball not dealt with as it it threaded down the left wing for Searle to take in behind turning into the area along the by-line plays it into the six yard box with Stanley waltzing in central to tap home her 10th goal of the season to give the visitors the lead. 0-1.

Grace Stanley with her 10th goal of the season opening the scoring for QPR.

Proven feeding the ball on for Allen on the left closing in n the corner tracking inside towards the box, can’t capitalise with the cross as it is cut out by Blodgett. QPR push bodies forwards as they build through the middle Petit putting it right for Curr to lay inside for Stanley taking it on into the box right of the D, angles the ball back in across the penalty spot, played behind Akerman as she surges forwards, Dodd clearing for Sudbury.

Sudbury’s Sophie Jeffery

Sudbury getting caught in possession putting them under pressure at the back, Akerman sending the pass forwards for Searle advancing on the left squared into Stanley top left corner of the box, Bezant tracking back from midfield to challenge for Sudbury, possession though quickly lost the ball back with Searle on the right flashed into the box, Harrison scrambling it clear for the hosts. McCrea coming inside from the left on half-way playing a great threaded ball into Pettit in the right channel that sees her sneak in behind the Sudbury defence, Carter off her line rapidly to slide in and clear at the attackers feet.

Sudbury’s Phoebe Guiver

Again the Sudbury bench are livid as McCrea clatters into Guiver, with on action taken. Petit finding Stanley with the past up top the striker shooting over from outside the box to the right of goal. Lambe and Dodd both making good challenges at the back as QPR press up on the left with McCrea getting on well to support the attack.

Guiver carrying the ball on through the middle for Sudbury passes into Edwards ahead of her she in turn lays the ball into Allen racing in behind the defence on the right channel bearing down on the area, Melling racing out to close her down, going to ground, Allen shoots, the QPR keeping saving with her trailing foot, scrambling back up to her feet as Edwards races onto the loose ball 20 yards out trying to put it into the exposed goal, Blodgett back-peddling into her own six yard box able to intercept. A golden chance for Sudbury to equalise.

Sudbury’s Jess Allen

McCrea fouling Allen giving the hosts a free-kick wide on the right, Dodd to play the ball into the area dropping central Melling leaping doesn’t get much on it the ball out to the top of the area knocked back in Curr with the block for QPR the ball deflected behind, Sudbury furious when they don’t get the corner.

Blodgett is fouled by Allen as she looks to shield the ball out of play from a Bezant pass from the middle. Lewin bringing the ball on from the back for the visitors plays the pass to Searle breaking away wide left her cross whipped into the area defended by Harrison put behind for a corner kick. Sudbury defend the corner and look to break Edwards trying to play Allen in behind, Lewin stretching a leg to intercept the ball.

The Sudbury bench incensed once more as Bezant sends a great ball on for Allen long on the right the attacker getting back to it on the by-line to wrap her foot around the ball to lift in a cross, McCrea tracking back trying to block looks to have struck her arm as it knocked behind for the corner. The corner dropped into the mix drilled wide of the right post. The first half moving into stoppage time QPR on the attack, Hill forwards into Petit plays the ball into the area for Stanley right of goal cuts it back to the top of the area to be hit by the advancing Akerman her strike racing wide of the far post.

Half-time AFC Sudbury Women 0-1 QPR FC Women

That was a fast paced and competitive first half some good chances created, QPR getting off to a positive start, getting the ball wide pressing players on taking the lead midway through the half, Sudbury missing a great chance to level. Both sides guilty of having sloppy periods in possession, the game often rushed, Sudbury in particular not quite finding the mark with the final pass, nevertheless competitive has been an exciting first 45 and with a single goal in it all to play for.

Chilly now with the sun low and the floodlights on as the teams emerge for the 2nd half, no changes with Sudbury getting the game restarted the ball rolled back into the middle, the diagonal ball forwards to the right the QPR defence seeing it out. Bezant latching onto the ball driving on through the middle for Sudbury, Akerman tackling, McCrea launching it up to Stanley up top on her own gets up well to head the ball down into the D, but lacking a runner to take it on, Lambe is untroubled as she clears the ball. The visitors snapping at the ball inside the Sudbury half, Hill with Petit out to Searle high on the left her low cross claimed by Carter.

GOAL! QPR with the ball inside the Sudbury half Petit plays it into Akerman who opens up her body to slot an inch perfect pass into the feet of Searle as she steals inside her marker to race into the area left of goal and send it under the advancing keeper as she rushes out to close her down to score, 0-2.

Ellie Searle played through to double QPR’s lead at the start of the 2nd half

The perfect start to the 2nd half for QPR as they double the lead, while delivering a huge blow to Sudbury at the same time. The ball given away inside their own half, Sudbury are on the back foot straight away as Owen drive through the centre towards the D for QPR, Dodd getting the tackle in to take the ball out of her feet send it behind for a corner kick on the right. The corner taken short before the cross is delivered, the ball knocked down towards goal Carter dropping out her left to save it doesn’t know the flag has been raised for an offside.

Allen bursting on right side after the ball striking it on the half volley her angled effort straight into Melling’s midriff. Dodd getting back at Searle on the left to tackle as the winger threatens to run in behind to cross, the visitors snapping back to regain possession, Akerman trying her luck from distance sending the shot over the bar. Sudbury make the first change of the game bring off Guiver, on comes Evie Creaton. The substitute involved straight away in a triangle on the right with Edwards and Bezant, the attempted ball into the area intercepted by Lewin for QPR.

Allen looking to make something happen for Sudbury driving on with the ball on the right before being tackled winning her side a corner kick. Lopped in to the near post, Lewin is up with a firm header to knock it back out towards the taker, then races out to press the ball well. Goodwin linking up with Bezant in the middle rolled on for Edwards who clips it to the right of the D for Creaton, she flicks it into the box turning to chase it wide to the right of goal, Melling sprinting over to throw herself on the ball.

Lewin busy for QPR at the back getting out to close down Allen as she comes left to attack the ball. Another stoppage in play with Creaton going down needing treatment. QPR have won a corner on the right as play resumes played deep towards the far post 10 yards out knocked down towards goal, Carter diving left to get down to save push the ball out past her left post then makes another blocking save on her knees as Owen tries to turn the ball in at the near post.

Sudbury get up the other end with pace as Allen wins her side a corner kick, Creaton allowed back on. QPR defending clearing the ball out of their box, Akerman taking it forwards playing it on into Petit who smashes a shot over from range. Sudbury make a change bringing Edwards off, Chloe Brame coming on. Stanley with the ball right corner of the area sends in central to Hill inside the D, shifts to go left before pulling the trigger, Goodwin blocking for Sudbury the ball deflected behind her, Harrison clearing to concede the corner kick. Played in from the left Bezant clearing near side.

QPR’s Joanna Blodgett

66 minutes played Sudbury making a double substitution taking off Dodd and Lambe at the back Learna Daniels ad Jodie Donley coming on. Harrison defends as Hill bringing the ball on into the left channel looks to play Searle in to cross. Petit fouls Jeffery inside the QPR half the free-kick top of the centre circle the ball defended headed out to the right with Searle then holding of Brame as she looks to gather and drive towards the area.

GOAL! Defending a corner at one end QPR break through the middle Akerman charging on with the ball, has Petit and Stanley ahead of her racing to get clear of the Sudbury defence, the pass putting the ball on into Stanley’s path heading into the box right of the D bearing down on goal. Carter comes rushing out to try and close her down going to ground Stanley slots the ball past the keeper into the back of the net to make it 0-3.

Grace Stanley with her 2nd of the game to see QPR lead 3-0

Stretching their lead QPR making a double change as they take of Petit and Curr, send on Emily Parsons and Zoe Cohen. Sudbury conceding a 3rd goal frustrated haven’t been able to get going in the 2nd half picking up another injury as QPR prepare a triple substitution. Brame needs to come off for Sudbury too, Kiera Harms coming on. Ailish Carolan, Frankie Webster and Grace Shephard onto the pitch for QPR replacing Stanley, Akerman and McCrea. QPR winning a free-kick on the right 35 yards out.

GOAL! Blodgett over the set-piece strikes a high ball into the area, runners breaking in towards the penalty spot to meet it, one of those Parsons only on the pitch for a few minutes she gets her head onto the ball to send a bullet of a header over the keeper before she can react into the goal beyond 0-4.

Substitute Emilia Parsons heading home to make it 4-0

QPR with a strong grip on the game with less than 15 minutes of regular play left, Harrison pushed up into the middle for Sudbury as the hosts win a free-kick 30 yards out, the captain over it herself strikes the ball in towards goal a comfortable catch for Melling. Hill sending the ball up to Parsons back to goal 25 out looks to turn it into the path of Shephard racing forwards, she can’t quite take it in her stride as she enters the box allowing Sudbury to clear.

Harrison playing the ball on for Bezant the midfield lifting a great pass forwards for Harms to bring down under control top of the area, he progress halted though by the offside flag. Webster up ended inside the Sudbury half the set-piece seeing players go forwards, Hill up to knock the ball down into the box, before being struck wide of Carter’s left post. Bezant clipping a neat pass out to the left with Allen taking it down outside the area looking to shift onto her right foot and shoot, Blodgett putting the blocking tackle in.

The game getting a little ragged as it enters stoppage time several niggly challenges QPR playing with composure, hasn’t been Sudbury’ afternoon the hosts frustrated nothing working going forwards, play quickly turned around. The hosts with one last chance to get players up into the area winning a free-kick on the right, the ball won though by Hill cleared for Owen to break forwards pulls up suffering from cramp. The job done however the final whistle blowing QPR leaving Suffolk with the 3 points in the bag.

Full time AFC Sudbury Women 0-4 QPR FC Women

The win lifting QPR up into 5th place. Coming out on top in the 2nd half after a reasonably even 1st half. Making a few tweaks to the side came out fast in the 2nd half getting at Sudbury to quickly double their lead, a blow for Sudbury who will want to put that half behind them, never got going, QPR performing well to frustrate them winning the ball and turning play around creating chances Stanley put clear to make it 3, wit substitute Parsons burying her header to make it 4-0.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time to choose this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match, a tight call yet again with some strong performers out there. A few performances of note to mention. For Sudbury Leonnie Bezant was strong in the middle especially 1st half winning her tackles and showing a good range of pass that on another day would threaten to unlock a defence. Captain Ronni Harrison defending well at the back getting across to defend and read the game as QPR turned play around. For QPR, Ellie Searle was a constant threat out on the left, looking to get in behind to cross the ball, played in to score their 2nd early in the 2nd half. Katie Akerman came into her own in midfield as the game wore on getting into some great positions driving forwards with fantastic assists. Today’s award though goes to defender Georgie Lewin, a powerful display at the back winning the ball and bringing it out of defence, making several interceptions which played a large part in frustrating their opponents.

Great to be back at the MEL Group Stadium to watch Sudbury play in the FAWNL as frustrating afternoon for sure, but still a long way to go and will fight all the way to ensure they retain their new found FAWNL status. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details, the nature of the league this time of year just one more league game scheduled for QPR, Sudbury with too will both be looking to end the year on a positive note.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fakenham Town Ladies v Hertford Town Women

Sunday 22nd October

FA Women’s Cup 3rd Round Qualifying

A place in the 1st Round Proper of this season’s FA Women’s Cup up for grabs this Sunday with 88 ties being played across England. A trip to the Daly Group Stadium featuring on Women’s Football East as Fakenham Town Ladies host Hertford Town Women both looking to made history in reaching the 1st Round Proper for the 1st time.

With the added incentive of £4,000 worth of prize money going to the winning side a huge amount for any grassroots club. The prize fund increasing (although still no where close to the men’s prize fund) giving the FA Women’s Cup more prestige seeing a record number of entrants.

Today’s tie between two sides competing in tier 6 of the women’s football pyramid. Albeit in separate leagues with tier 6 of the ERWFL divided into a Division One North and South. The ERWFL reaching it’s full compliment of 36 clubs across 3 divisions this season, has since been reduced by 3 due to teams struggling for various reasons often recruitment which continues to highlight how fragile the game remain despite rapid growth in recent seasons.

Fakenham Town Ladies making the step up into regional football last season off the back of winning the Norfolk Women’s League Cup the year before. A big step up and despite initially struggling for results the squad grew into the league and finished strongly setting the base for the coming season. Division One North swelling to 12 sides (now reduced to 10) including 3 more from Norfolk, Fakenham started well with a home win over Bedfordshire side Wootton Blue Cross Lionesses, two defeats were to follow however, the club responding well to the early setbacks to take 7 points from their last 3 games to climb up to 3rd in the table.

Chloe Gravett top scorer so far netting 12 goals in 7 appearances. Have bolstered the squad with the return of some former players, Imogen Dilling back after a year away with, Kayleigh Robb and Jade Doy also returning. Defender, Sophie Buckley back this season after joining for a spell late last campaign. Sadie Anderson joins, from Scotland whilst studying in Norfolk. With Holly Walker the newest addition joining from Wroxham Women. Under new management this season with Kris Healy and Reserve team player Matty Wheeler in charge. Recieved a bye in the 1st Qualifying Round before knocking out ERWFL Premier Division side King’s Lynn Town Ladies at The Walks in the previous round winning 5-2 with Chloe Gravett scoring 4 goals.

Hertford Town Women were only formed last season, entering the Beds & Herts Women’s Premier Division were amongst the title contenders all the way through to the very last game of the season that against title rivals Wormley Rovers Ladies in a winner takes all game. Sadly were to miss out losing the game 4-3 to finish runners-up, making up for that loss by winning the Chris Renshaw trophy. Applied to join the ERWFL and successful in their bid joining Division One South.

Making a promising start to playing at regional level with 3 wins and a draw from their opening 5 matches to sit 2nd in the ERWFL Division One South table. A young side newly formed have set up a partnership with Hartham United Ladies which will see a number of players dual signed including the likes of experienced striker Nicole Emmings and defender Kat Calvert. Georgia Elmer-Roads and Kaylie Clark leading the goal scoring charts with 4 goals apiece. A goal each for Georgia Elmer-Roads and Charlie Mills seeing Hertford beat Beds & Herts Premier Division side Stotfold Women in 1st Round Qualifying setting up a trip to Essex to play Harlow based side, Frontiers Ladies. Hertford coming out on top in a 10 goal thriller winning 6-4 with Kaylie Clark on target for a hat-trick.

The venue for today’s game the Daly Group Stadium (formerly Clipbush Park) home of Fakenham Town FC. Storm Babet bringing heavy rainfall to much of the country over the past 48 hours, the pitch though coping well soaking up the moisture looking in great condition. A large pitch offering plenty of width with a seated stand opposite the dugouts and clubhouse serving hot and cold drink and food. The calm after the storm, pleasant and mild, settled the sun low behind one end of the ground.

Fakenham Town Ladies

Fakenham Town Ladies starting XI – Tilly Betts, Georgina Pooley, Ruby Curtis, Jemma Riches (C), Sophie Buckley, Sian Sands, Rochelle Woods, Kirstie Rusted, Imogen Dilling, Shelley Woods & Chloe Gravett. Subs – Maddie Smith, Olivia Baker, Vicky Lubbock, Sophie Lubbock & Holly Walker.

Hertford Town Women

Hertford Town Women starting XI – Emma Gore, Leah Crocket, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads, Brodie McKie, Summer Young (C), Ellie Curtis, Kiera Groves, Georgia Elmer-Roads, Tazmin Symonds Bishop, Kaylie Clark & Charlie Mills. Subs – Katie Marshall, Ella Cripps & Ellie Young.

No roll on roll off substitutes in the FA Women’s Cup just 3 substitutes allowed with the tie being settled from the penalty spot if all square after 90 minutes. A switch of ends at kick-off with Fakenham attacking with the sun at there backs, wearing amber coloured shirts, black shorts and socks. Hertford to get the first half underway taking the kick-off wearing blue coloured shirts with white sleeves, blue shorts and socks. The ball played back to Brodie McKie in defence launched forwards up to attacker, Charlie Mills battling to win the ball getting it forwards to Georgia Elmer-Roads breaking in behind left wing, goes too soon the flag up against her.

Fakenham look to bring the ball out of defence on their left Georgina Pooley getting on with the ball pushed inside into the middle, Keira Groves lunging in to tackle winning possession back for Hertford. Pushed out to the right with Tazmin Symonds Bishop breaking down the wing her early cross swung into the area headed clear by Fakenham’s Sophie Buckley.

Fakenham’s Sophie Buckley

The visitors winning a free-kick on the right, the ball floated in towards the top of the area defended by Fakenham’s Sian Sands the ball knocked down for Buckley to kick clear. Fakenham giving away free-kicks early in the match inviting pressure as Ellie Curtis places the ball down to take top of the centre circle, the ball looping into the six yard box, goalkeeper Tilly Betts getting a glove on the ball to punch it away behind to her right for a corner kick. The ball fired in low cleared at the near post.

Fakenham a little nervy at the start build on the right, Kirstie Rusted bursting forwards lifting the ball on for Chloe Gravett in attack, Leah Crocket coming across to challenge clear the ball out for a throw in. Hertford lively at the start of the game getting forwards and spreading the ball across the pitch, fed into the left channel for Mills to chase, Ruby Curtis coming across her shielding the ball out of play for a Fakenham goal kick.

Fakenham’s Ruby Curtis

Fakenham come left Rusted sending the ball into Shelley Woods coming inside form the right, looks for Gravett breaking into the D, Crocket again getting a foot in to take the ball away from the Fakenham attacker the ball out for a throw. The ball over on the left as Hertford get players forwards, space opening up on the right for Crocket to move into see the cross field past put into her path drives on before crossing, Buckley winning the interception heading the threat clear for the hosts.

The free-kick count mounting Hertford winning another inside the Fakenham half, Curtis sending it up in towards the six yard box, Betts comfortable as she takes the catch down into her body. Pooley bringing the ball into space on the left for Fakenham firing the pass forwards into Shelley Woods 20 yards out left of the D, gets it out from under her feet forwards into Gravett coming across her path top of the area, driving for goal taking on McKie, the defender cramped for room to turn and challenge doing well to flick a boot out, the ball taking the smallest of deflections to see it run on for onrushing goalkeeper, Emma Gore to snatch up into her gloves.

Shelley Woods bringing the ball on for Fakenham

Hertford winning another set-piece on half-way to the left the ball played on up the channel, Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches stabbing a foot out to knock the ball out of Mills’ path as she bursts forwards to attack it. A competitive cup tie both sides getting after the ball, Groves busy in the middle of the park for Hertford looking to put Crocket away to attack on the right, Pooley stepping in to challenge for Fakenham coming away with the ball on the left surging forwards turning for the area, runs into McKie as the defender stands her ground.

Fakenham’s Georgina Pooley

Hertford getting bodies around the ball central the through ball out to the right releasing Symonds Bishop down the line turning inside top of the area, has Clark waiting to receive right of the D, the ball into her as Mills overlaps to burst into the area the ball put into her feet her shot on the angle charged down, the ball gathered in the middle by Curtis whose shot from distance drops wide of the left post. Hertford captain, Summer Young intercepting the ball at the back as Buckley sends it long from the back looking for Gravett

Hertford captain, Summer Young

GOAL! 25 yards out Gravett snaps back at Young to nick the ball play it forwards into Shelley Woods breaking in behind the defence left of the D to put herself one on one with the keeper, opening up her body to send the ball wide of the keeper before she can close her down to score 1-0.

Shelley Woods netting the opener for Fakenham

Fakenham taking the lead just past the opening 15 minutes, the goal bringing some confidence as the hosts get hold of the ball in the middle, Rochelle Woods with a strong run with the ball, laid off to Rusted on the right, looks for Gravett, Young winning the ball back for Hertford. The visitors awarded a free-kick wide on the left, Clark to play the ball in towards goal, Betts again with an assured take catching the ball as she drops forwards.

Imogen Dilling putting the ball on for Shelley Woods coming in of the right channel threaded into the area for Gravett, McKie coming across the attacker to shield the ball as Gore comes to claim it. Mills darting about up top for Hertford making some teasing runs keeping the Fakenham defence on their toes Riches and Buckley halting her progress. The ball given away on the right as Hertford press the ball Symonds Bishop on the move passing inside to Mills right of the D, Riches quickly across to dive in with an outstretched leg to send the ball away from a throw.

Penalty! The ball put in across the top of the area from the throw on the right sees Clark looking to turn get inside to shoot, Curtis bringing her down, referee Tom Miles pointing to the spot. Curtis shown the yellow card. Now my camera’s batteries chose this exact moment to die so I didn’t clock who took the penalty, nevertheless the ball is struck hard and rising, Betts going the right way is beaten but the ball cannons back off the crossbar, down into the area, Fakenham’s defence scrambling it clear the opportunity to level gone.

Ellie Curtis for Hertford with another attempt from range held by Betts back on her line. Hertford finding joy out wide, Georgia Elmer-Roads lining up a shot from the left on the angle driven in low to the near post, Betts right behind it. Fakenham getting themselves a free-kick wide on the right a chance for players to come up from the back, lifted into the area, Riches attacking it adjudged to have committed the foul.

Georgia Elmer-Roads

Groves getting stuck in in the middle for Hertford playing the ball out to Symonds Bishop on the right, powers forwards, Pooley getting back on her to tackle put the ball out of play for Fakenham. Shelley Woods finding useful pockets of space in the channels for Fakenham constantly looking to lay the ball into Gravett as she moves across the Hertford back line, McKie getting her head on the ball to clear. Young at the back sending a great pass forwards to see Mills race in between the Fakenham centre backs, 30 yards out, Betts though is alert to the threat and comes racing out of her box to get to the ball first kick clear.

Rochelle Woods

Pooley bringing the ball on left for Fakenham inside for Shelley Woods, 30 out rolls in inside for Rochelle Woods who sees Pooley continuing her run into the box hooks the ball forwards, McKie tracking across lunging in to get her foot on the ball knock it behind for the corner kick. The ball fired in near post cleared for a throw in.

Fakenham building some pressure out on the right players forwards into the area lifted into the box, Shelley Woods looking to latch onto it get ahead of the defence under challenge lifts the ball over the keeper to score, won’t count however with the referee spotting a pull of the shirt.

Clark moving across the path of Symonds Bishop on the right as the winner drives forwards with the ball, Clark taking the ball right of goal seeing her cross cut out, getting the rebound back attempts to pick out Symonds Bishop at the by line however the winger has strayed offside. Ellie Curtis sent tumbling for Hertford the visitors with another free-kick inside the Fakenham half central, Clark lines up a strike the shot swerving away from the top left corner.

Ellie Curtis

Hertford continue to press for an equaliser Groves getting the ball out to the left, Georgia Elmer-Roads inside for Clark moving into the area, Betts comes rushing out to close her down diving at her feet the ball knocked past her heading for the by-line Elmer-Roads after it from the acutest of angles gets a shot away the ball coming back off the base of the post.

Fakenham captain, Jemma Riches

End to end no sooner has Betts been called into action one end, Gore has to come rushing out to dive in save at the feet of Gravett as she looks to steal into the box from the right channel the keeper snatching hold of the ball quickly up to get her side on the move.

Hertford goalkeeper, Emma Gore out quickly to deny Chloe Gravett.

Betts down low to save at her near post as Georgia Elmer-Roads sends another angled shot in low towards goal. McKie doing well inside the box to defend against Gravett as Rusted attacking from the right hooks a high ball into the area. A busy end to the first half Hertford with a throw high on their right put across the top of the area into Mills slots the ball forwards for Clark to attack, Betts down smartly to save well at her feet.

Young stretching out a leg to cut the ball out as Shelley Woods attempts to put Gravett through into the box. Fakenham pushing up on the right, Gravett off a throw powering her way into the area, attempting to lay it back up towards the top of the area for Rochelle Woods, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads defending for Hertford.

Half-time Fakenham Town Women 1-0 Hertford Town Women

An entertaining 1st half, the teams go off with Fakenham holding the advantage, Shelley Woods 16th minute goal separating the sides. A bright start from Hertford have looked lively getting the ball about the pitch creating a few half chances. Fakenham a little nervous at the start settling into the game the goal seeing them press better get after the Hertford defence, giving away a penalty Hertford failing to capitalise both keepers called into action. The tie very much on a knife edge going into the 2nd half.

Hertford making a double substitution at the start of the 2nd half brining on Ellie Young and Ella Cripps for, Curtis and Crocket. Fakenham unchanged to get the 2nd half underway played back to the defence, Hertford pour forwards in an attempt to close the ball down the ball hastily cleared for a throw on the right. A strong start from Hertford winning the ball out on the left Clark inside for Mills out to Ellie Youngs attacking on the right side whips an early ball into the area headed away by Riches.

Ellie Young attacking for Hertford Town Women

GOAL! Hertford get back on level terms with barely a minute of the 2nd half played, attacking on the right Ellie Young making an immediate impact laying the ball on for Mills wide of the area tracks inside towards the six yard box before laying the ball back towards the top of the area a host of blue shirts queuing up to strike it, Young with the strike smashing the ball into the roof of the net to equalise 1-1.

Hertford celebrate levelling the scores

Pooley closing down Clark as the Hertford striker brings the ball out to the right, deflected inside, Mills chasing after it into the D, Sands hooking clear. Hertford pressing well at the start of the 2nd half looking to push Fakenham back. A competitive game in the middle of the park, tackles flying in, Sands being cautioned by the referee.

Mills out to the right taking the ball on from Ellie Young checks inside playing in into Clark right of the D, Sands tracking back for Fakenham doing the defensive work regaining possession for the hosts. Fakenham attempting to regain the momentum finding Rusted out on the right, Gravett over to support, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads forced to play the ball out for a throw.

Fakenham midfielder, Sian Sands

Mills right sees her progress stopped by Pooley the ball out for a throw level with the top of the area played inside into Clark sees it down of her chest and turns into the shot striking the ball wide of the near post. Gravett hauled down as she breaks forwards from the left, no advantage play brought back for the set-piece the strike from distance fired over the crossbar.

Georgia Elmer-Roads coming out to the left has Cripps racing on ahead of her the ball fed into her run of for Clark who sends a dangerous ball into the area behind the defence, Buckley getting her toe on the ball to turn it behind for the corner kick. Swung in low to the near post cut out, Rusted rushing out to charge down a shot from outside the box the ball cleared upfield. Gravett pulling free on the right to chase the ball down into the area, Cripps chasing back stays on her well to lung in cut out her cross send it behind for the corner kick. The corner from the right, met by Groves coming out to clear, falls to a Fakenham player the shot struck from range angling wide of the far post.

Hertford’s Kiera Groves

Midway through the 2nd half the game delicately poised Hertford with a strong opening pushing players on stretching Fakenham the hosts defence coping well, Gravett and Woods looking to pull into the channels create an opening at the other end. Fakenham attacking on the left players attracted to the ball, the cross lifted into the box from deep, Rusted closing in on the keeper six yards out getting her head under the ball attempting to put it wide of Gore places it wide of the left post.

Fakenham’s Kirstie Rusted

The fouls mounting up for Sands as she goes into the book for Fakenham, the free-kick wide on the right 35 yards out, floated into the area Betts comes out well to claim the ball. Hertford committing players forwards get caught with a high line as Shelley Woods nips in on the ball and attempts to thread Gravett through into the box, is a vital touch from Kayleigh Elmer-Roads to cut the ball out or Gravett was in with a one one with the keeper.

Kayleigh Elmer-Roads

A double change for Fakenham with Pooley and Rochelle Woods coming off, Holly Walker and Vicky Lubbock. A change of shirt for Clark just to confuse things now wearing no 4. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads breaks away on the left in behind racing to the by-line as Riches comes out to close her down, completely misses her cross, but still manages to win her side a corner knocking the ball behind of the defender. Fired in near post defended knocked out to Ellie Young left corner fires a vicious ball back into the six yard box, cleared by Walker for Fakenham in front of her goal comes straight to McKie top of the box, shoots her shot rising clips the top of the crossbar on it’s way over.

Both sides showing intent going for the winner Hertford committing players forwards, Fakenham looking to get the ball back into their attackers remains competitive in the middle of the park. The hosts with a free-kick out on the left taken quickly fired in across the goal, Rusted closing in far post can’t get a telling touch. Rusted’s last action of the game then as she is taken off replaced by Sophie Lubbock with a little over 10 minutes left on the clock.

Gravett working hard up top for Fakenham running into the channels taking the ball on from Dilling running into the corner her cross swung in behind the goal. Fakenham pressing high Sophie Lubbock seeing her shot charged down, Hertford attacking on the counter. Mills taking the ball right her cross cut out by Buckley, comes back to Mills lifted into Symonds Bishop at the near post Betts diving in front of her doing enough to knock it against the attacker out of play for the goal kick.

Hertford’s Ella Cripps with Fakenham’s Chloe Gravett

End to end late in proceedings both sides seeking what could prove to be the winning goal with penalties looming. Groves taking the ball forwards pushed on into Mills, she finds her run halted by Riches inside the D. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads picking up a yellow card as she up ends Sophie Lubbock. The set-piece right of the centre circle lifted in towards the right post, Gore coming across her goal jumping to catch the ball.

Mills tracking in from the right seeing her strike deflected safely through to the keeper. Katie Marshall coming on for Hertford replacing Georgia Elmer-Roads. Gore down sharply to smother the ball as Fakenham lift it in from the left. Betts with a fantastic piece of goalkeeping as she comes racing out to meet Clark top of the area as she latches onto a through ball from midfield, the keeper down low on her knees getting a hand on the ball as Clark looks to go around her, Riches around on the cover clearing the ball.

Fakenham goalkeeper, Tilly Betts

Fakenham break up the other end the ball out to Gravett on the left 25 yards out with the turn and hit smashing a shot over the bar. The 90 minutes are up the game moving into stoppage time no sign that either side is settling for penalties Hertford press the ball, Sophie Lubbock though latching onto a misplaced pass 25 yards out drives for the area, Kayleigh Elmer-Roads getting across to dive in win the tackle.

Fakenham shooting from range a high ball in towards goal from the left threatening to dip under, Gore’s bar but she is tall, standing above her teammates isn’t caught off guard plucking the ball down from the air into the ground for the defence to clear.

GOAL! Hertford clear the ball forwards through the middle Clark racing onto it 35 yards out doesn’t hesitate lines up the shot putting her foot through the ball, striking it over the keeper to land in the goal beyond and runs away to her bench to celebrate 1-2.

Kaylie Clark firing Hertford into the lead in the 93rd minute

Hertford coming back from a goal down at the break to take the lead in the 93rd minute! Virtually no time left for Fakenham to respond a hammer blow the hosts press forwards looking to score. Hertford drop back to defend a little scrappy Clark picking up a yellow card. A free-kick wide on the left taken quickly in low cut out top of the area. Gravett inside to Vicky Lubbock on for Shelley Woods, cut out by McKie as she surges into the D the ball cleared the final whistle blows and Hertford win it at the death making history to reach the first round proper of the FA Women’s Cup.

Full time Fakenham Town Women 1-2 Hertford Town Women

A fantastic cup tie that looked to be heading to penalties until Kaylie Clark struck from range to find the winning goal for the visitors. A strong 2nd half from Hertford started quickly making changes paying off straight away with the equalising goal on 46 minutes. Further chances created after that, Betts with some great goalkeeping to frustrate them. Both sides looking for a goal to make it 2-1 after that. A great watch from a neutrals perspective could have gone either way, Fakenham will be bitterly disappointed had no time to reply. Hertford into the first round proper draw will be eager to see who they draw out of the hat.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Often a tough call and although there were a few contenders from both sides, one player had edged it in my mind before the final whistle. For Fakenham, Tilly Betts was superb in goal, controlled and making some vital stops, will be disappointed to concede so late on. Jemma Riches and Sophie Buckley with some strong tackling at the back making a number of interceptions. Shelley Woods in attack making some useful runs into the channels, with Chloe Gravett working hard up top trying to create an opening. For Hertford, Brodie KcKie had a superb game in defence making a number of tackles. Keira Groves all over the place in midfield fighting to win the ball setting up numerous attacks. Ellie Young making a real impact from the bench. Kayleigh Elmer-Roads with several vital tackles at the back too. Had already clinched the award before scoring the 93rd minute winner, Kaylie Clark was excellent in attack making some brilliant runs into the channels and across the defence, linking up well with Mills and Symonds Bishop in particular.

An entertaining cup tie, from the sides 3rd and 2nd in their leagues respectfully going into the game promised to be a good game and certainly delivered. My thanks to both sides from their help with the team details, like Hertford will be looking forwards to the upcoming draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA Women’s Cup.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Cambridge City Women v Cambridge United WFC

Sunday 15th October

FAWNL South East Division One

Derby match action this weekend on Women’s Football East a trip to Haverhill to watch the Cambridge showdown between Cambridge City Women and Cambridge United Women in FAWNL South East Division One.

Originally set to be the season opener, the game postponed due to the not so small matter of the Lionesses reaching the World Cup final. A historic day for women’s football in the country and testament to how much the game has grown in recent times. The FAWNL representing tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid the talent playing with in it getting stronger season upon season. Along with it the challenges clubs face to remain competitive and succeed.

Cambridge City Ladies promoted to the FAWNL back in 2019 after enjoying a rapid rise through the leagues to join their fellow Cambridge side in the 4th tier. The clubs sharing a turbulent history having once been one before Cambridge Women as they were back then broke away eventually merging with Cambridge United FC. Cambridge City are now Cambridge City Women. Have always been a club that has put youth at the forefront of their pathway to the first team and have produced many talented sides over the years. Have seen many changes over the past few season’s from the very top with a new chairman to a total overhaul of the senior team losing a lot of experienced players as they have moved on to other clubs. Management changes too that have seen the club struggling for points at the bottom end of the league.

More changes over the summer with more player departures, a new manager brought in Fadi Mazloum the ex-Stevenage FC Women’s head coach to lead the 1st team, overseeing a virtual rebuild of the squad. A number of new signings joining the young retained players. Eva Hubbard dual signed with Needham Market last season joining on a permanent basis. Rosy Wodhams joining from Stevenage FC Women. Sophie Mulvihill signing on with the club having experience with both Nottingham Forest and Leicester. Tilly Fidler another bringing valuable experience to the side. Striker, Libby Fraser joining from Cambridge United along with defender Abi Davies. Goalkeeper Nina Meollo comes in on loan from Ipswich Town Women. Jade Barrett back in the game after a spell out with injury. Jade McGibbon, Patience Ndlovu, Belle Shannon, Sakina Dhirani & Leila Awan also joining the club. A lot of new faces to bring in and form into a team over the summer and despite a opening day win in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup have struggled in the league losing their opening 6 matches to sit bottom of the table. Fadi Mazloum since setting down from his role sees the club on the look out for a new 1st team manager. Got a much needed boost with their 1st point secured at home against newly promoted AFC Sudbury Women in midweek.

Cambridge United WFC amongst the longest established sides playing in the 4th tier, but would love to shake of that accolade and strive for promotion. Since taking on the United mantle in their name have enjoyed closer ties with Cambridge United FC, forming a women’s board within the club last season and playing a number of matches at The Abbey Stadium. Setting up a better player pathway in the process with the aim of producing talent to compete for places in the senior team. Bringing in new players to bolster an experienced squad, Fran Steele joining from Cambridge City a driving force in midfield. Zoe Wood returning to football is an ex-England youth international. Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris also joining with Wymondham Town Ladies amongst her previous clubs. Mistie Fox-Barker another addition joining from Royston Town Women. Annie Posnett top scorer in ERWFL Division One North last season also aiming to make an impact. Serena Cobb, Eleanor Townsend and Niamh Day stepping up from the old Development squad.

Shaking off a lethargic loss in the opening days Determining Round match. Came back to record a 4-0 win in their opening league fixture against Haywards Heath Town Women with last season’s top scorer Sarah Wilshire netting all 4 goals. Was to be Wiltshire’s last appearance for Cambridge for now as she announced she is pregnant with her 3rd child. A big gap to fill in the attack would be interesting to see how the squad responded… and they have responded excellently, playing Alysha Stojko-Down in a false number 9 position has found the back of the net for 5 goals with Bella Simmons hitting 4. Followed that win with back to back and a win, suffering their 1st loss against Wimbledon bouncing back well with 3 successive wins on the road in league and cup the latest in midweek with Bella Simmons spectacular bicycle kick clinching a 1-0 at London Seaward FC. Sees them in 4th place just 3 points behind leaders Norwich City Women.

The New Croft in Haverhill the venue for today’s match, Cambridge City Women’s new home while they await the completion of Cambridge City FC’s new stadium in Sawston. Boasting a top class 3G facility as well as the main grass pitch with the clubhouse, bar and kitchen hatch in between. A small seat stand on one side. Quite open to the elements is a somewhat chillier day to those we’ve been used to, but they had to arrive sounder or later. Still bright the sun moving around one end of the pitch would cause issues but otherwise dry.

Cambridge City Women

Cambridge City Women starting XI – Nina Meollo, Jess Fitzpatrick, Eva Hubbard (C), Sophie Mulvihill, Abi Davies, Paige Gardiner, Rosy Wodhams, Libby Fraser, Jess Wood, Jade Barrett & Becca Stephenson. Subs – Georgia Anderson, Hannah Simpson, Milly Struthers & Theresa Kooh.

Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Lauren Webb, Ella Marden, Tash Collins, Lauren Rouse, Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris, Gisela Otten (C), Fran Steele, Ruth Fox, Bella Simmons & Alysha Stojko-Down. Subs – Sammy Edgar, Abbie Jackson, Annie Posnett, Serena Cobb & Mistie Fox-Barker.

United captain Gisela Otten and City captain Eva Hubbard with today’s match officials

You know the drill from here on in it’s City and United when these two meet (I write enough as it is without adding 300 references to Cambridge) It’s United to get the derby match underway wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and white socks. With City opposite wearing white shirts with black shorts and black and white hooped socks. The ball rolled back to Fran Steele in midfield clips a long pass out to the left, Ruth Fox harrying the City defence bringing the visitors an early corner.

Played into the near post area City half clearing out to United captain Gisela Otten positioned central strikes the ball from distance taking a deflection of a City defender to take the power out of it easily gathered by goalkeeper Nina Meollo. City look to drive through the middle, Paige Gardiner picking up a head of steam laying the ball on for Becca Stephenson pulling into the right channel the pass intercepted by Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris at the back for United.

Cambridge City attacker, Becca Stephenson

Competitive in the middle from the start with United looking to get the ball out to the flanks Fox left and Bella Simmons right willing runners. United winning a free-kick inside the centre circle Cheal-Ferris sending a diagonal ball out to Simmons on the right 25 out her feet slide out from under her as she goes to strike the ball the shot running harmlessly through to the keeper.

Libby Fraser getting hold of the ball on the right for City looking to drive at the defence cutting inside losses possession as she runs into traffic. Another quick United free-kick sees Simmons skip in behind the defence on the right. Sophie Mulvihill coming across to put in the challenge for City clearing the danger away for a corner on the right. Swept in long across the six yard box Fox rising at the far post heading the ball down into the ground scrambled clear comes out to the left Ella Marden sending a strike from distance wide of the right post.

United pressing into the City half the defence up on half way at times looking to be aggressive get after the ball turn play around. The ball won centrally United’s Simmons finds half a yard on the right wing to take the ball on down the line whipping a cross in central Fox closing meeting it with her head turns the ball wide of the right post.

Cambridge United WFC’s Ruth Fox

Lauren Rouse at the back for United putting in a strong tackle to win the ball against Rosy Wodhams as she looks to travel forwards. Playing a high line City find the pass to release Stephenson in behind right side racing after the ball, United goalkeeper, Lauren Webb closing in the opposite direction sliding in to lay claim to the ball.

Another free-kick goes to United as Simmons is brought down outside the area 25 yards from goal. The ball curled into the box, Meollo punching it clear, City look to break with Jess Wood getting on down the wing before Collins closes her down challenging to put the ball out for a throw. City push players on for the throw in played inside to Stephenson left corner of the area tackled by United’s Steele. City with a good spell regaining possession centrally the pass forwards setting Stephenson away right side powers into the box before hitting the ball across the top of the six yard box, Fraser getting hold of it stealing past a couple of United defenders before rifling a shot wide past the right post

Wodhams dumped to the ground as she takes the ball forwards, City awarded the free-kick centrally, Fraser on the ball as players line up for a right sided delivery, instead Fraser whips the ball into the near post looking to wrong foot the keeper, Webb getting across her goal can see it safely wide. Remains a competitive tussle in the middle both sides battling for the ball. Rouse strong at the back for United winning her tackles.

Cambridge City’s Rosy Wodhams

Steele and Stojko-Down exchanging passes as they bring United on through the middle the ball clipped out to Simmons attacking right is sent tumbling, referee Lorraine Catchpole playing the advantage as Zoe Wood up with Simmons takes the ball forwards squaring a cross into the six yard box cut out by Mulvihill.

Cambridge United WFC’s Zoe Wood

Cheal-Ferris booked as she comes to close the ball down out on City’s right, the set-piece floated into the box from deep taken by Webb at her near post. City look to counter on the right, Collins with a great interception to hook the ball back into the middle for Stojko-Down back to goal turns well to lay the ball into the path of Fox coming on from the left striking the ball on the run Meollo diving across her goal with the merest of touches the ball behind for the corner. The ball swung in towards goal headed over.

United captain, Gisela Otten battling for possession with City’s Paige Gardiner

Stephenson running the ball down for City into the left corner, holds it up as Fraser gets forwards to support played back to her up the line stabs it forwards looking to attack the area, Rouse in her path winning the tackle. Both sides looking to up the tempo get after the other into each other Jade Barrett coming into the middle to win possession for City, Otten snapping back at her to play the ball into Stojko-Down who in turn sets Wood away on the right her cross swung in from deep blocked by Fitzpatrick corner given. City defending their lines look to break the advantage played as a player is fouled in the middle the ball running on for Stephenson to knock forwards, can’t get to it before Webb as it runs on into her box.

Jess Fitzpatrick

City gaining a little confidence having been defending deep earlier on are themselves pushing up as a unit into the middle, play there very congested with the ball pinging around. Wodhams bringing the pass from Gardiner under control on the left plays it forwards into Stephenson, Rouse in to close her down the ball gone for a throw in. Level with the top of the area the ball dropped into Barrett looks to turn corner of the area blocked at close quarters the rebound coming to Wodhams behind her 25 yards out curls her shot wide of the top corner.

Jade Barrett with the ball for Cambridge City

Gardiner battling for the ball in the middle for City getting a favourable break surging forwards attempts to thread the ball in behind for Stephenson, Webb rushing forwards to gather it first. United come left Marden on for Fox wide outside the box jinks left then right before angling a shot straight at the keeper. United holding their line catching Stephenson offside on a couple of occasions.

Cambridge City’s Paige Gardiner

Cheal-Ferris with a long clearance out to the right finding Simmons holding the ball up top corner of the area before laying it out wide to Wood who sweeps a cross in towards the far post Stojko-Down up to meet it wide her head nods the ball wide. Simmons taking the ball wide right side sending a cross looping into the box caught by Meollo. Otten picking up a yellow card for United as the midfield battle continues.

Wood winning City their first corner of the game on the left played in near post beat back out to the corner taker the 2nd attempt to play the ball into the box cleared by Rouse. City looking to build some momentum with Barrett and Wodhams linking up in the centre the ball out to the right intercepted well by Cheal-Ferris. Wood out on the right swinging a cross into the box caught high by Webb, United with a player down Fox hurt in the City build up down the right is okay after receiving treatment.

Cambridge United WFC defender, Lauren Rouse

Gardiner on the move with the ball through the middle played on for Stephenson in attack, Rouse getting a foot in to cut it out for United. Fitzpatrick on the stretch with a vital interception at the back for City as the diagonal ball threatens to see Simmons race in clear to attack the box on the right.

Moments later the ball put into the box from the United right rebounds straight to Simmons top of the D, her snap shot taking a deflection behind for a corner on the right. Played long across the six yard box is headed back across wide of the post for a 2nd corner. This delivery to the top of the area, Simmons hauled down right of the D, Fraser receiving a yellow card. Wood and Cheal-Ferris over the ball, Wood with the dummy as Cheal-Ferris curls a strike in towards goal, Meollo behind it making the save as it dips late palming the ball over the bar with both hands.

City goalkeeper Nina Meollo tipping the ball over the bar

Nina Meollo

The resulting United corner played into the near post low, Meollo stabbing a foot out to block sending it behind for another corner. Put in towards the top of the area a strike towards goal wide of right post from 25 yards. Steele carrying the ball into the right channel has Wood with her on the overlap sending the ball into her feet the cross is whipped in central, Meollo with a confident claim taking the ball low into her midriff as Stojko-Down closes her down.

City with a free-kick on the left late in the first half Hubbard over the ball put in to the top of the are knocked down into the path of Barrett top of the D, blasts a shot in towards goal, blocked by Marden inside the six yard box, Rouse clears for a corner on the right. The delivery goes long missing everyone in the six yard box, Barrett after the ball to regain on the left firing it back into the mix, the ball hotly contested before United scramble it away to safety.

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

A goalless first half in the finish of what has been a competitive Cambridge derby so far with the game highly competitive in the middle of the park. United getting off to a positive start looknig to get at the City defence spread play out to the wide attacking players. Creating a number of opportunities. The City defence busy pushed back, United up on halfway play gradually swinging as City gained confidence to push their own defence up gaining momentum towards the end of the half to create a few chances themselves. The game lacking that one quality pass that could see someone through on goal.

No changes from either side at the break, as City get the 2nd period underway the ball put back into defence as United race forwards to hustle the ball won on the right the visitors send it cross field out to the left Fox looking to get forwards, Meollo out to clear the ball. United looking to get on the front foot early in the 2nd half the ball rolled into Wood right of the D her shot low straight into the keeper. Fox cutting out a City pass on the left knocks it forwards into Stojko-Down coming inside from the left curls a shot from outside the box onto the roof of the net.

Alysha Stojko-Down lining up the shot

United looking to be aggressive get after the ball. Barrett looking to bring the ball down for City as she moves to the right, Marden in to win the tackle for United. The sun low behind one goal now City with it at their backs, Webb donning a cap. United get on well down the left Marden on for Fox wide of the area shifts left then right before whipping a ball into the six yard box, won by Mulvihill for City.

Sophie Mulvihill

A free-kick won by City central, Hubbard over it launching the ball into the area, Webb up well to claim it. Barrett getting about the pitch for City looking to disrupt United regain possession for City. Stojko-Down coming left fouled by Mulvihill giving United a free-kick. Cheal-Ferris having Wood up with her plays it short as Wood breaks down the left to sing the cross into the area, blocked by Davies for City.

Brooklyn Cheal-Ferris

Wood fouled on the left for City, Hubbard drops the ball into the mix from deep, chaos ensues for a moment as both side scramble for the ball, United eventually sending it clear. Marden getting forwards well on the left as she and Fox combine on the left her cross headed out for a throw by Mulvihill. United making a change on the hour with Sammy Edgar coming on for Otten in the centre of the park. The game settling down a little scrappy at time as neither prepared to give any quarter in the midfield.

Ruth Fox on the attack for Cambridge United

Davies defending at the back for City against Fox the ball cleared up to Wood attacking on the right flashes a shot wide across the six yard box, retrieved on the left by Fraser strikes her shot from distance over. City working hard to stretch United winning a free-kick on the right the ball swung in under the bar Webb getting her gloves up to turn the ball wide for a corner on the left. Fired in low to the near post Collins launching it clear for United.

United on the drive through the middle Steele advancing plays in through for Edgar to take on and put Simmons away to attack on the right striking the shot from 25 yards, the ball smashing against the bar and over.

United’s Bella Simmons striking the crossbar

United pressing right side winning a throw, Simmons attempting to put the ball into the box cut out comes back to Wood strikes wide of the left post from range. United knocking on the door with a little over 15 minutes left to play. City fighting for the ball looking to get it into Stephenson in attack the striker twisting and turning 25 yards out squeezing a shot away, Webb down low to gather.

Cambridge City captain, Eva Hubbard

Wood adjudged to be offside as she breaks in behind the City defence as Meollo rushes out to clear off a Stojko-Down pass. City winning a free-kick central inside the United half 30 plus yards out the sun at her back Hubbard lines up a strike at goal, hit well, Webb throwing herself to the right making a fantastic one handed save pushing the ball behind for a corner on the left.

Cambridge United WFC goalkeeper, Lauren Webb

Fired into the box from the left, Steele up to defend for United heading the ball over for a 2nd corner. Another vicious in swinger, Webb up to punch the ball away to the left back to the taker fired back into the box too many bodies to evade the strike is blocked and cleared. The United bench infuriated as Fox is judged to have handled the ball as she looks to break away down the left. Fox’s last action of the game as she is replaced by Abbie Jackson the defender joining the back line with Cheal-Ferris going to full back and Marden pushed forwards.

Cambridge United WFC’s Ella Marden

Edgar battling for the ball for United the visitors looking for a strong finish, City working hard at the back to keep them out with the clock ticking down. Wood with the diagonal ball from the right looking for Marden breaking left, frustrated as the flag halts her run. Davies in to defend on Wood as she looks to bring the ball down of her chest and turn to strike the ball goes behind for a corner. Fired in from the left into the six yard box knocked down for Simmons sees her shot blocked turned away from another corner on the left. Taken quickly the cross into the box into Jackson back to goal looks to shield the ball looking for someone to lay it off to, but City close the ball down get it away from danger.

Into the last five minutes of regular play United pushing on looking for a goal, Marden off a throw on the left firing a cross into the box, but no one there to attack it. Edgar bursting forwards for United looked to already have slipped as Barrett clatters into her the free-kick awarded to United central 25 out. Stojko-Down over it goes for goal strikes her shot over the crossbar.

Alysha Stojko-Down

United pour forwards Cheal-Ferris left with the cutting pass inside into Stojko-Down outside the D looks to bring the ball down hit on the turn catching the ball with the outside of her boot, not troubling Meollo. City hanging on towards the end players back to defend. A corner won in the dying minutes on the right to United.

Cambridge United midfielder, Fran Steele

Played high into the box, Wood knocking the ball down towards the far post, Meollo able to grab as Mulvihill and Steele come together in front of her, the game ending in controversy as the grounded defender kicks out towards Steele catching her in the chin, Steele retaliating with a shove, the referee blowing up immediately, calling both players up to her as the United bench scream for a penalty. One thing at a time as a red card is shown to both players, both stunned, Steele sporting a cut on her face. Now the referee goes over to consult with her lineswoman before pointing to the spot Penalty! City’s turn to surround the referee but it does them no good the decision is made. Stojko-Down with a chance to win the game for United with what would surely be the last kick of the game with all the commotion needs to settle down. Strikes the penalty over, missing as the final whistle blows, City joyous, Stojko-Down distraught on her knees.

Full time Cambridge City Women 0-0 Cambridge United WFC

United’s Zoe Wood with City’s Jade Barrett

On the final whistle the game is drawn but for both sides very different emotions, for United it almost feels like a loss, for City it feels like a win! The Cambridge derby ending goalless United by far the stronger in the 2nd half creating numerous chances started well looking to get after their opponents coming close to scoring but City’s defence battling hard. Webb needing to save at the other end to ensure the visitors weren’t caught out. A busy 7 days for both sides and they can both have reason to be positive, 7 points for United who remain 4th. 2 successive draws for City gives the squad some much needed confidence and something they can use to build on as they continue their search for a new manager.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A derby match very competitive there are a few contenders and narrowing it down to one wasn’t easy. Performances of note from both sides. For City, Paige Gardiner had a strong game in the middle of the park getting hold of the ball and driving forwards. Jade Barrett putting herself about, strong coming back to win the ball get City going in attack. Becca Stephenson lively in attack making some good runs. For United Ruth Fox and Bella Simmons were great outlets in attack wide and into the channels. Alysha Stojko-Down holding the ball up well getting into some fantastic positions to set up others. Fran Steele powerful in midfield closing the ball down, putting in the tackles. Came down to the numbers 5’s however and a close run contest too. Sophie Mulvihill with a strong defensive performance for City at the back, with some great tackling and interception play. The award though goes to United’s Lauren Rouse read the game well especially when United were holding a high line dropping off well and timing her tackles throughout.

Might have ended goalless and I don’t cover many of those but this was as exciting a game as any I’ve watched this season, both sides working hard competitive in the middle of the park. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details. On to the next one time to get the coat out I think.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Eaton Socon Ladies

Sunday 8th October

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

A return to county league action this Sunday on Women’s Football East with a trip into Cambridgeshire to watch a game from the Women’s Premiership with Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds taking on Eaton Socon Ladies.

Cambridgeshire like the other county leagues across the East seeing a rise in the number of sides playing as the women’s game continues to grow across the country. The county now featuring 3 divisions with a total of 33 sides. 10 sides competing in the Premiership.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds one of the longest established clubs within Cambridge competing in the counties top division. Of course can’t go past this without mentioning the heartfelt loss of Sam Issacson losing her battle with bowel cancer a well loved member of the Fulbourn team, taking part in the Kick Cancer Cup along with her Fulbourn teammates raising money for charity before final succumbing to the decease. A bench erected by the pitches at the Recreation Ground in her honour and the new coaching team of Ashley Hunt and Ryan Lee adding a tribute to the with the words Sam 10 on the shirt sleeves the number 10 shirt retired in her name.

Sam’s bench, erected in memory of much missed Fulbourn player Samantha Issacson.

A side that was often amongst the goals last season where they averaged 6.44 goals per game they featured in unfortunately not winning as many as they lost though, to record a 7th place finish. Ebony Crook and Marie Stubbings scoring 40 goals between them last season with Crook getting 18, Stubbings 22. Neither coming close to Ellie Woodley who found the back of the net for 40 goals during the campaign. Just two league matches played so far this season, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Cambridge Rangers WFC before bouncing back well away to Cambridge University Women last time out winning 5-0 with Marie Stubbings netting a hat-trick, Eleanor Woodley and Natalie Wells also on the score sheet.

Eaton Socon Ladies joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s football league back ii the 2019 season, initially affected by the Covid pandemic season’s have progressed up the league’s winning Division One North in 2021. Promoted to the Premiership last season enjoyed a strong debut season at that level unbeaten in their first 6 matches, only losing 5 matches along the way with 4 of those being against the two sides vying for the title finishing 4th overall. Sasha Tristram now out in the US to enjoy her football top scoring during that campaign with 12 goals.

Due to unforeseen circumstances Eaton Socon Ladies having to bringing in a new manager just a few weeks before the season was due to start with Dan Dodson taking charge of the squad. Looking to bring in a different style of play it has been a tougher start to the campaign with 3 consecutive losses beginning with a 1-0 home defeat against Real Bedford Reserves then back to back losses on the road 2-0 and 6-0 away to Cambridge Rangers WFC and Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Will be hoping to turn their fortunes around with their 3rd successive away trip.

Having not been to the Fulbourn Recreation Ground for a while I was still sure I knew the way, but I didn’t as I turned right at the pub bringing me out behind the pitch so a quick turn around and I sorted thing’s out. A large community facility with numerous sports activities on offer the grass pitches over looked by a large pavilion and cricket square. Today’s game on the pitch furthest from the changing rooms the whole area surrounded by trees. At first appearances the pitch appearing to be covered in dew in places but was in fact a carpet of spiders webs…

Part of the pitch covered in a carpet of spiders webs

…with numerous little arachnids scuttling about getting disturbed by the arrival of the players and supporters alike. The weather remains beautiful for the time of year with it again over 20 degrees, dry and the sun high in a relatively blue sky.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Rachel Fallow, Seema Grewal, Julie Brown, Sarah Bodger, Jess Anderson, Dani Quinn, Hollie Turner, Ebony Crook, Katie Luddy, Marie Stubbings (C) & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Jody Hoenink & Gabby Gallegos.

Eaton Socon Ladies

Eaton Socon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abby Jones, Faye Prout, Gemma Cooksley (C), Georgia Bickley, Kelly Bingham, Hannah Hutchinson, Shannah Anico, Charlotte Crisp, Chloe Parncutt & Lily Horsler. Subs – Kayleigh Clarke, Hollie Radford-Dare, Cara Howell, Rebecca Jones & Leah Falzarano.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Gemma Cooksley and Marie Stubbings with Richard May

The spiders might have enjoyed their Sunday so far, but now 22 football players are about to descend upon them. Eaton Socon doing the league double over Fulbourn last season will be hoping for a victory today to kick start the new campaign the sun moving around the pitch with the tree line leaving one goalmouth in shade with Fulbourn winning the kick-off attacking that end first half wearing sky blue shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. Eaton Socon themselves usually playing in claret colours wearing a white away shirt with red on the sleeves, white shorts and claret socks. The ball rolled back to captain Marie Stubbings to clip long out to the right as Katie Luddy breaks forwards on the wing, Faye Prout clearing the danger for Eaton Socon.

The visitors hustling in midfield the ball played out to the right for Shannah Anico to attack up the line whipping a dangerous cross into the Fulbourn six yard box players running no one can get a touch as it bounces on at the far post. Retrieved on the left the cross back in taking a deflection straight into goalkeeper Rachel Fallow’s gloves. Hannah Hutchinson battling for the ball in midfield for Eaton Socon picking out Anico with the diagonal pass out to the right, Fulbourn full back Julie Brown getting across her to take the ball out for a throw.

Kelly Bingham on the ball for Eaton Socon

Eaton Socon looking to make a positive start pushing up into the Fulbourn half to press and win the ball, Anico providing an outlet on the right looking to take on Brown a good contest looming between the pair, Brown throwing a leg out to take the ball away from Anico. A high line from the visitors Fulbourn looking to expose the defence as Hollie Turner gets hold of the ball inside the centre circle attempts to thread it in behind into Stubbings as she pulls into the left channel, Abbey Jones with a timely interception for Eaton Socon.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

The Eaton Socon defence back peddling as Fulbourn turn play around with a high clearance from the back players rushing forwards, Georgia Bickley getting her boot up well to hook the ball away to safety.

GOAL! The ball contested hotly in the middle Fulbourn bring it on the attackers combining Woodley on for Stubbings breaking into the area left of the D, goalkeeper Keeley Robinson coming to close her down, saves with her foot as Stubbings shoots the rebound gathered by Stubbings who lays the ball in central for Woodley to turn unmarked and open up her body to slot the ball into the bottom corner 1-0.

Ellie Woodley opening the scoring for Fulbourn

A goal inside the opening 5 minutes from Fulbourn, a blow for Eaton Socon having made a positive start winning a free-kick on half way the ball floated in to the top of the area the header won by Fulbourn’s Sarah Bodger.

GOAL! Fulbourn’s attackers carve open the Eaton Socon defence to double their lead as Stubbins picking the ball up on halfway travels on well before threading it through the middle for Woodley to race clear into the box and shoot low wide of the keeper for her 2nd goal in 3 minutes 2-0.

Two quick fire goals for Ellie Woodley

Eaton Socon well and truly on the back foot now, looking for a response as Hutchinson takes the ball on into the right corner before whipping a dangerous back in across the face of goal, no one there to turn it home however. The visitors getting a throw high on the right, Anico and Jess Horsler combining as another teasing ball is flashed across the six yard box, Seema Grewal able to clear for Fulbourn beyond the far post.

Fulbourn winning a free-kick on the left 35 yards out as Crook bringing the ball on is bundled to the ground. Over the set-piece herself strikes the ball in towards goal a curling ball that crashes down off the crossbar, Dani Quinn racing in on the follow up as the ball drops wide of the right post, Robinson on the ground having dived attempting to get to Crook’s effort scrambling up to make the blocking save, Quinn able to get hold of the ball for a 2nd bite looking to drag it round the keeper can’t believe it as she rakes her shot wide past the far post.

Ebony Crook’s free-kick comes down off the bar

Dani Quinn, frustrated to see her shot race wide

The visitors on the ropes coming close to conceding a 3rd scrapping for possession in the middle, Kelly Bingham on for Horsler, turns Bodger in to close her down. Turner and Quinn working together in the middle for Fulbourn the ball lifted forwards, cleared by Eaton Socon captain, Gemma Cooksley as she backs up towards her area, Stubbings racing in to steal the ball finding its way into Crook inside the D, turns inside looking to strike the ball sends her effort wide of the top corner.

Fulbourn’s Ebony Crook

Eaton Socon riding their look still aiming to get forwards with Hutchinson carrying the ball out to the right linking up well with Anico on the line to deliver a cross in along the top of the area, Horsler getting up to head the ball down towards goal, drops straight into Farrow back on her line. Hutchinson making some powerful runs on the ball again on the right winning a throw the ball down for Anico to cross, Charlotte Crisp looking to get it under control outside the box, turns into Jess Anderson as she closes her down.

Bickley clearing at the back for Eaton Socon as she drops back on Woodley as Stubbings attempts to play the ball up to her. Brown lunging in to deny Anico getting in behind on the right. Eaton Socon pressing on the right with Bingham the latest player to take the ball on force her way through into the box, running into traffic. Crisp brought down presenting Eaton Socon with a free-kick 25 yards out to the right of goal. Takes on the shot the Fulbourn wall doing it’s job the ball deflected out to the left as the referee stops proceedings for a drinks break.

25 minutes played a chance for Eaton Socon to regroup. Play resuming with an Eaton Socon throw on the right, Chloe Parnett crossing the ball in high headed clear by Bodger. Bodger then clearing as she closes down Hutchinson looking to drive on with the ball on the left side. Hutchinson sending a ball over the top into the area for Horsler and Crisp to attack, Anderson holding them off to see the ball safely back to her keeper.

Eaton Socon’s, Hannah Hutchinson

Stubbings getting the ball down inside the Eaton Socon half off of their own goal kick knocks it forwards into Woodley inside the D, looking to turn inside to shoot Bickley stretching out a leg for Eaton Socon deflects the ball away. The visitors get on up the left winning a throw high leading to a looping cross dropping into the six yard box, Crisp under challenge trying to get something on it unable to connect as Fallow lays claim to it.

Eaton Socon winning the first corner of the game taken from the right a great delivery curled in across the face of goal over everyone, no one able to connect as it bounces past the far post. Fulbourn happy to drop invite Eaton Socon on defend around their box knowing the counter is always on the ball cleared out to the left with Crook looking to turn the defence, Jones just about staying on her stretching her leg to knock it against Crook to deflect it away to the left corner, then as Crook goes to retrieve it Jones prevents the cross coming in the ball off Crook for the goal kick.

Turner and Quinn putting in a shift to win the ball in the middle for Fulbourn the ball forwards releasing Woodley away through the middle off Cooksley last man she can’t risk bringing her down as Woodley break into the box a chance to net her hat-trick shoots early a tame effort in the finish not troubling Robinson.

Stubbings pulling out to the right wide receiving the ball, held up lays it back up the line for Luddy her cross/shot from deep dropping over the Eaton Socon goal. Woodley put in the clear on the right wing sees the keeper way off her line attempts the chip sending the ball over her to bounce inside the six yard box, up onto the crossbar and behind!

Fulbourn’s Hollie Turner

The chances mounting for Fulbourn to extend their lead. Eaton Socon still pushing for a reply however getting another corner on the right, swung into the near post, Farrow punching it behind for a 2nd corner, this one cleared out of the area, no break on as Eaton Socon put a diagonal ball into Horsley who hits the shot on the turn 30 yards out a good effort, but once again straight into Farrow.

The visitors winning the ball central on for Horsley, right going in to challenge with Brown the defender grounded the ball deflected forwards, Bingham racing onto it striking the ball on the angle, Farrow scrambling across her goal seeing it crash into the side netting. Leah Falzarano on for Eaton Socon for Anico, up on the right with Hutchinson cut back inside for Horsler her shot blocked by Bodger.

Eaton Socon’s Lily Horsler

Eaton Socon overloading the right side getting up the pitch well delivering a dangerous ball into the box bouncing awkwardly at the far post with Parncutt closing down the keeper, Fallow composed taking it high on the bounce. Brown picking up a head injury for Fulbourn in the latter stages of the first half comes off with Jody Hoenink coming on. The game getting a little testy in patches Eaton Socon a little frustrated. The visitors with the opportunity to play the ball into the area off a free-kick on the right Bingham to deliver, Crisp up central can’t get strong contact the ball flicked out to the left gathered by Parncutt who rifles a shot over on the angle.

Cooksley winning the ball as she tackles Stubbings inside the D as she attempt to bring down a cross put in from Luddy on the right. Eaton Socon flabbergasted as they fail to win a corner in the dying seconds of the first half with Bingham and Anderson battling for the ball delivered into the box from the right, Bingham adamant it came off the defender.

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-0 Eaton Socon Ladies

Fulbourn in control of the first half, despite Eaton Socon looking to make a positive start the hosts capitalising on errors at the back to break away to score two early goals. Woodley on target for both, could well have added a couple more having created some golden chances and hitting the woodwork. Eaton Socon regrouping well after the drinks break to try and pressure the Fulbourn defence getting after the ball getting into some good positions but not testing the keeper. Still at just 2-0 are far from out of the game and as is often the case the next goal is critical. With the pavilion housing the changing rooms a good distance away both teams staying out in the shade for the half-time break. Spiders everywhere one crawling across my notepad and having left my bag open goodness knows how many I’ll be bringing home with me.

Just one of thousands of spiders descend on Fulbourn Recreation ground this Sunday.

No fresh changes for either side with Jody Hoenink for Fulbourn and Leah Falzarano for Eaton Socon coming on late in the first half. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway. The ball launched forwards out to the right, Hoenink doing the defending for Fulbourn. The hosts straight on the counter with Turner in the centre helping the ball on for Stubbings to race forwards lay the pass out to Woodley on the right her strike on the angle saved low at the near post by Robinson.

Seema Grewal defending for Fulbourn

Fulbourn pressing the ball outside the box deflected back into the box, Robinson rushed into the clearance as Woodley closes her down. Quinn tackling in the centre playing the pass forwards into Stubbings sprays the ball out to the right for Luddy, her cross swept in towards goal put behind.

Eaton Socon getting up on the right winning a corner the ball sent into Horsley top of the area plays it back to the taker driven in towards the near post cleared by Hoenink, Crisp getting back onto the ball from distance striking a shot wide. Bingham putting herself about to try and win the ball back for Eaton Socon get them on the attack driving a pass into Horsler 25 yards out back to goal controls on the turn striking a shot goal wards, Fallow must have a script for this game because the goalkeepers right behind it again to catch.

Fulbourn’s Jody Hoenink

Bodger defending as Bingham drives at her getting the ball off Parncutt on the left. Winning a throw on the left level with the top of the area Bingham sees the ball into her before tracking inside to strike the ball, falling back as she does so screws the ball wide of the far post.

Kelly Bingham slipping as she unleashes the shot

Eaton Socon remaining competitive looking to take the game to Fulbourn who allow sitting back remain comfortable in defence. The ball lifted into the six yard box off a throw on the left drops in front of Falzarano, the attacker can’t get a telling touch though before Fallow snatches up the ball. Fulbourn patient in attack ready to hit Eaton Socon on the counter Turner out to Stubbings left plays it forwards early into the channel looking to release Woodley, Robinson racing out to the edge of her box able to gather first.

Horsley controlling the ball 30 yards out putting into the path of Hutchinson bursting away into the left channel striking the ball in towards goal on the angle plenty of power behind it Farrow gets down low to save top of her six yard box the ball split running out to the left, Grewal back to hook the ball away from a throw before Parncutt can pounce. Eaton Socon with a double change the fullbacks Prout and Jones coming off Rebecca Jones and Cara Howell coming on. Brown back on for Fulbourn replacing Luddy.

Eaton Socon’s Chloe Parncutt

Fallow down to stop a shot driven in on the angle by Crisp for Eaton Socon. Crook up on the right for Fulbourn whipping a cross in near post, Woodley closing in on the keeper, Robinson staying big making the blocking save holding onto the ball.

Quinn tracking back well from the midfield to put the challenge in on Hutchinson top of the area as she drives on through the middle with the ball. Bickley defending for Eaton Socon at the back as Woodley takes the ball into the box a corner conceded on the right. Played in deep across the six yard box Quinn meeting it heads over. Bingham determined to get forwards on the right winning Eaton Socon a corner kick, this time Quinn is up to win the defensive header, Stubbings bringing the ball away to safety. Midway through the 2nd half. Fulbourn breaking away in attack Crook up with Woodley through the middle the latter running through into the area, Robinson coming to close her down saving the ball beat away to the right…

Eaton Socon’s Kelly Bingham

GOAL! The ball deflected out to the right Crook racing after it the Eaton Socon defence stretched the cross fired in along the face of goal, Robinson can’t get down to it, with Woodley waiting at the far post for a simple tap in to secure her first hat-trick of the season. 3-0.

A hat-trick for Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

A drinks break called immediately after the goal remains warm out there. The game restarted from the spot Eaton Socon sloppy in possession giving it away the diagonal ball out to Crook on the right wing hooks a high ball in towards the far post, has Robinson back peddling can’t get to it, close but lands on the roof of the net.

Woodley lining up a strike from 25 yards out as the ball deflects into her feet, races wide of the right post. Eaton Socon with another double switch bringing on Hollie Radford-Dare and Kayleigh Clarke for Horsley and Parncutt off. Crisp curls the ball forwards looking to drop it into the path of Falzarano racing towards the box, Farrow quickly forwards to claim.

Eaton Socon’s Charlotte Crisp

Hutchinson upended as she drives forwards with the ball the free kick awarded 20 yards right of the D. Crisp over it her shot deflected up off the wall falling to Hutchinson beyond the right post can’t sort out her feet before she is closed down snatches the ball wide.

Grewal winning the ball at the back for Fulbourn hooking it into the middle for Stubbings to who in turn feeds the ball up the left channel into Woodley in space the keeper off her line takes on the shot early slotting it past Robinson but too past the outside of the far post. Fulbourn gaining momentum as Eaton Socon tire Turner into Stubbings she and Woodley combine through the middle bringing the ball on played wide to Crook breaking away on the right fires a pacy ball low into the six yard box, Robinson down well to grab with a smart save with Woodley rushing to close her down.

Fulbourn making a change at left back bringing on Gabby Gallegos for Grewal with a little over 10 minutes left to play. The hosts in control as Quinn is fouled on halfway. Bodger to send the ball on up into the area, Cooksley clearing for Eaton Socon. Anderson can’t help but collide with her keeper as Fallow makes the decision to come and claim the ball low off an Eaton Socon free-kick from halfway. Down for a moment is okay to continue. Howell picking up a knock on her knee (I know what they feel like) is taken off with Anico back on for the visitors.

Fulbourn working hard towards the latter stages of the game to keep their clean sheet intact. Hutchinson pushing on with the ball right side winning a corner off Anderson. Into the last 5 minutes, Hoenink out to Quinn on for Stubbings through the middle on for Woodley left of the area 25 yards out her shot wide of the far post taking a nick off a defender the corner awarded. Swept in across the face of goal claimed confidently by Robinson. Crook taking the ball into the corner with the clock ticking down.

Radford-Dare took out by Anderson a heavy challenge, the free-kick awarded, Bingham getting a warning from the referee after voicing her complaints. Crisp over the ball to the left swept in central one bounce and claimed by the keeper. Crook taking the ball away to the corner getting a late corner deep in stoppage time, the shot from the edge of the box held by the keeper.

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 3-0 Eaton Socon Ladies

Eaton Socon’s Abbey Jones with Fulbourn’s Ebony Crook

Full time and Fulbourn come away with the 3 points and a 2nd successive clean sheet, Ellie Woodley with all three of their goals. Breaking away to get in behind the Eaton Socon defence to score two early goals in the first half. Creating more good opportunities to extend their lead. Eaton Socon competing for the ball looking to press high making mistakes at the back letting their opponents in. Enjoyed good spells without really testing the keeper. At 2-0 however weren’t out of the game by any stretch and came out strong at the start of the 2nd half looking for a reply, Fulbourn happy to sit back defending comfortably waiting for the right moment to attack getting the crucial 3rd goal to seal the result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Once again not a straight forwards decision a few contenders and some performances of note to mention. First up for Eaton Socon. Hannah Hutchinson looked to be the driving force through the middle getting hold of the ball and making several good runs. Shannah Anico providing a great outlet on the right in the first half, while Kelly Bingham got about well covering the ground looking to win possession and take her team forwards. For Fulbourn Dani Quinn and Hollie Turner with a composed display in the middle of the park. The front 3 outstanding 80 goals between them last season, Marie Stubbings getting onto the ball carrying it forwards well with two assists. Ebony Crook out on the flanks offering some great runs and getting the ball into the attackers well with the other assist. The award though goes to the hat-trick scorer herself Ellie Woodley clinical in her finishes pulling into the channels well and reading the game developing behind her.

Great to be back at Fulbourn again, has been a while but I can say that about several places, good to catch up though and pleased to finally see Eaton Socon even if they didn’t get a positive result stick together and the results will come. Appreciate the help given by both teams today. I dare say we’ve all taken a spider home with us but they don’t mean us any harm.

by Darren Gilham

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST

Covering Women's Football in the East of England

Author Archives: WFEast

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