Crystal Palace Ladies leading the FAWPL Southern Division table were at home on Sunday looking to extend their unbeaten run against Coventry United Ladies who were looking for a positive result after suffering to successive narrow defeats in the league. Prolific striker Gemma Bryan was making her 50th appearance for Crystal Palace who despite creating chances couldn’t get the better of a resolute Coventry United defence the sides contesting a goalless draw. Crystal Palace remain unbeaten in the league on 10 points after 4 played.
New leaders at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division table as Charlton Athletic Women maintaining their own 100% winning start picked up maximum points at home to Queens Park Rangers Ladies on Sunday. Were leading 1-0 at half-time skipper Kim Dixson putting Charlton in front on 20 minutes. Charlotte Gurr go thing’s rolling for the home side as she doubled the lead just 4 minutes after the restart. Ellie Dorey scoring soon after to make it 3-0. Moving into the last 15 minutes of the game Charlton went on to score 4 more goals, Katie Flack on the scoresheet. Once again Kit Graham coming on as a 2nd half substitute collected a quickfire double with Hope Nash scoring in between her goals to see Charlton to a 7-0 win. 4 wins from 4 at the top of the table.
3 wins on the bounce for newly promoted Gillingham FC Ladies see them climb up the Southern Division table into 3rd position after a comfortable win at home to bottom club Swindon Town Ladies on Sunday. Jenny Newman opened the scoring for Gillingham after 12 minutes. Striker Kallie Balfour scoring two goals before half-time to see the home side leading 3-0 Balfour completing her hat-trick 15 minutes into the 2nd half captain Jade Keogh scoring to make the final score 5-0 in the final five minutes. Swindon’s search for league point and goal goes on.
Portsmouth had started the season well two victories in their opening matches lost 1-0 last time out at home to 10 player Charlton grabbing an injury time winner. Were away to Lewes FC Women this Sunday and it was late agony again as they lost a close and competitive match by a single goal scored by Lewes in the 85th minute Rebecca Carter grabbing the winner. A successive 1-0 win for Lewes against tough opponents sees them moving up the table. Into 5th position have announced this week the signing of goalkeeper Faye Baker formerly with Brighton along with Avilla Bergin the Northern Ireland International winger spending last season with Charlton.
Another side on the up in the FAWPL Southern Division are Chichester City Ladies, the South West Division One Champions into the top half of the table after picking up a 2nd successive league win at home to West Ham United Ladies on Sunday. The sides level at 0-0 at half-time. Cherelle Khassel giving Chichester the lead 2nd half. A brace from Charley Wilson-Blakely putting them 3-0 up then an assist for Jade Widdows to shoot and score from the top of the box to seal the 3 points winning 4-0 move up to 6th
FAWPL South East Division One
3 wins from 3 saw Luton Town Ladies top of the league going into the weekend as they travelled down to Sutton United FC to play AFC Wimbledon Ladies who were on the move up the FAWPL South East Division One table with 2 successive wins after an opening day loss. Caroline Bisson scoring in the 14th minutes giving the home side a narrow advantage at half-time. Two quickfire goal 15 minutes into the 2nd half from Katie Stanley and Bisson with her 2nd putting Wimbledon in control of the game. Luton pulling a goal back through captain Zara Carroll. Wimbledon winning a 3rd straight league game 4-1 the final score Kelly-Jade Whelan with the late strike. Join Luton on 9 points moving in to 3rd spot.
3 sides tied on 9 points at the top of the South East Division One table with Actonians Ladies moving back to the top over Luton with the superior goal difference gained from their opening games. Were amongst the goals again this Sunday at home to Norwich City Ladies. Actonians taking an early lead Norwich drawing level at 1-1 in the 12th minute Chelsea Garrett with the goal. After that Actonians took control Carla Williams, Alessandra Barreca and Mariko Eagles all scoring a brace in the game with Katrina Duncan also netting a goal, 7-1 up, Norwich pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time Aimee Durrant scoring a 7-2 win for Actonians.
Newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC are starting to find their feet at this level now 3 wins in succession in league and cup that sees them climb up to 4th in the South East Division One table. Have opening their season against some strong opponents too. This Sunday travelling up to Suffolk to play Ipswich Town Ladies who were undefeated with 2 wins and a draw from their opening 3 league games. Two goals midway through the 1st half from Lisa Holmbeck and Chanel Richards seeing the visitors leading 2-0 at half-time. Ipswich unable to pull a goal back in the 2nd half as they suffered their 1st defeat of the season.
Another side picking up a 2nd successive league win to start moving up the South East Division One table are Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Away to Enfield Town Ladies on Sunday. The visitors leading by a single goal at the break. 2 more goals followed 2nd half for Milton Keynes Dons to secure a 3-1 win, Amelia Hazard with a brace along with a goal for Charly Wright seeing the 3 points secured. Donjeta Krasnici with the goal for Enfield who suffer a 3rd successive league defeat.
Cambridge United WFC are now the only side undefeated in FAWPL South East Division One however they left it extremely late to evade their 1st defeat of the season away to Stevenage Ladies on Sunday. Cara Breckenridge with the goal to hand Stevenage Ladies the lead were holding on to the narrow advantage right up until the end of the game Cambridge winning a corner the ball sent in bundled into the back of the net by defender Emma Jenkins to see the points shared. 3 draws and win from their opening 4 games. Both making new signings this week with Ashleigh Deacon with Cambridge last season joining Stevenage. Cambridge signing Kelley Blanchflower the attacker helping Tottenham Hotspur Ladies to the FAWPL Southern Division title last season.
Denham United Ladies got their 1st win of the season on Sunday as they travelled to bottom side Haringey Borough Women. A point from their opening game 2 losses have followed for Denham. A difficult start to life at a higher level for Haringey 3 straight defeats, a competitive contest between the sides especially 1st half Chontelle Lawrence giving Denham the lead on 14 minutes Haringey came back to level at 1-1 Jenny Banfield scoring to give Denham a 2-1 lead at half-time. Haringey getting it back to 2-2. Sophie Cheadle then found the back of the net twice for Denham to put them 4-2 up Annie Hewitt securing their 1st 3 points of the season in the last minute seeing Denham climb to 8th in the table.
Back to The Ridgeon’s Stadium in Newmarket for more action from the FA Women’s Cup, 2nd Round Qualifying this Sunday. Watching 2 sides in this round for the 1st time history will continue to be made for one or the other as Newmarket Town Ladies host King’s Lynn Town Ladies.
Here a fortnight ago for 1st Round Qualifying Newmarket Town Ladies facing a tough test drawn at home to Histon Ladies from ERWFL Division One South a league above. Played well to win 4-2 and progress to the next round of the FA Women’s Cup for the 1st time. Face a team from the same league above them once again another tough test.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies also made history in the FA Women’s Cup entering for the 1st time were drawn away to Leicestershire side Oadby & Wigston Dymano Ladies in 1st Round Qualifying won the game 3-1 to advance to the next round. Are testing themselves at a higher level this season promoted to the ERWFL in Division One North have started well in the league too winning both their opening games. A blend of experience and youth, younger players ready to stake their claim for a place in the side.
For both sides history has already been made in the FA Women’s Cup this season for one the journey will go on. The tie having to be settled on the day extra-time and penalties if required. Both sides have recruited players from Brandon Town Ladies who sadly folded before the season started situated between the two sides a few former teammates against one another today. Both are with out a few players today Newmarket without goalkeeper Eloise Hope, Dominika Szary normally an outfield player taking on the role between the sticks. King’s Lynn without a few big hitters, captain Shelley Woods and striker Josie Turner unavailable, Becky Russell often influential in midfield or attack sidelined through injury.
The Ridgeon’s Stadium the venue for today’s FA Women’s Cup tie, a state of the art artificial playing surface one of the best around. The bar open a seated stand covered beside. Normally I prefer to stand on the opposite side of the pitch to watch the game but so far today it had been bright then overcast with the odd torrential downpour and with dark clouds looming 5 minutes before kick-off I made a hasty retreat to the stands… just in time too!
King’s Lynn Town Ladies starting XI – Bryony Russell-Smith, Vikttorija Burkauskaite, Lisa Wilson, Shanice Burch, Albany Hodgson, Charlotte Griffith, Bethan Jones (C), Jade Kelly, Oksana Imanalijeva, Elle Bocking & Tiffany Forshaw. Subs – Louise Coggles, Michelle Stewart-Sheen, Georgia Reardon & Olivia Baker.
Heavy rain falling at the start of the game
The teams emerge from the changing rooms just as the heavens open a torrential downpour at kick-off. It’s King’s Lynn in their away colours of red shirts with white collar, sleeves and vertical piping, red shorts and socks to get the match underway 1st half. Newmarket in their home colours yellow shirts with blue shoulders, blue shorts and yellow socks. With the rain lashing down play is restricted to the middle 3rd the ball hotly contested in midfield, Newmarket winning the ball send it long to the left Abbey Marshall with the run fires the ball into the box a clean gather for King’s Lynn goalkeeper Bryony Russell-Smith at her near post. Space for Abbi Griffin to run into on the right as Chloe Slater picks her out taking the ball into the area right side flashes a cross along the six yard box Jordanne Sillitoe arriving far post can’t get anything on the ball.
Jess Linger playing at right back today comes on with the ball support from Slater ahead of her the ball on for Griffin breaking in behind right side once again going on Shanice Burch comes across to put in the tackle deny the cross. As quick as the rain came it abruptly ends. A positive start from Newmarket taking the game to King’s Lynn both sides are looking to use the width King’s Lynn break as Vikttorija Burkauskaite brings it on from right back up the line for Jade Kelly a well timed ball beating the offside trap Kelly burst down the line flashes a cross square along the top of the six yard box Tiffany Forshaw newly joined from after spending most of last season with Lowestoft Town Ladies along with being dual signed with Brandon tries to get their central throws herself forwards in a attempt gets something on the ball but not enough to deflect it into the back of the net wide.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Jess Linger
Cindy Ponder with a well timed run from midfield receives the ball outside the box top left for Newmarket her shot charged down by Burch. The rain ha started to fall again the pitch a little slick, Abbey Marshall with a diagonal ball from the left into the box finds Sillitoe she attempts to drive in towards goal, Burch is on her shoulder, the striker loosing her footing as she shapes to strike the ball.
Kelly charging forwards with the ball cuts a cross into the box deflected back out towards Burkauskaite arriving top of the area her 1st time strike is deflected wide for a corner on the right. A high ball into the six yard box Dominika Szary jumping through the crowd gets a glove on the ball knocking it wide to the opposite side in the area picked up by King’s Lynn’s Lithuanian International, Oksana Imanalijeva fires the ball back into the players lined up along the top of the area is knocked back towards goal Szary out to claim as a red shirt bears down on her, play is stopped by the offside flag.
A free-kick for Newmarket wide on the right 30 yards out as Sillitoe is brought down. Linger forwards to take a good delivery into the six yard box dropping far post Albany Hodgson’s clearance goes straight to Griffin positioned central top of the six yard box an instinctive stab of the foot to turn it goalwards plants the ball straight into Russell-Smith’s gloves. Bethan Jones wearing the captain’s armband for King’s Lynn today is doing well in the middle of the park finding pockets of space to receive the ball and looking to pick out her wide players, Kelly and Imanalijeva.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies captain Bethan Jones
Russell-Smith comes rushing out of her area to challenge Sillitoe for the ball as the striker races clear in the left side, the deflected ball off her from the keeper runs straight to Griffin central doesn’t try to go for goal with Russell-Smith out of position instead lays it on to Laura Bailey up with her, by then King’s Lynn have the numbers back to nullify the threat. Launch a counter attack the ball through the middle on for Forshaw 20 yards out an early shot puts the ball wide of goal. Forshaw with a shot from further out moments later the ball through the middle she has half a yard on her marker 35 yards out takes on the strike her effort rising over the bar. A fast paced game fairly even so far without either keeper being tested as we close in on the half hour mark.
The deadlock is very nearly broke by Newmarket, Griffin combining with Bailey in the middle the latter passing the ball forwards to the left picking out Abbey Marshall on the move the ball at her feet pushing into the box doesn’t rush her shot fires the ball across goal past Russell-Smith who turns the see the ball strike the base of her far post still in play King’s Lynn send the ball long. On for Kelly right side head down charges on coming inside looks to strike a shot in towards the near post coming at Szary fast she claims well at head height. King’s Lynn starting to build some momentum going forwards. Elle Bocking receiving the ball from Charlotte Griffith central turns to force her way into the area is stopped by Ellie Marshall.
Newmarket make a substitution Abbey Marshall coming off to be replaced by Brooke Wickens. Hodgson plays a great ball forwards from the back for King’s Lynn picking out Kelly getting free on the right pushing forwards cuts the ball inside towards the near post Szary well positioned to claim with Forshaw coming in right behind her. The same is repeated in the next attack as Jones picks out Kelly this time. A ball through the middle has Wickens bearing down on goal for Newmarket has Sillitoe right on her shoulder not sure if the two exchange touches of the ball but it’s Wickens who has the final strike from outside the box the ball just inches over the crossbar.
Into the final 5 minutes of the 1st half and Newmarket are reduced to 10 as their goalkeeper is shown a straight red card. A cutting ball through the middle by King’s Lynn the Newmarket back line high up the pitch at times as they press forward as a unit. Forshaw running clear is after it does have it as Linger gets across to try and shield the ball, Szary coming out of her area goes down low to gather the ball into her gloves, a huge error on her part play stopped for the free-kick she his shown a straight red card. Griffin doesn’t hesitate she takes the goalkeepers jersey from Szary as she leaves the pitch heads for the goal as King’s Lynn set up for the free kick, Newmarket send players back to cover both posts. Kelly top of the D lays the ball to her right for Forshaw to strike sends it past Griffin, Ponder covering the far post is there to clear the ball.
Down to 10 Newmarket break up an King’s Lynn attack, Beth Woodfield playing it on through the middle Bailey to Ponder lines up a powerful drive from 30 yards out, skipping off the surface Russell-Smith going down to her right saves well pushing the ball away, Wickens racing in from the right the keeper scrambles across to smother the ball into her body at her feet.
GOAL! The stale-mate is broken with the very last attack of the half. Imanalijeva with a powerful run on the ball down the left wing getting into the box looks to fire a cross into the middle, Marshall gets a boot onto the ball trying to cut it out deflected out of the area it’s a race between the no 8’s as Newmarket’s Bailey and King’s Lynn’s Jones race forwards after the lose ball favours Jones slightly shots from 20 yards plenty of venom on shot it flies past Griffin into the back of the net 0-1.
Half-time Newmarket Town Ladies 0-1 King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Inclement weather throughout the 1st half has been a tense affair evenly matched for a while Newmarket hitting the post before being reduced to 10 late in the half, King’s Lynn getting their noses in front on the stroke of the half with the rain returning. Have the edge in the 2nd half now they have a goal and a player advantage. Headed for the bar wanted a cheeseburger but the kitchen wasn’t open so had to settle for a bag of crisps. A quick turn around at half-time the sides back out, Little did I know what the 2nd half had in store so much so there wasn’t time to eat a bag of crisps! Here we go!
King’s Lynn with the kick-off 2nd half, Newmarket react positively with a strong start to the half winning possession of the ball. Having to abandon my crisps and get the notepad out in a hurry, Wickens with the ball left into the box Burkauskaite with her Russell-Smith rushing out towards the pair an infringement is spotted by referee Chris Abbott an indirect free as the ball is knocked back to Russell-Smith she handles the ball. Left of the box top corner Linger comes forwards the ball knocked into her she shoots plants the ball wide of the near post.
A free-kick on halfway for Newmarket as Jones handles the ball. Linger sends the ball up into the top of the area defended the ball comes out to Bailey shifts it between her feet then lets fly from 25 yards out the ball straight at Russell-Smith. King’s Lynn make their 1st change, Bocking coming off up top for 16 year old Olivia Baker. Newmarket push on the ball knocked across field into Bailey 30 yards out control and turn to fire a diagonal pass back to the left for Wickens racing forwards into the area closing in on goal no way past Hodgson the defender winning the challenge.
King’s Lynn Town Ladies, Tiffany Forshaw
GOAL! King’s Lynn double their lead 12 minutes into the 2nd half breaking forwards the ball fire forwards from the left to the right takes a nick of defender Yasmin Woodfield that sends it on for Kelly to burst in behind on the right space to run into carries the ball on time to assess her options sends the cross along the top of the six yard box picking out Forshaw timing her run to perfection to turn the ball into the goal 0-2.
A blow for Newmarket but their heads aren’t dropping quickly attack straight from the restart winning a throw on the left the ball played into Slater outside the area a good way out shapes to shot has the keeper beaten the ball smashes against the crossbar stays in play Burch beating Sillitoe to the ball clears. The rain has stopped for now but the pitch has trapped a fair bit of moisture, players like sliding about however if they get the chance.
Griffin makes a great stop with her foot as King’s Lynn press forwards Forshaw out left with the ball takes it on putting the ball into the six yard box for Kelly strikes the shot goalwards Griffin with the reactive save the ball knocked out to her right goes the more orthodox goalkeeping route throwing herself at the ball to claim before Baker can get a follow up shot in. Ponder and Sillitoe exchange passes through the middle the ball long out to the left for Wickens her shot blacked deflected back into the D straight at Sillitoe her strike charged down. Newmarket make a change Ponder looks to have taken a knock comes off a tactical switch Amanda Stacy named as substitute goalkeeper on the bench coming on she takes the shirt back from Griffin who returns to her more familiar midfield position.
A great ball forwards from Jones into Kelly on the right wing knocks it on before delivering a cross into the middle of the box Forshaw good control on her chest looks to drag the ball behind her and turn into the shot clever but both King’s Lynn centrebacks have read it and are on top of the striker even as her foot is raised back to strike the ball.
GOAL! King’s Lynn go on to extend their lead making it 3-0 putting them in control of the tie the ball worked with pace through the middle finds the feet of Baker outside the box in a bit of space, Stacy comes rushing out to the top of her area to close the angle Baker shows good footwork shifting the ball between her feet three times before slotting her shot past the keeper and on into the goal beyond 0-3.
Olivia Baker pictured with Newmarket’s Brooke Wickens scorer of King’s Lynn Town Ladies 3rd goal
A little under 75 minutes of the game played King’s Lynn make a double switch taking off both Kelly and Wilson. Manager Michelle Stewart-Sheen brings herself on going into left back, also coming on new signing Georgia Reardon another 16 year old like Baker formerly with Brandon Town Ladies. Newmarket make their last substitution too 3-0 down take off a defender Marshall bring on a striker Lauren Deller. Has been a competitive tussle between Sillitoe and Burch all game as Newmarket attack, King’s Lynn sitting off the ball the cross from the right by Griffin comes inside to Sillitoe right of the D flicks the ball over her shoulder and turns towards goal, Burch stays on her shoulder lunges forwards with a tackle to push the ball away from the striker.
GOAL! It’s a goal out of nothing for Newmarket but nevertheless and brilliant piece of skill from Griffin a throw on the right into her well over 40 yards out has King’s Lynn players around her but no challenge she sees the keeper off her line goes for goal good pace on her effort it is over Russell-Smith and into the far corner 1-3.
Newmarket Town Ladies, Abbi Griffin
GOAL! Straight away from pulling one goal back Newmarket score another! Get the ball played forwards centrally into Sillitoe outside the box pulls the trigger a the ballscooped up and over the keeper to land in the back off the net the crowd in the stand leap to their feet as Sillitoe pumps her fists in the air 2-3 it’s game on! 10 minutes left to play.
Jordanne Sillitoe with the ball for Newmarket Town Ladies
Newmarket with renewed vigour press forwards Wickens a threat coming in from the right takes a shot on left of the D 20 yards out wraps her foot around the ball a low drive in towards goal Russell-Smith saves well getting down to the ball pushing it behind for a corner. A great delivery flies across the six yard box no one can get on the end of it however. For a comfortable 3-0 position King’s Lynn are defending a 3-2 lead the game has become stretched ed to end. Forshaw on the counter with a run left channel pulls the trigger from outside the box pulls the ball wide across goal.
Into the last 5 minutes a great save from Russell-Smith to deny Bailey as the Newmarket midfielder has a strike from inside the box right side as the ball is deflected into her path from a block after Deller has a blast from outside the box left side the ball fired into her the shot, heading for goal Russell-Smith tips the ball over onto the roof of the net. A corner on the right Newmarket load the six yard box a good delivery Russell-Smith climbing through them to punch the ball away towards the top of the area Griffin is there her low drive back in has too many bodies to go through deflected back to her leans back into another shot sends it over the bar.
GOAL! Newmarket come back from 3-0 down to level the scores in 2nd half stoppage time, attacking down the right players breaking forwards through the middle Sillitoe with Slater and Wickens beyond her. The diagonal ball inside coming straight for Sillitoe outside the area a brilliant piece of skill to flick the ball on runs through to Wickens taking it into her stride into the box left of goal opens up her body to send her shot back across goal wide of the keeper to nestle into the back of the net at the far post 3-3. The crowd goes wild in celebration.
Moment’s left King’s Lynn mount on last attack Imanalijeva getting forwards with the ball on the left fires a cross into the box Forshaw diving throws herself at the ball can’t direct it on target. The 90 minutes are up the game goes into extra-time.
Full time Newmarket Town Ladies 3-3 King’s Lynn Town Ladies
Extra-time
Just about enough time to get a few crisps into me before the extra period kicks off 15 minutes each way for either side to find a winning goal or the game goes to penalties. All the substitutions have been made two sides used to roll on roll off subs the FA Women’s Cup altogether different. Newmarket get the 1st half off extra-time underway. Bright sunshine now. The home side play the ball long looking for Wickens making a central run the ball claimed by Russell-Smith.
Both sides go for it Newmarket finding extra energy after their come back. King’s Lynn looking to regain their momentum the ball is fired into Forshaw outside the area 25 yards a good turn to move the ball to her left and turn into a strike curls the ball wide of the top right corner of the goal. A little frustration on the pitch now Newmarket are chasing the ball down all over the pitch, Beth Woodfield winning the header inside the box from a King’s Lynn attack on the right. A few mis-timed challenges on the field now.
Imanalijeva with a powerful run left side closing on the box Beth Woodfield on her shoulder, Stacy rushing out of goal all three come together the ball deflected behind for a corner kick. Into the near post a head on the ball sends the ball across the face of goal everyone gambling near post the ball is cleared. A free-kick for Newmarket on half-way Linger playing it up into the box is knocked outside falling to Deller turns and strikes the ball runs wide a touch on the way through a corner kick, Russell-Smith again coming through bodies to punch the ball to safety.
A vital interception by Linger at the back sticking a boot out to take the ball away from Forshaw 20 yards out the long ball almost certainly putting her through on goal. Linger sending the ball on towards the King’s Lynn area the clearance is sliced the ball running wide right for Deller her sights on goal she slips at the vital moment the chance gone. Forshaw is almost through again only to be denied by a last ditch tackle from Linger. Again Forshaw receives the ball 25 yards out Stacy seeing the threat comes racing out to the edge of her area Forshaw lobs her the ball bounces wide of goal. The 1st half of extra-time is over.
King’s Lynn get the 2nd period of extra-time underway lose possession the ball fed up top to Sillitoe moving left side into the box sends her strike wide across the face of goal. Newmarket are going for it down to 10 you wouldn’t know finding space left and right. Wickens on particular on the left getting down the line puts her cross into the side netting. Bailey into Sillitoe left side drives for the area inside pushed wide by Burch manages to squeeze the pass back in towards Slater inside the D her snap shot put wide of goal.
GOAL!The come back is complete Newmarket having looked strong since getting it back to 3-2 and then 3-3 score to take the lead in the 2nd period of extra-time. Wickens with the goal as she picks up the ball in the middle turning 25 yards out takes on Hodgson head down gaining half a yard lets fly plenty of pace on the ball, Russell-Smith getting down to her right as the ball goes across her gets her gloves to the ball but can’t stop it going into the back of the net beyond 4-3.
Brooke Wickens scorer of the winning goal in extra-time for Newmarket
The tensions are rising Newmarket running on adrenaline, King’s Lynn frustrated. King’s Lynn press forwards have 10 minutes to pull a goal back Imanalijeva sees her cross claimed by Stacy at the near post. Newmarket are reduced to 9 a moment of stupidity from Sillitoe a couple of 50/50 challenges with Burch earlier the pair dive in for the same ball on the halfway line both hurt, play goes on Sillitoe to her feet first Burch says something causing the attacker to turn and spit at her, the linesman is no more than 10 feet away and flags for the offence in front of the mainstand too. Stopping play the referee consults with his linesman and a red card is shown.
Down to 9 Newmarket have there backs up against the wall as King’s Lynn press the attack numbers forwards the ball cut into the box for Forshaw left of goal six yards out stabs the shot wide at the near post before anyone sees she has been flagged offside. Beth Woodfield strong in her box gets her head to the ball as Reardon fires a cross in from the right. Late on Imanalijeva takes the ball on into the box from the right, Wickens with the challenge, Imanalijeva grounded protests the appeals waved away. A drawn out 2nd period of extra-time plenty of stoppages however King’s Lynn can’t find a goal to force penalties and Newmarket celebrate the win at the final whistle.
4-3 to Newmarket Town Ladies after extra-time a magnificent result to come back from 3-0 with just 10 players in the final 15 minutes of the game. To force extra-time and then score the winning goal. Reduced to 9 in the finish it could have cost them dearly, didn’t they are through to the next round when the clubs form FAWPL Division One enter the competition. Showed great character kept going scoring twice in quick succession to make it 3-2 was the turning point the energy they gained took away their player disadvantage. King’s Lynn comfortable at 3-0 couldn’t see out the game, never regained their dominance in midfield a tough defeat in the end lessons to be learned but no doubt they will and be better for it.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
It’s a really tough one today picking the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Got to pick one however those are the rules I’ve set myself. Bethan Jones was fantastic in the middle especially 1st half. Newmarket battled hard as a team down to 10 then 9 late on everyone doing their part but I have chosen Brooke Wickens was a real threat after coming on on the left and drifting inside to pick up the ball, tracking back to defend to scoring the goal to bring it into extra-time then getting the winning goal.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about the FA Women’s Cup over the years since I’ve been covering it is whatever the result is it puts a little more fire into a player and their team going forwards everyone loves the competition and there is something special about this one. Took me an hour and 15 minutes to eat a bag of crisps the football had me on the edge of my seat a thrilling match. My thanks to both clubs and Chris Abbott for their help with the teams today the draw for 3rd Round Qualifying will be made on Monday I can hardly wait.
The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Women’s Football league begins with 25 sides across 3 Division’s. 9 in Division One with last season’s Champion’s Bishops Stortford Ladies moving up to the ERWFL. Northwood Ladies are a new face I know little about. Watton Ladies are promoted as Division Two Champions with Flitwick Ladies also promoted.
8 sides in Division Two, Letchworth Garden City Eagles and Hitchin Town Ladies dropping down from Division One. Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues and Evergreen Eagles promoted from Division Three. A new name in Division Two in Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires formerly Panshanger Ladies.
3 new faces in Division Three making up the 8 sides with a 2nd Welwyn Pegasus side the Azures joining along side Bedford Ladies new Development side and Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Evergreen Ladies and Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets dropping down from Division Two.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division One
St Albans Ladies hit the ground running in Beds & Herts Division One with a double figure home win on the opening day of the season. Got off to flyer against newly promoted Watton Ladies. Ellen Slater scoring in the 4th minute, Holly Rossington making it 2-0 2 minutes later Michaela Johnson then scored twice with Chloe Reeves on target for a 5th goal before half-time. More goals flowed 2nd half Johnson completing her hat-trick early on, Slater with her 2nd putting a penalty into the back of the net. Ellie Lovelock with a brace. Kiran Reyat scoring a goal too with Reeves going on to score a hat-trick the final score 12-1.
Sharnbrook WFC got their season off to a great start to away from home on Sunday against Sandy Ladies. Taking the lead in the 34th minute Hoffi Pursey scoring the goal. 1-0 the narrow lead to the visitors at break a different story 2nd half Charlie Mullins doubling the lead in the 58th minute Sharnbrook the ran riot Emily Clark netting 2 goals, with Emma Butler on target with 13 minutes left. Pursey with her 2nd goal of the game in the last 5 minutes Stephanie Hettle making it 7-0 in injury time.
Northwood Ladies started their Division One campaign at home to last season’s League Cup Winners, Houghton Athletic Ladies. 2 goals each for, Leanne Jones and Francesca Webster seeing Northwood win the 3 points in a 4-1 victory. Sinead Borsah scoring the goal for Houghton Athletic.
Flitwick Ladies back in Division One started the campaign with a tough game at home to Sherrardswood Ladies. Goalless at the break the sides both scoring 2nd half to take a share of the points, Sky Evans scoring for Flitwick, Sherrardswood’s goalscorer their captain Katy Jones.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two
Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires are a new name this season but containing a host of familiar names having formerly been Panshanger Ladies. Welwyn Pegasus have two sides entering the Beds & Herts Leagues this season, the Azures in the league below but by no means are they a 1st and Reserve/Development side. The Sapphires do contain a large majority of Panshanger’s 1st team squad from last season but with so many player on their books the new look and name change making perfect sense, and I like the names refreshing and new.
A positive start for the Sapphires beginning their season away to Royston Town Ladies Reserves. Chemise Huitson scoring a brace in the game with another goal from Ellie Burke to see them start with a 3-0 win.
A Hitchin derby to start the season with Hitchin Town Ladies relegated last season hosting Hitchin Belles. A 2nd half brace for Amy Jack sealing a 2-0 win for Hitchin Belles to start their season flirted with the title last season, are they ready to mount a stronger challenge this season?
The Blues and the Clarets have swapped leagues with Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues new last season winning the Division Three title with ease whilst the Clarets in Division Two were relegated. The Blues started the season away to fellow promoted side Evergreen Eagles returning to Division Two after being relegated the previous season. A tight game the sides earning a share of the points drawing 1-1. Samantha Feeney scoring for Evergreen Eagles, Bethany Young for Woburn & Wavendon.
Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three
Bedford Ladies playing in the ERWFL Premier Division have established a new Development side this season entering Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three began the season with a convincing win away from home against Bedwell Rangers Ladies also new to the league this season. Kirsten Peters opening the scoring for Bedford in the 9th minute. Paige Abraham and Jessica Bunnage scoring in the 15th and 24th minute. Katy Peters and Becky Lenton making it 5-0 at half-time. Kirsten Peters scoring twice more in the 2nd half to complete her hat-trick with Bunnage adding her 2nd to see Bedford start with an 8-0 win.
Shefford Town & Campton Ladies started their 3rd season in Beds & Herts Division Three with a win away from home to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets and only their 2nd ever 3 point haul. A good win too with Louise Grocott scoring a brace, with goal each for Chloe Tate and Helen Coster to put them 2nd in the table. 4-1 the final score Maya Santos scoring for Woburn & Wavendon.
Welwyn Pegasus Azures followed the Sapphires in the league above with an away win on the opening day of the season in their 1st ever competitive match taking on Potters Bar United Ladies. Goals from Janiece Allen and Samantha Coughlan in the 1st half. Allen adding a 2nd goal 7 minutes into the 2nd half and a goal form Senal Chapman in the final 15 minutes seeing the away side win 4-2. Mandy Morgan with both the goals for Potters Bar United.
In the last match to bring you in Beds & Herts Division Three, 1st half hat-trick for Sophia Pidgeon saw Wheathamstead Wanderers Ladies start their season with a win at home to Evergreen Ladies. 3-1 the final score Kirsty Stephan with the goal for the visiting side.
A late change to the league structure in Essex this season having initially seen an increase of sides going up to 30 a 3rd league was created with 10 sides in each sadly a 5 sides have since not gone on to start or in the case of Wickford Town Ladies 1st and Reserves side have folded.. for now at least that left 25 sides a adjustment has seen Essex revert back to 2 leagues 12 in the Premier Division, 13 in Division One including 7 new sides.
Essex Women’s Premier Division
The adjustment saw both Hatfield Peveral Ladies and Harlow Town Reserves Ladies join the already promoted Corringham Cosmos and Frontiers Ladies in the Premier Division from Division One. Also restored to the Premier Division, Hutton Ladies Reserves. Harlow Town Ladies 1st team Champions last season move up to the ERWFL. A tough call to say who will win the title this time around both Frontiers and Corringham Cosmos will be strong contenders with Lawford Ladies emerging as a force last season. Chelmsford City are usually there or thereabouts too.
Hatfield Peveral Ladies now promoted to the Premier Division couldn’t have gotten their season off to a better start beginning away to Chigwell Ladies. Yasmin Cowley opening the scoring for the visitors in the 6th minute made it 2-0 5 minutes later. Hatfield took control of the game with 10 minutes left in the 1st half Victoria King finding the back of the net. That was soon followed by two more quickfire goals for Cowley. A 5-0 lead at half-time Hatfield kept up the pressure 2nd half Megan Warner extending the lead to 6-0 with King going on to score 2 more to complete her hat-trick in between Cowley scoring her 5th of the game to see Hatfield Peveral win 9-0.
Chelmsford City Ladies began the Premier Division season at home to Runwell Sports Ladies, Frances Murphy scoring in the 10th minute for the visitors, Chelmsford went into the break 2-1 in front. Went on to take control of the game in the 2nd half. Georgia James scoring 2 goals, Mia Brisley, Tyler Christou, Shannon Hughes and Charlotte Palmer all opening their accounts with the final score being 6-1 to the hosts.
Frontiers Ladies formed last season finished as Division One Champions aswell as winning the Essex Women’s Trophy. Began life in the Premier Division with a local derby away to Harlow Town Ladies Reserves. Due to pitch issues the game was switched around. It didn’t affect Frontiers who were quickly in front Kelly Holsworth firing home from 35 yards. Jill Bartholomew scoring from a corner to see Frontiers into a 2-0 lead at half-time. Harlow Town Reserves pulled the score back to 2-1 in the 2nd half, Casey Lunn with the 25 yard shot. Frontiers were quick to respond Sharon Ferguson restoring their 2 goal lead. The 3 points secured late on with Freya Liiv on hand to score after Holsworth’s free-kick struck the crossbar.
Essex Women’s Division One
A huge influx of new sides joining the Essex Women’s County League with 7 new names in total. Both ERWFL Premier Division sides, Billericay Town Ladies and Brentwood Town Ladies have set-up a reserve side. Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies, Southend United Ladies, Leigh Ramblers Ladies and Rayleigh Town Ladies also come in along with the returning Hullbridge Sports after a season’s absence.
10 of the 13 sides in action on the opening Sunday and plenty of goals scored in those matches too. FC Clacton Ladies are the early table toppers hitting double figures away from home on the opening day. Entering their 2nd season were playing Benfleet Villa Ladies also beginning their 2nd season. Both Charlotte Warren and Lauren Lucas started the season by scoring a hat-trick for FC Clacton. The final score 11-0 the other 5 goals were shared out amongst, Louise Hayles, Abbie Hooper, Danielle Leonard, Sasha Moy and Daisy Hodgson.
Returning to the Essex Women’s Football league after a season’s absence Hullbridge Sports Ladies had previously enjoyed a successful if brief spell. Now back they have several off their old squad back along with some new faces joining from Wickford Town Ladies. Were away from home this Sunday beginning their season at another new side Billericay Town Ladies Reserves got off to a great start leading 4-0 by half-time went on t repeat that goals tally 2nd half to run out 8-0 winners. Broghan Kelly netting 4 of those goals. Danni Dorrington, Karley Hunt, Patricia McVeeney and Grace Francis also on target with a goal each.
Another new side racing into a 4-0 lead on the opening day was Southend United Ladies at home to Waltham Forest Ladies on the opening weekend. Ria Toovey breaking the deadlock on the 20th minute. Goals coming in regular intervals after that with Lauren Johnson scoring a brace on 25 and 40 minutes with Emily Pert scoring a goal in between. Substitutes Charlotte Anderson and Lily-Maree Halliday extended Southend’s lead in the 2nd half. Fanni Csikos getting a goal for Waltham Forest 6-1 the winning score.
Dagenham & Redbridge Ladies have been extremely busy on social media promoting their new side and finally the competitve action could begin this weekend rearing to go were hosting Brentwood Town Ladies new Reserve side. Dagenham & Redbridge enjoyed a good opening 45 minute holding a 3-0 lead at half-time closer 2nd half both sides scoring the final score 4-1 to Dagenham & Redbridge, Pauline Adeyemo scoring a brace with a goal each for Fran Pridie and Hannah Humphreys.
Another opening day game against 2 new sides to Division one was a good contest between Leigh Ramblers at home to Rayleigh Town Ladies with the home side eventually running out 4-2 winners Leigh Ramblers scoring 3 goals in the 1st half lead 3-1 Emily Diwell with 2 goals substitute Abi Brown also scoring with Paige White firing home from the penalty spot for Leigh Ramblers to win the 3 points. Holly Gash and Isabelle Wallings scoring the goals for Rayleigh Town.
Going to be an interesting league to watch this season with so many new sides now way to predict who will emerge as Champions several sides have that as their target no doubt.
Essex Women’s County Cup
Cup action in Essex too at the weekend with two ties being played in the Essex Women’s County Cup. A Preliminary Round, Beacon Hills Rovers Ladies from the Premier Division were hosting ERWFL Division One South side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies. A comfortable victory in the end for the higher league side despite Beacon Hill Rovers scoring 3 goals, Sophie Dowman netting a hat-trick for Little Thurrock. Captain Abbie Simmonds and Courtney Fraser both with 2 goals each. A goal for Taylor Adcock along with and own goals seeing them into the 1st Round with a 9-3 win.
In the other Preliminary Round tie Alresford Colne Rangers were hosting Premier Division side Corringham Cosmos. 4 goals for Chloe Sams along with a brace for Rachel Fleming and a goal from Rebecca Gallagher seeing the visitors progress to the 1st Round with a 7-0 win.
The women’s county league season began in Cambridgeshire this Sunday with their once again being 3 divisions the Premiership and Championships North & South. 24 sides all together with sadly a few drop-outs before the season began. 8 sides in each league. Think all 3 leagues will be competitive at the top with several sides in contention for top spot over the season.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership
Last season’s Premiership Champion’s Cambridge United WFC Reserves have moved up into Regional football. Bar Hill Ladies are no more hoping to set-up with a different club the move hasn’t happened this season. Joining the Premiership this season are March Town United Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies Development, Championship North & South Champions respectfully last season. 3 matches played in the Premiership on the opening Sunday.
Netherton United Ladies finished runners-up in both the league and league cup final last season. Began this season away to Park Ladies. Captain, Megan Parrett scoring a hat-trick for Netherton with striker Yasmin Green bagging a brace on the opening day a goal too for Alice MacNichol seeing the visitors start the season with a confident win 6-0 to sit top of the pile.
March Town United Ladies began life in the top flight in Cambridgeshire with a trip to Peterborough to play ICA Sports Ladies. Goals for Shannon Shaw and Emma Frost seeing March win the 3 points in their opening fixture to set them on their way.
St Ives Town Ladies were hosting Newmarket Town Ladies in their opening league fixture in the Premiership. Both were in confident mood having won their matches the previous weekend in the FA Women’s Cup 1st Round Qualifying. A competitive rivalry growing between the two sides both ambitious and wanting to win the Premiership title. Will also face each other in the Championship South this season with Newmarket having an established Reserves side, St Ives Town beginning a Development side this season. A close contest between the pair, Anna Hicks scoring for St Ives, it was Newmarket who won the 3 points on the opening day winning 2-1, goals for Cindy Ponder and new signing Brooke Wickens.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North
Wisbech Town Ladies began their season in the Championship North with a huge away win as they played Orton Rangers Ladies starting their 2nd season moving from the Championship South last season. A tough start to life in the Championship North against a side that should if they can find some consistency be amongst those gunning for top spot. Certainly couldn’t have started any better running up a double figure winning score. Sophie Gutteridge starting her season with a double hat-trick. There was a hat-trick to for Chloe Riches. Faye Kowalewsky scoring a brace, with goals to for Shushannah Feast, Annie Rooks and Emma Woods the final score 14-0 to Wisbech.
A much tighter contest in the other opening day fixture in the Championship North with Ketton Ladies hosting Hungate Rovers Ladies. A 7 goal thriller between the sides Kesley McKenna scoring a brace along with a goal for Laura Punter for Hungate Rovers. It wasn’t enough to take anything from the match as Ketton scored 4 in reply to start the season with a 4-3 win.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South
3 matches played in the Championship South on the opening weekend and a great start to the season for Cambridge Rangers Women in recent seasons at the wrong end of the table find themselves top after the opening day. Traditionally kicking off their home games at 11am were hosting new side Burwell Tigers. Robyn Barlow scoring a hat-trick for Cambridge Rangers along the way to an 8-1 win, 2 players netting a brace Rebecca Lewis and Cornelia Buettner with Stephanie Rowan also on the scoresheet. Vicky Murrell with the goal for Burwell Tigers.
Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds began the season with an away game against Isleham United Ladies. Marie Stubbings getting Fulbourn’s season off to a fantastic start scoring 4 goals in the game with Katie Luddy and Yasmin Upson both scoring too in a 6-1 victory. Vicky Beeton netting for Isleham.
Newmarket Town Reserves began their season at home to the newly formed Histon Ladies Reserves. The visitors coached by Ian Freestone formerly of Milton Ladies has a few former Milton players in the Histon squad including a very familiar name to readers of The Round-Up, Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks a prolific goalscorer netting 71 goals in her previous 2 seasons. A close contest away to Newmarket, Dominika Szary and Kate Silver scoring for the home side. Samantha Cousins scoring twice for Histon along with a strike by Lemmon-Sparks to see the new side start with a win.
The county season began in Norfolk this Sunday with the women’s league reverting back to 2 Division’s after a couple of seasons of having 3. 19 sides overall contesting this season with 10 in Division One a move that see’s most of the sides formerly in Division Two last season join the Division One sides along with Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves who won Division Three last season. Those in Division Three last season are all in Division Two this time around with 5 new sides entering the league most stepping up into adult football from U16s last season. 9 sides contesting Division Two.
Norfolk Women’s Division One
Eight of the 10 sides in Division One kicking off their campaign this Sunday. League Champions, Thorpe United Ladies and Aylsham Ladies the pair not in action. An excellent season last time around for Bungay Town Ladies finishing runners-up as well as lifting the Ladies League Cup. Were at home in their opening fixture taking on Stalham Town Ladies
Lauren Purling
stepping up a Division. Bungay had already begun their season beating ERWFL Premier Division side, Colchester Town Ladies in the FA Women’s come. A brace from Nicola Hazell, along with a goal each for new signings, Becky Hills and Selina Rowland along with a goal from both Laura Holden and Lauren Purling seeing Bungay comfortably to a 6-0 to begin their league fixtures. The game along marked the end of their spell at the club for two of Bungay Town Ladies player moving on, Ella Hindley and Lauren Purling, manager Graham’s daughter who is set to join the army after 10 years playing for the club. Best of luck to both in the future.
Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves make the leap from Division Three Champions last season their 1st as a side with the ambitious club moving up to Regional football. Far from a leap too far however the Reserve side will be a competitive force in Norfolk’s top Division as it contains a good portion of the title winning side of 2015/16 plenty of experience at this level and some familiar names were on the scoresheet on the opening day as they hosted Long Stratton Ladies at home on Sunday. Sally Hammerton finding the back of the net to score 4 half of Wymondham’s tally with Hannah Johnson scoring a brace with a goal a piece for Louise and Gemma Hamilton-Rout an 8-0 victory that puts Wymondham top of the table.
Two more sides that are likely to be competitive and aiming high in Division One are, Gorleston Ladies off the back of two successive league titles and North Walsham Ladies who had a strong start in Division One last season following promotion eventually falling away at the end to finish in 5th position. The pair meeting on the 1st day at Emerald Park in Gorleston the result a high scoring draw North Walsham scoring 3 times with Emma Faux, Robyn Johnston and Luci Middleton getting off the mark. Gorleston scoring 3 too the game drawn the clubs top goalscorer, Beth Turner beginning the season with a hat-trick.
Sprowston Ladies step up from Division Two last season the League Plate finalists one of two Sprowston sides joining the leagues this season with FC Sprowston Ladies in Division Two. Were away to Fakenham Town Ladies on the opening day. Sprowston leading 2-1 at half-time going on to find a 3rd goal 2nd half to secure an opening day win. Paige Barnard, Rebecca Russell and Calista Tink scoring their goals.
Norfolk Women’s Division Two
Of the 9 sides contesting Division Two this season 5 are new, FC Sprowston, Gorleston Rangers Ladies, Costessey Sports Ladies, Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies and Beccles Town Ladies. They join Freethorpe Ladies, Tavern Ladies and Toftwood Ladies along with Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies relegated from Division One last season. It was Norfolk Division Two where this weekends match report for Women’s Football East came from and can be found further down the page after this weeks Round-Up’s. A look at two of the new sides both very young, Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies stepping up from youth football mostly 16 year olds hosting newly formed Beccles Town Ladies not much older on average themselves.
The bare 11 for Bure Valley, Beccles with a couple of substitutes to rotate. A competitive and good spirited 1st half Beccles had the early chances more of the attack however they found themselves going 1-0 down with Charlie Cooper putting the ball into the bottom corner of the net for Bure Valley. Beccles didn’t take long to find a reply Lucy Robbens sending the ball in across goal from inside the box to make it 1-1. Again Bure Valley got in front Cooper with her 2nd following a run with the ball unchallenged shooting from the top of the area made it 2-1. Robbens followed cooper in netting her brace in the game winning a free-kick wide left captain Megan Vincent delivering a high ball in towards the far post Robbens peeling in behind turning the ball into the back of the net. 2-2 at half-time.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies (navy) v Beccles Town Ladies
A different story 2nd half Beccles taking the lead for the 1st time in the game early on Chelsea Caplin receiving the ball off a deflection inside the area firing a shot up over the keeper into the top of the net. Bure Valley were down to 10 players due to illness. The game getting stretched Beccles counter attack won a penalty Jordan Duke brought down inside the box. Robbens stepping up to score her hat-trick a 5th goal soon followed Grace Storey turning a Robbens free-kick in at the far post. Duke sent a shot past the advancing keeper to make it 6-2 before Caplin with her 2nd of the game fired in a great strike from outside the box. 7-2 the final score Beccles Town wining their 1st ever competitive game.
One other fixture played on the opening weekend in Division Two, with Freethorpe Ladies with a new coach and new signings hosting Kirkley & Pakefield FC Ladies. It was one of their new signings who gave Freethorpe a 1-0 half-time lead. Kiera Squires joining from Aylsahm Ladies out all last season after breaking her ankle sending the ball into the back of the net. Kirkley & Pakefield got themselves back on level terms to see them take a share of the points on the opening day welcome after a difficult time last season. Paige Baker with the goal.
There are 9 sides contesting this season’s Suffolk Women’s Division, AFC Kesgrave Ladies and Hadleigh United Ladies the 2 new sides joining the league from last season. Ipswich Phoenix Ladies have become Ipswich Athletic Youth Ladies. Ipswich Town Ladies Development winning the title last season going unbeaten now promoted to the ERWFL. Walsham Le Willow Ladies start as favourites to win this season’s title. Both East Bergholt United Ladies and Brantham Athletic Ladies will be chasing them hard and this league always throws up the unexpected result throughout the season.
Suffolk Women’s Division
The season’s opening weekend saw 2 fixtures played, Brantham Town Ladies were at home against Leiston St Margarets Ladies to begin their season. A convincing result to get off the mark Brantham winning the game 6-0 a brace for Kirsten Hutchings. There was also a brace for new signing Jodie Sharp joining from rivals East Bergholt. Danielle Harvey and Sophie Crabtree also opening their goal account in the opening fixture.
A change of name and new beginning seeing a Ipswich Athletic Youth Ladies begin the 2017/18 season with their 1st ever win having been Ipswich Phoenix the two seasons before. Away to Coplestonians Ladies on the opening day held a narrow 1-0 advantage at the break before going on to win 4-1 in the 2nd half. 4 different goal scorers too with, Charlotte Archer, Madeleine Fairbrother, Natalie Southgate and Alicia Wilson all putting the ball into the back of the net.
Three sides went into the weekend with a 100% winning start at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division, something had to give however as 2 of those sides met with Acle United Ladies playing host to Billericay Town Ladies. It was the side from Essex that started the better and took an early 2-0 lead Paris Smith scoring both goals. That the lead at half-time Acle United pulled a goal back in the 2nd half to make it 2-1, Grace Birchall getting the goal. Billericay didn’t take too long to respond restoring their 2 goal cushion with Smith completing her hat-trick to make it 3-1 the final score Billericay now the only side in the league with a 100% winning record after 3 played.
In 2nd spot Bedford Ladies lose their 100% record but remain unbeaten with 7 points from their 3 opening league games after they held AFC Dunstable Ladies to a 1-1 draw away from home on Sunday. Michelle Byrne scoring the goal for Bedford. Isabelle Attenborough netting the goal for AFC Dunstable.
A good week for Writtle Ladies as they climb up to 3rd in the Premier Division unbeaten in 3 games a 1-0 away win against Cambridge City Ladies in mid-week to build upon an opening day 5-5 draw with AFC Dunstable Ladies. Were at home for the 1st time this season on Sunday against AFC Sudbury Ladies who they had lost to 4-3 in 1st Round Qualifying of the FA Women’s Cup. A 4-3 defeat to Writtle then. Facing each other a week later Sudbury travelling without a few injured players including goalkeeper Penny Everett. Harriet Young taking over in goal. Writtle took an early lead going on to double the advantage before half-time. Young was injured in a nasty collision in the 1st half and was unable to continue. Writtle extended the lead 2nd half but Sudbury fought back pulling it back to 3-2 with Megan Partridge scoring both goals. Writtle going on to score twice more winning the game 5-2 to take 7 points from their 1st 3 league games their goals scored by Abigail Fry, Sophie Vale, Amy Simmons and a brace for full back Lucy Jones. A concussion along with a broken nose and finger for Harriett Young, wishing her all the best for a speedy recovery.
Brentwood Town Ladies are up to 5th in the Premier Division with their 1st league win of the season a late goal for Colney Heath Ladies denying the all 3 points in their opening league game finishing 2-2, Brentwood held on for the win this time winning 2-1 Angela Arnold and Nina Boorman with the goals to see them to victory. Royston Town scoring through Becky Shephard still without a point after 3 played.
A tough start to the ERWFL Premier Division for relegated Lowestoft Town Ladies rebuilding a squad 2 heavy defeats home and away to begin the season were at home this Sunday and picked up a moral boosting win coming back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 against Cambridge City Ladies. The newly promoted Division One Champions travelling to Suffolk after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Writtle Ladies in mid-week going into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals from Stacey Fullicks and a double for Bella Simmons. Lowestoft fought back 2nd half a goal from Nicola Sheldrake along with a triple for captain Hannah Waters seeing them take all 3 points lift the club into 8th position.
ERWFL Division One North
Wymondham Town Ladies travelled to Essex on Sunday to play Silver End United Ladies returning home with the 3 points to continue their unbeaten start to the season their 7 point haul returning them to the top of the Division One North table. Plenty of goals in the side too a return a 18 now from 3 lead games. Nadine Basson and Alice Collins both scoring a brace with a goal each for Brook Cheal-Ferris, Kayleigh Holloway and Mollie O’Callaghan in a 7-0 win. Silver End United remain without a point after 3 played.
Histon Ladies returned to 2nd in the Division One North table playing their 2nd league game made it 2 wins from 2 away to Ipswich Wanderers Ladies on Sunday also unbeaten after 2 played. Ipswich Wanderers taking the lead in the 11th minute Jade Horne putting the ball into the back of the net. Histon got back on level terms midway through the 1st half Hannah Gordon with the strike. 1-1 at the break Histon took the lead in the game with 15 minutes left to play Gordon with her 2nd of the game was immediately followed by a goal for Sophie Hopkin, now 3-1 ahead Histon went on to win 4-1 with Kirstee Smith grabbing herself a goal with 3 minutes left.
Histon Ladies, Hannah Gordon
Also making it 2 league wins from two to lay 3rd in the Division One table are King’s Lynn Town Ladies. Were at home on Sunday taking on the then league leaders Cambridge United WFC Reserves. A competitive contest between the two sides King’s Lynn running out 4-2 winners the result seeing Cambridge drop below them into 4th just a point between the top 4 sides. Katie Cross and Faith Hewitt on the scoresheet for Cambridge. King’s Lynn’s 4 goals were scored by Oksana Imanalijeva, Bethan Jones, Becky Russell and Shelley Woods.
ERWFL Division One South
19 goals from their opening 2 league games as Stevenage Ladies Reserves lay down a marker for the rest of the sides in ERWFL Division One South. 10 against Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies last time out were away to Hertford Town Ladies this Sunday. Continued their goal scoring streak dominating the 1st half leading 5-0 at the break went on to score 4 more in the 2nd half without reply to win 9-0. Hannah Marshall scoring 4 of their goals. A brace each for Becky Day and Daniela Martucci with Nicole Coull also getting on the scoresheet.
A confident draining defeat for Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies last time out were hosting newly promoted Harlow Town Ladies this Sunday. The visitors starting with a 5-0 mid-week victory over fellow promoted side Bishops Stortford Ladies. A much tighter game this time around Harlow had the better of the 1st half taking the lead in the 37th minute with Tayla Handscombe getting the goal. Lily Bruno scoring in 1st half stoppage time to put Harlow into a 2-0 lead. Couldn’t find a goal to make the points secure in the 2nd half Hoddesdon coming back into it late on to set up a nervous finish with Rosy Woodham making it 2-1 with 3 minutes left, Harlow held on to make it 2 wins from 2 their next game at home to Stevenage Ladies Reserves playing tonight even as I type this Round-Up will update with the info and result from this top of the table clash when I have the result.
After a the distraction of last weekends FAWPL Cup Determining Round it was back to league action for the clubs in the Southern Division and South East Division One with a full programme of fixtures across both leagues.
FAWPL Southern Division
Three sides in the FAWPL Southern Division looking to maintain a 100% winning start after 3 games played, two of those sides met on Sunday, Portsmouth FC Ladies at home to Charlton Athletic Women. A great start to the season for Portsmouth winning away from home at Coventry United Ladies 2 weekends ago building on their opening day win at home to Cardiff City Ladies. The visitors in trouble early on as they were reduced to 10 players inside the opening 10 minutes Grace Coombs shown a straight red bringing down Shannon Albuery in the area a penalty awarded was missed by Molly Clark. Despite the player advantage for Portsmouth the sides were goalless at the break and the 2nd half was heading that way right up until stoppage time when Kit Graham introduced from the bench for the 3rd successive league game also scored for the 3rd time netting her 4th of the season to win the game for Charlton in the 93rd minute to keep their 100% winning start intact.
Charlton are 2nd behind Crystal Palace Ladies on goal difference in fine goal scoring form too scoring 30 goals in their opening 4 games. Striker Gemma Bryan has almost half that total herself netting 14 in 4 games so far. Away to Swindon Town Ladies this Sunday, Bryan was on target as early as the 5th minutes going on to score another 3 goals before half-time. Stefanie Simmons also on the scoresheet to see Crystal Palace leading 5-0 at half-time. Both Bryan ad Simmons added another goal in the 2nd half to secure a 7-0 win. A concerning start for Swindon Town bottom of the table without a win have conceded 28 in league and cup and to make thing’s worse have yet to score a goal themselves. Plenty of time to put that right.
C&K Basildon Ladies are up to 3rd spot unbeaten in their 3 opening league matches were hosting West Ham United Ladies at Canvey Island FC this Sunday. Goalless at half-time Angela Addison put Basildon into the lead 2nd half, with jay Blackie and captain Zoe Rushen also getting a goal each to secure all 3 points.
A 2nd successive defeat in the league for Coventry United Ladies travelling down to The Dripping Pan this Sunday to play Lewes FC Women who won their 1st 3 points of the season that takes them up from 9th into 6th position. Were in front inside the opening 2 minutes Rachel Carter finding the back of the net. Coventry had a goal ruled out 10 minutes later. Created chances but in windy conditions were unable to breach the Lewes back line a chance 2nd half awarded a penalty, Helen Dermody smashing the ball into the post. Lewes winning 1-0.
Newly promoted Gillingham also move up the table into 4th from 7th with their 2nd league win of the season away to Queens Park Rangers Ladies. Jenny Newman on the half hour mark giving the visitors the lead. Danielle Farmer making it 2-0 with 6 minutes of the 1st half left. Queens Park Rangers were reduced to 10 13 minutes into the 2nd half Mara Deluca sent off. Gillingham captain Jade Keogh making it 3-0 soon after. The final score 4-0 to Gillingham with Newman scoring her 2nd of the match in the final 15 minutes.
At the other end of the Southern Division table on Sunday it was a meeting between two sides still looking to pick up their 1st point of the season with newly promoted Chichester City Ladies travelling into Wales to play Cardiff City Ladies. It was the home side who took an early lead Cori Williams scoring a penalty. Chichester replied quickly to get back on level terms Jess Lewry on target. The visitors going on to go 3-1 ahead with goals from Charley Wilson-Blakely and Jenna Fowlie. Cardiff getting a goal back through Caitlin Morris before Wilson-Blakely added another to see the lead for Chichester at half-time 5-2. That the final score no more goals 2nd half Chichester winning their 1st 3 points to lift them up to 8th.
FAWPL South East Division One
In FAWPL South East Division One 3 sides went into the weekend at the top of the table with 2 wins from 2, after the weekends results just one of those retained a 100% winning start. Luton Town Ladies are top with maximum points from their opening 3 matches. At home at the weekend taking on newly promoted Haringey Borough Women. Both Jodie Bellinger and Joanne Rutherford grabbing a brace in the match along with a goal for Rebecca Wilson-Kane in a 5-1 victory.
Ipswich Town Ladies were denied a 3rd successive league win as the 2nd placed club was pegged back level with a late goal from opponents Cambridge United WFC. Travelling to Mildenhall Town FC. Cassie Craddock giving Ipswich a 1-0 lead at half-time. Amy Howlett scored for Cambridge to level the scores 2nd half. Ipswich retaking the lead with Amanda Crump scoring. Cambridge coming back again with Nuala Wayne scoring to level it up at 2-2, 7 points for Ipswich lose their 100% winning start but remain unbeaten, so to Cambridge on 5 points in 5th position. Also this week Ipswich Town Ladies announced last season’s captain Aimee Harrison is to miss the season, but for the very best of reasons as she is pregnant, Women’s Football East adds it’s congratulations to Aimee and her partner.
Actonians Ladies suffered their 1st loss in the league to end their 100% start away to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who got their 1st win of the season on Sunday. A brace for new signing Dawn Mallet along with a each for Charly Wright and Anna Loftus to see the home side into mid-table with a 4-0 win.
Also moving up the table into 6th are newly promoted Leyton Orient WFC picking up their 1st league win at this level and a very convincing one too taking the confidence of winning away in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup away to lead leaders Luton last weekend into this Sunday their 1st home game of the season were hosting Enfield Town Ladies. Leyton Orient got off to a blistering start Chanel Richards in target to score in the opening minute. Sophie Le Marchand making it 2-0 on 3 minutes. Danielle Griffiths scoring their 3rd before 10 minutes were on the clock. Egle Trezzi on 15 minutes saw Leyton Orient 4-0 up at half-time. More goals followed 2nd half Richards with her 2nd 5 minutes after the restart. Hayley Barton scored on 65 minutes to see the lead extended to 6. Ella Meadowcroft getting a 2nd half brace late on with Le Marchand securing her own brace in between Meadowcroft’s goals. 9-0 the final score.
Recovering from an opening day defeat, AFC Wimbledon Ladies have now won 3 on the bounce in league and cup to climb up to 4th in the South East Division One table. Away to Denham United Ladies this Sunday a 2nd minute goal from Rebecca Sargent gave Wimbledon the lead with Caroline Bisson scoring on 18 to make it 2-0 at the break. Went on to win 3-1 in the 2nd half Sargent with her 2nd of the game. New signing Kara Howes with her 1st goal for Denham United Ladies.
Stevenage Ladies got their 1st win of the season on Sunday hosting Norwich City Ladies. Leah Littlechild putting the home side into the lead. Kristi Burling made it 2-0 before Norwich pulled a goal back right at the end of the 1st half Aimee Durrant scoring. Stevenage went on to secure the 3 points with captain Donna McGuigan making it 3-1. Littlechild with her 2nd of the game late into the 2nd half Stevenage celebrating a 4-1 win.
This Sunday sees the start of the county league season right across the East, beginning with a game from Norfolk in Division Two between two new sides entering the league this season Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies at home to Beccles Town Ladies.
Reverting back to two leagues this season with 19 sides competing altogether with 10 in Division One with most of last season’s Division Two sides moving up. 9 sides contesting this season’s Division Two including 5 new sides, FC Sprowston Ladies, Costessey Sports Ladies and Gorleston Rangers Ladies the other new faces along with today’s opponents.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies based in Coltishall making the step up from youth football this season a big challenge for a young squad of mainly 16 year olds taking the step up into women’s football. Norfolk itself has a strong youth set-up with many women’s sides having youth teams Bure Valley starting in the girls leagues have progressed as a team to this level finishing 2nd in their respective league last season.
Beccles Town Ladies are a newly formed team this season securing an FA grant to help set-up the side joining Beccles Town FC, have also established a youth set-up too for player pathway in the future. Again another very young squad although they do have more experience at playing in the women’s league with several players amongst their squad having been with East Coast Ladies last year in their single season as a club playing in Division Three.
The playing fields on Rectory Road in Coltishall the venue for today’s game. A small building housing the changing rooms beside the carpark leading onto the playing fields themselves. A large main grass pitch with two smaller training pitches marked out beyond. A good covering of grass a little bobbly width to exploit. A cooler September day overcast with a stiff breeze blowing across the pitch.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies starting XI – Willow Locke, Abi Clark, Carrie Last, Anya Sadler, Summer Waugh, Jade Starling, Hayley Demmen, Maisie Redhead, Becky Wood, Juliette Kelly & Charlie Cooper.
Beccles Town Ladies starting XI – Caitlin Harvey, Jordan Duke, Molly Greig, Megan Vincent (C), Millie Fisher, Chelsea Shorten, Chelsea Caplin, Vicky Ottey, Imogen Glaysher, Grace Storey & Lucy Robbens. Subs – Madi Cook & Emily Coe.
(roll on roll off substitutes)
Late unavailability leaves Bure Valley with just the bare eleven for today’s game. Have a wide range of squad numbers picked by the players 1st time I’ve seen a 67 or a 71 worn on the back of a shirt at a game. It’s the home side to take the kick-off wearing navy blue shirts with a red and white band around the sleeves, navy shorts and red socks with Beccles lined up opposite wearing white coloured shirts with black shorts and socks. The ball is played long up the left wing for Juliette Kelly to chase the wind blowing in that direction it picks up pace the winger unable to keep the ball in play. Beccles build through the middle, Chelsea Shorten’s ball forwards cut out by Bure Valley’s Hayley Demmen. Regaining possession Beccles move the ball left Grace Storey makes a run into space down the left the pass finds her taking the ball on into the area squares the ball into towards the near post, Bure Valley goal keeper Willow Locke scooping the ball up into her gloves with Beccles, Jordan Duke bearing down on her.
A good start from Beccles getting forwards on the right Chelsea Caplin with support from Molly Greig the ball worked across the top of the box into Duke swivels into the shot, Bure Valley’s Summer Waugh blocking at close range the ball rebounds out to Beccles, Vicky Ottey she fires over from 25 yards out. Maisie Redhead gets the better of a 50/50 challenge inside the Beccles half for Bure Valley on the right has Charlie Cooper ready to receive the ball ahead of her, sees it into her feet as Becky Wood surges past her on the overlap the winger getting in behind as the ball is sent down the line just a little too much on the pass Wood can’t get her foot around the ball on the byline to swing a cross in runs out of play.
Duke very nearly releases Greig through on the Bure Valley goal as she does well to flick on a long ball fired into her 25 yards from goal. Bure Valley’s Anya Sadler stands up to Grieg as she looks to power her way through the central defender tackling to regain possession of the ball. Jade Starling with the ball for Bure Valley bringing it forwards through the middle pushes it on for Cooper ahead of her outside the area runs at goal stabs the ball forwards towards goal no pace on the attempt Beccles goalkeeper, Caitlin Harvey drops forwards to claim the ball.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Jade Starling
Bure Valley win the 1st corner of the game an inswinging delivery is headed clear of the box by Robbens, Beccles launch a swift counter attack Duke picking up the ball inside her own half drives forwards making a central run has Caplin free to her right tries to pick her out, Bure Valley’s Carrie Last recovering the ground well to intercept the ball at left back. Imogen Glaysher halts a Bure Valley attack on the left the ball moved forwards quickly Storey getting a throw in deep on the left played inside to Robbens turns and shoots placing the ball wide of the near post.
GOAL! Breaking up an attack at one end Bure Valley go straight up the other end to score the opening goal of the game closing in on the quarter hour mark, Sadler playing it forwards. Cooper has it left side is allowed to gain alot of ground without being challenged moving inside as she close in on the box lets fly sending the ball wide across the keeper and into the bottom far corner to score 1-0.
Beccles attack from the restart Storey with the ball left side puts the ball into Robbens inside the D her shot is deflected by Sadler behind for the corner kick. Defending the corner Bure Valley are pushed back Beccles with the ball around the final third but finding no final ball. Robbens fed the ball inside the box left of goal seeing er shot/cross running wide across the six yard box. A break on for Bure Valley, Kelly with plenty of pace in her legs with the ball left Cooper up with her the ball fed into her as Kelly looks to go on, the Beccles defence stopping the pass the ball running wide of Kelly for a corner kick. A good delivery into the six yard box a Bure Valley head on the ball knocking it down but straight into the gloves of Harvey.
GOAL! 7 minutes after falling behind Beccles get themselves back on level terms, Storey is proving a handful on the left a willing runner picking up the ball from Duke after Sadler stops an attack through the middle. Storey tries to pick out Robbens inside the area left corner is challenged the ball running on takes a deflection off a defender turning in inside towards goal Robbens reacts quickest after it the angle tight inside the six yard box fires the ball across goal and into the back of the net to make it 1-1.
Demmen with the challenge on halfway plays the ball on for Abi Clark she threads a pass into Wood sprinting in behind on the right for Bure Valley she crosses early into Cooper central top of the box the striker dragging her shot wide of the far post.
GOAL! Bure Valley take the lead for the 2nd time in the match launching a rapid counter move Beccles over committing in attack as Kelly races forwards with the ball wide left has crossing options racing forwards Cooper closest with Redhead right behind her picks out Cooper and on the turn outside the area she fires her low shot into the bottom corner 2-1 as the 1st half passes the midway mark.
2 goals for Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Charlie Cooper
Has been a competitive game so far but clean and played in good spirit. Good running on the ball from Duke on the left evading a tackle comes in field looking to send the ball on across the area, Waugh has read the threat and moving towards her is well placed to cut the ball out. Bure Valley have been playing deeper than Beccles now starting to push up field more as a unit. Last bringing the ball on through the middle releases Wood on the right with a well times pass her cross whipped in along the top of the area is headed away by Ottey, is picked up by Kelly on the left a ball fired into the box is launched out falling centrally a shot looped back in towards goal claimed high in the air by Harvey.
Duke travelling with the all surges into the Bure Valley box moving left of goal the angle closing as she shoots from six yards out straight at Locke covering her near post gloves the ball down and collects cleanly. The wind starting to pick up as the 1st half draws to a close Duke has her legs taken from her just outside the D, with no advantage on offer referee Paul Gibson brings it back for a free-kick to Beccles. Robbens over it can’t keep her shot down the ball flying over. Robbens then wins the ball off the resulting goal kick 20 yards out rolls in on for Greig just inside the box putting her foot through the ball on the turn pulls the strike wide of the post.
GOAL! Into the final few minutes of the 1st half and Beccles get the scores back level. Robbens on the ball is awarded a free-kick wide left 5 yards inside the Bure Valley half push players on into the area with captain Megan Vincent to take the set-piece is a great delivery a high ball falling behind the defence at the far post Robbens gambling has snuck in behind and meeting the dropping ball sends it home to make it 2-2.
Beccles Town Ladies, Lucy Robbens with her 2nd of the game makes it 2-2
Beccles win another free-kick in a similar position in their next attack Vincent again over the ball doesn’t carry so far this time Starling amongst those gathered along the top of the box to defend gets up to head the ball clear. One last attack in the half for Beccles Duke linking up with Caplin as she bombs forwards the pair try the one two, Caplin’s ball into the area too close to Locke the goalkeeper gathering the ball.
Beccles Town Ladies, Megan Vincent
Half-time Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies 2-2 Beccles Town Ladies
An entertaining 1st half of football between two young and energetic sides a good tempo and clean game. Beccles have had more of the attacking and chances however Bure Valley took the lead twice in the half only for Beccles to come back into it. Plenty of energy burnt Beccles can bring on subs 2nd half Bure Valley can’t will it prove telling roll on roll off substitutes are great for rotating players if a challenge to keep track off for someone writing notes. Is alot cooler at the start of the 2nd half the wind having more bite to it now and too the visitors advantage 2nd half.
It’s Beccles to kick-off the 2nd half have made 2 changes Madi Cook and Emily Coe on for Glaysher and Ottey. Coe at right back Cook in midfield with Shorten dropping into the back-line alongside Vincent. Their 1st attack brings them a corner on the left an inswinging ball whipped in is headed away by Sadler for a throw in. Wood with the ball wide right for Bure Valley comes inside looking for force her way into the box comes together with Vincent the defender winning the ball.
GOAL! Beccles take the lead for the 1st time in the game early in the 2nd half Greig intercepting the ball outside the box a shot is fire back on blocked deflected across goal Caplin is there as the ball comes into her 10 yards out a little composure needed and delivered as she gets her boot under the ball lifting her shot up over the keeper and into the goal beyond 2-3
Jordan Duke scores to put Beccles Town Ladies into the lead
Caplin combines with Robbens outside the box as Beccles quickly regain the ball after play resumes outside the area a one two Caplin dinks the ball over the Bure Valley defence looking to pick out Duke stealing in behind, Locke reacts too moving forwards stooping forwards is able to gather the ball before the striker can get there.
Up the other end Harvey reacts just as quickly as Cooper is fed the ball by Last making another good run through the middle outside the area Cooper turns not expecting the goalkeeper to be on top of her standing big against her Harvey prevents the striker getting a shot away. Beccles are looking the stronger have more energy about their play. Wood is feeling unwell has to come off for Bure Valley seeing the home side having to continue with 10. Bure Valley find room on the left Kelly taking the ball on plays the pass inside to Cooper then goes on Cooper sending the ball on into her path inside the area left of goal Harvey comes near post to close the angle Kelly blasts her shot straight at the keeper who makes the save.
Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies, Juliette Kelly
Caplin has a punt from 30 yards out left of the area the ball head height gloves to the deck and gathered by Locke. Caplin comes off then to be replaced by Ottey. Defending deep Bure Valley are battling hard at the back Demmen sliding in top of the area to deny Greig a shot as she goes to pull the trigger.
GOAL! Beccles win a penalty. Play stretched Bure Valley a caught at the back as the ball is launched forwards Duke after it as it runs into space right heading towards the box Last has the pace to get back on her they come together inside the area Duke upended, the referee pointing to the spot, a delay in taking as Duke is still down in a lot of pain, needs time to recover is carried off Caplin having only just put her bib on sent back on. Robbens on a hat-trick to take the penalty, no mistake hits the ball hard keeping it low to the left of the keeper fired into the far corner 2-4.
Lucy Robbens strikes her penalty into the bottom corner to complete her hat-trick
GOAL! Beccles go on to extend their lead straight away getting the ball down on the right into the corner a free-kick is given away. Robbens on it taken quickly fired across the six yard box an extremely hard ball to defend races through to Storey waiting at the far post 2 yards out gets her foot on the ball turning it into the back of the goal 2-5.
Two quickfire goals 20 minutes into the 2nd half to extend their lead by 3 goals has put Beccles in full control of the game. A blow for Bure Valley you can see the stuffing has been knocked out of them. Come forwards however Kelly winning a corner left, is played up the line to Last corner of the area she fires a cross through the six yard box, Starling far post flings a leg out can’t get a touch to deflect the ball goalwards. Duke has recovered from her knock and is sent back on for Greig up top.
A good if unorthodox save from Locke with her feet as Beccles play through the middle Storey inside outside the box stretching into the shot sending it wide of the keeper about to move to her right, readjusted instinctively sticking out a boot to deflect the ball away from her. Counter attacking Clark up the pitch right side on for Cooper a shot from outside area straight at Harvey gloving the ball down safely 15 minutes left to play. Hard work for Bure Valley now tiring but still willing to get forwards Kelly finding room left side wins a corner. Is headed clear by Vincent, on for Cook the midfielder pushed right doesn’t loose the ball fires it forwards for Caplin 25 yards out snatches at her shot pulling it away from goal.
Madi Cook brings the ball forwards for Beccles Town Ladies
GOAL! Play is stretched Shorten winning the ball at the back played forwards finding Robbens she sends a looping diagonal ball from the right in towards the area over the jumping centreback drops to Duke beyond running towards the area, Locke comes rushing out to meet her Duke getting a toe on the ball sends it creeping past the keeper and has just enough pace on it to cross the line before the Bure Valley defence can get there 2-6.
Robbens comes off for Beccles with Greig back on in the closing stages. Bure Valley come forwards Kelly still full of running takes the ball on cuts the pass inside to Cooper 25 yards out sets herself for a curling shot however as she has been all 2nd half Harvey is right behind it catches comfortably.
Beccles, Vicky Ottey tackling Bure Valley’s, Juliette Kelly
GOAL! Beccles extend their lead late on have overloaded the left flank winning a throw pressure the ball comes to Caplin just outside the box left corner takes on the strike putting her foot through the ball flies across goal into the net bouncing out off the inside frame a moments hestitation for Caplin as there is concern it came back out off the post but it didn’t and the goal given Caplin runs away ecstatic in celebration having scored her 2nd of the match 2-7.
Chelsea Caplin striking to score Beccles Town Ladies 7th goal
Bure Valley are showing their frustration but nevertheless keep going Demmen gets forwards space on the left wanting the ball rolled on for her by Cooper gets it taking it on has Cooper available for the cut back doesn’t get her foot wrapped around the ball enough plays it behind for the goal kick. One last attack for Bure Valley in stoppage time Cooper with the run right side of goal 25 yards out hits the ball hard her strike flashing wide of the far post the last action as the final whistle blows.
Full time Bure Valley Wildcats Ladies 2-7 Beccles Town Ladies
Beccles Town Ladies win their 1st ever competitve game in Norfolk Women’s Division Two 7-2 taking them to the top of the league albeit early days. Coming out the better in the 2nd half scoring early then taking advantage as Bure Valley were down to 10. A competitive encounter an entertaining and lively 1st half ending 2-2. Beccles with more of the ball had the advantage of being able to rotate players 2nd half and as Bure Valley tired they found room to create chances. A good performance to start their season. Fair to say both sides are a little short of match sharpness. Bure Valley despite the scoreline at the end shouldn’t be too disappointed going forwards got a young talented squad it will only get better.
Women’s Football East – Player of the Match
This afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match was a fairly straight forwards choice today. Good performances from players on both sides but for consistency throughout the game I’ve chosen Beccles Town Ladies Lucy Robbens influential on and off the ball setting up chances and on the end of several herself scoring a hat-trick along the way.
Good to see two new young sides in action today. My thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams. Wishing both clubs the best for the season and will be interested to see how both progress.
