Category Archives: Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

Cup Final Special – Luton Town Ladies Reserves v Stotfold Women

Sunday 23rd March

Bedfordshire FA Women’s Junior Cup Final

A trip down into Bedfordshire this Sunday to watch my first cup final of the season. Beds FA hosting their inaugural, Women’s Junior Cup Final, with Luton Town Ladies Reserves taking on Stotfold Women for the trophy.

Bedfordshire FA following their neighbours in Hertfordshire by splitting their County Cup competition into 2, with the teams playing at various levels across the county divided between the Senior and Junior Cups, this having several advantages, gives teams lower down the pyramid a better chance to compete for silverware, hopefully reduces landslide score lines that does no one any favours and frees up Sundays to get other matches played. The Senior County Cup final dominated between Luton and Bedford in recent season’s the final taking place at Kenilworth Road just this Thursday in front of over 1000 supporters, Real Bedford Women beating Luton Town Ladies 5-0 to lift the cup.

The new Junior Cup featuring those sides playing across the county leagues tiers 7 and below, Bedfordshire seeing a study growth in new women’s sides in recent season’s those sides playing in a combined Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire county league set-up consisting of 4 divisions.

Today’s prize

Luton Town Ladies Reserves the exception to that in that they play in the Greater London Women’s Premier Division. Currently 8th in the table, have had a tough campaign league wise 2 wins from their opening 11 games, have however pulled clear of the drop zone with back to back victories coming into today’s junior cup final and will be buoyed by recent performances. Sanam Shahid their top scorer with 10 goals to her name from 13 appearances, Carla Todd and Shakeela Hussain both with 6 goals each.

Stotfold Women return to Kempston Rovers FC after almost a year back then celebrating winning the Beds & Herts League Cup. That victory in their debut season have continued to show great form coming into this season, currently 2nd in the Premier Division table 3 points behind leaders Hitchin Belles Women Blues with a match in hand. Reached the least 4 of this season’s League Cup, eventually bowing out in a penalty shootout with Ware United Ladies. Amber Olney and Charlotte Peters providing good competition for the top scorer spot with both on 11 goals from 14 games. Millie Fraser has 8 from her 13 appearances while Amy Jack is on 6 goals.

Road to the Final

15 clubs entering the new Beds FA Women’s Junior Cup, both Luton Town Ladies Reserves and Stotfold Women progressing straight to the quarter finals awarded home wins respectfully. Into the last 8, Luton Town Ladies Reserves were drawn at home to new side Leighton Woodside Women emerging as one of the title contenders in Beds and Herts Division Three, won 2-0, a brace from Shakeela Hussain seeing Luton into the semi-finals. Stotfold Women too were on home turf for their quarter final taking on Beds & Herts Division One side Real Bedford Women Development a potential tricky opponent, a single goal in the 2nd half from Charlotte Ryan enough to secure the win for Stotfold to advance to the last 4 of the competition.

Luton Town Ladies Reserves away to Beds & Herts Division One side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses, the visitors scoring twice in the 2nd half, Luton though were on target for three goals, with Caitlin O’Connor, Monet-Grace Wille and Sanam Shahid all or target to send the home side through to the Junior Cup final. Stotfold Women also on the road for their semi-final clash taking on fellow premier Division side, Biggleswade United Women Development, goals from Bonni Woodward, Millie Fraser, Charlotte Peters and Amy Jack seeing them comfortably through to the final courtesy of a 4-0 win.

Kempston Rovers FC the venue for today’s Junior Cup final. A large grass pitch with a slight slope from one goal mouth to the other, the clubhouse open up the steps leading to the main stand providing some seating and terracing under cover with standing viewing all round. Artificial pitches always busy beside the main pitch. The kitchen hatch open too serving hot food and drinks. An overcast day as we enter spring, not overly warm will rain showers likely during the match.

Luton Town Ladies Reserves starting XI – Leah Robinson, Hannah Major, Erin McGovern (C), Patience Ndlovu, Chloe Gibbs, Lilac Wilson, Caitlin O’Connor, Carla Todd, Bailey Plumbridge, Shakeela Hussain & Sanam Shahid. Subs – Scarlet O’Dell, Tierra Brookes, Kimberly Newns, Keira Richards & Monet-Grace Wille.

Luton Town Ladies Reserves

Stotfold Women starting XI – Orlagh Daly, Hollie Sibbett, Chloe Keller, Charlotte Ryan, Bonni Woodward, Amy Jack (C), Cleo Haynes, Millie Fraser, Leigh Burrows-Hall, Charlotte Peters & Amber Olney. Subs – Amelia Bacon, Keira How, Gracie Applin, Nieve Buckley & Maizie Marsh.

Stotfold Women

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Today’s referee Sarah King and her assistants with team captains, Amy Jack and Erin McGovern

It’s Luton who will take the kick-off in the first half wearing orange coloured shirts with a vertical white band on the front, navy shorts and orange socks. Stotfold wearing their away colours purple shirts and socks with black shorts. The ball rolled into Lilac Wilson in midfield she launches it up into the right channel for Sanam Shahid to have an early run at the defence, Charlotte Ryan intercepting the ball at the back and clearing for Stotfold.

Cleo Haynes getting hold of the ball in the centre of midfield for Stotfold driving forwards, has Leigh Burrows-Hall making a forward run into the right channel, looks to play the ball through to her, a little too much on it, Luton goalkeeper, Leah Robinson can come out to the top of her box to get an early feel of the ball.

Cleo Haynes with an early attack for Stotfold Women

Robinson’s kick up field, mis-read by the Stotfold back line allowed to bounce, sees Shahid suddenly interested darting after the ball, Bonni Woodward, getting her head on it to send it back to her goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly before she can pounce. Stotfold moving quickly to launch a counter attack the ball rolled on for Haynes breaking down the right side, the cross inside to the top of the area, Amber Olney looking to run onto the ball, Robinson again sharp out to the top of her box getting down to smother the ball.

Luton making a lively start getting plays forwards quickly Bailey Plumbridge out on the right, taking the ball on seeing her cross snubbed out by Woodward. Luton winning a free-kick on halfway, players up to the top of the area as Wilson sends the ball in, Woodward winning the header turning the ball on her Daly to claim.

Another long kick forwards by Luton causing issues at the back for Stotfold, as Shahid looks to use her pace to get after the bouncing back, Daly calling racing out of her defence to put her foot through the ball, ends up smashing it into Ryan, the ball rebounding back of the defender to race wide of the left post for a corner kick.

GOAL! A great ball in from the corner on the left swung into the six yard box met by Caitlin O-Connor centrally getting a touch with her head to knock the ball down towards goal evading everyone to roll over the line and open the scoring 1-0.

Luton with an early lead making a fast start to the game inside 5 minutes, Shahid and Shakeela Hussain up top looking to drive at the defence with Plumbridge and Carla Todd pushing up on the flanks, that pushing Stotfold’s midfielder deeper, captain Amy Jack nipping in to regain possession for Stotfold on to Haynes in the middle takes the ball on lifting it up to Olney in attack, Chloe Gibbs moving in to close her down 25 yards out, her central defensive partner Patience Ndlovu on hand to clear the ball.

Todd bringing the ball on up the right for Luton, checks inside, Chloe Keller getting back on her to get her foot on the ball knock it out of her path, jack bringing in forwards for Stotfold, into Charlotte Peters, Wilson preventing the ball going forwards setting Luton back on the attack. Stotfold looking nervous early on not settled, Luton looking to capitalise pressing high.

Jack fouling O’Connor as she brings the ball on right side for Luton, the free kick inside the Stotfold half, played into the box by Wilson, Todd right of goal seeing down flashing a shot low into the right post, Daly down sharply to push the ball away to her right, not cleared, Luton turning it back in across the six yard box, Plumbridge after it running in beyond the far post, Hollie Sibbett there to get the block in turn the ball behind for a corner kick.

Haynes strong on the ball as she looks to drive through the middle for Stotfold, ends up getting fouled brought down by Ndlovu. The set-piece lifted in towards Peters positioned left of the D outside the box, gets her head on the ball, but can only drop it straight into Robinson’s gloves.

Plumbridge looking to burst forwards on the left for Luton, is upended winning the free-kick, takes it quickly herself playing the ball forwards onto Hussain central, shoots from outside the box and sweet strike threatening to angle in over the keeper, Daly though with a superb piece of goalkeeping, lean back throwing herself up to tip the ball over her crossbar. Another warning for Stotfold though caught off guard by the quickly taken free-kick.

Stotfold goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly.

Luton snapping after the ball unsettling Stotfold forcing them deep, Jack helping her defence the midfield compressed, leaving Olney with too much to do up top when the ball is cleared up to her. Shahid caught offside as she looks to race in behind the defence as captain Erin McGovern wins the ball at the back for Luton setting up a rapid counter attack.

Shahid with the ball at her feet powering forwards for Luton coming left plays it on for Plumbridge on the wing, held up by Sibbett, sends it back inside for Shahid central 20 yards out helps it on for Hussain to her right, Hussain taking on the shot from the top of the area right of goal, drilled in low, Daly diving across her goal to push the ball out to the left, Woodward in to close Plumbridge down as she looks to go after the loose ball.

Luton’s Shakeela Hussain

Luton travel with the ball through the middle, O’Connor with Wilson played on for Hussain to attack in the right channel, Woodward looking to turn, comes together with Hussain, from my angle it looked like the attacker had impeded the defender, but my angles not the one that counts, the decision going the other way, with Luton awarded the free-kick. A dangerous position right of goal the ball swung in on target high, Daly again making the save tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

GOAL! From the left the ball curled into the near post Shahid meeting it with her head turning the ball in towards goal, blocked on the line by Jack covering the near post heading the ball down into the middle of the box, The ball loose players rushing to meet it, Luton arriving first the ball stabbed off the turf to smash up against the crossbar, then as it lands Todd meets it on the follow up in front of goal to turn back across to the left of goal, Daly down to try and stop it not getting enough of the ball as it crosses the line to see double Luton their advantage 2-0.

Sanam Shahid’s near post header about to be cleared of the line by Stotfold captain, Amy Jack

However Luton keep the attack alive Carla Todd firing them into a 2 goal lead

Stotfold conceding a 2nd goal on 16 minutes responding with a change, Keller coming off with Burrows-Hall going over to left back, Keira How coming on to take up a position on the right. Involved in the action straight away as Haynes looks to play the ball on down the right winning a throw high up the pitch. Stotfold winning a free-kick central around 35 yards out, Millie Fraser over the ball, sends it on on target but a straight forward catch for Robinson back on her line.

Sanam Shahid on the attack for Luton

O’Connor winning the ball back on the right for Luton inside the Stotfold half puts it forwards into Hussain 30 yards out, drags the ball across her body before unleashing a strike the ball racing wide of the left post. Ryan winning the ball well at the back for Stotfold giving it to Haynes in midfield, looking to take the ball on purpose sends it into the right channel for How to attack, Luton captain, Erin McGovern lunging in on her to send the ball out for a throw in high up the pitch.

Stotfold getting players up to attack the throw finds in way in centrally, hit from range by Olney, Robinson called on to make the save pushing the ball away to her right. Luton making a change bringing of Shahid in attack on comes Monet-Grace Wille. Stotfold finding a bit of momentum going forwards with Fraser sending the ball forwards into Olney moving into the left channel, has Peters up with her, Hannah Major getting her foot in to turn the ball out for a throw in.

Luton advance up the right, O’Connor linking up with Major and Todd eventually bringing a corner kick. From the right another vicious delivery turned in near post, Jack dealing with it for Stotfold. who look to break, through the middle, Major stepping up well to make the challenge keep her side in an attacking position Burrows-Hall, needing to lunge in to put the ball out for a throw as Todd looks to take the ball up the wing.

Luton’s Caitlin O’Connor

Haynes making several strong runs on the ball for Stotfold driving through the middle, loos for Olney ahead of her, Gibbs cutting the pass out for Luton. Wilson crossing from deep on the right for Luton up to Hussain making a run to get into the box, Ryan with a well timed tackle inside the area to take the ball from her.

Keira How and Luton captain, Erin McGovern give chase to the ball

Jack passing to How getting forwards for Stotfold into the right channel forcing Luton into conceding a corner kick. Swung in high across the six yard box, Olney rising centrally getting a glancing header turning the ball wide out to the left, retrieved by Stotfold played back in central to Haynes, looks to play it into Jack right of goal, just a little too much on the pass.

Luton remain a threat on the counter attack full of pace, Plumbridge lively out on the left flashing the ball forwards, Ryan with a vital interception at the back, or risk Hussain, breaking in behind to go one on one with the keeper. A few spots of rain in the air as Stotfold get on well down the right Burrows-Hall up with Peters and Olney winning a corner kick.

Cleo Haynes battling for possession with Luton’s Monet-Grace Wille

Leigh Burrows-Hall on the ball for Stotfold

Into the final couple of minutes in the first half, Stotfold pushing hard late on to find a goal getting players into the final 3rd working the ball across the pitch winning a throw high on the right, have a long one in their arsenal. Ryan from the angle on the right fires a shot wide high past the far post. Stotfold looking to press high in the closing stages of the first half, Olney central with Haynes 20 yards out, goes down appears to have rolled her ankle, needing treatment isn’t good news can’t continue, comes off with Nieve Buckley sent on.

Jack and Petters combining on the left for Stotfold, with How moving across to offer her support, can’t find a way through into the Luton box as Major gets a foot on the ball to clear up field.

Half-time Luton Town Ladies Reserves 2-0 Stotfold Women

Luton leading 2-0 at the break as the sides head back to the changing rooms with a little rain in the air. Luton making by far the better start lively from the off running at a nervous looking Stotfold back line scoring inside the opening 5 minutes, snapped in to win the ball keeping their opponents forced back, Daly calling into action saving on a couple of occasions, before Luton snatched a 2nd goal from a contentious free-kick. Luton good value for their lead Stotfold making a change slowly working their way back into the game finding it tough to get plays on to support Olney up front in attack, the game more even in the final 2o minutes of the 1st half. A 2-0 score-line useful but another goal early in the 2nd half makes things alot more comfortable, Stotfold though know if they can score early they are right back into it too.

Needing to protect the camera from the elements have retreated to the cover of the stand for the 2nd half. Appears to be no changes for either side as Stotfold get the 2nd half underway the ball rolled back to Woodward in defence lifts it forwards into the right as How breaks forwards, Gibbs winning the header to play the ball out for a throw in for Luton. Woodward again with the ball at the back for Stotfold sends it on into the right wing for Olney to try and chase down, gets a useful nick off a defender to see the ball run out of play for a corner kick.

GOAL! Players up from the back, as the delivery from the corner out on the right is served on a plate in central head height, Woodward running in on it unmarked stooping her head to drill it on past the keeper before she can react to pull a goal back straight away in the 2nd half 2-1.

Bonni Woodward powers home header header to pull it back to 2-1 for Stotfold

Just what Stotfold were looking for at the start of the 2nd had pulling a deficit back to a single goal. Luton complaining about a push the officials consulting but nothing doing the goal stands. Stotfold buoyed by the early goal snapping in to win the ball in the middle, Buckley with Fraser played on for Olney moving to attack the right wing, McGovern closing her down to clear the ball for Luton.

Amber Olney looking to get forwards for Stotfold

Stotfold giving free-kicks away. Wilson over one on half way, Wilson over it clips a diagonal ball in toward the right of the D, Peters getting up to head the ball away to safety for Stotfold. O’Connor bundled over a heavy knock is down in need of treatment, but after taking a few moments is okay to continue, Robinson over the free-kick clips the ball long out to the right, intercepted by Peters however Stotfold look to counter quickly Peters attacking with the ball on the left as the keeper rushes to get back into position, Peters going on her own eventually squeezed off the ball before she can get into the box try to shoot.

Stotfold’s Charlotte Peters

Both sides keen to get on the counter attack the game opening up a little, Luton sending Hussain away on the right channel, Woodward coming out to close her down challenging to the ball out for a throw in. Luton working the ball into the middle. Wilson 25 yards out going to line up a strike, Jack with the blocking tackle. Luton with pace on their flanks getting players up to support the attack quickly. Stotfold needing to keep players back or risk exposing gaps not as well equipped to get players forwards to support Olney up to as she looks to run the ball down, Gibbs and Ndlovu in the centre of defence able to double up on her.

Luton goalkeeper Leah Robinson claiming the ball

Wilson using the ball well for Luton in the middle has good option s left and right to spray the ball about the park, Plumbridge away on the left driving for the box, Woodward on her shoulder doing enough to see her force her attempted strike wide at the near post. Stotfold unhappy to with decisions going against them coming out wrong side of a few 50/50 challenges. Peters with support from jack out on the left sliding the ball up the line for How, the flag going up against her however a close call, leads to manager Tom Olney venting his frustration and getting shown a card by the referee.

The game livened up both sides going for it, O’Connor shifting the ball between her feet sliding Plumbridge in down the left wing driving on Woodward out to close her down challenging to send the ball out for a throw in. McGovern stopping a Stotfold attack on their right, lays the ball infield to Wilson who in turn looks for Hussain in the right channel, Ryan throwing a leg out to intercept the ball for Stotfold.

The game end to end, Plumbridge flagged offside on the left as Hussain looks to play her in behind. Light rain falling Luton keeping Stotfold pushed back in defence, Wilson moving the ball Plumbridge bursting away on the left, into the area bearing down on goal, Ryan racing across to put in the block does enough to put the winger off as she fires her shot into the side netting.

Luton attacking players up on the right, Wille with Todd into the box for Hussain, meeting it on the volley angling her attempt over the bar. Woodward going in to win a 50/50 ball with Hussain on halfway is aggrieved as they concede another free-kick. Luton come right, Todd with O’Connor the ball crossed into the near post Hussain looking to meet it on the half volley back to goal a difficult one to control turns the ball behind for a goal kick.

Keira How attacking on the left for Stotfold

How and Olney willing runners up top moving into the channels but closed down by the Luton defence before support can arrive from midfield. Wilson with the ball central for Luton sweeping the pass into Plumbridge on the left, Sibbett going in to make the blocking tackle, deflects the ball on as Plumbridge chases it to the by-line fires in a cross along the face of goal, cleared by Burrows-Hill at the far post.

How played onto the ball up the left wing for Stotfold turns inside to loops a cross into the top of the area, Peters looking to head the ball on across goal, but grabbed up by the keeper. Hussain coming over to the left linking up with Wilson and Plumbridge for Luton the cross angled into the area cleared by Woodward. The rain falling more steadily as the game moves into the final 15 minutes, Luton bringing off Hussain send Shahid back on up top.

Luton midfielder, Lilac Wilson

Fraser on for Olney attempting to force her way into the box centrally, Ndlovu stepping in to take the ball off her feet. Luton counter with pace O’Connor up on the right linking up with Plumbridge and Shahid coming to the ball crossed into the near post Stotfold’s Ryan clears.

Stotfold captain, Amy Jack

Jack aggrieved this time as Stotfold give away the foul outside the box to the right of their goal as O’Connor is brought down. Wilson over the set-piece, clipped into the far post knocked down into the six yard box, Stotfold manage to scramble it clear. Stotfold off a throw on their left sees Peters play it into Fraser who hooks an inviting ball into the box bouncing near post, How looking to jump in to attack it the bounce favours the goalkeeper however as Robinson claims it high above her head.

Luton defender, Chloe Gibbs

Into the final 5 minutes of regular play time running out for Stotfold to at least score an equaliser force the final into a penalty shootout, Luton however looking to more likely to score and put the game to bed. Stotfold up on the right to win a corner comes into the area, Jack going down even as Luton clear look to break asks the question but nothing doing however even as Woodward blasts a distance strike over from all of 25 yards out.

Fraser pushed on further for Stotfold in the latter stages of the game as they look to find a goal. Fraser playing Olney onto the ball right side, McGovern challenging putting the ball out for a throw before the cross can be attempted. Buckley on for Olney in the left channel has How with her the pair attempting to get the ball on into the area, Ndlovu getting in between them to wrestle back control of the ball.

Luton’s Patience Ndlovu

Fraser with a neat piece of control as the ball comes into her quickly 20 yards out from goal right side her low shot lacking the pace to trouble the keeper. Kimberly Newns coming on for Luton as the look to play out the remaining minutes of the game. Jack shown a yellow card for Stotfold as another free-kick goes against them time almost up Plumbridge coming off to be replaced by Keira Richards for Luton. The free-kick from deep on the right lifted into the far post claimed by Daly.

Fraser with a speculative effort from 25 yards out for Stotfold, collected cleanly by Robinson in the Luton goal. Into stoppage time Major coming off for Luton with Scarlet ( just the one E) O’Dell coming on. Luton looking to hold the ball up in the corner know the final whistle is imminent bring off Todd send Tierra Brookes. Stotfold can’t get the ball up the pitch for one final attack as the whistle blows and Luton rush together to celebrate winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s junior Cup.

Luton celebrate at the final whistle

Full time Luton Town Ladies Reserves 2-1 Stotfold Women

Luton Town Ladies Reserves winning the inaugural Bedfordshire FA Women’s junior Cup. On the whole a deserved win too, making a strong start to the game on the front foot with pace getting players forwards, taking the lead inside 5 minutes creating chances forcing errors unsettling Stotfold in the process, forcing some great saves from keeper, Orlagh Daly before going on to add a 2nd goal in the 16th minute. Stotfold struggling to get a foot hold up top did get themselves back into the match finishing the 1st half strong, losing Cleo Haynes to injury a blow for sure. Nevertheless came out strong 2nd half a well taken corner leading to them pulling a goal back early in the 2nd half. Luton continued to look for a 3rd goal to restore their 2 goal cushion always a threat on the counter attack, pushing Stotfold back limiting the numbers they were prepared to commit forwards, still there was but a single goal in it till the death one more clear chance never came.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match this is a tough one and even as I’m typing I’m still mulling it over in my mind still I think one player has won me over with her performance overall, Several contenders nevertheless, a few to mention firstly for Stotfold, goalkeeper, Orlagh Daly with a number of top draw saves in the first half to keep the score-line down keep her side in the game. Defenders, Charlotte Ryan and Bonni Woodward with a number of vital tackles and interceptions were kept busy throughout, Cleo Haynes with some determined runs through the middle, coming off injured could well have been the difference 2nd half. For Luton it was an all round great team performance getting into close the ball down get forwards with purpose keep on the front foot for large spells. Bailey Plumbridge marauding down the left wing a constant threat throughout, Carla Todd likewise right side getting on the score sheet. Sanam Shahid’s pace and runs causing the Stotfold defence concern, Shakeela Hussain finding some great positions to great opening for herself and her teammates. Caitlin O’Connor opening the scoring making some good runs from midfield getting up to support the attack. The award goes to Lilac Wilson the midfielder on hand to break up alot of play keeping her side on the front foot throughout the contest, had good passing options and used the ball well.

Luton Town Ladies Reserves, Bedfordshire FA Women’s Junior Cup winners 2024/25

Congratulations to Luton Town Ladies Reserves on winning the inaugural Bedfordshire Women’s Junior Cup

An entertaining first cup final contest of the season always enjoy my trips down to Kempston Rovers FC. My thanks to both sides for their assistance with the team details today, and to the staff at Beds FA for all their help as always it is very much appreciated. One down a whole bunch to go, can’t do them all but will sure do my best to cover as many as I can.

by Darren Gilham

Cup Final Special – Bedford Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women

Sunday 6th June

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup Final

A trip down to Bedfordshire this Sunday for one last County Cup Final and one I haven’t attended before as Bedford Ladies face AFC Dunstable Women.

Normally the season would be done and dusted by now, and I would be grateful for the chance to rest before it begins all over again, but this time around with the ongoing Covid pandemic having disrupted another playing season, the FA have where wanted extended the season into June. Competition in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk set to continue for another fortnight, today’s final brings an end to the season in Bedfordshire.

Today’s prize

The County Cup Final in recent years dominated by Bedford Ladies and Luton Town Ladies winning the last 8 between them, Bedford the current holders winning against Luton back to back on 2018 & 2019. No competition last season due to the pandemic, Beds FA along with their counterparts in Norfolk and Suffolk going ahead with their County Cup competitions when the country came out of it’s 3rd lockdown at the end of March.

Bedford Ladies have won the County Cup on 5 occasions first in 2012, then back to back wins in 2014 and 15 then most recently 2018 and 2019 the Covid pandemic seeing no final played a victory to day would see Bedford win the trophy 3 times in a row. One of the leading female clubs in Bedfordshire along side Luton and Dunstable all playing in the ERWFL Premier Division, competitive rivals all three. Bedford have a strong youth section with two senior sides, the Development side completing in Beds & Herts Division Two.

Despite being an established side in the ERWFL Premier Division AFC Dunstable Women came close to folding a couple of seasons back due to a shortage of numbers, Ashley Pead coming in to manage the side, something of a rebuilding process with a young squad followed, the ERWFL Premier Division a tough league to blood a young side but they have doe well improving all the time and getting back to the levels where they will once again being pushing Bedford and Luton for honours in the county.

Road to the Final

Both sides along with Luton Town Ladies receiving a bye to the quarter finals of the County Cup. Bedford began their defence of the trophy at home to Beds & Herts Division Two side Biggleswade United Ladies, newly established with ambitions to become a leading force in women’s football in the county were outmatched on the day by Bedford who dominated to win the game 9-0. AFC Dunstable Women were away in their quarter final taking on Luton Town Ladies Reserves. A battle between the sides Dunstable edging it 2-1 to progress to the semi-finals with Tia Steadman netting both goals.

Bedford were to take on AFC Dunstable Women Blues in the last 4 of the County Cup, won the initial game 2-0 booking their spot in the final the game voided however, and Bedford made to play it again. Dunstable’s Blue side a growing force in their own right didn’t make it easy however Bedford went on to win the game 3-1 to set up today’s final. A tough test for Dunstable in their semi-final away to Luton Town Ladies, was a determined performance though that saw the sides finish the game to send the tie into a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper, Ciara Taylor a recent addition for Dunstable the hero as she saved Luton’s 6th penalty as the shootout entered sudden death to send Dunstable into the final.

Into June the venue for today’s final, Cranfield United FC, just off the A421 through the village of Cranfield you come to the ground, parking around 3 sides of the pitch, fenced off the playing surface looking superb the grass lush. A clubhouse, with bar and kitchen hatch serving hot food and drink at one end a small seated stand between the dugouts. A good size offering plenty of width. A few spots of rain about before kick-off, the dark clouds pasting however leaving behind a sunny if somewhat muggy afternoon. Traffic was a nightmare, but I suspect I was the only one who travelled from Norfolk today.

Bedford Ladies

Bedford Ladies starting XI – Alex Shore, Mollie Robinson, Stephanie Fisher, Sophie Mulvihill, Zara Carroll, Jasmine Ajayi, Shianne Swares, Destiny Pap, Gemma Franklin (C), Setor Acolatse & Natasha Fensome. Subs – Ashley Emerton, Mollie Marshall, Carissa Kaczorowski & Rianne Townsend-Brown.

AFC Dunstable Women

AFC Dunstable Women starting XI – Ciara Taylor, Shauna Smith, Mollie Burgess, Nicole Raffermati, Jodi McClelland (C), Chloe Esposito, Louise McCay, Rebecca Devereux, Gemma Darvill, Chelsea Jeffrey & Tia Steadman. Subs – Darcy Collins, Hannah Ring, Louisa Sexton & Ella Claridge.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Both sides play in blue as a rule, Bedford with the change strip today wearing white shirts with black shorts and socks to have the kick-off 1st half with Dunstable all in blue opposite. Bedford play the ball right for Destiny Pap moving forwards, Gemma Darvill stepping in to win it for Dunstable has support on the inside from Nicole Raffermati, the pair exchange passes Darvill powering on down the wing gaining ground before she is stopped by Mollie Robinson as the full back comes sliding in to take the ball out for a throw in.

Dunstable’s Gemma Darvill with Bedford’s Setor Acolatse

Dunstable with the early pressing keep the ball down the right working a cross on across the top of the area Bedford send it clear helped on up to the right with captain Gemma Franklin looking to get hold of it carry it forwards before being chopped down, Bedford getting the free-kick. Players go forwards the ball sent long up into the area, headed out by Dunstable, Shauna Smith the rolling ball comes to Shianne Swares 25 yards out, one thing on her mind striking the ball her attempt charged down.

Mollie Burgess for AFC Dunstable Women

Mollie Burgess with the ball at her feet playing on the left of defence for Dunstable lines up a fantastic pas sending it long into the path of Darvill on the moves taking it in her stride, runs on checking back aiming to reach the area before Sophie Mulvihill put in the sliding tackle for Bedford. Swares bringing the ball on through the middle, Louise McCay getting across to halt her progress, the midfield area lively. McCay with another strong challenge moments later to deny Setor Acolatse. Chelsea Jeffery with space on the ball central for Dunstable 35 yards out receiving the ball from Rebecca Devereaux on the left attempts to put it into Darvill’ run out wide right, plays it too close to the keeper allowing Alex Shore to come out of her six yard box and claim.

Bedford’s Shianne Swares

Two committed side Swares lays it wide for Pap on the left, up the wing, Darvill coming back closing in to challenge, allowing Burgess to clear the loose ball. Both side looking to work the width, Darvill and Devereaux for Dunstable, Pap and Franklin for Bedford all with driving runs when the ball is laid into their feet. Devereux plays it inside from the right into Chloe Esposito 25 yards out turns and strikes the ball goalward skipping up off the grass, Shore is right behind it see it up into her arms. Darvill strong on the ball takes it on right on for Jeffery into the right channel carrying on into the Bedford area comes inside, shift right, then left, failing to get a cross away before being closed down by Zara Carroll.

Gemma Franklin driving forwards for Bedford Ladies

Dunstable with a corner on the right, the ball headed away out of the box but no cleared Dunstable keep players up close the ball down sent back in cleared for a 2nd time then Bedford break, out to the right the ball fired up to Natasha Fensome in attack, hasn’t seen much of the ball early door running at the back tracking Dunstable defence let’s fly from all of 30 yard out her shot bouncing wide. Bedford getting Acolatse up with Fensome the pair combining outside the box right side slip the ball inside for Franklin running in behind, Taylor alert quickly out to save sliding it at the attackers feet.

Dunstable midfielder, Louise McCay

McCay spinning in the centre laying the ball out right for Darvill power forwards, Robinson across to close her down, the result a throw to Dunstable. Dunstable come close to opening the scoring are doing well keeping the ball in the final 3rd without so far finding the final ball, do so this time a a cross is flashed in across the six yards box to be met by Tia Steadman to hit it from close range goal bound, but for Shore down low at the post the make the blocking save. The ball out for a corner on the left.

Dunstable with the early pressure has taken Bedford a little longer to find their rhythm. T he corner swung inwards under the bar punched away well by Shore, Bedford break quickly right side Acolatse on up the field for Fensome she has the vision to spot Pap sprinting away up the left her pass pinpoint picking her out brings the ball into the box up against Burgess, shifts left then back inside attempting to find space to shoot, Burgess doing well however putting a leg in to block cut the ball out.

Bedford’s Setor Acolatse

Fensome leading the line for Bedford uses the space well, never still, never staying on one defender, moving right seeing the ball rolled into her exchanges passes with Franklin on the wing going beyond her wide shoots on the angle driven wide at the near post Bedford claiming it took a nick of a Dunstable body win the corner. The delivery looping in near post Fensome heads it down, striking a Dunstable head, instinctive sent over the bar for a 2nd corner. From the right a 2nd time fired into the six yard box runners racing in Franklin rises well meeting it to blast her head wide beyond the far post.

Robinson on for Acolaste on the right times her diagonal ball up towards the area perfectly seeing Fensome burst in behind between the centre backs, Taylor with quick reactions out to close her down sliding in to claim the ball, as Fensome lunges for it. Dunstable attack the ball out on the left Devereux inside for Steadman outside the box, Jeffery with her whip a dangerous ball across the area looking for Darvill far side, two defenders and the keeper closing in Darvill appears to be bundled over, despite appeals nothing is given.

Jasmine Ajayi along side Swares in the middle for Bedford has won her fair share of tackles gets into a shooting position 20 yards out as Fensome top of the area, sees a ball from the right into her feet and lays it back to her, Ajayi striking it 1st time sees her bending effort roll wide of the far post. The game is flowing well moving from one end to the other both sides looking to attack, Carroll with a clearance at the back finds Fensome away clear on the left breaking into the area, closing in on goal, strikes the ball hard before she is closed down, Taylor with a superb save diving to her left to push the rising ball behind with her gloves.

GOAL! From the resulting corner however Bedford find the opening goal, little Taylor can do about it, the delivery is perfect fired in fast across the face of goal to the Bedford players attacking the far post, Mulvihill meeting it driving a bullet of a header into the back of the net 1-0. 22 minutes played.

Stephanie Fisher recieves a talking too from referee James Cantwell, as she brings down Dunstable’s. McCay 35 yards from goal. Jeffery on the free-kick sends it long to the far post, Shore comes and punches the ball down to the left, Bedford can’t get it away Dunstable snapping in to get the ball is eventually cleared to the right for a throw. Bedford play the ball out from the back into Fensome on the halfway line is brought down the advantage played as Pap races on looking to get on up the wing her touch allowing Dunstable captain, Jodi McClelland to come and clear the ball over the hedge for a throw.

Darvill is a threat down the right for Dunstable getting on with the ball taking it to the by-line presses on into the area looking to cross, Mulvihill in to block it. A corner for Dunstable on the right in central, Devereux up but can’t get enough on it to take it beyond the goalkeeper. Dunstable committing the foul as Bedford once again struggle to get it clear. Swares does well getting hold on the ball in midfield for Bedford left side has Fensome drifting across as the passing option sends it forwards, McClellan looks to have it only for the defender to slice her clearance, the ball deflected into the box beyond Fensome off like a hare after it, Taylor sharp comes out to claim it holding onto the ball as Fensome runs into her.

Bedford attacking right side release a shot from distance no idea who took it the ball racing in from 25 yards flashing wide of the near post. The cars exposed behind the goal I’m glad I’m parked well out of the way.

GOAL! Ajayi fouled inside the Dunstable half a free-kick given to the right of the centre circle. Carroll over it has a good set-piece on her fires the ball in through everyone Taylor may not have expected that reacts well to push the ball away to her right, the ball left of her goal Bedford are alert whilst Dunstable remain static Franklin and Fensome through on the follow-up, Franklin left retrieving the ball spinning to lift it back in across goal evading Taylor, Fensome is there unopposed in the middle to raise her leg and guide the ball home 2-0.

Natasha Fensome puts Bedford into a 2 nil lead

Fensome causing the Dunstable defence problems with her movement drawing players out of position going into the right and left channels looking for the ball, moving right this time Burgess goes with her needing to slide in to defend on the attacker as she goes to shoot. Franklin is upended on the right for Bedford, Carroll on the set-piece goes for goal, a good range strike, the cars behind the goal saved as a spectator claims the ball as it drops over the bar.

Esposito on for Devereux on the left the cross fizzed inside for McCay top of the D the Dunstable midfielder striking it 1st time slicing her shot wide. McClelland with a vital interception eft side to deny Fensome as Acolatse looks to send the ball on. Swares and Ajayi work the ball well central up into Fensome outside the box right her flick to the right seeing Franklin break in behind, Smith lunging in with a timely tackle to stop her shot. A strong finish to the 1st half from Bedford, Ajayi turning central has support from Fensome dropping deeper, Acolatse going beyond her Fensome rolls the ball into her feet Acolatse turning to strike a shot from 25 yards out Taylor moving across sees it wide of the near post.

Bedford come on through the middle Acolatse right playing it crossfield for Pap on the left 25 yards out drops it into Fensome outside the box the attacker turning on the ball to clip a shot in towards goal, on the rise Taylor is right behind it a confident claim high. Dunstable get the ball on down the left Devereux inside for McCay central 20 yards out sees her effort charged down, the ball put back to Devereux left tries again, McCay top of the D seeing the ball across her body before striking it frustrated as her attempt races wide.

Strong tackling all round some decisions frustrating Dunstable. McCay adjudged to have fouled Ajayi outside the centre circle Carroll up to take it again, keeps her shot lower this time but the keeper can see it wide. Fensome and Acolatse break through the middle seeking to get into the Dunstable area, Raffermati doing well in the defence to get in between the pair thwart the attack.

Half-time Bedford Ladies 2-0 AFC Dunstable Women

A 2-0 lead for Bedford at the break both goals coming after a good chance for Dunstable at the other end. Bedford taking a while to settle into the match, Dunstable applying pressure early on getting forwards well, both side using the width the midfield battle committed a good contest Bedford scoring at timely intervals to get themselves into a good position going into the 2nd half, work for Dunstable to do if they are to get back into the game, 2-0 though can be a tricky score-line.

A double change for Dunstable at the start of the 2nd half, Hannah Ring and Darcy Collins on for Smith and Jeffery. No changes for Bedford as Dunstable get the ball moving 2nd half. Fisher defending on the right as the ball is played out to the wing. Bedford straight on the attack the ball worked across the pitch out to Pap on the move left side strikes it on the angle, Taylor down low at her near post making a comfortable save.

Mollie Robinson, clearing the ball for Bedford

Fensome left clips a ball over the top into the area for Acolatse, struggles to bring it down to shoot, allows Devereux to get in her her and clear the ball for Dunstable. McCay out on the right wins a throw as Dunstable advance, the set-piece put into the path of Darvill 20 yards out blazes a shot over the bar. Swares retrieves a ball fed out into space on the right for Bedford swinging a cross back in across goal, Franklin closing in far side connects with in but turns it wide. A pause in play Pap down with an injury but is okay to continue for now.

Dunstable captain. Jodi McClelland

Carroll defends in close on Steadman top of the area as Devereux advances down the wing sends the ball into her. Moments later Carroll is called into action again as Dunstable work a throw into the area from the left of Devereux. Bedford with a free-kick on halfway, Ajayi knocking it down into the path of Acolatse top of the D opens her foot to turn the ball goalwards in low Taylor down is right behind it.

Darvill still carrying a threat on the right for Dunstable breaks on in behind up the line, Steadman with a good near post run, Darvill wraps her foot around the ball, lifting it in, Shore can’t get there Steadman is inches away from heading it beyond her. Pap having sustained another knock has to come off for Bedford, on in her place on the left Carissa Kaczorowski. Ring chips the ball from 25 yards out, on towards the top of the area looking for Darvill, Mulvihill closing her down the ball running on behind for Shore to gather.

GOAL! 18 minutes gone in the 2nd half and Bedford find that all important 3rd goal, Ajayi lifting a ball up from the middle high to drop inside the area left of goal, Fensome getting onto Raffermati the Bedford attacker using her body well, experienced as it bounces difficult to deal with keeps her marker at bay before striking a fierce shot low wide across the keeper into the bottom corner 3-0.

Natasha Fensome puts Bedford 3-0 up

A blow for Dunstable frustration showing the weather warm a drinks break called soon after a break in play, time to regroup. Play resumes Ring with good work on the ball right side passes inside for Burgess to send it on for McCay who in turn looks to put it into Steadman’s feet as she moves across the D from the left to the right, Robinson with a vital tackle stopping the Dunstable attacker getting in behind on goal.

Ring wins Dunstable a free-kick wide on the right, players come forwards the delivery in near side defended well by Ajayi, the break is on Bedford moving left get up the pitch quickly cut out by McClelland, the ball still alive left side Bedford fire it in central to Fensome, Esposito in on her with a fine tackle to win the ball. Acolatse comes off for Bedford to be replaced by Rianne Townsend-Brown.

Dunstable’s Chloe Esposito

GOAL! Bedford pressing forwards extend their lead the ball played out to Fensome drifting into space on the right takes the ball on driving to the by-line into the box flashes a cross into the six yard box, Franklin is there to smash goalwards a defenders dive to block, Taylor making a good save the ball still alive however Franklin sharp to scoop it up wide beyond the despairing Taylor to the right of goal 4-0.

Bedford’s captain, Gemma Franklin puts her side into a 4 goal lead

Ring brings the ball on central for Dunstable strong riding a challenge surges on has McClelland with her, Dunstable’s captain brought down a free-ick given 30 yards out. McClelland over it goes for goal her shot blasted wide. Dunstable visibly frustrated fell decisions are going against them. Darvill continues to attack down the right powers forwards squares it top of the box into Steadman’s path the strikers 1st touch a little heavy let’s Shore snatch the ball up into her body.

GOAL! Darvill’s determination pays off as she pulls a goal back for Dunstable, getting players up central Bedford don’t get clear the ball won back play turned around 30 yards out the pass is perfect into Darvill right into the area pace taking her on blasts her shot on the angle wide across the keeper 4-1.

15 minutes left to play plus stoppages, Dunstable find another level of energy as they look to rally, tempers though will need to be left in check. McClelland doing well at the back clearing the ball as Bedford drop it in left for Kaczorowski to chase, wants Taylor to come but can’t risk it clearing the ball to the left. Bedford with the throw allows players to come forwards crossed into Franklin top of the area back to goal she pushes it out for the advancing Carroll to hit from 25 yards out, her attempt running wide across goal.

The game has suddenly livened up, Dunstable upping it, Bedford have responded well. Jeffery comes back on for Dunstable replacing McCay. Fensome with a shot on the angle from the left see Taylor down low at her near post to claim.

GOAL! Bedford score a wonder strike to effectively kill off the game, attacking on the left, Franklin pushing on across the top of the area, Dunstable clear it back to the left Bedford regaining possession the ball squared to Ajayi some 30 yards out left of the D wraps her foot around the ball and sweeps a looping shot beyond Taylor before she can move 5-1.

Bedford’s Jasmine Ajayi

Dunstable hit with another blow nevertheless look to get on the offensive, Darvill right side surging on into the box, Carroll comes sliding in to make the tackle. The game becoming stretched as players tire. Ring with Steadman top of the area for Dunstable played back for Jeffery to hit from distance her strike charged down. Dunstable with a throw right keep players up Bedford can’t get it away Darvill with a strike from outside the box charged down by Carroll. A corner won on the left.

A double substitution for Dunstable before it’s taken Devereux and Esposito off, Louisa Sexton and Ella Claridge coming on. An inswinging delivery into the six yard box a good height attacked by Burgess sails over the crossbar. Bedford make a late change Ashley Emerton on for Kaczorowski. Franklin goes left on for Fensome, McClelland in to tackle the ball out for a throw. Fensome’s last action of the game as she is replaced by Mollie Marshall.

Burgess’s header goes over for Dunstable

The game moving into stoppage time Bedford attacking left side on for Townsend-Brown central lays it wide to the right the advancing Emerton her target but the pass doesn’t quite reach her, Dunstable bring it away played up to Jeffery turns over halfway into Ring beyond her moves left, Mulvihill steps out of the backline to tackle her. Collins with a great ball upfield to Darvill on the move right side crosses into the box for Steadman near side knocks it back for Claridge to strike her attempt charged down Bedford straight on the counter the ball long up to Townsend-Brown to hit on the run from distance sends it over the bar.

Bedford’s Ashley Emerton

A late corner for Bedford right side long to the far post knocked goalwards Taylor though takes high back on her line. Bedford with the energy in the closing moment push on Ajayi right side seeing her cross charged down for a corner. Dunstable clear, the ball though quickly back with Bedford Franklin central sending it to Ajayi to her left to hit from distance the strike over the top.

Full time Bedford Ladies 5-1 AFC Dunstable Women

Bedford Ladies win the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup for a 3rd successive year. In the end proving too much for Dunstable. Despite starting the slower, Dunstable having opportunities Bedford came back to score twice to lead 2-0 at the break finished the 1st half well. Play stretched in the 2nd period Dunstable continuing to look a threat Bedford got the crucial 3rd goal going on to add a 4th the goal at regular intervals during the game hurting Dunstable, who never gave up however pulling a goal back, a wonder strike from Ajayi effectively sealing the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Time for the Women’s Football East – Player of the Match is once again a tough one, not often I have a nailed on candidate. A few performances to mention. Some great saves from Ciara Taylor despite the score line for Dunstable. Gemma Darvill’s performance deserved a goal, her pace and power on the right a threat for Bedford throughout the game. For Bedford, Gemma Franklin was a threat out wide too, picking up the ball and driving forwards bringing others into play linked up with Fensome well. In midfield it was a battle ultimately won by Shianne Swares and Jasmine Ajayi for Bedford both putting in several great tackles with Ajayi scoring a brilliant goal. The award though goes to Bedford’s Natasha Fensome scored twice, her movement off the ball causing Dunstable issues all game, is a hard player to mark and is more often than not clinical when given a chance in front of goal.

Congratulations to Bedford Ladies upon another County Cup victory.

Bedford Ladies County Cup Winner 20/21

An entertaining game the score-line perhaps not telling the whole tale. Nice to finally get to a Bedfordshire County Cup Final. Has been a long while too since I’ve opted to decamp to a hotel for the night get the report written instead of burning the midnight… usual well past it oil. My thanks to both teams for providing me with the team details and Mark from Beds FA for their help today as always much appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 19/01/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 19th January

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

The County Cup action continues across both Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire this weekend with both competitions at the semi-final stage. Beginning with the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup, Luton Town Ladies had seen off rivals and current holders Bedford Ladies in the quarters finals were away to AFC Dunstable Women in the last 4 of the competition on Sunday. Both playing in the ERWFL, Dunstable’s new look young side struggling for points at the bottom of the table on a steep learning curve doing well to hold Luton to a goalless first half. Luton taking the lead 7 minutes into the 2nd half Ellie Sargeant with an absolute worldie to score her 1st goal for the club. 20 minutes left to play Dunstable fighting back to level the scores Lottie Nicholls with her first Dunstable goal. Luton though coming straight back to retake the lead with top scorer Jess McKay’s 14th goal of the season enough to take Luton into another Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup final.

The BHWGFL was already gaurenteed representation in a County Cup final this season as the other semi-final in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup saw Division One side Houghton Athletic Ladies at home to Division Two title challengers Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses. Scoring plenty of goals Woburn & Wavendon have also proved hard to break down at times this season and both saw them to victory in their semi-final clash. Keeping Houghton Athletic from scoring at one end ht them for 6 at the other end to book their spot in the final. Top scorer Giselle Randall scoring 4 in the game to move her to 17 for the season a brace in both halves. Georgia-Rose Edwards with two goals in the final 5 minutes to finish the scoring.

The Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup Final to be played Sunday 15th March a 2pm kick-off further details to be announced.

Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup

Semi-final weekend too in Hertfordshire the Women’s Challenge Cup, and it will be a repeat of last season’s final with Stevenage FC Women and holders Watford U23s winning thier respective games on Sunday.

Stevenage FC Women were at home taking on Watford Ladies Development. the FAWNL South East Division One side enjoying alot of success recently in the County Cup taking the lead through Ashleigh Deacon’s 3rd strike of the season, captain Amy Makewell firing home her 13th goal of the season doubling Stevenage’s advantage midway through the 2nd half to send them into the final itself for the sixth consecutive year.

Amy Makewell with her 13th goal of the season helping to secure Stevenage FC Women a sixth consecutive County Cup Final appearance (photo credit Gary Reed)

Holders Watford U23s were away to ERWFL Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies in their semi-final at the weekend. Top scorer Samaira Khan coming on in the 38th minute opening the scoring in the 39th rounding the keeper to make it 1-0. Colney Heath with the advantage at half-time chances to extend their lead were restricting Watford’s chances at the other end the visitors though coming back to level with 15 minutes left to play through an unfortunate own goal ricocheting in off the keeper. Watford winning the game with 2 minutes left on the clock a looping ball forwards sent home to see them through to a 2nd successive cup final.

The Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup Final to be played Sunday 15th March a 2;30pm kick-off at the County Ground Letchworth.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

Four games played across the 3 divisions in the BHWGFL this weekend. 2nd placed St Albans Ladies in action were at home to Letchworth Garden City Eagles on Sunday A 2-2 draw with leaders Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies last weekend kept the gap between them to 3 points St Albans with a game in hand playing again this Sunday a positive result taking them top of the table on goal difference. Top scorer Eleanor Lovelock opening the scoring in the first half her 24th goal if the season coming in the 26th minute. Millie Guest with her first goal of the season just past the hour securing a 2-0 win for St Albans to sent them top of the league.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

Two games played in Beds & Herts Division Two this Sunday despite what my results posts may have led you to believe. AFC Dunstable Blues going top of the table last weekend were at home again this weekend taking on Garston Ladies Vintage Purples. The damage done in the opening 10 minutes a quick fire double seeing Dunstable into a 2 goal lead, Kerry Mulvihill-Reed on target to score her 4th goal of the season in the 8th minute, Nicola Hollick scoring her 21st of the season 2 minutes later, Garston unable to find a reply, Dunstable with further chances to extend their lead move 5 points clear of 3rd placed AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies.

Keeping pace with Dunstable in 2nd though are Langford Ladies remain a point behind as they won well away from home on Sunday in Division Two against Sherrardswood Ladies. Scoring half as many goals as Dunstable so far this season have by far the tightest defence in the league conceding just 3 goals so far from 8 played, another clean sheet at the weekend. Amber Clark with half of Langford’s goals, netting a hat-trick at the weekend to put her onto 15 for the campaign so far, Sophie Bounds also celebrating a goal along with Harriet Ford on the scoresheet for the first time this season Langford winning 5-0.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

One game in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three to report on, Biggleswade United Ladies moving back into 2nd spot with a comfortable home win over Flitwick Eagles Ladies on Sunday. Kayleigh Saunders scoring 5 times to see her closing in on 20 goals for the season. The goals spread around elsewhere with 4 other players on the scoresheet. Zoe Molloy collecting her 10th goal of the season, Tashai Simms putting the ball into the back of the net for her 7th a goal too for Jodie Molloy and a first Biggleswade goal for Vikki Ransom. The final score 9-0.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 24/11/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 24th November

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

One quarter final outstanding in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup played this weekend, having been postponed last Sunday, Langford Ladies flying high in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two hosting ERWFL Premier Division side AFC Dunstable Women. Three leagues between the sides Dunstable’s new look side struggling in the league as they look to rebuild having lost several players over the summer. A much welcome victory in the county cup competition that will do wonders for the confidence. Jodi McClelland getting a brace celebrating her first goals for the club there were goals to for Hannah Ring and Louise McCay in a 4-1 win. Amber Clark with the goal for Langford. Dunstable joining, Luton Town Ladies, Houghton Athletic Ladies and Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses in the last four.

Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup

Also postponed from last weekend was the 2nd Round Hertfordshire Women Challenge Cup tie between Letchworth Garden City Eagles and Herts Vipers. Letchworth agreeing to switch venues as their pitch remained waterlogged. Playing in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One the highest league placed side Herts Vipers flying high at the top of Division Three ha faced this season. Herts Vipers getting off to a flying start taking the lead inside the opening 2 minutes Selin Buyukgiray with her 8th of the season finding the top corner. Letchworth coming back quickly to equalise winning a penalty Katie Smith sending the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1. Herts Vipers on the attack getting a penalty of their own 7 minutes later Buyukgiray netting her 2nd of the game had a hat-trick with a 3rd scored midway through the 1st half. Top scorer Nicole Jancey then getting in on the scoring act striking to make it 4-1 just past the half hour. Buyukgiray latching onto a through ball to collect her 4th of the game and 12th overall. A great first half for Buyukgiray ending on a sour note an altercation with a Letchworth player seeing her sent off. Herts Vipers down to 10 leading 5-1 at half-time. Despite their disadvantage Herts Vipers coped well keeping Letchworth out at one end whilst finding the back of the net for a further 3 goals, Jancey adding two more to get her hat-trick to take her past 30 for the season, Rachel Wall with the other goal. Herts Vipers into the quarter finals of the competition where they will face their toughest test yet a home tie against FAWNL South East Division One side Stevenage FC Women the game taking place on Sun 15th December.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies remain well clear at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division One as they continued their 100% winning start at home this Sunday in a top of the table clash hosting 2nd placed Hitchin Town Ladies. A 3-1 win to Hemel Hempstead in the finish doesn’t reflect the game as the hosts were pushed all the way by Hitchin the pair drawing right up till the 85th minute Hemel Hempstead with 2 late goals to clinch victory. It was Hitchin in fact who made the better start to the game taking the lead in the 11th minute Holly Darling shooting from the edge of the 18 yard box to make it 1-0. Hemel Hempstead coming back well looking for an equaliser hitting the bar, forcing the keeper into a save. A corner with 4 minutes played put into the mix in front of goal seeing the hosts score to make it 1-1 Leah Haley with her first goal of the season. Chances for both sides 2nd half the ball picked up in midfield carried forwards by Hemel Hempstead into the area and struck low off the post and in to give them the lead a penalty awarded in the 90th minute scored to see Hemel Hempstead win a cracking match 3-1, Charlene Turturici-Clarke and Jessica Green with the goals.

St Albans Ladies climb back up to 2nd spot in the Beds & Herts Women’s Division One table winning away to 5th placed Garston Ladies 1st at the weekend. St Albans with a narrow 1 nil lead at the break a different story in the 2nd period as they ran riot in front of goal to score a further 7 to win the match 8-1 and make it 5 wins from 6 played so far. The gap to Hemel Hempstead 9 points St Albans with 2 games in hand. Danniella Roberts with the 2nd half goal for Garston.

4th placed Hartham United Ladies were hosting Houghton Athletic Ladies this Sunday in the league. The visitors opening the scoring the ball put over the top dinked over the advancing keeper to make it 1-0. Hartham coming back to equalise awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box fired in by Ellie Burke. Hartham going on to take the lead themselves Janiece Allen played in behind the defence to fire home her 14th goal of the season. The points shared in the finish Houghton coming back to level their initial shot saved the rebound sent over the line. 2-2 the final score Shakeela Hussain and Bethany Phillips with the goals for Houghton.

Northwood Ladies final back in league action this Sunday six weeks since their last league victory cup games and postponements getting in the way. Were at home played Royston Town Ladies Development. A brace from Emma Steele taking her to 6 for the season and one for Scarlett Keightley helping Northwood to a 3-1 victory to make it 7 points from their last 3 games up to 5th in the table with games in hand on everybody above. Rebecca Lenton scoring for Royston.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

Two games played in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two this weekend, featuring the top two both away from home as they continued their 100% winning starts, AFC Dunstable Women Blues and AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies winning promotion last season doing well in Division Two. Kempston Town & Bedford 3 points clear at the top making it 6 wins from 6 away to Evergreen Ladies this Sunday. A goal in each half securing the 3 points Evergreen with a strong performance to Limit Kempston Town & Bedford goals from Rachel Mumford and Helen Spalding on her debut securing the 2 points.

AFC Dunstable Women Blues 2nd make it 5 wins from 5 now are scoring plenty of goals to 54 now from those 5 matches with just 4 conceded well out in front on goal difference were away to Watton Ladies this weekend in Division Two. Gemma Williams putting Dunstable into the lead inside 7 minutes, Emily Mitchell making it 2-0 2 minutes later. Nicola Hollick giving top scorer Bianca Vassell a run for her money scoring Dunstable’s 3rd with barely 20 minutes gone. A quick fire brace from Mitchell seeing her complete her hat-trick has 14 goals herself so far this campaign. Hollick with her 2nd of the match seeing Dunstable comfortably leading 6-0 at the break. More of the same 2nd half Vassell getting in amongst the goals making it 7-0 early on. Hollick completing her hat-trick joining Vassell on 19 goals for the season. Williams netting her 2nd of the game Vassell nudging ahead of Hollick to bring up double figures, Courtney McNamara with the final goal seeing Dunstable win 11-0.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

Two matches played too in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three this Sunday, Harvesters Ladies losing for the first time this season last time out returned to winning ways this weekend to rejoin leaders Harts Vipers on 18 points at the top of the table. Harvesters at home to Evergreen Eagles held at 0-0 for almost half an hour before Eve Shaw struck to fire in the opening goal. Harvesters finishing the first half strong, Shaw adding a 2nd goal, with Rachel King making it 3-0 with her 8th of the season. Eleanor Keating with a goal deep into injury time seeing the lead at 4-0. Rachel Dodd on target to make it 5-0 with almost an hour played. Shaw getting her 3rd to complete her hat-trick and put her top of the goal scoring charts with 9 for the season. Isobel Hughes with a goal 6 minutes from time wrapping up a 7-0 win.

Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves the side to defeat Harvesters Ladies last weekend continue their fine recent form making it 3 wins on the bounce to climb up the Division Three table into 3rd spot just a point behind the leading pair. At home taking on Flitwick Eagles Ladies top scorer April Spang netting her 11th of the season putting Hitchin into a 29th minute lead. Flitwick doing well coming back to level the scores just before half-time a lobbed goal making it 1-1. The visitors starting the 2nd half well taking the lead. 2-1 down Hitchin were spurred into life Spang pulling it back to 2-2 in the 65th minute. The winning goal coming on the 82nd minute Hitchin attacking, Spang onto a ball over the top to fire home and complete her hat-trick winning the match for Hitchin.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 17/11/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 17th November

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

County Cup weekend across both counties this weekend, in Bedfordshire the competition reaching the quarter final stage. 3 of the 4 ties played this Sunday whilst Langford Ladies match at home to ERWFL side AFC Dunstable Women postponed the pair will try again this coming Sunday.

Of the ties played the big guns had been drawn together in the quarter finals, the finalists for the past two season’s locking horns, Bedford Ladies winning the competition with back to back victories over Luton Town Ladies. Now playing in the ERWFL Premier Division together Luton were hosting Bedford this Sunday. A goalless opening half hour it was Luton who would take the lead Funmi Bababola on target to score her 8th goal of the season making it 1-0. Rebecca Kane rounding the keeper on the stroke of half time putting Luton into a 2-0 lead at the break. The hosts extending their lead straight from the restart 2nd half Jess McKay firing home to make it 3-0, Luton taking control of the match going further ahead with Zara Carroll scoring from distance an own goal seeing Luton 5-0 up with an hour played. McKay with her 2nd of the match and 11th overall this season sending Luton into a 6 goal lead with 10 minutes left. Bedford scoring a consolation goal with 2 minutes left, Luton straight back up the other end to score a 7th goal awarded a penalty Erica Bryon converting from the spot the game won 7-1.

A high scoring match in the quarter finals too between AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies leading Beds & Herts Division Two at home to fellow league side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses both in great form coming into the tie, Kempston Town & Bedford College with a 100% winning start to the league, finding the back of the net for 3 goals. Woburn & Wavendon on a good run too winning 3 successive league matches advancing through to the last 4 of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup smashing 5 past their opponents up the other end.

In the other quarter final tie played in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup this weekend it went all the way to a penalty shootout between Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side Houghton Athletic Ladies at home to GRWFL Division One side, Luton Town Ladies Reserves. Houghton Athletic leading the game 1-0 at half-time. Would score another in the 2nd period with Ciara Craig and Bethany Phillips scoring on her debut getting the goals. Luton coming back though scoring twice in the 2nd half to draw the game 2-2 with Jodie Brooks and Hannah Major scoring to send the tie to a penalty shootout. Houghton Athletic coming out on top to take it 4-3 to advance to the semi-finals.

Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup

The Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup reaching the 2nd Round 5 ties played this weekend with Letchworth Garden City Eagles home match against Herts Vipers called off the pair to try again this coming Sunday. Last season’s Challenge Cup winners and runners-up both progressing awarded home wins, Watford Ladies U23s and Stevenage FC Women.

Stevenage FC Women’s Development side were at home to ERWFL Premier Division side Colney Heath Ladies in the 2nd Round of the Challenge Cup this weekend. Samaira Khan amongst the goals for Colney Heath since joining them from Dunstable this season her 15th strike of the season in the 35th minute the difference between the sides at half-time. Khan on target for her 2nd of the match to double Colney Heath’s advantage midway through the 2nd period, Olivia Mari with her first goal for the club making the result save with 6 minutes left despite Emily Schofield netting a minute later to pull a goal back for Stevenage.

Watford Ladies Development also progressing to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup with a comfortable win away to ERWFL Division One side Wodson Park Ladies. Charlotte Bailey putting the visitors into a 10th minute lead, Ciara Purdue netting a brace along with a goal for Katie Riddington seeing Watford hold a 4-0 lead at the break. Rebecca Lovelace on the hour to make it 5-0 with Sasha Williams on the scoresheet with 17 minute left to see the tie won 6-0.

An eventful encounter elsewhere in the Challenge Cup 2nd Round an all Beds & Herts Division Two tie Sherrardswood Ladies at home to Evergreen Ladies. The visitors with just the 10 players available few chances early on. Sherrardswood taking the lead on the half hour Julie Briars from a corner. Laurie Marris making her 100th appearance for the club doubling the score late in the 1st half to see Sherrardswood leading 2-0 at half-time. Evergreen with a great start to the 2nd half, pulling a goal back Louise Popkin scoring straight from a corner then going on to equalise and take a 3-2 lead with two strikes from outside the box captain Rebecca Freeman with both goals. Some aggressive play throughout just before the final whistle Evergreen having a Gemma Arnett sent off and their captain sin binned, Sherrardswood popping up with an 88th minute equaliser with Charley Lebetkin getting her first goal in the 88th minute to send the game into extra-time. Evergreen going down to 8 players with Freeman red carded from the sin bin. Laura Cousins also making her 100th appearance for Sherrardswood scoring in the first half of extra-time to put the host side 4-3 up. Evergreen battling coming back to level it at 4-4 with Popkin getting her 2nd of the match. Sherrardswood with the number advantage quickly retaking the lead Cousins with a quick fire brace to make it an extra-time hat-trick, Lebetkin with her 2nd sealing an eventful 7-4 win.

Laurie Marris & Laura Cousins both made their 100th appearance for Sherrardswood Ladies this Sunday (photo credit Sherrardswood Ladies)

Two all Beds & Herts Division One ties played in the 2nd Round of the Challenge Cup this Sunday, good starts to the season for both Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies leading the table with a 100% winning start and St Albans Ladies. Met just a fortnight ago in the league Hemel Hempstead winning 3-1 at St Albans. The host side this time around Cally Salter putting St Albans into the lead midway through the 2nd half, with her 9th goal of the season. Hemel Hempstead equalising on the stroke of half-time Ella Mercer scoring the goal her 8th of the campaign. The hosts getting themselves in front midway through the 2nd period Natasha McConville netting her 9th goal of the season. Trailing 2-1 with the game entering the final 15 minutes St Albans battled back to level the scores Georga Knight making it 2-2. The winning goal coming 3 minutes from time, Eleanor Lovelock with her 12th strike of the season winning it for St Albans.

A high scoring 2nd Round tie played between Garston Ladies 1st and Hartham United Ladies in the Challenge Cup at the weekend 5th and 4th in the league respectfully. Garston taking a 2-0 lead before conceding a penalty put away by Ellie Burke. A narrow lead to Garston at half-time. Janiece Allen in behind for Hartham to shoot the ball parried by the keeper straight to Sophie Mandel to sent in to level the scores. Garston in behind retaking the lead a long range clearance striking the bar coming down to be into the path of a Garston attacker to see them go 4-2 up a 5th goal making the tie save late in the game, Hartham awarded a second penalty Mandel scoring a consolation as Garston progress with a 5-3 win, 5 different goalscorers, two with their first of the season, Daniella Roberts an Megan Allaway, with Holly Jury, Sian Fisken and Danielle McMullen all celebrating a goal.

The draw already made for the quarter finals the details as follows games to be played Sun 8th & 15th December:-

Watford Ladies Development v Sherrardswood Ladies (15th)

Colney Heath Ladies v St Albans Ladies (8th)

Watford Ladies U23s v Garston Ladies 1st (15th)

Letchworth Garden City Eagles or Herts Vipers v Stevenage FC Women (15th)

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

One match taking place in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two this weekend and it was a big home win for AFC Dunstable Women Blues as they move up to 2nd in the table over Langford Ladies on goal difference keeping up their 100% winning start to the season. Were taking on Bedford Ladies Development this Sunday. Nicola Hollick putting Dunstable into an early lead inside 3 minutes the tone set early Hollick adding a 2nd goal 10 minutes later. Emily Mitchell with her 10th goal of the season making it 3-0 to Dunstable with 20 minutes gone. Nicole Cameron quickly making it 4-0. A devastating burst following with 3 goals in 3 minutes, Hollick completing her hat-trick soon adding a 4th with Holly Wilks making it 7-0. Cameron with her 2nd of the match sending Dunstable into an 8-0 lead at half-time. Bianca Vassell getting amongst the goal soon after the restart to put Dunstable 9 up. A quick fire Double from Courtney McNamara and Mitchell following Vassell netting her 2nd and 18th goal overall with 30 minutes left. Hollick with her 5th of the match then Gemma Williams. Bedford getting a late consolation goal Hollick finishing where she started with the final goal of the game her 16th overall a double hat-trick the final score 15-1.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

Biggleswade United Ladies move up to 2nd in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three winning well at home on Sunday moving ahead of Harvesters Ladies on goal difference as they lost their first game of the season after making a 100% winning start away to Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves.

Biggleswade were hosting Bedwell Rangers Ladies on Sunday Angelica Farchechi firing them into the lead on 7 minutes. Robyn Gibbons with her first goal of the season doubling the hosts lead midway through the 1st half. Top scorer Leeanne Davison wading in with a goal her 16th of the season making it 3-0 with Karen Clarke celebrating her first goal to see Biggleswade leading 4-0 at the break. Joanne Brown wit her first goal for Bedwell pulling a goal back for the visitors early in the 2nd half. Biggleswade quickly responding t restore their 4 goal lead Jodie Molloy on target for her first goal of the season. Tashai Simms and Kayleigh Saunders netting her 11th of the season securing a 7-1 win.

Harvester Ladies losing for the first time this season in the league new to Division Three winning their opening 5 matches were away to Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves this Sunday. Hitchin starting well Harvesters though taking the lead with their first attack Rachel King putting the ball over the line for her 7th goal of the season on 12 minutes. Hitchin coming back to level 10 minutes later, April Spang putting pressure on the defence forcing an error and capitalising to score her 9th goal of the season. Spang then firing Hitchin into the lead in the 35th minute. A narrow lead for Hitchin at half-time. A stoppage in play soon after a collision between two Harvesters players resulting in 1 sustaining two fractures of the jaw. Surgery required hope all went well and wishing the player involved all the best for a full and speedy recovery. Play resuming Hitchin getting the cushion of a 2 goal lead with 20 minutes left to play Ellie Colyer picking the ball up in midfield driving forwards and shooting from outside the box to score her first goal for the club. Hitchin winning the match 3-1 the 3 points putting them up to 4th in the table.

Flitwick Eagles Ladies at home this Sunday in Division Three taking on Evergreen Eagles both sides with just on win so far this season. Sammy Rhiann Beharry putting Flitwick into the lead inside a minute. Evergreen Eagles coming back to level the scores with 20 minutes gone, Samantha Feeney with her first goal of the season to equalise. Flitwick back in front just 5 minutes later Alexandra McKeegan with her first goal to make it 2-1 in the 25th minute the difference between the sides at half-time. Samantha Takis with her first of the season seeing Evergreen Eagles come back to level for the 2nd time in the match midway through the 2nd period. Beharry scoring in the opening minute striking again in the final minute to win the game for Flitwick 3-2.

The bottom pair meeting in Division Three this weekend both looking for their first point of the season a tough start for both Buntingford Town Ladies at home to newcomers Whetstone Wanderers Ladies. Another close encounter the result edged by a single goal. Buntingford finding the back of the Whetstone Wanderers net for 2 goals, Whetstone clinching their first win of the season taking it 3-2 thanks to goal from Carly Gilbey and a brace for Hailey Peters.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 20/10/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 20th October

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

County Cup action for the majority across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire this weekend. We’ll begin with the Bedfordshire Women’s competition reaching the 2nd Round stage 3 ties scheduled to see who would be joining the seeded teams in the quarter finals. In the end one game played, Langford Ladies leading Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two receiving a home win. The game between Bedford Ladies Development & Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses listed as cancelled at the moment. That left one game to be played and a tasty looking contested too between AFC Dunstable Women Blues & AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies. Both promoted to Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two this season where both with fancy their chances of making it a 2nd successive promotion. Meeting in the County Cup this weekend Dunstable at home fell behind in the 15th minute, hit back straight away to level the scores top scorer Bianca Vassell making it 1-1. Kempston retaking the lead in the 23rd minute quickly added a 3rd goal. Vassell with her 14th goal of the season pulling it back to 3-2 in the final minute of the first half. Kempston’s turn for an immediate reply scoring a 4th goal to lead 4-2 at half-time. A the goals reserved for the 1st half neither side finding the back of their opponents net for a goal 2nd half Kempston booking their spot in the quarter finals. Bex Cray scoring a brace with goals too for Charlie Mullins and Hannah Humphries scoring her first goal of the season.

The quarter finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup due to be played on Sunday 17th November with a 2pm KO listed below:-

Houghton Athletic Ladies v Luton Town Ladies Reserves

AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies v Bedford Ladies Development or Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses

Luton Town Ladies v Bedford Ladies

Langford Ladies v AFC Dunstable Women

Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup

A busy Sunday for the Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup with 11 ties scheduled to be played in the 1st Round of the competition. In the end 5 of these saw one side progress without kicking a ball. Wodson Park Ladies, Herts Vipers Women, Garston Ladies Vintage Purples, Letchworth Garden City Eagles & Garston Ladies 1st all going through to the 2nd Round. Plenty of goals scored in the 6 remaining ties with some big wins for the higher league placed sides.

The biggest league gap saw Colney Heath Ladies 2nd in the ERWFL Premier Division at home to Harvesters Ladies currently 2nd in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three. Colney Heath finding their form in recent weeks too. Striker Rianne Townsend-Brown doubling her goal tally for the season top scoring in the match with 4 goals. Captain Sheree Oliver doing the same scoring a hat-trick. Top scorer Samaira Khan with a goal to take her into double figures their were goals too for Adrienne Milton & Charlene Moreton with Annie Hickey getting her first goal of the season and full back Eustacia Randles scoring for the 2nd successive game. Colney Heath running out 12-1 winners, Eleanor Keating with the goal for Harvesters.

4 goals in the Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup for Colney Heath Ladies, Rianne Townsend-Brown

A huge win in the Challenge Cup to away for Stevenage FC Women Development against Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two side Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies. Emily Schofield top scoring in the game netting 5 goals for Stevenage. Hannah Marshall one behind celebrating 4 goals. A brace each for Sofia Carpenter, Katherine Taylor and Sherrie Evans. Melody Jones, Danielle Ranson and Amy Notschild with her first goal of the season seeing Stevenage run out 18-0 winners.

Beds & Herts Division One side were hosting Watford Ladies Development U19s in the 1st Round of the competition. Watford’s Development side former Challenge Cup winners their young side starting strong racing into a 3-0 lead within the opening 17 minutes. Rebecca Day pulling a goal back for Hitchin Town on the half hour the visitors 3-1 up at the break going on to score a 4th goal in the 2nd period to advance in the cup.

An all Beds & Herts Division One clash saw Hitchin Belles taking on Hartham United Ladies in the 1st Round of the Challenge Cup. Goals from Ellie Burke and Janiece Allen securing a 2-0 lead for Hartham United at half-time. The visitors getting themselves into a 3-0 lead with Georgia Quinton scoring from a 35 yard free-kick. Hitchin Belles creating chances unlucky not to score a goal seeing the woodwork struck twice. Hartham United finding a 4th goal with Sophie Mandel scoring from a corner to see them safely through to the 2nd Round.

Evergreen Ladies without a point on the board at the start of the season in Beds & Herts Division Two were at home to fellow league side Watton Ladies in the 1st Round of the Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup this weekend. A close match between the sides it was Evergreen who were at last celebrating a win to progress in the competition. Goals from Rebecca Freeman and Gemma Arnett enough to secure the hosts a 2-1 victory. Emma Carter on the scoresheet for Watton.

Sherrardswood Ladies playing in Beds & Herts Division Two were at home to Division Three side Bedwell Rangers Ladies in the Challenge Cup 1st Round. Bedwell Rangers finding a bit of form at the start of the season Sherrardswood taking the lead on the 20th minute from a corner Julie Briars heading in her first goal of the season. A narrow lead at half-time the hosts going 2-0 up 10 minutes into the 2nd period Laurie Marris often amongst the goals for Sherrardswood getting off the mark with her first goal of the season from another corner. Bedwell Rangers captain Georgia Miller pulling it back to 2-1. A quick fire brace from Manjinder Atwal put Sherrardswood 4-1 up a late goal from Kally-Ann Westgarth on her first start for the club sealing a 5-1 victory.

The draw for the 2nd Round of the Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup listed below the ties to be played Sunday 17th November with a 2pm KO:-

Wodson Park Ladies v Watford Ladies Development

Stevenage FC Women v Hoddesdon Town Owls Ladies

Letchworth Garden City Eagles v Herts Vipers Women

Stevenage FC Women Development v Colney Heath Ladies

Watford Ladies U23s v Garston Ladies Vintage Purples

Sherrardswood Ladies v Evergreen Ladies

Garston Ladies 1st v Hartham United Ladies

Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies v St Albans Ladies

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

One match played in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League this Sunday in Division Three. Kempston Rovers Ladies continuing their excellent start to the season muscling their way in between the new kids on the block leading the table Herts Vipers & Harvesters Ladies the 3 sides all on 12 points. Kempston Rovers at home taking on Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves this Sunday. The hosts winning their 4th game of the season by 3 goals to 1. Ellie Newberry-Bierton scoring her 7th goal of the season for Kempston Rovers, Millie Scott also getting a goal along with captain Lucy Harper scoring her first goal of the season. April Spang with the late strike for Hitchin Town.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 17/03/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 17th March

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup

Once again saving the biggest of the Round-Up’s till last it was a busy weekend with two County Cup Finals taking place as well as a host of county league matches. Sunday beginning with an 11am kick-off at The County Ground Letchworth for the Hertfordshire Women’s Challenge Cup Final. An early start for Women’s Football East too travelling to watch the game. Stevenage Ladies into a fifth successive final have won 3 out of the last 4 including back to back wins, were looking for a 3rd win as they looked t retain the trophy against Watford Ladies U23s.

The County Ground with a new 3G playing surface as well as redevelopments to the clubhouse. Bright sunshine Watford’s young side starting brightly pressing the ball defender Sydney Hinchcliffe firing them into the lead the ball cleared off the line from a corner struck back in over the line. Stevenage responded well Watford coping doubling their lead late in the first half Andie Dickens firing a shot in from the top of the area.

Stevenage pushed for a reply but it wouldn’t come Watford willing on the counter getting a corner Anaisa Harvey rising highest inside the six yard box to score their 3rd goal. Counter attacking play bringing a 4th goal Eshe Johnson running clear with a composed finish. Watford keeping a clean sheet up the other end celebrating at the final whistle as they win the Cup for the 1st time. Click on the link to read the full match report https://womensfootballeast.com/match-report-369/

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

In neighbouring Bedfordshire on Sunday afternoon their was also Women’s County Cup Final action, with Luton Town Ladies meeting Bedford Ladies at Ampthill Town FC. Luton Town Ladies dominant in recent seasons that run ended by Bedford Ladies last season. The sides meeting again this season Bedford Ladies playing in the ERWFL Premier Division looking for back to back successes. Luton Town Ladies having a tough season battling at the bottom of FAWNL South East Division One.

Few chances in the game early on the game livening up with 28 minutes gone Bedford striking the post, Eden Kibron firing in from close range moments later to put Bedford into the lead. Luton pressing for an equaliser it wouldn’t come shots saved Bedford Ladies with the narrow victory winning the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup for the 2nd successive season. Congratulations.

Bedford Ladies, 2018/19 Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup Winners

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

The title race remains as strong as ever in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with the top two gaining 3 more points along with Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies who climb up to 3rd with games in hand.

Northwood Ladies top of the table with a good away win against St Albans Ladies last time out were on the road again this weekend taking on Sharnbrook WFC. Emma Steele continuing her great form in front of goal for Northwood scoring a hat-trick on Sunday to take her account to 19 for the season. Goals too for Leanne Jones, Danielle Tyler and Zamina Rahemtulla in a 6-1 victory. Millie Scott with the goal for Sharnbrook.

2nd placed St Albans Ladies awarded the 3 points over Houghton Athletic Ladies remain a point behind Northwood.

Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies move into 3rd position 3 points behind the leaders with 3 games in hand. A strong position they were at home on Sunday in Division One taking on Sherrardswood Ladies. A brace from Charlotte Rose along with goals from Charlene Turturici-Clarke and a 1st of the campaign for Amy Bentall securing a 4-0 victory.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

A great weekend for Hitchin Belles in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two as they win at home and see their rivals drop points to open up a 5 point lead at the top of the table. A tough game for Hitchin Bells on Sunday at home against 4th placed Royston Town Ladies Development a close run reslut Kierra Gabriel and Hannah Tofts scoring for the visitors. Hitchin Belles with a potent attack this season 4 players into double figures 3 of them were on target with a goal each to see the game won 3-2 with, Keira How, Amy Jack and Charlotte Peters all celebrating.

Hitchin Town Ladies in 2nd spot going into Sunday’s match were away to 5th placed Evergreen Ladies, the hosts scoring through Natalie Maher just past the half hour. That goal proving to be the winner as Evergreen battled to keep Hitchin Town from finding a reply.

That result coupled with a win on the road Letchworth Garden City Eagles a 4th straight win with one result a walk over sees them up into 2nd place themselves in Division Two. Were taking in Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Tayla Murray, Katie Smith and a 1st of the season for Simone Leah Straughn sealing a 3-0 win for the visitors. Who like Hitchin Town Ladies have a game in hand on Hitchin Belles.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

A big game at the top of Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three this Sunday with the top two going head to head with just a point between them. AFC Dunstable Ladies Development with the narrow advantage hosting 2nd placed Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses. Dunstable unbeaten dropping just 2 points so far and those back on the opening day, Woburn & Wavendon losing just the once that early in the season in the reverse fixture with Dunstable. Giselle Randell firing Woburn & Wavendon into a 20th minute lead. The visitors holding the narrow advantage at half-time, Dunstable getting back on level terms on the hour through Nicola Hollick’s 4th goal of the season. The scores level with less than 15 minutes left Bianca Vassell, Dunstable’s top scorer scored to put the hosts 2-1 up with her 30th goal of the season. The three points guaranteed in the final minute with Hollick on target for her 2nd of the game to see Dunstable go 4 points clear at the top winning 3-1.

One goal in it between Kempston Rovers Ladies and Langford Ladies on Sunday. Langford’s Amber Clark claiming her 20th goal of the season securing the 3 points to take Langford back into 3rd place in the Division Three table.

A high scoring draw seeing the points shared on Sunday in Division Three between Stotfold Juniors Ladies & AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies. Molly Norman making her 1st start for Stotfold Juniors scoring a hat-trick. Holly Konopka also on the score sheet with a goal. 4 for Stotfold Juniors. 4 too for the visitors with Kayleigh Humphries making her 1st league start scoring a hat-trick along with an 18th goal of the season for top scorers Chloe Urbanowicz.

At last a first league win of the season for Bedwell Rangers Ladies, their first 3 points of the season coming away from home against 2nd bottom Buntingford Town Ladies. Two players completing hat-tricks in the match Jessica Sullivan with 3 more has 12 now for the season. Leah Tomlin netting 3 goals too one from the penalty spot. Rachel Young with a brace too for Bedwell with Alicia Fieldsend also scoring in a 9-0 with that takes Bedwell off the bottom.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 27/01/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 27th January

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

Both semi-finals in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup fell victim to the weather last weekend, held a week later it will be a repeat of last season’s final with Luton Town Ladies taking on the current holders Bedford Ladies on Sunday 17th March.

Luton Town Ladies were playing their first game at their new home The Brache, Luton Town FC’s training facility. Were taking on AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies from Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, a good test for the lower league side the newcomers to woman’s football playing 5 leagues lower than their FAWNL South East Division One opponents. Held Luton for nearly 40 minutes before the hosts took a quick two goal lead at the end of the first half. Dionne Manning making it 1-0, Erica Byron doubling the lead a minute later. Jess McKay extending Luton’s lead 12 minutes into the 2nd half. Into the last 20 minutes an the hosts were awarded a penalty Byron adding her 2nd of the game from the spot. McKay made it 5-0 soon after. Further chances came Luton’s way the woodwork struck twice before captain Zara Carroll’s long range strike found it’s way into the back of the net. McKay completing her hat-trick in the final minute to wrap up a 7-0 win for Luton.

Luton Town Ladies, Jess McKay

In the other semi-final in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup it was an all ERWFL Premier Division clash with holders Bedford Ladies away to AFC Dunstable Ladies on Sunday. Goals from Michelle Byrne, Amy Magnus and Eden Kibron seeing Bedford safely into the final where they will be aiming to retain the cup for a 2nd successive year against a Luton side keen to get the cup back in their trophy cabinet themselves. Venue and kick-off time to be announced.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

New leaders in Beds & Herts Women’s Division One with Northwood Ladies climbing to the top of the pile in what is a competitive tussle for the title. Northwood playing in one of the two games to survive in the league on Sunday were away to Sherrardswood Ladies. A comfortable scoreline taking Northwood ahead of Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires on goal difference. Emma Steele leading the goal scoring charts netting a hat-trick against Sherrardswood to take her onto 14 for the season. Danielle Tyler scoring her 10th goal of the season along with a goal each for Leanne Jones & Samantha May in a 6-0 win.

Houghton Athletic Ladies in 4th were taking on 6th placed Sharnbrook WFC in the league on Sunday, both in a good position to put pressure on the sides above shared the points at the weekend the game ending all square a 1 goal a piece. Ciara Craig on target for Houghton Athletic with Claire Smith celebrating the goal for Sharnbrook.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

Two of the scheduled 5 matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two fell foul to the elements including leaders Hitchin Town Ladies game away to 4th placed Letchworth Garden City Eagles that presented an opportunity for 2nd placed Hitchin Belles to close the gap to the leaders to just 2 points if they could secure victory at home to Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies. Hitchin Belles getting the result they wanted a strong first half saw them leading 4-0 matched that tally 2nd half. There is a battle going on for top scorers and all the contenders waded in with goals this Sunday, Katie White edging it scored a hat-trick to take her onto 14 for the season, Amy Jack and Charlotte Peters hot on her heels both netting a brace against Wheathampstead have 12 each. Gemma Smith also getting her name on the scoresheet for her 1st goal of the season.

Royston Town Ladies Development were away to bottom side Welwyn Pegasus Azures on Sunday. The 3rd placed side too with an opportunity to put pressure on the leaders. Had to settle for a point in the finish as Welwyn picked up their first competitive point of the season their previous points awarded. Scoring twice to match Royston whose goals were scored by Abby Laughlin and Nicole Cooper.

Evergreen Ladies 5th in Division Two were on the road on Sunday taking on Bedford Ladies Development, the visitors taking the lead through Ellie Smith only for Bedford’s Joanne Makin to equalise. Rebecca Freeman sending a free-kick into the top corner to restore Evergreen’s lead with her 7th goal of the season and ultimately the winning goal for Evergreen.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

Three matches in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three at the weekend with away wins for the top two seeing them extend their lead at the top of the table. Leaders AFC Dunstable Ladies were taking on bottom side Bedwell Rangers Women. The visitors holding a narrow lead at half-time Bianca Vassell’s 26th goal of the season in the 19th minute the difference between the two sides. Bedwell Rangers coming right back into it in the 66th minute as Rachel Young struck to make it 1-1. Closing in on the final 15 minutes and Dunstable edged themselves back into the lead Kerry Mulvihill-Reed making it 2-1, the 3 points secured deep into injury time with Lakeisha Fazilahmed making it 3-1 in the 95th minute.

An equally close score for 2nd placed Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses as they clinched the 3 points away to Langford Ladies on Sunday. 2nd versus 3rd Giselle Randall’s 14th goal of the season the difference between the sides Woburn & Wavendon winning 1-0.

In the other game played in Division Three on Sunday 5th placed Biggleswade United Ladies secured the 3 points with a 2-0 win at home to Stotfold Juniors Ladies.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 06/01/19

Sunday 6th January

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

A busy start to 2019 across the Beds & Herts Women’s Football leagues, however this edition of The Round-Up begins with the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup. Two of the 4 quarter final ties postponed back in December due to the inclement weather scheduled for this Sunday, big tests for Beds & Herts Division One sides, Houghton Athletic Ladies and Sharnbrook WFC as they were drawn against higher league opposition.

Houghton Athletic were away to ERWFL Premier Division side Bedford Ladies, the current holders of the County Cup. Two leagues apart Bedford were beginning the defence of their trophy and proved too strong an opponent winning comfortably in the finish. Michelle Byrne scoring twice for Bedford with a further 5 players all getting a goal each, Paige Abraham, Carissa Kaczorowski, Setor Acolatse, Amy Magnus and Lauren Murray in a 7-0 win.

Sharnbrook WFC were at home in the quarter final of the County Cup taking on FAWNL South East Division One side, Luton Town Ladies, keen to get the County Cup back after losing out to Bedford in last season’s final. Bottom of South East Division One the County Cup a welcome distraction for Luton and hopefully a spring board to improved results in the new year. Plenty of youngsters in the Luton squad and it was one of them that opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Aurora Ryan making it 1-0. The visitors pressing the play Sharnbrook defending held them at bay before Ryan found the back of the net for her 2nd of the game in the 33rd minute, Dionne Manning adding a 3rd goal for Luton 5 minutes from the end of the 1st half.

Luton were in control Olivia Abraham scoring her 1st goal for the side to make it 4-0, captain Zara Carroll making it 5-0 just past the hour scoring from a free-kick. Another debut goal following with Maddison Goodenough celebrating her 1st Luton goal 2 minutes later. Rachel Kosky scoring a 7th for Luton with 15 minutes left time for 2 more with Remi Bains getting her name on the scoresheet a screamer from Jess McKay wrapping up a 9-0 win.

The semi-finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup take place on Sunday 20th January and are as follows:-

AFC Dunstable Ladies v Bedford Ladies

Luton Town Ladies v AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

2019 begins and all of a sudden it’s beginning to look very tight at the top of Beds & Herts Division One. The league rarely disappoints with title drama and after Sunday’s results there is just 3 points between the top 5 sides.

Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires have gotten the games in where others haven’t and good form saw them move into top position in the league start 2019 top were at home on Sunday up against Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies in 3rd position, a brace from Lizzie Richardson enough to edge the win 2-1 to Hemel Hempstead to climb up into 2nd spot and close the gap on Welwyn to just a point with 4 games in hand.

Also closing the gap on the leaders are Northwood Ladies starting the year with an away win against bottom side Garston Ladies 1st team. A trio of goal scores with Zamina Rehemtulla, Emma Steele and Danielle Tyler all finding the back of the opponents net in a 3-0 victory. Northwood in 4th now 3 points behind the leaders and like Hemel Hempstead have games in hand.

So too do defending champions St Albans Ladies, 3 goals in the last 10 minutes securing the 3 points at home to Sherrardswood Ladies. Nicola Dark with the early goal for St Albans putting them 1 nil up in the 8th minute it wasn’t until the hour that St Albans scored again dark netting her 2nd of the match. The result made comfortable late on with the game entering the final 10 minutes Ellen Slater getting the goal to make it 3-0. 3 minute from time and Eleanor Lovelock struck to make it 4-0 with Michaela Johnson scoring the home sides 5th goal in stoppage time. St Albans in 5th have 13 points like Northwood and yes you guessed it games in hand on the leader.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

In Beds & Herts Division Two it was a great start to the season for Hitchin Town Ladies as they end 2018 with a 9 point lead at the top of the table. Have played more games than those hoping to chase them down, their main challenger being fellow Hitchin side, Hitchin Belles in 2nd spot 9 points a huge gap Hitchin Belles have 3 games in hand. Began 2019 with and away trip to Watton Ladies. The hosts battling hard were leading 2-1 at the break. Hitchin regrouped at half-time and an improved performance saw them find the back of the net 4 times to run out 5-3 winners at the final whistle. Katie White scoring a brace, Keira How, Chloe Keller and Charlotte Peters the other goals scorers for Hitchin Belles. Gemma Bickell with two and Karly Lundy with her 1st of the campaign scoring the Watton goals.

Royston Town Ladies Development climb up into 3rd place in the Beds & Herts Division Two table with a 4-0 home win over Evergreen Eagles Ladies on Sunday. Kelly Yarwood getting on the scoresheet with her first goal for Royston’s Development side netting twice. Nicole Cooper and Abby Laughlin also on target with a goal a piece.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three

The title race in Beds & Herts Division Three was hotting up well before the New Year with Langford Ladies setting the early pace, the new side chased by fellow newcomers AFC Kempston Town Ladies & Bedford College Ladies and AFC Dunstable Ladies Development the latter still undefeated charging into top spot whilst a newly merged Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses side see Bedfordshire sides dominating.

AFC Dunstable Ladies Development have a striker in their ranks in red hot form, Bianca Vassell with 20 goals from 10 appearances going into this Sundays game away to Buntingford Town Ladies. Is now 25 goals from 11 s she hit 5 more at the weekend. Shanice Sanderson making her debut for Dunstable celebrated the occasion with a goal with Lakeisha Fazilahmed also getting a goal in a 7-0 victory.

Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses keep the pressure on Dunstable in 2nd spot remain just a point behind as they edged the victory away to Biggleswade United Ladies this Sunday. A hat-trick from Giselle Randall for the visitors enough to cancel out strikes from Sarah King and Leeanne Davison to win the 3 points for Woburn & Wavendon. 10 goals in her last 4 league games now for Randell including 3 successive hat-tricks.

Games in hand on all the sides above them 4th placed AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies into the Bedfordshire County Cup in their debut season a 4th in the table close the gap to 3rd placed Langford to 2 points with an away victory this Sunday. Started 2019 with a trip to Bedwell Rangers Ladies. Goals from Chloe Urbanowicz, Bex Cray and Zara Garrard securing a 3-0 win for the visitors.

The Round-Up – Beds & Herts 16/12/18

Sunday 16th December

The final edition of The Round-Up in 2018, ending with the weekends action from Beds & Herts including the quarter finals of the County Cups. Storm Deirdre playing its part as it did across the region affecting fixtures everywhere.

Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup

Two of the 4 quarter finals from this season’s Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup were played on Sunday with the other two postponed. Both featuring Dunstable. The 1st team were hosting Beds & Herts Division Three side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses at home in the competition. Dunstable struggling in the ERWFL Premier Division, Woburn & Wavendon showing good form in Division Three a huge gulf between the sides 4 leagues to be exact. Dunstable coming out on top getting a good win. Storm Sherrie Burrows scoring a hat-trick for Dunstable. Rachel Moffat also amongst the goals netting a brace with Sophie Bailey also claiming a goal in a 6-0 win to take Dunstable into the last 4.

In the other quarter final, it was an all Beds & Herts Division Three clash with AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies at home to league leaders AFC Dunstable Ladies Development. Both enjoying a strong start to the season. Kempston Town with the early lead getting in front inside the opening 10 minutes, held that advantage going into the 2nd half. Dunstable getting themselves back on level terms 7 minutes into the 2nd period Nicole Cameron scoring to make it 1-1. The visitors going on to take the lead themselves with the game entering the final 15 minutes Lakeisha Fazilahmed with her 1st goal of the season. The lead didn’t last long however with Kempston Town soon back on level terms. A dramatic end with the winning goal coming in the 90th minute, Kempston Town scoring it to win 3-2 and reach the last 4 of the County Cup in their debut season. Taylor Kingston scoring twice with Kimberlee Aldred also on the scoresheet.

Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup

One outstanding tie from the quarter finals of the Hertfordshire Women’s County Cup postponed last Sunday, this weekend ERWFL Premier Division side were away to Watford Ladies U23s playing in the FAWNL Reserves South/South East Division. Watford going strong in the competition recording a 5-0 win to reach the last 4 where they will have a home tie on Sunday 20th January against Beds & Herts Division One side, Hemel Hempstead Town Ladies.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division One

Two games played in Beds & Herts Division One this Sunday. Welwyn Pegasus Sapphires ending 2018 top of the pile but far from the result they would have wanted as they lost heavily away to Northwood Ladies. Danielle Tyler and Megan Warner both scoring a hat-trick in the game. Warner making her 1st start making a huge impact. Emma Steele with a goal keeps her just out in front of Tyler as top scorer with 9 now. Holly Gilder also scoring in an 8-0 victory. Northwood up to 4th on the Division One table a cluster of sides mid-table 3rd to 6th separated by just 2 points all with games in hand on the top two.

Joining Northwood Ladies on 10 points are 5th placed St Albans Ladies a slow first half to the season for the defending champions with just their 5th league game played this Sunday were at home to bottom side Garston Ladies 1st team. Ellen Slater scoring twice for St Albans has 9 for the season now, Nicola Dark and Molly Slade also getting a goal a piece in a 4-2 win. Emma Trill with both the Garston goals.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

One game taking place in Beds & Herts Division Two this Sunday with leaders Hitchin Town Ladies away to bottom side Welwyn Pegasus Azures. Hitchin starting well taking the lead in the 14th minute Kirsty Smith lobbing the keeper from 20 yards out. 3 minutes later Hitchin were 2 up with Louise Gash finding the back of the net. On the half hour Welwyn pulled a goal back, Rebecca Bullar scoring to make it 2-1. Hitchin responding straight away two quick fire goals from Gash seeing her complete a 1st half hat-trick joins captain Emma Chaffey as the clubs top scorer on 8 goals. A 4-1 lead to Hitchin at half-time. The woodwork coming to the rescue for Welwyn in the 2nd half Chaffey 1st from a penalty then Gash with two efforts. A 5th goal finally coming in the 80th minute. Natalie Thompson the goal scorer the win seeing Hitchin 9 points clear of 2nd placed and local rivals the Belles who like all the chasing pack have games in hand but right now it has been a great opening half to the season for Hitchin Town.