Category Archives: Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

Match Report – Histon Ladies Development v Newmarket Town Women Development

Tuesday 8th June

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

 This evening’s match is literally a title decider, the winner takes all in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South as 1st and 2nd meet in their final game of the season with just a point between them, Histon Ladies Development with the slender advantage as they take on 2nd placed Newmarket Town Women Development.

 The Cambridgeshire Women’s leagues as you know the only county league within the East to press on with there league campaign after the country emerged from its 3rd lockdown at the end of March due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. Has been a mammoth effort by Cambs FA and the clubs themselves to get the games played. Cardea Ladies wrapping up the Championship North title the weekend before last, earning promotion to the Premiership above. That the prize too for the eventual title winners this evening.

Was touch and go as to whether Histon would be able to field a Development side at the start of the season as a split within the club saw most of the old reserves sides move to become Histon Hornets WFC. The club however felt they had enough to field to sides, the Reserves becoming the Development side. Histon’s first team playing in ERWFL Division One and when there playing season was declared null & void the club opted not to take part in the Challenge Cup set up as a replacement competition by the league, but offered players from that side the option to continue playing with the Development, several going down that route meaning the club has been able to field a mixed side of Development and senior squad players, seeing them push up the Championship South table. Dropped points in their penultimate game meaning Newmarket fast climbing the table themselves with a chance to overhaul them before the pair were due to meet in there final game of the season.

Newmarket Town Women Development keeping faith with their young squad with the senior squad playing with Histon in the ERWFL Division One largely pausing until the new season can commence a handful of seniors coming in to give useful learning experience to the young players around them. Powered up the table due to the goals wracked up by Kaitlin Elsey who has an impressive tally of 30 goals from just 11 appearances. Entering the final straight Newmarket were a point behind Histon with a game in hand that against Histon Hornets WFC on Sunday, victory would have seen them leapfrog Histon to give them the points advantage going into this evenings game, frustratingly suffered from a below par performance that saw Histon Hornet take full advantage of to win 4-0. So a point behind they remain with one game left… now a cup final Newmarket have to win to take the title, Histon prevent that and they will be crowned Champions.

  Histon named as the home side the game instead taking place at Newmarket Town FC due to the unavailability of Histon’s home ground. Newmarket’s ground featuring a state of the art artificial playing surface that see’s alot of action during the week. Youth sessions taking place upon it before the game. The kitchen open serving hot food and drink. The weather warm and sunny a pleasant evening with no rain forecast.

Histon Town Ladies Development starting XI – Alison Wright, Katie Webb, Tara Fitzjohn (C), Brie Baker, Georgia Carter, Sophie Lanham, Lauren Martin, Becky Charter, Esther Mctrusty, Jordanne Sillitoe & Molly Blair. Subs – Daisy Barns, Emma Phillip, Rebekah Finch, Naomi Cooper-Jones & Flora Snelson.

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Dominika Szary, Lydia Mason, Kara Wayman, Beth Woodfield (C), Becca Towler, Grace Muffett, Cerys Compton, Hannah Doyle, Leah Harper, Sarah O’Rourke & Kaitlin Elsey. Subs – Ella Cummins, Evie Jakes, Emily Davey, Annabel Cuthbert & Trixie Allsop.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Newmarket to get the game underway, wearing yellow shirts, blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks. Histon opposite wearing red shirts with black shorts and socks. The sun setting low behind the main stand across the pitch likely to have an impact players needing to shield their eyes. Histon getting hold of the ball straight from the off central is played into the right channel for attacker and former Newmarket player Jordanne Sillitoe, Cerys Crompton putting out a leg intercepting the ball sent up into the right channel Newmarket switch sides, Kaitlin Elsey after it, Histon captain Tara Fitzjohn at full back across to challenge the ball put out for a throw in.

  Something of a bitty start both sides rushing to move the ball not finding there mark, Lauren Martin plays the ball on from midfield for Histon with Sillitoe looking to make a right channel run trying to be behind the defence, Newmarket captain Beth Woodfield getting cross her run, stooping into the header to play the ball back to goalkeeper, Dominika Szary. Newmarket come right a corner won players up into the box from the back the delivery put in central, Woodfield attacks it, doesn’t get a solid connect, Histon scrambling it away to the right winning a throw in. 

 GOAL! Just 4 minutes on the clock and the deadlock is broken, Histon attack down the right Katie Webb at full back carrying the ball on before sending it through for Becky Charter bursting down the wing to get in behind the defend race into the box and strike the ball hard to send it racing across the six yard box into the bottom corner 1-0.

Becky Charter fires Histon into an early lead

   An early blow for Newmarket, Histon making the perfect start. Hannah Doyle turning on the ball sending it on to the left Elsey racing after it, Webb moving quickly staying ahead of the striker playing it back into the area for goalkeeper, Alison Wright to kick clear. Histon are looking to bring there wide players into the action, Charter lively on the right, Sophie Lanham in the centre puts a diagonal ball out to Esther Mctrusty on the left side, taking it on slips past her marker heading for the area, Becca Towler closing her down defending, Szary beyond her kicking the ball clear for a throw on the left. 

Leah Harper bringing the ball on for Newmarket

 The goal has woken everyone up, players snapping at the ball. Moving the ball rapidly through the middle Histon stretch the Newmarket defence as Sillitoe moves out to the left taking the ball on before firing in a cross along the six yard box to be met by Charter at the far post, knocks it back in looping up, Mctrusty in front of goal can’t capitalise before Newmarket’s defence scramble it clear. Bria Baker get’s caught in possession in defence for Histon, attack Sarah O’Rourke spotting Doyle’s run to her left attempts to send her in on goal, Georgia Carter putting a foot in nicks the ball from her. 

  Lydia Mason makes a good challenge on Mctrusty as the winger tries to take the ball on past the full back, in central to Grace Muffett fed on up to O’Rourke, Elsey makes a run left to right across the D, Fitzjohn in quickly to cut out the passing option to O’Rourke Newmarket are forced to play it back into the middle regroup. One lifted over the top Elsey breaking in beyond the defence after it, Wright coming up to the top of her box untroubled as she sees the ball safely into her gloves.

Histon goalkeeper, Alison Wright, gathering as Newmarket’s Kaitlin Elsey closes in ( photo credit Sean Doyle)

  End to end both sides showing there intent, wanting to score. Histon’s backline each taking the opportunity to get forwards join the attack whenever they have the ball, first Carter, then Baker. Webb full of energy on the right of defence getting up well to support Charter on the wing. A throw for Histon high on the right into Webb top corner of the area hooks it up into the centre falling Mctrusty back to goal sees it across her body looking to turn and shoot, is closely marked, nevertheless wins a corner kick. Sent in deep, Lauren Martin under it beyond the far post puts it over the top. 

 

  O’Rourke is pressing the Histon defence in the final third winning her fair share of challenges left side flicks it on for Elsey to latch onto, takes it on into the box, Carter getting in on her to lunge in tackle the ball sent out for a corner kick. The set-piece fired in near side 10 yards out met by Muffett, swings her leg through the ball, Martin in to block it for Histon, the rebound running back to Kara Wayman 20 out shoots striking the ball through the box out wide beyond the far post. Plenty happening barely 15 minutes played, Webb on the move taking the ball on central allowed to travel, Sillitoe giving her an option left channel, sees the ball into her feet turns, Woodfield closing her down before she can carry the threat into the box. 

  Breaking out from the back Newmarket have O’Rourke on the ball right side sends it long up to Elsey moving into space gets up with her attacking partner the two exchanging passes before Elsey clips the cross in long to the far post spotting the excellent run from Doyle to the far post can’t quite reach as the ball runs wide for a goalkick. Elsey is a pacy player likes to take on a defence, wriggles free central, just a little too much on the ball allows Wright to come out of her six yard box and clear.

It’s up there somewhere

  Lanham getting into an advanced position for Histon beyond the box right side recieves Mctrusty’s cross from the wing, strikes the ball 1st time whistles wide of Szary’s left post. The Histon defence for the most part keeping close tabs on Elsey don’t want her getting in behind, this though is presenting O’Rourke with more freedom operating slightly deeper picking up the ball, Crompton, Doyle and Muffett all trying to give her an option when they can. Carter keeps tight of Elsey inside the D, stops the striker skipping in beyond her. Fitzjohn with a burst forwards from the back a nutmeg seeing her get in beyond the defence to shoot from the top of the box, rising is straight at Szary, who catches cleanly. 

Histon captain, Tara Fitzjohn

  A fantastic double save from Szary as Lanham carries the ball across the top of the area inside the D left to right getting a shot back in across goal, Szary adjusting well down smartly to her right to push the ball out to the left, Mctrusty latching onto it the angle tight lets loose a strike, Szary moving quickly on her knees gloves it behind for the corner. The delivery from the corner long, Webb beyond the back post up to meet it sends it behind. 25 minutes gone referee Romana Brie pauses play for both sides to take on fluids. 

  GOAL! Play resumes Newmarket after the ball O’Rourke nipping in to win it 25 yards out right of the D, feeds it into Elsey central before breaking forwards. Elsey is immediately closed down, does well to slips the ball through to O’Rourke who takes it into the box clear she stays composed has time to pick her spot and drives it straight to run past Wright at the near post 1-1.

Sarah O’Rourke gets Newmarket back on level terms

  O’Rourke back to goal inside the D, sees the ball into her feet Doyle making a run left side, O’Rourke plays the pass into her path, Doyle is upended right on the line, the referee trying to play advantage as Elsey goes after the loose ball, nothing doing play is brought back for the foul a free-kick in a dangerous position, Elsey placing the ball goes for goal the shot sailing over the crossbar.

Histon get on right side, Webb to Charter, her progress stopped by Wayman as she gets across her. Woodfield in to tackle Molly Blair as she evades a challenge right side to get into the box. Martin plays the pass forwards into Sillitoe right of the D, has Charter running in behind her from the wide position, her pass however to close to Szary as the Newmarket keeper comes out quickly to deal with it. Ella Cummins has come on for Newmarket moving to a position on the right.

Newmarket goalkeeper Dominika Szary (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Histon think they’ve retake the lead as Sillitoe moving right runs in beyond the defence as the ball is lifted over the back, strikes it across the keeper into the bottom come only to turn and see the raised flag. The ball brought up on the left by Newmarket squared into Elsey central turns her marker well evading her to take the ball into the area moving right the angle going against her strikes her shot over. Competitive in the middle Martin and Lanham getting hold of the ball for Histon, Martin allowed time on it is forced to play it back, Doyle nipping in to take it, sends it on up the right for Cummins, in a race with Fitzjohn, Histon’s captain dives into tackle the ball out for a throw. 

Newmarket’s Kaitlin Elsey shaping up to take on the Histon defence… again

  The Histon defence all continue to have a little foray forwards, Fitzjohn this time goes along way before eventually running into traffic, players up with her possession quickly regained put out to Webb forwards on the right 20 yards out fires a shot wide across goal. Elsey escape to attack on the right, Martin does well to get back on her shoulder apply some pressure, Elsey’s shot somewhat scuffed, runs safely through to Wright. The pace of the game and perhaps it’s  seeing several unforced errors, Webb taking the ball on right allowed to travel and cross put deep to the far post Mctrusty closing in can’t reach it. Blair on the right fires a cross into the box, Woodfield dealing with it well as Sillitoe goes for it. 

Katie Webb on the move for Histon Ladies (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Half-time Histon Ladies Development 1-1 Newmarket Town Women Development

  A lively contest most certain has a cup final feel about it. Both sides intent on attack, defending well on the whole. Both having strong spells Histon using the ball better getting in some good positions wide looking to stretch the Newmarket defence. O’Rourke finding some great positions for Newmarket in the final 3rd creating opportunities. A good tempo the evening still warm, can both sides keep it up still all to play for.

Histon getting the 2nd half underway. Doyle getting back well on Martin as she makes space for herself 25 yards out looks to tee up Mctrusty on the left wing. Pressure high up the pitch from Histon sees Blair win her side a corner. Webb in the mix gets her head on the delivery but can’t keep it down, Newmarket clear into Elsey outside the area looks to break, Charter with a good turn of pace coming in to tackle keeps Histon in the final 3rd a strong start to the 2nd half. Doyle gets up to support O’Rourke on the left the pair combine exchanging passes, O’Rourke turning to lay it into the middle for Elsey, Carter tight on her doesn’t let Elsey escape her.

Brie Baker tackling for Histon (photo credit Sean Doyle)

Charter running in behind on the right to the by-line sweeps a cross into the six yard box, deep to the far post Szary is able to claim it unopposed. Newmarket regain possession central Muffett with Doyle put forwards to O’Rourke 25 out left of the D passes across to the right with Elsey on the move, is upended some what clumsily by Baker as she attempts to get in behind, lands heavily, Baker is up immediately knowing she is in trouble as Brie comes running forwards, is fortunate to getaway with a yellow, were covering defenders. Elsey however not so fortunate, is hurt in a lot of pain, has broken her collar bone, (it’s painful I’ve done it.) can’t continue the stretcher brought on not the way she would have wanted her season to end. Annabel Cuthbert coming on in her place to join O’Rourke in the attack.

The free-kick to the right of the area a good position to shoot from, the ball placed, Szary is encouraged forwards from goal to take it, strikes it well racing in on goal neck height, Wright with a brilliant save gloves up up to her right to push the ball wide to safety.

  Histon make a change Mctrusty taken off to be replaced by Flora Snelson. Cuthbert well take on any defence onto the ball right jinks one way then the other on into the area before Fitzjohn moves in on her to challenge send the ball behind for a corner. Put into the near post from the right, Muffett heading it on into the middle, half cleared drops for Doyle ready inside the D sends her shot over. Carter intercepting stepping out from the back as Cuthbert recieves and turns 25 yards out. Newmarket enjoying a good spell Cummins getting a corner on the right knocked in near side Muffett there again puts it back wide for Mason drilled in to top of the box a shot taken is high and wild. 

Baker cuts out a pass from O’Rourke intended for Cuthbert central. The game free flowing Webb racing on with the ball, needs to be stopped by Towler. Newmarket break right Cummins inside to Cuthbert top of the D forced wide, cuts the pass back for Doyle to have a shot, straight at Wright who plucks it down a comfortable save. Cuthbert’s introduction has given Newmarket fresh impotence the game an hour old, Muffett wins the ball plays it forwards for Doyle on halfway she in turn sends it forwards into O’Rourke available left of the D who helps it on for Cuthbert, runs with it forced wide by Carter left from the angle gets a shot away the ball rising over the crossbar.

Hannah Doyle winning the ball for Newmarket (photo credit Sean Doyle)

  Lanham getting about in the middle travels on 25 out on for Sillitoe, Woodfield close in on her tackling, Muffett beyond launching clear. Doyle making some good runs from the middle arrives at the top of the box as Cummins right see fires in a low cross the shot struck first time is high over the target. Into the final 25 minutes signs of nerves from both sides. Sillitoe on the barn turns to lay inside right for Snelson into the box, Towler gets in the challenge.

GOAL! Newmarket get the ball forwards quickly is a fantastic long pass dropped over the top for Cuthbert to peel in behind on taking the ball on into the box fires it in low, skipping up off the artificial surface, Wright is down quickly to her left arms outstretched pushes it away but not far enough as she sees it to her despair trickle in inside the post 1-2, Players rush from all over the pitch to congratulate Cuthbert as they take the lead on the night.

   A double change for Histon with Charter and Sillitoe coming off on come Daisy Barns and Naomi Cooper-Jones. Snelson has made a strong impression since coming on for Histon getting into the area right side does well to win a corner. The ball falling to Lanham top of the box, gets her foot under the shot looking to lift it into the back of the net, too much however sends it over. 

  GOAL! Newmarket’s lead is short lived, Histon having rallied well after falling behind nip in to win it central Lanham on left of the D fed on for Blair to attack in between defender Szary comes out to attempt to close the angle sliding in as Blair pulls the trigger, Szary getting something on the ball deflecting it wide towards the far post is heading out of play, Histon though have a pack racing in on the follow up, Barns in front to tap the ball in from a foot out racing away in celebration, her teammates soon catching up with her 2-2.

  Another drinks break called, Histon back on level terms the title back with them. Newmarket restart moving left Doyle into Jakes pushes on, Webb defending against her for Histon. Wayman misjudges a ball fired in central from Histon to the top of the air swerving goes beyond her Cooper-Jones after it, Wayman though recovers excellent sprinting to catch Cooper Jones tackles the ball deflected back, latched onto by Snelson drills a shot in Szary is well placed to get down and gather it into her gloves. Renewed confidence from Histon are back on the front foot, snapping in to win the ball high up the pitch Newmarket can’t get out.

Newmarket’s Grace Muffett with Histon’s Sophie Lanham

 Into the final 15 minutes a highly entertaining match both sides going for it, the title decider is going all the way. Snelson wining it well 25 out into Barns top of the area, tackled by Crompton out wide left loose, Rebekah Finch on for Histon shoots her angled drive wide. Carter advancing from the back for Histon left clips a great diagonal ball into the area right for Cooper-Jones, catches it well on the half volley loops up and over the bar… but not by much! Histon forcing Newmarket back, Muffett tries to pick out Jakes left, Webb with a good tackle to keep the momentum with Histon.

 Snelson getting on the end pf a Lanham pass winning a corner for Histon on the right Awkward for Szary up gloves it down into traffic, Cooper-Jones sees a shot blocked before Szary drops onto the loose ball. O’Rourke comes back on for Newmarket. Trixie Allsop joining the game too for Newmarket in place of Doyle. Histon have kept Cuthbert out the game but can’t do so for long, picking up a pass on the right the striker powers forwards towards the box, she’s two shots blocked by back peddling defenders before getting a third strike away on the angle low, Wright is down to collect back on her line.

 5 minutes plus stoppages left, a free-kick central for Newmarket, Szary up to deliver the ball knocked out to the right is clipped back in near side into the area, O’Rourke latching onto it smashes a shot into the back of the net, Newmarket incredulous to see the offside flag raised against her word soon spreading on this side of the ground that O’Rourke was on. The goal however doesn’t stand.

  Snelson on for Lanham right linking up 20 yards out Lanham firing in an angled cross long to the far post, Blair jumping can’t keep it down. Time running out Webb up the pitch keeping it in the corner wins a corner. Cleared Newmarket have one last attack winning a corner of there own. Histon think they’ve cleared it a free-kick awarded a Newmarket player fouled right on the corner. Szary forwards to take it right side lines up the target strikes the ball, isn’t far over the crossbar. That the last action of the game the sides drawing 2-2. Histon are the Champions.

Full Time Histon Ladies Development 2-2 Newmarket Town Women Development

   The good sized crowd treated to a thoroughly entertaining game, a great advert for women’s football in the county, both sides knew what was at stake and gave it there all. The title swinging back and forth briefly with Newmarket having come back from conceding in the 4th minute to lead 2-1. Histon responded superbly getting straight back on level terms and upped the tempo to keep the advantage. Newmarket having a goal disallowed that would have seen a different outcome nevertheless has been a fantastic effort from a group of young talented players taking the title battle all the way to the last minute of the season. Runner-up could slip to 3rd if Cambridge Rangers Women win there final game by 13 clear goals against Haverhill Rovers Community on Sunday either way a fine effort. Histon are the Championship South Champions winning promotion to the Premiership above in what has been a difficult season.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this evening’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. Have a clear winner but before that a few performances of note to mention. For Newmarket, Sarah O’Rourke was excellent, good positional play getting the ball back high up the pitch and bringing others into play, getting Newmarket back on level terms. Hannah Doyle too with some good runs from midfield. Alison Wright making some important saves in goal for Histon. Sophie Lanham strong in midfield. Was impressed by Flora Snelson and what she added to the Histon attack. The award though goes to Histon’s Katie Webb the full back covering alot of ground, tackling well and finding some great positions throughout the game.

  An enjoyable game both sides fully committed a title decider played in the right spirit, all action, couldn’t take your eyes off it. Wishing Kaitlin Elsey my best wishes for a speedy recovery from her injury. My thanks to both managers for there help with the teams always appreciated.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Mildenhall Town Ladies v Newmarket Town Women Development

Sunday 16th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

A local derby today on Women’s Football East from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South with Newmarket Town Women’s Development side heading east along the A11 to play Mildenhall Town Ladies.

  As mentioned in last Sunday’s report from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, the county leagues the only ones in the East to continue after the country emerged from the latest lockdown brought on by the ongoing Covid pandemic. The Championship South consisting of 8 sides with it looking likely to be a 3 way battle for the title at the top.

  Has been a while since I was last at Mildenhall Town FC for a women’s football match. The club adopting FAWNL side Cambridge United WFC for a number of seasons. The club embracing women’s football and when Cambridge eventually moved on I felt the town was ideally suited for a new women’s side and was very pleased to see the formation of Mildenhall Town Ladies a couple of seasons ago. 

  Got off to a flying start to emerging a strong contenders in what was then a large 15 strong single Championship picking up alot of good results before unfortunately the 2019/20 season was brought to an end. There 2nd season seeing the Championship’s split once more Mildenhall form up and down winning as many as they have lost before the long pause to proceedings. Looking to get thing’s going again now in midtable ran the leaders close in a 5-4 defeat last time out. Charlotte Nash the clubs top scorer with 19 goals from 10 appearances, Lauren Deller joining from Newmarket this season bringing experience to the attack has scored 8 goals in her  appearances so far. 

  Newmarket have always been a club with a strong youth set up running teams from U9 – U16 aswell as two women’s team the Development side and the 1st team competing in the ERWFL. Newmarket’s U15s winning the U15 B-league this weekend. Manager Shane Lebbon believing strongly in developing youth players and bringing them through the club and whereas some club have taken advantage of their 1st teams seasons ending early playing a stronger dev/reserves side Newmarket have resisted playing just 1 or 2 to help the younger players development. Lay third in the Championship table just a point behind joint leaders Cambridge Rangers Women and Histon Ladies Development. Like Mildenhall they two have a striker in prolific form in front of goal with Kaitlin Elsey finding the back of the net 24 times so far from 9 appearances. Backed up by Sarah O’Rourke who has 10 from 9 appearances.

  The pitch at Mildenhall was always a superb playing surface, a lush covering of grass. Slopes from one goalmouth to the other and is nice and wide. A new hospitality room added beside the main stand and clubhouse. The latest easing of restrictions will see fans able to return to watch from Monday. Many eager to get back. Quite warm and bright with a few dark clouds around, rain forecast, with heavy showers at times but thankfully these were never to materialise. 

Mildenhall Town Ladies starting XI – Tiffany Toynton, Rosalind Ramos, Alex Milner, Cassandra Carvalheira, Niketa Cartner, Eloise Gookey, Annalise Brown, Jasmine Luckett, Katie Haye, Lauren Deller & Charlotte Nash (C). Subs – Megan Hobson & Sara-Jane Langford

Newmarket Town Women Development starting XI – Dominika Szary, Lydia Mason, Rebecca Towler, Beth Woodfield, Kara Wayman, Cerys Crompton, Hannah Doyle, Grace Muffett, Leah Harper, Sarah O’Rourke (C) & Kaitlin Elsey. Subs – Hannah Lock, Emily Davey, Sophie Barrell, Amy Cayzer & Faith Winters.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Before the match the teams gather around the centre circle for a minutes silence to pay tribute to 9 year old Jordan Banks from Blackpool who was tragically killed this week being struck by lightning whilst training. Rest in Peace.

A minutes silence held before the game

Along with Lauren Deller, Cassandra Carvalheira starting at the back for Mildenhall has played for Newmarket. Goalkeeper Hannah Lock injured in the warm up for Newmarket sees a late change with Dominika Szary donning the gloves, an experienced goalkeeper in her own right having enjoyed a season in the FAWNL with Cambridge City Ladies. The captains, Sarah O’Rourke for Newmarket and Charlotte Nash for Mildenhall meet in the centre with the referee, Mildenhall opting to switch ends moving into position to attack up the slope in the first half. Newmarket to kick-off the match wearing yellow shirts with blue shorts and yellow and blue hooped socks. Mildenhall wearing amber coloured shirts with black shorts and socks.

A frantic start the ball pinging back and forth in the centre of the park as each sides closes down the other, the ball eventually being lung out to the right channel by Newmarket for striker Kaitlin Elsey to run down, takes it on into the corner before being challenged by Mildenhall full back Alex Milner an early corner conceded. The delivery swept into the near post cleared by the hosts. Mildenhall get hold of the ball central Jasmine Luckett sending it on through for Nash to attack central, Kara Wayman steps in winning the ball back and preventing Nash escaping in behind her.

Kara Wayman bringing the ball out for Newmarket

  Newmarket send the ball low through into Elsey’s feet 30 yards out she sweeps the pass out to the right channel for O’Rourke who attempts to dink it over the top of the defence for Elsey to run onto, too much on it as goalkeeper Tiffany Toynton comes to claim. Elsey has pace at her disposal as she gets the ball into her feet right side and powers forwards fizzes a ball in towards the near post, is dealt with well by Mildenhall’s Rosalind Ramos who clears upfield. 

  Mildenhall build out on the left Katie Hayes travelling with the ball, sending it on for Deller 20 yards out corner of the box has Luckett going on past her on the over lap diverts the ball into her run, Szary comes to close her down kicking the ball away before Luckett can reach it. Defending at the back Newmarket quickly counter left side the ball up to Leah Harper she fires it up the wing with Elsey peeling off the full back to get in behind, Ramos recovers well to get back on her sliding in to tackle take the ball away from her wide, Elsey going after it turning to fire in a ball along the top of the box, Eloise Gookey intercepting inside the D to bring it away from Mildenhall. 

Newmarket goalkeeper, Dominika Szary

  Newmarket’s pace in attack, unsettling the Mildenhall defence as the visitors are looking to quickly turn play around, Grace Muffett playing it through to O’Rourke looking to escape in the right channel 20 yards out, Milner manages to get across her to send the ball on into her goalkeeper for Toynton to clear. A throw deep on the left sees Newmarket go on to claim a corner kick, the ball played in near post defended by Niketa Cartner, Mildenhall go on the counter attack as Deller carries the ball upfield, sending a strong ball through for Nash leading the attack is clear after it, Szary though ever one to stay on her line is already on the move running out of her box to win the race for the ball launch it back towards her opponents area.

Mildenhall Town Ladies captain, Charlotte Nash

  Nash succeeds to springing the offside trap getting in behind the defence for Mildenhall on the right side pace taking her on into the box Szary comes to close the angle but is beaten top of the box, Nash’s touch sending the ball central but no one is up with her as Newmarket recover at the back. Mildenhall getting some joy out on the left Hayes getting the ball into her feet and looking to take players on, checks inside this time 20 out firing a cross into Nash inside the D hits a shot on the turn the ball running wide of the far post. 

 GOAL! Szary is quick to get play going again and Newmarket hit their opponents with a sucker punch as they go straight up the other end to open the scoring the ball helped on through to Elsey  20 yards out left of the D takes the ball on the bounce setting herself to shoot across the keeper low into the bottom corner from the top of the area 0-1.

Kaitlin Elsey opens the scoring for Newmarket

  A goal inside the opening 15 minutes from Newmarket, Mildenhall get forwards from the restart Annalise Brown into Deller who holds the ball up well in a central position, Nash offering her an option to the left, attempts to put her in on goal, Beth Woodfield stepping out of the back line to take the ball off her toes. Deller strong on the ball 25 yards out left of the D sends a ball into the six yard box, Lydia Mason holds Nash off the defender bringing the ball away on the left firing it forwards for Harper, with Elsey moving across to support, Ramos doing well defensively for the hosts.

 GOAL! Newmarket quickly double their lead the ball won at the back by Woodfield, played on through the middle driven along the floor the target Elsey up in the right channel, takes the ball on running at the defence, checking back to turn inside move central before shooting firing her shot back across the keeper for her 2nd of the game 0-2.

 Mildenhall come very close to pulling a goal back straight away as Hayes attacks with it at her feet on the left wing, shifting inside 25 yards out on the angle goes for goal a sweeping strike that is over Szary, cannons back off the far post, across goal staying in play, Rebecca Towler dealing with it for Newmarket the visitors going straight down the other end a shot from the right fired across the face of goal out for a corner kick. The delivery played into O’Rourke in space outside the area central shifts to her right opening up the angle fires a shot in towards the bottom corner, Toynton diving full stretch to her left making an excellent save.

Katie Hayes striking the woodwork for Mildenhall

  Midway through the 2nd half Mildenhall are looking to get Hayes on the ball left side, Deller holding the ball up well, Nash moving off her win a corner, players come forwards, the set piece played long no one gambling at the far post. Mildenhall’s, Brown is showing so great footwork moving the ball well skipping past players as she looks to get the ball into Deller and Nash up top. Newmarket up the other end always ready to play off the shoulder of the last defender, Elsey never still. Harper on the left comes on with the ball attempts the give and go with Crompton central Ramos tracking Harpers run sliding in to win the tackle for Mildenhall.

Mildenhall’s Annalise Brown with Newmarket’s Cerys Crompton

  A pause in play with Mildenhall having a player down, Gookey who comes off to be replaced by Sara-Jane Langford. Both sides taking on fluids the game being played at a fast pace under bright sunshine. As play resumes Newmarket play O’Rourke in on the right, Milner going with her for Mildenhall to challenge send the ball out for a throw in. Newmarket are pressurising the final 3rd better but Mildenhall’s defence dropping deep at times isn’t being carved open, only when Newmarket back off allow the defence to step out can they exploit Elsey’s pace, the striker sending the ball into the bottom corner, no goal however as the hosts defence stepped up well exposing her to be flagged offside. 

Lauren Deller comes out with the ball for Mildenhall

  Faith Winters joins the game for Newmarket in place of Harper on the left side. Is straight into the action a ball from Hannah Doyle fired through from the centre into her, chases the ball into the box, Ramos does fantastic lunging to tackle send the ball on through to her keeper to deal with. Carvalheiro too with a strong defensive tackle in on Elsey inside the D as the young striker attempts to take the ball in behind her. Langford plays the pass on for Deller who lays it off the Nash running into space on the right goes on into the box before firing a shot into the side netting. 

 GOAL! Mildenhall have been threatening on the left, good footwork from Brown in the middle seeing her release the ball to Hayes out wide on the flank, turns inside strong on the ball taking it into the area before clipping a shot high into the near post under the bar to make it 1-2.

  Newmarket go on the attack the ball fed down the line by Towler, taking the ball on down the right O’Rourke cuts the ball back inside for Elsey 30 yards out right of the D, gets plenty of power behind her strike as she smashes it across the keeper but also wide of the far post. The game has opened up Mildenhall having fallen two goals behind responding well to get themselves back into it go on the attack as Hayes is allowed time on the ball 30 yards out left side taking on the shot Szary scrambles across her goal thankfully sees the ball brush the side netting. 

 GOAL! Newmarket restore their 2 goal advantage and it’s Elsey who goes on to score a 1st half hat-trick. The visitors attacking down the left Ramos defending the ball out for a throw played inside a loose ball played on sees Elsey 25 yards out left of the D nip in to steal it take it on and fires a shot hard across the keeper into the bottom corner 1-3.

Kaitlin Elsey with a 1st half hat-trick

 Newmarket have a corner on the left coming forwards are pressurising the Mildenhall back line the delivery long across the box, Luckett can’t get it away, Cartner sees her attempt charged down, before Brown launches it upfield into Deller who lifts it on for Nash going for the box, Mason taking it off her toes. Deller doing well holding up the ball trying to bring others into play, Luckett away on the right, Wayman into her concedes the throw. Luckett seeing Ramos’ throw into her feet lay it back to her to cross 20 yards out the ball dropping on the penalty spot, Nash after it, Woodfield under it heading firmly away for Newmarket.  

Half-time Mildenhall Town Ladies 1-3 Newmarket Town Ladies Development

  Newmarket leading 3-1 at the break starting the match well opening the score after 15 minutes quickly doubling their advantage. Mildenhall coming back into the game well a couple of chances before pulling it back to 2-1. Newmarket quickly restoring their 2 goals advantage with Elsey’s pace up top a real danger as the young striker completed a first half hat-trick. The game beautifully poised for the 2nd half, Mildenhall know they can’t concede early however.

  The hosts to get the 2nd half underway attacking down the slope now. Newmarket with a change, Elsey off, Emily Davey taking up a position on the right on. The ball played out to the right the pass cut out, Brown regains possession well for Mildenhall passing back to Ramos wide fires it down the line for Luckett, Wayman slides in to tackle for Newmarket. The visitors attack let Winters up with O’Rourke goes inside her taking the ball on looks to be clear in on the box, Toynton comes rushing out to the top of her area makes a brave blocking save getting a bit of both the ball and player but comes off worse the ball put out of play needs treatment but is okay to continue. 

Mildenhall’s Jasmine Luckett

 Deller wins the challenge as the ball is dropped into her left side sending it on down the flank for Hayes, Towler moving across into her to make the challenge send the ball out of play. The pace of the 2nd half as intense as the first Newmarket running the ball on through the middle with Doyle a throw won high on the right is directed into Doyle right of the D her touch lifting it in behind for O’Rourke to spin in behind, picks up pace on the bounce however running out of play before O’Rourke can close it down.

  Mildenhall make a change Gookey coming back on replacing Brown. Winters drives on with the ball left side whipping a cross into the box which is launched into the carpark by Langford defending for Mildenhall. Play a little stretched Newmarket not getting so much of the ball up top, Deller linking up well in attack with Hayes for Mildenhall. Hayes spinning off her marker on halfway taking the ball on into the Newmarket half before angling a diagonal ball into the box looking for Nash peeling off the last defender, the bounce favouring the keeper however as Szary comes well to catch the ball.

Charlotte Nash attempts to flick the ball on spin in behind for Mildenhall

  Carvalheiro steps on the ball loosing possession 25 yards out right of goal presenting O’Rourke with a shooting opportunity the effort no carrying much conviction landing in the side netting. A change for Newmarket with Amy Cayzer joining the game. Winters fed the ball by Mason on the left takes it on firing her pass into O’Rourke who drills a low effort from 20 yards out wide of the near post. Mildenhall bring the ball right Luckett flashes in inside to Nash, attempts to play it across for Deller, Woodfield steps out to intercept. 

Newmarket’s Emily Davey looking for options as she goes forwards

  The host now applying pressure to the Newmarket defence have started the 2nd half well winning a corner, right side fired into the crowded near post Szary amongst it punching the ball away. Ramos up on the right into Luckett 20 yard out skips inside going for the area, Woodfield comes to close her down. Harper has come back on for Newmarket. Luckett on the ball central 25 out sends it out to Hayes attacking on the left, her touch deflecting it on into the box, Mason comes across to put it out for a corner. 

  Megan Hobson comes on for Mildenhall to replace Langford. The corner from the left played chest height into the near post, Cartner getting something on it from 3 yards out turning it goalwards, Szary is well placed saving with a well taken grab low between her legs and reacts quickly releasing it early. Mildenhall on top now pushing forwards winning the ball back in the final 3rd, Deller and Nash taking on the Newmarket defence another corner won on the left met low central but blasted back hard wide across goal. 

Dominika Szary well placed to save as Niketa Cartner turns the ball goalwards

  For all their pressing Mildenhall are vulnerable to the counter attack the ball brought clear left side fed on for O’Rourke getting clear central, bearing down on the area, Toynton comes to close her down, O’Rourke unleashes a shot looks certain to score, Toynton arms outstretched gets the merest of fingertips to it deflect the ball wide of goal for a corner, an excellent save! 

  Davey gets on well up the right to support O’Rourke for Newmarket the pair combining Davey inside attempting the return ball into the box for the attacker, Cartner gets across well to stop the move, pulls up immediately, can’t continue has to come off, Brown returning to the game. Doyle takes the ball on through the middle as Newmarket break from a set play Milner and Ramos combine to close her down win the ball back for the hosts. 

Mildenhall’s Alex Milner

  Wayman with a strong run attacking down Newmarket’s left brings her side a corner as Ramos comes across to tackle. Mildenhall defend but fail to break Newmarket attack again on the left the ball into the top of the area, Toynton comes doesn’t get the ball, the shot is sent past her central, Ramos backing off to cover the goal blocks the ball. The game moving into the final 10 minutes Newmarket bringing Elsey back on up top for O’Rourke. Elsey straight into the action left side given the ball by Winters into the box, Toynton comes making another great save with her legs deflecting the ball wide across her six yard box.  

 

  Deller 25 yards out fizzes a pass into Nash inside the D, her touch taking it wide to her left turns inside the angle going against her blasts her strike behind the target. The Mildenhall defence is tiring, Elsey rested back on has pace at her disposal, Doyle feeding her in central she drives on to the top of the area, Toynton coming out saving well against her. Up the other end Luckett’s pass sees Nash force a corner kick, Newmarket struggle to get it clear, Brown closing down wide right flashing a shot wide across the six yard box. Less than 5 minutes left to play.

GOAL! Elsey adding an injection of pace into the Newmarket attack picks the ball up 40 yards out powers forwards has Doyle up ahead of her to the right sends the ball out to her the midfielder taking in on into the box wide of goal strikes the ball sending a looping shot high to drop over the line behind the keeper 1-4.

Hannah Doyle scores Newmarket’s 4th

  Newmarket bring Sophie Barrell on for Lydia Mason late on.

 GOAL! A strong end to the game from Newmarket taking it away from Mildenhall, Elsey on the scoresheet for her 4th of the game given the ball central is closed down by the Mildenhall defence, tired one up ended Elsey powers on breaking clear to the top of the area, sets her sights planting a fiercely drilled shot wide to the right of the keeper 1-5. 

Kaitlin Elsey powering her way on into the box

 A late free-kick in stoppage time for Mildenhall 30 yards out central, Hayes on it up into the area tries to pick out Nash, Woodfield going with her shields the ball into Szary.

Full time Mildenhall Town Ladies 1-5 Newmarket Town Ladies Development

  Two late goals for Newmarket seeing them win the game 5-1 and keep the pressure on the leading pair. Started the game well taking the lead inside 15 minutes quickly going 2 up. Mildenhall fought back well having chances pulling a goal back. Newmarket hitting back straight away to lead 3-1 at the break. Final scores don’t always reflect games, no doubt Mildenhall had the better of the 2nd half for 40 minutes, Tiffany Toynton with some crucial saves however couldn’t find a goal, Newmarket hitting them with two late goals at the death to seal the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. A few performances to mention first. Some great goalkeeping from Tiffany Toynton kept her side in the game for a long period in the 2nd half. Katie Hayes out on the left with some impressive runs and took her goal well. Rosalind Ramos in particular at the back made several vital tackles. For Newmarket, Lydia Mason covered alot of ground at the back winning several tackles. The award though goes to Newmarket striker Kaitlin Elsey 28 goals from 10 appearances now and easy to see why, great positional play and pace troubled the Mildenhall defence first half scoring a hat-trick coming back on late on to get an assist and score her 4th.

  Enjoyed being back at Mildenhall again is a great club good to see it embracing it’s women’s side, an enjoyable match. My thanks to both sides for giving me those all important team details much appreciated.

 by Darren Gilham

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 12/05/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 12th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

The season almost over in Cambridgeshire the League Cup Final to come this Thursday at St Neots having been postponed. The two sides contesting it in league action in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday.

  Cambridge City Ladies Development away to bottom side Riverside Ladies in the final game of the season for both. A strong performance form Cambridge City seeing them end the league campaign on a high winning 14 of their 15 league games to take them 12 points clear of ICA Sports currently 2nd. Cambridge City winning the game 8-0 with Rebecca Langthorpe and Bella Simmons both on target for a brace with a goal each for Emily Reed, Lucy Hurst, Anna Kanz and Yasmin Crow.

Their opponents on Thursday will be Cambridge University Women, currently 3rd they got a win too on Sunday at home against March Town United Ladies in their penultimate game of the season. A close game both yet to play each other this season the reverse fixture a week maximum points for either seeing them gain a position in the final standings. Emma Searle and Eleanor Mcleish scoring for March they were edged out to the 3 points Cambridge University scoring 3 against them, Shona Lester with a brace along with a goal for Lili Donlon Mansbridge. Cambridge University with one league match left moving to within 2 points of 2nd placed ICA Sports Ladies who have finished their season.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

The Championship North going all the way the the final game of the season the top two neck and neck level on points facing each other on the last day of the season. Has been a tremendous tussle between Ketton Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies losing just the one league game each… that against the other dominating elsewhere. Meeting 3 times in the league Ketton with a superior goal difference had home advantage but that was also the case 2 weeks ago when Wisbech Town beat them 2-1 to ensure the title battle went all the way.

 Ketton with one final push getting the job done against a strong Wisbech side goals from Emma Ward, Danielle Marrison and a 47th goal of the season from Fran Kavanagh securing a 3-0 win and with it the title.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North Champions, Ketton Ladies (picture credit Ketton Ladies)

Congratulations to Ketton Ladies on becoming Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North Champions.

 Wisbech Town Ladies missing out on the last game of the season have nevertheless had a fantastic season, a runners-up finish, reaching the semi-finals of both the League & County Cup along with going all the way in the Division One Cup final. Have also gained promotion to the Premiership next season.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

Just like the Championship North the title battle in the Championship South went all the way to the final day of the season. Haverhill Rovers Ladies out in front for the whole campaign one defeat from their opening 13 games. The challengers St Ives Town Ladies Development playing catch up all season likewise having lost just the one game that against Haverhill on the opening day they returned the favour when the sides met again back in October. The Championship South sides like the North playing each other 3 times it was a blow for Haverhill in their penultimate game of the season last weekend as they lost to St Ives for a 2nd time going down 3-2 handing momentum to St Ives who could overhaul them right at the end with victory in their remaining two matches a double header this Sunday with Park Ladies. 

  Haverhill were at home playing Cambridge Rangers Women in their final game of the season. Goals from Sian Cottrell, Amy Evans, Abbi Griffin, Bethany-May Harding and Kayleigh Steed seeing Haverhill end on a positive note. Cambridge Rangers likewise will be pleased with a strong season that has secured them 3rd spot.

  St Ives playing 2 hour long matches against Park Ladies getting the victories they needed to over take Haverhill and secure top spot winning the games 4-1 and 5-0. The goals coming from Jade Carpenter a hat-trick seeing her finish top scorer on 16 goals. A brace from Tierney Coulson, with Hannah Seymour-Shove, Fran Worrall and Kirsty Wicks also on the scoresheet along with an own goal.

St Ives Town Ladies Development, Championship South, Champions. (picture credit St Ives Town)

Congratulations to St Ives Town Ladies Development matching their first team with a league title and promotion. 

  Promotion too for Haverhill Rovers Ladies, the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership looking a very tasty looking prospect for next season with 4 strong additions. Looking forwards to it already.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 05/05/19

The Round-Up 

Sunday 5th May

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

One game from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday played with Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds and bottom side awarded the home win with opponents Netherton United Ladies and Histon Ladies Reserves pulling out of their final fixtures of the season. The game played a dress rehearsal for what was supposed to be the League Cup Final due to be played now this Wednesday evening a waterlogged pitch however seeing the game postponed and moves to Thursday 16th May at a new venue St Neots Town FC. The two opponents meeting in the league this weekend with Cambridge City Ladies Development hosting Cambridge United Women. Cambridge City winning the Premiership getting the win in their penultimate game in the league goals from Rebecca Langthorpe, Freya Standing and top scorer Megan Tonks seeing them win 3-0. Cambridge University in 3rd have 2 games left and need to win both if they hope to overhaul ICA Sports Ladies to clinch runners-up spot.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

So it all comes down to 90 minutes on Sunday in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North, with Ketton Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies ties at the top of the table on 39 points each having beaten each other once they play for a third and final time in their final game of the season Ketton the hosts this coming Sunday. A home win for Wisbech Town Ladies this Sunday the point awarded against Cardea Ladies who have secured 3rd place in the league. 

Ketton at home were without top scorer Fran Kavanagh as they took on Hungate Rovers Ladies this Sunday. As it was Ketton strong in attack running out comfortable winners to collect the 3 points with a 10-1 win captain Beth Goodman scoring half that tally with 5 to her name, Sascha Smith bagging herself a brace with Danielle Marrison and Lauren McKeever also on the scoresheet. Ketton top on goal difference although whether that is a factor as with last seasons Championship South dead heat I am unsure, a win for either and they are champions.

Also in action on Sunday playing their final game of the season in the Championship North were Pinchbeck United Ladies at home to Wisbech St Mary Ladies contrasting ends to the seasons for both, Wisbech St Mary struggling slipping to the foot of the table. Pinchbeck on the other hand finishing in 4th winning 4 of thier last 5 league games. Courtney Walker netting a hat-trick for Pinchbeck in their final game of the season with Chloe Gray and Rebecca Navarette on the scoresheet in a 5-2 victory. Lauren Laws with both goals for Wisbech St Mary.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

Two games from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South this Sunday and as with their counterparts in the North it looks as though the battle for top spot with 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development winning a thrilling encounter away to leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies this weekend to close the gap to just 3 points with 2 games in hand. Goals from Sophie Cook, Fran Worrall and Caitlin McGeown seeing St Ives to a 3-2 victory. The title in St Ives hands now with nine points left to play for Haverhill with the better goal difference have one game left to play. 

  Both the top two having a game left to play with 3rd placed Cambridge Rangers WFC, who continued their fantastic season with a huge win away to bottom side Burwell Tigers Ladies on Sunday winning for the 9th time this season by double figures scoring 11 without reply.

 

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 28/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 28th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

 Cambridge City Ladies Development are the Champions! Another county league title settled this season as they got the result on Sunday at home against Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds to win the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership title. Just a point needed in fact from their remaining 3 games, goals for Ellie Cullum, Rachel Littlewood, Bronte Rapley and a 31st goal of the campaign for Megan Tonks seeing Cambridge City win the game 4-0. A league and cup double secured now the aim the treble with the league cup final to come in a weeks time.

 Congratulations to Cambridge City Ladies Development upon their title success.

   March Town United Ladies close the gap to 4th placed Fulbourn back to a point with a game in hand winning at home on Sunday in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership up against Histon Ladies Reserves. A goal each from Naomi McGarvie and Eleanor Mcleish her first goal for March seeing them to a 2-0 win.

  March’s opponents in their final two games will be 3rd placed Cambridge University Women, 3 games left to play themselves can chase down 2nd spot with ICA Sports Ladies having finished their fixtures now just 5 points ahead. Cambridge University winning away from home against bottom side Riverside Ladies on Sunday. A 2-0 lead for the visitors at the break, didn’t have it all their own way 2nd half with Annie Posnett scoring twice for Riverside. Cambridge University matching that however to clinch a 4-2 win. Amanda Wainwright netting a brace along with goals for Lu Liu and Mariana Barona scoring her first goal for Cambridge University.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

The title race in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North is still very much on and looks certain to go all the way to the final day with the top two meeting and 2nd placed Wisbech Town Ladies inflicting a first league defeat of the season upon leaders Ketton Ladies to close the gap back to 3 points with a game in hand. 12 straight wins for Ketton before this Sunday including a first league defeat over the season over Wisbech Town when the sides previously met in the league. 3 meetings between the sides in the league two to come both at Ketton including the last game of the season Wisbech travelled knowing nothing short of a win would do if they wanted to keep their ambitions of completing a double alive. Top scorer Sophie Swinden with her 41st goal of the season scoring for the visitors, Fran Kavanagh, top scorer for Ketton hitting her 46th goal of the season the score level at 1-1, Wisbech clinching the win with a late winner scored by Chelsea King. Their game in hand this Thursday against Hungate Rovers Ladies win it and they goal level on points with Ketton with both having 2 games left to play.

A dramatic game elsewhere in the Championship North with Pinchbeck coming back late on in their game away to 3rd placed Cardea Ladies to clinch the 3 points and move off the bottom of the table in the process. A 7 goal thriller, Pinchbeck drawing first blood an early lead scoring in the 6th minute. Cardea getting back on level terms with half an hour played Jessica O’Sullivan  with the goal. Laura Rudd then firing Cardea into the lead in the 38th minute to see the hosts leading 2-1 at the break. Rudd scoring her 18th goal of the season seeing Cardea into a 3-1 lead early in the 2nd period. Pinchbeck coming back into the game well to pull it back to 3-2 before a dramatic finish, just 3 minutes left when they scored to pin Cardea back to 3-3 the visitors going on to score the winning goal in the final minute of the match to take it 4-3. Courtney Walker and Rebecca Navarette both celebrating a brace each.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South, 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development kept their title ambitions alive winning away to Burwell Tigers Ladies this Sunday. Taking home the 3 points with a 5-1 victory close the gap to leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies to 6 points with 2 games in hand. A huge game this coming Sunday as St Ives travel to Haverhill Rovers.

  A 2-0 away win over Burwell Tigers Ladies in midweek Isleham United Ladies were at home this Sunday playing their final league game of the season against Park Ladies. A brace from Lily Turner seeing Isleham drawing 2-2 with Park at half-time. Park with a much better 2nd half securing the win scoring a further 3 goals to see them consolidate 4th spot with a 4th win in 5 league games towards the end of the season a double header with St Ives Town Ladies Development to come. Sherrie Martin scoring a hat-trick for Park to put her on 17 goals for the season. Georgia Stimson with her first goal for Park and a penalty scored by Jemma Brown the other scorers.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 14/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 14th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

Not one but two cup finals played in Cambridgeshire towards the end of last week, worthy of a mention in this weeks edition of The Round-Up. First up on Thursday it was the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridge City Ladies Development taking on Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at Histon FC. Cambridge getting off to the better start however it was Fulbourn who opened the scoring on 15 minutes a break Marie Stubbings playing the ball on for Stacey Kemp to strike past the keeper form outside the box. The lead not lasting long with Freya Standing given time and space to line up a shot from distance the ball bouncing inside the post to make it 1-1. Midfielder Emily Reed scoring from the tightest on angles on the byline to put Cambridge into the lead.

  2-1 up at half time Cambridge pressed for a 3rd goal at the start of the 2nd period Fulbourn with few chances Katie Luddy’s run and cross into the area seeing the ball presented to Stubbings at the top of the area she turned well to make it 2-2 with a clinical finish. Into the final 15 minutes a corner the ball cleared off the line the crossbar struck the ball dropping into the six yard bx players diving in the result a penalty to Cambridge. Bronte Rapley tucking it away to put Cambridge 3-2 up the goal enough to win the trophy, the first of a potential treble.

Cambridge City Ladies Development win the Junior Invitation Cup

 The match report can be found here:- https://womensfootballeast.com/match-report-373/

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup

24 hours later it was the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup competition played at Ely City FC, St Ives Town Ladies Development taking on Wisbech Town Ladies. The Championship North side soon on top against thier Championship South opponents, Wisbech getting forwards top scorer Sophie Swinden putting a one on one opportunity against the keeper wide. The deadlock eventually broken on the half hour Wisbech pressing the ball Chloe Stanborough carrying it into the box shooting the ball pushed wide across goal captain Faye Kowalewsky there on the follow up to nod the ball into the back of the net. Stanborough coming close again striking the bar.

  Wisbech remained on top for much of the game preventing St Ives getting forwards with any meaningful attacks in control but just 1 goal in it a 2nd would make thing’s more comfortable awarded a free-kick 35 yards out, Swinden over the ball goes for goal a well taken strike the ball high into the air dropped under the crossbar to put Wisbech 2-0 with less than 20 minutes to play. 2-0 the final score Wisbech Town Ladies winning this season’s Division One Cup.

Wisbech Town Ladies, 2018/19 Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup Winners

 The match report can be found here:- https://womensfootballeast.com/match-report-374/

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Cambridge City Ladies Development are now just one win away from secured the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership title as they won 7-0 at home to March Town United Ladies this Sunday. Winning the Junior Invitation Cup one win from their last 3 games will see them crowned champions and win the double with the League Cup final also to be contested in May. Megan Tonks moving onto 30 goals for the season scoring a brace against March. There were goals too for Rachel Littlewood, Anna Kanz, Lucy Hurst and Ellie Cullum.

   ICA Sports Ladies finished their season this Sunday with a home win against Histon Ladies Reserves, currently in 2nd position in the Premiership table 8 points clear of 3rd placed Cambridge University Women who have 4 games yet to play. Stu Afford stepping down as manager ICA Sports Ladies will be managed by Shaun Harley next season. Ended this campaign on a high goals from Jessica Farchina, Carman Herridge and Donna Nicholls securing a 3-0 win. 

  Buoyed by a good performance in the Junior invitation Cup Final on Sunday Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds were at home to Cambridge University Women on Sunday. The bare 11 for Cambridge University they played their part in a high scoring game with the sides sharing 8 goals, Lu Liu, Bernice Wood and Amanda Wainwright on target for 3 goals for the visitors. A hat-trick from Marie Stubbings taking her onto 21 goals for the season plus a goal each for Katie Luddy and Krissie Taylor seeing Fulbourn win the game 5-3 giving them an advantage in the quest for 4th spot in the table.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

Like Cambridge City Ladies Development, Wisbech Town Ladies were soon back in action after their Cup success on Friday. Less than 48 hours later Wisbech Town Ladies were at home to Cardea Ladies. Sophie Swinden closing in on 40 goals for the season scoring a brace to take her to 38. Wisbech winning the game 5-1, Chloe Stanborough, Amy Newell and Yasmin Holmes on her debut with the other goals.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

A full fixture list in the Championship South this Sunday. Leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies maintaining their 9 point lead at the top of the table with a big away win against Isleham United Ladies. Joeli Kirby well ahead in the goal scoring charts bagging herself another 4 goals to take her onto 40 goals for the season. There were hat-tricks too for Kayleigh Nolan and Abbi Griffin with Kayleigh Steed also on the scoresheet.

  Like Wisbech, St Ives Town Ladies Development were also in action less than 48 hours after playing in the Division One Cup final the 2nd placed side looking to keep the pressure on Haverhill with victory at home to 3rd placed Cambridge Rangers WFC got over there final disappointment creating some good opportunities to win the game 3-2 to maintain the 9 point gap with 3 games in hand.

  A double header this Sunday between Park Ladies at home to Burwell Tigers Ladies, two 60 minute games played as they look to get their fixtures in. 6 points collected by Park taking them 6 points clear in fourth spot. The first game won 2-0 with Sherrie Martin scoring her 14th goal of the season and Francesca Plitsch finding the back of the net. The 2nd game won by 4 goals to 2, Sophie Fenner scoring a brace with 1st goals of the season for Victoria Brown and Charlotte Tweed.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 07/04/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 7th April

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership   

 Into April the finishing line in sight for a number of clubs the season soon coming to an end. Cambridge City Ladies Development 3 points clear at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership have 4 left to play, weren’t in action this Sunday but saw other results go their way. Just the one game played in the league at the weekend and it was a good result at home for Netherton United Ladies as they held third placed Cambridge University Women to a 0-0 draw. The big movers in the league Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds the latest side to leap from 7th to 4th courtesy of being awarded the 3 points for a home win over 2nd placed ICA Sports Ladies who now have just one mach left to play.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

 In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North leaders Ketton Ladies kept up their winning record 11 from 11 now to open up a 6 point lead at the top of the table. Ketton were at home this Sunday taking on 3rd placed Cardea Ladies. 25 goals for the season now for Claire Lawrenson as she celebrated scoring a hat-trick for Ketton. Fran Kavanagh once again amongst the goals to netting a brace to move onto 44 for the season. Ketton winning the game 5-1, Laura Rudd with the Cardea goal.

   In the other game played in the Championship North there was a eye opening scoreline between Hungate Rovers Ladies & Wisbech St Mary Ladies with the hosts 2nd from bottom in the table racking up a double figure scoreline to win for just the 2nd time this season. Hungate Rovers ladies winning the game 10-0. Savanna Plavecz top scoring in the game netting a hat-trick. Also amongst the goals were Kelly McKenna scoring twice with a goal each for Ewelina Jerzak, Kate Neal and Kelly McManus the latter pair scoring their first goals of the season.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

 Three games left to play in the league now for Haverhill Rovers Ladies look on course for the title holding a 9 point lead at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South. Can be caught by 2nd placed St Ives Town Ladies Development who have 3 games in hand, one of Haverhill’s remaining games however at home to St Ives. This Sunday they racked up another double figure win this time at home against Park Ladies. A hat-trick each for Kayleigh Nolan who has 16 for the season and Abbi Griffin who is on 9. Top scorer Joeli Kirby also on the scoresheet with another goal taking her tally to 36 for the season. Julie Brown and Sian Cotterill alos scoring with an own goal completing a 10-0 victory.

  St Ives Town Ladies Development prepared for their upcoming Division One Cup Final this Friday with a comfortable home win against Isleham United Ladies on Sunday. Winning the game 6-0 to keep their title hopes alive games in hand will be looking to close the gap to leaders Haverhill before the sides meet on the 5th of May.

   Cambridge Rangers Women continue to keep neck and neck with St Ives Town Ladies Development level with them on 24 points albeit having played two games more. Their 8th win of the season coming at home on Sunday against Burwell Tigers Ladies. A close result in the finish Charlotte Fogarty and Elisa Heinamaa scoring a goal each for Burwell, Cambridge Rangers edging them out to win the 3 points with a 3-2 victory.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 17/03/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 17th March

A Tuesday night Cup Final interrupting affairs, this weeks Round-Up’s can resume. Beginning with Cambridgeshire as it fits in nicely with the posts, as you need only look at the one below this to catch up on events in the big game in the County this week the Women’s Invitation Cup Final played at The Abbey Stadium for the first time, Cambridge City Ladies winning the trophy for the first time last season taking on rivals and their final opponents from last season Cambridge United WFC. The Round-Up usually taking a look back at events I’m only repeating snippets of the report written in the early hours of this morning.

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

A handful of matches taking place in the league & cup on Sunday. 4 played in total. Two of those the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup. Their 1st team going great guns at the top of the ERWFL Premier Division, Cambridge City Ladies Development are having an equally impressive season, top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership are now through to the League Cup Final too as they won convincingly at home in their semi-final against Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies. Freya Standing on target for a hat-trick for Cambridge their were goals to for Anna Kanz, Yasmin Crow, Lucy Hurst, Rachel Littlewood and Rebecca Langthorpe in an 8-0 win.

  Cambridge City’s opponents in the League Cup Final will be Cambridge University Women after they knocked out current holders ICA Sports Ladies at the semi-final stage. Cambridge University at home, the sides going into half-time goalless. ICA Sports taking an early 2nd half lead. Cambridge University strong coming back to level the scores with a worldie from Eliza Croop. Went on to complete a hat-trick to put Cambridge University through to the final with a 3-1 win. Dates and venue for the final to be confirmed in due course.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

One league match played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership on Sunday saw, March Town Ladies at home to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds. Little separating the sides 4th down to 7th final position very much remains for the taking. Both sides getting a goal in the first half drawing 1-1, went on to battle as goalless 2nd half to take away a share of the points, Emma Searle scoring for March her 8th of the season. Marie Stubbings finding the back of the net for Fulbourn once again way out in front in their goal scoring charts this Sunday’s goal her 17th of the season. 

Histon Ladies Reserves awarded the 3 points climb to 4th spot an away win against Netherton United Ladies.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

One game too in Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South, contrasting fortunes for the 6 sides in the league 3 sides with just the one win each at the bottom of the table Park Ladies won 5-3 against Isleham United Ladies last Sunday to get a 2nd 3 point haul. It was Isleham United’s turn this weekend in a close win at home to Burwell Tigers Ladies. Laura Todd scoring a goal in each half enough to secure Isleham’s 2nd win of the season in a 2-1 result having been leading 1-0 at half-time.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 10/03/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 10th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Cambridge City Ladies Development return to the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership with victory away to Netherton United Ladies on Sunday. Top of goal difference over ICA Sports Ladies, Cambridge City have 3 games in hand on their rivals. Megan Tonks getting on the scoresheet once again for Cambridge City scoring her 28th goal of the season, A goal too for Yasmin Crow along with one for Philippa Witherspoon returning to play for the 1st time this season. Cambridge City winning the game 3-1.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup

 Semi-final weekend for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup a new competition introduced last season for the clubs competing in the Championship North & South. It was to one of these semi-finals Women’s Football East ventured this weekend to watch league rivals Wisbech Town Ladies and Ketton Ladies go head to head in the last 4 of the competition. Ketton leading the way with a 100% record at the top of the Championship North, Wisbech Town just 3 points behind having lost their first league meeting with two to come. Meeting in the Division One Cup this Sunday the game switched to 3G due to the weather the rain almost gone replace by the blustery winds that affected so many games across the country.

  Not ideal weather for a semi-final match, Wisbech adapting to the conditions better taking an early lead Amy Newell firing home from outside the box to make it 1-0. Ketton though they had equalised when a long range free-kick from defender Beth Goodman went in over the keeper but the effort was ruled out with players running offside one close to the keeper. A narrow lead for Wisbech at half-time the weather giving us a bit of everything. The hosts doubling their advantage early in the 2nd half with top scorers Sophie Swinden running clear on the right to send the ball past the keeper.

Chloe Stanborough with the ball at her feet for Wisbech Town Ladies

  Claire Lawrenson coming close for Ketton moments later beating the keeper only for defender Kaylie Swinden to get back head her shot wide for a corner. Ketton frustrated couldn’t get anything happening in the final 3rd, the 90 minutes almost up Wisbech were finishing strong pressing for a 3rd goal it came as Chloe Stanborough caught the ball perfectly outside the box to volley the ball home under the diving keeper. 3-0 up into stoppage time Ketton’s goalkeeper Georgia Ireland hurt diving for the ball unable to continue Amy Gray taking up the gloves Wisbech pressed the attack Swinden getting a 2nd goal then going on to complete her hat-trick with Stanborough’s cross/shot finding the top corner in the dying seconds to see Wisbech run out 6-0 winners to reach the final of the Division One Cup.

  Their opponents will be St Ives Town Ladies Development after they won their semi-final clash at home to fellow Championship South side Burwell Tigers Ladies on Sunday. Also switched to 3G due to the awful weather. St Ives like Wisbech 2nd in the South table looking to chase down Haverhill Rovers Ladies for the title itself. Jade carpenter scoring a brace in the game for St Ives with Fran Worrall also celebrating a goal in a 3-1 victory.

The date for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One Cup Final announced, will be on Friday 12th April with a 7:30pm kick-off at Ely City FC. 

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday, Cardea Ladies consolidating 3rd position in the table with a home win against 4th placed Wisbech St Mary Ladies. The hosts taking a 10th minute lead through captain Laura Rudd added a 2nd in the 21st minute to take her goals tally to 17 for the season. Naomi Hall scoring a 3rd 4 minutes later to see Cardea holding a 3 goal lead at half-time. Wisbech St Mary threatened a comeback with 2 goals early in the 2nd half Eilish Brown on target to score in the 48th minute, Josie Turner making it 3-2 7 minutes later. Cardea found the back of the net for a 4th goal past the hour to restore a 2 goal cushion, Phoebe Browness getting the goal. Cardea winning the match 4-2.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

Haverhill Rovers Ladies extended their lead at the top Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South to 7 points with victory at home to 3rd placed Cambridge Rangers WFC on Sunday. The visitors enjoying a good season themselves scoring twice against the league leaders, Haverhill in their debut season since returning to women’s football building a strong squad, Joeli Kirby’s goals helping the side as they aim for title success scored two more on Sunday taking her tally for the season to 35. Kayleigh Nolan amongst the goals too scoring at the weekend has 13 now for the campaign with a goal on her debut for Haverhill for Georgina Sparkes in a 4-2 win.

At the other end of a contrasting Championship South table Park Ladies were at home to Isleham United Ladies on Sunday the sides both with just 3 points each to date along with Burwell Tigers Ladies. Laura Todd, Louisa Harwood and Emily Ingle all getting on the scoresheet for Isleham it wasn’t enough to take anything from the game as Park scored 5 up the other end to collect the 3 points.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 24/02/19

The Round-Up

Sunday 24th February

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

 A lovely weekend for football in Cambridgeshire as it was across the whole of the country. The Women’s League Cup competition reaching the knockout stages with 3 of the 4 quarter finals taking place this weekend. The 8 sides coming through the group stages finishing 1st or 2nd in their group to progress a number of Championship sides amongst the last 8.

 Ketton Ladies with a 100% record leading the Championship North were away this Sunday a tough challenge in the League Cup were taking on Premiership side Cambridge City Ladies Development. Ketton are full of confidence right now, Cambridge City keen to lift some silverware this season vying for the title in their own league. It turned out to be a close game with just a single goal settling it. Bella Simmons with the all important goal to send Cambridge City Ladies into the last 4 of the competition.

  An all Premiership clash saw March Town Ladies at home to Cambridge University Women in the quarter finals of the League Cup this Sunday. Nothing to separate the sides at half-time with the scores level at 1-1. Emma Searle with her 7th of the season scoring for March. Cambridge University going on to score two more goals in the 2nd period to win the game 3-1 to advance into the semi-finals. Amanda Wainwright on target for her 7th of the season with Lu Liu also on the scoresheet along with a first goal for the club for Freja Ekman.

  In the other League Cup quarter final match played this weekend it was raining goals between Championship South leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies and Wisbech Town Ladies fighting with Ketton Ladies for the Championship North title. Wisbech struggling with players injured playing with 11 sometimes 10 dug deep against Haverhill the sides drawing 3-3 after 90 minutes, the extra-time that followed no less dramatic with a further 6 goals scored. Wisbech edging Haverhill out in the dramatic encounter winning through to the semi-finals with a 7-5 victory. Sophie Swinden finding the back of the net for 4 goals, Leah Hall, Chloe Stanborough and captain Faye Kowalewsky also getting a goal each. Joeli Kirby, Haverhill’s top scorer netting a brace, along with captain Amy Evans with Julie Brown also scoring.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

One other cup game playing in the county this Sunday saw Premiership side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds Ladies at home playing Burwell Tigers Ladies from the Championship South in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup. A brace each for Marie Stubbings and Sharon Pinner as well as a goal for Katie Luddy seeing Fulbourn ease through to the next round with a 5-1 victory.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

One league game played in Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North this Sunday with 3rd placed side Cardea Ladies travelling to play Hungate Rovers Ladies. Captain Laura Rudd putting the visitors into the lead inside 5 minutes. Hungate coming back to level the scores 10 minutes later. Cardea retaking the lead in the final minute of the 1st half with Jessica O’Sullivan scoring. A good start to the 2nd half saw Cardea go 3-1 up with Nicola Anderson getting on the scoresheet. Hungate pulled it back to 3-2 with 53 minutes played, Cardea soon regaining their 2 goal lead with Courtney Coles making her 1st start making it 4-2. Hungate ensuring a nervy finish to the game as they got it back to 4-3 with 15 minutes left Cardea holding on for the win and 3 points a 2nd successive league win seeing them move 4 points clear of 4th placed Wisbech St Mary Ladies.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

 One game played too in the Championship South, which sees Cambridge Rangers WFC up to 2nd in the table going 3 points clear of St Ives Town Development with a 4th successive league win. Were at home taking on Isleham United Ladies for the 2nd successive week. A 5-1 win last weekend, an even better scoreline this weekend the 3 points won courtesy of an 8-0 result. Lauren Lock with one goal to her name before the game putting the ball past the keeper for 4 goals this Sunday. A hat-trick too for Vanessa Martinez with Zoe Newberg also on the scoresheet celebrating her first Cambridge Rangers goal.