Category Archives: Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

Match Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Soham Town Rangers Ladies

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Sunday 27th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 Back to Cambridgeshire this Sunday to take in my first game from the county leagues in the East. From Division One as Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds finally get their league campaign underway host Soham Town Rangers Ladies. 

 There are some interesting county league divisions across the east this season, Division One in Cambridgeshire no exception, several tasty looking match-ups to look forward to over the season with no clear favourite, certainly a few contenders with 12 sides competing.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds are the longest established club without a break competing in Cambridgeshire, won the Division One title two season’s ago to and with it have a stab at playing at regional level in the ERWFL. Ultimately wasn’t to be, gave it their all but with 3 sides set to come down it’s a tough league to consolidate yourself in. Relegated but all the better for the experience the danger was in keeping the squad which has to be fair always been a close knit group together.

 That they have done have a rich history with experienced players at this level, A potent strike force when their confidence is high aren’t setting any goals for the new campaign, will be considered one of the favourites for the title but the aim is to just get back to enjoying the football and see where that takes them. The season in Cambridgeshire entering it’s 3rd week, Fulbourn have yet to get going despite an early exit in the FA Cup have prepared for two league outings only for both to be called off, so find themselves starting their season over, keen to hit the ground running.

 Soham Town Rangers Ladies are up and running, making their debut in the FA Cup losing out to Cambridge City Women have gotten their league games in a draw and a narrow defeat so far. Relative newcomers rising up the league the core of the old Isleham United Ladies side moving to Soham Town Rangers FC keen to get involved with a women’s side providing strong support, signed a number of experienced players at this level rising up to Division One last season.

 Finishing 6th in their debut season in Division One are looking to become an established force at that level get amongst the title challengers. Also reached their first ever cup final last season the Junior Invitation Cup losing out to Newmarket Town Women Development. Have been several player departures over the summer with a good turn around of the squad but new faces coming in too, the women’s section still retaining its two sides. Several of those new faces featuring in the Newmarket side that beat Soham in the final with dead ball specialist Jess Linger joining along with attackers, Evie Stackhouse and Eden Kirby-Cook and goalkeeper Mairi Robinson. 

 The Fulbourn Recreation Ground the venue for today’s game, has been too long since I was last here. A multi-sports venue with clubhouse and carpark leading out to the sports pitches and pavilion, the football pitches to the rear a long way from the changing rooms a little worn in places with the dry summer, the grass pitch offering good width. A warm end to September close but a good amount of cloud cover around wasn’t expecting a shower before kick-off but I’ve been doing this for a while and the rucksack is usually equipped with both sun cream and an umbrella just in case.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Verity Crook, Amy Smith, Lydia Mason, Jess Anderson, Catherine Henderson, Grace Muffett, Hollie Colling, Marie Stubbings (C), Katie Chaudhry, Ebony Crook & Eleanor Woodley. Subs – Daniella Quinn, Bronte Rapley, Amelia Thompson & Freya Turner.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

Soham Town Rangers Ladies starting XI – Mairi Robinson, Chloe Dunn, Elsie Holroyd Davison, Amelie Kent, Hannah Marsh, Jess Linger, Rachel Pearce. Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls (C), Emelia Bates, Eden Kirby-Cook & Evie Stackhouse. Subs – Ester McTrusty, Kara Firek & Eloise Booty.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captains Marie Stubbings and Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls with today’s match referee Rocco D’Ammaro

The rain largely gone with the sides lining up for kick-off, Verity Crook in goal for Fulbourn persuaded to don the gloves after packing it in 9 season’s ago (really doesn’t feel that long) a wealth of experience coming in as goalkeeping cover having played for 4th tier side Cambridge United WFC. Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls captaining Soham a quality keeper in her own right having featured for Soham and Newmarket previously in that position, outfield now an extremely versatile player. Marie Stubbings captaining Fulbourn. Soham to get the 1st half underway wearing green and white vertical striped shirts with green shorts and socks, Fulbourn lined up opposite wearing an all navy kit with white trim.

The ball rolled back to captain Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls in the middle looks to lift it out to the right wing for Emelia Bates to attack, Lydia Mason dealing with it for Fulbourn at left back the ball pressed right away in the middle both sides rushing in to gain possession the ball popping back and forth, favours Soham as Bates looks to gain ground on the wing high her cross charged down, Fulbourn immediately on the counter the ball clipped on for Katie Chaudhry on the right side gets her foot under the ball lifting a high diagonal ball up into her opponents box, bouncing up off the turf in front of the six yard box an awkward one for goalkeeper Mairi Robinson to deal with but plucks it down well safely into her gloves.

  Fulbourn getting players forwards quickly with intent captain Marie Stubbings through the middle with Ebony Crook left, Eleanor Woodley running into the right channel, winning a corner out on the left curled into the box, Soham with numbers back to defend, Elsie Holroyd Davison getting her head on the ball to clear. The visitors playing the ball up to Rachel Pearce turns it on for Bates surging on up the right wing, her cross cut out by Fulbourn centre back, Catherine Henderson. 

Fulbourn defender, Catherine Henderson

 Eden Kirby Cook taking the ball out to the right for Soham squaring a cross into Evie Stackhouse right of the D, goes to attack it on the volley skipping up just as she connects the ball not hit cleanly running wide across goal out to the left. Hollie Colling tackling in the middle winning the ball for Fulbourn, Stubbings looking to feed off her take the ball on the hosts with a good understanding the through ball for Woodley bursting into the right channel over hit. 

An open game played at a frantic pace the ball toing and froing between both sides, Holroyd Davison finding Bates high on the right her cross in close to the near post caught by Fulbourn keeper, Verity Crook. Competitive some aggressive challenges across the pitch, Jess Anderson fouling Stackhouse in the middle, both getting a talking too from the referee. Jess Linger to take sends a long ball up into the area, Crook behind it all the way collecting on the bounce. Grace Muffett in the middle for Fulbourn with Colling put on for Stubbings, attempts to put it over the top for Crook with Soham’s defence high a vital interception from Chloe Dunn for the visitors. 

 Anderson cutting out a cross for Fulbourn as Kirby Cook turns it on for Bates bursting away on the right. Colling on for Stubbings through the middle, plays it in behind, Crook and Woodley both evading the offside flag, Robinson reacting quickly rushing out of her area to clear. Stubbings carrying the ball on puts the pass into Woodley breaking in behind pulled down outside the box to the left of the D, the free-kick awarded. Ebony Crook over it goes for goal her effort over the bar from 20 yards. 

 Fulbourn gaining some momentum looking to have a fluid understanding going forwards, winning a through high on the left, the cross forced into the near post Hannah Marsh getting her foot in first to scramble it away from danger before Woodley can pounce. Soham getting a little frustrated on the side-lines as they a penalised for another free-kick on the left, played into Chaudhry top of the D, her touch a little strong, gives Quinn-Nicholls the opportunity to steal in to intercept launch it clear.

Soham captain, Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls

 Up to Bates, whipping a cross into the area from the right claimed by Crook. From the resulting counter attack, Woodley making the run into the channel looks to play in Chaudhry on the right, just a little too much weight behind it. Colling putting herself about for Fulbourn winning the ball central getting her team on the move in attack Ebony Crook with the ball looking to get away on the left, tackled by Soham’s Dunn the ball out for a throw. 

Fulbourn’s Hollie Colling

 Quinn-Nicholls central linking up with Pearce the ball on for Kirby Cook, cut out by Anderson for the hosts. Fulbourn quicker to the 2nd ball getting players on through the middle Stubbings taking it on from Colling rolled on into the box, Robinson getting there to clear as Woodley rushes in to close her down. A lively opening 20 minutes Fulbourn putting the Soham defence under a little pressure, the hosts defence winning the ball back, Anderson and Henderson both winning challenges, Pearce with the ball for Soham her pass turned on for Kirby Cook right side her cross cut out by Anderson.

  Pressure from Stubbings running forwards as Woodley receiving the ball from Colling right side turns it on in behind for her captain to chase wining a corner kick. Curled in central, Stubbings looking to get in under control around the penalty spot, Kirby Cook getting her foot in to clear for Soham. Robinson making the save for Soham as Stubbings plays it on for Woodley racing into the area right of goal. 

Mairi Robinson getting down to make the save

 The referee awarding a hand ball to Fulbourn some 35 yards out to the right as the ball is fired into towards the box. Soham making a change bringing off Stackhouse up top sending on Kara Firek. Fulbourn’s Chaudhry over the set-piece firing a diagonal ball in through the Soham area towards the far post, a good ball in no one able to run onto it out for the goal kick. Free-kicks breaking up play Soham feeling they are not going there way. Colling and Muffett fighting for the ball in the middle for the hosts freeing up Stubbings to get on join the attack, Mason getting back at Bates on the right to deny the cross. Muffett fouled central, Henderson putting the ball on up into the box for Fulbourn, Kent defending for Soham.

Soham’s Amelia Kent

  A good contest between the captains Stubbings spinning off Quinn-Nicholls outside the box, Quinn-Nicholls stretching snapping back at her the ball turned back towards goal, close to an own goal but cleared in the nick of time. The pace fast, Fulbourn getting their attacking players on quicker exerting more pressure, Bates the outlet for Soham on the right the visitors not getting as many up in support in their attacks Anderson and Henderson for the large part winning the ball back, Crook in goal composed.

GOAL! Fulbourn quick to get an attack moving through the middle the ball played up to Woodley she turns it on for Chaudhry making a run into the right channel a great first touch seeing her cut back inside across the top of the D 20 yards out catching the ball sweetly shoots, the ball rising inside the right post past the diving keeper before she can get there 1-0.

Katie Chaudhry lining up the strike for Fulbourn

 Fulbourn opening the scoring just past the half hour mark, Soham on the back foot, Quinn-Nicholls winning the free-kick as she looks to combine with Pearce through the middle. top of the centre circle Linger over it looks to play it on in towards goal at the far post, Crook behind it all the way collecting unopposed. Woodley played on down the right flank, but on her own as Marsh doubles up with Holroyd Davison to defend for the visitors. 

Soham’s Elsie Holroyd Davison

 Fulbourn getting on top wining the ball in the middle Colling finding Woodley on the right p with Chaudhry taking it to the by-line her cross into the near post Ebony Crook running in the attack halted by the raised offside flag. Soham making a double change bringing off Marsh and Holroyd Davison shuffling the pack as Eloise Booth and Ester McTrusty enter the action. Quinn-Nicholls dropping back into defence. 

 Crook claiming the ball off of a Linger free-kick wide on the right as Bates is up ended, the ball launched upfield to Ebony Cook straying offside. 10 minutes left to play in the 1st half Fulbourn winning the ball at the back, Colling with some useful forward passes, Stubbings running on looking to join the attack. Anderson dealing with a difficult bouncing ball top of the area as Kirby Cook looks to apply pressure. Kent diving in to take the ball out for a throw as Ebony Crook looks to take it on down Fulbourn’s left.

GOAL!  Fulbourn cut open the Soham defence, Colling with the inch perfect pass to play Stubbings on through on goal central taking the ball on into the box gets her shot away past the onrushing keeper before she can set herself and turns away in celebration as she doubles the lead opening her account for the season 2-0.

Marie Stubbings wheels away in celebration as she doubles Fulbourn’s lead

  Mason being kept on her toes by Bates on Soham’s right, closing her down well this time to deny the cross. Chaudhry wide right seeing the ball into her feet turning it on for Stubbngs as she surges past her on the overlap into the box right of goal shooting on the angle her attempt held low by the keeper as Robinson gets down behind the ball to save. 

 Dunn in to close Ebony Crook down as Mason finds her with the pass on the left the ball out for a throw. Robinson out well to deal with the threat as Woodley looks to set up Stubbings for Fulbourn. The host defence having more time at the back Soham not getting players on in numbers often able to double up Smith with support from Anderson as Kirby Cook looks to find a way through on the left.

Captains, Marie Stubbings and Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls

  Dunn lunging in to tackle Ebony Crook as Woodley attempts to turn the ball over the top to her through the middle. Firek, combining with Bates and Booth for Soham as they build an attack on the right late in the first half the cross fired in top of the area too strong for Kirby Cook racing out to the left retrieved by Pearce gets a shot away from distance collected by Crook from all of 30 yards out. Into the closing seconds as Bates gets on Henderson’s shoulder right trying to burst into the box, Crook racing out to slide in blocks the shot at her feet.

Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-0 Soham Town Rangers Ladies

  Fulbourn with a deserved 2-0 lead at the break, getting players forwards with intent creating opportunities in front of goal and asking Soham questions. A side familiar with each others play the ball won in the middle put on in the final 3rd. The break through coming on the half hour with a great touch and strike from Katie Chaudhry for Fulbourn’s first goal of the season. Hollie Collin putting captain Marie Stubbings in on goal to double the lead. Soham getting a little disjointed as the half wore on feeling they weren’t getting the rub of the green, getting the ball on well enough but not using it as effectively in the final 3rd. Both sides staying out during the interval, Fulbourn will be looking for more of the same, Soham with a few issues to address if they are to get themselves back into the game and at 2-0 the next goal is often the most vital.

 The visitors making changes to personnel and position at the start of the 2nd half Marsh back on for McTrusty moving up top to join the attack, Bates dropping to right back with Dunn over on the left side of defence. Fulbourn to get the 2nd half underway making a change too on the right with Chaudhry off replaced by Freya Turner. The ball into Colling out to Smith on the right, Soham quick to press the ball forced back to the keeper, Crook launching it up field. Bates with the ball travelling up the right for Soham fed on for Firek into the wing, takes the ball on, Mason staying with her well not giving away any room for the cross the ball out for a throw.

  Soham with numbers up working the throw into a cross dealt with by Fulbourn’s Henderson inside the box. Fulbourn counter the pass on for Turner breaking up the right her shot on the angle hooked into the side netting. Marsh pushing on from a diagonal ball played into her path top of the box, scuffs her shot seeing it lack the pace to trouble Crook in the Fulbourn goal. Bates getting back at Ebony Crook on the left taking the ball off the attacker as she breaks for the by-line out for a corner kick. 

Ebony Crook holding off Rachel Pearce

 Crook herself to take the corner a great ball in curled into the near post, striking the upright deflected across the goal face half cleared at the far post falling to Stubbings top of the area to the right of goal firing it back in wide of the near post. Woodley and Ebony Crook combine up on the right exchanging passes, Crook falling back as she goes to pull the trigger screwing her shot away from goal. Frantic at times both sides wanting to get the ball moving, Linger into Pearce, her pass to Firek right side intercepted by Anderson.

Soham’s Jess Linger

  End to end as Fulbourn counter with pace out to Ebony Crook over on the right taking on the shot on the volley from the angle driven in smashes against the crossbar. Fulbourn getting on top Soham with all their positional changes a little disjointed. Ebony Crook with an ambitious diagonal pass over the top form the left looking to send Turner away through to attack the box from the right, Robinson has to come running out of her area to clear the ball. 

 Pearce seeing the ball into her feet in attack for Soham looking to make something happen old the ball up get players up around her  outside the box, Henderson in to close her down tackling from behind winning the ball. Fulbourn making another switch with Daniella Quinn coming on to replace Muffett in the middle. 

 Fulbourn winning another free-kick deep on the right much to the annoyance of the Soham bench, Crook over it sending a flighted ball in on goal, cleared on the line by Kent for the visitors. Getting a bit feisty, Marsh and Anderson tangling as the attacker tries to get into the box, as Crook comes to scoop up the ball. Tensions high the referee having a word with the Soham coaches as another decision goes against them. Make a change with Linger coming off, Holroyd Davison back into the action. 

  End to end as Kent clears long at one end forcing Crook to come running out of her area to kick clear as Firek looks to run it down. Soham putting themselves about looking to apply more pressure in the final 3rd, Fulbourn not getting the joy through the middle they had in the 1st half, win a corner on the left, Crook to curl it into the near post again this time Robinson covering the angle can see it land in the side netting. 

Rachel Pearce

 Marsh powering on towards the box right of goal getting a shot away, Crook right behind it back on her line. Henderson defends on Firek as the striker looks to get on her shoulder drive towards the box. McTrusty back on for Soham out on the left. Mason taking a ball to the stomach nursing the blow as Fulbourn make a substitution, Ebony Crook coming off, Amelia Thompson coming on midway through the 2nd half. Woodley over on the left whipping a cross on the angle into the six yard box just a little too high for Turner running in at the far post out for the goal kick.

Fulbourn’s Eleanor Woodley

  The game is stretched Fulbourn feeling an urgency to get a 3rd goal effectively put the game to bed, Soham scrapping looking for the opening at the other end, Pearce getting amongst it to hold up the ball finding herself closed down from all sides 20 yards out as Booth makes the run beyond her. Booth and Pearce linking up moments later the ball sent on into the box with Firek racing on on the keeper, just a little too high Crook unfazed taking it cleanly. 

 Woodley nicks the ball off the Soham back line top of the D but as she goes to strike it it takes a wicked bobble seeing the half volley miscued wide of goal. Mason struggling from her earlier blow coming off for Fulbourn with Muffett returning to the action. Stubbings deeper in the 2nd half tackling Booth as she brings the ball on into the final 3rd. Quinn over to the left playing the ball up the line for Woodley inside for Thompson, Bates winning the challenge for Soham bringing the ball on played on for Firek, Muffett cutting it out for the hosts.

  Quinn-Nicholls pushing up for Soham sends it on through the middle for Pearce, Crook reading it however quick to react out to get hold of the ball first. Fulbourn continue their push to find a 3rd goal sees Stubbing break right with the ball on with Turner the cross flashed in across the face of the Soham goal, Woodley throwing herself at it on the on the line can’t quite get there as Bates turns it away for a throw on the left. 

 McTrusty in to press Quinn on the ball left side as she looks to find the attackers for Fulbourn. Another free-kick to the hosts wide right sees the ball driven in to the corner of the area striking a Soham hand another set-piece given. Colling over it 25 yards out drive a rasping shot in low across the face of goal out past the far post. The game moving into the final 10 minutes, Soham moving players around looking to find a telling formula, Booth left side on for McTrusty wide on for Marsh central, Muffett getting across her path to see the ball back to her keeper. 

 Stubbings across to take Fulbourn’s corner on the left with Crook off the field, whipped into the near post defended by Dunn out for a 2nd corner. This one flashed on across the face of goal cleared at the far post. Muffett doing the defensive work for Fulbourn strong against Marsh as she attempts to force her way into the box. Marsh coming off soon after with Kirby Cook back on, Bates moving from right back to take up an attacking role on the left. 

 Pearce seeing the ball into her feet sending it on for Firek right side wide of the box digs the cross out looping into the box, hooked clear by Smith for Fulbourn, Pearce winning the ball back top of the area sends it back in Crook gathering safely.

GOAL! into the final 5 minutes of the game stretched with all the changes both sides have made Soham with the ball fed out to the left in behind, Bates evading the offside flag to race on with the ball full of pace taking on the shot early driving a vicious ball low under the diving keeper before she can set herself to find the back of the net with her first goal for the club 2-1.

Emelia Bates through on goal to pull a goal back for Soham

 A double change for Fulbourn with Woodley and Colling coming off, Bronte Rapley and Chaudhry coming on, Soham with a goal back setting up a nervy finish to an already frantic contest. McTrusty left taking the ball on seeing her cross snubbed out away for a throw as Soham look to apply late pressure. Bates left side outside the box firing in a shot as the Fulbourn defence back pedal, blocked by Muffett more in the way than anything else. 

 The goal from Soham unsettling Fulbourn, questions over whether Bates was onside or not was given none the less. Kirby Cook with a snap shot 20 yards out held by Crook. The Fulbourn keeper looking to clam things down give her side time to compose themselves. Anderson winning the header inside her box as Soham send the ball long with 4 minutes of stoppage time to be played. 

GOAL! Out of nothing Soham get themselves back on level terms at the death, Crook out wide o the right post in her six yard box waiting for the attacker to run in to pick up the ball shielding it as Firek obliges wanting to get on with the game takes the ball out of the keepers fingers before she has it under control and turns inside to walk the ball in across the face of goal and slot it home before the onrushing defenders can get back, is pulled back as she goes to celebrate Soham equalise in dramatic fashion 2-2.

Kara Firek scoring the late equaliser for Soham

 Controversial too as Firek having been pulled back after scoring something must have been said over at the Soham bench as the referee rushes over to brandish the red card to their manager send him form the touch line. Little time left a huge blow for Fulbourn unsettled from the first goal conceding a 2nd so quickly hardly any time left to find a reply, the ball back with Soham as the pacy Bates breaks left wing to the by-line lifting a cross into the box, Kirby Cook running onto it lifting her shot over the bar. Fulbourn with a last gasp corner out on the right bouncing in across goal cleared Soham break, Quinn defending as the final whistle blows and the points are shared.

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-2 Soham Town Rangers Ladies

Fulbourn for the large part in control of the game for 85 minutes with chances to extend their lead not taken a 3rd goal most certainly sealing the 3 points. Soham kept plugging away mixing it up trying to find a way through on goal, Bates switched over to the left wing put in behind no flag to shoot early pull a goal back for the visitors, unsettled Fulbourn who had little time to regroup as miscue from the keeper leading to Kara Firek stealing the ball and sending it into the back of the empty net at the death to secure a point. Tough on Fulbourn but finally getting their season started have plenty of positives from their 1st outing in the league. Soham struggled to get a foot hold in the game 1st half, fought hard in the 2nd to try and find a way back rode their luck but stuck at it kept going till the end will gain plenty of confidence from their late goals.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Onto this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match several contenders but one did emerge early on as my standout. Performances on both sides, firstly for Soham, Emilia Bates was a handful all game her pace and dribbling setting her apart as the ready outlet for the ball, dropping back into defence 2nd half doing the job before being unleashed on the left to score. Rachel Pearce getting about the final 3rd trying her best too get the ball into her attackers, Elli-Rai Quinn-Nicholls working hard to close the ball down in both midfield and defence. Chloe Dunn making several winning challenges at the back. For Fulbourn both Catherine Henderson and Jess Anderson won the ball well in defence tackles and interceptions, captain Marie Stubbings with some defence splitting passes and runs especially in the 1st half. Katie Chaudhry doing well on the right some great touches took her goal well to open the scoring. The award goes to midfielder, Hollie Colling won the ball in middle getting about the park, set the tone to a degree for Fulbourn in the first half with some excellent passes.

 A great first taste of county league action of the season, good to catch up with both sides, Cambridgeshire Division One will be an interesting watch this season for sure. My thanks to both sides for their help with the team details as always greatly appreciated. 

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Soham Town Rangers Ladies v Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

Sunday 14th September

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 My first slice of county league action this season, beginning with a game from Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One, with newly promoted, Soham Town Rangers Women hosting Godmanchester Rovers Ladies, who recorded a 3rd placed finish last time out in what was their debut at this level.

 Cambridgeshire once again featuring 3 women’s divisions, expanding from 30 to 39 beginning this campaign with as host of new sides some new reserve and development sides, plus a few moving across from the boarding counties, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire. All 3 divisions looking highly competitive, Division One featuring 13 sides this time around, with 3 new sides joining, the newly Royston Town Women Development, and Cambridge City Women Development along with Spalding United Women, Deeping Rangers Ladies and Soham Town Rangers Women promoted was winners and runners-up last season. Looking at the league it will be interesting to see which sides emerge as title challengers there are several potential candidates.

  Soham Town Rangers Ladies were formed last season, the core of the old Isleham United Ladies side one of the longest established sides within Cambridgeshire that won the Division Three title the season before, given the opportunity to become part of Soham Town Rangers FC football club just down the road they made the switch beginning a new era in Division Two, that seeing the club add to their squad bringing in the likes of goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Ester McTrusty and Carla Penny amongst others bringing useful experience at playing at a higher level. Pushed on to finish as runners-up to win promotion to Division One.

 Carla Penny finishing her first season with Soham as the clubs top scorer netting 35 goals. Have grown further coming into the new season, recruiting more players, amongst them midfielder Rachel Pearce who was most recently at Histon Ladies a wealth of experience to deepen the squad. Soham Town Rangers Women forming a new Reserves side for this season competing in Division Three. Today is Soham’s first league game, will be looking to bounce out following last weekend lose to Suffolk side Ramsey & Mistley Ladies in the FA Women’s Cup.

 A new era of sorts for Godmanchester Town Ladies too as they become Godmanchester Rovers Ladies this season, will be looking to build on a very successful debut season in Division One last time around clinching 3rd spot level on points with 2nd placed Newmarket Town Women Development, having been fighting near the top of the table all season. The core of the side formed from the old St Ives Town Ladies side, becoming Huntingdon Town Ladies for a couple of seasons before moving to Godmanchester. Have recruited strongly over the past few seasons forming a competitive squad.

 Amongst those brought in last season top scorers, Leah Cudone and Hannah Hutchinson scoring 9 and 8 respectfully. As well a finishing 3rd in the league won the Hunts FA Senior Women’s Cup for the first time beating Eaton Socon Ladies 1-0 back in March. Got their league campaign off to a winning start at home on the opening day last Sunday beating new side Royston Town Ladies Development 6-2, Leah Cudone netting a hat-trick with Fran Worrell scoring a brace and a goal too for Molly Thompson.

Soham Town Rangers FC

  My first visit to Soham Town Rangers FC’s home ground on Julius Martin Lane in Soham, the ground a hive of activity upon arrival the carpark full, but did manage to sneak into the one vacant spot. The large clubhouse leading into the stadium, the bar and kitchen open serving hot food and drink, beside that a elevated covered stand over looknig the pitch, with covered standing beside and at both goal ends. Needed if today’s weather forecast was anything to go by with rain likely at some point during the game. Busy with plenty of supporters around to watch the women’s side begin their league campaign. 

 Soham Town Rangers Ladies starting XI – Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls, Chloe Dunn, Amy Ozakpinar, Jodie Copping, Katie Levitt, Erin Clarke, Laura Mcallister, Carla Penny, Ester McTrusty, Rachel Pearce & Elsie Holroyd-Davison. Subs – Jessica Brand, Evie Luker, Lizzie Quigley, Kara Firek & Michela Edwards.

Soham Town Rangers Ladies

Godmanchester Rovers Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leni Stowers, Isabel Vincent, Gemma Cooksley (C), Leah Culpin, Erica Zimmerman, Ellie Harvey, Maisie Buckle, Molly Thompson, Fran Worrall & Shannah Anico. Subs – Nicolle Surtees & Hannah Hutchinson.

Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Laura Mcallister and Gemma Cooksley with referee Jordan Blunt

 Overcast a few spots of rain beginning to fall as the teams are lead out by today’s match referee, Jordan Blunt. Soham to have the kick-off in the first half wearing green and white vertical stripes shirts with green shorts and socks. Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue coloured shirts and shorts with navy coloured socks. The ball rolled back into the hosts defence, Godmanchester are quick to break forwards press the ball, bouncing about in the middle of the park, Erica Zimmerman getting hold of the ball for Godmanchester looking to release attacker, Shannah Anico into the right, Amy Ozakpinar intercepting heading the ball out for a throw in.

  From the throw Godmanchester keep the press up forcing an early corner kick out on the right. Curled into the near post, Soham with numbers back to block as the ball is turned goal wards, deflected away to the right a shot from distance comes back in on the angle looping high over goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls goal. The rain beginning to fall steadily the sky dark with cloud.

 Play drawn over to the far side of the pitch with both sides making little headway, Carla Penny looking to get the ball free across the park into Rachel Pearce staying out wide to the right, Isabel Vincent cutting the ball out for the visitors. Godmanchester’s turn to feel the squeeze at the back as Soham push up, goal keeper, Sophie Marjoram playing the ball out of her box straight to Pearce she is quick to lift it back into the top of the area with Penny charging in, Godmanchester captain, Gemma Cooksley jumping well get her head on the ball drop in down into her advancing keepers gloves to stifle the threat.

Gemma Cooksley heading the ball down for goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram to collect

  Soham getting the ball out to Penny on the right, has Pearce up with her on the wing the pass into her she turns to play the ball into Elsie Holroyd-Davison making a run into the right channel looking to get onto the end of it as she enters the box, Cooksley across quickly to slide in to challenge send the ball away to the right. Molly Thompson on the ball central for Godmanchester plays it on for Ellie Harvey moving right attempts to slide it through for Maisie Buckle, a little too much on it however, Soham’s defence can see it out for a goal kick.

Ellie Harvey on the attack for Godmanchester

  Fran Worrall looking a threat for Godmanchester on the left whenever they counter making good runs into the left channel, Zimmerman competing for the ball in the middle played on, Erin Clarke with a timely intervention for the hosts. 

 GOAL! Worrall having broken a couple of times already, bursting away on the left as Godmanchester break up play in the middle, Harvey and Zimmerman closing the ball down the pass threaded into Worrall’s path she skips on into the box turning to shoot across the keeper getting plenty behind it as she strikes the ball into the bottom corner to open the scoring 0-1.

Fran Worrall breaking forwards to open the scoring for Godmanchester

  Godmanchester a goal to the good inside the opening 10 minutes. Soham get straight on the attack form the restart Penny driving forwards with the ball central sending an angled ball out to the right into the feet of Holroyd-Davison strikes for goal her effort blasted wide of the near post.

  Penny linking up with captain Laura Mcallister and Ester McTrusty on Soham’s left taking the ball on down the wing, Leni Stowers sliding in with a strong tackle to send the ball out for a throw in. Worrall played in on the left by Harvey in the middle for Godmanchester, wrong foots full back Dunn, checking inside preparing to cross, before she can, Jodie Copping is across from the middle of defence to put in the blocking tackle to deny her. 

 Competitive both sides moving in to close the ball a number of heartily contested 50/50 balls, Harvey and Thompson contesting on central in pops loose into the right channel for Holroyd-Davison to attack, Vincent getting back at her battling for the ball eases Holroyd-Davison off the ball, leaving her grounded as she clears the ball. The Soham attack feeling it a little, needing to come off to recover, Kara Firek sent on to join the attack. 

  The action end to end both sides intent on getting it forwards Worrall coming inside looking to pick out Anico right side as she breaks in behind intercepted by Ozakpinar turned back to her keeper, the kick out presented straight to Worrall she looks for Anico back coming back from an offside position the flag goes up against her.

  McTrusty surging onto the by-line with the ball for Soham, cuts a cross back into the near post, Penny rushing in trying to meet it on the volley, Cooksley in the way blocking from close range. Dunn being kept on her toes by Worrall full back getting in close doing well to ease her opponent off the ball as she looks to spin round her. Pearce is keeping a good position out on the right providing a ready outlet for the ball when Soham look to get forwards, Penny looking for her plays the diagonal passed, Pearce on the turn looking to play it into the box for Firek moving into the right channel, just a little too much on it, Marjoram can come across see it out for a goal kick.

 Very competitive in the middle, both sides guilty of playing blind passes forwards not picking anyone out. Penny scraping for possession feeding a good ball out to Pearce pushing on down the right her cross squared into the top of the Godmanchester area intercepted and cleared by Leah Culpin. Dunn getting up well on Soham’s right combining with Pearce the ball played across the park into Mcallister sends it down the line for McTrusty, Stowers getting across her path shielding the ball out for a goal kick.

  Vincent tackling Pearce as she takes the ball on from Penny on the right, Soham getting players forwards well applying a bit of pressure to the Godmanchester back-line. However the visitors are a threat on the counter break from a Soham throw high on the left, the ball from Zimmerman into Harvey the Soham defence stretched the midfielder on the drive taking the ball on has options to her left in Worrall racing forwards and Anico to the right threads the ball on for the latter, Anico striking it on the angle, rising Quinn Nicholls at her near post getting her gloves up to palm the ball down into the turf and claim.

Soham goalkeeper, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls

  The action from one end to the other, busy writing the notes from the Godmanchester attack even as Soham counter the ball on the left played inside to Penny racing into the area hitting the ball hard with her left foot, driving it across the diving keeper the ball smashing off the base of the far post bouncing back out and to Marjoram’s relieve straight at her, snatches it into her body.

Soham’s Carla Penny

  Lively, Clarke in the middle for Soham wide to Mcallister played forwards into Penny the ball cut back across the top of the Godmanchester area met first time by Pearce central her shot angling wide of the left upright. Anico played in wide right again as Godmanchester counter attack, her angled strike beat down again by Quinn Nicholls who wastes no time it getting it up field into her attackers. Culpin sending in a free-kick deep on the left defended by Soham top of the area falls straight to Zimmerman but she does get clean contact as she looks to go for goal. 

Erica Zimmerman

  Marjoram out quickly to close down Pearce inside the box right side as Penny looks to pick her out with the cross-field pass. Marjoram getting the decision as she comes rushing out to deal with McTrusty as Mcallister plays the ball into her left side. Buckle with a piece of superb defending for Godmanchester challenging Penny on the penalty spot as sent in from Pearce on the right. 

 Soham lively break with pace the diagonal ball lifted into the path of Pearce coming in from the right 25 yards out strikes it on the volley from the top of the D, swerves wide of the right post. Godmanchester getting a free-kick central 35 yards out, Thompson to deliver plays a fast paced ball long into the left post area, players gathered inviting but no one can get a touch as it sails wide. 

  Dunn powering forwards on the right for Soham played on for Pearce her cross looping high into the area, Marjoram getting it away to safety for Godmanchester. Marjoram making another sharp save moments later getting down low to push the ball away to her left as Penny looks to bring a left side cross down inside the D and send goal wards.

 Harvey making several good runs on the ball for Godmanchester linking up well with Zimmerman in the middle. Firek getting hold of the ball for Soham outside the area on the turn plays it left into McTrusty inside the box, Cooksley stretching cutting the pass out. Zimmerman lifting the ball on into the right channel as Anico bursts forwards, Quinn Nicholls out quickly to the edge of her box to lay claim to the ball.

  Worrall taking on the ball left channel, held up by Dunn plays it inside to Zimmerman 30 plus yards out time to look up release a shot, her angled shot swung in across goal lacking to power to trouble Quinn Nicholls. Harvey drives with the ball as Godmanchester break sends it into Worrall in behind in to the box left of the D, shapes to shoot, Ozakpinar getting back well to make the block, the ball turned behind for a corner kick. 

 Zimmerman on the corner swung into the area knocked down Thompson moving to strike the loose back, Copping charging it down the ball still with Godmanchester outside the area, clipped back to the left the flag up however as Zimmerman is caught offside. Penny seeing the ball into her body bringing it down well on the turn plays it forwards on the right into Pearce has Firek ahead of her looking to get into the box, Cooksley tracking her reading the pass getting in the way to turn the ball back into her keeper.

  Soham winning a free kick out deep on the right the ball played in across goal, Marjoram going up to claim is knocked to the ground, play stopped as the keeper is in need of treatment. A pause in play but is up and able to continue. Soham looking to push on late in the first half, Clarke and Penny combining through the middle the ball played on for Mcallister getting forwards, Culpin closing her down.

  Good pressure from Soham, McTrusty quick to win it back left side bursting forwards whipping a ball into the six yard box, Worrall back cutting it out to clear for the visitors. Vincent stretching intercepting a diagonal ball aimed at Pearce on the right. Soham with a free-kick out on the left played n from deep not a great ball in but intercepted near side is turned behind for a corner kick. Godmanchester with bodies at the near post clearing Harvey looking for Anico on the counter, Ozakpinar defending for Soham.

  Half-time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

  The players heading back to the changing rooms with the worst of the rain having stayed away, Godmanchester with the slender lead Fran Worrall scoring in the opening 10 minutes. Soham have responded well creating chances hitting the post and forcing a save from the keeper, while Godmanchester have looked a threat on the counter, with some strong runs through the middle and channels, Quinn Nicholls making a couple of vital saves to keep the lead down to just the one goal. Has been a little frantic at times, certainly competitive in the middle, passes rushed as a result with neither side getting on top of the other. Very much all to play for 2nd half and a quick turnaround too with both sides keen to get on with it.

 The rain falling a little bit stronger now, Godmanchester to get the 2nd period underway the ball played back into the defence, the visitors looking to keep possession, move it around at the back into the keeper, sloppy play as the forwards pass into a defender isn’t collected, presented straight to McTrusty in a central position 25 yards out is encouraged to shoot with the keeper off her line, drags her attempt wide of the left post. 

Carla Penny with Erica Zimmerman

 Play congested through the middle Penny into squeeze the ball lifted forwards for Firek, Cooksley intercepts for the visitors. Culpin moving into clear on the right of defence as McTrusty looks to take the ball on. Worrall gets away with the ball at her feet on Godmanchester’s right flashes a cross into the area, Copping deflecting it out of her box falls to Buckle who strikes it first time from all of 25 yards out her shot over the crossbar.

Leah Culpin clearing before Ester McTrusty can reach the ball

 

  Godmanchester winning a free-kick 30 plus yards out in the middle, Harvey over the ball takes on the shot her effort over the bar. McTrusty fed the ball on Soham’s left taking it on into the box, Culpin recovering well to get back at her put her foot in to tackle, McTrusty scrapping to win it back plays it into Mcallister getting up in support out wide delivers an inviting ball in across the face of the Godmanchester goal, neither Penny, nor Pearce closing in on the far post can get a touch to turn it home.

  Quill Nicholls with a good claim taking the ball down into her chest off of a Godmanchester free-kick on the left. Vincent lunging in to make the block on Firek as she takes the ball on down the right flank off Pearce a corner conceded. Taken short up the line the delivery into the area cleared by Harvey for Godmanchester.   

GOAL! An end to end contest Godmanchester hit Soham on the counter the ball out on the left played on by Zimmerman into Worrall as she looks to get into the box, Quinn Nicholls alert to the threat rushing out to close her down sliding in at her feet making the blocking save, the ball deflected out of the area, the visitors quick to win it back, Zimmerman sending a shot in on the angle over Quinn Nicholls before she can get back into position a great hit to loop over her to find the back of the net to double the lead 0-2.

Erica Zimmerman doubles Godmanchester’s lead

 Godmanchester doubling their advantage 20 minutes into the 2nd half. The visitors with an injury concern however as goalkeeper, Marjoram needs to come off, defender Leah Culpin given the gloves and a bib taking up the role between the sticks, Hannah Hutchinson coming on, with Harvey dropping into the backline. This is a busy game with the action never still a real blow for Soham as they were pushing for a goal themselves.

Leah Culpin now donning the gloves for Godmanchester

  Thompson driving forwards for Godmanchester with the ball at her feet, fed through to Worrall on the left, Dunn getting back at her challenging on the by-line, Worrall managing to squeeze a cross in along the face of goal, Quinn Nicholls down smartly to smother the ball for Soham. Pearce on the right for Soham feeding a cross on the angle into the near post Penny providing the run, Harvey going with her reading the move turning the ball on for Culpin to clear.

   A few free-kicks being given away yet the game remains in good spirits both sides competing, Soham winning a set-piece wide on the right swung into the six yard box, Culpin catching it cleanly. Cooksley cutting out a cross from Pearce on the right heading it behind for a corner kick. Taken short clipped into the near post on the angle attacked by Firek, deflects off a defender to the top of the area, Mcallister latching onto it fires a short in on goal, coming in low Culpin gets down to make the comfortable save.

  Soham making a triple switch sending on, Lizzie Quigley, Evie Luker and Michela Edwards for Dunn and Ozakpinar and Mcallister. Stowers presented the ball on the right advancing with purpose up the wing tackled by Edwards the ball out for a throw. The changes seeing Stowers able to get forwards support the Godmanchester attack playing in inside to Zimmerman gets it back moving into the area Edwards with the blocking tackle the ball deflected of Stowers for a goal kick. 

  Quigley moving across to defend for Soham slides in on Stowers as she looks to get onto the end of a Zimmerman pass the ball out for a corner kick. Soham making two more changes with McTrusty and Penny coming off, Evie Luker into the action along with Holroyd-Davison. Luker straight into the action fed the ball right side sends it on to Pearce out wide bursting towards the box looking for the return pass, Harvey reads it well for Godmanchester going with her to intercept the pass.

  Firek rushing forwards to charge down a defensive clearance rebounds kindly into Luker 25 yards out central lines up the strike, dropped in on the keeper, Culpin gets a glove up to make a fantastic save knocking the ball up onto her crossbar and collecting it as it bounces down in front of her.

  Zimmerman taking the ball on well for the visitors moving to the right on for Anico, plays a diagonal ball into the Soham box looking for Worrall coming in far side, Quinn Nicholls moving forwards to snatch up the ball. Thompson moving with the ball into space on the right, Holroyd-Davison getting back at her to slide in play the ball behind for a corner kick. Zimmerman on the corner an in swinger in on the keeper, attacked blocked inside the six yard box, back out to Zimmerman on the right, her 2nd cross in cleared by Quigley, Firek looking to break right side, Vincent challenging.

  Anico coming off for Godmanchester with Nicolle Surtees coming on up top. Holroyd-Davison clatters into Stowers taking the ball clear on the left her cross et by Pearce inside the area her shot pushed away to safety by Culpin. Penny back into the action for Soham, Anico too as Stowers needs to come off. Moving into the final 10 minutes of the contest, Luker is fouled 25 yards out to the left of the D. Pearce over the set-piece curls it in on goal, Culpin has to deal with it tipping the ball over the bar for a corner kick.

GOAL! The corner fired low into the near post inside the six yard box, players from both sides snatching at it to try get meaningful contact, takes a couple of ricochets before Penny puts her foot through it to blast the ball past bodies on into the back of the net to see Soham reduce the deficit 1-2.

Carla Penny pulls one back for Soham

 Game on as Soham get after the ball wanting to get on with the game Levitt playing the ball through the middle into Penny looks to send it on into Pearce pulling out to the right seeing the threat dropping back to intercept the ball for Godmanchester. The rain falling heavily now, Penny in position top of the area looking to see the ball down into her feet hit on the turn, doesn’t get the contact she wanted her shot rolling harmlessly through to the keeper.

  Godmanchester launch a counter attack, Harvey to Zimmerman out to Thompson right side driving forwards looking to get into the area rides two challenges before firing the ball into the six yard box, Copping getting it away for Soham. Surtees fed into space on the left into the channel for Godmanchester, plays it inside for the advancing Zimmerman lines up a strike from 25 yards out threatening to dip under the bar, Quinn Nicholls with the superb save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner kick. 

 Curled in towards the near post Pearce defending for Soham, break up the other end to win a throw in the corner, Holroyd-Davison’s cross worked into the box taken down by Culpin. The game stretched a few tired legs out there Soham with the late goal finding a little more energy Clarke sending the ball on for Edwards advancing on the left taking the ball all the way into the box tries to get a shot away even as she is closed down her attempt over the bar.

  GOAL! The clock ticking down Soham taking risks pushing players on get hold of the ball on the right Holroyd Davison up with Penny the ball fired into the box, comes straight into Pearce making a central run hitting it first time before she can be closed down on the turn strikes the ball wide past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner to score! 2-2! Pearce’s first goal for her new club.

Rachel Pearce congratulated as she equalises for Soham

Rachel Pearce scoring her first goal for Soham

  Soham fighting back with a goal in stoppage time to get back on level terms with Godmanchester. A hammer blow for the visitors get straight back up the other end to win a corner kick, Soham need to settle the corner swung in to the near post from the right, Quinn Nicholls comes for it well to claim relieve the pressure. Penny with a long ball out to Holroyd-Davison on the right pushes forwards her cross into the top of the area cut out turned behind for a corner before Pearce can attack it, no time to take it the final whistle blows and the points are shared!

Full time Soham Town Rangers Ladies 2-2 Godmanchester Rovers Ladies

  Soham showing good character to keep going and find a goal in the final 10 minutes after Godmanchester had doubled their lead 20 minutes into the 2nd half. Forced into a keeper change, seeing a few positional changes made looked good for their lead but Soham making changes themselves kept going finding a goal and coming back in stoppage time to equalise. A good contest between two competitive sides, Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One is going to be one to watch this season. 

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Time to pick this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. And this is a tough one, there are four players with a strong claim to the award and separating them isn’t easy, add onto that a strong teams performance from both sides and it tells you how competitive it was. Were to start, will go with Godmanchester, Ellie Harvey with a strong game in both midfield and dropping back into defence, with the some great passes and runs in the former role, reading the game well in the latter. Along side her in midfield, Erica Zimmerman won the ball well, played some excellent passes and scored from a brilliant strike to double the lead. Leah Culpin with some great tackles in defence did well in goal when called upon making some good saves. Gemma Cooksley too in defence with several vital interceptions and tackles. For Soham, Elli-Rai Quinn Nicholls produced some great saves to keep her side in contention. Jodie Copping covered the ground in defence to win the ball. Rachel Pearce provided a constant outlet on the right ready to receive the ball and link up with her fellow attackers in position composed to score the equaliser at the death. The award goes to Carla Penny her work rate throughout was phenomenal get about the park to link up play get it moving forwards, close to scoring in the first half, getting the goal to launch the Soham fightback late in the 2nd half.

  That was an enjoyable first trip to Soham Town Rangers, and my first taste of county league action for the season didn’t disappoint, the weather maybe but I’ll have to get used to that, my thanks to both sides and referee Jordan Blunt for the help with the team details as ever much appreciated, the season’s in full swing at last and it’s going to be as exciting as ever.

by Darren Gilham

Match Report – Leverington Sports Ladies v Godmanchester Town Ladies

Sunday 17th November

Cambridgeshire Women’s Division One

 Back to it after a much needed break. Has been a busy spell the rest has done me the power of good, ready to go again a plenty of exciting football to look forward to. Heading into Cambridgeshire this Sunday to watch a game from Division One with two of the potential title contenders going head to head with 4th placed Leverington Sports Ladies taking on Godmanchester Town Ladies currently 2nd.

The pair meeting in the League Cup just 7 days ago at Leverington, playing out a 2-2 draw the game settled on penalties, Leverington edging the shootout 7-6 to progress in the competition.

Both clubs originally forming under another name progressing to where they are today. Leverington Sports Ladies as they have been now for several season’s originally Wisbech Town Ladies. Moving to Leverington a small village in the outskirts of Wisbech itself, are still very much part of the town and now established in the top tier within the Cambridgeshire Women’s football leagues, getting to the final of the Junior Invitation Cup last season as well as the semi-finals in the League Cup. Sophie Swinden now captaining the side, the long time top scorer over many seasons for the club has 15 to her name already this season from 9 appearances. 

  Godmanchester Town Ladies have had a successful start to life, having come into being last season, having been Huntingdon Town Ladies previous to that, then having been formed with what was largely the old St Ives Town Ladies squad. The core of that side remains, as Godmanchester went on to win the Division Two title last season, earning promotion and reaching the Hunts FA Women’s Senior Cup in their debut season. Will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition this season. Making some new additions to the squad, a couple from Eaton Socon Ladies, Gemma Cooksley and Hannah Hutchison , the latter top scorer so far with 8 from 8. Also added to the squad the vastly experienced Leah Cudone, returning to the game having performed at a higher level for a number of years, has 3 goals already from 3 appearances. That experience balancing with a number of promising young players coming to the club too. 

  Leverington Sports & Social Club the venue for today’s game. A hold up on the A47 meant I had to turn around and come in from the A10 getting there later than I’d have liked no time for a cup of tea! The social club with large carpark leading out to the pitches, grass and 3G. Over on the grass pitch the clouds gathering an overcast day with the temperatures starting to drop. Hoping the rain would hold off till late in the 2nd half but wasn’t to be.

Leverington Sports Ladies starting XI – Holly Bantoft, Jade Court, Sam Davis, Olivia Holden, Tianna Schunmann, Albany Hodgson, Paulina Potoplak, Ebonie Goode, Shushannah Feast, Caitlin Burdett & Sophie Swinden (C). Subs – Libbie Wykes Katie Garner, Rhianna Butler & Lacey Metcalfe.

Leverington Sports Ladies

Godmanchester Town Ladies starting XI – Sophie Marjoram, Leah Culpin, Leia Wheeler, Em Stephenson, Cherish Sibanda (C), Natasha Hochen, Sophie Crook, Leah Cudone, Holly Thompson, Kendal O’Connor & Ellie Harvey. Subs – Fran Worrell, Erica Zimmerman, Megan Stow & Georgie Astley.

Godmanchester Town Ladies

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Sophie Swinden & Cherish Sibanda with today’s referee and club line assistants

 A few players missing for both sides, Hutchinson in attack for Godmanchester amongst those. Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse picking up an injury early in the season, missing for Leverington. Do have a player making her comeback from a long injury lay off, Albany Hodgson dual signed with ERWFL Premier Division side Wroxham, starting this afternoon. It’s the hosts to kick-off the first half wearing orange shirts with black trim, black shorts and socks with Godmanchester lined up opposite wearing blue shirts with navy across the top of the chest and shoulder, navy shorts and socks. The ball rolled back into the middle, Godmanchester rush on to close the ball down forcing Leverington to lay the ball out to the right, put up the line, Leah Culpin winning the ball for the visitors.

 A lively midfield contest right from the off both sides squeezing the play on the half way line, Paulina Potoplak attempting to lift it through for captain, Sophie Swinden making a move to pull off the centre backs, won instead by Godmanchester captain, Cherish Sibanda the ball played out to the left wing setting, Holly Thompson on her way pace closing down the area, Leah Cudone making a good run near post side Thompson attempting to slide her, Cudone after the ball under challenge from Tianna Schunmann for Leverington can’t quite get it under control, out of play for a goal kick.

Hodgson getting hold of the ball in the middle of the park for Leverington passing it on for Caitlin Burdett getting on the move down the right inside Culpin, Thompson racing back getting across the winger to see the ball back to her goalkeeper, Sophie Marjoram. Thompson looking to take the ball on the other way for Godmanchester out wide on the left is fouled on halfway. Culpin over the set-piece strikes the ball in towards the pack gathered inside the D, Hodgson winning the header to clear for the hosts. 

 Certainly competitive both sides getting stuck in, physical a few free-kicks given away, both wanting to get the ball into their attackers quickly, Swinden sending the ball out to Shushannah Feast on Leverington’s left the pair looking to combine, Leia Wheeler getting a foot in to deflect the ball out for a throw slow the advance. Cudone getting hold of the ball on half way taking it on with a forceful run towards the Leverington defence looking to plough her way through, Schunmann and Olivia Holden closing her down to challenge.

 Kendal O’Connor surging on with the ball right side for Godmanchester, hooks the ball into the middle Cudone inside the D looking to attack it, Schunmann getting a touch to knock it away from her, Sam Davis too before goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft calls for it and steps in to claim. Feast providing a good outlet for Leverington on the left receiving the ball high bringing it down powering her way into the box, Wheeler with her, Em Stephenson backing her up the pair forcing Feast to run the ball out of play for a goal kick. 

Leverington’s Shushannah Feast

  End to end, Godmanchester turning play around Natasha Houchen finding Ellie Harvey pulling into the left channel 25 yards out sees the ball down and attempts to lay it into the path of Cudone making a run to try and get in behind, a vital interception from Jade Court to deny her a run on goal. Leverington’s turn to have a free-kick on half way out on the right launched into the top of the Godmanchester area headed clear the visitors get it up the pick rapidly one touch, Cudone after it, Bantoft out of her box quickly to kick the ball clear.

  Hodgson passing to Ebonie Goode in the middle lifted forwards into Swinden back to goal 30 out turns looking to thread it into the box for Feast coming inside from the left, a little too much on it giving Marjoram the edge as she comes to lay claim to the ball. A few spots of rain in the air, wielding a notepad and camera getting tricky with an umbrella to operate too! Swindon seeing the ball down from all of 30 yards out, letting lose a shot, her effort arrowing in straight at the keeper a comfortable height for Marjoram.

  Godmanchester with a set-piece out on the right fired in across goal, comes out to Thompson beyond the far post, sending it back into the mix, play it too close to the near post, Bantoft shifting across her goal, dropping down onto the ball. Leverington get the ball into Burdett on the right racing to the by-line fires a cross into the six yard box, cleared back out to the right, a corner conceded. The delivery played into the mix top of the area squirms through to Swinden free left of the D, can’t get the ball out from under her feet to get a shot away before the challenge comes in the ball deflected to the top of the D, comes to Court, leaning back into her strike, sends her shot over the crossbar.

Leverington’s Sam Davis

  A wet conditions adding to the scrappy nature of the game both sides tussling for possession the middle seeing alot of pinging back and forth with players on both sides capable of springing into action should one favour a run in behind. Feats winning Leverington a corner out on the left. Flung into the near post defended the ball knocked up into the air across the goal face where will it drop, spins behind the right side of the far post for a corner on the right. Hodgson to send it in a fantastic in swinging ball across the six yard box over the keeper Leverington attack it far post, Feast and Swinden up together, the final touch seeing the ball put narrowly over the bar!

Leverington coming close to opening the scoring

  Leverington enjoying a good spell getting n with the ball pushing Godmanchester back, Davis on the ball coming inside form the left encouraged to shoot from 30 yards out, her effort put straight at Marjoram. Lively as Houchen plays Thompson in on the left, pacy taking the ball on, Schunmann across from the centre of defence sliding in to win the ball. Potoplak with Hodgson in the middle, picking out Burdett on the right as Court going beyond her plays her in down the line closing in on the by-line slips as she goes to cross the ball seeing it claimed by Marjoram.

  Crook with a purposeful run on the ball driving on through the centre for Godmanchester plays it on for Cudone who looks to do the same, closed down by three Leverington defenders, can’t find a way through the ball running on into the box, gathered by Bantoft. Some hefty challenges out there but not too much aggro both sides picking themselves up getting on with it. 

 Potoplak tries to thread the ball on for Swinden pulling away into the left channel up top, Stephenson holds her ground, making the crucial interception for the visitors. Harvey attempting to find room to unleash a shot from outside the D, sees the chance gone as Court sides in on her to take the ball as she is about to put her foot through it. 

Godmanchester’s Ellie Harvey

  Leverington commit too many players forwards as they lose possession on the left, Godmanchester launching a rapid counter on their right the ball lifted in central seeing 3 players running clear, Cudone amongst them bringing the ball down right channel closing in on the box, unleashes a shot on the half volley, coming at Bantoft quickly the keeper having little time to react, gloving the ball down to the right as she goes down getting enough on it to see it evade Cudone as she steams in on the follow up. 

Holly Bantoft with the save to deny Cudone

 Leverington with a throw high on the left working the ball inside Feast from the angle driving a shot in low to the near post. Marjoram down to save the ball off her for a corner kick. Swung in low to the near post, Sibanda clearing the ball for a throw in. The end to end nature of the game meaning defender have to win the ball put over the top, Schunmann doing just that with a vital header for Leverington as Harvey looks to send Cudone in behind. Godmanchester with the pace to get in behind, Leverington taking a few chances risk getting caught out. 

Leverington defender, Tianna Schunmann

  Thompson with the pace on Godmanchester’s left side taking the ball on whipping a cross into the box, over Harvey leaping for it on the penalty spot, Schunmann doesn’t get it away at the far post, O’Connor in to press the ball that side winning her side a corner. Curled in from the right everyone’s gone in at the near post however the ball dropping far side, the goal was wide open had only someone been there to attack the ball. Miserable conditions the rain intermittent, the pitch slicking up a little bobbly too challenges flying in.  

 GOAL! Wheeler on for O’Connor on Godmanchester’s right driving on sends a great ball into the box dropping central, Cudone timing her run to perfection up to head the ball turn it over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net to open the scoring 0-1. 

Leah Cudone opening the scoring for Godmanchester

 The visitors taking the lead in the 35th minute, Leverington almost gifting them a 2nd goal as the keeper plays the ball out from the back moving out of goal to her right sending her kick straight into Cudone some 30 yards out, an open goal presented hasn’t time to bring it under control struck on the half volley doesn’t connect cleanly the ball screwing wide off target. 

Houchen through the middle for Godmanchester laying the ball on for Thompson to take on down the left flank, Court looking to get back on her the pair racing towards the box, Thompson can’t find a way round Court the ball eventually out for a goal kick. Holden winning the ball at the back for the hosts played into Court on halfway right side, as Leverington look to attack coming inside sends the pass into Potoplak top of the D, looking to squeeze it on for Swinden, marked by Stephenson, she Sibanda looks to close Potoplak down the ball skipping up of Stephenson, caught by Marjoram, Leverington appealing it was a back pass but nothing doing.

Albany Hodgson tackling for Leverington

  Late into the first half rain falling steadily Cudone playing Thompson into space on the left, Goode coming back to defend sliding in to take the ball behind for a corner kick. Houchen to play it into the near post from the left, defended by Burdett, headed back out to the left Houchen moving the ball up the line to put another ball into the box, her strike into the side netting.

  The visitors with a free-kick on half-way with seconds left to play, into the top of the area, cleared by Court, Leverington look to counter, Swinden making the run in behind, again Stephenson holds her position to intercept the ball.

Half-time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-1 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with the single goal advantage as the sides gather at their respective benches staying out on the field despite the crap weather for the half-time interval. Headed to the car myself to retrieve a bigger umbrella, the camera can only take so much. An entertaining first half a hotly contested affair, end to end at times, Godmanchester pressing the ball in the middle looking to get it out to their pacy players out wide. Cudone making some strong runs through the middle. Likewise Swinden up top for Leverington looking for space to steal in behind onto the ball. Both keepers called into action. Leverington with a good chance to open the scoring. Cudone timing her run perfectly to head home from O’Connor’s cross to see the visitors lead instead. All set up for the 2nd half the weather conditions likely to deteriorate getting very gloomy out there.

 One change at the break  for Leverington as both sides come onto the field early for the 2nd half keen to get the game restarted. Libbie Wykes replacing Court in the back line.  Godmanchester unchanged with the kick-off 2nd half. Played back to Wheeler on the right up the line into O’Connor, Davis defending for Leverington. The hosts looking to press the ball high early on, Goode moving into the right channel, Culpin across her to see the ball back for her keeper to clear.

Godmanchester’s Leah Culpin

  Harvey looking to steal in behind Leverington’s back line pushed up to half way, doesn’t quite time it as the flag goes up against her. Certainly niggly, but tempers not boiling over, the referee keeping a good eye on things. Feast brought down wide on the left. Swinden over the set-piece as Leverington push players up into the Godmanchester box, a great ball in dropping far post attacked by Potoplak into the keeper at point blank range Marjoram down sharply to make the save getting hurt in the process the ball knocked behind for a corner. Concern for the keeper for a moment, but thankfully Marjoram is up and okay to carry one. The in singer from Hodgson curled in onto the roof of the net.

 

Godmanchester goalkeeper Sophie Marjoram saving from the close range attempt.

The keeper seeing the resulting corner land on the roof of her net

Both sides giving away free-kicks, Leverington with one on halfway sent into the top of the opposition area by Hodgson, Sibanda with the winning header for the visitors. Goode on for Potoplak out to Feast on the left has Swinden making a run ahead of her the ball sent down the flank, Stephenson coming across to defend sliding in to take the ball off Swinden for a throw in. Burdett seeing the ball down into her feet off the throw turning inside 25 yards out moving across the top of the Godmanchester area looking to pull the trigger, Houchen moving in to put in the blocking tackle.

Leverington captain, Sophie Swinden

  Cudone playing the ball into Harvey up top back to goal lays it out to the left for Thompson to take on, her touch a little to heavy allowing Bantoft to come out and grab up the ball. Leverington turning play around threading the pass on for Swinden to burst onto central Stephenson pushing to get back on her shoulder pressure Swindon as she goes to strike the ball from 20 yards out her attempt running wide of the right post.

Holly Thompson

  Godmanchester inviting a little pressure caught in possession on the right Wykes with Burdett the shot took on the angle, Marjoram covering the near post behind the ball.

 The game opening up a Godmanchester get away down the left the early across sent in across the to of the D, Cudone latching onto it taking the ball on further to the right before angling a shot back in across the keeper, Bantoft diving right dropping onto the ball to get both gloves around it. 

Leverington goalkeeper, Holly Bantoft

  Leverington get on the attack the diagonal ball into Swinden left of the D, no room to turn, instead lays it back to Hodgson her shot dipping in on the keeper, parried away by Marjoram the right, Burdett looking to send a strike back in on the angle, saved turned over for a corner kick! Put into the top of the area from the left Hodgson looking to direct her header to the congested far post, Godmanchester scramble it away.

 

  The rain falling heavily now the wind picking up to very dark out there, O’Connor played in on the right by Godmanchester the game getting stretched takes on the early strike firing the ball in towards the near post, Bantoft getting down behind the ball to save. Leverington making a 2nd change bringing of Burdett on the right sending on Rhianna Butler. 

Godmanchester midfielder, Natasha Houchen

 

GOAL! Godmanchester winning the ball at the back as Leverington press the clearance launched up the field seeing Cudone running in clear onto the ball to close down the opposition box and keeping her composure picks her spot to send the ball past the keeper to double the score with nearly an hour played. 

Leah Cudone played through on goal to double Godmanchester’s lead

 Godmanchester press the ball winning a corner on the left. Played into the near post missed by Bantoft as she tries to come through the crowd the ball escaping to run all the way across the face of goal retrieved beyond the far post the cross flashed back in far side Sibanda looking to bring it down to get a shot away, is closed down the ball scrambled away to safety. 

  Leverington winning a free-kick on the right after a handball is spotted. Hodgson to play the ball into the box a dangerous cross, Swinden racing into attack it central turning her 1st time touch over the bar. Godmanchester making a change bringing off Harvey up top, sending on Fran Worrell on to the left with Thompson moving right, O’Connor central.

GOAL! Godmanchester with pace up top as Leverington push players on needing to find a goal the ball won back put into the middle sent on to the left flank quickly, picking it up O’Connor steals in behind the defence left side Bantoft coming to close her down, O’Connor waiting till the keeper goes down to try and block shifting the ball to her left taking into the box beyond her to slot the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 0-3.

Kendal O’Connor rounding the keeper to score Godmanchester’s 3rd & Her 1st of the season

  Leverington have brought on Lacey Metcalfe to replace Goode, the 2nd goal a blow the 3rd taking the sting out of the hosts, Godmanchester with a healthy advantage with 20 minutes left to play. Conditions awful too with the wind swirling the rain about. Katie Garner into the action too with Hodgson getting a rest after being out for so long. Thompson fed the ball on the right looking to drive, Potoplak sliding in to take the ball off her for a throw in.

Paulina Potoplak

  Cudone receiving a pretty firm shove in the back going down, getting the free-kick even as Thompson is upended landing hard on her back, picking herself up, Cudone on the set-piece halfway to the right, launched up to the top of the box dealt with by Schunmann. Georgie Astley entering the game for Godmanchester replacing Wheeler at the back. 

  Poor conditions now the rain coming down steadily Leverington trying to find Swinden puling away to the left, taking the ball inside looking to play in Butler, incepted by Sibanda. Megan Stow coming on for the visitors to replace Cudone.

GOAL! Godmanchester finishing the stronger with the pace down the flanks the ball fed to Worrell wide on the left take the ball inside driving towards the box unleashing an early strike, Bantoft can’t get down quick enough the ball under her racing on into the back of the net to make it 0-4.

  15 minutes left to play Godmanchester in full control now, Bantoft out to the edge of her area to slide in to claim the ball as Thompson looks to spring the offside trap on the right. Thompson’s last action of the game as she comes off with Harvey sent back into the fray. Goode moving out to the left looking to link up with Feast for Leverington sending the ball on, Astley putting the challenge in the ball out for a throw. 

  Godmanchester attack on the left Worrell checking inside to cross into the box, O’Connor top of the area looking to chip the keeper can only drop the ball into her gloves. Camera’s had enough conditions too poor, as Astley plays the ball long from the back up to O’Connor in attack, Holden getting in front of her defending well to see the ball safely back to her keeper. 

Olivia Holden

  Holden in to defend again moments later on O’Connor as the attacker looks to drive central, the ball cleared out to the right, O’Connor after it angling a cross back into the six yard box, Harvey looking to meet it on the volley turns the ball over the bar. Swinden still looking for the ball up top for Leverington moving right as the cross-field ball drops into her path taking it on has runners bursting into the area, tries to place her cross, too close to the keeper at her near post however, Marjoram adjusts well to snatch the ball into her body.

Conditions a challenge for reporting

  Houchen off for Godmanchester with Crook back on. One last attack for the visitors, the diagonal ball knocked up into the D from the left, Harvey up for it goes down claims for a shove even as O’Connor looks to get the ball untangled from her feet turn to shoot, Leverington defend, the final whistle blowing as the ball is cleared.

Full time Leverington Sports Ladies 0-4 Godmanchester Town Ladies

  Godmanchester with a strong finish to the match coming away with the 3 points, coupled with a 1st defeat of the season ending Fulbourn Institute Bluebird’s 100% they join them on 18 points at the top of the table. A competitive game no quarter given, end to end often a hard fought battle in the middle, several free-kicks given away, a strongly as it was contested however tempers never over spilled. Good chances for both to take the lead in the 2nd half with Godmanchester taking one to hold the advantage. Leverington came at them hard at the start of the 2nd half but with their pace on the flanks, Godmanchester countered well patient, Cudone breaking clear to score her 2nd of the match, closely followed by a 3rd goal knocking the wind out of the hosts. As the game ticked down and the weather got worse Godmanchester emerged the dominant side adding a 4th goal to seal the win.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

  Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. As more often than not it’s not a easy call, a trio of strong contenders, narrowing it down to one wasn’t easy. Few performances of note to mention, firstly for Leverington. Sophie Swinden working tirelessly up top ready to receive the ball looking to make runs into the channels bring others into play, unlucky not to score coming close with a couple of good opportunities. Tianna Schunmann with some vital interceptions at the back getting across to win the ball. Shushannah Feast providing a good outlet for the ball on the left flank. For Godmanchester. Em Stephenson read the game well at the back intercepting everything played too close to her. Natasha Houchen a powerhouse in the middle of the park getting hold of the ball and driving forwards getting the ball out to the pacey players on the flanks. Holly Thompson on the left with some great runs, getting in towards the box creating chances. On the opposite side Kendal O’Connor taking the ball on putting in some dangerous crosses assisting the opening goal and going to to score in the 2nd half. Scoring in both halves though the award today goes to Leah Cudone. Took her goals superbly the 2nd going along way to securing the win, not only that but made some fantastic runs from midfield looking to get onto the end of the ball and cut open the Leverington defence.

  An enjoyable return to football after a little break, could have done without the weather but there you go winter is coming. Love it no matter what. Great to see both sides in action. First trip to Leverington and won’t be the last hopefully have time for a drink next time. My thanks to both sides for the team details, I knew most of the players to be fair but those numbers make life so much easier. Will be interesting to see how it all unfolds in Division One this season.

by Darren Gilham