Category Archives: Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

The Round-Up – 21/01/18

The Round-Up

Sunday 21st January

It was another weekend of disruption to the fixture lists across the East with more bad weather seeing a huge chunk of the scheduled games called off, a complete wipe out the the FAWPL in the Southern, South East Division One and FAWPL Cup. A handful of fixtures surviving elsewhere as a wet Saturday was followed by freezing conditions on Sunday morning turning to snow, sleet and rain unpleasant playing conditions for those fixtures that did get played 13 in all so it’s another all inclusive edition of The Round-Up this week.

ERWFL 

Two games managed to beat the weather in the ERWFL this Sunday both in Norfolk. In the ERWFL Premier Division, Acle United Ladies were glad just to be playing again after a 7 week period of inactivity through a combination of postponed cup fixtures and teams then unable to field a side. Playing at The Flegg FDC the all weather pitch playable Acle were hosting bottom side Colney Heath Ladies knowing a win would lift them from 5th into 3rd position in the Premier Division table. The hosts taking an early lead, midfielder Laura Holden making it 1-0 in the 9th minute. Had more chances to extend the lead 1st half Colney Heath keeping them at bay until late on in the 44th minute as top scorer Megan Todd made it 2-0 with her 14th goal of the season. Colney Heath were quick to respond getting a goal in 1st half injury time to head into the dressing room 2-1 down, Nicola Hollick with the goal. More chances in the 2nd half but the goals weren’t breached again Acle claiming the 3 points with a narrow win. A game in hand on both 2nd placed Cambridge City Ladies and leaders Billericay Town Ladies with the points gap 4 and 5 respectfully.

 Cambridge United WFC Reserves travelled to Norfolk on Sunday to take on Wymondham Town Ladies at King’s Head Meadow the home side 3rd place in the table playing just their 8th league game of the season looking to close down the leading pair Ipswich Wanderers Ladies and King’s Lynn Town Ladies. In a rich vein of goal scoring form Wymondham have scored 27 goals in their last 3 league and cup games alone and got off to a blistering start against Cambridge going 3-0 up inside the opening 7 minutes! Kayleigh Holloway setting thing’s rolling with Wymondham’s 1st goal after 4 minutes quickly followed by a goal each for youngsters, Laura Nicholls and Mollie O’Callaghan. Things threatening to get away from Cambridge the visitors galvanised and kept Wymondham from going further in front. 3-0 at half-time it wasn’t until 2 minutes from time before Cambridge conceded again with Nicholls now 1 goal away from taking her tally to 30 so far for the season making it 4-0. The win moves Wymondham to within a point of 2nd placed Ipswich Wanderers who have played 6 games more.

Norfolk

A piece of sad news to bring you from Norfolk before we get into the weekends match action. Aylsham Ladies have withdrawn from the league having struggled to field a side this season. A real shame such a prominent member of women’s football in Norfolk in recent season’s certainly in the short history of the SWF Blog and Women’s Football East have some fond memories their 4-3 against Bungay Town Ladies a thrill to watch. Division One Champions too, a County Cup Final appearance aswell as winning the League Cup with 2 last gasp goals. Wishing everyone involved with the club all the best for the future and hopefully one day we will see Aylsham back in the NWGFL.

Aylsham Ladies winning the League Cup in 2016

   The withdrawal of Aylsham from the league sees their results expunged from Norfolk Women’s Division One meaning a change at the top with Bungay Town Ladies taking over from Sprowston Ladies who drop to 3rd place in the table. The two sides scheduled to meet in the league this Sunday the pitch at Malting’s Meadow in Bungay passing a late inspection. Bungay Town Ladies are in great form their only loss in the league coming back at the start of October visitors Sprowston are themselves unbeaten in the league going into the match. Emily Leach putting Bungay into the lead in the 1st half Sprowston drew level from the penalty spot. Bungay went on to retake the lead a goal from Selina Rowland putting them 2-1 up at half-time. The home side further extending their lead in the 2nd half with Nicola Hazell scoring along with Leach getting her 2nd to make it 4-1. Sprowston struck late on to reduce the deficit losing for the 1st time this season in the league 4-2 the 3 points taking Bungay 5 points clear at the top of the Division One table.

One game played in Division Two this Sunday with leaders FC Sprowston Ladies extending their lead at the top of the table to 6 points. Awarded an away win from a game in December came into the match at home to 2nd bottom Toftwood United Ladies looking to extend their 100% to 9 matches. Scoring plenty of goals in the process too, Charlie Head recently signed scoring 5 goals in the match, elsewhere the goals were spread out amongst Katie Fray, Tammy Graves, Rebecca Kirby, Nicole Read and Rosie Wickenden in an 11-0 win.

Cambridgeshire 

One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday and that was where Women’s Football East headed knowing the all weather pitch at The Ridgeon’s Stadium in Newmarket might hold up better than others. Passed inspection it was nevertheless a horrid and bitterly cold day with Newmarket Town Ladies 3rd in the table taking on 4th placed Cambridge City Ladies Development. Newmarket started the better of the 2 sides pressing Cambridge for the ball pushing forwards opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes Antonia Smith on hand inside the box to put the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Abbi Griffin just 18 years old making her 50th appearance for Newmarket this Sunday celebrated with a goal to make it 2-0. Jordanne Sillitoe making the lead 3-0 at half-time.

   Into the 2nd half and Newmarket extended their lead going 4-0 with Jess Linger putting home a free-kick from outside the box. Cambridge were better 2nd half getting the ball higher up the pitch and a headed goal from Rachel Littlewood pulled it back to 4-1. The win lifting Newmarket above St Ives Town Ladies into 2nd spot in the table with games in hand on leaders Netherton United Ladies. 

Elsewhere in Cambridgeshire it was the beginning of their County Cup competition the Women’s Invitation Cup. 2 ties beating the weather, ERWFL Premier Division side playing on 3G hosting Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies. It was the lower league side who struck 1st blood Lorna Hart putting ICA Sports 1-0 up before Cambridge City went on to equalise and go on to win the game 5-1. Bella Simmons netting 4 goals in the match with 16 year old Anna Kanz scoring her 1st goal for the senior team.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies were at home in the Invitation Cup taking on Championship South side, Cambridge Rangers Women. Goals from Stephanie Ransome, Hannah Seymour-Shove, Amy Seymour-Shove and Georgia Stancombe seeing St Ives Town progress with a 4-1 win.

Essex

In Essex it was quarter finals weekend in the Women’s County Cup 3 games to be played with holders C&K Basildon Ladies receiving a home walkover following the folding of Colchester Town Ladies. Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies game at home to Corringham Cosmos was postponed. That left 2 quarter finals to be played in less than pleasant conditions. 

    Harlow Town Ladies from ERWFL Division One South were taking on Premier Division side Writtle Ladies at the Harlow Arena. A goal in each half from Hannah Mold and Sophie Vale seeing Writtle through to the semi-finals.

2-0 was also the winning margin in the other Essex Women’s County Cup semi-final an all ERWFL Premier Division clash this one with two in form and local rivals locking horns once again, Billericay Town Ladies hosting Brentwood Town Ladies. A brace from Georgia Holdaway seeing the visitors progress the the semi-finals Brentwood with the 2-0 win.

Was also quarter finals weekend in the Essex Women’s Trophy competition however just 1 of the 4 ties beat the weather with Premier Division side Collier Row Tigers at home to ERWFL Division One South side, Hutton Ladies. The higher league side progressing to the semi-finals with a narrow 2-1 win goals from Hayley Critchell and Rianne Dimmock enough to see Hutton through despite Laura Bunton scoring for Collier Row Tigers.

  There was also some league action in Essex albeit restricted due to the weather in the Essex Women’s Premier Division, Lawford Ladies move back into 3rd position in the table with a 5-0 win at home to Eastern Avenue on Sunday. Jasmine Cox scoring twice with a goal each for Daisy Canny, Tyler Christou and Claire Gauntlett.

One game also on in Essex Women’s Division One and a big win away from home for Hullbridge Sports Ladies sees them return back to the top of the table with their 10th straight league win. Taking on FC Clacton Ladies, top scorers Broghan Kelly added another 5 goals to her season’s tally with a brace each for Patricia McWeeney and Christina Fragnito. With Sophie Fraser, Karley Hunt and Julia Setford all getting a goal each in a 12-1 win.

Beds & Herts

Just the one game to bring you from Beds & Herts in Division One 2nd placed Northwood Ladies moving to within 2 points of leaders St Albans Ladies with a big home win over bottom club Watton Ladies on Sunday. 3 players scoring a brace for Northwood Leanne Jones, Scarlett Keightley and Francesca Webster, there were goals to for Zamina Rehemtulla, Aliyah Ahmed and Emma Steele in a 9-0 win.

 

Match Report – Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

On to the 2nd cup final in two days was another trip to Cambridgeshire for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog to watch Cambridge City Ladies and Cambridge United WFC go head to head once again this time the senior sides in action in the Women’s Invitation Cup Final at Histon FC’s Glassworld Stadium.

Cup Final Report – Cambridge City Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

 
  The Cup Finals continue on Supporting Women’s Football as just 24 hours after watching the Junior Invitation Cup Final it’s back to Cambridgeshire to the Glassworld Stadium in Histon to watch the Women’s Invitation Cup Final once again featuring Cambridge City Ladies and Cambridge United WFC.
  
  This time round it’s the clubs senior sides going head to her in Cambridgeshire’s County Cup competition sponsored by S-Tech Insurance. I recent season’s Cambridge United WFC have dominated the competition along with familiar rivals Great Shelford Ladies having contested the Invitation Cup Final for 4 successive season, Cambridge United WFC coming out victorious each time, reaching a 5th final in a row have new opponents as, the rivalry no less intense however as Cambridge City Ladies reach the final for the 1st time.

  Both sides enjoying a good season in their respective leagues Cambridge United WFC playing two leagues higher in the FAWPL South East Division One were leading the table for a good portion of the season, cup runs seeing them overhauled are currently in 4th place in a good position to challenge for a higher finish come the end of the season.

  Cambridge City Ladies winning promotion as Cambridgeshire Premiership Champions last season recruited several players from Cambridge United WFC returning to the club they had started playing for at youth level as they began life in the next step of the women’s football pyramid the Regional leagues, have stormed to the title winning the league with 4 games to spare, earning promotion to the Premier Division as well as reaching the final of the League Cup. A strong youth set-up Cambridge City are ambitious and ultimately looking to challenge Cambridge United WFC as the dominant force in women’s football in Cambridgeshire which can only be good for the game in the county as a whole. 

Road to the Final
 
  Two in form sides they racked up the goals on their way to the final. Both receiving a Bye in the 1st Round. Cambridge City Ladies were at home to Championship South side Cambridge Rangers in the 2nd Round easing through with a 15-0 win. Double figures too for Cambridge United WFC away to Championship North leaders, March Town United Ladies winning 12-0.
  Into the quarter-finals a 9-0 victory over Premiership side Park Ladies seeing Cambridge City Ladies through to the semi-finals. Cambridge United WFC bettered that score by the odd goal in 10 breezing past Championship South side Milton Ladies. A tighter affair for Cambridge City Ladies playing Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies, edging the result 4-3 to reach their 1st ever County Cup Final. Familiar opponents then for Cambridge United WFC in the semi-finals albeit under a new name as Great Shelford Ladies are now Histon Ladies, play their home games at the Glassworld Stadium. Cambridge United WFC winning comfortably in the end 6-0 to make it to yet another Invitation Cup Final.
  The venue Histon FC’s, Glassworld Stadium home to a number of Cambridgeshire FA Finals this year once again. A big pitch with a main seated stand housing the changing rooms below and bar above, Covered terracing either at both goal ends with a smaller seated stand running the length of the pitch on the opposite side. A few dark clouds around by no rain forecast plenty of spectators coming in through the turnstiles.

  Cambridge City Ladies starting XI – Tee Mhunduru, Amy Reed, Izzy Broadbent, Becca Fay (C), Robyn Phillips, Emily Reed, Bronte Rapley, Sarah Mosley, Charlotte Gillies, Stacey Fullicks & Philippa Witherspoon.
  subs – Saffron Henry, Emma Littlewood, Grace Stanley, Carla Penny & Bella Simmons.

  Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Carrie Bennett, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Laura Baker, Becky Taylor, Laura Mills, Ashleigh Deacon, Sarah Wiltshire & Paige Logie.
  subs – Carolyn Sarafian, Evie Gallop, Nicole Perschky & Liz Pamplin.

(roll on roll off substitutes)
The two sides line-up before tonight’s final
 As with last nights Junior Invitation Cup Final we have two Cambridge’s so to make life easier for us all it’s be City v United from now on. It’s City wearing white shirts and black shorts with black and white hooped socks to kick-off the 1st half. United lined up opposite in amber shirts and socks with black shorts. City get players forwards early to pressure the ball inside the United half, charged down centrally the deflection runs into the path of City’s, Stacey Fullicks sends it out to the right with Charlotte Gillies on the move taking the ball in behind cuts the ball inside to striker Philippa Witherspoon outside box right of the D, turns her shot in towards the near post lacking pace the ball is gathered by United goalkeeper, Verity Crook.
   United counter attack quickly the ball played on by right back Emma Jenkins up the right wing with Laura Mills ahead of her already on the move, with plenty of pace in her legs Mills takes the ball on down the line sending the ball into the box as she tries to turn, City goalkeeper Tee Mhunduru has to keep her eye on the ball on her goal line as it swerves through the air landing on the roof of the net. United press down the left awarded a free-kick, Sarah Wiltshire over it sends the ball in towards the centre goal, Mhunduru right behind the shot claims the ball without challenge.
   A few challenges coming in early on resulting in free-kicks being given away one on half-way for City, captain Becca Fay to play the ball up into the area, United captain Laura Bright gets her head on the ball to clear it wide right, Gillies looks to get hold of the ball but gives away a free-kick. A fast tempo at the start of the game both sides looking to use the width of the pitch.
 GOAL! 7 mins played and United take the lead in the Invitation Cup Final Paige Logie up front for Cambridge after a ball sent up field picks it up on the right of the box flashes a cross along the City box no one central is gathered by Ashleigh Deacon on the far side drives forwards getting past players into the box taking the ball to the line crosses low towards the near post, Logie is there to met it her touch taking the ball past the keeper up onto the crossbar the ball crashing down into the back of the net 0-1.
 
  GOAL! One goal is quickly followed by another a United press the ball in the middle the ball is with Becky Taylor bringing it forwards right of the pitch has Mills to her right making the run rolls the ball into her feet fires in a vicious ball across the goal face, Mhunduru can’t get anything on it as it runs through to the far post Deacon arriving on cue to send the ball in to score 0-2.
Paige Logie opens the scoring
in the Invitation Cup Final for
Cambridge United WFC
  Down by 2 quickfire goals inside the opening 10 minutes the last thing the lower league placed side needs as City find themselves on the back foot. look to get forwards for a immediate response Sarah Mosley playing the diagonal ball out to Gillies getting forwards on the right, lays the ball inside to Witherspoon her 1st time strike from outside the box is charged down by United’s Bennett. The loose ball retrieved by City is threaded through the middle Fullicks into the box a Taylor tackles they both go down, the referee waves away the penalty appeals, play stopped as Taylor still down requires treatment. 
  50/50 balls contested all over the pitch no one is afforded any time on the ball, Fullicks lines up a strike from distance her 30 yard effort straight at Crook. Wiltshire into the box with the ball on the right turns inside looks to curl a shot into the far corner, too central is taken high by Mhunduru. Attacking with the ball on the left the ball is squared into Mills coming central, outside the box turns the ball goalwards with the outside of her foot looping up drops safely int Mhunduru’s gloves. 
  Good running from Gillies on the right for City wins her side a corner kick, the ball floated into the area is knocked back out towards the right lifted back into the area long Mosley has it at her feet pulls the trigger her shot charged down by Jenkins spins behind for a corner on the left, the ball in towards the far post headed clear by Bright. Taylor gets forwards for United on the right side tussles with Izzy Broadbent for the ball gets control before sending a cross long towards the far post Wiltshire gets her head on the ball puts it wide. 
  A driving run from Wiltshire on the ball as she is given it from a throw-in closing in on the area strikes the ball her shot held by Mhunduru. Logie link up with Jenkins on the right a high ball lofted into the area, Mhunduru takes it high with runners closing in. Fullicks pushes forwards through the middle looking to power her way into the area, is tackled by Kayleigh-Anne Burt the ball going away for a throw right. Bronte Rapley plays the ball left into Fullicks pushing forwards her ball goes long into the box Gillies closing in Crook come and sliding in claims the ball at the attackers feet.
  Gillies breaking forwards down the right carries the ball on before crossing the ball skims off the crossbar back into play, Jenkins reaching it before City can put another ball in towards goal. City make a change Witherspoon coming off with Grace Stanley coming on taking up a forwards position. Logie is brought down in the middle players go forwards as Bright plays the ball up towards the near post, no one able to get a shot in nor clear the ball is turned wide of goal a corner awarded. From the right Taylor flicks the ball on across goal, Amy Reed winning it and clearing for City.
  Mosley on the move with the ball central on for Gillies to her right back inside for Stanley is closed down by Laura Baker, runs back to Emily Reed for City lifts the ball into the box with Fullicks looking to get in round the back, Crook makes the call claiming the ball high in the air. Half and hour played United press forwards Baker looking to roll the ball into the path of Wiltshire making a run towards the area, defender Robyn Phillips intercepts for City. 
  A double switch for City as they bring on Saffron Henry and Carla Penny for Amy Reed and Mosley. City have possession in the final 3rd Gillies on the right lays the ball into Fullicks on her inside, Baker comes sliding in to make the challenge Fullicks is caught on the ankle as she tries to evade the tackle. Left on the ground, Baker is yellow carded another referee might have shown a different colour. Fullicks in alot of pain can’t continue and is carried off the pitch on comes Bella Simmons, City’s top scorer this season so far with 21 goals. Fay over the free-kick 22 yards out goes for goal puts her shot over.
   Baker travelling with the ball has Wiltshire ahead of her lays the ball on Wiltshire has Mills out wide right passing her the ball looks to turn inside Broadbent challenges and winning the ball puts it out for a throw. United retain possession Baker central has Wiltshire ahead of her again closer to goal this time puts the threaded pass into the box, Mhunduru comes sliding in to gather the ball at Wiltshire’s feet. Wiltshire and Taylor play a one two outside the box looking for the return past inside the box, Phillips gets in front of the striker to win the ball back for City.  A strong end to te 1st half from United, Taylor pressing forwards with the ball lifts it up over the City defence into the box with Wiltshire after it, closed down under pressure puts her shot wide of the post.  
  GOAL! Deacon wins United a corner kick on the left as her cross from inside the box is charged down, players crowd the six yard box as Mills comes over to take the corner, with her right for is a fantastic inswinging ball flies past the goalkeeper at the near post the City defence desperately try to clear off the line but can’t keep te ball out of the back of the net hard to tell from where I was standing whether it was already over the line or not but Mills’ ball was on target sure she’ll claim it 0-3. 
 
Half-time Cambridge City Ladies 0-3 Cambridge United WFC
A third goal for United right on the stroke of half-time puts them in firm control of the Invitation Cup Final, another blow for City rocked early in the half by 2 quickfire goals took them a while to get back into the game, a competitve contest United not giving much away at 2-0 going into the break City would feel an early goal 2nd half puts them right back in it. 3-0 a tougher prospect to overcome against a United defence that doesn’t give too much away.
  A change for United at the start of the 2nd half striker Nicole Perschky on for Baker the change seeing Logie who can play in any position in the spine of the team taking up a deeper midfield role. It’s United to kick off the 2nd half on the attack early the ball put out to the right Perschky looks to play it in central to Wiltshire closed down the corner is conceded. Played in with pace towards the near post City defend putting the ball behind for a 2nd corner. The ball flicked on near side, City claim it and go on the counter attack getting the ball into Gillies up top head down tries to mow her way through the middle, too much traffic is tackled by Bennett. 
  Jenkins gets forwards on the right Mills ahead of her plays the ball in, Mills knocks it forwards in towards the area her touch to heavy gives Fay time to close her down win the ball. City knowing they need an early break through if they are to find anyway back into the Final pressure the United back line, Simmons has the pace to close down Bright as she tries the shield the ball the ball back to Crook the clearance down’t go far the ball with Stanley out right moves into the area lays the ball back towards the top of the box, Simmons is wrong footed can’t adjust quickly enough as the ball come at her to get a shot away. 
  GOAL! 12 minutes played in the 2nd half and City get the goal they needed is a brilliant individual goal too from Gillies is given the ball in a central position 30 yards from goal runs at the United defence looks to shift the ball left, then takes it right wrong footing Bennett ahead of her opening up a window to shoot lets fly the ball arrowing into the top corner, little Crook can do about it 1-3.
Cambridge City Ladies
Charlotte Gillies
 
  Taylor is covering plenty of ground in the midfield for United getting forwards with the ball shifts it left playing in Deacon on the run looks to fire the central pass into the box with Mills coming into the area from the right reaching the ball is denied a shot on goal flagged offside. City make a change Witherspoon coming back on for Simmons up front. Good control from Perschky bringing the ball down onto her chest in the top right corner of the box lays it into Taylor making the run to the top of the area, her low shot is scooped up of the floor by Mhunduru right behind the ball. 
  Emily Read comes off for City, Rapley coming back on as Stanley wins her side a corner kick on the right side played in towards the far post drops to the floor inside the six yard box a block sends the ball back out to the right picked up by the corner taker Rapley her attempted cross back in is blocked by Deacon another corner. Comes in towards the far post for a 2nd time knocked down centrally by Henry is cleared by Burt.
 GOAL! Pressing for another goal City concede a 4th goal in the 64th minute giving away a free-kick inside their half the ball is played high up into the area, Perschky running forwards the ball dropping over her shoulder, has Deacon with her stretches he right leg out meeting the ball on the bounce taking it up wide of the keeper and into the goal beyond to score her 2nd of the game 1-4.
 
Mills running onto the ball on the right plays the cross into the box Perschky looks to flick it on comes to Taylor 8 yards out meeting the ball sends her shot over the crossbar. Witherspoon makes room for a shot 25 yards out central, goes straight at Crook who collects as it bounces inside her six yard box. United have Wiltshire in possession plays the pass into the right channel for Mills drives a cross in near post Perschky making to run, Mhunduru gets hold of the ball. 
Logie comes forwards with the ball, Wiltshire ahead of her makes a move from left to right across the top of the City box, Logie rolling the ball into her path, Wiltshire turns the all in towards goal, straight at Mhunduru the goalkeeper drops forwards to gather. Stanley comes off for City, Mosley returning to the action. Gillies twisting and turning on the ball right side gets the ball inside to Mosley outside the box sees Penny making a far post run, lifts the ball into the area to close to Crook who sees the danger gets across Penny to win the ball. 
  The game moving into the final 20 minutes both sides still showing lots of energy City counter attack as Broadbent wins the ball at the back played on from Penny into Witherspoon 20 yards out left of the D she shots her strike flying wide of the post. Bright plays the ball long up towards the area, Perschky  can’t quite bring the ball down into her strike but carrying on into the area has it left of goal flashes the ball into the six yard box, Fay clearing with Mills coming on far side. 
  Witherspoon moves right to get the ball for City level with the top of the box plays in back into the middle for Rapley has Mosley inside the box right of goal plays the ball into her feet, back to goal Mosley holds off the United defence turning right looks to shot the ball deflected behind for a corner on the right. Into the middle of the box, Taylor clears for United. A double change for United, Logie and Deacon rested with Evie Gallops coming on along with Baker. 
  City come on again the ball central into Witherspoon has Bright on her shoulder as the two race for the box, Witherspoon is brought down by Bright inside the D the free-kick a foot outside the box. Rapley on the ball gets it up over the wall starts to dip as it heads towards the top corner but not by enough as it flies over the bar. United make a change at the back Burt coming off, Carolyn Sarafain comes on. Wiltshire with the ball running towards the City area lets fly from the edge of the box her strike smashing against the crossbar. Deacon returns to the field in place of Taylor for United, Stanley back on for City replacing Phillips. as the game moves into the closing stages 
 GOAL! Into stoppage time and United extend their lead Wiltshire pushing on with the ball is brought down 20 yards from goal a dangerous position she picks herself up to take the free-kick, is a great strike heading towards the top corner initially an excellent save from Mhunduru as diving across she takes off gets both gloves around the ball falling however she drops the ball and Deacon racing in is first the ball to bury it into the back of the corner and claim a Cup Final hat-trick 1-5. Not long after the final whistle blows and United celebrate having retained the Invitation Cup once again.
A Cup Final hat-trick for Cambridge United WFC’s Ashleigh Deacon
Full time Cambridge City Ladies 1-5 Cambridge United WFC
 An enjoyable final watched in front of a good numbered crowd. Two early goals for United putting them in total control of the game took City a little while to recover momentum only to concede a 3rd right on the stroke of half-time. Gillies gave then home with a superb goal to make it 3-1 before United went on to extend their lead. Deacon scoring in injury time to get her hat-trick the icing on the cake. Two Cup Final wins for United in the space of two days, two losses for City who shouldn’t be too downhearted real progress made this season.
SWF Blog – Player of the Match
 
 A few contenders for the SWF Blog – Player of the Match tonight. Charlotte Gillies with a great performance for Cambridge City, a Cup Final hat-trick for Ashleigh Deacon however tonight’s Player of the Match goes to Becky Taylor a strong all round midfield performance plenty of energy and vision helping out at the back when needed bringing other into play going forwards. 
Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Winners, Cambridge United WFC
Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC on winning this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup, two cups in two nights for the club.
 My thanks once again to Chris Abbott from from the Cambridgeshire FA for his help again tonight.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 19/03/17

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 19th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup 

This weekend also saw the Women’s County Cup competition reach the semi-finals stage in Cambridgeshire too. Current holders Cambridge United WFC are determined to keep there iron grip on the cup as they took on familiar foes in a familiar setting in there semi-final away to Histon Ladies (formerly Great Shelford Ladies) who now play at the Glassworld Stadium where previous Invitation Cup Finals have been played. Cambridge United took the lead in the 11th minute striker Sarah Wiltshire curling home a free-kick, starting the game as she looks to return to match fitness after so recently giving birth. 1-0 was the lead for Cambridge at the break.

  2nd half the visitors had control of the game scoring 2 goals within the 1st 5 minutes of the restart, Wiltshire making it 2-0 in the 48th minute then captain Laura Bright added their 3rd from a corner 2 minutes later. Nicole Perschky made it 4-0 in the 62nd minute, the best saved till the last as midfielder Dawn Mallett scored a superb goal flicking the ball on twice before volleying it over the keeper to score with 2 minutes of the 90 left. Well worth a watch take yourself over to Cambridge United’s twitter feed (@CambridgeUtdWFC) to see for yourself. The 5-0 victory seeing Cambridge United WFC into yet another Invitation Cup Final.

 It will be an all Cambridge Invitation Cup Final this time around as ERWFL Division One leaders, Cambridge City Ladies booked their final spot winning at home against Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side St Ives Town Ladies on Sunday however they did so with a nervous finish after getting themselves into a commanding 4-0 lead with goals from Charlotte Gillies, Sarah Mosley, Carla Penny and Bella Simmons. The home side were then reduced to 10 players as goalkeeper Tafadzwa Mhunduru was shown a red card. St Ives Town came back into the game goals from Hannah Seymour-Shove, Amy Seymour-Shove and Jorgie Hall getting the score back to 4-3, St Ives Town struck the crossbar too but it was Cambridge City who held on to win it and reach the Invitation Cup Final, date and venue to be announced.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this weekend with 2nd placed Netherton United Ladies hosting Peterborough rivals ICA Sports Ladies. A strong wind was a predominate feature for alot of the games in the region this Sunday I’ve observed through social media at The Grange it was no different goalless at the break Netherton United went on to take the lead 8 minutes into the 2nd half Sasha Haw scoring with what would prove to be the winning goal. The 3 points seeing Netherton United close the gap on league leader Newmarket Town Ladies to 3 points. You can read Netherton United’s report from the game by clicking on the link below.

Netherton United Ladies 1-0 ICA Sports Ladies

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North 

 March Town Ladies leading the Cambridgeshire Championship North dropped league points for the 1st time this season although they still remain unbeaten as they were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Wisbech St Mary Ladies on Sunday. Livvi Hodges netting the goal for March Town after Carlie Knight had given Wisbech St Mary the lead in the 1st half.

That result sees 2nd placed Ketton Ladies close the gap on March Town United Ladies to 4 points as they won away from home beating bottom side Thurlby Tigers 6-1 on Sunday.

 Three successive league wins have propelled Wisbech Town Ladies up the Championship North table into 3rd place after beating Boston United Ladies at home this Sunday had to do it the hard way however after going a goal down Victoria Bradford scoring for Boston United. Wisbech Town coming back to win the match 2-1 with goals from Sophie Gutteridge and Emily Stephenson.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

 In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South league leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development are now just 1 win away from securing the title after they racked up a huge win at home on Sunday against bottom side Orton Rangers Ladies. A hat-trick for both Ellie Geoghan and Tegan Wyman. Erin Walusimbi, Megan Tonks and Rachel Littlewood all scored 2 goals each with a goal each for both Erin Fox and Amy Ozakpinar competing a 14-0 win. 

Plenty of goals too in the match between 2nd placed Milton Ladies and 3rd placed Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves. Kirsty Lemmon-Sparks was back amongst the goals for Milton scoring 4 times in the match played at Newmarket with Sam Cousins also getting a goal. However 5 goals wasn’t enough to get all 3 points as Newmarket Town Reserves responded in kind scoring 5 themselves to see the points shared. Elicia Cooper with a brace along with goals from Joeli Kirby, Hollie Turner and Siobhan White. 

In the other game played in the Championship South this weekend, Fulbourn Bluebirds at home collected all 3 points against Isleham United Ladies. Katy Luddy scoring a brace in the game, Amy-Louise Chapman also found the back of the net along with an own goal in a 4-0 win seeing them close the gap on 4th placed Isleham United to 3 points.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 19/02/17

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 19th February

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

 The Cambridgeshire Women’s County Cup was at the quarter-finals stage this weekend with 3 of the 4 ties scheduled to be played. Histon Ladies progressed without kicking a ball after the ERWFL Premier Division side was awarded a home win over Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side Bar Hill Ladies.

 In the 2 quarter-finals that were played on Sunday their were huge away wins for ERWFL Division One leaders, Cambridge City Ladies and FAWPL South East Division One side, and holders Cambridge United WFC against lower league opposition. Cambridge City were taking on Park Ladies from the Cambridge Women’s Premiership a league between the sides having contrasting season’s Cambridge City top of ERWFL Division One with just the one defeat, Park Ladies bottom of the table having seen their only league win chalked off due to the withdrawal of the side that had previously been below them. Both Carla Penny and Bella Simmons were on target for Cambridge City scoring 4 goals each with Emily Reed also grabbing a goal in the tie to seal a 9-0 win to see them into the semi-finals.

  An even bigger scoreline in the other quarter-final where Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South side, Milton Ladies faced a big test taking on Cambridge United WFC the highest league placed side in Cambridgeshire playing 4 leagues above them in FAWPL South East Division One. Danielle Puddefoot set the ball rolling for Cambridge United WFC opening the scoring on 7 minutes, just past the quarter hour mark Evie Gallop doubled the lead. Becky Taylor with a goal on 22 minutes to see Cambridge lead 3-0. Ashleigh Deacon also got in on the goal action grabbing her 1st goal of the game 2 minutes later, then it was all about Gallop as scoring twice in 5 minutes to get a 1st half hat-trick, wasn’t doe there however adding another 2 goals in the 39th and 41st minute to get herself 5 for the match. The goals kept coming late in the 1st half Laura Mills getting her 1st goal of the game, Deacon her 2nd in the final minute to see Cambridge hold a commanding 10-0 lead at half-time.

The goals didn’t slow up in the 2nd half, Nicole Perschky getting 2 to her name within the opening 5 minutes with Taylor getting her 2nd of the tie in between. Mills scored her 2nd on 54 minutes. Deacon went on to complete her hat-trick. Puddefoot getting another in the 73rd minute. Time in the last 5 minutes of the match for both Mills and Perschky to bring up their hat-tricks the final score 19-0.

St Ives Town Ladies and ICA Sports Ladies will contest the other quarter-final in an all Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership tie.

   The semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup have been draw and are as follows; 

Histon Ladies v Cambridge United WFC

Cambridge City Ladies v St Ives Town Ladies or ICA Sports Ladies

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Two games played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday. It was 4th versus 3rd as St Ives Tow Ladies hosted Cambridge United WFC Reserves. Having beaten them Cambridge United on the opening day of the season it was the springboard to a good start to life in the Premiership for St Ives Town and they earned another good result against their opponents with the sides drawing 1-1 to share the points Amy Seymour-Shove scoring for St Ives Town. Ebony Rule with the goal for Cambridge United WFC Reserves.

Despite the point St Ives Town drop a place to 5th in the table after being overhauled by Netherton United Ladies who edged a tight contest at home against Cambridge University Women on Sunday. Playing out a goalless 1st half the winning goal came late in the game with Yasmin Green striking the ball into the back of the net with 12 minutes left. It sees Netherton United go from what looked to have been an indifferent season in the league to suddenly find themselves right amongst the title contenders now on 12 points they are 6 behind leaders Newmarket Town Ladies with 2 games in hand. You can read Netherton United Ladies report from Sunday’s match by clicking on the link below.

Netherton United Ladies 1-0 Cambridge University Women

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North 

One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North on Sunday and it saw 7th placed Wisbech Town Ladies move up a place into 6th after they recorded a good result at home to 5th placed Ketton Ladies. Both Shushannah Feast and Sophie Gutteridge scoring a hat-trick in the game with Polly Norman also on target with a goal in a 7-2 victory.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

Two games played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South at the weekend, league leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development still undefeated with a whooping 10 point lead at the top of the table after an away win on Sunday against Isleham United Ladies. Shona Kelly with a goal for the home side. Cambridge City scoring twice to win the game 2-1, Anna Wilson and Erin Fox netting their goals.

   Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves move back above Milton Ladies into 2nd spot in the Championship South with a home win against Cambridge Rangers on Sunday. Dominika Szary scoring a brace with Hollie Turner and Kristen Hummel both getting themselves a goal each in a 4-0 win.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 29/01/17

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 29th January

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

One game beat the weather in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership at the weekend with league leaders Newmarket Town Ladies at home to Cambridge University Women. Cindy Ponder scored from 25 yards inside the opening 10 minutes to give Newmarket an early lead. Cambridge University equalised 7 minutes later Maude Gibbins sending the ball into the back of the net. The visitors went on to take control of the match with Amanda Wainwright scoring an 8 minute hat-trick late in the 1st half to lead at the break 4-1. Kate Rose extended Cambridge University’s league in the 58th minute. Newmarket pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left Amelia Deuchars on target with the goal. The 5-2 win seeing Cambridge University Women climb up to 4th place in the table with games in hand on the leading pair.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

One outstanding tie from the 1st Round of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup postponed from the previous 2 Sunday’s, Premiership side, St Ives Town Ladies were away to Isleham United Ladies from the Championship South. The Premiership side got off to a bad start finding themselves 2-0 as Laura Todd and Lily Turner scored for Isleham. St Ives Town rallied however and fought their way back into the game Tierney Coulson, Sophie Marheineke and Amy Seymour-Shove all scoring to see the visitors win the tie 3-2 and reach the quarter finals of the competition. 

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

Championship North leaders, March Town United Ladies saw their match against Boston United Ladies called off after their opponents couldn’t raise a team. That gave an opportunity to 2nd placed Wisbech St Mary Ladies to attempt a close the 6 point gap as they took on P&L Motors Diamonds at home, their opponents coming into the game off the back of a 9-0 home win the previous Sunday putting them in touch with the chasing pack in 5th spot. Wisbech St Mary scored 4 goals in the game with Lauren Laws scoring in the 1st half, Sian Peeling with a brace her 2nd in the 89th minute, Carlie Knight also scoring on 87 minutes, 4 goals however weren’t enough to get anything from the match as P&L Motors Diamonds scored 7 goals to win the game and the 3 points that take them up into 2nd spot above Wisbech St Mary in the Championship North table.

  In the other game that survived in the Championship North it was a huge win at home for Wisbech Town Ladies at home to Hungate Rover Ladies. Sophie Gutteridge top scoring in the match with 4 goals. There were 2 goals each for Shushannah Feast and Leah Hall with Jemma Adams, Polly Norman and Zoe Tyhurst all grabbing a goal each for Wisbech Town in an 11-0 win.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South on Sunday an 11am kick-off at the Girton Recreation Ground with Cambridge Rangers hosting Fulbourn Bluebirds. The visiting side coming away with all 3 points winning the match 6-0 with a brace each for Kirsty Geal and Marie Stubbings. Sharron Pinner and Samantha Issacson getting the other goals for Fulbourn as they join Isleham United Ladies and Riverside Rovers Reserves in mid-table on 9 points.

The Round-Up – 22/01/17

The Round-Up

Sunday 22nd January

  For the 2nd week on a row it’s a shortened edition of The Round-Up featuring all the women’s football in the East on Sunday. There were 29 postponements last Sunday with rain being a major factor, waterlogged, pitches. This time around it was the frost hitting large parts of the region that saw 40 matches postponed for the 2nd weekend in a row it was a wipe-out in the FAWPL Southern Division. The FAWPL South East Division One also lost all it’s fixtures although Luton Town Ladies v AFC Wimbledon Ladies did kick-off at 2pm the referee had concerns and with the score 0-0 at half-time the game was abandoned as conditions worsened. Likewise it was a total fixture loss in Norfolk on Sunday with just a game handful of matches in Beds & Herts, one game in Essex. Cambridgeshire further in land fairing the better saw more of a thaw allowing matches to be played.

ERWFL

  Two games beat the weather in the ERWFL both in the Premier Division. League leaders, Haringey Borough Women were playing their 1st game of year and the 1st since they sadly lost their manager Steve Browne who passed away over the new year after losing a long battle with cancer. An emotional day for the club. Suffolk side AFC Sudbury Ladies the visitors. Brooke Hills and Jessica Appeagyei with her 10th goal of the season scoring for Haringey Borough, the points shared on the day, Sophie Jeffrey scoring twice for AFC Sudbury to see them move above Writtle Ladies into 4th place in the Premier Division table.

  Plenty of goals on show in the other match in the ERWFL Premier Division this Sunday with Royston Town Ladies at home to Colchester Town Ladies. The visitors finding the back of the net for 4 goals in the match as they look to pull away from bottom side Histon Ladies, however it was the side immediately above them that hit back with 6 goals to win the match and record their 4th league win of the season. Samantha Tinsley is in blistering goal scoring form this season moving onto 27 goals with a hat-trick for Royston Town. Andrea Wright with a brace and Harriet Smith with the other Royston Town goals. Northern Ireland U19s international, Miagh Downey scored early in the game for Colchester with Kira Fitzpatrick and Nancy Butler with 2 goals scoring in the 2nd half for the visitors.

Suffolk

  Was League Cup quarter final weekend in Suffolk. 3 ties scheduled to be played with Walsham Le Willows having a bye through to the semi-finals following the withdrawal of Witnesham Wasps from the league. Ipswich Town Ladies Development saw their match away to Leiston St Margaret Ladies postponed and will try again next Sunday. Out of the League Cup are the current holders Brantham Athletic Ladies after they were beaten away from home on Sunday 2-0 by East Bergholt United.

  East Bergholt United will play Bacton United Ladies in the semi-finals of the League Cup after they won their quarter final tie away to Copleston Ladies 3-0 on Sunday. Scoring twice in the 1st half before sealing victory with a 3rd goal in the 2nd half, Lois Balfour, Gemma Howe and Francesca Rainbird with the goals for Bacton United.

Cambridgeshire

  Cambridgeshire dominates this shortened edition of The Round-Up with the county fairing better than most with the cold weather. Two games in Premiership, and it continues to be a tit for tattle battle at the top of the league with Cambridge United WFC Reserves and Newmarket Town Ladies both hunting for the title. Level on 18 points at the top heading into the weekend Cambridge United WFC Reserves held the advantage on goal difference their match against local rivals Cambridge University Women was postponed however giving Newmarket Town Ladies a chance to return to the top of the table with a trip to Peterborough to play ICA Sports Ladies. The visitors going ahead through Abbie Marshall (pictures) in the 11th minute, Marshall added a 2nd goal 7 minutes later. Lorna Hart pulling a goal back for ICA Sports to see them trail 2-1 at half-time.

Newmarket Town Ladies extended their lead to 3-1 with Abbi Griffin putting the ball into the back of the net with 10 minutes of the 2nd half played. Amelia Deuchars recently signed by Newmarket scored her 1st goal for the club in the 72nd minutes. Hart with her 2nd of the match pulling a gal back for ICA Sports before Jordanne Sillitoe scored in the final minute to seal a 5-2 win for Newmarket to put them 3 points clear at the top of the Premiership once again.

  At the other end of the Premiership table it was a meeting between the bottom two with Park Ladies travelling to play Bourne Ladies both newly promoted to the league, both looking for their 1st win at the higher level. It was Park Ladies who were celebrating at the final whistle getting their 1st win in the Premiership following on from their cup victory last Sunday. Won the game 3-1 with goals from Chantelle Abraham, Erin Powell and Amy Newell who moves onto a dozen goals for the season so far.

 Two games were also played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North on Sunday with Wisbech Town Ladies earning a good point away to unbeaten Swineshead Institute Ladies on Sunday coming back from 1-0 down at half-time to draw 2-2 in the 2nd half. Chloe Gray ad Ellie Spendlow netting the goals for Swineshead Institute. Leah Hall and Polly Norman getting the goals in the 2nd half for Wisbech Town.

 In the other game in the Championship North, 5th placed, P&L Motors Diamonds ran out 9-0 winners at home against bottom side Thurlby Tigers.

   One game in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South with league leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development winning big away from home to move 7 points clear at the top of the table. Were taking on Riverside Rovers Reserves. Carla Penny bagged herself a double hat-trick in the game with Erin Walusimbi, Ellie Geoghan and Amy Ozakpinar with her 1st goal for the Development side all getting a goal a piece in a 9-0 win.

The action continues in Cambridgeshire with 4 ties from the 1st Round of the Women’s Invitation Cup getting played after being called off last Sunday. Cup holders Cambridge United WFC began the defence of the trophy away to March Town United Ladies. A tough test for the Cambridgeshire Championship North leaders taking on a side 4 leagues higher. Cambridge United putting out a strong starting XI proving too strong running out 12-0 winners, Evie Gallop (pictured) scoring her 1st hat-trick for the club. There was a brace each for Paige Logie and Laura Mills. With goals each for Laura Bright, Danielle Puddefoot, Lauren Gibson and Nicole Perschky with and own goal too.

Cambridgeshire Championship South side, Milton Ladies caused an upset in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup knocking out EMWFL Division One South side, Riverside Rovers Ladies. The final score 3-2 to Milton at home, less of a surprise is their goal-scorer with Kirsty Lemmon-Sparkes netting all 3 of their goals to move onto 21 goals for the season so far. Milton Ladies with now be at home to Cambridge United WFC in the quarter-finals of the Invitation Cup.

  It took 2 goals in extra-time for Premiership side, Bar Hill Ladies to see off Fulbourn Bluebirds from the Championship South in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup. The scores all level at 1-1 after 90 minutes Bar Hill went on to win 3-1 in the extra-time period with goals from Rebecca Covell and a brace for Holly Ingarfield. Holly Hayes with the goal for Fulbourn Bluebirds. Bar Hill Ladies will be away to ERWFL Premier Division side Histon Ladies after they were awarded a home win against Wisbech St Marys Ladies.

With 9 goals for their Development team already listed above, Cambridge City Ladies 1st team were in equally trigger happy form at home to Cambridge Rangers on Sunday in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup the Championship South side taking on a side in form 2 leagues higher. Bella Simmons top scoring with 4 goals in the game, Sarah Mosley scoring a hat-trick. 2 goals each for Philippa Witherspoon and Charlotte Gillies too with a goal each for Amy Reed, Emma Littlewood, Bronte Rapley and Rachel Pearce in a 15-0 win will now be away to Park Ladies in the quarter finals after they beat Orton Rangers Ladies 12-0 last Sunday in the Invitation Cup.

ICA Sports will have to wait till this Sunday to see who they will face in the quarter finals of the Invitation Cup after Isleham United Ladies home game against St Ives Town was postponed for the 2nd weekend running.

Essex

Was meant to be a League Cup weekend in Essex however all but one game was lost the weather. In the game that was played Essex Women’s Division One side, Harlow Town Ladies Reserves beat Premier Division side, Alresford Colne Rangers 3-1. The rest will try again this coming Sunday.

Hutton Ladies & C&K Basildon Ladies along with Lawford Ladies & Writtle Ladies both saw their Essex Women’s County Cup quarter finals lined up with the victors of the former at home to the winners of the latter in the semi-finals. BiIlericay Town Ladies will be at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies 

Beds & Herts

 Two quarter finals in the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup that were postponed last Sunday fared better this time around as two more sides booked their spot in the semi-finals. Was a clash between two local rivals both level on points in the ERWFL Premier Division in 2nd and 3rd place in the table meeting in the County Cup, Bedford Ladies taking on AFC Dunstable Ladies. Natasha Fensome scoring twice for Bedford the see them advance into the last 4 of the competition where they have been drawn away to cup holders Luton Town Ladies.

 Beds & Herts Women’s Division One side, Sharnbrook WFC are also through to the semi-finals of the Bedfordshire Women’s County Cup with a 3-0 away win a Division Three side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Blues. Gemma Franklin putting Sharnbrook into an early lead 1st half with Charlotte Mullins and Claire Smith both scoring goals in the 2nd half. Sharnbrook will now be at home in the semi-finals playing either Houghton Athletic Ladies or Offley & Stopsley Women whose match was postponed again this weekend.

  Just the one game beat the weather in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football leagues this Sunday but it was a significant result for Hitchin Belles on Division Two after they beat bottom side Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets 4-1 to leap from 6th in the table to 2nd to move to within a point of table toppers Flitwick Ladies with a game in hand. A brace for Shannon Page taking her goals scored tally to 20 for the season for Hitchin Belles with Charis Wakefield and Amy Jack also getting a goal each in a 4-1 win. Lauren Revell with the goal in the 1st half for Woburn & Wavendon. 

The Round-Up – 15/01/17

The Round-Up

Sunday 15th January.

   A slightly different edition of The Round-Up this week, with just the one to post, falling back to last season’s format which I will bring into play on a weekend such as the one we’ve just had, no surprise going to happen this time of year. A wet start to the weekend, cold too, with rain all day across much of the country on Sunday their were going to be postponements across the East in all 29 games were called off!

  It was a wipe-out in the FAWPL & Suffolk, with just one game surviving in the ERWFL, however several sides from that league and the FAWPL were involved in their respective County Cup competition’s some of those falling to the weather too which will alter next weekends fixture list too. So some clubs will be in the County round-ups instead. Still plenty to bring you, 20 games did survive the weather alot of muddy kits to be washed, unfortunate if you got the job this week.

ERWFL Division One

 The one match played in the ERWFL this Sunday was from ERWFL Division One with Hertford Town Ladies making the long journey up to Suffolk to play Ipswich Wanderers Ladies. Payed each other last Sunday in the reverse figure Ipswich Wanderers returning home to Suffolk with all 3 points winning the game 4-3. At home both Danielle Lynch and Jess Taylor-Allum scored for Ipswich Wanderers, however Hertford didn’t leave Suffolk empty handed, earning a point in a 2-2 draw.

Norfolk

A total of 6 matches were played in Norfolk at the weekend, the Norfolk Women’s County Cup had reached the quarter final stage. 3 of the 4 ties surviving the weather, Bohemians Ladies & holders Thorpe United will try again next Sunday after their game was called off. Plenty of goals scored in the other 3 quarter final games. 

Acle United Ladies are the highest league placed side in Norfolk in the competition competing in the ERWFL Premier Division. With the rain forecast and already playing catch up with their league fixtures took the decision early to switch the match to the 3G pitch at Flegg High School in Martham where they train during the week. King’s Lynn Town Ladies were their opponents playing two leagues below but in good form in Norfolk Women’s Division One in 2nd place unbeaten in the league since the opening weekend.

King’s Lynn were encouraged by a positive start and the game was played at a high tempo, the visitors with some good opportunities to take the lead, however it was Acle United with 2 quick fire goals as the 1st half approached the half hour mark that went ahead. New signing Megan Todd (pictured) was played through into the box coming in from the right sent her shot across the keeper into the back of the net to score on her debut. A minute later Acle doubled their lead, Kate Pasque nodding the ball in from a corner. King’s Lynn kept pressing for a goal, the 1st half into the last 5 minutes a pinpoint cross from Anna Larkins into the six yard box saw Jody Wells racing in force the ball into the back of the net. 3-0 was a harsh scoreline for King’s Lynn and heads were dropping but with the half drawing to a close they got it back to 3-1 the ball played up front, Oksana Imanalijeva turns taking the ball into the box firing home from the top of the six yard box. 

 The 2nd half starts just like the 1st half both sides on the attack, 20 minutes played and King’s Lynn are forced into a change as Taylor Sarchet is injured helped off the pitch with her ankle bandaged up. A 4-5 minute break in play. Acle go straight on the attack from the restart and score attacking down the right  Larkins plays the cross long to the far post Wells behind the gets call from Bryony Knights who arrives form the left side to turn the ball over the line to make it 4-1. King’s Lynn respond straight away captain Shelley Woods fouled in the area gets the penalty and scores. Moving into the latter stages of the match Acle are awarded a penalty after a drive into the box from Todd see’s her brought down, steps up to take it to score her score of the game. Time for one more goal at the death with Woods through beating the offside trap gets by the onrushing goalkeeper and lifts the ball over the back-tracking defence to score her 2nd of the match final score 5-3 This game was the featured match on the SWF Blog and the whole match report can be found below this post or by clicking on the link below

 Acle United Ladies 5-3 King’s Lynn Town Ladies

It was another high scoring win for the other ERWFL in the competition with Wymondham Town Ladies 2nd the the Division One table at home to Norfolk Women’s Division Two side Stalham Town Ladies on Sunday. Like the 1st quarter final a two league gap between the sides, Wymondham Town opened the scoring on 19 minutes Kayleigh Holloway with the goal. Chelsea Clarke with an assist for the 1st goal, put the ball into the back of the net herself to make it 2-0 in the 26th minute. Laura Wiseman seeing Wymondham Town into a 3-0 lead. Two goals within 2 minutes 17 minutes into the 2nd half from Alice Collins and Wiseman made it 5-0, Stalham Town pulled a goal back soon after before Holloway with her 2nd of the game and Clarke in the 90th minutes scored her 2nd to see Wymondham Town into the semi-finals.

 In the other quarter-final tie played on Sunday, 2nd Division side Briston Wanderers Ladies were leading at home against Division One side and last season’s beaten finalists, Aylsham FC  Ladies. The 2nd half saw the match tied at 2-2 going into the last 30 seconds Aylsham FC Ladies scoring the winning goal to win the game and advance to the semi-finals

  The draw for the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup was made on Monday the ties scheduled to be played Sunday 19th March with a 2pm kick off are as follows:-

 Acle United Ladies v Wymondham Town Ladies

Bohemians Ladies or Thorpe United Ladies v Aylsham FC Ladies

Three league games also took place at the weekend, one game in Norfolk Women’s Division One and a good result at home for Bungay Town Ladies taking on Brandon Town Ladies winning the game 4-0 to climb up from 6th to 4th spot their highest position this season starting 2017 well with 2 wins scoring 15 goals and 2 clean sheets.

  Two games in Norfolk Women’s Division Three and bottom side Cromer Town Ladies were put to the sword at home against league leaders Wymondham Town Ladies Reserves wracking up 15 goals without reply to open up a 4 point lead at the top of the table.

 In the other match in Division Three, 2nd placed East Coast Ladies were at home to Toftwood Ladies on Sunday the home side leading the game 3-0 at half-time. Toftwood staged a 2nd half comeback however to earn a share of the points the game ending in a 4-4. Jordan Duke scoring a hat-trick for East Coast Ladies with Rosie Cook also on target.

   Cambridgeshire

The fixture list was hit heavily in Cambridgeshire too disrupting the opening round of matches in this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup, with 5 of the 7 matches pushed back a week after being postponed.

A much needed win and moral boosting result for Premiership side Park Ladies in their 1st Round tie at home to Orton Rangers Ladies, bottom of the Championship South. Amy Newell scored a double hat-trick for Park, half of their goal scoring tally as they reached double figures, Kirstie Smith also netting a hat-trick. Ebony Bliss grabbing a brace with Erin Powell also getting a goal in a 12-0 victory.

Premiership side ICA Sports Ladies travelled to Championship North side, Wisbech Town Ladies on Sunday in the 1st Round of the Invitation Cup, goals from Carmen Herridge, Zoe Leddy and Megan Purnell saw the Peterborough based side edge the result 3-2 to reach the next round.

The top two in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership were in action on Sunday, league leaders, Newmarket Town Ladies away to Cambridge University Women who were playing just their 4th league game of the season. Goals from Taylor Lynn-Jones and Amanda Wainwright inside the opening 25 minutes put the home side into an early 2-0 lead. Cambridge University went on to win the game 3-1, with Eve Audoulos scoring the 3rd in the 80th minute, Nadine Basson with her 10th goal of the season scoring for Newmarket Town.

 Defeat for Newmarket Town saw 2nd placed Cambridge United WFC Reserves close the 3 point gap at the top of the table and lead the table on goal difference with a big away win against bottom side Bourne Ladies. A hat-trick from Lauren Gibson, along with a brace each for Ebony Rule and Carolyn Sarafian seeing the visitors take the 3 points with a 7-0 win.

It is sad I have to do this again but it’s another edition of The Round-Up that has to report the loss of another women’s side in the leagues across the East and this time it’s from the Cambridgeshire Championship North, Spalding United Ladies no longer listed in the league table, new this season have barely played any fixtures 3 league games, hoping their players find another club and that Spalding can host another women’s football side in the near future.

  Their was a game played in the Championship North at the weekend with Boston United Ladies picking up another good result away to P&L Motors Diamonds. 3 straight wins in league and cup for Boston United now lifts them up to 6th in the table. A brace each for Victoria Bradford and Stephanie Powell along with a goal each for Demi Barai, Charlie Green and Ella Marie Mcororey seeing Boston United win the match 7-2.

Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire

It was quarter final Sunday in the Bedfordshire Women’s League Cup too this weekend, however both it and the league programme was heavily affected by the weather with all but 2 matches surviving. 

In the quarter final that was played Cup holders Luton Town Ladies were away to Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses Clarets, who play 4 leagues below them in Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two. The FAWPL South East Division One side were soon on the front foot taking the lead in the 4th minute, Lucy Webster with the goal, 2 minutes later the lead was doubled, Jodie Southbe on target. Amy Summerfield getting on the score sheet 6 minutes later to see Luton Town 3-0 inside the opening quarter hour. Erica Byron netting a goal in the 20th minute, 4-0 the advantage at half-time.

Now let up from Luton Town in the 2nd half a flurry of goals early on Jo Rutherford scoring from the penalty spot after Nicola Henman was brought down. Byron went on to score two quick fire goals to complete her hat-trick. Henman scoring to make it 8-0, with Rebecca Kane getting a goal to make it 9. Rutherford was fouled in the box herself, scored again from the penalty spot to bring up double figures. Lucy Tape scoring with 5 minutes left to see Luton Town reach the semi-finals with an 11-0 win.

The one match beating the weather in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League was in Division One with St Albans Ladies at home playing Hitchin Town Ladies. St Albans climbing up to 4th in the Division One table with a 4-0 victory. Megan Samuels scoring a brace. Suzanne Ried and Holly Rossington also putting the ball into the back of the net.

Essex

In Essex it was also the quarter finals of the Women’s County Cup with 3 of the 4 scheduled to be played this Sunday with Hutton Ladies hosting holders C&K Basildon Ladies next Sunday. Lawford Ladies tie at home to Writtle Ladies fell victim to the weather this Sunday will try again next Sunday.

No weather issues at the Harlow Arena an all weather surface, Essex Women’s Premier Division leaders Harlow Ladies were hosting ERWFL Division One side Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies, a league between the sides it was a close contest both sides scoring in the game, 1-1 after 90 minutes the quarter final headed into extra-time, the visitors scoring the winning goal to book a place in the semi-finals, Georgia Fraser with both goals for Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies.

A local derby in the other quarter final in the Essex Women’s County Cup with Billericay Town Ladies hosting fellow ERWFL Premier Division side Brentwood Town Ladies. Goals from Paris Smith, Rosi Webb and Kirsty Knight saw Billericay Town through the the semi-finals the final score 3-1 with Emma Mackie getting Brentwood Town’s goal.

Two matches beat the weather in the Essex Women’s Premier Division on Sunday. With the leading pair involved in the County Cup it was an opportunity for 3rd placed Eastern Avenue to close the gap at the top. Were away to Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies. Could only narrow the gap by a point as they were held to a 2-2, Jo Smeaton scoring both the goals for Beacon Hill Rovers.

Wickford Town Ladies recorded their 2nd league win of the season in the Premier Division on Sunday, beating Collier Row Tigers 2-1 at home to move up 2 places from 10th to 8th in the table.

Two league games also played in Essex Women’s Division One on Sunday and just as in the Premier Division the top two weren’t in action giving Hatfield Peveral Ladies a chance to close the gap down to just 2 points on 2nd placed Frontiers Ladies if they could get a win away to Harlow Town Ladies Reserves. Got the 3 points courtesy of a 3-1 win.

4th placed Collier Row Athletic were beaten away from home on Sunday playing FC Clacton Ladies who edged them out with a 3-2 win that lifts them up 2 places in the table to move into 5th a point behind Collier Row Athletic.

 

 

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 04/12/16

The Round-Up

Cambridgeshire – Sunday 4th December

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

cam-gibsonA big win away from home for Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership leaders, Cambridge United WFC Reserves sees them go 3 points clear at the top of the table playing ICA Sports Ladies. Leading the match 2-0 at half-time Cambridge went on to rattle in 6 more goals in the 2nd half to win the game 8-0, Lauren Gibson (pictured) scoring 5 of the goals for Cambridge with Ebony Rule netting a hat-trick too.

In the other game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership on Sunday, Park Ladies finally got their 1st point on the board away to 4th placed St Ives Town Ladies both sides promoted from the Championship South playing out a 0-0 draw.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North

 3 points now separate the top 4 sides in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North with Ketton Ladies in 4th place joining 3rd placed Wisbech St Marys Ladies on 12 points after a 2-0 away win against Hungate Rovers Ladies on Sunday. Both with just the 1 defeat are 2 points behind unbeaten Swineshead Institute Ladies in 2nd and 3 points behind leaders March Town United Ladies all 4 sides having played 5 games.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South

Milton Ladies 2nd in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South close the gap to leaders Cambridge City Ladies Development to 3 points with a game in hand with both sides still unbeaten in the league with a big home win on Sunday taking on Isleham United Ladies. Kirsty Lemmon-Sparkes continuing her excelletn goal scoring form at the start of the season getting another hat-trick to her name. Went on to win the game 6-1, Sam Cousins, Olivia Thorogood and Gemma Mustafa with the other goals for Milton. Laura McAllister with the goal for Isleham United Ladies.

It’s bunching up behind the leading pair in the Championship South with Newmarket Town Ladies Reserves missing the chance to move onto 12 points themselves drop a place into 4th instead after they were away from home by Fulbourn Bluebirds who climb into 5th to join them on 9 points. Krissie Taylor scoring twice for Fulbourn with Kirsty Geal, Katie Luddy and Sharon Pinner also scoring in a 5-1 victory. Hollie Turner with the goal for Newmarket Town Ladies.

That result combined with a 3rd successive league win sees Riverside Ladies Reserves also on 9 points move up to 3rd in the Championship South table. At home on Sunday were taking on Cambridge Rangers who found the back of the Riverside net for 3 goals themselves but conceded 7 at the other end to go down 7-3 see the home side take all 3 points.

Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup

4 more group matches in the Cambridgeshire Women’s League Cup on Sunday with some unexpected results as all 8 groups are decided the winner progressing into the quarter final knock out stage in the New Year.

   In Group C it’s Cambridge University Women who make it into the quarter finals, the Premiership side with a big win away to Championship South side Orton Rangers Ladies, set the ball rolling straight away with 2 goals in the opening 2 minutes, Sophia D’Angelo, then Bianca Wilcox scoring. That was repeated on 15 and 21 minutes as both D’Angelo and Wilcox scored again to make it 4-0. Emma Houiellebecq with 2 goals herself on the 39th and 40th minute saw the lead 6-0 at the break. 5 more goals following in the 2nd half with yes you guessed it D’Angelo and Wilcox getting their hat-tricks. Wilcox going on to grab a 4th goal. The scoreline was completed with goals for Nina Coyle and Martha Granger.

In Group game left to play in Group D in the Cambridgeshire League Cup however neither Ketton Ladies or Wisbech Town Ladies can catch Netherton United Ladies who were awarded 2 wins after a big opening game win in the competition.

A point would ensure Championship North side Swineshead Institute Ladies would top Group G to advance to the quarter finals unbeaten in the league looked strong favourites travelling to play the leagues bottom side Thurlby Tigers without a point on the board so far this season. Got themselves one in the League Cup however picking up a good result drawing with Swineshead, Natalie Hudson getting both their goals in a 2-2 draw. 2 goals from Ellie Spendelow were enough to see Swineshead Institute Ladies into the knock out stages.

In the same group another surprise result with Championship North side, Boston United Ladies also without a point in the league recording a big win against Premiership opposition racking up an 8-0 win against a depleted Bourne Ladies side. Travelling to play Boston with just 9 players. Bethany Britton finding the back of the net for 5 goals for Boston United Ladies, with Tia Richardson grabbing a brace. A goal for Ellie Cunliffe wrapping up the win that sees them finished 2nd in the group with 2 wins from 3.

 Finally in Group H, it’s March Town United Ladies who are through to the quarter finals… I think as they win there final group game at home against fellow Championship North side P&L Motors Diamonds. Goals from Louise Barbour and Emma Frost seeing them to victory with a 2-1 win. However that result sees both themselves and P&L Motors Diamonds finish with identical records, played 3 won 2, scored 8 conceded 6 both +2 goal difference. Assuming it is then decided on a head to head basis, March Town United’s win over P&L Motors Diamonds sees them through to the knock out stages. I will keep an eye on thing’s let you know if it’s any different. 

As it stands now however the 8 sides going through to the quarter final knock out stage are, 

   Wisbech St Mary Ladies, Cambridge United WFC Reserves, Cambridge University Women, Netherton United Ladies, Bar Hill Ladies, St Ives Town Ladies, Swineshead Institute Ladies & March Town United Ladies.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

Also a match in the 1st Round of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup on Sunday with Championship North side Wisbech Town Ladies beating Championship South side St Ives Rangers Ladies away from home. Scoring 3 goals with Shushannah Feast, Sophie Gutteridge and Kyra Clarke from the penalty spot all on the scoresheet winning 3-1 to advance into the next round, Jessica Webb with the goal for St Ives Rangers.

 

Cup Final Report – Cambridge United WFC v Great Shelford Ladies

 

Cup Final Report – Cambridge United WFC v Great Shelford Ladies

 
   Trip to Histon FC this Thursday evening to watch the final of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup Final sponsored by S-Tech Insurance between Cambridge United WFC and Great Shelford Ladies.

  Something of a regular fixture these days as the 2 leading sides in women’s football in Cambridgeshire contest the final for the 4th consecutive season, Cambridge United WFC, (or Cambridge WFC as they were previously) winning the trophy on each occasion. A rearranged final having been originally scheduled for 2 weeks ago, heavy rain before the match left standing water on the pitch and unsafe travelling conditions led to the match being unfortunately called off.

Road to the Final
 
  Contrasting season’s for both sides, Cambridge United WFC had a poor start to the season failing to pick up a win and going out of the FA Women’s Cup, turned thing’s around going on an 8 match unbeaten run to climb up the FAWPL South east Division One table have finished top half with their best points haul in the league. Defending the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup entered the competition in the 2nd Round a home win was awarded against opponents Fulbourn Bluebirds. 
  Were on the road in the quarter finals away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side Newmarket Town Ladies, played at Newmarket Town FC, Cambridge United WFC were far too strong on the day winning the game 9-0. On the the semi-finals and a good test as they were drawn against Cambridge City Ladies young guns hoping to win the Premiership title in their 1st season at that level. Cambridge United WFC won the game 6-2 to reach the final once again.
  Playing in the league below Cambridge United WFC, in the ERWFL Premier Division it has been a tough season for Great Shelford Ladies have been near the bottom of the table all season unable to get a decent run of games in in a stop start season, as they look to bring in a few younger players to build for the future.
   Were away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North side March Town United Ladies in the 2nd Round won the game 4-1 to make the quarter finals and a home draw against Premiership side Bar Hill Ladies. Won the game 5-1 to advance through to the semi-finals. Faced another Premiership side away from home with title ambitions ICA Sports Ladies who had beaten higher league opponents in the quarter finals knocking out Riverside Rovers Ladies in a penalty shoot out. No upset this time around with Great Shelford Ladies winning 3-1 to set up another final with Cambridge.

  The venue Histon FC just off the A14, a good sized non-league stadium with great facilities a large main seated stand overlooking the dugouts, A bar situated at the back. Hot and col refreshments below. Covered stands all around which was just as well as the weather although dry at the start of the game was going to get very wet later, dark clouds filling the sky the wind starting to pick up as the two sides walked out onto the pitch.

Cambridge United WFC starting XI – Verity Crook, Emma Jenkins, Lucy Du Plooy, Laura Bright (C), Kayleigh-Anne Burt, Laura Baker, Hannah Goodchild, Laura Mills, Becky Taylor, Faith Hewitt & Paige Logie.
subs – Tahnee Perfect, Carrie Bennett, Isabella Simmons, Monique Christian & Nicola Geoghan.

Great Shelford Ladies starting XI – Laura Gilbey (C), Katie Sims, Katie Webb, Cindy Ponder, Claire Creek, Sophie Lanham, Alison Wright, Jordanne Sillitoe, Sophie Hopkin, Kate Saunders & Rachael Pearce
subs – Natalie Shenton, Abigail Davies, Claire Andrews, Sophie Ugur & Chloe Houston.

 (roll on roll off substitutes)
   It’s Great Shelford to kick off the 1st half of the final wearing claret shirts with sky blue sides and sleeves against Cambridge lined up opposite wearing amber and black vertical striped shirts, black shorts and amber socks. Jordanne Sillitoe is on the ball early played in down the right wing, driving forwards is stopped by Cambridge’s Lucy Du Plooy at left back. 
Winning a free kick on half-way a chance for Great Shelford to play it long into the Cambridge area, Cindy Ponder to put the ball in, goes into the box bouncing Cambridge goalkeeper Verity Crook calls for it and claims. 
  Emma Jenkins is released into space on the right as Cambridge go forwards, Faith Hewitt putting her in to attack, bringing the ball on whips in an early cross long across the Great Shelford box, were Becky Taylor who previously played for Great Shelford is racing in, can’t quite get there to turn the ball home as it runs out of play for a goal kick. On the right side again Laura Mills carries the ball down the flank squaring a cross in towards Paige Logie coming over to receive the ball inside the box, lays it back to the face of the area with Laura Baker running in meets it hitting the shot 1st time sees her effort run wide across the goal.
  Cambridge win a free kick on the left side inside the Great Shelford half the ball played high into the box is sent back out Cambridge get hold of it a strike from distance comes in, goes high and wide, a corner kick is signalled the ball taking a deflection on the way out. Mills on corner duty plays the ball into the centre of the box, Great Shelford’s Alison Wright rises to head the ball away.
 Cambridge are finding space for their wide players to attack have the Great Shelford defence back tracking, Ponder and fellow centre back Claire Creek are dealing with most thing’s flung into the so far. In the centre Wright get’s her foot on the ball and carries it forwards a surge into the Cambridge area, captain Laura Bright gets across to put in the tackle and win the ball putting it out for a corner kick. Played long from the left goes over everyone gathered inside the six yard box out for a goal kick. 
  The wind has been getting stronger and in comes the rain as it starts to fall Baker nods the ball forwards in the midfield getting free plays the ball out to Mills wide right, driving up the pitch cuts back inside trying to take the ball beyond Ponder into the area to shoot the central defender stands firm winning the ball. Taylor coming forwards into the Great Shelford half sends the ball over the top with Mills racing forwards ahead of her meets the dropping ball on the volley drives wide.
  GOAL! 25 minutes into the 1st half the chances have been building for Cambridge as the open the scoring, the ball is played forwards from midfield into the area, bouncing as it comes in Mills is looking to get onto the end of it, comes through to goalkeeper and captain Laura Gilbey, inside her six yard box under challenge manages to pluck it out of the air but drops it as she falls to the ground, the ball spilling out to the left, Baker is up with her and getting onto the end of the ball taps it home 1-0.
 
  The Great Shelford defence breached Cambridge keep coming a powerful run from Logie moving into space on the right, turns and plays the ball across the face of the Great Shelford box Hewitt gets her foot over the shot to turn it towards goal, runs straight through to the gloves of Gilbey. A mazy run from Mills on the ball sees her come inside her shot from outside the box charged down by Ponder. 
  Great Shelford’s attackers haven’t had much opportunity to link up 1st half getting hold of the ball inside the Cambridge half, Katie Saunders plays the ball out to Rachael Pearce on the left pushes on then looks to put the ball square into Sophie Hopkin coming through the middle can’t quite take the ball on as it just evades her allowing Cambridge the chance to clear. Double change for Cambridge, Isabella Simmons and Tahnee Perfect coming on for Hewitt and Goodchild. 
  Wright is up inside the Cambridge box for a free kick sent in from halfway pulls away right trying to bring the ball down with defender Kayleigh-Anne Burt on her, squeezes a shot away, too many bodies to get through, takes a deflection sending it behind for the corner. Comes in central Crook comes and claims unchallenged. Again Wright is brought down as she tries to carry the ball forwards through the middle of the park, 30 yards out Sophie Lanham takes this one goes for goal gets the ball past the wall, runs wide of goal.
  Taylor attacks up the left for Cambridge pushing on has Logie available inside the box coming out towards the ball, Taylor plays it into her Logie hits the shot on the turn looking to put the ball high into the back of the net, Gilbey has come to close her down gets her gloves on the ball to push it out of her area. 
  Late on in the 1st half, Hopkin gets free into space on the right a chance to take the ball on into the Cambridge box, entering the area evades Bright and shoots, coming across to cover her central defensive partner Burt makes a great block to deny the goal scoring opportunity. Change for Great Shelford late on too Lanham coming off and Sophie Ugur coming on.
Half-time Cambridge United WFC 1-0 Great Shelford Ladies
   Cambridge lead one nil at the break, Laura Baker with the goal. A slender lead, they have had plenty of attacks, getting down the wings and could have had more. Great Shelford will be happy to have kept the scoreline down have worked hard to defend found it difficult to pose a threat up the other end. Cambridge get the 2nd half underway.
  Sillitoe has been looking to take on players every time she has the ball at her feet get’s fouled by Du Plooy this time free kick awarded wide right around 25 yards out. Saunders is over the ball, plays in a great delivery towards the far post Great Shelford have two runners coming in, the ball lands favourably for the defender in between them and the ball is headed away. 
  Simmons has been lively in attack for Cambridge since coming on 1st half, seeing shots blocked from outside the area. The ball is played into her in a central position this time from the left side, going for the shot the ball takes a wicked deflection spinning away for a corner kick. Put in to the plays coming to attack the near post is met by a Cambridge head the ball turned across goal goes over the crossbar.
 Bright is booked as she fouls Wright halfway inside the Cambridge half, the ball is played high into the Cambridge area, calls for hand ball as the ball drops for Burt then runs out of play, the crowd and Great Shelford bench have a better angle to see it than the referee on the other side of the play who awards a goal kick. 
  A shot from Taylor coming into the box from the left following good play between Simmons and Logie in front of the Great Shelford area rolling the ball into Taylor’s path she shoots the ball held by Gilbey. Perfect coming forwards lays the ball into Mills out on the right sends the cross in to the area, Taylor the target, Ponder gets her head on it 1st behind for a corner.
Paige Logie
  GOAL! Mills to take the corner plays it in to the near post area the ball is headed away by Great Shelford outside the box Cambridge retrieve play the ball back out to Mills who stands the ball up into the area, near side again the ball is met by Simmons headed on into the six yard box where it is met by Logie who heads home from close range to make it 2-0.
 
   Great Shelford make a double change Chloe Houston and Abigail Davies coming on for Hopkin and Katie Sims who is struggling with an earlier knock. Carrie Bennett comes on for Du Plooy for Cambridge.
 
Laura Baker scoring
twice in the final
  GOAL! Cambridge extend their lead as they get bodies forwards have Taylor on the ball surges down the left wing, looking to get around the player in front of her and turn into the area, doing so squares the ball along the face of the box with Baker timing her run to perfection hitting the shot 1st time angles low and accurate inside the post squeezing past the diving keeper. 3-0.
 
 Cambridge corner on the right the ball put high into the box Gilbey jumps to catch it looses it as she is knocked to the ground, Logie gets hold of the lose ball inside the six yard box, looks to smash it goalwards, Great Shelford block the ball landing for Gilbey to pull into her body, gets the decision this time around. Mills bursts into the Great Shelford area as the ball is played long, hits the shot on the run, Gilbey gets down sharply makes the save pushing the ball out to the left, Ponder is back help out and gets the ball up the field.
  Logie comes off for Cambridge as they bring on Monique Christian. Ponder comes off for Great Shelford, Andrews going back on. Cambridge win a couple of corner kicks that sees the ball headed over the cross bar then put wide of goal. As the rain starts to fall heavily across the ground, Cambridge bring off Burt and Baker send Goodchild and Hewitt back into the action. A fantastic run by Sillitoe on the ball carrying it half the length of the pitch darting inside to run at the Cambridge area, goes to shoot the ball blocked by Goodchild. 
 More changes as the game goes into the final 10 minutes, Wright and Ugur off, Lanham and Pearce return to the pitch. Simmons and Hewitt both see shots from outside the box charged down by Creek and Webb. Jenkins getting forwards has a go from further out the ball is gathered by Gilbey. Closing minutes and a touching gesture from Cambridge late on named amongst tonight’s substitutes Nicola Geoghan is brought on replacing Taylor. Geoghan has unfortunately had to retire from the game having sustained a concussion early in the season and following doctors advice has decided to hang up her boot, highly thought of at the club she will be greatly missed on the field. 
  Hopkin back on for Great Shelford almost steals in behind the Cambridge defence but Crook has seen the threat and is out of her area early to close the ball down launch it clear. Last chance of the match falls of Geoghan up in attack the ball squared across the face of the area, she and Gilbey slide in for it Gilbey managing to claim the ball. That signals the end of the game and Cambridge celebrate retaining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup in the pouring rain. Their 1st trophy as United.
  Were the dominant side on the night created plenty of chances although Great Shelford did well to keep the scoreline down to 1-0 at half-time had few chances to score themselves. Will be hoping for better thing’s next season although they won’t be doing it as Great Shelford Ladies. Histon FC will be their new home as they are to become Histon Ladies adopted by the men’s club helps to ensure a lasting future for the club.
Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup winners, Cambridge United WFC
 Congratulations to Cambridge United WFC  on retaining the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup once again. My thanks to Cambridgeshire FA’s Chris Abbott for his help tonight.

Match Report – ICA Sports Ladies v Riverside Rovers Ladies

ir1

Sunday’s match report on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from Peterborough, South Bretton Playing Field where ICA Sports Ladies were hosting Riverside Rovers Ladies in the quarter finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup. Newly formed this season competing in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, ICA Sports were taking on higher league opposition with Riverside Rovers Ladies having won promotion from the Premiership themselves having been formed just the season before. What a game it turned out to be going all the way plenty of goals too, for all of the match drama click on the link below to take you to the match report in full on the SWF Blog.

ICA Sports Ladies v Riverside Rovers Ladies