Category Archives: Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Match Report – Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Eaton Socon Ladies

Sunday 8th October

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

 A return to county league action this Sunday on Women’s Football East with a trip into Cambridgeshire to watch a game from the Women’s Premiership with Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds taking on Eaton Socon Ladies.

 Cambridgeshire like the other county leagues across the East seeing a rise in the number of sides playing as the women’s game continues to grow across the country. The county now featuring 3 divisions with a total of 33 sides. 10 sides competing in the Premiership.

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds one of the longest established clubs within Cambridge competing in the counties top division. Of course can’t go past this without mentioning the heartfelt loss of Sam Issacson losing her battle with bowel cancer a well loved member of the Fulbourn team, taking part in the Kick Cancer Cup along with her Fulbourn teammates raising money for charity before final succumbing to the decease. A bench erected by the pitches at the Recreation Ground in her honour and the new coaching team of Ashley Hunt and Ryan Lee adding a tribute to the with the words Sam 10 on the shirt sleeves the number 10 shirt retired in her name. 

Sam’s bench, erected in memory of much missed Fulbourn player Samantha Issacson.

 A side that was often amongst the goals last season where they averaged 6.44 goals per game they featured in unfortunately not winning as many as they lost though, to record a 7th place finish. Ebony Crook and Marie Stubbings scoring 40 goals between them last season with Crook getting 18, Stubbings 22. Neither coming close to Ellie Woodley who found the back of the net for 40 goals during the campaign. Just two league matches played so far this season, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Cambridge Rangers WFC before bouncing back well away to Cambridge University Women last time out winning 5-0 with Marie Stubbings netting a hat-trick, Eleanor Woodley and Natalie Wells also on the score sheet.

 Eaton Socon Ladies joining the Cambridgeshire Women’s football league back ii the 2019 season, initially affected by the Covid pandemic season’s have progressed up the league’s winning Division One North in 2021. Promoted to the Premiership last season enjoyed a strong debut season at that level unbeaten in their first 6 matches, only losing 5 matches along the way with 4 of those being against the two sides vying for the title finishing 4th overall.  Sasha Tristram now out in the US to enjoy her football top scoring during that campaign with 12 goals. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances Eaton Socon Ladies having to bringing in a new manager just a few weeks before the season was due to start with Dan Dodson taking charge of the squad. Looking to bring in a different style of play it has been a tougher start to the campaign with 3 consecutive losses beginning with a 1-0 home defeat against Real Bedford Reserves then back to back losses on the road 2-0 and 6-0 away to Cambridge Rangers WFC and Whittlesey Athletic Ladies. Will be hoping to turn their fortunes around with their 3rd successive away trip.

Having not been to the Fulbourn Recreation Ground for a while I was still sure I knew the way, but I didn’t as I turned right at the pub bringing me out behind the pitch so a quick turn around and I sorted thing’s out. A large community facility with numerous sports activities on offer the grass pitches over looked by a large pavilion and cricket square. Today’s game on the pitch furthest from the changing rooms the whole area surrounded by trees. At first appearances the pitch appearing to be covered in dew in places but was in fact a carpet of spiders webs…  

Part of the pitch covered in a carpet of spiders webs

…with numerous little arachnids scuttling about getting disturbed by the arrival of the players and supporters alike. The weather remains beautiful for the time of year with it again over 20 degrees, dry and the sun high in a relatively blue sky.

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds

 Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds starting XI – Rachel Fallow, Seema Grewal, Julie Brown, Sarah Bodger, Jess Anderson, Dani Quinn, Hollie Turner, Ebony Crook, Katie Luddy, Marie Stubbings (C) & Ellie Woodley. Subs – Jody Hoenink & Gabby Gallegos.

Eaton Socon Ladies

 Eaton Socon Ladies starting XI – Keeley Robinson, Abby Jones, Faye Prout, Gemma Cooksley (C), Georgia Bickley, Kelly Bingham, Hannah Hutchinson, Shannah Anico, Charlotte Crisp, Chloe Parncutt & Lily Horsler. Subs – Kayleigh Clarke, Hollie Radford-Dare, Cara Howell, Rebecca Jones & Leah Falzarano. 

(roll on roll off substitutes)

Captain’s Gemma Cooksley and Marie Stubbings with Richard May

The spiders might have enjoyed their Sunday so far, but now 22 football players are about to descend upon them. Eaton Socon doing the league double over Fulbourn last season will be hoping for a victory today to kick start the new campaign the sun moving around the pitch with the tree line leaving one goalmouth in shade with Fulbourn winning the kick-off attacking that end first half wearing sky blue shirts with claret sleeves, claret shorts and sky blue socks. Eaton Socon themselves usually playing in claret colours wearing a white away shirt with red on the sleeves, white shorts and claret socks. The ball rolled back to captain Marie Stubbings to clip long out to the right as Katie Luddy breaks forwards on the wing, Faye Prout clearing the danger for Eaton Socon.

 The visitors hustling in midfield the ball played out to the right for Shannah Anico to attack up the line whipping a dangerous cross into the Fulbourn six yard box players running no one can get a touch as it bounces on at the far post. Retrieved on the left the cross back in taking a deflection straight into goalkeeper Rachel Fallow’s gloves. Hannah Hutchinson battling for the ball in midfield for Eaton Socon picking out Anico with the diagonal pass out to the right, Fulbourn full back Julie Brown getting across her to take the ball out for a throw.

Kelly Bingham on the ball for Eaton Socon

  Eaton Socon looking to make a positive start pushing up into the Fulbourn half to press and win the ball, Anico providing an outlet on the right looking to take on Brown a good contest looming between the pair, Brown throwing a leg out to take the ball away from Anico. A high line from the visitors Fulbourn looking to expose the defence as Hollie Turner gets hold of the ball inside the centre circle attempts to thread it in behind into Stubbings as she pulls into the left channel, Abbey Jones with a timely interception for Eaton Socon.

Fulbourn captain, Marie Stubbings

  The Eaton Socon defence back peddling as Fulbourn turn play around with a high clearance from the back players rushing forwards, Georgia Bickley getting her boot up well to hook the ball away to safety. 

  GOAL! The ball contested hotly in the middle Fulbourn bring it on the attackers combining Woodley on for Stubbings breaking into the area left of the D, goalkeeper Keeley Robinson coming to close her down, saves with her foot as Stubbings shoots the rebound gathered by Stubbings who lays the ball in central for Woodley to turn unmarked and open up her body to slot the ball into the bottom corner 1-0. 

Ellie Woodley opening the scoring for Fulbourn

  A goal inside the opening 5 minutes from Fulbourn, a blow for Eaton Socon having made a positive start winning a free-kick on half way the ball floated in to the top of the area the header won by Fulbourn’s Sarah Bodger.

  GOAL! Fulbourn’s attackers carve open the Eaton Socon defence to double their lead as Stubbins picking the ball up on halfway travels on well before threading it through the middle for Woodley to race clear into the box and shoot low wide of the keeper for her 2nd goal in 3 minutes 2-0. 

Two quick fire goals for Ellie Woodley

  Eaton Socon well and truly on the back foot now, looking for a response as Hutchinson takes the ball on into the right corner before whipping a dangerous back in across the face of goal, no one there to turn it home however. The visitors getting a throw high on the right, Anico and Jess Horsler combining as another teasing ball is flashed across the six yard box, Seema Grewal able to clear for Fulbourn beyond the far post. 

  Fulbourn winning a free-kick on the left 35 yards out as Crook bringing the ball on is bundled to the ground. Over the set-piece herself strikes the ball in towards goal a curling ball that crashes down off the crossbar, Dani Quinn racing in on the follow up as the ball drops wide of the right post, Robinson on the ground having dived attempting to get to Crook’s effort scrambling up to make the blocking save, Quinn able to get hold of the ball for a 2nd bite looking to drag it round the keeper can’t believe it as she rakes her shot wide past the far post. 

Ebony Crook’s free-kick comes down off the bar

Dani Quinn, frustrated to see her shot race wide

  The visitors on the ropes coming close to conceding a 3rd scrapping for possession in the middle, Kelly Bingham on for Horsler, turns Bodger in to close her down. Turner and Quinn working together in the middle for Fulbourn the ball lifted forwards, cleared by Eaton Socon captain, Gemma Cooksley as she backs up towards her area, Stubbings racing in to steal the ball finding its way into Crook inside the D, turns inside looking to strike the ball sends her effort wide of the top corner. 

Fulbourn’s Ebony Crook

  Eaton Socon riding their look still aiming to get forwards with Hutchinson carrying the ball out to the right linking up well with Anico on the line to deliver a cross in along the top of the area, Horsler getting up to head the ball down towards goal, drops straight into Farrow back on her line. Hutchinson making some powerful runs on the ball again on the right winning a throw the ball down for Anico to cross, Charlotte Crisp looking to get it under control outside the box, turns into Jess Anderson as she closes her down.

   Bickley clearing at the back for Eaton Socon as she drops back on Woodley as Stubbings attempts to play the ball up to her. Brown lunging in to deny Anico getting in behind on the right. Eaton Socon pressing on the right with Bingham the latest player to take the ball on force her way through into the box, running into traffic. Crisp brought down presenting Eaton Socon with a free-kick 25 yards out to the right of goal. Takes on the shot the Fulbourn wall doing it’s job the ball deflected out to the left as the referee stops proceedings for a drinks break.

  25 minutes played a chance for Eaton Socon to regroup. Play resuming with an Eaton Socon throw on the right, Chloe Parnett crossing the ball in high headed clear by Bodger. Bodger then clearing as she closes down Hutchinson looking to drive on with the ball on the left side. Hutchinson sending a ball over the top into the area for Horsler and Crisp to attack, Anderson holding them off to see the ball safely back to her keeper.

Eaton Socon’s, Hannah Hutchinson

 Stubbings getting the ball down inside the Eaton Socon half off of their own goal kick knocks it forwards into Woodley inside the D, looking to turn inside to shoot Bickley stretching out a leg for Eaton Socon deflects the ball away. The visitors get on up the left winning a throw high leading to a looping cross dropping into the six yard box, Crisp under challenge trying to get something on it unable to connect as Fallow lays claim to it. 

  Eaton Socon winning the first corner of the game taken from the right a great delivery curled in across the face of goal over everyone, no one able to connect as it bounces past the far post. Fulbourn happy to drop invite Eaton Socon on defend around their box knowing the counter is always on the ball cleared out to the left with Crook looking to turn the defence, Jones just about staying on her stretching her leg to knock it against Crook to deflect it away to the left corner, then as Crook goes to retrieve it Jones prevents the cross coming in the ball off Crook for the goal kick.

  Turner and Quinn putting in a shift to win the ball in the middle for Fulbourn the ball forwards releasing Woodley away through the middle off Cooksley last man she can’t risk bringing her down as Woodley break into the box a chance to net her hat-trick shoots early a tame effort in the finish not troubling Robinson. 

  Stubbings pulling out to the right wide receiving the ball, held up lays it back up the line for Luddy her cross/shot from deep dropping over the Eaton Socon goal. Woodley put in the clear on the right wing sees the keeper way off her line attempts the chip sending the ball over her to bounce inside the six yard box, up onto the crossbar and behind!

Fulbourn’s Hollie Turner

 The chances mounting for Fulbourn to extend their lead. Eaton Socon still pushing for a reply however getting another corner on the right, swung into the near post, Farrow punching it behind for a 2nd corner, this one cleared out of the area, no break on as Eaton Socon put a diagonal ball into Horsley who hits the shot on the turn 30 yards out a good effort, but once again straight into Farrow.

 The visitors winning the ball central on for Horsley, right going in to challenge with Brown the defender grounded the ball deflected forwards, Bingham racing onto it striking the ball on the angle, Farrow scrambling across her goal seeing it crash into the side netting. Leah Falzarano on for Eaton Socon for Anico, up on the right with Hutchinson cut back inside for Horsler her shot blocked by Bodger. 

Eaton Socon’s Lily Horsler

  Eaton Socon overloading the right side getting up the pitch well delivering a dangerous ball into the box bouncing awkwardly at the far post with Parncutt closing down the keeper, Fallow composed taking it high on the bounce. Brown picking up a head injury for Fulbourn in the latter stages of the first half comes off with Jody Hoenink coming on. The game getting a little testy in patches Eaton Socon a little frustrated. The visitors with the opportunity to play the ball into the area off a free-kick on the right Bingham to deliver, Crisp up central can’t get strong contact the ball flicked out to the left gathered by Parncutt who rifles a shot over on the angle. 

  Cooksley winning the ball as she tackles Stubbings inside the D as she attempt to bring down a cross put in from Luddy on the right. Eaton Socon flabbergasted as they fail to win a corner in the dying seconds of the first half with Bingham and Anderson battling for the ball delivered into the box from the right, Bingham adamant it came off the defender.

   Half-time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 2-0 Eaton Socon Ladies

  Fulbourn in control of the first half, despite Eaton Socon looking to make a positive start the hosts capitalising on errors at the back to break away to score two early goals. Woodley on target for both, could well have added a couple more having created some golden chances and hitting the woodwork. Eaton Socon regrouping well after the drinks break to try and pressure the Fulbourn defence getting after the ball getting into some good positions but not testing the keeper. Still at just 2-0 are far from out of the game and as is often the case the next goal is critical. With the pavilion housing the changing rooms a good distance away both teams staying out in the shade for the half-time break. Spiders everywhere one crawling across my notepad and having left my bag open goodness knows how many I’ll be bringing home with me. 

Just one of thousands of spiders descend on Fulbourn Recreation ground this Sunday.

No fresh changes for either side with Jody Hoenink for Fulbourn and Leah Falzarano for Eaton Socon coming on late in the first half. The visitors to get the 2nd half underway. The ball launched forwards out to the right, Hoenink doing the defending for Fulbourn. The hosts straight on the counter with Turner in the centre helping the ball on for Stubbings to race forwards lay the pass out to Woodley on the right her strike on the angle saved low at the near post by Robinson. 

Seema Grewal defending for Fulbourn

 Fulbourn pressing the ball outside the box deflected back into the box, Robinson rushed into the clearance as Woodley closes her down. Quinn tackling in the centre playing the pass forwards into Stubbings sprays the ball out to the right for Luddy, her cross swept in towards goal put behind. 

Eaton Socon getting up on the right winning a corner the ball sent into Horsley top of the area plays it back to the taker driven in towards the near post cleared by Hoenink, Crisp getting back onto the ball from distance striking a shot wide. Bingham putting herself about to try and win the ball back for Eaton Socon get them on the attack driving a pass into Horsler 25 yards out back to goal controls on the turn striking a shot goal wards, Fallow must have a script for this game because the goalkeepers right behind it again to catch. 

Fulbourn’s Jody Hoenink

 Bodger defending as Bingham drives at her getting the ball off Parncutt on the left. Winning a throw on the left level with the top of the area Bingham sees the ball into her before tracking inside to strike the ball, falling back as she does so screws the ball wide of the far post. 

Kelly Bingham slipping as she unleashes the shot

 Eaton Socon remaining competitive looking to take the game to Fulbourn who allow sitting back remain comfortable in defence. The ball lifted into the six yard box off a throw on the left drops in front of Falzarano, the attacker can’t get a telling touch though before Fallow snatches up the ball. Fulbourn patient in attack ready to hit Eaton Socon on the counter Turner out to Stubbings left plays it forwards early into the channel looking to release Woodley, Robinson racing out to the edge of her box able to gather first.

Horsley controlling the ball 30 yards out putting into the path of Hutchinson bursting away into the left channel striking the ball in towards goal on the angle plenty of power behind it Farrow gets down low to save top of her six yard box the ball split running out to the left, Grewal back to hook the ball away from a throw before Parncutt can pounce. Eaton Socon with a double change the fullbacks Prout and Jones coming off Rebecca Jones and Cara Howell coming on. Brown back on for Fulbourn replacing Luddy.

Eaton Socon’s Chloe Parncutt

 Fallow down to stop a shot driven in on the angle by Crisp for Eaton Socon. Crook up on the right for Fulbourn whipping a cross in near post, Woodley closing in on the keeper, Robinson staying big making the blocking save holding onto the ball.

  Quinn tracking back well from the midfield to put the challenge in on Hutchinson top of the area as she drives on through the middle with the ball. Bickley defending for Eaton Socon at the back as Woodley takes the ball into the box a corner conceded on the right. Played in deep across the six yard box Quinn meeting it heads over. Bingham determined to get forwards on the right winning Eaton Socon a corner kick, this time Quinn is up to win the defensive header, Stubbings bringing the ball away to safety. Midway through the 2nd half. Fulbourn breaking away in attack Crook up with Woodley through the middle the latter running through into the area, Robinson coming to close her down saving the ball beat away to the right…

Eaton Socon’s Kelly Bingham

  GOAL! The ball deflected out to the right Crook racing after it the Eaton Socon defence stretched the cross fired in along the face of goal, Robinson can’t get down to it, with Woodley waiting at the far post for a simple tap in to secure her first hat-trick of the season. 3-0.

A hat-trick for Fulbourn’s Ellie Woodley

 A drinks break called immediately after the goal remains warm out there. The game restarted from the spot Eaton Socon sloppy in possession giving it away the diagonal ball out to Crook on the right wing hooks a high ball in towards the far post, has Robinson back peddling can’t get to it, close but lands on the roof of the net. 

  Woodley lining up a strike from 25 yards out as the ball deflects into her feet, races wide of the right post. Eaton Socon with another double switch bringing on Hollie Radford-Dare and Kayleigh Clarke for Horsley and Parncutt off. Crisp curls the ball forwards looking to drop it into the path of Falzarano racing towards the box, Farrow quickly forwards to claim. 

Eaton Socon’s Charlotte Crisp

 Hutchinson upended as she drives forwards with the ball the free kick awarded 20 yards right of the D. Crisp over it her shot deflected up off the wall falling to Hutchinson beyond the right post can’t sort out her feet before she is closed down snatches the ball wide. 

 Grewal winning the ball at the back for Fulbourn hooking it into the middle for Stubbings to who in turn feeds the ball up the left channel into Woodley in space the keeper off her line takes on the shot early slotting it past Robinson but too past the outside of the far post. Fulbourn gaining momentum as Eaton Socon tire Turner into Stubbings she and Woodley combine through the middle bringing the ball on played wide to Crook breaking away on the right fires a pacy ball low into the six yard box, Robinson down well to grab with a smart save with Woodley rushing to close her down.

  Fulbourn making a change at left back bringing on Gabby Gallegos for Grewal with a little over 10 minutes left to play. The hosts in control as Quinn is fouled on halfway. Bodger to send the ball on up into the area, Cooksley clearing for Eaton Socon. Anderson can’t help but collide with her keeper as Fallow makes the decision to come and claim the ball low off an Eaton Socon free-kick from halfway. Down for a moment is okay to continue. Howell picking up a knock on her knee (I know what they feel like) is taken off with Anico back on for the visitors.

  Fulbourn working hard towards the latter stages of the game to keep their clean sheet intact. Hutchinson pushing on with the ball right side winning a corner off Anderson. Into the last 5 minutes, Hoenink out to Quinn on for Stubbings through the middle on for Woodley left of the area 25 yards out her shot wide of the far post taking a nick off a defender the corner awarded. Swept in across the face of goal claimed confidently by Robinson. Crook taking the ball into the corner with the clock ticking down.

  Radford-Dare took out by Anderson a heavy challenge, the free-kick awarded, Bingham getting a warning from the referee after voicing her complaints. Crisp over the ball to the left swept in central one bounce and claimed by the keeper. Crook taking the ball away to the corner getting a late corner deep in stoppage time, the shot from the edge of the box held by the keeper. 

Full time Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds 3-0 Eaton Socon Ladies

Eaton Socon’s Abbey Jones with Fulbourn’s Ebony Crook

Full time and Fulbourn come away with the 3 points and a 2nd successive clean sheet, Ellie Woodley with all three of their goals. Breaking away to get in behind the Eaton Socon defence to score two early goals in the first half. Creating more good opportunities to extend their lead. Eaton Socon competing for the ball looking to press high making mistakes at the back letting their opponents in. Enjoyed good spells without really testing the keeper. At 2-0 however weren’t out of the game by any stretch and came out strong at the start of the 2nd half looking for a reply, Fulbourn happy to sit back defending comfortably waiting for the right moment to attack getting the crucial 3rd goal to seal the result.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

Onto this afternoon’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match award. Once again not a straight forwards decision a few contenders and some performances of note to mention. First up for Eaton Socon. Hannah Hutchinson looked to be the driving force through the middle getting hold of the ball and making several good runs. Shannah Anico providing a great outlet on the right in the first half, while Kelly Bingham got about well covering the ground looking to win possession and take her team forwards. For Fulbourn Dani Quinn and Hollie Turner with a composed display in the middle of the park. The front 3 outstanding 80 goals between them last season, Marie Stubbings getting onto the ball carrying it forwards well with two assists. Ebony Crook out on the flanks offering some great runs and getting the ball into the attackers well with the other assist. The award though goes to the hat-trick scorer herself Ellie Woodley clinical in her finishes pulling into the channels well and reading the game developing behind her.

  Great to be back at Fulbourn again, has been a while but I can say that about several places, good to catch up though and pleased to finally see Eaton Socon even if they didn’t get a positive result stick together and the results will come. Appreciate the help given by both teams today. I dare say we’ve all taken a spider home with us but they don’t mean us any harm. 

by Darren Gilham

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 08/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 8th March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

The race for the title at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership remains wide open as leaders Haverhill Rovers dropped points for the 2nd successive match. A 3-2 defeat at home to Leverington Sports Ladies last weekend Haverhill were entertaining Netherton United Ladies this Sunday. The visitors leading 1-0 at half-time thanks to a goal from Georgina Parrett. Haverhill coming back to level the scores in the 2nd period with Sian Cottrell scoring from the penalty spot. The hosts pushing hard to find a winning goal, Netherton keeping them at bay to see the sides take a share of the points. 

 Getting back to winning ways last Sunday away to Haverhill Rovers Ladies, Leverington Sports Ladies climb up to 2nd in the Premiership table this weekend to close the gap on the leaders to 3 points. Were away to Ketton Ladies the pair promoted last season from the Championship North after being neck and neck at the top all season. Leverington beginning life in the Premiership well amongst the early pacesetters have stayed in the top 4 since. A 2-0 win agianst Ketton in the reverse fixture at the start of the year. The visitors getting into the lead from a free-kick the ball put into the box Terri Ann Moeser with the shot an excellent save from the keeper however top scorer Sophie Swinden latching onto the loose ball to fire into the back of the net, Leverington with a 1 goal advantage at the break. Leverington starting the 2nd half well Savanna Plavecz doubling their lead. Kaylee Swinden up for a free-kick powering in a header at the far post to make it 3-0 with her first goal of the season. Chloe Stanborough put through by Sophie Swinden to round the defence and score her 17th goal of the campaign. Ketton pulling a goal back from a free-kick struck well in off the bar. Late in the game though and Leverington were to add a further 2 goals with Plavecz netting her 2nd of the game and 9th of the season. Amy Newell seeing it finish 8-1 with a well struck 35 yard dipping shot.

Amy Newell striking the ball (photo credit Steve Hone)

St Ives Town Development Ladies were at home to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday a competitive contest the pair ending up sharing the points as it ended all square, Ebony Rule netting twice for Fulbourn to put her onto 17 goals for the season, Maisie Buckle getting a goal for St Ives along with Jade Carpenter returning to the side after a long spell out with injury her 6th of the season, the hosts 5th in the table pushing for a winner late on it finished 2-2.

Cambridge University Women climb up the Premiership table into 6th spot as they won for a fourth successive match at the weekend. Were at home to then 6th placed side March Town United Ladies. A close game both sides creating chances March giving debuts to new signings Tilly Sands and Yasmin Holmes on the scoresheet twice with goals from Josie Turner and Emma Searle. Cambridge University pipping them to the points winning the match 3-2 with goals from Lu Liu, Anna O’Leary and a 13th of the season for Amanda Wainwright.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

Two of the youngest sides in the Cambridgeshire leagues meeting this Sunday in the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup, Cambridge City Ladies new A side hosting Newmarket Town Women’s new Development side. Kaitlin Elsey scoring a double hat-trick on her Newmarket debut last weekend firing the visitors into the lead on 40 minutes to see them 1-0 up at the break. The Championship side going 2-0 up on the hour with Elsey on target for her 2nd of the game, the win sealed in the final 15 minutes with Clementine Key scoring Newmarket’s 3rd goal. 

Newmarket’s opponents in the Junior Invitation Cup Final will be Histon Ladies Reserves the game scheduled for the 5th May with a 7:30pm kick-off at Histon FC.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

The title race at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship as exciting as the Premiership above, Cambridge Rangers Women long winning run coming to an end Park Ladies ending a run of 13 straight wins, a 2nd defeat of the season coming at home to title challengers Pinchbeck United Ladies 3-2. Were at home this Sunday taking on a rejuvenated Cardea Ladies. The visitors scoring goals while conceding in recent games a clean sheet last time out as they rattled in 13 goals against Burwell Tigers Ladies. A much closer contest this weekend the pair goalless at the break. Clare Kyndt putting Cambridge Rangers into the lead on the hour. Cardea quick to find a reply with Nicola Anderson scoring her 8th of the season 6 minutes later. Finished 1-1 the first draw for both sides this season.

 Two further points dropped by Cambridge Rangers Women, Pinchbeck United Ladies close the gap to the leaders to 4 points as they kept up their own 100% winning run now at 13 matches away to 3rd bottom Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development on Sunday. Libby Friel on target to find the back of the net for four goals for Pinchbeck in the game takes her to 16 goals for the season. Freya Peters just a goal ahead of Friel to stay top scorer scoring a brace. Victoria Bradford also celebrating a goal along with Annie Vayro scoring her first Pinchbeck goal in an 8-0 win.

Park Ladies incredible run continues as they climb up to 3rd in the Championship table with a 10th straight win at the weekend. Were on the road played 2nd bottom side Swavesey Spartans Ladies. Francesca Piltsch getting another hat-trick for Park, leading the goal scoring charts with 18 goals for the campaign now. Sophie Fenner grabbing a brace their were goals too for Georgia Payne and Georgia Stimson moving to 10 and 13 goals respectfully to help secure a 7-1 victory. Emma Smart scoring for Swavesey. Park up to 3rd on goal difference over Mildenhall Town Ladies

  Mildenhall Town Ladies have spent most of the season positioned 2nd in the Championship table the league newcomers finding their feet early on, slip to 4th of the back of this weekends results with in form Pinchbeck and Park moving past them, Mildenhall themselves losing out in a 7 goal thriller away to Isleham United Ladies on Sunday. Annalise Brown and Charlotte Nash scoring for Mildenhall in the first half. Isleham giving it a go with top scorers Laura Todd and Poppy Green both on target to score their 8th goals of the season. Becky O’Connor and Kerry Murry with her first of the season seeing Isleham into a 4-2 lead. Lydia Vince pulling it back to 4-3 scoring for Mildenhall in the 90th minute.

Eaton Socon Ladies another new comer doing well in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship this season climbing the table with a good run of results into the top 4 mow lay fifth in the table were taking on fellow newcomers Cambourne United Women this Sunday won for the 11th time this season to earn another 3 points beating their opponents 4-1. 

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 01/03/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 1st March

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Another weekend of disruption across the county leagues with heavy rain falling at the start of the weekend leaving pitches waterlogged 3 games affected in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership leaving just the two on. Leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies on 3G , 5 points clear at the top as they hosted Leverington Sports Ladies in 4th. Haverhill starting the game well winning a series of corner kicks capitalising from one to take the lead. Leverington keeping solid at the back preventing any further goals as they got themselves back into the game trailing 1-0 at the break the visitors coming back to level the scores top scorer Sophie Swinden twisting and turning at the top of the box before shooting to net her 20th goal of the season. Five minute later Leverington were in the lead Savanna Plavecz playing Chloe Stanborough in to beat the keeper. Haverhill’s turn to press on in attack winning more corner the game entering the final 10 minutes the hosts coming back to level the ball in initially saved the keeper falling the ball loose scrambled over the line. Leverington poured forwards in the closing minutes Stanborough in again rounding a defender to send the ball into the bottom corner to score the winning goal. Leverington stay 4th but move level on points with Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves. Haverhill losing for the 2nd time this season their goalscorers Joeli Kirby and Julie Brown.

ICA Sports Ladies 3rd in the Premiership table going into the weekend took full advantage of 2nd placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves match being called off to win the 3 points on the road and move above them in the table closing the gap to leaders Haverhill to 4 points. Were taking on Cambridge City Ladies A, some good football on show by both sides ICA Sports coming out on top with Hannah Murphy netting a hat-trick taking her onto 9 for the season. Lorna Hart getting on the scoresheet too with a brace. Also goal too for Donna Nicholls seeing her join top scorer Annie Posnett on 10 goals ICA Sports winning 6-1. 

A hat-trick on Sunday for ICA Sports Ladies, Hannah Murphy

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

The first of this season’s Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup semi-finals played this weekend. Not wanting to be beaten by the weather the game switched onto 3G at Cambourne Sports Centre kicking off at 3pm, Histon’s Reserve side hoping to make it a cup final double for the club by matching the first team who will be playing in this season’s senior Invitation Cup final against Cambridge City at The Abbey Stadium this Wednesday evening. Both sides struggling for points in their respective leagues a cup final to play for Swavesey Spartans have saved their best form for the cups this season. Scored through Stacey Askew, proving a tough test for Histon the pair drawing 1-1 at the finish with Kirsty Lemmon-Sparkes getting the goal the semi-final going to penalties, Histon edging the shoot-out 6-5 to book their spot in the final. Histon’s opponents will be either Cambridge City Ladies A or Newmarket Town Women Development the pair contesting their semi-final this coming Sunday.

Histon Ladies Reserves through to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup final (photo credit Histon Ladies Reserves)

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

Four matches played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship this weekend, and a huge game at the top of the table with leaders Cambridge Rangers Women hosting 3rd placed Pinchbeck United Ladies. Cambridge Rangers with a long winning run topping the table ended by Park Ladies at the end of January. Just the one loss so far hosting Pinchbeck who themselves as the only 100% winning side left. games on hand can close Cambridge Rangers down these crucial games, Cambridge Rangers pushing Pinchbeck all the way scoring twice with Robyn Barlow and Laura Kelly on target, Pinchbeck themselves scoring twice the scores 2-2 late in the game the visitors nicking the win late on taking it 3-2 to extend their 100% run to 12 games stay two points behind 2nd placed Mildenhall, 6 points behind Cambridge Rangers with 4 games in hand. Pinchbeck’s three goals scored by Holly Coupland, Chloe Gray and Libby Friel with her 12th of the season.

Mildenhall Town Ladies remain 2nd in the Championship table as they won at home this weekend against Cambourne United Women. Two goals in the 2nd half from top scorer Katie Hayes her 20th and 21st strikes of the season seeing Mildenhall come back from trailing 2-1 at half-time to win the game 3-2 after Emily Arnold and Abby Cotten had give Cambourne the lead at the break.

Mildenhall Town Ladies beating Cambourne 3-2 at the weekend (photo credit Mildenhall Town Ladies)

 Park Ladies fine run of form continued this Sunday as they extended their winning streak in the league to 9 matches, up to 4th in the Championship just 3 points of 2nd placed Mildenhall with a game in hand. Were away to Deeping United Ladies this weekend, a 2-1 win for Park in the reverse fixture back in mid-December at the start of their winning run. Goalless in the first half Deeping pressing Park hard had to work for their win eventually coming out on top in the 2nd period scoring twice to claim the 3 points with both goals score by Georgia Payne giving her 9 got the season.

Cardea Ladies were also in action this Sunday in the Championship at home to Burwell Tigers Ladies. Frustrating results for Cardea in their previous two games taking early leads before going on to lose 7-3 & &-4 respectfully. Emma Frost getting her first goal for the club to fire Cardea into the lead in the 11th minute. Anna Langa quickly adding a 2nd. Cardea going on to dominate the first half adding a further 4 goals with Nicola Anderson, Courtney Coles, Frost with her 2nd and captain Laura Rudd scoring. The goals kept coming 2nd half Rudd on the hour making it 7-0. Langa with 15 minutes left adding her 2nd the last ten minutes seeing a flurry of goals. Coles and Anderson with another goal each, Langa completing her hat-trick adding a 4th goal her 12th of the season as Cardea ran out 13-0 winners.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 23/02/20

The Round-Up 

Sunday 23rd February

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

The semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup played this Sunday both lost to Storm Dennis last weekend. The final itself now just 7 days away taking place at Cambridge United FC’s, Abbey Stadium. The games needing to have favourable conditions this past weekend to be on rain falling again posing problems, FAWNL South East Division One side Cambridge City Ladies due to play ERWFL Division One North side, Newmarket Town Women at home, the pitch at Ely City FC still unplayable the decision made to reverse the fixture to be played on Newmarket artificial playing surface with an early evening kick-off on Sunday under the lights. Freya Standing getting Cambridge City off to a fantastic start with a lovely strike to make it one nil. The FAWNL sides pace in attack causing Newmarket problems at times another great strike this time from Charlotte Gillies seeing Cambridge City leading 2-0 at the break. 

Karly Tolentino firing Cambridge City into a 3 goal lead in the 2nd half, Newmarket pulling a goal back straight away from a well struck free-kick. Newmarket improving in the 2nd period with a couple more good chances created, Cambridge City though to this season’s final proving too strong going on to win the game 4-1 in the last minute with Beatrice Fitzsimons finding the back of the net. 

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds hosting ERWFL Division One North side Histon Ladies in the other Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup final on Sunday. The wind strong and the ground conditions wet Histon with a couple of early chances, it was Fulbourn however who opened the scoring in the 17th minute taking the lead from a penalty.That the scoreline heading into the final minute of the first half. Kirsty Geal laying the ball on for Poppy Kelly to shoot and find the top corner at the near post to draw Histon level. A minute later Histon were leading 2-1, Kelly on target again squeezing a shot under the keeper. 

Two goals from Poppy Kelly late in the first half putting Histon 2-1 up.

  Histon coming back from a goal down to lead 2-1 at the end of the first half. Fulbourn battling their way back level on the hour the ball cut back turned in from six yards. Kelly with another good chance to see Histon retake the lead 5 minutes later saved by the keeper the visitors getting back in front with 20 minutes to played Sophie Hopkin sending in a corner for Lauren Martin to head home. Hopkin striking the crossbar for Histon as they pressed for another goal in the latter stages, Kelly brought down inside the box in the final minute Alison Wright burying the spot kick to seal Histon’s win 4-2 at put them into this season’s Invitation Cup final.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

A couple of matches called off at the weekend in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership leaving just two matches surviving, league leaders Haverhill Rovers Ladies match away to Ketton Ladies getting the green light and with 2nd placed Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves not in action it presented a great opportunity for Haverhill to open up a 7 point lead at the top of the Premiership table. new it would be a tough game against Ketton however and that proved to be the case on a heavy pitch too, Ketton finding the back of the net for 3 goals.  Kayleigh Nolan amongst the goals again for Haverhill netting a hat-trick to take her onto 12 for the season, Joeli Kirby on the scoresheet too with her 8th of the campaign to see Haverhill come home with the 3 points winning the game 4-3.

  Leverington Sports Ladies amongst the early season leaders were also playing at the weekend now 4th in the Premiership table heading across Cambridgeshire to played St Ives Town Ladies Development the game on 3G, St Ives amongst a cluster of sides well placed in the middle of the table to press for a top 3 finish 3 points behind Leverington going into the match their results up and down so far this season it was a return to winning ways this weekend, Francesca Worrall on hand to net a brace with Tash Applegate firing in another goal both with 7 for the season now helping to secure a 3-1 victory, taking St Ives back up to fifth in the Premiership table level on points with Leverington.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

Plenty of action from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship this weekend with just the one fixture having to be called off. League leaders Cambridge Rangers Women were looking to open up a 7 point lead back at the top of the table over 2nd placed Mildenhall Town Ladies as they travelled to 2nd bottom side Swavesey Spartan Ladies on Sunday. A strong first half performance seeing the visitors into a comfortable lead going into the changing rooms leading 7-0. The 2nd period seeing less goal mouth action Cambridge Rangers adding a further two goals however to win the match 9-1. Top scorer Daniella Lewis on target to fire in a hat-trick moves onto 19 goals for the season, there were braces too for Claire Kyndt taking her onto 10 goals and a first two goals of the campaign for Laura Kelly. Vanessa Martinez and Hoi Yee Hg also scoring a goal each. Swavesey captain Emma Smart scoring for the hosts in the 2nd half.

  With 2nd placed Mildenhall not in action at the weekend, It was a chance for Pinchbeck United Ladies to close the gap to a point as they looked to continue their 100% winning record to 11 matches. Having an excellent season so far, were away to Cambourne United Women on Sunday. Freya Peters moving to the top of the goal scoring charts as she added 4 more goals to her tally at the weekend 15 now for the season. Pinchbeck proving too strong an opponent on target to score an additional 4 goals to win the game 8-0 with four different scorers, captain Chloe Gray amongst them has 4 goals now. 4 goals too each for Rebecca Navarrette and Victoria Bradford also scoring along with Laura Sidajeva scoring her first goal for the club. Pinchbeck with 4 and 5 matches in hand on the sides above respectfully.

A double header for Park Ladies at the weekend as they travelled to play Haverhill Rovers Ladies. Two shorted matches 6 points up for grabs, Haverhill struggling for points at the wrong end of the table Park showing great form of late climbing the Championship table. Kimberly Brown getting a goal for Haverhill in the first match, Park scoring 3 up the other end to win the 3 points with Georgia Payne and Sian Holcroft on the scoresheet. Park with a dominant performance in the 2nd match to take maximum points once again. Georgia Stimson netting a hat-trick goes to 12 goals for the season. A brace too for top scorer Francesca Piltsch with Demi Newman also on target to score in a 6-0 win, Park climbing up to 4th spot in the Championship table.

Eaton Socon Ladies fourth in the Championship table themselves going into their match on Sunday away to Isleham United Ladies. New to the league Eaton Socon quickly finding their feet with a good run to climb the table recent results a mixed bag returned to winning ways at the weekend clinching victory with a 2-1 scoreline. Emily Whiteman finding the back of the net for her 12th Eaton Socon goal of the season with Hannah Hutchinson also amongst the goals scoring her 9th of the campaign. Andrea Phillips scoring her first goal Isleham.

Newmarket Town Women Development were at home to Cardea Ladies on Sunday afternoon. It was another blistering start to the match for Cardea as they raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 5 minutes captain Laura Rudd with both goals. Newmarket battling back Kaitlin Elsey making her Newmarket debut marking the occasion in style as she scored her first and 2nd goals for the side in quick succession in the 19th & 21st minute to bring the scores level. One the half hour Elsey was celebrating her hat-trick firing Newmarket into the lead. That short lived however as Cardea came back to level the scores straight away Courtney Coles making in 3-3. Elsey though on fire as she netted her fourth of the game to see Newmarket leading 4-3 at the break. The Host out of the blocks quickly in the 2nd period Elsey yet again with the goal putting them 5-3 up, Talia Irvine on target with a goal 5 minutes later to open up a 6-3 lead for Newmarket a hat full of chances created after that Cardea on the back foot, Elsey going on to celebrate a double hat-trick Newmarket winning the match 7-4. Coles with her 2nd of the game for Cardea.

 

 

The Round-Up – 16/02/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 16th February

 The first multi-competition edition of The Round-Up last season after Storm Dennis played havoc with the fixture lists once again this weekend. A total wipe out of matches the weekend with Storm Ciara blowing through. 12 games in all to report on from Sunday featuring sides competing in the leagues covered by Women’s Football East. 

Women’s FA Cup

 Starting with the biggest game of the week a dream tie in the Women’s FA Cup 5th Round for Ipswich Town Women, a historic run taking the Suffolk side into the last 16 of the competition, the lowest ranked side to get this far playing in the fourth tier up against the current holders and FAWSL leaders, a tough test but an occasion to be savoured Ipswich’s history making run drawing national attention in the media.

 Manchester City starting well against Ipswich the visitors fielding a young side with 7 17 year olds in their side. Defender Lucy Egan with a couple of vital blocks in the opening 18 minutes, Manchester City taking the lead in the 19th minute breaking away from an Ipswich corner Laura Coombs striking the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0. Ipswich goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles saving with her legs to deny, Norfolk born Lauren Hemp a goal 2 minutes later. Pauline Bremer amongst the goals for Manchester City this season firing the hosts into a 2 goal lead midway through the first half rounding the keeper to score. Jess Park shooting from the edge of the area seeing Manchester City leading 3-0 on the half-hour. That the score at half-time. 

Ipswich striker Natasha Thomas up against Manchester City & England captain Steph Houghton (photo credit @RossMediaUK )

   Ipswich with plenty of travelling support for the match spirits high everyone enjoying the occasion. Manchester City out of the blocks quickly in the 2nd period Bremer with an early chance before adding her 2nd of the game in the 49th minute. Ipswich fighting plenty of energy put into closing the ball down Manchester City kept on their toes a professional performance extending the lead in the 57th minute a ball put across the face of goal Georgia Stanway sliding in to score. Bremer netting completing her hat-trick in the 64th minute. Manchester City stepping it up as Ipswich tired Stanway with her 2nd of the game to make it 7-0 two minutes later. Into the final 15 minutes and Park is slid through on goal to net her 2nd of the match wrapping up her hat-trick 3 minutes later her distance strike finding the top corner. Stanway becoming the 3rd Manchester City player to score a hat-trick as she finished from distance from a clearance with 3 minutes to go to see the match won 10-0. A large defeat in the end for Ipswich but a massive gulf between the sides Manchester City a side to be inspired by. Ipswich’s fantastic FA Cup journey coming to an end putting the club firmly on the map plenty still to play for this season challenging for the title in FAWNL South East Division One straight back to it this Wednesday with as big a game away to Norwich City Women in the East Anglian derby.

FAWNL Cup

Another big game in the FAWNL Cup competitions for Milton Keynes Dons Women this weekend at home taking on Northern Premier Division side Stoke City Women in the semi-final this Sunday. A 2nd successive season for Milton Keynes reaching the last 4 of a national competition. League Plate semi-finalists last time out, have saved their best performances for the FAWNL Cup this season dogged in defence going through on penalties in earlier rounds, up against a Stoke City side in good form. The Stadium MK offering some protection from the elements that would certainly play apart in other matches surviving the afternoon, Stoke starting well putting the ball into the Milton Keynes area he home defence standing firm the sides goalless at the break. Abby Hunt firing Stoke City into the lead in the 57th minute the visitors going 2-0 5 minutes later courtesy of a powerfully struck 25 yard free-kick from Hollie Gibson. Milton Keynes looking for a reply seeing a goal ruled out for offside. Milton Keynes breaking with 15 minutes left a shot fired inches wide. Alison Hall smashing a shot against the crossbar for Stoke City with 3 minutes left, a 3rd goal not required 2-0 enough to see Stoke City into this season’s FAWNL Cup final where they will face either Sunderland AFC Ladies or Southampton FC Women the pair meeting in their semi-final this coming Sunday.

Norfolk Women’s County Cup

 Two games surviving Storm Dennis in Norfolk at the weekend and both big ones as the semi-finals of the Norfolk Women’s County Cup took place. Women’s Football East braving the elements to watch one of those matches Norwich City Women taking on Wroxham Women. Played at The Nest north of the city the weather rubbish very wet and windy the pitch holding out well however the game on. A fairly even start to the game both sides testing the other creating opportunities joy on the flanks. Wroxham taking the lead just past 20 minutes, captain Anna Larkins put away down the right her ball in on the angle parries down across goal by Norwich goalkeeper Hope Armstrong, top scorer Grace Birchall sliding in at the far post to score from close range. Norwich quick to respond the ball put forwards quickly through the middle their top scorer Chelsea Garrett breaking in behind the defence, goalkeeper Amy Bell starting to come can’t get there is caught in no mans land as Garrett lobs her from outside the box to make it 1-1. No sooner are Norwich level then they take the lead themselves Aimee Durrant putting a free-kick from the right into the box a shot from the left charged down the rebound falling to Garrett top of the box rifles it home for her 2nd of the match. A devastating spell from Norwich as they go on to score twice more in quick succession Durrant causing problems wide right her cross into the six yard box bringing an own goal, then putting pressure on defender and goalkeeper as they get to close to each other at the top of the area steals in to rob the ball and walk it into the empty net.

Natasha Snelling with a late double to help send Norwich through to the Norfolk Women’s County Cup Final

 Norwich leading 4-1 at half-time scoring 4 goals in 6 minutes, Wroxham coming out fighting at the start of the 2nd half as they look to pull a goal back quickly Norwich solid at the back defender Lauren Cullum clearing a ball off the line. The game entering the final 10 minutes midfielder Jodie Drake lining up a strike from 35 yards out struck well to seal the win 5-1 it was the catalyst for another Wroxham collapse as they suffered a repeat of the 2nd half. Keunna Dill on in the 2nd half free on the left away down the line squaring a ball along the face of goal Natasha Snelling arriving for the tap in. 6-1 quickly became 7-1, a corner taken short Sian Douglas with a well struck shot on the angle driving the ball home to score her first goal for the club. Dill racing away again shooting over Bell seeing her shot strike the bar coming back down not gathered Snelling latching onto it to score her 2nd of the game. Norwich through the the Norfolk Women’s County Cup final, getting the opportunity at long last to play at Carrow Road. The whole game report can be found below this post.

  Norwich’s opponents in this season’s Norfolk Women County Cup final will be back to back winners of the competition Wymondham Town Ladies as they made it a fourth county cup final appearance in a row winning away to Sprowston Ladies at the weekend. Sprowston the only county league side to make it this far in the competition amongst the top sides in Division One putting on a spirited performance against a Wymondham side despite being hampered by injuries throughout the season scoring plenty of goals. Vice captain Leah Newcombe at last making her return to the field after being out since last season’s cup final. Goals from Freya Symonds, Katie Knights, striker Hannah Waters and her first for the club from defender Lauren Kett seeing Wymondham through to a fourth successive final 4-0. The County Cup Final to be played on Sunday 19th April kicking off at 11am at Carrow Road.

Essex Women’s County Cup

 County Cup semi-final action too in Essex this weekend again the only games to beat the weather and had a feeling if any would it would be these both played on good 3G pitches kicking off later in the afternoon. The competition dominated by Billericay Town Ladies and AFC Basildon Women in recent season’s Basildon first and recent Billericay have lifted the trophy locking horns in recent finals. Both playing in FAWNL South East Division One, Basildon rebuilding somewhat have found their feet in the league making up a strong top half of the table joined by Billericay. Drawn to meet in the semi-finals this time around both fancying their chances on recent form. Played at Aveley FC a 4:30pm kick-off no clear cut chances for either side in the opening 15 minutes. Basildon opening the scoring in the 21st minutes Jodie Osborne flicking the ball over the keeper to make it 1-0. The visitors getting themselves into a 2-0 before the half hour Kelly Wealthall with the tap in following great work on the ball from strike partner Holly Turner. Billericay coming back at Basildon Zoe Rushen seeing a shot saved, Therese Addison with an effort blocked on the line late in the half Basildon going into the changing rooms 2-0 up. 

Action from this weekends semi-final (photo credit Nicky Hayes)

 Another block on the goal line denying Rushen a goal early in the 2nd half Basildon going on to take a 3-0 lead 15 minutes into the 2nd period Turner with a well struck shot. Basildon adding a 4th goal 5 minutes later with Poppy Binding tapping home to put the visitors into a strong position with 25 minutes to play. Billericay getting a goal back straight away Hannah Smith making it 4-1. Billericay pushing later on shots saved Addison firing in a free-kick with 3 minutes left a consolation as Basildon were celebrating at the final whistle reaching the County Cup Final again 4-2. 

 History to be made in the other Essex Women’s County Cup semi-final with Bowers & Pitsea Ladies at home to Collier Row Tigers both looking to reach the final for the first time. Bowers & Pitsea doing well in their first season in the ERWFL Premier Division not underestimating their lower league opponents Collier Row Tigers top of the Essex Women’s Premier Division unbeaten dropping just 2 points so far this season whilst scoring plenty of goals and keeping it tight at the other end conceding just 11. Weather condition poor wet and windy scrappy at the start few clear cut chances created. Goalless at half-time Collier Row Tigers proving a tough opponent Bowers & Pitsea battling to get the opening goal wouldn’t come the game going to extra-time. A further half and hour of play seeing no goals added the semi-final to be settled on penalties. Some well taken penalties it was Bowers & Pitsea who were celebrating at the finish going through to the final 6-5 in the shootout. The Essex Women’s County Cup Final to be played on Thursday 9th April a 7:45pm KO at Aveley FC.

Essex Women’s Trophy

 Another semi-final played at the weekend in Essex in the Trophy competition and better news for Billericay Town Ladies in this one played earlier in the afternoon at Aveley FC with their Reserves side beating Essex Women’s Premier Division side Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies 3-0 to reach the final. Amelie Johnson scoring the opening goal of the game. Becky Gallagher striking to put Billericay 2-0 ahead Leigha Bradding-Butler netting the 3rd goal. Billericay’s Reserves will face either Hutton Ladies Reserves or Lawford Ladies in the final their semi-final falling foul of Storm Dennis will try again this coming weekend.

Suffolk Women’s Division

 There were just four league matches that survive at the weekend and just the one match in Suffolk. Bury Town Ladies keeping up their title charge as they move into 2nd spot ahead of Brettvale Ladies on goal difference with a double figure win at home against bottom side University of Suffolk Women the visitors short of a full side up against a Bury Town side full of goals players contributing throughout the side. Julie Brind top scorer netting a hat-trick at the weekend moving her onto 22 for the season. Mia Bambury into double figures too now scoring at the weekend on 10. Kirsty Pollard with a brace goals too for Sophie Hemming and Norma Locker. Katie Walker with another goal has 2 form 2 appearances with Georgia Parker scoring her first goal of the season. 

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

 Again in Cambridgeshire Storm Dennis wreaked havoc with the fixture lists on Sunday with just one match played in  both the Premiership and Championship. In the Premiership it was a poignant game for St Ives Town Ladies Development away to Netherton United Ladies. Sad news this weekend with the sad news that one of their founding players Charlene Martin passing away losing her battle with bowel cancer. Can only offer my condolences and thoughts to her family and friends and those at St Ives was an inspiration to so many.  

 The club coming together to play at the weekend travelling to play Netherton United Ladies. A late winner in stoppage time seeing the 3 points go to Netherton, Yasmin Green scoring from the penalty spot for the hosts earlier in the game, Tash Applegate scoring for St Ives Town. Katie Barber finding the back of the net in the 93rd minute giving Netherton the win, moves them level with St Ives Town on 16 points in what is a very congested mid-table in the Premiership a number of sides pushing for a top 4 finish there is still alot of football to be played.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

One game played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship at the weekend rough conditions too for Cardea Ladies as they hosted 2nd placed Mildenhall Town Ladies at the weekend the opening half an hour seeing no goals. Charlotte Nash putting away her 10th goal of the season for Mildenhall seeing the visitors open the scoring. 5 minutes later were 2-0 up with Nadine Basson on target with a goal. A flurry of goals coming late in the first half 10 minutes left to play Courtney Coles pulling it back to 2-1 for Cardea. Nash scoring her 2nd of the game restoring Mildenhall’s 2 goal lead, Coles with her second bringing it back to 3-2 at half-time. Mildenhall ramping it up 2nd half to ensure the 3 points. Top scorer Katie Hayes scoring her 19th goal of the season on the hour, Jasmine Luckett with her 5th of the campaign 5 minutes later along with a brace in the final 15 minutes from Rachel Pearce seeing the game won 7-3 moving Mildenhall to within 4 points of leaders Cambridge Rangers Women.

Beds & Herts The Chris Renshaw Cup

A couple of matches too surviving Storm Dennis in the Beds & Herts Women’s Football League. Division One side Hitchin Belles hosting Division Two leaders AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies in the quarter finals of The Chris Renshaw Cup. The visitors in good form at the top of the table Hitchin Belles bottom of the Division One table Kempston Ton & Bedford College tight at the back conceding just 6 goals in the league keeping Hitchin out on Sunday in the cup progressing through to the semi-finals of the competition winning 4-0 with both Charlie Mullins and Chloe Urbanowicz scoring a brace. AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College will now be at home to fellow Division Two side Garston Ladies Vintage Purples in the semi-finals date to be announced.

Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two

As AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Ladies were advancing through to the last four of The Chris Renshaw Cup they were also knocked off the top of the Division Two table on goal difference by Woburn & Wavendon Lionesses as they won big at home to bottom side Wheathampstead Wanderers Ladies at the weekend. Charlotte Bedford opening the scoring for Woburn & Wavendon in the first minute. Laura Taylor seeing them 2-0 up inside 5 minutes. Jess Katsinas adding to the scoreline with a goal 5 minutes later Woburn & Wavendon with a strong opening to the game were 4-0 up with 15 minutes played Kelly Randall scoring her first goal of the season. Katsinas with her 2nd of the match putting them 5-0 up. Taylor netting 2 goals in 3 minutes to complete a first half hat-trick seeing Woburn & Wavendon leading 7-0 at half-time. More goals in the 2nd half with Emily Wall getting her first of the season on the hour. Bedford and Randall on target for their 2nd goals of the game each. Lucy Boyle another to celebrate her first goal of the season in the final 10 minutes. Jessica Greaves at the death sealing a 12-0 win. Woburn & Wavendon going top of goal difference but still incredibly tight at the top of Division Two with 3 points separating the top 4.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 02/02/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 2nd February

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

Beginning this weeks county league reviews in Cambridgeshire, 10 games to bring you from the Premiership and Championship played at the weekend. It was to one of these that Women’s Football East headed on Sunday a top of the table game from the Premiership league leaders Peterborough Norther Star Ladies Reserves travelling to take on 2nd placed Haverhill Rovers Ladies, both new to the league this season. Haverhill winning promotion in their debut season in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South, Peterborough’s Reserve side also into thier 2nd season making the switch from the Northamptonshire county league set-up.

An early injury blow for Haverhill captain, Joely Kirby coming off worse in a collision with the fence surrounding the pitch, left with a bloody head wound needing attention after just 4 minutes on in her place 16-year-old Jenna Wright. Linking up with Sian Cottrell in attack good work on the wing saw Wright cross to Cottrell unmarked just inside the box, turning falling into the shot sent the ball rising up over the keeper to put Haverhill into an early lead. Few chances created after that both sides working hard to keep the other out the keepers rarely tested, Peterborough getting joy out wide in attack. Haverhill leading 1-0 at half-time on a bitterly cold afternoon.

Sian Cottrell opening the scoring for Haverhill Rovers Ladies at the weekend

Peterborough with a bright start to the 2nd period looking to create press the ball the Haverhill defence with some good challenges leaving the visiting side frustrated leading by a single goal Haverhill were in need of a 2nd goal to relieve the pressure and late in the game got themselves into a 2 goal lead Kayleigh Nolan picked out with a great pass out to the right driving on into the box and unleashing a fierce shot, Peterborough goalkeeper Karla Durham getting her gloves down to save the ball parrying it out to the top of the area Wright reacting quickly getting hold of it firing a shot back in taking a wicked deflection sending it pass Durham and into the back of the net. Haverhill clinching a 2-0 win moving back to the top of the Premiership table with 3 games in hand over their opponents. Alot of football still to be played in the league though with several sides well positioned below the top 2.

ICA Sports Ladies move up into 3rd in the Premiership above Leverington Sports Ladies whose match against St Ives Town Ladies Development was called off late on Sunday. Playing a local derby away to Netherton United Ladies on Sunday a first half hat-trick from Annie Posnett taking her onto 10 goals for the season seeing ICA Sports holding a 3-0 lead at the break. Netherton rallying in the 2nd half Jenna Nairn pulling a goal back on 65 minutes. Katie Barber  with her 8th goal of the season setting up a nervous final 10 minutes firing home to make it 3-2. ICA Sports holding on for the win are 4 points behind leaders Haverhill.

March Town United Ladies move back up to 5th in the Premiership table beating a strong Histon Ladies Reserves team away from home at the weekend. Lauren Threadgold scoring a brace for Histon as they battle for points at the wrong end of the table pushing March close, also seeing a penalty saved by March goalkeeper, Tori Sharpe. A first goal of the season for Chloe Rimmer along with goals from top scorers Emma Searle and Jordan Turner their 7th and 8th goals of the season respectfully helping to secure a 3-2 win.

Ketton Ladies sixth in the Premiership table were hosting Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at the weekend the visitors involved in several high scoring encounters this season unfortunate not to get anything out of the game after they came out on the wrong end of a 4-3 scoreline. This despite a 25th goal of the season for Marie Stubbings with Eleanor Woodley on target to score a brace. Goalkeeper Sam Issacson also saving a penalty for Fulbourn. Ketton have goals in their side too, Fran Kavanagh amongst the goals again herself this season scoring a brace at the weekend to move onto 15 for the season. A goal each for Lauren McKeever and Ellie Marson seeing the 3 points go to the host side.

A third straight league win sees Cambridge University Women sees move up to 8th in the Premiership table. Were hosting newcomers Cambridge City Ladies A at the weekend a morning kick-off on Sunday. A strong performance for Cambridge University beating their opponents 6-0 to claim the 3 points. 10 goals each for the season now for Lidiya Mykhaylechko scoring a hat-trick and Amanda Wainwright on target for a brace. Taylor Lynn-Jones also celebrating a goal.

Cambridge University Women winning 6-0 at the weekend (photo credit Cambridge University Women)

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

A first defeat of the season for Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship leaders Cambridge Rangers Women last Sunday away to Park Ladies, bounced back returning to winning ways this weekend at home to Newmarket Town Women Development. A Sunday morning kick-off Newmarket working hard with the bare 11 holding Cambridge Rangers to a goalless draw at the break. The hosts getting their noses in front in the 2nd half taking the lead from a corner kick. Newmarket going down to 10 losing a player through injury kept on pushing Cambridge Rangers the league leaders going further ahead with the player advantage scoring twice more to win the match 3-0. Their goals scored by Barbara Williams, Robyn Barlow and Hoi Yee Hg.

A home win awarded to Mildenhall Town Ladies over Hungate Rovers Ladies keeps them 2nd in the Championship table but are being rapidly closed down by Pinchbeck United Ladies the gap now just 2 points as they continue their 100% winning start to the season with a 10th straight league win away to Burwell Tigers Ladies on Sunday. Helen Barker scoring her first goal for the club at the weekend. Libby Friel netting a hat-trick moving her to 11 for the season. 11 too for the campaign too for Freya Peters who was also amongst the goals for Pinchbeck on Sunday scoring a brace. Pinchbeck winning 6-0 have games in hand on the leading pair too.

A fabulous 1-0 win against leaders Cambridge Rangers Women last weekend seeing Park Ladies make it 5 straight wins in the Championship were looking to make it 6 in a row away to Isleham United Ladies. Isleham winning a close game 2-1 in the reverse fixture before Park begun their winning streak was another close match this weekend, goals for Louisa Harwood her first of the season for Isleham and one for Kate Silver not enough to take anything from the game as Park found the back of their net for 3 goals to come away with the 3 points seeing them close the gap to a point behind 4th placed Eaton Socon Ladies who lost on Sunday.

A fantastic start to the season for Cardea Ladies winning their opening 4 league matches have since lost the next 4, on the wrong end of some high scoring matches were involved in another at the weekend their first competitive action of 2020 at home to 4th placed Eaton Socon Ladies. Captain, Laura Rudd putting Cardea into the lead inside the opening 5 minutes. A great first half from the hosts seeing them add a further 2 goals Anna Langa on 19 minutes and Naomi Hall with her first goal of the season on 36. Cardea leading 3-0 at half-time Eaton Socon raced out of the blocks at the start of the 2nd half pulling a goal back straight away and by the 52nd minute the scores were level. Pegged back to 3-3 Cardea rallied keeping Eaton Socon from adding another goal, Rudd with her 10th goal of the season scoring in the 75th minute to see Cardea come out on top in a 7 goal thriller.

Swavesey Spartans Ladies move off the bottom of the Championship table after they earned a point at the weekend away from home to Deeping United Ladies on Sunday. Just one win on the board before the match Daisy Edwards-ainge finding the back of the net to put Swavesey into the lead. Deeping United coming back to see the points shared with Hannah Chapman on target to score her 18th goal of the season.

 

 

 

Match Report – Haverhill Rovers Ladies v Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves

Sunday 2nd February

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

A top of the table clash from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday and a match between two debutants on Women’s Football East as 2nd placed Haverhill Rovers Ladies host league leaders Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves.

  The Cambridgeshire Women’s Football League growing considerably this season and influx of new sides seeing the Premiership expanded to 13 teams, the Championship below starting the season with 15 sides competing. Alot of football to be played. Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves leading the Premiership by a point, Haverhill Rovers Ladies playing catch up a point behind in 2nd with 3 games in hand. Several sides keeping an eye on this top of the table clash too well placed below to mount a challenge on the title themselves.

  My first look at Haverhill Rovers Ladies the club re establishing it’s women’s side last season. Strong recruitment seeing alot of experienced and talented players joining the club a 2nd Development side formed originally competing in the Suffolk Women’s Division now in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship. The first team winning promotion from the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South last in their debut season pipped to the title by St Ives Town Ladies Development. Joining the expended Premiership this season have made a strong start just one defeat from their opening 8 matches. Playing catch up just a third of their fixtures played a busy few months loom in what is likely to be a hard fought run for the title.

 Peterborough Northern Star Ladies playing in the ERWFL Premier Division forming a new Reserves side last season. One season in the Northamptonshire Women’s Football League they make the switch over to Cambridgeshire this season a strong start winning 7 of their opening 11 games getting their matches in where others haven’t seeing them move to the top of the league. In a good position to push on for the remainder of the season.

 The New Croft the venue for today’s match the game played on the 3G pitch beside the main stadium. One the outskirts of Haverhill multiple pitches is very much a community club. The 3G pitch itself a good size offering plenty of width, a wide viewing area for spectators with a small seated stand. Tea and coffee available aswell as hot food. A wet start to the day remained overcast a chilly wind building that would get stronger as the afternoon progressed. The 3G pitch seeing plenty of use games earlier in the day over running delaying kick-off by half an hour to allow the sides to warm-up properly.

Haverhill Rovers Ladies starting XI – Chelsea White, Ella Blowes, Georgina Westrope, Beth Harding, Amy Evans, Julie Brown, Kayleigh Steed, Emma Barnes, Kayleigh Nolan, Joely Kirby (C) & Sian Cottrell. Subs- Clair Andrews, Hannah Doyle, Sophie Wing & Jenna Wright.

Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves starting XI – Karla Durham, Fran Peeling, Demi Fox, Leah Barnes (C), Sarah Beard, Catherine Ray, Eve Lomasney, D’Lacy Phillips, Georgia Clarke, Eleanor Spendlow & Ella Gavaghan. Subs- Shannon Hilton, Kimberley Fairweather & Katie Henry.

(roll on roll off substitutes)

  Peterborough to get the first half underway wearing black an white vertical striped shirts, black shorts with black and white hooped socks. Haverhill all in red. The ball pressed in the middle early on both sides rushing to get the ball played out with little accuracy in the early exchanges. Eve Lomasney sending it forwards for Eleanor Spendelow to chase up the left side, Ella Blowes back on her to defend win the ball back for Haverhill at the back.

  Spendelow looking to make runs out wide left in attack for Peterborough ready to go whenever the midfield regains possession. Haverhill with 3 at the back, Spendelow crossing the ball into the box long across the penalty spot Ella Gavaghan can’t reach it before Haverhill clear. 

  Haverhill getting numbers back to support the defensive won back Julie Brown carries it forwards left side playing it forwards down the wing Joely Kirby captaining the side giving chase on her shoulder Peterborough captain Leah Barnes a race to the touch line Kirby looking to keep it in Barnes aiming to hold her up run out of room as they come together, Kirby’s momentum seeing her collide with the metal fence surrounding the pitch. Stay’s down hurt play stopped immediately a head injury blood pouring from a wound can’t continue, an early substitution made Jenna Wright on to join Sian Cottrell in attack. Kirby up walking back to the changing room to get her wound attended too.

Haverhill defender Georgina Westrope clearing the ball before Peterborough’s Ella Gavaghan can close her down

   The early exchanges remain tentative neither side properly settled as they test each other out. Peterborough making ground on the right wing Georgia Clarke racing with the ball to the touchline squaring a cross into the area Spendlow closing far post cushion the ball down to Gavaghan top of the area her first touch heavy allows Georgina Westrope the chance to get to the ball and clear. 

  GOAL! The hosts open the scoring good work on the right the ball played forwards to Jenna Wright strong on the ball getting it to Cottrell positioned inside the box right of the D, unmarked, sees the ball into her feet tuning into the striking falling back as she does so aiding her strike sending it up over goalkeeper Karla Durham into the back of the net beyond 1-0.

Sian Cottrell opens the scoring for Haverhill Rovers Ladies

  Peterborough get on the offensive straight from the restart Spendelow keeping possession well over halfway left side playing a great crossfield pass spotting Catherine Ray breaking forwards from the middle. Beth Harding standing her ground well top of the area tackling to get the ball away from her.  Wright making making an impact since coming on strong on the ball moving out to the left running on flicking a cross into the box with the outside of her boot Kayleigh Nolan closing in on goal from the right the ball too close to the keeper, safely in Durham’s hands.

Peterborough’s Fran Peeling

  Coming forwards from the back Fran Peeling looks to combine with Clarke and Ray on the right, Harding breaking up the attack the ball one end than the other neither side holding onto it for long.  Lomasney closing down in the middle sending the ball long looking for Spendelow racing on left side into the box, Chelsea White in goal for Haverhill to it first. Kayleigh Steed with a superb pass from midfield Nolan after the ball on the right into the corner, gathers Spendelow tracking back in defence challenging to win the ball. 

Kayleigh Steed playing the ball on fro Haverhill

  Between then Steed, Brown and Amy Evans are getting hold of the ball on the middle breaking up Peterborough attacks, preventing players getting up to support Gavaghan leading the attack. The hosts pushing forwards winning a corner, keep the ball in their opponents half Brown out to Wright top of the area right side sends in a low strike, Durham having the angle covered down to collect the ball safely. Gavaghan coming back to steal the ball right side turns and heads towards goal, Harding closing in to tackle for Haverhill. White up to claim the ball at her near post as the ball is swung in from a cross on the right. 

  Lomasney making several well times tackles to get hold of the ball always looking for a forward option from midfield plays the pass out to Spendelow giving chase on the left, Blowes coming across concedes the throw in. Into Gavaghan’s feet coming towards the ball turns looking to power her way into the box outnumbered the ball with Haverhill the break on the ball launched forwards Wright after it, bouncing an awkward one fro Peterborough full back Demi Fox to deal with keeps her eye on the ball as she jumps in front of the onrushing Wright making the clearance off balance falls bashing her head painfully on the 3G surface. another pause in play. Up after treatment able to continue.

Demi Fox playing the ball for Peterborough

 A cagey game neither side getting the better of the other fairly even, Peterborough making runs out wide not capitalising in the middle, congested at times Haverhill constantly looking to spread the play. Both sides quick to recover in defence, Harding coming across the back line to deal with the threat of Spendelow as she gets in behind into the box from another good ball from Lomasney aiming to pick out Gavaghan central, Harding intercepts her block deflecting the ball safely back to her keeper.

  D’Lacy Phillips bringing the ball on for Peterborough setting up an attack finding Spendelow left side players rush up from midfield to out number the Haverhill defence Spendelow firing the ball inside taken into her stride by Ray has Gavaghan running ahead of her, feeds the ball on into the box, Westrope having gone with Gavaghan lunging in with the challenge to take the ball away from her. Peterborough prevent Haverhill counter attacking the ball fired into Spendlow 25 yards out on the left of the fires in a shot the ball plucked down and caught by White.

Peterborough midfielder, D’lacy Phillips

  Brown bringing the ball on through the middle played forwards for the pacy Nolan to chase, quick by the ball picks up speed on the 3G and is away from her before she can keep it in play. Peterborough make a double change bringing off Phillips and Fox coming off, Katie Henry and Kimberley Fairweather coming on further positional changes seeing Spendelow pushed up to join Gavaghan in the attack Ray going into the defence. The visiting side applying some pressure towards the end of the first half up on the right the cross into the six yard box Spendelow jumping with the keeper the ball loose a shot fired in on goal blocked on the line.

Haverhill defender, Ella Blowes playing the ball up field

 Emma Barnes on the move with the ball left side for Haverhill her cross in cut out by Sarah Beard deflected behind goal for a corner. Fired in low very nearly an own goal the ball sent in towards goal at the near post cleared straight to Barnes a shot lashed back in Peterborough turn to block on the line. Brown getting across to tackle Ray as she comes on with the ball turning infield, possession quickly regained the ball launched out to the right taken on by Clarke her cross from the byline comfortably dealt with by Westrope.

Half-time Haverhill Rovers Ladies 1-0 Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves

  Half-time and Haverhill hold a narrow lead 1-0 up takes to an early goal from Sian Cottrell. Few clear cut chances over all both sides working hard cancelling each other out to a degree, Haverhill strong in the centre of the park making it hard for Peterborough to get numbers forwards Ella Gavaghan often isolated in attack. Peterborough on the whole solid at the back themselves neither keeper tested. Perfectly set up for the 2nd half.

  Getting very chilly now the wind picking up swirling across the ground. Peterborough staying out on the pitch during the interval. Haverhill back out taking kick-off no changes for either side. Peterborough quick out of the blocks the ball closed down Fairweather playing it out to the right a throw won inside the Haverhill half from that Henry sending a cross into the area cleared by Westrope. Haverhill bring it forwards, Peterborough across the close down preventing the break Ray played onto the ball left side charges forwards cutting inside into the box run off the ball by Blowes.

Haverhill’s Julie Brown winning the header against Peterborough’s Eleanor Spendelow

 Great work by Brown strong to win the ball back in front of her defence turn looks up sees Nolan on the move right side sends the diagonal ball in her direction, Durham seeing Nolan’s run to racing out of her area to get her foot through the ball first. Wright is proving a handful in attack for Haverhill strong on the ball shaking off her marker getting on in behind, Beard comes across to challenge put the ball away from a throw. Is becoming an end to end encounter Peterborough launch it forwards through the middle Gavaghan 25 yards out, back to goal with a glancing header to knock it down to Spendlow to her left, the attackers then with a one tow Spendelow into Gavaghan’s feet she lays it back for Spendelow to strike swinging through the air off target White across her line to gather. 

Eleanor Spendelow constantly looking for an attacking opportunity for Peterborough

 Evan’s on the ball for Haverhill coming forwards sends i on for Nolan out wide on the right looks to take on Ray jink inside her the full back sticking a leg across snatching the ball just in time. Peterborough coming forwards better now Gavaghan benefiting from the support able to impose herself on the game more. Haverhill busy in defence but between them, Blowes, Westrope and Harding are standing firm. The hosts make their 2nd change of the game Steed coming off, on in her place club captain Clair Andrews making her return to full fitness after spending the last 5 months out through injury.

 

Eve Lomasney bringing the ball on attacking for Peterborough

 Lomasney operating out on the left now picking the ball up running at the Haverhill box lines up a strike from 20 yards out the ball charged down by Westrope. Has been a frustrating afternoon for Nolan so far a willing runner the ball just won’t run favourably for her, a heavy tough letting her down this time. An intriguing contest time running out, Peterborough looking likely to find a goal, Haverhill you think need a 2nd to give themselves some breathing room. A corner won by Wright on the left fired into the area Peterborough defending headed behind for a corner on the right. Put into the six yard box chested down by Brown swings into the shot struck hard blocked, Fairweather onto the loose ball brings it away for the visitors.

Haverhill’s Beth Harding

 GOAL! 15 minutes left on the clock and Haverhill get that much needed 2nd goal. Peterborough are attacking play broken up Evens getting hold of the ball keeping it well before turn and playing a great ball out to the right wing for Nolan, all previous frustration forgotten as she collects the ball into her run surges on into the area and blasts a shot goalwards on the angle driven in low Durham on her line down well to save gloving the ball out towards the top of her area, Wright forwards getting hold of it smashing a shot back in takes a deflection send it past the stranded keeper to nestle in the back of the net… an own goal? I don’t think so and nor does Wright as she celebrates her first goal for the club 2-0.

  Peterborough make a change bringing on Shannon Hilton for Spendelow. The visitors awarded a free-kick outside the Haverhill box on the right side Clarke on it attempts for goal her shot wide at the far post. Harlow’s turn to make a change Evans the player coming off on comes Hannah Doyle. Wright lively in attack away in behind as Peterborough push up, Durham out of her box to win the ball. Fairweather in with a strong challenge to win the ball outside the Haverhill box pushed onto Gavaghan, Harding diving in to close her down get the ball for the hosts. 

Haverhill’s Amy Evans bringing the ball forwards

  Fairweather in again to get hold of the ball keep Peterborough in the final third out to Lomasney on the left her first touch sending the ball on into the area a race with Westrope the defender winning it concedes the corner kick. Taken short up the line to Peeling, Westrope races out of the box to close her down charging down her attempted cross. Time running out Peterborough with a double change, Phillips and Spendelow back on, Lomasney and Gavaghan taken off.

  Game management needed from Haverhill late on keep hold of the ball inside the Peterborough half don’t invite pressure. A quickly taken free-kick on half way from Peterborough launched up towards the area headed out of the box drops straight to Hilton 25 yards out slices her 1st times shot drops wide of goal. Up the field late on in stoppage time Peterborough fire a cross in from the right brought down comfortably by Brown back in defence carries the ball away from danger as the final whistle blows. Haverhill winning 2-0 to return to the top of the Premiership table.

Full time Haverhill Rovers Ladies 2-0 Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves

  A hard fought victory for Haverhill Rovers Ladies taking an early lead in the game, Peterborough making them work of the 3 points coming on strong in the 2nd half chances for both Haverhill looking solid in defence really needing that 2nd goal late on to dull their opponents attack. A good contest and both will face several more before the season’s over alot of football still to be played. Haverhill top by 2 points with 3 games over Peterborough others not far behind either the expanded league proving intriguing.

Women’s Football East – Player of the Match

 Several contenders once again and like last weekend another tough decision to decide this Sunday’s Women’s Football East – Player of the Match. For Peterborough, Eve Lomasney was excellent in midfield especially first half looking to get thing’s going further forwards for the visitors. Eleanor Spendelow too lively out wide on the left making good runs and looking to set up others. Haverhill were impressive as a unit especially at the back particularly Georgina Westrope and Beth Harding. Julie Brown in midfield  breaking up several Peterborough attacks not letting much get away from her. Today’s award though goes to attacker Jenna Wright coming off the bench early on made an impact straight away strong on the ball good work leading up to setting up Sian Cottrell for the opening goal. A threat all game scoring the 2nd goal.

Enjoyed my first outing to The New Croft. My thanks to both teams for giving me those all important team details always appreciated will be a keen observer watching the battle for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership title unfold.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 26/01/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 26th January

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

A busy weekend of league and cup action across the county the title race in both the Premiership and Championship taking another twist, plus two outstanding games played in the quarter finals of the Invitation and Junior Invitation Cup. 

Beginning with the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership three games played at the weekend. The league leaders Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves were at home taking on Ketton Ladies. 2 points clear at the top Peterborough fell behind to a well struck free-kick from near the half way line from Ketton captain Beth Goodman. Ella Gavaghan scoring an equalising goal for Peterborough in the 2nd half to see the pair take a share of the points.

  Pressure now applied from Haverhill Rovers Ladies as they move up to 2nd over Leverington Sports Ladies to go a point behind Peterborough with the two due to meet this coming Sunday. This weekend were at home taking on Cambridge City Ladies A. A dominant display from Haverhill seeing them win all 3 points scoring 4 goals whilst keeping a clean sheet a bonus too having club captain Clair Andrews back in the squad after 5 months out with injury. Joeli Kirby scoring a brace to give her 7 for the season. Kayleigh Nolan on target for her 9th of the campaign along with a goal for Sophie Wing. Plenty of games for Haverhill left to play 3 games in hand on the leaders.

Nothing can be taken for granted however and a host of sides a well positioned to put pressure on the leading sides. St Ives Town Ladies Development climbing up to 5th in the Premiership table winning at the weekend at home to Histon Ladies Reserves. Bring an end to a run of 3 straight defeats in the league that had seen them slip down the table, goals from Molly Berryman, Maisie Buckle, Rebecca Baldry and Katie Luddy making her debut for the club seeing St Ives win the game 4-1.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

 Postponed from last weekend, FAWNL South East Division One side were away to Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership side in the quarter finals of the Women’s Invitation Cup on Sunday a huge gap between the sides 3 divisions Cambridge City with a dominant performance running out comfortable winners. Karly Tolentino doubling her goals tally for the season netting a hat-trick. Hannah Bodily, Charlotte Gillies and Laura Mills all getting a goal each along with first goals of the season for defender Amy Reed and captain Becca Fay. 

A hat-trick for Cambridge City Ladies Karly Tolentino at the weekend (photo credit Gary Reed)

 Cambridge City Ladies will now meet Newmarket Town Women at home in the semi-finals with Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at home to Histon Ladies in the last 4 of the competition. 

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

One outstanding quarter final played this Sunday too in the Women’s Junior Invitation Cup with Newmarket Town Women Development away to Burwell Tigers Ladies. Newmarket in good form coming into the game moving up the Championship table with a good first half going into the break leading 3-0. Both sides finding the back of the net for a goal each in the 2nd half Newmarket’s Development side into the last four winning 4-1. A goal each for top scorers Talia Irvine on 12 now with Leah Harper moving into double figures. First goals for the side too for Lauren Roberts and Hannah Rogers on her first appearance.

As in the semi-finals for the Invitation Cup Newmarket’s Development side will be away to Cambridge City Ladies new A side. Histon Ladies Reserves will face Swavesey Spartans Ladies at home in the other semi-final.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

Five games in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship this Sunday and a significant result at the top of the table as leaders Cambridge Rangers Women succumbed to their first defeat of the season after setting a blistering start winning 12 in a row. Unlucky 13 as that magnificent ran came to an end away to Park Ladies at the weekend. Cambridge Rangers coming up against a Park side showing great form themselves winning 4 straight league games to move up the Championship table, a battling performance from both sides Park tough to break down taking the lead midway through the first half Nicole Saunders scoring her first goal of the season. Proved to be the winning goal as Park kept their opponents at bay to win the 3 points a 5th straight win taking them up to 5th.

2nd placed Mildenhall Town Ladies closing the gap to the leaders to 4 points albeit having played 2 game more bouncing back from defeat away to Eaton Socon Ladies last weekend won the 3 points on the road taking on Deeping United Ladies this Sunday. Katie Hayes netting her 18th goal of the season on the half hour to put Mildenhall 1-0 up at the break. Nadine Basson firing home from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the 2nd half doubling the lead. Caroline Limas with her first goal for Mildenhall wrapping up a 3-0 win in the 68th minute.

A first defeat of the season for Cambridge Rangers Women leaves just one side now in the Championship with a 100% winning record 3rd placed Pinchbeck United Ladies now 9 wins in a row 9 points behind the leaders with 4 games in hand. Alot of football still to play were at home taking on Hungate Rovers Ladies at the weekend. Pinchbeck winning the match 2-0 with Libby Friel and Freya Peters scoring their 8th and 9th goals of the season respectfully.

A 7 goals thriller between Cambourne United Women mid-table in the Championship at home to bottom side Swavesey Spartans Ladies on Sunday. Helen Carder-Hall scoring for Cambourne in the 6th minute. Alice Taylor with the hosts 2nd goal in the 21st minute, Carder-Hall getting her 2nd of the game on the stroke of half-time. Swavesey Spartans despite their lowly position in the league with several close results so far this season scoring 3 goals themselves, missing out once again as Cambourne went on to win 4-3, Taylor with her 2nd of the match scoring in the 84th minute.

Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development move out of the bottom two in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship after earning a point in a high scoring match at home to Isleham United Ladies on Sunday. The game ending with honours even both sides scoring 3 goals. Gemma Codling on target for her 9th goal of the season for Haverhill, Natasha Caine celebrating a goal along with a first of the season for Sarah Goodey. Poppy Green bagging a brace for Isleham to move her to 7 for the season, Kate Silver with the visitor other goal.

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 19/01/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 19th January

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

A mixture of league and cup football across Cambridgeshire this weekend. clubs scattering from the higher leagues to take part in their various County Cup competitions, either at the quarter of semi-final stage this weekend. For Cambridgeshire it was the quarter finals of both the Women’s Invitation Cup and Junior Invitation Cup more on those in a bit.

  Beginning first with the league action this weekend some disruption due to the weather too there were two matches played in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership this Sunday. Netherton United Ladies the big movers as they climb from 10th up to 7th spot winning away from home against St Ives Town Ladies Development at the weekend. Travelled with an injury hit squad several out, players coming in to get a full side out new signing Sasha Haw making her debut Netherton despite the enforced changes starting well Gemma Galloway letting fly from the edge of the area putting Netherton into a 6th minute lead. The visitors doubling their advantage with the game closing in on the half hour Hannah Johnson intercepting the ball setting up Katie Barber to score her 6th goal of the season, St Ives rallied but for a superb save from stand in goalkeeper Lissy Crutchfield and a goal line clearance would have gone in level at the break, Netherton though keeping it at 2-0. St Ives with a strong start to the 2nd half pulling it back to 2-1 on the hour, Netherton with and immediate response Barber again firing her 2nd of the match into the roof of the net. The game one end to the other St Ives applying pressure again getting it back to within a goal 2-3 Netherton getting another quick reply 15 minutes to play Holloway sending the ball in seeing the game won 4-2 extending Netherton’s unbeaten run to 8 in all competitions.

Back to back league wins for Cambridge University Women sees them up a place to 9th in the Premiership table all very tight in the middle of the table are just 3 points behind 5th placed March Town United Ladies. Away to bottom side Riverside Ladies this Sunday running out comfortable winners in the finish Amanda Wainwright taking over as top scorer netting a hat-trick to put her onto 8 for the season. Elsewhere their were first goals of the season for 4 players with a goal each for Lina Cai, Anna O’Leary, Taylor Lynn-Jones and a brace for Lu Liu. Cambridge University winning 8-1. Ines Sopia Lopes with the Riverside goal.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

Two league matches took place in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship this Sunday. A top of the table clash seeing 2nd placed Mildenhall Town Ladies away to 4th placed Eaton Socon Ladies both newcomers to the league this season enjoying strong debuts. 2 points the gap a fantastic result for Eaton Socon a hat-trick for Emily Whiteman seeing her become top scorer so far along with a brace for Samantha Webster securing a 5-2 win the 3 points lifting Eaton Socon up to 2nd themselves in the Championship with their 9th win of the season. Mildenhall’s scorers Katie Hayes and Nadine Basson with her first goal for the club.

A much welcomed win for Deeping United Ladies at the weekend pushing them back up to 8th in the Championship table bringing and end to a long run of defeats that had undone a promising start to life in the Championship since joining in the summer. Were at home to Haverhill Rovers Development. Hannah Chapman running away with the goals for Deeping adding another 2 to her tally at the weekend enough to secure Deeping United’s first league point since November, her 17th and 18th winning the game 2-1. Jemma Wright scoring for Haverhill Rovers.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup

Never an easy task finding info on the County Cup competitions in Cambridgeshire but both the Invitation and Junior Invitation Cups were at the quarter final stage this weekend. 8 ties scheduled for the senior competition the current holders Cambridge United WFC not involved this season. The tie between March Town United Ladies and Cambridge City Ladies postponed due to a water logged pitch will try again this coming Sunday. Newmarket Town Women through to the semi-finals with opponents Cambridge Rangers Women forfeiting the tie.

That left two quarter final ties to be played. ERWFL Division One North side Histon Ladies were hosting Leverington Sports Ladies at the weekend. A close tie on paper with not much separating the sides in terms of league placement Leverington Sports 2nd in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership the sides all square at the break, Leverington in front with 29 minutes played through an unfortunate own goal. Histon coming straight back to level just 3 minutes later captain Sophie Lanham providing the cross for Poppy Kelly to flick in off her head to equalise. 2 goals early in the 2nd half sending Histon into  a 3-1 lead Kirsty Geal turning in a squared ball from Sydney Graham in the 53rd minute Alison Wright quickly adding Histon’s 3rd. Rebekah Finch securing Histon’s spot in the last 4 of the competition with a goal in the final 4 minutes to see it end 4-1.

Championship side Park Ladies finding their form in recent games to climb the table were away to Premiership side Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds in the quarter finals of the Invitation Cup. Fulbourn with a potent attack building this season between Ebony Rule and Marie Stubbings both amongst the goals this weekend proving too much for Park to contend with, Rule on target to score 4 in the game taking her to 15 for the season. Stubbings scoring another hat-trick giving her 24 from 13 game so far this season. Krissie Taylor and Eleanor Woodley also celebrating a goal each in a 9-0 win.

The draw for the semi-finals of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Invitation Cup made to be played on Sun 16th February are as follows:- 

March Town United Ladies or Cambridge City Ladies v Newmarket Town Women

Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds v Histon Ladies

Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup

  The quarter finals stage too for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup final, Histon Ladies Reserves through to the last 4 awarded the home win over Isleham Sporting Youth Ladies who withdrew from the league early in the season. 3 ties to be played and one of those again falling foul to the weather, Burwell Tigers Ladies home tie against Newmarket Town Ladies Development will go again this Sunday.

 Two games played Championship side Cambourne United Women were hosting Cambridge City Ladies new A team, the young side competing in the Premiership both sides have seen periods of form and dips throughout the season. It was Cambridge City who came out on top on Sunday to reach the last 4 of the competition. Two goals for Jess Elliot along with one for Sasha Tristram and a first for the side for Yael Benyamin in just her 2nd appearance securing a 4-0 win. 

Cambridge City Ladies A through to the last 4 of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup (photo credit Cambridge City Ladies)

Also reaching the last four of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation Cup are Swavesey Spartan Ladies. Despite struggling for points in the Championship the bottom side having already reached the quarter finals of the League Cup came out on top to clinch a narrow 2-1 win away to fellow Championship side Isleham United Ladies on Sunday. Meadow Wooldridge with her 4th goal of the season and Alexandra Herbert with her 3rd winning the game 2-1 to Swavesey. Laura Todd on the scoresheet for Isleham.

The semi-final draw for the Cambridgeshire Women’s Junior Invitation cup as follows ties to be played Sunday 9th February:- 

Cambridge City Ladies A v Burwell Tigers Ladies or Newmarket Town Ladies Development

Histon Ladies Reserves v Swavesey Spartans Ladies

The Round-Up – Cambridgeshire 12/01/20

The Round-Up

Sunday 12th January

Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership

A packed weekend of action across both divisions in Cambridgeshire on Sunday the title race in both league continues to intrigue. A full programme of fixtures in both the Premiership and Championship. Premiership leaders Peterborough Northern Star Ladies Reserves remain 2 points clear of 2nd placed Leverington Sports Ladies as they clinched a 7th win of the season at home to Fulbourn Institute Bluebirds at the weekend. On target for 3 goals in each half to win the match 6-1. Frances Peeling opening scoring for Peterborough in the 16th minute with her first goal of the season. Eleanor Spendlow also scoring along with Eve Lomasney on her first start for the club. Spendelow going on to claim a 2nd goal on the hour with Elle Gavaghan and Hannah Flatters also scoring. Marie Stubbing with the goal for Fulbourn.

Leverington Sports Ladies keeping the pressure on the league leaders at the top of the Premiership 2 points the gap after the won at home this weekend against Ketton Ladies with they shared a fierce title battle with in the Championship North last season, Ketton finishing champions the title going to the wire, (should note Leverington were Wisbech back then) still the same side though under a new name and the pair contested another very evenly contested match on Sunday, Leverington scoring two late goals to win the game 2-0. Shushannah Feast with her first goal of the season and top scorer Sophie Swinden with her 19th.

 Haverhill Rovers Ladies made a fantastic start to the season following promotion to the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, the early pace setters winning their opening five games have since stalled going on to lose their next 3 in all competition’s a first league defeat followed by cup losses. have lost ground on the leading pair but despite that remain well positioned in 3rd spot as they travelled to play Histon Ladies Reserves on Sunday. Coming out on top in a one sided game to win 2-0. Sian Cottrell with both the visitors goals her first of the season. Haverhill just 4 points behind leaders Peterborough with 3 games in hand.

Fifth versus fourth at the weekend as ICA Sports Ladies hosted March Town Ladies at the weekend. A good start to the season for ICA Sports bringing in several youth players to bolster the squad beating March in the reverse fixture early on in the season. March regrouping going on a good run to climb the Premiership table up to 4th spot both well placed to put pressure on the leaders. ICA Sports doing the double over March running out 6-2 victors to climb above them into 4th themselves. Annie Posnett netting her hat-trick to take her to 7 for ICA Sports from 5 appearances. Hannah Murphy scoring a brace with a goal too for Lauren Mapleston. Emma Searle and Louise Barbour on target for the March goals.

Just 5 league matches on the board for Netherton United Ladies so far this season a mixed back so far with 2 wins 2 losses and a draw games in hand could yet push their way into the top half of the table. Reaching the last 4 of the League Cup last Sunday beating ICA Sports Ladies, were away to Cambridge City Ladies A this weekend back in league action a strong performance to see Netherton collect all 3 points. Katie Barber on target to score the opening goal after just 2 minutes play. Yasmin Green doubling the lead on 10 minutes scoring a 2nd midway through the half to see Netherton 3-0 up at the break. Green going on to complete her hat-trick 5 minutes into the 2nd half taking her days haul to 4 with another strike with 10 minutes left to play giving her 13 for the season Netherton recording a 5-0 win.

Yasmin Green scoring 4 goals for Netherton United Ladies at the weekend (photo credit Gary Reed)

An early kick-off Sunday morning for Cambridge University Women hosting St Ives Town Ladies Development. Just 2 wins so far this season for Cambridge University with St Ives in mid-table winning 5 in a row in all competition before being narrowly beaten away to the league leaders 3-2 last weekend. Suffered another frustrating 3-2 defeat this weekend to see Cambridge University win all 3 points for the 3rd time this season pulling away from the bottom 2. All three of their goals coming in the 2nd half with Lidiya Mykhaylechko scoring a brace. Amanda Wainwright netting in the 85th minute. Tash Applegate and Maisie Buckle with her first St Ives goal scoring for the visitors.

Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship

Cambridge Rangers Women remain 7 points clear at the top of the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship as they extend their 100% into 2020 having to wait a week after last weekend game against Hungate Rovers Ladies was postponed. Away to Isleham United Ladies this Sunday. Claire Kyndt scoring a hat-trick to take her Cambridge Rangers goals tally to 8 for the season. Top scorer Daniella Lewis moving onto 16 with another goal. Paris-Rose Brixey also getting a goal, with Barbara Williams finding the back of the net for her first goal in a 6-1 victory. 11 on the trot now for Cambridge Rangers. Rachael Turner with the Isleham goal.

A few changes at Mildenhall Town Ladies as they look to build on an impressive debut season up to 2nd in the Championship table. Luke Worley with plenty of experience in the women’s game coming in to assist the coaching team. New player joining two adding good experience to the squad. A long period without a game stretching back to the 8th of December, Mildenhall racked up the goals in a high scoring win away to Cambourne United Women on Sunday the hosts fielding the bare 11. Top scorer Katie Hayes netting a first half hat-trick to take her to 15 for the season. Lydia Vance repeating t feat in the 2nd period. Mildenhall holding a 4-2 advantage at half-time going on to rack up a 12-3 win. Annalise Brown adding to Hayes hat-trick with a goal in first half injury time. Megan Hobson and Eloise Gookley both celebrating a 2nd half brace with Rachel Pearce newly joined scoring hr first goal for the club. Emily Arnold and Sharon Pinner with her first Cambourne goal to first half scorers. Brooke McTaggart getting her first goal in the 2nd half.

Pinchbeck United Ladies matching Cambridge Rangers 100% winning record so far this season back in 3rd 3 matches in hand the gap 9 points were away to bottom side Swavesey Spartans Ladies this weekend. Libby Friel giving Pinchbeck an early lead opening the scoring inside a minute. Swavesey Spartans coming back to level with quarter an hour played. Friel with her 6th goal of the season restoring the visitors lead midway through the first half to see them 2-1 up at the break. That the scoreline going into the final fifteen minutes before top scorer Courtney Walker scored her 12th goal of the season to make thing’s more comfortable. Swavesey having other idea though as they came back to make it 3-2 5 minutes later. Pinchbeck ensuring their winning run continued scoring two late goals, China Smith making it 4-2 before Walker netting her 2nd of the match in the 90th minute.

Eaton Socon Ladies stay level on points with Pinchbeck in 4th spot as they won for the 8th time this season at home to Hungate Rovers Ladies on Sunday bouncing back from last weekends 4-0 defeat to Newmarket. Hit 4 into the back of the net themselves this weekend to collect the 3 points. Top scorer Hannah Hutchinson moving onto 8 for the season scoring twice. Goals too for Emily Wiseman and Samantha Webster.

 Last weekends 4-0 win at home to Eaton Socon extending Newmarket Town Women Development’s unbeaten run to 6 matches winning 5 taking them up the Championship table into 5th. Were looking to extend that run to 7 matches as they hosted Deeping United Ladies who in contrast have lost their last 5 league games after making a promising start to the campaign. Ella Jons and Eleanor Barnes-Brown scoring for the visitors in the first half it was Newmarket who held the lead at half-time going in 4-2 up. The hosts going on to add a further 3 goals in the 2nd half to run out 7-2 winners. Laura Brame making her first start for the Development side scoring a hat-trick her first goals since joining Newmarket. A brace for Leah Harper taking her to 9 for the season. Evie Jakes on the scoresheet along with top scorer Talia Irvine collecting her 11th goal of the season.

 Park Ladies climb above Cambourne United Women to move into the Championship’s top 6 as they made it 4 straight wins doing the double over Cardea Ladies in the league at the weekend. A 5-3 win for Park away to Cardea last weekend to get 2020 off to a flyer were the hosts this Sunday. The pair sharing the goals once again, Cardea with 2 goals, Park in great form putting 4 past their opponents to keep their winning run going. Demi Newman, Sophie Fenner and Sheree Martin all scoring their 3rd goal of the season with a first goal for Teagan Pulman. 

Haverhill Rovers Ladies Development starting 2020 with a very welcome first win of the season beating Burwell Tigers Ladies 8-2 away from home last weekend. Meeting in the reverse fixture this Sunday it wasn’t to be for Haverhill as Burwell put in a much better performance to win for the first time in the league since the recording back to back wins at the start of the season. The final score 4-0 to the visitors.